Ali Hazelwood has once again proven why her name dominates modern romance shelves. With Hot for Slayer, the first entry in the Scared Sexy Collection, she takes readers into the darkly playful world of vampires, slayers, and the dangerously thin line between love and death.
The Premise
The story follows Aethelthryth, better known as Ethel, a vampire living in present-day Manhattan who has spent centuries locked in a deadly feud with her sworn nemesis, Lazlo Enyedi, a relentless vampire slayer. When Lazlo suddenly loses his memory, their ancient battle is put on pause. Instead of killing him, Ethel finds herself reluctantly hosting her enemy in her apartment. What begins with couch-sharing, sudoku puzzles, and sarcastic banter quickly evolves into something far riskier: forbidden longing. As Lazlo’s memories start to return, so does the blood feud that has defined their existence. The question lingers: can two enemies bound by centuries of violence truly crave each other without sealing their mutual destruction?
What Works So Well
Hazelwood delivers a novella that balances humor, gothic atmosphere, and romance in equal measure. The enemies-to-lovers trope shines here, heightened by the amnesia twist that throws both characters into unfamiliar emotional territory. Ethel and Lazlo’s dynamic is laced with tension—sharp wit, simmering chemistry, and a domestic tenderness that feels both unexpected and refreshing. The little details, like their late-night sudoku sessions or Ethel’s clumsy attempts at cooking, bring warmth and charm to a story steeped in shadows and bloodlust.
Readers also get glimpses into their thousand-year history across continents, from Berlin to Manhattan, which adds depth to their relationship beyond the immediate storyline. These flashes of their long pursuit make the present-day tension even more charged. Hazelwood excels at making their centuries of rivalry feel both epic and intimate.
The Halloween Vibe
Perfectly timed for spooky season, this novella blends gothic romance with modern snark. The atmosphere is cinematic—New York shadows, candlelit banter, and fangs hovering on the edge of passion. It is short enough to devour in a single evening yet rich with detail, making it an ideal Halloween read. The mix of danger, dark humor, and heartfelt moments creates an addictive, fast-paced experience.
A Few Quibbles
The main drawback is its brevity. Many readers, myself included, wished Hot for Slayer were a full-length novel. The world-building and character dynamic are strong enough to sustain a longer narrative, and the ending leaves you craving more. However, as part of a themed collection designed to be read in one sitting, it fulfills its purpose with style.
Final Thoughts
Hot for Slayer is a seductive, witty, and atmospheric novella that captures the thrill of enemies-to-lovers romance while embracing the gothic allure of Halloween. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape, a dose of dark humor, or a taste of forbidden longing, Ali Hazelwood delivers a story that lingers like candlelight in the dark.
If you’re ready to sink your teeth into this Halloween treat, you can grab your copy here: Buy Hot for Slayer on Amazon.
