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The Taskmaster
He sees her, he wants her.
She vows never to be tamed.
The Taskmaster, the player of games.
He hunts his victims, teases them, tortures and destroys.
It's what he was born to do.
It's all he knows.
And they deserve it.
Abigail Walters was next on his list.
She needed to learn the sins of her father had fallen on her shoulders.
He couldn't wait to have her in his kill room.
But she had dark secrets.
And he wasn't the only one watching her from the shadows.
Her darkness drew him in.
With her, all the rules changed. His games took on a new meaning.
He wanted to push her to her limits, in all the best ways.
He was her master.
But when predator meets predator, there can only be one winner.
The stakes are high and the cost even higher.
The stranger watching her will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
And in the game of murder, are there ever winners?
The Taskmaster is a standalone dark romance with a happy ever after. Please take note of the trigger warnings before starting the journey.
Tagline
Born in blood and raised in hell, he lived to rain chaos even the Devil would fear.
Until one day, she stumbled into his world...
And nothing was ever the same.
Are you ready to play my game?
She vows never to be tamed.
The Taskmaster, the player of games.
He hunts his victims, teases them, tortures and destroys.
It's what he was born to do.
It's all he knows.
And they deserve it.
Abigail Walters was next on his list.
She needed to learn the sins of her father had fallen on her shoulders.
He couldn't wait to have her in his kill room.
But she had dark secrets.
And he wasn't the only one watching her from the shadows.
Her darkness drew him in.
With her, all the rules changed. His games took on a new meaning.
He wanted to push her to her limits, in all the best ways.
He was her master.
But when predator meets predator, there can only be one winner.
The stakes are high and the cost even higher.
The stranger watching her will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
And in the game of murder, are there ever winners?
The Taskmaster is a standalone dark romance with a happy ever after. Please take note of the trigger warnings before starting the journey.
Tagline
Born in blood and raised in hell, he lived to rain chaos even the Devil would fear.
Until one day, she stumbled into his world...
And nothing was ever the same.
Are you ready to play my game?
408 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
October 10, 2025
Thank you for the ARC!!
Nikki J Summers is a one click for me so I was honored to be a part of her ARC team.
Overall rating: 5 ⭐️
HEA/HFN:HEA Married with a baby
POV: 1st dual
Emojis to describe MMC: 🔪🔥🪦🥵💔🩸
Emojis to describe FMC:💪🐈⬛🔪
Emojis to describe story as a whole: 🤯🥵🪦❤️💔
What I liked: Major Saw/Dexter vibes--kill games with retribution and revenge. Gotta love a bad guy who targets bad guys! I truly enjoyed everything about this book. I just love the way Nikki writes unhinged characters. I loved the way she kept Abigail a bit of a mystery until the end. I loved the way we knew who Isaiah was but still learned a lot about him throughout the story. I loved the way he loved and protected her. Major soft only for her vibes. I read the Soldiers of Anarchy series so I already knew who the Taskmaster was. You grow to love him in this story bc you’re not meant to love him in The Player. You think he’s the villain until you learn his backstory. I LOVE that.
What I didn’t like: If I could change anything I’d maybe change the ending (before the epilogue). I would have liked to see Abigail’s reaction to the boy in the cupboard. I also would have liked to read about their first ILYs. I don’t know why but that’s always a favorite moment for me.
Safety:
OW/OM drama:None
Cheating: None
3rd act breakup: Nope
Celibate: It seems as if both of them have only been with each other by choice. Both of them have been abused/rped but I don’t think either of them have been with anyone outside of those experiences.
Nikki J Summers is a one click for me so I was honored to be a part of her ARC team.
Overall rating: 5 ⭐️
HEA/HFN:HEA Married with a baby
POV: 1st dual
Emojis to describe MMC: 🔪🔥🪦🥵💔🩸
Emojis to describe FMC:💪🐈⬛🔪
Emojis to describe story as a whole: 🤯🥵🪦❤️💔
What I liked: Major Saw/Dexter vibes--kill games with retribution and revenge. Gotta love a bad guy who targets bad guys! I truly enjoyed everything about this book. I just love the way Nikki writes unhinged characters. I loved the way she kept Abigail a bit of a mystery until the end. I loved the way we knew who Isaiah was but still learned a lot about him throughout the story. I loved the way he loved and protected her. Major soft only for her vibes. I read the Soldiers of Anarchy series so I already knew who the Taskmaster was. You grow to love him in this story bc you’re not meant to love him in The Player. You think he’s the villain until you learn his backstory. I LOVE that.
What I didn’t like: If I could change anything I’d maybe change the ending (before the epilogue). I would have liked to see Abigail’s reaction to the boy in the cupboard. I also would have liked to read about their first ILYs. I don’t know why but that’s always a favorite moment for me.
Safety:
OW/OM drama:None
Cheating: None
3rd act breakup: Nope
Celibate: It seems as if both of them have only been with each other by choice. Both of them have been abused/rped but I don’t think either of them have been with anyone outside of those experiences.
October 6, 2025
Damn, that was a ride n half!
Isiah, an unhinged, psychopath with deleting qualities 🤭 I mean what’s not to love, his whole life has been a 💩show of extenuating circumstances but his method of controlling his situation is what makes him stand out. Lacking in empathy, he himself is humbled when he first sets eyes on Abigail, a policeman’s daughter but it is revenge he seeks. Their stories are separate until they cross over, each has their own deep, dark secrets. Will they overcome them? Will retribution be found? Without giving you too much!
“𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙, 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 🔪𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠. “𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙤 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙜𝙤 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣.”
I was invested in this one before I even started, Nikki did such a good promotion of selling me the story and it roped me in. The narrative she set with our S3rial MMC was enlightening, throw in Abigail’s side and you have a fanastic read, that keeps you gripped to the end. Spicy scenes, v!olence, intrigue and ruthlessness. Please read the trigger warnings ‘you have been warned’ ‼️
Isiah, an unhinged, psychopath with deleting qualities 🤭 I mean what’s not to love, his whole life has been a 💩show of extenuating circumstances but his method of controlling his situation is what makes him stand out. Lacking in empathy, he himself is humbled when he first sets eyes on Abigail, a policeman’s daughter but it is revenge he seeks. Their stories are separate until they cross over, each has their own deep, dark secrets. Will they overcome them? Will retribution be found? Without giving you too much!
“𝙒𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙, 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 🔪𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙠. “𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙤 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙜𝙤 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣.”
I was invested in this one before I even started, Nikki did such a good promotion of selling me the story and it roped me in. The narrative she set with our S3rial MMC was enlightening, throw in Abigail’s side and you have a fanastic read, that keeps you gripped to the end. Spicy scenes, v!olence, intrigue and ruthlessness. Please read the trigger warnings ‘you have been warned’ ‼️
October 21, 2025
I believe? Is this the end? I could be wrong, and it's all wrapped up in a little bow.
Isaiah is in the last book now; it's his turn, and he sorts out revenge against all who've wronged him, and it's a list, and I'm glad he got every person. He deserves those cries; he also wanted revenge against the policeman who didn't come back for him, through his daughter.
Until he met his daughter Abigail, and she's interesting. He's feeling things he's never felt before, and his games are going to be different for her. He stalks and does little things like pay her debt off, making sure she's fed. You know, cute stuff, lol. But he's still crazy.
We learn they are connected with what happened to Abigail when she was younger. And this opens Isaiah's eyes that his girl didn't live a perfect life, even if her parents were always there for her. We finally get to see who was behind everything, and I'm glad he got his.
Angst, no ow/no om, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins (both were raped at a young age)
Recommend-yes
cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta/burn
Murder
Violence
Praise kink
Gore
Suicide
Death if a parent
Child neglect
Child cruelty
Child S.A (historical- for both MC)
Self-harm
Torture
Torture mine games
Kidnapping
Drugging
Drowning
Death by hypothermia
Human trafficking
Attempted S.A.
Stillborn at birth
Baby snatching/baby trafficking
Cancer
Anal play
Hea
Epilogue
Isaiah is in the last book now; it's his turn, and he sorts out revenge against all who've wronged him, and it's a list, and I'm glad he got every person. He deserves those cries; he also wanted revenge against the policeman who didn't come back for him, through his daughter.
Until he met his daughter Abigail, and she's interesting. He's feeling things he's never felt before, and his games are going to be different for her. He stalks and does little things like pay her debt off, making sure she's fed. You know, cute stuff, lol. But he's still crazy.
We learn they are connected with what happened to Abigail when she was younger. And this opens Isaiah's eyes that his girl didn't live a perfect life, even if her parents were always there for her. We finally get to see who was behind everything, and I'm glad he got his.
Angst, no ow/no om, no cheating, slight secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins (both were raped at a young age)
Recommend-yes
cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta/burn
Murder
Violence
Praise kink
Gore
Suicide
Death if a parent
Child neglect
Child cruelty
Child S.A (historical- for both MC)
Self-harm
Torture
Torture mine games
Kidnapping
Drugging
Drowning
Death by hypothermia
Human trafficking
Attempted S.A.
Stillborn at birth
Baby snatching/baby trafficking
Cancer
Anal play
Hea
Epilogue
February 3, 2026
*3.5 REVENGE STARS*
"Who are you?" "The other half of you," I replied.
Don't get me wrong, I really liked the storyline and the characters, but I somehow expected more from this.
The first half of the book was immaculate with the gritty backstory, the stalking and the twisted revenge games, but it's the ending especially that had me bothered at times. Everything felt terribly convenient and a little rushed, I kind of expected a darker and more twisted finale I guess, along the lines of the games The Taskmaster likes to play.
Also, while I understand Abigail is traumatized and has a darker past than we would have imagined, it just doesn't make sense to me that she'd immediately fall for the handsome guy that suddenly keeps popping up everywhere, especially after she's been stalked for years. Oh well, we'll just go with the flow. I usually like a little more buildup to my romance and I also missed that a little bit. They had like 2 conversations and were suddenly infatuated. That's not love, that's lust.
The spice was nice though, or should I call it smut? 😂
"Who are you?" "The other half of you," I replied.
Don't get me wrong, I really liked the storyline and the characters, but I somehow expected more from this.
The first half of the book was immaculate with the gritty backstory, the stalking and the twisted revenge games, but it's the ending especially that had me bothered at times. Everything felt terribly convenient and a little rushed, I kind of expected a darker and more twisted finale I guess, along the lines of the games The Taskmaster likes to play.
Also, while I understand Abigail is traumatized and has a darker past than we would have imagined, it just doesn't make sense to me that she'd immediately fall for the handsome guy that suddenly keeps popping up everywhere, especially after she's been stalked for years. Oh well, we'll just go with the flow. I usually like a little more buildup to my romance and I also missed that a little bit. They had like 2 conversations and were suddenly infatuated. That's not love, that's lust.
The spice was nice though, or should I call it smut? 😂
June 12, 2026
4.5 but I'm rounding up cause I didn't have high expectations for this but it smashed it. I so enjoyed this and the spice scenes 😱🥵 god damn that was hot
November 3, 2025
Talk about a read!!! The title alone had me intrigued, the blurb even more so and from the very first chapters, I was glued!!
We actually meet the Taskmaster in The Player (another top read that I highly recommend!) and I was so intrigued by him! Here we finally out why he is the way he is and I swear, my heart broke for him! Thon boy was so let down, it's just sickeningly sad.
Then we meet Abigail who has an unknown connection to Isaiah through her Dad and what started out as a way to get back at someone, soon turns to infatuation and a longing for more and then finally a decision is made that he is taking what he wants and she is it!
We soon learn that her life isn't sunshine and once again, my heart hurt. These two just gel, their bond and connection is deep. He may be a psychopathic, stalking, twisted killer and she may be a policeman's daughter, but trust me when I say they belong together! These two broken souls deserve peace and it may not be the conventional way of finding it but I am still 100% behind them!!
4/4.5
We actually meet the Taskmaster in The Player (another top read that I highly recommend!) and I was so intrigued by him! Here we finally out why he is the way he is and I swear, my heart broke for him! Thon boy was so let down, it's just sickeningly sad.
Then we meet Abigail who has an unknown connection to Isaiah through her Dad and what started out as a way to get back at someone, soon turns to infatuation and a longing for more and then finally a decision is made that he is taking what he wants and she is it!
We soon learn that her life isn't sunshine and once again, my heart hurt. These two just gel, their bond and connection is deep. He may be a psychopathic, stalking, twisted killer and she may be a policeman's daughter, but trust me when I say they belong together! These two broken souls deserve peace and it may not be the conventional way of finding it but I am still 100% behind them!!
4/4.5
May 10, 2026
Seeing the review I was so excited to read this book.
Yet, I am 43% in and it is soooooo slow and repetitive.
The MCs have met once at this point (when the FM was conscious) and I understood the MMC has some revenge to take but it is always the same 🙄 He kidnapps, he speaks with them and kills them, it’s the third time the same pattern happens. I skip some paragraph because they are just too irrelevant descriptions of gore. The MFC is not really the brightest light when it comes to her safety or thinking about her stalker, she does not even panic or think about it twice when going home.
I will finish this book but for now, it is a disappointment.
The following updates may have spoilers :
48% - Wtf ? Out of nowhere the FL hits an old lady and ties her up without any hesitation ?? Cold blood ? So far, the characters have zero chemistry except from finding the other « hot ». They have met one more time for 5min top chrono and barely spoke 🤡 it starts to be long…
49% Ok I don’t think I will be able to finish this book this is so annoying. The guy is doing a lecture on how to do the perfect crime and the FL is shit at planning the most basic plan. This girl does not THINK and this man just admitted with shitty remakes that he is a big bad guy but why would he say « Thanks. I’ve done it a lot » « I know what I am talking about » ok mister and do you want a gold medal ? Aren’t you supposed to be keep your secret ? The girl panicked by planting a knife in a throat ? Wtf ? And they kiss at that point?? After only knowing their names and jobs ? That’s it ? Ridiculous.
I was really really excited for this but it is so hard to read it. I really want to like it and agree with the other reviews but at this point I just can’t. Hopefully it will be better if I pick this book up again one day :,)
Yet, I am 43% in and it is soooooo slow and repetitive.
The MCs have met once at this point (when the FM was conscious) and I understood the MMC has some revenge to take but it is always the same 🙄 He kidnapps, he speaks with them and kills them, it’s the third time the same pattern happens. I skip some paragraph because they are just too irrelevant descriptions of gore. The MFC is not really the brightest light when it comes to her safety or thinking about her stalker, she does not even panic or think about it twice when going home.
I will finish this book but for now, it is a disappointment.
The following updates may have spoilers :
48% - Wtf ? Out of nowhere the FL hits an old lady and ties her up without any hesitation ?? Cold blood ? So far, the characters have zero chemistry except from finding the other « hot ». They have met one more time for 5min top chrono and barely spoke 🤡 it starts to be long…
49% Ok I don’t think I will be able to finish this book this is so annoying. The guy is doing a lecture on how to do the perfect crime and the FL is shit at planning the most basic plan. This girl does not THINK and this man just admitted with shitty remakes that he is a big bad guy but why would he say « Thanks. I’ve done it a lot » « I know what I am talking about » ok mister and do you want a gold medal ? Aren’t you supposed to be keep your secret ? The girl panicked by planting a knife in a throat ? Wtf ? And they kiss at that point?? After only knowing their names and jobs ? That’s it ? Ridiculous.
I was really really excited for this but it is so hard to read it. I really want to like it and agree with the other reviews but at this point I just can’t. Hopefully it will be better if I pick this book up again one day :,)
October 18, 2025
I love a good redemption arc. And i truly believed The Taskmaster was irredeemable. But this book was sheer brilliance. This is a tough read at times as Isaiah has suffered the worst of cruelties and endured unimaginable torment. Heed the TWs for your own MH. Nikki has given Isaiah his backstory and his motivation in all its painful detail. He isn't so unhinged without reason.
This narrative gives Isaiah a reason to live beyond vengeance. He finds an equally disturbed and morally grey soul in Abigail. She has her own trauma and has been on her own journey to take back control of her life. These two are two halves of one connected soul with their stories intertwined and predestined. And in all his socially unacceptable stalking ways, Isaiah's devotion to Abi is the basis for a gorgeous heart healing romance.
A brilliantly gritty and dark at times serial killer stalker romance.
This narrative gives Isaiah a reason to live beyond vengeance. He finds an equally disturbed and morally grey soul in Abigail. She has her own trauma and has been on her own journey to take back control of her life. These two are two halves of one connected soul with their stories intertwined and predestined. And in all his socially unacceptable stalking ways, Isaiah's devotion to Abi is the basis for a gorgeous heart healing romance.
A brilliantly gritty and dark at times serial killer stalker romance.
June 14, 2026
⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5 stars)
I’m a bit conflicted about Taskmaster.
On the one hand, I really enjoyed the story. It was dark, twisty, and kept me guessing throughout. I genuinely had no idea where the plot was heading next, which is always a huge plus for me.
On the other hand, the spice felt a little over the top at times. It crossed the line from steamy into unbelievable for me, and it pulled me out of the story. Some of the scenes felt more focused on excess than realism.
I also couldn’t quite get past the fact that he called himself “the Taskmaster”. Every time it came up, all I could picture was Greg Davies standing there judging everyone, which definitely wasn’t the vibe the author was aiming for! 🤣
My other issue was with some of the police work. A few parts felt under-researched and unrealistic, which made it harder to stay immersed in the story.
Overall, though, it’s an entertaining, dark read with plenty of twists and surprises. While some aspects didn’t quite work for me, I was invested enough to keep turning the pages to find out what happened next.
I’m a bit conflicted about Taskmaster.
On the one hand, I really enjoyed the story. It was dark, twisty, and kept me guessing throughout. I genuinely had no idea where the plot was heading next, which is always a huge plus for me.
On the other hand, the spice felt a little over the top at times. It crossed the line from steamy into unbelievable for me, and it pulled me out of the story. Some of the scenes felt more focused on excess than realism.
I also couldn’t quite get past the fact that he called himself “the Taskmaster”. Every time it came up, all I could picture was Greg Davies standing there judging everyone, which definitely wasn’t the vibe the author was aiming for! 🤣
My other issue was with some of the police work. A few parts felt under-researched and unrealistic, which made it harder to stay immersed in the story.
Overall, though, it’s an entertaining, dark read with plenty of twists and surprises. While some aspects didn’t quite work for me, I was invested enough to keep turning the pages to find out what happened next.
October 7, 2025
Nikki has once again manage to take me on one hell of a wild ride with The Taskmaster! I don’t even know where to start with this review, actually yes I do- Nikki is a phenomenal writer and she truly delivered with Isaiah and Abi.
My heart broke for Isaiah as a little boy and everything he suffered through. But the revenge he delivered was sweet. It was dark and twisted and I enjoyed every second of watching him eliminate the monsters who hurt him. I think one of the best parts of this book was how Nikki wrote Abi. They made one hell of a team. I loved how she had some darkness in her too.
Everything about this book was perfect and written excellently. I’ve read all of Nikki’s books and the Soldiers and Rebels are two of my most favorite series. This is one universe I hope Nikki has plans to keep adding to, because I honestly can’t get enough of it!! Well done Nikki for yet another amazing release! I’m ready for your next story!
My heart broke for Isaiah as a little boy and everything he suffered through. But the revenge he delivered was sweet. It was dark and twisted and I enjoyed every second of watching him eliminate the monsters who hurt him. I think one of the best parts of this book was how Nikki wrote Abi. They made one hell of a team. I loved how she had some darkness in her too.
Everything about this book was perfect and written excellently. I’ve read all of Nikki’s books and the Soldiers and Rebels are two of my most favorite series. This is one universe I hope Nikki has plans to keep adding to, because I honestly can’t get enough of it!! Well done Nikki for yet another amazing release! I’m ready for your next story!
October 27, 2025
4.75
I really enjoyed this one and getting to explore these characters. Isaiah is an interesting character to explore, he comes so far from when we first meet him. He very much accepts who he is and the role he plays and doesn't let anyone's views of him change that. Seeing him open up with Abigail and find something that he wants to explore and fight for, was really wholesome to watch especially knowing his past. Abigail is one tough character and she goes through so much, I did not see her history being what it was, I knew it was bad but I didn't think it would go in that direction. I loved how Nikki J Summers connected the characters in all the little ways. Abigail's dad gained more points in my book there at the end by watching him put Abigail first. The writing flowed so nicely and you get absorbed into the world, I loved the little crossovers, so I'm excited to pick those books up.
I really enjoyed this one and getting to explore these characters. Isaiah is an interesting character to explore, he comes so far from when we first meet him. He very much accepts who he is and the role he plays and doesn't let anyone's views of him change that. Seeing him open up with Abigail and find something that he wants to explore and fight for, was really wholesome to watch especially knowing his past. Abigail is one tough character and she goes through so much, I did not see her history being what it was, I knew it was bad but I didn't think it would go in that direction. I loved how Nikki J Summers connected the characters in all the little ways. Abigail's dad gained more points in my book there at the end by watching him put Abigail first. The writing flowed so nicely and you get absorbed into the world, I loved the little crossovers, so I'm excited to pick those books up.
October 17, 2025
⚠️⚠️⚠️Check all TW⚠️⚠️⚠️
I loved This book so much. I 10/10 recommend reading this book. It took me a minute to get into it, but once I did I was hooked.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved This book so much. I 10/10 recommend reading this book. It took me a minute to get into it, but once I did I was hooked.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 8, 2026
Ughh. This was perfection 😭
October 29, 2025
4.5⭐
I absolutely devoured this book in 24 hours!
if you like your book boys to be a obsessed with the FMC, tatted, pierced 😏, murderous and an utter cinnamon roll for the FMC alone.. then you are going to LOVE Isaiah.
Nikki's writing style is so immersive and makes you forget that you're reading because you get so lost in the story. The storyline is so fresh and i love a happy ending 🥰 it has left me wanting more from Isaiah and Abi!!!
Honourable mention to the spicy scenes, absolute feral perfection 🤌🏼🤭
I absolutely devoured this book in 24 hours!
if you like your book boys to be a obsessed with the FMC, tatted, pierced 😏, murderous and an utter cinnamon roll for the FMC alone.. then you are going to LOVE Isaiah.
Nikki's writing style is so immersive and makes you forget that you're reading because you get so lost in the story. The storyline is so fresh and i love a happy ending 🥰 it has left me wanting more from Isaiah and Abi!!!
Honourable mention to the spicy scenes, absolute feral perfection 🤌🏼🤭
April 16, 2026
my jaw dropped at the end
Obviously not giving away any spoilers but my jaw dropped on that last chapter! Loved the book!
10/10 would read again
Obviously not giving away any spoilers but my jaw dropped on that last chapter! Loved the book!
10/10 would read again
April 14, 2026
A really good combination of thriller , gore and romance! Felt it could have gone slightly into more depth with a couple of things! But had me pretty gripped
The latter half of the book is not suitable for public consumption 🙉
The latter half of the book is not suitable for public consumption 🙉
June 16, 2026
That was exactly what I hoped it to be. Spicy, dark, the right kind of messed up, and so intense I couldn't stop reading. I wish it wasn't a standalone because I neeeeed to know more about these characters!!
December 8, 2025
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: Nikki J. Summers
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Isaiah and Abigail
Trope(s): Dark Romance, Stalker, Serial Killer, Praise, Possessive MMC
‘She’d wake up soon. And then the moment would be broken. I didn’t want to break it. I’d never been this close to a woman before, and I was in a trance. Stirrings of desire made me question everything. I didn’t want to question myself. But I took another moment to savour how I felt. How my spine tingled as she made noises I’d never heard before. Light, tender, even satisfied. How she looked so fucking peaceful. What was it like to feel like that? To sleep so deeply you didn’t even stir when six-foot two inches of death was looming over you.’
If you have read Nikki before you know her books have darker themes. She lists the Trigger Warnings so go in eyes wide open. This book is full of them from start to finish. If you have read The Soldiers of Anarchy you will be familiar with The Taskmaster and Abigail. It takes a special kinda writer who can take a character from another book whom you were ready to throw down with, bring them back, tell their story and make you feel all the feels for them. Isaiah is unhinged y’all, but his trauma recognizes Abigail’s. This is not your feel good romance, this is tear your heart out, mark your soul, and pray on all of your feelings. It took me a bit to read the book, it is detailed, in depth, and dark. But, man did this book have a grip on me.
Isaiah Dalton’s life was a monumental tragedy. Twenty-four years ago, after the death of the people he knew as his parents, he was sent to Clivesdon House. Where an already broken boy was torn down. Vengeance became his only friend. And, now all those who helped in hurting him were finding out the hard way just how their cruelty shaped him.
When men turn up missing, the police investigation brings Officer Dan back into Isaiah’s realm of thought. The officer who saved him twenty-four years ago, but also believed the lies he was told too easily abandoning Isaiah to the wolves.
And, he has a daughter. Isaiah has his plans laid out carefully. Seems he needs to remind Officer Dan just how cruel the world can be.
Abigail Walters has a stalker. She’s in debt up to her eyeballs, but it is for a good cause. Because Abigail has her own secrets.
Isaiah’s well laid plans begin to splinter apart as he watches Abigail.
Drawn together through circumstances they will learn just how strangely connected they are.
“Who are you?” she asked, her eyes hazy as she stared back at me with a bewildered gaze.
“The other half of you,” I replied.
When your broken pieces are not only understood, but accepted.
Stand-alone: Yes***
Author: Nikki J. Summers
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spiciness Rating: 3/5 🌶
POV: First Person Dual Perspective
Main Couple: Isaiah and Abigail
Trope(s): Dark Romance, Stalker, Serial Killer, Praise, Possessive MMC
‘She’d wake up soon. And then the moment would be broken. I didn’t want to break it. I’d never been this close to a woman before, and I was in a trance. Stirrings of desire made me question everything. I didn’t want to question myself. But I took another moment to savour how I felt. How my spine tingled as she made noises I’d never heard before. Light, tender, even satisfied. How she looked so fucking peaceful. What was it like to feel like that? To sleep so deeply you didn’t even stir when six-foot two inches of death was looming over you.’
If you have read Nikki before you know her books have darker themes. She lists the Trigger Warnings so go in eyes wide open. This book is full of them from start to finish. If you have read The Soldiers of Anarchy you will be familiar with The Taskmaster and Abigail. It takes a special kinda writer who can take a character from another book whom you were ready to throw down with, bring them back, tell their story and make you feel all the feels for them. Isaiah is unhinged y’all, but his trauma recognizes Abigail’s. This is not your feel good romance, this is tear your heart out, mark your soul, and pray on all of your feelings. It took me a bit to read the book, it is detailed, in depth, and dark. But, man did this book have a grip on me.
Isaiah Dalton’s life was a monumental tragedy. Twenty-four years ago, after the death of the people he knew as his parents, he was sent to Clivesdon House. Where an already broken boy was torn down. Vengeance became his only friend. And, now all those who helped in hurting him were finding out the hard way just how their cruelty shaped him.
When men turn up missing, the police investigation brings Officer Dan back into Isaiah’s realm of thought. The officer who saved him twenty-four years ago, but also believed the lies he was told too easily abandoning Isaiah to the wolves.
And, he has a daughter. Isaiah has his plans laid out carefully. Seems he needs to remind Officer Dan just how cruel the world can be.
Abigail Walters has a stalker. She’s in debt up to her eyeballs, but it is for a good cause. Because Abigail has her own secrets.
Isaiah’s well laid plans begin to splinter apart as he watches Abigail.
Drawn together through circumstances they will learn just how strangely connected they are.
“Who are you?” she asked, her eyes hazy as she stared back at me with a bewildered gaze.
“The other half of you,” I replied.
When your broken pieces are not only understood, but accepted.
October 17, 2025
More a 4.5 ⭐️
What a wild, dark, and addictive ride this book was…
I usually don’t start my reviews with content warnings, but for this one, I will: if you’re triggered by child abuse or neglect, please proceed with caution.
Now, for the rest of you—
this story is gritty, emotional, and completely unflinching in its dive into the uglier sides of trauma and revenge.
Tropes:
Stalker
Serial killers
Vigilante
Twisted tortured games
Unhinged MMC
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5
Content warnings
Child neglect / Child cruelty / Child trafficking
Murder
Violence
Torture / Gore
Self harm
Suicide ideation
Death of a parent
No protection (no pregnancy)
This story follows Isaiah (a man shaped by pure trauma and horror) and Abigail, a woman trying to survive her own demons.
When their lives intertwine, it becomes a mix of pure obsession, protection, games and something neither of them really understands (especially him, but he has his reasons, okay?).
Soon, it starts to feel like two broken souls recognizing the darkness in each other.
Isaiah is one of those characters who gets under your skin: terrifying and tragic all at once. You know he’s morally black, but you can’t help feeling for him.
The writing is sharp, emotional, and packed with tension that never lets up. That’s Nikk’s magic in all her books: she hooks you with her characters, makes you laugh and blush, then punches you in the face with her plots.
This one is no exception.
One more thing: I’m a sucker for crossovers in books, and a huge fan of the Soldiers of Anarchy series. So I giggled a few times 🫢
To quote and summarize:
“*Are you trying to kill me?” she joked breathlessly.*
*“I think you’re the only person I’ve met that I don’t want to kill.”*
*“I’ll take that as a compliment.”*
*“You should. I meet a lot of people.”*
I received this book as an ARC, this is my honest review. If you know me, you know that I don’t believe in sugarcoating my opinions 🙂
What a wild, dark, and addictive ride this book was…
I usually don’t start my reviews with content warnings, but for this one, I will: if you’re triggered by child abuse or neglect, please proceed with caution.
Now, for the rest of you—
this story is gritty, emotional, and completely unflinching in its dive into the uglier sides of trauma and revenge.
Tropes:
Stalker
Serial killers
Vigilante
Twisted tortured games
Unhinged MMC
Spice 🌶️🌶️.5
Content warnings
Child neglect / Child cruelty / Child trafficking
Murder
Violence
Torture / Gore
Self harm
Suicide ideation
Death of a parent
No protection (no pregnancy)
This story follows Isaiah (a man shaped by pure trauma and horror) and Abigail, a woman trying to survive her own demons.
When their lives intertwine, it becomes a mix of pure obsession, protection, games and something neither of them really understands (especially him, but he has his reasons, okay?).
Soon, it starts to feel like two broken souls recognizing the darkness in each other.
Isaiah is one of those characters who gets under your skin: terrifying and tragic all at once. You know he’s morally black, but you can’t help feeling for him.
The writing is sharp, emotional, and packed with tension that never lets up. That’s Nikk’s magic in all her books: she hooks you with her characters, makes you laugh and blush, then punches you in the face with her plots.
This one is no exception.
One more thing: I’m a sucker for crossovers in books, and a huge fan of the Soldiers of Anarchy series. So I giggled a few times 🫢
To quote and summarize:
“*Are you trying to kill me?” she joked breathlessly.*
*“I think you’re the only person I’ve met that I don’t want to kill.”*
*“I’ll take that as a compliment.”*
*“You should. I meet a lot of people.”*
I received this book as an ARC, this is my honest review. If you know me, you know that I don’t believe in sugarcoating my opinions 🙂
December 22, 2025
ngl first of all I LOVE THE PLOTTT ITS LIGIT WILDDDD AND THENN (mabye spoiled) but BROS A GREENN FLAG LOLL I mean he IS a stalker but HE KILLSS THE OTHER STALKERRR for the fmc which was wild plot to find out who the OTHER STALKER WAS OR IS😭😭 and thenn the mmc rips the other stalkers heart out at the end!??? OMGG I mean he deserved it! I was soo shocked to know that the mmc knew the other stalker or the other stalker knew the mmc lolll but yea he did and damnn that was wild ride
AND THE FACT THE MMC HELPED THE FMC TO K*LL lmaooo that was smth new ngl 💀
also this book had me ligit hooked on the plot and that was fun and the fact I was reading this WHILE my finals were going cause I needed to escape reality so I finished it in like 2 days Lmaoo
AND THE FACT THE MMC HELPED THE FMC TO K*LL lmaooo that was smth new ngl 💀
also this book had me ligit hooked on the plot and that was fun and the fact I was reading this WHILE my finals were going cause I needed to escape reality so I finished it in like 2 days Lmaoo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
Omg I have no words…this book was simply amazing!
Most definitely a top read of 2025 for me.
The way this book literally had me HOOKED from page one. I am not kidding that opening had me wanting to know what happened. And boyyyyy was it a ride.
This is probably going to be short and sweet because I don’t want to give anything away but know that you need to read this book if you love a serial unaliver, who stalks the FMC and then ultimately becomes obsessed and overly protective of her, that he unalives anyone that dares to touch or stalk her!
Isaiah and Abi were everything. I loved these two so much and then you get the twists and truths that came out from both of them and you will be done for!
.
.
.
5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻♾️
10/10 recommendation‼️ for all my dark romance loving girlies out there!
Most definitely a top read of 2025 for me.
The way this book literally had me HOOKED from page one. I am not kidding that opening had me wanting to know what happened. And boyyyyy was it a ride.
This is probably going to be short and sweet because I don’t want to give anything away but know that you need to read this book if you love a serial unaliver, who stalks the FMC and then ultimately becomes obsessed and overly protective of her, that he unalives anyone that dares to touch or stalk her!
Isaiah and Abi were everything. I loved these two so much and then you get the twists and truths that came out from both of them and you will be done for!
.
.
.
5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻♾️
10/10 recommendation‼️ for all my dark romance loving girlies out there!
October 8, 2025
Okay… I need a minute, but in a good way!! We first met The Taskmaster in the soldiers of anarchy series and I was so excited when Nikki announced he was getting his own story.
I loved this book, it pulled me in with emotions straight away!! How can I love a serial killer who (by rights) is a physio but I just want to hold him!!!
Amazing book, dark and twisted, keeps you gripped and guessing! Love the FMC also has dark secrets!! Well done Nikki!!!!
I loved this book, it pulled me in with emotions straight away!! How can I love a serial killer who (by rights) is a physio but I just want to hold him!!!
Amazing book, dark and twisted, keeps you gripped and guessing! Love the FMC also has dark secrets!! Well done Nikki!!!!
March 8, 2026
I loved this so much!! Isaiah is the definition of morally grey-serial killer, stalker, vigilante, even look at her at wrong and die vibes and I ate it up. Abigail has her own journey she is working on and although she grew up differently than Isaiah, she is more similar to him then what would you think. Isaiah is linked to the Soliders of Anarchy and it was great to see the connection carry over into this book. This has everything you are looking for in a dark romance
October 4, 2025
The Taskmaster by @nikkijsummersauthor
Nikki, what did you do to me? I couldn’t put this book down! I devoured it in one sitting. I'm exhausted, but it's totally worth it. This story had it all: gripping plot twists, spicy moments, and when I thought I knew what was coming, BAM! Everything flipped upside down. Honestly, this is my favorite book by Nikki so far. Well done, babe! 🤌
Nikki, what did you do to me? I couldn’t put this book down! I devoured it in one sitting. I'm exhausted, but it's totally worth it. This story had it all: gripping plot twists, spicy moments, and when I thought I knew what was coming, BAM! Everything flipped upside down. Honestly, this is my favorite book by Nikki so far. Well done, babe! 🤌
October 17, 2025
I'm not gonna lie… this book is not for everyone. You definitely need to read the trigger warnings before starting Taskmaster, the newest book by Nikki J. Summer. But if you enjoy dark, twisted stories and aren’t afraid of difficult topics, I strongly recommend reading Taskmaster.
If you’re familiar with Nikki’s other books, you’ve probably met the Taskmaster in one of her previous stories. And in my opinion, this one is the darkest of them all. My heart literally broke for Isaiah and Abigail. Isaiah is a true psychopath - completely without remorse and far beyond redemption. Yet I still felt compassion for him. He went through things no child ever should.
Abigail, despite her initial appearance, hides something awful in the dark. Two broken souls - so different, yet so similar and connected. Isaiah’s obsession with Abigail could be seen as a violation of her privacy; he’s a stalker who doesn’t know boundaries. Yet I was like a moth to a flame. Even though I knew Isaiah’s actions were wrong, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of understanding for him. Abigail was exactly the same - mesmerized by this mysterious man, and honestly, I can’t blame her. 😃
The emotions and tension between them were incredible. The book has a few really spicy scenes, and Isaiah has an impressively dirty mouth. I really enjoyed this story.
If you’re familiar with Nikki’s other books, you’ve probably met the Taskmaster in one of her previous stories. And in my opinion, this one is the darkest of them all. My heart literally broke for Isaiah and Abigail. Isaiah is a true psychopath - completely without remorse and far beyond redemption. Yet I still felt compassion for him. He went through things no child ever should.
Abigail, despite her initial appearance, hides something awful in the dark. Two broken souls - so different, yet so similar and connected. Isaiah’s obsession with Abigail could be seen as a violation of her privacy; he’s a stalker who doesn’t know boundaries. Yet I was like a moth to a flame. Even though I knew Isaiah’s actions were wrong, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of understanding for him. Abigail was exactly the same - mesmerized by this mysterious man, and honestly, I can’t blame her. 😃
The emotions and tension between them were incredible. The book has a few really spicy scenes, and Isaiah has an impressively dirty mouth. I really enjoyed this story.
May 2, 2026
Very very dark, but i loved it
May 16, 2026
Where do I even start with this book? This book took me through so many emotions that I haven’t felt in a book before, I laughed, cried and screamed! I’m so glad they got their happy ending!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2026
I will highly suggest that anybody that is reading this book check the TW before reading this. I like the story it was a really fast paced book. I love the characters relationships with each other and to found out the truth about really happen when they both were kids that broke my heart. I’m glad they got revenge on the people that had hurt them. But they both found love with each other.
June 7, 2026
This book dealt with so many issues. It’s dark and intense. I was satisfied with the ending. That’s all I’ll say without spoilers.
June 18, 2026
I read this for book club and it was just okay.
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