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Run, Little Doe: A Dark Mafia Halloween Novella
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Expected 1 Oct 26Adrian Forzano is not a man anyone crosses lightly. As a ruthless mafia boss, his reputation and lack of patience for betrayal precede him. So when one of his associates steals a fortune from him, Adrian goes to collect what’s his. He never expects to meet the man’s daughter.
Olivia Atwood has spent her life believing there are lines a person simply doesn't cross. When she discovers suspicious discrepancies in her father’s company accounts, she confronts him and demands answers. One accidental collision is all it takes for Adrian to decide she’s the perfect collateral to force his associate to return the money.
But what begins as a hostage situation quickly becomes something he hadn’t anticipated. Obsession.
Adrian wants her, needs her. And the more he gets to have her, the less he can remember why he took her in the first place.
But then Olivia runs.
On All Saints’ Eve, she finds herself trapped inside a haunted corn maze with a furious Adrian on her trail. She knows what men like him do to loose ends. And when his voice calls her Little Doe from somewhere in the darkness, Olivia is certain he's hunting her to make sure she never tells anyone what has transpired during her captivity. But Adrian isn't chasing her for leverage anymore. He’s chasing her because she’s his.
And when he catches her, there will be nowhere left to run.
This is a dark romance novella and includes darker themes like kidnapping, captivity, coercion, non-con/dub-con, obsessive and possessive behavior, violence, threats, criminal activity, and a morally dark hero. It also contains explicit sexual content, including primal play and consensual elements within a darker power dynamic. Reader discretion is advised.
Olivia Atwood has spent her life believing there are lines a person simply doesn't cross. When she discovers suspicious discrepancies in her father’s company accounts, she confronts him and demands answers. One accidental collision is all it takes for Adrian to decide she’s the perfect collateral to force his associate to return the money.
But what begins as a hostage situation quickly becomes something he hadn’t anticipated. Obsession.
Adrian wants her, needs her. And the more he gets to have her, the less he can remember why he took her in the first place.
But then Olivia runs.
On All Saints’ Eve, she finds herself trapped inside a haunted corn maze with a furious Adrian on her trail. She knows what men like him do to loose ends. And when his voice calls her Little Doe from somewhere in the darkness, Olivia is certain he's hunting her to make sure she never tells anyone what has transpired during her captivity. But Adrian isn't chasing her for leverage anymore. He’s chasing her because she’s his.
And when he catches her, there will be nowhere left to run.
This is a dark romance novella and includes darker themes like kidnapping, captivity, coercion, non-con/dub-con, obsessive and possessive behavior, violence, threats, criminal activity, and a morally dark hero. It also contains explicit sexual content, including primal play and consensual elements within a darker power dynamic. Reader discretion is advised.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿
Where do I even begin with, oh yeah, this was a wild ride. I honestly didn't expect myself to get through it as quickly as I did, but once I started reading Run, Little Doe, I was completely captured by it. I kept telling myself I would read just a little more and then put it down, but that clearly did not happen because I needed to know what was going to happen next. Even though, I was feeling sleepy. I completely lost track, ops. Anyways, there was something about the way this story kept moving that made it really hard for me to stop reading.
Olivia and Adrian are definitely not your typical romance couple, and I think that is what made this so interesting for me. Their relationship is dark, obsessive, intense, and honestly completely unhinged at times, but I was so invested in seeing where it would go. Olivia is taken by Adrian because of something involving her father, and she quickly realizes that she is not dealing with someone who is going to simply let her walk away. From there, the story becomes this constant push and pull between fear, attraction, control, and Olivia trying to figure out what exactly Adrian wants from her.
I mean Adrian can be dark like a morally gray. He is possessive, controlling, dangerous, and completely obsessed with Olivia, and there were definitely moments where I was sitting there thinking, what is actually happening right now 😭. He is absolutely a morally dark hero, so I think it is important to go into this knowing that his behavior and their relationship are not meant to be a healthy example of romance. But as a dark romance reader, I was completely invested in the intensity of it all.
I really liked Olivia too because she wasn't just quietly accepting everything that was happening to her. She was scared, she questioned things, she tried to find ways out, and she kept fighting even when she was in a situation where she had very little control. I liked seeing how her feelings and reactions changed as she spent more time with Adrian, and I think that made their dynamic even more interesting because nothing about their relationship was simple.
The tension between them was probably one of my favorite things about the book. There is this constant feeling that something could happen at any moment, and even when they were having quieter moments, there was still so much underneath the surface. Adrian's obsession with Olivia is obvious, and watching that develop while Olivia is trying to understand him and her own reactions to him kept me completely invested.
And the spice, yeah, this book definitely brings the spice 🔥 There are spicy scenes and the power dynamic between them, so if you're looking for a dark romance that doesn't hold back, this definitely goes there. I also liked that the intimate scenes weren't the only thing keeping me interested, because I genuinely wanted to know how Olivia was going to handle everything happening around her and where Adrian's obsession with her would ultimately lead.
I also think the novella length worked really well for this story. It moved quickly and there wasn't a lot of unnecessary filler, which kept me turning the pages. Every time I thought I was going to stop reading, something else would happen and I would end up continuing. It was one of those reads where I looked up and realized I had gotten much further than I intended because I was so caught up in it.
Where do I even begin with, oh yeah, this was a wild ride. I honestly didn't expect myself to get through it as quickly as I did, but once I started reading Run, Little Doe, I was completely captured by it. I kept telling myself I would read just a little more and then put it down, but that clearly did not happen because I needed to know what was going to happen next. Even though, I was feeling sleepy. I completely lost track, ops. Anyways, there was something about the way this story kept moving that made it really hard for me to stop reading.
Olivia and Adrian are definitely not your typical romance couple, and I think that is what made this so interesting for me. Their relationship is dark, obsessive, intense, and honestly completely unhinged at times, but I was so invested in seeing where it would go. Olivia is taken by Adrian because of something involving her father, and she quickly realizes that she is not dealing with someone who is going to simply let her walk away. From there, the story becomes this constant push and pull between fear, attraction, control, and Olivia trying to figure out what exactly Adrian wants from her.
I mean Adrian can be dark like a morally gray. He is possessive, controlling, dangerous, and completely obsessed with Olivia, and there were definitely moments where I was sitting there thinking, what is actually happening right now 😭. He is absolutely a morally dark hero, so I think it is important to go into this knowing that his behavior and their relationship are not meant to be a healthy example of romance. But as a dark romance reader, I was completely invested in the intensity of it all.
I really liked Olivia too because she wasn't just quietly accepting everything that was happening to her. She was scared, she questioned things, she tried to find ways out, and she kept fighting even when she was in a situation where she had very little control. I liked seeing how her feelings and reactions changed as she spent more time with Adrian, and I think that made their dynamic even more interesting because nothing about their relationship was simple.
The tension between them was probably one of my favorite things about the book. There is this constant feeling that something could happen at any moment, and even when they were having quieter moments, there was still so much underneath the surface. Adrian's obsession with Olivia is obvious, and watching that develop while Olivia is trying to understand him and her own reactions to him kept me completely invested.
And the spice, yeah, this book definitely brings the spice 🔥 There are spicy scenes and the power dynamic between them, so if you're looking for a dark romance that doesn't hold back, this definitely goes there. I also liked that the intimate scenes weren't the only thing keeping me interested, because I genuinely wanted to know how Olivia was going to handle everything happening around her and where Adrian's obsession with her would ultimately lead.
I also think the novella length worked really well for this story. It moved quickly and there wasn't a lot of unnecessary filler, which kept me turning the pages. Every time I thought I was going to stop reading, something else would happen and I would end up continuing. It was one of those reads where I looked up and realized I had gotten much further than I intended because I was so caught up in it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"I want to be anywhere but here, alone with the man whose words hold the power of life and death over everyone in this city."
Adrian Forzano is mafia boss with a reputation to be feared. He does not tolerate betrayal and cheats. When one of his associates steals a fortune from him, Adrian goes to collect what’s his. He never expects to meet the man’s daughter, Olivia. Olivia Atwood discovers suspicious behavior in her father’s company accounts and demands answer. Her father refuses to answer them so she quits, which results in a run in with Adrian. Adrian now knows how to bend Olivia's father to his will. What Adrian doesn't anticipate is his obsession and absolute need to claim her. Does this obsession turn into more? Can Olivia outrun him?
"Her unbreakable will is forcing my admiration as much as it’s driving me wild."
Run, Little Doe is told in dual POV, fast paced, by nature, plot heavy with the most delicious spice. At this point anything Elena writes, I'm reading it! Spooky season, non judgmental best friends, and a masked man....certified panty droppa! Olivia is my kind of girl, she sticks by her convictions and has fight in her. Adrian is a wet dream written in words. Tall, lurking, brooding and possessive. Then you add some leather pants and combat boots, Ow owwww! If you enjoy holiday themed novellas, dark mafia romance, spice, primal play, captor vs captive, forced proximity and non-con/dub-con, this novella is for you.
As always before choosing a dark romance novel, review the trigger warnings. Your mental health matters.
A huge thank you to Elena for the honor of reading how Olivia and Adrian prefer to spend Halloween!
Adrian Forzano is mafia boss with a reputation to be feared. He does not tolerate betrayal and cheats. When one of his associates steals a fortune from him, Adrian goes to collect what’s his. He never expects to meet the man’s daughter, Olivia. Olivia Atwood discovers suspicious behavior in her father’s company accounts and demands answer. Her father refuses to answer them so she quits, which results in a run in with Adrian. Adrian now knows how to bend Olivia's father to his will. What Adrian doesn't anticipate is his obsession and absolute need to claim her. Does this obsession turn into more? Can Olivia outrun him?
"Her unbreakable will is forcing my admiration as much as it’s driving me wild."
Run, Little Doe is told in dual POV, fast paced, by nature, plot heavy with the most delicious spice. At this point anything Elena writes, I'm reading it! Spooky season, non judgmental best friends, and a masked man....certified panty droppa! Olivia is my kind of girl, she sticks by her convictions and has fight in her. Adrian is a wet dream written in words. Tall, lurking, brooding and possessive. Then you add some leather pants and combat boots, Ow owwww! If you enjoy holiday themed novellas, dark mafia romance, spice, primal play, captor vs captive, forced proximity and non-con/dub-con, this novella is for you.
As always before choosing a dark romance novel, review the trigger warnings. Your mental health matters.
A huge thank you to Elena for the honor of reading how Olivia and Adrian prefer to spend Halloween!
Review of advance copy received from Author
MY FAVOURITE NOVELLA EVER! I love novellas because everything has to happen so much quicker and when you’re craving that burn, it comes on FAST!
That nickname… Doe? Also quite possibly my favourite of all time. And that meeting in her father’s office?! I was over here wanting Adrian to take her right then and there. 🤣
I’m a HUGE Halloween fan, and of course, I love a masked MMC. A Halloween party at his club, masked and watching his prey? Sounds like the perfect combination to me.
I love that they had their little fling, but that just wasn’t enough for Adrian. Nope, he had to take things up a notch. Olivia may have been scared, but she was clearly loving the thrill of it all at the same time. I mean who could blame her?
And the way Adrian showed her father who was boss, followed by him chasing her through the cornfield… could this get any hotter?!
✨Favourite Quotes✨
“Run, little doe. run fast, because when I catch you, I’ll devour you.”
“Fuck, doe, you’re soaked”
That nickname… Doe? Also quite possibly my favourite of all time. And that meeting in her father’s office?! I was over here wanting Adrian to take her right then and there. 🤣
I’m a HUGE Halloween fan, and of course, I love a masked MMC. A Halloween party at his club, masked and watching his prey? Sounds like the perfect combination to me.
I love that they had their little fling, but that just wasn’t enough for Adrian. Nope, he had to take things up a notch. Olivia may have been scared, but she was clearly loving the thrill of it all at the same time. I mean who could blame her?
And the way Adrian showed her father who was boss, followed by him chasing her through the cornfield… could this get any hotter?!
✨Favourite Quotes✨
“Run, little doe. run fast, because when I catch you, I’ll devour you.”
“Fuck, doe, you’re soaked”
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤 my review for Run, Little Doe 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶,5
"Run, little doe, run fast, because when I catch you, I'll devour you."
This book was a fast-paced, hot, delicious and addictive little novella!! 🥵
I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Who doesn't love a hot masked MMC?! And the chemistry between the two MCs was undeniable! Adrian saw Olivia once for a few minutes and couldn't stop thinking about her. He turned their brief first meeting into obsession. Olivia may have been a bit scared at first but at the same loved the feeling of it all!
The pace was absolutely spot-on!! The writing flawless and the story fantastic!
Thank you Elena for once again writing a phenomenal book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶,5
"Run, little doe, run fast, because when I catch you, I'll devour you."
This book was a fast-paced, hot, delicious and addictive little novella!! 🥵
I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish. Who doesn't love a hot masked MMC?! And the chemistry between the two MCs was undeniable! Adrian saw Olivia once for a few minutes and couldn't stop thinking about her. He turned their brief first meeting into obsession. Olivia may have been a bit scared at first but at the same loved the feeling of it all!
The pace was absolutely spot-on!! The writing flawless and the story fantastic!
Thank you Elena for once again writing a phenomenal book!!
September 22, 2026
A dark mafia Halloween novella that completely pulled me in. Olivia catches the attention of a mysterious masked man, and what starts as a one-night stand quickly turns into an obsession.
I loved the Halloween atmosphere mixed with the dark mafia romance. The characters were likeable, the chemistry was great, and the spice definitely delivered.
Elena has smashed it again with this one, and I have to give a shout-out to the artwork too because it is absolutely fire. A perfect quick read for spooky season if you like your romance dark, spicy and obsessive.
I loved the Halloween atmosphere mixed with the dark mafia romance. The characters were likeable, the chemistry was great, and the spice definitely delivered.
Elena has smashed it again with this one, and I have to give a shout-out to the artwork too because it is absolutely fire. A perfect quick read for spooky season if you like your romance dark, spicy and obsessive.
September 24, 2026
Perfect book to read on Halloween! I need more of Adrian and Olivia ASAP! Quick read, dark, spicy, mafia men and mask play all wrapped in 100ish pages. No slow scenes either, the plot kept you going and anything Elena Woods writes, I’ll read at this point, she’s never let me down🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review incoming
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews