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!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐ - Firstly, thank you Jennifer for the incredible sample pack & allowing me to read the e-ARC 😍🥹

* About *
Tales of a Monstrous Heart is a captivating Gothic romance that melds the eerie and enchanting elements of the genre with a slow-burn romance that unfolds with deliberate elegance. Inspired by Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," this novel pays homage to the classic while carving out its own unique niche in the realm of Gothic literature.

✨ Set in a brooding, atmospheric Blackthorn Manor & captivating landscape that feels alive with secrets and shadows, the story follows the journey of a resilient, complex heroine who finds herself entangled in a web of mystery and forbidden love.

* My Review *
🖤 The book excels in creating a vivid, immersive setting, from the creaking halls, moving rooms & hidden portals within an ancient manor, that whisper of long-buried secrets.

😍 The romance at the heart of the story is a slow-burning affair, characterized by deep emotional currents. The relationship between the protagonists evolves with a measured pace, allowing for rich character development and a profound exploration of their inner lives.

🖤 The romantic tension is heightened by the Gothic elements—ghostly apparitions, dark magic, monsters and historic family secrets, all with a a sense of impending doom—that hover on the periphery of their burgeoning love.

🤎 Kat and Lord Blackthorn (Emrys) are plunged into a realm of ancient tomes concealing monstrous horrors, sinister fiends who manipulate nightmares, and ruthless men bent on seeing them burn..

📚 What sets TOAMH apart is its haunting beauty of its descriptions. Jenifer skillfully uses language to evoke a sense of dark beauty, drawing readers into a world where every shadow and flicker of candlelight carries weight and meaning.

🤎 The emotional depth of the characters is amazing. I loved William & Alma, combined with the atmospheric setting - creates a reading journey everyone who loves Gothic Romantasy.. needs to experience!

📖 In the spirit of "Jane Eyre," the novel grapples with themes of autonomy, morality, and the struggle for self-identity. Katherine's journey is not just one of romantic discovery, but also of personal empowerment, as she navigates a labyrinth of societal expectations and personal demons being Fey and being from the Institute of Magic.

🖤 TOAMH is a testament to the allure of Gothic romance. It is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant tale that will appeal to fans of classic literature and modern romantasy alike.

🕯️ Whether you're drawn in by the promise of a haunting love story, Blackthorn Manor or the richly textured Gothic vibes, this book is sure to enchant and captivate you from the very first page to the last.. mark my words!

We need book No2!!!

Unfortunately, the font can't be resized on the format provided and that made reading on my phone too difficult to continue. I tried downloading and sending to my Kindle to no avail. It seems like a very good book but not worth ruining my eyesight over.

I did enjoy what I managed to read.

Tales of a Monstrous Heart is slow burn gothic dark academia based adult fantasy romance. It is the first installment in a trilogy by debut author Jennifer Delaney. Tales follows Katherine Woodrow, a Fey in a world where Fey are the lesser species. All she wants is to graduate from the Institute, but when circumstances have the council threatening her position she only has one option: to accept a partnership. Due to her Fey heritage Kat finds herself lacking in offers, so when the elusive Lord Emrys Blackthorn offers his hand she has no choice but to accept. Kat moves to Blackthorn manor to begin their partnership and she finds herself drawn to this dark, mysterious Lord. When they find themselves in the midst of Fey disappearances and murders, they must work together to over come the emerging dark magic and defeat the mortal men who feel themselves superior. What awaits in the darkness: secrets, lies and monstrous beings. However not everything can stay in the dark.

Tales drops you in it from the get go, opening up with an action packed scene that sets the pace for the rest of the book. The twist on Fey in this story is refreshing. I'm used to reading stories where the fae are the superior beginnings and to see a story where the Fey are looked down upon, hunted and even murdered was something new for me. The fact this plays out throughout the whole book allows you to feel the wall Kat really is up against throughout the whole book and no matter her actions she will never be good enough.

The dark gothic atmosphere of the manor and in particular the study are something I adored from this book. Who doesn't want a library, with gorgeous sculpted desks, a fireplace & shelves upon shelves of books. I have to say I think the manor itself is my favourite character. I love a sentient house that causes mischief for its inhabitants, from moving rooms to having doors lead you to somewhere else. It did have me chuckling once or twice.

While the plot is action packed & keeps you moving throughout the story for me the real selling point of this book is the characters and the side characters in particular. I loved Katherine and Emrys and seeing their romance grow. The banter, the angst, the longing glances had me swooning. But William, Alma and Thean are what build on the story. William is a sweet cinnamon roll boy and I will see no harm come to him. The fierceness and loyalty of Alma gives her a firm place in my heart. And then the humour and bluntness Thean adds. *chefs kiss*. I am so excited to see more of these in the upcoming books.

Jennifer's writing in parts of this book swept me away and I can't wait to see her build on this as she progresses in her career. This will definitely be one I add to myself in August and I am already highly anticipating the sequel.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the e-arc.

I have NO words for how absolutely good this book is! It is the perfect blend of gothic and dark academia fantasy!
It has a perfect eerily dangerous and exciting world, full of with dark magic, bargains and monsters! Wow. I absolutely loved it!
IT had so many small details that made it perfect: a mystery to uncover, academia, close proximity of the main characters, slow burn romance and a very forbidden one!

If you like brave and stubborn characters, who care for each other's and tend to each other's wounds, you found your perfect book!

I was immediately transported into a Jane Eyre like world, the writing was gorgeously descriptive and flow-y. I loved how the plot evolved and I am thrilled to see what the other books of this trilogy has to offer! SO EXCITED!

Thank you so much for the publisher and Netgalley for the eArc! My opinion is my own.

THIS BOOK RIGHT HERE MIGHT BE ONE OF MY FAV ROMANTSY BOOK OF ALL TIME. i devoured it. It was so good. Kat is everything i want in a FMC. Also lord blackthorne is so hot omg. Their intractions had me giggling and kicking my feet. Also the plot and storyline was so good. The ending had me in a chokehold. Can't wait for book 2.
Thank you netgalley, Jennifer Delaney and Gollancz for the E-arc.