Vessel

by Poppy L. Roberts

The hollow waits.
Harper is lost—drowning in a life that feels hollow, disconnected, and disenchanting. Technology, consumerism, and monotony have drained the world of meaning, leaving her restless and yearning for something real. Then one day in her search for feeling, she stumbles across an obscure online forum whispering about Saint’s Hollow, an off-grid commune hidden deep in the mountains. They promise her a detox from the bog of her overwhelming life and reconnection with herself. They promise belonging.
Desperate for escape, Harper sells everything, erases her old life, and follows the invitation that simply reads: We’ve been waiting for you.
Saint’s Hollow is beautiful, untouched by the decay of modern life. Its people are warm, and its leader, Naamah, is intoxicating. But the deeper Harper sinks into their world, the more her reality fractures. Strangeness seeps into every crevice of life in Saint’s Hollow. Shadowed figures haunt her movements and the darkness whispers back.
As Harper unravels, she faces an impossible choice: fight for her fading humanity or surrender to the darkness that has always been waiting.
Because Saint’s Hollow doesn’t just want her dreams.
It wants all of her.

Genres: Horror

Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2025

About the author

Poppy Roberts has always been a passionate lover of stories and has finally decided it was time to tell one of her own.

As a child she always enjoyed playing pretend, inventing stories, and immersing herself in imaginary worlds. Now, as an adult, she still gets excited about fairy rings, magical creatures, and discovering entirely new worlds. Her mother encouraged her love of reading at a young age, and Poppy's search for that magical feeling has only grown stronger over time.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love Meg Smitherman’s horrormances?? Then Poppy Roberts should be on your tbr.

Let me tell you, if you’re looking for your next horromance, this is it. I was thoroughly impressed by the sense of dread/foreboding that Poppy weaved into this novella.

As someone who has been fascinated by not your average take on religions, I was screaming with the lore that Poppy Roberts meticulously placed in the storytelling, Naamah included. The cult vibes were definitely culting - also finding myself completely creeped out in the forest. I was hesitant to look into a mirror after reading this. 😂

But let’s also talk about the spice. It is 🔥 giving 🔥 in this. Are you wanting to be horny and afraid? Then definitely read Vessel.

I can’t wait to see what else comes from Poppy, I hope she continues to write in this genre.

——————-
I loved seeing the journey Harper went through and seeing her character evolve/devolve 👀👀… it was horrific and delicious in the best ways!!

[georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great quick, spooky and spicy read!
Vessel by Poppy Roberts was a refreshing little take on my usual, normal go to reading genres of horror-romance that’s still pretty new to me and out of my comfort zones but i found myself enjoying it! The cult-like vibes were fascinating to read & experience within Roberts’ storytelling and add on the dark & scary-esq elements, it was just one of those books that was creeping me out but i couldn’t look away. It was a perfect, quick and filling read that gives you so much in only a matter of pages.

What to expect in Vessel:
🌶️ cults
🌶️ sapphic paranormal horrormance
🌶️ morally gray mmcs
🌶️ forced proximity
🌶️ dark secrets
🌶️ demons and dark magic
🌶️ hand necklaces

Thank you Poppy Roberts for allowing me to be an arc reader for this release & providing me with an advanced reader copy of Vessel!

If you you’re looking for a quick, easy dark romance that’ll get your heart racing (in the both scary and spicy sense), you won’t want to miss out on Vessel!

Vessel releases June 20th, 2025!

[Amanda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went it blind, as I usually do. And honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this. Maybe it was the fact that this was a <90 page sapphic horror romance novella that was able to tell an ENTIRE decent story, involve some spice, explain the main character in a way that allowed you to understand them, and made you not expect the ending, all in less than 25k words.

Obviously, we didn’t get to explore any of the other characters all that well, due to the fact that this is a novella, but you get amazing explanations of the FMC and The Hollow!

You get enough plot and storyline, and enough terror and fear, and a little steam, AND a little bit of a twist at the end, all in a tiny package ?!

Hell yes.

Thank you so much to Poppy and her team for allowing me to read this ARC!

[Carrie Goolsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this author!
Thrilled to see what she comes out with next.

This book truly had me hooked with the cultish and spicy vibes and was executed perfectly!

[Taylor Rayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Poppy Roberts for allowing me to be an arc reader for this release and providing me with an advanced reader copy of Vessel!

If you you're looking for a quick read with some spice to work through some religious trauma then this is it.

What to expect in Vessel:
• cults
• sapphic paranormal horrormance
• morally gray mmcs
• forced proximity
• dark secrets
• mental health
• dark magic

Cons for me: Though the core of this story was great, it wasn’t enough. I found myself just realllllly wanting this to be longer. This book is only 19 chapters and it took 16 for it to really get going. Because of this I was bored during specific moments. I wish the characters had more time to show their personalities. I wish the magic could have been explored more. I think it was a good story just not a story that I LOVED for me. :)


P.s. the spicy is f/f

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨

Welcome to Saint's Hollow, a mysterious and peaceful commune where nothing is as it seems.

Tropes:
💕Sapphic Romance
😈Demons & Dark Magic
🫂Forced Proximity
🤫Dark Secrets
🖤Morally Grey/Black MCs
🏠CuIts
🌶️: open door

I walked into this story blind and I’m so glad it did. This novella is fast-paced and features an unsuspecting down on her luck FMC and a villainous character who charms her. Vessel is a dark and eerie tale brimming with gruesome surprises and twists.

Huge thanks to the author and for the review copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kaely Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!

I went into this blind not really knowing much about the story other than the general synopsis. I'm glad I did to be honest. This was the perfect blend of horror and romance. It keeps you on your toes and you don't want to put it down. I loved the cult/commune aspect, there were a few things that confused me a little but honestly, I still give it 5 stars because it was just that good.

I wish there was more, and if there ever is a part two, I'd be ready to read it for sure.

[Kailey Swienton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Pull back your fangs, little snake, I’ve got you.”

This is the perfect horrormance! For being a short novella, I was impressed with how we got a full story out of it, complete with a plot twist at the end. The spice is spicing 🌶️ , and the horror aspects gave me the literal chills! This is an excellent quick read.

[Samantha Lynn ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

•arc review•

The dark cult vibes really drew me in. Anything dark and spooky and I am sold!
This book was short but it packed a lot of punch and was a perfect quick read!
I can’t lie, I was scared and h0rny while reading this book but it was a complete vibe! 🫣

[Chyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate Vessel up. It’s a quick read, sapphic, spicy and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Poppy does a wonderful drawing you in and keeping your attention with twists and turns. Perfect if you love books with cult vibes. Be careful lest you be consumed by the hollow.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had totally forgotten I had signed up for an ARC for this book until I got the email. This book had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. my mind is still reeling from all of the twists and turns that Harper went through. If you want a quick read with a story that will hook you in, this is it.

[Hallie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced, short read that combines horror and romance that is creepy, erotic, and has you asking questions and wanting more.

The plot:
I liked the concept and idea of the plot, I just felt that the execution of it fell flat. I think that it was too rushed and needed more time to simmer and get under your skin. I loved the idea of horror x romance. There were moments where I felt creeped out and on the other end there were some very steamy FF moments. I think the blend was new and exciting, but I wanted more. I feel like the plot wasn't as fleshed out as it could have been. There were so many questions that just didn't get answered and so many things that just weren't explained. I got to a point where I thought it was getting more interesting and I was excited to find out more and then the book was at its end. We kind of just dove into the book and the main character's life without really any backstory, we had a little bit of story and build-up in the middle and then the character made her choice and then the story ended with a lot of unanswered questions.

Harper:
The story started abruptly at a point in Harper's life where she felt weighed down and didn't know what to do with herself. We get no backstory to her though and what might have led up to this. It's also very abrupt the mentioning of this mysterious place called Saint's Hollow. When we start the book she has apparently already been researching it but again we don't get a backstory as to how she really found it, why she found it, and anything of that nature. She makes the irrational decision to sell the things in her life and leave it behind to go to this mysterious place that offers her more but what that more is is a mystery. She seems kind but worn out and may also have a darker side to her. I feel as though I didn't see much personal growth. This could stem from there mainly being no backstory to her to see where she started to where she ends up and why she ends up there. I feel like she had potential but wasn't able to reach it in this short novel.

Other characters:
There weren't many other characters in this book. Only three that had really any part in the book, but honestly they just felt like side characters and didn't stand out. I feel like I wasn't able to create a connection with any of them either. They didn't, in my opinion, create any more depth to the story or the FMC. The love interest was a mystery in and of herself but she too fell flat and we never got a backstory to her to answer any questions or to build her character, even though she was a main part of the plot.

Romance and spice:
There was some female-on-female romance in this one. Go Pride Month!! However, I didn't feel the connection between the two. It felt more like insta lust/love. I felt that there wasn't any true building to their connection. They had some spicy scenes which created a nice distraction from the plot, but nothing stood out to me about their relationship. I wanted more. I wanted to see more building and banter and longing and questioning, but it wasn't there for me.

Overall, I felt like the concept was a super cool idea, but there just needed to be more fleshed-out plans and world and character building and there just needed to be more in general when it came to back stories and answering looming questions and other things of that nature.

Tropes:

• FF romance
• Horror
• Mysterious town
• Cults
• morally grey FMCs
• Dark secrets
• Forced proximity
... And more

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark paranormal read with cult vibes.

We focus around a woman, Harper who has been lost to the monotony of life. She has no true friendship connections, doesn’t talk to her family much and hates her job. She stumbles upon an underground commune in the middle of the mountains and when she’s laid off from her 9-5 job she takes that as the turning point of her life, puts her house up for sale and head out to this remote community.

Although everyone seems to enjoy their time at Saints Hollow, this remote community, soon Harper finds this place is not what she was expecting.

This is an F/F romance with a twist you don’t see coming at the end!

Although I enjoyed the premise of the story I felt that there were parts that both felt rushed and others that seemed to move at a slower pace. I would rate this book a 3.5 but definitely rated up because the story was the perfect combination of mysterious, spooky and sexy.

If you are looking for a short mysterious paranormal romance where the villain gets the girl then this is may be for you.

[Haley R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hypnotic, almost ritualistic tone of the story was intriguing to dive into through Roberts' writing. With the added layer of sinister and haunting moments, it turned into one of those books that gave me the creeps—but I was hooked. It was a brief yet rich read that packed a surprising amount of depth into just a few pages.

Harper, the story’s central figure, slowly begins to sense that the world she’s built around herself isn’t what she truly wants—and maybe never was. A chance encounter offers her an unexpected way out, a doorway to something new. But what waits on the other side may be far more dangerous, more twisted, than the life she’s so desperate to leave behind.

This was a brief, chilling sapphic tale that I couldn’t put down. It served up unsettling cult energy, psychological dread, and shadowy, unexpected turns in the best way. I truly had no idea what direction it would take—and when the story finally revealed its hand, I was completely unprepared. The tension was gripping, keeping me locked in with a sense of unease the entire way through.

[Coree, The Book Devourer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just what I needed. It was intriguing, entertaining, and relatable. The ending was not what I saw coming, but seriously SO good... now I have more questions... how did we get here, where is it going - I need another book ASAP!

This book follows the FMC, Harper, through her realization that the world that she has created is not necessarily the world she'd like to remain in and she seeks, almost by chance, a way out. Unbeknownst to her, the new beginning that she's looking for, may be worse than the life she decided to leave.

Poppy L. Roberts writing style is great, making me feel like I was there within the pages of her book. This is my first dive into her writing and I hope that she will continue, not just this story, but writing in general - as I can't wait to read and devour more.

[Heather Bohinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5*

This was an absolutely FANTASTIC, short horror story!! It pulls you in immediately and keeps a hold of you for the whole ride. Very eerie and mysterious and creepy. The pace of this story was so good, it provided enough details to paint you the picture while still creating that "what's going to happen next" feeling without being overdone, and the story progresses as it needs to without leaving you scratching your head. It starts out with a young girl living your basic life, going through her daily routines, doing everything shes's "supposed to do" but it leaves her feeling empty and seeking more out of life. I really think a lot of people will be able to relate to how Harper feels at the beginning of the story, and maybe this can be used as a guide of what not to do if you're feeling this way (or maybe not?) If you're looking for short, scary and spicy, this is for you!!

[Cole Branham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a nice quick novella to read. It is an FF dark paranormalish romance. I would give the spice about a 2.5🌶️🌶️ out of five. There is an only a few chapters of spice but when we get there that are 🔥🔥. Quick overview, our main FMC is Harper who has left her life behind to live in the secluded Saint’s Hollow. While there she notices some things going on and forms a relationship with Naamah. Some tropes are; Cults, Forced Proximity, Demons, and Sapphic. When I say this book has a cult trope after reading a few chapters I was like this book is giving off Midsummer vibes and I was hooked in from there. I highly recommend especially if you are maybe in a reading slump this book this a create read and it has just enough spice and spooky vibes on it for a chill down your back.

[Kimberly Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Harper wanted was a life away from the expectations we can't seem to escape. The perfect career, physical upkeep, social media, being connected to everyone at all times. The constant noise and chaos all around us. She thought she had found her answer, taking the time to get her affairs in order and being able to let go.
This story takes you down the rabbit hole of things not being quite what they seem. Away from the noise of the world, what looks like a sanctuary at face value, has a darkness that is all consuming.
Welcome to Saint's Hallow.


Thank you Poppy Roberts for the opportunity to read this gem of yours.

[Kaneisha Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew not to trust anyone right? Right. I knew anytime a commune in the woods is labeled a “retreat” this is all bad. Yet I still wanted to follow the trails, I still wanted to see what was “behind the curtain”. The direction I thought we were going to go decided to say let’s go the opposite and you’ll like it. Would I give up my entire life as I knew it, end the cycle of mundane and just existing, to achieve “higher power” and connection? Well if I’m in this read then YEP.
This gave so much of the vibes of Yellowjackets and that’s an immediate yes.
If you need a quick and dread filled sapphic reads, then Vessel should be on you tbr!

[Between The Covers · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it’s got cult vibes? Consider me sold.

I loved this from start to finish. It’s not everyday you stumble upon a sapphic, horror, dark paranormal romance! This was… unlike anything I’ve read, and I loved every minute of it!

This had me on edge, anxious, looking over my shoulder and kicking my feet. 10/10. Absolutely amazing, and incredibly creepy in all the right ways.

I couldn’t put this down, and I’m SO thankful I found it!!

If you like -

🖤Sapphic Romance
🖤Cults
🖤Ritual Sacrifice
🖤River Baths
🖤Morally Gray FMCs
🖤Hand Necklaces
🖤Dark Secrets
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Demons and Dark Magic

Then this is a must for your TBR 👏🏼

Plot - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Details - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️

[Kamiye · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/3.5

I honestly liked the book, and then at the 70% mark, I don't know what happened, but everything felt off; the story, the characters. I understand this is a horror/romance horrormance? but some scenes felt a bit unnecessary (and I read monster smut, so that's saying something).

I don't know, I got lost (maybe that's the Hollow?)... It's still a cool book if you like "cult vibes", communes, and strange ladies in flowing dresses. It's a relatively short read, so give it a shot.

I received an e-ARC from the author. This review is my own, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one so quickly, it was so intriguing! If you like sapphic paranormal romance, this one is for you! Harper's life isn't going well for her, so when she gets fired she decides to go to the elusive Saint's Hollow. When she gets there it's so different from normal civilization, no electronics and just like olden times. She meets the leader Naamah and there is something different about her. Her 2 new friends tell her to stay away from her, she is not something from this world. I loved this story and there were some creepy parts. I was pretty shocked by the ending though.

[Nelli Lakatos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚒𝚌𝚔. 𝙸𝚝𝚜 𝚜𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎 𝚌𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚍. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚋𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗. 𝚂𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝'𝚜 𝙷𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚘𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚢, 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎."

An enchanting and mesmerizing tale I felt myself sucked into, unable to stop the spell. I was transported completely into Saint's Hollow.

Little Snake! Ohh, how much I loved her calling that, the sweetest most intimate nickname imaginable.

I couldn't recommend this phenomenal read enough!

♡ Cults
♡ Ritual Sacrifice
♡ River Baths
♡ Morally Gray FMCs
♡ Hand Necklaces
♡ Dark Secrets
♡ Forced Proximity
♡ Demons and Dark Magic

[Faye Ruble · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I was super intrigued by the concept. I think it had a lot of potential to be really good but, because it was so short, it came across really rushed. For example (SPOILERS AHEAD!!!) the death of both Elias and Saige didn’t have the intended affect on me because I wasn’t able to connect with them. When a book is this short, the action needs to begin really early. Instead I felt like we had a ton of exposition in the first 15 chapters, info dumping and action in the last 4. It just wasn’t for me. I wish it had been a longer, fully developed book.

[Hallie Bookish_Loot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m typically not a novella person but this short story contained so much in such a short span!

Harper is lost to the overwhelming nuances of today’s world. She wants nothing more than to just escape and just when she thought she couldn’t, she see’s a post on a forum offering just that…. Saint’s Hollow… Harper takes an uneasy journey to find freedom from her antidepressants and everyday life and Saint’so Hollow sucks her right in.

This is a cultish, horror, romance that packs a punch!

[Jody Vogler · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Eyes on me, Little Snake."

I don't remember signing up for this Arc, but when I saw the email AND the cover I knew I had to check it out! This was a quick little horror romance with cult vibes, twists and turns, and moments where I was on the edge of my seat saying "WTF"! I also want to add this is a F/F romance just incase that's something your not into.. but that spice was spicing!! I haven't really read any Horrormance before, but I really enjoyed how on edge this book had me!

[Averee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, dark paranormal romance consisting of only 19 chapters.

I truly believe this book has the potential to develop into something more. The overall plot was captivating and the spice between the F/F characters was hot. However, as a reader I needed more depth and background with the characters and more exploration into the magic.

If you’re looking for a short, cultish romance where the villain gets the girl, look no further! This one is for you!

[Haeli S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything. It’s a quick, sapphic, spooky read and I devoured it. It gave cult, horror, and dark twisty vibes in the best way possible. I had no idea where it was going, and when it did go there? I was not ready. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I couldn’t get enough of how eerie and unsettling it all felt. Nothing was what it seemed, and I loved that.

Thank you Poppy for the opportunity to read this as an ARC!

[Jazzy Mermaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good snake!!!! Harper finds herself in a life of mundane and expected circumstances and wants to leave it all behind. She finds herself hiding away the hopes for an escape. Her answer shows up and she takes it with nothing left to loose. Little does she know what is waiting for her at The Hollow. This book is a short and spicy F/F dark and cult vibe read. ✨️📚✨️

[itsmekaylalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror Romance novella, cult vibes, FF, spice, and a “holy shit wtf is going on” moment