Crown Me Dead: A Dark Fantasy Romance (Heartstring Duet)
Liv Zander
4.4
A Dream of the Forest: A Dark Horror Romance (The Court of the Earth Book 1) (The Devil's Courts)
by Rose Bitterly
About this book
“Who do you want to be? The predator or the prey?”
Gideon
Ten years ago, Ivy Myste was dragged out of my life, and I’ve been waiting for her ever since. So when she moves into the farmhouse on the edge of my family’s East Texas estate, I’m already ready for her.
You see, there’s a darkness in these deep woods that’s haunted my family for decades. It’s already poisoned me and my brother.
And I’m the only one who can stop it from poisoning her, too.
Xavier
Gideon thinks he owns her. But Ivy is mine and always has been. I just need to claim her for good.
Now that she’s back in Texas, I have my chance. Gideon thinks he stands in my way. But he’s wrong.
That darkness he’s so afraid of? I know how to control it. How to use it to get what I want.
And what I want is Ivy Myste.
Ivy
All my life, I’ve dreamed of the Hartshorn estate, and the brothers who live there.
But when I inherit my estranged grandmother’s house, the last thing I expect is to reconnect with either of them.
Not strong and protective Gideon.
Not cruel and calculating Xavier.
But together, they leave a trail of blood and magic through the darkest parts of the forest.
And I have no choice but to follow.
A Dream of the Forest is the first book in the Court of the Earth duet. This two-part dark gothic horror romance story features paranormal elements, morally black MMCs, and an HEA. (Although please note that Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger).
It also contains material that some readers may find disturbing. Please review the full list of content notes on the author’s website.
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2026
- ASIN
- B0FL813ZY5
Reader Reviews
September 20, 2025
I have read everything the Rose has put out and I have to say this is definitely one of her best. This build of the back story and mythology around her characters is absolutely stunning. The scenes with Ivy and Gideon are phenomenal and the presence of Xavier is just chilling. And the Cliffhanger....WOW. I will be sitting impatiently for the next book to come out. Amazing. ) !Image 94: Grips you hard from start to finish !Image 95!Image 96: Grips you hard from start to finish !Image 97  I have read everything the Rose has put out and I have to say this is definitely one of her best. This build of the back story and mythology around her characters is absolutely stunning. The scenes with Ivy and Gideon are phenomenal and the presence of Xavier is just chilling. And the Cliffhanger....WOW. I will be sitting impatiently for the next book to come out. Amazing. * !Image 100...
December 7, 2025
Another great horror romance by Rose Bitterly! I love the way the story unfolds. I loved the witchcraft element in this story, it definitely made things darker. I really loved Gideon. Yes, he’s this big, scary looking guy, but he truly loves Ivy and just wants to take care of her. Then there’s Xavier. He’s the one part of this story I didn’t like lol. I get it’s why choose, but I do wish it had been more of a love triangle instead so she could choose Gideon. I mean, In her heart, she loves...
February 28, 2026
What an amazing read by Rose Bitterly. I'm not really familiar with this author's work, having only read one of her short stories in an anthology which I thoroughly enjoyed. This book is dark and twisted and so freaking good. The characters are so well defined. Gideon and Xavier are intense MMC's who have both loved the same girl since they were young. Ivy loved them both as well but now that she's an adult she can't seem to remember certain parts of her past. She's drawn to Hartshorn and she's...
September 20, 2025
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Romance/Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ll admit it upfront: I’m a repeat ARC reader for Rose Bitterly, and any time I get the chance, I sign up. Her Hunter’s Heart series hooked me, so when I saw she had a brand-new series with A Dream of the Forest, I was beyond excited to dive in. And honestly? She did not disappoint. We’re introduced to Ivy Myste, who has just inherited her estranged grandmother’s house. From the start,...
Readers Also Enjoyed
Crown Me Yours: A Dark Fantasy Romance (Heartstring Duet)
Liv Zander
4.7
Fallen Demon: Deluxe Limited Edition (Hell Bent)
Aurora Ascher
Enchantra: A Spicy Fantasy Romance (Wicked Games, Book 2)
Kaylie Smith
4.5
Beauty and the Demon: Deluxe Limited Edition (Hell Bent)
Aurora Ascher
4.5
Once upon a Demon's Heart: Cruel Fates Duet, Book 1
K. M. Moronova
4.3