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When the Night Closes In
At Nightleigh Hall, danger lurks in every corner... from the living and the dead.
Tess Parker has traveled far from London and the Darrow School to accept a position as companion to a frail, elderly woman. But Nightleigh House is not at all what she anticipated and her less than warm welcome by the master of the house, Maximillian Nightleigh, the Earl of Finmore, leaves her questioning that decision.
Immediately, it becomes apparent that there is more going on at Nightleigh House than meets the eye. Secrets. Unseen threats… and a chilling presence that leaves her both frightened and determined to discover the truth.
Maxim resisted his grandmother’s wishes for a companion, not because he doubted her need of one, but because inviting strangers into Nightleigh House never went well. But the moment he meets Tess Parker, he knows she’s not the sort to run screaming into the night. Unreasonably and unwisely drawn to her, they are caught in a compromising situation that prompts him to propose.
As they work together to uncover the secrets that hide without the shadows at Nightleigh Hall, they soon find that they face dangers from both sides of the grave.
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
(Note: This story was first published as part of the Dragonblade Publishing Anthology, A Midnight Requiem, October 2022)
Tess Parker has traveled far from London and the Darrow School to accept a position as companion to a frail, elderly woman. But Nightleigh House is not at all what she anticipated and her less than warm welcome by the master of the house, Maximillian Nightleigh, the Earl of Finmore, leaves her questioning that decision.
Immediately, it becomes apparent that there is more going on at Nightleigh House than meets the eye. Secrets. Unseen threats… and a chilling presence that leaves her both frightened and determined to discover the truth.
Maxim resisted his grandmother’s wishes for a companion, not because he doubted her need of one, but because inviting strangers into Nightleigh House never went well. But the moment he meets Tess Parker, he knows she’s not the sort to run screaming into the night. Unreasonably and unwisely drawn to her, they are caught in a compromising situation that prompts him to propose.
As they work together to uncover the secrets that hide without the shadows at Nightleigh Hall, they soon find that they face dangers from both sides of the grave.
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
(Note: This story was first published as part of the Dragonblade Publishing Anthology, A Midnight Requiem, October 2022)
71 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2023
134 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Chasity Bowlin
142 books523 followersUSA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 24, 2024
really too short to give anything higher but it filled that craving i had for something short but spooky ✨
January 7, 2026
This was such a genuinely fun read I didn't want to put down. The writing was vivid, the 3rd person POV was well done in a way that perfectly expressed the characters internal thoughts. I only wish it was 200 pages longer 😫
. ˚ * ✦ . .
Notable features
⭑ short read
⭑ paranormal mystery
⭑ on page open door spice 🌶️🌶️
⭑ gothic regency vibes
⭑ HEA
. ˚ * ✦ . .
Notable features
⭑ short read
⭑ paranormal mystery
⭑ on page open door spice 🌶️🌶️
⭑ gothic regency vibes
⭑ HEA
November 12, 2023
(I’m currently reading A Midnight Requiem: The Ghostly Hour – anthology published last year – but as this novella just recently had its standalone release, I decided to add an individual review here too).
I really enjoyed this one, but once again the story was more historical mystery, than romance.
The spooky gothic atmosphere worked beautifully - tension build gradually, slowly unveiling the nature of disturbing presence haunting the Nightleigh House and its inhabitants.
I agree with other reviews mentioning if the story had more time to develop, Tess and Maxim growing attraction would have much more depth to it, as they did have chemistry. Their first meeting established there definitely was some spark between them, and the difference in social standing would have been interesting to explore more.
3,75 (rounded to 4)/5 stars
I really enjoyed this one, but once again the story was more historical mystery, than romance.
The spooky gothic atmosphere worked beautifully - tension build gradually, slowly unveiling the nature of disturbing presence haunting the Nightleigh House and its inhabitants.
I agree with other reviews mentioning if the story had more time to develop, Tess and Maxim growing attraction would have much more depth to it, as they did have chemistry. Their first meeting established there definitely was some spark between them, and the difference in social standing would have been interesting to explore more.
3,75 (rounded to 4)/5 stars
November 3, 2023
If this had been a full length novel, it would have been fantastic. Creepy, gothic, haunting, with a broody Earl and his grandmother’s new companion trying to solve a ghostly mystery. But at only 71 pages, this tried to do a lot and moved at break neck speed. I haven’t read anything by Bowlin before, but I like her prose! I’d be interested to see how I feel about a full length story by her because this had really excellent plot points and characters. It just wasn’t long enough for everything it tried to squeeze in.
October 25, 2023
Great short story with a gothic twist
The story has the right amount of chill and mystery. Love is of course a part of the story. I really enjoy books with a bit of spook and chill during the fall. It does not take long to read and is part of the authors Hellion series, which I loved. Enjoy!
The story has the right amount of chill and mystery. Love is of course a part of the story. I really enjoy books with a bit of spook and chill during the fall. It does not take long to read and is part of the authors Hellion series, which I loved. Enjoy!
October 28, 2024
Scratching in the walls, ghostly appearances, dark shadows in the hallways....that's what Tess Parker faces when she takes on the job of being a companion to an elderly lady. The only bright spot is the grandson, Maxim, but even he seems to have dark secrets. Mutual attraction persists, even while trying to discover who the ghost is and why it is haunting Nightleigh House.
I really found the story spellbinding and even though it's a short novella, you still get a chilling tale with a few twists and turns but also with a happy ending....even for the ghost:)
I really found the story spellbinding and even though it's a short novella, you still get a chilling tale with a few twists and turns but also with a happy ending....even for the ghost:)
January 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Absolutely delightful little gothic! Perfect length, perfect pacing, charming & campy. It even had some great jump scares!
Absolutely delightful little gothic! Perfect length, perfect pacing, charming & campy. It even had some great jump scares!
October 17, 2023
Great short story from one of my favourite authors. Chasity can really entertain with gothic romances. Tess from the famous Darrow school and Max meet when areas is employed by his grandmother as her companion. Fast paced attraction between the two as is the need to solve the mysteries of Nightleigh hall. I loved this book
August 20, 2025
Ghostly tale and a mystery resolved
Tess Parker has arrived at Nightleigh House to act as companion to the grandmother of Maximilian Nightleigh (Earl of Finmore).
Max has been haunted since childhood by a chilling spectre of a woman.
Tess also sees the apparition and eventually solves the mystery- but not before encountering a serious threat to her life.
All is well in this short story related to the Hellion Club series as Tess is from the Darrow school.
Tess Parker has arrived at Nightleigh House to act as companion to the grandmother of Maximilian Nightleigh (Earl of Finmore).
Max has been haunted since childhood by a chilling spectre of a woman.
Tess also sees the apparition and eventually solves the mystery- but not before encountering a serious threat to her life.
All is well in this short story related to the Hellion Club series as Tess is from the Darrow school.
June 24, 2025
scooby doo where are you
The book starts like an episode of scooby doo. Creaking doors, creepy butler, sinister house, scary sounds. Woo hoo it’s a fast fun read. Simple not too much character development. Not quite up to the standards of the rest of the series but a fun diversion.
The book starts like an episode of scooby doo. Creaking doors, creepy butler, sinister house, scary sounds. Woo hoo it’s a fast fun read. Simple not too much character development. Not quite up to the standards of the rest of the series but a fun diversion.
October 24, 2023
A Perfect Novella
This novella had just the right about of drama, romance and humor. Maxim and Tess made a perfect couple, along with a very sweet interfering grandmother and the perfect villain along with ghostly sightings. You will not be disappointed with this read.
This novella had just the right about of drama, romance and humor. Maxim and Tess made a perfect couple, along with a very sweet interfering grandmother and the perfect villain along with ghostly sightings. You will not be disappointed with this read.
October 31, 2023
An entertaining short gothic story, it gave me some chills combined with a wonderful love at first sight romance. Maxim and Tess have an instant attraction, I enjoyed how they overcame the danger and secrets that were within Nightleigh House. A deserving happy ending for all.
November 9, 2023
A Ladies Companion?
This is a short story, but it is certainly different! When arriving to be a companion, and one of her first person to meet is a spectator, a scary way to be greeted!
This is a short story, but it is certainly different! When arriving to be a companion, and one of her first person to meet is a spectator, a scary way to be greeted!
October 23, 2023
Night Closes
I enjoyed this book. I really like Charity 's books. This one was a little too short. Just a tease really.😊
I enjoyed this book. I really like Charity 's books. This one was a little too short. Just a tease really.😊
November 9, 2023
Too formulaic
I really enjoyed the earlier books in this series, but by this one despite the gothic, it felt too contrived and repetitive
I really enjoyed the earlier books in this series, but by this one despite the gothic, it felt too contrived and repetitive
November 23, 2023
Not the explanation for the darkness that I expected.
December 9, 2023
Gothic romance
4.5 stars
Lovely story. Max has been encased in the old house with his gran. She sends for a companion and Tess manages to make it all right
4.5 stars
Lovely story. Max has been encased in the old house with his gran. She sends for a companion and Tess manages to make it all right
December 16, 2023
Excellent
This is a wonderful story... Full of mystery and adventure and excitement. And especially happily ever after. I enjoy this author
This is a wonderful story... Full of mystery and adventure and excitement. And especially happily ever after. I enjoy this author
January 2, 2024
Classic Bowlin
Excellent suspenseful plot. Great characters with a plot full of twists and turns and a unique romance. I highly recommend this book.
Excellent suspenseful plot. Great characters with a plot full of twists and turns and a unique romance. I highly recommend this book.
January 7, 2024
Wonderful Book
Although too short for my liking, this was a nice and simple quick read. Short but straight to the point.
Although too short for my liking, this was a nice and simple quick read. Short but straight to the point.
April 29, 2024
Has a Gothic feel similar to the 60 and 70's Era. Enjoyable read.
November 7, 2024
Captivating...
The premise kept me reading to see what happened, and I enjoyed it. Not as interesting or as surprising as I'd hoped.
The premise kept me reading to see what happened, and I enjoyed it. Not as interesting or as surprising as I'd hoped.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews