Valentine's Slay

by Navessa Allen, Allie Piper (Narrator), Alastair Haynesbridge (Narrator)

Roses are red, violets are blue, Emma’s not dead, and her gravedigger’s hot too. This Valentine’s Day, love claws its way out of the grave in #1 New York Times bestselling author Navessa Allen’s steamy and hilariously dark rom-com.

Louisiana gravedigger Noah Evans’s Valentine’s night shift takes an unexpected turn when his high school crush starts screaming from her freshly dug grave. Whoever tried to bury Emma six feet under is in for a nasty surprise—they should have checked for a pulse because she’s got unfinished business, starting with the hot gravedigger who just saved her life. As they unearth a deadly family conspiracy, Noah and Emma discover that old flames burn even hotter the second time around—especially when someone’s trying to kill them.

Navessa Allen’s Valentine’s Slay is part of The Improbable Second Chances, stories for star-crossed lovers and hopeless romantics. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Let’s do it again.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Dark Romance, Audiobook, Short Stories, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

3 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 20, 2026

About the author

Navessa Allen lives on a 200-year-old farm in rural New England with her husband, their cats, and an assorted collection of farm animals.

To keep up with her latest projects, check out her Patreon Page or subscribe to her website.

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this, it was dark and entertaining and with such a great premise.
A murder conspiracy, an immediate connection, spicy time and some action, all mixed in with an emotional undertone, what more can you ask for!! 

Gravedigger Noah's nightshift takes a turn when he hears the voice of his high school crush screaming from six feet under.. Brought together by non-ideal circumstances, they're determined to get justice.. Their connection is one that's hard to ignore and after everything that happened why would they?

Noah was an amazing character, I loved his dark humour and how he made sure Emma knew just how wonderful she really is, especially after everything that she went through.
Emma was trapped in a toxic marriage that made her struggle with her self-image, so seeing her gain some of her confidence back was so special.
I really liked them together and how he helped her find justice for what's happened to her. That last chapter was so cute, I loved it so much!!

This was my favourite from the collection!! I love Navessa and the way she writes, so of course I enjoyed this. It was very well done for a novella, I would always want more, but we did get everything we needed.

*Thank you to Netgalley and to Amazon Original Stories for providing me with an ARC.*

[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the premise, but that steamy moment in Noah's bed (the first time), just put me off. But the rest was great.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

•Dual POV
•Dark romance
•Revenge
•Novella

Valentine's Slay was the perfect mix of dark, quirky & spicy. This is my first time reading anything from this author & I look forward to digging into one of her full length novels!!

4/5⭐️
4/5🌶️

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so excited for this collection to release, and it's finally here!
Naturally, I had to go for the creepy one first.

4.5 stars. Honestly? I thought this was great.
This is one of those rare times where I don't feel that something is missing from a short story.
It wasn't overly rushed or shallow, and I was genuinely interested it in.

The plot of this? I love.
Grave digger saves his buried-alive childhood crush. Yes.
It is giving halloween romance over Valentines day romance, which I am obsessed with.
(Petition for this same story, but I want Emma to be a zombie next time.) (please?)

I do think it was a bit too steamy for a book of it's length. (Some people will love this! It just isn't ever what I'm really focused on).
Not a big deal, I am taking .5 off for it, but still rounding up to 5 for how much I enjoyed the story as a whole.

[Anila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5⭐️

Well, that was different but entertaining. Overall, I think only two of the novellas in this series were good and the others were just meh.

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Roses are red, violets are blue, Emma's not dead, and her gravedigger's hot too.’ 🌹

Can love claw its way out of the grave? ☠️

Noah Evans is doing the Valentine’s night shift as a gravedigger when he hears screaming from a freshly dug grave 😱 The grave belonging to his high school crush - Emma. As he works quickly to save Emma, buried 6 feet under, he is in for a surprise…she has unfinished business to attend to. Emma and Noah work to uncover a deadly family conspiracy, whilst reigniting old flames ❤️‍🔥 However, they better keep watch: someone is trying to kill them…😵

I changed my mind…THIS is my FAVOURITE from the series 🙈

Navessa knows how to deliver a dark romance, for sure! I am familiar with her work and she seems to have a knack for balancing out the darker elements with humour. Furthermore, Navessa also knows how to grab your attention from the first page. She doesn’t mess around with useless information, rather she jumps straight into the grit of the plot.

I instantly liked Noah’s character. He came across as both caring and strong almost immediately. I also loved the witty banter between him and Emma which seemed to connect them with ease. Emma’s character was also very likeable. Having been trapped in a toxic marriage, she had very little confidence and was terrified of almost everyone in town. Watching her grow in strength throughout the story was a sweet subplot to the romance ❤️‍🔥 Navessa concluded with a brilliant ending; bringing justice to all.

“I feel like I just died and came back to life again.” 😂

Overall, this is definitely one of the best short stories I have read. It had a strong plot and the depth of the characters was fantastic for such a short book. Finally, the very last chapter was just the cherry on top 🍒 I would happily read a series about these two.

"In the span of twelve months, my life had gone from misery to bliss, and it was all because of this man. He’d held me while I cried, driven me to my weekly therapy sessions, helped me rediscover myself and regain my confidence, and taught me what love really was." 🥰 💘 ✨

4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

[Alya ( 20 comments restriction ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts
Oh I ate this up!!! The premise, the beginning, everything was just perfection down to the last page! Hooked from the get-go, it had a bit of everything from murder conspiracy, action, spice and one of my favourite romances / connections from the collection! If you enjoy dark reads this is definitely for you! I highly recommend!

Plot Summary
What begins as a routine Valentine’s night shift for Louisiana gravedigger Noah Evans turns into a nightmare when he hears screams coming from a newly filled grave—belonging to his long-ago crush. Saving Emma is only the beginning, as the two are pulled into a dangerous mystery tied to her family’s secrets. With old feelings reigniting under deadly pressure, Noah and Emma must stay one step ahead of a hidden threat that isn’t finished with them yet.

My Bookstagram

[Casey Reads 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was way better than the first one I read of this little series. I decided to read this one 2nd even though it’s book 6 of the Amazon series.

The main plot point that occurs in the beginning is very unrealistic, but idc I loved it. Very unique short story.

Also, be aware this short story is spicy. If you don’t enjoy spice, this might not be for you. It’s only really one scene, but since this is a short story it takes up a big part. I enjoyed it though.

Also enjoyed the ending. I think this would have been better as a full length book with everything going on or about 100 more pages as I felt I wanted more detail and more of this story!

[Genni · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS IS OK… but IT DIDN’T SLAY….

3-3.5 ish ⭐️
Kindle unlimited with Duet style narration

Fun novella that started off with suspense and ended with some action. One very spicy open door scene that could be skipped if you wish and wouldn’t take away from the story.

What I liked? Kept my interest enough to finish this one through to the end. Complete story in just shy of 100 pages.

Would I recommend? Only if you were trying to fill a book quota. I prefer this author’s full length novels over this novella but that’s usually the case with me and the novella. It’s really far fetched, silly, over the top and some added spice that felt out of place.

Not a bad little story but not memorable.

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly this one got an extra star for what could have been an interesting plot. But there was no chemistry. Just a girl who was buried alive and was so horny after she got out of the grave she fucked the grave digger. The title is misleading. Also the spice kind of gave me the ick. It was also a choice to make this one solely in the MMCs POV til the last chapter. Overall, this short story compilation was a flop for me and honestly was just background noise for my drive to and from work.

[chroniclesofmariana ~ mariana nunes · Rating 4 out of 5]

ahhh adorei, e não sei o que é que isso diz sobre mim

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars! Valentine’s Slay is part of the Amazon Originals Improbable Meet Cutes collection, so it is on Prime and KU read and listen. This one had such a wild premise that made me excited to dive in and it was a pretty fun ride!

Noah is a Louisiana gravedigger, his family has worked the graveyard for generations. Earlier in the day he lowered a coffin in the ground for the woman who was his high school crush. Now he’s working the night shift on Valentine’s Day and hears her voice coming from her grave asking for help and he’s pretty sure Emma has been buried alive! 👀

Wild, unhinged, dark humor, he helps her get revenge on her toxic husband, spicy, definitely a plot that grabs your attention immediately! The spice felt a little unbalanced in the story in regard to what just happened to her, but it’s an unhinged novella so I just accepted it as a fun ride.

[Stefani Tomova · Rating 4 out of 5]

4✨

I had a blast listening to this! It’s short, sweet, and hilarious-often in places where I probably shouldn't have been laughing

[James McRay · Rating 4 out of 5]

My compliments, I guess, to Amazon/Audible for throwing this four-chili peppers dark romance into a collection of wholesome Valentine’s Day short stories. Valentine’s Slay was quite the gearshift after reading a couple of the others in the collection. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good hi-spice romance as much as the next (bisexual) guy, but it is definitely a “one is not like the others.”

[Larareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The more Navessa Allen books I read, the more I absolutely love them. This was just the perfect novella and the only thing it was missing is that it was so short. Funny, sexy, heartfelt and a little dark!

What to expect:
▪︎ Gravedigger MMC
▪︎ FMC buried alive
▪︎ Dark humor
▪︎ Spice
▪︎ Very cute kittens
▪︎ HEA

[Lauren Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standalone collection of Amazon Originals Meet Cutes! Just in time for Valentine’s Day! Dark romcom! Audible book included on KU! Book 6/ final novella! I love Navessa Allen’s stories! Super fun Louisiana setting! Beautiful confessions of love! Awesome morbid humor & spicy dirty talk! Saucy smut! My favorite one!!!

[Elisabete · Rating 3 out of 5]

A smutty novella straight from the grave. Emma isn't dead and Noah is the hot gravedigger that gets the surprise of his life. There's want, there's lust, there's a previously known as dead horny woman in a one-bed cabin. LOL The villain gets his due and the comet-crossed lovers live to tell. It was hot and cute.

[fromthestudyof · Rating 5 out of 5]

a hot grave digger that rescued her from being buried alive?!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This was a very unique take on a valentines book— a woman gets buried alive by her husband and saved by a sexy grave digger who happened to have had a crush on her back in high school

You could say he likes to be buried deep in that pus— okay I’ll stop 🤣🤣🤣

Type: audio (Allie piper & Alastair haynesbridge)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus} · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that all of these are second chance romances!!

[Em (semi-hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dumb, but in a competent way.

[Maaike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was more enjoyable than I had imagined! The premise of it is definitely crazy but shouldn’t have expected anything less from this author lol. I just think they moved on a bit quickly from her being buried alive.

[Lira · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun and addictive read! Dark humor, romance, and suspense come together in a way that’s fast-paced and wildly entertaining!

What starts as a twisted Valentine’s Day scenario quickly turns into a playful mix of danger and second-chance romance. The story doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it perfect for readers looking for something light, engaging, and easy to devour in one sitting.

The chemistry between Noah and Emma adds charm to the plot, and the balance between mystery and humor keeps things moving without dragging. While it’s not meant to be deep or complex, it absolutely delivers on entertainment value.
Overall, it’s a great palate cleanser and an ideal pick if you’re in the mood for a fun, slightly dark love story to pass the time!

[✎• нuѕηαн · Rating 3 out of 5]

⤷ Rating : 3 ✰

⤷ Plot : What started as an evening shift at the graveyard turned into a nightmare. Just this afternoon Emma was buried in, and upon Evan's shift he heard screaming and realised the screaming was coming down from Emma's grave. So, he quickly rescued her and in turn found out some disturbing events that has been happening to Emma.

⤷ Thoughts : Honestly this book wasn't a slay. This could have gone so much better. Emma was just a horny girl risen from the grave. Also how didn't the state police not question them about Beau's death??

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I already knew this was going to be far too spicy for me, but I couldn’t leave the last one in the collection hanging. And besides, the premise of this one immediately hooked me, with a gravedigger saving his high school crush after she's buried alive. What an opening!

I really enjoyed the dark humour, the fast-paced fight for survival, and the comforting sense of keeping Emma safe while uncovering exactly what happened. The timing of the spice was absolutely bonkers and the scene itself felt entirely too long for a novella, but I mostly enjoyed suspending my disbelief for this one.

(heat level: 1 open-door scene, explicit details)

[ren ౨ৎ (rozanov's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⁀➷ 4.75 ★ ´ˎ˗

this book absolutely did not take the direction that i thought it was going to, but i absolutely loved it. we love to see shitty men get their just desserts.

[Joana Alves | Juca Mindscape · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

Bem, fiquei agradavelmente surpreendida!
Trata-se de uma novella, ou seja, um livro curto que devoramos de uma só vez. Além disso, a escrita da autora e a forma envolvente como nos apresenta esta história macabra, mas fofa (se é que podemos colocar estes dois termos juntos 😅), tornam a leitura muito fácil e viciante.
Adorei o facto de a história ser maioritariamente contada pelo ponto de vista masculino e acho que o ritmo da história e o desenvolvimento das personagens foram bons, tendo em conta o tamanho da história.

É uma história perfeita para o Dia dos Namorados. 🤭
Contudo, não é uma história para todos devido ao teor da mesma e aos TW.

Tropes & Trigger Warnings se precisarem de ver antes da leitura:

🫂🤍✨

T: High School Crush/Reunion, Dark Rom-Com/Suspense, Immediate Connection/Soulmates, Trauma & Recovery, Protective/Gritty Hero,
TW: Body shaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Toxic relationship

[TeagzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up. This is one you’ll have to suspend your disbelief for😅 A little absurd, but in a fun way!

Valentine’s Slay is a spicy dark romcom with suspense elements between gravedigger Noah and his unrequited(recently buried) crush from high school, Emma. Turns out Emma wasn’t actually dead, and on their mission to figure out what happened to Emma, and why, things quickly heat up between them!

I will say the romance felt a little too easy and the spice felt abrupt given Emma’s recent trauma, but reading a novella I try to adjust my expectations on both.

Audio specific🎧: Allie Piper and Alastair Haynesbridge narration was perfect for the dark humour tone of the story. Both narrators brought the characters to life and made their relationship dynamics more believable.

This could be a good pick for you if you’re looking for something a little different this Valentine’s Day, and at just 95 pages it might help you stay on track for your 2026 reading goal!

**Thank you to Brilliance Publishing for providing me an ALC! All opinions are my own.**

[Alyson Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, hilarious read from NA.
All the comedy that we got in lights Out is present here, which is what drew me to that novel.

A wronged wife and a handsome grave digger? Oh Ms Allen, you had me at the title. I love this authors style and it shone through in this novella.

[The Bern Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC