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13 Nights
I have thirteen nights to fall in love with a dead man.
If he loves me back, I lose him forever.
I came to Sleepy Hollow to finish the investigation my mother left behind.
Instead, I find the Headless Horseman.
Severin von Brandt isn't the monster from the legend. He's a man betrayed, murdered, and trapped between worlds for two hundred and fifty years—able to walk among the living for only thirteen nights each October.
Almost everything history says about him is a lie.
I'm determined to uncover the truth.
Severin is determined to keep me at a distance.
Neither of us expects the attraction between us.
But every night we spend together, Severin becomes more solid. More human. More alive.
Then I discover why.
His curse will break when someone loves the man beneath the legend—and he, in turn, loves her.
Me.
On Halloween night, it will finally allow him to cross over.
I have thirteen nights with the only man who has ever truly seen me.
And when the veil opens, I'll have to choose between the life waiting for me...
or the man crossing to the other side.
Thirteen Nights is a Headless Horseman Gothic Romance with a Cursed Hero, Thirteen-Night Deadline, Forbidden Love, and an Impossible Choice.
If he loves me back, I lose him forever.
I came to Sleepy Hollow to finish the investigation my mother left behind.
Instead, I find the Headless Horseman.
Severin von Brandt isn't the monster from the legend. He's a man betrayed, murdered, and trapped between worlds for two hundred and fifty years—able to walk among the living for only thirteen nights each October.
Almost everything history says about him is a lie.
I'm determined to uncover the truth.
Severin is determined to keep me at a distance.
Neither of us expects the attraction between us.
But every night we spend together, Severin becomes more solid. More human. More alive.
Then I discover why.
His curse will break when someone loves the man beneath the legend—and he, in turn, loves her.
Me.
On Halloween night, it will finally allow him to cross over.
I have thirteen nights with the only man who has ever truly seen me.
And when the veil opens, I'll have to choose between the life waiting for me...
or the man crossing to the other side.
Thirteen Nights is a Headless Horseman Gothic Romance with a Cursed Hero, Thirteen-Night Deadline, Forbidden Love, and an Impossible Choice.
- GenresHalloween
ebook
Published September 25, 2025
About the author
Delta James
436 books2,342 followersDelta James is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Known for her fast-paced, heart-racing, panty-melting stories, Delta writes fierce heroines, dominant heroes, dangerous secrets, and irresistible fated mates. From alpha shifters prowling the wild to powerful billionaires ruling the boardroom, her books deliver heat, suspense, and unforgettable chemistry.
Delta never planned to write romance. In fact, she launched her author career in 2018 after deciding her second act in life needed a little more passion… and possibly a little more bite. Since then, she’s published dozens of addictive romances for readers who love their happily-ever-afters with plenty of steam and danger.
She lives in Florida with her pack of loyal basset hounds (who firmly believe they run the household), and when she’s not writing steamy scenes or plotting revenge for her latest heroine, she can usually be found riding horses, walking the beach, or chasing her next adventure on the river.
Delta never planned to write romance. In fact, she launched her author career in 2018 after deciding her second act in life needed a little more passion… and possibly a little more bite. Since then, she’s published dozens of addictive romances for readers who love their happily-ever-afters with plenty of steam and danger.
She lives in Florida with her pack of loyal basset hounds (who firmly believe they run the household), and when she’s not writing steamy scenes or plotting revenge for her latest heroine, she can usually be found riding horses, walking the beach, or chasing her next adventure on the river.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 4, 2026
This is a pretty good headless horseman romance. It’s pretty hard to put down once you start reading but it’s a quick read. I thought the plot and characters were well developed. The romance was sweet and spicy and the suspense level was pretty non stop.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2026
I loved this story, a search for the truth in this time about someone 250 years ago. This is full of anticipation and stubbornness from Ashley. When she inherits the cabin her parents lived she finds documents. Then her search begins.
October 3, 2026
13 NIGHTS is the first instalment in Delta James’ contemporary, adult HAUNTED HOLIDAY NIGHTS erotic, paranormal, romance series. This is Severin von Brandt aka The Headless Horseman, and investigative author Ashley Caldwell’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Severin and Ashley) 13 NIGHTS follows investigative journalist Ashley Caldwell in the wake of her mother Diane’s death and the inheritance of a cottage in Sleepy Hollow. Ashley Caldwell never knew about her mother’s connection to Sleepy Hollow but upon her arrival our heroine will discover a series of notes focusing on a curse and the return of the Headless Horseman. Thirteen days in October wherein Severin will cross the Veil between worlds at dusk, embarking on affair with our heroine, who is determined to break the curse that invokes Severin’s return 13 days every October.
The world building focuses on the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and the tale of the Headless Horseman . During the Revolutionary War Battle of White Plains in October 1776, an American cannonball decapitated a German Hessian soldier, a soldier who would be buried in a mass grave, buried under someone else’s name. Ashley Caldwell, like her mother, and several others before, would find themselves pulled into the aura that is the Headless Horseman, a man who for 13 Nights would become flesh and bone but a man determined to recapture his name.
The relationship between Ashley and Severin begins with the arrival on day one of Severin van Brandt, a soldier cursed to return to Sleepy Hollow every October, searching for retribution and an identity where there once was none. Ashley finds herself drawn to a man who is struggling with the past, as she looks for a way to break the two hundred and fifty year old curse, allowing our hero to move forward. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced Ashley’s friend Lena Marchetti; book store owner and archivist Tom Hadley, whose own family secrets threaten any chance for Severin to reclaim his name.
13 NIGHTS is a detailed story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, supernatural and the unexplained, legends and lore, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
Told from dual first person perspectives (Severin and Ashley) 13 NIGHTS follows investigative journalist Ashley Caldwell in the wake of her mother Diane’s death and the inheritance of a cottage in Sleepy Hollow. Ashley Caldwell never knew about her mother’s connection to Sleepy Hollow but upon her arrival our heroine will discover a series of notes focusing on a curse and the return of the Headless Horseman. Thirteen days in October wherein Severin will cross the Veil between worlds at dusk, embarking on affair with our heroine, who is determined to break the curse that invokes Severin’s return 13 days every October.
The world building focuses on the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and the tale of the Headless Horseman . During the Revolutionary War Battle of White Plains in October 1776, an American cannonball decapitated a German Hessian soldier, a soldier who would be buried in a mass grave, buried under someone else’s name. Ashley Caldwell, like her mother, and several others before, would find themselves pulled into the aura that is the Headless Horseman, a man who for 13 Nights would become flesh and bone but a man determined to recapture his name.
The relationship between Ashley and Severin begins with the arrival on day one of Severin van Brandt, a soldier cursed to return to Sleepy Hollow every October, searching for retribution and an identity where there once was none. Ashley finds herself drawn to a man who is struggling with the past, as she looks for a way to break the two hundred and fifty year old curse, allowing our hero to move forward. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced Ashley’s friend Lena Marchetti; book store owner and archivist Tom Hadley, whose own family secrets threaten any chance for Severin to reclaim his name.
13 NIGHTS is a detailed story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, supernatural and the unexplained, legends and lore, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are determined and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
September 26, 2026
A tale woven around Halloween and the legend of the Headless Horseman, this book gives the Horseman an identity of his own while mixing mystery, romance, betrayal, and the supernatural.
I found the overall plot intriguing, especially the mystery surrounding the Veil, the Void, and the Gate. I thought I understood how everything worked—until I reached the ending.
Ashley and Severin’s romance was interesting for several reasons: he had been dead for 250 years, had spent time with her mother before Ashley was born, and Ashley was investigating what happened to him in 1776. What threw me, though, was how quickly a conversation about his situation seemed to become the prelude to their intimacy. It felt like someone flipped a switch. I actually went back and reread the chapter because I thought I had missed something.
The ending left me with a similar feeling. I had several questions, but I won’t go into them because I don’t want to spoil anything for other readers. I ended up reading the final three chapters twice, hoping I would find the answers I was looking for, but I was still confused.
I can make assumptions about what happened next and what certain things meant, but I really wanted more clarification; or at least confirmation that I was interpreting everything correctly.
Even with that confusion, I found the concept entertaining and intriguing enough that I’m looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I found the overall plot intriguing, especially the mystery surrounding the Veil, the Void, and the Gate. I thought I understood how everything worked—until I reached the ending.
Ashley and Severin’s romance was interesting for several reasons: he had been dead for 250 years, had spent time with her mother before Ashley was born, and Ashley was investigating what happened to him in 1776. What threw me, though, was how quickly a conversation about his situation seemed to become the prelude to their intimacy. It felt like someone flipped a switch. I actually went back and reread the chapter because I thought I had missed something.
The ending left me with a similar feeling. I had several questions, but I won’t go into them because I don’t want to spoil anything for other readers. I ended up reading the final three chapters twice, hoping I would find the answers I was looking for, but I was still confused.
I can make assumptions about what happened next and what certain things meant, but I really wanted more clarification; or at least confirmation that I was interpreting everything correctly.
Even with that confusion, I found the concept entertaining and intriguing enough that I’m looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 8, 2026
13 Nights by Delta James was a dark and addictive read that pulled me into its world from the beginning. 🖤🌙
There’s something deliciously dangerous about a story built around thirteen nights, secrets, temptation, and the feeling that the characters are getting closer to something they may not be able to escape.
I really enjoyed the darker atmosphere of this book. There’s an underlying sense of unease that kept me curious, while the supernatural elements added another layer to the story.
The romance was definitely one of my favourite parts. The chemistry between the characters kept me invested, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. There’s plenty of heat here, but I also appreciated the emotional stakes that made their connection feel like more than physical attraction. 🔥🖤
The characters brought plenty of personality to the story, and I enjoyed seeing how their choices shaped what happened. There were moments when I found myself questioning who could be trusted and where everything was ultimately heading.
Overall, 13 Nights was a steamy, dark, and entertaining paranormal romance with intriguing characters, supernatural elements, secrets, and plenty of spice. Definitely one for readers who enjoy their romance with a little danger and darkness. 🖤🔥
There’s something deliciously dangerous about a story built around thirteen nights, secrets, temptation, and the feeling that the characters are getting closer to something they may not be able to escape.
I really enjoyed the darker atmosphere of this book. There’s an underlying sense of unease that kept me curious, while the supernatural elements added another layer to the story.
The romance was definitely one of my favourite parts. The chemistry between the characters kept me invested, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. There’s plenty of heat here, but I also appreciated the emotional stakes that made their connection feel like more than physical attraction. 🔥🖤
The characters brought plenty of personality to the story, and I enjoyed seeing how their choices shaped what happened. There were moments when I found myself questioning who could be trusted and where everything was ultimately heading.
Overall, 13 Nights was a steamy, dark, and entertaining paranormal romance with intriguing characters, supernatural elements, secrets, and plenty of spice. Definitely one for readers who enjoy their romance with a little danger and darkness. 🖤🔥
September 23, 2026
What a really good read.
A fast paced retelling of sorts about The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
Filled with mystery, forbidden love, curses, lots of research thoughout the years and hidden secrets revealed.
The MMC, The Headless Horseman himself, cursed because of his stubborn self as well as because of people not know who he really is.
The FMC Ashley a woman who inherited a cottage she never knew existed after her mothers passing.
Upon moving into the cottage, she discovers information hidden in a locked desk draw and a mysterious man watching her from outside her cottage…
All this intrigues her and leads to an adventure.of discovery and truths (I won't spoil it. You will all just have to read it 🤪)
Oh and the ending 😭 get some tissues an emotional HEA
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A fast paced retelling of sorts about The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
Filled with mystery, forbidden love, curses, lots of research thoughout the years and hidden secrets revealed.
The MMC, The Headless Horseman himself, cursed because of his stubborn self as well as because of people not know who he really is.
The FMC Ashley a woman who inherited a cottage she never knew existed after her mothers passing.
Upon moving into the cottage, she discovers information hidden in a locked desk draw and a mysterious man watching her from outside her cottage…
All this intrigues her and leads to an adventure.of discovery and truths (I won't spoil it. You will all just have to read it 🤪)
Oh and the ending 😭 get some tissues an emotional HEA
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 27, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ARC from Booksirens.
I really enjoyed this retelling of Sleepy Hollow. Severin was a captivating Horseman and it wasn't hard to see why everyone was so enamored with him. I wish the book had been longer and explored both his past and Ashley's.
The writing did kind of hamper some of my enjoyment. I think the overuse of similes was driving me nuts by the end. I've seen this in a lot of contemporary books and it's out of hand. It's okay not to compare a person's state of mind to something every other sentence. Please, just give it to us straight.
I'm not sure I'll continue the series, but this was a perfect Halloween read!
I really enjoyed this retelling of Sleepy Hollow. Severin was a captivating Horseman and it wasn't hard to see why everyone was so enamored with him. I wish the book had been longer and explored both his past and Ashley's.
The writing did kind of hamper some of my enjoyment. I think the overuse of similes was driving me nuts by the end. I've seen this in a lot of contemporary books and it's out of hand. It's okay not to compare a person's state of mind to something every other sentence. Please, just give it to us straight.
I'm not sure I'll continue the series, but this was a perfect Halloween read!
September 28, 2026
A very different Halloween-season story. After her mother’s death, Ashley becomes the owner of a cottage in Sleepy Hollow she never knew about and unexpectedly finds herself drawn into the Headless Horseman story. As an investigative journalist, she has to follow the leads and pull all the threads her mother left behind, no matter where they lead or who she has to push. Who IS the Headless Horseman? Who is Johann Brandt really? What power is there in his true name? A love story for the ages that grows in 13 nights. A really engrossing story! Couldn’t put it down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2026
This is a different kind of ghost story. Ashley finds out that her mother left her a cottage when she dies. She never mentioned the cottage or her research locked away in the desk Ashley finds there. The headless horseman pays a visit and she begins to unravel the mystery of who he really was and why he's still haunting the area. There is in depth research and a growing relationship but this is way more of a mystery/ghost story than a romance. The research findings overshadow the relationship, as the focus is clearly on proving his identity and figuring out the curse. This is a good ghost/history story and an ok romance.
October 9, 2026
The storyline is unique from anything I have ever read and I loved it. The past and the present connect at the same time once a year and has for the past 250 years. Ashley meets Severin and several surprises become apparent. I love the instant attraction between them and how well they meshed together. There are several surprises throughout the story. It’s well written and very entertaining. The ending is unique and not what I was expecting but I loved it. Everything about this story drew me in from the very beginning. This story is definitely worth reading if you love suspense and romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and are voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2026
A compelling & spooky tale set in the town of Sleepy Hollow. Ashley inherits her mother's cabin in Sleepy Hollow & moves there to finish a book on the revolutionary war. She can't concentrate on the book - the story won't flow, Instead she finds a drawer full of paper - and loose sheets covered in her mother's handwriting. She then meets Severin & his ghostly horse. He warns her of danger and tells her to leave. I found this book unusual and interesting, and perfect if you enjoy paranormal romance.
September 25, 2026
An emotional retelling of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
A love that grew from stubbornness and mystery to fight and right the wrong of the injustice of what had happened to him.
The tears that came to my eyes as the storyline unfolded touched my heart strings in such a beautiful way.
The sacrifice, the love the overall beauty of this love story that surpassed the ages gives you an emotional HEA.
Absolutely loved it and yes get the tissues ready!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A love that grew from stubbornness and mystery to fight and right the wrong of the injustice of what had happened to him.
The tears that came to my eyes as the storyline unfolded touched my heart strings in such a beautiful way.
The sacrifice, the love the overall beauty of this love story that surpassed the ages gives you an emotional HEA.
Absolutely loved it and yes get the tissues ready!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 12, 2026
Ashley Caldwell inherits a cottage in Sleepy Hollow and had no idea about her mother’s connection there. She finds these notes explaining for 13 nights the headless horsemen can cross the veil and becomes human again. Ashley is immediately drawn to Serervin and wants to break the two hundred and fifty year old curse. This is book one in the new Haunted Holiday Nights series, which is erotic, paranormal romances. This was an a great start to this series. I really loved this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2026
Book 1 Haunted Holiday Nights story of Severin von Brandt and Diane. Now that is an incredible story of mystery and adventure with the best Halloween horror story that will ever come out. I can’t wait to see what the next book holds in store for its characters. This is a non stop page turner you can’t put down.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2026
The mystery of Sleepy Hollow turned in a steamy romance is a great holiday read. Every chapter leads closer to Halloween and what will happen next. Can true love break the curse and bring a happily ever after - I encourage you to read and find out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2026
Just Wow. An imaginative retelling of the Headless Horseman. A curse, a name stolen, a legend started. The one woman who can break the curse with the truth. The evidence collected that gives back that name and the truth about the curse and a debt paid. The love that will last for hundreds of years.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2026
I am always up for a good Sleepy Hollow story. Book 1 features Severin von Brandt and Diane. Betrayed and Murdered, Severin has no intentions of letting Diane close. But attraction cannot be denied. And Diane's determination to find out the truth will put her into danger she couldn't imagine.
September 26, 2026
The Veil
When Ashley discovers that her mother left her a cottage she knew nothing about, she is flummoxed. With life bearing down on her, she moves into the cottage and will find out many things. Must Read
When Ashley discovers that her mother left her a cottage she knew nothing about, she is flummoxed. With life bearing down on her, she moves into the cottage and will find out many things. Must Read
September 27, 2026
Legend of Sleepy Hollow has always been a favorite so this book hits all the boxes. It’s a totally different take but so much fun to read loved this Severin and Ashley is a strong lead who only follows when she wants to.
September 28, 2026
This is a fun read with some steamy sex.
Ashley is on a mission to correct what was thought to be accurate history about the Headless Horseman.
After spending 13 nights with Severin, the truth comes out about betrayal and his death.
Like I said this book is fun for the Halloween Season.
Ashley is on a mission to correct what was thought to be accurate history about the Headless Horseman.
After spending 13 nights with Severin, the truth comes out about betrayal and his death.
Like I said this book is fun for the Halloween Season.
October 6, 2026
Love love love this 🥹
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews