Grow in the Dark: Longest Nightmare of the Year

by Adeline Alchemy

Massive. Scaly. Demanding. The stuff of nightmares. And wet dreams.

“It looks like a Labubu f**ked a lizard or something.”

When Amber happens across a strange little doll in an oddities shop, she’s sure he’ll be the perfect companion to help her through the lonely Christmas season.

He’s certainly happy to keep her company. He just doesn’t stay little.

This cursed doll grows in the dark… and it’s the longest night of the year.

GROW IN THE LONGEST NIGHTMARE OF THE YEAR is a spicy horror novelette (15k words) for those whose first instinct is to run towards the terrifying monster. Weird and whimsical with a slimy twist, this spooky story will keep you hot through those cold winter nights.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Adeline Alchemy (she/they) writes creepy-cozy spicy horror for those who like their monsters spiky, sticky, and seductive. There’s usually a happy ending–for the monster, that is.

When she’s not daydreaming about squishy tentacles or dripping maws, she enjoys collecting bugs and watching nature documentaries for all the wrong reasons.

She also writes sweet and spicy monster romance as Bethany Baker.

Reviews

[Cheyenne Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read, the plot is overall great and the characters are well written and enjoyable and well thought through.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grow in the Dark - Adeline Alchemy

I adore this author’s writing style. Every story is fun and exciting to read, and I especially love their erotic horrors. The characters were so great and fun to read. I loved the dark humor in the book and Amber was just so fun. I can’t wait to see what else the author writes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️

# of Pages 🌙 68 pages

Release Date 🌟 12/1/25

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 Unknown/Not Applicable

Genre/Tropes ✨ erotic horror, horror, monsters

Favorite Character ☀️ Amber

Favorite Line 🌟 “As tempting as burning down the office is... maybe not. Yet. I still need my paycheck.”

[Samantha Millican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grow in the Dark: Longest Nightmare of the Year is a spicy horror story about a woman who buys a doll at an oddity shop to ward off her loneliness for the holidays. A truly twisted erotic horror that you can’t pull yourself away from. I’ll be side eyeing those dolls at the collector stores more closely from now on!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[fullyb00ked👻📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I love monster smut 🙂‍↕️ this one was even more unhinged than I imagined and I ate up every word. Soooo much breeding! So much 💦! The monsters were fun and extremely dominating 🥵 and I loved the ending!

I’ll definitely be sleeping with all the lights out 😉

[Piper James]

Read in one sitting

Unholy Christmas this was 🫠👀🔥🖤 dirty, delightful, and daring. Bringing home a toy from a a local tchostkie store was never more dangerous or invigorating. Perfect for those of us who dream of our own monsters

Check the menu darlings, this one is a doozy

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Glow in the dark? Really? Well, now you're my toy." ~Neptune🦖

Holy moly!! I wasn't expecting THAT!😖😳🤯 Or any of it really.🙈😭😭 My jaw dropped. I cringed, ohhhh yes, I did. This short story was bats#*t crazy.🫢🫢 Did that just happen? Unhinged comes to mind. Morbid. Disturbing. There's also dark humor. Don't expect a full understanding of how or why such a thing exists. It just does. Beware of Oddity shops or buying things that look different.😵👺

It's Gremlins mixed with Jurassic Park form, or is it mating season with a group of Predators, take your pick, it's all blended at high speed for a mind bending horrorfest. The viscosity reminded me of Aliens.🤢☠️💦🥚💦🥚💦🥚But understand this, Amber the MFC, bizarrely enough, wanted this madness. I don't think there was much of a choice.🫨💥💥💥💥💥

🚩🚩 Read the TWs. Read them carefully.🚩🚩

That ending. I knew it!!!! Ughhhhhh.😨🪦🥀 That alone is noteworthy. This is a new author for me and she created a nightmare with the world building. The writing style is easy to follow. The story is different. The book cover is cool looking but it doesn't give any clue to what awaits you as a reader. If you're looking for surreal, a tale from the darkside, it's holiday themed, then give this one a go. Happy reading.*•>§<•*💚💚💚

🦖🦖🧍🏼‍♀️Thank you to Adeline Alchemy and Booksprout. The opinions shared here are my own.🧍🏼‍♀️🦖🦖

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story did not disappoint! Fast paced and intriguing. Not a ton of plot, but perfect if you want a steamy monster read!! Love the authors imagination! This is my second book by this author and I’m eager to read more of their work! - 🚨CW’s for dub-con; br££ding; and egg laying (in a spicy way) 😂

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber is on her way home when she sees a doll sitting in a window – a little doll that “looks like a Labubu f**ked a lizard or something.” The only thing on it is a tag that says “G OW IN THE DARK.” Too bad that letter was missing.

This was basically gremlins if a monster f**ker wrote that script because HOT DAMN. This was horror smut at its finest as the Lizubu grows in the dark, not glows, and it just happens to be the longest night of the year. Absolutely wild smut. WILD. Also horrifying as she just becomes a toy for them to use. Lots of weirdness, definitely check triggers. But yeah. Weirdly hot.

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight-up a great, quick read. I loved the FMC's voice/inner monologue, the book was very well-written imo, and the monsterfucking was weird and delicious. Mind the content warnings, but if you're into horror-esque monster erotica, looking for a short and fresh read, and the mentioned contents don't bother you, I highly recommend this!

Detailed content warnings are available on the Demon Cat Press website.

[Jorja Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lizuzu monsters in this horror romance are depraved and practice dub con at best. It’s pretty much nonconsent. There is also an element of incestuous activity…sort of. This really toes the live for what I read but it’s well written and I have no complaints. Just reader beware!

[Smutty Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very unique plot! I liked this book a lot and would definitly recommend to anyone for a fun read!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.