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Boo'd Up: A Halloween Novella
Samira’s arrangement with the maintenance man was supposed to stay physical. No promises. No feelings. Just something that worked when it needed to.
But Jamal’s quiet, steady energy has been creeping under her skin for months. When a set of secret Halloween clues starts showing up at her door, she can’t shake the feeling he is the one behind them.
What started as late-night or midday or early morning hookups is turning into something that feels dangerously close to real. When Jamal begins acting different, pulling back right when she is ready to step closer, Samira has to decide whether she is ready to risk more than her pride.
A slow heat. A soft shift. A story about when hooking up stops being enough.
But Jamal’s quiet, steady energy has been creeping under her skin for months. When a set of secret Halloween clues starts showing up at her door, she can’t shake the feeling he is the one behind them.
What started as late-night or midday or early morning hookups is turning into something that feels dangerously close to real. When Jamal begins acting different, pulling back right when she is ready to step closer, Samira has to decide whether she is ready to risk more than her pride.
A slow heat. A soft shift. A story about when hooking up stops being enough.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2025
42 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 4, 2025
Really cute
October 30, 2025
This was a cute short read! 3.25⭐️
October 31, 2025
A nice cute Halloween novella. What happens when you want more from your friend with benefits? You tell her how you feel with a scavenger hunt of her favorite things!🥰*insert swoon* Nina High always does novellas right. You get a complete story with a feel for the characters and you’re not left with unanswered questions. It’s short and you just know that with more pages you’d really fall in love with these characters even more.
October 26, 2025
Nina pulled me all the way in with this one. I absolutely LOVED this story. A friends-with-benefits situation where one person catches deeper feelings? Inject it directly into my veins. Jamal is tired of just dropping off dick and disappearing into the night. He wants something real, something meaningful, and he is determined to prove to Samira that he is worth a whole lot more than a quick roll in the sheets. Samira wants the same, deep down, but she is not one hundred percent sure how to move. Luckily, Jamal is a man with a plan. There is nothing like a man who is intentional in every step he takes. A scavenger hunt to show that they can blend just as beautifully outside the bedroom as they do inside it? Yes, please. The story was short, sweet, and downright adorable. They were both blushing and catching butterflies like a couple of teenagers, and honestly, it gave me the warm fuzzies.
Also, who does not stan a candy-corn-loving Halloween baby? Better yet, TWO Halloween babies. They share the same birthday, which is just ridiculously cute behavior.This novella delivered exactly what was needed: a festive, flirty, feel-good Halloween romance that hits all the right notes.
Also, who does not stan a candy-corn-loving Halloween baby? Better yet, TWO Halloween babies. They share the same birthday, which is just ridiculously cute behavior.This novella delivered exactly what was needed: a festive, flirty, feel-good Halloween romance that hits all the right notes.
November 9, 2025
3.75⭐️
November 13, 2025
A short cute Halloween read.
November 3, 2025
so sweet
I enjoyed this quick little read. It was so sweet! It was my first read by this author but it will not be the last!
I enjoyed this quick little read. It was so sweet! It was my first read by this author but it will not be the last!
November 17, 2025
blushing
This was such a cute and spicy story! I absolutely loved Jamal ‘s character! I really enjoyed this beautiful fall love story.
This was such a cute and spicy story! I absolutely loved Jamal ‘s character! I really enjoyed this beautiful fall love story.
February 15, 2026
Boo’d Up
Okay…cute…I loved it but this one felt like I needed a little more for completion. Still enjoyable. The scavenger hunt was really cute.
Okay…cute…I loved it but this one felt like I needed a little more for completion. Still enjoyable. The scavenger hunt was really cute.
October 27, 2025
Halloween Hallmark
Low angst, good spicy, really cute, romantic and fall feels!! I love when I get a story with a vibe I didn’t even know I needed. But a cute sorta Halloween activity and a little FWB to lovers situation was apparently exactly what the doctor ordered. And the MMC is a handyman?!? Yes please!
Low angst, good spicy, really cute, romantic and fall feels!! I love when I get a story with a vibe I didn’t even know I needed. But a cute sorta Halloween activity and a little FWB to lovers situation was apparently exactly what the doctor ordered. And the MMC is a handyman?!? Yes please!
October 31, 2025
Cute, quick, sweet, short story for Halloween 🥰
October 31, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up!
Cute and fun novella! Loved the thoughtfulness and effort from the MMC.
Cute and fun novella! Loved the thoughtfulness and effort from the MMC.
February 12, 2026
Boo'd Up by Nina High (2025)
+40-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-38
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story, Holiday > Halloween
Rating as a movie: XXX for strong sexual content
Featuring: Author’s Note - Graphic Sex and Profanity, Titled Chapters, Maintenance Man, Rough Play, Apartment Living, Situationship/Booty Call to Relationship Trope, Halloween Birthday, Link to Newsletter, Bibliography for Nina High
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👨🏿🔧🎃
My thoughts: I'm not even mad this was labeled a novella when it's not. This was good. Short and to the point.
Recommend to others: Yes! You don't have to wait till October to enjoy this one.
Songs for the soundtrack: "Something To Do With Your Hands" by Sarah Darling, "Company" by Tinashe, "Boo'd Up" by Ella Mai "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross, "Caught Up In The Rapture" by Anita Baker, "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly and Maze, "Before I Let Go" by Beyoncé, "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, "Before I Let You Go" by Blackstreet
Memorable Quotes: Hey girl hey! This is not a sweet, closed-door book. They get it in and cuss, so send it right back to KU if that's not what you came here for.
I open the door, and there he is in his maintenance coveralls and a smile on his handsome face. He licks his lips and looks down at me, eyes hooded but still bright. “Hey.” His deep voice still makes me shiver. We’ve been at it for months now, and I swear his presence gives me butterflies. “Hey, Jamal.” I practically sing. “Something wrong with your sink?” “Yeah, it’s leaking every time I turn it on.” “I got you.” He steps all the way in and heads to the kitchen. I’ve gotta wait today, watching from the stool at the counter. I bite my lip and clench my knees together. I never knew I had a Mr. Fix-It kink until I started really watching him work. Turns out being good with your hands does translate. He grunts as he tightens the knob, and I almost orgasm right there. It’s the exact sound he makes when he slides inside me, and I cannot resist the sound a man makes when he’s balls deep and loves it.
+40-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-38
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story, Holiday > Halloween
Rating as a movie: XXX for strong sexual content
Featuring: Author’s Note - Graphic Sex and Profanity, Titled Chapters, Maintenance Man, Rough Play, Apartment Living, Situationship/Booty Call to Relationship Trope, Halloween Birthday, Link to Newsletter, Bibliography for Nina High
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👨🏿🔧🎃
My thoughts: I'm not even mad this was labeled a novella when it's not. This was good. Short and to the point.
Recommend to others: Yes! You don't have to wait till October to enjoy this one.
Songs for the soundtrack: "Something To Do With Your Hands" by Sarah Darling, "Company" by Tinashe, "Boo'd Up" by Ella Mai "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross, "Caught Up In The Rapture" by Anita Baker, "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly and Maze, "Before I Let Go" by Beyoncé, "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, "Before I Let You Go" by Blackstreet
Memorable Quotes: Hey girl hey! This is not a sweet, closed-door book. They get it in and cuss, so send it right back to KU if that's not what you came here for.
I open the door, and there he is in his maintenance coveralls and a smile on his handsome face. He licks his lips and looks down at me, eyes hooded but still bright. “Hey.” His deep voice still makes me shiver. We’ve been at it for months now, and I swear his presence gives me butterflies. “Hey, Jamal.” I practically sing. “Something wrong with your sink?” “Yeah, it’s leaking every time I turn it on.” “I got you.” He steps all the way in and heads to the kitchen. I’ve gotta wait today, watching from the stool at the counter. I bite my lip and clench my knees together. I never knew I had a Mr. Fix-It kink until I started really watching him work. Turns out being good with your hands does translate. He grunts as he tightens the knob, and I almost orgasm right there. It’s the exact sound he makes when he slides inside me, and I cannot resist the sound a man makes when he’s balls deep and loves it.
October 27, 2025
“The spark’s a start, but a flame takes care. You’ll find your next clue waiting there… Where we gather for warmth and light, Stop by after dark; tonight feels right.”
Tropes:
Friends with benefits
Slow burn
Secret admirer
A tender, atmospheric Halloween novella with just the right mix of warmth and longing.
Samira thought her thing with the maintenance man, Jamal, was strictly physical—no feelings, no promises, just something that worked. But when secret Halloween clues start showing up at her door, she starts to suspect Jamal’s heart might be as invested as hers.
This was so sweet that Jamal being done with the casual setup felt like a breath of fresh air—he was quietly playing the long game, and it paid off beautifully. If he wanted to, he would, and this novella proves it.
Tropes:
Friends with benefits
Slow burn
Secret admirer
A tender, atmospheric Halloween novella with just the right mix of warmth and longing.
Samira thought her thing with the maintenance man, Jamal, was strictly physical—no feelings, no promises, just something that worked. But when secret Halloween clues start showing up at her door, she starts to suspect Jamal’s heart might be as invested as hers.
This was so sweet that Jamal being done with the casual setup felt like a breath of fresh air—he was quietly playing the long game, and it paid off beautifully. If he wanted to, he would, and this novella proves it.
October 26, 2025
4.5 stars!
OMG this was adorable, sweet, cozy, perfect! We love a man who falls hard (if not first).
I love that Jamal came up with a creative and thoughtful idea (with a Halloween theme) to show Samira that he really liked her and wanted more than casual sexual encounters.
This was a short read but the pacing was perfect. I’ve read short books that drag you; losing the plot in favor over the top spice. This was spicy but it was not in place of an actual story. I would read another 100 pages of Samira and Jamal!
OMG this was adorable, sweet, cozy, perfect! We love a man who falls hard (if not first).
I love that Jamal came up with a creative and thoughtful idea (with a Halloween theme) to show Samira that he really liked her and wanted more than casual sexual encounters.
This was a short read but the pacing was perfect. I’ve read short books that drag you; losing the plot in favor over the top spice. This was spicy but it was not in place of an actual story. I would read another 100 pages of Samira and Jamal!
November 2, 2025
The lady is versatileeeee!!!!
No lie when I read the homecoming book I wondered if Ms. NH was done with the spice but I was pleasantly corrected lol.
This book was too cute! Jamaal wanted more and that’s exactly what he got. I loved how he intentionally planned for her and made her feel special. And the way it fit so perfectly into the Halloween theme? Chef’s kiss! 💋
… and did I mention he talks her through it? 👀
I believe this short had more character development than some longer lovers to more books. Imagine that!
No lie when I read the homecoming book I wondered if Ms. NH was done with the spice but I was pleasantly corrected lol.
This book was too cute! Jamaal wanted more and that’s exactly what he got. I loved how he intentionally planned for her and made her feel special. And the way it fit so perfectly into the Halloween theme? Chef’s kiss! 💋
… and did I mention he talks her through it? 👀
I believe this short had more character development than some longer lovers to more books. Imagine that!
February 10, 2026
This is a cute short reads spicy Halloween novella under 40 pages. It is my first reads of Nina High. A friends with benefits situation where one person catches deeper feelings. Samira found some ways to have the maintenance Jamal to fix her stuff in her place and there they both have sex quick come and go, but later on Jamal surprise her with items. Are they both end up together as a relationship than just sex??? Check it out and read them. I rate this a 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and spicy 🌶️ will be 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️. It available on KU - Kindle Unlimited.
November 5, 2025
It’s a comfort read
This was one of those quick reads that just worked for me. I caught myself smiling through most of it without even realizing. It wasn’t over-the-top romantic or trying too hard to be cute. It just had that natural, sweet vibe where two people connect in a way that feels familiar, not forced.
It’s a comfort read. The kind where you finish and your mood is just… lighter.
This was one of those quick reads that just worked for me. I caught myself smiling through most of it without even realizing. It wasn’t over-the-top romantic or trying too hard to be cute. It just had that natural, sweet vibe where two people connect in a way that feels familiar, not forced.
It’s a comfort read. The kind where you finish and your mood is just… lighter.
November 26, 2025
Okaaaaayyy
Based on the other books that I’ve read from this author, I expected a cute, fluffy love story. It became that, but the first chapter was giving old school porn vibes. The maintenance man came to fix her leaky faucet and check her pipes. Then he flipped the switch and tried to woo her. It was funny to see it play out in reverse like that. They both acted a little goofy until they got back in the bedroom again. Sparks were flying! This was a fun read.
Based on the other books that I’ve read from this author, I expected a cute, fluffy love story. It became that, but the first chapter was giving old school porn vibes. The maintenance man came to fix her leaky faucet and check her pipes. Then he flipped the switch and tried to woo her. It was funny to see it play out in reverse like that. They both acted a little goofy until they got back in the bedroom again. Sparks were flying! This was a fun read.
December 1, 2025
Make a scavenger hunt for me and dress up as a big pumpkin so I know it’s real!! This was a cute little novella and on theme with fall. It’s basically the story of falling in love with your sneaky link and wondering if you’re alone in your feelings. I was happy that Jamal took the initiative because I don’t think Samira would have ever told him how she felt. I really loved that I didn’t have any lingering questions at the end because I normally do with novellas.
January 28, 2026
incredibly cute!
When I first saw how short the book was, I thought it might feel rushed but I was wrong. With every page, it had me smiling ear to ear. It was incredibly cute.
It felt like that feeling any girl gets when she has a hookup she really enjoys, and any man who knows exactly what he wants. It reminded me of a Disney movie cute, fun, and sweet but in a grown, sexy kind of way.
When I first saw how short the book was, I thought it might feel rushed but I was wrong. With every page, it had me smiling ear to ear. It was incredibly cute.
It felt like that feeling any girl gets when she has a hookup she really enjoys, and any man who knows exactly what he wants. It reminded me of a Disney movie cute, fun, and sweet but in a grown, sexy kind of way.
November 18, 2025
Love is patient
This was a super cute short read about being intentional and patiently waiting. Loved everything thing about Jamel’s approach and even more with how Samira’s finding more than just an itch scratched. The two are so cute and the chemistry that bloom is a great start.
This was a super cute short read about being intentional and patiently waiting. Loved everything thing about Jamel’s approach and even more with how Samira’s finding more than just an itch scratched. The two are so cute and the chemistry that bloom is a great start.
December 2, 2025
I need a maintenance man
This was a really good short book 📕 I really finished ✅ in one day. I couldn’t stop reading but the clues had me going. Even though I already knew who it was, I felt it was so cute what Jamal did. It’s the effort for me 🙂↔️❣️ And I Samarih liked that man the very first time they encountered 😮💨 who don’t love a good maintenance man 👨🏾
This was a really good short book 📕 I really finished ✅ in one day. I couldn’t stop reading but the clues had me going. Even though I already knew who it was, I felt it was so cute what Jamal did. It’s the effort for me 🙂↔️❣️ And I Samarih liked that man the very first time they encountered 😮💨 who don’t love a good maintenance man 👨🏾
December 18, 2025
Cute read
An arrangement has been made but, what happens when one of the parties wants a little more?
This is exactly what I want in a book this size. Low drama and nothing too heavy or drawn out. I wanted something quick to read before bed to clear my head. This was so good, I might do one more.
An arrangement has been made but, what happens when one of the parties wants a little more?
This is exactly what I want in a book this size. Low drama and nothing too heavy or drawn out. I wanted something quick to read before bed to clear my head. This was so good, I might do one more.
December 23, 2025
Taking the Time
The story of Samira and Jamal was heartwarming. Their attraction to each other was unquestionable. They proved you can undo the cart before the horse. The way Jamal opted to send the right message was so sincere and well thought out. A sweet approach to building a relationship.
The story of Samira and Jamal was heartwarming. Their attraction to each other was unquestionable. They proved you can undo the cart before the horse. The way Jamal opted to send the right message was so sincere and well thought out. A sweet approach to building a relationship.
January 11, 2026
The cover really grabbed me! As someone who loves Halloween and a novella I had to check it out.
This was such a precious read. And spicy too chile. I love a man who moves with patience and real intentions. The scavenger hunt was perfect, and I would’ve cried if someone ever did anything like that for me.
Their birthdays both being on Halloween was super cute too! Loved it!
This was such a precious read. And spicy too chile. I love a man who moves with patience and real intentions. The scavenger hunt was perfect, and I would’ve cried if someone ever did anything like that for me.
Their birthdays both being on Halloween was super cute too! Loved it!
October 25, 2025
Pumpkin spice and everything nice
I really enjoy reading your books. The flow of the story is well done. I enjoyed this short story. Every now and again I like to get into it and get the party started. This story did not disappoint. Keep the stories coming.
I really enjoy reading your books. The flow of the story is well done. I enjoyed this short story. Every now and again I like to get into it and get the party started. This story did not disappoint. Keep the stories coming.
October 27, 2025
A Halloween Treat
Can the maintenance man be more than quick fix?
Every time Shamira needs a repair Jamal is there. Now Jamal wants more so he’s leaves hints around the apartment complex to subtly reveals his intentions.
Themes:
Lovers to more
Halloween themed
Fun short read
Can the maintenance man be more than quick fix?
Every time Shamira needs a repair Jamal is there. Now Jamal wants more so he’s leaves hints around the apartment complex to subtly reveals his intentions.
Themes:
Lovers to more
Halloween themed
Fun short read
October 30, 2025
FWB to Forever!
Ok, this novella was just too freaking cute! A man going all out for the woman whose heart he wanted to capture!?! The little things that showed he paid attention and cared, UGH, grab the fork cause I am done! This novella packed a heck of a swoony punch!
Ok, this novella was just too freaking cute! A man going all out for the woman whose heart he wanted to capture!?! The little things that showed he paid attention and cared, UGH, grab the fork cause I am done! This novella packed a heck of a swoony punch!
November 4, 2025
Warm, Cozy & Cute
Awww, look who’s maintenance crushin’😍‼️It’s Samira & Jamal all ”Boo’d Up: A Halloween Novella”. ….The themed scavenger hunt
was creative & sweet🎃. Thus novella was warm, cozy & cute 🥰🤭‼️
Awww, look who’s maintenance crushin’😍‼️It’s Samira & Jamal all ”Boo’d Up: A Halloween Novella”. ….The themed scavenger hunt
was creative & sweet🎃. Thus novella was warm, cozy & cute 🥰🤭‼️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews