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Hazelwood
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26An ancient evil manor infested with spirits haunts an elite group of families with the task of feeding it fresh souls during an annual festival where they bring in sacrifices to play twisted games while forfeiting their lives in order to keep the seal between our world and Hell closed. Past secrets and new deceits swirl around three main characters who hunger for revenge and each other.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
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July 17, 2026Hazelwood 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!
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!
July 23, 2026
When I read the last sentences of Hazelwood, I only had one thing to say. "OH MY GOD" came out of my mouth and that really doesn't even describe how I felt. I thought about this book 24/7 from the first page. There was something inviting, horrifying, but delicious all at the same time that kept me needing it. Raena was a character that I was fully absorbed into. The way she was written, how she spoke, leapt off the page and fully into my brain. I caught myself being a little bit...mean...when she was in one of her moods. I had a stop reading it at work because I realized how I was taking her on.
The multiple POV was so clean. I almost wanted more POVs from the other characters because I was getting so invested. Lust. Drama. Fear. Anger. Those four emotions were at the forefront for most of the book and, boy, what a time! I don't know how I loved or hated more. Am I afraid of them? Yeah, but in a good way, I think. I questioned all that I knew, then thought again, but SURPRISE - it was just that mimic messing with me. Or was it?
Deadly games played by the elite are not to be involved in. If Hazelwood wants you, she will have you. 3am or not, Hazelwood has the last word. She will be fed.
The multiple POV was so clean. I almost wanted more POVs from the other characters because I was getting so invested. Lust. Drama. Fear. Anger. Those four emotions were at the forefront for most of the book and, boy, what a time! I don't know how I loved or hated more. Am I afraid of them? Yeah, but in a good way, I think. I questioned all that I knew, then thought again, but SURPRISE - it was just that mimic messing with me. Or was it?
Deadly games played by the elite are not to be involved in. If Hazelwood wants you, she will have you. 3am or not, Hazelwood has the last word. She will be fed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hazelwood has one of those premises that immediately hooked me. The living manor, the ancient bloodlines, the Guardians, demons, cursed artifacts, Shadowguards, and the house’s own mythology all created a world that felt eerie, dangerous, and full of potential. Every time the story pulled back another layer of Hazelwood’s lore, I wanted to know more.
That was also where I found myself wanting more from the book overall.
The plot leaned heavily into relationships and constant high-stakes conflicts, while many of the elements that made Hazelwood itself so fascinating stayed in the background. Rather than fully exploring the house, its history, or the supernatural forces at work, those ideas often felt like they existed to support the character drama instead of driving the story. As the book introduced intriguing concepts like the entities within Hazelwood and its deeper mythology, I kept expecting the narrative to spend more time developing them.
I understand this is the first book in a series, so not every mystery needs to be answered. Still, I wanted to leave this book feeling like I knew Hazelwood better than I did. The worldbuilding was compelling enough that it became the part of the story I was most invested in, and I found myself wishing the plot trusted those ideas a little more.
The characters were a mixed experience for me. I wanted to connect with them, but they often felt over saturated, with their personalities and traits repeatedly emphasized rather than explored in ways that allowed them to grow. Many of their conflicts followed similar patterns, creating a cycle of tension, arguments, threats, and attraction that became difficult to fully engage with after a while. The constant repetition of their defining characteristics sometimes overshadowed the more complex motivations and histories that could have made them feel more layered.
The writing itself was probably where I struggled the most. It’s often repetitive, the pacing can be uneven, and emotional moments sometimes rely more on intensity than development. There were several moments meant to feel shocking or dramatic, but after so many back-to-back escalations, they started to lose some of their impact. My constant thought was “all gas, no brakes” and I so wanted to pump the brakes during many scenes.
Even so, I can’t deny that the premise kept me invested. This isn’t a series I’m reading because it’s polished. I’m reading it because Hazelwood itself feels like it has so much potential, and I’m genuinely curious about the deeper mythology that has only been teased so far. The story is chaotic, dramatic, and constantly raising the stakes, but I’m still interested to see where the series goes next, especially if future installments spend more time exploring Hazelwood’s history, its supernatural entities, and the deeper magic that feels like the true heart of the story.
Readers who enjoy gothic fantasy, dark supernatural elements, complicated character dynamics, and stories that thrive on tension and chaos will likely find a lot to enjoy here. Those looking for deeply explored worldbuilding may find themselves wanting more from Hazelwood’s fascinating mythology, but the atmosphere and potential of the world are undeniable.
Thank you Netgalley and JAC Press | Spark and Quill for providing me with this arc.
That was also where I found myself wanting more from the book overall.
The plot leaned heavily into relationships and constant high-stakes conflicts, while many of the elements that made Hazelwood itself so fascinating stayed in the background. Rather than fully exploring the house, its history, or the supernatural forces at work, those ideas often felt like they existed to support the character drama instead of driving the story. As the book introduced intriguing concepts like the entities within Hazelwood and its deeper mythology, I kept expecting the narrative to spend more time developing them.
I understand this is the first book in a series, so not every mystery needs to be answered. Still, I wanted to leave this book feeling like I knew Hazelwood better than I did. The worldbuilding was compelling enough that it became the part of the story I was most invested in, and I found myself wishing the plot trusted those ideas a little more.
The characters were a mixed experience for me. I wanted to connect with them, but they often felt over saturated, with their personalities and traits repeatedly emphasized rather than explored in ways that allowed them to grow. Many of their conflicts followed similar patterns, creating a cycle of tension, arguments, threats, and attraction that became difficult to fully engage with after a while. The constant repetition of their defining characteristics sometimes overshadowed the more complex motivations and histories that could have made them feel more layered.
The writing itself was probably where I struggled the most. It’s often repetitive, the pacing can be uneven, and emotional moments sometimes rely more on intensity than development. There were several moments meant to feel shocking or dramatic, but after so many back-to-back escalations, they started to lose some of their impact. My constant thought was “all gas, no brakes” and I so wanted to pump the brakes during many scenes.
Even so, I can’t deny that the premise kept me invested. This isn’t a series I’m reading because it’s polished. I’m reading it because Hazelwood itself feels like it has so much potential, and I’m genuinely curious about the deeper mythology that has only been teased so far. The story is chaotic, dramatic, and constantly raising the stakes, but I’m still interested to see where the series goes next, especially if future installments spend more time exploring Hazelwood’s history, its supernatural entities, and the deeper magic that feels like the true heart of the story.
Readers who enjoy gothic fantasy, dark supernatural elements, complicated character dynamics, and stories that thrive on tension and chaos will likely find a lot to enjoy here. Those looking for deeply explored worldbuilding may find themselves wanting more from Hazelwood’s fascinating mythology, but the atmosphere and potential of the world are undeniable.
Thank you Netgalley and JAC Press | Spark and Quill for providing me with this arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hazelwood was everything I wanted from a dark gothic fantasy and then some. It was atmospheric, brutal, chaotic, and completely addictive. From the moment I stepped inside Hazelwood Manor, I knew I wasn't getting out without being obsessed.
The manor itself felt like a character. Every hallway, every deadly game, every blood-soaked tradition made the world feel alive in the creepiest way possible. I loved uncovering the secrets behind the five bloodlines and trying to figure out who could actually be trusted. The tension never let up.
The characters were equally compelling. Raena was exactly the kind of heroine I love. She was fierce, reckless, and determined to carve her own path no matter the consequences. Then there's Daegan, Kurt, and Jace, who each brought such different dynamics to the story. Their complicated history, shifting loyalties, and undeniable chemistry had me completely hooked. Morally gray characters making terrible decisions? Say less.
I also appreciated that this wasn't just dark for the sake of being dark. Beneath all the blood, monsters, and horror was a story about power, loyalty, grief, and breaking cycles. The twists kept catching me off guard, and every time I thought I knew where things were headed, the story pulled the rug out from under me.
And then... that ending.
I genuinely had to sit there staring at the page because the cliffhanger? Taking it as a personal attack when this doesn’t release until October!!
If you love gothic horror, secret societies, morally gray characters, deadly games, messy relationships, and stories that fully embrace the chaos, Hazelwood is one I can't recommend enough. I was completely immersed from beginning to end, and I'll be thinking about that cliffhanger for a very long time.
The manor itself felt like a character. Every hallway, every deadly game, every blood-soaked tradition made the world feel alive in the creepiest way possible. I loved uncovering the secrets behind the five bloodlines and trying to figure out who could actually be trusted. The tension never let up.
The characters were equally compelling. Raena was exactly the kind of heroine I love. She was fierce, reckless, and determined to carve her own path no matter the consequences. Then there's Daegan, Kurt, and Jace, who each brought such different dynamics to the story. Their complicated history, shifting loyalties, and undeniable chemistry had me completely hooked. Morally gray characters making terrible decisions? Say less.
I also appreciated that this wasn't just dark for the sake of being dark. Beneath all the blood, monsters, and horror was a story about power, loyalty, grief, and breaking cycles. The twists kept catching me off guard, and every time I thought I knew where things were headed, the story pulled the rug out from under me.
And then... that ending.
I genuinely had to sit there staring at the page because the cliffhanger? Taking it as a personal attack when this doesn’t release until October!!
If you love gothic horror, secret societies, morally gray characters, deadly games, messy relationships, and stories that fully embrace the chaos, Hazelwood is one I can't recommend enough. I was completely immersed from beginning to end, and I'll be thinking about that cliffhanger for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC Copy of this book.
Hazelwood had some genuinely beautiful moments, but overall it didn't quite resonate with me as much as I'd hoped.
One thing I noticed early on was that the transitions between the present day and memories weren't always clearly defined, which occasionally left me needing to pause and work out where I was in the timeline. The writing style is also fairly simple. At times this worked well and added to the story, although there were moments where I felt a richer prose style might have strengthened the atmosphere.
The cast was enjoyable enough, but I never found myself becoming deeply invested in the characters or their journeys. Likewise, while the story builds its suspense through "ghost story tellings" moments and unsettling events, I occasionally felt the tension was being encouraged rather than unfolding naturally.
My favourite part of the novel was the ballet sequence. It felt incredibly vivid and beautifully written, and really stood out as a highlight. I also loved the recurring floral imagery throughout the book, which added a delicate layer of symbolism and atmosphere.
The ending leaves several intriguing threads to explore in future books, and I'm interested to see where the series goes from here. While it didn't leave me with a strong emotional reaction, it did feel like there was more of the story still waiting to unfold.
Overall, Hazelwood is an atmospheric supernatural mystery with some lovely imagery and memorable scenes. Although I didn't connect with it as deeply as I'd hoped, I'm glad I read it and can see it appealing to readers who enjoy eerie, slow-building mysteries with an emphasis on mood.
Hazelwood had some genuinely beautiful moments, but overall it didn't quite resonate with me as much as I'd hoped.
One thing I noticed early on was that the transitions between the present day and memories weren't always clearly defined, which occasionally left me needing to pause and work out where I was in the timeline. The writing style is also fairly simple. At times this worked well and added to the story, although there were moments where I felt a richer prose style might have strengthened the atmosphere.
The cast was enjoyable enough, but I never found myself becoming deeply invested in the characters or their journeys. Likewise, while the story builds its suspense through "ghost story tellings" moments and unsettling events, I occasionally felt the tension was being encouraged rather than unfolding naturally.
My favourite part of the novel was the ballet sequence. It felt incredibly vivid and beautifully written, and really stood out as a highlight. I also loved the recurring floral imagery throughout the book, which added a delicate layer of symbolism and atmosphere.
The ending leaves several intriguing threads to explore in future books, and I'm interested to see where the series goes from here. While it didn't leave me with a strong emotional reaction, it did feel like there was more of the story still waiting to unfold.
Overall, Hazelwood is an atmospheric supernatural mystery with some lovely imagery and memorable scenes. Although I didn't connect with it as deeply as I'd hoped, I'm glad I read it and can see it appealing to readers who enjoy eerie, slow-building mysteries with an emphasis on mood.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hazelwood comes with a list of trigger warnings. Personally, I prefer to think of them as promises… and all I can say is, you will not be let down.
Raena is my newest book crush, and somehow she makes Harley Quinn look like a saint. That should probably tell you everything you need to know about the kind of chaos waiting for you inside these pages.
At the heart of Hazelwood is a soul-devouring manor with a taste for fear, blood, and everyone’s questionable life choices.
Take deadly games, secret societies, morally black characters, gothic horror, blood, spice, polyamory tension, forced proximity, and, because apparently we need a little balance, friendship.
I’m keeping this spoiler-free because Hazelwood is the kind of book best experienced unsuspecting.
If you enjoy horror with, chaos, obsession, spice, and characters who treat normal human morality as more of a suggestion than a rule, Hazelwood will happily open its doors for you.
And me?
I’m lucky enough to be part of The Inner Circle. (Shhh…)
Which means this is not really a review.
It’s an invitation.
I would be delighted if you joined me at the next great family gathering as my companion.
Doesn’t that sound lovely?
You should know, though, that Hazelwood makes everyone scream.
I certainly did at the end of this book.
Luckily for me, I survived.
And now I’m waiting very impatiently for Hazelwood to let me back in for more.
So come along.
Dress well.
Bring your worst fear.
And when Hazelwood finally calls your name, the question is not whether you’ll scream.
It’s whether you’ll survive long enough to want more.
I did.
Now I need a new companion. 🩸
Kind regards,
Steven Ellis
The Inner Circle
Raena is my newest book crush, and somehow she makes Harley Quinn look like a saint. That should probably tell you everything you need to know about the kind of chaos waiting for you inside these pages.
At the heart of Hazelwood is a soul-devouring manor with a taste for fear, blood, and everyone’s questionable life choices.
Take deadly games, secret societies, morally black characters, gothic horror, blood, spice, polyamory tension, forced proximity, and, because apparently we need a little balance, friendship.
I’m keeping this spoiler-free because Hazelwood is the kind of book best experienced unsuspecting.
If you enjoy horror with, chaos, obsession, spice, and characters who treat normal human morality as more of a suggestion than a rule, Hazelwood will happily open its doors for you.
And me?
I’m lucky enough to be part of The Inner Circle. (Shhh…)
Which means this is not really a review.
It’s an invitation.
I would be delighted if you joined me at the next great family gathering as my companion.
Doesn’t that sound lovely?
You should know, though, that Hazelwood makes everyone scream.
I certainly did at the end of this book.
Luckily for me, I survived.
And now I’m waiting very impatiently for Hazelwood to let me back in for more.
So come along.
Dress well.
Bring your worst fear.
And when Hazelwood finally calls your name, the question is not whether you’ll scream.
It’s whether you’ll survive long enough to want more.
I did.
Now I need a new companion. 🩸
Kind regards,
Steven Ellis
The Inner Circle
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
HAZELWOOD was such a fun, spooky read, especially if you love horror with dark romance elements and a touch of spice.
I had the honor of receiving an ARC, and before you pick this one up, definitely check the trigger warnings, as there are some darker themes throughout.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the descriptive writing. Every scene felt so vivid that I could picture everything unfolding in my head. Even the house felt like its own character. It honestly reminded me of the movie Monster House. It had this eerie, almost living presence that made the atmosphere even creepier.
The FMC had me laughing more than once, and I loved trying to piece together all of the mysteries. Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was left with more questions. And yes... there were definitely moments when I wanted to throw hands with one of the characters because he had me so frustrated.
I also loved the balance of horror, dark elements, and spice. The spice was the perfect amount, it complemented the story without overshadowing the suspense or the creepy atmosphere.
And can we talk about that ending? Chef's kiss. It wrapped things up in a way that left me satisfied, but I still wanted more because I wasn't ready to leave this world.
If you're looking for a creepy, atmospheric read with mystery, dark themes, the perfect amount of spice, and a setting that feels alive, I definitely recommend adding HAZELWOOD to your TBR.
I had the honor of receiving an ARC, and before you pick this one up, definitely check the trigger warnings, as there are some darker themes throughout.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the descriptive writing. Every scene felt so vivid that I could picture everything unfolding in my head. Even the house felt like its own character. It honestly reminded me of the movie Monster House. It had this eerie, almost living presence that made the atmosphere even creepier.
The FMC had me laughing more than once, and I loved trying to piece together all of the mysteries. Every time I thought I had something figured out, I was left with more questions. And yes... there were definitely moments when I wanted to throw hands with one of the characters because he had me so frustrated.
I also loved the balance of horror, dark elements, and spice. The spice was the perfect amount, it complemented the story without overshadowing the suspense or the creepy atmosphere.
And can we talk about that ending? Chef's kiss. It wrapped things up in a way that left me satisfied, but I still wanted more because I wasn't ready to leave this world.
If you're looking for a creepy, atmospheric read with mystery, dark themes, the perfect amount of spice, and a setting that feels alive, I definitely recommend adding HAZELWOOD to your TBR.
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
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Hazelwood swept me right in! This gothic horror romance has such a wild, intoxicating vibe, and the manor itself practically feels alive — hungry, watchful, steeped in old magic. I loved the premise: elite bloodlines, sacrificial games, and an annual gathering dripping with danger and deceit. Raena is such a fierce, badass FMC, and her decision to go rogue sends everything into gorgeous chaos. Her dynamic with Jace, Daegan, and Kurt gave the story so much heart — Daegan brings all the swagger and sex appeal, Kurt is quietly devoted, and Jace adds such an eerie, unexpected edge. I loved how the polyamorous relationship felt genuinely tense and real. The pacing never let up, and I appreciated that the plot didn't lean only on romance. My one wish is that we'd gotten a bit more of the house's deeper mythology and history, since that's what I found myself craving most! Still, the atmosphere is unbeatable, and I can already tell this series has so much potential. Such a fun, decadent read — bring on book two!
Hazelwood swept me right in! This gothic horror romance has such a wild, intoxicating vibe, and the manor itself practically feels alive — hungry, watchful, steeped in old magic. I loved the premise: elite bloodlines, sacrificial games, and an annual gathering dripping with danger and deceit. Raena is such a fierce, badass FMC, and her decision to go rogue sends everything into gorgeous chaos. Her dynamic with Jace, Daegan, and Kurt gave the story so much heart — Daegan brings all the swagger and sex appeal, Kurt is quietly devoted, and Jace adds such an eerie, unexpected edge. I loved how the polyamorous relationship felt genuinely tense and real. The pacing never let up, and I appreciated that the plot didn't lean only on romance. My one wish is that we'd gotten a bit more of the house's deeper mythology and history, since that's what I found myself craving most! Still, the atmosphere is unbeatable, and I can already tell this series has so much potential. Such a fun, decadent read — bring on book two!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5⭐️ / 🌶️
Five families bound by a blood oath to Hazelwood gather to play deadly games that provide sacrifices to the home that holds the line between Hell and Earth. In return, Hazelwood provides protection and wealth to each family - if you can survive all the paranormal beings inside that is 😉
Raena, born and raised in the Hazelwood house, is in charge of hosting this year’s festivities after her father’s “passing” and she has plenty of plans for how things will go. However, when the families and sacrifices arrive, things aren’t as easy as she’d hoped.
Juggling past regrets, former lovers, an overbearing guard and her own mental decline, Raena finds herself at a disadvantage - especially when the council plans to end her reign.
This book captured me from the first chapter. The games, the entities, and the unknown motives behind each family (and “friend”) had me wondering who I could trust the entire time…even Raena herself. And that cliffhanger at the end?! WOW 🤯
I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series and get answers for all the questions I have after finishing book 1 🤭
Five families bound by a blood oath to Hazelwood gather to play deadly games that provide sacrifices to the home that holds the line between Hell and Earth. In return, Hazelwood provides protection and wealth to each family - if you can survive all the paranormal beings inside that is 😉
Raena, born and raised in the Hazelwood house, is in charge of hosting this year’s festivities after her father’s “passing” and she has plenty of plans for how things will go. However, when the families and sacrifices arrive, things aren’t as easy as she’d hoped.
Juggling past regrets, former lovers, an overbearing guard and her own mental decline, Raena finds herself at a disadvantage - especially when the council plans to end her reign.
This book captured me from the first chapter. The games, the entities, and the unknown motives behind each family (and “friend”) had me wondering who I could trust the entire time…even Raena herself. And that cliffhanger at the end?! WOW 🤯
I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series and get answers for all the questions I have after finishing book 1 🤭
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a good read! i was in a bit of a rut, so to be honest I was dreading starting another book, but once I picked Hazelwood up, I couldn't put it down, and I was hooked within the first chapter. If you haven't heard about Hazelwood yet, it is a paranormal fiction/dark romance book about a group of elite families who feed the manor with souls with a festival every year that is full of deceit, games, and of course, sexy sexy Daegan.
I loved how descriptive the writing was, but not in a suffocating or annoying way that I couldn't add my own imagination. Another thing I particularly liked was the pacing- it was never slow, or boring, and the way that the whole plot wasn't completely centered around romance and there weren't too many explicit scenes worked so well for me because it felt so balanced. I actually have nothing negative to say about this book except for the fact that I can't book my own ticket to Hazelwood, and I can't wait to go back in the second installment!
I loved how descriptive the writing was, but not in a suffocating or annoying way that I couldn't add my own imagination. Another thing I particularly liked was the pacing- it was never slow, or boring, and the way that the whole plot wasn't completely centered around romance and there weren't too many explicit scenes worked so well for me because it felt so balanced. I actually have nothing negative to say about this book except for the fact that I can't book my own ticket to Hazelwood, and I can't wait to go back in the second installment!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Netgalley ARC Gothic horror romance❤️🔥 Romance/revenge/rivalry 📖 HAZELWOOD is its own character. The manor spoke to me throughout the entire book. The hunger and energy roared within those walls with such intensity. The manor was beyond eager to be fed the sacrificial souls. Then the FMC Raena, a true bad ass! She was fierce, calculated and determined to stand tall amongst the rest. The relationships with the Jace, Daegen and Kurt all had a different element but Polyamory is what it is right 🥵 Daegen oozed sex appeal but I felt a connection to Jace’s heart ❤️🔥 On another note, one of my favorite tropes for this story was the secret society. Elite families with a binding evil, each with their own “job”. The unfortunate truth is the reality behind the world order but boy oh boy, it’s surely interesting
Review of advance copy
This book gave me major They Will Kill You vibes, but with a gothic fantasy twist. Imagine a living manor house, ancient bloodlines, cursed artifacts, demons, secret societies, deadly games, and a house that's constantly watching... and hungry.
Hazelwood Manor honestly feels like its own character. Every hallway feels dangerous, every secret feels darker than the last, and every new piece of lore made me desperate to know more.
You get morally gray characters, shifting loyalties, messy relationships, high stakes, shocking twists, and an atmosphere that is creepy, addictive, and impossible to look away from.
And just when you think you've figured out what's happening? Think again.
Thank you to the author for being an amazing friend and hype queen for me. I will always return the favor.
Hazelwood Manor honestly feels like its own character. Every hallway feels dangerous, every secret feels darker than the last, and every new piece of lore made me desperate to know more.
You get morally gray characters, shifting loyalties, messy relationships, high stakes, shocking twists, and an atmosphere that is creepy, addictive, and impossible to look away from.
And just when you think you've figured out what's happening? Think again.
Thank you to the author for being an amazing friend and hype queen for me. I will always return the favor.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First and foremost, thank you for this ARC! Just like Hazelwood herself, I devoured this book! It took me from summer reading to Summerween instantly - PIVOT!
There are elements of the book that feel familiar - Squid Games, Great Gatsby, Thirteen Ghosts vibes, but is written in a way that leaves you wondering what will happen next.
Not to mention the ending! I originally thought this was a standalone and I’m so glad that I was wrong - I.L. Jordan got me good! But again, I have no idea where we go from here…
You should read this book if you would like to support an indie author and enjoy horror and/or dark romance. My entire reading order has shifted, the fall decorations have been brought out - I needed this read and I’m so glad she found me!
There are elements of the book that feel familiar - Squid Games, Great Gatsby, Thirteen Ghosts vibes, but is written in a way that leaves you wondering what will happen next.
Not to mention the ending! I originally thought this was a standalone and I’m so glad that I was wrong - I.L. Jordan got me good! But again, I have no idea where we go from here…
You should read this book if you would like to support an indie author and enjoy horror and/or dark romance. My entire reading order has shifted, the fall decorations have been brought out - I needed this read and I’m so glad she found me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my first 6-star read of the year! I’m so thankful to I.L Jordan for bestowing me with an ARC!
This novel masterfully blends dark romance, the paranormal, secret societies, sizzling spice, and a thrilling plot into an unforgettable reading experience. I.L Jordan truly outdid herself with this one. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The multi-POV storytelling kept me constantly guessing, while the dark, haunting atmosphere, shocking twists, and perfectly timed moments of gore and spice made it impossible to put down. The ending left my jaw on the floor and immediately had me counting down the days until book two is released. If you’re a fan of dark, immersive romances with high stakes and unpredictable twists, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
This novel masterfully blends dark romance, the paranormal, secret societies, sizzling spice, and a thrilling plot into an unforgettable reading experience. I.L Jordan truly outdid herself with this one. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The multi-POV storytelling kept me constantly guessing, while the dark, haunting atmosphere, shocking twists, and perfectly timed moments of gore and spice made it impossible to put down. The ending left my jaw on the floor and immediately had me counting down the days until book two is released. If you’re a fan of dark, immersive romances with high stakes and unpredictable twists, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Arc Review! Omg! This book was so goood!!
“Force them to play deadly games. Feed the manor before Hell spills through.”
“This year three people walk into the darkness carrying secrets, revenge, and a dangerous attraction none of them expected.”-I.L. Jordan
This book pulled me into this ancient manor with secrets and danger. It kept me hooked from the very beginning. This was such an addictive read eerie settings, and twisted romance will absolutely devour. This is by far my favorite horror romance .
“Force them to play deadly games. Feed the manor before Hell spills through.”
“This year three people walk into the darkness carrying secrets, revenge, and a dangerous attraction none of them expected.”-I.L. Jordan
This book pulled me into this ancient manor with secrets and danger. It kept me hooked from the very beginning. This was such an addictive read eerie settings, and twisted romance will absolutely devour. This is by far my favorite horror romance .
Review of advance copy received from Author
A terrifyingly beautiful debut from IL Jordan. Besides the stellar romance between Raena and her boys: Kurt, Daegan, and Jace, you’ll find sacrificial games and a manor that is just destined to consume you. I would recommend this read to anyone, literally anyone. I’m looking forward to book two in this series already. Thank you to the author and the publisher for this E-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hazelwood sucked me in and left me yearning for more. The gossip girl, secret society vibes of this book were immaculate. Hazelwood left me laughing, crying, YEARNING. I absolutely cannot wait to see what else IL Jordan comes out with.
August 4, 2026
I absolutely loved this book!
Major character development and an amazing storyline!
It is so twisty and just grabs your attention right from the beginning!
The ending left me shocked and I cannot wait to read more!!!
Major character development and an amazing storyline!
It is so twisty and just grabs your attention right from the beginning!
The ending left me shocked and I cannot wait to read more!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It took me 4 years of blood, sweat, and tears to write this book. I love every inch of it and I hope my nightmares can become yours. Enjoy👻🔥💗
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reminds me of Edgar Allan Poe books but mixed with some spice I loved it
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