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Run & Hide: A Dark Halloween Romance
I spent my whole life thinking it was just a game, but this Halloween, I begin to realize it might have always been more than child’s play...Every year, my forever autumn community puts on a massive Halloween ball at the old, haunted manor central to our small town. And as always, I end up on the planning committee, working to make it the best yet. However, this year, the sponsor drops out, and under pressure, I’m left begging my estranged stepbrother for the funds. It goes exactly how I think it will…
Until it doesn’t.
After a decade of absence, he’s suddenly everywhere I look, immersing his malevolent self into all aspects of my life and reminding me of our stilted, complicated past. He’s like a leech I can’t get rid of, and the longer he stays, the more he wants to play. But even though I say I hate him…
I think I might be lying.
And to make matters all worse, I come to believe there’s something sinister lurking in the shadows around me. Now, not only am I trying to battle forbidden feelings, I’m also left to determine what the hell is happening around this spooky town, and why I’m suddenly the target of whoever—or whatever—is haunting this place.
Oh, and the Halloween ball?
I just want to survive it.
**Run and A Dark Halloween Romance is a standalone with an HEA and no cheating. It includes dark themes that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
Until it doesn’t.
After a decade of absence, he’s suddenly everywhere I look, immersing his malevolent self into all aspects of my life and reminding me of our stilted, complicated past. He’s like a leech I can’t get rid of, and the longer he stays, the more he wants to play. But even though I say I hate him…
I think I might be lying.
And to make matters all worse, I come to believe there’s something sinister lurking in the shadows around me. Now, not only am I trying to battle forbidden feelings, I’m also left to determine what the hell is happening around this spooky town, and why I’m suddenly the target of whoever—or whatever—is haunting this place.
Oh, and the Halloween ball?
I just want to survive it.
**Run and A Dark Halloween Romance is a standalone with an HEA and no cheating. It includes dark themes that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2024
163 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 13, 2025
3.5 maybe?
Forbidden romance with a small town during Halloween setting. There were things I liked and others I did not. Im a sucker for good tension which was definitely there but very short lived. I loved the trickles of humor and butcher man mystery. If those elements were played up, I would have rated much higher. Eerie Victorian mansion thats slowly degrading was a nice touch. Romance was a bit spotty for me too. The pacing ruins that gradual transition from enemies to lovers. I will attribute it more to the page length. Dom's dark thoughts promised more than he acted on. He does still have that primal side but things become more cozy in the physical sense. Nothing wrong with that but I signed up for dark romance here. For a quick Halloween read, I enjoyed it. TBH it is enticing me to re-read Little Stranger.
Tropes/Triggers
Forbidden romance with a small town during Halloween setting. There were things I liked and others I did not. Im a sucker for good tension which was definitely there but very short lived. I loved the trickles of humor and butcher man mystery. If those elements were played up, I would have rated much higher. Eerie Victorian mansion thats slowly degrading was a nice touch. Romance was a bit spotty for me too. The pacing ruins that gradual transition from enemies to lovers. I will attribute it more to the page length. Dom's dark thoughts promised more than he acted on. He does still have that primal side but things become more cozy in the physical sense. Nothing wrong with that but I signed up for dark romance here. For a quick Halloween read, I enjoyed it. TBH it is enticing me to re-read Little Stranger.
Tropes/Triggers
October 1, 2024
“𝓓𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓰𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓮 𝓾𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝔂, 𝓢𝓱𝔂 𝓖𝓲𝓻𝓵?
𝓡𝓾𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓗𝓲𝓭𝓮?”💀🔪
“Run and Hide” A Dark Halloween 🎃Romance,by Annie Wild
4.5⭐️
3🌶️
Loved this “Dark Romance/Halloween “ themed novella ! It’s a quick read and the story just sucked me !! I couldn’t put it down !!
There’s so many of my favorite tropes, like Forbidden /Taboo romance, a Stepbrother who at first is a bully to his Stepsister. But secretly is obsessed with the her!! 🥵
It’s set in a small town, there’s a spooky haunted house , a Halloween masquerade ball that takes place in that haunted house!! There’s also a little suspense involving a “masked st@lker “
Loved the angst ,the slow burn and the “cat and mouse “ aspect between MMC “Dom” and MFC “Shiloh” aka “Shy/Shy Girl “ ❤️ And the forbidden and spicy relationship between Dom and Shiloh that does end with a HEA!
Overall if you like a quick spooky and spicy 🥵 Halloween 🎃novella … I would recommend “Run and Hide”!!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Thank you Annie Wild for the opportunity to arc read your book!! 😍
𝓡𝓾𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓗𝓲𝓭𝓮?”💀🔪
“Run and Hide” A Dark Halloween 🎃Romance,by Annie Wild
4.5⭐️
3🌶️
Loved this “Dark Romance/Halloween “ themed novella ! It’s a quick read and the story just sucked me !! I couldn’t put it down !!
There’s so many of my favorite tropes, like Forbidden /Taboo romance, a Stepbrother who at first is a bully to his Stepsister. But secretly is obsessed with the her!! 🥵
It’s set in a small town, there’s a spooky haunted house , a Halloween masquerade ball that takes place in that haunted house!! There’s also a little suspense involving a “masked st@lker “
Loved the angst ,the slow burn and the “cat and mouse “ aspect between MMC “Dom” and MFC “Shiloh” aka “Shy/Shy Girl “ ❤️ And the forbidden and spicy relationship between Dom and Shiloh that does end with a HEA!
Overall if you like a quick spooky and spicy 🥵 Halloween 🎃novella … I would recommend “Run and Hide”!!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Thank you Annie Wild for the opportunity to arc read your book!! 😍
October 14, 2024
Run & Hide is a steamy, enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, forbidden, stalker-lite, girl gets her stepbrother darkish halloween romance. Shiloh "Shy girl" and Dominic "Dom" are step siblings who had a bit of a tortured past. His mother married her father, and they both never felt they belonged. Shiloh is now a teacher in her hometown and still feels bullied as an adult. Dom now works with his father in New York and has not come to town in 11 years. Now, 11 years later, Shiloh asks Dom for help when they need funding for the annual Halloween ball. At first, he says no, but then comes to town. At first, he wants to break Shiloh, and then he realizes he wants her and always has. She feels the same but has a lot of guilt due to their parents. At first, I really hated Dom, but then I realized his stalking, obsessive bullying was his way of getting close to her. I really did end up loving them together. They had great chemistry, and we got a happy ending after the drama. There are some darker themes and a twist I never saw coming towards the end. Overall, I loved it. This was my first book by this author, but hopefully not the last!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2025
Stepbrother
Ok so seeing the cover I thought horror, not my genre but hey give it a try….. dark romance with a Halloween theme! Now I’m home! So messed up MMC, and is Halloween but I think they could’ve leaned a little more- but still good and steamy! But if looking for horror not so much.
Ok so seeing the cover I thought horror, not my genre but hey give it a try….. dark romance with a Halloween theme! Now I’m home! So messed up MMC, and is Halloween but I think they could’ve leaned a little more- but still good and steamy! But if looking for horror not so much.
October 1, 2024
Annie Wild did it again!
The perfect Halloween spooky short read 🧡
Took me 2 days to read it but could have taken me 1 day to read it. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. The twist was a small twist but left me in shock!
Recommend others to read it 🧡🧡
The perfect Halloween spooky short read 🧡
Took me 2 days to read it but could have taken me 1 day to read it. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. The twist was a small twist but left me in shock!
Recommend others to read it 🧡🧡
October 6, 2024
I loved every bit of it! Watching Dominic and Shiloh’s relationship evolve was so enjoyable. The mix of mystery and spooky vibes made it even better. A super entertaining novella!
October 16, 2025
Out of my comfort zone and read for a book club. Looking forward to the discussion. A little weird but it definitely held my interest.
November 14, 2025
I’ve been dipping my toes into published dark romance since my favourite AO3 writers are on hiatus and ya girl has been STARVING lol. Unfortunately, nothing measures up so far, but I remain hopeful that this reading journey will reach greener pastures.
Labelled as A Dark Halloween Romance with erotic themes of forbidden love, this book seemed to qualify as a decent October read. The writing was good, the smut was fairly steamy—nothing to clutch your pearls over if you frequent this genre. However, the story in and of itself… Here’s the breakdown.
CHARACTERS
Shiloh (FMC)
A sweet little basic small town bore. I don’t hate her; I would have liked her in real life to be honest but as a character on the page—whose inner monologue we followed through numerous chapters—I found her to be dull and immature.
When it comes to this genre I’m here for the dude and the vibes, yes, but her disingenuity regarding her own desires, along with the author's tendency to have her throw tantrums randomly to create tension, was not to my taste, so I found Shiloh's chapters tedious. She lacked emotional maturity due to apparent insecurity, which the author simply states rather than helping us understand why it fueled her complicated emotions toward Dominic.
Dominic (MMC)
“I’ve always been this way, I see something delicate, and I want to break it. Watch the shards crumble at my feet, a new kind of beauty in their splintered remains.”
I guess Dom would be a hit or miss, depending on whom you choose as your muse when picturing male characters in romances 😂 I have my go-to and don’t rely on the author to paint a picture for me when it comes to visuals (or vocals, LOL forgive me) so that automatically makes the MMC bearable to me from the get-go.
But putting that bias aside, Dominic was much wittier and a tad funnier, making his chapters far more entertaining. Is he your typical bad boy cliché to a T? Absolutely. I was served the sexy asshole as promised and I accepted it as such but his reasoning for hating Shiloh made almost no sense at all.
Just seemed like he was taking his anger out on her rather than the people who caused it. I don’t care enough to think of him again but he had his moments where he lived up to the debauchery I expected of him, so I didn’t mind him.
However, I find it comical when male characters assert their dominance in the obvious manner that he did in certain parts. I prefer such traits to be inherent rather than overtly stated.
PLOT and Character Dynamics
“Dominic and I are about as close as the North and South Poles, our relationship just as warm.”
The entire forbidden arc hinges on the fact that these two are step-siblings, which I find to be quite unoriginal. I mean, sure, use the trope to evoke scandal, but it requires more substantial buildup to be effective. It’s merely thrown in for shock value with a barely fleshed out story of their past and how they got here. This seems to be a recurring theme in the genre, as many authors mistakenly believe it qualifies as enemies-to-lovers, but I find it quite redundant.
The best moments between the two occur when they abandon their false pretenses and dive into each other without care. I wish the author had leveraged these moments of vulnerability to build tension, as sparks inevitably arise when they cope with their trauma while being wrapped up in each other.
However, there are so few of these moments, and so much filler added that it feels more like role play with random kinks thrown in, which came off as corny to me. But hey, if that’s your cup of tea, it just might get your motor running (I don’t know if glove fetish is a thing, but she made a whole deal out of it that lead nowhere, so I guess it is).
My FAVOURITE SCENES were the parts with Dom and the journals. As someone who journals to remain sane myself, I was squealing while he did what he did, and wasn’t sure how on earth I’d react to or process such a thing myself (I’d probably spontaneously combust).
AVALON – Spooky Settings and Small-Town Charms
“This town is a worthless smudge on the map of a much wider world that’s leaving you behind.”
I get that this is a Halloween-themed book, but the author’s clichéd attempts at creating a spooky atmosphere and portraying Avalon as the perfect autumnal setting felt painfully conventional. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me, but the time wasted on these elements detracted from the more significant opportunity to develop the character dynamics.
Labelled as A Dark Halloween Romance with erotic themes of forbidden love, this book seemed to qualify as a decent October read. The writing was good, the smut was fairly steamy—nothing to clutch your pearls over if you frequent this genre. However, the story in and of itself… Here’s the breakdown.
CHARACTERS
Shiloh (FMC)
A sweet little basic small town bore. I don’t hate her; I would have liked her in real life to be honest but as a character on the page—whose inner monologue we followed through numerous chapters—I found her to be dull and immature.
When it comes to this genre I’m here for the dude and the vibes, yes, but her disingenuity regarding her own desires, along with the author's tendency to have her throw tantrums randomly to create tension, was not to my taste, so I found Shiloh's chapters tedious. She lacked emotional maturity due to apparent insecurity, which the author simply states rather than helping us understand why it fueled her complicated emotions toward Dominic.
Dominic (MMC)
“I’ve always been this way, I see something delicate, and I want to break it. Watch the shards crumble at my feet, a new kind of beauty in their splintered remains.”
I guess Dom would be a hit or miss, depending on whom you choose as your muse when picturing male characters in romances 😂 I have my go-to and don’t rely on the author to paint a picture for me when it comes to visuals (or vocals, LOL forgive me) so that automatically makes the MMC bearable to me from the get-go.
But putting that bias aside, Dominic was much wittier and a tad funnier, making his chapters far more entertaining. Is he your typical bad boy cliché to a T? Absolutely. I was served the sexy asshole as promised and I accepted it as such but his reasoning for hating Shiloh made almost no sense at all.
Just seemed like he was taking his anger out on her rather than the people who caused it. I don’t care enough to think of him again but he had his moments where he lived up to the debauchery I expected of him, so I didn’t mind him.
However, I find it comical when male characters assert their dominance in the obvious manner that he did in certain parts. I prefer such traits to be inherent rather than overtly stated.
PLOT and Character Dynamics
“Dominic and I are about as close as the North and South Poles, our relationship just as warm.”
The entire forbidden arc hinges on the fact that these two are step-siblings, which I find to be quite unoriginal. I mean, sure, use the trope to evoke scandal, but it requires more substantial buildup to be effective. It’s merely thrown in for shock value with a barely fleshed out story of their past and how they got here. This seems to be a recurring theme in the genre, as many authors mistakenly believe it qualifies as enemies-to-lovers, but I find it quite redundant.
The best moments between the two occur when they abandon their false pretenses and dive into each other without care. I wish the author had leveraged these moments of vulnerability to build tension, as sparks inevitably arise when they cope with their trauma while being wrapped up in each other.
However, there are so few of these moments, and so much filler added that it feels more like role play with random kinks thrown in, which came off as corny to me. But hey, if that’s your cup of tea, it just might get your motor running (I don’t know if glove fetish is a thing, but she made a whole deal out of it that lead nowhere, so I guess it is).
My FAVOURITE SCENES were the parts with Dom and the journals. As someone who journals to remain sane myself, I was squealing while he did what he did, and wasn’t sure how on earth I’d react to or process such a thing myself (I’d probably spontaneously combust).
AVALON – Spooky Settings and Small-Town Charms
“This town is a worthless smudge on the map of a much wider world that’s leaving you behind.”
I get that this is a Halloween-themed book, but the author’s clichéd attempts at creating a spooky atmosphere and portraying Avalon as the perfect autumnal setting felt painfully conventional. Normally, this wouldn’t bother me, but the time wasted on these elements detracted from the more significant opportunity to develop the character dynamics.
October 5, 2024
Annie will be the first to tell you she writes slow burn romances, this one is Halloween based.
It is her usual slow burn, kept me reading but then I am a bit of an addict and just can’t put a book down (ok, you got me I sleep n work) This one is about step siblings in the lead up to a highly anticipated Halloween party. Certain activities transpire, along with a few little ghost stories thrown in by Cornelius to get us into the spirit 👻 of things.
For me I wouldn’t class it as dark, if you follow me and see what I read then you will know I have no triggers. This does not mean you shouldn’t read the trigger warnings. Just because I found this more dusk than dark doesn’t mean you will. I just enjoyed it for the story and I always know Annie writes them well.
It is her usual slow burn, kept me reading but then I am a bit of an addict and just can’t put a book down (ok, you got me I sleep n work) This one is about step siblings in the lead up to a highly anticipated Halloween party. Certain activities transpire, along with a few little ghost stories thrown in by Cornelius to get us into the spirit 👻 of things.
For me I wouldn’t class it as dark, if you follow me and see what I read then you will know I have no triggers. This does not mean you shouldn’t read the trigger warnings. Just because I found this more dusk than dark doesn’t mean you will. I just enjoyed it for the story and I always know Annie writes them well.
October 6, 2024
High school English teacher Shiloh (h) lives a quiet life in Avalon is thrown into chaos when her estranged stepbrother, Dominic (H), returns to town. Years ago, he tormented her, and now, he’s back and just as dark as he always was. Shiloh contacts Dominic with a simple request for his help with sponsoring a local event, and though he turns her down at first, he comes back to Avalon to torment her as he often did when they were younger. Things quickly spiral into something darker, as Dominic becomes obsessed with Shiloh leading him to invade every corner of her life, from reading her private diaries to manipulating her emotions, breaking into her home, and stalking her around town. Despite the pain and anger that they share, Shiloh can’t ignore the intense pull that draws her to Dominic as things heat up between the two. Shiloh finds herself caught in a twisted game of cat and mouse, predator and prey, that have her wondering if she can trust him and what they have together. But when Shiloh is in danger, Dominic’s possessive nature comes to the surface, and he’ll do anything to keep her safe. Ultra-hot and steamy forbidden, dark stalker romance with primal play and rough sexual content, exploring love obsession, manipulation, control, betrayal, trust and strong emotions.
October 2, 2024
This is great for spooky season. A little paranormal Halloween vibe with a little stepsibling romance. I'll be honest I was a little underwhelmed with this story. I'm a huge fan of Annie's, and this one just missed a little for me. I didn't dislike the story it was just lacking a little for me.
3.5⭐️
1.5🌶
3.5⭐️
1.5🌶
October 3, 2024
What a spectacular read!
I loved every aspect of this book, to thrill of the ride right down to the lust.
Shiloh deserves better in life when she comes to a conundrum and needs a favor.... Can her long-lost "step-brother" swoop in an help, or will he cast her a side for better use?.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
I loved every aspect of this book, to thrill of the ride right down to the lust.
Shiloh deserves better in life when she comes to a conundrum and needs a favor.... Can her long-lost "step-brother" swoop in an help, or will he cast her a side for better use?.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
October 8, 2024
This was packed with steam and terror and softness… and everything other emotion known to man. Shy Girl and Dom… taboo but technically not even a little.
The plot twist at the ball was crazy and unexpected! Totally thought it was someone else. As always, Annie has written a masterpiece! You need this in your life!
The plot twist at the ball was crazy and unexpected! Totally thought it was someone else. As always, Annie has written a masterpiece! You need this in your life!
December 14, 2024
4.5⭐️
I haven't read a book in one sitting in a long while! I highly enjoyed this one! I also now have to try leather gloves. 👀🤣 I loved the characters and how you actually saw them develop over time. I loved watching their relationship grow.. I actually got all giddy. 🥹 I just loved it soooo much! There wasn't a lot of spice, but it was good spice! 🔥
The writing was also great! I definitely recommend this book, and I'll personally be checking into the authors other books. 😊💙
I haven't read a book in one sitting in a long while! I highly enjoyed this one! I also now have to try leather gloves. 👀🤣 I loved the characters and how you actually saw them develop over time. I loved watching their relationship grow.. I actually got all giddy. 🥹 I just loved it soooo much! There wasn't a lot of spice, but it was good spice! 🔥
The writing was also great! I definitely recommend this book, and I'll personally be checking into the authors other books. 😊💙
December 8, 2025
This was a perfect quick read for all the Halloween vibes. Annie Wild has done it again with this spicy dark romance! Shiloh is forced to call her long-lost stepbrother, Dominic, and ask for money to save the annual Halloween Ball. Dominic becomes obsessed with Shiloh and will stop at nothing to have her. I was hooked! I absolutely loved this taboo, dark romance.
October 4, 2024
This was a perfect Halloween treat! So much suspense, angst, and some good slow burn.
This shorter read was fun and easy to devour. A little “taboo” love, a spooky Halloween party at a gothic haunted mansion, a wealthy and grumpy MMC, and a sweet school school teacher who just wants to be seen made for the perfect recipe of a thriller book.
I wish there had been more to the story though I realize this was more of a novella! I wanted to know more about the MMC’s dad and how he would be able to fight his way out of the biz or step up. I also totally had a different idea of one of the plot twists at the end for who the person was. That’s the fun in a short thriller!
This shorter read was fun and easy to devour. A little “taboo” love, a spooky Halloween party at a gothic haunted mansion, a wealthy and grumpy MMC, and a sweet school school teacher who just wants to be seen made for the perfect recipe of a thriller book.
I wish there had been more to the story though I realize this was more of a novella! I wanted to know more about the MMC’s dad and how he would be able to fight his way out of the biz or step up. I also totally had a different idea of one of the plot twists at the end for who the person was. That’s the fun in a short thriller!
October 1, 2024
4.75 stars
Annie Wild books never fail to keep me interested and I’m so glad I got to be a part of this arc read!! I absolutely love how it’s an easy and short read but also something to keep you wanting to read more!! The epilogue made me so happy!
Annie Wild books never fail to keep me interested and I’m so glad I got to be a part of this arc read!! I absolutely love how it’s an easy and short read but also something to keep you wanting to read more!! The epilogue made me so happy!
October 7, 2025
Could have been better, wasn't horrendous though. one sentence was really bad and did put me off, but apart from that it was readable 🤷🏼♀️ Just took a lot longer to read than it should have cause I was a bit put off by one part.
October 3, 2024
This was a fun, quick read! I recommend if you’re looking for a spooky Halloween season theme. This was spicy, taboo, and had some fun scares.
October 10, 2024
I was going to give this book a 3, but because of the second half it gets a 4.
I've ARC read all of Annie's books and for some reason this one took me forever to get into. I was having to force myself to read it at the beginning but once it got going I loved it!
I do feel like it felt rushed overall and could of been longer. Seemed quite a few things were unresolved. But by the end I liked it and loved Shy and Dom. They were living their best life together, traveling and doing literally whatever they wanted.
I've ARC read all of Annie's books and for some reason this one took me forever to get into. I was having to force myself to read it at the beginning but once it got going I loved it!
I do feel like it felt rushed overall and could of been longer. Seemed quite a few things were unresolved. But by the end I liked it and loved Shy and Dom. They were living their best life together, traveling and doing literally whatever they wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2025
I knew going into this it was step-sibling relationship (so not incest) BUT WHY WHEN THERE IS A SMUT SCENE DOES HE REFER TO HIMSELF AS “BIG BROTHER” EW IMMEDIATELY NO IMMEDIATELY 1 STAR
October 19, 2024
Halloween 🎃
Step siblings
Shiloh needs money for her Halloween ball. The only one the committee can think of is her stepbrother, Dominic. He used to “torment” her as teenagers. They only lived together from ages 11-15 before he moved in with his father.
She call. He arrives. He stays.
I thought this was supposed to be dark?
Step siblings
Shiloh needs money for her Halloween ball. The only one the committee can think of is her stepbrother, Dominic. He used to “torment” her as teenagers. They only lived together from ages 11-15 before he moved in with his father.
She call. He arrives. He stays.
I thought this was supposed to be dark?
October 4, 2024
Run & Hide by Annie Wild is an enthralling mix of dark romance, spooky vibes, and unsettling mystery that will have you glued to the pages from start to finish. If you’re looking for a story that combines the eerie atmosphere of Halloween with forbidden romance and an irresistible anti-hero, this book hits all the marks. It’s a spine-tingling, heart-pounding read that’s perfect for the season.
The story revolves around a protagonist who is drawn back into the life of her estranged stepbrother, just in time for their town’s annual Halloween ball. What starts as a desperate plea for financial help turns into a web of secrets, desire, and fear. The author captures the tension between the heroine and her stepbrother brilliantly, playing on their stilted, complicated history. You can feel the heat and the hate simmering between them, but beneath it all is an undeniable attraction that builds throughout the book. It’s a love-hate relationship in the best possible way—charged with tension and dark passion.
What makes Run & Hide stand out is its spooky, small-town atmosphere. The Forever Autumn community feels like the perfect setting for a Halloween romance, with its haunted manor, annual ball, and a deep sense that something sinister is lurking just beneath the surface. The town feels alive with mystery, and as the heroine starts to notice strange things happening around her, you can’t help but be drawn into the chilling plot. Is it all in her head, or is there something darker at play? The book expertly weaves in these supernatural elements, keeping you guessing until the very end.
As for the romance, it’s dark and steamy, filled with all the forbidden tension you’d expect from a step-sibling relationship. The stepbrother, with his malevolent charm and all-consuming presence, is the perfect anti-hero—dangerous, domineering, but oh-so-irresistible. The chemistry between the two is electric, and watching the heroine wrestle with her conflicting feelings is as compelling as it is addictive. Their relationship isn’t just about attraction; it’s about control, power, and a past that neither can seem to shake.
The pacing of the story is just right, blending moments of suspense, romance, and mystery effortlessly. As the heroine tries to figure out the strange happenings around town while simultaneously battling her own desires, you’ll find yourself unable to put the book down. The Halloween ball itself serves as the perfect climax, bringing everything—both the romance and the mystery—to a thrilling, heart-pounding conclusion.
Final Thoughts:
Run & Hide is a perfect blend of dark romance and haunting mystery, with just the right amount of spooky Halloween flair. The chemistry between the lead characters is scorching, and the eerie backdrop of a haunted town only adds to the tension and intrigue. If you love forbidden romance with a dash of danger and suspense, this book is a must-read. Get ready to be swept away by the darkness, the heat, and the mystery that lies within Run & Hide. A fantastic Halloween read!
The story revolves around a protagonist who is drawn back into the life of her estranged stepbrother, just in time for their town’s annual Halloween ball. What starts as a desperate plea for financial help turns into a web of secrets, desire, and fear. The author captures the tension between the heroine and her stepbrother brilliantly, playing on their stilted, complicated history. You can feel the heat and the hate simmering between them, but beneath it all is an undeniable attraction that builds throughout the book. It’s a love-hate relationship in the best possible way—charged with tension and dark passion.
What makes Run & Hide stand out is its spooky, small-town atmosphere. The Forever Autumn community feels like the perfect setting for a Halloween romance, with its haunted manor, annual ball, and a deep sense that something sinister is lurking just beneath the surface. The town feels alive with mystery, and as the heroine starts to notice strange things happening around her, you can’t help but be drawn into the chilling plot. Is it all in her head, or is there something darker at play? The book expertly weaves in these supernatural elements, keeping you guessing until the very end.
As for the romance, it’s dark and steamy, filled with all the forbidden tension you’d expect from a step-sibling relationship. The stepbrother, with his malevolent charm and all-consuming presence, is the perfect anti-hero—dangerous, domineering, but oh-so-irresistible. The chemistry between the two is electric, and watching the heroine wrestle with her conflicting feelings is as compelling as it is addictive. Their relationship isn’t just about attraction; it’s about control, power, and a past that neither can seem to shake.
The pacing of the story is just right, blending moments of suspense, romance, and mystery effortlessly. As the heroine tries to figure out the strange happenings around town while simultaneously battling her own desires, you’ll find yourself unable to put the book down. The Halloween ball itself serves as the perfect climax, bringing everything—both the romance and the mystery—to a thrilling, heart-pounding conclusion.
Final Thoughts:
Run & Hide is a perfect blend of dark romance and haunting mystery, with just the right amount of spooky Halloween flair. The chemistry between the lead characters is scorching, and the eerie backdrop of a haunted town only adds to the tension and intrigue. If you love forbidden romance with a dash of danger and suspense, this book is a must-read. Get ready to be swept away by the darkness, the heat, and the mystery that lies within Run & Hide. A fantastic Halloween read!
October 4, 2024
Umm, wow! If you are looking for a sexy, hot, creepy romance with a haunted house, overbearing stepbrother, creepy stalker, and a Halloween party of the century, this is the book for you!
Shiloh is on the committee to plan the annual small town Halloween fundraiser party. The overlord, or, the committee head, Melanie, has shot down every single idea Shiloh has thrown out. After Melanie steamrolls Shiloh, she then drops the bomb on the committee that their funding has been pulled, and that they will need to find a new sponsor. Melanie suggests Shiloh calls her stepbrother Dominic, who has been completely out of her life for the last decade.
Shiloh dreads calling Dom, he has been nothing but a controlling jerk ever since her parents got together. She would love nothing more than to never see or talk to him again. But she also wants this party to be a success. So, sucking in her pride, she calls him and begs for funding. He all but laughs in her face, then hangs up on her.
The following day, he shows up in town, ready to mock her more about the request for funding.
Shiloh, consumed with the party and all it entails, has been losing her mind. Things have been moved around in her house. Items have gone missing. Her car mysteriously stops working. And now she is sure she has seen a mhurderer wielding a cleaver and wearing a mask, out at the creepy estate the party will be held at. She is certain a ghost is haunting her.. Or that an elaborate prank is being played. Either way, she doesn't want to be alone for one second longer.
But how can she calm her nerves when Dom seems to be everywhere she goes, and eyes are on her all the time? She can't shake the feeling that something is about to go horribly bad...
This is absolutely the perfect Halloween spooky er0t1c romance. It is creepy in the best way, with perfect festive vibes, and a smokin hot step bro with st@lker vibes. I couldn't get enough of this book! I am about ready to turn around an read it for a second time again!
Shiloh is on the committee to plan the annual small town Halloween fundraiser party. The overlord, or, the committee head, Melanie, has shot down every single idea Shiloh has thrown out. After Melanie steamrolls Shiloh, she then drops the bomb on the committee that their funding has been pulled, and that they will need to find a new sponsor. Melanie suggests Shiloh calls her stepbrother Dominic, who has been completely out of her life for the last decade.
Shiloh dreads calling Dom, he has been nothing but a controlling jerk ever since her parents got together. She would love nothing more than to never see or talk to him again. But she also wants this party to be a success. So, sucking in her pride, she calls him and begs for funding. He all but laughs in her face, then hangs up on her.
The following day, he shows up in town, ready to mock her more about the request for funding.
Shiloh, consumed with the party and all it entails, has been losing her mind. Things have been moved around in her house. Items have gone missing. Her car mysteriously stops working. And now she is sure she has seen a mhurderer wielding a cleaver and wearing a mask, out at the creepy estate the party will be held at. She is certain a ghost is haunting her.. Or that an elaborate prank is being played. Either way, she doesn't want to be alone for one second longer.
But how can she calm her nerves when Dom seems to be everywhere she goes, and eyes are on her all the time? She can't shake the feeling that something is about to go horribly bad...
This is absolutely the perfect Halloween spooky er0t1c romance. It is creepy in the best way, with perfect festive vibes, and a smokin hot step bro with st@lker vibes. I couldn't get enough of this book! I am about ready to turn around an read it for a second time again!
October 4, 2024
After eleven years apart, step-siblings Dominic and Shiloh are reunited—but it’s far from a heartwarming homecoming. Dominic has always been more of a living nightmare than a brother to Shiloh, seeming to channel all his resentment over their parents' marriage into relentless bullying. Still, despite his cruelty, Shiloh was devastated when Dominic left town to live with his father in New York. Fast forward to the present, and Dominic is the last person Shiloh wants to turn to when the funding for the town’s annual Halloween Ball falls through. So, when Dominic shows up in town, despite having refused to help her, it’s a mystery—especially since he seems hell-bent on making her life miserable all over again. There’s no sugarcoating it: Dominic is insufferable, taking twisted pleasure in pushing Shiloh’s buttons and making her squirm. But beneath the torment, an undeniable tension simmers, slowly shifting from hostility to an intense, almost obsessive attraction. It’s a slow burn for sure, but the transformation Dominic undergoes is something to behold—though I’ll admit, some of his actions still veer into unsettling territory. The eerie setting of Fairchild Manor absolutely steals the show. The atmosphere is deliciously spooky, providing the perfect backdrop for the Halloween Masquerade Ball. And with a mysterious cloaked figure lurking in the shadows, it adds a sense of gothic suspense that kept me on edge. My only wish? I would’ve loved to see Shiloh resist Dominic’s advances a little longer—give him a taste of his own medicine for all the torment he had caused her. All in all, this is a perfect addition to any Halloween reading list, blending dark romance with a touch of the macabre. If you're in the mood for a bit of slow-burning tension and a hauntingly atmospheric setting, this one’s definitely worth checking out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2025
Run and Hide by Annie Wild, a spicy Halloween novella, which also happened to be the last spooky read on my Halloween to-read list of 2024.
I’ll be honest, I had a bit of a hard time getting through this one—though not because of triggers or anything along those lines. The pace of this felt slow, especially in the first roughly 60%. After that point it almost seemed rushed. I tend to always keep notes as I read, and for this read specifically, that simply felt nearly impossible due to the pacing and flow just not feeling right to me. That’s not to say this isn’t a good novella, because I did jot down while reading that I could picture the scenes in my head, as if they weren’t words on a page, but scenes in a movie. The author did an amazing job at “show” vs. “tell” more often than not. Furthermore, the spicy scenes were very well written, which grants any book bonus points that go toward when I leave my final rating upon finishing a read.
If we get down to some specifics, the main characters had unique personalities, dialogue was well balanced, scene and chapter transitions were smooth—really the only aspects I struggled with were the minimal errors I spotted here and there, and the pacing did not feel right to me. For those searching for a nice Halloween read, the “spooky” feeling was a lot more prominent in the final chapters as opposed to spread throughout the entire novella. This does not influence my rating, as I read all sorts of books and merely had it down as a Halloween read because of others opinions.
Overall, I give this novella three stars. I wanted to leave it at two stars, but the amazing descriptions and bonus points from the spicy scenes have led me to feel three stars is accurate. I look forward to reading more of Annie Wild's works in the future!
I’ll be honest, I had a bit of a hard time getting through this one—though not because of triggers or anything along those lines. The pace of this felt slow, especially in the first roughly 60%. After that point it almost seemed rushed. I tend to always keep notes as I read, and for this read specifically, that simply felt nearly impossible due to the pacing and flow just not feeling right to me. That’s not to say this isn’t a good novella, because I did jot down while reading that I could picture the scenes in my head, as if they weren’t words on a page, but scenes in a movie. The author did an amazing job at “show” vs. “tell” more often than not. Furthermore, the spicy scenes were very well written, which grants any book bonus points that go toward when I leave my final rating upon finishing a read.
If we get down to some specifics, the main characters had unique personalities, dialogue was well balanced, scene and chapter transitions were smooth—really the only aspects I struggled with were the minimal errors I spotted here and there, and the pacing did not feel right to me. For those searching for a nice Halloween read, the “spooky” feeling was a lot more prominent in the final chapters as opposed to spread throughout the entire novella. This does not influence my rating, as I read all sorts of books and merely had it down as a Halloween read because of others opinions.
Overall, I give this novella three stars. I wanted to leave it at two stars, but the amazing descriptions and bonus points from the spicy scenes have led me to feel three stars is accurate. I look forward to reading more of Annie Wild's works in the future!
March 2, 2025
Genre - Halloween Romance/Forbidden Romance
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️/5
Dual POV
MF
Main Characters
> Shiloh Wilson (26) - High School English Teacher/Dominic's Step-Sister
> Dominic Blackwood (27?) - CEO's Son/Shiloh's Estranged Step-Brother
This halloween themed story is mainly based around the relationship between our main characters Shiloh and Dominic. There is a little side plot with a masked stalker but we don't really see much of him throughout this story, he just pop up from time to time but it didn't really catch my interest.
I'm glad that the angst between Shiloh and Dom lasted for a good I would say 40-50% of the book. It would have felt too forced if they just got together straight away after being estranged for the past 11 years. My only complaint is that Dom very quickly changed his actions towards Shiloh. One moment he was set on making her life hell but it all changed once he read her diaries and now he's willing to be the man that she needs? it just didn't suit his personality.
I didn't really find this book dark at all, I found it more of a taboo romance that was just based around halloween time.
This story ends with a HEA for this couple.
Epilogue
Triggers/Tropes
▫️Attempt SA (Not By MMC)
▫️Forbidden Romance
▫️Primal Play
▫️Push And Pull (FMC/MMC)
▫️Masked Stalker
▫️Nicknames (Shy Girl/Dom)
▫️No Cheating/Sharing
▫️No OW/OM Drama
▫️No Protection (Not Idea If The FMC Is On Birth Control)
▫️Obsession
▫️Stalking
▫️Step-Siblings
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️/5
Dual POV
MF
Main Characters
> Shiloh Wilson (26) - High School English Teacher/Dominic's Step-Sister
> Dominic Blackwood (27?) - CEO's Son/Shiloh's Estranged Step-Brother
This halloween themed story is mainly based around the relationship between our main characters Shiloh and Dominic. There is a little side plot with a masked stalker but we don't really see much of him throughout this story, he just pop up from time to time but it didn't really catch my interest.
I'm glad that the angst between Shiloh and Dom lasted for a good I would say 40-50% of the book. It would have felt too forced if they just got together straight away after being estranged for the past 11 years. My only complaint is that Dom very quickly changed his actions towards Shiloh. One moment he was set on making her life hell but it all changed once he read her diaries and now he's willing to be the man that she needs? it just didn't suit his personality.
I didn't really find this book dark at all, I found it more of a taboo romance that was just based around halloween time.
This story ends with a HEA for this couple.
Epilogue
Triggers/Tropes
▫️Attempt SA (Not By MMC)
▫️Forbidden Romance
▫️Primal Play
▫️Push And Pull (FMC/MMC)
▫️Masked Stalker
▫️Nicknames (Shy Girl/Dom)
▫️No Cheating/Sharing
▫️No OW/OM Drama
▫️No Protection (Not Idea If The FMC Is On Birth Control)
▫️Obsession
▫️Stalking
▫️Step-Siblings
October 8, 2024
“It’s just like she said. I’m sick.
The problem is, with every minute I spend watching her, following her, sneaking into her house while she sleeps… I find myself caring less and less that it’s all kinds of wrong. She’s an addiction. A habit I don’t intend to kick just yet.”
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Language Rating: ❤️
Like always I go into my books blind so imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a step sibling romance. This one is definitely for my Dark Romance babes.
And perfect for spooky season, it will definitely get you in the mood for all those costume parties coming up. It’s a nice quick read, I’m talking just a little over 200 ish pages so definitely one you can sneak in quick. It’s fast paced, especially at the end.
Shiloh, poor girl just wanted to love and be loved. I loved seeing her in the epilogue just so happy and clearly living her best life.
Dom, dude was not my favorite at first. It maybe took him a smidgen too long to come around for my tastes when this was such a fast paced book BUT overall I think it worked super well.
Again, I’m am recommending this to my Dark Romance / Taboo lovers. If you love a good chase scene, masked men, and stalkers, this one is for you. 😏
These two MC’s have issues. Lots and lots of issues haha so make sure you read those trigger warnings!!!
✨It’s out and available on KU so run and get it!!!! ✨
🌶️ Spicy Chapters 🌶️
Chapter 8 - 🌶️ Fantasies self care 🍆
Chapter 10 - 🧔🏻♂️⬇️🛏️ 👱♀️self 🐱🧔🏻♂️ self 🍆
Chapter 12 - 💋
Chapter 13
Chapter 16 - 🌶️ fantasies
Chapter 17 - Library 🌶️
Chapter 18 - Library 🌶️
Chapter 20 - 💋
Chapter 21
The problem is, with every minute I spend watching her, following her, sneaking into her house while she sleeps… I find myself caring less and less that it’s all kinds of wrong. She’s an addiction. A habit I don’t intend to kick just yet.”
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Language Rating: ❤️
Like always I go into my books blind so imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a step sibling romance. This one is definitely for my Dark Romance babes.
And perfect for spooky season, it will definitely get you in the mood for all those costume parties coming up. It’s a nice quick read, I’m talking just a little over 200 ish pages so definitely one you can sneak in quick. It’s fast paced, especially at the end.
Shiloh, poor girl just wanted to love and be loved. I loved seeing her in the epilogue just so happy and clearly living her best life.
Dom, dude was not my favorite at first. It maybe took him a smidgen too long to come around for my tastes when this was such a fast paced book BUT overall I think it worked super well.
Again, I’m am recommending this to my Dark Romance / Taboo lovers. If you love a good chase scene, masked men, and stalkers, this one is for you. 😏
These two MC’s have issues. Lots and lots of issues haha so make sure you read those trigger warnings!!!
✨It’s out and available on KU so run and get it!!!! ✨
🌶️ Spicy Chapters 🌶️
Chapter 8 - 🌶️ Fantasies self care 🍆
Chapter 10 - 🧔🏻♂️⬇️🛏️ 👱♀️self 🐱🧔🏻♂️ self 🍆
Chapter 12 - 💋
Chapter 13
Chapter 16 - 🌶️ fantasies
Chapter 17 - Library 🌶️
Chapter 18 - Library 🌶️
Chapter 20 - 💋
Chapter 21
October 5, 2024
I spent my whole life thinking it was just a game, but this Halloween, I begin to realize it might have always been more than child’s play...
Every year, my forever autumn community puts on a massive Halloween ball at the old, haunted manor central to our small town. And as always, I end up on the planning committee, working to make it the best yet. However, this year, the sponsor drops out, and under pressure, I’m left begging my estranged stepbrother for the funds. It goes exactly how I think it will…
Until it doesn’t.
After a decade of absence, he’s suddenly everywhere I look, immersing his malevolent self into all aspects of my life and reminding me of our stilted, complicated past. He’s like a leech I can’t get rid of, and the longer he stays, the more he wants to play. But even though I say I hate him…
I think I might be lying.
And to make matters all worse, I come to believe there’s something sinister lurking in the shadows around me. Now, not only am I trying to battle forbidden feelings, I’m also left to determine what the hell is happening around this spooky town, and why I’m suddenly the target of whoever—or whatever—is haunting this place.
Oh, and the Halloween ball?
I just want to survive it.
Hooked! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what’s gonna happen next. When Dominic is gonna take control!
This was a great step sibling enemies to lovers story!
I wish I could read it again for the first time!
30 seconds, Run and Hide shygirl
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Every year, my forever autumn community puts on a massive Halloween ball at the old, haunted manor central to our small town. And as always, I end up on the planning committee, working to make it the best yet. However, this year, the sponsor drops out, and under pressure, I’m left begging my estranged stepbrother for the funds. It goes exactly how I think it will…
Until it doesn’t.
After a decade of absence, he’s suddenly everywhere I look, immersing his malevolent self into all aspects of my life and reminding me of our stilted, complicated past. He’s like a leech I can’t get rid of, and the longer he stays, the more he wants to play. But even though I say I hate him…
I think I might be lying.
And to make matters all worse, I come to believe there’s something sinister lurking in the shadows around me. Now, not only am I trying to battle forbidden feelings, I’m also left to determine what the hell is happening around this spooky town, and why I’m suddenly the target of whoever—or whatever—is haunting this place.
Oh, and the Halloween ball?
I just want to survive it.
Hooked! I was on the edge of my seat waiting for what’s gonna happen next. When Dominic is gonna take control!
This was a great step sibling enemies to lovers story!
I wish I could read it again for the first time!
30 seconds, Run and Hide shygirl
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 28, 2024
This is a novella that is about 2 stepsiblings. They didn't come into each other's lives until around the ages of 10 and 12, Shiloh and Dom. They lived in the quaint, spooky, and haunted town of Avalon. Dom eventually was called to live with his father. You could say Dom was intentionally mean to Shiloh. Dom enjoyed torturing and chasing Shiloh even as kids. Some things never change.
Shiloh needs Dom to come back to Avalon. Shiloh needs help raising money for the annual Halloween ball. Dom isn't going to make things easy for Shiloh. Dom still enjoys getting a reaction out of Shiloh and chasing her.
There is a mystery element in this novella. Shiloh has a secret admirer other than Dom. Dom becomes obsessed with his Shy Girl and secretly stalks her. "I read her like an open book, and I have to admit, it’s one I want to write my name in over and over again until she’s unrecognizable as anything but mine." Everything comes to a head at the haunted mansion during the ball. Shiloh and Dom have to come to terms with their feelings. Do they love to hate each other or actually really love each other? I liked Shiloh's nickname because she was shy but it could also be a shortened version of her name. Pefect for a quick dark Halloween read and anyone who likes taboo, stepsibling romance, enemies to lovers, no cheating, and hunt/chase scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Shiloh needs Dom to come back to Avalon. Shiloh needs help raising money for the annual Halloween ball. Dom isn't going to make things easy for Shiloh. Dom still enjoys getting a reaction out of Shiloh and chasing her.
There is a mystery element in this novella. Shiloh has a secret admirer other than Dom. Dom becomes obsessed with his Shy Girl and secretly stalks her. "I read her like an open book, and I have to admit, it’s one I want to write my name in over and over again until she’s unrecognizable as anything but mine." Everything comes to a head at the haunted mansion during the ball. Shiloh and Dom have to come to terms with their feelings. Do they love to hate each other or actually really love each other? I liked Shiloh's nickname because she was shy but it could also be a shortened version of her name. Pefect for a quick dark Halloween read and anyone who likes taboo, stepsibling romance, enemies to lovers, no cheating, and hunt/chase scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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