A Killer's Obsession

by D.R. Brooks

She’s spent her life studying serial killers—
Now, one is obsessed with her.

Raelynn Carson thought she understood darkness. Her mother was the final victim of a killer known as The Butcher—a case that shaped her life and drove her to study Criminal Justice. Now, in her final year of college and working as a police intern, she’s ready to face the monsters most people run from.

But when a new string of brutal murders shakes the city, it becomes clear these victims aren’t random—they’re people she knows. And the chilling messages left behind point to one terrifying

This isn’t random.
It’s a game.
And she’s the prize.

The only person standing between her and the edge is Officer Emilio Perez—a man whose presence draws her in and whose devotion makes him willing to risk everything to keep her safe.

But the closer they get to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes.
Because the killer is watching.
And he’s just getting started.

Genres: Dark Romance, Serial Killer

347 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2025

Reviews

[Ariel Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.R. Brooks has left me on a cliffhanger that has me yelling NO!!! WHY??? HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME??? 😂

Raelynn, our FMC, is in her final year and set to graduate with a Criminal Justice degree, and is working as an intern at her local police department.

Emilio is a very grumpy police officer who has a strong attraction to Raelynn when he first meets her, but he made me MELT into a damn puddle when he finally admitted how he felt about her. He picks up on a case and its connection to Raelynn and he will do anything to keep her safe.

His passion for his job and his devotion to protecting Rae make it dangerous for anyone who gets close to her. With the killer after all of her friends, will passion and devotion be enough? Or will he get caught in the crossfire?

This book is definitely one for fans of Police romance, with a touch of spooky season, and a thrilling game of whodunnit? Because the question still remains... who is the killer?

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶🌶🌶

[hitynka · Rating 4 out of 5]

tropes(from author's instagram);
🔪Police romance
🔪Serial Unaliver
🔪Obsession
🔪Mürder
🔪Touch Her and 💀
🔪Protective MMC
🔪Resilient FMC
🔪Instant attraction
🔪He falls first
🔪Multiple POV
🔪Slow Burn Spice
🔪Cliffhanger/No HEA

[heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like some authors shouldn't be allowed to edge their readers.

D. R. Brooks is right there on authors that shouldn't be allowed to edge their readers.

Having me up at fucking midnight, staring at the ceiling wondering what the fuck that was. Mind you, I have work in SIX FUCKING HOURS.

I need the next book, like today if possible. K? Thanks.

[Beckreadz25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and oh my goodness it is non-stop thrills, twists, and surprises at every turn. This book has everything from slow burn romance to mystery to the biggest WTF moment that doesn't just leave you hanging on the cliff, it straight up kicks you off with a big grin.

My brain is going in a million directions, and my mind is blown. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2.

[Calleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 stars, rounded up for creativity)

A Killer’s Obsession is a fun, twisty debut from D. R. Brooks that really shines once the action kicks in. While the writing style at the beginning didn’t quite vibe with my ADHD brain (there’s a lot of seemingly unimportant detail packed in, but once finished I understood why it was written that way!) it’s worth pushing through. The story is full of sharp turns. I genuinely had no idea what was coming next, which made the ride so much fun. Just when you think you’ve started piecing things together, the rug gets ripped out from under you. And then again. And again. Until you turn the final page and are left gripping your kindle yelling “WHYYYY!”

That cliffhanger… ouch.

The enemies to instant lovers trope isn’t my thing, but the spice kept it interesting (🌶️🌶️🌶️). Overall, this was an engaging, unpredictable read, and I’m very much looking forward to what comes next!

Dear D. R. Brooks,
I desperately need book two.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok the story? I loved it

The terminology being broken down was great

The spice? A little tame for me

The end? How dare you leave me hanging like that

But def a must read

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer's Obsession is an obsession unto itself.

Right off the hop we have a prologue that leaves you in the dirt, in the dust; just sitting there with your mouth wide open because, "WTF JUST HAPPENED!?!?!?!?!"

The plot then takes you on what I can only describe as a rollercoaster because that tension, that adrenaline you feel in your toes when you know the drop is coming? Yeah. Be prepared to be edged for over 300 pages and then left standing in the rain with a boom box begging D.R. Brooks for book 2 because that cliffy..... its a doozy.

Now to our characters. Raelynn, our FMC. I'm a girls girl through and through when it comes to strong and independent FMCs. Full disclosure, I think Miss Rae and I would be great friends IRL, and this is somwthing that I really cherish in a character. If I can loterally imagine them alive and part of my RL world, thats damn good writing.

EMILIO. Omg. Two words, "panty dropping". If this guy doesn't make your heart flutter then I'm just going to assume you don't have one. My GOD. I bit through my lip on more than one occasion for this man and I'D DO IT AGAIN! Protective, loyal, hot AF. Emilio, we salute you!

This was an insanely satisfying read from top to bottom. Cliffy included, because I like em to grab me by the throat and hold me hostage. Hostage I am held until book 2!

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer’s Obsession by D. R. Brooks is a thrilling debut that hooked me from the prologue and refused to let go. 

The story unfolds through three viewpoints: Raelynn, our fierce FMC; Emilio, the grumpy yet beautiful police officer whose protective streak hides simmering feelings; and the killer, whose chilling obsession with Raelynn casts a shadow over everything. 

I loved the depth of the characters—the push-pull tension between Raelynn and Emilio evolves into a romance full of spice and emotion, while the killer’s perspective adds a layer of unease that kept me turning pages late into the night. 

The cliffhanger ending left me desperate for book two. Will love survive? Will obsession consume them? I can’t wait to find out. 

This book is a roller coaster of emotions—equal parts passion and terror. It’s not for the faint of heart, as there are several triggers, but if you’re ready for a dark, addictive ride, I highly recommend it. 

[Shellyann Paape · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going down in the top 10 for 2025. But I have beef with the author. As I have been left needing more, and now I am being told I need to wait like a child waiting dessert before dinner.

The detective investigation felt real, the calls were like watching a cop show, you had your typical rookie annoyance between seniority, spice, anger, fun, careful.

I was laughing, crying, snorting, screaming in frustration. I went through all of the emotions, with this one. And now I shall impatiently wait and stalk the author for book 2

[Torie Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🔪Okay so I’m back with my full review and I’m STILL not over this book 😆 I keep thinking about it and trying to piece everything together.🔪🖤

🖤Emilio Perez?? Yeah… he’s everything. I was literally swooning and picking my jaw up off the floor.

🖤And Rae? She’s amazing. Strong, beautiful, and honestly one of my fave FMCs this year.

🖤🔪Anyway, if you need me, I’ll just be over here spiraling until book two drops.🔪🖤

[Nicole Sink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a top read for me this year! I absolutely love every thing about this book. Rae is one of my favorite FMCs and lord help me with Emilio!
The spice is hot! 🥵
THAT CLIFFHANGER?!?!?! Rude af but it’s making me yearn for more 😭
This is an absolute MUST read!

[Sunshyne Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved all the characters! Adored all the thrills. Definitely love a serial unaliver! Cannot wait for book 2!

[Smutty Dom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written, from the multiple POVs, the descriptive writing, the spiiiiiiicy scenes. Everything worked so well together, plus the story was just phenomenal. Really had me hoping I could turn on Netflix and watch this cause it was that good. I will say, I'm so freaking bummed that the second book isn't out yet because I need more. More of Rae, more of Emilio and more of the ripper!

[Chasity Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this last night and I must say you will only regret not having the second book available immediately (cliff hanger for certain)😀
I was hooked just from the prologue!!!
Great plot and character development with just the right amount of spice and suspense to keep you drooling and hooked.
I highly suggest reading ASAP!!!

[Megan Barclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me guessing the whole book. Great Main character stories. So much attention to detail. Cruel Cliffhanger lol...

[Her Dark Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killers Obsession by D.R Brooks

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Troops
🚓Police romance
🔪Serial Killer
🚓Obsession
🔪Murder
🚓Touch Her and 💀
🔪Protective MMC
🚓Resilient FMC
🔪Instant attraction
🚓He falls first
🔪Multiple POV
🚓Slow Burn Spice
🔪Cliffhanger/No HEA
🚓Police station/university setting (micro trope)

"Open that pretty little mouth of yours, Rae, I wanted to see that tongue of yours be put to good use"

My oh my! Book two can't come quick enough, this book had me gripped all the way through. And the Cliffhanger had me screaming!

Strong FMC, Men in uniform & Men in masks with knifes. What more could you want??

I highly recommend this book, it has Green Flags & Red Flags written all over it! I can't wait to see what comes next!!

This is a Dark Slasher Romance, please read the trigger warnings as your mental health matters. And what I like to read you may not!

[Caya Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️       🌶🌶

I had no clue what I was getting myself into.

I'm so glad I jumped cause this. This was beyond amazing. I live in AZ and it was so refreshing to see AZ written so well. The details behind the monsoon and how it feels were so spot on. I loved getting the cameos of the streets that I know so well.

Rae definitely has her mind set on the Butcher. And she is determined to get all the info on him.

I've also found a new top tier book boyfriend. Emilio is so damn protective and the way he is with Rae is just perfection.

This one ends on a HUGE cliffhanger. But it is damn well worth it.

[Nikki Nadal · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
My heart is still pounding!
Wow just wow!!! Serial unaliver,hot cops and smut this read has it all,even the cliff hanger that makes you wanna throw your kindle! I absolutely loved the writing, the heart that was put into every word,every sentence and every chapter made it come alive. I felt like I was in the book living the story with characters. The characters are just absolutely amazing and so well written!!Max is by far my favorite with Emilio coming in second and not only did I love the MMC but the FMC as well.I have very few book girlfriends but Rae is now added to my short list. I want to give D.R. Brooks a round of applause for one of the best books of the year!!!!

[Andrea Gugliotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killer’s Obsession is a gripping psychological thriller that leaves you wanting more. The pace keeps you turning page after page. Raelynn is in a terrifying situation because the serial killer that killed Her mother 17yrs ago is now after her.
Can Officer Emilio Perez , Raelynn new man be able to save her??? I guess We’ll have to wait for the 2nd book to come out because your left with a cliffhanger.

[brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shines in its atmosphere and psychological edge, balancing danger with desire in a way that feels deliberate and gripping. While some moments lean heavily into familiar dark-romance tropes, the emotional intensity and pacing kept me fully invested. If you enjoy twisted romance, morally questionable leads, and stories that blur the line between love and obsession, this is a compelling, dark read worth picking up. 🖤

[Jessica Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start? Not normally one for a book with a serial killer and crime like this one. That being said I loved this book. Took me a little to get through but that is only due to real life encroaching into my reading time. The anticipation of what’s going to happen next and who the heck is this killer had me on edge. To be honest I have a hunch but of course have to wait until the next book and I can’t wait for it.

[Leslie Weimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be picked for this ARC review and it did not disappoint!! At first a little slow but within a few chapters it definitely caught my attention enough to not put it down 😳. The storyline of how the main FC now has to relive her mother’s ungodly murder puts this book on a Thriller and Mystery lovers radar. The thrill and unknown makes this an amazing read, BUT….. The End 😩🫣😳😳😳 Let me know when you get there 😉

[✧༺VDO༻✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ARC reader, I absolutely devoured A Killer’s Obsession by D.R. Brooks.

Dark, dangerous, and deliciously addictive, this story pulls you into a tense game of obsession where desire and fear collide.

The chemistry is electric, the stakes are high, and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat — only for the ending to hit me with a brutal cliffhanger. I am not okay… and I need Book 2 NOW!!!

I loved how the investigation was woven in with authentic police terminology, it added so much realism and depth to the story instead of feeling surface-level.

[Ms Ravenclaws Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark and suspenseful thriller grabbed me from the first page and wouldnt let me put it down. The twist and turns were leaving me with my head spinning with ideas and theories about who the killer could possibly be.
Raelynn, our smart and determined FMC, decided to get an intership at the local police station in hopes of solving her mom's murder. There she meets the dark and brooding officer Emilio who wants nothing to do with a ride a long.
But when Rae's past starts to come back and the killer starts to get to close for comfort, Emilio will do anything to keep her safe.
The cliffhanger to wait for book 2 made me want to chuck my tablet at a wall lol but in a good way ya'know?

[Shawn Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and it totally left me unhinged. It was non stop thrills, twists and surprises at every turn. This was a top read for me I loved all the suspense. And the FMC was one of my all time favorite and the slow burn romance that she and the MMC have is fantastic. This is a must read. I loved the fact that she broke up the terminology of all the police terms.

[Samantha Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is beating out of my chest as I write this. The tension is perfection, building up slowly and the characters are extremely relatable. I'm terrified for Rae after that insane cliffhanger!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, reading every chance I got. This book does have trigger warnings, and for good reason, I sobbed at the animal scene.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all honesty, this book quite literally pulled me out of my book slump! From the very beginning, it had me hooked. This was easily one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.
The tension, the obsession, and the spice... My lord hit every spot 🥵 I flew through this book and couldn’t put it down! I’m beyond excited and can’t wait for the second book to come out ❤️

[Libbi Paschall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thriller that has you melting at the love story hidden beneath the gore, A Killer’s Obsession quickly became my obsession while reading it. D.R. Brooks writes characters that I see in my everyday life and then rips them away from me, wanting justice for them and for our FMC Raelynn. I cannot wait for book 2!

[ashp_reads1875 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all….that ending?! How dare you! This debut from D.R Brooks is one of the best debut books I’ve read this year and I am dying for book 2.
Raelynn is one of my favourite fmcs. I love a strong female lead and the MMC Emelio? Where do I get one of those? The plot kept me on edge the whole way through. The character development was perfect and the ending had me screaming into the void.

[noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only reason it took this damn long to finish is because it was the holiday season, but YOU GUYS read this. Read! This! That cliffhanger will make you want to throw the book (or kindle, or phone), but it's ABSOLUTELY worth it.

And Emilio 🤌🏻🥵 enough said

Thank you to Ms. Brooks for writing a kick ass book & making me scream into a pillow about this ARC. Merry Christmas 😘