A Secret in the Garden
From USA Today bestselling author Jeneane O'Riley comes the first in a series of deliciously dark and whimsical standalone romances. Some secrets were never meant to be unearthed. Perched on a windswept cliff, Blackwood Manor looms like a dark monument to a mysterious family. Behind its grand...
- Pages
- 488
- Audiobook
- 13 hr 33 min
- First published
- February 24, 2026
- Language
- English
- Edition
- Audiobook
Shelved by 1 Litcadian
Reviews
Finished March 13, 2026
This was such a beautifully moody gothic romance! It's a bit like Beauty & the Beast meets The Secret Garden but sprinkle in some spice! Blackwood Manor feels like its own character with the crumbling conservatory, overgrown beds, and the constant feeling that something is lurking beneath the surface. I really enjoyed following Eliza as she works to restore the garden while uncovering the secrets buried within the estate. The mystery, ghostly elements, and the emotional history tied to the manor kept me hooked the whole time. Eliza struggles to overcome her own emotional trauma and while her inner monologue felt a bit repetitive in a few places, Jasper was there to help pull her out of her head. Jasper was a bit much imo, but he exudes that 'touch her and die' energy. The forced proximity and slow burn added some lovely tension to this already moody read. Overall, a delightful gothic romance with a creepy mystery and secrets galore. It's definitely worth adding to your TBR. Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for providing me with this ARC.