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The Perfect Guy: A Stalker Romance, The PERFECT Duet, Book 1
Everything I've done.
Everything I'll do.
Will be for HER.
Elarica
I’ve spent my life trying to be invisible. It’s easier that way—easier to avoid the pain, the judgment, the scars I carry inside and out. I’m not used to drawing anyone’s attention, let alone their affection. But my entire world changed the day I met Dane.
He’s intense, possessive, and unrelenting. When he says I’m his, I almost believe it. I want to believe it. But when things start to unravel, he appears to be at the center of it all. How can I trust a man capable of so much destruction? He says he’ll protect me from anything…but who’s going to protect me from him?
Dane
They call me a monster—violent, dangerous, and unredeemable. Maybe they’re right. I don’t care what anyone thinks. I never have. But from the moment I saw Elarica, I knew I’d do anything to make her mine. She’s soft where I’m hard, light where I’m dark, and the only thing that calms the chaos in my mind and keeps my demons at bay.
She doesn’t belong in my world, but I want her there anyway. I’ll burn it all down to make her mine. I’ll keep her safe. No one will ever hurt her again. Not her past, not her fears, and definitely not me. She’s mine to keep.
Because Elarica is perfect.
And I'm the perfect guy for her.
THE PERFECT GUY is a dual POV, insta-love, fast-burn, stalker romance where a morally gray MMC becomes enamored and obsessed with a sweet, plus size FMC and will do anything to draw her into his orbit. Together they overcome past trauma and hurt to find comfort, acceptance, and a love that not only consumes them, but all those around them. However, dark secrets, lies, and betrayal may ultimately tear them apart forever.
Please THE PERFECT GUY is Book One in a Duet. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
Everything I'll do.
Will be for HER.
Elarica
I’ve spent my life trying to be invisible. It’s easier that way—easier to avoid the pain, the judgment, the scars I carry inside and out. I’m not used to drawing anyone’s attention, let alone their affection. But my entire world changed the day I met Dane.
He’s intense, possessive, and unrelenting. When he says I’m his, I almost believe it. I want to believe it. But when things start to unravel, he appears to be at the center of it all. How can I trust a man capable of so much destruction? He says he’ll protect me from anything…but who’s going to protect me from him?
Dane
They call me a monster—violent, dangerous, and unredeemable. Maybe they’re right. I don’t care what anyone thinks. I never have. But from the moment I saw Elarica, I knew I’d do anything to make her mine. She’s soft where I’m hard, light where I’m dark, and the only thing that calms the chaos in my mind and keeps my demons at bay.
She doesn’t belong in my world, but I want her there anyway. I’ll burn it all down to make her mine. I’ll keep her safe. No one will ever hurt her again. Not her past, not her fears, and definitely not me. She’s mine to keep.
Because Elarica is perfect.
And I'm the perfect guy for her.
THE PERFECT GUY is a dual POV, insta-love, fast-burn, stalker romance where a morally gray MMC becomes enamored and obsessed with a sweet, plus size FMC and will do anything to draw her into his orbit. Together they overcome past trauma and hurt to find comfort, acceptance, and a love that not only consumes them, but all those around them. However, dark secrets, lies, and betrayal may ultimately tear them apart forever.
Please THE PERFECT GUY is Book One in a Duet. This book ends in a cliffhanger.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
30 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois
4 books58 followersM. "Bryckk" Wilkes-DuBois, is a "New York Peach". A Native New Yorker turned Savannahian by marriage to her soulmate.
Bryckk has always had stories and interesting characters in her head. Being an author has been her dream since she was a child.
As a child, Bryckk went through tons of notebook paper, creating her own books by hand to give to friends. This in turn, got her into plenty of trouble with her parents.
An avid romance reader all her life, Bryckk has always been a hopeless romantic. She roots for the hero but believes even the villain deserves an HEA.
When she's not writing romance, she is reading romance, riding shotgun with her hubby on road trips, and journaling.
Bryckk has always had stories and interesting characters in her head. Being an author has been her dream since she was a child.
As a child, Bryckk went through tons of notebook paper, creating her own books by hand to give to friends. This in turn, got her into plenty of trouble with her parents.
An avid romance reader all her life, Bryckk has always been a hopeless romantic. She roots for the hero but believes even the villain deserves an HEA.
When she's not writing romance, she is reading romance, riding shotgun with her hubby on road trips, and journaling.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 24, 2025
This book 👀👀 I loved every moment , I have to say that I cant believe that this is Bryckk's First book she has done an amazing job of getting me glued to reading about Dane and Elaricas lives , both have gone through some dark times in they lives regarding the mums , both in very different ways
Dane is epic !, he has issues , he's seeing some one to help with that , he's not one to have relationships but when he lays eyes on Elarica ...all that changes , hes intense, dark ,strong and you wouldn't want to mess with him or Elarica
Elarica is amazing , shes kind , funny loving , she loves her job , her family she she loves all things animated like sailer moon and loves to sing along to all her favourite song in the car
this book is addictive , funny dark , sad at times and is as hot as phuck! 👀👀🤯🥵🥵 I cant wait to read more of Bryckk's
Dane is epic !, he has issues , he's seeing some one to help with that , he's not one to have relationships but when he lays eyes on Elarica ...all that changes , hes intense, dark ,strong and you wouldn't want to mess with him or Elarica
Elarica is amazing , shes kind , funny loving , she loves her job , her family she she loves all things animated like sailer moon and loves to sing along to all her favourite song in the car
this book is addictive , funny dark , sad at times and is as hot as phuck! 👀👀🤯🥵🥵 I cant wait to read more of Bryckk's
September 19, 2025
Oh my gods! The Perfect Guy exceeded all expectations. This book is not your typical stalker romance. Dane The MMC is handsome, charming, and full of BDE. I absolutely love him. He’s cocky and he knows that he has not mentally stable and that’s what makes him such an enjoyable character. It’s definitely understandable why the FMC Elarica falls for him and is trapped into his web because this man is just everything he really is the perfect guy. Elarica has loads of issues as she’s working through self-esteem issues, abandonment issues, and a toxic mother. Dane comes into her life at the perfect time when she is trying to put herself first. I will say that this book ends on a cliffhanger and I literally cannot wait for the second book in the series because I NEED to know what happens next. I absolutely recommend this book.
September 4, 2025
RUN! RUN! RUN!!!
This book easily lands in my top 5 reads of 2025. The writing is phenomenal, beautifully descriptive, emotionally raw, and so well-paced that I never wanted to put it down. The characters feel alive, their emotions and insecurities so realistic that my heart clenched more than once. Just even how the characters and their world surrounding them was written so well. I could imagine everyone and their surroundings. This book was beautifully delicious and well written, filled with action, banter, thought-provoking moments, and side characters that I already cannot wait to see more of.
We get a plus sized Black FMC in Elarica, who is struggling with trauma and insecurities but still trying to make life something worth living. She is kind, funny, family oriented, loves her job, gushes over anime (me too girl), and unapologetically sings along to her favorite songs in the car. She feels real, and that made me root for her happiness even harder.
Then there is Dane. He knows what he wants, and will do anything. He's our good looking, possessive, mentally unstable MMC who literally stumbles into her life during a traffic jam on the highway. He becomes OBSESSED! He started to follow her in that moment and waited more than a year to even approach her. From the very start, he is intense, dark, and the type of man you would not want to mess with unless you are Elarica.
Dane is the perfect storm of danger, obsession, and vulnerability. He is morally gray in the best way, the kind that makes you question yourself for loving him. He is seeing someone for his issues, but that does not stop him from being unrelenting, maybe a little terrifying, and utterly consumed by Elarica. And the way he truly sees her, when she has spent so much of her life overlooked, absolutely gutted me. He does not just want her, he needs her. His comforting words and emotions showcased his true feelings for the FMC. Could you say that it's real love? Depends on who you ask. He obviously as issues.
This is not a lighthearted love story. It is dark, messy, scorching and unapologetically twisted. It dives into themes of healing, acceptance, and love that does not just consume you but rebuilds you.
If you are into tropes like stalker romance, knife play, breeding, obsession, mental health struggles, mafia ties, and BWWM couples, this book gives it all, and it does it so well.
By the end, I was not just reading their story, I was living it. I felt every ache of Elarica’s fear, every rush of Dane’s obsession, and every fragile, dangerous brush with love that felt like the ultimate risk. If you are searching for a romance that is equal parts tender and twisted, this book will destroy you in the best way. No words other than desperate can describe how I will be for the next few months waiting for book two.
This book easily lands in my top 5 reads of 2025. The writing is phenomenal, beautifully descriptive, emotionally raw, and so well-paced that I never wanted to put it down. The characters feel alive, their emotions and insecurities so realistic that my heart clenched more than once. Just even how the characters and their world surrounding them was written so well. I could imagine everyone and their surroundings. This book was beautifully delicious and well written, filled with action, banter, thought-provoking moments, and side characters that I already cannot wait to see more of.
We get a plus sized Black FMC in Elarica, who is struggling with trauma and insecurities but still trying to make life something worth living. She is kind, funny, family oriented, loves her job, gushes over anime (me too girl), and unapologetically sings along to her favorite songs in the car. She feels real, and that made me root for her happiness even harder.
Then there is Dane. He knows what he wants, and will do anything. He's our good looking, possessive, mentally unstable MMC who literally stumbles into her life during a traffic jam on the highway. He becomes OBSESSED! He started to follow her in that moment and waited more than a year to even approach her. From the very start, he is intense, dark, and the type of man you would not want to mess with unless you are Elarica.
Dane is the perfect storm of danger, obsession, and vulnerability. He is morally gray in the best way, the kind that makes you question yourself for loving him. He is seeing someone for his issues, but that does not stop him from being unrelenting, maybe a little terrifying, and utterly consumed by Elarica. And the way he truly sees her, when she has spent so much of her life overlooked, absolutely gutted me. He does not just want her, he needs her. His comforting words and emotions showcased his true feelings for the FMC. Could you say that it's real love? Depends on who you ask. He obviously as issues.
This is not a lighthearted love story. It is dark, messy, scorching and unapologetically twisted. It dives into themes of healing, acceptance, and love that does not just consume you but rebuilds you.
If you are into tropes like stalker romance, knife play, breeding, obsession, mental health struggles, mafia ties, and BWWM couples, this book gives it all, and it does it so well.
By the end, I was not just reading their story, I was living it. I felt every ache of Elarica’s fear, every rush of Dane’s obsession, and every fragile, dangerous brush with love that felt like the ultimate risk. If you are searching for a romance that is equal parts tender and twisted, this book will destroy you in the best way. No words other than desperate can describe how I will be for the next few months waiting for book two.
October 4, 2025
The perfect guy
This is my first time discovering this author, and I believe this is her first. I just couldn't put it down. Danto's feelings are strong and kept me engaged. I read this book in one day and couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read what happens next.
This is my first time discovering this author, and I believe this is her first. I just couldn't put it down. Danto's feelings are strong and kept me engaged. I read this book in one day and couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read what happens next.
September 9, 2025
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
You know how the author will tell you in the trigger and content warnings that this is a dark romance and that the MMC is NOT a good guy, but you don’t decide to believe her? Yea that’s what happened.
Dane is crazy. And definitely dark. And not good. And yet here I am, anxiously awaiting book 2. There’s a part of me that spent the book waiting for Dane to be influenced in the best way by Elarica and that just never happened. I love the complexity of the characters relationships with their upbringing . Elarica as a plus size, only daughter of her mom and was the product of an affair - it’s just a sticky situation. And those complexities explain her vulnerability and instant love of Dane. But baby Dane got issues. And I fear it will only get worse in Book 2.
A highlight- that man loves (to the death and destruction of everyone else) him some Elarica. And the spiceeee- what he lacks in morals he makes up for in the way he loves her DOWN. I’m a fan.
There is a cliff hanger- prepare your heart and mind. It’s big and you will be mad. Just saying.
4 stars because without spoilers - the last literal 2 chapters had me going WTF? Possibly because more is to come in Book 2 that explains Danes side activities but yea seemed very random and threw me off. But I’m still diving in come January for their next steps.
You know how the author will tell you in the trigger and content warnings that this is a dark romance and that the MMC is NOT a good guy, but you don’t decide to believe her? Yea that’s what happened.
Dane is crazy. And definitely dark. And not good. And yet here I am, anxiously awaiting book 2. There’s a part of me that spent the book waiting for Dane to be influenced in the best way by Elarica and that just never happened. I love the complexity of the characters relationships with their upbringing . Elarica as a plus size, only daughter of her mom and was the product of an affair - it’s just a sticky situation. And those complexities explain her vulnerability and instant love of Dane. But baby Dane got issues. And I fear it will only get worse in Book 2.
A highlight- that man loves (to the death and destruction of everyone else) him some Elarica. And the spiceeee- what he lacks in morals he makes up for in the way he loves her DOWN. I’m a fan.
There is a cliff hanger- prepare your heart and mind. It’s big and you will be mad. Just saying.
4 stars because without spoilers - the last literal 2 chapters had me going WTF? Possibly because more is to come in Book 2 that explains Danes side activities but yea seemed very random and threw me off. But I’m still diving in come January for their next steps.
September 6, 2025
I’m a Romantasy reader…and love well written contemporary romances, obviously with a good plot and a bit of spice added to the mix. I’ve never been a huge fan of many tropes in the dark romance genre. However, l devoured this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was instant love for tech-wizard Dane Accetta, a morally gray MMC with a dark and painful past who becomes totally infatuated and obsessed…to the point of literally stalking the sweet, sassy, yoga instructor FMC Elarica.
Dane is someone who would burn the world down for Elarica and not lose a single minute of sleep over it. She’s the object of his darkest desires and from minute he saw her, he was determined to have her. Nobody would stand in his way!!
Every monster has their weakness. She is his.
The flow is good, laced with highly entertaining dialogue, the writing captivating with rich detail and well developed back stories which really lets the reader sink into this world.
One thing I’d like to add is Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois has the ability to be able to write intense, steamy, arousing sex scenes without making it feel cringy or uncomfortable…which IMO is extremely difficult to nail.
Be warned this is not a lighthearted romance it’s a dark stalker romance with dark themes and flawed characters but is a thoroughly entertaining read, with enough of a plot to keep you turning pages.
If you are a dark romance fan I highly recommend it.
This was instant love for tech-wizard Dane Accetta, a morally gray MMC with a dark and painful past who becomes totally infatuated and obsessed…to the point of literally stalking the sweet, sassy, yoga instructor FMC Elarica.
Dane is someone who would burn the world down for Elarica and not lose a single minute of sleep over it. She’s the object of his darkest desires and from minute he saw her, he was determined to have her. Nobody would stand in his way!!
Every monster has their weakness. She is his.
The flow is good, laced with highly entertaining dialogue, the writing captivating with rich detail and well developed back stories which really lets the reader sink into this world.
One thing I’d like to add is Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois has the ability to be able to write intense, steamy, arousing sex scenes without making it feel cringy or uncomfortable…which IMO is extremely difficult to nail.
Be warned this is not a lighthearted romance it’s a dark stalker romance with dark themes and flawed characters but is a thoroughly entertaining read, with enough of a plot to keep you turning pages.
If you are a dark romance fan I highly recommend it.
September 14, 2025
(As Always, READ YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS! Now on to the review)
Two words for you... "Chefs kiss!" I can't remember if I saw the description on Booktok, Facebook or Instagram but I came across it when the author was asking for ARC reviewers. I wasn't chosen to be one of the few but no hard feelings, so I waited with everyone else. And it was WELL WORTH the wait.
When I say I "Devoured" this book, I mean it. I loved the tension, the stalking, the mysteries, the love and top tier spiciness. After I finished, I contacted the author to say how dare she get me obsessed over a story and have part 2 come out in January! (She was very amused by this)
This is my first book by this Author and it defiantly not be the last. She knows how to tell a story and keep you hooked in.
Two words for you... "Chefs kiss!" I can't remember if I saw the description on Booktok, Facebook or Instagram but I came across it when the author was asking for ARC reviewers. I wasn't chosen to be one of the few but no hard feelings, so I waited with everyone else. And it was WELL WORTH the wait.
When I say I "Devoured" this book, I mean it. I loved the tension, the stalking, the mysteries, the love and top tier spiciness. After I finished, I contacted the author to say how dare she get me obsessed over a story and have part 2 come out in January! (She was very amused by this)
This is my first book by this Author and it defiantly not be the last. She knows how to tell a story and keep you hooked in.
September 2, 2025
This book… wrecked me in the best way. I went into it expecting an intense, fast-burn stalker romance, but what I got was so much more—it was raw, vulnerable, obsessive, protective, and beautifully broken all at once and let's not forget absolutely spicy!
Elarica felt like a piece of me.Her insecurities, her softness, her need to belong… I saw myself in her struggles, which made her journey toward trust and love feel deeply personal. Watching her find strength in herself, even when she doubted Dane, made me root for her every single page.
And then there’s Dane. Oh. My. God. Dane. The perfect mix of danger, obsession, and vulnerability. He’s the kind of morally gray that makes you second guess yourself! He’s intense, unrelenting, and maybe a little terrifying at times, but beneath all that darkness is this unwavering devotion to Elarica. The way he sees her—really sees her—when she’s spent her whole life being overlooked? That gutted me. He doesn’t just want her. He needs her. And as a reader, I needed them to work out just as much as he did.
This isn’t a lighthearted love story. It’s dark, messy, and so hot all in one. But it’s also about healing, acceptance, and finding a love that doesn’t just consume you—it rebuilds you.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading their story. I was living it. Feeling every ache of Elarica’s fear, every rush of Dane’s obsession, every fragile moment where love felt like the most dangerous risk of all.
If you’re looking for a romance that is equally tender and twisted, where devotion borders on obsession and broken pieces somehow fit together perfectly—this book will destroy you in the best way.I need Bryckk to drop that 2nd book now!!
Elarica felt like a piece of me.Her insecurities, her softness, her need to belong… I saw myself in her struggles, which made her journey toward trust and love feel deeply personal. Watching her find strength in herself, even when she doubted Dane, made me root for her every single page.
And then there’s Dane. Oh. My. God. Dane. The perfect mix of danger, obsession, and vulnerability. He’s the kind of morally gray that makes you second guess yourself! He’s intense, unrelenting, and maybe a little terrifying at times, but beneath all that darkness is this unwavering devotion to Elarica. The way he sees her—really sees her—when she’s spent her whole life being overlooked? That gutted me. He doesn’t just want her. He needs her. And as a reader, I needed them to work out just as much as he did.
This isn’t a lighthearted love story. It’s dark, messy, and so hot all in one. But it’s also about healing, acceptance, and finding a love that doesn’t just consume you—it rebuilds you.
By the end, I wasn’t just reading their story. I was living it. Feeling every ache of Elarica’s fear, every rush of Dane’s obsession, every fragile moment where love felt like the most dangerous risk of all.
If you’re looking for a romance that is equally tender and twisted, where devotion borders on obsession and broken pieces somehow fit together perfectly—this book will destroy you in the best way.I need Bryckk to drop that 2nd book now!!
September 2, 2025
The morally grey in this book is intense and I’m totally here for it. The action and banter are fantastic and keep you wanting to turn that page! Elarica and Dane are just 🥵🥵🥵. The cliffhanger was pretty rude!!! Sitting here nicely, impatiently waiting for the next book. Can’t wait to see how all the characters wrap up the story. 10/10. Definitely recommend.
September 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh.wow!!
I absolutely inhaled this ARC, and I’m so so grateful to have been given the opportunity!
The level of detail in this book is insane! The character’s descriptions, their backgrounds and histories, the cultures and the overall setting is just beautiful. Being descriptive without being boring or losing my attention is always a winner for me!
Spice level? UNBELIEVABLY HOT 🥵
I’m super interested in this plot and can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!
Oh.wow!!
I absolutely inhaled this ARC, and I’m so so grateful to have been given the opportunity!
The level of detail in this book is insane! The character’s descriptions, their backgrounds and histories, the cultures and the overall setting is just beautiful. Being descriptive without being boring or losing my attention is always a winner for me!
Spice level? UNBELIEVABLY HOT 🥵
I’m super interested in this plot and can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!
August 30, 2025
I was sooo lucky to be able to get an Arc of this! 💞
I can't believe the twist in this!! such a great storyline and world building. Dane and Elarica are so amazing. Yes you may hate Dane for some things he does, but he has his reasons. 💞🤭
I can't believe the twist in this!! such a great storyline and world building. Dane and Elarica are so amazing. Yes you may hate Dane for some things he does, but he has his reasons. 💞🤭
September 6, 2025
I have been anticipating reading The Perfect Guy by Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois since I encountered the trailer a few months ago. I was predisposed to like the story mainly because I love a good, unhinged lead male character. However, as a native of Savannah, GA, I was so thrilled to read about areas I know and love. Chatham Parkway! Pooler! Richmond Hill! The Savannah River! If it wasn’t enough to throw in these beloved landmarks, Ms. Wilkes-DuBois had the audacity to craft a cohesive and taut psychological thriller with elements of stalking and obsessive love, whew! Donato “Dane” Accetta has a multilayered back story that readers gradually become cognizant of as the story unfolds, but there are still secrets to reveal. He doesn’t form relationships; he just finds someone to meet his needs. This ploy is enough for him until he spies an incandescent young woman joyfully singing while stuck in traffic. Elarica has no idea that the man who allowed her to merge into traffic will one day come back into her orbit in the most unexpected fashion. Subsequently, she is totally unaware that the incredibly handsome man she runs into while getting coffee a year later is the same man and he has totally infiltrated almost all aspects of her life. Dane is nothing if not thorough and just HOW far will he go to make sure that his only source of real joy stays with him once he has her? Farther than we can imagine! As noted, this is an amazingly crafted story about two rather broken people; they have both been mistreated by the people who should have loved them the most. Elarica displays her dysfunctionality with bouts of poor self-esteem and some symptoms of body dysmorphia while Dane has a core of darkness we are only just coming to understand. I am eagerly looking forward to the second part of this rich and poignantly disturbing story AND being one of those greedy readers, I can only hope that some of the side characters gain lead character status eventually. I was thinking about Tercero but once Corrado made his appearance, I moved my allegiance 😊. Remember to pay attention to the trigger warnings our author provides; however, I enjoyed every dark moment!
Favorite Lines:
We are just entering the hottest part of summer in Savannah, and the weather doesn’t show any signs of cooling down anytime soon.
“I have a girlfriend now,” I inform her.
Sal took us to the Farmers Market held in Forsyth Park on Sundays, where he would pick fresh vegetables and natural juices for our house and his restaurant.
“We cannot tell her who to love. Why would you want that for her?
And I’m left standing in the middle of the mall, staring at her back and the mic she just dropped at my feet.
“You are mine, Elarica. You’re mine! There is no getting away from me. From us… you belong to me. Say it!”
She is everything. Elarica has become my purpose. The reason I make the choice to live another day.
A strong woman should be able to assert herself. Protect and look out for herself.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/the-pe...
Favorite Lines:
We are just entering the hottest part of summer in Savannah, and the weather doesn’t show any signs of cooling down anytime soon.
“I have a girlfriend now,” I inform her.
Sal took us to the Farmers Market held in Forsyth Park on Sundays, where he would pick fresh vegetables and natural juices for our house and his restaurant.
“We cannot tell her who to love. Why would you want that for her?
And I’m left standing in the middle of the mall, staring at her back and the mic she just dropped at my feet.
“You are mine, Elarica. You’re mine! There is no getting away from me. From us… you belong to me. Say it!”
She is everything. Elarica has become my purpose. The reason I make the choice to live another day.
A strong woman should be able to assert herself. Protect and look out for herself.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/the-pe...
August 26, 2025
“An astounding debut novel with the obsessive love dark romance readers crave!”-Author January Rayne
Review:
Let me start by saying that I cannot believe this is a debut novel. The plot is organized, the character development is well beyond the experience of a debut author, and the world building leaves you needing book 2 immediately.
Elarica is our FMC, a kind soul who wants someone to love her the way she loves. She loves with her whole heart even with the trials she has been through her entire life. I related to Elarica immediately, especially when it comes to the relationship with her mother (I won’t say more so I don’t give away spoilers). What I loved most about Elarica is how she always sees the good in people, time and time again, even when she has been given reason after reason not to. She wants to love and to be loved but finding that isn't easy.
Until Dane.
Dane is our MMC, a man every dark romance reader is going to fall in love with. He is the over-the-top possessive stalker alpha male we love in our stories. He is rough around the edges, protective, and has his own past trauma he is doing his best to deal with. He is fiercely protective of Elarica from the moment he sees her. Dane becomes a better man because of Elarica (while keeping his dangerous vibe) and will hurt or kill anyone who gets in his way when it comes to Elarica.
And as readers, isn’t that our favorite?
My favorite scene? The kitchen scene because OH MY GOD. You’ll know when you get there because the spice level? Off the charts. It is lip biting and toe curling!
The genuine soul of Elarica softens Dane’s heart (softens only for her), and together, they balance one another out.
Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois is an author on the rise. Her talent supersedes a beginner. I can't wait to see where her author career will take her. I need book 2. I'm obsessed!
Review:
Let me start by saying that I cannot believe this is a debut novel. The plot is organized, the character development is well beyond the experience of a debut author, and the world building leaves you needing book 2 immediately.
Elarica is our FMC, a kind soul who wants someone to love her the way she loves. She loves with her whole heart even with the trials she has been through her entire life. I related to Elarica immediately, especially when it comes to the relationship with her mother (I won’t say more so I don’t give away spoilers). What I loved most about Elarica is how she always sees the good in people, time and time again, even when she has been given reason after reason not to. She wants to love and to be loved but finding that isn't easy.
Until Dane.
Dane is our MMC, a man every dark romance reader is going to fall in love with. He is the over-the-top possessive stalker alpha male we love in our stories. He is rough around the edges, protective, and has his own past trauma he is doing his best to deal with. He is fiercely protective of Elarica from the moment he sees her. Dane becomes a better man because of Elarica (while keeping his dangerous vibe) and will hurt or kill anyone who gets in his way when it comes to Elarica.
And as readers, isn’t that our favorite?
My favorite scene? The kitchen scene because OH MY GOD. You’ll know when you get there because the spice level? Off the charts. It is lip biting and toe curling!
The genuine soul of Elarica softens Dane’s heart (softens only for her), and together, they balance one another out.
Bryckk Wilkes-DuBois is an author on the rise. Her talent supersedes a beginner. I can't wait to see where her author career will take her. I need book 2. I'm obsessed!
November 29, 2025
This is my first book from this author. I won't say that the story is slow, but maybe a slow burn is an apt description. Once things got spicy, boy the whole spice rack was used. That was a positive. I did enjoy the internal dialogue and the funny moments. Which often to me when the MMC was being very dead pan. The description of his therapist made me shake my head because he dogged her juuust a smidge. LOL!
The things that annoyed me, I truly hate when I'm this person, but the FMC actually started to get on my nerves. At first, I was like ohh I love a sunny disposition, but her internal dialogue pretty much killed all that. And daaaaaang girl, I felt all she did was cry. At some point I want to the weak (and let's be real she is weak) FMC to put their big girl draws on. Maybe she will in part two, but the author already repeatedly mad her submissive, so it's doubtful. I also hated her name, so I just started calling her E everytime her name appeared. The MMC also had a crap ton of cringeworthy dialogue. I just started rolling my eyes every time he said my lady or my goddess.
I also may be a little bit slow, but how dark and nefarious he really is came out of left field for me. I mean sure he has stalker tendencies and may rough up some folks, but I never got the vibe that he's bout that life if you get me.
I hope someone gives a thorough review of part 2 because I want to see what others say about it before I use my own time to read it. It wasn't a bad story, but I definitely can be improved. Mainly with the FMC, she just started grinding my gears. I have no problems with submissive women, but I don't like it throughout all aspect of their lives.
The things that annoyed me, I truly hate when I'm this person, but the FMC actually started to get on my nerves. At first, I was like ohh I love a sunny disposition, but her internal dialogue pretty much killed all that. And daaaaaang girl, I felt all she did was cry. At some point I want to the weak (and let's be real she is weak) FMC to put their big girl draws on. Maybe she will in part two, but the author already repeatedly mad her submissive, so it's doubtful. I also hated her name, so I just started calling her E everytime her name appeared. The MMC also had a crap ton of cringeworthy dialogue. I just started rolling my eyes every time he said my lady or my goddess.
I also may be a little bit slow, but how dark and nefarious he really is came out of left field for me. I mean sure he has stalker tendencies and may rough up some folks, but I never got the vibe that he's bout that life if you get me.
I hope someone gives a thorough review of part 2 because I want to see what others say about it before I use my own time to read it. It wasn't a bad story, but I definitely can be improved. Mainly with the FMC, she just started grinding my gears. I have no problems with submissive women, but I don't like it throughout all aspect of their lives.
September 11, 2025
Immature Heroine who needs therapy paired up with Joe from YOU
I get that we're not supposed to root for Dane but the fact that the FMC hasn't dealt with her Mommy and abandonment issues drives me crazy! MMC would have been better off being in love with someone of a strong mind. Her massive insecurity issues are what dropped this dark romance from amazing to just okay. It would be wonderful if the author wrote a plus-size/curvy heroine who loved her body. Not everyone thicker than a snicker is insecure. I knew going into it there would be a cliffhanger so hopefully in Part 2, the FMC will evolve and act like someone in her 30s not 20s. FMC is cowardly and childish and I say this as someone who loves Sailor Moon and anime as well. She looks for reasons to be mad and even though MMC is a walking red flag so is she. She needs therapy. I would read Part 2 for Dane alone.
I get that we're not supposed to root for Dane but the fact that the FMC hasn't dealt with her Mommy and abandonment issues drives me crazy! MMC would have been better off being in love with someone of a strong mind. Her massive insecurity issues are what dropped this dark romance from amazing to just okay. It would be wonderful if the author wrote a plus-size/curvy heroine who loved her body. Not everyone thicker than a snicker is insecure. I knew going into it there would be a cliffhanger so hopefully in Part 2, the FMC will evolve and act like someone in her 30s not 20s. FMC is cowardly and childish and I say this as someone who loves Sailor Moon and anime as well. She looks for reasons to be mad and even though MMC is a walking red flag so is she. She needs therapy. I would read Part 2 for Dane alone.
December 29, 2025
The Perfect Guy is Perfection!
I am a sucker for Stalker Romances and although the MMCs are usually OTT alphah*les, I found Dane incredibly sweet for an unhinged MMC. I also related to the curvy heroine who’s also a woman of color who had been made to feel “less than” by her own family due to her weight issues. I love a romance, even dark, where the FMC who’s spent her life caring for everyone, finally gets doted upon. And their mutual attraction and their conversations I found actually believable even within the context of this trope vs other stalker romances where frankly the MMC is actually too scary and rough for any FMC to fall in love with IMO! But the spicy scenes were 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and I wished there were more. But that’s ok but we got some great tension and character development too. This ends in a cliffhanger but I can’t wait til Book 2 comes out!
I am a sucker for Stalker Romances and although the MMCs are usually OTT alphah*les, I found Dane incredibly sweet for an unhinged MMC. I also related to the curvy heroine who’s also a woman of color who had been made to feel “less than” by her own family due to her weight issues. I love a romance, even dark, where the FMC who’s spent her life caring for everyone, finally gets doted upon. And their mutual attraction and their conversations I found actually believable even within the context of this trope vs other stalker romances where frankly the MMC is actually too scary and rough for any FMC to fall in love with IMO! But the spicy scenes were 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and I wished there were more. But that’s ok but we got some great tension and character development too. This ends in a cliffhanger but I can’t wait til Book 2 comes out!
October 26, 2025
I always love seeing Savannah in a story.
I love it when BBWs get their due. Yes they fill many, many men with great desire.
Unfortunately this particular man has got some issues. 🤣
Honestly I would like to see the main character end up with someone else, someone more stable.
But until then, I wouldn't mind for the sex to get a little kinkier. 😉
I love it when BBWs get their due. Yes they fill many, many men with great desire.
Unfortunately this particular man has got some issues. 🤣
Honestly I would like to see the main character end up with someone else, someone more stable.
But until then, I wouldn't mind for the sex to get a little kinkier. 😉
August 31, 2025
What an honor this book was! Easily a 6 star read That I’ll forever think about. We got a plus sized, women of color FMC Elarica, whom struggles with some trauma and insecurities just tryna make life something worth living, Until our good looking, possessive, mentally unstable MMC Dane so happens to stumble upon her in a traffic jam on the highway. This book was beautifully delicious and well written. Its filled with action, banter, slight comments that makes you think and amazing side characters. No words other than desperate can describe how ill be for the next couple of months waiting for book two. What happens between our couple? What does shady Tercero got going on? What exactly happened to Dane in the mental hospital?? What’s going to happen with our “friend” Sasha? Like I said desperate to see what Bryckk comes up with in book two
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