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Headless Hollow
Like the witch and Headless Horseman, it has always been you, Izzy, who’s controlled the strings of my heart. Very soon, you’ll know the lengths I’ll go to own yours.
Nothing much happens in a sleepy little town like mine. At least that is what I think until one night everything changes. People are disappearing at an alarming rate, but even more disturbing is how they end up on my table. I’m a coroner and no stranger to death, but even I wasn’t ready for the twisted game this killer plays.
It turns personal when I awake to a gift and a note that says, He who wins a thousand common hearts is therefore entitled to some renown, but he who keeps undisputed sway over the heart of a coquette is indeed a hero. I know the Washington Irving quote well. Sleepy Hollow is one of my very favorite stories, or it was until real life and fiction began to blur. Now, I don’t know what is real anymore.
The only person I can trust is Detective Crane, a long-time friend, and my high school crush. As sparks kindle between Branson and me, the bodies pile up faster, and the killer becomes bolder. I now fear that I’ve landed us both in the killer’s crosshairs. One thing is something dark has been unleashed, and I’m the object of his affection.
Nothing could prepare me for the deranged desire that is ignited inside of me or the truth that turns my town into Headless Hollow.
Nothing much happens in a sleepy little town like mine. At least that is what I think until one night everything changes. People are disappearing at an alarming rate, but even more disturbing is how they end up on my table. I’m a coroner and no stranger to death, but even I wasn’t ready for the twisted game this killer plays.
It turns personal when I awake to a gift and a note that says, He who wins a thousand common hearts is therefore entitled to some renown, but he who keeps undisputed sway over the heart of a coquette is indeed a hero. I know the Washington Irving quote well. Sleepy Hollow is one of my very favorite stories, or it was until real life and fiction began to blur. Now, I don’t know what is real anymore.
The only person I can trust is Detective Crane, a long-time friend, and my high school crush. As sparks kindle between Branson and me, the bodies pile up faster, and the killer becomes bolder. I now fear that I’ve landed us both in the killer’s crosshairs. One thing is something dark has been unleashed, and I’m the object of his affection.
Nothing could prepare me for the deranged desire that is ignited inside of me or the truth that turns my town into Headless Hollow.
174 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2024
65 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
About the author
Brooklyn Cross
42 books2,212 followersBrooklyn Cross grew up loving stories in a world that never quite understood how her mind worked.
Severe dyslexia and short-term memory challenges made school a constant fight, and success was something she was told to expect for others, not herself. Instead of quitting, she taught herself how to keep going.
As a child, she found connection more easily with animals than people, which led her to the discipline and escape of competitive dressage riding. When personal circumstances forced her away from the arena, storytelling reclaimed its place and never let go.
Today, Brooklyn Cross writes dark romance for readers who don’t want safe love or perfect heroes. Expect morally grey men, fierce women, obsession, emotional chaos, and spice with consequences. If you like your romance messy, dangerous, and impossible to forget, you’re in the right place.
She has published multiple books and is relentlessly building worlds designed to ruin hearts, spark obsession, and stay with readers long after the final page.
Follow your dreams. Break the rules. Write anyway.
Severe dyslexia and short-term memory challenges made school a constant fight, and success was something she was told to expect for others, not herself. Instead of quitting, she taught herself how to keep going.
As a child, she found connection more easily with animals than people, which led her to the discipline and escape of competitive dressage riding. When personal circumstances forced her away from the arena, storytelling reclaimed its place and never let go.
Today, Brooklyn Cross writes dark romance for readers who don’t want safe love or perfect heroes. Expect morally grey men, fierce women, obsession, emotional chaos, and spice with consequences. If you like your romance messy, dangerous, and impossible to forget, you’re in the right place.
She has published multiple books and is relentlessly building worlds designed to ruin hearts, spark obsession, and stay with readers long after the final page.
Follow your dreams. Break the rules. Write anyway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 644 reviews
September 18, 2025
I am not sure what I expected when I started this book but I sure did love it. 😂 This book is fast paced, diabolical, and for some reason I was cheering on the bad guy the whole time. I did an immersive read and enjoyed the audio. The twisty little ending was great too. As yall know, I’m a novella lover and this one didn’t disappoint for me!
October 24, 2024
Jesus fuckin christ! I was sucked in from the very first word and tossed my Kindle across the room at the ending! No one knows how to plot twist better than Brooklyn fuckin cross!
March 22, 2025
Це цікаво, але є моменти, від яких трішки ахуй...
January 12, 2026
・❥・ ❝That is who you are to me. You are my mirror.❞
Well, consider lattes ruined for me for the foreseeable future. 😅
This is a dark, halloween novella inspired by The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and it’s extremely twisted, twisty, AND wild. We follow Izzy, a medical examiner, who is part of the team investigating the murders of the Headless Horseman. Things take quite the turn very quickly in this and, like a lot of novellas of similar nature, expect an array of wildness occurring throughout. I love the story of Sleepy Hollow and I find myself regularly wanting to read different variations and reiterations of it.
I listened to the audiobook primarily for this and confirmed with the final copy on KU the quotes etc! The audiobook production was truly stellar — the audio was immersive, it felt like a movie playing in your head. The narrators, Audrey Obeyn and Nowhere Eternity, are extremely skilled at conveying the emotions of the characters. Although I have to say, I preferred the FMC narrator in this one. 🫣 Their narration was very natural and fit the story well.
In terms of the plot and actual content, I was expecting a lot of unhinged things to take place so I wasn’t necessarily shocked. I’m used to dark Halloween novellas being exactly what they’re advertised as: dark. However, I don’t think this combination of tropes/elements is my personal favourite. The barn scene was chaotic and felt nonsensical at times — also, there is truly so many combinations and uses of certain ingredients I can handle. The ending was good though, I liked the twist even though I was suspecting it 🧐✨. The beginning and the ending were my favourite out of all the sections.
This novella is very graphic so please check out the trigger warnings before reading! I’m sure there are people out there who love the tropes in this, so I don’t wish to discourage anyone from checking this out. 🤍
If I want a wild ride of a book, I do have a new (to me) author now!
Audiobook rating: 4 stars 🌟
Book rating: 3.25 stars 🌟
A big thank you to NetGalley and Brooklyn Cross for the ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All options above are my own.
Well, consider lattes ruined for me for the foreseeable future. 😅
This is a dark, halloween novella inspired by The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and it’s extremely twisted, twisty, AND wild. We follow Izzy, a medical examiner, who is part of the team investigating the murders of the Headless Horseman. Things take quite the turn very quickly in this and, like a lot of novellas of similar nature, expect an array of wildness occurring throughout. I love the story of Sleepy Hollow and I find myself regularly wanting to read different variations and reiterations of it.
I listened to the audiobook primarily for this and confirmed with the final copy on KU the quotes etc! The audiobook production was truly stellar — the audio was immersive, it felt like a movie playing in your head. The narrators, Audrey Obeyn and Nowhere Eternity, are extremely skilled at conveying the emotions of the characters. Although I have to say, I preferred the FMC narrator in this one. 🫣 Their narration was very natural and fit the story well.
In terms of the plot and actual content, I was expecting a lot of unhinged things to take place so I wasn’t necessarily shocked. I’m used to dark Halloween novellas being exactly what they’re advertised as: dark. However, I don’t think this combination of tropes/elements is my personal favourite. The barn scene was chaotic and felt nonsensical at times — also, there is truly so many combinations and uses of certain ingredients I can handle. The ending was good though, I liked the twist even though I was suspecting it 🧐✨. The beginning and the ending were my favourite out of all the sections.
This novella is very graphic so please check out the trigger warnings before reading! I’m sure there are people out there who love the tropes in this, so I don’t wish to discourage anyone from checking this out. 🤍
If I want a wild ride of a book, I do have a new (to me) author now!
Audiobook rating: 4 stars 🌟
Book rating: 3.25 stars 🌟
A big thank you to NetGalley and Brooklyn Cross for the ALC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All options above are my own.
October 6, 2025
10/6/25- update*
I did not think this book could get any better but it did with AUDIO! Thank you Brooklyn Cross Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks and NetGalley so very much!
The book was narrated by Audrey Obeyn and Nowhere Eternity and what a fabulous job they did. Their voices captivated me through my EarPods and brought the characters to life beyond what I had imagined! The audio just oozes the suspense and spice- my heart was racing for both! 🔪 🌶️
The cinematic soundtrack was a nice added bonus. So grateful for the opportunity to listen to this book. Reading the book was fantastic but listening to the audio was spectacular and beyond! Highly recommend listen to this one if you have the chance. 🎧 *
Detective Branson Crane and Coroner Izzy Van Tassel are no match for The Headless Horseman who is taunting not only their small town but now them personally!🪦
I came across this book in a group and immediately messaged the poster needing to know how to get this book!
I absolutely love The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and was thrilled when I found out I still had time to sign up for the review!
I devoured the book- it was disturbingly delicious!!! I had to split into two sittings due to things going on but I absolutely would have finished in one if I hadn’t needed to put my kindle down. This was fantastic and a superb take on Sleepy Hollow and its characters!
This is a perfect Halloween read to get you hot and bothered after the sugary treats of the night 🍬
Highly recommend, sweet pumpkin 🎃
Definitely check the trigger warnings, this is not for the faint of heart⚠️
Thank you to the author, Brooklyn Cross, for the opportunity to read to this book. I received an epub for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did not think this book could get any better but it did with AUDIO! Thank you Brooklyn Cross Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks and NetGalley so very much!
The book was narrated by Audrey Obeyn and Nowhere Eternity and what a fabulous job they did. Their voices captivated me through my EarPods and brought the characters to life beyond what I had imagined! The audio just oozes the suspense and spice- my heart was racing for both! 🔪 🌶️
The cinematic soundtrack was a nice added bonus. So grateful for the opportunity to listen to this book. Reading the book was fantastic but listening to the audio was spectacular and beyond! Highly recommend listen to this one if you have the chance. 🎧 *
Detective Branson Crane and Coroner Izzy Van Tassel are no match for The Headless Horseman who is taunting not only their small town but now them personally!🪦
I came across this book in a group and immediately messaged the poster needing to know how to get this book!
I absolutely love The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and was thrilled when I found out I still had time to sign up for the review!
I devoured the book- it was disturbingly delicious!!! I had to split into two sittings due to things going on but I absolutely would have finished in one if I hadn’t needed to put my kindle down. This was fantastic and a superb take on Sleepy Hollow and its characters!
This is a perfect Halloween read to get you hot and bothered after the sugary treats of the night 🍬
Highly recommend, sweet pumpkin 🎃
Definitely check the trigger warnings, this is not for the faint of heart⚠️
Thank you to the author, Brooklyn Cross, for the opportunity to read to this book. I received an epub for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2024
Effin loved it: 🫨🫨🫨
“Do you want me to fuck you, make you and your pussy my good girl?” 🥵
Brooklyn knows how to write an interesting plot & captivating characters.
The kind that will drive you up a wall, because you’ll be full of surprises & theories!
If you love primal, serial
unalivers, mysteries.
And masked men,
who go feral for the FMC?
Then our headless hollow
villain is the perfect guy
for you.
Absolutely ate this up.
Spicy, angsty, and twisty!
“Do you want me to fuck you, make you and your pussy my good girl?” 🥵
Brooklyn knows how to write an interesting plot & captivating characters.
The kind that will drive you up a wall, because you’ll be full of surprises & theories!
If you love primal, serial
unalivers, mysteries.
And masked men,
who go feral for the FMC?
Then our headless hollow
villain is the perfect guy
for you.
Absolutely ate this up.
Spicy, angsty, and twisty!
October 5, 2025
I’m blushing but I don’t know if it’s because I’m mortified or embarrassed I enjoyed this story lmfao
It was 155 pages of wtf did I just read
I thought the culprit was predictable, however, not in the way that it played out… that was….. interesting
rip to pumpkin spice lattes
It was 155 pages of wtf did I just read
I thought the culprit was predictable, however, not in the way that it played out… that was….. interesting
rip to pumpkin spice lattes
October 12, 2025
Got the audiobook for review.
I loved it. It was the best kind of novella where it was short but felt like a whole story and nothing more needed to be added. It was so spicy, dark and twisted. I tought I had it figured out but the twist still shocked me and it made me go both "wtf I'm I reading" and "what's wrong with me". Definitely a 5 star read.
I loved it. It was the best kind of novella where it was short but felt like a whole story and nothing more needed to be added. It was so spicy, dark and twisted. I tought I had it figured out but the twist still shocked me and it made me go both "wtf I'm I reading" and "what's wrong with me". Definitely a 5 star read.
December 24, 2024
Ummm…what!!!!! Holy freaking moly I was not at all excepting that ending!! I’m one hundred percent mind baffled!!! This spooky book was phenomenal and kept all the twists and turns coming!!! I’m not really even sure what to say about this book except it was the most perfect combination of mystery and spice and so much more!!! And I loved the Headless horseman aspect of this book so much!!!
September 21, 2025
5 ⭐️ 4 🌶
MCs: Dr. Izzy Van Tassel ♡ Det. Branson Crane
"𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦."
…𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔!! the whole novella was juz delicious!! $talkıng at its finest!! his attn to details... 😘🤌🏽 he thought of everything!! i love their banter!! & who can resist a swoony MMC, a masked man who offers to fulfill ur darkest desires?!? with zero jüdgment?! coz he gets u...& ur depravıtıes u can only fantasize about in ur dreams?!
"𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦. 𝘉𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭, 𝘗𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴."
but juz when i thought i had everything figured out... no TF i ddnt!! 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑻👏🏽𝑬𝑵👏🏽𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮👏🏽!! juz brilliant!!
"𝘚𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘗𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
🎃 sleepy hollow contemporary reimagining
☠️ touch her & ☠️
🎃 dübc0n
☠️ masked man
🎃 mild 🐝D$M/pillory play
☠️ sta|kıng
🎃 s0mn0phılıa
☠️ primal play
🎃 kıdnappıng
☠️ shMürder
🎃 will make u question getting pumpkin latte again🤭
˙˚•∘•˚˙˚•∘•˚˙˚•∘•˚˙🍂
REREAD UPDATE:
🎧Release: 10.01.25
⏳3hrs 55mins
💭 i was fortunate to ARC read this last yr & my opinion has not changed!! its still as delicious a halloween novella it is with a shocking ending that left me intensely gasping!!
🎧 & juz when i thought it cant get any better... ofc i was wrong!! listening to this in audio was EVERYTHING !! the production alone was so immersive & juz sooo juicy !! the way i clutched my non existent pearls everytime branson spoke🫠🫠 i think its safe to say that the shmexy scenes were hotter than EVER !! def left me hot & bothered!! fantastic duet performance by 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘯 & 𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺🙌🏽
✨ 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘜 Brooklyn Cross & NetGalley 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘓𝘊.UGH-fckn-MAZING🤩
‼️ ur mental health matters. ✔️🆃🆆/🅲🆆
MCs: Dr. Izzy Van Tassel ♡ Det. Branson Crane
"𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦? 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦."
…𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔!! the whole novella was juz delicious!! $talkıng at its finest!! his attn to details... 😘🤌🏽 he thought of everything!! i love their banter!! & who can resist a swoony MMC, a masked man who offers to fulfill ur darkest desires?!? with zero jüdgment?! coz he gets u...& ur depravıtıes u can only fantasize about in ur dreams?!
"𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦. 𝘉𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭, 𝘗𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴."
but juz when i thought i had everything figured out... no TF i ddnt!! 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑻👏🏽𝑬𝑵👏🏽𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮👏🏽!! juz brilliant!!
"𝘚𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵, 𝘗𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘬𝘪𝘯. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
🎃 sleepy hollow contemporary reimagining
☠️ touch her & ☠️
🎃 dübc0n
☠️ masked man
🎃 mild 🐝D$M/pillory play
☠️ sta|kıng
🎃 s0mn0phılıa
☠️ primal play
🎃 kıdnappıng
☠️ shMürder
🎃 will make u question getting pumpkin latte again🤭
˙˚•∘•˚˙˚•∘•˚˙˚•∘•˚˙🍂
REREAD UPDATE:
🎧Release: 10.01.25
⏳3hrs 55mins
💭 i was fortunate to ARC read this last yr & my opinion has not changed!! its still as delicious a halloween novella it is with a shocking ending that left me intensely gasping!!
🎧 & juz when i thought it cant get any better... ofc i was wrong!! listening to this in audio was EVERYTHING !! the production alone was so immersive & juz sooo juicy !! the way i clutched my non existent pearls everytime branson spoke🫠🫠 i think its safe to say that the shmexy scenes were hotter than EVER !! def left me hot & bothered!! fantastic duet performance by 𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘯 & 𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺🙌🏽
✨ 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘜 Brooklyn Cross & NetGalley 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘓𝘊.UGH-fckn-MAZING🤩
‼️ ur mental health matters. ✔️🆃🆆/🅲🆆
February 19, 2025
WTF WAS THAT!!! 💀🤧🤯
March 11, 2026
Headless Hollow by Brooklyn Cross
Narrated by Nowhere Eternity and Audrey Obeyn
This is a headless horseman retelling. Izzy has been receiving gifts from the killer nicknamed The Headless Horseman. When the latest gift is her ex boyfriend's head in her bed, her friend Detective Branson Crane has her stay with him. This quickly goes steamy and spicy. Dark romance at its core.
The narrators are on point. The male part is ultra sexy and growly, hitting all those buttons with his voice. Audrey does a great job keeping you engaged. This was a great pairing.
If you like retelling of classic stories in a modern, and spicy way, you will definitely enjoy this. Brooklyn Cross definitely weaves a story that will keep you wanting more. The mix of spice and chemistry will have you grabbing her next book. Only drawback is it’s too short because I wasn’t ready for this story to end. I recommend it for your next Halloween read, or let’s be honest, any day read, it’s that good.
Narrated by Nowhere Eternity and Audrey Obeyn
This is a headless horseman retelling. Izzy has been receiving gifts from the killer nicknamed The Headless Horseman. When the latest gift is her ex boyfriend's head in her bed, her friend Detective Branson Crane has her stay with him. This quickly goes steamy and spicy. Dark romance at its core.
The narrators are on point. The male part is ultra sexy and growly, hitting all those buttons with his voice. Audrey does a great job keeping you engaged. This was a great pairing.
If you like retelling of classic stories in a modern, and spicy way, you will definitely enjoy this. Brooklyn Cross definitely weaves a story that will keep you wanting more. The mix of spice and chemistry will have you grabbing her next book. Only drawback is it’s too short because I wasn’t ready for this story to end. I recommend it for your next Halloween read, or let’s be honest, any day read, it’s that good.
October 30, 2025
loved this one
was it insane? yes
did I read it in one go? also yes
was the twist a little farfetched? also yes, but whatever, I went along with everything
perfect spooky read, honestly
was it insane? yes
did I read it in one go? also yes
was the twist a little farfetched? also yes, but whatever, I went along with everything
perfect spooky read, honestly
October 1, 2025
4.5✨
Holyyyyy, this starts SIZZLING hot and does not give in! Definitely 5🔥 on the spice meter. I was not ready but it was diabolically fun.
Izzy is a medical examiner looking into the Headless Horseman murders. She is hot on the trail until one night he leaves a gift for her. A dark twisted game ensues as the Horseman’s obsession for Izzy intensifies.
Im really happy that even as a novella this has a great balance between the spice and plot. An aspect that many others in the genre cannot accomplish. An Intrusion fantasy with death and terror in a gothic atmosphere. The story is jam packed with tense adrenaline and mystery. There wasn’t a moment where I was bored.
Izzy was an intriguing character. I have been pretty vocal about my dislike for an FMC that can do not wrong/no one can resist. Her relationship with Detective Branson Crane was filled with possessiveness and dominance that were on another level! The chemistry and longing was all there for the reader to devour. Hands down the Headless Horseman was the star of the show. He was comical at times and continuously alluring. The games he has Izzy endure were addictive.
Audrey Obeyn and Nowhere Eternity deserve a round of applause. Their narration pushes the reader into this immersive town. There were times where it was a bit cringey but they are minimal. Also, can’t forget the sound effects that truly elevated the story.
Headless Hollow is a fast paced, very spicy and well rounded novella that highly satisfies. This was my first time with Brooklyn Cross. I look forward to reading more.
ִֶָ🥀 Tropes/Triggers 🥀
Thank you Brooklyn Cross, Tantor Audio and NetGalley for a copy of the ALC in exchange for my honest opinions!
Holyyyyy, this starts SIZZLING hot and does not give in! Definitely 5🔥 on the spice meter. I was not ready but it was diabolically fun.
Izzy is a medical examiner looking into the Headless Horseman murders. She is hot on the trail until one night he leaves a gift for her. A dark twisted game ensues as the Horseman’s obsession for Izzy intensifies.
Im really happy that even as a novella this has a great balance between the spice and plot. An aspect that many others in the genre cannot accomplish. An Intrusion fantasy with death and terror in a gothic atmosphere. The story is jam packed with tense adrenaline and mystery. There wasn’t a moment where I was bored.
Izzy was an intriguing character. I have been pretty vocal about my dislike for an FMC that can do not wrong/no one can resist. Her relationship with Detective Branson Crane was filled with possessiveness and dominance that were on another level! The chemistry and longing was all there for the reader to devour. Hands down the Headless Horseman was the star of the show. He was comical at times and continuously alluring. The games he has Izzy endure were addictive.
Audrey Obeyn and Nowhere Eternity deserve a round of applause. Their narration pushes the reader into this immersive town. There were times where it was a bit cringey but they are minimal. Also, can’t forget the sound effects that truly elevated the story.
Headless Hollow is a fast paced, very spicy and well rounded novella that highly satisfies. This was my first time with Brooklyn Cross. I look forward to reading more.
ִֶָ🥀 Tropes/Triggers 🥀
Thank you Brooklyn Cross, Tantor Audio and NetGalley for a copy of the ALC in exchange for my honest opinions!
September 20, 2025
ALC Review
This audio? Fully immersive.
Duet narration, cinematic soundscape, and tension so thick you could scream through it. You’re not just listening you’re inside the scene. It’s like a car crash: you should look away, but you can’t. And honestly? You don’t want to.
Tropes:
💀 Serial killer obsession
🔥 Forced proximity
💋 Long-time crush
🩸 Morally gray protector
🌪️ Small town horror with a personal vendetta
I wanted spooky and hunty... but I got a little bit depraved and I liked it.
The Horseman doesn’t just haunt he escalates. Izzy wakes up with a severed head in her bed and things spiral fast. The barn scene? Unhinged perfection. Branson Crane? Broody, protective, and just unholy enough to make you question your morals.
Short, savage, and spooky. The ending wrecked me. The audio ruined me for other books. 10/10 would relive the chaos.
I got this audiobook in advance for free and exchange for an honest review all opinions are my own.
This audio? Fully immersive.
Duet narration, cinematic soundscape, and tension so thick you could scream through it. You’re not just listening you’re inside the scene. It’s like a car crash: you should look away, but you can’t. And honestly? You don’t want to.
Tropes:
💀 Serial killer obsession
🔥 Forced proximity
💋 Long-time crush
🩸 Morally gray protector
🌪️ Small town horror with a personal vendetta
I wanted spooky and hunty... but I got a little bit depraved and I liked it.
The Horseman doesn’t just haunt he escalates. Izzy wakes up with a severed head in her bed and things spiral fast. The barn scene? Unhinged perfection. Branson Crane? Broody, protective, and just unholy enough to make you question your morals.
Short, savage, and spooky. The ending wrecked me. The audio ruined me for other books. 10/10 would relive the chaos.
I got this audiobook in advance for free and exchange for an honest review all opinions are my own.
October 25, 2024
There are no words.
I love Brooklyn Cross’s writing, period. But lately it’s been hard getting into longer works so this novellas was pure perfection.
It had every thing a dark romance, Halloween read can ask for.
And the plot twist?
I called it but the epilogue told me it got even twistier.
Holy hell, it was good.
And ummm. . . Pumpkin spice latte? Hold the cream lol.
The MMC 🤐 is unhinged. And not who you think.
I just can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this.
Like once you read the twist, I want to go back and read all the clues that were there.
Just damn. Speechless. Well done 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I love Brooklyn Cross’s writing, period. But lately it’s been hard getting into longer works so this novellas was pure perfection.
It had every thing a dark romance, Halloween read can ask for.
And the plot twist?
I called it but the epilogue told me it got even twistier.
Holy hell, it was good.
And ummm. . . Pumpkin spice latte? Hold the cream lol.
The MMC 🤐 is unhinged. And not who you think.
I just can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this.
Like once you read the twist, I want to go back and read all the clues that were there.
Just damn. Speechless. Well done 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
September 23, 2025
dark romance meets horror...
headless horseman serial killer
very descriptive
Short + very spicy
Twists
Coroner fmc
Novella
This was a perfect spooky season read! The audio was so good with even added sounded effects! Almost a graphic audio. Heavy on the spice, heavy on the spooky! Like waking up with the head of your ex boyfriend in your bed level!!
Make sure to check those content warnings.
Thank you for this ALC.
headless horseman serial killer
very descriptive
Short + very spicy
Twists
Coroner fmc
Novella
This was a perfect spooky season read! The audio was so good with even added sounded effects! Almost a graphic audio. Heavy on the spice, heavy on the spooky! Like waking up with the head of your ex boyfriend in your bed level!!
Make sure to check those content warnings.
Thank you for this ALC.
Read
September 22, 2025My relationship with read/listen now books on NetGalley is toxic. I have never been one for PSLs and I never will be after this. That being said, this book will definitely have its audience. The quality of the audiobook was also great, considering how short it is. It’s a duet and the added voice effects really set the mood for spooky season. If you like short, seasonal, and smutty books then you’re probably going to enjoy this.
October 1, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook!
4 stars for plot but I’m taking away a star because of Nowhere Eternity. He is great in the spice scenes but outside of them has little personality and seems to get by on having a deep and gravelly voice.
4 stars for plot but I’m taking away a star because of Nowhere Eternity. He is great in the spice scenes but outside of them has little personality and seems to get by on having a deep and gravelly voice.
September 23, 2025
Headless Hollow by Brooklin Cross is a short novella. Well, Holly molly I think I have a new favourite audiobook of all time! Get ready all your toys, make sure they are changed because they will be needed! The story is fast-paced, well-rounded, with no loose ends. Performed by Audrey Obeyn and Nowhere Eternity, and OMG what a performance!!
This story checks so many boxes for me, serial unaliver check, spicy check, detective/ mortician check, mystery check.
The MMC is absolutely deliciously delivered to us in a perfect plot, with the most sinful mouth. His voice will be embedded in your soul forever.
The chemistry between the characters has been perfectly matched by the narrators in the most mesmerizing way!
Let me tell you, there are special audio effects that will immerse you even more in this story! I truly believe that this book needs a hype train, because I surely want more!
This is a perfect book for October! Is a must listen!
Thank you very much Brooklin Cross, your team and NetGalley for this ALC!
The review is voluntary and my own opinion!
This story checks so many boxes for me, serial unaliver check, spicy check, detective/ mortician check, mystery check.
The MMC is absolutely deliciously delivered to us in a perfect plot, with the most sinful mouth. His voice will be embedded in your soul forever.
The chemistry between the characters has been perfectly matched by the narrators in the most mesmerizing way!
Let me tell you, there are special audio effects that will immerse you even more in this story! I truly believe that this book needs a hype train, because I surely want more!
This is a perfect book for October! Is a must listen!
Thank you very much Brooklin Cross, your team and NetGalley for this ALC!
The review is voluntary and my own opinion!
October 20, 2025
Detective Branson Crane and Coroner Izzy Van Tassel are no match for The Headless Horseman . He is a step ahead of them every bit of the way. How can he know so much about them ? Where did they meet ? Will he keep their sexy secrets ? Read this ! Listen to the audio ! Devour this story !
You will be enthralled from beginning to end .
You will be enthralled from beginning to end .
September 19, 2025
I went into this ALC knowing it was a dark Halloween romance novella and knew what I could expect from it. If you are familiar with the genre then you probably know they usually contain explicit sexual content, graphic descriptions of gore and dubious consent at best. I am not the targeted audience for dark Halloween novellas so I am going to go into this review with as unbiased of an opinion as possible since I knew what I was getting myself into. That being said, I decided to go with 2 stars. There were just too many things wrong with this story and honestly, if unhinged, dark romance novella is something someone is looking for this won’t be at the top of my list of recommendations.
At first I was ready to give this book a pretty decent rating. The audio production was incredible and other than the MMC getting a little too theatrical with some of his lines, the duet narration was really good. I loved the idea of the storyline and thought this could have been a great audio novella to listen to around Halloween.
Unfortunately, this book tanked pretty early on and just kept going further and further downhill the more I listened. First off, the story was really far fetched and unbelievable. There were several moments in the book where I had to stretch my imagination to compensate for what felt like sloppy writing/storytelling.
I thought the relationship between the FMC and MMC was weird as hell. I get with novella’s you have a shorter amount of space to write a complete story and for that things can feel rushed but I felt zero chemistry or buildup between the two love interests. Also, his behavior in the bedroom was just weird. I don’t read BDSM but I’m sure it can be written better than this was. It felt like his aggression came out of nowhere. It wasn’t sexy. I dunno, it just did not do it for me. Then we get to the build up of the plot twist in the barn and I’m sorry but that entire scene was just weird and really freaking disgusting. Maybe there are people out there who are into that but it just made me want to turn around and vomit. Like, I genuinely worry for anyone out there who was turned on by the latte.
Another MAJOR miss for me in this story is the author dropping the ball on the chasing scene. That could have been a really fun and immersive scene for the story. The FMC getting chased through the woods by a legit psychopath. It could have been the perfect taboo, spicy, horror that would make a fun Halloween guilty pleasure novella. That however is NOT what we got. Instead we get the FMC running through the woods with the most boring internal monologue ever. I remember listening to that scene and thinking the author had a major missed opportunity and it fell short.
All of that being said, if you are into dark and depraved creepy Halloween romance novellas that don’t hold back on the shock value I think you could still skip over this one. There are others out there that are written better than this one.
At first I was ready to give this book a pretty decent rating. The audio production was incredible and other than the MMC getting a little too theatrical with some of his lines, the duet narration was really good. I loved the idea of the storyline and thought this could have been a great audio novella to listen to around Halloween.
Unfortunately, this book tanked pretty early on and just kept going further and further downhill the more I listened. First off, the story was really far fetched and unbelievable. There were several moments in the book where I had to stretch my imagination to compensate for what felt like sloppy writing/storytelling.
I thought the relationship between the FMC and MMC was weird as hell. I get with novella’s you have a shorter amount of space to write a complete story and for that things can feel rushed but I felt zero chemistry or buildup between the two love interests. Also, his behavior in the bedroom was just weird. I don’t read BDSM but I’m sure it can be written better than this was. It felt like his aggression came out of nowhere. It wasn’t sexy. I dunno, it just did not do it for me. Then we get to the build up of the plot twist in the barn and I’m sorry but that entire scene was just weird and really freaking disgusting. Maybe there are people out there who are into that but it just made me want to turn around and vomit. Like, I genuinely worry for anyone out there who was turned on by the latte.
Another MAJOR miss for me in this story is the author dropping the ball on the chasing scene. That could have been a really fun and immersive scene for the story. The FMC getting chased through the woods by a legit psychopath. It could have been the perfect taboo, spicy, horror that would make a fun Halloween guilty pleasure novella. That however is NOT what we got. Instead we get the FMC running through the woods with the most boring internal monologue ever. I remember listening to that scene and thinking the author had a major missed opportunity and it fell short.
All of that being said, if you are into dark and depraved creepy Halloween romance novellas that don’t hold back on the shock value I think you could still skip over this one. There are others out there that are written better than this one.
Did Not Finish
September 17, 2025a quick ALC🎧
November 6, 2024
Hold the cream! What!
This book was delicious.
Izzy is our medical examiner, working hard to catch the serial unaliver donned with the name 'The Horseman' - don't need to explain why lol.
She's all the more eager to work on this case given that she gets to work closely with her obsession Branson.
Things gets more personal for the pair and they're driven to catch the Horseman in 4 days!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love Brooklyn's writing style and her spice - geez, she hits the mark everytime. This is a great suspense book - I couldn't figure out who the unaliver was, or what he was going to do next (Can I just say the primal scene - perfection - that was intense)
And the ending ..... what?
A refreshing change to my reads being a single pov, but by no means did that deter the reading experience for me - it's still got all the tropes I love, touch her & ☠️ , dübc0n, masked man, sta|kıng, s0mn0phılıa, primal play, kıdnappıng, breeding.
An excellent take on Sleepy Hollow retelling - well done Brooklyn - loved it
Please familiarise yourself with the content. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
This book was delicious.
Izzy is our medical examiner, working hard to catch the serial unaliver donned with the name 'The Horseman' - don't need to explain why lol.
She's all the more eager to work on this case given that she gets to work closely with her obsession Branson.
Things gets more personal for the pair and they're driven to catch the Horseman in 4 days!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love Brooklyn's writing style and her spice - geez, she hits the mark everytime. This is a great suspense book - I couldn't figure out who the unaliver was, or what he was going to do next (Can I just say the primal scene - perfection - that was intense)
And the ending ..... what?
A refreshing change to my reads being a single pov, but by no means did that deter the reading experience for me - it's still got all the tropes I love, touch her & ☠️ , dübc0n, masked man, sta|kıng, s0mn0phılıa, primal play, kıdnappıng, breeding.
An excellent take on Sleepy Hollow retelling - well done Brooklyn - loved it
Please familiarise yourself with the content. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
November 27, 2024
Saved by the plot twist
As I was reading, I was a little put off by the book. It seemed so droll for a Brooklyn Cross read. There is a mystery, and I had my guesses, but the FMC seemed so into her crush, aka Det. Crane, but I loved the updated twist on Katrina and Crane. Even with the good steamy pounding smex scenes....light degradation enters the chat!...I was a little bored by the pacing and storyline choices. Until the last 15% and I had no choice but to acquiesce to Cross's brilliance. Scenes that haunted me days after I read.
The emotions I went through with this book from: "this is mid" to "OMG" to "meh that was cool. That was cool" to "why is this still haunting me" to "GENIUS!". 😄. I'm now contemplating buying this one because it is re-readable. So many passages after the fact I was curious about. The hot degradation, smut scenes. The genius ending that leaves you wanting more. The satisfying breeding trope and perfect dark romance MMC.
As I was reading, I was a little put off by the book. It seemed so droll for a Brooklyn Cross read. There is a mystery, and I had my guesses, but the FMC seemed so into her crush, aka Det. Crane, but I loved the updated twist on Katrina and Crane. Even with the good steamy pounding smex scenes....light degradation enters the chat!...I was a little bored by the pacing and storyline choices. Until the last 15% and I had no choice but to acquiesce to Cross's brilliance. Scenes that haunted me days after I read.
The emotions I went through with this book from: "this is mid" to "OMG" to "meh that was cool. That was cool" to "why is this still haunting me" to "GENIUS!". 😄. I'm now contemplating buying this one because it is re-readable. So many passages after the fact I was curious about. The hot degradation, smut scenes. The genius ending that leaves you wanting more. The satisfying breeding trope and perfect dark romance MMC.
October 27, 2024
This is a Sleepy Hallow Contemporary
Reimagining!
"Sleep sweet, Pumpkin. I'll come for you. You will be mine.”
Omg 🤯🤯🤯 that ending was incredible, the shock factor I was not expecting tht at all.
This short novella had everything st4lking, br34th play, touch her & 💀 & a hot as h311 Masked man, the twist wow just wow 🤩 the spice was of the chart, so hot 🥵
"Then don't give me a reason to. Do as you're told. Run. Scream. And when I catch you, and I will catch you, I'm going to f**k you."
Reimagining!
"Sleep sweet, Pumpkin. I'll come for you. You will be mine.”
Omg 🤯🤯🤯 that ending was incredible, the shock factor I was not expecting tht at all.
This short novella had everything st4lking, br34th play, touch her & 💀 & a hot as h311 Masked man, the twist wow just wow 🤩 the spice was of the chart, so hot 🥵
"Then don't give me a reason to. Do as you're told. Run. Scream. And when I catch you, and I will catch you, I'm going to f**k you."
September 21, 2025
I listened to this book it was a good quick listen for the weekend.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
April 8, 2026
I can absolutely enjoy a "dark, depraved" sexy retelling, but this advanced audiobook I received from Netgalley ain't it y'all.
Headless Hollow is a contemporary dark crime thriller romance retelling/inspiration, where the Headless Horseman is your garden variety deranged serial killer.
I should have known what I was getting myself into when we started almost immediately with our FMC, Lizzie, a medical examiner (whose job duties include being a detective somehow), wakes up from her sexy dream with the Headless Horseman to find her ex-boyfriend's severed head in her bed, and is just totally unfazed by it. K.
Audrey Obeyn does a flawless job narrating this text and at 50% in is the only redeeming quality.
Nowhere Eternity (that name) also has a great-sounding voice, however his line delivery is totally bonkers and over-the-top, leading to really creepy dialogue when it’s clearly not written that way, and even creepier sex scenes. Our detective MMC is clearly supposed to be written as a dominant type, but he is demanding and aggressive and chaotic and his dirty talk is goofy as hell, leaving me cringing through the few sex scenes I managed to get through.
It's possible the writing here just doesn't give our narrators much to work with; the plotting is disjointed and scene changes happen in a way that feels underwritten rather than a stylistic choice.
I can see how something this unintentionally funny and totally unhinged might hit the spot for some readers, but it didn’t resonate with me, and I don’t think I’d recommend it to others.
Headless Hollow is a contemporary dark crime thriller romance retelling/inspiration, where the Headless Horseman is your garden variety deranged serial killer.
I should have known what I was getting myself into when we started almost immediately with our FMC, Lizzie, a medical examiner (whose job duties include being a detective somehow), wakes up from her sexy dream with the Headless Horseman to find her ex-boyfriend's severed head in her bed, and is just totally unfazed by it. K.
Audrey Obeyn does a flawless job narrating this text and at 50% in is the only redeeming quality.
Nowhere Eternity (that name) also has a great-sounding voice, however his line delivery is totally bonkers and over-the-top, leading to really creepy dialogue when it’s clearly not written that way, and even creepier sex scenes. Our detective MMC is clearly supposed to be written as a dominant type, but he is demanding and aggressive and chaotic and his dirty talk is goofy as hell, leaving me cringing through the few sex scenes I managed to get through.
It's possible the writing here just doesn't give our narrators much to work with; the plotting is disjointed and scene changes happen in a way that feels underwritten rather than a stylistic choice.
I can see how something this unintentionally funny and totally unhinged might hit the spot for some readers, but it didn’t resonate with me, and I don’t think I’d recommend it to others.
September 18, 2025
Review:
Thank you NetGalley and Brooklyn cross for sending me an ALC to review.
Headless Hollow by Brooklyn Cross was the perfect mix of eerie suspense and addictive romance. Izzy, a small-town coroner, suddenly finds herself in the middle of a chilling mystery when people start vanishing — only to be found later with disturbing signs of foul play. Things get even darker when she realizes the killer’s obsession may be pointed directly at her.
The creepy folklore vibes of the Headless Horseman added such a unique atmosphere, giving the story that perfect “spooky legend meets modern thriller” feel. I also really enjoyed Izzy’s dynamic with Detective Crane — their chemistry was the perfect tension-filled break from the horror unfolding around them.
The audiobook narration really elevated the story. The suspenseful scenes had me holding my breath, and the emotional moments hit even harder because of how well the voices brought Izzy and Crane to life.
At 4.5 stars, Headless Hollow is a haunting and romantic listen that’s perfect for fall nights — equal parts chilling, thrilling, and swoony.
Thank you NetGalley and Brooklyn cross for sending me an ALC to review.
Headless Hollow by Brooklyn Cross was the perfect mix of eerie suspense and addictive romance. Izzy, a small-town coroner, suddenly finds herself in the middle of a chilling mystery when people start vanishing — only to be found later with disturbing signs of foul play. Things get even darker when she realizes the killer’s obsession may be pointed directly at her.
The creepy folklore vibes of the Headless Horseman added such a unique atmosphere, giving the story that perfect “spooky legend meets modern thriller” feel. I also really enjoyed Izzy’s dynamic with Detective Crane — their chemistry was the perfect tension-filled break from the horror unfolding around them.
The audiobook narration really elevated the story. The suspenseful scenes had me holding my breath, and the emotional moments hit even harder because of how well the voices brought Izzy and Crane to life.
At 4.5 stars, Headless Hollow is a haunting and romantic listen that’s perfect for fall nights — equal parts chilling, thrilling, and swoony.
November 2, 2024
I don’t even know where to begin with this book! I likened it to eating an oatmeal cookie, you think you are picking up one with chocolate chips and then find out it’s raisins (for the record I love both versions of cookies it’s why this analogy works 🤣).
I dropped all other books to read this novella when it hit my kindle, and it did not disappoint, it is everything I wanted in a Halloween spicy novella. The mystery aspect had me second guessing at every corner who the suspect was and how was he achieving it all! Then you get the spice, it’s sprinkled in at the beginning but then the last half of the book is just one giant yummy spicy scene and yet the plot stands up solid the whole time, its spice because it needs to be there for this story to work and not only is that a massive skill to be able to do as an author but I loved it!
Then the plot twist at the end, hold onto your kindles because HOLY MOLY HAPPY HALLOWEEN you are not going to expect that trick or treat!
If you are reading this on Halloween either give the kids their candy so they are busy or tuck them into bed because you are not going to want to be disrupted while reading this book!
Also if you like pumpkin spice lattes have one before you start because they will never be the same again!
Thank you Brooklyn for writing another amazing book, I don’t know how you keep one upping yourself but you are turning out top notch, all star reads one after another and I am here for it 🖤🧡
I dropped all other books to read this novella when it hit my kindle, and it did not disappoint, it is everything I wanted in a Halloween spicy novella. The mystery aspect had me second guessing at every corner who the suspect was and how was he achieving it all! Then you get the spice, it’s sprinkled in at the beginning but then the last half of the book is just one giant yummy spicy scene and yet the plot stands up solid the whole time, its spice because it needs to be there for this story to work and not only is that a massive skill to be able to do as an author but I loved it!
Then the plot twist at the end, hold onto your kindles because HOLY MOLY HAPPY HALLOWEEN you are not going to expect that trick or treat!
If you are reading this on Halloween either give the kids their candy so they are busy or tuck them into bed because you are not going to want to be disrupted while reading this book!
Also if you like pumpkin spice lattes have one before you start because they will never be the same again!
Thank you Brooklyn for writing another amazing book, I don’t know how you keep one upping yourself but you are turning out top notch, all star reads one after another and I am here for it 🖤🧡
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