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A Smile Full of Lies: An Obsessed Neighbor Dark Romance
I want someone who would burn the world down for me, and smile while it burned.
Struggling writer Rosalind Cooper doesn’t need more distractions, but when her life falls apart, she ends up under the roof of her enigmatic neighbor, Philip Knox.
He's the heir of Stonewood Manor, survivor of the cold-case massacre that gutted his family, and the boy who bought the house next door seven years ago just to be close to her.
What Rosalind doesn’t know? Knox is also the masked stranger who’s been haunting her fantasies online, reading the confessions she thought were anonymous and turning them into reality in the dark. He’s been waiting for this moment since the first day they met.
As their twisted attraction consumes them, Knox finally reveals the evidence he’s kept hidden for a fragment of security footage from the night his family was slaughtered. He never gave it to the police. He’s been saving it for himself... for the day he could deliver his own justice.
But when Rosalind sees what no one else could, she realizes the past isn’t as buried as everyone believed. And if Knox discovers the truth she’s holding back? His vengeance will burn everything in its path… including her.
A Smile Full of Lies is a dark, twisty romance about obsession, betrayal, and the love story that should never feel this good. Please check the TWs before diving in.
Struggling writer Rosalind Cooper doesn’t need more distractions, but when her life falls apart, she ends up under the roof of her enigmatic neighbor, Philip Knox.
He's the heir of Stonewood Manor, survivor of the cold-case massacre that gutted his family, and the boy who bought the house next door seven years ago just to be close to her.
What Rosalind doesn’t know? Knox is also the masked stranger who’s been haunting her fantasies online, reading the confessions she thought were anonymous and turning them into reality in the dark. He’s been waiting for this moment since the first day they met.
As their twisted attraction consumes them, Knox finally reveals the evidence he’s kept hidden for a fragment of security footage from the night his family was slaughtered. He never gave it to the police. He’s been saving it for himself... for the day he could deliver his own justice.
But when Rosalind sees what no one else could, she realizes the past isn’t as buried as everyone believed. And if Knox discovers the truth she’s holding back? His vengeance will burn everything in its path… including her.
A Smile Full of Lies is a dark, twisty romance about obsession, betrayal, and the love story that should never feel this good. Please check the TWs before diving in.
- GenresDark RomanceRomanceDark
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2025
48 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
September 30, 2025
This book had me hooked from the teasers! It’s suspenseful and beautifully written, with characters that feel raw, beautifully damaged in their own ways and real. The tension kept me on edge, and the spice? Perfectly placed and so well done. It’s dark, addictive, and impossible to put down. I devoured it in less than a day! Exactly the kind of story that lingers long after you’ve finished, and want to scream about from the rooftops!
You can tell the author poured her heart and soul into every page. The writing feels intentional and full of care, like she’s guiding the reader through every twist, every emotion, every shiver, and every stolen breath. It’s the kind of story where you feel the author behind it. She’s not just telling a tale, but giving a piece of herself to whoever picks it up. That passion absolutely shines through.
I was blessed with the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this, and I absolutely love you miss ma’am. Thank you for allowing me to join you on this crazy journey ❤️
You can tell the author poured her heart and soul into every page. The writing feels intentional and full of care, like she’s guiding the reader through every twist, every emotion, every shiver, and every stolen breath. It’s the kind of story where you feel the author behind it. She’s not just telling a tale, but giving a piece of herself to whoever picks it up. That passion absolutely shines through.
I was blessed with the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this, and I absolutely love you miss ma’am. Thank you for allowing me to join you on this crazy journey ❤️
October 1, 2025
Ros is his obsession. Knox is just her friend, always there when she needs someone. When life circumstances throws Ros at Knox’s mercy, they are forced to come to terms with their attraction. But Ros has dark desires and is worried there is something wrong with her. Little does she know Knox has secrets of his own. This dark romance has an obsessed, masked stalker with deep trauma he has to overcome to enjoy life again. It has hacker revenge, forced proximity, and secrets that should stay buried.
October 1, 2025
***ARC Review***
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love your dark romance extra twisted, A Smile Full of Lies by Rose James is a must-read. I received as an ARC, and let me just say… this book will have your heart racing — but not just from the steamy chemistry. It’s the constant tension, the creeping fear, and the chilling feeling that something sinister is always just beneath the surface. Her next-door neighbor, with his icy blue eyes that seem to see right through her, has a dangerous obsession brewing — and it’s not going to stay hidden for long.
As the story unfolds, the layers of his obsession start to peel away, and you realize that this isn’t just a man with a crush — it’s a dangerous, all-consuming fixation. The tension between them is palpable, and every moment they share has you holding your breath, wondering if it’ll end in passion or destruction.
A Smile Full of Lies is the kind of dark romance that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s unsettling, addictive, and intoxicating in a way that only a truly twisted love story can be. Rose James brilliantly blends obsession, fear, and undeniable chemistry to craft a tale that’s as gripping as it is uncomfortable. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a battle for control, trust, and ultimately, surrender. The dark dynamics between the characters will leave you questioning everything — but you’ll be powerless to look away. If you love stories that push boundaries and dive deep into obsession, this book is impossible to forget.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love your dark romance extra twisted, A Smile Full of Lies by Rose James is a must-read. I received as an ARC, and let me just say… this book will have your heart racing — but not just from the steamy chemistry. It’s the constant tension, the creeping fear, and the chilling feeling that something sinister is always just beneath the surface. Her next-door neighbor, with his icy blue eyes that seem to see right through her, has a dangerous obsession brewing — and it’s not going to stay hidden for long.
As the story unfolds, the layers of his obsession start to peel away, and you realize that this isn’t just a man with a crush — it’s a dangerous, all-consuming fixation. The tension between them is palpable, and every moment they share has you holding your breath, wondering if it’ll end in passion or destruction.
A Smile Full of Lies is the kind of dark romance that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. It’s unsettling, addictive, and intoxicating in a way that only a truly twisted love story can be. Rose James brilliantly blends obsession, fear, and undeniable chemistry to craft a tale that’s as gripping as it is uncomfortable. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a battle for control, trust, and ultimately, surrender. The dark dynamics between the characters will leave you questioning everything — but you’ll be powerless to look away. If you love stories that push boundaries and dive deep into obsession, this book is impossible to forget.
October 3, 2025
Masked man, say less
I’m happy I got an ARC of this book.
For a debut novel, I was really impressed with this story.
Knox, our MMC, lost everything 4 years when his parents and younger sister were killed. He might have been a victim as well if he wasn’t out of town.
Ros, our FMC, (also Knox’s neighbour) lost her grandmother recently. Knox, being a good friend and neighbour, brought Ros her mail and groceries and had movie nights with her every Wednesday.
Their relationship changed once Knox was approached about having a haunted house hosted in his old family home and Ros was up to her neck in past due bills
This was an emotional roller coaster 😭 I did not expect how the case would unravel.
Knox took toxic to a whole new level - the gaslighting was insane 🤣 and poor Ros, she was going through it from the jump. Im glad this had a HEA but I wouldn’t have been shocked if it ended differently. Rose did a good job with the characters, I felt all their emotions on the page.
My only reason for not giving it 5 stars was because of the pacing around the conflict in the story and the climax to resolution
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
I’m happy I got an ARC of this book.
For a debut novel, I was really impressed with this story.
Knox, our MMC, lost everything 4 years when his parents and younger sister were killed. He might have been a victim as well if he wasn’t out of town.
Ros, our FMC, (also Knox’s neighbour) lost her grandmother recently. Knox, being a good friend and neighbour, brought Ros her mail and groceries and had movie nights with her every Wednesday.
Their relationship changed once Knox was approached about having a haunted house hosted in his old family home and Ros was up to her neck in past due bills
This was an emotional roller coaster 😭 I did not expect how the case would unravel.
Knox took toxic to a whole new level - the gaslighting was insane 🤣 and poor Ros, she was going through it from the jump. Im glad this had a HEA but I wouldn’t have been shocked if it ended differently. Rose did a good job with the characters, I felt all their emotions on the page.
My only reason for not giving it 5 stars was because of the pacing around the conflict in the story and the climax to resolution
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
October 1, 2025
A Smile Full Of Lies
Releasing October 5th
By: Rose James, writes dark, emotional, and intricately layered romances where love is obsessive, dangerous, and never simple.
Murder Mystery 🖤
Masked MMC 🧡
Grieving/writer FMC 📖
Forced Proximity🥵
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
-:If you have triggers please read the content warnings before reading:-
I am so thankful I was able to ARC read ASFL, This was my first book by Rose James and absolutely fell in love. Her writing style was smooth, enthralling and engaging, I devoured this book in 2 days I Could Not Put It Down. She pulls you into the Stonewood Manor Murder Mystery from the very first words.
Knox, captures your soul from the first chapter. He would burn the world down for her, with a smile.
Rosalind, this FMC gives you all the feels a chapter at a time.
“The math is not mathing for me, Knox.”
“YOU matter. That’s the math.”
Their story pulls you in from start to finish, and will have you feeling all kinds of different emotions. I cried, I laughed, I was immersed into the world Rose wrote for us. I highly recommend this read to everyone, a 5 ⭐️ read.
“We are made of grief and broken pieces that fit together beautifully,”
This story lets you know you can go home again. “Setting Ghosts to Rest”
Releasing October 5th
By: Rose James, writes dark, emotional, and intricately layered romances where love is obsessive, dangerous, and never simple.
Murder Mystery 🖤
Masked MMC 🧡
Grieving/writer FMC 📖
Forced Proximity🥵
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
-:If you have triggers please read the content warnings before reading:-
I am so thankful I was able to ARC read ASFL, This was my first book by Rose James and absolutely fell in love. Her writing style was smooth, enthralling and engaging, I devoured this book in 2 days I Could Not Put It Down. She pulls you into the Stonewood Manor Murder Mystery from the very first words.
Knox, captures your soul from the first chapter. He would burn the world down for her, with a smile.
Rosalind, this FMC gives you all the feels a chapter at a time.
“The math is not mathing for me, Knox.”
“YOU matter. That’s the math.”
Their story pulls you in from start to finish, and will have you feeling all kinds of different emotions. I cried, I laughed, I was immersed into the world Rose wrote for us. I highly recommend this read to everyone, a 5 ⭐️ read.
“We are made of grief and broken pieces that fit together beautifully,”
This story lets you know you can go home again. “Setting Ghosts to Rest”
September 29, 2025
OMG this book!!! This was my first ever ARC read and I am so happy I got to be apart of this. This book was unfreakingbelievable. It had my anxiety on high in so much of the book. The spice was perfect. Knox & Ros were amazing main characters. Knox is now 100% a top book boyfriend. The love was amazing. I ugly cried but I also smiled so big. And it had me swooning. I cannot stress enough my recommendation for this book. If I could give it 10 stars I would!
October 4, 2025
3.5⭐️
This book has major stalker vibes with mutual secret yearning that built up tension throughout the book.
Rosalind and Knox are friends and next door neighbors which seems innocent enough until you see the lengths Knox has gone through to stay close to Rosalind.
Rosalind dated Knox best friend but built a friendship with Knox that maintained even after a horrible breakup.
Knox is a man OBSESSED and will go to the end of the earth to keep Rosalind in his life in whatever way possible.
When Knox gives Rosalind the opportunity to write the story of his family’s murders with a piece of evidence no one has seen everything shifts in the book and the true mystery of what happens unravels.
While I enjoyed the book, I did feel that the twist was predictable and some of the details felt rushed but then dragged out after the big plot twist was revealed.
I also wish we got to know the side characters a little more if we’re getting books for them down the road.
I’m interested in seeing where the series goes after this one!
This book has major stalker vibes with mutual secret yearning that built up tension throughout the book.
Rosalind and Knox are friends and next door neighbors which seems innocent enough until you see the lengths Knox has gone through to stay close to Rosalind.
Rosalind dated Knox best friend but built a friendship with Knox that maintained even after a horrible breakup.
Knox is a man OBSESSED and will go to the end of the earth to keep Rosalind in his life in whatever way possible.
When Knox gives Rosalind the opportunity to write the story of his family’s murders with a piece of evidence no one has seen everything shifts in the book and the true mystery of what happens unravels.
While I enjoyed the book, I did feel that the twist was predictable and some of the details felt rushed but then dragged out after the big plot twist was revealed.
I also wish we got to know the side characters a little more if we’re getting books for them down the road.
I’m interested in seeing where the series goes after this one!
October 1, 2025
ARC review: I. COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN!!
Where do I even start? This book was everything my dark romance loving heart wanted.
MMC Knox is the blond haired, blue eyed chunk of yum that is the obsessed neighbor and heir to a fortune and cybersecurity company after the rest of his family is unalived. The case goes cold. He’s great with tech and does some stalking. HE HAS A MASKTOK ACCOUNT with handle Nox Obscura.
FMC Rosalind Cooper is an author who lived with her grandmother who recently passed away so now she lives alone. She has a major fiery side! She posts to an anonymous forum and someone directs her to MaskTok where she finds her hearts desire - Nox Obscura.
Do they solve the case of who unalived his family? Does Nox Obscura meet Rosalind and bring her fantasies to life? Does she find out who he really is?
I don’t want to say much more because going in and not knowing details makes it so much more fun!
This book is now my new #1 book! It’s SOOOOO GOOD! The author paints the story so beautifully that it plays as a movie in your head.
Move over Josh (Lights Out), Knox has my fantasies now.
Where do I even start? This book was everything my dark romance loving heart wanted.
MMC Knox is the blond haired, blue eyed chunk of yum that is the obsessed neighbor and heir to a fortune and cybersecurity company after the rest of his family is unalived. The case goes cold. He’s great with tech and does some stalking. HE HAS A MASKTOK ACCOUNT with handle Nox Obscura.
FMC Rosalind Cooper is an author who lived with her grandmother who recently passed away so now she lives alone. She has a major fiery side! She posts to an anonymous forum and someone directs her to MaskTok where she finds her hearts desire - Nox Obscura.
Do they solve the case of who unalived his family? Does Nox Obscura meet Rosalind and bring her fantasies to life? Does she find out who he really is?
I don’t want to say much more because going in and not knowing details makes it so much more fun!
This book is now my new #1 book! It’s SOOOOO GOOD! The author paints the story so beautifully that it plays as a movie in your head.
Move over Josh (Lights Out), Knox has my fantasies now.
October 5, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down and when I did I kept thinking about it. There were several stories intertwined in the book and all revolved around the two main characters. Knox is amazing. He was a bit psycho but was also sensitive and caring. Ros initially came across as weak but was really just beaten down from the past. There were times I questioned words/actions but the overall story was amazing. This the the first book in a series and did not end in a cliffhanger. From what I understand the next book will be a new story but with a side character from this story being the main character. I can’t wait to see who it is! I have a guess but really excited for the next book in this series!
September 29, 2025
ARC review -I loved everything about this book. It literally has everything in it. Murder mystery romance laughs oh and of course it would not be complete with out the obsessive MMC who has a tendency for stalking. 🔥 Definite recommend it to be read- do check the trigger warnings before
October 3, 2025
3.75 stars ⭐️
This book has crime story elements and dark romance masked stalker.
Knox and Ros have this connection as neighbors that they both fight for years but unravels slowly. Knox is obsessed with Ros , kinda touch her and die vibes ! His back story is a tragic one. It’s like they are there for each other but ROS is such an independent young woman “ struggling author “ that doesn’t want help but she’s literally starving and has zero money. Her neighbor KNOX has the financial means to help her but she got on my nerves because she hesitated so much to let him help her.
The book unravels the mystery of Knox’s tragic story about his family. The story slowly turns and builds.
I did go into this book expecting more of a smutty darker read with the masked stalker but found this MMC to be more of a caring obsession with FMC, not a sick obsessed guy.
This book has crime story elements and dark romance masked stalker.
Knox and Ros have this connection as neighbors that they both fight for years but unravels slowly. Knox is obsessed with Ros , kinda touch her and die vibes ! His back story is a tragic one. It’s like they are there for each other but ROS is such an independent young woman “ struggling author “ that doesn’t want help but she’s literally starving and has zero money. Her neighbor KNOX has the financial means to help her but she got on my nerves because she hesitated so much to let him help her.
The book unravels the mystery of Knox’s tragic story about his family. The story slowly turns and builds.
I did go into this book expecting more of a smutty darker read with the masked stalker but found this MMC to be more of a caring obsession with FMC, not a sick obsessed guy.
October 3, 2025
Knox is the kind of obsessed neighbor you’d never want in real life but can’t stop reading about in a dark romance. As a masked stalker, he knows exactly what he wants and he’s willing to manipulate, scheme, and bulldoze through anyone in his way to get it.
Ros, meanwhile, is heartbreakingly relatable. Her life is unraveling, she doesn’t trust anyone, and yet she harbors fantasies of being chased, fantasies Knox is all too willing to exploit. Their push-and-pull dynamic had me glued to the page.
I really enjoyed the slow, stalker-style build-up. Every move Knox made felt calculated and deliberate, adding to the tension. The haunted house scene in particular was intense, chilling, and one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
What got me the most was the manipulation. It’s so twisted and frustrating, watching Knox control and twist Ros’s world, but at the same time, it’s hot in that “dark romance guilty pleasure” kind of way. That balance between disturbing and addictive was done really well.
If I had one complaint, it’s that towards the end the pacing dragged just a bit. It felt like it could have wrapped up sooner without losing its impact. Still, this book gave me everything I wanted in a dark, obsessive neighbor romance: tension, heat, and a stalker who plays the long game.
Overall, a 4.5-star read for me. I devoured it and definitely enjoyed the ride.
Ros, meanwhile, is heartbreakingly relatable. Her life is unraveling, she doesn’t trust anyone, and yet she harbors fantasies of being chased, fantasies Knox is all too willing to exploit. Their push-and-pull dynamic had me glued to the page.
I really enjoyed the slow, stalker-style build-up. Every move Knox made felt calculated and deliberate, adding to the tension. The haunted house scene in particular was intense, chilling, and one of my favorite parts of the entire book.
What got me the most was the manipulation. It’s so twisted and frustrating, watching Knox control and twist Ros’s world, but at the same time, it’s hot in that “dark romance guilty pleasure” kind of way. That balance between disturbing and addictive was done really well.
If I had one complaint, it’s that towards the end the pacing dragged just a bit. It felt like it could have wrapped up sooner without losing its impact. Still, this book gave me everything I wanted in a dark, obsessive neighbor romance: tension, heat, and a stalker who plays the long game.
Overall, a 4.5-star read for me. I devoured it and definitely enjoyed the ride.
October 4, 2025
This dark romance was a great read. The main character’s have been orbiting each other for years, but never crossing the friend zone. Please read TWs before reading, because there are many dark topics explored.
Knox is a troubled millionaire trying to grapple with the trauma of losing his parents and sisters. Their murder caused him to put on masks to survive in his new reality, including his MaskTok alter ego. The only light in his life is his neighbor Ros.
Ros has found herself penniless and navigating her own grief over the loss of her grandmother. Her neighbor, Knox, has been her rock. He brings her food, brings in her mail, basically just takes care of her anyway he can. What she doesn’t know is Knox knows exactly what she needs because he has planted cameras to watch her. He can view everything she is doing on her computer.
After her poverty caught up with her, Knox steps in and moves her into his guest room. He gives her the go ahead to write a book on the murder of his family. All while circling her using all his online personalities…
I was sent an eARC of A Smile Full of Lies releasing 10/5/2025.
Knox is a troubled millionaire trying to grapple with the trauma of losing his parents and sisters. Their murder caused him to put on masks to survive in his new reality, including his MaskTok alter ego. The only light in his life is his neighbor Ros.
Ros has found herself penniless and navigating her own grief over the loss of her grandmother. Her neighbor, Knox, has been her rock. He brings her food, brings in her mail, basically just takes care of her anyway he can. What she doesn’t know is Knox knows exactly what she needs because he has planted cameras to watch her. He can view everything she is doing on her computer.
After her poverty caught up with her, Knox steps in and moves her into his guest room. He gives her the go ahead to write a book on the murder of his family. All while circling her using all his online personalities…
I was sent an eARC of A Smile Full of Lies releasing 10/5/2025.
October 1, 2025
My first ARC experience and I have loved every moment! The author built up the anticipation of this book so well, that by the time it was released to her ARC readers, I devoured it in a day! I’ve been such a moody reader this year and I won’t lie, I was nervous about reading it but her teasers kept me excited. Rose James did not disappoint me! This book had my soul before the first chapter. The way she started this book was brilliant in my opinion. This book made me feel things that some of my all time favorites made me feel, and that’s a big deal because I can’t really say I’ve had that happen until this point. And let’s talk about KNOX, the MMC. He’s being added to my book boyfriend list! My gosh how i love Knox. In all sincerity, I don’t really have any major negatives to say. The only thing I’d say as constructive criticism is I wish the plot had been a little more twisty. The twists that were there and the suspense was great and I ate it up. There were just moments where I think it could have kept building into another twist. I could keep going on and on but I’m not one to share a lot details. Just trust me when I say READ IT when it releases🖤🩶🖤🩶🖤🩶🖤
October 26, 2025
LOVED LOVED LOVED. Every minute of this book it had me hooked from the start. Masktok yes please, guy obsessed over his neighbor for years another yes!! A guy who is obsessed, created a masktok to help deal with his obsession, created a fake account on a anonymous app and got her to tell him his deepest and darkest secret and she didn’t even know it, and he was the neighbor who always took care of her. I can’t get over this book it was suspenseful, dark romance and thriller all in one!?!? Like sign me up for more books like this. There’s not enough words to describe what the book did to me, it made me feel all type of different ways and I wanted to jump into the book and be the FMC. I highly recommend this book and will forever recommend this book. I also feel like this is the perfect book for someone who is just starting to get into dark romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
I just wanted to state that I got an ARC (advanced reader copy) for this book.
This book hits all the right places, dark but not too dark, amazing character design, the descriptions of everything are perfect!
I have read many dark romance books, and as of today this became my current favourite book! I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a protective man, morally grey man, a thrilling plot while having spice (I find it so hard to find a book that has an elaborate plot and noteworthy smut! This book drew me in immediately and I became so obsessed with the book and the characters that I read it in a day and a half. The ending was fantastic, very nice way to end it.
Overall, the writing style of this book was very good and I enjoyed it immensely! I almost never reread dark romance books, but I can definitely see myself having to read this again. SOON!
Please if anyone if looking for a dark romance read, please try this! It’s my new Roman Empire book! (Something you think about a lot and love!)
Would give a higher rating if I could!
This book hits all the right places, dark but not too dark, amazing character design, the descriptions of everything are perfect!
I have read many dark romance books, and as of today this became my current favourite book! I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a protective man, morally grey man, a thrilling plot while having spice (I find it so hard to find a book that has an elaborate plot and noteworthy smut! This book drew me in immediately and I became so obsessed with the book and the characters that I read it in a day and a half. The ending was fantastic, very nice way to end it.
Overall, the writing style of this book was very good and I enjoyed it immensely! I almost never reread dark romance books, but I can definitely see myself having to read this again. SOON!
Please if anyone if looking for a dark romance read, please try this! It’s my new Roman Empire book! (Something you think about a lot and love!)
Would give a higher rating if I could!
October 29, 2025
***Spoilers Ahead***ARC Reader Review***
First, I want to say I totally judged this book by its cover because it is absolutely GOREGOUS! The colors of the mask really helped paint the picture in my head and bring it all together. This book immediately drew me into the story and if life wouldn't have gotten in the way, i would have finished this book much quicker. The flow of the story and the character build up and backstory's, was presented in such a way that it kept you guessing but didn't make you wait forever for the outcome. While Knox was indeed a stalker, he did it in a way that wasn't super creepy but still maintained the dark romance stalker vibes. Ros is a total badass! The way she went up against Thayer to pull the confession out of him to help/protect Knox was great. I will say that part of the story could have been pulled out a little longer and not been resolved as quickly as it was. Other than that, i would 10 out of 10 recommend this book to everyone i know!
First, I want to say I totally judged this book by its cover because it is absolutely GOREGOUS! The colors of the mask really helped paint the picture in my head and bring it all together. This book immediately drew me into the story and if life wouldn't have gotten in the way, i would have finished this book much quicker. The flow of the story and the character build up and backstory's, was presented in such a way that it kept you guessing but didn't make you wait forever for the outcome. While Knox was indeed a stalker, he did it in a way that wasn't super creepy but still maintained the dark romance stalker vibes. Ros is a total badass! The way she went up against Thayer to pull the confession out of him to help/protect Knox was great. I will say that part of the story could have been pulled out a little longer and not been resolved as quickly as it was. Other than that, i would 10 out of 10 recommend this book to everyone i know!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
I REALLY liked this story!
Although the teasers had me intrigued enough to CHOOSE to read it, I was still hesitant.
The Masked Man trope typically isn't my favorite. I usually end up more annoyed than anything
I know that I'm in the minority with my opinion, but, feel like it's relevant in my review of Mask Full of Lies because as someone that doesn't like this trope, I really liked this story!
It is beautiful. It is well written. There is a perfect balance of suspense, romance, emotional pain, and revenge.
There is so much depth in the characters and their blooming relationship is truly fun to witness.
This isn't your typical stalker romance!
I'm excited to dig into the Stonewood Universe.
Although the teasers had me intrigued enough to CHOOSE to read it, I was still hesitant.
The Masked Man trope typically isn't my favorite. I usually end up more annoyed than anything
I know that I'm in the minority with my opinion, but, feel like it's relevant in my review of Mask Full of Lies because as someone that doesn't like this trope, I really liked this story!
It is beautiful. It is well written. There is a perfect balance of suspense, romance, emotional pain, and revenge.
There is so much depth in the characters and their blooming relationship is truly fun to witness.
This isn't your typical stalker romance!
I'm excited to dig into the Stonewood Universe.
October 3, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
I have NO idea where to start. When I tell you this book hooks you from the VERY beginning and doesn’t stop the whole way through. I don’t know what was put into this book when writing but 10/10, one of my new favorites. Knox is one of the hottest MMC I have read and Ros, girlllll. I feel you to girl, totally get why he did things to you.
I have NO idea where to start. When I tell you this book hooks you from the VERY beginning and doesn’t stop the whole way through. I don’t know what was put into this book when writing but 10/10, one of my new favorites. Knox is one of the hottest MMC I have read and Ros, girlllll. I feel you to girl, totally get why he did things to you.
October 4, 2025
As a southern girl, I love the setting and depiction of characters. This book is Southern Living meets Lights Out. The true nature of the "good Ole boys" conundrum paired with the girl next door. Even though the confession from Thayer tied the Stonewood Murders up with a neat little bow, it feels like the cold case was reopened and closed VERY quickly. Just sort of glazed over, but that's my only semi negative. Not filled with useless, unneeded spice/sex scenes. LOOOOOVED the mansion being turned into a haunted experience with the masktok performers. Very happy to have been part of the ARC readers with this one! Already looking forward to book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
I could not put this down! an obsessive MMC with some "light" staking some hot as all hell chasing and a lil murder plot thrown in!!! Yes, please. Knox gives golden retriever vibes but make it dark and gritty. he is down bad for his girl Ros and helps her explore her dark side even if she doesn't know it 😉 this book had everything I was looking for and had me glued to the pages from start to finish
October 3, 2025
ARC review!
This book! The mystery, the suspense, the spice, and the love! I’m as obsessed with Rose James as Knox with Ros! The only reason I didn’t give it a full five would have to be some of the info/dialogue seemed repetitive and maybe inorganic but I’d truly give it a 4.5 if I could. I loved that the spice was not the full plot, there was backstory, love, and absolute thrill! To have this as my first ARC experience has been an amazing treat. The way Rose writes, an art! The love for her characters and her readers, true! This book, a must read for all dark romance lovers!
This book! The mystery, the suspense, the spice, and the love! I’m as obsessed with Rose James as Knox with Ros! The only reason I didn’t give it a full five would have to be some of the info/dialogue seemed repetitive and maybe inorganic but I’d truly give it a 4.5 if I could. I loved that the spice was not the full plot, there was backstory, love, and absolute thrill! To have this as my first ARC experience has been an amazing treat. The way Rose writes, an art! The love for her characters and her readers, true! This book, a must read for all dark romance lovers!
October 4, 2025
This was my very first arc read and Omg this was amazing!! I loved it! Such a different dark romance read but amazing all the same!
December 19, 2025
3.5 rounded up. The story was pretty good, but I found it a bit repetitive and dragging.
October 2, 2025
ARC Review!
This book had me hooked from the very start! So well written and she did great at making me feel connected to the characters. This is the perfect addition to my Dark Romance era reads! Thank you Rose James for this superbly written ride!
This book had me hooked from the very start! So well written and she did great at making me feel connected to the characters. This is the perfect addition to my Dark Romance era reads! Thank you Rose James for this superbly written ride!
Read
October 25, 2025Amazing book, it was so hard to put down! Can't wait to see if there is a pt 2!
October 16, 2025
As soon as I saw this book on TikTok I knew it was exactly what I was looking for! It was the type of book you don’t want to put down because you just have to know what happens. This book drew me in right from the beginning. The plot and the spice were absolutely perfect! This is the perfect October read for those who love Halloween, true crime and a stalker romance all rolled into one!
October 17, 2025
Top read of 2025! Boy next door/neighbor meets stalker equals obsession! This book kept me on edge the entire time wanting more!
October 22, 2025
This book had me on edge the entire time. This story will pull you in from the start. Knox had me in a chokehold. I can’t begin to say how much I absolutely LOVED and devoured this book. You will be feral for this story. It’s dark, twisted, and emotional. All I want to do is reread! 10/10⭐️I cannot wait to read more from this author!
October 28, 2025
This book is everything dark romance lovers need for fall. It is the perfect blend of crime, stalking, spice, and soul crushing love. Knox is definitely book boyfriend worthy, so be ready ladies.
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