The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick deserves every bit of my 5 star rating!!!



⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gothic romance
Mystery
Slow burn
Family estate
Secrets
Spice 🌶️


Publication date: October 31, 2023

This is a gothic romance, mystery, slow burn, with just the right amount of spice set in 1928(absolutely adore this time period).

This book had me spooked on the edge of my seat at times. The characters in this story 🤌🏻. It has a touch of fantasy in it. I also want to praise this book highly, it was phenomenal!!! I highly recommend reading this, especially for your fall vibes. Book comes out October 31. You should go pre-order your copy.

Thank you to netgalley and Northwick books for my Ebook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#thecrueldark #netgalley #bookstagram #ARCreview #booktok

Haunted pasts and sinister secrets

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫

Millie has been working as an apprentice at a bookstore in Boston for the past 18 months. With no recollection of the 2 years prior, she has tried to move forward with her life. With the need to secure her finances, she accepts a position as an assistant to Professor Callum Hughes, master of Willowfield and a widower.

Millie tries to engage with the mercurial master of the dilapidated manor and the mere 3 staff members remaining, the rest driven off by fear of the haunted home and tragic history.

She begins to look into the mystery surrounding the life and death of the late Mrs. Hughes who was obsessed with horticulture and ancient tales and folklore. Millie becomes haunted by the ghosts of her past and present. Will this assignment be her salvation or doom?

Tropes/themes:
Gothic romance
Tension
Secrets
Traumatic amnesia
🌶️

"You don't know the dangers of this game you're playing, Millie."

"But you're smart, disarmingly romantic. Everything about you vexes and beguiles me. I think you're bedeviled by your temper and your secrets and all the passions you're terrified of”

“Tell me your secrets”

Steeped in a dark enchanting atmosphere, The Cruel Dark transports the reader to a suspenseful and haunting tale of secrets, loss, and passion.

I devoured this phenomenal debut Gothic romance novel! The author brilliantly crafts Millie’s history, the intense relationships, and the slow unraveling of the mysteries of the manor. I loved the reveals and plot twists and was fully immersed in the gorgeous dark world of Willowfield.

**I received a free e-ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Thank you Bea Northwick and NetGalley for the opportunity!**

tl;dr
For readers who like their haunting gothic tales with plenty of spice.

Thoughts
Gothic novels have always been a mixed bag for me. I love the aesthetic, but I often find myself let down by tepid endings that don't always fulfill the carefully laden promise. The Cruel Dark does no such thing, instead sticking the landing so beautifully and so perfectly that I immediately want to dive back in and read it again. You've got all the trademarks of a gothic novel - an intelligent young woman who sees ghosts (or DOES SHE?), a crumbling mansion that's seen better days, and a brooding love interest who may or may not be exceedingly dangerous. All of these are stitched together in a tense atmosphere with a hint of Rebecca, and a healthy dose of spice for readers who like it sexy.

Review of "The Cruel Dark" by Bea Northwick

Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for providing an honest and unbiased review.

Let me start by saying that "The Cruel Dark" is an absolutely phenomenal read. It's a literary cocktail of spice, horror, romance, mystery, and unexpected twists and turns. Our protagonist, Millicent, carries a family history burdened with secrets that no one would desire, yet her fiery spirit yearns for the love and passion that every person craves.

This book is unequivocally deserving of a five-star rating. As I reflect on my notes and the rollercoaster of emotions it evoked, my heart still lurches from the profound revelations that unfolded by the story's conclusion.

An excerpt from the book perfectly captures the intense emotions within its pages:
"You're trembling."
"Do you like it?" I had intended to insult him, to imply once more that he was the monstrous figure I had accused him of being. But my voice betrayed my true feelings, laden with an undeniable yearning, and it escaped as a mere whisper.
His hand found its way to the door handle, turning the lock.
"Yes," he replied...

In summary, "The Cruel Dark" is a literary gem that skillfully weaves together various genres and emotions, leaving readers captivated from start to finish. Bea Northwick has crafted a masterpiece that resonates long after the final page is turned.

This is a perfect read for spooktember. One night while reading in bed, I had trouble convincing myself there wasn't a ghost in my house. It had me that creeped out.

The writer does a good job of tempering the pace between spooky mystery and romance, which eventually gives way to steamy romance.

I loved the story itself and how it had me guessing until the end. And I have to admit, one piece of the puzzle mystery slid by unguessed until the story spelled it out for me. I consider that a big win.

I highly recommend this for those who are a fan of mild steam, romance, mystery, and a gothic Victorian vibe.

"The Cruel Dark" by Bea Northwick is just oozing with gothic baddies and atmosphere. It was a little spicy in parts, so perhaps could be thought of as an X-Rated Jane Eyre in parts. I also did feel that Callum was a particularly well-rounded brooding character that the protagonist was trying to tame. Some very good plot twists, that like the maze, kept revealing more and more as the story progressed.

What a brilliant debut from Bea Northwick! The Cruel Dark is a beautifully written gothic romance with a clever twist that kept me guessing. The writing and story invite comparison to Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. The Cruel Dark definitely pays homage to that story, and to Jane Eyre, but it also stands on its own merit.

I’m surprised that this is a debut. I feel like first timers tend to overwrite, but this was so tightly plotted. I appreciate a book that clips along, although I wouldn’t have minded spending a little more time at the delightfully creepy Willowfield.

I was definitely into the romance, with the caveat that I was confused about the progression. I think this confusion was intentional on the author’s part—it added to the mystery and made more sense at the end. The twist was perfect—it was a surprise, but I could also see how the seeds had been planted throughout the story.

In terms of spice, it was decently spicy (on page)—probably a 🌶🌶/5. All of the spice definitely in service to the story.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fast paced gothic romance! I will be on the lookout for more from this author.

Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC, which I received for free in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a devastatingly beautiful Gothic Romance! The writing is absolutely superb. It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a book with imagery so well written I felt like I was standing in the middle of the story. Millie and Callum and the secrets they are keeping throughout the story keep you turning page after page. It’s haunting and magnificent and I can’t wait to read more from Bea Northwick!

🌹Book: The Cruel Dark
🌹Author: Bea Northwick
🌹Publisher: Northwick Books
🌹Genre: Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction, Gothic Romance
🌹Review/ Recommendation:

Arc Review: A huge thank you to Bea Northwick and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in advance.

The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick is a gothic romance set outside of Boston in the 1920’s. The story centers around a strong, female protagonist, Millicent Foxboro, who accepts a position as a research assistant to a prominent professor of mythology, Callum Hughes. Millicent travels to his home, Willowfield, and upon her arrival finds the estate is in severe disrepair, semi-abandoned by most of the staff, and also haunted. As the story unfolds, Millicent navigates the uncertainty of Willowfield, while balancing her own demons against the intense and peculiar relationship she has with Professor Hughes.

I will start by saying that Bea Northwick’s writing is beautiful, breathtaking, and has the ability to transport a reader back in time. To me, her writing is reminiscent of Bronte and Austen, and although it has a contemporary feel to it, it leaves you feeling as if you have just read one of the classics. She has the ability to evoke every type of feeling in each sentence she writes–whether it be a small description or an intense monologue. I experienced such a wide range of emotions reading this book, and her unique style of writing had a lot to do with that.

The plot of the book was extremely well done. The storyline will keep readers on their toes with small revelations along the way; however, the final twist in the end is unexpected and makes for a great surprise. Aside from this, I was so impressed with the way Northwick was able to seamlessly mix multiple genres–dark academia, horror, thriller, and romance–into one story without missing a beat.

The character development was one of my favorite parts of reading The Cruel Dark. Millicent is such a force to be reckoned with. She has a strong personality, an intriguing backstory, and is relentless in her pursuit of both respect and survival. She is a character you want to see win despite her flaws. Callum reminded me of a blend between Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. His personality was equal parts brooding and decent, and he remained mysterious and desirable throughout the book.

Overall, I think this was the best novel I’ve read this year. I feel so honored to have had early access to this book, because my intuition says this will be a huge standout in the reading community. I can be certain that I will be recommending this book for the rest of my life.

TW: PTSD, Death of a parent, Death of a spouse, SI, Violence, Moderate Spice

I absolutely LOVED this book. I stayed up all night reading it. I will admit the Millie’s temper sometimes aggravated me because I felt she reacted to the smallest things but outside of that, I couldn’t put it down! Different than other books and I like that.

The Cruel Dark - ARC Review in exchange for my honest review.


Plot - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶
Narration - 1st Person, Single POV
Genre - Historical Gothic Romance


• Haunted House
• Forgotten Past / Amnesia
• Playful Banter
• Historical SettingCeltic Folklore
• Colleagues to Lovers


First off, I started writing this review BEFORE I finished this book. Regardless of the ending of this book, I am HOOKED and devouring the story. I can’t put it down. I have ignored all responsibilities to keep reading! I have so many theories. And I wanted to start writing them down before I lost them to the answers that hopefully will come with the end of the book.


Full Disclaimer- I DO NOT like scary things, movies, etc. So when I say I am spooked, it may not have the same effect on someone that loves a good horror movie or book, but it’s tolerable enough that I need to know what happens!

This book is set in 1928. Millie is a woman with “episodes” and a lost period of time she cannot remember. She references herself as “Mad Millie” as her mother did growing up. She has been offered a job helping Professor Callum Hughes at his estate organize and research Celtic Folklore. The house is reported as haunted, and Professor Hughes prior wife Mrs Hughes had died there. There are only a handful of individuals that still reside and work at the estate to keep it running. During Millie’s stay, she experiences… abnormal situations.. And develops a playful banter with Callum.


“Gancanagh - seduces human women, feeding on their love until they waste away and perish. One kiss will seal a victim’s fate. “


“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.”


Pause while I finish….


Ok, Now that I have finished this book.. I still loved it. Part of my theories came true, but the true revelation of everything wasn’t what I expected and definitely worth the read. A nice summary of the missing details at the end pulled everything nicely together. A great fall, spooky read for anyone that loves a lightly spooky thriller with some spice.


“And yourself. You’re a force of nature, and despite your trials, you’ve survived with a spirit worthy of its own folklore. Up to now you’ve made your way through hell all alone, but you’re not on your own anymore, Millie. Never again.”

This is probably the most hooked I've been on a book in a long time.
The story was fast paced, the writing evocative and the spook was spot on!
Millie is a bookstore clerk assistant with a bit of a dark side due to terrible events that happened to her in the past.
An opportunity arises to work for a widowed professor in his isolated manor, Willowfield. Are ghosts really hunting the house or is Millie going crazy? Who can she trust?
Even though the end was a bit predictable, this was still very enjoyable. I really hope we see more of Bea Northwick writing gothic romance.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

Thank you to @netgalley and @beanorthwick for this ARC.

Well thought out mystery. This is a great read for spooky season. Gothic romance with a touch of spice. It was what I would call atmospheric. It was full of chills and spooky vibes. I don't want to give any spoilers, so I won't go into any other details.

After time spent in a psychiatric hospital, Millie Foxboro has landed an assistant position with Callum Hughes, a professor of mythology and widow, at the Williowfield estate. Willowfield was a once well-loved and cherished estate, but after the untimely death of Callum’s wife, it has since been abandoned. Only three workers are left to help take care of the elaborate, massive estate due to the rumors surrounding Mrs. Hughes death and the ghostly noises heard in the night. Millie finds herself submerged into that ghostly phenomena and during the day works alongside the dark and brooding Callum. As their relationship blossoms, so does Millie’s interest in the secrets inside, and out, of Willowfield. She tries to uncover the darkness within the walls and gardens while also keeping her own within.

The Cruel Dark is a tale of secrets, the paranormal, and love. This gothic romance had me turning page after page unsure of what I would uncover next, where the details would lead, and who I would suspect in the end. It is spicy and steamy while keeping an elusive tie to secrets deeper than the main character can handle.

I am obsessed with this book. I read it in the matter of three days (I believe), but uninterrupted, I could have read it in one sitting.

The descriptions in The Cruel Dark immerse you into the story. I could see, feel, and smell the scenery. A standing ovation to Bea Northwick for her exceptional writing.

— Love. Madness. Folklore. Flowers. Secrets and a dark, big house with a haunting history. —

The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick has SUCH an amazing vibe to it! I requested this ARC in hopes to find an atmospheric, dark sort of spooky read and this absolutely DELIVERED.
I loved the general atmosphere of the story; eerie, sort of mysterious and dark. A perfect read to snuggle up with on a rainy day with a blanket and some tea. This is perfect for dark and foggy autumn days! 
The story was intriguing and I really liked the mix of folklore and academia. Both elements played a big role in this book. Millicent is a strong female main character and I genuinely liked how she stood up for herself.
I don’t wanna say to much about the plot because I do not want to spoil anything, but this was GOOD! I definitely did NOT see that ending coming!
I have a feeling this book is gonna stay with me for some time and I might even have to re-read this at some point. I really enjoyed reading this.

TW/CW: suic*de, d*ath of parent, m*rder, s*xual abuse, s*xual content (this is as far as I can recall right now)

Thank you so much, NetGalley, Northwick books and Bea Northwick for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The Cruel Dark had me on my seat right from the start not knowing what was real. I loved the thrill this gave me and how I was desperate to know what happens next right up until the end. Just wow. The main character Millie was so stubborn and defiance and I was all for it. I might have to read this again immediately now that I know what I know. Ahhhh

This book was very intriguing. At first I was like ok what this all about. The more I read the more I was pulled in. I’m not normally a mystery type of reader. But I started to piece together what I thought would end up happening. Then out of left field the author gives me THAT revelation! The whole time I was looking into all the information we were fed throughout and then realized I played right into her hands. Totally did not anticipate that. Had some spice throughout, but mainly was a plot driven book. I would definitely recommend this book to others who like a bit of mystery and touch of fantasy in their books. A solid 4/5 stars for me! I would recommend this book to lots of people, but did not give it 5/5 stars because for me those are for books that I am absolutely obsessed with and cannot stop talking about/would read multiple times. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book early in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and Bea Northwick for letting me be one of your arc readers.


For this being a Debut novel it was incredible!
You know when you are watching a suspenseful movie and it has you on the edge of your seat?
This book is that! At every page there was another nail biting experience that just has you hooked.
Bea Northwick gives us a different look of the late 1920s era. A dark Gothic romance full of suspense, love, ghosts and betrayal. A twist that will have your jaw dropped to the floor.

I was terrified, I laughed and I cried. All things I did not expect reading this. The spice level was perfect and I loved watching the characters grow.

The female main character Millie Foxboro lives in Boston and is offered an assistant position working at Willowfield for a professor. With having lost a few years of her memory and nothing to leave behind she accepts the position ready to start her new life and job. What she doesn't expect was for her ghosts to follow her.
The male main character Callum Hughes is the professor Millie comes to work for. He is a bit standoffish a grieving widow and holds the most dark secrets. With his eyes set on Millie will he be the hero she doesn't know she needs?
The grounds of Willowfield hold the biggest secret of all,although beautiful the ghosts tell a story.
This book has everything!
-romance
-friendship
-ghosts
-betrayal
-the truth

I was blown away by this book! The Cruel Dark is a gothic masterpiece that had me hooked right from the start. If you love dark, treacherous and mysterious fables, you will devour this book, much like I did.
The writing is beautiful and paints such a vivid portrait of the glorious dark mansion that is Willowfield. It’s detailed without being too flowery - a very easy read in terms of language and written style.
The mystery, the horror and the raw emotion within its pages shocked and thrilled me. So masterfully scribed - the characters so rich and believable.
I’ve read many books recently set in a similar time period but this was the most accurately detailed and the easiest to fall into. Bea Northwick is an amazing new talent and it’s safe to say I’ll be reading anything that they write from here on out! Incredibly haunting - in an excellent way.

They say don't judge a book by its cover...Well this cover is gorgeous and the book was AHHMAZING!

I was immediately intrigued by our FMC, Millicent Foxboro. The Cruel Dark is told from her point of view. She shows us how she thinks and views the world around her. It really makes you feel as though you are experiencing everything along with her.

Millicent takes a job as an assistant at Willowfield Estate helping a professor sort through various manuscripts. The estate is a full day away from where she lives in Boston and away from her past.

Callum Hughes, the professor, is the owner of Willowfield Estate. He and his staff have been plagued by grief and that atmosphere has taken over the estate. There are stories of the estate being haunted and as a result, most of the staff quit, leaving Willowfield all but an empty shell.

I love how this story is set in 1928. For a long time women could, and would face psychiatric hospitalization for just about anything. This concept plays a big role with the way our FMC sees herself. I think it creates a feeling of compassion towards Millie as she tries to understand what is going on around her.

The Cruel Dark has parts that are spooky and creepy. I was reading in the dark and I definitely jumped a couple of times. This book has some wonderful world building and the characters all have depth to them.

Everything about this plot was intricate and lured me into the gothic setting and the thrill of the story.
I highly recommend The Cruel Dark, especially as we move into the Autumn season. It has spice, spooky gothic vibes, and a thrilling ending.

I received an ARC through NetGalley and I'm so glad I did. All opinions are my own.