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Hunted by the Headless Horseman
You’ll never look at pumpkin spice—or giving head—the same way again.
I woke the Headless Horseman—and now I have no choice but to help him break his curse. His tragic past draws me in. He listens. He burns. He wants. And despite everything, I want him too. I’m falling—fast and deep—for a man with no face. If I can’t break his curse, he’ll be lost to me forever.
HEADLESS Belle is bound to me, the key to breaking my curse. She is my salvation, my obsession, my fate. I’ll hunt her until she knows there’s no escape from a Horseman without a head—or a heart.
Set in the eerie autumn woods of the Appalachian Mountains, this book features spicy times in corn mazes, apple bobbing, a harvest festival, and a cozy bookstore you’ll fall hard for. Add haunted trails, old-world magic, and an abandoned Gothic manor with a cemetery—all wrapped around a gentleman Horseman with dark desires and a wicked riding crop.
The fifth standalone in the series that brought you Kidnapped by the Krampus — Fans of Ghosts of Halloween and Scream For Us who crave old lore retellings with gripping plots and enthusiastic consent will love Hunted by the Headless Horseman.
I woke the Headless Horseman—and now I have no choice but to help him break his curse. His tragic past draws me in. He listens. He burns. He wants. And despite everything, I want him too. I’m falling—fast and deep—for a man with no face. If I can’t break his curse, he’ll be lost to me forever.
HEADLESS Belle is bound to me, the key to breaking my curse. She is my salvation, my obsession, my fate. I’ll hunt her until she knows there’s no escape from a Horseman without a head—or a heart.
Set in the eerie autumn woods of the Appalachian Mountains, this book features spicy times in corn mazes, apple bobbing, a harvest festival, and a cozy bookstore you’ll fall hard for. Add haunted trails, old-world magic, and an abandoned Gothic manor with a cemetery—all wrapped around a gentleman Horseman with dark desires and a wicked riding crop.
The fifth standalone in the series that brought you Kidnapped by the Krampus — Fans of Ghosts of Halloween and Scream For Us who crave old lore retellings with gripping plots and enthusiastic consent will love Hunted by the Headless Horseman.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
73 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
September 16, 2025
Rating 3.5 ⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶.5
Dual POV
Paranormal romance
Small town romance
Beauty & the Beast retelling
Set in October
Noncon/dubcon
Communication barrier
Instalust/Instalove
Cat companion
Forced proximity
Ages 28/ 36 (frozen by curse)
Dom/sub elements
Praise/degradation
Impact play
Sexy apple bobbing
Flavored cum
He loves eating her pussy
Edging
Forced Os
Squirting
Anal
Aftercare
HEA
⚠️TRIGGERS⚠️ abuse, murder, child grooming check book for full list
Hunted by the Headless Horseman is a great fit for readers who want a steamy paranormal romance that focuses more on the couple's dynamic than on a complex plot. If you're here for spice, you’ll definitely find it but if, like me, you came for the haunting lure of Headless Horseman lore, you might walk away a little underwhelmed. I was expecting something that leaned into the curse, the myth, the chase, but what I got felt more like a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a supernatural aesthetic. While I don’t mind that kind of storyline (I actually enjoy it), the biggest letdown was the total lack of explanation around why the male lead, Jack, has no head. It felt like the iconic element of the character was treated as a superficial trait rather than something meaningful to the plot. It may seem like a weird thing to focus on, but it really bugged me.
One thing I really did enjoy was the small-town setting, nestled in a rural area with rich fall vibes that fit the October atmosphere perfectly. It added a nice sense of coziness to contrast the darker themes. And Belle, our heroine, stood out. She’s a witchy bookstore owner with a traumatic past, having escaped a controlling, misogynistic cult, and the way she’s written reflects a woman who’s not just surviving, but actively rebuilding her life. Her experiences give the story a much-needed emotional edge, and her inner strength adds depth to what little plot there is. Despite the extremely dark history she's endured (including child grooming, which is never glorified) I appreciated how her ingrained submissiveness is explored in a way that makes sense within the story. It complements Jack's dominant nature, and there’s a clear psychological foundation to their dynamic that makes it feel more grounded than gratuitous.
Jack is introduced as a morally grey figure, a former highwayman with a violent past, which immediately intrigued me. But aside from how that darkness plays into his sexual dynamic with Belle, it never fully comes to life on the page. I wanted more grit, more true ambiguity, more evidence of his past choices catching up to him. He’s dark, intense, and broody, which is all classic antihero material, and I appreciated that he’s self-aware enough to recognize he wasn’t a good man, just one devoted to his family. That layer of tragedy gives his vengeful existence some emotional weight, especially when it ties into the sacrifice of his heart as part of the curse. That said... I still don’t understand why he’s headless. For a story built around the Headless Horseman, it’s baffling that there’s no explanation for how or why he lost his head. And let’s talk about the name. When I found out his full name was Jackson but he goes by Jack, I literally rolled my eyes. It’s a little too on the nose, even if Belle makes a joke about it. He didn’t need to be named Ichabod or Brom, but Jack? Really?
The book leans heavily into the erotic elements (expected, given the author’s signature style) but for the length of the story, the plot-to-spice ratio felt off. The spice wasn't the issue itself, but its repetitive nature and the recycled language between the couple made some scenes feel like filler. I kept wishing some of that word count had gone into world-building, lore, or character development instead. That said, the spice is good and there are some standout spicy moments that are impossible to forget, like his flavored cum, "eating" abilities, and adventurous apple bobbing. However, despite those moments, I found myself disappointed that we didn’t actually see any "hunting" from our Headless Hunter. The entire idea of the Headless Horseman evokes a sense of suspense and dread, the need to primal chase, the thrill of danger. That’s the fun of the Headless Horseman mythos! But the story writes off those moments with a convenient, off-page solution that takes all the danger and thrill out of the premise. Why title it Hunted by the Headless Horseman if there’s no actual hunting?
The ending, unfortunately, left much to be desired. The actual climax with the final confrontation between Jack, Thaddeus, and Belle was intense and satisfying in the moment. But it felt rushed, like it was sprinting to the finish line. I loved Belle's final "fuck you" moment to Thaddeus. However, Belle’s sudden death from heart failure is barely touched on, and the resolution hinges on the emotional weight of the pumpkin hats she knitted with love, somehow sparking the magic needed to split Jack’s heart and save them both. I wanted to buy into the magic of that moment, but it felt like a hand-wave instead of a payoff. Jack remains cursed and headless, and while the narrative tells us Belle loves him as he is, it left me wondering why he didn’t get to keep his head? Was her love not enough for that, even if it was enough to bring her back to life? And what even is she now? Is she still human? Is she immortal? Is she tied to his curse? None of that is explored. It’s all swept aside in favor of the HEA, but the logistics of sharing a heart either literal or magical deserved more than a quick wrap-up (in my opinion).
To be clear, this isn’t a bad book. I did enjoy my time reading it. And it has plenty of appeal for fans of paranormal romance and those looking for dark spice with a side of emotional healing. The setting is rich, the heroine is strong, and there is emotional depth beneath the heat. But for readers like me who were hoping for more from the myth itself, more darkness, more lore, more chase- it may leave you feeling like the head was missing from more than just the hero. I wanted to be haunted and hunted and instead... I got a lot of moaning in a haunted manor.
Spice 🌶🌶🌶.5
Dual POV
Paranormal romance
Small town romance
Beauty & the Beast retelling
Set in October
Noncon/dubcon
Communication barrier
Instalust/Instalove
Cat companion
Forced proximity
Ages 28/ 36 (frozen by curse)
Dom/sub elements
Praise/degradation
Impact play
Sexy apple bobbing
Flavored cum
He loves eating her pussy
Edging
Forced Os
Squirting
Anal
Aftercare
HEA
⚠️TRIGGERS⚠️ abuse, murder, child grooming check book for full list
Hunted by the Headless Horseman is a great fit for readers who want a steamy paranormal romance that focuses more on the couple's dynamic than on a complex plot. If you're here for spice, you’ll definitely find it but if, like me, you came for the haunting lure of Headless Horseman lore, you might walk away a little underwhelmed. I was expecting something that leaned into the curse, the myth, the chase, but what I got felt more like a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a supernatural aesthetic. While I don’t mind that kind of storyline (I actually enjoy it), the biggest letdown was the total lack of explanation around why the male lead, Jack, has no head. It felt like the iconic element of the character was treated as a superficial trait rather than something meaningful to the plot. It may seem like a weird thing to focus on, but it really bugged me.
One thing I really did enjoy was the small-town setting, nestled in a rural area with rich fall vibes that fit the October atmosphere perfectly. It added a nice sense of coziness to contrast the darker themes. And Belle, our heroine, stood out. She’s a witchy bookstore owner with a traumatic past, having escaped a controlling, misogynistic cult, and the way she’s written reflects a woman who’s not just surviving, but actively rebuilding her life. Her experiences give the story a much-needed emotional edge, and her inner strength adds depth to what little plot there is. Despite the extremely dark history she's endured (including child grooming, which is never glorified) I appreciated how her ingrained submissiveness is explored in a way that makes sense within the story. It complements Jack's dominant nature, and there’s a clear psychological foundation to their dynamic that makes it feel more grounded than gratuitous.
Jack is introduced as a morally grey figure, a former highwayman with a violent past, which immediately intrigued me. But aside from how that darkness plays into his sexual dynamic with Belle, it never fully comes to life on the page. I wanted more grit, more true ambiguity, more evidence of his past choices catching up to him. He’s dark, intense, and broody, which is all classic antihero material, and I appreciated that he’s self-aware enough to recognize he wasn’t a good man, just one devoted to his family. That layer of tragedy gives his vengeful existence some emotional weight, especially when it ties into the sacrifice of his heart as part of the curse. That said... I still don’t understand why he’s headless. For a story built around the Headless Horseman, it’s baffling that there’s no explanation for how or why he lost his head. And let’s talk about the name. When I found out his full name was Jackson but he goes by Jack, I literally rolled my eyes. It’s a little too on the nose, even if Belle makes a joke about it. He didn’t need to be named Ichabod or Brom, but Jack? Really?
The book leans heavily into the erotic elements (expected, given the author’s signature style) but for the length of the story, the plot-to-spice ratio felt off. The spice wasn't the issue itself, but its repetitive nature and the recycled language between the couple made some scenes feel like filler. I kept wishing some of that word count had gone into world-building, lore, or character development instead. That said, the spice is good and there are some standout spicy moments that are impossible to forget, like his flavored cum, "eating" abilities, and adventurous apple bobbing. However, despite those moments, I found myself disappointed that we didn’t actually see any "hunting" from our Headless Hunter. The entire idea of the Headless Horseman evokes a sense of suspense and dread, the need to primal chase, the thrill of danger. That’s the fun of the Headless Horseman mythos! But the story writes off those moments with a convenient, off-page solution that takes all the danger and thrill out of the premise. Why title it Hunted by the Headless Horseman if there’s no actual hunting?
The ending, unfortunately, left much to be desired. The actual climax with the final confrontation between Jack, Thaddeus, and Belle was intense and satisfying in the moment. But it felt rushed, like it was sprinting to the finish line. I loved Belle's final "fuck you" moment to Thaddeus. However, Belle’s sudden death from heart failure is barely touched on, and the resolution hinges on the emotional weight of the pumpkin hats she knitted with love, somehow sparking the magic needed to split Jack’s heart and save them both. I wanted to buy into the magic of that moment, but it felt like a hand-wave instead of a payoff. Jack remains cursed and headless, and while the narrative tells us Belle loves him as he is, it left me wondering why he didn’t get to keep his head? Was her love not enough for that, even if it was enough to bring her back to life? And what even is she now? Is she still human? Is she immortal? Is she tied to his curse? None of that is explored. It’s all swept aside in favor of the HEA, but the logistics of sharing a heart either literal or magical deserved more than a quick wrap-up (in my opinion).
To be clear, this isn’t a bad book. I did enjoy my time reading it. And it has plenty of appeal for fans of paranormal romance and those looking for dark spice with a side of emotional healing. The setting is rich, the heroine is strong, and there is emotional depth beneath the heat. But for readers like me who were hoping for more from the myth itself, more darkness, more lore, more chase- it may leave you feeling like the head was missing from more than just the hero. I wanted to be haunted and hunted and instead... I got a lot of moaning in a haunted manor.
September 1, 2025
Twists and turns. Smut and Love. And don't get me started on the revenge! 10/10 spooky romance read.
October 27, 2025
3.5 stars. She's a spicy one and enjoyed the spice, although sometimes a little repetative. But I really wanted more of the Headless Horseman lore and that's not really present. I liked the small town, Gothic romance, pseudo Beauty and the Beast vibes. But lacked a little of the spooky and lore. Still a good read if you like a lot of spice. (Please check the trigger warnings before reading)
November 30, 2025
ARC BOOK REVIEW
Oh my.... what a loss for words! (pun intended, if you understand)
This is the first book I have read of Emily's, let alone been honored enough to read before it's release day, but I feel like I have been reading her books for honestly so long with how much I could connect with her in her writing with just this one single book. Emily truly knocked this book out of the park with imagination, deep and raw emotions and trauma, connections, and loves. Jack (the phantom's) life and traumas honestly feels like THIS is what the real myth about the headless horseman should be. Belle's lived life experiences, courage, and traumas captivates many hearts who are still healing from real life situations in this world or even those who still might be in a situation like Belle's. Of course, though, I'm not giving these details out -- it's something you will have to find out by reading yourself. Then you can agree with me later 🤪
Release date for 'Hunted by the Headless Horseman' (Roars and Romances, book 5) is September 1st, 2025 -- I HIGHLY encourage... no... DEMANNNDDD... that you put this book on your pre-order lists on amazon, anywhere else you might order books from, or through her personal shop, which you can find on all her socials or right here: https://emilyshorebooks.myshopify.com... Seriously -- you are not going to watch to miss the chance on reading this book or even snagging one of the special edition physical copies!!! (I can't wait to receive mine!!!)
Tropes Include:
🌽 Corn mazes, apple bobbing, harvest festival, abandoned gothic manor
📚 The most devine bookstore you'd want to move right into!
😉 Crocheting
🕯Blood tethering / telepathy
🎃 All things October, the Hunter's Moon, Autumnal Equinox, veils
⛓️ Trauma bonding
💎 Protection and possession
🔥 Manipulation, cults, deep secrets, curses
Oh my.... what a loss for words! (pun intended, if you understand)
This is the first book I have read of Emily's, let alone been honored enough to read before it's release day, but I feel like I have been reading her books for honestly so long with how much I could connect with her in her writing with just this one single book. Emily truly knocked this book out of the park with imagination, deep and raw emotions and trauma, connections, and loves. Jack (the phantom's) life and traumas honestly feels like THIS is what the real myth about the headless horseman should be. Belle's lived life experiences, courage, and traumas captivates many hearts who are still healing from real life situations in this world or even those who still might be in a situation like Belle's. Of course, though, I'm not giving these details out -- it's something you will have to find out by reading yourself. Then you can agree with me later 🤪
Release date for 'Hunted by the Headless Horseman' (Roars and Romances, book 5) is September 1st, 2025 -- I HIGHLY encourage... no... DEMANNNDDD... that you put this book on your pre-order lists on amazon, anywhere else you might order books from, or through her personal shop, which you can find on all her socials or right here: https://emilyshorebooks.myshopify.com... Seriously -- you are not going to watch to miss the chance on reading this book or even snagging one of the special edition physical copies!!! (I can't wait to receive mine!!!)
Tropes Include:
🌽 Corn mazes, apple bobbing, harvest festival, abandoned gothic manor
📚 The most devine bookstore you'd want to move right into!
😉 Crocheting
🕯Blood tethering / telepathy
🎃 All things October, the Hunter's Moon, Autumnal Equinox, veils
⛓️ Trauma bonding
💎 Protection and possession
🔥 Manipulation, cults, deep secrets, curses
September 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and the romance between Belle and Jack.
I won't give in spoilers, but I definitely have a new look on apple bobbing that I would love to try!
This book is definitely worth the read! Especially if you love fall, spooky vibes, and all things Halloween sprinkled with spicy, this is definitely the book to get!
I won't give in spoilers, but I definitely have a new look on apple bobbing that I would love to try!
This book is definitely worth the read! Especially if you love fall, spooky vibes, and all things Halloween sprinkled with spicy, this is definitely the book to get!
September 2, 2025
Emily truly knocked this book out of the park, delivering a story brimming with imagination, emotion, and raw, heartfelt connections. The love and liaisons feel genuine and layered, making the story as emotionally gripping as it is captivating. Each moment carries a sense of care and depth, and the emotional journey is beautifully rendered, even if a morsel of inner monologue occasionally lingers longer than necessary, it does little to diminish the story’s hold.
Set against a rich tapestry, this is a spectacular retelling of the Headless Horseman, blending gothic romance with autumnal delights: cosy bookstores, pumpkin spice, corn mazes, knitting, magic, curses, and a most agreeable feline. With themes of revenge, redemption, survival, trauma bonding, hurt/comfort, and some imaginative spice scenes, the story is immersive and enthralling.
Jack, the phantom, is one of the most captivating gentlemen of the genre. His heartbreaking backstory only deepens his devotion to Belle, making him the very definition of a green-flag gentleman: dominant yet tender, protective, utterly devoted, and swoon-worthy (𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗻-𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿). His affections for Belle leap from the pages, and his regency-style bearing, old-fashioned parlance, and gentlemanly manners are utterly magnetic.
Belladonna is remarkably strong, courageous, and resilient, yet sassy, endlessly charming, and perfectly capable of handling the brooding Headless Horseman. She is a force of nature wrapped in a sweet, vintage, bookish, witchy (though not actually witchy) package, radiating autumnal charm, cosy mystery, and delight in equal measure.
This tale is a thrilling mix of mystery, humour, and action, perfect for the spooky season. Though dark, the tension stems from emotional scars rather than extreme violence. Haunting, captivating, and binge-worthy, it’s a story that quickens the pulse and lingers in the mind.
And while it does deliver a happily-ever-after, it was not quite the grand finale I had envisioned. (Alas, my romantic heart longed for something a touch different.) Yet I must gloat just a little, for I did, with no small measure of smug satisfaction, predict precisely where his heart would ultimately be found.
If you find yourself chortling at my occasional old-world flourishes, do forgive me; ‘tis all in the spirit of romance, mystery, and a touch of literary whimsy!
Romance 🩷🩷🩷
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Autumn Vibes 🍁🍁🍁🍁
Set against a rich tapestry, this is a spectacular retelling of the Headless Horseman, blending gothic romance with autumnal delights: cosy bookstores, pumpkin spice, corn mazes, knitting, magic, curses, and a most agreeable feline. With themes of revenge, redemption, survival, trauma bonding, hurt/comfort, and some imaginative spice scenes, the story is immersive and enthralling.
Jack, the phantom, is one of the most captivating gentlemen of the genre. His heartbreaking backstory only deepens his devotion to Belle, making him the very definition of a green-flag gentleman: dominant yet tender, protective, utterly devoted, and swoon-worthy (𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗻-𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿). His affections for Belle leap from the pages, and his regency-style bearing, old-fashioned parlance, and gentlemanly manners are utterly magnetic.
Belladonna is remarkably strong, courageous, and resilient, yet sassy, endlessly charming, and perfectly capable of handling the brooding Headless Horseman. She is a force of nature wrapped in a sweet, vintage, bookish, witchy (though not actually witchy) package, radiating autumnal charm, cosy mystery, and delight in equal measure.
This tale is a thrilling mix of mystery, humour, and action, perfect for the spooky season. Though dark, the tension stems from emotional scars rather than extreme violence. Haunting, captivating, and binge-worthy, it’s a story that quickens the pulse and lingers in the mind.
And while it does deliver a happily-ever-after, it was not quite the grand finale I had envisioned. (Alas, my romantic heart longed for something a touch different.) Yet I must gloat just a little, for I did, with no small measure of smug satisfaction, predict precisely where his heart would ultimately be found.
If you find yourself chortling at my occasional old-world flourishes, do forgive me; ‘tis all in the spirit of romance, mystery, and a touch of literary whimsy!
Romance 🩷🩷🩷
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Autumn Vibes 🍁🍁🍁🍁
August 30, 2025
A beautiful read! The story behind it all was emotional, I didn’t cry but I definitely had to put the book down to grapple with my thoughts.
The FMC is written amazingly to me. She is so strong. I love how the author Emily has given her something due to her trauma. Makes the FMC more ‘real’ and shows a different type of strength too.
The MMC is just mex on legs! Again, my opinion! His story is a sad one but to fall so deeply for another after so long and for it to be a completely different type of love is just breathtaking. I love how there are no bad comparisons! He is definitely a green flag guy!
Love the Jack-O lanterns! Always thought there was something more to them when MMC was thinking about how they feel.
One thing I will scream is that they were done dirty! It’s a HEA but it was beautifully mean. At least they are together!
All in all, lovely read, thank you.
(I tend to not read TW because I have yet to read anything that triggers me, but there are bits in this that people could need to read the warnings for.)
The FMC is written amazingly to me. She is so strong. I love how the author Emily has given her something due to her trauma. Makes the FMC more ‘real’ and shows a different type of strength too.
The MMC is just mex on legs! Again, my opinion! His story is a sad one but to fall so deeply for another after so long and for it to be a completely different type of love is just breathtaking. I love how there are no bad comparisons! He is definitely a green flag guy!
Love the Jack-O lanterns! Always thought there was something more to them when MMC was thinking about how they feel.
One thing I will scream is that they were done dirty! It’s a HEA but it was beautifully mean. At least they are together!
All in all, lovely read, thank you.
(I tend to not read TW because I have yet to read anything that triggers me, but there are bits in this that people could need to read the warnings for.)
August 28, 2025
5⭐️
2/5🖤
2.5🌶
Tropes:
BDSM
Caring Dom
Riding crop usage
Cane usage
All the autumn vibes
Content Warnings:
Kidnapping
Extreme cult
Sexual assault
Grooming
Emotional and mental abuse
Physical abuse
Branding
Misogyny
Murder
If you're looking for a darker, incredibly romantic read for this autumn, look no further. Autumn is dripping off the pages of this book and Belle's life-changing choice to summon The Headless Horseman takes off right from the beginning. This is fast paced, but the romance gives you a little bit of a slowburn build.
This book was surprisingly darker than I was anticipating, but I loved this book. I honestly cannot think of anything I disliked or would have changed. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to the Horseman's curse, and some surprises towards the end.
While there is smut, this story is more romantic and bittersweet than anything else. Jack is incredibly romantic and charming and you can feel the love and obsession he has for Belle through the pages. He punishes her with his riding crop (a first for me), and sets her on the highest pedestal. If you want an MMC that treats the FMC like a goddess, pick this one up!
2/5🖤
2.5🌶
Tropes:
BDSM
Caring Dom
Riding crop usage
Cane usage
All the autumn vibes
Content Warnings:
Kidnapping
Extreme cult
Sexual assault
Grooming
Emotional and mental abuse
Physical abuse
Branding
Misogyny
Murder
If you're looking for a darker, incredibly romantic read for this autumn, look no further. Autumn is dripping off the pages of this book and Belle's life-changing choice to summon The Headless Horseman takes off right from the beginning. This is fast paced, but the romance gives you a little bit of a slowburn build.
This book was surprisingly darker than I was anticipating, but I loved this book. I honestly cannot think of anything I disliked or would have changed. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to the Horseman's curse, and some surprises towards the end.
While there is smut, this story is more romantic and bittersweet than anything else. Jack is incredibly romantic and charming and you can feel the love and obsession he has for Belle through the pages. He punishes her with his riding crop (a first for me), and sets her on the highest pedestal. If you want an MMC that treats the FMC like a goddess, pick this one up!
August 30, 2025
Loved the passion, loved the story, loved the spice, and absolutely loved the characters strength and determination.
Jack is the perfect headless horseman, he's a gentleman, dominant, caring and protective, and will do anything for his queen. And his regency style aura and old fashioned language and behaviour was swoony.
Absolutely loved the eerie autumn atmosphere, and all the nods of Halloween, you'll never think of apple bobbing or pumpkin spice in the same way.
There's plenty of darkness with curses, trauma bonding, hurt and comfort, and escaping a cult, and there's plenty of spice and imaginative scenes.
This is a stunning blend of gothic romance, with cosy autumn feels, paired with revenge, redemption and survival.
This is a bingeable and perfect Halloween read.
🎃"She's broken me. Irreparably. I am enjoying every moment of returning the favour"
🎃"So eager. So ready. So responsive. So...mine. My Belle"
Jack is the perfect headless horseman, he's a gentleman, dominant, caring and protective, and will do anything for his queen. And his regency style aura and old fashioned language and behaviour was swoony.
Absolutely loved the eerie autumn atmosphere, and all the nods of Halloween, you'll never think of apple bobbing or pumpkin spice in the same way.
There's plenty of darkness with curses, trauma bonding, hurt and comfort, and escaping a cult, and there's plenty of spice and imaginative scenes.
This is a stunning blend of gothic romance, with cosy autumn feels, paired with revenge, redemption and survival.
This is a bingeable and perfect Halloween read.
🎃"She's broken me. Irreparably. I am enjoying every moment of returning the favour"
🎃"So eager. So ready. So responsive. So...mine. My Belle"
August 29, 2025
SPOILER FREE BOOK REVIEW!!!!
Hunted by the Headless Horseman by Emily Shore was everything I didn’t know I needed! It was dark, seductive, and utterly addictive. Emily Shore weaves a gothic romance that is equal parts haunting and breathtaking, pulling you into a world where danger and desire ride side by side (it literally pulls you in. I stayed up reading u til 3 am.) The atmosphere is deliciously eerie, yet the romance burns hotter than fire 🔥
The characters leap off the page with intensity and passion, and every encounter crackles with tension. The chemistry? Absolutely off the charts 📈 think toe-curling, spine-tingling, can’t-put-it-down kind of spice 🌶️ It’s dark, it’s wild, and it’s downright intoxicating.
If you love your romances wickedly atmospheric with a hero who’s as terrifying as he is irresistible, this book is an absolute must-read! I devoured it and I’m already ready to ride back into this world again! Will absolutely recommend. If I read it correctly this book officially drops Sept 1st!
Hunted by the Headless Horseman by Emily Shore was everything I didn’t know I needed! It was dark, seductive, and utterly addictive. Emily Shore weaves a gothic romance that is equal parts haunting and breathtaking, pulling you into a world where danger and desire ride side by side (it literally pulls you in. I stayed up reading u til 3 am.) The atmosphere is deliciously eerie, yet the romance burns hotter than fire 🔥
The characters leap off the page with intensity and passion, and every encounter crackles with tension. The chemistry? Absolutely off the charts 📈 think toe-curling, spine-tingling, can’t-put-it-down kind of spice 🌶️ It’s dark, it’s wild, and it’s downright intoxicating.
If you love your romances wickedly atmospheric with a hero who’s as terrifying as he is irresistible, this book is an absolute must-read! I devoured it and I’m already ready to ride back into this world again! Will absolutely recommend. If I read it correctly this book officially drops Sept 1st!
August 28, 2025
Another amazing installation of Emily Shore’s Roars and Romances Series in the books! Seriously, I loved each and every one of these books and Hunted by the Headless Horseman was no different. Belle is literally a force of nature bundled up in a sweet little ball of vintage, bookwork fun. She’s sassy and fun, and probably the only one in this fictional world that can handle the brooding former highwayman that is the Headless Horseman. HE is sexy (which is a feat considering he literally has no head..) and badass, and even when he pissed me off just a bit, I was rooting for his morally gray butt the entire time. This book was funny, mysterious, full of action and had just the right amount of festive fun I’ve come to expect from Ms. Shore (iykyk)!! It’s the absolute most perfect story to get spooky season started.
August 30, 2025
I can say that I have never read a paranormal romance about the headless horseman before, but this book was surprisingly super good! Belle (Belladonna) is a normal well liked woman in a small town but with a hidden past that she’s trying to run from. Jack (Jackson) is a cursed highwayman that has been searching for his heart for centuries. Because of the summon they are bound to each other for the month of October, and boy their chemistry is off the charts. The bond that grows between them over time is so lovely, the steamy moments are hot as f*ck, the plot and storylines are amazingly written, and because I haven’t read anything like this before this is one of a kind. I definitely need to read more of Emily’s books.
August 30, 2025
This was such a fun and spooky dark romance read! It was overflowing with all the best fall and Halloween things: 🎃 pumpkin spice, corn maze, knitting, magic✨️, cozy reading, the best kind of animal sidekick ( Mortimer the cat 🐈), and the apple bobbing scene was 🥵🌶! There was a good mix of plot and spice. I loved the romance between Belladonna and Jack ( names were perfection), and the old fashioned way of speaking Jack has had me swooning! 5/5⭐️ / 3.5/5🌶 check trigger warnings, and thank you Emily for another an amazing book 🥰
August 30, 2025
This is the first book I have read by Emily Shore. I loved this book!!! I lost myself in the headless horseman’s world! When I finished the book I had a lot of different emotions. What I took from this book was love isn’t always wrapped in a pretty little bow. Love can take you through the raw and ruff times but also take you through the happy and joyful times. Real love is unconditional ❣️
Also I’m going to try a pumpkin spice latte 🎃
Also I’m going to try a pumpkin spice latte 🎃
October 8, 2025
I want to be hunted by Jack too!!!
Bella and Jack are fun. I love them. The spice is spicy and Bella has a little bit of all of us in her. The fact that it ends HEA!! Wonderful.
Obviously there is no love for Thaddeus but Mortimer you are a delight.
Bella and Jack are fun. I love them. The spice is spicy and Bella has a little bit of all of us in her. The fact that it ends HEA!! Wonderful.
Obviously there is no love for Thaddeus but Mortimer you are a delight.
August 25, 2025
Emily Shore has once again blown my mind with her latest release and set my standards of book boyfriends impossibly high! 😍😍😍🖤🖤🖤I was an arc reader for Emily a second time with this absolutely amazing Halloween masterpiece of a book and I completely devoured it in one day! Jack had me absolutely swooning the entire time and definitely came into my heart with a vengeance and shoved many of my book boyfriends out of the way in the process! Belle was by far one of my favorite FMCs I’ve had in a while and the similarities to Beauty and the Beast did not go unnoticed and kept me wanting more! 100/10 Emily Shore will never disappoint me!
August 30, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
Emily Shore delivers again!!! It’s spicy, deep and tragic! This read was just so utterly good from start to absolute finish! I absolutely loved Belladonnas transformation and the connection her and Jack is just so genuine.
Emily Shore delivers again!!! It’s spicy, deep and tragic! This read was just so utterly good from start to absolute finish! I absolutely loved Belladonnas transformation and the connection her and Jack is just so genuine.
September 1, 2025
I absolutely enjoyed this book! 🖤
September 1, 2025
This book was amazing!! I have always loved the story of Sleepy Hollow and the Headless Horseman, but this retelling was just spectacular! This book was gripping, spicy, and sensuous, and even featured a villain that I genuinely hated. Jack was the perfect roguish gentleman, and I am living for it. Belle was beautiful inside and out. Even when she didn’t believe she was strong, she proved that she was. The things she had to overcome, unlearn, and remember about herself truly make her a fighter.
August 25, 2025
I received this book early..and I LOVED it!!! Emily Shore did it again! I was hooked from the very beginning. I loved the characters, the setting, the pumpkin 🎃 spice 😉🌶️. I ran through all the emotions of this book…but so worth it!!!! The FMC, Belle and the MMC, Jack 🥵🌶️ were AMAZING and HOT!!! This is a perfect Fall/Halloween spice romance!!! Check your triggers if you have any..fortunately I don’t 🤣. Definitely a must read!!!!
August 27, 2025
First up check for triggers. Second read this book. Belle who loves spicy books and Jack who loves reading to her is cute and 🍆🍆🍆. There is so much spice and cuteness. The banter between Belle and Jack was done majestically. Don't want to give any spoilers. Just read this book. you won't regret it.
August 28, 2025
If you're looking for a fall read with spooky vibes, a proper antagonist to make your blood boil, and a sprinkle of Spice, you've found the perfect one to pick up. From page 1 I was hooked.
September 11, 2025
Emily has wrote another book that I have fell in love with. Perfect book to start the beginning of spooky season and I have always loved the story of the headless horseman!
August 27, 2025
Jack and Belle.
I love their love for each other and the lengths they went to be together.
It's a wonderful Halloween story with apple bobbing 😉😉 IYKYK
Without any spoilers, F you, Thaddeus.
I love their love for each other and the lengths they went to be together.
It's a wonderful Halloween story with apple bobbing 😉😉 IYKYK
Without any spoilers, F you, Thaddeus.
August 19, 2025
Just finished Hunted by the Headless Horseman by Emily Shore and oh my god… this book is EVERYTHING. It’s spooky, it’s sexy, and it had me hooked from page one. Belle waking up the Headless Horseman? Obsessed. The Appalachian autumn setting—corn mazes, haunted trails, Gothic manors, cozy bookstores—it’s basically Halloween smut for my dark little heart. And the Horseman himself? Dark, cursed, obsessive, and still somehow a gentleman with a wicked streak. I could not put it down.
And the chemistry? Unholy levels of hot. It’s not just spice for the sake of it—it’s tender, it’s obsessive, and it burns. Belle falling for a man with no face shouldn’t work, but Shore makes it absolutely addictive. By the end, I was swooning, squirming, and maybe rethinking pumpkin spice season forever. If you want your romance with haunted vibes, dark desires, and a headless man who knows exactly how to ruin you—in the best way—read this. 🖤🎃🔥
And the chemistry? Unholy levels of hot. It’s not just spice for the sake of it—it’s tender, it’s obsessive, and it burns. Belle falling for a man with no face shouldn’t work, but Shore makes it absolutely addictive. By the end, I was swooning, squirming, and maybe rethinking pumpkin spice season forever. If you want your romance with haunted vibes, dark desires, and a headless man who knows exactly how to ruin you—in the best way—read this. 🖤🎃🔥
August 25, 2025
What a unique take on the Headless Horseman. It's an amazing story that brings curses, love, action, and magic to life. I was sucked in from the get-go. To watch Belladonna "Belle" grow and find herself even through her trauma was an amazing journey. Jackson "Jack" our resident Horseman really knows how to woo a woman. The spice is off the charts 5 plus chili peppers.
August 27, 2025
I love Emily Shores books. They always capture my attention and I blink and the book is done. This book is no different and my favorite one she has written! I loved everything about it.
August 20, 2025
Woooooow!! This book guys!!! If your looking for a little "pumpkin spice" in your life she's definitely for you. Not only will you clutch your chest with the tragedies but you'll also fall in love with the mmc sooooooo hard!! The fmc is such a strong and brave girl to overcome everything she's ever been thru and come out of it a different and better person!!! Theres a slow burn romance but you definitely will not be disappointed when it takes off ;) this was definitely a one of a kind book for me that I had the pleasure of arc reading
August 22, 2025
Omg I LOVED this book so so much!!! I wanted to cry when I finished it! It was so beautifully written! I wanted to strangle Thaddeus myself for what he did to Belladona. The ending was definitely bittersweet. This book broke my heart and restitched all at once. Like what more can I say!?! I didn’t want it to end!
August 20, 2025
Where do I begin!
Emily has outdone herself! Belle is the epitome of my favorite female lead. She is learning to heal herself from trauma and will do whatever it takes to feel safe!
And Jack?! He will burn the entire world for her to feel safe! Their relationship is one for the books! He is patient yet firm, and she’s carefree but guarded. Everything that happens to them, while sad and gut-wrenching, ends in a beautiful way.
Emily’s trauma resonates with me and watching her learn and grow into herself is the best part of this book. She takes her life back by the horns and refuses to let go!
Emily has outdone herself! Belle is the epitome of my favorite female lead. She is learning to heal herself from trauma and will do whatever it takes to feel safe!
And Jack?! He will burn the entire world for her to feel safe! Their relationship is one for the books! He is patient yet firm, and she’s carefree but guarded. Everything that happens to them, while sad and gut-wrenching, ends in a beautiful way.
Emily’s trauma resonates with me and watching her learn and grow into herself is the best part of this book. She takes her life back by the horns and refuses to let go!
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