Abby, escaping the scars of an abusive past, finds solace in the routine of a cozy coffee shop. As mysterious love letters arrive, she embraces the attention of the unseen admirer, rebuilding her confidence along the way. She reciprocates with her own words and forges a connection she didn’t think she would find in anyone, let alone through ink and paper. However, when a charming regular customer, Alex, captures her interest, she can’t deny the pull she has to him. Little does Abby know, Alex has a little secret of his own.
Lashell Rain is a foodie fueled by a shameless amount of caffeine and a passion for storytelling. The Texas native lives at home with her two beautiful kids. Between being a mom by day, and a writer by night, she brought her dreams of becoming an author into a reality.
**Rating: ⭐⭐ (2 Stars) — Great bones, zero meat.**
I really wanted to love this one because it had so much potential, but unfortunately, the execution just wasn't there. I know you can’t always expect a massive amount of depth from a 200-page novella, but I have read plenty of short stories that manage to feel complete. This one just felt entirely hollow.
First of all, a massive selling point of the hype surrounding this book was the pen-pal dynamic between the stalker and the heroine. But guess what? We don't actually get to experience it! They exchange letters for *months*, and we are only permitted to read exactly two of them. Why skip the best part of the premise?
When the identity of the stalker is finally revealed, it's predictable from a mile away. What bothered me more, though, was the heroine's whiplash reaction. When she discovers her boyfriend and her stalker are the same person, she gives herself a pep talk and decides she isn't even mad. But in the very next scene—literally seconds later—she completely flips, berates him, and runs away. Pick a lane, lady!
The logic with the secondary characters completely broke the immersion for me. The heroine is actively hiding from a severely abusive ex-partner, and her best friend, Jenna, is the only one who knows where she is. Yet, when the heroine starts receiving anonymous stalker letters, Jenna's reaction is basically, *"Oh, how sweet, he brought you flowers! You should get back out there!"* Later, when the heroine admits she has feelings for both her new boyfriend and her anonymous stalker, Jenna literally tells her to just date them both. In what world is that an appropriate response to a survivor's safety concerns?
The final straw for me was the confrontation with the abusive ex. He tracks her down at work, yells threats in front of a room full of customers, and physically assaults her—and absolutely no one in the establishment steps in to help. To make matters worse, the best friend walks out, sees the heroine bleeding on the floor with her abuser standing over her, and simply tells the ex to "go away" before sending the heroine home to rest. No cops, no screaming, no outrage. Just completely unbelievable, flat writing.
The stalker was easily the best part of this book, and even he wasn't strong enough to save this plot. It's a shame, because it really could have been something great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Short novella, it definitely kept me interested with its fast pacing. I didn’t care for either characters unfortunately. Still a fun dark valentines day read. 3.5/5⭐️
Historia corta de dark romance ambientada en San Valentin. Le falta un montón de profundidad y desarrollo pero entretiene. Creo que es difícil que un dark romance tan corto sea bueno.
Short Valentine's stalker novella. The writing reminded me of AJ Merlin and I really enjoyed it--wished it ended up being longer as it had a lot of potential!
Downloaded this dark Valentine’s Day novella on a whim when it was suggested in my kindle app. It can only be described as the TEMU version of Haunting Adeline.
I DEVOURED this book in just a few hours! It was hard to put down after I picked it up! I really loved everything about it. It’s a stalker dark romance novella. I honestly wish it would have been longer! And the touch her and 💀 trope. Omg it had me on the edge of my seat!! Definitely worth the read!
Short, sexy & stalkery!! What more could you want?!
I had a fun time reading this one & randomly stumbled upon it while scrolling the streets of KU!
She’s running away from an awful ex, he sees her and immediately becomes infatuated. They are so hot together. He watches her and is there to protect?! Like COME ON 👏👏👏
short and quick dark valentine’s day themed novella 💌
literally wish this was longer but i loved how it went straight to point but also left room for a bit of character backgrounds with a plot !!
stalker romance, insta attraction, obsession, possessive, touch her and die, psychopath, serial killer, abuse, cheesy moments, and dual pov ❤️
i love a good little stalker romance and i always go searching for one as a palette cleanser. this is just so good for it !! as well as a holiday themed type of book. personally this wasn’t too dark but it does deal with some dark themes. check your triggers and happy reading !!
Valentine's Day stalker // touch her and die vibes// novella.
I ate this up. Actually, I DEVOURED this. The story was SO good! Usually with novellas, you get a pretty bland plot, but, the plot was thick and juicy. It was quality!!! It had the potential to be longer, and I really wish it was! Why do stalker romances give me butterflies?
Please enjoy these quotes, and just know, I was screaming as I was highlighting them.
"Ever since he'd started watching me, I regained a sense of confidence in myself that I reveled in. It made me feel wanted, breaking through my timidity."
"God, I would follow this man into the deepest pits of hell."
Alex.. this man... I can't form words...
"Fuck. I don't deserve you, Angel. But, I'll spend every moment trying to be a man who does."
"You were fucking made for me, Angel. You're taking me so well."
EXCUSE MEEEE!? *Melts* Please, read this. Especially if you're a dark romance girly. It's a great palate cleanser if you're in between a series, like me! You're gonna wish it was longer than 120 pages!!
This is a dark stalker romance with intense chemistry and serious “touch her and you’re dead” energy.
He’s obsessive, protective, and completely unhinged in the best way, and I enjoyed most of it. Fast-paced, hot, and perfect if you’re in the mood for a morally gray man who will do anything to keep her safe. 🔥
Whilst this wasn't the most fleshed out, detailed and perfectly written dark romance novella, it was still entertaining and definitely had the potential to be better.
I enjoyed how the story delved in right away, there's nothing better than an opening where the stalkerish, possibly psychopathic MMC, Alex, is burying a body in the woods until he comes across a tearful Abby, the FMC.
Neither of the characters really had much depth to them, especially with Abby being so accepting and even glad about having a stalker. She's fresh out of an abusive relationship, but some of her actions felt strange and usual, especially later in the book when her ex turns up at the cafe she works at, hits her, and then she just carries on like usual- even the customers and her best friend just sit back and watch. Alex just became obsessed with Abby within minutes, and he didn't really have a valid reason for it.
The plot was straightforward, with some cheesy parts but also some cuter moments, such as Abby and Alex writing letters to each other before it's revealed that he's her stalker, however we don't get to read much of the contents of their letters, so we end up missing a lot of that built up connection they've supposedly got. The spice scenes did feel sudden, but they were well written and on the darker side.
The ending and everything wraps up pretty quickly, almost too simply and easily, but regardless it's happy and brings the story to a tight close. This was a quick, easy to read novella, perfect for something to read between books or just a quick fix.
Little Lies and Valentines offers a decent read, but it falls a bit short in some areas. The premise has potential, especially with the stalker aspect, but it doesn't delve as deeply into that tension as it could have, leaving some missed opportunities for suspense. The characters, while interesting, feel somewhat underdeveloped, and their motivations could have been explored more to add emotional depth. It’s an enjoyable read, but it lacks the complexity and intensity that could have made it truly compelling.
Ummm, hotness overload!! I accidentally found this book and I'm so happy that I did because I loved it!! Alex is everything! He's sweet and swoony but has a dark and twisty side!! From the minute he sees Abby, he's going to do whatever he has to do to protect her and give her happiness. And Abby? She's understandably weary of strangers but I love how she finds her strength and takes her life back! I loved this so much, I need the paperback!
Finished late last night. Not too heavy on the dark side, if you took only a few parts out it would be a sweet romance. Felt like a valentines day version of "He Sees You When You're Sleeping". It is quick paced and kept my intrigue. Wish it was longer to get more depth out of the characters. Just wished for a bit more originality.
Short sweet novella with dark themes and a MMC I know people would pine over.
'Todavía había una luz dentro de su alma en algún lugar, y la quería toda para mí. Quería encontrarla y hacerla brillar.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers. •Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Little lies & Vanlentines de Lashell Rain
Argumento:
Él la ha estado observando y a ella le gusta.
Abby, escapando de las cicatrices de un pasado abusivo, encuentra consuelo en la rutina de una acogedora cafetería. A medida que llegan misteriosas cartas de amor, ella atrae la atención del admirador invisible, reconstruyendo su confianza en el camino. Ella corresponde con sus propias palabras y forja una conexión que no pensó que encontraría en nadie, y mucho menos a través de tinta y papel. Sin embargo, cuando un encantador cliente habitual, Alex, capta su interés, no puede negar la atracción que siente por él.
Lo que Abby no sabe es que Alex tiene un pequeño secreto.
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance día de San Valentín, pueblo pequeño, admirador secreto por correspondencia, acosador, asesino serial, violencia de género, sangre... No leo mucho romance oscuro pero tenía curiosidad por la historia y además quería leer algo distinto para el día de los enamorados.
Alex es un alguacil de la policía pero secretamente que asesina gente que hizo daño y quedaron en libertad. Abby es una barista que escapó de una relación abusiva, su novio está en prisión y espera haber encontrado un lugar seguro.
Abby y Alex son personajes agradables con su lado gris.
Alex mataba personas malas, tenía cámaras en cada lugar de la casa de la protagonista para observarla, entraba a su casa, se tomaba fotos con ella durmiendo y se las enviaba, usaba una máscara de calavera! Era un tipo dulce, protector y hacia justicia por mano propia cuando el sistema fallaba. Estaba la parte de él inquietante que deberían ser puras banderas rojas para Abby pero a ella le encantaba sentirse observada y se termina enamora de Alex, su acosador. Sabe que hay cosas incorrectas sobre todo el asunto con él pero lo ama y me pareció que al final se demuestra que son la pareja perfecta. Lo dice todo la escena del final cuando ella toma venganza de su ex.
Es un buen romance oscuro, una lectura rápida y para mi diferente con un final sangrientamente feliz.
If you’re looking for a dark romance novella, look no further! Available on Kindle Unlimited, about 119 pages long, it’s a short & sweet read… well sweet despite the fact that the MMC is a morally gray stalker who does some dark shizz. Both Abby and Alex are likable, neither of them annoyed me, because it’s a novella the book moves quickly and it was a pretty captivating read. I would say the last couple chapters sort of make me question what should be appropriate spicy scenes but I guess that goes along with it being a dark romance. I would categorize it as a bit of a romance thriller as well; although a bit light on that. It definitely gave me Mindf*ck series vibes. Was it well written? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes! Overall, 4/5 🌶️ and 4/5 stars ⭐️.
I really enjoyed this novella. It was the right about of spice, touch her and die, and romance.
Abby had been through a lot with her ex. No matter what she did it wasn’t enough for him. She was abused, tired, and full of fead. She was finally able to get away from him and start her life over. That’s when she found her “secret admirer” & Alex. She was torn between the two until she found out the truth.
Alex is tall, handsome and so sweet. Abby is his girl and nobody could mess with that. Not even Abby’s ex, Nicholas, when he finds Abby once again working in a local coffee shop.
Things go south for poor Nicholas though. What a shame.
Oh, how I wish this wasn’t a novella! I devoured this story and wanted more. The plot had a few holes, it was very rushed but the characters were so addicting!
*massive spoilers ahead*
The only minor complaints I had was the reveal of her stalker and how she went through all the emotions in less than 5 minutes and suddenly felt okay about the whole situation.
And the scene at her job with her ex & how literally no one helped her! And how he basically just got out of JAIL and found her so easily. Makes no sense.
But that’s why I wanted this to be a novel & not a novella. I feel like the author could add so much more detail to make this a really good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
un dark romance de sv cortito que se puede leer perfectamente en una tarde!!
abby vivió una relación de maltrato con su ex, el cual sale de la cárcel y quiere encontrarla… pero abby tiene un admirador secreto o mejor dicho, un acosador que la acecha durante muuuchos meses…
alex, nuestro acosador, se enamora perdidamente de ella y decide perseguirla/acosarla y acaba dejándole notas hasta que un día se presenta y empiezan a salir. He mencionado ya, que también es un asesino? 🤭🤭🤭🤭
no está mal para pasar el rato pero evidentemente el trasfondo de la relación está mal tratado y tal pero me ha gustado muucho como ella acaba con su ex 🙏🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 The perfect dark romance for me, a delicious blend of spooky and sexy.
⚠️Note! I am wary to give a full 5 stars just because you only get the epilogue if you purchase the physical book and that is EVIL ‼️⚠️
✒️Favorite Quote🖋️ “Well, I’ll to be sure to come back tomorrow with more compliments,” he said, watching me with an intensity that made heat rise to my cheeks. “What if there’s nothing to compliment?” I said without looking up, my insecurities pouring out. “Oh, there will be something.”
*this is a novella, so I don’t rate it on the same standards as a full length novel
💕Dual POV 💕St@lker romance 💕He falls first/insta-love 💕Touch her and 🔪
Any time I wish a novella was a full length novel, I feel like it’s pretty good. This was a quick, easy, little dark romance to enjoy in a day. It’s not that dark, so if you’re looking to dip your toes in, then this is a good place to start. Alex was a golden retriever, but only for her and I loved him.
Okay was this the most fleshed out, plot driven, common sense book? Maybe not
Did it still make some scream, giggle, and kick my feet? Hell yeah!
Maybe some people are more thoughtful critics than me but I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. Part of me wishes this was more than just a novella but this was the perfect little taste I was looking for to get in the Valentine’s Day spirit (dark romance style)
Almost gave me lights out but Valentine’s Day version.
3.5 stars. It was a good, short novella, I was able to just sit and read it over the course of a couple hours. There were a couple things that bugged me - like the fact that there’s a mention of hair being tucked behind Abby’s ear 7 times. 5 of those before page 50. It’s giving that chick from Twilight vibes. Can she not do anything else with her hands? I did like the touch of fucking next to a man they murdered together for Valentine’s Day though. That was dark romance at its finest. Lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow this book was a absolute gem and perfect for my favorite holiday! Spice, revenge and obsession! This gave me similar vibes as Butcher & Blackbird as well as Lights Out. It was the perfect balance of romance and DUAL POV that will leave you breathless.