Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC! This was my first read as a SimonTeen Influencer, and I was NOT disappointed! :)

I finished this romantic, magical realism book yesterday, and I'm still stewing in my feelings about it. For starters, I loved the writing style. Shea Ernshaw's descriptions of this "beautiful madness" creates a suspenseful, but also cozy atmosphere. Its set in the summer--when the cursed tulips bloom--but I think this book easily fits Fall vibes as well, when readers are looking for something a little magical and eerie. The story had me hooked from the first chapter, and I was as enchanted by Oak as Lark was.

On the flip side, I still have a LOT of questions, and I believe this is a standalone....so I won't be getting answers lol. I was a bit frustrated with the lack of origin story with the tulips(WHY do they cause this love delirium? How does it affect people differently by who holds it? Would the Goodes' problems been all solved if they'd simply moved away and took no tulips with them?) And while I can usually appreciate a fast-paced book, I would have liked seeing what was "normal" for Lark before everything went crazy. I felt it was only alluded to that people would fall madly in love with Lark and her twin brother, but we saw VERY few instances of that happening before the tulips were all over town and attracting others to the tulip-holders.

I was very relieved that there was an HEA, but it maybe wasn't AS satisfying as I'd hoped. We still don't know if their relationship had to do with the cursed power of the flowers, or if it was real, genuine love...Oh well. To sum up, I really did enjoy this book but I also have some problems with it haha.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book! This story is about a family cursed by a tulip garden in their yard. Every year when the tulips bloom all the kids at school fall head over heels for Archer and Lark, the twins who live in the Goode house still. Their Mom and Dad have both left. Lark wants to get out of town after she graduates this year, but someone breaks into the tulip garden and steals tulips, the first time this has ever happened. The school goes crazy with love and lust and greedy to get a tulip to find love. But once the tulips die so do the feelings that they bring to everyone. It was a different fantasy, about fate, love, loss, and a curse that leaves Lark and Archer trying to figure out what is next in life.

I thought this was a very good idea. The romance felt very insta-lovey and confusing. I was annoyed with them both in the middle and at the end of the story, but it worked itself out. Overall, I think it was a nice and sweet story. I was super mad at what her brother did. I am glad that they got the ending they wanted.

This leaned a little more heavily into the YA territory than I had originally anticipated, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. The prose was lush, lyrical, and deliberate.

This is a great magical realism book. It was an interesting story to have the girl that everyone wanted to want the one boy who didn’t, but in a unique way. I do feel like the story setup was slower pace (which felt appropriate - we’re in a small town) but the ending and epilogue moved to resolve things much faster. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

DNF at 30% I just wasn’t really feeling the overall book, I think this will work great for other people! It just felt too young for me

The Beautiful Maddening is captivating. It's a story where the roots of obsession and love are hopelessly twisted. When you have the power to nudge someone, to put a sparkle in your eye, how can you trust anyone's feelings? If we assume we've bewitched someone, then how can we know if their love is for real? If it's not just a passing spell, a flight of fancy, gone when the season ends? The Beautiful Maddening exists at this intersection. Not only does it ask whether we can trust anyone else, but it also explores whether we can trust our own feelings.

I LOVE Shea’s books. They’re so incredibly unique and beautifully written; there’s nothing else like them. They’re atmospheric and heartbreaking and truly encapsulate what it means to be a person.

This book is YA, and while I know that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I will say this: I am not much of a YA reader anymore, and I loved this book. It’s about a set of twins who live on their family’s land which happens to have a tulip farm. The tulips seem to be magic, as anyone who comes in contact with one, or its scent, is instantly taken over by feelings of love. This becomes an obsession within their graduating class, everyone eager to get their hands on a Goode tulip so they can hold the attention of those they’re crushing on.

Incredible story and really unique premise!

"Heartbreak is a powerful thing," she says. "It casts spells and conjures up dangerous magic-I've seen it happen. Never stand in the way of someone with a broken heart," she warns. "It can curse a whole town. Never underestimate what heartbreak can do."

I have been a fan of Ernshaw's writing for many years, and this is the first book of hers that I really haven't enjoyed. But I will say that I think it's more a "me" thing than a book thing, and I think that there will be a perfect audience for the book out there...it just wasn't me. The writing was beautiful and dreamy and even poetic at times, so if you love flowery writing and magical romance then you may really enjoy this book. (For instance, if you loved Rachel Griffin's Bring Me Your Midnight, Stephanie Garber's Once Upon a Broken Heart series, and Adalyn Grace's Belladonna, this feels along the same lines in terms of writing and romantic plot.)

Some issues I had with the book were the insta-love, the nonstop ruminations about tulips and love and being cursed, minors being abandoned with no lawful repercussions, and the issues with consent or lack thereof that happened several times throughout the book. I felt like there wasn't enough depth to the characters, and I was hoping for more.

That being said, romantasy books often focus on the sweetness of the romance and not character/plot depth, so this may not be a deal-breaker for many of you romantasy girlies out there! This is a quiet story that feels bittersweet in its exploration of enchantment versus love, while the characters spend their every moment trying to discern between the two. The curse of the tulips was an interesting premise that forced confusion and obsessive longing into the narrative. I felt empathy for the main character as she wrestled with the uncertainty of not knowing what was illusion from the curse and what was real.

This book wasn't for me, but if you love quieter romantasy, it might be for you! Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book!

This book was lovely and it was well written. Full of elegance and gothic vibes, we’re treated to the story of Lark Goode and her family’s curse. It’s a slower book, but it’s so beautifully written that it keeps you hooked. There are so many layers to this book and it builds upon each other in a way that you’re captivated instead of bored. Definitely love this one.

Earnshaw could write a dishwasher manual and I would prob devour it with as much charisma as I did this book. This book truly is one big atmospheric blanket that you could snuggle in and all would feel right. I thought that the concept of the Goode Tulips was interesting and the effect that it had on the kids of the town was unhinged and I was here for it. I thought the story line of what happened to Lark's mother was compelling and I was really happy to see everything eventually come to light. I thought that Lark was a thoughtful and well written character. A lot of times I found myself really sad for her. I really liked Oak. I thought that his depth and the way he brought Lark to life was sweet. It hard to really put into words a review to accurately explain how I feel about pretty much everything the Shea writes. The beautifully lyrical writing and atmosphere is always the best vibe.

A family’s curse tied to enchanted tulips causes locals to fall helplessly in love with anyone within the Goode bloodline.🌷

Shea Ernshaw delivers a haunting, atmospheric romantic fantasy for young adult readers. This was a slower, character focused story.

It was my first time reading Shea Ernshaw, and I think fans of modern young adult fantasy will enjoy this one. Perfect for a young adult reader looking for an angsty, romantic book with magical realism. I enjoyed the beautiful writing, and I highlighted many quotes. It was a little slow for me, but I did enjoy the overall atmosphere and darker tone.

My rating: 3.75⭐️

Posted to Goodreads: 6/8/2025

This book follows the story of Lark, who happens to be a part of the cursed Goode family. The tulips that grow on their property cause people to fall in love with the Goode family, but when the tulips wither and die, so does the lovesickness that the citizens of Cutwater feel. Two questions remain to be answered: What happens when someone else possesses a tulip? Can Lark ever trust love?

If you enjoy very rich and detailed writing, this YA contemporary fantasy just might be for you. The author captures both the depth and desperation of love, weaving together unique characters and an interesting town lore. I was given the chance to review this book through NetGalley, and I hope other readers enjoy the writing and adventure the author takes them on.

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced readers copy for this book. It has beautiful writing that really brings the environment and characters alive. I did feel like the book didn't know where it wanted to end up. As I was getting close to finishing I started to question how this could end. I wouldn't say that I loved or hated the ending but overall this was a good book.

I was hooked on this book from the moment I read the premise - I just had to get my hands on an ARC! If you're in the mood for a quick read that will tug at your heartstrings, look no further. The mysterious curse surrounding the Goode family's red and white tulips will keep you on the edge of your seat, and I found myself desperately rooting for Lark to find happiness. As a high school senior herself, Lark's struggles to navigate uncertain emotions and adulthood felt deeply relatable, and I loved watching her grow and evolve throughout the story. However, I would’ve like to see more of Archer Goode and wonder what happens in his life and if he ever finds love. So… Sequel?

Some teens' lives revolve around friendships, significant others, or extracurriculars, but Lark Goode's claustrophobic life revolves around a summer tulip season.

Each year, thousands of tulips bloom in the backyard of the Goode family home, where Lark lives with her twin brother, Archer, long abandoned by their parents. The pollen seeps into their hair, their clothes, their pores. And it only has one effect: While tulip season is upon them, anyone who spends more than a few moments around Lark or Archer Goode becomes wildly infatuated with them. While Archer plays up his charms and uses the season to his advantage, Lark sees it as a curse that only seeks to isolate and destroy her.

But this year, mad season is coming for more than just the Goode twins. Someone has discovered the secret of the tulips, cutting them and sharing them around town. Suddenly, someone is falling head over heels for a “crush” they never had and Lark's peers are ripping each other apart just to hold a tulip, which radiates a feeling of true love. There's only one person who seems to be immune to the pull: A newcomer named Oak, who becomes a source of endless fascination for Lark.

The Beautiful Maddening tells a story wrapped in young love, obsession, and the layers of uncertainty that surround every human relationship.

Historically, Shea Ernshaw's novels can be a bit hit-or-miss for me. Her novels are conceptually stunning, but the execution doesn't always live up to it. Thankfully, The Beautiful Maddening takes its premise in a fascinating direction! The weakest chapter is the first, which is a bit of an info dump turned pity party for Lark, but things quickly pick up once readers see the chaos Goode tulips can cause firsthand.

Once that happens Lark becomes a captivating central character. She’s not necessarily confident, but she does have a quiet strength that radiates out in some big moments. She also has a really sweet relationship arc with Oak, who is enigmatic but so charming. Together, Lark and Oak really pulling you in. Their chemistry isn't sickly sweet, but it is very endearing, and I liked the bold steps Ernshaw took to portray a unique relationship.

At just about 300 pages, The Beautiful Maddening is a quick read. The smaller size works in favor of the book's more reflective character study, so I'm certainly not complaining. I also love that Ernshaw included little easter eggs to her previous work---They're great to see if you know them, but so subtle that they won't distract you if you don't.

Overall, The Beautiful Maddening is a soft but undeniable story that brings superstition and magic realism to the forefront. It's not my favorite novel by the author, but it was still sweet and enjoyable!

The Beautiful Maddening is a beautifully written story about a family curse and the way it affects Lark. .

This is a slower moving story, but I enjoyed it. I loved waiting and allowing the anticipation of what was going to happen build up.

I love how unique this story was. Yes a family curse can be seen in a lot of books, but the way Shea Ernshaw wrote about it made it different. She has such a lyrical prose that I really enjoyed.

My only issue is the ending, which is why I rated 4 stars. It felt a little out of character. I still enjoyed the story though.

The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

Shea Ernshaw has always had a gift for crafting stories that feel like they live just on the edge of a dream—and The Beautiful Maddening might be her most intoxicating novel yet. From the moment I stepped into the world of Cutwater and met Lark Goode, I was swept up in a spellbinding mix of magic, longing, and quiet heartbreak.

The premise alone is haunting: a family curse that causes anyone who falls in love with a Goode girl to be consumed by it—irrationally, obsessively, devastatingly. Lark has grown up fearing love, believing it to be dangerous, even deadly. That inner conflict—wanting love so badly, yet believing it will destroy everyone she touches—was deeply affecting. I felt for her in a way that caught me off guard. Her loneliness, her fierce independence, and her slow unraveling as the curse starts infecting her town felt so real, even in a story draped in fantasy.

What I adore about Ernshaw’s writing is how she turns nature, setting, and silence into characters themselves. The tulips, the wind, the stillness of the town—all of it felt alive. The prose is lyrical without being overdone, every line deliberate, every detail atmospheric. The town of Cutwater feels like a living memory—ghostly, timeless, and so beautifully rendered I could almost smell the damp earth and wind through the fields.

The romance at the center of the novel is subtle, aching, and slow-burning. It doesn’t scream at you—it simmers. The boy who may be immune to the curse is not just a love interest, but a mirror to Lark’s fears and hopes. Their connection is tender and complicated in a way that makes you want to reread passages just to feel it again.

But what surprised me most was how much the story is really about agency—about how much power we give the stories we've inherited. Lark’s journey isn’t just about whether she’ll fall in love, but whether she can choose to write her own ending instead of living the one written centuries before her.

The Beautiful Maddening is haunting in the best way—quiet, magical, and emotionally resonant. It stayed with me long after I turned the last page, like a whispered spell you can’t quite shake. If you love stories that make your heart ache and your skin tingle with wonder, this is one to lose yourself in.

The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw is an atmospheric story about a family curse and its effect on the latest generation and the town they live in.

Enshaw’s writing is so beautiful, almost poetic, though, I admit, it could make the story feel slightly repetitive at times. While I did really enjoy the writing, sometimes I felt like it overshadowed the plot; not much actually happened in each chapter.

That said, the concept of this story was really unique and I loved the mystery surrounding Oak. It was fun trying to figure out how he doesn’t seem to be affected by Lark’s family curse. The twists with Oak just kept coming!

I do feel a little conflicted on the lack of consent in this story. I appreciated that Lark distanced herself from others so that she wouldn’t take advantage of anyone, but her twin brother made some choices that didn’t sit well with me. The ending has me a little conflicted as well; Lark made a choice that felt out of character, to the point of regression.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this story. It was a quick read despite the flowery writing style and I never wanted to put it down. I also I loved the subtle mentions of the town from one of her other books- The Wicked Deep!

3.5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for a NetGalley copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The Beautiful Maddening is out now.

Shea Ernshaw has a very lyrical writing style; she carefully chooses every word, shrouding it in mystery and very pretty prose.

I was very excited for this book and was anticipating a 5 star read (based on my love for her previous work, especially Winterwood) but I found that this book felt a touch incomplete and almost lackluster in terms of the plot. There definitely is one, but it seems to meander in a way that seems a bit lost. I enjoyed a lot of this book and how Ernshaw plays with love versus infatuation, especially in the final chapter, but this book just isn't as strong as her previous work.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.