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Bloodworth and Grave
A dark Romeo and Juliet retelling set in a Victorian era Fantasy world.
Finding your mate is supposed to be a blessing from the stars. In our case, it was a curse.
Because we didn't find each other through love letters and stolen glances. Our mate bond was sealed seconds before the leader of a rival family meant to kill me, intertwining our fates forever.
How can I love the man that tortured me? How can I see him as anything other than my nightmare?
Only the stars know what our destiny holds.
And only I know that our story resembles that of the two ghosts who have been showing me their tragic love story.
Will ours end the same way?
For fans of enemies to lovers, fated mates, gothic romance, and deeply emotional themes.
This book does contain explicit content. Please check the content warnings.
Finding your mate is supposed to be a blessing from the stars. In our case, it was a curse.
Because we didn't find each other through love letters and stolen glances. Our mate bond was sealed seconds before the leader of a rival family meant to kill me, intertwining our fates forever.
How can I love the man that tortured me? How can I see him as anything other than my nightmare?
Only the stars know what our destiny holds.
And only I know that our story resembles that of the two ghosts who have been showing me their tragic love story.
Will ours end the same way?
For fans of enemies to lovers, fated mates, gothic romance, and deeply emotional themes.
This book does contain explicit content. Please check the content warnings.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
August 2, 2026
Sorry, I tried.
Him torturing her and almost killing her. Then finding out they are mates. Then they are suddenly so in love.
Nope. Thank you.
Him torturing her and almost killing her. Then finding out they are mates. Then they are suddenly so in love.
Nope. Thank you.
August 4, 2026
3⭐️ This was a solid book but I wanted to feel the yearning and forbidden love which I did not.
July 30, 2026
3.75⭐️ he literally captures and tortures her and right before he kills her their mate bond snaps into place.
Ngl I was scared that it was a Romeo and Juliet retelling but I really like the little twist on it. I overall enjoyed the story and the characters but I think because I was worried about them I didn’t allow myself to get emotionally attached to them.
The romance and fantasy elements were good but I actually loved the mystery plot and rival families plot more. If I had a stronger connection to the characters it def would have gotten a higher rating but still had fun!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
Ngl I was scared that it was a Romeo and Juliet retelling but I really like the little twist on it. I overall enjoyed the story and the characters but I think because I was worried about them I didn’t allow myself to get emotionally attached to them.
The romance and fantasy elements were good but I actually loved the mystery plot and rival families plot more. If I had a stronger connection to the characters it def would have gotten a higher rating but still had fun!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!
May 7, 2026
Bloodworth and Grave completely consumed me from start to finish. 🌙🖤
This story feels like wandering through a candlelit Victorian dream with blood on the lace gloves and fate stitched into every aspect. The almost gothic like atmosphere is beautiful without becoming heavy, and the magical elements add this almost ethereal feeling that wraps around the destruction and romance perfectly.
The mate bond everyone aches for in this world, hurts in the best way. Watching love and trauma collide between each other had me emotionally committed each and every chapter. The romance absolutely takes center stage, but the desire to right wrongs, have freedom and future, destroy enemies, the family tension, and the haunting ghostly parallels underneath it all give the story so much depth.
It’s emotional, intimate, tragic, hopeful, and painfully addictive all at once.
If you love enemies to lovers, fated mates, Victorian/gothic like fantasy, tortured romance, and stories that feel both delicate and empowering, this one deserves a spot on your radar immediately.
June 2nd can’t come fast enough, I NEED a shelf trophy of this beauty.
This story feels like wandering through a candlelit Victorian dream with blood on the lace gloves and fate stitched into every aspect. The almost gothic like atmosphere is beautiful without becoming heavy, and the magical elements add this almost ethereal feeling that wraps around the destruction and romance perfectly.
The mate bond everyone aches for in this world, hurts in the best way. Watching love and trauma collide between each other had me emotionally committed each and every chapter. The romance absolutely takes center stage, but the desire to right wrongs, have freedom and future, destroy enemies, the family tension, and the haunting ghostly parallels underneath it all give the story so much depth.
It’s emotional, intimate, tragic, hopeful, and painfully addictive all at once.
If you love enemies to lovers, fated mates, Victorian/gothic like fantasy, tortured romance, and stories that feel both delicate and empowering, this one deserves a spot on your radar immediately.
June 2nd can’t come fast enough, I NEED a shelf trophy of this beauty.
June 28, 2026
If you’re going to write a “dark” book, romance or not, do it correctly.
While the plot line of the book seemed so interesting, the writing just completely ruined it. It’s all very surface level, and the handling of the themes and the characters was truly disappointing.
While the plot line of the book seemed so interesting, the writing just completely ruined it. It’s all very surface level, and the handling of the themes and the characters was truly disappointing.
July 6, 2026
3.75/4 ⭐️
First off… for this to be a DEBUT fantasy novel????? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she already had a few under her belt.
Standalone fantasy is extremely hard to do imo and Marisa did such a good job. The book felt fast-paced, good plot to romance ratio, and we got just enough explaining of the world & magic. With her only having so much time, I can understand the time jumps a little more than if this was a duet, trilogy, etc.
The plot really picked up in the second half. I was enjoying the addition of the side characters. Eden had me the most intrigued because she was giving us little crumbs of the things Eden knew & leading on but not the whole story.
My one “gripe” would be missing seeing the MMC battle with the mate bond. They have grown up hating each other (or more so their families) and I think it would’ve be interesting to see him almost try to reject his feelings towards her and see a little tension between the two.
Overall, really enjoyed her writing & can’t wait to see what else she blesses us with 🫶🏼
First off… for this to be a DEBUT fantasy novel????? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she already had a few under her belt.
Standalone fantasy is extremely hard to do imo and Marisa did such a good job. The book felt fast-paced, good plot to romance ratio, and we got just enough explaining of the world & magic. With her only having so much time, I can understand the time jumps a little more than if this was a duet, trilogy, etc.
The plot really picked up in the second half. I was enjoying the addition of the side characters. Eden had me the most intrigued because she was giving us little crumbs of the things Eden knew & leading on but not the whole story.
My one “gripe” would be missing seeing the MMC battle with the mate bond. They have grown up hating each other (or more so their families) and I think it would’ve be interesting to see him almost try to reject his feelings towards her and see a little tension between the two.
Overall, really enjoyed her writing & can’t wait to see what else she blesses us with 🫶🏼
May 13, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author.
‘I don’t regret any of it.’
This is a story of tragedy, pain, grief, depression, love. There are heavy themes in this books. The author did not hold back, I felt the pain and anguish deeply.
This is enemies to lovers and fated mates done flawlessly. Hawkins is no doubt the villain in part one, he is ruthless. I despised what he did to Romy. She was strong, fearless, she endured. And for what? She protected her family, for what? That was a tragedy I was not expecting.
Throughout part two, we see a different side of both MCs. Romy is struggling with depression, grief, feeling worthless, finally broken. Hawkins is redeemed, it’s a tad unbelievable how we can fall for the villain from part one.
The layered love stories were both beautiful and tragic. The retelling of Romeo and Juliette was gut wrenching. It has been a while since a book has had me sobbing.
This book was easy to read, I felt myself fall into the story right away. The spice was perfection.
‘I don’t regret any of it.’
This is a story of tragedy, pain, grief, depression, love. There are heavy themes in this books. The author did not hold back, I felt the pain and anguish deeply.
This is enemies to lovers and fated mates done flawlessly. Hawkins is no doubt the villain in part one, he is ruthless. I despised what he did to Romy. She was strong, fearless, she endured. And for what? She protected her family, for what? That was a tragedy I was not expecting.
Throughout part two, we see a different side of both MCs. Romy is struggling with depression, grief, feeling worthless, finally broken. Hawkins is redeemed, it’s a tad unbelievable how we can fall for the villain from part one.
The layered love stories were both beautiful and tragic. The retelling of Romeo and Juliette was gut wrenching. It has been a while since a book has had me sobbing.
This book was easy to read, I felt myself fall into the story right away. The spice was perfection.
August 2, 2026
Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 2.5/5
Cliffhanger: No
Noteworthy: This book is a true standalone. Dual first-person POV. Content warnings provided.
Romeo and Juliet meets Harry Potter with a generational curse thrown in. I was absolutely sat for the first 25% ish of this book. The two main characters are from rival clans. One clan steals from the other but something goes wrong and the FMC is captured by the MMC. He proceeds to spend months physically and mentally torturing her for information only to find out they are mates seconds before the killing strike. This whole sequence had me on the edge and really uncomfortable. But I struggled a bit in the aftermath because I couldn't make myself believe that she could really forgive him. I'm not saying the book does a bad job with the groveling because it didn't. It's just I'm not sure there is enough groveling in the world to earn trust between the two. The sad part is that Hawkins is a really great mate. He's patient and caring when trying to help Romy heal from what he did to her. But it's just a lot.
The aspect of the curse and subsequent mystery is interesting enough but it dragged out way too long and got boring for how predictable it was. By the end I found myself skimming to get to the last 10%.
There are several errors that stick out so I think an additional edit would be good.
⭐️ 3/5
🌶 2.5/5
Cliffhanger: No
Noteworthy: This book is a true standalone. Dual first-person POV. Content warnings provided.
Romeo and Juliet meets Harry Potter with a generational curse thrown in. I was absolutely sat for the first 25% ish of this book. The two main characters are from rival clans. One clan steals from the other but something goes wrong and the FMC is captured by the MMC. He proceeds to spend months physically and mentally torturing her for information only to find out they are mates seconds before the killing strike. This whole sequence had me on the edge and really uncomfortable. But I struggled a bit in the aftermath because I couldn't make myself believe that she could really forgive him. I'm not saying the book does a bad job with the groveling because it didn't. It's just I'm not sure there is enough groveling in the world to earn trust between the two. The sad part is that Hawkins is a really great mate. He's patient and caring when trying to help Romy heal from what he did to her. But it's just a lot.
The aspect of the curse and subsequent mystery is interesting enough but it dragged out way too long and got boring for how predictable it was. By the end I found myself skimming to get to the last 10%.
There are several errors that stick out so I think an additional edit would be good.
May 1, 2026
Review from an ARC reader.
First off I would like to thank Marisa for letting me be apart of the Arc team to read her latest book!
This book had me wrenching my hands in my cardigan, kicking my feet and the twisty twists really got me. I thought I had it all figured out then curve ball!
Bloodworth and Grave is a dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in a gothic setting with two rival families of hatred for one another that goes back centuries involving magic until..
Romy Bloodworth our FMC gets captured during a mission by none other than our MMC Hawkins Grave. I hated him at first during Part 1 but then I started to love him. During her capture.. he tortured her forcing her to break but she wouldn’t no matter what. I commend her resilience and bravery. She thought she had the last laugh knowing he’s never been kissed..
I wasn’t expecting a mating bond to snap into place.. just as Romy was on the brink of death after the torture she endured, and then we see a completely different side to Hawkins, the despair and the guilt he feels.
“What happens when you are the one nearly to end your mates life?”
With the mating bond pulling them both together in Part 2 they discover the secrets of her Clan and unify to stop her Brother from the real business dealings he’s been doing.
Lots of betrayal and lies that lead to their ancestors of the past mating bond from their Families. I devoured this section of the book..
Rhodes Bloodworth and Monette Graves. I absolutely loved their story and how Romy and Hawkins honoured them.
I’ve always been a true believer of love at first sight and fated mates. I’m so happy I found mine!
For all the dreamers, and the ones who believe love is real.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good Enemies to lovers, magic, secrets, betrayal and touch and die vibes!
Thankyou, Marisa
I will read this again and again.
May the Stars be with you!
First off I would like to thank Marisa for letting me be apart of the Arc team to read her latest book!
This book had me wrenching my hands in my cardigan, kicking my feet and the twisty twists really got me. I thought I had it all figured out then curve ball!
Bloodworth and Grave is a dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in a gothic setting with two rival families of hatred for one another that goes back centuries involving magic until..
Romy Bloodworth our FMC gets captured during a mission by none other than our MMC Hawkins Grave. I hated him at first during Part 1 but then I started to love him. During her capture.. he tortured her forcing her to break but she wouldn’t no matter what. I commend her resilience and bravery. She thought she had the last laugh knowing he’s never been kissed..
I wasn’t expecting a mating bond to snap into place.. just as Romy was on the brink of death after the torture she endured, and then we see a completely different side to Hawkins, the despair and the guilt he feels.
“What happens when you are the one nearly to end your mates life?”
With the mating bond pulling them both together in Part 2 they discover the secrets of her Clan and unify to stop her Brother from the real business dealings he’s been doing.
Lots of betrayal and lies that lead to their ancestors of the past mating bond from their Families. I devoured this section of the book..
Rhodes Bloodworth and Monette Graves. I absolutely loved their story and how Romy and Hawkins honoured them.
I’ve always been a true believer of love at first sight and fated mates. I’m so happy I found mine!
For all the dreamers, and the ones who believe love is real.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good Enemies to lovers, magic, secrets, betrayal and touch and die vibes!
Thankyou, Marisa
I will read this again and again.
May the Stars be with you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2026
DNF at 58% - I loved the concept of this book but the execution was horrendous.
June 12, 2026
I was completely obsessed with Bloodworth and Grave from the very first few chapters, and somehow it only got better and better as the story unfolded.
This delivered everything I want in a true enemies to lovers romance! Real enemies who gradually built a deep love filled with passion, teamwork, trust, and plenty of laughter along the way. Marisa deserves all the brownie points for packing so many of my favorite tropes into one book.
The chemistry was incredible, the romance had me swooning, the MMC had me absolutely feral, and the storyline kept me fully invested from page one to the very end. Every twist, every emotional moment, and every interaction between the characters had me wanting more.
If you’re looking for a book with addictive romance, fantastic tension, and a story that refuses to let you put it down, this one is a must-read.
This delivered everything I want in a true enemies to lovers romance! Real enemies who gradually built a deep love filled with passion, teamwork, trust, and plenty of laughter along the way. Marisa deserves all the brownie points for packing so many of my favorite tropes into one book.
The chemistry was incredible, the romance had me swooning, the MMC had me absolutely feral, and the storyline kept me fully invested from page one to the very end. Every twist, every emotional moment, and every interaction between the characters had me wanting more.
If you’re looking for a book with addictive romance, fantastic tension, and a story that refuses to let you put it down, this one is a must-read.
July 9, 2026
I barely made it through. I was reading just dialogue last 25% writing wasn’t great, repetitive writing. The plot was weak but had such hope giving it’s a Romeo and Juliet retelling. There was the ending scene where all is good and it’s supposed to be this beautiful moment and the MMC just ruined it with his horniness for the fmc. Just not good .
May 16, 2026
Enemies to lovers
Fated mates
Rival families
Morally grey obsessive MMC
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Shooooo. I was really scared going into this one! I’d never dove into the world of fantasy/ dark romantasy/ gothic romance but I knew I wanted to read Marisa Haartz.
Honestly, it did take me a bit to get into it but I think that’s just because it was a new to me genre. Once I got into it I couldn’t put it down! I love the story of Romy and Hawkins. I enjoyed how the story bounced around but it never felt like anything was missing. How it gave us all of the dark and moody elements but really bright spots of joy also. And I really loved that it perfectly showed us how even the biggest of enemies can come to work together when it’s for the right cause and at the end, love conquers all.
Fated mates
Rival families
Morally grey obsessive MMC
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Shooooo. I was really scared going into this one! I’d never dove into the world of fantasy/ dark romantasy/ gothic romance but I knew I wanted to read Marisa Haartz.
Honestly, it did take me a bit to get into it but I think that’s just because it was a new to me genre. Once I got into it I couldn’t put it down! I love the story of Romy and Hawkins. I enjoyed how the story bounced around but it never felt like anything was missing. How it gave us all of the dark and moody elements but really bright spots of joy also. And I really loved that it perfectly showed us how even the biggest of enemies can come to work together when it’s for the right cause and at the end, love conquers all.
June 12, 2026
3.5 stars. This had an interesting premise, but the execution didn't quite work for me.
There was nothing overly bad or terrible about this book at all, in fact I quite enjoyed the writing. For me, the transition between the torture and the fated mates/falling in love portion did't really work. I think it happened too quickly. And to be honest, I'm not convinced the MMC should have been forgiven. I applaud the author for really trying to make the characters transitions from enemies to lovers in such a fraught situation, but I just didn't really buy it. I think some of this stems from the book being a standalone. There is just too much torture to have a realistic timeline. Also, the FMC kind of lost her personality a little in part 2, she wasn't angry enough. And the MMC's personality just completely changed. Again, I think this story just needed more time to for character growth and development.
This story needed way more world building. We are dropped into a super interesting world, but learn almost nothing about it, even though the set up of the world they live in is central to the whole plot. This book probably needed another 100 pages, or a more complex storyline to take it into a duology.
There was nothing overly bad or terrible about this book at all, in fact I quite enjoyed the writing. For me, the transition between the torture and the fated mates/falling in love portion did't really work. I think it happened too quickly. And to be honest, I'm not convinced the MMC should have been forgiven. I applaud the author for really trying to make the characters transitions from enemies to lovers in such a fraught situation, but I just didn't really buy it. I think some of this stems from the book being a standalone. There is just too much torture to have a realistic timeline. Also, the FMC kind of lost her personality a little in part 2, she wasn't angry enough. And the MMC's personality just completely changed. Again, I think this story just needed more time to for character growth and development.
This story needed way more world building. We are dropped into a super interesting world, but learn almost nothing about it, even though the set up of the world they live in is central to the whole plot. This book probably needed another 100 pages, or a more complex storyline to take it into a duology.
August 3, 2026
i don’t like how the whole fated mates thing was done in this book. it’s basically described as a driving force that makes them want to be together and fall in love, which makes it all so much less authentic. they’re basically coerced into being together. in all other mate bonds in fiction (at least that i’ve read) the bond tells you who your perfect mate is but you have to want to put in the work to fall in love and be together, it doesn’t MAKE you do it. so even if the bond didn’t exist, they would eventually fall in love and be together. it’s not like that here and i really dislike it.
cuz of how the way mates work, things move unnaturally. after MONTHS of torture, i wanted her to be traumatized, mentally distressed and completely fearful of him. the only sign of trauma is a few nightmares and she’s kinda skinny for awhile, and that doesn’t last long. even when she tried to off herself, it’s so that HE doesn’t have to deal with HER. not cuz she can’t bare a life with her tormenter. it’s just so backwards.
the convo with his mom was also one of the most infuriating things i’ve ever read in my life. “mmm idk if you deserve him. it just seems like you can’t get over things” bitch WHAT. he tortured her for months and you want her to bend over for him cuz he said ‘oops sorry my bad’ ??? don’t get me started on the moms reaction to her trying to kill herself. it was baffling.
it was at the point i gave up and stopped reading. it was worthless by that point.
she’s way too accepting of the situation too soon. there needed to be so much more push from her and complete terror whenever she saw him. there really was no trauma response at all which is ridiculous.
it just didn’t deliver when it came to the point right after they were bonded and that’s kinda the point of the story. the way they build something from such a traumatic time for her and move past it.
there was potential, it just flopped.
cuz of how the way mates work, things move unnaturally. after MONTHS of torture, i wanted her to be traumatized, mentally distressed and completely fearful of him. the only sign of trauma is a few nightmares and she’s kinda skinny for awhile, and that doesn’t last long. even when she tried to off herself, it’s so that HE doesn’t have to deal with HER. not cuz she can’t bare a life with her tormenter. it’s just so backwards.
the convo with his mom was also one of the most infuriating things i’ve ever read in my life. “mmm idk if you deserve him. it just seems like you can’t get over things” bitch WHAT. he tortured her for months and you want her to bend over for him cuz he said ‘oops sorry my bad’ ??? don’t get me started on the moms reaction to her trying to kill herself. it was baffling.
it was at the point i gave up and stopped reading. it was worthless by that point.
she’s way too accepting of the situation too soon. there needed to be so much more push from her and complete terror whenever she saw him. there really was no trauma response at all which is ridiculous.
it just didn’t deliver when it came to the point right after they were bonded and that’s kinda the point of the story. the way they build something from such a traumatic time for her and move past it.
there was potential, it just flopped.
August 4, 2026
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL — This story encompassed all of the things I love in a dark romantasy story!!
Fated mates, a true enemies-to-lovers romance, an action-packed plot, delicious banter, and quite literally some of the most poetic writing I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
Hawkins and Romy defied all odds, eradicated a 400 year old curse, and proved that true love can really conquer all.
This was such a unique take on a Romeo and Juliet retelling. I absolutely loved every second that I was immersed into this world and I only wish there was more of their journey to come.
Fated mates, a true enemies-to-lovers romance, an action-packed plot, delicious banter, and quite literally some of the most poetic writing I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
Hawkins and Romy defied all odds, eradicated a 400 year old curse, and proved that true love can really conquer all.
This was such a unique take on a Romeo and Juliet retelling. I absolutely loved every second that I was immersed into this world and I only wish there was more of their journey to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2026
ARC review in progress
July 31, 2026
I really try to give authors grace, okay, especially indie authors. Also, I rarely give books low ratings. But this was genuinely bad. I found the mmc irredeemable. I wanted to love this, but I am utterly disappointed. I couldn't care about a single character.
August 1, 2026
I’ve seen instant noodles take longer to develop than this romance. The biggest fantasy element in this book wasn’t the magic—it was believing Romy and Hawkings were deeply in love after everything he did to her.
earcs-to-read
April 26, 2026So excited to be a part of the street team! Cannot wait to read this, it sounds SO good!!!
May 4, 2026
I fell in love with this book! I loved the vibe of gothic romance it had and did not want to put it down. You have two families who are sworn enemies. One night the fMC gets caught by the MMC and taken back to his manor…. she is held in the dungeons and they try to get information from her.
If you love enemies to lovers, fated mates, found family, magic? Then you will absolutely enjoy reading this book!
If you love enemies to lovers, fated mates, found family, magic? Then you will absolutely enjoy reading this book!
June 29, 2026
Couldn't do it. Hated Romily and hated Hawkin's mom even more. They're both insufferable. Pissed me off to no end
May 28, 2026
Wow this book was not what I was thinking it would be and I loved it. This book was heartbreaking for so many reasons and had me hooked.
Romy Bloodworth and Hawkins Grave are two people who should always hate each other and be at each other’s throats. Their families have hated each other for as long as they can remember.
What do you do when your mate is the one who tortured you? Can you see past that and learn to love him? Or is it too late and this love story is going to be a tragedy?
Hawkins that man really had to work to get her to see him as more than the man they tortured her. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain he was in when he realized the woman he just about had killed was his mate. He might not have caused all of her pain himself but he gave the orders.
Watching Romy become the person she was always meant to be was so rewarding. She was always held back from her potential so being free to discover her true self was fun to see. She was so fierce, loyal, and strong.
I loved seeing all the povs from Romy, Hawkins and a few others I’m not mentioning. It gave you so much information and allowed you to see things you wouldn’t otherwise and give you that insight into their heads.
The plot twist in part 3 had me shocked. I should have seen it coming because once you learn it you see why and it makes perfect sense. The plot twist in part 2 also shocked me. I had to pause for a moment and reread it to make sure I read it right because that fact changed everything.
I loved the flashbacks to the tragic story of the ghosts. It was gut wrenching and made me almost cry multiple times but I stood strong and refused to cry today. I could talk about it forever but I don’t want to spoil anything so that’s all I will say.
This also isn’t your average Romeo and Juliet retelling. This book takes the framework and makes it unique. You get magic and fated mates and tragic ghost story.
I just want to mention I never liked the original story of Romeo and Juliet because to me they were immature teenagers who made stupid decisions after knowing each other for not even a week. This story on the other hand I loved. The addition of the mate bond gave purpose to the story and made the whole my reason for living is dead so I will die too so we can be together again thing make sense.
Overall I really liked this book. Marisa did a great job at making me love a story that is a retelling of a story I didn’t really like. I will definitely have to get a shelf trophy eventually. I read this book as an arc.
Romy Bloodworth and Hawkins Grave are two people who should always hate each other and be at each other’s throats. Their families have hated each other for as long as they can remember.
What do you do when your mate is the one who tortured you? Can you see past that and learn to love him? Or is it too late and this love story is going to be a tragedy?
Hawkins that man really had to work to get her to see him as more than the man they tortured her. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain he was in when he realized the woman he just about had killed was his mate. He might not have caused all of her pain himself but he gave the orders.
Watching Romy become the person she was always meant to be was so rewarding. She was always held back from her potential so being free to discover her true self was fun to see. She was so fierce, loyal, and strong.
I loved seeing all the povs from Romy, Hawkins and a few others I’m not mentioning. It gave you so much information and allowed you to see things you wouldn’t otherwise and give you that insight into their heads.
The plot twist in part 3 had me shocked. I should have seen it coming because once you learn it you see why and it makes perfect sense. The plot twist in part 2 also shocked me. I had to pause for a moment and reread it to make sure I read it right because that fact changed everything.
I loved the flashbacks to the tragic story of the ghosts. It was gut wrenching and made me almost cry multiple times but I stood strong and refused to cry today. I could talk about it forever but I don’t want to spoil anything so that’s all I will say.
This also isn’t your average Romeo and Juliet retelling. This book takes the framework and makes it unique. You get magic and fated mates and tragic ghost story.
I just want to mention I never liked the original story of Romeo and Juliet because to me they were immature teenagers who made stupid decisions after knowing each other for not even a week. This story on the other hand I loved. The addition of the mate bond gave purpose to the story and made the whole my reason for living is dead so I will die too so we can be together again thing make sense.
Overall I really liked this book. Marisa did a great job at making me love a story that is a retelling of a story I didn’t really like. I will definitely have to get a shelf trophy eventually. I read this book as an arc.
August 5, 2026
DNF @ 65%. I would give this one star if it didn’t keep my interests for the first 150 pages. But this book really went downhill FAST.
At first I thought I might be pleasantly surprised by the book bc there was an attempt on world building and the writing at the beginning was not bad. But it immediately went downhill after she was captured by Hawkins(really that name bothered me).
***spoiler** but I think everyone should maybe know this before even attempting to read this book.
I knew going into it that they were enemies and that he would kind-nap her and attempt to kill her etc. But forgive me for thinking that would not include 60 pages of him brutally torturing, dehumanizing, and abusing her? Considering this man is the romantic lead??? Like what the actual fuck. What he did was deplorable and we are still supposed to root for them falling in love?
Only for him to later on claim that he never enjoyed hurting her and “always wanted to protect her”. Like bro you literally hit her, dislocated her shoulder and burned her. How is that not malicious. He was completely cruel.
When he finds out they are mates he completely flips the switch and he is suddenly gentle and remorseful. You get his POV and he does seem to hate himself for it. The only reason I kept reading is because I held out hope that perhaps there could be decent groveling, I thought surely there had to be considering he almost tortured her to death.
Alas, of course there wasn’t 💀. It’s basically him kind of saying sorry for a hundred pages, him still keeping her prisoner in his house, and never doing a single thing to actually atone, get to know her, win her forgiveness etc.
He blindly claims to love her just because of the bond.
Romily hates for a while but then suddenly doesn’t because she realizes “he’s a multi-faceted man” and he was just “doing his job” while torturing her. Out of nowhere she just loves him too and chooses him over her family.
Apparently, completely having amnesia to that fact that for the first 200 pages she had nightmares of him torturing her everynight and literally made an attempt on her life to avoid staying with him.
I should have stopped reading sooner but I had to check out as soon as it was obvious she was just going to forgive him for everything without reason.
I also don’t even know where the plot from the beginning of the book went it was just them in his house for 200 pages without any interesting happening.
REALLY disappointing. So frustrating that books like this have so much potential but just end up being so bad
At first I thought I might be pleasantly surprised by the book bc there was an attempt on world building and the writing at the beginning was not bad. But it immediately went downhill after she was captured by Hawkins(really that name bothered me).
***spoiler** but I think everyone should maybe know this before even attempting to read this book.
I knew going into it that they were enemies and that he would kind-nap her and attempt to kill her etc. But forgive me for thinking that would not include 60 pages of him brutally torturing, dehumanizing, and abusing her? Considering this man is the romantic lead??? Like what the actual fuck. What he did was deplorable and we are still supposed to root for them falling in love?
Only for him to later on claim that he never enjoyed hurting her and “always wanted to protect her”. Like bro you literally hit her, dislocated her shoulder and burned her. How is that not malicious. He was completely cruel.
When he finds out they are mates he completely flips the switch and he is suddenly gentle and remorseful. You get his POV and he does seem to hate himself for it. The only reason I kept reading is because I held out hope that perhaps there could be decent groveling, I thought surely there had to be considering he almost tortured her to death.
Alas, of course there wasn’t 💀. It’s basically him kind of saying sorry for a hundred pages, him still keeping her prisoner in his house, and never doing a single thing to actually atone, get to know her, win her forgiveness etc.
He blindly claims to love her just because of the bond.
Romily hates for a while but then suddenly doesn’t because she realizes “he’s a multi-faceted man” and he was just “doing his job” while torturing her. Out of nowhere she just loves him too and chooses him over her family.
Apparently, completely having amnesia to that fact that for the first 200 pages she had nightmares of him torturing her everynight and literally made an attempt on her life to avoid staying with him.
I should have stopped reading sooner but I had to check out as soon as it was obvious she was just going to forgive him for everything without reason.
I also don’t even know where the plot from the beginning of the book went it was just them in his house for 200 pages without any interesting happening.
REALLY disappointing. So frustrating that books like this have so much potential but just end up being so bad
August 4, 2026
absolute fever dream of a dark romance and I have so many thoughts.
3.6 ✨⭐️🌟 for me
If you live for the absolute worst kinds of toxic dynamics and gothic misery this book is going to look like a five star buffet. But if you need your men to be sweet or your romance to make logical sense right away please save yourself the headache because this one is completely unhinged in the best and worst ways.
I’m in my Victorian Era???
Usually in fantasy romance finding your fated mate is this gorgeous magical woods right? Like you lock eyes across a ballroom and hear sweet little harp music play.
Not here besties.
The main character has her cosmic fated mate bond snap into place literally seconds before the leader of a rival family tries to brutally execute and torture her.
Like imagine looking at the man who is actively holding the knife to your throat and realizing the universe tied your soul to his. The psychological damage of that trope alone had me completely locked in. How on earth do you accept your literal executioner as your soulmate? The sheer angst of it all is suffocating.
The atmosphere is heavy Victorian gothic gloom dialed up to a ten. The MMC is terrifying the power imbalance is brutal and the book completely commits to its own toxic darkness without apologizing for it
The warnings you actually need to hear 👂
the trauma is front and center. Bridging the gap from he literally tried to murder me to you are my everything requires a massive leap of faith, for me it was so fast and jarring that the emotional pivot is …. so definitely check your trigger warnings
Romeo?
it leans much harder into the tragedy aspect than standard romantasy usually dares to the book plays out almost like a psychological theatre piece and the book spends a ton of time exploring the mental degradation and Stockholm adjacent terror of feeling drawn to someone your brain knows you should completely despise
When I finally closed the back cover of Marisa Haartz's Bloodworth and Grave, I felt completely emotionally exhausted the story traps you in a psychological cage match between a brutal family feud and a biological pull that defies all logic.
grab a cup of tea, and step into the shadows.
3.6 ✨⭐️🌟 for me
If you live for the absolute worst kinds of toxic dynamics and gothic misery this book is going to look like a five star buffet. But if you need your men to be sweet or your romance to make logical sense right away please save yourself the headache because this one is completely unhinged in the best and worst ways.
I’m in my Victorian Era???
Usually in fantasy romance finding your fated mate is this gorgeous magical woods right? Like you lock eyes across a ballroom and hear sweet little harp music play.
Not here besties.
The main character has her cosmic fated mate bond snap into place literally seconds before the leader of a rival family tries to brutally execute and torture her.
Like imagine looking at the man who is actively holding the knife to your throat and realizing the universe tied your soul to his. The psychological damage of that trope alone had me completely locked in. How on earth do you accept your literal executioner as your soulmate? The sheer angst of it all is suffocating.
The atmosphere is heavy Victorian gothic gloom dialed up to a ten. The MMC is terrifying the power imbalance is brutal and the book completely commits to its own toxic darkness without apologizing for it
The warnings you actually need to hear 👂
the trauma is front and center. Bridging the gap from he literally tried to murder me to you are my everything requires a massive leap of faith, for me it was so fast and jarring that the emotional pivot is …. so definitely check your trigger warnings
Romeo?
it leans much harder into the tragedy aspect than standard romantasy usually dares to the book plays out almost like a psychological theatre piece and the book spends a ton of time exploring the mental degradation and Stockholm adjacent terror of feeling drawn to someone your brain knows you should completely despise
When I finally closed the back cover of Marisa Haartz's Bloodworth and Grave, I felt completely emotionally exhausted the story traps you in a psychological cage match between a brutal family feud and a biological pull that defies all logic.
grab a cup of tea, and step into the shadows.
May 29, 2026
Minn’s rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.75
Plot: 4/5
Character development: 5/5
Thank you so much to Marisa Haartz for an ARC of Bloodworth and Grave!
This is a gothic, stand-alone fantasy romance, set in a dark Victorian-inspired world filled with rival families, violence, fate, and ghosts. The story delivers on every ounce of tension, twists, and heartbreak.
What really made this book shine for me were the two main characters and the complexity behind their relationship. The mate bond between them isn’t romantic or magical in the traditional sense—it happens in the middle of trauma and violence, which makes every interaction layered with resentment, fear, and undeniable connection. Watching Romy struggle between seeing him as her captor and slowly uncovering the humanity beneath his cruelty created such an addictive emotional push and pull. Hawkins was dark, morally grey, and intense, but the glimpses of vulnerability underneath made his character impossible not to obsess over.
I also loved the ghost storyline woven throughout the novel. The tragic Romeo-Juliet retelling of the spirits mirroring the main couple added such a haunting atmosphere to the plot, and every reveal about their past made the stakes feel heavier. It gave the romance this constant sense of doom and destiny that worked perfectly with the gothic tone.
The family rivalry and political tension between the Bloodworths and Graves kept the story moving, and there were many moments where alliances, betrayals, and hidden motivations completely shifted the direction of the plot. The world of Amere felt dangerous at every turn, and I genuinely never felt like the characters were safe.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me was that some sections in the middle slowed the pacing slightly, but the emotional payoff and ending absolutely made up for it. If you love enemies-to-lovers romance with fated mates, tortured characters, and gothic atmosphere, Bloodworth and Grave is going to ruin you in the best way.
Plot: 4/5
Character development: 5/5
Thank you so much to Marisa Haartz for an ARC of Bloodworth and Grave!
This is a gothic, stand-alone fantasy romance, set in a dark Victorian-inspired world filled with rival families, violence, fate, and ghosts. The story delivers on every ounce of tension, twists, and heartbreak.
What really made this book shine for me were the two main characters and the complexity behind their relationship. The mate bond between them isn’t romantic or magical in the traditional sense—it happens in the middle of trauma and violence, which makes every interaction layered with resentment, fear, and undeniable connection. Watching Romy struggle between seeing him as her captor and slowly uncovering the humanity beneath his cruelty created such an addictive emotional push and pull. Hawkins was dark, morally grey, and intense, but the glimpses of vulnerability underneath made his character impossible not to obsess over.
I also loved the ghost storyline woven throughout the novel. The tragic Romeo-Juliet retelling of the spirits mirroring the main couple added such a haunting atmosphere to the plot, and every reveal about their past made the stakes feel heavier. It gave the romance this constant sense of doom and destiny that worked perfectly with the gothic tone.
The family rivalry and political tension between the Bloodworths and Graves kept the story moving, and there were many moments where alliances, betrayals, and hidden motivations completely shifted the direction of the plot. The world of Amere felt dangerous at every turn, and I genuinely never felt like the characters were safe.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me was that some sections in the middle slowed the pacing slightly, but the emotional payoff and ending absolutely made up for it. If you love enemies-to-lovers romance with fated mates, tortured characters, and gothic atmosphere, Bloodworth and Grave is going to ruin you in the best way.
July 12, 2026
This one took me a bit to settle into, but once I found my footing, I was completely hooked. The action ramped up at just the right time, the tension kept building, and I couldn't stop turning the pages.
The Romeo and Juliet vibes absolutely delivered. The feud between the Bloodworths and Graves wasn't just background drama—it felt like its own character, and it made every interaction between Hawkins and his mate that much more intense. The concept of true enemies to fated mates was such a unique twist, and I loved watching Hawkins spend basically the entire book groveling to earn even the smallest bit of forgiveness.
One line that perfectly captured the emotional conflict was:
"I should stare into his eyes and see my devoted mate, but all I see is my nightmares."
The angst was angsty, the chemistry was chemistry-ing, and can we talk about the spice? Because... holy hot. There were multiple times I had to put my Kindle down and walk laps around my room before I could continue. 😮💨🔥
And this quote? Rent. Free. In. My. Head.
"If I ever get that chance, I'll worship her on my knees while she prays to my name alone. I'll establish a religion around the sound of my name leaving her tongue."
The slower start is the only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me, but once everything clicked, I was all in. If you love dark fantasy romance with enemies to lovers, fated mates who actually feel like enemies, family feuds, delicious groveling, and gothic Romeo and Juliet vibes, this one is absolutely worth the read.
The Romeo and Juliet vibes absolutely delivered. The feud between the Bloodworths and Graves wasn't just background drama—it felt like its own character, and it made every interaction between Hawkins and his mate that much more intense. The concept of true enemies to fated mates was such a unique twist, and I loved watching Hawkins spend basically the entire book groveling to earn even the smallest bit of forgiveness.
One line that perfectly captured the emotional conflict was:
"I should stare into his eyes and see my devoted mate, but all I see is my nightmares."
The angst was angsty, the chemistry was chemistry-ing, and can we talk about the spice? Because... holy hot. There were multiple times I had to put my Kindle down and walk laps around my room before I could continue. 😮💨🔥
And this quote? Rent. Free. In. My. Head.
"If I ever get that chance, I'll worship her on my knees while she prays to my name alone. I'll establish a religion around the sound of my name leaving her tongue."
The slower start is the only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me, but once everything clicked, I was all in. If you love dark fantasy romance with enemies to lovers, fated mates who actually feel like enemies, family feuds, delicious groveling, and gothic Romeo and Juliet vibes, this one is absolutely worth the read.
July 31, 2026
I don’t usually read romantasy, but I decided to give this one a chance after seeing it all over TikTok. I don’t regret reading it, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite.
The writing was amazing. It got a little boring at times, but I honestly think that’s just because I’m not really into all the world-building, magic, powers, and stuff like that.
My biggest issue was the lack of groveling. After everything the MMC put the FMC through, a simple “I’m sorry” was just not enough. I get that the mating bond is what brought them back together, but… what the fuck? I needed him to WORK for her forgiveness.
I also hated the scene with the MMC and another girl. Seeing him get his dick sucked by someone else was so unnecessary to me, and I just don’t like reading stuff like that. I would’ve loved to see the FMC get at least a little revenge instead of forgiving everyone so easily. Lowkey she gave weak girl at times, and that’s just not my thing.
The conversation with the MMC’s mom pissed me off too. Why are you telling the FMC that she has to prove she’s worthy of your son when HE’S the one who literally tortured her? Like sorry she’s traumatized because of what your son did? That whole conversation was insane, and I hated that she just agreed with it.
And don’t even get me started on how she forgave everyone who literally stood there and watched her be tortured. I know they were loyal to him, but I could never be friends with people who watched me go through that and did nothing. Not even Eden helped her. The groveling just wasn’t there, and everyone got forgiven way too easily.
The writing was amazing. It got a little boring at times, but I honestly think that’s just because I’m not really into all the world-building, magic, powers, and stuff like that.
My biggest issue was the lack of groveling. After everything the MMC put the FMC through, a simple “I’m sorry” was just not enough. I get that the mating bond is what brought them back together, but… what the fuck? I needed him to WORK for her forgiveness.
I also hated the scene with the MMC and another girl. Seeing him get his dick sucked by someone else was so unnecessary to me, and I just don’t like reading stuff like that. I would’ve loved to see the FMC get at least a little revenge instead of forgiving everyone so easily. Lowkey she gave weak girl at times, and that’s just not my thing.
The conversation with the MMC’s mom pissed me off too. Why are you telling the FMC that she has to prove she’s worthy of your son when HE’S the one who literally tortured her? Like sorry she’s traumatized because of what your son did? That whole conversation was insane, and I hated that she just agreed with it.
And don’t even get me started on how she forgave everyone who literally stood there and watched her be tortured. I know they were loyal to him, but I could never be friends with people who watched me go through that and did nothing. Not even Eden helped her. The groveling just wasn’t there, and everyone got forgiven way too easily.
June 2, 2026
ARC REVIEW | ⭐️ 4.5 stars
Bloodworth and Grave completely surprised me in the best way.
This dark gothic romantasy blends Romeo & Juliet-inspired forbidden love with magic, mystery, family legacies, and emotional depth in a way that kept me hooked from the very first chapter.
The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of the book. Everything felt haunting, emotional, and immersive, and I loved the gothic fantasy setting paired with the tragic undertones throughout the story. The mystery elements and flashbacks kept revealing pieces of the story at the perfect pace, making it hard to put down.
I also really loved the found family dynamics and the way the relationships developed throughout the book. The multiple POVs added a lot of emotional weight and helped deepen both the romance and the overall story.
The romance itself was filled with longing, tension, pain, healing, and fate — which made it incredibly compelling for me as a romantasy reader. The emotional connection between the characters felt genuine, and I found myself very attached to them by the end.
Overall, this was a beautifully written gothic romantasy that delivered emotional depth, forbidden love, and a captivating atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who love darker romantasy stories with emotional stakes and strong character relationships.
Please check trigger warnings before reading, as the opening chapters are especially dark.
Bloodworth and Grave completely surprised me in the best way.
This dark gothic romantasy blends Romeo & Juliet-inspired forbidden love with magic, mystery, family legacies, and emotional depth in a way that kept me hooked from the very first chapter.
The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts of the book. Everything felt haunting, emotional, and immersive, and I loved the gothic fantasy setting paired with the tragic undertones throughout the story. The mystery elements and flashbacks kept revealing pieces of the story at the perfect pace, making it hard to put down.
I also really loved the found family dynamics and the way the relationships developed throughout the book. The multiple POVs added a lot of emotional weight and helped deepen both the romance and the overall story.
The romance itself was filled with longing, tension, pain, healing, and fate — which made it incredibly compelling for me as a romantasy reader. The emotional connection between the characters felt genuine, and I found myself very attached to them by the end.
Overall, this was a beautifully written gothic romantasy that delivered emotional depth, forbidden love, and a captivating atmosphere. I’d definitely recommend it to readers who love darker romantasy stories with emotional stakes and strong character relationships.
Please check trigger warnings before reading, as the opening chapters are especially dark.
July 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤 A dark Romeo & Juliet retelling with magic? I was so intrigued by this premise!
What I actually loved most was that the fantasy wasn’t the main focus. Yes, there’s magic, wands, and magical battles, but it never overshadowed the story itself. It felt like the fantasy existed to enhance the romance and plot rather than take over, which was really refreshing.
The opening definitely sets a dark, brutal tone, and I was expecting that chaotic, bloodthirsty energy to continue throughout the book. It doesn’t quite stay on that path, though, which surprised me.
The storyline itself was really enjoyable. I loved the Romeo & Juliet inspiration, the fated mates element, and the constant feeling that someone was going to betray the other. I spent the entire book waiting for the other shoe to drop! 😅
Overall, this was a good read. It was different from the fantasy books I usually pick up, and I genuinely enjoyed the story. It was unique, entertaining, and a refreshing take on fantasy, even if it didn’t completely blow me away. 📚✨
🖤 A dark Romeo & Juliet retelling with magic? I was so intrigued by this premise!
What I actually loved most was that the fantasy wasn’t the main focus. Yes, there’s magic, wands, and magical battles, but it never overshadowed the story itself. It felt like the fantasy existed to enhance the romance and plot rather than take over, which was really refreshing.
The opening definitely sets a dark, brutal tone, and I was expecting that chaotic, bloodthirsty energy to continue throughout the book. It doesn’t quite stay on that path, though, which surprised me.
The storyline itself was really enjoyable. I loved the Romeo & Juliet inspiration, the fated mates element, and the constant feeling that someone was going to betray the other. I spent the entire book waiting for the other shoe to drop! 😅
Overall, this was a good read. It was different from the fantasy books I usually pick up, and I genuinely enjoyed the story. It was unique, entertaining, and a refreshing take on fantasy, even if it didn’t completely blow me away. 📚✨
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