this is not a love story

by Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn

this is not a love story is a dark poetry collection about a romance that looks like a fairy tale—until the truth shows its teeth.

Through the recurring figures of a Viking and a Witch, this collection explores obsession, power, and emotional survival. What begins as myth and magic slowly unravels into something far more a love shaped by manipulation, trauma, and longing that refuses to disappear quietly.

These poems live in the space where passion and pain collide—where devotion becomes dangerous, and where reclaiming the self is an act of defiance.

Themes

feminist rage and emotional autonomy

heartbreak and recovery

surviving narcissistic abuse

CPTSD, trauma bonds, and dissociation

witches, myth, and dark feminine power

This book is for readers who have mistaken intensity for love, who have survived relationships that nearly erased them, and who are learning to rewrite the story on their own terms.

This is not a love story.
It’s what comes after.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2024

About the author

Hayley Phoenix-Winterburn (yes, that is her real name) lives in rural Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. Her passion for reading is thanks to her Aunt Tammy, and her passion for writing is thanks to having too many thoughts to keep in her head. Hayley’s first ever printed poem was in her elementary school yearbook. After taking many twists and turns, she went on to hold a BA in English from Acadia University, where she discovered that writing holds a special kind of magic. She hopes that she can share that magic with you.

Instagram & TikTok: @hayley.poetry
Email: elmaia.writes@gmail.com
 

Reviews

[Amber Daulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of poetry that explores love, hardship, betrayal, and pain. For those who have experienced an abusive relationship, these poems will really resonate. Even if you haven’t experienced such hardships, Ms. Phoenix-Winterburn’s words are so powerful and deep that you can’t help but be moved by them.
I highly recommend this set.

[Jaymi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the poems on page 79 & 117 especially 💫

[Maddy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story, the progress of emotions showed with the photos was very fun. it was an easy read, not overly complicated wording and doesn’t confuse you but still has an in depth message