Wicked Stalker

Captives of the Onyx Brotherhood #1

by Zara J. Black

My initiation into the Brotherhood should be simple... take an innocent woman captive and mark her as mine. Becoming obsessed with her isn't part of the plan.

I signed my life over to the Brotherhood before learning what they'd demand in return. I'd have killed for them without question, but they want something darker.

Each Brother must choose a Ward.

Eve is too sweet and naïve to corrupt, and yet she's the only one I want. I must stalk, capture, and train her to perfect submission, and I can’t tell her why.

When she turns twenty-one, just two weeks before my initiation, I can finally take her. Until then, I'll watch. Plan. And make certain problems…disappear from her life.

Two weeks, to teach her she belongs to me. If she misbehaves at my ceremony, I fail the Brotherhood’s final test.

If I fail, I’m dead. But she's worth the risk.

If you love Shantel Tessier and Stasia Black, you'll turn feral for the men of the Onyx Brotherhood - an MF, secret society contemporary dark romance.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, BDSM, Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary, Audiobook

319 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2024

About the author

Zara began writing in her thirties after reading a series of “fade to black” fantasy books and wondering why the hell the author didn’t make them smuttier.

Challenge, accepted.

She loves creating magical fantasy worlds, turbulent relationships and dark, kinky heroes (who could be villains if you squint a bit.)

When she’s not thinking up ways to torment her characters, Zara lives on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia with two kiddos and a husband who make her real life far more magical than her stories.

Reviews

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
"When I tell you to come, you'll come. I own your pleasure, too. I own it, but I'm so, so generous with it, Eve."

Somehow, Zara J Black made the captor/captive trope sweet! It was hard not to fall in love with the MMC, Gabriel. Sure, he obsessively watched (aka stalked) the FMC, Eve, until he decided to abduct her, but it was all for a good cause. It didn't even faze me when he turned her into his pet.

This book didn't have the violence found in previous Zara books. Gabriel handled Eve's training reverently.

Wicked Stalker is a medium-burn and spicy MF romance that ends in a HEA.

[Camille Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ARC review⭐️

This was my first ARC ever and I have to admit, I wasn’t disappointed!

If you’re a fan of dark romance and enjoyed (like I did) any book from H.D.Carlton, chances are, you’ll like this one too – regardless of the numerous triggers, I thought it was softer than Haunting/Hunting Adeline or other books I’ve read (which is not a bad thing, especially for readers new to the genre ehe).

I have to confess that I usually get annoyed or irritated by the MFCs 🫣 – and I was a little in the beginning (sorry Eve!), but the characters development is good. As we learn what led her to be ashamed of her body (and to be borderline prude), we kinda understand her reactions. Nonetheless, the fact that almost every single thing Gabriel makes her feel or endure is seen as a revelation or something she now absolutely needs was itching a nerve the whole time.

The dark mysterious magician got under my skin as I kept reading. Even if the way the Brotherhood and what it implies stroke me at first – thanks to Gabriel’s weird behaviour and sexual fantasies (if we can call it like that lol) – it is worth the read. The smut is good AND there’s a nice plot surrounding it. I haven’t seen much of the plot twists coming and the book ends on a huge cliffhanger (WHY Zara? 😭 That was cruel!).

If you’re still reading my overlong review, this well-written slow-burn and spicy romance will play with your emotions on many levels. Can’t wait for the second installment!

[Cydney Spiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my first ever ARC review & I really enjoyed it!

If you liked The Lords series & Hauting Adeline, you'll love this book! It's not as dark but just as devious.

We meet Gabriel, who was just inducted into The Brotherhood, a secret society that is dedicated to using science & technology for the betterment of mankind. There's one catch before he can fully join: take a Ward, a woman for him to own & use. Here's where we meet Eve, a college student who grew up sheltered by a religiously abusive mother. Eve longs to break away from the chains of her upbringing but can never fully run from it. One night, she catches the eye of a magician in a bar. It was then that he decided he couldn't live without her & she would be his. No matter what.

It started off a little slow for me. But once it picked up, I could NOT put it down. Characters were well written, the plot was strong & the smut was smutting. Though I would have liked to see more. Then the cliffhanger has me wanting the next book now!

[ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read and a series I know I’ll enjoy. I don’t like comparing authors with others or their books but if you like The Lords series by Shantell Tessier, you’ll love this.

It’s very well written and keeps a great pace. I enjoyed both of the characters and their growth.

✨ T r o p e s + T r i g g e r s ✨
Captor | Captive
Bondage
Kidnapping
No Safe Word
Obedience Training
Stalking
Secret Society | Brotherhood
Body Tracker

[SinsandScares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This was exactly the kind of dark, spicy, obsessive romance I was in the mood for, and I could NOT put it down.

Was it realistic? Not particularly. But if you're picking up a book about a secret society that makes its members abduct and train women as part of their initiation, realism probably isn’t high on your wishlist. What is important, and what this book absolutely delivered on, is tension, heat, and a morally gray hero you can’t help but fall for.

Gabriel is that rare kind of MMC who manages to be both a possessive stalker and completely swoon-worthy. He’s intense, dangerous, and yet somehow still human. His obsession with Eve feels unhinged in the best way. Not cruel, just twisted in a way that scratches the dark romance itch. The story walks that knife’s edge between fantasy and emotional depth, and I devoured it.

Eve, on the other hand, was the one thing that held this back from being a full five stars for me. She’s smart, but it was frustrating how easily she seemed to fall for manipulation. Her shady boyfriend, a fellow Ward’s obvious scheming, and yes, even Gabriel. I wanted her to have just a little more bite.

There isn’t a super complex plot here, but honestly? I didn’t need one. The Brotherhood, the Ward system, the initiation... it’s all just enough to keep the pace moving and give the heat something to burn under. This isn’t one of those dark romances that leaves you emotionally wrecked. It’s indulgent, sexy, and just twisted enough to keep you turning the pages with wide eyes and a racing pulse.

The best part? Books 2 and 3 are already on Kindle Unlimited. If I weren’t drowning in other reads this month, I’d be diving straight into them. And believe me, I will be back for more.

[vivareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s good bec it was short lol. There were certain parts where I didn’t like it at all but overall a good balance.

[cajareads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything was doing so well until that scene in the last chapter happened and I’m beyond pissed off right now I really wanted to scream. It didn’t help that I hated Kendrick and the whole brotherhood that screamed a cult more than anything! Beware of profanities because I am pissed and rightly so!

I actually enjoyed the forced seduction in this book. It’s one of my favorite tropes actually. And it was done right in this book despite the kidnapping and captivity that taken place. I liked both mmc Gabriel and the fmc Eve. I liked that they had the buildup in their relationship. Gabriel wasn’t horrible by “kidnapper” standards. He really did care for Eve and obsessed with her. I liked how he slowly introduced Eve to his “cult”.

But it took me a month to finish this book because of the whole brotherhood society and its leader, Kendrick. And don’t get me started on the initiation process WTF and what happened in that last chapter before the epilogue strengthened my dislike with this “cult”. It’s so fucked up and I hated that Gabriel never questioned Kendrick especially when he issued the sudden extra step before accepting Eve into their society during the initiation. SPOILER ALERTS: having Eve naked was one thing, then that asshole pervert Kendrick told them to have Eve crawl to him and kiss his shoe. Both Gabriel and Eve were taken aback because they weren’t informed of this. And guess what happened? Gabriel told Eve to do it. FUCK HIM he lost my respect there and then. Yeah yeah, he kidnapped Eve and that should be my draw but I accepted the way he took care of her and saved her from two major incidents but I will never forgive him for making Eve crawl to that pervert asshole Kendrick and kissed his damn shoe. FUCK THAT FUCK THEM BOTH ASSHOLES

I didn’t even care to read the epilogue and I don’t even want to read the second book anymore 😤😤

[talsreadss · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ★
3.6 🌶️

I received this book as my first ever ARC and I am far from disappointed. If The Ritual & Haunting Adeline had a baby that wasn’t as dark, this would be it and I devoured BOTH of those books.

The Brotherhood is a secret society, introducing Wards for their Brothers and initiating them together in the future. But the Wards must be trained to obey for the test.

Gabriel & Eve’s story started with a simple magic trick.

As time passed, you see Gabriel warring between morality and immorality leading up to his capture of Eve. His training, however, was so reverent yet stern. The perfect blend.

I truly enjoyed their story and I especially loved seeing Eve come out of her shell after battling with her inner self thanks to religious trauma.

I am so very excited for the second book, Zara. You wrote this so wonderfully!

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a 4.5 with a good 3 🌶️

I was fortunate to get this ARC from Zara and it was awesome.

A bit slow start for me but as the book progressed it all made sense and worth it.

Written as a dual POV, dark romance so check the triggers. Plenty of smut, and spice.

Great twists throughout the book and the ending is on an awesome cliff hanger which I have a theory one. Can’t wait to read book 2 when it’s available.

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t connect with either MC. I was hoping for more…

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panting Melting Good!
Once you start reading, you won't be able to set it down.
It's an excellent story that's well written. Zara Black, you've done it again.

[Maureen Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy and boy am I glad I did - I read this in one sitting.

I enjoyed the story and character building especially as this is the 1st in a series. I didn’t like Gabriel at the beginning - he just about redeemed himself by the end - I wish Eve had been a bit feistier.

I am looking forward to Jacob’s’ story and hope Sebastian’s ward is Billie.

I think there is more to Kendrick/Brotherhood than meets the eye an I am hoping for a massive twist at the end of the series.

This is the 1st book of Zara’s and I will be reading her other books.

[mistys_bookobsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to ARC read this amazing book from Zara J Black.
I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down.

Gabriel is part of a secret society that is trying to better mankind through science. For Gabriel this is a dream come true until he finds out his must take a ward to completely become a part of the brotherhood. He must take a woman to own and to tame. Eve is everything he wants, smart, beautiful, alluring and obedient (with some persuasion).
The final step must be done or there will be dire consequences. Can they trust each other and their feelings to take the final step.

This book takes you to places that make you think. How far would you go? What would you be willing to give up?

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️/2.5🌶️

It was a good book with well-formed plot, character arcs, and good writing. Kind of reminded me of the Lords series but a not as dark.

[Haley Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ARC ever and holy crap what an ARC it was.

I really did enjoy the duality of Gabriel’s personality. He cares so much for Eve and it shows. But when he wants to dominate and own her?
🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

Eve had some badass moments. I think I was hoping for a little more fight in her, but she was confrontational at the right times and I do love a good spicy feisty FMC. I’m so excited for the next one specifically because she sounds SPICYYYY 🌶️

My favorite part was after the initial abduction and how the gradual relationship was built between the two of them. You could see it develop to a point until eventually Eve decided to stay. It was realistic to have that thought of escape running through her head almost constantly, but her developing feelings for Gabriel and the relationship they built was so sweet.

[Brooke Harwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brotherhood is a secret society. Each Brother must take a ward - a captive woman of their choosing. Once chosen you will be entirely cut off from the outside world and your life will be to only serve the Brother that chose you. This book was one of my first darker romances so I truly wasn’t sure how I would go given the content but, I loved it! Gabriel and Eve’s story is captivating from the get go and THAT CLIFF HANGER. I wanted the second book immediately.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this. Definitely 4.5 stars. Whenever I wasn’t reading this book - I was thinking about it!

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dub con, non con D/s, somnophilia, stalking/kidnapping, orgasm denial, religious trauma.
Great story, very sexy! The Brotherhood has antiquated traditions but Eve and Gabriel manage to find love despite the circumstances. I was not expecting the plot twist! Honestly I was hoping that they would manage to get rid of the "Ward" tradition, but there are more books to come in this series (Jacob's story is set up at the end of this book).
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this one you might want to grab the whole bottle of wine …not just the glass you are going to need the bottle maybe two oh and a few snacks because you aren’t putting this one down until the last page has been turned …..leaving you wondering what the what!!!! Gabriel sexy as all get out newly inductee into a secret society The Brotherhood main goal is to enhance mankind through science and technology, but they must claim a ward (women) to own, to use as his own and claim for himself. Eve is sweet hasn’t had a chance to think for herself really coming from an abusive background she grew up with a mother bred in religion raised extremely sheltered, now off in college wanting to live life her way without the influence of her mother, and her morals will only allow her to go so far because of this others are attracted to her this can’t happen. Gabriel has watched from a distance for a while he knew she didn’t belong in his world but he also knew he couldn’t live without her so he decided she would belong to him and him only, but can he take Eve and be okay with it within himself because he is fighting with himself over what needs to be done. Although, Eve prove not to be such an obedient girl she had her moments where she would keep him on his toes, she was feisty at times which brought out her true personality but does he pass all the test needed to become part of The Brotherhood, where are they headed, who will be next to join The Brotherhood, and is there happiness somewhere along the way of joining the secret society?

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

He encontrado en este libro un poco de otros. La sociedad secreta seguro que se inspira en N. Knight y A. Zavarelli, esa iniciación ya la he leído antes. Las mujeres, como el propio libro dice, recuerdan a Las esposas de Stepford o también quizás a Don't worry darling, porque es tan irreal.
Pero si no has leído o visto todo esto, pues no sabes de qué hablo, así que no te importará. Para mí, le ha restado.

Eso sí, lee las advertencias.
Porque vas a encontrar un insta-love por parte de él, obsesivo, con un stalkeo que cruza todas las líneas. Secuestro, consentimiento dudoso, bdsm ligero y todo lo moralmente gris.

Pero se puede desarrollar un poco de síndrome de Estocolmo con nuestro protagonista, que en el fondo te termina gustando. Sus amigos son dos personajes interesantes que sin duda tendrán libros que leeremos.

Destacaré que esta Hermandad esté compuesta por científicos, todos dentro del estilo dom/sub (muy ligero en este libro), lo que es toda una novedad. Quién se imagina a un montón de nerds en un dark romance?

[AllieTurnsPages_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay, so normally it takes me 4/5 days to read a book. i read this in one, if that tells you anything!
absolutely devoured this book whole! the writing style alone is immaculate, so easy to read , the words just flowed.
this book is about Gabriel and Eve, captor and captive. Gabriel is apart of a brotherhood, and one of the requirements is to choose an take a girl (ward) to serve him in whatever ways he demands. He makes Eve his sex slave. a girl that comes from a very religious upbringing, an was told all her life looking at a boy, pleasing yourself, or having sex will cause you to burn in hell. So it was a slow process working Eve up to a point she wasn’t ashamed. and that process was delicious! she started to yearn for his demands and loved how he owned and controlled her and her body! that’s all i’m going to say
very spicy, 🌶️, make sure you read with a bottle of water 😜

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this one certainly gave me food for thought and pushed a boundary I didn't know I had. But I'm very glad I kept reading. The plot was good, the concept intrigued me.
The character development is good, I loved the progression of the main characters relationship despite the way it came about and loved the little moments of humour scattered through the book.
While the ending for me felt a little rushed it was fitting for our FMC personal development in the relationship and I feel rounded out their chapter well.
There were moments that made me angry and sad. A character I flat out hate, and one I'm looking forward to learning more about in the next book.
For me, any Author that can make me think outside my parameters, and that can force an emotional reaction from me means they've done their job and written a good book.

[Amy Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus, this book was a rollercoaster! 🎢
I was hooked from the first page and devoured it faster than I could say, "Why does Gabriel have such a filthy mouth?" 😳 Seriously, the man talks like he’s got no filter—but somehow, he’s still a gentleman? What kind of sorcery is that? 🧙‍♂️

I loved the tension between Gabriel and Eve. He’s constantly pushing her boundaries, but somehow in a way that makes you think, “Is he a bad boy or just a really confused, overly polite dom?” 🤔 The pacing was perfect—so easy to read I didn’t even notice I was speeding through it. 📖💨

Now, I need the next book *immediately*. I’m not even joking. I’m hooked, I’m ready, and I’ll probably be annoying everyone until I get Jacob’s book. 😩📚

Please note this book was given to me as an arc

[Corynn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I gotta say is, READ THIS IMMEDIATELY, you will not regret it!😍 This had me hooked from the very start and has a unique story line to it that kept me intrigued the whole time. Eve is such a strong but also delicate FMC, she is a perfect mixture in my opinion! And Gabriel, the MMC 🤭 he is definitely a new book boyfriend that is FOR SURE! His love and desire for Eve had me kicking my feet! I didn’t care that he stalked her and captured her, I was all for it when it came to this book 🤣 and the cliffhanger for the next book has my brain going nuts, I cannot wait to read the second one!

[Keisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of the book caught my attention first but the story kept me! I wasn’t sure what I was in for but it exceeded my expectations.

Both Gabriel and Eve are fantastically written characters who sucked me into their world and I loved every minute of it.

This book is a dark romance but it’s more than that; between the morally gray characters and a storyline that kept me wanting to know more, it was a fantastic ride!

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

[Jai Haines · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5

I didn't expect to be as obsessed with this book as I was!

The world, the characters 🔥, Gabriel is full of red flags and I'm ready to jump that man like a bull!

He is brains and fire! ❤️‍🔥

The smut was smutting and I was there for it!

I loved the story and was actually thrown off my feet at the twist! I had that Gabriel and Eve's story is over for me 😿.

But I cannot wait to devour the next book in the series when it is available!

[Brittney Paeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book! I loved the idea behind the story!! The plot was super interesting. The girl comes from a very religious family and is kidnapped and brought into a secret society that includes her becoming a sex slave. It was so interesting seeing the differing POVs! One thing i think would have been better is more story once they were in the society. I want to see how they live their daily lives and what the compound is like day to day. A book including BDSM i wanted more of her training, but over all it was a great book! It kept my attention and the plot twist at the end I never saw coming! Not her darkest book but a great starting point for new dark romance readers! I cannot WAIT for the next book!!!

[Jordynn Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Oh my gosh what wild demands to start a book with and yet it hasn’t scared me off 😂 So when he calls her a little liar I legitimately smiled!! I’m loving this book and I’m only 5% in! This book is wild like really WILD but so incredibly good!!

I absolutely need Jacob’s book like now!!

[Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

OO DAMN! Dark romance
4⭐️ 4🌶️

PLEASE CHECK YA TRIGGER WARNINGS before reading this book.

This book had me on the edge of my seat, the twists it takes has me going wild! I enjoyed their story and journey together, the smut is SPICY. I’m so curious about where this series goes, I really enjoyed this couple story

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent an ARC of Wicked Stalker. Thank you Zara! Let me tell you … Zara has an amazing ability to write books and write so dang good that you just cannot put down and you stay up way too late because you just have to know what happens next. This is one of those books. Just like To Collar A Queen, I read this in one day. I cannot wait for the next book. I’m excited to see where the storyline goes with Eve and Gabriel. To me, this book is not dark but it may be dark to other readers. I love the spice. I would give 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ to this. I am loving the BDSM in Zara’s books! It’s so well written and will without a doubt make you feral. 😮‍💨🤌🏻

[Jess Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! Storyline was completely unexpected and was perfect. It wasn’t just spice, had a great plot as well. But lemme tell you, the spice was 🤌🏼 🌶️🌶️🌶️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥
Cannot wait for Jacob’s book! The last page was the perfect cliffhanger.