The House of Whispers

Living Nightmares #1

by C. Hebert

A notorious murderer haunting the streets of Bedeville stumbles upon a mysterious woman, becoming obsessed as he spends his nights endlessly toying with her and turning her world into a living nightmare.

This dark and twisted retelling of Jack the Ripper mixed with Jekyll and Hyde takes place in a fantasy world filled with magic, mischief, and murder.
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TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains dark romance, drugs, addiction, mental disorder, explicit language, detailed sexual scenes, gore, blood, death, mention of sexual assault, and attempted suicide.

Genres: Fantasy, Dark Romance, Horror, Romance, Dark, Retellings, Spicy

475 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2023

About the author

Commonly known as Cyn, C. Hebert is a multi-genre author who loves to paint a pretty, yet horrific, picture woven together with absolute chaos. True gravevard reads.
While most authors like to write happily ever afters, C. Hebert prefers to take her stories in the opposite direction, delivering darker tales with a hint of madness, tugging at your heartstrings.
She is a self proclaimed manic write who loves to constantly push herself to do more.

C. Hebert is a published poet and writes darker, more unique works under a secondary pen name, which is an International Best Seller. It is listed on her social media.

Reviews

[KMart Vet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listen - I REALLY tried to hang with the dark romance girlies and got in over my head. 😂 I THOUGHT that I was a dark romance fan, but this was more than I could handle. That said. PAY attention to these triggers and BELIEVE them.

TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains dark romance, drugs, addiction, mental disorder, explicit language, detailed sexual scenes, gore, blood, death, mention of sexual assault, and attempted suicide. Lots of violence and murder here, friends.

This is an extremely dark and twisted retelling that merges the infamous Jack the Ripper story with elements of Jekyll and Hyde. Set in a gaslamp fantasy world (that reminds me VERY much of Carnival Row the show), the narrative follows a notorious killer who becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman. As the nights unfold, he relentlessly toys with the woman, turning her world into a living nightmare. It's kind of a villain origin story.

It is well-written and haunting, but I found it a little bit traumatizing. I've never had a book that made me feel like I wasn't as tough as I thought! 😅 That said, if you're a reader who loves psychological thrillers and wishes that they had more spice - then this is absolutely for you!

Thanks to R&R and the author for the eARC.

[Bianca Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 star.

wtf did I just read?

It had so much potential to be great but 92% of the time I was confused.

It jumped around way too much and had so many holes in the plot… I’m still left so confused.
There is a second book but I feel like I shouldn’t be so confused. I’m probably not gonna read the second one.

I’m so sad because again it has so much potential ..

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jack the Ripper x Carnival Row. Definitely horror erotica mixed with fantasy. I LOVED the narrators and the added sound effects in the audio version. The whole thing had a very unsettling vibe (in the best way). Highly recommend!

“If this was madness, then I wished never to be sane again.”

“You would die for her, but I would kill for her.”

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

IM OBSESSEDDDD.. that’s all 😍

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ The twist was obvious, the book was boring, and I’m not even going to say anything about the ending. But the audiobook is really good though.

[Emily (emilysdarkcorner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The House of Whispers by C Hebert

Please check your trigger warnings and content warnings

I'm going to start this by saying this is my first book by this author and to say that I'm obsessed is a freaking understatement. Once I started reading this I was hooked and I couldn't put it down. I needed to know what was going to happen next so it had me on the edge of my seat.

I don't even know how to put this review into words because I have so many thoughts and comments but I also don't want to give up any spoilers either. This book messes with your head and your emotions because you don't know what's going to happen next or even what to believe. Casper is a bouncer and is tied to work for Madame Chepi she protects the house and all the Whisps that live there and makes sure nothing happens to them. Then we meet Jakkal who is so drawn to her and no matter what he finds his way to her. He is always trying to get her to do something she doesn't want too. He won't let her go and he keeps saying that they are tied together but she doesn't understand it. Casper wants to protect her sister Min and will do everything in her power to do so but slowly things start taking a turn and she isn't even sure what's happening.

The twists and turns in this book will catch you off guard and will have you questioning what is actually going on and wait what just happened.

When I got to the end I just put my kindle down and started saying "wait a minute, what just happened?" I couldn't even believe it and it still has left me for multiple days now wondering what the hell just happened.

[Crab and Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting this book to have me in the grip it did. From the first page to the last, I couldn't predict where C. Hebert was taking the characters, but I was completely hooked on the journey. There are so many layers to the story, and the characters are intriguing and captivating. But what I love about C. Hebert is her writing style is so easy to read. If you enjoy a dark and twisted story with romance and heartbreak and mystery and magic, you need to read this book!! Please do check your triggers though! This book be DARK. Deliciously so for those of us who enjoy that kind of book!

[Jayra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um, or this is just not for me?
Cause I don't understand the 4 star average rating?
No development at all - characters, plot and almost everything.
Even towards the ending is also boring.

I will not continue this series, ever.

[Nicole Minken · Rating 4 out of 5]

"No one will harm you again. As long as I exist, I will spend every moment protecting you. I will give you the life you desire and bow at your feet as you embrace your true nature." - Jakkal

Tropes:
🔪
🥀Dark Romance + Dark Fantasy
🩸St@lking/ Obsession
🥀Dark Retelling (Jack the Ripper/ Jekyll & Hyde)
🩸Spice
🥀Horror/ Thriller
🩸Dark Secrets
🥀Masked K!ller
🩸Gore
🥀Morrally black as night, black as pitch, blacker than the foulest witch.
🩸Duel POV
🥀 "You are mine"
🔪

Not all Dark Romance is Horror but this one certainly is. If your favorite genre is Horror but you also love Adult Romance, this book is for you.
This is Jack the Ripper meets Jekyll and Hyde vibes. So much murder.
It also has a Carnival Row vibe because of the fantasy elements and a brothel.
Our FMC, named Casper (which I love), is an assassin style bouncer at the House of Whispers, a brothel where the ladies are Fae.
The MMC, Jakkal, is known as The Ripper.
I don't want to give too much away but Casper is trying to protect the her childhood friend/sister from the Ripper and the life of the brothel. Plus protect the brothel from the Ripper.....while also falling prey to his games, and him.
Jakkal is absolutely obsessed with Casper, and he calls her his little ghost. I love it even though I hate him.
There is a love triangle though. Her attentions are on someone else entirely.....👀

[Monica Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 MILLION STARS! If you love dark romance (or want to jump into that genre) and have a deep affection for psychological thrillers and fantasy, read this asap! One of the darkest most hauntingly beautiful books I have ever read. The author created a psychological thriller that had you loving the murderer in the literal Prologue. This twisted tale takes you through a story of a woman who just wants to survive another day and take care of the sister she loves. She quickly plunges into a dark and tumultuous game of cat and mouse with a murderer who has you questioning everything til the very end. I couldn't put it down and dove head first down the rabbit hole and I don't know when or if I'll ever return. Or if I want to. Such a creative way to delve into addiction and mental illness through magik. But the story didn't water down the reality of the darkness that lurks at the far side of that sickness. I love a villain that is actually a villain. Bravo, just bravo. You'll never see the ending coming!

[Ash (so there’s this book)]

I am DNFing this book.

Although the author listed TWs in the start, they failed to mention that the FMC would be *forcibly* drugged on multiple occasions by the MMC. The FMC even screamed no one one such occasion and the MMC attempted to drown her to get her to take the pill. So you know. Maybe that’s for you. But not for me.

[Sarah Bonilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sex? Love? Murder? Girls with wings?

What’s not to love. My first buddy read with Chelsea 💕
Was fun to escape to this world when real life is extra stressful right now.

[Casey Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The House of Whispers is an utterly unputdownable Jekyll & Hyde meets Jack The Ripper psychological thriller that is sure to leave you reeling.

Her name is Casper and he calls her Little Ghost, and need I really say more?

Casper is a bouncer at The House of Whispers. Her particular magical skill set makes her an asset, and she is trusted to protect the house and its inhabitants, one of whom is her sister, alongside potential love interest Chesmu— Until the fateful night when she happens upon the killer plaguing the area, who takes a keen interest and is intent upon drawing out the darkness lurking within her deepest shadows.

Delightfully dark and kinda bloody. Check those triggers, stay safe, and enjoy.

Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for my e-copy!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. Hebert, you did it again. You gave me another book that had me in an absolute CHOKEHOLD!!! This book still has my head reeling a week after finishing it. The roller coaster of emotions from sexy to sadness to anger I felt it all! I have been recommending this book to absolutely EVERYONE letting them know the release date. The multi POVs in this book make it that much better but not only that there is not one irrelevant character in this book I didn't feel like there were characters I felt like I wished I knew more about. C. Hebert gave everyone their turn! Her writing is flawless and easy to read. There is no POV confusion, and her transitions are as smooth as silk. Please give me more!!!

[Amanda Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a dark one! It was Jack the Ripper meets Dr Jekyl/Mr Hyde, with her being the latter. They’re both on a killing spree, but Casper is fighting her inner demon. Chesmu, who also works at the House of Whispers, loves her for her but definitely sees that dark side. It was also really spicy, with some kinks so be sure to check the trigger warnings! Also be okay with gruesome details, especially with the murders.
If that stuff doesn’t bother you, then you’ll like this one! I thought it was well written and it was kind of amazing trying to figure out a mystery even when you already know who the killer is. The ending also had me so shocked! The author really took some chances that I feel a lot of authors wouldn’t dare, but it worked out for the type of read this is.
Thank you R&R Book Tours for the gifted copy!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Jekyll and Hyde story mixed with magic, sex, and gore is not my typical go to book. I was in the mood for something different and boy did this hit that mark. Though you know Jekyll and Hyde, this version keeps you questioning what is going to happen next with the interesting twist of a female murderer. The ending was not what I expected and it came with an extra chapter which I think made me like the book more. Some points of the book I did find hard to get through, read the trigger warnings for sure, as things did get quite graphic. If you’re looking for a psychological book that will keep you entertained this is it.

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it predictable yes? Was it still irresistible? Also yes. Jakkal is my man… woman… brain demon… thing.
I love the little world that was created and I am chomping at the bit to get into the second book of Living Nightmares.
If you’re looking for a super steamy darker romance, you won’t find that here. But the spice is still *chef’s kiss.*
PLEASE tell me why I kept imagining Chesmu to look kinda like the Rock? It was ruining my vibe man. And in moments it was almost like Maui from Moana. 🤣
I’m completely obsessed with how well written this is considering two of the characters are… one. lol

This what Jack the Ripper meets Jekyll and Hyde meets Alice in Wonderland. 🤌🏼

[Nikz · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

I found the premise to be quite interesting, maybe a little rough around the edges, but the execution didn’t quite hit for me. The opening was fairly compelling until the storyline did a circular dance and became rather redundant throughout the middle which didn’t give the suspense or the inevitable plot twist quite the impact I was hoping for. Some of the dialogue and POV switches also felt arbitrary and didn’t seem to contribute to the overall story development.

It fits the spooky season vibe though. A twist on Jack The Ripper with Jekyll & Hyde vibes that’s mostly gory with a side of psychological, so if that’s your niche then this might fit the bill.

[Samantha Brimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book …. Aaaahhhhhh. First off I love it! Secondly holy mind games! No other words except for go freaking read it right now hands down one of the best books I’ve read all year. The plot, the twist, the tension, the relationships between characters, the bad guy like come to mama I cannot wait to buy this book to have on my shelf. Bra-fucking-o to C. Hebert for this masterpiece because my sweet damn all the gore and drama and ooof side note check your triggers before reading but seriously just read it because it’s amazing

[Gem (bookscaffeinencurls) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casper & her sister (not by blood) are shackled to the most unpleasant Madem Chepi of Bedeville’s notorious brothel, The House of Whispers. In a world of Hexer’s Whisps, Staley’s & Dwimmers, magik and those who wield it can be feared as much converted but sometimes, no matter what, chaos rains.

This is intriguing, with so many twists & turns, great chemistry between the characters & an interesting albeit very dark spin on the story of Jekyll & Hyde. I so love a C. Hebert read and this did not disappoint!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book…loved the storyline kept me wanting to read more each day but I did not like the way it ended it hurt my feelings! She literally lost everything she was fighting to keep safe! She found love and then she found the damn devil and one was more triumphant in setting her free!!!!

[Megan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did NOT see that coming! But I was here for it!

This could be considered a Jack the Ripper retelling ish with a generous sprinkle of magik, some spice, plenty of betrayal and a dash of mental illness.

Throw that mix into a brothel filled with fairies and you've got yourself one helluva story! I can't wait for book two!

[Keri Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all. I was not ready. C. Hebert has done it again. In this riveting Jekyll & Hyde meets Jack the Ripper reimagining, you’re taken on a dark journey of twists and turns that will leave you reeling. This book is pure psychological warfare of the best kind.

[Mikaycakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS A WILD RIDE!!! I was held captive by this book by the first page!! I listened to the audio which was AMAZING!!! If you are looking for a mystery, Jekyll/Hyde retelling, dark fantasy vibes, twists, spice 🌶️, MMC who is extremely possessive, & emotional DAMAGE…. Check out this book!!!

[Annaliese · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
4🌶️

This book was a lot: dark, tense, mysterious, all the things you expect from a horror romance and then some. It started off with a dark theme that just kept getting darker. I couldn’t comprehend what was truth and what was fiction by half way and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

The choice for the narration was excellent, two narrators and the subtle background sounds in certain scenes completely made this story come to life. I felt so connected to the characters and really felt for what Casper went through in every scene.

The synopsis says that it is a dark, twisted retelling of Jack the Ripper mixed with Jekyll and Hyde but I would say that it is an understatement! The twists and turns throughout this book were intense, the intimate scenes, the cat and mouse between Casper and Jackkel, and the relationships Casper has with the other characters kept the plot moving quickly.

There are trigger warnings for this book and I would HIGHLY recommend someone read them if they are planning on picking up this book.

[Chasey Kruczko · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was.. not good. Jakkal's true presence was very obvious the whole time and why the fuck was the only one who lived Nathair, the least likeable character. Not good. Couldn't even be bothered to read the bonus chapter

[Cecilie Poder Juhl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is twisted and dark and gory. Having a hard time rating this. I devoured this book in like 2 days! But something about the ending just … felt flat? I settled on something between 3.5 and 4 stars.

[BatWingBaddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a the perfect spooky season read with spice, g0re, mystery and more look no further. I really enjoyed this read so so much!

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too repetitive and zero plot or character development. I was so bored.
Cool premise, just wasn't executed very well.

[Arin]

Soft DNF around 20%. Put it down and lost interest