“That’s what’s beautiful and tragic about human beings—for better or for worse, not a single one can be replaced.”
Grimstone by Sophie Lark
The Story:
Remi Hayes is beginning to think she’s cursed —her fiancé cheated on her, her brother Jude is a major pain in her ass, and the moldering mansion she inherited from her uncle might just be haunted.
Flipping Blackleaf Manor already feels impossible, even before Remi is blackmailed by Dane Covett, the dangerously hot doctor-next-door, and Grimstone’s most eligible bachelor—if you can ignore the fact that everyone in town thinks he murdered his wife.
Remi doesn’t want to believe it, especially after Dane sews up a gash in her thigh and steals a kiss in payment—a kiss that makes it hard to walk for reasons that have nothing to do with an injured leg.
But as the renovation takes a strange and violent turn, Remi must decide if Dane is the one haunting her nights, or if he’s trying to protect her from something much worse…
Key Elements:
Thriller, Romance, Gothic, Dark Romance, Halloween, Enemies to Lovers, Spicy Read, Murder, BDSM, Small town, Violence, Age Gap Romance, Hypnotherapy
More in The Grimstone Series:
- Book 2: Monarch
Why This Rating?
The synopsis makes this book sound far more kitty gloves on, with hints of a dark romance in play. Placing a bit of paranormal and mystery elements in play from the gifting of the manor to the suspected murder of a wife. But in reality? This was a dark, sexual, and a pretty twisted story – but I blame the psychological and suspenseful elements for that last one. All of that plus the music list Lark suggests you have playing while reading? You have all the elements to leave you unsettled, engaged in the story, and blushing from the intensity.
The writing is relatively straightforward. We’re given details but are left to create some of the smaller parts ourselves which I appreciated. Lark’s details are there to help you see the bigger picture. They are good, but it is clear that the focus for the writing are the conversations. Dialog dominates this story. Conversations move well and flow quite nice between all the characters. We do get both Remi’s and Dane’s POV (which I am a sucker for split POVs). I love being able to step into both of these character’s thoughts! I do appreciate that Lark’s writing are not for the faint of heart. She includes a list of content warnings before you dive into the book and the details for the various events that happen in this book are open book. Get ready to buckle up when you get started in this one.
Suspense and the thrill of the unknown are the driving force in this story. We kick off with the impression that the manor Remi and her brother move into is haunted. There is a very unwelcoming, drop-dead-gorgeous neighbor who murdered his wife – according to the town’s gossip. And now, certain townsfolk seem to be moving against Remi for even thinking about renovating the old manor. There are suspicious glances happening everywhere! And when horrible things start to happen at the manor, we are left wondering if it really is paranormal or if it is someone out to get them. I felt on the edge of my seat at some moments while reading. And then making it to the end?! So many emotions happening right at the end and it left me raw.
This is a perfect spooky Halloween read you guys! It draws you into their sleepy little town. There is enough of a story that I don’t feel like this is a romance story exclusively. Even though I will confidently say the romance and smutty sections are absolutely here. Wait until you finally get to see the first hypnotism recording! The story gave so many questions as you read, but managed to wrap each up by the time the book ends. It is absolutely for mature readers only. I don’t often state that in my reviews, but this story is a dark gothic romance and stands proudly next to that flag. It is intense. It is grim. And it is eerie.
TL;DR: Grimstone may look like a lightly dark romance on the surface, but it dives into something far more twisted. This is a dark, gothic, and psychologically intense story full of suspense, sensuality, and eerie tension. With haunting vibes, a possibly cursed manor, and a neighbor with a murderous past, the mystery keeps you on edge. Sophie Lark’s writing is dialogue-driven and immersive, with dual POVs and a strong emotional payoff. Add in the suggested music playlist and a Halloween-perfect atmosphere, and you’ve got a gripping read that’s as unsettling as it is addictive. Definitely for mature readers only.
Side note: There are pictures in this book! They are scattered throughout the novel, but they do capture some kind of moment the previous section was discussing. They were so much fun to find!
Time to get lost in the next story!
