Halloween Spirit

by Latrexa Nova

Who says seducing grumpy men through jokes is a dying art?

Penny
Maybe I’m taking my clown costume a little too seriously, but I almost die laughing when I see the mysterious stranger at the edge of the party. A grim reaper? So emo! Not only that, but this guy is dead serious and drop-dead gorgeous under the hood.

So kill me if I get a little obsessed with lifting his spirits, then getting him alone so I can jump his bones.

Mortimer
I'm only here to do my job: Reaping souls. Easy job, I thought, but that was before the hot harlequin started cracking jokes to distract me... Which means more and more of the daring dumbasses at this party keep amping up their game to tempt death. Me? I'm more tempted to shut her pun-spewing mouth up with mine.

I know it's a grave mistake, but she might just urn a place in my heart.

This is a spicy erotic romance novella featuring an excessive amount of puns, banter, dark humor, and sexy distractions.

***

A Monstrous Mistake
On Halloween night, the lines between fantasy and reality are blurred and the monsters have come out to play. Meanwhile, our human leading ladies are ready to celebrate the holiday in style - with some hot men in costumes. The only problem? They haven’t yet noticed that the fur and fangs on their sexy men are entirely real. Will mistaken identity lead to love, or have these women made a monstrous mistake?

This book is part of a multi-author collaboration celebrating the spirit of Halloween and monster romance.

Genres: Halloween, Holiday, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Novella, Monsters, Monster Romance

52 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2022

About the author

A California native, Latrexa has always seen the weird in the world and seeks to share their outright lust for the strange and unusual. Their hobbies include sculpting unnatural horrors and running from their inner demons. Latrexa writes for the weirdos, heavily featuring darkness and off-beat humor.

Reviews

[Bon]

I am not sure why there were I Love Yous in this, a first-meeting hookup taking place during what can be a maximum couple hours-long party, but sure! I didn't expect a masterpiece and tried valiantly to not be put off by the lead lady making awful jokes the whole time, dressed as a clown. Go me. A solid, sexy Halloween novella.

[Kauthami]

2.5 stars. It was okaye. Don't hate it but didn't love it either. I was rather confused to see 'I love you's thrown about when it felt like a horny hook up initially! Like how does that escalate so quickly?!!!

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine)]

Our eyes meet—mine devoid of life, hollow, deathless; hers twin circles of red embedded in blue diamonds.
The rest of her face is white except for the extreme smile at her lips. Oh great, a clown. — Mortimer

Warnings: discussions of death

I enjoyed Halloween Spirit, certainly more than I expected. I like the characters and the smut is readable and works for the main two characters. I really like Penny. They always make this whole slut thing seem so much easier on tiktok. This brain has trouble going bimbo—that is my clown name, though, I’ve decided—Bimbo the Clown. I like the woman embracing another side of herself, in this case, her slut side with Bimbo the Clown. But she's willing to listen to her instincts and think logically rather than emotionally as required. Oh and I like the Bimbo costume, Penny's a lady after my own heart when it comes to corsets. Mortimer is something to behold, he's so very human, he doesn't like parties (ie he's an introvert) and he gets cold. I like his sass when it comes to Grim Reaper costumes. At least I look good. I’ve seen the gross, thin fabric they throw on Grim Reaper costumes. What an insult. No, my robes are made of shadows and the soft fabric of time. I appreciate the intensity Latrexa Nova gave him, it is becoming of the Grim Reaper. Together they are fantastic, with brilliant compatibility and chemistry.

The soul to be reaped, Chad, is the perfect near-peak comedy in this, he's total idiotic frat boy energy. That said Penny is kinda funny in her own way. She loves her puns. Frankly, I like that despite the limited word count Nova has taken the time to do what so much work on the consequences of a reaper getting distracted. This is part of the A Monstrous Mistake series/ shared verse. Death is the monster, he has a given to him after becoming a reaper. This just works as a book for a commute. It takes about an hour it's playing on a bit of a what-if and an exhibitionism kink. Latrexa Nova makes some great writing decisions, thinking things out in a different way to some others.

His arms feel gigantic under all the robes, and yet his waist is so narrow. Like a freaking superhero. Only with the personality of Squidward. — Penny

A representative gif:

[Billie Yankie]

If you're looking at this book you already know you want the Halloween Spirit to come and possess you. So, just give in.

This is just bad jokes, puns, and spice. First, Mortimer - meaning dead sea - is a magnificent name for a Reaper. Also, Penny the clown. And they're so cute.

I, however, refuse to have a closer look at my increasing interest in clowns, for which I blame Harley Laroux and Latrexa Nova. I have made enough discoveries about myself and, sometimes, things are better left ignored.

[Poppy || Monster Lover]

3.5 stars
Penny was little Ms punny and brought some life to Mortimer’s existence. They had lots of sexy times with a lil bit of plot thrown in. I wish we’d gotten more answers about why she can see him or how they’ll be together.

Spice: 5/5

Triggers: death, side character attempting to poison other side characters and himself, exhibitionism, choking (side character), near death from jumping (side character)

[Anja]

Yeah, I don't know why I thought it'd be funny to read this. I don't like puns, I love a good slow-burn romance and I hate partys. This book is the absolute opposite of that.
If you're looking for a quick, weird smutty read, this is your book, but this was a big no for me.

[Natasha Tucker]

Mortimer was a grim reaper at a Halloween party to capture the soul of Chad. Penny was at the party chaperoning her little sister. As soon as she saw Mortimer she wanted him. Mortimer didn’t know how Penny could see him but she was making him feel things he had felt for centuries. Hot, steamy, fun, paranormal romance with lots of bad jokes and amazing chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gab :)]

Soooo I honestly don’t know how to feel about this one. Like it was good and I’d read it again but idk it threw me off a little. And not for the reason you’d think. It was the fact that the fmc Penny got a little annoying at times and there were Gen Z references and those just give me the ick. I loved Mortimer (Death) though. He was a sweetheart. Yes he looks like a human and skeleton combined but like in a good way.

[DarthTonic]

2.8 ✨️

Listen, it was a fun read. The dude had an interesting described *ahem* member. But when they are like "I am in love with you and I just met you an hour ago" I'm like "nahhh...no."
Other than that, it was okay.

The ending was the funniest bit. Poor Ghost Chad.

[Charde Jackson]

Yes!!!

Loved the Grim Reaper and all the puns. This book was very funny, steamy and smut filled 😍😍😍. Great quick monster loving short story.

[Brinnlee]

this had the potential to be a great slutty halloween read, but the “insta love” ruined it 😭

[Tamara]

The I love you‘s definitely threw me for a loop. I mean who says I love you after a hook up ?

[Grey Story]

I HAD to read this for Halloween! It's full of some spice, lots of bad jokes, and some actually funny lines and scenes. It's a short novella so obviously there's not a lot of room for developing much of anything but the story still tries to build suggestions for something more to the relationship between the main characters. I'm not sure how well it worked but I appreciated the attempt and thought it was kind of sweet and cute. Last but not least, I really liked the way the Grim Reaper was actually described. Not fully human with reaping powers, not just a skeleton, but somewhere in-between that was a little creepier and way more interesting and fun!

One thing that bugged me at the end was the fact that the main female character is at this frat party to support her little sister and is presumably in her late 20s. (I've never been to a frat party so I have no idea how likely that is but it sounds a little sus?) Nevertheless, the thing that I found weird was that at the end of the story, she completely forgets about her possibly drunk little sister and doesn't think to check on her well-being, despite a death occurring at the party and the place being swamped with ambulance and police. Also there's no way they're not found where they are eventually!

Warnings for what kinks are specifically included: voyeurism, exhibitionism, very light bondage
Other trigger warnings: clown (full of bad death puns), excessive drinking, vomiting, death (it IS the grim reaper)

[Rachel (Rae)]

2/5
Spice 3.5/5
Characters 2/5
Plot 1/5

My reviews are always spoilerish. Because sometimes I like to delve into things. So take that as you will.

Overall thoughts
Add this to the list of "what the fuck did I just read." I am currently contemplating all my life choices and regretting whatever brought me to read this. I love monster romance, all shapes and sizes but this felt a little too gross for me. The thought of a grim reaper is interesting, but him pretty much being a half decomposed corpse with a weird bone cock doesn't do it for me. Also the random insta love shit in the middle was stupid. Thank fuck this book was like 50 something pages or I would have DNF'd. The puns were some what humorous at first, but got old fast.

Tropes and Kinks
Monster fucking, stupid insta love, I don't know I blacked out somewhere in the middle.

Spice
It would have been hot and steamy if half way through the h wouldn't have started describing the H's gross half decomposed body. But the scenes were graphic so there's that I guess.

Characters
Penny was funny ish

Plot
So this could have been interesting but it was a miss. Basically Penny was the only one who could see the Grim Reaper at a party and decides to fuck him whether he wants it or not...

[Destynnee Realta]

Halloween Spirit
A Date With Death
A Monstrous Mistake

by Latrexa Nova

52 pages
Currently on Kindle Unlimited, in the US.
5/5 stars

Possible Genres / Tropes:
Paranormal, Erotica, Short Story, Humorous, Halloween, Multi-Author Collaboration With Individual Books, Monster Romance, Romance, Jumping From a Roof, Drinking Bleach, Chugging Beer, Age Gap, Anonymous Sex, Possible HEA/Cliffhanger (It is ambiguous), Dark Humor, Grumpy man Sunshine woman, Age Gap,

Possible Triggers / Content Warnings:
Sex, Death, Drinking, Frat Party, Drunk Sex, Bone Sheath, Ghost, Clown, Oral, Unprotected Sex, Puns (That tickled my fucking funny bone), Modified Penis, Death/Grim Reaper


THIS IS A ARC REVIEW, and may have spoilers.

I believe that Halloween Spirit delivered on its comedic pun filled short Halloween tale. Penny felt real, and fleshed out. I loved her humor. Mortimer, fuck, I felt his grumpiness as my own. Like if you bundled up all 70’s, 80’s and 90’s adults, gave it a good, deprived it of its coffee and smokes, then sent it to work. That is Mortimer. Or, that is how I felt seen.

If you took away the costumes, and boning the grim reaper, this is really a grumpy/sunshine age gap insta love story. And, truthfully, I am here for it.

I was worried that with the story only being 52 pages long, that either it would lack substance, be rushed, or just be blah… Which, I didn’t feel that with this story.

Now, that is not to say that there is not spelling, or grammar issues here and there. I don’t know any written work that doesn’t have a few.. When they do happen, it does take me out of the moment, but that maybe because I am googling the word used, etc thinking its me and my dyslexia or something.

Over all, the story was enjoyable, and if I would of happened upon this on my own, on KU, I would read it.

Oh, yea, I would love to see a follow up, to see how the rest of their night/lives went after this.

5/5 stars.
- Destynnee

[Vanessa]

3.75 stars (rounded up) - Penny decides to dress up as a clown for Halloween, but the not-so-fun part of her night is that she's the DD, meaning she's sober while her friends get to have fun getting wasted. Meanwhile, Mortimer, is just trying to do his job...reap souls. He's there to take Chad until Penny and Mortimer collide. Mortimer tries to ignore Penny, but she's not having it! Well, what do you expect in a Latrexa Nova book? Let the f*cking commence!!!

The puns/jokes throughout this book had me giggling...for example:

"Oh god, okay, what's a girl got to do to get a date with death? A little lethal injections?"
She thrusts her hips lewdly. Does she mean - did she just insinuate my d*ck was a syringe? Who is this woman? I think I might actually be blushing.

I had a great time overall, but didn't particularly enjoy the "I love you's" thrown about after meeting and only knowing each other for a few hours (if that). And the ending felt like it ended abruptly...I wanted a little more.

[Karen Nastasio]

This was a quick and funny read that I really enjoyed and the characters where perfect for each other with one dark and the other one light. Penny is a a Halloween frat party with her sister but is soon dumped by her when Penny notices a sexy as sin Grim Reaper from across the room and decides he will be her’s and sets out to make him laugh and have a good time. Mortimer is the Grim Reaper and is at the frat party to collect a soul when he is distracted by a gorgeous clown that makes him laugh and have feelings that he hasn’t had for a long time and now they are spending the night together under the stars and soon they are falling in love but what happens in the morning. Can they have a future together or not and how will Penny feel knowing he really is the Grim Reaper. To find out what happens next between them get this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie]

Started off strong than went complete left field

3.8/5 ⭐️
0/5 🍋

This was quick read and I know it's a novella but this left me with more questions than answers.

Why was Penny able to see him ??? Why could the girl that chase was sleeping with see the Reaper but once he finished his job everyone else couldn't see him ???

Also Penny started off likeable but she ended up being annoying and than out of nowhere she's talking about some boyfriend that passed away and it's why she's afraid of love like da freak ???

And than the Grim Reaper and him declaring his love for her like where did that come from ??? !!!

Again I know it's a novella but whoa did it give me whiplash !!!

I like the story I like Mortimer and thought he was great I just wished we got at least 40 more pages of the characters

[Milica]

I think this was supposed to be funny, but it wasn't funny to me. The heroine was a little annoying and she seemed desperate. Like, she wanted to get the hero's attention so she flashed him and a group of guys around him.
Also, I had so much trouble picturing his dick. I still don't know how it's supposed to look.
I know this is insta-love, there's only 50 pages, but the 'I Love Yous' came out of nowhere. There was no foundation for those words.
And I really hated the ending. I needed an epilogue, to see how they worked out their differences, considering he's Grim Reaper who is dead and has a job, and she's a human.

[Jenifer]

This is a quick short story about the grim reaper going in for his next soul and instead being distracted by a voluptuous clown who wants to crack punny jokes to make him smile or laugh. He realizes that he feels things with her that he hasn't for a long time and decides that he has to have her. They quickly profess their love for one another and spend a night beneath the stars. It's full of steamy goodness for your reading pleasure.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing]

This was such a fun read that mixed humour and heat in an entertaining way. Penny, a designated driver was hanging at a frat party and trying to bring out her inner 'sex goddess' (but picture a different, shorter word for this that also starts with an S... ;P) when she saw a guy dressed as a Grim Reaper. Turned out Mortimer was not in costume but in uniform. What followed was an entertaining and hot reading ride. Puns, one liners, death and love all ensued and I just really enjoyed Penny and Mortimer together - a sort of sunshine/darkness mix that worked beautifully :D

[Jenn]

Laughing at Death

Penny is dressed up as a clown for Halloween, cracking puns and looking to have a good time. Mortimer is dressed up as a grim reaper - because he is one. When Penny bumps into Mortimer just as he’s about to reap a soul, death and the clown make a connection that intensifies as the evening progresses. I loved the jokes and the kinks in this story were deliciously hot, but the tenderness between Penny and Mortimer was the sweetest part of this story. A great steamy and quick read for the Halloween season.

[casvec]

Halloween Spirit is fun and amusing story that take you a wild ride as Mortimer, aka Death, is at the party to collect a soul when he is tripped up by a woman in a clown costume.

Penny is able to see Mortimer, which throws him. When she continues to flirt, he is taken back and pulled by his desire and his job.

This is a tale that will have you laughing at the bad jokes from Penny, have you shaking your head a Chad, and melt in your seat at the fire between Penny and Mortimer.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Audrey Klamer]

Halloween, spice and death? What more could you ask for? This was a nice, fun little quick read. A real grim reaper going to take his next soul at a Halloween party and all of a sudden a woman dressed as a clown runs into him and makes it her goal to make him hers by the end of the night and she does just that! Not only did they have steamy sex on the roof under the stars but they also fall in love with each other…? Don’t worry, they knew it was too fast too but oh well! I recommend this short read and can’t wait to read more of her short stories!

[Ciara Hartman]

One of the best grim reaper spicy reads!

The grim reaper has come to collect a soul… Unaware that he’s about to find his soulmate in the form of a clown who thinks she can get away with making all the deathly jokes she has stockpiled. - This was a fast read and absolutely delightful! The humor, spice and two MC’s had me laughing and rooting for them. - That being said, I do feel the FMC accepted that he was a reaper for real… much too easily!!! But still, it’s a fictional short story! 😁👍 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Lena Dublin]

Fun Read

I love when monsters or other mythical beings are humanized. This is why I a big fan Buffy the Vampire Slayer. When I found this series through a Booktuber (Love and Other Words. Check her out, she’s fabulous!) said there was this book about the Grim Reaper, I was all in. This book is a great mix of humor and heat. Penny was a breath of fresh air. She just brought the light into Mortimer’s dead dark world. It was a fun Halloween read. Would definitely recommend.

[Cherie Alvaro]

Mortimer has a job to do, as the Grim Reaper he is there to collect the souls of the frat boys that keep tempting fate. But Penny in her clown costume has made it her mission in life to make him laugh... This book is hilarious, so many puns, I loved it. This is the first time I've read one of this authors books and I look forwards to reading more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanies.books_]

Oh gosh, I love a good Reaper story. This was such a funny short story. ❤️📖

I also enjoyed that the book didn't jump right into smutty scenes I the first couple chapters. Make them so much more enjoyable to me.

Mortimer has to collect a soul. Penny wants to see what he's hiding under his robe.

Also Mortimer is more like a Reaper with his appearance It is actually quite interesting how the author described Mortimer's appearance.

[Jessica]

Halloween Spirit by Latrexa Nova just wasn’t my kind of read. While it had a fun seasonal vibe and plenty of spooky, supernatural elements, the story itself didn’t hold my interest. The characters felt underdeveloped, and the plot moved too quickly for me to feel invested. It leaned heavily on tropes and spice, which might appeal to fans of steamy monster romances, but it wasn’t my style. I can appreciate the creativity behind the concept, but overall, this one just didn’t click for me.

[Mistie Best]

Grim gets the girl

This was so different but the puns were hilarious. Penny made it her mission to cheer up the guy in the Grim Reaper costume... The Grim Reaper was on a mission to reap the soul of a frat boy at the Halloween party and the interactions between him and Penny were just too cute. This was funny and steamy, even with the "grim" undertones. Loved it!