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To Love a Psycho #3
Killing Me Softly
Their love was forged in shadows. Now the darkness wants to tear them apart.
Aaron Jones was never meant to fall in love. Especially not with Dr Kenneth Lyons, not only his professor but also the criminal psychologist who helped profile his parents. But Kenny sees through his defences, kisses past the pain, and touches him like he’s precious. Their affair is illicit, addictive, and laced with secrets, and Aaron can’t stay away. Even when he knows it could ruin them both.
Kenny built his life on discipline and distance, maintaining the careful balance between his dark fascinations and the polished mask he wears for the world. But Aaron shatters all of it. He’s beautiful, reckless, and far too dangerous to want. Kenny’s already too far gone, having crossed every line. And now he’ll burn the world to keep him.
But someone wants to tear them apart.
A new predator is lurking in the shadows. One who knows the darkest corners of Aaron’s past, the secrets he keeps even from Kenny. And this killer isn’t just hunting victims; they’re playing a game. A game where Aaron is the prize, and Kenny is the target.
As bodies drop and the past claws its way back, Aaron and Kenny are dragged into a deadly spiral of obsession, guilt, and need. Because loving each other was never the plan.
But now it’s the only thing keeping them alive.
Killing Me Softly
is the breathtaking conclusion to the To Love a Psycho trilogy. A story of love defying the rules, of madness and desire, of a bond that might just be as dangerous as the darkness closing in.
376 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2025
20 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
C.F. White
37 books225 followersBrought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 9, 2025
This was one of those books where I was desperate to know what was going to happen, but also afraid to read because I was too scared of what was actually going to happen 😂😂 I did have to keep walking away from my kindle and talking myself down!
The stakes were so much higher for Kenny and Aaron in this final part of their trilogy. The murders were shocking, the manipulation and deceit had me hooked, and that showdown was the perfect culmination of this whole series. I loved how even though there were always hints as to who was behind the events that were happening, when everything unfolded it was unpredictable and still managed to take me by surprise every time.
Aaron and Kenny were pushed to their extreme limits, and I kept wanting to shout at them to just talk to each other for the first part of this book! For such intelligent people, they sure were excellent at making stupid decisions 😂😂
I also really loved how Aaron and Jack's relationship grew in this book. I actually ended up quite liking Jack and Fraser!
This series has been so enjoyable to read, full of tension and hold your breath moments, and I'm sad to be leaving Kenny and Aaron behind, but they seriously deserve to have a nice peaceful HEA!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from CF White, and this is my honest review
The stakes were so much higher for Kenny and Aaron in this final part of their trilogy. The murders were shocking, the manipulation and deceit had me hooked, and that showdown was the perfect culmination of this whole series. I loved how even though there were always hints as to who was behind the events that were happening, when everything unfolded it was unpredictable and still managed to take me by surprise every time.
Aaron and Kenny were pushed to their extreme limits, and I kept wanting to shout at them to just talk to each other for the first part of this book! For such intelligent people, they sure were excellent at making stupid decisions 😂😂
I also really loved how Aaron and Jack's relationship grew in this book. I actually ended up quite liking Jack and Fraser!
This series has been so enjoyable to read, full of tension and hold your breath moments, and I'm sad to be leaving Kenny and Aaron behind, but they seriously deserve to have a nice peaceful HEA!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from CF White, and this is my honest review
June 30, 2025
4.25**** stars
Thrilling and captivating. The whole trilogy absolutely recommended.
Aaron is the son of two of the most prolific serial killers of the decade. He’s in love and in a secret relationship with his criminal-psychology professor. The same one who, a decade ago, was significantly involved in finding the couple. He wrote several psychological books about the case and these criminal minds. His whole career and reputation is based on his involvement with this case.
In every book these two are confronted with the dark past that was Aarons childhood and Kenny’s biggest success. Somehow, evil connected to the Howell’s always finds them and wants to hurt them.
But their HEA was totally worth it all. ♡
**************
To Love a Psycho Trilogy
Book 1 - Dream a Little Dream - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Kiss Me Honey Honey - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Killing Me Softly - 4.25 stars
Thrilling and captivating. The whole trilogy absolutely recommended.
Aaron is the son of two of the most prolific serial killers of the decade. He’s in love and in a secret relationship with his criminal-psychology professor. The same one who, a decade ago, was significantly involved in finding the couple. He wrote several psychological books about the case and these criminal minds. His whole career and reputation is based on his involvement with this case.
Months, if not years, of work called into question because of one choice. One relationship. As he’d said before, the moment he’d allowed himself to kiss Aaron, it would destroy his entire life.
In every book these two are confronted with the dark past that was Aarons childhood and Kenny’s biggest success. Somehow, evil connected to the Howell’s always finds them and wants to hurt them.
But their HEA was totally worth it all. ♡
**************
To Love a Psycho Trilogy
Book 1 - Dream a Little Dream - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Kiss Me Honey Honey - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Killing Me Softly - 4.25 stars
April 3, 2025
This book was incredible. The build up for this series is just inspiring, really. So much happens and, if you’re trying to be all “well, in real life” about it, yeah…too much happens. But it’s so intentional. Never once while reading did I think “wait, what? How did we get here?” because the trail was marked well enough that, while each new vista was beautiful, I was never lost in the woods.
Okay, enough metaphor (or whatever. I’m not smart. Shush). If you’ve seen my reviews for the first two books in this series, you know I love these characters. Aaron is so vulnerable but has the prickliest shell. He’s like those poison dart frogs–beautiful and drawing the eye (looks like candy, you might say) but that allure is intimidating because you know a single touch could kill you. It’s been amazing watching him grow into himself in these books. I can see the change, but also how he’s even more distilled than before. More himself in every way.
Oh man, but Kenny. Look. I love him, I do. But I also chronically want to shake him. Brilliant and clear-eyed in all things except himself. As an outside observer with the ability to see in both MC's heads, Kenny’s actions and thoughts sometimes frustrate me. That said, it’s all reasonable. He acts completely as his character should given his background. Doesn’t stop me wanting to give him a good talking to, though.
Jack…side character though he may be, he’s very important to these books and I’m pleased to say he’s finally grown on me. I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoilers.
Ah, spoilers. There’s so little I feel like I can say about the plot for that very reason. How’s this: everything about this book is gripping. And I don’t mean that in a flippant way. I mean, it takes hold of your soul and your heart and squeezes. You can’t escape and you don’t want to. Every page turn had me holding my ereader more tightly. These are the sorts of books that will get even better with rereads, I think (well, I’ve read the first book twice, so there’s less “I think” and more “I know”). Missed details, threads unnoticed until pulled in a later book. Seeing the details that only click because you already know the outcome. Yeah. So this series is spectacular and possibly one of the very best I’ve read in years.
Okay, enough metaphor (or whatever. I’m not smart. Shush). If you’ve seen my reviews for the first two books in this series, you know I love these characters. Aaron is so vulnerable but has the prickliest shell. He’s like those poison dart frogs–beautiful and drawing the eye (looks like candy, you might say) but that allure is intimidating because you know a single touch could kill you. It’s been amazing watching him grow into himself in these books. I can see the change, but also how he’s even more distilled than before. More himself in every way.
Oh man, but Kenny. Look. I love him, I do. But I also chronically want to shake him. Brilliant and clear-eyed in all things except himself. As an outside observer with the ability to see in both MC's heads, Kenny’s actions and thoughts sometimes frustrate me. That said, it’s all reasonable. He acts completely as his character should given his background. Doesn’t stop me wanting to give him a good talking to, though.
Jack…side character though he may be, he’s very important to these books and I’m pleased to say he’s finally grown on me. I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoilers.
Ah, spoilers. There’s so little I feel like I can say about the plot for that very reason. How’s this: everything about this book is gripping. And I don’t mean that in a flippant way. I mean, it takes hold of your soul and your heart and squeezes. You can’t escape and you don’t want to. Every page turn had me holding my ereader more tightly. These are the sorts of books that will get even better with rereads, I think (well, I’ve read the first book twice, so there’s less “I think” and more “I know”). Missed details, threads unnoticed until pulled in a later book. Seeing the details that only click because you already know the outcome. Yeah. So this series is spectacular and possibly one of the very best I’ve read in years.
September 20, 2025
OMFG 🤯
Wow! So atmospheric, with so many twists and turns; once again, the story totally drew me in. The characterisation, particularly for Aaron and Kenny, just got better and better throughout the series. Both guys are still considering cutting ties, now in Aaron's final university year, but it's proving difficult, especially for Aaron. He desperately needs Kenny to keep him on an even keel.
He's still constantly battling the fear that he carries the same darkness within him, that his serial killer parents had. CF describes Aaron's internal struggle, his isolation, and his desperate yearning for normalcy, so well. His bond with Kenny provides a fragile counterpoint to the pervasive sense of dread, he constantly feels.
The author balances the romantic elements with the chilling undertones of Aaron's lineage, ensuring that the reader is never allowed to forget the darkness that lurks beneath the surface. And, talking about darkness, when Aaron's sister comes onto the scene, hell is let loose yet again. CF really tied me in knots, I found myself sympathising with the baddy. I caught myself thinking, 'if only' and 'what if?' Nature or nurture?
The whole series has been masterfully written, it's a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read. It raises difficult questions about the nature of evil, the power of love, and the possibility of breaking free from the chains of the past. There is bloody murder and gore, rescue from an unexpected source, a total surprise, but way to go! What a STUNNING SERIES, it'll stick with me for a while, and I'll definitely re-read.
Wow! So atmospheric, with so many twists and turns; once again, the story totally drew me in. The characterisation, particularly for Aaron and Kenny, just got better and better throughout the series. Both guys are still considering cutting ties, now in Aaron's final university year, but it's proving difficult, especially for Aaron. He desperately needs Kenny to keep him on an even keel.
He's still constantly battling the fear that he carries the same darkness within him, that his serial killer parents had. CF describes Aaron's internal struggle, his isolation, and his desperate yearning for normalcy, so well. His bond with Kenny provides a fragile counterpoint to the pervasive sense of dread, he constantly feels.
The author balances the romantic elements with the chilling undertones of Aaron's lineage, ensuring that the reader is never allowed to forget the darkness that lurks beneath the surface. And, talking about darkness, when Aaron's sister comes onto the scene, hell is let loose yet again. CF really tied me in knots, I found myself sympathising with the baddy. I caught myself thinking, 'if only' and 'what if?' Nature or nurture?
The whole series has been masterfully written, it's a thought-provoking and emotionally charged read. It raises difficult questions about the nature of evil, the power of love, and the possibility of breaking free from the chains of the past. There is bloody murder and gore, rescue from an unexpected source, a total surprise, but way to go! What a STUNNING SERIES, it'll stick with me for a while, and I'll definitely re-read.
April 14, 2025
But the stars above them burned brighter as the city blurred below, and in the stillness, Aaron let himself believe, just for a moment, that maybe they really could belong to each other. For as long as life let them.
O.M.G. What an ending!
I stayed up until 1:30 AM on a workday to finish this book. No, I was not okay. Yes, I was a mess at work.
This book has so much! All the feels, wholesome tender moments, heartbreak (mostly mine), but also gruesome murders, and psychological twists.
Something happened at 30% in that had me sobbing and cursing everyone.
It was a kiss that broke things apart and rebuilt them in the same heartbeat.
I mean I didn’t expect the book to be all sunshine and roses, after having read the first two books. But I didn’t expect to have my heart ripped out again and again in this one.
I totally got why Kenny acted the way he did (most of the time), but I still wanted to slap him for sometimes not seeing how Aaron would take his actions.
Thankfully there were moments in this book that made it up for it. They finally got themselves together and realized that they can and should lean onto each other. There was this one moment where they lay in bed together and just talked. Bad stuff happened before and in general it wasn’t a good time, but it felt so good that they just held each other, breathed and talked.
Could he handle it? The full weight of Kenny’s love, his devotion, his need? Could he hold that gaze and never let it slip away?
I have to say I never loved and utterly hated a book at the same time like this one.
There were parts that made me really want to rip the metaphorical pages out and pretend that didn’t just happen. Basically every time that Laura person was on page. It’s been a while since I hated a character this much…
What really threw me off the loop in the book were the murders. They weren’t really that bad in a rational thinking way. There were worse things in the series and I read much worse.
But it was how Aaron reacted to it that made them so horribly. And also the act behind it. It wasn’t like the murderer wanted to kill people because it was fun. It was simply only to hurt Aaron.
None of that means anything if I’m standing in the middle of a storm without knowing what’s coming.
I got a bit afraid that there was so much book left after the killer got stopped.
But it ended up being great! The book doesn’t just end and we get a “and they lived happily ever after” epilogue, but we actually see how it all came together and played out.
And how Kenny and Aaron were together when it was just them. Nothing else between them or stopping them from being together.
“I love you.” Kenny rested his forehead on Aaron’s. “I’m so fucking in love with you, it’s part of me now. You’re in my blood, bones, every damn breath I take. There isn’t anything you could do, nothing you could say, that will change that. You are it for me. You, strangely, are the only thing I am certain of.”
I’m not convinced that it is all over for them. Aaron’s mother wasn’t much present in this book and I’m a bit afraid that there will be something more coming. Especially since the author had such an ominous sentence in the foreword…
The psychological aspect of the book was again really amazing. I’m still in no position to comment if it’s realistic or not, but it is written in a way that is very believable and feels very true! I got chills everytime they dug into Child A’s psyche and unraveled something more about her and Aaron’s past.
“I’m going to spend the rest of my life teaching you that this safe feeling you have, what you feel right now, this is what normal feels like. This is what you deserve to have felt all your life.”
It really surprised me how much I liked Jack and Fletcher in the book. They really grew on me and I hope to maybe see more of them again. Though I can’t believe Fletcher would tolerate JD in his house being scottish. (My partner loves Scottish Whisky and can get a bit intense when it comes to over commercialised brands).
Love. That single word wrapped around him, clung to his skin, seeped into his bones, and filled every hollow space he hadn’t realised was empty.
For now I’m really happy that they can just be, because they deserve it so much.
Do I want more? Yes of course! Can I handle it? We’ll see…
(Also if I’ll really reread that as often as I’m now planning to, I'll probably be able to recite it by heart.)
May 1, 2025
Killing Me Softly is the third and final book in the ‘To Love a Psycho’ series. It stars Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Lyons, a famous criminal psychologist and professor, and Aaron Jones, college student and son of two serial killers. This is told in third person from Kenny and Aaron’s povs.
I thought the first book was intense! I don’t think I can really describe what happens in this book because that would blunt the emotional impact. I can give a summary/warning of what to expect, however.
The book starts from Child A’s pov. If you’ve read Book Two, then you know that person is Aaron’s sister. And I can tell you she is a total psycho. You know she’s going to go after Aaron, and the first chapter increases the tension for the rest of the book because you know she’s lurking in the background waiting to strike, but you don’t know how, or when. Not only that, there’s someone else who appears to be a psycho, and both are after Aaron and Kenny to either inflict as much pain on them, or to kill them. Innocent people are killed, especially one who I felt particularly bad for. The climax was brutal. To say this book was stressful is a huge understatement.
Emotionally, Kenny is waiting for Aaron to say he loves Kenny, first, although I don’t know why. It’s like that will somehow heal Aaron if he does. Kenny literally pours his heart out to Aaron at one point, and it was shattering. The one thing I didn’t understand was why Kenny kept thinking Aaron would stop loving him and leave. He must think he’s unworthy or something but I don’t remember reading if it was explained in the book. They get their HEA, but I was not expecting how they lived it. I can’t imagine them living that way forever, especially Aaron, he does like city excitement, dancing at clubs. So not sure how that would work out. I’m glad Jack, Jack’s hubby, Kenny, and Aaron grew closer.
This is supposed to be the last book in this series except for short stories, but I really hope it isn’t. I would love to see Aaron and Kenny team up like Holmes and Watson. Aaron is exceedingly smart and Kenny, in a way, was training him as his protégé. Aaron did pick up knowledge from Kenny. I really hope the author decides to write more about these two. I think this book series would be terrific as a TV show. The books could be cut up into two or three segments which would lead to decent length episodes.
Killing Me Softly was a terrific read. It was suspenseful with intense emotions and great characters. I recommend this series to everyone. I give this book, a solid 5 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I thought the first book was intense! I don’t think I can really describe what happens in this book because that would blunt the emotional impact. I can give a summary/warning of what to expect, however.
The book starts from Child A’s pov. If you’ve read Book Two, then you know that person is Aaron’s sister. And I can tell you she is a total psycho. You know she’s going to go after Aaron, and the first chapter increases the tension for the rest of the book because you know she’s lurking in the background waiting to strike, but you don’t know how, or when. Not only that, there’s someone else who appears to be a psycho, and both are after Aaron and Kenny to either inflict as much pain on them, or to kill them. Innocent people are killed, especially one who I felt particularly bad for. The climax was brutal. To say this book was stressful is a huge understatement.
Emotionally, Kenny is waiting for Aaron to say he loves Kenny, first, although I don’t know why. It’s like that will somehow heal Aaron if he does. Kenny literally pours his heart out to Aaron at one point, and it was shattering. The one thing I didn’t understand was why Kenny kept thinking Aaron would stop loving him and leave. He must think he’s unworthy or something but I don’t remember reading if it was explained in the book. They get their HEA, but I was not expecting how they lived it. I can’t imagine them living that way forever, especially Aaron, he does like city excitement, dancing at clubs. So not sure how that would work out. I’m glad Jack, Jack’s hubby, Kenny, and Aaron grew closer.
This is supposed to be the last book in this series except for short stories, but I really hope it isn’t. I would love to see Aaron and Kenny team up like Holmes and Watson. Aaron is exceedingly smart and Kenny, in a way, was training him as his protégé. Aaron did pick up knowledge from Kenny. I really hope the author decides to write more about these two. I think this book series would be terrific as a TV show. The books could be cut up into two or three segments which would lead to decent length episodes.
Killing Me Softly was a terrific read. It was suspenseful with intense emotions and great characters. I recommend this series to everyone. I give this book, a solid 5 Stars.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 10, 2025
Be prepared for a high voltage culmination to the series. The tension is taut, the pressure is piling on from all sides, the chemistry is white hot and the emotions are bleeding through every single chapter.
I am going to do my best to keep this review and the edits as spoiler free as possible while also taking every opportunity to scream at high decibels how very much I loved this book, how unbelievably gripping it was and how I just gobbled it up.
Honestly if you havnt started this series DM me on why you’re hesitating and I will convince you why need to read it and then we can chat about it 😁
This story is just exceptional, with the overarching plot and the latest twists and reveals it keeps all of real life at bay as you live in Kenny and Aaron’s world. How with all of this the author also manages to give us great banter and swoon and tons of lol moments and all the feels of found family (that’s you Mel and maybe even DI Bellend dare I say.. that might be my unpopular opinion 😬)
Kenny and Aaron are in so much danger in so very many ways. Their relationship’s precarious balance, their past continuing to rear it’s head, their hopes for the future, who they are stalked or surrounded by .. the net keeps tightening, but they are fighting back, keeping each other in sight and reaching for everything.
Also I think I forgot to mention it in the last two books but the way music is intrinsically interwoven into the story is genius!
That wind up to the end is epic.. all the action drama and vindication you need , nothing is neat but everything is satisfying.
Expect:
* Forbidden Professor x student
* Psychological thriller
* Obsession
* Suspense and mystery
* Found family
* Murders and violence
* Epic HEA
* Swoony
I am going to do my best to keep this review and the edits as spoiler free as possible while also taking every opportunity to scream at high decibels how very much I loved this book, how unbelievably gripping it was and how I just gobbled it up.
Honestly if you havnt started this series DM me on why you’re hesitating and I will convince you why need to read it and then we can chat about it 😁
This story is just exceptional, with the overarching plot and the latest twists and reveals it keeps all of real life at bay as you live in Kenny and Aaron’s world. How with all of this the author also manages to give us great banter and swoon and tons of lol moments and all the feels of found family (that’s you Mel and maybe even DI Bellend dare I say.. that might be my unpopular opinion 😬)
Kenny and Aaron are in so much danger in so very many ways. Their relationship’s precarious balance, their past continuing to rear it’s head, their hopes for the future, who they are stalked or surrounded by .. the net keeps tightening, but they are fighting back, keeping each other in sight and reaching for everything.
Also I think I forgot to mention it in the last two books but the way music is intrinsically interwoven into the story is genius!
That wind up to the end is epic.. all the action drama and vindication you need , nothing is neat but everything is satisfying.
Expect:
* Forbidden Professor x student
* Psychological thriller
* Obsession
* Suspense and mystery
* Found family
* Murders and violence
* Epic HEA
* Swoony
September 27, 2025
A Haunting, Devastating, and Unforgettable Finale!
Aaron and Kenny’s love story has always teetered on the edge of danger and desire, but here, it explodes into something darker, deeper, and utterly unshakable.
In this explosive finale to the trilogy, Dr. Kenneth Lyons is forced to confront the fallout of every line he’s crossed. What began as a fragile attempt to maintain control has spiralled into something raw, reckless, and undeniably real. From the very first encounter, Kenny and Aaron’s connection has burned with impossible intensity; messy, magnetic, and utterly inevitable.
Aaron and Kenny’s love story has always teetered on the edge of danger and desire, now, the walls between their private world and Kenny’s carefully managed academic life are crumbling fast. Secrets refuse to stay buried, reputations are on the line, and in the shadows, a far more dangerous force is closing in. As the stakes rise and the past claws its way back, C.F. White delivers a breathtaking, twisted, unpredictable, and razor-sharp conclusion that is terrifyingly personal. Every chapter tightens the noose, and yet you can’t look away. You won’t.
This is not just a love story, it’s a storm you won’t want to escape.
But what truly elevates this story is the way White captures the complexity of trauma, love, and survival. It’s not just about solving a mystery, it’s about confronting the monsters within and choosing love even when it feels like the most dangerous option.
On a psychological level, C.F. White masterfully unpacks the intricate web of human relationships, delving into the fraught tensions between parents and children, the shifting bonds between siblings, the complicated loyalty of friendships and the lingering presence of ex-lovers. She doesn’t just touch on these dynamics; she dissects them with empathy and insight.
The narrative also skilfully navigates the nature versus nurture debate, offering a nuanced look at how trauma shapes identity, coping mechanisms, and the way we love, or fail to. It’s a deeply layered exploration of the emotional baggage we carry and the scars that don’t always show.
The supporting cast is anything but background noise, every character introduced plays a meaningful role in propelling the story forward and deepening its emotional resonance.
Mel, with her fierce loyalty and sharp wit, offers a unique window into Aaron’s world, revealing sides of him that only a true friend could draw out.
Then there’s Jack, Kenny’s ex, and his partner, Fraser, who bring their own quiet complexities to the table. Through them, we glimpse the more guarded, vulnerable aspects of Kenny, and watch as past relationships shift and evolve in real time.
Jack, in particular, is more than just the series’ central law enforcement figure. He becomes a surprising source of stability, often acting as an unspoken bridge between Kenny and Aaron when both men are too raw to reach for each other. It’s a testament to C.F. White’s skill that these secondary characters don’t just fill space, they enrich it. Every interaction feels intentional, every presence earned. Their depth and relevance are part of what makes this story so immersive.
“Their love was forged in shadows.” That single line encapsulates the heart of this electrifying and soul-shattering conclusion to this breathtaking trilogy with it's blend of passion, peril, and obsession. And let me just say, this book didn’t just end the series, it detonated it in the most breathtaking, unforgettable way, though there’s definitely room for more......
A truly stunning conclusion to a series that will stay with me for a long, long time.
Highly recommended To Love a Psycho to anyone who craves love stories that burn, bleed, and blaze.
Part of the gripping trilogy of obsession, psychological tension, and dark romance To Love a Psycho, and must be read in order:
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2025
And the banger ended with a banger.
I am honestly heartbroken that we have come to the end of this journey. I enjoyed reading about Aaron and Kenny to the point that they became a part of me.
I cannot describe how satisfyingly amazing this book and all previous books were. It clearly gave me a book hangerover as I am not ready to move on from this series. I cannot.
Aaron proved yet again that he isn't and will not be like his parents no matter what people think. He has defied the odds in a lot of ways and his struggle with certain emotional situations just made me love him a little more. He is willing, though. Willing to learn, to comfort, to be needed even when his identity as son of the Howells threatens to consume and overwhelm him.
Kenny goes through a lot in this book which leads him into falling back into old habits (not clubbing and sleeping around). He gets fixated and closes off, pushing people away, or in Aaron's case, trying to shield him away from potential heartache. I got to hand it to Jack for speaking to Aaron and ensuring Kenny doesn't close off because that may have been one of the little things that kept Aaron and Kenny's relationship going, stronger, unbreakable.
I enjoyed seeing Mel more in this book but... yeah, I'll let you all figure that one out yourselves. Hint: It's shocking.
Anyway, this book and all the previous ones— I don't think I've ever read anything that could surpass them. Thank you C.F. White for your service *salutes*.
//ARC Review//
I am honestly heartbroken that we have come to the end of this journey. I enjoyed reading about Aaron and Kenny to the point that they became a part of me.
I cannot describe how satisfyingly amazing this book and all previous books were. It clearly gave me a book hangerover as I am not ready to move on from this series. I cannot.
Aaron proved yet again that he isn't and will not be like his parents no matter what people think. He has defied the odds in a lot of ways and his struggle with certain emotional situations just made me love him a little more. He is willing, though. Willing to learn, to comfort, to be needed even when his identity as son of the Howells threatens to consume and overwhelm him.
Kenny goes through a lot in this book which leads him into falling back into old habits (not clubbing and sleeping around). He gets fixated and closes off, pushing people away, or in Aaron's case, trying to shield him away from potential heartache. I got to hand it to Jack for speaking to Aaron and ensuring Kenny doesn't close off because that may have been one of the little things that kept Aaron and Kenny's relationship going, stronger, unbreakable.
I enjoyed seeing Mel more in this book but... yeah, I'll let you all figure that one out yourselves. Hint: It's shocking.
Anyway, this book and all the previous ones— I don't think I've ever read anything that could surpass them. Thank you C.F. White for your service *salutes*.
//ARC Review//
November 6, 2025
Review for (To Love a Psycho-3) Killing Me Softly by C.F. White
Again, I feel so lucky to be entering this world/story. I have been lucky to have read the first two and now this one. Aaron Jones always felt he wasn't meant to fall in love with his life. Dr. Kenneth Lyons drew me into who he was quite soon in the story. He is a professor, but also has a hidden side: he is a criminal psychologist who profiles Aaron's parents. That alone makes it so hard for these two men, I thought, to find each other and to realize that they are meant for each other. No good relationship is worth its salt if you don't have to fight for it. I loved the way C.F. White wrote about how Kenneth was able to really see who Aaron is and what he needs to grow in himself and his life. Oh, and wow, their physical relationship doesn't have any trouble burning my Kindle out lol. Then they look into Kenny's dark fascinations with certain things. This author wrote it just right. I couldn't read this fast enough to see what happens with these two. There is the other side where I didn't want it to end as I read the last word lol. I'm greedy; what can I say? I need more from this author and this series.
Nicole Harvey
Again, I feel so lucky to be entering this world/story. I have been lucky to have read the first two and now this one. Aaron Jones always felt he wasn't meant to fall in love with his life. Dr. Kenneth Lyons drew me into who he was quite soon in the story. He is a professor, but also has a hidden side: he is a criminal psychologist who profiles Aaron's parents. That alone makes it so hard for these two men, I thought, to find each other and to realize that they are meant for each other. No good relationship is worth its salt if you don't have to fight for it. I loved the way C.F. White wrote about how Kenneth was able to really see who Aaron is and what he needs to grow in himself and his life. Oh, and wow, their physical relationship doesn't have any trouble burning my Kindle out lol. Then they look into Kenny's dark fascinations with certain things. This author wrote it just right. I couldn't read this fast enough to see what happens with these two. There is the other side where I didn't want it to end as I read the last word lol. I'm greedy; what can I say? I need more from this author and this series.
Nicole Harvey
April 23, 2025
After finishing book two in this series, I could not wait for this release! Each book had its own thing to add to this story and make it complete.
Many questions (or shall I say mysteries) will get answered. And if you've read books one and two, you already know it's a slow process but worth the wait and finally getting the complete picture.
Aaron's mind once again is analyzed by Kenny multiple times trying to figure out the right way to go about their relationship and what Aaron needs from him. Kenny needs to take some of the advice he is given because the way he feels his feelings by the end were sad to me.
Overall, it was a great continuation and finale to this series. There are so many mixed emotions, especially about Child A. She, he, both deserved better parents. Really loved the new addition to the family at the end. It was such a joy for Aaron and Kenny to have around!
Many questions (or shall I say mysteries) will get answered. And if you've read books one and two, you already know it's a slow process but worth the wait and finally getting the complete picture.
Aaron's mind once again is analyzed by Kenny multiple times trying to figure out the right way to go about their relationship and what Aaron needs from him. Kenny needs to take some of the advice he is given because the way he feels his feelings by the end were sad to me.
Overall, it was a great continuation and finale to this series. There are so many mixed emotions, especially about Child A. She, he, both deserved better parents. Really loved the new addition to the family at the end. It was such a joy for Aaron and Kenny to have around!
April 14, 2025
What an ending!! I loved the whole series, and I will miss Kenny and Aaron.
This was the ending that finishes all the loose ends of the other books and the ending in the shed.... God, it was brutal!
I expected everything except the arrival of 2 new characters who became fundamental in this plot and the person who saved Aaron and Kenny’s lives.
Great series
This was the ending that finishes all the loose ends of the other books and the ending in the shed.... God, it was brutal!
I expected everything except the arrival of 2 new characters who became fundamental in this plot and the person who saved Aaron and Kenny’s lives.
Great series
November 19, 2025
Aaron and Kenny ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
Seriously, I can't get enough of these two! The plot is fantastic and the characters keep me coming back for more. It's madness, on to the next book. 100% recommend these reads.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
Seriously, I can't get enough of these two! The plot is fantastic and the characters keep me coming back for more. It's madness, on to the next book. 100% recommend these reads.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
November 9, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Killing Me Softly — C.F. White
ARC provided via GRR — thank you for the opportunity to read and review.
If the first two books built the obsession, this one buries you in the emotional wreckage and refuses to let you breathe. Killing Me Softly is where love stops being whispered in the dark and starts feeling like a loaded gun—dangerous, irrational, and the only thing powerful enough to keep them alive.
Aaron wasn’t meant to love. He wasn’t supposed to need anyone, especially not the man trained to dissect minds like his. But Kenny sees him in a way no one ever has—soft, terrified, brilliant, and worthy. And that terrifies Aaron more than any killer ever could.
Kenny has always walked the razor edge between control and chaos, and in this book, he finally admits what we’ve known since page one: Aaron is the line, and he crossed it willingly. His protectiveness turns feral, his restraint shatters, and that internal war between career, ethics, and love becomes impossible to ignore. Kenny isn’t just breaking rules anymore—he’s erasing them.
This installment dives deeper into their psyches:
The guilt
The hunger
The quiet tenderness they guard like a secret
The fear of losing each other to death or consequence
There's more vulnerability here. More raw honesty. Aaron isn’t just trying to survive his past—he’s trying to believe in a future. And Kenny isn’t just trying to protect Aaron’s body—he’s fighting to protect his heart, too.
But the danger hasn’t eased. If anything, it’s escalated. Bodies fall. Secrets bleed. Someone is playing a game designed to break both of them, and the stakes are terrifying. Watching their trauma collide with trust, desire, and desperation made this my favorite emotional arc so far.
The tension? Suffocating.
The devotion? Relentless.
The darkness? Still very much alive, and hungry.
Their love story isn’t soft—it’s carved in scars and stitched together with obsession and hope. And in this book, it becomes clear: they’re not falling anymore. They already fell. Now they’re trying to survive the landing.
Tropes & Themes:
Dark MM romance
Obsessive, trauma-bonded love
Forbidden professor/student history
“I’ll burn the world for you” devotion
Psychological suspense
Past trauma returning to hunt them
Tone: Dark, intimate, emotionally raw, obsessive
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥/5 — charged, vulnerable, tied to trauma and trust rather than only heat
CW/TW: Serial killer themes, murder, trauma, homophobia and racism (to side characters), mentions of past abuse, sexual trauma mentions, PTSD, mental instability, obsessive behavior, past kink references, violence
Final thought:
Love shouldn’t survive in their world—yet it does. And that is what makes this series so addictive. Messy, haunting, and beautifully unwell. I am fully locked in and ready to bleed for these two in the final book.
Killing Me Softly — C.F. White
ARC provided via GRR — thank you for the opportunity to read and review.
If the first two books built the obsession, this one buries you in the emotional wreckage and refuses to let you breathe. Killing Me Softly is where love stops being whispered in the dark and starts feeling like a loaded gun—dangerous, irrational, and the only thing powerful enough to keep them alive.
Aaron wasn’t meant to love. He wasn’t supposed to need anyone, especially not the man trained to dissect minds like his. But Kenny sees him in a way no one ever has—soft, terrified, brilliant, and worthy. And that terrifies Aaron more than any killer ever could.
Kenny has always walked the razor edge between control and chaos, and in this book, he finally admits what we’ve known since page one: Aaron is the line, and he crossed it willingly. His protectiveness turns feral, his restraint shatters, and that internal war between career, ethics, and love becomes impossible to ignore. Kenny isn’t just breaking rules anymore—he’s erasing them.
This installment dives deeper into their psyches:
The guilt
The hunger
The quiet tenderness they guard like a secret
The fear of losing each other to death or consequence
There's more vulnerability here. More raw honesty. Aaron isn’t just trying to survive his past—he’s trying to believe in a future. And Kenny isn’t just trying to protect Aaron’s body—he’s fighting to protect his heart, too.
But the danger hasn’t eased. If anything, it’s escalated. Bodies fall. Secrets bleed. Someone is playing a game designed to break both of them, and the stakes are terrifying. Watching their trauma collide with trust, desire, and desperation made this my favorite emotional arc so far.
The tension? Suffocating.
The devotion? Relentless.
The darkness? Still very much alive, and hungry.
Their love story isn’t soft—it’s carved in scars and stitched together with obsession and hope. And in this book, it becomes clear: they’re not falling anymore. They already fell. Now they’re trying to survive the landing.
Tropes & Themes:
Dark MM romance
Obsessive, trauma-bonded love
Forbidden professor/student history
“I’ll burn the world for you” devotion
Psychological suspense
Past trauma returning to hunt them
Tone: Dark, intimate, emotionally raw, obsessive
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥/5 — charged, vulnerable, tied to trauma and trust rather than only heat
CW/TW: Serial killer themes, murder, trauma, homophobia and racism (to side characters), mentions of past abuse, sexual trauma mentions, PTSD, mental instability, obsessive behavior, past kink references, violence
Final thought:
Love shouldn’t survive in their world—yet it does. And that is what makes this series so addictive. Messy, haunting, and beautifully unwell. I am fully locked in and ready to bleed for these two in the final book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
I received this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
Killing Me Softly, by C.F. White, is the third and final book in the trilogy To Love a Psycho. Once again, we follow Aaron Jones and Dr. Kenneth Lyons as they attempt to bury a past that refuses to be forgotten.
Aaron and Kenneth have recently realized that it’d be better for them to keep their taboo relationship hidden, just until Aaron graduates and Kenneth secures tenure. What begins as a sound plan quickly unravels when rumors start spreading about their affair. Before they know it, two shadows emerge from the past, with a grudge so deep that Aaron and Kenneth can barely fathom it.
White pulled back all the curtains. We know who’s hiding in the dark, and apparently, we’re all sitting ducks. The connections are quick to make, but that does no good, especially in the hands of a practiced killer and her puppet master. The conflict between Aaron and Kenneth is also simple: whether or not they think they deserve each other. Even towards the end, the conflict is still there. But whatever hell they put themselves in is leagues better than the infected self-wound the antagonists obsess over.
To be honest, I really wanted to read more of Dr. Laura Pryce. There’s a reason why this profession is so heavily guarded, and why we have strict rules regarding ethical conduct and who is eligible. It’s too easy to let your pride get in the way, and the more you cling to it, the more of your grave you’re digging. By the time you’ve realized what’s going on, it’s too late. You’re the patient. It’s also the reason why so many people recommend that therapists have their own therapist. There’s also a reason why the book is called Killing Me Softly; the secrets we refuse to see are the reasons why we’ve got acidic holes in our hearts.
Speaking of unethical mental health professionals and caretakers, I didn’t like the lack of closure between Aaron and his mother. Roisin is trapped in a hell of her own making, but I’d rather see her suffer for all the things she’s done rather than leave it in some grandstanding letter. Do I care if she finally admits that she’s guilty? Not particularly. Do I want her to continue suffering from her delusions? Absolutely. Especially with all the lives she’s ruined.
Although there were some characters I would’ve preferred to get their comeuppance, the development between Aaron and Kenneth was good. I would’ve preferred that Jack not be as involved in the relationship as he is. I also would’ve wanted more morally grey aspects in Kenneth’s character. Still, I definitely enjoyed the book, and I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Killing Me Softly, by C.F. White, is the third and final book in the trilogy To Love a Psycho. Once again, we follow Aaron Jones and Dr. Kenneth Lyons as they attempt to bury a past that refuses to be forgotten.
Aaron and Kenneth have recently realized that it’d be better for them to keep their taboo relationship hidden, just until Aaron graduates and Kenneth secures tenure. What begins as a sound plan quickly unravels when rumors start spreading about their affair. Before they know it, two shadows emerge from the past, with a grudge so deep that Aaron and Kenneth can barely fathom it.
White pulled back all the curtains. We know who’s hiding in the dark, and apparently, we’re all sitting ducks. The connections are quick to make, but that does no good, especially in the hands of a practiced killer and her puppet master. The conflict between Aaron and Kenneth is also simple: whether or not they think they deserve each other. Even towards the end, the conflict is still there. But whatever hell they put themselves in is leagues better than the infected self-wound the antagonists obsess over.
To be honest, I really wanted to read more of Dr. Laura Pryce. There’s a reason why this profession is so heavily guarded, and why we have strict rules regarding ethical conduct and who is eligible. It’s too easy to let your pride get in the way, and the more you cling to it, the more of your grave you’re digging. By the time you’ve realized what’s going on, it’s too late. You’re the patient. It’s also the reason why so many people recommend that therapists have their own therapist. There’s also a reason why the book is called Killing Me Softly; the secrets we refuse to see are the reasons why we’ve got acidic holes in our hearts.
Speaking of unethical mental health professionals and caretakers, I didn’t like the lack of closure between Aaron and his mother. Roisin is trapped in a hell of her own making, but I’d rather see her suffer for all the things she’s done rather than leave it in some grandstanding letter. Do I care if she finally admits that she’s guilty? Not particularly. Do I want her to continue suffering from her delusions? Absolutely. Especially with all the lives she’s ruined.
Although there were some characters I would’ve preferred to get their comeuppance, the development between Aaron and Kenneth was good. I would’ve preferred that Jack not be as involved in the relationship as he is. I also would’ve wanted more morally grey aspects in Kenneth’s character. Still, I definitely enjoyed the book, and I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
April 17, 2025
I received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
5*
Three fantastic books now on my favorites list. I highly recommend this series for anyone that likes smart, psychological crime fiction + some dark, forbidden MM romance. Really satisfying plots and just the right balance between all the conflicting elements to keep you riveted. They’re great fun and worthy of three seasons of television, as Aaron likes to joke.
Be ready for the prologue to chill your flesh and then chapter one to be ridiculously hot. 😂 Aaron and Kenny have this consuming, desperate need for each other that’s never quenched. They’re feral and obsessed, but also full of awe and tenderness. These scenes are intense, emotional, vulnerable, and amazing. Alongside that, Aaron spends quite a bit of time comforting Kenny in this book, and it’s so gratifying to see the roles reversed. They begin to form a real partnership. Even knowing it’s coming, the ILU scene still surprised me. It’s unorthodox and without pretense. Aaron and Kenny are scared and brave and so real in that moment.
Shoutouts to Jack and Mel for bringing the drama, but also for having Aaron and Kenny’s backs. I’m really glad they get to play bigger roles this time. One of my favorite scenes is Mel piecing together some clues during class and reacting… aggressively. I was laughing, yelling, and gasping while reading that scene. With Jack, I love that he and Aaron get to really understand each other. They’re like cats and dogs normally, so to see respect and trust growing between them is gratifying. Plus, Jack is feisty and funny, so he’s a different kind of foil to Aaron’s bratty demands.
Around 60%, I had what I thought was a revelation about the killer. I’d already been thinking the killer was hiding in plain sight. My first theory up to that point had holes, but the second theory made so much sense that I went back through the text, highlighting evidence. I still think it’s a fun, creepy idea, but it’s not where the book goes. Instead, things go sideways at light speed and we get to shout at the characters as things become incredibly dire. But rest assured, the save at the climax is unexpected and amazing. Nicely done. 👏
The book has a bunch of small endings where various plot threads are tied off as the MCs find closure. I like meaningful resolution, especially in crime fiction. Readers need time to absorb and process, just like the characters. I didn’t anticipate the twisty moment in the epilogue, but in hindsight, I should have. That aside, seeing Aaron and Kenny living a simple, joyful life together makes everything in the series worth it.
My heart is full with these two. ❤️🔥🥹
5*
Three fantastic books now on my favorites list. I highly recommend this series for anyone that likes smart, psychological crime fiction + some dark, forbidden MM romance. Really satisfying plots and just the right balance between all the conflicting elements to keep you riveted. They’re great fun and worthy of three seasons of television, as Aaron likes to joke.
Be ready for the prologue to chill your flesh and then chapter one to be ridiculously hot. 😂 Aaron and Kenny have this consuming, desperate need for each other that’s never quenched. They’re feral and obsessed, but also full of awe and tenderness. These scenes are intense, emotional, vulnerable, and amazing. Alongside that, Aaron spends quite a bit of time comforting Kenny in this book, and it’s so gratifying to see the roles reversed. They begin to form a real partnership. Even knowing it’s coming, the ILU scene still surprised me. It’s unorthodox and without pretense. Aaron and Kenny are scared and brave and so real in that moment.
Shoutouts to Jack and Mel for bringing the drama, but also for having Aaron and Kenny’s backs. I’m really glad they get to play bigger roles this time. One of my favorite scenes is Mel piecing together some clues during class and reacting… aggressively. I was laughing, yelling, and gasping while reading that scene. With Jack, I love that he and Aaron get to really understand each other. They’re like cats and dogs normally, so to see respect and trust growing between them is gratifying. Plus, Jack is feisty and funny, so he’s a different kind of foil to Aaron’s bratty demands.
Around 60%, I had what I thought was a revelation about the killer. I’d already been thinking the killer was hiding in plain sight. My first theory up to that point had holes, but the second theory made so much sense that I went back through the text, highlighting evidence. I still think it’s a fun, creepy idea, but it’s not where the book goes. Instead, things go sideways at light speed and we get to shout at the characters as things become incredibly dire. But rest assured, the save at the climax is unexpected and amazing. Nicely done. 👏
The book has a bunch of small endings where various plot threads are tied off as the MCs find closure. I like meaningful resolution, especially in crime fiction. Readers need time to absorb and process, just like the characters. I didn’t anticipate the twisty moment in the epilogue, but in hindsight, I should have. That aside, seeing Aaron and Kenny living a simple, joyful life together makes everything in the series worth it.
My heart is full with these two. ❤️🔥🥹
June 1, 2025
Wow! Killing Me Softly finishes the excellent trilogy by C.F. White in a supremely satisfying way.
These books are an exciting blend of obsession, murder, and letting go of the past.
Professor Kenny Lyons is done fighting his attraction to student Aaron Jones. Kenny knows all his secrets, and still loves every snarky, possessive, insecure bone in Aaron’s body.
A sun-soaked work conference in Barcelona has them enjoying not having to hide their relationship.
But then a past colleague becomes a current coworker and that happy little bubble bursts. Coupled with a devastating loss and an unwelcome visitor from Aaron’s troubled past, the stage is set for a reckoning of cataclysmic proportions.
I love the growth we’ve seen in Aaron over the series. Wanting to help comfort Kenny after a loss - even asking for help on the best way to accomplish this - isn’t something the prickly Aaron of book one ever do. And in a nice twist, Aaron is playing caretaker and pushing Kenny to talk.
No spoilers, but this is one heck of a heart stopping read.
Aaron’s friend Mel is a force of nature (love her!), Adam redeems himself, Fraser continues to be awesome, Mabel and Laura were terrifying, and Ellie - Kenny’s boss- needs some serious retraining seminars as her judgement and ability to read the room are seriously lacking.
If you have the chance, binge all three books at once. Their relationship may have started with a club bathroom hookup and morphed into Professor with benefits status, but it becomes so much more. As different as they are, they’re both haunted by their past, uncertain they are worthy of love, pulled to each other regardless.
It’s dark, sexy, and oh so satisfying. Chapter 23 ends with a line that was what I needed and absolute perfection.
Seeing all Kenny and Aaron have fought and overcome to be together proves just how right they are for each other.
The epilogue is a wonderful coda, seeing them in a good place and looking forward to the future. It’s a HEA (complete with dog) that I couldn’t imagined in book one, which is a tribute to C.F.’s writing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Series Rating)
These books are an exciting blend of obsession, murder, and letting go of the past.
Professor Kenny Lyons is done fighting his attraction to student Aaron Jones. Kenny knows all his secrets, and still loves every snarky, possessive, insecure bone in Aaron’s body.
A sun-soaked work conference in Barcelona has them enjoying not having to hide their relationship.
But then a past colleague becomes a current coworker and that happy little bubble bursts. Coupled with a devastating loss and an unwelcome visitor from Aaron’s troubled past, the stage is set for a reckoning of cataclysmic proportions.
I love the growth we’ve seen in Aaron over the series. Wanting to help comfort Kenny after a loss - even asking for help on the best way to accomplish this - isn’t something the prickly Aaron of book one ever do. And in a nice twist, Aaron is playing caretaker and pushing Kenny to talk.
No spoilers, but this is one heck of a heart stopping read.
Aaron’s friend Mel is a force of nature (love her!), Adam redeems himself, Fraser continues to be awesome, Mabel and Laura were terrifying, and Ellie - Kenny’s boss- needs some serious retraining seminars as her judgement and ability to read the room are seriously lacking.
If you have the chance, binge all three books at once. Their relationship may have started with a club bathroom hookup and morphed into Professor with benefits status, but it becomes so much more. As different as they are, they’re both haunted by their past, uncertain they are worthy of love, pulled to each other regardless.
It’s dark, sexy, and oh so satisfying. Chapter 23 ends with a line that was what I needed and absolute perfection.
Seeing all Kenny and Aaron have fought and overcome to be together proves just how right they are for each other.
The epilogue is a wonderful coda, seeing them in a good place and looking forward to the future. It’s a HEA (complete with dog) that I couldn’t imagined in book one, which is a tribute to C.F.’s writing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Series Rating)
April 21, 2025
I'm sad. And why am I sad, you might ask? Because this series is complete and it's the end of Aaron and Kenny's rollercoaster of a journey. Seriously, like, what a corker of a culmination for what has been an incredible trilogy. I have felt so involved with these characters, whose personalities are delicately fleshed out, that I feel as though I've gotten to know them. Now that I have to say goodbye, I feel sad, and I think that is very justified!
After two books of turmoil, murder, and the impact serial killer parents, I wasn't sure exactly how this series was going to end. I mean, after the twist at the end of book 2, I had an idea of where we were going. But as usual, the author completely surprised me and oh did we go on a journey.
I love the amount of research that must go into this series, particularly with forensic psychology and psychology in general. Even the trauma is so visceral that I found myself really empathising with Aaron as his character developed. There was some great character arcs and even better relationship development. This whole trilogy was a slow burn that led us to some hot as hell heavy spice in the third instalment, and it was so, so worth it.
I'd actually quite like to read the story of Jack (DI Bellend) meeting his husband - particularly his preferred kind of stress relief.
Basically, this story was just as good as its two predecessors, and I am glad that Aaron and Kenny finally got their happily ever after. Every question I had was answered and the overarching plot tied up with a perfect bow at the end. So it's a perfect, bittersweet goodbye to two characters that have wormed their way into my mind and heart. For now, I'll dream a little dream of these books, and the characters which will stay with me for a while.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
After two books of turmoil, murder, and the impact serial killer parents, I wasn't sure exactly how this series was going to end. I mean, after the twist at the end of book 2, I had an idea of where we were going. But as usual, the author completely surprised me and oh did we go on a journey.
I love the amount of research that must go into this series, particularly with forensic psychology and psychology in general. Even the trauma is so visceral that I found myself really empathising with Aaron as his character developed. There was some great character arcs and even better relationship development. This whole trilogy was a slow burn that led us to some hot as hell heavy spice in the third instalment, and it was so, so worth it.
I'd actually quite like to read the story of Jack (DI Bellend) meeting his husband - particularly his preferred kind of stress relief.
Basically, this story was just as good as its two predecessors, and I am glad that Aaron and Kenny finally got their happily ever after. Every question I had was answered and the overarching plot tied up with a perfect bow at the end. So it's a perfect, bittersweet goodbye to two characters that have wormed their way into my mind and heart. For now, I'll dream a little dream of these books, and the characters which will stay with me for a while.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
December 15, 2025
Wow, just wow. It’s a very good thing I read 5 books between the previous one in this series and this one, because this was a doozy, and I needed the mental and emotional capacity to withstand the onslaught of emotions this caused. The loss, the huge loss, the suffering, the trauma, the past messing up present, and future, the invisible chains both Aaron and Kenny are carrying… it was beautiful to see two broken people come together, and support each other in their healing journey. It was… wow. I love the contrasting characters, Mel, Mabel, Taylor, Kenny, Aaron… they all have things in common, and things that set them apart, and it’s beautifully portrayed. It delves, once again, deeply into mental illness and how therapy can make or break a person, and evil people aren’t always behind bars or mentally ill, and mentally ill people aren’t always evil. I seriously love these series, because it isn’t about a couple, it isn’t about love, it isn’t about life, it’s about all of this and more. How love can heal or break, how trauma can destroy you or you can choose to live on, scars and all, how expectations can bind you or can push you to become more. It’s amazing. And Aaron, wow, I loved him in the prior books, but in this one, he steps up to help Kenny, be there for him even when Kenny doesn’t make it easy. And Kenny, allowing himself happiness and love. This is amazing, and the “bad guy” is so well done! I loved it! I seriously recommend all these books. Now, I’m going to read 10 others before I tackle the next one in the series, because my heart can’t take all of these emotional upheaval! Incredible book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC ... even though it resulted in me being late for work, and hiding my kobo in my work notebook so I could finish the book.
This series is remarkable...and I've never begun a final book with a more equal feeling of dread and enthusiasm. It's because going in I knew that C.F. White wasn't going to pull any punches. She has given these characters such a build up... I knew that the end was going to be traumatic. It was.... let me tell you.
In this final book of the trilogy (although there's a whisper on the wind that there may be the potential for there to be more) Dr. Kenneth Lyons is faced with the repercussions of the decisions he has made. In the first two books Kenny has tried and failed to set boundaries between him and student/love interest, Aaron. The problem is that these two are made for each other. They are incredibly different characters, opposites in many ways, and yet the attraction between them is clear from the first moment they are on the page together.
The world of academia is catching up with what's been going on behind the scenes in Kenny's life and it's all coming to a head. In the midst of his professional life being in a turmoil, there's a terrifying threat lurking in the shadows. White has crafted a stunning tale that will draw you in and drag you onto a wild roller coaster ride of emotion.
I was shocked a few times, I cried, I was really touched... Aaron and Kenny have taken up permanent residence in my heart. LOVED THIS SERIES.
If you're interested, I'll be posting a longer review on my website tomorrow :)
This series is remarkable...and I've never begun a final book with a more equal feeling of dread and enthusiasm. It's because going in I knew that C.F. White wasn't going to pull any punches. She has given these characters such a build up... I knew that the end was going to be traumatic. It was.... let me tell you.
In this final book of the trilogy (although there's a whisper on the wind that there may be the potential for there to be more) Dr. Kenneth Lyons is faced with the repercussions of the decisions he has made. In the first two books Kenny has tried and failed to set boundaries between him and student/love interest, Aaron. The problem is that these two are made for each other. They are incredibly different characters, opposites in many ways, and yet the attraction between them is clear from the first moment they are on the page together.
The world of academia is catching up with what's been going on behind the scenes in Kenny's life and it's all coming to a head. In the midst of his professional life being in a turmoil, there's a terrifying threat lurking in the shadows. White has crafted a stunning tale that will draw you in and drag you onto a wild roller coaster ride of emotion.
I was shocked a few times, I cried, I was really touched... Aaron and Kenny have taken up permanent residence in my heart. LOVED THIS SERIES.
If you're interested, I'll be posting a longer review on my website tomorrow :)
October 21, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I’m very new CF White’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I thought it was cool how CF included a Playlist at the start of this book. I went to Spotify and listened to it while reading the next instalment of Aaron and Kenny’s story. Yes, I listen to music while I read from my Kindle as for some weird reason it makes me concentrate a lot more on the words in the book. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the To Love a Pyscho Series. I could not put this book down and was hooked from page one. Aaron & Kenny go through so much during this book. Not everyone would understand their relationship but it works for them, as they give each other what they need. Their love is definitely hard fought and well deserved.
This book is definitely the darkest of this series, as Aaron & Kenny are brought into a sick and twisted game by a very mentally disturbed individual. I just love Aaron & Kenny. I also adored that Aaron and Jack (Kenny’s ex) came to an understanding where Kenny is concerned, they both love him just in different ways. They became friendly with each other. I’m definitely going to read Jaydan’s (Aaron’s mate from the Care Home) story, All Wrapped Up. I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment of Aaron & Kenny’s love story, Don’t Shoot Me Santa next, as well as more books by CF White in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I’m very new CF White’s work and I’m looking forward to reading more. I thought it was cool how CF included a Playlist at the start of this book. I went to Spotify and listened to it while reading the next instalment of Aaron and Kenny’s story. Yes, I listen to music while I read from my Kindle as for some weird reason it makes me concentrate a lot more on the words in the book. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the To Love a Pyscho Series. I could not put this book down and was hooked from page one. Aaron & Kenny go through so much during this book. Not everyone would understand their relationship but it works for them, as they give each other what they need. Their love is definitely hard fought and well deserved.
This book is definitely the darkest of this series, as Aaron & Kenny are brought into a sick and twisted game by a very mentally disturbed individual. I just love Aaron & Kenny. I also adored that Aaron and Jack (Kenny’s ex) came to an understanding where Kenny is concerned, they both love him just in different ways. They became friendly with each other. I’m definitely going to read Jaydan’s (Aaron’s mate from the Care Home) story, All Wrapped Up. I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment of Aaron & Kenny’s love story, Don’t Shoot Me Santa next, as well as more books by CF White in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
November 4, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Killing Me Softly was yet another dynamic installment in a series that has made these MCs work. for. it.
And YES! The roller-coaster ride of wild emotions, dark moments, and unhinged killer vibes made Aaron and Kenny's HEA a hard won and much deserved one!
This book started off like love. It had the most romantic and sensual beginning of the series so far, while also initiating the emotional work necessary to uplevel Kenny and Aaron's relationship from "secret love affair" to "partner" in every way. Aaron learned to be a strong and stable anchor for when Kenny lost himself in his spirals. And Kenny learned to lean on Aaron, instead of treating him like a fragile, precious thing needing protection from all the bad brought on because of his last name.
After the beginning of this story, which had really leaned into "college-kid" vibes, this escalated into a proper bloody, murdery mess, and I still c a n n o t get over how f'n dangerous this school is! The dean had some nerve in this but, once again, Kenny and Aaron had survived Ryston's body count legacy, and happily made a new life together, deeper in love and stronger than ever!
The ending made me smile-sob like a maniac, because it was perfect, and wonderful, AND THERE'S STILL MORE TO COME! Don't Shoot Me Santa is up next and I'm excited for another dose of thrills and creepy chills that seem to follow Kenny and Aaron wherever they go! Can't wait!
Killing Me Softly was yet another dynamic installment in a series that has made these MCs work. for. it.
And YES! The roller-coaster ride of wild emotions, dark moments, and unhinged killer vibes made Aaron and Kenny's HEA a hard won and much deserved one!
This book started off like love. It had the most romantic and sensual beginning of the series so far, while also initiating the emotional work necessary to uplevel Kenny and Aaron's relationship from "secret love affair" to "partner" in every way. Aaron learned to be a strong and stable anchor for when Kenny lost himself in his spirals. And Kenny learned to lean on Aaron, instead of treating him like a fragile, precious thing needing protection from all the bad brought on because of his last name.
After the beginning of this story, which had really leaned into "college-kid" vibes, this escalated into a proper bloody, murdery mess, and I still c a n n o t get over how f'n dangerous this school is! The dean had some nerve in this but, once again, Kenny and Aaron had survived Ryston's body count legacy, and happily made a new life together, deeper in love and stronger than ever!
The ending made me smile-sob like a maniac, because it was perfect, and wonderful, AND THERE'S STILL MORE TO COME! Don't Shoot Me Santa is up next and I'm excited for another dose of thrills and creepy chills that seem to follow Kenny and Aaron wherever they go! Can't wait!
April 14, 2025
I am a total sucker for a mix of suspense and romance, so this series was just right up my alley. I also love CF White's writing style and characters, so it came as no surprise that I sank into Aaron's and Kenny's story hook line and sinker from the first pages.
Killing Me Softly as a finale gave me everything I needed from it: closure to the overall Aaron's family story that provided soooo much excitement on the criminal front, beautiful characters growth for both Aaron and Kenny (more on that below), the absolute and total need for MORE!
Both Aaron and Kenny were typical representations of CF Whites amazing talent at creating complex, wounded characters that you just want to wrap in bubble wrap and serve hot chocolate for eternity. I was amazed at how both of them grew throughout the story and how the development of their relationship was written into their identities. It takes a lot of thought to create such a riveting journey through an emotional minefield! We get the HEA, but it's hard earned for sure. Well worth the 3 - book time span the author gave them to figure things out.
I definitely need more of them in my life, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for more glimpses into their heads!
Killing Me Softly as a finale gave me everything I needed from it: closure to the overall Aaron's family story that provided soooo much excitement on the criminal front, beautiful characters growth for both Aaron and Kenny (more on that below), the absolute and total need for MORE!
Both Aaron and Kenny were typical representations of CF Whites amazing talent at creating complex, wounded characters that you just want to wrap in bubble wrap and serve hot chocolate for eternity. I was amazed at how both of them grew throughout the story and how the development of their relationship was written into their identities. It takes a lot of thought to create such a riveting journey through an emotional minefield! We get the HEA, but it's hard earned for sure. Well worth the 3 - book time span the author gave them to figure things out.
I definitely need more of them in my life, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for more glimpses into their heads!
April 27, 2025
C.F. White really pushes the boat out with the third and final episode of their To Love a Psycho series, Killing Me Softly. This entire series has kept me on the edge of my seat, between the mystery and the psychological drama and the thrilling romance - what a tale! This is a continuing story and needs to be read in order.
White writes terrific characters and delves deep into their relationships. The fascinating love story between Kenny and Aaron, their friendships and families, and all the dynamics which build and build... just wow!
I love a slow burn romance, it feels so much more real when the characters finally do get together. There's amazing chemistry between Kenny and Aaron from the first page of Dream a Little Dream and over the next two years the attraction continues to develop as the dynamic between them evolves.
At the end of Killing Me Softly C.F. White states there's always a possibility of more from this world, we can keep our fingers crossed.
an advanced readers copy of Killing Me Softly was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
White writes terrific characters and delves deep into their relationships. The fascinating love story between Kenny and Aaron, their friendships and families, and all the dynamics which build and build... just wow!
I love a slow burn romance, it feels so much more real when the characters finally do get together. There's amazing chemistry between Kenny and Aaron from the first page of Dream a Little Dream and over the next two years the attraction continues to develop as the dynamic between them evolves.
At the end of Killing Me Softly C.F. White states there's always a possibility of more from this world, we can keep our fingers crossed.
an advanced readers copy of Killing Me Softly was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
August 13, 2025
Dramatic, tense, gripping
This series is utterly brilliant. CF has such command of her characters, and uses every trick in the book to make you keep turning the pages, while reading through your fingers. The criminal psychology aspect of the series is completely compelling, whether it's Kenny dissecting the minds of every character he interacts with or seeing the actual blood and guts left in the wake of the psychopaths. This is a series that will stay with you.
Aaron and Kenny are flawed but fabulous. Finally together but having to hide it, they are once again caught up in more danger and death. No one gets off lightly in this series, and family and friends are involved once again throughout. The suspence is ever present, not knowing what you'll find when you turn each page, expecting the worst and not being disappointed.
The love between Aaron and Kenny is a beautiful thing. It roils. I know that's not normally the way you'd describe love but that's the most appropriate word that came to me. It was turbulent and all-consuming. Fire and fury. Glorious.
The epilogue was beautiful. Far more than I'd expected and much needed.
I'm looking forward to their Christmas book now, I think..... !
This series is utterly brilliant. CF has such command of her characters, and uses every trick in the book to make you keep turning the pages, while reading through your fingers. The criminal psychology aspect of the series is completely compelling, whether it's Kenny dissecting the minds of every character he interacts with or seeing the actual blood and guts left in the wake of the psychopaths. This is a series that will stay with you.
Aaron and Kenny are flawed but fabulous. Finally together but having to hide it, they are once again caught up in more danger and death. No one gets off lightly in this series, and family and friends are involved once again throughout. The suspence is ever present, not knowing what you'll find when you turn each page, expecting the worst and not being disappointed.
The love between Aaron and Kenny is a beautiful thing. It roils. I know that's not normally the way you'd describe love but that's the most appropriate word that came to me. It was turbulent and all-consuming. Fire and fury. Glorious.
The epilogue was beautiful. Far more than I'd expected and much needed.
I'm looking forward to their Christmas book now, I think..... !
October 31, 2025
I was primed and ready for this final (wink) book in the To Love a Psycho series after devouring book 2. It was absolutely fascinating to see the way Child A moved after her release from the institution that was briefly referenced in Kiss Me Honey Honey. And when I say the name reveals of the siblings (and their underlying meaning) actually made me yell in appreciation, I’m not exaggerating! The only way I can describe this book that delves into the psyche of serial killers and their offspring is captivating. To have the romance between Aaron and Kenny continue to develop was almost a bonus instead of a necessity. And I really like Jack now!
Meanwhile, Roisin hasn’t changed one bit but I respect her for the consistency. Finally, I think it’s so well done on CF’s part for making me empathize with Child A and her position on the choices made for her by the end of chapter 1. Even though it’s already been published, I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews (to prepare for my ARC read of Don’t Shoot Me Santa) and this is my honest review. Y’all should have seen the way this 4.75 star book had me walking around with my ereader stuck to my hand for the last third of it.
Meanwhile, Roisin hasn’t changed one bit but I respect her for the consistency. Finally, I think it’s so well done on CF’s part for making me empathize with Child A and her position on the choices made for her by the end of chapter 1. Even though it’s already been published, I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews (to prepare for my ARC read of Don’t Shoot Me Santa) and this is my honest review. Y’all should have seen the way this 4.75 star book had me walking around with my ereader stuck to my hand for the last third of it.
April 15, 2025
Third and planned finale in series (To Love a Psycho), must be read in order. Established couple. Professor/student. Forbidden relationship. Age gap. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.
Another few months have passed for Aaron and Kenny, and they have spent every minute of summer break together being happy in their isolated bubble. However, work and school beckon, but they are once again in danger from their shared past. Even when these two can’t express their commitment it envelops them the way they are together every minute, every scene.
The author writes very emotionally descriptive introspection from both Aaron and Kenny and they finally begin to verbalize with each other how committed they are to one another. The danger stalking them was suspenseful enough, although for two intelligent men they seem to get caught by the baddies every time, but I was still invested. This was a really riveting series, with complex characters, and an intense relationship that gets a fantastic HEA. 4.5 rounded up
Another few months have passed for Aaron and Kenny, and they have spent every minute of summer break together being happy in their isolated bubble. However, work and school beckon, but they are once again in danger from their shared past. Even when these two can’t express their commitment it envelops them the way they are together every minute, every scene.
The author writes very emotionally descriptive introspection from both Aaron and Kenny and they finally begin to verbalize with each other how committed they are to one another. The danger stalking them was suspenseful enough, although for two intelligent men they seem to get caught by the baddies every time, but I was still invested. This was a really riveting series, with complex characters, and an intense relationship that gets a fantastic HEA. 4.5 rounded up
April 21, 2025
In the thrilling conclusion of the trilogy, the stakes for Kenny and Aaron reached new heights. Shocking outcomes, intense manipulation, and a gripping showdown made for a captivating read. While the story dropped subtle clues along the way, the twists were still unexpected and consistently surprising. Aaron and Kenny were pushed to their breaking points, often making frustratingly poor choices despite their intelligence. Meanwhile, the growth of Aaron and Jack’s relationship added emotional depth, and I love their banter. Dr. Kenneth Lyons must finally face the fallout of his past choices. Throughout the first two books, Kenny struggled—and failed—to maintain boundaries with his student and undeniable love interest, Aaron. Despite being opposites in many ways, their connection is electric from the start. Now, with the academic world closing in and his career in chaos, a darker, more dangerous threat emerges. White delivers a powerful, emotionally charged story that blends personal turmoil with suspense, taking readers on a gripping roller coaster ride.
November 6, 2025
Dr. Kenneth Lyons and his student, Aaron Smith, have weathered two close calls. They are beginning to think that the only think they now have to worry about is keeping their relationship a secret. A series of events indicates that they do have more to worry about and their secret relationship is no longer secret. Bodies are appearing and they are related to both Kenny and Aaron. It quickly becomes obvious that this is game and their love is what will save them.
Killing Me Softly is the third book in the series To Love a Psycho and each one is incredibly intense, suspenseful, and realistic. So many emotions are experienced that our own heart starts to beat faster along with our heroes. This is not one to put down. You will be glued to the pages. One thing is true with this story - bad things happen to good people. And the system designed to protect is not fool proof. Pick this one up and see how Kenny and Aaron survive the latest danger thrown at them.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Killing Me Softly is the third book in the series To Love a Psycho and each one is incredibly intense, suspenseful, and realistic. So many emotions are experienced that our own heart starts to beat faster along with our heroes. This is not one to put down. You will be glued to the pages. One thing is true with this story - bad things happen to good people. And the system designed to protect is not fool proof. Pick this one up and see how Kenny and Aaron survive the latest danger thrown at them.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 21, 2025
Wow! This last book in the series is a total rollercoaster, and dark. I was seriously worried that one of my favourite characters wasn’t going to make it, and that Kenny and Aaron wouldn’t survive with their relationship, or anything else, intact. They totally deserve their HEA.
This story ups the ante, which I wouldn’t have thought possible. The author does a brilliant job in building the tension as someone from Aaron’s past reveals themselves and the bodies start piling up. I liked that Kenny’s past comes back to haunt him too and how the two are intertwined. Nasty.
I loved Kenny and Aaron’s relationship and how their love never wavers despite everything they’re going through.
I liked Jack’s role in this story too. And Mel rocks in so many ways.
I thought this was a wonderful conclusion to the series, but be warned, once you start reading you won’t want to put it down.
This story ups the ante, which I wouldn’t have thought possible. The author does a brilliant job in building the tension as someone from Aaron’s past reveals themselves and the bodies start piling up. I liked that Kenny’s past comes back to haunt him too and how the two are intertwined. Nasty.
I loved Kenny and Aaron’s relationship and how their love never wavers despite everything they’re going through.
I liked Jack’s role in this story too. And Mel rocks in so many ways.
I thought this was a wonderful conclusion to the series, but be warned, once you start reading you won’t want to put it down.
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