Headless Over You

by Kenna Bellrae

This town holds secrets, and they’re begging to be uncovered.

I’m determined to find the answers Sleepy Hollow has tried to hide away. There’s something about this headless horseman...I can’t blindly follow their warnings. I want to free him from the curse.

I need to.

Iris Crane is an author set out to write her next bestselling novel, but first, she needs to do research. Her work leads her to the place of legend origin, Sleepy Hollow. But the locals don’t want her there and they’ll do anything to scare her off.

Genres: Halloween

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Delina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5✨ 1.5-2/5🌶️

Thank you to the author for giving me an Arc for this book, and in exchange this is my honest review

This was such an easy read, it is a 70 page novella but it’s still filled with Mystery and Hotness.

🔥A pumpkin as a head, watching & waiting, you touch her.. you die, oh and a horse named Death

This follows Iris Crane (if you know the story you will be like omg no way) who is on a research trip for the Legend of Sleep Hollow. The town however is immediately suspicious and tries to avoid her if possible. The more she searches the more everything seems different and not as it seems.

It’s perfect for the spooky season if you want something that’s fast paced but still makes you blush and clench the thighs. While also keeping you glued to the pages because you have to know what’s next.

I know this is a novella but I would gladly read this as a full story because the way Kenna wrote this, you know there is so much more !!!

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris + Brom

-sleepy hollow novella
-gender bender retelling
-author investigation
-small secretive town
-family feuds

damnnnn did iris get freakingggg with our headless horseman & save him while getting eaten out thru his pumpkin mouth hahaha

[Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Headless over you by Kenna Bellrae

This was a great Halloween spooky time read! I absolutely ate through this one! It is short and perfect for the spooky season!

[balayageandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this unique take on the legend of the Headless Horseman!

Leave it to Author Kenna Bellrae to make me second guess whether or not this folklore is now another ideal book boyfriend.

I instantly loved this FMC, she is a fierce and despite this town's not-so-welcoming vibes she doesn't let the deter her getting all the answers she looking for.

The MMC, while he's a man of few words... we get his internal monologue initially and also his heartbreaking story.

We also get this scorching hot chemistry that cannot be denied... and the perfect f--k it moment.

Cause let me tell you theres nothing hotter than that raw and primal hunger... and these two have it down to a science!

There's some pretty important support characters and tons of little twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat!

It's a great spooky season read with plenty of suspense and spice!

[Inara Reads Dark and Twisted · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don’t pay much attention to blurbs or trigger warnings because I like being surprised by books. I want to discover the story without knowing everything beforehand… and Headless Over You totally delivered!

This is a retelling of Sleepy Hollow, where the story centers on Iris Crane, who arrives in Sleepy Hollow to research the legend of the Headless Horseman as inspiration for a novel; and, to her surprise, nothing in Sleepy Hollow is as expected.

I really didn’t see the story unfolding this way! This book is perfect for this season: a short and quick read where the story grabs you, surprises you, and fascinates you; it’s masterful. You’ll see a retelling of Sleepy Hollow like never before, in a way you’ve never read.

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and spicy paranormal read centered around Sleepy Hollow and the Headless Horseman. Out of towner and researcher, Iris comes to Sleepy Hollow to learn more about the urban legend that is the Headless Horseman. Nothing quiet prepares her for actually coming face to face with Brom. When she learns that he is all to real and that someone is preventing him from breaking his curse, Iris sets out to free her man once and fall all.

I can definitely recommend for those that like spooky vibes with their romance and for the monster romance girlies. This is a short read but has open door spice and insta-love.

Safety info:

- No ages are disclosed.
- Romance happens within a matter of days.
-Iris does have one open door scene with the pumpkin headed horsemen. He does eventually return to his human form for the second scene.
- does have an epilogue, which hints that Iris and Brom live in between worlds and able to travel the world through various portals.

[Callan Shive · Rating 4 out of 5]

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ i received this as an ARC and yet again, i am behind✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧
4.5 stars

Have you ever wanted to get down with the Headless Horseman and then free him from his curse? Because here it is just in time for the spooky season.

I will never not read a Headless Horseman or Sleepy Hollow inspired story and this one really didn’t disappoint. I like the mix of everything that was thrown into this: the history, the backstory, the modern take of it all.

I really wish I got to read more about Iris and Brom after the events of the novella. I think this would be a really cool concept to explore. I really enjoyed the chemistry between them and I think that’s why I wish there was more.

[Andrea Brado · Rating 1 out of 5]

Iris travels to sleepy hollow to write the legend of the headless horseman. She didn’t expect to see him much less have him come to her rescue one dark stormy night. She starts to fall for him and is determined to break his curse.

—-

The concept is fine. The writing doesn’t work. The character relationships are fractured. The connecting dots don’t connect. It’s too difficult and too easy at the same time. You can’t make out with a jack-o'-lantern. It doesn’t have a tongue. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and their style isn’t connecting for me. If this book was longer, it would have been a dnf for me.

I was privileged to receive an ARC of this book and have been honest in my review of it. I did not receive anything in exchange for my review.

[Gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for spooky season!

𝟕𝟑 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟: investigating the legend of Sleepy Hollow, secrets, pumpkins, watching & waiting, touch her & die, headless romps & searching for a 💀

Iris Crane is on a research trip to Sleepy Hollow but immediately senses mysterious secrets surrounding the town & the notorious horseman of legend. Meanwhile, Death’s rider has lost his head for a whole other reason 😉.

This was so good!! Short but very steamy & intriguing! I always enjoy reading about legends & retellings so this was right up my street. The story paired with spooky season approaching fit perfectly, giving real autumnal vibes! Definitely recommend as I’ve been a fan of Kenna’s writing for a quite some time & this was another fabulous read!

[Kata · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars

Idea sounded great and I really wanted to like this, but everything happened so fast without that much explanation. In my opinion this Sleepy Hollow retelling had potential but the books shortness was its downfall.

And yes, going in I knew it was going to be a novella and I have no issue with short, fast-paced books in general, but this one just didn’t work for me.


I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.

[MorallyGreyMuse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short and spicy read! It takes the classic story of Sleepy Hollow and gives it a twist. Iris is such a strong and FMC who doesn’t back down, even when the town’s vibe screams run. And then there’s Brom… the way Kenna wrote him made me completely rethink the Headless Horseman myth. The chemistry between these two was so hot. For short novella, it’s packed with atmosphere and tension. The pacing is perfect, had me hooked from the first page to the last. I kept wishing it was longer because I wasn’t ready to leave this haunting world.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎃 ARC Review – 4 Stars 🎃

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC of Headless Over You by Kenna Bellrae — this one was such a treat to kick off spooky season! 👻

This was a cute, smutty headless horseman retelling that had just the right mix of spice, humor, and Halloween charm. It’s a quick, easy read that’s perfect for cozy October nights when you want something festive but fun.

I loved that it’s set in Sleepy Hollow, where the town definitely doesn’t take kindly to strangers—especially ones like Iris, who come digging into old legends that refuse to stay buried. Watching her get tangled up in the town’s eerie past (and in trying to save the soul of the Headless Horseman himself!) was such a blast.

If you’re looking for a cute, spicy paranormal romance with a happily ever after, this one’s a head-turner—literally. 😉💀✨

🕯️ Perfect for fans of short, seasonal reads
🍂 Smutty in the best way
🏇 Sleepy Hollow vibes on point

[Mandy Peden · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Headless Over You by @novels_and_novellas
Loved this Headless Horseman retelling! I have loved the Headless Horseman since I was little, and I’ve loved everything Kenna has written, so I knew I was in for a good one! This was a short read, but had a great creepy small town Fall vibe, so it’s the perfect book if you’re looking for a couple hour read to fit into your spooky season tbr!

[Norma Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Headless Over You by Kenna Bellrae was such a fun spooky season read. Foggy nights, eerie folklore, small-town mystery, and a slow-burn romance that gets pretty spicy.

I loved the gothic vibe and how quick this novella was to get through. It felt cozy and haunting at the same time, perfect for fall!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tricia Montes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Sleepy Hollow. It’s spooky season and we’ve added pumpkin to the spice.

Girl meets haunted town, girl meets local legend, girl gets back blown out by the Headless Horseman.
It’s quick, it’s not serious, but it’s entertaining and who doesn’t want to kiss a jack-o’-lantern in October 🤷🏻‍♀️

I have a weakness for the smut with halloween vibes and will eat that shit up. Ate this up, had a good time 3.75⭐️

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Read✨

✨🖤Headless Over You🖤✨
Author: Kenna Bellrae
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

If you are looking for a short read for Halloween, this is a great choice!

You follow Iris on her journey to find out more about The Headless Horseman tale.

Iris and Brom’s story is so cute! I really enjoyed this version of the story. It would be cool if there was a next part of their story.

A quick, charming read with Halloween vibes and a sweet twist on a classic legend.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This must be my Sleepy Hollow era because I think this is the 3rd retelling I’ve read in the last month. Tis the season!

Quick modern day twist where folklorist Iris Crane visits Sleepy Hollow to research the legend, discovers a town conspiracy and gets railed by the horseman. Brom Bones is the pumpkin headed partner we all deserve. I only wish we had some fiery revenge on the townsfolk!

[Jennifer Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love myths, fairytales, and legends. Stories like the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, and similar ones. This novella is such a breath of fresh air when it comes to this story. I love the redemption arc. I love the spice. I love the whole thing. This author definitely knows how to write stories you can sink your teeth into. This was my first time reading anything by her, and I’m instantly a fan! I cannot wait to read future stories by her! Highly recommend. 4.5/5

[Rileigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️’s

❝I’ll sweep Iris away from this cruel place and I won’t let anyone bring her harm for I am the devil that rides at night, I am the feared Headless Horseman of Death.❞

this was the perfect read to kick off spooky season! immaculate spooky vibes with a touch of spice to set the mood.

[Christina (Bloodycrimsonreads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a Sleepy Hollow retelling, quick and with a little bit of smut. I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if it wasn’t a novella, as I thought everything was happening too fast, but it’s still a fun and efficient spooky novella for Halloween ahead of us.

Thanks to Kenna for the arc!

[Freya · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎃Welcome to Sleepy Hollow!!

A town full of secrets and curses. A sexy headless horseman who really knows how to use his long demon tongue. 😉

Here comes Professor Iris Crane who is in town to write a book about the folklore surrounding Sleepy Hollow. The townsfolk avoid her like the plague, except for Kurt Van Tassel. But he is hiding big secrets that Iris is determined to uncover. After some research, she discovers information about a curse on the headless horseman and some interesting facts regarding what really happened to him.

Brom has waited years for her. He will protect her. Her bloodline is the key. She tells me she wants to break the curse. He believes her.

What kind of future will they have if/when she breaks the curse?

Such a sexy and creative retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Perfect for the season! 🥵

Thank you to the author for this eARC for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Chyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for a quick spooky and smutty read for the season. I really enjoyed this take on the lore of the headless horseman and lowkey wish that we got to see a little bit more of what life was like for Iris and Brom after. (And what happened to the town)

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the headless horseman has always been one of my favorites. Being able to read a dirty version was right up my alley. Since it's a story most people know, it was predictable but it was well written and a new favorite to read this time of year 🎃

[Avelon Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris & Brom - A Headless Horseman Retelling
A fast paced Spooky Romance novella this is pure fun to read. A love that is instant and a lust that stems from old folklore. A great start to the Spooky Pumpkin Season!

[Naj_ana_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎃 🎃🎃🎃🎃

Perfect for spooky season. Short read but definitely good. Iris is in searching for answers surrounding the Headless Horseman and in doing so she not only lifts a curse but find love.

[Yara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ Fun story about the headless horseman. Liked the use of the surname Crane. Would have loved it if that part got a little backstory as well. Would have loved the story more as a Halloween read if it were a bit more scary.

Thanks voor the ARC 🫶🏼

[doctorbeeps · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella follows Iris Crane as she goes to Sleepy Hollow to research for a book she is writing and she ends up encountering the Headless Horseman.

Cozy, spooky, and spicy, this quick little read is perfect for any October day!

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every bit of this book and devoured it like it was my government paying job. I loved reading the story between Iris and Brom. I loved the lore behind Brom himself and how he came to be. Absolutely delicious and amazing

[Erika Guyda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOOOOOW! I love love loved this. It was so good. Definitely recommend. You need to read this book!

[Iz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great short, spicy read! I love a good Headless Horsemen retelling.