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Shivers & Thrills
In the World of Frightful Things, Vittore is a vampire and the Prince of Thrills. He’s the best when it comes to terrifying humans, or he was. After a botched attempt at scaring humans, Vittore frets that he may have lost his flair for frights. Desperate to rekindle his spark, Vittore ventures into the woods, where he stumbles upon a corpse trapped in the ground. The poor dear just needs a little push to claw its way free, and luckily, Vittore is nothing if not encouraging.
James is dead and buried. Even in death, he is soft-spoken and yearns for love. When Vittore offers to marry him, James leaps at the chance and burgeons from the earth to wed Vittore.
Vittore has always heard that matrimony is horrific, and he’s delighted to see what frights emerge from his marriage to James. He’s positive marriage will teach him what it truly means to cause terror. However, will it be in time for him to perform his Prince of Thrills duties? Or will rivals swoop in and steal his title from him before he can learn the true meaning of terror?
Shivers & Thrills is intended to be a whimsical and humorous read with tongue-in-cheek humor, lewd jokes, and macabre elements. However, some details can be triggering to readers. This story contains mentions suicide, self-harm, and emotional abuse.
James is dead and buried. Even in death, he is soft-spoken and yearns for love. When Vittore offers to marry him, James leaps at the chance and burgeons from the earth to wed Vittore.
Vittore has always heard that matrimony is horrific, and he’s delighted to see what frights emerge from his marriage to James. He’s positive marriage will teach him what it truly means to cause terror. However, will it be in time for him to perform his Prince of Thrills duties? Or will rivals swoop in and steal his title from him before he can learn the true meaning of terror?
Shivers & Thrills is intended to be a whimsical and humorous read with tongue-in-cheek humor, lewd jokes, and macabre elements. However, some details can be triggering to readers. This story contains mentions suicide, self-harm, and emotional abuse.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
2 people are currently reading
1657 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Harrah
18 books65 followersA.C. Harrah is the author of the Match*Make Me a Vigilante series, a series of short stories inspired by the magical girl trope.
Due to her love of writing, A.C. tends to chain herself to her computer, but when she does sneak out it's usually to see the latest super hero movie or travel. She would happily live out of a backpack if it meant exploring the world.
One of her favorite authors is Lewis Carroll.
Due to her love of writing, A.C. tends to chain herself to her computer, but when she does sneak out it's usually to see the latest super hero movie or travel. She would happily live out of a backpack if it meant exploring the world.
One of her favorite authors is Lewis Carroll.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 3, 2025
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
Vittore, vampire and Prince of Thrills, goes on sabbatical to fix his creative block. Finds an undead husband instead.
Shivers & Thrills promises whimsy with a touch of macabre in this cozy paranormal romance. It was certainly a different kind of read, with a interesting world-building and characters, but I didn’t personally connect to the writing style.
The sparks were missing for me, both for the writing and the romance.
The romance was confusing, actually. It seems to be a sort of throuple/polyamory situation — Vittore has a boyfriend, Kurama, and a husband, James. The book concentrated more on the newer relationship, between Vittore and James, so the full dynamic wasn’t really explored.
And for the plot, it felt fast-paced but slow at the same time. The romance was very insta-love, but plot-wise not much really happens until about 80%.
Overall, I think I liked the concept, but the reading experience as a whole was lacking. I didn’t feel anything for these characters or for the story.
The ending was sweet and fun though, so at least it ended on a high note.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
CWs (spoilers):
- Mentions of suicide (off page, not graphic)
- Mentions of self-harm (not graphic)
- Mentions of emotional abuse (not between MCs)
- M/M/M dynamic/polyamory (no sword-crossing)
- No spice
“For someone as beautiful as you, I will pledge myself. Burgeon from this earth, and I will be your husband.”
The corpse staggered to his feet. He gazed upon Vittore like he would consume him. “I accept.”
Vittore, vampire and Prince of Thrills, goes on sabbatical to fix his creative block. Finds an undead husband instead.
Shivers & Thrills promises whimsy with a touch of macabre in this cozy paranormal romance. It was certainly a different kind of read, with a interesting world-building and characters, but I didn’t personally connect to the writing style.
Vittore’s undead heart felt like it was pounding with succulent blood once more. Vittore was truly frightened. He was in love.
The sparks were missing for me, both for the writing and the romance.
The romance was confusing, actually. It seems to be a sort of throuple/polyamory situation — Vittore has a boyfriend, Kurama, and a husband, James. The book concentrated more on the newer relationship, between Vittore and James, so the full dynamic wasn’t really explored.
And for the plot, it felt fast-paced but slow at the same time. The romance was very insta-love, but plot-wise not much really happens until about 80%.
Overall, I think I liked the concept, but the reading experience as a whole was lacking. I didn’t feel anything for these characters or for the story.
The ending was sweet and fun though, so at least it ended on a high note.
“I felt so alive with fright, but what’s the point of living if I do not have my husband to share eternity with?”
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
CWs (spoilers):
- Mentions of suicide (off page, not graphic)
- Mentions of self-harm (not graphic)
- Mentions of emotional abuse (not between MCs)
- M/M/M dynamic/polyamory (no sword-crossing)
- No spice
October 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I honestly can't help, but feel a little disappointed, but that must be because I expected something a little bit different.
The promise was there and at first I couldn't help but think that I found a book that's a mix between The Nightmare Before Christmas & Corpse Bride because it really seemed to have the vibes of those two.
I couldn't feel the spark, both for the writing and the romance itself. Both the plot and the romance (which was on the insta-love side) seemed rushed to me.
The romance trope itself seemed pretty chaotic and a little bit confusing as we barely had a chance to really connect with the characters (at least from my perspective). What we got is something we can call polyamorous relationship with Vittore, James & Kurama, but it felt like there could have been so much more and the potential was wasted. I wished we could have explored the relationship between the three, letting it slowly build.
Overall, I really enjoyed the idea of different worlds, where you can meet a variety of creatures and I would loved if we could have explored that one more along with the feelings of our main characters.
P.S. I adored Andy.
I honestly can't help, but feel a little disappointed, but that must be because I expected something a little bit different.
The promise was there and at first I couldn't help but think that I found a book that's a mix between The Nightmare Before Christmas & Corpse Bride because it really seemed to have the vibes of those two.
I couldn't feel the spark, both for the writing and the romance itself. Both the plot and the romance (which was on the insta-love side) seemed rushed to me.
The romance trope itself seemed pretty chaotic and a little bit confusing as we barely had a chance to really connect with the characters (at least from my perspective). What we got is something we can call polyamorous relationship with Vittore, James & Kurama, but it felt like there could have been so much more and the potential was wasted. I wished we could have explored the relationship between the three, letting it slowly build.
Overall, I really enjoyed the idea of different worlds, where you can meet a variety of creatures and I would loved if we could have explored that one more along with the feelings of our main characters.
P.S. I adored Andy.
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October 21, 2025LGBTQ+ Romcom
No Rating-Under 50%
DNF @ 20%
Thank you netgalley for the arc but this is not for me. The info dumping at the start was too much and the number of times the word “world” was used in one paragraph describing the different “worlds” in this book was completely off putting and frankly confusing. I thought this would be funny because the blurb says a vampire who gains power by frightening others loses his ability to do that and decides to marry a corpse because he’s heard that marriage is horrific. The idea of that is just funny to me 😂 But instead this is actually a polyamorous romance because the vampire already has a lover and that mixed with the writing style is just not working for me. Plus the instalove between the vamp and corpse guy is just insane.
Had the writing style been better I most likely would have kept reading this only because the corpse was named James like my husband which made this unintentionally hilarious picturing my James as this character. But unfortunately that’s not enough to make me want to keep reading this especially when I find the rest of the characters kind of annoying. 🤷🏻♀️
I really wish Netgalley had samples on their site because I would have known right away that this wasn’t for me.
No Rating-Under 50%
DNF @ 20%
Thank you netgalley for the arc but this is not for me. The info dumping at the start was too much and the number of times the word “world” was used in one paragraph describing the different “worlds” in this book was completely off putting and frankly confusing. I thought this would be funny because the blurb says a vampire who gains power by frightening others loses his ability to do that and decides to marry a corpse because he’s heard that marriage is horrific. The idea of that is just funny to me 😂 But instead this is actually a polyamorous romance because the vampire already has a lover and that mixed with the writing style is just not working for me. Plus the instalove between the vamp and corpse guy is just insane.
Had the writing style been better I most likely would have kept reading this only because the corpse was named James like my husband which made this unintentionally hilarious picturing my James as this character. But unfortunately that’s not enough to make me want to keep reading this especially when I find the rest of the characters kind of annoying. 🤷🏻♀️
I really wish Netgalley had samples on their site because I would have known right away that this wasn’t for me.
August 19, 2025
Phew—I finished it!! Honestly, I didn’t expect to read it this fast considering the writing style isn’t usually my thing, BUT the author’s mix of dramatic and humorous narration made it impossible to stop.
This is, to be honest, a weird story. The creatures are weird, their names are hard to remember, and their physical appearances are definitely strange (and sometimes scary!)—but somehow it all works. Weirdly entertaining is the best way to describe it!
I especially loved Vittore’s way of thinking. The story follows him, a vampire who’s named the Prince of Thrills because his greatest joy was scaring humans in the “Mundane World.” But when his tricks stop working and people find him funny instead of scary (a little Monsters Inc. vibe here!), his whole world flips upside down. The scene where he stumbles on a corpse with one hand raised above the grave—let me just say, it’s both hilarious and ridiculously dramatic. From there, the story spirals into the strangest (and funniest) proposal I’ve ever read.
While Vittore sets out with the goal of mastering fear again, what he really learns is that chasing “scary” moments isn’t worth it if it means losing James, the corpse who unexpectedly changes everything for him. And that’s what made me love this story—it’s not just about romance, but also about adventure, identity, and learning what matters most. Their journey through other kingdoms was entertaining, and the conflicts between characters felt believable rather than just added drama.
I also really liked Kurama’s cool indifference and how his interactions added to the dynamics between Vittore and James. That said, I’ll admit this: MMM/polyamory isn’t really my favorite trope, and I honestly wish there had been a content warning about it because I don’t usually read that. But aside from that, this book still managed to make me laugh, smile, and enjoy the ride.
Overall, it’s unique, silly, dramatic, and oddly heartwarming. Thank you to the author for making me laugh, and to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is, to be honest, a weird story. The creatures are weird, their names are hard to remember, and their physical appearances are definitely strange (and sometimes scary!)—but somehow it all works. Weirdly entertaining is the best way to describe it!
I especially loved Vittore’s way of thinking. The story follows him, a vampire who’s named the Prince of Thrills because his greatest joy was scaring humans in the “Mundane World.” But when his tricks stop working and people find him funny instead of scary (a little Monsters Inc. vibe here!), his whole world flips upside down. The scene where he stumbles on a corpse with one hand raised above the grave—let me just say, it’s both hilarious and ridiculously dramatic. From there, the story spirals into the strangest (and funniest) proposal I’ve ever read.
While Vittore sets out with the goal of mastering fear again, what he really learns is that chasing “scary” moments isn’t worth it if it means losing James, the corpse who unexpectedly changes everything for him. And that’s what made me love this story—it’s not just about romance, but also about adventure, identity, and learning what matters most. Their journey through other kingdoms was entertaining, and the conflicts between characters felt believable rather than just added drama.
I also really liked Kurama’s cool indifference and how his interactions added to the dynamics between Vittore and James. That said, I’ll admit this: MMM/polyamory isn’t really my favorite trope, and I honestly wish there had been a content warning about it because I don’t usually read that. But aside from that, this book still managed to make me laugh, smile, and enjoy the ride.
Overall, it’s unique, silly, dramatic, and oddly heartwarming. Thank you to the author for making me laugh, and to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 1, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was unfortunately a complete miss for me.
The concept is a mix between Monsters Inc and Nightmare Before Christmas, with their being multiple worlds and creatures from one using resources from others as revenue or fuel for their society.
The summary promised humor and romance and fell flat on both of those. The first 10% was just an info dump barrage and so many unnecessary characters and creatures were being introduced way too fast. I know the author was trying to flesh out the worlds, but it just left me confused.
The romance was nothing to write home about. Vittore and James are boring and actually kind of toxic for each other. Also, the summary and content warning at the beginning gives ZERO hint that this is a polyamorous relationship. This isn’t a problem for me personally, but I think this will turn a few readers off
This was unfortunately a complete miss for me.
The concept is a mix between Monsters Inc and Nightmare Before Christmas, with their being multiple worlds and creatures from one using resources from others as revenue or fuel for their society.
The summary promised humor and romance and fell flat on both of those. The first 10% was just an info dump barrage and so many unnecessary characters and creatures were being introduced way too fast. I know the author was trying to flesh out the worlds, but it just left me confused.
The romance was nothing to write home about. Vittore and James are boring and actually kind of toxic for each other. Also, the summary and content warning at the beginning gives ZERO hint that this is a polyamorous relationship. This isn’t a problem for me personally, but I think this will turn a few readers off
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 28, 2025Thank you netgally and A.C. Harrah for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Sadly this was a dnf @50 procent for me. I was so interested in the premise of the book, but the story itself didn’t get me at all. Normally I go through books pretty fast but for some reason this book has me very close to a reading slump. I don’t always mind insta love, but in this case I didn’t really like it (they got married after one conversation). I was very interested in the poly part of the book, but was kinda disappointed. I don’t know what happened in the rest of the book but in the first 50 procent the relationship with having a boyfriend and a husband was not really talked about.
Sadly this was a dnf @50 procent for me. I was so interested in the premise of the book, but the story itself didn’t get me at all. Normally I go through books pretty fast but for some reason this book has me very close to a reading slump. I don’t always mind insta love, but in this case I didn’t really like it (they got married after one conversation). I was very interested in the poly part of the book, but was kinda disappointed. I don’t know what happened in the rest of the book but in the first 50 procent the relationship with having a boyfriend and a husband was not really talked about.
November 6, 2025
this was an interesting read! stuck somewhere between 3.75 and 4 stars, but gonna round up just for the creativity of the story. i really liked the unique take; this is unlike anything i've ever read before & it was so refreshing to see something new pop up. the world building & consistency of the characters' personalities are strong & well thought out. i've seen a handful of other reviews commenting on this being a "weird" book---most often not in a bad way---& i have to agree; also not in a bad way. i get the feeling the author was going for weird, unique, new, & they definitely accomplished that. the main thing i struggled with was being a little confused about how the separate worlds worked; in my head i kept trying to equate them with different planets but i think it was more like realms? anyway, that could be a me issue rather than the writing---which, by the way, flows quite well. minimal grammar mistakes/typos, certainly none that detracted from the enjoyment of the book. all in all, i'll absolutely read more from this author & honestly wouldn't mind returning to this unique universe. thank you to the author, publisher, & netgalley for the opportunity to read this!
October 8, 2025
2.5*
I received an eARC copy for my honest review!
While it was fun, and there were moments that I snorted at, it overall felt underdeveloped and the blurb a little misleading.
I had assumed this would be kind of corpse bride-esque, maybe with some more misunderstandings in the mundane world before James and Vittore start their romance. And while I generally liked their dynamic there wasn't anything really special about it. There wasn't anything that made me feel for *them* and not just the *idea* of them or what they easily could be. Similar with their characters.
I also felt like everything was fixed so easily, I understand this is more a cozy romance/fantasy with little stakes but I kind of expected the drama about the outside force antagonist to be drawn out for at least another chapter instead of the confrontation lasting less than a chapter.
Speaking of endings, right around the half way mark I couldn't help but think "how am I only half way done? how is this going to be elongated?" Outside forces. that's how. Which, while not a complaint, did kind of take me off guard.
Also the world building I found lackluster, some things I could get behind don't get me wrong. It makes sense for most immortal beings to not be too monogamous, but with things like the traveling between worlds, magic and technology, family trees, and more of the kingdoms weren't expanded upon in a satisfying way. I'm not saying I'm expecting some 400+ page epic of world building, I would have just liked a little more.
It's quite insta-love, if that is not for you, and I felt like James' backstory really kind of came out of nowhere, especially when it comes to the beginning and how he reacts with his husband having a boyfriend, and later on with how after the main confrontation about his backstory, it wasn't really touched on again.
Now for a positive, I was hesitant about Kurama at first- I find that books where a character is in a relationship in the beginning is something that is almost never done well to me- I did like the showing of how this polyamorous relationship worked. Not shucking one of the partners off and showing how some of these types of conversations work.
If you're looking for a pallet cleanser where something where you can kind of turn your brain off and ignore the quite silly naming conventions then I'd say go for it at the very least.
I received an eARC copy for my honest review!
While it was fun, and there were moments that I snorted at, it overall felt underdeveloped and the blurb a little misleading.
I had assumed this would be kind of corpse bride-esque, maybe with some more misunderstandings in the mundane world before James and Vittore start their romance. And while I generally liked their dynamic there wasn't anything really special about it. There wasn't anything that made me feel for *them* and not just the *idea* of them or what they easily could be. Similar with their characters.
I also felt like everything was fixed so easily, I understand this is more a cozy romance/fantasy with little stakes but I kind of expected the drama about the outside force antagonist to be drawn out for at least another chapter instead of the confrontation lasting less than a chapter.
Speaking of endings, right around the half way mark I couldn't help but think "how am I only half way done? how is this going to be elongated?" Outside forces. that's how. Which, while not a complaint, did kind of take me off guard.
Also the world building I found lackluster, some things I could get behind don't get me wrong. It makes sense for most immortal beings to not be too monogamous, but with things like the traveling between worlds, magic and technology, family trees, and more of the kingdoms weren't expanded upon in a satisfying way. I'm not saying I'm expecting some 400+ page epic of world building, I would have just liked a little more.
It's quite insta-love, if that is not for you, and I felt like James' backstory really kind of came out of nowhere, especially when it comes to the beginning and how he reacts with his husband having a boyfriend, and later on with how after the main confrontation about his backstory, it wasn't really touched on again.
Now for a positive, I was hesitant about Kurama at first- I find that books where a character is in a relationship in the beginning is something that is almost never done well to me- I did like the showing of how this polyamorous relationship worked. Not shucking one of the partners off and showing how some of these types of conversations work.
If you're looking for a pallet cleanser where something where you can kind of turn your brain off and ignore the quite silly naming conventions then I'd say go for it at the very least.
October 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Shivers and Thrills follows Vittore, the Prince of Thrills who lives in the world of frightful things. The world of frightful things gains it energy from scaring those in the mundane world using their fear as energy. However the modern world is causing problems for Vittore and he slumps into despair as he struggles to strike fears into others. During a woeful walk he stumbles upon James; a corpse buried in the ground and asks him to marry him and here is where the story begins.
The premise of the book has so much promise. The ideas and the overarching story are strong; and the themes of community, polyamory and finding your spark again are extremely interesting points to explore. The main reason these are not well executed is due to the incredibly fast-paced writing style. It feels as though we do not get a beat to appreciate moments or the world as we move so swiftly through the book. The beginning of the book and its world building feels rushed as does the end of the book where we find a resolution and yet the middle feels as though not a lot happens plot wise; it felt very jarring as a reader.
For myself as a reader, when reading, my favourite element in a book is character development. Our characters feel very surface level; it never feels as though we truly get to know them and with very little character development it means are readers we do not feel connected to them. The relationships also feel surface level; it feels as though James and Vittore are forced together even though they are very different people and want very different things from their marriage. It would have been wonderful to see growth for them individually, as a couple and in their polyamorous relationship.
I throughly enjoyed having queer representation in this book and it was a delight to see queer relationships and polyamory as just the norm and I hope we have more of this in the future of literature.
This book has a lot of promise and I look forward to seeing future books from the author.
Please note that this book mentions topics such as suicide, self-harm and emotional abuse.
Shivers and Thrills follows Vittore, the Prince of Thrills who lives in the world of frightful things. The world of frightful things gains it energy from scaring those in the mundane world using their fear as energy. However the modern world is causing problems for Vittore and he slumps into despair as he struggles to strike fears into others. During a woeful walk he stumbles upon James; a corpse buried in the ground and asks him to marry him and here is where the story begins.
The premise of the book has so much promise. The ideas and the overarching story are strong; and the themes of community, polyamory and finding your spark again are extremely interesting points to explore. The main reason these are not well executed is due to the incredibly fast-paced writing style. It feels as though we do not get a beat to appreciate moments or the world as we move so swiftly through the book. The beginning of the book and its world building feels rushed as does the end of the book where we find a resolution and yet the middle feels as though not a lot happens plot wise; it felt very jarring as a reader.
For myself as a reader, when reading, my favourite element in a book is character development. Our characters feel very surface level; it never feels as though we truly get to know them and with very little character development it means are readers we do not feel connected to them. The relationships also feel surface level; it feels as though James and Vittore are forced together even though they are very different people and want very different things from their marriage. It would have been wonderful to see growth for them individually, as a couple and in their polyamorous relationship.
I throughly enjoyed having queer representation in this book and it was a delight to see queer relationships and polyamory as just the norm and I hope we have more of this in the future of literature.
This book has a lot of promise and I look forward to seeing future books from the author.
Please note that this book mentions topics such as suicide, self-harm and emotional abuse.
September 12, 2025
ARC review
2/5 ⭐️
I went into this book with the thought that it would be a light read with lots of fun. I'm sad to say that this book was a miss for me. The concept and the plot did appeal to me, but once I started reading that wore off. I felt like the book being promoted as a whimsical and humorous read was what ended up throwing me off, because I didn't experience it like that. I wasn't drawn in at all and it honestly feels like such a shame.
The relationship between Vittore and James feels very off as they have completely different views on what makes a relationship and it clashes a lot. It started off intriguing with their first meeting, but then not sure how to word it it just didn't develop well. Their relationship just seems toxic. Vittore frequently states that he will manipulate James so that he'll do or say what he wants and that just rubbed me the wrong way. James is not really better either as he manipulates by withholding thoughts, feelings etc and does so to keep Vittore "happy". I don't really feel like their issues were resolved at the end either.
Thank you A.C. Harrah and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
2/5 ⭐️
I went into this book with the thought that it would be a light read with lots of fun. I'm sad to say that this book was a miss for me. The concept and the plot did appeal to me, but once I started reading that wore off. I felt like the book being promoted as a whimsical and humorous read was what ended up throwing me off, because I didn't experience it like that. I wasn't drawn in at all and it honestly feels like such a shame.
The relationship between Vittore and James feels very off as they have completely different views on what makes a relationship and it clashes a lot. It started off intriguing with their first meeting, but then not sure how to word it it just didn't develop well. Their relationship just seems toxic. Vittore frequently states that he will manipulate James so that he'll do or say what he wants and that just rubbed me the wrong way. James is not really better either as he manipulates by withholding thoughts, feelings etc and does so to keep Vittore "happy". I don't really feel like their issues were resolved at the end either.
Thank you A.C. Harrah and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
I am so so sorry but I DNF’d it. The writing style was just too much and the first chapter was too sexual, starting the book with so many sexual comments is just too much. It annoyed me. I usually don’t DNF and I am so thankful for getting the Arc of it which just makes it even more tragic that I didn’t like the writing style….
September 12, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author A.C Harrah for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fast-Paced, Chilling, and Surprisingly Addictive
Shivers & Thrills by A.C. Harrah is a collection (or a singular story — depending on the structure) that truly lives up to its name. Packed with eerie moments, unsettling twists, and an undercurrent of psychological tension, this book makes for an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read — especially for fans of horror and suspense who are looking for something that doesn’t demand too much time but still delivers a punch.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its readability. Harrah’s writing is fluid, straightforward, and accessible, which makes the book incredibly easy to fall into. It’s a quick read — not because it lacks substance, but because it’s genuinely hard to put down once you start. The pacing is tight, with just enough buildup to keep you invested and enough payoff to make each moment worth it.
There’s a nice balance of “classic horror” vibes with a more modern storytelling style. While some elements might feel familiar to seasoned horror readers, they’re executed with a fresh energy that keeps the experience from feeling predictable. Harrah knows how to build tension without over-explaining, which adds to the suspense and allows your imagination to do some of the work — always a good sign in this genre.
That said, there were moments where I wanted just a bit more development — either in the characters or the setting — to deepen the emotional impact. A few scenes could’ve benefited from a slower burn or more detail to really heighten the sense of dread. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise compelling read.
Overall, Shivers & Thrills is a solid four-star experience. It’s entertaining, atmospheric, and perfect for those times when you want a dose of horror without committing to something too heavy. Whether you're reading it in one sitting on a rainy afternoon or sneaking in a chapter before bed, it's the kind of book that stays with you — in all the best creepy ways.
🧛 Vampire romance / paranormal romance — Vittore is a vampire and has supernatural duties and lifestyle.
⚰️ Undead / Corpse partner — James is an animated corpse who becomes Vittore’s partner.
💍 Marriage of convenience / Impulsive marriage — Vittore marries James more or less on a whim or in an impulsive moment.
🌍 Worldbuilding with supernatural realms — Different kinds of frightful creatures, kingdoms, weird “World of Frightful Things.”
😈 Identity / Reputation crisis — Vittore is dealing with his loss of flair in scaring humans and what that means for his title “Prince of Thrills.”
⚠️ Jealousy & polyamory — There is mention of jealousy/relationship dynamics in polyamorous representation.
😆 Macabre humor / Tone: playful + spooky — The story strikes a balance of eerie, weird, macabre elements mixed with humor.
🛤️ Adventure & self‑discovery journey — Vittore travels to other kingdoms, grapples with what it means to cause terror, learns what matters.
Thank you to the author A.C Harrah for sending me this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
-All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fast-Paced, Chilling, and Surprisingly Addictive
Shivers & Thrills by A.C. Harrah is a collection (or a singular story — depending on the structure) that truly lives up to its name. Packed with eerie moments, unsettling twists, and an undercurrent of psychological tension, this book makes for an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable read — especially for fans of horror and suspense who are looking for something that doesn’t demand too much time but still delivers a punch.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its readability. Harrah’s writing is fluid, straightforward, and accessible, which makes the book incredibly easy to fall into. It’s a quick read — not because it lacks substance, but because it’s genuinely hard to put down once you start. The pacing is tight, with just enough buildup to keep you invested and enough payoff to make each moment worth it.
There’s a nice balance of “classic horror” vibes with a more modern storytelling style. While some elements might feel familiar to seasoned horror readers, they’re executed with a fresh energy that keeps the experience from feeling predictable. Harrah knows how to build tension without over-explaining, which adds to the suspense and allows your imagination to do some of the work — always a good sign in this genre.
That said, there were moments where I wanted just a bit more development — either in the characters or the setting — to deepen the emotional impact. A few scenes could’ve benefited from a slower burn or more detail to really heighten the sense of dread. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise compelling read.
Overall, Shivers & Thrills is a solid four-star experience. It’s entertaining, atmospheric, and perfect for those times when you want a dose of horror without committing to something too heavy. Whether you're reading it in one sitting on a rainy afternoon or sneaking in a chapter before bed, it's the kind of book that stays with you — in all the best creepy ways.
🧛 Vampire romance / paranormal romance — Vittore is a vampire and has supernatural duties and lifestyle.
⚰️ Undead / Corpse partner — James is an animated corpse who becomes Vittore’s partner.
💍 Marriage of convenience / Impulsive marriage — Vittore marries James more or less on a whim or in an impulsive moment.
🌍 Worldbuilding with supernatural realms — Different kinds of frightful creatures, kingdoms, weird “World of Frightful Things.”
😈 Identity / Reputation crisis — Vittore is dealing with his loss of flair in scaring humans and what that means for his title “Prince of Thrills.”
⚠️ Jealousy & polyamory — There is mention of jealousy/relationship dynamics in polyamorous representation.
😆 Macabre humor / Tone: playful + spooky — The story strikes a balance of eerie, weird, macabre elements mixed with humor.
🛤️ Adventure & self‑discovery journey — Vittore travels to other kingdoms, grapples with what it means to cause terror, learns what matters.
September 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5) – Wonderfully weird, funny, and heartfelt. A quirky adventure that made me laugh and smile all the way through.
I didn’t expect to get through this so quickly since the writing style isn’t usually my go-to, but the mix of drama and humor made it impossible to put down.
The story is wonderfully strange—odd creatures and appearances that range from funny to creepy—yet it all comes together in a way that’s surprisingly entertaining. Vittore, the “Prince of Thrills,” was especially fun to follow. His failed attempts at being scary (reminds me of Sully) and his run-ins with James, the corpse who changes everything, were equal parts hilarious and oddly heartfelt.
What I loved most is that it’s not just about romance, but also about adventure, identity, and figuring out what really matters. The character dynamics—especially with Kurama’s cool detachment—kept things fresh, and the kingdom-hopping added plenty of excitement.
Overall, this book is quirky, dramatic, funny, and unexpectedly warmhearted. It made me laugh out loud more than once, and I’m grateful to the author (and NetGalley!) for such an entertaining read.
I didn’t expect to get through this so quickly since the writing style isn’t usually my go-to, but the mix of drama and humor made it impossible to put down.
The story is wonderfully strange—odd creatures and appearances that range from funny to creepy—yet it all comes together in a way that’s surprisingly entertaining. Vittore, the “Prince of Thrills,” was especially fun to follow. His failed attempts at being scary (reminds me of Sully) and his run-ins with James, the corpse who changes everything, were equal parts hilarious and oddly heartfelt.
What I loved most is that it’s not just about romance, but also about adventure, identity, and figuring out what really matters. The character dynamics—especially with Kurama’s cool detachment—kept things fresh, and the kingdom-hopping added plenty of excitement.
Overall, this book is quirky, dramatic, funny, and unexpectedly warmhearted. It made me laugh out loud more than once, and I’m grateful to the author (and NetGalley!) for such an entertaining read.
December 13, 2025
I received a copy of this book as an ARC and would like to say thank you to netgalley and the publisher.
I did not like this book. I did DNF it after 20% because it was a struggle to get through, and I didn't have any reason to believe it was going to get easier. The biggest issue the book has is that it's just flat. I'll get more into that in the rest of my review, but I would like to talk about it's positive first.
The book has what I think has the potential to be an interesting narrative voice. The narration feels light and jovial and I thought it was reminiscent of storybook narration. It took a while to get used to, but once I did I grew to enjoy it. Unfortunately, I don't think this was intentional. The book is written in close 3rd person, so I'm fairly sure it was meant to reflect Vittore's voice. In this respect, I think it did a good job capturing the world through the character's eyes. However, given how unshakably cheerful Vittore is, the narration suffers. I wish the narrator had been some kind of external voice. The story itself being about a vampire scare master who's losing his edge felt Burton-esque, and I think a distinct narrator would have made that connection stronger, to the story's benefit.
Unfortunately, the book fell apart for me because it was incredibly flat. The book has a serious problem of "telling" instead of "showing". The movements of characters is described, but it's with very factual and literal language. I don't get a sense of the mood or tone of any scene. The language does not build atmosphere, which is a shame because the idea of the world is very interesting. This story is set in a mystical land to the side of our own; The Land of Frightful Things. I'd love to see some frightful things here, actually, but the language aid in painting a picture of a world where the spooky might be normal to it's inhabitants, but it should still see alien to the reader. Vittore, too, contributes to the flat quality of the book. He is way too much of an optimist. It took way too long for his "problems" to be introduced only to be abandoned as soon as the love interest showed up. Vittore is just so boring and I couldn't bring myself to by-in. I just have a hard time wanting to read a romance where one of the characters doesn't have a clue about what they're missing and what they need and just floats around from scene to scene with very little conflict or self-reflection.
I did not like this book. I did DNF it after 20% because it was a struggle to get through, and I didn't have any reason to believe it was going to get easier. The biggest issue the book has is that it's just flat. I'll get more into that in the rest of my review, but I would like to talk about it's positive first.
The book has what I think has the potential to be an interesting narrative voice. The narration feels light and jovial and I thought it was reminiscent of storybook narration. It took a while to get used to, but once I did I grew to enjoy it. Unfortunately, I don't think this was intentional. The book is written in close 3rd person, so I'm fairly sure it was meant to reflect Vittore's voice. In this respect, I think it did a good job capturing the world through the character's eyes. However, given how unshakably cheerful Vittore is, the narration suffers. I wish the narrator had been some kind of external voice. The story itself being about a vampire scare master who's losing his edge felt Burton-esque, and I think a distinct narrator would have made that connection stronger, to the story's benefit.
Unfortunately, the book fell apart for me because it was incredibly flat. The book has a serious problem of "telling" instead of "showing". The movements of characters is described, but it's with very factual and literal language. I don't get a sense of the mood or tone of any scene. The language does not build atmosphere, which is a shame because the idea of the world is very interesting. This story is set in a mystical land to the side of our own; The Land of Frightful Things. I'd love to see some frightful things here, actually, but the language aid in painting a picture of a world where the spooky might be normal to it's inhabitants, but it should still see alien to the reader. Vittore, too, contributes to the flat quality of the book. He is way too much of an optimist. It took way too long for his "problems" to be introduced only to be abandoned as soon as the love interest showed up. Vittore is just so boring and I couldn't bring myself to by-in. I just have a hard time wanting to read a romance where one of the characters doesn't have a clue about what they're missing and what they need and just floats around from scene to scene with very little conflict or self-reflection.
January 20, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-arc of this book!
This is a really fun book to read in the lead up to Halloween. The world and vibes is reminiscent of 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', with a touch of 'The Corpse Bride' plot, except said corpse is a husband and the relationship is very mutual, *and* the other love interest remains as the boyfriend. It's cosy, it's gay, and it's polyamorous, and I loved it.
Vittore is the vampiric Prince of Thrills who has lost his knack for scaring people, and thus his self-confidence. At the beginning, he meets a handsome corpse—James—just first crawling his way out of the ground and proposes on the spot, to which James happily accepts. Together they set off to explore the other regions so Vittore can see what tactics others use to incite different kinds of fear. In his absence, a more horrifying leader steps in, which leads to Vittore's boyfriend (Kurama) going after the couple to convince Vittore to retake his position.
It's all fairly low stakes—they are already dead, for one thing—but there's plenty of drama to keep things entertaining. It's also highly humorous, and I spent most of the book smiling. They're ridiculous, and at times plain stupid, but you're never annoyed with them, or at least I wasn't. On top of that, there's an underlying serious tone about love and self-worth. Vittore is struggling to believe he's a capable Prince of Thrills throughout, and he discovers James also has a tragic, heart-wrenching past. Their relationship teaches them not only how to love someone else but how to be the best version of and appreciate themselves.
Generally, the characters are really wonderful and funny with enough depth to make you feel connected. The relationship between Vittore and James is so sweet and heart-warming. It is kind of insta-love—they do get married at first sight—but they spend the whole novel learning what that love means and growing together. Vittore's relationship with Kurama is also sweet—they're best friends primarily and have been on-and-off boyfriends for forever, and their love is ingrained and wholesome. Meanwhile, while Kurama and James aren't at all romantically entwined, they have a really funny, bickering, old-married-couple energy to all of their interactions.
Overall, it's a good read with cosier spooky vibes, fun narration, and likable characters.
This is a really fun book to read in the lead up to Halloween. The world and vibes is reminiscent of 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', with a touch of 'The Corpse Bride' plot, except said corpse is a husband and the relationship is very mutual, *and* the other love interest remains as the boyfriend. It's cosy, it's gay, and it's polyamorous, and I loved it.
Vittore is the vampiric Prince of Thrills who has lost his knack for scaring people, and thus his self-confidence. At the beginning, he meets a handsome corpse—James—just first crawling his way out of the ground and proposes on the spot, to which James happily accepts. Together they set off to explore the other regions so Vittore can see what tactics others use to incite different kinds of fear. In his absence, a more horrifying leader steps in, which leads to Vittore's boyfriend (Kurama) going after the couple to convince Vittore to retake his position.
It's all fairly low stakes—they are already dead, for one thing—but there's plenty of drama to keep things entertaining. It's also highly humorous, and I spent most of the book smiling. They're ridiculous, and at times plain stupid, but you're never annoyed with them, or at least I wasn't. On top of that, there's an underlying serious tone about love and self-worth. Vittore is struggling to believe he's a capable Prince of Thrills throughout, and he discovers James also has a tragic, heart-wrenching past. Their relationship teaches them not only how to love someone else but how to be the best version of and appreciate themselves.
Generally, the characters are really wonderful and funny with enough depth to make you feel connected. The relationship between Vittore and James is so sweet and heart-warming. It is kind of insta-love—they do get married at first sight—but they spend the whole novel learning what that love means and growing together. Vittore's relationship with Kurama is also sweet—they're best friends primarily and have been on-and-off boyfriends for forever, and their love is ingrained and wholesome. Meanwhile, while Kurama and James aren't at all romantically entwined, they have a really funny, bickering, old-married-couple energy to all of their interactions.
Overall, it's a good read with cosier spooky vibes, fun narration, and likable characters.
Read
November 26, 2025We follow Vittore, a vampire prince, who has lost his edge in frighting humans. To try and get back to his top-game, he marries James, a recently deceased corpse.
DNF at 28%
I’ve been trying to read this book since August, struggling through it bit by bit. But after three months, I have to admit defeat and give it a DNF. The info-dumping at the start immediately threw me off, giving too much information the span of a few pages, without really adding to the story.
Both the writing and the romance were a miss for me, as I just didn’t feel it. The pace of the plot was very weird too. It felt fast and slow at the same time. It was not properly balanced. The writing style just was not my thing either.
The concept of the plot is very interesting though, and I do see the potentional of this writer. But they really need to polish their writing style just a little bit more. The ideas are definitely there, and underneath it all there is a story that I might have loved, but the writing felt as if it was still a first draft.
I am very sorry, but after three months of giving this book a chance again and again and again, I really have to give up on it before it puts me into a major reading slump.
Disclaimer:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
DNF at 28%
I’ve been trying to read this book since August, struggling through it bit by bit. But after three months, I have to admit defeat and give it a DNF. The info-dumping at the start immediately threw me off, giving too much information the span of a few pages, without really adding to the story.
Both the writing and the romance were a miss for me, as I just didn’t feel it. The pace of the plot was very weird too. It felt fast and slow at the same time. It was not properly balanced. The writing style just was not my thing either.
The concept of the plot is very interesting though, and I do see the potentional of this writer. But they really need to polish their writing style just a little bit more. The ideas are definitely there, and underneath it all there is a story that I might have loved, but the writing felt as if it was still a first draft.
I am very sorry, but after three months of giving this book a chance again and again and again, I really have to give up on it before it puts me into a major reading slump.
Disclaimer:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for a honest review.
October 6, 2025
Shivers and Thrills was honestly such a strange little ride. It’s weird, funny, spooky, and a little sad all at once. Vittore is a vampire who used to be amazing at scaring humans, but he loses his touch and goes off trying to find his “thrill” again… only to end up accidentally marrying a corpse. Yep. A literal corpse named James who is weirdly sweet and kind of steals the show.
The writing style took me a minute to get used to- it’s dramatic but also self-aware in a way that made me laugh out loud more than once. The world is full of creepy creatures, gothic castles, and over-the-top declarations of love. At times it was a bit confusing. It’s not a straightforward romance; there’s polyamory, jealousy, and a bit of emotional chaos thrown in.
The story moves fast, maybe too fast in spots, but it’s short enough that you just go along for the ride. I didn’t always feel connected to the characters, but I still liked the idea of a vampire learning that love (and a little weirdness) might be scarier than anything else.
If you like offbeat humor, spooky romance, and undead chaos, this might be worth checking out. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely memorable.
The writing style took me a minute to get used to- it’s dramatic but also self-aware in a way that made me laugh out loud more than once. The world is full of creepy creatures, gothic castles, and over-the-top declarations of love. At times it was a bit confusing. It’s not a straightforward romance; there’s polyamory, jealousy, and a bit of emotional chaos thrown in.
The story moves fast, maybe too fast in spots, but it’s short enough that you just go along for the ride. I didn’t always feel connected to the characters, but I still liked the idea of a vampire learning that love (and a little weirdness) might be scarier than anything else.
If you like offbeat humor, spooky romance, and undead chaos, this might be worth checking out. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely memorable.
August 14, 2025
I found this story to be very unique and quirky. It has humor, character development, story progression and covers dark subjects.
This was a very fun book to read. The story will take you on a journey through different realms/worlds such as a world of tricksters and a world of sirens and mermaids. I loved how each world was unique along with its inhabitants.
Vittore and James are still learning so much about one another and during that time, they start to butt heads. I loved seeing James learn to speak up for himself more and it was heartbreaking to hear what lead to James animated corpse state.
🧛M/M Relationship
🧛Polyamorous Representation
🧛Quirky Humor
🧛Worlds Built on different kinds of Fear
🧛Character Development
🧛Self Reflection
This was a very fun book to read. The story will take you on a journey through different realms/worlds such as a world of tricksters and a world of sirens and mermaids. I loved how each world was unique along with its inhabitants.
Vittore and James are still learning so much about one another and during that time, they start to butt heads. I loved seeing James learn to speak up for himself more and it was heartbreaking to hear what lead to James animated corpse state.
🧛M/M Relationship
🧛Polyamorous Representation
🧛Quirky Humor
🧛Worlds Built on different kinds of Fear
🧛Character Development
🧛Self Reflection
August 30, 2025
NetGalley ARC. Playfully dark, Tim-Burton-esque world. Vittore the vampire scares humans to power his land, but after a string of failed scares, he takes a break to travel to other lands and discover new ways to scare humans. He impulsively marries a corpse (NOT a zombie) he finds in the ground, hoping that marriage will provide some terrors, and they learn about each other as they travel. To give you an idea of the world, Vittore also has a boyfriend who is a bird, and an ex-girlfriend who is a gorgon.
Really creative world, cool inventions, fun ideas. The characters could have been a bit deeper and the writing a bit sharper but overall the originality made it a fun read. 3.5 rounded up to 4!
Really creative world, cool inventions, fun ideas. The characters could have been a bit deeper and the writing a bit sharper but overall the originality made it a fun read. 3.5 rounded up to 4!
September 20, 2025
Shivers and Thrills felt like an average book. The book genuinely had some intriguing moments, and the premise is solid, but the execution falls short. It's an okay way to pass the time, but it won't leave a lasting impression or have you thinking about it for weeks.
The story moves at a steady pace, but the character development was lacking. The protagonist is likeable enough, but their motivations and actions are fairly standard. Supporting characters felt like tropes and their shallow personalities make it difficult to invest in their fates.
There are some good ideas here, and it's not a bad book. It just lacks the depth to make it a memorable or thrilling experience.
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to review this!
The story moves at a steady pace, but the character development was lacking. The protagonist is likeable enough, but their motivations and actions are fairly standard. Supporting characters felt like tropes and their shallow personalities make it difficult to invest in their fates.
There are some good ideas here, and it's not a bad book. It just lacks the depth to make it a memorable or thrilling experience.
Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to review this!
October 15, 2025
Shivers & Thrills by A.C. Harrah
This was such a fun mix of spooky and exciting — exactly what I was hoping for from the title. A.C. Harrah does a great job blending creepy tension with that addictive, page-turner energy. Some parts actually gave me chills, while others had that rush of adrenaline that keeps you reading “just one more chapter.”
I really liked how each story (or moment, depending on how you read it) had its own atmosphere — eerie but still entertaining. It didn’t rely on jump scares; it built the unease slowly, which made it even better.
If you love stories that mix horror and suspense with a touch of fun, this one definitely lives up to its name. It’s perfect for readers who like their chills with a bit of heart.
This was such a fun mix of spooky and exciting — exactly what I was hoping for from the title. A.C. Harrah does a great job blending creepy tension with that addictive, page-turner energy. Some parts actually gave me chills, while others had that rush of adrenaline that keeps you reading “just one more chapter.”
I really liked how each story (or moment, depending on how you read it) had its own atmosphere — eerie but still entertaining. It didn’t rely on jump scares; it built the unease slowly, which made it even better.
If you love stories that mix horror and suspense with a touch of fun, this one definitely lives up to its name. It’s perfect for readers who like their chills with a bit of heart.
November 10, 2025
I had the opportunity to read this book in Netgalley.
To resume this book would be simple: If the nightmare before Christmas and Monsters inc were in the same universe THIS would be the matchup book.
The story is interesting if you saw the before mentioned movies you will see a lot of indirect references in this book. To be quite honest the male lead has a Jack personality but in the infuriating kind of way and James a Sally personality. The world development is interesting and fun to read it gives opportunity for a series and to explore different worlds. The relationship department its ok, in certain aspects is rushed but the final part makes for it. I think this book is something that i would recommend to read in Halloween or in an free afternoon.
To resume this book would be simple: If the nightmare before Christmas and Monsters inc were in the same universe THIS would be the matchup book.
The story is interesting if you saw the before mentioned movies you will see a lot of indirect references in this book. To be quite honest the male lead has a Jack personality but in the infuriating kind of way and James a Sally personality. The world development is interesting and fun to read it gives opportunity for a series and to explore different worlds. The relationship department its ok, in certain aspects is rushed but the final part makes for it. I think this book is something that i would recommend to read in Halloween or in an free afternoon.
August 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book *all thoughts and opinions are my own*
This was a really fun book! It was silly and goofy and didn’t take itself too seriously.
I really enjoyed the setting and the different places the characters visited.
It was nice to see a polyamorous relationship represented and exploring the jealousy that can occur within these relationships.
It was also an interesting look at burnout but in a no serious setting- the main character has lost his flair for scaring.
Overall I enjoyed this book and it reminded me a bit of the nightmare before Christmas!
This was a really fun book! It was silly and goofy and didn’t take itself too seriously.
I really enjoyed the setting and the different places the characters visited.
It was nice to see a polyamorous relationship represented and exploring the jealousy that can occur within these relationships.
It was also an interesting look at burnout but in a no serious setting- the main character has lost his flair for scaring.
Overall I enjoyed this book and it reminded me a bit of the nightmare before Christmas!
September 13, 2025
Shivers and Thrills is the perfect cozy fall read. Light hearted and fun will still having a handful of serious beats, this book stars a poly relationship of James, his husband Vitorre, and Vitorre's boyfriend Kurama.
Vitorre is experiencing self-doubt and is struggling in his position as Prince of Thrills so he goes seeking new forms of fear which is how he meets James. Together they tour the rest of the Kingdoms to learn more about different forms of fear and deepen their relationship as they get to know each other.
This book was sweet and fast - absolutely worth the read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the Arc
Vitorre is experiencing self-doubt and is struggling in his position as Prince of Thrills so he goes seeking new forms of fear which is how he meets James. Together they tour the rest of the Kingdoms to learn more about different forms of fear and deepen their relationship as they get to know each other.
This book was sweet and fast - absolutely worth the read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the Arc
October 1, 2025
Not the kind of thrill I was hoping for
I went into Shivers and Thrills expecting a quirky, whimsical story with some offbeat relationship dynamics maybe something playful, and a little weird in a good way.
Instead, the first few chapters felt like a Monsters Inc reboot for grownups who are really into vampires and zombies. While there was potential for something fun and fresh, it never quite landed for me. I kept waiting for the spark to kick in, but it just didn’t. If you’re looking for campy horror vibes, this might be your thing.
I went into Shivers and Thrills expecting a quirky, whimsical story with some offbeat relationship dynamics maybe something playful, and a little weird in a good way.
Instead, the first few chapters felt like a Monsters Inc reboot for grownups who are really into vampires and zombies. While there was potential for something fun and fresh, it never quite landed for me. I kept waiting for the spark to kick in, but it just didn’t. If you’re looking for campy horror vibes, this might be your thing.
January 11, 2026
This was quirky as advertised. It was not something I would normally read.
I did enjoy the story, but did find myself confused in several parts.
This took a while for me to get in to. But then I found it didn’t take that long to get back out of it if that makes sense. The story was weird, the writing confusing, as well as the plot.
I didn’t want to DNF, but did find myself reading through the rest of the book quite quickly.
A creative idea for the story, but just not my thing unfortunately.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
I did enjoy the story, but did find myself confused in several parts.
This took a while for me to get in to. But then I found it didn’t take that long to get back out of it if that makes sense. The story was weird, the writing confusing, as well as the plot.
I didn’t want to DNF, but did find myself reading through the rest of the book quite quickly.
A creative idea for the story, but just not my thing unfortunately.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 17, 2025
✨ARC review✨
3.5 stars rounded down
I struggled to get into this at first because of how often the author repeated character names
On one page (bare in mind I read it on my phone so that's about 3 or 4 paragraphs) Kurama's name was mentioned TWELVE TIMES!! It was excessive and irritating and it was like that throughout.
BUT the whimsy?? The macabre?? The very Tim Burton esque of it all?? So good and once I'd gotten past the writing style I had a great old time
3.5 stars rounded down
I struggled to get into this at first because of how often the author repeated character names
On one page (bare in mind I read it on my phone so that's about 3 or 4 paragraphs) Kurama's name was mentioned TWELVE TIMES!! It was excessive and irritating and it was like that throughout.
BUT the whimsy?? The macabre?? The very Tim Burton esque of it all?? So good and once I'd gotten past the writing style I had a great old time
Read
September 24, 2025I would like to thank NetGalley and A.C. Harrah for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
While I can appreciate Shivers & Thrills' quirky narrative/ Nightmare Before Christmas vibe, this story was unfortunately not for me. This had a light and breezy, goofy narrative style, but neither the romance nor the plot had enough stability to go the distance. I do enjoy some flighty fun, but this was a miss for me.
While I can appreciate Shivers & Thrills' quirky narrative/ Nightmare Before Christmas vibe, this story was unfortunately not for me. This had a light and breezy, goofy narrative style, but neither the romance nor the plot had enough stability to go the distance. I do enjoy some flighty fun, but this was a miss for me.
October 19, 2025
This is a Cozy Fantasy MM Romance. I do not read books with creatures/monsters in it, and this book is filled with them. I really loved the coziness of this book, and the characters were great. I enjoyed getting to know all the different characters. I loved all the different places we went to in this book. I found this book to be sweet and cute in its own way. I really enjoyed this book. This was a fun time. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
December 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐
I got this book when it still had the old cover, with the zombie hand reaching out from the dirt. From that cover, I thought this book would be full of humorous scares.
Since then, the cover has been remade into something completely different, but a lot more in line with what this book actually is; a romance.
It is quite soft and mushy with very little scares. The romance is definitely strange. It's an odd book lol. Not something I would have picked up.
I got this book when it still had the old cover, with the zombie hand reaching out from the dirt. From that cover, I thought this book would be full of humorous scares.
Since then, the cover has been remade into something completely different, but a lot more in line with what this book actually is; a romance.
It is quite soft and mushy with very little scares. The romance is definitely strange. It's an odd book lol. Not something I would have picked up.
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