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In the Midnight Garden
To be loved by death is a curse sealed by blood…
In a world where curses reign and death lurks around every corner, Valeria McCallister finds herself bound to a monstrous fate. Forced into a marriage that promises only despair, her life is shattered when a blood-soaked stranger rips her from her doomed path.
To survive, Valeria must uncover her captor’s true name, the only hope for escape from the spectral castle that holds her captive. As she delves deeper into darkness and shadows of long dead secrets, she finds not the beast she expected.
With each passing moment, the lines between good and evil blur, and Valeria finds herself falling for the one creature she should most fear.
In the Midnight Garden is perfect for those thirsting for a beauty and the beast retelling, served with a little Dracula horror twist and a tale you can sink your teeth into.
In a world where curses reign and death lurks around every corner, Valeria McCallister finds herself bound to a monstrous fate. Forced into a marriage that promises only despair, her life is shattered when a blood-soaked stranger rips her from her doomed path.
To survive, Valeria must uncover her captor’s true name, the only hope for escape from the spectral castle that holds her captive. As she delves deeper into darkness and shadows of long dead secrets, she finds not the beast she expected.
With each passing moment, the lines between good and evil blur, and Valeria finds herself falling for the one creature she should most fear.
In the Midnight Garden is perfect for those thirsting for a beauty and the beast retelling, served with a little Dracula horror twist and a tale you can sink your teeth into.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
22 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 15, 2026
Thank you to the publisher Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
This book was a dark and gothic tale, one I thoroughly enjoyed. I felt for Valeria, she was just a pawn to her mother nothing more than a tool to be used and Valeria wants to escape the fate her mother has planned for her. It’s hard to know how to describe this book but I would have to say it’s like a mash up some of my favourite fairytales with a heavy dose of vampirism thrown in. I liked Silas, he was quite the tormented soul a fitting match for Valeria. Of the side characters I liked Ebony the most, she was so kind to Valeria. Ebony’s backstory was heartbreaking. One thing I did enjoy about this book was the letters and handwritten notes scattered about the book and I’m glad I paid attention to these as they contained vital clues necessary to understanding this story. I didn’t care much for Valeria’s mother or her sister, they were both happy to sacrifice her in marriage to a vile and evil man in order to save the family name. This book was beautifully written and darkly tragic and I loved it.
This book was a dark and gothic tale, one I thoroughly enjoyed. I felt for Valeria, she was just a pawn to her mother nothing more than a tool to be used and Valeria wants to escape the fate her mother has planned for her. It’s hard to know how to describe this book but I would have to say it’s like a mash up some of my favourite fairytales with a heavy dose of vampirism thrown in. I liked Silas, he was quite the tormented soul a fitting match for Valeria. Of the side characters I liked Ebony the most, she was so kind to Valeria. Ebony’s backstory was heartbreaking. One thing I did enjoy about this book was the letters and handwritten notes scattered about the book and I’m glad I paid attention to these as they contained vital clues necessary to understanding this story. I didn’t care much for Valeria’s mother or her sister, they were both happy to sacrifice her in marriage to a vile and evil man in order to save the family name. This book was beautifully written and darkly tragic and I loved it.
February 27, 2026
Every now and then I pick up a random retelling I've heard nothing about thinking ''this could be great and original!!!'' and a few hours later I'm faced with the truth; there's a 90% chance it is neither of those things.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Holly Anne and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Overall Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐
Spice Rating: 1.5 / 5 🌶️
A Beauty and the Beast retelling... with vampires? Say less.
I loved the overall vibes. The gothic atmosphere, the vague moodiness, the characters..
Silas, our broody, immortal MMC, was my favorite hehe. 👀
And Valeria.. The only takeaway from this book was that I felt I couldn't really get a good grasp on her. I did also feel that the story dragged just a bit, but I didn't mind too much!
I loved the plot twists, the curse, and of course, the SLOW BURN ahhhh!
Overall I really enjoyed this book!
Also, the cover artwork is gorgeous!
♡ pre-read ♡
I looove the cover. Can't wait to get into this ARC!
Overall Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐
Spice Rating: 1.5 / 5 🌶️
A Beauty and the Beast retelling... with vampires? Say less.
I loved the overall vibes. The gothic atmosphere, the vague moodiness, the characters..
Silas, our broody, immortal MMC, was my favorite hehe. 👀
And Valeria.. The only takeaway from this book was that I felt I couldn't really get a good grasp on her. I did also feel that the story dragged just a bit, but I didn't mind too much!
I loved the plot twists, the curse, and of course, the SLOW BURN ahhhh!
Overall I really enjoyed this book!
Also, the cover artwork is gorgeous!
♡ pre-read ♡
I looove the cover. Can't wait to get into this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was ok in general intent but I felt a big disconnect between the chemistry of them and the fmc wasn't likable to me. I didnt see what Silas loved so much about her honestly. She seemed to continually want to k1ll him and leave and not really be understanding when he spoke of things. Or she'd say she was attracted to him but then still want to kill him. She didn't make sense. And yes the crypticness was a bit too much just to prolong the mystery.
The beauty and the beast trope I didn't really see in this to be honest, other than a west wing and a garden and she calls him a beast. It's definitely a cursed variation of vampire story. Also his use of mask and scars seems wasted opportunity. They vaguely mention it, he doesn't seem self conscious of it when it nonchalantly falls off for no reason. So, there's no big reveal scene about it, anticlimactic, really no need for the mask at all. And even then the scars aren't described at all. The physicality was missing at critical times. Also fmc's dialog was modern at times and took me out of the moment.
But the weaving of letters to the past was too obscure I feel. I was left confused for more than half the book and then only compelled to read on because of Silas being broody and romantic.
I didn't feel like this connected as they should. Some character direction and actions were logistically at odds too. In one sentence it says she held a stake over him, then the next it says knife. It needs polishing and deeper character development. The fmc just rather annoyed me and I actually didn't want him to end up with her lol. He saves her like 4 times, he admits he cares for her, yet she keeps trying to kill him! She is inconsistent to say the least. This is all from her pov, btw...yet I still felt Silas was the better character. It's missing the meat of drama, was muddled in spots, confusing, too thin in others.
The beauty and the beast trope I didn't really see in this to be honest, other than a west wing and a garden and she calls him a beast. It's definitely a cursed variation of vampire story. Also his use of mask and scars seems wasted opportunity. They vaguely mention it, he doesn't seem self conscious of it when it nonchalantly falls off for no reason. So, there's no big reveal scene about it, anticlimactic, really no need for the mask at all. And even then the scars aren't described at all. The physicality was missing at critical times. Also fmc's dialog was modern at times and took me out of the moment.
But the weaving of letters to the past was too obscure I feel. I was left confused for more than half the book and then only compelled to read on because of Silas being broody and romantic.
I didn't feel like this connected as they should. Some character direction and actions were logistically at odds too. In one sentence it says she held a stake over him, then the next it says knife. It needs polishing and deeper character development. The fmc just rather annoyed me and I actually didn't want him to end up with her lol. He saves her like 4 times, he admits he cares for her, yet she keeps trying to kill him! She is inconsistent to say the least. This is all from her pov, btw...yet I still felt Silas was the better character. It's missing the meat of drama, was muddled in spots, confusing, too thin in others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received an ARC from NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review*
I definitely got all the dark, gothic, and spooky vibes of this Beauty and the Beast + Dracula retelling, but unfortunately I didn't really connect with the characters or story.
The atmosphere was immaculate. It was eerie, strange and had that dark, historical romance feel, but the main character Valeria just felt flat and somewhat unlikeable, so I just didn't care for the plot. I understood her motivations and reasoning, but throughout the book she never really changed or gave us more than bloodthirst for the love interest, Silas. I think because of this, the romance fell through as well, neither really got to know each other or had meaningful moments, aside from some kissing and sudden change of heart that was unexpected and quick.
The pacing also felt a little slow and repetitive in the middle, for a few chapters basically the same things happened again and again, and we didn't really get any answers or details, only more questions and mystery. The letters at the end of each chapter are probably the most revealing thing about the plot mysteries.
The ending also threw me off, it felt a little rushed and contradictory to both the main plot and romance. Nonetheless, I did enjoy reading this book purely for the gothic feel and to find out the mysteries, I think others may enjoy this more than I did purely based due to what I personally like in a book.
3/5 🌟
I definitely got all the dark, gothic, and spooky vibes of this Beauty and the Beast + Dracula retelling, but unfortunately I didn't really connect with the characters or story.
The atmosphere was immaculate. It was eerie, strange and had that dark, historical romance feel, but the main character Valeria just felt flat and somewhat unlikeable, so I just didn't care for the plot. I understood her motivations and reasoning, but throughout the book she never really changed or gave us more than bloodthirst for the love interest, Silas. I think because of this, the romance fell through as well, neither really got to know each other or had meaningful moments, aside from some kissing and sudden change of heart that was unexpected and quick.
The pacing also felt a little slow and repetitive in the middle, for a few chapters basically the same things happened again and again, and we didn't really get any answers or details, only more questions and mystery. The letters at the end of each chapter are probably the most revealing thing about the plot mysteries.
The ending also threw me off, it felt a little rushed and contradictory to both the main plot and romance. Nonetheless, I did enjoy reading this book purely for the gothic feel and to find out the mysteries, I think others may enjoy this more than I did purely based due to what I personally like in a book.
3/5 🌟
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐
I went into this expecting a dark, gothic romance and was immediately drawn in by the atmosphere and the mystery surrounding the MMC! The setting was immersive and moody, and early on I was genuinely invested in uncovering the secrets of the story. 🖤
While I enjoyed the overall vibe, I didn’t feel as connected to the main characters as I hoped, and I wanted more conversation and shared moments between them to really build tension and chemistry. The mystery kept me turning pages, but the romance stayed more in the background for me. If you enjoy gothic settings, slow-burn intrigue, and stories that lean more into mood and mystery than romance, this could be a good fit! 🖤
Thank you so much to the author for sending me the eARC! 🫶
I went into this expecting a dark, gothic romance and was immediately drawn in by the atmosphere and the mystery surrounding the MMC! The setting was immersive and moody, and early on I was genuinely invested in uncovering the secrets of the story. 🖤
While I enjoyed the overall vibe, I didn’t feel as connected to the main characters as I hoped, and I wanted more conversation and shared moments between them to really build tension and chemistry. The mystery kept me turning pages, but the romance stayed more in the background for me. If you enjoy gothic settings, slow-burn intrigue, and stories that lean more into mood and mystery than romance, this could be a good fit! 🖤
Thank you so much to the author for sending me the eARC! 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh little dove how this book just captivated me! I really couldn't put it down for nothing. Not even a toothache could stop me from finishing this! Beauty and the Beast but dark, gothic and with a vampire! The ending had me on my edge of the sit at the end. The plot twist was something I never suspected!
February 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
How do I even explain how beautifully whimsical, dark, and deliciously gothic this book is?? The vibes alone had me in a chokehold. The emotion. The eeriness. The constant sense that something terrible (and poetic) was about to happen. I genuinely did not want to put it down.
Valeria absolutely broke my heart the way she was treated?? Criminal. Truly out here serving sacrificial lamb energy and I was unwell about it. And Silas?? Sir. The devotion. The tension. The “we were written in the stars but in a slightly cursed font” of it all. I ate it up.
I loved the way the story wove in letters and notes throughout little breadcrumbs that tied into the present timeline. If you were paying attention (unlike me half the time), there was crucial evidence sitting right there in plain sight. Such a clever touch. I did have to flip back a few times because my two remaining brain cells were working overtime… but we got there in the end.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for the early copy my gothic-loving heart is very satisfied 🖤
How do I even explain how beautifully whimsical, dark, and deliciously gothic this book is?? The vibes alone had me in a chokehold. The emotion. The eeriness. The constant sense that something terrible (and poetic) was about to happen. I genuinely did not want to put it down.
Valeria absolutely broke my heart the way she was treated?? Criminal. Truly out here serving sacrificial lamb energy and I was unwell about it. And Silas?? Sir. The devotion. The tension. The “we were written in the stars but in a slightly cursed font” of it all. I ate it up.
I loved the way the story wove in letters and notes throughout little breadcrumbs that tied into the present timeline. If you were paying attention (unlike me half the time), there was crucial evidence sitting right there in plain sight. Such a clever touch. I did have to flip back a few times because my two remaining brain cells were working overtime… but we got there in the end.
Huge thank you to NetGalley for the early copy my gothic-loving heart is very satisfied 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to Netgalley for the advanced readers copy.
A vampiric retelling of beauty and the beast with a touch of gothic romance.
For the most part it was a poetic and delightfully dark read. Mist filled castles with ghosts and shadows. A rose garden best viewed in the moonlight. The structure of this story is lovely.
The grammar does, however, make it entirely difficult to find a good reading flow. Using past tense when present tense is required, using words similar to the correct word (example: the word memorizing was used when the word was supposed to be mesmerizing.) but not the correct word. That happens quite a lot throughout this book.
Last criticism, the timeline inconsistencies. I don’t know where we are in time, but I don’t understand how, claiming he has been around for 500 years, he possesses a locket with photos inside. The ending was also a bit convoluted, but I think I understood.
After another round of editing I think this book would be such a nice reading experience. The writing is darkly romantic in spite of the errors. There were many passages I found to be beautiful and worthy of reading again and again. 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 ✨
A vampiric retelling of beauty and the beast with a touch of gothic romance.
For the most part it was a poetic and delightfully dark read. Mist filled castles with ghosts and shadows. A rose garden best viewed in the moonlight. The structure of this story is lovely.
The grammar does, however, make it entirely difficult to find a good reading flow. Using past tense when present tense is required, using words similar to the correct word (example: the word memorizing was used when the word was supposed to be mesmerizing.) but not the correct word. That happens quite a lot throughout this book.
Last criticism, the timeline inconsistencies. I don’t know where we are in time, but I don’t understand how, claiming he has been around for 500 years, he possesses a locket with photos inside. The ending was also a bit convoluted, but I think I understood.
After another round of editing I think this book would be such a nice reading experience. The writing is darkly romantic in spite of the errors. There were many passages I found to be beautiful and worthy of reading again and again. 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 ✨
February 13, 2026
Title: In The Midnight Garden
Author: Holly Anne
Synopsis: To be loved by death is a curse sealed by blood…
In a world where curses reign and death lurks around every corner, Valeria McCallister finds herself bound to a monstrous fate. Forced into a marriage that promises only despair, her life is shattered when a blood-soaked stranger rips her from her doomed path.
To survive, Valeria must uncover her captor’s true name, the only hope for escape from the spectral castle that holds her captive. As she delves deeper into darkness and shadows of long dead secrets, she finds not the beast she expected.
With each passing moment, the lines between good and evil blur, and Valeria finds herself falling for the one creature she should most fear.
In the Midnight Garden is perfect for those thirsting for a beauty and the beast retelling, served with a little Dracula horror twist and a tale you can sink your teeth into.
Review: I absolutely loved the gothic atmosphere! It was perfect! However, I was expecting more from the characters. I really wanted more interactions between the Valeria and Silas! I feel like I don’t get to know them as much as I wanted to! I absolutely hated Valeria’s mom and sister! They angered me so much! The mystery is what let me reading and wanting to know what would happen next!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy in advance!
Author: Holly Anne
Synopsis: To be loved by death is a curse sealed by blood…
In a world where curses reign and death lurks around every corner, Valeria McCallister finds herself bound to a monstrous fate. Forced into a marriage that promises only despair, her life is shattered when a blood-soaked stranger rips her from her doomed path.
To survive, Valeria must uncover her captor’s true name, the only hope for escape from the spectral castle that holds her captive. As she delves deeper into darkness and shadows of long dead secrets, she finds not the beast she expected.
With each passing moment, the lines between good and evil blur, and Valeria finds herself falling for the one creature she should most fear.
In the Midnight Garden is perfect for those thirsting for a beauty and the beast retelling, served with a little Dracula horror twist and a tale you can sink your teeth into.
Review: I absolutely loved the gothic atmosphere! It was perfect! However, I was expecting more from the characters. I really wanted more interactions between the Valeria and Silas! I feel like I don’t get to know them as much as I wanted to! I absolutely hated Valeria’s mom and sister! They angered me so much! The mystery is what let me reading and wanting to know what would happen next!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy in advance!
January 20, 2026
A gothic fairytale steeped in shadows, sacrifice, and blood-stained roses. In the Midnight Garden by Holly Anne is a dark, moody retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a vampire twist that leans hard into gothic atmosphere and quiet tragedy. From the very first pages, the story feels heavy with secrets, control, and inevitability. This retelling follows the Beauty and the Beast framework very closely, at times a little too closely for my personal taste. I would have loved to see the story deviate further and take more creative risks. That said, the vampiric elements and gothic mood help give the book its own identity, even when the inspiration is unmistakable. One of my favorite aspects was the inclusion of letters and handwritten notes scattered throughout the story. Reading them added depth, mystery, and emotional weight, and they reward readers who pay close attention with important plot-line clues. Overall, In the Midnight Garden is dark and dripping with gothic atmosphere. While I wished for more deviation from the original fairytale, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story, the emotional depth, and the haunting details. A solid recommendation for readers who love moody gothic retellings with a vampiric edge. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️
*Thank you to NetGalley and Holly Anne for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
This book is a delicious mix of Dracula, Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast vibes with a touch of Crimson Peak… with Holly Anne’s fun and exciting twists!
The writing was beautiful with such vivid detail, story is haunting and engaging and our MMC is to DIE for!
Silas (scars and all😏) is cursed, tortured and IMMORTAL and wants to die.
Valeria is on deaths door but wants to live.
When Silas whisks Valeria away she learns she must be the one to break the curse that binds them before time is up.
There is a dark and haunted castle with ghosts, riddles, mysteries and romance that is so red hot! HE FALLS FIRST!!!🥹🙌🏻
Silas is everything to me, I was obsessed instantly! His gentle kisses and barely there restraint, SIGH!🥹
Now, there’s not spice but this story is so beautifully told and the romance really is so intense that it really did not bother me at all.
“I’ll be here for you to kill tomorrow morning. Just sleep, Little Dove.”
UGH!! I just love him!
I am very pleased with this read!!🖤
🌶️
*Thank you to NetGalley and Holly Anne for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
This book is a delicious mix of Dracula, Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast vibes with a touch of Crimson Peak… with Holly Anne’s fun and exciting twists!
The writing was beautiful with such vivid detail, story is haunting and engaging and our MMC is to DIE for!
Silas (scars and all😏) is cursed, tortured and IMMORTAL and wants to die.
Valeria is on deaths door but wants to live.
When Silas whisks Valeria away she learns she must be the one to break the curse that binds them before time is up.
There is a dark and haunted castle with ghosts, riddles, mysteries and romance that is so red hot! HE FALLS FIRST!!!🥹🙌🏻
Silas is everything to me, I was obsessed instantly! His gentle kisses and barely there restraint, SIGH!🥹
Now, there’s not spice but this story is so beautifully told and the romance really is so intense that it really did not bother me at all.
“I’ll be here for you to kill tomorrow morning. Just sleep, Little Dove.”
UGH!! I just love him!
I am very pleased with this read!!🖤
February 5, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.
Sadly this one wasn't for me!
This book totally gave me Kingdom of the Wicked vibes especially with some parts of the story. And the pets names remind me of Belladonna like “dove” here and “little bird” in Belladonna.
I really didn't like her mum she was so selfish and all she cared about was the family name and money.
The fmc kept accusing him of stuff he didn't do and believing everyone but him it was so annoying. And everyone was talking in riddles and I got kinda bored waiting for some truth to be revealed.
This book felt a bit repetitive with the same things happening again and again.
I have mixed feelings about her writing style some parts I really loved and others I didn't.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Sadly this one wasn't for me!
This book totally gave me Kingdom of the Wicked vibes especially with some parts of the story. And the pets names remind me of Belladonna like “dove” here and “little bird” in Belladonna.
I really didn't like her mum she was so selfish and all she cared about was the family name and money.
The fmc kept accusing him of stuff he didn't do and believing everyone but him it was so annoying. And everyone was talking in riddles and I got kinda bored waiting for some truth to be revealed.
This book felt a bit repetitive with the same things happening again and again.
I have mixed feelings about her writing style some parts I really loved and others I didn't.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In the Midnight Garden by Holly Anne is a gothic, vampire-esc romance with more than meets the eye. With me, personally, I absolutely adore all things vampire, so I had been looking forward to diving in. Thank you for allowing me to ARC read! 🖤
Valeria and Slaide had an undeniable chemistry between them despite all odds being against them. Even with the enemies-to-lovers vibe they had going on, the tention was palpable! Admittedly, I did struggle slightly to get into and focus on the story because, while it was good, I did feel like it was somewhat predictable.
If you enjoy vampires, men that fall first, and a hint of mystery, then In the Midnight Garden may be perfect for you!
Valeria and Slaide had an undeniable chemistry between them despite all odds being against them. Even with the enemies-to-lovers vibe they had going on, the tention was palpable! Admittedly, I did struggle slightly to get into and focus on the story because, while it was good, I did feel like it was somewhat predictable.
If you enjoy vampires, men that fall first, and a hint of mystery, then In the Midnight Garden may be perfect for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finally made it to 80% of the book and still felt nothing had happened, no plot progression, no character development, consistently repeated sentiments within chapters, the vague retelling of beauty and the beast with zero information to solve a mystery that nobody can say anything about. I finished mostly out spite honestly.
This just was not it for me.
This just was not it for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC review:
A beautiful dark fantasy with intriging romance in a captivating story.
This is perfect for the dark cold weather and bookish who loves a bit of horror and romance 🖤
3,5⭐️ and a thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
A beautiful dark fantasy with intriging romance in a captivating story.
This is perfect for the dark cold weather and bookish who loves a bit of horror and romance 🖤
3,5⭐️ and a thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
February 11, 2026
If you’re looking for a dark romantasy that gives beauty and the beast vibes, but instead of hairy monster he’s a vampire, check this book out!
Following the death of her father, our FMC is set up in an arraigned marriage to save her family name and mother and sister, but little does the groom know she has the same sickness as her father and very little time left to live. When a mysterious man shows up in her life and stops the wedding to whisk her away, she ends up in a strange castle in a village she’s never heard of. The trouble is the people of the town blame this man who saved her of killing them and his castle is haunted by ghosts. She must decide who she can trust in this new life thrust upon her and if she really knows what she got herself into by agreeing to leave with him on her wedding day.
This book had me sucked in from the start with the dark vibes, sense of doom but acceptance of the FMC, and the brooding mystery man who’s only met her twice but decided to save her. I enjoyed the unraveling of the mysteries of the castle and the truth about what the MMC and how he ended up that way. It very much reminded me of a twisted version of beauty and the beast. I enjoyed the tension that built up between them as well as she slowly accepted that maybe he wasn’t the monster everyone believes he is. That ending had me both happy but shattered and it closed out the book well! My rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted arc, all opinions given are my own!
Following the death of her father, our FMC is set up in an arraigned marriage to save her family name and mother and sister, but little does the groom know she has the same sickness as her father and very little time left to live. When a mysterious man shows up in her life and stops the wedding to whisk her away, she ends up in a strange castle in a village she’s never heard of. The trouble is the people of the town blame this man who saved her of killing them and his castle is haunted by ghosts. She must decide who she can trust in this new life thrust upon her and if she really knows what she got herself into by agreeing to leave with him on her wedding day.
This book had me sucked in from the start with the dark vibes, sense of doom but acceptance of the FMC, and the brooding mystery man who’s only met her twice but decided to save her. I enjoyed the unraveling of the mysteries of the castle and the truth about what the MMC and how he ended up that way. It very much reminded me of a twisted version of beauty and the beast. I enjoyed the tension that built up between them as well as she slowly accepted that maybe he wasn’t the monster everyone believes he is. That ending had me both happy but shattered and it closed out the book well! My rating 4.4/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted arc, all opinions given are my own!
March 8, 2026
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the setting and general vibes of the story, but In the Midnight Garden may be one of the most bewildering reads of my life. The beginning threw a lot of cool plot points out (Miriam’s connection to the black market absinthe dealers and Valeria’s marriage to a murderer arranged by an uncaring, money-hungry mother, to name a few) and didn’t expand on them much, if at all, which made me feel like they were just there to add intriguing things to the plot without any actual explanation or weight in the main story. The letters in between some chapters confused me more than they shed light on things. And the ending…does that not just put our protagonists back in the same position they were in at the start?
As an editor, however, my main grief was the editing (or lack thereof). ARCs are always a little unpolished, so I don’t typically dwell on spelling or grammar errors, but there was so much going on that it severely impacted my reading experience. Multiple grammar mistakes per page, poorly chosen words, and jarring switches between past and present tense (sometimes in the same sentence!) made it difficult to follow the plot. It reached a point toward the climax where I was legitimately confused on what just happened. As someone who loves spooky gardens, vampires, and Beauty and the Beast, I think this story has good bones, but it needs some shaping on the technical side.
I liked the setting and general vibes of the story, but In the Midnight Garden may be one of the most bewildering reads of my life. The beginning threw a lot of cool plot points out (Miriam’s connection to the black market absinthe dealers and Valeria’s marriage to a murderer arranged by an uncaring, money-hungry mother, to name a few) and didn’t expand on them much, if at all, which made me feel like they were just there to add intriguing things to the plot without any actual explanation or weight in the main story. The letters in between some chapters confused me more than they shed light on things. And the ending…does that not just put our protagonists back in the same position they were in at the start?
As an editor, however, my main grief was the editing (or lack thereof). ARCs are always a little unpolished, so I don’t typically dwell on spelling or grammar errors, but there was so much going on that it severely impacted my reading experience. Multiple grammar mistakes per page, poorly chosen words, and jarring switches between past and present tense (sometimes in the same sentence!) made it difficult to follow the plot. It reached a point toward the climax where I was legitimately confused on what just happened. As someone who loves spooky gardens, vampires, and Beauty and the Beast, I think this story has good bones, but it needs some shaping on the technical side.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🏰Fantasy romance - PNR
🏰Ghosts
🏰Haunted castle
🏰Dual timelines
🏰Touch her and d1e
🏰He falls first
🏰White haired and tortured MMC
🏰She's dying from an illness
🏰Secret pasts and riddles
🏰Hurt/comfort
🏰Standalone
♥️♥️Thank you to NetGalley and author for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own♥️♥️
Valeria longs to live freely but she is terminally ill, her life is ticking, and she is forced to marry an awful man–William, the son of her mother's best friend. At her wedding ceremony, Valeria is taken away by Silas, the man she danced with on her engagement day. But Silas is no ordinary human, he is a centuries-old creature cursed in a haunted castle. Silas promises to release her if Valeria can break the curse by guessing his real name, lest she die with him. For Valeria, sooner or later, whether it is her illness or Silas's curse that will bring her to death first.
I really, really wanted to love this book. I really do :')
I loved the premise, the worldbuilding is amazing, we get the gothic vibe, eerie atmosphere, and dark and spooky nuances...it's captivating on the beginning... but I feel the execution is lacking, especially the ending. I hate the ending😭 I agree with one of the reviews that said the ending contradicts both the main plot and romance. Yeah, I'm sure every meeting has a meaning, every person you meet has a purpose in your life... and all the characters finally got the ending that they want... but does it have to be like that??😢 in anime terms, this is like
and I'm sorry but I do feel like the two of them are not compatible–the chemistry where?😢 Valeria remains in her dilemma of thinking about killing Silas for almost 3/4 part of the book–I think? and it seems like Silas falls for Valeria because she resembles his dead lover. I was hoping that page by page their relationship could develop well, but faced with that ending instead... :''')
All in all, it's an okay story for me. I think the worldbuilding is wonderful, and I like the mysteries and the dual timelines in this book...If you like a book with Beauty and the Beast vibes with a little Dracula horror twist, you might enjoy this one
🏰Ghosts
🏰Haunted castle
🏰Dual timelines
🏰Touch her and d1e
🏰He falls first
🏰White haired and tortured MMC
🏰She's dying from an illness
🏰Secret pasts and riddles
🏰Hurt/comfort
🏰Standalone
♥️♥️Thank you to NetGalley and author for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own♥️♥️
"Valeria McCallister," he mumbled into my ear, raspy and humorous. He kissed my neck, slow and reserved. "Will you do me the honor and give me your life in exchange for mine?"
Valeria longs to live freely but she is terminally ill, her life is ticking, and she is forced to marry an awful man–William, the son of her mother's best friend. At her wedding ceremony, Valeria is taken away by Silas, the man she danced with on her engagement day. But Silas is no ordinary human, he is a centuries-old creature cursed in a haunted castle. Silas promises to release her if Valeria can break the curse by guessing his real name, lest she die with him. For Valeria, sooner or later, whether it is her illness or Silas's curse that will bring her to death first.
I really, really wanted to love this book. I really do :')
I loved the premise, the worldbuilding is amazing, we get the gothic vibe, eerie atmosphere, and dark and spooky nuances...it's captivating on the beginning... but I feel the execution is lacking, especially the ending. I hate the ending😭 I agree with one of the reviews that said the ending contradicts both the main plot and romance. Yeah, I'm sure every meeting has a meaning, every person you meet has a purpose in your life... and all the characters finally got the ending that they want... but does it have to be like that??😢 in anime terms, this is like
and I'm sorry but I do feel like the two of them are not compatible–the chemistry where?😢 Valeria remains in her dilemma of thinking about killing Silas for almost 3/4 part of the book–I think? and it seems like Silas falls for Valeria because she resembles his dead lover. I was hoping that page by page their relationship could develop well, but faced with that ending instead... :''')
All in all, it's an okay story for me. I think the worldbuilding is wonderful, and I like the mysteries and the dual timelines in this book...If you like a book with Beauty and the Beast vibes with a little Dracula horror twist, you might enjoy this one
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some books entertain you. Others consume you completely. In the Midnight Garden is a story that asks for your full attention and rewards you with an experience that feels haunting long after the final page.
In a world ruled by curses and shadowed by death at every turn, Valeria McCallister is bound to a life she never chose, forced toward a marriage that feels more like a slow burial than a future. Just when her fate seems sealed, a blood-soaked stranger tears her from that path and delivers her into a spectral castle steeped in long-dead secrets. Survival depends on one impossible task: uncover the true name of her captor. Yet the deeper she ventures into the darkness, the more she realizes the creature she feared may not be the monster she imagined.
This is not a book you can skim. You have to pay attention, to the details, the quiet tension, and the careful unraveling of truth hidden beneath grief and magic. Every moment builds with intention. Even though I loved the characters, it was the writing itself that captured my heart. It is lush, immersive, and beautifully deliberate, creating a slow burn that feels both intimate and consuming.
Do not expect heavy spice here. This story leans into horror and fantasy, letting atmosphere and emotional tension carry the romance in a way that feels far more powerful. The twists made my head spin, the sense of adventure never loosened its grip, and the emotional weight settles deeper with every chapter.
Valeria is a heroine shaped by loss and transformation. She is lost, terrified of the fate chasing her, yet desperate to live. Watching her journey unfold is both beautiful and painful, especially as she falls in love with Death itself and begins to embrace the woman she is meant to become.
And Silas… just know your heart is not safe.
The ending broke me in the quietest way, the kind that lingers long after you close the book.
What to expect:
• A haunting, curse-laced world that pulls you in immediately
• Lush, lyrical writing that demands your attention
• A slow burn romance wrapped in darkness
• Horror woven seamlessly into fantasy
• Twists that will leave your head spinning
• Morally complex characters you cannot help but love
• Beauty and the Beast energy with a gothic edge
• Falling in love with Death itself
• Acceptance, sacrifice, and unforgettable heartbreak
Step into this garden if you love stories that make you feel as much as they make you think. Just know you may not leave the same.
In a world ruled by curses and shadowed by death at every turn, Valeria McCallister is bound to a life she never chose, forced toward a marriage that feels more like a slow burial than a future. Just when her fate seems sealed, a blood-soaked stranger tears her from that path and delivers her into a spectral castle steeped in long-dead secrets. Survival depends on one impossible task: uncover the true name of her captor. Yet the deeper she ventures into the darkness, the more she realizes the creature she feared may not be the monster she imagined.
This is not a book you can skim. You have to pay attention, to the details, the quiet tension, and the careful unraveling of truth hidden beneath grief and magic. Every moment builds with intention. Even though I loved the characters, it was the writing itself that captured my heart. It is lush, immersive, and beautifully deliberate, creating a slow burn that feels both intimate and consuming.
Do not expect heavy spice here. This story leans into horror and fantasy, letting atmosphere and emotional tension carry the romance in a way that feels far more powerful. The twists made my head spin, the sense of adventure never loosened its grip, and the emotional weight settles deeper with every chapter.
Valeria is a heroine shaped by loss and transformation. She is lost, terrified of the fate chasing her, yet desperate to live. Watching her journey unfold is both beautiful and painful, especially as she falls in love with Death itself and begins to embrace the woman she is meant to become.
And Silas… just know your heart is not safe.
The ending broke me in the quietest way, the kind that lingers long after you close the book.
What to expect:
• A haunting, curse-laced world that pulls you in immediately
• Lush, lyrical writing that demands your attention
• A slow burn romance wrapped in darkness
• Horror woven seamlessly into fantasy
• Twists that will leave your head spinning
• Morally complex characters you cannot help but love
• Beauty and the Beast energy with a gothic edge
• Falling in love with Death itself
• Acceptance, sacrifice, and unforgettable heartbreak
Step into this garden if you love stories that make you feel as much as they make you think. Just know you may not leave the same.
February 14, 2026
Quick Summary: A dark rewards romance
My Review: In the Midnight Garden by Holly Anne is categorized as a paranormal goth romance and is "for those thirsting for a beauty and the beast retelling, served with a little Dracula horror twist and a tale you can sink your teeth into." It was released on 2/13/26.
About the Book: "In a world where curses reign and death lurks around every corner, Valeria McCallister finds herself bound to a monstrous fate.
...a blood-soaked stranger rips her from her doomed path.
To survive, Valeria must uncover her captor’s true name, the only hope for escape from the spectral castle that holds her captive."
In My Own Words: A young woman who is trapped in a circumstance beyond her control is catapulted into a dark unknown. Can she find the light needed to survive?
About the Characters/Conflict: Nothing is as it seems for Valeria and Silas. This tragically romantic pair are forever linked. Their lives are entwined together in the dark and in the light. Even as shadows and mystery surround them, the answer for both lies in the said and in the unsaid.
My Final Say: This novel was so original and also very haunting. It had a classic OG gothic feel to it. It was fantastical, but it was also calamitous. I liked the dramatically poetic way the author spoke and how she conveyed what was happening. It wasn't an on the nose story, rather it was gray in tone and complex in texture.
*** This book would be excellent as a book club read. There are so many components that could be discussed. (Can you imagine?!) ***
I would love to listen to this story as an audiobook or even better yet as an immersive experience. I think it would be creepily romantic. (Just in time for Valentine's Day!)
Other: Readers who enjoy romances with "doom & gloom" elements, supernatural stories with secrets and shadows, and dark love scenarios should like this book.
Special Note: Potential readers should read any and all content warnings associated with this novel.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: 🖤
Format: 📱
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful to have had an opportunity to review this work of fiction.
My Review: In the Midnight Garden by Holly Anne is categorized as a paranormal goth romance and is "for those thirsting for a beauty and the beast retelling, served with a little Dracula horror twist and a tale you can sink your teeth into." It was released on 2/13/26.
About the Book: "In a world where curses reign and death lurks around every corner, Valeria McCallister finds herself bound to a monstrous fate.
...a blood-soaked stranger rips her from her doomed path.
To survive, Valeria must uncover her captor’s true name, the only hope for escape from the spectral castle that holds her captive."
In My Own Words: A young woman who is trapped in a circumstance beyond her control is catapulted into a dark unknown. Can she find the light needed to survive?
About the Characters/Conflict: Nothing is as it seems for Valeria and Silas. This tragically romantic pair are forever linked. Their lives are entwined together in the dark and in the light. Even as shadows and mystery surround them, the answer for both lies in the said and in the unsaid.
My Final Say: This novel was so original and also very haunting. It had a classic OG gothic feel to it. It was fantastical, but it was also calamitous. I liked the dramatically poetic way the author spoke and how she conveyed what was happening. It wasn't an on the nose story, rather it was gray in tone and complex in texture.
*** This book would be excellent as a book club read. There are so many components that could be discussed. (Can you imagine?!) ***
I would love to listen to this story as an audiobook or even better yet as an immersive experience. I think it would be creepily romantic. (Just in time for Valentine's Day!)
Other: Readers who enjoy romances with "doom & gloom" elements, supernatural stories with secrets and shadows, and dark love scenarios should like this book.
Special Note: Potential readers should read any and all content warnings associated with this novel.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Level: 🖤
Format: 📱
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful to have had an opportunity to review this work of fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a hauntingly beautiful version of Beauty and the Beast that was perfect for a stormy winter night. Holly Anne, the author, gives us a darker more gothic version that I have read in awhile where the Beast is a vampire. The writing and descriptions of the castle, the ghosts and clothes just pull you into the lush and misty setting.
Valeria, who is the FMC I both loved and hated. She was a bit immature and too easily trusted others to condemn the "beast" even though he showed countless times through his actions he would never harm her. She was more then willing to trust strangers which drove me a bit crazy. It was an interesting aspect of the book and I'm sure there are several life lessons in there. However I also really liked Valeria because she has spunk. She has spent her life being a pawn in other people's long games, people who were always willing to sacrifice her for their own benefit. First with her father and mother, then with her disaster of an engagement- all while dying of an unknown disease that is slowing causing her to drown in her own blood. Still she wants to live and then die on her own terms. She realizes that others are using her and is trying to make her own stance and decisions. She has grit and an unwavering desire to find out the mystery of Silas.
Silas is cursed with only a partial memory of his life before the curse. In order to save his life he needs Valeria to guess his true name. He has this inexplicable draw to Valeria and is constantly saving her from ghosts and frankly herself. I really enjoyed Silas's quiet resilience.
The whole book was dark, tragic and beautiful. The ghosts that were side characters drew me in even more - especially Cecille and Ebony. My only big issue were the letters that were at the beginning of some chapters. I found them hard to fit into the plot. It wasn't till I was closer to 50-60% in that some of them started to make more sense and then I had to go back and reread a bit to really get it.
4 Stars
2 light spice
Tropes:
-Beauty and the Beast Retelling
-Slow burn
-Ghosts
- She is dying
- Forced marriage
- Curses
SPOILER- For those that love a HEA I'm not sure you will get that here. Take that for what you will.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing for the ARC.
#IntheMidnightGarden #NetGalley
Valeria, who is the FMC I both loved and hated. She was a bit immature and too easily trusted others to condemn the "beast" even though he showed countless times through his actions he would never harm her. She was more then willing to trust strangers which drove me a bit crazy. It was an interesting aspect of the book and I'm sure there are several life lessons in there. However I also really liked Valeria because she has spunk. She has spent her life being a pawn in other people's long games, people who were always willing to sacrifice her for their own benefit. First with her father and mother, then with her disaster of an engagement- all while dying of an unknown disease that is slowing causing her to drown in her own blood. Still she wants to live and then die on her own terms. She realizes that others are using her and is trying to make her own stance and decisions. She has grit and an unwavering desire to find out the mystery of Silas.
Silas is cursed with only a partial memory of his life before the curse. In order to save his life he needs Valeria to guess his true name. He has this inexplicable draw to Valeria and is constantly saving her from ghosts and frankly herself. I really enjoyed Silas's quiet resilience.
The whole book was dark, tragic and beautiful. The ghosts that were side characters drew me in even more - especially Cecille and Ebony. My only big issue were the letters that were at the beginning of some chapters. I found them hard to fit into the plot. It wasn't till I was closer to 50-60% in that some of them started to make more sense and then I had to go back and reread a bit to really get it.
4 Stars
2 light spice
Tropes:
-Beauty and the Beast Retelling
-Slow burn
-Ghosts
- She is dying
- Forced marriage
- Curses
SPOILER- For those that love a HEA I'm not sure you will get that here. Take that for what you will.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing for the ARC.
#IntheMidnightGarden #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, NetGalley and the publishing, for providing me with an ARC of "In the Midnight Garden" in exchange for an honest review.
"In the Midnight Garden" is a beautifully written and atmospheric gothic fantasy. In many aspects, it is everything I want when I want to read a Gothic story. If you love gothic books with a beautifully crafted atmosphere, this book is 100% for you.
In the Midnight Garden, we follow Valeria, a young girl condemned to death, with little time left to live and a crumbling family fortune. She has to marry someone she despises, hiding her impending death to save her mother and sister from poverty and destitution.
I loved the writing from the beginning, and the way it was gothic; almost every sentence was tainted by the concept of death. The "Gothic" element was not just used as a gimmick; it was a character in itself, from the way the setting was described and the atmosphere. I just loved how the author built up the dark and gothic atmosphere. A few examples of how the writing emphasised the atmosphere and the gothic elements:
Death would treasure a gorgeous creature such as yourself. So enthralled that he'd make any bargain with any gods that'll listen just for you.
I wanted to live. I didn't want to die. But in the Cloudy haze of the carnal act, I didn't mind so much the possibility of being loved by death.
I also loved the mystery elements, the way the past and present was entertwined and how the curse was used in the book to create tension. Whilst the story was not complicated, I was fully invested in it. I was just loving the atmosphere and the vibes too much to stop reading. This book is definitely not for readers who want a lot of plot and story, but it's perfect for readers who love dark, gothic and atmospheric tales.
Finally, I loved the character of Silas. He was mysterious and tortured, with no will to live, yet he was strikingly fascinating. I had my issues with Valeria, but I also liked how she evolved and navigated the story. The ending was beautifuly and the epilogue was a pure masterpiece of a gothic tale.
"In the Midnight Garden" is a beautifully written and atmospheric gothic fantasy. In many aspects, it is everything I want when I want to read a Gothic story. If you love gothic books with a beautifully crafted atmosphere, this book is 100% for you.
In the Midnight Garden, we follow Valeria, a young girl condemned to death, with little time left to live and a crumbling family fortune. She has to marry someone she despises, hiding her impending death to save her mother and sister from poverty and destitution.
I loved the writing from the beginning, and the way it was gothic; almost every sentence was tainted by the concept of death. The "Gothic" element was not just used as a gimmick; it was a character in itself, from the way the setting was described and the atmosphere. I just loved how the author built up the dark and gothic atmosphere. A few examples of how the writing emphasised the atmosphere and the gothic elements:
Death would treasure a gorgeous creature such as yourself. So enthralled that he'd make any bargain with any gods that'll listen just for you.
I wanted to live. I didn't want to die. But in the Cloudy haze of the carnal act, I didn't mind so much the possibility of being loved by death.
I also loved the mystery elements, the way the past and present was entertwined and how the curse was used in the book to create tension. Whilst the story was not complicated, I was fully invested in it. I was just loving the atmosphere and the vibes too much to stop reading. This book is definitely not for readers who want a lot of plot and story, but it's perfect for readers who love dark, gothic and atmospheric tales.
Finally, I loved the character of Silas. He was mysterious and tortured, with no will to live, yet he was strikingly fascinating. I had my issues with Valeria, but I also liked how she evolved and navigated the story. The ending was beautifuly and the epilogue was a pure masterpiece of a gothic tale.
February 16, 2026
Gut rating: ⭐⭐⭐
CAWPILE rating: TBD
Spice: Open door
ARC publication date: February 13th 2026
Tropes: Gothic romance, regency era, vampires, dark curse, crumbling castle, Beauty and the Beast inspired
Quote: “Death would treasure a gorgeous creature such as yourself. So enthralled that he’d make any bargain with any gods that’ll listen just for you.”
My synopsis: With the sudden death of her father revealing their family's spiral into debt, deathly ill Valeria McCallister must sacrifice herself and marry a cruel man to save her destitute mother and sister. But when a masked man of shadows stops the wedding and claims her as his bride, she's stolen away to his castle where cursed beasts roam the halls and death blankets the town. On the cusp of death and haunted by strange visions, Valeria's only hope is to uncover his true name before it's too late for them all.
My review: A great story for readers who enjoy a slower gothic romance with big atmospheric horror that explodes into a thrilling finale!
I loved the suspenseful third act, with classic twists and self-sacrifice. However, the journey there felt a little uneven and aimless. Much like ACOTAR, the first two acts rely on a purposefully empty and mysterious plot to hide the big reveal. This left the story feeling a bit stagnant as we waited for the FMC to stumble upon the answer. Because of this, Valeria's journey was more side quests rather than a pursuit for the stranger's true name.
I also struggled a little with Valeria as a lead character. She felt pulled along by the plot rather than driving it. Although she was constantly on deaths door, she was never weak enough for it to feel real, and the urgency of her illness was lost because of the big time jumps.
With thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger warnings: Blood, terminal illness, injury detail, death, murder, death of parent, sexual content, toxic relationship, panic attack, medical content, kidnapping, sexual assault, misogyny, suicidal thoughts, vomit, alcohol, classism
CAWPILE rating: TBD
Spice: Open door
ARC publication date: February 13th 2026
Tropes: Gothic romance, regency era, vampires, dark curse, crumbling castle, Beauty and the Beast inspired
Quote: “Death would treasure a gorgeous creature such as yourself. So enthralled that he’d make any bargain with any gods that’ll listen just for you.”
My synopsis: With the sudden death of her father revealing their family's spiral into debt, deathly ill Valeria McCallister must sacrifice herself and marry a cruel man to save her destitute mother and sister. But when a masked man of shadows stops the wedding and claims her as his bride, she's stolen away to his castle where cursed beasts roam the halls and death blankets the town. On the cusp of death and haunted by strange visions, Valeria's only hope is to uncover his true name before it's too late for them all.
My review: A great story for readers who enjoy a slower gothic romance with big atmospheric horror that explodes into a thrilling finale!
I loved the suspenseful third act, with classic twists and self-sacrifice. However, the journey there felt a little uneven and aimless. Much like ACOTAR, the first two acts rely on a purposefully empty and mysterious plot to hide the big reveal. This left the story feeling a bit stagnant as we waited for the FMC to stumble upon the answer. Because of this, Valeria's journey was more side quests rather than a pursuit for the stranger's true name.
I also struggled a little with Valeria as a lead character. She felt pulled along by the plot rather than driving it. Although she was constantly on deaths door, she was never weak enough for it to feel real, and the urgency of her illness was lost because of the big time jumps.
With thanks to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger warnings: Blood, terminal illness, injury detail, death, murder, death of parent, sexual content, toxic relationship, panic attack, medical content, kidnapping, sexual assault, misogyny, suicidal thoughts, vomit, alcohol, classism
January 22, 2026
In the Midnight Garden by Holly Anne is a gothic reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, haunted house ghost stories, and destructively beautiful, romantic vampire tales. The story follows Valeria, who is being forced into a marriage to save her family from financial ruin and social disgrace. She is captured (or saved… semantics) on her wedding day by an alluring and dangerous being. She is given rules (which naturally she breaks) and a task: to uncover her captors name. As the story unfolds, Valeria becomes increasingly entangled in the house’s dark history and the fate of those bound to it. She finds herself caught between duty and desire, love and consequence, as she begins to see the story’s perceived villain in a very different light. Watching Valeria fall for him was equal parts tragic and poetic.
This was a truly gorgeous read. The plot and prose delivered everything I look for in lyrical gothic romanticism. The atmosphere was dark and lush and immersive, with vivid descriptions and a constant sense of unease. There were supernatural elements like ghosts and vampires, themes of death and decay, as well as the past intruding on the present. It all worked together beautifully. And Valeria and Silas share an absolutely magnificent and devastating love story. I ate it up.
There’s a fine line between gothic prose and purple prose, and while Holly Anne handles that balance incredibly well overall, there were a few moments where the writing crossed that line and briefly pulled me out of the narrative, mostly when descriptions lingered slightly too long for my taste. That said, it was never excessive, and I found myself fully immersed again rather quickly.
Overall, In the Midnight Garden is a stunning reimagining of a classic tale, and I’d highly recommend it to fans of dark yet romantic fantasy.
Thank you to Holly Anne, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for the eARC.
This was a truly gorgeous read. The plot and prose delivered everything I look for in lyrical gothic romanticism. The atmosphere was dark and lush and immersive, with vivid descriptions and a constant sense of unease. There were supernatural elements like ghosts and vampires, themes of death and decay, as well as the past intruding on the present. It all worked together beautifully. And Valeria and Silas share an absolutely magnificent and devastating love story. I ate it up.
There’s a fine line between gothic prose and purple prose, and while Holly Anne handles that balance incredibly well overall, there were a few moments where the writing crossed that line and briefly pulled me out of the narrative, mostly when descriptions lingered slightly too long for my taste. That said, it was never excessive, and I found myself fully immersed again rather quickly.
Overall, In the Midnight Garden is a stunning reimagining of a classic tale, and I’d highly recommend it to fans of dark yet romantic fantasy.
Thank you to Holly Anne, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DFN at 40% (review based on what I read up till then).
In the Midnight Garden was a book that, from the blurb, I was ready to get behind. Who could resist a vampires-meets-fairytales vibe? Unfortunately, despite an inspired premise, this book fell down on execution. It's incredibly rare for me to DFN a book (so rare I can count the number of times I have done so on one hand), but I did stop this one at the 40% mark. As it was a review copy, I really wanted to give it a fair go and try to push on to the end, but it was so difficult for me that I couldn't make myself continue. I am a qualified editor, and therefore it was gruelling for me when every paragraph was riddled with incorrect grammar and punctuation, and words clearly missing from sentences. The prose jumped tenses frequently in a confusing way, and the pacing was all over the place. This was clearly more than just a handful of typos that would be picked up and corrected before final release; this book was badly in need of a really good edit. In addition to those issues, I found the characters and world building underdeveloped. I couldn't decide if it was purely a fantasy world or meant to be an historical setting. I thought the latter at first, but there were too many anachronisms if that was the case. With so many issues clamouring for my attention on every page, I found myself unable to keep going after an initial hour reading the book. I accept that my review is based solely on 40% of the whole; however, on what I read in that 40%, I can really only give 2 stars, and that's because the premise had so much potential. If the author got a good editor involved and fixed the issues, I do think there is room to make something good from this idea.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the Midnight Garden was a book that, from the blurb, I was ready to get behind. Who could resist a vampires-meets-fairytales vibe? Unfortunately, despite an inspired premise, this book fell down on execution. It's incredibly rare for me to DFN a book (so rare I can count the number of times I have done so on one hand), but I did stop this one at the 40% mark. As it was a review copy, I really wanted to give it a fair go and try to push on to the end, but it was so difficult for me that I couldn't make myself continue. I am a qualified editor, and therefore it was gruelling for me when every paragraph was riddled with incorrect grammar and punctuation, and words clearly missing from sentences. The prose jumped tenses frequently in a confusing way, and the pacing was all over the place. This was clearly more than just a handful of typos that would be picked up and corrected before final release; this book was badly in need of a really good edit. In addition to those issues, I found the characters and world building underdeveloped. I couldn't decide if it was purely a fantasy world or meant to be an historical setting. I thought the latter at first, but there were too many anachronisms if that was the case. With so many issues clamouring for my attention on every page, I found myself unable to keep going after an initial hour reading the book. I accept that my review is based solely on 40% of the whole; however, on what I read in that 40%, I can really only give 2 stars, and that's because the premise had so much potential. If the author got a good editor involved and fixed the issues, I do think there is room to make something good from this idea.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a gothic retelling that blends Beauty and the Beast with a heavy Dracula influence, following a young woman pulled from one fate into another far stranger one. Trapped in an eerie estate with a dangerous, cursed man, she’s forced to unravel riddles, family secrets, and the nature of the monster who holds her there.
This was gothic excellence. The atmosphere is foggy, decaying, dramatic in that deliciously overwrought way gothic stories should be. I loved the mystery and the layered family drama and society rules. If you love moody castles, a tragic and suspicious love interest, and a woman pacing hallways in the depths of night and coughing into their handkerchiefs, this book absolutely understands the assignment.
That said… this isn’t a particularly unique story. It hits familiar beats and while the opening really pulled me in, the pacing started to drag in the middle. There were stretches where it felt like we were circling the same emotional and narrative ground without getting any traction. It just started to feel a little repetitive.
I also get why some readers struggled with Valeria. I didn’t dislike her, but she does feel emotionally stuck for a large portion of the book, and the romance didn't really land for me. The relationship leans heavily on longing and vibes rather than shared growth, and I wanted more meaningful interaction between her and Silas beyond tension and attraction.
The ending, too, felt a bit rushed and oddly murky compared to how carefully the atmosphere had been built. After such a slow, deliberate middle, the wrap-up didn’t land in a way that I was hoping for. Overall, this worked best for me as a gothic mood piece rather than a tightly structured romance or mystery.
Thanks to the author and R&R booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
This was gothic excellence. The atmosphere is foggy, decaying, dramatic in that deliciously overwrought way gothic stories should be. I loved the mystery and the layered family drama and society rules. If you love moody castles, a tragic and suspicious love interest, and a woman pacing hallways in the depths of night and coughing into their handkerchiefs, this book absolutely understands the assignment.
That said… this isn’t a particularly unique story. It hits familiar beats and while the opening really pulled me in, the pacing started to drag in the middle. There were stretches where it felt like we were circling the same emotional and narrative ground without getting any traction. It just started to feel a little repetitive.
I also get why some readers struggled with Valeria. I didn’t dislike her, but she does feel emotionally stuck for a large portion of the book, and the romance didn't really land for me. The relationship leans heavily on longing and vibes rather than shared growth, and I wanted more meaningful interaction between her and Silas beyond tension and attraction.
The ending, too, felt a bit rushed and oddly murky compared to how carefully the atmosphere had been built. After such a slow, deliberate middle, the wrap-up didn’t land in a way that I was hoping for. Overall, this worked best for me as a gothic mood piece rather than a tightly structured romance or mystery.
Thanks to the author and R&R booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In the Midnight Garden
by Holly Anne
Pub date Feb 13, 2026
To be loved by death is a curse sealed by blood…
In a world where curses reign and death lurks around every corner, Valeria McCallister finds herself bound to a monstrous fate. Forced into a marriage that promises only despair, her life is shattered when a blood-soaked stranger rips her from her doomed path.
To survive, Valeria must uncover her captor’s true name, the only hope for escape from the spectral castle that holds her captive. As she delves deeper into darkness and shadows of long dead secrets, she finds not the beast she expected.
With each passing moment, the lines between good and evil blur, and Valeria finds herself falling for the one creature she should most fear.
⭐⭐.5
This Beauty and the Beast retelling was just a mid read for me. A lot of it didn't make much sense along the way, and I found myself mostly perplexed at all the crypticness left unclarified and disjointed writing. I didn't understand what the chemistry was supposed to be between Valeria and Silas, so the romance aspect fell flat, and Valeria wasn't all that likeable to begin with with her waffling and conflicting actions.
There was quite a bit of repetition and not really moving the plot along, so I felt it losing my attention with the pacing. The cut scenes to the letters at the end of each chapter were more telling than showing of the plotline. There just wasn't a great deal of expounding on what was going on, and the ending was pretty strange and abrupt.
The positive is that the vibes were cool with the cursed castle and ghosts. The gothic feel of the setting and mysteries of the curse ultimately made it an okay read.
Thank you @netgalley and @victoryeditingngc for this ARC opportunity.
by Holly Anne
Pub date Feb 13, 2026
To be loved by death is a curse sealed by blood…
In a world where curses reign and death lurks around every corner, Valeria McCallister finds herself bound to a monstrous fate. Forced into a marriage that promises only despair, her life is shattered when a blood-soaked stranger rips her from her doomed path.
To survive, Valeria must uncover her captor’s true name, the only hope for escape from the spectral castle that holds her captive. As she delves deeper into darkness and shadows of long dead secrets, she finds not the beast she expected.
With each passing moment, the lines between good and evil blur, and Valeria finds herself falling for the one creature she should most fear.
⭐⭐.5
This Beauty and the Beast retelling was just a mid read for me. A lot of it didn't make much sense along the way, and I found myself mostly perplexed at all the crypticness left unclarified and disjointed writing. I didn't understand what the chemistry was supposed to be between Valeria and Silas, so the romance aspect fell flat, and Valeria wasn't all that likeable to begin with with her waffling and conflicting actions.
There was quite a bit of repetition and not really moving the plot along, so I felt it losing my attention with the pacing. The cut scenes to the letters at the end of each chapter were more telling than showing of the plotline. There just wasn't a great deal of expounding on what was going on, and the ending was pretty strange and abrupt.
The positive is that the vibes were cool with the cursed castle and ghosts. The gothic feel of the setting and mysteries of the curse ultimately made it an okay read.
Thank you @netgalley and @victoryeditingngc for this ARC opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Release Date: 2/13/26
Stand Alone
Genre: Gothic Vampire Romance
Rating: 3.50 rounded up here
A gothic, Beauty and The Beast retelling with a Dracula horror twist...say less!!!
It took me a few chapters to get use to her writing style but once I found that flow, I was hooked!!! I wouldn't call it flowery but it does have a bit of a poetic vibe to it. Really quite beautiful and descriptive. Given two of her preferred authors are Poe and Steven King, I can seetheir influence on her style.
The story is told over multiple timeliness but she does a good job of separating with italics and typesetting that looks like handwriting for the journal entries. There is a vision that the FMC sees that is same font as the story which confused me at first but I did find the flow on it.
Slowburn that is listed as enemies to lovers. I didn't feel it was a true enemies to lovers but there was definitely disdain on the part of our FMC, Valeria, towards our MMC, Silas. We go from, he's hot to he's a monster to I love you. He definitely falls first.
This is a closed door romance that doesn't even the true light of day until almost 70% through the book.
Beauty and the beast was my favorite fairytale but when you add a vampire and ghosts into it..sign me up.
There were some grammatical errors and some tense changes but as an ARC, I expect to still see some errors.
The main reason for a 3.5 is the ending felt a bit rushed and while technically a HEA....I would've liked the story to continue a bit more after the mystery was solved. Give me more of that love before closing it out.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read it and will read more from this author who did a wonderful job of building the gothic world.
Stand Alone
Genre: Gothic Vampire Romance
Rating: 3.50 rounded up here
A gothic, Beauty and The Beast retelling with a Dracula horror twist...say less!!!
It took me a few chapters to get use to her writing style but once I found that flow, I was hooked!!! I wouldn't call it flowery but it does have a bit of a poetic vibe to it. Really quite beautiful and descriptive. Given two of her preferred authors are Poe and Steven King, I can seetheir influence on her style.
The story is told over multiple timeliness but she does a good job of separating with italics and typesetting that looks like handwriting for the journal entries. There is a vision that the FMC sees that is same font as the story which confused me at first but I did find the flow on it.
Slowburn that is listed as enemies to lovers. I didn't feel it was a true enemies to lovers but there was definitely disdain on the part of our FMC, Valeria, towards our MMC, Silas. We go from, he's hot to he's a monster to I love you. He definitely falls first.
This is a closed door romance that doesn't even the true light of day until almost 70% through the book.
Beauty and the beast was my favorite fairytale but when you add a vampire and ghosts into it..sign me up.
There were some grammatical errors and some tense changes but as an ARC, I expect to still see some errors.
The main reason for a 3.5 is the ending felt a bit rushed and while technically a HEA....I would've liked the story to continue a bit more after the mystery was solved. Give me more of that love before closing it out.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read it and will read more from this author who did a wonderful job of building the gothic world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am not a vampire reader. I never have been. Dracula never did it for me, and most vampire books end up being a miss. But every now and then, a blurb tempts me enough to take a risk. This book is that rare exception where the risk absolutely paid off.
What pulled me in was the twisted fairytale angle. This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a dark, vampiric twist, and it works beautifully. Valeria, our Beauty, is dying. This is revealed immediately, so no spoilers there. To save her family, she is forced into a marriage she never wanted, only to be kidnapped by the Beast on her wedding day. From there, the story unfolds as Valeria struggles for freedom while trying to unravel and break the curse binding her captor.
The writing is vivid and atmospheric without becoming overwhelming. Every scene feels carefully painted, immersing you fully in the story. I especially enjoyed the journal entries scattered throughout the book, slowly revealing the past and the origins of the curse. I know some readers won’t enjoy interruptions like that, but for me, they added tension and depth, offering haunting glimpses of what came before.
The characters are thoughtfully written and genuinely evolve over the course of the story. Their arcs feel earned, and by the end, they are not the same people they were at the beginning. As for the ending, I know it will be divisive for some readers, but I loved it. It felt honest, fitting, and true to the story being told.
As someone who rarely enjoys vampire stories, I can confidently say this one completely won me over. If you enjoy dark fairytale retellings and emotionally driven fantasy, this is absolutely worth your time.
What pulled me in was the twisted fairytale angle. This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a dark, vampiric twist, and it works beautifully. Valeria, our Beauty, is dying. This is revealed immediately, so no spoilers there. To save her family, she is forced into a marriage she never wanted, only to be kidnapped by the Beast on her wedding day. From there, the story unfolds as Valeria struggles for freedom while trying to unravel and break the curse binding her captor.
The writing is vivid and atmospheric without becoming overwhelming. Every scene feels carefully painted, immersing you fully in the story. I especially enjoyed the journal entries scattered throughout the book, slowly revealing the past and the origins of the curse. I know some readers won’t enjoy interruptions like that, but for me, they added tension and depth, offering haunting glimpses of what came before.
The characters are thoughtfully written and genuinely evolve over the course of the story. Their arcs feel earned, and by the end, they are not the same people they were at the beginning. As for the ending, I know it will be divisive for some readers, but I loved it. It felt honest, fitting, and true to the story being told.
As someone who rarely enjoys vampire stories, I can confidently say this one completely won me over. If you enjoy dark fairytale retellings and emotionally driven fantasy, this is absolutely worth your time.
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