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Closer Than You Think
My vocation is death. I'm a skilled killer trained by circumstance and bloodlust. I take lives with a flick of my wrist. I never feel guilty when I do my job. In fact, I feel euphoric.
The most dangerous men in the world hire me to be even more dangerous than they are. They pay me handsomely, not knowing I’d do it for free. Not knowing I crave it. That I’d kill just as easily as I take my first breath in the morning.
I’m evil. Plain and simple.
There’s not a single thing good about me.
Except her.
And she doesn’t even know it.
But she will, soon enough.
Closer Than You Think is a dark, stalker romance filled with intense steam and spine-tingling suspense. Read at your own risk.
The most dangerous men in the world hire me to be even more dangerous than they are. They pay me handsomely, not knowing I’d do it for free. Not knowing I crave it. That I’d kill just as easily as I take my first breath in the morning.
I’m evil. Plain and simple.
There’s not a single thing good about me.
Except her.
And she doesn’t even know it.
But she will, soon enough.
Closer Than You Think is a dark, stalker romance filled with intense steam and spine-tingling suspense. Read at your own risk.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2024
251 people are currently reading
690 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
August 27, 2024
Tropes ♡‧₊˚
assassin mmc, obsessive mmc, stalker, dub/con, k!dnapping, evil meets innocence, “you’re mine”
𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍. 𝑰'𝒅 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰'𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒇, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆.
If you love a walking red flag, dark, and unhinged man, you’re going to love Silas 😍 Hallie is an innocent school teacher but once Silas enters her life, her dark side starts to takeover.
I really enjoyed this book and it was so good for it being Taura’s debut novel! This book was also a quick and easy read with a good amount of spice🖤
assassin mmc, obsessive mmc, stalker, dub/con, k!dnapping, evil meets innocence, “you’re mine”
𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍. 𝑰'𝒅 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰'𝒅 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒇, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆.
If you love a walking red flag, dark, and unhinged man, you’re going to love Silas 😍 Hallie is an innocent school teacher but once Silas enters her life, her dark side starts to takeover.
I really enjoyed this book and it was so good for it being Taura’s debut novel! This book was also a quick and easy read with a good amount of spice🖤
September 1, 2024
DNFed.
• very cringe writing.
[Also after seeing her and getting obsessed with her, he fucked other women to get her out of his system]
"It confuses me, but I can’t ignore it. I tried to, for a solid month after first laying eyes on her. I tried to put her out of my mind, focus on work. When that wasn’t successful, I called the city’s most exclusive Madame and had her send over whore after whore to take care of me in every way I could imagine. That didn’t work, either."
• very cringe writing.
[Also after seeing her and getting obsessed with her, he fucked other women to get her out of his system]
"It confuses me, but I can’t ignore it. I tried to, for a solid month after first laying eyes on her. I tried to put her out of my mind, focus on work. When that wasn’t successful, I called the city’s most exclusive Madame and had her send over whore after whore to take care of me in every way I could imagine. That didn’t work, either."
December 29, 2024
I will never get back the time I spent reading this :/
August 28, 2024
Closer Than You Think has all the tropes I love in a dark romance! This type of story is not for everyone, but for me was the perfect short dark romance book I needed.
Silas is so intense and deranged for Hallie that I swooned over those red-flag warnings! He's the obsessive book boyfriend of our dreams, ex-military with a dark past but a heart of gold just for her.
The plot and the case revolving around the FMC were not resolved very clearly, there were a lot of questions left unanswered, but the twist was very welcoming because you never saw it coming.
The spice was perfect, and very in tune with the book's tone, the scenes were hot, dark, and ideal.
Thank you for this ARC, I really enjoyed it reading it.
Silas is so intense and deranged for Hallie that I swooned over those red-flag warnings! He's the obsessive book boyfriend of our dreams, ex-military with a dark past but a heart of gold just for her.
The plot and the case revolving around the FMC were not resolved very clearly, there were a lot of questions left unanswered, but the twist was very welcoming because you never saw it coming.
The spice was perfect, and very in tune with the book's tone, the scenes were hot, dark, and ideal.
Thank you for this ARC, I really enjoyed it reading it.
August 25, 2024
I’m worried how much I was drawn to Silas’ darkness. This man is a walking red flag but it’s a beautiful fucking shade 😍
He is unhinged when it comes to his work and with keeping his girl safe…from a distance 👀
I really enjoyed reading from Silas POV and getting inside his head. And although he had a troubling past, you get a glimpse of his softer side when he’s talking about Hallie.
Hallie firstly got introduced to us as a sweet teacher who loves books and watching her students flourish.
But her darker side comes out as soon as Silas comes in 😏👀😂
His obsession over Hallie is everything you want from a man 😂
The pace was fast and I enjoyed the flow throughout, but I felt like some of the dialogue was a little repetitive.
The spice was so good and you can see why Hallie didn’t stay mad at Silas for too long 😏😏
“You’re my angel. I’d give my life for you. I’d burn the world down for you. You’re my other half, the missing part of my soul. The innocence and light that never existed in me.” *swoon* Jesus wept this man 😙👌🏼
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from Taura King and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does next 😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
He is unhinged when it comes to his work and with keeping his girl safe…from a distance 👀
I really enjoyed reading from Silas POV and getting inside his head. And although he had a troubling past, you get a glimpse of his softer side when he’s talking about Hallie.
Hallie firstly got introduced to us as a sweet teacher who loves books and watching her students flourish.
But her darker side comes out as soon as Silas comes in 😏👀😂
His obsession over Hallie is everything you want from a man 😂
The pace was fast and I enjoyed the flow throughout, but I felt like some of the dialogue was a little repetitive.
The spice was so good and you can see why Hallie didn’t stay mad at Silas for too long 😏😏
“You’re my angel. I’d give my life for you. I’d burn the world down for you. You’re my other half, the missing part of my soul. The innocence and light that never existed in me.” *swoon* Jesus wept this man 😙👌🏼
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from Taura King and I’m looking forward to seeing what she does next 😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 25, 2024
Silas Thatcher is a walking red flag. And I loved him.
Si is an assassin who is obsessed with blood and Hallie. You don’t know how he meets Hallie or becomes obsessed with her until later in the book. But he starts stalking her and even moves in next door to keep her safe.
Hallie is an innocent school teacher who is trying to move on from her ex her recently died of a suspected overdose. Or did he?
A reporter starts looking in the suspicious death and Si finds out Hallie’s life is in danger. The man becomes unhinged.
The spice in this was spicy! I was in a constant state of blush reading this! I loved it.
4.5⭐️
4🌶️
The amount of highlights I have from this book is unhealthy. I absolutely loved this debut novel from Taura. I hope there are plans for the other members of Ares!
Thank you to Taura for this early copy on exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Si is an assassin who is obsessed with blood and Hallie. You don’t know how he meets Hallie or becomes obsessed with her until later in the book. But he starts stalking her and even moves in next door to keep her safe.
Hallie is an innocent school teacher who is trying to move on from her ex her recently died of a suspected overdose. Or did he?
A reporter starts looking in the suspicious death and Si finds out Hallie’s life is in danger. The man becomes unhinged.
The spice in this was spicy! I was in a constant state of blush reading this! I loved it.
4.5⭐️
4🌶️
The amount of highlights I have from this book is unhealthy. I absolutely loved this debut novel from Taura. I hope there are plans for the other members of Ares!
Thank you to Taura for this early copy on exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 5, 2024
If you love high-stakes stalker romance that skews heavily noir in style, this book is perfect for you. I liked that the MMC was truly morally gray, choosing some unconscionable acts, because dark romances oversell that aspect way too often. The writing was VERY stylized and convincingly noir. I don’t think I’ve read any romances like that. Go into it knowing that, though, because it might not be your cup of tea.
August 26, 2024
This book was amazing. I have a spoft spot for unhinged men. i needed more. I need me a Silas 🥵🥵
December 31, 2024
2.5 ⭐
I feel like this started really strong and I was enjoying it. But at some point, everything felt kinda rushed with heavy cliches and at times very repetitive.
I feel like this started really strong and I was enjoying it. But at some point, everything felt kinda rushed with heavy cliches and at times very repetitive.
August 27, 2024
A M A Z E B A L L S ✨
I read this one sooooooooo fast. I felt so fricking ALIVE ✨. There was no down time in the story WHATSOEVER! 🫢 being pulled from one shaky situation to another definitely made it hard to put this one down. I couldn’t get enough 🤍.
The contrast between light & dark is extremely well-balanced because of the great, allbeit incomprehensible dynamic between the 2 main characters. They are literally made for each other. I 🤍 how vulnerable they are with each other.
The only “negative”? WHY DID YOU LEAVE US ALL HANGING IN THE END MRS KING????? 😭🤣 I was soooooo prepared to read a “1 year later” type of thing for the last chapter, I JUST NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING??? I STILL HAVE LIKE SO MANY QUESTIONS LEFT, WHYYYYY???? 😭🤣
But all jokes aside - 🤍’ed everything about this book, 10/10, would definitely recommend.
Special thanks to the author for granting me the opportunity to read this ARC. It has definitely opened up new possibilities for me to read other genres of romance. I didn’t exactly know whether I would like the dark, stalkery vibe, but I ended up loving it 🫢🥹 thank you so so much! 🫶🏻🤍
I read this one sooooooooo fast. I felt so fricking ALIVE ✨. There was no down time in the story WHATSOEVER! 🫢 being pulled from one shaky situation to another definitely made it hard to put this one down. I couldn’t get enough 🤍.
The contrast between light & dark is extremely well-balanced because of the great, allbeit incomprehensible dynamic between the 2 main characters. They are literally made for each other. I 🤍 how vulnerable they are with each other.
The only “negative”? WHY DID YOU LEAVE US ALL HANGING IN THE END MRS KING????? 😭🤣 I was soooooo prepared to read a “1 year later” type of thing for the last chapter, I JUST NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING??? I STILL HAVE LIKE SO MANY QUESTIONS LEFT, WHYYYYY???? 😭🤣
But all jokes aside - 🤍’ed everything about this book, 10/10, would definitely recommend.
Special thanks to the author for granting me the opportunity to read this ARC. It has definitely opened up new possibilities for me to read other genres of romance. I didn’t exactly know whether I would like the dark, stalkery vibe, but I ended up loving it 🫢🥹 thank you so so much! 🫶🏻🤍
August 27, 2024
🖤ARC Review 🖤
I’m not even surprised that this book was this good. I jumped into this book with high expectations and they were definitely met. Being a debut book in Tauras Dark romance collection, she definitely shined equally to those more seasoned in this genre. I loved the storyline. I was kept engaged the entire time. Perfect amount of spice and dark romance scenes throughout the entire book, not just in one chapter. The characters were absolutely perfect. You can add Silas to your unhinged no fucks given book boyfriend list. What I loved the most about this book what Taura was able to show two sides to her characters. Silas as a total red flag but then with such admiration and care for the fmc Hallie. The love was there. The book wasn’t too big but nothing felt rushed. It was spread out evenly and she was able to capture a good story in just 200 pages. Overall, very well written and a good debut book to make a lasting impression. To more Dark Romances. 🖤🍻
I’m not even surprised that this book was this good. I jumped into this book with high expectations and they were definitely met. Being a debut book in Tauras Dark romance collection, she definitely shined equally to those more seasoned in this genre. I loved the storyline. I was kept engaged the entire time. Perfect amount of spice and dark romance scenes throughout the entire book, not just in one chapter. The characters were absolutely perfect. You can add Silas to your unhinged no fucks given book boyfriend list. What I loved the most about this book what Taura was able to show two sides to her characters. Silas as a total red flag but then with such admiration and care for the fmc Hallie. The love was there. The book wasn’t too big but nothing felt rushed. It was spread out evenly and she was able to capture a good story in just 200 pages. Overall, very well written and a good debut book to make a lasting impression. To more Dark Romances. 🖤🍻
November 3, 2024
2,5✨
A fost o carte drăguță, însă e mult prea scurtă pentru a-și atinge potențialul.
Gânduri:
- mi-au plăcut personajele principale; a existat o chimie bună între ele și au fost momente în care au fost și amuzante; totuși, aveau nevoie de o mai bună caracterizare ca să le înțeleg pe deplin
- acțiunea a fost interesantă, dar și foarte, foarte grăbită; s-au întâmplat multe lucruri care n-au fost deloc dezvoltate ori au fost doar puțin; cred că mai erau nevoie de măcar 100/150 de pagini în plus pentru a doza totul mai bine
- n-am primit toate răspunsurile de care aveam nevoie
- au fost și câteva răsturnări de situație faine; finalul a fost însă clișeic
- scrierea are și ea potențial
- s-a citit și repede
- pentru mine, a fost mult prea mult conținut 18+; a apărut și în momente în care chiar nu ar fi fost cazul.
Așadar, a fost o lectură scurtă, cu o acțiune pe repede înainte.
A fost o carte drăguță, însă e mult prea scurtă pentru a-și atinge potențialul.
Gânduri:
- mi-au plăcut personajele principale; a existat o chimie bună între ele și au fost momente în care au fost și amuzante; totuși, aveau nevoie de o mai bună caracterizare ca să le înțeleg pe deplin
- acțiunea a fost interesantă, dar și foarte, foarte grăbită; s-au întâmplat multe lucruri care n-au fost deloc dezvoltate ori au fost doar puțin; cred că mai erau nevoie de măcar 100/150 de pagini în plus pentru a doza totul mai bine
- n-am primit toate răspunsurile de care aveam nevoie
- au fost și câteva răsturnări de situație faine; finalul a fost însă clișeic
- scrierea are și ea potențial
- s-a citit și repede
- pentru mine, a fost mult prea mult conținut 18+; a apărut și în momente în care chiar nu ar fi fost cazul.
Așadar, a fost o lectură scurtă, cu o acțiune pe repede înainte.
August 29, 2024
"To be loved by Silas is to be cherished, protected, and adored."
Silas, the assassin, is crazy/stalker/obsessed and head over heals for Hallie, the light-hearted, caring school teacher. He protects her, yet claims her. He is her darkness and her light. PRIMAL in the sheets, but doesn't miss a beat with aftercare. He would burn down the whole world for her.
I love a good primal, obsessive, touch her and d!e, and this was an enjoyable read! I felt it was refreshing that not only was he "obsessed" with her, but that he was actually in love with her. Also, it showed the softer side of him making sure that she's being taken care of even though they just had intense spicy time. And Silas definitely gets intense! Closer Than You Think hit differently than most stalker/obsessed dark romances I've read, but in a good way!
I look forward to reading more from Taura!
Silas, the assassin, is crazy/stalker/obsessed and head over heals for Hallie, the light-hearted, caring school teacher. He protects her, yet claims her. He is her darkness and her light. PRIMAL in the sheets, but doesn't miss a beat with aftercare. He would burn down the whole world for her.
I love a good primal, obsessive, touch her and d!e, and this was an enjoyable read! I felt it was refreshing that not only was he "obsessed" with her, but that he was actually in love with her. Also, it showed the softer side of him making sure that she's being taken care of even though they just had intense spicy time. And Silas definitely gets intense! Closer Than You Think hit differently than most stalker/obsessed dark romances I've read, but in a good way!
I look forward to reading more from Taura!
August 29, 2024
ARC review🖤
SPOILERS!
Closer than you think Taura King
Stars 🌟 🌟🌟 🌟
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
- Stalker
- Assassin MMC
- Kidnapping
- 🔪 play
- Touch her and 💀
Wow! There’s just something about a stalker romance that slaps so hard! The way I was drawn to all these characters!! The bond between Hallie and Stilus is the way dark romance books should be! One falls hard and fast while the other is gradual! The spice was giving spice which we all know Taura writes some of the best spice! The way this book makes you wonder what’s gunna happen next! This book was impeccable and such an amazing read!!! I need more!! The dedication had me hooked! Taura has absolutely smashed this!
I will forever be thinking of Silas!
“To all the good girls who are secretly bad girls. and To all the bad girls who know how to be good girls when it counts.”
“My compulsion, my obsession . . . perhaps the only thing that can compete with my need for blood.”
“That's it, baby,” I growled in her ear, my voice raspy with lust. “You feel so fucking good. Your cunt is so tight, so wet for me.”
SPOILERS!
Closer than you think Taura King
Stars 🌟 🌟🌟 🌟
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
- Stalker
- Assassin MMC
- Kidnapping
- 🔪 play
- Touch her and 💀
Wow! There’s just something about a stalker romance that slaps so hard! The way I was drawn to all these characters!! The bond between Hallie and Stilus is the way dark romance books should be! One falls hard and fast while the other is gradual! The spice was giving spice which we all know Taura writes some of the best spice! The way this book makes you wonder what’s gunna happen next! This book was impeccable and such an amazing read!!! I need more!! The dedication had me hooked! Taura has absolutely smashed this!
I will forever be thinking of Silas!
“To all the good girls who are secretly bad girls. and To all the bad girls who know how to be good girls when it counts.”
“My compulsion, my obsession . . . perhaps the only thing that can compete with my need for blood.”
“That's it, baby,” I growled in her ear, my voice raspy with lust. “You feel so fucking good. Your cunt is so tight, so wet for me.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2024
Hmmmm not bad... it was good. Silas is an assassin/hitman who is obsessed with Hallie, a school teacher. There are good moments, and there's the rest. Silas has post trauma that enables him to do his job. Hallie gets embroiled in danger, which causes him to force his hand and expose his stalker obsession. His teammates make up Ares security, which he owns and runs. Filled with OTT alpha control and hot sex with gaps in the story, betrayal, and unfulfilled questions make for a bit of mystery and an interesting read. 3.5 stars
September 2, 2024
fire hot and dark
This shorter read hits all the buttons for a dark romance. The little more than 200 pages packs a pinch in heat, romance and action. I hope there's another one coming soon!!
This shorter read hits all the buttons for a dark romance. The little more than 200 pages packs a pinch in heat, romance and action. I hope there's another one coming soon!!
August 29, 2024
Silas is a former military, current assassin, that has an obsession with blood- and middle school teacher Hallie. When it appears she is in danger, his stalking purpose shifts from obsession to protection. Will he earn her trust in time to keep her safe? Betrayal, spice, obsessed stalker MMC, a delicious quick read that had me taking numerous breaks just to catch my breath!
“For Hallie, I’ll become the darkness itself. For her, I’ll tear apart the earth. And heaven help those who stand in my way.”
I was given a free ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
“For Hallie, I’ll become the darkness itself. For her, I’ll tear apart the earth. And heaven help those who stand in my way.”
I was given a free ARC. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 29, 2024
I loved this book so much!
It had it all, suspense, spicy in all the right places.
The tropes were amazing, so I knew I’d enjoy it.
Silas was everything we look in a morally grey book boyfriend, and his unhinged possessiveness was just perfection.
Really enjoyable read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It had it all, suspense, spicy in all the right places.
The tropes were amazing, so I knew I’d enjoy it.
Silas was everything we look in a morally grey book boyfriend, and his unhinged possessiveness was just perfection.
Really enjoyable read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 22, 2025
Haunting Adeline meets pretty monster but it’s not as detailed as either. A good quick read but not where the other two are.
January 2, 2025
First, this review contains MAJOR spoilers. Really. I'm pretty much laying out a good bit of the story here. You've been warned.
Second, I DNF this story at 67% so there may be explanations to certain behaviors and situations that I never get to see.
The story starts out bland but OK. The FMC is a school teacher and the MMC is the head of a "security" company, which is actually a front for a hit for hire agency. It's very generic and full of tropes, but it was mildly entertaining it first. Then about halfway through it became too rushed. The dialogue is forced and doesn't sound natural. And the characters don't really have much of their own personality; the sentences pretty much sound like they are coming from the same person, just spoken with different mouths. The FMC trusts MMC after one night together even though the build up was non existent and there was no getting to know each other; they pass each other by in the hallway a few times and then she goes to his apartment and they have sex. The MMC then finds it that she's going to be kidnapped by a mafia-type organization so he drugs and kidnaps her first and imprisons her in his home. She doesn't really fight or distrust him even while finding out he's an assassin and she even tells him what a good person he is. DNF when she's cooking in his kitchen and the housekeeper tells FMC that MMC loves her, despite the two only getting to know each other over a few short hours, much if which was just sex and then sleeping.
Even the background story doesn't make sense. MMC was given an assignment to kill a senator and a second man to divert attention away from the senator's execution. The second man was killed first but days later and the senator is still alive, so how is the first death diverting attention?
All in all, the book and the romance are far too rushed. The characters are one dimensional at best. If the second half were paced like the first half, I would have given a 3.75. But the book went so far down hill that it gets 2 stars.
Second, I DNF this story at 67% so there may be explanations to certain behaviors and situations that I never get to see.
The story starts out bland but OK. The FMC is a school teacher and the MMC is the head of a "security" company, which is actually a front for a hit for hire agency. It's very generic and full of tropes, but it was mildly entertaining it first. Then about halfway through it became too rushed. The dialogue is forced and doesn't sound natural. And the characters don't really have much of their own personality; the sentences pretty much sound like they are coming from the same person, just spoken with different mouths. The FMC trusts MMC after one night together even though the build up was non existent and there was no getting to know each other; they pass each other by in the hallway a few times and then she goes to his apartment and they have sex. The MMC then finds it that she's going to be kidnapped by a mafia-type organization so he drugs and kidnaps her first and imprisons her in his home. She doesn't really fight or distrust him even while finding out he's an assassin and she even tells him what a good person he is. DNF when she's cooking in his kitchen and the housekeeper tells FMC that MMC loves her, despite the two only getting to know each other over a few short hours, much if which was just sex and then sleeping.
Even the background story doesn't make sense. MMC was given an assignment to kill a senator and a second man to divert attention away from the senator's execution. The second man was killed first but days later and the senator is still alive, so how is the first death diverting attention?
All in all, the book and the romance are far too rushed. The characters are one dimensional at best. If the second half were paced like the first half, I would have given a 3.75. But the book went so far down hill that it gets 2 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2024
When the stalker becomes the one she secretly craves.
Silas runs a security company comprised of former military. His specialty? Being a methodically skilled hitman with a high success rate an inkling for blood. Doesn’t matter how risky the job is as long as the payout is substantial. His career is his passion until an assignment brings him into Hallie’s orbit.
Suddenly, everything is about her and his need to claim her. Will she accept what he does for a living and what he did that impacted her greatly? Doesn’t matter—she’s his regardless. Until then, he stalks her every move and watches her every chance he can.
Hallie is a quiet school teacher, living to enrich her students’ educational experience while she grieves the abrupt loss of her late boyfriend. By day she teaches and at night she gets lost in her romance novels, secretly craving a dark morally grey man to enter her life and do all the deviant things she only dares to read about.
When Hallie meets with a reporter about her late boyfriend’s death, she learns his passing may have been a hit job. Overwhelmed with the news, Hallie loses herself in a bottle of wine while Silas watches her. It’s almost too tempting for him to ignore. But all bets are off when Hallie spots Silas watching her outside her apartment window. There’s no going back.
This is a deliciously dark romance with fastburn steam through the whole book. I enjoyed the stalker love interest aspect of the plot. The story was smooth with many parts reading like poetry, whether the stalker was unaliving a threat or having steamy time with his obsession, giving this story a romantic edge I was delightfully surprised with.
If you enjoy dark stalker fastburn romances where he falls first, does what’s necessary to make her his, and will destroy all those who wish to do her harm, then this is a book for you.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Silas runs a security company comprised of former military. His specialty? Being a methodically skilled hitman with a high success rate an inkling for blood. Doesn’t matter how risky the job is as long as the payout is substantial. His career is his passion until an assignment brings him into Hallie’s orbit.
Suddenly, everything is about her and his need to claim her. Will she accept what he does for a living and what he did that impacted her greatly? Doesn’t matter—she’s his regardless. Until then, he stalks her every move and watches her every chance he can.
Hallie is a quiet school teacher, living to enrich her students’ educational experience while she grieves the abrupt loss of her late boyfriend. By day she teaches and at night she gets lost in her romance novels, secretly craving a dark morally grey man to enter her life and do all the deviant things she only dares to read about.
When Hallie meets with a reporter about her late boyfriend’s death, she learns his passing may have been a hit job. Overwhelmed with the news, Hallie loses herself in a bottle of wine while Silas watches her. It’s almost too tempting for him to ignore. But all bets are off when Hallie spots Silas watching her outside her apartment window. There’s no going back.
This is a deliciously dark romance with fastburn steam through the whole book. I enjoyed the stalker love interest aspect of the plot. The story was smooth with many parts reading like poetry, whether the stalker was unaliving a threat or having steamy time with his obsession, giving this story a romantic edge I was delightfully surprised with.
If you enjoy dark stalker fastburn romances where he falls first, does what’s necessary to make her his, and will destroy all those who wish to do her harm, then this is a book for you.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 5, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3.5/5)
The best part of my review being later than I had intended, this masterpiece is already available for your viewing pleasure! (On KU and Paperback)
What doesn’t this book have? It is filled with suspense that keeps you ripping through the proverbial kindle pages at rapid fire. I read this so fast because I couldn’t put it down.
Unnggg…Silas. My new fictional morally gray book boyfriend. You can kidnap me anytime, just saying.
Silas, our stalker MMC. Well, stalker but on a level so dark, twisted and possessive that I kind of fell in love. King wrote him beautifully in a way where you can really feel how he is thinking and you feel the subtle contemplation he sometimes goes through. He is a bit evil and it seems to usually sway his decisions but it made the story so fun and exciting.
Our FMC, opposite to Silas is the sweet, innocent, sunshine to his (evil) grumpy. The development of Halile and her willingness to give in had me weak in the knees. Their contrast was absolutely beautiful.
Although the dynamic of the characters and the plot were really well throughout and developed, the spice was absolutely SPICING. The “Good Girl”, “You’re Mine” vibes were heart racing and absolutely filthy in all the best ways.
Overall I truly enjoyed this story and the rollercoaster it took me on. My only complaint would be that I wish there was more of it! I think there are some parts I had questions about that never got thoroughly broken down in real time. However, with a lower page count there is the advantage of fast paced spice that you can eat it up in a day and leave absolutely no crumbs. I cannot wait for book 2!
⚠️As always, check triggers before starting this series/book.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3.5/5)
The best part of my review being later than I had intended, this masterpiece is already available for your viewing pleasure! (On KU and Paperback)
What doesn’t this book have? It is filled with suspense that keeps you ripping through the proverbial kindle pages at rapid fire. I read this so fast because I couldn’t put it down.
Unnggg…Silas. My new fictional morally gray book boyfriend. You can kidnap me anytime, just saying.
Silas, our stalker MMC. Well, stalker but on a level so dark, twisted and possessive that I kind of fell in love. King wrote him beautifully in a way where you can really feel how he is thinking and you feel the subtle contemplation he sometimes goes through. He is a bit evil and it seems to usually sway his decisions but it made the story so fun and exciting.
Our FMC, opposite to Silas is the sweet, innocent, sunshine to his (evil) grumpy. The development of Halile and her willingness to give in had me weak in the knees. Their contrast was absolutely beautiful.
Although the dynamic of the characters and the plot were really well throughout and developed, the spice was absolutely SPICING. The “Good Girl”, “You’re Mine” vibes were heart racing and absolutely filthy in all the best ways.
Overall I truly enjoyed this story and the rollercoaster it took me on. My only complaint would be that I wish there was more of it! I think there are some parts I had questions about that never got thoroughly broken down in real time. However, with a lower page count there is the advantage of fast paced spice that you can eat it up in a day and leave absolutely no crumbs. I cannot wait for book 2!
⚠️As always, check triggers before starting this series/book.
September 14, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and life happens and I’m a little late to the party! I highly recommend this book see some delicious quotes below.
Obsession crazed lust/love. Love me some touch her and 💀. This book was well written with twists and turns and some WTF moments. Betrayal beyond repair. Do not mess with Si and his girl! This book keeps you on edge with suspense of what will happen next. I had so many things highlighted of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ to WTF!
“There's an orchestra playing beneath my skin—nerves like violins on a discordant note.” 🤌🏼
“I know you want to fuck me, Silas. I know you want to feel my tight pussy wrapped around you.”
“ You looked at me, right at me, as I sat outside your window. I knew you needed to be fucked, baby. I knew you needed a nice hard cock to destroy this pussy. So I helped you out with that.”
“That's it, baby,” I growled in her ear, my voice raspy with lust. “You feel so fucking good. Your cunt is so tight, so wet for me.”
“
“Say it again,” I growled, thrusting even deeper. “Say you need my cock.”
“God, yes,” she gasped, her eyes squeezing shut. “I need your cock.”
”
And so much more…wanted to let you in on some of the deliciousness without giving too much away…
****
disclaimer: do not read last 100 pages or so when it’s late and you need to go to bed….one more chapter turned into 100 or more pages and then I was wired from suspense lol
Obsession crazed lust/love. Love me some touch her and 💀. This book was well written with twists and turns and some WTF moments. Betrayal beyond repair. Do not mess with Si and his girl! This book keeps you on edge with suspense of what will happen next. I had so many things highlighted of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ to WTF!
“There's an orchestra playing beneath my skin—nerves like violins on a discordant note.” 🤌🏼
“I know you want to fuck me, Silas. I know you want to feel my tight pussy wrapped around you.”
“ You looked at me, right at me, as I sat outside your window. I knew you needed to be fucked, baby. I knew you needed a nice hard cock to destroy this pussy. So I helped you out with that.”
“That's it, baby,” I growled in her ear, my voice raspy with lust. “You feel so fucking good. Your cunt is so tight, so wet for me.”
“
“Say it again,” I growled, thrusting even deeper. “Say you need my cock.”
“God, yes,” she gasped, her eyes squeezing shut. “I need your cock.”
”
And so much more…wanted to let you in on some of the deliciousness without giving too much away…
****
disclaimer: do not read last 100 pages or so when it’s late and you need to go to bed….one more chapter turned into 100 or more pages and then I was wired from suspense lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2024
It was a good short read. I liked it. Story felt like it will continue in the next book but I was so wrong. The story took a turn but it finished on a good note. I loved the huge twist.
Book Review:
What happens when you get obsessed with a girl who doesn't even know you? What happens when the girl is a teacher? What happens when you know your world is a darker place but she is the only light to your dark? What happens when you only wish to observe and obsess over her from a far because you cannot taint her purely with the evil world of yours? What happens when you get to know she is in a deep danger? What happens when you get a chance to stay close to her so that you can protect her? What grave danger could she be in? How can a teacher attract such danger? What do you think will now happen? How will you protect her when she doesn't even know who you are?
Tropes & T/Ws:
>> Teacher x serial killer
>> Dark romance
>> St@lker / Obsessed MMC
>> Touch her & d!e
>> Pain kink / K!dnapping
>> evil meets innocence
>> M!ne / Dub-con
>> Murder / violence
>> Unh!nged MMC
>> Somnoph!lia / An@l play
>> Carves his intials
>> Secret organization
>> Slight breeding kink
>> Good plot with a twist
>> Mystery / Suspense
>> He falls for her first
>> HEA
If you like a book where serial killer stalker meets a teacher & gets obsessed with her, then do read this book.
Book Review:
What happens when you get obsessed with a girl who doesn't even know you? What happens when the girl is a teacher? What happens when you know your world is a darker place but she is the only light to your dark? What happens when you only wish to observe and obsess over her from a far because you cannot taint her purely with the evil world of yours? What happens when you get to know she is in a deep danger? What happens when you get a chance to stay close to her so that you can protect her? What grave danger could she be in? How can a teacher attract such danger? What do you think will now happen? How will you protect her when she doesn't even know who you are?
Tropes & T/Ws:
>> Teacher x serial killer
>> Dark romance
>> St@lker / Obsessed MMC
>> Touch her & d!e
>> Pain kink / K!dnapping
>> evil meets innocence
>> M!ne / Dub-con
>> Murder / violence
>> Unh!nged MMC
>> Somnoph!lia / An@l play
>> Carves his intials
>> Secret organization
>> Slight breeding kink
>> Good plot with a twist
>> Mystery / Suspense
>> He falls for her first
>> HEA
If you like a book where serial killer stalker meets a teacher & gets obsessed with her, then do read this book.
January 25, 2025
This is a dark romance. If you don't like dark romance, don't read it, if you don't understand what dark romance is ... Google before reading and ffs if you dnf because your delicate sensibilities were offended, maybe consider that you can't do dark romance and move on without reviewing 🤷🏻♀️.
Anyway ...
Silas is troubled, traumatized, and for all intent and purposes incapable of love. Until Hallie. Her innocence being the antithesis to his existence ... he becomes obsessed with learning more, obsessed with a light he has never known.
Yeah as others have mentioned: he tries to put her out of his mind by fucking a bunch of other people, but I've done that too so I can't really give the Author a hard time for that. Again. Dark romance. There are some SA trigger warnings because once again - DARK ROMANCE - that you might want to check out on the Authors website before reading if you have any traumas yourself.
I thought the story was well written, it offers lots of suspense and one heck of a plot twist. While I do wish there was more character development, especially for Silas, there was more than enough for me to find the characters believable, enjoyable, and relatable. The spice was super spicy, and the burn was fast, but what else can you expect with a fiery stalker obsession. This was a quick and enjoyable read for me. I'm excited for the next book to be released.
Anyway ...
Silas is troubled, traumatized, and for all intent and purposes incapable of love. Until Hallie. Her innocence being the antithesis to his existence ... he becomes obsessed with learning more, obsessed with a light he has never known.
Yeah as others have mentioned: he tries to put her out of his mind by fucking a bunch of other people, but I've done that too so I can't really give the Author a hard time for that. Again. Dark romance. There are some SA trigger warnings because once again - DARK ROMANCE - that you might want to check out on the Authors website before reading if you have any traumas yourself.
I thought the story was well written, it offers lots of suspense and one heck of a plot twist. While I do wish there was more character development, especially for Silas, there was more than enough for me to find the characters believable, enjoyable, and relatable. The spice was super spicy, and the burn was fast, but what else can you expect with a fiery stalker obsession. This was a quick and enjoyable read for me. I'm excited for the next book to be released.
August 26, 2024
✨ARC BOOK REVIEW✨
Closer Than You Think by Tara King
Release Date: August 29th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TROPES
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Stalker
🖤 Assassin
🖤 Touch her and D!e
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Dual POV
Thank you @taurakingauthor for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for your book! I loved it!!!
I legit devoured this book in one sitting! I need more Silas in my life!! The way that he would literally burn the entire world for Hallie is just the sweetest, in the most unhinged way, of course.
This book follows Silas & Hallie. He is the leader of an assassin group, and of course he is a stalker 🤣 Hallie is a sweet and innocent teacher. He’s absolutely obsessed with her and I’m all for it lol. The spice is on point and oh so delicious. I would let Silas stalk me every day!
Y’all need to go read this book when it comes out on the 29th!! It won’t disappoint you!!!
#darkromance #romance #smut #spicyromance #tauraking #closerthanyouthink #reading #books #readmorebooks #romancebooks #booklover #darkromancereads #darkromancebooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksta #booktok
Closer Than You Think by Tara King
Release Date: August 29th, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TROPES
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Stalker
🖤 Assassin
🖤 Touch her and D!e
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Dual POV
Thank you @taurakingauthor for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for your book! I loved it!!!
I legit devoured this book in one sitting! I need more Silas in my life!! The way that he would literally burn the entire world for Hallie is just the sweetest, in the most unhinged way, of course.
This book follows Silas & Hallie. He is the leader of an assassin group, and of course he is a stalker 🤣 Hallie is a sweet and innocent teacher. He’s absolutely obsessed with her and I’m all for it lol. The spice is on point and oh so delicious. I would let Silas stalk me every day!
Y’all need to go read this book when it comes out on the 29th!! It won’t disappoint you!!!
#darkromance #romance #smut #spicyromance #tauraking #closerthanyouthink #reading #books #readmorebooks #romancebooks #booklover #darkromancereads #darkromancebooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksta #booktok
August 29, 2024
“She stirs a hunger that won't be tamed…Can I truly separate the darkness of my world from the light of hers?”
Here we have story of obsession, secrets, and lies. And lies and lies and lies.
Hallie is so sweet and precious and I want to just bundle her up and keep her safe from the world because girl! How did you not put 2 and 2 and 2 together? Or I mean, I guess was, because Silas definitely brings something out in her.
Silas is so fucking unhinged; I’m here for it. The lengths he goes through to keep Hallie safe are…questionable…but to quote Cole: “That’s fucking weird, but I get it.”
Oh, okay, and he does this thing with his knife handle!
I would have loved more of a dive into the assassin group, and maybe just a couple more hints at the twist (maybe because I’m just salty I didn’t figure it out myself), but I’m not mad at what we got. Especially Cole.
This is a fun read, and chock full of dirty scenes. I think it’s worth checking out, just know what you want.
4⭐️4💦
P.S. If you’re on the wrong side of the “good girl” discourse, look away.
Here we have story of obsession, secrets, and lies. And lies and lies and lies.
Hallie is so sweet and precious and I want to just bundle her up and keep her safe from the world because girl! How did you not put 2 and 2 and 2 together? Or I mean, I guess was, because Silas definitely brings something out in her.
Silas is so fucking unhinged; I’m here for it. The lengths he goes through to keep Hallie safe are…questionable…but to quote Cole: “That’s fucking weird, but I get it.”
Oh, okay, and he does this thing with his knife handle!
I would have loved more of a dive into the assassin group, and maybe just a couple more hints at the twist (maybe because I’m just salty I didn’t figure it out myself), but I’m not mad at what we got. Especially Cole.
This is a fun read, and chock full of dirty scenes. I think it’s worth checking out, just know what you want.
4⭐️4💦
P.S. If you’re on the wrong side of the “good girl” discourse, look away.
August 29, 2024
**ARC REVIEW** Check trigger warnings before reading
We’ve got all the good things like kidnapping, stalking, somnophilia, and m*urder 🙃
Who doesn’t love a dangerous man that’s obsessed with the FMC?!
That man in question is our MMC Silas who’s an assassin and the obsessive stalker of our girl Hallie. From the first page you get a glimpse of who Silas is and boy is he a walking red flag (but we’re all color blind right? 🤪). Hallie is a good girl, book loving school teacher whose world gets flipped around when she gets wrapped up with Silas and the Syndicate. Throughout the story you get all the twists and turns that keep you intrigued AND some very well written spice 😮💨. I love that there is more than just smut to this book, the mystery really keeps you intrigued and turning the page to find what comes next!
With the book being only ~200 pages long this is a quick, dark, and spicy read! While I found some of the dialogue repetitive, it didn’t take away from the story or the flow. Thank you Taura for the ARC, I enjoyed this very much and can’t wait to read what comes next!
We’ve got all the good things like kidnapping, stalking, somnophilia, and m*urder 🙃
Who doesn’t love a dangerous man that’s obsessed with the FMC?!
That man in question is our MMC Silas who’s an assassin and the obsessive stalker of our girl Hallie. From the first page you get a glimpse of who Silas is and boy is he a walking red flag (but we’re all color blind right? 🤪). Hallie is a good girl, book loving school teacher whose world gets flipped around when she gets wrapped up with Silas and the Syndicate. Throughout the story you get all the twists and turns that keep you intrigued AND some very well written spice 😮💨. I love that there is more than just smut to this book, the mystery really keeps you intrigued and turning the page to find what comes next!
With the book being only ~200 pages long this is a quick, dark, and spicy read! While I found some of the dialogue repetitive, it didn’t take away from the story or the flow. Thank you Taura for the ARC, I enjoyed this very much and can’t wait to read what comes next!
August 30, 2024
I was so excited for this book to come out and I was so thankful to receive an ARC copy. let me tell you, I may have been busy this week but I ate this book up and finished it within a few hours. I don't know if I have read a book that makes me feel the way that this book made me feel and I think that this book has made my week if not month. I dont think I ever finished a book and wanted to read it again for the first time as much as I did with this book.
One of my favorite scenes is when She realizes that it wasn't a dream in the beginning and she wasn't even too mad. The twists in this book made me holding onto the edge of my seat hoping for the best for them. Dont get me wrong I love Hallie but I think Irma is the best like she is the sweetest woman in this whole book.
Some moments in this book had me cackling though too, like when Cain was talking to Silas and said "That's f*ing weird but I get it" made me giggle too much.
This book was absolutely amazing and I am so excited to read the next books in this series!!!!
One of my favorite scenes is when She realizes that it wasn't a dream in the beginning and she wasn't even too mad. The twists in this book made me holding onto the edge of my seat hoping for the best for them. Dont get me wrong I love Hallie but I think Irma is the best like she is the sweetest woman in this whole book.
Some moments in this book had me cackling though too, like when Cain was talking to Silas and said "That's f*ing weird but I get it" made me giggle too much.
This book was absolutely amazing and I am so excited to read the next books in this series!!!!
August 28, 2024
Thank you Taura for the ARC, it is greatly appreciated!!
4.5/5 stars
The book starts off with a bang, Silas doing what he does best and it just sets the mood for the rest of the book. The flow of the story and the characters was so smooth that it honestly didn’t even feel like I was reading. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and honestly had a blast. I don’t read too many dark romance novels but this one defo put me in the mood to start reading them. It was a quick, crazy read and the spice was spicy. I’m in my dark romance era & i’m staying & red flag mmcs are it for me now. Silas is truly unhinged but in the best way possible. && the fact that Silas and Hallie are complete opposites but truly complement each other?! Put me in coach.
Please check CWs before reading!!
Closer Thank You Think is available on 8/29/24!
Tropes:
• stalking
• dubcon
• s0mn0
• k!dnapping
• she’s innocent, he’s evil
• touch her & die
• “you’re mine”
4.5/5 stars
The book starts off with a bang, Silas doing what he does best and it just sets the mood for the rest of the book. The flow of the story and the characters was so smooth that it honestly didn’t even feel like I was reading. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and honestly had a blast. I don’t read too many dark romance novels but this one defo put me in the mood to start reading them. It was a quick, crazy read and the spice was spicy. I’m in my dark romance era & i’m staying & red flag mmcs are it for me now. Silas is truly unhinged but in the best way possible. && the fact that Silas and Hallie are complete opposites but truly complement each other?! Put me in coach.
Please check CWs before reading!!
Closer Thank You Think is available on 8/29/24!
Tropes:
• stalking
• dubcon
• s0mn0
• k!dnapping
• she’s innocent, he’s evil
• touch her & die
• “you’re mine”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews