3.75/5 This book is really fun to read in the fall, especially around October. I loved the Halloween town vibe and all the eclectic characters that came with it. The author did a great job with the settings and atmosphere, making it easy to picture everything, which is one of my favorite things in a book. There were some parts that felt a bit cringy, but not enough to make me stop reading. I was unsure at first because there was a lot of random sexual talk that made the writing seem disjointed, but by about 19%, it settled down and started to fit better. I'm glad I didn't DNF it because I ended up having a great time. I really love that our FMC and the MMC weren’t super insta-lovey; I was scared of that. In the beginning, but by the time they got together, I was convinced of their relationship. It was just so cute; I love them together. My only gripe with this book is the third-act breakup; it was annoying because it didn’t feel true to their characters. It seemed unbelievable that the FMC would believe something like that. Luckily, it was resolved pretty quickly, but I wish it hadn’t been included at all. There could have been a much better conflict for that part. Overall, it was a fun read, perfect for fall with all the cozy vibes.

I’m honestly not sure why I gave this a 4-star rating, but upon rereading it, it’s definitely a 5-star read. Ugh, this book is so good. I cannot. It is definitely one of my favorite YA books. What I love about this is the atmosphere is so on point. I watched this whole book like a movie. I also adore these characters so much, Hazel and Jack. I love them so much. Oh my God, it was so thrilling towards the end; I genuinely had anxiety, and this was my second time reading it, lol. I just feel like this author put a lot of heart into writing the story and keeping true historically and having a fun sort of Tim Burton vibe to it. Highly recommend the audiobook. The accents are everything; I can't wait to start the second one.

Things I Liked - Loved the slow burn, especially in a steamy book; the pacing was great - The dark academia vibes and imagery were well done; I felt like I was watching a movie. - You could really see how much the MMC cared for the FMC; the balance of lust and love felt just perfect to me. - I liked the characters, but the plot was my favorite part; it was well thought out, and I loved the ending. Things I despised - Why did the MMC have to say so many cringey things? The dirty talk had me cringing and laughing; i genuinely had second hand embarrassment. - The added Indigenous aspect in the prologue felt off and unnecessary, giving weird Pocahontas/Twilight vibes; a different origin would’ve worked better. - I loved the relationship pacing, but after they got together, it dragged on for too long; it became tiring when they did the whole no we can’t but we want to like get on with it I beg. Overall it was an alright read; it definitely scratched my itch of wanting dark academia with romance. What I will say is if you are looking for quick spice, this slow burn isn’t for you.

I'm going to have to DNFat 53%. I'm kind of sad about this since it was my first fall romance of the year. I was trying to give it a chance, but I really don't care to see how it turns out, which kind of sucks because I do love our MMC. Oddly enough, it's the FMC, which usually never really happens, but she's just a little bit insufferable. I feel like she's written so surface level; every time we're in her POV, she's talking about the same things over and over again, and it just gets too repetitive. There was a little bit too much cringing as well; I just couldn't. Also it's very insta-love like they are neighbors, and that's all we really know, and in the next chapter they're in their head confessing that they love each other not really, but definitely what it feels like. I wish there was more of a lead-up. It just felt a bit rushed.I do think it got interesting once it was forced proximity, but like, I can just tell it's going to be the same thing over and over again of them hesitating, and I just don't even care to get to the third-act breakup, so yeah, it's cutesy but just not for me. I wouldn't mind checking out more from this author.

Aaaa!!! I just really loved this. I absolutely love this author's writing; it's so descriptive. I watched this whole book like a movie. That last half was a real rollercoaster. I can't wait to check out more from this author.