Ghostly Romance, 80s Vibes, and Family Secrets
Book Review of Metamorphosis by Shelby Nicole
Metamorphosis: A Grove Hollow Novel by Shelby Nicole is a YA paranormal romance publishing on July 6, 2026. Set in 1985, this first book in the Grove Hollow series blends gothic atmosphere, dark academia vibes, family secrets, ghostly mystery, and a complicated romance that feels like Stranger Things meets Twilight. Published by Delacorte Press and brought to you on a Toppling Stacks Tours book tour, this story itself offers plenty to talk about.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The novel follows eighteen-year-old Jade Whitney, who is sent to live with her Great Aunt Ruth at Blythe House, her family’s grand and mysterious mansion in Grove Hollow, New York. From the moment Jade arrives, it is clear that this town, her family, and her new home are hiding more than a few secrets. Blythe House may be beautiful and impressive, but it also has that perfect gothic feeling where every room seems like it could be holding a secret.
Jade is immediately thrown into a world that feels unfamiliar, intimidating, and not always welcoming. At her new private school, she struggles to find her place. Most of the students keep their distance, but she eventually connects with a group known as the Misfits. They are edgy, genuine, and exactly the kind of friends Jade needs while adjusting to a new life. They spend their time exploring abandoned haunted mansions and listening to The Cure, which gives the story such a strong 80s atmosphere.
One of the things I enjoyed most about Metamorphosis was how easy it was to relate to Jade. She is the new girl trying to fit in, figure out who she can trust, and understand where she belongs. That feeling of being caught between different people and different versions of yourself was very believable. Jade is drawn to the Misfits because they feel real and accepting, but she is also pulled toward Brad, the handsome and popular rugby captain who seems to notice her when others do not.
Brad brings in plenty of classic teen drama, especially since he breaks up with the head cheerleader to date Jade. It has that perfectly angsty YA energy where crushes, jealousy, social circles, and complicated feelings all collide. I liked that the romance was not simple, because Jade is also connected to William, the Victorian ghost tied to a cursed locket she finds in an abandoned estate.
William, or Will, adds one of the most compelling layers to the story. His mystery, his connection to the locket, and his growing bond with Jade kept me turning the pages. There is something so dramatic and fun about a ghost boyfriend situation, especially when it is wrapped in old family secrets, curses, and a setting that already feels haunted. Jade’s attraction to Will creates a complicated emotional pull, and I enjoyed watching her try to understand what he needs from her while also questioning what she wants for herself.
The side characters also stood out to me. Great Aunt Ruth is memorable, and Nigel, her very stereotypical butler, adds to the old-mansion atmosphere in a fun way. These characters help make Blythe House feel like more than just a setting. It becomes a place with personality, history, and secrets tucked into every corner. The family drama is one of the strongest parts of the book, and I loved how the story slowly reveals that Jade’s family history is darker and more complicated than she ever imagined.
Another highlight for me was the 1980s setting. The references to music, technology, and teen culture helped ground the story in its time period without feeling overwhelming. The Cure references, the lack of modern technology, and the overall mood gave the book a nostalgic feel that worked really well with the paranormal and gothic elements. The 80s backdrop made the mystery feel more isolated and atmospheric, which added to the tension.
The book also does a great job balancing different elements: teen angst, paranormal romance, mystery, family secrets, and gothic drama. There is always something pulling the story forward, whether it is Jade trying to fit in at school, uncovering the truth about her family, dealing with her feelings for Brad, or trying to help Will. The combination made the book engaging and easy to keep reading.
My only complaint is that I did get frustrated at times with how long it took to get answers. The mystery is interesting, but there were moments when I really wanted the story to reveal more a little sooner. That said, the slower reveal was not enough to stop me from enjoying the book or wanting to finish it. The characters, atmosphere, and family secrets kept me invested even when I was impatient for the bigger answers.
Overall, Metamorphosis is a lovely and compelling start to the Grove Hollow series. It has likeable characters, a strong gothic setting, great 80s details, family history, drama, secrets, and a complicated ghostly romance that makes the story stand out. Jade is an easy main character to root for, and her journey into the strange world of Grove Hollow is full of mystery and emotion.
Fans of YA paranormal romance, haunted mansions, cursed objects, dark family secrets, and messy teen feelings will find a lot to enjoy here. With its mix of gothic atmosphere, 80s nostalgia, and romantic tension, Metamorphosis is a page-turning read that left me excited to see where the Grove Hollow series goes next.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½✨ | 4.8 out of 5 stars
About the book:
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publishing date: July 6, 2026
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Synopsis:
Stranger Things meets Twilight in this stunning gothic paranormal romance! A teen girl is swept into an opulent world of love, lies, and ghosts after she moves in with the wealthy, mysterious family she never knew she had. Book One in the Grove Hollow series, this is an 80s dark academia-tinged tale full of fated love, a cursed amulet, and twisted family secrets.
The year is 1985, and eighteen-year-old Jade Whitney is about to discover her family holds a dark secret that will change her life forever. Sent to live with her Great Aunt Ruth, Jade moves into Blythe House, her family’s sprawling, gilded mansion—but picturesque Grove Hollow, New York, is anything but welcoming.
At Jade’s new private school she’s shunned by everyone except for the Misfits, the school’s edgy outcasts, who spend their weekends exploring abandoned haunted mansions and listening to the Cure. But Jade’s eye keeps wandering back to Brad, the charming, handsome rugby captain, who might just be the only other kid at school to welcome her.
Everything changes when Jade finds a cursed locket in a derelict estate. The locket is connected to a Victorian ghost named William, who desperately needs Jade’s help, and who Jade feels an undeniable attraction to. And the closer they grow, the more urgent it becomes for Jade to decide where her heart truly lies—and if she’s really willing to let Will go.
Meet the author:
Shelby Nicole is a multi-talented author, business owner, artist, and graphic designer known for her enthralling gothic paranormal series, Grove Hollow. With intricate narratives, mysterious plotlines, and fantastical elements, Shelby breathes new life into the paranormal romance genre, taking readers to otherworldly realms.
Through her magnetic storytelling, Shelby sets herself apart as an author, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next thrilling chapter in The Grove Hollow series.