I loved this so much more than Meryl's debut book. The storytelling, plot, characters, was worlds better. I loved the forbidden romance and age gap trope in this book, although it did make me a bit uncomfy at times because I felt weird for Parker. However, this was sexy, sweet, and incredibly heartwarming. I loved the message that was delivered, that you should check choose yourself and your happiness and not leave it behind.

It just wasn't for me. I didn't like how there would be POV changes in the middle of a chapter, the characters felt pretty flat and I think the plot was dull. It had a lot of potential, but the delivery wasn't the best. If I'm being honest, I didn't always feel the chemistry between Amber and Jack and at times it wasn't there at all.

I'm not much of a paranormal romance gal BUT this was really good. It was sexy, sweet, emotional, and I loved the connection they had with each other. The paranormal aspect was also incredibly interesting. I'm a fan when paranormal or romance stories have grief as a theme because it makes it that more heartfelt in my opinion.

I was so excited but this was really meh for me. I agree with other reviews that this is like if Gilmore Girls, Practical Magic, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch had a baby. It had a magical and fun vibe to the town and overall story. I liked that it handled topics of grief and families and I thought it did well with that. I just didn't care for how it was set up. This didn't feel like a traditional cozy setup and I didn't like how the sleuthing ensued. Brynn was sort of dull and I feel like she got lost compared to everyone else... not good since she's the main character.

When I say this was the best book I have read EVER I'm not exaggerating. First of all, all of the men (the women too but especially the men) SUCKED. I'm absolutely perfectly fine with Wallace's fate. Abbitha? Abby is THAT BITCH and I want to be like her. Samson is demon we love and deserve and I would follow him in a heartbeat. The descriptions of the dark wood and the demons were so eerie, I couldn't read this at night. The chills were constant. This is definitely a good-for-her revenge story and I'm here for it. I will say...beetles at the end?? I almost threw up.

Merged review:

When I say this was the best book I have read EVER I'm not exaggerating. First of all, all of the men (the women too but especially the men) SUCKED. I'm absolutely perfectly fine with Wallace's fate. Abbitha? Abby is THAT BITCH and I want to be like her. Samson is demon we love and deserve and I would follow him in a heartbeat. The descriptions of the dark wood and the demons were so eerie, I couldn't read this at night. The chills were constant. This is definitely a good-for-her revenge story and I'm here for it. I will say...beetles at the end?? I almost threw up.

I'm shocked that this is a debut because this was so well written and enjoyable and didn't feel wooden at all. I liked that the story wasn't scary, necessarily, but the house and little details about the ghosts were. I also love that this felt more like comedic horror to me and I laughed a ton. The narrator for the audiobook was fantastic. I think Carissa Orlando did a good job making her characters feel authentic and was able to make the house feel alive.

I seriously love Hanna Alkaf's middle grades. She writes such seamless and dreamy stories and it's so easy to get sucked in. I loved that this was described as"Malaysian little red riding hood" because that's the perfect descriptor. I enjoyed the Malaysian folktales weaved into the story and I loved the theme of friendship and family and wanting to save her grandma from the sickness that's taking her memory, it made me tear up.

3.5-3.75 stars rounded up. I love that this is a fat positive story that doesn't just focus on the weight of our main character. I love that Bridget was forced to humble herself and really grow into her personality and figure out who she is. She did a complete 180 and I loved watching her arc, but, I also loved that she kept her joy and ambition and light the entire time.