The Jackalope's Bride: An Eggy Easter Surprise

by Adeline Alchemy

Thump, thump, thump. These dark woods hide a strange secret…

Spring is a time of new beginnings, and Heather is desperate for one. She bets everything on a solo trip to a remote cabin, hoping to cure the writer’s block that’s plagued her since her messy divorce.

She finds a new beginning, alright. Just not for her writing career…

That strange thumping noise draws closer, bringing with it an eggy easter surprise.

THE JACKALOPE’S AN EGGY EASTER SURPRISE is a spicy horror novelette (15k words) for those whose first instinct is to run toward the terrifying monster. Weird and whimsical with an eggy twist, this spooky story is hot enough to thaw away the deepest winter chill.

69 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

Adeline Alchemy (she/they) writes creepy-cozy spicy horror for those who like their monsters spiky, sticky, and seductive. There’s usually a happy ending–for the monster, that is.

When she’s not daydreaming about squishy tentacles or dripping maws, she enjoys collecting bugs and watching nature documentaries for all the wrong reasons.

She also writes sweet and spicy monster romance as Bethany Baker.

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What waits beyond the cabin door wants her willing, wanting, and changed.

Heather heads to a remote cabin hoping solitude will break her writer's block and help her reclaim a life that feels like hers after divorce strips it bare. But the longer she sits with the quiet, the stranger the place becomes, and the thumping outside starts to feel less like a warning and more like something calling her closer.

What begins as isolation turns into obsession as her imagination wakes up alongside her body, and the comfort she thinks she needs starts taking on a dangerous shape. The thing waiting in the dark isn't just watching her. It's patient, possessive, and certain that Heather is already halfway to becoming his.

As fear gives way to hunger, Heather's search twists into something intimate, primal, and hard to undo. This is a dark, erotic descent into surrender, where being wanted feel like safety when it's pulling her somewhere she can't return from.

Heather begins wrecked, ashamed, and cut off from her own desire, then slowly shifts into someone who stops fighting what she wants even as that surrender starts costing her pieces of herself. The jackalope moves from an eerie presence to an all-consuming mate figure whose hold tightens through reassurance, possession, and raw sexual power. Their connection deepens into a darkly intimate bond built on dependency, compulsion, and the seductive comfort of giving in completely.

A dark, cryptid erotic horror quickie built around primal obsession, forced transformation, and the dangerous comfort of being claimed this story digs into loneliness, desire, and the way the need to be chosen can overtake the need to remain yourself. It's about giving in to something monstrous because it feels like the only answer.

The Elevator Pitch: A divorced writer escapes to a remote cabin hoping to recover her voice, only to find the wilderness answering with something far more intimate and far more dangerous. As strange comforts turn into obsession, her hunger for renewal becomes tangled with a presence that feels both predatory and impossible to resist. What begins as a retreat from heartbreak slips into a dark surrender, where being chosen may cost far more than fear ever did.

Heat Level: 🖤🔥 Erotica / Kink-Forward

[Petra Hart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one doesn’t work, in fact it’s such an unfocused mess it might be AI.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Heather, this is not the Hundred Acre Woods..." ~Heather🫢 ((You have no idea.))

"How beautiful you are with my yolk running down your chin."~Jack😱 ((Help.))

Holy. Friggin'. Jackalope!!!😳 My mind has gone where I never thought it would go. Not in a negative way, but I'll never look at eggs, cadbury creme eggs specifically, or cute bunnies, coloring eggs for Easter and egg hunting, the same way again.🤣🤣 I don't like eggs but good luck to any reader who does.😭🥚💦🥚🍳🐣🥚💦🥚😋 These darling colorful surprises are de-liciousssss. Mmm. Mmm. Yummy!!!lol🪺🪺🪺🪺🪺🪺🪺🪺🪺🪺

The book cover is cute and colorful. Be careful. Are you prepared to go down this path in this unnatural forest?🌲🪵🌲 B/c Heather, 41, divorced, dealing with a bad case of writer's block, thought a cabin in the woods, away from noise and distractions, would bunny kick her imagination to write again.🐰 More like donkey kick!🫏 Then punch. Powww!☠️🤜🏻💥💥💥😆

The very words thump thump thump now holds a unique meaning.🫢 That's not your heart beating. It's code, y'all. I thought of Thumper from Bambi. You know. Cute bunny paws.🐾 But. Noooo.🐇😵 If you hear that sound, you better run. I don't want to spoil anything. I will write that Heather is having an existential crisis. I like that she's older and still has desires and wants to be happy. Will she find it again?

The world building starts slow, the atmosphere is eerie with isolation, weirdness has fallen over this cabin.🏡 It's The Twilight Zone meets Tales From The Crypt and this is their desperate needy love child.🌋🥵🫀🥵🌋 There's also humor and outrageousness.

It's different, written well, imaginative, is it tragic? I'm still trying to figure that one out. Probably. It will depend on you. Is this for everyone? No. If you like twists with your dark comedy body horror, then this could be for you. Check it out. Adeline Alchemy blurred and colored outside all the lines in their coloring book.🖍️ We need authors to surprise us like that. Happy reading.*•>§<•*💚🩷💚🩷

🚩🚩 Read the TWs. 18+ (maybe) read.))🚩🚩

🪺🦌🐰👩🏻‍🦳Thank you to Adeline Alchemy and Booksprout. The opinions shared here are my own.👩🏻‍🦳🐰🦌🪺

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍️ Brief Synopsis: Her life is falling apart. Divorced, in debt, unable to write more books… she takes what little money she has to go to a secluded cabin for a month to rough it out and hopefully get her writing inspiration flowing again! But weird sounds happen at night and strange eggs appear in the day… soon she’s addicted to them and before she even realizes what’s happening, her life will completely change…

📝 ARC Review: I love how wild this authors imagination can get! I’ve loved every book of hers that I’ve read thus far. Short and spicy and weird… if that’s your thing, you should check her stories out!

That being said, I enjoyed how the FMC in this story was a thriller writer with writers block, and loved seeing how she slowly grew inspired and words began to flow again. This short story had a nice lead up to the spicy events! Weird egg stuff happening and writing that turned very er0tic for a thriller, until finally the FMC found out where those eggs had been coming from and just why she was so hungry and horny. 😂😂🥵 It was a fun ride at the end of the book! Many rides actually, if ya know what I mean 🤭🤫😏

Genre: Monster Smut
Series: HOLIDAY HORRORS: TALES OF WICKED WHIMSY, Book 3
POV: First Person; Single
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4.5/5

Vibes: Cozy; Woodsy; Suspenseful; Weird & Spicy!

Quote 👇

“…Nobody’s here to kidnap you. It’s probably just a branch in the wind… It’s always just a branch… except when it’s a killer…” 😂 well she’s not wrong …

Tropes & CW’s👇

- FMC in her 40s/writer
- Off grid cabin retreat
- Getting over writers block
- Obsession with weird eggs
- Aphrodisiac
- Body betrayal
- Implied consent
- Br££ding k!nk
- Pregnancy (of an unusual nature)
- Rough/primal s£x
- Manhandling
- Oviposition (egg insertion) & delivery
- Transformation/body change
- Mind break
- Mention of divorce and manipulative ex

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Catherine Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jackalope’s Bride: An Eggy Easter Surprise is a wildly imaginative and deliciously quirky addition to the Holiday Horrors: Tales of Wicked Whimsy series. Adeline Alchemy delivers a story that perfectly balances dark humor, fantasy, and romantic tension in a way that feels both playful and eerie.

The jackalope hero is wonderfully unconventional — mysterious, slightly dangerous, and utterly captivating. The folklore-inspired elements give the story a unique flavor, blending holiday charm with a touch of the macabre. The bride dynamic adds both intrigue and emotional depth, creating a connection that feels fated yet unpredictable.

The tone strikes a satisfying balance between whimsical and unsettling, making it stand out from traditional holiday romance. The pacing keeps things tight and engaging, allowing the strange and magical elements to shine without overwhelming the story.

I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy paranormal romance with a darker twist, holiday-themed fantasy, folklore creatures, and stories that embrace the unusual. If you love romance with a wicked edge and a dash of mischievous charm, this book is a delightful treat.

A clever, eerie, and enchantingly strange holiday tale.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Naked_Genius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where my monster lovers at?! Ya'll need to read this ASAP so I have someone to talk to about my new found egg laying kink.
The Jackalope's Bride starts with our FMC Heather, a divorced 40-year old writer, struggling to resuscitate her career (and her life) hitting the reset button on life and renting a dilapidated cabin in the woods. Totally off the grid, perfect for a much needed writing sabbatical...until the THUMPING starts. And the mysterious pastel eggs show up in an old chicken coop and are now the only thing Heather will eat. And then there's the sexy guy who owns the cabin, who keeps popping up in Heather's ever increasing fantasies. I'm convinced these magical eggs are a better aphrodisiac than oysters.
Soon Heather is consumed by an overwhelming hunger for these pastel breakfast staples and an unrelenting lust that completely over takes her. Luckily she is not alone out in the woods. There's a 7-foot tall Jackalope looking for a mate and a mom for his kits!
I had so much fun reading this sweet spicy kinda horrifying Easter novella. I also had no idea Jackalope's lay eggs. But being an egg incubator for a Jackalope who's stamina makes the Energizer Bunny look like he needs Viagra sounds like it's just one endless mind blowing orgasm, so honestly I'm totally down for that!

[Taneisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short tale is exactly what you think it'll be! While it doesn't take long to get the explicit scene, there is time and care taken into introducing the FMC. I could relate to her need to find herself again, her frustration with writing that used to come easier to her, and feeling stuck trying to heal from a toxic ex. As the story neared the end with the jackalope, part of me wonder if I should feel kinda sorry for the FMC. But reading how she felt about her old life and how she feels she has purpose now, maybe her transformation isn't so bad after all! I think it's relatable in that sense of wanting to disappear from mainstream life and not have to think about anything anymore.

I will say, I'm not normally an egg person 🤣 And part of me question if I'd be able to stomach the egg content, but it was an easy read and imagining that they were Cadbury eggs made it easy!

Overall, this was a quick, satisfying erotic read that kept me interested and is perfect for the Easter/spring season.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Messy but Decent Spicy Horror Romance

This monster romance definitely leans into the “spicy horror” vibe—and it delivers on that front. The main female character is well developed, and I appreciated getting glimpses of her backstory, which added some depth.
However, the plot itself feels quite messy. There isn’t a lot of it to begin with, and at times it becomes confusing—leaving you wondering what’s happening and why. The writing could have used more consistency and clearer structure to really make the story shine.
That said, once you piece together the plot, there is a solid idea underneath it all. Overall, it’s an okay read: not the strongest in terms of storytelling, but still enjoyable if you’re here for the darker, spicier elements.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Jackalope’s Bride - Adeline Alchemy

This was a very fun ride. I love getting to know Heather and the events leading up to her in the cabin. I also really like the ending and how this might happen to other girls like Heather. I would definitely read a sequel to this.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

🔥 / Spice Rating ☀️

# of Pages 🌙 69 pages

Release Date 🌟 3/17/26

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 Unknown/Not Applicable

Genre/Tropes ✨ paranormal romance, cozy horror, horror, jackolope

Favorite Character ☀️ Heather

Favorite Line 🌟 “Dammit, Heather… You’re the punch line in a movie about city slickers.”

[IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC review ✨

I received an e-ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Adeline Alchemy never disappoints with the cozy-dark weirdness. I loved Grow in the Dark, so of course, I jumped at an opportunity to ARC read this next installment in the Holiday Horrors series, and it was another one I ended up enjoying a lot. It's unusual, spicy, and just straight-up unhinged. If you're into thoroughly strange spicy reads that are still somehow hot and like a balanced blend of cozy vibes and dark undertones, this might be for you! It's a quick read, too, and the writing style is pleasant and easy to read.

[ReedRyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who among us has not needed to get away from an ex, or writers block, or our phone? What about all three?
Expertly piling in the heartbreaking reality of our FMC, when things start happening, it all comes together for a beautiful release 🤭
The way the FMC progresses through her troubles, coming to accept her past and moving to the future reqlly paints a picture of someone who NEEDS the catharsis at the end.
And BOY OH BOY does she realise hpw needy she is!
A wonderfully Easter read!
For the monster loving girlies 😈.

Adeline Alchemy knows what writing is all about!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy

I appreciated the character’s age; both in general and the idea that life isn’t over in your 40s. You could still meet new individuals, and have very unexpected experiences.

While you could read some of her early choices as impractical, I think it shows an understandable impulsivity that suits later events. It makes sense, both in where she’s coming from and where she goes.

As for where she goes? I’m happy for her. This book tells you what it is (in its title and its triggers), and proves to be an enjoyable ride into the forest.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Holiday Horrors: Tales of Wicked Whimsy series. Can be read as a standalone.

'Weird and whimsical with an eggy twist, this spooky story is hot enough to thaw away the deepest winter chill.'

The characters were very appealing and complicated and quirky and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Pesaresi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best advice I can give to readers for this book, be sure to hit the Easter candy aisle beforehand. You're going to want all of those Cadbury cream eggs. This book will leave you with cravings. It is transformative!

Ok, but the real review:
I really enjoyed this book! I thought I'd get a laugh out of it and have something to poke fun at. But the story is there, it grabs you quick and pulls you in close, and then fills that cold dark part of you with warmth and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Heather !! this is her story... a fun fast paced short rom/com dark drama... she's here to clear her writer's block.. after what happened with her horrible divorce.. a month in a cabin in the woods... peaceful... and then, the thumps begin... and the easter eggs... what's going on ? so funny !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book & it took me on a crazy ride! At no point did I expect what was going to happen next, did I mention there’s so many eggs? 😆 If you’re a fan of oviposition, lots of spice, cryptids & strange HEA’s you’ll love this book! 4 1/2 ⭐️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather is lost in life. Divorced, alone and broke, she heads out to a cabin in the woods where she can be free to write. Instead she finds something more unusual in the woods and her life takes a great turn. Fun read if you want something a little different.

[Piper James · Rating 5 out of 5]

all right, I am busy booking my vacation to a small cabin in the woods but I will be SO sad if beautiful eggs (and a hunky jackalope) don't show up for me

I had an amazing time with this spicy horror now I want a jackalope

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining story. It started out rather normal, then got a bit ominous, before shifting into the bizarre and it definitely got more spicy as it progressed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teddi Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this weird little romance book. The hero is dark, mysterious and enthralling. Super unsettling perfect match for holiday horrors but also a love story.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a trippy little novelette. A lot of spice, a little horror, and a whole lot of whaaaat just happened?

Heather has intense writer’s block so she has decided to hole herself up for a month in a remote cabin to try to get her spark back after her divorce. What starts out as a woman escaping quickly becomes a story of obsession, trickery, and shifting. Heather starts to hear things go thump in the night and quickly discovers easter eggs being left for her to hunt and consume. But who is leaving these easter eggs and what is their purpose? I’m talking Jackalopes, I’m talking ovipositioning, I’m talking luring. I enjoyed all the craziness and mystery behind the plot and I definitely didn't see all of that coming!

There really wasn’t any romance, which I was expecting to see. I think if there were a bit more, I would have rated higher.

Thank you to Adeline Alchemy for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions above are honest and my own.

3.75 stars!