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Distorted Perceptions
I made a promise to a dying man.
Watch Hana.
When my friend was murdered in prison, serving a sentence I should have been doing with him, I vowed I’d look out for his little sister.
I kept my word.
Hunted her down.
Watched her 24/7.
It’s been six years of watching her from a distance, but now she’s here, standing in front of me.
My obsession spirals, and I lose control.
I break all the rules to make her mine.
But the closer I get to Hana Monroe, the more I wonder if I misheard my friend.
Maybe he didn’t say, ‘watch Hana’. Maybe he actually said, ‘watch out for Hana,’ because I’m starting to feel less like the protector and more like her prey.
Watch Hana.
When my friend was murdered in prison, serving a sentence I should have been doing with him, I vowed I’d look out for his little sister.
I kept my word.
Hunted her down.
Watched her 24/7.
It’s been six years of watching her from a distance, but now she’s here, standing in front of me.
My obsession spirals, and I lose control.
I break all the rules to make her mine.
But the closer I get to Hana Monroe, the more I wonder if I misheard my friend.
Maybe he didn’t say, ‘watch Hana’. Maybe he actually said, ‘watch out for Hana,’ because I’m starting to feel less like the protector and more like her prey.
- GenresDark Romance
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
29 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Esme Taylor
15 books108 followersEsme is a 40 something romance author from the North East of England. She started writing romance during lockdown and developed a love of crafting stories about tattooed broken boys and the relationships that help them heal. Esme writes all sorts of tropes, but one theme runs through her books - love comes in all shapes and sizes and her stories celebrate that.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 13, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader Copy received from Author:
My first ever Arc and my first Esme Taylor book and i loved it 🤩
Roman was just everything- obsessed, tattooed, intelligent but also very caring and protective. He was definitely my favourite character by a mile!
Hana wasn’t my favourite FMC but the two of them fit together really well as they both had their quirks and things they kept hidden from each other (for their own reasons). The twist at the end finished off the story perfectly and the spice was also great 🌶️
Will definitely be reading more from Esme and this series 💯
My first ever Arc and my first Esme Taylor book and i loved it 🤩
Roman was just everything- obsessed, tattooed, intelligent but also very caring and protective. He was definitely my favourite character by a mile!
Hana wasn’t my favourite FMC but the two of them fit together really well as they both had their quirks and things they kept hidden from each other (for their own reasons). The twist at the end finished off the story perfectly and the spice was also great 🌶️
Will definitely be reading more from Esme and this series 💯
April 26, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating: 3/5 stars
POV: Dual 1st person POV
Length: Novel
Relationship: MF
Primary Tropes/Features: Dark romance, Morally grey MMC & FMC, Stalker romance, Obsessive hero, Jealous/Possessive hero, “Mine”, Found family
Secondary Tropes/Features: Only one bed, Small Town, Tattooed & pierced hero, Kink
Micro Tropes: Tattooed & Pierced hero, Genital Tattoo (FMC's fingerprints), Nicknames, Crawl to me, Who do you belong to?, Just the tip
Content warning: A trigger warning is included at the start of the book and can be found on the author’s website. This book includes:
Taylor is still a fairly new author to me and this is the first of her darker romances that I have read. Distorted Perceptions had an intriguing plot and focused on two morally grey characters that complemented each other well.
The characters:
Roman was an introverted and aloof individual who avoided socialisation preferring to be tucked away behind his screens, using his intelligence and hacking skills for good or for bad. He was the ultimate obsessive hacker who had been stalking Hana for 6 years after a promise to protect her became much more. His domineering stance often played well into the morally grey archetype he embodied but more often than not he needed saving in the dangerous situations and it was something I enjoyed because it highlighted the dynamic of him being the tech guy and obsessive stalker from a distance over the protective action type hero. Hana was your typical sweet heroine on the run from someone and trying to build a new life when the past reared its head and dragged her back into memories she’d rather forget. There was a fierce independence and confidence which she possessed and it depicted her as more than the damsel in distress which Roman saw her as. It was an enjoyable element of her character because it evolved her further than our initial impression of her and I liked how it played into her submissive nature when it came to Roman’s dominance. Both these characters were walking red flags in their own ways but they embraced and loved their morally grey nature further developing the dark romance they shared.
The romance:
Roman and Hana had a one sided history considering he had been stalking her for 6 years but when they finally met face to face despite her initial hesitation it wasn’t long before he started to give her a sense of safety and protection which she relished in but didn’t want to rely on. My favourite thing about their dynamic was their ability to engage in quick witted snark and banter because when it came to intelligence and morally greyness these two were playing on an even field. It did make this book more enjoyable with them both having morally grey natures because of how their need for control and personalities played off on another and one of the reasons I found it as enjoyable as I did was because the power balance between them kept changing. Roman was domineering in both physique and in the way he ran his life whilst Hana appeared submissive in all aspects by comparison. Though with her character arc and development we could see the internal struggle she had as her need for control and need to let go and submit to Roman affected not just the sexual aspect of their relationship but their working and day to day lives. These two were very physical and most of the on page dedication to their relationship development focused on sex, kink, and the not so secret nature of their relationship. The spicy scenes and exploration of kink was well written and did serve their romance development well, especially for how the banter continued when appropriate, but with the overall romance development becoming more dimensional only in the later half of the book the balance was off. So for me the majority of the book felt like the physical connection was the only thing being developed and it did become hard for me to recognise where these feelings of love they were having came from.
Main and secondary plots:
I don’t want to give away what happened but the plot outside of Roman and Hana’s relationship focused on a series of ongoing murders and uncovering corrupt officials and their inner circle. It was an interesting plot which lended itself to the dark themes of these characters very well and the book was well paced. I did find it predictable and some the ‘big’ reveals did not seem as large as the characters made them but the multiple characters and events which were involved in this mystery were hinted at and unveiled in a way which kept my interest and nothing felt like it was thrown into the plot for the sake of filling a gap. When it came to secondary plots there wasn't much so any kind of secondary plot did feel superficial despite some of them having high significance to the main characters. Fortunately they eventually tied into the main plot so it stopped that superficial feeling I was having but then I started to debate if this book was focusing on breadth over depth lessening the overall impact of certain events despite how well everything fit together.
Secondary characters:
I haven’t read the first book in this series (now that Coming Undone has been removed from it) and not read the series focusing on Thomas Lanton. However, like with Coming Undone (which features Thomas Lanton and his team), I didn’t feel lost in what happened when events from other books or characters were mentioned. The secondary characters here did not fill space, instead they added depth to the main characters’ stories and actions and the overall narrative. This added to the tension and intrigue whilst also building interest into their own stories. Particularly Jarrid who was a favorite of mine and after the events of this book I do look forward to seeing his story eventually.
I am very hit and miss when it comes to dark romance and it has something that I read when the mood strikes but overall I did enjoy this. I enjoyed how Roman and Hana’s mutually morally grey natures worked together but also created sources of conflicts and the overall plot was fairly interesting but I did struggle to connect to the romance of it all and that lack of connection between the characters and me as a reader did lessen my enjoyment.
Favourite Quote(s):
Rating: 3/5 stars
POV: Dual 1st person POV
Length: Novel
Relationship: MF
Primary Tropes/Features: Dark romance, Morally grey MMC & FMC, Stalker romance, Obsessive hero, Jealous/Possessive hero, “Mine”, Found family
Secondary Tropes/Features: Only one bed, Small Town, Tattooed & pierced hero, Kink
Micro Tropes: Tattooed & Pierced hero, Genital Tattoo (FMC's fingerprints), Nicknames, Crawl to me, Who do you belong to?, Just the tip
Content warning: A trigger warning is included at the start of the book and can be found on the author’s website. This book includes:
Taylor is still a fairly new author to me and this is the first of her darker romances that I have read. Distorted Perceptions had an intriguing plot and focused on two morally grey characters that complemented each other well.
The characters:
Roman was an introverted and aloof individual who avoided socialisation preferring to be tucked away behind his screens, using his intelligence and hacking skills for good or for bad. He was the ultimate obsessive hacker who had been stalking Hana for 6 years after a promise to protect her became much more. His domineering stance often played well into the morally grey archetype he embodied but more often than not he needed saving in the dangerous situations and it was something I enjoyed because it highlighted the dynamic of him being the tech guy and obsessive stalker from a distance over the protective action type hero. Hana was your typical sweet heroine on the run from someone and trying to build a new life when the past reared its head and dragged her back into memories she’d rather forget. There was a fierce independence and confidence which she possessed and it depicted her as more than the damsel in distress which Roman saw her as. It was an enjoyable element of her character because it evolved her further than our initial impression of her and I liked how it played into her submissive nature when it came to Roman’s dominance. Both these characters were walking red flags in their own ways but they embraced and loved their morally grey nature further developing the dark romance they shared.
The romance:
Roman and Hana had a one sided history considering he had been stalking her for 6 years but when they finally met face to face despite her initial hesitation it wasn’t long before he started to give her a sense of safety and protection which she relished in but didn’t want to rely on. My favourite thing about their dynamic was their ability to engage in quick witted snark and banter because when it came to intelligence and morally greyness these two were playing on an even field. It did make this book more enjoyable with them both having morally grey natures because of how their need for control and personalities played off on another and one of the reasons I found it as enjoyable as I did was because the power balance between them kept changing. Roman was domineering in both physique and in the way he ran his life whilst Hana appeared submissive in all aspects by comparison. Though with her character arc and development we could see the internal struggle she had as her need for control and need to let go and submit to Roman affected not just the sexual aspect of their relationship but their working and day to day lives. These two were very physical and most of the on page dedication to their relationship development focused on sex, kink, and the not so secret nature of their relationship. The spicy scenes and exploration of kink was well written and did serve their romance development well, especially for how the banter continued when appropriate, but with the overall romance development becoming more dimensional only in the later half of the book the balance was off. So for me the majority of the book felt like the physical connection was the only thing being developed and it did become hard for me to recognise where these feelings of love they were having came from.
Main and secondary plots:
I don’t want to give away what happened but the plot outside of Roman and Hana’s relationship focused on a series of ongoing murders and uncovering corrupt officials and their inner circle. It was an interesting plot which lended itself to the dark themes of these characters very well and the book was well paced. I did find it predictable and some the ‘big’ reveals did not seem as large as the characters made them but the multiple characters and events which were involved in this mystery were hinted at and unveiled in a way which kept my interest and nothing felt like it was thrown into the plot for the sake of filling a gap. When it came to secondary plots there wasn't much so any kind of secondary plot did feel superficial despite some of them having high significance to the main characters. Fortunately they eventually tied into the main plot so it stopped that superficial feeling I was having but then I started to debate if this book was focusing on breadth over depth lessening the overall impact of certain events despite how well everything fit together.
Secondary characters:
I haven’t read the first book in this series (now that Coming Undone has been removed from it) and not read the series focusing on Thomas Lanton. However, like with Coming Undone (which features Thomas Lanton and his team), I didn’t feel lost in what happened when events from other books or characters were mentioned. The secondary characters here did not fill space, instead they added depth to the main characters’ stories and actions and the overall narrative. This added to the tension and intrigue whilst also building interest into their own stories. Particularly Jarrid who was a favorite of mine and after the events of this book I do look forward to seeing his story eventually.
I am very hit and miss when it comes to dark romance and it has something that I read when the mood strikes but overall I did enjoy this. I enjoyed how Roman and Hana’s mutually morally grey natures worked together but also created sources of conflicts and the overall plot was fairly interesting but I did struggle to connect to the romance of it all and that lack of connection between the characters and me as a reader did lessen my enjoyment.
Favourite Quote(s):
"You're so nice, you look like you do, you show up when I need you, even when I don't want you to... it's all very red flaggy."
"You think I'm nice?" He frowned, sounding horrified. "Cardigans are nice. Romcoms are nice. I don't want to be nice."
"But you don't mind being a walking red flag?" I tilted my head while I waited for his answer.
His shoulders bounced up and down in a shrug. "Not if I'm your walking red flag."
May 1, 2026
ARC read -
I really enjoyed this book. The story was well written and easy to follow along with, making the quick read more enjoyable. The world building was simple and not too complicated which helped the story flow and meant that I didn’t have to concentrate too hard when reading.
I liked Roman, his personality and humour coming through really well and although he was a stalker it kept him relatable and charming.
The other characters from the other books in the series all tie in well together but it can be read as a standalone easily without reading the other books for background information.
‼️ Thank you to the author for allowing me to read it, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I really enjoyed this book. The story was well written and easy to follow along with, making the quick read more enjoyable. The world building was simple and not too complicated which helped the story flow and meant that I didn’t have to concentrate too hard when reading.
I liked Roman, his personality and humour coming through really well and although he was a stalker it kept him relatable and charming.
The other characters from the other books in the series all tie in well together but it can be read as a standalone easily without reading the other books for background information.
‼️ Thank you to the author for allowing me to read it, I am voluntarily leaving an honest review
April 18, 2026
⭐️ ⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC read. I wanted to love this book- it contained tropes I do really enjoy and sounded like it could be great! Unfortunately, I really couldn’t connect with the characters and everything felt very surface level. For example, Hana and Amber’s friendship just wasn’t believable. The way Amber and Hana literally just met and don’t know each other at all and are immediately acting like best friends? I don’t know, I just dont think this book was for me. Though I did enjoy the spicy scenes! I also saw every “plot twist” coming a mile away, which I never do, so I really don’t think it was well thought up in that sense. It was also confusing and hard to follow in some parts. It took me way way too long to read this because I just wasn’t excited to pick it up. I hate to be so negative for an ARC but I have to be honest. I am still so grateful to the author for the opportunity to read their work and have a lot of respect for all the hard work that went into writing it.
ARC read. I wanted to love this book- it contained tropes I do really enjoy and sounded like it could be great! Unfortunately, I really couldn’t connect with the characters and everything felt very surface level. For example, Hana and Amber’s friendship just wasn’t believable. The way Amber and Hana literally just met and don’t know each other at all and are immediately acting like best friends? I don’t know, I just dont think this book was for me. Though I did enjoy the spicy scenes! I also saw every “plot twist” coming a mile away, which I never do, so I really don’t think it was well thought up in that sense. It was also confusing and hard to follow in some parts. It took me way way too long to read this because I just wasn’t excited to pick it up. I hate to be so negative for an ARC but I have to be honest. I am still so grateful to the author for the opportunity to read their work and have a lot of respect for all the hard work that went into writing it.
April 24, 2026
I received a copy from the author and this is my honest review.
3.5 ⭐️
The first part of the book felt like it was just spicy scenes and no real character or plot depth. Esme did redeem herself in my eyes in the last 1/4 of the book when the characters had more of a 3 dimensional feel verses the 1 and 2 dimensional quality they carried in the first part of the book.
Roman and Hana's relationship is unconventional where protecting leads to obsession and then their past comes face to face with their present.
Overall it was an ok read for me, but if you are looking for a book with a lot of spice scenes this may be the book for you.
3.5 ⭐️
The first part of the book felt like it was just spicy scenes and no real character or plot depth. Esme did redeem herself in my eyes in the last 1/4 of the book when the characters had more of a 3 dimensional feel verses the 1 and 2 dimensional quality they carried in the first part of the book.
Roman and Hana's relationship is unconventional where protecting leads to obsession and then their past comes face to face with their present.
Overall it was an ok read for me, but if you are looking for a book with a lot of spice scenes this may be the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC copy!
"But you don't mind being a walking red flag?" "Not if I'm your walking red flag."
Distorted Perceptions is a rollercoaster of twists and turns. It has so many plot twists that I was just hooked from start to finish. It is the second book in The Lanton Legacy series. I have not yet gotten around to reading the first book, but if this is anything to go off of, it's going to be just as good.
Distorted Perceptions follows the story of a prominent (mostly anonymous) hacker named Roman who was asked to keep an eye on Hana, by his deceased friend--her older brother. He has kept an eye on her for 6 years, until she went missing. This leads him to a small town, where he finds his obsession is the new owner of a small diner, as placed there by his new boss.
Hana has been keeping secrets since she was young. Her family kept her in some shady business and practices since she was a pre-teen, until she got out when she was 18. Now 6 years later, she is a new business owner in a new town, full of new faces. Unaware of the eyes on her at all times. She meets a new friend named Amber, who on the surface, is the perfect best friend. And she meets a cunning IT worker, Roman. When ghosts from her old life pop up and force her back into old habits, what happens when her past catches up to her and starts mingling with everything new in her life?
This book had my jaw on the floor, and my toes curling! The spice was impeccable, the plot twists were scary good, and Roman and Hana's dynamic was so good. The banter was amazing!!! I will be reading the next book and the previous book sometime very soon!
Tropes:
🔴Small-Town
🔴Stalker
🔴Morally Grey Characters
🔴Obsessed MMC
🔴Found Family
🔴Feral Spice
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow Esme has us back in the dark world of Thomas Lanton and his morally grey men, who right wrongs from the shadows. Roman is a tech wizard and hacker, who for 6 years has watched over Hana through his tech, having been asked, by her brother to watch out for her. Suddenly all his feeds disappear and he loses her and he is panic stricken.
Enter the mysterious Thomas Lanton who offers Roman a job in the small town where Hana now lives. He demands Roman stops hacking into Hana's life and watches over her in person. Hana is overwhelmed by the God like man who suddenly appears in her life and she falls hard for the man who has worshipped her from afar for so long. Everything is not as it seems, both are keeping secrets that might eventually destroy them.
Esme takes us on a fantastic journey, full of so many twists and turns. As the story navigates tragic back stories, danger for Hana from unseen people, betrayal and lies, I found myself thinking OK now I see when actually I couldn't have been further from the truth. I did not see the end coming. That said the ending has left me desperate for the next book in the series, to follow more of Esme's dark morally grey hero.
I know these books are meant to be spicy and this is. I feel however that at times the story got lost in the spice, I can't believe I am saying this, there was a bit too much spice at times, it felt like it was getting in the way of the plot. Having said that I absolutely recommend you grab this and meet The God like Roman and Hana who is hiding strengths from the world.
Enter the mysterious Thomas Lanton who offers Roman a job in the small town where Hana now lives. He demands Roman stops hacking into Hana's life and watches over her in person. Hana is overwhelmed by the God like man who suddenly appears in her life and she falls hard for the man who has worshipped her from afar for so long. Everything is not as it seems, both are keeping secrets that might eventually destroy them.
Esme takes us on a fantastic journey, full of so many twists and turns. As the story navigates tragic back stories, danger for Hana from unseen people, betrayal and lies, I found myself thinking OK now I see when actually I couldn't have been further from the truth. I did not see the end coming. That said the ending has left me desperate for the next book in the series, to follow more of Esme's dark morally grey hero.
I know these books are meant to be spicy and this is. I feel however that at times the story got lost in the spice, I can't believe I am saying this, there was a bit too much spice at times, it felt like it was getting in the way of the plot. Having said that I absolutely recommend you grab this and meet The God like Roman and Hana who is hiding strengths from the world.
Review of advance copy
Was not expecting what happened to happen, but WOW…. It is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Check your trigger warning and be ready for a ride, with laughs.
We are introduced to Roman he’s, the hot build like a god with tattoos and hides behind computer monitors watching, and hacking…but mainly watching Hana, a woman who come into his radar after promising his friend he would “watch out” for her. He’s doing his thing until one day his feed into Hana’s life is cut, and he cannot get back into it, he gets upset and starts complaining to Thomas, who tells him to stop being a creep and of course Roman has a hissy fit….a few weeks later Thomas offers him an opportunity, come work for him and he can be closer to Hana.
Hana on the other hand has just started her life over in a small town, after a series of “unfortunate events” happen….her job is gone, and her home condemned…so she starts in a new town, buys a diner and gets a super cute cottage that needs some fixing. She’s also missing her brother who had passed away 11 years prior.
Roman “accidentally” comes to Hana’s aid more than a few times, and she’s suspicious of his motives, and starts in her “tough girl” act.
There is cute banter between the two main characters, pet names and lots of heat and tension leading into some spicy scenes. Chapters are from the POV of the characters, and we get their view on things.
We are introduced to Roman he’s, the hot build like a god with tattoos and hides behind computer monitors watching, and hacking…but mainly watching Hana, a woman who come into his radar after promising his friend he would “watch out” for her. He’s doing his thing until one day his feed into Hana’s life is cut, and he cannot get back into it, he gets upset and starts complaining to Thomas, who tells him to stop being a creep and of course Roman has a hissy fit….a few weeks later Thomas offers him an opportunity, come work for him and he can be closer to Hana.
Hana on the other hand has just started her life over in a small town, after a series of “unfortunate events” happen….her job is gone, and her home condemned…so she starts in a new town, buys a diner and gets a super cute cottage that needs some fixing. She’s also missing her brother who had passed away 11 years prior.
Roman “accidentally” comes to Hana’s aid more than a few times, and she’s suspicious of his motives, and starts in her “tough girl” act.
There is cute banter between the two main characters, pet names and lots of heat and tension leading into some spicy scenes. Chapters are from the POV of the characters, and we get their view on things.
April 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/ 5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sooo what can I say… this isn’t the first book in the series, and they can all be read as standalones, but after reading this one? Yeah… I might have to go back and read book one (lol). Esme Taylor definitely knows how to write in a way that pulls you completely into the characters and their story. I was locked in.
We have Roman—a cyber expert, hacker by day… and a full-time stalker when it comes to Hana. One promise to a dying friend leads him straight to her, and what starts as “looking out for her” quickly turns into an around-the-clock obsession 👀. His boss eventually steps in, shuts down all his tracking, and moves Hana to a small town… but of course, that doesn’t stop fate. After a couple of meet-cutes, things escalate quickly between them. But Hana isn’t as innocent as she seems. She has her own secrets.. ones that even Roman didn’t uncover before everything went down.
And while Roman is basically walking red flags 🚩, Hana chooses to ignore them because he makes her feel safe—and honestly? She kind of claims him as her psycho. As secrets come out, you realize they’re both a little… okay, a lot… morally gray, and that just made their dynamic even more interesting.
This story does give us a happy ending for them, but I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for book three.
🌶️ Spice: 4/ 5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sooo what can I say… this isn’t the first book in the series, and they can all be read as standalones, but after reading this one? Yeah… I might have to go back and read book one (lol). Esme Taylor definitely knows how to write in a way that pulls you completely into the characters and their story. I was locked in.
We have Roman—a cyber expert, hacker by day… and a full-time stalker when it comes to Hana. One promise to a dying friend leads him straight to her, and what starts as “looking out for her” quickly turns into an around-the-clock obsession 👀. His boss eventually steps in, shuts down all his tracking, and moves Hana to a small town… but of course, that doesn’t stop fate. After a couple of meet-cutes, things escalate quickly between them. But Hana isn’t as innocent as she seems. She has her own secrets.. ones that even Roman didn’t uncover before everything went down.
And while Roman is basically walking red flags 🚩, Hana chooses to ignore them because he makes her feel safe—and honestly? She kind of claims him as her psycho. As secrets come out, you realize they’re both a little… okay, a lot… morally gray, and that just made their dynamic even more interesting.
This story does give us a happy ending for them, but I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for book three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Distorted Perceptions by Esme Taylor delivers exactly what readers of dark romance crave, intensity, complexity, and characters who refuse to fit neatly into “good” or “bad” boxes. This is a high-heat, unapologetically steamy read, where every interaction between the main characters simmers with tension and danger.
The MMC is, without question, a walking red flag, but what makes this story stand out is that he is her red flag. Their dynamic feels deliberate and matched rather than one-sided, especially since the MFC brings her own shadows into the relationship. Her morally grey nature is refreshing; instead of being a passive or purely “good” counterpart, she has a past and a set of choices that make her just as unpredictable and compelling. It’s rare, and genuinely satisfying, to see a heroine who can stand toe-to-toe with a morally complex MMC.
Beyond the central relationship, the side characters add real depth to the story. They don’t just fill space; they enhance the narrative, offering additional layers of tension, support, and intrigue that keep the plot engaging from start to finish.
Overall, Distorted Perceptions is a gripping, steamy romance that thrives on its flawed characters and the dangerous chemistry between them. If you enjoy morally grey leads, mutual toxicity with purpose, and high emotional stakes, this one delivers.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The MMC is, without question, a walking red flag, but what makes this story stand out is that he is her red flag. Their dynamic feels deliberate and matched rather than one-sided, especially since the MFC brings her own shadows into the relationship. Her morally grey nature is refreshing; instead of being a passive or purely “good” counterpart, she has a past and a set of choices that make her just as unpredictable and compelling. It’s rare, and genuinely satisfying, to see a heroine who can stand toe-to-toe with a morally complex MMC.
Beyond the central relationship, the side characters add real depth to the story. They don’t just fill space; they enhance the narrative, offering additional layers of tension, support, and intrigue that keep the plot engaging from start to finish.
Overall, Distorted Perceptions is a gripping, steamy romance that thrives on its flawed characters and the dangerous chemistry between them. If you enjoy morally grey leads, mutual toxicity with purpose, and high emotional stakes, this one delivers.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2026
This is a story about one man's pure obsession with a women his friend asked him to 'watch'. Which he did for the past 6 years. However circumstances means he can get to know her in person now.
When they finally meet, the chemistry is immediate and high heat. Hana is fiercely independent, constantly insisting she doesn't need a protector.
As their relationship intensifies, a sense of dread builds, How will she react when she finds out he’s been stalking her for years?
Just as you expect a confrontation over Roman’s secrets, the author throws a curveball regarding Hana’s own dark past.
The story shifts into a high stakes game where both characters' secrets come to light, leaving the reader questioning if their connection can survive the weight of their mutual revelations.
While I enjoyed the plot and the 'spice' factor, I had two main gripes that held this back from a higher rating,
Roman is supposed to be a top-tier tech/surveillance expert, but he loses track of her way too easily. It felt inconsistent with his 'best in the business' reputation.
I also didn't get the 'protective hero' energy from Roman, I felt he needed more saving from walking in to bad situations. He does lean much harder into the obsessive stalker category which works well.
This book is a good read with a strong twist, but the internal logic of the MMC’s skills fell a bit flat for me.
3.5 stars.
When they finally meet, the chemistry is immediate and high heat. Hana is fiercely independent, constantly insisting she doesn't need a protector.
As their relationship intensifies, a sense of dread builds, How will she react when she finds out he’s been stalking her for years?
Just as you expect a confrontation over Roman’s secrets, the author throws a curveball regarding Hana’s own dark past.
The story shifts into a high stakes game where both characters' secrets come to light, leaving the reader questioning if their connection can survive the weight of their mutual revelations.
While I enjoyed the plot and the 'spice' factor, I had two main gripes that held this back from a higher rating,
Roman is supposed to be a top-tier tech/surveillance expert, but he loses track of her way too easily. It felt inconsistent with his 'best in the business' reputation.
I also didn't get the 'protective hero' energy from Roman, I felt he needed more saving from walking in to bad situations. He does lean much harder into the obsessive stalker category which works well.
This book is a good read with a strong twist, but the internal logic of the MMC’s skills fell a bit flat for me.
3.5 stars.
April 25, 2026
This dark romance isn’t trying to be comfortable—and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling.
From the start, the story leans fully into its intensity, weaving a narrative where love, obsession, and trauma blur together in ways that feel both unsettling and deeply immersive. The trigger warnings are there for a reason, and they’re handled with intention—not for shock value, but to prepare you for a story that explores distorted perceptions of reality, power, and connection.
What stood out most was how the characters experience the world. Their perceptions aren’t always reliable, and that creates this constant tension where you’re questioning what’s real versus what’s felt. It pulls you directly into their mindset—messy, flawed, and at times beautifully broken. Instead of clean-cut morality, you get emotional complexity, which makes the relationship dynamic feel raw and psychologically gripping.
The romance itself isn’t traditional. It’s dark, consuming, and at times uncomfortable—but there’s an honesty to it. The author doesn’t shy away from the consequences of trauma or the way it can warp attachment, and that adds a layer of depth that lingers long after finishing.
If you go in expecting a light love story, this isn’t it. But if you’re open to something intense, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged—with clear trigger warnings to guide you—this is a powerful read that stays with you.
From the start, the story leans fully into its intensity, weaving a narrative where love, obsession, and trauma blur together in ways that feel both unsettling and deeply immersive. The trigger warnings are there for a reason, and they’re handled with intention—not for shock value, but to prepare you for a story that explores distorted perceptions of reality, power, and connection.
What stood out most was how the characters experience the world. Their perceptions aren’t always reliable, and that creates this constant tension where you’re questioning what’s real versus what’s felt. It pulls you directly into their mindset—messy, flawed, and at times beautifully broken. Instead of clean-cut morality, you get emotional complexity, which makes the relationship dynamic feel raw and psychologically gripping.
The romance itself isn’t traditional. It’s dark, consuming, and at times uncomfortable—but there’s an honesty to it. The author doesn’t shy away from the consequences of trauma or the way it can warp attachment, and that adds a layer of depth that lingers long after finishing.
If you go in expecting a light love story, this isn’t it. But if you’re open to something intense, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged—with clear trigger warnings to guide you—this is a powerful read that stays with you.
April 25, 2026
This read was my first read from this author and i can say with certainty that i will be reading the others in this series 🤩
This read was the second book in this series, but it was easy enough to follow as a standalone, but i will be purchasing book one too!
Roman is a beautifully written MMC 😍 he is tall, tattooed, intelligent and caring (exactly what I like 😉) and absolutely obsessive of Hana, the FMC.
I found that Roman & Hana blended together well, they both have troubled pasts and struggle to trust others because of this. The plot twist at the end had me shook! 🤯
The plot and spice ratio was balanced and not overdone.
The only gripe i could find with this read is that, if Roman was supposedly ‘the best in the business‘ and able to stalk and track others professionally, then why did he lose track of Hana so easily?
I feel that this could be worked upon and possibly give Roman some more action opportunities to really show his strength and skills to make this more accurate.
I went on a roller coaster of emotions with this one! Will definitely read more from this author in the future.
If you enjoy;
♥️ Small town
♥️ Stalker
♥️ Morally grey main characters
♥️ OBSESSED MMC
♥️ Bad ass FMC
♥️ Found family
I suggest that you purchase this series, as always - check your triggers kittens! 💋
This read was the second book in this series, but it was easy enough to follow as a standalone, but i will be purchasing book one too!
Roman is a beautifully written MMC 😍 he is tall, tattooed, intelligent and caring (exactly what I like 😉) and absolutely obsessive of Hana, the FMC.
I found that Roman & Hana blended together well, they both have troubled pasts and struggle to trust others because of this. The plot twist at the end had me shook! 🤯
The plot and spice ratio was balanced and not overdone.
The only gripe i could find with this read is that, if Roman was supposedly ‘the best in the business‘ and able to stalk and track others professionally, then why did he lose track of Hana so easily?
I feel that this could be worked upon and possibly give Roman some more action opportunities to really show his strength and skills to make this more accurate.
I went on a roller coaster of emotions with this one! Will definitely read more from this author in the future.
If you enjoy;
♥️ Small town
♥️ Stalker
♥️ Morally grey main characters
♥️ OBSESSED MMC
♥️ Bad ass FMC
♥️ Found family
I suggest that you purchase this series, as always - check your triggers kittens! 💋
Review of advance copy received from Author
thank you to esme for my arc copy of ruin the friendship ♥︎
·········
⟡˙⋆ 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖𝕩 𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕪, 𝕡𝕤𝕪𝕔𝕙𝕠 ⋆˙⟡
·········
⋆˙⟡ dom/sub dynamic
⋆˙⟡ breaking and entering
⋆˙⟡ he falls first
⋆˙⟡ stalker MC
as soon as esme put out the description for distorted perceptions, i knew that this was a book for me, and oh boy did it deliver!
hana is a self defence expert, owning a diner and wanting the best for her staff, but underneath her layers, she has secrets that need to be kept exactly that: secrets.
roman is a walking red flag, going above and beyond to protect hana from evil for as long as he possibly can - six years, to be precise.
when hana finds out that not everything is down to coincidence, her anger flames, but she still needs one thing that she won't ask for: roman's help.
i fell in love with hana and roman almost instantly, gripped to the storyline and wanting more, wanting to delve into the other characters and explore what makes them tick.
as per the acknowledgements, no wonder the most overused was exploded - it's how i felt whilst reading this! thank you esme for the chance to read this incredible book before publish date, please never stop what you do. ♥︎
·········
⟡˙⋆ 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕠 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖𝕩 𝕚𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕖𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕪, 𝕡𝕤𝕪𝕔𝕙𝕠 ⋆˙⟡
·········
⋆˙⟡ dom/sub dynamic
⋆˙⟡ breaking and entering
⋆˙⟡ he falls first
⋆˙⟡ stalker MC
as soon as esme put out the description for distorted perceptions, i knew that this was a book for me, and oh boy did it deliver!
hana is a self defence expert, owning a diner and wanting the best for her staff, but underneath her layers, she has secrets that need to be kept exactly that: secrets.
roman is a walking red flag, going above and beyond to protect hana from evil for as long as he possibly can - six years, to be precise.
when hana finds out that not everything is down to coincidence, her anger flames, but she still needs one thing that she won't ask for: roman's help.
i fell in love with hana and roman almost instantly, gripped to the storyline and wanting more, wanting to delve into the other characters and explore what makes them tick.
as per the acknowledgements, no wonder the most overused was exploded - it's how i felt whilst reading this! thank you esme for the chance to read this incredible book before publish date, please never stop what you do. ♥︎
April 25, 2026
Esme is a new-to-me author, and she didn't disappoint with this read. She hooks you in right from the beginning and keeps you turning the pages until the very end. Roman asked his friend Tony to look out for his little sister, Hana. Roman spent six years keeping an eye on her until she moved to town. He was then able to get her into his life and keep an eye on her. Roman now works in IT at a security company, so he can get access in more places than he could before. Now he has a mystery to solve with a lot of high-profile people getting murdered, and keep Hana safe also. What will happen when Roman finds Hana has been keeping deep, dark secrets from him? What will happen when Hana finds out Roman has been "stalking" her for all these years, even if it's because it's what her brother wanted? Will Roman and Hana ever get their HEA, or will their egos get in the way?
I recieved an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a stalker romance with action and a mystery to solve, then you will enjoy this read. Although this is Book Two in The Lanton Legacy it is possible to be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this one so much, I want to check out the other books in the series now. Plus, I cant wait for the next book in the series to see what happened to Jarrid.
I recieved an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a stalker romance with action and a mystery to solve, then you will enjoy this read. Although this is Book Two in The Lanton Legacy it is possible to be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this one so much, I want to check out the other books in the series now. Plus, I cant wait for the next book in the series to see what happened to Jarrid.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I truly wanted to be obsessed with this book but I wasn’t.
With that being said it was still a good read that I would recommend it, I just had higher hopes for it.
It is the second book in the Lanton series and while it can be read as a standalone I do feel like it lacks the depth I was craving.
This is a stalker romance that does have some spicy moments.
Roman made a promise to his friend to protect and watch his sister Hanna. Roman definitely uses his cyber capabilities to take the watching a bit to far to the the point that it is stalking. He becomes obsessed and tends to run everyone off that enters Hana’s life.
Some rather unfortunate events happen that land Hana in a small town. She has become the new owner of a local restaurant and the talk of the town
Roman takes a job in the small town to be closer to Hana and keep his promise, unfortunately Hana notices that he always seems to be around at the oddest times.
The chemistry and banter between Hana and Roman is great.
I was surprised by some of the plot and I did love how Hana’s past comes back to haunt her.
With that being said it was still a good read that I would recommend it, I just had higher hopes for it.
It is the second book in the Lanton series and while it can be read as a standalone I do feel like it lacks the depth I was craving.
This is a stalker romance that does have some spicy moments.
Roman made a promise to his friend to protect and watch his sister Hanna. Roman definitely uses his cyber capabilities to take the watching a bit to far to the the point that it is stalking. He becomes obsessed and tends to run everyone off that enters Hana’s life.
Some rather unfortunate events happen that land Hana in a small town. She has become the new owner of a local restaurant and the talk of the town
Roman takes a job in the small town to be closer to Hana and keep his promise, unfortunately Hana notices that he always seems to be around at the oddest times.
The chemistry and banter between Hana and Roman is great.
I was surprised by some of the plot and I did love how Hana’s past comes back to haunt her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Distorted Perceptions by Esme Taylor is a gripping and easy read that pulls you in quickly and keeps you turning the pages. The writing style is engaging, and it’s clear the author knows how to build tension and create addictive moments throughout the story.
The spice is definitely a standout, easily a 5/5. It’s intense, well-written, and adds an extra layer of heat that really elevates certain scenes without completely overshadowing the plot. And if you’re into big, tattooed, obsessed men… this book will absolutely hit the spot.
That said, I did find parts of the story a little confusing at times, and the pacing felt slightly off in places. It’s not a slow book by any means, but some elements could have been clearer or more developed. As someone who’s pretty good at spotting plot twists, I wasn’t hugely surprised by where things were going,but it was still enjoyable to see it all unfold.
While it’s not my absolute favourite out of the books I’ve read, it’s still a solid story and a testament to Esme Taylor being a great author. Definitely worth picking up if you’re after something engaging, a bit twisty, and with plenty of spice.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Distorted Perceptions by Esme Taylor is a gripping and easy read that pulls you in quickly and keeps you turning the pages. The writing style is engaging, and it’s clear the author knows how to build tension and create addictive moments throughout the story.
The spice is definitely a standout, easily a 5/5. It’s intense, well-written, and adds an extra layer of heat that really elevates certain scenes without completely overshadowing the plot. And if you’re into big, tattooed, obsessed men… this book will absolutely hit the spot.
That said, I did find parts of the story a little confusing at times, and the pacing felt slightly off in places. It’s not a slow book by any means, but some elements could have been clearer or more developed. As someone who’s pretty good at spotting plot twists, I wasn’t hugely surprised by where things were going,but it was still enjoyable to see it all unfold.
While it’s not my absolute favourite out of the books I’ve read, it’s still a solid story and a testament to Esme Taylor being a great author. Definitely worth picking up if you’re after something engaging, a bit twisty, and with plenty of spice.
April 28, 2026
Distorted Perceptions is a small town stalker romance, it’s an intriguing blend of obsession and romance, centered around a complex relationship rooted in a promise.
The story follows Roman, who is haunted by guilt and a sense of duty after promising to look out for his late friend's sister, Hana, after his tragic death. This setup creates a tense backdrop as Roman grapples with his intense feelings and compulsive behavior towards Hana.
The story explores themes of protection and obsession, raising questions about boundaries in relationships. Roman's character is deeply conflicted, he transitions from a protector to a potentially dangerous figure as his fixation grows.
The pacing of the plot is steady, allowing for the characters to develop and get their claws into you 😜 while ramping up suspense as Roman's obsession deepens.
The writing style is straightforward, making the story accessible while maintaining intensity.
In summary, Distorted Perceptions offers a captivating read for fans of romance and psychological thrillers. It explores dark themes with a good approach, leaving us eager to see how the story unfolds and whether love can prevail amidst turmoil.
🦋
The story follows Roman, who is haunted by guilt and a sense of duty after promising to look out for his late friend's sister, Hana, after his tragic death. This setup creates a tense backdrop as Roman grapples with his intense feelings and compulsive behavior towards Hana.
The story explores themes of protection and obsession, raising questions about boundaries in relationships. Roman's character is deeply conflicted, he transitions from a protector to a potentially dangerous figure as his fixation grows.
The pacing of the plot is steady, allowing for the characters to develop and get their claws into you 😜 while ramping up suspense as Roman's obsession deepens.
The writing style is straightforward, making the story accessible while maintaining intensity.
In summary, Distorted Perceptions offers a captivating read for fans of romance and psychological thrillers. It explores dark themes with a good approach, leaving us eager to see how the story unfolds and whether love can prevail amidst turmoil.
🦋
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is dark, and twisted.
Unhinged and definitely a bit dark.
Roman is the classic hot guy ‘protector’ who works behind a computer… but in reality, he’s a stalker… And has been for years.
Meanwhile, Hana has just started over, a new business owner in a small town… Under threat from her past…
Tons of banter. Occasionally, cute, between the nicknames and the snark, you could feel the tension.
But… It needed some character development. Plenty of spice, and quite a bit of tell… but we needed to experience the feelings…
The power balance kept changing between them, and I would have loved to see a bit more depth in that aspect, for sure.
I felt, that once the secrets are out, the story just upped the pace, so everything just started to wrap up a little too quickly….
A lot of smut. If you like high spice, then this is heading towards that territory, and might fit what you want. A bit of suspense, high tension… made for a pretty good read.
Thanks Esme, for the advance copy.
Unhinged and definitely a bit dark.
Roman is the classic hot guy ‘protector’ who works behind a computer… but in reality, he’s a stalker… And has been for years.
Meanwhile, Hana has just started over, a new business owner in a small town… Under threat from her past…
Tons of banter. Occasionally, cute, between the nicknames and the snark, you could feel the tension.
But… It needed some character development. Plenty of spice, and quite a bit of tell… but we needed to experience the feelings…
The power balance kept changing between them, and I would have loved to see a bit more depth in that aspect, for sure.
I felt, that once the secrets are out, the story just upped the pace, so everything just started to wrap up a little too quickly….
A lot of smut. If you like high spice, then this is heading towards that territory, and might fit what you want. A bit of suspense, high tension… made for a pretty good read.
Thanks Esme, for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I feel so conflicted! I really wanted to love this book because the premise sounded so promising and had huge potential, but unfortunately, the execution didn't quite work for me. I received an ARC copy and it took me 6 days to finish, which is unusual for me, as I typically finish a book in 2–3 days.
My biggest struggle was with Hana. Her character started off strong, but as the story progressed, I found myself increasingly frustrated with her. It’s hard to explain why without spoilers, but she just didn't live up to the initial hype. I also felt a lack of depth in the characters overall. We got very little information about Roman and Hana’s backgrounds, their families, or the history between Roman and Hana’s brother until the final 20% of the book.
On a positive note, the spicy scenes were well-written and there was a good amount of them. This was my first time reading this author, and despite my issues with this story, I’d be open to giving her other books a chance in the future.
My biggest struggle was with Hana. Her character started off strong, but as the story progressed, I found myself increasingly frustrated with her. It’s hard to explain why without spoilers, but she just didn't live up to the initial hype. I also felt a lack of depth in the characters overall. We got very little information about Roman and Hana’s backgrounds, their families, or the history between Roman and Hana’s brother until the final 20% of the book.
On a positive note, the spicy scenes were well-written and there was a good amount of them. This was my first time reading this author, and despite my issues with this story, I’d be open to giving her other books a chance in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Having not yet read the other books, ( but believe me I am about to rectify that!) I didn’t know what I was in for!
I was spellbound from the moment I started reading it, sneaking in every moment I could from the past few days because I did not want to put it down!
The mystery and intrigue Esme wove into every twist and turn had me constantly thinking and wondering and constantly asking questions out loud! I have never read anything so intense that I had to keep turning the pages until it was finally over! Except it’s not, and I still need the other books to see how everything comes together.
Esme has created a found family that I absolutely love and adore! They each have their own story and I have fallen for them all! As morally grey and hardcore as they are, I would choose to be a part of their family any day.
And Roman Black?!? Don’t EVEN get me started… Hana is one lucky gal to have him obsessing over her.
This is my first “stalker” novel and I can honestly say Esme has wrecked me and I want to read more of them!!!! Well done!
I was spellbound from the moment I started reading it, sneaking in every moment I could from the past few days because I did not want to put it down!
The mystery and intrigue Esme wove into every twist and turn had me constantly thinking and wondering and constantly asking questions out loud! I have never read anything so intense that I had to keep turning the pages until it was finally over! Except it’s not, and I still need the other books to see how everything comes together.
Esme has created a found family that I absolutely love and adore! They each have their own story and I have fallen for them all! As morally grey and hardcore as they are, I would choose to be a part of their family any day.
And Roman Black?!? Don’t EVEN get me started… Hana is one lucky gal to have him obsessing over her.
This is my first “stalker” novel and I can honestly say Esme has wrecked me and I want to read more of them!!!! Well done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A walking, talking red flag stalks the sweet “girl next door”…or so it seems. What could go wrong, right?
Six years before the book opens, Roman receives a call from his friend Tony—who’s about to be killed in prison—asking him to watch over his little sister, Hana. Tony went to prison for a crime both he and Roman were complicit in-and honoring that final request becomes Roman’s mission. What starts as protection quickly turns into obsession, and once Roman and Hana finally meet face‑to‑face, the obsession only escalates. From there, the plot twists start rolling in.
This book delivers on so many fronts: tension, mystery, betrayal, action, and a whole lot of spice. Even though it’s part of a series, I jumped in without reading the earlier books (something I usually never do) and never felt lost—the author does a great job grounding the characters and their history.
While this novel doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, it definitely sets up the next installment in a way that has me anxious to see where the story goes next. I’ll absolutely be continuing the series.
Six years before the book opens, Roman receives a call from his friend Tony—who’s about to be killed in prison—asking him to watch over his little sister, Hana. Tony went to prison for a crime both he and Roman were complicit in-and honoring that final request becomes Roman’s mission. What starts as protection quickly turns into obsession, and once Roman and Hana finally meet face‑to‑face, the obsession only escalates. From there, the plot twists start rolling in.
This book delivers on so many fronts: tension, mystery, betrayal, action, and a whole lot of spice. Even though it’s part of a series, I jumped in without reading the earlier books (something I usually never do) and never felt lost—the author does a great job grounding the characters and their history.
While this novel doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, it definitely sets up the next installment in a way that has me anxious to see where the story goes next. I’ll absolutely be continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC COPY*
Mr. Thomas Lanton and his very morally gray men are back and have done it again.
Distorted Perceptions follows Roman, an IT hacker whose obsession with Hana is only fueled when he’s assigned to watch over her. What starts as control and fixation quickly turns into something deeper, even as Hana resists being claimed and fights her own hidden past.
Roman is intense, secretive, and always one step ahead, while Hana proves she’s stronger than expected. Their relationship is messy, emotional, and filled with tension, especially as outside threats and past secrets start to surface. While Roman feels indebted to her brother, Hana is pushed to limits she’s always craved while still having doubts about why she feels the way she does towards Roman.
The story stays unpredictable, and I appreciated how it kept me guessing who the real enemies were until the end. They both battle secrets and make some unlikely “friends” along the way. The chemistry is strong (spice is definitely a 4/5 🌶️ - thunderstorms have never been spicier), and the darker elements add to the overall intensity.
Mr. Thomas Lanton and his very morally gray men are back and have done it again.
Distorted Perceptions follows Roman, an IT hacker whose obsession with Hana is only fueled when he’s assigned to watch over her. What starts as control and fixation quickly turns into something deeper, even as Hana resists being claimed and fights her own hidden past.
Roman is intense, secretive, and always one step ahead, while Hana proves she’s stronger than expected. Their relationship is messy, emotional, and filled with tension, especially as outside threats and past secrets start to surface. While Roman feels indebted to her brother, Hana is pushed to limits she’s always craved while still having doubts about why she feels the way she does towards Roman.
The story stays unpredictable, and I appreciated how it kept me guessing who the real enemies were until the end. They both battle secrets and make some unlikely “friends” along the way. The chemistry is strong (spice is definitely a 4/5 🌶️ - thunderstorms have never been spicier), and the darker elements add to the overall intensity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a dark romance! Check your trigger warnings for those that need them. With that said, I was given the opportunity to an advance copy of this book and let me say, it was my absolute pleasure to read it!! I enjoyed it immensely!! 💯❤️🖤
This is part of the Lanton Legacy series!! In this story we follow Hana, the FMC, trying to pick up the pieces of her life after events happened in her life since 15. And we have Roman, the MMC, that gave a promise to protect and watch her since then, unbeknownst to her. When I tell you that he is obsessed!! He is!! This 6 plus foot man, built like a wall, covered in tattoos fits the description of a complete unhinged stalker and he is super techie smart, but he is so sweet lol!! Hana is no slouch lol, she is a tough cookie! The twists and turns in this book had me on the edge of seat! And the heat between them…..let’s say the spice was definitely spicing!!😏🥵🪭🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️😮💨😮💨
Esme!! Yessss, girlll!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!! I need more, lol!! Thank you for sharing and trusting me with this book!! 🙌🏽❤️🔥💯
This is part of the Lanton Legacy series!! In this story we follow Hana, the FMC, trying to pick up the pieces of her life after events happened in her life since 15. And we have Roman, the MMC, that gave a promise to protect and watch her since then, unbeknownst to her. When I tell you that he is obsessed!! He is!! This 6 plus foot man, built like a wall, covered in tattoos fits the description of a complete unhinged stalker and he is super techie smart, but he is so sweet lol!! Hana is no slouch lol, she is a tough cookie! The twists and turns in this book had me on the edge of seat! And the heat between them…..let’s say the spice was definitely spicing!!😏🥵🪭🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️😮💨😮💨
Esme!! Yessss, girlll!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I can’t wait for the rest of the series!!! I need more, lol!! Thank you for sharing and trusting me with this book!! 🙌🏽❤️🔥💯
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
okay but WHY is no one screaming about *Distorted Perceptions* by Esme Taylor?? because I am UNWELL after this 😭
this book??? messed with my head in the BEST way. like every time I thought I had it figured out… nope. plot twist. again. and AGAIN. I was side-eyeing EVERYONE.
the vibes are so intense and lowkey unsettling — you genuinely don’t know what’s real and what’s not, and it just keeps spiralling. I couldn’t even trust my own thoughts while reading 💀
and the characters?? flawed, messy, emotionally chaotic… exactly how I like them. I was so invested it actually hurt.
also can we talk about the writing?? it’s so immersive I literally forgot I was reading. I blinked and hours passed.
if you like:
🖤 psychological mind games
🖤 unreliable narrators
🖤 “wait… WHAT just happened” twists
🖤 books that make you question everything
READ THIS.
easy 5 stars. no notes. I’m still thinking about it.
okay but WHY is no one screaming about *Distorted Perceptions* by Esme Taylor?? because I am UNWELL after this 😭
this book??? messed with my head in the BEST way. like every time I thought I had it figured out… nope. plot twist. again. and AGAIN. I was side-eyeing EVERYONE.
the vibes are so intense and lowkey unsettling — you genuinely don’t know what’s real and what’s not, and it just keeps spiralling. I couldn’t even trust my own thoughts while reading 💀
and the characters?? flawed, messy, emotionally chaotic… exactly how I like them. I was so invested it actually hurt.
also can we talk about the writing?? it’s so immersive I literally forgot I was reading. I blinked and hours passed.
if you like:
🖤 psychological mind games
🖤 unreliable narrators
🖤 “wait… WHAT just happened” twists
🖤 books that make you question everything
READ THIS.
easy 5 stars. no notes. I’m still thinking about it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Distorted Perception
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stalker MMC (but he’s secretly a big cinnamon roll… with a dirty mouth)
Morally grey MCs
Degradation and D/s dynamics
Lots of spice, even early on
Tattooed 🍆
Secrets
Found family
This was my first book by Esme Taylor, but even before I reached 20%, I went and bought “In Plain Sight” too. The writing is good! I loved that this book had “short” chapters where you often see the same scene from both perspectives. I was never bored reading this and would’ve loved more of Roman and Hana!
This book will take you on a journey through all the emotions, GOOD spice, WTF moments, morally grey characters, twists and turns, and never knowing what comes next.
I would’ve loved a little more background knowledge about the MCs throughout the book and a bit more character development. The ending felt a bit too rushed, sadly, which is why I’ve cut it down to 4.5 ⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stalker MMC (but he’s secretly a big cinnamon roll… with a dirty mouth)
Morally grey MCs
Degradation and D/s dynamics
Lots of spice, even early on
Tattooed 🍆
Secrets
Found family
This was my first book by Esme Taylor, but even before I reached 20%, I went and bought “In Plain Sight” too. The writing is good! I loved that this book had “short” chapters where you often see the same scene from both perspectives. I was never bored reading this and would’ve loved more of Roman and Hana!
This book will take you on a journey through all the emotions, GOOD spice, WTF moments, morally grey characters, twists and turns, and never knowing what comes next.
I would’ve loved a little more background knowledge about the MCs throughout the book and a bit more character development. The ending felt a bit too rushed, sadly, which is why I’ve cut it down to 4.5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I have to admit, Distorted Perceptions hooked me more than i anticipated. The obsessive, morally grey dynamic was intense, and while the obsessive and stalker-ish behavior is clearly not healthy in real life, in my fake world of romance, it was pretty hot.
Overall, i enjoyed the book. The plot was solid, the twist was interesting and landed well, and I ended up liking every character more than I thought I would. Hana could be annoying at times, but once her trauma came out, it made more sense. And Roman—Hana’s nickname for him fits perfectly. He’s psychotic in a way that makes him a definite book boyfriend-if you like the type.
As a pair, they were chaotic but it worked. I wouldn’t have minded exploring more of their pasts, especially Roman’s, but the book worked overall and I had a hard time putting it down.
If you enjoy morally grey characters, tension, and a story that isn’t afraid to push boundaries, this is definitely worth the read!
I read as an ARC.
Overall, i enjoyed the book. The plot was solid, the twist was interesting and landed well, and I ended up liking every character more than I thought I would. Hana could be annoying at times, but once her trauma came out, it made more sense. And Roman—Hana’s nickname for him fits perfectly. He’s psychotic in a way that makes him a definite book boyfriend-if you like the type.
As a pair, they were chaotic but it worked. I wouldn’t have minded exploring more of their pasts, especially Roman’s, but the book worked overall and I had a hard time putting it down.
If you enjoy morally grey characters, tension, and a story that isn’t afraid to push boundaries, this is definitely worth the read!
I read as an ARC.
April 23, 2026
This is my second ARC read from this author and seeing as I loved the last book I read of theirs. I knew this would be a banger.
This is a solid 4.5 star read.
As sad is it makes me, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the FMC, I mean we were warned that she was just as unhinged,so there’s no one to blame lol. But her and Roman are honestly the best couple together so that makes up for it haha
I normally don’t like a stalker romance. This one surprised me in so many ways, I actually didn’t mind Roman being a stalker and how crazy he was , because he was so protective and surprisingly caring.
The plot twists in this book were great and really kept the story from becoming predictable and stale, so 5 stars for those twists.
As for spice, the author always delivers so no notes honestly
Overall, I loved this book amid wait for more from the series
Ps. I would love the continuation of the Fischer men series please, I’m dying for some single dad action
This is a solid 4.5 star read.
As sad is it makes me, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the FMC, I mean we were warned that she was just as unhinged,so there’s no one to blame lol. But her and Roman are honestly the best couple together so that makes up for it haha
I normally don’t like a stalker romance. This one surprised me in so many ways, I actually didn’t mind Roman being a stalker and how crazy he was , because he was so protective and surprisingly caring.
The plot twists in this book were great and really kept the story from becoming predictable and stale, so 5 stars for those twists.
As for spice, the author always delivers so no notes honestly
Overall, I loved this book amid wait for more from the series
Ps. I would love the continuation of the Fischer men series please, I’m dying for some single dad action
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and honestly, I’m still not over it.
From the very first page, you’re pulled into the life of a fiercely resilient FMC who’s desperate to outrun her past… but some things refuse to stay buried. Just when you think she might finally find peace, everything starts to unravel.
And then there’s him, the MMC. Dark, intense, and completely obsessed. He’s been watching her for years, silently orbiting her world… until he steps out of the shadows and into her life in a way she never saw coming.
What follows? A whirlwind of tension, danger and addictive chemistry. The twists keep coming, the stakes keep rising and the spice? Absolutely next level.
If you love:
🔥 “Touch her and you die” energy
🔥 A possessive, obsessed MMC
🔥 Secrets and hidden lives
🔥 High tension with serious spice
Then trust me! this book will have you hooked from start to finish.
From the very first page, you’re pulled into the life of a fiercely resilient FMC who’s desperate to outrun her past… but some things refuse to stay buried. Just when you think she might finally find peace, everything starts to unravel.
And then there’s him, the MMC. Dark, intense, and completely obsessed. He’s been watching her for years, silently orbiting her world… until he steps out of the shadows and into her life in a way she never saw coming.
What follows? A whirlwind of tension, danger and addictive chemistry. The twists keep coming, the stakes keep rising and the spice? Absolutely next level.
If you love:
🔥 “Touch her and you die” energy
🔥 A possessive, obsessed MMC
🔥 Secrets and hidden lives
🔥 High tension with serious spice
Then trust me! this book will have you hooked from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was expecting your typical cute stalker romance but this was not that. The amount of plot twists in this book is insane. It leans heavily into murder mystery, and you honestly don’t see things coming until that last minute “wait… what if…” moment, and believe me I had a LOT of those.
Roman (our main man) is an absolute cutie. He has that Josh from Lights Out vibe, if you’ve read that, and looks like he belongs in a motorcycle club, but is actually a total cinnamon roll who’s obsessed with his girl and keeps to himself.
And Hana? She’s been through a lot, but I love how fiery and independent she is. She’s not your typical doormat FMC, she handles things herself, and it shows. Their banter is super cute, and I really loved their story.
Overall, I’m obsessed with this book and will definitely be continuing the series! :)
Roman (our main man) is an absolute cutie. He has that Josh from Lights Out vibe, if you’ve read that, and looks like he belongs in a motorcycle club, but is actually a total cinnamon roll who’s obsessed with his girl and keeps to himself.
And Hana? She’s been through a lot, but I love how fiery and independent she is. She’s not your typical doormat FMC, she handles things herself, and it shows. Their banter is super cute, and I really loved their story.
Overall, I’m obsessed with this book and will definitely be continuing the series! :)
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