"[...], men are practically born craving the fruit of the flesh."

I have a lot to say about this book; though the words are only positive. If I could put it on a pedestal, I would. Without expectations I dove into the gilded age of New York where I got introduced to a heap of new and complex characters.

Arkady Kamenev
"Someone like me had to be with someone who sharpened the mind, for I was a knife and she was a water stone. Opposite but useful together."

I was soon about to find out that my opinion about him would change the more I was progressing and learning about him. The things I would discover about him, the moral and characteristic depth this man possessed was absolutely astonishing. Not only did he grow as a person himself, traits and beliefs that were buried inside of Petronille were brought on the surface with his support as well. Arkady will definitely be a man I'm going to think often about. And one fact I absolutely adore is the word play with his surname and occupation.

Petronille De Villier
"I did not know if I believed in God, but I believed there were things in this world that could move the soul, art being among the most powerful next to death."

I loved reading from Petre's perspective. She is loud, angry and rightfully so. Being invisible to everyone else, having to struggle on your own when you're surrounded by people who should support you; it makes you angry. Her journey healed something in me and I loved the chemistry between her and Arkady.

All in all, I can only say: Fruit of the Flesh was definitely my read of the year. Even though I tried going in with no expectations, I failed to do so because not only was the Poisoner such a brilliant read for me, I. V. Ophelia's writing never ceases to amaze and hook me. I did not anticipate such twists and turns throughout the book and whenever I felt like reaching the peak of the book, it kept getting better. The intimate scenes between the lead characters never felt forced nor was it too overwhelming, they were perfectly placed and gorgeously written. Just like the book itself!

4.5⭐️ Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the digital ARC copy for a review.

I.V. Ophelia has done it again! Fruit of the Flesh is a beautifully written gothic romance, during the Gilded Age time period. Petronille, a ballerina from a prestigious family and Arkady, an orphan artist are just fantastically woven characters. Married through choice, but also necessity, we get to watch their dark love story and secrets come to light.
I enjoyed the mystery that was laid out throughout. Keeping me guessing while reading is one of my favorite things. I found myself doing internet searches trying to sleuth what could possibly be happening.


Check the author’s trigger warning page. She has provided a thorough list as there are dark elements to this story.

This was such an immersive reading experience for me. I felt like I was in 1900s New York. Truly the writing swept me away.

4.5 ⭐️’s. I absolutely devoured and loved this book. I am so, so impressed! From the very start I felt completely immersed in the story. The writing is beautifully poetic without being hard to follow and I loved the portrayal of character development.

The romance between Arkady and Petronille was beautifully unique and captivating, I felt myself immediately rooting for them despite finding the FMC slightly frustrating at times.

Even the way Ophelia writes and incorporates consent and control throughout was so well done. The spice was not just thrown in for the sake of it, it genuinely felt like it was adding to the story and their romance.

Oh and don’t even get me started on that ending?! I had no idea where this story was going to lead and I certainly wasn’t expecting THAT. It’s been a long time since I’ve been genuinely shook by a book and this absolutely delivered.

This story is everything you could want, it’s unique, refreshing and harrowingly beautiful. Definitely one to mark your calendars for 🖤✨

P.S. This has some very dark themes and horror elements so definitely check your triggers.

Fruit of the Flesh envelops its audience like a dream, or a haunting vision. I.V. Ophelia crafts a world suspended between dreams and nightmares, where beauty entices, only to reveal its razor-sharp edges. It’s gothic romance at its most potent and perilous, illustrating the profound truth that beauty and horror are not adversaries but lovers, forever entwined in a dance of mutual ruin.

Ophelia writes with the meticulousness of a jeweler and the heart of a decadent poet, each sentence so exquisitely formed that you find yourself reading them aloud, savoring the taste of her words. Her prose doesn’t just paint turn-of-the-century New York—it breathes life into it, with velvet’s weight, the mingling scent of gas lamps and luxury perfumes, and the peculiar light that seeps through windows veiled in secrets. This is immersive fiction at its zenith, the kind that makes you feel you’re peering through a keyhole into a reality more vivid than your own.

The marriage plot, which could have been a cliché, becomes under Ophelia’s pen something sinister and gripping. Petronille is no ordinary innocent bride; she harbors depths that would alarm frailer souls. She defies easy labels—neither victim nor villain but a complex figure, whose strength society finds unsettling. There’s an untamed essence within her, a wildness civilization has merely skimmed over but never subdued.

Ophelia’s triumph lies in her ability to sustain an aura of mounting dread while weaving a love story that feels both destined and impossible. Petronille and Arkady’s relationship unfolds like a slow poison—sweet yet lethal. The most perilous attractions are those built on a shared recognition of darkness, where each sees their own potential for transgression mirrored in the other’s eyes. Their bond surpasses mere compatibility; it’s a union of souls who know conventional morality is a luxury they cannot afford.

Arkady, as a romantic lead, defies every convention. Rather than a brooding antihero, Ophelia gives us someone more perilous: a man whose acceptance is so profound it becomes corrupting. His willingness to embrace every facet of Petronille’s nature, even those that should repel him, creates a love story that is both breathtaking and unsettling. This is not the sanitized devotion of typical romance but something raw and primal—the kind of love that survives apocalypse because it helps create it.

The mystery weaves through the narrative like smoke through fabric, adding layers of tension that keep you reading past any reasonable hour. The best mysteries, Ophelia shows us, are not about whodunit but about how far ordinary people will go when pushed beyond their moral boundaries. The secrets binding these characters feel organic, emerging from their circumstances and choices, not imposed by the author.

Ophelia’s writing engages every sense—from the visual splendor of theater boxes to the tactile luxury of silk, from the taste of forbidden fruit to the whispers in the dark. She excels at making the beautiful feel threatening and the threatening beautiful, crafting scenes that linger long after reading. Her depiction of violence is masterful—purposeful, aesthetic, making even the darkest moments feel artistic.

The historical setting is more than a backdrop; it’s a character with desires and dangers. Ophelia’s New York is alive, a city of contrasts where opulent theaters sit alongside shadowy alleys, where respectability masks faces that have seen too much. She captures an era on the brink of change, when social conventions were cracking but not shattered.

Ophelia fearlessly explores themes that others might handle with caution. She delves into moral compromise, the cost of unconditional acceptance, and how love can be both salvation and damnation. Her characters disturb those who favor morally pure protagonists, yet their choices feel authentically human.

The pacing builds like storm clouds, each chapter adding weight to an atmosphere thick with tension. Ophelia reveals information with precision, creating a reading experience akin to being slowly intoxicated—losing control, yet unable to resist. The climactic sequences hit with devastating force, each revelation like a physical blow.

The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each with secrets and motivations that enrich the story. Ophelia avoids creating mere plot devices; even minor characters feel like they have lives beyond the narrative. The theatrical setting accommodates a cast who understand that identity is fluid, that we all play roles, some more dangerous than others.

A note of caution: this novel doesn’t shy from darkness. Ophelia has written something that challenges those who prefer sanitized romance and decorative gothic elements. The themes venture into uncomfortable territory, and her examination of moral ambiguity may unsettle those seeking clear heroes and villains. This is not a critique but a warning: Fruit of the Flesh demands emotional maturity, rewarding readers with a story that respects their intelligence.

For readers who like:
-Atmospheric gothic romance
-Morally complex protagonists
-Richly detailed settings

Final Verdict
Fruit of the Flesh is a rare and perilous masterpiece—a novel that lures you into complicity with its characters’ decisions, making you grasp how ordinary souls can commit extraordinary transgressions. Has I.V. Ophelia not declared herself a compelling voice in gothic fiction, someone who perceives that the genre’s true power rests not on cheap thrills but in compelling us to face the darkness within our seemingly civilized hearts? This is an intoxicating, unsettling, and utterly unforgettable experience—the kind of book that transforms you in ways you won’t fully grasp until long after you’ve closed its pages. Should you read it? Yes, but brace yourself for the aftermath.

Grateful to NetGalley, Montlake, and I.V. Ophelia for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Fruit of the Flesh is an intoxicating triumph of gothic romance, historical reflection, and dark sensuality that absolutely floored me. Fans of the lush, haunting atmosphere of Crimson Peak with all candlelight, shadows, aching walls, and secrets whispered down corridors will be WELL FED with this book, I promise.

The tension is delicious. Arkady and Petronille are not the typical high class marriage: Petronille chooses the artisan working on her family’s estate, a starving artist sculptor and creative, as her husband in hopes to get her very influential and controlling family off her back. It doesn’t hurt he’s easy on the eyes though. However, their relationship has a rocky start, so watching them slowly open up to each other — emotionally and physically — is a deliciously delicate slow dance as the story progresses.

Every page drips with mood and yearning, and since it’s dual POV, you get to experience both Arkady and Petronille’s will-they-won’t-they power exchange. But what truly sets this book apart is how it handles kink and power dynamics with care, reverence, and authenticity. This isn’t just spice for the sake of it — it’s grounded, responsible, researched, and so emotionally resonant. Consent, communication, and aftercare are woven in seamlessly, and the depiction of a true dominant and submissive relationship (for the 20th century) felt refreshingly honest and intimate without losing any of its bite. Arkady really listened to Petronille’s needs, and while that should be the standard, it isn’t always written that way. Huge kudos to I.V. Ophelia for covering this well while also not going too deep to make the relationship progression feel forced or rushed.

And just when I thought I had the ending figured out? TWIST. Then another jaw-dropping reveal. Both were perfectly foreshadowed but I still found them impossible to predict. I literally had to stop reading for a moment just to breathe and stare at a wall for a moment.

Beyond the sensual and the suspenseful, the book also offers a poignant look at the roles and expectations of women in the early 20th century. It’s reflective, sharp, and beautifully written but never preachy. I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t want to. Fruit of the Flesh is everything I want in a gothic romance: evocative, daring, devastating, a little gruesome at times (that’s a compliment), and unputdownable. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

You guys are going to eat this one up! Fruit of the Flesh by IV Ophelia is a fun gilded Age New York, dark romance about a marriage of convenience between a ballerina and a sculptor. I was giggling from the sassiness from the get-go and the enjoyed both the romance and the horror aspects of this book. I had to pick my jaw up for multiple reasons, multiple times!
Ivy Ophelia is an automatic buy author for me and I really enjoy her writing.

I am just so in love with the stories and characters you write and create they are all written in such a captivating and brilliant way.

This was such a great read and so glad I got to read it as an ARC so thank you NetGalley and to the publishers!

A dark, gothic tale filled with mystery and murder that will have you hooked from the get go!

The characters are so well written and have so many layers it’s so great to learn more and more about them as the story goes on and how we get to see their relationship develop throughout the book. Arkady and Petre compliment each other in so many ways and I absolutely adore them both.


Everything is so descriptive throughout the book and you really get a sense of everything and the whole atmosphere, you feel like you are apart of the story!

Please do check triggers

🍑 standalone
🩰 ex ballerina x sculptor
🍑 gothic dark romance
🩰 horror, mystery and murder
🍑 marriage of convenience
🩰 BDSM
🍑 HEA
🩰 1901 NYC

this book is so weird and definitely not my kind of weird, but i can totally see it being other people’s thing!!! the author’s writing has improved a lot and the premise is super intriguing but i just couldn’t get attached to the characters or the story itself. sometimes it felt like the setting was getting more attention than everything else. that being said, it’s undeniably gothic with such a dark aesthetic! if it came out in the fall it would 100% be on everyone’s tbr rn

'Fruit of the Flesh' is a dark gothic tale set at the end of the gilded age in New York City. It features a moody house, an unsettling atmosphere, and lots of steamy moments. The plot follows two tormented souls who've entered a marriage to escape their circumstances. They're both traumatized people who eventually find much needed companionship in each other.

The first quarter of this story was overwhelming to get through. It starts off on their wedding day, so the reader is dropped straight into the middle of things. The characters' motivations were difficult to discern, and important pieces of information were concealed. Plus, a lot of the descriptions felt like they were saying nothing—to the point that I was untethered from the time and place.

Everything became slightly more straightforward as this book moved into the second half. Petronille and Arkady became easier to understand as they finally revealed different parts of themselves. They had chemistry during their intimate scenes but were unsure of each other the rest of the time. In the end, it was a disservice to put so much emphasis on the romance, when this veered more closely into horror.

Thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC copy!

This book is everything I ever needed at the exact right time.
Set in the Gilded Age, a marriage of convenience, with two dark and twisted characters who have their own secrets to hide.
The emotional rollercoaster that this book took me on was wild. I really enjoyed every moment of it, even the uncomfortable ones.
The spice was spicing and just added another beautiful layer to the relationship dynamic, and the push and pull between the characters.
And that twist, I really did not see that coming at all!

My jaw? On the FLOOR.
WTH OPHELIA!?? I was not expecting that ending at ALL. Oh my god.

This.. this surprised me in the best of ways. This is my first I.V. Ophelia, but definitely won’t be the last. It’s probably one of the most unique plot lines I’ve ever read.
When I tell you the fact that he buries a body for her is just A SCRATCH of what’s to come… I mean it.

The writing immediately pulls you into this golden, dream-like gothic setting. I genuinely felt the sun on my cheeks, peaking through the canopy and shrubs. You’re thrown into a marriage happening between two strangers, but they end up much more entwined by their secrets than they could ever imagine.

I liked how when we get to know Petronille, there’s always this nagging feeling: ‘she’s not telling us something’ or ‘she has more to her than meets the eye’. She never backs down from a challenge, and she says it when she doesn’t think something is right.

Arkady is the perfect person for Petronille. He complements her personality, never judging her, but allowing the best environment for her to grow. He makes her feel safe and comfortable, regularly making sure she’s getting what she wants.

The way everything is described, from the theater’s ambiance to the vibrance of the fruit, to the horrific events, it just makes you feel so immersed. All your senses are turned on, and everything mentioned feels alluring.

That being said please understand that this contains some dark themes so you may want to look into that. You’ll definitely have a… b🩸🩸🩸dy good time that’s for sure.

Thank you so much to montlake for this earc.

A special thank you to IV. Ophelia, NetGalley, and Montlake for allowing me to review this stunning novel, “Fruit Of The Flesh.” All opinions are my own.

I devoured this. It was a love letter to all the women who have felt chewed up by society, by cruel family expectations, and the hunger of man. This was a testament to loving yourself enough to be loud, to be angry, to bite, to demand the space you deserve — and to lunge for the throats of all that took absolutely everything from you.

I really, really needed this book. Desire, murder, high-stakes mystery and tension, and a young married couple with a multitude of secrets between them. Arkady and Petronille, our main couple, were uniquely flawed and multi-layered. The romance was devastating, in the best ways, and it grew organically. They truly paired well with each other, and kept me captivated the entire story.

The writing was atmospheric, and decadent, and the bread-crumbs hinting to the finale was just impeccably set. When the curtains fell to reveal the final picture, I felt as if someone had ripped the floor from beneath me. Everything has a purpose. And most importantly, everyone gets what they deserve.

“Fruit of the Flesh,” by IV. OPHELIA had me reeling. At the final page, I was full of tears, but fully satiated, and empowered. This is THE horror / gothic book of the year. This is a MUST for your TBR.

🍑Standalone.
🥂 HEA.
🩰Ex-Ballerina x Sculptor.
🤍 Marriage of Convenience.
🍑1901 NYC.
🥂Murder, Mystery, and Secrets.
🩰Proper BDSM Practices.
🤍Themes of Autonomy, anti-capitalism, not-so-polite society, toxic families.

‘’Cathedrals for all eyes that can see, muses for all those who can feel.’’

I’m obsessed.
I.V. Ophelia did it again.
The vibes, the themes, the tropes, everything was morbidly on point. Ophelia is talented at creating tangible atmosphere that feels like a hug while simultaneously leaving you slightly uneasy. I would absolutely love to be absorbed by her books. Her characters are fleshed out and relatable to some extent. She said she would feed us alright and she did indeed.

“My dear, you are going to learn very quickly that I am most certainly worse than any man you know. Take comfort that you have such a force on your side.”

Arkady and Petronille were delightful. Their relationship was reservedly unhinged and sweet. For a long time, Arkady was on the fence, reserved, tough to crack. But oh my did he exude such sexiness, confidence. I fell in love so fast. Him wearing glasses while reading sealed the deal for me. Amongst a multitude of other reasons, of course. He was just such an immovable pillar.

‘’What was it like to be perceived by someone whose entire life was art? Would he see the beauty in my potential, or would he just see raw material?’’

In contrast, Petronille was such a brat, loud and throwing tantrums, clearly having underlying issues to deal with, namely self-esteem ones that Arkady was set on working on with her. Lets face it; her family left much to be desired. Petronille was a bit unhinged and impulsive, which irked Arkady but ultimately he couldn’t resist. Neither did I. Their moments together felt exquisitely intimate, I wish we got a little more of them.

“I’ll ruin you.” His voice low. “Spoil me,” I gasped. “Like I’m worth the trouble.”

I will say it again: anything Ophelia provides to us, I consume. And I consume it greedily.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Montlake and Ophelia’s team for the arc.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5
Spicy

- sculptor x ballerina
- standalone
- gothic horrormance
- anti-capitalistic
- 1901 NYC
- mystery, murder, macabre
- mental health & family trauma
- on-page spice in chapters 9,11,14,,19,21,23,31,36

OH. MY. F*CKING GOD.

I don't know what to say???? LIKE THAT WAS THE MOST PERFECT GOTHIC HORROR AND I COULDN'T HAVE, IN NINE LIVES, PREDICTED WHERE IT WAS GOING. I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO LOOK AT A PEACH, THE STONE FRUIT OF MY CHOICE THE SAME. I'M IN AWE. I'M SO SO OBSESSED THIS IS WHAT CLASSICS ARE MADE OF. PERFECTION IM JUST I HAD TO COME HERE AND SCREAM LIKE WOAH.

I don't know what to write in my review because NO WORDS COULD EVER DESCRIBE HOW PHENOMENALLY PENNED THIS GOTHIC DARK HORRORMANCE IS????? TOP TIER STORYTELLING, THIS IS WHAT THE GENRE WAS ALWAYS MEANT TO BE. Ophelia's writing is so gorgeous and timeless, I am forever undone by this book. I have this thing where I forget most of the things that happened in a book/show a few months after consuming it and so, a reread/rewatch almost feels like reading it afresh. With Fruit of the Flesh: I do NOT possess the patience to reread it. I want to forget about it RIGHT NOW and reread it right now. I SAW MYSELF IN PETRE, UNHINGED AS SHE GREW TO BE. Go lose yourself in this impeccable dark gothic tale of the artisan and the performer and don't forget to check the CWs lovelies <3

Thank you for NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc.

As usual I.V, Ophelia has written an impeccable book. Fruit of the Flesh was so eloquently written, I’m still thinking about this book!! I cannot wait till release date!

We get to figure out the characters as the novel goes on, getting details in pieces. The characters are so complex and multi-layered. Learning them as they learn each other.

She has written in a way that showcases mental health, family trauma, abuse; written beautifully. This is the kind of book that makes you think.

I felt the pain, the sorrow, and the anger of the characters. I yearned, I giggled and kicked my feet, I felt tears well in my eyes. I will be thinking about this book for ages.

It is a true gothic romance and horror novel throughout and so beautifully written. I.V. Ophelia has made it a truly immersive experience.

I cannot wait to reread this as I am sure I will pick up on more that I missed with every reread.

This book.........this book had me screaming from the ending.
When I think of dark, this is exactly what I'm looking for.

I want to start by saying a BIG thank you to Montlake and NetGelley for giving me the opportunity to read one of my most anticipated reads of the year and the firs trad book of my favourite author!!!!

Fruit of the Flesh became one of my god-tiers books!...I will probably won't stop thinking about it ever... This book excpect a perfect representation of the Gilded Age of New York was a journey of self-acceptance and love. Our main character is the youngest child,the glass child, the neglected one but that doesn't reverse the fact that she is the daughter of one of the most rich family in New York ... Her family expectations become their cage and in an attempt to make them leave alone she marries the young anonymous artisan. Petronille with the help of Arkady learns to let go ... How to deal with her pent-up anger and that sometimes we can let ourselves been heard and understood from those we love.

As for the genre for me it was a gothic horror romance so it has a HEA.
I WON'T SAY ANYTHING MORE BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO SPOIL IT!
For me it's definetely 6 stars!

This book was amazing!
I seriously could not put it down, the writing really draws you in, the story is well paced and thought out, and the spice was to die for.

Fruit of the Flesh centers on Petronille and Arkady: two complete strangers who agree to a marriage of convenience in early 1900s NYC. One, an ex-ballerina. The other, a sculptor. As secrets begin to surface and bodies begin disappearing, they recognize a darkness in each other that can either bring them together or tear them apart.

I’m not quite sure how to formulate my thoughts on this book and if you’ve read it, you might understand 😅

I feel like it took me a little bit to get into this one. It was slow to start, then it picked up a little, then it was slow again, then it picked up a little. The pacing made it hard for me to fully invest in this one.

I also didn’t know how to feel about the MCs. I went from not liking the MCs to feeling bad for them. The romance seemed realistic in the sense that they’re literal strangers and they were just married so you’re really starting at the beginning and watching that connection unfold in real time. But I was frustrated and annoyed at times and it never felt like it was true love. Maybe a little by the end but I didn’t feel invested in their journey.

Characters aside, there was this whole mystery aspect going on in the background that made me curious. That coupled with the book’s gothic vibes and early 1900s NYC setting kept me reading. As the book progresses, we’re given little breadcrumbs of what’s going on, but I never would’ve guessed where they’d lead. Talk about a plot twist. There were definitely some WTF moments throughout this book, too. (At times this reminded me of a K.M. Moronova book with a dose of Karina Halle.). But as a whole, I just don’t think the book held up for me.

I will say that the world was unlike anything I’d ever read before. And I do think this book will find its audience.

🩰🍑🤍

what to expect:
spicy dark gothic romance
standalone
ex-ballerina x sculptor
marriage of convenience
1901 NYC
murder and mystery

*check trigger warnings

thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!