The Stalker

Chasing In the Dark

by Steli Simeonova

This time there was no forest, no storm, and no cold. I was not running away from my hunter, but I was just as fucked.

We both were, because a romantic weekend away from the city during Christmas turned from a dream to a nightmare, and now I had no idea who was going to live, and who was going to die.

The hunter turned to hunted, and me? Well, I never lost my role as a prey.

"The stalker" is a continuation of the story from "The Hunt," it can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended to read "The Hunt" before.

This is a short story, intended for mature audiences only! The story ends with a HEA. Please check CW before reading it.

Genres: Novella, Dark Romance, Dark, Erotica, Smut, Halloween, Christmas

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2023

About the author

Steli Simeonova is a journalism student in the Netherlands. She loves books and art, and spends a lot of time creating both. Her favorite animals are cats (cause they are sassy just like her) and she has adopted more than a few in her life.

Other interests include watching Formula 1 and travelling, so right now, she's probably at some airport, with headphones in, listening to her music collection and enjoying some quiet time.

In her books you can find diverse pairs, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a variety of kinks (with primal being her favourite).

Reviews

[Jolleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin. I’m still in shock with the ending! Definitely not what I was expecting, it was 1000x better!
From the first page to the last one I had no idea what was going to happen. I thought I knew but nope not even close.
Loved the characters and the surprise character topped the cake.
If you like dark, very spicy, smut with a heavy dose of wtf just happened?!? This is the book for you!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was very captivating. It absolutely has some dark areas but is not pitch black. Love both the MCs in this story which were also in "The Hunt". This is a standalone but if you want more of their story read "The Hunt". So much spice in this short story! Highly recommend. Be sure to read the TW!!

[Johnna Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a quick, fun and spicy 🌶️ 🥵 read!! It brings us back to a characters from “the hunt” (you don’t need to read that one to enjoy this one, but I recommend reading it). It starts out sweet then goes spicy hot real fast!! If you looking for:

🌶️ spicy read
🌶️ stalking
🌶️ dark erotica
🌶️ voyeurism
🌶️ bisexual hero
🌶️ etc

Then this is the read for you!!

[Dyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

We met Aurora and her husband Nate in “The Hunt”, now we’re back with them a few months later, and Aurora is in the early stages of pregnancy, which is causing Nate to not want to engage in harder aspects of play, and frustrating Aurora.
They are enjoying quiet, steamy time in a cabin, when a third party wearing a mask crashes the party and demands they perform for him. Things get really intense and naughty, before a twist is revealed. Really enjoyed reading!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren Erzsebet · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the excitement of the hunt, both of them discover some life altering news that means kink will melt into the background.
Spending time away for Christmas means passion, sweetness and enjoying the holiday with the one you love.
This perfect weekend becomes more compared to a horror film when Aurora spots someone stalking their movements.
Lost in pleasure open them both up to vulnerability which allows danger to gain access to their bedroom and their bodies.
This is not the same type of game she once played with her husband and both could lose their lives if they don't agree to twisted rules.

This is a continuation from a previous book released in this short story series.
I loved seeing their connection and how beautiful they are in the midst of wonderful news which is hard to achieve in so few words but anything is possible for this author.
Suddenly a dark cloud seems to sour a cosy scene and we are thrust into a high emotion situation that forces certain actions to take place.
A darker theme takes over this Christmas romance that I have come to love from this writer who excels in the unpredictable.
The dangerous side of kink awakens the beast within and brings out primal urges that mean I adore this type of writing.
A perfect imagination weaves an often creepy and tense situation that could easily end in crimson.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕜𝕖𝕣 by Steli Simeonova
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐑𝐁: 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚘 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚝, 𝚗𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚖, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚍. 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚜 𝚏𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚍.

𝚆𝚎 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎, 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚊 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚔𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚍𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙲𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚖𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚊 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚝𝚘 𝚊 𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚗𝚘 𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚊 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚒𝚎.

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚎? 𝚆𝚎𝚕𝚕, 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚛𝚘𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚢.

𝐐𝐔𝐎𝐓𝐄(𝐒):

“𝚃𝚜𝚔, 𝚝𝚜𝚔, 𝚝𝚜𝚔. 𝚂𝚘 𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚢. 𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚠𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚛𝚒𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚍𝚎.”

“𝚂𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚢 𝙹𝚎𝚎𝚣𝚞𝚜,” 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚠𝚊𝚢, “𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎.”
“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚔𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚗,” 𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍, 𝚗𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛. 𝙸 𝚝𝚘𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚠𝚊𝚜.

𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖: 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚒 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍, 𝚢'𝚊𝚕𝚕.

𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚋𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝙾𝙱𝚂𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙴𝙳 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜.

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺 𝟺 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚜 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚊 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚙𝚕𝚎.

𝙰𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚠𝚊𝚢𝚜, 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚝 𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚎! 👹👹

𝙹𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚌𝚔 𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜. 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜. 🤍🤍

𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒:
▪︎ 𝙳𝚞𝚋𝚒𝚘𝚞𝚜 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝
▪︎ 𝚁𝚊𝚙𝚎/𝙽𝚘𝚗-𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚝
▪︎ 𝙶𝚞𝚗𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚢

𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒:
▪︎ 𝙼𝙵𝙼
▪︎ 𝙳𝚘𝚞𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝙿𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗
▪︎ 𝙼𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚗
▪︎ 𝙿𝚎𝚝 𝚗𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚜

👹🌶🖤✨️

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating : 2.5 ⭐️

Not what I expected. I was so excited to read it after finishing the last one and reading the synopsis of this book but it left me disappointed.

The introduction of the stalker was too quick, like he just appeared out of nowhere and threatened them, but he didn’t talk much about what happened in the last book, when she almost hit him with her car or the metallic noise she heard. He said he was a stalker without explaining himself any further and when we finally know his true identity, it’s just boring. The spice could have been better, especially if he didn’t start to thrust into her husband, like wtf ?! I mean Nate is kinda cute but he has a weird relationship with his friend.

So I guess my expectations were too high for this book and the story just didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to.

[A. Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story has a lot of specific kinks. Check the story out for specifics. This an adventurous couple who like to play, in the bedroom. It would be helpful to read The Hunt first. This is a romantic Christmas weekend that Aurora and Nate are spending together. This weekend happens to be interrupted by a unknown masked intruder. This intruder wants to participate in all the weekend activities. Nothing is too off limits or taboo. This intruder will have Aurora and Nate participating whether they agree or not. This is a dark erotic short story with a little twist. Everything isn't exactly as it seems.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stamatina Vatikioti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my loving God!!!!!!that was scary sexy intense....I freaked out at the beggining even though by now after reading 3books from simeonova I know her style....but I really freaked out(I got scared but deep down I was expecting the flow of the story) . I really loved it si so so much. I love Nate and how much he loves and cares for his kitten (Rora you are a lucky woman) I love their love trust and everything about them. This story is dark sexy steamy and everything I know simeknova can deliver in such short story. recommended if you like that kind if stories but first read the warning triggers and tropes and dive if you are fan of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ 5 🌶 5 🥵

I am becoming a big fan of Steli Simeonova. Her books have everything a dark romance reader likes craves. Her trigger warning page is like a checklist for me and tells me the wild ride I'm about to take. Her books are dark, and some scenes might be a little too intense for some. Definely check the warning page before reading.

You will need to read The Hunt before reading this one to understand how Nate and Auara's relationship works. It helps you understand why Auara craves the dark, dirty, sexy play.

Steli, you definitely took this book from a 10 and turned it into a 20. I don't want to give too much away, but adding the stalker element was genius. And omg!!! The spciy and dark scenes were HOT! HOT! HOT! I thought my Kindle would melt.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was certainly was an enlightening read to say! I've was curious to the description of a dark erotic story as I have read a few before but love it when my sense of curiosity takes over and this really won me over. Steli is a new Author for me but am more than happy to say she definitely delighted me in her rather spectacular story telling. Not having read any of her previous books in this series I was still able to navigate the story but realise that previous titles most likely give the reader the far bigger picture.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fast-paced wild short read.
Sin and smut for the duration and an abundance of dark triggers - so readers, go in with caution if you're not into them *pitch black*.
The Stalker is a carry on tale from The Hunt and follows the key characters Aurora and Nate during festive retreat. While getting down and dirty Aurora is convinced she keeps seeing someone outside watching and just as Nate finishes, the moment is broken by slow clapping in the room as a masked figure steps in ready to turn their wild night of passion onto a terrifying night of sin.....
🍑🔫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Hunt, Aurora swears she sees a man watching her from the shadows at the edge of the surrounding forest.
In The Stalker, her husband has joined her at their cabin but he doesn’t believe there’s anyone there, until he can’t deny it anymore.
Held at gun point, Aurora fears for their lives and will do anything to keep them safe.
This was a very good addition to the ‘In the Dark’ series. A sequel to The Hunt, The Stalker is not only very spicy but a bit scary and suspenseful, as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expectant parents Aurora and Nate are getting ready for Christmas and enjoying a romantic weekend getaway at her family’s remote mountain home. Nate’s protective feelings for Aurora include wanting to tone down their sexual play even though she keeps assuring him that she can handle it. Just as things are heating up between Nate and Aurora, they’re amorous activities are interrupted by a Masked Man, who’s intent on subject to them to his demands. Ultra-hot and steamy MFM dark erotic quickie, with DP, gun play, watersports, noncon-dubcon, degradation and more. A little twist at the end.

[Marty Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent continuation of Nate and Aurora's story from "The Hunt." You don't have to have read that story, but it's much more enjoyable, and the Stalker much more frightening if you have, because this isn't that... It's a well-written, quick read and if you've read other work by Steli you'll love it; if you haven't but you like dark stories with just the right bits of wrong, then you'll also love it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

["They Did What?" · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this continuation of “The Hunt” we can see more into the relationship of Nate and Aurora, which adds a touch of everyday and not just an event. With two months having passed by they are back at the cabin, this time for a Christmas respite, only Aurora’s stalker has also decided to come back as well and this time he plans to make an up close and personal appearance. This is a good dark book and a must for those who wanted more from the Hunt.

[Elise Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a couple chapters to remember The Hunt. Once I did, I was hooked all over again. I waited in suspense for the climax. Steli Simeonova did not fail to please. I didn’t expect the end honestly but it made it all much better to know the missing detail to all of it. I can’t help but wonder what Steli has in store for the next novella.

These is a quick read but it is hot and spicy. This is smut all the way but the plot is there and it is a continuation of the previous books.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely happy to see The Return of Nate and Aurora. I must say I think I want to rent space in the author's head because I think she's just as Twisted as I am. For a little while there I was actually scared cuz I didn't know what was going on. But when it was all revealed it made it even hotter. I seriously need a cold shower.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cari Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-Star
5-Spice
*Arc Review*
This is a continuation of "The Hunt" and is the fourth book in the series In the Dark. It tells more of Aurora and Nate's story; you get a deeper look into their relationship. They are back at the cabin preparing for Christmas when Aurora's stalker makes an appearance. This is a quick spicy read that has a list of trigger warnings, so before reading make sure you review them. Steli Simeonova doesn't leave you disappointed.

[Kirsten Van Hooland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adored how this book started! The cosy setting between Nate and Rora in their mountain-house with the absolutely hot chemistry between them.
The spice is absolutely on another level!
However, unlike "The Hunt", there is one trope/kink I personally am not fan off (peeing), which let the rating fall down to 3⭐️
I know that the reason why it only got 3⭐️ is completely personal, but I can't get over that.
Other than that, it was a hot and dirty little book!
(ARC-review)

[Sara Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

I purchased and read this book within an hour and it was so good! I remember The Hunt very well so I understood why it’s recommended to read first but not totally necessary. It may be short but it is a good little story that’s a continuation of the characters in the first book so that’s mostly why it’s recommended to read it first. This was worth the purchase for sure!

[La'Jacinth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say this was a natural progression to me for Nate and Aurora. With their friend Maven, reintroduced after losng touch and going to the same dungeon, actually made sense...after the 2nd epilogue I think it should have been a throuple..or at least the start of one.

Interesting, steamy, and a little more than what ai thought would happen...perfect still.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookSLoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick read to get your blood pumping. Whether it's from excitement or fear, this story will bring you all those dark elements that the author excels at.

The reader knows that something must be going on, but the story carries you. This story seems to have more backstory to it than some of the other prior stories - giving it almost a "part 2 vibe".

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison is probably reading smut · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started off rather slow in the beginning and didn't start getting really spicy until about 50% in. The smut it did have was decent and it had all of the tropes I typically enjoy, but definitely was a little on the out there scale. Definitely a quick and easy read for the holiday season! I don't think this was my favorite book in the series but it was better than some of the others by Steli Simeonova.

[Keema Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I enjoyed read this short story. I love this couple and the way they keep their marriage exciting and new. It’s truly refreshing. I also loved that Nate took the time to plan out one of the best surprises for his wife since finding out their blessing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ljamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Aurora are the same characters from The Hunted. Aurora is now pregnant and her and Nate are just settling in for a new weekend together. They obviously have some sort of Dom relationship where she is punished for being bratty. They seem to be enjoying a great evening until strange things start to occur again. Very short and spicy.

[The Reading Goddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Steli doesn't disappoint! I have to admit that the Stalker is one of my favorites. Per usual, you don't have any idea how it will end until the last moment, and I love that. It hits you like a freight train.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reatha Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short extremely hot kinda scary read. You should definitely look at the trigger warnings if you have any triggers. Butif you don't or you can handle them then this is a really good read. I loved the ending and was shocked.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Aurora. They return from the hunt. Love this couple. I truely thought he was planning something from the start. But was doubtful at first. I really enjoyed this story but I like dark. Not necessary to read The Hunt first but you will be doing yourself an injustice if you dont.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kay reads]

A couple enjoying their time in a bit of a secluded cabin together, when the wife starts feeling as if someone if lurking around their cabin. A stalker.

Degradation
Limited movement (cuffing)
MFM moment
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“And you already know the drill,” he continued speaking, not paying attention to my reaction, “You get caught, you get fucked.”