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Hollow Ocean #4.5
Halloween
You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the millennia.
On All Hallows Eve, the Red King and the Gray Queen will unite in matrimony, tying vampires and necromancers forever.
Necromancer Ayameko Shi has never been in a situation like this before. How could a man anticipate her needs before she does? How did someone like him find a person like her? Never in Meko’s wildest dreams did she picture a man like him. One that protects her with his life, killing anyone in the way. After all the years of horror she’s lived, why would someone care for her enough to risk death?
Is this love? Maybe it is, or maybe it isn’t. Whatever she feels, she refuses to acknowledge it unless he says it first.
The “he” in question never wants her to submit—not to him or anyone.
Violent.
Bloodthirsty.
Certifiable.
Vampire King Nikolai is a devil in a three-piece suit. A murderous conversationalist. A borderline psychopath with feelings. A man who uses his hands in more ways than one.
Ayameko is his. She has been since the moment they met.
Yet a clown, a period, an underground venue, a pumpkin king, an assassin and another surprise pregnancy threaten to ruin Ayameko’s special day. That’s if she even decides to go through with it. When the wedding bells ring, will Ayameko walk or be dragged down the aisle?
No matter what happens, one thing is certain.
There will be blood.
On All Hallows Eve, the Red King and the Gray Queen will unite in matrimony, tying vampires and necromancers forever.
Necromancer Ayameko Shi has never been in a situation like this before. How could a man anticipate her needs before she does? How did someone like him find a person like her? Never in Meko’s wildest dreams did she picture a man like him. One that protects her with his life, killing anyone in the way. After all the years of horror she’s lived, why would someone care for her enough to risk death?
Is this love? Maybe it is, or maybe it isn’t. Whatever she feels, she refuses to acknowledge it unless he says it first.
The “he” in question never wants her to submit—not to him or anyone.
Violent.
Bloodthirsty.
Certifiable.
Vampire King Nikolai is a devil in a three-piece suit. A murderous conversationalist. A borderline psychopath with feelings. A man who uses his hands in more ways than one.
Ayameko is his. She has been since the moment they met.
Yet a clown, a period, an underground venue, a pumpkin king, an assassin and another surprise pregnancy threaten to ruin Ayameko’s special day. That’s if she even decides to go through with it. When the wedding bells ring, will Ayameko walk or be dragged down the aisle?
No matter what happens, one thing is certain.
There will be blood.
241 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2025
14 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Dani M. Ward
17 books115 followersDani M. Ward lives in a state with more corn than people. As a kid, she daydreamed about living in a world with vampires, witches, and fairies. Dani realized later supernatural creatures hide in plain sight, so she looks for them everywhere she goes. When she's not hunting for supernatural creatures, Dani is chugging coffee and writing. Dani writes fantasy romance for lovers of diverse fiction. Her characters include strong women saving themselves with swoon-worthy men who stand beside them. She loves sass, spice, and smut. When she's not writing, she can be found trying to wrangle her two children, watching Asian dramas with her two poodles, or playing video games with her husband. Dani enjoys reading, napping, and pairing wine with food. She has a BA in Anthropology and is getting her MFA in Creating Writing. She's hoping to catch a demon; so she doesn't have to pay her student loans back.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 11, 2025
ARC REVIEW: The Gray Queen and the Red King. This book should definitely be on your Halloween TBR! A possessive vampire and a bratty necromancer? Say less. This book continues the story of Meko and Nikolai. They come back on the scene sexier and more unhinged than ever. Their obsession with each other is palpable. It’s dark, delicious, and chaotic in all the best ways. I also loved seeing familiar faces pop up from the interconnected series. Another great read that is deliciously filthy.
October 18, 2025
Thank you Dani for the early copy. All opinions are my own
The build up, the humor, the spice, the chaos all of it was 🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾
But now I’m over here side eyeing pumpkins 🎃🤪
One of the things I loved so much about this was although Nikolai was still very much his deranged self, we got to see more of that “softer” side that only Meko can get and uggh when they FINALLY said their “I love you’s” I ATE IT UP! 🖤
At this point though I’m pretty sure psycho is just a term of endearment between these 2 lol and I’m here for it 😂
But listen, I would pay money to have Nikolai chuckle in my ear💰and the growl…don’t even get me started on what I would sacrifice 😅
Alive, dead, sentient, human, ghost doesn’t matter who or what you are Nikolai don’t play when it comes to his girl 🥹😩 Meko babe our man is everything
Although most books in the Hollow Ocean Series are standalone you do have to read His Crimson Mask before starting this one
Hey real quick Dani uhh what’s going on with Veronika 🤨
The build up, the humor, the spice, the chaos all of it was 🤏🏾🤏🏾🤏🏾
But now I’m over here side eyeing pumpkins 🎃🤪
One of the things I loved so much about this was although Nikolai was still very much his deranged self, we got to see more of that “softer” side that only Meko can get and uggh when they FINALLY said their “I love you’s” I ATE IT UP! 🖤
At this point though I’m pretty sure psycho is just a term of endearment between these 2 lol and I’m here for it 😂
But listen, I would pay money to have Nikolai chuckle in my ear💰and the growl…don’t even get me started on what I would sacrifice 😅
Alive, dead, sentient, human, ghost doesn’t matter who or what you are Nikolai don’t play when it comes to his girl 🥹😩 Meko babe our man is everything
Although most books in the Hollow Ocean Series are standalone you do have to read His Crimson Mask before starting this one
Hey real quick Dani uhh what’s going on with Veronika 🤨
October 31, 2025
Halloween: a Hollow Ocean Short Story is not a stand alone unlike many of Dani's other books in the series. It must be read after His Crimson Mask in order to be understood. In order to get the most clear picture readers would better be holding off until they had finished all previous 6 books before starting this one, both to enjoy the easter eggs and to avoid spoilers.
That said this is definitely her dirtiest, freakiest book in all the best ways. Dani really does write some of the most romantic smut scenes with some of the wildest quotes.
That said this is definitely her dirtiest, freakiest book in all the best ways. Dani really does write some of the most romantic smut scenes with some of the wildest quotes.
December 22, 2025
You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the millennia.
On All Hallows Eve, the Red King and the Gray Queen will unite in matrimony, tying vampires and necromancers forever.
Necromancer Ayameko Shi has never been in a situation like this before. How could a man anticipate her needs before she does? How did someone like him find a person like her? Never in Meko’s wildest dreams did she picture a man like him. One that protects her with his life, killing anyone in the way. After all the years of horror she’s lived, why would someone care for her enough to risk death?
Is this love? Maybe it is, or maybe it isn’t. Whatever she feels, she refuses to acknowledge it unless he says it first.
The “he” in question never wants her to submit—not to him or anyone.
Violent.
Bloodthirsty.
Certifiable.
Vampire King Nikolai is a devil in a three-piece suit. A murderous conversationalist. A borderline psychopath with feelings. A man who uses his hands in more ways than one.
Ayameko is his. She has been since the moment they met.
Yet a clown, a period, an underground venue, a pumpkin king, an assassin and another surprise pregnancy threaten to ruin Ayameko’s special day. That’s if she even decides to go through with it. When the wedding bells ring, will Ayameko walk or be dragged down the aisle?
No matter what happens, one thing is certain.
There will be blood.
Tropes: Wedding. Mysteries, Anxiety, Spicy Spice , African American, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Black FMC, MF Romance, Dark, Suspense, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Forced Proximity, From Hate to Love, Vampires, Length Epic, Monsters, Forbidden Love, Height Difference
Halloween is book 4.5 of the Hollow Ocean Series by Dani M. Ward. While most of the Hollow Ocean series books can be read as standalones you need to read “His Crimson Mask” before you read this novella.
I have to say that Dani built up the humor, the spice, the chaos, it was all perfect.
“You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the millennia.” I just don't think that wedding was ever meant to be this chaotic or this dangerous.
Dani has never been one to write just a story to engross us, she manifests this experience and in Halloween makes us feel like we are stepping into this gothic fever. And in Halloween we end up seeing love and death walking together hand in hand and the aisle love and death walk down, it's bloody and bloodstained.
Necromancer Ayameko Shi, this is an FMC unlike any other I have other I have ever met before. She's been broken and yet she's still unbending to anyone, her past still haunts her but she will not submit to anyone for any reason.
I did love Nikolai, the Red King – I found him more terrifying in how obsessively devoted he is over how violent he is as a vampire. He is the perfect kind of antihero in that he was willing to burn the world around himself and Ayameko, all in order to ensure she is happy, healthy and breathing. I loved how perfectly savage their chemistry was, there was all the tension and tenderness wrapped up between them surrounded by violence and desire and for them it was nothing short of sheer perfection.
Halloween is more than just a romance or a story about a wedding – this is the story of power, possession and most of all survival. Dani has written every line so it drips with all the emotional darkness she intended. You feel like the literal and emotional stakes are out of this world and Dani's writing has captured that perfectly with her masterful beauty and brutality.
I found myself so torn by the time it came for Ayameko to walk down that aisle, I didn't know if I wanted her to actually walk down the aisle or if I wanted her to turn and run – and it is all because you know that no one can ever love like Nikolai, but on the other hand no one can bleed like Ayameko.
One of the things that I love about Dani's writing is that it is darkly romantic, has a wicked poetry to it, and she's apologetically unhinged at times. And it's one of the things that draws me to her writing and keeps me enthralled.
So, if you like your stories to be twisted, your heroes a little bit monstrous, your FMCs refusing to bow, then Halloween by Dani M. Ward is the book that you've been searching for.
Oh Dani, I have a quick question, what’s going on with Veronika?
On All Hallows Eve, the Red King and the Gray Queen will unite in matrimony, tying vampires and necromancers forever.
Necromancer Ayameko Shi has never been in a situation like this before. How could a man anticipate her needs before she does? How did someone like him find a person like her? Never in Meko’s wildest dreams did she picture a man like him. One that protects her with his life, killing anyone in the way. After all the years of horror she’s lived, why would someone care for her enough to risk death?
Is this love? Maybe it is, or maybe it isn’t. Whatever she feels, she refuses to acknowledge it unless he says it first.
The “he” in question never wants her to submit—not to him or anyone.
Violent.
Bloodthirsty.
Certifiable.
Vampire King Nikolai is a devil in a three-piece suit. A murderous conversationalist. A borderline psychopath with feelings. A man who uses his hands in more ways than one.
Ayameko is his. She has been since the moment they met.
Yet a clown, a period, an underground venue, a pumpkin king, an assassin and another surprise pregnancy threaten to ruin Ayameko’s special day. That’s if she even decides to go through with it. When the wedding bells ring, will Ayameko walk or be dragged down the aisle?
No matter what happens, one thing is certain.
There will be blood.
Tropes: Wedding. Mysteries, Anxiety, Spicy Spice , African American, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Black FMC, MF Romance, Dark, Suspense, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Forced Proximity, From Hate to Love, Vampires, Length Epic, Monsters, Forbidden Love, Height Difference
Halloween is book 4.5 of the Hollow Ocean Series by Dani M. Ward. While most of the Hollow Ocean series books can be read as standalones you need to read “His Crimson Mask” before you read this novella.
I have to say that Dani built up the humor, the spice, the chaos, it was all perfect.
“You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the millennia.” I just don't think that wedding was ever meant to be this chaotic or this dangerous.
Dani has never been one to write just a story to engross us, she manifests this experience and in Halloween makes us feel like we are stepping into this gothic fever. And in Halloween we end up seeing love and death walking together hand in hand and the aisle love and death walk down, it's bloody and bloodstained.
Necromancer Ayameko Shi, this is an FMC unlike any other I have other I have ever met before. She's been broken and yet she's still unbending to anyone, her past still haunts her but she will not submit to anyone for any reason.
I did love Nikolai, the Red King – I found him more terrifying in how obsessively devoted he is over how violent he is as a vampire. He is the perfect kind of antihero in that he was willing to burn the world around himself and Ayameko, all in order to ensure she is happy, healthy and breathing. I loved how perfectly savage their chemistry was, there was all the tension and tenderness wrapped up between them surrounded by violence and desire and for them it was nothing short of sheer perfection.
Halloween is more than just a romance or a story about a wedding – this is the story of power, possession and most of all survival. Dani has written every line so it drips with all the emotional darkness she intended. You feel like the literal and emotional stakes are out of this world and Dani's writing has captured that perfectly with her masterful beauty and brutality.
I found myself so torn by the time it came for Ayameko to walk down that aisle, I didn't know if I wanted her to actually walk down the aisle or if I wanted her to turn and run – and it is all because you know that no one can ever love like Nikolai, but on the other hand no one can bleed like Ayameko.
One of the things that I love about Dani's writing is that it is darkly romantic, has a wicked poetry to it, and she's apologetically unhinged at times. And it's one of the things that draws me to her writing and keeps me enthralled.
So, if you like your stories to be twisted, your heroes a little bit monstrous, your FMCs refusing to bow, then Halloween by Dani M. Ward is the book that you've been searching for.
Oh Dani, I have a quick question, what’s going on with Veronika?
October 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW!!!!!!!
“You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the millennia… but love was never meant to be this dangerous.” 🩸
Dani M. Ward doesn’t just write a story — she conjures an experience. Halloween feels like stepping into a gothic fever dream where love and death walk hand in hand down a bloodstained aisle.
Necromancer Ayameko Shi is unlike any heroine I’ve read before — broken but unbending, haunted by her past yet refusing to submit to anyone. Then there’s Nikolai, the Red King — a vampire who’s violent, obsessive, and terrifyingly devoted. He’s the kind of antihero who will burn the world just to keep her breathing. Their chemistry? Absolutely feral. It’s tension and tenderness tangled in violence and desire.
This story isn’t just romance — it’s power, possession, and survival. Every line drips with emotion and darkness. The stakes (literal and emotional) are sky-high, and the writing captures that perfect blend of beauty and brutality that Ward does so well.
By the time the wedding bells ring, you’re torn between wanting Ayameko to run and wanting her to stay — because no one loves like Nikolai, and no one bleeds like her.
💀 Darkly romantic. Wickedly poetic. Unapologetically unhinged.
If you like your love stories twisted, your heroes a little monstrous, and your heroines refusing to bow, Halloween is the book you need this spooky season.
“You’re cordially invited to the wedding of the millennia… but love was never meant to be this dangerous.” 🩸
Dani M. Ward doesn’t just write a story — she conjures an experience. Halloween feels like stepping into a gothic fever dream where love and death walk hand in hand down a bloodstained aisle.
Necromancer Ayameko Shi is unlike any heroine I’ve read before — broken but unbending, haunted by her past yet refusing to submit to anyone. Then there’s Nikolai, the Red King — a vampire who’s violent, obsessive, and terrifyingly devoted. He’s the kind of antihero who will burn the world just to keep her breathing. Their chemistry? Absolutely feral. It’s tension and tenderness tangled in violence and desire.
This story isn’t just romance — it’s power, possession, and survival. Every line drips with emotion and darkness. The stakes (literal and emotional) are sky-high, and the writing captures that perfect blend of beauty and brutality that Ward does so well.
By the time the wedding bells ring, you’re torn between wanting Ayameko to run and wanting her to stay — because no one loves like Nikolai, and no one bleeds like her.
💀 Darkly romantic. Wickedly poetic. Unapologetically unhinged.
If you like your love stories twisted, your heroes a little monstrous, and your heroines refusing to bow, Halloween is the book you need this spooky season.
October 27, 2025
Halloween is book 4.5 in the Hallow Ocean series written by Dani M. Ward.
💜 wedding
💜 mysteries
💜 anxiety
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice
Ayameko, aka Meko to most people, is thirty days from when she and Nikolai have set the date for the wedding. The problem? She has no clue what she’s doing or what she needs to do to put everything together. On top of that, lately she feels like there’s someone watching her, but when she looks around she can’t share a thing. No person and no soul is present, but the feeling remains. Will she be able to help pull together the wedding on time? Will she be able to figure out what is looking at her? Will she have to confess to Nikolai the fact she feels something but can’t see it?
This was a fun addition to this series. You do need to read the previous books in the series in order to understand what is happening in this story and who all of the characters are. We do get to see other characters from other books in this one as well. The world building and character building is done really well in this story. Again, I’m so glad I read this book and can’t wait to see what other stories will come out in this series.
💜 wedding
💜 mysteries
💜 anxiety
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice
Ayameko, aka Meko to most people, is thirty days from when she and Nikolai have set the date for the wedding. The problem? She has no clue what she’s doing or what she needs to do to put everything together. On top of that, lately she feels like there’s someone watching her, but when she looks around she can’t share a thing. No person and no soul is present, but the feeling remains. Will she be able to help pull together the wedding on time? Will she be able to figure out what is looking at her? Will she have to confess to Nikolai the fact she feels something but can’t see it?
This was a fun addition to this series. You do need to read the previous books in the series in order to understand what is happening in this story and who all of the characters are. We do get to see other characters from other books in this one as well. The world building and character building is done really well in this story. Again, I’m so glad I read this book and can’t wait to see what other stories will come out in this series.
November 4, 2025
I received an ARC of Halloween by Dani M. Ward in exchange for an honest review.
This book was sadly not a new favorite, but I did enjoy spending my time with it. I didn’t really connect with the characters as much as I hoped to, which made it a little hard to get fully drawn into the story. The writing was fine but didn’t completely stand out to me. What I did enjoy, though, was the banter between the main character. It felt genuine and added a nice rhythm to their relationship, which I really liked and made me connect to them. Nikolai was definitely my favorite part of the book; his character had a charm and depth that made me want to keep reading even when other parts didn’t quite click.
While Halloween wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I still think it has its appeal for readers who enjoy dark romance with a touch of playfulness. It’s a quick and easy read that fits well with the spooky season, and if you’re looking for something dark, fun, and a bit steamy, you might end up enjoying it more than I did.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This book was sadly not a new favorite, but I did enjoy spending my time with it. I didn’t really connect with the characters as much as I hoped to, which made it a little hard to get fully drawn into the story. The writing was fine but didn’t completely stand out to me. What I did enjoy, though, was the banter between the main character. It felt genuine and added a nice rhythm to their relationship, which I really liked and made me connect to them. Nikolai was definitely my favorite part of the book; his character had a charm and depth that made me want to keep reading even when other parts didn’t quite click.
While Halloween wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I still think it has its appeal for readers who enjoy dark romance with a touch of playfulness. It’s a quick and easy read that fits well with the spooky season, and if you’re looking for something dark, fun, and a bit steamy, you might end up enjoying it more than I did.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
October 30, 2025
AN INVITATION YOU CANNOT RESIST
PLEASE NOTE: Crimson Mask must be read before Halloween, but to be honest all the previous published books should be read before this one.
This is definitely an wedding invitation you want to RSVP yes, I will be there!!! The relationship between Ayameko and Nikolai is certifiably insane! With bloodlust, defiance and chaos surrounding this event and each other, these two characters will test relationship boundaries to the absolute limit. The writing from Dani M. Ward is amazing, capturing me from the very first threat to the final primal chase and I want more! So much mystery to still be solved and so many more characters to fall in love with, the Hollow Ocean series is a must for all lovers of paranormal, dark twisted tales and unwavering love between characters.
PLEASE NOTE: Crimson Mask must be read before Halloween, but to be honest all the previous published books should be read before this one.
This is definitely an wedding invitation you want to RSVP yes, I will be there!!! The relationship between Ayameko and Nikolai is certifiably insane! With bloodlust, defiance and chaos surrounding this event and each other, these two characters will test relationship boundaries to the absolute limit. The writing from Dani M. Ward is amazing, capturing me from the very first threat to the final primal chase and I want more! So much mystery to still be solved and so many more characters to fall in love with, the Hollow Ocean series is a must for all lovers of paranormal, dark twisted tales and unwavering love between characters.
October 11, 2025
ARC REVIEW:Who would think these two were made for each other? The banter, threats, love, nastiness and devotion Meko & Nikolai shared was top tier. They were really just searching for someone to affirm & uplift them while exploring their most primal urges. It’s not a standalone so read His Crimson Mask first. You won’t regret it!
October 14, 2025
As per usual, Dani's world building in impeccable. My poor heart strings! They definitely were pulled in quite a few scenes. Continuing Nikolai and Meko's love story was everything ❤️ these two nutsos belong together. The banter is hilarious and the spicy scenes were spicin. I can't wait to read the next Hollow Ocean story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2025
What did I just read!? OMG. This book was HOT! Meko and Niko are fire. this book was dark and chaotic. I loved every minute of it. I mean this man is hot! he'll do anything for this woman. And I love how stubborn and strong willed Meko is.
This book was just wow!
it's wild. a definite must read for this Halloween season. you won't be disappointed 😈
This book was just wow!
it's wild. a definite must read for this Halloween season. you won't be disappointed 😈
October 21, 2025
I have been waiting for this for years!!! Finally the wedding of the Nikolai, and Ayameko!! These two are are entertaining on so many levels. The humor, the spice🥵💥. And Nikolai threatens someone over Ayameko, it's really a Promise. I think Ms. Dani Ward for the ARC it was an absolute pleasure😍😍.
November 1, 2025
Halloween is Book 4.5 in the Hollow Ocean series by Dani M Ward. This book was Amazing and I really enjoyed the story. This is THE wedding to attend and I was so excited to devour and witness it play out with each page turn. Dani did absolutely Amazing and I can not wait to see what she has in store next for us readers. I recommend not only this book but this series!
October 22, 2025
Arc review
Thank you for providing the arc what a book and story. The characters are the kind that will make you wish that they were your friends. I'm in awe of ayemako and nikolai. Looking forward to read more of dani m ward's books
Thank you for providing the arc what a book and story. The characters are the kind that will make you wish that they were your friends. I'm in awe of ayemako and nikolai. Looking forward to read more of dani m ward's books
November 7, 2025
Maaaaaannnnn you couldn't keep thid man off of her! let her breathe man🤣🤣
Things were chill compared to how they started this relationship in the last book. They were both changing for the better, no matter how much they fought it.
OH.....they was HUNCHING!🫢🤣
Things were chill compared to how they started this relationship in the last book. They were both changing for the better, no matter how much they fought it.
OH.....they was HUNCHING!🫢🤣
October 27, 2025
‼️ ARC review‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Vampire smut through and through and deliciously filthy in all the best ways…. The sass and banter is so good to! Loved every minute of it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Vampire smut through and through and deliciously filthy in all the best ways…. The sass and banter is so good to! Loved every minute of it.
November 2, 2025
I loved reading about this couple again. The banter the protective possessiveness, the obsession, the 🌶️🌶️🌶️ PERFECTION
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews