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Masked Deception: A MM Erotic Thriller Novella
Kai Everett
When I went to that Halloween party, I thought I was hooking up with Andrew, a guy from my school. I chose him to take my virginity. But when the mask came off after, there stood my smug stepbrother...the one I ran away from years ago.
Carter Wraith
Kai stole from my family, and I tracked him down for revenge. I'd do whatever it takes to get the information I needed from him, but once I get a taste of him again, I'm not sure it'll ever be enough. As the night went on, he told me I was wrong about the past and that I would regret my decision, but could I trust the man who broke me six years ago?
Masked Deception is a fast burn erotic novella with dark elements and a dark relationship between the MMCs. Please use the look inside button to view the trigger warning list to see if this book is for you.
When I went to that Halloween party, I thought I was hooking up with Andrew, a guy from my school. I chose him to take my virginity. But when the mask came off after, there stood my smug stepbrother...the one I ran away from years ago.
Carter Wraith
Kai stole from my family, and I tracked him down for revenge. I'd do whatever it takes to get the information I needed from him, but once I get a taste of him again, I'm not sure it'll ever be enough. As the night went on, he told me I was wrong about the past and that I would regret my decision, but could I trust the man who broke me six years ago?
Masked Deception is a fast burn erotic novella with dark elements and a dark relationship between the MMCs. Please use the look inside button to view the trigger warning list to see if this book is for you.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
24 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 28 reviews
October 12, 2024
I felt the rough slap of his hand hit my cheek, sending my face to the side. I smirked. “Is that all you got, brother?”I very much enjoyed this steamy unhinged stepbrother novella👨🏻🍳😘
I felt his knife cut the skin on my shoulder blade, and I could’ve sworn the shape was a heart.The plot was unique, at least to me, and I liked the way the story was told using present day & flashbacks.
“I did something extraordinary in my past life to deserve you,” I whispered when we pulled away.Just because the brothers have a perfect HEA doesn't mean they aren't still two unhinged peas in a pod - because they are 🖤 Definitely recommend.
February 11, 2025
"Maybe the Edward Cullen who put glitter all over his body. That's dedication," Leanna chimed in. I did love seeing him shirtless.
Twilight references continue to be a sign that the book isn't going to be a good one... And all that glitter? Stay away! Talk about the true horror of any event. D:
I finished reading this almost a week ago at this point and wish (kind of) that I'd made more notes. There were a lot of editing errors which were truly distracting and just general nonsensical things happening.
It was overall okay. There was something I appreciated specifically that I was going to mention but don't even remember so... I'm knocking this down from 3 stars to 2. Clearly not memorable and, when I looked back at my screenshots, it had me rolling my eyes. If I remember, I'll edit this review.
It would have been nice to get more info about all the things. Especially since the turnaround for Kai hating Carter to wanting him was so abrupt; just seemed like he always wanted him. Also super odd scene when they meet up with Kai's mother. She just readily accepts everything, has no questions and even makes Carter's "favorite soup."
I did like some of the interactions between Carter and Kai and how they grew up/how their history was told. Carter, in his own way, does seem to care about Kai, even if it is messed up. The below moment could have really been meaningful and showed care so much more on both ends as further trust is extended. However, editing completely ruined it with the use of "her" while speaking about Kai's father.
I worked up the nerve to barge into the game room. He immediately knew something was wrong and told his friends he had to go. He jumped off the couch and rushed to my side, his thumb caressing my cheek. "What's wrong, Ky? What do you need?"
"I...need you. To hurt me. Today's the anniversary of my dad's death," I admitted. I never talked about her to anyone before. My dad was a saint, and I loved him. His death broke my mom, and she stopped searching for love and instead sough safety and security.
Maybe I'd read this author again. Had some interesting and sexy scenes with a promising exterior. Room to grow (no I haven't looked at others by this author as far as how many, when this was published, etc.). *shrug*
Twilight references continue to be a sign that the book isn't going to be a good one... And all that glitter? Stay away! Talk about the true horror of any event. D:
I finished reading this almost a week ago at this point and wish (kind of) that I'd made more notes. There were a lot of editing errors which were truly distracting and just general nonsensical things happening.
It was overall okay. There was something I appreciated specifically that I was going to mention but don't even remember so... I'm knocking this down from 3 stars to 2. Clearly not memorable and, when I looked back at my screenshots, it had me rolling my eyes. If I remember, I'll edit this review.
It would have been nice to get more info about all the things. Especially since the turnaround for Kai hating Carter to wanting him was so abrupt; just seemed like he always wanted him. Also super odd scene when they meet up with Kai's mother. She just readily accepts everything, has no questions and even makes Carter's "favorite soup."
I did like some of the interactions between Carter and Kai and how they grew up/how their history was told. Carter, in his own way, does seem to care about Kai, even if it is messed up. The below moment could have really been meaningful and showed care so much more on both ends as further trust is extended. However, editing completely ruined it with the use of "her" while speaking about Kai's father.
I worked up the nerve to barge into the game room. He immediately knew something was wrong and told his friends he had to go. He jumped off the couch and rushed to my side, his thumb caressing my cheek. "What's wrong, Ky? What do you need?"
"I...need you. To hurt me. Today's the anniversary of my dad's death," I admitted. I never talked about her to anyone before. My dad was a saint, and I loved him. His death broke my mom, and she stopped searching for love and instead sough safety and security.
Maybe I'd read this author again. Had some interesting and sexy scenes with a promising exterior. Room to grow (no I haven't looked at others by this author as far as how many, when this was published, etc.). *shrug*
October 31, 2024
A fun, dark, spicy, taboo MM romance Halloween novella! Kai and Carter were cute. And boy were their scenes steamy!! I just wish there was a little more plot.
May 4, 2025
Unhinged Review of Unmasked Deception by Ashley Reyes
Okay listen—if you’re out here craving a spicy lil erotic horror thriller with enough trauma, tension, and WTF moments to make your brain short-circuit and your jaw hit the floor, THEN BABY THIS IS IT. This book had me in a chokehold from page one. Like, Kai thinks he’s gonna lose his V-card to a cutie in a Ghostface costume (because of course that’s hot to him, no judgment), but plot twist—it’s his stepbrother, and not in a fun taboo way. OH NO. This man is out for revenge and he’s got a knife, a grudge, and a vendetta older than Kai’s virginity.
Yeah, there are some spelling/grammar oopsies, but I was too BUSY DEVOURING THE CHAOS to care. We’re hopping timelines—normally I’d complain, but in this case? NECESSARY. It peels back the layers of what these characters went through, and once the puzzle pieces click together you will literally scream, throw your book, and possibly Google “how to commit a fictional murder.”
It’s short. It’s sharp. It’s sexy. It’s absolutely messed up. I loved every twisted second. If you’re into MM horror that goes dark, stabs deep, and still manages to be a little filthy on the side? Give it a spin. Just maybe sleep with the lights on after. And maybe check who’s really behind the mask.
Okay listen—if you’re out here craving a spicy lil erotic horror thriller with enough trauma, tension, and WTF moments to make your brain short-circuit and your jaw hit the floor, THEN BABY THIS IS IT. This book had me in a chokehold from page one. Like, Kai thinks he’s gonna lose his V-card to a cutie in a Ghostface costume (because of course that’s hot to him, no judgment), but plot twist—it’s his stepbrother, and not in a fun taboo way. OH NO. This man is out for revenge and he’s got a knife, a grudge, and a vendetta older than Kai’s virginity.
Yeah, there are some spelling/grammar oopsies, but I was too BUSY DEVOURING THE CHAOS to care. We’re hopping timelines—normally I’d complain, but in this case? NECESSARY. It peels back the layers of what these characters went through, and once the puzzle pieces click together you will literally scream, throw your book, and possibly Google “how to commit a fictional murder.”
It’s short. It’s sharp. It’s sexy. It’s absolutely messed up. I loved every twisted second. If you’re into MM horror that goes dark, stabs deep, and still manages to be a little filthy on the side? Give it a spin. Just maybe sleep with the lights on after. And maybe check who’s really behind the mask.
October 16, 2024
My girl Ashley did it again. This was definitely dark and dirty!
Read
May 5, 2025DNF. Sexual acts between minors.
September 20, 2025
I am going to give this a 3.75.
There were a lot of things that I really loved about Ashley Reyes's storytelling. She knows how to create a deliciously unhinged duo of characters. I enjoyed Carter and Kai so much. I loved how Carter was seemingly the most unhinged of the stepbrothers but then Kai spun around and gave us a little something to enjoy too. They were perfectly balanced.
Also, the nods to Scream were in there and I ate those up as well. Can we summon Stu and Billy? Yes please.
What I wished we would have gotten more of us development. I feel like this story could have been a bit longer so that we didn't have to race to the ending. I would have liked for it to be drawn out a little longer. I think it would have made their happily ever after a lot more satisfying.
This was definitely giving horror romance and I will be looking forward to what Ashley Reyes cooks up next.
There were a lot of things that I really loved about Ashley Reyes's storytelling. She knows how to create a deliciously unhinged duo of characters. I enjoyed Carter and Kai so much. I loved how Carter was seemingly the most unhinged of the stepbrothers but then Kai spun around and gave us a little something to enjoy too. They were perfectly balanced.
Also, the nods to Scream were in there and I ate those up as well. Can we summon Stu and Billy? Yes please.
What I wished we would have gotten more of us development. I feel like this story could have been a bit longer so that we didn't have to race to the ending. I would have liked for it to be drawn out a little longer. I think it would have made their happily ever after a lot more satisfying.
This was definitely giving horror romance and I will be looking forward to what Ashley Reyes cooks up next.
January 26, 2025
Good premise, poor execution
The premise of the story was intriguing but in my opinion it was poorly written. There were lots of mistakes throughout, confusing genders for pronouns and this was clear when talking about his dad but then saying her. And there was no mention of his father identifying as she/ her so it was a clear mistake. Also there were times went it was Carter's PoV but he was talking to Kai and called him Carter. It was all very confusing. There was also a lot of confusion with the tenses. Even within the same sentence. The MC would describe himself doing something then immediately change tense.
The spice scenes were good but it wasn't enough to make me rate it any higher unfortunately. Not for me.
The premise of the story was intriguing but in my opinion it was poorly written. There were lots of mistakes throughout, confusing genders for pronouns and this was clear when talking about his dad but then saying her. And there was no mention of his father identifying as she/ her so it was a clear mistake. Also there were times went it was Carter's PoV but he was talking to Kai and called him Carter. It was all very confusing. There was also a lot of confusion with the tenses. Even within the same sentence. The MC would describe himself doing something then immediately change tense.
The spice scenes were good but it wasn't enough to make me rate it any higher unfortunately. Not for me.
October 16, 2024
So I have never read just a MM book before but my god 🥵🥵🥵🥵 I read this one and I couldn’t put it down !! Kyle ( Kia) and cater my lord I could read about these two all day!! The hot and cold back and forth was sooo good !!
I love how this book was written from reading the Present and then back to the past!!
The way cater went from wanting to get rid of his step brother to caring for him in a whole different level !!
This book was dark and twisted and spicy 🌶️ in all the best ways absolutely LOVED this book !!
I love how this book was written from reading the Present and then back to the past!!
The way cater went from wanting to get rid of his step brother to caring for him in a whole different level !!
This book was dark and twisted and spicy 🌶️ in all the best ways absolutely LOVED this book !!
November 24, 2024
4 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
This was over way to quickkkkkkk!! I wish that this was a full length novel hence my 4 stars instead of 5. It was spicy, interesting, and emotional! I just feel like this would have made a greater impact on me if there was more of a build up to the "Hate to Love" and the awful twist I saw coming a mile a way. Still a fantastic quick little read especially if you LOVEEEE a ghost face mask scene/ kink played out.
This was over way to quickkkkkkk!! I wish that this was a full length novel hence my 4 stars instead of 5. It was spicy, interesting, and emotional! I just feel like this would have made a greater impact on me if there was more of a build up to the "Hate to Love" and the awful twist I saw coming a mile a way. Still a fantastic quick little read especially if you LOVEEEE a ghost face mask scene/ kink played out.
October 16, 2024
Kia and Carter... I wish this book was longer. I think it had a lot that could have been done with it, it was just missing something in the plot. Seemed like it jumped a lot and was a little immature at times. Overall it was a good read and the spice was good!
December 26, 2024
Fun, taboo, and spicy novella.
Some obvious editing mistakes throughout and the plot is simple but good.
Halloween vibes throughout.
I enjoyed it for what it was but for once (for a novella) I don’t think it would have stretched out much longer.
Some obvious editing mistakes throughout and the plot is simple but good.
Halloween vibes throughout.
I enjoyed it for what it was but for once (for a novella) I don’t think it would have stretched out much longer.
August 24, 2025
Hold on, how do I explain this? On one hand, ewww. On the other hand, awww.
Like I’m just going to say it, so now it’s out in the world… but it’s kinda cute, no? *giggling* It’s like 200% fucked up, but is not, not cute?
Oh my murderous cutie patooties.
Like I’m just going to say it, so now it’s out in the world… but it’s kinda cute, no? *giggling* It’s like 200% fucked up, but is not, not cute?
Oh my murderous cutie patooties.
dnf
October 17, 2024The premise is a vibe. I’m all for a psycho. But the delivery is not it.
October 27, 2024
I enjoyed this! The story was really good. Loved the spice
November 1, 2024
Delightfully wicked 😈
November 1, 2024
3 stars mainly because this was just a MM version of the Halloween novella she wrote last year. Still good. But a bummer to basically read the same thing over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2024
My first by this author while looking for a quick read and this really surprised me! It took a turn that I wasn’t completely expecting and overall I really liked it!
January 12, 2025
2.5 stars
February 1, 2025
I loved this short novella!! It hit all the things I was looking for when I grabbed it!! It's a short spicy MM taboo dark romance with a masked man!! I loved reading Kia and Carter!!
May 4, 2025
This book was so good, dark and sweet all at the same time. A few errors, but well worth it. This would have been longer, I hope she writes more like this.
August 5, 2025
I was confused for a 100 pages…
October 4, 2025
A short spicy, taboo and quite dark read. Two stepbrothers. Read the TW list, if you need to.
"I did something extraordinary in my past life to deserve you"
"I did something extraordinary in my past life to deserve you"
October 25, 2025
Nice little psychopath MM romance. 😂🥰
November 1, 2025
3.4⭐️ Needs editing but not bad overall
February 20, 2025
Enjoyed the premise more than the story
Displaying 1 - 27 of 28 reviews