Hollow by C. M. Nascosta

Book Review 

Title: Hollow by C. M. Nascosta  

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Spicy

Rating: 4.5 Stars 

C.M. Nascosta’s Hollow is a striking entry in contemporary paranormal romance, blending folk-horror atmosphere with an intimate, character-driven love story. Set in a small town steeped in ritual and unease, the novel reimagines the Headless Horseman myth through a lens that is sensual, unsettling, and unexpectedly tender. Rather than relying solely on shock or novelty, Nascosta uses the familiar bones of folklore to explore loneliness, desire, and the quiet ache of being othered. 

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One of Hollow’s greatest strengths is its setting. The town feels enclosed and watchful, governed by traditions that are never fully explained but always deeply felt. This sense of place creates a persistent undercurrent of dread, grounding the more fantastical elements in a believable emotional reality. Nascosta excels at using atmosphere as narrative pressure: the woods, the rituals, and the unspoken rules all contribute to a feeling that something ancient and inescapable is at work. The horror here is not constant or overt, but it lingers in the margins, making even ordinary moments feel charged. 

At the center of the novel is a romance that is as unconventional as it is compelling. The Headless Horseman—often portrayed as a symbol of terror—becomes, in Nascosta’s hands, a figure of surprising vulnerability. His monstrousness is not erased or softened for convenience; instead, it is treated as an integral part of who he is. This approach allows the romance to feel earned rather than gimmicky. The relationship develops through shared solitude and mutual recognition, emphasizing emotional intimacy as much as physical attraction. 

The protagonist’s perspective further deepens this dynamic. Rather than reacting with simple fear or fascination, she approaches the Horseman with curiosity, empathy, and a growing sense of identification. Her own isolation mirrors his, and the novel carefully traces how connection can form between those who exist on the edges of their communities. This emotional symmetry is one of the book’s quiet triumphs, giving the romance thematic weight beyond its paranormal premise.

Stylistically, Nascosta’s prose is clean and evocative, favoring mood over excess description. The writing allows readers to linger in moments of tension or intimacy without overstaying its welcome. Particularly effective are the scenes where silence and absence—most notably the Horseman’s inability to speak—become tools of communication. These moments underscore the novel’s interest in nontraditional expressions of love and understanding. 

That said, Hollow may not appeal to every reader. Those seeking a fast-paced plot or extensive world-building explanations might find the story’s restraint frustrating. Nascosta often chooses implication over exposition, leaving certain aspects of the town’s customs and supernatural rules ambiguous. While this ambiguity strengthens the novel’s eerie tone, it can also feel limiting for readers who prefer clearer narrative answers. 

Additionally, the novel’s explicit content is integral to its exploration of intimacy but may be polarizing. The erotic elements are closely tied to character and theme, yet they demand a level of openness from the reader. For some, this will enhance the emotional impact; for others, it may overshadow the subtler aspects of the story. 

Overall, Hollow is a confident and thoughtful reworking of folklore that embraces both romance and horror without fully surrendering to either. C.M. Nascosta demonstrates a clear understanding of how to humanize the monstrous without diminishing its power. The result is a novel that is eerie, sensual, and quietly poignant—a story about finding connection in places shaped by fear and tradition. For readers interested in paranormal romance that prioritizes atmosphere and emotional resonance over spectacle, Hollow is a memorable and rewarding read. 

Buy it here: 

Kindle Edition: amazon.co.uk                                       amazon.com