Headless Hollow by Brooklyn Cross

 

Nothing much happens in a sleepy little town like mine. At least that is what I think until one night everything changes. People are disappearing at an alarming rate, but even more disturbing is how they end up on my table. I'm a coroner and no stranger to death, but even I wasn't ready for the twisted game this killer plays. It turns personal when I awake to a gift and a note that says. He who wins a thousand common hearts is therefore entitled to some renown, but he who keeps undisputed sway over the heart of a coquette is indeed a hero. I know the Washington Irving quote well. Sleepy Hallow is one of my favorite stories, or it was until real life and fiction began to blur. Now, I don't know what is real anymore. Headless Hollow by Brooklyn Cross was published on October 31st, 2024. 

So I found some videos about this book on booktok and thought, "This is a good Halloween theme book." So I thought I give it a try and I am so glad that I gave it a shot. This book had me in a choke-hold through the whole book. I absolutely loved the FMC in this book and how she reminded me a lot of Bones. Though, I felt like for a short novella that the plot was a little slow in the start in some spots. Though, the first chapter will cause you to gasp and perhaps laugh a bit. I absolutely think this book could have been a full fledged novel with more twists and turns. Also the ending of the book is a twist and I had a feeling there was going to be a twist at the end. It just felt hanging which I wish I could had more then the hanging at the end. I really enjoyed this book until that point. I highly recommend checking it out. 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Stalker 

BDSM 

Thriller 

Serial Killer 

I'll Be There for You (Lovesick Sinners #1) by Jessa Halliwell

 

Walking into that alley was a mistake. Trying to save a stranger was even worse. But once he pulled the trigger and I saw what he was capable of, I knew there was no going back. I tried to run, but he was faster. So out of desperation, I offered him the only thing I could think of. Friendship. Now as long as he keeps calling, I'll keep answering. Because Echo Sannikov might just be the most dangerous man I've ever met. And after everything I've been through, that should terrify me....even if it doesn't. I'll Be There For You by Jessa Halliwell was published on April 28th, 2026. This is the first book in the Lovesick Sinners series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from Jessa Halliwell and The Smuthood. This book started out really strong from the beginning. Not much was said about the two characters in the descriptions but that was okay. I really liked how the two characters play off each other. Though, I didn't feel like Echo was this big bad Mafia type of guy he was supposed to be. He acted too gooey most of the book unless he was threatening someone. I really thought Dahlia was a flat character but it didn't take over the plot. The plot in the book was great and I was able to understand what was happening throughout the book. I recommend checking out this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series as this one left us in a cliffhanger. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Yeah, that's a great way to attract a sociopath." 

"Yes.....It's been on my list for a while now."
"Hmm....I didn't take you for someone into fae smut, but I'm not one to kink shame." 

"Intense would be carving your name into my fucking chest. This is me showing restraint." 

Lovesick Sinners Series 

1. I'll Be There for You 

2. You Were There for Me (11/18/2026) 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Stalker

Mafia 

Forced Proximity 

Friends to Lovers 

Age Gap 

Depraved Devotion (Villains & Vices #1) by Morgan Bridges

 

My patient is stalking me...and he's a psychopath. I've dedicated my life to understanding the darkest corners of the human psyche, but nothing prepares me for him. Ghost. The man is brilliant, ruthless serial killer who thrives on chaos. Just like his cult following enrapt by his brutality and beauty, he's completely unhinged. And he's obsessed with me. So when Ghost turns himself in and demands to speak to me, I'm forced to confront the beautiful monster sitting across the glass. And the one inside - the one lurking in my own fractured soul. Ghost's rapt attention brings goosebumps to my skin and sends chills down my spine. I choose to believe my reaction is based in fear. When I'm alone in bed, it's harder to convince myself. As boundaries fade and the line between doctor and patient blurs. I'm faced with What am I willing to pay to unveil the truth about my haunted past? Because to Ghost, the price is me. All of me. Depraved Devotion by Morgan Bridges was published on December 9th, 2025. This is the first book in the Villains & Vices series. 

This was another book that I got over a weekend stay with my husband at a hotel. This book is intense from the very beginning. I am not much a fan of true crimes but I do have friends that are. This book is right up their alley. I loved the tension in this book from the very beginning. I could not put this book down as it just kept me hanging on. The sexual tension was there through the whole book. Though, I really wanted to shake FMC so much for not telling anyone about Ghost. I felt like the two main characters were real and I would hear about Ghost on the news. Sadly I never did hear the serial killer name Ghost being caught. The only thing that I didn't like was that this book ends in a massive cliffhanger. Also the next book is not out yet. At last though, I highly recommend checking this book out. Especially if you are into Dark Romance and serial killers it's up your alley. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"You may like to hurt women to gain a sense of control...but you only do it behind closed doors because you're a coward. So, either man up and hit me, or get the fuck out of my way." 

"Blood pressure, blood sample, etcetera...etcetera....You'd think I'd be thrown in a cell by now. Killing with style is mentally exhausting, you know? I really need some 'me time.'" 

"You won't be able to pull a disappearing act now, Ghost. After this assessment, we're throwing your ass in a hole so deep you'll never see daylight, or civilization again." 

"An introvert's wet dream. Can't wait." 

"Who. Fucking. Touched. You?" 

"That's my good girl." 

Villains & Vices Series

1. Depraved Devotion

2. Depraved Desires (06/23/26) 

Tropes

Dark Romance 

Stalker

Serial Killer

Slow Burn 

Enemies to Lovers

He Falls First 

Forbidden

Rucking Obsessed (Knights of St. Killian #1) by London Snow

 

MySongbird, 3,748 days. I know the number without looking it up. Ten years, two months and six days since the first time I saw your face. I track every aspect of your life like you're my religion. When I reveal myself, you'll understand that I'll never worship anyone else. You were always meant to be mine, my little songbird. But for now, I have to settle for keeping you safe. Yours in every lifetime. Rucking Obsessed by London Snow was published March 25th, 2026. This is the first book in the Knights of St. Killian series. 

I was given this book for my honest review from London Snow and The Smuthood. I had a hard time getting into this book. There were times where I was so close in DNF it. But then...there were moments where I was like wait...this is finally getting interesting. I could not get into the two main characters at all though. I felt like they had no chemistry other then him saving her when she was little. Though he was the only one who remembered. So it was a challenging book for me. I felt like the characters really didn't have any depth to them. But yet the plot had some interesting points involved in it. While, I am not sure if I will read another book in the series. You might light this book. It does have a few good spicy scenes. 

Quotes that I Liked 

"Leave her the fuck alone...Or I'm going to shove that little rowboat of yours up your ass and send you out to sea." 

"I see you watching me all the time. For such a psycho.....you're very handsome." 

"You're awfully cuddly for a stalker, Sabastian..." 

Knights of St. Killian Series

1. Rucking Obsessed 

2. TBA 

Tropes

Sports Romance - Rugby

Dark Romance 

Stalker 

New Age

He Fell First 

Virgin 

Ruthless Obsession (Crecent City Sins #1) by Rayna James

 

The masquerade gala was full of secrets, lies, and bloodstained power plays. It was also the beginning of my doom. When I stumbled into something I was never meant to see, the masks come off-and the danger becomes real. The mayor's men want my silence. My boyfriend's lies are unraveling. And the only person who seems to care whether I live or die is a stranger with murder in his eyes and a smile on his lips. Ruthless Obsession by Rayna James was published on April 23rd, 2025. This is the first book in the Crescent City Sins series. 

I was given this book for my honest review by Literally Yours PR and Rayna James. This was such a quick read that had me laughing at the antics of the characters. I fell in love with Kate in this book with her history that you get to know through the book and how strong she gets through the book.  Then there is Bastian who acts like this tough guy and you find out that in reality he is a giant teddy bear in the book. I still feel like the story is missing some history between the two characters. I felt like Bastian has known about Kate way before the book started. The plot in this book made me giggle and could not put the book down at all. There are minor errors throughout the book but the book was so well created that it's easy to overlook. The smut in this book is light but the romance gets you through the book. I highly recommend checking out this book. I know I want to read the next book in the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"This is where you pressure me. Say something like, 'Oh, the gentle giant groping your friend? He wouldn't hurt a fly." 

"Warning bells are clanging in my head."
"Because I called you beautiful?"
"No. This. All of this. Including you. It screams danger. And yet, I don't feel threatened. Maybe you're like a Venus flytrap, daring people to get close, charming them into safety...and then boom!" 

"Perhaps, I'm just marking my territory."
"First you say things like 'belong,' now 'territory." I'm not a remote island that needs to be colonized, you know."
"Either way, I'm planting my flag." 

Crescent City Sins series 

1. Ruthless Obsession 

2. Crowning Temptation 

Tropes

Mafia 

Dark Romance 

forced Proximity 

Billionaire 

Stalking 

God of Malice (Legacy of Gods #1) by Rina Kint

 

I caught the attention of a monster. I didn't ask for it. Didn't even see it coming. But the moment I do, it's too late. Killian Carson is a predator wrapped in sophisticated charm. He's cold-blooded, manipulative, and savage. The worst part is that no one sees his devil side. I do. And that will cost me everything. I run, but the thing about monsters? They always chase. God of Malice by Rina Kent was published in July 2022. This is the first book in the Legacy of Gods series. 

I have to say this warning right off the back. Read the author's notes before you start to read this book. This book is intense and really catches people off. Even those who enjoy reading Dark Romance. This is a Dark Romance. This book had a weird hold on me until I finished. I actually bought this book at a bookstore at full price (shocking) while on an anniversary trip with my husband. Yes, I buy books while on anniversary trips. Anyways, getting off course. This book is intense to the extreme but for me who reads a lot of dark romance tropes it wasn't over the top. I read Haunting Adeline in a week. The author needs some editing here and there but it wasn't so much that it made me dnf. I actually shared a lot of quotes from this book to a Facebook message group that I created to share books in. (Hi Girls) Anyways, let's talk about the characters. I really like Glyndon even though her name really drove me crazy. How do you say it any tips (problems for those of us who read the books in physical not audio). I felt though she lacked some roundness in the way she was. I didn't get a ton of personality or history. It just starts and goes intense from there. Killian is a character that I hate to admit that I loved. I felt like I knew more about him then Gyndon and felt like it was off balance. Which made their relationship feel off balance in parts of the books. There were points in the plot that I was like this piece needs something. I wanted to poke them with a stick. But the smut scenes were in what word overwelming. But the good overwhelming. They made you like, "Holy Crap...." to "How is that possible?" to "Why do I like this?" Anyways, I really enjoy the book and need to read the next book in the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Ask nicely and I might." 
"What's the definition of nicely to you?"
"Add a please or drop on your knees. Either will do. Doing both at the same time would be highly recommended." 

Fuck you. I'm a King, and we don't get told what to do. Despite the fear that paralyzes my limbs, my gaze clashes with his as I bite down on his dick. Hard. 

"Giving away my emotions is my business. At least I have those unlike a certain someone."
"Is this the part where I should act offended? Maybe try a shed a tear or two?"
"Yeah, and look into ways to grow a heart while you're at it."
"The world won't function correctly if all of us are emotional, morally right creatures. There needs to be a balance, or else there'll be chaos." 

Legacy of Gods Series 

1. God of Malice 

2. God of Pain

3. God of Wrath 

4. God of Ruin

5. God of Fury

6. God of War 

Tropes

Dark Romance 

Enemies to Lovers 

College/ New Age 

Mafia Romance 

Stalker

Bully Romance 

Virgin 

Forced Proximity 

Riot's Thorn (Sons of Erebus Reno, NV #4) by Misty Walker

 

Mine is the story you've been waiting for, the one about the mysterious man with crazy eyes and no conscience. You only think you know who I am, but you don't. No one does. Except her - the little Thorn in my side that I captured and locked away after killing her dad right in front of her. She'll never forgive me for all I've done, but I can live with that because she's the only one who's ever seen me. Not the man the club relies on to do the dirty jobs, not the freak who rocks himself in the corner while his pet rats crawl all over him, and not the loner who cares for no one. She sees me. So, I'll keep her under lock and key, expose the deepest parts of my soul to her, and hope someday she might learn to feel for me the way I feel for her. And should anyone or anything even try to take what's mine? Well, they better hope I never find them. Riot's Thorn by Misty Walker was published on August 14th, 2025. This is book four in the Sons of Erebus Reno, NV series. 

I was asked by The Smuthood and Misty Walker for my honest review when I received this book. So, I love dark romance type of book and this book is right up that alley. So be warned its a pretty dark book that has lots of content warnings. So I almost dnfed the book till about midway because the book starts slow. With very little going on especially after the big scene of Riot killing Parker's dad at the beginning. I really though stuck with it and I am so glad that  I did. This book started to have turns throughout and you never really know who was going to cause some issues. The characters had so much depth and throughout the book you learned even more about each of the characters. I felt like it took the whole book to really get to know the characters. Which was great because the characters were learning more about themselves as well and growing. I also loved how Parker took a long time to come to grips  with Riot. I felt Ike in real life it would be a long time before a female would forgive someone from killing their father. No matter what the reason was. The smut in this book was top notch but not over powering that you felt like you shouldn't be reading on their personal time. I highly recommend checking this book out. Especially if you don't mind a slow build. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"There's my good little Thorn." 

"Because I took you thinking you were delicate and beautiful like a rose, but really, you're just a goddamn Thorn on my side." 

"Goodnight, Little Thorn"

"Goodnight, asshole." 

"You can't make someone marry you. This isn't some Mafia romance novel." 

Sons of Erebus Reno, NV Series 

1. Rigger's Mistake

2. Lucky's Trouble

3. Judge's Mercy 

4. Riot's Thorn 

Tropes 

Dark Romance 

Forced Proximity

BDSM 

Stalker

Slow Burn

Motorcycle Club 

"Because I took you thinking you were delicate and bea

Once You're Mine (Possessing Her #1) by Morgan Bridges

 

Calista belongs to me...she just doesn't know it. The first time we met, I wanted her. The next time, I was obsessed. I watched her. I followed her. It only deepened my need to possess her. Once she's mine, I'm never letting her go. Once You're Mine by Morgan Bridges was published in October 2023. This is book one in the Possessing Her series. 

I absolutely love Dark Romance and even stalking in books. But this book took awhile for me to warm up to. I can usually get through a book within a day or two if it's really catch my attention. But this book took me awhile to get through. I was actually bouncing between books so it didn't keep my attention like others. Though, it started to have more scenes that captured my attention. I felt like the characters in this book needed something more. They fell flat and it was hard to understand them. Like what made them fall in love. What made the hero want to stalk her? I needed more. Now, the smut in this book and several scenes will keep you reading. But it takes awhile to get into the the book. This book does end in a cliffhanger which is not my cup of tea most of the time. I recommend seeing if this book is up your ally. 

Quotes That I Loved 

Justice is a mistress that calls my name and pulls me into her embrace to fuck me. And leave me bereft. Empty. Wanting a closure I'll never possess. 

"What's the question every woman wants to be asked, at least once in her life?" 

"Will you marry me?"

"I love you too, but no. Why can't a man simply ask, 'Do you want me to come over and eat your pussy till you come on my face?" 

"Apologize to Miss Green for putting your filthy hands on her. Then apologize to me for touching what's mine." 

"I refuse to be alone in my obsession...You will suffer like me. I'll accept nothing less. Then, maybe we can ease the desperation in one another as I fuck you until there's nothing left of me, until I've lost myself in so you completely that I no longer recognize myself." 

"Who hurt you?" 

Possessing Her Series 

1. Once You're Mine 

2. Now You're Mine 

Tropes 

Dark Romance

Stalker

Age-Gap

Enemies to Lovers

He Falls First 

Slow Burn 

Malevolent (Deviants of Onyx Grove #1) by Lainey Delaroque

 

"You'll be Onyx Grove's savior, just like your parents." But my parents died under suspicious circumstances, and I was shipped off to another state. It took me 13 years to return, but now I'm back in Onyx Grove - the crime-ridden city I once called home. Generations ago, everything belonged to my family. Now, the Warricks reign instead. Families have been replaced by gangs, and businesses, by profitable illegal ventures. To claim my birthright, I go undercover in one of their companies as a secretary. A timid little mouse with three targets. Malevolent by Lainey Delaroque was published on March 2024. This is the first book of the Deviants of Onyx Grove series. 

This book will have you thrown for a loop from the get go. You follow Jade through the book and fall in love with her spirit. You know that not everything is as they seem from the get go. But, the author still throws in multiple other loops that through you off so much. Also so many stalkers following each other. You won't know who is the bad guy in this book at all. I am sure there is multiple bad guys. I loved the characters in this book. They all had major faults from the get go but also have different strengths. It was not like the siblings in this book or other characters are carbon copy of each other. (I have seen that happen with personalities). I felt like each character could be an actual person in real life. It helps in making them feel like I know them. The smut and kinks in this book are so well written I sometimes i had to remind myself that I am reading a book of fiction people not a nonfiction. I loved this book and can not wait to read the next book in the series. 

Quotes that I Loved 

"Don't apologize.....Remorse on beautiful lips like yours? I don't like it."

"That would sound sleazy if it wasn't coming from you....I mean it."

"You can beg me for forgiveness, but don't say you're sorry." 

"Okay. For tonight only, I will let your attitude slide....Next time, you will do as I say. And after that, you will let me pull your pretty little strings. And if you keep being a good girl, you will have the time of your life." 

"Would you run if I told you I want to see you bleed?" 

Deviants of Onyx Grove Series

1. Malevolent 

Tropes

Dark Romance 

MMF 

Crime Family

Stalker 

Why Choose

Revenge

The Wallflower (Oakmount Elite #1) by J.L. Beck

 

She needs me, because she needs money. I don't need her. Just her complete submission...Maybell Jacobs is the Wallflower: quiet, shy, socially awkward and hell-bent on hiding even from herself, that is until a chance encounter takes place between us. Instantly she hates me and for good reason. I'm a walking-red-flag. Filthy rich jock, short tempered, and violent. I can have anyone and anything I want...except her. Little does she know her disgust, anger, and hate for me fuels my obsession to own her, completely in every single way. The Wallflower by J.L. Beck was published February 2024. This is the first book in the Oakmount Elite series. 

I am a huge fan of dark romances and this one is one of those that is most likely on level with Haunting Adeline. I absolutely loved the two main characters in this book. While in the beginning I had a hard time connecting to Drew. But I fell in love with Maybell. She reminds me a lot like me in personality. I am a huge introvert myself though my sass does come out with those who are close to me. The two characters, I could totally see a relationship forming in the way that neither could stay away from the each other. But we don't see a full form relationship out of having sex in this book. I do hope that the next book shows more of the relationship. I saw the ending going in two different ways and was trying to put pieces together. Though I had a feeling that the ending was going to go similar to my thoughts (it did). I really enjoyed the plot in this story, there was some slow parts but the slow parts led into the action scenes and fast pace scenes really well. It had great ebb and flow and personality. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Also the smut scenes were top notch. 

Quotes That I Liked 

"You all know what I want. But this time, I want to be fucking real. None of this pretends not to want it while her cunt is sopping wet bullshit. I want to see the whites of her eyes. If she fights, fine, but I want to be out of fear, not pretense."

"Come here, my little wallflower. I want to get a better look at you." 

The chase is exhilarating, but capturing your prey between your bar teeth while they beg for you to release them? That's the part that gets me every time. 

"There are a lot of things I want from you, flower, but right now...I want you to scream for me because of me. I want you gasping for breath. I want you crying, your eyes shimmering with tears. I want you running, doing everything you can to escape me, while knowing deep down inside you'll never get away. I want all of it. So I'll give you one more chance to get away." 

Oakmount Elite Series 

1. The Wallflower 

2. The Wildflower (TBD April 12, 2024)

Tropes

Dark Romance 

Sports - Football 

College 

Opposites Attract 

Enemies to Lovers

Stalker

Secret Society 

Virgin 

Stranger Session by Lauren Biel

 

In the heart of a blind-date photo shoot, my obsession for her ignites. After we part ways, her image carves a path through my thoughts, leading me to dark places. Disguised by a mask, I cater to her every desire as I play the part of a stranger, but the secrets I harbor threaten to shatter the illicit passion we've found. Then she catches the eye of someone else, casting a sinister veil over our connection. I morph into her protector, even though it means she might end up hating me in the end. Are we destined to remain strangers, or can we turn into something picture-perfect? Stranger Session by Lauren Biel will be published January 31st, 2024. 

This book threw me on my back in shock through the whole story. The characters in this book are unique in their personalities. I didn't see much personalities from the main female as much as the male. But you get very little backstory for either characters which I think if the book was a novel, it would have been easier to trickle more backstory. So the characters I feel fell flat. I felt like the main female character could have fallen in love with either male. The plot in this story is a lot of smut type scenes and not much plot. It was instant falling in love in the beginning of the story. Then it got darker and darker through out the book. There was a scene I was gagging a lot. But that's because it deals with lotion (I despise the feel of lotion). Some of the parts where it's suppose to surprise the reader really didn't surprise me. I needed more wow factor in this story some where. If you want some good dark smut, check out this quick read. 

Quotes That I Liked

ItsVenti: You want to be scared? 

Whorista: I think I do.

ItsVenti: How scared? Like, chased through the woods kind of scared?

"Run, little whore!....Run! Because when I catch you, I'm going to fuck you!" 

"Are you scared yet? Afraid of what I'll do to your pussy once I catch you?...I'm going to rip you limb from limb with my cock. Tear your legs apart and take you!" 

Tropes

Dark Romance

Stalker 

Fall of Snow (Frost Industries #3) by Montana Fyre

 

I've always been the disappointing Saint James. The expendable one even. Each of my siblings forged a role in the family, but I never did, and all the public see when they look at me is a disgrace. It's not that I haven't earned that title, because I have, and for the last few years I've been playing the wild child just so I have a role at all. But when I find myself in the hand of our enemy, a man who has been a shadow in my life for the last ten years, a constant presence I could feel, but could never see, I'm thrust into a different role. Elijah thinks I'm going to be his queen. He thinks I'm going to stand by his side despite him being my family's mortal enemy. Can I fall in love with the devil? Or am I destined for a life of misery beside a cruel psychopath? Fall of Snow by Montana Fyre was published in September 2022. This is book three of the Frost Industries. 

I absolutely loved the first two books in this series. This book was a little different. I had a hard time connecting with the two main characters. I am not sure why but they both were at first any way hard to see as a person rather then just on the page. As things progressed in the book I began to like the two of them. I love the story-line ebb and flow. It went smoothly though I think Elijah trusted Snow way too quickly and vice versa. Not sure if I can picture Snow trusting him so quickly when his family was trying to kill her siblings and have killed her parents. But, the romance was there and so was the smut. I highly recommend checking out this book. 

Quotes That I Loved 

The little lamb in the lion's den. My pretty princess in her ivory tower. 

"Because snowflakes are beautiful. On the surface they seem fragile, but in order to make it from the sky to the earth, their strength is tested. and when they land, they hold their shape."

"And that's how you see me?"

"Everyone thinks you're fragile, but really you've always been stronger than any of them have been able to see." 

"Good girl." 

"....because I'll fucking find you no matter where you go. There isn't enough money or power on this earth that could keep me away from you. I'm not going to take you against your will. I'm going to tease and deny you, and when you can't take it anymore, you're going to beg for me to fuck you. You're going to beg for me to take away the ache, and the moment you beg, the moment those words leave your pretty red lips, you'll have made a deal with the devil." 

"You forget I've been watching you for ten years, little Snowflake. I know you better than anyone else ever could." 

"You know that's creepy, right?"

"Swallow for me, dirty girl. Swallow my cock.' 

"Are you going to be a good girl and take my cum down your throat, Snowflake?" 

"What I am going to do is make you come all over this gun, and then I'm going to claim you the way I've been craving since the moment I laid eyes on you." 

"Does my dirty girl like having a gun in her cunt?" 

"Good girl." 

Tropes in the Book

mafia 

dark romance

enemies to lovers

stalker

forced proximity

age-gap

arranged marriage

Frost Industries Series in Order 

1. When it Raynes 

2. Dead of Wynter 

3. Fall of Snow 

4. Before the Storm