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Trick or Tempt Me: A Spicy Demon Halloween Novella

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Trick or Tempt A Wickedly Spicy Demon Novella for Halloween Night.

What if your favorite fictional man stepped out of the pages and knocked on your door at midnight?

Aurora never believed in monsters or miracles. But on Halloween night, while battling the flu and her noisy upstairs neighbors, a knock at the door changes everything.

He stands six feet of sin wrapped in leather, with glowing horns, a carved jack-o’-lantern grin, and a voice that sounds like temptation itself. Behind him flickers another world, it's a realm of haunted pumpkins, black candles, and shadows that whisper her name.

Who is he? A trick? A fantasy? Or the devil she’s been waiting for?

Tonight, Aurora will learn that not all nightmares want to scare you…
Some just want to worship you.

A wickedly hot, darkly funny Halloween novella about temptation, fantasy, and one unforgettable night with the demon of your dreams.

P.S. you probably won't be the same with Pumpkin Spice Latte after reading this ;)

THIS BOOK CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT. NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER READERS.

This novella can be read as standalone.

91 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2025

114 people are currently reading
142 people want to read

About the author

Dari A. Malaunt

11 books98 followers
Dari A. Malaunt weaves fantasy romance with a dark twist, exploring the complex struggles of love, power, and redemption in her characters' journeys. She’s the mind behind "Horns Unveiled" romantasy duology, "Unrequited Love" dark romance trilogy, "Divine Destinies" dark romantasy series and "Worshipped by Darkness" paranormal romance series. When she's not writing, you can find her balancing life as a student and office worker, often dreaming of the worlds she creates, where magic and passion collide.

To find out more, follow @dariamalaunt on Instagram and @dariamalauntwrites on TikTok.

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5 stars
46 (15%)
4 stars
65 (21%)
3 stars
108 (35%)
2 stars
63 (20%)
1 star
24 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Annie .
93 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2025
I've finished reading 'Trick or Tempt me' written by Dari A. Malaunt. This is a spicy demon Halloween novella in the same world as 'Where the Dark Knelt'.

"Trick you or tempt you, Kitten."

I love Dari's writing and I was very curious about this "light and fun story" as she said herself. It's very refreshing and it's kinda like what she normally writes, but also very casual and I loved it.

"Was it strange to flirt dangerously with a stranger like this?"

What would you do if your perfect fictional man came to life? Aurora the FMC of this story gets to experience it. Aurora is a human living a mediocre life. And her perfect man? That's Shai a demon being whatever she wants him to be. Will Aurora live every dark romance readers dream?

"This is what you've wanted for so long, in your wet dreams, right, baby? I can fulfill them all -- every fantasy."

This story is fast paced and is indeed a novella, but I don't feel like it misses something. Even though it's fast and short, it's actually a complete and fun story to read. Although it doesn't feel like I missed something, I definitely wouldn't have minded to read more of Shai and Aurora, cause I love them.

"I'm a girl who reads dark romance and all this book p*rn, so trust me, you'll be the one who's shocked by my fantasies."

I can't say anything other than that this is a great story to read around Halloween. I enjoyed it very much and I'm looking forward to the next story in this world. I give it five stars.
Profile Image for Eva Rebiuh.
Author 3 books63 followers
October 22, 2025
Ok, while the book is short and leans heavily on fantasy and spice, it’s not meant to be a deep character study or complex narrative. Instead, it delivers EXACTLY what the author promised: a YUMMY dark, seductive Halloween treat. And this is not your average paranormal romance. It’s unapologetically steamy. We already know Dari doesn’t shy away from spice, making it ideal for fans of spicy reads. As a novella, it’s a fast read—perfect for a one-night indulgence.
Profile Image for Ariana.
10 reviews
October 22, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!

UPD. I JUST SAW THE ART AND WOW, DARI, YOU DID SO WELL BY DRAWING THE CHARACTERS!
Seriously, if you have not read it, please do! It's available now on KU and Kindle! And if you leave both reviews on GR and AMAZON, she's gonna send you an EXCLUSIVE SPICY ART! OH GOSH! THAT MAKES MY REVIEW MILLION STARS NOW, YEAH, I SAID IT!

Okay, so to the review we go!!!!!!!!!
The author was so right about thus book in the description! Because now I will never look at a pumpkin spice latte the same way again. After reading this, I’m officially obsessed and craving more. It’s the Halloween novella I didn’t know I needed, and now I’m in full festive mode. I literally dragged my hubby to the holiday store right after finishing it to grab new decorations and get our place all spooky-cute. If you know, you know. Wink-wink.

Trick or Tempt Me is a deliciously spicy Halloween demon romance that had me hooked from the first page. Aurora is sick because, let’s be real, who isn’t sick this fall? And after a long, draining day, there’s a knock at her door. Entered a tall, leather-clad stranger with a pumpkin on his head and yes, you read that right and oh my god, it’s hot. Like, really hot.

The chemistry? Immediate.
The tension? Off the charts.
I rarely feel that kind of spark in short stories, but Dari absolutely nailed it.
The passion was intense, the vibes were so so so so so good as I was living for every second of it. I’m seriously impressed!!!

And now I’m devastated because it’s only 54 pages.
I need more.
MORE PLEASE!!!
I need more of this couple.
Dari, if you’re reading this please I’m begging you give us a full-length book of them in the Worshipped by Darkness series.
I’m not ready to say goodbye to them yet!

Would recommend to everyone who loves Halloween, demons and spice altogether!!!
Profile Image for Dari Malaunt.
Author 11 books98 followers
October 15, 2025
Attention demon, pumpkin spice lattes and halloween novellas lovers!

Trick or Tempt Me: A Spicy Demon Halloween Novella is releasing on October 22nd for Kindles and on KU (kindle unlimited).

Mark our calendars, ready your kindles and clutch your precious pearls, because he's coming for you.

OCTOBER 22nd.
MIDNIGHT.


This is a short novella that I wrote just for fun and spice, inspired by Sommer - Lee Deaves' novella Harvest Me so go read that one too, it's spicy and CORNy (iykyk hehehe) <3

SO! About Trick or Tempt Me...
I hope you’ll let yourself sink (with your fangs and claws) into the Halloween magic that fills this novella and maybe fall in love with the mysterious stranger with a pumpkin on his head just as much as Aurora did and if it’s a secret between us, yes, I’m still sighing over the fact that fictional men haven’t figured out how to teleport into our world… yet. A girl can dream, right? Until then, I’ll stay beautifully delulu and loyal to my book boyfriends because real men just keep getting more and more annoying, oh wait, ahem, complicated, and let’s be honest, fictional men are still winning. Always have. Always will!

So, I hope you will enjoy this spicy ride, this demon in general, and this short story that takes place in the world of the "Worshipped by Darkness" series!
(And YES, keep your eyes open, because these characters will make a cameo in Book Two: Where the Dark Shone. The wait won’t be long, and I can’t wait for you to see how their worlds collide in the same universe! You didn't see that coming, right?)

Sending all my love (and a few hellfire kisses) to my amazing girlies from my Permanent ARC Team – "Infernal Demons" for always believing in me!

Special thanks for my early read buddies: Aiste, Eva, Annie, Eliera, Sommer, Joe, Kelsey, Hesperia, Zofia, Ash, Natasha without you i won't know what to do with myself, i would go crazy since I won't have nobody to talk about it to! Thank you for your early interest and enthusiasm about ToTM!
And my special girlies that will be reading it on KU the day it releases - Clara andJessica? YOU ROCK!
THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH! LOVE YOU TEAM!!!!!!!

I hope you ALL will enjoy this little Halloween treat and I’ll see you again soon enough 💋💋💋

TRICK OR TEMPT ME, DEMON!
Profile Image for Luna.
55 reviews
October 27, 2025
This novella was fun, spicy, and full of Halloween vibes, definitely the kind of quick read you can finish in one sitting 🎃🔥. The author’s writing is super descriptive and creative, and her word choice gives the story a smooth, almost velvety feel that fits the paranormal mood really well. Also, Shai calling Aurora kitten? Loved that 🐱.

That said, the writing sometimes felt too descriptive , lots of repetition and filler that didn’t always add much depth, plus a few small grammar mistakes here and there. I liked the imagery, but I wished the pacing was a little tighter and the details more purposeful.

Plot-wise, I expected something with a bit more tension or mystery. Maybe a story where they share one magical Halloween night and she’s left waiting for him each year, or an ending that leaves you wondering what choice she ultimately makes. Instead, everything wraps up really quickly with her basically leaving the human world to be with him after just one night. It could’ve used more of that “will-they-won’t-they” anticipation to balance out all the spice.

Also, the story references a few characters from previous novellas — which might be fun for returning readers but confusing for new ones since this one was described as a standalone. It left me feeling like I was missing some context.

And while the spooky atmosphere worked perfectly, I did think it was odd that most of the action happens the day after Halloween instead of on it. For a "Halloween Novella", I was expecting a little more of that midnight-ON-Halloween magic.

Still, the spicy scenes absolutely deliver — creative, fun, and fitting for the “demon romance” theme. The concept of a shifting jack-o’-lantern-headed demon was original and surprisingly charming, and I’d still check out another novella by this author, maybe even the first one to get a better feel for Shai’s story (if he is mentioned).

Overall, 3⭐ — a fun, steamy Halloween read with great atmosphere and potential, but I wish it had more tension, tighter pacing, and a bit more emotional depth to match the heat.
Profile Image for Eliera.
99 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2025
Well, this was fun - absolutely delicious. You even get a little sneak peek at two characters from another series, which made me grin like a fool when I realised who they were. The story itself? Short, spicy, and perfectly Halloween. Less than 100 pages. I absolutely love how Dari can include characters from other series so easily, it makes everything feel like it’s always interconnected.

A pumpkin-headed man who's equal parts terrifying and tempting, a heroine who matches him beautifully - they were made for each other. If you're in the mood for something seasonal, filthy, and fast, Trick or Tempt Me is worth every page.

Verdict: deliciously weird, spicy, and surprisingly sweet.
Profile Image for Aiste.
6 reviews
October 22, 2025
Spice, spice, spice! Pumpkin spice lattes, spicy beads of you-know-what, and just spicy... pumpkins with horns!

I loved how lighthearted and carefree this story felt while reading. It’s a must-read for a cozy evening - candlelight flickering, your favorite drink in hand, and this novella to top it all off. The author never disappoints! Loved every bit of it from the first to the last page, from the fishnets to main characters' earning!!!
Profile Image for Kelsey.
209 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2025
Check the trigger warnings. This spicy short novella had me hooked from the start. I read it in just a couple of hours and it helped me out of a reading slump. If you like demons, spice, and pumpkin spice then you will love this book!
Profile Image for Faith.
88 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2025
amazingly spicy

Trick or Tempt Me was everything I wanted in a Halloween read — wickedly hot, darkly fun, and full of devilish charm. Dari A. Malaunt serves up a spicy demon you can’t resist, surrounded by candlelight, pumpkins, and sinful temptation. It’s fast, fiery, and perfectly Halloween. I devoured it in one sitting and grinned the whole way through.
Profile Image for Dunia.
58 reviews
October 27, 2025
Don't judge, ok?! I was in the mood 😅
I don't want to shame an indie author, but this novella seemed like a bunch of scenes slapped together without any edits. But maybe I should read the main story to enjoy it better.
The best part of it? Definitely the cover art 🥵
Profile Image for Naomi.
60 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2025
I actually really enjoyed this.. was just what I needed after an emotional read..
definitely want to read the others now!
Profile Image for Bookishlyvenus ⋆˚࿔.
35 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2025
“𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓂𝑒, 𝓈𝒾𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓃 𝒶 𝓉𝓇𝑒𝑒𝒽𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓂𝓎 𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒻𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒻𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒶𝓈𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝓌𝒽𝑜 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝒷𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓁”

your halloween fantasy wrapped in a novella! perfect for spooky szn 🤭🎃
Profile Image for Christi Wells.
4 reviews
November 8, 2025
I DNF’d this on page 15 I was over it before that. The plot and the pet names just no thanks!!!
Profile Image for Storm ⛈️ .
7 reviews
October 24, 2025
Dari! You’ve done it again!

Anyone order a hot demon for Halloween?? Well Mr Shai will come anyway at midnight! I loved this novella, hot , sweet and everything you want on a cool October night!
Profile Image for Chiquitasky .
40 reviews
October 24, 2025
A demon that just knocks on your door and is every woman's dream.... count me in. also pumpkin spice latte for the win, if only it worked like that in real life ;)
Profile Image for Scatty Mermaid.
16 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2025
This was the perfect little novella for spooky season. It was pumpkin spicy, hella hot, and every Halloween fans dream!
Profile Image for Natasha.
129 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2025
The perfect novella for October. If you're a lover of all things Halloween then you should get this book on your TBR. It has plot, spice-multiple kinds and MCs that will undoubtedly make you chuckle. Not to mention a brief cameo from previously loved characters. Absolutely worth a read.
30 reviews
October 21, 2025
I had the pleasure of being an ARC reader for this book, and man it kept me eager for more. I loved this short Halloween novella and getting a glimpse at these two characters that are present in one of the authors other series!
The characters and the chemistry they had were on fire! We have a mmc who is a mysterious pumpkin-headed demon and an FMC who matches his energy beautifully and willing to risk leaving her entire world. Totally worth the read!
Profile Image for Beth.
44 reviews3 followers
October 23, 2025
A quick Halloween read. Very spicy!
Profile Image for Heather E..
91 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2025
Fantasy Meets Reality

When life drags you through the depths of despair on Halloween, let an incubus fulfill your every fantasy. Nothing is off limits.
Profile Image for Zofia von Huck.
52 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2025
This book delivers everything it promises, a spicy Halloween romp. If you’re looking for an intriguing storyline, then this is not for you. But if you are looking for spicy escapism with a Halloween theme, then this is exactly what you need.
Profile Image for Chrissy MacLaughlin.
564 reviews11 followers
November 19, 2025
Spicy and fairly low on plot, but it’s a quick little novella so I can overlook that. However, I had a harder time overlooking multiple editing errors. 3⭐️
Profile Image for Ivett.
90 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2025
⭐️ Rating: 4
🌶 Spice: 3

Quick take: A short, spicy, and surprisingly cozy Halloween read featuring an incubus, a deal, and a touch of magic.

Trick or Tempt Me by Dari A. Malaunt is a fun, quick read - perfect for Halloween. Our male lead, Shai, is an incubus (thank you, author, for getting that right - so many confuse incubus and succubus!) . Just like dragons have four legs while wyverns have two, an incubus is the male version and a succubus is the female.

The story kicks off when Shai shows up at Aurora’s door for a “Trick me or Tempt me” game.(Honestly, who wouldn’t want an incubus at their doorstep?)
The tension between them is palpable - he’s literally a demon of temptation - so of course, she chooses “tempt me.”

I really liked the magical treehouse idea and the concept that Shai can take any form to fulfill Aurora’s fantasies (and yes, she chooses a book boyfriend - I totally would too)
. The spice was fun and well-written, no complaints there.

So why not five stars? A few reasons:
1. Aurora doesn’t even question that she’s making a deal with a demon from Hell. Has he claimed hundreds of souls before? Probably. But she doesn’t even ask.
2. Pumpkin spice latte–flavored… bodily fluids? Hard pass.
3. Shai was cute and comforting, but I missed that darker, truly demonic edge.
4. The club scene had potential, but Shai leaving her mid–costume contest to surprise her with flowers felt a bit too sweet for a demon.

It’s a cozy smut romance - and while that works for many, I’m not a big fan of “cozy” anything (my friends will laugh reading this).

Still, I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a short (around 90 pages), spicy, easy-to-read Halloween novella with that “spicy Hallmark movie” energy.
Profile Image for Lottie1996.
121 reviews4 followers
December 17, 2025
🎃🔥 Book Review 🔥🎃
Trick or Tempt Me
✍🏼 Dari A. Malaunt
⭐ 4 Stars | 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 5 Chilli Spice Rating

What if your favourite fictional man literally stepped out of a book… and knocked on your door at midnight?
Because that’s exactly what happens to Aurora on Halloween night… and from that moment on, all logic, sanity, and sleep go straight out the window.

Sick in bed, annoyed at the world, and absolutely not expecting a six-foot, leather-clad devil with glowing horns and a sinful grin to appear on her doorstep, Aurora is pulled into a night that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Behind him lies a dark, seductive realm filled with haunted pumpkins, flickering candles, and whispers that feel far too personal to ignore. Is he a trick? A temptation? Or the very nightmare she never knew she wanted?

This book was absolutely unhinged… in the best way 😂🔥
I read it straight through in one sitting because it was fast-paced, chaotic, and ridiculously addictive. The spice was spicing, the vibes were immaculate, and it knew exactly what it was: pure, indulgent fun. I genuinely loved every second of it.

Was it a little crazy? Yes.
Did I care? Not even slightly.
Will I ever look at pumpkin spice lattes the same way again? Absolutely not 🙌🏼🎃

If you’re in the mood for something short, spicy, devilishly fun, and perfect for spooky season vibes, this one delivers.

🖤 Favourite Quote:
“Fear had no place here. Only desire, heat, and the thrill of the unknown.”
Profile Image for Holly.
390 reviews7 followers
November 1, 2025
Trick or Tempt me had a wonderful concept which I'm sure leads into a bigger universe by this author. However, it was stated that this could be read as a standalone, which is not very accurate. There were so many characters and moments that were not resolved by the end of this story, or properly addressed. I understand that we may meet these characters in another book, however, this was advertised as a standalone if one wished.

I've read many books where the plot leaks into a bigger universe and series, but only minor plot twists and crossovers occured, with any issues or drama always getting some way addressed by the story's conclusion. This concept can be written and developed really well, however, it was not in Trick or Tempt Me's case, unfortunately.

I enjoyed the beginning and the smut, and fell in love with out character's, especially our tall dark and handsome pumpkin headed demon who can look like any book boyfriend you dream of. Unfortunately, things then moved too fast and I was left with more questions than answers by the end of it.

I would remove the note stating that this could be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Savanna.
70 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Trick or Tempt Me was everything I hoped a Halloween novella would be. Darkly seductive, wickedly creative, and just the right amount of eerie fantasy.

Aurora’s night starts like any other until a knock at her door introduces her to six feet of temptation wrapped in leather and devilish charm. With glowing horns, a carved jack-o’-lantern grin, and a voice that sounds like sin itself, the demon at her doorstep isn’t just a figment of imagination. He’s the embodiment of desire and danger.

This short but steamy read was surprisingly emotional, blending monster romance with just enough heart to make me care deeply about Aurora’s fate. The premise felt fresh like what if your fictional fantasy man came to life and it was executed with fun Halloween flair: haunted pumpkins, black candles, and devilish grins galore.

The spice? Definitely spicing.
The tension? Off the charts.
The pacing? Perfect for a one-night binge read.

Whether you’re looking for a Halloween read or just craving something devilishly hot with a fantasy twist, Trick or Tempt Me will absolutely scratch that itch. And now I kind of want a jack-o’-lantern demon of my own 👀🎃
6 reviews
November 2, 2025
Stärken des Buches
Atmosphäre: Dunkel, sexy und perfekt für Halloween.
Romantik & Spice: Eine Mischung aus heißer Anziehung und übernatürlicher Spannung.
Länge: Als Novelle schnell zu lesen – ideal für eine einzige Lese-Session.
Thema: Spielt mit der Fantasie, dass ein „Traummann“ direkt aus den Seiten eines Buches ins echte Leben tritt.
Für wen geeignet?
Fans von Paranormal Romance und Demon Romance.
Leserinnen und Leser, die kurze, würzige Novellen mögen.
Alle, die eine ungewöhnliche Halloween-Lektüre suchen, die Romantik und Fantasy verbindet.
Fazit: „Trick or Tempt Me“ ist eine sündhaft verführerische Halloween-Novelle, die mit Dämonenromantik, düsterer Stimmung und einer ordentlichen Portion Spice überzeugt. Wer Lust auf eine heiße, übernatürliche Kurzgeschichte hat, wird hier fündig.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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