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Hush Little Angel: A Dark Romcom
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 25, 2026
Pauline Walters does not believe in staying in one lane and I respect the hell out of it. After reading her paranormal romances, I went into Hush Little Angel curious how she’d handle a dark romcom vibe, and she absolutely nailed it.
This book is chaotic in the best way. Sharp banter, unhinged energy, a splash of quirky humour to go with a quirky cat obsessed character, and just enough mafia/stalker darkness threaded through it to give it that addictive edge. It’s the kind of story that makes dark romance accessible as this a solid entry point for anyone testing the waters.
The pacing moves fast and never drags. It kept me hooked the whole way through, and Pauline’s sense of humour shines hard here. It feels natural, effortless, and perfectly timed, which makes the characters pop off the page.
Now, about the spice. It comes in early and it does not hesitate. Some readers might clutch their pearls, I, however, welcomed it with open arms. The energy is very much “bad boy detected, self-control rejected,” and I fully supported those life choices, Get the D Winnie!! The spicy scenes were detailed enough that I found myself pausing mid read to mentally map out the logistics like I was solving a puzzle. At one point I was genuinely debating feasibility. Personal challenge issued. If I vanish, assume I lost the battle and died happily suffocating on a D in my mouth!
This was such a fun, slightly unhinged ride, and I’m already keen for the next book. Also putting it out into the universe: I would absolutely read Pauline going full dark, no brakes, no mercy.
P.S I know she is French but since she lives in NZ, we are claiming her.
This book is chaotic in the best way. Sharp banter, unhinged energy, a splash of quirky humour to go with a quirky cat obsessed character, and just enough mafia/stalker darkness threaded through it to give it that addictive edge. It’s the kind of story that makes dark romance accessible as this a solid entry point for anyone testing the waters.
The pacing moves fast and never drags. It kept me hooked the whole way through, and Pauline’s sense of humour shines hard here. It feels natural, effortless, and perfectly timed, which makes the characters pop off the page.
Now, about the spice. It comes in early and it does not hesitate. Some readers might clutch their pearls, I, however, welcomed it with open arms. The energy is very much “bad boy detected, self-control rejected,” and I fully supported those life choices, Get the D Winnie!! The spicy scenes were detailed enough that I found myself pausing mid read to mentally map out the logistics like I was solving a puzzle. At one point I was genuinely debating feasibility. Personal challenge issued. If I vanish, assume I lost the battle and died happily suffocating on a D in my mouth!
This was such a fun, slightly unhinged ride, and I’m already keen for the next book. Also putting it out into the universe: I would absolutely read Pauline going full dark, no brakes, no mercy.
P.S I know she is French but since she lives in NZ, we are claiming her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hush Little Angel was such a fun, chaotic, and completely unhinged read in the best way possible. It leans hard into that dark rom-com energy where things are a little insane, a little morally questionable, and somehow still addictive.
Winnie was such a standout FMC for me. She felt real in a way that made her easy to connect with. She’s introverted, a little chaotic, and honestly just trying to live her life, read her books, and game in peace. The fact that she ends up in this situation made everything feel even more wild. I loved that she wasn’t overly polished or perfect and that she reacted in ways that felt very her.
Richard is exactly what you expect from a morally grey mafia man but with a slightly unhinged, obsessive edge that made him so entertaining to read. He’s controlling, intense, and definitely crosses lines, but the way he fixates on Winnie adds that addictive tension that keeps you hooked. Their dynamic is very push and pull, with moments that feel surprisingly soft mixed in with the chaos.
The plot itself is fast paced and a little ridiculous at times, but that’s part of the charm. You’re not going into this expecting something super serious or grounded. It’s more about the vibe, the tension, and the characters. The Halloween setting added such a fun atmosphere and fit the story perfectly.
The spice is definitely there and pretty consistent once it starts. It’s bold, a little wild, and matches the tone of the relationship really well. If you’re here for high spice with an obsessive MMC, this absolutely delivers.
I also loved the side characters and honestly need more from this world. There are so many dynamics that felt like they could easily have their own stories, and I would 100% read them.
Overall, this was messy, addictive, and super entertaining. If you enjoy dark romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously and leans into the chaos, this is definitely worth picking up.
ARC
Winnie was such a standout FMC for me. She felt real in a way that made her easy to connect with. She’s introverted, a little chaotic, and honestly just trying to live her life, read her books, and game in peace. The fact that she ends up in this situation made everything feel even more wild. I loved that she wasn’t overly polished or perfect and that she reacted in ways that felt very her.
Richard is exactly what you expect from a morally grey mafia man but with a slightly unhinged, obsessive edge that made him so entertaining to read. He’s controlling, intense, and definitely crosses lines, but the way he fixates on Winnie adds that addictive tension that keeps you hooked. Their dynamic is very push and pull, with moments that feel surprisingly soft mixed in with the chaos.
The plot itself is fast paced and a little ridiculous at times, but that’s part of the charm. You’re not going into this expecting something super serious or grounded. It’s more about the vibe, the tension, and the characters. The Halloween setting added such a fun atmosphere and fit the story perfectly.
The spice is definitely there and pretty consistent once it starts. It’s bold, a little wild, and matches the tone of the relationship really well. If you’re here for high spice with an obsessive MMC, this absolutely delivers.
I also loved the side characters and honestly need more from this world. There are so many dynamics that felt like they could easily have their own stories, and I would 100% read them.
Overall, this was messy, addictive, and super entertaining. If you enjoy dark romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously and leans into the chaos, this is definitely worth picking up.
ARC
May 8, 2026
Hush Little Angel is a fast, chaotic slide into obsession.
Winnie survives an encounter with a masked man who oozes charm, but flashes every red flag.
Richard is a man who should terrify her, yet pulls her in with a kind of dark, deliberate intensity.
The novella leans into its shadows: stalking that feels like possession, blood and brutality that never fully fade, and a heroine who keeps her humour even when the world turns vicious.
Richard is all sharp edges and fixation, protective in ways that cross lines and then redraw them to suit him.
Their chemistry hits hard and fast. It is messy, charged, and threaded with power imbalance.
There’s kidnapping (not by the MMC), dub‑con, push‑pull between danger and desire.
The story moves quickly, driven by tension, heat, and the unsettling comfort of being wanted by someone who doesn’t know how to let go.
Tropes
• Morally grey MMC
• Obsessive love interest
• Stalker romance
• Dark romcom energy
• Forced proximity
• Power imbalance
Trigger Warnings
• Stalking
• Dub‑con themes
• Blood and gore
• Violence
• Kidnapping
Spice Level 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Explicit, obsessive, and power‑skewed.
Winnie survives an encounter with a masked man who oozes charm, but flashes every red flag.
Richard is a man who should terrify her, yet pulls her in with a kind of dark, deliberate intensity.
The novella leans into its shadows: stalking that feels like possession, blood and brutality that never fully fade, and a heroine who keeps her humour even when the world turns vicious.
Richard is all sharp edges and fixation, protective in ways that cross lines and then redraw them to suit him.
Their chemistry hits hard and fast. It is messy, charged, and threaded with power imbalance.
There’s kidnapping (not by the MMC), dub‑con, push‑pull between danger and desire.
The story moves quickly, driven by tension, heat, and the unsettling comfort of being wanted by someone who doesn’t know how to let go.
Tropes
• Morally grey MMC
• Obsessive love interest
• Stalker romance
• Dark romcom energy
• Forced proximity
• Power imbalance
Trigger Warnings
• Stalking
• Dub‑con themes
• Blood and gore
• Violence
• Kidnapping
Spice Level 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶
Explicit, obsessive, and power‑skewed.
May 10, 2026
This was a book I wanted to read but wasn't really in love with. But that changed very quickly! Richard, a daddy Dom with care-taking tendencies, a stalker, boss of bosses, and above all, obsessed with Winnie. For whom he literally crawls on the floor!! I would also ignore all the red flags and go for it 100%.
It contains suspense, intrigue, and violence. They flow together beautifully. It is a book that is very hard to put down because there's not a dull moment. There is always something telling you to keep reading. And honestly, it must be with a good book.
The smut is delightful. It flows, is very detailed, and not too short. If you want more plot than smut, this book isn't really for you. But for me, it's a real winner.
I'm already looking forward to the books by her two friends.Winnie and her two friends would be my besties too! They love good wine, a good Why Choose book with a sword crossing, and cats. What more could a woman want? 😍
It contains suspense, intrigue, and violence. They flow together beautifully. It is a book that is very hard to put down because there's not a dull moment. There is always something telling you to keep reading. And honestly, it must be with a good book.
The smut is delightful. It flows, is very detailed, and not too short. If you want more plot than smut, this book isn't really for you. But for me, it's a real winner.
I'm already looking forward to the books by her two friends.Winnie and her two friends would be my besties too! They love good wine, a good Why Choose book with a sword crossing, and cats. What more could a woman want? 😍
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hush Little Angel is my favorite from Pauline so far! This may be a crazy thing to say about a dark romance, but this book is absolutely delightful. FMC Winnie, like most of Pauline's FMCs, is strong and straightforward. She's a "treat me right and you'll get the same in return; treat me like cr*p and pay the price" kind of girl and I love that. Winnie is quirky and funny and loves cats, and her sarcastic tone throughout the story had me literally laughing out loud. Richard is a delicious daddy MMC, all tough crime boss on the surface, all squishy cinnamon roll underneath. The book is dual POV so you get to be in both the MC's heads and I honestly can't tell you who I enjoyed more. The side characters are each well-drawn and distinct (and I believe will be getting their own books in this series!) and, like all Pauline's books, the spice is craaaaazy fun. Check those content warnings!
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨️Hush Little Angel by Pauline Walters✨️
Book 20 for my ANZ April Readathon Challenge. Thank you @paulinewaltersauthor for the ARC.
Available 6th May 2026.
Unhinged. Chaotic. Addictive.
The spicy was spicing 🥵🔥 and I ate this UP.
Fast-paced, messy in the best way, and impossible to put down.
AND it features two of my fave tropes—somno + touch her and die. So, honestly, I was sold from the start.
Overall, this is perfect if you want:
✨ A quick, addictive read
✨ Dark romance with humour
✨ Messy, morally grey characters
✨ Something you can devour in one sitting
If Pauline writes it, I’ll read it. No questions asked.
🏷 Bookstagram • Hush Little Angel • Pauline Walters • Dark Rom-Com • Stalker • Somno • Dub Con • Age-Gap • Morally Grey • Touch Her And Die • ARC Reader • ARC Review • Coming Soon • Kiwi Author • Indie Author
Book 20 for my ANZ April Readathon Challenge. Thank you @paulinewaltersauthor for the ARC.
Available 6th May 2026.
Unhinged. Chaotic. Addictive.
The spicy was spicing 🥵🔥 and I ate this UP.
Fast-paced, messy in the best way, and impossible to put down.
AND it features two of my fave tropes—somno + touch her and die. So, honestly, I was sold from the start.
Overall, this is perfect if you want:
✨ A quick, addictive read
✨ Dark romance with humour
✨ Messy, morally grey characters
✨ Something you can devour in one sitting
If Pauline writes it, I’ll read it. No questions asked.
🏷 Bookstagram • Hush Little Angel • Pauline Walters • Dark Rom-Com • Stalker • Somno • Dub Con • Age-Gap • Morally Grey • Touch Her And Die • ARC Reader • ARC Review • Coming Soon • Kiwi Author • Indie Author
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whew!!! Finally this book is going out in the wild, rather than staying in drafts, jk. And my my, have you read those characters!!! Tbh, I was half expecting Winnie (FMC) to be almost like Eve (FMC of DDJ), but Winnie has won my heart over with her crazy purple hair, like a cute lil Pokemon (Richard Chill, I ain't taking your Pokemon, don't worry old man) Richard is Richard, well he's quite the villain, but he does have a soft spot for Winnie.
There's spice, a lot of it. And mind you my imagination was running wild reading them. And, yes, yes, the plotline adds much more intense heat to the story. As this is the first book of the Vancouver series, I love how the upcoming characters already have a great impact, I can't wait to read about them!!!
And, it's connected to DDJ (it's getting a major revamp at the moment, so expect it sooner this year). The Vancouver series brings more depth to the storyline. The whole series is gonna be an absolute blast, mark my words.
The storyline supports and fits the tropes so well.
And thank you Pauline for the e-ARC 💜
There's spice, a lot of it. And mind you my imagination was running wild reading them. And, yes, yes, the plotline adds much more intense heat to the story. As this is the first book of the Vancouver series, I love how the upcoming characters already have a great impact, I can't wait to read about them!!!
And, it's connected to DDJ (it's getting a major revamp at the moment, so expect it sooner this year). The Vancouver series brings more depth to the storyline. The whole series is gonna be an absolute blast, mark my words.
The storyline supports and fits the tropes so well.
And thank you Pauline for the e-ARC 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
I truly dont know how to start this review.... I loved everything 😭❤️
Winnie is incredible (I think she may be joint 1st with Eve for fav females!!!) and Richard ahem "Daddy" is a huuunk, i'd love to have a Richard in my life 😂😂
How these two meet is on pooooint and the stairwell ... well... go read it!
If you love Unhinged, Quirky Humor, Cat Obsessed characters and Spirited Spice (and Pokémon reference?!) then this is definitely one for you to read!
Its Dark but Funny and honestly from the first paragraph I was Hooooked 👌 (seriously though Jody can faceplant a meat grinder 💁🏻♀️)
Pauline knows her way around her targeted audience and it definitely shows!
This is officially joint first on my favourite books list! And yes both are by Pauline!!!
If Pauline writes it, I'll read it! 😘
Winnie is incredible (I think she may be joint 1st with Eve for fav females!!!) and Richard ahem "Daddy" is a huuunk, i'd love to have a Richard in my life 😂😂
How these two meet is on pooooint and the stairwell ... well... go read it!
If you love Unhinged, Quirky Humor, Cat Obsessed characters and Spirited Spice (and Pokémon reference?!) then this is definitely one for you to read!
Its Dark but Funny and honestly from the first paragraph I was Hooooked 👌 (seriously though Jody can faceplant a meat grinder 💁🏻♀️)
Pauline knows her way around her targeted audience and it definitely shows!
This is officially joint first on my favourite books list! And yes both are by Pauline!!!
If Pauline writes it, I'll read it! 😘
Review of advance copy received from Author
This may just be my favorite book of Pauline Walters so far. I'm not even a big mafia romance reader but this one hooked me from the first page. It's dark, unhinged, spicy, and at times also hilarious. I burst out laughing at various points when reading this book, for example when Winnie's friends started yelling 'daddy' at Richard in the club or when she forced him to go to the cat cafe with her. It's very fast-paced, in between high stakes action, spice and banter there's never a boring moments. I also loved how well-rounded Winnie and Richard are, as well as the side characters: they all feel like real persons with distinct traits and personalities. Bonus for the love of cats that's waiven in throughout the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into Hush Little Angel already feeling connected (Canadian characters 🤩), and honestly, it pulled me in right away. Winnie is so cute with her fashion, her personality, her cat obsession 😻 I was obsessed.
And then there’s Richard… major daddy vibes. The chemistry? So good. The banter had me giggling the whole time, and the humor actually hit. Even the little things (yes, the Pokémon reference) made it feel that much more fun.
But it’s not just cute and funny - there’s spice, tension, and real stakes. It gives humor, danger, and just the right amount of chaos. I also loved the dual POV, it made both Winnie and Richard feel more layered.
✨ If you like your romance a little dark, a little funny, with tension and mafia boss energy… this one’s for you.
Releases on May 6, 2026!
And then there’s Richard… major daddy vibes. The chemistry? So good. The banter had me giggling the whole time, and the humor actually hit. Even the little things (yes, the Pokémon reference) made it feel that much more fun.
But it’s not just cute and funny - there’s spice, tension, and real stakes. It gives humor, danger, and just the right amount of chaos. I also loved the dual POV, it made both Winnie and Richard feel more layered.
✨ If you like your romance a little dark, a little funny, with tension and mafia boss energy… this one’s for you.
Releases on May 6, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Villainous. Hot. Madness.
Hush Little Angel was a chaotic little novella that knew exactly what it wanted to be. It leaned into the dark humor, obsessive romance, and over-the-top situations in a way that made it so enjoyable. Winnie’s reactions and inner thoughts kept me laughing, even when everything around her was pure madness.
Richard was the star of the show for me. He was dangerous, possessive, and completely morally bankrupt, yet somehow still charming in that fictional villain way. Their relationship was toxic, intense, and ridiculously entertaining. If you love dark romances that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one is worth reading.
Hush Little Angel was a chaotic little novella that knew exactly what it wanted to be. It leaned into the dark humor, obsessive romance, and over-the-top situations in a way that made it so enjoyable. Winnie’s reactions and inner thoughts kept me laughing, even when everything around her was pure madness.
Richard was the star of the show for me. He was dangerous, possessive, and completely morally bankrupt, yet somehow still charming in that fictional villain way. Their relationship was toxic, intense, and ridiculously entertaining. If you love dark romances that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one is worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay hear me out. I am very much a romantasy reader with the occasional dark romance. However, I was very intrigued by the age gap here and decided to give it a go! Goodness, this was both wild and unexpected but also fun. Side characters, even in a novella? I see you!
Pauline’s writing is hilarious. Inner monologue for the win. If you like older men, crazy, stalker/obsessive, already-found-family, and a WHOLE LOT OF KINKY SPICE… read this! It was an excellent palate cleanser between longer books for me, and as my first time reading Pauline’s writing, it certainly won’t be my last!
I received an eARC from the author.
Pauline’s writing is hilarious. Inner monologue for the win. If you like older men, crazy, stalker/obsessive, already-found-family, and a WHOLE LOT OF KINKY SPICE… read this! It was an excellent palate cleanser between longer books for me, and as my first time reading Pauline’s writing, it certainly won’t be my last!
I received an eARC from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hush Little Angel: A Dark Romcom (Vancouver's Wicked Hearts Book 1)
by Pauline Walters
4⭐️
4🌶️
Hush Little Angel is a very 🥵steamy & unhinged Dark Romcom.
The storyline and tropes were intriguing 🤔 and it was a fun and quick little story to read.
But … Phew 😮💨 … the plot is mostly “ Winnie & Richard” going at it like rabbits! 😝😂
So be advised …because the cute little cover of this book is nothing like the debauchery you will read !
The “Daddy kink “ is widely used in this book too… so if you’re into that( I’m not a fan) then you will love this book!
Overall … I would definitely recommend this if you’re a dark romance lover and don’t mind an abundance of spice vs plot!!
Thank you to author Pauline Walters for the arc!
by Pauline Walters
4⭐️
4🌶️
Hush Little Angel is a very 🥵steamy & unhinged Dark Romcom.
The storyline and tropes were intriguing 🤔 and it was a fun and quick little story to read.
But … Phew 😮💨 … the plot is mostly “ Winnie & Richard” going at it like rabbits! 😝😂
So be advised …because the cute little cover of this book is nothing like the debauchery you will read !
The “Daddy kink “ is widely used in this book too… so if you’re into that( I’m not a fan) then you will love this book!
Overall … I would definitely recommend this if you’re a dark romance lover and don’t mind an abundance of spice vs plot!!
Thank you to author Pauline Walters for the arc!
April 30, 2026
OMG if the spice is spicing here!! 🥵
Daddy Richard definitely knows how to use dirty talk. His obsession with Winnie is very obvious and filthy.
Winnie is a very likable FMC: straightforward, colorful, unapologetic and cat addicted.
Richard is the mafia boss, unhinged, morally gray, utterly smitten, funny and soft for her.
I loved their chemistry and connection, with witty banter and sizzling attraction.
The side characters are very lovely and interesting.
I can’t wait to see more of them.
Chaotic energy, sharp humor, super compelling, this dark romcom definitely delivers!
Daddy Richard definitely knows how to use dirty talk. His obsession with Winnie is very obvious and filthy.
Winnie is a very likable FMC: straightforward, colorful, unapologetic and cat addicted.
Richard is the mafia boss, unhinged, morally gray, utterly smitten, funny and soft for her.
I loved their chemistry and connection, with witty banter and sizzling attraction.
The side characters are very lovely and interesting.
I can’t wait to see more of them.
Chaotic energy, sharp humor, super compelling, this dark romcom definitely delivers!
April 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Hush little angel @paulinewaltersauthor
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chilli 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Firstly this was so smut heavy my god! However, I needed more🤣 Richard is a sweetheart stalker who just loves hairless cats🤣 this was such a fun and quick read!
I needed Milas book so much!! I need me a man who buys me diamonds!!! This was more smut than plot but the plot did so good! I’m so excited for more in this world!
Winnie just wanted to be ragged tbf🤣🤣🤣
#arcreview #comingsoon #booktok
Hush little angel @paulinewaltersauthor
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chilli 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Firstly this was so smut heavy my god! However, I needed more🤣 Richard is a sweetheart stalker who just loves hairless cats🤣 this was such a fun and quick read!
I needed Milas book so much!! I need me a man who buys me diamonds!!! This was more smut than plot but the plot did so good! I’m so excited for more in this world!
Winnie just wanted to be ragged tbf🤣🤣🤣
#arcreview #comingsoon #booktok
Review of advance copy received from Author
Recieved this book as an arc and is also the first book i have read by Pauline Walters
I love a mafia romance, it's dark, unhinged, very spicy and made me laugh
Richard and Winnie were the perfect match. This is the first book in the Vancouver's Wicked Heart series and can't wait for next one
Tropes:
Obsessed MMC
Stalker MMC
Mafia
Age Gap
She Loves cats
I love a mafia romance, it's dark, unhinged, very spicy and made me laugh
Richard and Winnie were the perfect match. This is the first book in the Vancouver's Wicked Heart series and can't wait for next one
Tropes:
Obsessed MMC
Stalker MMC
Mafia
Age Gap
She Loves cats
May 10, 2026
Masked men ✅
Mvrd3r ✅
St@lk!ng ✅
OTT Possessive Alpha ✅
Look at her and d!3 ✅
All the banter and humour ✅
And LAWD the spice that is already occurring in some fairly public places ✅
This is an ARC read, but if you’re into dark romcoms, you’re going to want this one on your list! I loved this and will be reading the rest in this series!
Mvrd3r ✅
St@lk!ng ✅
OTT Possessive Alpha ✅
Look at her and d!3 ✅
All the banter and humour ✅
And LAWD the spice that is already occurring in some fairly public places ✅
This is an ARC read, but if you’re into dark romcoms, you’re going to want this one on your list! I loved this and will be reading the rest in this series!
Did Not Finish
April 7, 2026I honestly wasn't vibing with it, it was too much insta lust for me and I didn't see much rom-com like it was advertised.
I want to thank the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I want to thank the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Honestly just loved it. Winnie had the perfect sass and Richard won me over with calling her an angry Pokémon. The spice is amazing as always with Pauline’s books! Yall need to read this.
Honestly just loved it. Winnie had the perfect sass and Richard won me over with calling her an angry Pokémon. The spice is amazing as always with Pauline’s books! Yall need to read this.
May 3, 2026
Winnie is a chaos cat loving FMC who knows what she wants, Richard is an obsessive, stalker, control freak. But these two are just perfect. I loved Winnie’s 2 best friends when they were taking on the big guys it was impressive. A really good dark rom com!
April 18, 2026
Dark Romance lovers!!! This is a book for you! Well written and full of spice. Short chapters and two POV made it a fast read.
May 10, 2026
I loved this! It was very funny!
May 10, 2026
This was the perfect amount of smut & plot!!
Pauline did not hold back on this one & I appreciate her for it.
Delicious read.
Pauline did not hold back on this one & I appreciate her for it.
Delicious read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews