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The Broken and the Beautiful
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Expected 31 Oct 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
10 days and 09:59:51
100 copies available
U.S. only
Imagine Bridgerton, but everyone’s navigating dark trauma in a gothic setting . . .
Orphaned and stripped of her inheritance, Isadora is sent to live with an aunt whose single ambition is to see her married.
With no say in the matter, Isadora is swept into a season of balls, soirées, and relentless introductions.
But Isadora's dark past leaves her feeling out of place and lonely in this glittering society, unworthy of attention from the gentlemanly Mr. Theodore Westridge.
Instead, she finds herself drawn to the eerie Harrowmoor Hall, a house that seems to hold pain akin to her own, and a mysterious painter who once lived there.
When yearning outweighs logic, everything will fall apart.
Pride and Prejudice meets The Phantom of the Opera; The Broken and the Beautiful is a binge-worthy, beautifully tragic love story.
TROPES:
Slow Burn Gothic Romance 🌶️
Whimsical FMC ✨
Healing Trauma REP ❤️
Beautiful people making questionable choices 🌹
Dark and Brooding MMC VS Golden Retriever MMC 🖤
Hot Priest 🕯️
Eerie and Suspense-filled 😱
Orphaned and stripped of her inheritance, Isadora is sent to live with an aunt whose single ambition is to see her married.
With no say in the matter, Isadora is swept into a season of balls, soirées, and relentless introductions.
But Isadora's dark past leaves her feeling out of place and lonely in this glittering society, unworthy of attention from the gentlemanly Mr. Theodore Westridge.
Instead, she finds herself drawn to the eerie Harrowmoor Hall, a house that seems to hold pain akin to her own, and a mysterious painter who once lived there.
When yearning outweighs logic, everything will fall apart.
Pride and Prejudice meets The Phantom of the Opera; The Broken and the Beautiful is a binge-worthy, beautifully tragic love story.
TROPES:
Slow Burn Gothic Romance 🌶️
Whimsical FMC ✨
Healing Trauma REP ❤️
Beautiful people making questionable choices 🌹
Dark and Brooding MMC VS Golden Retriever MMC 🖤
Hot Priest 🕯️
Eerie and Suspense-filled 😱
- GenresRomance
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 31, 2026
6 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
J. Střelou
3 books127 followersJulia Střelou (J. Střelou) is an indie fantasy romance author and poet.
She was born in Glasgow and raised in Australia on a hippie commune without electricity, where she spent her time lost in books. She now lives in beautiful Middle-earth, AKA. New Zealand.
She is a hopeless romantic and loves weaving intricate tales of tortured hearts in magical worlds.
Millions worldwide have shared her short poems about love, heartbreak, and healing. Sea of Evil and Desire is her debut novel.
She was born in Glasgow and raised in Australia on a hippie commune without electricity, where she spent her time lost in books. She now lives in beautiful Middle-earth, AKA. New Zealand.
She is a hopeless romantic and loves weaving intricate tales of tortured hearts in magical worlds.
Millions worldwide have shared her short poems about love, heartbreak, and healing. Sea of Evil and Desire is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 6, 2026
“I had touched darkness. It had marked me. Now I found myself calling for it and rejecting the light.”
First of all, I would like to thank J. Strelou for sending me an ARC of The Broken & The Beautiful.
I finished this book in three days, it was an addictive read that had me hooked on finding out what happens next. Overall, I think this book was a brilliant introduction to gothic romance, as it was quite digestible for someone who hasn't read a whole lot in that genre.
Isadora:
She was a character who I felt was very different to Strelou's past FMC's and her quiet longing and darkness was certainly felt through the pages. Her dilemma of whether to follow her heart and her brain had me routing for both at different times. She frustrated me at times, but more because of the era it was set in! I wanted her to have her love without worrying about a dowry and her extended family be affected by her choices!
Mr. Winters:
He was certainly the bad boy with a tortured past vibes. His mystery and avoidance of answering Isadora's questions both frustrated and intrigued me at the same time. What do you mean you won't dance with her?! But of course, it's all explained later in the book.
Mr. Westridge:
Golden retriever vibes through and through. He was such a good egg and I honestly just loved his character. I felt for him when Isadora was unable to decide whether to pursue her head or her heart and I was on his team the whole way through. He is such a gentleman.
This book does have some dark themes to it, and the I felt like it was touched on quite well without being too graphic and a well written healing story. The only thing I would say as constructive criticism was that the novel felt a little rushed. I really wanted to dive into the story and characters with a lot more depth and spend more time within the world.
Overall, I would recommend this book as the perfect entrance into gothic romance. It was moody and beautiful, and of course, some of the quotes are incredibly moving!
First of all, I would like to thank J. Strelou for sending me an ARC of The Broken & The Beautiful.
I finished this book in three days, it was an addictive read that had me hooked on finding out what happens next. Overall, I think this book was a brilliant introduction to gothic romance, as it was quite digestible for someone who hasn't read a whole lot in that genre.
Isadora:
She was a character who I felt was very different to Strelou's past FMC's and her quiet longing and darkness was certainly felt through the pages. Her dilemma of whether to follow her heart and her brain had me routing for both at different times. She frustrated me at times, but more because of the era it was set in! I wanted her to have her love without worrying about a dowry and her extended family be affected by her choices!
Mr. Winters:
He was certainly the bad boy with a tortured past vibes. His mystery and avoidance of answering Isadora's questions both frustrated and intrigued me at the same time. What do you mean you won't dance with her?! But of course, it's all explained later in the book.
Mr. Westridge:
Golden retriever vibes through and through. He was such a good egg and I honestly just loved his character. I felt for him when Isadora was unable to decide whether to pursue her head or her heart and I was on his team the whole way through. He is such a gentleman.
This book does have some dark themes to it, and the I felt like it was touched on quite well without being too graphic and a well written healing story. The only thing I would say as constructive criticism was that the novel felt a little rushed. I really wanted to dive into the story and characters with a lot more depth and spend more time within the world.
Overall, I would recommend this book as the perfect entrance into gothic romance. It was moody and beautiful, and of course, some of the quotes are incredibly moving!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Netgally review. Like the others, I was sucked in and read it over an evening straight. Had to sit on it a day before the review so digest it all, the prose is heartbreakingly beautiful and the story engulfs you with curiosity in the best way.
Yays 👍
- the gothic, dark aura is so well done you can feel the bleariness of it all
- the author really understands trauma and how it manifests both as madness, stillness and lifelessness. They have conveyed this insight across the book
- the part about letting go and still having a full life was wonderful because so often stories of love don't talk about what happens when we move on and have lives that are beautiful despite our wounds
- the intrigue is real and unexpected, at least I wasn't expecting it
- the writing is beautifully delivered, I saw the author is a poet and it shows
- the main characters are given enough breathing space to develop and become who they are over time
Nays 👎
This is the unpopular opinion part and to be honest there was lot that left me asking for more. If it wasn't for the writing this would be a 3.5 for me. Also spoilers ahead so stop reading now if you're not into that
Yays 👍
- the gothic, dark aura is so well done you can feel the bleariness of it all
- the author really understands trauma and how it manifests both as madness, stillness and lifelessness. They have conveyed this insight across the book
- the part about letting go and still having a full life was wonderful because so often stories of love don't talk about what happens when we move on and have lives that are beautiful despite our wounds
- the intrigue is real and unexpected, at least I wasn't expecting it
- the writing is beautifully delivered, I saw the author is a poet and it shows
- the main characters are given enough breathing space to develop and become who they are over time
Nays 👎
This is the unpopular opinion part and to be honest there was lot that left me asking for more. If it wasn't for the writing this would be a 3.5 for me. Also spoilers ahead so stop reading now if you're not into that
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
12th book of 2026
This is probably the first time a book turned me around so extremely, in a good way. (Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!)
To be honest, I was about to DNF this book - I was genuinely debating it (and I RARELY DNF a book). The first few chapters were so hard to get into, especially with the writing style, which, especially at the beginning, was particularly choppy and didn't flow so well. Characters also feel a bit superficial, though they're surprisingly memorable overall.
BUT about 1/3 into the book, I couldn't stop. I finished the book within a single sitting and found myself easily invested in the characters. Although maybe it's not the most unique story, the plot twists are so chilling and engaging. I loved the ending too; it was the PERFECT ending, balancing our main character Isadora's growth with realistic responses from supporting characters.
DIALOGUE GETS BETTER. THE WRITING GETS BETTER.
I didn't expect the story to take such a paranormal turn, but it was done so well. Even if some reveals are predictable, The Broken and the Beautiful does manage to be a fresh and memorable tale. The stakes are high, because the characters care! The whole novel is so BOLD and it's this character-driven boldness that makes the story so engaging.
This would have been a 5-star read, but I just couldn't get over the writing style at some points. I also felt like some matters were handled a bit too carelessly. The novel explores some dark themes and, again, there's just something incomplete about the way these themes are portrayed. However, the ending message is beautiful: Letting go of the ones you love. Another aspect of the novel that really took me out of it, though, was the pacing of the main romantic relationship, which verges slightly on insta-love (personally), but I also understand how the characters' backstories shape their approaches to love throughout the novel (and this was something I really liked!)
With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel (especially the last two-thirds; I COULD NOT STOP READING). As one of the few indie novels I've ever read, this definitely exceeded my expectations. Such a solid read, I would 100% recommend it to fans of the blurb :))
such a FUN book!!
started & finished may 2nd
This is probably the first time a book turned me around so extremely, in a good way. (Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!)
To be honest, I was about to DNF this book - I was genuinely debating it (and I RARELY DNF a book). The first few chapters were so hard to get into, especially with the writing style, which, especially at the beginning, was particularly choppy and didn't flow so well. Characters also feel a bit superficial, though they're surprisingly memorable overall.
BUT about 1/3 into the book, I couldn't stop. I finished the book within a single sitting and found myself easily invested in the characters. Although maybe it's not the most unique story, the plot twists are so chilling and engaging. I loved the ending too; it was the PERFECT ending, balancing our main character Isadora's growth with realistic responses from supporting characters.
DIALOGUE GETS BETTER. THE WRITING GETS BETTER.
I didn't expect the story to take such a paranormal turn, but it was done so well. Even if some reveals are predictable, The Broken and the Beautiful does manage to be a fresh and memorable tale. The stakes are high, because the characters care! The whole novel is so BOLD and it's this character-driven boldness that makes the story so engaging.
This would have been a 5-star read, but I just couldn't get over the writing style at some points. I also felt like some matters were handled a bit too carelessly. The novel explores some dark themes and, again, there's just something incomplete about the way these themes are portrayed. However, the ending message is beautiful: Letting go of the ones you love. Another aspect of the novel that really took me out of it, though, was the pacing of the main romantic relationship, which verges slightly on insta-love (personally), but I also understand how the characters' backstories shape their approaches to love throughout the novel (and this was something I really liked!)
With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel (especially the last two-thirds; I COULD NOT STOP READING). As one of the few indie novels I've ever read, this definitely exceeded my expectations. Such a solid read, I would 100% recommend it to fans of the blurb :))
such a FUN book!!
started & finished may 2nd
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love triangle, Bridgerton vibes but darker
This is hands down my favourite book I’ve read this year so far, and definitely my favourite from this author.
What I loved:
• The writing style was beautiful without feeling overdone. Sometimes descriptive writing can get so heavy that it drags the story, but this didnt happen here at all. It almost had this poetic feel to it, and the way scenes were described made everything feel vivid and slightly haunting through the FMCs perspective, while still keeping the story moving.
• The pacing was really good. I never hit that point where I felt myself wanting to skim, and I genuinely kept wanting to know what was going to happen next.
• The storyline surprised me. I get really bored with books where you can basically map out the entire plot after the first few chapters, and this one wasnt like that at all - it kept me guessing!
• The love triangle was actually painful in the best way because I genuinely did not know who I wanted her with. Usually with love triangles theres always one obvious choice, but this one had me constantly changing sides.
• The Victorian setting felt convincing and immersive. The dialogue, the atmosphere, the social details, all of it felt authentic enough that it really pulled me in. Some gothic historical novels lack the authenticity and fall a bit flat, but this one truly had me transported.
What I didnt love:
• Honestly just that it seems to be a standalone because I would absolutely read a second book. It wraps up enough that I dont think one is coming, and I already miss it!
If you like darker romance, proper love triangles, historical settings, paranormal touches that are interesting without becoming too fantasy-heavy, and a plot that keeps shifting under you, I’d definitely recommend this.
Also the spice was done really well. There was enough of it, but it never felt thrown in for the sake of it. It actually matched the emotional build and the storyline, which made it work perfectly.
And if you are a little burnt out on romantasy books where everything revolves around war, battles, training scenes and endless combat, this was such a refreshing change. The tension here comes much more from the relationships, secrets, and emotional messiness, which for me made it way more addictive!
Five stars for sure!
This is hands down my favourite book I’ve read this year so far, and definitely my favourite from this author.
What I loved:
• The writing style was beautiful without feeling overdone. Sometimes descriptive writing can get so heavy that it drags the story, but this didnt happen here at all. It almost had this poetic feel to it, and the way scenes were described made everything feel vivid and slightly haunting through the FMCs perspective, while still keeping the story moving.
• The pacing was really good. I never hit that point where I felt myself wanting to skim, and I genuinely kept wanting to know what was going to happen next.
• The storyline surprised me. I get really bored with books where you can basically map out the entire plot after the first few chapters, and this one wasnt like that at all - it kept me guessing!
• The love triangle was actually painful in the best way because I genuinely did not know who I wanted her with. Usually with love triangles theres always one obvious choice, but this one had me constantly changing sides.
• The Victorian setting felt convincing and immersive. The dialogue, the atmosphere, the social details, all of it felt authentic enough that it really pulled me in. Some gothic historical novels lack the authenticity and fall a bit flat, but this one truly had me transported.
What I didnt love:
• Honestly just that it seems to be a standalone because I would absolutely read a second book. It wraps up enough that I dont think one is coming, and I already miss it!
If you like darker romance, proper love triangles, historical settings, paranormal touches that are interesting without becoming too fantasy-heavy, and a plot that keeps shifting under you, I’d definitely recommend this.
Also the spice was done really well. There was enough of it, but it never felt thrown in for the sake of it. It actually matched the emotional build and the storyline, which made it work perfectly.
And if you are a little burnt out on romantasy books where everything revolves around war, battles, training scenes and endless combat, this was such a refreshing change. The tension here comes much more from the relationships, secrets, and emotional messiness, which for me made it way more addictive!
Five stars for sure!
Read
May 12, 2026Firstly, I would like to thank the author J. Strelou for the advance copy of her novel.
I really liked this book and I devoured it. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it, and that's immediately such a great sign. Plus, it was the perfect length and the characters manage to get the reader's affection quite quickly. The beginning is a little harder to get into and the writing and plot devices don't appear as thought out as they do going forward, but, once you get past the first chapters, it pulls you in completely and it becomes a VERY immersive read, that delivers everything it promised.
I have only one big criticism: it could have used a little more editing. The main issues, in my opinion, are two: it wasn't great on the "show, don't tell" aspect, as it is usually *told* how the reader should feel toward an event or a character, instead of such feelings being built and created through the writing—through showing us. The other issue is punctuation. The commas—mainly, but not only—are placed quite randomly at times and, more often, forgotten where they're very much needed. In some passages, it is quite difficult to ignore, and sometimes leads to misunderstandings upon first reading them.
However, I am aware that this was written by an indie author, and that it was her sister who edited this novel. Despite the issues I've mentioned, it is an incredibly impressive accomplishment, that obviously presents way more difficulties than having the book edited by an editor, so I can see why the full attention wasn't on the more grammatical, orthographic aspects.
As for the writing itself, I really loved it. I think the author has definitely found her voice, and it's a very interesting, haunting, poetic one; she just needs to perfect it over time and practice. But even now, it is incredibly intriguing, it always paints a full clear picture, it pulls you in and it flows. My attention span is very short, yet with this book, once I started reading I could never put it down.
I definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in a gothic, Pride and Prejudice-influenced version of Bridgerton!
I really liked this book and I devoured it. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it, and that's immediately such a great sign. Plus, it was the perfect length and the characters manage to get the reader's affection quite quickly. The beginning is a little harder to get into and the writing and plot devices don't appear as thought out as they do going forward, but, once you get past the first chapters, it pulls you in completely and it becomes a VERY immersive read, that delivers everything it promised.
I have only one big criticism: it could have used a little more editing. The main issues, in my opinion, are two: it wasn't great on the "show, don't tell" aspect, as it is usually *told* how the reader should feel toward an event or a character, instead of such feelings being built and created through the writing—through showing us. The other issue is punctuation. The commas—mainly, but not only—are placed quite randomly at times and, more often, forgotten where they're very much needed. In some passages, it is quite difficult to ignore, and sometimes leads to misunderstandings upon first reading them.
However, I am aware that this was written by an indie author, and that it was her sister who edited this novel. Despite the issues I've mentioned, it is an incredibly impressive accomplishment, that obviously presents way more difficulties than having the book edited by an editor, so I can see why the full attention wasn't on the more grammatical, orthographic aspects.
As for the writing itself, I really loved it. I think the author has definitely found her voice, and it's a very interesting, haunting, poetic one; she just needs to perfect it over time and practice. But even now, it is incredibly intriguing, it always paints a full clear picture, it pulls you in and it flows. My attention span is very short, yet with this book, once I started reading I could never put it down.
I definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in a gothic, Pride and Prejudice-influenced version of Bridgerton!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“For I burn for you, Miss Blackwood, with a fire that would surely consume us both.”
I need to take a breath. I’ve spent the last 30% of this book completely broken. I didn’t expect it to move me the way it has. My dog has been watching me genuinely concerned the entire time.
It’s honestly taken a piece of my heart.
We’re in a period setting, following our FMC Isadora and her cousin as they attend their first social season in search of suitors. It’s been described as Bridgerton vibes, but it leans far more towards Wuthering Heights for me with its darker themes and those unrelenting gothic moors. As one of my favourite books, no complaints from me.
With a troubled past, Isadora is drawn to the shadows of Harrowmoor Hall and to two very different men.
Both MMCs are exceptional. The wilder, intense Mr Winter, all darkness over light, had my heart completely. Then there’s Theodore, our patient, supportive sunlight ☀️
If you tend to be drawn to the dark, the intense, and the slightly unhealthy in love, this one will hit you in places that take a while to recover from.
The pacing and the writing are stunning. I haven’t had such a strong emotional reaction to a book in a long time. It’s a tragedy, with a bittersweet ending I won't forget. There's not a moment I could put it down. The twists, the pain and heartache, just absolute perfection.
I’m not sure I’d have made the same choice as our FMC. Ugh. Just read it. With tissues and a rom com lined up for afterwards.
'Do not give your heart to a painter; they are restless souls, always seeking what cannot be reached, and they will depart as easily as the wind changes.'
The discovery of the painting origin at the end. Absolutely killed me. 💔
5 stars, without question.
I’m broken, still crying, and I suspect I’ll be unwell over this for days.
Thank you to the Author for writing such a beautiful book and Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I need to take a breath. I’ve spent the last 30% of this book completely broken. I didn’t expect it to move me the way it has. My dog has been watching me genuinely concerned the entire time.
It’s honestly taken a piece of my heart.
We’re in a period setting, following our FMC Isadora and her cousin as they attend their first social season in search of suitors. It’s been described as Bridgerton vibes, but it leans far more towards Wuthering Heights for me with its darker themes and those unrelenting gothic moors. As one of my favourite books, no complaints from me.
With a troubled past, Isadora is drawn to the shadows of Harrowmoor Hall and to two very different men.
Both MMCs are exceptional. The wilder, intense Mr Winter, all darkness over light, had my heart completely. Then there’s Theodore, our patient, supportive sunlight ☀️
If you tend to be drawn to the dark, the intense, and the slightly unhealthy in love, this one will hit you in places that take a while to recover from.
The pacing and the writing are stunning. I haven’t had such a strong emotional reaction to a book in a long time. It’s a tragedy, with a bittersweet ending I won't forget. There's not a moment I could put it down. The twists, the pain and heartache, just absolute perfection.
I’m not sure I’d have made the same choice as our FMC. Ugh. Just read it. With tissues and a rom com lined up for afterwards.
'Do not give your heart to a painter; they are restless souls, always seeking what cannot be reached, and they will depart as easily as the wind changes.'
The discovery of the painting origin at the end. Absolutely killed me. 💔
5 stars, without question.
I’m broken, still crying, and I suspect I’ll be unwell over this for days.
Thank you to the Author for writing such a beautiful book and Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this advance reader copy.
I had fairly mixed feelings about this book; I would rate it 2.5/5 because I felt very 50/50 about it. I actually enjoyed the first half much more than the second half; I really liked the Regency-era setting, the gothic atmosphere and the relationship between Isadora and Arabella. The mystery surrounding Mr Winters was intriguing at first, and I enjoyed trying to piece together who he really was.
However, after more revelations came to light and the progression of the main romance, the story lost me a little. I could appreciate the emotional connection between the characters at first, especially the way they helped each other through loneliness and emotional hardship. However, as the main relationship deepened, I found aspects of it a little problematic and unsettling, and I think readers who enjoy darker gothic romance and supernatural elements will probably connect with this more than I did.
I was also far more invested in Theodore than I expected to be. It felt like the story wanted me to root for Mr Winters, but I was rooting for Theodore instead, which made some of Isadora’s choices frustrating. Although I was happy with Isadora’s ending, I couldn’t help but feel that Theodore deserved better.
I think this book has a very specific audience, and I can see fans of gothic romances enjoying it more than I did. For me, it ended up being an interesting concept that didn’t fully work for me personally, despite a strong start and an atmosphere I really enjoyed. Overall, I’d describe it as Bridgerton meets Wuthering Heights with a touch of The Phantom of the Opera.
I had fairly mixed feelings about this book; I would rate it 2.5/5 because I felt very 50/50 about it. I actually enjoyed the first half much more than the second half; I really liked the Regency-era setting, the gothic atmosphere and the relationship between Isadora and Arabella. The mystery surrounding Mr Winters was intriguing at first, and I enjoyed trying to piece together who he really was.
However, after more revelations came to light and the progression of the main romance, the story lost me a little. I could appreciate the emotional connection between the characters at first, especially the way they helped each other through loneliness and emotional hardship. However, as the main relationship deepened, I found aspects of it a little problematic and unsettling, and I think readers who enjoy darker gothic romance and supernatural elements will probably connect with this more than I did.
I was also far more invested in Theodore than I expected to be. It felt like the story wanted me to root for Mr Winters, but I was rooting for Theodore instead, which made some of Isadora’s choices frustrating. Although I was happy with Isadora’s ending, I couldn’t help but feel that Theodore deserved better.
I think this book has a very specific audience, and I can see fans of gothic romances enjoying it more than I did. For me, it ended up being an interesting concept that didn’t fully work for me personally, despite a strong start and an atmosphere I really enjoyed. Overall, I’d describe it as Bridgerton meets Wuthering Heights with a touch of The Phantom of the Opera.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Absolutely loved The Broken and Beautiful! I devoured it in one day and was still reading into the early hours because I couldn’t put it down and who needs sleep when you need to know how it ends and are completely hooked! It had me at Bridgerton meets Phantom of the Opera!
I related to Isadora so much, and her journey felt so raw, emotional and beautifully written. The love triangle had me completely invested and I adored the paranormal elements woven through the story. It was the perfect mix of heartbreak, mystery, romance and magic. Such a beautiful read that I am still thinking about and will definately reread and get a physical trophy when out.
Tropes/For those who love:
Paranormal romance
love triangles
emotionally damaged / complex characters
“broken girl” healing journeys
mystery and supernatural secrets
dark academia / gothic vibes
found family and deep emotional bonds
slow-burn tension
haunting small-town atmosphere
emotional angst with romance woven through it
It’s perfect for readers who love emotional paranormal romance with a strong female lead they can deeply relate to. If you enjoy stories with messy feelings, yearning, supernatural twists, and a touch of darkness and beauty intertwined, this book really hits. It especially suits readers who love books that feel immersive and addictive enough to stay up way too late finishing “just one more chapter.” Thanks so much for the e-arc and for the author for writing it!
I related to Isadora so much, and her journey felt so raw, emotional and beautifully written. The love triangle had me completely invested and I adored the paranormal elements woven through the story. It was the perfect mix of heartbreak, mystery, romance and magic. Such a beautiful read that I am still thinking about and will definately reread and get a physical trophy when out.
Tropes/For those who love:
Paranormal romance
love triangles
emotionally damaged / complex characters
“broken girl” healing journeys
mystery and supernatural secrets
dark academia / gothic vibes
found family and deep emotional bonds
slow-burn tension
haunting small-town atmosphere
emotional angst with romance woven through it
It’s perfect for readers who love emotional paranormal romance with a strong female lead they can deeply relate to. If you enjoy stories with messy feelings, yearning, supernatural twists, and a touch of darkness and beauty intertwined, this book really hits. It especially suits readers who love books that feel immersive and addictive enough to stay up way too late finishing “just one more chapter.” Thanks so much for the e-arc and for the author for writing it!
May 7, 2026
⋆.𐙚 5/5 (five stars cannot describe how good this was)
▹ slow burn gothic romance
▹ only love triangle I accept
▹ yearning fmc
▹ ”fuck” moment
I appreciate honesty, so I will be completely honest with you:
WHAT A MASTERPIECE. A true piece of art. It touched my heart, completely destroyed me and somehow fixed me back together and in the end let me spill out all of my feelings.
It has been a long time since I have read a book filled with so much emotion and such an interesting plot. I couldn’t stop reading, and I also never knew what was going to happen on the next page.
The use of words felt like art. I especially loved the use of metaphors and stylistic devices used throughout the story to convey so many emotions so wonderfully.
This book was neither too short nor too long, the pacing felt just right. It gave enough time to let me get a feeling for the characters and connect with them. Really well done.
› ”You are the sun and yet also the moon. My day starts and ends with your reminder.” ‹
I feel genuinely blessed to have found this book (or better this book found me) and I insist that this is a must-read!
Thank you so much!
(Review of advance copy received from NetGalley)
▹ slow burn gothic romance
▹ only love triangle I accept
▹ yearning fmc
▹ ”fuck” moment
I appreciate honesty, so I will be completely honest with you:
WHAT A MASTERPIECE. A true piece of art. It touched my heart, completely destroyed me and somehow fixed me back together and in the end let me spill out all of my feelings.
It has been a long time since I have read a book filled with so much emotion and such an interesting plot. I couldn’t stop reading, and I also never knew what was going to happen on the next page.
The use of words felt like art. I especially loved the use of metaphors and stylistic devices used throughout the story to convey so many emotions so wonderfully.
This book was neither too short nor too long, the pacing felt just right. It gave enough time to let me get a feeling for the characters and connect with them. Really well done.
› ”You are the sun and yet also the moon. My day starts and ends with your reminder.” ‹
I feel genuinely blessed to have found this book (or better this book found me) and I insist that this is a must-read!
Thank you so much!
(Review of advance copy received from NetGalley)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You should have seen my face when I heard this author was doing a gothic romance that was Phantom of the Opera meets Pride and Prejudice! Eeeek!!! I loved the setting - the atmospheric regency setting, but also the spooky house that felt like a character in its own right.
The angst! drama! The tragic backstories! I loved the MC and the prose was gorgeous as always, and really shone with this historical lens. I would love it if this author wrote more books with historical settings, but I'll read whatever she writes.
A few things that surprised me:
I think some plot choices might be polarizing, and while they mainly worked for me, I think some readers might feel a bit betrayed, especially by the ending. Also I did feel like it was more Crimson Peak meets Pride and Prejudice than Phantom, and it will be interesting to see how readers react if the paranormal aspects of this book aren't highlighted in the marketing. I had no idea this book had ghosts until I was a good portion into it!
Anyway, I really liked it, and I can't wait for Strelou's next book! This one, like all her books, is perfect for fans of Keri Lake.
The angst! drama! The tragic backstories! I loved the MC and the prose was gorgeous as always, and really shone with this historical lens. I would love it if this author wrote more books with historical settings, but I'll read whatever she writes.
A few things that surprised me:
I think some plot choices might be polarizing, and while they mainly worked for me, I think some readers might feel a bit betrayed, especially by the ending. Also I did feel like it was more Crimson Peak meets Pride and Prejudice than Phantom, and it will be interesting to see how readers react if the paranormal aspects of this book aren't highlighted in the marketing. I had no idea this book had ghosts until I was a good portion into it!
Anyway, I really liked it, and I can't wait for Strelou's next book! This one, like all her books, is perfect for fans of Keri Lake.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Review ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
★★★★★
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND J STŘELOU!
🖤🌹🕯️✨🐦⬛
You know how sometimes you’re in the mood for a classic but you just don’t have the brainpower to decode all the olde English and dense writing? If you agree then this is exactly what you pick up instead. It has all the charm and atmosphere of a classic.
It really captures that timeless, almost nostalgic feel without making you work for every sentence. The writing flows beautifully, the story pulls you in, and it just feels effortless in a way that a lot of classics don’t.
Truly so beautiful. This is just another testament to Julia’s talent and range as an author. I’m genuinely blown away by this one, and I think it’s the kind of book that could appeal to a lot of readers. Definitely worth picking up.
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Quotes ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
“ɪꜰ ᴀʀᴄʜɪʙᴀʟᴅ ᴅ'ᴀʟᴘꜱ' ᴘᴀɪɴᴛɪɴɢꜱ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʀᴇꜰʟᴇᴄᴛ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴅᴇᴇᴘ ᴘᴀɪɴ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴜʀɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ'ꜱ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛʏ, ꜱᴏ ᴛᴏᴏ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪ ᴀʟʟᴏᴡ ᴍʏꜱᴇʟꜰ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ.”
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Review ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
★★★★★
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND J STŘELOU!
🖤🌹🕯️✨🐦⬛
You know how sometimes you’re in the mood for a classic but you just don’t have the brainpower to decode all the olde English and dense writing? If you agree then this is exactly what you pick up instead. It has all the charm and atmosphere of a classic.
It really captures that timeless, almost nostalgic feel without making you work for every sentence. The writing flows beautifully, the story pulls you in, and it just feels effortless in a way that a lot of classics don’t.
Truly so beautiful. This is just another testament to Julia’s talent and range as an author. I’m genuinely blown away by this one, and I think it’s the kind of book that could appeal to a lot of readers. Definitely worth picking up.
✦⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆✦
✧｡･ﾟﾟ･☾ Quotes ☾･ﾟﾟ･｡✧
“ɪꜰ ᴀʀᴄʜɪʙᴀʟᴅ ᴅ'ᴀʟᴘꜱ' ᴘᴀɪɴᴛɪɴɢꜱ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ʀᴇꜰʟᴇᴄᴛ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ᴅᴇᴇᴘ ᴘᴀɪɴ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ᴄᴀᴘᴛᴜʀɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ'ꜱ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛʏ, ꜱᴏ ᴛᴏᴏ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ɪ ᴀʟʟᴏᴡ ᴍʏꜱᴇʟꜰ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ.”
May 8, 2026
This book was absolutely beautiful and brilliant! I wish I could give it 6 stars.
This book spoke to my soul! Truly. I felt seen in a way I can’t begin to put into words. I loved the characters. I want to do a re read of it asap! The love story was delicious and the spice was perfect. I really adored everything about it!
I thought the atmosphere the author created was so stunning. The moors, the mist, the dark tortured artist. I felt absolutely addicted to the whole experience of reading it - in the best way! It’s a wonderfully written story. Heartfelt, moody and emotional. I think that honestly it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I can’t wait to own a copy for my book shelf! Thank you allowing me to read it early.
This book spoke to my soul! Truly. I felt seen in a way I can’t begin to put into words. I loved the characters. I want to do a re read of it asap! The love story was delicious and the spice was perfect. I really adored everything about it!
I thought the atmosphere the author created was so stunning. The moors, the mist, the dark tortured artist. I felt absolutely addicted to the whole experience of reading it - in the best way! It’s a wonderfully written story. Heartfelt, moody and emotional. I think that honestly it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I can’t wait to own a copy for my book shelf! Thank you allowing me to read it early.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Sadly, however, this book just didn’t quite do it for me.
We started off with a strong premise and some great foundations, but then it felt like we hit one note and stayed there.
The first 50% was very slow and shallow in terms of character depth. I could see what the author was trying to convey, but I don’t know. It felt surface level.
So when the plot did pick up, I just wasn’t able to connect with the relationships in the way the audience is supposed to.
(Also, I know the book hasn’t claimed to be a true historic fiction piece but the historical inaccuracies and inconsistencies were a bit of an annoyance)
Sadly, however, this book just didn’t quite do it for me.
We started off with a strong premise and some great foundations, but then it felt like we hit one note and stayed there.
The first 50% was very slow and shallow in terms of character depth. I could see what the author was trying to convey, but I don’t know. It felt surface level.
So when the plot did pick up, I just wasn’t able to connect with the relationships in the way the audience is supposed to.
(Also, I know the book hasn’t claimed to be a true historic fiction piece but the historical inaccuracies and inconsistencies were a bit of an annoyance)
May 7, 2026
Julia has done it again! This was poetically beautiful. It was haunting in atmosphere and emotions, I was in tears throughout the story. The strength of both Issy and Arabella, despite their trauma, was stunning. Their trauma didn’t define them but their strength and determination did. This was a story of love and loss, of heartbreak and new beginnings. The words flowed like a poem and the setting was gothic and beautiful and I was drawn in completely. Thank you Julia for allowing me to once again be a part of your ARC team.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Absolutely devoured this! This book caught my eye a while ago with the mention of Bridgerton, Pride and Prejudice and the Phantom of the Opera vibes…. Like are you kidding me!!! Loved that it was completely different to anything I have read before and that plot twist was something else. Also loved the gothic imagery crossed with Victorian times. Would definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
Bridgerton meets dark gothy romance? Sign everyone up for this immediately!
I smashed this book so fast. Very easy to read. Beautiful prose and the plot line was intriguing.
"Miss Blackwood, what have I done?" 😩 How dare you give us a fabulous kiss and then rip it way almost immediately 😂
Bridgerton meets dark gothy romance? Sign everyone up for this immediately!
I smashed this book so fast. Very easy to read. Beautiful prose and the plot line was intriguing.
"Miss Blackwood, what have I done?" 😩 How dare you give us a fabulous kiss and then rip it way almost immediately 😂
May 11, 2026
ARC received on NetGalley.
3.5 stars / I appreciated the bridgerton era aspect of this book but the paranormal aspect felt thrown in and not developed enough. Like if she can see ghosts I expected more outside of just her relationship. It almost got there but didn’t. It was entertaining and I’m very glad with the way it ended though!
3.5 stars / I appreciated the bridgerton era aspect of this book but the paranormal aspect felt thrown in and not developed enough. Like if she can see ghosts I expected more outside of just her relationship. It almost got there but didn’t. It was entertaining and I’m very glad with the way it ended though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book goes out to everyone who’s ever been broken. Everything is going to work out for you; you’ll see . . .
As ARCs make their way into the world for The Broken and the Beautiful, I want to take a moment to thank you for taking a chance on my work. I feel like I broke off a little piece of my soul to create this book. So I cannot thank you enough for reading.
I hope you enjoy 🖤
As ARCs make their way into the world for The Broken and the Beautiful, I want to take a moment to thank you for taking a chance on my work. I feel like I broke off a little piece of my soul to create this book. So I cannot thank you enough for reading.
I hope you enjoy 🖤
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews