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Her Secret Garden
A filthy standalone from the author who brought you Master Class.
When my mother died, she left me alone in the world with a promise and a warning... though he can save you, do not trust Arch Craven.
I prayed I'd never have to find out why, but my wickedness was greater than my faith.
When my commune turns me out for my impure thoughts and deeds, I have no choice but to go to Misselthwaite Manor and beg to be saved. The man I am to call Uncle Arch holds a painting in trust for me. A painting so valuable that it could wash away my sins and allow me back into the gates of the Eden I was thrown from.
Under the fog-draped roof of his estate, I begin to discover the truth of my mother's words.
There are secrets here, rumors. Late-night visitors and forbidden libraries. There are men, cold and cruel and beautiful and mocking, who look at my body as though I am the painting, gauging my value.
Colin, haunted and lonely, wants to save me.
Dickon, wanton and charming, wants to train me.
Neville desperately wants to sell me.
And the worst of them, the dark and foreboding Arch Craven...
He wants to possess and destroy me in equal measure.
And once I discover the filthy pleasures of his Garden, I might just let him.
When my mother died, she left me alone in the world with a promise and a warning... though he can save you, do not trust Arch Craven.
I prayed I'd never have to find out why, but my wickedness was greater than my faith.
When my commune turns me out for my impure thoughts and deeds, I have no choice but to go to Misselthwaite Manor and beg to be saved. The man I am to call Uncle Arch holds a painting in trust for me. A painting so valuable that it could wash away my sins and allow me back into the gates of the Eden I was thrown from.
Under the fog-draped roof of his estate, I begin to discover the truth of my mother's words.
There are secrets here, rumors. Late-night visitors and forbidden libraries. There are men, cold and cruel and beautiful and mocking, who look at my body as though I am the painting, gauging my value.
Colin, haunted and lonely, wants to save me.
Dickon, wanton and charming, wants to train me.
Neville desperately wants to sell me.
And the worst of them, the dark and foreboding Arch Craven...
He wants to possess and destroy me in equal measure.
And once I discover the filthy pleasures of his Garden, I might just let him.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2022
91 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 3, 2022
Stunning!
dnf
August 5, 2022So disappointing. I love The Secret Garden, so I’d hoped for a Colin and Mary (hot) love story. Then 35% in went to read the synopsis and it’s just a big fat DNF for me. Not into degradation. Oh well!
June 12, 2022
"There’s darkness here, things I don’t understand, but there’s so much pleasure, too."
Her Secret Garden is an erotic retelling of the classic novel The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Mary Lennox, shunned from the Kingdom of Love, ends up at Misselthwaite Manor in hopes of earning her way back into the religious, dutiful, and impoverished life she knew. She must obtain a painting left for her by her mother, sell it, and bring the money back to her commune. But shortly after arriving at Misselthwaite, Mary realizes her endeavor won't be as easy as she had hoped. Not only that, but her wicked, sinful thoughts will come to light under the influence of the men of the manor. Namely, the Master of Misselthwaite.
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⚠️ TW: cult involvement, banishment, violence, death, ab_se, s3x work, attempted s3x trafficking, graphic s3xual content, age-gap. (This list is NOT exhaustive and is only from my read through and memory. Examine further if you wish!)
WHEW, I was NOT PREPARED for what I got myself into with this book. But overall, I enjoyed it!
Mary's conflict between her innermost thoughts/desires and her dutiful, good-girl upbringing is the star of this book. I enjoyed her progression from the beginning to the end and the way she learns about and accepts herself.
The men of Misselthwaite pulled me in a bunch of different directions. But overall, I was able to recognize their roles in Mary's experience at the Manor and their importance. Were they also toxic, dark, and dangerous? Absolutely.
Three things I wish would have happened in the beginning of the book (these are just my personal preferences) - 1) A detailed physical description of Mary. 2) A clear-cut mention of her age. 3) A clear-cut disclosure of ALL relations of the main characters and clarity on who is NOT related (uncles, brothers, nieces, parents, siblings, etc).
Very, very erotic. Very, very dark. If you don't like taboo, dark romance, this book is not for you. If you're not interested in k!nk, this book is very likely not for you. And if you don't want explicit s3xual content in nearly every chapter, this book is definitely not for you. And if this book IS for you... enjoy. 🔥
Her Secret Garden is an erotic retelling of the classic novel The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Mary Lennox, shunned from the Kingdom of Love, ends up at Misselthwaite Manor in hopes of earning her way back into the religious, dutiful, and impoverished life she knew. She must obtain a painting left for her by her mother, sell it, and bring the money back to her commune. But shortly after arriving at Misselthwaite, Mary realizes her endeavor won't be as easy as she had hoped. Not only that, but her wicked, sinful thoughts will come to light under the influence of the men of the manor. Namely, the Master of Misselthwaite.
--
⚠️ TW: cult involvement, banishment, violence, death, ab_se, s3x work, attempted s3x trafficking, graphic s3xual content, age-gap. (This list is NOT exhaustive and is only from my read through and memory. Examine further if you wish!)
WHEW, I was NOT PREPARED for what I got myself into with this book. But overall, I enjoyed it!
Mary's conflict between her innermost thoughts/desires and her dutiful, good-girl upbringing is the star of this book. I enjoyed her progression from the beginning to the end and the way she learns about and accepts herself.
The men of Misselthwaite pulled me in a bunch of different directions. But overall, I was able to recognize their roles in Mary's experience at the Manor and their importance. Were they also toxic, dark, and dangerous? Absolutely.
Three things I wish would have happened in the beginning of the book (these are just my personal preferences) - 1) A detailed physical description of Mary. 2) A clear-cut mention of her age. 3) A clear-cut disclosure of ALL relations of the main characters and clarity on who is NOT related (uncles, brothers, nieces, parents, siblings, etc).
Very, very erotic. Very, very dark. If you don't like taboo, dark romance, this book is not for you. If you're not interested in k!nk, this book is very likely not for you. And if you don't want explicit s3xual content in nearly every chapter, this book is definitely not for you. And if this book IS for you... enjoy. 🔥
April 20, 2022
Well, Her Secret Garden was not quite what I was expecting. I've read Raven Jayne before so I probably should have guessed this story would take a turn toward the dark and erotic, but I didn't really think about it when I first began reading.
This is a very, very erotic, dark, romance that will not be for everyone. I found the storyline interesting from the beginning. There was a dark edginess which seemed to surround the leading female character, an orphan girl named Mary. For me, that edginess created a somewhat gothic feeling to the story. It peeked my interest and made me wonder what exactly would happen to Mary, who had been kicked off a commune she was living on because of a "personal indiscretion" she'd committed while living there. She had nothing, nowhere to go, and nobody to help her with the exception of distant family who supposedly were holding a valuable painting in safekeeping which had been left to her by her Mother. When she arrives at the estate of her Uncle, Arch Craven, to hopefully collect her painting, she opens the gate to enter and therein the story really begins in all it's dark, debauched glory.
My only real complaint about this story, if you can call it that, is that I found it to drag on too much. It wasn't that it was slow-moving, there was plenty of action, but I kept hoping it would get to the point much quicker than it did. For me, the ending was pretty much what I expected by the time it arrived so in that respect, I didn't find it too exciting. That being said, I thought the story was extremely well-written, the author's words painting a clear picture of what was happening so that you felt drawn in and a part of the story, standing on the side of the room observing. There was plenty to see happening, that's for sure. Like I said, this story will not be for everyone, but if you enjoy dark, erotic tales, this one's pretty good. Give it a try.
This is a very, very erotic, dark, romance that will not be for everyone. I found the storyline interesting from the beginning. There was a dark edginess which seemed to surround the leading female character, an orphan girl named Mary. For me, that edginess created a somewhat gothic feeling to the story. It peeked my interest and made me wonder what exactly would happen to Mary, who had been kicked off a commune she was living on because of a "personal indiscretion" she'd committed while living there. She had nothing, nowhere to go, and nobody to help her with the exception of distant family who supposedly were holding a valuable painting in safekeeping which had been left to her by her Mother. When she arrives at the estate of her Uncle, Arch Craven, to hopefully collect her painting, she opens the gate to enter and therein the story really begins in all it's dark, debauched glory.
My only real complaint about this story, if you can call it that, is that I found it to drag on too much. It wasn't that it was slow-moving, there was plenty of action, but I kept hoping it would get to the point much quicker than it did. For me, the ending was pretty much what I expected by the time it arrived so in that respect, I didn't find it too exciting. That being said, I thought the story was extremely well-written, the author's words painting a clear picture of what was happening so that you felt drawn in and a part of the story, standing on the side of the room observing. There was plenty to see happening, that's for sure. Like I said, this story will not be for everyone, but if you enjoy dark, erotic tales, this one's pretty good. Give it a try.
April 20, 2022
Mary was a character that intrigued me cause she had a internal battle by what she is told she should be and what she wanted but was made to be feel bad over, as if something is wrong with her but when she goes to the only place she has left which is the last place her mom told her she should be she’s about to get a new dose of a very different reality
April 8, 2022
This was a unique and interesting story. This was outside of my usual reads that I would pick up but I was t disappointed. I love this authors writing!
April 20, 2022
It wasn’t until I first read the blurb for this book that I even knew I needed this dark, spicy, gothic, and suspenseful retelling of my favorite childhood novel. My own reaction of, “I absolutely need to read this,” shouldn’t have come as a surprise, since even when I was younger and read the original story some of my thoughts and observations about the characters and their interactions made me envision different scenarios that weren’t as innocent as the tragic and gothic tale of little orphan girl Mary Lennox. Granted, I don’t remember them being this dark, dirty, spicy, and suspenseful… but I certainly know there were some naughty thoughts going on.
Raven Jayne is a newer author, and I had the distinct pleasure of reviewing almost the entirety of her debut series, Master Class. With this book, Jayne definitely takes the same tenor and approach to female sexuality and male dominance (combined with veneration for their females) she started in Master Class and has translated it into this gothic, suspense romance where Mary Lennox is torn between her wicked, sexual nature and her duty-bound and guilt-ridden nurture. She’s innocent of body but not of mind; her upbringing has taught her nothing but that any feeling that might amount to luxury is sinful. At the same time she knows she’s inherently not meant for a life of purity: she feels wicked in her core, like there’s a hole of need and want inside of her that will never be filled in the commune she’s been raised in before she’s kicked out over what she views as an honest mistake borne of ignorance.
The reason this book rates five stars from me is not because it’s perfectly-plotted and has zero holes. It’s not perfect. The thing is: it’s exactly what it advertises, it’s everything I could’ve wanted (short of it being a RH romance), and it’s such a great read. I could see myself reading it again. My fantasies from reading this during childhood have only been spurred to greater heights by reading the story of Mary Lennox through Raven Jayne’s eyes. Be prepared for a dark, erotic, and unique ride.
Raven Jayne is a newer author, and I had the distinct pleasure of reviewing almost the entirety of her debut series, Master Class. With this book, Jayne definitely takes the same tenor and approach to female sexuality and male dominance (combined with veneration for their females) she started in Master Class and has translated it into this gothic, suspense romance where Mary Lennox is torn between her wicked, sexual nature and her duty-bound and guilt-ridden nurture. She’s innocent of body but not of mind; her upbringing has taught her nothing but that any feeling that might amount to luxury is sinful. At the same time she knows she’s inherently not meant for a life of purity: she feels wicked in her core, like there’s a hole of need and want inside of her that will never be filled in the commune she’s been raised in before she’s kicked out over what she views as an honest mistake borne of ignorance.
The reason this book rates five stars from me is not because it’s perfectly-plotted and has zero holes. It’s not perfect. The thing is: it’s exactly what it advertises, it’s everything I could’ve wanted (short of it being a RH romance), and it’s such a great read. I could see myself reading it again. My fantasies from reading this during childhood have only been spurred to greater heights by reading the story of Mary Lennox through Raven Jayne’s eyes. Be prepared for a dark, erotic, and unique ride.
April 17, 2022
ARC Review of Her Secret Garden by Raven Jayne
* * * * *
A very very VERY taboo twist on your beloved childhood read, The Secret Garden, that has your cheeks in full bloom and just squirming with scandal.
Mary leaves her commune after a naughty little mistake, and has her rushing to the last resort...going to her uncle. Though, this house is not as cold and cut off as she though. Or what anyone thought really. Women in red silk running around, exotic reads in the library, questionable steamy activities behind the garden wall, and intense confrontations that have you standing on a sharp knife's edge.
This is not the sweet novel you grew up with. Major twists and character changes that have your jaw drop, especially with what they do in this sickly delicious dark romance read. You truly want to be not reading this on a train...or in your office...or just around people in general...unless you are into that kind of thing *wink wink!
* * * * *
A very very VERY taboo twist on your beloved childhood read, The Secret Garden, that has your cheeks in full bloom and just squirming with scandal.
Mary leaves her commune after a naughty little mistake, and has her rushing to the last resort...going to her uncle. Though, this house is not as cold and cut off as she though. Or what anyone thought really. Women in red silk running around, exotic reads in the library, questionable steamy activities behind the garden wall, and intense confrontations that have you standing on a sharp knife's edge.
This is not the sweet novel you grew up with. Major twists and character changes that have your jaw drop, especially with what they do in this sickly delicious dark romance read. You truly want to be not reading this on a train...or in your office...or just around people in general...unless you are into that kind of thing *wink wink!
July 6, 2025
2-2.5 ⭐️
It took me so long to read this book. I kept putting it down and not picking it back up or only reading a chapter and stopping again. The plot idea is a good one, the steamy bits are decent and it doesn't have many errors but I just struggled to stay engaged and there is no relationship development to speak of. The main couple barely spend any time with each other on page outside of a couple BDSM scenes so there was no avenue to see/feel the intense feelings they claim to have one another. There is also not much detail or explanation of anything nor much development of the many characters. I am all for the base plot of a sexual awakening of a young woman who had been repressed in a religious cult, but the execution/development of the story failed to keep me interested.
It took me so long to read this book. I kept putting it down and not picking it back up or only reading a chapter and stopping again. The plot idea is a good one, the steamy bits are decent and it doesn't have many errors but I just struggled to stay engaged and there is no relationship development to speak of. The main couple barely spend any time with each other on page outside of a couple BDSM scenes so there was no avenue to see/feel the intense feelings they claim to have one another. There is also not much detail or explanation of anything nor much development of the many characters. I am all for the base plot of a sexual awakening of a young woman who had been repressed in a religious cult, but the execution/development of the story failed to keep me interested.
April 18, 2022
It's a lush, sensual journey. An innocent young woman finds her legacy and her true self. The titular secret garden has more in common with Anne Rice's Beauty than Frances Hodge Burnett's. Mary's curiosity and open heart make her journey to finding her true self a delight. It's a whimsical bit of spice that any romance reader would enjoy.
April 25, 2022
8/10⭐️
This book was fire! I really enjoyed it even though it was not what I was expecting! Mary’s world gets flipped upside down. This was my first book by this author and I’m definitely going to be checking out more! Loved it and definitely recommend!
This book was fire! I really enjoyed it even though it was not what I was expecting! Mary’s world gets flipped upside down. This was my first book by this author and I’m definitely going to be checking out more! Loved it and definitely recommend!
April 11, 2022
This was not what I was expecting at all, but I really liked it!!
I was sucked into Mary's story from the start. She goes through life thinking sex and anything to do with sex is a sin. When She gets kicked out of the only home she has known, she goes to the only person she has, her Uncle Arch. When she gets to Misselthwaite Manor, her whole life changes.
This was my first book by Raven Jayne, and I really liked the writing style. I am going to have to read more from this author!
I was sucked into Mary's story from the start. She goes through life thinking sex and anything to do with sex is a sin. When She gets kicked out of the only home she has known, she goes to the only person she has, her Uncle Arch. When she gets to Misselthwaite Manor, her whole life changes.
This was my first book by Raven Jayne, and I really liked the writing style. I am going to have to read more from this author!
Read
September 7, 2023negative 1000000 stars. this is genuinely the worst thing i’ve ever read and i wish i could erase it from my memory. i should’ve put it down the second she started flicking the bean IN A TREE (IN THE PROLOGUE!!!!)
April 26, 2022
i honestly don't know what i just read...🫣
February 4, 2023
3.5 stars A dark erotic retelling of The Secret Garden with a gothic old world feel. After Mary is banished from the cult she grew up in, she makes her way to her uncle’s manor. (No blood relation; he was married to her mother’s best friend.) She goes from grappling with sexual shame to owning her sexuality, which was empowering to read. This was steamy as all get out but there was also sexual coercion and dubious consent throughout. This ultimately took away from the romance itself. Mary could have wound up with anyone (except for Neville) and it would have been fine. There wasn’t enough between her and Arch to convince me they had feelings for each other beyond lust. But their chemistry was legit! That was the reason I kept reading, to see if she’d wind up with Arch or perhaps his son Colin or even one of the other Garden employees.
This was heavy on atmosphere and light on details. We’re never told exactly how old Mary is or what she looks like. Or really what her personality is beyond the fact that she likes gardening and she’s horny. I’m still not sure why Mary’s mom joined the cult, why she warned Mary not to trust Arch, how Lily died, or why Colin hasn’t left the manor when he seems miserable there. Neville was a one note villain and it didn’t make any sense why Arch wouldn’t have kicked him out ages ago. The last 20% of the book went off the rails as a result.
Mary calls Arch “Uncle” long past the point it made sense, particularly since he’s not her real uncle. The whole place was loosey-goosey when it came to boundaries. Despite the aspects that didn’t work for me, I had a hard time putting this down. I wanted to know what would come of Mary and who she’d ultimately pick. Plus, again, the consensual scenes were hot!
Characters: Mary is a bisexual farmer who is of “legal majority”. Arch is a white garden sex club owner and lord of the manor in his 40s. This is set in England.
Content notes: threat of rape, nonconsensual virginity auction , sexual coercion, arousal nonconcordance, dubious consent, intimate partner violence (FMC hits MMC; one instance), imprisonment (locked in room), internalized kink-shaming, FMC raised in a cult, banishment, sexual shaming, purity culture, past death of MMC’s wife (accident), past death of FMC’s mother, past death of secondary character’s girlfriend (ectopic pregnancy), self-flagellation (secondary character), past corporal punishment, sex work (FMC sells a blow job), masturbation, orgy in background, sex training, on page sex, D/s, public sex, bondage, degradation, impact play, voyeurism, exhibitionism, anal play, chastity belt, sex toys, alcohol, p-in-v sex is the only real sex, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialist language, ableist language, mention of weight gain
This was heavy on atmosphere and light on details. We’re never told exactly how old Mary is or what she looks like. Or really what her personality is beyond the fact that she likes gardening and she’s horny. I’m still not sure why Mary’s mom joined the cult, why she warned Mary not to trust Arch, how Lily died, or why Colin hasn’t left the manor when he seems miserable there. Neville was a one note villain and it didn’t make any sense why Arch wouldn’t have kicked him out ages ago. The last 20% of the book went off the rails as a result.
Mary calls Arch “Uncle” long past the point it made sense, particularly since he’s not her real uncle. The whole place was loosey-goosey when it came to boundaries. Despite the aspects that didn’t work for me, I had a hard time putting this down. I wanted to know what would come of Mary and who she’d ultimately pick. Plus, again, the consensual scenes were hot!
Characters: Mary is a bisexual farmer who is of “legal majority”. Arch is a white garden sex club owner and lord of the manor in his 40s. This is set in England.
Content notes: threat of rape, nonconsensual virginity auction , sexual coercion, arousal nonconcordance, dubious consent, intimate partner violence (FMC hits MMC; one instance), imprisonment (locked in room), internalized kink-shaming, FMC raised in a cult, banishment, sexual shaming, purity culture, past death of MMC’s wife (accident), past death of FMC’s mother, past death of secondary character’s girlfriend (ectopic pregnancy), self-flagellation (secondary character), past corporal punishment, sex work (FMC sells a blow job), masturbation, orgy in background, sex training, on page sex, D/s, public sex, bondage, degradation, impact play, voyeurism, exhibitionism, anal play, chastity belt, sex toys, alcohol, p-in-v sex is the only real sex, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialist language, ableist language, mention of weight gain
April 21, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
When my mother died, she left me alone in the world with a promise and a warning....though he can save you, do not trust Arch Craven. I prayed I'd never have to find out why, but my wickedness was greater than my faith. When my commune turns me out for my impure thoughts and deeds, I have no choice but to go to Misselthwaite Manor and beg to be saved. The man I am to call Uncle Arch holds a painting in trust for me. A painting so valuable that it could was away my sins and allow me back into the gates of the Eden I was thrown from. Under the fog-draped roof of his estate, I begin to discover the truth of my mother's words. There are secrets her, rumors. Late-night visitors and forbidden libraries. There are men, cold and cruel and beautiful and mocking, who look at my body as thought I am the painting, gauging my value. Colin, haunted and lonely, wants to save me. Dickon , wanton and charming wants to train me. Neville desperately wants to sell me. and the worst of them, the dark and forboding Arch Craven...He wants to possess and destroy me in equal measure. And once I discover the filthy pleasure of his Garden, I might just let him.
This is the story of Mary. She is a girl who was born and raised in a religious commune and works her butt off because of the age of everyone in the place she lives. It's the only life she has ever known and she is struggling with her impure thoughts. One day thought temptation gets the best of her and she is immediately kicked out of the only home she has ever known. With her mom now gone to the only person she has to turn to is her Uncle Arch Craven who her mother told her had a painting of hers that was super valuable and would set her up for life. It's the only place she knows to go to and so she sets off on a journey to get there and then to get her painting, and buy her way basically back into her home. That is until she meets this interesting cast of character's that live at the manor that is filled with gardens that she is never allowed to be in. Arch is not exactly thrilled to see her and he sure doesn't have her painting ready for her and Mary has to face temptations, boredom and this basically turns into her adventure of self discovery of who she really is and what she really wants. It is a very interesting read and packed full of head. I read it in one sitting so it is certainly one you don't want to put down because you just have to know what is going to happen next.
When my mother died, she left me alone in the world with a promise and a warning....though he can save you, do not trust Arch Craven. I prayed I'd never have to find out why, but my wickedness was greater than my faith. When my commune turns me out for my impure thoughts and deeds, I have no choice but to go to Misselthwaite Manor and beg to be saved. The man I am to call Uncle Arch holds a painting in trust for me. A painting so valuable that it could was away my sins and allow me back into the gates of the Eden I was thrown from. Under the fog-draped roof of his estate, I begin to discover the truth of my mother's words. There are secrets her, rumors. Late-night visitors and forbidden libraries. There are men, cold and cruel and beautiful and mocking, who look at my body as thought I am the painting, gauging my value. Colin, haunted and lonely, wants to save me. Dickon , wanton and charming wants to train me. Neville desperately wants to sell me. and the worst of them, the dark and forboding Arch Craven...He wants to possess and destroy me in equal measure. And once I discover the filthy pleasure of his Garden, I might just let him.
This is the story of Mary. She is a girl who was born and raised in a religious commune and works her butt off because of the age of everyone in the place she lives. It's the only life she has ever known and she is struggling with her impure thoughts. One day thought temptation gets the best of her and she is immediately kicked out of the only home she has ever known. With her mom now gone to the only person she has to turn to is her Uncle Arch Craven who her mother told her had a painting of hers that was super valuable and would set her up for life. It's the only place she knows to go to and so she sets off on a journey to get there and then to get her painting, and buy her way basically back into her home. That is until she meets this interesting cast of character's that live at the manor that is filled with gardens that she is never allowed to be in. Arch is not exactly thrilled to see her and he sure doesn't have her painting ready for her and Mary has to face temptations, boredom and this basically turns into her adventure of self discovery of who she really is and what she really wants. It is a very interesting read and packed full of head. I read it in one sitting so it is certainly one you don't want to put down because you just have to know what is going to happen next.
June 19, 2022
THIS BOOK! Ever thought, “what if I could read my favorite classics but redone for my adult fantasies?” THAT is what you’re getting & so much more with ‘Her Secret Garden’ by Raven Jayne. ⭐️6/5 & 🌶 7/5 because this made me melt at times.
•
If you read ‘The Secret Garden’ or saw the movie when you were younger, your favorite major players are back: Archibald, Colin, Dickon, Martha, Mrs Medlock, & of course our star - Mary Lennox. However, we’re all adults & we’re in what comes off as an alternate timeline in the best way possible. Not to mention we get some additions that add such a fantastical layer to the story that you no longer know what to do without them. Robin & Susan are dream bffs in this reimagining.
•
Mary Lennox has been kicked out of her commune, the Kingdom of Love & is in search for a painting that her late mother did which is currently being held by Archibald Craven - her not-family “uncle”. Similar how we all have that older lady call “mamaw” but she’s not the least bit related to us. Once she arrives to Misselthwaite Manor, nothing…and no one is as it seems. Soon after, she discovers that garden parties are just for tea & crumpets. I’m no prude but there were times I was clutching my pearls & holding my breath! It was immaculate! I got proud when she was defiant. I got scared for her in several scenes with Neville Craven, Archibald’s brother (you’ll see, if you’re brave). No matter what you imagine for the ending, I promise you’re wrong. Lol. If you like romance with an impassioned plot - read this book TODAY! You know you wanna out it on your TBR, at least. Hahaha.
•
If you read ‘The Secret Garden’ or saw the movie when you were younger, your favorite major players are back: Archibald, Colin, Dickon, Martha, Mrs Medlock, & of course our star - Mary Lennox. However, we’re all adults & we’re in what comes off as an alternate timeline in the best way possible. Not to mention we get some additions that add such a fantastical layer to the story that you no longer know what to do without them. Robin & Susan are dream bffs in this reimagining.
•
Mary Lennox has been kicked out of her commune, the Kingdom of Love & is in search for a painting that her late mother did which is currently being held by Archibald Craven - her not-family “uncle”. Similar how we all have that older lady call “mamaw” but she’s not the least bit related to us. Once she arrives to Misselthwaite Manor, nothing…and no one is as it seems. Soon after, she discovers that garden parties are just for tea & crumpets. I’m no prude but there were times I was clutching my pearls & holding my breath! It was immaculate! I got proud when she was defiant. I got scared for her in several scenes with Neville Craven, Archibald’s brother (you’ll see, if you’re brave). No matter what you imagine for the ending, I promise you’re wrong. Lol. If you like romance with an impassioned plot - read this book TODAY! You know you wanna out it on your TBR, at least. Hahaha.
June 3, 2022
I am torn about this book. I was hoping it would be a little more poly than it needed up being. It was like she got her confidence finally the. Put it all into one man. I was hoping the end scene would be with Colin and Arch. I don’t know. Mary was an enigma the whole book. She kind of found a voice near the end, but it never showed being fleshed out. It wasn’t a bad book. I just felt like it was a M/F book that the author wanted to seem poly. It was a weird vibe. I didn’t hate it, but I do t think it will be something I will read again. Others might love though. Arch was a beautiful. I genuinely wish there was more of him. Honestly. I wish the book would have been written in him than Mary to honest. Maybe that is problem with it. There wasn’t enough Arch or even Colin, or Ben. It was just all Mary all the time, and girl with a twisted, bumbling, fumbling, tragic mess. Right up until 86% in. By then though you are skimming wondering when you will get something good from these men. There was too much Neville. By the end I was hoping he would be like villain you want to win just so you get some good villain sex. I don’t know. I liked it enough to finish though. That says something. I usually just DNF most book like this. The men kept me in it.
April 26, 2022
Well!!!!!! I wasn't expecting that!!!! Wow what a story!! I've read Raven Jayne before and absolutely loved the Master Class series so I had very high hopes for this book. I can tell you I wasn't disappointed.
This is a very dark erotic romance retelling of a well known childhood novel, it's taboo and yes it's dark and twisted but it's my kinda dark and twisted lol.
Mary is an orphan and leaves her commune after a very very naughty incident. She's rushed off to her uncle's she's fearing the worst but when she gets there his house is not as cold and harsh as she was expecting. To be honest this is where Mary belongs, and a lot happens here I mean women running around half naked, a library full of erotic reads, some steamy action behind the garden wall, it's all going on here!!
There's plenty of men here to tickle Mary's fancy and boy does this story get hot hot hot!! I honestly couldn't put this down and read it in one sitting.
This is NOT the novel that you grew up reading and by God is it a fantastic retelling of a classic story. Raven Jayne has done it again, I urge you to go read this and The Master Class series too.
This is a very dark erotic romance retelling of a well known childhood novel, it's taboo and yes it's dark and twisted but it's my kinda dark and twisted lol.
Mary is an orphan and leaves her commune after a very very naughty incident. She's rushed off to her uncle's she's fearing the worst but when she gets there his house is not as cold and harsh as she was expecting. To be honest this is where Mary belongs, and a lot happens here I mean women running around half naked, a library full of erotic reads, some steamy action behind the garden wall, it's all going on here!!
There's plenty of men here to tickle Mary's fancy and boy does this story get hot hot hot!! I honestly couldn't put this down and read it in one sitting.
This is NOT the novel that you grew up reading and by God is it a fantastic retelling of a classic story. Raven Jayne has done it again, I urge you to go read this and The Master Class series too.
April 21, 2022
Holy smokes was this book dark, delicious, and EROTIC! I had a feeling it was going to be a little dark, so I was all for it, but this was way more than I could have expected. If you are not a fan of those types of books, you might want to steer clear. It is like a blend of a dirty Secret Garden and aspects of Alice in Wonderland (which I love) in where our leading lady (Mary) basically went down a rabbit hole into a whole new world.
I don't want to give any spoilers, but if you like things on the darker side that pushes boundaries and want an interesting read, you should definitely check this out asap! Halfway through the book, I still wasn't sure exactly how things were going to play out, so I loved being on the edge of my seat while reading. I definitely give this book 4.5 outta 5 stars!
PS: Thank you to Raven Jayne and Candi Kane PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
I don't want to give any spoilers, but if you like things on the darker side that pushes boundaries and want an interesting read, you should definitely check this out asap! Halfway through the book, I still wasn't sure exactly how things were going to play out, so I loved being on the edge of my seat while reading. I definitely give this book 4.5 outta 5 stars!
PS: Thank you to Raven Jayne and Candi Kane PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
April 25, 2022
From the author who brought us the dirty, erotic novellas, Master Class, comes an erotic reimagining of the classic story.
There's a lot to unwrap here honestly.... Plus, it's written entirely in our leading lady's POV.
"The Kingdom of Love" A commune separated from the world at large, taking solace in their simplistic purity; taking a vow of poverty. Mary Lennox, innocence used against her, has her community casting her aside into the world. Left adrift with nothing but the whispered memories of her mother, "Misselthwaite Manor" & "You can never, ever trust Archibald Craven".
The Manor, running rampant with gardens of varying types, she stumbles upon them. One filled with sin and one filled with neglect.
Seemingly pointless debauchery and hedonism runs amok throughout. If you are a fan of The Sleeping Beauty trilogy, you know which one I am talking about 💋 then you will enjoy and yearn as you read this irresistibly erotic novella.
There's a lot to unwrap here honestly.... Plus, it's written entirely in our leading lady's POV.
"The Kingdom of Love" A commune separated from the world at large, taking solace in their simplistic purity; taking a vow of poverty. Mary Lennox, innocence used against her, has her community casting her aside into the world. Left adrift with nothing but the whispered memories of her mother, "Misselthwaite Manor" & "You can never, ever trust Archibald Craven".
The Manor, running rampant with gardens of varying types, she stumbles upon them. One filled with sin and one filled with neglect.
Seemingly pointless debauchery and hedonism runs amok throughout. If you are a fan of The Sleeping Beauty trilogy, you know which one I am talking about 💋 then you will enjoy and yearn as you read this irresistibly erotic novella.
May 11, 2022
This is my first story by Raven Jayne. It’s definitely erotic, dark and full of alpha men and submissive women. It is a story of a young woman that grew up in a religious community described as a cult. She was alone, mistreated with physical work, lack of food and no love, and then shunned. She ends up at the Manor looking for help.
The rating is a neutral number. The storyline hits one of my personal taboo subjects. From the description, she may be old enough to be her own decision maker. Her innocence and and history of growing up without having a voice was troublesome for me in how she was treated by some. To be fair the setting is in a time period where there were Master’s of the Manor and women were property.
The rating is a neutral number. The storyline hits one of my personal taboo subjects. From the description, she may be old enough to be her own decision maker. Her innocence and and history of growing up without having a voice was troublesome for me in how she was treated by some. To be fair the setting is in a time period where there were Master’s of the Manor and women were property.
March 27, 2025
This really wasn't for me.
The book doesn't have an interesting ark. None of the characters did anything for me.
The romance is non-existent. Which would be fine if there wasn't suddenly a pretence of romance right in the end of the book.
The main love interest is nothing but awful to the main character and has no redeeming qualities other than being rich and handsome.
There is a ton of sexual descriptions, which is nice if you love there being focus on absolutely nothing else, but it was honestly very boring to me.
This book has no nuance and keeps an extremely tenuous relation to the concept of consent, which is a fairly relevant concept considering the fact the main focus of the book is bdsm and abuse.
The book doesn't have an interesting ark. None of the characters did anything for me.
The romance is non-existent. Which would be fine if there wasn't suddenly a pretence of romance right in the end of the book.
The main love interest is nothing but awful to the main character and has no redeeming qualities other than being rich and handsome.
There is a ton of sexual descriptions, which is nice if you love there being focus on absolutely nothing else, but it was honestly very boring to me.
This book has no nuance and keeps an extremely tenuous relation to the concept of consent, which is a fairly relevant concept considering the fact the main focus of the book is bdsm and abuse.
April 25, 2022
Gahhh! What a dark, erotic, steamy and riveting retelling this book was. I am simply burning up🔥🔥🔥. Raven Jayne is as talented as can be and turned this story into something most naughty adults would devour with pleasure. I’ve loved how Mary rises to the challenge when she is faced with the total controversy of what she has been taught all her life. Her Secret Garden by Raven Jayne is a magnificent tale of Mary Lennox and it is definitely a one-click for me! Now, I will go back and start reading her Master Class series. Of course I know how late I am to the party but later is better than never.
August 27, 2022
This was my first Raven Jayne book, and I'm not certain I'll continue on with this author. I finished this book out of spite and wanting to see if it got better at the end--it decidedly did not, it somehow got worse.
Writing erotica is a difficult and bold thing to do, but writing modern erotica that is innovative and fresh and not regressive is even harder. I sincerely don't know how any person is supposed to take this as a love story of any sort, and I definitely don't like how incredibly important things were glossed over and ultimately pushed aside in the long run.
Her Secret Garden is scary, and not in a good way!
1.5 stars/5
Writing erotica is a difficult and bold thing to do, but writing modern erotica that is innovative and fresh and not regressive is even harder. I sincerely don't know how any person is supposed to take this as a love story of any sort, and I definitely don't like how incredibly important things were glossed over and ultimately pushed aside in the long run.
Her Secret Garden is scary, and not in a good way!
1.5 stars/5
November 22, 2022
when my mother died, she left me alone in the world with a promise, and a warning… though he can save you, do not trust Arch Carven.
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I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. I had no expectations. But to say I was shocked and thrilled was an understatement.
I never thought I would enjoy this so much but I was so flushed. The erotica in this story is arousing.
When I was reading chapter 27, I slammed the book close and screamed, I was so excited to see what happened but so scared.
This is a Dark Taboo Romance, if that’s your thing then definitely read it. Please read the triggers before continuing.
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I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. I had no expectations. But to say I was shocked and thrilled was an understatement.
I never thought I would enjoy this so much but I was so flushed. The erotica in this story is arousing.
When I was reading chapter 27, I slammed the book close and screamed, I was so excited to see what happened but so scared.
This is a Dark Taboo Romance, if that’s your thing then definitely read it. Please read the triggers before continuing.
October 17, 2022
I read this based on an ad on FB and thought eh, something erotic to read while waiting on another book – also my first Raven Jayne book. Well, I don’t know what other people got out of this book, but it was a little bit erotica but a whole lot of nothing in my opinion. I applaud an author for their writings because I cannot write a story. Unfortunately, this story was boring and Mary was so immature but tried to be worldly and sexual and it just came off as immature and weird and it was not really erotica and I could not finish it (quit about 75% in). I read this as part of KU.
December 23, 2022
Deliciously dark and erotic. Mary’s journey in discovering herself is something to behold. Like the other reviews said, this is an adult version of the classic novel/movie. It is very spicy indeed. I enjoyed how Mary slowly accepted herself after years of being told never to be selfish. I loved how Arch tried to control himself but ultimately couldn’t. The secondary characters were also great. This is my first book by this author but won’t be my last. Her writing style kept me engaged the whole time.
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August 18, 2022Why do I read smut? They’re all basically the same: the cishet (at least mostly het) woman wants some man to dominate her. She wants to “give herself” to him. Barf. Why is it so hard to write about equity or liberation of women? People can try to justify it all they want, but in the struggle for power (because there’s always a “struggle” for power) in sexual relationships, the cishet man wins because he has the power.
July 26, 2022
Naughty garden parties.
What do you get when you take an innocent virgin, and put her in a house with men who host pleasure parties in the garden and auction off innocence to the highest bidder? You get a curious naughty kitty wanting a peek inside the garden, but is also eager to get the cream.
What do you get when you take an innocent virgin, and put her in a house with men who host pleasure parties in the garden and auction off innocence to the highest bidder? You get a curious naughty kitty wanting a peek inside the garden, but is also eager to get the cream.
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