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A Curse On Black Lake: A Gothic Cowboy Romance
Death abounding, a curse ensnaring, two souls roped together with the past.
I will never love again. Left alone to run my family’s ranch in Black Lake, Texas, I have become a man out to sea, drifting in a current of grief and ghosts.
A year later, my father’s last words still haunt me when I find a dead woman on my land, making me wonder if they’re true because I’m accused of killing her.
Knocked around by the storm, I find refuge when I pull Eliana Greer from a ditch, my anchor.
Equally outcasts, we make a deal to help each other. But our agreement becomes more than an extra set of hands and involves what we’re both trying to avoid—our hearts.
In my desperation to protect her and solve a crime I didn’t commit, we sink deeper under the black water, dragged down by a collective grief, a mysterious curse, a stalker after Eliana, and a murderer with strange motives.
As time runs out, the past comes to light, its roots are deep and out of our control, weaved together by the choices of others.
Love is a terrifying burden that can only end in death.
But in our search for answers, it must be put to the ultimate test before our final breath.
What you can expect in A Curse On Black Lake:
- Cowboy Romance
- Small Town Romance
- Gothic Romance
- Slow Burn
- A man who yearns
- Mystery/Suspense
- VERY protective MMC
- Touch her and die
- HEAWelcome to Black Lake, TX where the lake is black, the sun doesn’t quite shine right and things go bump in the night. Get your copy today!
I will never love again. Left alone to run my family’s ranch in Black Lake, Texas, I have become a man out to sea, drifting in a current of grief and ghosts.
A year later, my father’s last words still haunt me when I find a dead woman on my land, making me wonder if they’re true because I’m accused of killing her.
Knocked around by the storm, I find refuge when I pull Eliana Greer from a ditch, my anchor.
Equally outcasts, we make a deal to help each other. But our agreement becomes more than an extra set of hands and involves what we’re both trying to avoid—our hearts.
In my desperation to protect her and solve a crime I didn’t commit, we sink deeper under the black water, dragged down by a collective grief, a mysterious curse, a stalker after Eliana, and a murderer with strange motives.
As time runs out, the past comes to light, its roots are deep and out of our control, weaved together by the choices of others.
Love is a terrifying burden that can only end in death.
But in our search for answers, it must be put to the ultimate test before our final breath.
What you can expect in A Curse On Black Lake:
- Cowboy Romance
- Small Town Romance
- Gothic Romance
- Slow Burn
- A man who yearns
- Mystery/Suspense
- VERY protective MMC
- Touch her and die
- HEAWelcome to Black Lake, TX where the lake is black, the sun doesn’t quite shine right and things go bump in the night. Get your copy today!
475 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2025
7 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Myel
13 books61 followersJessica was born and raised in the Midwest. After acquiring a bachelor's in Marketing and a Masters in Biblical Studies many years later, she realized her calling was writing.
Her passion for words and finding her voice creates deep and emotional writing in various romantic subgenres. When she's not writing, she's drinking matcha, coffee, or both with her head buried in a book.
Follow me on Instagram and Tik Tok! @jessicamyelauthor
Her passion for words and finding her voice creates deep and emotional writing in various romantic subgenres. When she's not writing, she's drinking matcha, coffee, or both with her head buried in a book.
Follow me on Instagram and Tik Tok! @jessicamyelauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 9, 2025
WOW, what a story. I was hooked in from the very beginning. Had me crying while reading the prologue!
I was just instantly intrigued.
You have a small Texas town with an old curse upon them. Mysterious unexplained deaths. Unsolved murders.
Eliana communicate with spirits. More like they scream at her until she listens. Some of their commentary had me giggling, but the spirits were also working to help her, protect her.
Eliana's story alone was just so interesting. From the events that happened to her when she was a child that paved the way to who she is today. However the people in her town didn't see it as fascinating, but more as evil.
So she kept to herself a lot. With her Grams. 🥺 her grams was so sweet. I loved her.
Of course we can't forget about Killian, our troubled lone cowboy. After losing his dad he just kept to himself. Working from sunrise to sunset on his ranch and that was it. He never expected to find a body on his land....or fight an old town curse...or fall in love.
A lot happens with these characters, this town.
And yall..it's wild whats revealed.
I couldn't put this book down. I want more and I'm so happy that there will be another book. 😁
The Romance, it was definitely a SLOW BURN, but honestly so worth it. It really was.
The ending was just the sweetest, after all the things these characters been through.
I feel like I lost my track with this review, but was also afraid of spoiling anything. Definitely go in blind....it's perfect for fall. But I do recommend checking tws. Especially if you're sensitive to animal loss.
😭
🫶🏻Thank you so much Jessica and lunaliterary.management for the arc.
Absolutely LOVED!!!!
I was just instantly intrigued.
You have a small Texas town with an old curse upon them. Mysterious unexplained deaths. Unsolved murders.
Eliana communicate with spirits. More like they scream at her until she listens. Some of their commentary had me giggling, but the spirits were also working to help her, protect her.
Eliana's story alone was just so interesting. From the events that happened to her when she was a child that paved the way to who she is today. However the people in her town didn't see it as fascinating, but more as evil.
So she kept to herself a lot. With her Grams. 🥺 her grams was so sweet. I loved her.
Of course we can't forget about Killian, our troubled lone cowboy. After losing his dad he just kept to himself. Working from sunrise to sunset on his ranch and that was it. He never expected to find a body on his land....or fight an old town curse...or fall in love.
A lot happens with these characters, this town.
And yall..it's wild whats revealed.
I couldn't put this book down. I want more and I'm so happy that there will be another book. 😁
The Romance, it was definitely a SLOW BURN, but honestly so worth it. It really was.
The ending was just the sweetest, after all the things these characters been through.
I feel like I lost my track with this review, but was also afraid of spoiling anything. Definitely go in blind....it's perfect for fall. But I do recommend checking tws. Especially if you're sensitive to animal loss.
😭
🫶🏻Thank you so much Jessica and lunaliterary.management for the arc.
Absolutely LOVED!!!!
October 21, 2025
I am giving this a 3.5 as I feel it was a bit too long . Too much daily activity scenes that cool have been skipped. I don’t need the details of running a ranch and store I. Each chapter .
Other than that I really enjoyed the story .
A curse was put on The Black Lake almost 200 years ago.
People will continue to die unless it is broken ….
When Eliana was ten , she had a seizure in class and it turned her hair stark white as her brown eyes blue. She now can speak with the spirits, the town deemed her as a creepy witch so she was homeschooled at that time . Now that she is an adult a s her grandmother has just passed … the spirits are telling her, He is coming …. Is this who will help her. Real the curse?
Spice is a two for me
Thank you Luna Literary for the advanced reader copy for my honest review
Other than that I really enjoyed the story .
A curse was put on The Black Lake almost 200 years ago.
People will continue to die unless it is broken ….
When Eliana was ten , she had a seizure in class and it turned her hair stark white as her brown eyes blue. She now can speak with the spirits, the town deemed her as a creepy witch so she was homeschooled at that time . Now that she is an adult a s her grandmother has just passed … the spirits are telling her, He is coming …. Is this who will help her. Real the curse?
Spice is a two for me
Thank you Luna Literary for the advanced reader copy for my honest review
September 27, 2025
I love a good suspense, dark, mysterious book! The author states that this isn’t a dark romance as there are things that are not redeemable or romanticized in this book so please check warnings and authors notes. That being said this book was fantastic! A touch her and die but only soft for her MMC, spirits and a curse will pull you in till the very end and more! The style and vibes are great! I loved the flashback to the curse and the chapters by UNKNOWN! Definitely perfect for the kick off to spooky season!
October 23, 2025
5🌟
2🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️
Thank you to Jessica Myel for the opportunity to read this captivating story.
If you love Freda McFadden level twists and level of mystery, give this book a try!
Black Lake, Texas holds more than meets the eye. This small town has a high unsolved ☠️ and more secrets than most. Eliana grew up in this time town and has always been an Outcast. Her strange looks and fear by the town that she is a witch solidifies her isolation once her grandmother passes.
Killian is the former sheriff's captain and town curmudgeon. He likes his solitude and quiet family ranch. His peace is disturbed when he finds a Jane Doe on his property. His status as town curmudgeon quickly turns to darker suspicions by the Gossipy townsfolk. Killian strikes a deal with Eliana, but can they help each other before the town's Dark past ends all hope of a future together?
Myel had me on the edge of my seat the entire book. I thought I had the town's 100+ mystery curse figured out and the Myel said “bet” and threw everything I knew itlout the window. The emotions and fears these characters harbor are raw. As a reader you are sucked into their head and feel everything as if you're the start of the show. Perfect if you're looking for a psychological/thriller mystery.
🪻Cowboy Romance
🐎Gothic Romance
🪻Small Town Romance
🐎SLOW Burn - it hurts so good
🪻Suspense & Mystery
🐎Things that go bump in the night
🪻A really old curse
🐎Grumpy Cowboy ex. Sheriff
🪻Outcast herbalist/FMC/Cowgirl
🐎A man who yearns
🪻He's soft only for her
🐎Touch her and ☠️
"She is my undoing and simultaneously the vines that have tied me back together. She is a lotus flower in the mud of my soul.”
“I want the privilege of loving you for as long as I possibly can. I want to love you despite the reality that we will lose each other one day.”
“He ingrained himself into my very existence, so when I’m cut, I bleed love for him.”
“Love is difficult and terrible. It’s this thing that can kill you or make you thrive.”
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
2🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️
Thank you to Jessica Myel for the opportunity to read this captivating story.
If you love Freda McFadden level twists and level of mystery, give this book a try!
Black Lake, Texas holds more than meets the eye. This small town has a high unsolved ☠️ and more secrets than most. Eliana grew up in this time town and has always been an Outcast. Her strange looks and fear by the town that she is a witch solidifies her isolation once her grandmother passes.
Killian is the former sheriff's captain and town curmudgeon. He likes his solitude and quiet family ranch. His peace is disturbed when he finds a Jane Doe on his property. His status as town curmudgeon quickly turns to darker suspicions by the Gossipy townsfolk. Killian strikes a deal with Eliana, but can they help each other before the town's Dark past ends all hope of a future together?
Myel had me on the edge of my seat the entire book. I thought I had the town's 100+ mystery curse figured out and the Myel said “bet” and threw everything I knew itlout the window. The emotions and fears these characters harbor are raw. As a reader you are sucked into their head and feel everything as if you're the start of the show. Perfect if you're looking for a psychological/thriller mystery.
🪻Cowboy Romance
🐎Gothic Romance
🪻Small Town Romance
🐎SLOW Burn - it hurts so good
🪻Suspense & Mystery
🐎Things that go bump in the night
🪻A really old curse
🐎Grumpy Cowboy ex. Sheriff
🪻Outcast herbalist/FMC/Cowgirl
🐎A man who yearns
🪻He's soft only for her
🐎Touch her and ☠️
"She is my undoing and simultaneously the vines that have tied me back together. She is a lotus flower in the mud of my soul.”
“I want the privilege of loving you for as long as I possibly can. I want to love you despite the reality that we will lose each other one day.”
“He ingrained himself into my very existence, so when I’m cut, I bleed love for him.”
“Love is difficult and terrible. It’s this thing that can kill you or make you thrive.”
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
October 20, 2025
I was really pulled in by the synopsis of this book. I loved the idea of a murder mystery, creepy cursed town mashed up with a sort of cowboy romance. And a woman with a connection to the other side.
I think the grief and loss was a strong highlight for this novel. Was written well and was the heart of the book. It brought a nice layer but overall I found the story lacked depth and flow.
The beginning drew me in but unfortunately it lost me in the middle. It got boring and repetitive with a lot of miscommunication/lack of communication. I wanted to love the characters but they frustrated the crap out of me 😆. The world building needed more attention to detail/description as I found it very hard to be drawn into the landscape and story. I loved the author’s idea for Eliana’s spirit guides, but felt let down with the execution of them.
It picked back up at the end. I personally would have loved more passages from the mystery villain’s perspective through out the book.
Overall there were crumbs that kept me going and I wanted to see how it wrapped up because I was chomping at the bit for more creepy stalking, murder clues etc.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I think the grief and loss was a strong highlight for this novel. Was written well and was the heart of the book. It brought a nice layer but overall I found the story lacked depth and flow.
The beginning drew me in but unfortunately it lost me in the middle. It got boring and repetitive with a lot of miscommunication/lack of communication. I wanted to love the characters but they frustrated the crap out of me 😆. The world building needed more attention to detail/description as I found it very hard to be drawn into the landscape and story. I loved the author’s idea for Eliana’s spirit guides, but felt let down with the execution of them.
It picked back up at the end. I personally would have loved more passages from the mystery villain’s perspective through out the book.
Overall there were crumbs that kept me going and I wanted to see how it wrapped up because I was chomping at the bit for more creepy stalking, murder clues etc.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this ARC.
October 25, 2025
This story had such a cool mix of elements: a remote Texas town with static cellular service, a creepy murder mystery, a long held curse, a serial killer leaving behind a signature, and the reclusive town healer who hears and talks to spirits. Basically, all the ingredients for a dark, romantic, Gothic cowboy vibe — and it mostly worked for me.
There are strong themes of loss and loneliness woven throughout, and at times the grief the main characters carry feels heavy — almost overwhelming. But that pain also becomes a bond between them, which added a lot of emotional weight to the story.
The paranormal and suspense parts were definitely strong, and the setting was super atmospheric. But honestly, I felt like it could’ve been shorter. Some parts dragged a bit, and there definitely was a very long slow burn. I found myself skimming just to get back to the action or the creepy stuff.
Still, it had a unique vibe that I wanted to see how it ended.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for opportunity to read this e-arc and provide my honest review
There are strong themes of loss and loneliness woven throughout, and at times the grief the main characters carry feels heavy — almost overwhelming. But that pain also becomes a bond between them, which added a lot of emotional weight to the story.
The paranormal and suspense parts were definitely strong, and the setting was super atmospheric. But honestly, I felt like it could’ve been shorter. Some parts dragged a bit, and there definitely was a very long slow burn. I found myself skimming just to get back to the action or the creepy stuff.
Still, it had a unique vibe that I wanted to see how it ended.
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for opportunity to read this e-arc and provide my honest review
October 13, 2025
Thank you to Luna Literary Management & Jessica Myel for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5 stars.
Genre(s): adult cowboy romance, paranormal, mystery/crime/thriller.
Overall impression: a beautifully written gothic cowboy romance novel set in a small cursed Western town with a rampant serial killer on the loose. The murder mystery was unpredictable and highly suspenseful, so I was on edge until the last page not knowing who would survive. It was made even creepier by chapters from an 'unknown' perspective, who stalked the FMC and wanted to eliminate the MMC from the picture. The romance grew organically and slowly in the forced-proximity setting. It had a big focus on healing and care-taking, which was so sweet and lightened up some of the darker scenes. I was surprised by how well the murder mystery complemented the small town romance - but it worked perfectly. I finished the book immediately wanting to read the next one!
Tropes:
➵ Outcast MCs
➵ Witchy apothecary owner
➵ Guidance from spirits
➵ Ex-police officer
➵ Cowboy rancher
➵ Animal companions
➵ Romantic suspense
➵ Strangers-to-lovers
➵ Slow burn
➵ Forced proximity
➵ Grief & healing
➵ He falls first and hard
➵ He would 💀 for her
➵ Family secrets
➵ Serial killer on the loose
➵ Stalking
➵ Small town
➵ Close-minded locals
➵ Curses, ghosts & evil spirits
➵ Gothic setting
➵ Set on a working ranch
➵ Happy-ever-after (HEA)
⤷ Plot:
The prologue wrecked me. I felt so many emotions for the characters. The feminine rage of the woman that cursed the town was palpable!
The rest of the story was set much later on and showed the curse working in action. A serial killer was plaguing the town, targeting women seemingly at random, and leaving their bodies to be discovered by the locals. It wasn't until nearly the end of the book that I worked out who was behind the murders and the suspense was (figuratively) killing me. The unpredictability kept me on my toes and I couldn't put the book down until it was finished.
There was also a significant romance plot with a heavy focus on healing. It was so sweet to see the characters fall in love and take care of each other - my heart was melting, it was so precious. It felt so satisfying given the characters were so starved of love but were so deserving of it.
⤷ Characters:
Eliana was my spirit animal. She was a bit weird, antisocial and spent most of her time in the garden and with animals. Despite witches not existing in the book, she fed into the rumours and enjoyed pissing off the close-minded townspeople with hexes and dark looks. I loved how little she cared what they thought of her and that she didn't let their prejudices affect her. There were a couple people that she loved and cared for deeply, which contrasted nicely and showed her true colours.
Killian was such a genuine and open main character. He was fiercely protective of Eliana right from the start and wanted to protect her from both her stalker and the bitchy townspeople that judged her because of her appearance. There was one moment where he pissed me off - but he quickly made up for it and literally begged for Eliana's forgiveness. After that, they both worked a lot better as a team and started to trust each other a lot more. He was so thoughtful too - building a shelter for her goats and putting planters at his house, knowing she would be there for a while. UGH MY HEART.
A highlight was definitely the character growth of both of the main characters. They were able to work through their grief and learn how to open themselves up again.
The 'unknown' perspective was very creepy and I had no clue which character it belonged to until nearly the end of the book. Despite the chapters being very short, you could see just how twisted and messed up the character was - which added to the anxiety and suspense, knowing he was hunting more victims.
⤷ World-building:
The core locations were described in a good amount of detail, so I was able to easily picture them as I was reading. Despite the ranch, gardens and apothecary being really interesting - it definitely wasn't a town I'd ever want to step foot in given the gloomy and sinister undercurrent to it. The paranormal elements were interesting, though I wasn't sure of the significance of the ghosts/demon-like creatures that appeared a couple times. I think they were mostly just bad omens to hint the danger to the main characters but the timing seemed a bit random for the plot. It was mostly set in the modern world though - so it almost felt like all of the elements could be plausible and believable, which I liked.
⤷ Writing:
I wasn't sure what the writing was going to be like based on the blurb - which gave a very flower and poetic vibe. But luckily, whilst beautiful, the poetic prose were kept to a minimum and used very intentionally - so even though it was a 500+ page book, it didn't feel like it dragged or had too many filler words. The pacing was on the slower side which complemented the themes of grief and healing really well, and allowed for suspense to build - both romantic and thriller/mystery-related. It was constructed really well overall and I really enjoyed every moment of reading it.
⤷ Everything else:
I wasn't sure how the genres of cowboy romance, murder mystery and paranormal fiction were going to work together because I haven't really seen it done before, but they complimented each other perfectly. Now I immediately want to read more, so will be keeping my eyes peeled for book 2 in the series!
Statistics:
➵ Date read: 27/09/2025-29/09/2025 (3 days).
➵ Page count: 554.
➵ Type: e-book.
➵ Volume: standalone series.
➵ Special: Luna Literary Management ARC.
Social Media Links:
Instagram | TikTok | Threads
Follow for reviews, unboxings and book aesthetic videos.
Rating: 5 stars.
Genre(s): adult cowboy romance, paranormal, mystery/crime/thriller.
Overall impression: a beautifully written gothic cowboy romance novel set in a small cursed Western town with a rampant serial killer on the loose. The murder mystery was unpredictable and highly suspenseful, so I was on edge until the last page not knowing who would survive. It was made even creepier by chapters from an 'unknown' perspective, who stalked the FMC and wanted to eliminate the MMC from the picture. The romance grew organically and slowly in the forced-proximity setting. It had a big focus on healing and care-taking, which was so sweet and lightened up some of the darker scenes. I was surprised by how well the murder mystery complemented the small town romance - but it worked perfectly. I finished the book immediately wanting to read the next one!
Tropes:
➵ Outcast MCs
➵ Witchy apothecary owner
➵ Guidance from spirits
➵ Ex-police officer
➵ Cowboy rancher
➵ Animal companions
➵ Romantic suspense
➵ Strangers-to-lovers
➵ Slow burn
➵ Forced proximity
➵ Grief & healing
➵ He falls first and hard
➵ He would 💀 for her
➵ Family secrets
➵ Serial killer on the loose
➵ Stalking
➵ Small town
➵ Close-minded locals
➵ Curses, ghosts & evil spirits
➵ Gothic setting
➵ Set on a working ranch
➵ Happy-ever-after (HEA)
⤷ Plot:
The prologue wrecked me. I felt so many emotions for the characters. The feminine rage of the woman that cursed the town was palpable!
The rest of the story was set much later on and showed the curse working in action. A serial killer was plaguing the town, targeting women seemingly at random, and leaving their bodies to be discovered by the locals. It wasn't until nearly the end of the book that I worked out who was behind the murders and the suspense was (figuratively) killing me. The unpredictability kept me on my toes and I couldn't put the book down until it was finished.
There was also a significant romance plot with a heavy focus on healing. It was so sweet to see the characters fall in love and take care of each other - my heart was melting, it was so precious. It felt so satisfying given the characters were so starved of love but were so deserving of it.
⤷ Characters:
Eliana was my spirit animal. She was a bit weird, antisocial and spent most of her time in the garden and with animals. Despite witches not existing in the book, she fed into the rumours and enjoyed pissing off the close-minded townspeople with hexes and dark looks. I loved how little she cared what they thought of her and that she didn't let their prejudices affect her. There were a couple people that she loved and cared for deeply, which contrasted nicely and showed her true colours.
Killian was such a genuine and open main character. He was fiercely protective of Eliana right from the start and wanted to protect her from both her stalker and the bitchy townspeople that judged her because of her appearance. There was one moment where he pissed me off - but he quickly made up for it and literally begged for Eliana's forgiveness. After that, they both worked a lot better as a team and started to trust each other a lot more. He was so thoughtful too - building a shelter for her goats and putting planters at his house, knowing she would be there for a while. UGH MY HEART.
A highlight was definitely the character growth of both of the main characters. They were able to work through their grief and learn how to open themselves up again.
The 'unknown' perspective was very creepy and I had no clue which character it belonged to until nearly the end of the book. Despite the chapters being very short, you could see just how twisted and messed up the character was - which added to the anxiety and suspense, knowing he was hunting more victims.
⤷ World-building:
The core locations were described in a good amount of detail, so I was able to easily picture them as I was reading. Despite the ranch, gardens and apothecary being really interesting - it definitely wasn't a town I'd ever want to step foot in given the gloomy and sinister undercurrent to it. The paranormal elements were interesting, though I wasn't sure of the significance of the ghosts/demon-like creatures that appeared a couple times. I think they were mostly just bad omens to hint the danger to the main characters but the timing seemed a bit random for the plot. It was mostly set in the modern world though - so it almost felt like all of the elements could be plausible and believable, which I liked.
⤷ Writing:
I wasn't sure what the writing was going to be like based on the blurb - which gave a very flower and poetic vibe. But luckily, whilst beautiful, the poetic prose were kept to a minimum and used very intentionally - so even though it was a 500+ page book, it didn't feel like it dragged or had too many filler words. The pacing was on the slower side which complemented the themes of grief and healing really well, and allowed for suspense to build - both romantic and thriller/mystery-related. It was constructed really well overall and I really enjoyed every moment of reading it.
⤷ Everything else:
I wasn't sure how the genres of cowboy romance, murder mystery and paranormal fiction were going to work together because I haven't really seen it done before, but they complimented each other perfectly. Now I immediately want to read more, so will be keeping my eyes peeled for book 2 in the series!
Statistics:
➵ Date read: 27/09/2025-29/09/2025 (3 days).
➵ Page count: 554.
➵ Type: e-book.
➵ Volume: standalone series.
➵ Special: Luna Literary Management ARC.
Social Media Links:
Instagram | TikTok | Threads
Follow for reviews, unboxings and book aesthetic videos.
October 21, 2025
A Curse on Black Lake | Jessica Myel
🖤🖤🖤/5
If you’re looking to dip your toe into spooky season reads (with a lil dash of cowboy spice), without having to sleep with the lights on, this book might be for you.
Eliana is the town outcast, a healer and reluctant oracle who speaks to spirits and strikes fear in the hearts of the townspeople. In reality, she’s simply a woman trying to navigate her gift and her place in the world. Killian is a gruff ex-sheriff turned full-time rancher, doing his best to keep his family's land afloat. When their paths cross, what feels like coincidence might actually be fate pulling them together for something bigger (healing themselves and the town they call home).
I didn’t know gothic cowboy romances existed and now that I do, I feel like a ghoul in a magic shop! There are so many elements to play with in this genre, and Myel really broadened my horizons with this one.
The setting was atmospheric as hell: a remote Texas ranch, spectral warnings, an unknown stalker, a string of serial murders, cryptic visions and a town full of folks who’d rather see you disappear than be saved. These are the vibes that kept me flipping pages.
Another highlight of this story is how our characters interact. I was really drawn into how MMC Killian sees FMC Eliana. While everyone else treats her like a spectacle, he never buys into it. To him, she's sacred…something special he doesn't even feel worthy of. He's convinced she's too good for him, but he falls anyway. And while this burn is slowwwwww, their dynamic truly was beautiful. If only Eliana had someone in her life to remind her to stop holding back and to GRAB THAT MAN BY THE BELT BUCKLE.
Other things I loved: the apothecary (gimmie), the animals (please gimmie), the flashbacks to the past (ooh we love a cursed timeline), and the nickname “little witch” (ahem, hot!).
I did find myself struggling with the pacing throughout this story. Some stretches felt very slow and somewhat repetitive, which kept the characters from moving forward. Because this story has a fairly small cast of characters, the murder-mystery and stalker twists were pretty evident to me from early on. This is a hefty book at 500+ pages or so, and even when I figured out where we were heading, I enjoyed getting there.
Tropes:
🤠 Cowboy Romance
🏡 Small Town Setting
🖤 Gothic Romance
🔥 Slow Burn
🗡️ Touch Her and Die
☠️ Protective MMC
🪦 Murder Mystery/Suspense
👻 Cursed Town
💌 HEA
If you're into cowboy romances with a gothic twist and don't mind a slower build, then you’ll vibe with this big time.
Thank you to Jessica Myel and Luna Literacy Management for the opportunity to read this book.
🖤🖤🖤/5
If you’re looking to dip your toe into spooky season reads (with a lil dash of cowboy spice), without having to sleep with the lights on, this book might be for you.
Eliana is the town outcast, a healer and reluctant oracle who speaks to spirits and strikes fear in the hearts of the townspeople. In reality, she’s simply a woman trying to navigate her gift and her place in the world. Killian is a gruff ex-sheriff turned full-time rancher, doing his best to keep his family's land afloat. When their paths cross, what feels like coincidence might actually be fate pulling them together for something bigger (healing themselves and the town they call home).
I didn’t know gothic cowboy romances existed and now that I do, I feel like a ghoul in a magic shop! There are so many elements to play with in this genre, and Myel really broadened my horizons with this one.
The setting was atmospheric as hell: a remote Texas ranch, spectral warnings, an unknown stalker, a string of serial murders, cryptic visions and a town full of folks who’d rather see you disappear than be saved. These are the vibes that kept me flipping pages.
Another highlight of this story is how our characters interact. I was really drawn into how MMC Killian sees FMC Eliana. While everyone else treats her like a spectacle, he never buys into it. To him, she's sacred…something special he doesn't even feel worthy of. He's convinced she's too good for him, but he falls anyway. And while this burn is slowwwwww, their dynamic truly was beautiful. If only Eliana had someone in her life to remind her to stop holding back and to GRAB THAT MAN BY THE BELT BUCKLE.
Other things I loved: the apothecary (gimmie), the animals (please gimmie), the flashbacks to the past (ooh we love a cursed timeline), and the nickname “little witch” (ahem, hot!).
I did find myself struggling with the pacing throughout this story. Some stretches felt very slow and somewhat repetitive, which kept the characters from moving forward. Because this story has a fairly small cast of characters, the murder-mystery and stalker twists were pretty evident to me from early on. This is a hefty book at 500+ pages or so, and even when I figured out where we were heading, I enjoyed getting there.
Tropes:
🤠 Cowboy Romance
🏡 Small Town Setting
🖤 Gothic Romance
🔥 Slow Burn
🗡️ Touch Her and Die
☠️ Protective MMC
🪦 Murder Mystery/Suspense
👻 Cursed Town
💌 HEA
If you're into cowboy romances with a gothic twist and don't mind a slower build, then you’ll vibe with this big time.
Thank you to Jessica Myel and Luna Literacy Management for the opportunity to read this book.
October 6, 2025
First, I’d like to thank Luna literary management and Jessica Myel for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review. I am rating this gothic cowboy romance 4 stars and here is why!
A Curse On Black Lake was such a fun, immersive read that is perfect for spooky season! In this book we follow Eliana and Killian, two outcasts in the town of black lake. Eliana was the epitome of who I want to be. Someone who can listen to the rumors that people spin about her in town and then use those rumors to her advantage and play into them in order to get the people to stay away from her. She has been raised by her Grams ever since she was younger and an incident occurred that gave Eliana the ability to toe the line between the living and the spiritual realm. Killian, an ex sheriff in town who now runs his late father’s ranch all by himself finds himself in the midst of rumors as well when it comes to people in town. It isn’t until the two meet that they slowly learn that they need to help each other with the dangers that is to come. Both characters have to overcome grief in this story and I love that they both were able to grow and overcome it together.
The thriller/suspenseful moments came into play when we receive chapters from someone called “unknown”. This unknown character causes problems for both Eliana and Killian and you don’t really understand why until the end of the book. Each little mini chapter you get from unknown’s perspective is so eerie as it makes you feel like you are being watched like you might be next on his victims list. Eliana and Killian have to work together to stop this unknown person and his reign of terror that ensues.
I don’t want to give too much away but overall this book was written very well. The world building was perfection as it set the scene for the town by making it feel creepy and not a place you want to be. I felt like the spiritual elements and the curse elements were very intriguing and loved how it didn’t lose that premise as the book continued. The love between Eliana and Killian was so beautiful and Killian was such a protective MMC and I love how both of them were able to not judge each other based on what others said about them. Loved being able to read this for spooky season!
A Curse On Black Lake was such a fun, immersive read that is perfect for spooky season! In this book we follow Eliana and Killian, two outcasts in the town of black lake. Eliana was the epitome of who I want to be. Someone who can listen to the rumors that people spin about her in town and then use those rumors to her advantage and play into them in order to get the people to stay away from her. She has been raised by her Grams ever since she was younger and an incident occurred that gave Eliana the ability to toe the line between the living and the spiritual realm. Killian, an ex sheriff in town who now runs his late father’s ranch all by himself finds himself in the midst of rumors as well when it comes to people in town. It isn’t until the two meet that they slowly learn that they need to help each other with the dangers that is to come. Both characters have to overcome grief in this story and I love that they both were able to grow and overcome it together.
The thriller/suspenseful moments came into play when we receive chapters from someone called “unknown”. This unknown character causes problems for both Eliana and Killian and you don’t really understand why until the end of the book. Each little mini chapter you get from unknown’s perspective is so eerie as it makes you feel like you are being watched like you might be next on his victims list. Eliana and Killian have to work together to stop this unknown person and his reign of terror that ensues.
I don’t want to give too much away but overall this book was written very well. The world building was perfection as it set the scene for the town by making it feel creepy and not a place you want to be. I felt like the spiritual elements and the curse elements were very intriguing and loved how it didn’t lose that premise as the book continued. The love between Eliana and Killian was so beautiful and Killian was such a protective MMC and I love how both of them were able to not judge each other based on what others said about them. Loved being able to read this for spooky season!
October 20, 2025
Literal chills. This one is hauntingly beautiful.
A Curse on Black Lake is a haunting, romantic plunge into grief and redemption; this gothic cowboy, ghost tale was absolutely mesmerizing, it sucks you right in. I’m still reeling from the emotional storm it stirred up.
Told in dual POV, through the eyes of Killian, a man hollowed out by grief and guilt, and Eliana, a woman haunted by dreams and voices only she can hear is a gothic cowboy romance unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s raw, poetic, and steeped in mystery. Their voices are distinct yet intertwined, each carrying the weight of their pasts as they navigate a cursed land that seems to want them both broken and bound together.
Killian’s voice is painfully honest, like a wound that never healed. Black Lake, Texas, is more than a setting, it’s a character in itself. The ranch, the ghosts, the curse… they all wrap around you like fog, pulling you deeper into the story. When Killian finds Eliana, literally pulled from a ditch, it’s not just a rescue, it’s a collision of two haunted hearts. Their bond is forged in silence, secrets, and survival. Watching Killian slowly unravel in her presence was devastating and beautiful. He’s not your typical cowboy; he’s a broken soul trying to outrun the past, and his pain is palpable.
What truly set Eliana apart for me was her eerie sensitivity to the supernatural. She hears the spirits of Black Lake, whispers in her mind, voices in the walls, echoes of the dead that no one else seems to notice. Her connection to the supernatural isn’t creepy, it’s intimate. It makes her feel like part of the land, part of the curse, and part of Killian’s redemption. She’s part oracle, part outlaw, and I couldn’t get enough.
What struck me most was how Killian sees Eliana, not as the town’s spectacle, but as something far more sacred. While the locals whisper about her like she’s a ghost story come to life, Killian never buys into their lies. He doesn’t think she’s wowed by him, either. In fact, he’s convinced she’s too good for him. But that doesn’t stop him from falling, hard. To him, Eliana is special in a way that defies explanation. Their paths weren’t just lucky collisions; they were destined. Eliana’s dreams, laced with eerie symbols and warnings, seem to have led her straight to him. It’s as if the curse itself wanted them to find each other.
Jessica Myel’s writing is lush and lyrical, with a rhythm that feels like a heartbeat; steady, aching, and sometimes frantic. The romance is slow-burn but intense, and the suspense kept me guessing.
If you love gothic romance, tortured cowboys, clairvoyant heroines and stories that explore grief, guilt, and unexpected healing, A Curse on Black Lake is a must-read.
A huge thank you to Jessica Myel & Luna Literary for the early copy!
A Curse on Black Lake is a haunting, romantic plunge into grief and redemption; this gothic cowboy, ghost tale was absolutely mesmerizing, it sucks you right in. I’m still reeling from the emotional storm it stirred up.
Told in dual POV, through the eyes of Killian, a man hollowed out by grief and guilt, and Eliana, a woman haunted by dreams and voices only she can hear is a gothic cowboy romance unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s raw, poetic, and steeped in mystery. Their voices are distinct yet intertwined, each carrying the weight of their pasts as they navigate a cursed land that seems to want them both broken and bound together.
Killian’s voice is painfully honest, like a wound that never healed. Black Lake, Texas, is more than a setting, it’s a character in itself. The ranch, the ghosts, the curse… they all wrap around you like fog, pulling you deeper into the story. When Killian finds Eliana, literally pulled from a ditch, it’s not just a rescue, it’s a collision of two haunted hearts. Their bond is forged in silence, secrets, and survival. Watching Killian slowly unravel in her presence was devastating and beautiful. He’s not your typical cowboy; he’s a broken soul trying to outrun the past, and his pain is palpable.
What truly set Eliana apart for me was her eerie sensitivity to the supernatural. She hears the spirits of Black Lake, whispers in her mind, voices in the walls, echoes of the dead that no one else seems to notice. Her connection to the supernatural isn’t creepy, it’s intimate. It makes her feel like part of the land, part of the curse, and part of Killian’s redemption. She’s part oracle, part outlaw, and I couldn’t get enough.
What struck me most was how Killian sees Eliana, not as the town’s spectacle, but as something far more sacred. While the locals whisper about her like she’s a ghost story come to life, Killian never buys into their lies. He doesn’t think she’s wowed by him, either. In fact, he’s convinced she’s too good for him. But that doesn’t stop him from falling, hard. To him, Eliana is special in a way that defies explanation. Their paths weren’t just lucky collisions; they were destined. Eliana’s dreams, laced with eerie symbols and warnings, seem to have led her straight to him. It’s as if the curse itself wanted them to find each other.
Jessica Myel’s writing is lush and lyrical, with a rhythm that feels like a heartbeat; steady, aching, and sometimes frantic. The romance is slow-burn but intense, and the suspense kept me guessing.
If you love gothic romance, tortured cowboys, clairvoyant heroines and stories that explore grief, guilt, and unexpected healing, A Curse on Black Lake is a must-read.
A huge thank you to Jessica Myel & Luna Literary for the early copy!
October 25, 2025
A gothic Western romance that blends murder mystery, small-town curse/drama, and haunting paranormal elements in a way that kept me hooked - I was so drawn in, but not before wondering if I could finish this book. I stopped at Chapter 6 read the some more reviews and decided to give it a go again. And boy was I intrigued.
Eliana, a misunderstood apothecary owner rumored to be a witch, and Killian, a protective ex-officer turned cowboy rancher. Their connection grows slowly and tenderly against the backdrop of a cursed town plagued by a brutal serial killer.
Eliana communicate with spirits. More like they scream at her until she listens. Some of their commentary had me giggling, but the spirits were also working to help her, protect her.
Another highlight of this story is how our characters interact. I was really drawn into how MMC Killian sees FMC Eliana. While everyone else treats her like a spectacle, he never buys into it. To him, she's sacred.. something special he doesn't even feel worthy of. He's convinced she's too good for him, but he falls anyway.
And while this burn is slowwwwww, their dynamic truly was beautiful. If only Eliana had someone in her life to remind her to stop holding back and to GRAB THAT MAN BY THE BELT BUCKLE.
What stood out most to me was the balance between darkness and hope. While the curse, the murders, and the closed-minded townsfolk brought a chilling weight to the story, Eliana and Killian's romance offered a soft and healing counterpoint. Their relationship built on trust, care, and quiet devotion made the heavier themes easier to bear, while also making the ending feel that much more satisfying.
My favorite part of this book was the mystery behind who was falsifying and blaming Killian for these murders. My guy was telling me who I thought it was but I needed more until I knew for sure.
Cowboy Romance
* Gothic Romance
• Small Town Romance
*SLOW Burn - it hurts so good
• Suspense & Mystery
* Things that go bump in the night
• A really old curse
* Grumpy Cowboy ex. Sheriff
• Outcast herbalist/FMC/Cowgirl
* A man who yearns
• He's soft only for her
* Touch her and
Eliana, a misunderstood apothecary owner rumored to be a witch, and Killian, a protective ex-officer turned cowboy rancher. Their connection grows slowly and tenderly against the backdrop of a cursed town plagued by a brutal serial killer.
Eliana communicate with spirits. More like they scream at her until she listens. Some of their commentary had me giggling, but the spirits were also working to help her, protect her.
Another highlight of this story is how our characters interact. I was really drawn into how MMC Killian sees FMC Eliana. While everyone else treats her like a spectacle, he never buys into it. To him, she's sacred.. something special he doesn't even feel worthy of. He's convinced she's too good for him, but he falls anyway.
And while this burn is slowwwwww, their dynamic truly was beautiful. If only Eliana had someone in her life to remind her to stop holding back and to GRAB THAT MAN BY THE BELT BUCKLE.
What stood out most to me was the balance between darkness and hope. While the curse, the murders, and the closed-minded townsfolk brought a chilling weight to the story, Eliana and Killian's romance offered a soft and healing counterpoint. Their relationship built on trust, care, and quiet devotion made the heavier themes easier to bear, while also making the ending feel that much more satisfying.
My favorite part of this book was the mystery behind who was falsifying and blaming Killian for these murders. My guy was telling me who I thought it was but I needed more until I knew for sure.
Cowboy Romance
* Gothic Romance
• Small Town Romance
*SLOW Burn - it hurts so good
• Suspense & Mystery
* Things that go bump in the night
• A really old curse
* Grumpy Cowboy ex. Sheriff
• Outcast herbalist/FMC/Cowgirl
* A man who yearns
• He's soft only for her
* Touch her and
November 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Curse on Black Lake by Jessica Myel
Eliana Greer is a healer and a midwife. Her family has been doing this work for the town of Black Lake for years. Not that the townspeople will come to her for help. She has been relentlessly bullied since she was a kid. They say she is a witch. She is not. She's a seer, and the spirits talk to her.
Killian Lennox is a rancher and a former captain of the Sheriff's Department. He lives a very isolated life, but that is of his choosing. He has had to downsize his herd and let his ranch hands go. He's doing all he can to survive, but he's being run ragged, trying to do it all himself.
The two meet when Eliana is ran off the road while riding her bike to make deliveries, and Killian comes to her rescue. She realizes that she has seen him in her dreams. She knows that bad things are coming, and it has to do with the curse the down has been under. The two team up to tackle all of their work. Both are suffering through the loss of loved ones and the accompanying grief. Together, they start to see the joy in things again and fall in love. They also start to see if they can find a way to lift the curse. But it won't be easy. A serial killer has set his sights on them and won't stop until he destroys them both.
This is my new favorite book of the year. It was so good!!! The author's writing style flowed so well that I didn't want to stop reading. I really enjoyed the different chapters from Eliana, Killian, and Unknown. This is a Gothic romance, and it definitely has some darker moments. Grief and loss are so prominent in the story, it's almost as if they are characters themselves. It is very much a slow burn with a bit of spice. I could see this being made into a mini series! I would definitely watch it. I'm looking forward to the next book. I'm hoping a certain character gets to continue his redemption arc.🤞
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Jessica Myel, and Luna Literary Management for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
A Curse on Black Lake by Jessica Myel
Eliana Greer is a healer and a midwife. Her family has been doing this work for the town of Black Lake for years. Not that the townspeople will come to her for help. She has been relentlessly bullied since she was a kid. They say she is a witch. She is not. She's a seer, and the spirits talk to her.
Killian Lennox is a rancher and a former captain of the Sheriff's Department. He lives a very isolated life, but that is of his choosing. He has had to downsize his herd and let his ranch hands go. He's doing all he can to survive, but he's being run ragged, trying to do it all himself.
The two meet when Eliana is ran off the road while riding her bike to make deliveries, and Killian comes to her rescue. She realizes that she has seen him in her dreams. She knows that bad things are coming, and it has to do with the curse the down has been under. The two team up to tackle all of their work. Both are suffering through the loss of loved ones and the accompanying grief. Together, they start to see the joy in things again and fall in love. They also start to see if they can find a way to lift the curse. But it won't be easy. A serial killer has set his sights on them and won't stop until he destroys them both.
This is my new favorite book of the year. It was so good!!! The author's writing style flowed so well that I didn't want to stop reading. I really enjoyed the different chapters from Eliana, Killian, and Unknown. This is a Gothic romance, and it definitely has some darker moments. Grief and loss are so prominent in the story, it's almost as if they are characters themselves. It is very much a slow burn with a bit of spice. I could see this being made into a mini series! I would definitely watch it. I'm looking forward to the next book. I'm hoping a certain character gets to continue his redemption arc.🤞
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Jessica Myel, and Luna Literary Management for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
October 6, 2025
A gothic Western romance that blends murder mystery, small-town curse/drama, and haunting paranormal elements in a way that kept me hooked — I was so drawn in, I didn’t even realize I had already flown through 100 pages.
“Monsters don’t just live under the bed.”
The story follows Eliana, a misunderstood apothecary owner rumored to be a witch, and Killian, a protective ex-officer turned cowboy rancher. Their connection grows slowly and tenderly against the backdrop of a cursed town plagued by a brutal serial killer.
“A rose with thick, sharp thorns… devastatingly beautiful, and can draw blood. Almost like a reminder not to believe everything you see."
The mix of eerie atmosphere, ghostly warnings, and the creeping tension of an unknown stalker (from their perspective and thoughts) made the book both unsettling and unputdownable.
What stood out most to me was the balance between darkness and hope. While the curse, the murders, and the closed-minded townsfolk brought a chilling weight to the story, Eliana and Killian’s romance offered a soft and healing counterpoint. Their relationship built on trust, care, and quiet devotion made the heavier themes easier to bear, while also making the ending feel that much more satisfying.
Myel’s writing captured both the bleakness of a haunted town and the warmth of two broken souls finding love. It’s the kind of book that changes your perspective and is perfect for the spooky season.
“Love is difficult and terrible. It’s this thing that can kill you or make you thrive. But no one talks about when the embodiment of it is gone.”
“Grief is like being buried alive with someone who is already dead. What you bury is a shell. It’s not them, but you’re choking on the dirt, just the same.”
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
_______________________________
Thank you to Jessica Myel and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read and honestly review this ARC!
“Monsters don’t just live under the bed.”
The story follows Eliana, a misunderstood apothecary owner rumored to be a witch, and Killian, a protective ex-officer turned cowboy rancher. Their connection grows slowly and tenderly against the backdrop of a cursed town plagued by a brutal serial killer.
“A rose with thick, sharp thorns… devastatingly beautiful, and can draw blood. Almost like a reminder not to believe everything you see."
The mix of eerie atmosphere, ghostly warnings, and the creeping tension of an unknown stalker (from their perspective and thoughts) made the book both unsettling and unputdownable.
What stood out most to me was the balance between darkness and hope. While the curse, the murders, and the closed-minded townsfolk brought a chilling weight to the story, Eliana and Killian’s romance offered a soft and healing counterpoint. Their relationship built on trust, care, and quiet devotion made the heavier themes easier to bear, while also making the ending feel that much more satisfying.
Myel’s writing captured both the bleakness of a haunted town and the warmth of two broken souls finding love. It’s the kind of book that changes your perspective and is perfect for the spooky season.
“Love is difficult and terrible. It’s this thing that can kill you or make you thrive. But no one talks about when the embodiment of it is gone.”
“Grief is like being buried alive with someone who is already dead. What you bury is a shell. It’s not them, but you’re choking on the dirt, just the same.”
Rating: 5/5
Spice: 2.5/5
_______________________________
Thank you to Jessica Myel and Luna Literary for the opportunity to read and honestly review this ARC!
October 8, 2025
A curse for the centuries in a town cloaked with death, Black Lake has a long, dark history. Killian Lennox is a man adrift in an ocean of grief. Killian left his law enforcement career behind to take care of the family ranch, and since the passing of his father, he’s had more bad days than good. Now he’s found a woman mysteriously murdered on his land, and the town turns its attention to him as a possible suspect. He finds refuge in an unlikely place….with the reclusive town healer and midwife Eliana Greer. Eliana has just lost her grandmother, and is struggling to navigate life without the one person who truly understood and loved her. Both Killian and Eliana are ostracized by the small town, and a chance meeting convinces them to help one another. But as they get to know each other, secrets from past start to overwhelm the present. A curse, a stalker, and a string of serial murders permeate the atmosphere of Black Lake, and the stakes reach a dangerous high as a budding love is put to the test.
A small town romance that oozed gothic creepiness and perfectly captured the complex journey of grieving and falling in love. Killian presents himself as cold as stone, but shows a completely different side with the way that he yearns for and protects Eliana. Eliana is strong, but is slowly crumbling under the weight of her supernatural gifts and trying to maintain the family legacy after losing her grandmother. The romance was well crafted and crackles with tension and longing. The curse and mysterious murders set the mood as creepy and foreboding, and the escalation by the stalker infused fear and uncertainty into the story.
A great atmospheric read that still delivered suspense, romance, and delves deeply into the complexity of love and grief. In spite of the darkness, love finds a way to shine and show that those who think they are broken and too far gone deserve a happy ending.
A small town romance that oozed gothic creepiness and perfectly captured the complex journey of grieving and falling in love. Killian presents himself as cold as stone, but shows a completely different side with the way that he yearns for and protects Eliana. Eliana is strong, but is slowly crumbling under the weight of her supernatural gifts and trying to maintain the family legacy after losing her grandmother. The romance was well crafted and crackles with tension and longing. The curse and mysterious murders set the mood as creepy and foreboding, and the escalation by the stalker infused fear and uncertainty into the story.
A great atmospheric read that still delivered suspense, romance, and delves deeply into the complexity of love and grief. In spite of the darkness, love finds a way to shine and show that those who think they are broken and too far gone deserve a happy ending.
October 18, 2025
𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 - 𝟜.𝟝 ⭐️ & 𝟚 🌶️
ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:
💜 But with her, I’m starting to think I’m a dog on a leash and she’s the one holding it.
💜 “I don’t know how you manage to keep getting more beautiful, but you do,”
💜 Tired of the stars, I turn my head to watch her again, and it’s irritating. Every time I simply look at her, I fall a little more.
💜 The sun is setting, and the warm golden glow from the window above the sink casts a halo around her, like an angel. My angel.
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨:
So many things happen in this book — a curse, a killer targeting women in Black Lake, someone stalking the FMC (and it’s not the MMC), the grief of losing loved ones, and a heroine who can hear spirits. As I said, a lot happens. 👀
Our girl, at the age of ten, has a kind of seizure that turns her hair white and her eyes from brown to blue. And as a “bonus,” she starts hearing spirits — spirits that will later help her with the curse that’s been lingering for over 150 years.
To break this curse, she needs to find a mysterious man she’s seen in her dreams and work together with him — because he’s also the main suspect in a murder that happened on his property. But guess what? He didn’t do it. Someone set him up. 😤
So now, to break the curse and get rid of her stalker, the FMC needs to team up with the MMC, and the two start helping each other.
The book is a little bit long — I think it could’ve been shorter by a few pages — but nonetheless, it was a really good read. It had everything: mystery, suspense, tension, and a romance that started as collaboration and ended as love. ❤️
I can’t wait for the next book in the series, because I definitely smell one coming about the MMC’s cousin… and I just know it’s going to be fire too! 🔥
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 - 𝟜.𝟝 ⭐️ & 𝟚 🌶️
ℚ𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:
💜 But with her, I’m starting to think I’m a dog on a leash and she’s the one holding it.
💜 “I don’t know how you manage to keep getting more beautiful, but you do,”
💜 Tired of the stars, I turn my head to watch her again, and it’s irritating. Every time I simply look at her, I fall a little more.
💜 The sun is setting, and the warm golden glow from the window above the sink casts a halo around her, like an angel. My angel.
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨:
So many things happen in this book — a curse, a killer targeting women in Black Lake, someone stalking the FMC (and it’s not the MMC), the grief of losing loved ones, and a heroine who can hear spirits. As I said, a lot happens. 👀
Our girl, at the age of ten, has a kind of seizure that turns her hair white and her eyes from brown to blue. And as a “bonus,” she starts hearing spirits — spirits that will later help her with the curse that’s been lingering for over 150 years.
To break this curse, she needs to find a mysterious man she’s seen in her dreams and work together with him — because he’s also the main suspect in a murder that happened on his property. But guess what? He didn’t do it. Someone set him up. 😤
So now, to break the curse and get rid of her stalker, the FMC needs to team up with the MMC, and the two start helping each other.
The book is a little bit long — I think it could’ve been shorter by a few pages — but nonetheless, it was a really good read. It had everything: mystery, suspense, tension, and a romance that started as collaboration and ended as love. ❤️
I can’t wait for the next book in the series, because I definitely smell one coming about the MMC’s cousin… and I just know it’s going to be fire too! 🔥
October 11, 2025
The Curse on Black Lake by Jessica Myel ARC Review
4⭐️
2.5🌶️
“There is power in words, and there is power in the blood of the innocent.”
This story was so emotionally impactful. It tackles ostracization, prejudice, and how grief can consume us. The town of Black Lake truly is cursed, and it’s affects reach far beyond its environment. Throughout the story it felt like the entire population was stuck in the past, a past where people are judged for their flaws and eccentricities.
Eliana is a love note to all of us empaths. Her abilities felt like a weight on her shoulders and a proverbial scarlet letter on her reputation. Her story tackles the effects of losing the only bright light in an otherwise dark path. I can sympathize with her struggles from both a reader’s Pov and a human’s. Her clandestine meeting with Killian was the shifting point in her life. When she went from the receiver of the bright light to the giver.
Killian’s struggles are rooted. They’ve fermented for much longer than Eliana’s and created a grumpy and hollow character that you can’t help but want to take care of. I can definitely the pull the Eliana felt to him and would have been absolutely gone for this man. His role as the protector was established from the beginning and I did love how seriously he took it. His flaws were understandable, and I almost felt more of a kindling with him in that regard.
The story had a mystery that I could easily keep up with; and for those that know me you know how rare it is that! The history that went along with the story was fascinating and I would love more stories that delve into the other mysteries of the town. Eliana and Killian were also delightful to watch. Their love story was full of healing and acceptance. It felt watching a like witnessing a beautiful flower grow.
4⭐️
2.5🌶️
“There is power in words, and there is power in the blood of the innocent.”
This story was so emotionally impactful. It tackles ostracization, prejudice, and how grief can consume us. The town of Black Lake truly is cursed, and it’s affects reach far beyond its environment. Throughout the story it felt like the entire population was stuck in the past, a past where people are judged for their flaws and eccentricities.
Eliana is a love note to all of us empaths. Her abilities felt like a weight on her shoulders and a proverbial scarlet letter on her reputation. Her story tackles the effects of losing the only bright light in an otherwise dark path. I can sympathize with her struggles from both a reader’s Pov and a human’s. Her clandestine meeting with Killian was the shifting point in her life. When she went from the receiver of the bright light to the giver.
Killian’s struggles are rooted. They’ve fermented for much longer than Eliana’s and created a grumpy and hollow character that you can’t help but want to take care of. I can definitely the pull the Eliana felt to him and would have been absolutely gone for this man. His role as the protector was established from the beginning and I did love how seriously he took it. His flaws were understandable, and I almost felt more of a kindling with him in that regard.
The story had a mystery that I could easily keep up with; and for those that know me you know how rare it is that! The history that went along with the story was fascinating and I would love more stories that delve into the other mysteries of the town. Eliana and Killian were also delightful to watch. Their love story was full of healing and acceptance. It felt watching a like witnessing a beautiful flower grow.
October 25, 2025
Gothic? Check. Cowboy? Check. Slow burn? Check.
If we're going off of tropes alone, there's no way I wouldn't like this book and I was not disappointed. Everything was right up my alley - especially that grumpy cowboy.
Eliana is the town outcast as everyone thinks she's a witch. She totally plays into this just to bait the townspeople. However, Killian doesn't view her in this light - he's in awe of her. See, the town of Black Lake, Texas is cursed and the bodies are piling up from a serial killer on the loose. Eliana can speak with the spirits/ghosts of Black Lake, hence why everyone views her as a witch and ostracizes her. Not Killian though, rather he works to protect her as best he can, especially when someone is stalking Eliana and wants Killian gone.
The suspense kept me on tenterhooks the entire time and just when I thought I had figured it out... HARD LEFT TURN.
My only criticism was the pacing felt a bit off at times, but not enough to take away my enjoyment from the story or pull me out of the plot.
This is one for my reread list!
❤️🔥Soulmates
✨They both avoid people but can’t avoid each other
🥀A 150+ year old curse
👻Unusual events
🤠Grumpy Cowboy, retired Sheriff MMC
🌿An Herbalist FMC with a strange gift
❤️A man who yearns
🌼Cozy front porches
🔥Slow Burn
🔪A murderer
👀A framing
🏘️Small Isolated Town full of dark histories
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for the gifted copy!
If we're going off of tropes alone, there's no way I wouldn't like this book and I was not disappointed. Everything was right up my alley - especially that grumpy cowboy.
Eliana is the town outcast as everyone thinks she's a witch. She totally plays into this just to bait the townspeople. However, Killian doesn't view her in this light - he's in awe of her. See, the town of Black Lake, Texas is cursed and the bodies are piling up from a serial killer on the loose. Eliana can speak with the spirits/ghosts of Black Lake, hence why everyone views her as a witch and ostracizes her. Not Killian though, rather he works to protect her as best he can, especially when someone is stalking Eliana and wants Killian gone.
The suspense kept me on tenterhooks the entire time and just when I thought I had figured it out... HARD LEFT TURN.
My only criticism was the pacing felt a bit off at times, but not enough to take away my enjoyment from the story or pull me out of the plot.
This is one for my reread list!
❤️🔥Soulmates
✨They both avoid people but can’t avoid each other
🥀A 150+ year old curse
👻Unusual events
🤠Grumpy Cowboy, retired Sheriff MMC
🌿An Herbalist FMC with a strange gift
❤️A man who yearns
🌼Cozy front porches
🔥Slow Burn
🔪A murderer
👀A framing
🏘️Small Isolated Town full of dark histories
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for the gifted copy!
October 14, 2025
A Curse on Black Lake - Jessica Myel
I love this story. And I’m very glad I read it around October. It has all kinds of spooky and suspenseful vibes to it. The story also focuses a lot on and how the two main characters Eliana and Killian handle their grief while trying to solve murders and a few other things. I love both of these characters so much. Eliana is this outcast and everyone fears her because they think she’s this witch and she’s just this awkward woman who speaks to the Spirits and Killian is this ex sheriff turned a full-time rancher he’s just trying to take care of his family’s property. The atmosphere is just so phenomenal in the writing is just so beautiful written. I could read 1000 books like this, especially in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 551 pages
Release Date 🌟 10/10/25
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Black Lake Cowboys, #1
Genre/Tropes ✨ small town romance, gothic romance, cowboy romance, ex police officer MMC, seer FMC, suspense, serial killer, murder mystery, soulmates, fate, slow burn, ranch, apothecary, fake dating
Favorite Character ☀️ Eliana & Killian
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘We belong together. It was written in the stars. It’s part of our history. It has taken a long time to get there, but I’m almost ready. Everything is falling into place, except for the one issue I thought I had’
‘It doesn’t matter, though. Killian Lennox is taking what does not belong to him, and he will pay for it.’
“You see, little witch? I know what you need. I know because you’re mine”
“I’m desperate for you, Eliana, every waking hour, every minute in my sleep I dream of you. You’re all I ever want to think about. There isn’t a line I wouldn’t cross, bridge I wouldn’t burn. My obsession has no limits. My desperation knows no bounds because they never existed for you.”
I love this story. And I’m very glad I read it around October. It has all kinds of spooky and suspenseful vibes to it. The story also focuses a lot on and how the two main characters Eliana and Killian handle their grief while trying to solve murders and a few other things. I love both of these characters so much. Eliana is this outcast and everyone fears her because they think she’s this witch and she’s just this awkward woman who speaks to the Spirits and Killian is this ex sheriff turned a full-time rancher he’s just trying to take care of his family’s property. The atmosphere is just so phenomenal in the writing is just so beautiful written. I could read 1000 books like this, especially in the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 551 pages
Release Date 🌟 10/10/25
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Black Lake Cowboys, #1
Genre/Tropes ✨ small town romance, gothic romance, cowboy romance, ex police officer MMC, seer FMC, suspense, serial killer, murder mystery, soulmates, fate, slow burn, ranch, apothecary, fake dating
Favorite Character ☀️ Eliana & Killian
Favorite Line 🌟 ‘We belong together. It was written in the stars. It’s part of our history. It has taken a long time to get there, but I’m almost ready. Everything is falling into place, except for the one issue I thought I had’
‘It doesn’t matter, though. Killian Lennox is taking what does not belong to him, and he will pay for it.’
“You see, little witch? I know what you need. I know because you’re mine”
“I’m desperate for you, Eliana, every waking hour, every minute in my sleep I dream of you. You’re all I ever want to think about. There isn’t a line I wouldn’t cross, bridge I wouldn’t burn. My obsession has no limits. My desperation knows no bounds because they never existed for you.”
October 10, 2025
Okay listen..you know a book is good when you start rationing the chapters just to make it last. I savored every single page like it was dessert.
This story had everything I crave in a book. There was suspense, romance, a mystery and a 150 year old curse plaguing the land, that refused to stay buried.
One minute I was on the edge of my seat, and the next I was damn near begging for the slow burn to end. I was both stressed and swooning the entire time. lol
The way this story weaved a glimpse of the past into the present was PERFECTION. I had chills. There were so many layers to this book that keeps you guessing right up to the end.
There was so much emotion and grit woven into these pages. Killian was absolutely delicious. A man who YEARNS checks the box for me every 👏🏻 time 👏🏻
Eliana had a heart of gold, and developed so much bravery, even in the hardest of times.
Reading how these two navigated the unexplained chaos of Black Lake made me their biggest cheerleader.
The pacing, the tension, the twists...my heart was racing the entire time. And every time I thought I'd caught my breath, another plot twist hit.
I'm completely blown away by this book, and honestly?
I think it's my new favorite. I need book two
IMMEDIATELY.
This story had everything I crave in a book. There was suspense, romance, a mystery and a 150 year old curse plaguing the land, that refused to stay buried.
One minute I was on the edge of my seat, and the next I was damn near begging for the slow burn to end. I was both stressed and swooning the entire time. lol
The way this story weaved a glimpse of the past into the present was PERFECTION. I had chills. There were so many layers to this book that keeps you guessing right up to the end.
There was so much emotion and grit woven into these pages. Killian was absolutely delicious. A man who YEARNS checks the box for me every 👏🏻 time 👏🏻
Eliana had a heart of gold, and developed so much bravery, even in the hardest of times.
Reading how these two navigated the unexplained chaos of Black Lake made me their biggest cheerleader.
The pacing, the tension, the twists...my heart was racing the entire time. And every time I thought I'd caught my breath, another plot twist hit.
I'm completely blown away by this book, and honestly?
I think it's my new favorite. I need book two
IMMEDIATELY.
October 19, 2025
The Curse on Black lake is a gothic cowboy romance and I loved it! This book follows Eliana and Killian and they are perfection. I loved the constant back and forth of the mystery and the love story. I also loved the added suspense of the reader knowing about the curse (literally in the prologue) and the characters figuring it out later in the book.
Eliana is a misunderstood healer. She’s always been the outcast until she meets Killian. Killian helps Eliana open up in so many ways and does not judge her at all. I loved her character so much and her character development is stellar.
Killian is the ex sheriff and the town grump. He becomes more and more of a recluse after the death of his father. He finds Eliana and everything changes. She helps him in ways he didn’t know he needed.
I loved the mystery in this book. The back and forth between the love blooming and the death was exceptional. I also loved the take on the spirits and the spiritual world. The explanation of grief, and showing how it can hit out of no where, throughout this book was exceptional. I tried to be as spoiler free as possible, but this is a must read!
Eliana is a misunderstood healer. She’s always been the outcast until she meets Killian. Killian helps Eliana open up in so many ways and does not judge her at all. I loved her character so much and her character development is stellar.
Killian is the ex sheriff and the town grump. He becomes more and more of a recluse after the death of his father. He finds Eliana and everything changes. She helps him in ways he didn’t know he needed.
I loved the mystery in this book. The back and forth between the love blooming and the death was exceptional. I also loved the take on the spirits and the spiritual world. The explanation of grief, and showing how it can hit out of no where, throughout this book was exceptional. I tried to be as spoiler free as possible, but this is a must read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2025
A Curse On Black Lake is a really good slow burn that’s emotional, suspenseful, and mysterious. There’s so much tension throughout this book as Eliana and Killian scramble to solve the crimes he’s being accused of committing and break the curse that has been plaguing their small town. Things get intense and thrilling as they navigate through grief and healing together while facing rough challenges along the way. Their story is so sweet, deep, and tragically beautiful with some moments that had my heart fluttering and others that had my heart wrenching with tears in my eyes 🥹
Eliana is gifted as she can communicate with spirits and runs an apothecary with her grandmother. Killian is a cowboy taking over his family’s ranch but is now a suspect as a woman’s found dead on his property. When Eliana offers to help Killian clear his name they unravel the truth and origins of the wicked curse on their town. As evil lurks in the shadows and is creeping in closer, Killian will do whatever it takes to keep Eliana safe as he’s spellbound by her 🫠
Thank you so much Jessica Myel & Luna Literary for this ARC 🫶🏻
Eliana is gifted as she can communicate with spirits and runs an apothecary with her grandmother. Killian is a cowboy taking over his family’s ranch but is now a suspect as a woman’s found dead on his property. When Eliana offers to help Killian clear his name they unravel the truth and origins of the wicked curse on their town. As evil lurks in the shadows and is creeping in closer, Killian will do whatever it takes to keep Eliana safe as he’s spellbound by her 🫠
Thank you so much Jessica Myel & Luna Literary for this ARC 🫶🏻
October 24, 2025
Thank you to Jessica Myel and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
I think I have found my home in the romantic suspense genre, as it literally combines two of my favorite types of reads. This one is no different, and I really enjoyed the ride. The small town of Black Lake is cursed, the FMC Eliana communicates with spirits, and the MMC, Killian, (with a past all his own) has a body turn up on his ranch with evidence painting him in a very unfavorable light. What follows is a slow-burn romance coupled with the characters relying on each other to see this mystery through and figure out just what is going on in Black Lake.
I really enjoyed Jessica's writing style. This was my first book by her, but I would not hesitate to pick up another one based on this one. If you're looking for spice, you will find it in this book, but it is not overwhelming, which I think is perfect in a romantic suspense. I don't want the spice to become the plot, so thank you for that!! I will definitely be recommending this book to anyone I know who loves romantic suspense!
I think I have found my home in the romantic suspense genre, as it literally combines two of my favorite types of reads. This one is no different, and I really enjoyed the ride. The small town of Black Lake is cursed, the FMC Eliana communicates with spirits, and the MMC, Killian, (with a past all his own) has a body turn up on his ranch with evidence painting him in a very unfavorable light. What follows is a slow-burn romance coupled with the characters relying on each other to see this mystery through and figure out just what is going on in Black Lake.
I really enjoyed Jessica's writing style. This was my first book by her, but I would not hesitate to pick up another one based on this one. If you're looking for spice, you will find it in this book, but it is not overwhelming, which I think is perfect in a romantic suspense. I don't want the spice to become the plot, so thank you for that!! I will definitely be recommending this book to anyone I know who loves romantic suspense!
October 15, 2025
ARC REVIEW
A Curse on Black Lake by Jessica Myel
Release Date: Available Now
Rating: 5 Stars
What to Expect:
150+ Year Old Curse
Mystery/Suspense
Cowboys
Slow Burn
Small Town
He Yearns for Her
Review: Wow! This book! I could not put it down. I will admit it did some time to get into, but by chapter seven I was hooked. Myel has the ability to keep us guessing, and keep us wanting more. Killian, the ever patient MMC. Killian is the ultimate grump, but when he meets Eliana, his grumpy demeanor starts to crumble(only for her, of course).Both Killian and Eliana are grieving the loss of important people in their lives, but it's that grief that I think brings them closer, and they understand each other on a deeper level. This book had everything: mystery, suspense, spice, drama, murder, and so much more! This is the perfect read if you're looking for a book for spooky season. Add A Curse on Black Lake to your TBR now! As always, check for trigger warnings before reading. Thank you Luna Literary and Jessica Myel for this ARC!
A Curse on Black Lake by Jessica Myel
Release Date: Available Now
Rating: 5 Stars
What to Expect:
150+ Year Old Curse
Mystery/Suspense
Cowboys
Slow Burn
Small Town
He Yearns for Her
Review: Wow! This book! I could not put it down. I will admit it did some time to get into, but by chapter seven I was hooked. Myel has the ability to keep us guessing, and keep us wanting more. Killian, the ever patient MMC. Killian is the ultimate grump, but when he meets Eliana, his grumpy demeanor starts to crumble(only for her, of course).Both Killian and Eliana are grieving the loss of important people in their lives, but it's that grief that I think brings them closer, and they understand each other on a deeper level. This book had everything: mystery, suspense, spice, drama, murder, and so much more! This is the perfect read if you're looking for a book for spooky season. Add A Curse on Black Lake to your TBR now! As always, check for trigger warnings before reading. Thank you Luna Literary and Jessica Myel for this ARC!
October 2, 2025
Thanks so much for Luna Literary and the author for the ARC. As always, this is an honest, voluntary review.
I went into this mostly blind. All I knew that the story was a dark gothic cowboy romance. I got so much more than I could ever hope for. This book was exactly my witchy, autumn soul needed. We have a a centuries old curse giving the perfect atmosphere in a small town more or less cut off from the world entirely. Then there's a serial killer on the loose, giving so much mystery and thrill to the story. And of course, we have Eliana and Killian and what an absolutely amazing couple they make! The witchy apothecary owner who talks to spirits and the jaded ex cop cowboy who's just so done with the world. Their slow burn is EVERYTHING. I fell in love with them the way they fell in love with each other.
This was such an unexpectedly beautiful story of grief and love and hate and I just really am so in love. Definitely gonna be a reread. Perfect autumn read!
I went into this mostly blind. All I knew that the story was a dark gothic cowboy romance. I got so much more than I could ever hope for. This book was exactly my witchy, autumn soul needed. We have a a centuries old curse giving the perfect atmosphere in a small town more or less cut off from the world entirely. Then there's a serial killer on the loose, giving so much mystery and thrill to the story. And of course, we have Eliana and Killian and what an absolutely amazing couple they make! The witchy apothecary owner who talks to spirits and the jaded ex cop cowboy who's just so done with the world. Their slow burn is EVERYTHING. I fell in love with them the way they fell in love with each other.
This was such an unexpectedly beautiful story of grief and love and hate and I just really am so in love. Definitely gonna be a reread. Perfect autumn read!
October 20, 2025
A Curse on Black Lake is a dark gothic cowboy romance by Jessica Myel. This is a small town romance dripping in mystery, suspense, romance, and supernatural elements. This was a perfect October read. This book delves on topics such as loss and grief. The author does an amazing job of developing the eerie atmosphere of Black Lake, a cursed town.
And what can I say about Killian and Eliana. I’m a sucker for a grumpy cowboy and Killian is utter perfection. The way they cared for each other had me swooning. The slow burn of their relations lead to steamy chemistry. I think this book could have been shorter, but even with that this book had my attention and kept it. The unknown stalker POV added suspense that made it impossible to put down. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat. Thanks Luna Literary for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
And what can I say about Killian and Eliana. I’m a sucker for a grumpy cowboy and Killian is utter perfection. The way they cared for each other had me swooning. The slow burn of their relations lead to steamy chemistry. I think this book could have been shorter, but even with that this book had my attention and kept it. The unknown stalker POV added suspense that made it impossible to put down. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat. Thanks Luna Literary for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
October 10, 2025
I loved the beginning of this book. It was dark and twisted. It had me hooked until about the 30% where the pacing began to slow. This book just wasn’t for me I think. I really wanted to love it and was hoping I was getting some type of dark Runyx turned cowboy story.
For me this was just way too long. If this was a 350 page book I would have loved it more. The large gaps of nothing really developing made me struggle holding my attention. I finally decided to DNF had 65%.
I really disliked how the spirits had no clue what was going on and would give this woman nothing of substance. It just was not believable to me. They would convince the FMC how to be with the MMC yet nothing about how to protect them from the actual danger happening. I am so let down because this had so much potential to have lots of intriguing dialogue and really create mystery in the story.
🌶️🌶️/5
For me this was just way too long. If this was a 350 page book I would have loved it more. The large gaps of nothing really developing made me struggle holding my attention. I finally decided to DNF had 65%.
I really disliked how the spirits had no clue what was going on and would give this woman nothing of substance. It just was not believable to me. They would convince the FMC how to be with the MMC yet nothing about how to protect them from the actual danger happening. I am so let down because this had so much potential to have lots of intriguing dialogue and really create mystery in the story.
🌶️🌶️/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
A Curse On Black Lake is a beautiful gothic cowboy romance mixed with mystery and paranormal elements.
From the first lines, I was captivated by this universe and couldn't put my kindle down.
I very much enjoyed the slow development of Killian and Eliana's relationship. I loved how they took their time to be there and take care of each other while dealing with a stalker, a killer, a curse and their own grief.
Jessica dealt with her character's grief with so much care and gentleness. I felt like she was directly speaking to me.
Jessica is a genius! The "unknown" character's POV scared me shitless. The way it was written added another level of tension, creepiness and mysteriousness to the story.
Be advised that death and grief are a huge part of this story, so don't read this book if it's too much for you.
Thanks Jessica Myel and Luna Literary for this ARC.
From the first lines, I was captivated by this universe and couldn't put my kindle down.
I very much enjoyed the slow development of Killian and Eliana's relationship. I loved how they took their time to be there and take care of each other while dealing with a stalker, a killer, a curse and their own grief.
Jessica dealt with her character's grief with so much care and gentleness. I felt like she was directly speaking to me.
Jessica is a genius! The "unknown" character's POV scared me shitless. The way it was written added another level of tension, creepiness and mysteriousness to the story.
Be advised that death and grief are a huge part of this story, so don't read this book if it's too much for you.
Thanks Jessica Myel and Luna Literary for this ARC.
October 18, 2025
A twisty, moody and suspenseful and romance. A tortured love story set way in the past sets the tone of the book and lays foundation of the premise, a curse placed on the town because a true love was taken from a woman too soon. Eliana has the power to see the ghosts that haunt the town, which leads her to an outcast cowboy, Killian. Together they are thrown into unraveling the truth of the mysterious deaths that have plagued the town, and ultimately find love along the way. Overall, although the book was pretty lengthy and some pacing a bit slow, but I thought the plot was intriguing and the I enjoyed the faceted layers of character development leading up to their romance and revelation of the whodunit. 3.75 stars
Thanks to Luna Literally Management for the eARC.
Thanks to Luna Literally Management for the eARC.
December 27, 2025
I enjoyed the overall concept of this story. I feel like if the description sounds good, it’s worth picking up. It read like a scenic stroll that I was happy to be taking. It has short chapters which I appreciated.
That said, by the end I found it to have pacing issues - too slow for some aspects and far too fast in others - and feel it has no business being 400+ pages. I was hoping for a more atmospheric read with this one. I really wish the lake/setting was treated more like a character contributing to the outcome. I would have also liked more suspense and tension built into it as well. I wasn’t pulled into the book enough without it.
I’m primarily an audiobook reader and had to eyeball this one. That absolutely could impact my opinion on the story.
That said, by the end I found it to have pacing issues - too slow for some aspects and far too fast in others - and feel it has no business being 400+ pages. I was hoping for a more atmospheric read with this one. I really wish the lake/setting was treated more like a character contributing to the outcome. I would have also liked more suspense and tension built into it as well. I wasn’t pulled into the book enough without it.
I’m primarily an audiobook reader and had to eyeball this one. That absolutely could impact my opinion on the story.
October 21, 2025
A gothic cowboy romance filled with curses, paranormal activity, slow burn, a serial killer, and protective MMC all in a Texas town? Say less.
I enjoyed this read and found it perfect for October. Myel did a great job creating the eerie atmosphere and keeping me immersed in this setting.
This did have moments that were too long, causing me to skim read to get to the next stretch of action or angst. But overall, it was still an enjoyable story. I felt the author did a good job tackling the roller coaster of emotions surrounding grief and found the paranormal inclusions unique.
I enjoyed this read and found it perfect for October. Myel did a great job creating the eerie atmosphere and keeping me immersed in this setting.
This did have moments that were too long, causing me to skim read to get to the next stretch of action or angst. But overall, it was still an enjoyable story. I felt the author did a good job tackling the roller coaster of emotions surrounding grief and found the paranormal inclusions unique.
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