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Breaking The Habit
All Isla wanted to do was enjoy her honeymoon. She was looking forward to relaxing on the beach and enjoying cocktails with the love of her life. Instead, she ends up in the middle of the woods in a cozy cabin, where the past she's worked so hard to bury can find her. Turning what should be the best night of her life, into a bloody fight to stay alive.
Cover by Adrian Baldwin.
(Short Sharp Shocks! Book 27.)
Cover by Adrian Baldwin.
(Short Sharp Shocks! Book 27.)
- GenresHorror
58 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2019
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Yolanda Sfetsos
78 books239 followersWriter. Bibliophile. Collector. Animal lover. Horror freak.
My name is Yolanda, and I live in Australia. I write horror tales that bleed into other genres. I'm a horror freak from way back and a total bibliophile! I also collect cute stuff, love cozy vibes, and enjoy going for walks.
You can find all my book & social media links here: https://linktr.ee/yolandasfetsos
My name is Yolanda, and I live in Australia. I write horror tales that bleed into other genres. I'm a horror freak from way back and a total bibliophile! I also collect cute stuff, love cozy vibes, and enjoy going for walks.
You can find all my book & social media links here: https://linktr.ee/yolandasfetsos
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 26, 2023
Hold Onto Your Rolling Eyeballs!...
BREAKING THE HABIT (Short Sharp Shocks Book #27) by Yolanda Sfetsos
No spoilers. 2 stars. Isla was asleep in the car, dreaming, when her new husband Cisco said: Wake up sleepy head...
But...
Isla didn't want to wake up... she was having the perfect dream...
Cisco had a surprise for her. While she had slept, he changed their honeymoon destination from the Bahamas to...
An isolated cabin in the woods...
(What a guy!)
If Cisco knew the gravity of what could happen if someone tracked them there, if her abuser found them, he wouldn't be so happy...
But it was her fault. She never told him about her situation, and it wasn't safe for them in these isolated woods...
Cisco found this location through a random email. He didn't recognize the danger answering the ad put them in...
For Isla, being in the woods woke up her animal side, and she was desperate to leave...
In the end...
Isla didn't want to disappoint Cisco, so she agreed to stay. It was after dark, and she was anxious to get inside the cabin...
Inside, someone had lit a fire...
Now, the nightmare began...
I don't like bringing this party down, but I found this story to be so repetitive that I couldn't stop my eyeballs from rolling. There are just so many ways you can state the events in the story before you find yourself screaming okay, okay, I get it already. Hold onto those rolling eyeballs if you decide to dive into this story!
BREAKING THE HABIT (Short Sharp Shocks Book #27) by Yolanda Sfetsos
No spoilers. 2 stars. Isla was asleep in the car, dreaming, when her new husband Cisco said: Wake up sleepy head...
But...
Isla didn't want to wake up... she was having the perfect dream...
Cisco had a surprise for her. While she had slept, he changed their honeymoon destination from the Bahamas to...
An isolated cabin in the woods...
(What a guy!)
If Cisco knew the gravity of what could happen if someone tracked them there, if her abuser found them, he wouldn't be so happy...
But it was her fault. She never told him about her situation, and it wasn't safe for them in these isolated woods...
Cisco found this location through a random email. He didn't recognize the danger answering the ad put them in...
For Isla, being in the woods woke up her animal side, and she was desperate to leave...
In the end...
Isla didn't want to disappoint Cisco, so she agreed to stay. It was after dark, and she was anxious to get inside the cabin...
Inside, someone had lit a fire...
Now, the nightmare began...
I don't like bringing this party down, but I found this story to be so repetitive that I couldn't stop my eyeballs from rolling. There are just so many ways you can state the events in the story before you find yourself screaming okay, okay, I get it already. Hold onto those rolling eyeballs if you decide to dive into this story!
March 5, 2020
Breaking the Habit is the first story I've read by Yolanda Sfetsos, and I loved it! I don't normally enjoy stories about the particular type of horror (I know I'm being vague, but I don't want to spoil it), so I'm shocked by how easily I was swept up in it. This is a good novella, and I recommend picking it up if you're looking for some short horror! I would like to read more from Yolanda in the future.
CW - abuse, rape
CW - abuse, rape
July 9, 2023
Quick and Intense!
My second read by Sfetsos, and this one is a blast. If you're looking for something fast and a whole lot of fun, you can't go wrong with BREAKING THE HABIT. Highly recommended!
My second read by Sfetsos, and this one is a blast. If you're looking for something fast and a whole lot of fun, you can't go wrong with BREAKING THE HABIT. Highly recommended!
April 18, 2020
I was hoping for an Evil Dead situation, but got my least favorite horror subgenre. I could have dealt with that since it's so short, but the writing hurt me from the beginning. It immediately had the corniest dialogue between the couple, and all of the adults talked like kids imagine adults talking. This was not for me at all.
October 29, 2021
A fast, fun read. A newlywed couple who was bound for the Bahamas reroute to a secluded cabin in the woods because the groom was getting a good deal (something I can relate to as I'm a penny pinching dude myself). Turns out, his decision was not a good idea.
With a torrent pace, the situation unfolds and we find our newlywed couple exactly right where they shouldn't be.
I won't go beyond that but I will say if you're looking for a quick spooky read (tis the season) then this is a great fit.
With a torrent pace, the situation unfolds and we find our newlywed couple exactly right where they shouldn't be.
I won't go beyond that but I will say if you're looking for a quick spooky read (tis the season) then this is a great fit.
August 6, 2019
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
To be honest upfront – I only bought this release to support Yolanda. She’s been someone I’ve interacted with a bunch on Twitter and she’s always been super nice and supportive. I love, love, love supporting those who are super nice, so when this was announced I snagged it. I never read the synopsis but I knew I was in for a treat with the Short Sharp Shocks! Series.
For those who may also grab this and not read the synopsis – the story doesn’t disappoint. And if it wasn’t for one single odd character resolution (Cisco’s) at the end, this would have been a five star read easy.
I read this in one sitting and the story just flows. We are plopped into the arrival of Cisco and Isla as they arrive at a cabin in the woods (DUN DUN DUNNNNNNN!!!) for their honeymoon. Isla has been sound asleep, expecting to wake up when they arrive at the airport on their way to the Bahamas.
Yolanda quickly gives us mouthfuls of hints as to what will come and even knowing exactly what Isla’s background is without being outright told, I was still on edge waiting to see just what happened.
For me, personally, this felt like an episode of the NBC show Grimm, which was really amazing. It was just missing Nick, Monroe, Hank and Wu scattered throughout.
As the action ramped up, the dream-like descriptions were great and when we come out on the other side the carnage that Sfetsos delivered was a ton of fun.
As I stated earlier – the only thing that really detracted for me was the resolution with the character Cisco. I really can’t say much about it as it’s a complete spoiler otherwise, but if this would have been left alone then I’d have rated this 5 stars!
Short Sharp Shocks! Keeps delivering the goods and Yolanda’s contribution continues the trend of this series being a must-read for horror fans everywhere!
To be honest upfront – I only bought this release to support Yolanda. She’s been someone I’ve interacted with a bunch on Twitter and she’s always been super nice and supportive. I love, love, love supporting those who are super nice, so when this was announced I snagged it. I never read the synopsis but I knew I was in for a treat with the Short Sharp Shocks! Series.
For those who may also grab this and not read the synopsis – the story doesn’t disappoint. And if it wasn’t for one single odd character resolution (Cisco’s) at the end, this would have been a five star read easy.
I read this in one sitting and the story just flows. We are plopped into the arrival of Cisco and Isla as they arrive at a cabin in the woods (DUN DUN DUNNNNNNN!!!) for their honeymoon. Isla has been sound asleep, expecting to wake up when they arrive at the airport on their way to the Bahamas.
Yolanda quickly gives us mouthfuls of hints as to what will come and even knowing exactly what Isla’s background is without being outright told, I was still on edge waiting to see just what happened.
For me, personally, this felt like an episode of the NBC show Grimm, which was really amazing. It was just missing Nick, Monroe, Hank and Wu scattered throughout.
As the action ramped up, the dream-like descriptions were great and when we come out on the other side the carnage that Sfetsos delivered was a ton of fun.
As I stated earlier – the only thing that really detracted for me was the resolution with the character Cisco. I really can’t say much about it as it’s a complete spoiler otherwise, but if this would have been left alone then I’d have rated this 5 stars!
Short Sharp Shocks! Keeps delivering the goods and Yolanda’s contribution continues the trend of this series being a must-read for horror fans everywhere!
August 1, 2019
When a couple travel to a deserted cabin in the dense woodland, you kind of know what’s going to go down there. Supernatural monsters from the trees perhaps? An escaped murderer? A ghost of the former owner? Local rednecks who don’t take kindly to peoples in these here parts?
I went into this great short story with not a clue what was about to unfold. I believed that one of the above-mentioned tropes was going to be present. But alas, I was very wrong!
Isla and Cisco arrive at this ominous-looking cabin for their honeymoon – awww – but it’s certainly not what Isla pictured or indeed expected. She was looking forward to a nice relaxing time on the beach, escaping her past. A past that would have struggled to find her in the Bahamas.
But Cisco thought it would be even more romantic to whisk her away to this undisturbed ‘beauty’ in the middle of nowhere instead. OK, as he says many times, they get to be naked all the time there as they’re alone, but I can’t help but think that the beach would be more enjoyable. There’s always a hotel room for the naked stuff!
Before any of the terrors really make themselves known, you really begin to wonder about Isla and her secrets. She’s holding something back, only hinting to the reader what she really is. I had a couple of theories early on, both were wrong.
In fact I don’t want to give it away here because it came as such an unexpected twist, I don’t want to be a Mr Spoiler Pants and ruin it.
Isla knows they’re certainly not as alone as they think they are, as her own horrors manifest themselves through strange dreams and memories. The imagery is real and horrific, with a few splatterings of gore thrown in for good measure.
This is third story I’ve read from the Short Sharp Shocks! series, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each one. And there’s still loads more to devour; happy times.
So if you want to read a short horror tale about a cabin in the woods that’s not just another horror tale about a cabin in the woods, then look no further!
I went into this great short story with not a clue what was about to unfold. I believed that one of the above-mentioned tropes was going to be present. But alas, I was very wrong!
Isla and Cisco arrive at this ominous-looking cabin for their honeymoon – awww – but it’s certainly not what Isla pictured or indeed expected. She was looking forward to a nice relaxing time on the beach, escaping her past. A past that would have struggled to find her in the Bahamas.
But Cisco thought it would be even more romantic to whisk her away to this undisturbed ‘beauty’ in the middle of nowhere instead. OK, as he says many times, they get to be naked all the time there as they’re alone, but I can’t help but think that the beach would be more enjoyable. There’s always a hotel room for the naked stuff!
Before any of the terrors really make themselves known, you really begin to wonder about Isla and her secrets. She’s holding something back, only hinting to the reader what she really is. I had a couple of theories early on, both were wrong.
In fact I don’t want to give it away here because it came as such an unexpected twist, I don’t want to be a Mr Spoiler Pants and ruin it.
Isla knows they’re certainly not as alone as they think they are, as her own horrors manifest themselves through strange dreams and memories. The imagery is real and horrific, with a few splatterings of gore thrown in for good measure.
This is third story I’ve read from the Short Sharp Shocks! series, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each one. And there’s still loads more to devour; happy times.
So if you want to read a short horror tale about a cabin in the woods that’s not just another horror tale about a cabin in the woods, then look no further!
October 15, 2019
The story opens with a wholly believable romance, something which is all too often unseen or unrealistic in horror writing. We meet our protagonist and her new groom, heading off for a surprise honeymoon in the wood and we get a real sense of what they mean to one another and how madly in love they are.
All the while, though, there is this pervasive sense that something is up. Hints are dropped, concern and even alarm are expressed, but nothing is given as to what might be wrong until things really come off the rails.
From here, it's a hundred miles an hour adrenaline until the final page.
A great fun read and one which shows off several different writing muscles, carefully honed by the author.
All the while, though, there is this pervasive sense that something is up. Hints are dropped, concern and even alarm are expressed, but nothing is given as to what might be wrong until things really come off the rails.
From here, it's a hundred miles an hour adrenaline until the final page.
A great fun read and one which shows off several different writing muscles, carefully honed by the author.
March 11, 2023
There’s something about a horror book/movie with a cabin that I’m ALWAYS going to go all in on. Yolanda Stetsos seemed to know the other thing I’m that way with and combine them here. Breaking the Habit is so much more about the relationship between two characters than any of the horror that happens. And isn’t that what makes a really effective and strong horror read? Yes. I’m answering my own question to say yes. The story offers a feeling of something boiling below the surface the whole read. There’s a suspense and worry for the characters you’ve come to love in a short time. A tense, spooky, and heartfelt read. K thx.
March 5, 2021
An intriguing and tense werewolf story
Breaking The Habit is a really interesting take on the werewolf story with a focus on obsession and abusive relationships. It does a great job of creating a realistic sense of anxiety that the past will come back to bite you (in this case, literally). There are some good takes on werewolf lore and overall this is a tense little novelette. My only criticism is I felt a few sections were over-explained. However, I mainly just wanted more of this story! Overall, definitely recommended.
Breaking The Habit is a really interesting take on the werewolf story with a focus on obsession and abusive relationships. It does a great job of creating a realistic sense of anxiety that the past will come back to bite you (in this case, literally). There are some good takes on werewolf lore and overall this is a tense little novelette. My only criticism is I felt a few sections were over-explained. However, I mainly just wanted more of this story! Overall, definitely recommended.
July 5, 2020
Bloody and full of surprises! What starts off as an innocent honeymoon, step by step, descends into darker and more horrific territory. Just when you think you know what's going on, another clue is dropped that disorients you and keeps you devouring each page. Sfetsos does a skillful job of laying a trap for us, demonstrating the battle between carnal urges and morality, and taking one's power back from personal tyranny. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
September 26, 2024
CW: violence, gaslighting, abuse, blood, death, gun use
heartbreaking & tense af. I loved this.
heartbreaking & tense af. I loved this.
August 7, 2019
In Yolanda Sfetsos’s short story (novella?) Breaking The Habit (Short Sharp Shocks! Book 27), Cisco and Isla just got married. Unfortunately, while the two have planned on a honeymoon in the Bahamas, Cisco has decided to surprise Isla with a cabin in the woods. Why unfortunately? Because Isla does not like surprises. And, as it turns out, with good reason. As soon as they arrive, Isla is greeted by a card addressing her as “Lala,” a name that brings up incredibly bad memories. Soon she’s in a fight for her and Cisco’s lives against the man/monster she once escaped from.
I was so frustrated with Cisco on Isla’s behalf. He really and truly meant well, but when your wife says she doesn’t like surprises, listen to her. He had reasons for wanting to treat her to a cabin in the middle of nowhere, and I thought Sfetsos struck just the right balance between Isla’s despair and frustration and her understanding of what Cisco was trying to do.
The story is short enough that I didn’t really get into the chemistry between the characters. But it did an excellent job of unsettling me right from the start.
The book doesn’t have much in the way of surprises, but it’s an excellent exploration of how a strong woman might fight against her obsessive stalker, combined with a monster story. Content note: sexual assault and lots of blood.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/08/s...
I was so frustrated with Cisco on Isla’s behalf. He really and truly meant well, but when your wife says she doesn’t like surprises, listen to her. He had reasons for wanting to treat her to a cabin in the middle of nowhere, and I thought Sfetsos struck just the right balance between Isla’s despair and frustration and her understanding of what Cisco was trying to do.
The story is short enough that I didn’t really get into the chemistry between the characters. But it did an excellent job of unsettling me right from the start.
The book doesn’t have much in the way of surprises, but it’s an excellent exploration of how a strong woman might fight against her obsessive stalker, combined with a monster story. Content note: sexual assault and lots of blood.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2019/08/s...
November 7, 2019
At this stage of the game, it's always good to see someone putting their own spin on some of the classic monsters and horror tropes. Yolanda definitely does that with Breaking the Habit and it makes for an intelligent read that deals with some pretty heavy themes concerning abusive relationships. Her take on the werewolf curse makes for some nice tension and leaves you with a quick story that's full of twists and turns.
Good stuff.
Good stuff.
Read
July 10, 2022Definitely wasn't what I was expecting, and not usually the type of piece I'd actively pick out, but this was a great short piece nonetheless. The romance was nicely done for the word count and the tension building was excellent. Lots of questions which were wrapped up in a strangely bittersweet but satisfying conclusion.
April 26, 2026
Excellent!
When I first started reading, I thought Ok this is going to be a stalker story. As I kept reading the pieces came together and it turned into an amazing story with a surprise.
A story of a woman running from her past and that past catching up to her on the happiest day of her life.
I don't want to ruin the surprise but I highly recommend this book!
When I first started reading, I thought Ok this is going to be a stalker story. As I kept reading the pieces came together and it turned into an amazing story with a surprise.
A story of a woman running from her past and that past catching up to her on the happiest day of her life.
I don't want to ruin the surprise but I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews