Stalking Stella: A Dark Taboo Romance

by E.J. Wood

"He looks at me like I'm a puzzle he's dying to solve. And I hate how badly I want him to try."

Some places aren't meant to be found. INVITE ONLY. It welcomes the wicked and rewards silence. Questions don't belong here.

The Curator

For years, I embodied the role with a French curator presiding over a wax museum. But for me, it was never just about the art. Each grin was a reminder why I to steal smiles off real monsters - ones still breathing.

But masks crack, and mine drew the wrong kind of attention. I should have disappeared before the scent of blood hit his nostrils. Before obsession replaced orders.

The Diplomat

I'm the man he sends in when silence is more lethal than lead. I close deeds, erase loose ends, and clean mess before anyone notices the stain. Everyone's happy. My instructions were Find her. Kill her. But then she smiled and the plan started to bleed.

This book is a horromance. Please check the content warning.

Genres: Dark Romance

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2025

About the author

Wood is just a storyteller!
E.J. Wood is a British author of crime, horror, dark romance, and psychological suspense.

Aside from her memoirs, her books feature unhinged, and morally grey characters, although, some readers may argue that even her memoirs feature some very unusual characters.

Wood started writing in 2001. She published a 3-part series of erotic short stories (The Red Death Diaries) in 2015 with Smashwords, and later with Amazon in 2017. Her debut novel, Beyond the Pale was published in 2018.

She loves to chat with her readers and is very active on her Facebook page E.J. Wood Author, so please do reach out. If you have something positive to say about any of her books, she'd be grateful if you left a review and told your friends, as most of all, she just wants you to enjoy her stories.

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Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book by far is my favorite one only cuz i fell in love with the mmc in here. ladies if you want a mmc that isnt afraid of taking what he wants including walking into the lions den that could kill him to get what he wants than this is your next read for sure. the toss and turns in this book will keep even your toes bunched up . the spice in this book is filled with wild details and dont get me started with the lipstick part in the bathroom hint hint. you would just have to read to find that out tho 😉. it has gore in it as well to me it was just the right amout without the plot getting messed up so if you are into gore than read as well. plz read the trigger warnings tho they will determine if its right for ypu . but for me the more trigger warnings the better and boy this one didnt disappoint at all . it was one that left me screaming at the book in some parts to crying in others and just straight up shocked in others so go read yal. i could have read this book in one day if life wasnt in the way so it took me little longer due to a 3 year old and homeschooling and everything else.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The darkness just keeps on getting better! Stalking Stella knocked it out of the park. I am absolutely blown away by how awesome this series is! Being able to ARC read for this author has been amazing. I have enjoyed every single book I’ve read so far. And they just keep getting better. Both the MMC and the FMC are so well written. The story so graphic and detailed, it’s like watching a twisted movie in your mind. I love that each of the books in this series are written in different locations. It’s like a warped vacation in writing lol. And the spice! Whew, I need a cold shower lol
The characters are incredible. The plot, the twists and turns. This book is sick in the best way possible. The goings on are dark and twisted, so original. Every time you think you know what’s going to happen, the strut takes a hard left. E.J. Woods, you have one he*l of a twisted imagination and I loved every minute of it. This book is worth more than five stars.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Vicsta Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s only one place to start with the review of this book and that is WOW! This author has absolutely smashed this book out of the park. I have read all her books and this is the best yet.

A fantastic follow on from book one in the wild at heart series; Taunting Tarran.

This book is full of fantastic scenes which are accompanied by wonderfully descriptive writing. Some scenes are very dark, some scenes include sexual content, which are all wrapped up in some classic one liners.

This author really knows how to develop the characters, how to keep you guessing and wondering what’s going to happen next it’s a real edge of your seat thrill ride.

An easy 5 star book and it’s definitely left me wanting more

[KP-Maven of Maps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise: “Twists and turns that’ll make your toes curl, and the kind of foreknowledge that’ll have you screeching at the narrator. The best next step in the series.”

Excellent follow up to Taunting Tarran, you can tell this author has settled into this “world” she has created and found her stride. Very cohesive and entertaining. You’ll love every second of this short read. Mind the trigger warnings, do you don’t trip into something you’d rather not but this is definitely a dark romance. If you can think it, I always assume it’s there.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I’m not usually one for book covers but I love the cover of this book. This is my second book by this author and what a rollercoaster I’m on with her.

Stalking Stella is an excellent written story that I devoured. I’ve not had the concentration to read lately but this book sucked me right in. Love how detailed and graphic the story is. The two main characters are made for each other. Heed the trigger warnings before jumping into this story.

If you enjoy dark taboo romances then I definitely recommend this one!!

[Ambreezy83 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series. Stalking Stella didn’t disappoint. The stories continues with more horror and twists. The Curator and the Diplomat continues the story while throwing more death in the mix. Frozen smiles and skin crawling antics make it a captivating plot. Keep em coming. I received the ARC but the opinions are my own.

[Montana Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars hands down 100%!!
You guys, this book was everything I wanted and more! I loved TT so much that I was skeptical she could out do herself. SHE DID THE DANG THING! I was so excited to hear more on our guy, and ahhhh!!! So so good!

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book of the wild at heart series and what second book it was. Following on from Taunting Tarran It has it all, well written descriptive dark horror, and some romance, yes it’s of the dark and twisted kind, but romance non the less.

[tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is so good all the characters are great but I think I'll have to favorite the 2nd mc i don't know why but I was just dragged in by him and his story.. if you read T.T this is a must

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Stalking Stella as an ARC directly from the author. This is the 2nd Book in the Wild at Heart series and OMG, this book is an insanely good follow up to Taunting Tarran. I've read all of EJ Woods books and this is by far the author's best series/book to date.

Stalking Stella is a dark horror romance and has various triggers. Please do check these first.

It's an incredible read. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. Amazing storyline with the perfect mix of horror and dark romance. I'll never see Pedro Pascal in the same way ever again tho.. 😂

Thank you again to EJ Wood for the ARC. Wishing you every success for Stalking Stella which I found to be an excellent follow up to Taunting Tarran.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stalking Stella by E.J. Wood completely consumed me. This series keeps pushing darker, bolder, and more addictive.

The characters are layered and intense, especially the dynamic between the main leads. Both feel fully formed, unsettling in the best way, and impossible to look away from. The writing is so vivid and immersive that scenes play out like a disturbing film in your head. It’s equal parts thrilling and unsettling.

I also love how each book in the series is in a new setting. It gives the story a fresh atmosphere every time, like traveling somewhere new… if that place lived deep in the shadows. The tension and spice are next level.

The plot is ruthless in the best way. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story veers off and proves you wrong. The twists are sharp and the overall concept feels daring and original. This book is dark, deeply twisted, and wildly entertaining.

E.J. Wood has a warped mind, and I mean that as the highest compliment. This was an unforgettable read.

[Lauren Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heaven help me, she did it again! I didn’t think TT could be topped here, but EJ Wood did. Dark and twisty and just a bit more than bloody at times. Relatively quick read but oh so worth it! The Curator and The Diplomat play off each other so well you just want to dive into their world (maybe with a safety net) and watch everything unfold.

Excellent writing. It’s easy to tell a story well, it’s hard to tell a story that captivates. Wood captivates each reader into her chaotic little world. Do mind the trigger warnings, though.

[Carol Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stalking Stella is the 2nd Book in the Wild at Heart series.
This book is an incredibly good sequel to Taunting Tarran.
Stalking Stella is a dark horror romance, I would suggest checking triggers 1st!
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish.
Amazing storyline with the best mix of horror and dark romance.

Thank you for another amazing and unput downable book
I hope you have every success with Stalking Stella.

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just the second book I have read from this author but I will tell you, she knows how to write the Horromance books!

Stalking Stell is a great book to come behind Taunting Tarran. This does have some dark scenes so be sure to check out the trigger warnings!

E.J. Wood will keep you guessing while holding you entranced to this book!

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Wild at Heart series was a banger!
Fast paced with spice, gore, excitement and the want for more. I devoured it in a few hours :)
E.J.Woods introduced me to horror romance and to say the least I am not mad about it.
By the ending of Stalking Stella looks like the 3rd book should make it's appearanced and I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds.
Well done!

[Bookgirl Book Blogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put this amazing read into words. Taboo, edge of the seat and funny..

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

And just when you think it can't get any darker from Taunting Tarran...dang enter the new - old - new MMC... Hello, honey.

[Irina Sandoval-Hickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it Again!

Great job!! I love this one just as much as the first book. This series is a must read. 10 stars ⭐️🤩

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved taunting tarran and stalking stella was an excellent follow up

[Miss S · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW just WOW!! Loved it! Deliciously dark and twisted.
Taunting Tarran was good but Stalking Stella is a level above!
When the diplomat closes in on his latest kill, he is not prepared for what lay before him. The Curator on the other hand got too comfortable and found herself the obsession of the Diplomat. The evolving relationship between the two was utterly unhinged, I loved every second. This beautifully written dark romance full of horror and gore was no holds barred, I was so entranced that I finished it in one sitting!
This book consumed me; there is nothing else like it and E.J Wood really knows how to push the limits. I cannot wait for more….