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Beneath Hoof and Hollow
An unspeakable evil has come to Sleepy Hollow. Accusations of magic and witchcraft send the town spiraling out of control. The culprit behind this mass hysteria? A demon in the guise of an angel. The town's most trusted leader falls prey to his influence and leads his flock down a path of death and terror.
Emeline watches as friends and neighbors are lost to its false convictions. Feeling trapped, and terrified she could be next, Emeline makes a decision that will put to test every belief she's ever known. She's going to summon a demon of her own to fight the monster that's taken over their town.
But when The Headless Horseman arises, she finds herself outmatched in a back-and-forth of bargaining and choice. The Horseman wants her, in every way.
To earn his help, she'll have to lose her faith, find her courage, and learn a few devious tricks along the way. If she and The Horseman can't come to a seductive arrangement and find a way to stop the evil that's consuming those around her, Sleepy Hollow will be lost, and her soul along with it.
Beneath Hoof and Hollow is a dark monster romance retelling. It contains graphic violence and sexually explicit content.
Emeline watches as friends and neighbors are lost to its false convictions. Feeling trapped, and terrified she could be next, Emeline makes a decision that will put to test every belief she's ever known. She's going to summon a demon of her own to fight the monster that's taken over their town.
But when The Headless Horseman arises, she finds herself outmatched in a back-and-forth of bargaining and choice. The Horseman wants her, in every way.
To earn his help, she'll have to lose her faith, find her courage, and learn a few devious tricks along the way. If she and The Horseman can't come to a seductive arrangement and find a way to stop the evil that's consuming those around her, Sleepy Hollow will be lost, and her soul along with it.
Beneath Hoof and Hollow is a dark monster romance retelling. It contains graphic violence and sexually explicit content.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2025
About the author
Violet Taylor
16 books647 followersViolet Taylor is a crystal and candle shop owner by day and a paranormal romance novelist by night. She spends her free time fantasizing about living in an isolated mountain cabin with her wonderful husband and herd of fur babies. She prefers her books with magic, mates, and plenty of muscles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
October 29, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ When I say I want a Halloween novella, this is what the fuck I’m talking about. This is the standard. Monster. Mayhem. Murder. Pumpkin smut. There’s nothing more I need here. This is one of those books where you just have to lean into the crazy, not take it too seriously and have a good time.
Last year, I read another Halloween book with a jack-o’-lantern and thought, am I into this? Well, this one just solidified that I am indeed into this…gourd, pumpkin seed 💦 and all. Don’t look at me like that, okay?
Jack-o’-lantern smut aside, this was actually a really good story and a super solid Sleepy Hollow reimagining. The vibes were immaculate. It was unhinged in the best way and even a little funny at times, the humor was a perfect touch.
Somehow, this short little novella managed to feel like a complete story with real substance. The pacing was excellent. I usually struggle to read even short books in one sitting, but I didn’t touch my phone, didn’t move, didn’t do anything. I just devoured it. That’s how locked in I was.
If you’re only going to pick one Halloween novella this season, make it this one. It checks every box. It’s fun, it’s messy, it’s taboo, and it’s got a damn good plot to tie it all together. This was exactly what I was in the mood for and it really scratched that Halloween itch 🎃
Last year, I read another Halloween book with a jack-o’-lantern and thought, am I into this? Well, this one just solidified that I am indeed into this…gourd, pumpkin seed 💦 and all. Don’t look at me like that, okay?
Jack-o’-lantern smut aside, this was actually a really good story and a super solid Sleepy Hollow reimagining. The vibes were immaculate. It was unhinged in the best way and even a little funny at times, the humor was a perfect touch.
Somehow, this short little novella managed to feel like a complete story with real substance. The pacing was excellent. I usually struggle to read even short books in one sitting, but I didn’t touch my phone, didn’t move, didn’t do anything. I just devoured it. That’s how locked in I was.
If you’re only going to pick one Halloween novella this season, make it this one. It checks every box. It’s fun, it’s messy, it’s taboo, and it’s got a damn good plot to tie it all together. This was exactly what I was in the mood for and it really scratched that Halloween itch 🎃
November 21, 2025
Aside from the pumpkin seed splooge, I really enjoyed this sleepy hollow retelling!
October 27, 2025
“Arise, Horseman. Bringer of death. Come forth from words and sinful breath. Hoof and hollow, swiftly ride. Give evil no more place to hide. Punish those who've done wrong to me. A bargain l'll make, to set you free."
No other character gets me in the mood more than The Headless Horseman.
Wait... I said that wrong... no other character gets me in the Halloween mood... more than The Headless Horseman...
Actually... no... both statements are correct.
Grab a hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, and curl up with this 136 page novella full of spice, heart, and Halloween spirit.
If you are a fan of Hocus Pocus, Sleepy Hollow, witches, demons, and curses... you are going to devour this story in one sitting.
An unspeakable evil has come to Sleepy Hollow. Accusations of magic and witchcraft send the town spiraling out of control. The Reverend of Sleepy Hollow is starting to act different... he's starting to look different too...
Worried that a demon might be present in their small town... the female main character decides to fight fire with fire. She summons a demon of her own. But she doesn't get just any demon. She gets him. The Headless Horseman.
He tells her to earn his help he has a few requirements... you will be on the edge of your seat turning the pages as fast as you possibly can to experience this dark and wicked monster romance retelling like you've never experienced it before.
This book may be small... but the spice... is mighty. I'm talking... dark, spicy, pumpkin spicy... if you will. And if you're asking... "Lauren, what do you mean pumpkin spicy... you can't mean... with an actual pumpkin...?"
Then I would pat you on the head and say... "My sweet child... that's exactly what I mean."
The nickname he has for her is Nightengale, and I love it and shiver every time he says it.
And the way he speaks about her?? I swooned so hard I almost broke my back.
"What shining star sits before me, illuminating my world of hell with her strange light? Her beauty slices like a sword through the veil of darkness that has trapped me for so many years."
There's some scenes that will make you a little queasy. "A woman without a protector is a woman at risk of sin."
But if you love strong female main characters who take back their power... "Rage cracks my bones open, spilling out in all directions, burning through the shell of silence l've hidden within for most of my life."... this is going to be a good one for you.
And if you have a little bit of that religious trauma so many of us are lugging around…I find stories like these to be quite cathartic.
There's just something so fascinating about The Headless Horseman. What happened to him to lose his head and be damned for eternity? And the revenge aspect... it's... intense. And delectable.
I'm obsessed with The Headless Horseman. Any version. Any story this character is in makes me hypnotized with interest immediately.
This really is the perfect novella to read on a spooky October evening. A perfect time to summon The Headless Horseman... if you dare.
Small book. Big spice. No head...
10/10 would make that bargain again.
No other character gets me in the mood more than The Headless Horseman.
Wait... I said that wrong... no other character gets me in the Halloween mood... more than The Headless Horseman...
Actually... no... both statements are correct.
Grab a hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, and curl up with this 136 page novella full of spice, heart, and Halloween spirit.
If you are a fan of Hocus Pocus, Sleepy Hollow, witches, demons, and curses... you are going to devour this story in one sitting.
An unspeakable evil has come to Sleepy Hollow. Accusations of magic and witchcraft send the town spiraling out of control. The Reverend of Sleepy Hollow is starting to act different... he's starting to look different too...
Worried that a demon might be present in their small town... the female main character decides to fight fire with fire. She summons a demon of her own. But she doesn't get just any demon. She gets him. The Headless Horseman.
He tells her to earn his help he has a few requirements... you will be on the edge of your seat turning the pages as fast as you possibly can to experience this dark and wicked monster romance retelling like you've never experienced it before.
This book may be small... but the spice... is mighty. I'm talking... dark, spicy, pumpkin spicy... if you will. And if you're asking... "Lauren, what do you mean pumpkin spicy... you can't mean... with an actual pumpkin...?"
Then I would pat you on the head and say... "My sweet child... that's exactly what I mean."
The nickname he has for her is Nightengale, and I love it and shiver every time he says it.
And the way he speaks about her?? I swooned so hard I almost broke my back.
"What shining star sits before me, illuminating my world of hell with her strange light? Her beauty slices like a sword through the veil of darkness that has trapped me for so many years."
There's some scenes that will make you a little queasy. "A woman without a protector is a woman at risk of sin."
But if you love strong female main characters who take back their power... "Rage cracks my bones open, spilling out in all directions, burning through the shell of silence l've hidden within for most of my life."... this is going to be a good one for you.
And if you have a little bit of that religious trauma so many of us are lugging around…I find stories like these to be quite cathartic.
There's just something so fascinating about The Headless Horseman. What happened to him to lose his head and be damned for eternity? And the revenge aspect... it's... intense. And delectable.
I'm obsessed with The Headless Horseman. Any version. Any story this character is in makes me hypnotized with interest immediately.
This really is the perfect novella to read on a spooky October evening. A perfect time to summon The Headless Horseman... if you dare.
Small book. Big spice. No head...
10/10 would make that bargain again.
October 19, 2025
This was a wild ride with all the darkness I’m coming to expect from Violet Taylor’s books. There were evil men drunk on power, witch hunts, and, of course, a monster love. The Horseman was vicious but quickly devoted to Emeline. Emeline was quiet and kept out of trouble, but was able to do something bold and brave when it was needed.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: violence, gore, dismemberment, beheading, body horror, dubcon, torture including sexual torture, execution via hanging, mention of execution via fire, confinement, inter partner violence, sex with MMC while still technically engaged (she ran from her fiancé for her own safety though), religious based violence, possession (side character), implied SA of side characters, hell and solitary confinement in hell, grief, animal left alone when owner is executed (animal is ok in the end), misogyny, witch hunting
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: violence, gore, dismemberment, beheading, body horror, dubcon, torture including sexual torture, execution via hanging, mention of execution via fire, confinement, inter partner violence, sex with MMC while still technically engaged (she ran from her fiancé for her own safety though), religious based violence, possession (side character), implied SA of side characters, hell and solitary confinement in hell, grief, animal left alone when owner is executed (animal is ok in the end), misogyny, witch hunting
October 23, 2025
1.5 stars. Half a star because the first half of this book was actually enjoyable
Warning: This review is DISGUSTINGLY long
Okay so let's just start with the beginning. I went into this book relatively blind (yes I checked the tw's) and it started out as surprisingly enjoyable. I was like wow, the plot is actually really good and although the pacing and writing style is a bit jumpy, I actually really enjoyed the pacing as well! This book started out as a story about Witch trials, religious trauma, mass hysteria, misogyny, and I was like omg hell yeah this is actually really good! I was enjoying pretty much everything and I really liked the fmc and how brave and admirable she was, and with a monster romance to come?? I was excited.
But then at the halfway point, the monster did come, and this book instantly went downhill from there. What was supposed to be a romance was instead an insta lust, almost insta sex, mostly dub-con book. Because genuinely, they almost instantly have sex. There is no romance, no chemistry, just almost instant sex where the horseman sees her and and instantly wants her to ride him, which the fmc doesn't want to have said sex but again, dub-con, and the rest of the book is filled with what I think was some of the most cringeworthy and gross sex scenes and lines I've ever had the displeasure of reading, and this book became my own personal suffering. I'm going to share some quotes bellow of exactly what I mean as well as the context of some of them:
"Six chances to shed blood and flex my killing muscles." Where The Horseman has just been summoned (but of course not before fucking the fmc first) and he wants to impress her by jeff the killing 6 bad men and of course, had to flex his "killing muscles".
"Blood pounds through my body, hot and loose, settling in my fully erect cock" when one of the main antagonists of the book gets hard from killing people it's fucked up, but when the horseman does it it's hot cause it's bad guys.
"Look at you, gone soft for a golden-haired creature with a magical voice and even more magical cunt" -_-
"Revenge served with a side of clenching cunt and thrusting cock. Yes, this is what I want." At this point I was genuinely starting to hate this book.
"She owes me this and every other depraved act I ask of her" The fmc fucks up a spell to give him a body by accidentally making him a pumpkin man and he sees fit to "punish" her and force her to do any sexual act he wants her to do.
"I'm down bad for my nightingale." Yeah, this line doesn't exactly mesh with the "where hast thou gone?" type verbiage of this book that this author tries to implement and then just gives up on halfway through.
"We've not even made it to the woods when I slide the first vine inside of her." After rescuing the whole town, and finally defeating the demon who was terrorising them, the horseman immediately goes to fuck the fmc on his horse.
"completely unaware that my cock is pushing more of her ex fiancé's blood into her over stuffed cunt with every thrust" That's just fucked
"Emeline laughs, causing her stomach to contract. Seeds squirt from her sated pussy." What the fuck?
""I know you didn't just spit your cum on my dead fiancé's grave," I deadpan."" As he makes them have sex over her ex's grave the coffin breaks and he spits cum onto his corpse. But don't worry, she doesn't care and just let's him continue. Ignoring the fact.
These were just SOME of the lines that had me cringing and/or disgusted. I'm fine with smut, I've read sex scenes in books before, but if you're gonna write a so called "romance" where half the book is sex scenes, at least make them fucking good. Instead, most of the time I was just sat there, cringing and disappointed because some of them had potential, but the execution was always terrible. And before I summarise, there is something that I genuinely need to rant about with this book. This novella sets up not only a really good plot, but some really fucking good antagonists, and then gives us nothing.
No proper revenge, no satisfaction, because any scene of any of the villains actually getting killed is fucking ruined with internal dialogue from the horseman about how horny he is from killing and about how sick and twisted he is 😈. Leed, the man who in my opinion is the leading and worst antagonist, is killed while the horseman and the fmc are fucking, she doesn't know he's even just killed someone because she's so horny, and then he just drags the corpse and head away with his vines (he has vine powers after he gets turned into a pumpkin man) because 'she's expirienced enough stress, I don't want her to go through more.' So neither Emeline (the fmc), or we as the audience are satisfied with any sort of revenge, or any sort of death on the side of the antagonists. Because any form of justice is convoluted and fucking ruined with sex and dicks getting hard for murder. And it fucking pisses me off to have set up such convincing antagonists, where you think AT THE VERY LEAST the author can give us some satisfying deaths.
But no. None of the deaths are satisfying and no justice for all of the terrible shit the antagonists do feels satisfying in the slightest. I have never read a dark romance before, and I knew I didn't like the genre based off of the descriptions that everyone makes off of the books in this genre. But I wanted to give it a chance, especially with all the dark romance fans that have tried to peer pressure me to "just try it out, you might enjoy it more than you think", and I wanted some actual romance. But this book literally fucking confirms every single assumption I have ever had about dark romance.
The sex scenes were fucking terrible, the mmc is an abusive asshole, the fmc starts out strong and has actual character, then turns into this weak vessel for the mmc to use and abuse for sex whenever he wants (but not whenever she wants because she has to do whatever he says), and I fucking hated it. This book started out as an intriguing, interesting story about a woman and her battle against corrupt men, mysoginist hysteria, and corrupt magic, and then turns into garbage where some Jackolantern cums pumpkin seeds and makes the fmc ride the pumpkin stem at the top of his pumpkin head. This novella represents everything I fucking hate with modern day literature, with modern day romance, dark romance, what have you, and confirmed every suspicion and assumption I had about this genre and by the end I fucking hated it. This went from a potential 4 star read to a 1.5, and I'm glad to be done with it and that my suffering AT LEAST paid off towards my reading goal. FUCK FIERO or whatever the fuck his name was, and the best character was the cat. Have a nice day everybody ✌🏼
Warning: This review is DISGUSTINGLY long
Okay so let's just start with the beginning. I went into this book relatively blind (yes I checked the tw's) and it started out as surprisingly enjoyable. I was like wow, the plot is actually really good and although the pacing and writing style is a bit jumpy, I actually really enjoyed the pacing as well! This book started out as a story about Witch trials, religious trauma, mass hysteria, misogyny, and I was like omg hell yeah this is actually really good! I was enjoying pretty much everything and I really liked the fmc and how brave and admirable she was, and with a monster romance to come?? I was excited.
But then at the halfway point, the monster did come, and this book instantly went downhill from there. What was supposed to be a romance was instead an insta lust, almost insta sex, mostly dub-con book. Because genuinely, they almost instantly have sex. There is no romance, no chemistry, just almost instant sex where the horseman sees her and and instantly wants her to ride him, which the fmc doesn't want to have said sex but again, dub-con, and the rest of the book is filled with what I think was some of the most cringeworthy and gross sex scenes and lines I've ever had the displeasure of reading, and this book became my own personal suffering. I'm going to share some quotes bellow of exactly what I mean as well as the context of some of them:
"Six chances to shed blood and flex my killing muscles." Where The Horseman has just been summoned (but of course not before fucking the fmc first) and he wants to impress her by jeff the killing 6 bad men and of course, had to flex his "killing muscles".
"Blood pounds through my body, hot and loose, settling in my fully erect cock" when one of the main antagonists of the book gets hard from killing people it's fucked up, but when the horseman does it it's hot cause it's bad guys.
"Look at you, gone soft for a golden-haired creature with a magical voice and even more magical cunt" -_-
"Revenge served with a side of clenching cunt and thrusting cock. Yes, this is what I want." At this point I was genuinely starting to hate this book.
"She owes me this and every other depraved act I ask of her" The fmc fucks up a spell to give him a body by accidentally making him a pumpkin man and he sees fit to "punish" her and force her to do any sexual act he wants her to do.
"I'm down bad for my nightingale." Yeah, this line doesn't exactly mesh with the "where hast thou gone?" type verbiage of this book that this author tries to implement and then just gives up on halfway through.
"We've not even made it to the woods when I slide the first vine inside of her." After rescuing the whole town, and finally defeating the demon who was terrorising them, the horseman immediately goes to fuck the fmc on his horse.
"completely unaware that my cock is pushing more of her ex fiancé's blood into her over stuffed cunt with every thrust" That's just fucked
"Emeline laughs, causing her stomach to contract. Seeds squirt from her sated pussy." What the fuck?
""I know you didn't just spit your cum on my dead fiancé's grave," I deadpan."" As he makes them have sex over her ex's grave the coffin breaks and he spits cum onto his corpse. But don't worry, she doesn't care and just let's him continue. Ignoring the fact.
These were just SOME of the lines that had me cringing and/or disgusted. I'm fine with smut, I've read sex scenes in books before, but if you're gonna write a so called "romance" where half the book is sex scenes, at least make them fucking good. Instead, most of the time I was just sat there, cringing and disappointed because some of them had potential, but the execution was always terrible. And before I summarise, there is something that I genuinely need to rant about with this book. This novella sets up not only a really good plot, but some really fucking good antagonists, and then gives us nothing.
No proper revenge, no satisfaction, because any scene of any of the villains actually getting killed is fucking ruined with internal dialogue from the horseman about how horny he is from killing and about how sick and twisted he is 😈. Leed, the man who in my opinion is the leading and worst antagonist, is killed while the horseman and the fmc are fucking, she doesn't know he's even just killed someone because she's so horny, and then he just drags the corpse and head away with his vines (he has vine powers after he gets turned into a pumpkin man) because 'she's expirienced enough stress, I don't want her to go through more.' So neither Emeline (the fmc), or we as the audience are satisfied with any sort of revenge, or any sort of death on the side of the antagonists. Because any form of justice is convoluted and fucking ruined with sex and dicks getting hard for murder. And it fucking pisses me off to have set up such convincing antagonists, where you think AT THE VERY LEAST the author can give us some satisfying deaths.
But no. None of the deaths are satisfying and no justice for all of the terrible shit the antagonists do feels satisfying in the slightest. I have never read a dark romance before, and I knew I didn't like the genre based off of the descriptions that everyone makes off of the books in this genre. But I wanted to give it a chance, especially with all the dark romance fans that have tried to peer pressure me to "just try it out, you might enjoy it more than you think", and I wanted some actual romance. But this book literally fucking confirms every single assumption I have ever had about dark romance.
The sex scenes were fucking terrible, the mmc is an abusive asshole, the fmc starts out strong and has actual character, then turns into this weak vessel for the mmc to use and abuse for sex whenever he wants (but not whenever she wants because she has to do whatever he says), and I fucking hated it. This book started out as an intriguing, interesting story about a woman and her battle against corrupt men, mysoginist hysteria, and corrupt magic, and then turns into garbage where some Jackolantern cums pumpkin seeds and makes the fmc ride the pumpkin stem at the top of his pumpkin head. This novella represents everything I fucking hate with modern day literature, with modern day romance, dark romance, what have you, and confirmed every suspicion and assumption I had about this genre and by the end I fucking hated it. This went from a potential 4 star read to a 1.5, and I'm glad to be done with it and that my suffering AT LEAST paid off towards my reading goal. FUCK FIERO or whatever the fuck his name was, and the best character was the cat. Have a nice day everybody ✌🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
This was surprisingly entertaining, eerie, and filled with dark themes perfect for Halloween. The author absolutely nailed the MMC. Poor Horace though, having two people getting it on right on his back 😭
October 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 5 🌶
📖Pages: 136
🗓️Release: 10.16.25
MCs: emeline ♡ fierdon (the headless horseman)
" In the shadow of Sleepy Hollow's darkest moment, I was given my brightest. I was given my nightingale "
💭 at 1st, i didnt know how to take emeline. she was a complete coward even for her closest friends. granted it was during the witch hunt era. but when things started clickin in her head & had enough of the reverend, she got brave & calls upon her own demon from "the book". in comes the headless horseman to assist her in saving sleepy hollow. i was so tickled with the amount of times she clutched her pearls when fierdon schools her that vanilla shmex got nothin on pumpkin spice 😆😈 new kink: unlocked!!
this is ur next perfect spooky szn read if u like headless horseman reimagining with a hocus pocus twist, loyal animal companions, unique "fluids" features, & aaall the pumpkin daddy spice u can ask for!!
Revenge served with a side of clenching c̶u̶n̶t̶ and thrusting c̶o̶c̶k̶. Yes, that is what I want .
dark monster romance | monster x human | touch her & ☠️ | small town | revenge | size difference | religious distortion | o/p mmc | non-vırgın but very inexperienced fmc | vine play | grave shmex | lots of ppl losing their heads🤭
✨ part of the Darkly Depraved Monsters series but can be read as a standalone
‼️ ur mental health matters. ✔️🆃🆆/🅲🆆
📖Pages: 136
🗓️Release: 10.16.25
MCs: emeline ♡ fierdon (the headless horseman)
" In the shadow of Sleepy Hollow's darkest moment, I was given my brightest. I was given my nightingale "
💭 at 1st, i didnt know how to take emeline. she was a complete coward even for her closest friends. granted it was during the witch hunt era. but when things started clickin in her head & had enough of the reverend, she got brave & calls upon her own demon from "the book". in comes the headless horseman to assist her in saving sleepy hollow. i was so tickled with the amount of times she clutched her pearls when fierdon schools her that vanilla shmex got nothin on pumpkin spice 😆😈 new kink: unlocked!!
this is ur next perfect spooky szn read if u like headless horseman reimagining with a hocus pocus twist, loyal animal companions, unique "fluids" features, & aaall the pumpkin daddy spice u can ask for!!
Revenge served with a side of clenching c̶u̶n̶t̶ and thrusting c̶o̶c̶k̶. Yes, that is what I want .
dark monster romance | monster x human | touch her & ☠️ | small town | revenge | size difference | religious distortion | o/p mmc | non-vırgın but very inexperienced fmc | vine play | grave shmex | lots of ppl losing their heads🤭
✨ part of the Darkly Depraved Monsters series but can be read as a standalone
‼️ ur mental health matters. ✔️🆃🆆/🅲🆆
October 13, 2025
This short spicy read was so much fun but full of some sinister aspects. When a town goes haywire after their faithful Reverend has a revelation and the abused and silenced start falling one by one, a brave woman takes matters into her own hands. Emeline notices differences in her friend after rumors that surround Sleepy Hollow become fact, and her fiance turns controlling. Noticing this evil, she decides to summon a Demon of her own to avenge the women of the town being hung under false accusations. The headless horseman! Summoned to make things right, he not only instantly falls for Emeline but has stipulations for his services. Things turn spicy and get interesting between the two fast after the Headless Horseman shows her a whole new way to be treated. With an unexpected twist, things dont go according to plan. However, retribution is inevitable. Throw in a spell book, violence, abuse, murder, torture, branding, pumpkins, tons of spice, and all the fall vibes, this one will have you in the mood for Halloween and planning a trip to Sleepy Hollow real quick!
October 14, 2025
You're not ready for this one. This was absolutely a delicious Halloween treat. Monster girlie's this one is for you. I have never wanted a pumpkin lover but now I'm jealous I dont have one hahaha. Fierdon was everything an MMC should be, a giver (wink wink), dominant, anything for you energy, touch her and dïe, and a little bit scary. Emeline was everything an FMC should be too, questions men and plots their dëaths, wants revenge, summons hotties and binds them to her haha shes a total babe. This was seriously such a good read! Its dark monster romance, with a little (jk its a lot) of horror added and that happened to be just what this perfect Halloween story needed so read the TWs because theres gore baby.
Thank you Violet Taylor for the ARC
Thank you Violet Taylor for the ARC
October 13, 2025
“A lone woman is the perfect late-night snack.”
When I tell you, this is the perfect Headless Horseman inspired romance - I mean it! Drawn between trusting her gut or getting wrongly accused of being a “witch” - Emeline is determined to find the truth out by any means necessary! Even if that means she has to summon someone else for help!
I can’t say too much without spoiling some stuff - but between the spice, all the pumpkin jokes & the continuous action within the story - it is by far one of my favorites by this author
When I tell you, this is the perfect Headless Horseman inspired romance - I mean it! Drawn between trusting her gut or getting wrongly accused of being a “witch” - Emeline is determined to find the truth out by any means necessary! Even if that means she has to summon someone else for help!
I can’t say too much without spoiling some stuff - but between the spice, all the pumpkin jokes & the continuous action within the story - it is by far one of my favorites by this author
October 16, 2026
Sleepy Hollow Retelling but make it monstrous and spicy?
Yepppp 😛
Also will never look at pumpkins the same way 🤣
Yepppp 😛
Also will never look at pumpkins the same way 🤣
October 17, 2025
Beneath Hoof and Hollow by Violet Taylor completely wrecked me in the best way possible. Taylor has long been one of my favorite monster romance authors, and somehow, she keeps outdoing herself. This book is dark, seductive, and beautifully written, it’s everything I love about her storytelling.
From the very first page, I was pulled into Sleepy Hollow’s eerie atmosphere. The tension, the fear, the creeping sense that something terrible is about to happen, it all felt so vivid. Watching Emeline’s world unravel under the weight of suspicion and hysteria hit hard, especially knowing she’s trying to hold onto her faith while everything around her burns. When she decides to summon a demon of her own, I actually got chills.
And then came him; The Headless Horseman. I’ve read plenty of takes on this legend, but none have ever made him feel so alive (or so devastatingly irresistible). The chemistry between him and Emeline was perfection; dangerous, emotional, and laced with that signature Violet Taylor heat and heartbreak. I felt every moment of temptation, fear, and longing right along with Emeline.
Taylor has this gift for blending horror, romance, and hope in a way that feels both darkly magical and deeply human. Beneath Hoof and Hollow isn’t just a retelling; it’s an experience. It made me think, it made me ache, and it reminded me why I fell in love with monster romance in the first place.
If you’re new to Violet Taylor, this is the perfect place to start. And if, like me, you already adore her work, prepare to be completely obsessed.
From the very first page, I was pulled into Sleepy Hollow’s eerie atmosphere. The tension, the fear, the creeping sense that something terrible is about to happen, it all felt so vivid. Watching Emeline’s world unravel under the weight of suspicion and hysteria hit hard, especially knowing she’s trying to hold onto her faith while everything around her burns. When she decides to summon a demon of her own, I actually got chills.
And then came him; The Headless Horseman. I’ve read plenty of takes on this legend, but none have ever made him feel so alive (or so devastatingly irresistible). The chemistry between him and Emeline was perfection; dangerous, emotional, and laced with that signature Violet Taylor heat and heartbreak. I felt every moment of temptation, fear, and longing right along with Emeline.
Taylor has this gift for blending horror, romance, and hope in a way that feels both darkly magical and deeply human. Beneath Hoof and Hollow isn’t just a retelling; it’s an experience. It made me think, it made me ache, and it reminded me why I fell in love with monster romance in the first place.
If you’re new to Violet Taylor, this is the perfect place to start. And if, like me, you already adore her work, prepare to be completely obsessed.
April 7, 2026
The small town of Sleepy Hollow becomes the site of accusations of witchcraft and religious upheval when the town's leader falls prey to a demon. As the body toll rises, Emeline takes a stand and summons a demon of her own. The Headless Horseman brings hope to the town while bargaining seductive arrangements with Emeline.
I enjoyed this spicy retelling of Sleepy Hollow. I liked seeing Emeline transition from a faithful follower of Reversnd Statton to a woman fighting back against the religious zealots in her small community. The merging of Sleepy Hollow with the Witch Trials was a unique approach to the story.
The spice was throughout. It is definitely a monster romance. He falls first, and hard. She is quick to follow. The FMC is inexperienced and quite innocent whereas the MMC plays a dominant role. The banter throughout between the two as they get to know each other is a nice break between spicy parts.
I enjoyed this spicy retelling of Sleepy Hollow. I liked seeing Emeline transition from a faithful follower of Reversnd Statton to a woman fighting back against the religious zealots in her small community. The merging of Sleepy Hollow with the Witch Trials was a unique approach to the story.
The spice was throughout. It is definitely a monster romance. He falls first, and hard. She is quick to follow. The FMC is inexperienced and quite innocent whereas the MMC plays a dominant role. The banter throughout between the two as they get to know each other is a nice break between spicy parts.
October 1, 2026
A dark, spicy retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow? Yes, please! This book is perfect for a cold October night or anytime you need that Halloween feeling. At under 150 pages, this book is easy to read in one sitting. I loved Violet Taylor's unique interpretation of a classic story. She added many elements that broadened the world and raised the stakes for our FMC. Monster romance readers will devour this one like Halloween candy. It's packed with spicy surprises that will have you blushing. I could see this book being a yearly re-read for me. It completely got me in the mood for October. If you enjoy monster romance and Halloween, grab this one ASAP!
Follow me @smorebooksplease on Instagram for more bookish fun!
Follow me @smorebooksplease on Instagram for more bookish fun!
October 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This story was creepy and spicy in all the best ways. Emeline has to put her fear aside to try to save her town and friends from the demon preying on them. The creepiness of changes this demon sets on this town is so vividly described I could picture it. The story is fast paced and keeps you on edge throughout it. There’s quite a bit of spice mixed in between all the chaos. This was a great read for spooky season and who doesn’t love a good retelling. I definitely recommend this one for a quick spooky read!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This story was creepy and spicy in all the best ways. Emeline has to put her fear aside to try to save her town and friends from the demon preying on them. The creepiness of changes this demon sets on this town is so vividly described I could picture it. The story is fast paced and keeps you on edge throughout it. There’s quite a bit of spice mixed in between all the chaos. This was a great read for spooky season and who doesn’t love a good retelling. I definitely recommend this one for a quick spooky read!
October 14, 2025
This book was so much fun! The perfect quick read Halloween book for those who like their scary with a LOT of spice! I'd rate the spice level 4 peppers, er...pumpkins.
Em is a heroine who discovers her true self during the course of the story. And Fierdon is the kind of monster who you find yourself hoping he wins. Their relationship is the highlight of the story.
Oh,and I'll never look at pumpkin seeds the same may again! ( iykyk)
A great spin on the Sleepy Hollow mythos
Em is a heroine who discovers her true self during the course of the story. And Fierdon is the kind of monster who you find yourself hoping he wins. Their relationship is the highlight of the story.
Oh,and I'll never look at pumpkin seeds the same may again! ( iykyk)
A great spin on the Sleepy Hollow mythos
October 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I love all of Violets books especially the fun Halloween novellas but this one might be my new favorite from her!! I didn’t know I needed a headless horseman romance until I read this one!!
Monster to a whole new level!!
I laughed so much during this book honestly it was the best time!!
Definitely recommend for a fun and quick spooky season read!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I love all of Violets books especially the fun Halloween novellas but this one might be my new favorite from her!! I didn’t know I needed a headless horseman romance until I read this one!!
Monster to a whole new level!!
I laughed so much during this book honestly it was the best time!!
Definitely recommend for a fun and quick spooky season read!
October 14, 2025
I could not put this down. It was something… like in a good way. If you like Sleepy Hollow, and you like Hocus Pocus, this is the perfect book. It catches aspect from both so well with its own little twists. You will fall in love with both the headless horseman (who is honestly just so funny) and Emeline who is a sweet and crazy as can be. Honestly just a great fun read. Perfect for the holiday.
October 14, 2025
ARC REVIEW*
What can I say Violet Taylor has done it again!!! If you’re looking for a quick dark monster romance look no further. This has a good storyline, the spice, and as always a delicious monster. You will fall for Fier just as quickly as Emeline did.
What can I say Violet Taylor has done it again!!! If you’re looking for a quick dark monster romance look no further. This has a good storyline, the spice, and as always a delicious monster. You will fall for Fier just as quickly as Emeline did.
October 28, 2025
This book is PERFECT for spooky season! Sleepy Hollow with a twist! I loved every turn of the page & definitely recommend it for a quick fun read. Violet nailed it again with her monster MMC with a heart that beats only for his nightingale 🙌🏼
October 31, 2025
I’m not going to lie to you I was a little freaked out in the beginning (I am a SCAREDY CAT) but once the headless horseman showed up 🤭 it was all good.
Quick, spooky, and spicy monster romance - a really great Halloween read!
Quick, spooky, and spicy monster romance - a really great Halloween read!
November 12, 2025
I struggled, it was rally good vibe vise, eerie, nicely dark as usual for Violet Taylor. But i didn’t feel for the characters at all and was wishing it would be over soon. Some scenes really captured my attention though 🤭 i will never look at a pumpkin plant the same again.
October 19, 2026
Its way too pumpkiny to my taste
Damn
Damn
October 19, 2025
ARC REVIEW
A deliciously dark and spicy book perfect for a quick Halloween read. Violet Taylor never disappoints. I ate this up so fast and made me want a demon pumpkin lover of my own. This book made me giggle and blush, but was also full of dark and sinister moments. A read I would absolutely recommend!
A deliciously dark and spicy book perfect for a quick Halloween read. Violet Taylor never disappoints. I ate this up so fast and made me want a demon pumpkin lover of my own. This book made me giggle and blush, but was also full of dark and sinister moments. A read I would absolutely recommend!
October 15, 2025
I think was my favourite Violet Taylor book so far. A small town where the priest is the law, becomes a greedy bastard, summons a demon and starts witch hunting all the women in town, but one girl decides to summon the headless horseman to punish all the men? Uhhhhhh sign me up PLEASE! If you love the legend of sleepy hollow and very good spicy scenes read this book right the F now! 🫡
Thank you Violet so so so much for blessing me with an ARC 🫰🏼
Thank you Violet so so so much for blessing me with an ARC 🫰🏼
April 29, 2026
Such a great twist on the headless horseman. If your wanting a smutty fall read…..this is it. But honestly this can be read anytime. I love how we got to see the MFC evolve and find her voice.
May 8, 2026
I mean, wow. I love this take on the headless horseman. If you want a beautifully smutty monster read, then this is absolutely it. New kink, pumpkin men 🎃🥲
October 13, 2026
[Book #3 for my October focus on spooky themes, monsters, etc.]
This one really let me down, sadly.
We started off GREAT, with pretty solid writing, religious hysteria and trauma, witch hunts, deep-rooted misogyny, and a tainted reverend. It was a fantastic setup for the rest of the story, and I thought we were gonna get some delicious monster romancin' after that lead-in.
Unfortunately, the Horseman (who does have a name, which I won't spoil) is just immediately in lust with Emeline, and they have sex pretty much on the spot. I do realize that the book overview indicates some kind of "seductive arrangement," but that is not this. The book just completely nosedives into him killing dudes, getting turned on thinking about Emeline while doing so, and not giving us or Emeline satisfying revenge by way of her fiance's death. Most of it reads pretty dub-con, too, which is not for me. I get that a "monster" romance can include some "monstrous" behavior, but considering the fact that the whole setup was for Emeline to escape shitty men who just take advantage and do whatever they want to women, welp...
I will note that the pumpkin/monster-y aspects of the sex scenes wasn't what bothered me; I like that weird shit. It's the fact that everything just becomes the Horseman lusting and killing, Emeline losing what little personality and agency she had, and a tidy bow tied to my dashed hopes and dreams.
Also, we get both "thou hasts" in dialogue and the Horseman thinking to himself that he was "down bad for his nightingale." Ugh.
This one really let me down, sadly.
We started off GREAT, with pretty solid writing, religious hysteria and trauma, witch hunts, deep-rooted misogyny, and a tainted reverend. It was a fantastic setup for the rest of the story, and I thought we were gonna get some delicious monster romancin' after that lead-in.
Unfortunately, the Horseman (who does have a name, which I won't spoil) is just immediately in lust with Emeline, and they have sex pretty much on the spot. I do realize that the book overview indicates some kind of "seductive arrangement," but that is not this. The book just completely nosedives into him killing dudes, getting turned on thinking about Emeline while doing so, and not giving us or Emeline satisfying revenge by way of her fiance's death. Most of it reads pretty dub-con, too, which is not for me. I get that a "monster" romance can include some "monstrous" behavior, but considering the fact that the whole setup was for Emeline to escape shitty men who just take advantage and do whatever they want to women, welp...
I will note that the pumpkin/monster-y aspects of the sex scenes wasn't what bothered me; I like that weird shit. It's the fact that everything just becomes the Horseman lusting and killing, Emeline losing what little personality and agency she had, and a tidy bow tied to my dashed hopes and dreams.
Also, we get both "thou hasts" in dialogue and the Horseman thinking to himself that he was "down bad for his nightingale." Ugh.
October 14, 2025
Beneath Hoof and Hollow by Violet Taylor is a fast-paced novella that blends the eerie folklore vibes of Sleepy Hollow with the chaotic fun of Hocus Pocus— and spices it all up with a hearty dose of monster smut. If you're into dark fantasy with a revenge arc, forbidden magic, and a brooding demon horseman?
This one's for you.
We follow Emeline, a sheltered but determined heroine, who starts to question the world around her after witnessing her friend be punished for witchcraft by the town's controlling Reverend Satton (who is far more than he seems). Satton is an arrogant and pompous character which really makes me want to hate him so bravo!!
As fear grips the town and women begin to fall victim to a twisted purge, Emeline's own life spirals— especially when her once-loving fiancé turns cruel.
Desperate and furious, she turns to a forbidden spellbook and summons Fierdon, a Horseman with his own hidden agenda. But sparks fly-both magical and otherwise-and what begins as a pact for vengeance soon simmers with tension, banter, and heat.
There's betrayal, vengeance, magic, and lots of spicy moments to keep things interesting. It doesn't take itself too seriously in some parts, which makes it all the more fun. It's definitely a quick read, and while I always crave more depth in novellas like this, it hit the spooky-season spot.
If you like your Halloween reads a little wicked and a lot steamy-this one's a treat.
This one's for you.
We follow Emeline, a sheltered but determined heroine, who starts to question the world around her after witnessing her friend be punished for witchcraft by the town's controlling Reverend Satton (who is far more than he seems). Satton is an arrogant and pompous character which really makes me want to hate him so bravo!!
As fear grips the town and women begin to fall victim to a twisted purge, Emeline's own life spirals— especially when her once-loving fiancé turns cruel.
Desperate and furious, she turns to a forbidden spellbook and summons Fierdon, a Horseman with his own hidden agenda. But sparks fly-both magical and otherwise-and what begins as a pact for vengeance soon simmers with tension, banter, and heat.
There's betrayal, vengeance, magic, and lots of spicy moments to keep things interesting. It doesn't take itself too seriously in some parts, which makes it all the more fun. It's definitely a quick read, and while I always crave more depth in novellas like this, it hit the spooky-season spot.
If you like your Halloween reads a little wicked and a lot steamy-this one's a treat.
October 19, 2025
Beneath Hoof and Hollow is a dark, seductive, monster retelling of Sleepy Hollow, steeped in moral reckoning, and the kind of magic where spells bleed into desire. Violet Taylor doesn't flinch from the brutal or the beautiful. This novella contains graphic violence, sexually explicit content, and a heroine who learns that sometimes, to fight evil, you must summon it.
Emeline begins as a naive storyteller, spinning tales of monsters without believing they're real. But when the good Reverend Statton uses a grimoire to summon the demon Itrimort, offering blood as sacrifice and allowing the demon to inhabit him in the guise of an angel sent to purge Sleepy Hollow of its "wicked" women, Emeline is forced to confront horror head-on. Her voice, literally magical like a siren's call, becomes her weapon. Not just to summon, but to lure.
Watching her call forth the Horseman, a headless demon who demands three things in exchange for vengeance, was a moment of raw courage. She defies everything she's ever been taught, trading morality for survival, faith for fury. And when the Horseman tells her he wants to taste her? That moment was intimate and electrifying.
This is a story for readers who carve monster romance that's spooky, sharp with humor, and soaked in justice that doesn't come clean.
I received Beneath Hoof and Hollow as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I write this review freely.
Emeline begins as a naive storyteller, spinning tales of monsters without believing they're real. But when the good Reverend Statton uses a grimoire to summon the demon Itrimort, offering blood as sacrifice and allowing the demon to inhabit him in the guise of an angel sent to purge Sleepy Hollow of its "wicked" women, Emeline is forced to confront horror head-on. Her voice, literally magical like a siren's call, becomes her weapon. Not just to summon, but to lure.
Watching her call forth the Horseman, a headless demon who demands three things in exchange for vengeance, was a moment of raw courage. She defies everything she's ever been taught, trading morality for survival, faith for fury. And when the Horseman tells her he wants to taste her? That moment was intimate and electrifying.
This is a story for readers who carve monster romance that's spooky, sharp with humor, and soaked in justice that doesn't come clean.
I received Beneath Hoof and Hollow as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I write this review freely.
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