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Malediction
Not yet published
Expected 2 Feb 26Everyone knows that demons don’t exist. They live in the same realm of superstitious beliefs alongside unicorns, Big Foot and Santa Claus. Any stories that you hear about haunted dolls, Ouija boards or whispering into mirrors at midnight are just that. Stories. Harmless hypotheticals for the brain to indulge in when it has nothing better to do.
For Ancient History & Occult Sciences major, and granddaughter of a mortician, Quincey Sterling, this has always been painfully obvious. As far as she is concerned, spooky occurrences and paranormal events can always be chalked up to coincidence and the mind playing a few cruel tricks on itself, just for the hell of it.
So, when she stumbles across an ancient spell book on Halloween, some supernatural themed fun feels both seasonally appropriate and a little too irresistible to refuse. When an unexpected visitor turns up at her door, she finds herself stuck in a contract with a monster worse than nightmares. Quincey’s only option is to see her bargain through.
But surviving a monster is easy when your life is already hell.
After a string of distressing incidents that draws her and her companion closer together, Quincey finds her stoic cynicism wavering for the first time. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one who knows about the book. Sought out by a malicious cult, Quincey will do anything to protect her new life and the beautiful monster that makes it worth living.
For Ancient History & Occult Sciences major, and granddaughter of a mortician, Quincey Sterling, this has always been painfully obvious. As far as she is concerned, spooky occurrences and paranormal events can always be chalked up to coincidence and the mind playing a few cruel tricks on itself, just for the hell of it.
So, when she stumbles across an ancient spell book on Halloween, some supernatural themed fun feels both seasonally appropriate and a little too irresistible to refuse. When an unexpected visitor turns up at her door, she finds herself stuck in a contract with a monster worse than nightmares. Quincey’s only option is to see her bargain through.
But surviving a monster is easy when your life is already hell.
After a string of distressing incidents that draws her and her companion closer together, Quincey finds her stoic cynicism wavering for the first time. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one who knows about the book. Sought out by a malicious cult, Quincey will do anything to protect her new life and the beautiful monster that makes it worth living.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 2, 2026
5 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 11, 2026
OHMYGOD. I’ve got this arc copy from the author and I was a bit skeptical but OHMYGOD. I don’t know how I will survive until book 2 in duology when the first book hasn’t been release yet 😭
December 7, 2025
ad - ebook gifted by the author - all thoughts are my own
Malediction was absolute perfection to read and definitely one to look out for when it’s released in February 2026. This book absolutely saved me from a reading slump and I flew through this. Stevie’s writing style was just everything and more! I’m really hoping we can one day get physical copies of this book because there were so many incredible quotes that I would love to annotate and highlight.
We follow the story as Quincey accidentally summons a grumpy demon that swiftly becomes a thorn in her side. Quincey and Thallor initially find each other insufferable and infuriating - I really loved the banter and humour that we get from their forced proximity.
There’s also a twist in this book that I did not see coming and I need to speak to someone about it!
“Hell is a breath of fresh air compared to you”
Tropes include:
🐈⬛ sidekick pet
🖤 dislike to love
📖 paranormal romance
🗒️ university setting
✨slow burn
Malediction was absolute perfection to read and definitely one to look out for when it’s released in February 2026. This book absolutely saved me from a reading slump and I flew through this. Stevie’s writing style was just everything and more! I’m really hoping we can one day get physical copies of this book because there were so many incredible quotes that I would love to annotate and highlight.
We follow the story as Quincey accidentally summons a grumpy demon that swiftly becomes a thorn in her side. Quincey and Thallor initially find each other insufferable and infuriating - I really loved the banter and humour that we get from their forced proximity.
There’s also a twist in this book that I did not see coming and I need to speak to someone about it!
“Hell is a breath of fresh air compared to you”
Tropes include:
🐈⬛ sidekick pet
🖤 dislike to love
📖 paranormal romance
🗒️ university setting
✨slow burn
January 3, 2026
pure emotional damage
who wouldn’t love the hot, rude and grumpy demon who just wants to go back to hell BUT this girl accidentally summoned him!
and he’s cute like wdym he went to her lecture so she wouldn’t have to sit alone (and for another reason but who cares)?!!!!!!
and sweet and actually super tolerable HELP
hes also pleasantly freaky
and Quincey is actually relatable like pls we’re all a bit weird you’re perfect I promise ☹️
and that ending killed me, stevie you’re evil I swear
who wouldn’t love the hot, rude and grumpy demon who just wants to go back to hell BUT this girl accidentally summoned him!
and he’s cute like wdym he went to her lecture so she wouldn’t have to sit alone (and for another reason but who cares)?!!!!!!
and sweet and actually super tolerable HELP
hes also pleasantly freaky
and Quincey is actually relatable like pls we’re all a bit weird you’re perfect I promise ☹️
and that ending killed me, stevie you’re evil I swear
November 23, 2025
I thought I was going to be biased when it came to Stevie’s book because of our friendship but honestly I have no bad word to say about this piece of art!! (and I speak my truth)
It is everything you could want, a bit of paranormal fantasy, friendships, love (I cried), comedy (I laughed out loud) yearning, spice, quirks.
Everything was so relatable and so natural it honestly felt like looking in the mirror. She has a way with words that makes things just make sense, it’s honestly incredible!
Nothing in the book was too fast, or too slow - so much explained and so much happened but without it being ever confusing, it just worked! I simply don’t know how else to explain it!!
I have never tabbed/ highlighted a book ever in my life and this was the first time I had the urge, the urge to remember moments in the book that truely spoke to me
Please please please pick up this book, I promise you will NOT regret it!! Can’t wait to recommended to everyone I know!!
I am honestly so proud of you🫶🏼
It is everything you could want, a bit of paranormal fantasy, friendships, love (I cried), comedy (I laughed out loud) yearning, spice, quirks.
Everything was so relatable and so natural it honestly felt like looking in the mirror. She has a way with words that makes things just make sense, it’s honestly incredible!
Nothing in the book was too fast, or too slow - so much explained and so much happened but without it being ever confusing, it just worked! I simply don’t know how else to explain it!!
I have never tabbed/ highlighted a book ever in my life and this was the first time I had the urge, the urge to remember moments in the book that truely spoke to me
Please please please pick up this book, I promise you will NOT regret it!! Can’t wait to recommended to everyone I know!!
I am honestly so proud of you🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️
"I just wanted to do something nice. I wanted you to stop glaring at me everytime I opened my mouth. Which, in hindsight, has not worked out in my favour."
"You gave me an erotic romance novel as a gesture of good will?"
Quincey and Thallor....these two gave me LIFE baby LIFE!! I felt such a connection with Quincey. Liking and collecting vintage things. Loving movies from the 80s. Caring for her best friends. Being an odd ball and having a hard time making friends. That girl spoke to my heart and I absolutely loved her style. Plus her internal conversations were absolutely fantastic. But what I loved most was her dedication to her grandparents.
The way she would do ANYTHING for them no matter what. And that is what brought Thallor banging at her front door.
The way you can tell he dislikes her but his eyes give away EVERYTHING!!! And Quincey trying to be civil but also calling him out on his shit when needed. She also wasn't afraid to stand her ground and see Thallor for what he was.
Slowly these two start to form a routine that they just fall into step with one another and it is so beautiful to see. Her walls are slowly dropping around him and she is finding out that love is something she can have...that it is something that is possible for her. She had only ever seen three people in love never knowing it was something she could have.
"When I look at that book now, Sterling, I see home. I see us. I see you. You are woven into every good memory I have in my life. Every beautiful memory. The centuries of being trapped were worth it when the prize is you."
The book leaves on a heart breaking cliffhanger and I cried my eyes out.
This book is so beautiful, the words so elegant yet it was so funny and touching. Yes there are some things that I do have questions about. Some things I think could be tweaked but I'm in love with this book. With these characters who found a home with one another.
"I just wanted to do something nice. I wanted you to stop glaring at me everytime I opened my mouth. Which, in hindsight, has not worked out in my favour."
"You gave me an erotic romance novel as a gesture of good will?"
Quincey and Thallor....these two gave me LIFE baby LIFE!! I felt such a connection with Quincey. Liking and collecting vintage things. Loving movies from the 80s. Caring for her best friends. Being an odd ball and having a hard time making friends. That girl spoke to my heart and I absolutely loved her style. Plus her internal conversations were absolutely fantastic. But what I loved most was her dedication to her grandparents.
The way she would do ANYTHING for them no matter what. And that is what brought Thallor banging at her front door.
The way you can tell he dislikes her but his eyes give away EVERYTHING!!! And Quincey trying to be civil but also calling him out on his shit when needed. She also wasn't afraid to stand her ground and see Thallor for what he was.
Slowly these two start to form a routine that they just fall into step with one another and it is so beautiful to see. Her walls are slowly dropping around him and she is finding out that love is something she can have...that it is something that is possible for her. She had only ever seen three people in love never knowing it was something she could have.
"When I look at that book now, Sterling, I see home. I see us. I see you. You are woven into every good memory I have in my life. Every beautiful memory. The centuries of being trapped were worth it when the prize is you."
The book leaves on a heart breaking cliffhanger and I cried my eyes out.
This book is so beautiful, the words so elegant yet it was so funny and touching. Yes there are some things that I do have questions about. Some things I think could be tweaked but I'm in love with this book. With these characters who found a home with one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2026
Thank you Stevie for sending me this book, it was truly a delight!
One thing Stevie and I definitely agree on is that this world needs more redheaded MMCs. Well, she delivered. Quincey has so much willpower, because I would have probably kissed Thallor much earlier than she did 🫣 they were so cute together, I didn’t expect a demon to blush but it was adorable! So was his addiction (can we call it that?) to a particular genre.
“I often think about what it would be like to be locked in a broom closet with her.”
- change ‘her’ to ‘him’ and this would be something I would say - if you know me, you know.
Really enjoyed Quincey’s inner monologue and interests, how cozy Darling felt, the budding relationship and Stevie’s captivating writing overall. She has a way with words, this is the kind of prose that I love in romance novels, and she has the potential of becoming a big writer.
One question about Thallor though: How does no one question his red eyes? I tried to imagine that everyone accepts that this dude is just an edgy guy who always wears contact lenses or only Quincey can see his real eye colour. Or is this an alternate universe where red eyes are normal? So many questions.
This is personal preference but I was so desperate to know what happened immediately after certain confessions! You cannot just jump forward after that, Stevie 😩 tell me what happened, what did Quincey do?
Sometimes I wasn’t sure where certain scenes were going or how those elements would fit into the story. For example I would have preferred more details about the Church sprinkled in or more about Isaac and Esme to make the events even more dramatic as everything unfolded. At times it felt like suffering from whiplash when things went from sweet to horrifying and back to sweet again. I also needed a bit more buildup between Quincey and Thallor, more banter.
I had a theory that Quincey’s life is falling apart because Thallor or - even better - another demon is creating problems for her so she’ll use her wishes quicker. Although I wasn’t proven right, I wasn’t proven wrong, either.
I liked the story and am looking forward to book 2!
One thing Stevie and I definitely agree on is that this world needs more redheaded MMCs. Well, she delivered. Quincey has so much willpower, because I would have probably kissed Thallor much earlier than she did 🫣 they were so cute together, I didn’t expect a demon to blush but it was adorable! So was his addiction (can we call it that?) to a particular genre.
“I often think about what it would be like to be locked in a broom closet with her.”
- change ‘her’ to ‘him’ and this would be something I would say - if you know me, you know.
Really enjoyed Quincey’s inner monologue and interests, how cozy Darling felt, the budding relationship and Stevie’s captivating writing overall. She has a way with words, this is the kind of prose that I love in romance novels, and she has the potential of becoming a big writer.
One question about Thallor though: How does no one question his red eyes? I tried to imagine that everyone accepts that this dude is just an edgy guy who always wears contact lenses or only Quincey can see his real eye colour. Or is this an alternate universe where red eyes are normal? So many questions.
This is personal preference but I was so desperate to know what happened immediately after certain confessions! You cannot just jump forward after that, Stevie 😩 tell me what happened, what did Quincey do?
Sometimes I wasn’t sure where certain scenes were going or how those elements would fit into the story. For example I would have preferred more details about the Church sprinkled in or more about Isaac and Esme to make the events even more dramatic as everything unfolded. At times it felt like suffering from whiplash when things went from sweet to horrifying and back to sweet again. I also needed a bit more buildup between Quincey and Thallor, more banter.
I had a theory that Quincey’s life is falling apart because Thallor or - even better - another demon is creating problems for her so she’ll use her wishes quicker. Although I wasn’t proven right, I wasn’t proven wrong, either.
I liked the story and am looking forward to book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much, Stevie, for trusting me with your babies 🖤
I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this one, but first of all, thank you to doomscrolling, because if I hadn’t been on Instagram Reels, I never would’ve discovered this when I did. Dick-shaped candle? Say no more.
Malediction is a paranormal romance between our FMC, Quincey, and a demon named Thallor, yes, an actual demon, who she accidentally summons. On a late Halloween night, post-party at a frat house, she opens a strange book she bought from an antique shop and gathers everything she needs for the spell. She doesn’t think anything will happen… it’s just a silly book, right?
“Demon of darkness, prince of hell, I beckon you forward with one simple spell.”
Except she does summon a demon, and he just so happens to be the most handsome being she’s ever laid eyes on. Red hair, built like a god, and very much real. Her very own demon, Thallor, here to grant her three wishes.
But what happens when feelings start to kindle for the moody demon? When he begins to care for a human who can’t even decide how to use her wishes?
Malediction is for the girls who love a slow burn. For the girls who love reading about a man yearning for the woman he’s obsessed with (I mean… he was watching all her favourite movies just to memorise her favourite quotes). And for the girls who feel deeply.
I cried. I laughed. I definitely turned fifty different shades of red 👀 And I absolutely loved this book.
This is your sign to read Malediction, out February 2nd, because it will change your life (maybe I need to try a spell for myself).
I genuinely don’t even know where to start with this one, but first of all, thank you to doomscrolling, because if I hadn’t been on Instagram Reels, I never would’ve discovered this when I did. Dick-shaped candle? Say no more.
Malediction is a paranormal romance between our FMC, Quincey, and a demon named Thallor, yes, an actual demon, who she accidentally summons. On a late Halloween night, post-party at a frat house, she opens a strange book she bought from an antique shop and gathers everything she needs for the spell. She doesn’t think anything will happen… it’s just a silly book, right?
“Demon of darkness, prince of hell, I beckon you forward with one simple spell.”
Except she does summon a demon, and he just so happens to be the most handsome being she’s ever laid eyes on. Red hair, built like a god, and very much real. Her very own demon, Thallor, here to grant her three wishes.
But what happens when feelings start to kindle for the moody demon? When he begins to care for a human who can’t even decide how to use her wishes?
Malediction is for the girls who love a slow burn. For the girls who love reading about a man yearning for the woman he’s obsessed with (I mean… he was watching all her favourite movies just to memorise her favourite quotes). And for the girls who feel deeply.
I cried. I laughed. I definitely turned fifty different shades of red 👀 And I absolutely loved this book.
This is your sign to read Malediction, out February 2nd, because it will change your life (maybe I need to try a spell for myself).
Review of advance copy received from Author
even though it’s only happened on two occasions, i always feel so deeply honoured when stevie sends me her book before publication. ‘a crescent fable’ was my first proper glimpse at her talent, but ‘malediction’ completely consumed me. i finished it in a DAY, which is unheard of for me with anything that isn’t fanfiction!! and i highlighted the hell out of it, too.
one of my favourite things about stevie’s writing is her wit. there’s this constant, subtle humour that runs through everything and makes her entire world feel lived in. without it, i don’t think i would’ve connected with quincey as intensely as i did. the whole book is in her POV, and because of stevie’s writing style, i felt as though i was experiencing everything AS quincey instead of merely watching her story play out before me. her emotions spilt right into me, and i think that’s what made ‘malediction’ so addicting.
her whole journey spoke to me on a deeply personal level. her views on love, the world and how she fits into it… it was like she was holding a mirror to my goddamn face. i absolutely adored watching her walls crumble, how she realises that she’s fully capable of having that movie-type of love story, y’know (even tho most of the film references flew over my head lmao).
and thallor? as a demon, he had no business being as charming as he was. he’s absolutely an asshole at first (and his insults had me crying with laughter), but can you blame him? this random girl literally summoned him with a c*ck-shaped candle?? then he started trying for her, and my crying became CRYING. he goes from outright sarcasm to slowly learning how quincey works, adapting to her rhythm and familiarising himself with her likes and dislikes. hello?? the small but meaningful moments genuinely killed me. obliterated me. stevie doesn’t over exaggerate them either, just lets them land quietly on their own. no dramatic cues or her yelling at me “LOOK AT THEM!!” and again, it’s bc it felt like i was living in those moments instead of witnessing them.
that, in my opinion, speaks volumes about stevie’s skill.
im legally not allowed to touch on the PILE of emotions this book pulled from me (spoilers, y’know), so all i can do is say that ‘malediction’ makes you FEEL. an easy five stars. hit every beat for me—from the voice to the emotions and relationship, it literally kept me hooked from beginning to end. i need everybody to read it immediately. counting down the days until i can speak freely.
always so proud of you, stevie!!
one of my favourite things about stevie’s writing is her wit. there’s this constant, subtle humour that runs through everything and makes her entire world feel lived in. without it, i don’t think i would’ve connected with quincey as intensely as i did. the whole book is in her POV, and because of stevie’s writing style, i felt as though i was experiencing everything AS quincey instead of merely watching her story play out before me. her emotions spilt right into me, and i think that’s what made ‘malediction’ so addicting.
her whole journey spoke to me on a deeply personal level. her views on love, the world and how she fits into it… it was like she was holding a mirror to my goddamn face. i absolutely adored watching her walls crumble, how she realises that she’s fully capable of having that movie-type of love story, y’know (even tho most of the film references flew over my head lmao).
and thallor? as a demon, he had no business being as charming as he was. he’s absolutely an asshole at first (and his insults had me crying with laughter), but can you blame him? this random girl literally summoned him with a c*ck-shaped candle?? then he started trying for her, and my crying became CRYING. he goes from outright sarcasm to slowly learning how quincey works, adapting to her rhythm and familiarising himself with her likes and dislikes. hello?? the small but meaningful moments genuinely killed me. obliterated me. stevie doesn’t over exaggerate them either, just lets them land quietly on their own. no dramatic cues or her yelling at me “LOOK AT THEM!!” and again, it’s bc it felt like i was living in those moments instead of witnessing them.
that, in my opinion, speaks volumes about stevie’s skill.
im legally not allowed to touch on the PILE of emotions this book pulled from me (spoilers, y’know), so all i can do is say that ‘malediction’ makes you FEEL. an easy five stars. hit every beat for me—from the voice to the emotions and relationship, it literally kept me hooked from beginning to end. i need everybody to read it immediately. counting down the days until i can speak freely.
always so proud of you, stevie!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun book with demons, magic, cults and emotions told entirely through one point of view. Quincey is a college student who summons a hot demon named Thallor and at first, she didn't think the summoning worked. There's a lot of humor when he tries to convince her otherwise. Eventually she realizes it is real life and he tells her that he has to grant her 3 wishes to be able to leave. They end up begrudgingly living together while she decides her wishes so we get forced proximity bonding. There's a lot of banter between them so it was super entertaining to read. Also she is definitely attracted to him from the minute she saw him, but he is just mean to her so definitely a slow burn start. I liked the underlying plot in the book involving her friends. I enjoyed this book and I will definitely be reading the next book, especially after that ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness, I loved this book—far more than I expected to. The character development of Quincey and Thallor is beautifully done and handled with so much sensitivity. I could genuinely feel Quincey’s anxiety and emotional turmoil in several scenes, which made her incredibly easy to connect with. And I’m a little in love with Thallor myself.
The subplots added depth without ever pulling focus from the main story; everything felt intentional. And that ending—seriously?! The plot twist completely wrecked me. I was in tears and immediately wanted more.
Dark, emotional, and surprisingly tender, this story has truly stuck with me. Highly recommend Malediction.
The subplots added depth without ever pulling focus from the main story; everything felt intentional. And that ending—seriously?! The plot twist completely wrecked me. I was in tears and immediately wanted more.
Dark, emotional, and surprisingly tender, this story has truly stuck with me. Highly recommend Malediction.
Review of advance copy
Me for 95% of the book 🤗😍🤨🤭
Me at the end 😭😦🫢
I read this in a day, so excited to have received an an ARC of Malediction. I absolutely adored the slowwww burn and the dynamic that Quincey and Thallar, their hate to friends so cute, sweet, and wholesome. It was so refreshing to see the moments build atop one another as their relationship grew to friends to lovers. Such a fun and unique story that also had a depth that makes you tear up sometimes, but also laugh. There were some moments that also had me asking questions that all add up to the ending, proving my suspicions correct and now I’m desperate for the next book!
Me at the end 😭😦🫢
I read this in a day, so excited to have received an an ARC of Malediction. I absolutely adored the slowwww burn and the dynamic that Quincey and Thallar, their hate to friends so cute, sweet, and wholesome. It was so refreshing to see the moments build atop one another as their relationship grew to friends to lovers. Such a fun and unique story that also had a depth that makes you tear up sometimes, but also laugh. There were some moments that also had me asking questions that all add up to the ending, proving my suspicions correct and now I’m desperate for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
That ending killed me! I love Thallor with all my heart! He is amazing book boyfriend, demon and all! I might try summoning him! The way He took care of Quincey was beautiful! The banter was really fun too! I laughed, I cried, I swooned! I had great time reading it!
Nobody puts MY baby in a corner!
Nobody puts MY baby in a corner!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews