Slay

by Emily Augustine

Genres: Dark Romance, Novella

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2026

Reviews

[trigstropes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masked MMC? ✅
“You’re mine. Only mine.” ✅
Two tortured souls finding solace in each other? ✅

Quick, spicy, and sweet. The perfect combo. Excited to read more of Emily Augustine’s work in the future!

As always, please check your triggers!

*This is an ARC review. Thank you Emily Augustine for providing a copy of Slay!*

[Madeline Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes & Themes
* Dual POV
* Masked man
* Morally grey MMC
* Possessive MMC
* Romcom vibes
* Stalker romance
* Touch her & d!e
* Vigilante serial unaliver

Hamlet is the nation’s most prolific serial unaliver. He’s meticulous and vicious, leaving no witnesses or evidence behind. He kills sex offenders and releases his evidence of their crimes the morning after committing his. One night as he’s sitting in wait, instead of his intended victim, Basil walks in. She’s a PhD holding assistant professor, temporarily renting his intended victim’s apartment. During their initial encounter, Basil’s period cramps get too bad for her to control and Hamlet helps her through it. Before long he becomes obsessed with her. For months he watches her, only showing up to care for her during her period. Basil is terrified, but intrigued; she wants to get to know the man behind the mask. How bad can he really be? After all, he cares for her without getting anything in return and only hurts men who deserve it…
••••
I absolutely LOVED this novella!! Basil is smart, sassy and tough as nails. Hamlet is brilliant and successful, but very guarded. Both MCs have tragic back stories that neither is ready to share with the other yet. Hamlet can’t handle being physically touched because of his, and he fears Basil can’t accept that, but she understands. She also accepts his dark side. She doesn’t expect him to stop or let her in on his activities because she understands why he does it. I loved reading their relationship develop as they started trusting each other and accepting their feelings. Their banter and internal monologues were the perfect amount of funny to match the darkness. The closet scene was amazing, all the spice was great. The ending was satisfying, wrapping it all up perfectly. And the way he reveals his identity is perfect. However I would have loved even just one more chapter of them as a real couple. I loved the Shakespeare references in his crimes and name.
I also really liked that the content warnings specified whether it was on or off page. I often pass on reading darker books because that isn’t clearly stated and I don’t want to risk certain things being fully described.
This novella is perfect for fans of Lights Out and the Ruinous Love Trilogy. Please make sure you read the content warnings first!!!
2🌶️

[ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆✨

𝚃𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎: 𝚂𝚕𝚊𝚢
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝙱𝚢: 𝙴𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝙰𝚞𝚐𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚎
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 02|12
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: 𝙳𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚁𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎: 🌶️🌶️
𝙼𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜: 𝙷𝚊𝚖𝚕𝚎𝚝 + 𝙱𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚕
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚃𝚢𝚙𝚎: 𝙽𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊, 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚎
𝙿𝙾𝚅: 𝙳𝚞𝚊𝚕

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝚔𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚜𝚘𝚏𝚝 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚛.

𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚊 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚘𝚗 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚑 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚑𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚎. 𝙷𝚊𝚖𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚎 𝚙𝚒𝚎. 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚑𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚊 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚖 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚜 𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚏𝚝 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝙱𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚕. 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍, 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚘𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎𝚎𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛. 🤣

✨ 𝚃 𝚛 𝚘 𝚙 𝚎 𝚜 + 𝚃 𝚛 𝚒 𝚐 𝚐 𝚎 𝚛 𝚜 ✨
𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝙺𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛
𝙼𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝙼𝙼𝙲
𝙵𝚘𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚍 𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚡𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚢
𝙿𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚃𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊
𝙷𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝙲𝚊𝚖𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚜
𝙵𝚎𝚊𝚛 𝙿𝚕𝚊𝚢
𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐
𝙷𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝙸𝚗𝚟𝚊𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗

[Christina Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you Emily Augustine for the opportunity to read this Advance Readers Copy of your book!
This was a solid 2 Day Read!!! I could not put this down! I was as obsessed as our unaliver Hamlet! I loved the way our big muscular MMC almost gave off Batman/Superman vibes only he is a baddy instead. Meanwhile our FMC isn't exactly innocent either, hiding her own secrets. Somehow this unexpected meeting ends up so hot and bothered and gives off couples goals in all the wrong right ways lol. Bottom line...Emily Augustine Nailed it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark, spicy novella was everything it says it will be and more. A really fun read, definitely check out the themes first!
Thank you Emily for this eARC!

[Mandy Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🔥🔥🔥

I knew this book was going to own me the moment I saw the cover—it literally called to me when I applied to be an ARC, and almost immediately after starting it, that feeling was confirmed. The MMC’s twisted sense of humor captured me right away, especially his complete disbelief at how chaotic the FMC’s computer tabs were and searching for pain medications in her black-hole-of-a-purse. audibly giggles because both are so relatable 🫣

The tone flips in the most unhinged way possible. The FMC deals with brutal period cramps when the MMC is actively deciding whether or not to kill her… and instead, he makes her tea, then asks if she wants sugar. (Totally doesn’t drug her 🤭 and comforts her until it kicks in.) Um… is it normal to swoon this soon?? 🥰

From there, the dynamic spirals into peak stalker romance chaos 🖤🔪 He starts stalking her and orders her a ridiculous amount of food. Meanwhile, she refuses to take anything because she assumes it’s drugged—valid queen behavior 👑 So naturally… he just comes over and cooks for her instead.

What really makes this story work is the FMC. She’s been through hell—damaged, traumatized, broken—but still strong 💥 She feels real. And somehow, she’s the perfect match for this MMC. Their dynamic gives strong Haunting Adeline vibes mixed with Lights Out, but college-set, with a hint of Fifty Shades of Grey trauma energy—and IT ALL LOCKED ME IN 🖤✨ iykyk 😉

I started this book around 9pm-ish and somehow looked up to see it was 1:30am-ish, and I was already at the end. That’s how hard this book had me in a chokehold 😮‍💨🔥

The MMC is possessive, obsessive, dominant, and terrifying—but also oddly gentle 🫠🔥 He shows up when she’s in pain and buys groceries. A stalker for good reason who genuinely cares if you’re comfortable… isn’t that bad, right??

Then to sweeten this dark, twisted love story, we find out she’s got darkness too 🖤 She’s not as fragile or innocent as it first seemed. Suddenly, everything clicks.

This is a slow-burn stalker romance that edges you relentlessly 😈🔥 The push and pull. The denial. The obsession he’s fighting while she’s very much wanting him. The tension is IMMACULATE 🖤✨

When the spice finally hits?? 🌶️🌶️🌶️
PRISTINE. Intense, intimate, and elevated by the dual POV 🔥 The writing flows beautifully, and the author knows exactly how to write—her words are like silk.

The ending hit hard—in the best way 🖤✨ The reveal, the realization, the emotional payoff—it all felt earned. Watching the MMC lower his traumatized walls and the FMC step into a happier, freer version of herself was everything 😭🔥

This book gave me serotonin, obsession, emotional damage, and butterflies all at once ⭐🔥🖤
I NEED MORE. 😩🔥📖

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars / 3.5 - 4 chilies

Tropes: Masked MMC, Serial killer MMC, Stalker MMC, "touch her and die" vibes, "I should be afraid but I'm not" FMC

Oh, was I happy to apply and receive this ARC!

Hamlet, a serial killer with standards and a strict set of rules, only goes after the people who truly deserve it, from murderers who got away with it to pedophiles who skirt the law. He researches, he stalks, he plans absolutely meticulously. After he does what he does best, he sends in the proof along with where they can find the remains, but there's no way he leaves any evidence of himself behind. He doesn't make mistakes … until one day, he does.

Basil couldn't believe her luck when she scored a condo for cheap rent. She's been through enough in her lifetime that a break is welcomed … until it isn't. See, one day she makes her way home, only to come face-to-face with Hamlet. See, he's after the man who owns the condo. He didn't factor an innocent person in the mix. Especially one that intrigues him.

Basil knows she should be reporting him. Calling the police. Something. Anything. But she doesn't. Her curiosity is bigger. And he takes care of her. Her menstrual cycle hits and the usual pain that accompanies it, and he takes care of her. From ways to alleviate the pain to feeding her, making sure she's drinking enough.

Hamlet's intrigued, and wants to know more about her. Seems she's hit a soft spot in him that he didn't know he had. Even though he still can't let her touch him, he can make sure she feels him. And boy, does he! He stalks her. Hidden cameras in the apartment to make sure she's taking care of herself. See her out in public, unbeknownst to her.

Oh, this story … it was my first Emily Augustine book, and it absolutely won't be my last. I loved the flow of the story, the characters. Even though Hamlet is supposed to be a bad guy with red flags galore, he made me swoon. And Basil, growing up how she did, through what she has, like a Timex watch, took a licking and kept on ticking. I greatly admired her gumption.

If these tropes are up your alley, definitely read this one.

NB: Thank you, Emily, for the chance to ARC read for you. An ARC copy does not, and never has, guaranteed a 5-star review from me. All opinions in this review are my own.

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hamlet was on the hunt for his next victim, the deadIiest serial unaliver in the country (he targets criminals), and was hiding in a house. But when the person came into view, he realized that he didn't know them. He was waiting for a guy named Evan, who had pending charges on SA from some of the female students at the university, and Evan was sent home on leave (pending an investigation). Hamlet was immediately drawn to her, the unknown person in the house. Tonight was the last attempt to get Evans, or he would need to remove him from his hit list, so he kidnapped whoever the woman was.

Basil was a fighter and didn't give in easily. When he asked where Dr. Evans was, she explained that she hadn't met him, that she was renting his loft and that he told her he was on a research trip.

Hamlet was "sweet", you know, in that stalker dark romance unaliver kind of way. He made sure she ate and was safe. But he did have something challenging for them; he couldn't stand to be touched. So he watched and stalked her, which is a huge part of the book. It does take a long time for them to actually get together, so the spice is on the lower side, but I still loved them together!
 
 
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat: 1.5 out of 5 🌶️.5
Main Characters: Hamlet & Basil
Darkness: 2 out of 5 🖤 🖤
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novella
Title: Slay
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*Skull Mask
*Stalking/Home Invasion
*Off-Page SA
*Recalled Child Abu$e
*PTSD
*Murder/Violence
*MMC Serial Unaliver
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Petals & Pages Romance Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Augustine provides a narrative that is not only a psychological thrilling game of chess. It is soaringly high octane and presents a story built on the foundation of power. This read asks questions like who has it? Who wants it? What is the cost of maintaining it? The world that is crafted feels claustrophobic and expansive at the same time, which catches the reader and brings them into the web of secrets and spice. Augustine does not simply illustrate a scene; she evokes moods and emotions along with it.

There are no easy heroes here, only players who both have their own jagged secrets. The characters brought to life here do not play into the readers’ likability, they simply just demand our respect and take charge. The female main character is thoughtful, seeking, and ambitious to a fault. Her ever interaction with our favorite masked man is a calculation of leverage, risk, and finally reward.
This read felt like a countdown, page after page, tension built like a ticking time bomb, and I couldn’t put this down. I just kept telling myself one more page, then one more chapter! It was the ultimate game of cat and mouse, except the mouse wants to be caught and the cat for sure has claws!

My Final Verdict:
Slay by Emily Augustine is an intellectually demanding thriller novella. It does not offer easy answers and fluffy feel-good resolutions. It offers a mirrored look at what our own ambitions are and asks the reader what would you be willing to do to get the thing you wanted most. Augustine has once again proven to be a writer who truly understands their readers the darker side of things they love.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Sophia Cristello · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I will preface this in saying that I was very kindly given the opportunity to read this book as an ARC, however, this review is completely my own thoughts and feelings :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶

I enjoyed the idea behind this story, but I felt like there was something missing.

I get the connection between Hamlet and Basil with them having similar terrible childhoods, so they can lean on each others darkness, but there still didn't seem to be grounds for them to get together. I understand the whole fact that they are both mentally questionable, but I wish there was more to their relationship.

I found that there was a sort of disconnect with the story, like it didn't feel like it was fully complete at all. It seemed very open-ended in a way, where the whole reason that they met in the first place was then resolved and brushed aside in a single sentence at the very end. They didn't even kiss until the very end (after they had sex). Oh, and then some strange thing happened at the end where Hamlet said that because of Basil in his life he had no need to let his monster loose as frequently... so there's some sort if redemption arc where he betters himself or something that's going on???

All in all, the book was a very easy read, and even though he's a serial unaliver and there is mentions of their abusive childhoods, nothing is in detail and it's almost breezes through, so I'd say that this is still a light read to get through especially if you wanna dip your toes into some common dark romance tropes (dub con, stalker, bondage) without fully having everything described in detail.

[AfterDarkReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

GET THE HECK OUTTA HERE!!!!
This was the perfect dark little horror novella palate cleanser...and I loved every second of it!

SLAY leans fully into atmosphere and obsession. It’s eerie, intimate, and unsettling in a quiet, creeping way rather than relying on shock alone. Hamlet is meticulous, controlled, and dangerous, and the moment Basil collides with his world, everything starts to unravel in the most compelling way.

And listen… I am weak for an intruder who takes care of the woman. A masked killer who puts the kettle on, asks about sugar in tea, and shows up every month just to make sure she’s okay? Monster behavior, but make it tender. We absolutely love a monster who is only good for his woman.

The dynamic between Hamlet and Basil is where this shines. There’s fear, curiosity, restraint, and a slow, unsettling intimacy that builds page by page. The shared pasts add an emotional layer I wasn’t expecting, and it made their connection feel intentional rather than gimmicky.

This isn’t a long read, but it’s effective. Tight pacing, strong mood, and a premise that commits fully to what it is. I finished it satisfied and immediately wanting more from this author.
Dark, strange, oddly tender, and exactly what I needed. I’ll absolutely be picking up whatever comes next. 🖤

[GracelinaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Oh my goodness! When I tell you I crave more of Hamlet and Basil? Hamlet has me yearning for more! I craved his darkness! He is incredibly hot and demanding, and any scraps you get from him, you take them with glee. The way I would love for this to be a full novel! Hamlet and Basil is perfect for each other and no one can’t tell me otherwise.

I’ve never witnessed a “wrong place, wrong time” scenario turn out so perfectly. Hamlet brings the danger, fear, and the teasing. Basil is a fighter, but she knows when a predator has found its prey, and oh boy, did she become his prey. I really admire Basil’s determination. She didn’t give up easily, which is what makes her unique. She’s got a fierce spirit and will fight until she’s no longer able to.

I love the build-up of the sexual relationship (although a part of me wouldn’t mind if it happened sooner). The teasing, the yearning, and the back-and-forth kept me hooked. Nothing satisfies me more than a “f-it” moment, and I practically screamed when we got it!

If you’re in the mood for something fast-paced but still dark, this is the perfect choice. If you enjoy stories about men who are obsessed, possessive, jealous, and also incredibly caring for their women, then Hamlet and Basil are definitely the one for you.

*Thank you so much for the arc!*

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Thank you to the author for allowing me this opportunity. First of all I love the cover! It’s giving Simon Ghost Riley vibes😝
I’m gonna rate this a 4/5 close to 4.5/5, I absolutely loved reading this I did feel some scenes were lacking a bit that’s why I’m only rating it 4-4.5/5 but it was still very much a great read.
This was one of those books where when you set it down to go do something your mind instantly goes back to what you were reading.
I laughed a couple times because at first I was questioning who named themselves Hamlet but then I seen Basil and it really had me cackling🤣
I loved that even though he’s a serial killer he finds the time to take care of her especially when she’s on her period, I don’t recall reading a book like that and that’s what made me enjoy this even more, how a serial unaliver can show you how you should be treated but a “normal” man can’t.
When he kept stopping by her place more and they started talking about their past and getting things off their chest I really enjoyed that, you could tell how comfortable they were getting with each other.
Honestly the spice to me was a bit mid compared to what I’ve read before but it was still great nonetheless I did enjoy reading it.

[Livv L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serial killer who never makes a mistake, never saw a female get in the way of his next victim. A female who innocently moves to seattle, finds herself unknowingly in the middle of a planned attack. Both of them never expected the other, but now, they can’t get enough.

This standalone book had a good amount of spice and the emotions moved fast as the book immediately jumps in to a masked man, dominant, and brat- taming energy, filled with lots of suspense, heat, and spice that i was pleased with.

The spicy scenes were packed with detailed description, verbal gratification, dirty s3x talk, and continuous sexual banter, that kept the tension charged and intense.

Basil’s character was written perfectly for a fast pace and fast introduction storyline. Her background and motivations were clear from the get go, leaving room for some mystery in her upbringing, while also giving her time to have a blossomed character development.

Hamlets storyline felt a bit too open ended, especially when it came to his “side job,” leaving me with lingering questions about if he left his side job? what comes next for him? Etc.

The darkness and chemistry fed into each other so well, and honestly, it felt all too real in the best possible way!

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toxic? Yes. Am I Into It? Also Yes.

OMG Besties… I was giggling and clutching my Kindle over a SERIAL K!LLER love story?? Yep, I sure was!

"Slay" by Emily Augustine is a dark little novella that I devoured in one sitting. Hamlet is a meticulous, skull-mask-wearing k!ller who never makes mistakes… until Basil quite literally derails his k!ll and then becomes his obsession. And when I tell you the line about hitting up her "neighborhood serial k!ller for a booty call" had me laughing out loud?!? UNHINGED perfection.😂

But here’s the twist... this man makes her dinner. He puts the kettle on to make her tea. He shows up every month to take care of her during her period. Ummmm... Sir?? The bar is in hell and yet he’s raising it.😏

The suspense is tight, the forced proximity is deliciously tense, and the morally grey obsession? Illegal levels of whoa. 😳 It’s dark, it’s steamy, it’s slightly deranged in the best way, and I’m invested in the rest of this series. Check TWs… and then add to your TBR. Seriously.😉

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4.5/5  ▪︎  🥵 4/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slay by Emily Augustine is a psychological chess match. A peek behind the façade that conceals the darker side of the human psyche. An intense exploration of power—who holds it, who craves it, and the steep price of keeping it. Slay forces a confrontation of ambitions, which leaves Basil and Hamlet with only one question: what would they sacrifice for what they want most?

I absolutely devoured Basil and Hamlet’s story! Watching their trust evolve was beautiful and captivating. Their banter and internal dialogues were perfectly balanced with the gritty nature the plot.

The spice? Absolute fire.

The closet scene? An absolute inferno.

And the ending? Shakespeare-esque!


*Please read trigger and content warnings.*

I received an advanced copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Valeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️: 4.5
🌶️🌶️

Looking for your next Masked Man read? Look no further because you will be adding Hamlet to your list of book boyfriends once you’re done with this book! 🥵

Hamlet is a Vigilante Seri@l Un@liver who goes after the worst kind and in one of those “hunts” he comes across an unexpected anomaly, Basil.
This is a short novella, but it is filled with ALL the tension and tastefully written spicy scenes. Honestly, my only complaint is that I wish this story was longer! I had to devour it twice because I could not get enough of “only sweet for her”, Hamlet 😩🤌🏼

🖤 Novella
🖤 Dark Romance
💀 Vigilante Seri@l Un@liver
🖤 Masked Man
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 St@lker
🖤 Obsessive/Possessive MMC
🖤 Takes Care of Her
🖤 He Cooks for Her

Thank you so much, Emily Augustine for sending this book for review consideration! All opinions are voluntarily my own.

[thedirtychapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶.5
This is a quick novella that is only 137 pages. It's an easy read that is very entertaining. He's a serial killer but don't worry, he only kills the bad guys. She's a college professor and a little bored in her life. As a witness to his crimes, he, of course, has to stalk her and the care and compassion he shows her every month during her period makes me want to find my own serial killer.
There are 7 spice scenes in this short book, the tension leading up to when they finally complete the act is super hot and spicy. "It would probably not be ideal for my career. If anyone discovered me getting railed by a serial killer at the university fundraiser."
Tropes: serial killer vigilante, he falls first, masked man, touch her and 💀, captive,  stalker
Triggers: on page sexual content with BDSM and debcom, fear play, stalking, home invasion, violence

[Ashley P · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a masked, morally gray man with “touch her and die” energy — this one’s for you.
Hamlet is a meticulous serial killer who only targets predators that escaped justice. He has rules. He doesn’t make mistakes. Until Basil ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Basil should be terrified. She should run. Instead, curiosity wins. And somehow, the masked man stalking her also becomes the one making sure she eats, rests, and stays safe. He watches. He protects. He obsesses.
The tension is slow and steady, with lighter spice but heavy possessive energy. Hamlet can’t stand to be touched, yet he can’t stay away from her — and that dynamic is what makes this story work.
Dark but not overwhelming, obsessive but still oddly soft in places, Slay was a quick, addictive read and my first from Emily Augustine — definitely not my last.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this story. Post partum has really kicked my butt and unfortunately my love for reading kind of disappeared for a while. I’ve been slowly trying to get back into reading.

This was my first book started, and finished, since picking up a book again. It did not disappoint. Maybe it was the dark tones but it really sucked me in. We love a masked man. He’s a, slightly, unhinged damaged soul with a possessive side that will make your heart beat harder. Our lucky lady was a good read, comes from hard times and it’s nice to see her break down her walls to let in the unfamiliar. With it being on the shorter side there was much back story but it was given enough to make for a well rounded story. The epilogue was a nice touch at the end. Helped with making the story fill full and satisfying.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slay by Emily Augustine
Pages: 137
Rating: 3.75 ⭐
Format: e-book (Arc)
Spice: 3/5 🌶️

This is an arc book so I just want to thank Emily Augustine for my copy and I'm leaving my honest review.

📖 My Review 📖
This book is a really short read so you can just get through it in 2 hours or so. It is totally bingable. I finished it in one sitting.
It starts off strong and gets you interested when Hamlet, the killer realizes he made a big mistake, but what is he going to do about it.
It was fun and a good time for a novella.
Hamlet is such a red flag and you should run the other way screaming, however who doesn't love a man who takes care of her on her period. That's better than most men, so you can just overlook his flaws, right.

[Rachael Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! Loved the character building and interplay between Hamlet and Basil. From the beginning through the end, their acceptance of each other and their struggles pulled at my heart strings. And yes, I'm aware that is strange with a dark romance. 

I would definitely put this at the lighter end of dark romance (but my scales may be heavily twisted, so please don't trust them), but strictly sweet and sappy it is not! Hamlet is a sexier version of Dexter in all the best ways, but the best is the inner cinnamon roll that he is for Basil. Beautifully written and an incredible amount of character development for a novella. I will happily jump back into Emily's worlds when given half the chance and can't wait for more! 

[Ashley | Bookedandspiraling · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - 4.5 Star rounded up to 5 stars.

This is a great dark romance, stalker novella. It’s short and perfect. I like that the author is able to keep the pace moving. Everything is intentional. The author is able to clearly lay out the timeline of events. It’s months and not days. Which I love and makes it more realistic. In such a short read you are able to learn about the backstory for FMC, Basil, and MMC, Hamlet. Hamlet might be unhinged but when it comes to Basil he would do anything for her. Makes my heart melt.

Please read trigger warnings first.

✔️Stalking
✔️Serial killer
✔️Masked MMC
✔️Trauma
✔️Hidden House Cameras

I will be on the look out for other books from this author.

[Amy -coldbrew.fiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slay by Emily Augustine is the kind of book that walks right in from page one with our delicious stalker MMC and our super feisty "I should be scared but I'm not" FMC. If you’re a fan of the stalker with a savior complex trope, this story is going to hit all the right (and deliciously wrong) notes. The way that Hamlet anticipates Basil's needs before she even knows she has them, and Basil makes Hamlet want to finally let someone in adds a layer of "dark romance" to the thriller elements and I totally devoured! Oh, and when spice hit, it HIT!!! Well done Emily Augustine!

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. - Publication Date is February 12, 2026

[Sonia P. - TBR Reading With My Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Free ARC Review.

This is a novella which meant I was able to read it in a short few hours within 1 day.

For a dark romance story, this had moments of "sweetness" captured between Hamlet (MMC) and Basil(FMC).

He is morally grey with a traumatic past and she is brilliant, also with a traumatic past. With a quick error in planning, their worlds smashed together.

For a novella, this was well written, it was entertaining, and spicy. Would love to see more background story and his side quest escapades more elaborated, but that would be more suitable for a full length novel, not a novella.

Check your trigger warnings as some tough subjects are mentioned. Also, the mask wearing is always a trope I enjoy reading!

[Jaxxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect dark & spicy short read. Hamlet is troubled and dark, and he doesn't pretend to be anything else. Basil has a past, and she isn't afraid of the darkness that Hamlet brings. They are a match made in heaven (or hell depending on who you ask I suppose).

The snippets of backstory we get for both characters were perfectly placed. You learn enough about the characters to be absolutely obsessed with them, but not so much that you feel like the only thing you read was character set up.

This read was quick but at the same time it didn't even feel like it! Everything I love about a full length novel was here, and it didn't feel like it was missing anything. The balance was absolutely perfect.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this novella was out of this world I loved it so much. If you love masked men who are serial unaliver and does it for a good cause this is your book. It also has a sassy, smart, very strong-willed, and tough as leather FMC this is for you. Hamlet was the serial unaliver that, unalived sexual predators, and releasing evidence after he did. He was waiting for a victim when he seen Basil who was renting said victim's apartment. Things went from there he helped her and become obsessed. I am obsessed with the ending I loved it so much. I wished this book was so much longer but it's okay I loved it anyway. I really loved how hamlet revealed who he was to Basil. Overall, this book brought everything I loved. The action, the spice and everything nice.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um, yes. I loved this steamy, dark novella. Basil finds herself in a wrong place situation. She is lucky that Hamlet finds her very intriguing and therefore decides to not unalive her. Hamlet has never found himself in this type of situation.

Hamlet is morally black, but where Basil is concerned; Hamlet turns morally gray. The way that Hamlet made sure that Basil had food and when she refused the door dash orders, he came into the home and cooked for her had me heart fluttering with joy.

Emily SLAYED with this novella! It is so dark and spicy. I loved every moment and look forward to what the authors comes out with next.

[Pippie Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

I usually find novellas lacking but this one was spot on, I loved it. This short story manages to grab your attention quickly and keep your interest the entire time. There is the right amount of character development, spice, and emotion to not leaving anything lacking.

Both our man characters have traumatic backgrounds and when the MMC accidentally discovers the FMC while hunting someone else, the dominoes start to fall. This is a victim turns love interest and monster turns protector trope, with kink.

If you need a quick fix, pick this novella and enjoy some masked man spice 🥵

[Nani Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I need to make it clear that I ate this book down in a day. Secondly, I desperately need MORE!!! I will say that at first I did find it weird that there was such a fixation over the helping hand during the menstrual cycle, but then quickly understood the means in emotional connection. Both coming from such troubled and trauma filled childhood made all the sense as to why the bonding was what it was. I do wish that there was a bit more in-depth detail about their trauma, and also I would have liked a little bit more of insight to the serial killings that happened prior to him meeting her.