When The Jay Calls

by Simone Sumner

Rachel never expected her world to end in a single afternoon—her husband’s betrayal with her best friend shatters everything she thought she knew. Broken and adrift, she accepts a mysterious invitation to the infamous Weeping Willow Manor Halloween party, an event cloaked in secrecy and desire.
But someone has been waiting for her there.

Corvin Jay. Mysterious. Dangerous. Obsessively devoted. He’s watched her from the shadows since her days as a ballerina, captivated by the light she once carried. Now he’s ready to claim her—and to destroy anyone who ever dared to hurt her.

In Corvin’s arms, Rachel finds herself torn between fear and temptation, darkness and freedom. He wants her to remember who she is, to dance again, to let him burn away the pain.

Because when the Jay calls, running is no longer an option.

ebook

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

When reviewing books I use this method:
1 Star - DNF'd the book
2 Star - The author took time to write & publish the book but it was missing something. The grammar was bad. The editing was bad. It wasn't worth finishing but I finished. Would not recommend.
3 Star - It was meh. It was just okay. It wasn't terrible but wasn't worth recommending.
4 Star - Worth recommending but will probably forget about it after a few days.
5 Star - Roman Empire. Plays like a movie in my head and will never forget. This is the type of book I will promote all over social media.

I never dreamed of being an author. I just got the bug in early 2025. I am in the process of writing my debut novel to be released in Spring 2025.

Reviews

[Amanda✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, Addictive, and Totally Unexpected

This book pulled me in way faster than I expected! When The Jay Calls is a wild blend of emotional heartbreak, gothic mystery, and intense obsession with just the right amount of heat and darkness. Rachel’s journey from broken to bold was honestly really satisfying to watch unfold, and Corvin Jay? Whew. Mysterious, intense, a little unhinged, in the best way.

The writing is atmospheric, and the Halloween party setting adds such a cool eerie vibe without getting too over-the-top. I would’ve loved a bit more depth in places, but overall, this was a fast, addictive read that kept me turning the pages late into the night.

If you're into emotionally charged stories with a touch of danger and dark romance flair, this one’s worth checking out!

[Adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn romance about Rachel on her road to recovery after a significant injury when she was prima ballerina 🩰.

It includes mystery and a Halloween ball.
But most of all the journey to Rachel finding herself again.
There are dark romance themes within that, but perfect for spooky season.

I’m a little impatient with slow burn and for me the pace could have been a little quicker. But I also understand there was a journey for Rachel to go on here. So, that part is personal preference.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god this book was EVERYTHING. I picked it up and literally could not stop reading. Rachel’s whole world just crumbles in the beginning and my heart broke for her, but then the story takes this wild, dark, addictive turn when she goes to Weeping Willow Manor. The atmosphere??? Creepy, sexy, mysterious—I was hooked.

And Corvin Jay… wow. He is terrifying and magnetic all at once. The way he’s been watching her, waiting for her, completely obsessed—normally I’d be like red flag, run, but here?? I was like TAKE HER ALREADY 😂🔥. The tension between them is insane, every scene with them together had me holding my breath.

I loved how he doesn’t just want her body, he wants her soul back—he wants her to remember who she is, to dance again, to stop letting the people who hurt her win. It’s dark romance but also empowering in this twisted, beautiful way.

Simone Sumner’s writing just drags you under. The gothic vibes, the heat, the obsession—it’s everything I want in a dark romance. Corvin and Rachel have ruined me for anyone else.

I’m obsessed. OBSESSED. When the Jay calls, you don’t run—you dive in headfirst. 🖤

[Kristen Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Jay Calls starts off slow. Rachel and Corvin have minimal interaction until Rachel is invited to a party on Halloween night that Corvin hosts. He has seen Rachel for who she is and wants to have her all to himself all while fixing her.

This book had me on edge the entire time. I was trying to anticipate what was going to happen next, When would Rachel meet Corvin and when would Corvin make his intentions known, how was Rachel going to handle it all? This book kept you on the edge of your seat.

A few quotes to look forward to:

" My obsession isn't about chaos. It's about her."-Corvin

"Touch her again, and you'll beg me to end it quick."-Corvin

[Lennon Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completely consumed me in the best possible way. What starts as a haunting story about loss and recovery quickly unravels into a gothic whirlwind of obsession, desire, and rediscovery. Rachel’s journey from broken ballerina to reclaiming her strength had my heart in knots, and Corvin Jay? The perfect mix of dangerous, devoted, and deeply unhinged. The atmosphere drips with mystery: dark halls, masked strangers, the eerie pull of the Halloween ball, and it’s all written so vividly I felt like I was there. It’s dark, romantic, and strangely empowering. Once you start reading, there’s no escaping the pull of Weeping Willow Manor. 🖤🕯️

[Jocelin Lindholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: When The Jay Calls
Author: Simone Sumner

Review:
I really enjoyed this book! From the very first chapter, Simone Sumner had me completely hooked. The mix of dark romance, suspense, and raw emotion kept me turning the pages late into the night.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Final Thoughts:
If you love dark romance with haunting vibes, obsessive love, and a heroine rediscovering her strength, When The Jay Calls is an absolute must read. Perfect for spooky season! 🎃🖤

[Chris Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this story starts a bit slow, it held me on my edge, waiting, more like trying to anticipate what was going to happen! The emotion and suspense mixed with dark romance gave me just the right mix!

I absolutely loved Rachel and reading each chapter as she grew and found her own inner strength.

Definitely another winner from Simone!

[Jen D84 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️x4
🌶x3

This book is dark and surprising. It didn't suck me in to start, but it got me and was not I expected. Halloween party vibes with a dark romance twist. Trauma and heartache, leading to a dark romance.

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

When the Jay Comes by Simone Sumner
Released 10/1/25
227pgs

[Margareth Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow burn, heavy heart, and a payoff that made me tear up and smile. When the Jay Calls is all about healing and hope, with just enough romance to make your chest feel warm. Quiet but powerful—definitely recommend.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a roller coaster!! I love Rachel she is amazing!! I love Corvin!

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hooked from the first chapter and could not put it down. I finished it in a couple of hours. Absolutely love Corvin!

[LissaCole1206 · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s dark and intense. She’s broken and doesn’t know how to find herself again. Corvin shows Rachel how to take back power over her life.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5☆ I feel like this has potential but for me it was difficult to follow at times.
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