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“She is exquisite and I intend to help her accept all the darkest parts of herself, because if she can learn to love her own darkness then she can love mine. And whether she knows it yet or not, I have no doubt that she yearns to do just that.”

Damian Lacroix knows he will never be a good man, not after the things he’s done and with the demons he carries with him everyday. He had resigned himself to playing out a normal life, alone and uneventful until his time was up. But when his only friend drags him to a Halloween party, he meets a witch who casts a spell over him and seals both their fates with a single kiss. She may be the closest thing to heaven he will ever experience, and he is not about to let that slip through his fingers. By next Halloween, she will be his Sweet, one way or another.

Celeste Carroll is a woman who is still trying to find out who she is. After spending her entire life first under the weight of her family’s expectations, and then an emotionally abusive ex’s demands that she be normal and respectable, she has found freedom in the isolation of a small town in North Carolina. Over the last four years, she has spread her wings and is starting to think she might be ready to settle down into her own version of a normal existence. As far as everyone else can tell, she is living a full authentic life, but Celeste knows that she has darker desires that she tries to bury and deny because they scare even her. Which is why she isn’t as terrified as she should be of the stranger who has been stalking her the last ten months…why sometimes she stays up late and wonders what it might be like to give into a man behind a mask.

This Halloween season is going to be her most thrilling yet.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2025

1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Olyvia Wyld

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Trish Wrathall.
63 reviews9 followers
September 17, 2025
I need a shower! Damien and Celeste have an insane, earth shattering chemistry on sight! Fast forward a year, nearly to the day, and things are a bit... Strange for Celeste.
Gifts that resonate with her but no rhyme or clear reason.
A stalker, plus a handsome student, her simple life gets convoluted very fast.
I want my own Pumpkin Prince! Because the things this man can do... And the dedication to learn everything he can about her, only ever seeing the magnificent Goddess he decrees her to be?! That is what every woman needs in her life! Waiting for book 2 will be torture but this whole series will definitely end up on my bookshelf, along with my device!
Profile Image for Meghan Douglas.
21 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2025
Olyvia Wyld wrote the perfect book to curl up with a cozy blanket and warm apple cider at the start of this spooky season!

Damian is our MMC and her Pumpkin Prince who's obsession with our FMC shows such devotion, thoughtfulness, love, and just enough spicey darkness that you will be wanting your own Pumpkin Prince to chase you in the corn maze!

Celeste is our FMC and his Witch, who with the help of our MMC is able to overcome the insecurities and hurt of never feeling like she was good enough to those around her and always needing to smother her authentic self while in return helping him wrestle his own demons. She is stunningly beautiful inside and out with just the right amount of brat and the love of all spooky things to go toe to toe with mr. Pumpkin Face and have both be thoroughly satisfied!

This book has it all, stalking, spooky vibes, addictive chemistry, knife/mask play, hallmarkesque moments, and so much more!

I am excited to continue the journey in this series and see where Olyvia Wyld takes us in book two!
Profile Image for Dollface_sinner01.
43 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2025
Spellbound by Olyvia Wyld - review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ five star hands down

A women torn down by the world learning to find her footing and to trust herself.

A man haunted by demons of his past that try to sneak back into his present.

Can one Halloween change the course of both of their lives.

What happens when that one man finds the darkness within her and decides he won’t stop still she understands the goddess she really is.

Masks, secrets, knives and blood might just be what it takes to grant them both peace .. and can’t forget that every witch needs their familiar .. even if it happens to be a spoiled orange tabby willing to sit back and watch it all unfold …

Spice, cider, and movie references that all will know.

This book drags you in deep and trust me it’s a ride of a lifetime … don’t keep him waiting though Halloween is on the way and even his patience runs out.

“I knew the witch was either gonna be my salvation or damnation”

“TRICK OR TREAT, MY SWEET. SEE YOU SOON.”

“ I took my vengeance, as any slighted Goddess should. Damian’s adoration of me is going to my head so fast…and I don’t care. Let him worship me because I’m done denying any part of myself.“
Profile Image for Lauren Head.
669 reviews16 followers
October 3, 2025
Olyvia Wyld’s book is the perfect cozy-spooky read to kick off the season! Damian, our Pumpkin Prince, is devoted, darkly obsessed, and impossible not to love, while Celeste, his Witch, finds the strength to embrace her true self and help him battle his demons. Their chemistry is addictive equal parts sweet, spicy, and hauntingly fun. With stalker vibes, knife-and-mask play, Hallmark-worthy moments, and all the spooky atmosphere you could want, this story has it all. I can’t wait to see where book two takes us!
Profile Image for Rachel.
45 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2025
Olyvia Wyld wrote the perfect masked man for your Halloween season.
Damian is daddy! He is the most caring, loving, thoughtful, MMC ever! I love that he just wants Celeste to love all of him! And for her to be true to herself as well! He is all you want in a book boyfriend and he wears a mask!

From the very beginning of the book, Olyvia has you hooked! Spellbound is one of those books you just can't stop reading. The character building is phenomenal, the relations they build throughout the book are amazing and it's so easy to fall in love their friend group.

It's been a long time since I've related to a character so much, but I see a lot of my 20 something self in Celeste and I absolutely love it!

5 starts for sure . This book is all you need for your spooky season! Sugar, spice and a little bit of stalking!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for __boundbybook__ 🥀Shaunie🥀.
248 reviews8 followers
October 1, 2025
This was such a fun read and absolutely perfect for spooky season!

The vibes from the characters were absolutely incredible and the chemistry was just to d!e for🫠
The theme was just perfection and I loved the writing!
I cannot wait to read more of this author!

I absolutely recommend reading this!
Profile Image for Kristiyana St.
66 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2025
It didn’t take more than a page for me to realize I was in for something special. Spellbound by Olyvia Wyld is one of those rare reads that instantly casts a spell over you and doesn’t let go until long after the final page. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, dripping with magic and just the right touch of eerie darkness—the kind of story that feels like curling up with a candlelit book on a crisp October night. There’s a haunting Halloween vibe running through the pages, giving the whole story this intoxicating blend of mystery and allure.

What truly impressed me was the way Wyld balances everything—there’s tension, romance, danger, and wonder, all seamlessly woven together. The writing is lush and cinematic, painting scenes so vividly that it feels like you’re right there, wandering through shadowy streets and enchanted places, holding your breath as secrets unfold. Each chapter ends with that irresistible pull to keep going, and I found myself staying up way too late because I couldn’t bring myself to stop.

The characters are what make this story unforgettable. They’re complex, layered, and beautifully flawed in ways that make them feel alive. Their interactions brim with chemistry, conflict, and emotion that leaps off the page. You feel their pain, their longing, their hope—and it lingers with you. This isn’t just a fantasy tale, it’s an emotional journey that keeps you invested in every twist and turn.

Spellbound is addictive, enchanting, and deeply atmospheric. It gave me chills, made my heart race, and left me desperate for more. If you’re looking for a book that captures the magic of fantasy while weaving in that irresistible autumn, Halloween-esque energy, this is absolutely it. Olyvia Wyld has created a story that’s both haunting and beautiful, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Profile Image for Inara Reads Dark and Twisted.
59 reviews24 followers
October 5, 2025
If you’re ready for a book that dives headfirst into obsession and forbidden desires, Olyvia Wyld’s debut, Spellbound, is the one. This is a genuinely dark, character-driven romance built on primal attraction and the intense thrill of giving in to the shadows. 🖤✨


The story centers on Damian and Celeste, two leads that immediately draw you in. Damian is the bad boy, haunted by his past and locked into a lonely existence. Celeste is a woman who, after fleeing a life based on the expectations of others, has built her own little world but is broken and has problems trusting men again.
Their connection? It’s explosive; all starting with a single, scorching kiss at a Halloween party where she’s dressed as a witch and he wears a pumpkin mask🎃 and by next Halloween, she will be his Sweet, one way or another.


Olyvia perfectly captures the push and pull of their dynamic. Damian is instantly and utterly obsessed with Celeste, his Sweet, his Witch. He is captivated by her from the first day and wants her to fully embrace who she is and the darkness he knows she hides within. The best part is that Celeste isn’t actually terrified of the man who’s been obsessively watching her; instead, she’s utterly captivated by the mystery of the mask and the temptation to just surrender to her own buried desires.


At its core, Spellbound is a romance about self-acceptance and surrender. It uses the intense, obsessive dynamic and the gothic atmosphere of Halloween to explore powerful themes of emotional repression and the fear of truly owning one’s identity. With undeniable chemistry and immersive prose, the story builds into a thrilling, high-stakes romance.

Bottom line: If you love your romance novels with a heavy dose of dark intensity, enjoy getting inside a character’s head, and believe that love can absolutely be found even in the deepest shadows, you NEED this book. It sets a thrilling, addictive course for the rest of the series. Super excited to read more from Olyvia, which I definitely know I’m going to love!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Anna Wilson.
177 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2025
My life has been overrun by masked men, and yet my husband doesn't have a mask yet??!! Something needs to be done about this!

Thank you so much Olyvia Wyld for trusting me with your Halloween baby. Not only was I an ARC reader for her, but we also bonded over horror movies and tattoos. Spellbound is out and is available to y'all on Kindle Unlimited!

"With every game we play, you embrace more and more of that darkness that you've tried to hide away." 🎯

This book is such a horror loving woman's wet dream. If you've ever been to a haunted house and thought I want them to give me gifts and ravage me at the same time, then this book is for you. Are they ultimately all unhinged? Yes...... but if you're a horror loving kinky Halloween individual, then this book is for you. I will say it does have a plot, but is heavy on the spice. Luckily every interaction is different though, so it always felt exciting, not repetitive.

There are haunted paths, knife play, gift giving, confused identities, stalking, blood play, and other menu items that you might want to look over before reading.

For me, I'm going to feast. 🔪
Profile Image for xbabygirl_2223x.
126 reviews
October 16, 2025
Spellbound was a book that I was excited to read, but I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did.

Damian and Celeste’s relationship was so much fun and had such a pull to it. You got the cute lovey-dovey moments mixed in with the dark, seductive side of the characters. Without spoiling too much just know that every spicy scene is 100% worth it 🤤

This is a book I would totally re read and enjoy it as much as the first time. It’s fun, spicy, dark, and I’m sorry, but who wouldn’t want a big, tall man with a scary pumpkin mask stalking and chasing you.. but also helping you chase those org@$ms as well 😏

If you want a spicy, dark, yet Sweet 👀 novella to read this Halloween or anytime for that matter, this one is for you 💋🖤
Profile Image for D.M.
44 reviews
October 4, 2025
Such a good book, ESPECIALLY for the Halloween season. Damian is obsessively sweet -though incredibly unhinged- and Celeste is the perfect "final girl". These two are everything and if you like Zade Meadows you're going to LOVE Damian LaCroix.

Celeste Carroll as a character felt incredibly realistic. The guilt she had with the Pumpkin Prince/Damian, the way she hid in herself when her ex came back because of trauma? i feel like in so many dark romances trauma -if not part of the FMC's personality- gets overlooked so I always appreciate when an author touches on the trauma that would typically be overlooked.

The spice on the other hand??? well... charge a toy or two 🥵🥵🥵
Profile Image for Samantha Lee.
36 reviews
October 5, 2025
Wow, did Olyvia Wyld knock it out of the park.

This is the perfect spooky season romance read — and it delivers.

Steamy. Spooky. Sexy. All wrapped into one captivating story.

Damian, our MMC, is both physical and emotional perfection. Everything about him is magnetic.
Celeste, our FMC, is emotionally torn — caught between living the life others expect of her or surrendering to her true self and choosing happiness.

What path will she choose? Who does she become?

This is a solid 5-star read — but fair warning: it does come with trigger warnings. Be sure to read them all.
And if triggers are your thing? Then this one’s for you.
Profile Image for Holly Howard.
122 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2025
Now this is how you write a debut novel. Dark but not too dark. Sweet but just right. Damien is the ultimate sexy book boyfriend, and I loved how he stood by Celeste as she battled her demons, all while she helped him face his own. Their growth together was heartwarming to watch even given the dark nature of the storyline which was made even better with a dash of mask and knife play to spice things up. Such a great spooky season book to balance out the violence and gore we so often attribute to Halloween season reads.
Profile Image for BombshellDanielle.
199 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2025
Thank you to Olyvia Wyld for allowing me to read an eARC of Spellbound!!! These opinions are my own!

What a smutty and spooky good time!!

This had all the fall and spooky vibes along with being sexy and suspenseful!!

Our MMC is willing to go through great lengths to prove his adoration for our dark witchy FMC.

Who knew a pumpkin mask could be hot? Damien unlocks that kink!!!

#stalkerromance #pumpkinface #cornmaze #halloween #catchmeifyoucan #spellbound #theunrepentant
Profile Image for Veronica Jackson.
472 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2025
I really wanted to love this book, but I’ve seen this trope way too many times and there really wasn’t anything unique about it.

The chemistry between Celeste and Damien was fine, but again, it wasn’t anything too special. The “return of the ex” wasn’t really necessary and I’m honestly shocked that Celeste seemed okay with everything that was going on. Even for someone like her, who enjoys horror movies, it’s different to watch them vs feeling like you’re in one.
Profile Image for Spooks Reads it.
368 reviews28 followers
October 8, 2025
Arc review ! Spellbound @olyviawyld
This book is perfect for spooky season ! And spicy ❤️‍🔥🥀
Meet Mr hot stalker Damien the instant tension between him & Celeste 🥵🥵 a mix of spice,obsessive, possessive Dark & some parts had me laughing this witchy vibe book is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ eerie for sure ✨️🖤 a must for the book shelf !!!
Profile Image for mid.nightmasterpiece .
140 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2025
Man in a pumpkin mask just in time for spooky season? Absolutely!
The chemistry between the two is amazing. I read the book in a single sitting. Celeste cast her spell and hooked a stalker and a boyfriend all in one. This book is releasing just in time for Halloween and it true is a must read.
53 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2025
Man, where do I get my own Damien?? I want someone that knows I have darkness and wants to explore that with me. I loved this spooky little read. Just perfect for curling up on the couch with when the wind is howling outside. Perfect to throw yourself into the spooky mood with!
6 reviews
September 30, 2025
I absolutely love this book! The perfect read coming into spooky season! I couldn’t put it down!
Profile Image for Ally-Chaos Demon.
133 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2025
Damian and Celeste share a wicked night, full of laughter and banter. Celeste’s bewitching looks and sense of humor had Damian falling for her in an instant. . and who doesn't love a masked man? Our girl Celeste sure does.
Damian couldn't get Celeste out of his mind and decided to do a little stalking.
Once they meet again, the chemistry is mind-blowing.
Y'all don't want to miss out on all the adventures, twists, turns and stalking..


Grab your copy now but PLEASE CHECK TWs
Profile Image for Brooklyn L. Wolves.
442 reviews51 followers
September 29, 2025
From the moment the cover of Spellbound slipped into my hands, I could feel that this was no ordinary Halloween romance—it was a dark, intoxicating dance between two broken souls who finally discover that love, in its most raw form, is a spell of its own. Olyvia Wyld has crafted a novel that is simultaneously haunting, heart‑wrenching, and impossibly hopeful, and it deserves every single one of these five stars.

Plot & Pacing – A Hauntingly Perfect Hook

Wyld’s premise is instantly gripping: Damian Lacroix, a self‑professed “bad man” haunted by his own demons, is dragged to a Halloween party where he meets Celeste Carroll, a witch who seals their fate with a single kiss. The setup feels like the perfect marriage of gothic romance and contemporary paranormal fiction—one that promises both the thrill of a supernatural curse and the emotional weight of two characters trying to love themselves enough to love each other.

The narrative moves with a pulse that mirrors the Halloween night itself: slow, suspenseful, and then erupting into moments of feverish intensity. Each chapter ends with a whispered promise or a cliffhanger that compels you to keep turning pages, making it impossible to set the book down until the final kiss is finally sealed.

Characters – Beautifully Flawed, Deeply Human

Damian Lacroix is a rare kind of anti‑hero. He is unapologetically dark, a man who knows he’ll never be “good” because of the sins that cling to him like a second skin. Yet Wyld peels back his layers with such deftness that you can’t help but feel a fierce empathy for his struggle. His internal monologue is raw, painful, and often poetic—exactly what you’d expect from a man who has been living on the edge of his own abyss.

Celeste Carroll is equally compelling. She is introduced as the witch who “may be the closest thing to heaven” for Damian, but Wyld doesn’t reduce her to a mere magical device. Celeste is a woman wrestling with the ghosts of familial expectations, an abusive past, and a lingering darkness that she dares not acknowledge. Her journey from a self‑imposed isolation in a small North Carolina town to confronting the mask‑wearing stranger who has stalked her for ten months is a testament to Wyld’s skill in portraying personal growth amidst supernatural stakes.

Their chemistry crackles like a spell gone awry—in the best possible way. The single kiss that “seals both their fates” feels both inevitable and electrifying, a perfect metaphor for how love often arrives when we’re least prepared but most in need of redemption.

Themes – Darkness, Redemption, and the Power of Self‑Love

Wyld tackles the idea that loving your own darkness is the gateway to loving another. Damian’s quote—“If she can learn to love her own darkness then she can love mine.”—is a lyrical mantra that reverberates throughout the novel. The narrative never shies away from the messy, uncomfortable parts of the characters’ pasts; instead, it embraces them, showing that healing is a messy, magical process.

The motif of Halloween is used brilliantly, not merely as a seasonal backdrop, but as a symbolic reminder that we all wear masks—some literal, others emotional. Celeste’s nightly musings about “what it might be like to give into a man behind a mask” are mirrored in Damian’s own concealments. By the time the story reaches the next Halloween, both protagonists have learned that the scariest thing isn’t the shadows outside the door, but the shadows within themselves—and that acceptance can be the most potent enchantment of all.

Writing Style – Lyrical, Immersive, and Unflinchingly Honest

Wyld writes with a voice that feels both modern and mythic. Her prose is lush without being overwrought; she paints vivid scenes of moonlit streets, the smell of autumn leaves, and the electric tension of a witch’s spell with just enough detail to immerse you while leaving room for imagination. Dialogue sparkles with wit and raw honesty—especially in the moments when Damian and Celesta confront their fears head‑on. The pacing is masterful: slower, introspective chapters give us breathing space to understand the characters’ trauma, while the action‑driven scenes accelerate the stakes at just the right moments.

One standout line that encapsulated the entire mood for me was: “She is exquisite, and I intend to help her accept all the darkest parts of herself, because if she can learn to love her own darkness then she can love mine.” It’s both a promise and a prophecy—one that the novel fulfills beautifully.

Overall Impact – A Spell You’ll Want to Cast Again and Again

Spellbound is more than a seasonal romance; it’s a darkly luminous exploration of how two broken people can become each other’s salvation. It delivers on the promise of a haunting love story while offering a deeper meditation on self‑acceptance, redemption, and the magic that lives in confronting one’s own shadow.

If you’re looking for a novel that will make your heart race, your mind linger on the themes long after the final page, and your bookshelf a little bit more enchanted, this is the book to claim. I finished it with a mixture of tears, a smile, and an undeniable urge to revisit this world each October (or any time you need a reminder that love truly can be a spell).

Rating: ★★★★★ – A masterpiece of dark romance that deservedly earns a permanent spot on my “must‑read” shelf.

Profile Image for Kayleigh Garner.
65 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2025
This book is the debut release for Olyvia Wyld, and she did not disappoint. There is so much to enjoy in this book, from the feisty FMC and troubled but sweet MMC to the halloweeny vibes that make this book the perfect autumnal read. The characters are vividly drawn, with their unique personalities and deep emotional layers that invite readers to connect with them on a personal level. The narrative flows seamlessly, capturing the essence of the season with descriptions that evoke the sight of falling leaves and the scent of pumpkin spice. Even though this story is a dark, stalker romance, it definitely gives off the perfect cozy autumn love story vibes! The juxtaposition of suspense and warmth creates an engaging reading experience that keeps you turning the pages late into the night, enthralled by the twists and turns that unfold amidst the autumnal backdrop.

When reading this book, it was hard not to love Celeste. She is the stunning, curvy, witchy main character who grapples with her identity and the incessant pressure to conform to societal expectations. Throughout her journey, she struggles to let others in enough to reveal her true self, even those she would call her closest friends, who desperately want to support her. After so long being told that she had to change who she was for the love she craved, it’s easy to find a connection to this wonderful woman. Her emotions and reactions are raw; they resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the weight of judgment or the fear of vulnerability. As the story unfolds, we witness her growth and the moments of introspection that lead her closer to self-acceptance. It becomes a tale of personal empowerment and the courage it takes to embrace one’s authentic self. Each page turn pulls us deeper into her world, making it easy to emphasise with her throughout this book.

Now Damien… He is a stunner of a man, exuding an enigmatic charm that draws everyone in. Although he has his own dark past and demons to contend with, haunted by memories that linger like shadows, he pushes those thoughts aside and dedicates himself to getting to know our FMC. His vow to make her his by next Halloween is not just swoon-worthy; it’s a profound commitment that speaks to his desire for redemption and connection. Especially after he met her at a Halloween party he initially didn’t even want to attend, their chance encounter felt like fate. It really is the perfect “meet cute,” filled with sparks and unspoken promise. Does it really matter that he stalks her to learn more about her life and interests? Not with this guy! You can clearly tell he means her no harm throughout their interactions—masked and unmasked—displaying a genuine fascination that goes deeper than mere infatuation, as he balances a fine line between admiration and obsession, eager to unravel the layers of her captivating personality.

Now the important part, spicy content! This book is absolutely oozing with sexual tension, and the spicy scenes were incredibly well written and steamy as hell! Each interaction crackles with an electric energy, leaving readers breathless and wanting more, as the characters navigate their sizzling chemistry. The detailed descriptions of their passionate encounters make you want to step up your game in the bedroom department! Damien certainly knows how to please our witchy little queen, pulling her deeper into a world of desire with every touch. I’m here for it!! Prepare to have a cold shower after each of the scenes, because they are hot!

If you chose to read this book, please be mindful of the trigger warnings, including but not limited to;

Religious trauma
Past child abuse
Emotional abuse
Stalking
Explicit sexual content
Torture
Blood & gore
Murder
It is essential to approach the material with care, ensuring you prioritise your emotional well-being while engaging with the narrative, as it explores complex and sensitive topics that could be unsettling or triggering for some readers. That being said, it is an amazing read when keeping an open mind.

Overall, I loved reading this book! It was such a fun read. The character development was fantastic, allowing me to immerse myself fully in their wild adventures. After diving into the thrilling storyline, I definitely wanted to be chased through a corn field, feeling the rush of adrenaline as I dodged between towering stalks under a moonlit sky! The vivid imagery painted by the author truly brought the experience to life. I’ll be recommending it to all my twisted, kinky friends, as I know they will appreciate the unique blend of excitement and suspense that this book offers!
Profile Image for The Book Witch.
82 reviews15 followers
October 6, 2025
Well, it finally happened. I read the book that rivals my number one read of the year, thus far. I already had high hopes for Spellbound, but Ms. Wyld has absolutely blown me away. If there was ever a dark romance that one could call simply enchanting, then this is it.

I absolutely love our FMC, Celeste. She's a smart, curvy, vibrant, feisty young woman who doesn't always feel safe enough to show her true self, even around those she's closest with. And of all the FMC's I've said that I feel a kinship towards, there is now officially none more so, than Celeste. It's feels like our wonderful wordsmith used twenty something me as inspiration for her.

Then we have her Pumpkin Price, our MMC, Damian. I don't think I've ever read a sweeter, more Lifetime romance movie-esque MMC, with demons of his own and a dark, dark past, than this man. And the way his world is flipped upside down after a masked (him, not her) chance meeting at a Halloween party he didn't even want to be at is beyond endearing. He vows that by next Halloween, she will be his, and spends nearly an entire year getting to know her even better than she knows herself. He might do it via stalking and home invasion, but isn't that what we all want in our perfect, burn the world down for us book boyfriends??

I very much enjoyed the way Celeste and Damian were able to help one another navigate through things like struggling with insecurities, accepting all of oneself and dark, hidden pasts. Even if our lovely FMC didn't always realize that that's what was going on. And with the spirit of Halloween and autumn being major themes throughout, this at times tense and dangerous read gave me ALL the cozy, romance vibes, despite actually being a dark, stalker romance.

So, If you're like me and you enjoy books that have...

🎃 Halloween As The Setting
👀 A Stalker MMC
🔮 A Witchy, Witty FMC
🔪 Knife Play
👺 Mask Play
👄 Witty Banter
🤭 Secret/Hidden Identities
🐈 A Cute Animal Sidekick

...and more, then you definitely need to go snag a copy for yourself. Because I know you're going to love it as much as I do and I want you to start reading it ASAP!! Which brings me to the serious part of things. While Spellbound truly gives off cozy romcom vibes, it is still a very dark romance with very dark themes all throughout. I urge you to do right by your own mental well-being, which means reading the trigger warnings and content lists. No book is worth sacrificing your own mental health just to read. And I know that Olyvia feels the same way. And now, my personal favorite part of the review to write... Ratings!!! Obviously I loved this book, a whole helluva lot, and because of that, I've rated it an overall 5 outta 5 ⭐'s. As far as the spice factor goes, this one was dripping with sexual tension, and the spicy scenes were absolutely steaming and so well written. I definitely needed to chew on a few icecubes while reading it, and for that I'll be rating Spellbound a very hot 4 outta 5 🌶️'s!!

This very fun read had me wanting to go on a haunted hay ride, with my apple cider, a blanket over my lap, and feeling even more excited about spooky season than I already was. I really hope that you'll pick it up and that when you're done reading it you'll come right back here and leave a comment telling me how much you loved it, too!!
Profile Image for Nikolett Berkiné Varga.
167 reviews8 followers
September 25, 2025
Spellbound is dark, delicious, and absolutely addictive. From the very first Halloween party scene, I was hooked — the atmosphere is gothic and immersive, and the tension between Celeste and Damian had me holding my breath. It’s equal parts seductive and terrifying, the kind of push-pull romance that keeps you up way too late flipping pages.

Celeste is such a standout heroine — sharp, witty, and vulnerable all at once. I loved her goth-glam aesthetic and the way she wrestles with her own desires and fears. Damian, meanwhile, is magnetic in the best (and most dangerous) way. His obsession is terrifying, but the way the story balances that edge with intimacy makes him unforgettable. And Osiris the cat? Scene-stealing perfection.

What really impressed me was how seamlessly the book blends horror, romance, and witchy gothic vibes. The pacing keeps the suspense tight, the moon-cycle symbolism is clever, and the whole story pulses with an eerie, cinematic quality. It’s spooky, sexy, and utterly unique — the kind of book that sticks in your head long after the last page.

If you love dark romance with Halloween atmosphere, obsessive devotion, and a heroine you can root for, Spellbound will absolutely enchant you. I’m already eager for the next book in the series. Thank you Olyvia for this amazing ARC and Beta read!
Profile Image for T. Kirk.
Author 5 books85 followers
October 31, 2025
This one is for all the dark romance readers that go feral for a man in a mask. For an MMC that isn't morally grey but morally black. And for a bratty FMC that you cant help but fall for.

"Go to the grave as annoying as f****** possible."

She's a fighter, finding her power and embracing her dark side. A final girl you want to see end up with the killer. And can we talk about the horror movie references in this book? Yes please! Nothing against the sweet, naive FMCs, but I'll take a s*xually empowered, slasher film afficianado who's obssessed with Halloween any day!

And Damian... He's unhinged, obsessed, deranged, a little psychotic, and ... sweet? Oh yeah, you get the best of both worlds here. The psycho killer in the mask and the devoted boyfriend you introduce to your friends. And the way he worships Celeste will ruin you for real life men!

Now, the spice... Delicious and prominent without overpowering the story. Some DR are just smut with no plot but here you get both in excellent proportion. You get all the faves (IICYIFY, knife play, etc...) but also some fun new ones. I'll never view haunted house actors the same way again! *Fans self*

Wether you're looking for a dark read for Halloween season or you're the kind of person who embraces Halloween year-round, you do not want to miss this one!
Profile Image for Mandy Britt.
402 reviews10 followers
October 4, 2025
This Halloween, get ready to be utterly Spellbound by Olyvia Wyld's electrifying debut. This isn't your average romance; it's a dark, obsessive, and compelling dive into forbidden desires and the thrilling surrender to your inner shadows.
​At its core, Spellbound is a character-driven romance built on primal attraction and the intense thrill of giving in to the shadows. It centers on Damian, a man haunted by his past, and Celeste, a woman who has found freedom in isolation but still hides her own darker desires. Their explosive connection begins with a single, scorching kiss at a Halloween party where she’s dressed as a witch and he wears a pumpkin mask.
​Damian becomes instantly obsessed with his "Sweet," his "Witch," vowing she will be his by next Halloween. While Celeste isn’t terrified by the man who’s been obsessively watching her, she’s utterly captivated by the mystery of the mask and the temptation to finally surrender to her own buried desires.
​With undeniable chemistry and immersive prose, this book is a thrilling ride that will leave you desperate for the next installment. If you love your romance with a heavy dose of dark intensity and believe that love can be found in the deepest shadows, you need this book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
116 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2025
A great read for the Halloween season!!

Loved Damien and Celeste! They had a magnetic chemistry, angst and fun banter!! I absolutely loved how unhinged the “pumpkin prince” was!! A true obsessive, dark and dangerous masked man!! He truly was a dark romantic with all the gifts and care her put into showing Celeste she was his!!

Definitely recommend this read if you’re looking for something dark and spooky for the season!

🧡 Slow burn
🖤 Stalker
🧡 Obsessive Masked MMC
🖤 Home Invasion
🧡 Hidden Cameras
🖤 Religious Trauma
🧡 Primal Play
🖤 Touch her and wish you were dead
🧡 Torture and Murder
🖤 Blood and Gore
🧡 Horror Enthusiast MFC
🖤 Violence
🧡 Knife, Blood, Breathe and Impact play
🖤 Bondage and Blindfold
🧡 IICYIFY
Profile Image for Esther Savoy.
6 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2025
Olyvia Wyld weaves a dark, gothic stalker romance that begins with eerie Halloween atmosphere and spirals into obsession. Damian is a volatile antihero, introduced as a man who doesn’t belong in polite society, and Celeste is his unwilling fixation…a heroine whose fear is tangled with attraction. The slow build keeps you off balance, alternating between Damian’s obsessive POV and Celeste’s mounting unease, until he finally steps out of the shadows in the last chapters. Their confrontation is raw, dangerous, and charged with unwanted intimacy. The book ends on a cliffhanger, perfectly setting up the continuation of the series.
Profile Image for Mandie DeVito.
100 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I literally picked it up and could not put it down! Finished within a few hours and was hooked from the first moment of Damian meeting Celeste. The spice and drama throughout the book with the suspense thrown in was just perfect and made me constantly question when Celeste would figure out that what was going on was right in front of her face!!!! I now need to find a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and scary trail to go find my Damian! Cannot wait for the rest of this series to come out!!!
Profile Image for thekatz_meoww.
393 reviews
October 4, 2025
3.75⭐️
2🌶️

This was cute and I liked it and it’s fun…it’s definitely got the spooky season vibes, and is a good Halloween read. I just think for me personally I’ve read too many of the same formula for this story before,that there wasn’t anything that really stuck out for me to set this one apart from others…I mean if it’s not broke don’t fix it and if chases through corn mazes are your jam then this is definitely a story for you to check out
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