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Hours of the Night
Dollface
Two damaged men are brought together when a little girl receives a doll from her father, who’s been dead for three years.
Charlie's father deserted the family when he was five years old, so when his sister's husband is killed in the war, he steps in so his niece won't grow up without a man to rely on. That his sister's husband was his best friend - and only love - makes his grief just as great as hers.
Some three years after her father's death, his niece receives a doll in the mail. The package says it was sent by her father, and with that, strange things start happening. Spooky things. Dangerous things.
Merle's a psychic who has a vision about a man in trouble. That man is Charlie, who at first declines Merle's offer to help. Charlie doesn't understand magic, but he does recognize danger, so when things get more bizarre, he turns to Merle. They have to find out who sent an evil doll to a little girl.
First, though, they must trust each other, and acknowledge that their deep seated attraction is real.
Charlie's father deserted the family when he was five years old, so when his sister's husband is killed in the war, he steps in so his niece won't grow up without a man to rely on. That his sister's husband was his best friend - and only love - makes his grief just as great as hers.
Some three years after her father's death, his niece receives a doll in the mail. The package says it was sent by her father, and with that, strange things start happening. Spooky things. Dangerous things.
Merle's a psychic who has a vision about a man in trouble. That man is Charlie, who at first declines Merle's offer to help. Charlie doesn't understand magic, but he does recognize danger, so when things get more bizarre, he turns to Merle. They have to find out who sent an evil doll to a little girl.
First, though, they must trust each other, and acknowledge that their deep seated attraction is real.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2023
About the author
Liv Rancourt
56 books194 followersLiv Rancourt writes romance of all kinds. Because love is love, even with fangs.
Liv is a huge fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy and loves history just as much, so her stories often feature vampires or magic or they’re set in the past…or all of the above. When Liv isn’t writing she takes care of tiny premature babies in the NICU. Her husband is a soul of patience, her kids are her pride and joy, and her dogs – Trash Panda and The Boy Genius – are endlessly entertaining.
Liv is a huge fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy and loves history just as much, so her stories often feature vampires or magic or they’re set in the past…or all of the above. When Liv isn’t writing she takes care of tiny premature babies in the NICU. Her husband is a soul of patience, her kids are her pride and joy, and her dogs – Trash Panda and The Boy Genius – are endlessly entertaining.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 30, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Dollface is a mix of paranormal, horror, and historical romance. It’s set in New Orleans during the height of World War II. I was surprised at how little the story and characters drew on the rich and vibrant image New Orleans has. There didn’t seem to be any parallels or connections between the paranormal events the characters experienced and the city’s lore. For me, that made the setting feel kind of bland and lackluster. The war, too, seemed to be more of an inconvenience than anything else. Charlie and Merle have to contend with the coupon/rationing system for a few things, but in one scene, they’re dumping spoonfuls of sugar into their coffee. It just gave me the impression that the war wasn’t a fully developed element of the story, more just a vehicle to have Rob out of the picture and occasionally mention some quality-of-life aspects of the time period.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Dollface is a mix of paranormal, horror, and historical romance. It’s set in New Orleans during the height of World War II. I was surprised at how little the story and characters drew on the rich and vibrant image New Orleans has. There didn’t seem to be any parallels or connections between the paranormal events the characters experienced and the city’s lore. For me, that made the setting feel kind of bland and lackluster. The war, too, seemed to be more of an inconvenience than anything else. Charlie and Merle have to contend with the coupon/rationing system for a few things, but in one scene, they’re dumping spoonfuls of sugar into their coffee. It just gave me the impression that the war wasn’t a fully developed element of the story, more just a vehicle to have Rob out of the picture and occasionally mention some quality-of-life aspects of the time period.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
November 25, 2023
They are both damaged and yet they will be brought together to help one man niece who needs a family to look after her. All goes well until she receives a doll from her father, who is supposed to be dead. What is going on? Is it really from her father? Can they find out? See just how they get on
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September 8, 2025good blend of creepy and good v evil
November 13, 2023
Charlie Avery DeRosier lives in the busy city of New Orleans, where there was always something Catholic to run into. Charlie had his reasons not to like God, after all God didn’t like him, because Charlie liked men. He works as a reporter for the Times Picayune during the time of WW2. He’s covering the stories from the front: U.S. First Army occupying Aachen and Germany, liberation of Belgrade and President Roosevelt’s ride in the New York rain to give a campaign speech. Finally, his work day is over and he can head home. He lives with his sister Rose and her daughter Bebe. Rose had lost the love of her life Robert John Corbin during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Charlie kept his secret about his best friend Robert. Growing up Charlie had experienced abandonment at the age of five when his father disappeared. He made it a priority that Bebe would never have to grow up without a man to rely on. Even though Rose worked as a hostess at a burlesque club on Bourbon Street, she never took her clothes off. Charlie would always be there to watch Bebe and do what he could to take care of Rose and Bebe.
When Charlie returns home he finds Rose in the dim house, just sitting. She tells him that Bebe had received a package and calls her to the room. Bebe is more than thrilled to show her uncle her new doll that she received named “Delight.” Not only did Charlie have a strange feeling about the doll but the doll came with a card from the deceased, Robert John Corbin.
When Merle Sawyer slept he found himself in total darkness, those were his dreams. When dreams did come they were dangerous and would knock him out. Doctors said it was epilepsy but his Mama called it the Sight. For Merle is was just a big problem. Merle finds himself outside by the new stadium flat on his back with a new vision: a house, a man, a woman and a doll. There’s something about the man that he knows will need his help.
Merle lives in a boarding house, away from his Mama. He plays piano at the Hotel Monteleone four nights a week. Most men didn’t want to be involved with Merle especially when they found out of the Sight and card reading, after all no none want’s to be around someone who can tell when they will die. As much as Merle tries to avoid his Mama and his cousin Jack, it never fails they will find him. Jack has, at the request of Mama to attend a private event, The Tuesday Night Supper Club, a select group of men. When they reach the house Merle meets the host, Mitchell Delecroix, better known as Dolly. In the midst of five or six men, Merle spots the man from his vision. When they touch hands it knocks the wind out of Merle and he finds himself flat on his back.
As Merle and Charlie get to know each other they will find themselves involved with: witches, a demon and a doll named “Delight” that will give them the creeps for sure. They will have to team up with forces to fight an unknown evil.
“Dollface” is an eerie little tale created by Liv Rancourt. The author brings to life a scary little doll named “Delight”. Needless to say, she isn’t! I’m certainly not of fan of creepy dolls, but I sure have watched a few movies that involve creepy dolls. I’m not going to tell, but this doll has something coming out of her that is scarier then she is!
I loved Merle’s character. For a man who has the gift that he has, he’s very easy going. He accepts the fact that men will be with him for one thing but there can never be a relationship when they find out what he can do. I liked that he met Charlie. Charlies a good man too. He does what he can for his family. He’s not afraid of Merle and they have a solid connection. Merle is willing to do anything to help Charlie and his family.
Their steamy relationship happens quick but it builds to a heart warming love.
I give credit to the women in the story too: Rose and Charlies mother, but most of all
Josephine Robichard the witch and Roberta her nine year old daughter. They bring the forces to help Merle and Charlie.
“Dollface” is just not a scary story, it has it’s seriousness and historical side too. It’s the time of WW2, when the world was at war and people were dying and suffering because of rationing. So much was hard to come by and it was difficult to put food on the table. The story shows a contrast of what frightens as fiction and what frightens as reality. On a good note, I love that the author made Merle’s song to play “The Man I Love” by Ira and George Gershwin.
If your looking for a creepy doll story to read “Dollface” is it! Liv Rancourt mixes it up with: history, visions, taro cards, a demon, witches and of course “Delight.”
When Charlie returns home he finds Rose in the dim house, just sitting. She tells him that Bebe had received a package and calls her to the room. Bebe is more than thrilled to show her uncle her new doll that she received named “Delight.” Not only did Charlie have a strange feeling about the doll but the doll came with a card from the deceased, Robert John Corbin.
When Merle Sawyer slept he found himself in total darkness, those were his dreams. When dreams did come they were dangerous and would knock him out. Doctors said it was epilepsy but his Mama called it the Sight. For Merle is was just a big problem. Merle finds himself outside by the new stadium flat on his back with a new vision: a house, a man, a woman and a doll. There’s something about the man that he knows will need his help.
Merle lives in a boarding house, away from his Mama. He plays piano at the Hotel Monteleone four nights a week. Most men didn’t want to be involved with Merle especially when they found out of the Sight and card reading, after all no none want’s to be around someone who can tell when they will die. As much as Merle tries to avoid his Mama and his cousin Jack, it never fails they will find him. Jack has, at the request of Mama to attend a private event, The Tuesday Night Supper Club, a select group of men. When they reach the house Merle meets the host, Mitchell Delecroix, better known as Dolly. In the midst of five or six men, Merle spots the man from his vision. When they touch hands it knocks the wind out of Merle and he finds himself flat on his back.
As Merle and Charlie get to know each other they will find themselves involved with: witches, a demon and a doll named “Delight” that will give them the creeps for sure. They will have to team up with forces to fight an unknown evil.
“Dollface” is an eerie little tale created by Liv Rancourt. The author brings to life a scary little doll named “Delight”. Needless to say, she isn’t! I’m certainly not of fan of creepy dolls, but I sure have watched a few movies that involve creepy dolls. I’m not going to tell, but this doll has something coming out of her that is scarier then she is!
I loved Merle’s character. For a man who has the gift that he has, he’s very easy going. He accepts the fact that men will be with him for one thing but there can never be a relationship when they find out what he can do. I liked that he met Charlie. Charlies a good man too. He does what he can for his family. He’s not afraid of Merle and they have a solid connection. Merle is willing to do anything to help Charlie and his family.
Their steamy relationship happens quick but it builds to a heart warming love.
I give credit to the women in the story too: Rose and Charlies mother, but most of all
Josephine Robichard the witch and Roberta her nine year old daughter. They bring the forces to help Merle and Charlie.
“Dollface” is just not a scary story, it has it’s seriousness and historical side too. It’s the time of WW2, when the world was at war and people were dying and suffering because of rationing. So much was hard to come by and it was difficult to put food on the table. The story shows a contrast of what frightens as fiction and what frightens as reality. On a good note, I love that the author made Merle’s song to play “The Man I Love” by Ira and George Gershwin.
If your looking for a creepy doll story to read “Dollface” is it! Liv Rancourt mixes it up with: history, visions, taro cards, a demon, witches and of course “Delight.”
November 23, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4 Hearts.
During WWII, Charlie’s straight childhood friend, only love, and sister's husband died. Years after his death, Charlie’s niece receives a doll, supposedly from her father. Merle had The Sight, and at a Tuesday night event and some after-hours ‘fun’, Merle offered his help with the doll, who he was sure wasn’t as innocent as her face suggested.
Spooky is the word to describe this short novel. Between the sexy bits, there is a doll that is inhabited by evil. Thank heavens that I’m not into dolls; otherwise, I’d be throwing them all out. And thank heavens for the steamy bits as they balanced out the spook.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Merle and Charlie, though when they are together, their viewpoints mix. Worldbuilding surrounds WWII war-torn America, where the ration book, and coupons lead life. There is also an alluring atmospheric quality to the scene setting. The only part that I found a touch disconcerting was the random sexual suggestion amid a serious conversation. These erotic proposals are used by characters to distract from uncomfortable conversations, but for me, they didn’t quite reach the mark. It was more a WTF reaction, rather than oOOooh.
Charlie is an upstanding young man, helping his sister to look after her child. His time out is spent at a friend’s house, where he can enjoy life safely. Before Merle, he knew nothing of the paranormal and struggled to come to terms with what he saw and heard. Merle is an unusual individual – a conduit who uses his knowledge and connections to help others. He has hidden depths that would be worth exploring in other spin-offs.
Each story in the Hours Of The Night series can be read on its own. While the story arc is completed, a hook is left. In conclusion, I found Dollface to be a spooky little offering that yin-yanged between sauce and scary.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
During WWII, Charlie’s straight childhood friend, only love, and sister's husband died. Years after his death, Charlie’s niece receives a doll, supposedly from her father. Merle had The Sight, and at a Tuesday night event and some after-hours ‘fun’, Merle offered his help with the doll, who he was sure wasn’t as innocent as her face suggested.
Spooky is the word to describe this short novel. Between the sexy bits, there is a doll that is inhabited by evil. Thank heavens that I’m not into dolls; otherwise, I’d be throwing them all out. And thank heavens for the steamy bits as they balanced out the spook.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Merle and Charlie, though when they are together, their viewpoints mix. Worldbuilding surrounds WWII war-torn America, where the ration book, and coupons lead life. There is also an alluring atmospheric quality to the scene setting. The only part that I found a touch disconcerting was the random sexual suggestion amid a serious conversation. These erotic proposals are used by characters to distract from uncomfortable conversations, but for me, they didn’t quite reach the mark. It was more a WTF reaction, rather than oOOooh.
Charlie is an upstanding young man, helping his sister to look after her child. His time out is spent at a friend’s house, where he can enjoy life safely. Before Merle, he knew nothing of the paranormal and struggled to come to terms with what he saw and heard. Merle is an unusual individual – a conduit who uses his knowledge and connections to help others. He has hidden depths that would be worth exploring in other spin-offs.
Each story in the Hours Of The Night series can be read on its own. While the story arc is completed, a hook is left. In conclusion, I found Dollface to be a spooky little offering that yin-yanged between sauce and scary.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
November 24, 2023
Charlie stepped in help his sister and his niece when her husband, who was also his best friend, was killed in the war. This is especially important when their own father deserted them when they were young. Life is not easy and both are grieving when a doll arrives in the mail for Bebe, his niece. It says it is from her father who died three years ago. Strange things begin to happen with the doll in the house and Charlie is not sure if what is happening is real or not. Merle is a talented psychic who sees a vision of a man in trouble. That man turns out to be Charlie who initially refuses his assistance but when things get even worse, he calls upon Merle for help. They two have an attraction and they must deal with that first during a time when it could be dangerous for one man to love another.
Solving the mystery of an evil doll being sent to a little girl allows Charlie and Merle to be together for legitimate reasons. As they explore the mystery, they find themselves getting closer and closer. As the danger becomes more real, the two are forced to call upon help. The plot unfolded masterfully keeping us glued to the pages. This book was perfect for me as I enjoy MM stories with suspense added in. If that is your thing, this is perfect for you as well.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it to my pleasure. The opinions are my own.
Solving the mystery of an evil doll being sent to a little girl allows Charlie and Merle to be together for legitimate reasons. As they explore the mystery, they find themselves getting closer and closer. As the danger becomes more real, the two are forced to call upon help. The plot unfolded masterfully keeping us glued to the pages. This book was perfect for me as I enjoy MM stories with suspense added in. If that is your thing, this is perfect for you as well.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it to my pleasure. The opinions are my own.
March 9, 2025
This book has sat on my to read list fir a while. And now after opening it I regret not opening to now. Liv rancourt is a magician with the pen (or should i say now the keyboard)
Set tow4ards the end of WWII, in this story we meet a psychic called Merle who not inly tries to hide his uncontrollable ability to read bad things about to happen has to hide his attraction to men.
Enter Charlie, a reporter in New Orleans who lives with his sister and neice. Like Merle he also hides his attraction to men. Strange things start to happen. Bebe his neice gets a doll delivered to her from her father. A father who was killed years ago at the start of the war. Sinister things being to happen, very sinister.
Merle, always knows, that once he gets a promotion he will somehow get to meet the person involved. At Tuesday nclub gathering of like minded men Merle meets Charlie and the adventure begins. Full of sinister happenings, demons, reappearing people, witches, cockraoches, and some hot sex, this book is a must read.
Set tow4ards the end of WWII, in this story we meet a psychic called Merle who not inly tries to hide his uncontrollable ability to read bad things about to happen has to hide his attraction to men.
Enter Charlie, a reporter in New Orleans who lives with his sister and neice. Like Merle he also hides his attraction to men. Strange things start to happen. Bebe his neice gets a doll delivered to her from her father. A father who was killed years ago at the start of the war. Sinister things being to happen, very sinister.
Merle, always knows, that once he gets a promotion he will somehow get to meet the person involved. At Tuesday nclub gathering of like minded men Merle meets Charlie and the adventure begins. Full of sinister happenings, demons, reappearing people, witches, cockraoches, and some hot sex, this book is a must read.
March 16, 2024
Charlie cares for his sister and niece after the death of his best friend in the war who was married to Rose, Charlie's sister. His niece receives a doll from her father who is dead. He meets Merle at a Tuesday night social at a friend's house. Merle tells Charlie he can help him with his problem. Charlie is spooked both by the doll and Merle's offer. Charlie is also attracted to Merle. Will Charlie turn to Merle for help? Will they give into their attraction?
I enjoyed this book. It is short but it is creepy. Merle is able to read the cards and knows problems are headed Charlie's way but cannot say what they are. He calls a witch to help. They also find out who is responsible for the doll and its problems in Charlie's life. There is a lot of emotions going on between Charlie and Merle but also between Charlie and his sister and mother.
I look forward to reading more of this author.
I enjoyed this book. It is short but it is creepy. Merle is able to read the cards and knows problems are headed Charlie's way but cannot say what they are. He calls a witch to help. They also find out who is responsible for the doll and its problems in Charlie's life. There is a lot of emotions going on between Charlie and Merle but also between Charlie and his sister and mother.
I look forward to reading more of this author.
November 24, 2023
This was great. It’s hard to find books that create a genuinely creepy atmosphere, but this was excellent. The writing does a very good job with the setting, which helped add to the mysterious and unsettling vibe of the story. It’s New Orleans during the war, things are tense and rationing is making life hard. It’s a pretty short book but a fully realized story with two intriguing characters, a pretty lovely romance for Merle and Charlie, and a seriously creepy doll. What I loved most about reading this is that I had no idea where the story would go, an original and entertaining story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 25, 2023
This is a well written story, it’s a short story but has plenty of action, mystery, some horror and romance, it’s set in ww2 when rationing was how you existed and has some great side characters in the story but the main characters Merle and Charlie are great together trying to solve the mystery of who sent the creepy doll to Charlie’s niece they grow closer together and gives us a good ending to the story. The story kept my attention from start to finish and is worth a read if you don’t mind a very creepy doll.
November 25, 2023
If you enjoy spooky stories with creepy dolls and mysterious goings-on, paired with historical m/m love, you should check out Dollface.
Merle is a psychic piano player and Charlie is a journalist helping to care for his sister and niece. When creepy things start to happen in Charlie’s life, Merle is set in his path. They’ll need to piece together old mysteries to solve the new, and maybe find love along the way.
I found the plot compelling, the main characters relatable, and the side characters a riot of fun.
Merle is a psychic piano player and Charlie is a journalist helping to care for his sister and niece. When creepy things start to happen in Charlie’s life, Merle is set in his path. They’ll need to piece together old mysteries to solve the new, and maybe find love along the way.
I found the plot compelling, the main characters relatable, and the side characters a riot of fun.
November 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this short novel/novella. Despite the short length, there is good character development and I cared about what happened to the MCs. There are paranormal elements, and definitely a good dose of creepiness. Although the wrap up is pretty quick, there are enough loose ends to leave me hoping the author will write another book about Charlie and Merle and the weird happenings swirling around them (though the author notes at the end didn't sound like that was in the works). I hope there is a follow up - I would definitely read it!
November 26, 2023
This was one amazing read. It starts out fine with Charlie stepping in as a father figure for a young girl when her father is killed in the war. A man Charlie happened to love. But then, when a gift arrives for the girl, Charlie's life is upended and he ends up working with a psychic, Merle, to try to figure out what exactly is going on and how they can fight the danger that is stalking them all. This one had me looking around and creaks and pops in the night, lol. It's a genuinely creepy story with New Orleans as a perfect setting and the characters all come alive on the page.
November 15, 2023
Oh man. This story gave me the creeps. That’s a good thing! Trust me with this one. In my adult years, I am NOT a fan of dolls. This story just proves why. I loved Merle and Charlie. They really drew me into this story and I couldn’t put it down. It isn’t that long but it makes up for it with the creep factor! I recommend it if you have a strong stomach and don’t mind a touch of horror. Very well written!
November 26, 2023
This was a great well paced story I loved the time period that was picked and the mystery of the doll and who sent it was very intriguing I really enjoyed Merle and Charlie’s somewhat reluctant immediate connection and found Charlie’s friends and Merle’s cousin to be interesting characters I felt bad for Rose and Bebe and Charlie having to deal with the haunted doll but really enjoyed the story on the whole
July 21, 2025
Wonderfully atmospheric!
I loved how Liv Rancourt brought 1940s New Orleans to life, superstitions and all, as a creepy doll delivered to Charlie's young niece (apparently from her dead soldier father) brings him into the orbit of psychic Merle.
The romantic element was warm, earthy and believable which made the supernatural aspect even more spooky and other-worldly by contrast. A really engrossing read that lingers on the mind after the final page.
I loved how Liv Rancourt brought 1940s New Orleans to life, superstitions and all, as a creepy doll delivered to Charlie's young niece (apparently from her dead soldier father) brings him into the orbit of psychic Merle.
The romantic element was warm, earthy and believable which made the supernatural aspect even more spooky and other-worldly by contrast. A really engrossing read that lingers on the mind after the final page.
November 30, 2023
Good Read
This had spooky and steamy elements, an extremely enjoyable story with lovely characters, truly enjoyed reading about Merle and Charlie.
This had spooky and steamy elements, an extremely enjoyable story with lovely characters, truly enjoyed reading about Merle and Charlie.
January 25, 2024
2.5/5.0
July 2, 2024
I had a bit of a problem getting into this one, and the ending felt unfinished. But overall, it's the usual quality of writing Rancourt puts out. I would like to see more of the characters.
Read
September 29, 2026If you like stories with a side of creepy doll and magic and romance... It's a nice short story for spooky season.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews