Dolls of Ruin

by Quinn Hawthorne, Mae Celeste

Owning a thrift shop isn’t glamorous, but it’s mine—my tiny corner of quiet where nothing weird ever happens. Until the dolls arrived.

The moment I opened the first crate, my quiet little thrift shop turned into something… unexplainable.

Porcelain and cloth dolls, beautiful and eerie, each with a presence that seems to command the room. They're more than antiques—they feel alive. The more time I spend with them, the harder it is to shake the sense that they’re not just watching me but waiting.

For what, I don’t know.

But I can’t ignore the pull they have over me. I should sell them, move on—but what if I can’t?

What if they won’t let me?

Step into the beginning of the Bound by Stitches universe.

This prequel sets the stage for an epic 12-book series, with each standalone exploring a doll—or set of dolls—as love interests. Whether you’re drawn to Quinn Hawthorne’s why-choose chaos, Mae Celeste’s intense M/F romance, or their co-written menage à trois intrigue, there’s a story for you. Each book is a complete tale and can be read in any order, with the author names guiding your perfect reading experience.

Are you ready to meet your favorite doll?

Genres: Dark Romance, Horror, Thriller, Fiction, Dark, Ebooks, Fantasy

57 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[Kendra Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

IDK WHY I CONTINUE TO EAT UP THIS WEIRD SHIT BUT HERE WE ARE 🙃🤭 . It’s a short and simple prequel to an upcoming series, but still had me gagged and I was here for all of it!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a short read that gives you a look into the authors' upcoming 12 part series and provides a background of the dolls the series will focus on and how they came to be separated into 12 different sets. This was a fantastic prolouge and provided enough intrigue and set-up that I'll be desperately waiting for the first in the series to release.

[MissWho · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Nice Introduction to the Universe.

So curiosity got the better of me, and I read this novella, which is an introduction to the Bound by Stiches universe that will focus on the dolls introduced within this novella.

The description of the dolls is well written, and you can see how each will eventually come to life.

Do dolls freak me out, yes. Am I curious, also yes. Will I dive into the Bound by Stiches universe? I'll dip a toe in...after all, curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back!

[Toni Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel to the dolls series was perfect. These books that will follow this might become my most anticipated series to come! This book gave me the perfect vision of what these dolls look like and honestly I can’t wait to see each and every one in their full novels!

[EmG ReadsDaily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, quirky and entertaining introduction to the upcoming 12 part series.

[☆KittyKatsBooks☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heck yessss!!! I love this! So much!!! Creepy dolls that you just know are going to cause some damage/mischief as the stories continue, and I definitely cannot wait for the next instalment 😻🥳

[Neia Quaintance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel for the upcoming Dolls 12 part series from these 2 amazing authors.

Claire owns a thrift shop, and nothin exciting ever happens til the dolls of all sorts show up. She cleans all 25 dolls and names them while she is cleaning them, and Claire feels some type of draw to the dolls she can't stay away from them. Claire cleaned all the dolls up and put them in 12 groups, and sold them to their next forever homes. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see what these dolls have up their sleeves. This prequel is a great start to what's to come.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this quick read! It's getting you prepared for the series and I'm surely pumped! I'm surely intrigued by what's to come and cannot wait! The fact you got to read a little story about each helps you get through it and understand what's to come.

So get ready! Get excited! 🖤

I received a ARC copy for my honest review and I'm obsessed!

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s definitely had the creepy vibes. Screamed Chucky at me at least once.

It was a nice little intro for the 12 books that will follow. Can’t wait to read more about these creepy little dolls.

I’m already wondering if they are going to make it back to Claire by the end of each book.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5/5

This short is a perfect prologue to the 12 part series that the author has planned. Honestly; you can’t talk too much about it without giving away any details.

However, this prologue does give insight into the shop owners world and how they view the dolls.

So give it a go, and prepare yourself for the wild ride as we learn about each of the dolls.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely so excited to get further into this series!
People just go & check out the bio, read it and you will agree this is a brilliant start to the series!

I love the Authors style of writing having read both Pen Names previously and yet again I’ve not been let down by this read 🫶🏻

Thank you for allowing me to adv read 🫶🏻🫶🏻

[Selina Nagy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I didn't read this right now!! Because I WANT MORE!!! Even though I HATE dolls! Like seriously hate them. My husband and I didn't buy a house because they had dolls in a room on a shelf and sitting on the bed🤷‍♀️

[Katie ( Spookinsmut) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read. As this is a Prequel I am intrigued about the series that is coming to follow. I definitely got a feel for the dolls in the coming standalone!

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great prequel

Definitely makes me want to read this series so much. If the series is anywhere near as good as this prequel, then I will be happy

[Violet Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn Hawthorne's Dolls of Ruin is an eerie and captivating introduction to the Bound by Stitches universe, setting the stage for what promises to be a hauntingly intricate 12-book series.

This prequel introduces us to Claire, a thrift shop owner whose life takes a chilling turn when she receives three mysterious crates filled with stunningly lifelike dolls. What starts as a curious fascination quickly evolves into an unsettling obsession, as Claire finds herself drawn deeper into the enigmatic pull of these "antiques."

📚 What to Expect:
Hauntingly atmospheric writing that will send shivers down your spine.
A perfect balance of suspense, mystery, and a supernatural undercurrent.
A setup for a unique series exploring the dolls' individual stories as love interests, promising a mix of why-choose chaos, intense M/F romance, and co-written ménage intrigue.
Claire’s story is just the beginning, and while her arc isn’t fully resolved in this prequel, it leaves readers with so many questions: Where will these dolls end up? Will they ever return to Claire? And what is their true nature?

💭 My Thoughts:
The creepy vibes are off the charts! At times, it felt like Chucky had stepped into the world of gothic romance. The dolls are more than just objects—they feel alive, almost sentient, and their presence lingers long after you’ve finished reading.

This is the perfect entry point to an ambitious series that I can’t wait to dive into. I’m already intrigued by the 28 dolls and the standalone stories that will follow. Whether you’re into suspenseful thrillers, supernatural romances, or atmospheric reads, this book has something for you.

🌟 Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(A fantastic setup for the series!)

If you love eerie tales with a dash of romance and an edge of the uncanny, Dolls of Ruin is a must-read. Claire’s journey may just be beginning, but it’s already unforgettable.

Thank you to Quinn Hawthorne and the team for the ARC! I’m ready to meet my favorite doll. 💀🖤

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn Hawthorne's "Dolls of Ruin" is a captivating and eerie introduction to the Bound by Stitches universe. This prequel sets the stage for a series of standalone novels, each exploring the unique and seductive nature of the dolls.
The story follows Claire, a seemingly ordinary thrift shop owner whose life takes an unexpected turn when she acquires a mysterious collection of porcelain and cloth dolls. As she delves deeper into their history, she begins to realize that these dolls are more than just inanimate objects. They possess an uncanny presence and an undeniable allure.
Hawthorne masterfully builds suspense and atmosphere, creating a world that is both intriguing and unsettling. The author's vivid descriptions bring the dolls to life, making them both fascinating and slightly terrifying. The slow burn of the story allows the reader to fully appreciate the growing connection between Claire and the dolls.
While this prequel doesn't delve too deeply into the romantic aspects of the series, it successfully establishes the premise and introduces the intriguing characters. The cliffhanger ending leaves readers eager to explore the individual stories of the dolls and their human counterparts.
"Dolls of Ruin" is a promising start to the Bound by Stitches universe. Hawthorne's unique blend of mystery, romance, and the supernatural creates a captivating reading experience that will appeal to fans of the genre.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh WOW.

I have just put this down, a brilliantly put together novella that introduces us to the Bound by Stiches universe. I am so ready for the first of the twelve books to come in this series.

There is a lot to take on board as I was introduced to Claire and her Thrift Shop and the twelve dolls coming both into her shop and her life. But it is so worth this input of who the dolls are. Through Claire we get an amazing introduction and feel for the individual dolls and their 'personalities'.

My emotions were played with as I was made to feel the control of these mystery dozen as they get into Clair's head, and mind with their wills and desires - and mission perhaps. I must admit, I do wonder how they came to Claire’s shop together, but am sure at some point this story will announce itself.

There is a wonderful twist and scary moment as a wanderer returns.

Claire’s friend who we meet a fair way through plays a part of friend and head doctor as she helps put Claire on the right path. But is it the right path?

We are left with such a cliffhanger. A truly paranormal, deep, dark and God knows what else is to come our way. But these few short pages will lock you in and that is for sure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dolls of Ruin is touted as a horror and eerie prequel to a twelve-part book series, but unfortunately, it fell short in both delivering genuine suspense and laying any meaningful groundwork for the series to come. As a reader, I was hoping for a deep introduction to the series' universe—something that would leave me eager for the next book. Instead, I found myself with little more than a vague backstory and no emotional investment in the narrative.
The central concept revolves around the dolls and how they came into Claire’s possession, but this storyline never quite achieves the eerie, unsettling atmosphere promised. There is no real tension, no sense of dread that the genre demands. While it hints at something darker, the pacing and character development don’t give any substantial payoff.
Sadly, this book doesn’t offer the details and emotional depth that would make me want to read on. Instead of feeling intrigued, I found myself detached, unsure of what the overarching series is even about. The lack of substantial character development and the absence of real horror elements left me feeling unsatisfied.
I cannot say that Dolls of Ruin succeeded in its goal of setting up an engaging series. For me, this prequel failed to spark enough interest to continue, and I won’t be following the rest of the series. It simply wasn’t for me.

[Synthia Valcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of eerie, atmospheric thrillers that linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading, Dolls of Ruin is a must-read. Quinn Hawthorne and Mae Celeste masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and a hint of the supernatural in this hauntingly captivating prequel to the Bound by Stitches universe.

The story centers on an unassuming thrift shop owner who, like most of us, enjoys the simplicity of a quiet life—until the arrival of a series of beautiful yet unnerving dolls. These porcelain and cloth figures are not merely inanimate objects; they seem to possess an eerie presence that pulls at the protagonist’s very soul. The way Hawthorne builds tension around these dolls is nothing short of brilliant. From the moment the first crate is opened, the reader is plunged into a world where every glance at these dolls feels like they’re waiting for something—waiting for her, or perhaps, waiting for us.

What I especially loved about Dolls of Ruin was how it introduced me to these captivating dolls. It was a perfect way to “meet” them before diving deeper into the series. Each doll is given a distinct and unsettling presence, and I’m already intrigued by the mysteries they hold. It’s a subtle but effective way to set up the larger universe, giving just enough to make you crave more without giving away too much.

Hawthorne’s ability to create a slow, simmering unease is exceptional. As the protagonist finds herself drawn deeper into the mystery of these dolls, you can’t help but be equally captivated and repelled. The pacing is perfect, making it impossible to put the book down. Every page adds another layer of intrigue, and by the end, you’ll be desperate for more.

What makes Dolls of Ruin even more exciting is its promise of the larger Bound by Stitches series. The book introduces the universe with such rich potential, and I can’t wait to see how each standalone story featuring a different doll will unfold. Whether you’re into dark, intense romances or intrigued by the "why-choose" chaos mentioned in the blurb, this prequel sets up endless possibilities.

If you're ready to be swept into a world where the inanimate might not be so lifeless, and where each doll holds secrets of its own, then Dolls of Ruin is the perfect beginning. I couldn’t recommend this enough!

[Booksta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, listen—Dolls of Ruin is weird in the best way, and I mean that as a compliment. I cracked this book open thinking I was getting a haunted thrift store vibe with a few unsettling porcelain dolls…and suddenly I’m emotionally invested in cursed antiques and wondering if I, too, would fall for a slightly murdery, possibly possessed doll-boyfriend.

Was it my new all-time fave? No. BUT it was fun, it was spooky, it was quirky, and honestly, I’m lowkey obsessed with the concept. This book was like walking into a dark fairytale and realizing the monsters might just flirt with you.

The writing had a playful, eerie charm that kept me hooked, and by the end, I was like: Wait, this is just the beginning?! Because apparently, this is the warm-up for a 12-book doll-filled bonanza and I am SO here for it.

Each doll gets a book? Some are M/F? Some are why-choose chaos? Some are co-written threesomes?? I didn’t know I needed a cinematic universe of haunted romance dolls in my life, but apparently I do.

So yeah. Not a five-alarm obsession, but definitely a strong “okay, you have my attention and also maybe my soul a little bit.” Can’t wait to see what the rest of these creepy cuties get up to.

TL;DR: Spooky dolls, flirty vibes, and the start of something weirdly wonderful. Let’s get stitched up.

[Missy Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a prequel novella to a new series called Bound By Stitches.

Claire owns a thrift store, and is barely scraping by. Three boxes of dolls are delivered to her one evening, and upon opening them she starts becoming obsessed with how they look, and her perceived personalities for each of them. One evening a strange man comes in and buys one saying it’s special. The man seems very odd, and she questions if she made a mistake selling the one doll to him. The next day she receives a package, and the doll is in it. She decides to tell her friend about her weird experiences with the dolls, and her friend encourages her to put them online and sell them so she can be done with them once and for all! They give them names based on how they look, and the names are very strange to say the least! One is named Indulgence, one is revenge, one is even death!

I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here! I do know that somehow these creepy dolls become love interests for the people that own them!

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrift shop owner Claire receives an unmarked delivery of exquisitely crafted dolls and chalks it up to an odd but welcome distraction from her struggling business. Each doll is a masterpiece, brimming with eerie lifelike detail, and Claire can't help but name them, Sun, Moon, Revenge, Lust, as if their identities are already etched into their porcelain faces. But what starts as a curious new inventory soon spirals into something far darker. As the dolls’ unsettling presence begins to fill her shop, Claire notices strange occurrences, unexplained movements, an air of tension, and a creeping sense that she's being watched. Claire's unease deepens into dread, and she debates selling the collection to escape their growing influence. As her quiet thrift store transforms into a stage for the unknown, Claire is forced to confront whether the dolls are truly inanimate, or something far more dangerous. Mysterious and menacing introduction to the dolls of the "Bound by Stitches" series.

[Sam Goodin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...or maybe I'd made the worst decision of my life."
This little 50-page prequel had me at the edge of my seat, waiting for what was about to happen. I just kept waiting. Each chapter I was like 0oo what's gonna happen. Nothing much did. While I would usually, I'm mad about that, I completely understand this is the start of a really good series. This small little starting point gave me all the mystery of the dolls to NEED the next book. Every single doll was told about in exceptional detail and was given its own personality. I was so invested in these dolls that I was upset with how things ended. Again, I understand this is the starting point, but I can't wait for how this series will play out and what happens after. No spice in this little book, so keep that in mind. I'm sure there will be more than enough debauchery in the series though

[Chelsea Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dolls of Ruin is the introduction book to a 12 book series.

This is a short novella that gives a very detailed description about each of the 12 dolls that land in a thrift store owned by Claire. It’s short enough to leave you wanting more, and leaves you wondering what’s to come in the books soon to be released.

Claire meticulously cleans each of the twelve dolls, naming them as she goes. The more she cleans, the stronger of an attachment forms to the dolls.

*spolier* At the end of the novella, Claire is left with this sense of relief and something else… and she isn’t sure whether selling the dolls was the right decision. Especially considering, she’d already tried to sell one… but it ended up right back at the thrift stores door.

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 /5

I am super excited to see where this series goes

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the prequel to the start of a great series, exploring dolls as love interests. It's gives us a little insight what's to come in this series. A bit of background and why they where separated into different sets.

I was very intrigued and will definitely be diving into the new series, when it's available.

Claire is the owner of the thrift shop, nothing exciting happens , until the dolls show up. While she's cleaning them she can't help but feel drawn to them, she's names them and can't stay away from them. So she decides to put them in different sets and sells them off to their forever homes.

Porcelain dolls are really creepy to me, but this seems interesting and mysterious. And I want to see what mischief the dolls cause.

Are you ready to meet your favourite doll? Because IAM.

[DarkFayePrincess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my, god... What is this!? Is it a dream!?

I absolutely LOVE haunted stuff, I'm an obsessed doll collector, especially porcelain dolls and then I stumble over this... It's only 57 pages but damn, it sure makes an impression.

When the doll came back in the package.. I was so relieved! You don't EVER break the sets apart. I think I hold my breath until I was blue, before I knew he was safe again.

The only thing that's gonna be entierly new to me, (except for the fact that these books will be dark romance about freaki'n DOLLS), is that it's male dolls, and I don't collect that. I never fancied them enough, they're not at all as beautiful. BUT, the descriptions of the dolls in this short prequel made me think otherwise, at least for what's about to go down in this series..

Seriously, I can't WAIT to read the first "real" book in this series and then all of the other books coming! 😍😍😍

[Nadia Hinojosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the prequel to the Bound by Stitches series and will include 12 books. This is my first time reading a book by Mae Celeste and I can guarantee it will not be the last. Prior to this book Quinn Hawthorne’s “Santa’s Hit List” and I loved it!
I couldn’t put down this short story and I was so mad when it ended! Talk about a cliffhanger….I know the upcoming books in this series will be worth the wait but the wait will still s#ck!! I can’t wait to see what happens when these packages arrive at their final destinations…
Thank you Quinn Hawthorne and Mae Celeste for a tantalizing and addicting story. I would like to say thank you for the 12 books that I will be adding to my 2025 Reading List. I may be able to hit my 350 books for this year!

[Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing , incredible plot and story ! Absolutely loved!

Where to begin… I was hooked and reeled in from page one. The plot and how story unfolds is completely fascinating and amazing ! Had me turning page after page. The details of the dolls incredible! The story that begins with each of them has me in suspense awaiting for the next books. The setting in a thrift shop was awesome ! Love how the owner connected to the dolls , and got the feeling she should have kept them has me on edge already ! I am in suspense now waiting for the other books ! The mystery of how they arrived and everything has me hooked ! I can’t wait for the nexts books , I must have all the books!

[kaylaschapterchats · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting start to the series.

We are introduced to Claire, a second shop owner who is a little lonely, if i'm being honest. Until she receives 3 mysterious crates filled with beautiful and enchanting dolls that almost look too real.

Claire kind of gets attached to these dolls, but things kind of get a little weird, and she decides to sell them.

I have questions, though, but I know they'll be answered very soon. I wonder who is going where and if Claire will get any of her dolls back?

Thank you so much to Mae/ Quinn and your amazing team for the opportunity to be apart of your ARC Team. I am forever grateful 🙏

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Emma Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The weather at my place right now perfectly matches this moody, gothic novella - we start in an antique shop with our main character Claire who receives a delivery of 28 dolls. As she sets about cleaning and mending them for sale we get great detail of each doll and their little groups or pairings.

I can't wait for the first full novel in this series to come out in Feb. I am completely intrigued by whether these dolls will find their HEA with the buyers or if they will somehow find their way home to Claire again.

I can't wait to see where Mae and Quinn go with these and where this spooky setting will end up!