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The Host
A luxurious rental house on the beach. Gorgeous weather. Free Wi-Fi. What could possibly go wrong? On the verge of divorce, Dante and Nicole attempt to rekindle their marriage by renting a secluded, luxury beach property via Airbnb, for a romantic getaway. It should be the perfect balm for their a week of beautiful sunrises and sunsets on a white sand beach, a sublime setting for them to rediscover their love. But once they settle in at the seaside villa, they realize the host not only has them under surveillance--he has somehow stolen their most closely guarded secrets. Secrets that, once revealed, could destroy their already fragile marriage. And even move them to destroy each other . . . "The Host" is a novella, of about 60 pages. It was originally published in the FOUR SECRETS anthology in 2019.
- GenresHorror
69 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2020
40 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Massey
56 books858 followersHere’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 24, 2023
Another great one from Massey. It was a great read that keeps you entertained throughout.
September 16, 2024
A terrifyingly juicy mix of drama and suspense. Brandon Massey has the gift of keeping you invested in a story with unlikeable characters.
December 14, 2023
3.75 stars, round it up. Typical Brandon Massey style. Loved it. If you read The Landlord, this is a similar shorter version.
January 24, 2024
Honestly this is a nice short book that will keep your attention to the end, it was a bit obvious what was going to happen but all in all it was good
July 30, 2024
Like I thought 👀 Brandon Massey snapped per usual. This was a novella that had you begging for more. Nicole and Dante didn't know what they were up against. Secrets 🥶 whew those can be deadly 😭.. I mean they've been hidden for years but you know "what doesn't come out in the wash, always come out in the rinse" you think no one knows but it's always someone watching. What are the chances there secrets are revealed when they tryna fix their marriage. Sucks? Right 🥴🥴 yup. Anyway, what would you do if you find out your significant other has been doing things behind your back and THE HOST gives you the green 💚 light to "take care of it" would you?
Man listen 👀 I was glued to this book from page one and when I say I loved it. I did.
Y'all gotta check this one out it was a #bonnetsnatchingread
Man listen 👀 I was glued to this book from page one and when I say I loved it. I did.
Y'all gotta check this one out it was a #bonnetsnatchingread
December 23, 2023
Dante and Nicole
This was an entertaining read about Dante and Nicole who were interesting characters with many secrets. I recommend this to any one who likes quick, suspenseful reads.
This was an entertaining read about Dante and Nicole who were interesting characters with many secrets. I recommend this to any one who likes quick, suspenseful reads.
June 15, 2020
The “predictable” Host
A short read but SUPER predictable. I had it figured out before I made it halfway through. 2 1/2 stars.
A short read but SUPER predictable. I had it figured out before I made it halfway through. 2 1/2 stars.
December 23, 2023
Fun, quick and predictable! Airbnb & Alexa nightmares
February 11, 2024
TW: Sexual Content, Cheating, Gun, Gun shots, Taking Pictures Without Consent, etc.
After a meeting with their pastor to fix their relationship, Nicole and Dante decide to stay on an Airbnb near a beach to rekindle their spark and hopefully fix their marriage issues. But as the couple stay in this magnificent place, Nicole notices a camera in the bathroom which starts the game. And now Dante and Nicole have to find a way to leave the Airbnb as secrets start to unravel.
It’s a novella and typically novellas don’t get high ratings by me, but I wanted to try a thriller as I’m usually a romance and (sometimes) fantasy reader. But dear God I couldn’t for the life of me enjoy this book. I typically can predict a (thriller) book’s ending but despite the author throwing me off with the reveal of the Host only for the author to never reveal who it was I was left dissatisfied and unconcluded. Nicole and Dante have to murder each other but when Dante finally realizes that there’s someone in the attic (even though his wife said there was someone in the attic and he brushed it aside) and find Tucker and make him stop the game, they just pack up and leave and have a good laugh after they decide to have a vacation somewhere else. I was waiting to see if the Host would show up at the end like some books do where the villain comes back and then it ends but nope that didn’t happen. Instead after all the secrets of Dante cheating on Nicole after he proposed and him telling her it was nothing because he didn’t cheat while they were married and Nicole’s texts from her ex-boyfriend were revealed, they just decide to forget. Maybe I’m just a vindictive person but it angered me. I desperately wanted something to redeem them to show me that Nicole and Dante are good people who made stupid mistakes but that never happened.
Nicole and Dante’s relationship is also the worst. If you asked me which of the two, do I think is worse, I wouldn’t be able to answer. On one hand, Dante takes pictures of women he personally knows and doesn’t know without their permission to keep for his spank bank. He also has a recording of him and his ex-girlfriend having phone sex. And on the other hand, Nicole was having an emotional affair with her ex-boyfriend, even posting provocative pictures on her Facebook and excusing it as “Dante not giving her attention.” I’m a firm believer that there is no excuse for cheating and their “excuses” don't change that one bit. There are more things about them that piss me off, so I’ll just list it here:
-Dante didn’t want to get food for Nicole because he wanted to be on time
-Thinks about making his money’s worth when his wife is starving when he supposedly wants to fix his broken marriage
-Can’t even remember his wife is on a diet and calls it a “silly-ass fad diet.”
-Only thinks of sex and hates that she was skinny back then but is happy that she got curves, and their children broadened her hips (basically sexualizing his wife as if she were just a piece of meat)
-Irritated at his wife because she was “nagging him” and is starting to hate the idea of a vacation because of said nagging as if he couldn’t just do the thing his wife asked to stop her from nagging
-Gets mad when Nicole tells him that Cracker Barrel is nearby and responds with “I can read” even though she didn’t mention that he can’t
-Calls women a “female” (don’t even fight with me for this one if you are then fight with a wall)
-Stares at other women IN FRONT of his wife while trying to fix their marriage
-Nicole takes pictures of herself and texts her ex-boyfriend who is “happily” married
They did things that make no sense to me like Nicole having sex with her husband only to then drop the bomb and say that she saw the timestamp of the picture of his ex in his old room or how Dante assumed they weren’t monogamous like that are things you need to talk about in the BEGINNING of a relationship. Then the book ends with them leaving but during the chase scene of Tucker it felt kind of childish because I had expected blood, or a gunshot wound but instead received Dante getting shot by a paintball gun and them being released like it was nothing. I wished I could’ve enjoyed it but even if the story was longer there is nothing to change my mind.
Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️
After a meeting with their pastor to fix their relationship, Nicole and Dante decide to stay on an Airbnb near a beach to rekindle their spark and hopefully fix their marriage issues. But as the couple stay in this magnificent place, Nicole notices a camera in the bathroom which starts the game. And now Dante and Nicole have to find a way to leave the Airbnb as secrets start to unravel.
It’s a novella and typically novellas don’t get high ratings by me, but I wanted to try a thriller as I’m usually a romance and (sometimes) fantasy reader. But dear God I couldn’t for the life of me enjoy this book. I typically can predict a (thriller) book’s ending but despite the author throwing me off with the reveal of the Host only for the author to never reveal who it was I was left dissatisfied and unconcluded. Nicole and Dante have to murder each other but when Dante finally realizes that there’s someone in the attic (even though his wife said there was someone in the attic and he brushed it aside) and find Tucker and make him stop the game, they just pack up and leave and have a good laugh after they decide to have a vacation somewhere else. I was waiting to see if the Host would show up at the end like some books do where the villain comes back and then it ends but nope that didn’t happen. Instead after all the secrets of Dante cheating on Nicole after he proposed and him telling her it was nothing because he didn’t cheat while they were married and Nicole’s texts from her ex-boyfriend were revealed, they just decide to forget. Maybe I’m just a vindictive person but it angered me. I desperately wanted something to redeem them to show me that Nicole and Dante are good people who made stupid mistakes but that never happened.
Nicole and Dante’s relationship is also the worst. If you asked me which of the two, do I think is worse, I wouldn’t be able to answer. On one hand, Dante takes pictures of women he personally knows and doesn’t know without their permission to keep for his spank bank. He also has a recording of him and his ex-girlfriend having phone sex. And on the other hand, Nicole was having an emotional affair with her ex-boyfriend, even posting provocative pictures on her Facebook and excusing it as “Dante not giving her attention.” I’m a firm believer that there is no excuse for cheating and their “excuses” don't change that one bit. There are more things about them that piss me off, so I’ll just list it here:
-Dante didn’t want to get food for Nicole because he wanted to be on time
-Thinks about making his money’s worth when his wife is starving when he supposedly wants to fix his broken marriage
-Can’t even remember his wife is on a diet and calls it a “silly-ass fad diet.”
-Only thinks of sex and hates that she was skinny back then but is happy that she got curves, and their children broadened her hips (basically sexualizing his wife as if she were just a piece of meat)
-Irritated at his wife because she was “nagging him” and is starting to hate the idea of a vacation because of said nagging as if he couldn’t just do the thing his wife asked to stop her from nagging
-Gets mad when Nicole tells him that Cracker Barrel is nearby and responds with “I can read” even though she didn’t mention that he can’t
-Calls women a “female” (don’t even fight with me for this one if you are then fight with a wall)
-Stares at other women IN FRONT of his wife while trying to fix their marriage
-Nicole takes pictures of herself and texts her ex-boyfriend who is “happily” married
They did things that make no sense to me like Nicole having sex with her husband only to then drop the bomb and say that she saw the timestamp of the picture of his ex in his old room or how Dante assumed they weren’t monogamous like that are things you need to talk about in the BEGINNING of a relationship. Then the book ends with them leaving but during the chase scene of Tucker it felt kind of childish because I had expected blood, or a gunshot wound but instead received Dante getting shot by a paintball gun and them being released like it was nothing. I wished I could’ve enjoyed it but even if the story was longer there is nothing to change my mind.
Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
The Most Terrifying House Guest: A Review of The Host by Jeremy Bates
Jeremy Bates's "The Host" is a chilling departure from the location-based horror of his "World's Scariest Places" series, yet it retains his signature ability to deliver unrelenting, high-stakes terror. This novel is a brilliant piece of psychological horror that proves Bates can make even the most familiar setting—a remote home—feel like the most dangerous place on Earth.
The premise is deceptively simple: a family finds themselves terrorized by a mysterious, unwanted guest. But what unfolds is a slow, methodical dismantling of their sanity and security. Bates uses the isolation of the setting and the unknown motives of the antagonist to create a suffocating atmosphere of dread. The horror here is intensely personal, built on the violation of the safe space we call home.
What makes "The Host" truly stand out is its mastery of suspense. The fear is less about gore and more about the psychological erosion and the constant, chilling presence of danger. You become intimately involved in the family's paranoia and struggle, making every single page a high-wire act where you are desperate to know what the 'host' wants, and how they will possibly escape.
For fans who appreciate horror that digs deep into fear of the unknown, isolation, and domestic invasion, "The Host" is an absolute must-read. It’s a tight, expertly paced thriller that will leave you triple-checking your locks before you dare turn out the light.
Jeremy Bates's "The Host" is a chilling departure from the location-based horror of his "World's Scariest Places" series, yet it retains his signature ability to deliver unrelenting, high-stakes terror. This novel is a brilliant piece of psychological horror that proves Bates can make even the most familiar setting—a remote home—feel like the most dangerous place on Earth.
The premise is deceptively simple: a family finds themselves terrorized by a mysterious, unwanted guest. But what unfolds is a slow, methodical dismantling of their sanity and security. Bates uses the isolation of the setting and the unknown motives of the antagonist to create a suffocating atmosphere of dread. The horror here is intensely personal, built on the violation of the safe space we call home.
What makes "The Host" truly stand out is its mastery of suspense. The fear is less about gore and more about the psychological erosion and the constant, chilling presence of danger. You become intimately involved in the family's paranoia and struggle, making every single page a high-wire act where you are desperate to know what the 'host' wants, and how they will possibly escape.
For fans who appreciate horror that digs deep into fear of the unknown, isolation, and domestic invasion, "The Host" is an absolute must-read. It’s a tight, expertly paced thriller that will leave you triple-checking your locks before you dare turn out the light.
April 10, 2025
4 Stars – Alexa, cancel my vacation plans.
Look, when I book a luxury beach house, I expect ocean views, fluffy towels, and maybe a bottle of overpriced wine—not surveillance, secrets, and potential murder vibes. The Host reeled me in with its dreamy Airbnb vibes, then slammed the door shut with secrets so juicy, I needed popcorn and therapy.
Dante and Nicole are on the brink of Splitsville, so naturally they try to save their marriage with sand, sun, and suspiciously good Wi-Fi. What could go wrong? Oh, I don’t know… maybe your host watching your every move and weaponizing your skeletons like it’s a Dateline episode?
This novella is a fast-paced, twisty ride—like Black Mirror met Marriage Boot Camp at a beach resort. The suspense builds nicely, the tension is palpable, and I was hooked faster than you can say “non-refundable deposit.” But just when things got really spicy… BAM. The ending hit like a beach umbrella in a hurricane—sudden and leaving you wondering what just happened.
Would’ve given it five stars, but the novella’s quick wrap-up left me with literary whiplash and a few unanswered questions. Still, it’s a delicious little thriller snack—perfect for a quick read between meetings or while you’re side-eyeing your own vacation rental host.
Just remember: trust issues and beachfront rentals do not mix.
Look, when I book a luxury beach house, I expect ocean views, fluffy towels, and maybe a bottle of overpriced wine—not surveillance, secrets, and potential murder vibes. The Host reeled me in with its dreamy Airbnb vibes, then slammed the door shut with secrets so juicy, I needed popcorn and therapy.
Dante and Nicole are on the brink of Splitsville, so naturally they try to save their marriage with sand, sun, and suspiciously good Wi-Fi. What could go wrong? Oh, I don’t know… maybe your host watching your every move and weaponizing your skeletons like it’s a Dateline episode?
This novella is a fast-paced, twisty ride—like Black Mirror met Marriage Boot Camp at a beach resort. The suspense builds nicely, the tension is palpable, and I was hooked faster than you can say “non-refundable deposit.” But just when things got really spicy… BAM. The ending hit like a beach umbrella in a hurricane—sudden and leaving you wondering what just happened.
Would’ve given it five stars, but the novella’s quick wrap-up left me with literary whiplash and a few unanswered questions. Still, it’s a delicious little thriller snack—perfect for a quick read between meetings or while you’re side-eyeing your own vacation rental host.
Just remember: trust issues and beachfront rentals do not mix.
September 7, 2021
A Riveting Novella with an Unexpected Ending
As always, the author does not disappoint when it comes to writing a dark mystery. The plot becomes a game of cat-and-mouse. The characters are relatable. The dialogue flows, and the settings are vibrant. Nichole and Dante Edgewood decide to spend a week at a seaside residence that seems like a dreamland, but things are not what they appear to be. When an enigmatic stranger approaches Nichole, the plot will take a different path. The narrative will reveal some eerie happenings, secrets and lies, recordings, and micro-cheating, leading up to a jaw-dropping ending, reminding us that what we seek outside is actually in front of us.
As always, the author does not disappoint when it comes to writing a dark mystery. The plot becomes a game of cat-and-mouse. The characters are relatable. The dialogue flows, and the settings are vibrant. Nichole and Dante Edgewood decide to spend a week at a seaside residence that seems like a dreamland, but things are not what they appear to be. When an enigmatic stranger approaches Nichole, the plot will take a different path. The narrative will reveal some eerie happenings, secrets and lies, recordings, and micro-cheating, leading up to a jaw-dropping ending, reminding us that what we seek outside is actually in front of us.
June 16, 2024
Listen the more technology evolves, the more I am nervous. Have we not noticed how we can be talking to a someone about something and next thing we know, ads or videos related to what were talking about start to roll in on our devices “randomly”. It’s a scary thought to think someone or something is always listening.
Nicole and Dante decide to take a vacation even though their marriage is hanging on by a thread. Little do they know this vacation will be both beautiful and unsuspecting.
This novella was a great pallet cleanser. This novella reminded me why i dont want to stay anywhere but my own home.
Nicole and Dante decide to take a vacation even though their marriage is hanging on by a thread. Little do they know this vacation will be both beautiful and unsuspecting.
This novella was a great pallet cleanser. This novella reminded me why i dont want to stay anywhere but my own home.
May 13, 2023
[keeping in mind that this is a novella] This story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I would have finished it in one sitting had I not been down with the flu. However, I did finish it in a day. The tension between the couple is established from the beginning and maintained throughout. I think there is something to be said about conflict between a couple that you can tell love and hate each other simultaneously. The only issue I had was the very ending. I was hoping [wishing praying] that it would have ended on a cliff hanger. But that is me being messy. 4 stars. Solid read
June 13, 2022
Creepy
The concept of this book was wild because of how easily it could happen to any of us. I’ve always been concerned about being secretly recorded in an Airbnb or hotel. The way it all played out so quickly made it seem a little over the top. I wanted it to be a bit more scandalous, with more secrets revealed. Overall, it was creative and entertaining. Brandon Massey’s books always take your mind on a demented journey.
The concept of this book was wild because of how easily it could happen to any of us. I’ve always been concerned about being secretly recorded in an Airbnb or hotel. The way it all played out so quickly made it seem a little over the top. I wanted it to be a bit more scandalous, with more secrets revealed. Overall, it was creative and entertaining. Brandon Massey’s books always take your mind on a demented journey.
January 8, 2024
Great concept, bad follow through
This was an extremely predictable read. From the man on the beach to the free wi-fi when they arrived, there was no real suspense. The secrets that were revealed were embarrassing for both, but felt more like "it's over" than "let me pick up this weapon they provided us"
The couple wasn't likable and the ending felt rushed and thrown together.
This was an extremely predictable read. From the man on the beach to the free wi-fi when they arrived, there was no real suspense. The secrets that were revealed were embarrassing for both, but felt more like "it's over" than "let me pick up this weapon they provided us"
The couple wasn't likable and the ending felt rushed and thrown together.
January 21, 2024
Dante and Nicole are a married couple that’s going to FL to an Airbnb that’s located on the beach. A much needed get away, to get their marriage back on track since things have been rocky lately in between them. Instead of an amazing week of vacationing together, they find themselves blackmailed into a game by the host exposing their secrets to one another. This was my first book by this author and it was a pretty good short read. I can’t wait to check out more from this Brandon Massey.
August 27, 2021
Lackluster
It’s not bad it’s just mediocre. I didn’t feel worried for the characters at all. I felt no remorse for the characters as they are unlikable and superficial. Plot was as easy to guess as a dora the explorer episode and the ending felt rushed and really boring. Not worth your time in my opinion but I did had a good laugh like twice so that deserves a star.
It’s not bad it’s just mediocre. I didn’t feel worried for the characters at all. I felt no remorse for the characters as they are unlikable and superficial. Plot was as easy to guess as a dora the explorer episode and the ending felt rushed and really boring. Not worth your time in my opinion but I did had a good laugh like twice so that deserves a star.
January 12, 2023
Saw meets Alexa
Mr Massey can do no wrong in my opinion. His stories pull you in, put you in a chokehold and leave you wondering what did I just read.
Marriage is complicated and for this couple, almost over. A forced vacation to work on getting back on track turns into a game of survival as "The Host" puts the secrets they hold on display. Alexa and Siri be watching....
Mr Massey can do no wrong in my opinion. His stories pull you in, put you in a chokehold and leave you wondering what did I just read.
Marriage is complicated and for this couple, almost over. A forced vacation to work on getting back on track turns into a game of survival as "The Host" puts the secrets they hold on display. Alexa and Siri be watching....
December 29, 2023
Crazy
All they wanted was a vacation and to reconnect. What they got after checking into their Airbnb? People watching and exposing their secrets one after the other.
I really thought Nicole was going to shoot her husband but she was living foul too.
The owner of the house and his crew are some sick bastards 😂😅
All they wanted was a vacation and to reconnect. What they got after checking into their Airbnb? People watching and exposing their secrets one after the other.
I really thought Nicole was going to shoot her husband but she was living foul too.
The owner of the house and his crew are some sick bastards 😂😅
July 27, 2020
The Host Doing the Most!!!
Very interesting and creepy short!
Secrets exposed, relationships at the end of no return...
A different kind of read, which was good...
It really makes you think what you're getting yourself into when utilizing a AirBnb....
Very interesting and creepy short!
Secrets exposed, relationships at the end of no return...
A different kind of read, which was good...
It really makes you think what you're getting yourself into when utilizing a AirBnb....
November 16, 2020
Great as always!
I am never disappointed with the awesome work from Brandon Massey! This book pulled me in and held my attention. My only issue with this book is that it was too short! I know that it is a novella however, I prefer his longer more developed work.
I am never disappointed with the awesome work from Brandon Massey! This book pulled me in and held my attention. My only issue with this book is that it was too short! I know that it is a novella however, I prefer his longer more developed work.
December 28, 2021
Cybernetic Cockfighting
Always an interesting premise, flawed heroes lured together, strings pulled to set off tempers, and cameras installed to catch the aftermath. The ending was a little pat but the story was good.
Always an interesting premise, flawed heroes lured together, strings pulled to set off tempers, and cameras installed to catch the aftermath. The ending was a little pat but the story was good.
May 4, 2025
Quick & to the point. The story is a nice little thriller with some good elements between the characters. I enjoyed the messy aspects of the host pinning the two main characters against each other. I wish the ending was a little more satisfying because it was kind of predictable.
June 23, 2025
The drama in this book was non-stop, left, right, and center. I barely had time to process it all, but you better believe I devoured every bit of it.
As for the couple? Give it a week, MAYBE three, and they'll be signing those divorce papers.
As for the couple? Give it a week, MAYBE three, and they'll be signing those divorce papers.
June 27, 2020
Good little read
I enjoyed this Novella, it was a another good read by Brandon Massey. This made me not want to utilize time sharing ever again.
I enjoyed this Novella, it was a another good read by Brandon Massey. This made me not want to utilize time sharing ever again.
July 12, 2020
Good short read!
August 17, 2020
Short and full of action
Loved it! Couldn't put it down! Although it is short, it is very good! Can't wait to read more from this author!
Loved it! Couldn't put it down! Although it is short, it is very good! Can't wait to read more from this author!
February 1, 2021
Someone is always watching
A little suspense, no horror at all. A very fast read.
However, after reading this, I wanted to unplug everything Alexa in my home.
A little suspense, no horror at all. A very fast read.
However, after reading this, I wanted to unplug everything Alexa in my home.
November 17, 2021
Just ok
I found the plot to be a little annoying. It’s annoying for two adults to keep falling for the same tricks over and over again.
I found the plot to be a little annoying. It’s annoying for two adults to keep falling for the same tricks over and over again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews