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Dancing with the Headless Horseman
Eleanor Carver knew the risks of leaving the house on Hallows Eve. All women in Autumntun did. However, to escape an arranged marriage, she has no choice but to flee on Hallows Eve.
Osiris did not trust humans. More specifically, he feared them. So when an accident brings him face to face with a human woman, he must face his fears head-on. But can he ignore the feelings beginning to blossom in his chest?
Dancing with the Headless Horseman is a spooky, sweet & spicy, Halloween monster romance novella.
Osiris did not trust humans. More specifically, he feared them. So when an accident brings him face to face with a human woman, he must face his fears head-on. But can he ignore the feelings beginning to blossom in his chest?
Dancing with the Headless Horseman is a spooky, sweet & spicy, Halloween monster romance novella.
172 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2024
52 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Elena H. Covens
8 books51 followersElena H. Covens writes books about fantasy, mystery and romance. Her debut novel, A Crown of Aconite, will make her the fourth Author in her family.
Although most of her nights are spent writing steamy romance about dangerous men, during the day she stays focused on her career working her 9-5 office job.
Elena H. Covens aspires to write worlds to escape to, and characters to fall in love with.
Although most of her nights are spent writing steamy romance about dangerous men, during the day she stays focused on her career working her 9-5 office job.
Elena H. Covens aspires to write worlds to escape to, and characters to fall in love with.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
October 15, 2024
well, he has everything i look for in a man. sweet, shy, caring…with shadows to play😏😏
i love halloween season, keep these books coming pls😋
“You are beautiful,” came his deep baritone voice, just the same as always.
Eleanor’s shoulders shook with a laugh. “You cannot even see me, how could you know such things? Or, can you see?”
“I do not need eyes to see your beauty. I can sense it in my being, as if it were a truth woven into the very stars we dance under.”
i love halloween season, keep these books coming pls😋
“You are beautiful,” came his deep baritone voice, just the same as always.
Eleanor’s shoulders shook with a laugh. “You cannot even see me, how could you know such things? Or, can you see?”
“I do not need eyes to see your beauty. I can sense it in my being, as if it were a truth woven into the very stars we dance under.”
October 13, 2024
he spent almost all his coins buying her a custom porcelain music box with little pumpkins all over it and a figurine of her dancing with him and surrounded by his shadows because:
“every coin in his possession was worth it if, even for a moment, he could capture her beauty.”
🥹😭
↪ ★★★½ stars
↪ ★★★½ stars
November 10, 2024
2.5
“Eleonor. Would you care to dance with me ? ”
Me pudo la portada. No me escondo.
"It is a small price to pay to feel less like a monster".
Lo he leído conjuntamente con mi amiga de estas redes, Mary. En cuanto a la historia en sí, no es nada del otro mundo. Me ha entretenido, pero basta. Me ha gustado la prosa de la autora. Al mismo tiempo siento que me esperaba otro tipo de historia.
“How wonderful is it that we can still experience something as innocent as love? ”
“Eleonor. Would you care to dance with me ? ”
Me pudo la portada. No me escondo.
"It is a small price to pay to feel less like a monster".
Lo he leído conjuntamente con mi amiga de estas redes, Mary. En cuanto a la historia en sí, no es nada del otro mundo. Me ha entretenido, pero basta. Me ha gustado la prosa de la autora. Al mismo tiempo siento que me esperaba otro tipo de historia.
“How wonderful is it that we can still experience something as innocent as love? ”
November 1, 2024
“I do not need eyes to see your beauty. I can sense it in my being, as if it were the truth woven into the very stars we dance under.”
“You Symphony,” he swore, “own my very soul. You own everything that I am.”
Awwwww! He was such a sweetheart!! 🥹💗
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼/𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓔𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
🎃 Halloween
🎃 Monster x Human
🎃 Historical Romance
🎃 Feisty FMC
🎃 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🎃 He calls her “Symphony”
🎃 Shadows
🎃 “Who did this to you?”
𝓘𝓷𝓯𝓸:
Dual 3rd person POV
Domestic abuse
Mentions of ED
Mentions of kidnapping
No ow drama
Slight om drama (see note)
No cheating
Both virgins (see note)
Open door spice
Primal play
No third-act breakup
Epilogue (1 yr later)
HEA
OMD — h was arranged to be married but ran away. She never even met the guy.
History — No information on the h, but due to the time period and how she said no one was interested in her, I think she’s a virgin. H had no memory of before he lost his head (a long time ago), but I’d say he’s a virgin too.
“You Symphony,” he swore, “own my very soul. You own everything that I am.”
Awwwww! He was such a sweetheart!! 🥹💗
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼/𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓔𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
🎃 Halloween
🎃 Monster x Human
🎃 Historical Romance
🎃 Feisty FMC
🎃 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🎃 He calls her “Symphony”
🎃 Shadows
🎃 “Who did this to you?”
𝓘𝓷𝓯𝓸:
Dual 3rd person POV
Domestic abuse
Mentions of ED
Mentions of kidnapping
No ow drama
Slight om drama (see note)
No cheating
Both virgins (see note)
Open door spice
Primal play
No third-act breakup
Epilogue (1 yr later)
HEA
OMD — h was arranged to be married but ran away. She never even met the guy.
History — No information on the h, but due to the time period and how she said no one was interested in her, I think she’s a virgin. H had no memory of before he lost his head (a long time ago), but I’d say he’s a virgin too.
October 3, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Osiris is the sweetest shy boy and I adore him. He had a lot of trauma surrounding his appearance and people’s reactions to it. He and Eleanor had a little meet disaster. She had trauma from a lifetime of being abused by her uncle and seeing most men in her life keeping women down. She had learned to bite her tongue. Osiris’ gentleness gave her a safe place to truly be herself and not be controlled the way she had been her whole life. She helped Osiris gain some confidence that allowed him to more fully be a part of his world without changing his introverted nature.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: domestic abuse including of child, eating disorder, mentions of kidnapping, social isolation, violence, blood, murder (very brief), misogyny (not from MMC)
Osiris is the sweetest shy boy and I adore him. He had a lot of trauma surrounding his appearance and people’s reactions to it. He and Eleanor had a little meet disaster. She had trauma from a lifetime of being abused by her uncle and seeing most men in her life keeping women down. She had learned to bite her tongue. Osiris’ gentleness gave her a safe place to truly be herself and not be controlled the way she had been her whole life. She helped Osiris gain some confidence that allowed him to more fully be a part of his world without changing his introverted nature.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: domestic abuse including of child, eating disorder, mentions of kidnapping, social isolation, violence, blood, murder (very brief), misogyny (not from MMC)
October 7, 2024
This was mostly cute, but honestly most of my stars go to Osiris, I loved him so much 🥺
The spicy scene and exploration scene felt a bit disjointed from the rest of the story and the uncle coming back towards the end was really...not necessary but overall still enjoyable. 🥰
*Marking as spoiler just because I mentioned the reappearance of the uncle.
The spicy scene and exploration scene felt a bit disjointed from the rest of the story and the uncle coming back towards the end was really...not necessary but overall still enjoyable. 🥰
*Marking as spoiler just because I mentioned the reappearance of the uncle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
This was so CUTE 🥹
October 26, 2024
Keep these novellas coming pls🙏🏼😩
October 10, 2024
4.5 stars
"I do not need eyes to see your beauty. I can sense it in my being, as if it were a truth woven into the very stars we dance under."
OMG Can I have Osiris for myself? PLEASE?? I love him. He's so sweet and shy and lovely. All the things he did for Eleanor so she would feel more comfortable....major swoons. I felt so bad for him when he mentioned being worried about scaring others with how he looks.
The spice felt a bit disconnected to the story but I still enjoyed it. The whole book he was sort of this innocent, shy character and did a complete 180 during the spice scene. Again, I enjoyed it but I would have liked to see more of a build up/learning curve between them both. Especially because she was also a virgin.
BUT THERE IS A CHASING SCENE. I almost fell out of my chair when I read him saying "RUN".
If you're looking for a sweet and romantic book with major spooky season vibes this is a great one!
"I do not need eyes to see your beauty. I can sense it in my being, as if it were a truth woven into the very stars we dance under."
OMG Can I have Osiris for myself? PLEASE?? I love him. He's so sweet and shy and lovely. All the things he did for Eleanor so she would feel more comfortable....major swoons. I felt so bad for him when he mentioned being worried about scaring others with how he looks.
The spice felt a bit disconnected to the story but I still enjoyed it. The whole book he was sort of this innocent, shy character and did a complete 180 during the spice scene. Again, I enjoyed it but I would have liked to see more of a build up/learning curve between them both. Especially because she was also a virgin.
BUT THERE IS A CHASING SCENE. I almost fell out of my chair when I read him saying "RUN".
If you're looking for a sweet and romantic book with major spooky season vibes this is a great one!
October 2, 2024
Anytime I see a Sleepy Hollow inspired romance, I’m obligated to read it. I don’t make the rules!!! But in all seriousness, I knew I wanted to read Elena H. Covens book the minute I saw the blurb and associated tropes. What I didn’t expect is to be so moved by this paranormal romance novella. Aside from the spooky, smutty scenes, Dancing with the Headless Horseman is really a social commentary on patriarchy, misogyny, fatphobia, and disordered eating. In exploring these serious topics, I found myself even more engaged with the characters, relating to both the FMC (Eleanor) and the MMC (Osiris). Both are othered, by themselves and those around them. Watching the self-doubt fester, and later dissipate following feats of personal growth and development, were incredibly rewarding. I also loved the writing style, which kept me entranced and wanting more.
October 31, 2025
I'm sorry, why was this novella so cute and adorable?! I didn't expect it to make me laugh or tug on my heartstrings as much as it did!
Eleanor and Osiris were just perfect, I could see myself in both of them. I loved the introduction of the side characters and I'm excited to see who will get a book next. Please be Elias though, I need more!
I just wish this novella was a full length novel, I could have read another 150 pages about these two 😍
I'm so glad I ended my October reads with this delight. Completely blindsided me and I'm so glad I found it!
Eleanor and Osiris were just perfect, I could see myself in both of them. I loved the introduction of the side characters and I'm excited to see who will get a book next. Please be Elias though, I need more!
I just wish this novella was a full length novel, I could have read another 150 pages about these two 😍
I'm so glad I ended my October reads with this delight. Completely blindsided me and I'm so glad I found it!
April 22, 2025
A touching and emotional love story about accepting the different and going against the patriarchy. The characters were loveable, and the MMC was the sweetest and most gentle being! The FMC was feisty and the perfect lady for the Headless Horseman. There was humor, too. Loved it!
March 15, 2025
This was so cute, I loved it!
October 3, 2024
Thank you to this author for this arc!
This book makes me want to read more sleepy hollow retelling. Dancing wig the headless horseman was so cute, atmospheric and the perfect novella to read for this spooky season.
In the town of Autumnum women must be indoors at a certain time on Hallows Eve or else the headless horseman will kidnap you. But when you’re desperate to leave your mean uncle and escape an arranged marriage that you had no say in running away is the best choice. That’s exactly what Eleanor does.
Osiris doesn’t remember how he lost his head and got his shadows but he does know he’s afraid of humans. He runs into a human woman and decides to help her.
I really enjoyed this cute novella and really like the authors writing style I hope she continues to write cozy spooky stories.
This book makes me want to read more sleepy hollow retelling. Dancing wig the headless horseman was so cute, atmospheric and the perfect novella to read for this spooky season.
In the town of Autumnum women must be indoors at a certain time on Hallows Eve or else the headless horseman will kidnap you. But when you’re desperate to leave your mean uncle and escape an arranged marriage that you had no say in running away is the best choice. That’s exactly what Eleanor does.
Osiris doesn’t remember how he lost his head and got his shadows but he does know he’s afraid of humans. He runs into a human woman and decides to help her.
I really enjoyed this cute novella and really like the authors writing style I hope she continues to write cozy spooky stories.
September 28, 2024
I am so incredibly honored to have received a copy of this book from the author. Dancing With The Headless Horseman is the perfect read to kick off the Halloween season so grab a pumpkin spiced latte and take an evening to relax and read this super cute retelling of the Headless Horseman story! 🎃👻💀 This is my first book I have read from Elena Covens and it won’t be my last because I truly love the writing style. Eleanor is an incredible character and she is so brave. I love that she runs away from an unwanted marriage and crosses paths with The Headless Horseman (aka Osiris). As for Osiris he truly is such an amazing and incredible guy who is so thoughtful. I loved everything about this and thought it was such a fun short story to read!
October 3, 2024
This book is perfect for this spooky season! What a cute and cozy fantasy, the "retelling" of the Headless Horseman is amazing!
In such a short novella you get a full story, it is crafted perfectly to fit those 161 pages. The backstory of Eleanor introduces the plot from one perspective but getting to know the character already tells us that there's something more.
I'm completely in love with Osiris, I felt his insecurities and pain so deeply, he just wanted to feel safe and not be perceived as evil. Impossible to think of him as a monster, he is such a pure-hearted character, that you like him immediately.
The shadows and the chemistry between the MCs are "chef's kiss" perfection. I want to keep reading about this world and how is being rebuilt.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
In such a short novella you get a full story, it is crafted perfectly to fit those 161 pages. The backstory of Eleanor introduces the plot from one perspective but getting to know the character already tells us that there's something more.
I'm completely in love with Osiris, I felt his insecurities and pain so deeply, he just wanted to feel safe and not be perceived as evil. Impossible to think of him as a monster, he is such a pure-hearted character, that you like him immediately.
The shadows and the chemistry between the MCs are "chef's kiss" perfection. I want to keep reading about this world and how is being rebuilt.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
October 1, 2024
This is my first book by Elena Covens and I was very pleased.
I have always been a sucker for a good Headless Horseman retelling and I was drawn to this book the moment I saw it.
In the town of Autumntun, the mysterious legend of the Headless Horseman snatching women in Hallow’s Eve had the town under a curfew. Most importantly, the women. Eleanor is a spirited young woman who is under the charge of a very sinister Uncle who seeks to marry her off to secure his place in society.
Eleanor, not wanting to be in a loveless marriage decides to let fate decide as she runs away and smack into the infamous, Headless Horseman (named Osiris). The question remains as to whether Eleanor’s life has reached its turning point or its end.
This is the perfect story for romance readers who love the spooky-feel of a good Halloween story, while they enjoy their pumpkin spice chai latte without the added gore and hardcore violence. This is a sweet, comforting love story with spice. So, if you want a warm, cuddly, comfort read with individuals from two different world that find their home in each other, this is definitely the book for you.
I thought it was amazing and an excellent start to my reading this spooky season.
Happy Reading!
I have always been a sucker for a good Headless Horseman retelling and I was drawn to this book the moment I saw it.
In the town of Autumntun, the mysterious legend of the Headless Horseman snatching women in Hallow’s Eve had the town under a curfew. Most importantly, the women. Eleanor is a spirited young woman who is under the charge of a very sinister Uncle who seeks to marry her off to secure his place in society.
Eleanor, not wanting to be in a loveless marriage decides to let fate decide as she runs away and smack into the infamous, Headless Horseman (named Osiris). The question remains as to whether Eleanor’s life has reached its turning point or its end.
This is the perfect story for romance readers who love the spooky-feel of a good Halloween story, while they enjoy their pumpkin spice chai latte without the added gore and hardcore violence. This is a sweet, comforting love story with spice. So, if you want a warm, cuddly, comfort read with individuals from two different world that find their home in each other, this is definitely the book for you.
I thought it was amazing and an excellent start to my reading this spooky season.
Happy Reading!
October 19, 2024
2.5-2.75/5 ⭐️⭐️✨
i finally find something to read for the spooky season, and tbh it wasn’t all that sadly. I LOVED THE COVER ART 🥹❤️🔥, but everything else was kind of forgettable 🫣🫢…
Our mmc was a sunshine character and I liked that considering his situation. It wasn’t overly spicy, only 2 chapters if I remember correctly?!. And when it did get spicy, it did feel like I was reading a different book ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It is only a short book though, I didn’t want to DNF it, so I just powered through. It can easily be read in an hour or two, but I took a tad longer due to reading other books atm.
I mainly rated it for its cover, our hero, and the mild spice. It wasn’t that exciting for me sadly, but at least I tried it 👍🏻.
• tropes/genres •
🧡paranormal romance
📖novella
💪🏻strong fmc
🥹cinnamon roll mmc
🎃headless horseman retelling
🌶spicy (mild)
👥dual 3rd person pov
👰♀️runaway bride heroine
🙏🏻HEA guarantee
i finally find something to read for the spooky season, and tbh it wasn’t all that sadly. I LOVED THE COVER ART 🥹❤️🔥, but everything else was kind of forgettable 🫣🫢…
Our mmc was a sunshine character and I liked that considering his situation. It wasn’t overly spicy, only 2 chapters if I remember correctly?!. And when it did get spicy, it did feel like I was reading a different book ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It is only a short book though, I didn’t want to DNF it, so I just powered through. It can easily be read in an hour or two, but I took a tad longer due to reading other books atm.
I mainly rated it for its cover, our hero, and the mild spice. It wasn’t that exciting for me sadly, but at least I tried it 👍🏻.
• tropes/genres •
🧡paranormal romance
📖novella
💪🏻strong fmc
🥹cinnamon roll mmc
🎃headless horseman retelling
🌶spicy (mild)
👥dual 3rd person pov
👰♀️runaway bride heroine
🙏🏻HEA guarantee
September 8, 2025
5 ⭐️
I ATE THIS UP!!
I’m now going to assume that every book I read from Elena is gonna be a winner cause her writing style immediately draws me in, the way she weaves a story together even if it’s only a novella is perfect for me!!
AND I LOVE ME A GENTLE GIANT UGHHH (cough cough Osiris 👀)
I NEED MORE PLEASE 😭🩵
I ATE THIS UP!!
I’m now going to assume that every book I read from Elena is gonna be a winner cause her writing style immediately draws me in, the way she weaves a story together even if it’s only a novella is perfect for me!!
AND I LOVE ME A GENTLE GIANT UGHHH (cough cough Osiris 👀)
I NEED MORE PLEASE 😭🩵
October 22, 2024
⭐️4.75⭐️
This was SO WHOLESOME and I absolutely ate this book up. Osiris with his gentle and caring nature just melted my heart, and Eleanor, wild and feisty, was so much fun. They were the perfect pairing. This story was just so adorable and absolutely perfect for Halloween. I read the whole thing in one sitting and I will be reading any of the books that come next. I can’t even explain how cute this was - it was just what I needed.
This was SO WHOLESOME and I absolutely ate this book up. Osiris with his gentle and caring nature just melted my heart, and Eleanor, wild and feisty, was so much fun. They were the perfect pairing. This story was just so adorable and absolutely perfect for Halloween. I read the whole thing in one sitting and I will be reading any of the books that come next. I can’t even explain how cute this was - it was just what I needed.
February 26, 2025
This had no business being as cute, sweet and spicey as it was. I grabbed it on stuff your kindle day with no expectations. Who knew the headless horseman would be a combination of pookie and shadow daddy. I honestly loved this and the characters were so likeable. A fun and endearing spooky story I will definitely be reading more from this author.
October 17, 2024
Cute and spicy Halloween romance. Enjoyed the headless horseman retelling. Perfect October read.
November 21, 2024
I really enjoyed the story and the character where amazing.
September 23, 2025
3.75⭐️
Such a fun read perfect for this time of year!
Such a fun read perfect for this time of year!
September 25, 2024
osiris el único hombre que resuelve 💐💗😭
October 28, 2024
Menudo churro.
October 17, 2024
⭐⭐⭐.5
This was cute but some parts felt rushed to me and the smut could use a little work but it was a sweet and adorable read!
PLOT:
Osiris the headless horseman is out on a ride returning to his area when he encounters and accidentally injures Eleanor, a woman on the run from a forced marriage and her evil uncle. He takes her in but won't let her look at him and when she does, they make a pact - stay for 30 days and he'll take her to safety....
THOUGHTS:
- Osiris was SO CUTE! OMG total cinnamon roll sweetie who just wants to make her happy and feel safe. He knows he's threatening looking and he's doing his best to keep her calm. The shadows were a great touch and it was nice to see an innocent male lead who needs a little nudge.
- I liked Eleanor at first but she kind of wore on me after a while (I know, everyone loves her but I just did not). She comes across as a long suffering and dutiful niece and then she kinda switched to being this standoffish, aggressive, kind of bratty lead? Like when she's talking to the baker she's all reserved etc. and when she's found by Osiris she's all "I'll beat you to death with this poker, evil monster who did nothing but be kind to me and save my life" ugh.
- I kind of expected Eleanor and Osiris to be both innocent and it kind of throw me that they both weren't. Like she's all offended he offers her "pleasure" but is not a virgin and totally gets off on the shadows right away. Like make up your mind. Also, I found it jarring that Osiris went from "what is sex?" to let me chase you and fuck you rough in the forest lol? I feel like a bit more smut and foreplay could have been helpful here.
- I really enjoyed the writing style but I wish it was longer!! I wanted more relationshop development, interaction with Osirisis's friends and more smut. Also, no spoilers but I wasnt crazy about the abrupt end. Like we go from smut to oh xxxyx happens, I'm in danger and it's all over. I would have liked to see more and how they grow as a couple and acclimate to like in the magical village together.
This was cute but some parts felt rushed to me and the smut could use a little work but it was a sweet and adorable read!
PLOT:
Osiris the headless horseman is out on a ride returning to his area when he encounters and accidentally injures Eleanor, a woman on the run from a forced marriage and her evil uncle. He takes her in but won't let her look at him and when she does, they make a pact - stay for 30 days and he'll take her to safety....
THOUGHTS:
- Osiris was SO CUTE! OMG total cinnamon roll sweetie who just wants to make her happy and feel safe. He knows he's threatening looking and he's doing his best to keep her calm. The shadows were a great touch and it was nice to see an innocent male lead who needs a little nudge.
- I liked Eleanor at first but she kind of wore on me after a while (I know, everyone loves her but I just did not). She comes across as a long suffering and dutiful niece and then she kinda switched to being this standoffish, aggressive, kind of bratty lead? Like when she's talking to the baker she's all reserved etc. and when she's found by Osiris she's all "I'll beat you to death with this poker, evil monster who did nothing but be kind to me and save my life" ugh.
- I kind of expected Eleanor and Osiris to be both innocent and it kind of throw me that they both weren't. Like she's all offended he offers her "pleasure" but is not a virgin and totally gets off on the shadows right away. Like make up your mind. Also, I found it jarring that Osiris went from "what is sex?" to let me chase you and fuck you rough in the forest lol? I feel like a bit more smut and foreplay could have been helpful here.
- I really enjoyed the writing style but I wish it was longer!! I wanted more relationshop development, interaction with Osirisis's friends and more smut. Also, no spoilers but I wasnt crazy about the abrupt end. Like we go from smut to oh xxxyx happens, I'm in danger and it's all over. I would have liked to see more and how they grow as a couple and acclimate to like in the magical village together.
September 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this short read! The headless horseman is super underrated and this was so pure and sexy! Is he a shadow daddy? In this story YES
I liked Eleanor’s strong will and refusal to be just a wife in this time period. It’s kinda old tyme setting so think long dresses and Lords and Barons. Her cruel uncle is trying to wed her off for his own gain so she runs away.
The town has lore around the Headless Horseman, that he kidnaps women especially on Hallows Eve.
When she encounters him, she is scared but soon learns there’s more to him than his looks. Osiris is gentle, kind, insecure, selfless, respectful and loves to 🪴
He doesn’t even need food but he gardens for joy and gives all his food to the local orphanage! It’s honestly the sweetest thing!
The paranormal town is a secret enclave and they are fearful of humans, while the townsfolk of Autumntun are also fearful of them. They want to protect their secret to keep their beings safe
Eleanor must stay with Osiris until the next harvest and then he will sneak her back to her world. She learns that he doesn’t intend to control her and use her like any every other man, he respects her boundaries, and is very much inexperienced and naive. Also very cute, he mistakes what it means to receive pleasure and accidentally asks her for sex. I was laughing 😂
They start to form an attachment, freedom to let love grow. He is so protective and caring of her, makes her pancakes- this is important because she is body shamed for eating and enjoying sweets- and buys her dresses. He also gets her a music box and creates a scene for them to dance because she says she doesn’t even get to dance unless a man says she can.
It was just so sweet and wholesome and I would love to know what those shadows do!
I liked Eleanor’s strong will and refusal to be just a wife in this time period. It’s kinda old tyme setting so think long dresses and Lords and Barons. Her cruel uncle is trying to wed her off for his own gain so she runs away.
The town has lore around the Headless Horseman, that he kidnaps women especially on Hallows Eve.
When she encounters him, she is scared but soon learns there’s more to him than his looks. Osiris is gentle, kind, insecure, selfless, respectful and loves to 🪴
He doesn’t even need food but he gardens for joy and gives all his food to the local orphanage! It’s honestly the sweetest thing!
The paranormal town is a secret enclave and they are fearful of humans, while the townsfolk of Autumntun are also fearful of them. They want to protect their secret to keep their beings safe
Eleanor must stay with Osiris until the next harvest and then he will sneak her back to her world. She learns that he doesn’t intend to control her and use her like any every other man, he respects her boundaries, and is very much inexperienced and naive. Also very cute, he mistakes what it means to receive pleasure and accidentally asks her for sex. I was laughing 😂
They start to form an attachment, freedom to let love grow. He is so protective and caring of her, makes her pancakes- this is important because she is body shamed for eating and enjoying sweets- and buys her dresses. He also gets her a music box and creates a scene for them to dance because she says she doesn’t even get to dance unless a man says she can.
It was just so sweet and wholesome and I would love to know what those shadows do!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2024
Honestly? I’m in love
I was very skeptic about this one honestly, short page count? Under 200 pages? To me equals rushed romance plus a bunch of unnecessary porn minus decent world building
Well, I guess my new moto is: don’t judge a book by the amount of pages it has lol
The first thing I need to appreciate is Osiris of course. Many romance books fail to portray a MMC as his own being with his own flaws, thoughts and drives. It’s very common to see a MMC that just feel like they’re there to lift MFC or to seek her out, to make her feel good or simply to enlighten HER character. The MMC feels shallow and unimportant that way.
But Osiris was his own character, with drives and fears. He was caring, kind, almost delicate in nature, but that never made him less of a strong male character in anyway. He was protective of his people first, then as he got to know her, Eleonor, and that felt real, compelling, human: and therefore, relatable, and I believe that’s what most authors strive for.
Eleonor was strong headed and free spirited but she was not brutal, she apologized when she thought she overstepped but never cowered when she thought she was wronged. I wish we had more time with her village, to understand more deeply how things worked in her life, her relationships and more. But given how her romance with Osiris was written it didn’t feel too much like a necessity.
It was an excellent read, and I definitely recommend. This author just got themselves a new fan, and I would devour a whole 500 pages about this couple.
I was very skeptic about this one honestly, short page count? Under 200 pages? To me equals rushed romance plus a bunch of unnecessary porn minus decent world building
Well, I guess my new moto is: don’t judge a book by the amount of pages it has lol
The first thing I need to appreciate is Osiris of course. Many romance books fail to portray a MMC as his own being with his own flaws, thoughts and drives. It’s very common to see a MMC that just feel like they’re there to lift MFC or to seek her out, to make her feel good or simply to enlighten HER character. The MMC feels shallow and unimportant that way.
But Osiris was his own character, with drives and fears. He was caring, kind, almost delicate in nature, but that never made him less of a strong male character in anyway. He was protective of his people first, then as he got to know her, Eleonor, and that felt real, compelling, human: and therefore, relatable, and I believe that’s what most authors strive for.
Eleonor was strong headed and free spirited but she was not brutal, she apologized when she thought she overstepped but never cowered when she thought she was wronged. I wish we had more time with her village, to understand more deeply how things worked in her life, her relationships and more. But given how her romance with Osiris was written it didn’t feel too much like a necessity.
It was an excellent read, and I definitely recommend. This author just got themselves a new fan, and I would devour a whole 500 pages about this couple.
January 6, 2025
It's a cute novella ngl. There's not much to explore, but I liked the idea of a shy Headless Horseman.
I feel like the story had some highlights, but I think it lacked a bit of planning in the order of the scenes in the story.
I felt like I was reading several short stories at the same time. When the explicit scenes come, it's very different from the rest.
I think this more faithful side of Osiris to the original character (the idea that he Headless Horseman seeks a bride) needed to be explored more before throwing a primal play scene abruptly into the story.
And his shadows are a bit out of character for me. There are already a lot of shadow people in other fantasy books, and I think the Headless Horseman has many other original qualities without needing shadows.
I also felt like so much time passed in a short span of pages. The passage of a month in just a few pages needs to be well done, and adding to this disconnection of scenes, it was a bit strange.
The end was a bit bland for me, as I'm not the type of person to like the "we need to stand together and learn to live with our differences!" cliché. I guess I'd rather have a more deep conversation than just expecting opposite groups to love each other out of nowhere.
It was a nice story to read, but it lacked a bit more consistency in the characters overall.
I feel like the story had some highlights, but I think it lacked a bit of planning in the order of the scenes in the story.
I felt like I was reading several short stories at the same time. When the explicit scenes come, it's very different from the rest.
I think this more faithful side of Osiris to the original character (the idea that he Headless Horseman seeks a bride) needed to be explored more before throwing a primal play scene abruptly into the story.
And his shadows are a bit out of character for me. There are already a lot of shadow people in other fantasy books, and I think the Headless Horseman has many other original qualities without needing shadows.
I also felt like so much time passed in a short span of pages. The passage of a month in just a few pages needs to be well done, and adding to this disconnection of scenes, it was a bit strange.
The end was a bit bland for me, as I'm not the type of person to like the "we need to stand together and learn to live with our differences!" cliché. I guess I'd rather have a more deep conversation than just expecting opposite groups to love each other out of nowhere.
It was a nice story to read, but it lacked a bit more consistency in the characters overall.
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