“𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞, 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥.”

This line from the book really sums up my experience with it. Honestly, it has been my muse for a while now. Even before I read it, I was making edits about it, and finally getting to read it only confirmed why. It’s every bit as inspiring and beautiful as I hoped.

I’ve been waiting almost a year for this book, so finally getting my hands on it felt surreal. Even though I haven’t had much time to read lately, I knew I had to make space for this one. And wow, it was worth it. The writing is beautiful, but also easy to follow. It pulls you straight into the story without feeling too heavy. The vibes were exactly what I imagined from the blurb and all the stunning artworks the author shared beforehand. Everything about the atmosphere felt rich and aesthetically pleasing.

And the characters? I’m obsessed. Arkady has me in a chokehold fr. His character completely ate. His personality surprised me in the best way, and I am a total simp. He’s bold, confident, and exactly what Petre needed. He might be my fav character written by Ophelia. Watching Petre’s growth, though, was so rewarding. She needed someone who could understand her, love her, value her, and help her shine the way she’s meant to, and Arkady did just that. She’s been through a lot & seeing that man truly love her & understand her was so amazing.
“I want you,” I said quietly.
“I need you,” he replied.

MHMMMM. HE IS A SIMP FOR HIS WOMAN.

Together, they’re such a perfect match. Their relationship felt genuine, full of growth, and just so cute. Plus… they’re HOT iykyk 🫦

I can’t wait for more people to meet these two. I know they’re going to fall in love with them!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Wow… Fruit of the Flesh did not disappoint. This is an incredible Gothic and macabre tale of desire, mystery, murder and consequences paired with a slow-burn romance.

The way I.V Ophelia writes is so beautiful and captivating. I found myself unable to put the book down once I started. The characters gripped me from the get go - the two main characters are incredibly well written - extremely flawed but alluring. Seeing how their relationship develops and progresses throughout is perfection. The character growth of our FMC is formidable, and the way you see the MMC support her to understand her insecurities, anxiety and anger is excellently executed.

The book was atmospheric and gothic to its core. The decadent imagery I.V Ophelia uses to describes even the mundane of things is haunting and lyrical however, the infusion of dry humour and antidotes merge perfectly with this.

I finished this book in exactly 4 hours, 59 minutes and 21 seconds and I already want to re-read it.
This one hits every box of what I'm looking for in a book.
The writing was so beautifully done it was captivating, the spice delivered exactly what was promised (and definitely unlocked some things), the story took a turn I wasn't expecting at all, but things started clicking into place.
Another absolute banger and I can't wait to have a physical copy on my shelf next year