In this story we are introduced to this mysterious town that is full of secrets and dark pasts that are slowly revealed. Remi has been raising her brother since she was 18 and their parents passed, now they are starting over at their uncle’s eerie manor hoping for a fresh start, but they get a lot more than they bargain for. Remi isn’t afraid of hard work since she’s been doing it for so long, but this manor is something out of a horror movie with how dilapidated it is. When she first meets her mysterious neighbor, she isn’t impressed with how incredibly rude he is, but Dane leaves her curious wanting to know more. Like any small-town rumors fly and gossip runs rampant, but Remi knows you can’t always believe everything you hear. The story is intense because there is a lot going on with Dane and his past, the town folk with all their quirks, and the things happening in the run-down house Remi is fixing up. I was intrigued by this town and all the secrets everyone seemed to have, but at times I found myself more curious about the side characters like Dane’s brother who is mentioned briefly than I did about Remi and Dane. The connection between Remi and Dane is instant and intense where one second, they are all hot and heavy then the next they are walking away from the other. The twists at the end had me shocked and yet I was like yea this totally makes sense. I’m hoping with more books coming from this strange town through the years that more things are expanded on because there are quite a few things that were left unanswered and things that didn’t make sense to me, but fingers crossed. ( )

Quickie Review-May Contain Spoilers

So I wanted to really love Grimstone, I really did. Even set this up to be a buddy read with a friend. But unfortunately I found this lacking. There were aspects that were redeemable and you can definitely feel the writing style of this author. But quite frankly, when she drifts to other sub genres she isn't used to writing, the stories just feel like there is something missing and doesn't quite have her pizazz. There were some superb factors to this book. The plot was very well mastered, the world building was perfect--it capitalized on the spooky factor and is really the perfect setting for this time of year and it had some unique dynamics of the small town that is displayed. What I struggled with---the romance. The romance really suffered. Sometimes when authors switch sub genres and try something new, this is what suffers. It had a really cool set up for our pair but it just didn't quite measure up to what I was hoping for. There just wasn't quite the connection that I wanted to feel but it didn't get there. It really lacked emotional depth in their relationship aspects that could have used a bit more work. But if you love a story that will give you some suprises in the end, then this one is most definitely for you. And it has a guaranteed HEA. ( )