Amid the suffocating embrace of night, I stumble upon him, a beacon of light. The Boogeyman, a seductive terror, Whispers haunting promises, cruel and fair. Eyes that glint with otherworldly fire, In his grasp, I’m consumed by dark desire. A love twisted and sickeningly sweet, Tangled in the depths of darkness, where nightmares meet. Should I trust my button eyes, Or should I doubt them and follow my firefly?
*This story is a dark retelling inspired by Oogie Boogie, from The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Coraline. Please check triggers prior to reading.
Commonly known as Cyn, C. Hebert is a multi-genre author who loves to paint a pretty, yet horrific, picture woven together with absolute chaos. True gravevard reads. While most authors like to write happily ever afters, C. Hebert prefers to take her stories in the opposite direction, delivering darker tales with a hint of madness, tugging at your heartstrings. She is a self proclaimed manic write who loves to constantly push herself to do more.
C. Hebert is a published poet and writes darker, more unique works under a secondary pen name, which is an International Best Seller. It is listed on her social media.
This was another book that I downloaded because there's a book box company dropping it as a preorder soon (twisted fiction) I wanted to see if it was worthy of my shelves and I'm happy to report that I'm definitely ordering it. I just really hope that they'll finish the series, once it's available.
This book was the perfect blend of 2 of my absolute favorite stories: Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline.
I'm usually not a fan of monster romance but it turned out to be rather agreeable for me due to the fact that both the FMC and MMC were mostly hunan-like with the exception of small details..colors for both, button eyes for her and a forked tongue for him.
The originality of the plot and the ability to still stay within certain parameters of both OG stories was rather brilliant and flawless. I feared boredom after the 1st third of the book but then the plotline really kicked in and delivered a stream of nonstop twists and page turning action.
The spicy scenes were numerous but not overwhelming and it was a bit of a slow burn but didn't leave me hanging for long.
I highly recommend that you check triggers before diving in but if you're in the mood for a retelling or something for spooky season, I think this book delivers.
Stalker Somnophilia Nightmare Before Christmas meets Coraline Horror romance Monster romance doll x creation (both humanoid in most aspects) Who did this to you? Possessive AF MMC Grumpy x sunshine Virgin FMC Forked tongue and green member Fantasy worlds Cliffhanger/ book 1 in series Semi- slow burn
Primal play Self harm Sharing (sewing) needles Bug splat Torture and lots of gore Masked MMC
My first read from C. Hebert and... I'm obsessed!!
Dollface is a dark, twisted, and loosely inspired retelling of Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas, two of my all time favorite spooky movies. So obviously the vibes were immaculate. I devoured this book start to finish.
C. Hebert's writing was vivid, atmospheric, and so easy to get lost in. The worlds of Nightmare and Dreadmoor came alive off the page and I could picture every eerie, whimsical, and creepy detail.
The characters? Perfection. Blue (Dollface) with her button eyes and banana-blueberry colored hair and Firefly (our deliciously broody Boogeyman) completely stole my heart. At first he's out to get her but she slowly wins him over and watching that shift was everything. This was a slowish burn but the build up was so worth it. She fell first, but he fell harder.
Blue's journey was beautiful to watch. she starts out uncertain and feeling unwanted but still manages to radiate warmth and kindness. Firefly shows her she's more than just a toy, helping her embrace her worth & confidence. and even showing her colors for the first time (which was such a cool little detail)
And Firefly? Whew. He broke me. He's convinced he can't feel love or be loved, because all anyone sees is the monster and doesn’t deserve it. But Blue sees him. She brings out his softness, cracks through his hard shell. Everyone one of his POV moments as he struggled with these new emotions for blue had me swooning. Their love wasn't easy, but it was so powerful.
The side characters were just as strong and added so much depth to the story. The plot had everything. Mystery, banter, humor, dark themes, twists, thrills, and yes... SPICE. (This was my first time reading bug play and honestly? It worked. Different, but definitely intriguing. You know what?! HELL YEAH.
And THAT ENDING?! I need book two in my hands yesterday.
Dollface by C. Herbert is like a dark dream stitched from The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline—a haunting retelling that completely hooked me from beginning to end. I absolutely absorbed this book. Having a story told from the Bogeyman’s side was such a fun, twisted ride.
The characters were incredibly well-crafted. Sullen and Charisma were devilishly fun. Havoc was such an interesting character—her habit of speaking in third person made her even more intriguing.
Then there's Blue (Dollface)—I adored her. So unaware, yet so captivated by the world around her. She always stood her ground, spoke up for herself, and saw beauty everywhere—especially in colors and, yes, sex. She was vibrant in every sense.
And Firefly—the Bogeyman. What can I say? If he's under my bed, I'm crawling under there with him. I loved how his hard, terrifying exterior slowly peeled back to reveal a softness reserved only for Blue. Watching what started as a game turn into genuine love was so satisfying, especially seeing him struggle to process those feelings.
This book was beautifully written throughout, with an ending that felt perfectly twisted and right. Who needs a traditional happily ever after? This ending was everything I didn’t know I wanted. I just wish I could read it again for the first time.
From now on... I’ll definitely be checking under my bed.
“I don’t just like her. She consumes every ounce of my very being. Her existence breathed life into my dead soul, peeling me from my own darkness and showering me in her warmth. F**k, I didn’t just want her, no I needed her. She was mine, all mine. “
I was not prepared for what I was walking into. I knew it was a Coraline and Nightmare before Christmas retelling but still it left me consumed with the need to finish this book! Both of my favorite movies come together for this story and it was just brilliantly done! Both aspects of the movies were used constantly and it was so good! The side characters were great, Havoc? She was freaking creepy, completely insane, out of pocket and absolutely hilarious, I loved her character. Firefly and Blue… I loved them together, their relationship and chemistry was just perfect, they complimented each other. The spice was absolutely DELICIOUS! The needle play? 🥵 🥵 but the plot twist? Jesus I was not read for that! I still reeling from the ending and I can’t believe Cyn and DJ just edged me the whole book to leave it on a cliffhanger! I’m so freaking excited to see what happens next! PS. The crazy ramblings of Havoc deserve a medal because what the actual fk? 😂
“I’ve never met a soul more beautiful or deadly than you, Blue. You will, without a doubt, be my end.” “He truly was a firefly, burning bright in the darkness of this world. “
Mind Blown. This is an amazing story of the Boogeyman (aka Firefly) from The Nightmare Before Christmas & Blue (aka Dolly) from Coraline. He's dark with his burlap suit, she's innocent with her button eyes. These authors let us envision this world in all such vivid detail. The colors, the stitching, the creatures, the glowing dragonflies, the minions, everything is written in ways you can bold fully imagine & picture as it's happening. Havoc was wiiild. The imagination is everything.
There was suspense, creepiness & overall some sadness & love all mixed in this fairytale. The spicy dice games were fun. I thought the storyline was excellent & characters just brilliant.
this was hands down a 5 star read! from the moment i started to the moment i finished, i was HOOKED. i was genuinely scared to start this book as it was insta lust (kept seeing it on ig) and i normally hate that when reading but this book? the author did so well when writing this that it didn’t matter. I ATE IT UP.
this book has everything you would want, there’s an actual plot which i LOVE. give me plot AND spice (never thought i would be blushing over needles)and i’ll devour it. i will definitely be checking out this author more as i am so impressed and i WILL be heading over to the authors website to buy a physical copy and some swag🙏🏻
A dark retelling of Oogie Boogie and Coraline. Those are two of my favorite movies and Oogie Boogie is one of my favorite villains. This was a must read for me.
With riddles, plot twists and vivid details to keep my attention this book quickly rose up on my top 10 books. Also the banter between characters was peak. I’m a slut for some good banter.
I can’t wait for the next book to see how they will continue the story. I also need to know what happens with Mr. Whiskers!!!
Tugged on my heartstrings with my love for oogie boogie & coraline. This seemed like a mixture of the two and I absolutely loved the collaboration that was so insanely creative and crafted. The story as a whole was beautiful and had me LOCKED IN. The cliff hanger at the end had my mouth agape & I need to know what happens next like I need air to breathe… These characters were so lovable and the story itself just… so good… I can’t put words on it.. the feeling😩😩😩 Absolute favorite read of 2025, hands down….
This was such a fun ride. I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended for people into dark romance and Tim Burton! Check your trigger warnings. The humor had me cracking up. Representation of Lock, Shock, and Barrel, Oogie Boogie, Jack, Sally, Coraline, Mother, and so many other fun Tim Burtony style characters. Plenty of smut, dark humor, thrills and chills, and just a plain old good time. I got to read it for Halloween, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it's good year round!
As someone who is forever obsessed with The Nightmare Before Christmas, and terrified of the movie Coraline, i hands down loved this book. Every single second of reading this book was amazing!
These characters, main and side were absolutely perfect! This read gives you humor both of the funny and dark variety. You get smut, you get twists and thrills and mysteries, and love!
Who knew all I was missing in life was a Nightmare Before Christmas x Coraline romance between the literal Boogieman and a doll? Dollface had me hooked from page one - I was on the edge of my seat with every chapter. Blue, our beautifully complex ‘doll’, is cast into the world of nightmares by her twisted creator after saving another child. There, she tumbles straight into the arms of the Boogieman, her Firefly.
The spice? Absolutely off the charts, with somno scenes that are... chef’s kiss. On top of that, we get a delightfully unhinged cast of side characters who struggle with Blue and Firefly’s unexpected connection, making the tension (and chaos) even better.
I was so obsessed I immediately grabbed the special edition from Beastly Tales Book Box and now I’m a C. Hebert superfan. This is the perfect blend of gothic horror, searing spice, and aching, messy yearning. Pure monster romance magic.
This was my first introduction to C. Herbert, I was not disappointed!!! C. Herbert has such a fantastic imagination, and such a beautiful way of describing everything in such vivid detail it captured me. I felt like I was part of the story, this was like a beautiful spicy mix of Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline. The characters were excellent and so very well written I look forward to reading more by C. Herbert.
This book was absolutely amazing! I love the story it tells between Firefly and Blue. The characters are told in such a way, you feel as though they are real. At first, the Boogeyman is out to get the Dolly. But then, the Boogeyman falls for the Dolly, and shows her colors. I love that they find love, even through pain and heartache.
I love this book so much, and I can’t wait for the next one to continue the story.
This book is being buried with me, no questions asked… Dollface put me in a chokehold right from the start 😩 Firefly and Blue are just rahhh, I want my own Firefly! TNBC and Coraline!?!? TAKE MY MONEYYYYY! ALL OF IT! I hated the cliffhanger but secretly wanted more anyways sooo 👀 it works out 🤭 Please read trigger warnings as your mental health matters 🖤
I tend to go into books blind and this was no different. I could tell from the title and the early world building that this was loosely based upon Nightmare Before Xmas, but I found some details odd and not to my liking. If you’re a reader that doesn’t mind details that go for vibes vs plot, and a big fan of NBC, you’ll enjoy this book! I decided to try another book by the same author and was much happier with my next choice. I did enjoy how hard our morally grey boogeyman falls for Blue, our stitched up dolly. And I appreciated how we had a non-binary supporting character with lots of personality.
DNF@ 32% (ch.6). Insta-lust attraction but the writing is fun. Some of Havoc's lines made me laugh. skimmed some later scenes. Realized it is the first in a series. I may try again once the series is completed, but I could tell that while it is a fun read, I don't think it will be a favorite read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
+ the nightmare before christmas x coraline retelling + dark humor + dark monster romance + bug daddy x doll mommy + needle & bug play + stalking + games + cliffhanger ending
I went into this expecting a fun exciting read and it was a wild ride. It has a twisted story line that is dark and mysterious but also sweet. The Boogeyman has a softer side and really shows it when a certain Dolly appears in Nightmare. Loved this read and all the representation of both TNBC & Coraline, the side characters were just as fun as the MCs. The cliffhanger I'm eager to know more and find out what happens. Blue & The Boogeyman had much moments that pulled at the heart strings, too perfect
The spice was hot, weird as it was but hot hot hot. Bug play was a first for me but 100% went with the story. Forked tongue too???? UHM WHAT
A beautiful retelling of The Nightmare Before Christmas. I read this in one sitting because I could put it down. If I had known it ended with a huge cliffhanger i may have waited, but that’s only because I’m impatient.
Each character is reimagined version of the original so don’t go into it expecting Jack to be Jack because he isn’t.