Metamorphosis: A Grove Hollow Novel

by Shelby Nicole

Stranger Things meets Twilight in this stunning gothic paranormal romance! A teen girl is swept into an opulent world of love, lies, and ghosts after she moves in with the wealthy, mysterious family she never knew she had. Book One in the Grove Hollow series, this is an 80s dark academia-tinged tale full of fated love, a cursed amulet, and twisted family secrets.

The year is 1985, and eighteen-year-old Jade Whitney is about to discover her family holds a dark secret that will change her life forever. Sent to live with her Great Aunt Ruth, Jade moves into Blythe House, her family's sprawling, gilded mansion—but picturesque Grove Hollow, New York, is anything but welcoming.

At Jade’s new private school she’s shunned by everyone except for the Misfits, the school’s edgy outcasts, who spend their weekends exploring abandoned haunted mansions and listening to the Cure. But Jade’s eye keeps wandering back to Brad, the charming, handsome rugby captain, who might just be the only other kid at school to welcome her.

Everything changes when Jade finds a cursed locket in a derelict estate. The locket is connected to a Victorian ghost named William, who desperately needs Jade’s help, and who Jade feels an undeniable attraction to. And the closer they grow, the more urgent it becomes for Jade to decide where her heart truly lies—and if she’s really willing to let Will go.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Gothic, Paranormal, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Paranormal Romance

432 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[Brend · Rating 4 out of 5]

My trigger warning for you guys is to not go into this expecting a main character who isn’t the dumbest bitch alive.

[Bre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off the bat, I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Do you like Labyrinth? Ghost? 16 Candles?

How about ghosts? Twin flames? Love triangles? The Victorian Guided Age? How about the long lost era of the 1980s?

Then, bitch, do I have the book series for you!!!! Grove Hollow: Metamorphosis is the first part in a 4 part book series. A YA Coming of age tale of romance and friendship.
🥀🥀

After her grandfather’s passing, Jade Whitney is whisked away to Grove Hollow, NY to live with her great Aunt Ruth. We follow Jade as she navigates her new life, new school, friends, and first boyfriends.

Along the way, Jade finds a mysterious locket and along with it, a ghost named Will. He requires Jade’s help in learning about the locket, as it is keeping him from crossing into the next life.

[Linds (honeyy.fae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You, with your mesmerizing spirit and beauty-were the most extraordinary soul I had ever seen."



You guys know the books that you pick up to read that you know you’re gonna love, but you don’t realize how absolutely IN LOVE you will become? I’m talking those books that reach down and touch your soul, completely rocks you to your very core? You wonder, who was I before this book?! Like… the author herself plucked all the things you love and with her own spin on everything, made this absolutely spellbinding story come to life.

There’s life before Grove Hollow - bleak, everything blends together, gray. Then there’s life after - technicolor, fireworks, haunting and just everything.

Anyway, enough rambling. Let me fire off some…

👻 TROPES & THEMES 👻
✔️ 1985 era
✔️ dark academia vibes
✔️ ghosts
✔️ coming of age story
✔️ love triangle
✔️ secrets, murders, betrayals
✔️ incredible cast of characters
✔️ pop culture references of the era
✔️ cursed lockets and lore
✔️ teenage stereotypes and angst

OH MY GOSHHHHH *screaming* I haven’t felt this alive since I finished TPOP. The atmosphere, the vibes, the characters, the STORY?! Everything about this book I loved.

Our main character is Jade, she’s coming up on age 18 and her whole life is altered after the passing of her grandfather who she’s lived with since her parents passed away when she was very small. She finds out she has a very wealthy aunt that lives in Grove Hollow, NY. A small but prestigious town where old money lives and controls it. She also learns she’s being enrolled into Grove Hollow Academy as well and we follow her as she gets used to her new life.

Jade is a very endearing FMC, she has her struggles and faults but that’s what makes her character so special. We get to watch her learn about life, becoming her own person, friendships and first loves. High school vibes and stereotypes are poppin’ off in this book too. Remember watching those 80s cult classic films, and the characters in them? All the vibes. It was SO MUCH FUN!!!

But there’s so, so much more too. Jade makes friends with a group of four amazing outcasts who deem themselves The Misfits, and they take jade with them to break into the old and abandoned Montgomery mansion to hang out. Jade finds a strange scarab beetle locket there… and that’s when things get really wild. Those creepy, weird ghost feelings she felt before in the town? Now she can actually SEE a ghost - Will Montgomery to be precise. And he’s been wondering the town for the last century alone and confused.

It’s no mystery that he and his entire family were 🗡️, but Jade decides to help him work together to find him peace and a way for him to continue on and leave purgatory.

The rest of the story is a wild ride. Action packed, drama filled, so beautiful and so addictive. I’m over here on my knees begging, crying, sobbing pleading for book 2. I know book 1 isn’t out yet. 🤣💀 BUT I STILL NEED IT, okay?!

DONT, I repeat; do NOT sleep on this book. This book needs to be read by everyone. It’s one of a kind, it’s such a treasure. I can’t wait to own it physically so I can reread and reread like watching my favorite comfort film.

Yes, I will become Gollum and this book is my precious. 🤌🏽🤌🏽 READ IT!!!

[Bailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

All I knew going into this book was the following:
1. It is based in 1985
2. There is a love triangle, but one of the parties is a ghost
3. Said ghost was fancast as young Henry Cavill, so of course I had to read it

To whoever recommended me this book, I have WORDS FOR YOU. You didn't tell me this is book ONE in a SERIES!!! The way I looked confused at my kindle after finishing because I did not expect that ending is actually comical.

The writing and imagery in this book are beautiful. I could see everything in my head like I was living in Grove Hollow, New York in the 80's myself. The love triangle was done well, even if I got frustrated with Jade a few times. This book was everything I had hoped it would be. The love story has so much potential, there are so many questions I need answered, and I loved that there was even a bit of Egyptian history that I learned.

Apparently the next book is going to kick it up a bit in spice level, and I'm curious to see how that is going to work. When you read the book, you will understand what I mean by that.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the second one!

[Cookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cozy read: The 80s, old mansions, a lovely ghost... I can't wait to visit Jade and the Misfits again. <3

[Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easiest 5 stars I've given in a while. I absolutely loved this. I am so glad I slid in Shelby's DMs and asked for an ARC. Lol!

The cover is gorgeous. The book was bingable and well-written from start to finish. The setting was incredibly immersive and SO nostalgic. I was born in 1989, and the book is set in 1985, so it was making me long for places & times I have only really experienced through movies, music, and pop culture.

The characters were fun and interesting. The romance with Will and Jade was angsty, slow-burn, and well done. I think I'm most excited that book one starts as a coming-of-age new adult story, and books 2-4 will be more adult, so you're truly aging with the characters and their story.

If you're interested in a new adult gothic paranormal coming-of-age romance book set in the 1980s with ghosts, mystery, murder, romance, time-travel, secrets, and Victorian gilded mansions then this is for you!

I can't wait for book two! 🖤📚 Tysm for letting me be an ARC reader!

[Niko · Rating 1 out of 5]

The concept of this book is catnip to me. 1980s alternative culture? I'm there. Abandoned mansions? Hell yes. A romance with a ghost? Paranormal romance has been hit or miss for me, but I'll give it a shot.

Unfortunately, the most exciting premise in the world can't overcome the writing in this book. This book needed an editor, for both the story content and the writing. I stuck with the book to see how it ended, but that was also unsatisfying. The conclusion to the story was anticlimactic and left many questions unanswered.

[romina · Rating 2 out of 5]

₊ ⊹ ཐི 2 stars ཋྀ ⊹ ₊
maybe i would've ate this up if i was 13, but as a grown woman ....

[Angyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

ahhh this was such a cozy and fun read!

Grove Hollow Metamorphosis is the first book in a debut series of paranormal romance. Our main character is Jade, whose parents suffered a tragic accident that has claimed both of their lives, leaving Jade in the care of her grandfather for most of her childhood. When he passes shortly before her 18th birthday, Jade quickly learns of a different side to the family that was hidden from her. The Whitney's are a very wealthy family. They are long term residents, and founders, of a small town called Grove Hollow in New York. Jade is taken to live with her Great Aunt Ruth in her large historic mansion and Jade soon finds herself in her own ghostly mystery.

Jade must balance dealing with grief over her grandfather's death, coming to terms with the fact that she has a new ghost friend, William, all while in a new town, attending a new school, with new friends and new enemies...

One thing this book absolutely nails is the atmosphere. Grove Hollow and all of the massive estates that line the streets were written with great detail and the author truly paints a fantastic picture of a small, preppy town with gothic vibes, right in the middle of fall time. AND it takes place in the 80s with so many pop culture and music references - what more could you want? I also really loved each of the characters from Jade & William, to Jade's new friend group of punks & outcasts - nicknamed the 'misfits' as well as Aunt Ruth and the staff at her home.

Yes, it's filled with silly teenage drama & high school feuds, and I do believe the romance could've been written a bit stronger, but in the end this was a book that I found myself so excited to pick up and read each day. It was so comforting to be in this world with these characters and I can't wait to come back in the next book!

Definitely recommend for a light & cozy YA paranormal romance that is dripping with atmosphere. This is a perfect read for fall time so pick it up soon!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride this book was! Oh, how it left me lovelorn.

When I first started reading, it took me a moment to really immerse myself in the story. However, I quickly fell in love with the protagonist, Jade, as my teenage self related to her deeply. Yes, at times Jade makes foolish choices, but those moments reflected the complexity and confusion of being a teenager. I also fell in love with Will immediately. Tall, dark, handsome, and a Victorian ghost man - thank you, Shelby McFadden.
An honorable mention goes to Aunt Ruth, the witchy, eccentric great-aunt we all secretly wish we had.

I really enjoyed the setting: a 1980s gothic small-town atmosphere. The progression of the plot moved at a pleasant pace, and the storyline was captivating, making it hard to put the book down.

I’m glad I only picked this book up now, as the second installment is scheduled to be released later this year, so I won’t have to wait too long.

I’d also like to point out that the author designs and illustrates all her own book covers. I found this particularly interesting, as the cover was what originally drew me to the book.

[Stephanie Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I have never danced with a boy before, let alone waltzed with a ghost”

As someone who was raised on a diet of New Wave music and 80’s movies, with a heart longing for love and ghosts, I knew I would love Grove Hollow: Metamorphosis when I first saw it being marketed.

Grove Hollow transports you into your favorite 80’s heartthrob films, with the comforting coming-of-age dynamic of the average girl, Jade Whitney, navigating High School with her eye on the dreamy jock - but what familiarity you might feel with these tropes are thrown upside down with a cursed Egyptian locket and a Victorian ghost only Jade can see.

Jade is naïve and innocent, never having learned about the deceit of pretty-faced boys and the hostility of archetypical mean-girls, so when she enters Grove Hollow Academy, she is a pretty bow-tied lamb thrown to the wolves. Thankfully she finds herself a band of friends (“the Misfits”) who treat her with unconditional loyalty and bring her under their leather-studded punk wings. That, and the companionship of Will, the gentle soul who just-so-happens to be lost beyond life.

This book is a nostalgic callback to the stories that give outcasts a feeling of home. A motif of teenage cruelty that reminds me of my own hard (but exhilarating) years, exploring romance and my ever-metamorphosing identity.

There were times while reading this that I felt my own deep wounds from High School open up again. While so much of this book was fun, it also paid homage to the relatable pains of growing up, the heartache of romance, trying to fit in, learning to stand up for yourself, and following love.

As much as I thought I knew where the plot was headed at times, I still found myself with my head gripped in my hands, my teeth grinding, and myself moaning in agony for the characters and their conflicts. Infuriatingly hot is the slow-burn of this story, yet with McFadden’s clever use of tropes, she’s mercifully supplied the reader a steady dose of gratifying romance sprinkled throughout.

Love and pain aside, McFadden stirred up such a thrilling recipe for the atmosphere of this story - from eccentric great-aunts and unexpected inheritances of ostentatious mansions, and family secrets extending the grave - to school uniforms and nasty cheerleaders. Most thrilling of all, however, is the mystery of a ghost who cannot cross over.

Not to mention, every scene was so well-designed in terms of visualization. The reader can easily tell the author is also an artist because of how beautifully she illustrates the setting of the story; even at its most mundane is it aesthetically-pleasing.

One of my favorite treats of this book is how I squealed and lurched every time there was a reference to my favorite bands, which was often. Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order, Duran Duran – the anthems of my lonely childhood I heard playing from the pages.

Finally, I need to talk about another unsung hero of Grove Hollow: the art. The art of the cover and chapter headings of this book, drawn by the author herself, are simply gorgeous. No matter where I went with my paperback copy, it looked deserving of a bookstagram/booktok post.

As you can probably tell from this, I am now a lifelong fan of Shelby Nicole McFadden’s and am unable to wait for Grove Hollow’s sequel.

[Brooke J Katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instant fav. This book had everything I could ever want in a book. 80s vibes, mystery, love triangle, a group of misfit friends, old family mansions oh and a hot ghost.
I read this book so fast it was easily a page turner and I am so happy there will be more in this series.
I loved the wit and relatability to the main character Jade. I loved how this book really captured what it was like as a teenager.
Goodness there were moments where my heart nearly stopped or I became angered for the characters. I really loved how things unfolded throughout the story making me come back for more.
The writing draws you into Groves Hollow you can totally put yourself in Jades shoes and feel as if you are her and in this town that's how rich each page is.
I highly recommend this book/series.
I am so thankful to have gotten an early copy there's no way I could have waited until October. My opinion is my own this book is so good and I cannot wait for my physical copy.

[Read With Chey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve sat on my feelings for a while because this one was hard for me to rate. On one hand, I enjoyed it and appreciated what the author was setting up. On the other hand, it didn’t live up to my expectations.

What I liked: the era in which the book was set really captured the atmosphere the author was trying to create, I loved the references to 80s things and the style painted a good picture in my mind and was fun to read. I think the set up was good and I’m hopeful book two delivers on a lot of things that just felt glossed over in this book. I loved Aunt Ruth, I would have read a whole book with just her.

What I disliked: I wasn’t really a fan of the characters or dialogue. I have this issue with some other writers (i.e. Abbi Glines) where the dialogue is choppy and the author uses “we are” instead of “we’re” or something that just makes it harder for my brain to follow. I couldn’t get a read on Jade as a character; she at times sounded like a 50 year old and then would turn around and act 12. She flip flopped a lot and it was difficult to get a feel of her as the heroine.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and think it’s a good start to a series. I liked the themes of friendship and first love, the spookier elements, the setting and atmosphere, and lots more. The ending was rushed but I’m hoping that’s just because it was a set up for book 2, but I’ll definitely be continuing the series! A good first start and a good debut!

[Mandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

It sounded cool

I am about done taking BookTok recommendations. This one just fell short in every way possible. I don’t like the writing style, characters very flat.

[Pae⸆⸉ (Jax’s wife version&#x1f48d;&#x1f48d;) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry I hated it….the one star is for the Stevie Nicks and David Bowie references

[Kayla Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺- 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯” 🖤
‌
This book was such a vibe!! I’m so glad I had the honor of receiving an advanced copy.
‌
Grove Hollow Metamorphosis is a coming of age, paranormal romance set in 1985, with dark academia vibes, and it follows Jade Whitney a girl sent to live with her eccentric aunt in a town called Grove Hollow after the death of her grandfather. Jade and her band of misfits embark on a journey full of secrets & unexpected twists that keep you turning the pages.
‌
The writing in this book easily transports you to the 80’s in the town of Grove Hollow, which the author does an incredible job at given immense detail. I immediately wished I could live there & hang out with Jade and the misfits. Also can we talk about my man Will!! New book boyfriend unlocked 😍
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This book is the perfect balance between romance, suspense & coming of age themes, and absolutely perfect for spooky season! 🖤
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Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- 80’s Vibes
- Ghosts
- Coming of age
- Love triangle
- Secrets,murder, betrayal
- Pop culture references
- Teenage angst
- Paranormal romance
‌
👻🖤
‌
Thank you so much Shelby for the advanced copy! I’m excited for more of this series. 🖤

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal debut novel.

After the untimely passing of her grandfather, and with only one other living relative, Jade is dropped off at her Aunt Ruth’s doorstep all the way across the country, in Grove Hollow. There she will learn all about herself, relationships, friendships, what it feels like to belong, and most importantly, love.

Great combination of character building and intriguing plot that keeps you turning page after page. The author does a superb job of immersing you into angst & drama, making you endure all the emotions of the characters. She captures the intertwined teenage tension & torment in her words, and then presents them to you on a silver platter, chapter by chapter.
There is swoon worthy romance. I am talking Victorian-era, handsome & wholesomeness, ghostly romance.

The chapters were the perfect length & I loved the illustrations!

Add to your TBR if you like:
-Paranormal Romance
-80’s References
-Gothic/Academia/Victorian Era
-Egyptian Relics/Curses/Fate
-Love Triangle

Spice Rating 1/6
(I rate on amount & explicitness) This book has very minimal spice, but I believe the next book will be spicy!


“…the flame of attraction in my heart burns, no matter how hard I try to extinguish it.”

Thank you to Shelby for my ARC copy of this book. This review is my own.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!!
This book has a cliff hanger!
Also, I cried liked a baby at the end of the book!!!!

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book compiles everything you ever want:

80's references / 80's setting
Gothic / Dark Shadows / Gatsby / paranormal romance vibes
Teenage angst
Mystery
Great supporting characters that aren't just *there* for show and actually do something / interact with the main character

... and it was an indie book! I gave it 5 stars because you have an amazing protagonist with signs of growth. An excellent first book (in a series of four) that sets the stage and the world. A swoon worthy ML (who is a ghost). And, a cliffhanger that makes you absolutely hooked to know more.

This book came out in October, and already climbing the charts on Amazon. Show the author some love and read this book. Me, who is picky as hell when it comes to YA books, thinks this is a gem and you should give it a try.

[Nancyreadsalotofbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

H҉o҉l҉l҉o҉w҉ G҉r҉o҉v҉e҉

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆
Omgrrrrrrr, I loved it.

Set in the 1985, this gave me Riverdale vibes. There is so much to unpackaged I don’t even know where to start. I went in blind and I was just floored on how well this was written!! You would never think reading this, this was a debut author. This read like a big publishing house book, and I have no doubt this will get picked up and made into a tv series.

Do yourself a favor, and go read it when it comes out OCT 1st!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

👻Ghosts
👻Murder Mystery
👻Love Triangle
👻Tons of 80’s References
👻Nostalgic
👻Dark Academia (ish)
👻Paranormal Romance

Thank you Shelby for the advanced copy! I’m so excited for the rest of this series. 👻💞

[chenadrinkscoffee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is really not good.

The writing is extremely stilted and awkward, the characters are not well developed at all (we know almost nothing deep about any of the characters and their relationships to each other are surface level), the plot doesn't kick in until midway through the book and it isn't compelling, and the book relies completely on tropes to push it through instead of a well thought out and interesting story.

I know that this is the authors first novel so I really hope she's able to find her voice and style in her coming work, but I won't be sticking around to read those.

[Neri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I savored this book and made it last as long as I could because I did not want it to end! I'm in love with a ghost now, and I don't care who knows it. Set in the 80s, this paranormal romance has me listening to 80s tunes nonstop and wishing for my own Will. I cannot wait for the next book! Shelby, great, no, AMAZING job!

[Kady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and am so glad I did! As someone who loved Casper growing up this made me feel lots of feelings. Loved the 80s and gothic vibes. Characters were likable and relatable, and the story was interesting start to finish! Can’t wait to see what happens next because that ending ahhh! Also Will is my new book boyfriend 😇

[Lauren Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember the part where Brad was like - I want to date you but I also have to fake date Allison so I’ll need to still sleep with her ARE YOU DELUSIONAL GOOD SIR?? I beg your finest pardon. GO TOUCH GRASS.

Will is a gem.
Sign me up Casper.

[grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this for an honest review!!

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH

If you like twin flames, love triangles, ghosts, the Victorian age, or the 1980s, this book is for you!!!!

🥀🪞☕️📜🏰🕰🕯

Jade Whitney must move to Grove Hollow, NY after her grandfather's passing, where she is sent to live with her Aunt Ruth in a glorious mansion.

Then, Jade finds a locket and along with it, a ghost named Will. Slowly, they learn the importance of their meeting and her finding the locket, as they learn more about themselves in the process.

[Jess Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect Halloween vibes book!!🎃

[LKCREADS · Rating 5 out of 5]

You grew up in Oregon with your grandfather living a modest life. And one day, he passes away, and you are brought to the town of Grove Hollow, New York by a social worker, to move in with your Great Aunt at Blythe House. You had no idea she even existed. What if you find out that you are part of one of the wealthiest families in America who built an oil empire. As you’re adjusting to this brand new life, you’re also enrolled into Grove Hollow Academy. A school over 100 years old.

Next door to Blythe House, an unsettling mansion catches your attention. The gothic-style estate looms in a shaded seclusion of interwoven beech trees and overgrown brush set back from the road. Its name, Montgomery Manor, is etched on a tilted plaque that hangs by a single nail on the brick wall. A chill runs down your spine, raising goosebumps on your skin. The dark stone mansion is twice the size of the other mansions on the avenue and twice as intimidating. While some might find the abandoned-looking estate cold and unwelcoming, your initial impression is that it feels sad and forgotten. When your eyes are drawn to the third floor. A young man stares at you from the window.

This is one of the best books. I have ever read. This book is Stranger Things, meets a classic John Hughes movie, meets Casper, meets classic 80’s nostalgia, meets Dark Academia, meets Sixteen Candles. With Ghosts. With Love Triangles. With Halloween parties. This book takes place during the month of October… as if I couldn’t love it anymore. There’s a misfits crew of found family. School bullying and rivalry. And did I mention GHOSTS? WITH ROMANCE? ROMANCE WITH GHOSTS. I love this book so much my heart could just give out.

This story follows Jade Whitney. she’s 17 years old. She’s adjusting to her new life, her new school… and new attention when one of the school rugby player’s catches her eye.

One night during a halloween party, Jade is swaying on the dance floor when she feels a sudden sense of awareness. Causing the hairs on her neck to stand on end. Compelled by an invisible force, her body turns, and her eyes focus on a man dressed in an enchanting, old-fashioned Victorian costume. He casually leans against the dim-lit wall at the rooms far end… studying her. When Jade tugs on her friend’s arm and asks… “who is that guy over there, Aubrey? She stands on her tiptoes and looks around the room…. “What guy?”

The scream I scrumpt. During that scene. The screams I scrumpt the ENTIRE time I was reading this book.

This book is fully of mystery, there’s a detective whodunit story playing out. Research into the past that’s so exciting and engrossing you won’t be able to put this book down.

I love every single character. I get frustrated with Jade and then have to reel myself in and remind myself she’s 17 and doing what every 17 year old does… Make mistakes.

The love story unfolding here is the most precious of all. I feel like this is the type of love that’s a delicate flower and formidable foe at the same time. I’m so protective of this love story. I cherish it I want to keep it safe and watch it flourish that the same time.

The twists in this book will have you reeling. The amount of times I was shaken by the turn of events in the story is ridiculous.

The ending had me weeping. I actually wept. I needed tissues to blow my nose.

This book was familiar. It felt like coming home. It was safe. And at the same time it was so unique and different and exciting and refreshing.

This story feels like growing up. It really feels like you’re experiencing life and heartache and maturing right along side these characters. This book makes me feel vulnerable. It feels like my heart was exposed to the elements and I felt extra sensitive and emotional to every character’s experience.

This story is kind of scary at parts. I would end up reading late in the night and get a little freaked out, but in the best way possible.

This is like Crimson Peak without the Horror. It’s dark academia, and haunted mansions. It’s Victorian era. It’s ancient Egyptian curses. It’s love triangles, found family, frustrated growing pains, and at the end of it all… it is a romance that transcends time and space. This is the type of story that makes your heart ache.

We’re always complaining that the slow burns aren’t slow burning enough right?…. THIS…. Is the slowest burn of them all.

If you love paranormal, ghosts, Halloween, mystery, the 80’s, and love stories… It’s time to read Grove Hollow.

[rereadqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grove Hollow Metamorphosis by Shelby Nicole McFadden

I was gifted this ebook by Shelby herself for an honest review.
I will have to say that when I saw her sharing a post about this book, I added it to my TBR right away. I haven't seen many 80s-inspired stories. If there are more 80s stories... please send them my way!

This book transported me to another world where I didn't want to leave. It truly played out like a classic 80s movie.

Aunt Ruth, what a star she is! She gives me a more sophisticated, eccentric, and Hollywood star version of the grandfather from The Lost Boys vibes with her taxidermy creatures and tales from her younger years.

I loved this book so much. The story is about a 18 year old girl Jade loosing her grandfather and moving in with her great aunt Ruth. Jade attends a prep high school and begins making friends with the misfits and catches the eye of the high school jock. If you love high-school romances, found family, murder mystery, and ghosts, this book is for you. The story is YA, but the angst and slow burn are just so good. I can't wait for book two. The ending was cruel, leaving me wanting more!

Sidenote - The cover of this book showcases stunning artwork and has unique artwork for each chapter! The love and care that went into this book truly shows. I was only a few chapters in and I knew I needed to get my own physical copy!

I also just wanted to play the songs in the background when they were mentioned in the chapters. I loved this! Thank you for taking me on this journey. I can't wait for book two and what has been uncovered 🥰

[Bianca Rose (Belladonnabooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This YA paranormal gothic romance was such a delight to read and had the most perfect vibes!
Grove Hollow oozes with small town charm and Autumn atmosphere.
It was such a beautiful coming of age tale of friendship and unexpected romance set in the 1980s which gave it a fun edge!
Who would have thought a friendship with a ghost could be so darn cute.

I fell in love with all of the characters and their stories. Even the side characters felt well fleshed out and important.

Brief synopsis - after her grandfather’s death Jade finds out she is actually part of the prestigious Whitney family and has to move to Grove Hollow where she goes to live with her eccentric aunty Ruth who is known as the town witch.
Secrets about her ancestors emerge as Jade begins striking up a friendship with a friendly ghost who has more in common with her than she initially anticipates.

Expect:
- Gothic themes.
- Paranormal romance.
- Love triangles.
- Quaint small town vibes.
- Gorgeous atmosphere.
- Found family.
- Old haunted mansions.
- Vintage vibes.
- Family secrets.

I am completely obsessed with this cover art too! Just look at it! Vintage moths oh my.

Very excited to read the next installment in the series!

Thank you so much to the author for gifting me a gorgeous finished hardcover of Hollow Grove to read and review!

[Megs: Glitter in the Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gave off all the 80s and gothic vibes, your heart could ever want. Shelby's description of the buildings were beautiful and I wish I could see them in real life.

I related a lot to Jade, when she went to a new school and had all this new attention on her.

I loved Will. He is so sweet. I just want to hug him ever.

Aubrey is a force to be reckon with. And the rest of the friend group, the Misfits. All friends would stride to live up to their hype and standards.

Aunt Ruth sounds so much fun. I wish I could be at the parties she throws.

Loved the mystery of the locket and what happned to Will. And can't wait til book 2.

[Mienreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ OH MY GOSH!!! This was Stranger Things meets Pretty in Pink meets Casper. This book is so cozy, gothic, atmospheric, and romantic. The perfect fall read!!
Jade as our fmc is really naive and makes many questionable choices. I still found her likable and was rooting for her. Our mmc Will is so charming and sweet. I love their friendship and need more of them!
Please tell me there will be a second book? Or else that ending is completely unsatisfactory. I need to see where their story continues!