What do you think?
Rate this book
Groom & Doom #2
The Goblin in the Sink Drain
Everything Ana Sartori knows about herself, and her father, is a lie. Or so the Walsh clan would have her believe. Their claims are convincing, the details too vivid to dismiss outright, but she can’t imagine her father as the villain of her story.
Carmichael Sartori is a lot of things. Ruthless. Merciless. Pitiless. But alphas aren’t known for being pushovers. Ana knows pack law is brutal for a reason, and her father enforces the rules with tooth and claw to protect his people. Including her.
But the more time she spends with the Walsh clan, the wider her eyes open to the possibilities of what an alpha could be, what a pack should be, and it makes her wonder if the Walshes are right about other things. The only way for Ana to be certain is to face her father. She’ll have to throw herself to the wolves and hope she makes it out alive with her answers.
Carmichael Sartori is a lot of things. Ruthless. Merciless. Pitiless. But alphas aren’t known for being pushovers. Ana knows pack law is brutal for a reason, and her father enforces the rules with tooth and claw to protect his people. Including her.
But the more time she spends with the Walsh clan, the wider her eyes open to the possibilities of what an alpha could be, what a pack should be, and it makes her wonder if the Walshes are right about other things. The only way for Ana to be certain is to face her father. She’ll have to throw herself to the wolves and hope she makes it out alive with her answers.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2025
687 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Edwards
99 books2,874 followersHailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
November 7, 2025
So we get the next few chapters of what I’m guessing is a serialized story… but most definitely would have been SO much better had we just waited for it to be one full length novel to begin with. As is, the time between publication ( six months for this one, a YEAR until the next!)) of each short installment leaves the reader completely lost when picking the next book. This is especially hard because Ms. Edwards immediately drops us into the storyline as if we just turned the page to the next chapter - mid conversation! There is absolutely no tidbits that will remind us who the characters and their relationships are, no help in catching up with what has happened so far, etc. etc. And, for avid readers like myself, who can read 100 other books in between, there is just no way to remember everything and everybody enough to have ANY idea where we are.
That, along with a whole list of small annoyances such as a FMC that seriously does the most TSTL stuff that it is head rolling (that’s much bigger than eye rolling, let me tell ya). And a Big, bad dragon who acts more like a scared little lizard…. And * warning; the next bit might be kinda maybe spoilerish* what was with that “big” scene where she gets shot and he doesn’t do a THING? Where are the flames, the anger, the retribution, for hurting his MATE?!?!? Nope, let’s just pick her up and go home.
*sigh* Still love the author, just having a bit of trouble with this whole bit.
That, along with a whole list of small annoyances such as a FMC that seriously does the most TSTL stuff that it is head rolling (that’s much bigger than eye rolling, let me tell ya). And a Big, bad dragon who acts more like a scared little lizard…. And * warning; the next bit might be kinda maybe spoilerish* what was with that “big” scene where she gets shot and he doesn’t do a THING? Where are the flames, the anger, the retribution, for hurting his MATE?!?!? Nope, let’s just pick her up and go home.
*sigh* Still love the author, just having a bit of trouble with this whole bit.
November 4, 2025
Three stars is probably an overly generous round up here, because I'm likely not continuing with this series.
On the one hand, it is interesting because this is basically a story following an FMC who has her entire life flipped on its head. Basically, nothing in her life was as she believed it to be.
The problem I have with it, though, is that the FMC is not only a total damsel, she's also utterly brainless. I'm not sure if it is the result of a lifetime of brainwashing (probably) or if she has a potato growing between her ears, but she constantly makes the dumbest possible choice in this book. She was insufferable, and nearly gets people who care about her killed as they follow along with her stupid bullshit.
And I don't get why But because this chick has the intelligence of a box of rocks, she doesn't do it, and just flounders around like a moron. I had secondhand embarrassment for most of this book, quite frankly.
I don't really like her, don't much care what happens with her, and so likely won't bother with the final book in this trilogy when it comes out.
On the one hand, it is interesting because this is basically a story following an FMC who has her entire life flipped on its head. Basically, nothing in her life was as she believed it to be.
The problem I have with it, though, is that the FMC is not only a total damsel, she's also utterly brainless. I'm not sure if it is the result of a lifetime of brainwashing (probably) or if she has a potato growing between her ears, but she constantly makes the dumbest possible choice in this book. She was insufferable, and nearly gets people who care about her killed as they follow along with her stupid bullshit.
And I don't get why But because this chick has the intelligence of a box of rocks, she doesn't do it, and just flounders around like a moron. I had secondhand embarrassment for most of this book, quite frankly.
I don't really like her, don't much care what happens with her, and so likely won't bother with the final book in this trilogy when it comes out.
November 2, 2025
So we're finally getting somewhere in this story, and then we end in a cliffhanger?! AND the next book won't be out for a year?! Come on. Deducted a star for that crap ending.
April 18, 2026
cozy non spicy fantasy
This cozy non spicy fantasy is the second in the series. Ana has left Carmichael (her “father” and the head of the Satori clan) and is staying with Rian and the rest of the Walsh clan, but Carmichael wants her back and is willing to resort to violence to get her.
This cozy non spicy fantasy is the second in the series. Ana has left Carmichael (her “father” and the head of the Satori clan) and is staying with Rian and the rest of the Walsh clan, but Carmichael wants her back and is willing to resort to violence to get her.
April 26, 2026
I love Hailey Edwards books! This series consists of a bunch of short stories that draw you in immediately to Ana Sartori's troubles with her werewolf clan.
This one involves a dragon clan and her fated mate (or at least he thinks so). I enjoyed the banter between Ana and Rian and the secondary characters are just as entertaining and interesting. I'm invested in Ana's life and will be continuing the series to see how their relationship develops.
This one involves a dragon clan and her fated mate (or at least he thinks so). I enjoyed the banter between Ana and Rian and the secondary characters are just as entertaining and interesting. I'm invested in Ana's life and will be continuing the series to see how their relationship develops.
November 2, 2025
Absolutely wonderful! I just love the story, the characters, and the anticipation of the next one.
February 24, 2026
Fun Shifter romance
Ana finds that her Father has been lying to her all her life. Is he even her Dad? The difference between the Walsh clan and the Sartorial becomes more and more obvious.
Ana finds that her Father has been lying to her all her life. Is he even her Dad? The difference between the Walsh clan and the Sartorial becomes more and more obvious.
November 5, 2025
Loved it! Really enjoying the characters!! Great writing, but the characters have completely sold me on this series!!
January 17, 2026
Another fun quick easy read, I’m looking forward to the next one.
February 19, 2026
3.5 stars - I’m enjoying the series. The interaction between the characters is interesting and I look forward to seeing where the author takes it
November 1, 2025
Loved this! My only wish is for the next to be longer so I don’t finish so quickly. Rian and Ana’s story just keeps me turning the pages. I hope these come out in a printed format for my keeper shelves
May 9, 2026
I took a big pause for several days at roughly the 30% mark in this book because the main character decided to do something so colossally stupid I couldn’t deal with it in the middle of the work week and waited until the weekend to proceed.
Somewhere in there, I read a few other peoples’ reviews on the first book in this series, and was interested to find that several of them were less than complimentary, saying that the writing and story weren’t on par with what this author generally puts out. I found that interesting because I had initially assumed Edwards was a newer author and had been surprised to find how big a catalogue she actually has when looking for this title to add to my currently reading shelf here. I’m not sure why I assumed she was a newer author, but it was validating to whatever it was that made me assume it to have other readers say they didn’t feel the last book was up to Edwards’ usual standard.
Despite all of that, I did enjoy the last book, and I did want to read this book. I enjoyed this book as well…even though the main character makes a completely screwed up decision that everyone tells her is bad, and nearly gets some people killed and doesn’t remotely accomplish her goal in making the decision…though it does accomplish a different goal she had in finding out certain truths.
Of course now that that information is out, there are more questions and more information to figure out. There’s another cliffhanger designed to ensure the reader pulls up the next book immediately and start reading. I have now looked ahead. The fifth book has not yet come out and doesn’t come out until December of this year. That’s the down side. The up side is that it will be the final book, so no cliffhangers on and on without end.
The cliffhanger in this book is interesting. The main plot of this book is resolved, I guess, and a new question (sort of) is introduced right at the tail end. It’s the definition of the kind of cliffhanger I don’t mind, or even actively enjoy. And yet it felt like the kind I hate, which is making me wonder if I need to create another mental category of cliffhanger? I think it’s mainly that these stories are fairly short and right now the smaller sub-arcs that are resolving at the end of each book aren’t holding a candle to the larger plot of the series in terms of how much of my attention or interest they hold. Resolving them feels more like resolving a chapter arc while the main arc of the book continue to unfold rather than resolving the main arc of the book and leaving me overall satisfied and just a little teased or appetized for what’s coming next. The tease at the end of this book merely confirms something I was already 99% sure of, even if the main character wasn’t. Why have the book or series, if this weren’t the case. So, it confirms this already known thing without answering any of the questions that I’ve had throughout this book. Consequently it felt more annoying than satisfying/appetite wetting.
Anyway, the third book is out and free, and I want answers to at least a few questions, so I will move forward.
Somewhere in there, I read a few other peoples’ reviews on the first book in this series, and was interested to find that several of them were less than complimentary, saying that the writing and story weren’t on par with what this author generally puts out. I found that interesting because I had initially assumed Edwards was a newer author and had been surprised to find how big a catalogue she actually has when looking for this title to add to my currently reading shelf here. I’m not sure why I assumed she was a newer author, but it was validating to whatever it was that made me assume it to have other readers say they didn’t feel the last book was up to Edwards’ usual standard.
Despite all of that, I did enjoy the last book, and I did want to read this book. I enjoyed this book as well…even though the main character makes a completely screwed up decision that everyone tells her is bad, and nearly gets some people killed and doesn’t remotely accomplish her goal in making the decision…though it does accomplish a different goal she had in finding out certain truths.
Of course now that that information is out, there are more questions and more information to figure out. There’s another cliffhanger designed to ensure the reader pulls up the next book immediately and start reading. I have now looked ahead. The fifth book has not yet come out and doesn’t come out until December of this year. That’s the down side. The up side is that it will be the final book, so no cliffhangers on and on without end.
The cliffhanger in this book is interesting. The main plot of this book is resolved, I guess, and a new question (sort of) is introduced right at the tail end. It’s the definition of the kind of cliffhanger I don’t mind, or even actively enjoy. And yet it felt like the kind I hate, which is making me wonder if I need to create another mental category of cliffhanger? I think it’s mainly that these stories are fairly short and right now the smaller sub-arcs that are resolving at the end of each book aren’t holding a candle to the larger plot of the series in terms of how much of my attention or interest they hold. Resolving them feels more like resolving a chapter arc while the main arc of the book continue to unfold rather than resolving the main arc of the book and leaving me overall satisfied and just a little teased or appetized for what’s coming next. The tease at the end of this book merely confirms something I was already 99% sure of, even if the main character wasn’t. Why have the book or series, if this weren’t the case. So, it confirms this already known thing without answering any of the questions that I’ve had throughout this book. Consequently it felt more annoying than satisfying/appetite wetting.
Anyway, the third book is out and free, and I want answers to at least a few questions, so I will move forward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
enjoyed book 1 better, thought this one lost it’s way
Rating: 3⭐️
The Goblin in the Sink (Groom and Doom Book 2) by Hailey Edwards is a good example of how a series can lose their initial momentum with the second book and all plot potential.
That seems to be a frequent element with some of Edwards writing in her various series. She can strike hot and the entire series is excellent all the way through or the first is promising but falters as it progresses.
Here it’s the later. The first novel had so many interesting moments and potentially intriguing characters that I wondered how Edwards’ next book was going to move the various plots and mysteries forward.
Then the 2nd book releases and the choices made for the characters and plot just end up frustrating and unlikely thought out from multiple standpoints.
Let’s have dragons but deny them the very characteristics and abilities that make them so powerful and memorable so that the villains can act without fear of retaliation for the majority of the story. They might as well be Guinea pigs.
Until boom, suddenly, dragons act sorta like dragons. Or one does. Kinda.
However, it’s turning the main character of Ana Sartori into a person who suddenly puts her own needs above the safety of others, even in the face of overwhelming danger and extreme stupidity. Where it’s clear to everyone it’s a highly threatening trap to do certain things, ones where she’s going to knowingly bring friends into a situation where they might not even survive, but she says , yep let’s go. SMH.
It’s the equivalent of that commercial where there’s choice to go for a garage with swinging horror equipment or a running car and the teenagers choose the garage. It’s like that. Over and over.
Oh no, do you think it’s a trap, trick. I just led my friend who’s now being tortured. Oh no. Wait I knew that was coming.
It’s a constant SMH from a main character who starts coming off as incredibly self absorbed and TSTL.
So it’s barely a 3. And not going forward.
I enjoyed Edwards last series. And I’ll check out the others. But this is a pass.
Groom & Doom (3 book series)
The Vampire in the Potting Shed #1
The Goblin in the Sink #2
The Mermaid in the Shot Glass #3
Rating: 3⭐️
The Goblin in the Sink (Groom and Doom Book 2) by Hailey Edwards is a good example of how a series can lose their initial momentum with the second book and all plot potential.
That seems to be a frequent element with some of Edwards writing in her various series. She can strike hot and the entire series is excellent all the way through or the first is promising but falters as it progresses.
Here it’s the later. The first novel had so many interesting moments and potentially intriguing characters that I wondered how Edwards’ next book was going to move the various plots and mysteries forward.
Then the 2nd book releases and the choices made for the characters and plot just end up frustrating and unlikely thought out from multiple standpoints.
Let’s have dragons but deny them the very characteristics and abilities that make them so powerful and memorable so that the villains can act without fear of retaliation for the majority of the story. They might as well be Guinea pigs.
Until boom, suddenly, dragons act sorta like dragons. Or one does. Kinda.
However, it’s turning the main character of Ana Sartori into a person who suddenly puts her own needs above the safety of others, even in the face of overwhelming danger and extreme stupidity. Where it’s clear to everyone it’s a highly threatening trap to do certain things, ones where she’s going to knowingly bring friends into a situation where they might not even survive, but she says , yep let’s go. SMH.
It’s the equivalent of that commercial where there’s choice to go for a garage with swinging horror equipment or a running car and the teenagers choose the garage. It’s like that. Over and over.
Oh no, do you think it’s a trap, trick. I just led my friend who’s now being tortured. Oh no. Wait I knew that was coming.
It’s a constant SMH from a main character who starts coming off as incredibly self absorbed and TSTL.
So it’s barely a 3. And not going forward.
I enjoyed Edwards last series. And I’ll check out the others. But this is a pass.
Groom & Doom (3 book series)
The Vampire in the Potting Shed #1
The Goblin in the Sink #2
The Mermaid in the Shot Glass #3
November 2, 2025
Ana had her life upended when Rian and the Walsh clan moved into town and now she's trying to sort the truth from the lies over everything she's been told about her mother, her father, and what she is. Frankly, it's a lot. She doesn't quite trust the man who raised her, but she also isn't mentally ready to walk away from the only life she's known. As brutal and awful and constricting as it was.
She's also hesitant about trading one prison (her father's pack) with another (Rian's clan). Except, Rian doesn't rule his clan with fear. He's laidback and receptive to ideas that aren't his own. He's sweet and a little awkward and it's possibly his awkwardness that endears him to Ana the most. Well, that and his occasional shirtless state. To be fair, Rian also gets a little flustered when Ana shows any skin, so they have that in common.
When some of her human friends are made into unwilling pawns in this supernatural standoff, Ana can't let them suffer when she can do something about it. Since she needs to talk to the man who raised her anyway, she agrees to go back to the pack to save them while trying to get answers to some of the questions the Walsh's have raised in her.
Let's just say it doesn't go well and leave it at that.
BUT...Ana does get some of those answers. And she gets to see Rian in all his dragon-y glory. And then she gets to participate in a rescue, which gives her a chance to experience things she'd never experienced before. She also gets to make a choice on who she wants to stand with and I like where this is going!
I must say, I'm enjoying Ana and Rian and their sweet, awkward romance. I'm here to see how it plays out!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
She's also hesitant about trading one prison (her father's pack) with another (Rian's clan). Except, Rian doesn't rule his clan with fear. He's laidback and receptive to ideas that aren't his own. He's sweet and a little awkward and it's possibly his awkwardness that endears him to Ana the most. Well, that and his occasional shirtless state. To be fair, Rian also gets a little flustered when Ana shows any skin, so they have that in common.
When some of her human friends are made into unwilling pawns in this supernatural standoff, Ana can't let them suffer when she can do something about it. Since she needs to talk to the man who raised her anyway, she agrees to go back to the pack to save them while trying to get answers to some of the questions the Walsh's have raised in her.
Let's just say it doesn't go well and leave it at that.
BUT...Ana does get some of those answers. And she gets to see Rian in all his dragon-y glory. And then she gets to participate in a rescue, which gives her a chance to experience things she'd never experienced before. She also gets to make a choice on who she wants to stand with and I like where this is going!
I must say, I'm enjoying Ana and Rian and their sweet, awkward romance. I'm here to see how it plays out!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 24, 2026
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Man, this has been such a disappointing week book wise. It felt like one ”meh” book after another. I’m fairly easy to please….really I am..
Ugh.
I think the problem with this series is (well, besides an infuriating FMC) is that these are basically novellas that don’t really move the story forward until the last 10-15% of the book and then…BAM…it’s over. Talk about cliffhangers. They aren’t life altering, just frustrating.
We FINALLY began to make some progress on this story and then it was over.
This is a story about our FMC- Ana - who was raised in a wolf shifter pack as the daughter of the Alpha. She has been told all her life that she is a “latent” and that is why she couldn’t shift, even though her father tried and tried to force her into the change. And by tried, he had her beaten to an inch of her life thinking that if she thought she was going to die, that would make her body change. It never worked. And yes, her FATHER did that.
In comes a new clan. The “magnus” of this clan is a dragon and boy oh boy does he have a story for her. The premise of this book is really interesting and has so much potential. The problem is that Ana is a frustrating FMC. She has problems making decisions, she is used to having no agency so maybe that is why she is the way she is, but man…….why are you waiting around without demanding answers? Plus, she is not the brightest bulb and it is the little things like that that make this an underwhelming read.
But, with that all said, I am going to keep going. I’m hoping that she grows stronger and that she opens her eyes and finally sees the “giraffe” for what he is…….
Man, this has been such a disappointing week book wise. It felt like one ”meh” book after another. I’m fairly easy to please….really I am..
Ugh.
I think the problem with this series is (well, besides an infuriating FMC) is that these are basically novellas that don’t really move the story forward until the last 10-15% of the book and then…BAM…it’s over. Talk about cliffhangers. They aren’t life altering, just frustrating.
We FINALLY began to make some progress on this story and then it was over.
This is a story about our FMC- Ana - who was raised in a wolf shifter pack as the daughter of the Alpha. She has been told all her life that she is a “latent” and that is why she couldn’t shift, even though her father tried and tried to force her into the change. And by tried, he had her beaten to an inch of her life thinking that if she thought she was going to die, that would make her body change. It never worked. And yes, her FATHER did that.
In comes a new clan. The “magnus” of this clan is a dragon and boy oh boy does he have a story for her. The premise of this book is really interesting and has so much potential. The problem is that Ana is a frustrating FMC. She has problems making decisions, she is used to having no agency so maybe that is why she is the way she is, but man…….why are you waiting around without demanding answers? Plus, she is not the brightest bulb and it is the little things like that that make this an underwhelming read.
But, with that all said, I am going to keep going. I’m hoping that she grows stronger and that she opens her eyes and finally sees the “giraffe” for what he is…….
October 31, 2025
I’ve never read a book by this author that I didn’t completely love, and this latest in the Groom and Doom series is no exception. I just love the dynamic between Ana and Rian, and between Ana and Sloane. The first is, of course, our main character and her love interest, and he is so darn protective of Ana, but he knows he can’t smother her like Carmichael (new name for her father) did so she can learn to stand on her own. I also have a love of great female friendships, and the one between Ana and Sloane is just so tender, loving, and protective on both of their sides I wish every female had this. Add in a great plot, some great action, and interesting developments at the end, I read this in one setting. Oh, and yes, this is a great, fun, captivating, well-written good time. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
November 3, 2025
I enjoyed the previous prequel novella and was looking forward to this book answering some of the questions raised and the further development of the characters and world building. Sadly I was disappointed again with the length and incompleteness of this book. Again the story ends before we learn more of the Walsh clan and overall world. It seems the author either wants to drag out the story because she doesn't know what will happen or to make money from publishing incomplete books. looks like there will be a 3rd book in about a year, don't know if I will bother unless it is actually a complete book. it's a shame as I love dragons and shapeshifters and the series has potential but the books are too short to develop story or characters well.
November 9, 2025
This one picks up where the last one left off. Ana is trying to shore up her life so that her father is not a threat. Sadly she's not quite fast enough, but thankfully she has the help of Rian and his family. As they work to make the threat go away and make sure all of Ana's human people are ok, Ana learns quite a bit about her and Rian's family. Through some quick moves and sly actions they end up with everyone safe for now and have taken some of the people out of the game. Ana's father and his pack are still around and I'm sure causing trouble will not stop for them yet. But I loved the thing Ana discovered about herself right at the end. It will be fun to see where things go for her from here.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Goblin in the Sink Drain picks up immediately after conclusion of the first book when main character Ana Sartori discovered that her alpha (asshole) wolf father kidnapped her when she was young. Ana and her best friend Sloane are safely inside Walsh territory, but her father has four associates of Ana’s kidnapped and will hold them until Ana goes home to her father and the Satori pack.
Ana was abused as a child, led to believe she didn’t belong to the wolf pack because she’s a latent (can’t shift), beat up by other shifter kids, and looked down upon by pack mates. Ana finally stands up for herself and leaves, but then feels guilty. And after the humans are kidnapped, she sees only one solution, to return to the Satori pack to take her punishment. I don’t like that Ana feels like she should be punished for standing up for herself and trying to escape the abusive clutches of her father and pack. I also didn’t like that Ana was willing to go back, knowing the punishment she and Sloane would receive, without any sort of potential exit plan.
While I felt the author’s case for why Ana returned home was weak, it did set up the events needed to move the storyline forward. The book has a transitional quality, setting up future tales. I like that Ana is learning to stand up for herself after years of being punished for having her own opinion. And that Ana is ready to make her own destiny and stop letting important conversations and decisions happen around and to her.
Narration: The story is shared from the first person POV of Ana. The narrator has a softer, upbeat feminine voice, which is adjusted slightly for character dialogue, based on age, gender, and species. Her voice is gentle and easy to listen to; well-suited for Ana. Her males are generally lower pitched. Her younger characters tend to be suitably bubbly and more vivacious. Characters of the same gender sound very similar. In fact, when Ana and Sloan are talking, it’s difficult to figure out sometimes who is who because there aren’t a lot of dialogue tags. That said, it does not ruin my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, The Goblin in the Sink Drain is a solid sophomore title in the Groom & Doom urban fantasy series. This one was a bit more violent than the preceding book, but still maintains a quasi-cozy feel. Now that Ana knows the truth of her parentage, I look forward to seeing how she adapts to her new life.
My Ratings:
Story: B-
Narration: B
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the publisher
Ana was abused as a child, led to believe she didn’t belong to the wolf pack because she’s a latent (can’t shift), beat up by other shifter kids, and looked down upon by pack mates. Ana finally stands up for herself and leaves, but then feels guilty. And after the humans are kidnapped, she sees only one solution, to return to the Satori pack to take her punishment. I don’t like that Ana feels like she should be punished for standing up for herself and trying to escape the abusive clutches of her father and pack. I also didn’t like that Ana was willing to go back, knowing the punishment she and Sloane would receive, without any sort of potential exit plan.
While I felt the author’s case for why Ana returned home was weak, it did set up the events needed to move the storyline forward. The book has a transitional quality, setting up future tales. I like that Ana is learning to stand up for herself after years of being punished for having her own opinion. And that Ana is ready to make her own destiny and stop letting important conversations and decisions happen around and to her.
Narration: The story is shared from the first person POV of Ana. The narrator has a softer, upbeat feminine voice, which is adjusted slightly for character dialogue, based on age, gender, and species. Her voice is gentle and easy to listen to; well-suited for Ana. Her males are generally lower pitched. Her younger characters tend to be suitably bubbly and more vivacious. Characters of the same gender sound very similar. In fact, when Ana and Sloan are talking, it’s difficult to figure out sometimes who is who because there aren’t a lot of dialogue tags. That said, it does not ruin my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, The Goblin in the Sink Drain is a solid sophomore title in the Groom & Doom urban fantasy series. This one was a bit more violent than the preceding book, but still maintains a quasi-cozy feel. Now that Ana knows the truth of her parentage, I look forward to seeing how she adapts to her new life.
My Ratings:
Story: B-
Narration: B
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the publisher
November 7, 2025
I liked this book a lot better than the first and m, it had good lore and stronger humor. It does still give serial novel vibes though which wouldn't be too bad if it wasn't for the cliffhanger ending and the year long wait till the next book. With how little we got over the length of 2 books in a series the feeling of satisfaction that keeps you waiting for the next book release just isn't there for me. 4 stars is probably me rounding up a bit as I wouldn't consider it very high among my other 4 star reads
Still part of this was my fault for not checking if the series was complete, so I do think I'll be giving the author another chance with one of her completed works
Still part of this was my fault for not checking if the series was complete, so I do think I'll be giving the author another chance with one of her completed works
December 13, 2025
Just as magical as the first in the series
Hailey has done it again! I couldn’t put this one down. I love the magic system in this world, all the different types of shifters we see, and most of all, the characters— they are so well rounded for a novella. I’ve read enter book series with less enticing characters. While the reveal of the goblin in the sink drain was not as satisfying as the vampire in the potting shed (and c’mon, what’s going to beat the reveal of betrothed dragon shifter??), the rest of the shenanigans kept me thoroughly entertained. I can’t wait for book three!
Hailey has done it again! I couldn’t put this one down. I love the magic system in this world, all the different types of shifters we see, and most of all, the characters— they are so well rounded for a novella. I’ve read enter book series with less enticing characters. While the reveal of the goblin in the sink drain was not as satisfying as the vampire in the potting shed (and c’mon, what’s going to beat the reveal of betrothed dragon shifter??), the rest of the shenanigans kept me thoroughly entertained. I can’t wait for book three!
January 20, 2026
The Goblin in the Sink Drain was a pretty good continuation of Ana and Rian's story. But I removed a star because this series is really just one book that's been chopped up into multiple parts. I enjoyed reading it but it felt incomplete and doesn't move the plot forward much.
Ana and Rian have a lot of healthy communication while also having great chemistry. This romance is slow burn by book standards although in plot they've really only known each other a few days.
This is a small detail but I was disappointed that there wasn't a more exciting tie-in for the title. This is a magical world so I expected some interesting magical shenanigans and it turned out meh.
Ana and Rian have a lot of healthy communication while also having great chemistry. This romance is slow burn by book standards although in plot they've really only known each other a few days.
This is a small detail but I was disappointed that there wasn't a more exciting tie-in for the title. This is a magical world so I expected some interesting magical shenanigans and it turned out meh.
January 31, 2026
Unremarkable.
This second book in the series could very easily be part of the first book and no one would be any the wiser. It is very difficult to take this story seriously when the author has created an unremarkable plot and combined it with characters lacking charisma. The heroine is a drip. Even taking into consideration that Ana has been “protected” her entire life, she has no backbone or personality. For an alpha leader, the hero is incredibly passive. The entire story feels curated for a much younger audience. Thankfully, the quirky supporting characters add some humour to the overall narrative. 2.5 stars.
This second book in the series could very easily be part of the first book and no one would be any the wiser. It is very difficult to take this story seriously when the author has created an unremarkable plot and combined it with characters lacking charisma. The heroine is a drip. Even taking into consideration that Ana has been “protected” her entire life, she has no backbone or personality. For an alpha leader, the hero is incredibly passive. The entire story feels curated for a much younger audience. Thankfully, the quirky supporting characters add some humour to the overall narrative. 2.5 stars.
March 10, 2026
I'll say 3.5 stars this time. I am enjoying the building of Ana and Rian's relationship. Goldie is a hoot. And the storyline is coming along. I just wish Ana will eventually give up the damsel in distress and show much more backbone. (I understand she was 'sheltered' all her life - especially being a 'wolf unable to shift into her animal' - but she needs to open her eyes as her eyes are finally being opened to the reality behind the pack). Also, it would be nice if the installments were longer. 13 chapters? Barely time to start getting into an idea - would have been better if Book 1 and 2 were put together at least.
That being said, I am invested enough to want to see what comes next!
That being said, I am invested enough to want to see what comes next!
April 13, 2026
Another fun cozy shifter series that ends in a fun hook. I can’t wait to see where this journey leads Ana. I’m really enjoying this new Walsh clan. I love the found family vibes that they give. The interaction between the characters is very engaging and sometimes it’s hilarious. I really enjoyed several of the scenes. I can’t wait to see what Ana does next.
The narrator, Leanne Woodward does an amazing job portraying all of the characters. The narrator breathes life into the characters and she kept me engaged till the very end.
A very special thanks to Tantor Audio for the gifted audiobook.
The narrator, Leanne Woodward does an amazing job portraying all of the characters. The narrator breathes life into the characters and she kept me engaged till the very end.
A very special thanks to Tantor Audio for the gifted audiobook.
November 3, 2025
I’m loving this series. I feel just as clueless as poor Ana. Her whole life has been one big fat lie but she’s gradually adjusting to her new reality. The members of the Walsh clan are a delight as is her best friend, Sloane. Too bad the same can’t be said for the Sartori pack. Ana’s life is endangered when she and Rían confront one of her father’s allies.
She discovers that her father's second in command is making a play to be alpha and that he wants her out of the picture. Rían swoops in to rescue her. I hope Ana eventually grows to appreciate him.
She discovers that her father's second in command is making a play to be alpha and that he wants her out of the picture. Rían swoops in to rescue her. I hope Ana eventually grows to appreciate him.
November 3, 2025
Another home run!
I love how HE books always jump right back in, without all the “reminders” written in, like so many other authors. This book is such a quick but adorable read. I know her books are always slow burn, so I am fully expecting to not see the FMC have a change of heart until book 4 or 5, if these end up like her Savannah or ATL series. Loved the unexpected shifting magic. So cool! The cliffhangers KILL me. Dead. But adored this book. Now, please hurry up and write the rest of them!
I love how HE books always jump right back in, without all the “reminders” written in, like so many other authors. This book is such a quick but adorable read. I know her books are always slow burn, so I am fully expecting to not see the FMC have a change of heart until book 4 or 5, if these end up like her Savannah or ATL series. Loved the unexpected shifting magic. So cool! The cliffhangers KILL me. Dead. But adored this book. Now, please hurry up and write the rest of them!
November 4, 2025
Excellent Writing but Still Too Short
So this second book/novella is as short as the first one, giving us only another 13 chapters and more questions about how cellular phones can use payment apps and yet be offline. However we aren’t stuck with an abrupt ending/semi-cliffhanger so I was tempted to give five stars, but we are still left with a whole lot of questions and almost no answers. To be perfectly honest, I definitely would have preferred that the author combined the first two books into one.
So this second book/novella is as short as the first one, giving us only another 13 chapters and more questions about how cellular phones can use payment apps and yet be offline. However we aren’t stuck with an abrupt ending/semi-cliffhanger so I was tempted to give five stars, but we are still left with a whole lot of questions and almost no answers. To be perfectly honest, I definitely would have preferred that the author combined the first two books into one.
December 22, 2025
Wow, some of these reviews are brutal. I'm hoping it's less than 10 months until the next book but even if it's not it will be worth it. Also, the cliffhanger was perfect to me. It gave me just enough to want more but not leaving me anxious. First time reading any books by this author. This and the first book are just so flawlessly good. It's low spice but there's enough to make it zing a little, perfect. There's a little language which I appreciate 😉 I laughed out loud quite a few times. I'm so excited for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews