Thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for the arc!

I enjoyed this one. 3.5 ⭐️ but rounded up. The setting and vibes were on point and as described in the summary. I loved the haunted maze, curse storyline and paranormal aspects. I definitely felt invested in the story as the book progressed and at times didn’t want to stop reading.

My only complaint is that while it was a quick read, it almost felt too fast paced. I would have liked to see more complications along the way and more of Calvin and Violet working together to break the curse. I think that also would have helped their relationship build and segue from ‘I don’t think I like you’ to ‘soulmates’ a little better too.

Overall would recommend the read. Especially if you like paranormal mysteries and academia settings.

The trope of a best friend going to the board school their friend was murdered at to figure out what happened to them is an auto read for me. I love that. The bond between friends was so strong that one is willing to put themselves in danger to figure out what happened to their best friend. I really enjoyed that this diverged from the norm by adding in a supernatural element. It was really well done and refreshing to see that there wasn’t a divide between rich and poor and using people. It was really enjoyable that at the core of this mystery was love. It’s very fast paced and I think the attraction and love between Calvin and Violet could’ve been a little more flushed out, but otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Okay… House of Hearts totally delivered the moody, mysterious, curse-filled boarding school vibes I was hoping for.

This book was dark, twisty, and so much fun. I loved Violet as a main character—she’s stubborn, sharp, and refuses to let anyone gaslight her out of the truth. The whole secret society / cursed bloodline / suspiciously hot suspect’s brother situation? Yeah. I’m all in. Calvin Lockwell is exactly the kind of broody, complicated love interest I want haunting my morally questionable mysteries.

It had a little The Secret History, a little Crimson Peak, and just enough paranormal chaos to keep me flipping pages late into the night. If you’re into eerie curses, elite secrets, and enemies-to-kinda-more romance, definitely give this one a read.

This was good kept me intrigued from start to finish. I liked this author’s first book a bit better, but this one was definitely a page turner. The romance was a little flat though for me. I loved all the spooky aspects! I look forward to reading more by this author soon.

This book is perfect for fans of gothic romance and dark academia with a great mystery woven in!

Overall the book had fun characters, interesting dynamics, and a plot that will keep you guessing. The setting and atmosphere of the book is spooky and unhinged. The enemies-to-lovers is a great storyline as well.

It is on the shorter side of novels so you can read it quickly and it is fast paced. Would absolutely recommend!

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

This was my first book by Skyla Arndt and it did not disappoint! This book was so interesting and absolutely sucked me in from the beginning!

The secret that the Lockwell family was hiding as well as what the curse was, were not what I was expecting. Those pieces definitely made the book more intriguing. I also really liked the secret society aspect. I was also so nervous it was going to end in a cliffhanger and I am so happy it didn't!

I would definitely recommend to fans of dark academia and/or fellow fantasy readers!

<i> Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. </i>

I picked up House of Hearts by Skyla Arndt purely on first impression — the beautiful cover immediately drew me in. After reading the description, I was intrigued enough to give it a try, and I’m glad I did.

The story opens with a mysterious, revenge-driven plot and it gradually unfolds into something much more supernatural. It blends several tropes; mystery, a touch of dark academia, and elements of the paranormal — the spice was very minimal clean making it a solid choice for a YA audience.

One of the things I appreciated most was the strong-willed female main character. She’s independent and stands her ground, which made her easy to root for. Interestingly, the male character takes more of a backseat, which felt like a refreshing shift from the usual dynamic. I also really enjoyed the use of letters and flashbacks — they added emotional depth and helped piece the story together.

The book includes some fun modern pop culture references, like Love Island, which gave it a current feel. However, at times the blending of the supernatural world with the modern day could have been more cohesive. There were moments where the pacing felt a bit rushed and some scenes lacked the clarity they needed to fully land. I found myself wishing for more development in certain areas; more buildup, more, tension, and more detail.

Overall, House of Hearts is an enjoyable read with a unique story line. strong female lead, and some fun pop cultural references. While it could have gone deeper in some areas, it’s a creative debut that fans of mysterious, lightly spooky, and atmospheric YA fiction might enjoy — especially if you’re in the mood for something with dark edges but a lighter tone

The cover is gorgeous!

A tale as old as time, the main character enrolls into an elite boarding high school after their best friend is murdered who was part of a secret society, except it works here and the execution is done well.

There are some fun supernatural aspects and the setting is depicted wonderfully, I love the dark academia Gothic atmosphere.

I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Violet and Calvin.

The pacing felt consistent for the most part. It reads YA, because it is YA.

House of Hearts by Skyla Arndt is a masterclass in compact storytelling. Clocking in at under 300 pages, it delivers an electrifying mix of vengeance, mystery, and gothic intrigue without ever losing momentum. From the first page, I was hooked—Arndt doesn’t waste a single sentence. The pacing is razor-sharp, the atmosphere deliciously eerie, and the story unfurls with just the right balance of dread and delight.

Violet is a standout narrator—sharp-witted, grief-soaked, and armed with a dark sense of humor that makes her voice utterly unforgettable. Her arrival at the elite academy on a mission of revenge sets the stage, but what unfolds is far more layered: secret societies, cursed legacies, and creeping horror wrapped around a core of aching loss and fierce loyalty.

The romance doesn’t overpower the plot but slides in at just the right moments to add tension and tenderness. The moments of connection feel earned, simmering beneath the surface of the mystery rather than dominating it. And the curse? It’s chilling. Arndt has a talent for creating dread that seeps into the margins of every chapter—quiet, relentless, and deeply unsettling.

The setting itself feels alive, thrumming with old secrets and bloodstained tradition. Fans of dark academia will find so much to love here—hidden rituals, dangerous knowledge, and a protagonist determined to crack open the rotten heart of it all.

For readers who like:
-Dark academia
-Gothic horror
-Short, punchy novels

Final Verdict
House of Hearts is a haunting, gripping tale of grief, secrets, and the intoxicating pull of vengeance. Violet’s voice lingers long after the final page, and the story’s twists are as satisfying as they are unsettling. Arndt proves you don’t need 500 pages to tell a rich, atmospheric, and deeply compelling story—you just need precision, voice, and a little bit of blood. An absolute standout in the world of dark academia.

Grateful to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group and Skyla Arndt for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

i really loved this book, it was well written and it kept my attention the entire time. i literally couldn’t put it down and stayed up way to late to keep reading. violet was set out for revenge but what she found out was way more complicated and the ghosts of the past came out to play. calvin has my heart and i loved him so much. this story played out so well and i literally didn’t see the twist coming when it did. i didn’t want this book to end and im forever grateful for the early copy i received. the ending was amazing and i definitely recommend reading!

I loved the concept, especially because I really enjoy gothic, spooky themes and even more when it’s at some sort of school establishment.

Violet goes in search for answers about the murder of her best friend at this prestigious school. She’s convinced one of the sons of the headmistress did the crime and she’s determined to find and bring light to the truth. During her time there, she discovers that things aren’t necessarily as they seem.

I really enjoyed the more supernatural themes to it, like the curse on the mmc’s (Calvin Lockwell) family. This book was definitely YA and maybe a little too YA, but I didn’t mind at all. Now, there was some tension and banter between Violet and Calvin, but I didn’t fully see the chemistry and maybe that’s because some parts of the book did feel slightly rushed.

I want to preface by saying I LOVE ya especially when it comes to YA fantasy it’s my absolute favorite genre. That being said I could tell pretty early on into House of Hearts that it was going to read younger than I was used to. I think this book would be really well marketed towards a 14 year old audience. The mystery was intriguing! The main character was a little difficult to navigate, at times she seemed so easy to root for, she’s driven by her love of her mom, and her best friend but at others she seemed almost maniacally evil. Not that a manic state can’t be a result of loss but she seemed to jump from one to the other rather jarringly. I felt similarly about the writing, at times the prose was stunning and flowery and at others it read more clipped, both styles are fine! But again the shift was jarring. I appreciate the advanced copy!

This is one of the highest compliments that I could ever give a book: I’d this book were a movie, Tim Burton would direct it in a heartbeat. This book lives and breathes Tim Burton imagery. If this were a screenplay? The man would be salivating to direct it.

I know everyone says to not judge a book by its cover, but yes, I did request this arc because of the cover. JUST LOOK AT IT. But also, the fact that it’s about infiltrating a secret society in a fancy elite boarding school to solve a best friend’s murder, while also battling a ghost and breaking a family curse? And with dark gothic vibes and is categorized as a HORRORMANCE? Amazing cover or not, HOW COULD SOMEONE NOT BE INTRIGUED BY THIS.

It blows my mind that this book is technically YA because it feels so much older. You have masquerade balls, ballgowns and Shakespearean interiors. There’s massive gilded cages with aerialists and orchestras, AT A HIGH SCHOOL PARTY. This isn’t just a boarding school. It’s a building with oxblood armchair. bleeding portraits, billowing velvet curtains, and even a haunted hedge maze. All of this makes the book feel much older than it is, and that includes the romance. The romance does not feel high school or YA at all. It was cinematic, it was poetic, it was honestly written better than many adult romances I’ve read.

This book is pitched as something that balances the grotesque with the romantic and while it’s nothing intense, it does feature bloody ghosts, grimoires and the like. It isn’t necessarily graphic, but the atmosphere is very Tim Burton-y and there is some delightfully gruesome imagery. And, the ending is quite ghastly!

I gave this 4/5 stars only because the ending felt a bit too easy and convenient, how everything resolved. But, this was very close to a rare 5 star rating!

Thank you to Netgalley and Viking for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

Skyla Arndt’s debut, Together We Rot, is one of my favourite books and firmly cemented her place as one of my auto-read authors. so, i’m happy to report that this book did not let me down.

i love her writing style. the language and descriptions play out like a movie in my head (are you listening netflix?). and the dark academia/alice in wonderland aesthetic is immaculate.

i really liked all of the characters and their dynamics with each other (which is something i also said about TWR).

idk really what else to say other than please read this!! Skyla truly has a gift for storytelling that just leaves me in both a state of shock and hope.

also can we talk about the cover? it’s gorgeous and perfectly encapsulates the vibes of the book

YA- horror, murder mystery, paranormal, dark academia, angry ghosts, semi-forbidden love, family curses.
Follow the FMC try to find the truth to her best friend’s death.
Definitely a page turner for me! Story kept moving. Zero spice but still would like a little more of the romance. Enjoyed the banter and tension just wanted more of it and more yearning.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this free e-arc!

'House of Hearts' is a gothic horror, dark mystery, and romance all rolled into one. It has some loose 'Snow White' and 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' influences that give it a surreal quality. Especially as the characters face off against curses, illusions, murdered soulmates, and an angry ghost.

Violet is an intriguing character, with a jaded view of the world. She resents anything that has to do with fairy tale romances or happy endings. Instead, she switches between being morose, vicious, and full of rage. At its core, she's a grief-stricken young woman who's determined to make things right.

I was thrown off by Violet’s instant interest in Calvin. At first glance, he’s self-absorbed, arrogant, a player, and friends with bullies. But that façade fades away quickly, revealing someone who’s lost and struggling with grief. His true personality and their romance aren’t explored too deeply, but I enjoyed the banter between them.

The plot had several layers to it, while mostly staying focused on the mystery. It starts off sillier than I expected but gets stronger in the last third of the story. Unfortunately, the explanations for the secret society and the horror backstory were somewhat underwhelming. But it always stayed true to what I would expect of the young adult category.

This book might be of interest to fans of Netflix's 'Wednesday.'

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group, and Viking Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I went into House of Hearts with an open mind, and while I enjoyed the concept, I felt that it was hurried or overexplained in some places. Nevertheless, House of Hearts had a fantastic plot, an incredible plotline, and excellent character development, but it was not for me. But thank you for the ARC, NetGalley.

Secret Societies, a murder mystery, curses and forbidden love…sign me up! All of that and even ghosts House of Hearts is jam packed and a fun and fast read that will have you binging it not wanting it to end.
I loved the dynamic between Violet and Calvin. They had banter, they had some tension, and I really wasn’t ready for it to end when it all came to it.
I really liked how everything played out to. We got chapters from Anastasia which were “Anastasia Chapters” but also sometimes like letters or entries. Which were fun to read. I really liked the ghost aspect of everything as well. That Violet could see them and that she was the only one that really could was interesting. The book is a bit on the shorter side in my opinion but I didn’t feel like anything was rushed and felt like it all was paced pretty well.
I would give it 4.25 stars!
Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers (Penguin) for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an entertaining and atmospheric read, set in a gothic-style boarding school filled with secrets, curses, and just enough magic to keep things interesting. The premise really pulled me in. I loved the concept of the Cards and the way fate played a role in the story. The world Arndt created has so much potential, and the eerie, almost fairytale-like vibe worked really well.

That said, the book didn’t quite hit the mark for me in some areas. The romance, which is a big part of the plot, felt a little underdeveloped. I didn’t really feel the chemistry between Violet and Calvin, which made it harder to get fully invested in their relationship. I think part of the problem was the pacing. Some scenes moved too quickly, while others lingered for too long, and that threw off the emotional build-up a bit.

There were also quite a few unanswered questions by the end. The story raised a lot of interesting ideas, but not all of them were followed through, and the ending felt a bit sudden. I was left wanting a little more explanation and closure.

Still, I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. The setting was really strong, the writing style had a nice rhythm to it, and I liked the mix of dark humour and supernatural elements. I think this book will definitely appeal to fans of dark academia, gothic fantasy, and stories that don’t shy away from being a bit weird and whimsical.

For now, I’m giving it 3.5 stars. It wasn’t perfect, but I’d be interested in seeing what Skyla Arndt writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book.
I quite enjoyed it. It was a short book but lots happened. Violet arrives at Academy Hart after her best friend died at the academy. Violet is certain that her boyfriend pushed her and she wants to have revenge. As she spends time there, Violet understands that not everything is what it seems.
I liked the idea of generational curse and ghosts. The writing was really atmospheric which I enjoyed. The ending was good, though I did figure it out before. It’s a nice YA book !