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They Call Her Regret
A page-turning thriller with a supernatural twist by the author of Needy Little Things, perfect for fans of Signed Sealed Dead and Harrow Lake.
'Unsettling, page-turning' Guardian
'A fascinating, twisty, gripping mystery' SchoolReadingList.co.uk
A dark spectre lives on the banks of Yearwood Lake.
Make a deal and you're in her debt.
Those who've met her call her Regret.
Halloween is Simone's favourite holiday. Every year she throws an epic, spooky party, and this time she's hosting it beside a lake, where legend has it that a haunting figure named Regret makes deadly deals with trespassers.
Simone isn't worried about all of that – she just wants to have fun, scare her friends and distract herself from her own dark secrets.
But in the dead of the night, things begin to go very wrong. When her best friend's life is in danger and Regret appears, Simone must make a choice. How far will she go to save her friend?
Every deal comes with a price ...
'Unsettling, page-turning' Guardian
'A fascinating, twisty, gripping mystery' SchoolReadingList.co.uk
A dark spectre lives on the banks of Yearwood Lake.
Make a deal and you're in her debt.
Those who've met her call her Regret.
Halloween is Simone's favourite holiday. Every year she throws an epic, spooky party, and this time she's hosting it beside a lake, where legend has it that a haunting figure named Regret makes deadly deals with trespassers.
Simone isn't worried about all of that – she just wants to have fun, scare her friends and distract herself from her own dark secrets.
But in the dead of the night, things begin to go very wrong. When her best friend's life is in danger and Regret appears, Simone must make a choice. How far will she go to save her friend?
Every deal comes with a price ...
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2026
48 people are currently reading
14476 people want to read
About the author
Channelle Desamours
2 books381 followersChannelle Desamours is an author and a high school science teacher. When she’s not napping to recover from her five a.m. writing sessions, Channelle can be found building tiny homes on The Sims 4 or cheering for Atlanta United at soccer matches. NEEDY LITTLE THINGS is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio/Macmillan Young Listeners for an ALC of They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours
Honestly when I first saw this was part of Macmillan Young Listeners I had to do a few double takes.. once again, all the flabbers to my name were gasted. wow, just wow.. I meannnnn I really should have guessed since 89% of stories that involve high schoolers usually are.. but this story was just so, SO good, engrossing, and intense (in all the best ways). It just really never dawned on me that it was the target audience.
Horror is in my blood, ok?.. I'm kinda an expert and thissss 🤌🏼🤌🏼....🤌🏼🤌🏼 Is horror at its absolute finest 🤌🏼
My fellow horror professionals will more than likely agree when I say, a top pet peeve of ours is when a story has a ton of potential but there are too many loose ends or plot holes. This plot was so air tight I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if Ms Desamours worked part time for the military insulating submarines. A horror book where the plot is as solid as the entertainment..is the BEST, most exhilarating experience! Especially since (in my opinion) the genre as a whole tends to have more great books with plot holes than the other way around. Listen, if you've personally had better experience consider me personally jealous because realistically I'd probably have an easier time finding the Sorcerer's Stone than a steady flow of horror books with solid and entertaining plots. Very needless to say this was very much appreciated and enjoyed!
When I first started reading this I had a whole spiel rolling around my cranium, about how this would be the PERFECT way to kick off your 2026 spooky season but after completing it I genuinely don't recommend waiting that long and if you do, you'll regret it
Until next time
Hades
🩵
Honestly when I first saw this was part of Macmillan Young Listeners I had to do a few double takes.. once again, all the flabbers to my name were gasted. wow, just wow.. I meannnnn I really should have guessed since 89% of stories that involve high schoolers usually are.. but this story was just so, SO good, engrossing, and intense (in all the best ways). It just really never dawned on me that it was the target audience.
Horror is in my blood, ok?.. I'm kinda an expert and thissss 🤌🏼🤌🏼....🤌🏼🤌🏼 Is horror at its absolute finest 🤌🏼
My fellow horror professionals will more than likely agree when I say, a top pet peeve of ours is when a story has a ton of potential but there are too many loose ends or plot holes. This plot was so air tight I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if Ms Desamours worked part time for the military insulating submarines. A horror book where the plot is as solid as the entertainment..is the BEST, most exhilarating experience! Especially since (in my opinion) the genre as a whole tends to have more great books with plot holes than the other way around. Listen, if you've personally had better experience consider me personally jealous because realistically I'd probably have an easier time finding the Sorcerer's Stone than a steady flow of horror books with solid and entertaining plots. Very needless to say this was very much appreciated and enjoyed!
When I first started reading this I had a whole spiel rolling around my cranium, about how this would be the PERFECT way to kick off your 2026 spooky season but after completing it I genuinely don't recommend waiting that long and if you do, you'll regret it
Until next time
Hades
🩵
December 17, 2025
The only regret I have about They Call Her Regret is that I didn’t clear my schedule before starting it because once I opened it, this witchy mystery had me absolutely spellbound. 🧙♀️
I won this book right around Halloween, which felt like perfect timing for a story that leans hard into spooky season: haunted lakes, creepy legends, and an overnight Halloween party that goes terribly, tragically wrong. Simone Washington, horror obsessed party planner and queen of distraction, is such a compelling lead. On the surface she’s all vibes and pranks, but underneath she’s carrying some heavy secrets. When her best friend Kira dies at the party and the legendary witch Regret appears with a horrifying bargain free Regret from her curse in fourteen days or lose Kira forever, the book shifts into a tense, time ticking mystery that blends grief, guilt, and supernatural danger in really satisfying ways.
The writing is beautifully balanced: spooky but not cheesy, emotional without getting melodramatic. The prose flows so smoothly that chapters just… disappear. One minute you’re “just reading a few pages,” and the next thing you know, you’ve burned through half the book and your real regret is how late it suddenly is. The pacing is fast without feeling rushed, every scene feels purposeful, and the tension builds steadily as Simone digs deeper into Regret’s past and her own. I really liked how the story used the witch’s curse as a metaphor for the weight of regret and the temptation to rewrite your past, while still delivering all the eerie campfire story vibes promised by Doll’s Head Lake.
What really worked for me was how grounded the relationships felt, especially Simone’s connection to Kira and the messy, very human ways friends can hurt and fail each other. The supernatural stakes are high, but the emotional stakes are just as sharp, and that’s what makes the ending land so well. This isn’t just a haunted lake story; it’s a story about grief, forgiveness, and what it costs to try to undo the past.
If you like YA horror with heart, cursed witches, and mysteries that keep you turning pages long past your bedtime, They Call Her Regret is absolutely worth conjuring onto your TBR. No hexes needed. 🕯️📖
I won this book right around Halloween, which felt like perfect timing for a story that leans hard into spooky season: haunted lakes, creepy legends, and an overnight Halloween party that goes terribly, tragically wrong. Simone Washington, horror obsessed party planner and queen of distraction, is such a compelling lead. On the surface she’s all vibes and pranks, but underneath she’s carrying some heavy secrets. When her best friend Kira dies at the party and the legendary witch Regret appears with a horrifying bargain free Regret from her curse in fourteen days or lose Kira forever, the book shifts into a tense, time ticking mystery that blends grief, guilt, and supernatural danger in really satisfying ways.
The writing is beautifully balanced: spooky but not cheesy, emotional without getting melodramatic. The prose flows so smoothly that chapters just… disappear. One minute you’re “just reading a few pages,” and the next thing you know, you’ve burned through half the book and your real regret is how late it suddenly is. The pacing is fast without feeling rushed, every scene feels purposeful, and the tension builds steadily as Simone digs deeper into Regret’s past and her own. I really liked how the story used the witch’s curse as a metaphor for the weight of regret and the temptation to rewrite your past, while still delivering all the eerie campfire story vibes promised by Doll’s Head Lake.
What really worked for me was how grounded the relationships felt, especially Simone’s connection to Kira and the messy, very human ways friends can hurt and fail each other. The supernatural stakes are high, but the emotional stakes are just as sharp, and that’s what makes the ending land so well. This isn’t just a haunted lake story; it’s a story about grief, forgiveness, and what it costs to try to undo the past.
If you like YA horror with heart, cursed witches, and mysteries that keep you turning pages long past your bedtime, They Call Her Regret is absolutely worth conjuring onto your TBR. No hexes needed. 🕯️📖
November 18, 2025
It’s tradition for horror-loving Simone Washington to throw the best and spookiest parties for Halloween. So this year was no different, except that it was going to be on her eighteenth birthday. The thrill of planning and scaring her friends masks her regrets and dark past; she doesn’t want to confront. And if there’s one thing about Simone, it’s that she has many, many masks.
Planning to throw her birthday party at Doll’s Head Lake, Simone thinks of ways to prank her friends, staying true to the spooky past the lake is rumored for, including the legend of a ghost witch named Regret. But when her friend, Kira, dies after falling into the lake, Simone is desperate to do anything to bring her friend back to life–even if it means having to make a deal with a witch. But there’s a catch: Kira will come back to life, but Simone must learn how to set Regret free from the curse of the lake. If she fails to do so, Kira will die again, but Simone will be the one to do it.
I have never been a fan of the horror genre. I am a scaredy cat and have been for a long time. 😅 That is, until recently, when I became a fan of watching gamers play horror games, which helped me overcome my fear of scary stuff. Heck, I even watched The Conjuring series and want to watch all the movies again. 🤷♀😂
So, in light of spooky season being here and Halloween quickly approaching (time is flying! 😱), I thought it was fitting that I should read possibly my first horror book. That’s where this gem comes in.
Granted, it’s not as scary as I was hoping it would be. I finished this book at like two o’clock in the morning and slept just fine, whereas The Wasp Trap kept me awake for some inexplicable reason. Make it make sense, Sarah. 🤦♀ But it was still deliciously creepy and oh so crazy because ho-ly cow! I was not expecting those plot twists and correlations at all! And that ending? I mean, it’s horror. What did I expect? 😅
Although all the characters were great and did their jobs as characters, I will say it drove me crazy how the lover of horror, Simone, was literally doing everything you are NOT supposed to do when you strike up a deal with a witch. I’m not going to go into too much detail (you have to read the book to find out 😉), but there are certain things you don’t touch, you don’t talk to, and you don’t. Let. In. And I’m going to leave it at that.
But Cory, Simone’s friend and crush, was by far my favorite character. He was so freaking sweet, kind, and such a good friend and person, overall. He’s the best! ☺
Everything else about this book was fantastic. The writing was balanced, flowed flawlessly, and told the story well. There were parts that I didn’t understand, but I think that’s due to editing, so I’m not going to worry about it. The plot was super interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat, and made my jaw drop! 😲 I’m still in shock at how everything that went down, and the latter half of the book will live rent-free in my mind until another book takes that place. 😅
If you are looking for an intriguing and creepy story, this book is for you! I totally recommend it! 👻🎃🧡
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free arc! All opinions and statements are my own!
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, violence, blood, & drug and alcohol use.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–just kissing and mentioning it, too. (🌶/5)
Planning to throw her birthday party at Doll’s Head Lake, Simone thinks of ways to prank her friends, staying true to the spooky past the lake is rumored for, including the legend of a ghost witch named Regret. But when her friend, Kira, dies after falling into the lake, Simone is desperate to do anything to bring her friend back to life–even if it means having to make a deal with a witch. But there’s a catch: Kira will come back to life, but Simone must learn how to set Regret free from the curse of the lake. If she fails to do so, Kira will die again, but Simone will be the one to do it.
I have never been a fan of the horror genre. I am a scaredy cat and have been for a long time. 😅 That is, until recently, when I became a fan of watching gamers play horror games, which helped me overcome my fear of scary stuff. Heck, I even watched The Conjuring series and want to watch all the movies again. 🤷♀😂
So, in light of spooky season being here and Halloween quickly approaching (time is flying! 😱), I thought it was fitting that I should read possibly my first horror book. That’s where this gem comes in.
Granted, it’s not as scary as I was hoping it would be. I finished this book at like two o’clock in the morning and slept just fine, whereas The Wasp Trap kept me awake for some inexplicable reason. Make it make sense, Sarah. 🤦♀ But it was still deliciously creepy and oh so crazy because ho-ly cow! I was not expecting those plot twists and correlations at all! And that ending? I mean, it’s horror. What did I expect? 😅
Although all the characters were great and did their jobs as characters, I will say it drove me crazy how the lover of horror, Simone, was literally doing everything you are NOT supposed to do when you strike up a deal with a witch. I’m not going to go into too much detail (you have to read the book to find out 😉), but there are certain things you don’t touch, you don’t talk to, and you don’t. Let. In. And I’m going to leave it at that.
But Cory, Simone’s friend and crush, was by far my favorite character. He was so freaking sweet, kind, and such a good friend and person, overall. He’s the best! ☺
Everything else about this book was fantastic. The writing was balanced, flowed flawlessly, and told the story well. There were parts that I didn’t understand, but I think that’s due to editing, so I’m not going to worry about it. The plot was super interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat, and made my jaw drop! 😲 I’m still in shock at how everything that went down, and the latter half of the book will live rent-free in my mind until another book takes that place. 😅
If you are looking for an intriguing and creepy story, this book is for you! I totally recommend it! 👻🎃🧡
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the free arc! All opinions and statements are my own!
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, death, violence, blood, & drug and alcohol use.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No–just kissing and mentioning it, too. (🌶/5)
February 18, 2026
Oooh, this one is spooky! I’m surprised it wasn’t released closer to Halloween, because it’s perfect for an October read.
Simone is about to turn 18, and she discovers the perfect place to host her birthday party: a cabin close to a supposedly haunted lake. She’s very much into horror, true crime, ghost stories, you name it. Simone does have a few things in her past that haunt her, but she’s moving forward and hopes the party will take her mind off of past events.
There is a local legend about a ghost from the lake who will kill if she takes offense to one of the living, and there’s even a 1970s unsolved case of missing teens who allegedly encountered her and got unalived. Naturally, that’s where a horror fan would want to go, right?
And surely the rumors *aren’t* true…right?
I wouldn’t be recommending this as a perfect October read if the rumors were false, would I?
I was creeped out many a time, but I was hooked early on, and this is a solid Halloween read for those who enjoy horror specifically relating to ghosts. I may be revisiting this later on this year to get in the mood for All Hallow’s Eve.
As always, thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an early copy. I am writing this review entirely voluntarily.
Simone is about to turn 18, and she discovers the perfect place to host her birthday party: a cabin close to a supposedly haunted lake. She’s very much into horror, true crime, ghost stories, you name it. Simone does have a few things in her past that haunt her, but she’s moving forward and hopes the party will take her mind off of past events.
There is a local legend about a ghost from the lake who will kill if she takes offense to one of the living, and there’s even a 1970s unsolved case of missing teens who allegedly encountered her and got unalived. Naturally, that’s where a horror fan would want to go, right?
And surely the rumors *aren’t* true…right?
I wouldn’t be recommending this as a perfect October read if the rumors were false, would I?
I was creeped out many a time, but I was hooked early on, and this is a solid Halloween read for those who enjoy horror specifically relating to ghosts. I may be revisiting this later on this year to get in the mood for All Hallow’s Eve.
As always, thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an early copy. I am writing this review entirely voluntarily.
October 9, 2025
This isn’t exactly a scary horror (maybe more moody/reflective) but there were definitely creepy aspects that were done really well. Sometimes I find it difficult to get into YA but this was everything I like about good YA—the teenagers actually read like teenagers, they mess up, overthink, and don’t magically act like tiny adults with perfect insight. The stakes feel personal and urgent but not world-ending. And like all good horror (IMO), it draws a straight line between the supernatural stuff and how horrifying just being a person can be. Great October read.
February 16, 2026
✨Book Review✨
If you're looking for a good spooky read then def check this out! I really liked the concept of regret in this book and how everyone has it. You find that as the story progresses every character is connected to each other. Secrets are uncovered and friendships are tested.
The narration was so good! I felt like they were all easily distinguished and had their own personalities. Plus the animatronic doll voice was perfect! Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.
If you're looking for a good spooky read then def check this out! I really liked the concept of regret in this book and how everyone has it. You find that as the story progresses every character is connected to each other. Secrets are uncovered and friendships are tested.
The narration was so good! I felt like they were all easily distinguished and had their own personalities. Plus the animatronic doll voice was perfect! Thank you @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved loved loved this. This book had sooo many amazing quotes that I'm going to have to reread it once I can get a physical copy so I can mark them all. The writing was amazing, the story was dark and the ending was... fun 🤣. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing this story to life.
March 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing a copy of this novel!
I really enjoyed this book. The writing style was a little simple, but it worked well with the first-person narrative. I also didn't necessarily "like" the characters, but they were done very well. They were all quite flawed and made a lot of mistakes (the "regrets" of the story) but oof, those kids really needed some therapy.
I liked how we actually got to see Simone investigate and learn more information to solve the mystery. It took a minute for the story to get going, but once I got about halfway in, I couldn't put it down! The story was so intense, and every new reveal was more interesting than the last.
I was a little disappointed with the ending though. I wasn't bad by any means, but not as satisfying as I was hoping. This was partly due to Simone's ending. But also because of some the reveals at the end. I don't really read a lot of thrillers, but I feel like all the thrillers I read have the same conclusion. And not in a "the mystery is revealed" kind of way. But who the perpetrator is and why they did what they did. This book was a little different than the others I've read with the focus on "regret," but it still felt pretty same-y to me. This is more of a me problem though. I just have a knack for picking out thrillers with similar endings.
I really enjoyed this book. The writing style was a little simple, but it worked well with the first-person narrative. I also didn't necessarily "like" the characters, but they were done very well. They were all quite flawed and made a lot of mistakes (the "regrets" of the story) but oof, those kids really needed some therapy.
I liked how we actually got to see Simone investigate and learn more information to solve the mystery. It took a minute for the story to get going, but once I got about halfway in, I couldn't put it down! The story was so intense, and every new reveal was more interesting than the last.
I was a little disappointed with the ending though. I wasn't bad by any means, but not as satisfying as I was hoping. This was partly due to Simone's ending. But also because of some the reveals at the end. I don't really read a lot of thrillers, but I feel like all the thrillers I read have the same conclusion. And not in a "the mystery is revealed" kind of way. But who the perpetrator is and why they did what they did. This book was a little different than the others I've read with the focus on "regret," but it still felt pretty same-y to me. This is more of a me problem though. I just have a knack for picking out thrillers with similar endings.
September 30, 2025
I received an ARC, winning it on Goodreads.
This is truly a roller coaster of a ride. Twists and turns. A creepy doll and a ghost witch, that wants to be released, from the curse that keeps her at Doll Head Lake.
When Simone, throws a Halloween party at a cabin near Doll Head Lake. A friend ends up dead. Was it an accident, or was he killed?
Regret, shows herself to Simone and gives her 14 days to release her. The stakes are high, because Simone can right everything that went wrong that night.
Or it can get so much worse!
A fast paced page turner, you will not want to put down.
This is truly a roller coaster of a ride. Twists and turns. A creepy doll and a ghost witch, that wants to be released, from the curse that keeps her at Doll Head Lake.
When Simone, throws a Halloween party at a cabin near Doll Head Lake. A friend ends up dead. Was it an accident, or was he killed?
Regret, shows herself to Simone and gives her 14 days to release her. The stakes are high, because Simone can right everything that went wrong that night.
Or it can get so much worse!
A fast paced page turner, you will not want to put down.
February 22, 2026
After loving Needy Little Things, I was so excited for this and it not disappoint. They Call Her Regret is brilliant atmospheric, eerie and utterly addictive. I flew through this in a matter of sittings and had a great time doing so.
February 16, 2026
Every year, Simone Washington, throws THE Halloween party of the year, & this year she sets her sights on holding it near Doll's Head Lake. The lake is reportedly haunted by Regret - a ghostly figure who offers a deal for telling her your greatest regret. Simone doesn't believe in ghosts but when an accident occurs at the party & her best friend's life is in the balance, Regret appears & offers her a deal - a life for a life & her greatest regret. Simone takes the deal but there's more to it than it originally appears & the deal may be something she lives to...regret.
OK so this is a banger! Haunted lakes, scary talking dolls, & dark secrets abound. The plot is top notch, the writing is superb, & the characters are complex & layered. The only 'negative' was that the final chapter was a little underwhelming compared to the rest of the book, but minor issue overall. I enjoyed this one so much I've added the author's first book to my TBR list. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Plot: A little slow to start but once it gets going, it’s a page turner. Found the final chapter slightly underwhelming compared to the rest of the book.
Writing Style: Excellent - characters are complex & layered, & the narrative is a pleasure to read.
Enjoyment Level: High - have added the author’s first book to my TBR list.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC/Bloomsbury YA, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
OK so this is a banger! Haunted lakes, scary talking dolls, & dark secrets abound. The plot is top notch, the writing is superb, & the characters are complex & layered. The only 'negative' was that the final chapter was a little underwhelming compared to the rest of the book, but minor issue overall. I enjoyed this one so much I've added the author's first book to my TBR list. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Plot: A little slow to start but once it gets going, it’s a page turner. Found the final chapter slightly underwhelming compared to the rest of the book.
Writing Style: Excellent - characters are complex & layered, & the narrative is a pleasure to read.
Enjoyment Level: High - have added the author’s first book to my TBR list.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC/Bloomsbury YA, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Review of advance copy
It's her senior year, and to celebrate, Simone is throwing herself a spooky birthday party at a cabin on the lake. She knows to expect some drinking and maybe some poor decisions, but she never thought her party would end with a life-ending accident. But a witch named Regret appears and offers Simone the chance to change things, as long as Simone can figure out how to free Regret from her cursed existence. But that means Simone will have to uncover her own secrets she's kept buried for years, and face her own regrets.
This is not my usual genre, but I'm glad I stuck with this one -- I was about a third of the way through the book and when I found myself pretty invested. Definitely a compelling story and appropriately mysterious, with eerie talking dolls and a chilling but complex villain. Elements of the plot are reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart.
This is a thriller, so not a feel-good read, but still so compelling. Overall, I liked this!
Violence/murder. Substance abuse.
Some language, including a couple of f-bombs, but not as many as I expected.
Thanks to Libro.fm for the advanced listening copy!
This is not my usual genre, but I'm glad I stuck with this one -- I was about a third of the way through the book and when I found myself pretty invested. Definitely a compelling story and appropriately mysterious, with eerie talking dolls and a chilling but complex villain. Elements of the plot are reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart.
This is a thriller, so not a feel-good read, but still so compelling. Overall, I liked this!
Violence/murder. Substance abuse.
Some language, including a couple of f-bombs, but not as many as I expected.
Thanks to Libro.fm for the advanced listening copy!
March 6, 2026
4.5⭐️
So spooky in a good way. This author writes complex Black girls so well and this one didn’t disappoint! So many shocking revelations and a unique (to me) story line. I love that Simone, at times, was so complex as a narrator. So good.
So spooky in a good way. This author writes complex Black girls so well and this one didn’t disappoint! So many shocking revelations and a unique (to me) story line. I love that Simone, at times, was so complex as a narrator. So good.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Channelle Desamours has done it again!!!!!!!!!!!!
Needy Little Things was one of my favorite books of 2025, so I was so excited when I saw this book available to download on Netgalley early.
I was finally able to start this book yesterday during some downtime at work, and let me tell you that I HATED putting this book down. It is such a wild ride from start to finish and I finished it in about 24 hours.
I will add more thoughts to this review later but I just wanted to leave these initial thoughts for right now.
Also thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this wonderful book!
- Laura
Needy Little Things was one of my favorite books of 2025, so I was so excited when I saw this book available to download on Netgalley early.
I was finally able to start this book yesterday during some downtime at work, and let me tell you that I HATED putting this book down. It is such a wild ride from start to finish and I finished it in about 24 hours.
I will add more thoughts to this review later but I just wanted to leave these initial thoughts for right now.
Also thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC of this wonderful book!
- Laura
February 10, 2026
“Horror feels like home to me.”
If you are looking for a young adult thriller with murder & a dark storyline then this may be the book for you.
-based in Georgia
-witchcraft, magic & spirits
-high school senior MCs
-slow paced storyline
-a horror loving FMC, Simone
-navigating life with divorced parents
-betrayal, forgiveness & healing
-a chilling, creepy thrill
-memorable villains
-the movie “The Ring” vibes
-the ebbs & flows of friendship
-uncovering dark secrets
The author has a beautiful writing style. It is always vividly descriptive & detailed. I felt like I was watching a TV show with Black kids trying to solve a ver dark mystery.
My only feedback about this was the pacing. 3/4 of the story was slow paced in a way that didn’t add to the build up of the plot. I couldn’t imagine teenage readers seeing the storyline through. The lack of pull had me putting this down consistently.
Overall, it was an okay read. I had higher hopes for it but, it wasn’t a bad story. Great concept, underwhelming execution.
Check your trigger warnings with this one.
If you are looking for a young adult thriller with murder & a dark storyline then this may be the book for you.
-based in Georgia
-witchcraft, magic & spirits
-high school senior MCs
-slow paced storyline
-a horror loving FMC, Simone
-navigating life with divorced parents
-betrayal, forgiveness & healing
-a chilling, creepy thrill
-memorable villains
-the movie “The Ring” vibes
-the ebbs & flows of friendship
-uncovering dark secrets
The author has a beautiful writing style. It is always vividly descriptive & detailed. I felt like I was watching a TV show with Black kids trying to solve a ver dark mystery.
My only feedback about this was the pacing. 3/4 of the story was slow paced in a way that didn’t add to the build up of the plot. I couldn’t imagine teenage readers seeing the storyline through. The lack of pull had me putting this down consistently.
Overall, it was an okay read. I had higher hopes for it but, it wasn’t a bad story. Great concept, underwhelming execution.
Check your trigger warnings with this one.
February 16, 2026
Thank you to Wednesday Books and MacMillan Audio (#MacAudio2026) for the ARC/ALC!
I loved this author’s previous book, Needy Little Things, so when I saw she had a new one, I needed to check it out! I enjoyed this one just as much, especially on audio. Desamours has a real talent for creating a spooky sense of foreboding right up front, that carries throughout the entire novel. Everything about this story - the Halloween timeframe, the spooky atmosphere in the woods (I mean, “Dollhead Lake?!”), and the deal with the “devil” (er, witch) - was perfect. For a young adult novel, the characters - especially our FMC Simone - were very well developed and mature. I also loved Simone’s relationship with her father. Absolutely zero regrets with this novel!
“They Call Her Regret” releases February 17, 2026! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
I loved this author’s previous book, Needy Little Things, so when I saw she had a new one, I needed to check it out! I enjoyed this one just as much, especially on audio. Desamours has a real talent for creating a spooky sense of foreboding right up front, that carries throughout the entire novel. Everything about this story - the Halloween timeframe, the spooky atmosphere in the woods (I mean, “Dollhead Lake?!”), and the deal with the “devil” (er, witch) - was perfect. For a young adult novel, the characters - especially our FMC Simone - were very well developed and mature. I also loved Simone’s relationship with her father. Absolutely zero regrets with this novel!
“They Call Her Regret” releases February 17, 2026! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
October 31, 2025
I am happy to report that this book is not scary, and I didn't have to DNF it. I thought it would be horror, but it isn't at all.
It's a story about regret, forgiveness, and justice.
I loved that this book wasn't so black and white about what was right and wrong. There were things a lot of the characters were holding onto to protect those they loved, and setting those burdens free helped not only them but those around them. As it was said in the book, "justice for one could be justice for all." That really was the ultimate theme of the story. I loved how it all came together on October 30th, but I also loved all the moments of Simone collecting the information to get her there and break the curse.
It was a well-thought-out story that I'm glad I got to read during spooky season!
*I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.*
It's a story about regret, forgiveness, and justice.
I loved that this book wasn't so black and white about what was right and wrong. There were things a lot of the characters were holding onto to protect those they loved, and setting those burdens free helped not only them but those around them. As it was said in the book, "justice for one could be justice for all." That really was the ultimate theme of the story. I loved how it all came together on October 30th, but I also loved all the moments of Simone collecting the information to get her there and break the curse.
It was a well-thought-out story that I'm glad I got to read during spooky season!
*I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.*
November 5, 2025
DNF..
I couldn't finish the book. It just didn't hold my interest. The story was just ok. It dragged on at times.
I couldn't finish the book. It just didn't hold my interest. The story was just ok. It dragged on at times.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(Audio courtesy of Macmillan Young Listeners, Channelle Desamours, and NetGalley, as well as the Libro.fm Audiobook Listening Copy Program.)
5⭐
I’ve been sitting on this review for about a week now, processing my reading hangover, replaying moments from the book, and generally just feeling my feels. I loved it… I’m just struggling to express how I loved it.
I guess we’ll start here:
“I'm afraid I'm not good.”
Well, damn, girl, me too.
Simone lives in this place where she’s convinced she’s not a good person—that she’s the cause of every bad thing in her life—that her good intentions always result in bad outcomes—that she is unworthy of good things. And this belief is so pervasive in her narrative that I struggled, at first, to disagree with her.
She says she’s bad, so she must be bad. She’s obfuscating so many parts of her life; has so many secrets… The reader has no choice but to accept her premise.
But when we see her choices on the page—for example, her early decision to with stunning callousness—I didn’t think of her as “bad.” In fact, I was impressed with how unapologetic she was.
It wasn’t until the end, when she was F-O-R-C-E-D to examine all the dark corners of her psyche, that I thought, Girl, you aren’t bad… you’re a human, a teenager, a person with deep trauma. You are okay, Simone. I promise.
She’s one of the most complex characters I’ve read in recent memory. I don’t even know if I liked her, but I sure as hell appreciated her.
As for the book itself? Mysteries ABOUND. Mysteries stacked on mysteries stacked on mysteries. Is it too much? For some people, it might be, yes. I loved it, though. I didn’t even try to solve the mysteries, I just floated along as bits and pieces were revealed over time. I loved the twists and turns, I loved the multi-layered plot. But others might find it cumbersome. It’s a LOT of story. Not overly long, just dense.
I really appreciated the book's themes, even though they were consistently difficult: self-hatred, female rage, trauma, forgiveness, and the lies we tell ourselves. And horror-wise, there were genuinely spooky moments. The Pinterest scene where every photo in her feed is an image of the flood light above her garage? So unsettling.
Also, there was a bit of romance running through the story as well. Cory. That boy was delightful. He was genuinely kind and thoughtful, a very grounding presence for Simone. I also appreciated the portrayal of neurodivergence in his character.
Audio-Specific 🎧: 9 hours, 29 minutes. Narrated by Kristolyn Lloyd. Incredible voice work—her accents are amazing, and she manages to juggle a huge cast of characters. So solid. The ONLY thing I wasn’t super into was her initial performance of Regret. It felt way over the top and pulled me out of what would otherwise have been a genuinely terrifying scene, but eventually Lloyd seemed to settle into the role and it became more nuanced. Honestly, the over-the-topness may have even been the point, allowing the voice to evolve as Simone unraveled more of Regret’s mysteries.
📌 TL;DR: Spooky, gripping, and mysterious. Layers upon layers of plot wrapped around a complicated protagonist. A phenomenal YA!
5⭐
I’ve been sitting on this review for about a week now, processing my reading hangover, replaying moments from the book, and generally just feeling my feels. I loved it… I’m just struggling to express how I loved it.
I guess we’ll start here:
“I'm afraid I'm not good.”
Well, damn, girl, me too.
Simone lives in this place where she’s convinced she’s not a good person—that she’s the cause of every bad thing in her life—that her good intentions always result in bad outcomes—that she is unworthy of good things. And this belief is so pervasive in her narrative that I struggled, at first, to disagree with her.
She says she’s bad, so she must be bad. She’s obfuscating so many parts of her life; has so many secrets… The reader has no choice but to accept her premise.
But when we see her choices on the page—for example, her early decision to with stunning callousness—I didn’t think of her as “bad.” In fact, I was impressed with how unapologetic she was.
It wasn’t until the end, when she was F-O-R-C-E-D to examine all the dark corners of her psyche, that I thought, Girl, you aren’t bad… you’re a human, a teenager, a person with deep trauma. You are okay, Simone. I promise.
She’s one of the most complex characters I’ve read in recent memory. I don’t even know if I liked her, but I sure as hell appreciated her.
As for the book itself? Mysteries ABOUND. Mysteries stacked on mysteries stacked on mysteries. Is it too much? For some people, it might be, yes. I loved it, though. I didn’t even try to solve the mysteries, I just floated along as bits and pieces were revealed over time. I loved the twists and turns, I loved the multi-layered plot. But others might find it cumbersome. It’s a LOT of story. Not overly long, just dense.
I really appreciated the book's themes, even though they were consistently difficult: self-hatred, female rage, trauma, forgiveness, and the lies we tell ourselves. And horror-wise, there were genuinely spooky moments. The Pinterest scene where every photo in her feed is an image of the flood light above her garage? So unsettling.
Also, there was a bit of romance running through the story as well. Cory. That boy was delightful. He was genuinely kind and thoughtful, a very grounding presence for Simone. I also appreciated the portrayal of neurodivergence in his character.
Audio-Specific 🎧: 9 hours, 29 minutes. Narrated by Kristolyn Lloyd. Incredible voice work—her accents are amazing, and she manages to juggle a huge cast of characters. So solid. The ONLY thing I wasn’t super into was her initial performance of Regret. It felt way over the top and pulled me out of what would otherwise have been a genuinely terrifying scene, but eventually Lloyd seemed to settle into the role and it became more nuanced. Honestly, the over-the-topness may have even been the point, allowing the voice to evolve as Simone unraveled more of Regret’s mysteries.
📌 TL;DR: Spooky, gripping, and mysterious. Layers upon layers of plot wrapped around a complicated protagonist. A phenomenal YA!
February 10, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook.
📝 Short Summary
This YA horror story centers around a deeply unsettling presence tied to a doll and a chilling countdown that creates constant tension. What starts as discomfort quickly escalates into something far more sinister, pulling you into a story where dread builds steadily, and the stakes feel uncomfortably close.
Review
This audiobook absolutely worked for me, and a huge part of that comes down to the narration. Kristolyn Lloyd did an incredible job bringing both the characters and the creeping sense of fear to life. Her delivery added weight to every moment of tension, and the pacing of the audio made the countdown element feel genuinely stressful rather than gimmicky.
Anything involving a doll is already a hard no for me, and this story leaned into that fear in the best and worst ways possible. The idea of a doll paired with a ticking countdown is pure nightmare fuel, and the story knew exactly how to sit in that discomfort without rushing through it. The creep factor was consistent, and the atmosphere stayed heavy throughout, which is exactly what I want from a YA horror.
What really stood out was how alive the characters felt through audio. The emotions landed, the fear felt real, and the story never lost its grip on the tone. This is one of those audiobooks where listening elevated the entire experience. While it’s firmly YA, it doesn’t feel watered down, and the horror elements are strong enough to leave an impression long after the final chapter.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you enjoy creepy YA horror and especially if dolls already freak you out, this audiobook is a must. Listening is the way to go with this one.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook.
📝 Short Summary
This YA horror story centers around a deeply unsettling presence tied to a doll and a chilling countdown that creates constant tension. What starts as discomfort quickly escalates into something far more sinister, pulling you into a story where dread builds steadily, and the stakes feel uncomfortably close.
Review
This audiobook absolutely worked for me, and a huge part of that comes down to the narration. Kristolyn Lloyd did an incredible job bringing both the characters and the creeping sense of fear to life. Her delivery added weight to every moment of tension, and the pacing of the audio made the countdown element feel genuinely stressful rather than gimmicky.
Anything involving a doll is already a hard no for me, and this story leaned into that fear in the best and worst ways possible. The idea of a doll paired with a ticking countdown is pure nightmare fuel, and the story knew exactly how to sit in that discomfort without rushing through it. The creep factor was consistent, and the atmosphere stayed heavy throughout, which is exactly what I want from a YA horror.
What really stood out was how alive the characters felt through audio. The emotions landed, the fear felt real, and the story never lost its grip on the tone. This is one of those audiobooks where listening elevated the entire experience. While it’s firmly YA, it doesn’t feel watered down, and the horror elements are strong enough to leave an impression long after the final chapter.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you enjoy creepy YA horror and especially if dolls already freak you out, this audiobook is a must. Listening is the way to go with this one.
March 2, 2026
✨THEY CALL HER REGRET by Channelle Desamours✨
Simone’s eighteenth birthday at Doll’s Head Lake quickly turns from celebration to crisis. Still carrying the weight of past, life changing events, she’s forced into an impossible position when a local legend, the witch known as Regret, becomes more than just a story. Cursed and bound to the lake, Regret can only be freed if Simone solves the mystery within fourteen days. The stakes are devastating: save someone she loves at the cost of someone else, and if she succeeds, her own past regrets will disappear. If she fails, the consequences are unthinkable.
The premise initially drew me in. I loved the idea of a dark lake setting, buried secrets, and a paranormal thread woven into a coming-of-age milestone. There’s a strong emotional foundation here, especially with the moral dilemma Simone faces and the ticking clock tension driving the story.
That said, this book ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me. While the concept was compelling,I felt the story didn’t fully deliver, the pacing was inconsistent in places, and I had difficulty really connecting with the characters. While the concept had real potential, the execution didn’t quite hold my attention the way I hoped. Because of that, I had a hard time fully immersing myself in the story.
However, this novel has clearly resonated with many readers, earning a 4.17 rating on Goodreads. If you enjoy atmospheric paranormal stories with emotional stakes and moral choices at the center, this may be one to try. As always, reading is personal, and what didn’t fully work for me may absolutely work for someone else.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
#macmillan.audio
Simone’s eighteenth birthday at Doll’s Head Lake quickly turns from celebration to crisis. Still carrying the weight of past, life changing events, she’s forced into an impossible position when a local legend, the witch known as Regret, becomes more than just a story. Cursed and bound to the lake, Regret can only be freed if Simone solves the mystery within fourteen days. The stakes are devastating: save someone she loves at the cost of someone else, and if she succeeds, her own past regrets will disappear. If she fails, the consequences are unthinkable.
The premise initially drew me in. I loved the idea of a dark lake setting, buried secrets, and a paranormal thread woven into a coming-of-age milestone. There’s a strong emotional foundation here, especially with the moral dilemma Simone faces and the ticking clock tension driving the story.
That said, this book ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me. While the concept was compelling,I felt the story didn’t fully deliver, the pacing was inconsistent in places, and I had difficulty really connecting with the characters. While the concept had real potential, the execution didn’t quite hold my attention the way I hoped. Because of that, I had a hard time fully immersing myself in the story.
However, this novel has clearly resonated with many readers, earning a 4.17 rating on Goodreads. If you enjoy atmospheric paranormal stories with emotional stakes and moral choices at the center, this may be one to try. As always, reading is personal, and what didn’t fully work for me may absolutely work for someone else.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
#macmillan.audio
February 11, 2026
What if the scariest thing isn’t a monster—but your own regret?
They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours is a creepy, smartly layered YA mystery. The audiobook pulls you straight into the uneasy world of high school senior Simone, a sharp, feisty narrator who’s holding far more inside than she lets on.
Simone keeps parts of herself hidden from everyone—her dad, her best friend Kira, even from herself at times. When tragedy strikes, Simone is forced to make a deal that could lead to more tragedy & regret.
What makes this story work so well is how real the characters feel. The teenage characters sound like actual teenagers—messy, funny, defensive, & vulnerable. That authenticity isn’t an accident. The author teaches high school science & clearly understands how teens talk & think. The dialogue never feels forced or try-hard.
The atmosphere is where this one really shines. It’s more creeping dread than jump-scare gore. There’s an unsettling undercurrent running through the entire book—an “is this really happening?” kind of chill. Readers who want something scary but not bloody will be right at home here. It’s eerie without tipping into slasher territory.
There are also mysteries layered throughout-some obvious, others simmering in the background. A touch of romance slips in, but never hijacks the story. It adds texture without overwhelming the central tension.
The narration by Kristolyn Lloyd is excellent. She really captures Simone’s mix of confidence & anxiety, and her pacing keeps the tension constant. The eerie moments are scary without being overdone.
This book explores guilt, identity, friendship, & the ripple effects of the choices we make. It asks what regret can do to a person—and whether facing the truth is more terrifying than avoiding it.
I genuinely enjoyed this one. If you’re looking for a book that delivers chills without buckets of blood, this is an easy recommendation. Just don’t be surprised if every doll suddenly looks suspicious.
Thanks Macmillan Audio for the gifted early listen.
They Call Her Regret by Channelle Desamours is a creepy, smartly layered YA mystery. The audiobook pulls you straight into the uneasy world of high school senior Simone, a sharp, feisty narrator who’s holding far more inside than she lets on.
Simone keeps parts of herself hidden from everyone—her dad, her best friend Kira, even from herself at times. When tragedy strikes, Simone is forced to make a deal that could lead to more tragedy & regret.
What makes this story work so well is how real the characters feel. The teenage characters sound like actual teenagers—messy, funny, defensive, & vulnerable. That authenticity isn’t an accident. The author teaches high school science & clearly understands how teens talk & think. The dialogue never feels forced or try-hard.
The atmosphere is where this one really shines. It’s more creeping dread than jump-scare gore. There’s an unsettling undercurrent running through the entire book—an “is this really happening?” kind of chill. Readers who want something scary but not bloody will be right at home here. It’s eerie without tipping into slasher territory.
There are also mysteries layered throughout-some obvious, others simmering in the background. A touch of romance slips in, but never hijacks the story. It adds texture without overwhelming the central tension.
The narration by Kristolyn Lloyd is excellent. She really captures Simone’s mix of confidence & anxiety, and her pacing keeps the tension constant. The eerie moments are scary without being overdone.
This book explores guilt, identity, friendship, & the ripple effects of the choices we make. It asks what regret can do to a person—and whether facing the truth is more terrifying than avoiding it.
I genuinely enjoyed this one. If you’re looking for a book that delivers chills without buckets of blood, this is an easy recommendation. Just don’t be surprised if every doll suddenly looks suspicious.
Thanks Macmillan Audio for the gifted early listen.
February 22, 2026
Last year, I read Chanelle Desamours' debut book and knew she was going to be an author to watch.
I don't read a ton of YA books, but I knew to keep her on my radar. They Call Her Regret is her second book and it revolves around a teenager name Simone that throws THE party to attend around Halloween time. This year she decides to combine this party with her 18th birthday and the setting has to be at a place called Doll's Head Lake that is reportedly haunted. It's the perfect setting, with just the right creepy factor for everything she has planned. What follows is a cast of friends that attend the party, creepy dolls, an untimely death and a ghost/witch that offers to change the circumstances, all while dealing with a past that Simone has buried.
Desamours crafted a story that was definitely creepy, but also included history of a town and the lore of Regret and how teenage friendships are just so messy and confusing. I love when teenagers are just that. Teenagers. With overwhelming feelings and making mistakes that feel like the end of the world. Combining that with the deal Simone makes with Regret and we have one heck of a spellbinding story that will keep you engrossed and wanting to read "just one more chapter".
This story was perfectly paced, layering on each day as a ticking time bomb to what could potentially happen to characters after having their lives altered. Simone is such a strong and fierce character and I loved watching her navigate not only the issue of the time constraint, but also her relationship with her friends, her crush, her father, as well as a past that connected Regret to Simone in an unthinkable way, all while a major countdown is happening creating a huge sense of urgency. It never felt rushed, rather it built a sense of tension that will have your heart beating out of your chest, hoping that Simone can bring everything together.
If you are a fan of creepy stories that have heart and mystery with a layer of emotional, then They Call Her Regret can't be missed. And if you like audiobooks, I have to say that Kristolyn Lloyd did a phenomenal job of capturing the essence of the story. She brought the emotional and creepy (that doll voice?? PERFECT) and did it flawlessly. And that ending? Love!! It was *chef's kiss*.
This would be the perfect read for spooky season or for any of you horror/mystery fans.
'Make a deal and you're in her debt.
Those who've met her call her Regret.'
I don't read a ton of YA books, but I knew to keep her on my radar. They Call Her Regret is her second book and it revolves around a teenager name Simone that throws THE party to attend around Halloween time. This year she decides to combine this party with her 18th birthday and the setting has to be at a place called Doll's Head Lake that is reportedly haunted. It's the perfect setting, with just the right creepy factor for everything she has planned. What follows is a cast of friends that attend the party, creepy dolls, an untimely death and a ghost/witch that offers to change the circumstances, all while dealing with a past that Simone has buried.
Desamours crafted a story that was definitely creepy, but also included history of a town and the lore of Regret and how teenage friendships are just so messy and confusing. I love when teenagers are just that. Teenagers. With overwhelming feelings and making mistakes that feel like the end of the world. Combining that with the deal Simone makes with Regret and we have one heck of a spellbinding story that will keep you engrossed and wanting to read "just one more chapter".
This story was perfectly paced, layering on each day as a ticking time bomb to what could potentially happen to characters after having their lives altered. Simone is such a strong and fierce character and I loved watching her navigate not only the issue of the time constraint, but also her relationship with her friends, her crush, her father, as well as a past that connected Regret to Simone in an unthinkable way, all while a major countdown is happening creating a huge sense of urgency. It never felt rushed, rather it built a sense of tension that will have your heart beating out of your chest, hoping that Simone can bring everything together.
If you are a fan of creepy stories that have heart and mystery with a layer of emotional, then They Call Her Regret can't be missed. And if you like audiobooks, I have to say that Kristolyn Lloyd did a phenomenal job of capturing the essence of the story. She brought the emotional and creepy (that doll voice?? PERFECT) and did it flawlessly. And that ending? Love!! It was *chef's kiss*.
This would be the perfect read for spooky season or for any of you horror/mystery fans.
'Make a deal and you're in her debt.
Those who've met her call her Regret.'
February 19, 2026
This was a fantastic YA book!! It was creepy, suspenseful, a little mystery and even a touch of romance. I don’t think there is one thing I can find about this book that I didn’t enjoy!
I listened to this one, and i am glad I did! The narrator shows her talent with the many different aged and ranges of voices she used. Each was convincing. I especially enjoyed the voice she chose for Regret. It was creepy, old and a little southern. She also got that breathy ghosty vibe in it. It really amped up the story.
Regret is the whole book. Not just a ghost witch’s name, regret is abundant in the lives of the other characters. They all have to work through their own stuff before then can begin to tackle Regret’s quest. Oh yeah, Simone made a deal with Regret, in order to save her friend’s life. We all know that making a deal a creepy old ghost witch is a bad idea, but teens will try anything! Lol loved this! They weren’t stupid kids, they actually did the work.
A nice little twisty reveal in the end, really tied things up nicely. I wouldn’t mind seeing another book with Simone, or even a film adaptation.
I listened to this one, and i am glad I did! The narrator shows her talent with the many different aged and ranges of voices she used. Each was convincing. I especially enjoyed the voice she chose for Regret. It was creepy, old and a little southern. She also got that breathy ghosty vibe in it. It really amped up the story.
Regret is the whole book. Not just a ghost witch’s name, regret is abundant in the lives of the other characters. They all have to work through their own stuff before then can begin to tackle Regret’s quest. Oh yeah, Simone made a deal with Regret, in order to save her friend’s life. We all know that making a deal a creepy old ghost witch is a bad idea, but teens will try anything! Lol loved this! They weren’t stupid kids, they actually did the work.
A nice little twisty reveal in the end, really tied things up nicely. I wouldn’t mind seeing another book with Simone, or even a film adaptation.
February 17, 2026
Ok, this was exactly the energy I was craving. I love me a good YA horror and this was no exception. Simone is the ultimate horror buff and her parties prove that, but what happens when the parties start to move from fictional frights to real life horror? Simone finds herself striking an almost Faustian deal with a witch spirit in this eerie and engaging story. The narration truly helped bring this unputdownable story to life!
What I really enjoyed about this one was the metaphor of masks woven throughout. It shows the various relationships in Simone’s life from parental, to friendship, to romantic and the masks that each of these require her to put on. Honestly, it was all so very relatable to my own teenagedom when the pressure to fit in was insurmountable.
While, at times I found Simone to be annoying, like c’mon girl not everything is your fault, it’s not all on you. I really appreciated the growth she showed throughout the story, culminating with a truly shocking ending. The narration was top notch and truly brought this unputdownable story to life!
What I really enjoyed about this one was the metaphor of masks woven throughout. It shows the various relationships in Simone’s life from parental, to friendship, to romantic and the masks that each of these require her to put on. Honestly, it was all so very relatable to my own teenagedom when the pressure to fit in was insurmountable.
While, at times I found Simone to be annoying, like c’mon girl not everything is your fault, it’s not all on you. I really appreciated the growth she showed throughout the story, culminating with a truly shocking ending. The narration was top notch and truly brought this unputdownable story to life!
February 25, 2026
YA Horror is seriously where it's at! This was such a cool, chilling story about teenagers making mistakes and owning up to their wrong-doings.
This had the perfect blend of folklore, spooky settings, haunting mistakes, and a significant act to prove your worth. I went into this completely blind and I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The setting was well laid out, the characters were a great, diverse blend, and I felt like it shone a light on real traumas and how they affect you. I thought the writing was great and had the perfect spooky elements without being over the top cheesy or unbelievable. I really enjoyed the pacing of the book and honestly had a hard time putting this one down.
The one thing I really enjoyed about this audiobook was how soulful it felt. The connections among the characters felt sincere and real. Teenagers being messy and atoning for that messy all came off as very realistic (witches aside). I felt like this was an incredibly thoughtful book, and probably one of my favorite YA Horrors I've ever read!
Big thanks to Macmillan for my ALC!
This had the perfect blend of folklore, spooky settings, haunting mistakes, and a significant act to prove your worth. I went into this completely blind and I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The setting was well laid out, the characters were a great, diverse blend, and I felt like it shone a light on real traumas and how they affect you. I thought the writing was great and had the perfect spooky elements without being over the top cheesy or unbelievable. I really enjoyed the pacing of the book and honestly had a hard time putting this one down.
The one thing I really enjoyed about this audiobook was how soulful it felt. The connections among the characters felt sincere and real. Teenagers being messy and atoning for that messy all came off as very realistic (witches aside). I felt like this was an incredibly thoughtful book, and probably one of my favorite YA Horrors I've ever read!
Big thanks to Macmillan for my ALC!
October 2, 2025
I want this book in a giveaway and I wanted to read it right away so I could give a review.
Well, this book surpassed my expectations. I have one if few books in the past, some good some bad.
From the beginning, this book grabs you.
A refreshing book about a young girl who gives a party each year for her birthday for all her friends.
This year she wants a party to be different and finds an old cabin in the woods where she can do lots of pranks and scary stuff to our friends.
Let your imagination run for the pranks and cool stuff that could happen in addition to all of this stories wrapped around history of a family and small town.
Really enjoyed the book and so glad that I won it. I not have read it otherwise. But I will read her books in the future.
Thank you for the giveaway
Happy reading:)
Well, this book surpassed my expectations. I have one if few books in the past, some good some bad.
From the beginning, this book grabs you.
A refreshing book about a young girl who gives a party each year for her birthday for all her friends.
This year she wants a party to be different and finds an old cabin in the woods where she can do lots of pranks and scary stuff to our friends.
Let your imagination run for the pranks and cool stuff that could happen in addition to all of this stories wrapped around history of a family and small town.
Really enjoyed the book and so glad that I won it. I not have read it otherwise. But I will read her books in the future.
Thank you for the giveaway
Happy reading:)
March 2, 2026
The twists in this novel were not expected — AT ALL! Channelle did a wonderful job at keeping the surprise a secret until she was ready for us to figure it out.
I love the fact that the setting was in GA because that is where I am from. I felt like I could imagine everything, from Regret to what the lake looked like and all characters involved.
The was a very easy read for me, as the story flowed so well. I want to express how much I love this novel without giving away too much, so I will not say anything else!
BRAVO!
I love the fact that the setting was in GA because that is where I am from. I felt like I could imagine everything, from Regret to what the lake looked like and all characters involved.
The was a very easy read for me, as the story flowed so well. I want to express how much I love this novel without giving away too much, so I will not say anything else!
BRAVO!
February 15, 2026
4.5 stars. This. Was. So. GOOD. Let me just start with that. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I read Channelle’s first book as an ARC so it only felt right for me to do the same with this one. I went off the cover and the author. THAT’S IT. Nothing else to give me any clue about the story or where it was going and I’m so glad I went in blind. Now, the audio is a MUST. The narrator did a great job and for an ADHD girlie like me, kept my attention the entire way through. I was wildly invested in this and could not stop listening. So many plot twists that had me gagged as well. This is the perfect book for spooky season as well!
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