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Holly & Hemlock: A Gothic Christmas Romance
From author Taura King comes a haunting Gothic Christmas MMF romance.
I never wanted the house. But it wanted me.
I came to Hemlock House to reluctantly claim what’s mine. An inheritance wrapped in dust, secrets, and the ghost of a woman who, even in death, never stopped playing games with people’s minds.
I expected the cold stone walls. Drafts that speak like whispers. I even expected the creepy old housekeeper who speaks in riddles.
But I didn’t expect them.
Larkin—my aunt’s godson. Beautiful, venomous, and furious that I now own everything he thought was his. And Lane—the reclusive groundskeeper. Rough around the edges, loyal to a fault, with violent eyes that see far too much.
One wants to ruin me. The other wants to protect me. They both want to devour me. But this cursed house wants us all.
After a snow storm traps us here over Christmas, we’re forced to confront our deepest fears, sins, regrets, and desires. And when I find a letter hidden in the ancient stone walls, I realize there is more to the house and its history than I ever could have imagined.
There are rooms that stay locked, portraits that watch, and whispers that sound like promises.
And somewhere between desire and danger, between hate and need, I can’t tell where the house ends and we begin.
The house whispers secrets. The men whisper sins. And I’m not sure which will consume me first.
* * *
While there will be other books in the Hemlock House series, Holly & Hemlock can be read as a standalone! This book is for readers 18+ who don't want to choose between two delicious book boyfriends, who want to get lost in the dark, and who love morally gray characters and intense, brooding anti-heroes. Check the author's note or author's social media for more information about the content!
I never wanted the house. But it wanted me.
I came to Hemlock House to reluctantly claim what’s mine. An inheritance wrapped in dust, secrets, and the ghost of a woman who, even in death, never stopped playing games with people’s minds.
I expected the cold stone walls. Drafts that speak like whispers. I even expected the creepy old housekeeper who speaks in riddles.
But I didn’t expect them.
Larkin—my aunt’s godson. Beautiful, venomous, and furious that I now own everything he thought was his. And Lane—the reclusive groundskeeper. Rough around the edges, loyal to a fault, with violent eyes that see far too much.
One wants to ruin me. The other wants to protect me. They both want to devour me. But this cursed house wants us all.
After a snow storm traps us here over Christmas, we’re forced to confront our deepest fears, sins, regrets, and desires. And when I find a letter hidden in the ancient stone walls, I realize there is more to the house and its history than I ever could have imagined.
There are rooms that stay locked, portraits that watch, and whispers that sound like promises.
And somewhere between desire and danger, between hate and need, I can’t tell where the house ends and we begin.
The house whispers secrets. The men whisper sins. And I’m not sure which will consume me first.
* * *
While there will be other books in the Hemlock House series, Holly & Hemlock can be read as a standalone! This book is for readers 18+ who don't want to choose between two delicious book boyfriends, who want to get lost in the dark, and who love morally gray characters and intense, brooding anti-heroes. Check the author's note or author's social media for more information about the content!
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
21 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
November 20, 2025
I am so excited I got to be an ARC reader for this book. Holly and Hemlock is a great holiday book without being overly Christmasy. The spice was there and the plot is unique. My one thing keeping this from being a 5 start is how slow the start is. Near the end of the first act it picks up and it was hard to put down. Taura did an amazing job. If you are looking for a why choose gothic romance that has a hint of Christmas, I would definitely recommend Holly and Hemlock. I can’t wait to see what else Taura does!
November 21, 2025
Dare I say this is in my top 10/15 reads of the year?! (For context - I've read almost 200 books so far this year). I could not put this down. It was spooky, gothic and absolutely delicious. Each sentence was so descriptive and beautifully written.
I was FASCINATED by the house and even more fascinated by Lane and Larkin. I had so many ideas and theories floating around in my head the entire time. I couldn't stop turning the page until I found out about them. (And even Whitby).
3🌶️
If you're looking for a darker take on a holiday story - grab this one. Taura is *easily* becoming one of my new favorite dark romance authors.
Thanks to the author for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
I was FASCINATED by the house and even more fascinated by Lane and Larkin. I had so many ideas and theories floating around in my head the entire time. I couldn't stop turning the page until I found out about them. (And even Whitby).
3🌶️
If you're looking for a darker take on a holiday story - grab this one. Taura is *easily* becoming one of my new favorite dark romance authors.
Thanks to the author for the early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
November 22, 2025
The house wants what the house wants.
Nora inherited a house with a past that no one talks about. it's riddles and hints, but never the truth. Because deep down no one knows the truth.
Larkin, Lane, and Whitby come with the house. They knew her Aunt. Larkin came as a child and is the aunt's godson. Lane was born on the land and Whitby is the cook, historian and everything else that is needed.
Hemlock House holds centuries worth of secrets that billow out like pollen from a flower. Giving slight hints and instructions. It never gives without taking in return.
Nora, Larkin and Lane are a trifecta of power that the house craves. Can Hemlock House hold onto them? or will they shatter the spell??
I still want to know more about the house. Like the door knob that looks like a hand!!!!!! and what's in the basement?!?!?!?!
Nora inherited a house with a past that no one talks about. it's riddles and hints, but never the truth. Because deep down no one knows the truth.
Larkin, Lane, and Whitby come with the house. They knew her Aunt. Larkin came as a child and is the aunt's godson. Lane was born on the land and Whitby is the cook, historian and everything else that is needed.
Hemlock House holds centuries worth of secrets that billow out like pollen from a flower. Giving slight hints and instructions. It never gives without taking in return.
Nora, Larkin and Lane are a trifecta of power that the house craves. Can Hemlock House hold onto them? or will they shatter the spell??
I still want to know more about the house. Like the door knob that looks like a hand!!!!!! and what's in the basement?!?!?!?!
January 9, 2026
Ooooooooozing with flawless gothic atmosphere, MFM characters with depth and nuance, languorous pacing without dragging, and the seasonal bleakness that only comes with an honest depiction of winter, Holly & Hemlock will not only be hard to beat for best of 2026 but bled into my top 3 of 2025 too.
I want to be very clear: I skew positive on most reviews, shamelessly, but this one was truly this excellent. It could be a case of FLAWLESS reader to book matching, because I do have such deep love and devotion to modern gothic and gothic lit in general, but I think the quality of the writing is undeniably skilled.
I’ve read so many 1:1 romances and of course 1:4-5 why choose romances but this MFM dynamic was done so well. I think it’s far trickier to balance three and that’s what impressed me most. There’s no room for fluff or error. With both MMC I really did get such a deep feeling of history between them that the FMC was walking into blind. Little nuances, micro expressions, body shifts. So when things began popping off it REALLY delivered. Each MMC was SO distinct and really two archetypes I don’t often read together (or when I do it’s clumsily handled). I mean: groundskeeper in work boots pruning trees and aesthete in a dinner jacket playing chess is TOP TIER duo.
The longer the story continued the more I understood and enjoyed the FMC Nora. My first impression was the she was a bit formal and standoffish but that bloomed and developed in such an organic way throughout the story. There wasn’t a moment out of character, a turn toward “kickass and sassy heroine” nonsense. Just a steady quiet development of an introverted character. Realism for DAYS.
Finally the gothic bona fides were IMMACULATE. I could go moment by moment, page by page, but it was all there. A genuinely menacing house of its genuine frights was just the frosting on the cake.
The writing the WRITING!!!! So distinct and stylish. I highlighted a million things and might even refresh this review to pop a few in. I love a solidly unique narrative voice (we know this) but this one felt fresh and rich at the same time.
And the ENDINGGGGGGGG?!!!! Zero spoilers but wow so subtle and honest (after all the smut and fireworks) and not pandering or hastily wrapped up for a moment.
GOSH I loved this one. I can’t WAITTTTTTT for the next book set in this world.
I want to be very clear: I skew positive on most reviews, shamelessly, but this one was truly this excellent. It could be a case of FLAWLESS reader to book matching, because I do have such deep love and devotion to modern gothic and gothic lit in general, but I think the quality of the writing is undeniably skilled.
I’ve read so many 1:1 romances and of course 1:4-5 why choose romances but this MFM dynamic was done so well. I think it’s far trickier to balance three and that’s what impressed me most. There’s no room for fluff or error. With both MMC I really did get such a deep feeling of history between them that the FMC was walking into blind. Little nuances, micro expressions, body shifts. So when things began popping off it REALLY delivered. Each MMC was SO distinct and really two archetypes I don’t often read together (or when I do it’s clumsily handled). I mean: groundskeeper in work boots pruning trees and aesthete in a dinner jacket playing chess is TOP TIER duo.
The longer the story continued the more I understood and enjoyed the FMC Nora. My first impression was the she was a bit formal and standoffish but that bloomed and developed in such an organic way throughout the story. There wasn’t a moment out of character, a turn toward “kickass and sassy heroine” nonsense. Just a steady quiet development of an introverted character. Realism for DAYS.
Finally the gothic bona fides were IMMACULATE. I could go moment by moment, page by page, but it was all there. A genuinely menacing house of its genuine frights was just the frosting on the cake.
The writing the WRITING!!!! So distinct and stylish. I highlighted a million things and might even refresh this review to pop a few in. I love a solidly unique narrative voice (we know this) but this one felt fresh and rich at the same time.
And the ENDINGGGGGGGG?!!!! Zero spoilers but wow so subtle and honest (after all the smut and fireworks) and not pandering or hastily wrapped up for a moment.
GOSH I loved this one. I can’t WAITTTTTTT for the next book set in this world.
November 20, 2025
I was so excited to get this ARC copy! I devoured this book, really hating to put it down to go to work!! The book is really well written and flows very well.
Super spicy in many parts (Holy Cannoli chapter 12!!!), and the plot kept me hooked! The lore of the house and how it took over was very well written.
The relationship between the FMC and MMCs was good. I do wish it had more of a time lapse before falling in love, it was kind of a stretch to wrap my head around but I still really enjoyed the storyline.
It wasn’t as dark as the TWs lead me to think, but I’m ok with that!
All in all a very good book!
Super spicy in many parts (Holy Cannoli chapter 12!!!), and the plot kept me hooked! The lore of the house and how it took over was very well written.
The relationship between the FMC and MMCs was good. I do wish it had more of a time lapse before falling in love, it was kind of a stretch to wrap my head around but I still really enjoyed the storyline.
It wasn’t as dark as the TWs lead me to think, but I’m ok with that!
All in all a very good book!
January 8, 2026
This was my first ARC and I definitely enjoyed the overall plot of the story. My only criticism is that the same descriptions for people and feelings were given over and over in the exact same way. For example everyone’s hands always seemed to be either shaking or knuckles were white…. Nothing major but it became very repetitive. Overall enjoyed the slightly gothic setting and cursed love the house took on.
November 24, 2025
ARC read! This book was hauntingly beautiful with the right amount of spice. The creepy vibes from the house mixed with the suspense of events and suspicious characters trapped in the houses web makes for a thrilling read. Set around Christmas/winter but definitely gives off gothic rather than jolly vibes. Great winter read!
December 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Holly and Hemlock
Holly and Hemlock is dark romance with teeth — a cursed house, trapped souls, and two dangerously irresistible men who feel just as bound as the walls around them.
When Nora inherits a massive, decaying mansion, she has no idea the house is alive, cursed, and very much in control. Larkin and Lane — the two men who live there — aren’t just hot, mysterious residents. They’re part of the house, bound to it, unable to leave no matter how far they try to run. The estate pulls them back like it’s breathing, watching, choosing.
The atmosphere is THICK. The house feels sentient, possessive, and oppressive in the best way — corridors that seem to shift, rules that aren’t explained until it’s too late, and a slow realization that this inheritance isn’t a gift… it’s a trap. Add in the tension between the Nora, Larkin, and Lane, and you’ve got a story that balances gothic unease with filthy, magnetic spice.
And yes — the spice is very spicy. Intimate, obsessive, and charged with that “we’re all stuck here together and the house is watching” energy that makes everything feel more intense and forbidden.
This book knows exactly what it’s doing: dark, seductive, eerie, and unapologetically indulgent. If you love cursed houses, morally gray men, possessive dynamics, and spice wrapped in gothic atmosphere, Holly and Hemlock deserves a spot on your TBR.
Holly and Hemlock is dark romance with teeth — a cursed house, trapped souls, and two dangerously irresistible men who feel just as bound as the walls around them.
When Nora inherits a massive, decaying mansion, she has no idea the house is alive, cursed, and very much in control. Larkin and Lane — the two men who live there — aren’t just hot, mysterious residents. They’re part of the house, bound to it, unable to leave no matter how far they try to run. The estate pulls them back like it’s breathing, watching, choosing.
The atmosphere is THICK. The house feels sentient, possessive, and oppressive in the best way — corridors that seem to shift, rules that aren’t explained until it’s too late, and a slow realization that this inheritance isn’t a gift… it’s a trap. Add in the tension between the Nora, Larkin, and Lane, and you’ve got a story that balances gothic unease with filthy, magnetic spice.
And yes — the spice is very spicy. Intimate, obsessive, and charged with that “we’re all stuck here together and the house is watching” energy that makes everything feel more intense and forbidden.
This book knows exactly what it’s doing: dark, seductive, eerie, and unapologetically indulgent. If you love cursed houses, morally gray men, possessive dynamics, and spice wrapped in gothic atmosphere, Holly and Hemlock deserves a spot on your TBR.
November 22, 2025
This book is so beautifully written I really don’t think I can do it justice in this review so if you like a dark, haunting, gothic setting and smutty romance just go read this! It’s poetically indirect in that captivating way gothic writing is and then unexpectedly (deliciously, wonderfully so) forward with the smut. I absolutely ate this up, couldn’t put it down!
The basic synopsis is that Nora Vale inherits her family’s grand, haunted estate Hemlock House along with the oddball persons that occupy it - namely a severe, reserved housekeeper Mrs. Whitby, a sexy disgruntled inheritance competitor (her aunt’s ward/godson) Larkin, and a quiet but charming (also gorgeous) groundskeeper Lane. Larkin & Lane both just happen to be within reasonable dating age range for Nora. The gothic haunted setting takes off and mysterious, increasingly disturbing occurrences disrupt Nora’s plans for finalizing her inheritance and what to do with the estate. Just before the 50% mark she’s involved with both men separately and together - and it is explicitly hotttttt.
As a dark, gothic haunting there is of course a mysterious, harmful challenge to resolve. Because other such gothic hauntings have fallen flat in the 3rd act, I wasn’t expecting much from this. But was thrilled to be so incredibly wrong with that expectation. The final logic behind the final resolution actually makes sense and it makes earlier parts of the book make even more sense. The book designs a logic and follows it - which might sound like a low bar, but so many gothic hauntings get this part spectacularly wrong! I do think the “discovery” moment was a bit easy compared to the uphill battle the characters suffered to get to that point, but it does not diminish how satisfying the resolution ends up being.
The HEA is true to the tone of the story and the characters’ trauma - it leaves the reader aching. It is certainly an HEA, I’m not denying that, however I think I would call it an imperfect HEA at the very least.
Five stars! Four chili peppers! A gripping read!
Favorite quotes:
“Dedication - For all the girls who dream of gothic darkness. If you have the choice between two vastly different, but equally sexy men … I hope you don’t choose between them.”
“She looks at me, and in that moment I’m certain she knows every single, every secret in my blood.”
“The Blue Room is warmer than any other place I’ve ever slept, hotel or human.”
“If Hemlock House is a living thing, then tonight, it is very much awake.”
“Some memories have teeth, Miss Vale. They bite and leave scars.”
“He kisses me. This time it is not a question, but a declaration. His tongue tastes of anise and salt and the aftertaste of power.”
“I’m sorry for all the ways the house has made us monsters.”
“There has to be a way to unmake a curse without feeding it another heart.”
The basic synopsis is that Nora Vale inherits her family’s grand, haunted estate Hemlock House along with the oddball persons that occupy it - namely a severe, reserved housekeeper Mrs. Whitby, a sexy disgruntled inheritance competitor (her aunt’s ward/godson) Larkin, and a quiet but charming (also gorgeous) groundskeeper Lane. Larkin & Lane both just happen to be within reasonable dating age range for Nora. The gothic haunted setting takes off and mysterious, increasingly disturbing occurrences disrupt Nora’s plans for finalizing her inheritance and what to do with the estate. Just before the 50% mark she’s involved with both men separately and together - and it is explicitly hotttttt.
As a dark, gothic haunting there is of course a mysterious, harmful challenge to resolve. Because other such gothic hauntings have fallen flat in the 3rd act, I wasn’t expecting much from this. But was thrilled to be so incredibly wrong with that expectation. The final logic behind the final resolution actually makes sense and it makes earlier parts of the book make even more sense. The book designs a logic and follows it - which might sound like a low bar, but so many gothic hauntings get this part spectacularly wrong! I do think the “discovery” moment was a bit easy compared to the uphill battle the characters suffered to get to that point, but it does not diminish how satisfying the resolution ends up being.
The HEA is true to the tone of the story and the characters’ trauma - it leaves the reader aching. It is certainly an HEA, I’m not denying that, however I think I would call it an imperfect HEA at the very least.
Five stars! Four chili peppers! A gripping read!
Favorite quotes:
“Dedication - For all the girls who dream of gothic darkness. If you have the choice between two vastly different, but equally sexy men … I hope you don’t choose between them.”
“She looks at me, and in that moment I’m certain she knows every single, every secret in my blood.”
“The Blue Room is warmer than any other place I’ve ever slept, hotel or human.”
“If Hemlock House is a living thing, then tonight, it is very much awake.”
“Some memories have teeth, Miss Vale. They bite and leave scars.”
“He kisses me. This time it is not a question, but a declaration. His tongue tastes of anise and salt and the aftertaste of power.”
“I’m sorry for all the ways the house has made us monsters.”
“There has to be a way to unmake a curse without feeding it another heart.”
November 27, 2025
Holly and Hemlock
delivers exactly what its title suggests: a gothic, wintry romance capped in Christmas lights but steeped in darkness. this isn't a cozy holiday read; it's a seductive wander through shadowed halls, cursed traditions, and a slow burn love that grips tighter with every chapters.
The romance simmers beautifully between Nora, Larkin and Lane. Every glance and hesitate carries weight, and when the emotions finally break open, the payoff feels raw and earned. Twists both subtle and startling keep the story unpredictable, weaving secrets and supernatural undertones without losing emotional depth. There are m/m/f scenes and m/f scenes that will keep you entertained.
If anything, the gothic mood sometimes overshadows the holiday elements. But for readers craving romance laced with ruin, mystery, and haunting winter magic, this novel is for you.
The romance simmers beautifully between Nora, Larkin and Lane. Every glance and hesitate carries weight, and when the emotions finally break open, the payoff feels raw and earned. Twists both subtle and startling keep the story unpredictable, weaving secrets and supernatural undertones without losing emotional depth. There are m/m/f scenes and m/f scenes that will keep you entertained.
If anything, the gothic mood sometimes overshadows the holiday elements. But for readers craving romance laced with ruin, mystery, and haunting winter magic, this novel is for you.
November 19, 2025
I received an ARC of Holly & Hemlock. If you’re in the mood for a Christmas story that swaps sugar cookies and tinsel for candlelit halls, dark secrets, and a generous dash of spice, this book definitely delivers. The atmosphere is easily its strongest element—moody, winter-bitten, and dripping with gothic charm. The author does a great job setting the tone, and the setting is a character all on its own.
The romance is bold and steamy, and while the chemistry is mostly convincing, there are moments when it leans more on heat than emotional depth. Still, the tension between the leads keeps the pages turning.
Overall, this is a fun, atmospheric read if you’re craving something different for the holidays—festive enough for December, dark enough for gothic fans, and spicy enough to keep you warm. Not perfect, but definitely entertaining.
The romance is bold and steamy, and while the chemistry is mostly convincing, there are moments when it leans more on heat than emotional depth. Still, the tension between the leads keeps the pages turning.
Overall, this is a fun, atmospheric read if you’re craving something different for the holidays—festive enough for December, dark enough for gothic fans, and spicy enough to keep you warm. Not perfect, but definitely entertaining.
December 11, 2025
♡ Gothic, haunted manor
♡ Why Choose / MMF romance
♡ Forced proximity
♡ Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Taura delivers all the gothic, winter vibes. This story was filled with mystery, haunted nightmares, curses and a slow burn with two MMCs. I loved how spooky and descriptive the house was but the writing became terribly repetitive.
The dark gothic aspects of the book overshadowed any of the Christmasy aspects. There’s mentions of a tree and holiday traditions but it felt flat and insignificant. Maybe it’s the fact that I was expecting more of a Christmasy themed book but unfortunately, this did not do it for me.
💌 Thank you Taura King for the eARC! Available now on KU.
♡ Why Choose / MMF romance
♡ Forced proximity
♡ Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Taura delivers all the gothic, winter vibes. This story was filled with mystery, haunted nightmares, curses and a slow burn with two MMCs. I loved how spooky and descriptive the house was but the writing became terribly repetitive.
The dark gothic aspects of the book overshadowed any of the Christmasy aspects. There’s mentions of a tree and holiday traditions but it felt flat and insignificant. Maybe it’s the fact that I was expecting more of a Christmasy themed book but unfortunately, this did not do it for me.
💌 Thank you Taura King for the eARC! Available now on KU.
November 29, 2025
4.25⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
-MMF
-dark gothic
-paranormal
-found family
-snowed in
-forced proximity
-dark Christmas theme
This was such a great dark gothic romance. The story immediately drew me in as well as the beautiful way it was written. The characters were very well written and each brought something unique to the story. Our sexy polar opposite MMC were delicious separate and even better together. There were twists and turns and secrets throughout that kept you just pulled in. Was a great holiday read.
3🌶️🌶️🌶️
-MMF
-dark gothic
-paranormal
-found family
-snowed in
-forced proximity
-dark Christmas theme
This was such a great dark gothic romance. The story immediately drew me in as well as the beautiful way it was written. The characters were very well written and each brought something unique to the story. Our sexy polar opposite MMC were delicious separate and even better together. There were twists and turns and secrets throughout that kept you just pulled in. Was a great holiday read.
November 25, 2025
This book was the epitome of a Gothic romance with some spice. I liked it! The story itself was a bit confusing in places (though it works for a Gothic novel, of course) and the spice scenes felt a bit random at times. This is the first why choose I've ever read where I actually wanted the FMC to choose 😅 All in all, not bad!
December 8, 2025
ARC REVIEW :
3.5⭐️
it's a good gothic Christmas why choose romance. The plot was plotting and the spice was good .perfect for a Christmas book .At first ,it was a bit slower than i thought .then it started to make sense which made me actually like the book .i totally recommend it 👌🏻. And i can't wait to read another book from Taura 🥰🥹
3.5⭐️
it's a good gothic Christmas why choose romance. The plot was plotting and the spice was good .perfect for a Christmas book .At first ,it was a bit slower than i thought .then it started to make sense which made me actually like the book .i totally recommend it 👌🏻. And i can't wait to read another book from Taura 🥰🥹
November 22, 2025
okay wow this was fascinating!! it kind of reminded me a bit of the haunting of hill house very briefly hahah.
nora inherits a house that was left for her to claim but what she wasn’t aware of was what lies within the walls.
LOVED THIS!
nora inherits a house that was left for her to claim but what she wasn’t aware of was what lies within the walls.
LOVED THIS!
November 26, 2025
Wow... Just wow. I already knew Taura could do dark romance, that was a given. But blending gothic elements and a story so thick with emotion and the scars that the past can carry? This was something so different for her and she absolutely blew me away!
Thank you so much for the ARC of Holly and Hemlock Taura! Nora, Larkin and Lane completely took over the page and Hemlock absolutely captivated me!
This book is the perfect example of an author expanding on their writing skills and trying something new and absolutely blowing it out of the waters. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when Taura announced she was doing a gothic dark romance, and while I had no doubts it would be fantastic I didn't expect it to be as fantastic as it was!!
I was hooked from the very beginning following along as Nora explored Hemlock estate and met the residents. The writing is hauntingly captivating and beautiful, but What I loved the most was that the creep factor was so subtle entwined in the story that I'd almost miss it until someone would say something or a scene would play out and leave me wondering WTF just happened!
Now that's not to say the romance wasn't there, because it absolutely was! I love why choose but what I love the most is when the FMC has two boyfriends who are each other's boyfriends because it makes for some truely spicy scenes which Holly and Hemlock did not disappoint! While not taking over the plot the spice was still heavy and fun.
Favorite Quotes:
"Some memories have teeth, Miss Vale. They bite and leave scars."
“The house does not respect the fearless.
It chews them up.”
"I wonder if it is possible to want two things at once—safety and surrender, closeness and escape. I wonder if the house has already decided for me."
Thank you so much for the ARC of Holly and Hemlock Taura! Nora, Larkin and Lane completely took over the page and Hemlock absolutely captivated me!
This book is the perfect example of an author expanding on their writing skills and trying something new and absolutely blowing it out of the waters. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect when Taura announced she was doing a gothic dark romance, and while I had no doubts it would be fantastic I didn't expect it to be as fantastic as it was!!
I was hooked from the very beginning following along as Nora explored Hemlock estate and met the residents. The writing is hauntingly captivating and beautiful, but What I loved the most was that the creep factor was so subtle entwined in the story that I'd almost miss it until someone would say something or a scene would play out and leave me wondering WTF just happened!
Now that's not to say the romance wasn't there, because it absolutely was! I love why choose but what I love the most is when the FMC has two boyfriends who are each other's boyfriends because it makes for some truely spicy scenes which Holly and Hemlock did not disappoint! While not taking over the plot the spice was still heavy and fun.
Favorite Quotes:
"Some memories have teeth, Miss Vale. They bite and leave scars."
“The house does not respect the fearless.
It chews them up.”
"I wonder if it is possible to want two things at once—safety and surrender, closeness and escape. I wonder if the house has already decided for me."
December 8, 2025
I am so excited I received Holly and Hemlock as an ARC! I really felt like the house came to life as its own character! The spice was really good, and it was a great Christmasy read without being over powering! I have never read a “gothic” romance ,but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I can’t wait to read more of Taura’s!
November 26, 2025
Holly and Hemlock had me hooked from the first page with its atmosphere. The story begins with Nora, our FMC arriving at her inherited mansion where the driver refuses to go further than the gate. She is left dragging her bags up the drive fighting the cold wind and her thoughts.
This walk helps to set the tone for the story with very descriptive words that help you feel like you are there fighting the elements with your own baggage as this enormous house comes into view whispering secrets in the wind.
This was my second why choose book, and honestly I am not sure why I haven’t read more of them. The dynamic between Lane and Larking is everything I love, one is a hulk of a man, bearded protector, and the other this delicious villain that reminded me of a light version of the MMC’s in Feathers so Vicious. Addictive…
The haunted house feel was less of ghostly spectres flitting about and more of the actual house is alive, it is a main character. We have staff that speaks vaguely that gives you a glimpse but not too much in case the house is listening, it shifts, we get that it’s different at night and be wary of wandering by yourself, all these elements lead to the mystery unfolding nicely. The suspense near the end had me sitting up straight flipping pages, anxious at what Nora would uncover.
Taura’s descriptive writing stood out. The way she crafts the setting, the atmosphere, the characters, the world just opened up, I didn’t have to force myself into the story or create my own version of what something looked or felt like. If Nora could see her breath in a room, I could too, the bite from the cold shoveling snow, I felt it.
The spice? Oh you get a good glimpse in the very beginning, enough to whet your appetite, then it’s gone until the story is set and settled. Once you are fully in the moment you are hit like a truck with descriptive, intense hunger, that has you subtly checking to make sure no one is watching you react, it is dark, intense, and dangerous.
If I had to nitpick I would say that I wanted more of a backstory for some of the characters, and there were a couple repetitive word choices, but nothing that took away my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, I’m pleased with this read! It has mystery, spice, and tension. Taura did an excellent job building this world, and I am grateful for the opportunity to ARC read for Holly and Hemlock!
This walk helps to set the tone for the story with very descriptive words that help you feel like you are there fighting the elements with your own baggage as this enormous house comes into view whispering secrets in the wind.
This was my second why choose book, and honestly I am not sure why I haven’t read more of them. The dynamic between Lane and Larking is everything I love, one is a hulk of a man, bearded protector, and the other this delicious villain that reminded me of a light version of the MMC’s in Feathers so Vicious. Addictive…
The haunted house feel was less of ghostly spectres flitting about and more of the actual house is alive, it is a main character. We have staff that speaks vaguely that gives you a glimpse but not too much in case the house is listening, it shifts, we get that it’s different at night and be wary of wandering by yourself, all these elements lead to the mystery unfolding nicely. The suspense near the end had me sitting up straight flipping pages, anxious at what Nora would uncover.
Taura’s descriptive writing stood out. The way she crafts the setting, the atmosphere, the characters, the world just opened up, I didn’t have to force myself into the story or create my own version of what something looked or felt like. If Nora could see her breath in a room, I could too, the bite from the cold shoveling snow, I felt it.
The spice? Oh you get a good glimpse in the very beginning, enough to whet your appetite, then it’s gone until the story is set and settled. Once you are fully in the moment you are hit like a truck with descriptive, intense hunger, that has you subtly checking to make sure no one is watching you react, it is dark, intense, and dangerous.
If I had to nitpick I would say that I wanted more of a backstory for some of the characters, and there were a couple repetitive word choices, but nothing that took away my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, I’m pleased with this read! It has mystery, spice, and tension. Taura did an excellent job building this world, and I am grateful for the opportunity to ARC read for Holly and Hemlock!
November 23, 2025
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars
Holly and Hemlock – A Dark Gothic Christmas Romance
Holly and Hemlock delivers exactly what its title promises: a chilling, gothic romance wrapped in the velvet glow of Christmas lights. This is not a cozy holiday read—it’s a seductive descent into shadowed halls, cursed traditions, and a love story that builds itself carefully, relentlessly, until you realize you’re holding your breath.
The atmosphere is the star of the show. The author paints the setting with such lush, somber detail that every page feels like stepping onto frost-crusted cobblestones or into a candlelit manor that hums with secrets. The winter backdrop isn’t just seasonal; it’s thematic. Cold forests, forgotten rituals, and the brittle stillness of snow all mirror the quiet intensity growing between the protagonists.
The slow burn romance is expertly paced. The tension simmers—longing glances, unspoken pasts, and chemistry that crackles beneath layers of distrust and grief. When the emotions finally ignite, it feels earned, raw, and as dangerous as it is beautiful. This is a love story for readers who don’t want easy happily-ever-afters—they want love forged through fire and darkness.
And then there are the unexpected turns. Just when you settle into a rhythm, the plot twists—sometimes subtle, sometimes jaw-dropping—shift the entire emotional landscape. Family secrets, old betrayals, and supernatural whispers keep the story unpredictable without ever sacrificing character depth.
If there’s one minor drawback, it’s that the gothic tension occasionally overshadows the holiday elements—those looking for mistletoe sweetness won’t find it here. But for readers who crave romance tinged with ruin, devotion, and haunting winter magic, this novel delivers in spades.
Final Verdict:
A beautifully written, atmospheric romance with a haunting bite. Holly and Hemlock blends slow-burn passion with gothic storytelling, offering a holiday tale that lingers long after the last page is turned. Highly recommended for readers who want their Christmas stories dark, decadent, and impossible to forget.
Holly and Hemlock – A Dark Gothic Christmas Romance
Holly and Hemlock delivers exactly what its title promises: a chilling, gothic romance wrapped in the velvet glow of Christmas lights. This is not a cozy holiday read—it’s a seductive descent into shadowed halls, cursed traditions, and a love story that builds itself carefully, relentlessly, until you realize you’re holding your breath.
The atmosphere is the star of the show. The author paints the setting with such lush, somber detail that every page feels like stepping onto frost-crusted cobblestones or into a candlelit manor that hums with secrets. The winter backdrop isn’t just seasonal; it’s thematic. Cold forests, forgotten rituals, and the brittle stillness of snow all mirror the quiet intensity growing between the protagonists.
The slow burn romance is expertly paced. The tension simmers—longing glances, unspoken pasts, and chemistry that crackles beneath layers of distrust and grief. When the emotions finally ignite, it feels earned, raw, and as dangerous as it is beautiful. This is a love story for readers who don’t want easy happily-ever-afters—they want love forged through fire and darkness.
And then there are the unexpected turns. Just when you settle into a rhythm, the plot twists—sometimes subtle, sometimes jaw-dropping—shift the entire emotional landscape. Family secrets, old betrayals, and supernatural whispers keep the story unpredictable without ever sacrificing character depth.
If there’s one minor drawback, it’s that the gothic tension occasionally overshadows the holiday elements—those looking for mistletoe sweetness won’t find it here. But for readers who crave romance tinged with ruin, devotion, and haunting winter magic, this novel delivers in spades.
Final Verdict:
A beautifully written, atmospheric romance with a haunting bite. Holly and Hemlock blends slow-burn passion with gothic storytelling, offering a holiday tale that lingers long after the last page is turned. Highly recommended for readers who want their Christmas stories dark, decadent, and impossible to forget.
November 22, 2025
⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thank you to author Taura King for allowing me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Holly & Hemlock, available November 25th.
Nora’s estranged aunt passed away leaving her a house she hasn’t visited since childhood, a house her mother fled from. But why?
My favorite part of this story and the main thing that kept me hooked was the house. The author does a spectacular job creating an air of mystery surround Hemlock House. It’s alive in a way, drawing people in but never letting them go and no one knows how or why. It’s unsettling and eerie. Characters can feel the house breathing and are constantly looking over their shoulders.
The characters were a little dry and lacking personality. Mrs. Whitby, the houses caretaker, was the strongest character as she is portrayed like an extension of the house. She pops up and disappears unannounced and carried the air of mystery with her where ever she is. She always seems to know what the house needs/wants. I found the MFC and two MMC’s very repetitive with little character and relationship growth. I think growth could have been better demonstrated if it was a multiple POV, especially with the relationship dynamic. But It’s heavy on the strangers to lovers feel.
This is a Gothic Christmas Romance however it reads more like a dark, yet somehow cozy snowed in winter story. The only mention of Christmas is when the tree is set up and again during a spicy scene.
This book was not for me, I am learning that some tropes just aren’t my thing but maybe they are yours! If that’s the case, this book is just what you need!
Main Tropes ↪️ Why Choose, Love Triangle, MMF relationship.
Check out the Authors Note for more content warning regarding tropes!
Thank you to author Taura King for allowing me the opportunity to read and review an ARC of Holly & Hemlock, available November 25th.
Nora’s estranged aunt passed away leaving her a house she hasn’t visited since childhood, a house her mother fled from. But why?
My favorite part of this story and the main thing that kept me hooked was the house. The author does a spectacular job creating an air of mystery surround Hemlock House. It’s alive in a way, drawing people in but never letting them go and no one knows how or why. It’s unsettling and eerie. Characters can feel the house breathing and are constantly looking over their shoulders.
The characters were a little dry and lacking personality. Mrs. Whitby, the houses caretaker, was the strongest character as she is portrayed like an extension of the house. She pops up and disappears unannounced and carried the air of mystery with her where ever she is. She always seems to know what the house needs/wants. I found the MFC and two MMC’s very repetitive with little character and relationship growth. I think growth could have been better demonstrated if it was a multiple POV, especially with the relationship dynamic. But It’s heavy on the strangers to lovers feel.
This is a Gothic Christmas Romance however it reads more like a dark, yet somehow cozy snowed in winter story. The only mention of Christmas is when the tree is set up and again during a spicy scene.
This book was not for me, I am learning that some tropes just aren’t my thing but maybe they are yours! If that’s the case, this book is just what you need!
Main Tropes ↪️ Why Choose, Love Triangle, MMF relationship.
Check out the Authors Note for more content warning regarding tropes!
November 27, 2025
🖤 ARC Review
Holly & Hemlock – Taura King
I have just finished reading Holly & Hemlock, and while this was very much a slow-burn for me to begin with, I’m so glad I stuck with it because chapter 9 is where it truly takes off and the story gains real momentum from there.
From the start, I was far more drawn to the connection between Nora and Lane. Their slow, simmering tension and emotional build-up felt natural and meaningful to me. By the end of the book, Lane was without doubt my favourite character. There was a quiet depth to him that I really connected with, and I loved how his layers were gradually revealed as the story unfolded.
The early development between Nora and Larkin felt more sudden in comparison, but as more of his past and motivations came to light, his role within the world of Hemlock House began to make more sense within the bigger picture.
The writing is incredibly descriptive and beautifully gothic, creating an immersive atmosphere that makes the house feel almost like a character in itself. The rich and varied vocabulary added depth to the reading experience.
The house and its sense of control, really gives the story its eerie, haunting pull.
And of course… chapters 12 & 13 🔥
The spice level absolutely hit a new level, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any bolder - it did! 🌶️ 🥵
Overall, Holly & Hemlock is a richly atmospheric, dark, and sensual read. It rewards patience, and once it gains momentum, it becomes hypnotically engaging.
If you love:
🖤 Gothic settings
🖤 Haunted houses
🖤 Slow-burn tension with explosive payoff
🖤 MMF romance
…then this is absolutely one to add to your TBR pile.
Thank you again for trusting me with an ARC copy 🖤
Holly & Hemlock – Taura King
I have just finished reading Holly & Hemlock, and while this was very much a slow-burn for me to begin with, I’m so glad I stuck with it because chapter 9 is where it truly takes off and the story gains real momentum from there.
From the start, I was far more drawn to the connection between Nora and Lane. Their slow, simmering tension and emotional build-up felt natural and meaningful to me. By the end of the book, Lane was without doubt my favourite character. There was a quiet depth to him that I really connected with, and I loved how his layers were gradually revealed as the story unfolded.
The early development between Nora and Larkin felt more sudden in comparison, but as more of his past and motivations came to light, his role within the world of Hemlock House began to make more sense within the bigger picture.
The writing is incredibly descriptive and beautifully gothic, creating an immersive atmosphere that makes the house feel almost like a character in itself. The rich and varied vocabulary added depth to the reading experience.
The house and its sense of control, really gives the story its eerie, haunting pull.
And of course… chapters 12 & 13 🔥
The spice level absolutely hit a new level, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any bolder - it did! 🌶️ 🥵
Overall, Holly & Hemlock is a richly atmospheric, dark, and sensual read. It rewards patience, and once it gains momentum, it becomes hypnotically engaging.
If you love:
🖤 Gothic settings
🖤 Haunted houses
🖤 Slow-burn tension with explosive payoff
🖤 MMF romance
…then this is absolutely one to add to your TBR pile.
Thank you again for trusting me with an ARC copy 🖤
November 25, 2025
🖤✨My arc review for Holly & Hemlock✨🖤
This gothic romance was so dark, haunting , captivating , and sizzling🥵🥵👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
There was this underlying mystery throughout the whole book and made reading this so addictive. I could not put this book down! This story was so poetic and the descriptions of this house and its grounds was so breathtaking and made it feel like you were right there with Nora exploring it all.
I loved this FMC . I loved her resilience and I love how strong willed she was. She was definitely a smart ass and very witty. She had me laughing throughout this entire book.
I love that this was a why choose romance also, because it’s so much better to have both🖤🖤.
Lane is so rugged and rough around the edges , but so sweet and SO DAMN SEXY. I would crawl to this man any given day🥵
Larkin was arrogant and a little in your face, but also was very sweet and very caring. The three of them together were so spicy, seductive , and tantalizing. Their relationship was captivating I could not get enough of them.
I did appreciate that they did not get along in the beginning, but then turned to lovers, I love the enemies to lovers trope as well as the forced proximity trope.
The ending didn’t conclude in a typical happily ever after , but I still was very happy and content with how it ended, but also very excited to see what book 2 has in store for us and can’t wait to have Nora, Lane, & Larkin back 🥰🖤🖤
Thank you Tauru King for such a beautifully written gothic dark romance novel perfect for the holiday season and thank you for letting me be one of your arc readers✨✨
This gothic romance was so dark, haunting , captivating , and sizzling🥵🥵👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.
There was this underlying mystery throughout the whole book and made reading this so addictive. I could not put this book down! This story was so poetic and the descriptions of this house and its grounds was so breathtaking and made it feel like you were right there with Nora exploring it all.
I loved this FMC . I loved her resilience and I love how strong willed she was. She was definitely a smart ass and very witty. She had me laughing throughout this entire book.
I love that this was a why choose romance also, because it’s so much better to have both🖤🖤.
Lane is so rugged and rough around the edges , but so sweet and SO DAMN SEXY. I would crawl to this man any given day🥵
Larkin was arrogant and a little in your face, but also was very sweet and very caring. The three of them together were so spicy, seductive , and tantalizing. Their relationship was captivating I could not get enough of them.
I did appreciate that they did not get along in the beginning, but then turned to lovers, I love the enemies to lovers trope as well as the forced proximity trope.
The ending didn’t conclude in a typical happily ever after , but I still was very happy and content with how it ended, but also very excited to see what book 2 has in store for us and can’t wait to have Nora, Lane, & Larkin back 🥰🖤🖤
Thank you Tauru King for such a beautifully written gothic dark romance novel perfect for the holiday season and thank you for letting me be one of your arc readers✨✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
Holly & Hemlock, written by Taura King, is an MMF dark gothic romance set during Christmas. This is my first book by this author, and wow, just wow. If there were ever a book that I could rate six stars, it would be this one. Nothing I am about to say will do this book justice - it is THAT good. At the 50% mark of the book, I had to reach out to the author and tell her how amazing it was.
When Nora’s estranged aunt Maeve passes away, she is left her the eerie estate that includes Hemlock House. The will stipulates that she must move into the house. When Nora arrives, she is met by Ms. Whitby, the home's caretaker, Larkin, Maeve’s godson, and Lane, the groundskeeper. I would also describe one of the characters as Hemlock House itself. The house's lore is haunting and very mysterious, holding centuries' worth of secrets. The house gets what it wants, and it is Maeve’s last hope that Nora could do what she could not.
This book was both lyrical and atmospheric. Taura’s writing flows rhythmically and dances on your tongue. Its poetic imagery paints haunting scenes in your mind's eye. You are completely immersed in this world - you can smell, hear, and feel everything. The tone is vivid and emotionally evocative with its rich detail. Hemlock House has a presence. I was enveloped in Taura’s spell. The book does have some delicious spice that is perfectly placed. I devoured this book and was hungry for more.
Thanks to Taura King for gifting me an eARC of Holly & Hemlock. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Nora’s estranged aunt Maeve passes away, she is left her the eerie estate that includes Hemlock House. The will stipulates that she must move into the house. When Nora arrives, she is met by Ms. Whitby, the home's caretaker, Larkin, Maeve’s godson, and Lane, the groundskeeper. I would also describe one of the characters as Hemlock House itself. The house's lore is haunting and very mysterious, holding centuries' worth of secrets. The house gets what it wants, and it is Maeve’s last hope that Nora could do what she could not.
This book was both lyrical and atmospheric. Taura’s writing flows rhythmically and dances on your tongue. Its poetic imagery paints haunting scenes in your mind's eye. You are completely immersed in this world - you can smell, hear, and feel everything. The tone is vivid and emotionally evocative with its rich detail. Hemlock House has a presence. I was enveloped in Taura’s spell. The book does have some delicious spice that is perfectly placed. I devoured this book and was hungry for more.
Thanks to Taura King for gifting me an eARC of Holly & Hemlock. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 19, 2025
This atmospheric gothic romance draws you in from the very first page, wrapping you in a world of secrets, shadows, and unexpected longing.
When Nora inherits Hemlock House from her late Aunt Maeve, she expects a simple trip to settle affairs. Instead, the moment she arrives—abandoned at the front gate by a taxi driver too uneasy to go further—she realizes this estate holds far more than memories. Inside the looming manor, Nora meets its remaining residents: Mrs. Whitby, the strict and proper housekeeper; Larken, Aunt Maeve’s brooding godson; and Lane, the enigmatic groundskeeper who lives in a cottage on the property.
Hemlock House itself becomes a character—watching, listening, almost waiting. As an art restorer, Nora is instantly captivated by the treasures hidden within its halls, each piece hinting at the estate’s long and tangled history. But the deeper she explores, the more she feels the house pulling her in… and the more complicated things become with the two men whose presence stirs emotions she hadn’t expected.
As Nora uncovers the mysteries surrounding Hemlock House, she must navigate not only the estate’s eerie legacy but also her growing attraction to both Larken and Lane. With the weight of the past encroaching on the present, she faces a pivotal choice—about the house, her heart, and her future.
A moody, evocative read perfect for fans of gothic settings, simmering tension, and romantic intrigue.
When Nora inherits Hemlock House from her late Aunt Maeve, she expects a simple trip to settle affairs. Instead, the moment she arrives—abandoned at the front gate by a taxi driver too uneasy to go further—she realizes this estate holds far more than memories. Inside the looming manor, Nora meets its remaining residents: Mrs. Whitby, the strict and proper housekeeper; Larken, Aunt Maeve’s brooding godson; and Lane, the enigmatic groundskeeper who lives in a cottage on the property.
Hemlock House itself becomes a character—watching, listening, almost waiting. As an art restorer, Nora is instantly captivated by the treasures hidden within its halls, each piece hinting at the estate’s long and tangled history. But the deeper she explores, the more she feels the house pulling her in… and the more complicated things become with the two men whose presence stirs emotions she hadn’t expected.
As Nora uncovers the mysteries surrounding Hemlock House, she must navigate not only the estate’s eerie legacy but also her growing attraction to both Larken and Lane. With the weight of the past encroaching on the present, she faces a pivotal choice—about the house, her heart, and her future.
A moody, evocative read perfect for fans of gothic settings, simmering tension, and romantic intrigue.
November 24, 2025
This book confused me while also keeping me so intrigued I essentially finished the book in two sittings despite finishing it a few days after starting. As someone who usually is an audiobook reader because I can’t stay focused to save my soul, Holly and Hemlock kept me guessing, kept me asking questions, and kept me wanting more!
The spicy chapters were definitely hot! I am a fan of MMF and Taura did a very good job writing those scenes. I felt like despite only getting one character perspective, I had a relatively clear sense of the two male characters and she created scenes where they were uniquely themselves while also keeping the intensity and passion present.
After finishing the book, I’ve found that I would have almost liked this better if it had been a duet book series so that there could be time to explore more about the house and why it behaves the way it does. The story of the curse makes sense but it didn’t answer my questions. I also agree with the reviewers that said a multi-pov would have been helpful. I definitely would have loved to get more in depth understanding of both Larkin and Lane and more of a natural build to their passion towards each other.
To describe this as a dark gothic romance is absolutely an accurate description. I definitely think it’s worth the read if you’re a fan of MMF and dark romance. It had moments that reminded me of Harley Laroux’s Souls Trilogy so if you like those, you may like this one too.
The spicy chapters were definitely hot! I am a fan of MMF and Taura did a very good job writing those scenes. I felt like despite only getting one character perspective, I had a relatively clear sense of the two male characters and she created scenes where they were uniquely themselves while also keeping the intensity and passion present.
After finishing the book, I’ve found that I would have almost liked this better if it had been a duet book series so that there could be time to explore more about the house and why it behaves the way it does. The story of the curse makes sense but it didn’t answer my questions. I also agree with the reviewers that said a multi-pov would have been helpful. I definitely would have loved to get more in depth understanding of both Larkin and Lane and more of a natural build to their passion towards each other.
To describe this as a dark gothic romance is absolutely an accurate description. I definitely think it’s worth the read if you’re a fan of MMF and dark romance. It had moments that reminded me of Harley Laroux’s Souls Trilogy so if you like those, you may like this one too.
December 19, 2025
This is my review in realtime while reading…
Idk what’s going on, I don’t understand what anyone is talking about, everything is in riddles but not the climatic ones you’re trying to figure out, just random inconsistency. The men aren’t described in a very attractive way most of the time( my personal opinion). Like she described them with naming an ugly thing then contradicts that with what she thinks is a sexy thing and why is she always tasting blood when she’s kissing one of them, or the way they taste sounding gross “briny” am I suppose to think that’s hot? Last 2hrs of the book and I still don’t know why the house is haunted? Alive? Not sure. Would have loved to have the house be a character with more depth and a background story from the get, not just the house takes and does what it wants( a phrase repeated too many times). Why? What happened there?
Last part of the 2hr mark to hour and change left we finally get some house back story, which isn’t even very good. Then a light bulb moment of how to fix it (eye roll) it’s the lamest way to break a curse. Maybe I’m just too surface level for this read and I was supposed to dig deep to a metaphorical/analytical level. Either way I couldn’t wait to be done with this book. But if you’re looking for a throuple spicy type of read this one has lots of that, not my jam….oh and I guess there’s another book that’s more about the past? Nty
Idk what’s going on, I don’t understand what anyone is talking about, everything is in riddles but not the climatic ones you’re trying to figure out, just random inconsistency. The men aren’t described in a very attractive way most of the time( my personal opinion). Like she described them with naming an ugly thing then contradicts that with what she thinks is a sexy thing and why is she always tasting blood when she’s kissing one of them, or the way they taste sounding gross “briny” am I suppose to think that’s hot? Last 2hrs of the book and I still don’t know why the house is haunted? Alive? Not sure. Would have loved to have the house be a character with more depth and a background story from the get, not just the house takes and does what it wants( a phrase repeated too many times). Why? What happened there?
Last part of the 2hr mark to hour and change left we finally get some house back story, which isn’t even very good. Then a light bulb moment of how to fix it (eye roll) it’s the lamest way to break a curse. Maybe I’m just too surface level for this read and I was supposed to dig deep to a metaphorical/analytical level. Either way I couldn’t wait to be done with this book. But if you’re looking for a throuple spicy type of read this one has lots of that, not my jam….oh and I guess there’s another book that’s more about the past? Nty
November 27, 2025
Why choose book with only one POV
I really loved the idea of this book more than the execution. If this was multiple POV or even told from the house as the main POV it would have added a lot of much needed depth and understanding to the story.
FMC is suddenly willed a house from an aunt with the only caveat being that she had to be there within a certain amount of time. Upon arrival the house has a big presence that is strange. Inside we meet the housekeeper who says its best for tours in the morning.
This house is huge and different places care deemed off limits and the whole feel of certain areas is darker. We also meet two Archibald men who also live in the house. I really feel like we never know enough about these men since we only get some dialogue and the FMCs perspective.
The relationships do not actually make sense in how they come about. Nor how they progress. First its just the FMC and each guy in a love triangle deal then suddenly its a poly situation.
This could have easily been a five star read but I do not think this type of relationship especially with all the mystery could ever work in single POV. Also, there was very little mention of Christmas within the story so not sure Gothic Christmas Romance fits the storyline. With some changes this book could be amazing.
I really loved the idea of this book more than the execution. If this was multiple POV or even told from the house as the main POV it would have added a lot of much needed depth and understanding to the story.
FMC is suddenly willed a house from an aunt with the only caveat being that she had to be there within a certain amount of time. Upon arrival the house has a big presence that is strange. Inside we meet the housekeeper who says its best for tours in the morning.
This house is huge and different places care deemed off limits and the whole feel of certain areas is darker. We also meet two Archibald men who also live in the house. I really feel like we never know enough about these men since we only get some dialogue and the FMCs perspective.
The relationships do not actually make sense in how they come about. Nor how they progress. First its just the FMC and each guy in a love triangle deal then suddenly its a poly situation.
This could have easily been a five star read but I do not think this type of relationship especially with all the mystery could ever work in single POV. Also, there was very little mention of Christmas within the story so not sure Gothic Christmas Romance fits the storyline. With some changes this book could be amazing.
December 12, 2025
I was so excited to receive Holly & Hemlock as an ARC… and then life decided to throw me a promotion that put me on the road almost every single day. But let me tell you—every spare second, I could steal, I was reading this book. I even bought the physical copy just so I could read it on planes. That’s how hooked I was.
From the entrolog (listen, I still don’t know how to spell that 😂) all the way to every beautifully written spice scene, Taura King had me absolutely captivated. This author knows how to craft a page-turner. The atmosphere is rich and gothic without ever feeling heavy, and it manages to be a holiday book without drowning you in Christmas clichés. It has just enough seasonal magic to feel festive, but the heart of it is mystery, tension, and deliciously dark romance.
Nora, Larkin, and Lane are addictive to read... unique, magnetic, and wrapped so tightly into Hemlock House that I couldn’t look away. And the house itself?! A total character. Every riddle, every whisper, every secret layered into those walls had me dying for more.
The spice? Chef’s kiss.
The plot? Completely unique.
The pacing? Once it picked up, I absolutely could not put it down.
If you want holiday vibes with shadows, secrets, and spice, look no further. I’m grateful I got this ARC, and I’ll be grabbing whatever Taura publishes next the second it drops.
From the entrolog (listen, I still don’t know how to spell that 😂) all the way to every beautifully written spice scene, Taura King had me absolutely captivated. This author knows how to craft a page-turner. The atmosphere is rich and gothic without ever feeling heavy, and it manages to be a holiday book without drowning you in Christmas clichés. It has just enough seasonal magic to feel festive, but the heart of it is mystery, tension, and deliciously dark romance.
Nora, Larkin, and Lane are addictive to read... unique, magnetic, and wrapped so tightly into Hemlock House that I couldn’t look away. And the house itself?! A total character. Every riddle, every whisper, every secret layered into those walls had me dying for more.
The spice? Chef’s kiss.
The plot? Completely unique.
The pacing? Once it picked up, I absolutely could not put it down.
If you want holiday vibes with shadows, secrets, and spice, look no further. I’m grateful I got this ARC, and I’ll be grabbing whatever Taura publishes next the second it drops.
November 23, 2025
ARC Review: Holly and Hemlock by Taura King
Dark • Gothic • Steamy • Christmas Vibes
I just finished this ARC and wow… this was the exact kind of eerie, twisty holiday read I didn’t know I needed. We follow Nora, who unexpectedly inherits her estranged aunt’s home—despite barely knowing the woman. The moment she arrives, things feel off. Between the caretaker, the groundskeeper, and the mysterious man her aunt essentially adopted, everyone seems to be holding back something… and the house itself might be hiding the most.
As the days creep closer to the decision Nora has to make, the walls start whispering secrets, truths start surfacing, and I found myself constantly guessing what was real, what was hidden, and who—if anyone—she could trust.
This story kept me in the dark in the best way. And when everything finally came together at the end? My heart hurt… but in that “I can’t believe this just happened” way that sticks with you.
Oh—and if you love a book that keeps your brain turning and delivers some serious heat from three MMCs? Yeah… go ahead and add this to your TBR immediately.
Dark, gothic mystery
Found family vibes with a razor edge
Steamy + atmospheric
Perfect for a winter night
This should absolutely be your next read!
Dark • Gothic • Steamy • Christmas Vibes
I just finished this ARC and wow… this was the exact kind of eerie, twisty holiday read I didn’t know I needed. We follow Nora, who unexpectedly inherits her estranged aunt’s home—despite barely knowing the woman. The moment she arrives, things feel off. Between the caretaker, the groundskeeper, and the mysterious man her aunt essentially adopted, everyone seems to be holding back something… and the house itself might be hiding the most.
As the days creep closer to the decision Nora has to make, the walls start whispering secrets, truths start surfacing, and I found myself constantly guessing what was real, what was hidden, and who—if anyone—she could trust.
This story kept me in the dark in the best way. And when everything finally came together at the end? My heart hurt… but in that “I can’t believe this just happened” way that sticks with you.
Oh—and if you love a book that keeps your brain turning and delivers some serious heat from three MMCs? Yeah… go ahead and add this to your TBR immediately.
Dark, gothic mystery
Found family vibes with a razor edge
Steamy + atmospheric
Perfect for a winter night
This should absolutely be your next read!
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