How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates

by Shailee Thompson

A hilarious, swoony and downright terrifying horror romance in which a cinephile gets caught in the middle of a murder spree at a speed-dating event and must use her encyclopedic knowledge of the rom-com and horror genres to make it as a real-life Final Girl.

When Jamie Prescott attends a speed-dating event at the behest of her best friend, Laurie, she expects to meet a roster of mediocre men and have a few laughs. She doesn’t expect one of her dates to have his throat slit at their table during a blackout.

When the lights come back on, there are more bodies on the floor, the doors are locked, and there’s a murderer among them. So much for a fun night.

Armed with makeshift weapons and her extensive knowledge of what NOT to do in a slasher, Jamie must figure out how the hell she and Laurie will make it out of the building alive. But as the night progresses, Jamie begins to suspect the killer is committing the slayings to woo one of the women and turn them into a real-life Final Girl. Whatever happened to roses and perfume?

And why can’t Jamie stay focused on the important thing here, which is obviously not to get murdered, instead of being distracted by a hot guy or two? And what if one of those hot guys happens to be the bad guy? Oops.

Laugh-out-loud funny and hide-under-your-bed scary, How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates puts the killer in killer love story.

Genres: Horror, Romance, Mystery, Thriller, Adult, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Shailee Thompson is an author who writes women with smart mouths, soft hearts and strong wills... then she puts them in the deepest of sh*t. Her debut novel, How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates (Out February 2026!), is a Slasher Rom-Com that proves all is fair in love and gore.

When not writing or talking about her characters like they’re real people, you can find her kidnapping her friends' dogs or competing with the person next to her at the gym (...yes, Pilates can be competitive).

Reviews

[Lala BooksandLala]

immediately topping the list of anticipated 2026 books

[ClaudiaTalksFilm · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a slasher romcom YES a SLASHER is taking place while two people fall in LOVE amidst a KILLER HUNTING THEM DOWN and it’s fucking hot and addictive and I thoroughly enjoyed it this shit HITTTTT

[lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! It was a rom-com/thriller in the best possible way. The book opens with the main character Jamie and her best friend Laurie discussing Jamie's dissertation which is all about rom-com movies and thrillers. She is an expert and that really in handy for her when she found herself literally trapped in a rom-com gone terribly wrong. The premise of a speed date killer was unique and fresh, although I did figure out who was the killer very early on in the book, I still enjoyed the ride. It was very campy and honestly so funny. I loved Jamie and Laurie's relationship. I also thought it was so fun how all the characters were named after famous thriller characters/directors. There were lots of Easter eggs and nods to movies that were very enjoyable. This was one of my favorite books of the year and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a fun thriller! Thank you, Netgalley for the arc.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received my free copy from Goodreads Giveaways! Post read review coming soon!

[Sreya VT · Rating 4 out of 5]

slasher mystery 🤝🏽 rom com

“how to kill a guy in ten dates” was SUCH a fun read and i literally couldn’t put it down! it blends the most entertaining parts of a classic slasher film with a sprinkle of romcom 💌

i have to confess that i did guess everything by 50% (it does, after all, utilise our favourite slasher archetypes) but i was still not disappointed in the slightest & very much remained on the edge of my seat.

if you’re a thriller lover or a romcom fan, make sure to add this to your (february) 2026 tbr & thank you atria for the copy!

[Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Much like Jamie, I'm someone who adores horror movies and rom coms equally. And there were so many great references, easter eggs and nods to the biggest movies from both genres for fellow fans.
This is a slasher movie come to life, with some hints of romance, and it has such a cinematic feel to it.
The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and you're not sure who to trust, even if I was rather suspicious of who turned out to be the male killer. But maybe that's just because I usually have an inkling when it comes to similar reveals in some of my favourite franchises.
While it was rather creative having essentially every single character name be inspired by a famous movie character, from Wes and the Cravin' nightclub to John Carpenter, Laurie Strode and Sidney Prescott all being utilised, sometimes they felt a bit shoe horned in.
But speaking of the characters, I liked how well the ensemble cast was handled and that they all felt distinct, even at the beginning.
There are some brilliantly tense sequences, with the club feeling claustrophobic and like you're trapped in it with them. I also liked that we got some romantic moments too in amongst all the blood and literal guts. I would have been swooning for Wes too.
It maybe dragged a little bit, but overall the pacing was pretty good.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for what Shailee Thompson does next.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Keisha Frantom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty-seven-year-old Jamie and her roommate, Laurie, attend a speed-dating event in a familiar Brooklyn venue. Upon arriving at the location, they realize it's the club where they used to party during their college years. The event brings together ten men and ten women who rotate through ten minute dates. After only a few rounds, the lights suddenly go out. When they flicker back on, the man sitting across from Jamie has had his throat slashed. The lights go out again, and more people are killed. The panic-stricken survivors quickly realize they are locked inside without access to their cell phones. Not knowing whom to trust, Jamie must rely on the established rules of horror movies and her intimate knowledge of the building's layout to help herself and the other daters find a way to escape. The book, which blends mystery, slasher, and romantic comedy, features famous quotes from rom-coms cleverly adapted into horror movie maxims. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[M Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.

How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates is a mix of horror and romance which seems like it be harder to make work in what’s also a comedic story, but it really works here. With the main female character, Jamie, being a big fan of horror and romance films we the readers get to enjoy some education and a wink to tropes in each in this story which brings a lightness amongst the gore.

Jamie and Laurie are roomies who go on a speed dating night where murder joins the mix and the daters get picked off. Throughout Jamie balances her interest in two of her dates as the group tries to survive (and figure out who is after them). The ending was a fun surprise and somewhat appropriate given Jamie’s interests. If you’re a fan of horror or romance and want a little change up in either genre, very few books will deliver that (well) with giggles to boot like this one.

[KatieGwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Super fun take on some well known genres. Loved that the mystery actually keeps me in the mystery. Usually I figure it out wayyyy too early.

[Sequoia Cron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Gallery Books for gifting me a copy of How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A glimpse inside:
murderrrr
speed dating
a spicy janitor closet
being afraid yet horny
so much humor
horror film references
rom-com quotes with murderous vibes

When I received the promo rose and the bloody card, I knew I was going to love this book. I loved pointing out and finding all the horror references, especially all the character names. The chapter quotes from "not"-rom-coms is a great touch. I loved the Juno and Pretty Woman ones. This book is truly a love letter to horror and romantic comedy.

I absolutely D E V O U R E D How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates!! I don't read books as fast as I used to, so when one captures my attention like this one did it is a really special thing. The pacing is perfect, and the murders are imaginative. The story is an entertaining and adrenaline-filled wild ride. I had so much fun speculating who the killer would be, and reading from Jamie's point of view is so good.

I love everything about this book! The horror, the romance, the attraction and tension, the friendship between Jamie and Laurie, and all the secondary characters. Shailee Thompson did a great job with developing the characters and the story. How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates is definitely a favorite of mine. I can't wait for more readers to enjoy this book as much as I did.

The only negative I have is not being able to find more books in this style. I love the horror and romance genres by themselves, and seeing them be mashed together is chef's kiss.

If you're having a bit of a book hangover like me, I recommend checking out How I'll Kill You by Ren DeStefano and This Girl's a Killer by Emma C. Wells.

5 stars!

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5

AAAAAhhhhhh! I loved this. I had so much fun with this. I have been looking for a new spooky story to be an amazing 5/5 star read, and I finally found it!

If you like those classic slasher films (think Scream), then you will love this book. It also has that self-awareness that the movie Final Girls has.

This has an ensemble cast (and I love an ensemble cast) that is trapped after a single speed-dating type of event, but then people start getting killed. And the killer is after one person...romantically. The killer is a classic slasher killer, but with a romantic edge. He's doing this for "love," setting up a sort of rom-com logic slasher situation. And with the classic "who could it possibly be and why and is it you?"

This was so much fun, I was so engaged with this and sped through it (especially the end).

If you are a movie-lover, specifically rom-coms and slashers, you should really check this out. You'll have so much fun.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Tori Boudreau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A horror romance featuring a killer at a speed dating event? Yes, please! I was thrilled to win an ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway and dive right in. Jamie, our leading lady, is getting her PhD on romcoms and thriller movies, so naturally she’s the one most likely to survive 🧠🎥. The speed dating setting was fun, and I loved that Jamie brought her best friend along for extra laughs and friendship 💕.

There are several other characters, which adds to the chaos, though at times it was a little tricky to keep everyone straight 😅. Some sections dragged more than others, but the pacing mostly kept me engaged. The romance felt a bit rushed at times, though given the body count around them, it’s understandable 😬. I did figure out who the killer was early on, but the small twist toward the end was satisfying.

Overall, I really enjoyed the campy, fun vibe of this book 😎🔪. It’s different from anything I’ve read before, and Jamie’s PhD in slasher movies made her a perfect, witty heroine for this horror-romance mashup 💘🎬.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
So I was extremely lucky to be sent a copy of this book. This is not something I would typically read but I thought …what the heck, let’s give it a go.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!! I have been in a book slump for months and nothing has been interesting or held my attention for long enough to actually enjoy it. I literally could not put this book down. If you have been in a book slump this book will surely pull you out of the trenches! It did me.

If you are looking for something with a Rom-Com feel this book is for you.
If you are looking for a fast paced thriller/slasher this book is also for you.

It’s the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The MFC is someone you find yourself really liking/relating to and hoping that everything turns out well for. This book has a friendship you wish you had, romance and of course the plot that just keeps twisting and keeping you unable to put it down. This is one I will definitely be recommending to friends.

[Greer · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️��� (3.5 stars)

How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates by Shailee Thompson is a fun, campy mash-up of horror and romcom that makes for a perfect seasonal read. Think of it as if your favorite slasher flick collided with a swoony rom-com.

The main character is someone who knows every trope and rule of both genres…. until suddenly she’s trapped inside her own twisted version of them. It was entertaining to see her knowledge tested when things got real, and the meta commentary on movies added a playful edge.

That said, this book leans into gore and graphic themes. If that’s not your thing, this one might not be for you. But if you love the idea of a quirky, slightly over-the-top, spooky-romantic read to set the mood for Halloween, it’s a great pick.

Overall, a fun, fast read that balances creepy tension with humor and romance.

[Alaura Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Kill a Guy in 10 Dates was such a ride, honestly a 20/10 read. I was mad at my fulltime job for stealing hours from me because all I wanted to do was keep turning pages. It’s a sharp, fresh spin on the romcom/slasher mashup, and Shailee Thompson nails the balance of charm and chaos.

The characters are fun and over-the-top in the best way, and I loved the little details, like the map at the beginning, it set the tone perfectly. The pacing kept me hooked, and the humor landed right alongside the darker beats.

It doesn’t release until February 2026, but this is one I’ll be talking about until then. If you like your romcoms messy and your slashers playful, this is exactly the book for you.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! I flew through it in a single sitting - super enjoyable and engaging. The main characters were fun, with a solid supporting cast. I especially loved the blend of slasher and rom-com, where both tropes played off each other in creative ways. I found the end hard to predict, even though I was looking for clues along the way.

The romance was solid and swoony, with a good leading man. My only real critique is that the reason behind the slasher felt underdeveloped — with more buildup or explanation, it could have packed a stronger punch. Even so, this was a fun, twisty read that balanced horror and romance in a fresh way, and I’d definitely recommend it.

Thank you to Shailee Thompson, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Ali - My Calendar is Booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

▪️ LOVED the title and the quotes that begin each chapter; they are lines from movies, substituting love themes with murder themed and they are HILARIOUS

▪️the syntax was SUPERB. I could picture EVERYTHING. I could hear EVERYTHING. You just have to read it to understand what I mean!!

▪️ the two female MCs were superb, as well (superb seems to be my favorite word to describe this book 😂)

▪️ the character development? Perfection!

▪️ the plot was soooo original. I LOVE final girl stories!!

▪️ I would read this at night, in the dark after putting my son to bed, and would lay there frozen, because I was actually scared, but also couldn’t stop reading

▪️ I just can’t say enough. It was so fun and yet an actual horror movie in book form (and I loved it and I do not like horror!)

[Mel C · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

I went into this book completely blind, drawn in by the cover... and just like our leading lady, I was horrifyingly surprised by what unfolded.

Slasher rom-com?! The premise of this book is so unique and was so well done.

This was an absolute page turner. I didn’t want to put it down and every single twist caught me off guard. I’ll admit it, the author got me every time.

The quotes at the beginning of each chapter added a clever touch, layering humor into the darker moments and making the story that much more fun to read.

If you’re looking for something different, this is a must-read.

[Lex Ax · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a perfect fall read, I'm shocked the release date isn't until February.

"How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates" is campy, funny, ironic, and gory. This book really got me into the mood to read more suspenseful murder mysteries this fall. Overall, the book was entertaining, but there were certain parts that dragged for me and I felt we were getting similar plot points over and over again. I loved the main character Jamie.

Thank your Gallery Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Baylee Loyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book completely blind (the title drew me in, did not need to read summary) and I had the absolute best time.

Jamie was a very lovable/smart/strong main character, I loved how her knowledge on slashers and rom-coms played into the story. The romance plot was present but did not shove the fact that there was a killer on the loose to the back burner. Shailee Thompson found the balance between gory and horny!

We need more horror rom-coms like this one! Please add this to your spring TBR immediately!

[Valerie Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! This book is just so fun! The nods to both the slasher and rom-com genres are great. My favorite thing (once my thick noggin' finally noticed it) was all the character names being famous horror movie characters or directors. I loved the female friendship. I did guess fairly early who the murderer was, but it was still a fun ride to get there! The only reason it's not a 5 star read is that it does get a bit repetitive. Otherwise: DELIGHTFUL!

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I can’t say that I’ve ever read a book quite like this one as it was a slasher thriller, but it was also a romcom. I loved the concept of the speed dating killer. If you are looking for a thrilling horror romance definitely give this one a read.

Read this if you like:
❤️‍🔥 Love triangle
❤️‍🔥 Speed dating
❤️‍🔥 Slasher/romance
❤️‍🔥 Horror film references

Thank you @gallerybooks for the gifted copy of the book.

[tkmatkock · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Wow. Just wow.✨
This book was unlike anything I’ve read before and I LOVED it 😍 I was lucky enough to win it in a Goodreads giveaway (the only one I’ve ever won 🙌) so you know I was beyond excited to dive in. And let me tell you… it did NOT disappoint. I devoured every single page and it’s an easy 10/10 for me 📚💯

#BookReview #Bookstagram #GoodreadsGiveaway #BookLover #10of10 #DevouredIt

[Jessica Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a slasher AND rom-com girly, I’m convinced this book was made for me. It had me rooting for characters only to be second-guessing if they’re who they say they are and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book was perfect from start to finish and I can’t wait to see it rightfully blow up when it’s released in February!

Thank you Netgalley & Gallery Books for the ARC!

[Erin Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. What a fun read this was! So many romance and horror movie references. This is gory and swoony. I loved Wes so, so much. It was a little bit too long but that's my only critique. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

[Shouty · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERY SINGLE MOVIE REFERENCE LANDED LIKE A DOVE ON MY SHOULDER

[LiteraryJenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and wild ride. I could not put it down! A fantastic debut with the perfect mix of mystery, horror, humor and romance. Thanks to Gallery books for an advanced copy! ❤️‍🔥

[Rhi Zar · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDDDDIBLEEEE!
Properly addictive. 10/10 rom-com, 10/10 slasher.
Literally obsessed.
This gem releases in Feb and you simply MUST read it holy crap.
So so good.

[Remi]

i don't really read romance except when it meets horror

*thank you to Gallery Books for the ARC*

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

kicking my feet, giggling, disgusted and terrified with every page. i’ve never read a book like this and couldn’t put it down!!!!!! slasher-romances for the win!!