Some Kind of Haunted

The Feed Duology #1

by Hazel Beck

Home is where the haunt is.

Lexi Darling has always been a city girl through and through. New York is loud, crowded, and just chaotic enough to keep her mind off everything she’d rather not think about—especially the eerily realistic nightmares that have plagued her all her life. So when she and her twin brother, Logan, are summoned to the postcard-perfect town of Midas, Iowa, one golden October to handle an inheritance from the grandmother they never knew, Lexi figures it’ll be a quick detour: sign a few papers, snap a fall foliage selfie, and catch the next flight home.

But Midas has other plans.

The town has been waiting for the Darling twins, and it’s not about to let them leave. Their arrival stirs up a centuries-old curse, one that promises something dark and hungry will rise again by Halloween night. And the key to stopping it might just lie in their family’s mysterious past. Now, trapped in Midas with the shadows closing in, Lexi has to team up with a group of stubborn locals to save the town…including Jack, the grumpy-but-unfairly attractive diner owner who drives her crazy in all the wrong ways.

As the nights grow longer and an uncanny evil creeps closer, Lexi must uncover the truth behind the curse before Midas—and everyone in it—is consumed. Because in Midas, some secrets refuse to stay buried—and some nightmares never end.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Adult, Audiobook

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

Hazel Beck is the magical partnership of a river witch and an earth witch. Together they have collected two husbands, three familiars, two children, five degrees, and written around 200 books. As one, their books will delight with breathtaking magic, emotional romance, and stories of witches you won’t soon forget.

Reviews

[Jayden Whitman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, & the author for this ARC!

SYNOPSIS:
Lexi & Logan Darling travel from New York to Iowa to settle their grandmothers inheritance. They think it's strange they're named in the will when they've never even met their grandmother. When they arrive in Midas, Iowa they realize there is a town full of strange things. Evil townspeople, an eerie town, & demons. Yes - DEMONS.
The longer Lexi & Logan are in Midas, they realize they need to befriend the townspeople if they have any chance surviving the Feeding. The day the demons come out to feast. As a group they try breaking the decades long curse and freeing the town from the demons.

REVIEW:
The overall idea of the haunted town was amazing! I think it did a good job of keeping my interest and feeling spooky. Would I consider it "cozy horror"? I guess? The horror aspect could have been a little stronger.

I loved the Halloweentown feeling! I loved that movie growing up and I could feel the similarities with the creepy town. I could feel the fall atmosphere with the creepy townspeople.

The con... it was very slow in the middle. I feel like it could have tackled more of the backstory of the Feeding or answered some of the unanswered questions. Like what's up with Logan? What's up with Nora? Background on the two different types of families?

The ending was decent. It ended the main plot well, BUT there were so many unanswered questions still! Hopefully the second book wraps it all together. I actually think the second book will probably be really great! I could see it being a strong 4-5 stars if everything gets wrapped up and answered!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️s rounded up. Review to come

[Courtney Stearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars- Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest review!

As a twin, I am incredibly critical of how twin dynamics are portrayed in fiction. Most authors default to lazy tropes like creepy telepathy, identical switching pranks, or forced codependency. Some Kind of Haunted by Hazel Beck handles the bond between Lexi and Logan Darling beautifully, making it a standout paranormal romance that feels deeply real.

Why the Twin Dynamic Works

Authentic Rhythm: Lexi and Logan share a protective, instinctual understanding that avoids cartoonish clichés.
Distinct Personalities: Logan has independent motives, making him a real character rather than a background prop.

Shared Tension: Lexi keeping her lifelong, terrifying nightmares a secret captures the exact dread of hiding things from your twin.

The Good & The Bad

Spooky Atmosphere: The small-town setting feels perfectly eerie, claustrophobic, and autumnal.

Great Romance: The "grumpy meets sunshine" dynamic provides excellent romantic tension.

Slow Middle: The pacing drags slightly during heavy lore explanations.

Final Verdict:
It is a wonderful, spooky romance for anyone. For twins, it is a rare treat to see a supernatural sibling relationship written with nuance and respect

[Sasha | omgitssmk · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been five minutes that I've been standing here staring at this town's main focal point and "pride and joy", the Historic Clock Tower. Standing well over 600 feet tall, it overlooks the small town of Iowa which my boyfriend and I had stopped at for the night to get some rest before we pack up and continue our annual road trip out to California. We've never stayed in Iowa before and had saw the signs on the billboards leading up to this area about how it was the PERFECT place to visit in October which is the month we are in now. Even better, it had advertisements about Halloween Festivities which were happening this week & we both agreed to stay here for the night to check out the Halloween fun.

As I got out of the car to stretch out my legs, my eyes immediately were drawn to the clock tower just to my right and I walked over to take a closer a look. I'm not sure what it was about this tower, but something just felt "off" about it. It wasn't the fact I've never seen a clock tower before…I mean, I've seen several clock towers in my lifetime but this one in particular just had a sense of "weariness" and "dread" emitting from it that I really wasn't sure WHAT I was feeling.

A hand touches my shoulder and I instantly jump from the contact.
"Hey, are you ready?

My boyfriend looks at me, his faced etched with concern, as I turn back to face him.
"Y-Yeah", I respond, as I slide my hand into his and walk back towards the car.

I take another look back at the clock tower and suck in a sharp breath as I notice a gap that has appeared within the clock tower's base that was DEFINITELY not there just a few moments ago. Within that gap set a pair of bright red eyes; eyes that are starting deep in my soul - those same pair of eyes that I remember seeing when I was younger and haven't forgotten since.

After just getting into my "horror" genre fixation, I was excited to see that I received an ARC from NetGalley and HarperCollins for the book, Some Kind Of Haunted by Hazel Beck which comes out in AUGUST 25 2026. The description of the storyline felt right up my alley to bring that "Summerween" feel that everyone has been reaching for this month and could not wait to start diving in to continue experiencing my own little "Summerween" moment. To give you an overview of this new fun new storyline by Hazel Beck, let's begin by taking a look at some of the tropes you will find within this book:

🏚️Small Town Romance
🏚️Grumpy x Sunshine
🏚️Haunted Town x Ancient Curse
🏚️Forced Proximity
🏚️Secrets x Mystery
🏚️Found Family
🏚️Slow Burn

And as for the premise…..

We have our Net York Native MCs, brother and sister, Logan and Lexi Darling, who have traveled out to Midas Iowa to settle the estate inheritance left by their grandmother who they never had any clue existed. The town, while charming in its own way, was absolutely unsettling to Lexi as she could not shake off the "ick" that she felt as she moved across the grounds in the small town. In fact, the town's local clock tower seemed to give her a sickly feeling as if she has seen this in her past; this same one even looks similar to the tower that haunts her daily dreams and has caused her to settle with a strict night time routine to keep her nightmares at bay.

As both Lexi and Logan begin meeting the people living within the town, they start to realize a mystery surrounds the area and that there is actually more to just the estate inheritance for why the Darling Twins have come to the small town of Midas Iowa. In fact, a centuries-old curse seems to be lurking through the shadows and is planned to rise again this Halloween. The key to stopping it? That's something that Lexi and Logan need to find out before everyone in this town is, literally, consumed.

Overall, I loved the vibe of the story and the concept of a "haunted town" and the "many secrets within". This was the main focal point throughout the story and it kept me very intrigued as I turned each page. In fact, I found myself putting on my detective hat right away, searching for any clues that I could find within the lines on the pages to see the reason why things were happening in that small town of Midas Iowa.

What made me rate this such a low score, however, was the fact that the book seemed to drop off once we got mid-way through. At first, the book started off really strong - we had a plot, we had a background for each character, we had a mystery surrounding a small town, we had secrets and uncertainty about each person which made you question whether they were trustworthy or not, and you were able to truly feel as though you were right there with the characters every step of the way. However, once we got to around the middle of the book, the plot started to drift off. The author starts to bring in more "emotional and character depth" to where you felt like it was starting to become more of a "therapy session" than a "mystery/thriller". While I understand Lexi had felt a certain way because of her past and what those around her in New York had treated her like, you would think she would have figured out by the 3749824798347th time that this new group of individuals were her new found family with good intentions and that the Iowa is not New York. But the self-doubt and the constant complaints of "always having to be worthwhile and good enough" was not the FMC that I'm looking for nor what we needed in this storyline.

Regardless, I took the FMC for what she was and even outside of the FMC, the book did seem to standstill at the middle mark. Things were still happening, but I craved more of understanding about the town's secrets and getting to that "horror" and "thriller" aspect of the book. In all honesty, I could care less about the friendship and "after dark wine & knitting sessions" the FMC was participating in. I kept yelling at the book, "BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LORE?!?" and it never seemed to answer me.

Once we got toward the end, everything started to become rushed and things were thrown around in a hurry to complete the storyline. I felt like the ending was too "easy" in a way, and that this battle/power struggle that occurred should have packed more of a punch where I was sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what will happen next. In this case, I was finding myself saying, "Oh….that was it?" There were so many questions that felt like they were unanswered and so much lore/background that should have been revealed to help you understand more of the town and it's secrets' importance.

Don't get me wrong, the book was enjoyable and I do recommend to give this a shot if you are looking for a light-read to add to your TBR in AUGUST when it comes out. There were just a few hiccups on my side which I would have liked ironed out to make this book a little more seamless and rewarding than what it gave off during my read through.

[BookishKB]

👻🍂 Some Kind of Haunted 🍂👻

📖 Bookish Thoughts

My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

✨ What to Expect
• Paranormal Romance
• Small Town
• Family Secrets
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Haunted Town
• Ancient Curse
_ _ _ _

📅 Pub Date: August 25, 2026
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[amel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off really strong, with the cozy, small town horror vibes. You could definitely see where the plot was going in the first half, but there’s not enough pay off at the end. IMO we just don’t learn enough about the ancestors, the Feeding, and the power structure going on. You can only read so many lines about how different Lexi is and how much she wants to help. I loved the concept, I just feel like there were more things we could do with it. There are too many unanswered questions at the end (and what the heck is going on with Nora and Logan?)

[Holli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know that cozy horror was a genre I would embrace until I found myself reading Some Kind of Haunted late into the night, only to wake before the sun rose the next morning and immediately pick it up and not put it back down until I reached the end.

Truly, the most terrifying part of this book was the way Lexi lived the first decades (!!!) of her life with terrible nightmares and sleepwalking, having undeniable instincts about people and situations, only to be convinced by all the well-meaning people around her (except for her twin, Logan) that her mind was broken. It is hard to even imagine the strength of will it would take to survive and even put on a party girl persona, when the people around you have convinced you that everything you experience is wrong and have inadvertently sent a lifelong message that you're a burden on all your loved ones.

Lexi and Logan are called to Midas, Iowa, because their heretofore unknown grandma has died, and they have inherited her house and a stake in her business. As soon as they enter the town, Lexi knows that there is a malevolence there, but she has been so conditioned to see herself as faulty that it's hard for her to trust her instincts. But it turns out that the thing that Lexi has always seen as her curse is actually a blessing, because demons are real, and they've made a generational bargain with the town's founding families. Lexi is this generation's harbinger, and her appearance signals the beginning of the Feed, in which the demons collect on the bargain by consuming a bunch of human souls on Halloween.

Lexi and Logan immediately join up with the other descendants of the town's founding families: Nora, Cleo, and Jack. The five of them are determined to be the generation that breaks the bargain and defeats the demons once and for all.

I loved the way the horror elements played out in the story, and while the bargain itself was left pretty vague (at one point Lexi even asks WHY the founders would agree to the bargain, like what they specifically got out of it, and she points to personal power as the universal motive for making a bad bargain, but that line of questioning never really goes anywhere), the dynamic shift that turned this group of strangers into a team was pretty compelling. I thought the romance between Jack and Lexi was the weakest part of the book, mostly because instead of developing trust between them, they were "meant" for each other, which Jack knew since childhood and Lexi intuited fairly quickly after coming to Midas. It didn't stop me from rooting for them, but I would have liked more from that part of the story.

Overall, I would say this is a really great spooky season read. The ending does set up a subsequent book, and I'm excited to see where the story goes from here.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home is where the haunt is.

My sincere thanks to Hazel Beck, NetGalley, and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

Some Kind of Haunted was exactly the kind of cozy horror romance I love. It combines a charming small town, family secrets, supernatural danger, found family, and a slow-burn romance into a story that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

Lexi and her twin brother Logan travel to Midas, Iowa, after learning they've inherited property from a grandmother they never knew. What begins as a quick trip to handle an inheritance quickly turns into something far more complicated as they uncover a town filled with secrets, an ancient curse, and a growing supernatural threat.

One of my favorite aspects of this story was Lexi's personal journey. After spending years questioning herself because of vivid nightmares, she finds herself surrounded by people who finally understand and believe her. That sense of validation and belonging made the found family element especially rewarding.

I also loved the contrast between the cozy and the creepy. The Knotty Witch yarn shop became one of my favorite settings. It felt warm, welcoming, and safe while the danger outside continued to escalate. The atmosphere was perfect for a fall read.

The romance between Lexi and Jack was another highlight. Their grumpy x sunshine dynamic was filled with banter, tension, and emotional growth. The relationship developed naturally alongside the mystery rather than overshadowing it.

And then there's Logan. As much as I enjoyed Lexi and Jack, I found myself equally invested in Logan's story. His unwavering support of Lexi throughout the book was heartwarming, and I loved watching him find his place within the group.

Narrator EJ Lavery did a wonderful job bringing the characters and atmosphere to life. The narration balanced the humor, suspense, romance, and horror elements beautifully.

That ending, though!

Without spoiling anything, the story takes an unexpected turn that leaves readers with a much bigger mystery ahead. The cliffhanger absolutely worked for me because it feels like the beginning of an even larger story rather than a sudden stop.

I'm especially excited for the second book because I'm hoping we'll get more of Nora and Logan's story. Their interactions throughout this book caught my attention, and I found myself looking forward to every scene they shared. Hazel Beck laid a strong foundation for their relationship, and I'm eager to see where things go next.

If you enjoy cozy horror, cursed towns, found family, supernatural mysteries, grumpy x sunshine romance, and perfect spooky-season vibes, I highly recommend this one.

[Dominique Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC gifted in exchange for review

This book scratched a very specific itch I’ve had for as long as I can remember. I constantly crave something spooky and terrifying with mystery and small town coziness and found family and romance all wrapped up into one messy bundle. This scratched that it for me so perfectly in a way that only CW’s Nancy Drew and Sleepy Hollow have been able to do in recent years. Lexi and Logan Darling have been summoned to this little town in Iowa that they’ve never heard of after a grandmother they didn’t know existed died and left them a house and half a business. From the onset, Lexi knows that something isn’t right and the darkness in this seemingly perfect little town. The things is…Lexj is used to feeling like things aren’t right and chalking it up to her “broken brain” and the mental illnesses everyone believes she has. Imagine living like that for your entire life, thinking you’re broken and it’s all your fault…only to find out that you’re not. The things she has always seen and dreamed about are very very real and everything she thought she knew about herself and her family is a lie. She and Logan come to town to settle their grandmother’s estate but find something so much more sinister waiting for them. Now they have to team up with the locals to fight off the evil that hides beneath the surface. This was such an insane ride. I actually had to stop reading when it got dark because my anxiety and Lexi’s anxiety were going bar for bar and I was too scared of the darkness to sleep. Even keeping my reading to daylight hours, reading in between meetings and on my breaks, before and after work. If I wasn’t such a scaredy cat, I would have devoured this the night I downloaded it. The world building was so good, I could feel all of Lexi’s emotions and it was like I was right there battling with her. I wanted to choke Logan more times than I could count to be honest. The found family aspect of it really warmed my heart and the way it ended…I know there’s more to come and I can’t wait!! Well…as long as the lights are on that is. This book is definitely a new favorite for me and I’ll be forcing all my friends to read it so we can be scared of the darkness together.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

SOME KIND OF HAUNTED

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the E-ARC.

This is my first ever cozy horror romance novel and honestly, as a lover of supernatural/paranormal romance, it’s a solid fit. I will absolutely be looking for more. Hazel Beck has already put out an enjoyable series, so picking up this one was a no brainer.

The story follows Lexi Darling, a 20-something New Yorker with a tenuous grip on sanity, and her twin brother Logan as they venture to the middle of nowhere called Midas, Iowa to settle their estranged grandmother’s estate. The town is somewhat charming to Logan, but deeply unsettling to Lexi as the local clock tower is eerily reminiscent of the one that has haunted her nightmares throughout her existence. By the light of day, she convinces herself that it’s all a by-product of her questionable mental status, but as the book goes on, we learn the truth… This town is Some Kind of Haunted.

Hazel Beck proves herself VERY capable of crafting an eerie atmosphere when describing the town after dark. The story is told from Lexi’s perspective, which adds to the mystery of what is happening in the town since she’s somewhat an unreliable narrator. Lexi herself is unconvinced of reality since she spent her entire life up until this point in and out of psychiatric facilities and therapists offices as well as consuming a plethora of medications to control her horrifying nightmares and visions.

The tale itself was intriguing. Vague enough to keep you wondering, with spooky details to keep it fresh. The influence of traditional cozy small town romances were prominent, just with a creepy twist (Think Mystic Falls from Vampire Diaries vs Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls). The romantic plot was just enough to be interesting and secondary romance/follow up book set up was definitely present, so I’m hoping we get to see another book in the series.

Overall a great adventure, solid choice for the upcoming spooky season. Firmly 4/5 stars, I liked it and think most people would too!

[Monique Costella · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Some Kind of Haunted by Hazel Beck

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Release Date: August 25, 2026

*This book was given to me by HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review*

🎃 Small Town
🎃 Slow Burn
🎃 Family Secrets
🎃 Old Curse
🎃 Halloween
🎃 Haunted House
🎃 Found Family

This book starts off with Lexi Darling at the airport after missing her connecting flight. Her twin keeps reminding her that if she hadn't fallen asleep during the flight then maybe she would have been faster at the airport. Now it looks like they have to drive the 4 hours into Iowa. The Darling twins are from New York and are not pleased the next flight is fully booked and that they have to rent a car and drive. It seems as tho their father never mentioned their grandmother and they weren't even invited to her funeral. Even tho they never met her they were randomly in her will. The twins must make a journey to Midas Iowa in October because they have to handle an inheritance from their grandmother. She left them her knitting shop and upon their arrival it seems as tho they have awoken a centuries old curse, which will rose again on Halloween night. The key for this curse to end lies in their family's mysterious past. The Darling twins are trapped in Iowa and end up teaming up with the locals to save the town. In this book some secrets refuse to be hidden and some nightmares never end.


I loved this book and I resonate with Lexi as most of my life I've had night terrors, sleeping disorders and reocurring nightmares. I am also a fraternal twin and have a twin brother so I loved that this book was about twins! This book was a mystery with a hint of romance. The diners owner Jack was sexy and most of all grumpy. I love a good grumpy MMC. I fell in love with his  character and Lexi. I wish there was a bit more romance in this book but the horror aspect was sublime. I read the last 26 chapters in one sitting as I was hooked and had to know the ending. The twist and turns at the end had me in a tail spin. This book was perfect and even better reading it in the Fall during spooky season. 👻

[Elia Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Hazel Beck’s Witchlore series so I am not surprised I love this first book in The Feed Duology. I also appreciate that while there will be a sequel, the story did not leave on this huge cliff hanger that will make me lose sleep! Thank you for that!

Some Kind of Haunted introduced a new world of paranormal and while the town in Missouri was mentioned in the end, so we know it is in the same world, this was a totally new idea! I was quickly drawing into this town of Midas and how twins Lexi and Logan got roped into this crazy world when they came home after their grandmothers death. I had so many questions in the beginning but the story so beautifully unraveled the answers, why didn’t they know their grandma? Why did the town seem so menacing? What is up with this clock tower?!?

While I did have my suspicions on some people and I was proven right, it was fun to unravel the mystery and learn more about this demon infested town and the agreement made centuries ago.

My heart broke for Lexi, always having these dreams and sleep walking to the point even her own father considered putting her in a ‘home’ to protect her. The way she had to hide for years to protect herself and in the end also thinking she was crazy broke my heart. But I love how she had her twin Logan there to protect her when needed and believe in her.

I loved meeting the new crew in this book, Jack (obviously), Nora and Cleo. They made such a fun group, not all getting along but partnering against the demons and trying to find a way to end their feeding once and for all together.

The story was fast paced and while Jack and Lexi fell in love pretty quickly, I loved their initial enemies to partners to lovers relationship, you could feel their tension and it was easy to cheer them on in the end! The narrator also did an amazing job of bringing the story to life and making me feel the suspense and tension!

I am so excited for the sequel!!!

*Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio and Hazel Beck for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[ashlin.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4, rounding up. I am newer to Hazel Beck as an author, but what I've read so far has been fun and cozy so I was excited to read this. If you enjoy a cozy feel with some thriller/horror mixed in, this story is for you.

Lexi and her twin brother, Logan, are in town to go through their grandmother's things now that she has passed. They knew nothing of this grandmother and as they venture to this cozy small town, Lexi begins feeling awful things. The types of things she's always dreamed up but put off to thinking something was wrong with her. The more time they spend in town, the more they realize Lexi is the key so solving this town's hauntings.

I really enjoyed the story overall. Lexi and Logan were a lot of fun. I really liked Lexi's quick whit and the humor she brought to situations. The cozy small town feel was really sweet and I enjoyed how they came together to fight against the haunting in this town. There was little romance mixed in with this one as well that I thought was done well. It added a nice touch to the story without mixing in a weird way. Lexi and Jack had a super slow burn but the build up of their connection was great. I totally didn't see the ending coming with who was behind a lot of things happening. Hazel Beck did a great job of building up the story and keeping the mystery of it all going without me losing any interest.

The narration was done by EJ Lavery. She is a new to me narrator and I loved her so much! She gave me a Julia Whelan feel and it made the listening experience so awesome. She really brought out the emotion in each character which kept me hooked in to the story, as if I could feel what they were feeling.

Thank you so much Hazel Beck, Harlequin Audio, and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Stef_B_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The moment I read the premise for Some Kind of Haunted, I knew I had to request an ARC. The book was described as having Halloweentown vibes, and while it definitely had that spooky, cozy atmosphere in its own way, unfortunately, the story didn’t completely land for me.
There were definitely aspects I loved! The twin dynamic was one of my favorite parts, along with the relationship between two of the main characters. I also really enjoyed the found family, the romance, and the overall ambience of the story. I thought the way everything tied together in the end was well done and added a lot to the overall experience.
That said, I found the pacing to be a little slow at times. There were moments where it felt less like I was actively experiencing the story and more like I was sitting around while someone told me their spooky tale. 😅 I also found myself confused by some aspects of the story, particularly when certain details seemed to contradict things that had previously been established about what could or couldn’t happen.
I also wish the town itself—and especially the living townspeople—had been more of a focal point. I think having more of the town woven into the story would have added even more depth and really leaned into the Halloweentownatmosphere I was hoping for.
Overall, I still had a fairly good time with this book. While it wasn't a perfect read for me, I enjoyed the romance, the found family, and the spooky ambience enough to keep me invested. I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes next and can’t wait to see how everything wraps up in book two! 🎃👻💜
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Krissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and MIRA for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review

Lexi Darling is a New York City girl through and through. She has grown up with chronic nightmares and sleepwalking and she feels like she has finally got a routine down to handle them. Her life is unexpectedly upended who she finds out a grandmother she never knew existed passes away and leaves her and her town brother Logan her home and part of her yarn and knitting shop in rural Iowa. Arriving in Midas is not want Lexi expected especially because parts of the town have been the setting of the nightmares she has battled through out the years.

Them being in Midas is not a coincidence and they soon learn this town has evil behind every corner and their arrival is a sign the town curse has been reactivated. They along with 3 other town residents are all destined to either break this curse once and for all, or watch helplessly as the curse takes what it is entitled to on Halloween.

This was a very interesting book to read. I was fully into the premise and gave me such big Stranger Things vibes. The strong points were definitely the plot and the atmosphere. Where I found things lacking was definitely in the romance and the characters. The author was too ambitious in the scope of this story and thus it had aspects that lacked the substance it needed. Having characters get together because they are meant to be and not really building the chemistry and relationship felt cheap. The pacing of the story wasn’t the greatest, as the end felt very rushed in my opinion. Over all I did really enjoy myself and I am intrigued about where the story will continue in the next book in this duology.

[Julia Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC, which I received in exchange for my opinion. This pararnormal romance centers on our main female character, Lexi Darlng. She and her twin brother, Logan, find out they have inherited a property from a grandmother they did not know about and decided to travel to Iowa to check out the house. What Lexi expects to be a quick trip to the small town of Midas in Iowa turns into something much darker. Lexi has suffered from nighmares for a long time and often has instincts regarding people and situations. However, a lot of the people in her life conditioned her to believe that what she was seeing and feeling wasn't real. This has caused her to doubt her instints, even when they are screaming at her.
As Logan and Lexi arrive at Midas, it seems the town has been waiting for them. Their arrival awakens a curse that is tied to Lexi and Logans family and their history The twins must accept help from local townspeople to team up and solve the mystery of the curse before Halloween, or else they are all dommed.
The atmosphere and the sense of dread keep you reading. Although their is romance in this book, it is not the focus. There is also a found-family element. The pacing was good, although I found the middle to be a little slow. It did pick back up. I also very much enjoyed the fall feel of the book. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a cozy paranormal or cozy horror, which I did not know was a thing. I'm rating this book 4 stars and hoping the story continues in a second book!

[Your Cozy Book Bestie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twins, Lexi and Logan Darling, inherit their late aunt's yarn shop in Midas, Iowa, after her sudden death. The thing is, they didn't even know she existed. Determined to learn more about their estranged family, the twins take a roadtrip from their lavish city life in New York to travel to this seemingly cozy town. Lexi and Logan quickly realize everything is not as it seems. Unsure of where to start, Lexi and Logan join with a few locals to uncover family secrets, including the reason why Lexi has suffered nightmares, of this very town, for as long as she can remember. Add a century old curse that awakens upon their arrival, the Darling twins sure have their hands full.

This book gives the perfect balance of Fall and mystery vibes. I enjoyed getting to uncover secrets of this town and the people within it, including the twins as they discover more about themselves. I almost wish the book was a little bit longer so I could see more character development and deeper connection to the characters. I will say I did not expect the twists and turns this book took. I had my eyes on a character and was shocked once we got to the climax of the book. I felt immersed in this cozy/spooky town and loved every second of it. I look forward to seeing where this world goes!

Thank you HarperCollins for the free book!

[Courtney Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

I had a really hard time deciding on a rating for Some Kind of Haunted. I genuinely loved the characters, and I found the overall premise incredibly interesting. Unfortunately, I kept feeling like I was missing pieces throughout the story, and not in the intriguing, mystery-building kind of way.

The biggest issue for me was the pacing. So much happens in such a short amount of time that everything felt rushed. There were so many ideas, relationships, and supernatural elements that I wanted to see explored in greater depth. I finished the book with more questions than answers and wished the world-building had been given more room to breathe.

This was also my first experience with something marketed as “cozy horror.” The cozy atmosphere was definitely there, but I found the horror elements a little underdeveloped. We never really learn enough about the demons or the larger supernatural world for the horror to feel as impactful as it could have been.

Despite those criticisms, I still enjoyed my time with these characters enough to settle on a 3-star rating. And then came that ending…

That cliffhanger was absolutely cruel. What do you mean?! Now I’m going to be sitting on pins and needles waiting for the next book because I need to know what happens next.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn in by "Some Kind of Haunted" by Hazel Beck—the premise hooked me from the start. However, as the story unfolded, I found that the plot became somewhat repetitive, which slowed the momentum in the middle chapters. Still, the book delivers a fun and spooky atmosphere that makes it a solid choice for readers looking for a cozy paranormal escape in a small town.

Hazel Beck’s writing style stands out for its wit and charm. I especially appreciated Lexi’s neurodivergent, sarcastic inner monologue—her voice brings genuine humor and relatability to the story. Even as the plot delves into darker territory, with the characters fighting to save Midas, Iowa, the tone remains engaging and heartfelt.

Lexi quickly became my favorite character. Her bizarre dreams, candid thoughts, and sincere desire to help those around her make her both memorable and endearing. She’s the kind of protagonist you root for, flaws and all.

Readers can look forward to several beloved tropes in this book:
-Small town secrets
-Found family
-Slow-burn romance
-Witty banter and humor
-Protective love interest

Overall, "Some Kind of Haunted" is an entertaining read for anyone who loves witchy, character-driven stories with a balance of spookiness and warmth.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC.
🪾
This book immediately reminded me of an adult version of Halloweentown, which instantly pulled me in because it's one of my all time favorite movies. I loved the premise and the overall fall atmosphere, but I found myself wishing it leaned even harder into the Halloween side of the season.
🍂
I was hooked from the very beginning, but the middle slowed down quite a bit for me. There was a good portion of the book where it felt like the characters were just spending time together without much happening to move the plot forward. I think the pacing would have been stronger if that section had been a little tighter.
🪨
The ending was definitely the highlight for me. I really enjoyed how everything came together.
🩸
I also really liked the point of view used in the epilogue. It added an interesting perspective and made it feel like the story isn't quite over. It definitely left me with the impression that there will be a second book.
✨
Overall, I had a lot of fun with this one. The concept was unique, the atmosphere was cozy and spooky for fall, and while I would have loved even more nostalgic Halloween vibes and a tighter middle, I really enjoyed where the story ended up.

[Kathryn Card · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel Beck has done it again! Some Kind of Haunted is another delightfully mysterious trip into a quirky, magical small town that completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. And that ending?! I desperately need answers!

I absolutely adored the grumpy/sunshine romance between Lexi and Jack. Jack was the perfect balance to Lexi's personality, and the way he instinctively knew what she needed, and was willing to sacrifice everything for her, made him incredibly swoon-worthy. Their chemistry was fantastic, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.

The real star, though, is the town of Midas, Iowa. Every answer seemed to uncover even more questions, and I'm completely invested in learning more about the Foundlings, the different magical abilities, and whatever in the world is going on with the slurping! Hazel Beck has created another magical world that I can't wait to return to.

I listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved the narration. It brought the characters and the wonderfully strange atmosphere of Midas to life, making it hard to press pause.

If you love cozy mysteries with magic, quirky small towns, slow-burn romance, and stories that leave you counting down the days until the next book, be sure to pick this one up when it releases on August 25th!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so this is a mashup I haven’t quite encountered before. The lightness, fluffiness, and predictability of a hallmark but mixed with looming clock towers and eerie dread? It felt like Gilmore Girls meets Buffy! Definitely loved the combination and the author did a great job balancing the two opposing vibes. Truly, I was having a great time and just happily vibes reading. However, the middle pretty much lost all momentum. I can’t tell you how the plot moved forward at all just …time passing? Then the ending was honestly so underwhelming. It’s such a shame really, the concept is absolutely fantastic and I loved it at parts. The story just ended up being too surface level for me to rate highly. I wish we had found out more about the founding families and the deal. I wish we had just had more in general. I will say the audio was very well done and if you’re gonna give it a go highly recommend that route.

If you’re looking for a cute, easy read with a fun atmosphere this definitely delivers. It would be a great fit for a late September or October palate cleanser. Just don’t go in expecting much else.

My rating: 3.2 ⭐️

Thank you to Harlequin Audio for the advanced listeners copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and this is my voluntary review.

[Angie Carlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like thank Netgalley and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to read this ahead of the publish date. All comments in this review reflect my honest opinions.

While I enjoyed listening to this book, I cannot pinpoint any specific reason that I did. The story is about a woman and her twin brother that were born in a cursed town, but raised elsewhere by their father. A family death brings the twins back to the town and the main character is an integral piece of the town's curse. This is heavy on the romance and lightly spicy.

What detracted from the plot was the constant monologue from the main character perspective that was very repetitive. You get to hear the same thoughts rehashed over and over (and over and over) which got a bit tedious. The plot itself was interesting but overshadowed by the internal dialog.

The audiobook: EJ Lavery was a great narrator. She was fluid in the storytelling and her voice was made it easy to identify with the main character. Since the story is told from a single, first person perspective, she didn't try to give dramatically different voices for each character which I liked. The narrator is probably the reason I was able to enjoy the book in spite of the fact that I wasn't strongly invested otherwise.

[Amy A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really wanted to love this one because it had several things working in its favor. The twin dynamic was easily my favorite part. I’ve always loved that connection in stories, and it was done well here. I also liked seeing the main character find people who accepted and understood her, and the grumpy love interest was a nice touch, even if the romance moved a little too fast for me.

My biggest issue was the amount of vagueness throughout the story. The deal between the founding families and the demons needed more explanation because I never fully understood what they gained from it. I also wanted more information about the twins’ lives in New York, more clarity on the entire plot’s timeline, and more insight into what the grandmother and aunt actually knew. There were a lot of interesting ideas, but not enough detail behind them.

Overall, this was an “ok” read for me. I enjoyed parts of it, but there were too many loose ends and not enough answers. I finished the book wanting more information than I got.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love me a Hazel Beck spooky season read, especially one that gives Widow’s Bay vibes?! You’re telling me I can have one of my favorite new shows in book form but with Halloween vibes and romance?! Already obsessed.

This book features two twins, Lexi and Logan, who are forced to venture from NYC to Midas, Iowa to take over their grandmother’s estate even though they never even knew her. But turns out this town is no normal small town and is plagued by a centuries old curse due to a deal with a demon and somehow Lexi and Logan are wrapped up in it all.

I had a really fun time with this one and the twists definitely took me by surprise!

My biggest drawback is the romance as it felt like a switch flipped and all of a sudden Lexi and Jack (the brooding diner owner who I imaged as Luke from Gilmore Girls because of his attitude mixed with Jess because of his hotness) went from barely speaking to saying I love you 😫 I need a SLOOOOW burn! Make them work for it!

I’m excited to read what I assume with be Logan’s story next!!! And to see what new drama with unfold given the conclusion in this book!

Thanks so much to HTP books & The Hive for a gifted copy!

[Vanessa Konopacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, one of the few times a book gave me a bit of the heebies while reading. You do get wrapped up in suspense where a few times your wanting to talk at the characters to “not go in the dark room” or to “run faster” type of moment. Also it’s one of the few times I did not have the entire story figured out from the beginning. A few things, of course you know such as the romance aspect between two of the characters. But the reveal at the end.. did not know that til deep into the book. Was a nice change as I read a lot of books, it’s rare I’m surprised… thank you for that. Really liked that this was truly suspenseful and still a fun read with the main characters humorous mental musings of everything going on. Keeps the story from being too much in any direction.
The narration is decent but I prefer when the female characters are read by one narrator and the male by another versus the female doing all the voices in a chapter then the male all the voices in his. It takes you out of the story at times as the same character is basically being done by two different people and is done differently. Makes you need to stop and figure out who is talking at times.
Arc audio read

[R Mmm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lexi Darling and her twin brother, Logan, leave New York for Midas, Iowa, after learning they’ve inherited the estate of a grandmother they never knew existed. Part of that inheritance is a knitting shop that they’ll now share with Nora, one of the shop’s employees, and their second cousin, Cleo.

Ever since she was a child, Lexi has been plagued by terrifying dreams, sleepwalking, and visions that led to years of therapy. Arriving in Midas, she realizes the clocktower from her nightmares is real, and as the truth about the town, its demons, and the upcoming Feed comes to light, she discovers her “crazy” dreams may have been warnings all along.

I really enjoyed the mix of small-town charm, supernatural mystery, and found family. The dynamic between Lexi, Logan, Nora, Cleo, and Jack—the grumpy diner owner—made for a fun cast of characters, and I loved watching them work together to stop the darkness threatening their town.

E.J. Lavery did an amazing job weaving together mystery, fantasy, and humor. I’m already looking forward to reading Nora’s story next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kelly Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosy horror is officially something I actively seek out now, and this book was such a fantastic read! It completely kept me on my toes the entire way through. Think Hallmark movie vibes crossed with an episode of Supernatural; small town mystery, creepy atmosphere, curses, paranormal surprises, family secrets, and just the right amount of spooky without losing that cosy feel.

One of my absolute favourite parts was the relationship between Lexi and Logan. As a twin myself, I loved seeing a twin dynamic that wasn’t the stereotypical “good twin vs evil twin” trope. Their trust, banter, loyalty, and connection felt so genuine and honestly was one of the standout parts of the story for me. 10/10 sibling dynamic.

I also genuinely didn’t see that twist coming, which is rare for me, and I loved how the tension kept building as the mystery unfolded. Add in a grumpy diner owner and October vibes? Absolutely my kind of book.

Thanks to Harper Collins/Mira books for an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC e-book of this book in exchange for my review.

Not a horror reader but this was touted as cozy horror with Halloweentown (Love that movie) vibes so I figured I would give it a chance.

The story and the writing are really great. Honestly, anything not positive I would say about this book could really be boiled down to my normal reading preferences and there not being enough cozy, whimsy, Halloweentown vibes in this book for it to be something I absolutely adored, but this is an instance where I really think it was me and not the book.

Lexi and her twin, Logan, relocate to Midas, Iowa to settle their dead grandmother's estate. Their arrival unknowingly awakens a curse, that they of course have to solve. The romance is light but there and I did enjoy them working to solve the curse but the nightmares and creepy aspects were a little more than I prefer but again, a me issue. I think those who like a light horror-ish mystery would love this book.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audiobook was definitely a win for this one. While the story has a lot of strengths, the middle section felt a bit sluggish, and the audio format helped carry me through until the pace picked up again. Narrator EJ Lavery did a fabulous job bringing the story to life, adding personality and atmosphere that kept me engaged throughout.

One of my favorite aspects was the atmosphere the author created. This is the kind of book that feels perfect for spooky season—especially curled up on a rainy weekend. It absolutely delivers those cozy autumn vibes. There were also some surprisingly cute moments that broaden its appeal and even gave it a bit of a Hallmark movie feel at times.

I also enjoyed the twin storyline and thought it was handled well. Thankfully, it avoided many of the common clichés associated with that trope, which was refreshing.

My biggest disappointment was that several plot points were left dangling by the end. They seemed to be forgotten rather than intentionally left open for a sequel. That said, I would absolutely pick up a follow-up book if one were released.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and the Hive Influencer Program for complimentary access to this ALC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ahead of publication.