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In The Dark
Maxine Walters hates being scared.
When she visits Fright Nights, the premiere Halloween event in town, she doesn’t expect to get lost in a haunted house. But after getting turned around, she meets Hunter, a scare actor she can’t stop thinking about.
Hunter Wilder has worked at Fright Nights for years, but he’s never run into a guest backstage before. Much less one who haunts his daily thoughts.
Until her.
His chance encounter with Max turns their one conversation into his obsession.
Between hookups out of her wildest fantasies and their playful banter, Max thinks she’s getting to know the man behind the mask, but he has secrets. He’s keeping tabs on her. He’s watching her from the shadows, and she has no idea he’s a serial killer.
At least he’s a good serial killer.
When Max’s safety is jeopardized, Hunter’s obsession becomes a blessing. They might’ve only known each other for a month, but in the dark, all bets are off.
When she visits Fright Nights, the premiere Halloween event in town, she doesn’t expect to get lost in a haunted house. But after getting turned around, she meets Hunter, a scare actor she can’t stop thinking about.
Hunter Wilder has worked at Fright Nights for years, but he’s never run into a guest backstage before. Much less one who haunts his daily thoughts.
Until her.
His chance encounter with Max turns their one conversation into his obsession.
Between hookups out of her wildest fantasies and their playful banter, Max thinks she’s getting to know the man behind the mask, but he has secrets. He’s keeping tabs on her. He’s watching her from the shadows, and she has no idea he’s a serial killer.
At least he’s a good serial killer.
When Max’s safety is jeopardized, Hunter’s obsession becomes a blessing. They might’ve only known each other for a month, but in the dark, all bets are off.
330 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2025
1326 people are currently reading
6855 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Curto
23 books6,302 followersChelsea is a flight attendant and romance author who writes fun, fresh and flirty love stories with plenty of spice. When she's not making fictional characters banter for twenty chapters before they finally kiss or serving chicken or pasta on an airplane, you can find her trying to pet as many dogs as she can.
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November 20, 2025
⤿ rating: 1 star
⤿ age: 18+
⤿ spice: 4/5
Trigger Warnings are mentioned at the beginning of the book. However, I would like to add two more that were not mentioned. More Trigger Warnings: Mention of an abusive father, a mother who died because of said father.
I have seen reviews saying that they are not a fan of the FMC being shared. If you want to read this book, but hate this trope—it happens in Chapters 29 and 30. They can be skipped if you'd like.
══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══╡ Overview: ╞══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══
Alright, folks, I think this review will be contradictory, because I have mixed feelings about this book.
First off, Chelsea is one of my favourite authors that I have been introduced to this year. When I first saw that she was going to write a dark romance book, I kept wondering how she'd pull it off, considering all her MMCs are green flags. I can’t believe I’m rating this book 1-star.
I know I said I hate the stalking trope, but I didn't actually hate it here. The tropes in here aren't my favourite, but they didn't bother me as much as I worried they would. The book also doesn’t read like a dark romance. So you'd think it would be up my alley, right? It sadly didn't work for me. I can't pinpoint what exactly, but the book was very bland. I couldn't get into it. It was almost like there was no plot.
Also, the part where the FMC is being shared by two men. I agree with the reviews saying that how can he be possessive/obsessive and still willing to share her? That did not make sense.
══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══╡ Characters: ╞══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══
જ⁀➴ Hunter: He was, surprisingly, a green flag—excluding the stalking and murdering. I loved him, actually. However, I didn't like how he gaslit Max into thinking it was someone else who was stalking her, and not him. Believe it or not, that part pissed me off the most.
જ⁀➴ Max: She was okay, I suppose. Not my favourite FMC written by Chelsea. I loved how her friend, Skyler, kept giving her reality checks.
જ⁀➴ Leo: Hunter's friend. I loved him, too. When I first started this book, I actually wanted his own book. However, now I think it would be weird, since he was with the FMC for one scene. Plus, I'm not even sure I'll read because this book didn't work for me.
── .✦ 𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: Overall, I was disappointed by this book. I think Chelsea missed the mark on that one. I never thought I'd ever rate a book by her one-star.
୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧
⋆｡˚୨ Pre-read:୧˚｡⋆
Not gonna lie, I'm not a fan of the stalking trope (iykyk). However, if Chelsea writes it, I'm gonna read it. Let's hope I don't regret this, and that it delivers!
⤿ age: 18+
⤿ spice: 4/5
Trigger Warnings are mentioned at the beginning of the book. However, I would like to add two more that were not mentioned. More Trigger Warnings: Mention of an abusive father, a mother who died because of said father.
I have seen reviews saying that they are not a fan of the FMC being shared. If you want to read this book, but hate this trope—it happens in Chapters 29 and 30. They can be skipped if you'd like.
══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══╡ Overview: ╞══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══
Alright, folks, I think this review will be contradictory, because I have mixed feelings about this book.
First off, Chelsea is one of my favourite authors that I have been introduced to this year. When I first saw that she was going to write a dark romance book, I kept wondering how she'd pull it off, considering all her MMCs are green flags. I can’t believe I’m rating this book 1-star.
I know I said I hate the stalking trope, but I didn't actually hate it here. The tropes in here aren't my favourite, but they didn't bother me as much as I worried they would. The book also doesn’t read like a dark romance. So you'd think it would be up my alley, right? It sadly didn't work for me. I can't pinpoint what exactly, but the book was very bland. I couldn't get into it. It was almost like there was no plot.
Also, the part where the FMC is being shared by two men. I agree with the reviews saying that how can he be possessive/obsessive and still willing to share her? That did not make sense.
══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══╡ Characters: ╞══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══
જ⁀➴ Hunter: He was, surprisingly, a green flag—excluding the stalking and murdering. I loved him, actually. However, I didn't like how he gaslit Max into thinking it was someone else who was stalking her, and not him. Believe it or not, that part pissed me off the most.
જ⁀➴ Max: She was okay, I suppose. Not my favourite FMC written by Chelsea. I loved how her friend, Skyler, kept giving her reality checks.
જ⁀➴ Leo: Hunter's friend. I loved him, too. When I first started this book, I actually wanted his own book. However, now I think it would be weird, since he was with the FMC for one scene. Plus, I'm not even sure I'll read because this book didn't work for me.
── .✦ 𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: Overall, I was disappointed by this book. I think Chelsea missed the mark on that one. I never thought I'd ever rate a book by her one-star.
୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧
⋆｡˚୨ Pre-read:୧˚｡⋆
Not gonna lie, I'm not a fan of the stalking trope (iykyk). However, if Chelsea writes it, I'm gonna read it. Let's hope I don't regret this, and that it delivers!
October 15, 2025
chelsea girl i love you but please never write anything outside of hockey again 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
not-for-me-do-not-read
October 16, 2025one of the micro tropes is “sharing is caring” and I can’t stand sharing unless it’s a poly relationship, so that’s a big huge no
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
(yeah and it’s about 75-83% into the book, so no thanks)
and there’s also a man obsessed trope? I’m sorry but an obsessed man wouldn’t share his woman
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
(yeah and it’s about 75-83% into the book, so no thanks)
and there’s also a man obsessed trope? I’m sorry but an obsessed man wouldn’t share his woman
November 28, 2025
“Kidnapping my books is a heinous crime, Hunter.” She appears in the doorway, smiling at me in the mirror. “How are you going to pay for your sins?”
“By building you a shelf in my room and filling it with all the same books you have at your place. You’ll have multiple copies of your favorite stories, so technically it’s not kidnapping anymore.”
In The Dark was fine, I don't regret reading it, but I don't have any strong feelings about it.
There were several scenes where the book was trying to be funny, but the jokes didn't quite land. It's a very unserious book in general, with barely any plot.
It also doesn't feel like a dark romance book, it's kinda...fluffy? Which makes sense considering the author doesn't normally write this kind of thing. She made even the stalking seem silly, and cutesy, which feels so wrong to say, but it's true.
Like, sure he installed cameras to watch her every move (and because her creepy ex was skulking around), but he also stocked up her fridge so she and her roommate wouldn't go hungry, neatly folded her laundry, replaced her terrible old mattress with a comfortable new one, fixed things around the house the girls never got around to...if it wasn't for the stalking and murder, he'd be a golden retriever puppy.
Oh, speaking of his extracurricular activities, the girls take it in stride when they learn about what he does, THAT was kinda funny. Yeah, he's a serial killer, but he's sweet so it's okay!!
The romance wasn't my fav, because throughout the whole book, their relationship was based on their physical attraction to one another, and there was a lot of smut in lieu of plot.
They barely got to know each other outside of the bedroom (or the haunted house), those random tidbits about their favourite foods don't count.
But at least Max got to live out her fantasies with someone who understood them, and made her feel safe, love that for her. I just wish there was more depth to it all.
There's a scene that's kinda sharing, it didn't bug me, even if it would be out of character for someone like Hunter to share his woman. But I see a lot of reviewers had an issue with it, so keep that in mind before picking this up.
“By building you a shelf in my room and filling it with all the same books you have at your place. You’ll have multiple copies of your favorite stories, so technically it’s not kidnapping anymore.”
In The Dark was fine, I don't regret reading it, but I don't have any strong feelings about it.
There were several scenes where the book was trying to be funny, but the jokes didn't quite land. It's a very unserious book in general, with barely any plot.
It also doesn't feel like a dark romance book, it's kinda...fluffy? Which makes sense considering the author doesn't normally write this kind of thing. She made even the stalking seem silly, and cutesy, which feels so wrong to say, but it's true.
Like, sure he installed cameras to watch her every move (and because her creepy ex was skulking around), but he also stocked up her fridge so she and her roommate wouldn't go hungry, neatly folded her laundry, replaced her terrible old mattress with a comfortable new one, fixed things around the house the girls never got around to...if it wasn't for the stalking and murder, he'd be a golden retriever puppy.
Oh, speaking of his extracurricular activities, the girls take it in stride when they learn about what he does, THAT was kinda funny. Yeah, he's a serial killer, but he's sweet so it's okay!!
The romance wasn't my fav, because throughout the whole book, their relationship was based on their physical attraction to one another, and there was a lot of smut in lieu of plot.
They barely got to know each other outside of the bedroom (or the haunted house), those random tidbits about their favourite foods don't count.
But at least Max got to live out her fantasies with someone who understood them, and made her feel safe, love that for her. I just wish there was more depth to it all.
There's a scene that's kinda sharing, it didn't bug me, even if it would be out of character for someone like Hunter to share his woman. But I see a lot of reviewers had an issue with it, so keep that in mind before picking this up.
October 22, 2025
good old fashioned slutty fun
October 26, 2025
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── 3.5 stars
okay this was geniuely fun and the perfect palette cleanser. i can't wait to read the d.c. stars series asap!!! if you like dark romance/romcom defo check this out!! like the vibes were so silly and it was at all too gory or gruesome <3
hunter is such a green flag LOL like he was a sweet stalker?! would buy her groceries, fix her umbrella, clean her house.
does have a sharing scenes... didnt enjoy so if u dont like that skip ch 29/30
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
needed a palette cleanser after unbound & also my first chelsea book (which is interesting) hoping for something similar to lights out just vibes and silliness
okay this was geniuely fun and the perfect palette cleanser. i can't wait to read the d.c. stars series asap!!! if you like dark romance/romcom defo check this out!! like the vibes were so silly and it was at all too gory or gruesome <3
hunter is such a green flag LOL like he was a sweet stalker?! would buy her groceries, fix her umbrella, clean her house.
does have a sharing scenes... didnt enjoy so if u dont like that skip ch 29/30
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
needed a palette cleanser after unbound & also my first chelsea book (which is interesting) hoping for something similar to lights out just vibes and silliness
October 17, 2025
This book was getting a 5 star then it has something I dont enjoy unless its a established why choose. Sharing his girl. For a guy whos "mine" i dont share shares his girl with his best friend. Yes all parties consent to it. But nope. Its not my kink. I wish I read that in the trigger I skipped it for this book so that was my fault. If you don't wanna read it skip 78-81% of the book.
Beside that this book was good Hunter was everything he stalked his girl, did her laundry and made sure her fridge was stocked! Such a good boyfriend/stalker. They met when she got turned around in a maze and sparks flew between them she even went back to face her fears of being scared. (She was still scared).
They had good chemistry and Hunter did help Max with her new list of fantasy. Beside that they had a good group of side charas and a bad guy. Which got his at the end.
No ow/tiny om, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slow insta
Small age gap
34H/28h
explicit sexual content (including a scene when the FMC is consensually shared by two men fingering and Oral nothing else)
mention of murder
On page murder
on page torture (not to either of the MCs, but performed by the MMC)
Stalking
tiny degradation
praise kink
voyeurism
Exhibitionism
on page roofie scene
on page attempted sexual assault (not done by the MMC)
Mention of a parent’s death
mention of rape (not detailed, no descriptions)
CNC
blood
Knife play
obsession by the MMC
tiny primal play
mask kink
no condom
hea
Epilogue
Beside that this book was good Hunter was everything he stalked his girl, did her laundry and made sure her fridge was stocked! Such a good boyfriend/stalker. They met when she got turned around in a maze and sparks flew between them she even went back to face her fears of being scared. (She was still scared).
They had good chemistry and Hunter did help Max with her new list of fantasy. Beside that they had a good group of side charas and a bad guy. Which got his at the end.
No ow/tiny om, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶🌶
Slow insta
Small age gap
34H/28h
explicit sexual content (including a scene when the FMC is consensually shared by two men fingering and Oral nothing else)
mention of murder
On page murder
on page torture (not to either of the MCs, but performed by the MMC)
Stalking
tiny degradation
praise kink
voyeurism
Exhibitionism
on page roofie scene
on page attempted sexual assault (not done by the MMC)
Mention of a parent’s death
mention of rape (not detailed, no descriptions)
CNC
blood
Knife play
obsession by the MMC
tiny primal play
mask kink
no condom
hea
Epilogue
October 24, 2025
This is the most absolutely unhinged romance book I’ve ever read. I would say that for the most part, it’s exactly what I would want out of a darker rom-com that is Carolina reaper level spicy. & trust me when I say I had a damn good time. The stalker, chasing her in the woods, watching her on cameras he hid in her house element… was fun.
I’m a firm believer you shouldn’t rate books based on things that were clearly stated in the TWs that you ignored but it’s not just that there was “sharing is caring”… it just doesn’t make any sense for him to be this overly protective mmc who is supposed to be ferally obsessed… but okay with his roommate watching and then joining? Idk that just REALLY rubbed me the wrong way. If that hadn’t happened it would have easily been a 5 star read but right now it is a 3.5 rounded up. I would still recommend this to anyone who wants to have a spicy good time.
I’m a firm believer you shouldn’t rate books based on things that were clearly stated in the TWs that you ignored but it’s not just that there was “sharing is caring”… it just doesn’t make any sense for him to be this overly protective mmc who is supposed to be ferally obsessed… but okay with his roommate watching and then joining? Idk that just REALLY rubbed me the wrong way. If that hadn’t happened it would have easily been a 5 star read but right now it is a 3.5 rounded up. I would still recommend this to anyone who wants to have a spicy good time.
October 16, 2025
Not good
This is basically a low effort (at best) Lights Out fanfic. Just not good 🤷🏼♀️ so much cringe 😬 very wooden and two dimensional storytelling and flimsy plot.
Yes let's have the MMC who has apparently killed 87 people and all the other characters are like, "yeah no big deal" 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
This is basically a low effort (at best) Lights Out fanfic. Just not good 🤷🏼♀️ so much cringe 😬 very wooden and two dimensional storytelling and flimsy plot.
Yes let's have the MMC who has apparently killed 87 people and all the other characters are like, "yeah no big deal" 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
dnr
October 25, 2025Dnf at 15%
The difference between their experiences is gross. He’s a manwhore who tried every kink possible including threesomes with his best friend (they share girls) and she’s the type that gets cheated on in every relationship until the mmc comes along and constantly fakes her orgasms 🙄.
The difference between their experiences is gross. He’s a manwhore who tried every kink possible including threesomes with his best friend (they share girls) and she’s the type that gets cheated on in every relationship until the mmc comes along and constantly fakes her orgasms 🙄.
October 20, 2025
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️
Read
October 15, 2025Hard dnf at 16% this is genuinely… awful
October 21, 2025
😬 It’s fun to try new things but please go back to sports.
🔪
OMFG?!?!
A dark romcom by my queen of sports romance? I’m fully sat for this!
🔪
OMFG?!?!
A dark romcom by my queen of sports romance? I’m fully sat for this!
October 23, 2025
DNF @75% - I think this one’s on me? I read Chelsea’s blurb about this not being like her other books, but I didn’t take that all that seriously - I should’ve. This was insta love, mostly spice with no character development or plot. I’m all for a dark spicy fun time but I need at least a LITTLE substance. 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️
October 17, 2025
yall already know I love these crazies
October 19, 2025
chefs kiss. so spicy. so yummy. chelsea continues to write books i’ll forever recommend and read.
the spice in this one?!? 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
hunter, max, and even leo 😍😍😍
the spice in this one?!? 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
hunter, max, and even leo 😍😍😍
November 3, 2025
1.5⭐️
the next time dark romance comes calling chelsea, you better reject the call
the next time dark romance comes calling chelsea, you better reject the call
November 1, 2025
this was really fun, i liked the concept sm, especially the fact that Hunter was a good stalker. i loved the characters and their relationship. i would have probably loved it more if i wasnt in a slump
October 19, 2025
REVIEW
Rating: 5/5
POV: 1st; dual
Tropes: Stalker MMC; Overly Obsessed MMC; Golden Retriever MMC; Dark Romance; Serial Killer MMC;
Heat Level: 5+/5
Kinks: Knife Play; Chase Play; Voyeurism
Likes:
* lets be real the smut 🫣🥵😂
* the MMC, being a stalker serial killer golden retriever was fun
Dislikes:
Conclusion:
This rating and review is all based on vibes
This was 98% smut and 2% plot. It’s been a long time since I picked up a book like this and it was due haha. It’s pretty well written for that type of story and if you’re looking for something to read for the Halloween season.
I’ve never read anything else by this author but this is completely out of her comfort zone so good for her. It does seem maybe others who have read her usual books didn’t love this but I feel like she makes it very clear what to expect if you pick up this book haha.
5/5
Rating: 5/5
POV: 1st; dual
Tropes: Stalker MMC; Overly Obsessed MMC; Golden Retriever MMC; Dark Romance; Serial Killer MMC;
Heat Level: 5+/5
Kinks: Knife Play; Chase Play; Voyeurism
Likes:
* lets be real the smut 🫣🥵😂
* the MMC, being a stalker serial killer golden retriever was fun
Dislikes:
Conclusion:
This rating and review is all based on vibes
This was 98% smut and 2% plot. It’s been a long time since I picked up a book like this and it was due haha. It’s pretty well written for that type of story and if you’re looking for something to read for the Halloween season.
I’ve never read anything else by this author but this is completely out of her comfort zone so good for her. It does seem maybe others who have read her usual books didn’t love this but I feel like she makes it very clear what to expect if you pick up this book haha.
5/5
October 15, 2025
👻🔪🎃🥵
In The Dark
By Chelsea Curto
I’m not Max Walters, first grade teacher who drinks a cup of tea before bed. No. Tonight, I’m Max Walters, the bad b!tch who’s going to have a long overdue orgasm.
I’ve always liked being on my knees, but I just found my favorite alter.
“Might need to get some pearls or a diamond on the back of the other hand so I can dress you up when I’m gripping your throat. A pretty necklace for my needy sl*t.”
You guys!!! This book is so good! And dare I say Chelsea’s sexiest book yet! It’s definitely different from what Chelsea normal gives us, but in a good way! We have voyeurism, sharing, knife play, suspense and so much more! It’s a dark romcom, still giving found family and strong female characters with men wanting to worship the ground they walk on, just add spooky vibes.
If you take Maverick Miller and turn him to the dark side, you get Hunter. Our MMC golden retriever with sexy kinks, who doesn’t know the meaning of the word boundaries. He falls hard and fast for innocent Max. And happy to volunteer as tribute to help her live out her sexual fantasies.
Tropes:
Instalust
Strangers to Lovers
Haunted House Meet Cute
Man Obsessed
Dark Romcom
Spice Starts at: 15%🔥
Spice: 4/4🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited
In The Dark
By Chelsea Curto
I’m not Max Walters, first grade teacher who drinks a cup of tea before bed. No. Tonight, I’m Max Walters, the bad b!tch who’s going to have a long overdue orgasm.
I’ve always liked being on my knees, but I just found my favorite alter.
“Might need to get some pearls or a diamond on the back of the other hand so I can dress you up when I’m gripping your throat. A pretty necklace for my needy sl*t.”
You guys!!! This book is so good! And dare I say Chelsea’s sexiest book yet! It’s definitely different from what Chelsea normal gives us, but in a good way! We have voyeurism, sharing, knife play, suspense and so much more! It’s a dark romcom, still giving found family and strong female characters with men wanting to worship the ground they walk on, just add spooky vibes.
If you take Maverick Miller and turn him to the dark side, you get Hunter. Our MMC golden retriever with sexy kinks, who doesn’t know the meaning of the word boundaries. He falls hard and fast for innocent Max. And happy to volunteer as tribute to help her live out her sexual fantasies.
Tropes:
Instalust
Strangers to Lovers
Haunted House Meet Cute
Man Obsessed
Dark Romcom
Spice Starts at: 15%🔥
Spice: 4/4🌶️
Stars: 5/5⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited
October 15, 2025
This book is painful to read. The entire first chapter is faceless, motionless dialogue between two friends getting ready to go to a haunted house. Like….literally they are just talking for page after page with no scene description, no dialogue tags, no transitional paragraphs. It’s bizarre that this has so many great reviews what is wrong with people?
And THEN the FMC starts spouting off about masked men and her wanting to explore the idea of them but she is going on about it in the most clinical, cringy way. The things she was saying read like a pamphlet you’d find in a sex therapist’s office.
“I’m exploring things I might like in the bedroom so I can share those desires with the next guy that comes along, and I’m learning a lot about myself. Like, there’s something so sexy about surrendering your power to a partner you trust.”
She goes on to talk drily about rough play and after care and then it jumps right to dialogue from her friend. Nothing in between. And then they starts referencing TikTok thirst traps and “finance bros” and GOD it’s so cringe.
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
And THEN the FMC starts spouting off about masked men and her wanting to explore the idea of them but she is going on about it in the most clinical, cringy way. The things she was saying read like a pamphlet you’d find in a sex therapist’s office.
“I’m exploring things I might like in the bedroom so I can share those desires with the next guy that comes along, and I’m learning a lot about myself. Like, there’s something so sexy about surrendering your power to a partner you trust.”
She goes on to talk drily about rough play and after care and then it jumps right to dialogue from her friend. Nothing in between. And then they starts referencing TikTok thirst traps and “finance bros” and GOD it’s so cringe.
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
October 17, 2025
Let me preface this by saying that I LOVE Chelsea and I LOVE dark romance…but I did not even like this.
The story felt soooo rushed, the connection felt very surface level, and the fact that neither max or Skylar seemed to bat an eye at the fact that hunter is a contract killer was wild. Like, I don’t know, if my best friend told me she was dating a serial killer I personally wouldn’t just decide I want to meet him and brush it off after all of 2 sentences.
Maybe it’s because I read a lot of dark romance? I don’t know but I think this would only appeal to people who have never read dark romance and want to try, because while yes it’s messed up at times, it’s also very tame compared to a lot of other books.
The plot was all over the place, the dialogue and text exchanges had me cringing like no other, and the fmc wasn’t super likable…at all. She keeps saying how she has zero free time and then meets hunter and it’s like all of her previous responsibilities just disappeared into thin air.
The best part of this whole book was when the stars were mentioned 🤷♀️🤷♀️I’m excited for the next book in that series, but this was not to the same caliber as those books IMO
The story felt soooo rushed, the connection felt very surface level, and the fact that neither max or Skylar seemed to bat an eye at the fact that hunter is a contract killer was wild. Like, I don’t know, if my best friend told me she was dating a serial killer I personally wouldn’t just decide I want to meet him and brush it off after all of 2 sentences.
Maybe it’s because I read a lot of dark romance? I don’t know but I think this would only appeal to people who have never read dark romance and want to try, because while yes it’s messed up at times, it’s also very tame compared to a lot of other books.
The plot was all over the place, the dialogue and text exchanges had me cringing like no other, and the fmc wasn’t super likable…at all. She keeps saying how she has zero free time and then meets hunter and it’s like all of her previous responsibilities just disappeared into thin air.
The best part of this whole book was when the stars were mentioned 🤷♀️🤷♀️I’m excited for the next book in that series, but this was not to the same caliber as those books IMO
November 9, 2025
Based on this one, now we all know who was on my FYP all October...
I, in fact, did a double take seeing Chelsea Curto’s name on this one—“wait a minute, I know this author.” Turns out, earlier this year I read and loved her D.C. Stars hockey romance series.
All I can say—I had fun. It wasn’t anything crazy, especially since I dabbled into quite a lot of dark romance this past year. There’s a pretty extensive trigger warning list at the beginning, so you’re all set.
Also, the FMC-sharing part wasn’t even… you know, whatever.
⊹ ria’s dark romance rating scale ⊹
• plot 67/100
• writing 65/100
• characters 66/100
• darkness quality 70/100
• general enjoyment 70/100
4/5 🌶️
2/5 🌑
total: 338
*500-451 - 6 stars
450-401 - 5 stars
400-341 - 4 stars
340-201 - 3 stars
200-101 - 2 stars
100-0 - 1 star
I, in fact, did a double take seeing Chelsea Curto’s name on this one—“wait a minute, I know this author.” Turns out, earlier this year I read and loved her D.C. Stars hockey romance series.
All I can say—I had fun. It wasn’t anything crazy, especially since I dabbled into quite a lot of dark romance this past year. There’s a pretty extensive trigger warning list at the beginning, so you’re all set.
Also, the FMC-sharing part wasn’t even… you know, whatever.
⊹ ria’s dark romance rating scale ⊹
• plot 67/100
• writing 65/100
• characters 66/100
• darkness quality 70/100
• general enjoyment 70/100
4/5 🌶️
2/5 🌑
total: 338
*500-451 - 6 stars
450-401 - 5 stars
400-341 - 4 stars
340-201 - 3 stars
200-101 - 2 stars
100-0 - 1 star
October 21, 2025
Ms Chelsea Curto, writer of golden retriever hockey boys… who hurt you?!
This book is DARK. It made me laugh, cringe, literally 🤢 (twice). But was also sweet and heartfelt? Yeah I don’t understand my messed up mind either.
This book is DARK. It made me laugh, cringe, literally 🤢 (twice). But was also sweet and heartfelt? Yeah I don’t understand my messed up mind either.
November 7, 2025
fast paced, smutty, fun time
felt like a btec version of lights out but i fear this was exactly what i needed to read
felt like a btec version of lights out but i fear this was exactly what i needed to read
October 17, 2025
Elsie Silver wrote “I broke every speed limit to get to you” (Wild Love)
And Chelsea wrote “I broke every speed limit to get to her”
🫠🫠🫠
And Chelsea wrote “I broke every speed limit to get to her”
🫠🫠🫠
October 26, 2025
3.5⭐️
Oh my god I friggin love this ridiculous book. Going into this, I knew exactly what I was going to get. This was FUN. This is not meant to be taken seriously at all. This book was cringe as fuck and I ate it up!
The dialogue and the storyline were absolutely ridiculous. But I had such a great time reading this. I smiled the whole way though, laughed a couple of times at the absurdity and nature of the MMC Hunter. Who doesn’t love an obsessive stalker MMC who is a golden retriever? He did all the fun unhinged things like broke in, did her laundry, bought groceries, installed cameras you know all the normal things. 😂😂😂
There was basically no storyline it was just them meeting and playing out their fantasies together. Especially hers as she has never had a partner who wanted to experiment with her. The one thing I really loved about Hunter was how much he took care of her and her consent. Chelsea did a great job with the spice and all the consensual aspects of what they explored. The spice was 🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🥵🥵. Like damn was a good read.
I’ve see a lot of people complain and write negative comments about the fact there is a scene where he shares her with his friend. I’m confused though as to what people were expecting it was literally in the trigger warnings? And it was something she consensually wanted to experience and he wanted her to. Yes he’s a possessive MMC but he wants to do whatever she wants and she wanted to try that once. Also there were strict rules with what the friend could and couldn’t do. I thought it was handled well. 🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️
I had a great time. This was not a masterpiece. It was a wild ride and I could totally reread it. Or I hope she puts it on audiobook because it would be a fun listen. The one complaint I had is maybe give a bit more descriptions for your characters. It was very very basic. Even the two main side character friends all we knew was their hair colour. So a little extra attention to details would’ve been appreciated.
Oh my god I friggin love this ridiculous book. Going into this, I knew exactly what I was going to get. This was FUN. This is not meant to be taken seriously at all. This book was cringe as fuck and I ate it up!
The dialogue and the storyline were absolutely ridiculous. But I had such a great time reading this. I smiled the whole way though, laughed a couple of times at the absurdity and nature of the MMC Hunter. Who doesn’t love an obsessive stalker MMC who is a golden retriever? He did all the fun unhinged things like broke in, did her laundry, bought groceries, installed cameras you know all the normal things. 😂😂😂
There was basically no storyline it was just them meeting and playing out their fantasies together. Especially hers as she has never had a partner who wanted to experiment with her. The one thing I really loved about Hunter was how much he took care of her and her consent. Chelsea did a great job with the spice and all the consensual aspects of what they explored. The spice was 🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🥵🥵. Like damn was a good read.
I’ve see a lot of people complain and write negative comments about the fact there is a scene where he shares her with his friend. I’m confused though as to what people were expecting it was literally in the trigger warnings? And it was something she consensually wanted to experience and he wanted her to. Yes he’s a possessive MMC but he wants to do whatever she wants and she wanted to try that once. Also there were strict rules with what the friend could and couldn’t do. I thought it was handled well. 🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️
I had a great time. This was not a masterpiece. It was a wild ride and I could totally reread it. Or I hope she puts it on audiobook because it would be a fun listen. The one complaint I had is maybe give a bit more descriptions for your characters. It was very very basic. Even the two main side character friends all we knew was their hair colour. So a little extra attention to details would’ve been appreciated.
November 1, 2025
3 ⭐️ 4.25 🌶️
Was this my favourite Chelsea Curto book? No. But was it a fun read? Yes. Chelsea herself said that this story is a low-plot, fun time, and I definitely agree. It is very unrealistic and very unserious, so I recommend this if you want a vibey read for Halloween that is spicy and low-stakes. This is a dark romance but in a way where the FMC is always respected and in control, which I appreciated. I think if you’re a seasoned dark romance reader, this probably won’t do it for you.
Hunter and Max were great main characters. I truly think it’s impossible for Chelsea to write a MMC I don’t like—they’re all completely down-bad and treat their women like queens!!
There were a few inconsistencies in the story which were a little annoying, and a few things with the plot and certain character decisions I didn’t love, but overall I do love Max and Hunter as a couple.
The D.C. Stars Easter egg was cute, and apparently Chelsea is writing a bonus scene showing us their visit to Fright Nights which I already know will be absolutely hilarious and I’ll definitely be reading it.
Was this my favourite Chelsea Curto book? No. But was it a fun read? Yes. Chelsea herself said that this story is a low-plot, fun time, and I definitely agree. It is very unrealistic and very unserious, so I recommend this if you want a vibey read for Halloween that is spicy and low-stakes. This is a dark romance but in a way where the FMC is always respected and in control, which I appreciated. I think if you’re a seasoned dark romance reader, this probably won’t do it for you.
Hunter and Max were great main characters. I truly think it’s impossible for Chelsea to write a MMC I don’t like—they’re all completely down-bad and treat their women like queens!!
There were a few inconsistencies in the story which were a little annoying, and a few things with the plot and certain character decisions I didn’t love, but overall I do love Max and Hunter as a couple.
The D.C. Stars Easter egg was cute, and apparently Chelsea is writing a bonus scene showing us their visit to Fright Nights which I already know will be absolutely hilarious and I’ll definitely be reading it.
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