It was a normal Halloween party until the cult crashed it. I expected beer kegs and douche-bros trying to grind on me. I didn’t expect blood, chanting, and a twisted ritual. It turns out our college is home to the Cult of Nightmare—that’s Night mare , the living embodiment of traumatic dreams. The goddess herself transformed fifty college students into our Halloween costumes. And bound us to her command. Now, our little town of Ford’s End is overrun with witches, ghosts, sexy nuns—and me, the bride of death. See, Nightmare has a bone to pick with the other gods, and she’s using us to do her dirty work. There’s just one Death, who shows up with his two lieutenants, Misery and Torment, to claim what’s theirs. Their bride. Me. All Hallows Night is a dark paranormal romance with psycho gods, a snarky heroine who finds her inner badass, twisted romance, and a secret society of sadists. Expect twists, turns, and enough spice to make your kindle steam. One-click today and meet the death gods of Ford’s End!
Leigh Kelsey is the author of romance and reverse harem books for anyone with a soft spot for steely women and the tortured men who love them. No matter what stories she's writing - vampires or shifters or bad boys - they all share a common thread of love, heart, and action. She is the author of the Lili Kazana series, the Moonlight Inn series, the Dead Space stand alone, and the Blacktower Prison for Supernaturals series, plus many more books.
Ok so where to begin. This book started off so promising and then the curse happened and suddenly it’s just smut for numerous chapters. Now, I’m not opposed to smut by any means but I am opposed to dubcon (which there was rather a lot of) and to insta-love/infatuation. I’m also super not into the DDLG thing, nor most of what the FMC is apparently into, but that’s not really a dealbreaker for me.
The other huge issue I had was the 2nd half of the book had so many errors! Wrong words, missing words, mixing up character names. Not to mention the time jumps for no valid reason. Add to that the tell not show that was heavily favored in the 2nd half and what started out so well became a travesty.
I feel like this book should have been longer so that more mystery/intrigue/tension could’ve been added/felt by the reader. As it was, almost everything happened off the page so there was little emotional buy in. There also needed to be more info or interaction with the various characters introduced during the book. So many just disappeared after a single mention.
The premise is there, the plot is interesting but it really needs to be fleshed out. And maybe move away from the insta-love thing, it doesn’t fit with how the FMC was introduced nor with the small snippets we got about a previous “altercation” with a dude who wanted more than was offered or tried to take it.
I have no idea where this one is going. I liked the sound of the whole you become what you dress as for Halloween. Those episodes are always fun. I was curious his would play out and bride of death sounded interesting. Not for me. I remember why I stopped reading academy RH. The lack of common sense hurt.
Yes, she's human, still young etc etc. Why couldn't Death or Tor see through the obvious? They have age and experience on their side. I guess the whole Love is blind thing applies here big time. Separate nicknames from all guys, kink conversation averted by eavesdropping on BFF convo. A lot of miscommunication. Death piling up thanks to cultists and puppetry. FMC saved and then dropped back into danger in time for classes.
I got the hiding what they were, although how they all managed that I have no idea. The whole not wanting to leave danger so she didn't disappoint her parents... Essentially a bit of a damsel fmc that is helpless trapped in a corner, and three guys getting an insta wife and showing up for booty calls. Not continuing this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I thought the premise was good, but there was to much darkness to this book. So much heaviness that it didn’t make it enjoyable for me. The secrets and lies and so many betrayals. I felt the female lead character was playing catch up the entire time and only small pieces of information being released each time causing more questions than answers. I rated it 3 stars because I felt her heart break, the stress and anxiety she went through, everything was written in a way that allowed me to connect with the female lead character. I felt there wasn’t enough positive to outweigh the horrifying reason as to why they were so f’d. It was just So heavy. I should have waited until the 2nd book was released as usually the first in the series is usually the beat down. Make you fall for the main characters, before reading about them being ground into dust, allowing a small comeback in the 2nd book, allowing the reader to grasp onto a bit of Hope, before dashing it again at the end. The last book is usually where they all prevail. Maybe I should wait for all of them to come out so I can fully appreciate this one. So much death in this book, just because Nightmare can. It broke me to read her point of views on this subject. The threats and warnings. All for a madwoman. As I said in the title, this is a Dark read. It sucks you in but I didn’t enjoy it as I have others.
i wasn’t so sure if i’d like this because i felt like it was too fast burn between the fmc and her gods (i’m a slow/medium burn girlie) but eventually the plot flowed and worked so the book in general got a lot better
but this is a unique book imo — you won’t find anything like it in RH romances atm so i’m excited to see where the story will take us… the ending has that much loved angst and secrets and it was very well executed
the fmc is not an idiot but not a badass either, which i love because i can actually relate to her in a sense
the only weird thing to me was the fmc’s name — cactus? like really? lmao so many cool names to choose and this was the one? 😭 i refuse to accept it so she’ll forever be cat in my head
Question. Have you seen the Halloween episode of Buffy (the Vampire Slayer) with Nigel's old friend Ethan and the costume shop? Well if you have Leigh has gone and written a whole book exactly like that, All Hallows Night was the best.
Gods Leigh, what kind of name is Cactus? MFC Cat is made of fear, anxiety, and sass. I love it. It was easy to relate to her but it was her love of books and coffee that won me over. A person after my own heart.
Cat is kind of set up with three guys (Leigh Kelsey is one caring possessive and protective, except one, he had to work through some stuff but he grew on me. Overall they make for an interesting group but the adoration and heat were there.
I don't think I've ever read anything as atmospheric as this from Leigh. Talk about dark academia, the story takes place on a rainy island in the middle of the Irish Sea. Moody vibes, a cult, dark magic, death, and gods, really set the scene. I kinda low-key love the horror vibe and I'm a big chicken. Leigh went all out and at one point there were most definitely slasher film vibes, with me wondering who else was gonna die. It was a fun read, all dark and twisty, with danger lurking everywhere and a good heat level. It had an interesting and fresh plot and had me wondering what was coming next.
Gods that ending was killer, and in more ways than one. I think my heart broke then stopped and then broke again. Talk about a nightmare, haha, get it? How many books are in this series because I need everything fixed by the next book. I need All Hallows Game to heal my heart.
I had higher expectations for this. But things didn’t make sense and the. The last chapter they did but not enough I care to keep reading which is a crying shame because this seemed like a cool idea.
Alright I have some thoughts so I'll just list the likes and dislikes so it's easier to keep straight
Likes: 1) I liked the overall theme. We get cults, dark magic and death gods all good ways to keep a story going. 2) I was on board for the curse causing instalust sometimes when you have a large plot and you are worrying about relationships it can get muddled. 3) the sex scenes were good! Got to all of her listed likes and kept us engaged with the group
Dislikes: 1) I feel like we don't have a good feel for these characters at all and got a lot of surface level information which makes it hard for me to want to wait a year for book two. Will I still care when I struggled to connect with them at all? We get the male pov but only in regards really to sex with others and one fight scene. We don't see who they are as people and we only get them as part of the main characters narrative. Why have a dual pov that way. 2) everyone acted very young. I know this is a college age group but why do our death gods have that same mentality? Why are they not the voice of reason in this crazy story. Like no mam you cannot live on campus while a goddess is controlling you and making you kill people. No you shouldn't go to a student gathering after the last one ended in a cult sacrifice. 3) last thing I will say I don't like is the ending of this book. You mean to tell me 3 death gods are your husband and they spend all this time getting laid and don't check in on your family? You are in danger from an all powerful goddess and they haven't checked friends and family members. That feels so unrealistic.
So overall, I don't know if I'll be reading book two if I remember in a year. I dont particularly feel connected to these guys even if the story was unique and something different
All Hallows Night by Leigh Kelsey is a fast-paced and engaging dark fantasy that masterfully blends the eerie atmosphere of a Halloween night with the thrills of supernatural romance. The protagonist, Cat, finds herself in a whirlwind of chaos after attending what should have been a fun party with her two best friends, Honey and Byron, but quickly turns into a nightmarish encounter with ancient forces.
The plot kicks into high gear when a cult summons the goddess Nightmare, cursing everyone at the party to remain trapped in their costumes. For Cat, this means becoming the “bride of death”—a title that throws her into the complicated and sinister world of Death, Torment, and Misery. The relationships between these characters are darkly intriguing, full of tension and unexpected twists, keeping you guessing as the story unfolds.
Leigh Kelsey’s writing excels at creating suspense, and the numerous twists throughout the book make it hard to put down. The dynamic between the characters, especially Cat and the supernatural trio, adds layers of complexity to the narrative, blending romance and danger in a way that keeps you hooked. The plot builds up to a major revelation that redefines everything you thought you knew, and the cliffhanger ending leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment.
With a dark, atmospheric setting and characters that challenge typical archetypes, All Hallows Night is perfect for fans of supernatural stories with strong romantic tension and high stakes. The blend of action, mystery, and dark romance is well-balanced, making it a compelling read. You’re left on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting what comes next.
This was, unfortunately, a horrible read for me. The story was bleak, unfunny, and far darker than the blurb suggested. I went in expecting a lighthearted “fun-gone-wrong” kind of plot, but from the very first scene—where one of the MMCs watches the heroine bury her best friend—it was clear this was something else entirely. (And yes, I read the TW, they were not accurate either).
The blurb is misleading. It's just..not that. It sells the premise as playful and intriguing, but what follows is a grim and disturbing narrative.
Themes of "dub-con" (not the word I'd use to describe assault), and emotional breakdowns dominate the book. Calling it “edgy fun” feels disingenuous when it is, in fact, a story full of trauma.
From a writing standpoint, the prose is flowery at times but doesn’t mask the lack of coherence. The editing is sloppy, and the structure feels rushed. The heroine’s constant anxiety spirals and breakdowns make it exhausting rather than immersive.
As for the romance and smut elements, they are poorly executed—forced, unconvincing, and at times downright disturbing. Instead of delivering tension or chemistry, the scenes feel exploitative.
Overall, this was marketed as something it is absolutely not. Instead of being a clever, mysterious romp with a fantasy twist, it turned out to be a sad, heavy, and poorly written horror story. I regret picking it up.
*Why Choose *Paranormal *Multi-PoV *Dark Gothic Themes *Academy Setting *Death Gods *Curses *Angsty *Established Harem (3) *inc MM *Fast Burn *1/? Great, gripping, gothic read! A cracking first book in this new series of Kelsey’s! There’s so many great tropes in this book and is told with the usual dark humour infused in Kelsey’s books making it a gripping and entertaining read! 😃 The story follows Cat who finds herself cursed after a frat Halloween party and it has serious repercussions for her and her friends! She now finds herself magically linked to Death and his two companions…as their wife 😮 Death is definitely a daddy and instantly wants to protect and adore this girl; Tor falls madly in love in the first instance; and then there’s Misery who’s past makes him slow to catch onto his feelings but he goes all in when he does 🥰 yet the curse the Nightmare cause may have greater consequences for Cat and her men, especially as more secrets are revealed and it becomes hard to know what’s the truth and who to trust 😳 a very clever plot that’s well written and I’m eager to have the next one asap!!
I didn't like this book. So much so, I couldn't finish it. These are the reasons why:
I felt like the summary didn't set the right tone for the book. I knew it would be dark, but I also expected a tiny bit of humor? There's nothing funny at all in here.
I disliked many of the relationship in the book. I didn't understand why the main character stayed friend with her best friend. While I understand he was living a hard situation, that doesn't give you the right to be a bitch to your loved ones.
The romance was... not good. It's rapey, there's no chemistry and no one talks so that they can build something together.
There was no tension whatsoever in the plot. There's barely any build-up. We went from one calm scene to sudden murder. As a reader, I couldn't feel any fear for the main character because these "horrible" scenes arrived so abruptly that... they just sounded over the top and a bit ridiculous.
Finally, no one seems to have any common sense. Something terrible is happening, and they're all... trying to pretend everything is fine. Just keep living your life. Sure, go back to the murder academy. What could possibly go wrong?
This book was so freaking amazing! I actually found it on a Facebook add and I don’t even usually click on those but this one drew me in. I downloaded it and was super excited to start it, but then I saw that book two doesn’t release until APRIL 2025! So I had decided to wait because that’s a long time. A couple days went by and I just could not stop thinking about it. Now here we are. I’m traumatized, as I had expected. It was phenomenal! The only bad part about it is the wait for the next one. As much as that sucks (especially after THAT ending), I definitely do not regret reading it now. I love a god Death romance, but to make it RH (or in this case poly)? YES PLEASE. SIGN ME THE F UP. Tor is the love of my life, I just want to love Miz and protect him from the world, and Death… just yes daddy 🥰. This was a perfect gothic, spicy romance and I am so excited for book two. I will be counting down the days in complete misery.
First off, straight filth this girl can write. & I love it.
I was a bit concerned when there was a bit of a warning about editing in UK varies from the states but, I had no issues with the spelling, grammar or word usage. I also wasn't quite sure I'd be able to wrap my head around all of the fantasy since I haven't read much fantasy, but it was a very smooth, enticing, dirty, and thrilling read! That increasing heart rate you get when you arrive close to the end, only a few pages left.. definitely had that. Plus, (maybe because of the editing) I assumed there was more to read but it was a thanks for reading blurb and I was SO on a freaking cliff hanger.
Really hoping book 2 will be out in paperback, as that's my favorite to read but I might be a bit too impatient for that.
I was a bit on the fence about reading this however felt like I was going to enjoy the plot. . . I am so glad I picked it up!! I can relate to Cat on several levels, I have anxiety rings that I wear out from use!! The twists and turns in the book kept me curious and the hot steamy scenes helped as well!! Three men obsessed over one girl who is stuck as the bride of Death. I really enjoyed the book however the ending had me scrambling off to grab the second book to see what happens next. . . not a big cliff hanger reader but was happy I was able to snatch the second book without having to wait. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, and Dresden Files!!
This was very good! I went in completely blind, so I was totally caught off guard at the beginning. Truly wasn’t expecting it.
The only gripes I have are the communication, you’d think her “husband’s” would tell her everything about Nightmare and what’s happened in the past. She’s in the thick of it, just like they are. I was also annoyed that they kept telling her that Nightmare would never take control of her again and that was a lie. You can’t promise something like that. Which leads me to my last complaint, who on earth would decide to just stay at school and act normal while all this is going on. If I had the option to go live in their castle in another realm where Nightmare can’t go, I’m choosing that for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I liked this book BUTT, Tor SA Cat as a cute bonding thing was not cool. That wasn't even CNC, just straight rape from a stranger. It did not build up their bond at all. Strangers were suddenly all devoted to eachother. There was no world or character building. The sex happened too fast to be believable. The story needed more development and to slow down. Nothing happens when ppl get murdered no reports or normal reactions. It seemed dumb 1 of them wasnt always with her or just zapped her to their land. It was a juvenile attempt from gods. I liked most the sex scenes and their dynamics were cute. But there was 0 build up, this stranger is ur wife and we love u typa shit
Eeeeeeek! Looooooove this! I sped through that so fast and now I'm craving more. Cat is quirky, witty, and has a dark side she tries to bury deep. While off to college with her bffs things start to go a little wonky after a not so fun Halloween party that changes their lives for the unforeseeable future. Also, now she's married?! Was it fate or just chance like Nightmare said? I have so many theories about this so far. And can't wait to see which ones pan out. 😆 Cat, Miz, Tor, and Death certainly have a epic journey ahead, especially after that cliffhanger lol. I'm not sure who's more heartbroken..them or me?! 🤣
I’m was enjoying this book up until the end (even with me not liking the FMC). Then it spiraled into a cliffhanger that absolutely pissed me off. Then I realized that the estimated release date for the next part of the duet is in A FUCKING YEAR- APRIL 2025. Fuckin Bullshit.
The thing Nightmare had hanging over Cats head was absolutely ridiculous and how did it happen in the first place? Aren’t they trapped in a fucking island? I had more question at the end then answers. Then I was heart broken and I don’t think I’m gonna be able to read the second part. (And no, I wasn’t heart broken by the death of any of the characters)
A new college, new students and one killer Halloween (quite literally!) party lands Cat (FMC) her friends and fellow students in a dangerous life threatening situation. More so when the Goddess - Nightmare and her followers start picking individually picking them off. That's not the only problems for Cat though as she has Death, Misery and Torment all crash into her life bringing lots of steamy hotness with them. Plenty of great plot twists and turns ending up in one hell of a cliff-hanger ending. So bloody good! I can't wait for book 2 now.
Fast paced dark and fun. The danger level for Cat is high. The evil in this book is truly evil. Like others have commented it is a little like a Buffy episode however the curse is well written and you can feel Cats fear and pain.
I wish her relationships were more fleshed out and I wish they were more evil being death and all. And where oh where is my MM action. It’s eluded to and spoken about but not expressly seen. I hope we get some of this in the next book.
Big cliffhanger at the end made sure I will most definitely pick up the next book in the series.
This book was so good. Cat is going to college on an Island and she has no idea what is about to happen to her. Invited to a Halloween party, her and Honey go but what happens is insane. Now cursed she meets 3 death gods who are now her husbands. I loved Miz, Tor, and of course Death. The story unfolds and now I need book 2 like right now. This is my first book by this author and now I’m hooked. I discovered she has a bunch of other books so now I can keep myself busy with more of her amazing works while waiting for book 2.
This book left me unsatisfied and wanting. The fmc was an idiot and even the spicy scenes were lacking everything, especially chemistry. Not to mention the cop out that was supposed to be a twist with her “new friend”. It just felt like a weak plot device used to absolve the character of wrongdoing, which wasn’t necessary because she wasn’t in control of her body in the first place.
Nothing made me want to read the second book, despite the cliffhanger. I don’t even care to spoil the rest for myself. That’s how bad it was.
I really wanted to like this book but sadly I couldn't continue reading. There were so many loopholes and questions I couldn't take anymore. I quit 27% into the book. There is a long list of triggers at the start... I didn't even know what most were and that is saying something coming from me. But what made this a DNF and low star count were the loopholes in the story. I kept thinking surely it'll be explained, sadly it isn't. It maybe later in the book but these are things I couldn't stop noticing. I am trying to keep spoiler free with this.
I was immediately sucked in and couldn't put it down! This is a story where you're pointing fingers at everyone because it's such a mystery at who's the person pulling all the strings? And it's so expertly written that you will NEVER guess who it is! I am in shock at the revelation and gutted by the ending! And I need more ASAP! The steam was super hot! You will love Cat, Death, Miz and Tor!
I realy loved this book. The twists and turnes are well thought out and not predictable. I usually like a little more world building and connection building between the men and the FMC but this didn't deter from the story. The last twist I didn't see coming. Loved it. The spice is well done and the harem is chefs kiss.
I really liked that the FMC is strong, has emotions and is relatable. She doesn't give up.
What a fantastic plot! It makes me wish I had thought of it. It's reminiscent of a Buffy episode. I found it strange that the deaths didn't stir up more of a frenzy around campus; they seemed to go unnoticed at times. Maybe I missed something behind the scenes. A few scenes were off-putting, giving me Saltburn vibes (if you know, you know). Overall, it was entertaining and left me eager for more.
I am honestly surprised how much I enjoyed this book.
Rating 4/5⭐️ Spicy 3/5 🌶️
Halloween party goes creepier than a haunted house due to murders causing Nightmare (a pretty cool name) to be released into world. She casts a spell on the victims of the party causing them to turn into what they’re wearing. Our MFC (😂 🌵) is turned into Death’s bride. She now has three very handsome husbands taking care and protecting her from Nightmares wrath. ENDS ON CLIFFHANGER. Not even gonna lie, I’m gonna read the next book.
Halloween? Curses? Gods and Goddesses? Sign me up, I'm here for it. Cat has gotten the shit end of this stick in most ways and our nightmare goddess is just making her life a living hell. Will she get out of the curse and all that goes with it? Will she get her men? Her friends to safety? This was worth the read for me, can't wait to find out what is next for Cat and her group.