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The Trick : A Dark Stalker Romance
Think Sleepy Hollow meets nostalgic 00s slasher vibes but make it sexy with a modern day gothic strip club & revenge plot that will make you scream...
Ah, Halloween…what a delightfully wicked time of year.
But for some people, like Blair Van Tassel, it comes with a haunting reminder of the past she is trying to put behind her.
And this Halloween, it marks the 15th anniversary of when she set up her Instant Messenger Boogeyman_Of_Haddonfield_31to take the fall for a crime she committed.
She thought her plan was fool proof. Lure him to the scene of the crime just in time for him to leave fingerprints on the weapon, leading the murderous trail that she started to him.
But that’s the thing with the internet.
Do you ever really know who is on the other side of the screen?
Can you even fathom what domino effect can begin by simply screwing with the wrong person?
These are things Blair never considered.
She thought she set up Boogeyman_Of_Haddonfield_31 but what she really started was a war with Maddox Crane.
The mad man of Sleepy Hollow. Who has an insatiable taste for blood.
And in a town that thrives on a good fright, Blair better hope that her screams are heard and aren’t buried within the landscape of Halloween night.
That is, if she even survives it.
The Trick is intended for readers 18+. For a full list of CW please see the beginning of the book or the authors website.
Ah, Halloween…what a delightfully wicked time of year.
But for some people, like Blair Van Tassel, it comes with a haunting reminder of the past she is trying to put behind her.
And this Halloween, it marks the 15th anniversary of when she set up her Instant Messenger Boogeyman_Of_Haddonfield_31to take the fall for a crime she committed.
She thought her plan was fool proof. Lure him to the scene of the crime just in time for him to leave fingerprints on the weapon, leading the murderous trail that she started to him.
But that’s the thing with the internet.
Do you ever really know who is on the other side of the screen?
Can you even fathom what domino effect can begin by simply screwing with the wrong person?
These are things Blair never considered.
She thought she set up Boogeyman_Of_Haddonfield_31 but what she really started was a war with Maddox Crane.
The mad man of Sleepy Hollow. Who has an insatiable taste for blood.
And in a town that thrives on a good fright, Blair better hope that her screams are heard and aren’t buried within the landscape of Halloween night.
That is, if she even survives it.
The Trick is intended for readers 18+. For a full list of CW please see the beginning of the book or the authors website.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2023
About the author
N.J. Weeks
9 books214 followersN.J. is a life long lover of all things spooky and Halloween which she draws inspiration from in her writing. She wishes she could live in a world where Octobers never end. Sarcasm is her love language and it's a rarity to find her without a coffee in hand or wearing all black. With a BA in English Lit, she decided to put her degree to use and release the stories collecting in her head out into the world. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, getting lost in a good (preferably spicy) book, adding to her tattoo collection, listening to 00s alt. rock and dreaming of the next dark/spicy characters to write about!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
October 20, 2023
A tale of obsession and vengeance, The Trick is N.J. Weeks’ enticing dark romance novel, dripping with tension and anticipation, all deliciously wrapped up in chains and leather straps. This book is one read I’ve been looking forward to most this year, and I dug into it with some pretty high expectations. What Weeks gifted me this fine spooky season, was unhinged, perfectly depraved, and absolutely stunning. Those expectations? Blown out of the water.
This is the legend of Blair Van Tassel and Maddox Crane, a romance not only written in the stars on a dark, cold autumn night, but a match made in hell. These two…explosive doesn’t even begin to express what exists between them. Their story began fifteen years ago with a bit of manic infatuation and a healthy dose of malicious deception. Their demented games have yet to cease, their hands painted red, and the night for retribution has finally arrived.
There are so many things about this book I immediately fell in love with. The mad nature of their passion, the beautiful gothic (and bloody) ambiance of Sleepy Hollow where their story takes place, the throwback aspects that I identify too much with, and so much more. Like masked slashers. And that sweet sinful spice. And Daddy Maddox…that man can chase me through a cemetery any night. Jussayin’.
The plot runs deeper than I initially expected, which made this story of twists and turns such an enjoyable read. Weeks’ narrative experiences a major turning point that was almost jarring, but once the dust settled, my mind was blown. The way the author weaves the past and present to make all the threads come together was perfectly executed, leaving me with an ache for more as soon as I turned the final page.
Another incredible story from N.J. Weeks and I’m hoping we get to see more of Blair and Maddox in the future. I had a lot of fun with this one and recommend it for anyone who enjoys dark and deranged mind games with their romance. Loved it to pieces.
This is the legend of Blair Van Tassel and Maddox Crane, a romance not only written in the stars on a dark, cold autumn night, but a match made in hell. These two…explosive doesn’t even begin to express what exists between them. Their story began fifteen years ago with a bit of manic infatuation and a healthy dose of malicious deception. Their demented games have yet to cease, their hands painted red, and the night for retribution has finally arrived.
There are so many things about this book I immediately fell in love with. The mad nature of their passion, the beautiful gothic (and bloody) ambiance of Sleepy Hollow where their story takes place, the throwback aspects that I identify too much with, and so much more. Like masked slashers. And that sweet sinful spice. And Daddy Maddox…that man can chase me through a cemetery any night. Jussayin’.
The plot runs deeper than I initially expected, which made this story of twists and turns such an enjoyable read. Weeks’ narrative experiences a major turning point that was almost jarring, but once the dust settled, my mind was blown. The way the author weaves the past and present to make all the threads come together was perfectly executed, leaving me with an ache for more as soon as I turned the final page.
Another incredible story from N.J. Weeks and I’m hoping we get to see more of Blair and Maddox in the future. I had a lot of fun with this one and recommend it for anyone who enjoys dark and deranged mind games with their romance. Loved it to pieces.
April 11, 2024
✨ Overall Rating 4.5/5
📈 Plot 4/5
🔥 Spice 3/5
👤 Characters 5/5
⚖️ Interpersonal Relationships 5/5
🗺️ World Building 5/5
*I will be returning to complete this review*
📈 Plot 4/5
🔥 Spice 3/5
👤 Characters 5/5
⚖️ Interpersonal Relationships 5/5
🗺️ World Building 5/5
*I will be returning to complete this review*
November 15, 2024
This takes place in the town of Sleepy Hollow its a dark erotic stalker romance with a twist and involves Blair and Maddox two individuals who are both as murderous and deranged as each other. When events are set in motion fifteen years prior it's the start of an obsessive and unhealthy fixation and with each one as unhinged as the other it's anyone's guess what the eventual outcome will be.
With plenty of old school slasher vibes this one certainly brings the nostalgia. It was insane I mean literally batshit and I was so confused the majority of the time. But that aside I did love the concept of this it had old style slasher movie feels. Unfortunately the exacution of this could have been so much more than it was as at times it did feel a tad choppy confusing and chaotic. Also I didn't find that this was that dark even with the content. I was expecting it to be much darker than it was.
I'm definitely a sucker for unhinged and Cray Cray characters and that's what initially made me pick this one up. I liked it but didn't love it. I felt it would probably have been better if it had maybe been a novella as there just wasn't enough going on besides the two main characters to draw it out convincingly. I did like the twist and that definitely upped my rating a tad but I also think the last part was also somewhat rushed.
Overall this was different and I did like the writing style it just also felt a bit haphazard and at times hell confusing. Saying that it was distinct. So yeh mixed bag but I liked that it was kinda strange. I'd definitely read this author again in the future and I'm probably going to read the next one as it sounds interesting.
With plenty of old school slasher vibes this one certainly brings the nostalgia. It was insane I mean literally batshit and I was so confused the majority of the time. But that aside I did love the concept of this it had old style slasher movie feels. Unfortunately the exacution of this could have been so much more than it was as at times it did feel a tad choppy confusing and chaotic. Also I didn't find that this was that dark even with the content. I was expecting it to be much darker than it was.
I'm definitely a sucker for unhinged and Cray Cray characters and that's what initially made me pick this one up. I liked it but didn't love it. I felt it would probably have been better if it had maybe been a novella as there just wasn't enough going on besides the two main characters to draw it out convincingly. I did like the twist and that definitely upped my rating a tad but I also think the last part was also somewhat rushed.
Overall this was different and I did like the writing style it just also felt a bit haphazard and at times hell confusing. Saying that it was distinct. So yeh mixed bag but I liked that it was kinda strange. I'd definitely read this author again in the future and I'm probably going to read the next one as it sounds interesting.
November 4, 2023
Rounding my rating up to a 4....
Listen, I loved this book and what it could've been, but I feel like this was a novella that turned into a full-length novel, and someone didn't give the pace of this book the memo.
I LOVED the writing style from this author. I loved characters. Some of the horror movie references felt a little forced in some areas, but ehh. The twist in this was so great, but the execution was not the best 😬. The last 20% of the book felt rushed, and I just got so confused I literally put my Kindle down and said, "What the fvck is happening?"
Also, I saw so many people saying how spicy this book was, and I have to disagree. For the tension that was built during the first half of this book, the scenes just flopped.
I will 100% read more from this author because the writing sucked me in.
Listen, I loved this book and what it could've been, but I feel like this was a novella that turned into a full-length novel, and someone didn't give the pace of this book the memo.
I LOVED the writing style from this author. I loved characters. Some of the horror movie references felt a little forced in some areas, but ehh. The twist in this was so great, but the execution was not the best 😬. The last 20% of the book felt rushed, and I just got so confused I literally put my Kindle down and said, "What the fvck is happening?"
Also, I saw so many people saying how spicy this book was, and I have to disagree. For the tension that was built during the first half of this book, the scenes just flopped.
I will 100% read more from this author because the writing sucked me in.
October 22, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“And f*ck do I ever want to have my split tongue all over that treacherous Van Tassel c*nt. I want to kill her, but a man can eat before he kills, right?”
“It’s his eyes I need, whether concealed beneath the strange masks he likes to wear, or bare and brazen, with his light blue-green irises and pierced brow. Those are the eyes I need, watching me, plotting against me, I don’t care, as long as they are on me, that’s when I feel the most alive.”
He releases a grunt before taking his hand to the collar that wraps around my neck. “Because you’re mine, that’s why”
“Gotta love Spirit Halloween, it’s the equivalent to a sex shop for us.”
If you’re looking for a damsel in distress, you won’t find it here. Blair is a complete bada$$ with a mouth just as filthy and snarky as our MMC, Maddox. The way the love/hate obsession is written between Blair and Maddox pulls you in and leaves you guessing who is really in control the whole time. The voyeurist in me was on edge the whole time & that scene with Delilah left me wanting more. 🥵
One of my favorite things about this story is all the Easter eggs to some of my favorite things; like the lore of the Sleepy Hollow story, Oogie Boogie, the movie Halloween and one very epic scene, A.I.M. chatting, the music of my youth & Spirit Halloween.
You think you know what’s happening and with every twist and turn a new trick comes to light! The way NJ spun her web was masterful. 15 😍
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“And f*ck do I ever want to have my split tongue all over that treacherous Van Tassel c*nt. I want to kill her, but a man can eat before he kills, right?”
“It’s his eyes I need, whether concealed beneath the strange masks he likes to wear, or bare and brazen, with his light blue-green irises and pierced brow. Those are the eyes I need, watching me, plotting against me, I don’t care, as long as they are on me, that’s when I feel the most alive.”
He releases a grunt before taking his hand to the collar that wraps around my neck. “Because you’re mine, that’s why”
“Gotta love Spirit Halloween, it’s the equivalent to a sex shop for us.”
If you’re looking for a damsel in distress, you won’t find it here. Blair is a complete bada$$ with a mouth just as filthy and snarky as our MMC, Maddox. The way the love/hate obsession is written between Blair and Maddox pulls you in and leaves you guessing who is really in control the whole time. The voyeurist in me was on edge the whole time & that scene with Delilah left me wanting more. 🥵
One of my favorite things about this story is all the Easter eggs to some of my favorite things; like the lore of the Sleepy Hollow story, Oogie Boogie, the movie Halloween and one very epic scene, A.I.M. chatting, the music of my youth & Spirit Halloween.
You think you know what’s happening and with every twist and turn a new trick comes to light! The way NJ spun her web was masterful. 15 😍
May 10, 2024
Possibly a 3.5. The idea seemed interesting , but the execution was kind of choppy and too chaotic to really grasp most of the time. And also, am I crazy for saying I feel like it’s not unhinged enough? Or at least we didn’t stick to the unhinged parts long enough? The plot twist/reveal at the end definitely cleared up a lot of the confusion, but it still felt like I was missing out on a bunch of information and overall world building legit until I was 90% into the story. It just felt like I was completely out of the loop and floundering through the story. I did like it though and I’m most likely going to read more by this author!
July 1, 2024
OK BUT THIS BOOK WAS SO FUN TO READ!
(fun for a dark romance reader, questionable for anyone else🤣)
- Thriller Dark Romance
- Slasher Spooky Vibes
- Serial Unalivers
- Revenge Plot
- Push & Pull
- Masked MMC
- Tension and Slow Burn
- Possesive & Obsessed MMC
- Cat & Mouse Games
- Stalker Killer x Black Cat FMC
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️
In this story, Blair frames a random guy she met on internet for murder, but turns out he’s the towns serial killer. 💀 Long story short, he becomes obsessed, stalks her & claims her. Dont want to spoil anything so go read the blurb for more!
Something the FMC says:
"Fingers crossed that I cross paths with the psycho killer that’s decapitating their unsuspecting victims one by one. Double fingers crossed he’s hot and masked.”
Blair and Maddox are both absolutely unhinged but also made for one another🤭Loved this book!
(fun for a dark romance reader, questionable for anyone else🤣)
- Thriller Dark Romance
- Slasher Spooky Vibes
- Serial Unalivers
- Revenge Plot
- Push & Pull
- Masked MMC
- Tension and Slow Burn
- Possesive & Obsessed MMC
- Cat & Mouse Games
- Stalker Killer x Black Cat FMC
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️
In this story, Blair frames a random guy she met on internet for murder, but turns out he’s the towns serial killer. 💀 Long story short, he becomes obsessed, stalks her & claims her. Dont want to spoil anything so go read the blurb for more!
Something the FMC says:
"Fingers crossed that I cross paths with the psycho killer that’s decapitating their unsuspecting victims one by one. Double fingers crossed he’s hot and masked.”
Blair and Maddox are both absolutely unhinged but also made for one another🤭Loved this book!
October 15, 2023
OMG! I don't know what I was expecting from Maddox and Blair, but man, did they deliver 1000000 times over! It was everything my little halloween heart wanted.
It was fun, stalker-ish, and very murderous story. Also loved all the throwback to 2008 and those cookies (they were my favorite too).
I loved how this story is connected to Skulls and Stitches universe. It was great seeing some familiar names.
If you need a spooky, spicy read, look no further. (check triggers).
It was fun, stalker-ish, and very murderous story. Also loved all the throwback to 2008 and those cookies (they were my favorite too).
I loved how this story is connected to Skulls and Stitches universe. It was great seeing some familiar names.
If you need a spooky, spicy read, look no further. (check triggers).
October 22, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Trick, a super spicy Halloween story of Blair Van Tassle and Maddox Crane.
The concept for this story was so unique and captivating, if you love Halloween, stalker romance, murd3rers, all the k!nks, he falls first and a lot of spice… this is the book for you.
Absolutely loved all the horror movie references…. Perfect spooktober read 🎃
This was my first book by NJ Weeks and it won’t be my last!
The concept for this story was so unique and captivating, if you love Halloween, stalker romance, murd3rers, all the k!nks, he falls first and a lot of spice… this is the book for you.
Absolutely loved all the horror movie references…. Perfect spooktober read 🎃
This was my first book by NJ Weeks and it won’t be my last!
October 23, 2024
3.5 stars
I had so much fun with this one! It is truly the perfect Halloween vibes as it is set on devils night in two different years.
This gave classic slasher vibes with two murderous MCs. I loved the dynamic between our two main characters their love language was attempting to 🔪 eachother while bickering about how much they “hate” one another!
There were some twists in here that I really enjoyed and I liked the way the story went!
I had so much fun with this one! It is truly the perfect Halloween vibes as it is set on devils night in two different years.
This gave classic slasher vibes with two murderous MCs. I loved the dynamic between our two main characters their love language was attempting to 🔪 eachother while bickering about how much they “hate” one another!
There were some twists in here that I really enjoyed and I liked the way the story went!
October 23, 2023
“What hurts her brings me pleasure, just like what hurts her makes her come. Isn’t that right, Blair?”
The Trick by @njweeks.books
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I can’t even put into words how obsessed I am with this book. The vibes, the twists, the ‘trick’, the spice. 😮💨
Maddox and Blair have quite the relationship. One starting with framing and ending in revenge. 🔪 Deranged doesn’t even begin to top the 🪦. Madness and Hellcat take turns being the psycho killers and every Halloween, they take their 🩸 bloodsport very seriously.
There are a couple WTF moments in this book. Prepare to be tricked. In literally the best way possible.
I don’t get emotional over books, but this one got my all in my feels. There is a certain part and a certain song that made me reflect on my relationship with my husband and I lost it. (No we aren’t serial unalivers and neither of us plans to start, well, unless you come after him. Then I’m smiling in my mugshot.)
**please check triggers! This ‘grocery list’ is a good one! Us dark girlies, get it.
The Trick by @njweeks.books
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I can’t even put into words how obsessed I am with this book. The vibes, the twists, the ‘trick’, the spice. 😮💨
Maddox and Blair have quite the relationship. One starting with framing and ending in revenge. 🔪 Deranged doesn’t even begin to top the 🪦. Madness and Hellcat take turns being the psycho killers and every Halloween, they take their 🩸 bloodsport very seriously.
There are a couple WTF moments in this book. Prepare to be tricked. In literally the best way possible.
I don’t get emotional over books, but this one got my all in my feels. There is a certain part and a certain song that made me reflect on my relationship with my husband and I lost it. (No we aren’t serial unalivers and neither of us plans to start, well, unless you come after him. Then I’m smiling in my mugshot.)
**please check triggers! This ‘grocery list’ is a good one! Us dark girlies, get it.
October 25, 2023
It dragged at times, but it was mostly entertaining. There was too much bragging and telling instead of doing. It's much more effective showing that you are deranged or fucked up instead of constantly repeating it. And I like daddy kink, but it's not working when he calls himself daddy and she never calls him that. Instead of making him hot, it has the opposite effect. Just like characters saying how they're crazy or fucked up about themselves. I, a reader, should be the one saying that, character should show that with actions.
And it's not just this book, it's most books I've read recently, and it's sad, because there's so much potential, but it's ruined with unnecessary descriptions and adjectives.
I, also, get annoyed when something is described more than a couple of times. For example, whenever he uses his finger, it's his ringed finger. I'll remember it if it's mentioned once or twice and I think that everything more than that is unnecessary. It makes me feel like I'm rereading the same thing without reason.
I liked the twist but I felt like an important parts were actually missing.
To conclude, it would've been a lot better if there was more showing instead of bragging.
And it's not just this book, it's most books I've read recently, and it's sad, because there's so much potential, but it's ruined with unnecessary descriptions and adjectives.
I, also, get annoyed when something is described more than a couple of times. For example, whenever he uses his finger, it's his ringed finger. I'll remember it if it's mentioned once or twice and I think that everything more than that is unnecessary. It makes me feel like I'm rereading the same thing without reason.
I liked the twist but I felt like an important parts were actually missing.
To conclude, it would've been a lot better if there was more showing instead of bragging.
February 16, 2024
2.5/3
I am truly sad that I didn't have as great of a time with this book as I had hoped. I want to say that I have nothing but respect and love for N.J. Weeks, I believe she is a wonderful Author and I am going to continue to cheer for her. However, I do have some critiques, that I only hope to outline in this review so that it may help aid her in her future books. In any small degree.
I liked where N.J. was aiming with this plotline. I could see the picture, but it had a bit too many snags to come together for me.
I felt that the biggest issue was that there was too much hand-holding or over explaining with this story. A lot of things were spoken about over and over within chapters as if to make sure that the readers did not forget what the Author was saying. Things such as body descriptions, things that the characters were into, and the overselling of the characters being Morally Grey. I personally feel you can't convince an audience that certain characters are bad by preaching it; I much rather witness for myself the actions of characters to determine their Morality.
There were also gaps in explanations ironically. For Example, one scene a character was standing in an open field, with no items but what they had on them; then the next scene they had a tarp they were dragging...I was left confused on how the character acquired that item? I would reread each time this sort of instance happened to see if I was missing something...however the scenes continued to skip over the how a certain item came to be included.
There was a scene regarding this particular ring, one moment the FMC noticed a ring for the very first time and didn't know what it was. Next scene, she was giving a detailed description of said ring...but, there was no inclination that she was able to deduce all of that in the previous scene? Then, the MMC noticed this same ring, recognized it. Then, skip to a new scene and the MMC was reacting to the ring as it was his first time. It was just a bit inconsistent with the facts given.
Last thing, I feel that there was a bit of repetition of certain words, one being "Ha". And there were occasions where both the FMC and MMC would have recycled versions of each other's lines, that didn't make sense to me.
Overall, I will continue to read N.J. Weeks books and hope that her writing just continues to get stronger and stronger. I personally feel that she has a lot of passion and I respect that.
I am truly sad that I didn't have as great of a time with this book as I had hoped. I want to say that I have nothing but respect and love for N.J. Weeks, I believe she is a wonderful Author and I am going to continue to cheer for her. However, I do have some critiques, that I only hope to outline in this review so that it may help aid her in her future books. In any small degree.
I liked where N.J. was aiming with this plotline. I could see the picture, but it had a bit too many snags to come together for me.
I felt that the biggest issue was that there was too much hand-holding or over explaining with this story. A lot of things were spoken about over and over within chapters as if to make sure that the readers did not forget what the Author was saying. Things such as body descriptions, things that the characters were into, and the overselling of the characters being Morally Grey. I personally feel you can't convince an audience that certain characters are bad by preaching it; I much rather witness for myself the actions of characters to determine their Morality.
There were also gaps in explanations ironically. For Example, one scene a character was standing in an open field, with no items but what they had on them; then the next scene they had a tarp they were dragging...I was left confused on how the character acquired that item? I would reread each time this sort of instance happened to see if I was missing something...however the scenes continued to skip over the how a certain item came to be included.
There was a scene regarding this particular ring, one moment the FMC noticed a ring for the very first time and didn't know what it was. Next scene, she was giving a detailed description of said ring...but, there was no inclination that she was able to deduce all of that in the previous scene? Then, the MMC noticed this same ring, recognized it. Then, skip to a new scene and the MMC was reacting to the ring as it was his first time. It was just a bit inconsistent with the facts given.
Last thing, I feel that there was a bit of repetition of certain words, one being "Ha". And there were occasions where both the FMC and MMC would have recycled versions of each other's lines, that didn't make sense to me.
Overall, I will continue to read N.J. Weeks books and hope that her writing just continues to get stronger and stronger. I personally feel that she has a lot of passion and I respect that.
January 22, 2024
“I’m coming for you little hellcat. Masked and ready to make your night a living hell.”
Blair lives in Sleepy Hollow and her favorite holiday is none other than Halloween (and Halloween eve). Her obsession with Halloween and all of the traditional stalker / killer movies has left her wanting more from her life, more from her past relationships and more from her sex life. Her fate changes on Halloween eve 15 years ago, when she thought she could get away with something she’s never done before, something that should terrify the normal person…but Blair has never claimed to be ‘normal’.
As soon as Maddox lays eyes on Blair for the first time, he knows there is something different about her. Not just her beautiful appearance or how she carries herself…but something inside of her calls to him. They say ‘like calls to like’ anyway. As much as he enjoys stalking her, Maddox wants…needs more from her. When she agrees to meet him in person for the first time, everything changes…that Halloween eve night…15 years ago.
“Tell me what you want, little hellcat. Say it and daddy will give it to you.”
“You want daddy’s d-ck don’t you?”
Rating: 4.5/5
Steam/Spice: 3.5/5
Tropes:
- dark romance
- small town
- insta-obsession (MMC)
- morally gray (FMC)
- stalker
- serial killer vibes
- mask kink
- primal / chasing
- revenge
- gothic strip club
- secrets
- twists & turns
“Little did she know that when she provoked my demons with her own, all she was really doing was sealing her fate with mine.”
“Wishing she would strut off that stage and come sit on daddy’s lap so I can spank her for being a bad little psycho killer.”
Final thoughts: The Trick has been at the top of my TBR for a while now and I’m not sure how I didn’t make time to read it in October when I was in my Halloween vibe reading kick. I really enjoyed this one and it kept me on my toes with the twists, turns and secrets revealed throughout the story. I read the first 80% in one sitting and didn't want to put it down! Don’t wait until Halloween to pick this one up!
Blair lives in Sleepy Hollow and her favorite holiday is none other than Halloween (and Halloween eve). Her obsession with Halloween and all of the traditional stalker / killer movies has left her wanting more from her life, more from her past relationships and more from her sex life. Her fate changes on Halloween eve 15 years ago, when she thought she could get away with something she’s never done before, something that should terrify the normal person…but Blair has never claimed to be ‘normal’.
As soon as Maddox lays eyes on Blair for the first time, he knows there is something different about her. Not just her beautiful appearance or how she carries herself…but something inside of her calls to him. They say ‘like calls to like’ anyway. As much as he enjoys stalking her, Maddox wants…needs more from her. When she agrees to meet him in person for the first time, everything changes…that Halloween eve night…15 years ago.
“Tell me what you want, little hellcat. Say it and daddy will give it to you.”
“You want daddy’s d-ck don’t you?”
Rating: 4.5/5
Steam/Spice: 3.5/5
Tropes:
- dark romance
- small town
- insta-obsession (MMC)
- morally gray (FMC)
- stalker
- serial killer vibes
- mask kink
- primal / chasing
- revenge
- gothic strip club
- secrets
- twists & turns
“Little did she know that when she provoked my demons with her own, all she was really doing was sealing her fate with mine.”
“Wishing she would strut off that stage and come sit on daddy’s lap so I can spank her for being a bad little psycho killer.”
Final thoughts: The Trick has been at the top of my TBR for a while now and I’m not sure how I didn’t make time to read it in October when I was in my Halloween vibe reading kick. I really enjoyed this one and it kept me on my toes with the twists, turns and secrets revealed throughout the story. I read the first 80% in one sitting and didn't want to put it down! Don’t wait until Halloween to pick this one up!
October 27, 2023
I’ve done a lot of questionable things in my life, most of which I feel no remorse for. My conscience abandoned me long ago when I realized the erratic hand of destruction would be the only thing I could ever rely on. And by default, chaos, as irrational and fickle as it can be, has become the only sense of normalcy my warped mind knows.
(4.5-5 ⭐️)
I don't know what it is about serial killers finding love and shamelessly relishing in their own hedonistic, bloodlust-fueled psychopathy together, but it gets me every time. There's something about that delicate balance between the allure of darkness and the exquisite vulnerability that connects all of humanity that just... it's so good, inject that shit directly into my veins, please and thank you.
The push-and-pull, cat-and-mouse games between Blaire and Maddox was so much fun to read. I was here for all of those red-ass flags... and the twist near the end was exactly what I had hoped it would be!
Such a great spooky read. Will definitely be visiting this one again in the future.
Until Blair, I’ve never met anyone who not only approves of killing but enjoys it as much as I do. Sure, it’s fucked up, but when you meet someone who makes your darkness feel celebrated and not condemned, you do whatever you can to maintain that.
And if that doesn't sum up this story perfectly, then I don't know what else could.
TROPES, TRIGGERS, AND THINGS:
- Stalker/serial killer romance
- Dubcon and CNC
- Kink/fetish content, incl. vouyeurism, exhibitionism, light bondage, and impact play
- Edging/orgasm denial
- Dubcon somnophilia
- Erotic asphyxiation
- Blood and knife play
- Monsters deserve love, too... even the crazy ones
July 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kinky, smutty, dark, and funny, with Halloween slasher vibes and a masked stalker MMC.
I really enjoyed the banter and tension between the FMC, Blair, and MMC, Maddox, and how their relationship developed throughout the book. I also loved how Maddox wasn’t the only crazy and dark one; Blair was also dark and unhinged.
Their story started fifteen years earlier, and the book jumps between that time and the present. I enjoyed how the past and present were woven together and how everything came together in the end.
The storyline was full of twists and turns, and especially towards the end, there were multiple plot twists and revelations that I didn’t see coming.
I need Daddy Maddox in my life 🥵
I listened to this book as an audiobook, narrated by Daphne Fields and Tommy Aguilar. The dual narration worked well with the plot, and overall, I really enjoyed the audiobook version.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
Kinky, smutty, dark, and funny, with Halloween slasher vibes and a masked stalker MMC.
I really enjoyed the banter and tension between the FMC, Blair, and MMC, Maddox, and how their relationship developed throughout the book. I also loved how Maddox wasn’t the only crazy and dark one; Blair was also dark and unhinged.
Their story started fifteen years earlier, and the book jumps between that time and the present. I enjoyed how the past and present were woven together and how everything came together in the end.
The storyline was full of twists and turns, and especially towards the end, there were multiple plot twists and revelations that I didn’t see coming.
I need Daddy Maddox in my life 🥵
I listened to this book as an audiobook, narrated by Daphne Fields and Tommy Aguilar. The dual narration worked well with the plot, and overall, I really enjoyed the audiobook version.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
October 22, 2023
“Look at you. Such a good fucking slut, taking my cock like it was made to punish you.” 🥵
ARC Review
Well this book was up and then down and then way the fuck up for me. The beginning was awesome, I love the throw back to the 2000’s and the slasher vibes. We all love a masked stalker… right? If so you’ll love this book. The MMC legit follows the FMC for fifteen years. Talk about a slow burn obsession. But it’s thrilling and HOTTTT. Like, the smut is “toe curling, drool worthy, get your buzz buzz out and ready to play” hot. The multiple twists and reveals in the conclusion of the book were giving me whiplash. And I love that shit. Seriously this was a great Halloween read with all the Michael Myers vibes and references. 🔪
“Don’t you worry. You’re mine to stalk, to fuck, to punish, in life and in death. Always.”
🫠🫠
ARC Review
Well this book was up and then down and then way the fuck up for me. The beginning was awesome, I love the throw back to the 2000’s and the slasher vibes. We all love a masked stalker… right? If so you’ll love this book. The MMC legit follows the FMC for fifteen years. Talk about a slow burn obsession. But it’s thrilling and HOTTTT. Like, the smut is “toe curling, drool worthy, get your buzz buzz out and ready to play” hot. The multiple twists and reveals in the conclusion of the book were giving me whiplash. And I love that shit. Seriously this was a great Halloween read with all the Michael Myers vibes and references. 🔪
“Don’t you worry. You’re mine to stalk, to fuck, to punish, in life and in death. Always.”
🫠🫠
October 22, 2023
This book was the definition of trust the process.
I’ll be a little honest the beginning was great, in the middle I was a little worried… my book bestie said just make it to the _____ scene (she knows this location is my favorite).
I did and then soon after the name of the book made all the sense(because I was TRICKED)..and everything just started clicking together beautifully. I think I reread a sentence at least 3x’s to make sure I wasn’t going crazy.
If you are needing an obsessed (15 years worth of obsession) masked stalker who loves a good chase in your life then definitely read this book.
I’ll be a little honest the beginning was great, in the middle I was a little worried… my book bestie said just make it to the _____ scene (she knows this location is my favorite).
I did and then soon after the name of the book made all the sense(because I was TRICKED)..and everything just started clicking together beautifully. I think I reread a sentence at least 3x’s to make sure I wasn’t going crazy.
If you are needing an obsessed (15 years worth of obsession) masked stalker who loves a good chase in your life then definitely read this book.
October 26, 2023
This book was definitely a “WTF is going” on for me.
I enjoyed the characters both Blair and Maddox were very fucked up and equally chaotic.
The plot for me was confusing, I was stuck on the whole revenge story line and then all of a sudden they are getting married. I definitely felt like I missed a chapter or three. And don’t get me wrong I love a plot twist but I was just straight up confused.
However the spice was top tier. Maddox’s obsession for Blair was unmatched and his split tongue and piercings 🥵🥵🥵 ooo baby.
It was definitely worth the read for me but I wish there was more explanation once the plot twist happened.
I enjoyed the characters both Blair and Maddox were very fucked up and equally chaotic.
The plot for me was confusing, I was stuck on the whole revenge story line and then all of a sudden they are getting married. I definitely felt like I missed a chapter or three. And don’t get me wrong I love a plot twist but I was just straight up confused.
However the spice was top tier. Maddox’s obsession for Blair was unmatched and his split tongue and piercings 🥵🥵🥵 ooo baby.
It was definitely worth the read for me but I wish there was more explanation once the plot twist happened.
October 23, 2024
“Gotta love Spirit Halloween, it’s the equivalent to a sex shop for us.”
This is a great one for spooky season, or all year long 🖤
If you like:
Masked Stälkér MMC
Stabby Stripper FMC (she's a bad@ss)
MF with FF scene
Slow Burn obsess!on
Somnô
Dégradation
Piércings & split tongue
Michael Myers k!nk
Voyeürism
Chasing
Serial unalivers
Twists
Then this is the book for you.
ALSO! If you love books with black pages: get the anniversary edition. The pages are gorgeously black, with red details. It's gorgeous.
This is a great one for spooky season, or all year long 🖤
If you like:
Masked Stälkér MMC
Stabby Stripper FMC (she's a bad@ss)
MF with FF scene
Slow Burn obsess!on
Somnô
Dégradation
Piércings & split tongue
Michael Myers k!nk
Voyeürism
Chasing
Serial unalivers
Twists
Then this is the book for you.
ALSO! If you love books with black pages: get the anniversary edition. The pages are gorgeously black, with red details. It's gorgeous.
October 23, 2023
This book is great! It’s dark, it’s spicy, it’s deranged. The main characters are both twisted and I love when they are on the same level of dark grey! It really balances out the dynamic. It is a wild ride from beginning to end. I love how it connects to her other book, I love how all the pieces fall together in this story, I love that the twist fucking got me like “WAIT WHAT?!”, NJ out here tricking us hahahaha. This book is absolutely worth the read. Go, run, don’t let the boogeyman get you! Or do actually, you will love it!
June 24, 2024
3.75
Kinky and smutty, and darkly funny, and I loved the Halloween slasher vibes. This was a wild ride, and everyone in this book is certifiably insane (affectionate). For a story with so much murder, the stakes and angst were really low which sort of bored me just a little bit by the end. But highly recommend for fans of slasher movies, possessive stalker MMCs, and FMCs who aren’t afraid to tell you to fuck off.
This would make a really great October/Halloween read 🔪🖤🎃👻
Kinky and smutty, and darkly funny, and I loved the Halloween slasher vibes. This was a wild ride, and everyone in this book is certifiably insane (affectionate). For a story with so much murder, the stakes and angst were really low which sort of bored me just a little bit by the end. But highly recommend for fans of slasher movies, possessive stalker MMCs, and FMCs who aren’t afraid to tell you to fuck off.
This would make a really great October/Halloween read 🔪🖤🎃👻
October 18, 2023
Wow wow wow!
This book has freaking amazing!
The story, the characters, the spice, the build up all absolutely epic!!!
Blair has been in love with darker things in life…. Masked men, knives, blood, and being scared.
She enters a chat room and meet the boogeyman! They talk and chat about their unique interest….
Maddox has been in love with Blair since the first time he saw her year ago! He’s been stalking her, following her, and keeping tabs on her 24/7.
But Blair makes a mistake….once that Maddox will absolutely come back and get his revenge! He is in for the long game of proving Blair belongs to him in every way!
The freaking spice in this was so freaking have that
Favorite toy battery charged 😏
Then the twist st the ending of who Maddox really is 🤯
You will not want to miss this wild ride.
This book has freaking amazing!
The story, the characters, the spice, the build up all absolutely epic!!!
Blair has been in love with darker things in life…. Masked men, knives, blood, and being scared.
She enters a chat room and meet the boogeyman! They talk and chat about their unique interest….
Maddox has been in love with Blair since the first time he saw her year ago! He’s been stalking her, following her, and keeping tabs on her 24/7.
But Blair makes a mistake….once that Maddox will absolutely come back and get his revenge! He is in for the long game of proving Blair belongs to him in every way!
The freaking spice in this was so freaking have that
Favorite toy battery charged 😏
Then the twist st the ending of who Maddox really is 🤯
You will not want to miss this wild ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2023
That split tongue though..
This was a masterpiece. I thought one thing...but what was really happening....I loved it so much!!! Maddox & Blair are so perfect..well except for...ya know...but stilllll I love them so much! The writing, the twists, the delivery... phenomenal. I can't wait for more!
This was a masterpiece. I thought one thing...but what was really happening....I loved it so much!!! Maddox & Blair are so perfect..well except for...ya know...but stilllll I love them so much! The writing, the twists, the delivery... phenomenal. I can't wait for more!
November 4, 2024
・❥・3.5 ✧.*
This was exactly what I was looking for from a dark serial killer romance with Halloween vibes. I will say that it was initially mid but then like 30% through it changed tempo and I became invested.
Both the MMC & the FMC are insaneeee. I was living for the chaos both of them create. They had such chemistry - the back and forth they have and the dynamic as a whole is a vibe. Brat/Dom is one of my favorites and both of them killed it. The MMC was not messing around and the FMC was so messy but in a good way. Also the masks were to die for! I could picture them as I was reading and they sounded so creepy yet hot.
The part that really sold this was the twists that this book takes later in the book, I was wtfing every few chapters because I wasn’t expecting any of those to happen. Like literally any of them. The way I thought this book was going to end, it does not and I am way happier with this outcome than the one I thought was going to happen.
The only thing that was a little lackluster was the writing style. I think it needed to be finessed a bit more than it was. I think the beginning could have been as interesting as the middle to ending if it had been reworked. You could see that the author needed to get comfortable writing the story and characters and where that transition occurred. Their characterization and plot are amazing - just needs a bit more confidence in what they are creating.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves serial killer romances, stalkers, Halloween and “couples who kill together, stay together” vibes. It is perfect to read in Fall!
This was exactly what I was looking for from a dark serial killer romance with Halloween vibes. I will say that it was initially mid but then like 30% through it changed tempo and I became invested.
Both the MMC & the FMC are insaneeee. I was living for the chaos both of them create. They had such chemistry - the back and forth they have and the dynamic as a whole is a vibe. Brat/Dom is one of my favorites and both of them killed it. The MMC was not messing around and the FMC was so messy but in a good way. Also the masks were to die for! I could picture them as I was reading and they sounded so creepy yet hot.
The part that really sold this was the twists that this book takes later in the book, I was wtfing every few chapters because I wasn’t expecting any of those to happen. Like literally any of them. The way I thought this book was going to end, it does not and I am way happier with this outcome than the one I thought was going to happen.
The only thing that was a little lackluster was the writing style. I think it needed to be finessed a bit more than it was. I think the beginning could have been as interesting as the middle to ending if it had been reworked. You could see that the author needed to get comfortable writing the story and characters and where that transition occurred. Their characterization and plot are amazing - just needs a bit more confidence in what they are creating.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves serial killer romances, stalkers, Halloween and “couples who kill together, stay together” vibes. It is perfect to read in Fall!
December 2, 2023
Trigger warnings, Halloween, spicy AF, Michael Myers, murders, spicy AF, more trigger warnings and also spicy AF. What else do you want?
April 3, 2024
3.5 stars
July 17, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Never thought I’d be into a MMC with a split tongue but HERE WE ARE 😮💨
🌶️🌶️
Never thought I’d be into a MMC with a split tongue but HERE WE ARE 😮💨
August 5, 2024
This was ok. There was nothing exciting about it but it wasn't bad. Some parts of the book felt really long winded. It kind of felt like it was drawn out to turn a novella into a novel
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