Dirty Tricks: A Dark Halloween Romance Novella

by Layla Simon

One night. One copied disguise. One chance to capture the girl and make her mine.

For the past year, I've stalked the hallways of Kingswood School. Unseen, unremarked upon, a ghost. Even the girl I love looks straight through me like I'm invisible. I have to stab myself with a blade at night to remind myself I'm real.

But when I overhear a discussion on the costumes being worn to the annual Halloween party, an opportunity shimmers in my mind. A chance to duplicate another boy's outfit and steal a moment with the girl of my dreams.

A night where I won't have to spend my time skulking in the shadows, eavesdropping from underneath her bed, relegated to the sideline.

For everyone else, the annual Halloween party is a chance to hide themselves behind elaborate masks.

For me, it's a chance to be seen.

This is a DARK standalone romance and contains graphic scenes, mature content, and elements that may be triggering. Please read at your discretion and check the warning in the preface of the book.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Novella, Halloween, Holiday, Contemporary

154 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2024

Reviews

[Lexi (updating reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ✧

Dirty Tricks by Layla Simon is a dark stalker romance novel filled with gory, intense, and very dark subthemes. It follows Lexa — a high school girl emotionally abused by her boyfriend and carrying deep scars from a traumatic upbringing — and Xander, the outcast boy who has been secretly stalking and protecting her from the shadows. When Xander disguises himself and follows her to a party, fate intervenes — and everything changes when Lexa discovers the depth of his obsession.

───♡─────────────

♡ Likes:
• The stalker elements were so well done — dark, dangerous, and undeniably addictive 👀
• The spice was fun and definitely brought the tension to a delicious peak 🔥
• The story was incredibly intense and suspenseful — especially during the after-party scene (no spoilers!), but my heart was racing and I felt completely absorbed, almost like I was experiencing Lexa’s fear and dread right alongside her — it was almost traumatic imagining it
• The pacing was perfect — the story was short but absolutely packed with action, without a single moment dragging ⏱️
• The ending felt very fitting and satisfying, tying everything up in a way that stayed true to the dark tone of the book 🎯

✘ Dislikes:
• The writing could use a little polishing — but honestly, this was my only complaint 📝

❀ Overall:
This was a dark, twisted, intense, and sexy story — and it was so much fun to read! I’ve already added more of the author's books to my TBR because now I’m very curious to see what else she has in store.

[Lammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

This is a dark gory Halloween love story 🎃 🔪 🩸 and was totally awesome 😈

Xavier and Lexa are both sweet and psycho at the same time. Chainsaw justice at its best!!

[Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and I loved the main characters.
This pushed my dark limit though, so rating it is difficult. But Xander is so flipping cute and he brings out the best in Lexa, so their moments together were fabulous. The dark bits… well, I learned I have more limits, that’s all.
Glad I picked this one up.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

September 2023
Kindle edition

Initial pre-start thought: Let’s go let’s go. Hidden identity dark smut 💃 💃
Initial afterthought:…nice.

I should’ve guessed it would’ve been bloody given the severed cock warning. For one so short, there was a lot going on. On Xander’s side, we have an abusive stepfather out of prison and ruining his mother’s life. On Lexa’s side, there’s a rapist father, sleepwalking issues, a shitty excuse for a boyfriend and his mates. One of which deserved the treatment he got.

Xander was sweet, the way he watched out for Lexa, playing the avenging guardian Angel. Shame he missed one, but the chaos that followed was brutal. I liked that he was seen from the get go.

Given the bunny costume, I’d say that that was their plan all along. The fact that Lexa was dealing with everything on her own was awful. Finn was awful. I liked that it was Lexa that got revenge for herself and Xander, as always, watched over her. It was a sorta sweet origin story for serial killers/vigilantes. Halloween started early this year for me.

[Neelakshi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Someone lock her up for that cover is all I'll say.

[kaleigh (semi hiatus because reading slump…) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Safety: (huge TW’s in regards to rape, sexual assault, murder, ect..)
• Virgin H/ non virgin h
• H has never even had a bj before
• no OW drama
• OM- h’s dad sexually abuses and rapes her when she is living at home with him. h is dating a guy in the book who is abusive and lets his friend rape her mouth among other things. On page details of her sending the OM pics/ vids of her self pleasuring, some other things in regards to their sex life. OM and a lot of his friends lock the heroine in a room a sexual assault her, trying to gang rape her but the H gets there in time before they rape her. One or two of them did rape her mouth and some did touch her..

This is a horror romance or a dark, dark, dark romance

[Crystal McCullum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terrible. This was the worst one of the series.
*Not recommended.
-End of the book is where it gets somewhat interesting lots of unaliving and chopping body parts up. Other than that book was bland and not my forte.

[Sophie Bojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

definitely check the trigger warnings

[Lenagoddelus · Rating 2 out of 5]

no sé que he leido🤡 que cosas mas raras se encuentra una a las 2 de la mañana 🤪

[I'm Fine, Just Tired · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty Tricks

HERO /HEROINE
Lexa lost her mother young. She was left with her father and his attentions led to childhood sexual. When she goes off to a boarding school she is the perfect target for a popular/manipulative boy to put his claws into.
Xander has spent his life in an abusive home. After defending his mother his father turned to him and slashed his face to ribbons. Now he’s trying to pick up the pieces and start over. Except a beautiful broken girl has caught his eye, and he becomes obsessed.

REPRESENTATION
Dark Themes

OVERALL THOUGHTS
This was so hard to read. Graphic assault scenes are the worst to read, but we are gifted with revenge. And that revenge is so fucking sweet.

Granted a reprieve, I chew, my molars mincing Finn’s dismembered dick, ensuring he can’t just go to the hospital and reattach it.

Other than the assault, abusive shit. I LOVED Xander and Lexa. They are so into each other and I wish we read more about them than adding so much assault into it.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
I wish I didn’t have to read through the descriptive assault scenes, but the revenge is sweet.

FAVORITE QUOTES:

A match made in hell rather than heaven, but it might still work if I ever gave it a chance.

The sweetest sound I’ve ever heard. A man screaming because of what I’ve done to him.

SAFETY

AGE:
Xander I think is only a tad older. Lexa is still a student. I think they are around the same age. It’s not giving an age - gap.

SEXUAL HISTORY:
Xander is a virgin. Lexa is not.

CONDOMS:
No

TUMMY BUTTERFLIES:
Xander was so obsessed and in love. I LOVED HIM.

“Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend?”
Knocked him out with chloroform and left him slumped in his bathroom is the actual answer, but honesty is well overrated.

SEPARATION:
Yes, an hour or so.

CHEATING:
Technically yes, but cheating on her rapist boyfriend.

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:
Yes, (TW RAPE)

SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM:
Yes, (TW RAPE)

POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS
The author provided content warning

Content Notice: this story contains scenes with sexsomnia, stalking, coercive control, gaslighting, sexual assault (including references to CSA), physical assault, blood play, murder, unorthodox use of a chainsaw, and the occasional severed cock.

HEA/HFN:
HEA Five years later, they’re still slaying.

[DarkRapture · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will definitely want to include this book in your October/Halloween book list! If you are a fan of spice and gore, then this is definitely the book for you. Layla Simon is a new author for me and I honestly was not expecting it to be this good. I have to say that I enjoyed every minute reading it.

Our two main characters, Xander and Lexa know what it's like to be abused and tramatized. Xander, by the hands of his cruel stepfather who abuses both him and his mother and Lexa, who has been sexually abused by her father. The hell these two kids have gone through is beyond words!
School life for them is not much better, with Xander always wearing a mask due to severe facial scaring caused by his stepfather. He is bullied and called a freak by the other students. Lexa's boyfriend Finn is abusive to her in a sexual, mental and physical way.

One night, they meet for the first time when Xander finds Lexa sleepwalking. Through this chance meeting, He inadvertently learns about Lexa's abuse and whispers to her,“I’m the man from your dreams, angel, here to keep you safe” as he vows to himself to protect her. Fearing that she would never accept him or his love, he secretly watches over her from a distance.

He comes up with a plan to spend time with Lexa at the school's Halloween party. Stealing Finn's costume, he pretends to be her boyfriend. At the party, Lexa begins to wonder why Finn is acting strange. She knows that he has never been nice, caring or fun to be around. So why is he acting like this? While having an intimate encounter with someone she believes is Finn, she discovers that it is the man from her dreams.

I won't spoil the rest of the book for you, but I will warn you that it gets pretty intense and extremely gorey. I was so worried about what would happen next! If you are thinking about reading this book, then you should definitely check out the author's C/W to see if it's something you can handle. Personally, I loved it and I look forward to reading more from this amazing author!

[Tehmeena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I...don't know. I don't know where to start with this book. It's one of my faves. Caught me off guard how deep and raw and dark it actually is.

Xander has been secretly crushing - and stalking - Lexa, but he can't do anything about it since she's already in a relationship with her boyfriend. Abusive boyfriend. One night in a Halloween party, he disguises himself as her boyfriend by stealing his ID to get into the party and wearing his Halloween outfit with the red mask. To further hide his identity, the mask is a voice filter. Perfect, right? Right.

Lexa doesn't suspect a thing when her 'boyfriend' seemingly turns a new leaf by treating her well, letting her choose what she wants to eat and drink, giving her gentle touches in comparison to the less affectionate touches she's used to. Being it her last day in college before she has to leave for home, she wants to spend it having the most fun.

Unable to hold himself back anymore, he drags her into an empty space, locks the door behind them, and gives her his virginity.

Xander is so fucking cute.

Anyway, things escalate very quickly. Things turned so dark that even I had to take a breather, but it's all good, I just didn't expect things to be THIS dark. There's lots of spice with a plot.

I find my heart aching for both of them. They have trauma that makes me want to scream and shout in agony. But I'm happy they got their much deserved happy ending.

Xander is a cutie-pie under his hard shell.

Cover: ✨✨✨✨✨
Heat: ️‍🔥🔥🔥🔥
Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Passion: 🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Gore: 🩸🩸🩸🩸
Overall Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pages: 151.

[Danielle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you take two people who have been hurt repeatedly by the people who are supposed to care? They eventually break, and their vengeance is a beautiful thing.

This was a great read that mixed spice with a bit of blood and gore. Xander is used to living in the shadows, and that suits him just fine. Wearing a mask due to scarring caused at the hands of his abusive stepfather he is labelled a freak but a chance encounter with a beautiful girl named Lexa after she sleepwalks and accidentally tells him of her own trauma leads to him stalking her, loving her and protecting her from a distance until Halloween arrives and wearing a costume he no longer needs to hide from her.

It's gruesome, gory, hot as hell and the characters are brilliant together. Despite both their darkness and trauma, they seem to bring a lightness to each other, which was great to read. Lexa has been manipulated and taken advantage of her whole life, but Xander helps to give her back her power and when she takes it and her vengeance, it's glorious!

This is essentially splatterpunk, so not for everyone, but personally, I loved it, for a Halloween read I thought it worked brilliantly. If you like spicy smut, with blood, chainsaws and severed body parts, you will love this. Definitely check the trigger warnings but otherwise enjoy.

[J.A. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read and I loved the Halloween theme since I'm working through my spooky list for this month. But, there were a few things that rubbed me the wrong way and that's why I couldn't give it the full 5 stars.

Both Xander and Lexa have a troubled childhood. Xander is trying to protect his mother from his abusive stepfather and has the scars to show for it. Lexa was used by her 'daddy' and is now being used by her boyfriend and his friends. She's too timid and has a hard time standing up for herself. But Xander sees her - really sees her - and believes that she deserves protection. He vows to be the one to protect her. The way he goes about protecting her is a little stalkerish and I'm totally here for that.

What threw me off though was how she responded to everything that happened at the Halloween party. Not the first one with Xander because I was totally okay with that part. She knew he wasn't who he was pretending to be and she still wanted him. It was at the second Halloween party with Finn and his buddies. She needed to get her revenge and I'm in agreement there. But they continued down that path? That's where I fell short. Sorry.

Overall, it was a quick and easy read and kept my attention through the entire story. I do recommend it if you're adding to your Halloween list this year.

[Móni Kocsis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read any warnings of the contents before,but here I really should have.

Anybody who experienced abuse, physical, sexual, emotional - approach carefully, this book will traumatise you further.

First of all, Xander was veeery morally grey. That he spent so much time under Lexa's bed, witnessing everything was the least of my concern. That he let a sleepwalking girl to give him bj was major red flag for me. And that he didn't throw up after he learnt that Lexa believed him his father was even worst.

If a girl isn't concious it is a no-go to any sexual encounter. However turned on you are you take several steps back and leave her be. That is not consent that she kneels before you while sleepwalking 😡

Several people would say it is just a book, it happened only in the writers imaginations, I'll tell you that no, it actually happens in real life too. And to think that my kids could be victims of people like Finn and Todd one day is horrifying.

I was actually glad that they murdered them. They deserved it. I believe every predator deserves the same faith.

It wasn't a love book, or a dark smut; it was a revenge a book.

[Ya-ting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heat: 3.5/5
Gore: 3/5

When I open a Layla Simon book, I know the spice is going to be goooood: she writes as if she were narrating straight-up pr0n, but makes it sounds so much classier. I’m so caught up in the beauty of raw-d0g love-making and breeding talk that I don’t even realize that there’s brain matter and bl00d everywhere until the characters stop and look at each other. Oops?

Xander’s and Lexa’s story is probably one of my favorites from Layla. Not only is it Halloween 🎃 time, but we have mistaken identity because of MASKS. Did I mention I have a mask kïñk?? SWOON. The author also manages to slide in super traumatic backstories for each of or MCs with subtlety and aplomb. There’s no belaboring how much abuse Lexa has experienced, nor is there needless repetition of Xander’s trauma. We're given a handful of crumbs about their respective pasts, and it was enough background to understand their actions and motivations.

If you’re looking for a spicy and gory Halloween novella and needing Jason-finds-the-perfect-girl vibes, while also wanting to love/like the bad guy, you need to read this. To further whet your appetite, you'll also be treated to some light s0mno, stalking, masked MMC (it IS Halloween, after all), and bl00dy carnage.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When two people trauma bond together this is the outcome.

Xander has become somewhat of a ghost - unseen even by the girl he’s fallen for silently. He has the hero complex as he has to save his mom and himself a few times from his step dad.

Lexa, existing solely for the purpose of “pleasuring “ the men in her life, her dad, her boyfriend and his friends. When Xander comes across a way to impersonate Lexas boyfriend he executes it perfectly in order to spend one night with her. Lexa although at first falls for it she quickly recognizes him as the man in her dreams and gives into her lust and need for him. When Xander gets a call from his mom he is forced to leave Lexa at the party. This then sets into motion the events that follow. Lexa’s boyfriend plans a night of torture planning on sharing her with his friends… but Lexa has found some strength and when Xander joins it literally becomes a bloodbath. Trauma bonded vigilantes ….

It was a quick easy read with Halloween Spicy vibes.

[Kyara Gevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Layla did it again, how in the .. does she do it. This book is freaking fire! It's so dark and disturbing but at the same time so beautiful and raw. It gave me the chills, while reading, i gasped a couple of times. i had tears in my eyes while reading. It was too short but so good.

Our fmc has the worst dad, thinking she's finally save from him for a while. She gets herself a boyfriend who treats her like a toy, just for his enjoyment. She doesn't know she's being stalked, being protected, always lurking in the shadows. Until one halloween party where he can dress up and finally have her all to himself.

This man is ugh, he falls for her, the first time he sees her and does whatever he can from the shadows to protect her. He is so inherently good even tho the things he has seen and done. The way he lurks, protects, .. All of it is just so yummy! he can't see his own worth, not with what happened to him but she sees it! She respects and loves him so much. She knows she will be save with him.

I freaking loved it. LOVED IT!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I said “Woah” at least a dozen times throughout Layla Simon’s Halloween novella, “Dirty Tricks. It was dark. Readers must look at the TW/CWs before diving into this one.

Lexa and Xander are two different people with so much in common it makes sense that they are drawn to each other. With similar trauma caused by an abusive upbringing, Xander obsesses over Lexa and goes to a great extent to stalk and protect her. He is the poster child of the most OTT unhinged stalker. At the same time, I could easily understand Xander going into protective mode with Lexa as he observes her interaction with her boyfriend Finn, who is manipulative and “gaslights” her for the most part.

“Dirty Tricks” is a wickedly enjoyable dark Halloween read. It had me rationalizing all of Xander and Lexa’s actions, no matter how severe it was.

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

[Bailey (Myveinsbleedink) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book was hot and gruesome…. Such a stellar combo. Ok, let’s just take a moment to appreciate the hotness that is Xander…yeah ok maybe the first scene isn’t the greatest intro until he says “I’m the man from your dreams, angel, here to keep you safe.” *swoon* and keep her safe he does. I will say Lexa made me a very frustrated woman! Her naivety and the fact that she takes the abuse without a real question was a wee bit concerning, but dang does girl redeem herself later on!
This was a perfect Halloween novella, I loved it. It was a quick read for me in the middle of the night last night, I just couldn’t stop I was so engrossed. I loved the gore, the steam and did I mention how much I love Xander….no…oh ok, I loved him. 🥵🔥
This book is twisted so check your trigger warnings there are some parts not for the weak of heart or tummies.
Layla Simon is a new author for me and girl I’m hooked! Keep ‘em coming!

[Iskra Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love Halloween vibes?
Dark & disturbing themes?

A scarred morally grey antihero?
And a traumatised FMC?
Look no further!
I ate this book up so quick; I loved Xander and Lexa, together they make quite the team!


Xander - Gave me everything I absolutely love about an MMC, from his secrets, to his scars, and f*ck was it HOT to find out such part of him remained …. 😳🥵🧎‍♀️

Layla Simon is a one click author for me, her stories never disappoint, but they do delve deep into the dark & triggering content so check those out!

I ate this book up so quick; I loved Xander and Lexa, together they make quite the team!

To be found within these pages, but not exempt from more… 😍🤌🏻

Dub/non-con, stalking, CNC… all the sweet & delicious triggers a dark romance girl wants in her book.

4,5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you for the e arc!

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a spicy book to get you into the mood for Halloween! In all honesty when I first started reading this book, I thought it was only Halloween themed because of when it takes place but it is so much more. It has a little bit of everything... angst and healing, revenge, horror, spice, and a good storyline! I really enjoyed the story that unfolded between Xander and Lexa. Even though it was mentioned in the preface of the book... I was still surprised (but a pleasant surprise) at the amount of horror that this book had. This was my first time reading a story like this with those elements and it did not deter me at all but if you are squeamish, I would proceed with caution as well as always... reading the triggers for the book. If you love Halloween, horror, spice with a nice revenge plot thrown in... I 100% recommend this book!

[Malena · Rating 4 out of 5]

When two scarred souls seeking vengeance cross paths, a gruesome and fiery tale unfolds. Xander, hiding behind a mask to conceal his scars, stumbles upon Lexa, a girl with her own painful past. Their twisted connection leads to an unsettling obsession and love, and Halloween brings their secrets to light.

This story is a blend of darkness and passion, where damaged characters find solace in each other. Lexa reclaims her power with Xander's help, culminating in a glorious revenge.

A hauntingly, gruesome spicy read, not for the faint of heart, but perfect for Halloween. If you crave a mix of erotica and gore, complete with chainsaws and severed limbs, dive in with caution and enjoy the ride.

[Grace Farnsworth PA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Layla Simon is becoming one of my auto buy authors. The more she writes the more she writes in the world of Kingswood, the more I fall in love with the world Shes building, her writing style, and her character developments.
This book was no different and did not disappoint. This is a short Halloween themed read. The spice is going from the very beginning. For a short book she sure does pack in a lot of plot, spice, and feelings. Most definitely add this to your must read list.

Read Your Loss, Lesson Learned, and Hired Help for additional world building. You do not have to, this is a stand alone book. But I highly suggest you do.

Character development- 4
Plot - 4
Entertaining - 5
Writing style - 5
World Building - 5
Darkness - 4
Spice - 4

[Amanda Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow !!! Where do I even start with this book ?! I absolutely loved this book !! I wish would have been longer. Layla has an amazing writing style and I love how she in this book had such an imagination and how she mixed the blood and gore into romance !!! I love love darker themes and this was perfect for me and my imagination!!! Ahhh I legit can’t get enough of Laylas books !!! I loved the characters in this story too like Lexa is amazing and such a strong character!! Xander is also wow. I loved how strong and powerful he was!!!Overall this was an amazing story and I loved it so much ! I can’t wait to read more from Layla!!! Y’all go check out this book!! Be sure to check out trigger warnings!!!

[Robyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that’s how you sever a 🍆

Yes, yes, yes!!! I’m not 100% sure how this book received its name but it’s bad to the finger bones!! (Read it to find out what that inside joke is!) Xander and Lexa are an amazing team and what they end up doing, it’s magical.

I’m sure that right about now I sound insane but just imagine if you had the ability to punish the untouchable. The people who hurt and torture and destroy lives without a second thought. Imagine you had the ability to exact perfect revenge on those people. It would be glorious.

This book is dark, unorthodox, and extreme! Please read the trigger warnings and take them seriously. But if you are brave enough to enter, remember that this ends with the sweetest revenge!

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was a novella that started off a little dark then took a turn to an even darker, more twisted place.

Lexa and Xander's random meeting one night turns into an obsession for him, and eventually he's an escape for her.

Lexa doesn't really have a voice, no one listens to her, she's pushed around a lot. Xander can't stand to see what's happening to her, and eventually his obsession with her is made known.

I liked this story! Two people who find each other, and take control of their terrible circumstances. In a gruesome, possibly over the top way.

I love a dark, twisted romance and this was just that!

[Meggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty Tricks is a dark Halloween novella. And let me tell you it is dark! I really liked it! If you are looking for a short Halloween read for spooky season this one is for you!

The main characters Lexa and Xander both come from bad childhoods and bad life situations. Their similar experiences bond them together and they become their own version of vigilantes.

I love novellas because they are so fast paced and the characters usually fall fast and hard. Insta love is one of my favorite tropes. And this is what happened in this story.
This story is full of revenge and bad a$$ main characters who fight for their own vigilante justice.

[Ona Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite suspenseful and traumatic. Dirty tricks really had me on the edge of my seat. There were quite a few chapters had me holding my breath waiting to find out what would happen to Lexa.
Attending Kingwood was supposed to be her safe place from her abusive father. Soon Lexa discovers she has run right into the arms of another abuser, her boyfriend Finn.

Xander is working at Kingswood while also trying to help his mother fend off her abusive husband. One night while seeking food Xander stumbles upon Lexa who is sleep walking and mistakes Xander for her father. Xander however informs Lexa that he is not her father but instead “I’m the man from your dreams, angel, here to keep you safe.”

[Brittanie England · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh what a wild ride this was! This is a Halloween novella and contains horror and gore! Please read triggers before diving in! I have yet to read the Kingswood Prep series but now I’m thinking I need to pick up after reading this stand-alone story!

I knew from the very start that this was going to be a dark and delicious read! I was not disappointed! You have the masks, the stalking, the 🩸, the 🔪 , and the darkness that lives in both Xander and Lexa! The need for revenge takes root and it takes you on a messy journey to self discovery! These two are a match made in hell! And I loved this HEA, In their own way!