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Return to Sleepy Hollow #1
The Cursed Hollow
In a town where spirits dwell, one will rise. Headless Horseman? Meet the Twenty-First Century.
My name is Kat Aleson. My dad named me after Katrina - if you've heard the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, you know the one. I didn't know my dad well, because after he and my mom divorced, I only spent my summers in Sleepy Hollow. But when I get news that my dad is dead, I have to go back.
Sleepy Hollow hasn't changed. Its people still believe in the legends, and especially the one about crossing that particular bridge. My childhood friend, Bones, is all grown up. The town hero, all muscles and dimples. My childhood crush that I thought was gone? Not so gone after all. And let's not even talk about Crane, the strange, rich eccentric who was working with my dad until he died.
I'm drawn to them both, almost like fate wants a replay of the legend. Kat torn between her childhood friend and the new man in her life. The only problem is that there's another part of the equation, and he's the most dangerous of them all.
The spirits want me, and soon I learn they'll do anything to have me. I'm the key to this whole thing. Sleepy Hollow will never be the same.
The Cursed Hollow is the first part of a RH/why choose duology, drawing inspiration from the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
My name is Kat Aleson. My dad named me after Katrina - if you've heard the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, you know the one. I didn't know my dad well, because after he and my mom divorced, I only spent my summers in Sleepy Hollow. But when I get news that my dad is dead, I have to go back.
Sleepy Hollow hasn't changed. Its people still believe in the legends, and especially the one about crossing that particular bridge. My childhood friend, Bones, is all grown up. The town hero, all muscles and dimples. My childhood crush that I thought was gone? Not so gone after all. And let's not even talk about Crane, the strange, rich eccentric who was working with my dad until he died.
I'm drawn to them both, almost like fate wants a replay of the legend. Kat torn between her childhood friend and the new man in her life. The only problem is that there's another part of the equation, and he's the most dangerous of them all.
The spirits want me, and soon I learn they'll do anything to have me. I'm the key to this whole thing. Sleepy Hollow will never be the same.
The Cursed Hollow is the first part of a RH/why choose duology, drawing inspiration from the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
218 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Candace Wondrak
116 books1,845 followersHey guys! I'm a writer, an office worker, a wife, a mother to two dogs and two cats, and half of a strange pair of young adults who flip the houses they're living in with the goal of having no mortgage (so that I can eventually focus on my writing career!). Needless to say, I'm busy.
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
Happy reading!
Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
Happy reading!
Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 7, 2019
I really wanted to like this book, but I didn't like the heroine at all.
December 19, 2024
2.5 ★★⊹ but rounded up for Goodreads
Look, it says a lot when a book that should take me two hours to finish takes me two weeks. I just couldn’t get into this one and I was too stubborn to DNF.
I didn’t like the FMC at all. I found her prickly personality unpleasant and I didn’t like how she treated Crane. Her relationships with all three MMC felt underdeveloped and shallow.
The last several chapters were too abrupt (and so random imo) that they didn’t fit in and flow with the rest of the story. Not my favorite retelling, I probably won’t be reading the second one.
Look, it says a lot when a book that should take me two hours to finish takes me two weeks. I just couldn’t get into this one and I was too stubborn to DNF.
I didn’t like the FMC at all. I found her prickly personality unpleasant and I didn’t like how she treated Crane. Her relationships with all three MMC felt underdeveloped and shallow.
The last several chapters were too abrupt (and so random imo) that they didn’t fit in and flow with the rest of the story. Not my favorite retelling, I probably won’t be reading the second one.
September 1, 2019
Ghosts, spooky legends, RH, and a sexy Horseman!!! 😍😍
I absolutely love the legend of Sleepy Hollow. I’ve read and watched just about everything out there about it. This is probably going to be one of my favorite versions because it’s RH!!! No choosing and even the Horseman is included this time.
The author did an amazing job creating this story with the characters and the plot line. The idea of reincarnation was a fantastic twist that I loved! The details that went into this book was top notch because every time I read a description, I never had any trouble picturing the scene in my head, especially the otherworldly scenes. The character description and development was great too and I loved both Crane and Bones as characters.
I enjoyed this RH more so than others because the men aren’t considered one big happy family before the woman comes into town. There is rivalry and jealousy that occurs over a majority of the book until Kat puts her foot down. I really enjoyed the Horseman as a potential love interest and I can’t wait to see how their relationship develops over the series. I loved reading the chapter from his POV too!!
This is an amazing book that is a fast burn RH with a couple of hot and steamy scenes but there is plenty of plot and action to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This book is creative, unique, and different and isn’t your run of the mill wolf shifter or vampire RH. I mean, seriously, the Headless Horseman... I hope we get to see...err...read about his “other head” in the next book!!! 😉Hopefully that’s not missing....Okay, I may have a book crush on him 🤷🏻♀️
I absolutely love the legend of Sleepy Hollow. I’ve read and watched just about everything out there about it. This is probably going to be one of my favorite versions because it’s RH!!! No choosing and even the Horseman is included this time.
The author did an amazing job creating this story with the characters and the plot line. The idea of reincarnation was a fantastic twist that I loved! The details that went into this book was top notch because every time I read a description, I never had any trouble picturing the scene in my head, especially the otherworldly scenes. The character description and development was great too and I loved both Crane and Bones as characters.
I enjoyed this RH more so than others because the men aren’t considered one big happy family before the woman comes into town. There is rivalry and jealousy that occurs over a majority of the book until Kat puts her foot down. I really enjoyed the Horseman as a potential love interest and I can’t wait to see how their relationship develops over the series. I loved reading the chapter from his POV too!!
This is an amazing book that is a fast burn RH with a couple of hot and steamy scenes but there is plenty of plot and action to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. This book is creative, unique, and different and isn’t your run of the mill wolf shifter or vampire RH. I mean, seriously, the Headless Horseman... I hope we get to see...err...read about his “other head” in the next book!!! 😉Hopefully that’s not missing....Okay, I may have a book crush on him 🤷🏻♀️
October 3, 2019
Great!!! 4.5 rounded up
Of all the remakes and retellings out there today, THIS is the one I didn’t know I needed. Sleep Hallow. The headless horseman. The angst of a love triangle gone wrong. Legends, myth, magic - it’s wonderful and refreshingly redone. AND considering the author, that pesky love triangle.... isn’t.
Pros:
- Sleepy hallow. Come on! It’s Americana at its finest.
- Nicely thought out.
- Intriguing.
- I actually liked crane here, but I always did. AND the horseman.
Cons:
- Felt a bit short.
Of all the remakes and retellings out there today, THIS is the one I didn’t know I needed. Sleep Hallow. The headless horseman. The angst of a love triangle gone wrong. Legends, myth, magic - it’s wonderful and refreshingly redone. AND considering the author, that pesky love triangle.... isn’t.
Pros:
- Sleepy hallow. Come on! It’s Americana at its finest.
- Nicely thought out.
- Intriguing.
- I actually liked crane here, but I always did. AND the horseman.
Cons:
- Felt a bit short.
September 19, 2020
What a fabulous retelling of the Sleepy Hollow classic! And it's RH too! I love it.
Kat, Crane, Bones, and a headless horseman...
This was on my TBR for who knows how long. It was just what I needed.
The story is a duet, not too long, and is one of the best retellings I have ever read.
Highly recommend for fans of the RH genre.
Kat, Crane, Bones, and a headless horseman...
This was on my TBR for who knows how long. It was just what I needed.
The story is a duet, not too long, and is one of the best retellings I have ever read.
Highly recommend for fans of the RH genre.
September 13, 2023
Alright 2.5 maybe? Since the last two chapters actually added something, but this was a rough read for me.
There is no details, no real world building and no conversations to really pull together this rh situation. I think she has more chemistry with the horseman than she did with bones and crane and he was headless 95 percent of this book.
I think I just dislike this author's writing style as I have dnfd her books previously but I wanted to give this a shot for a fall read.
My biggest complaint aside from the lack of build up, lack of plot, and lack of detail would be Kat. She is not my favorite main character. Her inner monologue is jumbled and ranges from distracted horny person to rude semi feminist? Which is not bad but in her case comes off as a negative. She also is a huge hypocrite. She throws crane out and threatens him when he brings up her dad's work prior to seeing the horseman, then is furious with Bones for not believing her?
Honestly if the last three chapters hadn't added any layers to this story I wouldn't continue, but I want to know the full story of Katrina Van Tassel.
There is no details, no real world building and no conversations to really pull together this rh situation. I think she has more chemistry with the horseman than she did with bones and crane and he was headless 95 percent of this book.
I think I just dislike this author's writing style as I have dnfd her books previously but I wanted to give this a shot for a fall read.
My biggest complaint aside from the lack of build up, lack of plot, and lack of detail would be Kat. She is not my favorite main character. Her inner monologue is jumbled and ranges from distracted horny person to rude semi feminist? Which is not bad but in her case comes off as a negative. She also is a huge hypocrite. She throws crane out and threatens him when he brings up her dad's work prior to seeing the horseman, then is furious with Bones for not believing her?
Honestly if the last three chapters hadn't added any layers to this story I wouldn't continue, but I want to know the full story of Katrina Van Tassel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2023
Humor: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: ⭐️/5
This book was a lot of campy fun! It was some fast-paced and enjoyable Why Choose Halloween fun!
I loooved the character of Crane (sooo underrated) and the Headless Horseman was sexy too. I wasn’t a fan of the blonde cop Bones. He was so boring. But liking 2 out of 3 of the harem isn’t bad!
Spice: ⭐️/5
This book was a lot of campy fun! It was some fast-paced and enjoyable Why Choose Halloween fun!
I loooved the character of Crane (sooo underrated) and the Headless Horseman was sexy too. I wasn’t a fan of the blonde cop Bones. He was so boring. But liking 2 out of 3 of the harem isn’t bad!
October 7, 2021
Amazing. I loved this book. I highly recommend reading it.
September 4, 2019
Wonderful book
This was an amazing twist on the Sleepy Hallow story. I found it exciting and intriguing. The characters are absolutely wonderful, I love them all even the headless horseman. I cant wait for the next one to come out, i want to find out how they overcome what is coming for them.
This was an amazing twist on the Sleepy Hallow story. I found it exciting and intriguing. The characters are absolutely wonderful, I love them all even the headless horseman. I cant wait for the next one to come out, i want to find out how they overcome what is coming for them.
September 9, 2019
This book was a nice take on the sleepy hollow classic that we know and love.
When Kat is brought back to town she may be destined to follow in the steps of Katarina...or not.
Enjoyable read, some things were repeated quite a bit in the book. But, other than that I'm interested to see what's going to happen with not-kat
When Kat is brought back to town she may be destined to follow in the steps of Katarina...or not.
Enjoyable read, some things were repeated quite a bit in the book. But, other than that I'm interested to see what's going to happen with not-kat
September 23, 2019
. Loved how it brought to life the headless horseman myth. The MFC is a badass who once she realises the truth faces the horseman for an epic adventure. With two hot men, one being the boy she grew up with every summer. They all come together to get a great outcome but also left on a slight cliff. Totally recommend this
October 3, 2020
DNF. The writing lacks description, atmosphere, and it does not flesh out the characters. Katrina, the main character, is 2D: she is sour and rude and she lacks personality. I do not get the eerie feel the author was attempting to portray. More background, descriptions, fleshing out of the characters, and a deeper understanding of the characters’ pasts is needed.
September 3, 2019
Calling all Sleepy Hollow fans! This is a great twist on Sleepy Hollow characters. This story is inventive and detailed with amazing imagery. Scenes are steamy creating a fast burn RH romance. I cannot wait for the 2nd book of this duology. I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.
September 4, 2019
Amazing
Another fantastic story by Candace! This book brings the Sleepy Hollow legend to life and you won’t want to put it down! I cannot wait to read the next in the series.
Another fantastic story by Candace! This book brings the Sleepy Hollow legend to life and you won’t want to put it down! I cannot wait to read the next in the series.
September 5, 2019
Loved it
As everything candace brings out I utterly loved it. Definitely give it a read awesome characters amazing story cant wait for the next one!!
As everything candace brings out I utterly loved it. Definitely give it a read awesome characters amazing story cant wait for the next one!!
December 16, 2019
I absolutely loved The Cursed Hollow. Sleepy Hollow has always been a favourite of mine but Candace version is so much better. I can’t wait to start the next book. I highly recommend
December 22, 2019
Creepy
Talk about some creepy moments! Loved it! Perfect timing for Halloween. The legend of sleepy hollow remasters. Really really good!
Talk about some creepy moments! Loved it! Perfect timing for Halloween. The legend of sleepy hollow remasters. Really really good!
Want to read
April 21, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/10/2022)! 🎁
October 10, 2023
Really intriguing spin on the legend of sleepy hollow. i'm reading a lot of these right now and this one has a more unique plot.
Kat is returning home to Sleepy Hollow to finalize her father's belongings after his death. She comes upon Irving Crane (Crane) in her dad's study looking for something and threatens him with a frying pan. Childhood best friend Abraham (Brom) comes and both men have a connection with Kat. Kat doesn't believe in all the hocus pocus of sleepy hollow's legends and crosses the bridge at midnight, throwing her into the otherworld and then becoming a target of the headless horseman.
She has to work with Crane, Brom and the horseman to solve the mystery of why spirits are trying to inhabit people of the town. She also has to curb her desires for all 3 of them while she does it.
Kat has a strong voice in this that may not work for every reader. her constant talk of "i don't need to choose it's the 21st century!" is a little too on the nose at times and her constant back and forth thoughts can be jarring. But overall i really enjoyed this retelling and i will be reading the follow up to this duology soon.
definitely mild sauce with the sexual content here. you do have 2 scenes that are fairly detailed but nothing crazy. the plot for sure takes center stage.
Kat is returning home to Sleepy Hollow to finalize her father's belongings after his death. She comes upon Irving Crane (Crane) in her dad's study looking for something and threatens him with a frying pan. Childhood best friend Abraham (Brom) comes and both men have a connection with Kat. Kat doesn't believe in all the hocus pocus of sleepy hollow's legends and crosses the bridge at midnight, throwing her into the otherworld and then becoming a target of the headless horseman.
She has to work with Crane, Brom and the horseman to solve the mystery of why spirits are trying to inhabit people of the town. She also has to curb her desires for all 3 of them while she does it.
Kat has a strong voice in this that may not work for every reader. her constant talk of "i don't need to choose it's the 21st century!" is a little too on the nose at times and her constant back and forth thoughts can be jarring. But overall i really enjoyed this retelling and i will be reading the follow up to this duology soon.
definitely mild sauce with the sexual content here. you do have 2 scenes that are fairly detailed but nothing crazy. the plot for sure takes center stage.
July 12, 2024
Okay, yup. Uh huh. Sold, just take my money for the next book already! I LOVEEEEE a spicy book with PLOT and not to mention lean on the side of thriller spice! Is it a Sleepy Hollow retelling? Yes, so if you don’t like retelling or Sleepy Hollow then maybe skip this one. Now if you are a lil freak about Sleepy Hollow then 👀 jump on this NOW!!! I literally got 50% and ordered the second book! I don’t usually order books right away but this was a NEED not a want!
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: 20/10
Character depth: 1000/10
If I could give more than 5 stars then I would!
Rating System:
⭐️
DNF
⭐️ ⭐️
Finished but should’ve been a DNF
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Decent story/world building, not shelf worthy but a recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Amazing story/world building, shelf worthy and a recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Don’t talk to me, I’m LIVING in this book from now on
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: 20/10
Character depth: 1000/10
If I could give more than 5 stars then I would!
Rating System:
⭐️
DNF
⭐️ ⭐️
Finished but should’ve been a DNF
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Decent story/world building, not shelf worthy but a recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Amazing story/world building, shelf worthy and a recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Don’t talk to me, I’m LIVING in this book from now on
February 18, 2020
Sleepy Hollow
I freaking love this spin to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Kat, the FMC finds herself back in Sleepy Hollow after her father's death. In the beginning of the book she's extremely judgemental of everyone in the town, but honestly, wouldn't we all be quite skeptical when it comes to ghost stories?
She soon finds out how wrong she was though, as she gets sucked into a multitude of situations proving her how her father wasn't crazy.
This book has action, steam, suspense and a crazy good hook into the next book!
As usual, the writing is superb and the characters are amazing. I'm looking forward to more of the headless horseman!
I freaking love this spin to the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Kat, the FMC finds herself back in Sleepy Hollow after her father's death. In the beginning of the book she's extremely judgemental of everyone in the town, but honestly, wouldn't we all be quite skeptical when it comes to ghost stories?
She soon finds out how wrong she was though, as she gets sucked into a multitude of situations proving her how her father wasn't crazy.
This book has action, steam, suspense and a crazy good hook into the next book!
As usual, the writing is superb and the characters are amazing. I'm looking forward to more of the headless horseman!
November 14, 2023
I have tried this author's work in the past didn't like it then could not get through those books either. However, I thought no harm would befall me if I gave their work one more chance. But it seems to me that the author tries to write in a certain hip way almost very genZ style writing which sounds cringe to me 😭✋️ So I just ended up stopping at the first chapter itself. Because if I can't even connect with the main characters and am finding their monologues irritating then I know nothing is going to save that book for me.
So this is going to be the end of the journey for me with this author and any of her future books.
So this is going to be the end of the journey for me with this author and any of her future books.
January 7, 2023
Spice level 🌶🌶🌶
Not one of the spicest books I've read but totally loved it.
I have always been a big fan of the sleep hollow legend, and this book gave it all.
Love triangle, witches, spirits, and the other world and possibly feelings for the headless horseman🤔
Some parts of the book are a bit repetitive, for example, how Kat feels about her father, but all in all, a good read.
Second book ready to read on KU and to see if she gets down a dirty with the horseman 🤣
Not one of the spicest books I've read but totally loved it.
I have always been a big fan of the sleep hollow legend, and this book gave it all.
Love triangle, witches, spirits, and the other world and possibly feelings for the headless horseman🤔
Some parts of the book are a bit repetitive, for example, how Kat feels about her father, but all in all, a good read.
Second book ready to read on KU and to see if she gets down a dirty with the horseman 🤣
November 23, 2025
Return to Sleepy Hollow is one of my favourites duets, it's a refreshing reverse harem retelling of the Headless Horseman tale. Almost like fate wants a replay of the legend, Kat is torn between her childhood friend and crush, the town hero, all muscles and dimples, Bones, and the new guy in town - strange, rich, eccentric - Crane. A reincarnated love triangle and a summoned by black magic legend, what can go right with this dark tale?
March 22, 2020
I went into this not knowing anything about The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and now I'm so interested! This book has had me all over Google. 🤦🏻♀️ My only complaint about it is how slow the book goes. There is a ton of inner dialogue. I like my books to move at a faster pace. I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to start the second.
October 11, 2022
Loved It
Candace Wondrak has a way of writing books that I just devour and this twist on Sleepy Hollow is no exception. A modern day rendition of this old tale has me swooning for The Headless Horseman and cheering on Kat because she refuses to choose. Can’t wait to see where the next book leads to.
Candace Wondrak has a way of writing books that I just devour and this twist on Sleepy Hollow is no exception. A modern day rendition of this old tale has me swooning for The Headless Horseman and cheering on Kat because she refuses to choose. Can’t wait to see where the next book leads to.
July 8, 2020
Crazy good
Wow I didn’t know what to expect and but dang did I love this book. Interesting take on the original and I am not gonna spoil it but it really gave me pause. Crane, Bones and Kat were great. I need to know more about the headless horseman just sayin!
Wow I didn’t know what to expect and but dang did I love this book. Interesting take on the original and I am not gonna spoil it but it really gave me pause. Crane, Bones and Kat were great. I need to know more about the headless horseman just sayin!
September 13, 2023
I loved this. I always wanted a reverse harem/why choose sleepy hollow book. Now I have them and I love them. This book was written so well, and the ending was honestly a little shocking but also not shocking at the same time. 10/10 recommend
October 7, 2023
Eh
The story was pretty good. I love anything having to do with Sleepy Hollow, a story I loved as a kid. I enjoyed the story but did not like Kat. She seemed like a b---h who was a little too full of herself. Hopefully, that changes in the 2nd book.
The story was pretty good. I love anything having to do with Sleepy Hollow, a story I loved as a kid. I enjoyed the story but did not like Kat. She seemed like a b---h who was a little too full of herself. Hopefully, that changes in the 2nd book.
September 29, 2024
I loved the story of this book. The retelling of the tale of sleepy hollow was beautiful. I read it for the spicy aspect but ended u paining through most of that bc the plot was better. The steamy parts were mediocre but everything else was so good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews