Doll Face

by D.J. Krimmer, C Hebert

Doll Face

Shall We Play A Game?

Amid the suffocating embrace of night,
I stumble upon him, a beacon of light.
The Boogeyman, a seductive terror,
Whispers haunting promises, cruel and fair.
Eyes that glint with otherworldly fire,
In his grasp, I’m consumed by dark desire.
A love twisted and sickeningly sweet,
Tangled in the depths of darkness, where nightmares meet.
Should I trust my button eyes,
Or should I doubt them and follow my firefly?

*This story is a dark retelling created by two spooky queens who combined the iconic stories of The Nightmare Before Christmas (specifically Oogie Boogie) and Coraline into a mash up of spooky goodness filled with banter, chaos, and lots of spice.

Genres: Dark Romance, Halloween, Romance, Dark, Retellings, Fantasy, Horror

300 pages, Paperback

Published October 5, 2024

About the author

International Best Selling Author

Crowned the Queen of Banter, DJ Krimmer is known through the community for her witty, smart mouthed characters.

In her books, representations of the imperfect sides of life are not hidden in the shadows, they're front and center, a reminder that everyone deserves to be a princess and have their happily ever after.

Reviews

[Bria Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me 😭
That ending!?
I NEED MORE! GIVE ME MORE PLEASE!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I found out this was Nightmare before Christmas/Coraline retelling, I immediately added it to my spooky tbr and I’m so glad I finally picked it up AND I FINISHED IT IN ONE DAY !!!! This was such a fun and creepy read and different compared to what I usually pick up. Firefly was EVERYTHING and I loved Blue so so much 😭😭 she was so cute ! I am most definitely reading the second book whenever it’s out LOL

4 ★
🌶️🌶️🌶️

*retelling
*touch her and die
*cliffhanger
*needle play
*monster romance
*stalking

[Casey Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Your mental health is important. Please do be advised of content warnings and keep yourself aware of and safe from any triggers you may have.

Firefly and Blue.
The Boogie Man and his Doll Face.

The Nightmare before Christmas’ Oogie Boogey Man meets Coraline meets the insane and incredible minds of C. Hebert and DJ Krimmer. These authors did an incredible job of both blending pieces from these two stories, and simultaneously of twisting and tweaking things along the way to make it so uniquely their own. This was delightfully dark and perfectly unhinged with just a touch of chaos, and is sure to be your next spooky season obsession!

This book was literally so freaking good that I sat there for a moment after I finished it just contemplating and wishing that I could go back and read it again for the first time. If I could give it more than five stars, I would.

It does end on a doozy of a cliffhanger but I can’t begin to describe how excited I am at the mere idea of a continuation of this story. I’d love to see what Stingy Jack is all about.

Thank you so much to both of the authors for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.

[Lanae (findmeonsmutlane) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I obviously had a vastly different experience reading this than others. And now I'm like, am I missing something?

First off, the plot is confusing af. I get it's going for mystery with all the riddles, but I just found it confusing as hell. At points I felt like I know what was happening, and then I would just get completely lost again.

The bits and pieces taken from nightmare before Christmas and coraline were intriguing. It's why I applied for the arc. And those parts of the books are why I finished it. I did like some of that!

The characters, I just didn't like them at all. Blue was a complete push over. I found her super naive and just, desperate. Desperate for attention and love. Firefly was just a bully. Who then went soft way too quick.

Havoc was interesting. I have no idea what is going on there.

The spice was, interesting. I think because I couldn't connect with the characters, it just felt, Blegh. But you definitely got a good amount.

I probably won't read the next book. I just couldn't get into this.

[manu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was just thinking about this way too much lately and then I remembered the criminal ending.

I need to know if there’s going to be a sequel 😭 the ending left me almost screaming - and yet there’s no sign yet of the second book?!?!? I might start a fight out of thin air if this story isn’t resolved in a year or two 😤

[Jesy Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sexy "retelling" of some of my favorite Halloween films - Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline. I use retelling loosly because while it does include characters and ideas, it is absolutely its own brilliant story. Sometimes reading a story like this can be difficult because there is not much plot or too much dirty. (Yes, I said it.) This book is absolutely not that. There is exactly the right amount of sexy and plot. The sexy bits are perfectly written and not wildly over the top. You will definitely fall in love with these characters and, if you're me, one of them will break your heart. I need my own Boogyman, I'll just add that, also. He's amazing. I also truly love Blue and her love of the dead and weird. I feel like I can understand her and her rat. And Havoc, oh Havoc. Just believe me when I tell you you need to get this book and read it right away.

💚💙

[Vanessa Barbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun!

It had Nightmare Before Christmas vibes mixed with Coraline vibes and I loved every second of it

The world was so unique, the characters were great, the storyline and plot had me absolutely hooked and the smut was smuttyyyyyyyy. I never thought I'd be so hooked on a story about the Boogeyman and his "toy" but here we are!

I can't wait for more. I absolutely devoured this baby and I'll probably read it a solid 10 more times

[Arely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, fast & deranged!

Twisted plot, wild characters and the unhinged energy that keeps you flipping through pages as if life depended on it.
It’s a horror-thriller with just a side dish of “wait, let me reread that because what??”
(Very much a compliment!)

I’m giving it 4 stars as I felt some scenes were a bit rushed or could’ve used a bit more but overall an amazingly good read and I probably wouldn’t have noticed if I wasn’t a nut myself.

❤️

[littlesmuttyone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be the best retelling I loved every second I fell in love with the boogeyman ,I love blue she is special even if she didn't see herself as such .don't get me started on the creator she is evil and disgusting

I see why the boogeyman had so much hate for her. I understand why he wanted her gone . My heart broke from his past and trauma the creator put him through she put all her creations through so much pain

Yes, I did cry a bit. I love blue and the boogeyman. I need more

[Fayplusfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doll Face - C. Hebert & DJ Krimmer @authorc.hebert @djkrimmer

🖤 ARC Review 🖤

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Release date: October 5th 2024

Tropes:

💙Dark Romance
🖤Retelling (Nightmare Before Christmas x Coraline)
💙Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤Spicy spice
💙Virgin FMC/Possessive MMC
🖤Stalking/Obsession
💙Needle Play
🖤Somnophilia

𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐖𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞?

Doll Face is a dark, spooky and spicy retelling which has been inspired by Oogie Boogie from Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline.

I adore both Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline so much and for me, this book was absolute perfection! I love how both authors blended the two worlds together to create one of their own, whilst adding in their own elements too.

I didn’t know what to expect going in to this, but wow! It was just perfection. I am a Dark Romance girlie at heart, so this book was EVERYTHING.

Both the worlds of Dreadmoor and Nightmare are described in a way which feels both magical and creepy - I’d love to delve in to those worlds more!

The banter and relationship between the FMC Dolly and MMC Firefly/Boogeyman was incredible! I loved watching how the relationship between the pair progressed and their interactions with each other.
(I am in love with Bug Daddy).

Havoc was such a fun character - I just loved how she spoke absolute nonsense, was wildly unhinged and hilarious. (She was definitely one of my favourites 😏)

This is such a creative and captivating story and one I absolutely did not want to put down.

And the ending !!!!! It has absolutely got me wanting more! (Sequel?! Pleaaaaase 🙏🏻)

This is the perfect spooky season read and one I highly recommend 🐛🪡

And as always, please check your TW’s before reading 🖤

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ 𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Doll Face
🪡: Releasing October 5

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙖 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚?

In Doll Face, we meet the Boogeyman, Blue, and other creations. The creator, the Spinster, is cruel and bends her creations to her whims.

In the world of nightmares and something in between, the Boogeyman learns just how much is at stake when you play to win but actually have something to lose

Tropes:
🖤 Dark Retelling
🌧️ Grumpy X Sunshine
🤍 Virgin FMC
🎭 Masked un@liver MMC
❤️‍🔥 Instalust
🫂 Forced Proximity
👀 St@lking
🪡 Needle Play
🌶️ Moderate to high
⚠️Check TW/CW

When I first heard about a dark retelling blending elements of The Nightmare Before Christmas (Oogie Boogie) and Coraline, I knew I’ve reached peak Spooky season!

In this story, the authors explore the emotional and physical scars of our main characters, Boogeyman and Blue. The Boogeyman has been hiding himself for his entire existence - his face, his body, his true self. Once he meets Blue, he’s immediately intrigued and quickly obsessed. Blue is pure and innocent and despite living a life without love, is quick to offer it. Has he finally found someone to accept him and see who is beneath the mask?

Doll Face is a wicked fun read with a deliciously dark and twisted romance and playful prose. If you love dark romance with some light st@lking, hot masked un@livers, and *colorful* characters, look no further!

Huge thanks to the authors and RR Book Tours for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review

[theromantasybookcorner._ · Rating 5 out of 5]

•💙💚🖤•
╔.✩. .═══════╗
✨✨𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬✨✨
╚═══════. .✩.╝
🖤💙💚𝘋𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘋𝘑 𝘒𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 ＆ 𝘊. 𝘏𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘵

───────✨☆✨───────

📚📝✨𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊•𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐒✨📝📚
💙𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: 𝙳𝙰𝚁𝙺 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴; 𝚁𝙴𝚃𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶; 𝙽𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙰; 𝙳𝙰𝚁𝙺 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴
💚𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝙾𝙲𝚃𝙾𝙱𝙴𝚁 𝟻𝚃𝙷 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺
╰┈➤𝙰𝚅𝙰𝙸𝙻𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙾𝙽 𝙺𝚄✨
🖤𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐕𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐒: 𝙳𝙰𝚁𝙺; 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻; 𝙼𝚈𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙾𝚄𝚂; 𝚂𝙰𝙳; 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙴; 𝚂𝙿𝙾𝙾𝙺𝚈 𝚂𝙴𝙰𝚂𝙾𝙽 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝙵𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽; 𝚂𝙿𝙸𝙲𝚈; 𝙲𝚁𝙴𝙴𝙿𝚈 𝙸𝙽 𝙰 𝙶𝙾𝙾𝙳 𝚆𝙰𝚈; 𝚃𝙸𝙼 𝙱𝚄𝚁𝚃𝙾𝙽 𝚅𝙸𝙱𝙴𝚂
💙𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑: 𝟸𝟺𝟼 𝙿𝙰𝙶𝙴𝚂
💚𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐘����𝐔 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄: 𝚁𝙴𝚃𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶 𝙾𝙵 𝙽𝙸𝙶𝙷𝚃𝙼𝙰𝚁𝙴 𝙱𝙴𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙴 𝙲𝙷𝚁𝙸𝚂𝚃𝙼𝙰𝚂/𝙲𝙾𝚁𝙰𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙴 𝚆𝙸𝚃𝙷 𝙾𝙾𝙶𝙸𝙴 𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙶𝙸𝙴; 𝙶𝚁𝚄𝙼𝙿𝚈 𝚇 𝚂𝚄𝙽𝚂𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙴; 𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙻𝚄𝚂����; 𝚂𝙿𝙸𝙲𝚈 𝙶𝙰𝙼𝙴𝚂; 𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚂𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙸𝚅𝙴 𝙼𝙼𝙲
🖤𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ || 𝟻
💙𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ || 𝟻

🚨 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄🚨

───────✨☆✨───────

𝑀𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠💭🧐
Thank you so much to @djkrimmer , @authorc.hebert , & @rrbooktours for my review copy of 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞! This review is comprised entirely of my own thoughts & opinions, & is based on the copy I received.

WOW this book was a wild ride from start to finish! I finished this book in two sittings and it was absolutely addictive. I LOVED the combination of The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline! I thought that C. Hebert and DJ Krimmer did such an awesome job of blending these two stories together and having some of the same elements from them while also adding twists to it to make it their own story. Firefly and Blue are just everything!

Blue, our FMC, and Firefly (the Boogeyman), our MMC have such insane chemistry from the first moment their eyes meet. Blue, while quite innocent, does have a spark of defiance in her that I absolutely loved. She went toe to toe with the Boogeyman so many times and held her own and she’s just one of those FMCs you can’t help but admire because of her tenacity. In the beginning, she doesn’t seem herself as worthy of anything - as I read her story I really loved seeing her journey and how she found herself. It was inspiring! Her relationship with the Boogeyman was the epitome of Grumpy x Sunshine and their dynamic was amazing! He was super grumpy and possessive, and then we have Blue who is our innocent, virgin MMC. The tension between them created for some absolutely delicious spice! I loved our MMC as much as I loved our FMC. The Boogeyman has a traumatic backstory behind his actions that is so emotional. You can feel and understand why his feelings towards the creator are so full of revenge and hatred.

I think what I loved most was that even with the twisted nature of this book, which I LOVED, it still packed an emotional punch and created a really captivating narrative that I couldn’t put down. I felt such a connection to the story and the characters and it was so beautifully written!

This ended on a cliffhanger so I’m definitely invested and needing to know what happens next!! I can’t wait for more in this world!

Overall, I definitely recommend this one for your spooky season TBR if you’re into dark romance! It was AMAZING and a super quick read, and seriously so addictive!

➳❥༻💙💚🖤༺➳❥

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️

Dark retelling of Oogie Boogie mixed with Coraline.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favorite movies, so I was really excited to read this book—and I really enjoyed it!

I loved the world and the creepy yet magical feel of the story. Both Dreadmoor and the Land of Nightmares seemed like interesting places, and I would love to explore them more.

The banter between the FMC, Dolly, and the MMC, Boogeyman, was fantastic. Their relationship development was well-written, and I loved how they were able to teach and help each other. Some of their interactions made me giggle.

The side characters were also great, and I’d love to learn more about them. I especially loved Havoc with her nonsensical chatter and rhymes.

I can’t wait to read more!



I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure how to drescribe just how much I enjoyed this read! It’s quirky and unique with an interesting and captivating plot plus the perfect balance of spooky and spice!

The story drew me into this chaotic world of fantasy and games where nightmares hunt and the Creator of all has a hook in her toys. But not Blue. She’s looking for her place in this new world and on the way names her Firefly, learns of betrayal and fights for more than herself.

I love the chemistry the two MC’s share and there’s some fun banter between the side characters. And the boogeyman’s thoughts on Blue’s somewhat decomposing Mr Whiskers gave me a giggle!!

[Anatasia McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fix....that....ending....IMMEDIATELY. that is absolutely CRIMINAL.
I'm ignoring every single red flag in this book. Every single one.
It's a nightmare before Christmas and coralline mash up. Do what you will with this information as sane and dollface will not be found in the same sentence. .
This is such a short read but it packs a punch and the emphasis on dark content needs to be said here.
There were parts that should have had my skin crawling...not going mmmmmm that's not bad.
The MMC is just divine... but who doesn't love the boogeyman am I right?
Check your warnings. And enjoying

[Cyd Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold onto your buttons, because *Doll Face* stitches together a wickedly delightful nightmare where shadows don't just linger—they seduce. Imagine Coraline’s dark whimsy colliding headfirst with the eerie charm of Oogie Boogie, and you've got yourself this mash-up of spooky goodness, complete with banter that cuts and spice that sizzles.

The Boogeyman? Oh, he's not hiding under your bed this time—he's the smooth-talking, nightmare-inducing villain-turned-desire you didn't know you needed. His promises are both a thrill and a threat, pulling our button-eyed protagonist into a love so twisted and tantalizing, you might find yourself rooting for the villain (don’t worry, it’s a safe space here).

The world itself is pure, chaotic nightmare fuel, where each page flips between the shivers of a haunted carnival and the heat of a dark romance. It's equal parts terrifying and deliciously entertaining, kind of like dipping your toe into the darkness and wondering if you should just dive right in.

Hebert and Krimmer masterfully blend the familiar and the fearsome into a tale where trust is fragile, and every step could lead to doom or desire. So if you're looking for a read that's quirky, a little dangerous, and a whole lot of spicy, *Doll Face* will leave you haunted... and wanting more.

Just, you know, don’t trust everything your button eyes see.

[lindseysbooklore · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️

Spicy little meatball of a quick read.

Nightmare Before Christmas x Oogey Boogey Man
Coraline Retelling

Perfect for the Spooky Szn!!

I really enjoyed this read, I found it fun, and exciting & it gave the me the feels just like the movies did. I thought the good reinvention of the characters was pretty smart. Wasn’t fussy on Firefly as the nickname, but what odds. Still a great read. One I’ll definitely recommend. It was such a vibe; freak show, circus, chaos and taking a gamble. Devoured it in a day!

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shall we play a game?
Amid the suffocating embrace of night, I stumble upon him, a beacon of light. The boogeyman, a seductive terror, Whispers haunting promises, cruel and fair. Eyes that glint with otherworldly fire, in his grasp, I’m consumed by dark desire. A love twisted and sickening sweet, tangled in the depths of darkness, where nightmares meet. Should I trust my button eyes, Or should I doubt them and follow my firefly? #checkyourtriggers #darkretelling #stalking #obsession #maskedkiller #grumpyxsunshine #morallygray #spicygames #enemiestolovers

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh

I fear I have an unpopular opinion when it comes to this book…I would have been fine not reading it. The premise is super cool, but the follow through was not. The book was 80% spice, which don’t get me wrong, love spice as much as the next girl, but fell short on actual plot. I figured out the “twist” pretty early on, so the ending was underwhelming in my opinion.

Obviously I finished it in 3 days so it’s not boring, but I don’t see myself reading the next book when it comes out.

[KayCee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure what I expected, this was even better than I could have imagined. Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this one ! This is my first time reading anything by DJ Krimmer definitely going to be looking into more of her books. I cannot wait to see what comes next

[Andrea Durbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is literally my favorite read of the year! Its creepy, hott af, and got some funny moments. I absolutely loved it! I can't wait to read more! I need moree! That ending gave me chillssss! 10/10 🙌👏

[Kristen's Fantasy Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spooky Season Romance !

The authors weave an intriguing tale.

I admit I wasn't a hundred percent sure if this book would be my cup of tea even though I love the author.

This book is so much more than a sexy retelling mashup of coralline and Oogey Boogey. It has everything you think you will get and an intriguing story too.

The story gets better as it goes building momentum on itself.

Souls entwined by threads of fate.

[laureadswhat · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Pretty girl, you’ll find that most beautiful things in this world are dangerous. The more alluring they are, the deadlier they can be. Beauty is danger. The two cannot exist without the other.”

[κris ☄ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. I expected this to be another trashy book, but lo and behold, it is fucking not. I need the sequel!

[Amanda | romandasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a sexy and twisted little book but I did not realize it ended on a cliffhanger wtfffffff! justice for Mr. Whiskers!!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
The plot for this one was a little confusing at times, but still a spicy read.

[Lani Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good!! Spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I hope there’s a sequel I need more! I had the privilege of being a ARC reader and I’m so glad I got to read this! Perfect for spooky season and who doesn’t love boogeyman!😜

[Bumble.Bees.Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle UP witches. You are in for an amazing technicolor wild @$$ ride with this one. This nightmare before Christmas meets coraline retelling is EVERYTHING I ever needed and more. First off you meet the FMC blue and she is just timid and doesn’t know why she was created, and looking for purpose. Enter the MMC who she was made PERFECTLY for. Their chemistry is OFF THE CHARTS hot. I loved every single delicious dark minute of this book and I am on my KNEES begging for more PLEASE CYN & DJ. If you need a Halloween spooky read. GET THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY.

[Stephanie Vicente · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a deliciously fun and dark read. I loved reading every second of it and loved how unique it was as well. I had a great time reading this

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

I got this as an ARC. I absolutely loved this book! I really loved all of the characters in this book! This book is so wild!! 

Doll Face is a spicy, dark retelling of Caroline and Oogie Boogie from The Nightmare Before Christmas.