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Cullravens #1
Raise the Blood
FIND THE GREEN BOOK
COUNT THE SPARROWS
Shy and anxious Nadine Harnois has spent her whole life living in the shadow of her older, prettier sister, Noelle. But when Noelle mysteriously vanishes just months after her fairytale wedding, Nadine gathers her courage to go to her brother-in-law's home in Argentum to seek answers.
Caledon Cullraven, the family's youngest son, takes an immediate interest in her, becoming both her tormentor and her ally. But beneath his playful demeanor lurks something twisted and depraved, and as her reluctant attraction to him grows, so, too, does the potential for real danger.
The Cullraven family legacy goes back for generations, with secrets that run as deep and as dark as the town's abandoned silver mines. The people of Argentum are suspicious and fearful of their town's reclusive benefactors, and possibly with good reason: because the more time Nadine spends with this family, the more she suspects that they're hiding something truly terrible.
“You want to run, Nadine? Run to me.”
COUNT THE SPARROWS
Shy and anxious Nadine Harnois has spent her whole life living in the shadow of her older, prettier sister, Noelle. But when Noelle mysteriously vanishes just months after her fairytale wedding, Nadine gathers her courage to go to her brother-in-law's home in Argentum to seek answers.
Caledon Cullraven, the family's youngest son, takes an immediate interest in her, becoming both her tormentor and her ally. But beneath his playful demeanor lurks something twisted and depraved, and as her reluctant attraction to him grows, so, too, does the potential for real danger.
The Cullraven family legacy goes back for generations, with secrets that run as deep and as dark as the town's abandoned silver mines. The people of Argentum are suspicious and fearful of their town's reclusive benefactors, and possibly with good reason: because the more time Nadine spends with this family, the more she suspects that they're hiding something truly terrible.
“You want to run, Nadine? Run to me.”
448 pages, Kindle Vella
First published June 20, 2023
300 people are currently reading
2462 people want to read
About the author
Nenia Campbell
60 books20.8k followersNenia Campbell is a dark romance author who lives in San Francisco, California. When she's not writing, or reading, she can be found roaming the city or curled up with her void cat. She collects romance novels older than she is and loves a villain with flair.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
October 8, 2023
"You want to run, Nadine? Run to me."
✔️ Gothic mystery
✔️ Twisted family
✔️ She falls for the bad guy
✔️ Spice (3/5)
Ooh that was dark, twisted and so eerie- had a good time with it. The gothic vibes were chef's kiss, so well written 🤌🤌
The family was so twisted it was bone chilling. It for real had me gasping, getting shocked and boy the AUDACITY 😭 I wanted to give them all a piece of my mind, except Cal 🤭🤭 I liked how charming he was, sure the guy has issues but yeah he is sexy and in his own strange way- a romantic. If you like Zade Meadows from Haunting Adeline, you'll like Cal. I swear the mouth on that man 🥵🥵🥵 Nadine was impressive too, I liked her zeal to uncover the truth. Tho I would have liked it a bit more if she was stronger.
I believe it could have been at least 50-70 pages shorter tho as the middle kinda slowed things down for me. But overall, a fun read. I couldn't put the book down the last 100 pages. Recommend it!
~•~•~
Apparently it is a smutty gothic romance where the characters spice things up in a library during a storm? 👀
✔️ Gothic mystery
✔️ Twisted family
✔️ She falls for the bad guy
✔️ Spice (3/5)
Ooh that was dark, twisted and so eerie- had a good time with it. The gothic vibes were chef's kiss, so well written 🤌🤌
The family was so twisted it was bone chilling. It for real had me gasping, getting shocked and boy the AUDACITY 😭 I wanted to give them all a piece of my mind, except Cal 🤭🤭 I liked how charming he was, sure the guy has issues but yeah he is sexy and in his own strange way- a romantic. If you like Zade Meadows from Haunting Adeline, you'll like Cal. I swear the mouth on that man 🥵🥵🥵 Nadine was impressive too, I liked her zeal to uncover the truth. Tho I would have liked it a bit more if she was stronger.
I believe it could have been at least 50-70 pages shorter tho as the middle kinda slowed things down for me. But overall, a fun read. I couldn't put the book down the last 100 pages. Recommend it!
~•~•~
Apparently it is a smutty gothic romance where the characters spice things up in a library during a storm? 👀
November 29, 2023
"Do you see yourself more as the hunter or hunted?”
✓ Victorian mansion
✓ Falling for the villain
✓ Food allergy rep
✓ Gothic mystery thriller with spicy scenes
✓ Book playlist
✓ Dark family secrets and ancestor lineage
✓ The Invitation movie vibes
✓ Small town/wealthy prominent family
Wow. First of all, I must say THIS book raised my blood! It was so very well written! Captivating and twisted! This was my first read of Nenia Campbell, and I’m hooked!
All that being said though, I must also mention to please check the ⚠Trigger Warnings ⚠!
(Personally, I am not a fan of hunting animals for pure sport so I kind of dreaded that, but this story takes things beyond that….imagine fatal hunting games with a BIG twist…but I shall say no more!)
The first half of the book is slower and leaves you with so many unanswered questions that you just don’t want to stop reading. About 79% in, I was feeling the dread of a horrifying possible ending. I started getting vibes from a song that I’ve always imagined could fit perfectly in a twisted gothic dark romance kind of book:
♪Familiar Taste of Poison by Halestorm♪
“I tell myself that you’re no good for me
I wish you well (wish you well)
But desire never leaves
I could fight this ‘til the end
But maybe I don’t wanna win”
(This really fits the complex and deviant dynamic between Nadine and Cal! So I am sure to think of this book every time I listen to this song.)
And then the book blindly plunged me into darkness along with the main character Nadine, and it was a terrifying race to the very end. The climax was very tense and boiling with unexpected twists. I could not sit still. I was very shocked by the turn of events! I was swimming in emotions. My husband kept asking me what was going on! Hahahaha
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with such a toxic, sick, and insane family! It kept things shocking and interesting the entire time.
“People like that, they said, they do things—sick things—when they’re rich. It’s like a disease. They get corrupt with power and it rots them from within..”
“All Cullraven brides bleed on their wedding night.”
Our villain, Cal:
Now I’m just getting started with some of these dark romance books so I don’t have too many villains in my cabinet, but Cal definitely fits the criteria. Woo, he was a very bad boy.
“What will you do to me, my little sparrow? Beat your hands against my chest? Scratch me up? Shout at me in that sweet, trembling voice? If that’s the case, you tempt me to villainy, simply by making me crave the punishment.”
~ Cal
“….and if a spider’s embrace were half so intoxicating, it was no small wonder why so many flies perished.”
"And she had been right about all of that, save for one crucial thing: He was not the hero. He was, in fact, the villain."
~ Nadine
It’s going to take some time for me to get this book out of my head! 5/5 dark stars!!
✓ Victorian mansion
✓ Falling for the villain
✓ Food allergy rep
✓ Gothic mystery thriller with spicy scenes
✓ Book playlist
✓ Dark family secrets and ancestor lineage
✓ The Invitation movie vibes
✓ Small town/wealthy prominent family
Wow. First of all, I must say THIS book raised my blood! It was so very well written! Captivating and twisted! This was my first read of Nenia Campbell, and I’m hooked!
All that being said though, I must also mention to please check the ⚠Trigger Warnings ⚠!
(Personally, I am not a fan of hunting animals for pure sport so I kind of dreaded that, but this story takes things beyond that….imagine fatal hunting games with a BIG twist…but I shall say no more!)
The first half of the book is slower and leaves you with so many unanswered questions that you just don’t want to stop reading. About 79% in, I was feeling the dread of a horrifying possible ending. I started getting vibes from a song that I’ve always imagined could fit perfectly in a twisted gothic dark romance kind of book:
♪Familiar Taste of Poison by Halestorm♪
“I tell myself that you’re no good for me
I wish you well (wish you well)
But desire never leaves
I could fight this ‘til the end
But maybe I don’t wanna win”
(This really fits the complex and deviant dynamic between Nadine and Cal! So I am sure to think of this book every time I listen to this song.)
And then the book blindly plunged me into darkness along with the main character Nadine, and it was a terrifying race to the very end. The climax was very tense and boiling with unexpected twists. I could not sit still. I was very shocked by the turn of events! I was swimming in emotions. My husband kept asking me what was going on! Hahahaha
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with such a toxic, sick, and insane family! It kept things shocking and interesting the entire time.
“People like that, they said, they do things—sick things—when they’re rich. It’s like a disease. They get corrupt with power and it rots them from within..”
“All Cullraven brides bleed on their wedding night.”
Our villain, Cal:
Now I’m just getting started with some of these dark romance books so I don’t have too many villains in my cabinet, but Cal definitely fits the criteria. Woo, he was a very bad boy.
“What will you do to me, my little sparrow? Beat your hands against my chest? Scratch me up? Shout at me in that sweet, trembling voice? If that’s the case, you tempt me to villainy, simply by making me crave the punishment.”
~ Cal
“….and if a spider’s embrace were half so intoxicating, it was no small wonder why so many flies perished.”
"And she had been right about all of that, save for one crucial thing: He was not the hero. He was, in fact, the villain."
~ Nadine
It’s going to take some time for me to get this book out of my head! 5/5 dark stars!!
July 27, 2023
Ok, it's finally time for my review! I beta-read most chapters of this book before it was published (I think I missed a few in the beginning maybe?) but as always when I read my friends' books, I paid money for it. GLADLY.
I'm obsessed with how dark and weird this was. Fucked-up families are so fun, especially if you never know whose side certain members are on. Oh, and also if you wouldn't mind a smutty little story involving two of the characters, . This was insane in just the right way. At first, I actually wasn't sure whether or not this was going to be paranormal... just like in gothic novels of the 70s/80s.
I will say that while I ended up liking Cal a lot (he was one of Campbell's more subdued heroes actually, albeit intense and fucked-up in many ways), I wasn't so much a fan of Nadine. I hate that, because I feel like heroines get a bad rap all the time for absolutely no reason. Like, she might cry one time in the book and people will be like OH MY GOD WHAT A WHINY BITCH. No, this isn't that. She had a lot of development (as did the side characters; they were all well-rounded), but I just wasn't feeling her. At one point Cal thinks to himself that she's clever, but I didn't get that sense at all. She was just average, which isn't a bad thing. Of all Campbell's heroines, she just didn't number among my faves.
Anyway, I absolutely love the elements that came together to create this book. It had been thinking about it for quite some time. For me, I didn't think the ending was necessarily
Previously:
I'M LITERALLY OBSESSED. THIS BOOK COULD START A CULT AND I WOULD BE THE FIRST TO SIGN UP.
I'm not reading this chapter by chapter on Vella because I'm waiting for the full book, but I've read excerpts and damn, this sounds hot and unhinged and deliciously gothic.
I CAN'T WAIT.
I'm obsessed with how dark and weird this was. Fucked-up families are so fun, especially if you never know whose side certain members are on. Oh, and also if you wouldn't mind a smutty little story involving two of the characters, . This was insane in just the right way. At first, I actually wasn't sure whether or not this was going to be paranormal... just like in gothic novels of the 70s/80s.
I will say that while I ended up liking Cal a lot (he was one of Campbell's more subdued heroes actually, albeit intense and fucked-up in many ways), I wasn't so much a fan of Nadine. I hate that, because I feel like heroines get a bad rap all the time for absolutely no reason. Like, she might cry one time in the book and people will be like OH MY GOD WHAT A WHINY BITCH. No, this isn't that. She had a lot of development (as did the side characters; they were all well-rounded), but I just wasn't feeling her. At one point Cal thinks to himself that she's clever, but I didn't get that sense at all. She was just average, which isn't a bad thing. Of all Campbell's heroines, she just didn't number among my faves.
Anyway, I absolutely love the elements that came together to create this book. It had been thinking about it for quite some time. For me, I didn't think the ending was necessarily
Previously:
I'M LITERALLY OBSESSED. THIS BOOK COULD START A CULT AND I WOULD BE THE FIRST TO SIGN UP.
I'm not reading this chapter by chapter on Vella because I'm waiting for the full book, but I've read excerpts and damn, this sounds hot and unhinged and deliciously gothic.
I CAN'T WAIT.
May 30, 2023
This has officially become my favorite read of the year. Major Crimson Peak and The Invitation vibes. I LOVE dark, gothic, horror romances with a dubious love interest. It also helps that Nenia wrote a super relatable FMC. Did I mention that Cal is villainously hot?! I don't know what I'm going to do in between updates besides obsessively think about this story. Great Job Nenia, you really hit this one out of the park!
Highly recommend this for people who enjoyed Nenia's Horrorscape series or just want to read a really well written gothic-horror romance. If you like Anne Stuart's romantic suspense novels this would be a good book to read too.
It's currently available on Kindle Vella, with Nenia mentioning that it will go to Kindle Unlimited once she finishes writing and editing it with added content. However, the plot and ending will mostly stay the same. Nenia mentioned more scenes will be added, along with more conversations among characters. I will be re-reading this when it gets a Kindle Unlimited release.
Highly recommend this for people who enjoyed Nenia's Horrorscape series or just want to read a really well written gothic-horror romance. If you like Anne Stuart's romantic suspense novels this would be a good book to read too.
It's currently available on Kindle Vella, with Nenia mentioning that it will go to Kindle Unlimited once she finishes writing and editing it with added content. However, the plot and ending will mostly stay the same. Nenia mentioned more scenes will be added, along with more conversations among characters. I will be re-reading this when it gets a Kindle Unlimited release.
Want to read
June 19, 2025Raise the Bløød is FREE today! I would be so grateful if you grabbed a copy and shared the word with your friends and Facebook groups, or wherever you post about books!
You can snag a copy here 🖤
https://www.amazon.com/Raise-Blood-da...
You can snag a copy here 🖤
https://www.amazon.com/Raise-Blood-da...
June 28, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my god! This book was sooooo good! Definitely one of my most favorite reads of the year! I’m so sad it’s over 😭 If you like dark gothic books then you definitely need to read this book!
Oh my god! This book was sooooo good! Definitely one of my most favorite reads of the year! I’m so sad it’s over 😭 If you like dark gothic books then you definitely need to read this book!
August 25, 2023
Trigger warning ⚠️ dubious consent, cult like book, sexual assault, death. These triggers are throughout the book. ⚠️
Wow I’m floored by this read. Such a great plot line. I am just so pleased with this read. So pleased.
This is my first book I’ve read by Nenia MY BOOK BESTIE, and she didn’t disappoint. It’s giving gothic realness. And I LOVED it.
Be prepared because I’m not going to lie, I didn’t know how to take these characters at first. Cal? Yeah he was fucked in the head. Every person in the family? Fucked. I just was going back and forth because Cal was written at times to be loved then to be hated. I kinda loved the dynamic. It went with the vibe of the book.
In any other book that probably wasn’t this gothic horror scene, I would be annoyed with the back and forth.
Can we talk about the “thous” and “betwixt” cause if the ancestors were from the 1800s….they wouldn’t be talking this way. Poetic in speech? Sureeee but not in this period. I was just annoyed at this detail that wasn’t needed.
The writing style was unique. I loved the writing style. Im always wary of third person omniscient writing, but it worked. There were details that were off but that’s just little details. But overall this writing style did well. And the times it was poetic and then there were times when I laughed. I had a good time lol
The plot line! So good. It was WILD man WILD. Loved it.
I wouldn’t label this as an erotica piece because of the writing style of the author. This was truly a gothic horror mystery through and through. With some toxic sex thrown in the mix. But was this considered an erotica to me? Not really.
Overall I am pleased to have read this book. I would definitely recommend. PLEASE know your triggers before reading this book. I couldn’t put all triggers in the preface of the review because it would give away the story, but if even those triggers are too much for you do not read. I mean i love the twisted horrors ape world I dived into, but others may not.
4.5 star rating!
Trigger warning ⚠️ dubious consent, cult like book, sexual assault. These triggers are throughout the book. ⚠️
Wow I’m floored by this read. Such a great plot line. I am just so pleased with this read. So pleased.
This is my first book I’ve read by Nenia MY BOOK BESTIE, and she didn’t disappoint. It’s giving gothic realness. And I LOVED it.
Be prepared because I’m not going to lie, I didn’t know how to take these characters at first. Cal? Yeah he was fucked in the head. Every person in the family? Fucked. I just was going back and forth because Cal was written at times to be loved then to be hated. I kinda loved the dynamic. It went with the vibe of the book.
In any other book that probably wasn’t this gothic horror scene, I would be annoyed with the back and forth.
Can we talk about the “thous” and “betwixt” cause if the ancestors were from the 1800s….they wouldn’t be talking this way. Poetic in speech? Sureeee but not in this period. I was just annoyed at this detail that wasn’t needed.
The writing style was unique. I loved the writing style. Im always wary of third person omniscient writing, but it worked. There were details that were off but that’s just little details. But overall this writing style did well. And the times it was poetic and then there were times when I laughed. I had a good time lol
The plot line! So good. It was WILD man WILD. Loved it.
I wouldn’t label this as an erotica piece because of the writing style of the author. This was truly a gothic horror mystery through and through. With some toxic sex thrown in the mix. But was this considered an erotica to me? Not really.
Overall I am pleased to have read this book. I would definitely recommend. PLEASE know your triggers before reading this book. I couldn’t put all triggers in the preface of the review because it would give away the story, but if even those triggers are too much for you do not read. I mean i love the twisted horrors ape world I dived into, but others may not.
4.5 star rating!
Trigger warning ⚠️ dubious consent, cult like book, sexual assault. These triggers are throughout the book. ⚠️
August 20, 2024
you will never be keri lake
June 19, 2024
Every time I read one of Nenia’s books, I struggle to pick my favorite because they’re all my favorite. But this one might be my favorite.
Seeing all of the beautiful reviews of this novel, I didn't (and still don't) think I would ever be able to write one to my satisfaction. But feeling that way from the get-go was kind of freeing—since I never planned to write a review, I was able to just read the book and enjoy it without worrying about what I was going to say. I loved having my experience with Raise the Blood “all to myself,” and I definitely want to do that more often.
But now that some time has passed, I find that maybe I do have some things I want to say.
REVIEW
Raise the Blood is a grotesque and gorgeous modern Gothic.
Firmly grounded in the 21st century, Raise the Blood nevertheless maintains all the essentials of classic Gothic horror. I loved seeing the distinct 2010s moodiness of a heroine wearing Paramore apparel mingled with cryptic messages, dark, brooding heroes, and sinister family secrets.
Cal is the perfect romantic villain—sensuous and scary. He screams 🚩🚩🚩 “dangerous”, yet he’s an intoxicating threat. The reader craves Nadine’s ruin as the moth helplessly drawn to his flame.
Nadine’s chasteness is such a stark contrast to the Cullraven debauchery. It’s no surprise that the more she becomes ensnared in the family’s twisted games, the more blurred the line between innocence and profanity. Yet, despite her vulnerability, Nadine does not feel like a doormat character. She is steadfastly loyal and undeniably courageous for seeking out her missing sister in the first place, and even more so for continuing to do so even when the danger becomes apparent. I loved her sharp wit and angst. The way she feels the need to minimize her needs to make herself palatable and unobtrusive is something I think a lot of people, especially women, will relate to.
Argentum’s droll, absurd, and hostile atmosphere reminded me of Twin Peaks. I loved how, even though much action took place on the Cullraven estate, Argentum and its residents did not feel like an afterthought, but almost like another character. Argentum’s history is eternally entwined with the Cullraven legacy; when the patriarch falls, the town’s atmosphere feels almost as if a curse has been lifted.
As a whole, everything about this novel worked for me—the story, the ambience, the execution. It was an absolute thrill to read.
---
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Seeing all of the beautiful reviews of this novel, I didn't (and still don't) think I would ever be able to write one to my satisfaction. But feeling that way from the get-go was kind of freeing—since I never planned to write a review, I was able to just read the book and enjoy it without worrying about what I was going to say. I loved having my experience with Raise the Blood “all to myself,” and I definitely want to do that more often.
But now that some time has passed, I find that maybe I do have some things I want to say.
REVIEW
Raise the Blood is a grotesque and gorgeous modern Gothic.
Firmly grounded in the 21st century, Raise the Blood nevertheless maintains all the essentials of classic Gothic horror. I loved seeing the distinct 2010s moodiness of a heroine wearing Paramore apparel mingled with cryptic messages, dark, brooding heroes, and sinister family secrets.
Cal is the perfect romantic villain—sensuous and scary. He screams 🚩🚩🚩 “dangerous”, yet he’s an intoxicating threat. The reader craves Nadine’s ruin as the moth helplessly drawn to his flame.
Nadine’s chasteness is such a stark contrast to the Cullraven debauchery. It’s no surprise that the more she becomes ensnared in the family’s twisted games, the more blurred the line between innocence and profanity. Yet, despite her vulnerability, Nadine does not feel like a doormat character. She is steadfastly loyal and undeniably courageous for seeking out her missing sister in the first place, and even more so for continuing to do so even when the danger becomes apparent. I loved her sharp wit and angst. The way she feels the need to minimize her needs to make herself palatable and unobtrusive is something I think a lot of people, especially women, will relate to.
Argentum’s droll, absurd, and hostile atmosphere reminded me of Twin Peaks. I loved how, even though much action took place on the Cullraven estate, Argentum and its residents did not feel like an afterthought, but almost like another character. Argentum’s history is eternally entwined with the Cullraven legacy; when the patriarch falls, the town’s atmosphere feels almost as if a curse has been lifted.
As a whole, everything about this novel worked for me—the story, the ambience, the execution. It was an absolute thrill to read.
---
Add me on Instagram | StoryGraph | Fable | Threads
July 25, 2023
5⭐
It's been a long time since I read a book that I enjoyed so much that I forced myself to take breaks to savor the pleasure.
Whether it's the creepy small town or the gloomy, oppressive atmosphere of the house, the gothic atmosphere is so well conveyed that I felt like I could see the images/scenes materialize in front of me.
Also, there's nothing I love more than a villain/morally gray hero who knows how to be both charming and completely disturbing at the same time.
For the safety gang :
It's been a long time since I read a book that I enjoyed so much that I forced myself to take breaks to savor the pleasure.
Whether it's the creepy small town or the gloomy, oppressive atmosphere of the house, the gothic atmosphere is so well conveyed that I felt like I could see the images/scenes materialize in front of me.
Also, there's nothing I love more than a villain/morally gray hero who knows how to be both charming and completely disturbing at the same time.
For the safety gang :
September 25, 2023
The intimacy in this book IS SO FUCKING WELL DONE.
I think this has to be the most *sensual* book Nenia has done, for way those stolen glances were written alone.
This book cured my 4 month reading slump.
I think this has to be the most *sensual* book Nenia has done, for way those stolen glances were written alone.
This book cured my 4 month reading slump.
April 12, 2024
5 Sparrow Stars ✨
I won't spoil the book for anyone, but highly recommend it!
This was the perfect Gothic Romance read.
✔️Creepy Family
✔️Spine-chilling Estate
✔️Slow-burn
✔️Evil Ancestor Legacies
✔️Murder/Suspense
✔️A Whole lot of Innuenndos 🦌 🐦
✔️Gained Family
✔️HEA or HFN (Depends on your pov) 😈
This book kept me on my toes. It's the type of reading where you just want to neglect your daily life just so you can know what 😦 happens next.
The FMC, Nadine was very relatable, at least for me she was. Do I have anxiety and panic attacks ✔️ Do my thoughts constantly go running ✔️ Do I overthink everything ✔️
The MMC, Cal, I mean 😏 what can I say, I like my male characters to be mysterious, protective, villainous, and seductive… and I could just go on, but I'll stop. 🖤
I even loved Cal’s older sister, Odessa. Her whole personality was just amusing throughout the story.
I won't spoil the book for anyone, but highly recommend it!
This was the perfect Gothic Romance read.
✔️Creepy Family
✔️Spine-chilling Estate
✔️Slow-burn
✔️Evil Ancestor Legacies
✔️Murder/Suspense
✔️A Whole lot of Innuenndos 🦌 🐦
✔️Gained Family
✔️HEA or HFN (Depends on your pov) 😈
This book kept me on my toes. It's the type of reading where you just want to neglect your daily life just so you can know what 😦 happens next.
The FMC, Nadine was very relatable, at least for me she was. Do I have anxiety and panic attacks ✔️ Do my thoughts constantly go running ✔️ Do I overthink everything ✔️
The MMC, Cal, I mean 😏 what can I say, I like my male characters to be mysterious, protective, villainous, and seductive… and I could just go on, but I'll stop. 🖤
I even loved Cal’s older sister, Odessa. Her whole personality was just amusing throughout the story.
January 15, 2024
My song for Raise the Blood (updated): You Broke My Heart Again by Teqkoi, Aiko
“Because, in spite of his careless words, he had touched upon her greatest fear: that to open up to anyone meant pain and betrayal. That wanting to be held was constantly matched by the fear of being shoved away.”
This review contains out-of-context quotes that could be considered as spoilers
Before I can even talk about the story itself, I have to touch upon the writing. I’ve been looking for something like this for a while, for someone to wield words in such a way. For writing that tingles and stimulates that part of me that demands aesthetic and beauty, virtuous artfulness. I have highlighted more phrases and words just out of reverence for the writing than ever before. For that alone the book deserves five stars.
“If a spider’s embrace were half so intoxicating, it was no small wonder why so many flies perished.”
Now, good writing is only half the price but thankfully, the story did not disappoint either.
It sucked me in in the most deceptive and alluring way.
“I used to think I was afraid of being lost, but then I realized I was afraid of who might find me.”
I was fooled into thinking this book deserved less than a full rating just because of how it made me feel: The angst and tension, some of them hitting too close to home, made me feel queasy in the best way. And only after finishing the book and coming up for air did I realize that this is what makes a perfect book for me.
“All she wanted, right now, was for someone to take care of her and just let her be small.”
Nadine, despite being so different from me on first sight, is such a relatable protagonist. Even when she chose different than I would have, it made perfect sense to me because she was multidimensional enough. I could identify with who Nadine was - and became - to a point where it frightened me. And Cal?
“I’d rather be in your nightmares than not have you dream of me at all, Nadine.”
Nenia called him her poor fucked up raven and while that sums him up perfectly, he is far more than that. Cal is the beautifully written dark brooding male character without ever being too smooth. I learned to hate him almost as much as I came to love him and his perfection lies in the fact that he is anything but. And while I could say so much more about his messy, beautiful soul, I'll keep it at that: He has the heart of a dreamer - although the reality of that is not always as pretty as it sounds.
“Are you going to hurt me?” “No more than I already have.”
And just like Nadine I ended up lunging for the scraps – called out on my insecurities and not minding it one bit the moment Cal awarded Nadine (and me) with that next hit.
“Love is cruel, Nadine,” he said, in that soft vicious voice. “Possessive. Unforgiving. If you open your heart to it, you’ll get it ripped out.”
When I started the book on a whim after seeing Nenia talk about it on Threads, so many people told me I was in for a gem of a book. They were right. Raise the Blood, for me, was one of these books that altered my brain, my perception of life for the time between reads and, like a beautiful shadow, it will linger long after finishing. It did not feel good, not most of the time, and I loved it all the more for that.
“I know it hurts now–our kind of love always does.”
“Because, in spite of his careless words, he had touched upon her greatest fear: that to open up to anyone meant pain and betrayal. That wanting to be held was constantly matched by the fear of being shoved away.”
This review contains out-of-context quotes that could be considered as spoilers
Before I can even talk about the story itself, I have to touch upon the writing. I’ve been looking for something like this for a while, for someone to wield words in such a way. For writing that tingles and stimulates that part of me that demands aesthetic and beauty, virtuous artfulness. I have highlighted more phrases and words just out of reverence for the writing than ever before. For that alone the book deserves five stars.
“If a spider’s embrace were half so intoxicating, it was no small wonder why so many flies perished.”
Now, good writing is only half the price but thankfully, the story did not disappoint either.
It sucked me in in the most deceptive and alluring way.
“I used to think I was afraid of being lost, but then I realized I was afraid of who might find me.”
I was fooled into thinking this book deserved less than a full rating just because of how it made me feel: The angst and tension, some of them hitting too close to home, made me feel queasy in the best way. And only after finishing the book and coming up for air did I realize that this is what makes a perfect book for me.
“All she wanted, right now, was for someone to take care of her and just let her be small.”
Nadine, despite being so different from me on first sight, is such a relatable protagonist. Even when she chose different than I would have, it made perfect sense to me because she was multidimensional enough. I could identify with who Nadine was - and became - to a point where it frightened me. And Cal?
“I’d rather be in your nightmares than not have you dream of me at all, Nadine.”
Nenia called him her poor fucked up raven and while that sums him up perfectly, he is far more than that. Cal is the beautifully written dark brooding male character without ever being too smooth. I learned to hate him almost as much as I came to love him and his perfection lies in the fact that he is anything but. And while I could say so much more about his messy, beautiful soul, I'll keep it at that: He has the heart of a dreamer - although the reality of that is not always as pretty as it sounds.
“Are you going to hurt me?” “No more than I already have.”
And just like Nadine I ended up lunging for the scraps – called out on my insecurities and not minding it one bit the moment Cal awarded Nadine (and me) with that next hit.
“Love is cruel, Nadine,” he said, in that soft vicious voice. “Possessive. Unforgiving. If you open your heart to it, you’ll get it ripped out.”
When I started the book on a whim after seeing Nenia talk about it on Threads, so many people told me I was in for a gem of a book. They were right. Raise the Blood, for me, was one of these books that altered my brain, my perception of life for the time between reads and, like a beautiful shadow, it will linger long after finishing. It did not feel good, not most of the time, and I loved it all the more for that.
“I know it hurts now–our kind of love always does.”
September 24, 2023
Holy shit, this book was SO good!!! The first half was 3.5 stars for me, but the second half was so masterful, the book was so well-written, and this is a book I know will stick with me for a while, so I had to give 5 stars.
The first half was a little frustrating because Nadine was making almost zero progress in discovering what happened to her sister. Something sinister happened to her, and she left clues for Nadine to find.
Cal was so hot (even that name is!), and I was so engrossed in the storyline I didn't realize there had been no (vaginal) sex scene until page 276.
This a book I can see myself rereading in the future! Please, if you like dark, gothic romance, read this book!! I was the first person to buy the book on Amazon after it had been a Kindle Vella, but it took me some time to get to it. I only wish I had read it sooner.
The first half was a little frustrating because Nadine was making almost zero progress in discovering what happened to her sister. Something sinister happened to her, and she left clues for Nadine to find.
Cal was so hot (even that name is!), and I was so engrossed in the storyline I didn't realize there had been no (vaginal) sex scene until page 276.
This a book I can see myself rereading in the future! Please, if you like dark, gothic romance, read this book!! I was the first person to buy the book on Amazon after it had been a Kindle Vella, but it took me some time to get to it. I only wish I had read it sooner.
June 9, 2024
I feel so guilty for thinking of this as a romance of any kind, but there's no denying that as horrifying and terrifying as this story turned out to be, a love story was building there the entire time.
Nadine was a naive fool and I guess I was supposed to care that she was only 21 with limited life experiences, but she tried to make herself appear mature and so I made the effort to give her the benefit of the doubt. I get loving your sister. I get worrying when there is cause for worry. But when ALL OF THE CLUES HINT TO DANGER , maybe do the smart thing. If everyone seems to be against you, if there are people out to get you, maybe get yourself gone. Get some outside help. Figure something else out. You know, take rational, intelligent steps.
Then again, if Nadine was as reasonable as I wanted her to be, this story wouldn't have worked as well as it did. Her naivete worked in this book's favor. If she was a bit more clever, she would have picked up on the innuendos far too soon and it was fun to see her floundering around, turned about, and completely discombobulated like a newborn deer.
I was very entertained. I know I shouldn't have laughed as much as I did, but Nadine made keeping a straight face impossible.
Then there's Cal, who I couldn't get a real handle on and honestly... I still don't get this man and the story is over. He was friend and foe. He was savior and tormentor. And he was the only person who seemed to want Nadine to live, even if we didn't know his reasons.
In the end, I was thankful that there weren't any loose ends and I got the answers I needed. The truth of this story is rough, but it was well worth the read.
Nadine was a naive fool and I guess I was supposed to care that she was only 21 with limited life experiences, but she tried to make herself appear mature and so I made the effort to give her the benefit of the doubt. I get loving your sister. I get worrying when there is cause for worry. But when ALL OF THE CLUES HINT TO DANGER , maybe do the smart thing. If everyone seems to be against you, if there are people out to get you, maybe get yourself gone. Get some outside help. Figure something else out. You know, take rational, intelligent steps.
"I don't—are you saying you're dangerous?"
"Yes"
Yes. It seemed to echo in the otherwise silent car. "To me?"
"Especially to you, little sparrow."
Then again, if Nadine was as reasonable as I wanted her to be, this story wouldn't have worked as well as it did. Her naivete worked in this book's favor. If she was a bit more clever, she would have picked up on the innuendos far too soon and it was fun to see her floundering around, turned about, and completely discombobulated like a newborn deer.
I was very entertained. I know I shouldn't have laughed as much as I did, but Nadine made keeping a straight face impossible.
Then there's Cal, who I couldn't get a real handle on and honestly... I still don't get this man and the story is over. He was friend and foe. He was savior and tormentor. And he was the only person who seemed to want Nadine to live, even if we didn't know his reasons.
In the end, I was thankful that there weren't any loose ends and I got the answers I needed. The truth of this story is rough, but it was well worth the read.
December 5, 2023
This one was a rare find that I thank this reddit post for!
Before you read I would check full content/trigger warnings for this one just in case. From what I would say, warnings include dub-con, death, grief.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
Shy Nadine Harnois, always in the shadow of her older, “prettier” sister, Noelle, finds herself caught in a dark mystery trying to track down her sister who has vanished only a few months after her marriage into the elusive Cullraven family. A family with a dark legacy and haunting reputation within the small town of Argentum, the people of which equally as a suspicious.
Nadine immediately catches the attention of Caledon (Cal), the youngest son of the family, and her brother-in-law’s younger brother.
Cal, is a bad-boy lawyer, who leaves a trail ofbroken scarred hearts behind. He is intense, charming, sexy and had a dangerous allure to him that made you want to run away from him (but also hope he’s chasing you 😈)
The romance between Nadine and Cal was so heated and sensual. Like even when they were just talking, or just looking at each other, I caught myself giggling and kicking my feet 🤭😆
The writing was absolutely gorgeous, and I constantly found myself re-reading passages to further immerse myself in the story!
The plot itself was so suspenseful and I could feel I was falling into the dark rabbit hole of terrifying and sick twists. I really thought I knew where the story was going, but I didn’t.
I also just love a rich family in a small town with a twisted legacy and hidden secrets!! If you’ve watched the movie ‘the invitation’ and loved it, I would definitely check this book out!
My only issue was that the climax and ending felt a bit rushed in my opinion. But this did not take away too much from the experience. I am definitely going to re-read this again!
Nenia Campbell is a new to me author that I will definitely consider reading from again!
This book is on KU! (I wish it had a nicer cover and a paperback version, would love to have this on my dark gothic romance shelf 🥲)
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
⭐ 4.5
🌶️ 3/5 (open-door, dub-con, daddy-kink)
tropes:
🖤 gothic dark contemporary
🖤 hate-to-love
🖤 rich hero & toxic family dynamics
🖤 virgin shy fmc & reformed bad boy manwhore
🖤 possessive mmc
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 mystery
🖤 small town
🖤 slow-burn
🖤 food allergy/intolerance rep
🤎 pov: third-person
🤎 ow/om drama: not significant (to make the other jealous)
🤎 no cheating between main characters
🤎 third act breakup: no 🙌
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
Before you read I would check full content/trigger warnings for this one just in case. From what I would say, warnings include dub-con, death, grief.
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
Shy Nadine Harnois, always in the shadow of her older, “prettier” sister, Noelle, finds herself caught in a dark mystery trying to track down her sister who has vanished only a few months after her marriage into the elusive Cullraven family. A family with a dark legacy and haunting reputation within the small town of Argentum, the people of which equally as a suspicious.
Nadine immediately catches the attention of Caledon (Cal), the youngest son of the family, and her brother-in-law’s younger brother.
Cal, is a bad-boy lawyer, who leaves a trail of
The romance between Nadine and Cal was so heated and sensual. Like even when they were just talking, or just looking at each other, I caught myself giggling and kicking my feet 🤭😆
The writing was absolutely gorgeous, and I constantly found myself re-reading passages to further immerse myself in the story!
The plot itself was so suspenseful and I could feel I was falling into the dark rabbit hole of terrifying and sick twists. I really thought I knew where the story was going, but I didn’t.
I also just love a rich family in a small town with a twisted legacy and hidden secrets!! If you’ve watched the movie ‘the invitation’ and loved it, I would definitely check this book out!
My only issue was that the climax and ending felt a bit rushed in my opinion. But this did not take away too much from the experience. I am definitely going to re-read this again!
Nenia Campbell is a new to me author that I will definitely consider reading from again!
This book is on KU! (I wish it had a nicer cover and a paperback version, would love to have this on my dark gothic romance shelf 🥲)
───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────
⭐ 4.5
🌶️ 3/5 (open-door, dub-con, daddy-kink)
tropes:
🖤 gothic dark contemporary
🖤 hate-to-love
🖤 rich hero & toxic family dynamics
🖤 virgin shy fmc & reformed bad boy manwhore
🖤 possessive mmc
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 mystery
🖤 small town
🖤 slow-burn
🖤 food allergy/intolerance rep
🤎 pov: third-person
🤎 ow/om drama: not significant (to make the other jealous)
🤎 no cheating between main characters
🤎 third act breakup: no 🙌
━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━
November 15, 2023
fmc had rocks for brains
March 25, 2025
Finally… yes.
Unbelievably beautiful. My favorite storyteller by a landslide. Reading this book was an experience I won’t forget. It’s refreshing to be led through an experience by someone with talent. I was so immersed in the story I have no idea where my days went and I’ve never tried to eat up a story so fast while forcing myself to pace it out to make it last. Anything by Nenia Campbell is going in my TBR pile.
Unbelievably beautiful. My favorite storyteller by a landslide. Reading this book was an experience I won’t forget. It’s refreshing to be led through an experience by someone with talent. I was so immersed in the story I have no idea where my days went and I’ve never tried to eat up a story so fast while forcing myself to pace it out to make it last. Anything by Nenia Campbell is going in my TBR pile.
January 7, 2024
3,5 stars (I curse you goodreads, when will you free us from the tyranny of your grading system)
OKAYYYYYYYYYY NENIA I SEE YOU.
This was my first book by this author and I'm SO excited to check out more she's written, there were some goddamn gorgeous paragraphs in this book wow.
I FUCKING ADORED CAL. He was so fun and twisted and secretly such a big softy gahhh. I'm just going to let these quotes speak for themself:
"Do you like me on my knees?" "Cal." "I think about it sometimes," he confessed darkly. "Getting on my knees for you. I like to imagine the look on your face."
"You want to run, Nadine? Run to me."
"Would you begrudge a pretty girl for her devotion?" Cal said. "Or me, for having it?"
The banter between Cal and Nadine was so CHARGED and HOT. I loved it.
I adored the dark, creepy atmosphere and I feel like the plot has sooo much potential. The story is there and I loveee the idea behind this but I just didn't completely love the execution. I feel like there's some missed potential in the way the story is paced and wrapped up. The ending wasn't nearly as satisfying as it could have been.
Also Nadine. Where Cal shone blindingly bright Nadine dissolved like a tea towel. I didn't like how little backbone she had. She didn't stand up for herself at allllll and just let herself get pushed, pulled and goaded in all directions. I understand that the naive shivering anxious persona was just her personality but it made my blood boil at times. It would've been really satisfying if she'd have reached a breaking point somewhere in the book and just let out the rage and sadness. To me it also didn't add up with her monologue on "worrying, caring and loving for the few loved ones she had left." SHE SHOULD'VE BEEN ALLOWED TO TOUGHEN UP AND GET HER REVENGE.
Also I just didn't like that she was mostly in her room? I would've loved more confronting scenes with Nathaniel and Ben at the dinner table (preferably with Nadine unable to shut. her. mouth and calling them all out.) (I JUST KNOW ODESSA WOULD'VE LOVED TO SEE IT TOO, SHE'D HAVE BEEN LIKE 'GODDAMNIT SIS WHERE HAVE YOU BEEEEEEN??? PLS IT'S BEEN SO BORING AROUND HERE, LET'S FUCK THESE ASSHOLES UP AND SHOW EM FEMALE RAGE') (In all seriousness Odessa is such an interesting character. It would've made so much sense for her and Nadine to side together against the frankly misogynistic rules. BADASS WOMEN UNITED. I'd have loved to see it.)
THERE WAS A PLAYLIST THOUGH. Playlists to me are like what maps are to some. THEY'RE MY WEAKNESS. MY CATNIP. MY ADDICTION. And this one was so good. I'm talking Hozier, Lord Huron, Agnes Obel??????
Need. I. Say. More.
Aaaaanyway. To wrap this up: I loved the idea behind this and the writing was gorgeous and I love Cal sm omg and I can't wait to read more of this author but there were a couple of things that I wish were different.
kay that's it
OKAYYYYYYYYYY NENIA I SEE YOU.
This was my first book by this author and I'm SO excited to check out more she's written, there were some goddamn gorgeous paragraphs in this book wow.
I FUCKING ADORED CAL. He was so fun and twisted and secretly such a big softy gahhh. I'm just going to let these quotes speak for themself:
"Do you like me on my knees?" "Cal." "I think about it sometimes," he confessed darkly. "Getting on my knees for you. I like to imagine the look on your face."
"You want to run, Nadine? Run to me."
"Would you begrudge a pretty girl for her devotion?" Cal said. "Or me, for having it?"
The banter between Cal and Nadine was so CHARGED and HOT. I loved it.
I adored the dark, creepy atmosphere and I feel like the plot has sooo much potential. The story is there and I loveee the idea behind this but I just didn't completely love the execution. I feel like there's some missed potential in the way the story is paced and wrapped up. The ending wasn't nearly as satisfying as it could have been.
Also Nadine. Where Cal shone blindingly bright Nadine dissolved like a tea towel. I didn't like how little backbone she had. She didn't stand up for herself at allllll and just let herself get pushed, pulled and goaded in all directions. I understand that the naive shivering anxious persona was just her personality but it made my blood boil at times. It would've been really satisfying if she'd have reached a breaking point somewhere in the book and just let out the rage and sadness. To me it also didn't add up with her monologue on "worrying, caring and loving for the few loved ones she had left." SHE SHOULD'VE BEEN ALLOWED TO TOUGHEN UP AND GET HER REVENGE.
Also I just didn't like that she was mostly in her room? I would've loved more confronting scenes with Nathaniel and Ben at the dinner table (preferably with Nadine unable to shut. her. mouth and calling them all out.) (I JUST KNOW ODESSA WOULD'VE LOVED TO SEE IT TOO, SHE'D HAVE BEEN LIKE 'GODDAMNIT SIS WHERE HAVE YOU BEEEEEEN??? PLS IT'S BEEN SO BORING AROUND HERE, LET'S FUCK THESE ASSHOLES UP AND SHOW EM FEMALE RAGE') (In all seriousness Odessa is such an interesting character. It would've made so much sense for her and Nadine to side together against the frankly misogynistic rules. BADASS WOMEN UNITED. I'd have loved to see it.)
THERE WAS A PLAYLIST THOUGH. Playlists to me are like what maps are to some. THEY'RE MY WEAKNESS. MY CATNIP. MY ADDICTION. And this one was so good. I'm talking Hozier, Lord Huron, Agnes Obel??????
Need. I. Say. More.
Aaaaanyway. To wrap this up: I loved the idea behind this and the writing was gorgeous and I love Cal sm omg and I can't wait to read more of this author but there were a couple of things that I wish were different.
kay that's it
December 16, 2025
“I’d rather be in your nightmares than not have you dream of me at all, Nadine.”
OHMYGOD. I can't remember the last time I was so impressed with a new-to-me author! After a year of many lacklustre reads, Raise the Blood swooped in and delivered exactly what I needed. It's sharp as a knife and completely unapologetic with a chilling atmosphere, incredible characters and an unhinged plot that gripped me and did not let go.
Nenia Campbell just made my list of author backlists I need to deep dive. Her writing is phenomenal and she clearly knows what she is doing: this is gothic romance perfection.
What to expect:
- creepy, culty family
- folk horror
- gothic mystery
- naïve (but brave) FMC
- villainous MMC
- slow burn
- primal and daddy kink
- anxiety and allergy rep
I absolutely love Nadine! Her character fits into the classic gothic romance formula perfectly, but with an added depth that makes her relatable and so very human. She struggles with anxiety and is quite naïve at times, but she's also incredibly logical, loyal and brave. Her purity provides such a contrast to the depraved and twisted nature of the Cullraven family, and her reluctant, undeniable attraction to Cal despite her fear makes this romance so incredibly delicious.
“Are you going to hurt me?”
“No more than I already have.”
Caledon Cullraven... I love a villainous MMC that is equal parts sexy and scary. This man's imposing presence and depraved pursuit of Nadine had me hot and bothered but also spiralling into madness trying to discern his agenda. He is a villain obsessed. The romance is a slower burn but perfectly paced for the story and I ate up every moment.
“Does it scare you, Nadine? How badly you want it? Having control taken from you again and again, while someone tells you to do things you can pretend you don’t want to do?”
Please check content warnings if needed as there are many potential triggers, including non-con between love interests.
I loved the way this book made me feel: on edge, uneasy and so desperate for more. This was truly my favourite kind of fxcked up. I'll be chasing this high for quite some time. If you have recs like this... please send them my way! At the very least, it looks like there is a companion novel on the horizon... I'm going to need that ASAP.
August 24, 2025
“𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴.”
A morally deranged, mindfuck filled with unhinged, psychotic characters as our young FMC tries her best to unravel the mystery of her sister’s disappearance.
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭.”
Reading this book was like watching a horror movie… you want to scream at the main character to run, don’t go into the dark mines, don’t follow that man; knowing full well she will but you still can’t look away.
I’m a sucker for that specific shade of gothic horror: a woman enters a Victorian mansion, home to the rich (and often pretentious), and has a whirlwind “romance”… only to learn the dark secrets his family hides. Think along the lines of Crimson Peak, Ready or Not, and The Invitation. Where it’s 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 a romance but really he’s utterly deranged and in reality you’d be running for your life. (PLEASE run Nadine 😭)
“𝘐’𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘕𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦.”
🐦⬛Victorian Mansion
🐦⬛Unhinged Characters
🐦⬛Psychotic Rich Family
🐦⬛*Fun* Family Traditions
🐦⬛ Gothic Mystery
As always, check your content warnings. This book has a lot and your mental health is important. My insta DMs are always open if you have questions about any of the potential content🖤
A morally deranged, mindfuck filled with unhinged, psychotic characters as our young FMC tries her best to unravel the mystery of her sister’s disappearance.
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭.”
Reading this book was like watching a horror movie… you want to scream at the main character to run, don’t go into the dark mines, don’t follow that man; knowing full well she will but you still can’t look away.
I’m a sucker for that specific shade of gothic horror: a woman enters a Victorian mansion, home to the rich (and often pretentious), and has a whirlwind “romance”… only to learn the dark secrets his family hides. Think along the lines of Crimson Peak, Ready or Not, and The Invitation. Where it’s 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 a romance but really he’s utterly deranged and in reality you’d be running for your life. (PLEASE run Nadine 😭)
“𝘐’𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘕𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘦.”
🐦⬛Victorian Mansion
🐦⬛Unhinged Characters
🐦⬛Psychotic Rich Family
🐦⬛*Fun* Family Traditions
🐦⬛ Gothic Mystery
As always, check your content warnings. This book has a lot and your mental health is important. My insta DMs are always open if you have questions about any of the potential content🖤
July 20, 2023
This was fantastic. I’m so impressed with how effectively it communicated that brooding, chilling tension of the dark history in the house, the madness of the family dynamics, the danger and yet allure of the MMC. I really enjoyed Nadine and love that we got some of Cal’s POV. The gothic vibes in this were on point and were exactly what i needed right now.
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the Daddy kink. I cant say I’ve ever understood the appeal of that but it’s easy enough to read through and didnt effect my enjoyment of the story at all.
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the Daddy kink. I cant say I’ve ever understood the appeal of that but it’s easy enough to read through and didnt effect my enjoyment of the story at all.
June 22, 2023
I have been waiting way too long for this to be released. It came out at exactly the right moment for me and was 1000% what I needed.
My mum passed away not quite two weeks ago. This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. How does this in any way tie in to this book review? Well.
I spent a lot of time with mum before she passed. And I remember very well telling her how excited I was to read this book. She didn’t read the same stuff I do, but she understood me. And it meant a lot.
Anyway.
This book was amazing (of course). Anyone who follows my reviews knows I adore Nenia Campbell and her books are basically my crack. This was no exception, Nenia just really gets dark romance in a way that I haven’t found many other authors do. The hero’s aren’t really hero’s at all, they’re sick maniacs who happen to be charming as hell and super hot and that happens to be exactly what I want to read.
The atmosphere of this book was fantastic, gothic and creepy as hell and I adored it.
The heroine was weak and simpering, but I felt that she was supposed to be. She found her backbone on occasion and she was a compelling narrator regardless. I did find myself liking her and rooting for her despite her weak personality.
My favourite book of all time is Nenia’s Horrorscape series. This is now a very close second.
Also Nenia- if at any point you feel like giving out ARCs or want a BETA (despite me never having done anything of the sort but I feel like I’d be hella good at it) please hit me up 😊
My mum passed away not quite two weeks ago. This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. How does this in any way tie in to this book review? Well.
I spent a lot of time with mum before she passed. And I remember very well telling her how excited I was to read this book. She didn’t read the same stuff I do, but she understood me. And it meant a lot.
Anyway.
This book was amazing (of course). Anyone who follows my reviews knows I adore Nenia Campbell and her books are basically my crack. This was no exception, Nenia just really gets dark romance in a way that I haven’t found many other authors do. The hero’s aren’t really hero’s at all, they’re sick maniacs who happen to be charming as hell and super hot and that happens to be exactly what I want to read.
The atmosphere of this book was fantastic, gothic and creepy as hell and I adored it.
The heroine was weak and simpering, but I felt that she was supposed to be. She found her backbone on occasion and she was a compelling narrator regardless. I did find myself liking her and rooting for her despite her weak personality.
My favourite book of all time is Nenia’s Horrorscape series. This is now a very close second.
Also Nenia- if at any point you feel like giving out ARCs or want a BETA (despite me never having done anything of the sort but I feel like I’d be hella good at it) please hit me up 😊
February 19, 2025
This was a really good surprise. I think I liked it more than Quid pro quo.
September 10, 2025
The bare bones of the premise were interesting, yet a LOT about the plot and characters' behavior left to be desired🤦♀️😐
The small town setting dripped in Victorian era gloom made for an immaculate setting. The weird and creepy rich family, living in a mansion. Dark family lore. Questionable traditions and ritual. The beginning was incredible!🔥
Unfortunately, the story lost its impact because it was bogged down in excessive, overdescriptive writing of things that didn't matter, rather than focusing on important plot points and logical human behavior. I could not for the life of me get on board with this heroine. Her every action was stupid, impulsive, stupid, shortsighted, stupid, illogical...Did I mention she was stupid? 🤡 There was no urgency in her quest to find her missing/possibly dead sister; she lacked ANY strategy, survival skills, and constantly did stupid things. It's a miracle she stayed alive in the end 💀
The author wrote tension very well, but it was based on the heroine's fear and not her chemistry with the hero. The wasn't any, to be honest. Her nipples pebbled at the most random times. Add to that fact that the "Call me Daddy" atrocity came out of NOWHERE🤯 you get the gist of their "chemistry".
What saved this book a little was the fact Cal did what he did in the end. 💀💀 That gave me some satisfaction for Noelle👉👈
The small town setting dripped in Victorian era gloom made for an immaculate setting. The weird and creepy rich family, living in a mansion. Dark family lore. Questionable traditions and ritual. The beginning was incredible!🔥
Unfortunately, the story lost its impact because it was bogged down in excessive, overdescriptive writing of things that didn't matter, rather than focusing on important plot points and logical human behavior. I could not for the life of me get on board with this heroine. Her every action was stupid, impulsive, stupid, shortsighted, stupid, illogical...Did I mention she was stupid? 🤡 There was no urgency in her quest to find her missing/possibly dead sister; she lacked ANY strategy, survival skills, and constantly did stupid things. It's a miracle she stayed alive in the end 💀
The author wrote tension very well, but it was based on the heroine's fear and not her chemistry with the hero. The wasn't any, to be honest. Her nipples pebbled at the most random times. Add to that fact that the "Call me Daddy" atrocity came out of NOWHERE🤯 you get the gist of their "chemistry".
What saved this book a little was the fact Cal did what he did in the end. 💀💀 That gave me some satisfaction for Noelle👉👈
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dnf
December 3, 2023DNF at 22%
Not feeling it. I'm in such a fickle mood!
Not feeling it. I'm in such a fickle mood!
July 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ It was good until he asked to be called daddy.
December 15, 2023
5/5 (it was perfect, but what else did I expect?)
I haven't been that scared since "Little Deaths" - at some point I was so worried about Nadine that I actually took a peek at the last page, and I try not to do this these days. Damn.
I also couldn't stop reading - I had a different book I was supposed to read on time, but I wasn't able to stay away from this story for too long.
I have been also having all the feelings because of this book, and even some (good) major "Dark Dance" flashbacks - the gothic vibes, suffocating atmosphere and the usual question: "what's with all that blood and biting? are they vampires, or aren't they????".
By the end of just the prologue, I'd already accused the Cullravens of everything from cannibalism to cullenism (aka being the local paranormal family).
Cal, oh Cal. He was such a sweet boy. Perfectly scary too, but also *happy noises* swoon worthy. He had so many great lines. Again, I have trouble comparing Nenia's main characters across the books. They are all so well-written and lovable, they end up living in my heart rent free. I am a terrible landlord 😭
You can't help but root for Nadine, even when she does something as naive as going with the evidence to the local corrupt sheriff... (whyyy, Nadine, whyyyy??)
I know I am going to enjoy this book even many rereads later.
(And the last thing - as usual, I can't help but imagine the Fearscape cross-over scenarios. Can you imagine Odessa bringing one of remaining-single Mecozzis home??? Because I did. Plus the usual Gavin-kills-the-antagonists-so-the-main-couple-can-chill AU.)
I haven't been that scared since "Little Deaths" - at some point I was so worried about Nadine that I actually took a peek at the last page, and I try not to do this these days. Damn.
I also couldn't stop reading - I had a different book I was supposed to read on time, but I wasn't able to stay away from this story for too long.
I have been also having all the feelings because of this book, and even some (good) major "Dark Dance" flashbacks - the gothic vibes, suffocating atmosphere and the usual question: "what's with all that blood and biting? are they vampires, or aren't they????".
By the end of just the prologue, I'd already accused the Cullravens of everything from cannibalism to cullenism (aka being the local paranormal family).
Cal, oh Cal. He was such a sweet boy. Perfectly scary too, but also *happy noises* swoon worthy. He had so many great lines. Again, I have trouble comparing Nenia's main characters across the books. They are all so well-written and lovable, they end up living in my heart rent free. I am a terrible landlord 😭
You can't help but root for Nadine, even when she does something as naive as going with the evidence to the local corrupt sheriff... (whyyy, Nadine, whyyyy??)
I know I am going to enjoy this book even many rereads later.
(And the last thing - as usual, I can't help but imagine the Fearscape cross-over scenarios. Can you imagine Odessa bringing one of remaining-single Mecozzis home??? Because I did. Plus the usual Gavin-kills-the-antagonists-so-the-main-couple-can-chill AU.)
February 22, 2025
This was an unexpected gem! Perfect gothic vibes combine flawlessly with mystery and dark romance with the kind of anti-hero that keeps you guessing. This was dark and messed up in the best way possible and still delivered on a satisfying HEA. Definitely my favorite from this author!
June 25, 2023
BOOK. OF. THE. YEAR.
There was absolute no point at which I knew where this story was going. I was pulled along every moment in a breathless, excited, and terrified eagerness that didn't abate until the absolute very end. The gothic, dark vibes were immaculate, dripping with atmosphere from each page. This book rocked my world in the best way and left me hungering for more.
10000000000/10 recommend
There was absolute no point at which I knew where this story was going. I was pulled along every moment in a breathless, excited, and terrified eagerness that didn't abate until the absolute very end. The gothic, dark vibes were immaculate, dripping with atmosphere from each page. This book rocked my world in the best way and left me hungering for more.
10000000000/10 recommend
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