Lennon Grant’s life shifted in ways she couldn’t explain the moment her mother remarried. Her new stepbrother, Honor Royale, seemed protective at first, until his gaze lingered too long, his presence felt too close, and his concern became something far more sinister.
As the years passed, Lennon moved on crafting a life of her own. But the unsettling feeling of being watched never faded. Vivid, forbidden dreams of someone she shouldn’t desire began to haunt her nights.
What Lennon doesn’t know is that Honor has been waiting, his obsession growing with time. Every move she’s made, he’s tracked. Every barrier she’s built, he’s dismantled quietly and patiently. For Honor, Lennon isn’t just a step-sister. She’s his everything.
And now, after all these years, he’s ready to claim what he’s always believed was his.
Unbeknownst to You is a chilling, seductive tale of obsession and possession, where love blurs into fixation, and the past is never truly left behind.
I think I enjoyed this a little too much. Everything Honor did made me fall for him and believe me… that man was WILDDDDDD. And to see Lennon was really bout that. Both of them deserves each other. 😂
Ma'am!! When you said we would be saying WTF at the end of this read, you ain't never lied! 😮 The way I found myself saying what the hell? Huh? Honor did what? Every couple pages! This man was so in love with Lennon that it made him crazy! The possessiveness, the obsessive behaviors, violence, hell Honor was all that and some! 🤯 He did not play about Lennie-Bear and anybody could get it. A few f'd around and found out, but they asked for it right? He always gave a good stern warning before the crazy came out! And crazy he was....
Now Lennon should have been hopping countries running from this man, cause girl what?? 👀 You knew he had more issues than a little bit, and could see the darkness in his eyes when someone crossed you, and you still stayed around? See, you got a bit of that crazy too! I shouldn't have enjoyed this as much as I did, cause damn Honor was something else! But I couldn't help but love his persistence, and determination to get what he wanted. That twist at the end threw me for a loop, and I thought Honor might not be as savvy as he thought, but what did I know? 🤷🏿♀️ Really enjoyed this. 👍🏾👍🏾
I wish that I could do 4.5 stars. This book was really good. Not quite 5 star status, but very close. These characters were so unhinged. I think she was just as psycho as him. So I have a question if you will... Did she kill old girl willingly or was that another manipulation???? I KNOW!!! Just read the damn book.
Honor is a nut, like the scary kind that’s also a little endearing. He’s also scary because he let too much time pass by, and that frustrated me so bad. His obsession with Lennon wasn’t really explained but it was definitely severe. Lennon was cool but a little annoying because girl you knew what the deal was. Not gonna lie the story kinda lost me towards the end, it felt rushed and that twist was not really needed to move the story forward. Sage either if I’m being honest. Overall just an ok read.
Your writing style is great however you do not illustrate well, the book contains many time gaps as well as scene gaps, missing background information we do not know anything about them growing up nor about the other parents nor relatives, Also the characters lacks any African American characteristics unless it was you describing their skin color. Sometimes I think you forgot your own book because a lot didn’t add up especially when Honer said "She's the one who dipped," Honor coldly accused, looking directly at me.” But earlier you stated “ It was funny, though, that everyone was moving forward, whereas one person remained in the shadows of my memory — someone who'd disappeared right after we returned from the wedding — Honor.” And also the charters genuinely didn’t show character growth they seemed to be 17 all through out the book. lustful scenes needs more practice not only description but time and place to because right after Lennon ex died honer fingered her while she was trying to rap her head around everything not to mention his dad had a heart attack and he’s only worried about if she’s his. The story lacked emotion dept which made it hard to connect with any of the charters. When he finally admitted everything that’s when the story got good and gained personality it was like a total 360 completely different characters
This book was unhinged and not in a good way. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is because there was a lengthy content warning at the beginning. I should have listened, but I did not expect it to be that bad. Everybody in this book is crazy. They all need therapy and most belong in prison. Even if you like books about unhinged stalkers, there were major issues with the characters and plot. The decisions made by the characters did not make sense based on what we knew of their actions and what had been occurring. It wasn’t believable.
We need a prequel about Michael James, the dad. He seems like he has a closet full of bodies too! Yeah, he passed down that unhinged behavior. Where's Honor's mom or Lennon's dad? As A sequel could be written. Actually if you gave us a cliffhanger when they got that blackmailing email, the 2nd book could have gone in so many directions & be full of his unhinged behavior. I could see a kidnapping based on the tracker jewelry, FBI still on they're tail and a threat to Lennon's business somehow using cybersecurity. I felt like the 1st book should have ended at the honeymoon email. It dragged after that with little direction. But overall, it was full of great twist & craziness!
To start, I want to give a shout-out to the author for stepping outside the box and providing us with a step-sibling romance trope. I would love to see more stories within this niche, particularly those written by Black authors—when I say "more," I mean expanding the landscape, not dismissing what already exists. Calm down avengers. Regarding the characters, I believe Honor's unhinged behavior was intentional and well-crafted. I found him fascinating; at times, I was astonished by the lengths he would go to, and other times, I thought, "This man is psycho—I can get with it!" On the other hand, I found Lennon quite annoying at first. She didn't show any real growth until late in the story, making me feel that the author missed the chance to introduce her more dynamic side earlier on. A more engaging introduction would have made her a more exciting character. That said, while the book had a solid foundation, the execution fell short. The writing felt chaotic, and the storyline never quite came together, leaving plenty of gaps and inconsistencies. Every time the author had an opportunity to add depth, flesh out scenes, and develop the characters, we experienced a time jump that disrupted the pacing and pulled me out of the story. Additionally, I felt there was a lack of on-page moments as a couple, as well as insufficient backstory. What triggered Honor's obsession? We know that the dad is onboard, but how did we get to this point? When the characters were apart, I was left in the dark about their experiences. There was far too much telling and not enough showing—then, surprise, another time jump. I was also dissatisfied with Lennon’s reunion with her mother. After three years, given the way she behaved, a more substantial conversation was necessary. She can’t just show up as if everything is fine; we’re not on good terms, ma’am. You were a terrible mother, and the advice you provided was ass. Overall, this book had the potential to be a more enjoyable read for me, but the lack of storyline development, fleshed-out scenes, and backstory ultimately made it a miss.
I don't know what it says about me that I ate this book up but oh well 🤷🏾♀️. This was a ride. A wild unhinged ride. Honor Royale James needs to be committed. In an asylum. In jail. Somewhere. From the beginning (no exaggeration) to the end he was off the chain. There were no limits he wouldn't go to for Lennon, or Lennie-Bear as he loved to call her.
I loved this book. I really did. This is my first 5 star read so far this year. I highly recommend to anybody who loves dark romance, black romance and men who are stalkers, obsessive, possesive, not afraid to kill and other psycho shit. The list of crazy things Honor did is literally out of pocket. This man installed cameras in her room(he started doing that when they were still teens) to watch her, put trackers in her necklace and bellybutton ring that she was never to take off, beat up and killed her exes, watched her sleep, lived across the street from her for years to watch her and she never knew, broke her car windowshield and robbed her to teach her a lesson about not protecting herself, hired a chick to stay close to her who was once obsessed with him but then became obsessed with Lennon and tried to make a move on her so she was lured to Lennon's house where she was murdered by Honor who then fucked Lennon next to her dead body after drugging her and let's not forget the sex doll he had made to look exactly like Lennon.
This man was deranged. Certifiably so, but I loved him and Lennon together. They had amazing chemistry. This is the type of unhinged stuff I look for in a dark romance. The only thing that was missing was some kidnapping. Something I surprised he didn't do tbh. Only thing I wasn't fond of was the step siblings angle obviously. Yeah...that'll never be a trope for me but the rest of this book I devoured. This is my first read from Kyeate and I need her to deliver more dark romance. She got me hooked on this book.
This book was utterly S T U P I D - Suspend all belief if you read this.
The FMC is clueless AF the entire time. The MMC while, a stalker just goes overboard with his antics ( Android/ sex doll). Honor never asks the FMC the obvious question after they become adults. Then when they make it official and, Sage voices her concerns- Lennon questions her advice but, Nyla does the same in the very next page seemingly and, she takes her advice without a second thought.
the spicy scenes weren’t any better. They were intimate like 3 times- I didn’t even count the first time because I didn’t even know what was happening leading up to that moment.
This is clearly a writer who doesn’t write dark romance. With this being her attempt to try her hand at it. And, much like a-lot of AA that are trying their hand at Dark romance they add the elements in the story but, never really fully execute it. It’s like they are just checking TW off a list only to gloss over them.
Overall, I would consider this a painstakingly insufferable slow burn with a serious communication handicap between the lead characters. Also, the writing in general could use some work along with pacing and, story development.
I would recommend Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers if you want a true Dark/Taboo step sibling experience or, Lust by Drethi Anis both are (S U P E R B) reads.
Honor is definitely in the unhinged psychopath hall of fame. Kyeate is a new to me author but sis definitely has talent and I’ll be looking at her catalogue.
I would’ve rated this much higher and didn’t because I feel for a dark romance, the spice scenes were very lackluster. They were almost rated pg-13 in description and I was waiting for that passion they had to translate during their intimacy on page.
I also would’ve liked to see an on page glimpse of the 3 years Lennon was with Malcolm and not just the end of their relationship. Knowing what we know about Honor, I can’t just see him sitting by idle for 3 years while she dealt with him— and yes, Honor was doing things to him during that time but it just doesn’t seem realistic that he’d let another man touch her that long when he doesn’t even like men to speak to her.
Anyways, still a solid book with good writing. Recommend. 3.5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May contain some spoilers but nothing to ruin the story. I went in with some expectations, and an open mind as everyone needs for a story. In the first half of the book time jumped, without filling in scenarios. It left “holes” in the story. I found it hard to believe MFC was in love with MMC as she had no love to begin with and no mentioning of time spent together. There was need for details of moments but some mentioning like we eventually got to a place of building a bond/friendship before things began to change for us. Unfortunately I found myself saying wait what how do we get here without a connection a few times. It got more interesting in the second half. I am willing to read the second book.
This was one wild ride of a book. Even though Honor was the definition of unhinged, I loved him. His methods he used to get his Lennie-Bear were pure craziness. All the shenanigans he pulled had my jaw on the ground. The robot took the cake. Lennon was just going through blissfully unaware of what all Honor had been doing for her in the background. I understood that being with Honor would be a little unorthodox, but she could've just given in, lol. I liked Lennon, but sis should've been more aware of her surroundings. Sage was unexpected. I was not expecting all of the things that she did. The final twist had my jaw on the ground. I feel as if the ending was rushed. I wanted more of the relationship between these two. Overall, I loved this book.
The way I stated this story started makes more sense than just only reading the synopsis so don’t be scared to dive in! Honor!!! In a twisted way, I admired what he did & it made me like him! (Stockholm Syndrome) lol! Lennon was bold yet scary but when she FINALLY gave in she couldn’t deny herself of what her heart wanted. Honor was definitely a lot at times & I’m glad she could tell him on occasion to calm down & stop! Marie irked me in the beginning & Mr. James was a mystery to me. Sage shocked tf out of me with her reveal. Cobra & Nayla are true definition of friends!
This book was truly something different! I like the friendships displayed between Honor & Cobra, as well as Lennon & Nayla. Now, the Honor stood on business against any and everybody regarding Lennon and how his feelings for her was something serious. I had to agree with him checking her Mom, because everybody saw it but you. It was there before your situation, she didn't read the room. This is a good, crazy read.
Lawd!!!! Honor was crazy from page one to page 370. Some will say he was going too far, but how far is too far for love? Lennon was just trying to live her best life but Honor wanted to play in that gray area and just couldn’t let her be. I always say I want somebody to be crazy about me but this book has me rethinking some stuff. I will say it kept me entertained and made me a fan of Kyeate.
Honor was by far one of the most unhinged MMC’s I have ever read about. Lennon should have been scared and the fact that she wasn’t let me know she was unhinged her dang self. This book is not for the weak. Folk who have issues with things that could be considered morally grey should definitely stay away from this read.
Ohhhh baby this is sooo dark and twisted but I loveddddd it so muchhh! Honor didn’t play about his Lenni Bear and he was willing to do whatever necessary and nobody was safe when it came to her. Honor put me in the mind of Joe from You but with a darker more forbidden twist
I don’t even know where to start! I knew this book was going to be a roller coaster but I was not expecting to like the book as much as I did! Lennon and Honor were definitely made for each other and the more the book went on the more I saw it. She was just as crazy as him. Match made in heaven if you ask me.
This was a really good taboo + dark romance. I really love how we got see the relationship with Lennon & Honor from childhood to adulthood. As a reader it was nice to see how Honor stood on business from high school til forever when it came to Lennon I also loved how never hid his intentions with/about his Lennie-bear.
In the overall sense, I enjoyed the concept, but certain aspects of the writing could be written better. I also felt the timeline was confusing, where there seemed to be gaps. Yet I’d still recommend reading it for the insanity of Honor. But most importantly, the smut was amazing, and that alone increased my rating. 🥵🥵🥵
What did I just read? Lol this book was sooooo good I don't know what to call Honor but unhinged idk baby its not a word for him yet 😂😂 but 10\10 read would recommend. Also if you read Mason Neiman then you’ll agree when I say those two men would be the best of friends 😂😂
I feel the book was ok. Well written and just not my cup of tea. I think for me it lacked a lot of details and I don’t personally care for multiple time jumps in my read, however I did like the story line and for others this may be their cup of tea. Just in MY opinion I felt the book was just ok. I do recommend giving it a try before DNF.
Honor is the walking poster child for certifiably nuts. He would spazz out over the smallest thing concerning Lennon. when Sage enter the picture omg I just knew things were about to get even more chaotic but true to his nature, Honor cleared that right on up. Stalker vibes, crazy eyes and love that knew so lines, yeah this one was very interesting.
Ok so this book has many trigger warnings. It’s not a bad book at all. It’s just toxic as hell. If you like Ocean and Mason then you will like this. He definitely stalked her and did whatever to whoever who got in his way. The MCF ended up be just as toxic as the MCM. He definitely got everything he wanted one way or another. One twist after another.
Honor was beyond unhinged. He was looney tunes😂. Turns out that’s what Lennon needed/wanted. This book was a great read for October. Dark romances aren’t my typical get down but I was entertained with this one. It didn’t get gray in ways that made me want to DNF it. I almost didn’t read it based on the step sibling thing, but they weren’t raised together…they weren’t family.
Okay is that what they call dark romance? Because babbyyyy I was not prepared. I just swore Lennon was going to have to call the police on that man especially when he revealed how he’d literally been a crazy stalker for years. But noooo she loved that mess lol. Honor would have scared me away period. Ain’t no feelings that strong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Really enjoyed this book. Honor and Lennox are not your traditional couple. Yes it’s taboo, it’s step-siblings, it’s an unhinged, stalking, crazy mmc, and a Stockholm Syndrome good time. This read will not be for everyone but, if you are grown enough to know this is a fiction book that is not supposed to be a romance, you’ll enjoy it. This was my first read by this author, I will read more.
Whew 🥵 if you’re looking for a book to get you into dark romance, Unbeknownst is a morally gray book to get you into the idea of dark romance! Honor fell in love with his step sister and he was doing anything he could to have her.
I may need help because I love me some Honor 😩🤣 He knew Lenni-bear was his from day one and did not play about her. He didn’t care who it was. Everybody could get it!!! I absolutely love reading your books! Keep them coming.