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The Cruel Dark
Millicent Foxboro is haunted.
Not by ghosts but by the anguish of her past and the uncertainty of her future. After all, even in the progressive year of 1928, most people would balk at hiring a woman who’d spent two months in a mental ward for traumatic amnesia. So when an uncommon assistantship to a reclusive Professor of mythology falls into her lap with an ungodly salary attached, her desperation for stability overrides her cautious nature.
To Millie’s dismay, the widowed Professor Callum Hughes and his estate, Willowfield, are more than she bargained for. The once magnificent home, known for its sprawling gardens and dazzling parties, is falling to pieces after the death of the professor’s fragile wife. What’s more, the staff has been reduced to the only three people not frightened away by rumors of ghosts, leaving the halls empty and languishing in bitter memories.
The professor himself is a grim, intense man with unclear expectations, unpredictable moods, and hungry eyes that ignite Millie’s own dormant passions. The closer she finds herself drawn to Professor Hughes and his strange world of flowers and folklore, the more the house closes in, threatening to reveal her secrets. But the professor is keeping secrets of his own and the most dangerous of all is hers to discover.
Not by ghosts but by the anguish of her past and the uncertainty of her future. After all, even in the progressive year of 1928, most people would balk at hiring a woman who’d spent two months in a mental ward for traumatic amnesia. So when an uncommon assistantship to a reclusive Professor of mythology falls into her lap with an ungodly salary attached, her desperation for stability overrides her cautious nature.
To Millie’s dismay, the widowed Professor Callum Hughes and his estate, Willowfield, are more than she bargained for. The once magnificent home, known for its sprawling gardens and dazzling parties, is falling to pieces after the death of the professor’s fragile wife. What’s more, the staff has been reduced to the only three people not frightened away by rumors of ghosts, leaving the halls empty and languishing in bitter memories.
The professor himself is a grim, intense man with unclear expectations, unpredictable moods, and hungry eyes that ignite Millie’s own dormant passions. The closer she finds herself drawn to Professor Hughes and his strange world of flowers and folklore, the more the house closes in, threatening to reveal her secrets. But the professor is keeping secrets of his own and the most dangerous of all is hers to discover.
226 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2023
About the author
Bea Northwick
2 books382 followersBea Northwick is a lover of magical, spooky, and romantic things. She owns too much perfume, can’t pick an aesthetic, and loves 80s movies. She lives with her husband, children, dogs, and a black cat in the sunny American South where she dreams daily of Irish cottages and rain swept Scottish castles.
Praise for THE CRUEL DARK
"Northwick presents a dark love story that sparkles with elements of gothic horror and more modern romance as Millie explores the dark secrets hidden in Willowfield’s shadows..." - Kirkus Reviews
"This gothic is sumptuous, jolting, and occasionally—like Willowfield’s gardens—blooming with hope." BookLife
Praise for THE CRUEL DARK
"Northwick presents a dark love story that sparkles with elements of gothic horror and more modern romance as Millie explores the dark secrets hidden in Willowfield’s shadows..." - Kirkus Reviews
"This gothic is sumptuous, jolting, and occasionally—like Willowfield’s gardens—blooming with hope." BookLife
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 817 reviews
June 24, 2024
Maybe I've just read too many gothic mystery books in my day? The story was enjoyable enough - hence the 3 stars. The writing and the vibes were fine.
I just feel like I've read this story already? Within the first couple of chapters I'd already guessed the conclusion - so that was a little bit of a let down.
I received the audio arc and while the female narrator was enjoyable, the male narrator was horrible. The ick for real.
❥・ Gothic
❥・ Mystery
❥・ Spicy
❥・ Dark Academia
❥・Dark secrets
❥・Distressed heroine
❥・Emotional scars
❥・Grieving lover
❥・Sinister circumstances
❥・Creepy House
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bea Northwick for the complementary audio copy in exchange for my thoughts. 🖤🏹․ ⁺ ⊹
I just feel like I've read this story already? Within the first couple of chapters I'd already guessed the conclusion - so that was a little bit of a let down.
I received the audio arc and while the female narrator was enjoyable, the male narrator was horrible. The ick for real.
❥・ Gothic
❥・ Mystery
❥・ Spicy
❥・ Dark Academia
❥・Dark secrets
❥・Distressed heroine
❥・Emotional scars
❥・Grieving lover
❥・Sinister circumstances
❥・Creepy House
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bea Northwick for the complementary audio copy in exchange for my thoughts. 🖤🏹․ ⁺ ⊹
May 13, 2024
Instagram || Threads || Facebook || Amazon || TikTok
This was an impulse download because I kept seeing it being suggested to me every time I went on Amazon. On a whim, I downloaded THE CRUEL DARK and ended up completely obsessed. It's kind of like a threeway cross between Gothikana, Jane Eyre, and RoseRed, but set in the 1920s with a headstrong heroine who has come to a remote and supposedly haunted mansion named Willowfield to help a hot and standoffish professor with his research, only to realize that nothing about the house-- or the man-- is truly as it seems.
The lush writing and rich setting are good enough for those who read their gothics for the vibes, but the characterizations and SPICE are also top tier. Spice does nothing for me if there's no emotional element to it, so I was delighted that the chemistry between Callum and Millie basically set the pages on fire. They're so good together, and the dangerous edge to Callum's character makes it even better.
I was thinking this was going to be a four star read for a while because there were a few niggling things that weren't my fave, but then that TWIST flew out of nowhere and everything suddenly flew neatly into place, and I was like holy shitteth, there is no way that anything that made me gasp out loud like that is getting anything less than the full five stars. I don't make the rules. (JK, I do.)
If you're a fan of Keri Lake, you need to read this book.
4.5 stars
July 19, 2024
3.75⭐️
1928, Boston: Twenty-six-year-old Millicent Foxboro quits her job at a bookshop in Boston to accept a position to assist widowed Professor Callum Hughes in his research, a position that would require her to move to his estate in Willowfield. Millicent lives with a big gap in her memories. She remembers her traumatic childhood and the tragic episode that destroyed her own family but is unable to recall the events of the years preceding her being admitted to the hospital. With this new assignment, she hopes to earn enough money to turn her life around. But after a somewhat cold reception and the strange behavior of the staff, Millicent begins to suspect that Willowfield and her new employer harbor deep secrets, the eerie occurrences and the journal of her employer’s late wife only adding to her fear and unease. Is the estate haunted or is she being targeted? Who would want to harm her and why?
Though the premise or the major plot points won’t strike you as anything you haven’t read before, as a whole I did find The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick to be an engaging read. The intriguing premise, the atmospheric setting, well-developed characters and the Gothic elements paired with a few surprising revelations (among the more predictable ones) kept me interested in the plot as it progressed. the narrative, which flows well, is presented from Millicent's first-person POV. I loved the sections on Celtic mythology and appreciated how the same was incorporated into the narrative. The ending was exciting and overall satisfying, though I was left with a few questions. Overall, this was a well-written, absorbing novel. Fans of Gothic romance (with a healthy dose of spice) and mystery would definitely enjoy this one.
This is definitely a promising debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr, which made for an engaging immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Northwick Books for the digital review copy Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The novel was published on Oct 31, 2023 and the audiobook was released on Apr 22, 2024
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
1928, Boston: Twenty-six-year-old Millicent Foxboro quits her job at a bookshop in Boston to accept a position to assist widowed Professor Callum Hughes in his research, a position that would require her to move to his estate in Willowfield. Millicent lives with a big gap in her memories. She remembers her traumatic childhood and the tragic episode that destroyed her own family but is unable to recall the events of the years preceding her being admitted to the hospital. With this new assignment, she hopes to earn enough money to turn her life around. But after a somewhat cold reception and the strange behavior of the staff, Millicent begins to suspect that Willowfield and her new employer harbor deep secrets, the eerie occurrences and the journal of her employer’s late wife only adding to her fear and unease. Is the estate haunted or is she being targeted? Who would want to harm her and why?
Though the premise or the major plot points won’t strike you as anything you haven’t read before, as a whole I did find The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick to be an engaging read. The intriguing premise, the atmospheric setting, well-developed characters and the Gothic elements paired with a few surprising revelations (among the more predictable ones) kept me interested in the plot as it progressed. the narrative, which flows well, is presented from Millicent's first-person POV. I loved the sections on Celtic mythology and appreciated how the same was incorporated into the narrative. The ending was exciting and overall satisfying, though I was left with a few questions. Overall, this was a well-written, absorbing novel. Fans of Gothic romance (with a healthy dose of spice) and mystery would definitely enjoy this one.
This is definitely a promising debut and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Madison Mitts and Theodore Zephyr, which made for an engaging immersion reading experience.
Many thanks to Northwick Books for the digital review copy Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ALC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The novel was published on Oct 31, 2023 and the audiobook was released on Apr 22, 2024
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
May 9, 2024
Outstanding debut for Bea Northwick!!!!
The writing was phenomenal and characters were complex and mesmerizing and I was totally captivated by not only the storyline but the many twists and turns! Gothic romance has always been one of my favorite genres with its dark suspense and even darker characters. Bea's detail to not only characters but to the spooky atmospheric feel to the grounds and Willowfield Manor along with questionable servants had me guess the entire time! While I was right in who I thought was shady, the climax had me all kinds of sideways like WTF just happened!! Bravo! Bea!!! I didn't see that twist coming! I adored Millie and Callum!!!! Their chemistry and banter made for a delicious read and the build up to their passion amazing!!!! The sex reminded me of a book I once found in my aunts library on historical erotica!!!! Very daring for the times but some of the best sex I've ever read!!! She found it in a old book store and it was dated from the early 19th century! This had the same feel with the private tryst's not only in the library but even the greenhouse!!! Damn it was hot and so was I!😂
I loved the mix of ghost stories and mythology interwoven through out the book and I was really hoping that the sexy hot professor Hughes was a Gancanagh but its for you to find out the truth!
If you are looking for a new author who's fabulous with storytelling and a book that not only has amazing and interesting both main and secondary characters and twists and turns with pulse pounding suspense and some really awesome steamy scenes check this one out!!! Gothic romance has a new voice and I for one can't wait for more from this writer!! Until next time Luv's😉💋
Here are some of my favorite quotes😉
Sometimes, at night, I will let fantasy get the best of me. Especially in the winters, when everything here is bleak, and there are only my thoughts and the cruel dark.”
“Not literal ghosts, miss. Though, as I mentioned, I wouldn’t bet against there being a few of those roaming the halls. Strange things bloom where grief lives.”
“And Miss Foxboro?” I stopped in my tracks, forced again by our proximity to tilt my head back. This close, I could feel his warmth and smell the lingering scent of library cedar on his clothes. He shifted toward me, raising the candle, offering it. Though I wanted to decline, it was too foolish to do so. I took it in hand. “If I catch you wandering again,” he said, his voice taking on the low quality of a warning, “I may think you mean to tempt me.”
“You don’t know the dangers of this game you’re playing, Millie.” “Tell me what they are,” I whispered, my will to resist him decimated by the sound of my name in his mouth, a song I wanted to hear again. If we were playing a game, I wished him to be the victor if it meant he’d close the last small distance.
The writing was phenomenal and characters were complex and mesmerizing and I was totally captivated by not only the storyline but the many twists and turns! Gothic romance has always been one of my favorite genres with its dark suspense and even darker characters. Bea's detail to not only characters but to the spooky atmospheric feel to the grounds and Willowfield Manor along with questionable servants had me guess the entire time! While I was right in who I thought was shady, the climax had me all kinds of sideways like WTF just happened!! Bravo! Bea!!! I didn't see that twist coming! I adored Millie and Callum!!!! Their chemistry and banter made for a delicious read and the build up to their passion amazing!!!! The sex reminded me of a book I once found in my aunts library on historical erotica!!!! Very daring for the times but some of the best sex I've ever read!!! She found it in a old book store and it was dated from the early 19th century! This had the same feel with the private tryst's not only in the library but even the greenhouse!!! Damn it was hot and so was I!😂
I loved the mix of ghost stories and mythology interwoven through out the book and I was really hoping that the sexy hot professor Hughes was a Gancanagh but its for you to find out the truth!
If you are looking for a new author who's fabulous with storytelling and a book that not only has amazing and interesting both main and secondary characters and twists and turns with pulse pounding suspense and some really awesome steamy scenes check this one out!!! Gothic romance has a new voice and I for one can't wait for more from this writer!! Until next time Luv's😉💋
Here are some of my favorite quotes😉
Sometimes, at night, I will let fantasy get the best of me. Especially in the winters, when everything here is bleak, and there are only my thoughts and the cruel dark.”
“Not literal ghosts, miss. Though, as I mentioned, I wouldn’t bet against there being a few of those roaming the halls. Strange things bloom where grief lives.”
“And Miss Foxboro?” I stopped in my tracks, forced again by our proximity to tilt my head back. This close, I could feel his warmth and smell the lingering scent of library cedar on his clothes. He shifted toward me, raising the candle, offering it. Though I wanted to decline, it was too foolish to do so. I took it in hand. “If I catch you wandering again,” he said, his voice taking on the low quality of a warning, “I may think you mean to tempt me.”
“You don’t know the dangers of this game you’re playing, Millie.” “Tell me what they are,” I whispered, my will to resist him decimated by the sound of my name in his mouth, a song I wanted to hear again. If we were playing a game, I wished him to be the victor if it meant he’d close the last small distance.
October 25, 2023
My jaw is on the floor! An absolute must read!!
This is spooky/horror like Darcy Coates with the spice of Scarlet St Clair!
Our FMC Millie, is missing years of memories and ends up working for a book collector after recovering from a tragedy she doesn’t remember. When a Dr happens upon the book shop in search of a specific book- he hits it off with her. The professor he works with is in need of an assistant for his research, they offer her a position and salary she cannot refuse. When she gets to the Professor’s estate, something is off. It looks like a typical haunted manor complete with staff who all seem to be hiding something.
But ghosts aren’t real… Millie has to remind herself of that when things go bump in the night… when she starts seeing things that aren’t there…
During her research with her new employer she finds a journal belonging to the professor’s late wife, and begins to piece together that she was seeing the same things as Millie… and the staff are tight lipped. No one is giving her any information.
As Millie tries to figures out what happened to his wife, she finds herself attracted to this man who is researching monsters and myths. The longer she stays at the estate the more danger she’s in. Millie needs to figure out this mystery before she becomes the next target.
Things that go bump in the night, ghosts, a huge mystery surrounding the professors late wife… all wrapped up into a very interesting spicy horror book!
I will admit I was super confused for about 60% of this story but once the knot unravels…. It makes SO MUCH SENSE! I couldn’t put this down!
This is spooky/horror like Darcy Coates with the spice of Scarlet St Clair!
Our FMC Millie, is missing years of memories and ends up working for a book collector after recovering from a tragedy she doesn’t remember. When a Dr happens upon the book shop in search of a specific book- he hits it off with her. The professor he works with is in need of an assistant for his research, they offer her a position and salary she cannot refuse. When she gets to the Professor’s estate, something is off. It looks like a typical haunted manor complete with staff who all seem to be hiding something.
But ghosts aren’t real… Millie has to remind herself of that when things go bump in the night… when she starts seeing things that aren’t there…
During her research with her new employer she finds a journal belonging to the professor’s late wife, and begins to piece together that she was seeing the same things as Millie… and the staff are tight lipped. No one is giving her any information.
As Millie tries to figures out what happened to his wife, she finds herself attracted to this man who is researching monsters and myths. The longer she stays at the estate the more danger she’s in. Millie needs to figure out this mystery before she becomes the next target.
Things that go bump in the night, ghosts, a huge mystery surrounding the professors late wife… all wrapped up into a very interesting spicy horror book!
I will admit I was super confused for about 60% of this story but once the knot unravels…. It makes SO MUCH SENSE! I couldn’t put this down!
September 29, 2023
This sounds so unfairly good I can’t wait to get my hands on it
ETA: eeeeeee I got an ARC!!!
ETA: eeeeeee I got an ARC!!!
November 23, 2023
The cruel dark lifted a hand and held my head until the end. It was so consuming, it was amazing. The twist really gets you, it is so well written. My gothic heart is lifting in joy to have had the chance to spend a day in this world.
June 29, 2024
3.5 Stars
I could see the ending and plot twist coming from a mile away, but the creepy gothic atmosphere was everything. The audio book narration was insanely well done too. Northwick picked great narrators and her choice to have it be read as a duet was a great choice.
I'm excited to see what this author writes next.
100% recommend this if you like Keri Lake.
I could see the ending and plot twist coming from a mile away, but the creepy gothic atmosphere was everything. The audio book narration was insanely well done too. Northwick picked great narrators and her choice to have it be read as a duet was a great choice.
I'm excited to see what this author writes next.
100% recommend this if you like Keri Lake.
June 18, 2024
There are very few books that leave me speechless at the end, this is one of them.
Dang. Just. . . WOW!
The last chapter of this book is EVERYTHING. I thought I knew what was coming. I thought I could vaguely guess. I was wrong on SOOOOOOOOOO many levels. That alone is refreshing. I love to be surprised.
This book truly is a Dark Romance and has some wonderfully creepy imagery to go along with it. Since I am a very busy working mom of two, most of my reading is done at night after the kids go to bed. . . I can honestly say there was one night I was torn between being ok with how scared I was and my need to keep reading. Reading won out, but I woke my husband up on the sly just to not me along for a moment. BAHAHA!
I said it once, but It needs to be said two or three times more. This story is beautiful, the imagery is stunning, the characters are demential. I could honestly go on and on just listing the reasons this book is so jaw droopingly good.
5 freaking stars all the way around.
Thank you NetGalley and Northwick Books for the ARC.
Dang. Just. . . WOW!
The last chapter of this book is EVERYTHING. I thought I knew what was coming. I thought I could vaguely guess. I was wrong on SOOOOOOOOOO many levels. That alone is refreshing. I love to be surprised.
This book truly is a Dark Romance and has some wonderfully creepy imagery to go along with it. Since I am a very busy working mom of two, most of my reading is done at night after the kids go to bed. . . I can honestly say there was one night I was torn between being ok with how scared I was and my need to keep reading. Reading won out, but I woke my husband up on the sly just to not me along for a moment. BAHAHA!
I said it once, but It needs to be said two or three times more. This story is beautiful, the imagery is stunning, the characters are demential. I could honestly go on and on just listing the reasons this book is so jaw droopingly good.
5 freaking stars all the way around.
Thank you NetGalley and Northwick Books for the ARC.
September 12, 2023
This had American Horror Story written all over it - LOVED THIS BOOK.
Thank you Net Galley & Bea Northwick for the ARC!
It was a solid Halloween / fall read. It was giving scary and spicy and reminded me the feelings I would get watching American Horror Story. I was genuinely creeped out at some points.
The plot was great, just a little slow paced for my liking in the beginning. Overall though, it picked up quickly.
And how can you have a Halloween ghost story without Celtic lore incorporated? I was quite obsessed with this (but also because I just had a trip to Ireland& Scotland).
The characters were so intriguing and I was captured by Millie and her behaviors, and her relationship with Callum was INTENSE to say the least. WOOF.
The romance and spice throughout the book was perfection, and had me getting butterflies - which is my favorite feeling to have while reading !!
The twist at the end, though a bit predictable, I would be mad if that wasn't the outcome.
Overall, I loved this book, and would highly, HIGHLY recommend to put on a fall to be read list !!
Thank you Net Galley & Bea Northwick for the ARC!
It was a solid Halloween / fall read. It was giving scary and spicy and reminded me the feelings I would get watching American Horror Story. I was genuinely creeped out at some points.
The plot was great, just a little slow paced for my liking in the beginning. Overall though, it picked up quickly.
And how can you have a Halloween ghost story without Celtic lore incorporated? I was quite obsessed with this (but also because I just had a trip to Ireland& Scotland).
The characters were so intriguing and I was captured by Millie and her behaviors, and her relationship with Callum was INTENSE to say the least. WOOF.
The romance and spice throughout the book was perfection, and had me getting butterflies - which is my favorite feeling to have while reading !!
The twist at the end, though a bit predictable, I would be mad if that wasn't the outcome.
Overall, I loved this book, and would highly, HIGHLY recommend to put on a fall to be read list !!
November 7, 2023
The Cruel Dark was such a fascinating story, set in the 1920's amidst a large estate named Willowfield, a once magnificent home known for sprawling gardens and large parties, but has deteriorated since the lady of the house's death. Millie who once spent two months in a mental ward for traumatic amnesia is offered a job at Willowfield to assist Professor Callum Hughes at his estate. Not being able to resist the enormous salary that could help set Millie up in a new life she accepts. At first she is taken a back by his rude demeanor but slowly he entices her in with a need she can hardly refuse.
This beautifully written story both charming and haunted drew me in from the start. and I couldn't let go. I was especially fascinated with Callum and intrigued by his back story, and the slow relationship that builds between him and Millie. With untrustworthy characters and some spice thrown in for good measure, this book is a must read.
Thank you NetGalley and Northwick Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This beautifully written story both charming and haunted drew me in from the start. and I couldn't let go. I was especially fascinated with Callum and intrigued by his back story, and the slow relationship that builds between him and Millie. With untrustworthy characters and some spice thrown in for good measure, this book is a must read.
Thank you NetGalley and Northwick Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 25, 2023
My only complaints is that the main twist was predictable. It did however make me doubt myself thought the book( I thought I was loosing my mind). I’m nonetheless giving it 5 stars. The vibes were faultless and I still really enjoyed it! The eerie gothic vibes and the pinch of spice made this perfect for me. Cannot wait for the companion novela LOVER coming January 31, 2024.
May 21, 2024
That was such a lovely gothic romance. The Rebecca vibes were strong in this one, and the writing was great!
Looking forward to more from this author
Looking forward to more from this author
October 10, 2023
This is a new author that we all need to watch out for because they will rock the book world!
This was such a vibe. Gothic, creepy, intricate detail of the world that was set, ghosts, hauntings, and an aloof professor living in a decrepit house in the middle of nowhere. Set in the 1920’s, this was a perfect book to read for my Spooky/October TBR list.
“Strange things Bloom where grief lives.”
Miss Foxboro took a job in Professor Hughes homes to help him get in order all his data he’s accumulated over the years. The grim fairytales and research is something Millie has been drawn to for years.
Right away to get an eery feeling in this dark and creepy house and the help that still live there… the world building and detail of everything was so spot on, it kept me enthralled to read.
I was obsessed from chapter one. You’ll want to know what’s going on. Who’s doing what. And I have to say, my guesses were SO wrong.
Little spice.
Incredible book.
I felt like it ended rather abruptly though and the romance aspect was very minuscule. I’d like to see an epilogue possibly into the future. 🖤
4.5⭐️
This was such a vibe. Gothic, creepy, intricate detail of the world that was set, ghosts, hauntings, and an aloof professor living in a decrepit house in the middle of nowhere. Set in the 1920’s, this was a perfect book to read for my Spooky/October TBR list.
“Strange things Bloom where grief lives.”
Miss Foxboro took a job in Professor Hughes homes to help him get in order all his data he’s accumulated over the years. The grim fairytales and research is something Millie has been drawn to for years.
Right away to get an eery feeling in this dark and creepy house and the help that still live there… the world building and detail of everything was so spot on, it kept me enthralled to read.
I was obsessed from chapter one. You’ll want to know what’s going on. Who’s doing what. And I have to say, my guesses were SO wrong.
Little spice.
Incredible book.
I felt like it ended rather abruptly though and the romance aspect was very minuscule. I’d like to see an epilogue possibly into the future. 🖤
4.5⭐️
March 1, 2024
"Strange things bloom where grief lives.”
Absolutely haunting. I simply adored Millie and her story. Bea Northwick did a fantastic job with her world building. I found myself being sucked in and immersed into the story. The eerie feelings and dread just seep from the pages of the book.....phenomenal!
Absolutely haunting. I simply adored Millie and her story. Bea Northwick did a fantastic job with her world building. I found myself being sucked in and immersed into the story. The eerie feelings and dread just seep from the pages of the book.....phenomenal!
November 21, 2023
2⭐️zero chemistry between the two MCs, saw the twist coming, also where was the ‘enemies to lovers- playful banter’ as advertised??? They have two very mundane convos and then are basically in instalust.. the creepy atmosphere was well set tho, so yeah.
May 10, 2024
yeah.. this was not it. I high hopes for this one when I saw all the 5 star reviews and it’s so sad because I saw the plot twist legit coming from first few pages🥲
September 9, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
“You don’t know the dangers of this game you’re playing, Millie.”
Secrets, ghosts, lies, mythological creatures, and desires.
I’m speechless!!!🤯 Completely mind blown!
I did not see that coming. What a twist. First, you think the book is going some way when it does a full turn to be something you would have never guessed!
This historical gothic romance will have you obsessed! I feel converted😂. I have never been a historical fan but this book dropped the mic for me! Now I’m questioning I’ve if missed out on other great books.
“All this time you accused me of being a beast, while you were a little devil.”❤️🔥
Millie has been assisting at a bookshop but an opportunity comes her way that she can’t refuse. Sometimes when it sounds too good, it doesn’t always end up that way….
“Mmm, but I’m sure you do realize we are here, alone together in the dark of the night. I feel like this happened before.”
Professor Callum is very wealthy, and lonely. He hires Millie to be his assistant while living in a dark, spooky mansion.
While she’s living there and learning the history of the house. Ghosts come out to play while secrets slowly creep to the surface. With a past, can Millie handle all that the Willowfield offers or will it be too much to handle?
Welcome to The Dark Cruel where love is madness.
Thank you Bea Northwick for allowing me to be part of your ARC team. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
“You don’t know the dangers of this game you’re playing, Millie.”
Secrets, ghosts, lies, mythological creatures, and desires.
I’m speechless!!!🤯 Completely mind blown!
I did not see that coming. What a twist. First, you think the book is going some way when it does a full turn to be something you would have never guessed!
This historical gothic romance will have you obsessed! I feel converted😂. I have never been a historical fan but this book dropped the mic for me! Now I’m questioning I’ve if missed out on other great books.
“All this time you accused me of being a beast, while you were a little devil.”❤️🔥
Millie has been assisting at a bookshop but an opportunity comes her way that she can’t refuse. Sometimes when it sounds too good, it doesn’t always end up that way….
“Mmm, but I’m sure you do realize we are here, alone together in the dark of the night. I feel like this happened before.”
Professor Callum is very wealthy, and lonely. He hires Millie to be his assistant while living in a dark, spooky mansion.
While she’s living there and learning the history of the house. Ghosts come out to play while secrets slowly creep to the surface. With a past, can Millie handle all that the Willowfield offers or will it be too much to handle?
Welcome to The Dark Cruel where love is madness.
Thank you Bea Northwick for allowing me to be part of your ARC team. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
May 24, 2024
The story follows Millicent Foxboro, a woman who’s spent two months in a mental ward for traumatic amnesia.
An unlikely opportunity arises to go and work for a Professor of Mythology Callum Hughes and help as his research assistant. He's intense and mysterious, and not all is what it seems at the Willowfield estate.
The book was perfectly spooky and haunting, just the right amount of mystery and Slow Burn 🔥 the twists in this book honestly had me gasping and the ending was perfection.
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Edit - I received an ALC of The audio from MTMC Tours, thankkyou!
I loved revisiting the story as it was one of my favourite reads from last year. The narration was absolute perfection!
It captured the longing and trauma of the characters and really bought all the emotions these they go through to life.
I felt the tension so much more listening to it, and it was still perfectly atmospheric and spooky. Even though I knew the twist was coming this time it still had me shook 😅
An unlikely opportunity arises to go and work for a Professor of Mythology Callum Hughes and help as his research assistant. He's intense and mysterious, and not all is what it seems at the Willowfield estate.
The book was perfectly spooky and haunting, just the right amount of mystery and Slow Burn 🔥 the twists in this book honestly had me gasping and the ending was perfection.
--------
Edit - I received an ALC of The audio from MTMC Tours, thankkyou!
I loved revisiting the story as it was one of my favourite reads from last year. The narration was absolute perfection!
It captured the longing and trauma of the characters and really bought all the emotions these they go through to life.
I felt the tension so much more listening to it, and it was still perfectly atmospheric and spooky. Even though I knew the twist was coming this time it still had me shook 😅
September 25, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
“I will go to my grave needing you, Millie”
“You’ll be the death of me”
____________________________________
This book…WOW!
10/10, 5 stars, chef’s kiss, so on and so on. My ONLY regret is that I didn’t read this in October to commence the true beginning of spooky season because this is a perfect dark read for that 🖤
Bea does a phenomenal job with her world-building and I very much enjoyed her writing style. This book absolutely hooked me in and the ending was not at all what I had expected (in a good way of course)
I would absolutely recommend this book over and over again 100 times over and I will forever be grateful to have been picked to arc read this beauty!
{an e-ARC of The Cruel Dark was given to me in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own}
“I will go to my grave needing you, Millie”
“You’ll be the death of me”
____________________________________
This book…WOW!
10/10, 5 stars, chef’s kiss, so on and so on. My ONLY regret is that I didn’t read this in October to commence the true beginning of spooky season because this is a perfect dark read for that 🖤
Bea does a phenomenal job with her world-building and I very much enjoyed her writing style. This book absolutely hooked me in and the ending was not at all what I had expected (in a good way of course)
I would absolutely recommend this book over and over again 100 times over and I will forever be grateful to have been picked to arc read this beauty!
{an e-ARC of The Cruel Dark was given to me in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own}
June 24, 2024
Huge thank you to Bea Northwick and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book started a tad slow for me but then before I knew it, I couldn’t put it down! The storytelling is truly well done with this one, with the descriptions, characters, and setting giving me a modernized Jane Austen vibe.
I’m still not sure how to classify this book—it’s a blend of dark academia, romance, and paranormal—a perfect read for the spooky season! After finishing it, I immediately wanted to read more by this author and was surprised to see this listed as her first book on Goodreads. This is a great spicy read for those who want more than romance out of a story—I found the suspense and spooky side of the book more compelling than the romantic storyline.
An intriguing debut that I recommend! I enjoyed how it was very different than anything else I’ve read recently.
This book started a tad slow for me but then before I knew it, I couldn’t put it down! The storytelling is truly well done with this one, with the descriptions, characters, and setting giving me a modernized Jane Austen vibe.
I’m still not sure how to classify this book—it’s a blend of dark academia, romance, and paranormal—a perfect read for the spooky season! After finishing it, I immediately wanted to read more by this author and was surprised to see this listed as her first book on Goodreads. This is a great spicy read for those who want more than romance out of a story—I found the suspense and spooky side of the book more compelling than the romantic storyline.
An intriguing debut that I recommend! I enjoyed how it was very different than anything else I’ve read recently.
January 17, 2024
Gothic Mystery
Millicent Foxboro had lived through her own hell and come out the other side. After suffering what could only be called a sad and difficult childhood, she was sent away to a girl’s school and came home to find her parents dead in a murder-suicide. Millie woke up years later in a mental hospital with no knowledge of what happened in between. As a woman alone in the world, Millicent was fortunate to find a job and a place to stay with an elderly gentleman who restored ancient text. She was hired to keep his house and business, but when he discovered that Millie could also read ancient text she was employed to assist in his work. That was until she was hired by a Professor who was willing to pay her outrageous wages to assist him at his home out in the middle of nowhere sorting his ancient texts on mythology.
Millicent doesn’t get what she would call a warm reception at the ornate home of the Professor. The old manse was beautifully decorated with fanciful carvings of creatures and nature from the world of the fae. It would have been magnificent had it not fallen to rot, and renovations been obviously neglected or stopped somewhere mid destruction and rebuild.
Millie was happy when she finally started to work with the Professor, although he treated her with a distinct lack of courtesy and often acted as if she didn’t exist. The rest of the staff was the same, and only the golden and handsome groundskeeper seemed at all friendly, and occasionally his sister who was the chamber maid.
As Millie wormed her way into the hearts and lives of the people of the Hughes estate, she found the journals of the Professor’s deceased wife among the work she was sorting. The Professor saw her reading it, took it from her and threw it in the fire. Although Millie was embarrassed because she had been reading about the the lady of the house speaking of “Callum taking me wherever the mood struck him” and describing it in graphic detail, she snapped back at the Professor. It wasn’t her fault the journal was among the things she was sorting, and how was she to know when it had the same handwriting as some of the other notes.
Millie and Callum had a more casual relationship after that and he allowed her to use his first name, and their work went more smoothly. At the same time Millie was having uncomfortable nights and often spent them chasing a woman in white through the house. The woman seemed to be in distress and Millie wasn’t afraid of her, in fact she wanted to help her, until one night she followed her to a room where she was shoved into a wardrobe and woke days later in her own bed.
Callum couldn’t seem to keep away from Millie and ordered beautiful clothes made just for her for a party he was holding for old friends. She had the young maid cut her hair and she felt more bold, even among Callum’s wealthy friends. Callum led her off alone and they made love in a dark room. Their relationship changed forever, and he eventually asked her to be his wife.
This is where the book goes off the rails into a gothic mystery that takes a turn that you expect, but don’t. It was a decent book, but dragged too much in the interim.
Millicent Foxboro had lived through her own hell and come out the other side. After suffering what could only be called a sad and difficult childhood, she was sent away to a girl’s school and came home to find her parents dead in a murder-suicide. Millie woke up years later in a mental hospital with no knowledge of what happened in between. As a woman alone in the world, Millicent was fortunate to find a job and a place to stay with an elderly gentleman who restored ancient text. She was hired to keep his house and business, but when he discovered that Millie could also read ancient text she was employed to assist in his work. That was until she was hired by a Professor who was willing to pay her outrageous wages to assist him at his home out in the middle of nowhere sorting his ancient texts on mythology.
Millicent doesn’t get what she would call a warm reception at the ornate home of the Professor. The old manse was beautifully decorated with fanciful carvings of creatures and nature from the world of the fae. It would have been magnificent had it not fallen to rot, and renovations been obviously neglected or stopped somewhere mid destruction and rebuild.
Millie was happy when she finally started to work with the Professor, although he treated her with a distinct lack of courtesy and often acted as if she didn’t exist. The rest of the staff was the same, and only the golden and handsome groundskeeper seemed at all friendly, and occasionally his sister who was the chamber maid.
As Millie wormed her way into the hearts and lives of the people of the Hughes estate, she found the journals of the Professor’s deceased wife among the work she was sorting. The Professor saw her reading it, took it from her and threw it in the fire. Although Millie was embarrassed because she had been reading about the the lady of the house speaking of “Callum taking me wherever the mood struck him” and describing it in graphic detail, she snapped back at the Professor. It wasn’t her fault the journal was among the things she was sorting, and how was she to know when it had the same handwriting as some of the other notes.
Millie and Callum had a more casual relationship after that and he allowed her to use his first name, and their work went more smoothly. At the same time Millie was having uncomfortable nights and often spent them chasing a woman in white through the house. The woman seemed to be in distress and Millie wasn’t afraid of her, in fact she wanted to help her, until one night she followed her to a room where she was shoved into a wardrobe and woke days later in her own bed.
Callum couldn’t seem to keep away from Millie and ordered beautiful clothes made just for her for a party he was holding for old friends. She had the young maid cut her hair and she felt more bold, even among Callum’s wealthy friends. Callum led her off alone and they made love in a dark room. Their relationship changed forever, and he eventually asked her to be his wife.
This is where the book goes off the rails into a gothic mystery that takes a turn that you expect, but don’t. It was a decent book, but dragged too much in the interim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2024
4.5 stars!
okay WOW!! This gripped me from the very beginning! thank you to whoever I saw on my feed who reviewed the novella which ultimately piqued my interest to dive into this.
Reminiscent of the haunting of hill house/bly manor (my favorite show probably ever) with a large estate and haunting ghosts and apparitions, it also had its academia side to it, drawing in inspiration from Irish folklore which was a fresh addition to the book that I enjoyed it thoroughy. If you were a fan of verity, perhaps you might enjoy this as well. I highly recommend!!
Gothic, haunting, and creepy with twists and turns that you couldn't trust your own mind, I thought I was going crazy reading this, and I'm not gonna lie, I was a little spooked!!! the insidious atmosphere of this book was done phenomenally. The writing was spectacular and lyrical and captivating. At some points, it was a little too much, but the colorful language added to the building of the book's atmosphere.
I really enjoyed the ending/twist, and I can't wait to read the next novella to see it all from Callum's POV because I definitely need some more explanation than that epilogue! I'm still reeling from how everything unraveled, but it was such an invigorating journey that kept my attention. The romance was gripping (iykyk) and the smut was smutting 🌶️🌶️ I truly felt so many emotions while reading this it was SUCH A RIDE!
okay WOW!! This gripped me from the very beginning! thank you to whoever I saw on my feed who reviewed the novella which ultimately piqued my interest to dive into this.
Reminiscent of the haunting of hill house/bly manor (my favorite show probably ever) with a large estate and haunting ghosts and apparitions, it also had its academia side to it, drawing in inspiration from Irish folklore which was a fresh addition to the book that I enjoyed it thoroughy. If you were a fan of verity, perhaps you might enjoy this as well. I highly recommend!!
Gothic, haunting, and creepy with twists and turns that you couldn't trust your own mind, I thought I was going crazy reading this, and I'm not gonna lie, I was a little spooked!!! the insidious atmosphere of this book was done phenomenally. The writing was spectacular and lyrical and captivating. At some points, it was a little too much, but the colorful language added to the building of the book's atmosphere.
I really enjoyed the ending/twist, and I can't wait to read the next novella to see it all from Callum's POV because I definitely need some more explanation than that epilogue! I'm still reeling from how everything unraveled, but it was such an invigorating journey that kept my attention. The romance was gripping (iykyk) and the smut was smutting 🌶️🌶️ I truly felt so many emotions while reading this it was SUCH A RIDE!
September 3, 2023
As someone who doesn't read much historical fiction or romance, the dark side of this story is what piqued my interest, and I'm glad it did!
I had a hard time putting this one down. The characters were likeable but also had enough hidden that I had to keep reading to uncover their secrets.
Is it a ghost story? Or a psychological thriller? Or perhaps a love story? YES, and I recommend it to anyone who loves the crossroads of romance and horror.
Thank you, Bea Northwick, for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had a hard time putting this one down. The characters were likeable but also had enough hidden that I had to keep reading to uncover their secrets.
Is it a ghost story? Or a psychological thriller? Or perhaps a love story? YES, and I recommend it to anyone who loves the crossroads of romance and horror.
Thank you, Bea Northwick, for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2023
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! The spookiness was perfect timing with Halloween around the corner. I found myself pondering a theory about the FMC midway through and was excited to discover that I was correct, It was a nice twist to this spooky, spicy tale.
Millie Foxboro wants more in life. She is haunted by her past or at least her past that she remembers. She has recently woken up in a mental institution for traumatic amnesia. It is because of this that she decides to take a chance with a job in the middle of nowhere as an assistant to an eccentric professor. He needs her help sorting through his papers about mythology which she happens to know a bit about. She doesn’t know what to expect but is spooked along the way at the mention of ghosts in the mansion. She dismisses the thoughts but finds herself unsure when she gets to the house which is in a state of disrepair every since Mrs. Hughes died. There are only a few people to help keep everything going- the cook, the maid and the groundskeeper. Then of course there is Professor Hughes who our FMC Millie soon starts calling Callum. There is a ton of build up between them and mixed signals with a ton of sexual tension.
During all of this, Millie finds herself not sleeping very well and starts wondering if she is seeing things? Her and Callum finally act on their feelings, and I have to say I was here for the spice level which was unexpected! Millie starts discovering journals throughout the house written by the late Mrs. Hughes full of scenes of passion between her and Callum as well as descriptions of a seance. Millie wants to know more about the late Mrs. Hughes but doesn’t want to upset anyone. I didn’t really know where this book was going, and I don’t think Millie did either. Things escalated and she didn’t know who to trust with new information that she learned about herself and Callum’s relationship. She ended up trusting the wrong person and everything FINALLY came to light.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I did! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Millie Foxboro wants more in life. She is haunted by her past or at least her past that she remembers. She has recently woken up in a mental institution for traumatic amnesia. It is because of this that she decides to take a chance with a job in the middle of nowhere as an assistant to an eccentric professor. He needs her help sorting through his papers about mythology which she happens to know a bit about. She doesn’t know what to expect but is spooked along the way at the mention of ghosts in the mansion. She dismisses the thoughts but finds herself unsure when she gets to the house which is in a state of disrepair every since Mrs. Hughes died. There are only a few people to help keep everything going- the cook, the maid and the groundskeeper. Then of course there is Professor Hughes who our FMC Millie soon starts calling Callum. There is a ton of build up between them and mixed signals with a ton of sexual tension.
During all of this, Millie finds herself not sleeping very well and starts wondering if she is seeing things? Her and Callum finally act on their feelings, and I have to say I was here for the spice level which was unexpected! Millie starts discovering journals throughout the house written by the late Mrs. Hughes full of scenes of passion between her and Callum as well as descriptions of a seance. Millie wants to know more about the late Mrs. Hughes but doesn’t want to upset anyone. I didn’t really know where this book was going, and I don’t think Millie did either. Things escalated and she didn’t know who to trust with new information that she learned about herself and Callum’s relationship. She ended up trusting the wrong person and everything FINALLY came to light.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I did! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2024
I'm sorry, but what was this book even about. It took waaay too long to get to the point and, up until then it was just chapters upon chapters of Millie wandering around and Callum being weird. No plot to be found.
Okay, false. There is a plot. The last two chapters are the entire plot, and they come along with a twist that didn't make sense to me (and the parts that did had been super obvious from the beginning) and the feeling that the author wrote it while on drugs.
Okay, false. There is a plot. The last two chapters are the entire plot, and they come along with a twist that didn't make sense to me (and the parts that did had been super obvious from the beginning) and the feeling that the author wrote it while on drugs.
September 4, 2023
A captivating gothic 1920s romance and mystery. This will transport you to another era and envelope all your senses. The world building and descriptions are so decadent. The story will captivate you and entrance you until the last page. This story had me reeling. My head spinning every twist and turn. I audibly gasped many times. This is a must read for gothic romance lovers. Bea nailed this and you could feel her passion for the character radiating through. Simply amazing.
October 28, 2023
⭐️5/5 | 🌶️ 3/5 | Dark Gothic Romance | Historical Setting | Sinister Love Interest | Celtic Folklore | Dark Secrets | Slow Burn
The first words out of my mouth when I finished this was “What in the world did I just read?” LOL because holy shit this was good!!! Such a perfect Halloween weekend read. This was so atmospheric, enthralling, captivating, eerie, and spooky combined with mystery, suspense and romance. Set in the 1920s with lots of Celtic Folklore references that definitely set your mind up to conjure so many theories – you would not expect the plot twists. I honestly did not expect the last 35% of the book to head in the direction it did but at the same time, the puzzle pieces began falling into place. I have no idea how Northwick was able to put all these elements together, navigate it so seamlessly and still surprise me. BRAVO!
Millie Foxboro – a very relatable character with a traumatic past, unstable upbringing, and memory loss who is searching and longing for a stable life. She is strong-willed, curious and quip yet has a fragile mind as she battles demons from her past. Callum Hughes – a wealthy professor who lives in a dark and spooky mansion/estate, at first to be brooding and impudent. You hate him, then love him, then despise him, then love him even more.
Their chemistry was lava hot with the snarky remarks, to the looks and nuances, until it all simmers and detonates to oblivion.
With lots of whispers and gossip about Callum and his late wife, the mansion is said to be haunted. Northwick was able to make that haunting melody come alive from the way she would describe the ambiance of each room, hallways and alcoves, and the description of the surroundings from once having so much life to being nonexistent; from the little insinuations from the staff and rules about staying put at night; to the fact that only a handful of people live in such an enormous setting. I love how the spooky paranormal elements actually creeped the hell out of me. I love anything spooky, sinister, horrific, gory – all that, so for this to cause me some discomfort is a good thing.
THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!
The first words out of my mouth when I finished this was “What in the world did I just read?” LOL because holy shit this was good!!! Such a perfect Halloween weekend read. This was so atmospheric, enthralling, captivating, eerie, and spooky combined with mystery, suspense and romance. Set in the 1920s with lots of Celtic Folklore references that definitely set your mind up to conjure so many theories – you would not expect the plot twists. I honestly did not expect the last 35% of the book to head in the direction it did but at the same time, the puzzle pieces began falling into place. I have no idea how Northwick was able to put all these elements together, navigate it so seamlessly and still surprise me. BRAVO!
Millie Foxboro – a very relatable character with a traumatic past, unstable upbringing, and memory loss who is searching and longing for a stable life. She is strong-willed, curious and quip yet has a fragile mind as she battles demons from her past. Callum Hughes – a wealthy professor who lives in a dark and spooky mansion/estate, at first to be brooding and impudent. You hate him, then love him, then despise him, then love him even more.
Their chemistry was lava hot with the snarky remarks, to the looks and nuances, until it all simmers and detonates to oblivion.
With lots of whispers and gossip about Callum and his late wife, the mansion is said to be haunted. Northwick was able to make that haunting melody come alive from the way she would describe the ambiance of each room, hallways and alcoves, and the description of the surroundings from once having so much life to being nonexistent; from the little insinuations from the staff and rules about staying put at night; to the fact that only a handful of people live in such an enormous setting. I love how the spooky paranormal elements actually creeped the hell out of me. I love anything spooky, sinister, horrific, gory – all that, so for this to cause me some discomfort is a good thing.
THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!
July 9, 2024
3.5 stars.
If this was just a gothic love story with fade to black love scenes, then I would have given it 5 stars, probably. But... it had very explicit sex scenes that were just weird to me. The language used and the build-up to the scenes just didn't do it for me. Aside from that, I really loved the writing, the world, the house, and just the overall eerie atmosphere of the book.
If this was just a gothic love story with fade to black love scenes, then I would have given it 5 stars, probably. But... it had very explicit sex scenes that were just weird to me. The language used and the build-up to the scenes just didn't do it for me. Aside from that, I really loved the writing, the world, the house, and just the overall eerie atmosphere of the book.
October 29, 2023
If you enjoy gothic romance this one needs to be on your radar! This is gothic romance paired with a side of dark academia.
We’ve got a broody Professor, a haunted house, paranormal horror elements and a 1920s setting. Does that not scream perfection? If you need to add another book to your spooky season TBR run, don’t walk.
The book will have you believing one thing and then finding out another. I did not expect that twist near the end!
Thank you to BOMM Book Tours and the author for providing me with a copy of the Cruel Dark to read and review!
We’ve got a broody Professor, a haunted house, paranormal horror elements and a 1920s setting. Does that not scream perfection? If you need to add another book to your spooky season TBR run, don’t walk.
The book will have you believing one thing and then finding out another. I did not expect that twist near the end!
Thank you to BOMM Book Tours and the author for providing me with a copy of the Cruel Dark to read and review!
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