This book was a miss for me. I had very high expectations from the marketing and the premise, but it fell quite flat. I was bored and didn't really care for the characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Viking House for this e-arc!

When Violet's best friend is murdered, she must infiltrate a secret society to uncover the truth. Along the way, she battles a forbidden attraction with the brother of her only suspect and is relentlessly pursued by a vengeful ghost. Is she willing to risk everything to solve the mystery?

This had a unique twist of the Alice in Wonderland tale. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery but when it finally came for the heart to be ripped open (pun intended), it all felt a little rushed. Especially the romance. I definitely was rooting for Violet and Calvin and even felt the pitter patter of the beginning of a love blooming but then all of a sudden they were in love and it all felt too quick.

All in all though it was a unique gothic romance full of turmoil and mayhem and it was fun!

House of Hearts was immediately engrossing, pulling me into this twisted academic world, leaving me wondering who I could trust and what secrets are being kept. The setting is rich and vivid, I can almost picture the gothic school structure.
Violet is a captivating protagonist and her pain is palpable from the very beginning of the story. The entire time I was reading I felt an eerie chill down my spine. Definitely a fast and worthy read!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was the perfect level of spooky with some romance thrown in.

The storyline in this was very engaging and for the first 60% or so the pace was really good. But after that the pace went right out the window. It went from 0 to 100 almost immediately in several different ways, and this book isn't too long so there wasn't a lot of time to squeeze everything in.

If this book had been longer and the relationship and the story was really developed, this would have been really close to if not a 5-star read.

Would recommend for a YA romance with some spooky vibes 💀

House of Hearts was an enchanting and heartfelt read that completely drew me in. I loved the way the story balanced romance and emotional depth, making the characters feel real and relatable. The plot had a few predictable moments, but the writing and the emotional connections more than made up for it. Overall, it was a warm, engaging read that left me satisfied and eager to explore more from Skyla Arndt.

I finished reading this book in 24 hrs. I was immediately drawn in by the gothic eerie atmosphere, and I adored the ensemble of characters, particularly Calvin and Violet. Though I hoped there had been more tension and banter before things became serious, their slow-burning relationship was charming and gave me all the feels of a book boyfriend. Although the pacing slowed down a little in the middle, the vengeful spirit element provided the novel a sinister edge that kept me interested. Once the mystery began to unfold, I was unable to put the book down. I was so disappointed to see this come to a close that I almost wished it were a duology. More time with these characters and more of the eerie atmosphere would of have been awesome. Overall, I definitely plan to reread this once its officially published in September! The Lockwell curse the family drama the grief and revenge themes all blended into a fast paced emotional ride that left me giggling/smiling and wishing I had a sequel in hand.

*Thank you to Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!*

If you’re looking for a gothic & fast paced murder mystery to scratch your autumnal itch—look no further. This book was intriguing and its dark academia setting kept me hooked. The vibes are if Alice in Wonderland was in a gothic boarding school with an adding romance. The fast paced writing and short chapters kept me turning the page. And hello! Look at that cover?? So basically this book is just perfect for a spooky fall evening!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Juice Newton said it best as “the joker ain’t the only fool who’ll do anything for you…”

“House of Hearts” welcomes Violet as she looks to uncover the truth behind her best friends death at an exclusive boarding school where the rich can afford to keep their secrets , and potential involvement in murder buried. Trying to get into Percy’s Club she finds herself face to face with the Lockwell siblings who have more than a fair share of skeletons in their closet and if Violet isn’t careful she may soon join them.

This is a very fast very fun read that I think would make a killer, no pun intended , tv show or even video game. The moments of horror and haunting were so vivid I couldn’t stop reading it trying to figure out where the story would take me next. There’s frightening nursery rhymes whispered in the halls, doomed lovers and a vengeful spirit hellbent on ripping apart anything that stands in her way.

Violet was perfect she is damaged and petty and only interested in solving the mystery of her friend’s final days at the academy and her snark is perfect armor against Calvin the rich spare to the family fortune who is happy to lean into his playboy antics until suddenly he finds himself next in line for the responsibilities that come with his last name. These two have great moments of banter and I think they pair well together as two people both searching for the answer to what happened to those they love most and sure they fall into familiar tropes and there’s not as much longing as I typically like but they still managed to make it work for me with their push and pull between want and fear that comes with finally getting it.

The whole set up of the story is great with this history repeating itself narrative and the resignation of those who have already lost and the horror of those still waiting to see if it’s their turn. The background between the original triangle and how that kind of grief can manifest into something bigger is always going to hook me in for a ghost story and I would read an entire book on Ana if it was offered.

Such a fun spooky book before Halloween season and I can’t wait for you all to read it!

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

This read is perfect for spooky season. What's not to love about a boarding school with a secret society and lots of paranormal activity?! I ate this book UP. I think it will definitely appeal to a young adult audience. The characters are a little simple, but they are well written. I love Violet's determination to solve the murder of her best friend. The supernatural elements were so nicely done that I felt scared in a couple parts. The relationships felt natural, but I wish they would have been a little deeper. It seemed very superficial on that front, and I would have loved to see more bonding and connecting. I also didn't love the secret society reveal and felt like it was a bit of a letdown. Other than that, I recommend this! If you like a gothic atmosphere, boarding school, and supernatural elements, you'll like this.

Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

4.5 stars

House of Hearts is an atmospheric and haunting tale that blends supernatural creepiness with heartfelt explorations of love and friendship. From the very beginning, the prose pulls readers into an immersive world that feels eerie and alive, setting the stage for a story that lingers long after you close the book.

The characters are a true highlight. Violet in particular stands out, but what makes the cast shine is how well-developed and multidimensional they all are. Their friendships add warmth and depth, grounding the darker, curse-driven elements of the story in genuine human connection. The plot is engaging and well-paced, managing to maintain a balance between creeping dread and emotional resonance. While the supernatural elements provide the chills, it’s the themes of platonic and romantic love that form the beating heart of the book.

House of Hearts carves out its own space as a standout supernatural curse story. It has just the right amount of creepiness without ever overwhelming the emotional core, with Arndt once again proving herself a queen of Horromance.

HOUSE OF HEARTS, by Skyla Arndt, is a young adult horror novel that contains troupes such as Dark Academia, cursed romances, secret societies, and the supernatural. There are strong Alice in Wonderland vibes throughout, including the Queen of Hearts card that you need to be a member of the Secret Society.

"Before you can be a player, you have to be a pawn."

We begin with Violet Harper entering Hart Academy, a wealthy boarding school, on a scholarship. She applied after the death of her best friend, Emoree, the year before. From correspondence, she knew that her friend had been dating Percy Lockwell, the eldest of the Lockwell children, whose mother was the Headmistress of the school. Percy was wealthy and privileged--something neither Em nor Violet had ever been. In her mind, she was certain that Percy was behind her friend's death, and she intended to expose him.

". . . You don't stope loving someone when they die. Your grief is your love and they live forever in your hearts . . . "

After the initial introduction of some key characters, including Calvin and Sadie Lockwell--Percy's siblings--things really begin to amp up: Ghosts, a relentless curse that results in brutal deaths, and a secret society that only a very select few can know of. Despite trying to focus on finding out what really happened to her friend, Violet can't help but notice she's falling for her number one suspect's brother, Calvin.

"This is more than a crush. It's a death sentence . . . "

The characters are well fleshed out, and continue to grow throughout the novel in a way that felt natural under the circumstances. The curse is a brutal one, and goes back generations with lies, deception, heartache, and death--with the "Queen of hearts" at the center of it all . . .

"This is what survival looks like. . . "

Overall, a great horror novel with a brilliant backstory, characters you feel for, and plenty of supernatural activity.

Recommended.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review!

-

4,25 stars - an excellent read to start off the spooky season and renew my love of a genre

“It’s beautiful. It’s perfect. It’s the site of an open murder investigation.”

Before starting this book I had worried that maybe YA as a genre wasn't quite for me anymore, after I've had a few reads that didn't quite hit this year. But this book has officially revived my love of the genre!
The story and writing is spooky, mysterious, witty and emotional. A little bit creepy, a little bit funny, and it surprised me at more than one turn.

“I wish my love didn’t need to be danced over hot coals. I wish I could live without the knowledge that I was put on this earth to look out for everyone around me at all times.”

I enjoyed the atmosphere a lot, and I wish it had been focused on more to build an even stronger dark and mysterious vibe.
The story had me at the edge of my seat more than once, and also managed to make me cry (which I always consider a good sign of a story having managed to make me genuinely emotionally invested in the characters and what happens to them).

“I always played the damsel in distress, and you were the knight, remember?”

I liked how nuanced the characters were, especially loverboy Calvin. He's an obnoxious playboy in public that softens and becomes attentive and loving in private, and who is torn between what he actually is, what he wants to be and what is expected of him, and I love to see it.

“The bar might be in hell, but even this is a new low.”

I was enjoying myself throughout the whole book, and the end will stay with me for a bit (I may be sending my therapy bills to the author).
Highly recommend, and it's especially perfect for spooky season!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book! This book was amazing and hard to put down! There’s a mysterious death, a family curse and so many twists and turns. Highly recommend this read to anyone who likes mystery books or likes to get a little spooky!

5⭐

Thank you to Skyla Arndt and Penguin Teen for the ARC.

𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 is a romantic dark academia murder mystery, with a tinge of romance, elements like ghostly horror lurking everywhere wrapped in the dark gothic vibes with inspiration drawn from Alice in Wonderland — where Violet Harper arrives at Hart Academy to avenge the murder of hest friend.

From the very first page, I was drawn by the atmospheric dark academia setting that was thick in the writing. The writing style was relatively very easy to follow and I was very much immersed into reading this book and was definitely hooked to the narrative.

𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫 was a very compelling and strong female main character who had me immediately hooked to her narrative. She's strong-willed and grieving the loss of her best friend and she wants to take revenge against the people who 'killed' her. Her doing this showed how far she would go for the people she loves and that she would do anything for them. She's an intelligent and shape character — who is empathetic and silently spots things and finds clues that no would have usually observed. She has a keen eye for everything, silent keeping track of things and making sense of them.

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 is a cunning, arrogant and secretive character whose weight of secrets could destroy him and many other too. Behind the facade of the rich and arrogant son the Principal lies the middle child who is the 'spare' — who is struggling and baring the weight of that life. There's so much hiding behind his mask that made him feel more human and relatable. He deserved so much better than what happened to him and I'm glad he got his happy ending at the end.

I was hooked from the very first page and read this book in less than three hours. I was on the edge of my seat — from the dark and mysterious academy, ghosts haunting the narrative, the secret society, the red herrings and thrilling secrets and revealtions.

The hilarious banter, the found family and enemies to lovers romance made the pages fly by as I was reading, the characters showing how love, courage, sacrifice and unleashing a pint of madness would save them.

The gothic and whimsical vibes of Alice in Wonderland, the dark academia setting, the curse, the history chapters and The Cards had me squealing from excitement at these elements!

If you like a romantic subplot, an Alice in Wonderland inspired dark academia fantasy with a secret society and soulmate curse, 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 is the perfect read!

Darkly beautiful and absolutely gripping. Skyla Arndt delivers a haunting, twist-filled story that kept me up way past bedtime.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for the early copy! 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 was a great spooky story to kick off my autumnal reading.

Desperate to avenge her best friend's murder, Violet transfers to the boarding school and joins the secret society to discover what, or who, led to her friend's demise.

I liked the paranormal elements, secret society intrigue, and the quest to break a familial curse. It's a youthful story with a touch of deeper topics in Violet's grief. The gothic backdrop made for a perfect fall read!

I struggled with the character work; the side characters weren't my favorite, and I felt the romance subplot developed too quickly. There were some missing pieces and transitions that made the story feel disjointed, and there was a lot of telling rather than showing.

The target young adult audience will enjoy this one, but I think it's leaning on the simple side for adult readers.

Thank you to Viking for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

If you are already scouting for the perfect reads for spooky season, look no further! This was such a wonderful book full of mystery, romance, and a little horror. It gives the frights while also delivering on the depth and heart (no pun intended) of the book. It's perfect for rainy days and warm drinks, and I absolutely devoured it!

Sometimes I feel like paran0rmal books do a little too much ignoring how reality is suddenly going crazy, but this one did a great job of suspending disbelief while also making sure the characters weren't just going with a crazy plot. Then add in the relatable characters, the sweet romances, and the story of friendship and sisterhood, and you get an amazing book!

Get your hands on it as soon as the leaves start changing!

I had a lot of fun with this. Sure, it has all the ingredients I love most in a YA thriller: a spooky gothic school, a love interest with his trauma and heart, and a protagonist who is too smart for her good. But the bonus of being a loose Alice in Wonderland retelling with plenty of motifs that didn't feel overly done. Plus, I love that the main takeaway was love and how it was the prevailing in the end.

(Plus, can I join a secret org where I am a team of ragtag teens trying to break a curse?)

First,I’d like to thank Netgalley (Penguin Young Readers Group)for sending me this Arc for an honest review!

As a start,this book is 3.7/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’s for me!
Aesthetic:👻🩸🏫🎃🎹

This book follows our main character,Violet,that goes to Hart’s boarding school to get revenge for the alleged murder of her best friend.What she doesn’t know is that what’s to come is so much worse!

This book has gothic spooky vibes that I LOVED!! It has ghosts,curses,family history and so much more.
The writing is so fun,the characters are AMAZING,I love them so much!,and the plot itself is pretty fun especially for a late night in September/October (for the spooky vibes👻)

For the characters,

First,Violet.I really like her.Her personality is interesting,and I felt so bad for her knowing that her best friend meant a lot to her.

Then,Calvin.Omgg his character and personality is everything!! I love his humour and his love for Violet.I also love how he/author presented grief and loss.It was really nice and hopeful.

Lastly,for the side characters (Violet’s friends) Amber and Birdie are really fun.Birdie actually reminds me of Enid from Wednesday🥹

Overall this book was really fun and spooky!

I've read from this author before and I enjoyed her debut, but unfortunately I liked the rotting-forest-rotting-people vibes of her first book way better than the family-curse-gothic-romance vibes that I got here. I was intrigued by the premise and by the swoon-worthy cover, but overall I don't really know what to make of this story. The book follows Violet Harper as she joins the fancy Hart Academy with the goal of avenging the death of her best friend. Violet knows that her death was neither an accident nor a suicide, and she is convinced that the son of the headmistress murdered her. She plans to find out what actually happened and to get close to the people who might have been involved, and so Violet joins a secret society – let's be real, it's an after-school club - on campus. I was ready for a revenge story, but it just never turned into one. Violet gains new information pretty early on and from that point forward the book is about breaking a lethal family curse and freeing the ghosts that come along with it. Because of that the school setting didn't really make sense to me, but I guess it was chosen to bring in a whole bunch of teen characters. Which brings me to arguably the biggest problem I had with this book: the characters. Violet was fine, but everyone else was unbearable. We have Calvin, her love interest, first introduced as a player with an enormous ego, but Violet can see his true self after a week or so and then they are *soulmates*. I know that it's part of the whole family curse situation, but there is something so silly about these teenagers being soulmates, I could not take it seriously. In addition to that there were many other unserious characters. Violet's roommate Birdie for instance. Her main character trait is quirkiness and I think the author was going for a Wednesday/Enid constellation, but it was honestly so cringe. In general all the characters act way to close for only knowing each other for a week or so. Like, Birdie is really upset that Violet didn't tell her about her dead best friend after they've met seven whole days ago. Come on.

I'm sounding like the biggest hater in the world so far, but there are also some things that I liked about this book. There was a strong gothic atmosphere and great fall vibes and the supernatural side of the plot was good too. It's a fast-moving story, although a bit anticlimactic in the end. I just really couldn't deal with the majority of the characters and with the romance, which is kind of necessary to enjoy this story in my opinion. I can see other readers liking it, though. Regarding the pitch: it's more on the "A Study in Drowning" side with the romance while the "Ninth House" comparison was made up for dramatic effect, I guess. 2.5 stars.

(And unrelated to anything, but there was exactly one character birthday date mentioned in this book and it also happens to be my birthday and that was very weird. What are the chances? Is it a message from these ghosts?)

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Viking Books for Young Readers for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.