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Infernal Curses #2
The Hallow Curse
Some curses the dead can cast…
Nearly a year after killing her former lover, Sabine Van Arsdel is eager to escape her past and its betrayals. While honing her art she meets Bastien, a fellow painter who captivates her immediately. But meeting him has set a curse into action—one which allows her dead lover to drag her to Hell.
Meanwhile, Bastien Emmons is desperate to destroy the controlling bond of his vampiric mistress. When he’s commanded to return with a blood tithe, Bastien saves Sabine from nightly hunts by a Hellish rider and brings her to the impenetrable sanctuary he was trying to flee.
Hollow Place.
In the island mansion ruled by decadence and sanguine hunger, Sabine begins to realize she traded one threat for another. Knowing the vampiric cohort could attack at any moment, Sabine bides her time until the curse expires and she can escape.
But Hollow Place is not nearly as untouchable as they’d believed, and haunted dreams of the horseman vowing to kill her lead to demon attacks on hallowed ground. And all the while, Sabine and Bastien are falling helplessly for each other, igniting a jealous rage in the mistress that threatens Bastien’s very soul.
Nearly a year after killing her former lover, Sabine Van Arsdel is eager to escape her past and its betrayals. While honing her art she meets Bastien, a fellow painter who captivates her immediately. But meeting him has set a curse into action—one which allows her dead lover to drag her to Hell.
Meanwhile, Bastien Emmons is desperate to destroy the controlling bond of his vampiric mistress. When he’s commanded to return with a blood tithe, Bastien saves Sabine from nightly hunts by a Hellish rider and brings her to the impenetrable sanctuary he was trying to flee.
Hollow Place.
In the island mansion ruled by decadence and sanguine hunger, Sabine begins to realize she traded one threat for another. Knowing the vampiric cohort could attack at any moment, Sabine bides her time until the curse expires and she can escape.
But Hollow Place is not nearly as untouchable as they’d believed, and haunted dreams of the horseman vowing to kill her lead to demon attacks on hallowed ground. And all the while, Sabine and Bastien are falling helplessly for each other, igniting a jealous rage in the mistress that threatens Bastien’s very soul.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
6 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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September 11, 2025dnfd at 28%
thank you to the author for giving me a copy of an arc in exchange for my honest review.
i thought this was gonna be a great read for me! i was really really enjoying it. and then i got the ick from the mmc bringing up his throbbing cock at least once a chapter in his point of view. which i get it. she’s hot. you wanna bang her. that’s the reason i decided to dnf. other then that there was absolutely no complaints for me from what i had read that far.
the world building was great! i loved the idea of the hallow curse. maybe ill come back and give it another shot! who knows, but it just wasn’t the read for me at this moment in time.
thank you to the author for giving me a copy of an arc in exchange for my honest review.
i thought this was gonna be a great read for me! i was really really enjoying it. and then i got the ick from the mmc bringing up his throbbing cock at least once a chapter in his point of view. which i get it. she’s hot. you wanna bang her. that’s the reason i decided to dnf. other then that there was absolutely no complaints for me from what i had read that far.
the world building was great! i loved the idea of the hallow curse. maybe ill come back and give it another shot! who knows, but it just wasn’t the read for me at this moment in time.
September 2, 2025
The gorgeous cover and the intriguing premise instantly hooked me, and I was really excited to dive into this book. The thing is, after a solid opening—which I absolutely devoured—the story started to feel flat and rushed.
I often had to reread certain dialogues because there was no clear indication of who was speaking, and I found myself lost in the conversation. Normally, issues like that should be caught by an editor or alpha/beta readers. Of course, not every author has access to those resources, so I understand, but it definitely impacted my reading experience.
What I really loved was the FMC, Sabine. I have such a soft spot for sassy heroines, and she won me over immediately. She’s witty, self-aware, and confident about both her strengths and weaknesses. She also communicates her boundaries clearly and unapologetically.
The MMC, Bastien, was also a decent character, but I struggled with understanding the shift in his motivations. To me, that part of the story came across as rushed. The book is 380 pages long, which is a solid length for this genre, but I honestly think it would’ve benefitted from trimming some sections of the plot in favor of giving the characters deeper arcs.
As a couple, I didn’t fully connect with them. The romance felt a little bland, and the smut grew repetitive after the first two scenes.
What I do think deserves praise are the vibes. This book has strong Halloween energy, and I’d honestly be happy to reread it during the spooky season—if not for the editing issues and that rushed feeling I mentioned earlier.
🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
😈 warlocks/vampires
🤎 gaslamp fantasy
😈 forced proximity
🤎 sassy, cursed FMC
😈 demons & demon curses
🤎 marriage of convenience
😈 smut
I often had to reread certain dialogues because there was no clear indication of who was speaking, and I found myself lost in the conversation. Normally, issues like that should be caught by an editor or alpha/beta readers. Of course, not every author has access to those resources, so I understand, but it definitely impacted my reading experience.
What I really loved was the FMC, Sabine. I have such a soft spot for sassy heroines, and she won me over immediately. She’s witty, self-aware, and confident about both her strengths and weaknesses. She also communicates her boundaries clearly and unapologetically.
The MMC, Bastien, was also a decent character, but I struggled with understanding the shift in his motivations. To me, that part of the story came across as rushed. The book is 380 pages long, which is a solid length for this genre, but I honestly think it would’ve benefitted from trimming some sections of the plot in favor of giving the characters deeper arcs.
As a couple, I didn’t fully connect with them. The romance felt a little bland, and the smut grew repetitive after the first two scenes.
What I do think deserves praise are the vibes. This book has strong Halloween energy, and I’d honestly be happy to reread it during the spooky season—if not for the editing issues and that rushed feeling I mentioned earlier.
🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
😈 warlocks/vampires
🤎 gaslamp fantasy
😈 forced proximity
🤎 sassy, cursed FMC
😈 demons & demon curses
🤎 marriage of convenience
😈 smut
September 2, 2025
"𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞."
I absolutely LOVED this book! A sleepy hollow retelling!? And Astarion coded mmc, instantly hooked. Also, the cover is stunning!
The plot is so good. I loved this authors writing. There were a lot of intense moments, my emotions were all over the place. It really pulls you in. I really like Sabine and Bastian, their connection is just amazing.
If you want a romance read with lots of action, magic, twits, drama and spice I recommend so much!
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
🖤Vampires, Demons, & Warlocks
🥀Astarion-Coded MMC
🌙Alt. Victorian
🖤Dark Bridgerton Vibes
🥀Morally Grey
🌙Marriage of Convenience
🖤Revenge Plot
🥀Sassy FMC
I absolutely LOVED this book! A sleepy hollow retelling!? And Astarion coded mmc, instantly hooked. Also, the cover is stunning!
The plot is so good. I loved this authors writing. There were a lot of intense moments, my emotions were all over the place. It really pulls you in. I really like Sabine and Bastian, their connection is just amazing.
If you want a romance read with lots of action, magic, twits, drama and spice I recommend so much!
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
🖤Vampires, Demons, & Warlocks
🥀Astarion-Coded MMC
🌙Alt. Victorian
🖤Dark Bridgerton Vibes
🥀Morally Grey
🌙Marriage of Convenience
🖤Revenge Plot
🥀Sassy FMC
September 1, 2025
I had the honour of receiving an ARC for this book and I took my time reading it so I could give an honest review.
•Warlocks
•Vampires
•Sassy fmc
•Forced proximity
The start really gripped me, it didnt take too long to set the scene and the introduction to a few characters felt smooth. Immediately I was drawn to our fmc and how strong and fiery she was! Of course our lovely mmc too, I think he became my favourite quite early on. I really enjoyed the changed and growth with the characters too and I must say I really loved how some of the supposed creepy characters were written so lovely. Made you truly fall in love with even the strangest of characters.
The magic system was easy to comprehend and not too difficult or over explained and I must say I really enjoyed having a fmc who was closer to my age for once!
The story progressed at a nice steady pace and the spicy scenes were well placed and quite easy to read. It didnt feel like they took away from anything jn the story like a lot of those scenes often do.
Overall I really enjoyed my read and honestly might have to snag myself a physical copy too!
•Warlocks
•Vampires
•Sassy fmc
•Forced proximity
The start really gripped me, it didnt take too long to set the scene and the introduction to a few characters felt smooth. Immediately I was drawn to our fmc and how strong and fiery she was! Of course our lovely mmc too, I think he became my favourite quite early on. I really enjoyed the changed and growth with the characters too and I must say I really loved how some of the supposed creepy characters were written so lovely. Made you truly fall in love with even the strangest of characters.
The magic system was easy to comprehend and not too difficult or over explained and I must say I really enjoyed having a fmc who was closer to my age for once!
The story progressed at a nice steady pace and the spicy scenes were well placed and quite easy to read. It didnt feel like they took away from anything jn the story like a lot of those scenes often do.
Overall I really enjoyed my read and honestly might have to snag myself a physical copy too!
September 2, 2025
“The Hallow Curse” by Kayla McGrath is the second book in the “Infernal Curses” series of standalones. It is a steamy, paranormal romantasy set in a world of power and curses parallel to our own. While essentially a “Sleepy Hollow” retelling, “The Hollow Curse” transcends the boundaries of a retelling, building a world around it that is vibrant, magical, and vast. Content warnings include (but are not limited to) discussion of: death, murder, and exsanguination.
What to Expect
🩸🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩸Unique Magic System
🩸Unique World Building
🩸Victorian-era timeline
🩸Strong and Fierce FMC
🩸Astarion Coded MMC
🩸Curses
🩸HEA
Sabine Van Arsdel is top-tier. She is blunt, precocious, and layers her sweetness with defense. In a Victorian-era world parallel to our own, Sabine wears pants, takes lovers, and charts her own path. Her snarky banter and lilt give her a bewitching aura. She reminds me of a mixture of Jane from “Tarzan” and Kate Beckinsale in “Van Helsing.”
Bastien Emmons is a golden retriever. The author describes him as “Astarion-coded,” and I agree with that completely. The sly and sultry tones screamed Astarion, as well as his morally grey nature when it comes to completing his goal: to protect Sabine. Bastien is protective, devoted, and strong-willed. He does everything he can to show Sabine that devotion without compromising her independence, and I really enjoyed that.
Combining life-or-death, steam, a devoted golden retriever, and a strong femme fatale, “The Hollow Curse” is a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ spiced read. These two MCs explore devotion, carnal attraction, and passionate love in this story full of “opportunities” as these MCs fall in love.
The world-building is unique; a parallel world of magic exists parallel to our own and is full of magic and warlocks. These warlocks can achieve immortality by going into Hell and confronting their deadly sin. Each warlock has their own color of magic and special ability! I really liked this, as I hadn’t necessarily seen this before.
McGrath’s curses are unique in their design. Using stories as the origins of the various curses, I really enjoyed that they went beyond the confines of the story being retold. I REALLY loved how they created the Hollow Curse and the cases of the curse that we learn from history. The Midnight Malady was also fascinating, demonstrating a curse that can ebb based on variables.
What to Expect
🩸🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩸Unique Magic System
🩸Unique World Building
🩸Victorian-era timeline
🩸Strong and Fierce FMC
🩸Astarion Coded MMC
🩸Curses
🩸HEA
Sabine Van Arsdel is top-tier. She is blunt, precocious, and layers her sweetness with defense. In a Victorian-era world parallel to our own, Sabine wears pants, takes lovers, and charts her own path. Her snarky banter and lilt give her a bewitching aura. She reminds me of a mixture of Jane from “Tarzan” and Kate Beckinsale in “Van Helsing.”
Bastien Emmons is a golden retriever. The author describes him as “Astarion-coded,” and I agree with that completely. The sly and sultry tones screamed Astarion, as well as his morally grey nature when it comes to completing his goal: to protect Sabine. Bastien is protective, devoted, and strong-willed. He does everything he can to show Sabine that devotion without compromising her independence, and I really enjoyed that.
Combining life-or-death, steam, a devoted golden retriever, and a strong femme fatale, “The Hollow Curse” is a 🌶️🌶️🌶️ spiced read. These two MCs explore devotion, carnal attraction, and passionate love in this story full of “opportunities” as these MCs fall in love.
The world-building is unique; a parallel world of magic exists parallel to our own and is full of magic and warlocks. These warlocks can achieve immortality by going into Hell and confronting their deadly sin. Each warlock has their own color of magic and special ability! I really liked this, as I hadn’t necessarily seen this before.
McGrath’s curses are unique in their design. Using stories as the origins of the various curses, I really enjoyed that they went beyond the confines of the story being retold. I REALLY loved how they created the Hollow Curse and the cases of the curse that we learn from history. The Midnight Malady was also fascinating, demonstrating a curse that can ebb based on variables.
August 29, 2025
Actual rating 3.5⭐
Thank you to the author, Kayla McGrath, for the ARC to review. All thoughts are my own.
The premise for The Hallow Curse was intriguing; a sleepy hollow retelling filled with curses, magic, and vampires. I signed up so fast to be an arc reader. PLUS, the art McGrath released of Sabine x Bastian for this is 🔥🔥🔥 (and that cover is GORGEOUS).
I liked reading this. It was a fun and truly original take on the legend we all know, love, and take great caution in. Sabine, our fmc, is a force to be reckoned with. She is a spitfire of a woman who is a talented artist and a skilled warlock. Bastien, our mmc, is charmingly witty and so down bad for our girl that he LITERALLY does everything to protect her, which includes going against his own self interests. Their story is filled with fast paced action sequences, slow burn tension, and enemies that are much closer than any of them think. The startling revelations had my jaw ON THE FLOOR, while the 🌶️ scenes were expertly done with detail that made me reach for ice water to cool myself down 😅
For the writing, one of the major things that took me out of the story was...language. At first, it seemed like they were in 1860, speaking in that time, but I was quickly taken out of that period with the use of vulgar language that is out of place. It felt a bit jarring and I tended to forget where I was supposed to be in relation to the time period.
I also felt like the dialogue just...didn't stick sometimes, particularly with our villain, Nicholas, or with the flow of conversation between Sabine and Bastien. And at the very end with Winnie, her dialogue just seemed...cartoonish and too naive to fit the character we were introduced to in the beginning.
Overall, it's an engaging read filled with a unique magic system, a vengeful ex, and love that is tested at a castle full of vampires
Thank you to the author, Kayla McGrath, for the ARC to review. All thoughts are my own.
The premise for The Hallow Curse was intriguing; a sleepy hollow retelling filled with curses, magic, and vampires. I signed up so fast to be an arc reader. PLUS, the art McGrath released of Sabine x Bastian for this is 🔥🔥🔥 (and that cover is GORGEOUS).
I liked reading this. It was a fun and truly original take on the legend we all know, love, and take great caution in. Sabine, our fmc, is a force to be reckoned with. She is a spitfire of a woman who is a talented artist and a skilled warlock. Bastien, our mmc, is charmingly witty and so down bad for our girl that he LITERALLY does everything to protect her, which includes going against his own self interests. Their story is filled with fast paced action sequences, slow burn tension, and enemies that are much closer than any of them think. The startling revelations had my jaw ON THE FLOOR, while the 🌶️ scenes were expertly done with detail that made me reach for ice water to cool myself down 😅
For the writing, one of the major things that took me out of the story was...language. At first, it seemed like they were in 1860, speaking in that time, but I was quickly taken out of that period with the use of vulgar language that is out of place. It felt a bit jarring and I tended to forget where I was supposed to be in relation to the time period.
I also felt like the dialogue just...didn't stick sometimes, particularly with our villain, Nicholas, or with the flow of conversation between Sabine and Bastien. And at the very end with Winnie, her dialogue just seemed...cartoonish and too naive to fit the character we were introduced to in the beginning.
Overall, it's an engaging read filled with a unique magic system, a vengeful ex, and love that is tested at a castle full of vampires
September 3, 2025
This book is great for the autumn/spooky season coming up!
I loved that the author chose to use the basis of Sleepy Hollow and make it into a magical curse. This transformed it into more than just a retelling, but an addition to the story. It was very creative and it drew me in! She also created a new magic system including a special set at for vampires to be created and live. This was also very creative and different!
Sabine, the FMC, is a very independent and strong willed witch that runs into a small problem of being cursed by her previous lover. She is witty and a strong character that captures your interest.
Bastien, the MMC, is a lovable, golden retriever type. His character however felt unfinished to me. I didn’t feel like we got a full picture of his character throughout the story.
There are super spicy scenes that happen towards the middle to the end of the book. They aren’t long scenes but they are somewhat imaginative and intense!
Overall, the book was intriguing and held my interest with the new magic concepts and the curse. However, the ending felt a bit rushed and I wanted a bit more flushing out to the story. I would have read more pages to have it be more fluid. Still a solid 4⭐️!
Definite TBR for:
-strong willed FMC
-vampire/witch pairing
-story retelling
-new magic system
-spicy scenes
I can’t wait to see what other books Kayla has in store for the curses series!
I did receive an ARC and am leaving a review of my own choosing.
I loved that the author chose to use the basis of Sleepy Hollow and make it into a magical curse. This transformed it into more than just a retelling, but an addition to the story. It was very creative and it drew me in! She also created a new magic system including a special set at for vampires to be created and live. This was also very creative and different!
Sabine, the FMC, is a very independent and strong willed witch that runs into a small problem of being cursed by her previous lover. She is witty and a strong character that captures your interest.
Bastien, the MMC, is a lovable, golden retriever type. His character however felt unfinished to me. I didn’t feel like we got a full picture of his character throughout the story.
There are super spicy scenes that happen towards the middle to the end of the book. They aren’t long scenes but they are somewhat imaginative and intense!
Overall, the book was intriguing and held my interest with the new magic concepts and the curse. However, the ending felt a bit rushed and I wanted a bit more flushing out to the story. I would have read more pages to have it be more fluid. Still a solid 4⭐️!
Definite TBR for:
-strong willed FMC
-vampire/witch pairing
-story retelling
-new magic system
-spicy scenes
I can’t wait to see what other books Kayla has in store for the curses series!
I did receive an ARC and am leaving a review of my own choosing.
September 6, 2025
The Hallow Curse is the second book in the Infernal Curses series — a collection of steamy, standalone paranormal romantasies set in a world of power and curses, parallel to our own. In this universe, warlocks can achieve immortality by venturing into Hell to confront their deadly sin, each wielding unique abilities and magic that manifests in distinct colors.
The worldbuilding is one of my favorite aspects of this series, and The Hallow Curse delivers it beautifully.
The female main character, Sabine Van Arsdel, stole my heart from the first pages. She’s strong, independent, blunt, and sassy — the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for.
I enjoyed this story, and it’s definitely one I’ll be re-reading when Halloween rolls around.
If you’re looking for a magical and addictive read, check out the blurb and give this book a chance!
Thank you @kaylamcgrathbooks for this eARC! This is my honest opinion.
The worldbuilding is one of my favorite aspects of this series, and The Hallow Curse delivers it beautifully.
The female main character, Sabine Van Arsdel, stole my heart from the first pages. She’s strong, independent, blunt, and sassy — the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for.
I enjoyed this story, and it’s definitely one I’ll be re-reading when Halloween rolls around.
If you’re looking for a magical and addictive read, check out the blurb and give this book a chance!
Thank you @kaylamcgrathbooks for this eARC! This is my honest opinion.
August 23, 2025
I got to read the ARC of The Hallow Curse, and my opinions are my own. Spoiler free!
Overall, I loved the premise of this story! A loose retelling of Sleepy Hollow, the Hallow Curse follows a female main character, Sabine, who is cursed and hunted by her deceased ex-husband, back from Hell and determined to drag her back with him. She meets a handsome man, Bastien, who will do whatever it takes to save Sabine from her curse but holds secrets of his own. The atmosphere is perfect for cool autumn nights and brings a new, fantasy-driven light to the classic tale of Sleepy Hollow.
I do wish the pacing could have been more consistent throughout the book. Some scenes were very detailed and drew you in, and other scenes started and wrapped up within a few paragraphs, leaving me wanting more. I wished some characters were also more fleshed out and given more life within the story.
Overall, the Hallow Curse wasn't for me, but it was a fun, spooky read that got me excited for the upcoming Halloween season!
Overall, I loved the premise of this story! A loose retelling of Sleepy Hollow, the Hallow Curse follows a female main character, Sabine, who is cursed and hunted by her deceased ex-husband, back from Hell and determined to drag her back with him. She meets a handsome man, Bastien, who will do whatever it takes to save Sabine from her curse but holds secrets of his own. The atmosphere is perfect for cool autumn nights and brings a new, fantasy-driven light to the classic tale of Sleepy Hollow.
I do wish the pacing could have been more consistent throughout the book. Some scenes were very detailed and drew you in, and other scenes started and wrapped up within a few paragraphs, leaving me wanting more. I wished some characters were also more fleshed out and given more life within the story.
Overall, the Hallow Curse wasn't for me, but it was a fun, spooky read that got me excited for the upcoming Halloween season!
September 1, 2025
This story takes place throughout the month of October so take this as a sign to add it to your fall tbr.
Our fmc was undoubtedly, 100% a badass. The magic system was interesting yet uncomplicated which made it easy to understand, so it didn’t take away from focusing on the plot. The writing was descriptive in a way that allowed you to be immersed in the setting without being excessive. It complimented the book very well.
I was a touch nervous at the start that it was going to be big on the “I’m not like other girls” thing but that did not continue to be a theme throughout the rest of the story. In fact, some (all) of Sabine’s outfits were spectacular and I want her closet.
I finished this book in one evening because there were no lulls and the story moved at a wonderful pace. Highly recommend for fall, and bonus, you get to support an indie author 🖤
Our fmc was undoubtedly, 100% a badass. The magic system was interesting yet uncomplicated which made it easy to understand, so it didn’t take away from focusing on the plot. The writing was descriptive in a way that allowed you to be immersed in the setting without being excessive. It complimented the book very well.
I was a touch nervous at the start that it was going to be big on the “I’m not like other girls” thing but that did not continue to be a theme throughout the rest of the story. In fact, some (all) of Sabine’s outfits were spectacular and I want her closet.
I finished this book in one evening because there were no lulls and the story moved at a wonderful pace. Highly recommend for fall, and bonus, you get to support an indie author 🖤
September 10, 2025
I received an ARC of The Hallow Curse from the author.
It's a retelling of The Headless Horseman, which I'm not familiar with, but I had fun reading this one.
It takes place in a world of warlocks and vampires, so magic runs rampant. Sabine is haunted by an ex-lover, and Bastien offers her asylum on a remote island. However, it turns out to be a vampire island with Sabine brought as a meal.
The chemistry between Sabine and Bastien is palpable, and I love how fiery and protective Sabine is. This was a fast-paced romance with enjoyable side characters. I hope we find out what happens to Irving and Esther in later books.
It's a retelling of The Headless Horseman, which I'm not familiar with, but I had fun reading this one.
It takes place in a world of warlocks and vampires, so magic runs rampant. Sabine is haunted by an ex-lover, and Bastien offers her asylum on a remote island. However, it turns out to be a vampire island with Sabine brought as a meal.
The chemistry between Sabine and Bastien is palpable, and I love how fiery and protective Sabine is. This was a fast-paced romance with enjoyable side characters. I hope we find out what happens to Irving and Esther in later books.
September 14, 2025
Arc review
Sabine Van Arsdel is a libertine artist and Bastien Emmons is a fellow painter. They meet while painting and they discover they have in common something rather disconcerting: they are both cursed. He is cursed with Midnight malady, she is cursed to be haunted by her former lover as a Hell born rider.
From the moment they meet, everything sets into motion, and a month of hunting, running, and getting dragged in countless crazy dark situations starts. This book is such a roller-coaster! A lot of action and morally gray characters that you can not hate!
I enjoyed reading their story, thank you, Kayla McGrath for the opportunity to read thus book! It's an interesting story that kept me glued to it!
Sabine Van Arsdel is a libertine artist and Bastien Emmons is a fellow painter. They meet while painting and they discover they have in common something rather disconcerting: they are both cursed. He is cursed with Midnight malady, she is cursed to be haunted by her former lover as a Hell born rider.
From the moment they meet, everything sets into motion, and a month of hunting, running, and getting dragged in countless crazy dark situations starts. This book is such a roller-coaster! A lot of action and morally gray characters that you can not hate!
I enjoyed reading their story, thank you, Kayla McGrath for the opportunity to read thus book! It's an interesting story that kept me glued to it!
August 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars)
The premise was fun…a cursed heroine, gothic Sleepy Hollow vibes, perfect for fall. The atmosphere was good, moody and eerie in all the right ways.
For me the pacing didn’t always work. Some parts dragged, then other scenes felt rushed. I also got lost in the dialogue more than once. Conversations didn’t flow, and sometimes I couldn’t tell who was talking.
Even with those issues, I liked the spooky setting and the overall idea. Not a favorite, but not a waste of time either.
The premise was fun…a cursed heroine, gothic Sleepy Hollow vibes, perfect for fall. The atmosphere was good, moody and eerie in all the right ways.
For me the pacing didn’t always work. Some parts dragged, then other scenes felt rushed. I also got lost in the dialogue more than once. Conversations didn’t flow, and sometimes I couldn’t tell who was talking.
Even with those issues, I liked the spooky setting and the overall idea. Not a favorite, but not a waste of time either.
September 1, 2025
Kayla McGrath delivers a fast-paced vampire x warlock story with a fun new twist on the Sleepy Hollow story.
I love this plot that McGrath sets up for Sabine -- one of my favorite characters from The Nightmare Curse. Sabine's ex won't leave her alone -- not even in death. He has activated the Hallow Curse and has 30 days to drag her to hell -- unless she can outrun him. That is easier said than done when he gets to hunt her every night. She teams up with Bastien, a warlock cursed with the Midnight Malady, who has some questionable motives for helping her. They escape to an island blessed as hallow ground and surrounded by water with the hopes that this will keep her ex away. But their adventures don't end there. Now they have to deal with a vampire that Bastien is blood bound to and she's a bit dangerous all on her own.
Sabine and Bastien's relationship is a medium burn that fires hot and cold as more twists and turns happen throughout this story. McGrath keeps the story moving and the reader on their toes every step of the way. I really enjoyed their will they, won't they moments as they would get closer and then be pulled apart by their pasts (and the present). This is the perfect mix of paranormal fun, spooky vibes, and cozy action-packed adventures.
I cannot wait to see where she takes this series next!
4.5/5
I love this plot that McGrath sets up for Sabine -- one of my favorite characters from The Nightmare Curse. Sabine's ex won't leave her alone -- not even in death. He has activated the Hallow Curse and has 30 days to drag her to hell -- unless she can outrun him. That is easier said than done when he gets to hunt her every night. She teams up with Bastien, a warlock cursed with the Midnight Malady, who has some questionable motives for helping her. They escape to an island blessed as hallow ground and surrounded by water with the hopes that this will keep her ex away. But their adventures don't end there. Now they have to deal with a vampire that Bastien is blood bound to and she's a bit dangerous all on her own.
Sabine and Bastien's relationship is a medium burn that fires hot and cold as more twists and turns happen throughout this story. McGrath keeps the story moving and the reader on their toes every step of the way. I really enjoyed their will they, won't they moments as they would get closer and then be pulled apart by their pasts (and the present). This is the perfect mix of paranormal fun, spooky vibes, and cozy action-packed adventures.
I cannot wait to see where she takes this series next!
4.5/5
August 25, 2025
“If anyone could command the sea, it would be you and your face of wrath.”
~ ARC Review ~
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
This was so wonderfully written. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would!! Author wasn’t lying when they said the MMC would be Astarion-coded.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the absolute boss of a woman that is Sabine! She is currently in my hall of fame as one of my all time favorite FMC’s.
This was such a delightful read, I had a blast, and would heavily encourage anyone to pick it up.
~ ARC Review ~
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
This was so wonderfully written. I wholeheartedly enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would!! Author wasn’t lying when they said the MMC would be Astarion-coded.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the absolute boss of a woman that is Sabine! She is currently in my hall of fame as one of my all time favorite FMC’s.
This was such a delightful read, I had a blast, and would heavily encourage anyone to pick it up.
September 4, 2025
A fall book everyone should read. It's so addictive. I couldn't put it down. It has a lot of mystery and tension. It's a sleepy hollow retelling but also entirely unique and the story was compelling. Sabine and Bastien had immediate chemistry and I loved reading how everything unfolded. It's got unique magic systems and I loved the worldbuilding. It's late 1800s with twists. The spice was very delicious. The plot was probably my favorite part even though I loved everything else from the characters to the pacing to the vibes. An easy favorite.
September 4, 2025
This book was absolutely incredible from start to finish. The Hallow Curse isn’t just another Headless Horseman/Sleepy Hollow retelling- it’s a story that honors the classic while carving out its own identity so creatively. The plot, the characters (THIS is how you write an FMC), and the BANTER (!!) were all paced perfectly. The slow burn and spicy scenes were amazing. The writing was flawless and so easy to fall into. Add this to your TBR and thank me later.
September 6, 2025
Going into this book I had no idea if I would enjoy it or understand the storyline enough as someone who has never seen hallowed hill. I liked it! I really appreciated the work that when into explaining all the different curse’s details. The world building was really cool and made me want to read the first book to have a little more time in it. It was a little too spicy for me but I just skipped over it without loosing any plot. Last but certainly not least, it had all those delicious spooky season vibes that I was hoping for
August 31, 2025
✨✨ARC Review✨✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am so glad I got to see more of Sabine! She is so fun and feisty. Also, throwing in vampires??? Absolutely yes please?? This was a very good follow up to the first book, and it was fun to see a different city if only for a moment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I am so glad I got to see more of Sabine! She is so fun and feisty. Also, throwing in vampires??? Absolutely yes please?? This was a very good follow up to the first book, and it was fun to see a different city if only for a moment.
September 3, 2025
Came for the gorgeous cover,
stayed for the intriguing storyline. I am a sucker for a sassy heroine.
tropes are:
warlocks/vampires gaslamp fantasy forced proximity sassy, cursed FMC demons & demon curses marriage of convenience smut
stayed for the intriguing storyline. I am a sucker for a sassy heroine.
tropes are:
warlocks/vampires gaslamp fantasy forced proximity sassy, cursed FMC demons & demon curses marriage of convenience smut
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