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Obsessively Yours #2
Hate Me Take Me
For fans of Lights Out and You, this follow-up to Love Me Stalk Me is a dark rom-com about a woman matched with her fantasy boyfriend by an AI app—unaware he’s actually her ex-husband, back to win her over in disguise.
When Amanda signs up for a beta feature of the Obsess AI boyfriend app—a secretive new match program that claims to pair users with real-life partners who match their fantasy settings—she thinks it’s just another marketing gimmick.
Sure, the guy it gives her is hot. Brooding. Protective. Motorcycle included. But he won’t take off his helmet. Won’t tell her his name. And somehow, he knows things no one else should.
She should be freaked out. She should stop letting him make her feel things. But something about him feels…familiar. What Amanda doesn’t realize is that the man behind the helmet isn’t a stranger at all. It’s her ex-husband. The one who walked away without a word. The one she’s spent years trying—and failing—to forget.
Now he’s back. And he’s not asking for permission. He’ll stalk her. Protect her. And when she begs him to take off the helmet and finally show her who he is? He’ll remind She asked for this.
She thought she was falling for someone new. But the truth? She might be falling for the one man who already broke her heart...and this time, he’s not letting go.
When Amanda signs up for a beta feature of the Obsess AI boyfriend app—a secretive new match program that claims to pair users with real-life partners who match their fantasy settings—she thinks it’s just another marketing gimmick.
Sure, the guy it gives her is hot. Brooding. Protective. Motorcycle included. But he won’t take off his helmet. Won’t tell her his name. And somehow, he knows things no one else should.
She should be freaked out. She should stop letting him make her feel things. But something about him feels…familiar. What Amanda doesn’t realize is that the man behind the helmet isn’t a stranger at all. It’s her ex-husband. The one who walked away without a word. The one she’s spent years trying—and failing—to forget.
Now he’s back. And he’s not asking for permission. He’ll stalk her. Protect her. And when she begs him to take off the helmet and finally show her who he is? He’ll remind She asked for this.
She thought she was falling for someone new. But the truth? She might be falling for the one man who already broke her heart...and this time, he’s not letting go.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 588 reviews
July 17, 2026
and honestly you should attempt to kill yourself if your woman rejects you. omfg what a fucking ride! hahah i had so much fun reading this. i haven’t felt this type of rush and adrenaline since 1852!! 🧎🏻♀️➡️💘
long story short, homegirl Amanda drunkenly marries Kade in Vegas years ago. life’s good until they’re in a terrible accident, and Amanda wakes up alone in the hospital. Kade disappears without a trace.
fast forward 8 years later.
Kade disguises himself as Amanda’s AI boyfriend through this app she downloaded a while ago. She calls him Chad lmaoo. then Kade uses the app’s matching feature to “pair” her with a real man who has all the same qualities as AI Chad.
And surprise! It’s him.
Amanda has absolutely no idea she’s being matched with her sorta ex-husband, but Kade is willing to do literally anything to win her back.
the catch? every time they meet, he’s wearing a motorcycle helmet. no face card reveal. there’s a line in the book that’s basically like, “Men are better masked because there’s something about not looking at a man’s face,” and honestly… valid. amanda rolls with the mysterious stranger thing because, once again… valid.
this man literally fixed up a run down theater to play her favorite movie just for her. even the previews before the movie are other favorite movies of hers. he then blindfolds her in said theater and gives her that lickety split 😋
What really gave this book its adrenaline rush, though, is that Kade is a literal hitman. Like Call of Duty-level type shit. black ops.
and don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler, but Amanda eventually figures out who’s under the helmet… and let’s just say she isn’t exactly handing out forgiveness cookies. i’ve never witnessed anyone being read to filth the way she did Kade. Amanda literally chewed his ass up like i actually felt bad for the mf. 😭
But what REALLY sent me?
This man’s first response to losing his wife again was basically, “Guess I’ll die.”🤡
what really made my eyes bulge out of their sockets was his attempt at killing himself. like yeah… she rejected him, so naturally the next step is attempting to launch yourself off a bridge. bare minimum, in my book honestly. UGH Romance is ALIVE. Because why would you want to live in a world where your wife doesn’t want you back? 🤨✨
Second-chance romance usually doesn’t hit for me, but THIS? Oh, this did it.
Kade is absolutely unhinged. He does the most ridiculous things just to stay in Amanda’s orbit. like this grown ass man got himself an unpaid internship at her workplace. AN UNPAID INTERNSHIP! i’m sorry, i had to laugh. 🤭
Kade is THEE dark horse, and Amanda is THEE pink pony princess. 🐎🩷🤓
long story short, homegirl Amanda drunkenly marries Kade in Vegas years ago. life’s good until they’re in a terrible accident, and Amanda wakes up alone in the hospital. Kade disappears without a trace.
fast forward 8 years later.
Kade disguises himself as Amanda’s AI boyfriend through this app she downloaded a while ago. She calls him Chad lmaoo. then Kade uses the app’s matching feature to “pair” her with a real man who has all the same qualities as AI Chad.
And surprise! It’s him.
Amanda has absolutely no idea she’s being matched with her sorta ex-husband, but Kade is willing to do literally anything to win her back.
the catch? every time they meet, he’s wearing a motorcycle helmet. no face card reveal. there’s a line in the book that’s basically like, “Men are better masked because there’s something about not looking at a man’s face,” and honestly… valid. amanda rolls with the mysterious stranger thing because, once again… valid.
this man literally fixed up a run down theater to play her favorite movie just for her. even the previews before the movie are other favorite movies of hers. he then blindfolds her in said theater and gives her that lickety split 😋
What really gave this book its adrenaline rush, though, is that Kade is a literal hitman. Like Call of Duty-level type shit. black ops.
and don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler, but Amanda eventually figures out who’s under the helmet… and let’s just say she isn’t exactly handing out forgiveness cookies. i’ve never witnessed anyone being read to filth the way she did Kade. Amanda literally chewed his ass up like i actually felt bad for the mf. 😭
But what REALLY sent me?
This man’s first response to losing his wife again was basically, “Guess I’ll die.”🤡
what really made my eyes bulge out of their sockets was his attempt at killing himself. like yeah… she rejected him, so naturally the next step is attempting to launch yourself off a bridge. bare minimum, in my book honestly. UGH Romance is ALIVE. Because why would you want to live in a world where your wife doesn’t want you back? 🤨✨
Second-chance romance usually doesn’t hit for me, but THIS? Oh, this did it.
Kade is absolutely unhinged. He does the most ridiculous things just to stay in Amanda’s orbit. like this grown ass man got himself an unpaid internship at her workplace. AN UNPAID INTERNSHIP! i’m sorry, i had to laugh. 🤭
Kade is THEE dark horse, and Amanda is THEE pink pony princess. 🐎🩷🤓
July 31, 2026
This story was good in a sense of story but in real life, stalker man and man who invades all levels of a woman's privacy is not my kind of love for a man. Kade had 35 hidden cameras in Amanda's apartment! Yikes! I feel goosebumps crawling up my body. Add that to her online life being watched and her life outside of her apartment were also being monitored. That's too much! Kade invade too much privacy hiding behind the reason of giving Amanda protection. When things don't go his way, he played the victim card. He would suicide if she doesn't take him back. He would punch the wall if she doesn't let him run over to protect her from harassment. He made all decisions for her without her knowledge. He's a control freak who tells her to take a shower and clean her makeup off but he never once took a shower.
Amanda and Kade's relationship started with love at first sight.. based on the physical look. They eloped and had a month long honeymoon. Then an incident occurred. Kade left Amanda to deal with the aftermath and he went into hiding, for 8 years. During the hiding, he went on a killing spree but at the same time, he also took all of Amanda's privacy away by monitoring her online life and offline life. Amanda dealt with being left and wondering whether all of that love was real.
Kade then worms his way back into Amanda's life by hiding behind the motorcycle helmet. He also infiltrated her life through her AI boyfriend. He set up many romantic gestures to win her affection.
A well written story. Original dark romance and one I haven't read before. I haven't read many dark romance yet but glad that this is different. I like some parts of Amanda, being mad at him for making decisions on her behalf. I like Callahan in this story, giving Kade the talk to about making himself a victim. Good spice.
Thank you SimonAudio and Atria Books for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
Amanda and Kade's relationship started with love at first sight.. based on the physical look. They eloped and had a month long honeymoon. Then an incident occurred. Kade left Amanda to deal with the aftermath and he went into hiding, for 8 years. During the hiding, he went on a killing spree but at the same time, he also took all of Amanda's privacy away by monitoring her online life and offline life. Amanda dealt with being left and wondering whether all of that love was real.
Kade then worms his way back into Amanda's life by hiding behind the motorcycle helmet. He also infiltrated her life through her AI boyfriend. He set up many romantic gestures to win her affection.
A well written story. Original dark romance and one I haven't read before. I haven't read many dark romance yet but glad that this is different. I like some parts of Amanda, being mad at him for making decisions on her behalf. I like Callahan in this story, giving Kade the talk to about making himself a victim. Good spice.
Thank you SimonAudio and Atria Books for the opportunity to read, listen, and review.
March 28, 2026
I FUCKING LOVE AMANDA!!!! That is my girl.
I was so excited when we found out after love me stalk me that we get the besties story and it WAS SO GOOD!!!!
Amanda & Kade are so hot.
Amanda is a baddie who lives her life in pink. Pink outfits, pink gun, pink decor, LITERALLY EVERYTHING. But there is so much depth to her and underlying insecurities that the outside world doesn’t see due to all the walls she’s built up. 8 years prior, she got married in Vegas after a bet & was in heaven up until an accidental happened, causing her husband to disappear and it really hurt her. A lot. And she hasn’t really dated or been with anyone since. But she joined an AI dating app that is tailored to create her perfect man—she calls him Chad lol. Everything is good and safe until there is an update that matches her up to a REAL MAN that is supposed to be exactly like Chad… and boy is he real 🔥😛 he also happens to be her (ex?) husband that has been pretending to be said AI boyfriend for a while and doing all that he can to eventually grt her back.
Loved getting to see Izzy & Cal again…and would love to see Raven’s love story heheheheh book 3???? Maybe?? Please!!
Type: ebook
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Dark romcom
Second chance
It’s always been you
Motorcycle romance
I was so excited when we found out after love me stalk me that we get the besties story and it WAS SO GOOD!!!!
Amanda & Kade are so hot.
Amanda is a baddie who lives her life in pink. Pink outfits, pink gun, pink decor, LITERALLY EVERYTHING. But there is so much depth to her and underlying insecurities that the outside world doesn’t see due to all the walls she’s built up. 8 years prior, she got married in Vegas after a bet & was in heaven up until an accidental happened, causing her husband to disappear and it really hurt her. A lot. And she hasn’t really dated or been with anyone since. But she joined an AI dating app that is tailored to create her perfect man—she calls him Chad lol. Everything is good and safe until there is an update that matches her up to a REAL MAN that is supposed to be exactly like Chad… and boy is he real 🔥😛 he also happens to be her (ex?) husband that has been pretending to be said AI boyfriend for a while and doing all that he can to eventually grt her back.
Loved getting to see Izzy & Cal again…and would love to see Raven’s love story heheheheh book 3???? Maybe?? Please!!
Type: ebook
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Dark romcom
Second chance
It’s always been you
Motorcycle romance
March 25, 2026
This was exactly what I was looking for in a dark rom com. So much banter and witty characters that made me smile. The yearning and declarations of love while simultaneously breaking my heart made me feel all the things.
Amanda-she’s funny, witty, knows how to defend herself, and definitely makes a statement. She was the absolute best and so relatable as a young woman trying to be successful in the world.
Kade- yearning is an understatement with this MMC. The stalking and obsession he felt for his wife is something to be admired. He brings all my favorite dark romance tropes together; motorcycle, dark, stalkery, obsessed, tattoos…🤤, “you’re mine” vibes. You name it he’s got it…bad for one girl
Amanda-she’s funny, witty, knows how to defend herself, and definitely makes a statement. She was the absolute best and so relatable as a young woman trying to be successful in the world.
Kade- yearning is an understatement with this MMC. The stalking and obsession he felt for his wife is something to be admired. He brings all my favorite dark romance tropes together; motorcycle, dark, stalkery, obsessed, tattoos…🤤, “you’re mine” vibes. You name it he’s got it…bad for one girl
July 26, 2026
I have loved this series so much!! This one definitely sucked me right in & kept me hooked with these two!!
Kade!! The man he is. Protective Motorcycle riding MMC who will absolutely have you swooning over him! He is absolutely down bad for Amanda!! & she is the independent, FMC who absolutely doesn’t need a man, rebuilding her life after heartbreak!
This book gives you so many good things. A second chance, dark rom com, stalker romance full of banter, chemistry, emotion, and spice!! This one definitely had me on a rollercoaster of emotions, but I loved every second!!
If you love your men possessive, unhinged, and ready to burn down the world, this one is absolutely for you! I loved book 1 & wasn’t sure how this would stand up against my love for Izzy & Cal, but Kade & Amanda’s story was so good & one I definitely recommend!!
Thank you atria books & Laura bishop for the early arc opportunity!!
Kade!! The man he is. Protective Motorcycle riding MMC who will absolutely have you swooning over him! He is absolutely down bad for Amanda!! & she is the independent, FMC who absolutely doesn’t need a man, rebuilding her life after heartbreak!
This book gives you so many good things. A second chance, dark rom com, stalker romance full of banter, chemistry, emotion, and spice!! This one definitely had me on a rollercoaster of emotions, but I loved every second!!
If you love your men possessive, unhinged, and ready to burn down the world, this one is absolutely for you! I loved book 1 & wasn’t sure how this would stand up against my love for Izzy & Cal, but Kade & Amanda’s story was so good & one I definitely recommend!!
Thank you atria books & Laura bishop for the early arc opportunity!!
August 8, 2026
Thank you to publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Don’t worry Amanda, I get it, I too would marry a hot stranger i met at EDC.
Right off the bat I loved that Amanda was a confident, kick ass FMC. She has a pink Glock and isn’t scared to use it (I was rooting for her to use it since chapter 1). I was excited to read about her falling in love all over again with her husband, and cheered when she chose to forgive him on *her* own terms.
I love that Izzy and Cal made frequent appearances and made references to the first book. I loved that Amanda and Kade would join them as a couple in the Obsessively Yours universe.
I loved Kade. He broke into her apartment to prepare her morning coffee for her and he tried to kill himself after she rejected him like that’s a real man right there. I’m a sucker for the whole “serious, always on-edge MC that only softens for his spouse” trope so I loved reading his romance with Amanda.
In my professional opinion, I would’ve liked more Amanda and Kade smut after they reconciled. I’m excited for the third book and can’t wait to read about all the couples hanging out together. I’ve enjoyed both books so far because the FMCs are badass and are a breath of fresh air compared to other dark romance FMCs. They have personality, can take care of themselves, and have great chemistry with their partners.
Don’t worry Amanda, I get it, I too would marry a hot stranger i met at EDC.
Right off the bat I loved that Amanda was a confident, kick ass FMC. She has a pink Glock and isn’t scared to use it (I was rooting for her to use it since chapter 1). I was excited to read about her falling in love all over again with her husband, and cheered when she chose to forgive him on *her* own terms.
I love that Izzy and Cal made frequent appearances and made references to the first book. I loved that Amanda and Kade would join them as a couple in the Obsessively Yours universe.
I loved Kade. He broke into her apartment to prepare her morning coffee for her and he tried to kill himself after she rejected him like that’s a real man right there. I’m a sucker for the whole “serious, always on-edge MC that only softens for his spouse” trope so I loved reading his romance with Amanda.
In my professional opinion, I would’ve liked more Amanda and Kade smut after they reconciled. I’m excited for the third book and can’t wait to read about all the couples hanging out together. I’ve enjoyed both books so far because the FMCs are badass and are a breath of fresh air compared to other dark romance FMCs. They have personality, can take care of themselves, and have great chemistry with their partners.
Did Not Finish
July 28, 2026While there are some great one-liners, I've caught myself literally rolling my eyes more times than I'd like to admit. The month-long whirlwind relationship doesn't feel believable, nevermind the yearning still hanging around eight years later. Also, Amanda feels like a shell of who she was in book one; she was a baddie and now she feels like a bargain bin Barbie with no backbone, that fight and strength she had is just not here. I love the messaging this book is trying to share through her, but it's not landing and I cannot bring myself to care enough to read further. Book one started out stronger than this one, yet still landed at about a 2-star for me. I cannot do that to myself again with this one.
June 27, 2026
3/5 Stars
Kade Steele is done. He’s ready to leave the shadows and reclaim Amanda, his wife. She spends her days texting a masked stranger unaware it’s her ex-husband. The question remains, will Amanda forgive Kade for abandoning her?
Hate Me Take Me is a comically chaotic book. Although it’s a dark romance, the characters season the story with amusement. The world building is sufficient for me, as someone who hasn’t read the first book in the series, but I feel the plot moves at a snail’s pace. There are repeated quips and conversations, which I believe dampen the dialogue.
Amanda’s personality takes center stage in this book. The relationship between her and Kade is equal parts unhinged and sweet. I will say-emotions burn bright and quick. There is on page spice, and it depicts a scene I never imagined. The supporting characters are compelling, so I plan to read their stories too.
A warm thanks to Laura Bishop, Atria Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Kade Steele is done. He’s ready to leave the shadows and reclaim Amanda, his wife. She spends her days texting a masked stranger unaware it’s her ex-husband. The question remains, will Amanda forgive Kade for abandoning her?
Hate Me Take Me is a comically chaotic book. Although it’s a dark romance, the characters season the story with amusement. The world building is sufficient for me, as someone who hasn’t read the first book in the series, but I feel the plot moves at a snail’s pace. There are repeated quips and conversations, which I believe dampen the dialogue.
Amanda’s personality takes center stage in this book. The relationship between her and Kade is equal parts unhinged and sweet. I will say-emotions burn bright and quick. There is on page spice, and it depicts a scene I never imagined. The supporting characters are compelling, so I plan to read their stories too.
A warm thanks to Laura Bishop, Atria Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 30, 2026
Amanda is one of my favorite FMC’s to date, she is such a baddie in every regard. Not only does she carry a pink glock everywhere she goes, but she is also hilarious. I just LOVE her!
Kade really has been Amanda’s secret guardian angel for eight years, if that isn’t dedication then I don’t know what is. I loved how protective he was of his lady, even when she wasn’t actually his lady. The friendship that him and Cal developed was also so funny, I most definitely see them becoming besties.
I wish we had a little bit more of that funny banter from Amanda that we had in book one, she was a bit more reserved this book. I love how authentically herself she is and has no shame in who she is. It’s also super sweet that her and her sisters are complete opposites, yet have the best sisterly bond.🤍
The fact that Amanda kept Kade’s last name all these years, and he kept his…secret tattoo…was such a perfect touch. I loved how crazy they were for one another, and how crazy they both were in general. I think they truly were a match made in heaven.
There were a few scenes in this book that were extremely similar to book one, like the warehouse scene for example, so I wish that was a bit different. Overall though, I had an absolute blast reading this & have some new book boyfriends on my long list. 😏
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, because book one was just so good. I am now beyond excited for the next book, because Raven is so cool. I can’t wait to read about her life soon! Thank you so much to Netgalley for the e-ARC!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Kade really has been Amanda’s secret guardian angel for eight years, if that isn’t dedication then I don’t know what is. I loved how protective he was of his lady, even when she wasn’t actually his lady. The friendship that him and Cal developed was also so funny, I most definitely see them becoming besties.
I wish we had a little bit more of that funny banter from Amanda that we had in book one, she was a bit more reserved this book. I love how authentically herself she is and has no shame in who she is. It’s also super sweet that her and her sisters are complete opposites, yet have the best sisterly bond.🤍
The fact that Amanda kept Kade’s last name all these years, and he kept his…secret tattoo…was such a perfect touch. I loved how crazy they were for one another, and how crazy they both were in general. I think they truly were a match made in heaven.
There were a few scenes in this book that were extremely similar to book one, like the warehouse scene for example, so I wish that was a bit different. Overall though, I had an absolute blast reading this & have some new book boyfriends on my long list. 😏
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, because book one was just so good. I am now beyond excited for the next book, because Raven is so cool. I can’t wait to read about her life soon! Thank you so much to Netgalley for the e-ARC!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
August 9, 2026
4⭐️
2🌶️
🩷Dark-Lite RomCom
🖤Second Chance
🩷It’s Always Been You
🖤Yearning & Angst
🩷Obsessive & Possessive MMC
🖤Found Family
🩷Hidden Identity
🖤Stalking
🩷Biker
🖤Dual First Person POV
Get ready for a fun and chaotic dark-lite stalker romance with a hidden identity twist. Eight years ago Amanda was at a musical festival in Las Vegas where she meets Kade. They have a whirlwind of a night and end up getting married. They spend the next month together. On one of their daily rides, they’re run off the road. Amanda wakes up a day later in the hospital alone. Kade had to leave because she was in danger because of him. She spends the next eight years rebuilding her life. She wasn’t just rebuilding her life though, she was building walls so high no one can see over them. Amanda is witty, smart, and fierce. I love her obsession with all things pink. She covers up with shiny bright clothes so people don’t look too closely. But, underneath are insecurities and the fear that she isn’t enough. She has been using an AI boyfriend app. She decides to try a new function of the app where you get matched to a real life version of the AI boyfriend she created. What she doesn’t know is real life Chad is actually her husband, Kade. He’s been in the shadows going after everyone involved in the hit on them in Vegas. Kade has been watching and waiting for the right moment to find a way back into her life. He is seriously down bad for Amanda. He’s the whole dark romcom package, motorcycle riding, helmet wearing, stalker level obsessed, do anything for her mmc. They’re both the perfect amount of unhinged. This is a slow burn with fun bedtime stories that help build the tension and they help hold you over until the spicy times.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 4
Engaging: 4
Character: 4
Thank you Laura Bishop, Greys Promo, Atria, & Netgalley for the gifted advanced copy.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Unhinged but fabulous. It’s a whole brand.”
“Then I guess I’ll find out if being real is worth the risk of getting hurt again.”
“She’s mine. Always has been. She just needs more convincing.”
“You come on my fingers, my mouth, or my c0€k from now on. Nothing else.”
2🌶️
🩷Dark-Lite RomCom
🖤Second Chance
🩷It’s Always Been You
🖤Yearning & Angst
🩷Obsessive & Possessive MMC
🖤Found Family
🩷Hidden Identity
🖤Stalking
🩷Biker
🖤Dual First Person POV
Get ready for a fun and chaotic dark-lite stalker romance with a hidden identity twist. Eight years ago Amanda was at a musical festival in Las Vegas where she meets Kade. They have a whirlwind of a night and end up getting married. They spend the next month together. On one of their daily rides, they’re run off the road. Amanda wakes up a day later in the hospital alone. Kade had to leave because she was in danger because of him. She spends the next eight years rebuilding her life. She wasn’t just rebuilding her life though, she was building walls so high no one can see over them. Amanda is witty, smart, and fierce. I love her obsession with all things pink. She covers up with shiny bright clothes so people don’t look too closely. But, underneath are insecurities and the fear that she isn’t enough. She has been using an AI boyfriend app. She decides to try a new function of the app where you get matched to a real life version of the AI boyfriend she created. What she doesn’t know is real life Chad is actually her husband, Kade. He’s been in the shadows going after everyone involved in the hit on them in Vegas. Kade has been watching and waiting for the right moment to find a way back into her life. He is seriously down bad for Amanda. He’s the whole dark romcom package, motorcycle riding, helmet wearing, stalker level obsessed, do anything for her mmc. They’re both the perfect amount of unhinged. This is a slow burn with fun bedtime stories that help build the tension and they help hold you over until the spicy times.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 4
Engaging: 4
Character: 4
Thank you Laura Bishop, Greys Promo, Atria, & Netgalley for the gifted advanced copy.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Unhinged but fabulous. It’s a whole brand.”
“Then I guess I’ll find out if being real is worth the risk of getting hurt again.”
“She’s mine. Always has been. She just needs more convincing.”
“You come on my fingers, my mouth, or my c0€k from now on. Nothing else.”
July 5, 2026
Ahhhh... If you're looking for a book where the MMC is TOTALLY obsessed and down bad for the FMC, you must read Hate Me Take Me!
Kade Steele has been obsessed with Amanda Bennett since the moment he laid eyes on her during a Vegas music festival. Some might call him crazy, but he put a ring on it that night, and having to walk away from her nearly broke him. He's been lurking in the background for the last eight years, watching her, keeping her safe, all the while, patiently holding out until the day he can reclaim his place by her side. Slowly, he's been carefully plotting his way back into her life, which starts with going in undercover as her AI-created boyfriend, Chad.
Amanda Bennett wears her independence like a badge of honor. She doesn't need a man. She's worked hard to rebuild her life after one nearly broke her 8 years ago, and she refuses to be that woman again. That's where her AI boyfriend Chad comes in. When given the opportunity to connect with a real-life Chad through the dating app, she takes a chance, which sets her on the path to living again and slowly opening her heart. Could "Chad" turn her life around or shatter what's left of her bruised and battered heart?
This one's for all the girlies who like their men possessive and a bit unhinged because who wouldn't want someone who would burn the world for them?
Be prepared to feel all the feels, which include loss, grief, and utter heartbreak, multiple times. The vulnerability behind the masks made my heart ache. Getting Kade's POV was essential for maximum impact and really brought the emotional upheaval to the next level. So. Much. Emotion. It hit hard—dead center of the heart. This man is obsessive and possessive in the best possible way, and he cannot imagine a life without Amanda at its center.
The good news—there is plenty of banter and entertaining moments to balance out the sad, weighty ones.
Not going to lie... I loved Izzy and Cal's story so much that I didn't expect Amanda and Kade's to be just as good, but, boy, was I wrong! Plus, the found family in this series keeps getting better and better!
• Second chance romance
• It's always been you
• Stalker romance
• Dark rom-com
• Yearning & angst
• Obsessed MMC
• Unhinged in the best way
• Top-tier found family
• Dual POV
Kade Steele has been obsessed with Amanda Bennett since the moment he laid eyes on her during a Vegas music festival. Some might call him crazy, but he put a ring on it that night, and having to walk away from her nearly broke him. He's been lurking in the background for the last eight years, watching her, keeping her safe, all the while, patiently holding out until the day he can reclaim his place by her side. Slowly, he's been carefully plotting his way back into her life, which starts with going in undercover as her AI-created boyfriend, Chad.
Amanda Bennett wears her independence like a badge of honor. She doesn't need a man. She's worked hard to rebuild her life after one nearly broke her 8 years ago, and she refuses to be that woman again. That's where her AI boyfriend Chad comes in. When given the opportunity to connect with a real-life Chad through the dating app, she takes a chance, which sets her on the path to living again and slowly opening her heart. Could "Chad" turn her life around or shatter what's left of her bruised and battered heart?
This one's for all the girlies who like their men possessive and a bit unhinged because who wouldn't want someone who would burn the world for them?
Be prepared to feel all the feels, which include loss, grief, and utter heartbreak, multiple times. The vulnerability behind the masks made my heart ache. Getting Kade's POV was essential for maximum impact and really brought the emotional upheaval to the next level. So. Much. Emotion. It hit hard—dead center of the heart. This man is obsessive and possessive in the best possible way, and he cannot imagine a life without Amanda at its center.
The good news—there is plenty of banter and entertaining moments to balance out the sad, weighty ones.
Not going to lie... I loved Izzy and Cal's story so much that I didn't expect Amanda and Kade's to be just as good, but, boy, was I wrong! Plus, the found family in this series keeps getting better and better!
• Second chance romance
• It's always been you
• Stalker romance
• Dark rom-com
• Yearning & angst
• Obsessed MMC
• Unhinged in the best way
• Top-tier found family
• Dual POV
July 25, 2026
I liked this even more than book one.
The foreword set the mood, but Chapter 1 brought back Amanda in all her glorious, unhinged hot-mess / trash-panda-core—and I was in there, like swimwear. The "sunup to sunset" history dive was golden; without them, the relationship dynamic may have lacked depth. I enjoyed Cal and Izzy being part of the story.
My only real nitpick keeping this from a full 5 stars: the men’s mental health plotline. It didn't change the tone of the book by any means, but it felt a little glossed over. It needed to be introduced earlier and handled with way more intention.
Overall, a killer sequel that kept me hooked!
The foreword set the mood, but Chapter 1 brought back Amanda in all her glorious, unhinged hot-mess / trash-panda-core—and I was in there, like swimwear. The "sunup to sunset" history dive was golden; without them, the relationship dynamic may have lacked depth. I enjoyed Cal and Izzy being part of the story.
My only real nitpick keeping this from a full 5 stars: the men’s mental health plotline. It didn't change the tone of the book by any means, but it felt a little glossed over. It needed to be introduced earlier and handled with way more intention.
Overall, a killer sequel that kept me hooked!
August 7, 2026
Hate Me Take Me 👠
Written by Laura Bishop
✏️Obsessively Yours, Book 2
Adult • Dark RomCom
📖352 Pages
🗓️August 4
👠second chance
👠my wife
👠hidden identity
👠dash of mystery
👠masked MMC (via helmet)
👠found family
{I received an eARC of Hate Me Take Me}
🔎”You’re allowed to be more than one thing.”
When Amanda signs up for a new feature in the Obsess AI boyfriend app — a hush‑hush matching program that promises to pair users with real people tailored to their fantasy settings — she assumes it’s nothing more than a clever marketing stunt.
Until he is there. And he is very much real.
Sure, his name is Chad and he wears a helmet all the time... but no one is perfect. And no one can tear down her walls like he does.
He feels familiar, though. *cough cough*
Cue in a series of swooning moments, some intense st*lking sessions, and Cal and Izzy being their perfect selves.
Nothing against Kade and Amanda, of course, but Cal and Jake kind of stole the show 😎 Cal in a very much *again* way because he will never not be a 10/10.
I’m soooo excited for the next book.
Written by Laura Bishop
✏️Obsessively Yours, Book 2
Adult • Dark RomCom
📖352 Pages
🗓️August 4
👠second chance
👠my wife
👠hidden identity
👠dash of mystery
👠masked MMC (via helmet)
👠found family
{I received an eARC of Hate Me Take Me}
🔎”You’re allowed to be more than one thing.”
When Amanda signs up for a new feature in the Obsess AI boyfriend app — a hush‑hush matching program that promises to pair users with real people tailored to their fantasy settings — she assumes it’s nothing more than a clever marketing stunt.
Until he is there. And he is very much real.
Sure, his name is Chad and he wears a helmet all the time... but no one is perfect. And no one can tear down her walls like he does.
He feels familiar, though. *cough cough*
Cue in a series of swooning moments, some intense st*lking sessions, and Cal and Izzy being their perfect selves.
Nothing against Kade and Amanda, of course, but Cal and Jake kind of stole the show 😎 Cal in a very much *again* way because he will never not be a 10/10.
I’m soooo excited for the next book.
August 4, 2026
This book was so much fun! I have loved Amanda since meeting her in Love Me Stalk Me. Her and Izzy’s friendship is one of my favorites I have ever read. I really loved the plot and the story in this one, I’m not usually a huge fan of second chance romances but this was done so well. They were apart for 8 years, but he was watching her the whole time. 😭 The yearning of the MMC was insane. He literally wanted to 💀 himself after Amanda rejected him, as he should! I haven’t read many “masked” MMC books, but the motorcycle helmet was HOT. This book was a great time, highly recommend!
Thank you so much Atria for the arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you so much Atria for the arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
August 8, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
The first half of the book had me intrigued and I was so worried how it was going to turn out. I should have had more trust!! Not only was this a more morally grey story, but it was sweet. The “It was always her even if time separated them” trope was so perfect.
Books find you when you need them most and this book found me at the perfect time.
The first half of the book had me intrigued and I was so worried how it was going to turn out. I should have had more trust!! Not only was this a more morally grey story, but it was sweet. The “It was always her even if time separated them” trope was so perfect.
Books find you when you need them most and this book found me at the perfect time.
August 4, 2026
Rating: Obsessed
Dare I say...I loved this even more than Book 1?
❤️ Obsessive/Protective MMC
🖤 Badass FMC
❤️ Drunk Vegas Wedding
🖤 Chad the AI Boyfriend
❤️ Age Gap / Second Chance
🖤 Hitman MMC
❤️ Pink & Deadly Sunshine FMC
🖤 It's Always Been You
❤️ Banter for Days
🖤 Found Family
❤️ Her Name Tattooed...Somewhere
Amanda was already my favorite in Book 1, but this book made me absolutely obsessed with her. Marrying Kade in Vegas while drunk, high, and fresh off losing a bet at a high-roller table? Honestly...iconic behavior. These two together are basically gasoline and a match just waiting for someone to strike it.
Then Kade's past comes literally crashing back into his life, putting Amanda directly in the crosshairs. He makes the decision to handle it the only way he knows how. I don't think he expected that decision to cost them eight years.
The thing is...he never really left.
He's been watching her. Protecting her. Keeping tabs on her from the shadows the entire time. She just didn't know.
The man is obsessed.
And apparently takes his marriage vows VERY seriously. 😂
While Kade is silently protecting her, Amanda is rebuilding herself brick by brick. Except instead of building a home, she's building walls, and honestly? She earned every single one of them.
One of my favorite things about Amanda was watching her learn to set boundaries and actually hold people to them. She stops making herself smaller for everyone else's comfort. She says exactly what she's feeling, looks people in the eye, and refuses to apologize for taking up space.
And that scene where she finds out who Chad really is? Oof. My heart shattered for her, but I was also ridiculously proud of the way she handled it.
Then Laura Bishop twists the knife by giving us Kade's POV.
You realize he genuinely never considered how his choices would be perceived because his entire world narrowed down to one mission: keep Amanda alive long enough to come back to her. Was he an idiot? Absolutely. Tunnel vision is one hell of a drug. But seeing everything through his eyes makes the emotional payoff hit that much harder because he truly has no idea how deeply he's hurt the person he loves most.
Thankfully, he's smart enough to learn (after Cal literally talks some sense into him and off the a ledge).
He learns to communicate. He learns to trust Amanda when she tells him what she needs instead of deciding for her. He learns to respect her boundaries instead of bulldozing over them "for her own good." Most importantly...he earns his way back.
And that's what made this romance so satisfying.
Also...there's just something about a morally gray man who would burn the world down to hide the bodies, and then come home asking what you want for dinner.
I mean...tell me I'm wrong.
Also...can we talk about Raven and Jake for a second? Because I kind of accidentally (on purpose) fell in love with them in this book, and now my expectations for Book 3 are sky high. Every little crumb we got just made me want more, and I already know I'm going to be feral when their book drops.
Thank you, @laurabishopauthor, @netgalley, and @atriabooks for the ARC.
Dare I say...I loved this even more than Book 1?
❤️ Obsessive/Protective MMC
🖤 Badass FMC
❤️ Drunk Vegas Wedding
🖤 Chad the AI Boyfriend
❤️ Age Gap / Second Chance
🖤 Hitman MMC
❤️ Pink & Deadly Sunshine FMC
🖤 It's Always Been You
❤️ Banter for Days
🖤 Found Family
❤️ Her Name Tattooed...Somewhere
Amanda was already my favorite in Book 1, but this book made me absolutely obsessed with her. Marrying Kade in Vegas while drunk, high, and fresh off losing a bet at a high-roller table? Honestly...iconic behavior. These two together are basically gasoline and a match just waiting for someone to strike it.
Then Kade's past comes literally crashing back into his life, putting Amanda directly in the crosshairs. He makes the decision to handle it the only way he knows how. I don't think he expected that decision to cost them eight years.
The thing is...he never really left.
He's been watching her. Protecting her. Keeping tabs on her from the shadows the entire time. She just didn't know.
The man is obsessed.
And apparently takes his marriage vows VERY seriously. 😂
While Kade is silently protecting her, Amanda is rebuilding herself brick by brick. Except instead of building a home, she's building walls, and honestly? She earned every single one of them.
One of my favorite things about Amanda was watching her learn to set boundaries and actually hold people to them. She stops making herself smaller for everyone else's comfort. She says exactly what she's feeling, looks people in the eye, and refuses to apologize for taking up space.
And that scene where she finds out who Chad really is? Oof. My heart shattered for her, but I was also ridiculously proud of the way she handled it.
Then Laura Bishop twists the knife by giving us Kade's POV.
You realize he genuinely never considered how his choices would be perceived because his entire world narrowed down to one mission: keep Amanda alive long enough to come back to her. Was he an idiot? Absolutely. Tunnel vision is one hell of a drug. But seeing everything through his eyes makes the emotional payoff hit that much harder because he truly has no idea how deeply he's hurt the person he loves most.
Thankfully, he's smart enough to learn (after Cal literally talks some sense into him and off the a ledge).
He learns to communicate. He learns to trust Amanda when she tells him what she needs instead of deciding for her. He learns to respect her boundaries instead of bulldozing over them "for her own good." Most importantly...he earns his way back.
And that's what made this romance so satisfying.
Also...there's just something about a morally gray man who would burn the world down to hide the bodies, and then come home asking what you want for dinner.
I mean...tell me I'm wrong.
Also...can we talk about Raven and Jake for a second? Because I kind of accidentally (on purpose) fell in love with them in this book, and now my expectations for Book 3 are sky high. Every little crumb we got just made me want more, and I already know I'm going to be feral when their book drops.
Thank you, @laurabishopauthor, @netgalley, and @atriabooks for the ARC.
April 1, 2026
I had an absolute blast reading Hate Me Take Me by Laura Bishop. This book was everything I wanted and more. It was funny, chaotic, hot, action packed, and completely addictive from start to finish. Getting Amanda’s story after meeting her in Love Me Stalk Me was such a treat because she was already the pink pistol toting badass bestie we all loved, and here we finally get to see her take center stage.
Amanda is such a fantastic FMC. She is strong, loyal, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. She is a great friend, an amazing sister, and someone who refuses to let her past trauma or her mother’s chaos define her. I loved that about her so much. Amanda knows exactly what she deserves and she refuses to settle for anything less. That confidence and resilience made her incredibly easy to root for, and she carried the story with so much personality and heart.
The premise alone hooked me immediately. Amanda downloads the same app Izzy used in Love Me Stalk Me that led her to Cal, thinking it will just be a bit of fun… but she has no idea that she is about to walk straight back into her past. Eight years ago she met Kade, married him that same night, and had one incredible whirlwind night together before everything came crashing down when he vanished after a motorcycle accident. Now suddenly he is back in her life as her mysterious app chat boyfriend, and the reveal that he has been quietly keeping eyes on her for the last eight years adds so much tension to their story.
Kade was such a compelling character. He knows he messed up and he is absolutely on his apology tour, doing everything he can to earn Amanda’s trust again. I loved how he makes it clear that she is the one in control this time around. Their chemistry is intense, their banter is hilarious, and the way they reconnect after everything they have been through makes their second chance romance feel emotional and earned.
But this book is not just romance. There are some dark elements and real danger woven throughout the story that keep the stakes high. Just when you think things might finally settle for Amanda and Kade, the past comes crashing back in and forces them to face some truly intense situations. That mix of humor, heat, and suspense made the story impossible to put down.
And honestly, the entire cast just makes the world feel so fun and chaotic in the best way. The friendships, the sibling dynamics, the loyalty between the characters all add so much heart to the story.
Overall, Hate Me Take Me is such a wild, entertaining ride filled with humor, spice, danger, and a second chance romance that keeps you hooked the whole time. Amanda absolutely shines as a main character, and Kade stepping up to prove himself made their story incredibly satisfying.
And listen… I am already ready for book three because Amanda’s sister Raven clearly has a story that needs to be told. Laura Bishop, consider this my official request. I need Raven’s book immediately.
Thank you to Laura Bishop, Netgalley, and Atria Book for access to the eARC in exchange for my review.
Amanda is such a fantastic FMC. She is strong, loyal, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. She is a great friend, an amazing sister, and someone who refuses to let her past trauma or her mother’s chaos define her. I loved that about her so much. Amanda knows exactly what she deserves and she refuses to settle for anything less. That confidence and resilience made her incredibly easy to root for, and she carried the story with so much personality and heart.
The premise alone hooked me immediately. Amanda downloads the same app Izzy used in Love Me Stalk Me that led her to Cal, thinking it will just be a bit of fun… but she has no idea that she is about to walk straight back into her past. Eight years ago she met Kade, married him that same night, and had one incredible whirlwind night together before everything came crashing down when he vanished after a motorcycle accident. Now suddenly he is back in her life as her mysterious app chat boyfriend, and the reveal that he has been quietly keeping eyes on her for the last eight years adds so much tension to their story.
Kade was such a compelling character. He knows he messed up and he is absolutely on his apology tour, doing everything he can to earn Amanda’s trust again. I loved how he makes it clear that she is the one in control this time around. Their chemistry is intense, their banter is hilarious, and the way they reconnect after everything they have been through makes their second chance romance feel emotional and earned.
But this book is not just romance. There are some dark elements and real danger woven throughout the story that keep the stakes high. Just when you think things might finally settle for Amanda and Kade, the past comes crashing back in and forces them to face some truly intense situations. That mix of humor, heat, and suspense made the story impossible to put down.
And honestly, the entire cast just makes the world feel so fun and chaotic in the best way. The friendships, the sibling dynamics, the loyalty between the characters all add so much heart to the story.
Overall, Hate Me Take Me is such a wild, entertaining ride filled with humor, spice, danger, and a second chance romance that keeps you hooked the whole time. Amanda absolutely shines as a main character, and Kade stepping up to prove himself made their story incredibly satisfying.
And listen… I am already ready for book three because Amanda’s sister Raven clearly has a story that needs to be told. Laura Bishop, consider this my official request. I need Raven’s book immediately.
Thank you to Laura Bishop, Netgalley, and Atria Book for access to the eARC in exchange for my review.
August 6, 2026
Just finished immersive reading an advanced copy of a book released August 4th called, Hate Me Take Me. This is about Amanda, she's created her dream AI boyfriend to chat with on an app, but when the app gives her a new feature that will match her up with a real-life guy matching her selected criteria, she decides to try it. Not knowing it's actually her husband she has just matched with because he's hacked the app and is trying to win her back. Kade had to disappear suddenly eight years ago to keep his wife safe. But Amanda has no idea why he vanished or if he's even alive still, she has been trying and failing to move on from him. She thinks she is finally starting to fall for someone new, having no idea that it's actually her husband. She doesn't know he's been watching her all this time, protecting her in every way possible, while working on taking out the people who threatened her one by one until it's finally safe for him to come back to her again, if she will even give him another chance after all this time. And just when Kade is finally ready to reveal all, suddenly Amanda's life is in danger again.
This book was absolutely fantastic! I am totally obsessed with this world Laura has created, her writing style, and these incredible characters. This was everything I look for in a dark romcom! Amanda was a side character in book one, Love Me Stalk Me, and I was so excited to get her story because I knew she was gonna be so fun! I love a strong and badass FMC, and a MMC who yearns and would burn the world down for the woman he loves. I was immediately captivated by this storyline, laughing out loud so often, and rooting for these two the entire time! After how much I loved immersive reading book one, I knew I wanted to immersive read this with my eARC and the audio. And it was incredible!!! The narrators did so well bringing these characters to life and giving their voices so much personality! I am absolutely and completely obsessed with this book and this series! I cannot wait for book 3! 🩷📚
Thank you Laura Bishop, Grey's Promotions, Atria Books, & Netgalley for this ARC of Hate Me Take Me, in exchange for an honest review.
This book was absolutely fantastic! I am totally obsessed with this world Laura has created, her writing style, and these incredible characters. This was everything I look for in a dark romcom! Amanda was a side character in book one, Love Me Stalk Me, and I was so excited to get her story because I knew she was gonna be so fun! I love a strong and badass FMC, and a MMC who yearns and would burn the world down for the woman he loves. I was immediately captivated by this storyline, laughing out loud so often, and rooting for these two the entire time! After how much I loved immersive reading book one, I knew I wanted to immersive read this with my eARC and the audio. And it was incredible!!! The narrators did so well bringing these characters to life and giving their voices so much personality! I am absolutely and completely obsessed with this book and this series! I cannot wait for book 3! 🩷📚
Thank you Laura Bishop, Grey's Promotions, Atria Books, & Netgalley for this ARC of Hate Me Take Me, in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2026
I absolutely loved Laura Bishop's debut Love Me, Stalk Me which I also read as an ARC, so I've been impatiently waiting for her next book ever since. Thankfully, it did not disappoint!
Amanda and Kade have the perfect month together… which is surprising considering they only knew each other for a few hours before getting married. But that happiness comes to an abrupt end when Amanda wakes up in a hospital room and never sees her husband again.
Eight years later, Kade is finally ready to come back into her life and tell her the truth about why he disappeared after only four weeks together. The problem? He can't reveal that he's alive just yet because his work is still dangerous. Instead he hacks into the AI boyfriend app Amanda has been using and poses as her perfect match, Chad.
I didn't love this one quite as much as the first book and that's only because there wasn't as much violence and stalking. As a thriller girly who occasionally dips into romcoms, dark suspense is my jam and I love finding those elements in my romance books too.
So basically, what I'm saying is that this book is fantastic as a dark romance and if you loved the first book in the series, you'll definitely want to pick this one up. Or if you haven’t read the first in this series GO READ IT! I loved it.
One of my favorite parts was getting more of Cal and Izzy's relationship (the couple from the first book). Their continued story was such a great addition and now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that book three is Raven's story!
Amanda and Kade have the perfect month together… which is surprising considering they only knew each other for a few hours before getting married. But that happiness comes to an abrupt end when Amanda wakes up in a hospital room and never sees her husband again.
Eight years later, Kade is finally ready to come back into her life and tell her the truth about why he disappeared after only four weeks together. The problem? He can't reveal that he's alive just yet because his work is still dangerous. Instead he hacks into the AI boyfriend app Amanda has been using and poses as her perfect match, Chad.
I didn't love this one quite as much as the first book and that's only because there wasn't as much violence and stalking. As a thriller girly who occasionally dips into romcoms, dark suspense is my jam and I love finding those elements in my romance books too.
So basically, what I'm saying is that this book is fantastic as a dark romance and if you loved the first book in the series, you'll definitely want to pick this one up. Or if you haven’t read the first in this series GO READ IT! I loved it.
One of my favorite parts was getting more of Cal and Izzy's relationship (the couple from the first book). Their continued story was such a great addition and now I'm keeping my fingers crossed that book three is Raven's story!
Read
August 4, 2026I am frankly obsessed with this trilogy of stalker dark romance stories. The second book in the series features Amanda who falls for her AI boyfriend, Chad who is actually her husband, Cade, the man that she believes died in a motorcycle accident but who has actually been keeping tabs on her for years and staying away in order to keep her safe.
As Cade methodically tracks down and eliminates the men responsible for hurting Amanda, he tries to win Amanda over as 'Chad.' This was a second chance love story where the hero has to fight to win his wife back after breaking her trust. Spicy, funny and full of mutual longing. I loved every second and highly recommend it for fans of Navessa Allen's Into Darkness series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I'm only sad I have to wait so long for the third and final book featuring Amanda's sister, Raven, and Jake, the digital hacker who's been online stalking and wooing her (and who also happens to be Cade's black ops partner.
As Cade methodically tracks down and eliminates the men responsible for hurting Amanda, he tries to win Amanda over as 'Chad.' This was a second chance love story where the hero has to fight to win his wife back after breaking her trust. Spicy, funny and full of mutual longing. I loved every second and highly recommend it for fans of Navessa Allen's Into Darkness series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I'm only sad I have to wait so long for the third and final book featuring Amanda's sister, Raven, and Jake, the digital hacker who's been online stalking and wooing her (and who also happens to be Cade's black ops partner.
August 5, 2026
If I would have read this one first I would have liked it a lot. But since I read in order I found it to be too similar to book one in terms of the stalking and AI chat bot stuff.
I liked the characters a lot. Amanda is a strong woman a bit too obsessed with the color pink but that’s fine. Kade is a lovesick puppy and I love that for Amanda.
I think I also just really couldn’t get over the AI bot name of Chad. It’s just a really unattractive name and made me think of Mountain Dew and Hot Cheetos.
I liked the characters a lot. Amanda is a strong woman a bit too obsessed with the color pink but that’s fine. Kade is a lovesick puppy and I love that for Amanda.
I think I also just really couldn’t get over the AI bot name of Chad. It’s just a really unattractive name and made me think of Mountain Dew and Hot Cheetos.
August 8, 2026
3.5☆
Ranked up for the movie scene where I literally hopped, skipped, and jumped with joy, 'cause that was disgustingly cute.
Ranked up for the movie scene where I literally hopped, skipped, and jumped with joy, 'cause that was disgustingly cute.
April 22, 2026
Started this thinking "cute AI app premise", finished it mildly concerned about my taste in men. Laura Bishop is doing something to me.
Amanda Bennett signs up for the Obsess AI boyfriend app beta expecting a glorified marketing gimmick. What she gets is a brooding mystery on a motorcycle who WON'T take his helmet off, WON'T give her a name, and somehow knows things about her that a stranger has no business knowing. Plot twist (kind of, the title did tell me): he's Kade Steele. Her ex-husband. The one who vanished. The one she's been trying to forget for years. He's back, he's unhinged, and he's decided the path to her heart involves a questionable amount of stalking and a full-face helmet.
Reader, it worked on me.
What worked: Kade and Amanda together is a CRIME. The tension when she knows something's off but can't place him yet, delicious. The slow peeling-back of who he is and why he left had me genuinely feral. But honestly? The unsung hero of this book was the Amanda/Izzy/Cal grouping. The banter was so good I would have happily sat through an entire side novella of those three dissecting red flags in a group chat. Found-family-but-make-it-chaos-coded. I need them protected.
Why not 5 stars: There's a stretch in the middle where the pacing dips while Amanda's doing her "wait, do I know you" dance, and I love a slow burn, but I wanted the reveal to hit one beat sooner. A half-star shaved off purely because I'm dramatic and I wanted MORE post-reveal chaos.
Trope Chaos Check
✨ Ex-husband reunion (but make it deranged)
✨ Hidden identity (the helmet is doing Olympic-level heavy lifting)
✨ Obsessive stalker hero (he is NOT okay, and I am fine with it)
✨ Second chance romance
✨ Dark rom-com (for when you want to laugh AND question your morals)
✨ Found family / ride-or-die friend group
★★★★½ dark, funny, deeply unhinged, and the friend group deserves their own spinoff yesterday.
Thank you to Atria for the ARC, I am now on my knees begging for Raven and Jake to be next. If they're not, I will riot quietly and politely, in keeping with my brand.
Amanda Bennett signs up for the Obsess AI boyfriend app beta expecting a glorified marketing gimmick. What she gets is a brooding mystery on a motorcycle who WON'T take his helmet off, WON'T give her a name, and somehow knows things about her that a stranger has no business knowing. Plot twist (kind of, the title did tell me): he's Kade Steele. Her ex-husband. The one who vanished. The one she's been trying to forget for years. He's back, he's unhinged, and he's decided the path to her heart involves a questionable amount of stalking and a full-face helmet.
Reader, it worked on me.
What worked: Kade and Amanda together is a CRIME. The tension when she knows something's off but can't place him yet, delicious. The slow peeling-back of who he is and why he left had me genuinely feral. But honestly? The unsung hero of this book was the Amanda/Izzy/Cal grouping. The banter was so good I would have happily sat through an entire side novella of those three dissecting red flags in a group chat. Found-family-but-make-it-chaos-coded. I need them protected.
Why not 5 stars: There's a stretch in the middle where the pacing dips while Amanda's doing her "wait, do I know you" dance, and I love a slow burn, but I wanted the reveal to hit one beat sooner. A half-star shaved off purely because I'm dramatic and I wanted MORE post-reveal chaos.
Trope Chaos Check
✨ Ex-husband reunion (but make it deranged)
✨ Hidden identity (the helmet is doing Olympic-level heavy lifting)
✨ Obsessive stalker hero (he is NOT okay, and I am fine with it)
✨ Second chance romance
✨ Dark rom-com (for when you want to laugh AND question your morals)
✨ Found family / ride-or-die friend group
★★★★½ dark, funny, deeply unhinged, and the friend group deserves their own spinoff yesterday.
Thank you to Atria for the ARC, I am now on my knees begging for Raven and Jake to be next. If they're not, I will riot quietly and politely, in keeping with my brand.
August 6, 2026
The best part of this book was glazed over and now I am on a mission to find a book with that same storyline.
I’m not one for time jumps but I feel like this book definitely could have used them. The way that Amanda and Kade meet in the beginning of the book could have been an entire book all on its own. But instead of getting to experience the moments they first fell in love through time jumps, instead it’s just briefly explained to us and that really sucks. The whole idea of a sexy mystery man convincing her to marry him in Vegas if he rolls snakes eyes had me in a chokehold. So if anyone knows a good book with that same storyline definitely share it in the comments because I need to read it!
In a lot of ways I loved this book so much more than the first book but then there were things that frustrated me keeping it from a solid 5⭐️ read. Like I said above, the best part was completely glazed over and then the rest of the book felt like it dragged on. It would have been so good if we were taken back in time to really soak up that night they first met. Then jump to the present, then back and forth over the next 4 weeks and really soak up those moments where he’s teaching her how to ride his motorcycle and moments at the shooting range. Then the present focus being him stalking her as the AI boyfriend and their different interactions. Then keep the ending as is.
I like this author’s humor and there were several silly moments I could see play out in my mind. Amanda would have moments where she was funny and her personality was fitting but then there were moments where she just came off very whiney and clingy. Her character could have used a little more balance between the two.
I listened to the audio in combination with the ebook and I would highly recommend ditching the audio for this one. The narrator for Amanda did an amazing job but the narrator for Kade/Chad was 😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫. His narration was hard to get into.
Overall it was a fun book but not perfect.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an arc of, Hate, Me Take Me by Laura Bishop. My thoughts are my own.
I’m not one for time jumps but I feel like this book definitely could have used them. The way that Amanda and Kade meet in the beginning of the book could have been an entire book all on its own. But instead of getting to experience the moments they first fell in love through time jumps, instead it’s just briefly explained to us and that really sucks. The whole idea of a sexy mystery man convincing her to marry him in Vegas if he rolls snakes eyes had me in a chokehold. So if anyone knows a good book with that same storyline definitely share it in the comments because I need to read it!
In a lot of ways I loved this book so much more than the first book but then there were things that frustrated me keeping it from a solid 5⭐️ read. Like I said above, the best part was completely glazed over and then the rest of the book felt like it dragged on. It would have been so good if we were taken back in time to really soak up that night they first met. Then jump to the present, then back and forth over the next 4 weeks and really soak up those moments where he’s teaching her how to ride his motorcycle and moments at the shooting range. Then the present focus being him stalking her as the AI boyfriend and their different interactions. Then keep the ending as is.
I like this author’s humor and there were several silly moments I could see play out in my mind. Amanda would have moments where she was funny and her personality was fitting but then there were moments where she just came off very whiney and clingy. Her character could have used a little more balance between the two.
I listened to the audio in combination with the ebook and I would highly recommend ditching the audio for this one. The narrator for Amanda did an amazing job but the narrator for Kade/Chad was 😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫. His narration was hard to get into.
Overall it was a fun book but not perfect.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an arc of, Hate, Me Take Me by Laura Bishop. My thoughts are my own.
August 3, 2026
This book is a masterpiece. Laura Bishop has mastered the dark romcom genre in two books, and it’s safe to say this book is even better than the first (which says a lot since he first book was fantastic). Although it starts with a guy pretending to be an AI boyfriend chatbot, it’s a rush of emotions, beautifully destructive and will have you hooked to the point of no return. I could not put this book down and finished it within 12 hours. I will note that despite having ridiculous moments and romcom vibes, this book is significantly darker than the first so please check the trigger warnings. This is every bit your ridiculous biker romcom with incredibly great narration and plot. Kade and Amanda had a Vegas wedding and were perfect until he disappeared. Both Amanda and Kade were broken by their separation, but in different ways and it was heartbreaking. Amanda thought she was unlovable and spent years trying to make herself noticeable so people would like her, while Kade disappeared into the shadows thinking himself unworthy and inhumane, the only thing tethering him to reality being his love for Amanda and the hope of winning her back. I loved Kade and although disappearing was wrong I rooted for him (like how could I not, the man was so whipped her tattooed “Amanda’s” on you know where…). He may have gone through questionable methods to get her back (including stalking and a good amount of grovelling) but their love for each other was undeniable. They have a magic about them when they’re together and heal parts of each other. Amanda is braver with Kade and Kade is more human with Amanda. I loved Amanda’s love of Hot pink and also cameos of Izzy and Cal (especially when Cal played such a significant role in getting Amanda and Kade back together). This book was a rollercoaster ride that you will want to go on over and over again. I connected deeply tot he characters and fell so in love with them I was crying buckets through the last few chapters. I give this a 5/5
July 28, 2026
After enjoying Love Me Stalk Me, I couldn't wait to dive into Amanda's story, and she absolutely didn't disappoint. She was one of my favourite characters from the first book. She's sassy, fearless, and somehow manages to take down bad guys in pink heels while carrying a bright pink gun. What's not to love?
The story follows Amanda as she signs up for a new beta feature on the Obsess AI boyfriend app, where it's supposed to match you with someone in real life based on your AI boyfriend. What she doesn't realise is that her mysterious helmet wearing match is actually her ex husband, Kade, the man who disappeared years ago.
I really liked how the story was told across two timelines. We get the present day romance alongside flashbacks showing how Amanda and Kade first met, their whirlwind Vegas marriage, and the events that tore them apart. Knowing from early on that Kade left to protect her rather than abandon her added another layer to their relationship, and I found myself rooting for them throughout.
Just like the first book, the AI app's security is apparently non existent because Kade hacks it to create the perfect opportunity to find Amanda again. Is it realistic? Absolutely not. Is it ridiculously entertaining? Definitely.
This book has murder, stalking and plenty of morally questionable behaviour, but it's all done in such a tongue in cheek way that it never feels overly dark. If you're expecting a gritty dark romance, this isn't it. It's much more of a dark rom com that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's exactly what makes it so much fun.
Was it perfect? No. But it was an entertaining, easy read with plenty of laughs, chemistry and a unique premise, and I had a great time with it.
The story follows Amanda as she signs up for a new beta feature on the Obsess AI boyfriend app, where it's supposed to match you with someone in real life based on your AI boyfriend. What she doesn't realise is that her mysterious helmet wearing match is actually her ex husband, Kade, the man who disappeared years ago.
I really liked how the story was told across two timelines. We get the present day romance alongside flashbacks showing how Amanda and Kade first met, their whirlwind Vegas marriage, and the events that tore them apart. Knowing from early on that Kade left to protect her rather than abandon her added another layer to their relationship, and I found myself rooting for them throughout.
Just like the first book, the AI app's security is apparently non existent because Kade hacks it to create the perfect opportunity to find Amanda again. Is it realistic? Absolutely not. Is it ridiculously entertaining? Definitely.
This book has murder, stalking and plenty of morally questionable behaviour, but it's all done in such a tongue in cheek way that it never feels overly dark. If you're expecting a gritty dark romance, this isn't it. It's much more of a dark rom com that doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's exactly what makes it so much fun.
Was it perfect? No. But it was an entertaining, easy read with plenty of laughs, chemistry and a unique premise, and I had a great time with it.
July 9, 2026
4 ⭐️
Girl this dedication is so me….
“FOR MOTORCYCLE HELMETS, because sometimes the sexiest thing about a man is that you can’t see his face.”
This was a really good second story in the Obsessively Yours series. I think the whole AI boyfriend concept is truly hilarious but then add on the fact that it’s really not AI and secretly her ex-husband from 8 years ago trying to win her over.
I love how OBSESSED and CRAZY these men are! The stalking and watching her every move, gets me every time.
His tattoo was a reeeeaallllyyyy nice touch. I wish we could have read about it more but it just added to the build up. 😉
Overall, another good story about a morally grey man with some spicy green flags 😜
Favorite Quotes:
“Don’t you have a job??
Baby doll, you are my job.”
“I’m about to jump out of an aircraft while sexting my wife.”
“Great. Now I’m Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, if Venus was a trained killer breaking into his wife’s apartment.”
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC
Girl this dedication is so me….
“FOR MOTORCYCLE HELMETS, because sometimes the sexiest thing about a man is that you can’t see his face.”
This was a really good second story in the Obsessively Yours series. I think the whole AI boyfriend concept is truly hilarious but then add on the fact that it’s really not AI and secretly her ex-husband from 8 years ago trying to win her over.
I love how OBSESSED and CRAZY these men are! The stalking and watching her every move, gets me every time.
His tattoo was a reeeeaallllyyyy nice touch. I wish we could have read about it more but it just added to the build up. 😉
Overall, another good story about a morally grey man with some spicy green flags 😜
Favorite Quotes:
“Don’t you have a job??
Baby doll, you are my job.”
“I’m about to jump out of an aircraft while sexting my wife.”
“Great. Now I’m Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, if Venus was a trained killer breaking into his wife’s apartment.”
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC
August 8, 2026
This book was honestly kind of insane... but in the best way 😂
I already loved the FMC in book 1, so I was really excited for her story, and she definitely didn't disappoint!!
I think both of them are a little psycho, though!!
Like... being obsessed with someone for 8 years, the stalking, and then getting married that fast?? Damn, guys, maybe slow down a little😅
Is it realistic? Absolutely not.
Did I eat it up anyway? Also yes
I loved their dynamic and all the chaos that came with it. They were both completely unhinged in their own ways, which somehow made them work perfectly together 😂
My only complaint is that I wanted a bit more plot.
I was having so much fun with the characters that I kept waiting for something bigger to happen, but the story felt a little light outside of the romance.
Still, it was funny, entertaining, and exactly the kind of crazy romance that keeps you turning the pages.
I already loved the FMC in book 1, so I was really excited for her story, and she definitely didn't disappoint!!
I think both of them are a little psycho, though!!
Like... being obsessed with someone for 8 years, the stalking, and then getting married that fast?? Damn, guys, maybe slow down a little😅
Is it realistic? Absolutely not.
Did I eat it up anyway? Also yes
I loved their dynamic and all the chaos that came with it. They were both completely unhinged in their own ways, which somehow made them work perfectly together 😂
My only complaint is that I wanted a bit more plot.
I was having so much fun with the characters that I kept waiting for something bigger to happen, but the story felt a little light outside of the romance.
Still, it was funny, entertaining, and exactly the kind of crazy romance that keeps you turning the pages.
May 12, 2026
Gosh, what do I even say? I absolutely loved this book. It completely pulls you in and makes you fall in love with the characters from the start. The perfect balance of cute, spicy, and emotional, with a plot that kept me fully engaged the entire time.
This was definitely one of those page-turner reads where I kept telling myself “just one more chapter.” The chemistry, tension, and overall storytelling made it so easy to get wrapped up in the world Laura Bishop created. It had plenty of heartfelt moments mixed with the spice, and the pacing kept things entertaining without ever feeling slow.
Overall, this was a solid 4.5⭐ read for me and one I’d definitely recommend if you love romance with strong character connections, good plot, and enough spice to keep things interesting. Also Kade and Cal give major book boyfriend energy 🖤
This was definitely one of those page-turner reads where I kept telling myself “just one more chapter.” The chemistry, tension, and overall storytelling made it so easy to get wrapped up in the world Laura Bishop created. It had plenty of heartfelt moments mixed with the spice, and the pacing kept things entertaining without ever feeling slow.
Overall, this was a solid 4.5⭐ read for me and one I’d definitely recommend if you love romance with strong character connections, good plot, and enough spice to keep things interesting. Also Kade and Cal give major book boyfriend energy 🖤
July 29, 2026
ARC Review-
This book completely blindsided me in the best way. I went in expecting a fun, quirky romance centered around an AI dating app, but what I got was an emotional, addictive second-chance romance wrapped in mystery, tension, and so many “wait…WHAT?!” moments.
Kade had me hooked from the very beginning. Mysterious, possessive, and impossible to look away from, every chapter peeled back another layer that made me even more invested in his story. The chemistry between him and Amanda was magnetic, and the mix of banter, longing, and unresolved history made it impossible to put down.
I loved how the AI boyfriend concept added such a unique twist without overshadowing the heart of the story. It kept me guessing while delivering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, swoony scenes, and emotional punches that landed exactly where they were supposed to.
If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts clever, heartfelt, and unputdownable—with a broody hero, second-chance angst, mystery, and all the tension—you need to add this one to your TBR. I devoured every page and was smiling long after I finished.
This book completely blindsided me in the best way. I went in expecting a fun, quirky romance centered around an AI dating app, but what I got was an emotional, addictive second-chance romance wrapped in mystery, tension, and so many “wait…WHAT?!” moments.
Kade had me hooked from the very beginning. Mysterious, possessive, and impossible to look away from, every chapter peeled back another layer that made me even more invested in his story. The chemistry between him and Amanda was magnetic, and the mix of banter, longing, and unresolved history made it impossible to put down.
I loved how the AI boyfriend concept added such a unique twist without overshadowing the heart of the story. It kept me guessing while delivering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, swoony scenes, and emotional punches that landed exactly where they were supposed to.
If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts clever, heartfelt, and unputdownable—with a broody hero, second-chance angst, mystery, and all the tension—you need to add this one to your TBR. I devoured every page and was smiling long after I finished.
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