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Don't Be Scared

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Every town has a history.

Ours is just a little darker than most.

For years I’ve celebrated Halloween and Hollow Bridge’s history with everyone else who lives here. Parades, festivals, and insane Halloween parties have always been a staple for us. Some bad behavior is expected, given what we’re celebrating.

But murder has never been on the table before.

Someone in Hollow Bridge wants to bring the stories to life, and they’re not firing any warning shots. When rumors of someone wearing a Halloween mask surface, it isn’t long before the first person is killed.

No one is safe, but when I end up with a serial killer kneeling over me and a knife at my throat, I expect to be the next victim of the Hollow Bridge killer. I don’t expect for him to speak to me, from behind the garish mask he wears.

“Who should be the next to die, Bailey?”

Inexplicably, he lets me go. But I’m never going to be safe from him.

Because he wants more from me than just a name.

Don’t Be Scared is a full-length, MMF standalone for anyone looking for a spicy and dark Halloween read. It contains graphic violence, darker kinks, and murder. For a full list of triggers, please use the look inside feature.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2023

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About the author

A.J. Merlin

34 books1,483 followers
AJ Merlin would rather write epic love stories than live them. I mean, who wants to limit themselves to only falling in love once? She is obsessed with dark fantasy, true crime, and also dogs. From serial killers to voyeurs all the way down to the devil himself, AJ's specialty is in writing irredeemable heroes who somehow still manage to captivate their heroines (and her readers).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
Profile Image for allison ☆.
581 reviews369 followers
February 4, 2024
A MMF romance with elements of horror. This girl falls in love with killers🤪. And then they fu— and kill together😚. She also has an obsession with dead animals and apparently likes to play with them🤨🤚. I just had to keep scrolling when that came up😟. Can I also say literally the fmc kept thinking they were going to kill her even at the 94% mark (I thought so too) and she still kept being with them😳. The girl has a death wish fr. Sadly, I just didn’t feel any attachment to this book. Honestly, I just wanted it to be over. I got so bored and I felt like it started to drag.
16 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2023
Let's just say that none of AJ Merlin's other books have had a character take the place of Virgil in my heart. I was sent this one as an ARC, and just like that, Virgil was ever so gently kicked out of the #1 spot by Rory. The fact that this man threatened Bailey, in defense of Phoenix, had me dying. He said, "Hurt my man and see what happens." (Paraphrasing, but you get the point.) Phoenix's personality surprised me. I expected him to be the stand offish type, but he turned out to be the perfect boyfriend. Their consent checks made me love them even more.

  The story was consistent the whole time. I liked the way Bailey's mental health was addressed, and Phoenix acknowledged and accommodated it. He never made her feel like a burden. At times, I could understand the problems she had with certain textures and especially socks since I have the same issues. It felt good seeing it in a healthy way. The normalization of therapy and supportive and loving parents was a huge bonus. Bailey knew when she was being stupid and when she was putting herself in danger, and she wasn't meek or easily swayed. I also loved the snarky attitude of her mom with the detective. She turned it on when it came to defending her child. This is now my current favorite book by AJ. It's the perfect way to get in the Halloween mood.
Profile Image for Lolina ⋆ .
1,077 reviews107 followers
December 9, 2023
Where was this book on Halloween when I needed it 😭????

Obsessed doesn't even begin to cover it- this was probably my fav book by AJM so far. The small-town murder mystery vibes were so so so good. I love this physcotic trio and that's all I'm going to say 😋.

-=- Quotes -=-

“That’s not narcissistic at all,” I can’t help but mutter, but he turns my words into a gasp when he jerks me forward on the bed, forcing my knees wider around him.
“I just have a healthy ego and good ideas about self love,” the auburn chuckles softly, slanting a kiss against my jaw.

RORY MY MAN.


-=-

“I think this is the part I tell you that if you hurt Phoenix, we won’t be friends anymore... But I don’t need to, because you won’t. Because you’re drowning in us, and I’d rather pull you down to the depths of the ocean with us then send you back up for air.”

-=-

“I like mess. I like feelings. Spill your feelings so I can clean them up for you and watch you do it all again. So long as it’s for me and Phoenix, and no one else. Because you know…” He tilts his head to the side, cheer in every inch of his expression. “If you ever decide you’re falling for anyone else, I’ll have to kill them.”
“And I’d have to help,” Phoenix agrees quietly.

-=-
Profile Image for Natalie .
3,281 reviews30 followers
October 25, 2023
October 2023
Kindle edition

Pretty much what you'd expect from this author. The guys are killers, the girl is curious and plays sleuth in a small town. I did like that it focuses on the relationships and keeps the kills pretty much in the background. Flashbacks with hurt/comfort. It's one of those dark themes with sweet guys. The guys were adorable. Unsure about Nic/Nolan. The small town sounded boring with nothing to do but walk around. I did like the way they go full in on Halloween though. Strong on the M/M with initial established relationship, becoming MFM. Nice serial killer revenge read for the month.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alicia.
1,748 reviews13 followers
October 31, 2023
4.5 stars for this story of revenge in a town that pulls out all the stops for Halloween. Bailey is haunted by the saddest, tortuous memories of her best friend's death, when events start down a new dark path. Interestingly , the emphasis is not so much on grisly details, but on the relationship that develops between Bailey, Phoenix and Rory, one which is so intense, hinting at darkness but also of passion and love. Their connection is incredibly strong and I loved that of the love between Phoenix and Rory. Bailey's compatability with this pair is developed carefully and slowly. Mayhem is a huge part of this story, but, overall, is written as an adjunct to the central relationship and the resolution that Bailey so needs. Fabulous read 💖💖💖💖💖
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,338 reviews1,538 followers
June 23, 2024



This author's books are my guilty pleasure I adore a good serial killer romance and this one was entertaining for sure it's an M/M/F romance and the two men Phoenix and Rory are an established couple before Bailey joins them. It's all told from Bailey's POV and I loved her as a character she's also from what I could gather very much non-neurotypical, it never came right out and said that she was on the spectrum but that is how it came across to me.

I loved the Halloween theme and all things horror movie and the plot of revenge against all of her childhood nemeses who Bailey holds responsible for her friend Daisy's death. Phoenix is Daisy's brother and also Bailey's childhood crush and when he comes back to town with his boyfriend Rory people related to the childhood incident that claimed Daisy's life start to die, picked off one by one.

The sex was hot and the connection between these three is electric. It wasn't the most elaborate of plots and it was quite obvious who the murderers were but I was enjoying this too much to poke holes and this was a really enjoyable experience that I found well-written. So If you're after a hot serial killer romance this one has you covered.

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Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for Wavel.
149 reviews25 followers
October 25, 2023
I absolute love the spooky Halloween details! The traditions. From their festival to how each house decorated. Made me feel like I was there walking the streets of Hollow Bridge


Bailey is a girl who has been struggling with anxiety and the aftermath of the death of her best friend. She struggles with friendships and every day life. She also feels guilty for not doing more to help her.


Bodies begin dropping around town…. Bodies of the same people that caused Daisy’s death.


Phoenix has coke back to Hollow Bridge, along with his boyfriend Rory. And Bailey can’t stay away from them.
She’s had a crush on phoenix since she was a kid!

But Phoenix is all grown up! And she thinks he may be the one killing everyone…..

I loved seeing Rory & Phoenix together! Their relationship and the way they were together with Bailey!

Profile Image for LolaLovesRH.
286 reviews30 followers
November 23, 2024
I love Merlin’s MMF

This is another MMf that I love from AJ Merlin, I’m always amazed with the way AJ manages to write MM with them already being a couple and effortlessly having the fmc join and fit with both men perfectly. I love that I don’t have to worry about feeling like the fmc is an interloper in their relationship because Merlin does a good job making sure each men are equally as obsessed with the fmc as one another. I will say I feel like this story could have been longer or perhaps a duet. I would have loved to see more of Bailey’s established relationship with the men. However this was still really good read, and I could see myself rereading in the future.
October 26, 2023
A MMF serial killer romance with revenge murders, a halloween obsessed small town, dark themes with spooky vibes, mixing romantic suspense with horror, lovely parents, oddly cute & low angst relationship of the MCs! Happy for my #ARC, read this within 8hrs (over 2days).

All our MCs have their quirks. Bailey is fascinated with dead things, loves cats, seems neurospicy too (new word I found!), Phoenix is broody & caring, Rory is cinnamon roll packed in a killing package 😏.

I'm not gonna spoil anything as the book is good at keeping us on edge, helped by giving us only B's pov (tho I always want other MCs' too). This & detailing made me impatient till 25%, but I'm glad I sticked through! I also loved each interaction of the 3 MCs, their relationship is fun & builds fast (especially as Phoenix & Rory are already bfs). When they finally get together, it's so hot 🔥. The book is also focused a lot on the mystery side, which is interesting. Liked the ending, tho I wished for an epilogue. RTC.

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Single POV (Bailey's)
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😉😍😘🤫😲😶🥺🙃😏👀🔪🖤
4) Steamy scenes: 3.25/5
5) Levels: Swoon: 3.75/5
Angst: 2/5
Dark+spooky: 3.5/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Murders, Halloween, Love) 4.75/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.3/5
Profile Image for Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) .
2,359 reviews37 followers
November 13, 2023
I loved this story it was perfect for the spooky season. This is a dark, MMF, gritty read, so beware of trigger's, because what's a spooky story without 1 or 2 murder's in it.

Bailey lives in a small town where Halloween is big it even has it's own legend story. She has struggled with just being what "normal" feels like. One night when she’s helping her parent's at the fall festival before Halloween she see's Phoenix the boy she had a crush on when she was 13 and her dead best friends brother and she notices he's not alone judging by the way the guy puts his arm around Phoenix. She soon realizes everywhere she goes that Phoenix & his friend show up, which she find's out that his name is Rory and that they're together, but the way Rory flirts with her it's sending her mixed signals, but before she can think on that people start coming up dead people she use to be friends before what happened 6 years ago.

I absolutely loved Rory and Phoenix they are the perfect boyfriend's for each other as well as for her. Rory and his flirty psychotic self and Phoenix with his calm, broody self they're just what Bailey needs to draw her out of her shell.
Profile Image for Vanessa  Ramirez .
896 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2023
✨Review✨
***
Don't Be Scared was so good. It was spooky, dark, and full of revenge. I loved Rory and Phoenix. They were both a bit dark, rough, and so sweet. Bailey was perfect for them. I loved their chemistry and their relationship. The storyline was so good. I loved all the emotions and revenge. The writing was so easy to read. I was hooked from the start. The twist and turns had me on the edge of my seat. The spicy scenes were perfectly written and so hot. I loved the ending. Seeing Bailey accept her fate and her relationship with the guys made my heart happy. This was definitely a great read in this spooky season.
***
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 🩷🩷
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
***
Thank you to AJ Merlin for the ARC to review.
***
Profile Image for Dani.
585 reviews12 followers
October 2, 2024
I loved this book wayyyyy more than I thought I would and that’s the best kind of surprise. I knew I’d like it, but it just ticked all of the boxes for me.

Bailey was relatable in so many ways for my neurospicy brain. (Not in any way to have y’all worried about me though LOL) Phoenix and Rory were *chefs kiss*. They balanced each other out and were total softies for each other and Bailey.

The plot was fun and kept me interested the whole time and I think the length of the book was perfect. The spice wasn’t overdone and overall I have no notes for this spooky season read 🖤
Profile Image for Anastacia.
121 reviews
October 5, 2024
This was a quick read, which I appreciated, but the writing could’ve been a bit better. There were times during the dialogue when I got confused about who was talking, which was a little frustrating. And the ending felt a bit rushed, like it was an afterthought to the plot. But, the spicy scenes were hot in a slightly disturbing, yet sweet way (if that even makes sense, lol). Those moments kept things interesting for sure. Overall, not a bad way to kick off spooky season, even if it wasn’t perfect.
Profile Image for Persephone.
34 reviews
October 4, 2024
I was expecting a short Halloween romance. Yes that’s what I got but it was so much more. A must read for Halloween and if you want a bit of a thriller. I was even scared at one moment. But if you’re looking for a big murder mystery this isn’t that kind of thriller. What really got me was the care the three MCs give each other, the knowing exactly what the other needed physical or emotional.
26 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2023
missing pages

It started off slow and unfortunately I did not finish due to 21 blank pages. I rather not continue to read when there might be a flash back or a reference to a part that’s missing. If the pages are uploaded I’ll be happy to go back and finish the book.
Profile Image for Lindsay Hamilton.
577 reviews17 followers
October 23, 2023
How is it that AJ Merlin can keep writing books that I love so dang much? Bailey was such a fun and unique (neuro spicy rep!) fmc and as I’ve come to expect from AJ, her sarcasm and dry wit were on point.
Then these guys… ooh the guys… Phoenix is her late best friends brother and her childhood/teen crush. They way he just *knows* her is so sweet and feels genuine. Then there’s Rory… wouldn’t be AJ Merlin without a touch of psychopath. But he too is sweet and endearing with his undying love for Phoenix and infatuation with Bailey.
Overall an amazing, bloody, and spicy Halloween read!
July 11, 2024
Thought this was pretty good by the ending. Was slow at first and almost stopped reading, but glad I didnt!
3 reviews
December 7, 2024
Great Plot Loved This Book

This was one of my favorites so far. The storyline kept me guessing and awaiting how it would unravel. I really enjoyed the romance featured.
Profile Image for Ridley Zarate.
385 reviews15 followers
January 25, 2025
This, like others of Merlin's, was a fun read. I am really loving this author
The story is pretty sad at first, FMC loses her childhood best friend and when her best friends brother returns to town after several years, it's seen as a bad omen. Bailey doesn't know what he wants, just knows that he blames her for his sister's death (he literally does not actually, that's a miscommunication). He and his boyfriend return to town, and hollow bridge is the same as it always has been. After years since losing her best friend, bodies start dropping again, and all eyes are on phoenix
I really loved Bailey, Phoenix and Rory's relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nantia.
200 reviews13 followers
October 11, 2024
Trust AJ Merlin to write the most Halloween-y serial killer mmf book! She is like my ride or die when i need something sexy and deprived to really make me question my limits and sexuality.
Profile Image for Ellie.
695 reviews14 followers
November 11, 2023
Y’all this book 🥵🥵 Now I know that having 2 guys murder for you is wrong in real life…….but in the book world? I’m here for those red flags 🚩 🚩🚩

This book was great not only cause it had touches of the red flag romance but also cause it had a really good spooky, atmospheric setting without being terrifying. The plot really is the story, not just the romance and spice, and it works really well.

I found this book very enthralling. I sat down to read & didn’t stop til I was finished. The book was written in a very enticing way and I could easily picture the scenes as they were unfolding.

Being less than 350 pages it’s a short & fast read but nothing felt rushed over or tied up too quick.

This is the second book by the author I have read and loved and will definitely be going to read more of their books!

Tropes:
Masked men
Taboo romance
Best friends brother
🔪🔪

Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Range & Rep:
Adult romance
Positive representation of therapy
Sensory issue rep
LGBTQ+ rep
Profile Image for Reiji.
49 reviews
January 4, 2025
I enjoyed the atmosphere of the story a lot and the read by Alyssa Avery helped a lot.
The story is good at making your imagination run wild and in the end you might feel underwhelmed.

Bailey is the character that had most effort put in her and further characters are from he immediate circle the less distinct they became. This makes kind of sense since she is the POV character and is not to concerned with what's going on with anyone else but I think more was needed for the reader.

The simplest way to put it is that the Romance is the center point of the book and everything else is window dressing. True adversity is in the past and now is time for healing.

There are number of small events that are played up to be very dramatic by description and the narrator and it all works in the moment but upon reflection part of me is left screaming "Enough with the quail sauce. Give me the meat."



Structure and Setting.


Characters


Challenge and consequences


If you want a book about a hurt girl kind of healing and getting the boy she always wanted in an unexpected way while embracing her passion then this is a book for you. If you want mystery, "realism" or a thriller look elsewhere.
In conclusion I was happy with my time with this book but I think it did not utilize its full potential.
104 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2024
Great story

Loved everything about this book. Serial killers, sexy details, murder, Halloween and great story telling. If you love all that and more darkness 100% read this book.
Profile Image for Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer).
872 reviews68 followers
October 28, 2023
A.J. Merlin is here with her newest release Don’t Be Scared.
This MMF, Dark, Slasher Romance tells the story of Bailey Scott and established couple Phoenix Hawthorne and Rory, through the telling of multiple POVs.

Set in Hollow Bridge town, where Halloween preparations are currently underway. Given the towns celebration for anything and everything spooky, scary and haunting.
However what no one expects is for stories to come to life, leaving behind a trail of dead bodies from the killer that is on the loose.
Especially Bailey who comes face to face with said killer, only to walk away unharmed. Though not without having to answer a question. But could there be more to it? Knowing what was asked can't just be forgotten.

Following Bailey, Phoenix and Rory’s story led to a fun, fascinating and bewitching read.
Then again when you have such an intriguing storyline with many aspects to follow, it wasn’t surprising to say the least.
From navigating within Phoenix and Rory’s relationship and then with the addition of Bailey into that equation, it gave you a feel for all three.
All the whilst not only getting to know them individually by exploring deeper into their characters, but also as couples too. Seeing as Phoenix and Rory may have been established already, but it didn't mean there wasn't any growth to be had. Especially when it came to Rory stepping in and bringing some changes.
The more they interacted and were in each other’s presence, the more changes began to grow.
As for the other parts, such as the other main aspect to the storyline that led to the narrative being drama filled, growing mystery, secret keeping, suspense building, resulting in some dark and twisted moments. It was no wonder the more you read, the more A.J. was able to capture your attention.

Can it be said that watching the story unfold led to A.J. coming through in delivering another well written story. Yes.
In all honesty it made you feel like you were reading a scary movie come alive in your head.

Not going to lie, yes, the storyline did have its predictability, given how easy enough it was to guess when it came to figuring out the mystery and what would happen.
But nonetheless even with that said, A.J. still kept you reading on with intrigue, particularly when it came to the characters themselves of Bailey, Phoenix and Rory. Who definitely made it quite a riveting story. Knowing what you did and learning the new on what would be a bumpy ride.

At one point towards the end, Don’t Be Scared had me thinking this is not a Standalone and that it will end on a cliffhanger.
However in the end, it finished with a HEA.
Unfortunately the end did leave me feeling slightly disappointed due to being unsatisfied with the way it finished.
Not to saying the ending wasn’t there, because it was, however it just came across as being insufficient with what was still left to be said and/or mentioned IMO, feeling like there were still loose ends left untied.

In the end, A.J. Merlin came through with the Standalone that is Bailey, Phoenix and Rory’s story Don’t Be Scared.
Especially when it came to writing a great story perfect for the Halloween season that is upon us, by capturing it well in this spooky, revenge slashing thriller.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ♥ I’d Rather Be Reading ♥.
2,328 reviews62 followers
February 2, 2024
2.5 stars

- FMC: Bailey
- MMC's: Phoenix, Rory
- POVs Included: Single Female POV (Bailey)

-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)

Bailey lives in a town that takes Halloween very seriously. And as the holiday approaches, the town is gearing up to celebrate. She also notices someone from her past has returned for the holiday. Someone who brings back a lot of dark memories -- her late best friend's brother, Phoenix.

And as some of the people she hates the most are being murdered around town, she's starting to suspect Phoenix might be behind the killings. Because he has just as much of a reason to hate them. She's also finding it hard to feel sad for them after what they did to Daisy in the past.

-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:

It took me forever to get through this book. It's hard to say if it was just because life was busy for me at the time (which it was), or because of problems with the book. But I think it was a combination of life distractions and a very VERY slow paced book (which I'm not typically a fan of).

The premise of this one is right up my alley. I love a good dark serial killer romance. Twisted? Yes. But entertaining? Yes yes.

But this one was very slow for the first 200 pages or so. Before she really starts to team up with Phoenix and Rory, she just kind of putters around town. There's a lot of inner monologue and sort of watching things happen. And this part of the story was torturous to get through.

The mystery of the murders isn't so much of a mystery (it's pretty obvious who is doing it), but it was a pretty entertaining plot.

The characters are okay and I liked them at times. I didn't actually dislike any of them, but the two guys are very underdeveloped. Even their personalities aren't very well defined. During some scenes I had a hard time following which of the two was speaking at any given moment.

Bailey was more developed and I liked her alright. I wouldn't say she's my favorite FMC or anything, but she also wasn't annoying either.

I did think it was rather unrealistic to think they would get away with these very convenient murders who just so happen to be the people who had a hand in Daisy's death. It is unlikely they would've gotten away with it like they did. They also talk about the murders in public places on multiple occasions. It's all just very sloppy.

I did think Bailey planting the evidence at the final murder scene while Phoenix was in custody was pretty smart though.

Once Bailey teamed up with Rory and Phoenix, things picked up in pace and got more interesting. I also enjoyed their steamy scenes together.

Overall the book was just okay. I might have enjoyed it more during a time when my life wasn't so hectic. But it also had some problems in and of itself, so I don't know. This author has been hit or miss for me in general.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pene|ope.
1,283 reviews158 followers
July 2, 2024
I've avoided reading this for months because I read a spoiler that I thought ruined the whole book for me and I was trying to forget the spoiler so I could read it without knowing that bit of information. But when I found myself in a reading rut with too many DNFed books, I decided to just read this one anyway. And honestly, that spoiler was obvious from very early on and I should have read it last Halloween when I wanted to.

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It's a dark romance, and the characters are messed up. The FMC makes some really dumb choices. Like whyyyy would she down an open drink from a stranger then still stick around with the two other strangers who ran him off when the alcohol hit and she knew she was more drunk than she anticipated? They offered to take her to her friends twice, but she was like, nooooo I'm enjoying my time with two strangers in full serial killer costume.

We do see throughout the book that she just operates very differently in the world, though, and that plays a huge part in her easy acceptance of the MMCs. I've seen another serial killer romance try to do this extremely detached sort of character, and it didn't come off convincingly at all. But here, we have a FMC who already shows a morbid fascination with dead things, and who we see struggle with not feeling the things she knows she should feel to be like everyone else. It felt much more authentic and believable that she'd find herself in a real life horror show and just decide to see what happens.

The relationship that develops into their cute little throuple was endearing. The feelings are there quickly because two of them grew up together, but it takes a while for things to be revealed and for them to come together as a group.

The MMCs are....I don't really want to spoil it, but they were interesting, and it took me a little while to feel them out because they didn't act like I expected them to.

Morality-wise, I had to suspend my morals a bit on their reasoning for everything, even with what happened in the past. I already expected that due to this being a dark romance though.

I think you'll either love this one or hate it. The first half is a lot of day to day of the FMC's life as she has these brushes with different people that could be the murderer and also comes to terms with what she's feeling (or not feeling) about the murders. It also doesn't go too into details about how they're carried out (precautions taken, etc.), their feelings before they're developed, etc.

The spice has its moments, but most of it is pretty straightforward. If you're a tried and true dark romance reader, this will be pretty light stuff. I do think this is a good read if you want Halloween vibes though.

Ends on a HFN, but I wasn't too bothered by this one. They have plans to live a happy serial killer life well into their old ages. I would have loved an epilogue or something, Mindf*ck-style, at least. :)
Profile Image for Glowstars.
189 reviews11 followers
October 24, 2023
To read this review along with teasers and highlights from the novel visit Glowstars.net

It feels like we’ve been waiting ages for AJ Merlin to release another book but in reality, it’s only been two months since Pretty Little Killer. We know this girl’s gotta get her serial killer smut fix and Don’t Be Scared did not disappoint. Not only did it tick all my boxes, but it’s gotten me well and truly in the mood for Halloween.

Bailey is a classic AJ Merlin heroine; quirky with some health-related idiosyncrasies and a limited social circle. She’s less of a final girl than some of Merlin’s other characters, but this only leads you to suspect that she’s going to hold her own in the face of the serial killer who’s appeared in town. She’s also got a sassy attitude and snarky sense of humour that you can’t help but love.

Bailey has one hell of a backstory; at the age of 13, she nearly died when she fell through the ice on the town pond. Her best friend, Daisy, wasn’t so lucky. In the years since Bailey has known that the accident was a setup and that five of their peers were responsible. Now Daisy��s brother, Phoenix, is back in town for the Halloween Festival and people are turning up dead. People who were involved in Bailey and Daisy’s accident all those years ago.

I will admit that the story was a little predictable, but I was totally there for it. There’s a comfort in knowing (or thinking you know) what’s going to happen in these kinds of stories and it didn’t impact upon my enjoyment of the book. I could give you plenty of examples but I’m not the spoiler type. Just know that Phoenix and Rory are everything you expect they will be, and that includes sinfully hot.

There were all sorts of moments that I loved in this book, including the uncomfortable point when Bailey’s dad realises she’s dating two guys who are also dating each other and they have to explain it all. There’s a healthy dose of realism to Bailey’s inner thoughts as well, as she navigates the emotional practicalities of her dating triangle and just how it works to fall for a serial killer and his serial killer friend.

And the steam! Because you know an AJ Merlin novel will have it. It’s not the steamiest of her books and is less kinky than some of her recent offerings but Don’t Be Scared is still thigh-clenchingly hot. This one is especially good for lovers of masked men who like to toy with their prey; you’ll be salivating reading the first steamy scene taking place at the Halloween party.

In all honesty, compared to some of the blinders she’s released in the past year, Don’t Be Scared isn’t AJ Merlin’s most outstanding book, but if you want something stabby and steamy to read in the run-up to Halloween then you’re in for a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Profile Image for bookaddict2021.
322 reviews13 followers
October 24, 2023
Don't Be Scared is an MMF dark serial killer romance, where the two males are already an established couple but one of them is obsessed with Bailey and the other one ... is a psychotic killer thats not normal and becomes just as obsessed the first time he lays eyes on her. The story takes place in Hollow Bridge where they celebrate everything spooky, scary and all to do with Halloween.

Bailey is the main fmc and I just adore her so much and the one thing I love most about AJ Merlin's book is that the FMC is never the stereotypical cool girl, or the confident one, or the one that is an incredible fighter. Her FMC's are quiet, shy, but most importantly insecure for their own reasons, their quirky and usually the types of girls that are just normal, weird and hiding in the background but always there. They not self-assured and to me that just makes them that much more relatable.

Phoenix Hawthorne is the older brother of her best friend, who died tragically in front of her due to kids stunts and peer pressure gone wrong. No one except Bailey and her family and Phoenix and his family really cared that Daisy died or how. Her death was ruled as an accident and the people responsible got away with it because they were more popular and wealthy. But what happens when a dark serial killer emerges and the people who got away with Daisy's death suddenly start turning up dead. Rory is Phoenix's boyfriend, charming, sociable, easy-going he's not the typical serial killer persona, he can easily blend in with the crowd, remaining unsuspecting and he rounds out the throuple. I really liked how well he complimented Bailey and Phoenix being the link between them.

A fantastically dark read that oozes revenge letting you indulge in any dark thoughts you may have hiding deep within your soul. The plot was slow to start and the relationship but when it gets going it's like a fire that burns so hot and completely out of control, they just can't fight the attraction anymore. At the end of this book the author has made it impossible for the reader not to have established a connection with the murderer that suddenly makes them seem not so evil but ... questionably justified? In a confusingly strange and completely mind blowing way.
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190 reviews9 followers
November 26, 2023
Don't Be Scared is my second book by AJ Merlin and I have to say she is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Although this book would be considered a "Halloween" story, you don't have to wait for Halloween to enjoy it. If you are a spooky girl like me, everyday is Halloween!!!

This book was so good, it captivated me from the first chapter to the last. It has everything that I love about a dark romance. It has a hell of a suspenseful plot that had me glued to the pages. The chemistry between the three main characters, Bailey, Phoenix and his boyfriend Rory, as well as the steamy sex scenes between them was off the charts. And the best part of all? There are masked serial killers in the town! What more could you ask for?!

Bailey grew up in Hollow Bridge, a small town where Halloween is a big deal! Everyone celebrates it with elaborate decorations and eerie festivities. This is a town that lives, breathes, and eats Halloween, and it even has its own witchy folklore. I, for one, would be very happy to live in such a place!

Growing up, Bailey spent much of her time with her best friend Daisy and Daisy's older brother Phoenix, who she was secretly in love with. Unfortunately, Bailey lost her best friend as a result of a wicked prank that went horribly wrong. The teens who were responsible for Daisy's death were never held accountable. Daisy's death continues to haunt Bailey, and she blames herself for not being able to save her.

Phoenix relocated to a new city and met his current boyfriend, Rory. Phoenix has been gone for several years, but he and his lover have returned for the Halloween celebrations. Now it seems like Bailey keeps running into the couple everywhere she goes, but why is Rory being so flirtatious with her?
And why are the people who took part in the prank that resulted in Daisy's death now dead? Someone appears to be taking matters into their own hands, ensuring that justice will finally be done!

I really hope that the author writes another book about these characters because I would be the first in line to read it! I'm curious to see where this throuple's relationship is going and what's in store for them... More please!!!
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