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Weary Souls Trilogy #1
The Pythonist
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26The Damned
I made a bargain with a daemon when I was a child.
For the last twelve years, I never saw any reason to crave my freedom from Kingsley Manor and the dark, lost entities who inhabit the lonely estate. But then he came back for me—like he promised he would when we were children.
He doesn’t remember that I’ll die if I leave Kingsley Manor.
And they’ll kill him if he stays.
The Dreamer
I was told to burn Kingsley Manor to the ground.
They want me to get rid of the melancholy girl occupying the estate and hosting strange guests who scream in their sleep, but I can’t. Not when something inexplicably draws me to her—when I watch her and I can’t look away.
She thinks her ghosts and daemons will scare me, but she’s wrong.
I possess her now.
I made a bargain with a daemon when I was a child.
For the last twelve years, I never saw any reason to crave my freedom from Kingsley Manor and the dark, lost entities who inhabit the lonely estate. But then he came back for me—like he promised he would when we were children.
He doesn’t remember that I’ll die if I leave Kingsley Manor.
And they’ll kill him if he stays.
The Dreamer
I was told to burn Kingsley Manor to the ground.
They want me to get rid of the melancholy girl occupying the estate and hosting strange guests who scream in their sleep, but I can’t. Not when something inexplicably draws me to her—when I watch her and I can’t look away.
She thinks her ghosts and daemons will scare me, but she’s wrong.
I possess her now.
- GenresDark Romance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Loren Little
4 books249 followersLoren Little has been writing stories since before she learned how to spell. Her books are dark, sexy, and hopelessly romantic with themes of found family and love growing from the most dismal odds. Loren still believes faeries are real, and she enjoys scattering little pieces of her Australian upbringing into her books.
When she isn't working on her own stories, Loren enjoys watching crime shows and romcoms, and trying to finish her reading challenge as a mood reader with a towering TBR of books.
You can find out more at www.lorenlittle.com. Her most active social media platform is Instagram.
When she isn't working on her own stories, Loren enjoys watching crime shows and romcoms, and trying to finish her reading challenge as a mood reader with a towering TBR of books.
You can find out more at www.lorenlittle.com. Her most active social media platform is Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I didn’t realise just how much I was craving a dark, gothic romance set in a haunted mansion—full of grief, secrets, and restless spirits—until The Pythonist completely consumed me.
I’ve only just started dabbling in dark romance, and I found this one surprisingly approachable. It’s moody and atmospheric with a strong supernatural edge and just the right amount of spice, but it never feels overwhelmingly heavy. There’s this eerie undertone throughout, but it doesn’t drown you in darkness—it pulls you in slowly, almost without you noticing, until you’re completely invested.
The story revolves around Kingsley Manor, and honestly, the setting might have been one of my favourite parts. The manor feels alive in the most unsettling way, like it’s clinging to every secret and every terrible thing that’s ever happened within its walls. The townspeople view the girls who live there as unstable and dangerous, which only adds to the isolation and mystery. I loved how the story doesn’t hand you answers—it forces you to sit in the confusion, piecing everything together bit by bit.
At the heart of the story are Cathleen (Catty) and Sam—former best friends torn apart by lost memories, trauma, and a devastating bargain with a demon.
Catty, the last heir to the Kingsley fortune, is such a layered and tragic character. After losing both her parents in horrific circumstances, she’s left not only with the grief but also a cursed sleep cycle, where she experiences prophetic dreams she cannot control. Bound to the manor by a deal she made long ago, she lives surrounded by restless spirits and her dark past. Her loneliness feels incredibly real—you can feel the weight of every choice she’s made and how trapped she is by them. What I loved most is that she’s constantly torn between accepting her fate and longing for something more, which makes her feel deeply human.
Then there’s Sam, who arrives at Kingsley Manor with the intention of burning it down. From the moment he sees Catty, though, something shifts. His memories are fractured, and watching them slowly return—revealing pieces of his past and his connection to her—was honestly one of the most gripping parts of the book. He starts off morally grey in a subtle way, but the more you learn, the more complicated he becomes. Every reveal doesn’t just answer questions—it creates more, which kept me completely hooked.
Their romance is built on a friends to lovers, second chance dynamic, and it’s full of tension, history, and everything left unsaid. There’s so much longing between them, and it feels messy, emotional, and real rather than perfect. As Sam’s memories return, his connection to Catty intensifies, and I loved how the flashbacks added depth, slowly reshaping everything you thought you knew about their past.
Plot wise, this book had me hooked. There are so many twists, and I genuinely didn’t see most of them coming. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something shifted and completely proved me wrong. That said—this is a dark romance, so definitely check content warnings. This book is filled with trauma, pain, and some very pretty heavy themes. This book will definitely hurt you—more than once
Overall, this is such a haunting, character driven read with a strong gothic vibe. It’s emotional, eerie, and incredibly easy to get lost in. If you enjoy dark romance with supernatural elements, layered characters, and a story that constantly keeps you guessing, I’d absolutely recommend it.
And the ending? When I say I didn’t see it coming, I mean at all. Not even slightly. No guessing, no hints clicking into place beforehand—it completely blindsided me in the best way. There were multiple twists I never could have predicted, and I loved every second of that. Loren truly is the queen of plot twists!
I’ve only just started dabbling in dark romance, and I found this one surprisingly approachable. It’s moody and atmospheric with a strong supernatural edge and just the right amount of spice, but it never feels overwhelmingly heavy. There’s this eerie undertone throughout, but it doesn’t drown you in darkness—it pulls you in slowly, almost without you noticing, until you’re completely invested.
The story revolves around Kingsley Manor, and honestly, the setting might have been one of my favourite parts. The manor feels alive in the most unsettling way, like it’s clinging to every secret and every terrible thing that’s ever happened within its walls. The townspeople view the girls who live there as unstable and dangerous, which only adds to the isolation and mystery. I loved how the story doesn’t hand you answers—it forces you to sit in the confusion, piecing everything together bit by bit.
At the heart of the story are Cathleen (Catty) and Sam—former best friends torn apart by lost memories, trauma, and a devastating bargain with a demon.
Catty, the last heir to the Kingsley fortune, is such a layered and tragic character. After losing both her parents in horrific circumstances, she’s left not only with the grief but also a cursed sleep cycle, where she experiences prophetic dreams she cannot control. Bound to the manor by a deal she made long ago, she lives surrounded by restless spirits and her dark past. Her loneliness feels incredibly real—you can feel the weight of every choice she’s made and how trapped she is by them. What I loved most is that she’s constantly torn between accepting her fate and longing for something more, which makes her feel deeply human.
Then there’s Sam, who arrives at Kingsley Manor with the intention of burning it down. From the moment he sees Catty, though, something shifts. His memories are fractured, and watching them slowly return—revealing pieces of his past and his connection to her—was honestly one of the most gripping parts of the book. He starts off morally grey in a subtle way, but the more you learn, the more complicated he becomes. Every reveal doesn’t just answer questions—it creates more, which kept me completely hooked.
Their romance is built on a friends to lovers, second chance dynamic, and it’s full of tension, history, and everything left unsaid. There’s so much longing between them, and it feels messy, emotional, and real rather than perfect. As Sam’s memories return, his connection to Catty intensifies, and I loved how the flashbacks added depth, slowly reshaping everything you thought you knew about their past.
Plot wise, this book had me hooked. There are so many twists, and I genuinely didn’t see most of them coming. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something shifted and completely proved me wrong. That said—this is a dark romance, so definitely check content warnings. This book is filled with trauma, pain, and some very pretty heavy themes. This book will definitely hurt you—more than once
Overall, this is such a haunting, character driven read with a strong gothic vibe. It’s emotional, eerie, and incredibly easy to get lost in. If you enjoy dark romance with supernatural elements, layered characters, and a story that constantly keeps you guessing, I’d absolutely recommend it.
And the ending? When I say I didn’t see it coming, I mean at all. Not even slightly. No guessing, no hints clicking into place beforehand—it completely blindsided me in the best way. There were multiple twists I never could have predicted, and I loved every second of that. Loren truly is the queen of plot twists!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Pythonist is a dark romance with a supernatural edge, and a dash of spice. I was completely immersed from the very first page.
Cathleen, Catty, carries a deep loneliness that feels almost tangible. The weight of her world, the bargains she has made, and the responsibilities tied to her life press in from every direction. You can feel how tired she is, caught between longing for something more and believing she is bound to a fate she chose long ago. That tension sits heavy and real.
Sam enters the story already morally grey, yet not in the way you might expect. As he becomes more involved, layer after layer unfolds. I loved how each revelation didn’t just answer questions, it created new ones. The pacing of those discoveries kept me leaning forward, wanting to understand more about both of them and the forces at play.
There are multiple themes woven together seamlessly, darkness, longing, secrecy, obligation, and desire. The atmosphere is rich and consuming, and the manor itself feels alive in the most haunting way.
The conclusion does not simply tie things up neatly. It builds, it unravels, and it lands with adrenaline and intensity. I loved every moment inside this world.
I received this book as an ARC, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Cathleen, Catty, carries a deep loneliness that feels almost tangible. The weight of her world, the bargains she has made, and the responsibilities tied to her life press in from every direction. You can feel how tired she is, caught between longing for something more and believing she is bound to a fate she chose long ago. That tension sits heavy and real.
Sam enters the story already morally grey, yet not in the way you might expect. As he becomes more involved, layer after layer unfolds. I loved how each revelation didn’t just answer questions, it created new ones. The pacing of those discoveries kept me leaning forward, wanting to understand more about both of them and the forces at play.
There are multiple themes woven together seamlessly, darkness, longing, secrecy, obligation, and desire. The atmosphere is rich and consuming, and the manor itself feels alive in the most haunting way.
The conclusion does not simply tie things up neatly. It builds, it unravels, and it lands with adrenaline and intensity. I loved every moment inside this world.
I received this book as an ARC, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings, shared voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Woah. this was such a good read. I loved Catty and Sam's story. I loved reading them coming together. The ending was INSANE!!! I highly recommend picking this one up.
Did Not Finish
March 16, 2026Review of advanced copy recieved from author.
I DNF'd this at 50% unfortunately. While I was intrigued by the concept I felt a little confused when starting this book and there was refrence to "doom scrolling" and other modern references, only to find out that it is set in modern day and the love interest is the son of a CEO trying to demolish her house.
I pushed past this as now that I knew it was modern day I wasn't too bothered, but the writing felt very stilted to me and I couldn't get myself to feel anything about the characters and I couldn't feel any chemistry between them.
from looking at other reviews it looks like it takes a while for the plot to pick up and a lot of readers feel that the last 20% is really good. I was hoping to push through to this but I was finding myself not engaging in the book and putting it down constantly to do other things.
There is a very interesting concept and the characters do have potential but perhaps this just wasn't for me.
Some tropes in this are some of my favourite (stalker, hitman, nightmares, haunted house, found family) and if these tropes interest you I do implore you to pick this one up as reviews do show that this book is well loved!
I don't believe that this book is bad at all, it does have potential to be a very good story. However, this is not something I enjoyed whole heartedly and will not be finishing as of now.
The book comes out in October 13th and if those tropes interest you and you are looking for a modern gothic dark romance set in a haunted house where hes a stalker/hitman and shes a psychic then definitely give this one a go!
I DNF'd this at 50% unfortunately. While I was intrigued by the concept I felt a little confused when starting this book and there was refrence to "doom scrolling" and other modern references, only to find out that it is set in modern day and the love interest is the son of a CEO trying to demolish her house.
I pushed past this as now that I knew it was modern day I wasn't too bothered, but the writing felt very stilted to me and I couldn't get myself to feel anything about the characters and I couldn't feel any chemistry between them.
from looking at other reviews it looks like it takes a while for the plot to pick up and a lot of readers feel that the last 20% is really good. I was hoping to push through to this but I was finding myself not engaging in the book and putting it down constantly to do other things.
There is a very interesting concept and the characters do have potential but perhaps this just wasn't for me.
Some tropes in this are some of my favourite (stalker, hitman, nightmares, haunted house, found family) and if these tropes interest you I do implore you to pick this one up as reviews do show that this book is well loved!
I don't believe that this book is bad at all, it does have potential to be a very good story. However, this is not something I enjoyed whole heartedly and will not be finishing as of now.
The book comes out in October 13th and if those tropes interest you and you are looking for a modern gothic dark romance set in a haunted house where hes a stalker/hitman and shes a psychic then definitely give this one a go!
March 2, 2026
***ARC Review***
Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: Yes
This is a dark romance, with a paranormal twist and it was enjoyable! I’ll be honest it was a bit hard for me to get into at first but I’m glad I stuck it out.
This is a dual POV following Sam and Catty. I loved these two! The chemistry between them was great! It was a bit of a slow burn and most of the spice happened towards the end.
What really helped bump up the rating was the ending my goodness the last like 20% was an absolute roller coaster and I was holding on for dear life the entire time cause it was just hit after hit phew! I will say Loren did an absolutely great job at keeping that twist pretty under wraps!
I do wish all the crazy parts weren’t just left for the end, sure we got some action here and there but it felt like for the most part it was just coasting along, which isn’t necessarily bad but it did make some parts feel a bit draggy.
Over all it was a pretty good read and I definitely recommend checking it out!
Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: Yes
This is a dark romance, with a paranormal twist and it was enjoyable! I’ll be honest it was a bit hard for me to get into at first but I’m glad I stuck it out.
This is a dual POV following Sam and Catty. I loved these two! The chemistry between them was great! It was a bit of a slow burn and most of the spice happened towards the end.
What really helped bump up the rating was the ending my goodness the last like 20% was an absolute roller coaster and I was holding on for dear life the entire time cause it was just hit after hit phew! I will say Loren did an absolutely great job at keeping that twist pretty under wraps!
I do wish all the crazy parts weren’t just left for the end, sure we got some action here and there but it felt like for the most part it was just coasting along, which isn’t necessarily bad but it did make some parts feel a bit draggy.
Over all it was a pretty good read and I definitely recommend checking it out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Pythonist by Loren Little is not a story you simply read—it’s one that lingers, wraps tight around your ribs, and refuses to let go. Dark, gothic, and achingly emotional, this first installment in the Weary Souls Trilogy delivers a romance steeped in longing, regret, and the kind of connection that feels both dangerous and inevitable.
Built on a second-chance, friends-to-lovers foundation, the story leans hard into yearning—into everything left unsaid, everything broken, and everything that still dares to hope. The tension isn’t loud; it’s suffocating in the quietest ways. Every glance, every hesitation, every almost feels like it carries the weight of a past neither of them can escape. And that’s where this book shines—it understands that love, especially the kind born from ruin, is rarely gentle.
Loren Little’s signature style is unmistakable here: dark, sensual, and emotionally charged, with themes of redemption and the cost of letting go threading through every page . The atmosphere is thick with gothic undertones—haunting, intimate, and just a little bit suffocating in the best way. It feels like walking through shadows where something beautiful and devastating waits for you in equal measure.
The characters are where this story truly sinks its teeth in. They are messy, fractured, and painfully human—carrying their pasts like open wounds. Watching them circle each other, pulled together by something deeper than logic, is both intoxicating and quietly heartbreaking. The chemistry burns slow, but when it ignites, it feels earned—raw and consuming without ever losing its emotional depth.
What elevates this to a five-star read is the way it balances darkness with vulnerability. It doesn’t shy away from the heavier emotions—the grief, the guilt, the ache of what could have been—but it also allows space for something softer to grow in between. Something fragile. Something worth fighting for.
If there’s anything to note, it’s that this isn’t a light read—it demands you sit in its shadows, feel its weight, and embrace the slow unraveling. But for readers who crave moody, character-driven romance with a gothic edge, that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
Built on a second-chance, friends-to-lovers foundation, the story leans hard into yearning—into everything left unsaid, everything broken, and everything that still dares to hope. The tension isn’t loud; it’s suffocating in the quietest ways. Every glance, every hesitation, every almost feels like it carries the weight of a past neither of them can escape. And that’s where this book shines—it understands that love, especially the kind born from ruin, is rarely gentle.
Loren Little’s signature style is unmistakable here: dark, sensual, and emotionally charged, with themes of redemption and the cost of letting go threading through every page . The atmosphere is thick with gothic undertones—haunting, intimate, and just a little bit suffocating in the best way. It feels like walking through shadows where something beautiful and devastating waits for you in equal measure.
The characters are where this story truly sinks its teeth in. They are messy, fractured, and painfully human—carrying their pasts like open wounds. Watching them circle each other, pulled together by something deeper than logic, is both intoxicating and quietly heartbreaking. The chemistry burns slow, but when it ignites, it feels earned—raw and consuming without ever losing its emotional depth.
What elevates this to a five-star read is the way it balances darkness with vulnerability. It doesn’t shy away from the heavier emotions—the grief, the guilt, the ache of what could have been—but it also allows space for something softer to grow in between. Something fragile. Something worth fighting for.
If there’s anything to note, it’s that this isn’t a light read—it demands you sit in its shadows, feel its weight, and embrace the slow unraveling. But for readers who crave moody, character-driven romance with a gothic edge, that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
⚡️Haunted mansion
⚡️Thrilling mystery
⚡️Lightly spiced dark romance
⚡️Realistic and likeable characters
⚡️No cliffhanger and a complete story
Wow, this book kept me guessing to the very end! Another brilliant book from the mind of Loren Little. Written in a slightly different style to her previous works, The Gift War series, The Pythonist is the first book in her new Weary Souls Trilogy, a spooky paranormal mystery with a nice touch of dark romance sprinkled in. I was drawn in immediately with her alluring prologue with prose that feels lyrical and the reading experience continued with imaginitive writing and a great use of figurative language to create the perfect atmosphere for an almost dark, gothic feel set in the mountains of Victoria.
The characters were so immersive and well rounded they felt realistic which made the story jump of the page and into reality, which if you are a bit of a chicken like me, means you probably shouldn't read this at night lol. This would be the absolute perfect spooky read for October to get in the halloween spirit, pun intended!
There is enough spicy goodness for this to be classified as a romance but the mystery/thriller aspects is really what stuck out for me. I absolutely adored attempting to figure it all out before the end, my detective skills got a great workout, but damn... this book got me so good a few times, and i loved it! It was layer upon layer of carefully crafted questions and reveals that lead to more questions, and the plot twists!!! I honestly can't wait to reread to see all the clues I may have missed!
I did still enjoy the romance between Catty and Sam. I loved her fire and strength and his morally grey obsessiveness. There is 1 (maybe 2) scenes that classify this as a dark romance, but I would place this on the lighter end of the spectrum so would be perfect for those just branching out, but please, as always; if you have triggers, don't skip the trigger warnings.
I 100% reccomend this book because I cant see many people picking this up and not loving it!
⚡️Haunted mansion
⚡️Thrilling mystery
⚡️Lightly spiced dark romance
⚡️Realistic and likeable characters
⚡️No cliffhanger and a complete story
Wow, this book kept me guessing to the very end! Another brilliant book from the mind of Loren Little. Written in a slightly different style to her previous works, The Gift War series, The Pythonist is the first book in her new Weary Souls Trilogy, a spooky paranormal mystery with a nice touch of dark romance sprinkled in. I was drawn in immediately with her alluring prologue with prose that feels lyrical and the reading experience continued with imaginitive writing and a great use of figurative language to create the perfect atmosphere for an almost dark, gothic feel set in the mountains of Victoria.
The characters were so immersive and well rounded they felt realistic which made the story jump of the page and into reality, which if you are a bit of a chicken like me, means you probably shouldn't read this at night lol. This would be the absolute perfect spooky read for October to get in the halloween spirit, pun intended!
There is enough spicy goodness for this to be classified as a romance but the mystery/thriller aspects is really what stuck out for me. I absolutely adored attempting to figure it all out before the end, my detective skills got a great workout, but damn... this book got me so good a few times, and i loved it! It was layer upon layer of carefully crafted questions and reveals that lead to more questions, and the plot twists!!! I honestly can't wait to reread to see all the clues I may have missed!
I did still enjoy the romance between Catty and Sam. I loved her fire and strength and his morally grey obsessiveness. There is 1 (maybe 2) scenes that classify this as a dark romance, but I would place this on the lighter end of the spectrum so would be perfect for those just branching out, but please, as always; if you have triggers, don't skip the trigger warnings.
I 100% reccomend this book because I cant see many people picking this up and not loving it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
You know when you’re not really in the mood for the genre, but you’ve signed up to read the ARC so you have to? That was me here and why it took until 20% in my read for my attention to be fully caught but then I couldn’t put the book down!
The whole premise of the damned, a young psychic woman who struck a deal with a daemon who is trapped to the manor, and the dreamer, a hitmen hired to kill her who finds himself falling for her instead…. What’s a dark romance girly not to love?!
It’s got the predatory thrill of a chase, the spice of a hot age gap romance, and the gothic haunting atmosphere sets the mood with the perfect touch of macabre jokes to create warm fuzzy feelings.
Reading this story gave me the heebie jeebies right away and during multiple parts of my read. Then it made me laugh out loud with witty dialogue before I found unexpected tears streaking down my face and I knew then, “this is a great book!”
It was on the track of being predictable and then had twists I didn’t see coming and the end was spectacular! There are so many unanswered questions, weird statements left hanging between characters, and spooky hauntings that gave me perpetual goosebumps the entire read.
Cathleen is a tough cookie on the outside who is not afraid to be rude or snarky. But on the inside she’s a marshmallow, soft, goey, and she cares so much.
Samuel came off the page with his charisma and one line dialogues that even left me breathless and shocked by a couple. The smoothest delivery and swagger to back it up where I’m a little jealous Catty got to him first! If he tossed me over his shoulder, I would go anywhere he wanted!
This is going to be the perfect story to read when the vibes are set this fall. Changing leaves, cooler weather, and dark auspicious nights where the mind finds itself open to possibilities of paranormal events. When it does, I promise you’ll want to be reading this book.
Thank you Loren Little for the ARC opportunity!
The whole premise of the damned, a young psychic woman who struck a deal with a daemon who is trapped to the manor, and the dreamer, a hitmen hired to kill her who finds himself falling for her instead…. What’s a dark romance girly not to love?!
It’s got the predatory thrill of a chase, the spice of a hot age gap romance, and the gothic haunting atmosphere sets the mood with the perfect touch of macabre jokes to create warm fuzzy feelings.
Reading this story gave me the heebie jeebies right away and during multiple parts of my read. Then it made me laugh out loud with witty dialogue before I found unexpected tears streaking down my face and I knew then, “this is a great book!”
It was on the track of being predictable and then had twists I didn’t see coming and the end was spectacular! There are so many unanswered questions, weird statements left hanging between characters, and spooky hauntings that gave me perpetual goosebumps the entire read.
Cathleen is a tough cookie on the outside who is not afraid to be rude or snarky. But on the inside she’s a marshmallow, soft, goey, and she cares so much.
Samuel came off the page with his charisma and one line dialogues that even left me breathless and shocked by a couple. The smoothest delivery and swagger to back it up where I’m a little jealous Catty got to him first! If he tossed me over his shoulder, I would go anywhere he wanted!
This is going to be the perfect story to read when the vibes are set this fall. Changing leaves, cooler weather, and dark auspicious nights where the mind finds itself open to possibilities of paranormal events. When it does, I promise you’ll want to be reading this book.
Thank you Loren Little for the ARC opportunity!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from Loren in exchange for an honest review.
H O L Y S H I T
If I wasn't already fully convinced that anything written by Loren Little will be an auto 5 Stars.. this book definitely solidified that idea for me.
It took me a minute to finish because life has been nutso wild for me lately, but as I finished the last 10%(ish) of the book today while cozied up with my sleepy little couch lion, Pabu I literally could not set my kindle down! The last hundred or so pages (the beginning was fantastic as well but THE REVEALS.. *chef's kiss* ) were so twisty and delicious and the turns that were taken completely surprised me! I don't think I've been so shocked by a reveal in a fat minute. This was just so spectacularly written.. GAH!
I am absolutely head over heels for Sam. That mouth. The way he stands on business for Catty and will do literally anything for her.. UGH. I can't wait to see what the world has to say about my new favorite book bf. And Catty being bratty is basically my spirit animal. Her attitude the whole book had me audibly laughing which has been such a welcome surprise. I can't wait to see what else Loren has in store. Perhaps more Marco? I need more of him. I'm not typically into blondes but.. if Wren can make it into the top tier list of my of blonde book boyfriends with the likes of Peeta Mellark, Draco Malfoy, and *very* TEMPORARILY Tamlin, then certainly Marco has a shot. I mean, who isn't a sucker for a British accent?
I don't want to give too much away since this doesn't release until October, but know that this will be among your top reads of 2026 whether this is your first dark/gothic romance or not! I'd bargain the remaining years of my life away in support of that statement. ;)
H O L Y S H I T
If I wasn't already fully convinced that anything written by Loren Little will be an auto 5 Stars.. this book definitely solidified that idea for me.
It took me a minute to finish because life has been nutso wild for me lately, but as I finished the last 10%(ish) of the book today while cozied up with my sleepy little couch lion, Pabu I literally could not set my kindle down! The last hundred or so pages (the beginning was fantastic as well but THE REVEALS.. *chef's kiss* ) were so twisty and delicious and the turns that were taken completely surprised me! I don't think I've been so shocked by a reveal in a fat minute. This was just so spectacularly written.. GAH!
I am absolutely head over heels for Sam. That mouth. The way he stands on business for Catty and will do literally anything for her.. UGH. I can't wait to see what the world has to say about my new favorite book bf. And Catty being bratty is basically my spirit animal. Her attitude the whole book had me audibly laughing which has been such a welcome surprise. I can't wait to see what else Loren has in store. Perhaps more Marco? I need more of him. I'm not typically into blondes but.. if Wren can make it into the top tier list of my of blonde book boyfriends with the likes of Peeta Mellark, Draco Malfoy, and *very* TEMPORARILY Tamlin, then certainly Marco has a shot. I mean, who isn't a sucker for a British accent?
I don't want to give too much away since this doesn't release until October, but know that this will be among your top reads of 2026 whether this is your first dark/gothic romance or not! I'd bargain the remaining years of my life away in support of that statement. ;)
February 27, 2026
✨The Pythonist✨
Loren may have officially turned me into a dark romance reader. 🤭 I’ve always enjoyed it when I dabbled, but pair it with a gothic setting, an obsessed MMC, and a friends to lovers second chance romance… I AM SOLD. Not to mention the hauntings, the mystery, and the plot twists!
We get a dual POV in TP from The Damned and The Dreamer. Our Damned, Catty, has bargained her life to a daemon and her haunted house where she harbors other young women who experience the same psychic night terrors as she does. But when her enemy sends his son to claim the Estate she’s been trying to keep in her name, the past throttles to the present and darkness comes to the light. Our Dreamer, Sam, has spent his life trying to make his father proud in questionable ways, but when his latest mission brings him face to face with a ghost from the past, he finds himself seeking lost memories and nursing a new & seductive obsession.
I absolutely adored Sam. He was unhinged for Catty and gave me some Heathcliff vibes that I loved. His dedication and open mind was refreshing and made me smile and feel safe through the pages. Catty is a precious, tormented soul. My heart aches for all she went through! I am SO intrigued to know more about Marco! And I love loved the plot twists.
Tropes you may find are second chance, friends to lovers, haunted house, morally black characters, gothic paranormal setting, slow burn to medium spice (check TW), bargains, touch her and ☠️, age gap, and an ending that leaves you content but also excited.
Loren, thank you so much for this gifted arc. I CANNOT WAIT to read more from you and from this trilogy.
Loren may have officially turned me into a dark romance reader. 🤭 I’ve always enjoyed it when I dabbled, but pair it with a gothic setting, an obsessed MMC, and a friends to lovers second chance romance… I AM SOLD. Not to mention the hauntings, the mystery, and the plot twists!
We get a dual POV in TP from The Damned and The Dreamer. Our Damned, Catty, has bargained her life to a daemon and her haunted house where she harbors other young women who experience the same psychic night terrors as she does. But when her enemy sends his son to claim the Estate she’s been trying to keep in her name, the past throttles to the present and darkness comes to the light. Our Dreamer, Sam, has spent his life trying to make his father proud in questionable ways, but when his latest mission brings him face to face with a ghost from the past, he finds himself seeking lost memories and nursing a new & seductive obsession.
I absolutely adored Sam. He was unhinged for Catty and gave me some Heathcliff vibes that I loved. His dedication and open mind was refreshing and made me smile and feel safe through the pages. Catty is a precious, tormented soul. My heart aches for all she went through! I am SO intrigued to know more about Marco! And I love loved the plot twists.
Tropes you may find are second chance, friends to lovers, haunted house, morally black characters, gothic paranormal setting, slow burn to medium spice (check TW), bargains, touch her and ☠️, age gap, and an ending that leaves you content but also excited.
Loren, thank you so much for this gifted arc. I CANNOT WAIT to read more from you and from this trilogy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so grateful to have recieved this arc which has introduced me to Loren Little and now I am a fan 🙌
Okay so this was 100% what I needed after reading back to back fantasy books. It was different and perfect. I loved the gothic dark vibes and the Pov titles. The Dreamer and The Damned were amazing!!
So Kathleen has been living in what seems to be a haunted manor for years after her parents' deaths, except she's not alone and lives with 11 other girls who seem to be affiliated with the same condition she has of intense nightmares that leave them screaming. The local village thinks of them as being witches and generally stay clear.
Samuel on the other hand had been sent to this manor by his father to kick Catty out the house so he could take it over but he never expected to find all the other girls living there too. He also seems to think there's more to Catty than he thinks.
I'll leave that there so I dont venture into spoiler territory plotwise but characters wise, I was blown away by them all. Catty was such a selfless girl who was trying her best to live with the strange entities within the manor and to keep it under her name. Sam was obsessively in love from the start and hes so perfect 🥰
The way he supported her with everything even when things didn't add up in his mind. He helped Catty heal and she was just as obsessed with him as he was with her. They matched eachothers energy 🙌
The plot twists were insane when the history between the characters and the manor were revealed and I ate it all up.
Marco was one character I didnt think I would love to the extent that I did 🙊 what a guy. He also made it really enjoyable.
Okay so this was 100% what I needed after reading back to back fantasy books. It was different and perfect. I loved the gothic dark vibes and the Pov titles. The Dreamer and The Damned were amazing!!
So Kathleen has been living in what seems to be a haunted manor for years after her parents' deaths, except she's not alone and lives with 11 other girls who seem to be affiliated with the same condition she has of intense nightmares that leave them screaming. The local village thinks of them as being witches and generally stay clear.
Samuel on the other hand had been sent to this manor by his father to kick Catty out the house so he could take it over but he never expected to find all the other girls living there too. He also seems to think there's more to Catty than he thinks.
I'll leave that there so I dont venture into spoiler territory plotwise but characters wise, I was blown away by them all. Catty was such a selfless girl who was trying her best to live with the strange entities within the manor and to keep it under her name. Sam was obsessively in love from the start and hes so perfect 🥰
The way he supported her with everything even when things didn't add up in his mind. He helped Catty heal and she was just as obsessed with him as he was with her. They matched eachothers energy 🙌
The plot twists were insane when the history between the characters and the manor were revealed and I ate it all up.
Marco was one character I didnt think I would love to the extent that I did 🙊 what a guy. He also made it really enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC review*
Beautifully written story of a woman, haunted by the dead with a bargain written in sin and Blood, an oath to a being not of this world.
"ᴍɪʀʀᴏʀꜱ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴘʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ ᴘᴏʀᴛᴀʟꜱ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʟʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴠɪʟꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴘʟᴀʏ ɢᴀᴍᴇꜱ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇᴍ."
A man, obsessed with a woman he can not remember...Obsession so addicting it will unravel the hidden secrets that lurk in the dark of the infamous Kingsley Manor.
"ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴍɪɴᴇ ʏᴇᴛ, ʙᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ".
The Book is a second chance romance - childhood friends to lovers. Generally speaking, I cringe reading about Australia, but Loren has incorporated Australian suburbs/Government Authorities (like AFP) without making me want to throw up in a corner.
There were moments were I felt I was not following, or that it was maybe missing a bit of detail to understand the actual hauntings themselves, or what exactly Catty was. The story line, however, was quite addictive and found myself simply not giving a fuck that I couldn't understand at first.. I was buckled in for the ride regardless.
The plot twist at the end???? I was crying. Throwing up. Happy. I was feeling everything, for everyone.. the torment Catty went through, the horrors those around her faced, UGH. There was a moment where I thought some of the plot reminded me of a *very* well known criminal case right here in Australia and for spoilers sake, I won't name which one as I think it may give away a bit of the plot if you're familiar with the case!
something unusual and different. 10/10 love! 🖤
Beautifully written story of a woman, haunted by the dead with a bargain written in sin and Blood, an oath to a being not of this world.
"ᴍɪʀʀᴏʀꜱ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴘʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴄᴀʟʟʏ ᴘᴏʀᴛᴀʟꜱ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʟʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴠɪʟꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴘʟᴀʏ ɢᴀᴍᴇꜱ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇᴍ."
A man, obsessed with a woman he can not remember...Obsession so addicting it will unravel the hidden secrets that lurk in the dark of the infamous Kingsley Manor.
"ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴍɪɴᴇ ʏᴇᴛ, ʙᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ".
The Book is a second chance romance - childhood friends to lovers. Generally speaking, I cringe reading about Australia, but Loren has incorporated Australian suburbs/Government Authorities (like AFP) without making me want to throw up in a corner.
There were moments were I felt I was not following, or that it was maybe missing a bit of detail to understand the actual hauntings themselves, or what exactly Catty was. The story line, however, was quite addictive and found myself simply not giving a fuck that I couldn't understand at first.. I was buckled in for the ride regardless.
The plot twist at the end???? I was crying. Throwing up. Happy. I was feeling everything, for everyone.. the torment Catty went through, the horrors those around her faced, UGH. There was a moment where I thought some of the plot reminded me of a *very* well known criminal case right here in Australia and for spoilers sake, I won't name which one as I think it may give away a bit of the plot if you're familiar with the case!
something unusual and different. 10/10 love! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
*4.5 Stars*
The Pythonist by Loren Little is an atmospheric dark romance with elements of psychological horror that will have you desperately trying to unravel the mysteries of Kingsley Manor.
Catty is the last surviving heir to a multibillion dollar corporation. When she was 12 her father was found murdered on their estate and her mother committed suicide six months later. Caty inherited an affliction from her mother that forces her to sleep as soon as the sun sets and wake as soon as it rises. In slumber she has prophetic dreams of atrocious and heinous acts that will be too late to prevent once she wakes. She is bound to live within the gates of the haunted and secluded manor she grew up in, which exists as a barrier to keep others out as well as to contain the spirits & demons within.
Sam is the son of Catty’s father’s former business partner. He develops an obsession with Catty while on a job to burn the estate to the ground. The more he watches her the more the gaps in his memory start knitting themselves back together. Who is she to him? Why is she lying? Why can’t he remember?
The Pythonist is an interconnected standalone and comes out October 13th, 2026. It’s perfect for dark romance fans of demon bargains, hauntings, mystery & intrigue, friends to lovers, virgin FMCs, obsessive MMCs, slow burn to open door spice and plot twists that recontextualize the entire story!
The Pythonist by Loren Little is an atmospheric dark romance with elements of psychological horror that will have you desperately trying to unravel the mysteries of Kingsley Manor.
Catty is the last surviving heir to a multibillion dollar corporation. When she was 12 her father was found murdered on their estate and her mother committed suicide six months later. Caty inherited an affliction from her mother that forces her to sleep as soon as the sun sets and wake as soon as it rises. In slumber she has prophetic dreams of atrocious and heinous acts that will be too late to prevent once she wakes. She is bound to live within the gates of the haunted and secluded manor she grew up in, which exists as a barrier to keep others out as well as to contain the spirits & demons within.
Sam is the son of Catty’s father’s former business partner. He develops an obsession with Catty while on a job to burn the estate to the ground. The more he watches her the more the gaps in his memory start knitting themselves back together. Who is she to him? Why is she lying? Why can’t he remember?
The Pythonist is an interconnected standalone and comes out October 13th, 2026. It’s perfect for dark romance fans of demon bargains, hauntings, mystery & intrigue, friends to lovers, virgin FMCs, obsessive MMCs, slow burn to open door spice and plot twists that recontextualize the entire story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Pythonist leans hard into dark gothic romance with a paranormal twist, and the atmosphere? So moody and immersive. The story brings two estranged friends, Sam and Catty, back together in the haunting setting of Kingsley Manor. From the start there’s tension, history, and a whole lot of unresolved feelings bubbling under the surface. Add in a generational curse and some dangerous secrets, and it’s the kind of book that quietly pulls you deeper with every chapter.
I really loved how flawed and messy all the characters were - it made everything feel more real and emotionally charged. The relationship development had that slow-burn, second chance energy that kept me hooked, and while things get intense, it never felt overdone. And that BIG plot twist?! I genuinely did not see it coming at all and it completely caught me off guard in the best way.
Overall, it’s such a moody, slightly haunting, character-driven read that’s perfect if you love your romance on the darker side with a bit of mystery woven through. Definitely one that lingers after you finish.
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review, and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it early. It’s due for release this October, and pre-orders are already available - definitely one to keep on your radar
If you’re into gothic romance, paranormal elements, second chance love, and emotionally messy characters, this is one to add to your list.
I really loved how flawed and messy all the characters were - it made everything feel more real and emotionally charged. The relationship development had that slow-burn, second chance energy that kept me hooked, and while things get intense, it never felt overdone. And that BIG plot twist?! I genuinely did not see it coming at all and it completely caught me off guard in the best way.
Overall, it’s such a moody, slightly haunting, character-driven read that’s perfect if you love your romance on the darker side with a bit of mystery woven through. Definitely one that lingers after you finish.
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review, and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it early. It’s due for release this October, and pre-orders are already available - definitely one to keep on your radar
If you’re into gothic romance, paranormal elements, second chance love, and emotionally messy characters, this is one to add to your list.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely adored every single second of this book. If you are a lover of dark gothic romance then this is the book for you. I instantly fell in love with Sam and Catty’s dynamic and banter throughout the story. Fell in love with Sam Parkerson in general. He’s a “that’s MY girl” type a guy. And Marco Fox (Sam’s serial killer best friend) is downright hilarious and relatable in the best ways throughout the story. He’s the perfect mix of ominous and hilarious. The creepy vibes and theme of the story and the manor in which the story takes place around is SO GOOD. Different from anything I’ve read thus far and totally threw me for a loop when I figured out what was going on near the end of the book. Such a great story … the characters were easy to fall in love with… the story was gripping and kept me wanting more and more. I even delayed the ending and paced myself with finishing the last 25 min of the book because I wasn’t ready for it to end. The spice was spicing… perfectly placed to add just enough yearning and longing and desire built up to a perfectly narrated climax. This book had me giggling, gripping my seat, re-reading previous parts over and over just to wrap my head around things… tearing up and downright enthralled throughout the entire book. AND THEN THE VERY ENDING THE FINAL PLOT TWIST CLIFF HANGER the author leaves you on… oh my gosh you’ll be feral for book two just like me. A definite 5 star must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Pythonist by Loren Little is a moody, gothic romance with eerie paranormal elements, blending emotional tension with an unsettling, atmospheric setting. The story leans into both darkness and intimacy, creating a world that feels as haunting as it is emotionally layered.
What stood out to me most was the relationship between Catty and the girls of Kensley Manor. Their bond feels raw, protective, and deeply human, especially against the strange and paranormal backdrop surrounding them. It adds such a strong found-family element that grounds the story, even when everything else feels uncertain.
I also really loved Sam’s devotion to Catty. His desire to love and protect her brings a softness that contrasts beautifully with the darker, more eerie elements of the plot. Their connection has that slow, emotional pull that fits perfectly within the gothic tone.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is that the pacing and emotional transitions felt a bit uneven at times, especially when balancing the romance with the heavier paranormal aspects. I found myself wanting a little more clarity and development in certain moments.
Overall, this is a haunting, emotional read with strong character relationships, a chilling atmosphere, and just the right touch of paranormal intrigue. If you enjoy gothic romance with found family, protective love interests, and a dark, supernatural edge, this is definitely worth picking up. I look forward to the next book!
What stood out to me most was the relationship between Catty and the girls of Kensley Manor. Their bond feels raw, protective, and deeply human, especially against the strange and paranormal backdrop surrounding them. It adds such a strong found-family element that grounds the story, even when everything else feels uncertain.
I also really loved Sam’s devotion to Catty. His desire to love and protect her brings a softness that contrasts beautifully with the darker, more eerie elements of the plot. Their connection has that slow, emotional pull that fits perfectly within the gothic tone.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me is that the pacing and emotional transitions felt a bit uneven at times, especially when balancing the romance with the heavier paranormal aspects. I found myself wanting a little more clarity and development in certain moments.
Overall, this is a haunting, emotional read with strong character relationships, a chilling atmosphere, and just the right touch of paranormal intrigue. If you enjoy gothic romance with found family, protective love interests, and a dark, supernatural edge, this is definitely worth picking up. I look forward to the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Intrigued from page 1. The cover and the description piqued my interest. The constant need to learn what happened to tie the FMC to the house and why kept me hooked. Throughout reading, I kept thinking “ok, but what happened? Tell me!” It was an easy page turner for me and one I wanted to get through as quickly as possible. I really liked the blend of mystery, darkish romance, and paranormal. Everything was easy to picture while reading and I felt the descriptions were easy to understand and not overdone.
You get so many different storylines to follow that easily keep the story going. You have the house and what’s happening with it, the FMC and her housemates relationships, the FMC relationship with the MMC, the MMC relationship with the house, the family members past, and more. All of which are interconnected to understand each other better, but are also their own plot points that can be understood/followed on their own. It’s like one plot point is their own narrative to follow and in doing so, you will probably understand a separate plot point better because of it. I
The only thing I would change is to add a senior/Sr. to the same named character. It’s harder to easily identify which Sam is being referenced in flashbacks. There was at least one where adding a Sam Sr. would have been immensely helpful to understand who the focus was on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
The Pythonist is a dark romance where secrets lie in unmarked graves and the paranormal are closer than you think. Grief, guilt, weariness, and forlornness haunt the Kingsley Manor, and escape from its looming walls feels impossible.
I am one of the biggest devotees of gothic, eerie atmospheres, so The Pythonist drew me in instantly. Where worldbuilding can sometimes fall away chapter by chapter, this story continuously fed my appetite for the macabre. The unsettling weight of sinisterness persists throughout, and knowing there are locked doors with missing puzzle pieces behind them was spine-chilling.
The twist was great, although I had some idea of where the story was headed toward the end. I think some readers may love the notion of a grand reveal at the end, while others may find it too abrupt since there aren’t any clues sprinkled throughout alluding to a possible truth. I’m the latter, yet I enjoyed the plot, and my love for the setting kept me reading.
At its heart, the story is still a romance, and I ate it up. Catty and Sam are childhood friends to lovers with a mysterious history. They bicker, they fight. They’re inevitable. Their flashbacks offer a glimpse into their relationship as kids and eventually reveal why they parted ways.
This is a great read for those who love a haunted manor setting that buries its truths where the light can’t reach and romance that’s filled with undeniable longing.
The Pythonist is a dark romance where secrets lie in unmarked graves and the paranormal are closer than you think. Grief, guilt, weariness, and forlornness haunt the Kingsley Manor, and escape from its looming walls feels impossible.
I am one of the biggest devotees of gothic, eerie atmospheres, so The Pythonist drew me in instantly. Where worldbuilding can sometimes fall away chapter by chapter, this story continuously fed my appetite for the macabre. The unsettling weight of sinisterness persists throughout, and knowing there are locked doors with missing puzzle pieces behind them was spine-chilling.
The twist was great, although I had some idea of where the story was headed toward the end. I think some readers may love the notion of a grand reveal at the end, while others may find it too abrupt since there aren’t any clues sprinkled throughout alluding to a possible truth. I’m the latter, yet I enjoyed the plot, and my love for the setting kept me reading.
At its heart, the story is still a romance, and I ate it up. Catty and Sam are childhood friends to lovers with a mysterious history. They bicker, they fight. They’re inevitable. Their flashbacks offer a glimpse into their relationship as kids and eventually reveal why they parted ways.
This is a great read for those who love a haunted manor setting that buries its truths where the light can’t reach and romance that’s filled with undeniable longing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤 Second Chance Romance
🖤 Friends to Lovers
🖤 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🖤 Touch Them & D!e
🖤 Slow Burn
~ “Call me whatever you want, Terror.” “I’m yours either way.” ~
I absolutely LOVE this book. There truly aren’t enough words to describe how obsessed I am with it. From the very first page, it pulled me in and wrapped its shadows around me. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know where every twist and turn would lead. And let me tell you… they had me gasping out loud.
This is an incredible, dark, and deliciously twisted love story drenched in heavy gothic vibes. The possessive, morally gray MMC, Obsessed. The feisty, fiercely protective MFC who would do anything for the people she loves, Even more obsessed. Their chemistry simmers in the most addictive slow burn, building tension that feels almost suffocating, but in the best way.
Set inside a haunting manor brimming with hidden secrets, the atmosphere alone is enough to pull you under. Every hallway feels alive, every shadow holds something waiting to be uncovered.
As the first book in the Weary Souls Trilogy, it sets the tone beautifully and leaves you desperate for more. I am already counting down the days until book two.
🖤 Friends to Lovers
🖤 Black Cat x Golden Retriever
🖤 Touch Them & D!e
🖤 Slow Burn
~ “Call me whatever you want, Terror.” “I’m yours either way.” ~
I absolutely LOVE this book. There truly aren’t enough words to describe how obsessed I am with it. From the very first page, it pulled me in and wrapped its shadows around me. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know where every twist and turn would lead. And let me tell you… they had me gasping out loud.
This is an incredible, dark, and deliciously twisted love story drenched in heavy gothic vibes. The possessive, morally gray MMC, Obsessed. The feisty, fiercely protective MFC who would do anything for the people she loves, Even more obsessed. Their chemistry simmers in the most addictive slow burn, building tension that feels almost suffocating, but in the best way.
Set inside a haunting manor brimming with hidden secrets, the atmosphere alone is enough to pull you under. Every hallway feels alive, every shadow holds something waiting to be uncovered.
As the first book in the Weary Souls Trilogy, it sets the tone beautifully and leaves you desperate for more. I am already counting down the days until book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Despite the ups and downs, this book was yes for me
I finally finished the book.....yes in starting i felt it getting hard to keep up with the story.....BUT after reading about 20% of the story i finally started getting the grip.
The story really lived up to the theme whether we talk about characters, gothic era, the scene, the manor and also the story was very well written no doubt in that, i also really loved the description about every thing....the story was going smoothly but was waiting for that particular spark in the book......which i started getting about in last 30% of the book.....
And man that last 30%.....its very goodly written...it had my attention 10 times than the rest of the story....the graveyard scene really gave me chills that i had look around me as i decided to read in the night time....the book is worth it at least for the last 30% of the story.....but as in all whole book is good...and it would have been better if instead of unfolding all the plots in the last few chapters it ha been done gradually and slowly since the beginning....it would have kept the reader more on edge.
I am definitely planning and ready to read the next book in trilogy.....
I finally finished the book.....yes in starting i felt it getting hard to keep up with the story.....BUT after reading about 20% of the story i finally started getting the grip.
The story really lived up to the theme whether we talk about characters, gothic era, the scene, the manor and also the story was very well written no doubt in that, i also really loved the description about every thing....the story was going smoothly but was waiting for that particular spark in the book......which i started getting about in last 30% of the book.....
And man that last 30%.....its very goodly written...it had my attention 10 times than the rest of the story....the graveyard scene really gave me chills that i had look around me as i decided to read in the night time....the book is worth it at least for the last 30% of the story.....but as in all whole book is good...and it would have been better if instead of unfolding all the plots in the last few chapters it ha been done gradually and slowly since the beginning....it would have kept the reader more on edge.
I am definitely planning and ready to read the next book in trilogy.....
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book, and while my review ended up a little different than I originally planned thanks to life being chaotic, in a way that actually mirrors the reading experience itself.
This is a captivating read that pulls you in from the very beginning. The writing style is one of my favourite aspects, it’s effortless yet impactful. It’s the kind of book you can pick up during busy moments and still fall straight back into, without losing that sense of immersion.
It’s an easy read for those who don’t want something overly heavy, but it still delivers those deliciously dark, gothic romance vibes. There’s a quiet intensity woven through it that keeps you hooked.
I found myself constantly trying to piece things together, questioning certain elements, then second-guessing myself and brushing it off… only to be completely mind-blown later. Loren absolutely played me in the best way possible.
There’s something so clever about the way she writes, subtle, sneaky, and just a little bit cheeky. She knows exactly what she’s doing, and I am fully here for it.
Safe to say, I’ve fallen in love with her work with this book. She’s gained a forever fan.
This is a captivating read that pulls you in from the very beginning. The writing style is one of my favourite aspects, it’s effortless yet impactful. It’s the kind of book you can pick up during busy moments and still fall straight back into, without losing that sense of immersion.
It’s an easy read for those who don’t want something overly heavy, but it still delivers those deliciously dark, gothic romance vibes. There’s a quiet intensity woven through it that keeps you hooked.
I found myself constantly trying to piece things together, questioning certain elements, then second-guessing myself and brushing it off… only to be completely mind-blown later. Loren absolutely played me in the best way possible.
There’s something so clever about the way she writes, subtle, sneaky, and just a little bit cheeky. She knows exactly what she’s doing, and I am fully here for it.
Safe to say, I’ve fallen in love with her work with this book. She’s gained a forever fan.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dammit, Loren. I really didn’t have room for another book boyfriend. Yet here we are. You write my favourite men, even if they are occasionally blonde. IYKYK😏
Sam is peak “I’ll kill for her” energy and I am beyond here for it. We love when a man can go after what he wants, regardless of who (or what) gets in his way.
Catty is perfect, even if she’s got daddy issues. She is the kindest and most selfless FMC I’ve read in a long time. The loyalty this woman has is unmatched. Thank you for bringing her into my life. Nightmares and all.
Marco, Marco, Marco.. I love you. That is all. 🖤
I have no words for how much I loved this book. The little details and Australian-isms you sneak in are my fave. Never have I ever laughed so much while reading, especially at someone’s upper body strength being compared to a jellyfish.🪼Absolutely iconic. 😂
Tell me you’re an Australian Author, without telling me you’re an Australian Author…
“Flashy farken bastard. With his flashy farken cars.”
Thank you so much for the absolute privilege it was to arc read your baby, you certainly did not disappoint and I cannot wait to see you on the best sellers list!
Sam is peak “I’ll kill for her” energy and I am beyond here for it. We love when a man can go after what he wants, regardless of who (or what) gets in his way.
Catty is perfect, even if she’s got daddy issues. She is the kindest and most selfless FMC I’ve read in a long time. The loyalty this woman has is unmatched. Thank you for bringing her into my life. Nightmares and all.
Marco, Marco, Marco.. I love you. That is all. 🖤
I have no words for how much I loved this book. The little details and Australian-isms you sneak in are my fave. Never have I ever laughed so much while reading, especially at someone’s upper body strength being compared to a jellyfish.🪼Absolutely iconic. 😂
Tell me you’re an Australian Author, without telling me you’re an Australian Author…
“Flashy farken bastard. With his flashy farken cars.”
Thank you so much for the absolute privilege it was to arc read your baby, you certainly did not disappoint and I cannot wait to see you on the best sellers list!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Loren Little, for providing an advanced copy of The Pythonist.
A spine tingling gothic paranormal romance with tons of twists and plenty of characters to keep you guessing who did what and why. This book was a lot of fun. Haunted manors always provide a nice setting for gothic thrills. Sam and Catty are our main characters, the Dreamer and the Damned. Sam was given the task of burning down Kingsley Manor where Catty lived with 11 other girls. He found he couldn't do it. He felt an inexplicable draw to her. Little did he know that Catty's bargain with a demon when she was a child may be behind the strangeness.
The author did an amazing job at creating a cast of characters that kept me engaged, intrigued, and glued to the pages. The mystery thrown into this dark romance had my mind reeling. Just when I thought I had it all figured out...BAM...Another twist and I was totally wrong. I love when a book isn't predictable. This was truly a great read. I highly recommend this to all gothic dark romance and mystery/thriller lovers.
A spine tingling gothic paranormal romance with tons of twists and plenty of characters to keep you guessing who did what and why. This book was a lot of fun. Haunted manors always provide a nice setting for gothic thrills. Sam and Catty are our main characters, the Dreamer and the Damned. Sam was given the task of burning down Kingsley Manor where Catty lived with 11 other girls. He found he couldn't do it. He felt an inexplicable draw to her. Little did he know that Catty's bargain with a demon when she was a child may be behind the strangeness.
The author did an amazing job at creating a cast of characters that kept me engaged, intrigued, and glued to the pages. The mystery thrown into this dark romance had my mind reeling. Just when I thought I had it all figured out...BAM...Another twist and I was totally wrong. I love when a book isn't predictable. This was truly a great read. I highly recommend this to all gothic dark romance and mystery/thriller lovers.
May 9, 2026
As per usual I was so sucked into Loren’s writing style that I didn’t see the plot twist coming!
While this isn’t my usual go to genre I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the breadcrumb trail that was left throughout the book that pointed towards the history of Catty and Sam without just unleashing a torrent of information. I generally dislike an instant love/lust connection so the backstory being revealed slowly was definitely a big win in my eyes.
The girls story broke my heart a little bit and I really loved how their personalities came to play in this one. The ending was so bittersweet but written in a way that still felt like a healing journey.
It always so interesting to me hearing Australian nuances and references thrown into the world and I absolutely love it.
(Also the couple at the end! I see what you did there!)
If there’s another book about Marco Fox after this you bet I’m picking it up.
Thank you so much to Loren and her team for letting me read an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
While this isn’t my usual go to genre I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the breadcrumb trail that was left throughout the book that pointed towards the history of Catty and Sam without just unleashing a torrent of information. I generally dislike an instant love/lust connection so the backstory being revealed slowly was definitely a big win in my eyes.
The girls story broke my heart a little bit and I really loved how their personalities came to play in this one. The ending was so bittersweet but written in a way that still felt like a healing journey.
It always so interesting to me hearing Australian nuances and references thrown into the world and I absolutely love it.
(Also the couple at the end! I see what you did there!)
If there’s another book about Marco Fox after this you bet I’m picking it up.
Thank you so much to Loren and her team for letting me read an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't think the plot twist had shook me so deep to the core like the one in this story did. I was coasting, enjoying the spice and creepy atmosphere and then BOMB mic drop with one of the craziest fucking plot twists I've read in a very long time and like Loren Little is a pro at doing she took the story, flipped it around and left me in complete shock.
From the very first few pages I was pulled into this crazy story full of ghosts, sins, and secrets. Samuel and Catty were perfection together, their spice hit all the marks needed for a beautifully gothic dark romance and then some. I love a good stalker romance, but add to that a friends to lover trope plus the fact that he helps calm her demons? Yup sold 100%!
Definitely check this book out if you love creepy gothic manors filled with ghosts, paying for the sins of our Fathers, Wake up Sex... Half the time, and a MC with an absolutely filthy mouth.
From the very first few pages I was pulled into this crazy story full of ghosts, sins, and secrets. Samuel and Catty were perfection together, their spice hit all the marks needed for a beautifully gothic dark romance and then some. I love a good stalker romance, but add to that a friends to lover trope plus the fact that he helps calm her demons? Yup sold 100%!
Definitely check this book out if you love creepy gothic manors filled with ghosts, paying for the sins of our Fathers, Wake up Sex... Half the time, and a MC with an absolutely filthy mouth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have never read something quite like this.
From start to finish, I was committed.
Catty and Sam are some of the most loveable i have ever read.
I took emersed please reading this this and if I didn't have adult and parent responsibilities, I would have finished this within hours.
Catty and Sam's relationship is something so wholesome albeit slightly demented. But it works....if you know, you know.
James (the Russian nursemaid) I.love.her! She is outstanding, another loveable side character who needs her own novella. I need to know more about her backstory and how she came to be with the Kingsley's.
The plot was fantastic and I honestly did not know what the ending was going to be. I was pleasantly surprised and shocked! I never saw it coming.
I liked that the spice wasn't the main subject matter, but simply just part of the plot.
10/10-5 stars 🌟
I can't praise this enough
From start to finish, I was committed.
Catty and Sam are some of the most loveable i have ever read.
I took emersed please reading this this and if I didn't have adult and parent responsibilities, I would have finished this within hours.
Catty and Sam's relationship is something so wholesome albeit slightly demented. But it works....if you know, you know.
James (the Russian nursemaid) I.love.her! She is outstanding, another loveable side character who needs her own novella. I need to know more about her backstory and how she came to be with the Kingsley's.
The plot was fantastic and I honestly did not know what the ending was going to be. I was pleasantly surprised and shocked! I never saw it coming.
I liked that the spice wasn't the main subject matter, but simply just part of the plot.
10/10-5 stars 🌟
I can't praise this enough
April 19, 2026
I was giving an Advanced Reader Copy to review by the author and I am ridiculously glad I was.
This book is like nothing I’ve personally read before and I loved it so much.
This is a Dark Romance with paranormal elements and it kept me gripped.
This is so dark, dramatic, I felt like I was watching a thriller where I was just waiting for each jump scare and never knowing when it would come. The anticipation and excitement kept me wanting more.
I do recommend you read ALL trigger warnings before continuing with this story as some are written in detail.
This is beautifully written, addictive, dark and BEAUTIFULLY spicy.
This is set in the modern era but feels old timey, gothic, spooky. I am so grateful I got to read it so early and I cannot wait for this to come out so everyone else can obsess over it 🖤
This book is like nothing I’ve personally read before and I loved it so much.
This is a Dark Romance with paranormal elements and it kept me gripped.
This is so dark, dramatic, I felt like I was watching a thriller where I was just waiting for each jump scare and never knowing when it would come. The anticipation and excitement kept me wanting more.
I do recommend you read ALL trigger warnings before continuing with this story as some are written in detail.
This is beautifully written, addictive, dark and BEAUTIFULLY spicy.
This is set in the modern era but feels old timey, gothic, spooky. I am so grateful I got to read it so early and I cannot wait for this to come out so everyone else can obsess over it 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have read this three times already & I still can’t stop thinking about it.
The story grabs your attention & keeps you reading in hopes of seeing where it leads. And it leads you to a jaw dropping plot twist that had me gasping out loud!
Sam is morally grey and totally obsessed with Catty - I love a possessive MMC & his nickname for her is the best!
“I’m already covered in blood Terror. Do your worst.”
Catty is delicate but also so strong! My heart hurts for her & all she has to endure. She is feisty and so protective of those she loves.
I love all of the side characters - especially James.
The chemistry between Sam & Catty is intense & the spice is absolutely delicious!
This story is emotional, funny, mind boggling, spicy, captivating and my top read this year!
The story grabs your attention & keeps you reading in hopes of seeing where it leads. And it leads you to a jaw dropping plot twist that had me gasping out loud!
Sam is morally grey and totally obsessed with Catty - I love a possessive MMC & his nickname for her is the best!
“I’m already covered in blood Terror. Do your worst.”
Catty is delicate but also so strong! My heart hurts for her & all she has to endure. She is feisty and so protective of those she loves.
I love all of the side characters - especially James.
The chemistry between Sam & Catty is intense & the spice is absolutely delicious!
This story is emotional, funny, mind boggling, spicy, captivating and my top read this year!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced reader review
Loren's writing style keeps you engaged from beginning to end. Catty and Sam's story is not at all what I expected it to be. I loved the little snippets of information that made you think you knew what was happening when, in fact, you really didn't.
The story is completely shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The character develop was top tier. I don't think there was anything about this book that I did not like. The descriptions of the manor and the land surrounding made me actually feel like I could see it in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the witty banter between the FMC and MMC.
I 100% recommend this to lovers of gothic and paranormal romance. Now, I shall patiently wait for book two.
Loren's writing style keeps you engaged from beginning to end. Catty and Sam's story is not at all what I expected it to be. I loved the little snippets of information that made you think you knew what was happening when, in fact, you really didn't.
The story is completely shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The character develop was top tier. I don't think there was anything about this book that I did not like. The descriptions of the manor and the land surrounding made me actually feel like I could see it in my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the witty banter between the FMC and MMC.
I 100% recommend this to lovers of gothic and paranormal romance. Now, I shall patiently wait for book two.
April 9, 2026
Where do I even begin???
I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to ARC read this!
Kicking my feet, wanting to scream, wanting to cry, shocked at every turn. This book HAD IT ALL.
The characters and the way they develop is so good. The way they were written will have you so attached to each and every one of them you will come to love.
The plot twists in this book just can’t compare. They’re planted in all the right moments. I was hooked from Chp 1 and this book kept me in its tight grip til the end. I am definitely in a book hangover now!
If you’re looking for such a fantastic Gothic Dark Romance that will keep you turning the pages and have you in all your feels, this one is definitely it!
Cant wait for book 2!!!!
I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to ARC read this!
Kicking my feet, wanting to scream, wanting to cry, shocked at every turn. This book HAD IT ALL.
The characters and the way they develop is so good. The way they were written will have you so attached to each and every one of them you will come to love.
The plot twists in this book just can’t compare. They’re planted in all the right moments. I was hooked from Chp 1 and this book kept me in its tight grip til the end. I am definitely in a book hangover now!
If you’re looking for such a fantastic Gothic Dark Romance that will keep you turning the pages and have you in all your feels, this one is definitely it!
Cant wait for book 2!!!!
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