Beneath the Bare and Twisted Branches: Spooky Stories of MM Romance

by August Hare

A chill tumbles down your spine….

You feel the ghost of a breath on your skin….

Under the moon, lovers meet to steam up the cold October nights.

At Halloween, the veil between worlds is thin, and the denizens of other realms come out to play. Accompanied by the rattle of brittle leaves and lit by the grinning glows of jack-o-lanterns, these men have mischief in mind. But they must beware, for there are other things haunting the autumn darkness.

This collection of spooky, spicy stories will have you wondering whether you’re alone… and maybe wishing you weren’t.

Individual story

Mr. Brimstone

Something sinister and sensual resides in the huge Maine Coon cat Gilbert MacNeil adopted as part of a prison program… and it follows him home after his release. As Halloween approaches and ancient magical forces gain strength, an old associate of Gil’s tries to coerce him back into his criminal business. Gil has never been good at refusing others, and his indecision traps him between two very different fates. As Gil tries to balance his illicit activities with protecting those he cares about, an unseen battle wages in the shadows. Gil and his otherworldly companion must choose whose demands to satisfy… and they’d better choose wisely.

Mrs. Finnegan and Mrs. Krause

A young mother faces harsh small-town judgement when her toddler wanders off on a misty autumn night. Gil MacNeil has first-hand experience with gossip that feels impossible to escape, especially when tragedy and violence seem to follow him… and no one knows the secrets he really keeps. He’s determined to help Peggy Clougherty find and keep her son, though not even he can imagine who truly wants the boy or for what dark purpose. His mission puts him at odds with not only influential townspeople, but with the dark and powerful being who’s come to mean everything to Gil.

The Apple River Graveyard Watch

Folklorist Benny Durand travels to a remote corner of Nova Scotia to investigate tales of ritual magic and gruesome rites surrounding a crumbling mansion. He’s surprised to find it occupied by Sigar Sigridsson, an artist and musician who took refuge there following a disfiguring accident. Sig resents Benny’s intrusion on his solitude, but the land itself seems determined to push them together. As they delve into the property’s history and find a budding friendship with promises of much more, the former owner’s depravity comes to light, and they realize they’re far from alone in isolated Apple River.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Darksoul Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me longer to read this than what I anticipated, nothing to do with the story but looking after my daughter.

I was sent an early readers copy so I’m going to give an honest review.

3 haunting stories:

1st story:

When I started reading it got me hooked! I got on with it straight away.

It was so interesting finding out about Gil and Mr Brimstone, I did have a little incline he was something different when he watched him in the shower… 😅 then when people hurt Gil he would get angry you know at that point it’s love.

I was nice having a lot of detail about characters!

Not going to lie from early stage I hated Grandy! I knew he was a bully self absorbed from the start and I wish he got taken out sooner… 😅

But that is good writing making your readers hate people!

2nd story:

Again good writing followed on from story number one showing the life they had but then with a massive turn!
New people new enemies especially for me…
A little boy goes missing and everyone is out looking for him.

MK the annoying Christian who pokes her nose in everyone’s business…. As a mother myself and have someone constantly putting down Pennys parenting and making her feel weak made me feel for her! And wanted to slap her! Then when you keep reading it was all a facade anyway! Which I hated her even more!

Although I was very happy that everyone helped where they could!

3rd story:

I was rather confused at first, but the story was good, I’m currently on holiday at the moment in a caravan so I got a little scared 😅 so I couldn’t read too late… I’m a little whimp as growls and shadows started to surround the house… 🏡 I was a little upset that the story wasn’t about Gil and Bryn until the end where Bryn does show.

This book was full of interesting characters, it was written well, twists, betrayals, lovers, I will admit it’s not my normal kinda book but I really liked it and look forward to reading more!
Especially for the day Bryn can kill without Wilfred breathing down his neck… 😅 I also kinda hope that Gil and Brian become a team and work for blackthorn together! 😅

Darksoul_reads

[Cinthya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so much fun!! I loved Mr. Brimstone, he totally reminded me of that scene at the beginning of the first Harry Potter movie 😂 The vibes were great. Gil was such a sweetheart too! I was rooting for him from the start. Benny and Sig were adoooorable! The whole idea of an old mansion with a sketchy history that’s been abandoned for years never gets old, those are some of my favorite kinds of stories.

Overall, this was a great Halloween read that perfectly captured the spooky season vibes 🎃🖤

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Beneath the Bare and Twisted Branches by August Hare
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (3.75/5 stars)

Thank you to the author and @booksirens for providing a free ARC!

Beneath the Bare and Twisted Branches is a collection of three paranormal MM romance short stories. The first two follow Gil—newly released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit—and Mr. Brimstone (aka Bryn), the cat Gil adopted through a prison program, as they face both human and supernatural evils. The third story introduces Benny and Sig as they uncover the secrets of a haunted manor.

If you’re in the mood for something mildly spooky this Halloween season, this anthology fits the bill. I came for the MM romance but stayed for the atmosphere. The romance elements are present but definitely take a backseat to the action and mystery in each story.

The first story covers Bryn's mythology as a cat-sith who can transform into a human body on Fridays only (due to a situation with a Benedictine monk who haunts him). I’d never heard of cat-siths before, but I loved the blend of myth and mystery. It felt more like a gritty crime story than a horror one, but it worked.

The second story, centered around changelings, was by far the spookiest. The idea of a child vanishing and something sinister taking its place always gets under my skin. It reminded me of some of the disappeared children true-crime cases, and I couldn’t look away.

The final story, set in Nova Scotia, was my favorite. A crumbling manor, flickering candles, and restless spirits—what’s not to love? I did wish for a little more backstory on Sig, but the haunted setting was perfection.

One of the standout aspects of this collection was the atmosphere. The first two stories, set in Maine, captured the moody coastal autumn aesthetic perfectly—the cold waters, the overcast skies, the creeping sense of unease. I could see and feel every eerie detail.

For fans of: 📖 Short Stories | 👻 Paranormal Romance | 🐈 Celtic Mythology | 🕯️ Haunted Manors | 🌲 Maine Settings | 💀 Light Horror

#BeneathTheBareAndTwistedBranches #AugustHare #ARCReview #ParanormalRomance #MMRomance #ShortStories #CelticMythology #HauntedManor #BookReview #SpookyReads #ReadersOfInstagram #RomanceReaders #Bookstagram #HalloweenReads #AtmosphericReads

[Samantha Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly what I needed but didn't know I needed. I got this as an ARC from gay romance reviews as I've decided to try more paranormal/fantasy mm romance books.

the first two chapters are Brynn and Gil and it wasn't enough. I love the visuals I got while reading, as if I could see a movie in my head of what was happening. The descriptions were enough to make my heart warm or make me completely grossed out lol.

" she was rotting right in front of him, the tissue darkening and dropping away to expose muscle and bone. "

Also I love how sweet Gil is. Like the guy was in prison so at first you don't necessarily expect it but he does everything for other people even when they treat him poorly. And opposite that we have a very possessive Cat-sith who gives a very strong and literal " touch him and die" vibe.

"And the only way to make sure it didn’t happen was to eliminate anyone who might harm Gil, just like he had in the prison"

The last story is Benny and Sig. I just want to wrap Sig in a big hug and help protect him the same as Benny. I honestly didn't think they could beat Bryn and Gil but I was wrong. I really like their dynamic, and how Benny brought out the side of Sig that wants more in life. how Sig just wants to protect Benny from any and all problems even though they just met.

"Benny’s eyes were wide and shiny, and a ridiculous urge to comfort him gripped Sig…"

"Knowing Benny would be by his side convinced him to at least try."

I had the same feeling as watching a scary movie, the anticipation of a jump scare, you know something is coming but you don't know what, while reading this.

I was not expecting the end but I absolutely love how the author tied the stories together.

"The cat mewed and flicked its magnificent tail. “I understand you have important plans for Halloween night,” the faerie said."

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Bare and Twisted Branches consists of three stories, perfect for the season. “Mr. Brimstone” is the first story. Gilbert MacNeil took part in a prison program where he was able to adopt a cat. When he is released, Mr. Brimstone is as well, accompanying him home. Mr. Brimstone is more than just a rather large cat as Gil learns when trying to keep illicit activities at bay. Unfortunately, threats keep him ensnared and his cat is more than willing to help.

The second story is called “Mrs. Finnegan and Mrs. Krause” and what unique individuals these two turn out to be. When Peggy’s toddler wonders off, rumors and gossip abound. Gil is called upon to help and he remembers at time when he wondered off. Going against his best friend’s wishes, Gil is determined to help. The two ladies seem to be at cross purposes, making their actions suspect, especially Mrs. Krause. We learn more about Gil and his amazing cat.

In “The Apple River Graveyard Watch” we meet Folklorist Benny Duran who has traveled to a spooky old house to investigate a prior’s owner’s activities, rumored to be steeped in dark magic. Artist and musician Sigar Sigardsson bought the house just recently. He planned on absolute seclusion after an accident left him disfigured. Sig does not want to cooperate with Benny but circumstances throw them together. There is something out there and that something is the stuff of nightmares.

Each of these stories was unique and filled with all sorts of paranormal entities – some good, some bad, some confused. It made for great reading and I hope there is more to be had as there are some issues to be resolved. This is perfect who those of us who enjoy our MM stories with surprises and scares as well as fantastic love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[R. M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spooky vibes, M/M romance, and old curses.

Beneath the Bare and Twisted Branches contains three short, spooky stories. The first two focus on Gil, a pushover who adopted a 'cat' in prison, and Bryn, a cat-sith who has been cursed to only be able to take human form on Fridays. The third book follows Benny who attends an old house owned by Sig for an article only to discover the house and surrounding land is cursed.

For me, the was a real lack of conflict within the stories. The minor antagonists are one dimensional, it's unclear in the fight scenes how capable the protagonists are, and the first thing the characters try to solve their problems does so without any difficulty. Especially in the second story, side characters ally themselves with Gil and Bryn with only minor protest from a witch who claims she's usually above siding with a cat-sith but then has no problems with him.

There was good potential with dialogue, some well written descriptions, and I found the character development of Gil quite interesting. It was easy to keep up with what the characters were doing along the stories, including in action scenes, spicy scenes, and dialogue-heavy scenes.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great trio of stories, the first two with the same characters. I loved meeting Gil and his extraordinary Maine Coon. They form quite a team as Gil tries to get his life back in order after being released from prison into a world that wants to draw him back in to illegal activities with some very nasty characters lurking around behind the scenes. The picture of a judgmental town and the mother whose son wanders off in the second story was particularly well drawn and I couldn't wait to find out what was actually going on. The last story reminded me a bit of "The Legend of Hell House" because of the mansion with horrible rumors about its previous owner. It was interesting to watch Benny and Sigar's relationship develop despite Sigar's anger that Benny had invaded what he intended to be his retreat from the world. A stunning cover on this one, perfect for the Halloween season.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 3 short paranormal stories in this book. The first 2 are Gil & Mr Brimstone (Bryn). Gil is just released from prison, while there he gets involved in a support animal trial. He now has a cat named Mr. Brimstone who helps Gil cope with prison life. When Gil is released he's allowed to take Mr Brimstone home with him, where we learn he's not just any house pet, he's a shifter. Story 2 Gil & Bryn help look for a lost boy. Story 3: Benny comes to a quiet little town to write a story. The story he wants to write about are the mysteries behind the house Sig lives in. Low angst, mysteries & HEA. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Showarst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beneath the Bare and Twisted Branches by August Hare is a collection of intertwined short stories. The first two focus on Gil, a recently released convict, and Bryn, a cat-sith cursed by the church to remain as a cat save for one day a week. I really enjoyed these two and wished that we could read more about them. The third story is about Benny and Sig who are being haunted by strange creatures. I enjoyed it but wish it was expanded just a little bit. I was intrigued but left wanting. It was a perfect read for the spooky season. I’ll definitely check out more by this author.


I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly good! The stories are short, but interconnected, making them longer but without dragging. I enjoyed the lore behind them, and the love created. I adore Bryn, and I loved how his moral compass cannot be gauged by human standards, no matter how hard the priest tries, but that doesn’t make him a bad character. It was a very enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading more from this author, because the spooks and lore and love were very well done.

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

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the Bare and Twisted Branches delivers three hauntingly atmospheric stories, each filled with just the right mix of eerie suspense, queer romance, and supernatural surprises.
The writing is immersive, the pacing perfect for chilly nights, and the characters are layered and queer in ways that feel authentic and refreshing. Expect unsettling creatures, morally grey choices, found family, and the kind of slow-burn M/M romance that leaves you aching for more.
I received a free ARC copy and this is my honest review.

[Ashley Carrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are three short stories perfect for Halloween. With a spooky vibe yet with some cuteness with the characters and their love interests. I got taken out of the story a couple times but really enjoyed getting to know these characters and their back story. None are perfect but they make you want to read. So curl up with some comfy clothes, grab a blanket and dive in. This is my first time reading this author's work but I'm looking foward to their other books as well.

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

[Fran Rosey · Rating 5 out of 5]

really great read. love the world and character building is amazing, all three stories are wonderfully put together and very well executed. i was not expecting certain stuff to happen in the stories but it works out in the end. great hea for all parties. keep up the great work, cant wait for more.

[Brianna]

DNF @ 13%

Normally something as simple as the writing style of a book couldn’t throw me off enough to not want to read a book but this one did. It was hard for my brain to follow and I couldn’t get into it.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started off kind of iffy for me but then I got into it. 3 stories into 1. I really liked Gil and Mr. Brimstone (Bryn) story the most, love that he was a protective shifter cat. The writing was a little hard to follow sometimes, but overall I enjoyed the book.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the twist in these three short stories! You can feel the mystery lingering through the halls, pulling you deeper with every page. Keep a firm grip on the book—it will keep you guessing until the very end!

[Harley · Rating 4 out of 5]

doubles

So we have two stories

Both have their own thing going on

Twisted branches had my attention a little bit more but hey that’s ok!

If you’re into spooky MM this is def for you

[thekatz_meoww · Rating 3 out of 5]

So these were more on the gray scale for me, with some dark elements but they were cutesy spooky short story’s that can be split up for quick afternoon or short break reads

[Audra Houde · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had three different stories and they were spicy and interesting. 😂😂😂 the first one with the prison cat was the best!

[Adoraboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. It was so good and just what I needed!!!

[Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good book and a couple.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for Halloween

I really enjoyed these short stories.
There's great lore, and they're filled with magic, both good and evil, as the characters struggle with morality.

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series of stories. They were unpredictable, filled with twists, and very entertaining.

I received this arc from GRR for my honest feedback.

[Dee Your TBR Wrecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun spooky season read.