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Hazelwood
"Hazelwood desires fear and blood. Always and forever"
To uphold the blood oath bound to an ancient manor that stands as one of the seals between this world and Hell, five elite families of a secret society host an annual gathering filled with balls, blood and deadly games where they must sacrifice new souls to feed Hazelwood.
But this year, things go awry as Raena Raith, the reigning bloodline's heiress, goes rogue and brings chaos upon the festivities.
Each bloodline holds their own secrets and motives as dangerous pasts and deceptive future plans clash with the sinister spirits and beasts that roam the halls of the opulent and voracious Hazelwood manor.
Daegan Raena's biggest rival, former lover and resident chaos master.
Kurt Shadowguard, logistics mastermind and hopelessly in love with the woman he is sworn to protect.
Jace Raena's stepbrother, Daegan's best friend, and third to their throuple before his death that just didn't stick.
Between these four, the laws of life, death and normal human morality cease to exist.
Welcome to Hazelwood. Will you survive?
To uphold the blood oath bound to an ancient manor that stands as one of the seals between this world and Hell, five elite families of a secret society host an annual gathering filled with balls, blood and deadly games where they must sacrifice new souls to feed Hazelwood.
But this year, things go awry as Raena Raith, the reigning bloodline's heiress, goes rogue and brings chaos upon the festivities.
Each bloodline holds their own secrets and motives as dangerous pasts and deceptive future plans clash with the sinister spirits and beasts that roam the halls of the opulent and voracious Hazelwood manor.
Daegan Raena's biggest rival, former lover and resident chaos master.
Kurt Shadowguard, logistics mastermind and hopelessly in love with the woman he is sworn to protect.
Jace Raena's stepbrother, Daegan's best friend, and third to their throuple before his death that just didn't stick.
Between these four, the laws of life, death and normal human morality cease to exist.
Welcome to Hazelwood. Will you survive?
272 pages, Hardcover
Published October 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 6, 2026
ARC REVIEW PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY
Thank you I.L. Jordan and JAC Press for this ARC opportunity from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Genre:
Horror
Romance
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Rivals to Lovers
Deadly Games
Secret Society
Touch her and Die
Found Family
Morally black characters
Where do I start with this book, it’s a secret society, meets a Halloween horror house, deadly trials, and rivals to lovers (I’m pretty sure there’s a love triangle!).
For a debut novel this was really good. It was the perfect balance of horror and romance. I liked that we have multiple point of views, a potential love triangle, secrets and history to be explored, and many different plots, that are all building onto the next book.
Nothing was resolved and everything feels like it’s still developing. There was many twists and turns, some I didn’t see coming, and some that were predictable.
I liked that the author has a descriptive writing style, especially when it came to the horror scenes and the describing the grounds and the manor. It really built an image of where the families were living and the gruesomeness of what they were experiencing.
I loved the MFC. She wasn’t a damsel in distress, she was a little bit crazy, cunning, and complex. Our MMC’s are so different but both have a touch her and die personality. They both fall first and I can’t wait to see what happens with their relationships.
Overall I did like this book, it was something different and an easy read. I do hope that book 2 is slightly more fast paced and we get more character and plot development.
Thank you I.L. Jordan and JAC Press for this ARC opportunity from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Genre:
Horror
Romance
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Rivals to Lovers
Deadly Games
Secret Society
Touch her and Die
Found Family
Morally black characters
Where do I start with this book, it’s a secret society, meets a Halloween horror house, deadly trials, and rivals to lovers (I’m pretty sure there’s a love triangle!).
For a debut novel this was really good. It was the perfect balance of horror and romance. I liked that we have multiple point of views, a potential love triangle, secrets and history to be explored, and many different plots, that are all building onto the next book.
Nothing was resolved and everything feels like it’s still developing. There was many twists and turns, some I didn’t see coming, and some that were predictable.
I liked that the author has a descriptive writing style, especially when it came to the horror scenes and the describing the grounds and the manor. It really built an image of where the families were living and the gruesomeness of what they were experiencing.
I loved the MFC. She wasn’t a damsel in distress, she was a little bit crazy, cunning, and complex. Our MMC’s are so different but both have a touch her and die personality. They both fall first and I can’t wait to see what happens with their relationships.
Overall I did like this book, it was something different and an easy read. I do hope that book 2 is slightly more fast paced and we get more character and plot development.
November 4, 2026
Bloodlines. Old magic. Contracts. The house is hungry. Gothic horror. Multiple pov. Morally black characters. Spice.
This was SO good and the ending…wow…book two needs to come asap.
This was SO good and the ending…wow…book two needs to come asap.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was completely entranced by this romance. I wasn’t completely sure if I would love the horror aspect of this but I decided to give this a chance. I am so glad I did because this was FUCKING amazing. I still cannot believe this IS THE AUTHOR'S DEBUT NOVEL.... I thought there is no way this is the first novel she has ever written. It's even more incredible to hear this is her first novel. I am still blown away.
The female character Raena was so unhinged and full of feminine rage. I genuinely have never met a character more psychotic and I loved her for it. Her messy relationships had me so on edge. I was completely consumed trying to decide who to pick. I loved how she gets her revenge. I cannot wait to see book two for even more chaotic and unhinged things she will do. The deadly games were so chilling and psychotic. It was truly a fun read. I have not read creepy thriller like this in a long time.
NOW DAEGAN. I love him and I want him so bad! I cannot wait to see how this unfolds!!!! The enemies from previously lovers has me on the edge of my seat. I love his internal dialogue. I just need MORE!!!!
I think this book is going to absolutely blow up on the internet when it gets released. This book is for readers who love RuNyx, Rina Kent’s Legacy of Gods, and Jessica Hastings drama. This is filled with morally grey, messy and complicated characters that are deliciously fucked.
I think this book is going viral because it absolute deserves to. Between the psychotic characters, deadly games, and love triangles. I was at the edge of my seat and I could not put it down to save my life.
The cliffhanger made me go from complete rage to absolute shock in half of a second. I can to wait for book two. 🤯🤯
I loved this book so much I read it twice for additional context!!!
Tropes
Horror Romance
Forced Proximity
Rivals to Lovers
Deadly Games
Secret Society
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
The female character Raena was so unhinged and full of feminine rage. I genuinely have never met a character more psychotic and I loved her for it. Her messy relationships had me so on edge. I was completely consumed trying to decide who to pick. I loved how she gets her revenge. I cannot wait to see book two for even more chaotic and unhinged things she will do. The deadly games were so chilling and psychotic. It was truly a fun read. I have not read creepy thriller like this in a long time.
NOW DAEGAN. I love him and I want him so bad! I cannot wait to see how this unfolds!!!! The enemies from previously lovers has me on the edge of my seat. I love his internal dialogue. I just need MORE!!!!
I think this book is going to absolutely blow up on the internet when it gets released. This book is for readers who love RuNyx, Rina Kent’s Legacy of Gods, and Jessica Hastings drama. This is filled with morally grey, messy and complicated characters that are deliciously fucked.
I think this book is going viral because it absolute deserves to. Between the psychotic characters, deadly games, and love triangles. I was at the edge of my seat and I could not put it down to save my life.
The cliffhanger made me go from complete rage to absolute shock in half of a second. I can to wait for book two. 🤯🤯
I loved this book so much I read it twice for additional context!!!
Tropes
Horror Romance
Forced Proximity
Rivals to Lovers
Deadly Games
Secret Society
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hazelwood is a wild, intoxicating plunge into a world where opulence and horror walk hand‑in‑hand. The manor itself feels alive—hungry, watchful, and steeped in old magic—and the annual gathering of the five bloodlines is the kind of twisted spectacle that makes you read with equal parts fascination and dread.
Raena’s decision to go rogue sets off a chain reaction that turns the entire event into a beautifully chaotic mess. The story thrives on that chaos. Every bloodline has its own agenda, every alliance is brittle, and every secret feels sharp enough to cut. The atmosphere is thick with danger, desire, and the sense that no one is ever truly safe within Hazelwood’s walls.
The characters are bold and messy in the best way. Daegan brings swagger and volatility, Kurt offers quiet devotion wrapped in duty, and Jace’s presence—alive when he shouldn’t be—adds a deliciously eerie edge. Their tangled history gives the story emotional weight, and their dynamic blurs the lines between loyalty, rivalry, and something far more complicated.
What stands out most is how immersive the world feels. The manor is lavish and monstrous, the games are deadly, and the spirits and beasts roaming the halls make every corner feel like a threat. It’s dark fantasy with a decadent twist, full of sharp turns and moments that make you grin at the audacity of it all.
A bold, bloody, and irresistibly dramatic ride. If you enjoy stories where danger is beautiful, secrets are currency, and the house itself might be your worst enemy, Hazelwood is an absolute treat.
With thanks to IL Jordan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Raena’s decision to go rogue sets off a chain reaction that turns the entire event into a beautifully chaotic mess. The story thrives on that chaos. Every bloodline has its own agenda, every alliance is brittle, and every secret feels sharp enough to cut. The atmosphere is thick with danger, desire, and the sense that no one is ever truly safe within Hazelwood’s walls.
The characters are bold and messy in the best way. Daegan brings swagger and volatility, Kurt offers quiet devotion wrapped in duty, and Jace’s presence—alive when he shouldn’t be—adds a deliciously eerie edge. Their tangled history gives the story emotional weight, and their dynamic blurs the lines between loyalty, rivalry, and something far more complicated.
What stands out most is how immersive the world feels. The manor is lavish and monstrous, the games are deadly, and the spirits and beasts roaming the halls make every corner feel like a threat. It’s dark fantasy with a decadent twist, full of sharp turns and moments that make you grin at the audacity of it all.
A bold, bloody, and irresistibly dramatic ride. If you enjoy stories where danger is beautiful, secrets are currency, and the house itself might be your worst enemy, Hazelwood is an absolute treat.
With thanks to IL Jordan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
October 13, 2026
First, a heartfelt thank you to I.L. Jordan for the honor of being part of her Hazelwood street team and the opportunity to read an ARC. This entire experience has been incredible, and I'm so grateful! 🥹
Hazelwood is no ordinary manor. It offers protection, but maintaining that balance comes at a terrifying cost: it must be fed and generations of families are determined to make sure it gets its sacrifices.
Then there's Raena. Beautiful, complex, and carrying so much pain. I loved her circle of friends, especially the layers in her connections with Daegan (our resident bad boy ) and Jace, who represents so much of her hurt.
And the guests invited to participate in Hazelwood's deadly games? Let's just say they have NO idea what they're walking into.
But what stayed with me wasn't only the horror.
It was the loneliness, the grief, and the struggle to keep going when you feel yourself slipping away. Watching Raena navigate her pain while trying to lead and finally find room to breathe was heartbreaking.
I.L. Jordan writes with such emotional depth. There's beauty beneath the nightmares, along with humor, romance, and spice.
This is not your typical horror romance, and I already NEED Book 2!
If you love gothic atmospheres, deadly games, complex relationships, and finding beauty in the darkest places, add Hazelwood to your TBR. 🥀
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hazelwood is a dark horror romance novel about a house that can only be explained as alive but dead at the same time...
To understand what I mean there you will just have to read this book. As soon as I started this book I was so intrigued to find out more about Hazelwood and the extent of the darkness within it. The 'ghosts' we are introduced to in this book fall into three categories: spirits, wraiths and shades. Depending on which they are determines how dangerous they are. The story is told from multiple perspectives of a friendship group who are members of the founding families of Hazelwood. Anually a party is held where games are played with all of these familes in order to ensure that the house is fed.
I enjoyed a lot about this book, the characters had just the right amount of depth, there was a good plot alongisde the romance plot. The romance and spice was always justified and relevant not just thrown in for the sake of it. I found the pacing spot on and enticing making me want to keep reading one chapter after another. The ending was probably my least favourite part purely because I have to wait for a sequel!!
I would definitely recommend you add this to your list and I will 100% be reading book two.
Overall rating: 3.75 stars.
To understand what I mean there you will just have to read this book. As soon as I started this book I was so intrigued to find out more about Hazelwood and the extent of the darkness within it. The 'ghosts' we are introduced to in this book fall into three categories: spirits, wraiths and shades. Depending on which they are determines how dangerous they are. The story is told from multiple perspectives of a friendship group who are members of the founding families of Hazelwood. Anually a party is held where games are played with all of these familes in order to ensure that the house is fed.
I enjoyed a lot about this book, the characters had just the right amount of depth, there was a good plot alongisde the romance plot. The romance and spice was always justified and relevant not just thrown in for the sake of it. I found the pacing spot on and enticing making me want to keep reading one chapter after another. The ending was probably my least favourite part purely because I have to wait for a sequel!!
I would definitely recommend you add this to your list and I will 100% be reading book two.
Overall rating: 3.75 stars.
October 28, 2026
(Not sure why my review says I had an advanced copy, I bought this and got it a week after the release date! No ARC here)
Well shit. I didn't realize this would end on a cliffhanger and now I'm mad. 😅
Not sure if I love or hate Raena to be honest! I'm hoping we see some more redeeming qualities in her in the next book. She's super strong, but also just a bitch all of the time with her walls up. I want to see some of them come down!
Love Hazelwood and it's creepiness. She sounds like a beautiful home full of scary things. I'd love getting more about what all lurks in her halls, and more background on some of the spirits! Learning about some of them was super interesting to me.
The men in this book...lord. I'm not even sure who I want Raena with at this point! Do we want her back with Daegen or do we want Kurt to not be dead and them end up together? Hell...can Jace come back from the dead somehow??
So much left open that it's killing me, I want to know so much more!! What's going on with Callum's person? How did Jace die? Why does Raena not know he's a shade and in her house? What is happening with the other families? Where is Nox? Will Jessica die before Daegen finds out she's pregnant? And on and on 😅
Come on book 2!!
Well shit. I didn't realize this would end on a cliffhanger and now I'm mad. 😅
Not sure if I love or hate Raena to be honest! I'm hoping we see some more redeeming qualities in her in the next book. She's super strong, but also just a bitch all of the time with her walls up. I want to see some of them come down!
Love Hazelwood and it's creepiness. She sounds like a beautiful home full of scary things. I'd love getting more about what all lurks in her halls, and more background on some of the spirits! Learning about some of them was super interesting to me.
The men in this book...lord. I'm not even sure who I want Raena with at this point! Do we want her back with Daegen or do we want Kurt to not be dead and them end up together? Hell...can Jace come back from the dead somehow??
So much left open that it's killing me, I want to know so much more!! What's going on with Callum's person? How did Jace die? Why does Raena not know he's a shade and in her house? What is happening with the other families? Where is Nox? Will Jessica die before Daegen finds out she's pregnant? And on and on 😅
Come on book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pick this up if you want a book that has it all! @i.l.jordan_bookstagram delivers a perfect blend of dark, gothic horror with romance as well as laugh out loud moments. Hazelwood is ravenous and must feast with unusual and aggressive tactics. The games are delightful with horror elements that are graphic and add to the ambience of the entire story.
"I now know how Alice must have felt sitting at that infuriatingly ridiculous tea party with the mad hatter."
The characters are well developed and each have a distinct personality that really shines. Everyone is morally grey, there is an incredible love triangle as well as an amazing guard dog, Nox.
Who is important, who is a sacrifice?
"This might be the most dangerous place on earth and we're so glad you could join us."
Once I started this book I could not put it down. Upon reading the shocking ending I was left wanting more, and like Hazelwood, I'll use some pretty aggressive tactics to read the next book. 😉
Thank you I.L. Jordan and @NetGalley for the early read of this incredible book!
#Hazelwood #horrorromance #horror #darkromance #netgalley
"I now know how Alice must have felt sitting at that infuriatingly ridiculous tea party with the mad hatter."
The characters are well developed and each have a distinct personality that really shines. Everyone is morally grey, there is an incredible love triangle as well as an amazing guard dog, Nox.
Who is important, who is a sacrifice?
"This might be the most dangerous place on earth and we're so glad you could join us."
Once I started this book I could not put it down. Upon reading the shocking ending I was left wanting more, and like Hazelwood, I'll use some pretty aggressive tactics to read the next book. 😉
Thank you I.L. Jordan and @NetGalley for the early read of this incredible book!
#Hazelwood #horrorromance #horror #darkromance #netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This felt like The Haunting of Bly Manor and The Cabin in the Woods had a baby, it would be this book.
An ancient evil manor haunted by spirits. Wealthy families with dark secrets. Deadly games. Human sacrifices. A seal standing between our world and Hell. This book had everything I love in horror and then some. I loved every single character especially Raena that girl is all sorts of crazy. I really enjoyed all the characters and was praying none of the main family got too injured.
The atmosphere was absolutely creepy and gave me chills and goosebumps more than once. The manor itself felt like a character, full of dread and mystery lurking around every corner.
This was one of those books that had me saying "just one more chapter" over and over again. Before I knew it, I had flown through half the book because I couldn't put it down.
And the way the book ended im gonna assume we get a sequel because what the heck happened!?
If you love haunted houses, gothic horror, dark family secrets, twisted traditions, and a little romance mixed in with your scares, I highly recommend this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
An ancient evil manor haunted by spirits. Wealthy families with dark secrets. Deadly games. Human sacrifices. A seal standing between our world and Hell. This book had everything I love in horror and then some. I loved every single character especially Raena that girl is all sorts of crazy. I really enjoyed all the characters and was praying none of the main family got too injured.
The atmosphere was absolutely creepy and gave me chills and goosebumps more than once. The manor itself felt like a character, full of dread and mystery lurking around every corner.
This was one of those books that had me saying "just one more chapter" over and over again. Before I knew it, I had flown through half the book because I couldn't put it down.
And the way the book ended im gonna assume we get a sequel because what the heck happened!?
If you love haunted houses, gothic horror, dark family secrets, twisted traditions, and a little romance mixed in with your scares, I highly recommend this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free ARC of Hazelwood and leave this review voluntarily.
Oh my god, the ending of this dark romance had me hunting to see if there is a sequel coming out any time soon. While I was unable to find a sequel, I did notice this is book one of the Shadowbound series so more is (*fingers crossed*) coming. This is definitely a dark romance with significant amounts of murder, but at least there is a purpose behind the murders. Hazelwood, the manor the book is set in, requires sacrifices (ideally from those who have been terrorized) in order to continue protecting the world. And the manor is not picky about who it will take, putting even the main characters at risk of a gruesome death. I loved the complex relationships throughout the book, which kept me reading from start to finish in one sitting. There are many characters, which in other books has me lost, I did not experience that at all in this because each of the characters is very unique. I would LOVE to see a relationship web drawn out though because it would be fascinating to see it all laid out! I highly recommend Hazelwood, just be prepared for a cliffhanger of an ending, which had my jaw drop.
Oh my god, the ending of this dark romance had me hunting to see if there is a sequel coming out any time soon. While I was unable to find a sequel, I did notice this is book one of the Shadowbound series so more is (*fingers crossed*) coming. This is definitely a dark romance with significant amounts of murder, but at least there is a purpose behind the murders. Hazelwood, the manor the book is set in, requires sacrifices (ideally from those who have been terrorized) in order to continue protecting the world. And the manor is not picky about who it will take, putting even the main characters at risk of a gruesome death. I loved the complex relationships throughout the book, which kept me reading from start to finish in one sitting. There are many characters, which in other books has me lost, I did not experience that at all in this because each of the characters is very unique. I would LOVE to see a relationship web drawn out though because it would be fascinating to see it all laid out! I highly recommend Hazelwood, just be prepared for a cliffhanger of an ending, which had my jaw drop.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I devoured this book…just like the house devours its inhabitants. I’ve never read anything quite like this, dark romance + horror, who knew?! I am predicting this will have a cult following. If you’re a horror girly looking for something interesting and unique to add to your fall/halloween tbr I highly recommend this!
The characters are so very hate-able but their weird quirks pull you in. Think cast of gossip girl but with more murder-y vibes. They are made up of the world’s elite and once a year they meet at a place called Hazelwood manor where they offer up souls to keep their health and wealth.
I am not a dark romance girlie AT ALL and I was dubious that there would be enough horror aspects to carry the plot along but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Can’t wait for book two!
Thank you to NetGalley and JAC Press / Spark and Quill for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2026
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!
The dark and ominous cover of this book immediately pulled me in.
A gothic story mixed with dark romance and horror… I knew I had to read this and it did not disappoint.
And I love that this book is being released in the month of October! Perfect book for the season!
I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and there are quite a few.
My favorite is Raena. She is a badass and unhinged FMC with plenty of female rage and I absolutely love her!
I really love Daegan too, but I had a love to hate him relationship at first and then completely fell for him!
I’ve read a few horror books where the house chooses who lives, and I think that’s such a creepy concept because you never know who it will be.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I will tell you, I did not see that ending coming! My jaw was literally on the floor! And it makes me so excited for book 2!
The dark and ominous cover of this book immediately pulled me in.
A gothic story mixed with dark romance and horror… I knew I had to read this and it did not disappoint.
And I love that this book is being released in the month of October! Perfect book for the season!
I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and there are quite a few.
My favorite is Raena. She is a badass and unhinged FMC with plenty of female rage and I absolutely love her!
I really love Daegan too, but I had a love to hate him relationship at first and then completely fell for him!
I’ve read a few horror books where the house chooses who lives, and I think that’s such a creepy concept because you never know who it will be.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I will tell you, I did not see that ending coming! My jaw was literally on the floor! And it makes me so excited for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hazelwood has consumed me; and just like some of the characters you’ll meet in the manor, she haunts my waking thoughts and my dreams. The story is set inside an opulent gothic estate that demands souls and blood. Raina is an FMC like none other who is gorgeous, vicious, and beguiling. She is charged with keeping the house fed and she takes her job very seriously. The MMCs are dynamic and well written. The men will certainly also haunt your dreams 😉 This book made me cry and yearn and, at times, laugh until my face hurt. The games and trials were so fun to read; intense and brutal with a side of humor. IL Jordan has created a set of dynamic characters who start to feel like family by the end. I think about Hazelwood almost every single day and long for the next part of the story. One of my all time favorite reads.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review!
4.5 ⭐️
First and foremost, please don’t hit the brakes 🖤
Hazelwood will eat you alive, literally.
If you crave a gothic ambiance, morally black characters, with sprinkles of horror and dashes of paranormal lore—look no further!
Hazelwood is a soul hungry manor. A gateway between this realm and hell. A secret society is bound by blood oath to care for and feed Hazelwood. Which brings us to the annual gathering. The lavish dinners and ritualistic games are sure to be a blood bath 😈
I loved this book! I can’t wait to see what’s next 🤗
I am 100% skeptical of every single character and their motives.
Cheginald is my fave.
I need more Daegan.
Jace… I’m watching you bro.
Raena seems to have lost herself a long time ago and I can’t wait to see what’s next her crazy does next!
Jessica 😒
And remember, be cautious of the Scrying mirror…frequent use could put you on some Demon’s radar. 💀🖤
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Spark and Quill for this e-arc!
Looking for a Halloween read? Look no further! This mysterious house that is alive, but make sure to check your trigger warnings!
By the end of the book you’re left with wanting more. I laughed out loud at parts. Between Daegon, Kurt, and Jace the dynamic was believable and partnering it with the horror. Gothic haunted house, made it for quite an interesting the entertaining ride! I’ll be very interested to see you where the next book goes after this!!
Looking for a Halloween read? Look no further! This mysterious house that is alive, but make sure to check your trigger warnings!
By the end of the book you’re left with wanting more. I laughed out loud at parts. Between Daegon, Kurt, and Jace the dynamic was believable and partnering it with the horror. Gothic haunted house, made it for quite an interesting the entertaining ride! I’ll be very interested to see you where the next book goes after this!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a brilliantly haunting blend of horror and deception that kept me captivated from beginning to end. Every chapter builds tension, balancing chilling suspense with deep rooted sexual tension. The horror elements are genuine with this ravenous desire that is Hazelwood. If you enjoy dark horror romance stories that combine atmospheric dread with every turn drawing you in this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I always love myself a giant haunted gothic manner. If I had one thing to say the author had one of the families with a last name Baka, I thought perhaps it might be some type of pun or something but it wasn't. I'm unsure if it was intended or not to have their last name as idiot but thankfully it wasn't mentioned that many times. Otherwise this was a delightfully creepy, fantastical, vicious world to read about.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every year Raena hosts a gathering of the five elite families and their guests. The guests are not there for the festivities as they were led to be. The estate is hungry and needs souls; without them all hell would break loose.
This is a steady paced novel. I love the atmosphere of the book. I believe this may be the first book in the series. I would love to learn more about the lore of Hazelwood Manor.
Did Not Finish
October 22, 2026✨ARC REVIEW✨
DNF @ 25%
I think this is definitely a me problem and not the book, I'm just not a fan of the whole secret society vibes and I don't care at all about any of the characters, which is a real shame because a sentient haunted house sounds perfect for this time of year 😭
I may revisit in the future when I'm in more of an open mood
DNF @ 25%
I think this is definitely a me problem and not the book, I'm just not a fan of the whole secret society vibes and I don't care at all about any of the characters, which is a real shame because a sentient haunted house sounds perfect for this time of year 😭
I may revisit in the future when I'm in more of an open mood
July 26, 2026
Rating: 4.8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I like this book a lot
Given to me by NetGalley and being part of the Author Street Team
But that ending are u kidding me 😫🥲🥲😭😭😭
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I like this book a lot
Given to me by NetGalley and being part of the Author Street Team
But that ending are u kidding me 😫🥲🥲😭😭😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free ARC of Hazelwood from NetGallery and leave this review voluntarily.
Hazelwood by I.L Jordan had me hooked and on the edge from page 1! I loved the multiple pov's and the twists and the turns! Just when I thought I might know where it was heading, wrong! And the "Say it like you mean it!" 🥵
I loved the paranormal aspects to it, along with games, the secrets and the secret society! If you like books that keep you guessing, that puts you through the all the feels and leaves you wanting more, then this is the book for you!
Hazelwood by I.L Jordan had me hooked and on the edge from page 1! I loved the multiple pov's and the twists and the turns! Just when I thought I might know where it was heading, wrong! And the "Say it like you mean it!" 🥵
I loved the paranormal aspects to it, along with games, the secrets and the secret society! If you like books that keep you guessing, that puts you through the all the feels and leaves you wanting more, then this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 1, 2026Have you ever read something and thought, “damn… I need more of this,” but also knew nothing else like it exists?
That’s this book.
Welcome to Hazelwood.
It’s a horror romance, but that doesn’t even begin to cover it. There’s a sentient house acting as a seal to something far darker beneath it, layered family power dynamics, and a found family that feels just as intense as it does dangerous. It’s multi-POV, and every character is morally black. There are shadowguards, rules to surviving, the best book boyfriend(s), and a devilishly good dog.
The emotions are complex and deeply layered especially surrounding the FMC, and every relationship feels charged.
Add in deadly games and brutal violence, and it completely pulls you in without letting go.
And somehow, in the middle of all that darkness, it’s funny. Like genuinely laugh-out-loud funny.
It’s gothic, addictive, and chaotic in the best way. It’s honestly unlike anything I’ve ever read. This is the kind of story that stays with you, simply because nothing else quite compares.
That’s this book.
Welcome to Hazelwood.
It’s a horror romance, but that doesn’t even begin to cover it. There’s a sentient house acting as a seal to something far darker beneath it, layered family power dynamics, and a found family that feels just as intense as it does dangerous. It’s multi-POV, and every character is morally black. There are shadowguards, rules to surviving, the best book boyfriend(s), and a devilishly good dog.
The emotions are complex and deeply layered especially surrounding the FMC, and every relationship feels charged.
Add in deadly games and brutal violence, and it completely pulls you in without letting go.
And somehow, in the middle of all that darkness, it’s funny. Like genuinely laugh-out-loud funny.
It’s gothic, addictive, and chaotic in the best way. It’s honestly unlike anything I’ve ever read. This is the kind of story that stays with you, simply because nothing else quite compares.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advanced readers copy review:
This story was amazing! The smut, the love triangle, the childhood games. It was a great twist of what would supernatural elites who ran the world would do if they were playing the Squidgames in a haunted mansion. I.L. Jordan keeps you on your toes, on the edge of your seat the whole read. Trying to piece together what is going on and how this world works. I can't wait for the next book
This story was amazing! The smut, the love triangle, the childhood games. It was a great twist of what would supernatural elites who ran the world would do if they were playing the Squidgames in a haunted mansion. I.L. Jordan keeps you on your toes, on the edge of your seat the whole read. Trying to piece together what is going on and how this world works. I can't wait for the next book
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