This was really gross (complimentary) and surprisingly sweet for a little horror novella. The cover and description drew me in - I can absolutely see why this series is described like "Goosebumps for adults" if they're all this length and packed with this much depth and heart. (And a nice little lesson on how violence begets violence, even if it feels like vigilante work.)

Thank you to Shortwave Publishing and Netgalley for the eARC!

This fast-paced horror novella was excellently done, from the plot to the characters to the gore, 10/10! It was surprisingly emotional and packed a lot of depth into just a little over 200 pages, and I could have read so much more about Brian and Jenny! Cue the 1812 Overture!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With the 1812 Overture as a backdrop, this novella is a perfect symphony! I hung on to every note, never daring to look away, a profound YES ringing emphatically in my ears with each chapter!

How clever as well, to keep the reader in suspense by leaving a sentence mid-thought, only to pick it back up moments later.

I’ve read 25 books so far this year, and this one takes the alcopop. A new favourite! A dark read that seeps into you like a cold drink on a warm sunny day. The beginning will sink its claws into you, so beware - consumed in just one sitting, you won’t be able to put it down.

Amor, you’ve done it again! I f**king love you, you dirty minx!

Brian is the owner of an exclusive and luxurious bar. He curates a decadent experience enhanced with fine liquors for the rich and famous. Brian is also fuelled by deep-seated anguish and a longing for vengeance. An irresistible pairing, as you’ll soon find out.

Let the 1812 Overture play 🎶

A fun, quick-paced horror novella. The author did a fantastic job with the pacing, and it was surprisingly clever with its art symbolism. This was a refreshing read, and I can absolutely see the “Goosebumps for adults” vibes.

We meet Brian, the owner of a super luxe, elite bar. He’s poured everything into making the place feel curated and swanky. But unfortunately, Brian finds himself in a bit of a bind and discovers an unexpected ally for some pretty dark deeds.

I appreciated the balance of camp without tipping into cheesy while keeping the pace moving and the characters interesting. The story unfolds in a fun way, with the present moving forward and the flashbacks moving backward. It was disorienting in a good way and kept me wanting to turn the pages.

My only critiques are really a product of the novella format. I absolutely could have read a full-length novel about Brian and the Dirty Minx. Readers who enjoy fast-moving, dark, slightly campy horror will have a great time with this one.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Gemma Amor for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Happy Hour coming out October 20, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love horror stories. I thought this would be fun. It was definitely short, but it reminded me of 90s stories. It was great. I’d check out more books in the series.