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Misselthwaite College #1
Garden of Secrets
Alistair Lennox is disagreeable.
Isolated and miserable, with parents who don’t care about him, his life has been equal parts privilege and loneliness.
But when his parents die, his life is turned upside down. In order to gain his inheritance, Alistair is forced to attend a college he's never heard of - for good reason. Misselthwaite College is a school for the magically gifted
Alistair has no magical gifts - unless being magically inept counts. What were his parents thinking? And what is the mysterious affliction plaguing William Carlisle, the affluent and arrogant heir to Misselthwaite? Is there a connection to the strange key Alistair discovers in a book, the stranger noises in the night, and, strangest of all, the multiple men who desire his friendship? Misselthwaite has no end of secrets.
But if being disagreeable is good for anything, it's for getting to the bottom of mysteries.
--
Garden of Secrets is book one in a duology, and the first installment in a magical new universe. A Secret Garden retelling with a queer twist and featuring MMMM polyamory.
Isolated and miserable, with parents who don’t care about him, his life has been equal parts privilege and loneliness.
But when his parents die, his life is turned upside down. In order to gain his inheritance, Alistair is forced to attend a college he's never heard of - for good reason. Misselthwaite College is a school for the magically gifted
Alistair has no magical gifts - unless being magically inept counts. What were his parents thinking? And what is the mysterious affliction plaguing William Carlisle, the affluent and arrogant heir to Misselthwaite? Is there a connection to the strange key Alistair discovers in a book, the stranger noises in the night, and, strangest of all, the multiple men who desire his friendship? Misselthwaite has no end of secrets.
But if being disagreeable is good for anything, it's for getting to the bottom of mysteries.
--
Garden of Secrets is book one in a duology, and the first installment in a magical new universe. A Secret Garden retelling with a queer twist and featuring MMMM polyamory.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2022
52 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Drake LaMarque
18 books79 followersI'm a genderqueer NB author, writing steamy MM paranormal romances
(They/them pronouns)
(They/them pronouns)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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December 15, 2022Not quite sure what to rate this and will do so after reading book 2
My biggest struggles so far are:
- I love the world but I want more world building
- I love the characters but I want to learn more about them
- Alastair isn’t the best narrator (3rd person POV with focus on his thoughts and knowledge) as we have moments like this that confound me:
The first part of the garden was walled with a knee-high brick wall, and full of a variety of fluffy and fragrant plants. This was the kitchen garden, although Alastair didn’t know enough about plants to know that.” (P. 41)
Okay so Alastair doesn’t know but did I need to know that he doesn’t no? The fluffy plants would have given it away that he has limited plant knowledge and no, he never goes to the kitchen garden again.
I must admit I was expecting more of a slow burn but I’m looking forward to seeing these characters, their relationship and magic evolve!
NSFW infos:
My biggest struggles so far are:
- I love the world but I want more world building
- I love the characters but I want to learn more about them
- Alastair isn’t the best narrator (3rd person POV with focus on his thoughts and knowledge) as we have moments like this that confound me:
The first part of the garden was walled with a knee-high brick wall, and full of a variety of fluffy and fragrant plants. This was the kitchen garden, although Alastair didn’t know enough about plants to know that.” (P. 41)
Okay so Alastair doesn’t know but did I need to know that he doesn’t no? The fluffy plants would have given it away that he has limited plant knowledge and no, he never goes to the kitchen garden again.
I must admit I was expecting more of a slow burn but I’m looking forward to seeing these characters, their relationship and magic evolve!
NSFW infos:
January 5, 2025
This was interesting. Alistair was a bit hard to like in the beginning, but I think that was the intent as he slowly learned to develop interpersonal relationship skills.
The age-range in this book doesn't feel right at all. Alistair is supposed to be 21, but the magic school and his companions make this feel early high school range instead.
The age-range in this book doesn't feel right at all. Alistair is supposed to be 21, but the magic school and his companions make this feel early high school range instead.
December 27, 2022
This reads more like a YA plot except with explicit MMMM sex
September 14, 2022
I really liked Alistair, even (perhaps especially) at his most disagreeable. He’s not had an easy life, despite his privilege, and his circumstances change in ways that, at least initially, seem like they might not be for the better. As the story unfolds, however, we get to see him come into his own, and to make a variety of new connections along the way. I liked the premise of the story– I’m a sucker for the “Secret Garden” vibes– and the characters, and the way the plot unfolds. There’s plenty of chemistry, and overall the whole thing just feels interesting and creative in some really rewarding ways.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 22, 2022
I was hooked on this one from the first as we learn about Alistair's empty life and then watch what happens after he's orphaned and sent off to mysterious Misselthwaite. There are mysteries to solve, magical powers to discover and harness and some really interesting characters to form relationships with. A lovely gothic atmosphere pervades this one and I can't wait to see what happens in the second book.
September 23, 2022
I loved this book, there was something about it that made me connect to all the characters, and I can't wait for book 2. Please read this, I promise you won't regret it, the secrets, the love, the plot itself wow wow wow.
May 28, 2024
Slow blooming beauty
As the author warned, this is a slow burner. Something about this story piqued my interest. I purposely avoided thinking of this as a tale of romance. The words flowed so well that at times the bits of romance caught me off guard. Let me just say that this one of those slow burners which was well worth the wait.
As the author warned, this is a slow burner. Something about this story piqued my interest. I purposely avoided thinking of this as a tale of romance. The words flowed so well that at times the bits of romance caught me off guard. Let me just say that this one of those slow burners which was well worth the wait.
September 16, 2022
Loved so much!
Oh my gosh I loved this so much! I was hooked from page one by this engaging story. Each of the main characters is unique in their abilities and backgrounds. I enjoyed the interactions between the four MC's and how their friendships bloomed into more. The mystery of the Secret Garden was well thought out. Along with the mystery was some humor, a little heartache, and a few surprises sprinkled throughout the story. I can't wait for the next one!
Oh my gosh I loved this so much! I was hooked from page one by this engaging story. Each of the main characters is unique in their abilities and backgrounds. I enjoyed the interactions between the four MC's and how their friendships bloomed into more. The mystery of the Secret Garden was well thought out. Along with the mystery was some humor, a little heartache, and a few surprises sprinkled throughout the story. I can't wait for the next one!
September 17, 2022
A slow burn to build a polyamorous family
Did I know I needed a slow burn magical universe setting that builds to a very cute polyam quartet? No. Did I actually need a slow burn magical universe setting that builds to a very cute polyam quartet? Absolutely, and if you like mlm magical romances like I do I think you might too.
Did I know I needed a slow burn magical universe setting that builds to a very cute polyam quartet? No. Did I actually need a slow burn magical universe setting that builds to a very cute polyam quartet? Absolutely, and if you like mlm magical romances like I do I think you might too.
September 14, 2022
The Secret Garden was one of my favourite books as a kid, and this adaptation is also one of my favourites.
Drake Lamarque has a way of writing that draws you in... I was SO ANNOYED at Alistair in the beginning - he's just so passive and entitled! But his reaction to the tiniest positive interaction and praise is just so sad. It was lovely to see him blossom and bloom (lol) as the story progressed. Turns out, he's kind and thoughtful.
This story is MMMM, beautifully written, and has lovely tie backs to the original work.
Drake Lamarque has a way of writing that draws you in... I was SO ANNOYED at Alistair in the beginning - he's just so passive and entitled! But his reaction to the tiniest positive interaction and praise is just so sad. It was lovely to see him blossom and bloom (lol) as the story progressed. Turns out, he's kind and thoughtful.
This story is MMMM, beautifully written, and has lovely tie backs to the original work.
September 15, 2022
The writing style of this story was so historically poetic. The atmosphere it created really took you with Alistair and all his feelings and new experiences. This is Alistair's story and is told from his POV. It is a longer novel, so we really get to know Alistair before the other romantic interests are even introduced. I found it a bit slow for the first 3rd of the story but was very pleased with the magical, steamy and romantic second half of the book!
August 19, 2022
Alistair is a 20-year-old shut in, rarely venturing out of his family’s country estate. When his parents die suddenly, his quickest path to his inheritance is to attend the mysterious Misselthwaite College for a year. There he finds magic, confidence, and love. This was a delightful read, a reimagining of The Secret Garden, full of innocent crushes that turn into first loves. Alistair really blossoms and grows as a character. A fun historical gay af paranormal romance featuring multiple partners. I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
October 25, 2023
Garden of Secrets (Mistlethwaite College 1)
By Drake Lamarque
Published by Grey Kelpie Studio, 2022
Four stars
It’s 1896, and Alistair Lennox finds his narrow, lonely world turned upside down. Alistair is presented as an unsocial, unattractive, unpleasant young man. He has been homeschooled his whole life, has no friends, and is discouraged by his benign-but-neglectful parents, who pursue a busy social life without him. Then, on his twentieth birthday, when Alistair once again finds himself ignored and alone in their London house, his parents are killed in a carriage accident. The only way for him to get access to his family’s fortune is to attend Mistlethwaite College in Yorkshire for one year.
Dropped into an unheard of private university in a sprawling gloomy mansion in the middle of the school term is just the beginning for Alistair. He soon realizes that this is no ordinary college, and that his parents had been keeping secrets from him his whole life.
I won’t divulge any of the secrets, because dropping into this book cold was such fun. The greatest fun of all is discovering that Alistair isn’t quite as pathetic as he thinks he is, and in the course of his first term as Mistlethaite makes three unlikely friends: Thomas Sowersby, a local farmboy on scholarship; Michael Carlisle, arrogant son of the nobleman who owns the school; and Samal Bancroft-Dalton, a tall silent blond who stares at Alistair and makes him uncomfortable. With these young men Alistair discovers what friendship is; and what love is as well.
In the halls and on the grounds of Mistlethwaite Manor, Alistair discovers who he really is, and why his parents gave him the strange life he’s had up till now. His friends all have secrets as well, but that’s all part of what makes this story so appealing.
The most important difference between Drake Lamarque’s book and the unavoidable comparisons to another famous series about kids at an isolated boarding school in Scotland is that these are not children. These are young people in their twenties, working towards a college degree, bringing with them all the baggage that young adults carry. Only Alistair is an innocent—and only at first. He has to make his way and find his path with no prior preparation other than all the books he read alone at home and memories of a childhood imaginary friend.
The sexuality within the story is heartfelt and surprisingly moving. Lamarque has managed to create his own world and to focus on his four central characters to drive the story to its next phase in book two, Garden of Mysteries.
By Drake Lamarque
Published by Grey Kelpie Studio, 2022
Four stars
It’s 1896, and Alistair Lennox finds his narrow, lonely world turned upside down. Alistair is presented as an unsocial, unattractive, unpleasant young man. He has been homeschooled his whole life, has no friends, and is discouraged by his benign-but-neglectful parents, who pursue a busy social life without him. Then, on his twentieth birthday, when Alistair once again finds himself ignored and alone in their London house, his parents are killed in a carriage accident. The only way for him to get access to his family’s fortune is to attend Mistlethwaite College in Yorkshire for one year.
Dropped into an unheard of private university in a sprawling gloomy mansion in the middle of the school term is just the beginning for Alistair. He soon realizes that this is no ordinary college, and that his parents had been keeping secrets from him his whole life.
I won’t divulge any of the secrets, because dropping into this book cold was such fun. The greatest fun of all is discovering that Alistair isn’t quite as pathetic as he thinks he is, and in the course of his first term as Mistlethaite makes three unlikely friends: Thomas Sowersby, a local farmboy on scholarship; Michael Carlisle, arrogant son of the nobleman who owns the school; and Samal Bancroft-Dalton, a tall silent blond who stares at Alistair and makes him uncomfortable. With these young men Alistair discovers what friendship is; and what love is as well.
In the halls and on the grounds of Mistlethwaite Manor, Alistair discovers who he really is, and why his parents gave him the strange life he’s had up till now. His friends all have secrets as well, but that’s all part of what makes this story so appealing.
The most important difference between Drake Lamarque’s book and the unavoidable comparisons to another famous series about kids at an isolated boarding school in Scotland is that these are not children. These are young people in their twenties, working towards a college degree, bringing with them all the baggage that young adults carry. Only Alistair is an innocent—and only at first. He has to make his way and find his path with no prior preparation other than all the books he read alone at home and memories of a childhood imaginary friend.
The sexuality within the story is heartfelt and surprisingly moving. Lamarque has managed to create his own world and to focus on his four central characters to drive the story to its next phase in book two, Garden of Mysteries.
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July 22, 2024This was a quick read, though the storyline didn't captivate as expected, partly due to spoilers in the blurb. Despite my initial reservations, I appreciated the unexpected depth in the narrative, particularly involving the protagonist's relationships and the significance of the garden. My issues arose mainly due to predictable elements in the romantic arcs and the protagonist's perceived immaturity, but overall, the blend of familiar tropes and plot twists kept me engaged, making it a worthwhile recommendation for fans of magical school settings with intricate backstories.
Read the full review on SFFInsiders here.
Read the full review on SFFInsiders here.
July 25, 2025
4 stars
Alistair moved to Misselthwaite college after his parents die in a tragic accident. In order to inherit his trust, he must complete one year there. Used to being alone and ignored, he has a hard time adjusting but eventually makes friends and falls in love. This book is a mix of Harry Potter and the secret garden. There is also a significant amount of bullying. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was sweet and had a balance of action and mystery. It was very slow burn but the spice level was 1.
Alistair moved to Misselthwaite college after his parents die in a tragic accident. In order to inherit his trust, he must complete one year there. Used to being alone and ignored, he has a hard time adjusting but eventually makes friends and falls in love. This book is a mix of Harry Potter and the secret garden. There is also a significant amount of bullying. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was sweet and had a balance of action and mystery. It was very slow burn but the spice level was 1.
January 10, 2024
I need to stop reading revamps of The Secret Garden because they are never what I really want.
I think this book had a bit of an identity crisis - there are just so many different pieces shoved together, and I don’t feel like they all worked for me.
Don’t hate the fact that I read it and got a few laughs out of telling my friends about it on the journey.
Representation Notes:
Poly MMMM relationship
I think this book had a bit of an identity crisis - there are just so many different pieces shoved together, and I don’t feel like they all worked for me.
Don’t hate the fact that I read it and got a few laughs out of telling my friends about it on the journey.
Representation Notes:
Poly MMMM relationship
September 28, 2022
Fascinating retelling of an old childhood favorite
The original story this is based on was a childhood favorite of mine. I knew I had to read this. Magic, mysteries, and finding your own place in the world. I enjoyed this story and the characters drew me through in one sitting.
The original story this is based on was a childhood favorite of mine. I knew I had to read this. Magic, mysteries, and finding your own place in the world. I enjoyed this story and the characters drew me through in one sitting.
October 1, 2022
I loved this book so much the characters the world building the plot A+++ from! An amazingly wonderful read and one to come back to. I’m looking forward to the next book and am so excited for what’s in their future!
November 25, 2023
Worth hanging in there
Fair warning that for me this book starts off very slow and Alaister is unhappy and grim at the start. But like the MC, the book slowly blooms and becomes pretty delightful. I’m off to read the second half.
Fair warning that for me this book starts off very slow and Alaister is unhappy and grim at the start. But like the MC, the book slowly blooms and becomes pretty delightful. I’m off to read the second half.
December 28, 2023
Secret Garden with a twist
I genuinely enjoyed this book and the character build up ! It’s completely different and I couldn’t put it down… Looking forward to seeing what happens next !
I genuinely enjoyed this book and the character build up ! It’s completely different and I couldn’t put it down… Looking forward to seeing what happens next !
January 16, 2024
Interesting world building, but I was hoping for a more mature cast of characters. This feels like high school, not college. Alistair isn’t quite magnetic enough to account for the attention he receives either positive or negative.
July 28, 2024
A Magic University
First novel set back in late nineteenth century England, LaMarque takes his principal character through an education in magic as he bonds with fellow students. Brilliant description of a garden, excellent building of an alt-world through complex characters.
First novel set back in late nineteenth century England, LaMarque takes his principal character through an education in magic as he bonds with fellow students. Brilliant description of a garden, excellent building of an alt-world through complex characters.
Read
October 1, 2022DNF
April 17, 2023
You'll find a full review of “Garden of Secrets” at my web site.
September 20, 2023
Brilliant!
June 4, 2024
A strong 3*. Not amazing but I don’t regret reading it.
dnf
July 22, 2024I'm not putting a rating because I didn't finish the book. I didn't like either the style of writing or the point of view. I'm not really sure which it was. I just know that I didn't like it.
September 30, 2024
this book isn’t a comedy and yet it’s funny as hell 😭
March 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
June 2, 2025
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews