Haunted Mediation

Conflict Mediation: Not So Normative Spin-Off #2

by D.C. Emerson

It’s been six months since workplace rivals James and Leon were sent to conflict mediation, only to end up in couple's counseling. Since then, they’ve become friends, and James would even go so far as to call them best friends.

Which is great. Truly. James is so grateful for their lunch dates and weekend hangouts...even if his feelings for Leon moved way past platonic months ago.

What matters is his mom is doing better now. She’s been in remission for almost a full year and is becoming increasingly independent—right in time for her all-time favorite holiday: Halloween. All James has wanted for years is for her to be healthy enough to enjoy the small things in life, like having her new “friends” over for scary movies and pumpkin flavored treats.

So why does he feel so lost and aimless now? He knows he should talk to Leon about it. Halloween night doesn’t seem like the right time, though, especially not when they get tricked into visiting a house of horrors. If James can get through it, maybe then they can talk, even if doing so feels scarier than anything they’ll face in the haunted house.

Haunted Mediation is an MM novella with trans rep, featuring a troublesome neighbor, a needy cat, and a Haunted House.

The Conflict Mediation novella series should be read in order and is a spinoff from the Not So Normative series, but can be read separately from the other Not So Normative books. The reading order is: Conflict Mediation, Haunted Mediation, Conflict Resolutions, Love Mediation, and a finale.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Queer, LGBT, M M Romance, Halloween, Transgender

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

D.C. is an avid board gamer and rock climber who lives on the East Coast of the United States but loves to travel to places near and far as often as they can.

D.C. has always identified as queer, but during the pandemic they came out as nonbinary (they/them pronouns) to family and friends. This book was part of that process, and they have loved exploring different genderqueer identities like their own through their writing, reading, research, and countless hours watching reels and videos on social media.

Their biggest hope in writing queer fiction is to provide at least one other person out there with characters and story lines that they can recognize themselves, or their friends and loved ones in.

Reviews

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can*]

Read for free with Kindle Unlimited
-----

Eh, not for me *shrugs* not sure if its my mood or if can't get into it right now.

Still would read more from this author.

[TeeReads]

4.5 stars

This just gets even better. I read Conflict Mediation when it was originally a free download from D.C. Emerson's newsletter. To no one's surprise, I absolutely loved it like anything else from them and I was thrilled when they announced a whole series from that short story. James and Leon are expanded on even more in this one (this novella is three times as long as Conflict Mediation). We learn how their friendship has grown and more about who they are. One thing D.C. Emerson does so well is creating real, unique, and interesting characters, and they are all so believable and genuine. You can always see the care they put into each story they write and this is no exception. I love where this is going and the slow burn vibes are done so well. I'm so excited for the rest of this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Chloe]

Haunted Mediation by D.C. Emerson

🧡 Best Friends to Lovers
🧡 Co-workers
🧡 Opposites Attract
🧡 Haunted House setting
🧡 Hurt/Comfort
🧡 Slow Burn with Pining
🧡 Trans, Gay & Pan Rep
🧡 Novella

I really enjoyed this novella! After reading Conflict Mediation I was excited to see how James and Leon's friendship would progress to something more and the author did a great job of blending sweet moments, heavier themes and hurt/comfort elements together. I loved the tension and mutual pining between James and Leon, they were so cute together and I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭.5
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺.5

Third person dual pov 👀

Content Warnings
On page: panic attack, parent in cancer remission, psychological horror, medical horror, fake blood and gore.
Mentioned: death of a parent, parent abandonment, medical details about cancer treatment.

[Elio]

I received an ARC of this book! The Conflict Mediation Series is actually the first I’ve read of D.C. Emerson’s work and I’m so excited to read the rest of their work! I paused between books to purchase the rest of the Not So Normative collection. 😅😂

Haunted Mediation was so adorable. Like kicking my feet giggling adorable. I’ve spent an evening with these characters and I am wholly invested. Leon and James are such well developed characters and I’m excited to see more of them in the books to come.

[Taylor Priem]

Honestly this was actually so freaking cute I can’t omgggg!!!!

The whole concept of it being Halloween themed intrigued me and the cover alone like hello gorgeous men!!! And with that in mind held this book at a high standard already and I actually quite enjoyed this book.

The best part was the Halloween haunted house because that’s when it really picked up which was near the end and I didn’t mind that aspect oh they are so cute James and Leon are so adorable I can’t. I knew they seemed like a couple from the first novella since each novella in this series has them in it but each are different novella types and that’s so genius but like this had so much potential and it worked so well and I loved them in this one.

Ughh like the first kiss come onnnnn that’s so cute and all the anxiety and etc rep is very strong in this you could feel what was being portrayed throughout


I also think each book has a stage in their relationship and them finding who they are as individuals but also finding themselves with each other too like they are finding who they are as a couple since this was the first time they kissed and etc !!

Such a cute adorable read and I really enjoyed this one and the theme of Halloween was amazing ughhh my precious little beans!!!!!

[Ally]

First of all, thank you so much to D.C. Emerson for the ARC of this novella. I'm glad to have been brought into the world of Levi and James!

For this book to be so short, it packs a punch. I love reading stories with queer representation when peoples' coming out/transition stories aren't the center of the conflict, so this one was a nice change of pace. Both Levi and James had depth and felt like real people which is equally impressive in the short number of pages.

The reasons this book didn't rank higher for me is 1) the third person POV (this purely because of my own personal tastes) and 2) the execution of the haunted house in this novella was incredibly heavy handed and not at all realistic. I get psychological horror houses, but this was extreme in an unusual way that removed me from the story; readers should make sure to read the triggers before indulging in this story.

I'm still giddy over the ending and already miss Levi and James. I definitely look forward to reading more in the future.

[✶]

I love everything about this story!! I’d already admired how we got to know James and Leon in Conflict Mediation in a few short chapters, and Haunted Mediation expanded on that perfectly. We see how their relationship has grown and changed since their accidental couple counseling session, how they’ve become best friends and crushing on each other. They’re both such endearing characters and together they’re so adorable, so it’s super easy to root for them. There’s a bit of a slow burn and the tension is absolutely delicious. I also loved seeing the more emotionally deeper bits of Leon and James and how they comfort each other in the haunted house.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series!
Thank you to the author for the ARC! 🫶

[Reading Rommance]

Another super cute installment in this series. I love how short and sweet they are! Leon is still a secret softy grump and James is still precious. I love the mutual pining and Leon's love for his neighbor. I also enjoyed how each man was 'scared' by a different aspect of the house. Overall, this little shortie was so fun.

Notes: novella, halloween, friends to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, coworkers

[Gabs (gaybism)]

Need. More.

[Molly Otto]

We pick off six or so months after Leon & James accidentally went to couples counseling. Slowly these two are opening up and allowing the other in, top bad neither is brave enough to take that next step. Than a haunted house changes it all. through these rooms more feelings are let out, enabling honesty and freedom to just be. What ends on a soft cliffhanger holds the promise of a future for these two opposite men.

I received an early copy of this story for my honest review.

[Colleen (colleenreads40)]

4.25/5 ⭐

Haunted Mediation is the second book in D.C. Emerson’s Conflict Mediation series. This series of novellas should be read in order, starting with Conflict Mediation. Although this series is a spin-off of Emerson’s Not So Normative series, reading that won’t be required to enjoy Conflict Mediation. Here’s what you can expect from Leon and James:

🎃 MM contemporary romance novella
🎃 Third person dual point of view
🎃 Guaranteed happily ever after
🎃 Transmasculine main character
🎃 Best friends to lovers
🎃 Hurt/comfort
🎃 Slow burn with pining
🎃 Opposites attract
🎃 Coworkers
🎃 A life-changing haunted house

Ensure you review the content and trigger warnings to decide if this book is right for you. Note that this list of warnings may be incomplete. Please take care of yourself while reading.
⚠️ Parent with cancer
⚠️ Some medical details about cancer treatment
⚠️ Past death of a parent
⚠️ Haunted house features, including blood, gore, a “hospital scene,” and a “psychological horror” scene
⚠️ Depiction of on page panic attack

I think the concept for this series is so cool, and I’m totally along for the ride with Leon and James here. We met them during their conflict mediation turned couples counselling session in Conflict Mediation, and we’re back seven months later with them. There’s pining, there’s yearning, and a lovely friendship somewhat hangs in the balance. I loved seeing them as friends compared to adversaries in the first novella. They have such a fun friendship, and their banter back and forth is perfect for them. We’re also getting deeper glimpses into who they are as people. The exterior skin Leon wears to protect himself. The trauma James carries from being a caregiver for a parent with cancer (his realizations in the haunted house regarding his mother just hit me deeply, and I think they’ll resonate for many). When Leon and James find themself at an impressively scary haunted house on Halloween with Leon’s troublesome (read firecracker, I loved her so much) neighbour, they don’t expect to come out totally different than they went in…in the best possible way!

These two are just so sweet, and I’m rooting for them and their budding relationship. That haunted house was wild! Talk about trial by fire, there was a lot going on in there. It was so awesome watching them get the other through it, and realizing some truths about their relationship along the way. Am I obsessed with Leon calling James darlin’? Yes! It had me kicking my feet while reading this. I can’t wait to see what happens with these two next when we meet them again for New Year’s. These novellas are short, easy reads with lots of heart and emotion. Definitely check them out!

I received an advanced review copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Kristine]

What an excellent next instalment in the Conflict Mediation series!

Seven months have passed since James and Leon went to conflict mediation together, and they’ve become the best of friends. It’s clear early on that they both have feelings for each other but are probably too scared to admit it, in case it ruins the friendship they’ve built. Halloween has arrived, and our two MCs come face to face with fears, which ultimately brings them even closer.

This story very much feels like a slow burn, despite the stories being quite short. I enjoyed every moment of reading Haunted Mediation, and it’s left me very eagerly anticipating the next story in the series, and I can’t wait to follow the men as their relationship develops further throughout the holiday season!!




I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are mine. Thank you, D.C. Emerson, for the privilege of reading this story early!

[Alexx (obscure.pages)]

Can't believe this silly haunted house is making us confront our fears and insecurities bro 😩🥀

Jokes aside, I loved this! Much like the first book, this one was more character-driven/focused more on the characters (and yes I absolutely like that)

I thought it was funny and masterful how Halloween and a haunted house were used in this story to explore the characters' fears and traumas. It helped build their characterizations more and helped move their relationship/love story forward.

Overall, I really like this and I'm really liking this series. I can't wait for the next one!

[ds321]

Strongly recommend. It picks up after the short story Conflict Mediation. (Reading that first is a great idea - not totally essential, but will definitely add depth. Plus it’s a great read.)

I am anti-spoiler, so I don’t want to give too many details. But I enjoyed getting to know James and Leon. Their personalities shine, and their relationship develops alongside each MC’s understanding of the other… and themselves. Some good supporting characters as well.

And the haunted house was amazing on multiple levels.

Terrific book overall, and I look forward to the continuation of the series.

I received the book as an ARC. This is my honest review.

[ree]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book and truly such a fun cute short read! im thoroughly enjoying this novella series and cant wait for the rest im actually waiting very impatiently LOL its very cutie i love james and leo's relationship dynamic its a bit different from the same tropes ive been reading recently and i feel like the pacing of the book works so well for them.

and the haunted house atmosphere of this book was really well written and i loved that it wasnt just a physical haunted house with jump scares but it was psychological which is scarier to some ppl. idk if its bc i'm going through smth similar mentally as James so i felt more connected to it but it really felt a little suffocating at one point (in a positive way) with how the one haunted room was written like i felt like i was experiencing the panic with him.

[Lorena]

thank you so much for the eArc

I'm so happy we returned to James and Leon's world!
It was so good to see their friendship slowly growing and turning into something more <3 I can't believe they finally kissed, the slow burn was delicious!

In such a short number of pages I had fun, I was attacked, I cried and I was spooked ! 10/10 experience
I loved the halloween mood, I loved the haunted house and how the author played with it, " that" room was an excellent plot twist.

Loved once again the pan rep <3 and ofc all the others rep were well done and it was really funny to see all the secondary queer characters

[Luqueerbooks]

This was so much more emotional than I thought it would be. Overwhelming even, which is amazing and impressing for such a short novella. They're utterly precious and perfect for each other and deserve all the good and love.

[Frida]

⭐️ 3.25 stars

Haunted Mediation by D.C. Emerson is the kind of novella that makes you smile like an idiot and sigh into your tea at the same time. It’s tender, funny, and quietly emotional. A perfectly imperfect continuation of Conflict Mediation, which I adored!

James and Leon are back, still circling each other with that mix of friendship, tension, and endearingly confused affection that makes you want to lock them in a room together and say, “Figure it out, folks.” What started as two co-workers accidentally sent to couples counselling (and bonding through mutual exasperation) has now grown into a real emotional connection. You can feel the fondness, the slow burn, the pining….and oh, the pining is so good.

This novella adds a haunted house setting to the mix, which feels fun and seasonally fitting, but if I’m honest, a little uneven. Something about the balance felt slightly off, as though the emotional beats and the ghostly bits were competing for space instead of deepening each other. There's a lot to unpack in their individual stories, but the novella was too short to unpack them.

That said, it’s still absolutely endearing. James and Leon’s chemistry carries the story effortlessly.
It’s short, sweet, a bit clumsy in places, but filled with heart.

[Laura]

tysm to the author for sending me the earc!

i was so happy when i learned there would have been more novellas with james and leon! after conflict mediation i was HOOKED to their story and couldn't wait for more. safe to say i was not disappointed!

i loved every single word of this story! the characters are so loveable and easy to relate to, it feels surreal. 

it's crazy how many emotions i felt within these pages

can't wait for the next one!

[Donna]

This is a perfect follow up to Conflict Mediation, the first book in the series. James and Leon have worked out their issues from book 1 and are now best friends, spending more time together, with regular Friday nights spent doing things friends do. When James needs to find something to do on Halloween so his mother (now recovered from her cancer) can have friends over for the night, even though Halloween is on a Saturday, they plan to go to a nearby bar for the evening, but plans change when Leon’s teenage neighbor Hailey asks them to walk her to meet her friends at a community trick or treat. Hailey actually has ulterior motives, planning to “accidentally” run into her friends at a haunted house she isn’t allowed to attend without someone over 18, and Leon is her intended older person. When it turns out one friend is over 18, Leon and James decide to go through the haunted house after Hailey’s group, planning to meet up again for the walk home. Little do they know what feelings, good and bad, will result from the adventure.

The world building for the haunted house is really good, so many individual rooms with things to scare and go bump in the night, as well as rooms that play with psychological and emotional feelings that trigger different reactions in both James and Leon. The rooms are a catalyst for the two men to discover unknown fears in the other, and to learn that the feelings they both hold for each other are returned. The reactions of both men were realistically portrayed as each faced their own personal doubts and fears in their situation, and the other was there with concern and total support. It is hard to know at this point if book 3 will continue where this one leaves off, or if it will continue further into the future. I just know I want to learn what comes next in their relationship, personally, professionally, and with James’s mom.

I got a kick out of James’s “creative” costume, just requiring a change of an item or two from Friday to Saturday and an instant “different”costume that fit his personality so well. Leon’s fit his style, too. I could easily picture both as they went through the haunted house. I also really enjoy the banter between them, it feels so natural and totally “them”. The story is entertaining, but also very serious as both confront fears they weren’t expecting. I learned a new term this time, “faefriend” (girlfriend or boyfriend for non-binary folks), and I seem to learn some small new idea or fact with each one of D. C. Emerson’s books. I do appreciate that, as my knowledge of all the identities on the LGTBQ+ spectrum keep expanding the more MM romances I read. Learning more is good for my understanding of challenges faced by many today. I look forward to the next two books in the series. Wish the wait wasn’t so long.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.

[Elise]

I love that we have a series where we get to follow along with how things progress with James and Leon. While it’s not necessary to read Conflict Mediation, I think it helps put a few things together.

In Haunted Mediation, we catch up with James and Leon months after their mandatory conflict mediation session, which was more like couples counseling, and the two have become friends. It’s clear that there is some attraction on both sides, but neither is willing to test the waters and ruin the tentative friendship they’ve reached.

James has been taking care of his mother after her cancer diagnosis, and Halloween is her favorite holiday. While they are decorating for it, she asks James if he has plans … and basically lets him know he needs to find some because she has some friends coming over. James makes plans with Leon, and the night goes differently than what they planned.

These two end up following James’ neighbor Hailey and her friends through a haunted house that seems to be very well planned out. The haunted house includes both the jump scares that you would expect, but also some rooms designed to be more psychological horror. James and Leon both had to wrestle a little with some personal traumas during those rooms, but it also brought them to a point of admitting that they wanted to be there for each other in a more than friends way.

I love that Leon calls James a mensch, it just makes me chuckle every time I read it. I also love how protective Leon is of Hailey, even though she is almost eighteen. He’s not as gruff as he likes to put on, which makes these stories so fun.

I can’t wait to see what happens with these two for the rest of the series, and hope that Yarman has a key role to play in their relationship.

I received an ARC and can't wait for the next book!

[Adeselna]

Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange for a review ❤️

“Haunted Mediation” continues months after the events of “Conflict Mediation”. James and Leon can now call each other friends, they are spending more time together, and since James doesn’t have a lot of friends, he finds himself longing to spend more time with Leon. Leon, on the other hand, sees James now in a different light. His feelings are a bit more complicated. James is adorable, and Leon enjoys his time with him. Yet both still seem unsure in admitting their feelings for each other.

For such a short novella, "Haunted Mediation" really hits all the right spots.

James has spent a lot of his time helping his mom with her illness, and for a while he wasn’t able to live the life most single people do. He made sure his mom always had everything, and now that she’s better, James realizes how lonely he is. Aside from Leon, he doesn’t really go out that much and doesn’t have friends. Now that his mom is moving on, how can he also regain control of his life?

The fear of loneliness really resonated with me. James fear of being alone forever or being too late in life to experience some things hit a nerve. For such a small book, it packs a punch with feelings. He yearns for Leon, and yet he’s afraid of Leon’s reaction. Leon sees James differently now, but he doesn’t want to ruin things. The more he sees James’ anxiety and feelings in the haunted house, the more he feels like he needs to be more than a friend. He wants to show James that he is perfect for him, that he matters.

For such a short novella, D. C. Emerson did an amazing job portraying both James and Leon. Their feelings and vulnerability were truly sincere, and there were heartbreaking moments where I really just wanted to hug James! It requires skill to write with such devotion what James and Leon experience, especially in such a short format.

“Haunted Mediation” is adorable and sweet, it is about facing our fears, but also taking a leap and accepting that in life, we deserve good things even when we believe those things will never happen. I really want to read the rest of their story 🥺

[LC]

I first read Conflict Mediation and thought these guys are cute, there needs to be more to this story. Luckily the author felt the same way and wrote Haunted Mediation which is a longer follow up to the original story.

Leon is a bad boy in image only. In real life, he takes care of his friends, loves his cat, and gets his job done. He only expects respect and integrity from others. James is a softie, he has gone through a lot with his mom having cancer, and just wants to get a long. Constant bickering ended up with these two getting sent to therapy in the first book. It ended with them becoming friends.

In Haunted Mediation, both men are struggling with their feelings of more and wondering whether the other feels the same way. It also brings James to a turning point. His mom is getting better, stronger, and starting to turn the page from her cancer battle. What does that mean for him? Who is James if no one needs him?

While not super long, I feel like this story catches up with the aftermath of Conflict Mediation and moves us a bit closer to the goal posts. Haunted Mediation is a happy for now ending with the hope of a happily ever after in the future. I am perfectly happy with that ending for this story. I feel like Conflict introduced us to Leon and James and Haunted shows us more of who they are and what they’re looking for in a relationship. I like that the author is building a world right in front of us, even bringing in the Rainbow Bean from They Were Roommates, and giving us little slices of it at a time. I like the pace of Haunted and introduction of new characters in the mom’s life and Hailey. I hope that December comes quickly so we can see what kind of shenanigans the couple gets up to in Conflict Resolution.

* I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*

[Justinelivre]

I received this book as an ARC !

I loved seeing James and Leon again, who went from being colleagues who hated each other to best friends who tease each other. I really like their dynamic; they are different but work well together, and I like the fact that they are comfortable enough with each other to have non sexual physical intimacy. The Halloween and haunted house atmosphere was really incredible; I've never read a book with such a well-developed haunted house. There is a good representation of trauma and mental health with a trigger that causes an anxiety attack. Overall, they are super cute together, and it was really sweet to read. I couldn't wait to see how their relationship developed! There is also good representation: gay, pan, trans, ADHD, sick parent, absent or dead parent characters.



J’ai reçu ce livre en service presse !

J’ai adoré retrouvé James et Leon, qui sont passés de collègues qui se détestent, à s’envoyer des piques à meilleur ami. J’aime beaucoup leur dynamique, ils sont différents mais fonctionnent bien ensemble et le fait qu’ils soient assez à l’aise l’un avec l’autre pour avoir une intimité physique non sexuelle. L’ambiance Halloween et maison hantée était vraiment incroyable, j’ai jamais lu de livre avec une maison hantée aussi bien élaborée. Il y a une bonne représentation des traumas et de la santé mentale avec une déclencheur qui entraîne une crise d’angoisse. Globalement ils sont super mignon ensemble et c’était vraiment doux à lire et j’avais hâte de voir l’évolution de leur relation ! Il y a aussi une bonne représentation : personnages gay, pan, trans, ADHD, parent malade, parent absent ou mort.

[That One Romance Reader]

*ARC Review* Thank you to D.C. Emerson for sending me a copy!

Intro:
This book is an MM romance between James and Leon, two coworkers and best friends who secretly have feelings for each other.


Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Friends To Lovers
-Mutual Pining
-Haunted House/Spooky Season
-Trans MMC
-Slow Burn
-Hurt/Comfort
-Queer Rep (Side Characters)
-No Spice, Just Kissing
-HFN (Happy For Now)


Likes:
-The constant banter back and forth
-I think Leon's concern was really endearing
-Multiple location changes to keep scenes interesting
-The way they both support each other and those around them is really sweet
-The personal information for each MMC made it easy to connect with them
-There is so much queer rep and I am here for it!
-The cover is so cute and I love the color scheme and how it matches the first book


My Dislikes:
-N/A

Quotes
-"He was cute, but today he was downright adorable, and Leon could barely stand it."
-"What, should I hold your hand and call you darlin?"
-"You stared into my eyes and called me baby. There's not a chance in hell I would forget that, darlin."

This book is the second book in an on going series, Conflict Mediation. I highly recommend reading the first book first, but this book can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this story and thought it was a really cute, kind of fluffy, spooky themed book. It was also a quick read and the pacing felt right. I recommend giving this a read if you are looking for a cute and fluffy spooky season romance read.

[Katriana]

When I read Conflict Mediation, I began to adore Leon and James, both as individuals but also as their potential together.. In this book I can say I absolutely fully adore them now, they are just so cute together! You might think with the way Leon's character is described he wouldn't be as hesitant and shy to take a risk with James but the truth is that he's a big softie under his tougher exterior and he's so sweet. The way he was constantly checking in on James throughout the Haunted House they went into and how he helped the other man through the whole thing without making it a bit deal was just the epitome of sweetness.

And James also ended up helping Leon get through a certain horrific room in the Haunted House as well, they both helped each other and were each other's shoulders to lean on when they needed help. While this is a short story, DC knows how to make a book feel full and expansive while being on the shorter side. I didn't feel as though anything was lacking or rushed, things just flowed so naturally it was seamless! I am happy to say what once was a budding friendship turned into a blossoming one, and now they've even started a romantic relationship too! Yay!

I'm really excited to see what DC has Leon and James get up to next and to find out how their story continues from here.

(P.S. I love Hailey, she's so confident, bold, and snarky, her banter with Leon was so amusing to read through.)

[Polycraftory]

I adore James and Leon. The two of them are so sweet together and this series is so sweet. There is a lot of depth to the characters packed into a very short story. They have complex backstories and histories with each other and more generally. I loved the prequel to this and this novella was also very fun. I do think the author is trying to cover a lot of character growth and relationship growth in a short amount of time and achieves it very well but it does mean you don't get the traditional pay off of a "relationship talk" formally or a sex scene which is more classic in a longer book. I don't think this needed it. And I do want to read more to see where their relationship is going. I also am so invested in the side characters, especially Jame's mom who is sooooo cool! The diversity in sexuality and gender identities in the main couple and side couples is so great in this series! Also age, talking about how parents can learn new terms and be accepting for their kids and also learn who they are later in life is really beautiful.

I received this arc in return for my honest review. Thank you!

Review by Nic @polycraftory on Instagram & Tumblr where I do book reviews and crafts with my polycule. If you are curious about my thoughts on more books, you can find me @businesswife on Storygraph or Nic Morrow on Netgalley. You can also find content warnings on my Storygraph review of this book. You can also find my reviews @polycraftory on Goodreads.

[Marie-Eve Mailhot]

This was absolutely delightful.

I really loved this Halloween themed novella. This picks up 6 months after Conflict Mediation, and James and Leon are now good friends, hanging out pretty much every weekend, and, well, developing feelings for one another without the other one being aware of it. As one does, of course.

James is getting ready for a solo Halloween watching movies, but his mom, who's been in remission for almost a year and feeling stronger - and more independent - by the minute, lets him know that he is banned from the house, sparking feelings of uselessness and unease and basically making him question his entire life. At least he has Leon, who invites him out... but when their quiet evening out turns into a Haunted House of Horror situation... things certainly dont go as planned.

Seriously, this packed a PUNCH. Short but mighty. Its funny, i love horror movies, but im a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to Haunted Houses and this? well this would have been a safe word type situation for me big time. BUT i loved that unique setting that made Leon and James hold on to each other that much more.

D.C. Emerson has that talent where they are able to create real and very authentic characters, with unique traits and experiences, and so believable. I could feel the care that went into them and it made me love them even more. I really cannot wait to read more of this series, this format is really fun too.

Thank you to the author for the ARC.

[Kerstin]

I absolutely adored this continuation of Leon’s and James’ story and am already eager for the next book! Many thanks to D. C. Emerson for the early read and the opportunity to share my thoughts—“Haunted Mediation” will be available to read on October 1.

This story picks up several months after “Conflict Mediation” with James and Leon now the best of friends! Told in alternating points of view, it’s clear they’re both developing feelings for each other but are afraid to risk what they already have. Throughout the story we also see James grapple with what comes next in his life now that his mom is doing better. When the two are tricked into a local haunted house full of unexpected scares, they must navigate their way out and navigate the feelings in their hearts. Will they make it out—and finally admit the truth to each other? You’ll have to read to find out!

I have read several of D. C. Emerson’s works and I truly enjoy their storytelling. Their writing is smooth and engaging— perfect for when you want a cozy reading session. The way they write their characters as both complex and relatable makes their stories even more enjoyable. When I pick up one of their books, I know it will be good! I’m very much looking forward to the rest of the novellas in this series!

If you’re in the mood for an enjoyable, quick, Halloween-themed read—and you’ve already read “Conflict Mediation”—you won’t want to miss “Haunted Mediation” for more of James and Leon’s story!

[Ashley Carrillo]

This book takes place 6 months after Leon and James' accidental couples counseling session and things have progressed between the two from rivals to best friends. What also has changed is the way both men have been pining for each other almost this whole time after clearing the air between each other but neither say a thing afraid to mess up what they just started to build. But a haunted house changes things between them in a way neither expected. My heart hurt for the emotions they had to go through while trying to get through the haunted house. Who knew they would be affected like that? Certainly not them but being there for each other coupled with the feelings they've been trying to hide cause this intense tension between them in a different way than the haunted house itself. So many times I wanted to yell at them to just kiss already! But damn when that tension snapped it had my heart pounding and was so worth the wait. This author again packs a punch in less than 100 pages and I can't help but crave more! I'm so excited for the next step in Leon and James' beautiful journey of love, acceptance and belonging.

I received an advance reader copy for free and this is my honest review