Atmospheric. Extensive Magic system and world-building. Slow burn. Those are the first three things that come to my mind when I try to describe this delicious, gothic academia debut. My only qualm is the fact that it was quite slow in the beginning. I loved the side characters of William and Alma, and I loved putting together the small bread crumbs the author left us throughout. I was thoroughly creeped out during the entirety of the stay with Fairfax and I still didn’t see the twist coming. Overall, it’s a fabulous debut and an evil cliffhanger that will have you itching for book two. I know I am!

If this book isn’t on your TBR, it absolutely should be.

When I tell you I was absolutely enthralled by this debut, in not kidding. Every spare moment I had I was picking it up and getting lost in the lush and vivid world that Jennifer has so expertly created.

Tales of a Monstrous Heart follows Kat as she’s a fey outcast in a world where everyone wants to see her fail (or die). She’s trying to become a mage but is struggling to find a partner/mentor so she can graduate. Who comes to offer her a Mage partnership? None other than Lord Blackthorn, the mysterious recluse.

Of course, what happens next is full of twists and turns and forbidden love. The slow burn is slow but god is it delicious.

Jennifer’s writing and world-building is beautiful and I’m still shocked that this is her debut. With romance, strange disappearances and dark beings showing up in unexpected circumstances, I was hooked from the first chapter.

I sold my soul (🤣) for an arc of @jenniferdelaneyauthor upcoming book (THANK YOU @gollancz 😭❤️).

Now let me tell you... Tales of a Monstrous Heart sits up there with the best of the best. I knew only a few chapters in that it was already going to be a 5 star read, and it did not disappoint. Seriously. I'd give more if I could.

Kat's entire journey was inspiring, and beautiful, and just...😭 This book, y'all. But also... Emrys. Enough said.
EASILY made my top 5 reads of 2024. Literally the slow burn gothic romantasy of my DREAMS, and I am frothing at the mouth for book 2.

Tales is an absolute phenomenal debut, and exceeded every expectation. With lush, rich world building, loveable characters that you can absolutely relate with, that slow burn (🤤) and without saying much... THAT ENDING. I'M FERAL. Did I already say I'm frothing at the mouth for book 2?

Oh man are the romantasy girlies going to go feral over this one. Tales of a Monstrous Heart is the perfect blend of fantasy/romance/gothic horror, with lush and delectable writing & an MC who I absolutely adored.

Katherine Woodrow only wants one thing in life, to become a mage. Unfortunately, her Fey genetics and the prejudice that surround them make that a harder task than it should be. Despite being whip smart, and a better mage than most of the council, Kat is constantly belittled, blamed and beaten down, but she is not the kind of person who goes down without a fight. When we first meet Kat she is trying her best to blend in, look more human, but as the story progresses she comes to accept and embrace her Fey heritage and the power that comes with that. Her resilience in the face of what she has been through really made me feel for her, as did her defence of those weaker than her, whether they were seen as lesser by humans or not. I loved seeing her come into her power, to accept who she is, growing to love it almost, but the author certainly knows how to put her characters though the ringer before allowing them the chance to shine.

The story is told solely from Kat's POV, but that doesn't mean we don't get introduced to some equally amazing characters. Alma, another Fey who Kat took under her wing. Loyal to a fault, and not afraid to stand up for Kat. William, Lord Blackthorns aid. He has such a positive outlook on life, always happy to help in anyway he can. And Lord Emrys Blackthorn himself. Similarly to Kat, Emrys has had to deal with some trauma in his life, trauma he is still living with daily. At first I expected him to be a more 'Rochester' style character, aloof, someone I wouldn't necessarily like, but that couldn't have been further from how Delaney chose to portray him. He is someone who is equally amazed and infuriated by Kat. At how little faith she has in herself and her power, at how small a price she puts on her own life. Don't get me wrong, he still has that dark and broody vibe down, but he's so much more than that, & I really enjoyed how much we get to see the different sides to his character. Also, I can't not mention, Thean. One of those characters you know you probably shouldn't trust, but also love any scenes that they are in, and the drama they were sure to bring with them.

Delaney takes her world and just kind of dumps us in headfirst, so it did take me a minute to get my bearings, but once I did I was instantly hooked. It's a world post war, that's seemingly on the brink of another, a world where humans craved magic so badly they decided to carve it out of the beings who claimed it so easily. One where Fey are seen as lesser, dangerous, left to fend for themselves on the outskirts, and human and Fey relations are forbidden, seen as an abomination. One thing I loved about this story is how much backstory Delaney gives us, insight into both the human and Fey history, but also how much those stories had an impact on the current one. It's one of those books where every piece of information given is important, nothing can by bypassed or rushed. Instead it's a story you need to savour, and that is absolutely helped by Delaney's lush and prosaic writing style.

If I could pick one word to describe the feel of this story it would be seductive. Not just because of the romance, but also how the authors writing style seems to slowly draw you into the story. It's part fantasy, part romance, part horror in parts, but underneath it all is the wondrous gothic atmosphere that I adored, and it has a semi-sentient house. Yes, you read that right... a house that almost becomes a character in it's own right, something that I absolutely love in a story. It's a slow starter, and I'll admit I wasn't 100% sure where the story was heading, but once you get stuck in, you almost don't care. The setting, the characters, the romance, all of these things come together to create a story that I simply couldn't put down.

And now... the romance. I absolutely freaking adored it. I adored how layered the characters were, how Emrys was both aloof and broody, whilst also being down so hard for Kat. The realness of how Kat couldn't stop looking at his well built arms, appreciating that he was taller than her. It has it's funny moments, and also it's incredibly steamy ones, but it was the almost forbidden romance vibes that did it for me. The knowledge that these two should not have feelings for one another, let alone act on them. Emrys not wanting to put Kat in harms way, and Kat basically saying Fuck it, I want you. It was beautifully written, slow burn in the best way, and what I enjoyed the most was that Delaney actually made Emrys likeable, instead of just a dick whose hot and we should like because he has a tragic past.

In case you couldn't tell I loved this one! That ending though... I genuinely thought my Kindle was having a moment when it ended where it did, but no, the author just decided to absolutely torture us readers knowing we would have to wait to see what happens next. If you love romantic fantasy with gothic horror vibes, plenty of action alongside slower scenes used to develop the world, with characters and a romance for the ages... you need to check this out.

I was thoroughly sucked in by this story from the moment I discovered it on the waterstones website, and again when I pre ordered, and then again when I got approved for an early eARC.
This story did not disappoint. Gothic and immersive, intriguing characters (Alma was my favourite) and not to mention a cheeky sentient manor house. Go and read this as soon as it comes out.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for the chance to read and review this ARC.

Wow! This book concluded at a magnitude I was not prepared for. Delaney’s writing is so beautiful. I’ve never wanted to be able to paint/draw more than I did whilst reading this book. She brought these characters and this story to life in a way that felt so effortless to read.

Our FMC, Kat, is a Fey living in a world where the cards are stacked against her. Our mysterious dark lord MMC, Emrys, is not who he appears to be. It’s a classic fantasy pairing and it is the SLOWEST of burns - in the best way. There’s so much lore and history to this world and I couldn’t get enough of all the fantastical creatures inside it.

One of the major successes of this books is its relationships, romantic and otherwise. Even the way the (sentient) house interacts with the characters is just so perfect.

Thank you so much for the arc! Can’t wait to own this beautiful book.

Sumptuous and gothic, Tales of a Monstrous Heart is a rich, atmospheric tale of romance and secrets, perfect for anyone who loves the idea of a brooding Lord in a mysterious manor whisking them away (and worshiping the ground they walk on).

The sentient house was a very welcome addition, as was the charming shape-shifter, gruesome creatures and a fresh take on the fae. And WOW, was Emrys everything a girl could want in a love interest. Brooding, attentive, and handsomely scarred, he truly has it all. I loved the romance between him and Kat and how much of a tension filled slow burn it was. Overall, I absolutely adored everything about this!! Jennifer’s written an absolutely amazing debut that is truly unforgettable, and needless to say I’m desperate for the next one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Katherine’s greatest dream is to graduate the Institute of Magic and become a real mage. However, being Fey has her continuously bombarded with insults and prejudice from the institutes council that seem determined to thwart her success. Until the day she receives a mysterious offer for a mage partnership from the enigmatic war hero Lord Blackthorn. As she enters the Lords elusive home and life she cannot help but feel drawn and an intense pull to the mysterious stormy eyed mage. Sudden signs of dark magic and Fey disappearances begin to turn up throwing Kat and Emrys into a world full of ancient texts, dark monsters, and insidious evil. Together they must overcome the nightmares that haunt them and their world.

Tales of a Monstrous Heart is Jennifer Delaney’s debut novel and what an astoundingly brilliant one it is! I absolutely devoured and savored every word of this book! Inspired by Jane Eyre this Gothic academic romantasy had all the slow burn, yearning, and tense forbidden love I adore. Delaney depicts a world full of enchanted wonder and danger that I was completely enamored by. Kat as an FMC was brave, bold, intelligent, and determined. Emrys Blackthorn had me screaming and devouring every sentence that the man spoke. He is perfectly mysterious, brooding, thoughtful, accepting, and protective. The shared bond our MCs forge is one I highly enjoyed watching develop. The dynamic between the two was just absolute perfection. From the side characters to the sentient home magic home I just loved it all! Yes this book has a magic house that loves to change layouts and play pranks on its guests, opening doors to rooms at any unsuspecting moment whether the inhabitant may be improperly dressed or not. I could go on and on about how obsessed I am with this book! Simply put this debut novel is amazing and I loved every second reading it! If you’re like me and enjoy a magic filled book with a forbidden slow burn romance, found family, and an ancient evil to destroy all set in a gothic academic world then you need to read this book!

Tales of A Monsteous Heart comes out August 29th, 2024

Thank you NetGalley and Gollancz for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! I have enjoyed all of this author’s books. I would love to see this book adapted to film and would love to read more but it’s like this one.

I loved this book, it was the perfect slow-burn gothic romantasy.
I enjoyed escaping to this dark, gothic world full of rich history, magic, a sentient sassy manor, intriguing mythical creatures, adorable side characters, and…the mysterious Lord Emrys Blackthorn.....mmm, a perfect blend of Mr Rochester and Mr Darcy in one swoon-worthy character

The writing and plot progression are done well, immediately drawing readers into the action from the very first chapter and maintaining this engaging momentum throughout. I felt constantly on edge, eager to unravel both the main storyline and the slow-burn romance.

I am grateful to have read this early but I am gagging for book 2. I can’t wait to get my finished copy so i can reread and tab all my favourite bits.

I would recommend this to any and everyone!

review to follow <Spoiler>i need time to process this! 😭</Spoiler>
** update **
OK so,

A gothic <i>Jane Eyre</i>-inspired romantasy? I am absolutely in! And this book absolutely did not disappoint me.

I fell in love with the characters, and especially the house! The dark academia and gothic vibes this whole setting gave me were perfect. The wider picture was so tragic and heartbreaking, I loved the breathing room and safety that Blackthorn Manor provides - a little haven in this brutal world that Jennifer created.

The dynamic between our two main characters gave me some <I>Howl's Moving Castle</i> vibes (which I happen to be reading at the moment as well). I <b>loved</b> this dynamic so much - and the brooding and back-and-forth 'are they good, or are they not?' sense that I took from it. I would do anything for Emrys, as that kind of brooding seems to be right up my street, haha!

Regards to the mystery that is also unfolding, it kept me on my toes and I got totally wrapped up in it. I adored all the lore that was also built into this, and how it was fed to us didn't make the book feel stuffy/heavy compared to some fantasy and how they deliver all the history you need to know. It was perfectly done.

Verging into spoiler territory now, so stop reading if you don't want any thoughts on the ending... I absolutely needed time to process it before writing my review.

<spoiler>I came close to throwing my kindle. I had to swap around pages a few times. How was that it? That last line! I had to exclaim and read it back to my partner. I love my heart being ripped out, but it so so sudden! </spoiler>

I loved it. I need more. Do we get more? I really hope so. I need to meet these characters again.

I absolutely loved this book. It was so well written and such a great story. It captivated my attention so quickly that I found it hard to put it down. If I could have read it continuously I would have! This has been one of my favourite books I’ve read this year by far!
The world building was phenomenal and so descriptive that I felt like I could see what was being described to me. The plot was amazing and I loved all the twists and turns.
I loved that at points you’re trying to guess what’s happening.
The characters are beautifully written and had such good depth and background to them.
The story follows Katherine Woodrow, a Fae student at the institute of Magic. Kat is only a student there because of the treaty. Kat suffers daily abuse and prejudices from both the students, teachers, the Magic Council and the mortal who now run the world. Kat has a secret she is a Kysillian Fae and shouldn’t exist in today’s world. After a disastrous event in which Kat has to fight a dangerous demon she ends up in trouble. From here she is desperate to get a partnership and luckily she gets just that with Lord Emry’s Blackthorn. Emry’s is an elusive, secretive, brooding and captivating character and he is so well written. From here things start to unfold and the pair find themselves deep in discovering dark secrets and acts which shouldn’t be possible. The romance is truly a slow burn and I loved every minute of it. Both have pasts and both are damaged in a way but they fit perfectly.
I loved Alma’s strength of character and her friendship with Katherine. I love how they both look out for each other and that no matter what they help each other. I loved William too and he comes across so sweet which was perfect when there are so many strong, dominant and not so nice characters

That ending wrapped a lot up but I’m also still thinking about it! I want to know where it’s going already. I already need the second book!
This was such an amazing debut Novel from this author and i can’t wait to see what’s coming next from her!!

Thank you to the Publisher, Author and Netgalley for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A really good debut that I enjoyed reading. Some tropes that I know many of us love were:

Forbidden romance
Slow burn
Gothic romance
Morally grey characters

This book is full of magic, passion and a gripping plot. I’d definitely recommend reading this!

♾️⭐️

𝔗𝔞𝔩𝔢𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔞 𝔐𝔬𝔫𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔲𝔰 ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔱
- 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦
- 𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯
- 𝘍𝘦𝘺
- 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴
- 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤
- 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱

I'm annoyed I wasn't off work to read this all in one sitting but I also wanted to drag it out forever.

I honestly can't articulate how good this book is. I could cry at how content I feel from this book. Tales of a Monstrous Heart is a slow burn Gothic Fantasy with Jane Eyre vibes with forbidden love, yearning and beautiful friendships.

Kat is our strong, independent and smart fey FMC who has to face prejudice and trauma. Trying to graduate and become a mage, which brings her into a partnership with Lord Blackthorn. Emrys is mysterious and holds his cards close to his chest.

Seeing their bond blossom through sharing knowledge, loyalty and acceptance, was just... ugh, I wish I could forget it all to read it for the first time all over again.

Jennifer's development of and attention to side characters is second to none. If they each had a book dedicated to them, I would absolutely not be mad about it and I would EAT IT UP.

Tales has very quickly became a top read of 2024 and a book I will reread over and over and over. I will be forever grateful to Jennifer for gracing my life with this book and Gollancz for graciously providing me with an eARC 🥹

The only negative I can take from it all is that Jennifer has no other work in the world right and that in itself is criminal. I will legit be following her work forever 🫶🏻

I really enjoyed this fantasy isn’t really my thing but this was so good,
I adored how everything was described the imagination was perfect everything was so beautifully written I could picture it
I loved the characters and the slow burn as 🔥🔥
Definitely one of my favourite books of 2024

What is this absolute 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕! Good lord, this book was just exquisite!! Hauntingly written in places, just an absolute gothic masterpiece of a debut novel. I got pure howls moving castle vibes with Emrys, William and the magical house and I just ate that up!!

This story was so complex, so deep with so many hidden meanings behind every word I don’t actually think I can describe this book well enough. It gave me all the feels, heartbreak, anticipation, sadness, torment, love, fluffiness and even had goosebumps breaking out on me! I just have to say if you love dark gothic romantasy with a twinge of horror you MUST read this book!!

The story follows Katherine a fey who wants to graduate from the institute of magic but finds herself in hot water from the prejudice from the mortal
Council (I hate them) and is forced to accept a mage partnership with lord Blackthorn. This is where the drama really happens.

Que girly squeal, Emrys Blackthorn is dark, scarred and tortured and that man is hiding some secrets in there that were a pleasure to unravel. His character was so present, every time he entered a scene I was holding my breath. I LOVE him! I especially love the descriptions of him and the wet shirts, AHMM excuse me! And the tension between them both was to die for, the forbidden longing - exquisite and had me literally curling my toes in anticipation!

So much happens in the book, the plot is fast paced and keep you guessing, I was hooked from the first couple of chapters and boy does it ramp up from half way through again! There was so much deep history between the verr, fey and mortals is sprinkled throughout and I feel like we have only just touched the surface.

Katherine’s was an epic FMC and I just loved seeing her development. Her dark and tortured past nearly had me in tears, and watching her trying to over come her fear, learn to accept herself, accept her past and find her power was enlightening and inspirational! She is kickass. I LOVE her so much.

Then there are the side characters, each of them so deserving of spotlight. Little William our apprentice and his banter, then theres Alma, alma and Katherine’s friendship was perfection, I want a shape shifting best friend! And I can’t forget Thean either, I loved their sassyness!

The ending… talk about cinematic chuck everything at you and watch the chaos erupt… I think I’m still processing that ending and that cliffhanger! Holy moly… there are no words! I need book 2!

Wow! What a debut! This book was nothing short of fantastic. It’s a delightful mix of gothic academia and slow burn romance that will have you squealing. It’s a well paced book, written in first person, with decent sized chapters and wonderful writing.

The world was in depth enough to require some explanation here and there though out the book (which the author did brilliantly) but not too extensive to the point where you’re getting lost. Blackthorn Manor is almost a character itself, the ever changing rooms keep both you and Kat on her feet!

The main characters were wonderful. Kat is a powerhouse, incredibly witty, intelligent and brave but humble enough that us non-magical beings can relate to her grief and sadness with so much depth. My heart was literally hurting for her!!! Emrys Blackthorn is an incredible character who I don’t think I could ever get enough of. He’s mysterious, bold, and protective but also extremely kind to those who he deems worthy - the perfect mix for this kind of book. The side characters of William and Alma were beautifully written and excellent additions to the book. They made a wonderful balance between the main characters and really emphasised how its the family you choose that will get you through the bad times.

The plot took me by surprise SO many times! It followed the pacing of the book incredibly, and it really felt like we were learning all of this stuff along side Kat and Emrys as they were learning it. There were also a few twists and turns that had me…not ok. The writing was beautiful and the author always explained complex world concepts with ease for the reader to understand. I loved the focus on knowledge, not just when Kat was in the institute, but also once she was out in the world and discovering things. We love strong women in academia!!!!

This book felt like a love letter to gothic fantasies everywhere. If you like gothic academia vibes with a slow burn romance to die for, then this book is for you! I love seeing female authors succeed, and Delaney smashed it out of the park with this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the eBook arc for this novel, I am eternally grateful.

This was so much better than I anticipated! I really enjoy a book with magical monstrous books, it was adventurous, passionate and cruel in parts. This book had found family elements with a friends to lovers vibe more so than enemies to lovers. There are plenty of secrets and trauma to unearth due to the prejudice and history between the Fey and mortals. I really hope there’s a book 2!!

𝒯𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝑀𝑜𝓃𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓈 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉
By @jenniferdelaneyauthor
Publisher: @gollancz
Release Date: 29 August 2024

Wow!
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚.

The cover of the book immediately captured my attention upon first glance, but it was the compelling and enthralling story that truly left a lasting impression on me. This book truly blew me away with its brilliance! It is definitely one of the best books I have read so far this year. The writing was absolutely beautiful, and I found myself completely captivated by it. The characters were so well-developed and lovable; it was impossible not to adore them.

This book is perfectly suited for those who appreciate:
* Slow Burn
* Gothic Romance
* Forbidden Romance
* Morally Grey Characters
* Found Family

I would like to express my gratitude to @netgalley, @gollancz and @jenniferdelaneyauthor for providing me with the opportunity to read this exceptional e-ARC , which has left a lasting impression on me. The quality of the content was so impressive that I have taken the step to pre-order it. Thank you for this wonderful reading experience,

Honestly, I was torn between racing through this book and dragging it out because I simply did not want it to end – it really is that good! Tales of a Monstrous Heart is a slow-burn, gothic romantasy that is full of yearning, stolen glances and tender moments.

The first chapter absolutely grabs you by the scruff of the collar and drags you into the world with one of the best and all-out-action openers that I've ever read. The story follows Katherine Woodrow, a Fey student at the Institute of Magic who faces daily prejudice and obstacles from all mortals who now control the world that we're in. After a run-in with a dangerous demon that leaves a path of destruction, Kat is summoned to become a Mage Partner with Lord Blackthorn.

Emrys Blackthorn is elusive, mysterious and lives in a suitably gothic, sentient house that is ever-shifting its layout to its whim. Together, Kat and Emrys work together to desperately seek answers to Fey murders and unexplainable mysteries while uncovering a whole host of dark forces along the way. The plot never lags and keeps you thoroughly gripped throughout. The supporting characters – William, Alma and Thean – are well-developed and I absolutely adored them all, especially Thean!

Also, the ending may be one of the most gut-wrenching yet bravest endings from a debut writer that I've ever read. I cannot wait for everyone to experience Tales of a Monstrous Heart!