Shivers & Thrills is a gothic, whimsical read that blends spooky aesthetics and heartfelt storytelling in a wildly fun and original world. A.C. Harrah crafts a playful, offbeat romance filled with oddball creatures, macabre humor, and surprisingly tender moments. While it may not be for everyone, it’s certainly a story that marches to the beat of its own (undead) drum.
At the center of the story is the vampire Vittore, the self-proclaimed “Prince of Thrills,” whose fading ability to frighten humans sets him on a chaotic journey of reinvention. Trying to reclaim his scary edge unravels into something meaningful (and strangely adorable) when he marries an animated corpse with dry humor and a mysterious past.
Love this world created by the author, which is a bit Tim Burton-ish, but the uniqueness is still there with its unpredictability and imagination. I loved that you can really imagine everything, even if what’s happening in the story can get a bit chaotic, lol.
That being said, while the book’s core romance is layered with personal growth and themes of identity, there are some interactions that feel a bit manipulative between the characters, which may be a bit off-putting to some. Another issue I have, despite the wonderful and creative world-building, is the lack of physical description for some of the characters.
Other than that, I think Shivers & Thrills is a positively giddy and awesome read! It is comedy with a heart, exploring love, jealousy, and the desire to be accepted and understood in their own world. If you like monster-filled romances and stories that are silly but sincere, then this one is definitely for you! It is also a good read this Halloween, so watch out for this one!
3.5 out of 5 stars
Publication Date: October 08, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and A.C. Harrah for the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
About the Author
A.C. Harrah is the author of “Turning Curse,” a young adult novel about a prince cursed by his best friend into being an animal.
Due to her love of writing, A.C. tends to chain herself to her computer, but when she does sneak out it’s usually to frolic on the beach or see the latest super hero movie. Oh, and travel. She would happily live out of a backpack if it meant exploring the world.
One of her favorite authors is Lewis Carroll.
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