A born and raised New Yorker, N.J. is a Latina romance author who loves to utilize her bachelor's degree in creative writing to write gritty romances that contain strong leading men, and even stronger leading women. Banter, thrills, and twists are key elements in her stories to keep her readers on their toes while making them swoon.
When she's not writing, she's likely jotting down ideas for a future project, lost in a book, or adding to her never ending tattoo collection.
Holy fucking shit. This is one of the most insane plots I’ve ever read in my life. It was horrifyingly spooky and eerie. The constant feeling of impending doom left me uneasy as fuck. This is a perfect Halloween read.
Araceli is a witchy savage little thing and Harlan is a pastors son who was fucked from the moment she walked into his life.
This is my first NJ Weeks and it most definitely won’t be my last. I am OBSESSED with her writing style. I’m blown away, honestly. This was an addictive read.
This is such a crazy ride!! I absolutely did not see the ending coming and the wild twist and turns it took to get there. This book follows a son of a preacher and his naughty stepsister. They share one heathen drenched Halloween night in their youth that doesn’t see its end until both are adults. She comes back to town and all hell breaks loose. The ending will have you reread pages because you can’t believe what you’re reading. I have never read anything by this author but, I truly hope she writes more dark and deprived thriller/ horror’s such as this!!!!!
An ARC was provided to me by the author in for an honest and voluntary review. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions and are not affiliated with the viewpoint of the author. As always, be aware of your own personal triggers.
I’m going to deviate from my typical review format, just because I don’t want to give the impression that I’m talking badly about the author… because when I messaged her about the book and told her how I felt about the book, she was incredibly kind and gracious. For that reason alone, I’m giving the book a 2 star rating.
I really can’t explain the plot, just because I personally didn’t understand what was going on. I was incredibly confused and struggled to understand the storyline. But this is partially my own error. I figured out too late that Beneath the Dirt was not a dark romance, but more akin to a Splatter-punk or just straight up horror novels. Neither of these genres are in my typical wheelhouse, so I was pretty shocked at what I was reading.
I really didn’t feel any sort of connection to the story and characters. I felt like there was something missing from the story and the characters.
I know that my feelings on this book might seem like I’m entirely trashing the novel, but I am not. I can see how people who enjoy reading horror or splatter-punk novels would enjoy it. So while I wouldn’t recommend it to a Dark Romance reader like myself, I’ll recommend this book to my friends who enjoy this genre.
Overall: ★★/5
Goriness: ★★★★★
Storyline: ★/5
Characters: ❌/5**
Likelihood to Recommend: ★/5 (unless I’m recommending it to a Splatter-punk fan, then I’d say ★★★★★)
Omg this books! It blew my mind!!! I did not see any of it coming! The plot was insane. Araceli is pure savage and I absolutely loved her. Harlan is the good little church boy turnt bad boy and he was hot as hell.
Beneath The Dirt was an absolute, wild, mindf*ck sort of read. Like NJ says, every time you think you know what is going on, you don’t. Raised under a tyrannical holier than thou type, both Araceli and Harlan have to hide their true natures. When Devil’s Night approaches, they decide to sneak out and go to Heathen’s Cross, a haunted corn maze that ends up being more than they bargained for and beginnings must have ends. There has to be much more between Harlan and Araceli than we are told because the level at which these two are intertwined is beautifully frightening. It seems they were wound together in order to complete the other’s fate. A never ending loop. I was not expecting this to end the way it did. I was completely blindsided and satisfied. This is definitely one of the most interesting reads I have had so far in spooky season but I hope to have more like this which pull forth thought and emotion.
This book is crazy from beginning to end, every moment had me anxious to know more, every chapter gave you little detail and that END OH SHIT, This is a second book by this author that I read, and it is amazing, if you want something dark and incredible for this Halloween this is your book
“Fear looks good on you. But that’s the thing, I’m tired of looking. Seeing you come alive from the dance terror performs on your flesh can only do so much. I want to feel your pain. I want to bathe in it.”
Wow, is the first thing that comes to my mind after finishing Beneath the Dirt by NJ Weeks. This is an intense mind blowing read, and I devoured it. Araceli and Harlan are two incredibly amazing characters. Beautifully developed to allow us into their tormented minds and souls. Tension builds right from the beginning and intensifies as our character’s relationship evolves. This book grabs you hard and does not give you a moment to breathe. Secrets, lies, deception and mental anguish, our characters are put through the ultimate emotional test. The psychological horror put me on edge and kept me there throughout each and every unforeseen twist and turn. I cannot even begin to go into any more detail without giving too much away. What I will say is I have read nothing like this before and highly recommend it. This is 100% my type of read, but please check the trigger warnings to ensure that it is right for you.
“There’s no stopping this. This needs to be done.” “Don’t lie, church boy. It’s a sin.” “Let me guess, Halloween is about facing your fears too?” “This isn’t home, it’s Hell.” “It’s not the house that’s haunted, it’s your heart.”
This book was absolutely amazing! One of my favorite reads this year. I loved every second of it and already feel like I need to reread it soon!
The relationship development between the MMC, Harlan, and the FMC, Araceli, was so good, and I loved their twisted dynamic.
Beautifully written, and the writing made me feel like I was in the middle of the action. Both the characters and the world were well developed and intriguing.
The storyline was full of twists and turns that had me guessing what was going to happen next. This was one of those books that really grabbed me and had me in a chokehold. There were multiple parts that made me second-guess (in a good way), and I'm sure I'll notice and learn new things when I reread it.
I’m not going to say much about what happens because I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything. All I’m going to say is that if you enjoy psychological horrors / thrillers, with complex characters and an amazing storyline, I highly recommend adding this to your tbr.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading! Your mental health matters.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
harlan & araceli is church daddy & grave mommy. they’re an intoxicating, sinning disaster put together. it’s diabolical. the bible scene is all i have to say. my brain is still processing the turn of events of what the actual hell just happened. [in a good way.]
everything about this story was mindfucking at its greatest. the witchy & religious horror vibes of it all is top tier.
What! That was awesome 🖤 I... Need time to process this haha! What a mind*ck.
In this book you'll find: 🖤 Spicy horror 🖤 Step siblings 🖤 Twists 🖤 A bit of legend 🖤 Snakes 🖤 Stabby FMC 🖤Pastors son turned bad boy MMC 🖤 Plenty of wtf moments 🖤 Masks
💀 Step siblings 💀 Slowburn 💀 Twisty/Twisted 💀 Snakes 💀 Stabby FMC 💀 Pastors son turned bad boy MMC
In Beneath the Dirt, N.J. Weeks delves into the shadows of the human psyche, crafting a chilling story of deception, buried secrets, and psychological torment. The novel follows the life of a protagonist who is thrust into a harrowing journey of self-discovery after uncovering dark truths that have been hidden for years. As the layers of mystery begin to peel away, the protagonist’s sense of reality becomes more fragile, spiraling into madness.
Set in a world where trust is elusive and danger lurks in unexpected places, the story explores themes of trauma, guilt, and the lengths to which people will go to bury their darkest secrets. As the tension mounts, the lines between past and present blur, leading to an unpredictable and shocking climax.
Beneath the Dirt is a psychological horror novel that keeps readers on edge, drawing them into a disturbing narrative that plays with the boundaries of fear and the human mind.
This was truly mind blowing. I’m still trying to wrap my head around all the twists and turns. I love it! This was nothing like anything I’ve read before and it was fantastic!!!
TWs: ⚠️ there’s a lot of them that are laid out in the front matter of the book. Please read them and proceed at your own risk!⚠️
What in the actual a$$ was that ending? That book really!!! I’m so messed up in the best way and I want more!!
I will not go into more detail because this book should be experienced. Wholly and truly. You should go into it somewhat blind. So I’ll leave you with this…..
What To Expect: 🩸Psychological Horror 🩸This is NOT a romance. It has spice, but not a romance. I can’t stress this enough. 🩸Step Siblings 🩸Religious Trauma 🩸Pastor’s son gone bad MMC 🩸Horror Author FMC 🩸Twists and turns at every corner 🩸Mindfvck 🩸Creepy Masks 🥵 🩸Trigger warnings ⚠️ (may contain spoilers, the book is best to go in blind but your mental health matters)… Religious trauma, manipulation, abuse of power, mentions of physical abuse, physical abuse (briefly on page), SA mentioned in passing (and in flashbacks), gaslighting, heavy drug use, overdose, hallucinations due to drug use, suicide, explicit sexual scenes, heavy degradation, suicidal ideations, self-harm (mentioned in passing/alluded to on page), grief, violence, claustrophobic scenes, snakes, and use of religious artifacts not as they are intended to be used. 🩸and so much more
NJ you are such a genius! I can’t wait for more books you have cooked up!
The only horrific thing about this was the plot holes and the pacing of this book.
The plot twists didn’t really have the effect they meant to give since i didn’t feel like there was enough of a build up for it to land and give its desired effect.
I wasn’t really sold on the whole 13 year vengeance plot. I would’ve loved to see more rage and depth to Harlan’s character to sell me on his mission but it did not.
I am not entirely sure what i read but i enjoyed it? Lol idk how to explain it but it did catch my attention from the beginning. I lost the plot a little towards the end and i took a break to see if i just wasnt paying attention but when i picked it up again i felt the same way. I liked the plot but the ending needed more build up. I didn’t see it coming or had any hints but maybe thats what the author intended.
This book is an absolute trip. The things you think you know, you probably don't. When I think of a psychological thriller, this book will forever be my new example. The dynamic between Harlan and Araceli is so twisted, but equally delicious. NJ does an amazing job of writing such amazing characters and storyline and this book is no exception. I ended up reading this book twice just to make sure I did not miss anything and I was left with my mouth hung open and this feeling of loss upon finishing my second read through. I did not want the book to end, but it did. The spice is there and it was mind blowing to say the least. Amazing story, but be sure to check triggers.
Holy crap what an absolute mind fxck this was. I absolutely ate it up and was kinda confused for a bit towards the end. The twists just kept coming & I was like “wait, what’s going on?!” 😂
I def need to reread some parts especially after the revelation at the end. 🤯
100000% recommend for the spooky eerie Halloween vibes !
Goodreads doesn’t let me give a 3.5 but that is what I am rating this book! It did have some twists I did t see coming but it could not hold my attention! The cover is BAD A** but I just “needed more”.
I don’t actually no what to say to be honest my mind is blown do be honest 🤣 I don’t actually know if I could even explain this book because I was soooo confused but the confusion had me wanting to just keep reading it. I think I liked it who knows to be honest. Do I recommend…yes I need others opinions 😂
First book by this author for me and holy shit! When I say she didn’t pull any punches I mean it. This book was so twisted and disturbing😂 gave me the sweetest anxiety until the end.
I’m still stuck in a state of what the ACTUAL was that.
To be completely honest, I was a little puzzled at first about what was and was not happening. But it was that persistent interest that kept the pages turning.
What was evident and persistent throughout the book was the Feral fierce vengeance that literally spilled out the pages.
I was not even aware that I was gripping the collar of my shirt. Plot twists came one after the other. Readers, brace yourself!
This book embodies everything that frightening reading is about. Absolutely haunting
“Show me how bad you’ve wanted to sin with me, 𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐨𝐲. “
WHEWWWW, I need to dip myself in some damn holy water because I’m obsessed with this book🙂↔️
The story was INSANE in the best way. It started out with a bang, and when I say my jaw was on the floor I’m not even kidding. Harlan and Araceli’s souls seem to be intertwined together, and it’s such a dark kind of love that has you on your toes the entire time. You get so sucked into their quest and how it relates to religion and my brain is literally still computing all that happened. They are both so frightening yet alluring, and you feel so drawn to them as you read.
Beneath The Dirt🩸 @njweeks.books Review •thank you to @booksandcoffeewithjordan for the inspo 😘 ⛓️Dedication⛓️ For those who want their mind to be f**ked just as good as their other holes • “Because if I don’t, I may d!3 waiting for you to make the first move”
“I won’t hurt you. Unless you want me to.maybe you and i can experience a different kind of pain than the one your dad inflicts on us . Maybe we can hurt each other while making each other feel good .”
“Sin with me “
“Stop punishing yourself for wanting to break the rules “
“So f-ing wet when you’re scared “ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ This was exactly what I wanted to get me in the Halloween spirit very dark very slow burn twisted creepy lol all of the things definitely a must read !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
While it's not quite romance, I would still put it in the same category with what usually constitutes romance. Except it didn't have a HEA and it was a bit unfair (in my opinion) on the guy. Also, it felt like there was more drug use in this then sex... But all in all, it was fine.
My only issue is that this book had supernatural elements which was not mentioned at any point beforehand. People might want to know that before investing hours in a book... 🤷♀️