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The Smile and Other Stories
The Smile and Other Stories by Cyn Nightly*
This collection contains a diverse mix of horror genres with familiar backdrops: a cabin in the woods, an isolated hike, a car on a lover's lane. However, these stories are not your typical slashers, they are horrors of the mind. While there is no shortage of gore, the true terrors in this collection are the demons we all may face at some point in our lives: betrayal, grief, the loss of a loved one, sexual assault, revenge.
Most of the stories center around a woman's POV and tackle familiar issues through the lens of the macabre. These thrilling stories will keep you thinking—and perhaps have you double-checking the locks on your doors—long after you've read them.
Stories:
What Came With The Storm: After the unexpected passing of her father, Carlie and her fiancée, Arielle, plan to spend some alone time in his cabin. On the first night, an unexpected guest appears.
The Smile: What happens when two evil men cross paths and you are stuck in the crossfire?
Where They Go: A woman tries to find her way back home after a cursed hike.
The Wingman: Rav, a self-proclaimed pickup artist has to cut some corners to maintain his reputation. One night, the tables are turned and it's Rav who finds himself to be the object of someone else's desire.
The Moonlit Bridge: A devastated woman gets the rare chance to bring her lover´back to life. She thinks the price she paid upfront will cover the cost, but she soon learns that there is a much larger balance due.
*Cyn Nightly is the horror pen name for bestselling dark romance/erotica author Nina G. Jones
This collection contains a diverse mix of horror genres with familiar backdrops: a cabin in the woods, an isolated hike, a car on a lover's lane. However, these stories are not your typical slashers, they are horrors of the mind. While there is no shortage of gore, the true terrors in this collection are the demons we all may face at some point in our lives: betrayal, grief, the loss of a loved one, sexual assault, revenge.
Most of the stories center around a woman's POV and tackle familiar issues through the lens of the macabre. These thrilling stories will keep you thinking—and perhaps have you double-checking the locks on your doors—long after you've read them.
Stories:
What Came With The Storm: After the unexpected passing of her father, Carlie and her fiancée, Arielle, plan to spend some alone time in his cabin. On the first night, an unexpected guest appears.
The Smile: What happens when two evil men cross paths and you are stuck in the crossfire?
Where They Go: A woman tries to find her way back home after a cursed hike.
The Wingman: Rav, a self-proclaimed pickup artist has to cut some corners to maintain his reputation. One night, the tables are turned and it's Rav who finds himself to be the object of someone else's desire.
The Moonlit Bridge: A devastated woman gets the rare chance to bring her lover´back to life. She thinks the price she paid upfront will cover the cost, but she soon learns that there is a much larger balance due.
*Cyn Nightly is the horror pen name for bestselling dark romance/erotica author Nina G. Jones
Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 27, 2020
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: THE SMILE AND OTHER STORIES BY CYN NIGHTY.
GENRE: HORROR.
AUTHOR:CYN NIGHTY.
TYPE: SHORT STORIES.
my rating: 5 SPOOKY STARS.
What in the hell I was thinking? Starting this book at night...did I really expect to sleep after reading this.
This was a far cry from the usual genres I read ( mostly Romance.) But when I saw Nina G. Jones, I had to read this...and I was not disappointed at all.
This book consists of 5 different short stories...all different yet terrorizing to the same spooky level.
Every story brings emotional and psychological drama to the fore with some truly terrifying results.
How the author has made me feel so much about these characters even thought there stories are short are beyond my imagination.
The plot of each story took my breath away..
No matter if it was paranormal horror or psychological crime horror...it was still terror inducing...a book which will rob you of your good night sleep.
I can't say which book was my favorite because you cant exactly choose black from other shades of black...
A perfect recommendation read for all the Halloween lovers...
Caution: there us some mature contents in the books which may be sensitive for some readers.
A perfect spooky read for Halloween.
GENRE: HORROR.
AUTHOR:CYN NIGHTY.
TYPE: SHORT STORIES.
my rating: 5 SPOOKY STARS.
What in the hell I was thinking? Starting this book at night...did I really expect to sleep after reading this.
This was a far cry from the usual genres I read ( mostly Romance.) But when I saw Nina G. Jones, I had to read this...and I was not disappointed at all.
This book consists of 5 different short stories...all different yet terrorizing to the same spooky level.
Every story brings emotional and psychological drama to the fore with some truly terrifying results.
How the author has made me feel so much about these characters even thought there stories are short are beyond my imagination.
The plot of each story took my breath away..
No matter if it was paranormal horror or psychological crime horror...it was still terror inducing...a book which will rob you of your good night sleep.
I can't say which book was my favorite because you cant exactly choose black from other shades of black...
A perfect recommendation read for all the Halloween lovers...
Caution: there us some mature contents in the books which may be sensitive for some readers.
A perfect spooky read for Halloween.
October 17, 2020
I will level with y'all, it takes a LOT to scare me, and honestly I haven't been scared by a book in several years, but this week?! Hell if I wasn't scared of 3 different books this week, and my dark soul is singing. I will say that The Smile and Other Stories finds me with a night light on still, and yeah I'm not even embarrassed about this fact because it takes a truly brilliant author to do that to me. I'm not going to break down each of these books because you can just read the description, but I'll warn you, everything you hear that goes bump in the night will have you thinking about this collection of scary. You would think with scary cabins to hikes that go wrong, and even a car on lover's lane, that I would have been okay because of those slasher movie types, but this author leveled up the terrifying. So, if you feel you can do this since it's the month of scary, hit those one click buttons & don't read it at night! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO THOSE BRAVE ENOUGH!
October 28, 2020
creepy af but so good
October 9, 2020
🩸WHAT CAME WITH THE STORM
Two women. A cabin the woods. Miles away from the next one. During a snowstorm. Not creepy at all, right? It totally is especially when a stranger appears suddenly in the middle of the night.
Arielle and Carlie are there to pack up Carlie’s father’s isolated cabin after his death. They thought it would be a relaxing a few days and nights but it’s anything but...
A twist I didn’t see coming!
Quotes:
“Ruby? It looks like you like red, so we'll call you Ruby.”
Something wasn’t right. No shit, right?
😁 THE SMILE
His smile made her melt. It later made her scream. It was supposed to just be a dinner date then he surprises her by taking her to lookout point. Now, she was in the middle of two evils. Which one will win out? Will any of them make it out alive?
Quotes:
It was the kind of smile that was, in the most literal sense of the word, dazzling.
It was as if he declared checkmate on a game of chess I didn't even know we were playing.
🌿WHERE THEY GO
It was a typical day. Devin and his fiancé, Lindy wanted to try a new hiking trail near their new home. During their little adventure they come across some odd and fascinating statues and trees. It was a great trip out in the wilderness until one of them disappears...
Oh man, I was on the edge of my couch with this one. I had to know what was going to happen next and it’s definitely different than the other two stories.
Quotes:
“If we’re going to break the law, we might as well be good citizens about it,” he insisted.
“Fine!” I shouted, pacing ahead of him toward the trail. “Just go ahead and leave evidence of us breaking the law, ya boy scout!”
“This isn't funny,” I ended with a quavering voice.
🙈🙉🙊 THE WINGMAN
Holy. Shit. Yeah, I said it. A manwhore who needs a lesson and a woman to give him one. It’s definitely a night he will never forget. I can’t really get in to it anymore than that. I will say, it’s a good thing I love dark reads. It prepared me that’s for sure.
Quotes:
Sure, it sounds like the start of a horror movie, but I'm still feeling hopeful that this is just the end of a very kinky night. After all, this isn't the first time I've been tied up by a hot girl.
“You might want to shut the fuck up. This is the part when I start unveiling little clues about why you're here.”
🌑 THE MOONLIT BRIDGE
Wow. Two months before their wedding there was a tragic accident. Six months later, Angelina was a mess. Depressed and didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. That was until she saw neon light and a woman who could bring her fiancé back to her. At a cost. Will it be worth it?
Damn, I feel bad for Angelina. The poor thing. I can’t say anything more.
Quotes:
The world had not only lost its color, but its shape and its sounds.
“There are consequences to anything you do.”
**Overall, this was perfect for my Halloween-loving heart. Got some gore. Some love. Some kidnapping. All the makes for some darkness that I crave. Being born on Halloween does that to a person. 🎃
Two women. A cabin the woods. Miles away from the next one. During a snowstorm. Not creepy at all, right? It totally is especially when a stranger appears suddenly in the middle of the night.
Arielle and Carlie are there to pack up Carlie’s father’s isolated cabin after his death. They thought it would be a relaxing a few days and nights but it’s anything but...
A twist I didn’t see coming!
Quotes:
“Ruby? It looks like you like red, so we'll call you Ruby.”
Something wasn’t right. No shit, right?
😁 THE SMILE
His smile made her melt. It later made her scream. It was supposed to just be a dinner date then he surprises her by taking her to lookout point. Now, she was in the middle of two evils. Which one will win out? Will any of them make it out alive?
Quotes:
It was the kind of smile that was, in the most literal sense of the word, dazzling.
It was as if he declared checkmate on a game of chess I didn't even know we were playing.
🌿WHERE THEY GO
It was a typical day. Devin and his fiancé, Lindy wanted to try a new hiking trail near their new home. During their little adventure they come across some odd and fascinating statues and trees. It was a great trip out in the wilderness until one of them disappears...
Oh man, I was on the edge of my couch with this one. I had to know what was going to happen next and it’s definitely different than the other two stories.
Quotes:
“If we’re going to break the law, we might as well be good citizens about it,” he insisted.
“Fine!” I shouted, pacing ahead of him toward the trail. “Just go ahead and leave evidence of us breaking the law, ya boy scout!”
“This isn't funny,” I ended with a quavering voice.
🙈🙉🙊 THE WINGMAN
Holy. Shit. Yeah, I said it. A manwhore who needs a lesson and a woman to give him one. It’s definitely a night he will never forget. I can’t really get in to it anymore than that. I will say, it’s a good thing I love dark reads. It prepared me that’s for sure.
Quotes:
Sure, it sounds like the start of a horror movie, but I'm still feeling hopeful that this is just the end of a very kinky night. After all, this isn't the first time I've been tied up by a hot girl.
“You might want to shut the fuck up. This is the part when I start unveiling little clues about why you're here.”
🌑 THE MOONLIT BRIDGE
Wow. Two months before their wedding there was a tragic accident. Six months later, Angelina was a mess. Depressed and didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. That was until she saw neon light and a woman who could bring her fiancé back to her. At a cost. Will it be worth it?
Damn, I feel bad for Angelina. The poor thing. I can’t say anything more.
Quotes:
The world had not only lost its color, but its shape and its sounds.
“There are consequences to anything you do.”
**Overall, this was perfect for my Halloween-loving heart. Got some gore. Some love. Some kidnapping. All the makes for some darkness that I crave. Being born on Halloween does that to a person. 🎃
October 30, 2023
"The Smile and Other Stories" is a collection of horror and mystery tales that I chose to delve into this October, aiming to immerse myself in the eerie and spine-tingling atmosphere of the Halloween season. The book is comprised of five short stories, each offering a unique blend of horror, mystery, paranormal elements, and thrilling narratives.
The first story is a fine read, and although I saw the twist coming, I still found myself enjoying it. It set the tone for the book and left me eager to explore the subsequent stories.
The second story exceeded my expectations, surpassing the first in terms of creating a sense of thrill and horror. The atmospheric elements were particularly well-executed in this tale, immersing me in a world of suspense and unease.
The third story was a bit more challenging to read due to the harrowing experiences of the heroine. I couldn't help but feel immense empathy for her, and the ending provided a sense of satisfaction that balanced the initial discomfort.
The fourth story left me with a mix of emotions. I found myself torn between feeling sorry for the central character and simultaneously believing that he deserved the consequences of his actions. It was a discomforting story that left me in contemplation.
The fifth and final story turned out to be my favorite in the entire collection. The poignant tale had me shedding tears for the loss of the heroine, making it a somber and deeply emotional story that left my heart heavy, even after finishing the book.
Overall, "The Smile and Other Stories" is a book that I genuinely enjoyed, thanks to its ability to deliver an array of horror and mystery experiences. While I may not be inclined to reread it, it certainly made for an engaging and fitting choice for the October season, leaving me with a lingering sense of the uncanny and a reminder of the power of a well-crafted horror story.
The first story is a fine read, and although I saw the twist coming, I still found myself enjoying it. It set the tone for the book and left me eager to explore the subsequent stories.
The second story exceeded my expectations, surpassing the first in terms of creating a sense of thrill and horror. The atmospheric elements were particularly well-executed in this tale, immersing me in a world of suspense and unease.
The third story was a bit more challenging to read due to the harrowing experiences of the heroine. I couldn't help but feel immense empathy for her, and the ending provided a sense of satisfaction that balanced the initial discomfort.
The fourth story left me with a mix of emotions. I found myself torn between feeling sorry for the central character and simultaneously believing that he deserved the consequences of his actions. It was a discomforting story that left me in contemplation.
The fifth and final story turned out to be my favorite in the entire collection. The poignant tale had me shedding tears for the loss of the heroine, making it a somber and deeply emotional story that left my heart heavy, even after finishing the book.
Overall, "The Smile and Other Stories" is a book that I genuinely enjoyed, thanks to its ability to deliver an array of horror and mystery experiences. While I may not be inclined to reread it, it certainly made for an engaging and fitting choice for the October season, leaving me with a lingering sense of the uncanny and a reminder of the power of a well-crafted horror story.
June 27, 2021
I first came across The Smile as part of the podcast Scare You To Sleep. It's been living in my brain for quite awhile now, and I've occasionally looked for a book of horror stories by the author. I was pleasantly surprised to run across this on my most recent look. These stories are fantastic. Brutal, haunting. The kind of horror stories that will sit with you for quite awhile and pop back up in your psyche when you least need it to. I haven't been one for leaving reviews in a long time, but this book, this book deserved a review. I know Scare You To Sleep has at least one other story that wasn't part of this collection, so I'm hoping there will be more horror story collections to come.
October 18, 2020
As an avid lover of all things Halloween and scary movies, this was the perfect read for this time of year!! Each one of these stories was so different from each other, but didn't just dwell on the jump-out-of-the-dark easy scares, but the truly frightening levels of what the depraved psyche is capable of. I don't want to spoil anything for you all, but I just had such a blast reading this collection!! I definitely recommend this book!!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
October 17, 2020
WHAT DID I JUST READ?!???? Every one of those stories was chilling to the bone. Although I loved them all, my favorite story was The Smile.
Nina is one of my favorite author’s so when I saw she had a new pen name for stories of a different genre, I KNEW I had to check it out the day it dropped and I’m glad I did because this book was a stroke of horrific genius!!!!
If I could give this book more stars, I would. My mind is completely blown from these well written, but horrific stories.
Nina is one of my favorite author’s so when I saw she had a new pen name for stories of a different genre, I KNEW I had to check it out the day it dropped and I’m glad I did because this book was a stroke of horrific genius!!!!
If I could give this book more stars, I would. My mind is completely blown from these well written, but horrific stories.
January 7, 2021
First book of 2021 and first book I’ve read in this genre ! Of course I had to give it a go because Nina is probably my favourite author. Her writing and stories are beautiful and I live for the psychological element in all of them. Like her previous books, this one will definitely stick with me. I loved each short story but The Smile was definitely my favourite.
December 2, 2020
I'm only 50% through this book and I already rated it 5 stars. Sry not sry lol Definite must read.
December 5, 2020
The Moonlit Bridge was my favourite story. I loved it!
December 9, 2020
Holy mother of nightmares!!
What a come back!
Mindfuckery at its best!
What a birthday celebration for “#cynnightly”
This author is back and with a vengeance.
Just in time for trick or treats, we have 5 horror stories with 5 different plots.
Each story is unique with the story line but the result is spine tingling, dark, twisted and sinfully delicious.
Intense, and suspenseful I was on the edge of my seat wondering what direction each story was going to take. The stories flowed nicely and although they were short stories they felt complete.
Leave the lights on!
Lock the doors and shut the curtains these stories scared the bejesus out of me!
What a come back!
Mindfuckery at its best!
What a birthday celebration for “#cynnightly”
This author is back and with a vengeance.
Just in time for trick or treats, we have 5 horror stories with 5 different plots.
Each story is unique with the story line but the result is spine tingling, dark, twisted and sinfully delicious.
Intense, and suspenseful I was on the edge of my seat wondering what direction each story was going to take. The stories flowed nicely and although they were short stories they felt complete.
Leave the lights on!
Lock the doors and shut the curtains these stories scared the bejesus out of me!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews