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Lover: The Cruel Dark Companion Novella
Experience Willowfield in a chilling and heartbreaking new way - through the eyes of its haunted master, Professor Callum Hughes.
This novella follows the plot of THE CRUEL DARK from beginning to end, chapter by chapter, in Callum Hughes' POV and contains several bonus scenes. LOVER is meant to be read after THE CRUEL DARK and not in tandem, as it contains plot spoilers from Chapter 1.
This novella follows the plot of THE CRUEL DARK from beginning to end, chapter by chapter, in Callum Hughes' POV and contains several bonus scenes. LOVER is meant to be read after THE CRUEL DARK and not in tandem, as it contains plot spoilers from Chapter 1.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2024
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 55 reviews
July 19, 2024
4.5⭐
Lover: The Cruel Dark Companion Novella by Bea Northwick presents the events described in the author’s novel The Cruel Dark from the perspective of Callum Hughes.
I truly enjoyed this novella and was glad that it answered most of the questions that I felt were left unanswered in the novel. Consistently paced fluid narrative, elegant prose and well-developed plot points made for an immersive read. The author has done a wonderful job of conveying Callum’s thoughts and emotions, shedding light on what was going on parallel to Millicent’s experiences, thereby providing a well-rounded perspective on Millicent’s story.
Please read this novella only after having read the novel.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Lover: The Cruel Dark Companion Novella by Bea Northwick presents the events described in the author’s novel The Cruel Dark from the perspective of Callum Hughes.
I truly enjoyed this novella and was glad that it answered most of the questions that I felt were left unanswered in the novel. Consistently paced fluid narrative, elegant prose and well-developed plot points made for an immersive read. The author has done a wonderful job of conveying Callum’s thoughts and emotions, shedding light on what was going on parallel to Millicent’s experiences, thereby providing a well-rounded perspective on Millicent’s story.
Please read this novella only after having read the novel.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
July 3, 2024
Instagram || Threads || Facebook || Amazon || TikTok
Look, 9 times out of 10 when an author decides to rewrite their book from the male love interest's perspective, it's not interesting and feels wholly unnecessary. LOVER is that 1 book out of 10 that really adds something to the story, and it's also basically a masterclass in how to write a gentlemanly simp who is respectfully obsessive. HAWT.
Do NOT read this book if you haven't already read THE CRUEL DARK because it contains major spoilers for the book. Before I dive into my review, I will say that these two books are set during the roaring twenties, and are a lushly written gothic saga about a girl with a tragic past coming to help a hot and tormented professor with his research, only to discover that the house that they're working in harbors dark secrets that inextricably twine with both of their own sordid histories.
Callum is such a great hero. He had some of the best lines in this book ever, and the spicy scenes were both elegant and hot. A Michelin starred dish of spice, if you will. I also loved seeing Millie through his eyes. I loved her a lot in her own book, and getting to see the hero falling in love with her, being in love with her, was a real treat.
Does this book do much for the plot? No. But it advances the story emotionally and is actually a very thoughtful and complex piece of fan service that goes beyond a mere smuttening, so I am happy.
4.5 stars
Want to read
March 27, 2024I love Goodreads so much because I would have never found this novella if I didn’t see someone else mark it as want to read.
I’ve got a soft spot for A Cruel Dark, it was one of my first ARCs. So, I’m really excited to read this one!
I’ve got a soft spot for A Cruel Dark, it was one of my first ARCs. So, I’m really excited to read this one!
June 4, 2024
While The Cruel Dark will appeal to a variety of readers, across multiple genres, this accompanying novella was made for us romance readers.
I cannot speak in detail for fear of ruining major plot points of TCD, but Lover is an opposing pov story that pulls at the heartstrings in all the best ways. We get to see how the story unfolds for another character, and it’s vital in appreciating the romance aspect. It answers so many questions about what was happening beyond Millie’s perspective, and how other side characters were affected.
If you read The Cruel Dark, I highly recommend continuing on and enjoying this short 128ish page novella! To be honest, it made me appreciate the first book even more! 😭🖤
5 huge stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this!
I cannot speak in detail for fear of ruining major plot points of TCD, but Lover is an opposing pov story that pulls at the heartstrings in all the best ways. We get to see how the story unfolds for another character, and it’s vital in appreciating the romance aspect. It answers so many questions about what was happening beyond Millie’s perspective, and how other side characters were affected.
If you read The Cruel Dark, I highly recommend continuing on and enjoying this short 128ish page novella! To be honest, it made me appreciate the first book even more! 😭🖤
5 huge stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this!
March 6, 2024
One of my favourite reads from last year was "The Cruel Dark", which is a haunting gothic romance with memorably spooky elements and a romance that just stuck with me. The companion novella "Lover" returns to that very same story from the perspective of Callum (the MMC). It is meant to be read after reading the book itself as it contains spoilers for the novel.
I loved returning to Willowfield and discovering it from a very different point of view to that of Millicent's! Getting that insight into Callum's head during the events of the book supplied details and emotions that cast him in a completely different light. And since this is his POV, the novella also includes scenes and key moments that can't be seen in the "The Cruel Dark", which made for great additional background information. And as I said in my TCD review, the spice he provides is utterly delicious - this remains true for the novella as well! 🌶️
Also, I wasn't expecting that last chapter to be what it was, but I loved it so much!
A huge thank you to Bea Northwick for the ARC in return for my honest opinion! 🤍
I loved returning to Willowfield and discovering it from a very different point of view to that of Millicent's! Getting that insight into Callum's head during the events of the book supplied details and emotions that cast him in a completely different light. And since this is his POV, the novella also includes scenes and key moments that can't be seen in the "The Cruel Dark", which made for great additional background information. And as I said in my TCD review, the spice he provides is utterly delicious - this remains true for the novella as well! 🌶️
Also, I wasn't expecting that last chapter to be what it was, but I loved it so much!
A huge thank you to Bea Northwick for the ARC in return for my honest opinion! 🤍
May 23, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
i mean it's a novella from the first book and recounts all of the situations from his POV. i was delighted to read his thoughts after figuring it all out!!!! i can't believe i ever thought callum was the monster 😫 this poor soul having to do what he had to do !!!! i just wanted to hug him
i mean it's a novella from the first book and recounts all of the situations from his POV. i was delighted to read his thoughts after figuring it all out!!!! i can't believe i ever thought callum was the monster 😫 this poor soul having to do what he had to do !!!! i just wanted to hug him
March 8, 2024
Thank you @beanorthwick for this ARC of Lover!
Yall my heart. 🖤
Bea writes her stories so eloquently and I’m easily swept off my feet. I didn’t think I could love Callum anymore than I did…then Madam Northwick went and wrote Lover. Lover gives us a look into Callums POV and it is EVERYTHING. And that ending. 🥹😭
If you need me I’ll be over here continuing to swoon and wait for my own Callum Hughes to come into my life.
Yall my heart. 🖤
Bea writes her stories so eloquently and I’m easily swept off my feet. I didn’t think I could love Callum anymore than I did…then Madam Northwick went and wrote Lover. Lover gives us a look into Callums POV and it is EVERYTHING. And that ending. 🥹😭
If you need me I’ll be over here continuing to swoon and wait for my own Callum Hughes to come into my life.
May 21, 2024
Companion novella to The Cruel Dark, to be read after the main book. Since this is basically an alt pov retelling, it didn't feel fresh. But that may be because I read this back to back with Cruel Dark instead of a few months later.
Still great writing and story, but not as enjoyable for me personally
Still great writing and story, but not as enjoyable for me personally
June 4, 2024
Male POVs are for the girls 🫶🏽
May 28, 2024
10/10
No notes
This novella and standalone book are absolutely incredible and I will be thinking about Millie and Callum forever
No notes
This novella and standalone book are absolutely incredible and I will be thinking about Millie and Callum forever
July 17, 2024
I’ve never read a book that is just another character’s pov for the whole book, but this was shockingly really good. It was really interesting to see how Callum was hiding that Millie was actually his wife, and all his little inner thoughts. The epilogue was great too, I loved seeing them happy and what they’re doing years later.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
An interesting companion novel, but not totally necessary imo.
May 29, 2024
LOVED this novella. it would have been 5 stars if there was more info added, it felt a little repetitive reading it right after the first. we were robbed of the giddy greenhouse scene not once, but twice 😭
March 6, 2024
Lover is the companion Novella to The Cruel Dark, and shows the events of TCD through the MMCs eyes. I highly recommend reading TCD first as Lover does have a lot of spoilers!
I read TCD when it first came out in 2023 and it was incredible! The twists and turns were incredibly executed, and it was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish - I felt like I was right there with the characters! Even when rereading TCD and knowing what happens already, it fully deserves five stars because it’s a damn masterpiece!
I was so excited to get the chance to read Lover, getting the chance to see the events of TCD from Callum’s perspective was definitely an experience I’d have been devastated to miss! There were so many things we couldn’t have seen because of the way TCD is told, and it was incredible to see more of what happened through Callum’s eyes!
I love that while it is a companion novella, Bea has added so many new scenes and extra bits of information that we wouldn’t have gotten from Millie’s POV, and it didn’t feel like I was just reading the same story at any point.
Five stars isn’t enough for these two books, they were perfect and I wish I’d never read them, just so I could read them again for the first time!
*I received an advance reader copy for free (thank you Bea Northwick), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I read TCD when it first came out in 2023 and it was incredible! The twists and turns were incredibly executed, and it was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish - I felt like I was right there with the characters! Even when rereading TCD and knowing what happens already, it fully deserves five stars because it’s a damn masterpiece!
I was so excited to get the chance to read Lover, getting the chance to see the events of TCD from Callum’s perspective was definitely an experience I’d have been devastated to miss! There were so many things we couldn’t have seen because of the way TCD is told, and it was incredible to see more of what happened through Callum’s eyes!
I love that while it is a companion novella, Bea has added so many new scenes and extra bits of information that we wouldn’t have gotten from Millie’s POV, and it didn’t feel like I was just reading the same story at any point.
Five stars isn’t enough for these two books, they were perfect and I wish I’d never read them, just so I could read them again for the first time!
*I received an advance reader copy for free (thank you Bea Northwick), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
July 24, 2024
I finally got around to reading the follow up novella to Cruel Dark, which was written Callum’s point of view, the MMC of our story. This one was a quickie but a goodie. I am kind of glad that I waited a little bit to read it so that I could somewhat relive some aspects of the Cruel Dark. Please keep in mind that this novella was written as follow up. If you haven’t read the Cruel Dark, please give it a read. This was one of my favorite books last year and it had me on my toes; not only was it full of suspense and eeriness but also some top tier romance with spice thrown in for good measure. This novella does the same thing while filling in some more gaps and back story as well as filling in more background to the side characters that affect Millie, the FMC.
Lover gives us a point of view of a desperate man in love who is willing to do whatever it takes to get his woman back and I love Callum for it. I don’t want to give away too much because I really love the Cruel Dark and don’t want to ruin it for those that haven’t read it as mentioning some of the occurrences in the novella could ruin the suspense it for prospective readers.
Honestly without if you haven’t read the Cruel Dark, do yourself a favor and pick it up, if you already read it, treat yourself and go back to Willowfield by reading Lover.
Lover gives us a point of view of a desperate man in love who is willing to do whatever it takes to get his woman back and I love Callum for it. I don’t want to give away too much because I really love the Cruel Dark and don’t want to ruin it for those that haven’t read it as mentioning some of the occurrences in the novella could ruin the suspense it for prospective readers.
Honestly without if you haven’t read the Cruel Dark, do yourself a favor and pick it up, if you already read it, treat yourself and go back to Willowfield by reading Lover.
March 10, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
“I will go to my grave needing you, Millie”
____________________________________
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
𝘓𝘖𝘝𝘌𝘙 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘊𝘙𝘜𝘌𝘓 𝘋𝘈𝘙𝘒 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳-𝘣𝘺-𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘔𝘊’𝘴 𝘗𝘖𝘝
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘛𝘊𝘋 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦
I absolutely loved getting the chance to be transported back to Willowfield, but this time getting to experience it through Callum’s point of view
The love and devotion that Callum has for his wife Millie is undeniable even during such a difficult time. I found myself just as happy for Callum and Millie at the end of this novella as I was at the end of TCD (of course because they were the same ending, but from both Callum and Millie’s point of view)
Bea has once again written such a beautiful and captivating gothic romance companion to THE CRUEL DARK and this will always be a top recommendation from myself to any reader looking for a gothic romance with incredible world building and slow burn spice. Thank you to the beautiful Bea Northwick for the opportunity to ARC read this treasure 🖤
{an e-ARC of LOVER 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”
____________________________________
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
𝘓𝘖𝘝𝘌𝘙 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘵𝘰 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘊𝘙𝘜𝘌𝘓 𝘋𝘈𝘙𝘒 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳-𝘣𝘺-𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘔𝘊’𝘴 𝘗𝘖𝘝
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘛𝘊𝘋 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦
I absolutely loved getting the chance to be transported back to Willowfield, but this time getting to experience it through Callum’s point of view
The love and devotion that Callum has for his wife Millie is undeniable even during such a difficult time. I found myself just as happy for Callum and Millie at the end of this novella as I was at the end of TCD (of course because they were the same ending, but from both Callum and Millie’s point of view)
Bea has once again written such a beautiful and captivating gothic romance companion to THE CRUEL DARK and this will always be a top recommendation from myself to any reader looking for a gothic romance with incredible world building and slow burn spice. Thank you to the beautiful Bea Northwick for the opportunity to ARC read this treasure 🖤
{an e-ARC of LOVER was given to me in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own}
March 20, 2024
This is the companion novella to Northwick’s debut The Cruel Dark, which is a dark romance thriller that has intrigue and suspense around every corner. After Millie is granted a new position at Professor Hughes’s estate as his research assistant, she uncovers secrets that were long since buried and whispers of ghosts that still linger in the cracks as the romantic tension between the pair flourishes.
Lover is a welcome addition to the debut, told from the perspective of Callum, aka Professor Hughes, it should only be read after The Cruel Dark as otherwise it’ll spoil the surprise and will not understand anything.
Nevertheless, I reviewed the debut here and gave it a five-star score because it was utterly thrilling and a must-read. It’s set in the 1920s and uses the prohibition aesthetic to create a dark romance that has you guessing until the end. I received both stories as ARC reviews, and so glad that they are in my arsenal forever more. Northwick has some fascinating and addictive characters in Millie, the main character with a traumatic past and a stubbornness that proves she is no one to be trifled with, and Callum, the protagonist of this companion, who loves deeply and will do anything for it to be returned.
Lover is a welcome addition to the debut, told from the perspective of Callum, aka Professor Hughes, it should only be read after The Cruel Dark as otherwise it’ll spoil the surprise and will not understand anything.
Nevertheless, I reviewed the debut here and gave it a five-star score because it was utterly thrilling and a must-read. It’s set in the 1920s and uses the prohibition aesthetic to create a dark romance that has you guessing until the end. I received both stories as ARC reviews, and so glad that they are in my arsenal forever more. Northwick has some fascinating and addictive characters in Millie, the main character with a traumatic past and a stubbornness that proves she is no one to be trifled with, and Callum, the protagonist of this companion, who loves deeply and will do anything for it to be returned.
March 8, 2024
✨“𝑰 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒅, 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒕, 𝒂𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝒉𝒊𝒎.”✨
𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 by Bea Northwick is the perfect follow-up to her award-winning book 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕣𝕦𝕖𝕝 𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕜!!!
🖋️Review
This book was an amazing follow-up to one of my favorite books of 2023, The Cruel Dark. I loved stepping back into Willowfield and getting the MMC Callum’s POV. This book shed a whole new light on this story and these characters and I loved every second of it. I cannot recommend The Cruel Dark or Lover enough. If you love dark gothic romance, psychological thrillers, or even historical fiction this is the book for you!
Genre: Historical Gothic Romance
Publication Date: January 31st, 2024
Pages: 152
Rating 5⭐️
1.5 🌶️
Tropes:
✔️Slow-burn
✔️Spicy
✔️Distressed Heroine
✔️Sinister Love Interest
✔️Dark Secrets
✔️Celtic Folklore
✔️Preternatural Occurrence
✔️His POV
✔️Companion Novella
And More…
🚨⚠️This book has dark elements and is not suitable for all readers. Please be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading this book!⚠️🚨
𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 by Bea Northwick is the perfect follow-up to her award-winning book 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕣𝕦𝕖𝕝 𝔻𝕒𝕣𝕜!!!
🖋️Review
This book was an amazing follow-up to one of my favorite books of 2023, The Cruel Dark. I loved stepping back into Willowfield and getting the MMC Callum’s POV. This book shed a whole new light on this story and these characters and I loved every second of it. I cannot recommend The Cruel Dark or Lover enough. If you love dark gothic romance, psychological thrillers, or even historical fiction this is the book for you!
Genre: Historical Gothic Romance
Publication Date: January 31st, 2024
Pages: 152
Rating 5⭐️
1.5 🌶️
Tropes:
✔️Slow-burn
✔️Spicy
✔️Distressed Heroine
✔️Sinister Love Interest
✔️Dark Secrets
✔️Celtic Folklore
✔️Preternatural Occurrence
✔️His POV
✔️Companion Novella
And More…
🚨⚠️This book has dark elements and is not suitable for all readers. Please be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading this book!⚠️🚨
March 8, 2024
“𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙚.”
To those who don't know, "Lover" is the companion Novella of "The Cruel Dark" by @beanorthwick . It's a gothic romance that takes place around the 1920s
and is so good! 😍
10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg y'all! I cried while reading this book! 😭 I completely fell in love with “The Cruel Dark”, but there was something about “Lover” that just moved me more. I think it was because we knew what was going to happen and what everyone else was feeling throughout the story. It was so beautifully written and my heart was hurting throughout the entire novella. Bea Northwick has definitely become a favorite author! I loved reading Callum’s POV!
I highly recommend reading this wonderful story. You can find “The Cruel Dark” on @beanorthwick website, and other book sites! “Lover” is now sold on the author’s website and Amazon! 🫶🏼
Remember! You should read “The Cruel Dark” before “Lover”! 🥰🫶🏼
To those who don't know, "Lover" is the companion Novella of "The Cruel Dark" by @beanorthwick . It's a gothic romance that takes place around the 1920s
and is so good! 😍
10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg y'all! I cried while reading this book! 😭 I completely fell in love with “The Cruel Dark”, but there was something about “Lover” that just moved me more. I think it was because we knew what was going to happen and what everyone else was feeling throughout the story. It was so beautifully written and my heart was hurting throughout the entire novella. Bea Northwick has definitely become a favorite author! I loved reading Callum’s POV!
I highly recommend reading this wonderful story. You can find “The Cruel Dark” on @beanorthwick website, and other book sites! “Lover” is now sold on the author’s website and Amazon! 🫶🏼
Remember! You should read “The Cruel Dark” before “Lover”! 🥰🫶🏼
March 8, 2024
I do not want to spoil anything, so I will try to be as vague as possible. Lover is a companion novella to The Cruel Dark, so read that book first! It’s a wonderful, spooky gothic romance that has twists you won’t see coming. (It has spicy moments, so if you don’t like to read books with that, be warned.)
I was so excited when Bea said this novella was coming because I wanted to see everything from Callum’s perspective and dig a little deeper into the story. Because of how The Cruel Dark is told, certain details couldn’t be explored and things weren’t remembered. Lover was perfect because the original story wasn’t rehashed scene by scene like some companion books, but another layer was added to it, with memories, emotion, and perspective. I thought Callum was very dark and cold originally, and even though I liked that, seeing everything from his side made me love him even more. All the flashbacks (ahhhh!) and even the epilogue way in the future was just *chefs kiss*.
I was so excited when Bea said this novella was coming because I wanted to see everything from Callum’s perspective and dig a little deeper into the story. Because of how The Cruel Dark is told, certain details couldn’t be explored and things weren’t remembered. Lover was perfect because the original story wasn’t rehashed scene by scene like some companion books, but another layer was added to it, with memories, emotion, and perspective. I thought Callum was very dark and cold originally, and even though I liked that, seeing everything from his side made me love him even more. All the flashbacks (ahhhh!) and even the epilogue way in the future was just *chefs kiss*.
March 6, 2024
Lover by Bea Northwick
When I say I loved The Cruel Dark, I mean it!! I was so blown away with the writing and the storyline. So when I picked up Lover as an ARC I already had high expectations.
I am happy to say that I was quite impressed yet one more time. This story takes us on another roller coaster ride, but this time from the MMC's point of view.
We see everything through his eyes. His hopes and dreams for a future he thought he would never have, a future no longer within his grasp. Or so he thought!
I loved the concept of revisiting an amazing story from a different point of view. I definitely recommend reading The Cruel Dark first and I hope Bea releases a tandem read (very curious to see how that would come out )
Another 5 stars for Bea Northwick. Thank you for including me on your ARC team. My review is a voluntary one and the viewpoint shared are my own
When I say I loved The Cruel Dark, I mean it!! I was so blown away with the writing and the storyline. So when I picked up Lover as an ARC I already had high expectations.
I am happy to say that I was quite impressed yet one more time. This story takes us on another roller coaster ride, but this time from the MMC's point of view.
We see everything through his eyes. His hopes and dreams for a future he thought he would never have, a future no longer within his grasp. Or so he thought!
I loved the concept of revisiting an amazing story from a different point of view. I definitely recommend reading The Cruel Dark first and I hope Bea releases a tandem read (very curious to see how that would come out )
Another 5 stars for Bea Northwick. Thank you for including me on your ARC team. My review is a voluntary one and the viewpoint shared are my own
April 27, 2024
I didn’t think I could love Callum more, but here we are.. the professor showed us how much he loves his wife and how much he had missed her in great detail.
I loved that we got glimpses of their life before the trauma through his eyes. Giving us his POV was brilliant since we get to experience Callum as more than a glum employer who became more. We get to see him interact with his friends and colleagues. We get to see them fall in love again. I’m swooning!♥️
This was so much more deep than Milli’s POV since we get to see the love everybody had for her and the lengths they would go to protect her. Reading this immediately after reading The Cruel Dark again made the experience much more thrilling and captivating.
I LOVED the last chapter so much! It was perfect! Thank you so much to the author for this incredible book!
I loved that we got glimpses of their life before the trauma through his eyes. Giving us his POV was brilliant since we get to experience Callum as more than a glum employer who became more. We get to see him interact with his friends and colleagues. We get to see them fall in love again. I’m swooning!♥️
This was so much more deep than Milli’s POV since we get to see the love everybody had for her and the lengths they would go to protect her. Reading this immediately after reading The Cruel Dark again made the experience much more thrilling and captivating.
I LOVED the last chapter so much! It was perfect! Thank you so much to the author for this incredible book!
March 6, 2024
ꜱᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀ ᴀʟᴇʀᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄʀᴜᴇʟ ᴅᴀʀᴋ!
𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗
𝔟𝔶: 𝔅𝔢𝔞 𝔑𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔥𝔴𝔦𝔠𝔨
“I wasn’t looking at the world around us, because the world I wanted was looking at me”
𝕱𝖆𝖛𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖊 𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖗- Callum! Wow did this book change my feelings on this man! I absolutely adore him! The love he has for his wife is refreshing and beautiful! 🥹
𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖉- The POV of Callum period! I adored this side of the story, I eat. This. UP! Im already really missing the atmosphere and characters 💔
𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖉𝖎𝖉𝖓’𝖙 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊- 🦗 🦗 (those are crickets, because I have not one negative thing to say!) I don’t love that it’s over! 😘
I will definitely be returning to Willowfield again ☺️
Thank you Bea Northwick for the ARC!
𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗
𝔟𝔶: 𝔅𝔢𝔞 𝔑𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔥𝔴𝔦𝔠𝔨
“I wasn’t looking at the world around us, because the world I wanted was looking at me”
𝕱𝖆𝖛𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖊 𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖗𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖊𝖗- Callum! Wow did this book change my feelings on this man! I absolutely adore him! The love he has for his wife is refreshing and beautiful! 🥹
𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖉- The POV of Callum period! I adored this side of the story, I eat. This. UP! Im already really missing the atmosphere and characters 💔
𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝕴 𝖉𝖎𝖉𝖓’𝖙 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊- 🦗 🦗 (those are crickets, because I have not one negative thing to say!) I don’t love that it’s over! 😘
I will definitely be returning to Willowfield again ☺️
Thank you Bea Northwick for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
Lover is a bonus content novella, following the story of The Cruel Dark from the POV of the MMC, Callum. It has to be read after TCD. It is a perfect complement to the main book, as it allows us to enter Callum's mind, to live his story.
This book captivates from the first page, drawing the reader into the pain, the suffering Callum felt at the loss of his wife.
It was wonderful to return to Willowfield and "relive" the story full of love and mystery of the Cruel Dark.
Callum's POV gives another perspective to the story, helping to connect the missing pieces and making appreciate this protagonist even more.
Once again Bea wins my heart with her writing so poetic.
This book captivates from the first page, drawing the reader into the pain, the suffering Callum felt at the loss of his wife.
It was wonderful to return to Willowfield and "relive" the story full of love and mystery of the Cruel Dark.
Callum's POV gives another perspective to the story, helping to connect the missing pieces and making appreciate this protagonist even more.
Once again Bea wins my heart with her writing so poetic.
July 1, 2024
Title: Lover: The Cruel Dark Companion Novella
Author: Bea Northwick
Synopsis: Experience Willowfield in a chilling and heartbreaking new way - through the eyes of its haunted master, Professor Callum Hughes.
This novella follows the plot of THE CRUEL DARK from beginning to end, chapter by chapter, in Callum Hughes' POV and contains several bonus scenes. LOVER is meant to be read after THE CRUEL DARK and not in tandem, as it contains plot spoilers from Chapter 1.
Review: the writing is as beautiful as The Cruel Dark and I liked it. But to me personally this didn’t do much for me since it is The cruel dark from Callum’s POV. I still look forward to more work from Bea Northwick.
Author: Bea Northwick
Synopsis: Experience Willowfield in a chilling and heartbreaking new way - through the eyes of its haunted master, Professor Callum Hughes.
This novella follows the plot of THE CRUEL DARK from beginning to end, chapter by chapter, in Callum Hughes' POV and contains several bonus scenes. LOVER is meant to be read after THE CRUEL DARK and not in tandem, as it contains plot spoilers from Chapter 1.
Review: the writing is as beautiful as The Cruel Dark and I liked it. But to me personally this didn’t do much for me since it is The cruel dark from Callum’s POV. I still look forward to more work from Bea Northwick.
March 6, 2024
Ahh, I loved returning to Willowfield with Millie and Callum! This is a companion novella to be read after The Cruel Dark (which I absolutely loved). The novella is all told from Callum’s POV and was all I wanted and more. I enjoyed learning a little more of the background info and all the thoughts/feelings that Callum had seeing Millie. I love an angsty Professor trope and boy 🥵 was he. I honestly could have read an entire full-length novel from his perspective. This novella (and the first book too) is an amazing read for all gothic romance lovers!
March 8, 2024
Lover is the companion novella to The Cruel Dark and highlights the events from Callum’s POV. To avoid spoilers, this novella should be read after.
Callum’s POV lends insight to his cold countenance to the haunted Millie Foxboro. Like The Cruel Dark, Bea’s prose is atmospheric and captivating and I loved being back in the mysterious world of Willowfield as Callum and Millie’s secrets and desires slowly unfurl.
Alluring and emotionally gripping, Lover is an absolute must-read for fans of Gothic Romance!
Huge thanks to @beanorthwick for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC 🖤🖤🖤
Callum’s POV lends insight to his cold countenance to the haunted Millie Foxboro. Like The Cruel Dark, Bea’s prose is atmospheric and captivating and I loved being back in the mysterious world of Willowfield as Callum and Millie’s secrets and desires slowly unfurl.
Alluring and emotionally gripping, Lover is an absolute must-read for fans of Gothic Romance!
Huge thanks to @beanorthwick for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC 🖤🖤🖤
May 29, 2024
A wonderful novella that adds context and emotion to an already phenomenal novel. Northwick's "Lover" follows the perspective of Callum Hughes as he filters through his trials from the original story "The Cruel Dark."
NOTE: Do not read this novella if you haven't read "The Cruel Dark." You will be thoroughly confused, and you'll be missing out on a wonderful story in and of itself.
Without giving away too much, this story is emotional, impactful, and filled with enough zest and emotional unrest that you'll fly through the pages. This novella is a well deserved 5 star review.
NOTE: Do not read this novella if you haven't read "The Cruel Dark." You will be thoroughly confused, and you'll be missing out on a wonderful story in and of itself.
Without giving away too much, this story is emotional, impactful, and filled with enough zest and emotional unrest that you'll fly through the pages. This novella is a well deserved 5 star review.
March 6, 2024
this book is a companion novella to the cruel dark (which i gave 5 stars and was one of my favorite books of last year) and i enjoyed being back at willowfield with these characters. seeing this story unfold through callum’s eyes was absolutely heart wrenching and even though i knew the ending, i wanted to scream the entire time because YALL BELONG TOGETHER AHHHHHHH.
anyways. this is amazing. read the cruel dark. and then read this.
anyways. this is amazing. read the cruel dark. and then read this.
March 6, 2024
Lover by @beanorthwick is a companion novella to be read after The Cruel Dark.
I can't even rate this book normally because not even 5 stars can adequately measure how Willowfield and its occupants have infiltrated my heart.
If you never read another book I recommend, just read these two.
Read about Professor Hughes and Millie.
Read about the magic and darkness of Willowfield.
Thank you Bea for bringing this world to life and sharing them with the world.
I can't even rate this book normally because not even 5 stars can adequately measure how Willowfield and its occupants have infiltrated my heart.
If you never read another book I recommend, just read these two.
Read about Professor Hughes and Millie.
Read about the magic and darkness of Willowfield.
Thank you Bea for bringing this world to life and sharing them with the world.
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