Dark Decisions

by Lauren Biel

You receive an invitation to a secret party, then travel to a mansion in the woods. Do you go inside? Head toward a sound in the mansion’s courtyard? Go home? Whether playing one path or all, dark decisions are waiting for you.

Dark Decisions is an interactive pick-your-path novella. In this fast-paced offering, you decide how spicy or mild your encounters will be.

Pick-your-path books use 2nd person POV, meaning YOU are the fmc in this spice only story!

**THERE IS NO PAPERBACK FOR THIS STORY DUE TO LENGTH! FUTURE INTERACTIVES MAY HAVE A PHYSICAL OPTION!**

This book has adult themes, check content warnings on my website!

Genres: Dark Romance, Novella, Smut, Dark

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2025

About the author

Lauren’s stories are often emotionally raw, with lots of twists and turns. She describes her writing as “where light meets dark”, which represents how her witty humor compliments the darkness in every story. Instead of trying to mold her writing to fit in a box, she chooses to be unapologetically herself. While her focus is on Romance with dark elements, subgenre is no constraint for her. The common theme in every book is finding love when you least expect it. She enjoys putting her characters through tribulations, allowing their triumphs to be that much more poignant. Make sure you have your seatbelts secured. It’s always a bumpy ride.

When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.

Reviews

[Frida · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 to 3.5 (but don’t get it twisted, that doesn’t mean it’s bad)

Fast-paced, filthy, and flirting with danger, this interactive novella puts you in the driver’s seat—yes, you, the smut-hungry, chaos-embracing little minx—and dares you to decide how mild or messy things are about to get.

And let’s be honest… no one’s stopping at one play through. You’ll go back. You’ll poke at the different paths. You’ll get curious. You’ll get bold. Maybe even a little unhinged. That’s half the fun!

I’m already a fan of Lauren’s wickedly clever storytelling—and once again, Biel delivers something fresh. The concept? So up my alley. I grew up obsessed with choose-your-own-adventure murder mysteries, and this scratched that same itch… just, you know, sexier. Fewer bodies on the floor, more bodies on the floor doing things.

Now. That said. This didn’t quite reach full fantasy immersion for me.
It’s short. Like, short short. And while I fully understand how complicated branching storylines are (seriously, my hat’s off), I couldn’t help but wish for just a little more room to breathe. More time to wander, to simmer in the atmosphere, to get attached to the chaos before diving into another hot decision point.

Because if this world had been fleshed out just a touch more—if I could’ve sunk deeper into the story before choosing my delicious downfall—I would’ve been hooked past the point of return.

But still? It’s sexy. It’s smart. It’s fun. And it proves once again that Lauren Biel is not just writing books—she’s playing with form, bending genre, and giving readers exactly the kind of experience they didn’t know they craved.

So no, it’s not a five-star experience, but it’s 100% worth your time.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun to read

Definitely a must read. It is so much fun to be the fmc and choose which direction you want to go. Then go back and choose the other routes just to see what happens. It’s not that dark but that spice is definitely spicy 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

[Sierra loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun choose you own adventure story. It’s so spicy. I loved being able to choose my own fate. If I didn’t like something I would just go back to my last choice. I have gone through it a few times now choosing different answers.

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to break up this rating for full understanding and expectations of this book.

Writing: ⭐️⭐️.5 (mid)
Story: ⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️ (depending on paths)
Fun: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Averaging: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Spice: 🌶🌶 (not as spicy as her normal books imo)

This book can be super short or a little longer depending on the path you choose. I read it a couple different ways, and I liked the option to jump around, depending how I want the main character to react.

The writing is not up to my standards of how Lauren Biel normally writes. But, this book is more of a 'fun' style to write/read. So, if ya pick this up, don't go looking for a masterpiece.

[Mia Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark and spicy choose your own adventure novella where I am the heroine. Sign me up! This was brilliantly done. And yes, I went on more than one adventure 😉🥵

[momaddictedtobooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really fun! I had a great time reading this. I thought it was so cool how you choose your adventure through the story. I highly recommend especially if you want a quick, spicy, and fun read!

[Dodibook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was something completely new for me — and I absolutely loved it. You’re not just reading a story, you are the main character. Every decision you make takes the plot in a new direction. I kept going back just to pick something else and unlock a different chapter. It was addictive in the best way.

The interactive style is what makes this book stand out. It feels like a game and a story all in one. You don’t just follow the drama, you create it. That replay factor really works — there’s always something new to discover, and it never felt repetitive.

The spice was really hot and I was there for every single scene. It added just the right amount of tension and made the whole experience even more exciting. Definitely one of the reasons I kept going back for more.

One thing I felt was missing, though, was emotional connection. There’s not much background or build-up that lets you truly connect with the characters. You jump straight into the action, which is fun, but I would’ve loved a bit more depth or backstory to make it hit harder.

If you’re into dark, steamy romance with a twist of danger and control — and you like being the one in charge — this one’s definitely worth checking out. Just don’t expect a soft, emotional journey. This one’s bold, sharp, and keeps you coming back for more.

🅡🅐🅣🅘🅝🅖
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

🅢🅟🅘🅒🅔
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

🅣🅡🅞🅟🅔🅢
💜Novella
💜Erotica
💜MMF, MFM, MF
💜Interactive
💜Primal
💜BDSM

[Kodi B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed this book, love the concept, it was fun and entertaining, and I was never disappointed! This interactive novella was so fun and I messed with it for a while, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to try and read as many options as I could, I know I didn't get to them all so I'll be revisiting it soon! I can tell you the options I did get were so much fun.

- One story I followed involved watching a couple and being asked to participate with both parties. The next involved me venturing to a place off limits and being kicked out. The next involved a masked man with a Spank fetish. The last one I did was my favorite so far, it involved a hallway of doors, and each door offered something different. Like mfm, m sub, or even a milking station. I chose mfm and you had the choice of them worshipping you or everyone being in on the fun and I read both options, iykyk.

leaving more storylines to discover, I can't wait to read them all!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of choose your own adventure books. I grew up on them. I can remember sitting for hours on the library floor right in front of the choose your own adventure section. Reading all of the books I could. They helped to grow my love of reading.

I am already a fan of Lauren's books. Yet, she just made me even more of a fan with this novella. She combined two of my favorites...choose your own adventure and smut! You can't go wrong with these two pairings.

Even if you choose the "wrong" option and the story ends quickly, you honestly can't go wrong with your choice. Just start over or read the next chapter and pick a new option. I read this book at least five different times and got to choose different options each time and never got bored. Lauren, I love you and thank you for this novella!

[Christina _readingwhilewet · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖Arc review

This was my first interactive book experience and I have to say I want more.

The idea of being able to make my own choices and see how it would go, was a rush.

I was so excited following my choices. Being able to finish one choice and go back to the beginning make different choices and experience a whole other story was honestly the best experience.

I couldn’t be bored with the possibilities of how the story could turn out.

I’d definitely love to read more books with this type of writing !

Short, fun and spicy 🌶️

📖5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Nicole H. ✨️nicoledreamsofbooks✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶𝕀𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖 ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕒 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨🌶

Title: Dark Decisions
Author: Lauren Biel
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Pub Date: Out now!
50/125📚

Choose your own adventure but make it spicy!!

This book was seriously so fun!!! I read it multiple times so I could take different paths haha.

You're the FMC, 2nd person, all spice no plot, just a wild fun ride! I've never read anything like this before and I truly enjoyed it so much.

Available on ebook only due to the page skips needed - KU didn't like this lol.

[Kejsia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this The second I saw it I brought it. I haven't done an interactive book in forever and I really enjoyed his little novella my fav person was definitely Franco specifically when you go left in the maze instead of right yea loved that I don't really have much else to say wish it was a smidge longer but that's just me being nitpicky though I do really with be had a room where she was the sub and technically we did have that with the guy in the white mask but that was blah. Hope she makes another one but dark. #LiveLaughLoveLaurenBiel

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book, I read out all the scenarios possible some were ehh but that’s the thing about this book Lauren made so many different types of scenes and scenarios it’s not likely you won’t find at least one you enjoy, me I enjoyed a lot more then that I also had fun going back and seeing what would happen if I chose differently. This read was definitely different but I enjoyed the hell out of it.

[Rima Ayoub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Decisions by Lauren Biel was such a fun, unique reading experience. I loved how many different ways you could interpret the story; one book with endless scenarios depending on how you read it. I actually went back and reread it just to explore all the different endless possibilities, and it made each story even better.

It’s creative, clever, and honestly a blast to unpack. And if I read it right… it was definitely spicy, which made the whole experience even more addictive.

A super engaging read that keeps you thinking, imagining, and wanting more. Xo

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, I loved this interactive novella . It was so different from other reads, due to being the FMC in it and choosing which path to take. It was so much fun and the MMCs being a little unhinged as to be expected of Lauren’s books, just made it for me. I did read, pick one, follow it then go back and start again, and again, and again.

I hope Lauren will consider doing another one 🫶

[Lisa Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun and different and I really hope we get more. I loved how you get to choose your own path and and go back if you don't like that one. So interesting with the choices almost like a dare are you going to take a chance.

The MMC are all different toa height of spice but very steamy and hot with intensity. I enjoyedvthis so much.

[Bailey Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooooo fun! A spicy mascarade choose your own smut-venture! It was great and I am not sure I’ve read all the choices yet but I will! I keep going back and making different choices and ‘ending up’ somewhere else or with someone else!! If you like choose your own adventures this is for you! Spice level…it’s all smut and I’m here for it!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Nothing short of amazing! I loved this idea of being interactive and go through the twists and turns of how the story will unfold. I even redid the story a few times with different results so cool would love to read and interact with more stories like this! Also Lauren Biel does it again with the spice and plots! I also devoured this book in one go!

[Tali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh finally! A choose your own adventure spicy book! I’ve been waiting for this I almost did it myself. Lauren does not disappoint. You, the reader, gets to choose the fate of the FMC. Do you go into the mansion you were mistakenly invited to, or do you check the grounds first to get a feel for the place? Absolutely LOVE this. Well done!

Thank you for this ARC!

[Chelsey Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you remember as a kid reading the Goosebumps Reader Beware series where you choose your own scare? Well welcome back to your childhood but it’s not so scary! Instead it’s all your own fantasies come true and you’re the main POV! I can’t wait to go back and choose another path.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much. Brings back memories of reading the old choose your own adventure books, only now the very sexy version. 

Only small feedback, would have loved to see some of the "interactions" go on a little longer but loved it otherwise. 

[Shantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun pick your path read! I found myself going back to pick a different path, because of course I wanted to know what was written on every page. Well thought out and remember; all smut, no specific plot!

[Baylee Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun! This was my first interactive story and wish my authors did this! Yes of course I went back to take all available paths! Umm for some reason the Milking room was one of my favorites 🥵🥵 this is a great book to go back to where to have a quick spicy read.

[elocin_reads37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUN

Be the main character in this interactive novella from bdsm to being called, watched, little rose, etc. it’s so freaking hot and spicy that dang I loved all the outcomes. I need more of these to be honest. Has all the spice and everything nice.

[Danica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super fun

Every read is a different story. I can read it again tomorrow and have a different end, super fun. Like those choose your own adventures as kids, but definitely not for kids.

[Reading.With.Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun!! So far i’ve read three different endings but i need more!!
I’m really hoping, eventually, Lauren would be able to make a full book with this vibe because it was so unique!!

[The Wandering Wolf · Rating 1 out of 5]

The idea for this book was great, however I was disappointed. The endings had basically the same two choices and the spicey scenes weren't that spicey. One of the choices just ends which makes no sense. I love choose your own adventure books and really wanted to like this but couldn't.

[HI.loves.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun interactive spicy time. Do not come into this looking for something thought provoking or with serious plot. This is a fun good time where you make the decisions and it delivered. So much fun!

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Biel brings us another short smutty, filthy and delicious read. This one is fast and spicy. Do you like flirting with danger if so give this a read. You are in the drivers seat so lean back your chair enjoy the ride on this little choose your own adventure novella.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was actually so fun haha. i enjoyed going through all the different pathways and even wished some characters had longer dialogue. the maze and M sub room scenes were my personal favorite! it was just a good time, easy and quick to get through and perfect for anyone who loves spicy scenes. my only complaint is it not being longer because i was enjoying myself so much 🤣