Penny Abbot, an aspiring interior decorator, lands a job renovating the mysterious Willowbrooke estate for the brooding Leo West.
As they delve into the project, they unearth a decades old mystery within the house's walls, forging an unbreakable connection. Together, they navigate grief, uncover family secrets, and ignite a passionate romance, while confronting the history of Willowbrooke.
Amidst the whispers of the past, Penny and Leo's love story blossoms, forever changing their lives in ways they never expected.
Willowbrooke is a standalone slow-burn mystery romance with some spice. HEA guaranteed.
AJ Wynn is a Southern California-based author who works in marketing professionally, but whose true passion lies in writing. Weaving captivating stories with romance, mystery, fantasy, and much more allows AJ to express her creativity and serves as a canvas for her boundless imagination. When not immersed in the world of words, AJ is an avid reader, book dragon, and interior decorating enthusiast. Her favorite cozy days are accompanied by a fresh cup of coffee and her faithful canine sidekick.
Note: I received a copy of this book from a giveaway (thank you!), so here's a rare book review from me. :)
I thought Willowbrooke was a very fun, cute splash of romance and mystery. I love both of those genres, so of course I enjoyed this story!
I saw a lot of myself in Penny with her self-doubt and somewhat low confidence, so she was super relatable. I'm glad she took the risks she did to follow her dream. And I fell pretty hard and fast for Leo, who really just wanted to help and support Pen. I loved the progression of their relationship a lot.
The mystery itself, while not a supremely huge focus, was pretty interesting. I was intrigued by the potentially supernatural happenings but was glad they turned out to be explained well as natural occurrences. I also liked the descriptions of the house/remodeling and enjoyed creating that picture in my mind.
Overall, Willowbrooke is a relatively quick, enjoyable read that I would recommend to lovers of mystery and romance alike. I'm looking forward to reading more from this debut author!
Slow burn mystery romance!? Count me in!! I really enjoyed this one, it was hard to put down! The murder mystery and haunted house aspect kept me intrigued the whole time! Overall, I loved the growing attraction between Penny and Leo!! Must read !
This was such a short and sweet murder mystery/romance novel! I loved Leo and Penny and I’m so glad to see them both grow as characters! The epilogue was so bittersweet! A wonderful debut by AJ Wynn!
This is the type of book that would make a good Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movie. I mean that in the best possible way, since my mom, my sister, and I are all suckers for watching them. It would also be really fun to see the mansion transform, and a shopping montage scene where Penny and Leo jump on couches, jokingly choose the ugliest options, etc.
The romance has a slow build, which I appreciate because it's more believable that Penny and Leo formed a connection, yet the mystery elements help the story keep a good pace. I wasn't surprised at the villain, but this isn't a deal breaker.
In some ways, this book does seem like a debut, with a few writing and word choice ticks that make sections awkward, but I think that these things are a relatively easy fix and that the author will continue to improve in subsequent books.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others who enjoy the subgenre of slow-burn romantic mysteries.
This story is Knives Out meets HGTV; what’s not to love? In this contemporary spin on gothic romance - where neither the mystery nor the romance is compromised - Penny’s journey to her dreams is a relatable internal battle of self doubt + desire.
The debut novel from A.J. Wynn, 'Willowbrooke' was a superbly engaging romantic suspense story filled with compelling characters and an even more mysterious mansion. The plot was paced well and it was easy to get lost in Willowbrooke Estate as things heat up and more than one life is in jeopardy.
Penny is at a crossroads and desperately needs a big job to make her own interior design business come to life. She comes across as rather pathetic at the beginning, letting people walk all over her. With a need for external validation, Penny has bursts of confidence but at her core, she's a people pleaser. A professional organizer, but her life is a mess.
Leo is as mysterious as the Estate he calls home. His emotions are fragile as he deals with his grief. Good-looking but reserved to a fault, Penny is immediately drawn to him. She can plainly see some of her own brokenness inside Leo and once renovations start they slowly start to help the other heal while old secrets break down around them.
Both Penny and Leo act years younger than they are, making childlike decisions and willingly sticking their head in the sand when life gets hard. Fortunately, they bring out the best in each other, and together the characters lean on each other to face challenges head-on.
It's obvious Leo has feelings early on for Penny but their relationship is a slow-burn. The romance holds equal weight as the mystery does in this book, adding depth to the story and raising the stakes in an increasingly dangerous environment. There is on page spice, but it's not descriptive.
Despite the risk and a dwindling number of known suspects, neither character takes any precautions for their safety. As two naive amateur detectives, Leo and Penny set themselves on a silver platter for anyone trying to hurt them.
Spiraling into a decades-long mystery that has just gotten more convoluted over time, Leo and Penny race to figure out if it is truly the dead that haunt Willowbrooke, or the murderous misdeeds of the living.
*Thank you to A.J. Wynn for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a slow burn in a gothic mansion with a mystery murderer (as the story goes we will add some past deaths to the list), and a broody MMC who in reality is a cinnamon roll.
Penny finally try to be an interior decorator in her thirties and get to renovate Willowbrooke estate. Leo West is still grieving his father death and decided to renovate the estate as his father wished, and from the beginning he has a connection with Penny because she was the first interior designer who wanted to know and include in the renovations his ideas.
When Penny's boyfriend leaves her without an explanation she finds herself at the estate with all her belongings and Leo decides it's best for her to live there so she doesn't have to commute.
She feels like the estate is haunted and she keeps waking up at the same time every night because of some noises, and sometimes she feels she isn't alone, but living with Leo has other perks as their connection feels more than friendship, but he is still her boss so she will keep her distance and try to make a great job at the estate.
I really enjoyed reading this story, and how Penny and Leo's relationship goes from strangers to friends to lovers. I loved how Leo gets Penny to really start believing in herself.
It's a really slow burn with open doors spice. And the mystery about the estate being haunted and who the murder is was great. I read it in one day!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Willow Brook" intricately weaves together the captivating elements of mystery and romance, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats while also tugging at their heartstrings. AJ Wynn masterfully crafts a story that blends the allure of solving a perplexing mystery with the tender emotions of love and passion.
The mystery aspect of the novel is skillfully executed, with twists and turns that will leave readers guessing until the very end. However, what truly sets "Willow Brook" apart is its tender exploration of romance. Amidst the chaos of the unfolding mystery.
The characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable, each with their own quirks and motivations that add depth to the story, every character feels authentic and compelling, drawing the reader further into their world.
Overall, "Willow Brook" is a delightful blend of mystery and romance that is sure to enchant readers of all ages. With its captivating plot, engaging characters, and heartfelt romance, it is a book that will linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling and romantic read.
I loved everything about this book! It’s got spooky vibes, murder mystery, and slow burn romance. The FMC, Penny, is so relatable. She struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, and confidence, but she’s finally trying to put herself out there and chase her dreams. I was so proud of her for fighting her fears to go after what she wants. I loved seeing her journey of building confidence and learning to trust herself.
The MMC, Leo, is a broody cinnamon roll. I swooned over the way he trusted, encouraged, and supported Penny. She helped him come out of his shell as well. They were such a good match and I was rooting for them from the start! Their chemistry was off the charts 😍
The spooky murder mystery was full of suspense, unexpected surprises, and kept me anticipating each page turn. I loved that this book was equal parts plot + romance. Also, there’s some spice, but it’s not explicitly descriptive, which was perfect for the setting of the story. I was so immersed in this book that I read it all in one sitting. Absolutely loved it!
Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy of Willowbrooke!
It’s been a while since I’ve done a review on a book that wasn’t an ARC. But this one deserved it!
This is such a cute murder mystery in a house with haunted vibes! Our FMC gets hired to be an interior decorator in a house that needs to be remodeled along with staged! The owner of the house is a recluse who didn’t hire dozens of designers, but gave our rookie a chance to prove herself.
At first the books moves along very swiftly. We are being told a lot of what happened at the beginning instead of living it along with the character. At first, this felt weird but once things came to light, the pace of the book slowed down and we began to experience things along with our FMC. It really balanced out and you forget how swiftly the book started.
This book had me on the edge of my seat and I was fully freaked out by ghostly interactions at a couple of points. I devoured the book in a day as I refused to go to bed without answers. I had many guesses as to what was occurring and I should trust myself more as my first guess ended up being right! But this is a testament to the author because she had me doubting myself enough to change my mind three times!!
This is a cute and quick read for anyone who wants a change in pace that will have your mind reeling!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars! Standalone sweet romance with a murder mystery intertwined. I didn’t know that I needed this combination… but I do! Penny was at a crossroads in her life and decided to follow her passion for interior design (absolutely love this) and through a friend, she interviewed with Leo West (exceedingly kind and rich) to design his large home, called Willowbrooke. This is where things start to change for Penny… the death of Leo’s dad turns out to be a mystery and the house may be haunted. There are plot twists that I never saw coming, an ending that was unexpected and satisfying, humor to lighten the plot, and a splash of spice. Great debut novel for AJ Wynn!
Read if you like: 🌟 Interior design 🌟 Secret doors 🌟 Forbidden love 🌟 Friends to lovers 🌟 Family drama 🌟 Murder mystery
Going into it I didn't know what exactly to expect and was a little bit sceptical at the introduction of Penny and the owner of Willowbrook who seemed to feel like she could read people's emotions and thoughts from a simple meeting but as the story unfolded and the mystery presented itself along with those few spooky situations which had me feeling the suspense I found myself hooked into the plot and constantly wishing I had a buddy reading along with me to throw my theories out over how it would end.
I also enjoyed the snapshots into the past that gave insight into the characters current headspace and situations.
Overall a fun and quick modern mystery read.
I was lucky enough to be gifted an advanced review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely adored the main character Penny who was a bit down on her luck and in her confidence to start, but after extricating herself from a toxic relationship and taking a chance on her dreams, she thrived! Penny’s client Leo West, in her new professional endeavor is not only kind, but encouraging and compassionate for Penny. Their relationship is a sweet unfolding throughout.
While Penny is working at Willowbrooke for Leo, she experiences strange and spooky moments, and finds herself unraveling parts of history related to Leo’s parents’ deaths. I worked out some of the twists part of the way through, but I still enjoyed the novel from beginning to end. A couple romantic moments but on a lower spice level which I prefer.
This was SO good! It might be the first time I’ve read a full novel in one day. I wasn’t sure what to expect other than a romance and this book delivered on so many levels. Not only is it about romance and interior design, but it’s about struggles with family and creating your own found family. AND it’s a murder mystery. It was even a little spooky.
It was so sweet and suspenseful at the same time. It was just the right amount of spice for me too. 100% recommend.
My only critique for this book is that it was too short and I just wanted to read more! Some important plot points were abruptly explained and out of the blue.
I received an ARC copy of this book for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
A little romance, a little mystery, a little drama, a hint of spice, what’s not to love? This was an enjoyable read. Timid girl meets hottie rich guy - I’m here for it!
I felt that the mystery aspect was a bit predictable, but there was still enough to keep me guessing. The romance element was pretty convenient but I got all the fun butterflies and moon eyes over it anyway. I do wish that some of the main characters’ back stories were a bit more fleshed out. It’s like the difference between living the argument and just hearing that it happened. Having just a bit more to chew on, and maybe dragging out the slow burn a little would have probably upped my rating on this one!
Overall, a wonderful palate cleanser for me and a fun quick read for just about anyone.
I have been blown away by this book, which, unbelievably, is the debut novel from A J Wynn!
It’s a love story, a mystery, and a thriller all in one! The main characters are so well drawn that I could envision them, as well as the supporting characters, some of whom brought the tension to the story, and not in a good way!
I read this in little over 24 hours, neglecting any housework that needed doing, and loving every minute of it. If I could award it 10 stars I would, and I highly recommend it to those readers who love a mystery. You won’t be disappointed
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I was so surprised by this book and despite being a fast read, it was super enjoyable from a reading standpoint.
The cover is deceiving and there is a pleasant mix of romance and mystery with elements of thriller thrown in. I also felt like AJ robbed either trope of its shining light; the romance shined and the mystery did as well!
Penny and Leo bring the best out of each other, while staying true to themselves. Penny is a people pleaser and Leo is emotionally fragile but together, they present a slow burn spice that adds a layer of depth to the overall story!
Great read, really good book if you are in a slump!
I mostly read fantasy romance but when I saw this gothic/mystery romance I couldn’t resist and I’m so glad.
The romance and the plot were equally paced and they didn’t outweigh one another which I really appreciate. I loved the setting and a creepy, seemingly haunted mansion is a soft spot for me. When we add a slow burn romance and a mysterious hero it’s a perfect recipe.
The characters and their motivations felt authentic and the mystery keeps you invested right till the very end.
Overall, it was a great debut novel!
I received and ARC of this book and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely loved this book! Each character and their back stories were well written. The world building was detailed and well thought out. The mystery aspect to the story was great and I loved the details and the twists the author added into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing more from this author. It’s a slower burn with great storytelling that I definitely recommend checking out. Thank you AJ Wynn and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this wonderful book!
I was wholeheartedly surprised by the content! I went into this novel with an expectation that it was a straightforward thriller-y type. This is perfect because there's a dash of fear, a bit of love, some creepy pieces, and a fair share of backstabbing.
This isn't what you expect and it's totally worth taking the time to add this to your read list.
Please note: this is an advanced readers copy, however, all opinions are my own.
👻 Slow Burn 👻 Murder Mystery 👻 House Renovations 👻 Forced Proximity 👻 Brooding MMC 👻 He’s her Boss 👻Family Drama 👻 Spooky Vibes
I recently was lucky enough to get an ARC of her newest release:The Other Side, and after reading that, I wanted more from this author! So I picked this up 2 days ago during a dark and stormy night in my 100 year old home, feeling all the spooky vibes! There’s romance, mystery, and a couple twists in this book that I really enjoyed 🖤✨
I am so lucky that I got a very early copy of Willowbrooke. It’s a great blend of romance and mystery. Neither is scarified. The plot had me guessing and wondering right up until the end. And the romance captured my heart. I can’t wait for AJ to release it and everyone will get a chance to read it!
Thanks to Goodreads, the author, and publisher for the free copy of this book on kindle:-) my TBR pile is hundreds of books long, but as soon as I won this book it went to the top of the pile. Because of that gorgeous cover. I read it in just a couple days. Solid 4 stars. Atmospheric mystery. Loved Penny and Leo's relationship. And I wish I had a house like Leo's. Definitely recommend this one:-)
I loved this book! Definitely a good slow burn romance. The mystery of what happened at Willowbrooke was not what i was expecting when i first started reading and it kept me from wanting to put the book down. Overall, a great read with twists that come to a happy ending!
I did win this book through a goodreads giveaway - thank you for choosing me!
This being a debut novel blew me away. I was not sure what to expect from a book that focused on interior design but the way the plot and romance was woven in was incredible. Penny was an amazing FMC and her journey personally as well as professionally was amazing to watch unfold. Cannot wait to read more by this author.
Willowbrooke is a thrilling whodunit mystery with captivating plot twists and steamy romance. The author does an amazing job of bringing these characters and their chemistry to life. This book was truly hard to put down. Must read!
This is a well paced romantic suspense with well rounded characters and plot twists.
I found myself immersed in the story so much so that I read it all in one go. I also find myself wanting before and after pics of the renovated house 🤭.
Definitely recommend to lovers of romantic suspense!