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The Hemlock Society #1
X Marks The Stalker
She hunts killers. He is one. Opposites attract has never been so literal.Crime journalist Oakley Novak has built her career exposing Boston’s darkest secrets, but she never expected a serial killer to turn the tables and stalk her.
Xander Rhodes spent weeks watching her through hidden cameras, captivated by her sharp mind and relentless drive, until she catches him red-handed and, instead of running, challenges him with a glare that could melt steel.
Xander’s either found his soulmate or lost his damn mind. Probably both.
When Oakley recruits him for her revenge plan against the man who murdered her parents, their partnership shatters every rule of Xander's secret murder society.
Now they're being hunted by both sides—the law and the shadows—while racing against time to take down the untouchable enemy who took everything from her.
If you’re obsessed with dark romance laced with wicked humor, serial killers with a knack for banter, and heroines who wield wit as sharply as weapons, this sinful story will carve its way into your soul.
Xander Rhodes spent weeks watching her through hidden cameras, captivated by her sharp mind and relentless drive, until she catches him red-handed and, instead of running, challenges him with a glare that could melt steel.
Xander’s either found his soulmate or lost his damn mind. Probably both.
When Oakley recruits him for her revenge plan against the man who murdered her parents, their partnership shatters every rule of Xander's secret murder society.
Now they're being hunted by both sides—the law and the shadows—while racing against time to take down the untouchable enemy who took everything from her.
If you’re obsessed with dark romance laced with wicked humor, serial killers with a knack for banter, and heroines who wield wit as sharply as weapons, this sinful story will carve its way into your soul.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2025
1354 people are currently reading
3883 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 452 reviews
August 28, 2025
Think Butcher and Blackbird meets Lights Out!
This was a fun little read. I loved quirky Xander and candy obsessed Oakley. There is banter, wit, and a whole lot of Oakley sass in this book. Definitely enjoyed and will be adding to my shelf.
This was a fun little read. I loved quirky Xander and candy obsessed Oakley. There is banter, wit, and a whole lot of Oakley sass in this book. Definitely enjoyed and will be adding to my shelf.
September 16, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Now THIS is how you nail a dark rom-com about vigilante serial killers.
October 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)
Reading the content warning of this book felt like reading the ingredients of a fine wine while I “umm” and “ahh” deciding if it was for me. 😆 Honestly, I just love a well-done warning page—it really warms my heart (which might say something about me, but let’s not look too closely at that 🤭).
From the very first page, I was completely hooked—pulled into the story at breakneck speed, ready to inhale the book like my life depended on it. What got me first? Xander. His hilarious banter and inner thoughts had me laughing so hard I cried. He was so damn funny, witty, and just an absolute riot.
If this book is a parade of red flags, then call me color blind because all I saw were green ones. 💚 How do you take a walking, talking killer and give me cinnamon bun vibes?! It's unfair. I probably need medical help for how hard I fell for him.
What genuinely shocked me was how rich the story was. This wasn’t just “spice, spice, baby.” Nope—this book had structure, depth, and detail. It didn’t feel bloated or confusing, either. The female lead had layers, her actions made sense, and everything tied together beautifully. Major A+ for that. 👏
The supporting characters were also well developed, likable (or hateable), and vivid. Though the book wasn’t long, it felt so full—like it was bigger than it really was. It packed in action, darkness, humor, and heat, blending everything I love into one story. The humor really balanced out the dark themes and made the whole ride even more enjoyable.
And THE ENDING. My heart was in my mouth. I was freaking out. It was absolutely spectacular! 🖤
As for the spice... oh my gods. The scenes were open-door, descriptive, and definitely not for vanilla readers. But the spice never overshadowed the story. And that’s something I really appreciated. I love spice, but I need a full meal—not just sugary snacks. This book delivered both. 🔥
Would you recommend this book?
OH YES. If you enjoyed The Ruinous Love Trilogy or Lights Out, this book is 100% your vibe.
Would you reread this book?
Also yes. Without a doubt.
How would you sum it up?
Dark, sexy, and laugh-out-loud funny—with a rich story and spice that doesn’t quit.
https://bestbooks89.blogspot.com/2025...
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)
Reading the content warning of this book felt like reading the ingredients of a fine wine while I “umm” and “ahh” deciding if it was for me. 😆 Honestly, I just love a well-done warning page—it really warms my heart (which might say something about me, but let’s not look too closely at that 🤭).
From the very first page, I was completely hooked—pulled into the story at breakneck speed, ready to inhale the book like my life depended on it. What got me first? Xander. His hilarious banter and inner thoughts had me laughing so hard I cried. He was so damn funny, witty, and just an absolute riot.
If this book is a parade of red flags, then call me color blind because all I saw were green ones. 💚 How do you take a walking, talking killer and give me cinnamon bun vibes?! It's unfair. I probably need medical help for how hard I fell for him.
What genuinely shocked me was how rich the story was. This wasn’t just “spice, spice, baby.” Nope—this book had structure, depth, and detail. It didn’t feel bloated or confusing, either. The female lead had layers, her actions made sense, and everything tied together beautifully. Major A+ for that. 👏
The supporting characters were also well developed, likable (or hateable), and vivid. Though the book wasn’t long, it felt so full—like it was bigger than it really was. It packed in action, darkness, humor, and heat, blending everything I love into one story. The humor really balanced out the dark themes and made the whole ride even more enjoyable.
And THE ENDING. My heart was in my mouth. I was freaking out. It was absolutely spectacular! 🖤
As for the spice... oh my gods. The scenes were open-door, descriptive, and definitely not for vanilla readers. But the spice never overshadowed the story. And that’s something I really appreciated. I love spice, but I need a full meal—not just sugary snacks. This book delivered both. 🔥
Would you recommend this book?
OH YES. If you enjoyed The Ruinous Love Trilogy or Lights Out, this book is 100% your vibe.
Would you reread this book?
Also yes. Without a doubt.
How would you sum it up?
Dark, sexy, and laugh-out-loud funny—with a rich story and spice that doesn’t quit.
https://bestbooks89.blogspot.com/2025...
August 22, 2025
X Marks the Stalker – K.N. Wilder
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4)
The balance between plot and smut felt a little off for me (too much smut compared to the intrigue, in my opinion). That being said, I really enjoyed the characters, and the storyline itself was interesting and well put together. And honestly… I’d let Xander stalk me anytime. 😉
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
____
X Marks the Stalker – K.N. Wilder
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4)
La balance entre l’intrigue et le smut m’a semblé un peu déséquilibrée (trop de smut par rapport à l’histoire, à mon goût). Cela dit, j’ai beaucoup aimé les personnages, et l’intrigue en elle-même était intéressante et bien ficelée. Et franchement… je laisserais Xander me stalker n’importe quand. 😉
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4)
The balance between plot and smut felt a little off for me (too much smut compared to the intrigue, in my opinion). That being said, I really enjoyed the characters, and the storyline itself was interesting and well put together. And honestly… I’d let Xander stalk me anytime. 😉
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
____
X Marks the Stalker – K.N. Wilder
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4)
La balance entre l’intrigue et le smut m’a semblé un peu déséquilibrée (trop de smut par rapport à l’histoire, à mon goût). Cela dit, j’ai beaucoup aimé les personnages, et l’intrigue en elle-même était intéressante et bien ficelée. Et franchement… je laisserais Xander me stalker n’importe quand. 😉
December 29, 2025
This book was an absolute riot. It struck a really good balance between smut and comedy. Yes, it was a little cliché, but it was written well enough that it never tipped into being completely vomit-inducing.
I think the humour really helped here. The story never took itself too seriously and that made the whole thing far more enjoyable.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the characters. Usually I end up having serious issues with one, if not both, of the MCs, but I actually enjoyed them both. The whole sweet-eating thing did grate on me a bit, but not enough to spoil the experience.
I also found myself feeling oddly connected to the serial killers, very Dexter-esque. You know you shouldn’t be rooting for them… and yet here we are.
Overall, this was a great read and I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
I think the humour really helped here. The story never took itself too seriously and that made the whole thing far more enjoyable.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the characters. Usually I end up having serious issues with one, if not both, of the MCs, but I actually enjoyed them both. The whole sweet-eating thing did grate on me a bit, but not enough to spoil the experience.
I also found myself feeling oddly connected to the serial killers, very Dexter-esque. You know you shouldn’t be rooting for them… and yet here we are.
Overall, this was a great read and I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
June 24, 2025
This book is a masterclass in how to balance blood, banter, and a serious candy addiction.
Oakley Novak isn’t just a crime journalist—she’s a hurricane in red lipstick with a sweet tooth and a death wish. Her obsession with candy is only rivaled by her obsession with justice… and a darkly magnetic serial killer she catches spying on her. Xander Rhodes is dangerous, deadly, and inconveniently hot. What starts as a hunt becomes a twisted alliance that had me gasping, laughing, and occasionally craving sour gummy worms.
The chemistry between Oakley and Xander crackles off the page in a firestorm of enemies-to-lovers, murder-fueled tension. Their dialogue is razor-sharp, the banter wickedly clever, and the slow-burn, chaotic romance is everything fans of morally gray characters could want. Think Dexter meets Dead to Me with a sprinkle of Mr. and Mrs. Smith—and an arsenal of candy for any crime related crisis you could imagine, even some special chocolates (wink)!
This isn’t just a love story. It’s a revenge thriller dipped in dark comedy and wrapped in emotional carnage. The pacing is tight, the plot twists are brutal in the best way, and the morally messy choices had my heart racing —right up until the final, jaw-dropping page.
If you like your romance bloody, your heroines savage, and your killers swoony all with a side of spice, this book will absolutely ruin you—in the best possible way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oakley Novak isn’t just a crime journalist—she’s a hurricane in red lipstick with a sweet tooth and a death wish. Her obsession with candy is only rivaled by her obsession with justice… and a darkly magnetic serial killer she catches spying on her. Xander Rhodes is dangerous, deadly, and inconveniently hot. What starts as a hunt becomes a twisted alliance that had me gasping, laughing, and occasionally craving sour gummy worms.
The chemistry between Oakley and Xander crackles off the page in a firestorm of enemies-to-lovers, murder-fueled tension. Their dialogue is razor-sharp, the banter wickedly clever, and the slow-burn, chaotic romance is everything fans of morally gray characters could want. Think Dexter meets Dead to Me with a sprinkle of Mr. and Mrs. Smith—and an arsenal of candy for any crime related crisis you could imagine, even some special chocolates (wink)!
This isn’t just a love story. It’s a revenge thriller dipped in dark comedy and wrapped in emotional carnage. The pacing is tight, the plot twists are brutal in the best way, and the morally messy choices had my heart racing —right up until the final, jaw-dropping page.
If you like your romance bloody, your heroines savage, and your killers swoony all with a side of spice, this book will absolutely ruin you—in the best possible way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2025
A massive thank you to this amazing author for providing me an early addition eARC in exchange for an honest review .
HOLY MOLY GUACAMOLE
Okay, stop it!
This book had me reeeeeeling. And this was every single thing I needed without knowing I needed it.
The characters, the heat and every other word in between all those delicious individual pages.
This is my FIRST 5 star book this year, I didn’t know I needed dark romantic comedy till I read this.
Oakley is a complete girl after my own heart, I resonated so much with her, her consistent panic snacking reminded me so much of myself.
Xander 😅 I mean, ladies you will get it…
Honestly chefs kiss 💋
I reckon I have told every person who will listen about this book.
I can’t wait for book two, I want to know so much more about Calloway and what has happened to transform him into the artistic heartthrob he is today.
A massive well done to the author, I couldn’t rave about it more if I tried!
Side note*** you won’t look at lollipops or think of them the same 🫣
HOLY MOLY GUACAMOLE
Okay, stop it!
This book had me reeeeeeling. And this was every single thing I needed without knowing I needed it.
The characters, the heat and every other word in between all those delicious individual pages.
This is my FIRST 5 star book this year, I didn’t know I needed dark romantic comedy till I read this.
Oakley is a complete girl after my own heart, I resonated so much with her, her consistent panic snacking reminded me so much of myself.
Xander 😅 I mean, ladies you will get it…
Honestly chefs kiss 💋
I reckon I have told every person who will listen about this book.
I can’t wait for book two, I want to know so much more about Calloway and what has happened to transform him into the artistic heartthrob he is today.
A massive well done to the author, I couldn’t rave about it more if I tried!
Side note*** you won’t look at lollipops or think of them the same 🫣
September 30, 2025
Not my cup of tea but could be someone else's.
I only read up to page 226 and did not want to continue.
I liked the club but the romance felt too insta.
I only read up to page 226 and did not want to continue.
I liked the club but the romance felt too insta.
November 14, 2025
I loved it! One of my favorites of 2025
June 24, 2025
The banter, spice, and darkness are a perfect blend! I was cringing at some of the acts while kicking my feet & giggling at the same time. I read this is less than a day because I couldn't put it down. I need more of Oakley & Xander 😍😍.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2025
Loved it! It brings up the question that several other books have brought up for me lately. If a serial killer only kills those who do bad things in society is the serial killer still a bad person?
August 24, 2025
ARC Review
3.5/5 stars
3/5 spice
This is book 1 in the "The Hemlock Society" series. This book follows MMC Xander Rhodes, a security expert, serial killer, and member of the Hemlock Society, and the FMC, Oakley Novak, a crime journalist who is hell bent on taking down the man responsible for killing her parents.
This was a cute, light, dark romantic comedy. I found the characters enjoyable and relatable. Xander and Oakley are considered opposites, but still have more in common than they realize. The tension between them was written really well, and I liked how they were different yet compatible. They had similar thinking styles, which is why their chemistry worked so well throughout the story. Xander was more controlled and organized than Oakley, and I loved seeing them work together and combine their skills.
The side characters were a fun time. I liked how unhinged they all were and had different "killing" styles that made them each have their own role in murder society.
The reason for it being 3.5 stars is that I think there were too many "little things" that didn't need to be added, and not enough background on our main characters. I wanted to know more about how Xander came to be. We got a little bit of his background, but not enough for me personally. I felt like there were too many fillers that didn't add anything to the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed this because it was a good time, I love a good serial killer, obsessed man, and the ending has me super excited for the next book in the series.
Thank you, Booksprout and K.N for the ARC
3.5/5 stars
3/5 spice
This is book 1 in the "The Hemlock Society" series. This book follows MMC Xander Rhodes, a security expert, serial killer, and member of the Hemlock Society, and the FMC, Oakley Novak, a crime journalist who is hell bent on taking down the man responsible for killing her parents.
This was a cute, light, dark romantic comedy. I found the characters enjoyable and relatable. Xander and Oakley are considered opposites, but still have more in common than they realize. The tension between them was written really well, and I liked how they were different yet compatible. They had similar thinking styles, which is why their chemistry worked so well throughout the story. Xander was more controlled and organized than Oakley, and I loved seeing them work together and combine their skills.
The side characters were a fun time. I liked how unhinged they all were and had different "killing" styles that made them each have their own role in murder society.
The reason for it being 3.5 stars is that I think there were too many "little things" that didn't need to be added, and not enough background on our main characters. I wanted to know more about how Xander came to be. We got a little bit of his background, but not enough for me personally. I felt like there were too many fillers that didn't add anything to the plot.
Overall, I enjoyed this because it was a good time, I love a good serial killer, obsessed man, and the ending has me super excited for the next book in the series.
Thank you, Booksprout and K.N for the ARC
July 6, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
The perfect mix of thrill, smexy scenes, and emergency snacks. I’m always a sucker for serial unalivers and an FMC who hunts them. If that includes a stalking, masked, serial unaliver with a quirky personality and awkward situations?—I’m putty. Such an easy read, good flow, and an actual plot. These characters each brought something unique to the story and I can’t wait to see what’s next for The Hemlock Society
The perfect mix of thrill, smexy scenes, and emergency snacks. I’m always a sucker for serial unalivers and an FMC who hunts them. If that includes a stalking, masked, serial unaliver with a quirky personality and awkward situations?—I’m putty. Such an easy read, good flow, and an actual plot. These characters each brought something unique to the story and I can’t wait to see what’s next for The Hemlock Society
October 30, 2025
2.5
This book desperately needed another pass through an editor. There were many instances of repetitiveness. The premise is fun, the execution is not.
This just didn't hit for me. I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to think this insanely powerful and rich man would go on the run because some random thugs were found dead. It just gets more ridiculous from there.
This book desperately needed another pass through an editor. There were many instances of repetitiveness. The premise is fun, the execution is not.
This just didn't hit for me. I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to think this insanely powerful and rich man would go on the run because some random thugs were found dead. It just gets more ridiculous from there.
September 30, 2025
This was either written by an author who never bothered to read or remember what they had already written and had no editor to tell them just how inconsistent and full of holes their work was, or it's AI. Made it to 44%. Interesting premise, terrible execution.
June 27, 2025
I received an ARC of this book. I saw it and thought it would be something I would love, and I was right, naturally.
Oakley is a journalist who is desperate to clear her parent’s names. She crosses paths with Xander and her life changes when he becomes her stalker.
She unwittingly becomes involved with his secret society and lands in a world she didn’t expect.
The other characters are so much fun too, and I would LOVE a book/books about Calloway and Lazlo! I loved those two 😂
This book has a great balance or humour, stalking, spice, murder, and the type of unhinged romance that tickles my pickle.
When I tell you I needed to gallop around my lounge room because I was so excited about a couple of chapters, I mean actually get up off the couch and run like an idiot. I voice noted and messaged friends because I was unable to control myself, (side note: do you know how much it sucks to not be able to talk about a book with ANYONE!?) I was so caught up in their business that I forgot I was not actually involved 😂
This book gave me sarcasm (which is my #1 love in life) anxiety, joy, aww moments, and had me questioning my life choices, sanity and moral compass several times.
I am so tight with my stars because I need a range of feelings in my books, and this delivered everything for me! One look at my unhinged reading activity is testament to that, if only I could figure out how to add those rambling thoughts to my review!
Definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a dark rom com!
Oakley is a journalist who is desperate to clear her parent’s names. She crosses paths with Xander and her life changes when he becomes her stalker.
She unwittingly becomes involved with his secret society and lands in a world she didn’t expect.
The other characters are so much fun too, and I would LOVE a book/books about Calloway and Lazlo! I loved those two 😂
This book has a great balance or humour, stalking, spice, murder, and the type of unhinged romance that tickles my pickle.
When I tell you I needed to gallop around my lounge room because I was so excited about a couple of chapters, I mean actually get up off the couch and run like an idiot. I voice noted and messaged friends because I was unable to control myself, (side note: do you know how much it sucks to not be able to talk about a book with ANYONE!?) I was so caught up in their business that I forgot I was not actually involved 😂
This book gave me sarcasm (which is my #1 love in life) anxiety, joy, aww moments, and had me questioning my life choices, sanity and moral compass several times.
I am so tight with my stars because I need a range of feelings in my books, and this delivered everything for me! One look at my unhinged reading activity is testament to that, if only I could figure out how to add those rambling thoughts to my review!
Definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a dark rom com!
August 27, 2025
So, I know you arnt supposed to judge a book by its cover but I mean come on....This cover is just so pretty! I am a sucker for a hot pink and black cover, its really the only time that I love the color pink 🖤🎀
At this point I kinda associate a black cover, hot pink art, and a stalker vibe with some of my favorites: Butcher & Blackbird, Rook & Rebel, and now X Marks The Stalker and I am here for it!
Xander is a perfect compliment to Oakley and I also adore the absolute unhinged aspect of the other members of the Hemlock Society as sub characters. Also Oakley's sweet treat obsession is next level, and I am here for it! This book has good banter, chemistry, and the level of unhinged that I need in a stalker book. Keeps things interesting and kinda light, well as light as serial killer books can be. Im really looking forward to the next book in this series and where these unhinged characters take us.
At this point I kinda associate a black cover, hot pink art, and a stalker vibe with some of my favorites: Butcher & Blackbird, Rook & Rebel, and now X Marks The Stalker and I am here for it!
Xander is a perfect compliment to Oakley and I also adore the absolute unhinged aspect of the other members of the Hemlock Society as sub characters. Also Oakley's sweet treat obsession is next level, and I am here for it! This book has good banter, chemistry, and the level of unhinged that I need in a stalker book. Keeps things interesting and kinda light, well as light as serial killer books can be. Im really looking forward to the next book in this series and where these unhinged characters take us.
August 4, 2025
I really liked the idea of this story.
You can tell the author put a lot of thought and effort into this book. All the details were well thought out. The banter was great and I did like the emotional support snacks.
I also really enjoyed how Oakley remained true to herself and how she was willing to step out of her comfort zone in order to get justice for her parents. She and Xander made a fantastic team. I like books that have a solid storyline with spice added in and this fit that very well. Looking forward to book two!
You can tell the author put a lot of thought and effort into this book. All the details were well thought out. The banter was great and I did like the emotional support snacks.
I also really enjoyed how Oakley remained true to herself and how she was willing to step out of her comfort zone in order to get justice for her parents. She and Xander made a fantastic team. I like books that have a solid storyline with spice added in and this fit that very well. Looking forward to book two!
December 3, 2025
This was actually a lot of fun to read.
I've never been a fan of insta lust/love and so that is what lost a star for me. I also thought that this dragged slightly.
I loved the characters and the FMC's addiction to sugar. The crisis snacks did make me laugh.
Xander - The security guy/stalker was also hilariously awkward. I loved how confident he acted but in reality he was a nervous wreck.
This book was funny, spicy, dark and gory. I loved the Hemlock Society and the plot kept me hooked. Like I said, I felt like it did drag a bit but I still enjoyed it.
I've never been a fan of insta lust/love and so that is what lost a star for me. I also thought that this dragged slightly.
I loved the characters and the FMC's addiction to sugar. The crisis snacks did make me laugh.
Xander - The security guy/stalker was also hilariously awkward. I loved how confident he acted but in reality he was a nervous wreck.
This book was funny, spicy, dark and gory. I loved the Hemlock Society and the plot kept me hooked. Like I said, I felt like it did drag a bit but I still enjoyed it.
June 25, 2025
Thank you for the ARC of this book!
X Marks the Stalker by K.N. Wilder absolutely consumed me. If you're a fan of Butcher and Blackbird, this book will have you slipping into that same delicious chaos! The slow burn chemistry between Oakley and Zander is off the charts.
The banter is addictive, the pacing flawless, and the emotional depth will surprise you. I devoured this book and didn’t want to put it down (but adult life gets in the way, haha) This book is the perfect stalker romance!
I can’t wait to see what else this author writes!
X Marks the Stalker by K.N. Wilder absolutely consumed me. If you're a fan of Butcher and Blackbird, this book will have you slipping into that same delicious chaos! The slow burn chemistry between Oakley and Zander is off the charts.
The banter is addictive, the pacing flawless, and the emotional depth will surprise you. I devoured this book and didn’t want to put it down (but adult life gets in the way, haha) This book is the perfect stalker romance!
I can’t wait to see what else this author writes!
August 1, 2025
The book was engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the characters. The pacing was great. I enjoyed this book a lot!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2026
I really wanted to like this book, but it wasn’t for me. There were too many characters and the plot wasn’t that interesting. This definitely would’ve been better off as a novella 🤷🏻♀️
August 23, 2025
Such a fun serial killer rom com! So much banter, he falls first.
She’s a journalist who’s trying to figure out who this guy really is. She’s hunting serial killers, and trying to figure out taking this guy down who hurt her parents. He’s a professional stalker and has his eyes set on her.
She’s a journalist who’s trying to figure out who this guy really is. She’s hunting serial killers, and trying to figure out taking this guy down who hurt her parents. He’s a professional stalker and has his eyes set on her.
December 14, 2025
DNF @77%
August 16, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! From the very first page, it pulled me in and refused to let go. The balance between romance and comedy was perfectly executed—light and charming when it needed to be, yet deep and emotional at just the right moments. Oakley and Xavier had such palpable chemistry that I found myself rooting for them with every page. Their banter was sharp and hilarious, but it was the quieter, more vulnerable moments that really made their connection feel real.
The suspense element added an entirely different layer to the story. The descriptions of the killings were gripping and intense, but never excessive. It struck that rare balance where the scenes were chilling and thrilling, without crossing the line into gratuitous. I was impressed by how the author managed to weave together such contrasting elements—romantic tension, laugh-out-loud moments, and genuine edge-of-your-seat suspense.
By the end, I was left completely satisfied yet still wanting more of these characters and this world. If you’re looking for a book that offers romance, humor, mystery, and a touch of darkness—all wrapped up in sharp writing and vivid storytelling—this is it. A five-star read that I’ll be recommending to everyone!
The suspense element added an entirely different layer to the story. The descriptions of the killings were gripping and intense, but never excessive. It struck that rare balance where the scenes were chilling and thrilling, without crossing the line into gratuitous. I was impressed by how the author managed to weave together such contrasting elements—romantic tension, laugh-out-loud moments, and genuine edge-of-your-seat suspense.
By the end, I was left completely satisfied yet still wanting more of these characters and this world. If you’re looking for a book that offers romance, humor, mystery, and a touch of darkness—all wrapped up in sharp writing and vivid storytelling—this is it. A five-star read that I’ll be recommending to everyone!
August 4, 2025
So, serial killer = bad … right? I ask because Xander is so smart and so sexy. *Sigh* He’s so perfect for Oakley. All the ‘cleaning up’ of the bad guys they do, both individually and together. The growth they experience together. The. Spice! Whew! hotHotHOT There is so much spice in this one 🥵 But, since Xander is taken, I suppose I could ‘settle’ for Thorne …
Lots of awesome serial killer good times going on here. Blood, guts, gore, and spice. Good times happening.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Xander
FMC:
✨Oakley
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 1 of The Hemlock Society
Epilogue:
✨
Tropes:
👉Dark romantic comedy
👉Murder society
👉Serial killer
👉MF
Triggers:
💥18+
💥Sex
* including - public displays of hand affection, hand necklaces, praise, bottom play, creative phone sex, bondage
💥Voyeurism
💥Violence
* including - childhood trauma, torture, gore, blood, Death
💥Death
* including - parental murder
💥Stalking
💥 Profanity
Burn Speed:
✨Fast - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lots of awesome serial killer good times going on here. Blood, guts, gore, and spice. Good times happening.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Xander
FMC:
✨Oakley
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 1 of The Hemlock Society
Epilogue:
✨
Tropes:
👉Dark romantic comedy
👉Murder society
👉Serial killer
👉MF
Triggers:
💥18+
💥Sex
* including - public displays of hand affection, hand necklaces, praise, bottom play, creative phone sex, bondage
💥Voyeurism
💥Violence
* including - childhood trauma, torture, gore, blood, Death
💥Death
* including - parental murder
💥Stalking
💥 Profanity
Burn Speed:
✨Fast - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2025
4.5 Wow, this book! Definitely has vibes similar to Lights Out, out except that the book doesn’t go haywire halfway through and sticks to a solid storyline. I also think it’s a way better! Mind the trigger warnings, this book is quite graphic in the torture (against the bad guys). I glossed over those per my personal taste but the spicy scenes were excellent and creative! I loved how nerdy the two main characters were and that it remain consistent throughout the book. It was so quirky and fun, and not full of angst. I remember thinking I was pretty sure the twist that was going to happen at the end and was so relieved that the author didn’t make it predictable like that. There were a few times where I think things didn’t line up, meaning someone was in a dress earlier and suddenly she’s having her pants removed, and I had a hard time connecting to any of the other characters besides Calloway (the banter when the guys met for the first Hemlock meeting was odd), but overall I’m sure this book and series will take off.
September 13, 2025
If you're someone like me and loved Lights Out before that specific line in the book that shifted to something weird, you're going to love this.
I randomly saw this book when it was on preorder and I said screw it, I'll give another one of these books another chance.
Let me tell, I am GLAD I did.
This book is incredible, it blew Lights Out out of the water and I am a die-hard fan of the book. This had everything, comedy, romance without weird tension building, murder, a plot that emerges that is bigger the introduction plot, spice (which...holy shit. 10/10), everything you want in a dark romcom.
Oakley as a character and her ARC is probably one of my favorite parts of this book as well, and Xander? Sir, I need you to calm down but not in the best way. I'm obsessed. I need a physical copy ASAP.
I randomly saw this book when it was on preorder and I said screw it, I'll give another one of these books another chance.
Let me tell, I am GLAD I did.
This book is incredible, it blew Lights Out out of the water and I am a die-hard fan of the book. This had everything, comedy, romance without weird tension building, murder, a plot that emerges that is bigger the introduction plot, spice (which...holy shit. 10/10), everything you want in a dark romcom.
Oakley as a character and her ARC is probably one of my favorite parts of this book as well, and Xander? Sir, I need you to calm down but not in the best way. I'm obsessed. I need a physical copy ASAP.
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