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A Vow For Breaking
Soft Hearts are Easily Swallowed
No one in Boston hires mad workhouse girls suspected of murder.
So they've packed me off to the mountains of North Carolina to serve a house full of secrets.
Here, ghost lights flicker through tall trees. Voices whisper from empty corners. Children walk into the woods and never return.
And the master of the house?
They say he's man with coal for eyes.
A devil in a banker's suit.
And ... he'll be home soon.
...............................................
‘A Vow For Breaking,’ is a forbidding, standalone novel steeped in Appalachian lore, inherited curses, and a backwoods mansion brimming with otherworldly terror.
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this dark fairy tale follows Sloane McIntyre, a Boston-born workhouse girl and suspected murderess, who is sent away to serve a rich man and his ailing wife. But what begins as a promising new start curdles into something far more sinister. Sloane soon finds herself drawn into a labyrinth of horrors only a demon could survive.
Gothic, eerie, and emotionally sharp, A Vow for Breaking will appeal to readers of Appalachian folk horror, historical gothic fiction, and haunting fables where nothing is as it seems … and almost everything is hungry.
With lyrical menace and atmospheric depth, author L.M. Riviere delivers a chilling story of suspicion, confinement, and the monstrous things we keep locked inside.
No one in Boston hires mad workhouse girls suspected of murder.
So they've packed me off to the mountains of North Carolina to serve a house full of secrets.
Here, ghost lights flicker through tall trees. Voices whisper from empty corners. Children walk into the woods and never return.
And the master of the house?
They say he's man with coal for eyes.
A devil in a banker's suit.
And ... he'll be home soon.
...............................................
‘A Vow For Breaking,’ is a forbidding, standalone novel steeped in Appalachian lore, inherited curses, and a backwoods mansion brimming with otherworldly terror.
Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this dark fairy tale follows Sloane McIntyre, a Boston-born workhouse girl and suspected murderess, who is sent away to serve a rich man and his ailing wife. But what begins as a promising new start curdles into something far more sinister. Sloane soon finds herself drawn into a labyrinth of horrors only a demon could survive.
Gothic, eerie, and emotionally sharp, A Vow for Breaking will appeal to readers of Appalachian folk horror, historical gothic fiction, and haunting fables where nothing is as it seems … and almost everything is hungry.
With lyrical menace and atmospheric depth, author L.M. Riviere delivers a chilling story of suspicion, confinement, and the monstrous things we keep locked inside.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
L.M. Riviere
6 books93 followersL.M. Riviere is the author of the epic fantasy series 'The Innisfail Cycle', the historical fairy tale 'A Dark Most Fair,' and the Appalachian folk horror 'A Vow For Breaking.' She has another folk horror titles due for release in 2026.
She is obsessed with hot coffee, hiking, and refusing to wear 'real pants' in public. She lives in Appalachia.
She is obsessed with hot coffee, hiking, and refusing to wear 'real pants' in public. She lives in Appalachia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 11, 2026
Short, satisfying, and so much deeper than its page count suggests. This one had me hanging on every word and chewing my nails as the horror and mystery deepened into something filled with terror and rage.
Sloane has been let down by the world at every single turn and she stands against it anyway, with the help of her historical, generational, literal monster. I cannot believe how much I came to love a morally black monster, but here we are. Their dynamic is one of the best things about this and I adored every second of it.
The gothic atmosphere is fantastic. The historical context around Irish hatred of the era is touched on perfectly and is often overlooked. It adds historical and metaphorical weight to Sloane's story and makes the rage underneath it feel completely earned.
The ending was a little too neat for my tastes because I love a little more open endings in my horror, but I'm genuinely splitting hairs here because I had a great time with this one. Dark, fascinating, and I will absolutely be reading more from this author.
Thanks to the author and Booksirens for the complimentary review copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Rep: LGBTQIA+ characters, minimal sapphic romance
Sloane has been let down by the world at every single turn and she stands against it anyway, with the help of her historical, generational, literal monster. I cannot believe how much I came to love a morally black monster, but here we are. Their dynamic is one of the best things about this and I adored every second of it.
The gothic atmosphere is fantastic. The historical context around Irish hatred of the era is touched on perfectly and is often overlooked. It adds historical and metaphorical weight to Sloane's story and makes the rage underneath it feel completely earned.
The ending was a little too neat for my tastes because I love a little more open endings in my horror, but I'm genuinely splitting hairs here because I had a great time with this one. Dark, fascinating, and I will absolutely be reading more from this author.
Thanks to the author and Booksirens for the complimentary review copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Rep: LGBTQIA+ characters, minimal sapphic romance
May 14, 2026
I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to BookSirens. All opinions below are my own.
I was sucked right into the story. Despite being rather short, it felt fully flushed out and not rushed in any way.
The story was good, as well. Creepy and dark, with characters that felt realistic. I'd definitely read more by this author.
I was sucked right into the story. Despite being rather short, it felt fully flushed out and not rushed in any way.
The story was good, as well. Creepy and dark, with characters that felt realistic. I'd definitely read more by this author.
May 7, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
A Vow for Breaking masterfully depicts a historical horror in a haunting and thrilling light. Riviere exposed the ugly realities many women face, while also integrating a gripping folklore element. The voice is so relatable that the reader is almost having a conversation with Sloane.
This book got me hooked from the first page to the last. I read it all in 4 days! I read the whole Harwood house escape sequence in one sitting. Especially considering the length, the plot and characterization were fleshed out beautifully. I was rooting for Sloane the whole way through.
So many books in the overall genres of fantasy, folklore, dark horror, etc. make the main characters as beautiful as possible, even if it doesn’t fit the context. Riviere provided a realistic description of Sloane while also making her likable. Hollywood needs to take notes — your characters don’t need to be drop-dead gorgeous to be worthy of a story.
My favorite scene was the train encounter. The introduction set the stage looking meager and without hope. I teared up when the old woman was so kind to Sloane; it’s a support that all girls in similar situations should have. The themes of hierarchy and injustice balance well with the fantastical elements. Most of all, I appreciated the ending. It wasn’t necessarily a happy one, but it was REAL. It draws attention to what’s true both in history and in today’s world: life is not always fair.
The only “criticism” I have is that I want to know more! I felt Sloane truly cared for Dandy. However, throughout the book he was missing so often that the reader doesn’t have a chance to bond with him. Given, he IS literally a demon, but Sloane’s compassion for him could have been better understood with more Dandy characterization.
Overall, this was a thrilling and intriguing book, and I’m excited to explore the rest of Riviere’s work.
A Vow for Breaking masterfully depicts a historical horror in a haunting and thrilling light. Riviere exposed the ugly realities many women face, while also integrating a gripping folklore element. The voice is so relatable that the reader is almost having a conversation with Sloane.
This book got me hooked from the first page to the last. I read it all in 4 days! I read the whole Harwood house escape sequence in one sitting. Especially considering the length, the plot and characterization were fleshed out beautifully. I was rooting for Sloane the whole way through.
So many books in the overall genres of fantasy, folklore, dark horror, etc. make the main characters as beautiful as possible, even if it doesn’t fit the context. Riviere provided a realistic description of Sloane while also making her likable. Hollywood needs to take notes — your characters don’t need to be drop-dead gorgeous to be worthy of a story.
My favorite scene was the train encounter. The introduction set the stage looking meager and without hope. I teared up when the old woman was so kind to Sloane; it’s a support that all girls in similar situations should have. The themes of hierarchy and injustice balance well with the fantastical elements. Most of all, I appreciated the ending. It wasn’t necessarily a happy one, but it was REAL. It draws attention to what’s true both in history and in today’s world: life is not always fair.
The only “criticism” I have is that I want to know more! I felt Sloane truly cared for Dandy. However, throughout the book he was missing so often that the reader doesn’t have a chance to bond with him. Given, he IS literally a demon, but Sloane’s compassion for him could have been better understood with more Dandy characterization.
Overall, this was a thrilling and intriguing book, and I’m excited to explore the rest of Riviere’s work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2026
I enjoyed L. M. Riviere's newest novella immensely. Set in late-nineteenth-century Appalachia, the story weaves Irish folklore into a Gothic atmosphere while exploring strikingly contemporary themes.
A Vow for Breaking follows Sloane, a spirited but impoverished teenager burdened by a reputation for madness -- and by numerous deaths caused by the supernatural being who shadows her. Desperate to support herself and her siblings, Sloane accepts a suspicious job in rural North Carolina and treks from Boston to Balsam Hollow, where the autumn mountains seem impossibly beautiful. In many ways, her new situation feels too good to be true. Unanswered questions soon threaten Sloane's life -- and the lives of anyone who is powerless and forgotten in this rural community.
I just so happened to be reading this novella contemporaneously with Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte -- the original haunted house story -- and the pairing highlighted just how exceptional Riviere is at setting the scene and slowly letting the dread build. There's a lot of classic gothic elements in the DNA of this story. Before I read the climax, I would have said that the "horror elements" were "a light-touch," but that observation went out the window as the pace escalates to the end. Despite going to very dark places, I appreciated that Sloane never felt truly isolated as a character and retains her bold voice throughout.
A Vow for Breaking follows Sloane, a spirited but impoverished teenager burdened by a reputation for madness -- and by numerous deaths caused by the supernatural being who shadows her. Desperate to support herself and her siblings, Sloane accepts a suspicious job in rural North Carolina and treks from Boston to Balsam Hollow, where the autumn mountains seem impossibly beautiful. In many ways, her new situation feels too good to be true. Unanswered questions soon threaten Sloane's life -- and the lives of anyone who is powerless and forgotten in this rural community.
I just so happened to be reading this novella contemporaneously with Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte -- the original haunted house story -- and the pairing highlighted just how exceptional Riviere is at setting the scene and slowly letting the dread build. There's a lot of classic gothic elements in the DNA of this story. Before I read the climax, I would have said that the "horror elements" were "a light-touch," but that observation went out the window as the pace escalates to the end. Despite going to very dark places, I appreciated that Sloane never felt truly isolated as a character and retains her bold voice throughout.
May 27, 2026
My only issue with this is the typos & few grammatical errors, otherwise I loved this short but wonderful, eerie read
July 25, 2026
I’m so happy I picked up A Vow for Breaking by L.M. Riviere!
The story takes place in 1891 and features Sloane McIntyre, a poor American Irish young woman, oldest of her siblings, who is contracted to work on a farm in North Carolina. Her job is to be maid to Mrs. Hardwood, a woman said to be troubled. With Sloane comes Dandy, the temperamental dark entity that “protects” her. When they arrive at the farm, the disturbing rumours and mysteries unravel.
I love Riviere’s writing: smooth, direct, strong in voice and so clean. I finished half of it in one sitting, second half in another. Although the narrative comes across as plot driven, its strength is in interiority. I became fond of Sloane and Dandy’s strange relationship and loved their character arcs. Sloane’s flaws have dire consequences, yet her honesty shines through to those around her. Dandy is amusing in a terrifying way. Both aren’t put on a pedestal by any means; a spade is a spade in the novel.
To build on this, Riviere isn’t kidding when she tagged the novel as Dark Fantasy and Horror. The description is just enough to build atmosphere, but the interiority drives it home. Some scenes unsettled me because there’s a good balance of when to say more and when not to. The build-up to the farm is great, and plants seeds that grow beautifully. There’s a minimal set of characters at the farm, which really homes in on the isolation that Sloane undergoes, and the frustration of not getting answers.
I also want to give honorable mention to the cover art. That’s the reason I picked it up, and the symbolism makes sense after a read through. This is the only pop of colour in the whole book.
While the horror aspect grew on me, something I feel I need to mention for Indigenous readers:
Overall, I give the book 4 out of 5 stars. The atmosphere, the characters, the plot, all of it created a strange world that Sloane must navigate. The ending is indeed bittersweet. What knocked it down a star for me is the last sentence of the spoiler.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story takes place in 1891 and features Sloane McIntyre, a poor American Irish young woman, oldest of her siblings, who is contracted to work on a farm in North Carolina. Her job is to be maid to Mrs. Hardwood, a woman said to be troubled. With Sloane comes Dandy, the temperamental dark entity that “protects” her. When they arrive at the farm, the disturbing rumours and mysteries unravel.
I love Riviere’s writing: smooth, direct, strong in voice and so clean. I finished half of it in one sitting, second half in another. Although the narrative comes across as plot driven, its strength is in interiority. I became fond of Sloane and Dandy’s strange relationship and loved their character arcs. Sloane’s flaws have dire consequences, yet her honesty shines through to those around her. Dandy is amusing in a terrifying way. Both aren’t put on a pedestal by any means; a spade is a spade in the novel.
To build on this, Riviere isn’t kidding when she tagged the novel as Dark Fantasy and Horror. The description is just enough to build atmosphere, but the interiority drives it home. Some scenes unsettled me because there’s a good balance of when to say more and when not to. The build-up to the farm is great, and plants seeds that grow beautifully. There’s a minimal set of characters at the farm, which really homes in on the isolation that Sloane undergoes, and the frustration of not getting answers.
I also want to give honorable mention to the cover art. That’s the reason I picked it up, and the symbolism makes sense after a read through. This is the only pop of colour in the whole book.
While the horror aspect grew on me, something I feel I need to mention for Indigenous readers:
Overall, I give the book 4 out of 5 stars. The atmosphere, the characters, the plot, all of it created a strange world that Sloane must navigate. The ending is indeed bittersweet. What knocked it down a star for me is the last sentence of the spoiler.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2026
I want to thank Book Sirens and the author for the e-ARC.
A Vow for Breaking follows Sloane, a poor workhouse girl from Boston who is sent to the Blue Ridge Mountains to serve in a wealthy, isolated house after being suspected of murder. What seems like a chance at survival slowly turns into something far more sinister, with strange rules, whispered warnings, and the sense that the house is hiding something hungry.
This was such a stunning, haunting read. I went in for the gothic atmosphere, and it absolutely delivered, but what stayed with me most was how much the story had to say beneath all that darkness.
This is not just a story about a strange house, hungry woods, and things lurking in the shadows. It is also about human suffering, survival, and the horrible choices people are pushed into when the world gives them no safe option. Sloane’s situation carries so much weight because she is not only trying to protect herself, but also to take care of her siblings. That constant pressure follows her everywhere. What does she owe them? What does she owe herself? How much danger can a person accept if the alternative is starvation, abandonment, or worse? I really liked how the story sat with that dilemma instead of making survival feel simple.
Sloane herself was one of my favorite parts. She is sharp, guarded, angry, and exhausted in a way that felt very real. She had to grow teeth because softness alone would not have kept her alive. But she is not cold. That is what made me care about her so much. Even when she is afraid, even when she is suspicious, even when she is making impossible choices, there is still something deeply human in her.
And Dandy? I did not expect to become attached to a terrifying, morally black little menace, but here we are. He is monstrous, yes, but his bond with Sloane added such a strange and fascinating layer to the story. Their dynamic was dark, unsettling, sometimes funny, and honestly one of the things I enjoyed most.
The gothic atmosphere was beautifully done. The house, the rules, the woods, the whispers, the sense that something is always waiting just out of sight, all of it pulled me in completely. I also loved how the book plays with the idea of consumption. Women being used, worked, discarded, hunted, swallowed by systems and by monsters. The metaphor becomes literal in such a chilling way, and that made the horror hit harder.
Gothic. Brutal. Haunting.
5/5 ⭐
A Vow for Breaking follows Sloane, a poor workhouse girl from Boston who is sent to the Blue Ridge Mountains to serve in a wealthy, isolated house after being suspected of murder. What seems like a chance at survival slowly turns into something far more sinister, with strange rules, whispered warnings, and the sense that the house is hiding something hungry.
This was such a stunning, haunting read. I went in for the gothic atmosphere, and it absolutely delivered, but what stayed with me most was how much the story had to say beneath all that darkness.
This is not just a story about a strange house, hungry woods, and things lurking in the shadows. It is also about human suffering, survival, and the horrible choices people are pushed into when the world gives them no safe option. Sloane’s situation carries so much weight because she is not only trying to protect herself, but also to take care of her siblings. That constant pressure follows her everywhere. What does she owe them? What does she owe herself? How much danger can a person accept if the alternative is starvation, abandonment, or worse? I really liked how the story sat with that dilemma instead of making survival feel simple.
Sloane herself was one of my favorite parts. She is sharp, guarded, angry, and exhausted in a way that felt very real. She had to grow teeth because softness alone would not have kept her alive. But she is not cold. That is what made me care about her so much. Even when she is afraid, even when she is suspicious, even when she is making impossible choices, there is still something deeply human in her.
And Dandy? I did not expect to become attached to a terrifying, morally black little menace, but here we are. He is monstrous, yes, but his bond with Sloane added such a strange and fascinating layer to the story. Their dynamic was dark, unsettling, sometimes funny, and honestly one of the things I enjoyed most.
The gothic atmosphere was beautifully done. The house, the rules, the woods, the whispers, the sense that something is always waiting just out of sight, all of it pulled me in completely. I also loved how the book plays with the idea of consumption. Women being used, worked, discarded, hunted, swallowed by systems and by monsters. The metaphor becomes literal in such a chilling way, and that made the horror hit harder.
Gothic. Brutal. Haunting.
5/5 ⭐
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The heroine in A Vow for Breaking by L.M. Riviere is Sloane McIntyre, a sharp, smart, poor young Irish woman from Boston who has inherited a demon as a constant companion - whether she wants him or not - and thanks to her witch ancestor, he doesn’t have much choice either.
Orphaned and with 5 younger siblings to help support, she is on her way from the workhouse to be a maid in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
As a narrator, Sloane is forthright, funny, and relatable. Even as she tells us about her demon and what he’s done, she questions her own sanity. And she isn’t so sure her story will be relatable to everyone. She tells us not to bother reading if we’ve never been so poor we don’t understand how desperate it can make you because she’s not going to take time to explain it or make excuses about choices she’s made - or things she’s asked or allowed her demon, which she calls Dandy, to do.
The chills really start as she travels to Harwood House and hears not only eerie Appalachian lore but several warnings about the house and family, and it may be a good thing she has a supernatural protector, however problematic he may be.
A Vow for Breaking was a chilling Appalachian folk horror and a lot of fun to read. You’ll want to set aside a few hours for reading because it’s hard to put down once you start. (I assume…I didn’t even try.)
Thanks to the author and Burnt Leaf Press for the advance copy for my unbiased review. Pub. Date: May 1, 2026
Orphaned and with 5 younger siblings to help support, she is on her way from the workhouse to be a maid in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
As a narrator, Sloane is forthright, funny, and relatable. Even as she tells us about her demon and what he’s done, she questions her own sanity. And she isn’t so sure her story will be relatable to everyone. She tells us not to bother reading if we’ve never been so poor we don’t understand how desperate it can make you because she’s not going to take time to explain it or make excuses about choices she’s made - or things she’s asked or allowed her demon, which she calls Dandy, to do.
The chills really start as she travels to Harwood House and hears not only eerie Appalachian lore but several warnings about the house and family, and it may be a good thing she has a supernatural protector, however problematic he may be.
A Vow for Breaking was a chilling Appalachian folk horror and a lot of fun to read. You’ll want to set aside a few hours for reading because it’s hard to put down once you start. (I assume…I didn’t even try.)
Thanks to the author and Burnt Leaf Press for the advance copy for my unbiased review. Pub. Date: May 1, 2026
June 3, 2026
This was my first experience reading L.M. Riviere, and it definitely won't be my last.
From the beginning, I was drawn into the eerie atmosphere of the story. The isolated mountain setting, the lingering secrets, the whispers of missing children, and the sense that something isn't quite right all create a wonderfully unsettling backdrop. It has that gothic, fairytale-like darkness that I always enjoy.
The characters were easily my favorite part of the book. I found myself invested in their journeys, and the mystery surrounding both the house and its inhabitants kept me turning pages. The plot itself was engaging, with enough questions and revelations to keep me curious about where the story was headed.
My only real criticism comes down to the pacing. The middle section dragged a bit for me, and I found my attention wandering at times. While important pieces of the story were being established, I struggled to stay fully invested until the momentum picked back up. Once it did, though, the story moved quickly and pulled me right back in.
Even with the pacing issues, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The atmosphere, characters, and mystery more than made up for the slower sections, and I'm excited to read more from L.M. Riviere in the future.
If you enjoy gothic fantasy, haunted houses, dark secrets, and stories that feel like a whispered legend passed down through generations, A Vow for Breaking is worth checking out.
From the beginning, I was drawn into the eerie atmosphere of the story. The isolated mountain setting, the lingering secrets, the whispers of missing children, and the sense that something isn't quite right all create a wonderfully unsettling backdrop. It has that gothic, fairytale-like darkness that I always enjoy.
The characters were easily my favorite part of the book. I found myself invested in their journeys, and the mystery surrounding both the house and its inhabitants kept me turning pages. The plot itself was engaging, with enough questions and revelations to keep me curious about where the story was headed.
My only real criticism comes down to the pacing. The middle section dragged a bit for me, and I found my attention wandering at times. While important pieces of the story were being established, I struggled to stay fully invested until the momentum picked back up. Once it did, though, the story moved quickly and pulled me right back in.
Even with the pacing issues, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The atmosphere, characters, and mystery more than made up for the slower sections, and I'm excited to read more from L.M. Riviere in the future.
If you enjoy gothic fantasy, haunted houses, dark secrets, and stories that feel like a whispered legend passed down through generations, A Vow for Breaking is worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I absolutely loved this author's last book, A Dark Most Fair, but after reading this one, L.M. Riviere will be an instant buy for me from now on.
A Vow for Breaking had me hooked from the first page. The reader is foisted into the dark and unfortunate world of Sloane McIntyre, a resilient and determined young woman, plagued not only by circumstance, but a supernatural inheritance she cannot be rid of. At the bleakest moment of her life, she is given the opportunity to work as a lady's maid in the home of a wealthy gentleman in North Carolina--a job simply too good to be true for someone from the Boston slums with little to no experience. It doesn't take long for Sloane to see not only the cracks in the job offer, but the home's foundation, with the looming arrival of its owner, a spectral lady-of-the-house, a suspicious housemaid, ravenous entities lurking in every dark corner, and a list of past maids who had left their employment under mysterious--and perhaps diabolical circumstance.
I was thrilled to receive an ARC copy of A Vow for Breaking. I gobbled this read up. Gorgeous prose. Spot on atmosphere. Enticing plot twists. Strong characters. Lasting imagery. I cannot say enough. If you enjoy dark and haunting historical fiction with a twist of horror, this read is for you. L.M. Riviere just gets better and better.
A Vow for Breaking had me hooked from the first page. The reader is foisted into the dark and unfortunate world of Sloane McIntyre, a resilient and determined young woman, plagued not only by circumstance, but a supernatural inheritance she cannot be rid of. At the bleakest moment of her life, she is given the opportunity to work as a lady's maid in the home of a wealthy gentleman in North Carolina--a job simply too good to be true for someone from the Boston slums with little to no experience. It doesn't take long for Sloane to see not only the cracks in the job offer, but the home's foundation, with the looming arrival of its owner, a spectral lady-of-the-house, a suspicious housemaid, ravenous entities lurking in every dark corner, and a list of past maids who had left their employment under mysterious--and perhaps diabolical circumstance.
I was thrilled to receive an ARC copy of A Vow for Breaking. I gobbled this read up. Gorgeous prose. Spot on atmosphere. Enticing plot twists. Strong characters. Lasting imagery. I cannot say enough. If you enjoy dark and haunting historical fiction with a twist of horror, this read is for you. L.M. Riviere just gets better and better.
May 22, 2026
Book sirens has provided me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.
A vow for breaking follows Sloane a woman suspected for murders who is curse by a strange creature that is introduced in the first page. Desperate for work she finds a household that holds a darkness that she's just not sure she can handle.
This books first line dragged me in and minus one slower part it kept my interest for alot of the time.
I for one loved the creepy creature that follows Sloane. He's awful but he is a riot. I also loved the progression of his character and of Sloane's as the book goes on.
Dandy aids the creepy horror vibe of the book while Sloane manages to keep fighting no matter how many people tell her to turn back now.
Though her judgements sometimes get her into more trouble than they're worth.
I enjoyed the ending quite a bit and definitely found this book quite worth the read it features all of the elements I like spooky vibes creepy murderous monsters and even a little bit of queer women.
Though not as much as most of my reads on that last one.
There were a few things that were odd as mentioned it has a slow part that tells more than it shows.
The narrator Sloane also calls things queer when she means strange and she doesn't seem to view people from the "nutter" she was at well.
Though this may be the book trying to be accurate to the times. It just isn't something I personally liked.
I recommend this book if you like creepy folktale books with determined characters and the monsters that haunt them.
A vow for breaking follows Sloane a woman suspected for murders who is curse by a strange creature that is introduced in the first page. Desperate for work she finds a household that holds a darkness that she's just not sure she can handle.
This books first line dragged me in and minus one slower part it kept my interest for alot of the time.
I for one loved the creepy creature that follows Sloane. He's awful but he is a riot. I also loved the progression of his character and of Sloane's as the book goes on.
Dandy aids the creepy horror vibe of the book while Sloane manages to keep fighting no matter how many people tell her to turn back now.
Though her judgements sometimes get her into more trouble than they're worth.
I enjoyed the ending quite a bit and definitely found this book quite worth the read it features all of the elements I like spooky vibes creepy murderous monsters and even a little bit of queer women.
Though not as much as most of my reads on that last one.
There were a few things that were odd as mentioned it has a slow part that tells more than it shows.
The narrator Sloane also calls things queer when she means strange and she doesn't seem to view people from the "nutter" she was at well.
Though this may be the book trying to be accurate to the times. It just isn't something I personally liked.
I recommend this book if you like creepy folktale books with determined characters and the monsters that haunt them.
May 6, 2026
Rating: 4.5
The cover hit my spooky, gothic soul before I even read a single word of the premise. But once I did? I was vibrating with excitement. This book has everything I love: a dark fairy tale atmosphere, a historical Appalachian setting, and a resilient woman persevering through hardship.
Everything I hoped this book would be going in, it absolutely delivered. I was pulled into the story from page one, so it became impossible to stick to my 25 pages a day goal. This is a book you devour in one sitting. I ended up reading straight through the night, when the finale hit, just to see how it all ended.
This tale is the epitome of hunger—the idea that the world and the people around you are constantly trying to take, feast, and devour, whether they are literal monsters or not. It's a story about being the hero of your own narrative and defeating the beasts that try to tear you down. Although this isn't a slasher, I still consider Sloane McIntyre my kind of final girl.
Even with the few hiccups I discovered, Riviere's storytelling is so lovely. I'll definitely be looking at more books by her!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Full review can be found on my blog!
The cover hit my spooky, gothic soul before I even read a single word of the premise. But once I did? I was vibrating with excitement. This book has everything I love: a dark fairy tale atmosphere, a historical Appalachian setting, and a resilient woman persevering through hardship.
Everything I hoped this book would be going in, it absolutely delivered. I was pulled into the story from page one, so it became impossible to stick to my 25 pages a day goal. This is a book you devour in one sitting. I ended up reading straight through the night, when the finale hit, just to see how it all ended.
This tale is the epitome of hunger—the idea that the world and the people around you are constantly trying to take, feast, and devour, whether they are literal monsters or not. It's a story about being the hero of your own narrative and defeating the beasts that try to tear you down. Although this isn't a slasher, I still consider Sloane McIntyre my kind of final girl.
Even with the few hiccups I discovered, Riviere's storytelling is so lovely. I'll definitely be looking at more books by her!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Full review can be found on my blog!
Review of advance copy
Thank you to L. M. Riviere and BookSirens for the ARC — all thoughts are my own.
I went into A Vow For Breaking without really knowing what to expect, and I think that made the reading experience even better. This wasn’t the kind of horror story I had in mind going in, but it absolutely delivered in its own way.
The pacing worked really well for me — I ended up reading this much faster than anticipated because the structure and buildup kept pulling me in. There’s a strong sense of tension throughout the story, and the twist genuinely caught my attention.
One of the highlights for me were the characters. They felt realistic and I appreciated how the book explored personal boundaries and how different they can be from person to person. It also doesn’t shy away from showing what happens when those limits are crossed, which added an extra layer to the story.
If I had one critique, it would be the ending. Compared to how strong and engaging the rest of the book was, it felt a bit underwhelming.
Overall, though, this was a very enjoyable and gripping read that I would definitely recommend — especially if you’re looking to get more into horror like I am.
I went into A Vow For Breaking without really knowing what to expect, and I think that made the reading experience even better. This wasn’t the kind of horror story I had in mind going in, but it absolutely delivered in its own way.
The pacing worked really well for me — I ended up reading this much faster than anticipated because the structure and buildup kept pulling me in. There’s a strong sense of tension throughout the story, and the twist genuinely caught my attention.
One of the highlights for me were the characters. They felt realistic and I appreciated how the book explored personal boundaries and how different they can be from person to person. It also doesn’t shy away from showing what happens when those limits are crossed, which added an extra layer to the story.
If I had one critique, it would be the ending. Compared to how strong and engaging the rest of the book was, it felt a bit underwhelming.
Overall, though, this was a very enjoyable and gripping read that I would definitely recommend — especially if you’re looking to get more into horror like I am.
May 16, 2026
A murderous entity that’s passed down through the family? Yes please 💁🏻♀️
The tone of the story is set from chapter one: “This is not a tale for soft, happy children bred for sunshine.”
If you loved the melancholic, dark humour and gothic vibes of A Series of Unfortunate Events as a child, then this is definitely for you.
This had all the ingredients for a book I’m going to become mildly obsessed with. I was hooked from chapter one and “devoured” it 😉
The story follows Sloan, who has faced unfortunate circumstances her entire life, and Derby, a demon bound to her through a generational deal.
Derby was SUCH a vibe. A murderous vibe… but still. Despite being a literal demon, there is something weirdly lovable about him 😂 He reminded me of a pet cat at times and I loved the descriptions of his different forms.
Can we also take a moment to appreciate the cover art?! The creepy vibes are on point.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be reading more of LM Riviere’s work.
5/5 stars
Thank you to BookSirens and Burnt Leaf Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The tone of the story is set from chapter one: “This is not a tale for soft, happy children bred for sunshine.”
If you loved the melancholic, dark humour and gothic vibes of A Series of Unfortunate Events as a child, then this is definitely for you.
This had all the ingredients for a book I’m going to become mildly obsessed with. I was hooked from chapter one and “devoured” it 😉
The story follows Sloan, who has faced unfortunate circumstances her entire life, and Derby, a demon bound to her through a generational deal.
Derby was SUCH a vibe. A murderous vibe… but still. Despite being a literal demon, there is something weirdly lovable about him 😂 He reminded me of a pet cat at times and I loved the descriptions of his different forms.
Can we also take a moment to appreciate the cover art?! The creepy vibes are on point.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be reading more of LM Riviere’s work.
5/5 stars
Thank you to BookSirens and Burnt Leaf Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2026
*Thank you to BookSirens for the free ARC. The below review is being left voluntarily.*
4.5
A Vow for Breaking is a dark, fairytale-esque story about a girl named Sloane with a family curse in the form of a demon named Dandy. Recently orphaned, she's sent to work for a Mrs. Harwood and things go south from there. I enjoyed every character in this book, from Sloane and Dandy as the dominant characters all the way to more background characters like Mr. Martin and Herbert. Dandy is gruesome and terrifying but manages to offer humor throughout the story at the same time. This is a book about being a poor woman trapped in multiple cycles and breaking free. It's about escaping but not necessarily reaching a happy ending. I loved every minute of it. The only reason I didn't rate it a perfect 5 was the pacing. The beginning and trip to the Harwoods' house was over a quarter of the book, but the climax and resolution felt half that. I wish the dark, intense scenes at the end were fleshed out a bit more. Otherwise, I am so excited to have found this author and can't wait to read more from them!
4.5
A Vow for Breaking is a dark, fairytale-esque story about a girl named Sloane with a family curse in the form of a demon named Dandy. Recently orphaned, she's sent to work for a Mrs. Harwood and things go south from there. I enjoyed every character in this book, from Sloane and Dandy as the dominant characters all the way to more background characters like Mr. Martin and Herbert. Dandy is gruesome and terrifying but manages to offer humor throughout the story at the same time. This is a book about being a poor woman trapped in multiple cycles and breaking free. It's about escaping but not necessarily reaching a happy ending. I loved every minute of it. The only reason I didn't rate it a perfect 5 was the pacing. The beginning and trip to the Harwoods' house was over a quarter of the book, but the climax and resolution felt half that. I wish the dark, intense scenes at the end were fleshed out a bit more. Otherwise, I am so excited to have found this author and can't wait to read more from them!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A Vow For Breaking might be Riviere's most unsettling tale yet (and my favorite!) and that's saying something. From its cold horror open in the slums of an industrial revolution era Boston, this story centers a cursed young woman and her mysterious and compounding misfortunes as she manages to move from workhouse to manor life to the depths of hell.
Sloane's family curse has left anyone to cross her--and all hope at supporting her starving younger siblings--dead in her wake. When her only prospect takes her deep into the NC wilderness, she finds the demons of her new estate home may be more powerful, more haunting, and more deadly than the one bound to her. Here is a complex dissection of class, history, folklore, and Appalachian tradition, all tightly packaged in a fast-paced horror.
This story has deep roots you can feel, with subtle nods to familiar folk tales recast in a landscape as alive as its monsters. Highly recommended to those who want to be entertained, unsettled, and in the end, haunted by what hides beneath the veneer.
Sloane's family curse has left anyone to cross her--and all hope at supporting her starving younger siblings--dead in her wake. When her only prospect takes her deep into the NC wilderness, she finds the demons of her new estate home may be more powerful, more haunting, and more deadly than the one bound to her. Here is a complex dissection of class, history, folklore, and Appalachian tradition, all tightly packaged in a fast-paced horror.
This story has deep roots you can feel, with subtle nods to familiar folk tales recast in a landscape as alive as its monsters. Highly recommended to those who want to be entertained, unsettled, and in the end, haunted by what hides beneath the veneer.
Review of advance copy
A Vow for Breaking is a stunning short story that transcends the allegory of consumption and turns metaphor into reality. We begin in the not-so-distant past, watching as young women are fed to the insatiable machine of industrialization. Worked and abused until they're empty husks, it's made clear that the next step is either starvation or feeding the more base appetites of man in the form of prostitution. In an attempt to subvert this outcome, Sloane instead ends up facing a monster offering that same fate but in a far more literal sense.
I appreciate that the author didn't shy away from the more lurid details and descriptions, while also not dwelling on the horrors unnecessarily. It helped reinforce the lack of safety our protagonist was already accustomed to, the relative natures of horror and pain, as well as the reality of what survival looks like when life has been a shitshow since day 1.
I also enjoyed that we don't end on a perfect happily ever after, thank you.
A solid story with enjoyable twists.
Read via BookSirens
I appreciate that the author didn't shy away from the more lurid details and descriptions, while also not dwelling on the horrors unnecessarily. It helped reinforce the lack of safety our protagonist was already accustomed to, the relative natures of horror and pain, as well as the reality of what survival looks like when life has been a shitshow since day 1.
I also enjoyed that we don't end on a perfect happily ever after, thank you.
A solid story with enjoyable twists.
Read via BookSirens
May 1, 2026
Very well written. Descriptive, First POV, found family/relationship.
Would not say this book was a slow burn but more of a mid burn with a bang of a mid ending with a very well deserved end.
The story is written from the Main characters POV as she tells it, but as she writes her life story without it being in your face that it's a main life event story.
The horror concepts within the book are well written and off putting at times.
There are some heart wrenching parts that might bring a tear to the eyes, or a gasp.
This book was really hard to put down. My only issue was that I wish that there was shorter and a few more chapters so that there are a few more places to take a break and think over what was just read.
I really liked the writing style and will be looking into more of this authors books in the future.
Thank you to the author and publisher for letting me read this book as an ARC. I really enjoyed the book.
Would not say this book was a slow burn but more of a mid burn with a bang of a mid ending with a very well deserved end.
The story is written from the Main characters POV as she tells it, but as she writes her life story without it being in your face that it's a main life event story.
The horror concepts within the book are well written and off putting at times.
There are some heart wrenching parts that might bring a tear to the eyes, or a gasp.
This book was really hard to put down. My only issue was that I wish that there was shorter and a few more chapters so that there are a few more places to take a break and think over what was just read.
I really liked the writing style and will be looking into more of this authors books in the future.
Thank you to the author and publisher for letting me read this book as an ARC. I really enjoyed the book.
June 29, 2026
I was immediately drawn into the world created by L.M. Riviere in A Vow for Breaking. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The main character, Sloane McIntyre, drew me into the impoverished world of Boston at the turn of the twentieth century and then quickly whisked me away into an Appalachian gothic atmosphere shrouded in mystery and terror. The madness that follows Sloane through the book is only intensified as she learns she is not alone in her malady. Overall, I found the world-building intriguing but not overly descriptive, and I loved the North Carolina setting. There is a lot to be said about wealth, the Gilded Age, and rural Appalachia in these pages, all while pulling you in to this fantastical, gothic horror fairy tale. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to experience a contemporary author writing in the style of a bygone era and a popular genre of the past.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What an exceptional Story!
The world building felt truly accurate. The main character, Sloane, has a relatable depth. The setting is in both Boston and the Blue Ridge Mountains. LM Rivire builds everything well. So, you can really feel the place and time without it becoming an unrelatable period peice. The story moves at a good pace and I never found myself drifting. I really really enjoyed the characters! There was just enough trope to keep them familiar and more than enough variation for them to be interesting. I always felt a sense of hope, fear, adventure, discovery, and change. The ending felt appropriate while still carrying all those emotions along to the end.
Full disclosure, I contacted LM.R for a copy when she announced the new book. She asked the publisher to send me a copy. Certainly appreciated.
The world building felt truly accurate. The main character, Sloane, has a relatable depth. The setting is in both Boston and the Blue Ridge Mountains. LM Rivire builds everything well. So, you can really feel the place and time without it becoming an unrelatable period peice. The story moves at a good pace and I never found myself drifting. I really really enjoyed the characters! There was just enough trope to keep them familiar and more than enough variation for them to be interesting. I always felt a sense of hope, fear, adventure, discovery, and change. The ending felt appropriate while still carrying all those emotions along to the end.
Full disclosure, I contacted LM.R for a copy when she announced the new book. She asked the publisher to send me a copy. Certainly appreciated.
May 24, 2026
I got this book for free from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you so much!
This book was pretty enjoyable. Really loved the voice and the main character’s relationship with Dandy. The pacing felt slightly off; it was a little too easy to put down in the first half and moved too quickly near the end. I also felt that a certain character switched allegiances a little too easily near the end.
However, I was still very satisfied reading this book. The horror vibe was great, the voice drew me in, and I appreciated the descriptions throughout. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book for horror fans!
This book was pretty enjoyable. Really loved the voice and the main character’s relationship with Dandy. The pacing felt slightly off; it was a little too easy to put down in the first half and moved too quickly near the end. I also felt that a certain character switched allegiances a little too easily near the end.
However, I was still very satisfied reading this book. The horror vibe was great, the voice drew me in, and I appreciated the descriptions throughout. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book for horror fans!
July 27, 2026
A Vow For Breaking was a phenomenal read with an interesting cast of characters! Sloane has a big personality & I loved her as the narrator; she had a huge I loved Dandy, what a charismatic demon he was. I don't want to spoil anything so I'm putting this vaguely, but boy would I have loved for him to be a bigger part of the story at times… Anyways, the twists and turns were scintillating!!! Mr. & Mrs. Harwood were quite WILD characters with some hugely dark secrets. The other creatures lurking in the house really helped set the tone without spoiling the mystique of the Harwoods or their staff, especially with Philomena Harwood's multiple escapes & disappearances.
4 ★ as I wasn't the biggest fan of the "type" of ending, but it was still a great read! Never hurts as an author to tie up those loose ends but personally, I love myself a bit of a cliffhanger. Overall, wonderfully written & wonderfully paced - can't wait to read more books by L.M. Riviere!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4 ★ as I wasn't the biggest fan of the "type" of ending, but it was still a great read! Never hurts as an author to tie up those loose ends but personally, I love myself a bit of a cliffhanger. Overall, wonderfully written & wonderfully paced - can't wait to read more books by L.M. Riviere!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2026
I DNF'd this around the 53% mark. Absolutely nothing wrong with the book. I loved the premise and the writing was fine. It just wasn't for me. It's a first person POV who also talks to the reader on occasion, and I don't typically like that type of writing. I also never connected with the FMC.
I'm in the minority on this one, so don't let that deter you from trying this. It would be a great quick read for someone who loves mysteries and a secluded setting.
**Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing this free ebook. All opinions are my own.**
I'm in the minority on this one, so don't let that deter you from trying this. It would be a great quick read for someone who loves mysteries and a secluded setting.
**Thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing this free ebook. All opinions are my own.**
Review of advance copy
Full Disclosure: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens!
I devoured this book in two days (choice of words intentional). It started strong, hooked me immediately and then did not disappoint. I love Dandy, I'm probably not supposed to be so obsessed with an unlikable character but I am. The FMC, is tough but vulnerable, tenacious while scared and very complex, everything a strong FMC needs. Hunting down more books by Riviere.
I devoured this book in two days (choice of words intentional). It started strong, hooked me immediately and then did not disappoint. I love Dandy, I'm probably not supposed to be so obsessed with an unlikable character but I am. The FMC, is tough but vulnerable, tenacious while scared and very complex, everything a strong FMC needs. Hunting down more books by Riviere.
April 28, 2026
This was an ARC read and I loved it! The characters were likeable, funny, mysterious, and horrifying. The scenery was both picturesque and haunting, which made it easy to picture everything in my head as I was reading. This is why I love being an ARC reader. Exploring different genres of books in exciting and if you’re looking for an exciting book, definitely get this one!
May 10, 2026
A Vow for Breaking by LM Riviere is a chilling, gothic folk horror following Sloane McIntyre, a suspected murdereress, as she is sent away to work for a rich man and his sickly wife.
A quick read, I was immediately sucked into the dark and chilling tale of twists, turns and where nothing is as it seems.
Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. Your mental health matters.
A quick read, I was immediately sucked into the dark and chilling tale of twists, turns and where nothing is as it seems.
Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. Your mental health matters.
May 16, 2026
A new dark fantasy horror from a master of twisty new fairy tales.
I quite liked this one. It moves along quickly, no extraneous side stories. Just our heroine discovering exactly what kind of horror she’s agreed to in the hopes of supporting her younger siblings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I quite liked this one. It moves along quickly, no extraneous side stories. Just our heroine discovering exactly what kind of horror she’s agreed to in the hopes of supporting her younger siblings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 18, 2026
This is an interesting story of a young woman sold to care for someone after her father dies. She has a gift that is helpful and also gets her into trouble. The house she works for has many dark secrets. The master of the house has a secret of his own. Over all I enjoyed the Book. Not my usual read. Thank you for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
This was such a cool spooky tale that really ramps up as you read until I could not put it down when I hit the second half. It hit all the right notes for me and there are some scenes that will live in my head for a long time. Definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
L.M. Riviere's writing just sucks me right into the story, leaving me with my jaw on the floor. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, I'd turn the page, and find my theories were wrong. Even though he was a monster, I loved Dandy. He cared for our girl Slone; in his own way.
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