Fruit of the Flesh

De: I.V. Ophelia

Narrado por: Teddy Hamilton, Luna Rey

Behind the glamour of Gilded Age New York, a marriage of convenience between an artisan and a ballerina masks their shared appetite for revenge in this darkly seductive gothic romance.

In early 1900s New York, former ballerina Petronille De Villier makes an unconventional choice: Marry struggling sculptor Arkady Kamenev. For her, it’s an escape from her family’s unsavory legacy. For him, the De Villier name promises the patronage his art desperately needs. It should be a simple arrangement.

But beneath their marriage of convenience lurks a darker recognition. In each other, they see a reflection of their own dangerous appetites. As buried secrets surface and bodies begin disappearing, Petronille and Arkady discover their union runs deeper than social advantage. Their shared obsessions draw them into an intoxicating dance of predator and prey, though it’s never quite clear who is which.

Bound by law, God, and blood, they must decide if their monstrous natures will tear them apart or forge them into something terribly wonderful together. In a world where nothing is quite what it seems, two creatures of shadow learn that true love requires a taste for the macabre.

©2026 by I.V. Ophelia. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Ophelia crafts a genuinely eerie atmosphere and some deeply sensual love scenes on the way to a conclusion that packs a punch. Horror romance fans will find plenty to enjoy.”—Publishers Weekly

“I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, and this story was glued to my hand from the very first chapter. I.V. Ophelia transported me into Gilded Age New York and I never wanted to leave. It was dark, gripping, and compelling—entirely enthralling!”—Olivia Rose Darling, New York Times bestselling author of the Fear the Flames series

Don't let the cover fool you, this one's dark!

"They said ghosts were for keeping people away, but I believed they breathed life into a home." I was lucky enough to receive a copy early at the rerelease party of The Poisoner as I had already pre-ordered. I am beyond grateful! Firstly, I believe this book certifies Ophelia's writing as lyrical genius! She is no one hit wonder. This only solidifies my own hunger to devour all she writes. From the first line Fruit of the Flesh grabs you by the throat and forces you to enter a marriage with it. The twist and turns have you loyal, excited but satiated until the climatic close.
The darkness is easily woven into the sunlight of this tale.
Not only is it entertaining, but it is also believable and realistic. It's a tale of revenge, rage, anxiety and ultimately love. Perfect for fans of The Gilded Age and the mystery of Crimson Peak. "I am most certainly worse than any man you know. Take comfort that you have such a force on your side." - Arkady. Arkady is a man I was desperate to peel away layer by layer. He's so much more than just a sculptor.
"The most dangerous man is an unassuming one." "I hope to teach you that letting your guard down with me will only lead to good things for you." "There is no greater pleasure than that of a woman's, even if only seen and never disturbed." There's a lot within Petronilles' personality and life where I find similarities. And I also wonder if she's a Libra. "Tell me what you want, or trust me to choose for you." "Choose for me," I said hastily. "I don't want to make any more decisions." "It was easy to become taken with something like her. She should be angelic and pure from looks alone, only to find she was much more elusive, so many pieces left unknown, an enigma to be solved. The only thing she would not be is tame, and that was very good or very bad for my own demons to cavort with." Just go read this! And be prepared for a twist. It's so much more than it appears to be.