Bonfire: A Smutty Dark Fantasy Horror

by M.Q. Rush

“If the Masked One beckons you, you run.”

Too bad I’ve never been good at being told what to do.

I’m only supposed to be visiting this town, not participating in its screwed-up rituals with masks and bonfires.

But the Masked Man at the center of the ritual isn’t entirely human.

And when he commands me to be his…

…he’s not asking.

Author’s You may find this book suspenseful, addictive, and even disturbing. This is a standalone novella that includes rough sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.

Genres: Horror

56 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2025

Reviews

[Angela Plumeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fact- when I stress about deadlines and responsibilities, I find short monster smut stories help with my anxiety. I quit trying to figure myself out and now just embrace it.

This one did the trick! So fun, I am a big fan of this author’s novellas in this Dark Tides series. They all have unique elements and vibes. I like that they mostly steer clear of cliches and all have strong natural elements that add to the creepy ambiance.

There were some details skipped regarding biological needs that were a bit distracting without spoiling anything. It is a lust story that contains no affection, just physical chemistry. Like a lot of mysterious tall, dark, and handsomes, this one gives no characterization beyond supernatural and dominant, which is one of my problems with many romance books. Can’t expect much from a novella this short, but those are the only reasons I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5.

[Jennifer D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not 100% sure how I feel about this one.
Did I enjoy it? Yes
Was it dark? Yes
Horror or sci-fi? I’d say fantasy or paranormal/urban legend horror?
HEA? You could say that…although until the very end it’s anybody’s guess…up for interpretation I think.
Smutty and explicit? Yes

As I was reading it I wasn’t sure if I was enjoying it to be honest…. It was very raw…it…elicits…feelings…but in the end I came to realize it was at its heart (at least in my view) about a woman finally coming to accept something about herself, her needs, her desires, regardless of the struggle she has to go through to get there.
Provocative? Definitely.

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 3 out of 5]

“If the Masked One beckons, you run.” Her voice drops so low I have to lean in to hear her. “You don’t look back. Do you understand?”

I'm torn over how I feel about this book to be honest. I don't read non-con and very rarely dub-con, so I don't know how normal the heroine's reactions to the masked man are in comparison to those tropes. Sloane did not give consent. Everything was forced until she "broke" and gave in. It all felt completely rapey to me. Yet I couldn't stop reading to see the mental change in her over the course of the book. It felt like an x-rated episode of the Twilight Zone. Uncomfortable, but the ending was... happy? And despite my discomfort, I am curious about the other books in this new dark series, so I would check out another. 3 stars.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slone is headed to her aunt’s home, a timeline of three days to clean, take photos and lust the property and give the keys to the realtor and get out quick.
This is a dark read, absolutely for 18 and up. Smutty and all that too. An interesting read, for sure. Characters were great, quirky and odd. Location is peaceful, and idyllic. Darker than my usual reads, but, it’s short, very dark and spicy. If this sounds like your type of novella, grab it and give it a read! There is a series to read with it, as well.

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

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for steam that is off the charts! This is a dark paranormal story, not really a romance, but extremely hot! Sloane's aunt has passed away, and she is in town to settle the estate. The townspeople give Sloane the creeps, and she constantly feels like she is being watched. The masks that come with her aunt's house also give her a dark vibe. The story kept me on edge until the end. This book may not be for everyone, but I enjoyed it. It's an excellent escape read!.

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

[tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my honest review, this is a dark horror romance. This is my first book by this author. I got this book in exchange for an honest review. The author sucks you into a world of rituals and mysteries. She tells of a dark, mysterious masked man, is he all human or something older than that. He has this town doing his bidding with rituals as old as time, he wants a woman to break and bend to his will.


It’s a story that will have you on the edge of your seat wanting more of this story. Definitely if you like dark reads this is for you.

[Sharon Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If the Masked One beckons you, you run.”

Hot, steamy, masked man with impressive tool takes woman in front of whole town.

Hot stuff!!.

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

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another read in this Dark Tides series. In this book we meet Sloane and like the previous read, it's another short, enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fritz Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is excellent for what it is, which is a piece of horror erotica with a setting of ancient rituals on a beach in a forgotten picturesque rural town.

Yeah, non-con as all get out. Spooky, with masks. Very atmospheric.

A very quick read.

[Juanita Pires-Hilario · Rating 5 out of 5]

short read

Great book just a short read. Unless I just eagerly read too fast haha! I do wish it was longer with more detail.

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

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