Nothing Hidden Ever Stays is a gothic romantic suspense that I have to admit I liked more than I expected I would. Aubrey was a likable character, the haunted house aspect was good. Loved the creepy cover. I did guess most of the mystery aspect though which is why I’m giving it 3 stars instead of 4. I would read another book by HR Mason.

**Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the e-arc I received in exchange for my honest review.**

If I had to describe this book it 3 words, it would be Dark Paranormal Thriller. I was spooked couple times while reading it.
I did like the book to some extand, although it was too dark at times.
After reading it, I needed something fluffy...and went straight to paranormal historical romance!

My thanks to Tangled Tree Publishing, H.R. Mason and Netgalley.
This book have me chills, broke my heart and annoyed the heck outta me!
Everyone who knows me also knows that I absolutely despise love stories! They also know I love me some ghosties! This book had it all! But, what it mostly has is a really good take about love, hate and how sometimes certain things are meant to be.
Crikey! I ended the book with tears. 😢😢. That's so annoying!
I really enjoyed this book.

I’m just saying: I will always show up for haunted buildings. Especially ones with cool names like Desolate Ridge.

I’ll admit that after coming off of some of the haunted house books I’ve read lately, I had high expectations, and this book just wasn’t quite there. I had originally rated this a three, but after writing my review … I’m knocking it down to a two. I just didn’t end up loving it the way I thought I would.

On the surface, this book sounds perfect for me. Mysterious murders? Check. Haunted houses? Gosh, yes! Old family curse? Pleeeeease. *grabby hands* In the end, it just wasn’t what I expected, and I had such a hard time connecting to the characters and the story.

My Thoughts:

- The book is delightfully dark and atmospheric, with plenty of moments that felt creepy. That’s one thing I thought Mason did well, is capturing the mood. I wanted a spooky read, and that’s exactly what I got. The most effective parts, for me, were the flashbacks along the family line, from generation to generation, as murders are committed. The detail with which they’re told and the unreliable narrator aspects were things I just easily fell in love with.

- The ending was actually quite sweet and enjoyable, which I was not at all expecting. If you’re the sort who likes things to end on a positive note, this book definitely delivers, despite the darker content!

- Desolate Ridge certainly lives up to its creepy (but awesome) name, and I got all the proper haunted house vibes from this. It was brutal and spine-tingling in the right places. Though I’ll admit I didn’t like the ultimate reason behind the curse, I did enjoy the mystery and learning about the house (and with it, the family line) along with Aubrey.

Sticking Points:

- The story starts too late for me to actually care about Aubrey and her backstory, because the reader first meets her the moment she learns about her inheritance. I feel like this is something I should care about, but I just … don’t. There wasn’t enough time to get to know her as a person, and when you’re dealing with a heavy backstory, I need more than just flashbacks. Even though I know I should empathize with her, because she’s been through some stuff, I just wasn’t feeling it. I wasn’t given enough reason to care.

- There are a lot of tropes that are approached sort of heavy-handedly that I didn’t think worked quite as well as I’d hoped they would. It all added up to a story that wasn’t quite believable, which made it a little less exciting without that “maybe this could happen” sort of feel to it. What I’m saying is I expected a little more realism, a little less magic. More than that, though, some situations just stretched my suspension of disbelief to the breaking point, and I want to be able to buy into the things that are happening instead of thinking, well, what are the odds that all these improbable things fall into place just so like this?

- This romance just didn’t work for me at all. It was too predictable, cliche, and lackluster. Where’s the chemistry? The longing? The heartbreak? The only reason I know these characters like each other is because the book tells me so. I felt absolutely chemistry between them, and it just wasn’t enough time to fall in love.

I’m sort of really torn on the use of mental illness here as the main plot point, because on the one hand … the idea of something messing with everyone and driving them mad is terrifying. But on the other, implying that craziness is hereditary and mental illnesses make people prone to (and are to blame for) murdering their loved ones feels icky. I’m actually just … not going to fully pass judgment on this one. Which is unheard of for me, I know. I just want to put it out there, because if this sort of trope is a pass for you, be aware that that’s what’s going on.

- None of the characters felt particularly well developed, so I couldn’t really connect with any of them. Instead of experiencing the story with the characters, it felt more like listening to your friend ramble on for hours about what they did on their vacation. Which yes, I’m happy for them and I’m sure it was great, but next time, can you just take me along, too? Is that too much to ask?! Aubrey is too broken. There’s never any details as to why, other than the fact that she was an orphan who had a bad time in the system. Rebecca and Hank are too good, also for no good reason, other than the families are connected. That’s it. But see, that’s not enough for me. It’s really hard for me to like or appreciate those sorts of characters, because I want more nuanced, realistic characters.

- The big reveals aren’t really either. They’re hinted at so heavy-handedly (or straight up shown through flashbacks) that the reader already knows them, which takes the surprise out of it. Add to that the fact that these revelations aren’t even really discussed. It happens, we’re told that Aubrey is horrified or surprised or whatever emotion, and then we move on to the next thing. There’s no real ramification for anything, no actual impact on the character. The story moves along at such a fast clip that it doesn’t even pause long enough to let its reveals sink in and take effect.

- The pacing felt off to me. One day we’re doing xyz, and then suddenly it’s two weeks later, but you don’t realize that until two pages into the chapter and you’re confused how everything changed so much overnight. It felt a little rushed and a little like everything was crammed in to save time, but what ended up happening is I got hopelessly lost in the timeline somewhere, just wandering aimlessly.

It is never right to keep looking to the past. Sometimes it does happen.
'Nothing Hidden Ever Stays' is a dark and chilling thriller, that kept me on the edge of my seat. I'd have loved the characters to be a bit more fleshed out, but that is a minor thing.

Aubrey was left in a hospital as a small child leaving her to grow up in the foster system, never getting the family she wanted. As a 25 year old she's struggling to make ends meet, working in a dead end job with no real family or friends to help her out. Then one day she's approached after work by a man who informs her that her last living relative has now passed leaving her to inherit the family estate and all of the wealth that comes with that.

Not longer after moving to her families estate of Desolate Ridge Aubrey starts to experience vivid hallucinations but as she begins to uncover her families history she starts to realise that her hallucinations bare eerie similarity to previous deaths. As more and more secrets become uncovered Aubrey realises that in order to move on with her life she may need to break the curse that has befallen her family.

This was an entertaining read but the characters aren't as developed as i'd have liked which made it hard to completely resonate with the story. It was good enough that i'd consider reading more from this author in the future but it's not a book that will stick with me.

What to say about this book,hmmm. Well, first off thank you so much to net galley for giving me the opportunity to review this title before publication release. I am sorry I neglected to get this review up before the release date. Alright, so we have the strong female lead character Aubrey who suffers from social anxiety and found out that she was adopted and indeed comes from a rich family in Ohio. Upon finding out this information, Aubrey also is informed she needs to go to Desolate Ridge in Ohio because she has inherited this house which is actually more like a mansion. Her arrival does not go in anyway she would like. When she arrives and starts speaking with this Cooper guy he hears the name Ross and starts to talk about them all being "mental". Aubrey then goes in search of answers and comes across the Metzgers which turns out to be the Rosses biggest feuding family. So, on top of a long running feud between the Rosses and Metzgers, and some strange deaths with the insights of ghosts inside Desolate Ridge, and also Aubrey's premonitions.......oops i've said too much. You will just have to read this fantastic once again book taken place in Ohio, for yourself.

“Nothing good could come from looking back.” – p. 11
While the past is something Aubrey Rose doesn’t want to think about, think about it she must when she receives the deed to her ancestral home on Desolate Ridge. I love a good haunted house story, and also novels that tell multiple stories and weave them into a cohesive overall narrative. I also appreciated the family tree provided at the beginning of the book, and the historical aspects. A thrilling read, this book had solid writing and a great ending. Recommended to those who enjoy a good book and a good curse (in that order)..
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Nothing Hidden Ever Stays is the debut novel of H.R. Mason, and is a dramatic and horrifying thriller. This novel combines thriller elements with the concept of an old curse, ghost stories, and a hauntingly dark past.
Aubrey Ross grew up thinking she had no family. Only to inherit a mansion of a home when the last of a family she never knew she had passed away. But there are times when one should be careful about gifts from unexpected corners. You see, the home Aubrey inherited is haunted. Rossdale may look large and lovely – but there is something dark and sinister lurking in the shadows of this home.
Aubrey is a character hardened by her past. She's learned not to open herself up to the world, so as to prevent herself from further pain. That is until she met Hank Metzger. He's the town sheriff, and the first person to touch her heart in years.
Together these two must navigate a ghost story so much bigger than just the two of them. But how far down the rabbit hole does this story go?

“Everything is yours. Inside that envelope is the paperwork you'll need to claim. Desolate Ridge, your ancestral estate. You own it. All of it.
Desolate Ridge? What kind of name is that?”

Warnings: Nothing Hidden Ever Stays contains within it a ton of female-targeted violence. The haunted tales of the Rossdale Home are full of violent deaths for the women that lived there. It can get a bit much, emotionally, at times. There's also a lot of subtext about control, and even some concerns about mental health (being the cause for all of the violence).

Nothing Hidden Ever Stays was exactly as dark and foreboding as I had hoped and expected. Aubrey's journey was a harrowing one, to say the least. This was not a tale for the faint of heart.
All that being said, I don't think this thriller was for me. I can acknowledge that it was well written, but I just didn't enjoy it that much. Personally, I found myself getting really tired of the repeated scenes of violence against the women of Rossdale. It just became a bit too much by the end. I'm sure other readers know what I mean when I say that.
Did this novel have potential? Absolutely. And for a debut novel, it was pretty solid. I'd be curious to see how H.R. Mason is doing, once they've gotten a few more books under their belt.

I really enjoyed this thriller. The characters were fleshed out and I really felt for them. It was creepy and a real page turner. I highly recommend, a perfect read for the Halloween season.

This was my 8th Thriller this month! It also happens to be the first 5 star rating!! This book blew me away! Nothing Hidden Ever Stays is BRILLIANT!! I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting! Paranormal activity and premonitions, yes please! This storyline did not disappoint!! Aubrey's character is SO well done, I spent the entire read rooting for her. I loved the fact that her history is the key to unlocking the mystery. So so good!!! This book will play with your mind and keep you guessing. Highly recommend!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my review copy!

This was definitely an impulse request - the title, cover and premise of a haunted estate intrigued me. And oddly enough, this is the third book that I have read in October that has included the old nursery rhyme about crows/magpies/blackbirds: "One for sorrow/Two for joy/Three for a girl/Four for a boy/Five for silver/Six for gold/Seven for a secret never to be told."

The book begins with orphaned and rather destitute Aubrey Ross learning that she has inherited a massive fortune and an estate called Desolation Ridge in Rossdale, Ohio - a town named for her ancestors. Plagued with odd visions, compounded with a lifetime of loneliness, it take Aubrey a while to warm to her new town and life. Determined to learn the dark family secrets that seem like a curse, the book unfolds quickly. It's a fast read - I really didn't anticipate reading this in jut a day, The pacing moves steadily even as it shifts through generations of the Ross family. I liked the book well enough - some of it falls under predictable lines, although the ending definitely took me by surprise, The writing and characterizations are straightforward and I expected the family darkness to be a bit deeper. The characters aren't complexly developed so it's hard to emotionally resonate with the story. It's a fast and simple read that, while it doesn't deliver any real chills, is a great fast read for this time of year!

This book was fast paced. Hard to put down. It flowed well and it was very well written. It caught hold of me and had me hooked from the start . I was literally on the edge of my seat reading this book.

Nothing Hidden Ever Stays is a creepy well written book. I could not put it down. I would read more by this author.

When the blurb says haunted house, paranormal activity and premonitions I'm game. This book didn't disappoint. It's all the above complemented by excellent fast paced writing and indepth characters.

Aubry is a survivor. Abandoned by her single mother at three years old and put in the system, she knows life is tough.
Now 25, she's struggling to make ends meet with no family or safety net to rely on. Inheriting the family estate and all the wealth that comes with it, was the last thing she expected.
She leaves Seattle and moves to Desolate Ridge in Rossdale, Ohio.
No one in Rossdale seems willing to tell her about the family she never knew she had, but from the moment she moves in, the house has a lot of stories to share.
The reader is trapped in this eerie environment.
Each time something strange happens, the story gives a glimpse into the lives lived at Desolate Ridge in past centuries where the men seem to suffer from mental illness and the women disappear after having birthed an heir. But it's a glimpse only, there's still enough for Aubry and the reader to ponder over.
Eventually it all seems to come together with the discovery of a graveyard in the rosegarden.
I say 'seems', because yes, there is more!
It doesn't end just yet, but when it finally does, it's with an unexpected bang that took my breath away.

'Nothing Hidden Ever Stays' is a deliciously creepy incredible read. This book is going straight to my Favorites!

Thank you Netgalley and Tangled Tree Publishing for the ARC.

I read a lot of novels featuring haunted houses, and sometimes the characters’ lives get in the way, slowing down the action. Nothing Hidden Ever Stays is different in that the character’s history is the key to unlocking the mystery. Aubrey Ross grew up in foster care and has been keeping herself barely above the poverty line, isolated and alone. All that she knows about her family is that her mother abandoned her. She then discovers that she comes from a long lineage and she is also the sole heiress to a vast fortune – and a house. The reader discovers the Ross’ secrets along with Aubrey, and the mansion plays a big role. Aubrey has always seen things that aren’t there so, when she starts finding the ghost of her ancestor, she’s not sure whether she’s losing her mind. The fact that she also learns that all her family had mental issues doesn’t help. Aubrey tries to keep herself from forming attachments but this doesn’t make her unlikeable. I kept rooting for her and I wanted her to open up to a new friendship and, maybe, a new love. But my favorite part was the house and all its secrets. Other than some creepy moments, the novel is not too scary and it’s more character-based. This is something that I don’t usually enjoy but the writing and pacing made me like it a lot in this case. This is a very solid mystery and I loved the ending.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Tangled Tree Publishing!

This story is told from two points of view that of Aubrey in the present day and that of the women who had lived at Desolate Ridge, from each generation dating back to 1819, this gives the story some background and atmosphere, insanity and madness seems to have been the main reason that things had happened. Maybe if Aubrey has been around in the 1800’s she would also have been deemed insane or mad. So many barbaric things happened against the women.

Aubrey Ross had been abandoned at a hospital when she was three years old, growing up she had been pushed from foster family to foster family, never knowing what a real family home was like. She works in a diner in Seattle, Washington, where she is approached by a man who informs her that she has inherited money and a family estate in Rossville, Ohio. The next thing Aubrey is on a plane heading to Ohio and her new home.

All Aubrey wants is to find out about her family, unfortunately what she does find out is that the house she has inherited is haunted, and holds lots of secrets, and she is the one to unearth those secrets and to try and break the family curse.

The story is quite fast paced, although we don’t get told what Aubrey had been through growing up, all we know is she was in care. The story mainly starts from when she goes to the house. Parts of the story I found a little far fetched and I know it’s just a story. I am not really into horror, I will read the occasional horror book or watch the odd film, but it’s not a genre I normally go for, at times this book was a little creepy, which is what you would expect from horror.

Aubrey’s character is interesting, but to be honest I just wanted her to pack her bags and leave, I mean just take the money and run, and I didn’t get the romance between her and Hank, it just seemed so quick and down to destiny. I am sorry but this just didn’t work for me personally.
The ending just seemed as if it was rushed.

However, if you are into horror stories, haunted houses, paranormal then I think this book is probably for you, just unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I know there are lots of people out there though that will absolutely love this book.

I would like to thank netgalley and Tangled Tree publishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review.

I feel the cover and description of this book are misleading... this is essentially a guilty pleasure type of romance, with a little ghostly twist. Fairly enjoyable, mostly cheesy.

What a spooky good book! It was an easy quick entertaining story! I loved it! Definitely recommend for all ghost story lovers! Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy

One for sorrow
Two for joy
Three for a girl

The Ross family is cursed. A spider web of its young women dying young, disappearing, madness spreading like wildfire.

Last of the Ross line, Aubrey has grown up as an orphan and is shocked when she learns that she is the sole heir of an estate and now has more money and possessions that she ever could have imagined.

When she arrives at Desolate Ridge (I shit you not), Aubrey who has suffered from premonitions and visions, sees everything tenfold and she unearths her family’s past and her own future in deadly, ghostly clarity.

Sigh.

I love ghost stories. I love murder stories. What I don’t love is using mental illness as a plot line for both. Reading this I just felt so…gross and annoyed. Insanity and madness were the main reasons as to why things occurred and yes, I get it but also, it seems very problematic.

Reading about the countless and barbaric violence against women got old real quick as well.

Man: I’m jealous. This man is talking to my property. I’m going to kill her. *Kills her; chapter ends*

Rinse and repeat and there you go.


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Aubrey is an interesting character and I really felt for her. I also wanted her to get the fuck out of dodge right away. I pictured Hank as a Ken doll and that romance was literally blink and you miss it and I’m not kidding. I blinked and they were kissing and I was like when the hell did this happen? I am not opposed to romance in my thrillers but it didn’t seem organic at all but it’s *~destiny*~ and all that and who am I to mess with ghostly affairs.

The end was...like a soap opera. A korean drama so of course I loved it. It was dramatic and nonsensical and AMAZING. I cheered. This is a fast, read and the story is pretty predictable. Read it on a dark, stormy night and light some candles for the scare factor.

Overall, this wasn’t a very good read. The plot was weak, characters were see through, and the ending was rushed. Mental illness is not a cause for murder and mayhem and that stigma needs to end let’s not exacerbate it.



Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy of my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Four for a boy
Five for silver
Six for gold

Seven for a secret never to be told