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The Mourning of Leone Manor

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When death cuts Remi’s marriage to Edgar Leone short, she is forced to confront his only living son…and their romantic past. Forced to return to Leone Manor after years of exile, Ben quickly lets her know he is uninterested in making amends. Forced to deal with his temper, her overbearing family, and the discovery of unsettling love letters written for her with no signature, Remi is lost.

Haunted by his sister’s death years prior, Ben is far from thrilled to return to his childhood home. With a wound far deeper than a mere chip on his shoulder, Ben approaches his father’s death like a building storm. He senses something is amiss at the manor and has a growing suspicion his father was murdered.

As an inevitable passion grows between them, Ben and Remi fight to uncover the manor’s secrets as the darkness creeping through the cracks in the walls threatens to bring them down.

Phantoms roam the halls of Leone Manor, and where there are ghosts, there is also foul play.

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About the author

A.M. Davis

3 books92 followers
A.M. Davis is an artist and an author from Ohio. She co-authored her first novel, The Shrike and the Shadows - a dark and twisted retelling of the classic tale, Hansel & Gretel. By daylight, she is the marketing manager for an upscale resort. By night, she is seeking out her next story, playing video games, or imagining what new piece to draw and anguish over dramatically.

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5 stars
43 (54%)
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18 (22%)
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15 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for L.V. Russell.
Author 8 books134 followers
March 21, 2024
The Mourning of Leone Manor is a beautifully woven gothic mystery. This book took me by the hand and led me down darkened corridors where I had no idea where I would end up. What more could someone wish for from such a gorgeous book?
I devoured this book, and can’t wait to add the physical copy to my bookshelves, reading it again and again to pick up all the details I may have missed on first reading.
Murder, mystery and romance…I need nothing else. 🖤
Profile Image for Jessica.
7 reviews2 followers
May 28, 2024
Amazing!!

I wish I could rate this book 10 stars! A.M Davis took me on a journey of love, loss and mystery like no other. Can't wait to see what other adventures she takes readers on in future works!
Profile Image for Nikita.
180 reviews16 followers
March 12, 2024
A glowing example of the gothic genre, The Mourning of Leone Manor has all the elements needed for a great gothic tale; restless spirits, murder, mystery, and of course a romance. This is my favourite type of book - a strong, engaging plot (naturally giving bonus points for murder and the paranormal) with some romance mixed in - and A.M. Davis definitely achieved that!

I devoured this book in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. It is a story of two eerie families surrounded by death and the threads that bind them together - the multiple mysteries culminating in one satisfying conclusion.

When I saw the opportunity for this book the synopsis instantly grabbed me and I jumped at the chance to review it. I particularly liked the way the spirits were depicted (and I have a soft spot for moths so I loved their inclusion). Also the cover art is beautiful, so you can judge this book a bit by it’s cover ;)

*Disclaimer: I was generously provided with an advance copy from Quill & Crow Publishing via BookSirens. However, all viewpoints expressed above are my own!
Profile Image for Lauren Vick.
159 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2024
I was very fortunate to actually get the chance to read this novel back when it was in the beta phase. And let me tell you, it was just as brilliant as it is now. Stunning is the only word I can use to describe this book. I couldn’t put it down. The writing was magnificent and so well detailed. And the characters are perfect!
Profile Image for Sophie Brookes.
83 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2024
I adored this story! The Mourning of Leone Manor was such a delight to read; a gothic tale filled with mystery, intrigue, and romance. Exquisitely written and well paced, I breezed through this story in a few days, I couldn't put it down!

A must-read for lovers of gothic stories set within brooding, gloomy manor houses!
Profile Image for DebbieDoesBooks.
349 reviews22 followers
March 23, 2024
3.75 stars

I'm a sucker for all things gothic romance and murder mystery. This was no exception. I really enjoyed this story and the characters.

Remi is newly married and her husband has suddenly passed away. She has to write to his only living child who was exiled 16 years before and they have a past. CUE THE ORGAN MUSIC.

I really didn't guess who it was until the end so that was fun for me. I thought I did and I thought I was proven right but then I wasn't. What stopped me from giving it 4 or 5 stars where 2 things mostly...1. I feel like 16 years was a long time for Ben to have been sent away. It's too long and it leads me to the second thing....If they have some kind of past and he was gone so long, where is the link? Just a childhood crush? I would have liked for there to be more than that. Because both Ben and Remi were quite young when he went away. If they had been a bit older or if he'd been sent away for less time, I think it would have made more sense to me. This did not spoil the book for me. I did enjoy it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Josephine Taylor.
Author 1 book8 followers
October 1, 2024
THE MOURNING OF LEONE MANOR felt like such a classically GOTHIC novel, with it's crumbling manors, dangerous family secrets, brooding heroes, deadly love affairs, scandalous murders, mysteries, secret passageways, ghosts, haunting visions, creepy moths... it all came together to create such an eerie reading experience that feels like if Guillermo del Toro's CRIMSON PEAK was bled into the pages of a book.

I wish I had more thoughts whilst writing this but right now I'm just incoherently screaming and I don't think key-smashing could properly summarize how much I loved this book. Remi and Ben had such a tense, sexy relationship and it was so satisfying to see it evolve from childhood love, to bitter resentment, and then into blazing passion, all while trying to solve eerie murders plaguing the titular Leone Manor. All I can say is that I love them, I love this book, and I want more!!

I eagerly await any and all future novels from this author!!
Profile Image for Kay Koel.
8 reviews
April 9, 2024
The Mourning of Leone Manor by A. M. Davis is a gothic mystery set inside the halls of Leone Manor itself, and the Blue Isle where Remi Leone and her childhood friend Ben must unravel a web of secrets surrounding the Leone family, and Remi herself. I receive this novel as a free ARC, and was thrilled to read it.

The novel has heavy Crimson Peak vibes, complete with ghostly guides, mysteries that prey on old family secrets, and a manor full of death. I adored the mixture of mystery, murder, and of course, one of the highest tension romances I've read in ages. It was expertly crafted and Davis has a way of hooking you with just enough information that you have to turn the page. I fell for every word, about as hot and heavy as Ben and Remi did for each other.

For main characters, Remi and Ben truly were the perfect pair. Davis weaves between their POV's throughout the book, which only increased the grip of the story, because just as one would seemingly unlock a mystery, or stumble on an answer, you'd be back in the other's head, but there was never a moment where it jarred me out of the story. Usually in multiple POV stories, even with only two main POV's, I always have one I love more. I do admit, reading Ben's was my favorite, but the biggest pitfall I often encounter with multi-POV's is that the lesser loved POV becomes boring. Davis however kept me needing more from both, and there was never a dull moment.

Ben however does remain a favorite character. He is just dark enough at the beginning, and just broken enough for his arc to really shine through the story. Remi is an equally strong character and both play well off each other, but overall I loved how Ben encountered so much growth from understanding, and from being around Remi again. The snippets of their childhood, of each of their past, and the overall revelations just made Ben all the more easy to connect with as he progressed through the story. Not to mention his innate desire to dredge up the truth no matter what, I adore a character willing to get a bit morally grey.

Davis's plot itself it a crooked tale, and believe me, you will not guess who's at the heart of all the wrongs, murders, and other despicable twists and turns. It's a beautiful puzzle as it unravels, though, and Davis has crafted a wonder of perfectly balanced gothic vibes, romance, and desperate plots. I would go into more, but I would rather encourage reading the book because there's no match to sitting down and experiencing it for yourself.

If you love gothic tales with a splash of Victorian romance and splendor, this story will satiate all your readerly needs. Davis has executed a story no less than perfect for curling up and disappearing into. The mind games, the letters, the aching for Remi and Ben to just kiss each other is all perfectly encapsulated in eerie hallways, creaking stairs, and rumors of a family treasure.
Profile Image for Lupi_reads.
283 reviews14 followers
April 5, 2024
When an author manages to mix moments of tranquility with heart-racing suspense, you know you've stumbled upon something special. This book made me feel relaxed and also anticipating at the same time. I devoured the book in one day.

I have to say, I absolutely adored this book! Honestly, I didn't expect to be so engrossed, but from the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. And let me tell you, there's nothing like a good enemies-to-lovers storyline to keep you glued to the pages!

So, the story follows Remi, who finds herself married to Edgar, the father of her childhood crush. But their wedded bliss is short-lived when Edgar passes away suddenly, bringing his estranged son Ben back into the picture. What unfolds next is a thrilling adventure filled with uncovering secrets and encountering some unexpected paranormal activity.

What I loved most about this book is how seamlessly it blends different genres. Davis does an incredible job balancing mystery, romance, and paranormal elements, creating a story that's both exciting and heartfelt. It's the kind of book that keeps you guessing while also tugging at your heartstrings.

"Remi, you are my salvation.
From the moment we met as children, you saved me. You cannot know how you revived me after these years, how you have set my soul aflame with your unwavering spirit and caring heart."


All in all, I can't recommend this book enough! It's a delightful read that's perfect for anyone looking for a bit of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!

I'd like to thank Booksirens and AM Davis for providing me with an ARC book in exchange for my honest opinion
Profile Image for Rebecca White.
368 reviews28 followers
May 17, 2024
Here I am sitting after just finishing up this read absolutely shocked that apparently, I am a romance fan....as long as there is murder, ghosts, a creepy house and/or stormy skies.

What I absolutely loved about this Gothic Romance was the scary bits were placed so perfectly. I was not expecting them and they hit me full force which just made me giddy. I also enjoyed the level of spice within this one. As someone who usually does not need romance novels, I am always hesitant that the spice will be misplaced or awkward. In this beautiful novel, it was well paced and helped push the plot along, which I definitely appreciated.

There were so many lovable characters through this book, even with all their flaws. And the author did an amazing job at creating some hateable ones, too.

Although the beginning was a bit slow, when the mystery started to unfold, I was absolutely glued to the pages.

There is a big cast of pretty important characters throughout so if you are someone like me who sometimes has a hard time following that, I suggest jotting them down and adding a few notes. You will doubt everyone! Which for me, makes the book that much more fun.

I cannot wait to read what this author comes out with next.
Profile Image for Sydney Victorson.
233 reviews12 followers
May 14, 2024
The Mourning of Leone Manor is an absolutely phenomenal new entry into the gothic mystery/romance genre. I was captivated from the very first page. The characters were written exceptionally well and the entire atmosphere of the book was incredible. It left me thinking that I really need to pick up more books in the gothic genre!

The Mourning of Leone Manor really reminds me of a Mike Flanagan tv adaptation, similar to The Haunting of Bly Manor or The Haunting of Hill House, in both atmosphere and character development/relationships. I would actually love to see this on screen one day! A.M. Davis gave us such a rich and brilliant story to imagine, and my brain was truly running wild with picturing every scene I read. I genuinely cannot adequately describe just how much I loved this book!

Simply put, the vibes of this book were immaculate. I would 1000% recommend The Mourning of Leone Manor to anyone who enjoys a really atmospheric gothic mystery/romance.

I want to say a big thank you to BookSirens, A.M. Davis, and Quill & Crow Publishing House for the advance reader copy of The Mourning of Leone Manor. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Chaotic Bookworm.
523 reviews
May 8, 2024
So not one of my usual types of books, but after reading the synopsis I was intrigued.

The Mourning Of Leone Manor is a gothic romance/mystery romance. The story has murder, mystery, ghosts and of course romance.

This captivating story is set in the late 1800s in Leone Manor, where Remi’s marriage is cut short with the unexpected death of her husband Edgar, she is forced to confront His only living son Ben whom she also has a romantic past with. Not thrilled at returning to his childhood home Ben feels that something is amiss. From there they try to uncover the mysteries and secrets of Leone Manor.

This book has a strong storyline/plot and characters, which was refreshing, everything was so detailed. It was really beautifully written.
Profile Image for Nadine Bells.
Author 1 book14 followers
June 23, 2024
The Mourning of Leone Manor is a Gothic mystery, a ghost story and an angsty romance all wrapped into one beautiful novel. It kept me guessing and ultimately surprised me with a twist I never saw coming. The heart of the story for me, however, was the hate-to-love relationship between our protagonists, Remi and Ben. Their sizzling tension drew me in and held me captive until the very end.
Profile Image for Crim.
261 reviews5 followers
September 19, 2025
I want to preface  this by saying, I only rated it 3.5 stars due to myself. I will be reading the physical/re-listening to the audio at a later date. You absoulutely should give this story a try! I didn't want to rate unfairly. 3 stars is my own personal neutral which is why I chose that. On to the Review: 

I love that this is a mystery type of story. 
 I listened to the audiobook for this which is the reason I rated a 3.5. But it's not for the reason you think. The audiobook was absolutely fantastic! My timing for listening was not. I listened to this at work during a time where I am training  someone. So I don't recommend that lol. I got lost alot and really turned around. I started losing who people were and the story plot. This is A story you want your full attention on or you will get lost. From what I was able to focus on it is a really good story. The plot twist at the end...I dont think you could guess really. It is defenitly worth it! 

As far as the audiobook itself, the narrator (s) chosen were so well suited. I really could pick out different characters even while distracted and you could feel the emotion poured into it! I loved every second. 
Profile Image for Kiley.
148 reviews9 followers
May 8, 2024
"He held her gaze with purpose as he spoke. 'He and I are perilously drawn to beautiful things.'"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5⭐
🌶️ / 5🌶️ (not very explicit)

This book found its target audience, and it is ME.

Gothic haunted mansion? Broody/intense but swooning-ly romantic male love interest? Hate to love? High stakes murder mystery with great twists? Healing from dark pasts? Unhinged characters? And there was even a little treasure hunt thrown in there? This book has literally everything I love in it, and it's done SO well.

The gothic atmosphere is palpable, the characters are well-developed and compelling and imperfect, and although I predicted some of the plot, there were some really enjoyable twists and turns in there. I also feel like it was really well-paced. I'm just in love with this book.

I really don't have anything negative to say - I'm sure others might have some things they didn't like, but this seriously felt like it was made just for me. THANK YOU A.M. DAVIS. 🖤

[Thank you to BookSirens and the author/publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.]
Profile Image for Sylvana.
84 reviews10 followers
December 28, 2024
"𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬 𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨."

I knew I had to read this one before the end of this year, and I'm so happy I finally did!! Amazing story with intriguing characters. This had me at the edge of my seat, trying to figure out what was going on. A well wrapped up mystery with a sizzling love story 🔥

"𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘏𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵, 𝘵𝘰𝘰. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘫𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳."

This was absolutely perfect! The only regret I have is not picking this one up sooner! Happy to have ended my year with this one!

"𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘢 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘭𝘶𝘦-𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦, 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮. 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘴𝘪𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴' 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘪𝘵𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦."

Book: The Mourning of Leone Manor by A.M. Davis

"𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵."
Profile Image for Michelle.
109 reviews
October 13, 2024
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up): Recommend with caveats

Why I would recommend this:
- The ride was wild and fun, especially the last third or so.
- I really enjoyed the ghosts. They served the plot well.
- The vibes were gothic and moody.

The caveats:
- The timeline makes no sense, and I was frequently pulled out of the story by doing math in my head. How old were Remi and Ben supposed to be when he was sent away anyways?
- The writing isn't the strongest, but I personally was able to overlook that for the vibes.
- The enemies-to-lovers arc was weak. I don't love when characters go from anger/hatred to undying (heh) love on a dime, and I don't feel like their transition was given enough space.

Book & Wine Night Drinking Game: Any time a ghost appears, have a drink.
Profile Image for Misti Jorges.
18 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2024
The Mourning of Leone Manor is a fun, whodunit read with romance elements that reminds me a bit of Crimson Peak. I have to admit that I didn't know who the villain was until the end which was great. There are other parts that are predictable but I'm usually fine with stories being predictable, especially within certain genres. Predictability can often be comforting along with raising excitement and anticipation of when and how something is going to happen. You know from the beginning that Ben and Remi are going to get together. And there's a few other parts that were obvious to me that I won't say in case it spoils it for someone else.

I loved how the ghosts were there to help and, though we didn't really see him much, I thought Edgar was a great man even with his mistakes in the past. There's quite a bit of personality differences in many of the characters. You have Remi who is sweet and innocent. Her cousin Elise is similar but a bit more bold. Ben is angry and confused, but still drawn to Remi despite their circumstances. Jacques was a fun character who seemed to be everywhere at once and completely loyal to Ben. Poor Sylvie is just trying to do her job. Tante Beline is someone I wanted to slap; she's always trying to order everyone around, including Remi even though it's Remi's manor now. The lawyer and doctor seem to be incompetent drunks. And Leith is an absolute scoundrel and one of my favorite characters though he's not present much.

In this story, Ben Leone is called home, where he hasn't been for sixteen years, by Remi - his former love interest, now stepmother of about a month. His father has died and he must take care of the estate alongside Remi. While he's at the manor, Remi does her best to be civilized toward him but Ben makes that increasingly difficult. After they both start seeing the ghosts of Leone Manor, they have to come together to solve the untimely death of Ben's sister and uncover the truth behind his father's death, along with exploring the feelings they still have for each other.

I did have some problems with the story. The timing of everything kept throwing me off. I needed to flip through the pages to get my bearings on the timeline; it took a while for me to realize that Remi and Edgar were only married for about a month (I think). And I'm still a little confused about Ben being gone for sixteen years. That seems like an incredibly long time to be away from his family's estate and especially to hold a grudge against Remi since they were only kids when his sister died and he was sent away. I also don't understand everyone's emotions with Remi. There are people who are infatuated, or at least drawn in, by her while others have a deep anger towards her. And I just don't know why. And, maybe a minor thing, but in the end, why does Ben tell the guards to go "that way" to get the villain when he knows what's on that path? I absolutely would have kept that a secret and told them to go a different way. (If you read the book, you'll understand what I mean.) I also was not fond of the "I just have a feeling" at the end. I didn't see that happening anywhere else in the book and I think it would've made more sense to have one of the ghosts pointing the way. There's just things that don't make sense to me.

In so saying, I still highly enjoyed the book. I'm glad I read it. I might even read it again, maybe I'll understand more of the parts that confused me initially. It will keep you guessing as to what's really going on though. There are pieces unveiled throughout the story that allow you to put them together slowly until you put in the last piece to see the whole picture. The mystery aspect was done well and (mostly) made sense.

Overall, I think it needs a tad more tweaking but I still enjoyed reading it and I think anyone who picks up this book will too.
Profile Image for Jodie.
143 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2024
Thank you Book sirens and quill and crow publishing for the ARC of The Mourning of Leone Manor.

I read this book in 2 days and would have been in one sitting if I did not start it so late in the night.

It had so many elements love spurned, mystery and heart pounding moments. I loved this book and will recommend it to my friends and anyone who will listen.

Dark undertones and gothic style. Read it you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Susan.
66 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2024
Dark, Devious, Delicious

This was intensely gothic, which I loved. The heroine is very likeable as she endures endless shocks, betrayals, deaths. Read this, it's a lush gothic adventure.
Profile Image for Bex.
86 reviews
March 16, 2025
Final Rating 3⭐️
Setting: 4⭐️
Plot: 2⭐️
Themes: 3⭐️
Charcters: 3⭐️
Enjoyment: 3⭐️

I found the Gothic haunted house and moody small Island town drew me in. Ben and his misty beach. A place he experienced change in his life for better and for worse. The beginning build up and mystery, as well Ben and Remi's personal conflict with each other, was fast paced and addictive. For me, I was not satisfied with the reveals and twist in the end though.
Profile Image for DarkStar's Book Cavern.
216 reviews33 followers
December 8, 2025
‘She never thought love would be her demise.’

I loved this book! It had everything I was looking for and more besides. Past connections, a brooding romance, mysteries at every turn, scandal, affairs, murder, blackmail, ulterior motives, dubious intents, family curses, lost treasure, ghosts who stalk the corridors of a brooding manor house, locked mausoleums. All encased on a small island.

What a prologue! Such an introduction – scandal, affairs, dubious intents, and murder! In 3 pages!
It reminded me at times of Wuthering Heights, not that these reminders were slapping me in the face but there were odd niggles. And the story is very Bronte-esque, so much so that if I was just given the story to read not knowing who the author was I would have put it firmly in the Bronte camp, as one of their short stories.

I read this in a day, I just couldn’t put it down! The writing had me captivated and the atmosphere had me enthralled. I walked the dark manor corridors with Remi, I lingered in the dark study with Ben, I haunted the cemetery and grounds with the other spectres. It was a wonderfully, foreboding mystery which kept me guessing all the way to the end finale – and then some!
Profile Image for Flor PL.
162 reviews9 followers
April 17, 2024
4,5

It basically lasted me a day, I was really looking forward to it and wasn't disappointed at all.

I was just a little shocked that they spent so little time together before he left, no letters or anything for 16 years and when it all comes back their feelings are there? I was hoping he would be visiting from time to time or more scenes narrating their childhood/teenage years and I would understand their connection more.


" I can't undo the last few months, but I will devote myself to you from this moment until the end of my life, if you will have me."

Thanks to the author and Booksirens for the ARC

Pd:
I love the cover, it gives me so much the vibes of the story and once you read it see the why of all the details.

°°°°°
Básicamente me duró un día, tenía muchas ganas y no me decepcionó en absoluto.

Sólo me molestó un poco que pasaran tan poco tiempo juntos antes de que él se fuera, ni cartas ni nada durante 16 años y cuando todo vuelve sus sentimientos están ahí? Esperaba que estuviera de visita de vez en cuando o más escenas narrando sus años de infancia/adolescencia y entendería más su conexión.


" No puedo deshacer los últimos meses, pero me dedicaré a ti desde este momento hasta el final de mi vida, si me aceptas."

Gracias a la autora y a Booksirens por el ARC

Pd: Amo la portada, me da tanto las vibes de la historia y una vez que lo lees ves el porque de todos los detalles.
1 review
January 13, 2025
What really stands out in this book is the setting. Leone Manor feels alive—its dark hallways, eerie noises, and creepy vibes make it as much a character as the people in the story. You can almost hear the floorboards creak and feel the chill in the air as you read.

The main character’s journey is just as gripping. They’re not just dealing with the mystery of the house but also their own emotional baggage. The mix of personal struggles and supernatural happenings makes the story feel relatable while keeping you on edge.

The ghostly elements are done really well—not too over-the-top, but just enough to keep you guessing about what’s real and what’s not. There’s also a strong focus on themes of grief and redemption, which adds a lot of heart to the spooky stuff.

The pacing is a bit slow at times, but it works because it builds up the tension and keeps you hooked. By the time you get to the end, everything comes together in a way that’s both satisfying and leaves you thinking about the story long after.

If you’re into gothic tales with a mix of mystery, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural, this book is definitely worth picking up. It’s creepy, emotional, and unforgettable.
Profile Image for Angie Holden.
116 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2024
This book felt like entering a portal to another time and place, where secrets lurked in every shadow and romance blossomed amidst the eerie atmosphere. From the moment I started this book, I was transported to the haunting halls of Leone Manor, eager to unravel its mysteries alongside the captivating characters.

Davis's storytelling immediately drew me in, weaving a spellbinding tale of intrigue and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Through the eyes of Remi and Ben, I was swept away on a journey of discovery, where every revelation and plot twist left me craving more.

As I dived deeper into the secrets of Leone Manor, I found myself enthralled by its dark history and ghostly inhabitants. From hidden passages to whispered rumors, Davis expertly crafted an atmospheric setting that immersed me in the heart of the mystery. But it was the characters of Remi and Ben who truly stole my heart. Their forbidden love and unwavering determination to uncover the truth resonated with me on a profound level, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way!

Thank you to the author and to BookSirens for an advanced reader copy!
Profile Image for Ashley.
93 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2024
Okay, as somewhat of a Gothic expert (according to my Master's thesis), I have to say I'm super picky with the genre and what authors are claiming to be part of it. There are so many stories these days that claim to be Gothic because they're spooky vibes and dark romance.

But then there are stories that are truly Gothic in nature—and this is one of them. There's murder. There's mystery. There's a brooding romance. The ominous and foreboding setting is there. A hint of paranormal? Check! The Victorian period was the perfect time setting for this story.

All that is to say: I loved it. I couldn't put it down, and read it almost all in one sitting (until I quite literally was so tired, I had to rest my eyes). It was full of the right amount of suspense and of longing, and made for such an exciting read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Erin.
492 reviews37 followers
September 29, 2022
📖My Thoughts📖

I’ve read many mystery books over the last few years, and they always seem to have the same recipe. This book however, was different. Though it had the typical murder, ghosts, dark family secrets, and even some romance, it just seemed to be the perfect blend overall. I haven’t read many that were set in the Victorian time period, but I think it made the story. The writing flowed beautifully, and it seemed to have the perfect pace. I have to admit, I had a hard time figuring out “whodunnit”, no matter how hard I tried. The take is very gripping and I enjoyed the mixture of feelings it brought about while I was reading it. I really enjoyed this book. This was my first book by this author and it won’t be the last. This is a definite must have for your library!
Thank you A.M. Wright for the opportunity to read and review you book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Profile Image for Asad Ali.
91 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2024
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒓 is a captivating gothic mystery romance set in beloved late 1980s.
From haunted corridors of the manor that lead you to the cemetery in the middle of the night, this story is nothing but wonderfully captivating.

I cannot thank the author enough for an advanced reader's copy since I've had this story on my tbr since I stumbled upon the beautiful cover. As it is, I MUST get my hands on a physically published copy. That's something I am definitely looking forward to in May.

If you are a fan of gothic stories, this is the one for you!
Profile Image for Chantal Gadoury.
Author 12 books438 followers
January 22, 2024
This is one of the best dark but dazzling gothic romances I've ever read. A.M. Davis will enchant readers with the twists and turns of "The Mourning of Leone Manor." While there are phantoms and ghosts that haunt the characters, A.M. Davis' writing will linger with you long after you go to bed.
Profile Image for Crimson Books.
591 reviews14 followers
June 17, 2024
This is a beautifully told gothic tale of restless spirits, murder and so much lore drawing you in page by page wanting to uncover what lays beneath and getting to know each pov is exciting, I loved and enjoyed this book

I am sorry about late review though
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