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A Heart So Haunted: A Novel
In this evocative and stunning debut, secrets in the very bones of Harthwait House are disturbed when a new tenant moves in, for fans of Ashley Poston and A House with Good Bones.
Be wary the beds and the space beneath,
the cracks in the floors and the furnace teeth.
Keep your eyes from the shadows and tongue so still.
Because once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real.
Landry is ready to clean house—not just Harthwait, but the traumatic memories and family entanglements that haunt her. Left reeling from her aunt’s sudden death, Landry knows she has to restore the old house and sell it for much needed cash. Preferably, before autumn arrives. But as renovations begin on Harthwait, she notices some Motion sensors activate when no one is home, doors slam shut, and every night, at a quarter after midnight, the disembodied crying begins. Then, when she uncovers a hidden door during the renovations, she dares to open it.
Behind the door is a world of nightmares, some of which are hers, while others belong to a monster—who is trapped inside and desperate to get out. Both haunted by their pasts, Landry makes a deal with the monster, but as they develop feelings for each other, she realizes that the thing that looks like a beast may not be the most beastly thing after all.
This rich and spellbinding tale explores the idea of what we call home and who we call family.
Be wary the beds and the space beneath,
the cracks in the floors and the furnace teeth.
Keep your eyes from the shadows and tongue so still.
Because once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real.
Landry is ready to clean house—not just Harthwait, but the traumatic memories and family entanglements that haunt her. Left reeling from her aunt’s sudden death, Landry knows she has to restore the old house and sell it for much needed cash. Preferably, before autumn arrives. But as renovations begin on Harthwait, she notices some Motion sensors activate when no one is home, doors slam shut, and every night, at a quarter after midnight, the disembodied crying begins. Then, when she uncovers a hidden door during the renovations, she dares to open it.
Behind the door is a world of nightmares, some of which are hers, while others belong to a monster—who is trapped inside and desperate to get out. Both haunted by their pasts, Landry makes a deal with the monster, but as they develop feelings for each other, she realizes that the thing that looks like a beast may not be the most beastly thing after all.
This rich and spellbinding tale explores the idea of what we call home and who we call family.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2025
10 people are currently reading
4810 people want to read
About the author
Hollie Nelson
2 books33 followersHollie Nelson loves gothic horror almost as much as she loves coffee. When she’s not talking to the monsters in her closet, you can usually find her writing or at the gym. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband and their clowder of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
June 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for the opportunity to read and review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
When her aunt died, Landry is left her aunt’s home and belongings. She plans to renovate, sell, and get back to her life. But things don’t go as planned. Past trauma comes a knocking and there’s something wrong with the house. A quick and easy read, but it wasn’t my favorite. I feel like nothing really happened until the last 1/3 of the book and then it was just over. I expected it to be more haunted, more of a love story, more drama.
When her aunt died, Landry is left her aunt’s home and belongings. She plans to renovate, sell, and get back to her life. But things don’t go as planned. Past trauma comes a knocking and there’s something wrong with the house. A quick and easy read, but it wasn’t my favorite. I feel like nothing really happened until the last 1/3 of the book and then it was just over. I expected it to be more haunted, more of a love story, more drama.
September 3, 2025
The synopsis was giving dark romance, but the story itself just felt way too drawn out and dull.
Would’ve loved this idea if it was developed in a different way. The characters were hard for me to like, I wish that they were less frustrating/pity party-ish.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Alcove Press for a copy!
Would’ve loved this idea if it was developed in a different way. The characters were hard for me to like, I wish that they were less frustrating/pity party-ish.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Alcove Press for a copy!
Want to read
May 4, 2025The fanart gave me butterflies 😮💨😮💨😮💨
August 18, 2025
This is my first time reading something like this - more so a thriller, scary paranormal / trauma related story than anything. And wow, it did NOT disappoint one bit.
Landry, the fmc, has suffered. A lot. Her childhood was not the greatest, and she had horrible encounters through high school with her boyfriend at the time, both of which led to disordered eating throughout her life.
She takes in the home of her deceased aunt, only for it to be haunted. And this isn’t a typical haunting; it is so in depth, very different. No spoilers, but it’s good. A boy crying for his mom, a horned beast with claws, a creepy doorway to… something? Horrible scenes of past trauma not only for the boy, but for Lan herself.
This book had me captivated for a very, very long time. I was not ever bored. In fact, I was constantly yelling at it because some of the characters made me so angry for the fmc herself, and for the mmc as well. You ever wanna go to war for a character? Yea… I would.
Falling for a monster hiding under your bed? That’s one thing. But saving him? Doesn’t always end as planned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove for allowing me this advanced copy!
Landry, the fmc, has suffered. A lot. Her childhood was not the greatest, and she had horrible encounters through high school with her boyfriend at the time, both of which led to disordered eating throughout her life.
She takes in the home of her deceased aunt, only for it to be haunted. And this isn’t a typical haunting; it is so in depth, very different. No spoilers, but it’s good. A boy crying for his mom, a horned beast with claws, a creepy doorway to… something? Horrible scenes of past trauma not only for the boy, but for Lan herself.
This book had me captivated for a very, very long time. I was not ever bored. In fact, I was constantly yelling at it because some of the characters made me so angry for the fmc herself, and for the mmc as well. You ever wanna go to war for a character? Yea… I would.
Falling for a monster hiding under your bed? That’s one thing. But saving him? Doesn’t always end as planned.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove for allowing me this advanced copy!
June 6, 2025
This is both adorable and haunting. We have traumatized characters, a house full of monsters in a world full of worse monsters, and a love that shouldn’t be but works magically.
Sometimes the “monsters” are the only ones who really understand the way that you feel, and in this case, the “monster” is the one that makes Landry feel heard and seen.
The reason for my three star review is because this book wasn’t really for me. It was cute yet haunting, and full of surprises, which was just enough to keep me entertained. However, it was not my favorite read of the year.
Thank you very much to Alcove Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes the “monsters” are the only ones who really understand the way that you feel, and in this case, the “monster” is the one that makes Landry feel heard and seen.
The reason for my three star review is because this book wasn’t really for me. It was cute yet haunting, and full of surprises, which was just enough to keep me entertained. However, it was not my favorite read of the year.
Thank you very much to Alcove Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2025
Hi all! Thank you for checking out A Heart So Haunted--as we get closer to release, I wanted to at least pop in really quick and show my appreciation for all reader support I've gotten thus far. I hope you enjoy Landry and Hadrian's story as much as I enjoyed writing it, and maybe, just maybe, it touches a little piece of your heart like it touched mine.
Until next time,
Hollie 💛
Until next time,
Hollie 💛
October 25, 2025
“Once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real.”
A Heart So Haunted paints a poignant picture of grief, both old and fresh, and the past wounds which fester if left untreated. And the romantic notion of finding a fellow lost soul to grow out of that pain with, even if he is a creature who lurks in a haunted home.
This story is haunting, a modern gothic with teeth that pierce through your heart and don’t let go. Drenched in themes of trauma and healing, this is a ghost story that wrenches and aches but also mends.
“Anger is a prerequisite to a lot of things. Think if it like a train station. You can head north, west, east— wherever you wish. All you need to remember is that there is a stop after that first one. And each will be different. You decide where you go.”
I appreciated how the romantic aspect to this book is told through healing; opening up and learning to trust another person again, even when that person is a creature of nightmares, hidden away in our main character’s newly inherited house. Landry is a compelling main character to follow, and her journey and relationships with her family members is messy while being a perfectly apt depiction of trauma and pain.
I can’t believe this beautiful gothic horror is a debut. Hollie Nelson is a fantastic writer and has officially been added to my auto-read list for anything else she comes up with!
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an eARC from Alcove Press via NetGalley. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
A Heart So Haunted paints a poignant picture of grief, both old and fresh, and the past wounds which fester if left untreated. And the romantic notion of finding a fellow lost soul to grow out of that pain with, even if he is a creature who lurks in a haunted home.
This story is haunting, a modern gothic with teeth that pierce through your heart and don’t let go. Drenched in themes of trauma and healing, this is a ghost story that wrenches and aches but also mends.
“Anger is a prerequisite to a lot of things. Think if it like a train station. You can head north, west, east— wherever you wish. All you need to remember is that there is a stop after that first one. And each will be different. You decide where you go.”
I appreciated how the romantic aspect to this book is told through healing; opening up and learning to trust another person again, even when that person is a creature of nightmares, hidden away in our main character’s newly inherited house. Landry is a compelling main character to follow, and her journey and relationships with her family members is messy while being a perfectly apt depiction of trauma and pain.
I can’t believe this beautiful gothic horror is a debut. Hollie Nelson is a fantastic writer and has officially been added to my auto-read list for anything else she comes up with!
*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an eARC from Alcove Press via NetGalley. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
October 14, 2025
4.5 🌟
" Divine, he’d said. A visceral hunger lived inside of that single word.
A single thought: a starving man would eat anything to gain satiety." (Ch 19)
Haunting Paranormal Fiction / Psychological Thriller
" Keep your eyes from the shadows and tongue so still.
....
Because once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real." (Ch 2)
I thought this would be a dark paranormal romance, but started to doubt the romance part when there didn't appear to be a hint of any whatsoever within the first quarter. Then, a potential interest came to being a little later.
Landry wasn't as ok as she seemed, aside from the house that seemed to be as haunted as rumored. She put up a good front, but her need for some semblance of control controlled her and her actions. And the longer she stayed in that house, the less she seemed to have control over the things that were happening around her.
The house had disturbing secrets, and Landry was determined to root them out, but she didn't realize what she would be facing or stirring up. Things that would take her down a rabbit hole, whether she wanted to go down it or not.
" “You came back,” he crooned. A rumble, like a growl, vibrated from his throat.
I struggled to step back. .... I blinked away a sudden wash of fear, of angry, terrified tears. What had I done?
“Oh, dearest,” he breathed. “You shouldn’t have.”" (Ch 9)
Haunting story of a girl, her family and past, and a house... and the things that lurked in the walls and shadows. A psychological thriller, like being drug through past memories and through nightmares that you aren't sure whether are real or imagined. Gripping, entrancing, mysterious, and poignant. And heart-wrenching.
The last chapter — though appreciated — was unnecessary, in my opinion, as it didn't fit the direction the rest of the book took and kind of left a loose end or questions, at best. Maybe it would have been better to be included as a bonus alternate ending. Can't really elaborate as it would be a spoiler. I'll just pretend it ended at chapter 30, lol.
eARC courtesy of NetGalley/ Alcove Press
" Divine, he’d said. A visceral hunger lived inside of that single word.
A single thought: a starving man would eat anything to gain satiety." (Ch 19)
Haunting Paranormal Fiction / Psychological Thriller
" Keep your eyes from the shadows and tongue so still.
....
Because once Harthwait grows dark, the monsters become real." (Ch 2)
I thought this would be a dark paranormal romance, but started to doubt the romance part when there didn't appear to be a hint of any whatsoever within the first quarter. Then, a potential interest came to being a little later.
Landry wasn't as ok as she seemed, aside from the house that seemed to be as haunted as rumored. She put up a good front, but her need for some semblance of control controlled her and her actions. And the longer she stayed in that house, the less she seemed to have control over the things that were happening around her.
The house had disturbing secrets, and Landry was determined to root them out, but she didn't realize what she would be facing or stirring up. Things that would take her down a rabbit hole, whether she wanted to go down it or not.
" “You came back,” he crooned. A rumble, like a growl, vibrated from his throat.
I struggled to step back. .... I blinked away a sudden wash of fear, of angry, terrified tears. What had I done?
“Oh, dearest,” he breathed. “You shouldn’t have.”" (Ch 9)
Haunting story of a girl, her family and past, and a house... and the things that lurked in the walls and shadows. A psychological thriller, like being drug through past memories and through nightmares that you aren't sure whether are real or imagined. Gripping, entrancing, mysterious, and poignant. And heart-wrenching.
The last chapter — though appreciated — was unnecessary, in my opinion, as it didn't fit the direction the rest of the book took and kind of left a loose end or questions, at best. Maybe it would have been better to be included as a bonus alternate ending. Can't really elaborate as it would be a spoiler. I'll just pretend it ended at chapter 30, lol.
eARC courtesy of NetGalley/ Alcove Press
October 18, 2025
As much as I want to love this, I just couldn't. I would say I was clickbaited on the sense that the synopsis is telling that this is gonna be some dark-ish or horror-ish paranormal romance. However, it wasn't like that.
It didn't come off as any horror/ paranormal in a kind to me. It's more of a dark-ish romance in execution. It was also really dragging, and I kept waiting and waiting for something 'bomb dropping'.
The characters were also unlikable. There were no significant qualities that made them stand out.
The first 20% something was intriguing enough, and it did kind of set up something but didn't really didn't live up to it or gave something. I really hope this was much more than that because the premise really sounds so good.
Thank you, author and publisher, for the e-arc via Edelweiss. 2⭐️
It didn't come off as any horror/ paranormal in a kind to me. It's more of a dark-ish romance in execution. It was also really dragging, and I kept waiting and waiting for something 'bomb dropping'.
The characters were also unlikable. There were no significant qualities that made them stand out.
The first 20% something was intriguing enough, and it did kind of set up something but didn't really didn't live up to it or gave something. I really hope this was much more than that because the premise really sounds so good.
Thank you, author and publisher, for the e-arc via Edelweiss. 2⭐️
June 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
🖤Gothic Romance
💚Monster-ish Romance
💫Supernatural Elements
🏰Sentient Manor
👿Broody MMC
💔Painful Pasts
❤️🩹Comfort & Healing
❤️🔥Slow Burn
This will hit the spot for your modern gothic romance needs! Landry inherits her aunt's large estate and aims to renovate before selling. Little does she know that there's a door tucked away leading to a version of the house filled with memories past and a creature curiously linked to them. Hadrian, a yellow-eyed eloquent beast harbors a curse of sorts and Landry and he begin to bond and look for the secret to his freedom. Both these characters throughout the story begin to unlock pains of their past, some quite dark. But I the darkness, they find understanding, and for Landry especially, she finds healing with Hadrian's help.
The magic elements and rules of his condition, how this curse was enacted I did find confusing at times and/or had "holes". Though, I enjoyed the visuals immensely, particularly with the varying visages of his form. Landry and Hadrian's late night talks are some of my favorite pieces, real scenes with a beauty and beast-type learning about each other and opening up in a way the other never has. Hadrian being self aware and vulnerable of his form with her were especially heart clenching moments. Two broken, lonely souls that we truly root for.
Once I reached the end, I wished there was a bit more to the epilogue, felt it ended too fast and not much explanation. I really didn't want to leave them. Hadrian in particular was just that perfect t gothic romantic hero, he had faults, but also pain and transformation and I LOVED him. Very much anxious to read more from this debut author and highly reccomend this for modern gothic lovers.
🌶
🖤Gothic Romance
💚Monster-ish Romance
💫Supernatural Elements
🏰Sentient Manor
👿Broody MMC
💔Painful Pasts
❤️🩹Comfort & Healing
❤️🔥Slow Burn
This will hit the spot for your modern gothic romance needs! Landry inherits her aunt's large estate and aims to renovate before selling. Little does she know that there's a door tucked away leading to a version of the house filled with memories past and a creature curiously linked to them. Hadrian, a yellow-eyed eloquent beast harbors a curse of sorts and Landry and he begin to bond and look for the secret to his freedom. Both these characters throughout the story begin to unlock pains of their past, some quite dark. But I the darkness, they find understanding, and for Landry especially, she finds healing with Hadrian's help.
The magic elements and rules of his condition, how this curse was enacted I did find confusing at times and/or had "holes". Though, I enjoyed the visuals immensely, particularly with the varying visages of his form. Landry and Hadrian's late night talks are some of my favorite pieces, real scenes with a beauty and beast-type learning about each other and opening up in a way the other never has. Hadrian being self aware and vulnerable of his form with her were especially heart clenching moments. Two broken, lonely souls that we truly root for.
Once I reached the end, I wished there was a bit more to the epilogue, felt it ended too fast and not much explanation. I really didn't want to leave them. Hadrian in particular was just that perfect t gothic romantic hero, he had faults, but also pain and transformation and I LOVED him. Very much anxious to read more from this debut author and highly reccomend this for modern gothic lovers.
October 26, 2025
3.5
A Heart So Haunted is an exploration of how trauma can haunt us and a journey to seek healing and recuperation. I expected romance but instead welcomed a very personal journey of protagonist Landry who reconciles with her grief, confronts her lifetime of deeply hurting trauma, and find healing and love with the ghost that haunts the shadows of her newly inherited home.
This book is all about Landry. She is currently struggling to keep afloat, not willing to grab on to the lifelines her closest friend and sister throw out to her. She has experienced an abusive upbringing and an abusive relationship, leading to a lifetime of internal turmoil. Rather than name what has happened to her, she prefers to disappear it all from her mind. But it haunts her-- it's the true haunting of this tale-- and will do so until she acknowledges its presence. My heart broke for Landry so much, I wanted to scream alongside her, I wanted to become her voice, her strength, her protection. But this is her journey to reclaim all those things. Meeting the literal ghost of her house becomes the trigger to achieve just that.
I must admit, I expected the romance to play a major part in this tale. It was what initially attracted me to this work, but it's not on the forefront of this narrative. I felt Landry's the relationship with Hadrian was less about falling in love and more about a reflection of self, an encouragement for eventual betterment. It's the boost Landry needs to reconcile with her grief and acknowledge the pain that has presided her life. I wish I could have felt enamored with the romance, but it did not impact me the way I hoped. Nevertheless, the relationship with Hadrian is truly pivotal and life-changing for Landry. He understands her deeply, relating to her trauma as it reflect his own personal haunting. The support they lend one another is monumental in confronting their respective past.
While the romance may not have been a hit for me, Landry's personal journey was triumphant to witness. It's so poignantly written, you truly experience Landry confronting and acknowledge the abuse she has experienced, as well as the first steps needed to not only heal but to speak the words she's hidden even from herself.
Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for this arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
A Heart So Haunted is an exploration of how trauma can haunt us and a journey to seek healing and recuperation. I expected romance but instead welcomed a very personal journey of protagonist Landry who reconciles with her grief, confronts her lifetime of deeply hurting trauma, and find healing and love with the ghost that haunts the shadows of her newly inherited home.
This book is all about Landry. She is currently struggling to keep afloat, not willing to grab on to the lifelines her closest friend and sister throw out to her. She has experienced an abusive upbringing and an abusive relationship, leading to a lifetime of internal turmoil. Rather than name what has happened to her, she prefers to disappear it all from her mind. But it haunts her-- it's the true haunting of this tale-- and will do so until she acknowledges its presence. My heart broke for Landry so much, I wanted to scream alongside her, I wanted to become her voice, her strength, her protection. But this is her journey to reclaim all those things. Meeting the literal ghost of her house becomes the trigger to achieve just that.
I must admit, I expected the romance to play a major part in this tale. It was what initially attracted me to this work, but it's not on the forefront of this narrative. I felt Landry's the relationship with Hadrian was less about falling in love and more about a reflection of self, an encouragement for eventual betterment. It's the boost Landry needs to reconcile with her grief and acknowledge the pain that has presided her life. I wish I could have felt enamored with the romance, but it did not impact me the way I hoped. Nevertheless, the relationship with Hadrian is truly pivotal and life-changing for Landry. He understands her deeply, relating to her trauma as it reflect his own personal haunting. The support they lend one another is monumental in confronting their respective past.
While the romance may not have been a hit for me, Landry's personal journey was triumphant to witness. It's so poignantly written, you truly experience Landry confronting and acknowledge the abuse she has experienced, as well as the first steps needed to not only heal but to speak the words she's hidden even from herself.
Thank you Alcove Press and NetGalley for this arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
October 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Ms. Nelson for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.
From the cover and the description I was expecting a romance/horror hybrid with a gothic flavor. The gothic element was present – a moldering historical house in (South?) Carolina Low Country with lights that go on by themselves and a strong paranormal vibe. The horror and the romance, though, were both a little too “lite” for me. I was really hoping for a stronger punch of horror especially. The story had all the bones for a really creepy and eerie suspenseful atmosphere, with the crying child and the boarded up secret doors and windows opening themselves and frightening isolated noises after dark. I felt a little disappointed that the horror elements were far more muted than I’d anticipated. I never really felt that Landry, the FMC, was all that disturbed or scared by the disturbances in the house.
Honestly, the bigger monsters seemed to be Carla, Landry’s mom, whose many years of emotional abuse and manipulation Landry clearly *desperately* needs extensive therapy for, and Ivan (same). Landry was unable to ever successfully assertively speak up for herself either in the past or in the present with either of them, and it was so painful to watch. Landry: get yourself some help. And do your friendships a favor and don’t look for therapy from your friends and family. Get an ACTUAL therapist.
Regarding the romance… It was okay. I was fine with Hadrian but I really wanted more of a dark or horror-ish romance and I felt like his progression was too straightlaced for the story I had in mind. Ultimately, I guess, with this cover, I was just hoping for more of a scare.
⭐⭐1/2 rounded up for GR
From the cover and the description I was expecting a romance/horror hybrid with a gothic flavor. The gothic element was present – a moldering historical house in (South?) Carolina Low Country with lights that go on by themselves and a strong paranormal vibe. The horror and the romance, though, were both a little too “lite” for me. I was really hoping for a stronger punch of horror especially. The story had all the bones for a really creepy and eerie suspenseful atmosphere, with the crying child and the boarded up secret doors and windows opening themselves and frightening isolated noises after dark. I felt a little disappointed that the horror elements were far more muted than I’d anticipated. I never really felt that Landry, the FMC, was all that disturbed or scared by the disturbances in the house.
Honestly, the bigger monsters seemed to be Carla, Landry’s mom, whose many years of emotional abuse and manipulation Landry clearly *desperately* needs extensive therapy for, and Ivan (same). Landry was unable to ever successfully assertively speak up for herself either in the past or in the present with either of them, and it was so painful to watch. Landry: get yourself some help. And do your friendships a favor and don’t look for therapy from your friends and family. Get an ACTUAL therapist.
Regarding the romance… It was okay. I was fine with Hadrian but I really wanted more of a dark or horror-ish romance and I felt like his progression was too straightlaced for the story I had in mind. Ultimately, I guess, with this cover, I was just hoping for more of a scare.
⭐⭐1/2 rounded up for GR
October 20, 2025
ARC Review of A Heart So Haunted by Hollie Nelson
* * * * *
Some broken things can't be fixed, but others can heal and let go.
A creepy estate, a monster in the shadows, trauma and romance blossoming in a dark house. Ladies and gentlemen, you have been served a delicious gothic monster romance.
Most people are excited when they inherite property from a dead relative...unless it is a super creepy house. As she plans to renovate and sell, things are proving to be a challenge.
The house was nothing short of ordinary.
Voices crying out.
Strange sounds sending a chill to her bones.
Terrifying dreams of a monster with yelow eyes and a terrifying smile.
A child lost in the house...haunting her dreams and days.
A door taking her to a place that should not have been discovered...but now leads her to both the child and the monster.
However, nothing is at all as it appears.
I was very eager to read this book when I came across the plot. It was indeed enjoyable, with moments where you were leaning forward eager to know what happens next. Other times it was smooth as you took in information on our MCs. You sense a chill from the start with the opening of Landry at the haunted estate, knowing there is already more to it. As Landry is envelope in the madness and terror she faces trying to save the sad little boy, she braves against the slithering creature who taunts her.
Little does she know she is in for a big surprise.
In her actions of watching what happens to Hadrian, she also faces her own memories of trauma, neglect, and abandonment. We discover the real monsters for both our MCs, and the consequences of actions.
* * * * *
Some broken things can't be fixed, but others can heal and let go.
A creepy estate, a monster in the shadows, trauma and romance blossoming in a dark house. Ladies and gentlemen, you have been served a delicious gothic monster romance.
Most people are excited when they inherite property from a dead relative...unless it is a super creepy house. As she plans to renovate and sell, things are proving to be a challenge.
The house was nothing short of ordinary.
Voices crying out.
Strange sounds sending a chill to her bones.
Terrifying dreams of a monster with yelow eyes and a terrifying smile.
A child lost in the house...haunting her dreams and days.
A door taking her to a place that should not have been discovered...but now leads her to both the child and the monster.
However, nothing is at all as it appears.
I was very eager to read this book when I came across the plot. It was indeed enjoyable, with moments where you were leaning forward eager to know what happens next. Other times it was smooth as you took in information on our MCs. You sense a chill from the start with the opening of Landry at the haunted estate, knowing there is already more to it. As Landry is envelope in the madness and terror she faces trying to save the sad little boy, she braves against the slithering creature who taunts her.
Little does she know she is in for a big surprise.
In her actions of watching what happens to Hadrian, she also faces her own memories of trauma, neglect, and abandonment. We discover the real monsters for both our MCs, and the consequences of actions.
June 16, 2025
My editorial review:
“As tender as it is razor-edged, A HEART SO HAUNTED shows us how home can be both a place beloved and a place filled with ghosts. Nelson's prose is evocative, atmospheric, and altogether consuming. Ultimately a story of hope, this debut will crawl beneath your skin and expose themes of grief, family trauma, and a reminder that the pain of others isn't always our burden to carry.”
“As tender as it is razor-edged, A HEART SO HAUNTED shows us how home can be both a place beloved and a place filled with ghosts. Nelson's prose is evocative, atmospheric, and altogether consuming. Ultimately a story of hope, this debut will crawl beneath your skin and expose themes of grief, family trauma, and a reminder that the pain of others isn't always our burden to carry.”
July 29, 2025
First of all, Laudry is living my dream of inheriting an old house to renovate lol. Haunted or not! 😂
This book was super cute, it was a super quick and easy read. Very very slow burn, I barely felt the burn at all lol but it was still a fun read to knock out in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
This book was super cute, it was a super quick and easy read. Very very slow burn, I barely felt the burn at all lol but it was still a fun read to knock out in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.
June 14, 2025
ARC Read: NetGallery / Alcove Press
The story revolves around a haunted house, a ghost named Hadrian, a human named Landry and a secret door just like Narnia. It was a slow read, with little happening until about 77%. So if you like those dragged out stories this one might be for you, just not me.
I wouldn’t even call this a romance. It was such a slow burn that I never really felt it.
The story revolves around a haunted house, a ghost named Hadrian, a human named Landry and a secret door just like Narnia. It was a slow read, with little happening until about 77%. So if you like those dragged out stories this one might be for you, just not me.
I wouldn’t even call this a romance. It was such a slow burn that I never really felt it.
June 25, 2025
"There is more than one way to injure a man's soul, dearest. And sometimes, it's more than what they deserve. It's what they need."
Finished this ARC last night and it was... heartbreaking and beautiful. It has raw emotions, angst, lots of anger and heartache... I enjoyed reading this haunting story a lot!
Finished this ARC last night and it was... heartbreaking and beautiful. It has raw emotions, angst, lots of anger and heartache... I enjoyed reading this haunting story a lot!
July 11, 2025
This really hit the spot for a moody, gothic romance. Landry inherits her aunt’s eerie old manor and finds a hidden door that leads to a version of the house filled with memories… and a cursed, yellow-eyed creature named Hadrian. He’s broody, thoughtful, and quietly vulnerable—and their slow burn connection was so lovely to watch unfold.
There’s a lot of darkness and past pain here, but also healing and comfort. Their late-night chats were my favourite parts—tender, honest, and beautifully written.
Some of the magical elements left me a little confused at times, but the atmosphere, the visuals, and the emotional depth made up for it. Definitely check the trigger warnings—it’s slow, haunting, and really heartfelt.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
There’s a lot of darkness and past pain here, but also healing and comfort. Their late-night chats were my favourite parts—tender, honest, and beautifully written.
Some of the magical elements left me a little confused at times, but the atmosphere, the visuals, and the emotional depth made up for it. Definitely check the trigger warnings—it’s slow, haunting, and really heartfelt.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
July 11, 2025
A captivating story! I read this in one sitting, as it was hard for me to set the book down. Parts of this book were equally frustrating as they were satisfying. I was really rooting for the heroine to succeed! A large part of this story is watching her learn to stand up for herself. It was refreshing to see her journey to see her earn confidence.
October 27, 2025
I have been procrastinating about reviewing this one because I REALLY don't know what to say... I enjoyed the book! But I guess I thought more things were going to be explained, and then they weren't, and it was just kind of left open.. I don't know. It was a fun enough time for a semi-spooky haunted house vibe, but if you don't like things unanswered, this book is not for you. LOL
June 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for their trust by sending me this ARC.
First thing first, I want to emphasize the importance of reading all the TW before diving into this book!
That being said, it was a slow read but so pleasant. My first thought starting this book was that it gave some Belladonna vibes, it's mysterious and a tiny bit scary (if you're not an horror fan, you can still read it), slow burn with gothic horror. At times, it keeps you on your toes.
I really liked that the main characters, both in their early 30's, dealt with broken families and more importantly heavy family matters. They beautifully helped each other on their healing journeys.
I also liked seeing the progression of the whole lack of dialogue storyline between Landry and her cousin, Emma.
I didn't know where most of the plot was going, I kinda guessed how it would end but I was helplessly hoping it was not the case.
Some details were a bit left out at some point and I feel like it wasn't exploited to their fullest, including the romance and horror tropes. There were some confusing moments as well: Hadrian's "looks" and the ending, which was rushed.
The last chapter should have been longer, I wanted to know more about the friendship between Landry, Emma and Sayer and about the family situation. But most of all, the last scene of the book needed more explanations, I didn't understand where the author was getting at. Like how and why did this happen? I desperately need to know!
First thing first, I want to emphasize the importance of reading all the TW before diving into this book!
That being said, it was a slow read but so pleasant. My first thought starting this book was that it gave some Belladonna vibes, it's mysterious and a tiny bit scary (if you're not an horror fan, you can still read it), slow burn with gothic horror. At times, it keeps you on your toes.
I really liked that the main characters, both in their early 30's, dealt with broken families and more importantly heavy family matters. They beautifully helped each other on their healing journeys.
I also liked seeing the progression of the whole lack of dialogue storyline between Landry and her cousin, Emma.
I didn't know where most of the plot was going, I kinda guessed how it would end but I was helplessly hoping it was not the case.
Some details were a bit left out at some point and I feel like it wasn't exploited to their fullest, including the romance and horror tropes. There were some confusing moments as well: Hadrian's "looks" and the ending, which was rushed.
The last chapter should have been longer, I wanted to know more about the friendship between Landry, Emma and Sayer and about the family situation. But most of all, the last scene of the book needed more explanations, I didn't understand where the author was getting at. Like how and why did this happen? I desperately need to know!
November 7, 2025
I feel like this might go down as one of the most underrated books of the year!
I absolutely loved this book and people are sleeping on it!
It is so much more than a romance. It is a story of fierceness and the all out war of trying to reach self acceptance
In many ways, Landry‘s journey mirrors my own. I was raised by a mother, fighting a drug addiction, bad enough that I had to raise myself and my younger sisters, but not bad enough that the government stepped in and took us from her. We were raised with the fear of telling the truth, because if we told the truth, the police would take us away from her. We weren’t suppose to tell people what it was like at home, be afraid of cops.
For a little kid, any semblance of stability or knowing what to expect is usually worth keeping, right????
It’s a brutal tide, it sweeps away innocence, your idea of right and wrong, any semblance of understanding of what love means.
Even now at the ripe old age of 36, I only started talking about all this a few years ago.
The hardest part of having a difficult childhood is really accepting what happened and not carrying that burden yourself.
Landry has spent her life fighting her childhood and ironically it’s eating her alive. She starves herself, has for years, her body is a battleground, she hates every inch of it.
This book is the final battle.
I think people really expected this to be nothing but a spicy romance, but they got a deep emotional roller coaster with just as much brutal pain as love.
I really hope this turns into a series because I would love to see the romance progress and continue to see Landry really come into her own.
I absolutely loved this book and people are sleeping on it!
It is so much more than a romance. It is a story of fierceness and the all out war of trying to reach self acceptance
In many ways, Landry‘s journey mirrors my own. I was raised by a mother, fighting a drug addiction, bad enough that I had to raise myself and my younger sisters, but not bad enough that the government stepped in and took us from her. We were raised with the fear of telling the truth, because if we told the truth, the police would take us away from her. We weren’t suppose to tell people what it was like at home, be afraid of cops.
For a little kid, any semblance of stability or knowing what to expect is usually worth keeping, right????
It’s a brutal tide, it sweeps away innocence, your idea of right and wrong, any semblance of understanding of what love means.
Even now at the ripe old age of 36, I only started talking about all this a few years ago.
The hardest part of having a difficult childhood is really accepting what happened and not carrying that burden yourself.
Landry has spent her life fighting her childhood and ironically it’s eating her alive. She starves herself, has for years, her body is a battleground, she hates every inch of it.
This book is the final battle.
I think people really expected this to be nothing but a spicy romance, but they got a deep emotional roller coaster with just as much brutal pain as love.
I really hope this turns into a series because I would love to see the romance progress and continue to see Landry really come into her own.
Want to read
April 18, 2025
This reel
led me here 💘
August 24, 2025
El fan art no vale la pena 😔
DNF~35%
Primero de todo quiero agradecer tanto a la autora Hollie, como a Netgalley y a Alcove Press por la oportunida de leer este libro antes que nadie, la verdad es que era una de mis lecturas más anticipadas de la época spooky/halloween, pero por desgracia este libro no ha sido para mí.
Quiero ser completamente honesta con esta reseña así que debo empezar diciendo que este género no es el que suelo leer, aunque me gusta siempre ir buscando libros nuevos y adaptarme a nuevos gustos, por eso pillé esta super oportunidad. Llevaba siguiendo a la autora bastante tiempo y prometía muchísimo.
Y ahora ya con el libro en general. La trama principal empieza con Landry y la pérdida de su tía, heredando una casa lo que viene a ser encantada y teniendo que remoderlarla para su posterior venta. Esto me llamó mucho la atención, cómo narra la casa, el espacio, las vibes,... era justo lo que estaba buscando y de hecho ese tono spooky/thriller/mini jumpscare lo tenía 100%; sin embargo mediante va avanzando la historia va perdiendo el hilo. Con esto me refiero a que en casi todo el inicio (y sin el casi- 100ish páginas) el libro se narra solamente al rededor de la remodelación de la casa, la madre de Landry (que me cae fatal btw) y los diversos problemas que va encontrando. Para ser un libro con una premisa bastante simple que no necesita una explicación o una introducción exagerada, este pega de ello.
Otra cosa que no me ha gustado y que ha sido la razón principal para dejar el libro al 35% es la protagonista. He intentado entender a Landry, el dolor que puede conllevar perder a una persona tan querida y el no poder haberse despedido de ella, etc; pero su actitud frente no solo sus amigos si no su hermana, el poco desarrollo o trasfondo que se me muestra y la soberana inmadurez que me trae en muchos aspectos ha sido la principal razón que no haya podido empatizar con ella.
Sobre todo lo que más me ha fallado de su personaje (y que suelo verlo ya habitualmente) es que por mucho que un FMC o MMC tenga traumas, lo esté pasando mal,... no hace que este tenga el trasfondo suficiente como para de alguna manera poder justificar sus acciones. Necesito ver facetas de estos, y Landry no me ha mostrado nada. Además, creo que estaría bien poner en la lista de TW el hecho de que la protagonista tiene anorexia o una rama de esta, hay lectores/as que pueden verse afectados negativamente si están leyendo el libro sin preaviso.
En conclusión, me parecen que en general los personajes presentados hasta este punto son bastante superficiales.
Algo positivo que quiero recalcar y que he agradecido bastante es que el libro es muy fácil de leer, la autora narra muy bien, no utiliza un vocabulario má complicado de lo necesario, no se hace aburrido ni pesado. Los capítulos se leen solos y eso hizo sobre todo que llegara a leer tanto sobre el libro aún teniendo un mal sabor de boca con los personajes o algunos aspectos de la trama.
Sin ninguna duda si la autora saca otro libro que sea de un género más romántico o fantástico le daría una oportunidad 100% como lectura ligera para, por ejemplo, el verano o época de exámenes. La facilidad para leer un libro y poder estar dentro de él tan facilmente es algo que realmente valoro con creces.
Lo que sí me ha gustado, como ya he dicho, son las vibes que podemos ver en el libro. Si te gusta el género creo que es perfecto para leer en octubre! No dudes en cogerlo y probar a leerlo.
Obvio quiero recalcar que esta es MI opinión personal tras haber leído parte de AHSH!
DNF~35%
Primero de todo quiero agradecer tanto a la autora Hollie, como a Netgalley y a Alcove Press por la oportunida de leer este libro antes que nadie, la verdad es que era una de mis lecturas más anticipadas de la época spooky/halloween, pero por desgracia este libro no ha sido para mí.
Quiero ser completamente honesta con esta reseña así que debo empezar diciendo que este género no es el que suelo leer, aunque me gusta siempre ir buscando libros nuevos y adaptarme a nuevos gustos, por eso pillé esta super oportunidad. Llevaba siguiendo a la autora bastante tiempo y prometía muchísimo.
Y ahora ya con el libro en general. La trama principal empieza con Landry y la pérdida de su tía, heredando una casa lo que viene a ser encantada y teniendo que remoderlarla para su posterior venta. Esto me llamó mucho la atención, cómo narra la casa, el espacio, las vibes,... era justo lo que estaba buscando y de hecho ese tono spooky/thriller/mini jumpscare lo tenía 100%; sin embargo mediante va avanzando la historia va perdiendo el hilo. Con esto me refiero a que en casi todo el inicio (y sin el casi- 100ish páginas) el libro se narra solamente al rededor de la remodelación de la casa, la madre de Landry (que me cae fatal btw) y los diversos problemas que va encontrando. Para ser un libro con una premisa bastante simple que no necesita una explicación o una introducción exagerada, este pega de ello.
Otra cosa que no me ha gustado y que ha sido la razón principal para dejar el libro al 35% es la protagonista. He intentado entender a Landry, el dolor que puede conllevar perder a una persona tan querida y el no poder haberse despedido de ella, etc; pero su actitud frente no solo sus amigos si no su hermana, el poco desarrollo o trasfondo que se me muestra y la soberana inmadurez que me trae en muchos aspectos ha sido la principal razón que no haya podido empatizar con ella.
Sobre todo lo que más me ha fallado de su personaje (y que suelo verlo ya habitualmente) es que por mucho que un FMC o MMC tenga traumas, lo esté pasando mal,... no hace que este tenga el trasfondo suficiente como para de alguna manera poder justificar sus acciones. Necesito ver facetas de estos, y Landry no me ha mostrado nada. Además, creo que estaría bien poner en la lista de TW el hecho de que la protagonista tiene anorexia o una rama de esta, hay lectores/as que pueden verse afectados negativamente si están leyendo el libro sin preaviso.
En conclusión, me parecen que en general los personajes presentados hasta este punto son bastante superficiales.
Algo positivo que quiero recalcar y que he agradecido bastante es que el libro es muy fácil de leer, la autora narra muy bien, no utiliza un vocabulario má complicado de lo necesario, no se hace aburrido ni pesado. Los capítulos se leen solos y eso hizo sobre todo que llegara a leer tanto sobre el libro aún teniendo un mal sabor de boca con los personajes o algunos aspectos de la trama.
Sin ninguna duda si la autora saca otro libro que sea de un género más romántico o fantástico le daría una oportunidad 100% como lectura ligera para, por ejemplo, el verano o época de exámenes. La facilidad para leer un libro y poder estar dentro de él tan facilmente es algo que realmente valoro con creces.
Lo que sí me ha gustado, como ya he dicho, son las vibes que podemos ver en el libro. Si te gusta el género creo que es perfecto para leer en octubre! No dudes en cogerlo y probar a leerlo.
Obvio quiero recalcar que esta es MI opinión personal tras haber leído parte de AHSH!
June 20, 2025
Gosh. I loved this book. Landry inherits a home from her aunt, that she often visited as a child, and discovers it's haunted by a creature. The method of haunting was unique and I loved how new this book felt - as someone who enjoys haunted books. There is also a romance element, but no smut.
Landry is a complex character to love and Hadrian is as well. I did feel at times that I wish I knew him better. He was made of memories more than current attributes shown to the reader. I think you have to have had some trauma in your life to love Landry - and so I get that it may not be for everyone. I loved the subtle hints at her issues, her control, her disorder. I think the author did an excellent job at showing us who she was, what had made her, without reading a dull background synopsis. I also enjoyed the side characters and wanted to know more about where things would take them in the future.
I loved the slow burn romance, but wish there was a little bit more... just more build up, small moments etc. Maybe I feel that way because this is a shorter read. Not to spoil anything, so I'll keep this vague - but right as Landry and Haddy contract their deal it's basically half fixed. I was hoping for more scenes in the closet (lol that sounds interesting). I also wish the interaction of Landry's own self in the closet could be more explored.
The ending really all collapsed so quickly. It was lovely, and interesting, and page turning, but then every. single. thing. got wrapped up in like 5 pages. I don't like filler pages but I don't love how quickly the haunting, search for the missing remains, mother, EVERYTHING was wrapped up all at once. There was also no exploration of the safety deposit box which just was another loose end that could've been more explored. I also occasionally got lost in understanding exactly why Haddy needed to be bound to the house and how it benefitted the house. I also wish there was a little more to explore about the house herself. You know from the prologue she's a being but not much else. And WHY is she like a moody teenager in need of Haddy back in the day? Those types of questions were left underdeveloped to me.
And to wrap it up - THE ENDING??? THE EPILOGUE?? SAY WHAT?? I had just come to terms that the ending I thought might happen, happened, and I could live with the fact that it was necessary for Landy's eternal growth and happiness and then WHAT?? That made no sense to me. Like YEAH it's what I initially wanted.. but it felt a little wrong and also just made no sense, again.
So yeah, I loved this book, but I needed more. Also there were issues with the formatting on my Kindle and some spelling mistakes - words exchanged for other words.
This book was supplied to me in exchange for a review by Net Galley and the author.
Landry is a complex character to love and Hadrian is as well. I did feel at times that I wish I knew him better. He was made of memories more than current attributes shown to the reader. I think you have to have had some trauma in your life to love Landry - and so I get that it may not be for everyone. I loved the subtle hints at her issues, her control, her disorder. I think the author did an excellent job at showing us who she was, what had made her, without reading a dull background synopsis. I also enjoyed the side characters and wanted to know more about where things would take them in the future.
I loved the slow burn romance, but wish there was a little bit more... just more build up, small moments etc. Maybe I feel that way because this is a shorter read. Not to spoil anything, so I'll keep this vague - but right as Landry and Haddy contract their deal it's basically half fixed. I was hoping for more scenes in the closet (lol that sounds interesting). I also wish the interaction of Landry's own self in the closet could be more explored.
The ending really all collapsed so quickly. It was lovely, and interesting, and page turning, but then every. single. thing. got wrapped up in like 5 pages. I don't like filler pages but I don't love how quickly the haunting, search for the missing remains, mother, EVERYTHING was wrapped up all at once. There was also no exploration of the safety deposit box which just was another loose end that could've been more explored. I also occasionally got lost in understanding exactly why Haddy needed to be bound to the house and how it benefitted the house. I also wish there was a little more to explore about the house herself. You know from the prologue she's a being but not much else. And WHY is she like a moody teenager in need of Haddy back in the day? Those types of questions were left underdeveloped to me.
And to wrap it up - THE ENDING??? THE EPILOGUE?? SAY WHAT?? I had just come to terms that the ending I thought might happen, happened, and I could live with the fact that it was necessary for Landy's eternal growth and happiness and then WHAT?? That made no sense to me. Like YEAH it's what I initially wanted.. but it felt a little wrong and also just made no sense, again.
So yeah, I loved this book, but I needed more. Also there were issues with the formatting on my Kindle and some spelling mistakes - words exchanged for other words.
This book was supplied to me in exchange for a review by Net Galley and the author.
December 15, 2025
🎧📖𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌📖🎧
𝒜 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒮𝑜 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 ʙʏ ʜᴏʟʟɪᴇ ɴᴇʟsᴏɴ
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴀ ʏᴏᴜɴɢ ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ ᴛᴀᴋᴇs ʀᴇғᴜɢᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ sᴇɴᴛɪᴇɴᴛ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɴᴏʀ, sʜᴇ ᴅɪsᴄᴏᴠᴇʀs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜɪɴ ɪᴛs ᴡᴀʟʟs ɪsɴ’ᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʜᴏsᴛs—ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛ, sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ᴄᴏɴɴᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ғᴏʀᴍɪɴɢ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ ᴡʜᴏ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜᴇs ᴏᴠᴇʀ ɪᴛ.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
𝒜 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒮𝑜 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀs ᴀ ᴠᴇʀʏ sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅs ᴍᴏʀᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴜɢ ᴏғ ʜᴏᴛ ᴄʜᴏᴄᴏʟᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴀ ᴘᴜʟsᴇ-ᴘᴏᴜɴᴅɪɴɢ ɢᴏᴛʜɪᴄ ʟᴏᴠᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ. ɢᴏɪɴɢ ɪɴ, ɪ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʟᴀɴᴅʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ, ʜᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ, ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ғʀᴏɴᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴇɴᴛᴇʀ ʙᴀsᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ, ᴛᴀɢʟɪɴᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs—ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ʀᴇᴍᴀɪɴs ʟᴀʀɢᴇʟʏ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴄᴋɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ ɪs sᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs ǫᴜɪᴄᴋ, ᴄᴏᴢʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴀsʏ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴄɪɴɢ ɪs ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ ᴏғ ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ sʟᴇᴇᴘʏ. ʀᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ɢʜᴏsᴛs, ᴅʀᴇᴀᴅ, ᴏʀ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀ ʟᴜʀᴋɪɴɢ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴄᴏʀɴᴇʀ, ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴜɴғᴏʟᴅs ʟɪᴋᴇ ғʟᴏᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ᴀ ʟᴀᴢʏ ʀɪᴠᴇʀ, sᴏғᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴʜᴜʀʀɪᴇᴅ, ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴠᴇʀʏ ʟᴏᴡ sᴛᴀᴋᴇs.
ᴏɴᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴏᴜᴛ ᴇʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛs ɪs ᴛʜᴇ sᴇɴᴛɪᴇɴᴛ ᴍᴀɴᴏʀ, ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛʟʏ ᴀᴄᴛs ᴀs ᴀ sɪᴅᴇ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɪᴛs ᴏᴡɴ ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀʀᴍ. ɪ ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴍʏsᴇʟғ ᴡɪsʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ ᴘʟᴀʏᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴘɪᴠᴏᴛᴀʟ ʀᴏʟᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴏᴛ, ᴀs ɪᴛ ʜᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴛᴇɴᴛɪᴀʟ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴇᴇᴘᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇʟᴇᴠᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ.
🎙️𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: ᴀᴍᴀɴᴅᴀ sᴛʀɪʙʟɪɴɢ
ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ɪs sᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ, ᴄᴀʟᴍ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴀsʏ ᴛᴏ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ, ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪs ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ғᴏʀ ʟᴏɴɢ sᴛʀᴇᴛᴄʜᴇs ᴏʀ ʙᴀᴄᴋɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ʟɪsᴛᴇɴɪɴɢ. ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ’s ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀʏ ʟᴇᴀɴs sᴏғᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀsᴛᴀᴛᴇᴅ, ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ᴇɴʜᴀɴᴄᴇs ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴢʏ ᴛᴏɴᴇ ʙᴜᴛ ᴀʟsᴏ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀɪʙᴜᴛᴇs ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴏғ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝐸𝓁𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈:
✨ᴄᴏᴢʏ ɢᴏᴛʜɪᴄ ᴠɪʙᴇs
✨ᴠᴇʀʏ sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
✨sᴇɴᴛɪᴇɴᴛ, ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ
✨ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴇsᴛ
✨ʟᴏᴡ-sᴛᴀᴋᴇs ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
ᴀ ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇ, ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ sᴏғᴛ ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀɴᴅ sᴜʙᴛʟᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ. ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴄᴏᴢʏ ɢᴏᴛʜɪᴄ ᴠɪʙᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍɪɴɪᴍᴀʟ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ—ʙᴜᴛ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴄʀᴀᴠɪɴɢ ᴀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ-ғᴏʀᴡᴀʀᴅ, sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ ʟᴏᴠᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ, 𝒜 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒮𝑜 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 ᴍᴀʏ ғᴇᴇʟ ᴛᴏᴏ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛ.
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
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READING NOTES:
very very slow burn romance that was more of a warm cup of hot chocolate. Based on the cover, tagline and synopsis, I was expecting the romance between landry and the monster/hadrian to be more front and center in the sory—sadly it was not.
The story itself, well enjoyable and a quick and easy read, was also slow—it felt more like sunning on a lazy river than being chased by drafts and ghosts in a haunted manor.
I did enjoy the sentient manor being a side character and wished it had more a pivotal role.
𝒜 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒮𝑜 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 ʙʏ ʜᴏʟʟɪᴇ ɴᴇʟsᴏɴ
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴀ ʏᴏᴜɴɢ ᴡᴏᴍᴀɴ ᴛᴀᴋᴇs ʀᴇғᴜɢᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ sᴇɴᴛɪᴇɴᴛ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɴᴏʀ, sʜᴇ ᴅɪsᴄᴏᴠᴇʀs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜɪɴ ɪᴛs ᴡᴀʟʟs ɪsɴ’ᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʜᴏsᴛs—ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛ, sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ᴄᴏɴɴᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ғᴏʀᴍɪɴɢ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ ᴡʜᴏ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜᴇs ᴏᴠᴇʀ ɪᴛ.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
𝒜 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒮𝑜 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀs ᴀ ᴠᴇʀʏ sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅs ᴍᴏʀᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴜɢ ᴏғ ʜᴏᴛ ᴄʜᴏᴄᴏʟᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴀ ᴘᴜʟsᴇ-ᴘᴏᴜɴᴅɪɴɢ ɢᴏᴛʜɪᴄ ʟᴏᴠᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ. ɢᴏɪɴɢ ɪɴ, ɪ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴡᴇᴇɴ ʟᴀɴᴅʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ, ʜᴀᴅʀɪᴀɴ, ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴍᴜᴄʜ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ғʀᴏɴᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴇɴᴛᴇʀ ʙᴀsᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ, ᴛᴀɢʟɪɴᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs—ʙᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ʀᴇᴍᴀɪɴs ʟᴀʀɢᴇʟʏ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴄᴋɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ ɪs sᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪs ǫᴜɪᴄᴋ, ᴄᴏᴢʏ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴀsʏ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴄɪɴɢ ɪs ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ ᴏғ ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ sʟᴇᴇᴘʏ. ʀᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ɢʜᴏsᴛs, ᴅʀᴇᴀᴅ, ᴏʀ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀ ʟᴜʀᴋɪɴɢ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ᴄᴏʀɴᴇʀ, ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴜɴғᴏʟᴅs ʟɪᴋᴇ ғʟᴏᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ᴀ ʟᴀᴢʏ ʀɪᴠᴇʀ, sᴏғᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴʜᴜʀʀɪᴇᴅ, ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴠᴇʀʏ ʟᴏᴡ sᴛᴀᴋᴇs.
ᴏɴᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴏᴜᴛ ᴇʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛs ɪs ᴛʜᴇ sᴇɴᴛɪᴇɴᴛ ᴍᴀɴᴏʀ, ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛʟʏ ᴀᴄᴛs ᴀs ᴀ sɪᴅᴇ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ɪᴛs ᴏᴡɴ ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀʀᴍ. ɪ ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴍʏsᴇʟғ ᴡɪsʜɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ ᴘʟᴀʏᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴘɪᴠᴏᴛᴀʟ ʀᴏʟᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴏᴛ, ᴀs ɪᴛ ʜᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴛᴇɴᴛɪᴀʟ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴇᴇᴘᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇʟᴇᴠᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ.
🎙️𝒩𝒶𝓇𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃: ᴀᴍᴀɴᴅᴀ sᴛʀɪʙʟɪɴɢ
ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ɪs sᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ, ᴄᴀʟᴍ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴀsʏ ᴛᴏ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ, ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴛʜɪs ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛᴀʙʟᴇ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ ғᴏʀ ʟᴏɴɢ sᴛʀᴇᴛᴄʜᴇs ᴏʀ ʙᴀᴄᴋɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ʟɪsᴛᴇɴɪɴɢ. ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛᴏʀ’s ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀʏ ʟᴇᴀɴs sᴏғᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀsᴛᴀᴛᴇᴅ, ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ᴇɴʜᴀɴᴄᴇs ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴢʏ ᴛᴏɴᴇ ʙᴜᴛ ᴀʟsᴏ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀɪʙᴜᴛᴇs ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴏғ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝐸𝓁𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈:
✨ᴄᴏᴢʏ ɢᴏᴛʜɪᴄ ᴠɪʙᴇs
✨ᴠᴇʀʏ sʟᴏᴡ-ʙᴜʀɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
✨sᴇɴᴛɪᴇɴᴛ, ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴜsᴇ
✨ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴇsᴛ
✨ʟᴏᴡ-sᴛᴀᴋᴇs ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
ᴀ ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇ, ᴄᴏᴍғᴏʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴘᴀʀᴀɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ sᴏғᴛ ᴀᴛᴍᴏsᴘʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀɴᴅ sᴜʙᴛʟᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ. ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴄᴏᴢʏ ɢᴏᴛʜɪᴄ ᴠɪʙᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍɪɴɪᴍᴀʟ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ—ʙᴜᴛ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴄʀᴀᴠɪɴɢ ᴀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ-ғᴏʀᴡᴀʀᴅ, sᴘᴏᴏᴋʏ ᴍᴏɴsᴛᴇʀ ʟᴏᴠᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ, 𝒜 𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒮𝑜 𝐻𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 ᴍᴀʏ ғᴇᴇʟ ᴛᴏᴏ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛ.
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
+++++++
READING NOTES:
very very slow burn romance that was more of a warm cup of hot chocolate. Based on the cover, tagline and synopsis, I was expecting the romance between landry and the monster/hadrian to be more front and center in the sory—sadly it was not.
The story itself, well enjoyable and a quick and easy read, was also slow—it felt more like sunning on a lazy river than being chased by drafts and ghosts in a haunted manor.
I did enjoy the sentient manor being a side character and wished it had more a pivotal role.
June 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the eArc!
The description really intrigued me and the premise felt a little bit unique to me. There are definitely some unsettling things occurring at the house. There is some good atmospheric horror that had me feeling tense on some occasions. I loved the eerie vibes and learning more about the house as well as the connection with Hadrian and his haunting history. I was pretty quickly pulled in once weird things started happening at the estate but what really pulled me in was when Landry dug deeper into the house and first found Hadrian.
Hadrian’s tie to the house was intriguing and I was really interested in his history and how he even got left in the house. Both Hadrian and Landry have experienced plenty of trauma and we get to see them work through that together. They have good chemistry and I really enjoyed their romance.
There are a few things that impacted my rating that includes the curse, the side characters, and the ending.
First, we learn that there is some sort of curse that is forcing Hadrian to be fastened to this house that would have been placed a century prior. While both characters try to investigate this curse through out the story, I don't think we ever really get a full explanation. They had come up with some ideas but then it's just left at that. I personally would have liked there to be more clarification on the curse or see the characters explore the curse further.
Sometimes side characters can add something to the story but in this case, I was not really vibing with Landry's friends and they lacked depth. Sayer was just there and he was pointless. There wasn't much background on him too. Emma, Landry's half sister, added something since there is history with them due to their parents and their childhood but I didn't like Emma's personality. I started to get annoyed every time Sayer and Emma made an appearance.
I am confused by the ending. To me, it felt more like a cliffhanger rather than the ending of a standalone. I’m left feeling like either something is unfinished or I just really overlooked something. I might end up doing a re-read after publication or wait for other reviews to see if anyone else can explain the ending lol
The description really intrigued me and the premise felt a little bit unique to me. There are definitely some unsettling things occurring at the house. There is some good atmospheric horror that had me feeling tense on some occasions. I loved the eerie vibes and learning more about the house as well as the connection with Hadrian and his haunting history. I was pretty quickly pulled in once weird things started happening at the estate but what really pulled me in was when Landry dug deeper into the house and first found Hadrian.
Hadrian’s tie to the house was intriguing and I was really interested in his history and how he even got left in the house. Both Hadrian and Landry have experienced plenty of trauma and we get to see them work through that together. They have good chemistry and I really enjoyed their romance.
There are a few things that impacted my rating that includes the curse, the side characters, and the ending.
First, we learn that there is some sort of curse that is forcing Hadrian to be fastened to this house that would have been placed a century prior. While both characters try to investigate this curse through out the story, I don't think we ever really get a full explanation. They had come up with some ideas but then it's just left at that. I personally would have liked there to be more clarification on the curse or see the characters explore the curse further.
Sometimes side characters can add something to the story but in this case, I was not really vibing with Landry's friends and they lacked depth. Sayer was just there and he was pointless. There wasn't much background on him too. Emma, Landry's half sister, added something since there is history with them due to their parents and their childhood but I didn't like Emma's personality. I started to get annoyed every time Sayer and Emma made an appearance.
I am confused by the ending. To me, it felt more like a cliffhanger rather than the ending of a standalone. I’m left feeling like either something is unfinished or I just really overlooked something. I might end up doing a re-read after publication or wait for other reviews to see if anyone else can explain the ending lol
September 28, 2025
I'm very conflicted on this novel. On one hand, I did enjoy the story (as long as I suspended disbelief for a lot of it), I found myself rooting for all of the main characters and enjoying their story lines. This novel was quick to read, and I enjoyed the southern, small-town setting. Here's what I struggled with (SPOILERS AHEAD):
One thing, I hate stories with ambiguous endings. At the end of this novel, we see Landry making progress with her trauma, the house is remodeled, and she seems to have accepted that Hadrian is at rest and has left the house. Then, in like the last two pages of the book, she goes and opens what has went from a portal to another world, to an ordinary coat closet, to find out that it has yet again turned into a portal that has Hadrian. WHY? Now I have a thousand questions that will never be answered: is Hadrian actually back? Will she still sell the house? Will she walk into his world and choose to stay? As someone with OCD and anxiety, ambiguous endings are a torture device.
Two, supposedly Hadrian's beloved nanny (who practiced some kind of voodoo religion) did this to him (bound him to the house?) 'Because she loved him'. Here's where my confusion comes in: he comes back home after murdering strangers across the US who are Bad Men. He comes back to his ancestral home in a tizzy, and in a fit of rage decides to burn it down to stick it to his abusive father. Here things get vague. The servant who raised him as a child 'stops him' and then 'in love' binds him to a house that he absolutely seemed to hate. How was that love? And then they bury him in the family cemetery (I guess it's easier to get away with the ritualistic murder of your employer back in the 1800s). Nothing about that seems loving, they don't mention how she actually stops him (except that it had to result in his death) and then he is turned into a demon creature that haunts the family estate. There were just a few too many things that didn't seem to fully make sense, and I feel like we never really get answers for.
I wanted to love this book, and as long as I don't think about the things that didn't make sense, it was a lovely, atmospheric book. It's perfect to read in the fall months. The characters worked through their trauma in a fashion that was really satisfying to read. I just wish that the plot had been more fully developed. I'm still giving it four stars because it was easy to read and kept my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Hollie Nelson for allowing me to read an eARC of this novel to review.
One thing, I hate stories with ambiguous endings. At the end of this novel, we see Landry making progress with her trauma, the house is remodeled, and she seems to have accepted that Hadrian is at rest and has left the house. Then, in like the last two pages of the book, she goes and opens what has went from a portal to another world, to an ordinary coat closet, to find out that it has yet again turned into a portal that has Hadrian. WHY? Now I have a thousand questions that will never be answered: is Hadrian actually back? Will she still sell the house? Will she walk into his world and choose to stay? As someone with OCD and anxiety, ambiguous endings are a torture device.
Two, supposedly Hadrian's beloved nanny (who practiced some kind of voodoo religion) did this to him (bound him to the house?) 'Because she loved him'. Here's where my confusion comes in: he comes back home after murdering strangers across the US who are Bad Men. He comes back to his ancestral home in a tizzy, and in a fit of rage decides to burn it down to stick it to his abusive father. Here things get vague. The servant who raised him as a child 'stops him' and then 'in love' binds him to a house that he absolutely seemed to hate. How was that love? And then they bury him in the family cemetery (I guess it's easier to get away with the ritualistic murder of your employer back in the 1800s). Nothing about that seems loving, they don't mention how she actually stops him (except that it had to result in his death) and then he is turned into a demon creature that haunts the family estate. There were just a few too many things that didn't seem to fully make sense, and I feel like we never really get answers for.
I wanted to love this book, and as long as I don't think about the things that didn't make sense, it was a lovely, atmospheric book. It's perfect to read in the fall months. The characters worked through their trauma in a fashion that was really satisfying to read. I just wish that the plot had been more fully developed. I'm still giving it four stars because it was easy to read and kept my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Hollie Nelson for allowing me to read an eARC of this novel to review.
October 26, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley & Alcove Press, for the eARC of A Heart So Haunted! 👻⏳🫀❤️🩹
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ . 5 / 5 (rounded up)
Spice level: no spice
So, the cover is spectacular! The cover drew me in and the description is right up my alley! A girl and a monster fall in love in a haunted house? Yes please! I’m sat! 🧎🏻♀️➡️
This book was written decently well, although there were a lot of clever similes that seemed to be filler, if that makes sense. It wasn’t terrible but it was A LOT.
The romance facet was VERY slow burn, which I don’t mind at all! It was enjoyable and took my breath away at many points. Even if it was pretty secondary to the story. The FMC, Landry, was frustrating at times, but when you find out what she’s going through internally, you start to understand why. It sometimes felt like a pity party showcase for her and she has SO many “what ifs?” standing in her way. If you don’t mind a book where the FMC’s biggest enemy is herself, then you’d probably enjoy this novel.
One thing that bothered me was the contradictions that Landry would exhibit. For example, she always feels bad for herself by thinking, “everybody leaves me,” then she believes the only life she’s ever wanted is one with no friends, no family, nothing? I don’t know if it’s supposed to convey her internal turmoil or if it’s just plain obliviousness to the contradictions, but it was aggravating to me.
I don’t really have any complaints about the MMC, I loved him! I also don’t have too many complaints about how the story played out except the constant internal questioning from Landry and the ending left me a little bit confused to where I had to go back and see what I missed. I’m still a bit confused.
All things considered, this was a decent read for me. There was mental health rep, slow burn romance, small moments of humor, and good character development. Read this if you enjoy supernatural romances with a mystery that needs to be solved. 👀
**disclaimer: I received this eARC through NetGalley and am leaving this honest review of my own accord. All thoughts are my own.**
𝔽𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕗𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕞𝕪 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕞, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕖 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕕, 𝕒𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤. 📚✨ @𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕤
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ . 5 / 5 (rounded up)
Spice level: no spice
So, the cover is spectacular! The cover drew me in and the description is right up my alley! A girl and a monster fall in love in a haunted house? Yes please! I’m sat! 🧎🏻♀️➡️
This book was written decently well, although there were a lot of clever similes that seemed to be filler, if that makes sense. It wasn’t terrible but it was A LOT.
The romance facet was VERY slow burn, which I don’t mind at all! It was enjoyable and took my breath away at many points. Even if it was pretty secondary to the story. The FMC, Landry, was frustrating at times, but when you find out what she’s going through internally, you start to understand why. It sometimes felt like a pity party showcase for her and she has SO many “what ifs?” standing in her way. If you don’t mind a book where the FMC’s biggest enemy is herself, then you’d probably enjoy this novel.
One thing that bothered me was the contradictions that Landry would exhibit. For example, she always feels bad for herself by thinking, “everybody leaves me,” then she believes the only life she’s ever wanted is one with no friends, no family, nothing? I don’t know if it’s supposed to convey her internal turmoil or if it’s just plain obliviousness to the contradictions, but it was aggravating to me.
I don’t really have any complaints about the MMC, I loved him! I also don’t have too many complaints about how the story played out except the constant internal questioning from Landry and the ending left me a little bit confused to where I had to go back and see what I missed. I’m still a bit confused.
All things considered, this was a decent read for me. There was mental health rep, slow burn romance, small moments of humor, and good character development. Read this if you enjoy supernatural romances with a mystery that needs to be solved. 👀
**disclaimer: I received this eARC through NetGalley and am leaving this honest review of my own accord. All thoughts are my own.**
𝔽𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕗𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕞𝕪 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕞, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕖 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕕, 𝕒𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤. 📚✨ @𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕤
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