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Dark Paths #1
Home Sweet Hell
Shea Tobin didn't expect to be back in Verbank so soon.
The news of her ailing father drew her back home from half a world away. Back home to the memories she believed were better left forgotten, in a town that she felt was better left in her rearview. Verbank had always held its sleepy secrets, but Shea could have never guessed there were skeletons hidden in those closets. Skeletons that reached out to her from the dark, beckoning her to look deeper into the shadows.
Accompanied by her best friend and her once-upon-a-time lover, she faces a ghost story come to life.
--
"Home Sweet Hell" is Ivy Whitaker's debut novel in the paranormal romance genre. It's the first installment in the five-part Dark Paths series.
The news of her ailing father drew her back home from half a world away. Back home to the memories she believed were better left forgotten, in a town that she felt was better left in her rearview. Verbank had always held its sleepy secrets, but Shea could have never guessed there were skeletons hidden in those closets. Skeletons that reached out to her from the dark, beckoning her to look deeper into the shadows.
Accompanied by her best friend and her once-upon-a-time lover, she faces a ghost story come to life.
--
"Home Sweet Hell" is Ivy Whitaker's debut novel in the paranormal romance genre. It's the first installment in the five-part Dark Paths series.
- GenresHorror
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2021
15 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Whitaker
13 books66 followersIvy Whitaker writes paranormal romance and contemporary sapphic love stories designed to make your heart ache in the best way. She’s obsessed with crafting believable characters and throwing them into unbelievable situations—because love is messy, healing is hard, and happily-ever-afters are always worth the fight.
A multi-series, multi-genre author (who has it on good authority from her partners that she’s doing a good job), Ivy lives in Western New York with her partners, her human child, and four demanding fur children. When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling chaos, designing something witchy, or drinking a cup of coffee she (almost) forgot she made.
Website: https://ivywhitaker.com/
Blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivywhitaker...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivywhitaker_
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ivywhitakera...
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/2d7559326a58/join-...
A multi-series, multi-genre author (who has it on good authority from her partners that she’s doing a good job), Ivy lives in Western New York with her partners, her human child, and four demanding fur children. When she’s not writing, she’s probably wrangling chaos, designing something witchy, or drinking a cup of coffee she (almost) forgot she made.
Website: https://ivywhitaker.com/
Blog: https://ivywhitaker.com/blog
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivywhitaker...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivywhitaker_
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ivywhitakera...
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/2d7559326a58/join-...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 7, 2021
(Going to try not to spoil anything for anyone)
I’ve been looking for a good paranormal/horror story for a long time, and haven’t had any luck. I mean none. And with romance? Count me in. So, I read this book in four days, and let me tell you, you won’t want to put it down. From the very beginning, everything was well explained, down to the characters and their relationships. I had a few moments when I hated Chloe, but then I started loving her. Same with Nate. I had a hate/love relationship with him, but he won my heart. I can’t express how well this book was written, and how much I screamed. Ivy did a great job bringing the story together, giving us a lot, but not too much. She left us on a shitty cliffhanger that almost made me throw my kindle into a wall, but I’m excited to keep reading this series. It honestly felt like I was watching a movie, trying to read as fast as I can to figure stuff out. Home Sweet Hell kept me on my toes!
I’ve been looking for a good paranormal/horror story for a long time, and haven’t had any luck. I mean none. And with romance? Count me in. So, I read this book in four days, and let me tell you, you won’t want to put it down. From the very beginning, everything was well explained, down to the characters and their relationships. I had a few moments when I hated Chloe, but then I started loving her. Same with Nate. I had a hate/love relationship with him, but he won my heart. I can’t express how well this book was written, and how much I screamed. Ivy did a great job bringing the story together, giving us a lot, but not too much. She left us on a shitty cliffhanger that almost made me throw my kindle into a wall, but I’m excited to keep reading this series. It honestly felt like I was watching a movie, trying to read as fast as I can to figure stuff out. Home Sweet Hell kept me on my toes!
December 6, 2021
I loved the combination of paranormal romance with a little bit of horror, definitely some suspense (for me anyway), some small-town vibes, a little bit of mystery, a bit of slow burn, and a bit of a second chance romance happening. Pretty much covered most of my favorites!
Shea comes back to her hometown to take care of father and stumbles upon something dark that doesn’t seem to want to let go and certainly is not willing to place nice with others. At first, Shea seems like she knows what she’s doing and she’s confident of the decisions that she’s made in her life, even if they led her back home. That definitely unravels for her pretty quickly and I actually liked seeing her work through all of the emotions of her homecoming and re-connecting with her old flame. I felt like it added to the build-up of the story and gives you a sense of how she’s changing as events keep escalating and how much it is affecting her.
Nathan is a little bit of mystery to me. I feel like he has a lot of things that he doesn't share, intentionally or not, and I wanted to shake the secrets out of him through the entire book. Just another reason to keep reading though! Shae and Chloe’s friendship is special. And, while it may have been difficult to see her and Shea not see eye-to-eye on the frightening ghostly happenings, I appreciated that conflict as a bit of an extra layer to the story.
I don’t generally get as jumpy when I read books versus scary/suspenseful movies, but my very overactive imagination was in overdrive after reading some of the more graphic scenes. BUT I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! I could literally picture every minute detail as it was happening which, to me, is always a great sign of amazing writing.
Some of my favorite things:
1. The continuous unraveling of secrets: kept me on edge and wanting to know more!
2. Shea & Chloe’s friendship: felt really solid and real
3. Nathan & Shea re-connecting: loved, loved, loved!
Shea comes back to her hometown to take care of father and stumbles upon something dark that doesn’t seem to want to let go and certainly is not willing to place nice with others. At first, Shea seems like she knows what she’s doing and she’s confident of the decisions that she’s made in her life, even if they led her back home. That definitely unravels for her pretty quickly and I actually liked seeing her work through all of the emotions of her homecoming and re-connecting with her old flame. I felt like it added to the build-up of the story and gives you a sense of how she’s changing as events keep escalating and how much it is affecting her.
Nathan is a little bit of mystery to me. I feel like he has a lot of things that he doesn't share, intentionally or not, and I wanted to shake the secrets out of him through the entire book. Just another reason to keep reading though! Shae and Chloe’s friendship is special. And, while it may have been difficult to see her and Shea not see eye-to-eye on the frightening ghostly happenings, I appreciated that conflict as a bit of an extra layer to the story.
I don’t generally get as jumpy when I read books versus scary/suspenseful movies, but my very overactive imagination was in overdrive after reading some of the more graphic scenes. BUT I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! I could literally picture every minute detail as it was happening which, to me, is always a great sign of amazing writing.
Some of my favorite things:
1. The continuous unraveling of secrets: kept me on edge and wanting to know more!
2. Shea & Chloe’s friendship: felt really solid and real
3. Nathan & Shea re-connecting: loved, loved, loved!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
♦Tropes:
↣Paranormal Romance / Horror Romance
↣Badass Heroine
↣Second Chance Romance
↣Shared Past
↣Found Family
↣Grumpy / Sunshine
↣Small Town (with secrets)
↣HFN (Happy For Now)
↣Haunted House / Cursed Home
↣Creepy Child & "Imaginary Friend"
↣Sinister Figure (The Bleeding Man)
↣Small Town Ghost Stories
↣Sleep Paralysis & Night Terrors
Home Sweet Hell is a paranormal, horror story. Shea left her home town, never wanting to return. But now, she has to. Her father is sick and she needs to be there for him. But going back to your home town means past friends and past relationships. She finds out her ex boyfriend, Nathaniel, still comes by to visit her sickly dad to check on him. He is also a cop in the town. She ends up getting a place with her best friend Chloe and her son Devon. But things aren't what they seem here. As she begins to rekindle her relationship with Nathaniel, the mystery at the house begins to unravel as well.
🌟🌟🌟✨✨
3.75/5
My thoughts:
It is my very first time giving a chance to a book with something horror theme within in. Overall i say everything was good and it did kept me on hook and the ending!! The cliffhanger like omg! But tbh i think romance was way more in this one, Ofcourse i love romance but i was wanting more haunted stuff but i still enjoyed it. Though i will definitely say Do Not Read This At Night. (I Did that mistake lol)
Thank you so much Ivy Whitaker and Hawthorn & Aster for the Arc Copy!
↣Paranormal Romance / Horror Romance
↣Badass Heroine
↣Second Chance Romance
↣Shared Past
↣Found Family
↣Grumpy / Sunshine
↣Small Town (with secrets)
↣HFN (Happy For Now)
↣Haunted House / Cursed Home
↣Creepy Child & "Imaginary Friend"
↣Sinister Figure (The Bleeding Man)
↣Small Town Ghost Stories
↣Sleep Paralysis & Night Terrors
Home Sweet Hell is a paranormal, horror story. Shea left her home town, never wanting to return. But now, she has to. Her father is sick and she needs to be there for him. But going back to your home town means past friends and past relationships. She finds out her ex boyfriend, Nathaniel, still comes by to visit her sickly dad to check on him. He is also a cop in the town. She ends up getting a place with her best friend Chloe and her son Devon. But things aren't what they seem here. As she begins to rekindle her relationship with Nathaniel, the mystery at the house begins to unravel as well.
🌟🌟🌟✨✨
3.75/5
My thoughts:
It is my very first time giving a chance to a book with something horror theme within in. Overall i say everything was good and it did kept me on hook and the ending!! The cliffhanger like omg! But tbh i think romance was way more in this one, Ofcourse i love romance but i was wanting more haunted stuff but i still enjoyed it. Though i will definitely say Do Not Read This At Night. (I Did that mistake lol)
Thank you so much Ivy Whitaker and Hawthorn & Aster for the Arc Copy!
October 24, 2025
Home Sweet Hell is a paranormal, horror story.
Shea left her home town, never wanting to return. But now, she has to. Her father is sick and she needs to be there for him. But going back to your home town means past friends and past relationships. She finds out her ex boyfriend, Nathaniel, still comes by to visit her sickly dad to check on him. He is also a cop in the town. She ends up getting a place with her best friend Chloe and her son Devon. But things aren't what they seem here. As she begins to rekindle her relationship with Nathaniel, the mystery at the house begins to unravel as well.
The story moves at a pretty quick pace. My only complaint is that there was too much of a love aspect to the story. I really wanted haunted house and ghostly apparitions. But I feel like, instead, the story focused too much on the relationship aspect of of the story. The story is still a great read. It ends somewhat on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to get into book 2.
Shea left her home town, never wanting to return. But now, she has to. Her father is sick and she needs to be there for him. But going back to your home town means past friends and past relationships. She finds out her ex boyfriend, Nathaniel, still comes by to visit her sickly dad to check on him. He is also a cop in the town. She ends up getting a place with her best friend Chloe and her son Devon. But things aren't what they seem here. As she begins to rekindle her relationship with Nathaniel, the mystery at the house begins to unravel as well.
The story moves at a pretty quick pace. My only complaint is that there was too much of a love aspect to the story. I really wanted haunted house and ghostly apparitions. But I feel like, instead, the story focused too much on the relationship aspect of of the story. The story is still a great read. It ends somewhat on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to get into book 2.
October 18, 2025
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 rounded up
spice: 🌶️
I really loved how atmospheric this story was. The haunted house feeling was so strong, I could never tell if what we were seeing was real or not. Shea's descend into a sort of madness was very well represented, and everything felt intense, leaving me on the edge of my seat. I liked the supporting characters, giving that nice small town vibe to this dark story.
While there's a sort of HFN ending, it's clear things are not settled yet, and I can't wait to see where the story will bring us next.
spice: 🌶️
I really loved how atmospheric this story was. The haunted house feeling was so strong, I could never tell if what we were seeing was real or not. Shea's descend into a sort of madness was very well represented, and everything felt intense, leaving me on the edge of my seat. I liked the supporting characters, giving that nice small town vibe to this dark story.
While there's a sort of HFN ending, it's clear things are not settled yet, and I can't wait to see where the story will bring us next.
October 6, 2025
This definitely for me felt like a paranormal horror, with a dash of romance ( second chance ) I haven't read or watched horror films since I was 10 years old. It also gave me a feeling of watching paranormal activity which spooks me so much. I've now not getting the door. I'm using the torch.
I liked this book so much. Shea and Chloe friendship means the world to me. And I love Devon.
But what was that ending... What's coming...
I liked this book so much. Shea and Chloe friendship means the world to me. And I love Devon.
But what was that ending... What's coming...
April 25, 2023
Imagine promising yourself that if you ever were able to leave your hometown you would. that is what happened to the main character in this book. She left and a family sickness brings her back. This makes for an interesting read.
October 10, 2023
I unfortunately did not enjoy this book. Was far more chick lit than horror. The author has an obsession with weathering tongues with teeth. Found it very odd. Took a long time for anything to happen with no real payoff.
October 19, 2025
I read this whole series and I could not put it down, well I had to because I had class work and homework to do, but you get the idea. I love Shea’s story and seeing her heal but also go through everything else, damn it felt slightly like a rollercoaster.
July 7, 2022
Suspensefully Intriguing
Great read! I loved the characters Whitaker developed with their realistic interactions and personalities. The suspense/horror aspect was done well and dished out in perfect increments. I’m looking forward to reading the second installment!
Great read! I loved the characters Whitaker developed with their realistic interactions and personalities. The suspense/horror aspect was done well and dished out in perfect increments. I’m looking forward to reading the second installment!
October 3, 2021
Shea hasn’t been home to Verbank in a while. However, her dad grows ill. Shea decides to leave her current life behind and she moves back home. What happens when she sees her ex-boyfriend who she secretly isn’t over? That’s not even the biggest issue. Let’s just say, things go bump in the night.
This is the first book in the Dark Paths series. Needless to say, I will be reading the rest. This book held me down and captured me. Once you read the book, you’ll understand. This book was slow with the suspense and the romance. However, the little snippets I received helped me stay invested and intrigued. By the middle of the book, things start to show and I didn’t want to stop. I’m very big into horror movies and I would most definitely watch this if it was one. The only thing that bothered me was her best friend Chloe. I wanted to smack her. She would get upset over Shea’s opinion. Then she wouldn’t believe Shea even though her son was experiencing the same things. However, I did love it when Chloe finally witnessed everything.
Shea is the character who got out of her hometown and did something with her life. Unfortunately, she’s also the one who gets brought back to her hometown. She gives up her current life and wants nothing other than to take care of her sick father. She is very passionate and caring. I honestly can’t wait to see more of her.
I went back and forth with Nathaniel. I loved him and wanted them to rekindle almost immediately but then I felt like he was very secretive. I hated the way he kept things from her and is still keeping things from her. However, that makes things interesting for the next one. Other than that, I loved his protective side and I cannot wait for things to spice up.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the plot and loved the suspense it kept building. I highly recommend this book if you love a slow burn, suspense/thriller, with some darkness sprinkled in. Go grab a copy!!
Merged review:
Shea hasn’t been home to Verbank in a while. However, her dad grows ill. Shea decides to leave her current life behind and she moves back home. What happens when she sees her ex-boyfriend who she secretly isn’t over? That’s not even the biggest issue. Let’s just say, things go bump in the night.
This is the first book in the Dark Paths series. Needless to say, I will be reading the rest. This book held me down and captured me. Once you read the book, you’ll understand. This book was very slow with the suspense and the romance. However, the little snippets I received helped me stay invested and intrigued. By the middle of the book, things start to show and I didn’t want to stop. I’m very big into horror movies and I would most definitely watch this if it was one. I wanted to smack her best friend Chloe. She would get upset over Shea’s opinion. Then she wouldn’t believe Shea even though her son was experiencing the same things. However, I did love it when Chloe finally witnessed everything.
Shea is the character who got out of her hometown and did something with her life. Unfortunately, she’s also the one who gets brought back to her hometown. She gives up her current life and wants nothing other than to take care of her sick father. She is very passionate and caring. I honestly can’t wait to see more of her.
I went back and forth with Nathaniel. I loved him and wanted them to rekindle almost immediately but then I felt like he was very secretive. I hated the way he kept things from her and is still keeping things from her. However, that makes things interesting for the next one. Other than that, I loved his protective side and I cannot wait for things to spice up.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the plot and loved the suspense it kept building. I highly recommend this book if you love a slow burn, suspense/thriller, with some darkness sprinkled in. Go grab a copy!!
This is the first book in the Dark Paths series. Needless to say, I will be reading the rest. This book held me down and captured me. Once you read the book, you’ll understand. This book was slow with the suspense and the romance. However, the little snippets I received helped me stay invested and intrigued. By the middle of the book, things start to show and I didn’t want to stop. I’m very big into horror movies and I would most definitely watch this if it was one. The only thing that bothered me was her best friend Chloe. I wanted to smack her. She would get upset over Shea’s opinion. Then she wouldn’t believe Shea even though her son was experiencing the same things. However, I did love it when Chloe finally witnessed everything.
Shea is the character who got out of her hometown and did something with her life. Unfortunately, she’s also the one who gets brought back to her hometown. She gives up her current life and wants nothing other than to take care of her sick father. She is very passionate and caring. I honestly can’t wait to see more of her.
I went back and forth with Nathaniel. I loved him and wanted them to rekindle almost immediately but then I felt like he was very secretive. I hated the way he kept things from her and is still keeping things from her. However, that makes things interesting for the next one. Other than that, I loved his protective side and I cannot wait for things to spice up.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the plot and loved the suspense it kept building. I highly recommend this book if you love a slow burn, suspense/thriller, with some darkness sprinkled in. Go grab a copy!!
Merged review:
Shea hasn’t been home to Verbank in a while. However, her dad grows ill. Shea decides to leave her current life behind and she moves back home. What happens when she sees her ex-boyfriend who she secretly isn’t over? That’s not even the biggest issue. Let’s just say, things go bump in the night.
This is the first book in the Dark Paths series. Needless to say, I will be reading the rest. This book held me down and captured me. Once you read the book, you’ll understand. This book was very slow with the suspense and the romance. However, the little snippets I received helped me stay invested and intrigued. By the middle of the book, things start to show and I didn’t want to stop. I’m very big into horror movies and I would most definitely watch this if it was one. I wanted to smack her best friend Chloe. She would get upset over Shea’s opinion. Then she wouldn’t believe Shea even though her son was experiencing the same things. However, I did love it when Chloe finally witnessed everything.
Shea is the character who got out of her hometown and did something with her life. Unfortunately, she’s also the one who gets brought back to her hometown. She gives up her current life and wants nothing other than to take care of her sick father. She is very passionate and caring. I honestly can’t wait to see more of her.
I went back and forth with Nathaniel. I loved him and wanted them to rekindle almost immediately but then I felt like he was very secretive. I hated the way he kept things from her and is still keeping things from her. However, that makes things interesting for the next one. Other than that, I loved his protective side and I cannot wait for things to spice up.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the plot and loved the suspense it kept building. I highly recommend this book if you love a slow burn, suspense/thriller, with some darkness sprinkled in. Go grab a copy!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
I picked up Home Sweet Hell on a whim. I was burnt out of the books I’d been reading and I wanted a taste of something a bit darker and the cover of Ivy Whitaker’s first novel had my attention the moment I saw it.
Ivy Whitaker takes us on a ride along with the main character Shea as she returns to her hometown of Verbank to care for her ailing father. She’s still in the throes of making peace with her unfortunate call back home. Immediately, the voices of her charismatic characters left me wondering what the town could possibly have in store for them. I quickly fell in love with Shea, her roommate Chloe, and Chloe’s son Devon.
Not to mention when the childhood sweetheart Nathaniel comes into the picture and gives more reason to why Verbank might not be so bad.
She has a talent for showing us who these characters are and bringing their voices to life. I soon found myself rooting for them, wanting to know more about them. More about their world
Romance isn’t the only thing Ivy Whitaker’s first book of her Dark Paths series offers. It is after all….a Supernatural Romance.
Initially, these brushes with the other world are painted as Devon’s method of coping with the separation of his parents.Slowly, they become more and more sinister and increasingly directed towards Shea and awakening revelations that kept me at the edge of my seat.
I found myself unable to put the book down for chapters at a time, desperate to learn that the characters I had so fallen in love with were safe and unharmed. Thankfully, there is a second book already scheduled to release because I wanted more the moment I finished the final page.
Overall, if you’re looking for a book that will keep you up at night wondering ‘what happens next?’ then Home Sweet Hell will deliver that along with characters to fall in love with and a sweet romance that will melt your heart. Ivy Whitaker is a name that caught me off guard but one that I will certainly remember because Verbank now holds a place very dear to my heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ivy Whitaker takes us on a ride along with the main character Shea as she returns to her hometown of Verbank to care for her ailing father. She’s still in the throes of making peace with her unfortunate call back home. Immediately, the voices of her charismatic characters left me wondering what the town could possibly have in store for them. I quickly fell in love with Shea, her roommate Chloe, and Chloe’s son Devon.
Not to mention when the childhood sweetheart Nathaniel comes into the picture and gives more reason to why Verbank might not be so bad.
She has a talent for showing us who these characters are and bringing their voices to life. I soon found myself rooting for them, wanting to know more about them. More about their world
Romance isn’t the only thing Ivy Whitaker’s first book of her Dark Paths series offers. It is after all….a Supernatural Romance.
Initially, these brushes with the other world are painted as Devon’s method of coping with the separation of his parents.Slowly, they become more and more sinister and increasingly directed towards Shea and awakening revelations that kept me at the edge of my seat.
I found myself unable to put the book down for chapters at a time, desperate to learn that the characters I had so fallen in love with were safe and unharmed. Thankfully, there is a second book already scheduled to release because I wanted more the moment I finished the final page.
Overall, if you’re looking for a book that will keep you up at night wondering ‘what happens next?’ then Home Sweet Hell will deliver that along with characters to fall in love with and a sweet romance that will melt your heart. Ivy Whitaker is a name that caught me off guard but one that I will certainly remember because Verbank now holds a place very dear to my heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2021
A horror story, namely a haunted house, mixed with some romance - this makes for an EXCELLENT book‼️
I loved reading this book. 😀 It really grabbed my attention from the start, the characters fit in well with the narrative.
The story between a couple of main characters is brilliant as it slowly delves into the past with Shea and Nathan. Loved how the author writes about the background between these two characters, as well as Chloe.
Writing is brilliant, and I’m looking forward to reading more of Ivy’s books. 😄💗🤓
I loved reading this book. 😀 It really grabbed my attention from the start, the characters fit in well with the narrative.
The story between a couple of main characters is brilliant as it slowly delves into the past with Shea and Nathan. Loved how the author writes about the background between these two characters, as well as Chloe.
Writing is brilliant, and I’m looking forward to reading more of Ivy’s books. 😄💗🤓
September 9, 2021
Home Sweet Hell, by Ivy Whitaker and the first in her Dark Paths series, is a whirlwind! Expertly written and compelling, it tells the Story of Shea Tobin, who returns to her small hometown after a long absence.
She has been drawn back because her father is ill and - being a doctor herself - she believes that taking up a lot of his care is the right thing to do.
And while the town has its fair share of skeletons and memories best left behind, some of those skeletons don't want to stay put. Moving in with her best friend - and rekindling a friendship with a long-lost and once-upon-a-time lover - she quickly finds that the house is...well, there are sounds. There are things seen out of the corner of her eye.
As the events in the house escalate, and as her newly-rekindled relationship with an old lover develop, we get swept along with Shea as she tries to make sense of the very many things suddenly going on - and going wrong - in her life.
The characters are wonderfully compelling, and Ivy takes you right into Shea's mind, sharing her likes and dislikes, her loves and her insecurities, and - dare I say it - her terrors.
From ghosts in the night and old flames around the corner, from misunderstandings and jealousies and trying to make all of it fit in and somehow make sense, from fun and laughter to running and danger, you get swept along and drawn right in.
I highly recommend this book as a must-read, and I am looking forward to picking up Part 2 of the Dark Paths Series.
She has been drawn back because her father is ill and - being a doctor herself - she believes that taking up a lot of his care is the right thing to do.
And while the town has its fair share of skeletons and memories best left behind, some of those skeletons don't want to stay put. Moving in with her best friend - and rekindling a friendship with a long-lost and once-upon-a-time lover - she quickly finds that the house is...well, there are sounds. There are things seen out of the corner of her eye.
As the events in the house escalate, and as her newly-rekindled relationship with an old lover develop, we get swept along with Shea as she tries to make sense of the very many things suddenly going on - and going wrong - in her life.
The characters are wonderfully compelling, and Ivy takes you right into Shea's mind, sharing her likes and dislikes, her loves and her insecurities, and - dare I say it - her terrors.
From ghosts in the night and old flames around the corner, from misunderstandings and jealousies and trying to make all of it fit in and somehow make sense, from fun and laughter to running and danger, you get swept along and drawn right in.
I highly recommend this book as a must-read, and I am looking forward to picking up Part 2 of the Dark Paths Series.
October 23, 2021
5/5 Stars
Wowsers.
I’m not a horror fan, I usually avoid thrillers as well. Dark for me usually consists of a dark prince, careful promises or some murder in fairytales. Usually magic is involved so I pretend I’m safe in the ‘normal’ world. (To give context, I’m 30 and still terrified of gremlins….)
So normally, this isn’t a book I would immediately go for.
But…..holy hell was it good.
The author put together a story with a heartfelt romance that had me cheering from the beginning. The slow burn was fantastic and the build up was done really well.
I loved the witty dialogue and the connection between the characters. I loved how well she described the scenes and the secrets as they came out from hidden cracks of the walls.
I honestly couldn’t put it down.
I devoured this is in two days on my phone (Ebook) so for a hardback book lover, that’s a feat.
I’m so keen to see where this series goes.
If you haven’t heard of it, get your grabby hands on it now.
I’ll have to get my snuggly blanket and be brave cause I’m burning for Nate and Shea.
It’s 5 stars for me.
Wowsers.
I’m not a horror fan, I usually avoid thrillers as well. Dark for me usually consists of a dark prince, careful promises or some murder in fairytales. Usually magic is involved so I pretend I’m safe in the ‘normal’ world. (To give context, I’m 30 and still terrified of gremlins….)
So normally, this isn’t a book I would immediately go for.
But…..holy hell was it good.
The author put together a story with a heartfelt romance that had me cheering from the beginning. The slow burn was fantastic and the build up was done really well.
I loved the witty dialogue and the connection between the characters. I loved how well she described the scenes and the secrets as they came out from hidden cracks of the walls.
I honestly couldn’t put it down.
I devoured this is in two days on my phone (Ebook) so for a hardback book lover, that’s a feat.
I’m so keen to see where this series goes.
If you haven’t heard of it, get your grabby hands on it now.
I’ll have to get my snuggly blanket and be brave cause I’m burning for Nate and Shea.
It’s 5 stars for me.
December 7, 2021
I learned two things while reading Home Sweet Hell. One, I shouldn’t read horror books before I drift to sleep because the writer, Ivy Whitaker, doesn’t hold back with the creepy and suspenseful descriptions. Two, check out a house’s history before moving in – make sure it’s not a murder house.
What I loved most about the book was the long-time friendship between Shea and Chloe because it was real and sometimes gritty. The two women no doubt support each other and are close as sisters, but they’re also not afraid to call each other out.
The second thing I loved most was the way Shea was written. She left her small hometown to pursue a medical career in California but returned to take care of her father. She’s composed, organized, and smart, but she still makes stupid decisions. She’s not perfect, sometimes believing she might be the smartest person in the room. But, in the end, Shea will do what it takes to keep her friends and family safe.
What I loved most about the book was the long-time friendship between Shea and Chloe because it was real and sometimes gritty. The two women no doubt support each other and are close as sisters, but they’re also not afraid to call each other out.
The second thing I loved most was the way Shea was written. She left her small hometown to pursue a medical career in California but returned to take care of her father. She’s composed, organized, and smart, but she still makes stupid decisions. She’s not perfect, sometimes believing she might be the smartest person in the room. But, in the end, Shea will do what it takes to keep her friends and family safe.
October 13, 2021
Home Sweet Hell is a good read (pun intended). It moves quickly, which my ADD brain sincerely appreciates, and the writing keeps you coming back for more!
This book contains romance (rekindled loved), paranormal incidents, a respectable main character and the writer leaves bread crumbs of mysteries to be unfolded in the future books. I’m looking forward to unraveling those mysteries through further reading.
I would say if you are in the mood for some spooky writing, mysterious characters and light romance this is the book for you.
I really enjoyed the spooky scenes despite being a scaredy cat. My heart was racing and the fear was there but it was fun! Excited to read the second book Night Terrors. I’m already on chapter two and it’s good.
This book contains romance (rekindled loved), paranormal incidents, a respectable main character and the writer leaves bread crumbs of mysteries to be unfolded in the future books. I’m looking forward to unraveling those mysteries through further reading.
I would say if you are in the mood for some spooky writing, mysterious characters and light romance this is the book for you.
I really enjoyed the spooky scenes despite being a scaredy cat. My heart was racing and the fear was there but it was fun! Excited to read the second book Night Terrors. I’m already on chapter two and it’s good.
October 24, 2021
I started reading this today and well... finished it today! 👀😂
It was an easy read, which was just what I needed after feeling pretty burnt out lately!
Overall it was enjoyable and at times pretty creepy and atmospheric! It was a little heavier on the romance than I expected but as it is the first part in a series I can definitely see why it needed to be so. I also suspect our Nathaniel may not be the "simple small town sweetheart" we're led to believe!
I was left with a multitude of questions upon finishing, which I'm very much looking forward to discovering answers for. (I've been playing out a dozen theories in my head!) So naturally, I've started book 2 already!
* This book was gifted to me by the author in return for an honest review.
It was an easy read, which was just what I needed after feeling pretty burnt out lately!
Overall it was enjoyable and at times pretty creepy and atmospheric! It was a little heavier on the romance than I expected but as it is the first part in a series I can definitely see why it needed to be so. I also suspect our Nathaniel may not be the "simple small town sweetheart" we're led to believe!
I was left with a multitude of questions upon finishing, which I'm very much looking forward to discovering answers for. (I've been playing out a dozen theories in my head!) So naturally, I've started book 2 already!
* This book was gifted to me by the author in return for an honest review.
November 24, 2021
I absolutely love a good paranormal book, throw in some romance, haunting and suspense and it’s even better!
Ivy Whitaker is a genius with this series, i absolutely love them! The characters have layers that slowly get peeled away as you get deeper into the series, there is friends to lovers, rekindled romance, and much much more!
Shea and Nathan have a love story that went awry and then when she moves back home due to unforeseen circumstances they cross each other’s paths. Shea moves into a house with her best friend only for that house to turn her world on its head. That’s when the paranormal start popping in and if you want more you have to read this book!!
Definitely recommend this series! So good
Ivy Whitaker is a genius with this series, i absolutely love them! The characters have layers that slowly get peeled away as you get deeper into the series, there is friends to lovers, rekindled romance, and much much more!
Shea and Nathan have a love story that went awry and then when she moves back home due to unforeseen circumstances they cross each other’s paths. Shea moves into a house with her best friend only for that house to turn her world on its head. That’s when the paranormal start popping in and if you want more you have to read this book!!
Definitely recommend this series! So good
May 10, 2024
Home Sweet Hell-o!
PNR is a newer genre for me to read and, in reflection, I went into this very similar to Shea, which I appreciated. Her skepticism enhanced the tension while maintaining the balance between reality and suspension of disbelief, so kudos to Ivy Whitaker!
In the midst of the drama is a second chance romance that you're rooting for, a friendship reflective of the multifaceted layers of friendships, and a lot of intriguing questions/activities.
And that's only Book One.
It's an engrossing read and I want to find out the mystery of the house as much as Shea does. My only suggestion is that you don't start reading this at night because you will hear things that go bump... differently.
PNR is a newer genre for me to read and, in reflection, I went into this very similar to Shea, which I appreciated. Her skepticism enhanced the tension while maintaining the balance between reality and suspension of disbelief, so kudos to Ivy Whitaker!
In the midst of the drama is a second chance romance that you're rooting for, a friendship reflective of the multifaceted layers of friendships, and a lot of intriguing questions/activities.
And that's only Book One.
It's an engrossing read and I want to find out the mystery of the house as much as Shea does. My only suggestion is that you don't start reading this at night because you will hear things that go bump... differently.
December 26, 2021
PNR is a newer genre for me to read and, in reflection, I went into this very similar to Shea, which I appreciated. Her skepticism enhanced the tension while maintaining the balance between reality and suspension of disbelief, so kudos to Ivy Whitaker!
In the midst of the drama is a second chance romance that you're rooting for, a friendship reflective of the multifaceted layers of friendships, and a lot of intriguing questions/activities.
And that's only Book One.
It's an engrossing read and I want to find out the mystery of the house as much as Shea does. My only suggestion is that you don't start reading this at night because you will hear things that go bump... differently.
In the midst of the drama is a second chance romance that you're rooting for, a friendship reflective of the multifaceted layers of friendships, and a lot of intriguing questions/activities.
And that's only Book One.
It's an engrossing read and I want to find out the mystery of the house as much as Shea does. My only suggestion is that you don't start reading this at night because you will hear things that go bump... differently.
August 31, 2021
This book was an interesting read. While it has many of the usual horror troupes that you would expect from a horror novel, or movie, it does have some twist that make the book a little exciting. Is it the spooky whistling, the unsettling footsteps, the possessed child? I don't know but this book is worth a read.
The ending does leave one with some questions about what is happening and if it really is over but that just means you must read the next book in the series to find out what will happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The ending does leave one with some questions about what is happening and if it really is over but that just means you must read the next book in the series to find out what will happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2021
I absolutely LOVED this book. I loved the story, I loved the characters. I loved the authentic, effortless creepiness of its old town roots. I fell IN LOVE with Shea and her roommate Chloe. I have so many mixed feelings on Nathan but only in the best way!! The feeling of suspense that was created through this book has me immediately wanting to read the rest of the series!
I am running to go pick up the second book!
I am running to go pick up the second book!
September 4, 2021
This book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. From happy, squishy feelings in how the best friends Shea and Chole interact to the warm and fuzzy feelings in the rekindling romance between Shea and Nathan. To the absolute horrifying terror in everything surrounding their home. I felt elation,rage and fear as I was taken on this journey, and I cannot wait to dive into the second book in the series. I highly recommend this book for everyone who enjoys romance with a horrific twist!!
January 3, 2022
I have to give credit where it's due, this book was responsible for getting me out of a year long reading slump.
The perfect introduction to the Dark Paths series, Home Sweet Hell is a perfect mixture of second chance romance with a little bit of horror sprinkled on top.
And that ending! *chef kiss* Such a nice little twist. Loved it.
The perfect introduction to the Dark Paths series, Home Sweet Hell is a perfect mixture of second chance romance with a little bit of horror sprinkled on top.
And that ending! *chef kiss* Such a nice little twist. Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2021
I liked this book. Haven't read anything horror related in a while, but this is proper scary and creepy.
Wouldn't recommend a read-through at night when you're home alone! A little slow paced though.
Wouldn't recommend a read-through at night when you're home alone! A little slow paced though.
October 7, 2021
Perfect for spooky season! 🎃🎃
I will post my full review after finishing the third part (:
I will post my full review after finishing the third part (:
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