Get Me Out: A Dark Romance Novella

by A. H. Joy

When a haunted fair comes to town, reporter Violet Higgins is sent to uncover its secrets. What she never expected to find there was her best friend’s older brother who left town years ago and never looked back. After a heated hookup, Violet runs, intent on avoiding him while he’s in town.
Damon Evans runs the fair’s most popular attraction, a haunted house made of escape rooms. But he, and the fair, are keeping violent secrets. When he discovers his little sister’s best friend may need his help, he does everything he can to insert himself back into her life.

This dark romance novella contains mature and potentially triggering themes. Please review the full list of content notes at alexisjoyauthor.com

144 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2026

About the author

Alexis H. Joy is a romance author from Montana. She enjoys all types of romance, but specifically dark and small town. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching movies with her husband and pets or hiking in the mountains surrounding her home.

Reviews

[Victoria Juarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW FROM ARC READER-

Really liked this book a lot! The only reason I didn’t 5 star is because I felt it was missing more, I wanted to more reaction out of Aaron in the ending room. I wanted to know more details. I wanted to know what his sister thought of the end. I wanted to know where they went from there, there was too many left out details and questions but otherwise it was a really good book that I enjoyed a lot

[Lyric C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huge fan of women’s wrongs, especially when those wrongs include a knife!

Make sure you check the trigger warnings first this dark romance novella!!!!!

I could definitely see this being turned into a series, and while this is the first book I’ve read by A.H. Joy, I would be interested to see what else they do. I loved the creativity of the haunted escape room (wish I could go!) but I do wish some scenes were expanded on more. I’d love to know more about their past relationship for instance!

Thank you for the arc! 🖤

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was......holy I am struggling to find the right words to describe this story.....I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to see what A.H does next!!!!!! one book and I'm loving her writing style. she made a unique story and brought it to life and I am here for it!

[Misty Boozer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me think of Halloween a dark mysterious like Halloween carnival with like a mafia tie. I absolutely love the backstory. I love that it was told in a hundred pages. I do feel like their story is not finished. I do feel like there will be more whether or not they are. The main characters or not is yet to be seen, but I do feel like we will see more of this dark mysterious halloweened carnival. It gives me Mafia vibes even though he's not really Mafia. He just works for a very dark family, a family that may have mafia ties. There are questions that are not answered in the book but for the most part. Violet is the sister's best friend and she has always wanted to leave where she lived behind. She wanted to be with her best friend's brother and for the most part she thought that she was going to get her answers until he leaves for college and doesn't come back. She winds up in a very bad relationship and by the time that he comes back will he be able to love her or what's gone down? Will he be able to look her in the eyes and explain why he wasn't there? Why he didn't return or will they not get their happy ending? Read on to find out.

[MorallyDarkReadz · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

okay but WHY was this little novella so unhinged and so good

I went into this thinking cute short spooky romance and instead I got haunted fair chaos revenge and a man named Damon who had me acting up immediately

Violet and Damon??? I need more of them like immediately
this being short did not even matter because it did not feel rushed at all
everything flowed so well and I was locked in the whole time

the haunted fair vibes??? obsessed
the revenge??? even more obsessed
this had that eerie spooky energy but also had me giggling and kicking my feet at the same time

and the tension HELLO
for a short book this delivered so much and I was not prepared

also why do I always end up loving these unhinged men
like Damon sir relax
actually do not relax

I finished this and just sat there like that is it??? no I need more
bonus scenes sequel something I am not done with them

also please check triggers because she does not play and neither does this story

short chaotic spooky and addictive
I devoured this and now I am emotionally attached

[Dianisse Marrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

From the very first page, I was hooked. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and it never lets up. Each chapter tightens the grip a little more, pulling you deeper into a story that’s equal parts seductive and unsettling.

Violet is a compelling lead, torn between instinct and emotion, and her dynamic with Damon is electric in the most dangerous way. Their connection crackles with history, tension, and just enough chaos to keep you guessing. Damon, in particular, is the kind of character who walks the line between protector and threat so smoothly that you’re never quite sure where he stands… and that’s exactly what makes him irresistible.

What truly stood out to me was how the story balances its darker elements with emotional depth. The secrets unravel at just the right pace, each reveal hitting with precision and weight. I was genuinely on edge the entire time, reading like I was trying to outrun something lurking behind me.

If you love dark romance with a pulse of suspense, this novella is absolutely a five-star ride.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You want a short, dark and twisted story? This is the one! A.H. Joy did not disappoint with this one. A mix of Halloween, carnival setting, mask men, an FMC that comes out of her shell for the MMC all in one.

First our FMC and MMC have gone through the works growing up. They both fell for each other when they were young but never advanced. Violet is in a bad relationship that she becomes trapped in. Damon comes back to town for his work with the fair for an important job as an unaliver of abusive men and takes his claim over Violet as soon as their paths cross again.

The tension.. perfect
The revenge… delivered ohhh so sweetly
The spice… oh man, completely unhinged and words cannot describe

If you have triggers, even with this short story you should still read them. If you like catching trigger warnings like Pokémon then by all means jump in and absolutely devour this story immediately!

A.H. Joy.. Can we PLEASE get more of these two! I definitely wish this story was longer!!

Thank you for my advanced reader copy of Get Me Out!!

[Cindy Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say never judge a book by its cover. Boy, there have never been truer words said when it comes to this books cover.
This is a dark romance, a bit unhinged but definitely good. So when I first saw this cover, I was a bit confused, but after reading the book, I get it now.
The story follows Damon, our mmc, who works for a haunted traveling fair, and he works in the haunted house. He is also part of an organization.
It also follows Violet, our fmc. She is a reporter in an abusive relationship, and she doesn't even know until...
I thought this to be a great read. There was constant tension as Violet was constantly questioning her relationship with her boyfriend Aaron. Then she runs into Damon, and that makes things even more interesting as the tension between them alone is enough to snap like a board.
So, if you like dark romance, that's unhinged with some blood and heat, then this beautiful novella is definitely for you. Happy Reading...

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured Get Me Out: A Dark Romance Novella. If you are looking for a quick, high intensity read that packs a massive punch in just under 150 pages, this is it!

Why I Loved It:
• The MMC: Damon Evans is exactly the kind of deliciously dark and morally grey hero I crave. Between the "masked man" vibes at the haunted fair and his protective, unhinged energy, he was captivating from the very first page.
• The FMC’s Evolution: Violet completely surprised me. While she starts in a vulnerable position, her growth throughout the story was incredible. The way she handled things in the end was so satisfying, she found a strength I didn't see coming, and it made the ending perfection.
• The Pacing: Because it’s a novella, there is zero fluff. The story takes on a fast paced get right to it kind of vibe.

Note: This is a dark romance, so definitely check the author’s content warnings, but if you love a story about vengeance and second chances, go get it right now!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get Me Out by A.H. Joy [ARC REVIEW]
★★★★☆
4/5 stars
Release date: April 17th, 2026

A tasty, electric little novella that crams a solid amount of emotional resonance into its pages.
------------------------------------------------

READ THIS BOOK IF:
→ You want a quick, engaging read
and
→ You have a thing for masked men
and
→ You like feminine rage and vigilanteism
------------------------------------------------

≪ Something about him is calling to me, telling me I’m safe with him, that I’d have fun if I let myself, and I don’t want to regret not taking that chance. ≫

------------------------------------------------

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Solid characters | Nice distinction between voices | Titillating premise, executed well •

I will literally NEVER say no to a masked man romance—it’s one of my favourite tropes/premises in media—and Get Me Out delivers on that concept very well. Damon wears the mask WELL, and his narration style establishes him as competent, confident, and enticing right from the first line of Chapter One. His reasoning for staying away is sound, and the dreaded (to me) miscommunication trope is handled well as a past obstacle.

Violet is almost a tragic character from her introduction. She hits on the very specific tragedy of being left behind in a small town and making due with what you have. Her meekness doesn’t feel like a flaw, but the tragic result of being trapped in a very small box for long enough for her soul to mold into that shape.

I love when dark romance plots have history behind them, and the history in Get Me Out is load-bearing. The fact that Violet has every reason to not want anything to do with Damon but still finds almost biological comfort in his presence is both second-chance romance gold AND extremely realistic and relatable.

The spice is exciting, hot, and well-placed in the narrative. The darker moments are treated with respect and care. The villains are simultaneously cartoonishly awful and yet incredibly believable… because we know for a FACT that people like that live and breathe on this planet alongside the rest of us.

Overall, the pacing is handled very well—novellas are notoriously difficult, and Joy manages it cleanly: the pace is quick and driving without making the reader feel like we’re being rushed (except for one brief moment, in my opinion, which I will expand upon shortly). Get Me Out is fun, titillating, and well worth a read!
------------------------------------------------

≪ “In this life, and in every life before and after, I believe it’s always been you and me.” ≫

------------------------------------------------

WISHLIST:
• More time spent in the climax •

To avoid spoilers, I’ll be vague here: in the climactic moment, Violet makes a MAJOR decision. I would have loved for that decision and the immediate aftermath of it to take a little more time and delve deeper into the emotional impact of the life she’s choosing for herself. It’s a BIG choice, and in my opinion it deserves a little more emotional weight.
------------------------------------------------

FAVOURITE…
• MAIN CHARACTER? → Damon. “Time to learn how the fuck to make alfredo sauce, I guess.”
• SIDE CHARACTER? → Alyssa! She is precious.
• CHAPTER? → Chapter Six. It’s spicy, sexy, AND emotional.
• QUOTE? → ≪ Home is the broad shoulders and denim-blue eyes behind me; the man who gave me the power to overcome this. Home is wherever he is from now on. ≫
------------------------------------------------

*I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from the author

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

For whatever reason, I keep finding myself books about rugged Damon/Damien/Da-something dudes railing girls in full Halloween gear, and man, isn't it bloody beautiful (the pun is there, even if I didn't quite intend it).
I also happen to have a magnet for haunted-house funky times (a girl has a thing for the spooky, that's for sure), funky times around people that are no longer amongst our very own living kin and... Overall the spooky, gory, funky times of adulthood.
The book is short (novellas usually are, so yeah, it is a given even if my head keeps mixing novel and novella for shit, giggles, and false friends); it's hot; it's funky, and I do hope it eventually gets a longer, more detailed sibling cause a girl needs books to keep the Da-something dude doing Halloween-themed stuff in haunted houses obsession going.

[Ciana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I did it to myself by not reading the trigger warnings, but this novella was much darker then I was expecting. Don't get me wrong . . . I loved every minute of it. 


I really enjoyed the haunted house with a mix of vigilante justice. It allowed for such a creepy, dark setting throughout the story. 


The character development was very quick because of the length of the novella. I think the story could be longer to add more time and details, but it is still very well done. 


I’m going to try and not spoil anything but if you have read Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight there is a scene in that book that is one of my favorite smut scenes ever and Get Me Out has a very similar scene that was just the cherry on top!


Again if you have triggers check the warnings, but if you don't then go forth and enjoy this dark, smutty novella.

[Shyann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get Me Out A.H. Joy
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️/5

❗️Please check trigger warnings before reading!!

If you’re looking for a short book with all the vibes of Halloween & gore, this book is the one for you!!

Violet & Damon have a past, and they reconnect when his fair comes into town! Damon is the masked hero who helps violet out of a dark situation in her current life. Violet is a spunky girl who lets her true-self blossom after getting her spark back!
I enjoyed this book and was excited to get the feel of Halloween again which is one of my favorite holidays! I’m excited to see what else A.H. Has in store for us in the future!🤭

Tropes✨
🔪masked & tatted mmc
🩸vengeful fmc
🔪best friends brother
🩸touch her & 💀
🔪open-door spice
🩸second chance

Thank you so much to A.H. for letting me arc read Get Me Out!🖤

[Soha Amer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is short, intense, and honestly a bit suffocating — in a way that feels very intentional.

Get Me Out leans heavily into the dark romance/psychological space, where emotions aren’t soft or safe. The story feels claustrophobic at times, like you’re stuck inside the main character’s head, trying to figure out what’s real, what’s control, and what’s something darker.

The pacing works because it’s a novella — it doesn’t drag anything out. It goes straight into the tension and keeps it tight the whole way through. The relationship dynamics are definitely not meant to be comfortable, which is kind of the point.

If you like darker reads that focus more on intensity and emotional pressure rather than a traditional romance arc, this one delivers.

[Victoria Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a “don’t judge a book by its cover”, Im literally obsessed with this novella. Damon and Violet have a past relationship because she is best friends with his sister. They always had a common bond as well but he was years older than Violet. He left Ridgewater and didn’t come back until many years later. Violet has been in a relationship with the same guy that took her to her high school prom. Violet is in a relationship controlled by Aaron, the entire book I wanted to punch him in the face and back hand his buddies. Damon and Violet reunited in a VERY different kind of environment that will make your toes curl. Im obsessed with this book and how fast it was that the ending was perfect. Just do yourself a favor and download it today.

[Katie Mandilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC read for me.

For a Novella this book was so good!! I think this could have easily been a longer book with some more development of the characters, however AH Joy did a great job of character development and story building in such a short time.

The only thing that would have turned this from a 4 star to a 5 star would have been a little bit more believability of Violet going from innocent girl in a terribly abusive relationship to killer in a day or two.

But overall super detailed writing and good story line if you like dark romance. If you don’t, HIGHLY recommend reading the trigger warnings.

[Megan Towers · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I really liked this book! It was a twisted and dark read. It was however over too quickly and I wanted more! I loved Violet and Damon’s story. The plot was plotting and the spice was spicing. Add in a dark fair and a dark very secretive society. Yes please! I love nothing more than a dark, possessive, protective MMC. You’ll find that here. If you’re looking for a sweet and lost FMC who finds her dark side? You’ll also find that here. There’s no turning back!

I can’t wait for book 2. I’m really excited to see where this dark path takes Violet and Damon. All the twists and turns! If you’re wanting a quick dark read pick this one up! It will satisfy your craving!

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-Spoiler ARC Review:
This novella has got me waiting impatiently for another book. It did the perfect job of getting the reader excited to read an entire series. All the tropes in this book are right up my alley. Even though it's a novella there were no loose ends in my opinion. The plot was well written and easy to follow along with. The dual pov switched back and forth perfectly, you really got to see the personalities of both MCs. The second change aspect was written in a way that I enjoyed reading. The spice was spicy, but not overdone. Check your triggers, obviously it's a dark romance. I cannot wait to see more from A H Joy. Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your ARC team.

[Maritza · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to have a summer thriller read this is the book for you. It’s a second chance romance and it has a masked MMC along with him being a protector of the ones who can protect themselves. I was hooked from the prologue which is a rare thing for me to read and the fact that I finished the book in less then an hour lets you know that you will be hooked every sentence had me holding my breath for what was going to happen between the FMC and the MMC. If you like a man who will kill someone if they touch you then this is the book for you this is a five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️book read for me. It had the smutt the plot. Now I will warn you if SA is a trigger this is not the book for you!

[Charlee Lock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark romance please check your triggers.

Damon works for a fair that travels the country - it is also the front for an organisation that give victims justice when no one else does.

Violet is the girl he loved and left behind in their small country town almost a decade ago. She’s a reporter and has been with her boyfriend since he took her prom.

When Damon returns to town with the fair, he is scared to see the woman he loved. She’s not allowed to see him or be near him, so imagine her surprise when the masked man she’s interviewing turns out to be her long lost love.

This novella is short, spicy and absolutely a recommend read if you like your justice vengeful ❤️

[mrnuina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even tho this is short read, there was a lot of action! And yes, this is quite dark!
This has masked man, i was drooling so much that i am seriously dehydrated!
Oh, and halloween theme is very much in place, very spooky! Specially dolls, they freak me out so much! So yeah, i was freaking out a bit. *chills*
Little Damon, i wanted to hold him, grown up damon, i would so much more..
Poor violet tho, she suffered a lot but i do enjoy good revenge
All in all, i did enjoy this SO MUCH! Would totally read again and recommend to a friend!
Yes, this is very short review but i don’t know what to say without spoiling this! READ THIS!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second chance romance with a side of vengeance.
Plus a masked man, who turns out to be your best friend’s brother…sign me up.

This dark romance novella hits the mark. It’s fast paced and has a plot that drew me in. There’s a uniqueness to it that I really enjoyed.

While Damon is definitely a touch her & d!e type, he’s also there to help Violet…🫢I’m going to stop myself right now before I accidentally say too much 🤐(I so badly want to say more!)

Just go read this novella so we can talk. Please check the content and trigger warnings.

And to anyone who is in or has been in a situation like Violet, you’re not alone 💜

Rating 4.5/5

[bloomia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Umm helloo I’m obsessed??!!! I know this is a novella but I also that I need more of Damon and Violet??!! I enjoyed this novella so so so much!! Second chance romance and brother’s best friend is always my favourite trope 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

Damon is such a sweetheart on the surface but when he is in his own element, under that freaking mask, pure hotness. Violet is so strong despite the situation but I loveeeee the character development she had. I didn’t expect it but I’m glad it happened!!

This dark romance novella truly hit the spot. Please please look for the content warnings before reading it!! Thank you author for the ARC

[lil b · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’ve read my fair few dark romance stories, some good, some shit and sometimes it can be how long they go on for because it becomes a bit too farfetched. however, that's not the case with get me out. it's the perfect length for the story it's telling.
quick read if you want some masked, sexy murderer smut, and lets be honest, who doesn't?

damon’s back story was sad.
violet’s current story was sad.
the fact they get a happy ending as a murdering duo, i am here for it.

thank u for the opportunity to read this early 🩷

[Lady MP · Rating 4 out of 5]

PSA: For your mental health, please please read the trigger warnings!

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I never knew a dark, twisted novella could heal a part of me that I thought was already healed. Damon, sir… where were you when I was in Violet’s situationship years ago?! And was I picturing myself as Violet when getting her revenge… duh!!!!

With that said, I might need more from Violet & Damon! Oh and the Carnival of Carnage.. I mean Devils.

Thank you, A.H. Joy, for the ARC! Congrats on an amazing debut!

[Maria Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five ⭐️Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What can I say about this book holy just wow! I absolutely loved it! It’s a short novella but it doesn’t disappoint at all. Damon and Violet the tension the heat between them . It just pulled me in from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. The authors writing style just pulls you in your drawn to the emotions to the story . A lot of tension and questions that need to be answered from Violet and Damon. Gotta read it to find out how this ends! You won’t be disappointed! Received this as an ARC read and I’m so glad I did.

[Paige Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great novella!! It has darker themes which can be triggering to some so be sure to check those first, but wow oh wow. With this being a novella it moves quickly, but our characters have old ties to each other and to me it made everything feel more natural, even with the speed of story progression. Whether you’re looking for a quick read to get you out of a slump, or have a little bit of waiting somewhere to do, this is the book for you!!

*Honored to have received an early copy of this in exchange for my honest review*

[The Affable Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was good. A definite quick read as I was able to finish it in an hour. I do feel as if this storyline would’ve been great as a full-length. It would’ve provided more storyline, more opportunity to get to know the characters and get more invested in them and their story. Some of the moments would’ve made more sense if it was a longer book (such as the first spicy scene). Definitely check trigger warnings first.

[Taneshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love! I knew from the blurb I was going to enjoy this book, so much so I even pre-ordered before getting the ARC. My gut was correct. I loved this book so much. Violet & Damon are perfect. My poor girl and her abandonment issues and shitty bf. Damon and him being the best protector he can, and we love a man who knows what he wants and gets it. He’s a male Sibby, and I love my Sibby girl. They deserve the best and I want to see them more. I need more of these two. Highly recommend 💜

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me while i go recover from that absolute RIDE.
A masked vigilante in a haunted house, how could you top that?
Maybe when he uses it as a front to give justice to those who have been failed by the justice system.

This book hits HARD, make sure to check your triggers. Hand on heart, i can honestly say i never felt more joy than when that fucker went down.

definitely a read i recommend to anyone who will listen. READ THIS BOOK!!!