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The Feast of Dead Man's Hollow
It’s not like Theodore to risk his neck, but when a new commercial development project threatens his beloved bog, he sneaks onto the construction site to sabotage it, only to become mired in the very place he meant to save.
Ardruina’s not the rescuing type, but the clumsy man drowning in bog muck is only trying to help. Charmed by his good intentions and blustering flirtations, she wants more than an alliance. There’s only one problem—she harbors a dark secret and one wrong move could mean discovery. Saving the bog proves harder than expected, and Ardruina must choose between keeping her secret and saving Theodore’s life.
Before the day is over, heads will roll.
Ardruina’s not the rescuing type, but the clumsy man drowning in bog muck is only trying to help. Charmed by his good intentions and blustering flirtations, she wants more than an alliance. There’s only one problem—she harbors a dark secret and one wrong move could mean discovery. Saving the bog proves harder than expected, and Ardruina must choose between keeping her secret and saving Theodore’s life.
Before the day is over, heads will roll.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
5 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Desirée M. Niccoli
10 books165 followersBy night, Desirée M. Niccoli writes a blend of vicious romance and cozy horror, featuring monsters, villains, and the supernatural, and often served with (mostly) emotionally intelligent characters and heart. By day, she is a public relations professional living the nomadic military life with her husband and two cats Pawdry Hepburn and Puma Thurman. Although born and raised in Pittsburgh, Desirée has since lived in coastal Maine (where her spooky heart truly lies) and Maryland.
Name Pronunciation: DE-zi-RAY NI-Koh-lee. Rhymes with cannoli.
She is represented by Kaitlyn Katsoupis at Belcastro Agency.
For emailed book news and author’s musings, subscribe to Desirée’s blog Brain Ink at www.dmniccoli.com. And for even more regular book-related updates, you can find her on Twitter/X and TikTok @dmniccoli and Instagram @author_dmniccoli.
Name Pronunciation: DE-zi-RAY NI-Koh-lee. Rhymes with cannoli.
She is represented by Kaitlyn Katsoupis at Belcastro Agency.
For emailed book news and author’s musings, subscribe to Desirée’s blog Brain Ink at www.dmniccoli.com. And for even more regular book-related updates, you can find her on Twitter/X and TikTok @dmniccoli and Instagram @author_dmniccoli.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 15, 2025
This was so precious and I loved that we had a tall girl and a short guy. Theodore was puppy dog sweet, with a passion for the ecology of the bog and an open heart. Ardruina was a badass and deserved a partner that could adore her like Theodore could.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: drowning, horror themes, violence, death, beheading, blood, attempted murder, murder, body image issues, isolation, grief, stalking-ish (watches him when he comes to the bog where she lives, but doesn’t follow him out), evil billionaire
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: drowning, horror themes, violence, death, beheading, blood, attempted murder, murder, body image issues, isolation, grief, stalking-ish (watches him when he comes to the bog where she lives, but doesn’t follow him out), evil billionaire
April 4, 2025
Theodore loved her strength and power. Her otherworldliness. None of those things should be hidden. Not for him. Not for anyone.
Started this book last night expecting to read a bit and then go to sleep because I was exhausted but before I knew it I was finished. It was so good and I just couldn't stop!
I loved the characters and their interactions. The sweet, shy 'damsel in distress' mmc and the muscle mommy monster fmc 🙌 - loved this combo. There's a bit of mystery, sabotage (for a good cause!), angst, feminine rage, and spice. I don't want to spoil the fun surprise in the final spice scene but OMG. Was not expecting that but I am so happy the author added that in.
Started this book last night expecting to read a bit and then go to sleep because I was exhausted but before I knew it I was finished. It was so good and I just couldn't stop!
I loved the characters and their interactions. The sweet, shy 'damsel in distress' mmc and the muscle mommy monster fmc 🙌 - loved this combo. There's a bit of mystery, sabotage (for a good cause!), angst, feminine rage, and spice. I don't want to spoil the fun surprise in the final spice scene but OMG. Was not expecting that but I am so happy the author added that in.
April 22, 2025
Stop it right now. This novella has no business being this fucking good. I don’t want to give too much away so some of what I loved the most will not be listed here but if you want goth Brienne of Tarth x Milo from Atlantis vibes you’ve come to the right place. She is a muscle mommy badass and he is a cinnamon role short king and they are so dang cute I literally cannot even. I kicked my feet and giggled the whole ass time. I think I highlighted half the book. O B S E S S E D.
June 20, 2025
oh my gosh, i loved this so much! the main characters were amazing. i can’t really say why it was so awesome because it would spoil the story, but if you love cozy horror with spice and need something short, you definitely need to read this!
April 21, 2025
I first read this book when it was a short story in the anthology Crimson Bones. Now it's been beefed up, and it's better than ever!
"I've always loved pretty, vicious things."
Even in a story so short, I still get the things I love from a Desirée Niccoli story. A badass vicious lady (muscle mommy! hello!), and some delightfully heartwarming moments.
All the little bits and pieces Niccoli added into the story just solidified how much I loved (and still love) Theodore and Ardruina. They get expanded and a little meatier. I couldn't be more pleased. And that epilogue! I remember finishing the original short story and wanting more of those two, and did we get it!
I'm not sure I want to be a bog witch anymore when I grow up. I think I want to be Ardruina. Carry a sickle and take care of business!!
This is a great story if you are looking for a little warm gooey eco horror to cleanse the palette. You want to see a billionare get what's coming to him. You want to revisit a character from your childhood who has haunted you since your school librarian rad you the story, but now she is a badass muscle mommy, and everything is right with the world. (Just me?)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Original review:
This is such a great short story. There was so much packed in! It had horror! It had a little bit of romance. It had humor. It had SCIENCE! IT HAD VENGEANCE!!!!
Niccoli was able to deliver a fully formed story that left me wanting for more in the absolute best way. I love how she was able to weave all of the elements together to create something so unique.
Theo (Teddy) was a damsel in distress who was willing to fight until the bitter end. Ardruina was an unlikely hero we all needed, and "lady goth Henry Cavill" is a worthy character description.
"I've always loved pretty, vicious things."
Even in a story so short, I still get the things I love from a Desirée Niccoli story. A badass vicious lady (muscle mommy! hello!), and some delightfully heartwarming moments.
All the little bits and pieces Niccoli added into the story just solidified how much I loved (and still love) Theodore and Ardruina. They get expanded and a little meatier. I couldn't be more pleased. And that epilogue! I remember finishing the original short story and wanting more of those two, and did we get it!
I'm not sure I want to be a bog witch anymore when I grow up. I think I want to be Ardruina. Carry a sickle and take care of business!!
This is a great story if you are looking for a little warm gooey eco horror to cleanse the palette. You want to see a billionare get what's coming to him. You want to revisit a character from your childhood who has haunted you since your school librarian rad you the story, but now she is a badass muscle mommy, and everything is right with the world. (Just me?)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Original review:
This is such a great short story. There was so much packed in! It had horror! It had a little bit of romance. It had humor. It had SCIENCE! IT HAD VENGEANCE!!!!
Niccoli was able to deliver a fully formed story that left me wanting for more in the absolute best way. I love how she was able to weave all of the elements together to create something so unique.
Theo (Teddy) was a damsel in distress who was willing to fight until the bitter end. Ardruina was an unlikely hero we all needed, and "lady goth Henry Cavill" is a worthy character description.
July 14, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️ (At least two intimate scenes, explicit language with a variety of sexual acts.)
This was such a cute novella with a twist on a classic! I got an email from FaRo with this book highlighted in it and I was super excited after reading the description! The femdom muscle mommy reminded me of everything I loved in His Secret Illuminations and I had to read it ASAP.
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something similar to that, but it’s also less than 100 pages so it’s a super quick read!
Genres: A mix of horror and fantasy romance
4/5🌶️ (At least two intimate scenes, explicit language with a variety of sexual acts.)
This was such a cute novella with a twist on a classic! I got an email from FaRo with this book highlighted in it and I was super excited after reading the description! The femdom muscle mommy reminded me of everything I loved in His Secret Illuminations and I had to read it ASAP.
I highly recommend this if you’re looking for something similar to that, but it’s also less than 100 pages so it’s a super quick read!
Genres: A mix of horror and fantasy romance
April 21, 2025
A searing flash of vicious heat that will leave you begging for more.
Two beloved horror tales collide in this short, sweet, and downright sexy "spooky smut pamphlet." With his beloved bog in danger, Theodore decides to do something completely out of character and it might just cost him his life. Or at least it would, if it wasn't for the dashing Ardruina. She pulls Teddy out of the muck by the scruff of his neck, swooping in like a knight in shining armor to save the day. But she's more than she seems. And the secret she carries might be even more dangerous than the bog they both love.
If you're looking for a quick and deliciously wicked read, look no further. Niccoli does it yet again, blending eco-horror, the paranormal, and romance into a tale that will leave you practically parched. Horror fans will quickly recognize the tales that have blended to bring us Teddy and Ardruina, and those that are not as familiar will enjoy the reveal.
Desirée's writing delivers time and again and The Feast of Dead Man's Hollow is no different. So if you're looking for a romance that burns hot, bright, and can be easily read in a single sitting, look no further!
Two beloved horror tales collide in this short, sweet, and downright sexy "spooky smut pamphlet." With his beloved bog in danger, Theodore decides to do something completely out of character and it might just cost him his life. Or at least it would, if it wasn't for the dashing Ardruina. She pulls Teddy out of the muck by the scruff of his neck, swooping in like a knight in shining armor to save the day. But she's more than she seems. And the secret she carries might be even more dangerous than the bog they both love.
If you're looking for a quick and deliciously wicked read, look no further. Niccoli does it yet again, blending eco-horror, the paranormal, and romance into a tale that will leave you practically parched. Horror fans will quickly recognize the tales that have blended to bring us Teddy and Ardruina, and those that are not as familiar will enjoy the reveal.
Desirée's writing delivers time and again and The Feast of Dead Man's Hollow is no different. So if you're looking for a romance that burns hot, bright, and can be easily read in a single sitting, look no further!
April 6, 2025
Some part of me KNEW that The Feast of Dead Man’s Hollow was a nod to my favorite folktale, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Be it the synopsis or the cover that called to me, but I hoped for a hidden identity trope that harkened back to a beloved Halloween legend. What I never could have imagined is the refreshing brilliance of the genderbent characterization and the unexpected horror of the elements of The Girl with the Green Ribbon.
Whoever said this novella is a fast-paced love story between Brienne of Tarth and Milo Thatch said it better than I ever could. The Feast of Dead Man’s Hollow is a gritty, smutty tale that mixes the signature eco-consciousness Desirée is known for with fan favorite tropes and pop culture references. In terms of tropes, you can expect:
🍮Clumsy Cinnamon Roll MMC
🐎One horse
⭕️Hand necklaces
⚔️Touch him and ☠️
💪🏾Muscle Mummy
🔎Short King
🪦Off with Their Heads
⛲️Hot Spring Scene
Whoever said this novella is a fast-paced love story between Brienne of Tarth and Milo Thatch said it better than I ever could. The Feast of Dead Man’s Hollow is a gritty, smutty tale that mixes the signature eco-consciousness Desirée is known for with fan favorite tropes and pop culture references. In terms of tropes, you can expect:
🍮Clumsy Cinnamon Roll MMC
🐎One horse
⭕️Hand necklaces
⚔️Touch him and ☠️
💪🏾Muscle Mummy
🔎Short King
🪦Off with Their Heads
⛲️Hot Spring Scene
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2025
The Girl with the Green Ribbon is a part of my origin story and the vibe of this book fully gave me that!
Theodore has lived in the bog his whole life and has dedicated his life to studying it and protecting it. Of course some asshole billionaire wants to build a resort on the land so our dear cute Teddy decides to do some sabotage. He lands himself in some trouble and a big strong woman swoops in and rescues him.
First off, big woman small man? Yum. I need more of that.
I loved that he lived her muscles and even though he was self conscious of his size, it didn’t stop him from giving into his attraction to her. It’s crazy that this is a novella but so flushed out. It was fast of course and I’ll always want more from her amazing writing but I’m beyond happy with this story!
Now to go read her backlog.
Theodore has lived in the bog his whole life and has dedicated his life to studying it and protecting it. Of course some asshole billionaire wants to build a resort on the land so our dear cute Teddy decides to do some sabotage. He lands himself in some trouble and a big strong woman swoops in and rescues him.
First off, big woman small man? Yum. I need more of that.
I loved that he lived her muscles and even though he was self conscious of his size, it didn’t stop him from giving into his attraction to her. It’s crazy that this is a novella but so flushed out. It was fast of course and I’ll always want more from her amazing writing but I’m beyond happy with this story!
Now to go read her backlog.
April 22, 2025
If you've never read anything by Desiree Niccoli, maybe just start here. In less than 80 pages, you've got a cozy horror romance with eat the rich vibes.
Still not sold? The creepy stories from your childhood live on here (think green ribbons - look real closely at the cover image).
I can't say much without spoiling it, but this is a wonderful novella and I wish there was more of it! The MMC is cinnamon roll short king determined to save his bog from an encroaching development. The FMC is a lady goth with muscles and some impressive riding skills. And yes, even the horse (whose name is even cool!) is pretty darn awesome.
Just pick it up and then go back and read Niccoli's other works!
Still not sold? The creepy stories from your childhood live on here (think green ribbons - look real closely at the cover image).
I can't say much without spoiling it, but this is a wonderful novella and I wish there was more of it! The MMC is cinnamon roll short king determined to save his bog from an encroaching development. The FMC is a lady goth with muscles and some impressive riding skills. And yes, even the horse (whose name is even cool!) is pretty darn awesome.
Just pick it up and then go back and read Niccoli's other works!
April 24, 2025
Two words, LOVED IT!!!
I did not want to end, of the back of Untethering Dark the author came swinging with FODMH and I was not disappointed.
Theodore is a botanist who spends most of his time in the bog, that is now up for commercial development. He finds himself being saved by the beautiful and mysterious Ardruina after his clumsiness had him almost drowning while trying to sabotage the development project.
This being released on Earth Day made the book even better. It cute, to the point and short. The epilogue, the epilogue!!!! Had me gasping and clutching my pearls because it was unexpected, it caught me off guard.
10/10 would recommend to friend 🤭
I did not want to end, of the back of Untethering Dark the author came swinging with FODMH and I was not disappointed.
Theodore is a botanist who spends most of his time in the bog, that is now up for commercial development. He finds himself being saved by the beautiful and mysterious Ardruina after his clumsiness had him almost drowning while trying to sabotage the development project.
This being released on Earth Day made the book even better. It cute, to the point and short. The epilogue, the epilogue!!!! Had me gasping and clutching my pearls because it was unexpected, it caught me off guard.
10/10 would recommend to friend 🤭
November 6, 2025
I adore the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The imagery shaped so much of how we think about halloween and north american gothic literature as it is. You can go back into my reviews and see that, if there's a monster smut book about the Horseman, I've read it.
Gender swap those characters AND incorporate the story of the Green Ribbon? *chef's kiss*
Theodore is delightfully nerdy but determined (very Milo from Atlantis). Ardruina is strong and feminine and dangerous and got me just as wobbly kneed as Theodore.
And that epilogue... with the p-time? Damn. Just... damn.
Gender swap those characters AND incorporate the story of the Green Ribbon? *chef's kiss*
Theodore is delightfully nerdy but determined (very Milo from Atlantis). Ardruina is strong and feminine and dangerous and got me just as wobbly kneed as Theodore.
And that epilogue... with the p-time? Damn. Just... damn.
April 18, 2025
Ohh Emmm Geeeee! This was such a cute novella! It was soo good, I loved every minute of it. If you are looking for a Brienne of Tarth vibe and Milo from Atlantis this is the book for you. She is a big muscle mommy and he is a short king. This book had me kicking my feet and giggling the entire time. I loved that he was insecure about his size due to her being biggger than him, but that didnt stop him from pursuing things with her. I loved the angst and spice. I want moreeee!
April 22, 2025
Desiree delivered yet again a refreshing, captivating, eco-horror steamy romance and I am absolutely blown away.
By now, everyone knows how much I adore Desiree's work and this new installment is yet additional proof of that. As such, I highly recommend you pick-up this novella and lose yourself in the story. You will thank me later!
I also received my physical copy today and I adore it so much!!!
By now, everyone knows how much I adore Desiree's work and this new installment is yet additional proof of that. As such, I highly recommend you pick-up this novella and lose yourself in the story. You will thank me later!
I also received my physical copy today and I adore it so much!!!
May 21, 2025
A short, spicy romance with such diversity in its dynamics that it can be enjoyed by so many different audiences. I felt I could relate to Ardruina and Theodore both. They deserve the world.
I seriously don't think my words can convey how much I loved this book. This is my favorite book of Desirée's so far (though all of her books are fantastic, and I honestly still need to read Untethering Dark). This is probably one of my favorite reads this year in general, too.
I seriously don't think my words can convey how much I loved this book. This is my favorite book of Desirée's so far (though all of her books are fantastic, and I honestly still need to read Untethering Dark). This is probably one of my favorite reads this year in general, too.
April 25, 2025
This was such a unique story! Let it be said, I’m not usually the one that reads stories that differ from my perceptions of male and female MCs, but this story makes me hit myself on the head because these two were wonderful together! Arduina was really giving me Brienne vibes from GOT and I WAS LIVING! This was such a sweet, and well told romance in a short amount of pages. READ IT!
October 20, 2025
I thought I had some idea what this was. Still the last scene caught me off guard and made me drop the rating in a blink of an eye. Somehow it’s not the weirdest book I’ve ever read… but one must draw the line at oral with a severed head (because it doesn’t matter how you justify this weird smut - that’s exactly what it was.)
April 23, 2025
Sweet, Short, & Spicy
This is such a beautiful little novella!! Muscle Mummy and her delicate little Theodore are what dreams are made of!!
You’ll finish it in one sitting and miss them so much by the end!!
This is such a beautiful little novella!! Muscle Mummy and her delicate little Theodore are what dreams are made of!!
You’ll finish it in one sitting and miss them so much by the end!!
June 9, 2025
Honestly, pretty cute short story. Definitely would read more background stories on both of them (as well as later adventures for sure). Lovable characters, enjoyed.
August 9, 2025
This is a fun and spicy bite-sized read! We have a monster muscle mommy + cinnamon roll pairing and saving the bog. Loved Theo and Ardruina and how they found love in each other!
September 25, 2025
A 3.5 for me. Cute and fast novella.
November 12, 2025
This was a short and spicy well done retelling and blend of a headless horseperson character with other stories.
May 7, 2025
This is such an amazingly well-written cozy romance eco-horror novella. Theodore is an endearing, cinnamon-roll short king and Ardruina is a strong, muscle mommy… both set out on saving their beloved bog. I immediately loved their interactions and the spice was spicing. 3.75/5🌶️
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews