Nowhere To Hide

by Kristin Buoni

Genres: Dark Romance

694 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2026

About the author

Kristin Buoni is the shared pen name of dark romance author Stella Hart and her romance-loving sister-in-law, K, who has always had a passion for writing and finally decided to give it a proper try.

S and K both love coming up with new ideas and gut-wrenching twists, so it was only a matter of time before they decided to team up and write books together! When they aren’t plotting, reading, or writing, they’re hanging out with their cats and bingeing their favorite TV shows.

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Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author. I picked it up by an ARC as the blurb looked good, and it did not disappoint.

Violet has transferred to the university where her sister lost her life. She has never been happy with the outcome of the investigation. There, she meets Calista's friends, who welcome her with open arms. Violet loves finding out about her sister's life while attending the university, things that she didn't know, but at the same time, clues to hopefully help her find her sister's killer, because Violet knows it wasn't suicide.

Julian Valcourt has been tasked with discreetly observing and reporting back on Violet. There are things that Violet doesn't understand, things that could put her in danger. But one look at Violet and Julian has other plans for her, can he put his plan in motion?

Both are tested with friendship, loyalty, and family ties. All Julian knows is that he needs to keep Violet safe. From the first moment he laid eyes on her, he knew there was something between them, but can Violet ever trust the man who stalked her? She and Calista's friends need to know why she was killed. What hand did the secret Dionysus club have in her death?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dimitra A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian & Violet’s dark romance

This was an exciting read and a dark college romance. Really dark at times. The plot was addictive, with a rollercoaster of events that kept me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. A lot of things I didn’t see coming and many of my suspicions proved wrong. Violet comes to Blackthorne Harbor University to find answers regarding the death of her sister. Instead, she finds herself part of “The Selection”, basically a hunt the secret Elite of this school does, by chasing and claiming girls they select. Julian is one of them. He gets her attention and the feeling is mutual. Soon, he tries his best to lure her into his dangerous world – a world that could lead her away from the truth she so desperately seeks. Plots, lies, power, games, danger, action, obsession – the list goes on and on. Every line seduces, every task hides impossible stakes and dangerous truths. Can Violet survive everything and discover the truth? And what will Julian’s role be in all this? I couldn’t put the book down! 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every genre mentioned in this synopsis had me hooked and dying to read "Nowhere to Hide" and as late as I am with finally getting around to reading and reviewing it, it did not disappoint me and my reading experience.
For me it was one of those books that simply caught my attention, interest and desires to see how I was going to get carried away with both the plot and the characters. Having read a few other works from this author and enjoyed her world of storytelling I had an expectation and it for me met my standards and criteria for an entertaining read. Perhaps too I'm simply a sucker for the dark side of romances.
A well created plot, that had the ability to hold my interest from start to end with that whole idea of still waiting more from such a tantalising couple.
If you enjoy the genre of darker romances with an air of tension and mystery to heighten the whole affair this might be one of those stories you might like to check out for yourself. Like any dark romance read always check in with the author on their trigger listings too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katie Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only one thing you can do - Run.

I was reluctant to go for the the book at first, because it's quite big, with around 600 pages (at least on my e-reader).
Plus it's my first Kristin Buoni.

I must admit, I am very happy, I went for it.
The writing is fast paced and the story well rounded.
There isn't a boring minute.

Also, I love the combination of dark romance and crime whodunnit.

The setting Blackthorne Harbor University is perfect.
The kind of place, where you feel old secrets hide in corners.
The Dionysus Club exactly the kind of dark society you can easily imagine surviving at such a location,

The two main characters, Violet and Julian are one of the main reason I kept on reading through the night.

Julian Valcourt, who is actually at the start send to spy on Violet and to make sure, she doesn't get too close to dark secrets when she tries to find out more about her sister's death, is the perfect morally grey "hero".
I was never perfectly sure, if I should love or loathe him.

Honestly a really good read.

[bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blackthorne Harbor University apparently offers a curriculum in trauma and terrible decisions, mostly involving a "Selection" that sounds like a very expensive version of hide-and-seek for the unhinged. Julian Valcourt spends an impressive amount of time watching people like a hawk with a trust fund, while the plot stretches out long enough to make me wonder if anyone actually attends a single class. The tension is thick, the hero is aggressively possessive, and the whole "marked as prey" thing manages to be both ridiculous and oddly gripping if you don't think about the logistics too hard. It is a massive commitment of pages for a story that circles the same drain of obsession, but the atmosphere keeps things from completely stalling out. You get exactly what the brochure promises: dark traditions, a morally bankrupt leading man, and a hunt that feels more like a fever dream than a campus activity.

[Melina Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked right from the prologue. It immediately grabbed my curiosity, and I needed to know what was going on with that selection list.
The pacing was perfectly balanced steady, engaging, and never rushed. It gave enough space for the characters and their relationships to develop in a way that felt natural and immersive.
There were definitely some tight-clenching moments 🌶️ (the sex room… hello), which added intensity and made certain scenes impossible to forget.
The plot twists genuinely surprised me. I love when I think I understand where the story is going, and the author completely proves me wrong.
The Dionysus Club world is fascinating, and I would absolutely read more stories connected to it. There’s so much potential to explore, and I’m already curious about what else could happen in that universe.
This was my first book by Kristin Buoni, and it definitely won’t be my last.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark college romance that didn't disappoint and held me captivated from start to finish. Kristin Buoni created complex charcaters and a thrilling plot full of mystery and suspense that kept me on my toes. This world is dark, intense, twisted, and absolutely addictive. With almost 700 pages, it seems a little daunting, but the pages flew by, and there simply was never a dull moment. I loved that i was able to be surprised as the book was unpredictable. Violet and Julian have an undeniable connection that was both intense and raw. With a satisfying ending that ties up all the loose ends, i highly recommend this dark romance.

Tropes:
* Secret society
* Enemies-to-lovers
* Obsessive, possessive, OTT, morally-gray hero
* Forced proximity
* Captive
* Stalker
* College
* Masked Man
* Dual POV

Check TW

[Rosina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing read!!
I was immediately sucked in and loved it the whole time! There is a perfect balance of romance and mystery, with enough attention and time given to each area.
Really loved the dual point-of-view, but also that it wasn't used too much, just at important or entertaining moments!
I love that the book followed through all the way to the end as well, not just once the murder mystery was over, but getting to see a little more, to really close out the book and show how their story ends/continues.
So so good, would absolutely recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet is determined to find out what happened to her sister, knowing her sister didn’t take her own life. At the university in October, for one night, there’s a hunt. 20 girls, whose names are put on a list. When she gets to the university she notices that Julian, the most dangerous guy on campus, has been watching her. This story was intense. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat. I devoured this book in two days. This one is a biggin’, it takes time lol. But this was such an amazing book. I loved every minute of this dark and twisted story.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected

Having read so many dark romances, dark college romances, dark romances w/ secret societies, etc, I expected this to be similar to those. However, it was not so similar. I enjoyed the story, but it was only mildly dark and overall it was more about the mystery. The plot was exciting and kept my attention throughout. It was nice to read something that did not rely heavily on the intimate acts between the main characters as this was more about solving Violet’s sister’s murder. Slightly morally gray characters, lightly dark, but a sweet romance that ends in a HEA!

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark college read where Violet is searching for answers for her sister's death. Julian is part of the Elite group of students, who oversee and partake in the hunt, which Violet is part of. With secret society, enemies to lovers, masked men and rituals, this is read on the darker side that will have you hooked. On the longer side too, so settle in...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet is out for answers regarding her sisters death, and they all loebat the university of elites and powerful individuals one that as a society that lists 20 girls names to become prey and Violets caught the eye of Julian one of the most dangerous hunters and hes about to get his prey and keep her safe when secrets unravel. Well written engaging steamy desires drama action and more

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story. The whole premise real intrigued me, and gripped me throughout which is saying something when its 700 pages long. I was genuinely shocked with some of the twists and some of the steamy scenes which felt very intense. I highly recommend!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book will keep you on your toes! There’s so much going on- a year old possibly murder to figure out, a secret club that no one is suppose to know about a yearly selection and so much more! Who can you truly trust when you are the new transfer student.
Well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knyquol Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

solid

This was a compelling dark academia, secret society, and dark romance novel. The plot was engaging, with fun twists. While everyone loves an alpha male, this one stands out by demonstrating that masculinity involves respecting and nurturing a partner’s strengths while also supporting them in their weaknesses.

[Desiree Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nowhere to Hide is a gripping, heart‑pounding story about survival, resilience, and the strength it takes to reclaim your life. Kristin Buoni delivers a raw, intimate look at trauma and healing that feels both painful and empowering. I couldn’t look away—this book stays with you long after the last chapter.

[Felicia Zarazua · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ read for me. Mainly because I KNEW who the killer was. From the beginning. I love the whole ‘secret society in college’ thing. I swear in some places, it’s real. 😉 The writing in this book was good too. I would love to read more about Roman. Like him finding love again.

[Sharmae Farthing · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, but predictable at least for me. I assumed who the "villian" was from the beginning