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The Knucklebone Brothers

Not yet published
Expected 2 Oct 26

Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 2, 2026

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About the author

Athena E.S.

4 books47 followers
Athena E.S. is a dark romance author writing stories where obsession is currency and devotion is dangerous. Her work centers on morally gray men, feral women, and love that destroys before it saves.

Inspired by shadowed power dynamics, folklore, and violence threaded with intimacy, her stories live where desire and control blur.

Lethal is her debut novel. Book two is currently in progress.

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5 stars
27 (72%)
4 stars
9 (24%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Aimee C.
130 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
Rumor says the Knucklebone's ate people. Maverick and Blythe cant wait to play with Rory to strip her to her core.I actually liked the fact she says the place is like a screwed up petting zoo between the chickens and the goat. If she tried to run she'd have no clue where to go. In the middle of the nowhere surrounded by woods. The knucklebone brothers they slowly reel you in like a scared animal. With chaos you just cant stop reading about. I didn't think crying about how a crazy cannibal family was on the list of things to do. It definitely happened though. Not a bunch of spice throughout the book but what is there is definitely worth it.
Profile Image for Bookish_Carisa .
281 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 23, 2026
The Knucklebone Brothers was absolutely unhinged in the best way. 🖤 This book pulled me in with its creepy, twisted atmosphere and the dark Appalachian folklore woven throughout the story. The Knucklebone brothers are the kind of men who are completely obsessed, possessive, and unapologetically fucked up and somehow I couldn’t look away.

Rory was such a complicated FMC, and I loved that she wasn’t written to be perfect. The dynamic between her and the brothers was intense, messy, and completely addictive. The darker elements definitely aren’t for everyone, so check your trigger warnings, but if you love dark romance with horror vibes, obsession, morally questionable characters, and a seriously twisted atmosphere, this one is definitely worth picking up.

This book was dark, creepy, spicy, and completely chaotic and I was here for every second of it. 🎪🖤
Profile Image for Mariah  Boyd.
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 17, 2026
I began reading this as a beta reader and now an ARC reader. This story has given me everything and then some! With spooky season on the horizon this book is exactly what you need. Erotic horror, yes please.

This book is full of true Appalachian folklore not the fluffy stuff you see in the movies or on social media trends. The depth of the research and intertwining of the folklore and traditions will really hit home for those who know. For those who don’t, well do some research!

The Knucklebone brothers are chefs kiss and Knucklebone Holler is the horror backdrop you need!! Will Rory survive being brought to Knucklebone Holler against her will? You won’t know until you read it but I am telling you, it is worth the wait!!! 10/10 would recommend!!!
Profile Image for Bree.
90 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 18, 2026
My arc review...this one absolutely blew me away yall. I was expecting a spicy, wild book, but I left with a whole new obsession! This is dark, please check your triggers, but every single scene had a purpose and emotion that tied to the story. In this creepy tale, there is also a deeper, emotional story line that had me in tears. We all want to feel accepted and loved, and Rory is no exception. The Knucklebone Brothers know how to give her everything she ever wanted, even if a little blood has to be spilled along the way...
Profile Image for Dani.
256 reviews
September 24, 2026
RTC as soon as I collect my thoughts…but for now Athena WTF and also infinite stars! I am screaming. I am
Obsessed!
Profile Image for Ashley .
33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
"He knows me better than anyone, too. He knows what that rage feels like, what it cost me. He knows what it cost me tonight." -Blythe

"Here, they looked at me like I was somebody. Like I was the one they'd been waitin' for" -Rory



I don't even know where to start! This book had me waging war with my conflicting emotions because at first, I wanted to believe all the talk was false.  They were just a very different, very misunderstood family.  WRONG! then, I thought, maybe they did these things because of how they grew up, thats plausible! Just like Rory! Thats why they felt connected to her, right? Wrong again! But also, maybe right? 🥴

Regardless, they were meant for each other.  The brotherly connection between Blythe and Mav was perfect.  2 very different people, but they understood each other more than anyone ever could.

This book is FILTHY, horrific, and twisted. The world building was exceptional and the details had me sniffing the air and licking my lips as if I could taste and smell what was being described.  The spice was dirty and the ritualistic aspect added was just the right touch.

Thank you so much Athena for allowing me the pleasure!!! Beautifully written in the most twisted way 🤌
Profile Image for Liiiiv.
39 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
DAMNNNN, What can I even say I had the absolute honor of being Athena’s Arc and when I started this book I couldn’t put it down I’d recently been in a major slump and dnf a few books I started but as soon as this jumped into my emails I opened it and ended up finishing this in a day.
Can I just say MAVERICK?🫠🫠🫠🫠 (defo my fave)
Omg give me that twisted sick boy right now I ADORE HIM and I love how obsessed he is with our girl Rory whom I also love with my whole heart she is a girl that has suffered horribly and her trauma shows throughout the book and the feelings she holds deep inside just crawling to get out (literally)the boys make sure she soon comes into her true self🥰
Now Blythe he’s such a mystery even throughout the book he’s definitely the more sensible one out of the two of them but just as dangerous if not more I love how he looked after Rory and Mav

But can we just sit and take the time to read these?? 👀

•Her fingers curled into my shirt, the fabric a desperate
anchor. "You don't have to be easy," I continued. "You don't
even have to be human most days."
She looked up at me through her tears, her eyes a
beautiful, broken thing. I wiped one away, my thumb brushin'
against the soft skin of her cheek. "I'll still come lookin' when
you hide."
My smile widened. "And if whatever is inside you finally
claws its way out..." I kissed her forehead, my lips a soft,
possessive press against her skin. "...I'll make room for her,
too." (LIKEEEE🥲)

•I will choose you in
every lifetime. If heaven takes you, I'll find the door. If hell
claims you, I'll burn it down. If death comes for you, I'll make
it regret puttin' its hands on what belongs to us. And when
my heart finally stops beatin', I want your name to be the last
thing inside it." (THE YEARNING!!🫠)
The horror aspects are great, I mean I know it’s Appalachian mountains but I wasn’t expecting like literal entity’s and stuff the whole tall long man FREAKED me tf out when it kept appearing 👀 like what even was that??🫠

I’m absolutely amazed by Athena’s writing style I loved that you could hear their accent in the way she wrote, I love the details it made you feel like you was there and could see what she was seeing, even all the side characters I adored Emory and Amos🥰
Just so much that I truly enjoyed about this book I’m secretly hoping they’ll be a second book in the future because I don’t want it to end!

Now the only thing I would have loved is a bit more drama, like for instance why did nobody come looking for the sheriff? Why didn’t we get more from Lacey, Rory’s cousin? It was apparent that she was worried about her and I was kind of expecting something in the epilogue but we never heard about Lacey again or if her and Rory Reunited etc but again it didn’t or wouldn’t have changed anything about the book it was just some extras i thought could of been added. I still rate this book 10/10. I just feel like i needed to add something not negative but this books so good in my eyes it’s hard to give it any criticism.
The spice was the perfect amount I’d say its a bit of a slow burn so if you go in just expecting straight smut that isn’t what your going to get it’s slow but the build up is perfect and I love that Athena doesn’t add the rest until near the end because it lets you fall in love with them all first and tbh I think I would have read this even without the spice! 🌶️
There’s a lot of triggers in this so I’d take them into consideration it’s sick it’s twisted and it’s gory at parts the whole scene where she’s pulling the innards out made me gag😅 the descriptions in this book are so bloody good.
It’s the perfect mix of gory and dark romance dare I say my new number 1 favorite carnival Dark romance and I’ve read a few 👀 I loved this so much and thanks so much for the opportunity to read before publication ❣️❣️ -LivsLibraryx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for V's Rockin' Reads.
202 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 24, 2026
"𝙒𝙚'𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚, 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙨.”

I was warned this was going to be dark, unhinged, and unforgivably brutal - and that’s exactly what it was - but I was not prepared for the underlying beauty of it all. Sure, the Knucklebone family is full of psychotic, murdering cannibals, but their acceptance of the imperfect, their sense of family, their survival against a world that abandoned them? Those are the things that really shine through in this story.

“𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣' 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣', 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪."

Rory is kidnapped by the Knucklebone brothers, Maverick and Blythe, and taken to Knucklebone Holler, an abandoned carnival deep within the Appalachian Mountains. They have big plans for her (after all, opening night is almost here 🎪), and along the way there’s plenty of pain, just as much pleasure, and loads of blood-soaked fun. Think you can handle it? ☠️

𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣'𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙. 𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣.

But underneath all the brutality, there’s a twisted tenderness to these brothers that even got me teary-eyed a couple times 🥹 Mav is the definition of unhinged. He’s unpredictable and dangerous, but the way he unequivocally accepts Rory, monsters and all, is the sweetest thing ever. And Blythe is that quiet comfort. He’s firm, but there’s a calming gentleness to him. These boys might not love in a conventional way, but they’re where Rory finally finds home 🖤

…𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙂𝙤𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙢𝙚, 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮𝙞𝙣' 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙞𝙣' 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩.

The Knucklebone Brothers is a pitch black dark romance with all the horror and gore we crave this time of year. Loved it!
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 21, 2026
​I received this as an ARC, and oh bloody hell, did it deliver. However, due to it being an ARC, this review will contain no spoilers.

From start to finish, this book played out like a movie in my head. It dialed right into the gritty horror vibes I adore, wrapped in a suffocating Appalachian backdrop that felt like home and hell all at once. The atmospheric prose is an ABSOLUTE chef's kiss; I even found myself reading with an accent in my head, which made the whole experience hit that much closer to home.

Maverick has my entire heart, that sick, twisted boy. And Rory is total feral FMC. She was so perfectly imperfect, her character feeling raw, messy, and authentically human in the best possible way.

But don’t let the spooky-season aesthetic fool you. This story has so much more to offer than just a wild ride and well-executed tropes. There is real teeth and depth to it, and I found that at its core, this is a fiercely protective story about found family.

​And that ending? Athena, yes. Just... yes. My jaw was left sitting on the porch right alongside Momma.

​The spice is well handled. It present and satisfying, but never overshadowing the plot. With this release, Athena has more than earned her permanent spot in the horror space, and I would love nothing more than to see her keep bleeding into this genre like an absolute queen.

Athena deserves all her flowers for this one. If you’re looking for the perfect atmospheric spooky read rooted in Appalachian folklore, look no further than right in the holler. Go add it to your TBR immediately. ⛓️ 🤡 🎪 🩸
Profile Image for Samantha Brown.
934 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
Absolutely unputdownable — I devoured this in a single sitting and couldn’t tear myself away! From the very first page, Athena’s writing wraps around you; you can hear the characters’ voices and feel like you’re right there in the woods with them. The atmosphere is haunting, vivid, and utterly immersive — that “screwed-up petting zoo” vibe, the isolation, the slow, terrifying pull into the Knucklebone brothers’ world… it’s all so perfectly crafted.

Maverick and Blythe? Utter Perfection. Maverick is unapologetically twisted, deliciously obsessive, and completely unforgettable 🔥 🔥 🔥 — he’s easily one of my new favourite fictional characters . Blythe is the quiet, dangerous mystery, steady and protective in ways that made my heart ache. And Rory… what a brilliant, resilient lead. Seeing her heal, shed her layers, and step into her true self alongside them is so beautifully written it actually brought me to tears. Even the side characters — Emory, Amos — feel so warm and real, I adored every moment with them.

The romance is a gorgeous slow burn, and the spice that’s there — perfectly placed, meaningful, and so worth the wait. I’m only sad to say goodbye to these characters; I’d give anything for a sequel or even just more glimpses of their world. This is dark/Taboo romance at its absolute finest — tense, tender, wild, and completely one-of-a-kind. If you love dangerous boys, unforgettable heroines, and stories that crawl right under your skin, do not miss this. Now I'm off to drool in a corner over these guys new fantasy unlocked 🤤🤤🤤🔥🔥🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Becky adamson.
35 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
Thank you Athena, for giving me the honour of reading this absolute masterpiece as an arc.. if your looking for a perfect Halloween, erotic horror, for the falls then look no further as this is the book for you!

We follow our fmc Rory, who has captured the eyes off our two mmc, Maverick and Blythe. Who capture Rory, taking her to the run down old fairground that the knucklebones used to run.

Rory is kept in a cage and chains in hope to make her they bride. The boys want nothing more to break Rory down and build her up, to be the queen there have been looking for! The brothers have had her in they sights for a long time and when there mind is set nothing is stopping them.

The knucklebone are the outcasts of the town with rumpurs spread about them that will give children nightmares and make them affraid of the dark.. however the rumours aren't rumors at all but turn out fo be the horrors the knucklebone family have been doing for years.. if is a family full of physcos, i loved reading the dynamicsof the family member and they messed up mins... who doesnt love mommas stew and secret ingredients that it may contain.

The book contains the most messed up wedding I have ever had the pleasure of reading, from past family members attending who have been long lost and burried to the sacrifice of poor sue. (Least she still got a party hat).

I loved Athena writing style it truly captures you and submerged you into the twisted world of The brothers.I loved the fact that it Rory didnt break making her stronger and found her family and home where she belonged.
Profile Image for Tara Saunders.
29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 23, 2026
Man oh man! Athena warned us that this book was dark and depraved, and y'all... she wasn't kidding. There are definitely some triggering elements that can push your boundaries so make sure to check those TW's. There is no filler in this book. Each chapter, each scene, each character has a thoughtful purpose to the plot. When I entered this beautifullly atmospheric world I thought I was in for a little dark romance with some scary elements, but what I found instead was a full on psychopathic soul findin' love story for the depraved and turns out... I am here for it, lol! It takes some serious skill to make a reader connect with a psychopath, much less two, but damn it if I don't want to crawl in the middle of these guys and never come back out again, lol. Hot, spicy, toxic as hell, and intense enough to threaten your very next breath. You'll even step outside the usual DR spice, getting to dip your toes into a little BDSM fun. Athena has a way of totally immersing you into this crazy, chaotic, sometimes gross, world so thoroughly that you feel like you're there alongside each of the characters, especially the FMC. Our girl really goes through it, but the plot is guided carefully along the realities of healing fractured minds that have survived trauma while finding meaning in being truly wanted, even when its unconventional. So be prepared, the ride will be intense, and even raw at times, but by the end you might not be able to pull yourself from the grips of the Hollar! Just in time for Halloween... Go get this book in your hands! 🎃 (ARC Review)
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 23, 2026
👻 I DEVOURED THIS BOOK
The Knucklebone Brothers by Athena is the kind of dark, gritty, completely unhinged read that grabs you and refuses to let go. The Appalachian setting and folklore create such an eerie, atmospheric backdrop—it feels like The Silence of the Lambs collided with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, then somehow got turned into a dark romance. Add two masked, seriously disturbed brothers into the mix, and you’ve got one hell of a story.
Rory was easily one of my favorite parts of this book. She’s far from the typical helpless FMC. She’s complicated, flawed, damaged, and just as messed up in her own way, which made her feel so much more real. When Maverick and Blythe drag her into the Knucklebone family’s world, things get completely chaotic—and honestly, I was living for every second of it.
The chemistry between Rory and the brothers is intense. Their relationship is dark, twisted, obsessive, and undeniably spicy, but there’s so much more to the story than the smut. The atmosphere, the family dynamics, the darker elements, and the emotional twists all kept me hooked.
And that ending?! I genuinely did not see it coming.
Athena created something brutal, disturbing, heartbreaking, and ridiculously addictive. It’s the perfect kind of dark read for spooky season and Halloween—especially if you like your romance seriously twisted and your characters just a little bit unhinged. 🖤🎃🔥
Profile Image for Villanerareads.
153 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
✨ ARC Disclaimer ✨

Yes, this was an ARC.

No, my standards didn't magically disappear.

As always, these thoughts are completely my own. 🖤

This was exactly what I wanted it to be when I first heard about it.

The story follows Rory, who is kidnapped by two masked strangers... and honestly? Living my dream. 😂

I don't do spoiler reviews because I think books are best experienced blind, but I can say this is shaping up to be one of my favourite reads of the year.

The pacing was phenomenal. The only reason I didn't finish it in one sitting was because I had to go be social (rude). From the very first page, I was completely hooked.

Yes, the smut was absolutely smutting, but what really surprised me was how rich the story was. I loved the Appalachian setting, and the atmosphere was gritty, raw, and completely immersive.

Rory was such a refreshing FMC. She wasn't some helpless damsel waiting to be rescued. She was just as damaged, messy, and morally grey as everyone else, and I loved that.

This book is much deeper than it first appears. It's brutal, heartbreaking, spicy as hell, and packed with characters I couldn't stop thinking about.

Athena E.S., you've officially got yourself a fan. I'll definitely be picking up more of your work.

5 ⭐
Profile Image for Aubre Lassiter.
2 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 21, 2026
I was lucky enough to read this as an arc reader. Check your triggers y'all, we goin in deep!

The words that come to mind are fabulously f*cked up. The story begins with a troubled FMC who soon gets kidnapped by the Knucklebone brothers. They need a bride, and wouldn't you know it, they found one.

The story is set in the south, and that culutre is bleeding in this book. It is in the language, the food, the town, the people, the clothes and activities.

But do not get fooled by any southern hospitality. I pictured "Hope Floats" meets "The Hill Have Eyes." We are thrown into a freakshow and become the main attraction. This story is rooted in family bonds, trauma and traditions. We don't always need a hero. Some times just overcoming your demons, or becoming the demon, is all we need in order to survive.

If you are looking for a happily ever after, turn around and get out of this holler. You won't find a princess singing in this one. There will be a happy ending for our characters, just don't go hiking in the mountains in the middle of winter or snoop around their property. A little tip from me to you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kayla.
164 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
Rory has spent her entire life as an outcast, haunted by a dark past she can never escape. She’s convinced she’ll never be truly wanted—until three dangerous men prove her very, very wrong.
Known throughout their small town as the Knucklebone Brothers, they are feared for their violent reputation, twisted desires, and the secrets lurking behind their cold eyes. No one knows exactly what they’re capable of. Some say the legends surrounding them are nothing more than rumors.
Rory is about to find out.
When the brothers take her captive, she discovers that being wanted by them comes with a price—and escaping may not be an option.
Because the stories about the Knucklebone Brothers might be true.
And the truth could be far darker than Rory ever imagined.

This story gave me major Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibes! It was amazingly dark, twisted, and I loved every single second of it with absolutely no dull moments. I loved how each character was uniquely creepy, though Emory gave me major love-hate feelings—dolls always creep me out! If you’ve read Haunting Adeline, she definitely gives off Sibby vibes; this is an unforgettable story that I absolutely have to add to my collection. 🔪📖
Profile Image for Brittany Garza.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 23, 2026
What can I say about the Knucklebones....they are dark and deranged! But I think in the best way! This book takes you on a journey one with so much detail you can literally see it! Rory our FMC is a little dark and deranged herself. But they way the brothers put her back together in the end is the most beautiful fucked up this I've ever read!

There is so much Appalachian folklore in this book and I love that! I love the dark and spooky!

I also loved the spice! It's definitely a slow burn! But I didn't mind it! Once you get to the spice it is soooo worth it!

I'm so obsessed with the boys they are crazy but who doesn't love MMC's that will literally do anything for their girl?

Also I think my Favorite side character is Emory! The story about her mom had me cackling!!

I definitely recommend you read this book but please check trigger warnings! It is a very dark book! Welcome to the Holler! 😉
Profile Image for Julie Bower.
8 reviews
September 20, 2026
This was one of my most anticipated reads this year and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint!

The atmosphere gave the spooky carnival, cryptic appalachian vibes you’ll want for the upcoming spooky season. As for the characters, they were amazingly written and you’ll love them in different ways (my personal favorites were Amos & Emory🥲)

Rory is a character you can personally connect with. She’s a take-no-shit fmc and an outcast in the town. As for Maverick & Blythe, they’re similar but also vastly different. Maverick is the wild card, always pushing people buttons to see how much it’ll take before they snap. Blythe, he’s always quiet and observing, but can also snap if pushed too far.

This was my first book I’ve read written by Athena and I absolutely fell in love with her writing style and the way her stories come to life.
Profile Image for Gina.
3,988 reviews56 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 23, 2026
I loved this story as it is dark and very intense. This book keep me on the edge of my seat and I enjoyed this book as it is very interesting and hard core pitch black.

Hidden deep within the Appalachian Mountains, the Knucklebone Brothers rule over their family’s abandoned carnival, where rusted rides groan in the wind, faded circus tents conceal generations of dark secrets, and Halloween never truly ends. Feared throughout the hollers as little more than a ghost story, the masked brothers have spent decades protecting the family legacy buried beneath the midway.

In the Appalachian Mountains, some stories are passed down as warnings.
Others are still waiting for their next victim.
Welcome to the carnival.
Come home, pretty thing.
Profile Image for Heather.
37 reviews
September 24, 2026
Holy Moly! I can’t tell you how relieved I was to receive an ARC read advertised as dark romance and was truly dark and twisted. The description I was given beforehand sounded like all the best tropes together in a twisted tale. So this ARC was highly anticipated for me. It was even better than I imagined! There are tons of triggers so if you have them, check them first. Or be like me and just jump in blind 🤪 It has the perfect mix of spice and gore. This story is giving AHS crossed with Rob Zombie vibes. If it’s ever made into a film please get Rob to do it 🤞🏼 Overall, it’s right down my dark alley of perfection 🤌🏼 highly recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Tiannah.
9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 24, 2026
Okay soooo The Knucklebone Brothers was a dark, unhinged YET deep ride and I loved every second! The biggest thing I truly appreciated about this book was the incredible level of detail Athena poured into each and every scene, I felt like I was fully immersed and a part of the Knucklebone holler.

I loved the fact that even with all the dark + twisted things happening, there was still an emotional depth to it that rounded out the book so well!

Rory was an absolute badass from page one and I loved how both Mav and Blythe had COMPLETELY different personalities but one thing for certain was, they’d do anything for their girl 😍🥹

Overall PERFECT read to add to your spooky season TBR 👏🏽
Profile Image for Aubrey.
23 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
Review of advancer reader copy from Author :

YALL THIS BOOK ...I dont even Know what to say im speechless (in the ebst of ways) .i loved the Appalachian folk lore she put into this book .The knucklebone brothers are unhindged asf .Rory gets snatched up and taking up the mountains by the brothers were she learns exactly who she is dealing with. This story was dark and twisted in all the good ways .that ending had my jaw on the floor tho I didnt see that coming .pick this damn book up and enjoy it
Profile Image for Jennifer Mckee.
24 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 20, 2026
Getting the advanced Reader copy was a blessing to start there.

Without spoilers here's what I gotta say.

Now I want to say that reading this book I expect just spice and cannibals. WRONG. There was story I found myself wishing I was her. Because what do you mean that some of the depraved fantasy's we all have were in this book. I will say the spice was a little less than I hoped for but what spice was in here was hot,raw, and so worth it.

Overall this book is so worth the read and definitely meant for the fall or Halloween season.
Profile Image for Ash Reads.
119 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
Wow this book was so much more than I had hoped for!

I expected the spice and to be in for a wild ride, but what I did not expect was the depth of the plot and the emotions which were tied in to every moment.

Rory was a phenomenal FMC, definitely no damsel in distress, but more of a lost soul desperately looking to be loved. She was morally grey herself, messy, untamed and so undeniably human that I couldn’t help but love her. The Knucklebone brothers knew exactly how to give her exactly what she needed, just with some blood shed and questionable ethics along the way.
Profile Image for Sarah Anderson.
1 review
Read
September 23, 2026
My arc review:

WHAT DID I JUST READ?! 😭🖤

This book was everything.. EVERYTHING. So dark, twisted, unhinged literally all the things I wanted and then somehow MORE. Blythe and Maverick could drag me kicking and screaming straight to the Hollow and I’d be like “thank you” 😂

And RORY?! I need everyone to understand how much I loved this character. SO. MUCH. DEPTH.

This book genuinely altered my brain chemistry. I binged it and when I was finished, I just sat there like… what am I supposed to do with myself now?!

Absolutely obsessed. 10/10 would willingly enter the Hollow again. 🖤
133 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 22, 2026
What a wild tale of horror just in time for Halloween. Blythe and Maverick are all in for the obsession for Rory. They are twisted and terrifying yet intriguing. Momma just a wicked manipulative monster of a character. Mixed in a bit of mental health issues and humor. Very descriptive and build op of characters. If you love horror with spice I’d highly recommend. I’d give it a 4.5 out of 5.

I did receive this as an ARC for my honest review which is above.
Profile Image for CorpseInFlames .
19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 23, 2026
This book is right up my alley and everything I expected it to be when I applied to take part in ARC reading!!

I loved every minute of this book!!

The characters were complex and very well written. Definitely made me question my judgement on red flags because the brothers are something else 😜.

I loved the lore and setting which contributed to an interesting and enjoyable take on the whole carnival/circus setting especially with the paranormal aspects aswell!!
Profile Image for Madison Bolin.
47 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 21, 2026
I got this as an arc read, and I can definitely say it brings the Halloween vibes. I expected spiciness. I did not expect the obsession and possessiveness of what I got and I loved it. I love that we don’t get a perfect female character. It makes you feel like you are stepping inside the book. I loved it. Definitely recommending for Halloween Summerween horror vibes in general.
Profile Image for Samara Villa.
71 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy
September 18, 2026
This was easily a top five for me this year.
This had me actually HOLLERING and laughing out loud.
This had everything I wanted out of a dark romance/horrorromance/erotic horror.
This was hot , bloody, and hilarious and the ending had me absolutely shocked.
6 star read easily.
Profile Image for M. Leanne.
3 reviews
Review of advance copy
September 24, 2026
ARC READER REVIEW
This book was gripping from the start, giving halloween, giving chilling, the brothers were chefs kiss. I was locked in reading this 💗
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