My life was on one trajectory: homelessness. Blogging about serial killers and watching True Crime documentaries doesn’t pay the bills.
Until him.
The Heartbreaker killer. In my living room.
What does he want?
Me.
Will I survive his infatuation or become another heartless victim? And when he offers me clues to unveil his identity, who or what will I find at the end of this chase?
I'm scared to find out. But I'm even more scared of daring to not play his game. He wants me to chase him, but somehow, I'm the one that gets caught.
Mona is obsessed with serial killers, and makes it her mission to report about them. Deaton, the Heartbreaker, is her latest obsession but what she doesn’t know is that he is watching her too.
This is a fast past novella on Deaton who we meet in prior books to this series. I am completely obsessed with all the books, and this is no different. I would actually say Deaton is kinder in this book than other MMC’s and more thoughtful than the other unhinged MMC’s, even if his passion is cutting out hearts from his victims.
I overall liked Mona but sometimes she seemed a bit flat as a character. I wanted more but I also recognized there is only so much that can be done in a short novella.
Great spice as always 🥵🥵🥵
You want a quick, dark, spicy read? Pick up this whole series! This can be read as a standalone but to get the full effect I would suggest to read the series.
⟣Tropes⟢ ✅ Touch her and 💀 ✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine ✅ Dual POV’s ✅ Captor/Captive ✅ Virgin FMC ✅ He falls first ✅ Stalker ✅ Masked MMC ✅ Gore ✅ Serial Unaliver ✅ HEA
***I was given this as an ARC for free and writing a review voluntary. All opinions are my own.***
This is an ARC review. Kind of like an ark review, except there’s no boats or alarming amounts of animals. These are my totally normal and not at all concerning thoughts on Chasing Deaton.
I’m usually a plot-heavy kind of reader, but after reading the disclaimer I knew this book was going to be worth it.
This book hijacked my attention from start to finish. Mona, a true-crime blogger with a very specific obsession, finds herself face-to-face with the Heartbreaker serial killer himself—Deaton. Instead of, you know, running for her life like a reasonable person, she sticks around. Who would do that?!? Me. I would definitely do that. (Not the serial killing part. Maybe.)
This novella may be short, but it could absolutely demolish some 400-pagers in a cage match. Seriously, the level of plot dynamics and complexity here puts entire trilogies to shame. It’s a masterpiece—but like one of those super bloody, deeply philosophical ones you’d see in a fancy art museum, where you stare at it for a little too long and start creeping out the security guard.
My only complaint is that I wish the story were longer. (I KNOW, I KNOW, I READ THE DISCLAIMER.) I just needed a few more chapters to mentally prepare for the life decisions I was suddenly willing to make. But overall? Chasing Deaton was an addictive, bloody, spicy, maybe-I-should-test-fate-and-start-blogging-about-potentially-hot-serial-killers kind of read.
10/10, would let Deaton ruin my life.
Everyone pinky promise not to tell my therapist about this.
I really liked this. While the quick tempo might not suit everyone, since it is very fast-paced, I personally found it very enjoyable. It was a very fun story that really pulled me in, since the plot was so much fun.
Having read some of this author's other books, I can confidently say that her writing style is very good. Even with such a fast-paced story like this. I genuinely admire how she writes her stories to be so pleasant to read but still filled with epic details. While the plot progressed super fast, I could still picture everything that happened very graphically (is that the good word?) in my head because of the way that it was written.
(Also, I laughed very hard when I saw that this book was called 'Chasing Deaton', because my brain constantly turns the title of her book 'Meating Dalton' into 'Meating Deaton'. My brain is going to have so much fun with this /*says she jokingly, knowing she is going to mix their names up all the time/.)
This book was an adventure, and I really recommend it. Maybe first read the 'Lasher Brothers Duet' and the 'Daniels Duet'. Although I don't think you have to read them to enjoy this one, I personally recommend checking them out first.
I got this book as an arc, huge thank you for that, and am leaving my thoughts completely voluntarily. I can't wait to see where this series is going to end up!!!
If you like to read about more books I liked, check out my Goodreads profile. I also sometimes post reviews on Instagram and talk about bookish stuff on Threads.
Chasing Deaton isn't just another serial killer story, it's a psychological rollercoaster that had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. Mae K. Knight has crafted a truly unique and compelling narrative that masterfully blends the chilling allure of true crime with a deeply personal and terrifying experience.
The premise itself is captivating: a blogger obsessed with serial killers suddenly finds herself face-to-face with her own nightmare, the infamous Heartbreaker Killer, right in her living room. The sheer audacity of that moment alone is enough to hook you, but Knight doesn't stop there. She delves deep into the protagonist's fear, desperation, and reluctant fascination with her captor.
The writing is sharp and evocative, pulling you into the protagonist's world with such intensity that you can practically feel her fear and the suffocating tension of the situation. The pacing is impeccable, keeping you guessing with every twist and turn. The dynamic between the protagonist and the killer is incredibly unsettling and complex; it's a masterclass in psychological manipulation. He wants her to chase him, yet she's the one who ends up being caught in his web. This power dynamic is brilliantly explored, blurring the lines between predator and prey, and kept me guessing until the very end.
The promise of clues offered by the killer, the tantalizing breadcrumbs leading to his identity, adds another layer of intrigue to the story. The protagonist's internal conflict between her fear and the compulsion to play his game is palpable, and you'll be left wondering right along with her: what terrible revelations await at the end of this chase?
Chasing Deaton is a dark, twisted, and utterly compelling thriller that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a suspenseful, character-driven story with a chilling villain and a protagonist you can't help but root for, even in her darkest moments. Mae K. Knight has crafted a truly unforgettable reading experience. This is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Don’t miss this one!
The devil must surely be wringing his hands with glee when he gazes upon this family tree. It’s a rogues' gallery of psychos, one more unhinged than the next. But I must confess, Deaton stands apart from his twisted kin. Not quite a monster like his cousins. Sure, he’s a serial killer (let's not sugarcoat that), but he’s also got an air of calm that’s rare in his bloodline. Bored with his usual routine, he’s on the hunt for something, or someone to ignite a spark. Enter Mona, a true-crime blogger with a penchant for serial killers, and a particular fascination with the infamous "Heartbreaker." When Deaton shows up in her living room, Mona instantly pegs him as the killer she’s been writing about. How she came to that conclusion is anyone’s guess, but it sets the stage for a gripping game of cat and mouse. I had to laugh when she thought changing the locks on her balcony would keep Deaton out. Clearly, she’s never met his cousins. But it was a refreshing twist, watching Deaton tease Mona with tantalizing clues to his identity instead of simply taking her captive outright. And his chosen method of payment for those little breadcrumbs was dare I say… romantic. Like every man in his infamous family, Deaton was fiercely possessive and God help anyone who dares lay a finger on his "little flower." Yet, even the most meticulous predator can slip up now and then, and Deaton misses a detail that lands Mona in danger. But if there’s one thing you can say about this twisted family, it’s that when the chips are down, they band together with terrifying efficiency. And let’s just say, this is one brood you don’t want to cross. The villains who dared touch Mona made a fatal error, and in true family fashion, the Heartbreaker and his kin deliver a quick reckoning. After all, the family that slays together, stays together. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Mona's a blogger, who talks about real-life serial killers. She started writing about The Heartbreak Killer (Deaton) until one day he shows up as a masked man in her living room.
He tells her to watch for clues he will leave at the crime scenes about who he is and creates a cat-and-mouse type of game between the two. Despite his continued stalking, they began building a strong captivating connection leading me to want more, I couldn't put the book down! Lines start to blur as Deaton continues to work his way into her life causing her to question if the choices she is making are the right ones.
I loved the mystery and suspense built into the story and how their relationship developed. The spicy scenes were hot and I couldn't get enough of them. Although Deaton is not as intense as some of the other men in this series he is still dominant and obsessed with her!
It was great to see characters from the other book and I can't wait for more!
Overall: 4.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75 Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Main Characters: Deaton & Mona Darkness: 4 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤 Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Duel 1st Person POV Reading Order: Novella Standalone - Interconnected Characters but you do not have to read any other books to read this one Title: Chaotic Cousins Duet- Chasing Deaton: Book 1 Epilogue: Yes Ending Type: HEA (I felt it was a little open-ended but not in a bad way. They are together at the end and he's not letting her go!)
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC *Eyes only for her *Stalker *Masked Man *Unalive anyone who touches her (literally) *No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some - Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
Thank you booksirens and Mae K. Knight for the ARC.
Mona is a true-crime blogger with a fairly specialized hobby—chronicling the twisted minds of serial killers. As luck would have it, one of them is intrigued. Deaton, also known as the Heartbreaker Killer, is not content to be just another post on her blog. Instead, he enters her living room—masked, arrogant, and much too pleased to make this all about her.
Now Mona's got a front-row seat to the murder show, with Deaton as her personal tour guide. But instead of throwing her in a trunk and calling it a night, he turns their relationship into a game—dropping clues, playing games with her, and making it painfully clear that he has plans for her. And Mona? Well… not resisting is kind of on her to-do list.
Bursting with craziness, gore, and a hero who thinks red flags are love letters, Chasing Deaton is spicy, bloody, and even addictive. If you like youmromqnce with a good measure of stalking, wholesale exodus of body parts, and an MMC who will rip his own heart from his chest instead of losing his heroine—then read this one.
Mae K. Knight books are the perfect blend of short, unhinged, and thoroughly addictive reads. This story is no exception—dark, spicy, and utterly captivating in all the right ways.
The premise is gripping from the start: Mona, a true-crime blogger on the brink of losing everything, suddenly finds herself face-to-face with the notorious Heartbreaker Killer. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the psychological game of cat-and-mouse keeps you turning pages late into the night.
Knight masterfully crafts the dynamic between Deaton and Mona, walking the razor-thin line between danger and attraction. The writing is smooth and vivid, and the story is packed with just enough twists to keep you guessing until the very end.
If you love dark, twisted romances with a side of true crime, Chasing Deaton will grab you by the throat and refuse to let go. I can’t wait to see the cover and blurb—this is one story you won’t want to miss!
Nice fast paced steamy novella. Not a whole lot of build up between Deaton and Mona like there was between the characters in Knight’s other books, but the growth in their relationship is still good and the spice is there. Would’ve loved to see more backstory on why Mona became obsessed with covering serial killers (The Heartbreaker specifically possibly) and maybe more to Deaton’s reason for killing other than the surface level story that was given. Love Deaton though because possessive, morally grey men are great am I right? Overall it’s not my favorite by Knight (and trust me I love some Knight dark romances/morally grey psychopaths), but still a good read.
Thank you to Mae K. Knight and Booksirens for the ARC.
I couldn't stop reading! It was invigorating and exciting.
A serial killer? Are you kidding me? Where do I sign up, am I right dark romance girlies?
A short and dirty, smutty novella. What more could a girl ask for?
These two were fire! And I loved every minute I got to spend with them! The characters and the story felt so real. And I am a sucker for a happy ending after disaster has struck! And I'm an even bigger sucker for the scum of the Earth getting what they deserve most.
Who wouldn't want to solve the mystery of a serial killer's identity all while the killer himself is giving you hints to mull over.
This story was so fun and I loved it like I've loved everything I've read by Mae K. Knight!
I completely devoured this book in one sitting. Mae never fails to pull me in hook, line and sinker every damn time. Chasing Deaton satisfied my true crime obsession while simultaneously fulfilling the spice meter! Highly recommend checking this one out and the rest of Mae K. Knight's work.
Chasing Deaton follows Deaton and Mona. Deaton is a serial killer. Mona is infatuated with serial killers and has her own blog about true crime. Her latest interest is the Heartbreaker. She has no idea that he has been watching her and she will be face to face with this killer very soon.
Paced extremely well and filled with loads of spice. I loved both Mona and Deaton's characters a lot.
This dark and twisted tale is truly remarkable! Though it is a short story, it doesn't feel lacking in any way. The plot grips you from the beginning, compelling you to read until the very end without any interruptions. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are outstanding. Deaton is undoubtedly a serial killer, while Mona attempts to investigate and report the crimes, though she comes off as a wannabe. Mae K. Knight's writing is exceptional; all of her books draw you in, making it impossible to put them down until you've finished in one sitting. I highly recommend this book. Be sure to check TWS before diving in!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Please check your trigger warnings before picking this book up. Releases 29th May. I really enjoyed this one and the plot shined through nicely, the characters were interesting and worked well together. I love watching the connections between all the characters keep growing and how everyone comes together. It’s a really nice, quick, easy read and the writing flows nicely. I’m really intrigued for the next book and the character it follows, as it feels like it could be quite different.
Deaton is a serial killer. Plain and simple. He uses his kills as a way to practice his suturing and other medical procedures. Mona is a wannabe journalist with a serious infatuation with trying to solve and report on murders. She’s been following the Heartbreaker killer and has no idea that he is now following her too. In another twisted novella of this author, we learn if there can be love between a psychopath and his new flower.
Please pay attention to the authors trigger warnings. Her stories are very dark and not for everyone.
Short, Sweet and to the point. This one is a quick spicy novella. Mae does a great job at giving us little to no plot but lots and lots of smut and spice. However she tells us to expect this in the prologue of the book.
I loved that Deaton was this wild and crazy version of a man that didnt exactly need a woman but found his twin flame anyway. Mona is surprised by her attraction to the person she's been searching for since college. Together they ignite this hot and steamy relationship. It's everything you need in a quick pallet cleansing novella. It is down right dirty and delicious!
Mona had a deep interest in serial k*llers running a blog and YouTube channel dedicated to them, and in particular the heartbreaker, but what happens when she ends up face to face with Deaton, he was board of the same old routine, and wanted something to spark within him, and his no. 1 fan as he calls her is just what he needed and more in their own game of cat and mouse, but hes a man who always gets his prey. Well written steamy, dark themes violence and more a great addition to the series
I loved it. I think this one has been my favorite so far. The instant attraction between Deaton and Mona was 🔥 The way he was so protective of her, it was hilarious how he knew Kelsey was into Mona and Mona didn't even know. 🤣
I only wish the book was longer! I need more Deaton and Mona. He was so sweet, he cared so much for her he went to her Dad to make things right.
Looking forward to Rhys' book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another dark and spicy novella from the lovely Mae. I just get excited when a new book comes out and this story hits lots highs for me. The story is about a serial k!ller obsessed blogger !!!! Yes that she writes about serial k!llers and now her latest blogg is checking her out. Love this book and I can’t wait for the next one … if your into dark, spicy novellas this is perfect and I suggest you checkout other books by Mae K Knight.
Chasing Deaton (Chaotic Cousins Duet: Book 1) by Mae Knight is dark romance novella. Always one of favorite authors to read especially for quick delicious dark romances. She never disappoints. The characters are well written and brought to life. I really enjoyed the plot. It fits perfectly with all the true crime lovers. The dark twisted love story of Deaton and Mona was exciting and fresh. I absolutely loved the true crime approach.
Chasing Deaton was the perfect dark novella with which I was looking to end my day. It’s about 124 pages and packed. It’s a novella, so everything happens fast—just how I liked it and was expecting. The MMC, Deaton, is incredibly obsessed and unh!nged—he’s a serial unaliver. For a short novella, Author Mae K. Knight takes time to go into graphic details in several scenes. There’s bl00d and g0re. The story is exciting, and the smut is very good too!
Suck I good book! I love how the characters from all of these authors books are intertwined. Deaton is a great character. I was surprised how quickly he trusted Mona enough to give her hints about his work. But then again it’s a short book so it makes sense.
The spice was so hott! Mae is definitely on my list of favorites authors.
Mae never disappoints me with her writings. This book just like others had me hooked from the beginning. This was a fast-paced, heartbreaker killer story about Deaton and Mona. I loved the writing style and the chemistry between them was amazing. I enjoyed the book and I would definitely recommend this to all.
Let’s start off by saying that I love a book with a good plot. This book has absolutely none….! Yet it was a great read it was fast paced and very enjoyable and actually left me wanting more 😆
Definitely a fan 🫶🏼
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I couldn't believe so much action and spice was packed into a novella. Similar to Butcher & Blackbird or Lights Out, but with a unique plot all its own. I really enjoyed this story and plan to look for more by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are really well-developed and feel alive. I had a great time with the storyline. It’s a perfect match for anyone who loves true crime. The dark, twisted romance between Deaton and Mona was thrilling and unique. I totally enjoyed the true crime angle.
WOW!! Intense detailed story that kept me on the edge of my seat while reading. So many crazy twists. Character interaction was interesting. Lots of secrets and suspense. Addictive well written story!!
Another good chaotic addition to Mea's created characters. The book started quickly, a lot happened in it. Spice between Deaton and Mona was delicious again.
Please check all CW and TW before staring this one. Mae K. Knight does it again with a MMC that is pitch black, that you cannot help but root for lol. Deaton and Mona's story had me on my toes and I was loving every minute of it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I never thought Mae K. Knight’s MMCs could get any hotter, but Deaton... damn... I don’t know what it is, but I fell for him—hard!
Every time I read one of Mae’s short, spicy novels, I’m amazed at how much plot she manages to pack into under 100 pages. Like all of her books, Chasing Deaton is fast-paced, thrilling, and incredibly hot. The author’s writing style is fluid and immersive.
Chasing Deaton is the first book in the Chaotic Cousins Duet and can be read as a standalone, but since many of Mae's stories are interconnected, I highly recommend reading the Lasher Brothers Duet and the Daniels Duet first for the full experience.
The FMC, Mona, is a blogger fascinated by serial killers, especially the Heartbreaker Killer. But little does she know, this killer has already set his sights on her.
The chemistry between the hot, gothic MMC, Deaton, and his flower, Mona, grows with every page. Even though this is a dark romance with a lot of explicit content, there’s something about Deaton that feels genuinely caring. Despite the dub-con elements, it feels consensual—perhaps because I was just as captivated by Deaton as Mona. (Do whatever you want with me, goth daddy! 🥵)
Oh my goddess! I think I’ve found my favorite book boyfriend of all time! 😍 I need more of Deaton, please! Mae, give me more of Deaton and Mona!
Tropes: • Dual POV • Serial killer MMC • Obsessive, possessive, stalking, masked MMC with tattoos and a gothic look • Curious, virgin FMC • Who hurt you, flower? • Touch her and...