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You Can't Run

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Someone’s stalking me. Muscled. Masked. Older. Powerful enough to ruin me … and obsessed enough to make me fall.

Zee
I feel him watching
The sculpted man in the sugar skull mask
He knows my every move, my every weakness
My every hidden desire
After my father’s mysterious death, I’m pushed into a secret world I don’t understand
But nothing prepared me for him
Off-limits.
Forbidden.
Dangerous.
I shouldn’t fall for the voice that makes me quiver, or for the touch that makes my body betray my mind
He knows things he shouldn’t
He sees parts of me I try to hide
The closer I get, the more twisted secrets I find behind that mask
And the harder it is to escape his grasp

The day I met the masked man who watches me from the shadows is the day I should’ve run

-

Sugar Skull
Zee was never meant to be mine
Too close
Too young
Too tempting to ignore
I’ve watched her longer than she knows, and now I’m addicted
To every step
To every quiver
To every moment she thinks she’s alone
Men who touch her won’t walk away
I’ll make sure they’ll painfully pay
She thinks she’s being hunted
Well, she is
And I always finish what I start

It’s you and me until the end, angel.
Promise.
-

"You Can't Run" is an ~80k-word standalone with dual POV. This book is a contemporary age gap dark romance featuring a morally gray masked man and serial killer who's a bit of a cinnamon roll. This full-length novel contains an HEA and dark themes that some may find offensive. Please check the trigger warnings and read responsibly.

If you loved Sheridan Anne’s “Pretty Monster” and the hit series “YOU,” you won’t be able to resist Sugar Skull.

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About the author

L.J. Woods

12 books222 followers
L.J. Woods is an author of young adult and new adult contemporary dark romance. Her deliciously dark novels feature fierce heroines and irresistible bad boy anti-heroes that can’t get enough of them. With a thing for themes like enemies-to-lovers, bullying and suspense, Books by Woods will leave you gripping to your Kindle.

Woods is a Bi-Bipoc with a passion for travel, bourbon and new experiences. While she's anglophone, she calls both Montreal and Paris home.

Read KING - Available now on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MLD3H3L/...

Free Bonus Scene ➜ https://rb.gy/znec2j
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/l.j.woods/
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Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/BooksByWoods


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Community Reviews

5 stars
62 (44%)
4 stars
37 (26%)
3 stars
28 (20%)
2 stars
8 (5%)
1 star
4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Kristy.
437 reviews41 followers
April 11, 2026
I love a good dark stalker romance!! Loved the use of a Sugar Skull mask for our MMC. Zee is the strong independent woman and one of my favorite types of FMC. Captivating from the start and will definitely be checking out more books by this author!! IF you love a dark, age gap, stalker, masked man, touch her & die then you'll love this book!!!
Profile Image for Anuja Seeram.
40 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2026
Did I lose the plot along the way? Yeah
But did the smut make up for it? Hell yeah 😛😛

Need me a sugar skull in my life
Profile Image for Penny Gallo.
60 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2026
L. J woods has truly knocked it out of the park on this one!!! As someone who loves her men morally grey and yet romantic, someone that gravitates towards spice and passionate, dare I say the SMUT, this was a captivating and enthralling read. I don't want to give anything away, so I will just say that if you want a dark romance with that stalker obsessive, I will kill for you and anyone that hurts you,book boyfriend, you've got to read this. If you enjoy books like Haunting Adeline, In the Shadows, I Will Break You or Pen Pal vibes, you will love Sugar ☠️. I know I did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for G.
83 reviews
June 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book had me in a chokehold.

I went into this expecting a dark stalker romance and somehow ended up knee-deep in secret societies, ritual murders, hidden bodies, campus conspiracies, and enough plot twists to make me question every theory I had.

The romance was great, don’t get me wrong. The obsession? Top tier. The tension? Delicious. But what surprised me most was that the plot was actually bigger than the romance.

I spent the first half of this book collecting clues like a detective. Every answer created three new questions. Why was she being targeted? What happened to her father? What was the deal with the dagger and the mark? Why did this brotherhood care so much about controlling its members?

And for once…

THE BOOK ACTUALLY ANSWERED EVERYTHING.

No loose ends. No “make up your own ending.” No giant reveal that creates ten more plot holes.

Every question I had at 45% was answered by the end, and the payoff was worth it.

The secret society storyline was by far my favorite part. The hierarchy, the traditions, the manipulation, the hidden history—it gave me the same feeling I got reading books where there’s a mystery underneath the romance that slowly unfolds chapter by chapter.

And the FMC?

Absolute badass.

Watching her go from target to someone who completely dismantled the system that tried to control her was incredibly satisfying.

Also, the stalker reveal got me. I was convinced I knew who it was.

I did not.

The reveal was simple but effective, and the moment everything clicked into place I physically had to stop and process what I had just read.

If you want a dark romance where the romance is important but the mystery is what keeps you turning pages until 1 a.m., this is it.

I stayed up way later than intended because I needed answers.

Thankfully, this book delivered them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
44 reviews
May 28, 2026
I tried. I really did.

The premise sounded promising: dark stalker romance, morally gray chaos, intense attraction, and enough mystery to keep things interesting. Unfortunately, by 25% I realized the book seemed far more interested in nonstop smut than actually building a compelling story around it.

And look, I enjoy spice in romance. But for me, it works best when there’s emotional tension, character development, or plot progression supporting it. Here, the scenes started blending together because there wasn’t enough substance underneath them to keep me invested.

What finally broke immersion for me were the editing inconsistencies. At one point, the male POV character refers to the female lead as having anatomy she very obviously does not have, which completely pulled me out of the scene. It wasn’t just a tiny typo. In a scene relying heavily on physical clarity, mistakes like that make the writing feel rushed and insufficiently edited.

The book also suffers from a style that feels more focused on dark aesthetic than meaningful emotional depth. There’s intensity, but not enough substance behind it to make me care.

I can absolutely see this working for readers who want extremely high spice with minimal interruption from plot, but personally I needed more story, more emotional progression, and stronger editing to stay invested.

Sadly, this ended up being a DNF for me.
Profile Image for Leshay Germany.
198 reviews4 followers
April 13, 2026
What a roller coaster of thrills and twists and turns that L.J. took us on. I truly had no idea what was coming next and gobbled it all up. When Zee moves into her father’s house after he passes away, she realizes there are things about him she didn’t know and all the secrets his house and that town held. While some want her gone, there’s one masked man who has become obsessed with her and keeping her safe. The moment our MMC “sugar skull” showed up and had her coming undone…I was like holy hotness, this man didn’t come to play. But also is he really wanting to keep her safe or is he who she should fear? This was pure chaos and captivating and left me constantly guessing at what was going to happen next. Zee was not one to be messed with though and was such a strong and fierce FMC who refused to back down to “sugar skull” and even threw in some sarcastic wit. They had some explosive chemistry and he had a mouth that would leave you in a puddle. I loved the MMC reveal and was so thrilled with how L.J. wrapped everything up, but also hoping we get to go back Eastmount again.

Thank you L.J. Woods for this arc to read. I’m so so glad I discovered your books.
Profile Image for Ashley.
837 reviews46 followers
April 17, 2026
This book absolutely kept me on my toes. I thought I had figured out who sugar skull was and then it went a whole different direction and I was straight up surprised. This is yet another new author to me and I will definitely be adding her to me watch list. It's not often I get it completely wrong and I like that.

This book follows Zee (Azalea) as she finds herself in a new town after her fathers death and inheriting his house. But on her first night there with her abusive boyfriend there is a man in a sugar skull mask that pops up. But he keeps showing up and saving her and making her feel more than she ever has before. When truths start coming out can these two work together to change things? Can Zee figure out what happened to her parents and who she is?

I loved this world and these characters they were extremely well written and developed. There were moments when the pacing wasn't great but it still wasn't as bad at all. The flow was good as well. I absolutely enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
81 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2026
Review of Advance Reader Copy, Gifted From the Author.

Title: You Cant Run
Author: L.J.Woods
Genre: Romantic Thriller / Stalker Romance
Release Date: April 9, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

You Cant Run By6 L.J.Woods was such a fun read that had me, wishing for a Stalker of my own but also had me side-eyeing every shadow and double checking my doors are locked. The Stalker element had me from the offset. Creepy without being over the top, and it kept that constant 'oh no' feeling. I found myself staying up well into the night flying through the pages, just to know what happens next. and the guessing game of who the stalker was, was on point.

I really like our FMC and how relatable she was and her internal panic mixed with denial, and the whole packing up her bags to leave was us all, you know you should leave but hey hot masked stalker might as well stay right.

Its not perfect but most books aren't and that's why we love them, This book is gripping, moody and insanely addictive, especially if you love romantic thrillers with a strong stalker storyline, which is defiantly me. I say this whole heartedly when I say this book is 100% worth a read, it has suspense with a fun element and a slightly unhinged edge.

Tropes

Stalker Romance
Masked Man
Secret Society
Age Gap
Standalone
Touch Her & Die
Stalker Thriller
Cat & Mouse Dynamics
Trust No One Vibes
Being Watched
FMC Turns The Tables
Profile Image for Nikki B..
1,093 reviews27 followers
April 21, 2026
You Can't Run is a dark, stalker romance. The way this story started gripped me right from the beginning and sucked me in.
Zee finds herself with an obsessed, possessive stalker that calls himself sugar skull who is also a serial killer.
I loved the plot of this story. I am hooked. It's dark, spicy, and complex. The story is so well written. You have that anticipated feeling of creepiness and having to look over your shoulder with the stalker, but also, the mystery and intrigue throughout the story will leave you flying through the pages. I love when a big, scary, dominating man can be so soft and cuddly just for his girl. It does something to me!
I highly recommend giving this a read!!
Profile Image for Sheila.
1,218 reviews11 followers
April 11, 2026
5 Stars for You Can’t Run by L. J. Woods

Readers should check content for triggers but dive right in! A page turner to find out more … I do have to say I had no clue when it came to our stalker Sugar Skull but I absolutely adored Zee ! Our MFC has clearly had many challenges in life but conquers them with sarcastic humor , determination and pure grit !

What you can expect :

Stalker vibes
MMC I will un-alive anyone that blinks at Zee
Sarcastic funny dialog & situations
Intense smoldering chemistry


Loved it !.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Johanna.
5,552 reviews87 followers
April 14, 2026
'This book is an age gap contemporary dark romance featuring a morally gray masked man and serial killer who's a bit of a cinnamon roll. This full-length novel contains an HEA and dark themes that some may find offensive. Please check the trigger warnings and read responsibly.'

The characters were very dark and possessive and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SJ.
1,344 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2026
It's giving YOU vibes...

I love a great stalker romance and L.J. Woods delivered. I devoured this book. It was fast-paced, and between the dark humor, amazing characters, and pure delicious filth, the pages practically turned themselves. I loved the thrill of the mystery and suspense, I was giddy with anticipation on the edge-of-my-seat.
Yes, he's a stalker/serial unaliver, but he's also kind of a cinnamon roll...


Tropes:
Stalker
Obsessed
Age-gap
Morally gray
Secret society
Masked MMC
Anxiety rep
BDSM
Explicit/Graphic
Touch her and ☠️
Serial unaliver
Dual POV

Check TW
Profile Image for L.J. Woods.
Author 12 books222 followers
Currently Reading
April 1, 2026

You Can't Run is a dark stalker romance standalone 
Release date: April 9th, 2026


TROPES:

Stalker
 Masked hottie
● Obsession 
 Age gap
● Secret society 
 Touch her and die 
● I'll burn it down for you
● Morally gray MMC
● Steamy af 

Profile Image for WhiskeyandReading.
2,785 reviews
April 10, 2026
Oh, Ms. Woods, I have missed your writing, and man, did you come back with a bang. This book kept me on my toes. You truly have no idea of what was to come next. I mean, ya, we know who the FMC is, Zee, but that MMC was like a guessing game once it was revealed who you were sitting there with, your eyes wide open. This book had it all: mayhem, mystery, calculations, smut, and so much more. I was literally hooked from the very first page. If you haven't read a book by this author, you are seriously missing out. I don't even remember how I discovered her, but I don't regret it one bit!
Profile Image for Kylie Taylor.
744 reviews25 followers
April 9, 2026

This is one of my favorite dark romance authors, and man did she COME THROUGH!
This take on the popular stalker romance trope was absolutely fantastic!
I was on the edge of my seat the second “sugar skull” entered the picture. Get your fan ready for this one, because everything that comes out of his mouth is straight filth wrapped in grace.
I loved that this story kept me guessing until the end; it was not predictable!
Well done, truly loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Leslie Weimmer.
21 reviews16 followers
May 31, 2026
LOVED THIS!! Had the opportunity to ARC this and loved every minute! Addictive, suspenseful, stalker like vibes, masked man. 🥰

We need more of Zee and sugar skull ! Would love to see how that story continues….

Sugar skull is the perfect dark romance stalker 😂 obsessive, possessive, and protective. The tension between him and Zee is perfect. Tons of plot twits . Suspenseful. If work didn’t get in the way I would have finished this sooner 😂

Always check trigger warnings.
Profile Image for Felicia's Review.
2,359 reviews39 followers
April 4, 2026
Zee is in her fathers house after he died but she is not alone. She has a stalker in a Sugar Skull mask. The pull between them is strong. The scene are spicy. The mystery of Eastmount has you on the edge of ypur seat. This book was hard to put down. I would not mind more in this world. Can't wait for the next book from L.J Woods
9,402 reviews66 followers
April 9, 2026
When Zees father passes she moves into his old house, and gains the attention of SugarSkull he wanted to watch but soon that became a need to touch and more. Shes too young and secrets are built around her but soon they begin to unravel and Sugarskull might be the one to save or damn her? Well written engaging steamy desires drama action and more
6,093 reviews
April 10, 2026
OMG you guys! My first story by the author! NOT MY LAST!!!

Intense.
Exciting.
Captivating.
Suspense.
Twists and turns you may not see coming! Loved that!

Sugar Skull's dirty talk…"chef's kiss" delicious!!!

Steamy!
An un-put-down-able read for me, and I'm now stalking her backlist!
Profile Image for Jessica Ritzo.
88 reviews
April 13, 2026
This book was absolutely fantastic! I couldn't put it down. Action, mystery, suspense, humor...so many wonderful things could be said. Rather than go on endlessly, I will just say that you should check the trigger warnings if you need to and then jump right in. I would love to see more of these characters in the future.
Profile Image for Penny Gallo.
60 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2026
Walk don't run to grab your copy.

I loved everything about this, the suspense, the plot and of course the
spice. If you enjoy stalkers, obsession and a touch her or die vibe, this is for you. Fans of Haunting Adeline and the LORDS, will love jt. I can't wait to read more...highly recommend. Enjoy.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
5,222 reviews142 followers
April 14, 2026
This was hot! OMG there was no putting this down. I was in for the hunt. This was wild and dark. The twists and turns, yes please. That sugar mask, oh hell yeah! A freaking hot stalker, oh I melted. This had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I’m obsessed. I’m running to get me a copy and every other book this author has written. I’m a dedicated fan now. 😈❤️
8 reviews
May 30, 2026
a good read

I enjoyed the book. It had me hooked from the beginning. My only problem would be when i put it down and pick it back up it took me a while to get back into it. Once i was into it again i was hooked. Took me longer then i wanted to finish but all in all 10/10 characters, good development without changing who they are completely. I enjoyed the book
10 reviews
April 12, 2026
I will never look at actual sugar skulls the same way again! lol. Seriously hot, intense, page-turner with a morally gray male main. Love, love, love and look forward to more from this author :).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emma.
878 reviews
May 15, 2026
Who knew! It appears that I from all the things that I am willing to read I didn’t like the drugs! The smut and the maiming no problem. But joints? Big turn off. I didn’t knew that about me. It was nice not crazy for my taste, killing for the sake of killing.
Profile Image for Faye Huff.
5 reviews
June 24, 2026
I NEED MORE

This book had me captivated from the first chapter to the last. I could not put it down. The plot twist throughout this whole book was awesome. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading!! My only question is….When can we expect a part 2?
2 reviews
April 6, 2026
A really good book. Keeps you guessing. Couldn't put the book down. Would highly recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for caffe.and.books (Aimee).
610 reviews62 followers
April 14, 2026
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫.

This author is one of my absolute favorites and automatic one clicks and this book just adds another cherry on top! This may be her best book ever, there is so much depth to this book— the story, the characters it was all so well done.

Zee and Sugar Skull are everything— we are waving red flags over here and I LOVED IT! This author writes the best FMC, I love how we can relate to them and how strong and independent they are all at the same time and Zee was no different. And this man, he checks all of the book boyfriend boxes and I am SWOONING. But on top of all of that there was so much suspense and mystery, so many questions and just went I thought I knew what was happening- bam a twist I didn’t see coming that had me flipping the pages.

I absolutely couldn’t get enough and I do hope there’s more from this world.
Profile Image for Katie Centeno.
60 reviews
June 21, 2026
this was SO PAINFUL. i was begging for it to end. if your looking for something with no plot and just spice here ya go but it draaaaaags. i was so lost for most of it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews