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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Thank you to NetGalley, Karina Halle, and Tantor Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Karina Halle. I hesitated to pick it up, but when I saw the audiobook on NetGalley, I decided why not? It did not disappoint. It was such a good and spicy book. Please, check TWs. The characters were well written. I would have loved more descriptions of the atmosphere. The magic system is interesting. I hope it’s explained further in the next book. I have many questions. I hope they will be answered in book 2.
The audiobook was so good. Carolyn Eve and Arthur Russell did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. Arthur Russell's deeper voice completed the male characters well. Carolyn Eve has the perfect voice for Kat. She makes her sound young but mature. They both did an incredible performance.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Tantor Audio for an ALC of this novel, in exchange for an honest review. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.
The audiobook is narrated with care and the voice actors do an amazing job, the dual narration was just perfection. I wish I could listen to the next book right away. This is a sexy why choose gothic retelling of Sleepy Hollow taking place in an academy for witches, which is PERFECT in so many ways. The fall vibes are top-notch here.
I thought this one might have little plot, but I was wrong. It has a good intriguing mystery, lots of fantasy elements and some interesting twists.
I loved all the characters and their arcs, and I can't wait for what's coming on the second book, omg we might have a ménage à trois and I'm here for it. This book was HOT but without losing sight of the plot. It also has the spooky vibes we want without being scary.
What I liked the most was the dynamic between the three main characters Kat, Brom, and Ichabod’s it was truly magnetic. All of it being set in this gothic atmosphere and balancing the romance with the mystery in such a great way, made the book fantastic.
If you like retellings, gothic books, romantasy or want some fall vibes you need to check this one out.
The audiobook is narrated with care and the voice actors do an amazing job, the dual narration was just perfection. I wish I could listen to the next book right away. This is a sexy why choose gothic retelling of Sleepy Hollow taking place in an academy for witches, which is PERFECT in so many ways. The fall vibes are top-notch here.
I thought this one might have little plot, but I was wrong. It has a good intriguing mystery, lots of fantasy elements and some interesting twists.
I loved all the characters and their arcs, and I can't wait for what's coming on the second book, omg we might have a ménage à trois and I'm here for it. This book was HOT but without losing sight of the plot. It also has the spooky vibes we want without being scary.
What I liked the most was the dynamic between the three main characters Kat, Brom, and Ichabod’s it was truly magnetic. All of it being set in this gothic atmosphere and balancing the romance with the mystery in such a great way, made the book fantastic.
If you like retellings, gothic books, romantasy or want some fall vibes you need to check this one out.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not familiar with the original tale of Sleepy Hollow or The Headless Horseman, so I can’t speak to how closely this reimagining follows the source material—but I have a feeling it’s quite a departure. What I found instead was a darkly seductive story that leans heavily into lust, temptation, and the messy consequences of giving in to desires that are usually kept tucked away in the corners of our minds. It’s a bold twist on a classic legend, turning it into something equal parts witchy, steamy, and mysterious.
This book doesn’t shy away from spice, but it balances the heat with an undercurrent of secrets and intrigue. The witch-filled setting adds a layer of atmosphere that feels both magical and dangerous, while the mystery of who’s really pulling the strings keeps you turning the pages. By the end, I was left wondering whether Book 2 will continue unraveling the lives of these characters or take us in a whole new direction. Either way, I’m curious enough to follow where the author leads next.
This book doesn’t shy away from spice, but it balances the heat with an undercurrent of secrets and intrigue. The witch-filled setting adds a layer of atmosphere that feels both magical and dangerous, while the mystery of who’s really pulling the strings keeps you turning the pages. By the end, I was left wondering whether Book 2 will continue unraveling the lives of these characters or take us in a whole new direction. Either way, I’m curious enough to follow where the author leads next.
dark
mysterious
I've read a ton of Karina Halle over the years and this duet has been on my radar for ages and I kept telling myself to read it close to 🎃Halloween🎃 and never got around to it. This is my year.
Hollow is a really interesting retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and if you are familiar with Karina's work, you know we get the good spice (FM and MM). The audiobook was wonderfully done - narrated by Carolyn Eve and Arthur Russell. Had a good time reading this and will definitely be picking up the 2nd part of the duet, Legend. I can't wait for revelations around Kat's mom/family motives and the Sleepy Hollow Institute mysteries. I loved the connection between all our main characters. It's a bummer that the audiobook isn't available for the next book and I doubt I'll be able to wait to find out what happens with Kat, Brom, and Ichabod (assume we'll get some MMF).
Similar to her other duets, this does end in a cliffhanger so be forewarned that you'll want to have the next book on hand as soon as you finish this one. I cannot pinpoint why but this first half of A Gothic Shade of Romance didn't hit the same way that The Dracula Duet did (which I love love love). I may feel differently after I read Legend.
Thank you Tantor Audio and NetGalley for providing a copy of the audiobook.
Hollow is a really interesting retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and if you are familiar with Karina's work, you know we get the good spice (FM and MM). The audiobook was wonderfully done - narrated by Carolyn Eve and Arthur Russell. Had a good time reading this and will definitely be picking up the 2nd part of the duet, Legend. I can't wait for revelations around Kat's mom/family motives and the Sleepy Hollow Institute mysteries. I loved the connection between all our main characters. It's a bummer that the audiobook isn't available for the next book and I doubt I'll be able to wait to find out what happens with Kat, Brom, and Ichabod (assume we'll get some MMF).
Similar to her other duets, this does end in a cliffhanger so be forewarned that you'll want to have the next book on hand as soon as you finish this one. I cannot pinpoint why but this first half of A Gothic Shade of Romance didn't hit the same way that The Dracula Duet did (which I love love love). I may feel differently after I read Legend.
Thank you Tantor Audio and NetGalley for providing a copy of the audiobook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Murder
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Reviewed for Wit and Sin
Karina Halle’s reimagining of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a mix of erotic tension, gothic romance, shades of horror, fantasy, domination, and mystery. That may sound like a lot but Halle blends it together beautifully in this sexy, captivating tale. It's been a long time since I devoured a book in one sitting – staying up way too late because I couldn’t stop reading – but Hollow is just that compelling.
The atmosphere of the Sleepy Hollow Institute is creepy and enthralling. Kat Van Tassel has hidden her magic most of her life but here she comes to learn, and quickly is pulled toward the new professor, Ichabod Crane. Kat has an open heart and a curious mind; Crane has dark secrets and a brain that loves nothing more than a mystery. Their chemistry is palpable and I liked watching the sexual tension bubble then boil over. And what of the third member of this trio? Brom Bones is a mystery even unto himself. He has blank spaces in his memory and at times he is not wholly himself. He doesn’t remember Crane but there’s something about the man that both draws and angers him. And Kat, his beloved best friend is now a woman who can no longer be solely his. All three of them are compelling protagonists; each has shared wants and desires that draw them together. But there are also secrets, especially for Crane and Brom, that are still to be unpacked and explored. I loved the beginning of their romance and cannot wait to see what Halle does in the second half of their story to build on the strong foundation she establishes here.
In Hollow , one mystery leads to another. The secrets of Sleepy Hollow are fascinating and the pieces Halle has put on the board are deliberate and I am sure will come together in the next book. I loved the worldbuilding, the creepiness (and this is coming from someone who does not do horror), and am desperate to learn more. I don’t want to say too much because I came into this book not knowing anything other than it was a dark and sexy retelling of a classic and the discovery of what lies behind the Institute’s gates was part of the thrill of the read.
Hollow is a perfect blend of eroticism and storytelling. I absolutely loved the magnetic pull between the three leads, the desire between all of them rich and transfixing. The story itself was atmospheric and engaging, each piece of the puzzle only making me want more. I cannot wait to see how it all ends in Legend!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Karina Halle’s reimagining of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a mix of erotic tension, gothic romance, shades of horror, fantasy, domination, and mystery. That may sound like a lot but Halle blends it together beautifully in this sexy, captivating tale. It's been a long time since I devoured a book in one sitting – staying up way too late because I couldn’t stop reading – but Hollow is just that compelling.
The atmosphere of the Sleepy Hollow Institute is creepy and enthralling. Kat Van Tassel has hidden her magic most of her life but here she comes to learn, and quickly is pulled toward the new professor, Ichabod Crane. Kat has an open heart and a curious mind; Crane has dark secrets and a brain that loves nothing more than a mystery. Their chemistry is palpable and I liked watching the sexual tension bubble then boil over. And what of the third member of this trio? Brom Bones is a mystery even unto himself. He has blank spaces in his memory and at times he is not wholly himself. He doesn’t remember Crane but there’s something about the man that both draws and angers him. And Kat, his beloved best friend is now a woman who can no longer be solely his. All three of them are compelling protagonists; each has shared wants and desires that draw them together. But there are also secrets, especially for Crane and Brom, that are still to be unpacked and explored. I loved the beginning of their romance and cannot wait to see what Halle does in the second half of their story to build on the strong foundation she establishes here.
In Hollow , one mystery leads to another. The secrets of Sleepy Hollow are fascinating and the pieces Halle has put on the board are deliberate and I am sure will come together in the next book. I loved the worldbuilding, the creepiness (and this is coming from someone who does not do horror), and am desperate to learn more. I don’t want to say too much because I came into this book not knowing anything other than it was a dark and sexy retelling of a classic and the discovery of what lies behind the Institute’s gates was part of the thrill of the read.
Hollow is a perfect blend of eroticism and storytelling. I absolutely loved the magnetic pull between the three leads, the desire between all of them rich and transfixing. The story itself was atmospheric and engaging, each piece of the puzzle only making me want more. I cannot wait to see how it all ends in Legend!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Media, and Karina Halle for the audiobook.
I’ve been dipping my toes into different genres than I typically read recently. I’m not too familiar with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, though I watched the Johnny Depp movie years ago, but this stands on its own anyway. The gothic atmosphere was compelling. The story was intriguing. The characters were enticing. I *knew* it was going to leave me on a cliffhanger, and yet I was still gasping at the end there.
The spice was spicy, and it honestly was fine. I’m not really into the darkly possessive stuff all the time, but it worked for the characters. The romance evolved naturally and it didn’t feel rushed or out of place.
Overall I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading book two.
Oh my, did I happen to mention that I was reading a dark academia why-choose retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow? Well I did, and I finished it, and I had a ton of fun.
Author Karina Halle says she hesitates to call it a dark romance and then lists a ton of content warnings. I have to agree with her: I don' think it's a dark romance since the relationship dynamics are actually pretty nontoxic (or as nontoxic as they can be in a student/teacher situation on the one hand and a "possessed by an evil spirit"/childhood friends to lovers situation on the other).
I won't deny that this skews darker than I usually read, but I had a really good time reading it. I think it's partially because the Irving text itself is a mixture of the comedic and the terrific (as in, ghost story-esque terrific) and because Halle, using that a little bit as inspiration, lets the book be less dark and scary and more "remember how Ichabod Crane didn't spare the rod or spoil the child in the OG text? Let's see what he does with a riding crop in this one!"
I will 100% be reading the next book in the series.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the Ace edition.
Author Karina Halle says she hesitates to call it a dark romance and then lists a ton of content warnings. I have to agree with her: I don' think it's a dark romance since the relationship dynamics are actually pretty nontoxic (or as nontoxic as they can be in a student/teacher situation on the one hand and a "possessed by an evil spirit"/childhood friends to lovers situation on the other).
I won't deny that this skews darker than I usually read, but I had a really good time reading it. I think it's partially because the Irving text itself is a mixture of the comedic and the terrific (as in, ghost story-esque terrific) and because Halle, using that a little bit as inspiration, lets the book be less dark and scary and more "remember how Ichabod Crane didn't spare the rod or spoil the child in the OG text? Let's see what he does with a riding crop in this one!"
I will 100% be reading the next book in the series.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the Ace edition.
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Sleepy hollow retelling
Dark romance
Dual narration - Carolyn Eve & Arthur Russell
Great narration. I liked their voices.
Book 1 A Gothic Shade of Romance
A good listen. I will continue and listen to book 2 when it is available.
This was a mix of horror romance with spice. The writing was captivating and unique. The characters have deep chemistry that you can feel. The spice starts early so be prepared! It’s good tho! 😈
Dark romance
Dual narration - Carolyn Eve & Arthur Russell
Great narration. I liked their voices.
Book 1 A Gothic Shade of Romance
A good listen. I will continue and listen to book 2 when it is available.
This was a mix of horror romance with spice. The writing was captivating and unique. The characters have deep chemistry that you can feel. The spice starts early so be prepared! It’s good tho! 😈
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
ALC REVIEW
Story 5⭐️
Performance 5⭐️
Story
Okay listen!!! Hollow is a sexy why choose gothic, dark academia, fairytale retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and it’s perfect to read for spooky season! This book has multiple POVs. I really enjoyed the plot,the characters, and minimal world-building.
Kat was send to attend the Sleepy Hollow Institute, which is a mysterious magical school for witches. She catches the eye of her handsome professor, Ichabod Crane. Her childhood best friend and betrothed, Brom, has been missing for 4 years, but he suddenly returns, and he attends the Institute as well.
As Kat, Brom, and Ichabod are pulled deeper into the mystery, passions ignite and danger looms. Love, desire, and blood spill across the pages — and yes, the Horseman is always lurking. It’s all very dramatic and mysterious, I ate this book up.
The vibes of this story were so dark and mysterious, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Such a fun reading experience.
There are MM/MF spicy scenes in this one, setting up a MMF situation. It’s hot hot hot!
Spooky. Spicy. Addictive. I gave Hollow 5 stars and highly recommend it if you love gothic retellings, unconventional romance, and a touch of Halloween magic. But be warned… this one ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
Audiobook
Carolyn Eve and Arthur Russell , both delivered a good performance. Their delivery and cadence are spot-on, perfectly matched to the flow of the story and keeping you locked in from start to finish. You can feel that they’re fully invested in the storyline, which only draws you in deeper.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Karina Halle for the early access to this ALC!
Story 5⭐️
Performance 5⭐️
Story
Okay listen!!! Hollow is a sexy why choose gothic, dark academia, fairytale retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and it’s perfect to read for spooky season! This book has multiple POVs. I really enjoyed the plot,the characters, and minimal world-building.
Kat was send to attend the Sleepy Hollow Institute, which is a mysterious magical school for witches. She catches the eye of her handsome professor, Ichabod Crane. Her childhood best friend and betrothed, Brom, has been missing for 4 years, but he suddenly returns, and he attends the Institute as well.
As Kat, Brom, and Ichabod are pulled deeper into the mystery, passions ignite and danger looms. Love, desire, and blood spill across the pages — and yes, the Horseman is always lurking. It’s all very dramatic and mysterious, I ate this book up.
The vibes of this story were so dark and mysterious, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Such a fun reading experience.
There are MM/MF spicy scenes in this one, setting up a MMF situation. It’s hot hot hot!
Spooky. Spicy. Addictive. I gave Hollow 5 stars and highly recommend it if you love gothic retellings, unconventional romance, and a touch of Halloween magic. But be warned… this one ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!
Audiobook
Carolyn Eve and Arthur Russell , both delivered a good performance. Their delivery and cadence are spot-on, perfectly matched to the flow of the story and keeping you locked in from start to finish. You can feel that they’re fully invested in the storyline, which only draws you in deeper.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Karina Halle for the early access to this ALC!
Hollow is the 1st book in a duet retelling the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This was originally self-published by Karina Halle and is being traditionally published by Berkley / Ace and re-releasing on 10/7/25. I received an advanced digital copy of the soon to be released version.
This was so good! It was incredibly spooky. Sleepy Hollow, the nearby magical school, the atmosphere in general had all the great spooky gothic vibes. I love what Karina has done with the plot in this retelling. The sister witches at the school are foreboding. They are clearly up to something nefarious.
Not only is this spooky, but it's also an incredibly spicy read. I think it may have been about 60/40 plot to spice. Check the trigger warnings, as some of the content may not be for everyone.
This definitely ends on a cliffhanger. Nothing is really resolved at the end of this book. But the second book in this duet re-releases next month, so it won't be too long of a wait!
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, Ace and Karina Halle for the early digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback! I can't wait to read Legend next and find out what happens in Sleepy Hollow.
This was so good! It was incredibly spooky. Sleepy Hollow, the nearby magical school, the atmosphere in general had all the great spooky gothic vibes. I love what Karina has done with the plot in this retelling. The sister witches at the school are foreboding. They are clearly up to something nefarious.
Not only is this spooky, but it's also an incredibly spicy read. I think it may have been about 60/40 plot to spice. Check the trigger warnings, as some of the content may not be for everyone.
This definitely ends on a cliffhanger. Nothing is really resolved at the end of this book. But the second book in this duet re-releases next month, so it won't be too long of a wait!
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, Ace and Karina Halle for the early digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback! I can't wait to read Legend next and find out what happens in Sleepy Hollow.