A Blog of Books and Tea

(ARC Review)

Tropes:

• Halloween Vibes 🎃
• A Stalker MMC 👀
• A Witchy, Witty FMC 🔮
• Knife Play 🔪
• Mask Play 👺
• Witty Banter 👄
• Secret/Hidden Identities 🤭
• A Cute Animal Sidekick 🐈

Stars – 🫖🫖🫖🫖

Spice Level – 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis –

“She is exquisite and I intend to help her accept all the darkest parts of herself, because if she can learn to love her own darkness then she can love mine. And whether she knows it yet or not, I have no doubt that she yearns to do just that.”

Damian Lacroix knows he will never be a good man, not after the things he’s done and with the demons he carries with him everyday. He had resigned himself to playing out a normal life, alone and uneventful until his time was up. But when his only friend drags him to a Halloween party, he meets a witch who casts a spell over him and seals both their fates with a single kiss. She may be the closest thing to heaven he will ever experience, and he is not about to let that slip through his fingers. By next Halloween, she will be his Sweet, one way or another.

Celeste Carroll is a woman who is still trying to find out who she is. After spending her entire life first under the weight of her family’s expectations, and then an emotionally abusive ex’s demands that she be normal and respectable, she has found freedom in the isolation of a small town in North Carolina. Over the last four years, she has spread her wings and is starting to think she might be ready to settle down into her own version of a normal existence. As far as everyone else can tell, she is living a full authentic life, but Celeste knows that she has darker desires that she tries to bury and deny because they scare even her. Which is why she isn’t as terrified as she should be of the stranger who has been stalking her the last ten months…why sometimes she stays up late and wonders what it might be like to give into a man behind a mask.

This Halloween season is going to be her most thrilling yet.

Thoughts –

This book is the debut release for Olyvia Wyld, and she did not disappoint. There is so much to enjoy in this book, from the feisty FMC and troubled but sweet MMC to the halloweeny vibes that make this book the perfect autumnal read. The characters are vividly drawn, with their unique personalities and deep emotional layers that invite readers to connect with them on a personal level. The narrative flows seamlessly, capturing the essence of the season with descriptions that evoke the sight of falling leaves and the scent of pumpkin spice. Even though this story is a dark, stalker romance, it definitely gives off the perfect cozy autumn love story vibes! The juxtaposition of suspense and warmth creates an engaging reading experience that keeps you turning the pages late into the night, enthralled by the twists and turns that unfold amidst the autumnal backdrop.

When reading this book, it was hard not to love Celeste. She is the stunning, curvy, witchy main character who grapples with her identity and the incessant pressure to conform to societal expectations. Throughout her journey, she struggles to let others in enough to reveal her true self, even those she would call her closest friends, who desperately want to support her. After so long being told that she had to change who she was for the love she craved, it’s easy to find a connection to this wonderful woman. Her emotions and reactions are raw; they resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the weight of judgment or the fear of vulnerability. As the story unfolds, we witness her growth and the moments of introspection that lead her closer to self-acceptance. It becomes a tale of personal empowerment and the courage it takes to embrace one’s authentic self. Each page turn pulls us deeper into her world, making it easy to emphasise with her throughout this book.

Now Damien… He is a stunner of a man, exuding an enigmatic charm that draws everyone in. Although he has his own dark past and demons to contend with, haunted by memories that linger like shadows, he pushes those thoughts aside and dedicates himself to getting to know our FMC. His vow to make her his by next Halloween is not just swoon-worthy; it’s a profound commitment that speaks to his desire for redemption and connection. Especially after he met her at a Halloween party he initially didn’t even want to attend, their chance encounter felt like fate. It really is the perfect “meet cute,” filled with sparks and unspoken promise. Does it really matter that he stalks her to learn more about her life and interests? Not with this guy! You can clearly tell he means her no harm throughout their interactions—masked and unmasked—displaying a genuine fascination that goes deeper than mere infatuation, as he balances a fine line between admiration and obsession, eager to unravel the layers of her captivating personality.

Now the important part, spicy content! This book is absolutely oozing with sexual tension, and the spicy scenes were incredibly well written and steamy as hell! Each interaction crackles with an electric energy, leaving readers breathless and wanting more, as the characters navigate their sizzling chemistry. The detailed descriptions of their passionate encounters make you want to step up your game in the bedroom department! Damien certainly knows how to please our witchy little queen, pulling her deeper into a world of desire with every touch. I’m here for it!! Prepare to have a cold shower after each of the scenes, because they are hot!

If you chose to read this book, please be mindful of the trigger warnings, including but not limited to;

• Religious trauma
• Past child abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Stalking
• Explicit sexual content
• Torture
• Blood & gore
• Murder

It is essential to approach the material with care, ensuring you prioritise your emotional well-being while engaging with the narrative, as it explores complex and sensitive topics that could be unsettling or triggering for some readers. That being said, it is an amazing read when keeping an open mind.

Overall, I loved reading this book! It was such a fun read. The character development was fantastic, allowing me to immerse myself fully in their wild adventures. After diving into the thrilling storyline, I definitely wanted to be chased through a corn field, feeling the rush of adrenaline as I dodged between towering stalks under a moonlit sky! The vivid imagery painted by the author truly brought the experience to life. I’ll be recommending it to all my twisted, kinky friends, as I know they will appreciate the unique blend of excitement and suspense that this book offers!