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Lovers' Leap
“Lovers’ Leap gets its hooks in you from word one and doesn’t let up as the troubled histories of both the haunted B&B and the two young couples looking for a fresh start creep into the light. Come for the cozy stay in a luxurious mansion, stay because the ghosts won’t let you leave.”
-Jo Kaplan, author of It Will Just Be Us
Running an allegedly haunted bed & breakfast sounds a lot more fun to Hazel than her current dead end job, but a trip to inspect a property with her three best friends has unearthed way more ghosts than she was willing to deal with…and only some of them are hers.
Hazel is surprised but pleased when her high school sweetheart Finn suggests they and their significant others go in together on purchasing a B&B, but their weekend trip to visit a potential property has a rocky start. The current elderly (and bizarre) owners seem to take issue with their presence. Dizzy spells plague her and…was that a person she just saw in the mirror?
Both her boyfriend and Finn’s wife are also having a hard time coping with the creepiness of the place. They’d all assumed "haunted" was only a marketing strategy. Perhaps not. Finn, though, is resolute they’re overreacting, and insists on moving forward with the purchase, despite their misgivings. The expansive property might not be big enough to house both Finn and Hazel’s clashing personalities, or the secrets they’ve been keeping from each other.
They’ll have to put those issues aside though, when both of their partners suddenly start behaving erratically. Are they sick? Are they just tired of Finn and Hazel’s bickering? Or is something more sinister going on?
Fans of "So Thirsty" by Rachel Harrison and "Lucy Undying" by Kiersten White will enjoy "Lovers' Leap" by Rikki Goodwin
-Jo Kaplan, author of It Will Just Be Us
Running an allegedly haunted bed & breakfast sounds a lot more fun to Hazel than her current dead end job, but a trip to inspect a property with her three best friends has unearthed way more ghosts than she was willing to deal with…and only some of them are hers.
Hazel is surprised but pleased when her high school sweetheart Finn suggests they and their significant others go in together on purchasing a B&B, but their weekend trip to visit a potential property has a rocky start. The current elderly (and bizarre) owners seem to take issue with their presence. Dizzy spells plague her and…was that a person she just saw in the mirror?
Both her boyfriend and Finn’s wife are also having a hard time coping with the creepiness of the place. They’d all assumed "haunted" was only a marketing strategy. Perhaps not. Finn, though, is resolute they’re overreacting, and insists on moving forward with the purchase, despite their misgivings. The expansive property might not be big enough to house both Finn and Hazel’s clashing personalities, or the secrets they’ve been keeping from each other.
They’ll have to put those issues aside though, when both of their partners suddenly start behaving erratically. Are they sick? Are they just tired of Finn and Hazel’s bickering? Or is something more sinister going on?
Fans of "So Thirsty" by Rachel Harrison and "Lucy Undying" by Kiersten White will enjoy "Lovers' Leap" by Rikki Goodwin
- GenresHorror
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
7 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Rikki Goodwin
4 books28 followersRikki Goodwin lives in North Carolina, where she owns a tattoo and piercing studio with her husband. Since she scares people every day as a body piercer, she figures it's only natural to also be a horror author. She's constantly bringing home potentially haunted home decor, but so far there's no ghosts in the house, just two very bad dogs.
Lovers' Leap is her debut novel.
Lovers' Leap is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 23, 2025
"A house meant for so many but only holding a few didnt just feel empty, it felt hungry."
Wowzers!
I was absolutely honoured to be asked to check out an early copy of Lovers Leap by Rikki Goodwin 🖤 Her prose are crisp and super accessible, and I think this is gonna be a huge hit for anyone who loves cosy horror but likes theirs with a little more bite than usual. The story is clever, the characters well defined, and the dialogue is witty and realistic. There's a lot of humour in here that actually serves to make the scary bits even scarier.
Also, there's a scene in here that is hands down one of the creepiest I've ever read. It's the kind of scene I wish I had wrote myself. I don't find myself getting "jump-scared" much when reading but this one did it!
You'll think you know where the story is going, but I guarantee you're wrong. Highly, highly recommend this one. Absolutely ideal for fans of Rachel Harrison.
Wowzers!
I was absolutely honoured to be asked to check out an early copy of Lovers Leap by Rikki Goodwin 🖤 Her prose are crisp and super accessible, and I think this is gonna be a huge hit for anyone who loves cosy horror but likes theirs with a little more bite than usual. The story is clever, the characters well defined, and the dialogue is witty and realistic. There's a lot of humour in here that actually serves to make the scary bits even scarier.
Also, there's a scene in here that is hands down one of the creepiest I've ever read. It's the kind of scene I wish I had wrote myself. I don't find myself getting "jump-scared" much when reading but this one did it!
You'll think you know where the story is going, but I guarantee you're wrong. Highly, highly recommend this one. Absolutely ideal for fans of Rachel Harrison.
October 9, 2025
4 stars
Lovers' Leap by Rikki Goodwin is a cozy horror novel that combines humour with spine-chilling moments. The haunting descriptions and intricately woven narrative make it a must-read. If you're looking for something with great creep factor and a touch of eeriness, you need to look no further.
This is the second debut book I've read this week, where the author has truly nailed it! Lovers’ Leap is not just another haunted house story; it goes much deeper. It's creepy, like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a cup of tea while peeking through your fingers at a train wreck. The book is filled with twists and surprising reveals that turn your expectations upside down, leading you down unexpected paths.
I won't give anything away because this gem is something you must discover for yourself. Rikki Goodwin is now on my radar, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Lovers' Leap by Rikki Goodwin is a cozy horror novel that combines humour with spine-chilling moments. The haunting descriptions and intricately woven narrative make it a must-read. If you're looking for something with great creep factor and a touch of eeriness, you need to look no further.
This is the second debut book I've read this week, where the author has truly nailed it! Lovers’ Leap is not just another haunted house story; it goes much deeper. It's creepy, like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a cup of tea while peeking through your fingers at a train wreck. The book is filled with twists and surprising reveals that turn your expectations upside down, leading you down unexpected paths.
I won't give anything away because this gem is something you must discover for yourself. Rikki Goodwin is now on my radar, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
May 18, 2025
Rikki Goodwin’s Lovers’ Leap tells the story of four friends who travel together to stay at a beautiful gothic house in the Appalachian mountains. The house, called Lovers’ Leap after an old legend, is a B&B that the friends are thinking of purchasing and running as a shared venture. Of course, once they visit the house, they find that all is not what it seems…
The story is told in first-person perspective by our MC, Hazel (known affectionately as Nut.) Hazel has green hair and her eyebrows change with her mood. She’s also a ball of self-conscious, self-deprecating nervous energy (she describes herself as “definitely not final girl material.”) She’s also completely obsessed with her high school ex boyfriend, Finn, who’s had the idea to buy Lovers’ Leap. Their relationship is, shall we say, complicated. Rounding out the cast are Lucy, Finn’s seemingly perfect wife, and Dimitri, Hazel’s boyfriend, who’s kind of a ride or die cutie. The dynamic between the four characters is what carries the story as they explore Lovers’ Leap and begin to be thoroughly creeped out by bizarre occurrences that appear to be beyond explanation.
The story itself begins in medias res with an explosive and genuinely unsettling prologue, which hooked me immediately. The characters are well fleshed out and authentic, and Hazel works as an endearing and very human narrator. The novel moves at a pleasant, almost cosy pace, until the final third when things speed up, leading to an ending filled with twists and revelations. The ending is satisfying, and the twists are well-done. Goodwin breadcrumbs little hints throughout the novel, which will tip off a careful reader, but there are also some surprises.The prose is smooth and readable, with some gorgeous visual imagery. I found the dialogue to be sharp and genuinely funny in places. I may have spit out my coffee when Finn tells the gang that “Some star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juli-yeeted themselves off the mountain.” The setting is lushly described, and I almost wish Lovers’ Leap was a real place so I could go and stay there. Or not.
I genuinely had a blast reading Goodwin’s debut, and I’m now excited to read their other upcoming novel, Ghost Glasses. I’m also definitely going to pick up a paperback copy of Lovers’ Leap once it releases, because have you SEEN that gorgeous cover? I want it on my bookshelf. If, like me, you’re a fan of light, cosy horror that’s high on the tingle factor, then you won’t want to miss Lovers’ Leap.
The story is told in first-person perspective by our MC, Hazel (known affectionately as Nut.) Hazel has green hair and her eyebrows change with her mood. She’s also a ball of self-conscious, self-deprecating nervous energy (she describes herself as “definitely not final girl material.”) She’s also completely obsessed with her high school ex boyfriend, Finn, who’s had the idea to buy Lovers’ Leap. Their relationship is, shall we say, complicated. Rounding out the cast are Lucy, Finn’s seemingly perfect wife, and Dimitri, Hazel’s boyfriend, who’s kind of a ride or die cutie. The dynamic between the four characters is what carries the story as they explore Lovers’ Leap and begin to be thoroughly creeped out by bizarre occurrences that appear to be beyond explanation.
The story itself begins in medias res with an explosive and genuinely unsettling prologue, which hooked me immediately. The characters are well fleshed out and authentic, and Hazel works as an endearing and very human narrator. The novel moves at a pleasant, almost cosy pace, until the final third when things speed up, leading to an ending filled with twists and revelations. The ending is satisfying, and the twists are well-done. Goodwin breadcrumbs little hints throughout the novel, which will tip off a careful reader, but there are also some surprises.The prose is smooth and readable, with some gorgeous visual imagery. I found the dialogue to be sharp and genuinely funny in places. I may have spit out my coffee when Finn tells the gang that “Some star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juli-yeeted themselves off the mountain.” The setting is lushly described, and I almost wish Lovers’ Leap was a real place so I could go and stay there. Or not.
I genuinely had a blast reading Goodwin’s debut, and I’m now excited to read their other upcoming novel, Ghost Glasses. I’m also definitely going to pick up a paperback copy of Lovers’ Leap once it releases, because have you SEEN that gorgeous cover? I want it on my bookshelf. If, like me, you’re a fan of light, cosy horror that’s high on the tingle factor, then you won’t want to miss Lovers’ Leap.
May 27, 2025
Goodwin has written one of the best openings of a horror book that I have read in a while.
Hazel is best friends with her high school ex-boyfriend Finn. Hazel and her boyfriend Dimitri, plus Finn and his wife Lucy are off to a B&B for the weekend, to check it out as a business venture for the 4 of them. The prologue opens with Hazel and Finn petrified of their partners and holy moley this story takes off and never lets up. I loved it!
Wonderful characters, riveting backstory, believable decisions and dialogues, evil antagonists, spooky SPOOKY hauntings, great setting, meaningful relationships, perfect pacing, glorious ending.
Hazel is best friends with her high school ex-boyfriend Finn. Hazel and her boyfriend Dimitri, plus Finn and his wife Lucy are off to a B&B for the weekend, to check it out as a business venture for the 4 of them. The prologue opens with Hazel and Finn petrified of their partners and holy moley this story takes off and never lets up. I loved it!
Wonderful characters, riveting backstory, believable decisions and dialogues, evil antagonists, spooky SPOOKY hauntings, great setting, meaningful relationships, perfect pacing, glorious ending.
September 30, 2025
I am simply GAGGED. What a roller coaster, just when you think you have this story figured out
......WRONG. You're wrong, and just when you think you've formed an opinion about her characters, think again!!! Amazing work, I can't believe this is her first novel!
......WRONG. You're wrong, and just when you think you've formed an opinion about her characters, think again!!! Amazing work, I can't believe this is her first novel!
October 11, 2025
Hazel and best friend Finn have always been close and Finn asks Hazel to travel with him to a B&B he is looking at purchasing. Finn has Lucy, his wife by his side while Hazel has her boyfriend Dimitri. Not everything is as it seems though and the B&B is well known as Lover's Leap, an familiar story that might be closer to the truth than any of them expect.
This was a genuine treat. Not what I was expecting at all and had many moments that had me on the edge of my seat. Full of twists and turns, completely unexpected.
This was a genuine treat. Not what I was expecting at all and had many moments that had me on the edge of my seat. Full of twists and turns, completely unexpected.
October 6, 2025
Lovers' Leap is a haunting read that pulled me in from the very first page. The evocative imagery and richly descriptive characters made me feel as though I knew them personally and traversed this adventure alongside them. The tension builds beautifully, leading to terrifying, (literal) jaw-dropping plot twists that left me stunned. I tore through this book in a single day, completely captivated by its eerie allure and emotional depth.
December 23, 2025
Super excited to be supporting Rikki (my favorite local piercer) in her debut novel!
This one was a page turner for sure and I loved that it jumped right into the plot. I totally didn’t see the twist at the end coming…. I do wish that it was just a few chapters longer with a little more explanation since so much is happening at the end of the book. I can’t wait to read ghost glasses when it comes out!
This one was a page turner for sure and I loved that it jumped right into the plot. I totally didn’t see the twist at the end coming…. I do wish that it was just a few chapters longer with a little more explanation since so much is happening at the end of the book. I can’t wait to read ghost glasses when it comes out!
September 30, 2025
Do you like spooky ghost stories in the tradition of Mike Flanagan? You know, the type that are full of ghosts and the supernatural but still twist and turn and wrench your heart and leave you wanting more…
If yes, Lovers’ Leap is a must-read. This booked grabbed me from the opening pages and kept me right on going like a terrified child sprinting through Knott’s Scary Farm.
It’s hard to do a classic haunted house story and still make it interesting, unique, and novel, but Goodwin has managed exactly that. She’s an instant read for me, now.
If yes, Lovers’ Leap is a must-read. This booked grabbed me from the opening pages and kept me right on going like a terrified child sprinting through Knott’s Scary Farm.
It’s hard to do a classic haunted house story and still make it interesting, unique, and novel, but Goodwin has managed exactly that. She’s an instant read for me, now.
July 21, 2025
I was so excited to receive an early copy of Lover’s Leap by Rikki Goodwin that I dove in straight away. Usually when my TBR is set, I do not deviate from it in any way but I pushed this to the top and I am so glad I did!
Creepy and engrossing in equal measure.
The story is told from the point of view of Hazel who along with her partner Dimitri and friends Finn and Lucy, look to buy a bed and breakfast to run together. They fall in love with the place but as soon as they step over the threshold, it becomes obvious things are not exactly what they seem within the walls of the beautiful building.
Goodwin’s writing is clear and to the point with little fat attached. Each sentence is there for a reason and progresses either the story, or builds on the characters. The dialogue is witty and believable and the characters fleshed out and well rounded and above all else and something that is extremely important to me… you care about them! When reading a horror, whether that be a cosy/light horror or something more extreme and graphic, none of the horrific things that happen mean anything if you don’t care about the characters involved.
That isn’t the case here as. You feel for them - Hazel especially as the story is hers - at every turn.
Trust me, if you read this book and think you know where it’s headed… think again.
Make sure you check this one out. I’ll be there day one for Rikki’s next book, Lover’s Leap has made sure of that.
30th September 2025… mark your calendars and book a room at Lover’s Leap b&b.
Creepy and engrossing in equal measure.
The story is told from the point of view of Hazel who along with her partner Dimitri and friends Finn and Lucy, look to buy a bed and breakfast to run together. They fall in love with the place but as soon as they step over the threshold, it becomes obvious things are not exactly what they seem within the walls of the beautiful building.
Goodwin’s writing is clear and to the point with little fat attached. Each sentence is there for a reason and progresses either the story, or builds on the characters. The dialogue is witty and believable and the characters fleshed out and well rounded and above all else and something that is extremely important to me… you care about them! When reading a horror, whether that be a cosy/light horror or something more extreme and graphic, none of the horrific things that happen mean anything if you don’t care about the characters involved.
That isn’t the case here as. You feel for them - Hazel especially as the story is hers - at every turn.
Trust me, if you read this book and think you know where it’s headed… think again.
Make sure you check this one out. I’ll be there day one for Rikki’s next book, Lover’s Leap has made sure of that.
30th September 2025… mark your calendars and book a room at Lover’s Leap b&b.
October 12, 2025
Lover's Leap by Rikki Goodwin
5 out of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. To say that I will recommend this author to anyone I can. I was instantly in love with the writing of the book. I was trapped in a different universe with Hazel, Finn, and their spouses for a few hours. I want to give this book more stars than I did, but it’s not possible. The author definitely knows what they are doing, because it instantly attracts you from the first page to the last.
Hazel is not sure what to do. After the trip to Lover’s Leap the bed and breakfast everything has changed. The trip started just fine, her boyfriend was actually looking forward to it. Her best friend and his wife were excited to have them along. The owners of the B&B are there when the four arrive and the wife doesn’t seem too happy about having two extra guests. Hazel hasn’t been feeling well since they walked through the doors so when she passes out for the second time in a day she says: “I’m okay. Just a little shaky. Sorry. Was I...was I out a long time?”
5 out of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. To say that I will recommend this author to anyone I can. I was instantly in love with the writing of the book. I was trapped in a different universe with Hazel, Finn, and their spouses for a few hours. I want to give this book more stars than I did, but it’s not possible. The author definitely knows what they are doing, because it instantly attracts you from the first page to the last.
Hazel is not sure what to do. After the trip to Lover’s Leap the bed and breakfast everything has changed. The trip started just fine, her boyfriend was actually looking forward to it. Her best friend and his wife were excited to have them along. The owners of the B&B are there when the four arrive and the wife doesn’t seem too happy about having two extra guests. Hazel hasn’t been feeling well since they walked through the doors so when she passes out for the second time in a day she says: “I’m okay. Just a little shaky. Sorry. Was I...was I out a long time?”
October 11, 2025
This is a bizarre story of two couples and a haunted house. Hazel and Finn had been sweethearts back in school. They broke up when Hazel went away for college. Years later, they find themselves back in each other' s lives; Finn married to Lucy and Hazel in a long-term relationship with Dimitri. Finn proposes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to all go in on purchasing a haunted bed-and-breakfast. Everyone is on board and they plan a weekend getaway to go inspect the house. As soon as they meet the creepy older couple that currently owns the place, Hazel is doubtful. Then, when she starts hearing and seeing things, she is ready to leave. But a deal has been struck and she and Finn may not be able to leave. I had to keep reading to see what happened to them. Definitely an entertaining book.
October 16, 2025
Would you ever consider opening a haunted B&B? Hazel is working a dead end job and feels like opening a B&B with her best friends could be a lot of fun. The part about it being haunted is only a ploy to draw in customers right? An elderly couple currently owns the B&B and things seems a bit off when they appear to be unhappy about two extra people showing up. After the owners leave weird things start to happen. Arguments start, people start to act erratically, doors begin to open and close, and more. Would it be worth buying? Were the arguments due to the ghosts manipulating everyone's emotions? Or were these their true feelings? I enjoyed this book. I felt it was a great fit for spooky season.
October 12, 2025
Lovers Leap by Rikki Goodwin is a hook you and not let you go book. When Hazel and Dimitri go with Finn and Lucy to look at buying a B&B that is haunted, they think it will be a great investment and change for them. What they get is a ton of ghosts and lots of twists and turns. Finn and Hazel need to figure it out to save their significant others. This story literally has you turning pages and not wanting to put it down till you get to the. Love it!
October 11, 2025
I have been craving some horror filled fun and a great spooky season read! I got that and more with this amazing book by Rikki Goodwin! Lovers Leap is a must-read and one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. A refreshing twist on a classic haunted house story this book gave me all the thrills and the chills! Goodwin creates the perfect eerie setting for her characters to explore! I will definitely be picking up any of Goodwin’s works I see from now on!
October 6, 2025
4.3 Stars
Hazel and Finn have known each other for years; once upon a time, they were high school sweethearts, and now they are best friends, both of them having moved on to new relationships. When Finn suggests that Hazel and her boyfriend Dimitri join him and his wife Lucy for a weekend visiting a B&B that he is looking to purchase, Hazel can’t pass up the chance. Especially when the offer comes with the possibility of all four of them living and working at the B&B, offering a way out of the money issues that she and Dimitri constantly face. But when the four of them make it to Lovers Leap, Hazel can’t help feeling that there is something off about Mr and Mrs Frey, and everyone of them, bar Finn, seems to be seeing strange and creepy things around the house.
I really enjoyed this read; it was suitably spooky and creepy, and kept me gripped from the first page, right until the last. Goodwin masterfully created a creepy atmosphere, and the hauntings the characters experienced, though understated and in some ways stereotypical for this genre, felt like they took on a new life. Hazel, by all accounts, was a horrible person. I did not like her one bit, but I did enjoy reading her. I loved the whole unreliable narrator aspect to this story. The only reason this did not get 5 stars was the ending. I guess I expected some justice, especially when certain things were revealed. Don’t get me wrong, the way it ended was haunting, and thoroughly in keeping with the rest of the vibe of the tale, but given what we find out about Hazel and her past, I feel like there should have been more repercussions for her. Also, even though Finn himself is a terrible character too, I get his behaviour a little more than I get Hazel's, but that in no way means I condone his actions at all. Lucy and Dimitri are just sweethearts, and are honestly little beacons of light in what is quite a dark read.
All in all, this a a really good, spooky read that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a haunted house type horror, with plenty of ghostly action, and terrible hidden secrets. However, this is as much about relationships, and how the struggle to let go of things we need to, damages and destroys things around us. A great read for the spooky season and, honestly, an absolutely excellent debut novel. Will be looking out for more of Goodwin's work in the future.
Hazel and Finn have known each other for years; once upon a time, they were high school sweethearts, and now they are best friends, both of them having moved on to new relationships. When Finn suggests that Hazel and her boyfriend Dimitri join him and his wife Lucy for a weekend visiting a B&B that he is looking to purchase, Hazel can’t pass up the chance. Especially when the offer comes with the possibility of all four of them living and working at the B&B, offering a way out of the money issues that she and Dimitri constantly face. But when the four of them make it to Lovers Leap, Hazel can’t help feeling that there is something off about Mr and Mrs Frey, and everyone of them, bar Finn, seems to be seeing strange and creepy things around the house.
I really enjoyed this read; it was suitably spooky and creepy, and kept me gripped from the first page, right until the last. Goodwin masterfully created a creepy atmosphere, and the hauntings the characters experienced, though understated and in some ways stereotypical for this genre, felt like they took on a new life. Hazel, by all accounts, was a horrible person. I did not like her one bit, but I did enjoy reading her. I loved the whole unreliable narrator aspect to this story. The only reason this did not get 5 stars was the ending. I guess I expected some justice, especially when certain things were revealed. Don’t get me wrong, the way it ended was haunting, and thoroughly in keeping with the rest of the vibe of the tale, but given what we find out about Hazel and her past, I feel like there should have been more repercussions for her. Also, even though Finn himself is a terrible character too, I get his behaviour a little more than I get Hazel's, but that in no way means I condone his actions at all. Lucy and Dimitri are just sweethearts, and are honestly little beacons of light in what is quite a dark read.
All in all, this a a really good, spooky read that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a haunted house type horror, with plenty of ghostly action, and terrible hidden secrets. However, this is as much about relationships, and how the struggle to let go of things we need to, damages and destroys things around us. A great read for the spooky season and, honestly, an absolutely excellent debut novel. Will be looking out for more of Goodwin's work in the future.
October 6, 2025
4 Stars
Lovers' Leap by Rikki Goodwin is a well-crafted story that blends cosy horror with sharp, suspenseful storytelling, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The premise seems simple enough - Hazel and her high school sweetheart, Finn, along with their respective partners, embark on a weekend trip to explore a potential B&B purchase. What begins as a seemingly lighthearted reunion quickly spirals into a chilling tale of secrets, tension, and eerie encounters.
Ms. Goodwin is a ‘new-to-me’ author, so I really didn’t know what to expect from her writing/storytelling. She wrote a story that was surprisingly easy to sink into, even while delivering moments of genuine unease that had me on edge. The dynamic she crafted between the characters is quite rich and layered, with old flames, new relationships, and unresolved emotions and tension simmering beneath the surface. The elderly owners of the B&B added an unsettling, almost surreal element to the story, which added an extra element of tension as the plot unfolded.
As I mentioned earlier, the author cleverly balances cosy horror with a darker, more biting edge. But the story doesn’t rely on cheap scares, instead Ms. Goodwin builds an atmosphere of creeping dread, punctuated by moments of sharp tension and unexpected twists.
This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys horror with heart, layered characters, and a touch of the uncanny. It’s a perfect pick for a chilly evening when you want a story that will both comfort and unsettle you, or to add to your Halloween Reading Challenge, as I did.
Happy Reading…
Lovers' Leap by Rikki Goodwin is a well-crafted story that blends cosy horror with sharp, suspenseful storytelling, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The premise seems simple enough - Hazel and her high school sweetheart, Finn, along with their respective partners, embark on a weekend trip to explore a potential B&B purchase. What begins as a seemingly lighthearted reunion quickly spirals into a chilling tale of secrets, tension, and eerie encounters.
Ms. Goodwin is a ‘new-to-me’ author, so I really didn’t know what to expect from her writing/storytelling. She wrote a story that was surprisingly easy to sink into, even while delivering moments of genuine unease that had me on edge. The dynamic she crafted between the characters is quite rich and layered, with old flames, new relationships, and unresolved emotions and tension simmering beneath the surface. The elderly owners of the B&B added an unsettling, almost surreal element to the story, which added an extra element of tension as the plot unfolded.
As I mentioned earlier, the author cleverly balances cosy horror with a darker, more biting edge. But the story doesn’t rely on cheap scares, instead Ms. Goodwin builds an atmosphere of creeping dread, punctuated by moments of sharp tension and unexpected twists.
This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys horror with heart, layered characters, and a touch of the uncanny. It’s a perfect pick for a chilly evening when you want a story that will both comfort and unsettle you, or to add to your Halloween Reading Challenge, as I did.
Happy Reading…
October 16, 2025
This was a very convoluted read - not a bad thing at all, just a different writing style than I am used to. It is very well written, with the foreshadowing being simultaneously obvious and vague. Goodwin likes to bring little Easter eggs to the forefront long before they become relevant in the story in a very unique and intriguing way.
I usually enjoy not having to think while reading, but this one had me making mind maps to follow along with the story.
Meet Hazel, Dimitri, Finn and Lucy - two couples whose friendships with each other are tumultuous underneath but cordial on the surface. The book is written from Hazel's POV, who is extremely self-conscious about how she presents herself, especially to Lucy and Finn, and self-depreciating in all other aspects of her life. She really just wants to be accepted by everyone around her, but feels less than adequate and this leads her to saying or acting in "odd" ways The couples go on a trip to view a supposedly haunted B&B to potentially go into business together as Finn and Hazel had discussed doing in their youth. This is where the real story begins - though I will refrain from disclosing and spoiling too many details (it is also chapter 2 of the book, so of course it's where the story begins!).
All in all, I love a good mystery, though I do normally steer away from paranormal as I have an overactive imagination and can scare myself, but I really did enjoy this book, and it was a perfect spooky season read. The imagery and wordplay were fantastic and very polished.
I usually enjoy not having to think while reading, but this one had me making mind maps to follow along with the story.
Meet Hazel, Dimitri, Finn and Lucy - two couples whose friendships with each other are tumultuous underneath but cordial on the surface. The book is written from Hazel's POV, who is extremely self-conscious about how she presents herself, especially to Lucy and Finn, and self-depreciating in all other aspects of her life. She really just wants to be accepted by everyone around her, but feels less than adequate and this leads her to saying or acting in "odd" ways The couples go on a trip to view a supposedly haunted B&B to potentially go into business together as Finn and Hazel had discussed doing in their youth. This is where the real story begins - though I will refrain from disclosing and spoiling too many details (it is also chapter 2 of the book, so of course it's where the story begins!).
All in all, I love a good mystery, though I do normally steer away from paranormal as I have an overactive imagination and can scare myself, but I really did enjoy this book, and it was a perfect spooky season read. The imagery and wordplay were fantastic and very polished.
September 29, 2025
Lovers’ Leap by Rikki Goodwin starts off with a gripping prologue. Main character Hazel and her best friend Finn are terrified of their partners and desperate to escape them. From there we go back in time to three days earlier before everything went wrong.
I am not usually a horror fan. But I was intrigued by the premise for this book and I was very glad to get to read an early copy of it. It was compelling and creepy. We follow the two young couples Hazel, her boyfriend Dimitri, and their friends Finn and his wife Lucy as they happily venture to the Appalachian mountains to a B&B that they hope to purchase and run together. It seems like a great opportunity and a fresh start for all of them. But from the moment they arrive things seem off.
Not only are there strange paranormal horrors waiting in store for them. But the novel also deftly explores the horrors that can be inflicted on the human heart when individuals hold on to relationships that are toxic. The fallout from the mixture of both elements in the story kept me invested emotionally in these characters and turning pages to find out how everything was going to turn out. Just when I thought I had it figured out, some unexpected twists took me completely by surprise. And wow! That ending really got me!
If you love horror with complex characters, a gothic haunted mansion, and lots of unexpected twists and turns, then check out Lovers’ Leap. Run and get your copy September 30th!
I am not usually a horror fan. But I was intrigued by the premise for this book and I was very glad to get to read an early copy of it. It was compelling and creepy. We follow the two young couples Hazel, her boyfriend Dimitri, and their friends Finn and his wife Lucy as they happily venture to the Appalachian mountains to a B&B that they hope to purchase and run together. It seems like a great opportunity and a fresh start for all of them. But from the moment they arrive things seem off.
Not only are there strange paranormal horrors waiting in store for them. But the novel also deftly explores the horrors that can be inflicted on the human heart when individuals hold on to relationships that are toxic. The fallout from the mixture of both elements in the story kept me invested emotionally in these characters and turning pages to find out how everything was going to turn out. Just when I thought I had it figured out, some unexpected twists took me completely by surprise. And wow! That ending really got me!
If you love horror with complex characters, a gothic haunted mansion, and lots of unexpected twists and turns, then check out Lovers’ Leap. Run and get your copy September 30th!
October 12, 2025
This was a really interesting page turner of a read. There were so many twists and turns in this story that just when I thought I had an idea of what was going on something always proved me wrong. For me that is what made this book so great the fact that I couldn't predict what would happen next.
This is a cosy horror story with a twist of having some humour as well as spine tingling moments. With past history, hauntings, relationships and so much more once you start you will not be able to put it down.
Hazel and Finn were high school sweethearts but are not friends. So when Finn suggests they go into business with their new partners on a hunted house Hazel is intrigued by the idea. When they go to view a prospective property that is when things get strange. Finn and Hazel can't stop bickering and ghosts and secrets from the past start to raise their heads.
While Hazel, her partner and Finn's partner all have misgivings about the place Finn is adament it's all in their head and that the "hauntings" are all a marketing ploy.
But things take a turn when their significant others start to act erratically and out of character. Are they ill? It it a consequence of the constant bickering between Finn and Hazel? Or is something more sinister taking place? Something they all tried to warn Finn about but he ignored?
I really enjoyed this story and I couldn't put it down.
This is a cosy horror story with a twist of having some humour as well as spine tingling moments. With past history, hauntings, relationships and so much more once you start you will not be able to put it down.
Hazel and Finn were high school sweethearts but are not friends. So when Finn suggests they go into business with their new partners on a hunted house Hazel is intrigued by the idea. When they go to view a prospective property that is when things get strange. Finn and Hazel can't stop bickering and ghosts and secrets from the past start to raise their heads.
While Hazel, her partner and Finn's partner all have misgivings about the place Finn is adament it's all in their head and that the "hauntings" are all a marketing ploy.
But things take a turn when their significant others start to act erratically and out of character. Are they ill? It it a consequence of the constant bickering between Finn and Hazel? Or is something more sinister taking place? Something they all tried to warn Finn about but he ignored?
I really enjoyed this story and I couldn't put it down.
October 14, 2025
Lovers’ Leap pulled me in from the first page and never let go. What starts as a simple weekend trip to check out a potential bed and breakfast quickly turns into a chilling, slow-burn nightmare. The setting is perfectly eerie, and the mansion feels alive, almost like it is watching every move. The tension builds with every strange noise, flicker of movement, and shadow in the mirror.
Hazel is such a compelling character, caught between nostalgia for her past with Finn and the uneasy dynamic of their new relationships. I loved how the book explored not just the supernatural horrors of the house, but also the quiet, human kind of horror that comes from secrets, guilt, and toxic connections. Every character had layers, and by the time things really started to unravel, I was completely hooked.
The twists were clever, the writing sharp, and the pacing perfectly balanced between emotional depth and full-body chills. The ending hit hard in the best possible way, unexpected, haunting, and unforgettable. If you love haunted house stories that deliver both scares and heart, Lovers’ Leap is one you will want to read with the lights on.
Hazel is such a compelling character, caught between nostalgia for her past with Finn and the uneasy dynamic of their new relationships. I loved how the book explored not just the supernatural horrors of the house, but also the quiet, human kind of horror that comes from secrets, guilt, and toxic connections. Every character had layers, and by the time things really started to unravel, I was completely hooked.
The twists were clever, the writing sharp, and the pacing perfectly balanced between emotional depth and full-body chills. The ending hit hard in the best possible way, unexpected, haunting, and unforgettable. If you love haunted house stories that deliver both scares and heart, Lovers’ Leap is one you will want to read with the lights on.
October 16, 2025
Lovers' Leap successfully merges relationship drama with classic haunted house horror, resulting in a fun, fast-paced, and genuinely creepy read. The story follows Hazel, her former high school sweetheart Finn, and their respective partners as they take a weekend trip to inspect a potentially haunted bed and breakfast they plan to purchase together. What they quickly discover is that the "haunted" label is far from a mere marketing gimmick. The strength of the novel lies in its dual focus: the clashing personalities and buried secrets between Hazel and Finn, and the increasingly sinister paranormal activity within the B&B. As the unsettling atmosphere of the expansive property begins to prey on the group, the emotional baggage they carry becomes just as much of a threat as the actual ghosts. The creep factor is high, built up through dizzy spells, disturbing reflections, and the erratic behavior of the two partners. This is a quick, immersive ride that hooks you from the start and keeps you guessing about whether the true danger comes from the spirits or the secrets they were hoping to outrun.
November 21, 2025
Oh gosh, Where do I even begin with how much I loved this story...
If you are a fan of that chest-gripping feeling of tension while reading horror stories, love the mystery of unknown elements at play in the characters' lives, and are intrigued by relatable (F)MCs, this is the book for you.
From the very chilling start, I found it easy to step into Hazel's shoes. Rikki's way of writing from her character's perspectives pulls you in, and holds you in thrall to the very end (I absoloutely recommend reading her short story in Moods and Megrims: A Collection of Hysterical Women, if you haven't yet had the chance!) Every turn this book took was unexpected, and you should be prepared to have people look at you weird as you gasp in abject horror/surprise at several parts throughout this story. To say this book puts you on a rollercoaster of emotions would be putting it lightly, especially if you are someone like myself whose imagination runs away with them while reading.
I truly can't wait to read more of her work. This was such an enjoyable read, however haunted, and I've already recommended it to several friends (and strangers, haha!)
If you are a fan of that chest-gripping feeling of tension while reading horror stories, love the mystery of unknown elements at play in the characters' lives, and are intrigued by relatable (F)MCs, this is the book for you.
From the very chilling start, I found it easy to step into Hazel's shoes. Rikki's way of writing from her character's perspectives pulls you in, and holds you in thrall to the very end (I absoloutely recommend reading her short story in Moods and Megrims: A Collection of Hysterical Women, if you haven't yet had the chance!) Every turn this book took was unexpected, and you should be prepared to have people look at you weird as you gasp in abject horror/surprise at several parts throughout this story. To say this book puts you on a rollercoaster of emotions would be putting it lightly, especially if you are someone like myself whose imagination runs away with them while reading.
I truly can't wait to read more of her work. This was such an enjoyable read, however haunted, and I've already recommended it to several friends (and strangers, haha!)
May 23, 2025
Lovers' Leap starts with a bang, and I found myself breathlessly turning pages, desperate to see what happened next but afraid of missing a single word. Then we go back to a mere three days before and the anticipation kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down until I'd finished!
Rikki effortlessly drops barely perceptible clues, just enough to keep me wondering where everything will lead, in a precisely woven atmosphere that builds just the right amount of dread.
The dynamic cast, whether you love them or hate them, fit together to make what happens next grippingly realistic, holding me captive until the very last page. The main character, Hazel, is incredibly relatable and experiencing the story through her eyes provided an irresistible depth of emotion, adding another layer to the anticipation and fear, and making the whole story that much more real.
Anyone who enjoyed Get Out will feel a similar sense of horror while watching Lovers' Leap unfold toward a twist you won't want to believe.
Rikki effortlessly drops barely perceptible clues, just enough to keep me wondering where everything will lead, in a precisely woven atmosphere that builds just the right amount of dread.
The dynamic cast, whether you love them or hate them, fit together to make what happens next grippingly realistic, holding me captive until the very last page. The main character, Hazel, is incredibly relatable and experiencing the story through her eyes provided an irresistible depth of emotion, adding another layer to the anticipation and fear, and making the whole story that much more real.
Anyone who enjoyed Get Out will feel a similar sense of horror while watching Lovers' Leap unfold toward a twist you won't want to believe.
October 10, 2025
Finn and his wife Lucy are thinking about buying a bed and breakfast named Lovers’ Leap. They ask their best friends Hazel and Dimitri to come along to tour the place with the thought that they will move out there and help with things. When they arrive, they meet the strange owners who seem upset that Dimitri and Hazel have come along with them. Soon the owners leave, and the couples are left to explore the house. Strange things start to happen. Cold gusts of air. Words being whispered. Doors mysteriously closing or being locked. What is really going on at Lover’s Leap? The book starts with a bang and then takes us back a few days to see how we got to that point. The descriptions of the house and the owners are eerie, and you get that claustrophobic feeling of being watched almost immediately. There are many twists and turns to keep you guessing as not all is as it seems to be. I was happy with the ending as I thought it was going to go a different direction and was prepared not to like it. An enjoyable book.
October 11, 2025
Lovers' Leap by Rikki Goodwin. This is the perfect read for this time of year. I loved it. It's the story of Finn and his wife Lucy who are thinking about buying a bed and breakfast named Lovers Leap. When they decide to head to the B&B to check things out they take along their friends Hazel & Dimitri. The previous owners are still there when they arrive and they seem upset by the fact that Hazel & Dimitri are there. When the previous owners finally leave the couples begin to check the place out and weird things begin to happen. Finn & Hazel are not getting along which is weird because they have been friends forever and then their spouses start to act weird. Lights start turning on and off by themselves, doors shut, weird noises and cool blast of air. Also not only does the B&B seem to be haunted but there is toxic relationships being held onto in this group. With the great writing it really makes you think you are in this B&B and don't read it at night because you might start hearing noises. Such a good book, I truly enjoyed it!
October 15, 2025
Lovers’ Leap by Rikki Goodwin was my first horror novel for the spooky season and I could not put it down! I didn’t know what I expected at the beginning, but I was not expecting what the author delivered, and I was not disappointed! I kept thinking I had the story all figured out, and the twists kept coming.
Four friends set out together to visit a Bed and Breakfast for potential purchase. They all want a fresh start and a new beginning. But the moment they arrive; it is evidently clear that things are not normal- not the house and Mr. and Mrs. Frey, the current owners. Friendships and relationships are tested; sanity is questioned as unexplainable things are happening. It was really a perfect and cozy paranormal horror story! I loved Dimitri and Hazel the most, but I felt like all the characters were very well written with unique and distinguishable personalities. If you’re ready to get into the season with a wonderfully creepy novel, I highly recommend Lovers’ Leap!
Four friends set out together to visit a Bed and Breakfast for potential purchase. They all want a fresh start and a new beginning. But the moment they arrive; it is evidently clear that things are not normal- not the house and Mr. and Mrs. Frey, the current owners. Friendships and relationships are tested; sanity is questioned as unexplainable things are happening. It was really a perfect and cozy paranormal horror story! I loved Dimitri and Hazel the most, but I felt like all the characters were very well written with unique and distinguishable personalities. If you’re ready to get into the season with a wonderfully creepy novel, I highly recommend Lovers’ Leap!
November 6, 2025
Anne Wolf
5.0 out of 5 stars The Mystery in the Mirror
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2025
Format: Kindle
Hazel and Finn have a complicated history that goes back years. Their relationship has devolved into a friendship with a lot of unresolved issues. Meantime, they have connected with new partners, Hazel with Dimitri and Finn with his new wife, Lucy. Finn learns of a property that he thinks would make an ideal bed & breakfast for the four of them to own and he convinces them to visit the house and grounds which are supposed to be haunted. Finn thinks its reputation will draw curious tourists to the property.
The couples are greeted by a strange elderly couple and creepy events begin to occur. How do these mysterious occurrences affect the four visitors? What lies ahead for their futures? Check out this spooky read when your lights are on and you are not alone. Oh, and cover your mirrors, too!
5.0 out of 5 stars The Mystery in the Mirror
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2025
Format: Kindle
Hazel and Finn have a complicated history that goes back years. Their relationship has devolved into a friendship with a lot of unresolved issues. Meantime, they have connected with new partners, Hazel with Dimitri and Finn with his new wife, Lucy. Finn learns of a property that he thinks would make an ideal bed & breakfast for the four of them to own and he convinces them to visit the house and grounds which are supposed to be haunted. Finn thinks its reputation will draw curious tourists to the property.
The couples are greeted by a strange elderly couple and creepy events begin to occur. How do these mysterious occurrences affect the four visitors? What lies ahead for their futures? Check out this spooky read when your lights are on and you are not alone. Oh, and cover your mirrors, too!
October 16, 2025
Lovers’ Leap is a paranormal thrill full of complex relationships, atmospheric tension, friendship, betrayal, hauntings, and reality versus illusion. It is a taut, atmospheric thriller where emotional baggage and supernatural dread collide. The story centers around Hazel who is stuck in a stagnant life. She joins her high school sweetheart Finn and their partners to co-invest in a haunted cliffside B&B. But the house, seductive, watchful, and cruel, becomes a character, manipulating memory, isolating its guests, and exposing buried truths. As relationships unravel and reality slips, Hazel must confront not only the ghosts of the house but the ones she carries within. With psychologically rich characters and a setting that feels alive, Lovers’ Leap delivers a chilling meditation on nostalgia, vulnerability, and the cost of rewriting the past.
November 6, 2025
Fantastic Read, 100% Recommend
Absolutely loved this book. The writing style is very modern and straightforward, easy to read and follow. The characters and dialogue feel natural, as if one could actually know these people in real life. As a fellow goth girl who also shaves her eyebrows, D telling Hazel to “draw on angry eyebrows” made me laugh out loud. I’m pretty sure I’ve had this same conversation with my partner at least once.
I didn’t see some of the twists coming, especially the end. “Lovers’ Leap” flows so naturally, it really feels like you’re watching a movie in your head. The atmosphere is creepy and unnerving and the story is really well-rounded. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Also, I hope the old man from the gas station has a lovely time in Italy with his wife.
Absolutely loved this book. The writing style is very modern and straightforward, easy to read and follow. The characters and dialogue feel natural, as if one could actually know these people in real life. As a fellow goth girl who also shaves her eyebrows, D telling Hazel to “draw on angry eyebrows” made me laugh out loud. I’m pretty sure I’ve had this same conversation with my partner at least once.
I didn’t see some of the twists coming, especially the end. “Lovers’ Leap” flows so naturally, it really feels like you’re watching a movie in your head. The atmosphere is creepy and unnerving and the story is really well-rounded. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Also, I hope the old man from the gas station has a lovely time in Italy with his wife.
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