The Devil within me

by Rebecca Rossi

Deidra Adams is stuck in a mundane life she never asked for. Caring for her mother full time and running her late father’s antique store, she rarely has a moment to herself. One day, Deidra finds a bag left behind by her father. Inside, lies a bunch of occult books and a strange Matryoshka doll. Little does she know, she’s awakened an evil and powerful curse that is hellbent on absorbing her soul. As Deidra begins to lose more and more of herself, it’s up to her best-friend, Henry St. James, to unlock her family’s dark secrets and save her before it’s too late…

Hardcover

Published February 9, 2022

About the author

Author of The Signs of the Zodiac Trilogy and The Devil Within Me

Blog: peaceandloveandveggies.com

Reviews

[J.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deidra has always been the type of person to put others first. So when her father died and her mom became ill, she returned home to run her dad's store and take care of her mother.

Upon visiting her dad's old cabin, she stirs up a dark secret her father worked hard to hide right before his death.

Now her own life, and the lives of those she loves are all in danger.

What a good possession story. I really liked how the story started by giving us a look into Deidra's life and the feelings between her and Henry. The pace quickly ramps up once things start to, quite literally, go to hell. Deidra herself is one of those characters that is easy to connect with and root for.

Rebecca's writing style flowed really well making this one of those books that I kept saying just one more chapter. She even managed to mix in a little romance that I wasn't expecting first going into this one.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more of Rebecca's work in the future.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be sent an advanced copy and I loved it. I loved the character development, real thought went into every character. I had immediately liked Deidra, her mother, Henry and Rina, I think this can be difficult with novellas especially. I also can appreciate the author including a non-binary person in this story. The ending seemed a little rushed but overall the story was solid. I enjoyed the supernatural aspect with the russian nesting doll, I definitely dont get to read enough about this particular supernatural entity. Can't wait to read more from Rebecca Rossi.

[Melissa Leitner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounding up to 4 for GoodReads. Thank you to the author Rebecca Rossi for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. If you are looking for a horror novella that will keep you hooked and make you want to read the whole thing in one sitting, this is it. I read the first ten percent or so a couple of days ago and tonight I picked it back up and finished the entire thing. At the beginning of the novella, it is very much a slow build to get to know the main characters and I appreciated Rossi taking the time to introduce the reader to the characters and their situations before jumping into the action. However, after the first twenty or so percent, this novella moves at a rapid-fire speed. I almost wish some parts were slowed down and expanded upon so that I could feel more emotional impact whilst reading the latter half. I very much appreciated the lore Rossi used to build her horror story and found some parts truly disturbing (as the author meant them to be). I also very much appreciated the various representation of genders and races within because it is something the horror genre desperately needs. I am also not one who loves sexual scenes in my novels but I didn't mind the ones within because I feel like they aided the story progression and didn't meander for longer than necessary. Again, if you are looking for a quick horror read with a great cast of characters, this is one you should put on your radar. I mean look at that cover! That alone should make you want to pick this up!

[Books_inthe_Batcave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deidra takes care of her mother, while running her late fathers antique store in a small popular town. But due to running the store & her mothers ailing health, Deidra has put her dreams on hold including anything romantic with her good friend Henry. But a chance encounter turns Deidra's world upside down & now her loved ones must race against time to save her & themselves.

We spend the first half of the novella getting to know the characters & their relationships with each other. Rebecca does a great job showing the hardship of taking care of a loved one who cannot take care of themselves & never wait to tell someone you love them while you have the chance.
Once things take a dark turn the story moves quickly & you feel the urgency as Deidra's friends Henry & Rina must find a way to save her before its too late.

You get sweet moments, heartfelt moments, sexy moments & down right creepy moments. Great horror novella.

[Sabrina Voerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If the darkness had taught him anything, it was that you needed to tell people you loved them now, not when it was too late."

This book reads almost like a cosy horror, something I've not read before. With a small town setting that is entirely relatable, and likeable characters with realistic flaws, this book easily drew me in from the get-go. Drops of foreshadow and hints of what was to come are well done, but it isn't a predictable story.

Deidra, Rina, Molly, and Henry were a cast of characters who worked well off one another. They all stood out from the page with their own voice and their own traits, making them memorable and relatable.

There is a good level of spice in this tale, along with quiet horror, creepy dolls, and a handful of messages that'll stick in your mind when you've finished reading. This book was well done, well written, perfectly paced.

The conclusion wrapped up quite quickly compared to the build-up, and that is my only critique, though that is me nitpicking at this point.

Thank you Rebecca Rossi for the ARC of "The Devil Within Me", I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

[Lit.for.Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil Within Me

A steamy,supernatural quick read. The author’s investment in setting the scene and building the characters is felt through the beginning half of the book. It was nice to see the author’s different races, gender, and sexuality, including use of pronouns pertaining to those individuals.

The romance, friendships, and relationships kept me intrigued, but let’s be honest, I was here for the horror. Enter mysterious, handsome stranger that gives Deidra, the main character, what she did not know she had been yearning! This is where I could NOT stop reading! As the stranger enters Deidra (I said, what I said) the friends begin to get answers while Deidra’s life source begins to fade away. The author’s description of scenes, had me jumping in my seat and scared to fall asleep!

Thank you Rebecca Rossi for the allowing me the opportunity to read an advance reader’s copy of this novella!

[Christina B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 rounded up
•
Deidra Adams put her life on hold after her father died. She took over the family antique store and when her mother’s health started to decline, she started taking care of her as well. When a mysterious handsome stranger comes into town, Deidra thinks it’s finally time for her own adventure. She isn’t wrong…a soul sucking incubus is an adventure right?!?
•
The first half of the novella does a good job of introducing Deidra, her mom, and her two best friends and I was pleasantly surprised to see a non-binary character using they/them pronouns. The horror aspect started a bit abruptly and things felt a bit rushed from that point on. I liked the idea of the incubus, but would have preferred more of a lead up from when Dimitri was introduced to the back story and how everyone figured out what was happening.
•
I like the fact that a romance angle was included with the horror story. I think that’s something that can work really well and I’d like to see more spice with my scares, but it might have been a bit ambitious for a novella. The pacing is the main reason I didn’t fully connect with this one. If you’re a fan of fast paced possession stories with a side of sexy, this might be the story for you. I appreciate the copy of this ARC for my honest review.

[Precious · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read this horror novella and was blown away by the story. It was so unique, clever, and very steamy.

This story follows Deidra a young woman who after her fathers untimely death has inherited his antique shop and the sole responsibility of caring for her mother who is slowly succumbing to dimentia-I won't say much else because any more info will become spoilry, but just know that there's a creepy doll, secrets/elements of the occult, and a vengeful ghost.

The horror in elements in this story were equal parts creepy/disgusting, and highly entertaining. The tone reminded me a lot of one of my favorite Sam Raimi films "Drag Me to Hell". Not once did the story slow down, it was perfectly paced and easy to finish in one sitting.

I adored all of the characters in this book, the diversity in their backgrounds created an interesting group dynamic that elevated how the story played out.

This novella was also surprisingly steamy, that definitely took me by surprise. This is a perfect read which Valentines Day approaching, if you are interested in getting a little non traditional romance reading in, I would say this is the perfect short read.

I would highly recommend this horror novella. I will definitely be picking up more by this author.

Thanks to the author for this e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Becca Fitzpatrick (bookscandlescats) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil Within Me is a fast paced novella that is perfect for lovers of supernatural horror.

Romance, family secrets and posession all feature heavily in this book, making for a great read.

The story starts out with some pretty thorough character development, introducing us to the protagonist as well as her family, friends and love interest.

The plot eventually takes a darker turn when the protagonist starts to investigate and take a look at the family cabin belonging to her deceased father.

Overall the general synopsis of this book is pretty solid. The writing flowed really well, making it a quick and easy read for me.

I definitely recommend picking this book up if you enjoy supernatural horror and don't mind a dash of romance.

Thank you to Rebecca Rossi for sending me a copy to review.

[Axl Barnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't have many good things to say about this book, unfortunately. I really wanted to like it as the author is very nice and personable. The story has some good moments of body horror that reminded me of the movie Contracted but those ideas are not developed to their full gut-wrenching, emotionally shocking potential. The author completely disregards the "show, don't tell" principle, which results in mind-numbing repetition. The plot - a curse that causes demon possession - is cliche and the author makes no effort to revamp it. Rossi's handle of the succubus and incubus mythos seems tentative and questionable. There's zero character development as the MC is the same bubbly, loving, and inquisitive woman that she was before the demonic possession. The seemingly arbitrary facts that the MC's mother has dementia and one of her friends is non-binary appear irrelevant to the plot and make things more confusing. Plus, the careless editing and formating add to the cringy reading experience. I think a healthier injection of really unsettling body horror coupled with cutting out most irrelevant and repetitive info would have made this a much better and more immersive read.

[Windy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My very sweet friend Rebecca Rossi @my_bookish_universe sent me an early copy of her new schteamy horror novella The Devil Within Me. I’m usually not into sexy reads but mix it in with some dark horror and I Am In! Oh Em Gee 🥵

This is a quick ‘clip’ of the story with no spoilers:

Deidre has spent too long cooped up, caring for her aging Mum and running the family business. She needs a change. She needs some romance. But she’s also trying to sort out the devilish mystery behind her fathers recent passing. Then a stranger comes to town, Diedre let’s her guard down and all hell breaks loose - literally!

Above all else, I really loved these characters! Especially Rina, the sassy best friend! And the relationship between Deidre’s parents, Molly & Reginald told mostly through memories, is really fantastic!

*This novella will be available just in time for Valentine’s Day so get it while it’s Hot 🔥

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novellas for me are either love or hate and this one was LOVE for me. I fell in love with the characters right from the beginning. The story drew me in and kept me intrigued the whole way through. And I didn't feel like anything was left unexplained. There's a romantic love story and a friends love story. There's representation as well - and it's done tastefully. Oh, and there are some sexy scenes AND some horrifying scenes - I cannot ask for more. The writing was superb and everything flowed well.

Overall I consider this a feel-good horror story. What is that you may ask? It's a horror story that in spite of all of the horror, you feel good when you've finished reading. And since it's a shorter book everything got right to the point. 5 stars from me!

[Dave Musson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up!

I really enjoyed this breezy, spooky and *steamy* tale. Some great moments and a fun, original story. Without wanting to sound like I’m trying to channel this one’s saucier moments, I wanted more! This story could definitely have taken being fleshed out a little more - particularly the scene at the cabin and the mystery of what Reginald got up to in Europe. Rebecca Rossi is a good writer, and I’d definitely be up reading more!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I thought the characters and the scene were developed really well. The possession part was original and didn’t drag on forever. If you are looking for a horror book with spicy scenes to read for Valentine’s Day then this is the book for you! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[C.T. Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a single sitting with a cup of coffee and enjoy every bit of the book. The characters were fun, the story was simple, and I enjoyed the little horror aspect.
Deidra is a woman, somewhat down on her luck, but as the slow burn (not that slow since it took only 2 hours to read) continues the creepiness begins. There's definitely some erotica level spice, and the end respects it's genre for sure. Had a good time with this one and looking forward to more of her work.

[Lauren Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclaimer: I am the sister of the author so there is some natural bias here. However, I really enjoyed Rebecca's steamy and spooky novella. The book is an easy read and keeps you turning the page. I think I would've liked more spooky elements but overall I really liked the character progression and the way the beautiful town was described. Well done!

[Rebecca Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope you all love my horror baby! I'm so proud of it :)

[Mark Towse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca did a great job drawing us into the characters, always a tough job with a novella. The writing was solid, and it was a great story, although not my usual type. There was enough mystery to keep the pages turning. Rebecca is certainly one to watch.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of editing this book, and while it's not a genre I normally read, I enjoyed it quite a bit.

[kerry_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella - it got to late at night and I debated with myself whether to just finish it in one go or finally put it down 😂 I especially liked the first half where the struggles and love felt between the different characters were depicted well and sometimes tugged at the old heartstrings. I also liked the witty dialogue - but it was also the dialogue that made me sometimes cringe when the obvious was stated when it wasn’t necessary or could’ve been brought across in a non-dialogue way that was more subtle. But the storyline was pretty fascinating and had a lot going for it that kept me interested. It was a good read!

[TheBookishVirgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil Within Me by Rebecca Rossi is the story of Deidre Adams who feels stuck in an ordinary life. Between running her late father’s shop and taking care of her sick mother, she feels unable to take time for herself. When she finds a bag of her father’s old books she also finds a Matryoshka doll. After finding and opening the doll, strange things begin to happen, like the arrival of a tall, dark, stranger who immediately asks Deidre out on a date. Little does Deidre know that she’s unlocked a dark curse that plans to take over her soul. It’s up to her best friends to find a way to save her before it’s too late.
I enjoyed getting to know Deidre and Henry and liked that the chapters were from alternating perspectives. I loved the pacing of this book and how things progressed quickly. I feel like the ending was a little too fast, but only because I wanted to keep reading! It was a great balance of spice and horror, mostly horror, and honestly reading how Deidre changes was kind of terrifying! Definitely recommend this book! Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[veloci.reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

* Horror novella with romance elements
* Creepy dolls
* A demonic love triangle

After her father died, Deidra delayed her own dreams to take over his antique shop and care for her sick mother. One day, Deidra discovers some occult artifacts that her father left behind and she begins to act strangely. He best friend and longtime crush, Henry, is concerned. Can Henry help Deidra off the dark path she finds herself on?

This was a fun, fast paced horror novella with likable characters and lots of scares. If you like your horror with a dash of romance, you should pick this up!

Book source: Free ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This book is out now. Thank you, for letting me read your book!

CW: Body horror. Death of a parent (in the past). Mention of postpartum depression and parental abandonment (both in the past). Brief, non graphic mention of sexual assault (in the past). Death of a child (in the past).

[Brittany🥀;{conjuringpages} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spooky steamy fiction is a category that I, unabashedly, desire more of in my life. When I saw the incomparable Rebecca Rossi published The Devil in Me, I raced to order it. It’s kept some other books company on my shelf for a bit too long and I’m so glad I picked it up this past weekend!

I really enjoyed this novella. It included three of my favorite things: bookstores, antiques and, the supernatural (𝒶𝓁𝓈𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝑒𝒶𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝒸𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝒷𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝑒).

Rossi had great pacing and interesting characters. I only wish it was longer.

A 【�4／５】★ read.