What do you think?
Rate this book
Behind the Mask: A Dark Stalker Romance (Gray Council Book 1)
HE WATCHES HER EVERY MOVE.
SHE DREAMS OF A MASKED STRANGER.
NEITHER KNOWS WHERE OBSESSION ENDS AND LOVE BEGINS.
Roman Huntington, founder of Sentinel AI and secret member of Seattle's vigilante Gray Council, takes what he wants. And from the moment he sees Dr. Nova Chandler through his building's security cameras, he decides she belongs to him.
Nova has finally escaped her manipulative ex and rebuilt her life as a respected psychiatrist. When mysterious "dreams" of a masked stranger leave evidence too real to ignore, her world collides with Roman's dark obsession in ways neither expected.
After Nova collapses alone in her apartment, she awakens captive in Roman's penthouse, forced to confront the terrifying the masked man from her dreams is real, her new patient "Brad" is an elaborate lie, and her stalker might be the only one who truly sees her.
As danger from Roman's vigilante world threatens them both, Nova must decide if the protection Roman offers is worth surrendering her freedom to a man who claims she was always meant to be his.
BEHIND THE MASK is the first book in the Gray Council series. This dark romance features a possessive alpha with dangerous tendencies, a psychiatrist caught between professional ethics and forbidden desire, a secret vigilante society, and a guaranteed HEA despite the twisted path to get there.
Tropes you'll obsessive hero, stalker romance, villain gets the girl, forced proximity, masked man, protective alpha, medical condition, vigilante justice, enemies-to-lovers, kidnapping, and psychological intrigue.
Each book in the Gray Council series features different members of the vigilante organization and can be read in any order, though interconnected through the shadowy world of Seattle's elite taking justice into their own hands.
Some obsessions are worth surrendering to.
SHE DREAMS OF A MASKED STRANGER.
NEITHER KNOWS WHERE OBSESSION ENDS AND LOVE BEGINS.
Roman Huntington, founder of Sentinel AI and secret member of Seattle's vigilante Gray Council, takes what he wants. And from the moment he sees Dr. Nova Chandler through his building's security cameras, he decides she belongs to him.
Nova has finally escaped her manipulative ex and rebuilt her life as a respected psychiatrist. When mysterious "dreams" of a masked stranger leave evidence too real to ignore, her world collides with Roman's dark obsession in ways neither expected.
After Nova collapses alone in her apartment, she awakens captive in Roman's penthouse, forced to confront the terrifying the masked man from her dreams is real, her new patient "Brad" is an elaborate lie, and her stalker might be the only one who truly sees her.
As danger from Roman's vigilante world threatens them both, Nova must decide if the protection Roman offers is worth surrendering her freedom to a man who claims she was always meant to be his.
BEHIND THE MASK is the first book in the Gray Council series. This dark romance features a possessive alpha with dangerous tendencies, a psychiatrist caught between professional ethics and forbidden desire, a secret vigilante society, and a guaranteed HEA despite the twisted path to get there.
Tropes you'll obsessive hero, stalker romance, villain gets the girl, forced proximity, masked man, protective alpha, medical condition, vigilante justice, enemies-to-lovers, kidnapping, and psychological intrigue.
Each book in the Gray Council series features different members of the vigilante organization and can be read in any order, though interconnected through the shadowy world of Seattle's elite taking justice into their own hands.
Some obsessions are worth surrendering to.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
6 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Sable Sinclair
8 books5 followersSable Sinclair writes dark romance where obsession meets devotion and love comes with a warning label. Her stories feature morally gray men who blur the line between protector and predator, heroines who find strength in surrender, and scorching heat that pushes every boundary. If you crave possessive alphas, twisted psychology, and happily-ever-afters earned through delicious darkness, you've found your next addiction.
When she's not crafting tales of beautiful depravity or researching things that would alarm her FBI agent, Sable can be found collecting masked book boyfriends, defending fictional villains, and pretending her search history doesn't require a therapist.
When she's not crafting tales of beautiful depravity or researching things that would alarm her FBI agent, Sable can be found collecting masked book boyfriends, defending fictional villains, and pretending her search history doesn't require a therapist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 2, 2025
Behind the Mask is book 1 in the Gray Council series and is a dark stalker romance that will literally hook you from the beginning. I ended up reading this book all in one day because I was obsessed.
First off, as a POTS girly, I absolutely loved all the POTS representation in this book. Some people don't realize how debilitating it can be and sometimes. If only I had someone like Roman in my life. The way he called in a professional to get all the information he could on it in order for him to be able to help Nova when she needed it, had me melting. Did he go about helping her the right way, probably not, but it's dark, stalkery, and I loved it.
He is one of those obsessed psychos that kills anyone who even so much as speaks to her the wrong way, but the cause, what the vigilante group does... it balances out all his bad qualities ( in my psycho little head.) Nova tries to escape him in the beginning, as would any woman being held captive. But I don't know, I feel like if I was being held captive by Roman and all he wanted to do was just take care of me, he'd have to kick me out!
I really enjoyed this story, but the water works did come closer towards the end of the story. Nova suffers a great loss at the hands of her ex. It was heartbreaking. I literally read it with my hands over my mouth, sobbing for her. But that loss brought out a savage. And in that moment, I felt so proud of her. Then... there was the moment with Nova and Roman, holding hands, taking their vengeance together, and I broke. I had to take a minute to pull myself together. This is definitely one of those books that you have to read!! Just, check the trigger warnings first. I cannot wait for the next book!!
First off, as a POTS girly, I absolutely loved all the POTS representation in this book. Some people don't realize how debilitating it can be and sometimes. If only I had someone like Roman in my life. The way he called in a professional to get all the information he could on it in order for him to be able to help Nova when she needed it, had me melting. Did he go about helping her the right way, probably not, but it's dark, stalkery, and I loved it.
He is one of those obsessed psychos that kills anyone who even so much as speaks to her the wrong way, but the cause, what the vigilante group does... it balances out all his bad qualities ( in my psycho little head.) Nova tries to escape him in the beginning, as would any woman being held captive. But I don't know, I feel like if I was being held captive by Roman and all he wanted to do was just take care of me, he'd have to kick me out!
I really enjoyed this story, but the water works did come closer towards the end of the story. Nova suffers a great loss at the hands of her ex. It was heartbreaking. I literally read it with my hands over my mouth, sobbing for her. But that loss brought out a savage. And in that moment, I felt so proud of her. Then... there was the moment with Nova and Roman, holding hands, taking their vengeance together, and I broke. I had to take a minute to pull myself together. This is definitely one of those books that you have to read!! Just, check the trigger warnings first. I cannot wait for the next book!!
October 15, 2025
I am Truly obsessed with this series so far! Everything I love about Dark Romance and MORE!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Obsession, Power, and the Fine Line Between Fear and Desire
Behind the Mask is one of those dark romances that grabs you by the throat from the very first page and doesn’t let go. It’s seductive, unsettling, and completely addictive — the perfect start to the Gray Council series.
Roman Huntington is the definition of a dangerous man — brilliant, obsessive, and utterly unrepentant. As the founder of Sentinel AI and a secret member of the Gray Council, he sees everything… including Dr. Nova Chandler. One glance through his security feeds, and his fixation begins. But what starts as surveillance turns into something far more intimate — a connection neither of them can deny.
Nova is a strong, intelligent woman rebuilding her life after escaping an abusive ex. Her world makes sense — until the masked stranger from her dreams becomes real, her patient “Brad” turns out to be a lie, and she wakes up in the penthouse of the man who’s been watching her. From that moment, the line between protector and captor blurs in the most haunting, magnetic way.
This book delivers everything you want in a dark romance — psychological tension, obsession that borders on devotion, and a love story that somehow thrives in the shadows. The chemistry between Roman and Nova is electric, the writing is cinematic, and the moral grayness is deliciously deep.
It’s not for the faint of heart — but if you love obsessive heroes, forbidden desire, and the kind of love that feels like a slow-burning war, Behind the Mask is unmissable.
Sable has created a world that’s as dangerous as it is seductive, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the Gray Council has in store.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Obsession, Power, and the Fine Line Between Fear and Desire
Behind the Mask is one of those dark romances that grabs you by the throat from the very first page and doesn’t let go. It’s seductive, unsettling, and completely addictive — the perfect start to the Gray Council series.
Roman Huntington is the definition of a dangerous man — brilliant, obsessive, and utterly unrepentant. As the founder of Sentinel AI and a secret member of the Gray Council, he sees everything… including Dr. Nova Chandler. One glance through his security feeds, and his fixation begins. But what starts as surveillance turns into something far more intimate — a connection neither of them can deny.
Nova is a strong, intelligent woman rebuilding her life after escaping an abusive ex. Her world makes sense — until the masked stranger from her dreams becomes real, her patient “Brad” turns out to be a lie, and she wakes up in the penthouse of the man who’s been watching her. From that moment, the line between protector and captor blurs in the most haunting, magnetic way.
This book delivers everything you want in a dark romance — psychological tension, obsession that borders on devotion, and a love story that somehow thrives in the shadows. The chemistry between Roman and Nova is electric, the writing is cinematic, and the moral grayness is deliciously deep.
It’s not for the faint of heart — but if you love obsessive heroes, forbidden desire, and the kind of love that feels like a slow-burning war, Behind the Mask is unmissable.
Sable has created a world that’s as dangerous as it is seductive, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the Gray Council has in store.
November 14, 2025
Some obsessions whisper.
Roman’s? It stalks. It claims. It consumes.
From the moment he sees Nova at a party, there’s no easing into anything. Roman chooses her—fixates on her—and every breath of the story after that feels like watching a man build a cage… and a woman who realizes she needed the walls more than she ever admitted.
Roman’s control isn’t gentle. It’s extreme. It’s unconventional. It’s downright unhinged.
But here’s the twist: it helps her.
It steadies the chaos in her mind. It anchors her through her POTS. It gives her the structure her past trauma stole from her. What looks like domination from the outside becomes survival on the inside.
And Nova? She doesn’t just fall for him.
She surrenders—to the safety, to the darkness, to the one person who can hold all the broken edges without flinching.
The story spirals into secrets, rival societies, and a betrayal that shatters her so brutally she rises as something sharper, darker, and lethal. Nova doesn’t just survive the pain—she transforms. And Roman? He’s already been hers from the start.
This book is obsession done right.
Control turned into connection.
Two damaged souls who fit in ways they never should—but absolutely had to.
Roman’s? It stalks. It claims. It consumes.
From the moment he sees Nova at a party, there’s no easing into anything. Roman chooses her—fixates on her—and every breath of the story after that feels like watching a man build a cage… and a woman who realizes she needed the walls more than she ever admitted.
Roman’s control isn’t gentle. It’s extreme. It’s unconventional. It’s downright unhinged.
But here’s the twist: it helps her.
It steadies the chaos in her mind. It anchors her through her POTS. It gives her the structure her past trauma stole from her. What looks like domination from the outside becomes survival on the inside.
And Nova? She doesn’t just fall for him.
She surrenders—to the safety, to the darkness, to the one person who can hold all the broken edges without flinching.
The story spirals into secrets, rival societies, and a betrayal that shatters her so brutally she rises as something sharper, darker, and lethal. Nova doesn’t just survive the pain—she transforms. And Roman? He’s already been hers from the start.
This book is obsession done right.
Control turned into connection.
Two damaged souls who fit in ways they never should—but absolutely had to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
I was hooked within the first chapter!
Talk about edge of your seat and filled with twists and turns. There was drama, suspense, secrets, and danger.
Roman was definitely a red flag walking, but only in the best ways. He was intense and obsessive. I loved everything about him.
Nova was smart and strong.
The chemistry between Roman and Nova was off the charts. The tension and spice was perfect. I truly loved them both, but Roman was something extra.
What a captivating and fantastic read!!
Talk about edge of your seat and filled with twists and turns. There was drama, suspense, secrets, and danger.
Roman was definitely a red flag walking, but only in the best ways. He was intense and obsessive. I loved everything about him.
Nova was smart and strong.
The chemistry between Roman and Nova was off the charts. The tension and spice was perfect. I truly loved them both, but Roman was something extra.
What a captivating and fantastic read!!
November 3, 2025
Absolutely obsessed with the book! Was so nice to see so much representation for the POTS girlies in this book, this is something my sister is currently trying to get diagnosed with and honestly has helped me understand just how debilitating life can be for her!
This book has everything that dark romance lovers crave, obsession, possession, fear and desire rolled into one! I didn’t want to put this book down and can’t wait for the next ones to be published!
Definitely make sure you read the triggers as not for the faint hearted but I truly can’t wait to see what’s in store next!
This book has everything that dark romance lovers crave, obsession, possession, fear and desire rolled into one! I didn’t want to put this book down and can’t wait for the next ones to be published!
Definitely make sure you read the triggers as not for the faint hearted but I truly can’t wait to see what’s in store next!
November 4, 2025
I waited with bated breath for EVERY interaction between Roman and Nova! This book was a DARK Romance but it was oh so right! Roman was intense in the best ways possible, uber protective, but he helps Nova know what she needs and wants.
Nova has had a rough life and the author had me very empathetic for her life’s story. Be ready for some big feelings towards the end of the book! Make sure to read the trigger warnings, they are there for a reason! I absolutely loved the dedication by the author! It is so very accurate. I cannot wait for the next books!
Nova has had a rough life and the author had me very empathetic for her life’s story. Be ready for some big feelings towards the end of the book! Make sure to read the trigger warnings, they are there for a reason! I absolutely loved the dedication by the author! It is so very accurate. I cannot wait for the next books!
October 18, 2025
A psychiatrist recently out of a bad controlling relationship meet a man that at first meeting calls her his. His to own and tell how to live. His to protect and worship. As things escalate she finds herself living in his penthouse and guarded from leaving.
At the same time her ex is following and threatening her. Turns out he works for the syndicate that is trying to eliminate her new protector. What happens when worlds collide will keep in suspense. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
At the same time her ex is following and threatening her. Turns out he works for the syndicate that is trying to eliminate her new protector. What happens when worlds collide will keep in suspense. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
October 16, 2025
Started and finished in one day, I’d say I was addicted to the story. It’s a story you know is going to have a happy ending or at least you’re hoping for it and it still keeps you interested the whole way through. Never knew what was coming next and some parts were just heartbreaking (ikyky) Overall a great read and I look forward to reading the next one in the series
October 30, 2025
Roman has to be in control of all parts of his world, including in love. Entering through shadows and dreams Nova begins her slide into Roman’s world without even knowing it’s happening until she’s too far gone and she finds out just how alike they could be. A true dark romance where the MMC will do anything to make her his. Obsessed and can’t wait for the series to continue.
November 3, 2025
I just finished this beauty of a story and I fell in love with Nova and Roman. Maybe his methods weren’t the best in the beginning and his obsession. That being said it was so beautiful to watch them grow and come together. Especially Nova and come into her own in the end in a dark way that fits her.
November 7, 2025
love it
If you love deliciously dark romances with over the top obsessive men who love to stalk and strong sexy women this is the book for you. Roman & Nova are perfect for each other.This book is unhinged in the best way possible. Their story is spicy,obsessive, very dark,beautiful, morally grey and a must read. Not for the faint of heart but read the trigger warnings and give this one a try and you will not be disappointed.
If you love deliciously dark romances with over the top obsessive men who love to stalk and strong sexy women this is the book for you. Roman & Nova are perfect for each other.This book is unhinged in the best way possible. Their story is spicy,obsessive, very dark,beautiful, morally grey and a must read. Not for the faint of heart but read the trigger warnings and give this one a try and you will not be disappointed.
November 15, 2025
Definitely morally gray, but you learn quickly to like it! HEA with a touch her and die MMC, who is on the very dark side of gray. Couldn’t get enough of him! Can’t wait to read more about these boys in the Gray Council!!
November 2, 2025
absolutely amazing and captivating. Definitely read triggers. dark, moody, and spicy. a must read for dark romance readers.
October 30, 2025
** BETA READ **
Roman and Nova.
Roman needs to be in control. At all times. Roman has his eyes set on Nova. Dr. Nova Chandler. Little does he know she is going to bury her away under his skin and directly into his soul. He is a man obsessed (in the best way).
Sometimes we have to take what we want and reap the consequences after... As they say better to ask for forgiveness than permission right?
Thank you to the House of King Publishing for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Roman and Nova.
Roman needs to be in control. At all times. Roman has his eyes set on Nova. Dr. Nova Chandler. Little does he know she is going to bury her away under his skin and directly into his soul. He is a man obsessed (in the best way).
Sometimes we have to take what we want and reap the consequences after... As they say better to ask for forgiveness than permission right?
Thank you to the House of King Publishing for the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews