Annalisa arrives at Rochester Manor, expecting a quiet job as a nanny. Instead, she’s drawn into a dark and dangerous affair with her mysterious employer, Edward Rochester.
By day, Mr. Rochester is distant and formal. By night, he's a beast with depraved, unbridled appetites. The more Annalisa succumbs to his allure, the more she realizes he’s hiding something far worse than his desires. Strange noises, locked doors, and buried secrets leave her questioning not just her lover, but if she’ll make it out of the Manor alive.
Caught in a web of passion, deception, and psychological unraveling, Annalisa must confront the horrifying truth about the man she can’t resist before it destroys her.
Dark. Seductive. Twisted. The Keyhole will grip you from the first page to the last shocking twist.
Oh boy, oh shit!!! this is like a twisted and spicy version of Jane Eyre or something!!! I'm in love with Gig Styx's writing, I love all her books and this one is no difference! I mean, I read it in one sitting so there is that!!
Annalise is running from the law, she committed murder and then she found an ad on Facebook for someone wanting a nanny for their child! She gets there but things are creepy and weird and actually fucked up to say the least!
I like Annalise, she has been through a lot and she only wants someone to show her some affection and cares about her, which makes her the perfect victim for Rochester! I like how feral and unhinged she became in the last chapters!
Edward Rochester is a creep, plain and simple! he lures young women into his estate, forces them to work and then kills them!
I saw the twist coming about the way the book ended a mile away, which is annoying but still, I loved the creepy atmosphere and the humiliation that Annalise was going through! The spice wasn't as good as the previous books but it was delicious enough!
Favourite scene is the way Annalise faced Edward down and yelled at him! that was done well
well...dam! That was something...and I highly recommend this if you like thrillers. Im now sat here trying to get my head around everything. And with that ending...I hope there is more to come.
You know that feeling you get when you get off a really good rollercoaster and you’re still a little dizzy but you can’t wait to do it again? That’s how I felt when I finished this book. It started off quite gently and I thought I knew what I was expecting, story was great, spice level great then bam a vertical drop and the story changed direction and the spice went up a level all in the best ways! Then just as I’m enjoying the ride more unexpected twists and turns. Absolutely thrilling to the very last page! This author does psychological thriller combined with dark romance brilliantly in perfect balance.
Alright, I'd like to start off by saying I LIVE for Gigi's books. Ever since I started Taming Seraphine, all the way down to the Pen Pal Duet, and finally when Stalking Ginevra came out, I've never stopped recommending this woman to anyone.
So I was very excited when the subscribers email came out that The Keyhole was now available! Fun fact; I finished this book in 2 days. I was HOOKED. Didn't expect anything else but to love it, and I sure did. Very unhappy about the ending, but it's creepy enough that I'm definitely hoping for more!
SPOILER ALERT
Couple side notes I have to share; 1. What's with the obsession with Analisa's boobs? Why does it need to be extended to the point where it's mentioned in almost every chapter? We get it. She's a busty girl. Nothing wrong with that, but as a busty girl myself, I can guarantee you that they don't "ache from not wearing a sports bra". If anything, it's quite the opposite, freedom!
2. Similar thing goes on with the "unkempt" state of Rowland's beard. WE GET IT. The man is feral. Of COURSE the beard is not gonna be trimmed.
3. This is just my personal opinion of course, but I know my fair share of trauma bonding. The last couple of chapters towards the end really only span over barely 24 hours. And yet, here we have FMC and MMC proclaiming love like they've been infatuated with each other for decades. I'm all for the dramatics, don't get me wrong, but in this particular setting, it did feel a little far-fetched. Calm down people, we've met a couple hours ago.
All in all, I did really enjoy this book, I absolutely loved the increasing creepy horror vibes compared to the other books. And I love that the characters throughout all the stories connect to each other in multiple ways.
This is one more reason for me to keep recommending Gigi Styx to anyone I will ever come across. Whether they like it or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*MF *Contemporary *Multi-PoV *Dark *Psychological Thriller *Gothic Style *Midish Burn *Standalone Creepy game of cat and mouse! Honestly this brings out Bluebeards Wife crossed with gothic Jane Eyre vibes 😅 it’s a mix alright which producers a gripping thriller with spicy elements! I personally don’t think the spice is up to what was in her previous books but that fits with this being that psychological rad rather than a romance based one 👍 I was still intrigued by the story and eager to see out the game these two appear to be playing. Our FMC has a past she’s running from where she believe Rochester Island may provide refuge however it has its own secrets with the Jekyll and Hyde Mr Rochester and the mysterious child 😳 the characters bounce of each other well in their interactions and they do have a good depth and back story. I did see the twist coming but some may not and this may alter your engagement. But overall a solid book from one of my must read authors 😄
Gigi never fails to deliver a spicy nail biter!! The twists and turns of what Annalisa goes through from the moment she arrives at Rochester Manor will have you staying up late for just one more chapter. I devoured this book in 2 days!! After waiting so long for the release, I was not disappointed!! Please read the trigger warnings!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Annalisa has arrived at her new job expecting nothing was waiting for her than a job. At night her employer changes into a monster who will treat her as he wants and it is not how she expected at. The longer she stays the more she is drawn into his dark world. See where this intriguing book will lead you if you dare to follow her down that path
Widowed gentleman seeking reliable nanny for private estate on Helsing Island. Live-in position, room and board included, competitive salary.
Looking for a young lady who values privacy and can work independently. Experience with children preferred but willing to train the right candidate. References appreciated but not required for those seeking a fresh start.
Rochester Manor is situated on over 1,000 acres of private land. It’s peaceful and secluded, ideal for the woman who wants to get away from it all.
Contact via WhatsApp to arrange an interview. Airport pickup provided.
Discretion is essential. Serious inquiries only.
**** Wowsers, this book hooked me from the first page when a woman is on the run from being an accused cop killer. She finds a miracle listing in FB marketplace for a nanny at an excluded island, where she hopes no one will ever find her. The estate is creepy and the daughter has been quarantined for sickness leaving her with nothing to do, not to mention a masked man has been watching her and she thinks she is losing her mind. This is a twisted cat and mouse game with haunted house vibes that will left me twisting in knots after reading.
Holy Smokes! This story is dark and twisted in many ways, but it will absolutely pull you in. When it first started I was definitely a little confused about the certain things. We have Annalisa, she has had so major issues in her life and is just to have a quiet job as a nanny. The seems perfect for her by it including room and being provided for in everything she would need to do the job. Things quickly take a turn and we have her boss being cold and distant during the daytime hours but, at night he has a different personality. Her hours are long and harder than she anticipated. The story has some very shocking twist and turns that only pull you in deeper. You continue to read the story and you absolutely end up not being able to put it down as you have to find out what happens. The story is a journey that will have you gripping your seat in anticipation. You think you know what is going to happen only to have another thing turn around and switch it all up. Then you reach the end and you are in complete shock at how it ends. It is a completely fascinating story. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.
This book took me for a RIDE. I kept flip flopping between theories, then backtracking and going back to previous theories. I’d cancel them out from details in the book, only to bring them back in the next chapter. The book is the epitome of keeping you at the edge of your seat. And there were some things that happened that I NEVER saw coming. I always love when a book can surprise me bc I usually spoil it for myself by figuring out what’s going to happen via context clues and little hints and breadcrumbs throughout the book. This book kept me genuinely second guessing every single thing that happened. I didn’t want to come up for air. It was such great writing and the characters had so much depth. The story grabbed you in by the ankle, dragged you in, and never let go. The plot was fantastic. I have read almost all of the books in this world(I think I’m only missing one) and I’m obsessed with every one. I love the tie ins and correlations. I REALLY hope the author writes a second book.
Maybe one day Goodreads will give us half-star ratings, because even though I rated it as a 4, it's more of a 4.5 for me. Now that I got that out of the way....
I LOVE Gigi's books; her Pen Pal Duet is hands down one of my favorite series/duologies. And it is a DARK book. So I REALLY shouldn't be surprised at this one. I had so many scenarios playing in my head about who the bad guy truly was, and if they were truly evil, and while what our FM went through wasn't as dark as some of our other FM's in Gigi's other books, it was the psychological warfare she endured that messed with me the most. AND THAT ENDING.... Like seriously, WTF. I honestly have no idea if there will be a second book, and as a result, I am torn on whether I want this specific storyline to continue or to leave it at the current ending. So here I am, completely baffled and unsure how I should feel after reading this book.
…I am flabbergasted. That ending?? What the what. Jaw on the floor. I should’ve known things weren’t what they seemed. I thought I had an inkling of where the plot was headed, but nope, I was absolutely wrong.
I will read anything by Gigi, even when it’s outside my usual genre, because her writing really is that good. This book had me completely hooked! And can we talk about Gigi’s creative ingenuity because… like… !!!
It took me a minute to remember Annalisa as a side character from Snaring Emberly but I immediately remembered Gil; I definitely should’ve put two and two together way sooner, considering.
Re: bonus chapter - what do you mean do we want a sequel?!? Yes ma’am, we absolutely do. I need Annalisa to get her… well, I can’t say without spoiling, but you know.
If you’re ready for your next mindf, The Keyhole is definitely for you. Go read it so we can get book two!
4.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I am of the ‘Jane Eyre doesn't really age well’ thought process, so I don't usually love ‘Jane Eyre’ retellings, but let me tell you, Gigi Styx did an epic job. ❤️
From the first chapter, I was hooked!! I feel for Annalisa – Fleeing from a nightmare to find what she thinks is salvation – she finds a strange situation that’s not what she expected at all. Confusing to say the least, she is under the roof with the mysterious Mr. Rochester who is alluring and mysterious…. But there is so much more to the manor deep within… And it is delicious.
Please read the content warnings on the website as there are a great deal of triggers within. Your mental health matters.
This is such a ride and I am so here for it… It's thrilling, spicy, and a bit crazy. I really hope the author writes a sequel!! It would be so epic! I have a feeling this is one of those stories that will stick with me for quite awhile.
Absolutely brilliant story by the author, Gigi Styx. Her other stories tend to be dark romance, usually on the side of mafia, but this is very much a thriller, and I was all here for it. There were parts where I thought I knew the answer to what was going on, but then something else came about, so I thought maybe I was wrong. Only for a plot twist, I hadn't been wrong in the beginning, but a red herring left me questioning myself.
There's horror, psychological trauma, unaliving and a bit of romance thrown in there as well. Annalisa is a really interesting character, and she herself has a dark past. Mr Rochester, her employer, had me questioning who he was and what was going on many times throughout the story. But nothing is as it seems in this book and I loved it.
Finished this book in 24 hours. Gigi strikes again with another addictive read! This one had my PULSE racing. And the BUTTER!?
The warped timeline. The WAY Edward moves between being Edward & Roland. The anguish almost.. Edward watches from the outside but Roland sees. That blur between his two ‘sides’. One part wants awareness. The other HAS awareness and he’s fighting Watching one bleed into the other is slow, unsettling, and completely inevitable. There was no other possible ending.
I also want to reread this book because there’s so much deeper meaning I feel I’ve missed. Fine right? Wrong.
The book MAKES YOU reinact its thesis.
First read = Edward Second read = Roland
You looked.
Now you’re going back inside the room.
And yeah… that’s a little unsettling 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Warning, read the content and trigger warnings. This one is a crazy one for sure! If you have read Gigi Styx's book before, you know you should never expect anything because if you do, you'll think that's what is happening, then PLOT TWIST!
Annalise just wanted to hide from her past. Nanny some children, live under the radar, and hopefully not be found to answer for her past crimes. Welp, sorry girlie, that's not happening. From page to page, you never know what you're going to get. Chapters from The Keyhole keep you guessing to who is the crazy one.
Great read, keeps you guessing, you're never bored, but you won't know everything till the end and then some, so keep all assumptions under wraps. Psychological Thriller indeed, as always.
Where do I start… This story will leave you with your mind spinning.
I absolutely loved the twists in this story. Annalisa is running away from her past & replied to an ad to become a live in Nanny for Mr Rochester on an island. Right from the start she finds the house creepy & hearing strange noises & believes she is dreaming of someone coming in to the room at night. Mr Rochester starts off lovely & kind boss, who quickly turns cold.
I don’t want to spoil the story but it is a really good dark romantic, psychological read, that has you thinking throughout with lovely twists that GiGi kindly ties with a blood covered bow.
I struggled in the beginning to get into the book, but once i did i was able to really enjoy the book. It does have alot of triggers so please check this out first.
It has Spice, dark, twisted and some joy.
Annalisa story has a lot of twists and dark turns. Honestly the i didn't see the twists in this book which is impressive.
You get to see how the psychological warfare she's going through and trying to understand the situation she gets herself into.
Gigi gives us a DARK psychological thriller, so please take the time to read the trigger warnings before diving into this beautifully written book with complex characters and plot twists that keep you guessing and turning pages throughout. Annalisa answers an add to be a nanny in a wild and isolated place in an effort to hide from law enforcement for a murder she had no choice in and finds herself at the mercy of Edward. Once you dive in, you'll be unable to let this book go. I loved reading this story and highly recommend it. Don't miss out on this book!!
This was such an intense and gripping read! I read it all in one sitting because I could not put it down! Annalisa immediately grabbed my attention with her story of being on the run for murder. Mr. Rochester gives her a nanny gig, but she has to go to his remote home. I never knew where the story was going, from Mrs. Fairfax, to the driver, the hot and cold behavior from Mr. Rochester, the groundskeeper that runs from Annalisa, it was all such an intricate plot that was so well done. And that epilogue?! The gasp I gasped....such a wonderful read!
Holy cow... this book was something else. a combination of Jane Eyre and Jekyll and Hyde. the dark gritty surrounding, the tension of the FMC. The dark setting of the surroundings, and the unmistakeable twist. The possessiveness of the mmc, their dark thought.. This is a story you will remember for a few days. Highly recommend to be part of the bookshelf. I do hope there will be another part, cuz what happens next, there is no real HEA but more undefined cliffhanger.
Gigi Styx is a master of dark romance, and I love everything about it. This book is very different than any other book of theirs that I've read. Dark and totally twisted, this book messes with your mind to the point that you don't know what is real. Just when I thought I finally had a handle on what was really going on, I got hit with that ending and was left questioning everything I had just read. If you are a fan of scorching spice, while also having your brain twisted into a pretzel, you will love this book.
I finished this book in 7 hrs. I couldn’t put it down. I was walking around doing things and still had my kindle in my hand because I wasn’t ready to take a break. I know some people say they saw the twist coming from a mile away but I had no clue. I closed my kindle and all I could say was “woah. What just happened”. It was so good and I need that extra chapter or I need a second book! I need more! I love this author and I love her writing. I’ve been waiting for this book to release. She had me hooked with the pen pal duet and I just knew this wouldn’t disappoint.
AUDIOBOOK AVAILABLE NOW!!! What!!!! Wow wow wow!!!!!! This is a rollercoaster of plot twists, deception, lust and fury! After a long year of waiting for Gigi to release a new book after I devoured her last two series, this was absolutely worth the wait! This will live in my head rent free (as does every book she’s done so far). Stupidly steamy, so many twists and turns, but the ending is NOT what I expected at all! I would love nothing more than this story to continue!
Yall. The plot twists in this book are crazy. As soon as I was done with the book, I signed up for the bonus chapter at the end and I need MORE. She said she’d write the sequel if enough there’s enough engagement with this book so excuse me while I head to the streets to ensure that gets done. But really though, this book was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026 and it blew me out of the water!!!
The psychological thriller element enhanced the story massively - the play between Mr Rochester and Annalisa was amazing! The constant push and pull really added to the feeling of being on edge.
The spice was just the correct amount for me - not too depraved and I felt it fit well with the more psychological feel rather than the pure romantic eroticism some people love!
If you like dark romance, with a few twists carved in then this is it!
Wow! This is such an amazing book. Annalisa is on the run and is willing to live an isolated life just to survive. Not understanding the hot and cold she keeps receiving from her employer, she starts to think that she is losing her sanity. This book is filled with such twists and turns and crazy outcomes you keep reading for clues and answers. While it does have an amazing ending, you are left questioning how the heck it was all pulled off.
The Keyhole, like all books I’ve read so far by Gigi Styx, has a long a** list of triggers that should definitely be read before diving into this standalone. This book has a dark and twisty, gothic style storyline with a psychological aspect that will keep you on your toes and clutching your pearls from beginning to end. Annalise has no clue what she’s in for when she meets Mr. Edward Rochester but it makes for an interesting read. Give it a shot, you won’t regret it!
I am flabbergasted. That ending?! Jaw on the floor. I thought I knew where the plot was going—turns out I was very wrong. This book had me completely hooked, and her creative ingenuity is next-level. Once I remembered Annalisa (and especially Gil 👀), I realized I should’ve seen something coming… but nope. And the bonus chapter?? Of course we want a sequel. Desperately. If you’re ready for your next mind-blowing read, The Keyhole is it—go read it so we can get book two.