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Game of Masks: A Dark Game-of-Death Romance
I woke up with a number on my chest and a death sentence humming in the walls.
Kill or be killed.
Only one walks free.
It should have been my brother.
He promised me that much—his voice steady, his grip bruising, swearing he’d die before he let anyone touch me.
He lied.
He sold me.
In the concrete dorm under buzzing lights, in the fake town with plastic fruit, in the carnival of rusted rides and painted smiles, survival isn’t about morals—it’s about who owns you.
And the most terrifying man in the Game has decided I’m his.
They call him a monster in whispers.
The one who never hesitates.
The one whose shadow quiets a room faster than gunfire.
He ended the deal my brother made with a single, brutal choice, and then he set his hand on my shoulder and rewrote my fate with six soft
If anyone kills you, it’s me.
Now I walk at his side through stages built for blood and spectacle—dormitories, dollhouses, marketplaces, a carnival of masks where every laugh hides a blade.
I wear his claim like a brand while cameras record every humiliation, every flinch, every time I choose his darkness over the unknown.
He is my shield and my prison.
My executioner and my only chance to live.
He teaches me how to move, how to watch, how to think like a predator instead of prey—until I can’t tell where his instincts end and mine begin.
The elites want a show.
He wants obedience.
And somewhere between betrayal, blood oaths, and the sick relief of being “untouchable,” I have to decide what I’m willing to become to survive this Game…
and whether living as his is better—or worse—than dying free.
In the Game of Masks, there are no heroes.
Only the monster who owns you… and the girl who chooses whether to love him or destroy him.
Content & Trigger Warnings
This dark romance contains graphic violence, captivity, psychological and emotional abuse, stalking, trauma bonding, BDSM and power-exchange dynamics (including female domination, fear play, voyeurism), explicit sexual content with elements of dubious consent, public humiliation, and intense mind games under constant surveillance. Not suitable for sensitive readers or anyone looking for a safe, feel-good romance.
Kill or be killed.
Only one walks free.
It should have been my brother.
He promised me that much—his voice steady, his grip bruising, swearing he’d die before he let anyone touch me.
He lied.
He sold me.
In the concrete dorm under buzzing lights, in the fake town with plastic fruit, in the carnival of rusted rides and painted smiles, survival isn’t about morals—it’s about who owns you.
And the most terrifying man in the Game has decided I’m his.
They call him a monster in whispers.
The one who never hesitates.
The one whose shadow quiets a room faster than gunfire.
He ended the deal my brother made with a single, brutal choice, and then he set his hand on my shoulder and rewrote my fate with six soft
If anyone kills you, it’s me.
Now I walk at his side through stages built for blood and spectacle—dormitories, dollhouses, marketplaces, a carnival of masks where every laugh hides a blade.
I wear his claim like a brand while cameras record every humiliation, every flinch, every time I choose his darkness over the unknown.
He is my shield and my prison.
My executioner and my only chance to live.
He teaches me how to move, how to watch, how to think like a predator instead of prey—until I can’t tell where his instincts end and mine begin.
The elites want a show.
He wants obedience.
And somewhere between betrayal, blood oaths, and the sick relief of being “untouchable,” I have to decide what I’m willing to become to survive this Game…
and whether living as his is better—or worse—than dying free.
In the Game of Masks, there are no heroes.
Only the monster who owns you… and the girl who chooses whether to love him or destroy him.
Content & Trigger Warnings
This dark romance contains graphic violence, captivity, psychological and emotional abuse, stalking, trauma bonding, BDSM and power-exchange dynamics (including female domination, fear play, voyeurism), explicit sexual content with elements of dubious consent, public humiliation, and intense mind games under constant surveillance. Not suitable for sensitive readers or anyone looking for a safe, feel-good romance.
693 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2025
6 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 2, 2025
I think this book ruined me. I loved Scarlett Noir before this book but this was so beyond dark and twisted I am having a hard time processing what I just read. 944 pages with games of death, extreme violence, skin tingling lust, and of course love.
I had to set this book down and walk away several time because I was traumatized by what I was reading and just could not fathom the content. It was mind blowing, heart stopping and frantic. I was on the edge of my seat for two days.
Game Of Masks is a death game dark romance. And please read the triggers as there are a lot of them. This is right up there with Hunting Adeline in its context.
Abigael Fleming is a girl who is working her tail off to provide for herself and her brother. She is killing herself to make ends meet when men break into their home and collect them both. She later learns that her brother volunteered to be in the Games but she was taken as well for entertainment purposes.
Wrath has never stopped looking for Abby. Even before he became Wrath the killer, the monster, obsessed with a girl he once knew before the Elites made him compete for his life. After winning twice already he rejoins the game to win his ultimate prize Abigael, contestant 847.
There is so much complexity to this book. The writing really pulls you into the story and the imagery is so real I could see it playing out in my mind. Scarlett has a gift and a way with words that surpasses anything else I’ve read. And I read a lot.
If you like dark romance this takes it a giant step further. Morally gray isn’t a thing here. It’s dark and twisted and humiliating and so worth the time to read it.
Please give Scarlett a read even if dark romance isn’t your thing. She has a ton of other books that are amazing and I highly recommend her!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had to set this book down and walk away several time because I was traumatized by what I was reading and just could not fathom the content. It was mind blowing, heart stopping and frantic. I was on the edge of my seat for two days.
Game Of Masks is a death game dark romance. And please read the triggers as there are a lot of them. This is right up there with Hunting Adeline in its context.
Abigael Fleming is a girl who is working her tail off to provide for herself and her brother. She is killing herself to make ends meet when men break into their home and collect them both. She later learns that her brother volunteered to be in the Games but she was taken as well for entertainment purposes.
Wrath has never stopped looking for Abby. Even before he became Wrath the killer, the monster, obsessed with a girl he once knew before the Elites made him compete for his life. After winning twice already he rejoins the game to win his ultimate prize Abigael, contestant 847.
There is so much complexity to this book. The writing really pulls you into the story and the imagery is so real I could see it playing out in my mind. Scarlett has a gift and a way with words that surpasses anything else I’ve read. And I read a lot.
If you like dark romance this takes it a giant step further. Morally gray isn’t a thing here. It’s dark and twisted and humiliating and so worth the time to read it.
Please give Scarlett a read even if dark romance isn’t your thing. She has a ton of other books that are amazing and I highly recommend her!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2025
Wow, this dark narrative blew me away. It’s gripping to the bone, revolving around deadly games with no second guesses or changes, and becoming a new version of yourself, with survival as the foremost purpose. Danger and violence are the new and only currencies.
Wrath is an apex predator—calculating, merciless, and a brutal force of nature. He radiates violence in itself.
Abigael was drawn to Wrath from the first moment she set eyes on him. It’s enticing how Abigael transforms, adapts, and takes a new approach when faced with her new reality and consequently new alliances—Wrath. Her undeniable submission to the games but, most importantly, to Wrath is evident. Their off-the-charts chemistry blossoms, along with his possessiveness. Her vulnerability and conditioning to depend solely on him feed the monster’s calculations within him. However, a shift occurs when Wrath starts to worry and care for her—something that happens naturally, without his input or intent—making him vulnerable and, ultimately, alive. There are so many details, twists, and turns; the darkness of it will keep you awake until the last word.
I recommend this author and plot to everyone interested in this genre. Give it a go!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wrath is an apex predator—calculating, merciless, and a brutal force of nature. He radiates violence in itself.
Abigael was drawn to Wrath from the first moment she set eyes on him. It’s enticing how Abigael transforms, adapts, and takes a new approach when faced with her new reality and consequently new alliances—Wrath. Her undeniable submission to the games but, most importantly, to Wrath is evident. Their off-the-charts chemistry blossoms, along with his possessiveness. Her vulnerability and conditioning to depend solely on him feed the monster’s calculations within him. However, a shift occurs when Wrath starts to worry and care for her—something that happens naturally, without his input or intent—making him vulnerable and, ultimately, alive. There are so many details, twists, and turns; the darkness of it will keep you awake until the last word.
I recommend this author and plot to everyone interested in this genre. Give it a go!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2026
Worthy of so much more than 5 stars.
That was totally unexpected. Not the violence, that was*extreme* but implicit from the outset, but the strength & beauty of what transpired between Wrath & Abby. I didn't expect to be so moved & emotionally invested in a book of this nature. The overwhelming horror & tension doesn't abate at any point. It feels like a juggernaut careening downhill, destined for a brutal denouement. Which it delivers unapologetically.
The writing is superlative, every scene visceral & graphic. Underlying the horror is a relationship that strives to be redemptive & transcendent. I'm sure that many will find this too much or won't draw the same conclusions that I have but I loved this book & am glad I was initially drawn to the artwork on the cover. It was the only metric I had going forward to reading this - I knew nothing about the author, had never heard of her but she's on my radar now. I intend to seek out more of her work, as soon as possible. Her skill is impressive & the power behind her writing is, quite simply, stunning. So Ms Noir, you have just acquired a new fan & hope your subsequent books hold the same heft & humanity as this one, despite the subject matter.
That was totally unexpected. Not the violence, that was*extreme* but implicit from the outset, but the strength & beauty of what transpired between Wrath & Abby. I didn't expect to be so moved & emotionally invested in a book of this nature. The overwhelming horror & tension doesn't abate at any point. It feels like a juggernaut careening downhill, destined for a brutal denouement. Which it delivers unapologetically.
The writing is superlative, every scene visceral & graphic. Underlying the horror is a relationship that strives to be redemptive & transcendent. I'm sure that many will find this too much or won't draw the same conclusions that I have but I loved this book & am glad I was initially drawn to the artwork on the cover. It was the only metric I had going forward to reading this - I knew nothing about the author, had never heard of her but she's on my radar now. I intend to seek out more of her work, as soon as possible. Her skill is impressive & the power behind her writing is, quite simply, stunning. So Ms Noir, you have just acquired a new fan & hope your subsequent books hold the same heft & humanity as this one, despite the subject matter.
December 5, 2025
Story 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 4 🌶️
Game of Masks is a dark game of death novel perfect for those who want a very dark romance in the style of The Hunger Games or Hide n' Seek & Rat Race (Eden Emory & Ashley Pines). While this book may follow a game of death format that those who have read those would be familiar with, Game of Masks involves trials that the characters must navigate at the same time. Participation is forced and death is guaranteed to those who refuse.
Wrath claims Abigael as his during the game, protecting her through all the trials spanning several weeks. What starts as protection and being claimed, turns into so much more as the games progress and the characters are trauma bonded to each other.
I could not put this book down once I started it (seriously, I read 90% of it in a single day and only stopped because I fell asleep while still reading at 2am). This was soooooo good and so dark.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spice 4 🌶️
Game of Masks is a dark game of death novel perfect for those who want a very dark romance in the style of The Hunger Games or Hide n' Seek & Rat Race (Eden Emory & Ashley Pines). While this book may follow a game of death format that those who have read those would be familiar with, Game of Masks involves trials that the characters must navigate at the same time. Participation is forced and death is guaranteed to those who refuse.
Wrath claims Abigael as his during the game, protecting her through all the trials spanning several weeks. What starts as protection and being claimed, turns into so much more as the games progress and the characters are trauma bonded to each other.
I could not put this book down once I started it (seriously, I read 90% of it in a single day and only stopped because I fell asleep while still reading at 2am). This was soooooo good and so dark.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2025
Squid Games meets Hunger Games but make it extra dark and spicy.
This book is twisted! These "games" the MCs are in are completely unhinged, 1001 go in only 1 gets to survive. This book is one giant mind game that will have you second-guessing and questioning the character's motives and even your own morals. The action and dark romance had me compelled and captivated. I was not prepared for this wild ride. I'm still reeling. Scarlett Noir I have read many of your books but you truly outdid yourself, brava.
Abigael and Wrath have the most unconventional relationship but let me just say they belong together. There are so many layers to these complex characters. I really liked that Abigail was observant, adaptable, and calculating. Wrath takes obsession to the next level, he is utterly ruthless. Their's is not a sweet romance, he truly is a monster but he's her monster.
Tropes:
Stalker
BDSM
Obsessed MMC
Unhinged games
Captivity
Dual POV
Explicit/Graphic
Check TW
The length of the book seems intimidating but let me tell you it was easy to devour and left me slack-jawed.
This book is twisted! These "games" the MCs are in are completely unhinged, 1001 go in only 1 gets to survive. This book is one giant mind game that will have you second-guessing and questioning the character's motives and even your own morals. The action and dark romance had me compelled and captivated. I was not prepared for this wild ride. I'm still reeling. Scarlett Noir I have read many of your books but you truly outdid yourself, brava.
Abigael and Wrath have the most unconventional relationship but let me just say they belong together. There are so many layers to these complex characters. I really liked that Abigail was observant, adaptable, and calculating. Wrath takes obsession to the next level, he is utterly ruthless. Their's is not a sweet romance, he truly is a monster but he's her monster.
Tropes:
Stalker
BDSM
Obsessed MMC
Unhinged games
Captivity
Dual POV
Explicit/Graphic
Check TW
The length of the book seems intimidating but let me tell you it was easy to devour and left me slack-jawed.
December 5, 2025
This book dives immediately into the dark and twisted game and left me completely and utterly shocked! Think Hunger Games meets The Purge and only one can win.
Both Abigael and Wrath are trapped in a deadly game with only one way out. Abigael is resilient, brave, and resolved—the perfect match for Wrath, who's cold, calculated, and morally gray. He is obsessed with Abigael and determined to win at all costs. As the game progresses cracks start to show and the true meaning starts to present itself. Like Abigael, I found myself constantly questioning Wrath and his intentions.
This story is one crazy masterful manipulation, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I didn't know who to trust and had no idea what would happen next. Scarlett Noir is a true craftsman and gave the perfect insight into this truly terrifying nightmare. It will leave you hooked and wanting more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both Abigael and Wrath are trapped in a deadly game with only one way out. Abigael is resilient, brave, and resolved—the perfect match for Wrath, who's cold, calculated, and morally gray. He is obsessed with Abigael and determined to win at all costs. As the game progresses cracks start to show and the true meaning starts to present itself. Like Abigael, I found myself constantly questioning Wrath and his intentions.
This story is one crazy masterful manipulation, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I didn't know who to trust and had no idea what would happen next. Scarlett Noir is a true craftsman and gave the perfect insight into this truly terrifying nightmare. It will leave you hooked and wanting more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2025
I loved this book!! I would say it has to be the darkest I have read so far for sure. Abby, unbeknown to her, gets entered into The Games by her brother who promises her they'll walk away free and alive, only to be betrayed and sold but then Wrath decides that she is his and he intends to keep
Abby safe and alive during The Games. While doing that Wrath intends to make it where Abby becomes solely dependent on him to make her truly his. Abby has to decide which is worse living/surviving as his or dying free. Be prepared for gore, intense mind games, and trauma bonding for sure. But if you're a little jacked in the head like me ;), you'll absolutely LOVE this book!!
Abby safe and alive during The Games. While doing that Wrath intends to make it where Abby becomes solely dependent on him to make her truly his. Abby has to decide which is worse living/surviving as his or dying free. Be prepared for gore, intense mind games, and trauma bonding for sure. But if you're a little jacked in the head like me ;), you'll absolutely LOVE this book!!
January 6, 2026
I was fascinated by the premise of this story- and it was a long one! Great world building. It was dark, dangerous, and suspenseful with twists and turns. Who to trust? And who would win? I really liked both Abigael and Wrath. Loved the dynamic between them and the way their relationship developed across the trials they endure. I was hooked and as much as I loved the ending, I do kind of want just a teensy bit more. An aftermath if you will. But that's just me being greedy. This is the first story I've read by this author and I would read more. 5 stars
January 3, 2026
Very dark and incredibly captivating! I loved every minute of this book. The danger kept me completely hooked, and Wrath’s fierce protectiveness and mysterious identity made him impossible to resist. Watching Abby evolve and grow was just as compelling as the romance itself. She learns how to survive, play the game, and ultimately open her heart, and that journey felt powerful and earned. This story had me glued to the pages from start to finish and left me wanting more.
January 4, 2026
Terror at every turn. Fighting for survival.
A ruthless game of murder to survive. Storyline is so complex that felt like I was Abby. I felt the pain, terror, hunger, exhaustion even sexual attraction to Wrath.
The characters were designed to be everyday people. The good and bad that represents society all struggling to survive.
Of all the books I read in 2025 this was my favorite. I highly recommend this book.
A ruthless game of murder to survive. Storyline is so complex that felt like I was Abby. I felt the pain, terror, hunger, exhaustion even sexual attraction to Wrath.
The characters were designed to be everyday people. The good and bad that represents society all struggling to survive.
Of all the books I read in 2025 this was my favorite. I highly recommend this book.
December 6, 2025
What in the actual fuck did I just read? Pitch Black? Completely obliterated. Morally Grey? Not even a thing in this book. HEA? GTF outta here with that. This is a handbook of psychological warfare disguised as a dark romance and it is worth every trigger warning written about it. This book will destroy you in the darkest and most deliciously depraved ways and you won't even think twice about it.
December 31, 2025
Game of masks was Wrath and Abigael’s story. It was an intense and addictive read. I received an early copy. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews