This is as dark romance horror novella, book one in a series. 18+
Bethany
I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that's when I saw him in the act. Worse, he saw me, too. His dark gaze burned into me from behind his white skull mask.
He's the reason I've been afraid to sleep at night. You could say I became obsessed with the killer. I couldn't get the image of him slashing that guy from my head. Sure, that guy was one of the town a-holes, but to see him get sliced up like that? So. Much. Blood. When I close my eyes, I see the mask. When I open my eyes, I see the mask—in the shadows, watching. Towering, broad-shouldered, and dressed in black. He is there and gone in an instant. Or is it just my imagination? There are theories about who he could be, but the worst theory is mine. It's a dark secret, and I haven’t told a soul. Last year, I attended a costume party and did something I’d never done before. I had a one-night stand. His one condition when he stole me away behind a closed door...was that he kept on the white skull mask.
Skull
Welcome to my deadly game, sweet Bethany. You will be a good girl, and play along. I know you will.
*check Author's note in foreward of book for TW's.
Got this for review on booksirens 3.5 star rounded up. An entertaining spicy dark romance with a masked stalker. I liked the fast pace and bit of a mystery to it and a lot of spice. It's end on a cliffhanger and it's intruiging to want to continue.
Bethany attends a Halloween party at a Victorian mansion, where masked man known as Skull claims her in steamy dubcon encounter while people were being killed at the party, ominously telling her she is "pretty when she screams." This traumatic encounter marks the beginning of Skull's obsession with her. Haunted and terrified, Bethany tries to return to her normal life but finds herself increasingly ensnared in Skull's game. She discovers threatening notes and evidence that Skull has been in her home, further escalating her fear. Her research into the mansion reveals a disturbing history, hinting at connections between Skull and the wealthy family. Despite her attempts to avoid him, Skull continually intrudes into Bethany's life, culminating in a forced sexual encounter at her home. He leaves her marked and terrified, but also confused by her own conflicting feelings for him. Skull's relentless pursuit leads Bethany to a masquerade party where she learns a shocking truth about Skull's identity, and that she's an integral part of his plan that includes forcing her to marry him. Bethany is coerced into a grotesque wedding ceremony in the depths of the family crypt, agreeing to the marriage to protect herself and her loved ones. Now bound to a man who embodies both her deepest fears and darkest desires, Bethany is determined to survive and find a way out of the nightmare that her life has become as a pawn in Skull's twisted games. Ultra-hot and steamy dark, erotic horror romance, intense violence and sexual encounters (dubcon, bondage, knife play, and more), exploring fear, control, manipulation, survival, and the fight for freedom in the face of unimaginable horror. Book 1 in the series - ends on a cliffhanger.
I liked it but it was missing something that I can’t put my finger on. Hence 4 instead of 5 stars.
It was definitely dark between him taking what he wanted in the bedroom to force marriage. But at the same time he was sweet, necklace for protection, spooning with her during a hurricane.
I will be honest I am slightly regretting reading a to be continued story. As I want to know what happens next without having to join a subscription website for it. I’ll be keeping my eye out for the second half to be published.
I love me a book with a music playlist! The whole time kicking my feet back and forth. A bit fast-paced but I enjoyed it and the plot was easy to follow. I must know what the group's endgame is! Bethany is a bad bitch cause I would have freaked out if I was in her position. You stay safe tho! I'm going to need a second book of Bethany and skull for all my unanswered questions!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I drank this book up! Like, holy shit. I was completely invested. I even (accidentally) skipped lunch while reading this, and for me that says a lot.
It was truly that right mix of different vibes and situations that kept me going page after page, after page, after page: A fun plot with engaging storytelling. A set of very interesting main characters. That perfect mix of fun, mysterious, and dark moments...
I already love a good stalker romance (Like, give me all the obsession and all the moral struggles. I eat it up!), but the addition of slasher vibes in this story? That element took the vibe to a whole other level. It added this sharp edge to the story, and combined with a little mystery surrounding all that happened, the vibes became very addictive. (Does that make sense?) I didn’t want to stop.
And that ENDING? Excuse me, but, what?! How DARE the book stop there. I need to know more. I want to read what happens next!
Disclaimer: I got this book as an ARC (thank you!), and I'm leaving this review 100% voluntarily.
If you'd like to read about more books I liked, or maybe what I thought about the previous books in this series, check out my Goodreads profile. I also sometimes post reviews on Instagram and talk about bookish stuff on Threads.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Bethany stumbles upon witnessing a murder, she starts seeing the man in the white skull mask everywhere, in her sleep and on the streets. Bethany has a secret, whilst everyone has a theory on who the mystery man is, she had a one night stand at a costume party with a guy in a white skull mask. She never knew who he was, because his one condition was that he keeps his white skull mask on.
Do check trigger warnings before picking up this book. Immediately I was hooked, the mystery at the start has you wanting to find out more, I could barely put the book down. As the story progressed I was getting even more invested in the characters and what was going to happen and let’s just say I was not expecting that twist at the end. The characters were interesting and watching how they connected and almost gave this balance to each other, with not just their different views and morals but also with their characteristics, it just works so oddly well(hoping that sentence made sense🙈). Have to give a shout out to the NSFW pictures at the end🥵🥵. Definitely recommend checking it out in time for the spooky season.
Do you ever have a craving for a bunch of chips or candy? You’re hungry but you don’t want to be particularly full or eat something nutritious but eating the junk food is fulfilling in a different way. I’d equate reading this novella to a similar experience; satisfying in its own way. Bethany is an independent book store owner in her home town of Sleepy Hallow when she meets a skull masked man at a party. He drags her away from the crowd right as pandemonium erupts and they share a one night stand. That is until he shows up in her bedroom. And she learns people died in the mayhem. Now she finds herself researching who could be behind the mask, and reminiscing about their time together. Is Skull behind the murders and will she be next?
“Good God, this monster of a man had the power to make me feel like heaven while putting me through hell.”
Knowing reading this novella is like enjoying a bag of candy, I’d rate this a 4⭐️ read. It was enjoyable, fast paced, and I wanted more when it was done. I also wouldn’t pick this up if I was wanting a more substantial read. Perfect for readers like enjoy a cut to the chase dark romance!
I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Thanks to the authors and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read.
This is my first read by this amazing duo and oh my sweetness - it’s the perfect amount of twisted, suspenseful and spicy with a dark air of mystery and I need so much more.
Bethany is a sweet heroine that doesn’t realize she has been pulled into a deadly game of revenge when she attends a party with her friends only to be rescued by a man in skull mask right before tragedy strikes. This young woman has a curious nature that matches my own and I love that.
Skull is young man set on revenge and getting what is owed to him. He is all the dark and brooding that I love mixed with this air of hurt and eloquent manner. He is just as intriguing as he is dangerous.
Jasmine and KJ had me roped in from the beginning, with its fast pace and intriguing storyline. I love the ominous mystery intertwined with dark romance as Skull pulled Bethany into his plot for revenge. The spice is perfectly balanced with character and world building while leaving me begging for more. I am seriously excited to see where these queens take this because I am dying to know if it’s truly love, strictly for revenge or a mix of both.
This dark romance gripped me from the start with its brooding and tantalizing narrative. The characters are deeply crafted, evolving significantly throughout the story. It masterfully blends intense violence, eroticism, and psychological torment, delving into themes of fear, control, and survival. With its gripping plot and steamy scenes, it’s a must-read for dark romance enthusiasts. The novel concludes on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager for the next installment in the series.
· Spice Level: 4/5
· Enjoyment: 4/5
· Writing Quality: 4/5
· Overall: 4.5/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pretty When You Scream by Jasmine P Dane and KJ Devoir is a dark romantic thriller. Definitely check the authors page as she suggests before starting. This was definitely an interesting read and one for those into the masked men trope. Our MMC definitely also was morally black so be prepared for that. He did have a soft spot and obsession for the FMC.
I definitely do not want to give too much of the the story away. The FMC is being followed by the MMC in a skull mask and she has witnessed things. She also recalls past events with him. Let’s just say things are interesting with him.
This is just the beginning and it continues on a subscription service. So you can continue there. Hopefully it will be published in the future as well.
I received this as ARC for free, thank you for the opportunity!
If you love a morally dark MMC and don’t have boundaries, this is for you!
3.5 ⭐️
I literally read it in one go the moment I received it and could not stop. The story picks up really quickly and kept me glued till the end - which btw is quite the unexpected twist and a bit of a cliffhanger (need part 2 right now!)
Feel free to judge me but I have a sweet spot for Skull. He’s kinda caring and sweet while also genuinely unhinged. The spice is nice though the scenes are a tiny bit repetitive but the almost constant twists and turns make up for it.
It’s the perfect read when you’re feeling like some steamy dark but not too long story!
Loved how fast paced this was! It made the book bingeable, helping me stay engaged and want to keep reading. The story had a thin layer of mystery to it, enveloping the dark atmosphere, which I also enjoyed. The spice was SOO HOT oh my god please love love LOVEexcellent — quick, but one of the best I’ve read nevertheless; the physical chemistry between the two seemed palpable. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book quite like this one, but I’m looking forward to more dark tales from these two authors.
Final rating: 4 stars.
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reading the trigger warnings are a must and this is not for dark romance newbies!
There is a good mix of spice/horror/gore but the plot is a little slow. It almost feels like the whole book was just a setup for book 2, rather than a book in its own right.
I still gave 4 stars as I liked the main characters and the twists within the plot. I will read the second book when released as I would like to see how the plot develops.
Okay, what a wild twisted ride…I wasn’t ready for it to end and I NEED more! Skull is the best written masked MMC I have read to date. Mysterious, hot, possessive and F’s like a God. The plot is fast paced and I feel like I was entangled in this small town rich people drama and I cannot wait to get all the answers. I’ll be stalking this author for more! So good! Read it! I read it in one night!
This book was interesting, to say the least. It had a good premise, it was dark and had triggering horror romance themes however some parts were a bit confusing and hard to keep up with or hard to understand why they were happening. They may be explained more in book 2 and there will be a book 2 as it ended on ... something that I wouldn't call a cliffhanger but a cliffhanger? Again, interesting. The book kept my attention, I needed to know what happened next, and it was spicy, and had red flags galore. Overall I'm not disappointed I read it but I am thankful it was a quick read!
More of a 3.5/5 but rounded up since it got better towards the end. Good quick read. Not a lot of build up since it hops straight into them meeting without any background on either character. Liked all the twists and turns as the story went along and definitely can’t wait to see what drove Landon to his actions. Spice was also good with only a few cringe phrases.
Dark and spicy.. Something about masked men makes me wanna say "yes Please". I am disappointed that it is a to be continued story. I am now invested and want to, NO! need to know more.
Please please please check all the CW and TW before you start this one!! OMG this one had on the edge of my chair. Bethany is a spectator in something she was not suppose to see now she's dealing with the repercussions. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.75/5 Start only because something felt like it was missing. This was a quick spicy novella. Masked men Stalker It's two of my favorite tropes. There is a bit of mystery involved, and it's a little eery. I still want to know more about the way it ended. Overall, it's a good read.
Skull & Bethany: Book 1 of Pretty When You Scream: *Cliffhanger ending* Dark erotic horror novella/ masked k*ll€r/ one night leads to more/ bdsm/ forced/ captive: Dark, spicy, and twisted. Bethany is pulled into Skull’s deadly game of revenge & I can’t wait to see what happens next! Loved it.
Story is filled with suspense, intrigue and some very sexy scenes. A definite good start in what one hopes is going to be a series of such stories. Keeps reader turning page after page of book until conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a dark and twisted romance, bordering on horror. Skull, the MMC, is stalking and pleasuring the FMC, Bethany, starting at a party at an old Victorian mansion. Yes, her body is being pleasured while party attendees are being murdered. Bethany isn’t sure if she is scared to death or craving more. Yes, he ties her up and gives her the best sexual experience of her life. He is twisted and delicious at the same time. This could be 5 stars, but I felt let down at the end. I guess I just need more!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. This book was good! It drew me in from the first page! I felt bad for poor Bethany as the story went on and Skull was top tier! The ending left my jaw on the floor and I'm still trying to process what happened. It does end on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book.
This book was really great. So dark, so well put together. Every page a different twist. Landon and Bethany, I really didn't expect this. Highly recommended
Wonderful read. I enjoyed Beth and Skull characters. A wonderful dark romance. I wish it didn't end with a cliffhanger. Can't wait to finish their story. I enjoyed these two author and together wow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Girl walks into a Halloween party. Girl meets masked psycho with big dick energy and a murder kink. Girl gets dragged out of a bloodbath for a little bondage and bone sesh. Oh, and did I mention? She has a bookstore and a soft spot for trauma dick.
If you thought You by Caroline Kepnes was spicy, this book flips the table, sets it on fire, ties you to the bedpost, and proceeds to eat you out while bodies drop downstairs.
Bethany is your bookish, socially awkward librarian-turned-cozy-horror-obsession. She’s trying to mind her business, sip sangria, and not get murdered when she stumbles across a literal skull-masked killer mid-slaughter. Naturally, she gets abducted, restrained, and absolutely wrecked in the bedroom (while the horror show goes on just floors below). A sane person would call the police. Beth? She calls it Tuesday.
Skull (aka the sexiest red flag in literature) is a walking BDSM-fueled fever dream with a god complex, a murder habit, and a hard-on for fear-induced orgasms. He’s giving tall, dark, and “I’ll eat you alive in every sense of the word.” He’s also giving: “You’re mine now. No take-backs.”
The Spice: Off-the-charts. Filthy, depraved, and shockingly poetic. Imagine a murder-mystery orgy where your orgasm is the alibi. The sex is rough, the praise is filthy, and the power dynamics are so off-kilter they’d make Freud raise an eyebrow. One second, Skull’s eating her out like a death row meal, the next he’s carving his initials into her with a blade. Romantic? No. Unforgettable? Also no—because now I need therapy.
Dialogue sample: Skull: “You’re pretty when you scream.” Me: “…and I need to lie down.”
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If your idea of a good time is psychological warfare, shadow kinks, and morally bankrupt billionaires with knives and a possessiveness problem—welcome home. If not, run. Preferably before the ropes come out.
Final Thought: Pretty When You Scream is not just a book—it’s a full-body, whiplash-inducing, “I can’t believe I’m turned on while people are dying” experience. It’s dark, it’s wrong, and it’s so good it feels illegal. Jasmine P. Dane is not here to make you comfortable—she’s here to ruin your standards and make you question your moral compass.