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They Call Her Regret
In this young adult speculative mystery, a teen must find a way to free a cursed witch in order to save her best friend before time runs out.
Every year horror-loving Simone Washington throws an epic Halloween party for her classmates. Party-planning is her favorite escape from the dark secrets in her past, and this year, she’s taking things up a notch with an invitation-only event to celebrate her eighteenth birthday—something that will leave the halls of Pinegrove Academy flooded with gossip about the big ghoulish bash. The overnight stay at Doll’s Head Lake will be filled with spooky pranks and scary stories told by the fire—including the legend of a local witch named Regret.
But those dark secrets from Simone’s past are forced to the surface at the party when her best friend Kira dies under questionable circumstances. The witch appears and offers Simone a deal: if Simone can figure out how to release Regret from the curse trapping her at the lake within fourteen days, all of Simone’s regrets will be erased. If Simone accepts, Kira’s life will be immediately restored. But if she fails, Kira will die again—and Simone will be the one to kill her.
Every year horror-loving Simone Washington throws an epic Halloween party for her classmates. Party-planning is her favorite escape from the dark secrets in her past, and this year, she’s taking things up a notch with an invitation-only event to celebrate her eighteenth birthday—something that will leave the halls of Pinegrove Academy flooded with gossip about the big ghoulish bash. The overnight stay at Doll’s Head Lake will be filled with spooky pranks and scary stories told by the fire—including the legend of a local witch named Regret.
But those dark secrets from Simone’s past are forced to the surface at the party when her best friend Kira dies under questionable circumstances. The witch appears and offers Simone a deal: if Simone can figure out how to release Regret from the curse trapping her at the lake within fourteen days, all of Simone’s regrets will be erased. If Simone accepts, Kira’s life will be immediately restored. But if she fails, Kira will die again—and Simone will be the one to kill her.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 17, 2026
About the author
Channelle Desamours
2 books395 followersChannelle Desamours is an author and a high school science teacher. When she’s not napping to recover from her five a.m. writing sessions, Channelle can be found building tiny homes on The Sims 4 or cheering for Atlanta United at soccer matches. NEEDY LITTLE THINGS is her debut novel.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners for an ALC of They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours
Honestly when I first saw this was part of Macmillan Young Listeners I had to do a few double takes.. once again, all the flabbers to my name were gasted. wow, just wow.. I meannnnn I really should have guessed since 89% of stories that involve high schoolers usually are.. but this story was just so, SO good, engrossing, and intense (in all the best ways). It just really never dawned on me that it was the target audience.
Horror is in my blood, ok?.. I'm kinda an expert and thissss 🤌🏼🤌🏼....🤌🏼🤌🏼 Is horror at its absolute finest 🤌🏼
My fellow horror professionals will more than likely agree when I say, a top pet peeve of ours is when a story has a ton of potential but there are too many loose ends or plot holes. This plot was so air tight I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if Ms Desamours worked part time for the military insulating submarines. A horror book where the plot is as solid as the entertainment..is the BEST, most exhilarating experience! Especially since (in my opinion) the genre as a whole tends to have more great books with plot holes than the other way around. Listen, if you've personally had better experience consider me personally jealous because realistically I'd probably have an easier time finding the Sorcerer's Stone than a steady flow of horror books with solid and entertaining plots. Very needless to say this was very much appreciated and enjoyed!
When I first started reading this I had a whole spiel rolling around my cranium, about how this would be the PERFECT way to kick off your 2026 spooky season but after completing it I genuinely don't recommend waiting that long and if you do, you'll regret it
Until next time
Hades
🩵
Honestly when I first saw this was part of Macmillan Young Listeners I had to do a few double takes.. once again, all the flabbers to my name were gasted. wow, just wow.. I meannnnn I really should have guessed since 89% of stories that involve high schoolers usually are.. but this story was just so, SO good, engrossing, and intense (in all the best ways). It just really never dawned on me that it was the target audience.
Horror is in my blood, ok?.. I'm kinda an expert and thissss 🤌🏼🤌🏼....🤌🏼🤌🏼 Is horror at its absolute finest 🤌🏼
My fellow horror professionals will more than likely agree when I say, a top pet peeve of ours is when a story has a ton of potential but there are too many loose ends or plot holes. This plot was so air tight I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if Ms Desamours worked part time for the military insulating submarines. A horror book where the plot is as solid as the entertainment..is the BEST, most exhilarating experience! Especially since (in my opinion) the genre as a whole tends to have more great books with plot holes than the other way around. Listen, if you've personally had better experience consider me personally jealous because realistically I'd probably have an easier time finding the Sorcerer's Stone than a steady flow of horror books with solid and entertaining plots. Very needless to say this was very much appreciated and enjoyed!
When I first started reading this I had a whole spiel rolling around my cranium, about how this would be the PERFECT way to kick off your 2026 spooky season but after completing it I genuinely don't recommend waiting that long and if you do, you'll regret it
Until next time
Hades
🩵
December 17, 2025
The only regret I have about They Call Her Regret is that I didn’t clear my schedule before starting it because once I opened it, this witchy mystery had me absolutely spellbound. 🧙♀️
I won this book right around Halloween, which felt like perfect timing for a story that leans hard into spooky season: haunted lakes, creepy legends, and an overnight Halloween party that goes terribly, tragically wrong. Simone Washington, horror obsessed party planner and queen of distraction, is such a compelling lead. On the surface she’s all vibes and pranks, but underneath she’s carrying some heavy secrets. When her best friend Kira dies at the party and the legendary witch Regret appears with a horrifying bargain free Regret from her curse in fourteen days or lose Kira forever, the book shifts into a tense, time ticking mystery that blends grief, guilt, and supernatural danger in really satisfying ways.
The writing is beautifully balanced: spooky but not cheesy, emotional without getting melodramatic. The prose flows so smoothly that chapters just… disappear. One minute you’re “just reading a few pages,” and the next thing you know, you’ve burned through half the book and your real regret is how late it suddenly is. The pacing is fast without feeling rushed, every scene feels purposeful, and the tension builds steadily as Simone digs deeper into Regret’s past and her own. I really liked how the story used the witch’s curse as a metaphor for the weight of regret and the temptation to rewrite your past, while still delivering all the eerie campfire story vibes promised by Doll’s Head Lake.
What really worked for me was how grounded the relationships felt, especially Simone’s connection to Kira and the messy, very human ways friends can hurt and fail each other. The supernatural stakes are high, but the emotional stakes are just as sharp, and that’s what makes the ending land so well. This isn’t just a haunted lake story; it’s a story about grief, forgiveness, and what it costs to try to undo the past.
If you like YA horror with heart, cursed witches, and mysteries that keep you turning pages long past your bedtime, They Call Her Regret is absolutely worth conjuring onto your TBR. No hexes needed. 🕯️📖
I won this book right around Halloween, which felt like perfect timing for a story that leans hard into spooky season: haunted lakes, creepy legends, and an overnight Halloween party that goes terribly, tragically wrong. Simone Washington, horror obsessed party planner and queen of distraction, is such a compelling lead. On the surface she’s all vibes and pranks, but underneath she’s carrying some heavy secrets. When her best friend Kira dies at the party and the legendary witch Regret appears with a horrifying bargain free Regret from her curse in fourteen days or lose Kira forever, the book shifts into a tense, time ticking mystery that blends grief, guilt, and supernatural danger in really satisfying ways.
The writing is beautifully balanced: spooky but not cheesy, emotional without getting melodramatic. The prose flows so smoothly that chapters just… disappear. One minute you’re “just reading a few pages,” and the next thing you know, you’ve burned through half the book and your real regret is how late it suddenly is. The pacing is fast without feeling rushed, every scene feels purposeful, and the tension builds steadily as Simone digs deeper into Regret’s past and her own. I really liked how the story used the witch’s curse as a metaphor for the weight of regret and the temptation to rewrite your past, while still delivering all the eerie campfire story vibes promised by Doll’s Head Lake.
What really worked for me was how grounded the relationships felt, especially Simone’s connection to Kira and the messy, very human ways friends can hurt and fail each other. The supernatural stakes are high, but the emotional stakes are just as sharp, and that’s what makes the ending land so well. This isn’t just a haunted lake story; it’s a story about grief, forgiveness, and what it costs to try to undo the past.
If you like YA horror with heart, cursed witches, and mysteries that keep you turning pages long past your bedtime, They Call Her Regret is absolutely worth conjuring onto your TBR. No hexes needed. 🕯️📖
November 18, 2025
It’s tradition for horror-loving Simone Washington to throw the best and spookiest parties for Halloween. So this year was no different, except that it was going to be on her eighteenth birthday. The thrill of planning and scaring her friends masks her regrets and dark past; she doesn’t want to confront. And if there’s one thing about Simone, it’s that she has many, many masks.
Planning to throw her birthday party at Doll’s Head Lake, Simone thinks of ways to prank her friends, staying true to the spooky past the lake is rumored for, including the legend of a ghost witch named Regret. But when her friend, Kira, dies after falling into the lake, Simone is desperate to do anything to bring her friend back to life–even if it means having to make a deal with a witch. But there’s a catch: Kira will come back to life, but Simone must learn how to set Regret free from the curse of the lake. If she fails to do so, Kira will die again, but Simone will be the one to do it.
I have never been a fan of the horror genre. I am a scaredy cat and have been for a long time. 😅 That is, until recently, when I became a fan of watching gamers play horror games, which helped me overcome my fear of scary stuff. Heck, I even watched The Conjuring series and want to watch all the movies again. 🤷♀😂
So, in light of spooky season being here and Halloween quickly approaching (time is flying! 😱), I thought it was fitting that I should read possibly my first horror book. That’s where this gem comes in.
Granted, it’s not as scary as I was hoping it would be. I finished this book at like two o’clock in the morning and slept just fine, whereas The Wasp Trap kept me awake for some inexplicable reason. Make it make sense, Sarah. 🤦♀ But it was still deliciously creepy and oh so crazy because ho-ly cow! I was not expecting those plot twists and correlations at all! And that ending? I mean, it’s horror. What did I expect? 😅
Although all the characters were great and did their jobs as characters, I will say it drove me crazy how the lover of horror, Simone, was literally doing everything you are NOT supposed to do when you strike up a deal with a witch. I’m not going to go into too much detail (you have to read the book to find out 😉), but there are certain things you don’t touch, you don’t talk to, and you don’t. Let. In. And I’m going to leave it at that.
But Cory, Simone’s friend and crush, was by far my favorite character. He was so freaking sweet, kind, and such a good friend and person, overall. He’s the best! ☺
Everything else about this book was fantastic. The writing was balanced, flowed flawlessly, and told the story well. There were parts that I didn’t understand, but I think that’s due to editing, so I’m not going to worry about it. The plot was super interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat, and made my jaw drop! 😲 I’m still in shock at how everything that went down, and the latter half of the book will live rent-free in my mind until another book takes that place. 😅
If you are looking for an intriguing and creepy story, this book is for you! I totally recommend it! 👻🎃🧡
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free arc! All opinions and statements are my own!
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, violence, blood, & drug and alcohol use.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–just kissing and mentioning it, too. (🌶/5)
Planning to throw her birthday party at Doll’s Head Lake, Simone thinks of ways to prank her friends, staying true to the spooky past the lake is rumored for, including the legend of a ghost witch named Regret. But when her friend, Kira, dies after falling into the lake, Simone is desperate to do anything to bring her friend back to life–even if it means having to make a deal with a witch. But there’s a catch: Kira will come back to life, but Simone must learn how to set Regret free from the curse of the lake. If she fails to do so, Kira will die again, but Simone will be the one to do it.
I have never been a fan of the horror genre. I am a scaredy cat and have been for a long time. 😅 That is, until recently, when I became a fan of watching gamers play horror games, which helped me overcome my fear of scary stuff. Heck, I even watched The Conjuring series and want to watch all the movies again. 🤷♀😂
So, in light of spooky season being here and Halloween quickly approaching (time is flying! 😱), I thought it was fitting that I should read possibly my first horror book. That’s where this gem comes in.
Granted, it’s not as scary as I was hoping it would be. I finished this book at like two o’clock in the morning and slept just fine, whereas The Wasp Trap kept me awake for some inexplicable reason. Make it make sense, Sarah. 🤦♀ But it was still deliciously creepy and oh so crazy because ho-ly cow! I was not expecting those plot twists and correlations at all! And that ending? I mean, it’s horror. What did I expect? 😅
Although all the characters were great and did their jobs as characters, I will say it drove me crazy how the lover of horror, Simone, was literally doing everything you are NOT supposed to do when you strike up a deal with a witch. I’m not going to go into too much detail (you have to read the book to find out 😉), but there are certain things you don’t touch, you don’t talk to, and you don’t. Let. In. And I’m going to leave it at that.
But Cory, Simone’s friend and crush, was by far my favorite character. He was so freaking sweet, kind, and such a good friend and person, overall. He’s the best! ☺
Everything else about this book was fantastic. The writing was balanced, flowed flawlessly, and told the story well. There were parts that I didn’t understand, but I think that’s due to editing, so I’m not going to worry about it. The plot was super interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat, and made my jaw drop! 😲 I’m still in shock at how everything that went down, and the latter half of the book will live rent-free in my mind until another book takes that place. 😅
If you are looking for an intriguing and creepy story, this book is for you! I totally recommend it! 👻🎃🧡
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free arc! All opinions and statements are my own!
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, violence, blood, & drug and alcohol use.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–just kissing and mentioning it, too. (🌶/5)
February 18, 2026
Oooh, this one is spooky! I’m surprised it wasn’t released closer to Halloween, because it’s perfect for an October read.
Simone is about to turn 18, and she discovers the perfect place to host her birthday party: a cabin close to a supposedly haunted lake. She’s very much into horror, true crime, ghost stories, you name it. Simone does have a few things in her past that haunt her, but she’s moving forward and hopes the party will take her mind off of past events.
There is a local legend about a ghost from the lake who will kill if she takes offense to one of the living, and there’s even a 1970s unsolved case of missing teens who allegedly encountered her and got unalived. Naturally, that’s where a horror fan would want to go, right?
And surely the rumors *aren’t* true…right?
I wouldn’t be recommending this as a perfect October read if the rumors were false, would I?
I was creeped out many a time, but I was hooked early on, and this is a solid Halloween read for those who enjoy horror specifically relating to ghosts. I may be revisiting this later on this year to get in the mood for All Hallow’s Eve.
As always, thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an early copy. I am writing this review entirely voluntarily.
Simone is about to turn 18, and she discovers the perfect place to host her birthday party: a cabin close to a supposedly haunted lake. She’s very much into horror, true crime, ghost stories, you name it. Simone does have a few things in her past that haunt her, but she’s moving forward and hopes the party will take her mind off of past events.
There is a local legend about a ghost from the lake who will kill if she takes offense to one of the living, and there’s even a 1970s unsolved case of missing teens who allegedly encountered her and got unalived. Naturally, that’s where a horror fan would want to go, right?
And surely the rumors *aren’t* true…right?
I wouldn’t be recommending this as a perfect October read if the rumors were false, would I?
I was creeped out many a time, but I was hooked early on, and this is a solid Halloween read for those who enjoy horror specifically relating to ghosts. I may be revisiting this later on this year to get in the mood for All Hallow’s Eve.
As always, thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an early copy. I am writing this review entirely voluntarily.
October 9, 2025
This isn’t exactly a scary horror (maybe more moody/reflective) but there were definitely creepy aspects that were done really well. Sometimes I find it difficult to get into YA but this was everything I like about good YA—the teenagers actually read like teenagers, they mess up, overthink, and don’t magically act like tiny adults with perfect insight. The stakes feel personal and urgent but not world-ending. And like all good horror (IMO), it draws a straight line between the supernatural stuff and how horrifying just being a person can be. Great October read.
March 24, 2026
I wasn't sure if this would live up to my expectations going in...but it exceeded them. Such a well developed and creepy story! YA either hits or misses for me, but I loved this and I could also see my teenage son enjoying it too.
Full RTC
Full RTC
February 19, 2026
This was a fantastic YA book!! It was creepy, suspenseful, a little mystery and even a touch of romance. I don’t think there is one thing I can find about this book that I didn’t enjoy!
I listened to this one, and i am glad I did! The narrator shows her talent with the many different aged and ranges of voices she used. Each was convincing. I especially enjoyed the voice she chose for Regret. It was creepy, old and a little southern. She also got that breathy ghosty vibe in it. It really amped up the story.
Regret is the whole book. Not just a ghost witch’s name, regret is abundant in the lives of the other characters. They all have to work through their own stuff before then can begin to tackle Regret’s quest. Oh yeah, Simone made a deal with Regret, in order to save her friend’s life. We all know that making a deal a creepy old ghost witch is a bad idea, but teens will try anything! Lol loved this! They weren’t stupid kids, they actually did the work.
A nice little twisty reveal in the end, really tied things up nicely. I wouldn’t mind seeing another book with Simone, or even a film adaptation.
I listened to this one, and i am glad I did! The narrator shows her talent with the many different aged and ranges of voices she used. Each was convincing. I especially enjoyed the voice she chose for Regret. It was creepy, old and a little southern. She also got that breathy ghosty vibe in it. It really amped up the story.
Regret is the whole book. Not just a ghost witch’s name, regret is abundant in the lives of the other characters. They all have to work through their own stuff before then can begin to tackle Regret’s quest. Oh yeah, Simone made a deal with Regret, in order to save her friend’s life. We all know that making a deal a creepy old ghost witch is a bad idea, but teens will try anything! Lol loved this! They weren’t stupid kids, they actually did the work.
A nice little twisty reveal in the end, really tied things up nicely. I wouldn’t mind seeing another book with Simone, or even a film adaptation.
February 16, 2026
✨Book Review✨
If you're looking for a good spooky read then def check this out! I really liked the concept of regret in this book and how everyone has it. You find that as the story progresses every character is connected to each other. Secrets are uncovered and friendships are tested.
The narration was so good! I felt like they were all easily distinguished and had their own personalities. Plus the animatronic doll voice was perfect! Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.
If you're looking for a good spooky read then def check this out! I really liked the concept of regret in this book and how everyone has it. You find that as the story progresses every character is connected to each other. Secrets are uncovered and friendships are tested.
The narration was so good! I felt like they were all easily distinguished and had their own personalities. Plus the animatronic doll voice was perfect! Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved loved loved this. This book had sooo many amazing quotes that I'm going to have to reread it once I can get a physical copy so I can mark them all. The writing was amazing, the story was dark and the ending was... fun 🤣. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing this story to life.
March 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing a copy of this novel!
I really enjoyed this book. The writing style was a little simple, but it worked well with the first-person narrative. I also didn't necessarily "like" the characters, but they were done very well. They were all quite flawed and made a lot of mistakes (the "regrets" of the story) but oof, those kids really needed some therapy.
I liked how we actually got to see Simone investigate and learn more information to solve the mystery. It took a minute for the story to get going, but once I got about halfway in, I couldn't put it down! The story was so intense, and every new reveal was more interesting than the last.
I was a little disappointed with the ending though. I wasn't bad by any means, but not as satisfying as I was hoping. This was partly due to Simone's ending. But also because of some the reveals at the end. I don't really read a lot of thrillers, but I feel like all the thrillers I read have the same conclusion. And not in a "the mystery is revealed" kind of way. But who the perpetrator is and why they did what they did. This book was a little different than the others I've read with the focus on "regret," but it still felt pretty same-y to me. This is more of a me problem though. I just have a knack for picking out thrillers with similar endings.
I really enjoyed this book. The writing style was a little simple, but it worked well with the first-person narrative. I also didn't necessarily "like" the characters, but they were done very well. They were all quite flawed and made a lot of mistakes (the "regrets" of the story) but oof, those kids really needed some therapy.
I liked how we actually got to see Simone investigate and learn more information to solve the mystery. It took a minute for the story to get going, but once I got about halfway in, I couldn't put it down! The story was so intense, and every new reveal was more interesting than the last.
I was a little disappointed with the ending though. I wasn't bad by any means, but not as satisfying as I was hoping. This was partly due to Simone's ending. But also because of some the reveals at the end. I don't really read a lot of thrillers, but I feel like all the thrillers I read have the same conclusion. And not in a "the mystery is revealed" kind of way. But who the perpetrator is and why they did what they did. This book was a little different than the others I've read with the focus on "regret," but it still felt pretty same-y to me. This is more of a me problem though. I just have a knack for picking out thrillers with similar endings.
September 30, 2025
I received an ARC, winning it on Goodreads.
This is truly a roller coaster of a ride. Twists and turns. A creepy doll and a ghost witch, that wants to be released, from the curse that keeps her at Doll Head Lake.
When Simone, throws a Halloween party at a cabin near Doll Head Lake. A friend ends up dead. Was it an accident, or was he killed?
Regret, shows herself to Simone and gives her 14 days to release her. The stakes are high, because Simone can right everything that went wrong that night.
Or it can get so much worse!
A fast paced page turner, you will not want to put down.
This is truly a roller coaster of a ride. Twists and turns. A creepy doll and a ghost witch, that wants to be released, from the curse that keeps her at Doll Head Lake.
When Simone, throws a Halloween party at a cabin near Doll Head Lake. A friend ends up dead. Was it an accident, or was he killed?
Regret, shows herself to Simone and gives her 14 days to release her. The stakes are high, because Simone can right everything that went wrong that night.
Or it can get so much worse!
A fast paced page turner, you will not want to put down.
February 22, 2026
After loving Needy Little Things, I was so excited for this and it not disappoint. They Call Her Regret is brilliant atmospheric, eerie and utterly addictive. I flew through this in a matter of sittings and had a great time doing so.
April 6, 2026
This was a fun spooky read, it is YA so it’s gory or anything but it keeps you wanting to read just to know what happens.
February 25, 2026
YA Horror is seriously where it's at! This was such a cool, chilling story about teenagers making mistakes and owning up to their wrong-doings.
This had the perfect blend of folklore, spooky settings, haunting mistakes, and a significant act to prove your worth. I went into this completely blind and I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The setting was well laid out, the characters were a great, diverse blend, and I felt like it shone a light on real traumas and how they affect you. I thought the writing was great and had the perfect spooky elements without being over the top cheesy or unbelievable. I really enjoyed the pacing of the book and honestly had a hard time putting this one down.
The one thing I really enjoyed about this audiobook was how soulful it felt. The connections among the characters felt sincere and real. Teenagers being messy and atoning for that messy all came off as very realistic (witches aside). I felt like this was an incredibly thoughtful book, and probably one of my favorite YA Horrors I've ever read!
Big thanks to Macmillan for my ALC!
This had the perfect blend of folklore, spooky settings, haunting mistakes, and a significant act to prove your worth. I went into this completely blind and I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The setting was well laid out, the characters were a great, diverse blend, and I felt like it shone a light on real traumas and how they affect you. I thought the writing was great and had the perfect spooky elements without being over the top cheesy or unbelievable. I really enjoyed the pacing of the book and honestly had a hard time putting this one down.
The one thing I really enjoyed about this audiobook was how soulful it felt. The connections among the characters felt sincere and real. Teenagers being messy and atoning for that messy all came off as very realistic (witches aside). I felt like this was an incredibly thoughtful book, and probably one of my favorite YA Horrors I've ever read!
Big thanks to Macmillan for my ALC!
February 22, 2026
Special thanks to @wednesdaybooks for my gifted e-ARC and @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2026 for the gifted ALC
Wish Upon meets Repentance in this spine-tingling YA speculative mystery where being cursed by Regret might not be as bad as being cursed with regret‼️
Proving yet again that ya’ll can’t sleep on the YA books. This was my second book by Channelle Deasmours and I must say she’s definitely becoming a fav. Not only did the title and book cover grab my attention but the story held it the entire time. The author delivers with the suspense, eerie atmosphere, the strangeness surrounding the cursed witch in the woods, and uncovering some DARK secrets.
Simone Washington was known for her elaborate horror themed Halloween parties. This year she wants to take things to another level with the scares so she throws an invite only celebration out at Doll’s Head Lake. What should’ve been a night of silly pranks, jump scares, and creepy stories turns into a crime scene, tainted curse, and a death wish countdown all in one.
I love how the author gradually unfolds the story and readers slowly learn the backstory of Regret. The book is very layered and although what Simone did was a driving point in the plot it was the existence of Regret’s character that shaped the story.
What really brought the book to life for me was the audiobook. The narrator truly embodied Regret and her voice variations were top tier even with the haunted doll. The author does well keeping tension between the characters. Everybody’s hiding something! I love how nothing was easily resolved and readers can’t predict what happens next.
There were a few shocking twists, a couple acts of betrayal, and some jaw dropping secrets and yet none of it prepared me for the ending. If this book isn’t already on your radar I’m letting you know now it’s a must read‼️
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Audiobook: 5/5 ⭐️
Wish Upon meets Repentance in this spine-tingling YA speculative mystery where being cursed by Regret might not be as bad as being cursed with regret‼️
Proving yet again that ya’ll can’t sleep on the YA books. This was my second book by Channelle Deasmours and I must say she’s definitely becoming a fav. Not only did the title and book cover grab my attention but the story held it the entire time. The author delivers with the suspense, eerie atmosphere, the strangeness surrounding the cursed witch in the woods, and uncovering some DARK secrets.
Simone Washington was known for her elaborate horror themed Halloween parties. This year she wants to take things to another level with the scares so she throws an invite only celebration out at Doll’s Head Lake. What should’ve been a night of silly pranks, jump scares, and creepy stories turns into a crime scene, tainted curse, and a death wish countdown all in one.
I love how the author gradually unfolds the story and readers slowly learn the backstory of Regret. The book is very layered and although what Simone did was a driving point in the plot it was the existence of Regret’s character that shaped the story.
What really brought the book to life for me was the audiobook. The narrator truly embodied Regret and her voice variations were top tier even with the haunted doll. The author does well keeping tension between the characters. Everybody’s hiding something! I love how nothing was easily resolved and readers can’t predict what happens next.
There were a few shocking twists, a couple acts of betrayal, and some jaw dropping secrets and yet none of it prepared me for the ending. If this book isn’t already on your radar I’m letting you know now it’s a must read‼️
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Audiobook: 5/5 ⭐️
May 9, 2026
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded up
A YA paranormal thriller following a local legend
called Regret and the death that follows. This will probably be one of the top three audiobooks of 2026 for me, I finished it in one sitting!
A huge thank you to MacMillan Audio and Wednesday Books for the gifted audiobook and physical copy!
A YA paranormal thriller following a local legend
called Regret and the death that follows. This will probably be one of the top three audiobooks of 2026 for me, I finished it in one sitting!
A huge thank you to MacMillan Audio and Wednesday Books for the gifted audiobook and physical copy!
February 16, 2026
Every year, Simone Washington, throws THE Halloween party of the year, & this year she sets her sights on holding it near Doll's Head Lake. The lake is reportedly haunted by Regret - a ghostly figure who offers a deal for telling her your greatest regret. Simone doesn't believe in ghosts but when an accident occurs at the party & her best friend's life is in the balance, Regret appears & offers her a deal - a life for a life & her greatest regret. Simone takes the deal but there's more to it than it originally appears & the deal may be something she lives to...regret.
OK so this is a banger! Haunted lakes, scary talking dolls, & dark secrets abound. The plot is top notch, the writing is superb, & the characters are complex & layered. The only 'negative' was that the final chapter was a little underwhelming compared to the rest of the book, but minor issue overall. I enjoyed this one so much I've added the author's first book to my TBR list. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Plot: A little slow to start but once it gets going, it’s a page turner. Found the final chapter slightly underwhelming compared to the rest of the book.
Writing Style: Excellent - characters are complex & layered, & the narrative is a pleasure to read.
Enjoyment Level: High - have added the author’s first book to my TBR list.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC/Bloomsbury YA, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
OK so this is a banger! Haunted lakes, scary talking dolls, & dark secrets abound. The plot is top notch, the writing is superb, & the characters are complex & layered. The only 'negative' was that the final chapter was a little underwhelming compared to the rest of the book, but minor issue overall. I enjoyed this one so much I've added the author's first book to my TBR list. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Plot: A little slow to start but once it gets going, it’s a page turner. Found the final chapter slightly underwhelming compared to the rest of the book.
Writing Style: Excellent - characters are complex & layered, & the narrative is a pleasure to read.
Enjoyment Level: High - have added the author’s first book to my TBR list.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC/Bloomsbury YA, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Review of advance copy
It's her senior year, and to celebrate, Simone is throwing herself a spooky birthday party at a cabin on the lake. She knows to expect some drinking and maybe some poor decisions, but she never thought her party would end with a life-ending accident. But a witch named Regret appears and offers Simone the chance to change things, as long as Simone can figure out how to free Regret from her cursed existence. But that means Simone will have to uncover her own secrets she's kept buried for years, and face her own regrets.
This is not my usual genre, but I'm glad I stuck with this one -- I was about a third of the way through the book and when I found myself pretty invested. Definitely a compelling story and appropriately mysterious, with eerie talking dolls and a chilling but complex villain. Elements of the plot are reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart.
This is a thriller, so not a feel-good read, but still so compelling. Overall, I liked this!
Violence/murder. Substance abuse.
Some language, including a couple of f-bombs, but not as many as I expected.
Thanks to Libro.fm for the advanced listening copy!
This is not my usual genre, but I'm glad I stuck with this one -- I was about a third of the way through the book and when I found myself pretty invested. Definitely a compelling story and appropriately mysterious, with eerie talking dolls and a chilling but complex villain. Elements of the plot are reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart.
This is a thriller, so not a feel-good read, but still so compelling. Overall, I liked this!
Violence/murder. Substance abuse.
Some language, including a couple of f-bombs, but not as many as I expected.
Thanks to Libro.fm for the advanced listening copy!
March 23, 2026
As a reader who doesn't typically gravitate towards or enjoy horror, I wasn't sure how I was going to like this one. However, I really loved the author's prior novel, Needly Little Things, so I was willing to give it a shot--and I'm glad I did. Desamours really knows how to tell a story. She weaves such an intricate web of interesting characters and vivid details. I was quickly sucked in and gasped many times at the twists and turns. This is a great blend of murder mystery and horror/supernatural. I can see so many of our high school readers absolutely loving this one, and I can't wait to recommend it to them. This is perfect for those looking for a spooky season read, horror, supernatural, or mystery readers, or those who like an emotional read. I really loved the characters and how many layers there were to each one. I think there's an opening for a sequel, and while I don't think the author is going to go in that direction, I wouldn't be mad if she did, and I would absolutely read a sequel. I look forward to her next book, sequel or not, and adding them all to our library. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. Five stars!
April 30, 2026
Thank you Wednesday Books for the gifted copy.
Unfortunately this book did not make the mark for me. It sounded super interesting and I think it could’ve been better if the pace was better. I found it to be extremely slow. I couldn’t stay engaged long enough to physically read it, so I utilized audio to finish the book.
Thankfully it is a shorter read. I think it’d be great for its intended audience (YA) and those starting this genre. Or, if you want a little witch crafty vibes!
Unfortunately this book did not make the mark for me. It sounded super interesting and I think it could’ve been better if the pace was better. I found it to be extremely slow. I couldn’t stay engaged long enough to physically read it, so I utilized audio to finish the book.
Thankfully it is a shorter read. I think it’d be great for its intended audience (YA) and those starting this genre. Or, if you want a little witch crafty vibes!
March 6, 2026
4.5⭐️
So spooky in a good way. This author writes complex Black girls so well and this one didn’t disappoint! So many shocking revelations and a unique (to me) story line. I love that Simone, at times, was so complex as a narrator. So good.
So spooky in a good way. This author writes complex Black girls so well and this one didn’t disappoint! So many shocking revelations and a unique (to me) story line. I love that Simone, at times, was so complex as a narrator. So good.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Channelle Desamours has done it again!!!!!!!!!!!!
Needy Little Things was one of my favorite books of 2025, so I was so excited when I saw this book available to download on Netgalley early.
I was finally able to start this book yesterday during some downtime at work, and let me tell you that I HATED putting this book down. It is such a wild ride from start to finish and I finished it in about 24 hours.
I will add more thoughts to this review later but I just wanted to leave these initial thoughts for right now.
Also thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this wonderful book!
- Laura
Needy Little Things was one of my favorite books of 2025, so I was so excited when I saw this book available to download on Netgalley early.
I was finally able to start this book yesterday during some downtime at work, and let me tell you that I HATED putting this book down. It is such a wild ride from start to finish and I finished it in about 24 hours.
I will add more thoughts to this review later but I just wanted to leave these initial thoughts for right now.
Also thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this wonderful book!
- Laura
February 10, 2026
“Horror feels like home to me.”
If you are looking for a young adult thriller with murder & a dark storyline then this may be the book for you.
-based in Georgia
-witchcraft, magic & spirits
-high school senior MCs
-slow paced storyline
-a horror loving FMC, Simone
-navigating life with divorced parents
-betrayal, forgiveness & healing
-a chilling, creepy thrill
-memorable villains
-the movie “The Ring” vibes
-the ebbs & flows of friendship
-uncovering dark secrets
The author has a beautiful writing style. It is always vividly descriptive & detailed. I felt like I was watching a TV show with Black kids trying to solve a ver dark mystery.
My only feedback about this was the pacing. 3/4 of the story was slow paced in a way that didn’t add to the build up of the plot. I couldn’t imagine teenage readers seeing the storyline through. The lack of pull had me putting this down consistently.
Overall, it was an okay read. I had higher hopes for it but, it wasn’t a bad story. Great concept, underwhelming execution.
Check your trigger warnings with this one.
If you are looking for a young adult thriller with murder & a dark storyline then this may be the book for you.
-based in Georgia
-witchcraft, magic & spirits
-high school senior MCs
-slow paced storyline
-a horror loving FMC, Simone
-navigating life with divorced parents
-betrayal, forgiveness & healing
-a chilling, creepy thrill
-memorable villains
-the movie “The Ring” vibes
-the ebbs & flows of friendship
-uncovering dark secrets
The author has a beautiful writing style. It is always vividly descriptive & detailed. I felt like I was watching a TV show with Black kids trying to solve a ver dark mystery.
My only feedback about this was the pacing. 3/4 of the story was slow paced in a way that didn’t add to the build up of the plot. I couldn’t imagine teenage readers seeing the storyline through. The lack of pull had me putting this down consistently.
Overall, it was an okay read. I had higher hopes for it but, it wasn’t a bad story. Great concept, underwhelming execution.
Check your trigger warnings with this one.
March 17, 2026
Thankful to have won a giveaway copy of this audiobook on Storygraph.
Aside from the swoony teenage angst between Simone and Cory this book really captured and kept my attention. The audio book narration was perfect, especially the creepiness of Regret's voice. The plot was twisty and interesting with multiple layers to the secrets of the entire cast of characters. Loved it!
Aside from the swoony teenage angst between Simone and Cory this book really captured and kept my attention. The audio book narration was perfect, especially the creepiness of Regret's voice. The plot was twisty and interesting with multiple layers to the secrets of the entire cast of characters. Loved it!
March 15, 2026
This book kept my attention. I liked the author’s writing style. It was a fast-paced book and the story didn’t drag on. I didn’t expect the twists. This book tackled guilt, forgiveness, and facing the hidden parts of you that you are ashamed of. I didn’t like the protagonist initially but she started to grow on me as I kept reading. I would recommend this book to everyone. Also characters are POC which is a plus!!!
March 10, 2026
HOLY ENDING!!
This was a wild goose chase in the best way possible and I loved every second.
Simone was such a good friend and it hurt my heart that she wasn’t always treated the way she should. BUT I still think she should have been honest with Kira and told her what happened. She trusted Cory, why not Kira?
Simone was stronger than me, in the end, because I would never have forgiven my mother for that. Her mom never reached out to her after she left and her reasoning for that was BONKERS. Simone was your child and she was grieving. Ick. I hated that.
Loved Simone and Cory’s relationship, they evened each other out and had such good chemistry!
NEVER would have guessed the murderer for BOTH would be John, but it definitely made sense. I kept wondering why they kept bringing up Natalie and how she was missing, I figured she was tied into the story in some way but I didn’t expect that.
Solid book, solid thriller, kind of had a horror aspect too. Creepy! Definitely not one I could read before bed.
This was a wild goose chase in the best way possible and I loved every second.
Simone was such a good friend and it hurt my heart that she wasn’t always treated the way she should. BUT I still think she should have been honest with Kira and told her what happened. She trusted Cory, why not Kira?
Simone was stronger than me, in the end, because I would never have forgiven my mother for that. Her mom never reached out to her after she left and her reasoning for that was BONKERS. Simone was your child and she was grieving. Ick. I hated that.
Loved Simone and Cory’s relationship, they evened each other out and had such good chemistry!
NEVER would have guessed the murderer for BOTH would be John, but it definitely made sense. I kept wondering why they kept bringing up Natalie and how she was missing, I figured she was tied into the story in some way but I didn’t expect that.
Solid book, solid thriller, kind of had a horror aspect too. Creepy! Definitely not one I could read before bed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2026
Thank you to Wednesday Books and MacMillan Audio (#MacAudio2026) for the ARC/ALC!
I loved this author’s previous book, Needy Little Things, so when I saw she had a new one, I needed to check it out! I enjoyed this one just as much, especially on audio. Desamours has a real talent for creating a spooky sense of foreboding right up front, that carries throughout the entire novel. Everything about this story - the Halloween timeframe, the spooky atmosphere in the woods (I mean, “Dollhead Lake?!”), and the deal with the “devil” (er, witch) - was perfect. For a young adult novel, the characters - especially our FMC Simone - were very well developed and mature. I also loved Simone’s relationship with her father. Absolutely zero regrets with this novel!
“They Call Her Regret” releases February 17, 2026! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
I loved this author’s previous book, Needy Little Things, so when I saw she had a new one, I needed to check it out! I enjoyed this one just as much, especially on audio. Desamours has a real talent for creating a spooky sense of foreboding right up front, that carries throughout the entire novel. Everything about this story - the Halloween timeframe, the spooky atmosphere in the woods (I mean, “Dollhead Lake?!”), and the deal with the “devil” (er, witch) - was perfect. For a young adult novel, the characters - especially our FMC Simone - were very well developed and mature. I also loved Simone’s relationship with her father. Absolutely zero regrets with this novel!
“They Call Her Regret” releases February 17, 2026! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
March 23, 2026
Do you love audiobooks?
I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narrator did a great job and the book was well written. Lots of twists and turns, a little bit of horror and a little bit of supernatural, everything you need in a good suspenseful book! The author does a great job slowly revealing information you need to at the moment. I highly recommend for anyone who likes supernatural horror! The MC grew throughout the story and was believe for a teen who was trying to find her place in the world. While at many moments she could have asked for help, when more and more was revealed, it made sense why she kept to herself.
I really enjoyed this audiobook. The narrator did a great job and the book was well written. Lots of twists and turns, a little bit of horror and a little bit of supernatural, everything you need in a good suspenseful book! The author does a great job slowly revealing information you need to at the moment. I highly recommend for anyone who likes supernatural horror! The MC grew throughout the story and was believe for a teen who was trying to find her place in the world. While at many moments she could have asked for help, when more and more was revealed, it made sense why she kept to herself.
February 25, 2026
This author doesn’t miss!!!! My 2nd read by her and this was amazingly good ❤️❤️
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