Hell House

Kildale Academy #1

by Dakota Wilde

The Seven Deadly Sins want to come out to play...

Salem and Skye are two freshman roommates at Kildale Academy, when a fire destroys their dorm room. Left with no other options, they are forced to move into the only rooms available- which just happens to be at the fraternity known as Hell House.
Little do they know their new housemates have been possessed by the Seven Deadly Sins, and they're in the mood for something downright sinful.
Join Salem and Skye at Hell House for a bit of chaos, a bunch of steamy scenes, and a touch of danger.

WARNING:
*** This is a dark romance with explicit scenes intended for an 18+ audience. TW (Please read the author's note at the beginning of the book.) ***
Enemies to lovers
Why Choose Romance
18+
Found Family
Multiple POV

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Enemies To Lovers

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2022

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, I tried to love this book. The other reviews were awesome. I had high expectations that didn’t get met.

From the trigger warnings I really thought it would be a lot spicier. The spice didn’t even start until about 66% in and then it was very tame until the last 90% of the book.
Many of the warnings didn’t appear in this book.

Not sure who the editing team was, but they should probably be reviewed. I wasn’t even 30% in and I had already submitted 5 text issues I came across as a casual reader. Kinda sucks cause it takes you out of the sorry when you have to read a line multiple times to make it make sense . (Words missing, wrong tense used)

Story line was ok, lots of filler. I skip read a few areas because it wasn’t anything important.

I won’t be reading the next book, at this point I don’t care enough. 400 pages and I still don’t care enough about them to wonder what happens to them.

[Lunarbookwyrm aka Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read TW/CW because this book isn't for everyone and contains darker themes. So if it's not for you, it's not for you. ⚠️⚠️⚠️

HOLY HELL, what did I just read?! Truly and genuinely. I was super invested in the story. Dakota was super nice to give me let me read an ARC of her book! I super love the plot of the book where there we have a paranormal setting in which some men are actually possessed by the 7 deadly sins. That's where it piqued my interest. I'm like oooh sign me up and we do have 2 girls Salem and Skye whose dorm burned down and oops well they have nowhere to go, but their frat house.

Like dude. We got Skye the good girl who is well curious about everything and of course, we got Salem the well she is the badass idgaf about everything kind of FMC. They are roommates and have each other's backs. We do have multiple POVs and it's not quite confusing as I thought it would be. as I go on I keep getting invested and try to formulate theories as to what and why these things are happening. It's either I am bad at theorizing or Dakota is really good at keeping secrets. I can't wait for the next book and see where the story goes. I need to know more.

The book is very spicy and I need more group scenes. I am not exaggerating when I say these men are really hot. My favorite is definitely the twins ahem. Emo boy Lukas and of course Pierce :> Walker Oh gawd. I need to know more about the others. TBH. I just need books 2 *cries*

👹 MFMM
👹 Demons and Witches
👹 Dubcon
👹 Breathplay
👹 🍑🍑🍑 Play
👹 Praise and Deg Kink
👹 Enemies to Lovers
👹 Has dark themes

Rating 4.5/5
Spice 4.5/5

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book! 🥵👏🏼

I loved the dark vibes and how I didn’t know if this was truly a paranormal romance or not.

The 7 deadly sins concept was so unique and I’m so excited to read more about these characters! 😍

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

there was just a whole bunch of nothingness going on in this book, about 10% of the book was plot. and a cliffhanger? gross. i don’t even know if i wanna read the next one, i’m sure it’ll be just a whole bunch of nothingness too 🤣

also i’m mad that the spice didn’t come in until after the 65% mark, and there was literally 3 scenes! with 7 men and 2 women, i expect a lot more! i read these silly books for the spice and to deprive me of that AND a plot, despicable.

[Raeni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m so positive this was written as Camp. I refuse to believe otherwise. The claims in the tw/cw were not even accurate. The writing was garbage. The plot was not plotting. The love interests were stupid and toxic. The representation was basic as hell. A black man with emerald eyes!? AND he’s the bad guy. Be so for real. Y’all fucking wild for giving this such high ratings lmao. At least I laughed a lot lmaooo.

[Marci Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dakota Wilde is one of the dark romance writers who can actually write.

This story is actually that. Yes, there are steamy scenes but, there is also a creepy, evil, paranormal story that is being developed throughout this book.

I was sad that I didn’t have book two on my shelves and at the ready. I’ll actually have to wait a day until I can either have it delivered or go and buy it! All I know is, I must have it asap!!

Dakota Wilde has a fan for life!!

[ㅤmelli ꧔ · Rating 1 out of 5]

— 1 ⭑ || dnf @85%
𝖳𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗀𝗂𝗋𝗅 𝗁𝖺𝗌 𝗌𝗈 𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗒 𝖾𝗀𝗀𝗉𝗅𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗌 𝗉𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗇 𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖽𝗂𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝗂𝗍’𝗌 𝗎𝗇𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗅.

i can't finish it, the writing style and characters are way too terrible for me to continue reading.

[Beth Farabee · Rating 2 out of 5]

BookTok has been doing me dirty lately. But let’s be real, I’ll probably still finish the series.

[Noe Crockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

so.many.typos. Grammatical typos, wrong words being used - things like "ridged" instead of "rigid," as if the book was written using voice-to-text or something. I try so hard not to rate a book down based on this, but it was just too much. So much I nearly DNFed it halfway through, which is something I try to never do.

Am I glad I stuck it out? IDK. The story itself was intriguing - a fraternity where its 7 members are possessed by the 7 deadly sins: greed, lust, sloth, gluttony, pride, wrath, and envy. The school's headmaster also is a demon and the leader of them? TBH it got a little Scooby Doo toward the end with the interactions between the headmaster and Envy/Emmett. And I love a book with multiple POVs, but there were far too many here - I didn't actually count, but I know for sure there were at least six. It got disorienting.

This was a slow burn, but the spice level was high on this one - a four out of five. And it was GOOD spice, not spice for the sake of including spice. There was a little why choose happening toward the end with the promise of more in the next book in the series, which would be the main reason I would continue reading it, to see how that unfolds.

All in all, it was a decent read. Not the best, not the worst. A strong edit would do wonders.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got bored with this story about 70% through. There was just a lot going on and a lot of elements. Not to mention the plethora of POV’s. I mostly thought this was entertaining but the amount of spice and the pacing of the spice felt a little off. We get basically nothing until 90% in and then get a group scene. It just felt jarring. I also didn’t care for Salem’s wishy washy nature and it was hard to connect.

[Brandi Exline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book. This book has the seven deadly sins and a witch. When Salem and Skye's dorm room catch on fire, they are forced to move into the frat house. Hell house and the boys there are possessed by the seven deadly sins. The headmaster isn't what he seems. I highly recommend this book.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m hooked and ready for more. While I found the number of characters a tad overwhelming I loved the slow and gradual introduction to supernatural elements. The seven guys are beholden to demons of the seven deadly sins to which they are all hosts of. Two female main characters kinda threw me for a loop considering it doesn’t look like there’ll be anything aside from friendship between them. If they end up splitting up the seven guys between them I think they’re more than up to the challenge especially once they are awakened to this new reality. Salem is by far my favorite and I cannot wait to see more of what she can do. Not to mention I’m just happy she knows the guys’ secret and the role they wanted her to play. Now she can decide for herself where allegiances lie and who to trust so she can learn her powers. Also even though Pierce is kind of a dick for scheming behind her back, I think Emmett’s the worst of the bunch and I hope she kicks his ass. Plus Pierce better be OK because no one including me will stand for less 🤪

[Jess (library.of.jess) · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ 3.5 stars ✨
🌶️ 2 spice 🌶️

“God can’t hear you here, princess. It’s just us sins.”

Well that was intense. AND THAT CLIFFHANGER OUCH. Gonna need book 2 asap!

I did really enjoy this, I just wish that there was a bit more plot information given and a bit more answers to some of the mystery but I did enjoy this.

Love the seven deadly sins theme and that it’s a why choose romance with more than one female main character in it, I did find it a bit strange that a few of the main male characters weren’t introduced sooner in the book but all together enjoyed it.

The spice was really good too, it did come later in the book as expected and there wasn’t as many scenes as I expected there to be but they were all really well done and super hot…

I am really looking forward to book 2 and hopefully getting some more answers (and spice)

Recommend this for dark romance lovers and dystopian fantasy with the seven deadly sins! Check TWs and 18+!

Happy Reading ♥️

[mas]

dnfed at 37% bcs one of the main love interests committed actual sexual assault on the mc and its just brushed off like its nothing like girl wtf i cant get past that shit im so disappointed because i was actually liking this book a lot and it was very inclusive for a dark romance (nonbinary characters with they/them pronouns + a main love interest who is bisexual) but once i get the ick im outttt, you know u can write a dark romance without making rapey love interests.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you check trigger warnings.

A dark college romance filled with so many twists and turns. I could not put this book down. I wish so bad I was a student at Kildale Academy because I would not hesitate whatsoever to move in to Hell House. Each guy( Sin) is so incredibly hot. And let me tell you the spice was so good! Salem and Skye are such sassy women and I’m here for it.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god. I am absolutely OBSESSED with this book! Definitely one of my top reads of the year so far. The amount of notes I made through this book was ridiculous, it just had me completely hooked the entire way through.

There’s so much to say! I’m glad it’s the troupe “why choose” but HOW CAN YOU CHOOSE?! Each of the men (I loved the 7 deadly sins twist) are uniquely hot and I like that it was immediately thrown in the readers face who would be with you. Even now I’m unsure who will be endgame (except for the twins… but even then… PIERCE MY SWEET BABY BOY)

I loved Salem and Skye as well and the supernatural element to Salem. I wonder if Skye will play a role in all of this.
And the grandma?! I was shook to the core.

Also the smut with Lukas and Skye… scandalous! Was not expecting that from Skye but girl get it!

I really can’t wait to continue this series! 🖤

[Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start with this hellacious tale? Seven sinfully sexy men pledging for the Tartarus fraternity are unknowingly possessed…. each of them aware of the possession but cannot do anything about it…

Two unseeming women enter their lives, one with a huge target on her back, and turmoil erupts.

This book is a whole new take on the seven sins, and I absolutely loved it. Action-packed with multiple story lines, you’re consistently on the edge of your seat. The author did a great job of creating distinct characters and developing the relationships - each is identifiable and unique. I loved that we have two FMCs, they’re newfound besties who complement each other in every way. We really got to know (and fall for) the twins… so different yet so intriguing. Walker and his guitar seriously delicious! I’m looking forward to better understanding what makes the other men tick in the next book!

The cliffy left me wanting for more! So excited for book 2 in this series! You guys all need to pick up this spicy PNR book!

[ANNIE MARIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay i knew going into this i was going to be reading about the seven deadly sins BUT i did not know they were gonna be having ME KICKING MY FEET AND GIGGLING ? BECAUSE PIERCE ?? LORDDDDD

you have your two fmc’s salem and skye and obviously your seven deadly sins as mmc’s. this is a whole mfm, mfmm; situation everyone just be loving everyone.

you have demons and witches, enemies to lovers, multiple POVs and definitely some spicy scenes.

the paranormal aspects to it was absolutely perfect because salem truly had no idea she was a witch til later in the book, it just wrapped up the suspiciously. this book does end on a cliffhangers so be ready to pick up book 2 immediately

rate: 5/5
spice: 3.5/5

[Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Dakota Wilde read and honestly, my bookish friends should have told me to read this sooner 😁 I loved it 🖤
The book has the seven deadly sins, a witch, an exciting plot, tension and steaming hot spice. The characters are very well written, the emotions popping off the pages. As far as book boyfriends go: Pierce and Lukas are just delicious.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. A cliffhanger that has me sitting with my mouth open and instantly grabbing book 2.

Because of a busy week, I decided to get the audiobook and listen to it. That was excellent as well. Loved the narrators.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

[lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave Hell House ⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars! Honestly I would have given it a higher rating, but the spice wasn't for me. I didn't like the spice, however I did like the tension. I thought that the plot was quite interesting and unique, and boy did that cliffhanger leave my jaw dropped. Not going to lie, I was at 60% and stayed up at night just to finish the book, that's how captivated I was. There were a couple spelling errors and misuse of grammar and punctuation, but apart from that it was an enjoyable read.

[Sjocy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️

I feel like there was so much going on and there could’ve potentially just been interconnected standalone’s. You basically get 2 FMC’s and their romantic connections which are both giving RH vibes —Salem for sure. The FMC’s are best friends and the MMC’s are all fraternity brothers.

It definitely seemed like it was all background and building up to the paranormal stuff going on but to me just felt jumbled and like you couldn’t hone in on just 1 thing.

I don’t know if I would continue the series but I really wanted to love this book it just wasn’t giving 😭

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, but I was definitely expecting more action than I got. I really like Salem and her fiestiness. Now that's she knows she is a witch, and that Emment and Pierce were supposed to bring her to the cave, I'm hoping it picks up. I dont think Pierce is dead, and I also don't think her grandmother is the one trying to kill her. I also want to know what Skye has to do with all this. I dont think she is just a side character, so maybe she is also a witch?

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Salem, Skye, Pierce, Lukas, Emmet, Walker, Graham, Sloane..& Garrison?

-two whychoose romances
-dark academia
-demons? & witches
-enemies to lovers
-🍑 play

i’ve been intrigued by how this book has been talked about but so far in this book i haven’t caught onto the hype yet as its all still a tad confusing. but that also could be cause i had the audio with it & the audio was….not great. hahaha hoping the second one with suck me in!

[Taryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, from the overall rating on here, I'm feeling like I'm very much in the minority but I just could not get into this book. After a little over 200 pages, I got to the point where I was strongly considering DNFing because it had not been what I had expected at all. Now I will admit that after 200 pages, I started to speed read and skim over certain scenes. I'm not saying that this was poorly written, or that it didn't have a plot. And honestly, I can understand why so many people have rated it as highly as they have and enjoyed reading it! Here is where I think things went wrong for me personally:

I went into this expecting a very different end product. I read many books of varying genres, but always love me a good spicy book. When I read the description, I was thinking this was just going to be an extremely spicy why-choose. I mean two college girls...forced to live in a fraternity house...with frat boys possessed by the seven deadly sins? I thought the spice would practically be jumping off the page at me! So perhaps it should be shame on me for having a different idea of what I thought I was getting into.

Now, this isn't to say that this book isn't spicy. There are some very smutty scenes and yes, there is a scene containing multiple partners at the same time, but this did not happen until I was almost like 3/4 of the way through? (I don't remember for sure but it took a loooooong time.) The scenes were pretty well written though, so I'm not hating on the spice.

The plot just wasn't doing it for me either. The academy, school girl tropes just don't do it for me and I just did not really get invested in any of the characters. Again, it wasn't bad , but it's just not my cup of tea. I really wanted to like this book, and I'm glad other people have really enjoyed it, but unfortunately it is what it is.

[Crystal M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has everything you need, dark, tension, spice, 7 deadly sins, a witch. I loved every minute, but let me tell you that cliffy is not nice. Dakota did an amazing job with this book, the writing the characters ugh chefs kiss!! Love me some Pierce and Lukas, and Salem is my spirit animal!!

[Kassybetweenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always check you tw/cw this is a why choose dark romance. Seven deadly sins in a College setting great read.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this, the concept is so fun and the 🌶 is amazing!!!! I love how the FMC is never willing to back down from a fight and is snarky and strong

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

mysterious

On its own island, kildale holds some secrets. Specifically the seven deadly sins. How did they get there and can’t they be stopped?

[thevampireslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the concept of the seven deadly sins was so uniqiue! This gave me the chilling adventures of sabrina mixed with zodiac academy vibes, I loved it! Can't wait to delve into book 2!

[Sigrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Oké verhaal leest lekker weg, 1e deel van een serie, dark demons witches speelt zich af op een eiland.