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Peculiar Tastes #4
The Vixen's Deceit
Void is more than just a haunted house. It’s a psychological nightmare designed to find your breaking point.
And this year, the experience will be extra special and horrifying. For its tenth anniversary, the elaborate production has taken over a castle high on the cliffs of Scotland, which has a bloody, tragic past.
Haunted, some say. Cursed, others whisper.
Reviewing Void wasn’t supposed to be Tyler’s assignment. But when he’s the only journalist available at his failing magazine for the important exclusive, he’s thrust into an immersive horror movie experience.
Every scene is more disturbing than the last, and the only thing holding him together is the seductive woman operating the elevator. Her flirtations seem genuine, but as he goes deeper into Void, his grip on reality begins to slip.
Are her feelings for him as manufactured as the monsters he sees? Or is all of it real?
And this year, the experience will be extra special and horrifying. For its tenth anniversary, the elaborate production has taken over a castle high on the cliffs of Scotland, which has a bloody, tragic past.
Haunted, some say. Cursed, others whisper.
Reviewing Void wasn’t supposed to be Tyler’s assignment. But when he’s the only journalist available at his failing magazine for the important exclusive, he’s thrust into an immersive horror movie experience.
Every scene is more disturbing than the last, and the only thing holding him together is the seductive woman operating the elevator. Her flirtations seem genuine, but as he goes deeper into Void, his grip on reality begins to slip.
Are her feelings for him as manufactured as the monsters he sees? Or is all of it real?
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
57 people are currently reading
1869 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Sloane
42 books7,731 followersUSA Today bestselling author Nikki Sloane landed in graphic design after her careers as a waitress, a screenwriter, and a ballroom dance instructor fell through. Now she writes full-time and lives in Kentucky with her husband, two sons, and two super destructive cats.
She is a four-time Romance Writers of America RITA® & Vivian® Finalist, a Passionate Plume & HOLT Medallion winner, a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist, and couldn't be any happier that people enjoy reading her sexy words.
She is a four-time Romance Writers of America RITA® & Vivian® Finalist, a Passionate Plume & HOLT Medallion winner, a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist, and couldn't be any happier that people enjoy reading her sexy words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
September 23, 2022
This wasn’t fantasy, paranormal, or romance. 80% of the book was a guy walking through a haunted house that wasn’t that thrilling or exciting. Then there was a single cringy spice scene that felt very much like an awkward one night stand. Then it ended with a strange half done “paranormal” thing in the last 10% of the book. It just didn’t work. It was also released as part of the peculiar tastes kickstarter (full of wonderful paranormal spicy novellas), but this book doesn’t fit into the collection at all and the other books in this series just makes this one look even worse.
September 1, 2022
I was not expecting a psychological horror story when I went in thinking it was a steamy, spooky romance.
September 3, 2022
I enjoyed the story. The main characters and the scary parts. But it doesn't fit with the rest of the series for me. Where is the shadow market or paranormal? And it makes me a little sad because I joined the kickstarter with a certain vision and expectations that were not filled with this novela. Which is a shame because on it's own it's a pretty good story.
October 12, 2022
This did not fit with the other Peculiar Tastes novellas at all. It’s more of a horror romance, for one. The Shadow Market doesn’t appear in an obvious way, for another.
The bulk of the action is Tyler going through a haunted house, which made the romance feel like more of an afterthought. Plus, that ending was way too abrupt. I guess it’s not a bad option if you want to read about a haunted house but I was befuddled by most of the plot choices once that part of the story was done.
Characters: Tyler is a 5’8 28 year old American magazine writer. Chelsea is a white Void employee and aspiring screenwriter. This is set in Scotland.
Content notes: nonconsensual exhibitionism (secondary character), drug assault, abduction, missing people, murder, decapitation, cadaver, medical exam, injection, fire, haunted house, cockroaches, head injury, story of the castle curse (owner’s wife went missing and their son died), on page sex, alcohol, unknown pill, ableist language
The bulk of the action is Tyler going through a haunted house, which made the romance feel like more of an afterthought. Plus, that ending was way too abrupt. I guess it’s not a bad option if you want to read about a haunted house but I was befuddled by most of the plot choices once that part of the story was done.
Characters: Tyler is a 5’8 28 year old American magazine writer. Chelsea is a white Void employee and aspiring screenwriter. This is set in Scotland.
Content notes: nonconsensual exhibitionism (secondary character), drug assault, abduction, missing people, murder, decapitation, cadaver, medical exam, injection, fire, haunted house, cockroaches, head injury, story of the castle curse (owner’s wife went missing and their son died), on page sex, alcohol, unknown pill, ableist language
September 2, 2022
Tyler is a journalist who's been sent to review one of the Void, an extreme haunted house experience. But when he meets a cast member during the tour, he can't tell if their attraction is feigned or real.
This was a fun read! I am not at all a haunted house person, I'll admit, because I am a wimp. But I enjoyed reading about this one, and how truly inventive it was - not just over-the-top brutal. I liked the way the author played with the theme of perception, the confusion about what was real and what was not. And I really enjoyed the romance between Tyler and Chelsea. Though the story covers just one evening, I could feel the connection between the characters and believed that it would deepen over time.
However, I did wish we got a better idea of how this book fit into the world of the Shadow Market. Though there's definitely a paranormal element in this book, it was not integral to the world-building and the story as it was in the earlier books. I wished it had been taken in this book too.
This was a fun read! I am not at all a haunted house person, I'll admit, because I am a wimp. But I enjoyed reading about this one, and how truly inventive it was - not just over-the-top brutal. I liked the way the author played with the theme of perception, the confusion about what was real and what was not. And I really enjoyed the romance between Tyler and Chelsea. Though the story covers just one evening, I could feel the connection between the characters and believed that it would deepen over time.
However, I did wish we got a better idea of how this book fit into the world of the Shadow Market. Though there's definitely a paranormal element in this book, it was not integral to the world-building and the story as it was in the earlier books. I wished it had been taken in this book too.
October 17, 2022
Everyone hating on this one had me extra excited to read it 😅 and I thought it was great
November 3, 2022
this did not fit the vibe of the series at all
February 22, 2023
Ratings: ★★★
.
This was particularly a spooky, creepy, psychological, smutty romantic novella??
Honestly, I’m conflicted? Because I read this purely for the smut since I’ve seen this being promoted into that smutty monster romance series so I did go for that reason.
But anyway, I was curious with all the haunted topics- things here, a little bit lost along the way as the story goes also not to mention that this is my 1st read of this series.
I’d say the chemistry of the characters is pretty okay, the smut as well. It did entertain me but if you’re looking for a monster romance and a more flawless and engaging writing, this probably wouldn’t be a good choice for you since I noticed some inconsistencies.
Overall, it was okay. It did served it’s purpose to me which is to just entertain my boredom while waiting for my next subject 😆
.
This was particularly a spooky, creepy, psychological, smutty romantic novella??
Honestly, I’m conflicted? Because I read this purely for the smut since I’ve seen this being promoted into that smutty monster romance series so I did go for that reason.
But anyway, I was curious with all the haunted topics- things here, a little bit lost along the way as the story goes also not to mention that this is my 1st read of this series.
I’d say the chemistry of the characters is pretty okay, the smut as well. It did entertain me but if you’re looking for a monster romance and a more flawless and engaging writing, this probably wouldn’t be a good choice for you since I noticed some inconsistencies.
Overall, it was okay. It did served it’s purpose to me which is to just entertain my boredom while waiting for my next subject 😆
October 30, 2022
Review originally posted at https://smexybooks.com/2022/10/angela...
This book is VASTLY different from the first three books in this series. Almost more horror romance than PNR. Imagine being in a super scary, super REALISTIC haunted house and there you are. I would call this a perfect Halloween read.
The MMC, Tyler, is tasked by the magazine he works for to write an article about the haunted house Void. Set in a castle in the Highlands, this year’s event is supposed to be much more frightening. It’s not really Tyler’s thing, but he needs to complete this article to help keep the magazine afloat.
So innocent Tyler gets to the castle, meets the mysterious owner, and agrees to all the rules concerning the program. AND THEN HOLY CRAP….
…I won’t get into Tyler’s adventure through the castle, but damn boy. I would have tapped out immediately.
There is a romance, and you will meet her during the harrowing journey. There is some sexytimes between these two, but this book is definitely tamer than the previous three books in the series.
I missed this Shadow Market in this book, but enjoyed being scared shitless.
CW- Blood, gore, torture, just basically anything that would scare the crap out of you.
This book is VASTLY different from the first three books in this series. Almost more horror romance than PNR. Imagine being in a super scary, super REALISTIC haunted house and there you are. I would call this a perfect Halloween read.
The MMC, Tyler, is tasked by the magazine he works for to write an article about the haunted house Void. Set in a castle in the Highlands, this year’s event is supposed to be much more frightening. It’s not really Tyler’s thing, but he needs to complete this article to help keep the magazine afloat.
So innocent Tyler gets to the castle, meets the mysterious owner, and agrees to all the rules concerning the program. AND THEN HOLY CRAP….
…I won’t get into Tyler’s adventure through the castle, but damn boy. I would have tapped out immediately.
There is a romance, and you will meet her during the harrowing journey. There is some sexytimes between these two, but this book is definitely tamer than the previous three books in the series.
I missed this Shadow Market in this book, but enjoyed being scared shitless.
CW- Blood, gore, torture, just basically anything that would scare the crap out of you.
Read
October 7, 2022DNF
NOPE! This is a creepy story...no steam, no romance and no Shadow Market. I got page 60 and was done. I was creeped out and that is not my thing. I don't understand how this is part of this series. I didn't enjoy this at all.
NOPE! This is a creepy story...no steam, no romance and no Shadow Market. I got page 60 and was done. I was creeped out and that is not my thing. I don't understand how this is part of this series. I didn't enjoy this at all.
March 1, 2023
I don’t know what I just read, it was written fine. Kinda cool I guess. Felt kind of like a horror romance? But I spent so much time going through the horror house with the MMC I was waiting for like another big twist or something and there wasn’t really one.
There’s not much plot, not much smut, it’s mostly filler. Well written filler, but filler nonetheless :)
There’s not much plot, not much smut, it’s mostly filler. Well written filler, but filler nonetheless :)
October 21, 2022
Good God, this was boring.
There is no Vixen; just a hugely underdeveloped female character (book is told entirely from the MMC’s POV).
There is no deceit; just a dude who’s sad for like ten pages bc he thought the aforementioned female was pretending to be into him. Lo, they are both into each other, they have super boring sex, and then suddenly we’re thrust (hehe) into a paranormal story?
This book isn’t sure if it wants to be a thriller, a mystery, or a spooky paranormal romance. But the “romance” is less than 10% of the book, and very underdeveloped. Honestly, it’s mostly a description of the MMC navigating the haunted house. So if that’s your jam, you will like this book.
There is no Vixen; just a hugely underdeveloped female character (book is told entirely from the MMC’s POV).
There is no deceit; just a dude who’s sad for like ten pages bc he thought the aforementioned female was pretending to be into him. Lo, they are both into each other, they have super boring sex, and then suddenly we’re thrust (hehe) into a paranormal story?
This book isn’t sure if it wants to be a thriller, a mystery, or a spooky paranormal romance. But the “romance” is less than 10% of the book, and very underdeveloped. Honestly, it’s mostly a description of the MMC navigating the haunted house. So if that’s your jam, you will like this book.
April 8, 2023
2.75⭐️
I was expecting this book to be monster-filled haunted house thing with a dash of romance but I was left kind of disappointed. This is a horror book and is unlike the previous stories, which didn't fit the vibe of this series tbh. I doubt the FMC is an actual “vixen” and the only monster in this is the one in the mirror thing. The story is fine and it def spooked me.
I was expecting this book to be monster-filled haunted house thing with a dash of romance but I was left kind of disappointed. This is a horror book and is unlike the previous stories, which didn't fit the vibe of this series tbh. I doubt the FMC is an actual “vixen” and the only monster in this is the one in the mirror thing. The story is fine and it def spooked me.
Read
March 30, 2023I’m glad I read the reviews ahead of time because if I’d gone in expecting a romance (instead of a horror/thriller book with a little romantic subplot), I would’ve been disappointed. It was a pretty decent thriller, but the romance included wasn’t compelling at all (and not just because both parties were regular, non-magical humans, although that was a little disappointing in this context).
This also didn’t fit well with the rest of the series, in terms of genre, but also in terms of setting. The others in this series have some connection to the Shadow Market and magic on Samhain, but this one didn’t. Some more of those ties would’ve made this feel a little out of place and would’ve helped contextualize the supernatural elements in this a little better.
This also didn’t fit well with the rest of the series, in terms of genre, but also in terms of setting. The others in this series have some connection to the Shadow Market and magic on Samhain, but this one didn’t. Some more of those ties would’ve made this feel a little out of place and would’ve helped contextualize the supernatural elements in this a little better.
March 24, 2023
Pretty disappointed.
Tyler is a journalist about to write an article on a haunted house called The Void.
I feel like this novella had potential, but it fell flat and was boring. The romance was not a key component at all and honestly, I don’t even think I could say was the key component was.
Tropes: instalust
⭐️ | 🌶️
Tyler is a journalist about to write an article on a haunted house called The Void.
I feel like this novella had potential, but it fell flat and was boring. The romance was not a key component at all and honestly, I don’t even think I could say was the key component was.
Tropes: instalust
⭐️ | 🌶️
October 5, 2022
This a perfect Halloween novella! Spooky, twisty, and sexy. I liked both characters a lot too. I typically don’t like books where it’s all told from the Hs POV but this one worked for me.
Read
June 7, 2023⛲️
October 18, 2022
2⭐️
***VERY NEGATIVE REVIEW & POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW***
what the actual fvck was this. NOW, don't get all in your britches - i didn't absolutely hate this but ONLY because i enjoy reading psychological thrillers. what i DO NOT like is books being marketed as romance/fantasy/monster-romances but they end up just being a psychological thriller with a romance subplot being casually thrown in at the end.
SERIOUSLY WTH IS THIS?!?! the only reason i read this was because it's part of the peculiar tastes series, which i backed on k!ckstarter - and based on the descriptions of the books and the fanart for each one, i was excited for each book, this one included!
one, there was no monster/demon/alien/non-human character besides that one side character in the mirror, iykyk. our two mcs are HUMAN, so that wasn't what i was expected.
two, this book literally could not and should not have been marketed as a romance. without the bonus epilogue that was added on as a reward from the k!ckstarter, this book would have ended a) totally incomplete and b) with just a weird one-night stand between our two mcs.
third, speaking of that weird one-night stand, it was in fact vvvery weird to me. i NEVER dog on one-night stands, but this one?!? i did not feel an ounce of chemistry between our two mcs - he obvious thought she was hot but what else?? and the inevitable sex scene was honestly very cringe.
fourth, this was all in the POV of the mmc - blegh, no thank you. if it's and mf romance, i need the fmc's perspective PLEASE for the love of god.
fifth (and final), there just felt like there were too many plot holes & weird, useless information thrown into this.
overall, i did not have a good time, i would NOT recommend this unless you wanted a psychological thriller that felt all over the place yet lacking critical information..?
⚠️tw/cw: dubious consent (participation in the haunted house), violence, blood, murder
***VERY NEGATIVE REVIEW & POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW***
what the actual fvck was this. NOW, don't get all in your britches - i didn't absolutely hate this but ONLY because i enjoy reading psychological thrillers. what i DO NOT like is books being marketed as romance/fantasy/monster-romances but they end up just being a psychological thriller with a romance subplot being casually thrown in at the end.
SERIOUSLY WTH IS THIS?!?! the only reason i read this was because it's part of the peculiar tastes series, which i backed on k!ckstarter - and based on the descriptions of the books and the fanart for each one, i was excited for each book, this one included!
one, there was no monster/demon/alien/non-human character besides that one side character in the mirror, iykyk. our two mcs are HUMAN, so that wasn't what i was expected.
two, this book literally could not and should not have been marketed as a romance. without the bonus epilogue that was added on as a reward from the k!ckstarter, this book would have ended a) totally incomplete and b) with just a weird one-night stand between our two mcs.
third, speaking of that weird one-night stand, it was in fact vvvery weird to me. i NEVER dog on one-night stands, but this one?!? i did not feel an ounce of chemistry between our two mcs - he obvious thought she was hot but what else?? and the inevitable sex scene was honestly very cringe.
fourth, this was all in the POV of the mmc - blegh, no thank you. if it's and mf romance, i need the fmc's perspective PLEASE for the love of god.
fifth (and final), there just felt like there were too many plot holes & weird, useless information thrown into this.
overall, i did not have a good time, i would NOT recommend this unless you wanted a psychological thriller that felt all over the place yet lacking critical information..?
⚠️tw/cw: dubious consent (participation in the haunted house), violence, blood, murder
Read
August 28, 2022this was less steamy than the rest of the series, but still a very spooky, atmospheric read—great for halloween szn!
November 12, 2022
Journalist Tyler is tasked with reviewing the haunted house experience Void, meeting elevator attendant Chelsea while there.
November 29, 2022
what the hell was the “peculiar taste” in this book? it’s human falling for a human with like a wraith monster chase for like 45 seconds?? i’m just confused overall. if you’re reading the series for the fantasy romance aspects, you can skip this book :/ also i felt violently nauseous reading this book and i don’t know if it was something i ate or the fact i was preparing for a steamy romance and got blood and guts horror house????
October 17, 2022
This was my least fav so far out of the peculiar tastes series. It didn't have that Shadow Market feel as I had felt with the first 3 installments. Just felt out of the category of what it was supposed to have. Not enough paranormal elements for me. Some of the scenes sure matched with that of horror.
September 30, 2022
Very spooky and atmospheric. The concept was very unique
October 12, 2022
4 ⭐️
This one had like perfect spooky vibes. I love the haunted house setting too
This one had like perfect spooky vibes. I love the haunted house setting too
October 30, 2022
This one wasn’t near as smutty as the last three, but the haunted house did scare the shit out of me 💀 that was crazy…
I’d probably have enjoyed it more if it fit in with the rest of the series, it really could be its own title.
I’d probably have enjoyed it more if it fit in with the rest of the series, it really could be its own title.
May 11, 2023
so basically wtf
May 15, 2023
This was a dramatic turn of events. Loved it. Super messed up.
October 7, 2022
I skimmed through the end because I was fucking terrified.
This was not what I expected at all, I was hoping for another light-read: a steamy spooky romance. However, I got a horror novel with barely any romance!
I’m sure the book is great for someone who likes horror novels and is expecting one but this wasn’t it for me.
This was not what I expected at all, I was hoping for another light-read: a steamy spooky romance. However, I got a horror novel with barely any romance!
I’m sure the book is great for someone who likes horror novels and is expecting one but this wasn’t it for me.
September 13, 2022
This one was really fun. Nikki Sloane was a new-to-me author, and I look forward to reading her stuff.
I really liked that we got a story about humans who happened to be impacted because of the proximity of the night market/veil dropping. I also really liked that this story was entirely from the MMC’s point of view.
I really liked that we got a story about humans who happened to be impacted because of the proximity of the night market/veil dropping. I also really liked that this story was entirely from the MMC’s point of view.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews