The Consequence of Your Decision

by James Yates

Samuel Crowther never imagined a life without his wife.

When devastating illness leaves Selene in a coma, the future they built together collapses overnight. His days become hospital visits and sleepless nights, clinging to the fragile hope that the woman he loves might somehow return to him.

Then an opportunity appears.

A single decision.
A chance to change everything.

When Samuel accepts, Selene comes back to him – alive, healthy, and free from the pain that once shaped their lives. Their marriage suddenly feels stronger than ever, as if fate itself has granted them a second chance.

But something isn’t right.

Small things begin to change.
Memories misremembered.
And the woman who has returned seems… perfect.

As the truth behind the miracle begins to surface, Samuel is forced to confront a terrifying reality: the life he has reclaimed may have come at a cost he never truly understood.

Because some decisions don’t just change the future.

They rewrite it.

First published May 26, 2026

About the author

James Yates is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association. He writes horror fiction that blends the brutal, the supernatural, and the psychological. Focusing on working-class British settings and character-driven stories, his debut novel The Cleanse explores the monstrous in both man and myth. A lifelong devotee of horror in all its forms – from slasher to folk to the quietly unhinged – he draws from a background that understands just how grey the edges of humanity can be.

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Reviews

[Caz (Underlined) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I really enjoyed The Consequences of your decision by James Yates. This is a gripping psychological drama centred on a couple whose lives begin to unravel after one life-altering decision changes everything between them.

At its core, the story follows a couple in what initially appears to be a steady, committed relationship. However, after a single impulsive act, the foundation of their life together begins to crack. That one moment sets off a chain of consequences that slowly exposes hidden tensions, buried secrets, and emotional fractures that have been there all along. As trust begins to erode, the couple find themselves pulled into a spiral of doubt, fear, and shifting loyalties, where every choice they make pushes them further from the life they thought they had.

The “exact” plot is best experienced in the unfolding of the book itself, as part of its impact comes from how gradually and effectively the consequences reveal themselves. What makes it so engaging is not just what happens, but how it happens—how one decision ripples outward and forces both characters to confront the truth about themselves and their relationship.

The couple at the centre of the story are very well written. Their bond feels real and layered, built on shared history, emotional dependence, and underlying strain. As things begin to fall apart, you can still feel the connection between them, which makes the breakdown of trust even more powerful and hard to watch unfold.

James Yates delivers this story with a sharp, controlled writing style. The short chapters make it incredibly easy to read, but the pacing is carefully structured to keep tension building throughout. It’s immersive, emotionally charged, and very difficult to put down.

Overall, this is a compelling psychological read about love, consequence, and the fragile nature of trust when one decision changes everything.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and James Yates, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Publishing date: May 26th 2026

[Tal.Bibliotek Chantale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do appreciate receiving the ark for this book and I did like that it was a quick read. However, I had higher hopes for the storyline and delivery. The concept although not original,could have been entertaining with the right spooky elements and without the stereotypical misogynistic ideals. The “perfect” woman who is only great at performing that one task for her man. Please. There were also problematic racial comments made without adding to the characters profile or needed in this tale. I’m left wondering why?

[Christina Ghiotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whewww!! I juz finished the ARC of this book I was so blessed to receive and I'm telling you guys NEED TO READ THIS ONE!!
I was engaged the entire time it's lil over 200 pages and I loved every minute of it so horrific and pulls you in more and more in every page!!
I highly recommend you read this when it's released May 26 2026!

Here's the description

Samuel Crowther never imagined a life without his wife.

When devastating illness leaves Selene in a coma, the future they built together collapses overnight. His days become hospital visits and sleepless nights, clinging to the fragile hope that the woman he loves might somehow return to him.

Then an opportunity appears.

A single decision. A chance to change everything.

When Samuel accepts, Selene comes back to him – alive, healthy, and free from the pain that once shaped their lives. Their marriage suddenly feels stronger than ever, as if fate itself has granted them a second chance.

But something isn’t right.

Small things begin to change. Memories misremembered. And the woman who has returned seems… perfect.

As the truth behind the miracle begins to surface, Samuel is forced to confront a terrifying reality: the life he has reclaimed may have come at a cost he never truly understood.

Because some decisions don’t just alter the future.

They rewrite it.

[Wany Rozaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Consequence Of Your Decision by James Yates. (Book 64/70) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Thank you @netgalley for the review copy.
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Synopsis:
Samuel Crowther never imagined a life without his wife. After illness leaves Selene in a coma, he’s offered a chance to have her back, healthy, alive, and free from pain. But when things start feeling…wrong, Samuel realizes some decisions don’t just change lives. They rewrite them.
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This book was emotional yet scary at the same time.
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Watching Selene fight cancer already hurt enough, and seeing Samuel desperately wanting his wife to not suffer anymore…I understood him. Honestly, if I was in Samuel’s place, I’d be scared that I would make the same decision too. That made me sympathize with him even when everything started going wrong.
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Also…Eugene ( Selene twin) 😭 I really felt bad for him.
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That last chapter though...Selene being stuck as a spirit, forced to watch Samuel and “Selene” together? That part genuinely made me sad.
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The ending just…stops there. I wish I could read more, but at the same time, I think that’s what makes it so effective. It lingers in my mind even after finishing. A haunting read in the quietest way.

[Logan Gisick · Rating 4 out of 5]

8 months ago I reviewed James Yates’ debut novel “The Cleanse”, which I liked a lot, so when I saw this new book on NetGalley I applied for it right away without even reading the summary. Going in blind I had no idea what to expect and I was very pleased with what I got. This story was very different from The Cleanse, a bit smaller in scope, but more intimate feeling. It was an emotional roller coaster that packs a punch. Now I’m off to read Yates’ new horror novella “Seen”.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Yates has done it again!
This sinister, fast paced read is terrifying in more ways than one.
The first half of this book gave me intrusive thoughts about being in Samuel and Selene's situation, which was horrific all on its own- I continued to think about it even when I wasn't reading. Then came the real horror that sucked me right in and kept me awake well past my bedtime because I just had to finish it! I will definitely be picking up James Yates next book!

[Casca Wardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhhh, now this is a total must have read! I was immediately drawn into this story and was so intrigued what would happen next. Every chapter ends at a moment you just simply need to know more. I absolutely loved it! I highly recommend! A real page turner. It will stay with you even after that last page is turned.



5 out of 5! It is quite horrifying, creepy and it just instantly sucks you right in!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very good. I love both the character development and the character dynamic. There's a lot of layers to this one and each layer makes sense and leads into the next. I was hooked right from the get go. I also learned a new phrase that I have already used on my teenager...."Don't get shirty on me!"

Love it. I hope you make a sequel!

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The Consequence of Your Decision” by James Yates is a grief horror novel that releases on May 26, 2026.

This book follows Sam Crowther and his wife, Selene, who falls into a deep, indefinite coma after a terrible illness. Crowther spends his time in the hospital trapped in a cycle of grief and hope about Selene’s prognosis when he is approached by an individual who promises that, if he makes a single decision, his wife’s health will be restored. He accepts the offer, and Selene comes out of her coma seemingly healthy. As they settle back into their “perfect” marriage, there are signs that the miracle they experienced is not just divine or biological but something supernatural and far more sinister. This novel looks at the lengths people will go to save a loved one, and how the price you have to pay can be just as terrible as the original situation.

I really tried to enjoy this novel but didn’t connect with it. The main concern I have is that the characters are not very interesting so I, as the reader, had trouble caring about them or their situation. The beginning of the book opens on an argument Sam and Selene are having and instantly made me dislike Sam. Their marital problems are not unique but instead, stereotypical “fights” with cliche gender roles.

Sam and Selene are the two protagonists of the story but you really don’t find out much about them. For example, there is minimal description of their physical traits with Selene being described as just “beautiful” and “hot”. I really don’t recall what Sam looks like. What do they do for a living? The most the reader finds out is that Sam works in “business” and makes “deals”. What are their other personality traits, quirks, interests, etc.? Everything is very minimally described.

There were some parts in the book that I found very distracting. Mainly, one scene at a Chinese restaurant where Sam is picking up food and thinks it’s hilarious (“it made him laugh more than it should have”) that the “Oriental woman” working at the restaurant asks “together or seput?” This is not the type of thing I expected to read in 2026 and, did not add anything to the book. I do not think it was meant to make Sam look like a bigot but if it was, then it is not relevant at all to the rest of the story.

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me. I am still interested though in checking out other titles for Yates and would appreciate recommendations.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

James Yates writes weird little books. This is my fourth read from him and I'm beginning to wonder what goes on in his brain. When Samuel Crowther's wife Selene falls ill, he prays for a miracle. Instead, his whole life, and that of Selene's twin brother, are turned upside down. This started off slow, had some good excitement in the middle but finished with a confusing, sexually charged ending. Yeah, definitely a weird little book. The horror was light, great for beginners of the genre.

I received a free ARC from J Yates Publishing via Netgalley.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher of this book for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and are written entirely by me.

Note: I DNF’d the book at 75% (the end of Part 5, Chapter 6). I wanted to give it a fair shot, but I didn’t connect with the characters or the story at all, and I have way too many books on my TBR list to be able to justify finishing it.

Content warnings: breast cancer, racism

This story follows Selene and Samuel, a married couple in their early 30s whose relationship has become strained. Samuel feels resentment toward Selene because of how hard he’s had to work to get her the house that she wanted. He also feels that Selene doesn’t put out often enough and that she has not been making an effort with her appearance. From her perspective, Selene thinks that Samuel is lazy and selfish in bed, and that he often kills the mood by saying/doing things that she disapproves of.

The book begins with the couple getting snarky with each other because Samuel says he wants to go to the pub on an evening when Selene made plans with her twin brother, Eugene. Selene and Eugene see a psychic so that they can attempt to communicate with their parents, who are deceased. Eugene is all in, while Selene is skeptical, but supportive of her brother. The psychic tells them that there is a message from beyond urging Selene to go to the hospital. Later, Selene finds a lump in her breast. It turns out to be cancerous, and she becomes very ill, eventually falling into a coma. Samuel is desperate for her to recover, so he takes advantage of a mysterious offer that promises to return Selene to good health. She does indeed recover, but something’s not quite right…

What I liked:

The writing has a really nice cadence and flow to it. The author varies sentence length effectively to add some “punch” where needed and to prevent the writing from getting too “samey,” which can be boring. I don’t like super-dense writing, where every sentence has multiple clauses with as much figurative language shoehorned into it as possible. I also dislike excessively flowery language (“purple prose”). The writing in this book uses descriptive and figurative language frequently but does not go over the top with it.

The chapters are short – like a series of vignettes – but they sync up well together. The transition from the end of one chapter to the beginning of the next is a smooth one.

What I didn’t like:

The description of Selene’s cancer as a “devastating illness” led me to believe that she didn’t have a diagnosis; that she got sick but doctors couldn’t figure out why. This was the main reason I requested this book. I have a chronic illness and know firsthand how worrisome it is to have multiple tests done while still not having a clear answer. I figured Selene had a mysterious illness with weird symptoms and that her doctors didn’t know what it was, if it would get worse, if it would kill her, etc. This would have been really scary and because this is a horror novel, I’d have to wonder if there was something supernatural at play. Finding out that Selene has breast cancer decreased my interest in the story. I think it would be better for the book description to explicitly state that the illness is breast cancer. In that case, I wouldn’t have been disappointed. And although I don’t have direct experience with breast cancer, it’s unfortunately common, and I think that some readers would want to know that the book is about that particular illness so they can avoid it if the subject matter would be too difficult for them (there are some scenes where the changes to Selene's body are described in detail, as well as her distress about this).

I did not find the main characters interesting or relatable. Their marital problems stem from stereotypes about the ways in which men and women are different. They have a tendency to fall into clichéd gender role “traps” that lead to conflict.

We don’t find out much about Selene and Samuel. I don’t think their skin tone, hair, eyes, height, body type, etc. are described (if I recall correctly). Selene is just described as “hot” and “beautiful.” She works in an office – there is a scene in which she talks to her manager – but her job title is unknown. I don’t think Samuel’s role is stated either, but we eventually learn that he works in “business” and makes “deals.” The couple don’t have many interests or hobbies. There isn’t much info about personal traits/quirks/etc., either.

Nothing really creepy happened until the ~30% mark of the book, and from there, the spookiness didn’t get going again until the 65% mark. It seemed like the ball was finally rolling at that point, but because I DNF’d at 75%, I don’t know how things play out all the way through to the end. There wasn’t enough horror in this story for me, and the horror that was there arrived too late. I had an idea of how the ending might turn out, but I wasn’t invested enough in it to continue reading.

There are some inconsistencies/details that I found distracting. A few examples:

“Eugene held his hand out in front of him, the rings on his fingers rattling.” If the rings are loose enough to rattle together, then they are so loose that they wouldn’t stay on his fingers at all.

Dr. Patel calls the couple and tells them to attend an appointment for the next day, saying that “the consultant and breast care nurse will be there.” In the next chapter, they arrive at the appointment, but there is no consultant. Their appointment is with Dr. Patel himself, as well as a nameless breast care nurse: “I’m your breast care nurse…I’ll be your point of contact from today…you can ring me any time if you’re worried.” It’s very odd, given the circumstances, that the nurse doesn’t provide her name!

A worker at a Chinese restaurant is referred to as an “Oriental woman.” Samuel thinks it’s funny that she “answered every item with, ‘together or seput.’ It made him laugh more than it should have.” It is surprising to see this in a book that is set to be published in 2026. I can’t see any reason for this scene. It doesn’t seem like it was written to make Samuel look like a bigot. If he is meant to come across that way, it isn't relevant to what happens in the rest of the 75% of the book that I read.

There was a lot that I found challenging about this book, but because the writing was structured well, I am giving it 2 stars.

[Leighah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't really a hit for me. I loved the idea for this one but it just too drawn-out for me. The first half was ok but I struggled to keep focussed through the second half. I did like the two main characters but the brother drove me insane. If you like slow burn stories you may like this.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

From what I could discover, this is the author's second novel and I can definitely see him going places with some more time to practice his craft and with a strong team working to help guide him.

Yates' writing is engaging and descriptive. He's adept at painting a scene and the reactions of the characters therein. The dialogue flowed naturally and felt realistic. While the relationship between Selene and Eugene was the stereotypical "twin thing" I wasn't bothered at all by that. It helped to communicate their closeness and how well Eugene knew Selene and her behavior. Samuel was a bit wishy washy and I'd have liked more development in his character. Actually all of the characters could've been more fleshed out with personal details and interactions between them. The flashbacks were great the closeness between Selene and Eugene but more current interactions were missing.

While I was immersed in this story thanks to good writing, I wish it had been longer. The story would've benefited by being at least 50 pages longer, at least. I wouldn't have been mad about more than that. I wanted to see Samuel questioning his decision in the back of his mind based on Selene's change after the coma. I would've liked it to have taken Eugene longer to go from worry to suspicion to certainty stemming from more questionable behavior and interaction with his sister. Give me more. Make my heart pound with anticipation.

Luna ended up being developed quite a bit more than I expected and in an interesting way. Hunter was an intriguing addition and I'd have liked to see his character stick around and have more of role alongside Eugene even if in an advisory capacity.

This story didn't break any new ground or introduce a new twist on an existing trope but I'm frequently into books just as much, if not more, for the characters and the journey as for what happens. I had a decent emotional connection to Eugene and felt deeply for Selene at the end of the book. I wanted to feel for Samuel but he was deeply unlikeable and I'm okay with that. I don't need or want to connect with every character.

The ending was truly the shining star of this book. I knew I was getting close to the end and I was thinking "How is this going to resolve in so few pages?? WHAT is going to happen?!" and then all of a sudden I went "Ooooooooh, it's like that, huh?" and my dark little heart couldn't have been happier.

I think Yates has a talent for storytelling and the only real missed opportunity here was not taking his time to stretch his legs and let the story unfold deeply and slowly. That beautiful sense of dread was absent save a few fleeting moments and in the ending. I would like to see how he grows in his writing with his next book.

P.S. I also Baloo the Bear on doorframes so reading that tickled me.

[Eunice Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had the chance to read an ARC of The Consequence of Your Decisions, and I’ve been sitting with my thoughts on it for a bit. If you’re a fan of stories that explore the "be careful what you wish for" trope with a dark, supernatural twist, this one should definitely be on your radar. It’s a solid horror-thriller that kept me turning pages, even if I had a few gripes with the pacing.

What Worked for Me:
-The strongest part of this book is easily the emotional depth. James Yates has a real talent for building a specific tone for each character. You don’t just read about it; you feel it. The author puts you right in the characters' shoes, making the stakes feel very personal. When Selene returns "healthy," the relief is palpable, but it’s quickly replaced by a growing sense of dread that is handled beautifully in terms of atmosphere.

Where It Lost a Point:
-While I usually prefer stories that move quickly over "slow burns," the pacing here felt a little too fast at times. The transition from the initial tragedy to the "miracle" and the subsequent suspicion happened so rapidly that I didn't feel I had enough time to breathe.
I also felt that some of the secondary character motivations could have been fleshed out more. For instance, when Selene’s twin brother, Eugene, starts noticing that something is "off," I wanted to be right there with him. However, because we didn't get to see much of Selene and Eugene’s relationship or her personality before the illness, it was hard for me to gauge exactly what he was seeing. If we had a clearer picture of who Selene was as a sister, that sense of "wrongness" would have hit much harder for the reader.

The Ending:
-I’ll be honest: the ending is a total gut-punch. I’m a sucker for a happy ending, so this one was a bit of a "torture" to get through emotionally! It’s a haunting conclusion that really leans into the horror of the situation. It’s lingering in my head way after finishing the last page, which is probably exactly what a good horror-thriller should do.


Despite the breakneck speed of the plot, the story is incredibly compelling. It’s a 4/5 for me because the foundation is so strong and the concept is genuinely creepy. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who loves mystery and psychological horror. It’s a cautionary tale that proves some costs are higher than we can ever imagine.

Special thanks to the author/publisher for providing this ARC

[Mihaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the ARC.

Trigger warnings: cancer, racism, stalking.

It's a 3.8⭐️ for me. The emotional rollercoaster is well described. A cancer diagnosis is hard to get through, then the treatment, then the side-effects, and how all that affects everyone.

We get to know the main couple, Samuel and Selene, a couple living in resentment towards each other, neither communicating their needs or wants after years and years of marriage. Then comes cancer, and they feel like it gets them closer than ever. But even that can't beat cancer, sadly. Unless a higher power can?

The emotions are well-portrayed, the grief of knowing what will happen in reality. Cancer is a nightmare. A horror no one wants. Selene feels nightmareish as it progresses in her body. Samuel loves her and wants to save her.

Honestly, I felt like the author spent maybe a bit too much on unneeded details for such a short read. We don't get the time to feel attached to them. We feel sorry for Selene and grieve with her, but Samuel? Beyond his desire for a perfect wife and laughing at the way an 'oriental woman' speaks? Nothing to show us his consequences for what he did?

The horror is how he's selfish for wishing she would be more perfect, how she'd put out more for him after he worked so hard to get her that house she wanted, how she should stroke his ego more often. When he gets his wish, he doesn't realize anything is wrong because he got everything he wanted, the perfect wife who does things only for him, gravitates only around him, makes him feel like a man who deserves everything.

I felt sorry for Selene, for being stuck as a spirit watching that horror. It was unsettling, so the book did its intended purpose.

[Avani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the James Yates and NetGalley for this arc.

I enjoyed this story overall, especially the ending. The use of multiple POVs was also a strong aspect, as it offered insight into different characters’ perspectives and added some depth to the narrative.

That said, I struggled with the characters. Samuel, in particular, felt very stereotypical, he wanted to be the “ideal” version of what a husband or man is supposed to be and was annoyed by his wife when she didn't fall in line with an "ideal" wife role. This dynamic resulted in marital problems that felt clichéd, and I found it difficult to fully engage with the situation. In addition, there wasn't much information given on their lives outside of the marriage, like what they did for work, besides Selene and Eugene being close and Samuel hanging out at a pub with his friend. Overall, I didn’t feel like we were given enough depth or background to form a strong emotional connection to most of the characters.

Selene and Eugene’s relationship stood out more positively. Their bond, while leaning into the familiar “close twin” dynamic (at times bordering on codependent), still felt genuine and caring, which made their interactions more compelling. Their relationship also helped to increase the tension when Selene comes out of the coma and isn't completely "perfect".

Another issue for me was the predictability of the plot. For the most part, I could see where things were going and what was going to happen, which reduced the overall impact and tension of the story.

Overall, while there were elements I appreciated, the lack of character depth and predictable plot made this a less engaging read than I had hoped

[Jennifer Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is saturated with emotion from beginning to end. Selene and Samuel’s relationship starts off on shaky ground, which reminded me a lot of my own past with an on-again, off-again alcoholic partner. I could deeply relate to her mix of love and resentment—his perspective felt almost irrelevant in comparison.

After the diagnosis, their dynamic shifts in ways you’d expect, but certain moments hit especially hard. The scene where she’s in the hospital while he’s at the pub was particularly triggering for me, bringing back difficult memories. It mirrored how my ex handled his emotions, though Selene seemed far more willing to brush it aside. Personally, I would have reacted very differently.

Once the “deal” is made, their relationship becomes unrealistically perfect—so much so that it feels unsettling. It’s hard to believe anyone wouldn’t notice the cracks beneath the surface. Learning that the real Selene is still present, forced to watch as an observer, is truly heartbreaking—especially as she witnesses the “perfect” marriage and pregnancy that should have been hers.

That said, it’s hard not to sympathize with Samuel. Placed in his position, many people would likely make the same choices. I know I would have. After losing my 11-year-old son to a rare disease in 2016, I understand the desperation that drives someone to do anything for another chance. And yet, as the story reminds us, sometimes certain lines shouldn’t be crossed—because sometimes, dead is better.

[Alison Faichney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid shorter, careful what ya wish for read. The Consequence of Your Decision follows married couple, Samuel and Selene. They have a comfortable yet stagnant marriage with fairly stereotypical couple issues. When Selene discovers a lump in her breast and is diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, Sam realizes he hasn’t been the greatest husband and sets off to save his wife. But per usual, Sam doesn’t read all the terms and conditions on this deal and things aren’t quite right.

I enjoyed this one. I wish there had been some more dimension added to the settings and characters to draw the reader in a bit more. The geographical setting is only referenced once and I’ve always been the reader who likes to feel like I’ve been dropped off in the wherever the book is set. The characters also feel paradigmatic and I think getting to see more of their personalities may have aided in empathizing with them.

I vibed with the way something felt off after Samuel makes his deal, but tbh I hoped this one would go a bit more scorched earth in the end. The “liminal” spaces concept is one I always enjoy but I expected more CONSEQUENCE towards the end. The book felt complete and it absolutely could just be me who was expecting things to go off the rails in the finale, but Yates chooses to stay the course. I look forward to exploring more of Yates’ catalogue in the future.

[Nikki Kossaris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Selene’s brother ended up being the most interesting lens for me. While everyone else seems willing to accept that she has come back whole and unchanged, he carries a quiet suspicion that never fully settles. There is something grounding about his perspective, like he is the only one willing to question what does not add up. That tension added a layer I wish had been explored even more.

The premise itself is strong. Selene’s return carries a subtle wrongness that builds over time. The “too perfect” feeling works well at first, especially in the small details, memories that do not quite line up and emotional shifts that feel just slightly off.

At times, I wanted the story to go deeper into those cracks. It hints at something deeply unsettling, very much in the vein of The Stepford Wives and Pet Sematary, but it does not always push far enough into the psychological weight of those ideas. Some moments felt like they could have hit harder given how strong the setup is.

Still, there is a lingering sadness that stayed with me after finishing. It raises questions about love, denial, and what we are willing to overlook to keep someone in our lives.

Overall, a solid and unsettling read with a compelling premise, even if it did not fully reach its potential for me.

[Milt Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done! Although it unfolds as a typical horror story of Faustian bargains and dilemmas of sacrifice and integrity, if you've read any other books by this author you know you're in for an impactful ending. Yates bites the bullet, and literally goes for the most consequential resolution. Which may not be a resolution at all, but it certainly captures the reader's interest and reveals an aspect of humanity we all know about and some may cherish as well: choosing blissful ignorance, choosing to be blind to the truth in order to achieve happiness. Would you do it?

The story develops almost as a thought experiment, addressed as much to the reader as to the characters within: Samuel's wife, Selena, has terminal breast cancer; he has the chance to cure her, if only he accepts a demonic pact; he accepts; and, what do you know, it perfectly works! The end? Well, no. Selene has a brother, Eugene, and Eugene senses there's something wrong and feels he has to intervene.

I really liked the strong characterization and the brief chapters keeping the suspense high and the plotting tight. I recommend the book for its emotional complexity and the brutal honesty with which it approaches its theme.

[Horror Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book of domestic horror, we're introduced to Samuel and Selene. Their relationship is going down a rocky road as they each feel torn in the relationship. But they love each other. When Selene gets a dire cancer diagnosis, she begins slipping away and Samuel vows to do anything he can for her until the very end.

This includes making a faustion deal with something. Soon, Selene comes out of her coma and things are going better than ever for the couple. The only problem is, this might not really be Selene. She has a twin brother who have been close with each other forever but she begins to ignore him while being the perfect wife for Samuel. As her brother seeks answers from a psychic it becomes apparent that something is wearing his sister like a skin and the real Selene is suffering.

You'll have to read how this all plays out because there are other factors involved which makes things tense and horrifying. It's suspenseful and written with short sharp chapters which pulls you along like a runaway train. This author knows how to set a mood and you'll feel every vibe throughout. I highly recommend it.

[Flutter By Night · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samuel and Selene, a married couple, have a weird, toxic dynamic and truly not a good relationship. Yet when Samuel learns Selene has a serious illness, the love? comes back? so much so…what wouldn’t he trade to have her well again? This was a mixed bag for me. Light on horror. Good on writing and descriptions. Characters seem to depict general stereotypes including trophy wife type vibes and misogynistic egotistical head of the household bravado, a bit too pat and vapid for my reading preferences. Buy-in was what dropped stars for me, as well as pacing, which was spotty. The story turned a bit random and disorganized toward the end. I did very much enjoyed the characterization of Eugene and his relationship with his sister, Selene, which invested me emotionally. Those scenes contained some of the strongest writing and depictions. If you’re looking for a Faustian bargain, this may be a good pick. Solid writing. 3.25/5

[Jules_withtheaxe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel and Selene’s marriage is quietly unraveling. Petty irritations pile up, their intimacy has all but vanished, and Selene’s ever-present twin brother, Eugene, lingers like a third party in the marriage. Then Selene becomes very sick and eventually slips into a coma, and suddenly Samuel is faced with the kind of loss that snaps his reality. Desperate and full of regret, he’ll do anything to bring her back… even if it means making a deal with something far darker than grief.
I really enjoyed both the premise and the characters in this novella. Told through the shifting perspectives of the three main characters, the story captures each of their desperation in turn, making it feel both believable and deeply unsettling. At its core, this is a story about love, loss, and the ways we try to survive both.
4 stars

[Amber Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will start by saying that this book was very well written and the story did become more interesting to me somewhere around halfway through. While not a unique concept, the plot was well thought out and executed. That said, the reason I couldn’t give more stars was mainly the characters. I really wanted to care about them given the circumstances and the sensitive subject matter, but I just didn’t. It’s not that I hated them, Selene and Eugene were plenty likable (Samuel not so much), but they just fell a little flat for me. I didn’t hate the ending either, but I wanted more. This was my first book by this author and due to the quality of the writing and the potential, I will definitely try other stories by him.

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly emotional horror story that leans heavily into grief, devotion, and the terrifying lengths someone will go to for love. Samuel’s desperation is written in a way that feels raw and believable, especially as he sits through sleepless nights watching his wife fade. When the chance to bring her back appears, the book shifts into a darker, unsettling space where every choice feels heavy and dangerous. The moral tension is strong — the idea of a healthy, pain‑free return sounds perfect, but the dread underneath it never lets you forget that nothing in horror comes without a cost. It’s a sharp, eerie exploration of love, loss, and the consequences of wanting the impossible.

[Lindsey Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an E-ARC of The Consequence of Your Decision!

I liked this book. Once I realized what the illness was I wasn’t sure I would be able to continue, but the book is never graphic in its descriptions. I really liked Selene’s brother. Once Selene wakes up from her coma and is “perfect”, he is the one that thinks something is wrong, not her husband.

I read this book in one setting. The cover is what really drew me in. I will be reading more books by James

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thanks for this ARC, I was immediately pulled in by the cover. I'm not sure what i expected but I did enjoy the book, a nice mix of horror and thriller. The pacing was great, i enjoyed the short chapters, and I thought the characters were well developed.

Where it fell flat- I mostly just didn't like the writing style.. it was almost too casual, although I could see others appreciating it. So that might just be a me problem.

I really liked the ending and definitely recommend giving this one a shot, I struggled a bit with the rating bc it's a solid 3.5 from me.

[Cherish · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5! I flew through this in less than 24 hours. I couldn’t stop reading! I really enjoyed the writing style, loved the short chapters. The characters were well-developed, and I grew to care for our FMC Selene. This story was very creepy and unsettling, but it also had emotional depth. Some parts were frustrating (Samuel, dont even get me started). But I loved this and will absolutely be reading other books by this author! Please check this one out if you like horror.

[Aysha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the J Yates Publishing and NetGalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fast-paced and eerie, this book really had me hooked in. I appreciated that we got a little peek into the relationship dynamics of the couple and Selene's family before things literally go all to Hell. I wish we had gotten to spend more time with Selene, though, just to know why her husband was so willing to make the kind of sacrifice he made.

[Emily Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel and his wife had a good life, and then everything changed. Now Samuel has a choice to make. What if that choice isn't the right one. Haunting story.