I have read several of KMM’s books in the Fever series and I did enjoy them, so I was very excited to see that she had started a new series. I have previously loved urban fantasy, and this new one is Southern Gothic, taking place in Louisiana. In The House at Watch Hill our main character is Zo, a young woman struggling to survive paycheck to paycheck, and most importantly, whose beloved mother is dying. After tragedy strikes, Zo will find out that there are secrets in her family’s past and nothing is as it seems.

Although I enjoyed this in the beginning, the pacing was uneven. The plot zoomed by very quickly at first and then slowed down so much that at 40% I didn’t care to continue. I understand that this is the first in a series and that world-building is important, but the level of minute description of different things was overwhelming and many times, unnecessary. The plot was also very reminiscent of the Fever series, with an orphan who doesn’t really understand she has powers, Celtic elements, etc.

I do think KMM is a very talented writer and this novel had a realistic emotional depth regarding Zo’s feelings towards her mother. Maybe I am burnt out on urban fantasy, or maybe there was just too little fantasy in the first half of the book to keep my interest, but unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me.

Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding story. When Zo inherits the House at Watch Hill, she finds out her mother was murdered, someone is trying to kill Zo, and the house is full of mysteries and hidden passages. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenally talented author, Karen Marie Moning!

BRAVO!!!🙌
In a triumphant return to the literary world, Karen Marie Moning has crafted a masterpiece that reaffirms her place among the greats. With The House At Watch Hill, KMM delivers a fabulously written novel that not only meets but exceeds the high expectations set by her previous works! I've read every book she's ever written and this is one of her best! She remains one of my top favorite authors of all time! And here is just a little teasing taste of what's sure to became another unforgettable series by this amazing storyteller.

In the heart of Louisiana, where the air is thick with history and mystery, unfolds a dark gothic fantasy romance that ensnares both the heart and the imagination. This novel masterfully blends the allure of vampires and the mystique of witches, weaving a tale that is both haunting and darkly sensual where not only witches dewell but sexy sinful vampires as well.

The protagonist, is Zoey Grey and after the death of her beloved mother not only does she deal with overwhelming grief but also a darker side that's full of pain and tangled dark emotions. And the only relief she gets is in the arms of men that she hand picks to bring to her bed where is can unleash all her volatility and give and take pleasure on her own terms! But when Zoey receives a letter saying that a relative has died and she's the only living relative to the inheritance, its off to Divinity she goes!

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance dark themes with moments of intense, heartfelt emotion. The characters are richly developed, their struggles with love, loss, and identity drawing readers into a whirlwind of passion and peril. The interplay between the witch’s burgeoning powers and the coven that she has now inherited. ancient power plays create a dynamic that is as captivating as it is unpredictable.

The plot twists and turns like the labyrinthine streets of New Orleans, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The author’s prose is lush and evocative, painting scenes that linger long after the final page is turned. This novel is not just a story; it’s an experience, a journey into a world where the supernatural is always just a breath away.

For fans of dark fantasy and gothic romance, this book is a must-read. It’s a spellbinding blend of sex, magic, and danger that will leave you yearning for more.
Can't wait for book 2!!! The cliffhanger was marvelous! Until next time Luv's😉💋

Dark and endearing. Enjoyed the mystery of the whole experience. Read this book with an open mind and don’t over think it and it will be enjoyable all the way to the end.

4⭐️ || <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jennyreadsalot">TikTok</a>

This book runs on vibes and atmosphere and it does a spectacular job at keeping you reading and interested despite the fact that almost nothing happened during the entire book.

Well to be fair, things do happen but at the end of the book you’re still wondering what the fuck is going on. This felt more like Part I in a single book than the first book in the series.

Despite being thoroughly annoyed that I still have so many unanswered questions at the end of this book, I still had a really great time.

This is the perfect read for spooky season. It’s atmospheric, witchy, has a sentient (or maybe haunted) house, vampires, spirits, what might be more than just normal animals (see: lots of unanswered questions), and mystery.

That said, I really expected some romance and I don’t think I got any. If fact I was a little put off at the FMC’s weird hook-up/thoughts/opinions on sex. It felt like it was trying really hard to be sex positive and instead just seemed out of place.

All the sex happens off page, and technically she does have a romantic connection but I definitely didn’t feel like I was reading any romance.

I will absolutely be continuing the series and picking up more of this authors books in the future.

I've been wanting to check out Karen Marie Moning for a while but was a bit intimidated by the number of books in her other series. What better way to get a taste of her writing than reading the first book in a new series!


Thank you NetGalley and Willian Morrow for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I have to start off saying, I love and will read anything KMM writes. Love the McKayla Lane/fever series, as well as the Highlander series.
This book was a fun and interesting read. Definitely gave gothic Louisiana vibes. Witches, creepy house with mysterious doors/hallways/dimensions, and multiple sexy Irish and Scottish men, what’s not to love?
I will want to do another read when this book comes out officially, I felt the first half seemed to be kind of slow, spent a bit too much time describing places (I enjoy painting the picture but it seemed to take me out of the story a bit). But holy moly from a bit over halfway it was a fast and intriguing ride! Can’t wait to see where this series goes. I know KMM is incredibly talented at character growth so while this character seems a bit immature at times, I can’t wait to see where she goes and how she grows after that ending (which just a heads up is a cliffhanger).

This is story about a girl who one day felt a death and discovered a whole new world.
A crazy inheritance leads her on a path to witchy discovery filled with lies, twists, learning and ruling.

Starts slow and continues to slowly build but once it gets to the middle it’s a fast ride!

Thanks NetGalley *

4.5 stars rounded up Who wouldn’t love to inherit a gorgeous estate and millions of dollars…especially after a lifetime of struggling to make ends meet and suffering great loss? What appears to be a modern day Gothic fairytale, quickly proves to be much more. Family loyalty, deceit, supernatural secrets…stirred into a surprising cliffhanger ending…can’t wait for part two of this new trilogy!

I loved this book. Generally love books ablut witches, and this one did not disappoint in the least. Ture blood meets discovery of witches makes for a great read! Looking foward to book 2 as I feel still in the dark at the end of book 1!!!!

The House at Watch Hill is not as it seems - including its townspeople as Zo quickly finds out. As the suspense continues to mount for both Zo and this reader, before I knew it the first part of this trilogy was done and I could only wonder what is next for Zo and Watch Hill. I am waiting impatiently for the next book in the series.

What one would expect from Ms. Moning! This book did not disappoint. It’s a little dark, a little twisted, and a whole lot mysterious. There are so many secrets, and so things I want answered. I have received this book as an advanced copy for my honest opinion and I have to say that my opinion is:
1. Who else has read this? We need to talk.
2. I will absolutely be buying this because I am going to need to highlight a number of things, and notes. I have notes.
3. Time for a reread to see what I missed.

All of that being said, this is looking to be an amazing, edge of your seat, dark and twisty kind of series. I for one cannot wait. So buckle up buttercup, and get ready for a good time.

Okay I loved this! What a way to start a (hopefully!) long new series!

An inheritance that can’t be refused. A main character that doesn’t have anything left to lose, or so she thinks. Until she gets to her new town with a gothic mansion looming over her head, and lots of responsibilities dumped in her lap. KMM really painted a pretty picture here with her descriptions of the town, the house itself, and even feelings.

I loved the victorian, creepy yet lush atmosphere of the property and THE OWL!

Everything that happened in this book, appropriately led us up to that ending that I was waiting for. There’s just enough romance, or should I say lust, to keep you guessing what the endgame is. This book is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s to come. The cliffhanger KILLED ME! Book two is going to be good!

Oh M G. Y'all. KMM has done it yet again. I was deep in a reading slump when I got this as an ARC, and being the KMM Fever series lover, I had to start it immediately. From the beginning, I was hooked. Karen has such a way of making you feel that you are in the story, I could swear I was there with Zo through this whole ride. Zo is yet another great FMC, who though is broken at the beginning of this novel, starts to find her way through a new life that was thrust upon her. The men in this novel are to die for, and are similar to those in the Fever series (🥵)
The ending had me absolutely SHOOK, and I'm absolutely dying for the next book. For those of you who also love her Fever series, you are sure to love this one as well!!

2/5 - Thank you William Morrow Books and NetGalley for the ARC eBook of the newest title form one of my favorite authors of all time!

I was so excited to get my hands on this! It brings me such joy to see Ms. Moning back at it again with a new series. Though I know this is the first book in what will likely be a lengthy series that will develop and fix many of the issues I had, that unfortunately that did not enhance my enjoyment of this first book at this time.

I know that Ms. Moning is very well versed and studied in both Irish and Scottish history, but I was really looking for something different here. I wanted to see her diverge from her normal path and make something new, creative, and beautiful. But I felt that this was very much in the same world as her past books, so much so that it felt like the same story with variations on the same plot and characters. Dark, buff, mysterious, old, all knowing men out the wazoo? Check. Bereft MFC going to an unknown place for adventures and mysteries that bend her understanding of life as she knows it so that they mentally and emotionally break her down so she grows stronger by the hardships she faces, things she learns, and power she gains? Check. Magical clubs? Check. Grimoire/fancy book of importance? Check. People of (pretty much) strictly Irish/Scottish descent? Check.

Furthermore, as the title of the book is "House at Watch Hill," I was expecting a story more so based around the house itself. Sure, it was a major point of discussion in the book, and, I know more will be revealed as the story develops over time. BUT, I think I was expecting something like a "Monster House" premise. None of the revelations were......well, revelatory for me.

I also am in desperate need of a more realistic relationship. I respect that Ms. Moning's version of a powerful, imaginary man is that he is all knowing, all perceptive, all charming, but when EVERY. SINGLE. MAN. is like that? I confess, it loses me a little.

Will I still read the rest of this series as it unfolds? Absolutely! It is my moral obligation as a supporter of this author. And I sincerely hope I grow more attached the more it develops. I also hope that writing this was a good tool for Ms. Moning to help her cope with the passing of her mother, as that was expressed through the writing as well.

SO many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning. Oh my.goodness!!!! Love big spooky gothic books set in big spooky gothic houses?! You are going to love this book! And it's the beginning of a new series! Squeeeee!

The beginning of THE HOUSE AT WATCH HILL drew me in, but I found myself struggling to get through the book around the 30% mark. The pacing is too slow for my liking, as most of the plot consists of Zo spending her time inside the Cameron mansion as she waits to learn more about her true identity. By the 90% mark, I was sort of checked out even though the intensity picked up during the last two chapters and we’re presented with a cliffhanger that seemed obvious to me from the beginning.

THE HOUSE AT WATCH HILL suffers from an excessive amount of inner dialogue along with underutilization of the Cameron mansion, which is supposed to be full of “countless secrets and mystifying riddles.” I would have liked for the mansion to be written as a true character to enhance the Gothic setting. Maybe my expectations were misplaced, but I was really hoping for a setting that evoked the feelings I felt while reading Starling House and The Last Tale of the Flower Bride.

I really loved the premise of this book, but overall I think the execution could have went in a different direction.

When Zo's mother dies, she is left homeless and rudderless. The call from the lawyer in Louisiana is welcome, even though it seems a little too good to be true. Zo, it turns out, is an heir to a fortune - provided that she follows the requests in the will. Zo travels to the small town and is met with many different welcomes. She is unsure who is telling the truth and if she can trust her gut. One thing is for sure, there are hidden powers in this town - and not all are good.

Karen Marie Moning introduces a new heroine and universe where witches can be light or dark (or grey) and there is more than one type of vampire. Marie Moning includes quite a bit of sex and longing which can push this story into a romantasy style story.

The story is compelling and more than enough hook to have me waiting breathlessly for the next book! #willimamorrow #thehousetatwatchhill #karenmariemoning

Why yes, I am KMM's #1 fan and yes, I immediately requested this one! It does not disappoint. In "The House at Watch Hill", which is set in a gothic mansion in Divinity, LA, we enter the world of Zo. Being from Indiana (which is where the book starts out), I was excited to see places/towns I knew (so fun to actually read about places I know)!

The book starts out as Zo is trying to keep it together working 3 jobs and caring for her mother, who is dying from cancer. As Zo puts it, "I'm just trying to take care of her until I no longer have that privilege." Fast forward to Zo traveling to Divinity and finding out she is the heir to a gothic manor and many other things with many stipulations. The book describes Zo's new accommodation as a "home to three centuries of secrets, blood, and lies," and even says that "the mansion on the hill was a dark, slumbering beast." To actually inherit this mansion, Zo must live in it and learn how to be the royal witch she is...something that her mother actually hid from her.

I absolutely loved Zo's journey of self-discovery and this new world of witches that KMM has created. The last chapter is unbelievable and had me wanting more. As in, when is book 2 coming out!!! Thank you, William Morrow Publishing for the Arc to Read and Review!

This book really started strong, but it began to fall flat for me after a while. I could not connect with the characters and found the main character unlikeable. The plot felt a bit repetitive to me as well. Perhaps the author was using this book as world-building for the trilogy to come, but it did fall a bit flat for me, I’m sorry to say. I really wanted to love this one.

It was an entertaining read, but not my favorite.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow publishing for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. This feedback and opinions are my own.
I was so excited to preview this copy of The House at Watch Hill. Karen is one of my most favorite authors and I’ve been eagerly anticipating this release.
I felt like the FMC was written well and the supporting characters were fully fleshed out - definitely more than just placeholders. The world building was wonderful and the descriptions of The House painted a clear picture in my mind.
I feel like a lot of the foundation for future books in this series was laid in this first book, which I understand the need for, but it still made me want the meat of the story more. The ending has a definite cliffhanger and I think it’s a solid hook into making readers want to continue the series to see where it goes.
Overall 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.