Professor Consumed

by Caty Lee

Ruby:
I had spent my life hiding behind a mask. Perfect smiles, flawless lectures, and a facade of happiness teaching art at Dade University. No one knew the truth. No one knew that behind closed doors, everything was crumbling down. The brick and mortar were separating like a fractured bone. My world felt more fragile than the walls of a decaying castle.

But then, the break-in happened. Violent. Terrifying. It shattered more than just my peace of mind. Someone had started watching me. Someone who knew the turmoil my heart had been soaked in for the last decade. I wasn’t just being haunted. I was being hunted.



Kage:
I came to her in the dark, a shadow cloaked in danger, masked and hungry. And only she would satiate the ravenous need coursing through my veins. She knew me. She smiled at me. She licked her lips when our eyes collided. Her cheeks pinkened when my gaze crawled up and down her body. I loved her, and it was only a matter of time until she loved me too.

As our encounters grew more intense, my obsession bloomed like bruises on her skin. The dark seeds of my affections couldn’t be hidden. She danced through my dreams the way I swayed in her nightmares. She's starting to see that I had been there all along.

She was starting to see that my love would consume her very soul forever.

Genres: Dark Romance

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2026

About the author

Welcome to Caty's world of contemporary romance. As an author who refuses to be confined by genre, Caty weaves tales across the romance spectrum that will captivate your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether she is writing a spicy small town romance, or a more suspenseful love doused in conflict, the HEA is always brewing in the distance. Caty's characters will fight shadows and obstacles, and claw their way to the happiest ever afters.

When she's not conjuring up twisted plots and complex characters, you can find her snuggled up with her precious dogs, sipping coffee, and devouring books of the romance varieties. Caty leads a dynamic life. By day she wrangles numbers in spreadsheets, and by night she craves that sultry escape. That's when her stories come to life. Caty enjoys pouring into the people who mean the most to her, and she never says no to a sweet treat after every meal.

Caty's stories are perfect for readers who love stories with edge, sweetness, and an always promised happy ending.

https://catyleeauthor.company.site

Reviews

[Alicia Lopez]

This series is so good! I somehow missed the second book so I have to go back and read that one but the first one and this one were WOW! Kage and Rubys HEA took some time to get to and it’s a crazy ride but totally worth it. These books have me wondering if I’m crazy since they have me thinking I want a man to be this into me.. we’re not supposed to want to have stalkers.. right?! Definitely recommend but MIND YOUR TRIGGERS!!

[Heath Steph Smith]

Read your trigger warnings
Caty. Ma’am. Out here switching up roles! I loved the switch up of having the fmc be the professor in this one. Ruby was perfect for the job. Her husband, however, can spin on a cactus.

Just when I think these men can’t be anymore unhinged, in walks Kage to prove me wrong. He’s not obsessive he’s just passionate.😁
The spice is chefs kisses!

[Chelsea Armstrong]

📚BOOK REVIEW📚

☕️Professor Consumed☕️
✍️Caty Lee✍️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’ve followed my reviews you know I LOVE everything that Caty Lee touches, and Professor Consumed is no exception!

This novel had me hooked from the beginning, and I stayed up way too late to finish, but it was worth it. I was yelling, laughing, and crying with these characters.

Ruby and Kage quickly became some of my favorite characters. They are so perfect for one another. And the way they balance each other out was perfection!

Ruby thinks she is unworthy of earth shattering love, stuck in a loveless marriage to a man who sleeps around with anyone other than her. For years she has been living in a house of egg shells, watching every step to make sure she is silent, only able to be happy at Dade University as the Art Professor.

Enter Kage, stage right, the masked man, the stalker, star student, and the one who will do anything to put Ruby back together. He lives and breaths Ruby, waiting for the day to take his queen away from the ogre downstairs. He slithers through the walls, memorizing everything that she likes. And he knows he is the one to put her soul back where it belongs.

[jor]

"I wanted her so terrifyingly in love with me that her own soul ached for mine the way an addict thirsted for drugs. Or an artist for a paintbrush."

This series just keeps getting better and better! All my dark romance girlies who loved a stalker masked man, pick this book up NOW!

Boy oh boy, Kage was something else! He expressed all the darkness we crave and showed Ruby all the love we adore. I felt for Ruby throughout the whole story. She did everything right, and when she came home at the end of the day, she was dealt a shitty hand by her no good husbnd. This story had me angry so many times because I could not stand that horrible, horrible man that Ruby so unfortunately had to call her husband. He was the absolute worst of this story, and I'm so glad Kage took care of him. Kage was there for Ruby during the hard times, did everything he could to protect her and show her that she deserved all the love, happiness, and goodness life had to offer, and he had to offer her. I'm so glad Ruby got a happy ending and that it was with Kage. They are perfect for each other.

I am so excited for the next (and last 😭) installment of this series!

[Aracely]

Ever since that easter egg of their story, in Professor Unhinged, I’ve been dying to know more of them. We finally got their story, and you didn’t disappoint! Honestly, Kage is rivaling Reign for the number 1 favorite spot of this series. But you know what? Why choose, they both can be my favorite because honestly, yes to both at the same damn time. I love how obsessed Kage was with Ruby from the very fucking beginning; just one look and that’s all it took. I remember highlighting a part of the book and making a note saying “he’s so sick and unhinged but I love it” lol.

Ok, but girl, you had me checking my walls to see if they were big enough for someone to fit in there lol. Like… was I about to have my own Kage 👀? Kage is top tier, I loved how he showered her with so much love and care during/after everything she went through with her husband. He was absolutely perfect! We all need a Kage in our lives. And honestly her husband had it coming, I’m so glad he got what he deserved for being a useless POS. Ruby deserved do much better than him, so it made me so happy that she finally got the HEA she deserved.

Kinda random, but I squealed when we got a Reign cameo and a brief mention of Chase. Also, I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us with the next book!

[OooLaLa Reads]

Kage Ruined Me (No Complaints)

OMG Besties… if you’re not reading "Professor Consumed" by Caty Lee, what are you even doing?!

Ruby is an art professor at Dade University, polished and poised on the outside... but behind closed doors? Her life is cracking at the seams (and let’s just say… her husband is a whole walking red flag 🍆). When a violent break-in shatters her already fragile world, the suspense kicks into overdrive. And then there’s Kage.

Y’all. Kage is OTT obsessed. Unhinged. Feral. The “walls” situation?! I gasped. This man doesn’t just cross lines... he builds new ones. And I. Ate. It. Up. The role reversal with Ruby as the professor was EVERYTHING. The emotional depth? Immersive. The intensity? Suffocating in the best way. Their chemistry felt dark, dangerous, and completely consuming.

This was my first Caty Lee read, and I’m already running back for the rest of the series. Suspenseful, spicy, and emotionally loaded...this is absolutely TBR-worthy.😉

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4.5/5  ▪︎  🥵 3.5/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Fallon Owens]

Caty Lee has done it AGAIN!!! ‼️🙌🏻🔥 Can I just say this has been my favorite read in the Professor’s series?! 🔥
Kage will ruin you in the best and worst ways everrrrr!!! 🖤 Kage is top tier! I devoured every single thing about this book!
Ruby, our FMC, always seems to have it together; until you see behind closed doors and see a marriage that is past its expiration date. Ruby’s husband is a man full of walking red flags. A disturbing break-in happens one night and flips Ruby’s world. You will finally be introduced to Kage.
You will eat Kage up! He is obsessed with Ruby; I mean the type of obsessive that is feral, full of heat, passion, and unhinged. He will literally, and I mean literally, climb through walls for Ruby; and he will also build new ones for her! Everyone needs a Kage!
If you want all consuming chemistry; deep emotions; fierce connection; feral intensity; unhinged darkness; and perfectly delicious all wrapped into one, then you will eat this up!
The spice is spicin’ and is chef’s kiss! You will be panting! 😘 🌶️

🖤 Reverse Age Gap
🖤 Stalker
🖤 Masked Man
🖤 Professor/Study (Reversed)
🖤 Touch Her and ☠️
🖤 HEA
🖤 V!olence

[Crystal Reads]

I have been dying for this new book in the series and Caty did not disappoint. It’s dark, it’s unhinged, and it’s spicy.

Ruby is an art professor and her marriage is falling apart. Her husband is the jerk of all jerks and this is putting it lightly. And after a break-in where he gets his butt kicked it gets worse for her. But this is when the suspense of the masked man gets better and steamier.

Kage is the definition of OTT obsessive and possessive. This man wants and desires Ruby and he is determined to make her, his. All it took was one look at her and he knew she was the one. And this man, the things he does…it’s morally black, buuuut I can’t say I was mad at him for it. Her husband deserved it. And his past, my heart broke for him.

They are drawn to each other. Their chemistry is dark, but it’s electric and intense. They can’t stay away from one another and they are connected.

This book is emotional. It’s dark! It sucks you in, holds you tight, and it doesn’t let you go.

[Betty Wong]

Can you fall in love with a red flag? Well of it’s Kage I believe you can! There is so much to unpack here with this story.
Ruby is an art professor who is in the crosshairs of Kage. He has decided that she’s his. No debate. Oh did I mention he’s her student. Yep!
The story is so well written developing both characters and their backstory so well. And let’s face it there has to be a reason I fall for a guy who has serious stalking issues and some extremely questionable actions.
Ruby is a woman muddling through an unhappy marriage and she has no idea just how much Kage desires her. It’s sexy story with a lot of spice but it’s the suspenseful part of the story that really grips you. That and the amazing chemistry that Ruby and Kage have.
I found the pacing of the book perfect and so easy to devour. Seriously ran through this book on one Saturday. Absolute stalker story perfection!

[FN]

This is one of the rarest role reversals I’ve come across and it absolutely hits the jackpot. A masked male student hopelessly drawn to his older female professor? I'm hooked!

His gestures could have gone dark in the wrong way, but instead it’s layered, emotional, and tender. His past may be messy, but the way he loves her is pure devotion. Protective. Intentional. Achingly soft when it matters.

This story takes an unconventional dynamic and it's no wonder that the FMC falls hard, he loves with his whole heart. And honestly? So did I.

Grateful for the ARC opportunity.

[Kristin]

Author Caty Lee has me in an ABSOLUTE CHOKEHOLD!! I need Jesus or something after reading her books, and Professor Consumed was no exception. Caty Lee does such an amazing job bringing characters to life and making you fall in love with them. She always leaves me wanting more and more. Professor Consumed I think was one of my favorites out of her professor series. If you’re looking for something dark and delicious this is the book for you!!! Just read it. Just do it.

[🩷🎀Sayaka🎀🩷]

I really loved this one! It kept me hooked from page one and the suspense reminded me of a horror film at times. Also, I loved the plot point going on in the background. It set the scene perfect for the last book in the series which I cannot wait for!!! This one was spicy and emotional all at once and I loved every second of it.

[Dahlena Sampson PA]

Y’all! This book was so good! I loved the change with a female Professor and Ruby was perfect. Add in Kage and his obsession that goes above and beyond that is protective and a little unhinged too… ok, a lot unhinged. The spice was spicing and the drama was suspenseful. You won’t regret the latest installment in the Professor Series!

[valley_girl_36]

This is a good series of standalones. In this book we get Ruby and Kage, Ruby is the teacher in this one. I have been following Caty Lee’s writing journey for awhile and she writes really good love stories with a touch of darkness and a couple unhinged characters and they are easy to devour. Check this one out and watch the feels.

[LadyUnleashed]

Kage is an art student who became obsessed with Ruby, the art professor, when he first laid eyes on her.

I gave this book 4*s ONLY because it felt a bit too slow for MY liking! Once the story picks up, it doesn't stop!

Kage literally lurks in the walls of Ruby's home only to see the constant abuse from her husband. Together, they build a life that was only meant to be from the beginning!

[Caty Lee]

The third book in the professor's series is out!
Be sure to snag your ebook copy on pre order here https://a.co/d/2AzGKWO
For lovers of masked men and beautiful works of art that can't be touched ;)

[Tanya]

Definitely not a book for the faint of heart. But at the same time very riveting. Have to admit each one of these books gets better and better. I was so looking forward to this book with that little Easter egg she put in a previous book on this couple. And she absolutely did them justice.

[Nikki]

Caty has done it again. The twist in this one...I loved it. Caty writes unhinged men in the best way and it stays as perfection to me! 🔥🩷

[Shelby]

ARC review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Holy cow! What a story! It was very dark, twisted and spicy! It was one I did not want to stop reading. I am speechless!

[Devon Horsley]

Wonderful read. Spice, Check. Suspense, Check. Obsession, Check.

[Jonnica]

Oh the story of Ruby and Kage was amazing. Ruby is in a loveless marriage and going through mental abuse from her husband Daniel. Kage has his tramatic past but enrolled in her class and fell in love with Ruby at first sight. Kage started following her and keeping an eye on her for years until one day he made his appearance. Ruby couldnt get that night out of her mind. Kage continued to watch her until one day Ruby was able to connect the dots and place him as the person in the mask. They started to see each other and fell in love and Kage definitely kept her protective. You will have to read this one to find out more of the twist and turns that come about in this book. I cant wait to read more by Caty.

[Victoria Loraine]

I absolutely loved this book!
Ruby and Kage quickly became two of my favorite characters. She’s so sweet and I sympathized with her while her marriage fell apart. Kage was a silent force to be reckon with, her guardian hidden behind a mask for so long. His love for Ruby was so deep any woman will wish they had him.
The theme of art throughout this book is written beautifully and I love how talented both characters are.
The book is dark and spicy, more than the other two of this series and it was everything I needed!
Ruby’s husband had it coming is all I’m saying 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Pamela Rosen]

While I still enjoyed this book. it was my least favorite of the 3.

It is an age gap dark romance. he falls first, she denies her feelings and knowing who the masked man was, even though she knew there was something familiar about him.

Ruby's husband is a piece of work and gets everything he deserved.

Once the book started to get faster paced and we get to know about Kage you figure out why he is the way he is.

the two of them together wow just wow.


I do wonder who was killing all the students in the music class. maybe in another bookm