“Strange things bloom where grief lives.” 🖤

The Cruel Dark is a spicy romance steeped in gothic atmosphere with horror sprinkled in—available October 31—and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

The story follows Millicent Foxboro, a young woman with a terribly traumatic past, as she accepts an apprenticeship under the mysterious widower professor, Callum Hughes. Things are not what they seem at his sprawling estate of Willowfield, and as Millicent catches the reclusive professor’s eye, strange occurrences begin to happen that threaten her chance at a fresh start.

Set in the late 1920s, The Cruel Dark is a SPICY gothic romance with mystery and a touch of horror, the portrayal of its female main character both resilient and sharp.

The banter, the setting, the romance and tension… THE ENDING. An extremely fantastic debut! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

If you’re a fan of gothic, twisty stories in a similar vein to St. Gibson’s A Dowry of Blood or Colleen Hoover’s Verity, you’ll find this one irresistible. I was unable to set it down and will be screeching about it until my lungs gives out. 🔥

This is the perfect moody, brooding autumnal read, and I need to see more from this author!

“My heart seized, full of love, sorrow, and fear, because I had seen the things walking the halls of Willowfield and didn’t believe his wife had been mad.”

A debut novel with flashes of brilliance, and a deliciously Gothic vibe, "The Cruel Dark" drew me in at once and I devoured the book in a single sitting. It's a short read at just over 200 pages, but still delivers a compelling story that packs an unexpected emotional punch.

Author Bea Northwick sets up her Gothic atmosphere with heroine Millicent Foxboro's first glimpse of Willowfield, the decaying mansion where she will spend the coming months working as an assistant to its brooding owner, mythology professor Callum Hughes:

"...a Châteauesque manor, forbidding against the cold gray sky. It was awe-inspiring, monstrous, and my gasp was part delight and dismay. An army of spires and turrets topped the hipped roofs, stabbing toward the heavens..."

The house, of course, is pivotal to the story. Willowfield doesn't have the new-fangled electric lighting yet, and Millicent explores its mysteries in scenes oozing with eerie foreboding. Descriptive is a strength of Ms. Northwick's and, sensibly, she leans on it, possibly more so than some readers might welcome, although for some of us too much lush gloom is just enough.

Professor Hughes is a brooding, enigmatic Gothic trope, a Mr. Rochester with a hidden past, unpredictable moods, and a sense of tragedy about him. His sexual innuendo, in their first encounter, seemed off-color for an employer and bothered me. He continues in the same vein, getting under Millicent's skin. Emotionally vulnerable from a painful past and unnerving memory loss, she pushes back when he bullies her, but she is also drawn to him, and a charged chemistry develops between them that is both erotic and uneasy. This push/pull characteristic of Gothic romance is often a hot mess in the pulpy writing so prevalent in the sub-genre. It speaks to Ms. Northwick's love of the genre and storytelling gift that she navigates the nuance deftly, while still writing steamy, sexually explicit scenes as the connection intensifies.

Blending themes from both "Rebecca" and "My Cousin Rachel" (Daphne du Maurier), the author delivers the pervasive suspense that grips readers of Gothic fiction. As the story advances there's a relentless build-up: grim encounters with the ghost of the late Mrs. Hughes, dour warnings from retainers, an inexplicable dynamic with now-lover Callum, and a mistrust of her own instincts. Millicent's past is rapidly converging on her present, and the two mesh in a well concealed plot twist. The climax of the story is dramatic, violent, and clever. For me, the true threat felt contrived, when it came, even though the past explained it. Given an unreliable narrator who was not putting the pieces together herself, readers might have appreciated a few more of Millicent's patchy recollections without guessing the twist.

In the resolution phase, the hidden past is exposed, loose ends tied up, and questions about the strained intensity of Millicent's relationship with Callum are answered. The final chapter delivers a welcome shift from past sorrows to future promise. Millicent's emotional journey concludes with an extended internal monolog epiphany.  Some of that content could have been interwoven elsewhere, but as a 'winding down' it worked.

"The Cruel Dark" has its flaws, but comparing apples to apples it's in the top tier of its sub-genre. For readers unfamiliar with the star-ratings at Regency Chronicle, 4.25 stars is a book we rate as excellent across multiple criteria, and which we highly recommend.

We thank the author, Northwick Books, and NetGalley for an advance copy. Cover image courtesy of Northwick Books © 2023.  Review by Meredith Thompson © 2023 The Regency Chronicle. Posted online by editor, Pam Baker.

Thank you to netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

An incredible debut with delicious romance and a lush gothic atmosphere, this has easily become one of my favorite fall reads. I have been searching for the perfect gothic romance for a while, and when I found Bea I knew she would deliver. The worldbuilding was intricate but not overwhelming, the characters easy to connect to and have I mentioned the romance??? Because it had me kicking my feet and giggling. Such a special book, I cannot wait for Bea to cook up some more stories.

This book had me on the edge of my seat and had my heart pounding. It is definitely an emotional rollercoaster that I was excited to ride.

I cannot believe this is a debut novel. The storytelling easily captured my attention. The past and present we get throughout the story is woven in perfectly, which helps the dramatic twist. I was shocked!

This book is perfect for spooky season due to the secrets, ghosts and ominous presents around the estate.

If you love historic, gothic, and romantic suspenseful thriller, this is the book for you!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick gave me the sexy spooky vibes that I didn't know I needed. More than that, the imagery was entrancing and the storyline had me devouring the book.

The story follows Millie, a young woman with a dubious past who takes the opportunity to work in what many deem to be a haunted house owned by one Professor Hughes. As his assistant, she's tasked with helping him make sense of his research papers, but visions of ghosts and neverending nightmares may be enough to send her back to a dark place where she harbors secrets of her own.

The book itself was haunting, keeping me awake until I could make sense of the madness Millie wars with. It is utterly captivating and the perfect kick off to spooky season. And if that isn't enough, it has one of the best plot twists I've ever read. While I had suspicions as to what it would be, there was enough doubt to still have me utterly floored by the end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Northwick Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
📖 Tʜᴇ Cʀᴜᴇʟ Dᴀʀᴋ
ʙʏ Bᴇᴀ Nᴏʀᴛʜᴡɪᴄᴋ

Congratulations on your debut novel! The writing is absolutely incredible and that of a seasoned writer. The imagery was perfection. Dark, bewitching, and imaginative. It reads like Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte or Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and reminded me how much I love literature with rich, descriptive language. I was completely entranced and fully immersed.

This is the most perfect spooky season book and if I could pick one book for you all to read this season- this.is.it.

I devoured it in one sitting and I couldn't figure out what was going on until it smacked me in the face at the end.
Obsessed.

Read if you love:
▪️Dark Gothic vibes
▪️Suspenseful Romance

Thank you Bea Northwick for the ARC of your incredible masterpiece! I'm bowing down to you!

the cruel dark by bea northwick is one of the best romance novels i've read in years! i did not expect i would love it so much when i started it but i was pleasantly surprised. from the mysterious gothic atmosphere to the tragic romance; i was hooked from start to finish.
the characters were fully fleshed and lovable, i loved millie's personality and her horrified confusion by the end as well as her bursts of rage which made her even more understandable and easy to empathize with.
when the plot twist happened i was a bit annoyed at first and thought it sudden and out of place however the author explained it so well that when i thought on the events before the big reveal, it made so much sense there were numerous events of foreshadowing which left no place for plot holes. it really was a plot twist that could have either made or broke the story and the writer worked it so well.
thank you netgalley for the arc! i definitely recommend this book to all my friends and followers who are lovers of gothic romance.

This book was perfect. Every aspect of it, the writing, the imagery, the characters, the romance.

I can not wait for the release date. I'm excited for this book to take over the Internet with it's ending!

Thank you to Bea Northwick, Northwick books, and Netgalley for the eARC of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley & Northwick books for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

The story is if Jane Eyre / Rebecca had a spicy baby...but with not as good of writing. Despite my finishing the book and thoroughly enjoying the certain "sex*ions of the story. I felt the writing was at the same time plain and trying too hard. I felt there was a lot of unnecessary repetition of setting descriptions, etc.

The gothic "mystery" of it all was for me easy to figure out. Bea Northwick left some very overt crumbs throughout. I took a note at Chapter 6 stating what the twist was. So the mystery didn't drive me through the story. I just was interested to see how it was resolved. That being said there was an secondary plot twist at the end regarding the "villain" of the story and I didn't guess that one but I found it to be a little flat and not as convincing. It seems kind of thrown in to me.

Despite my criticisms, I was entertained and you should definitely give it a try yourself. It was definitely spicy and the gothic elements were fun!

SO good! I did not expect this to be what it was. The Cruel Dark is described as a gothic romance and that it is, but trust me when I say this, there are also some suspense/thriller elements. I was not expecting to have to turn on the lights while reading this in the dark of night but TRUST ME, I freaking did.

This is very much one of those books that you start feeling like you can’t trust anyone or anything. The PLOT TWISTS had me in a chokehold. I was curled in on myself for a lot of this book but the last 25% or so had me gasping.

The setting of the estate was built with extreme detail, which I won’t lie. I struggle imagining exact detail and building an entire imagined haunted estate is not my forte. Given that, I was still hooked. I mean from the very beginning our main FMC is considering wandering the mansion - big NO for me - and the entire vibe of the writing successfully delivers such an ominous feel. From the house rules to the off-limits locked doors, minimal staff, and an elusive professor.

The entire time I was just internally screaming WHAT IS GOING ON? Not in a confusing manner but this is very much one of those books that you have to read in one sitting because I couldn’t sleep without getting to the root of it all. Partly because I had to know and partly because I was genuinely freaked out (I'm a wimp). I really enjoyed this though and highly recommend this to someone looking for a book that keeps them on their toes but also has some spicy elements. A dirty talking professor and his snappy assistant? Yes, please.

“You don’t know the dangers of this game you’re playing, Millie.”

Secrets, ghosts, lies, mythological creatures, and desires.

I’m speechless!!!🤯 Completely mind blown!
I did not see that coming. What a twist. First, you think the book is going some way when it does a full turn to be something you would have never guessed!

This historical gothic romance will have you obsessed! I feel converted😂. I have never been a historical fan but this book dropped the mic for me! Now I’m questioning I’ve if missed out on other great books.

“All this time you accused me of being a beast, while you were a little devil.”❤️‍🔥

Millie has been assisting at a bookshop but an opportunity comes her way that she can’t refuse. Sometimes when it sounds too good, it doesn’t always end up that way….

“Mmm, but I’m sure you do realize we are here, alone together in the dark of the night. I feel like this happened before.”

Professor Callum is very wealthy, and lonely. He hires Millie to be his assistant while living in a dark, spooky mansion.

While she’s living there and learning the history of the house. Ghosts come out to play while secrets slowly creep to the surface. With a past, can Millie handle all that the Willowfield offers or will it be too much to handle?

Welcome to The Dark Cruel where love is madness.

Thank you Bea Northwick for allowing me to be part of your ARC team. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.

This was such an atmospheric read with many twists and turns. I hate cliffhangers so I am dying to find out what happens next!

I first discovered this book a few months ago on Instagram. I was anxiously patiently waiting for the October 31st release date - so when I was approved for an ARC I was SO excited! And that excitement was not misplaced! Onto the actual review...

"You shine a light in this dark house, Miss Foxboro. I pray you let nothing extinguish it."

This is a brilliant debut from Bea Northwick. Chock full of ghosts and madness, The Cruel Dark does a great job of encompassing the classic gothic undertones and vibes I love - but does it without being overly predictable!

""And dare I mention you are alone in the dark with a man you don't know?" A low blow. "Or perhaps you are alone in the dark with a woman you don't know.""

The main characters had just that - character! They were well fleshed out, but still had prevalent tones of mystery that left me wanting to know more. The plot holds a mystery that is not easily deciphered early on into the story. The supporting characters added to the gloomy magnetism of Willowfield.

Instead of giving a recap of the plot, I strongly encourage you to read it and discover for yourself! If you're a fan of the themes of Rebecca, Mexican Gothic, or A Dreadful Splendor, you will definitely enjoy this book!

"I couldn't stand wardrobes. They reminded me of giant caskets."

4 stars

The Cruel Dark is a debut novel by Bea Northwick and I loved it so much! The atmosphere at Willowfield Estate is so gothic and dark and the main character, Millie has a stellar personality!

I loved how the tension between Millie and the Professor built alongside Millie’s anxieties about the estate. Her and Professor Callum had such good chemistry.

On top of having a spicy romance, there is also tons of suspense and an ending that had me gasping as I read.

There were so many aspects of this book that I enjoyed. I think you will love The Cruel Dark too if you enjoy:
- Gothic romance
- Romantic suspense
- Fairy lore
- Dark academia
- Mild enemies to lovers
- Haunted houses with beautiful gardens

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Okay so I will admit the first 30% I had to push to get through but OMG the twists! This had me on the edge of my seat and ended up being a solid 4⭐️ read for me. Short review as I don’t want to spoil, read for yourself 😏

I was truly enchanted & utterly haunted by this book from beginning to end, and devoured it in a day because I could not put it down.

The imagery in this novel is exquisite; I felt transported into the pages as if I were peering through Millie's eyes into her world. Her backstory is so hallowing, one I can relate to vehemently, and I highlighted so many words I want to remember.

"You're a force of nature, and despite your trials, you've survived with a spirit worthy of its own folklore.”

As an added bonus & something you absolutely CANNOT miss, there is a twist I will be contemplating for a few days.

I feel so incredibly grateful to have been selected for this ARC, thank you @beanorthwick for your story, it has left an impression on my heart & soul I will never forget.

This book was amazing! I’d never read a gothic romance type book and dipping my toes with this book was exactly the right choice. Bea is a phenomenal writer and her writing style is amazing. I loved everything about this book. The way she built up the world made me feel like I was there in the dark halls of willow field. Millie is by far my favorite character of the book. She’s so spunky and has moments of being a firecracker but like most of us still deals with feelings of doubt. The romantic bits between Callum and Millie , the tension is just swoon worthy. They make me feel all the emotion and tenderness of each moment they have with each other.

The creepy bits that I think go with a gothic book were great. I was literally scared but in such a good way at parts. I had moments I thought I knew what was going on but I didn’t then I thought I did, it was hard to put the book down because I needed to know!
The twist at the end was everything I needed it to be to wrap up the story. No loose ends and I love that. 5 out of 5 stars for this one!!!

Thank you Bea Northwick for giving me the pleasure to read the ARC of Cruel Dark,
I absolutely loved this beautiful debut novel!
The attention to detail was amazing!
The suspense throughout the book was well paced and definitely a page turner!
I highly recommend this book if you like suspense with twists and turns, gothic romance and mysteries!
Love conquers all!
Cruel Dark set to release on October 31, 2023

Thank you NetGalley, NorthWick books and Bea Northwick for the ARC in return for an honest review.

"You shine a light in this dark house, Miss Foxboro. I pray you let nothing extinguish it."

Let me start out by say I didn't have a single clue what this book was about. I saw the cover and title on instagram and said SOLD, especially with it getting into the spooky season. Honestly, I'm so glad I went into this story in the dark because it did not disappoint. I hit all the marks, romance, suspense, thriller, and the twist at the end!

In the beginning we met Millie, who doesn't remember a huge part of her life due to traumatic event that landed her in a psychiatric hospital. Working in a little book store she is approach by Dr. Hannigan who offers her an assistant job to the reclusive Professor Hughes. She needs the money and with it being only a few weeks she accepts. Moving into the home strange things start to occur for Millie, hearing voices, seeing people, feeling ill. Not to mention with the limited staff the home does have, they all act very strange towards her. As Millie and Professor Hughes grow closer and closer, the spooky things start to get more intense by the day.

I thought I figured out the twist Bae wrote fairly early on, but when I tell you I was completely wrong I mean it, I was no where near close to that twist. It was so much better than I could ever imagine. The beginning was a little dry and boring for me but once I hit chapter 4 I could not put this book down. I also wish it would have been longer but felt it was wrapped up very nicely.

If you are looking for a romantic, historical, gothic, thriller, suspenseful book then look no further! Count down the days because The Cruel Dark is out October 31st!