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Ink & Obsession

Not yet published
Expected 6 Feb 26
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Luna Stirling was on the brink of becoming a bestselling author. Her dark romance series ignited a fervor that swept through readers like wildfire, all thanks to the exciting world of BookTok. Without this vibrant and dedicated community, she could never have imagined that her tales of twisted love and seductive horror would captivate so many.

One night, as Luna promoted her book during a live stream, a renowned Masktoker, Dante Wolfe, secretly tuned in from his burner account. Intrigued by, Luna's playful comment that she left in his comment section that he could effortlessly embody the male lead of her dark romance. As he joined the live chat, he was instantly captivated by the sight of a stunning woman discussing the chilling intricacies of disposing of a body on a pig farm while her protagonists engage in a steamy encounter amidst the gruesome backdrop of pigs feasting on the remains.

At that moment, Dante realized he was destined to meet Luna, whether she was ready or not. The Killer had found his Muse, and their dark story was just beginning…

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 6, 2026

23 people want to read

About the author

C.A Burkhart

2 books2 followers

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5 stars
29 (65%)
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13 (29%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 11, 2026
An amazing read. where the dark, sick twisted mind leave you going through a roller coaster of a storyline. A novel that once you start reading, you will not put down until the end.
Profile Image for Missfit.
70 reviews3 followers
cyanide-for-my-eyeballs
January 21, 2026
‎Not for me.

‎I thought I wanted to try something new. Masktok, Booktok, and everything that’s trending right now intrigued me, and what better way to get to know it than by reading a book about it? Unfortunately, the writing kept pulling me out of the story.

‎In just chapter one, we get almost everything about the FMC, Luna’s past: her toxic ex boyfie, how her parents died, how she became a victim of a trafficking, and even the fact that Luna isn’t her real name. Chapter one alone! It feels like trauma dumping. I would’ve loved it if these details were sprinkled throughout the book, teasing me little by little. I mean, come oooon, secret identity would’ve made a great plot twist!

‎Then there’s the MMC’s POV, which was genuinely interesting in the prologue, but later just turns into a retelling of what already happened ... Except now in his male gaze version??? I didn’t need to be told twice. You set a hidden camera on her? You stalk her? Please reveal it to me smoothly. Show me, don’t just tell me.

‎I’m still grateful to the author for the opportunity tho, and I hope she finds success just like Luna did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paulina Kavanagh.
23 reviews
January 18, 2026
This was such a fun book omg!

As a dark romance author, and fellow masktok enthusiast, Luna appealed to me so much, (me being a reader and also a huge fan of masktok! )
Luna had a rough past and gone through so much in her life, but refused to let the bad win. She focused on making her life better and proving to herself that healing is possible.
I loved that she wasn’t trying to heal for someone else but rather for herself. I found her to be very strong.

The MMC, Dante, is like a tattooed golden retriever with a dark secret. I loved how caring he was, and paid attention to Lunas needs.

The themes in this book are very much dark romance, please read the trigger warnings beforehand. However, the characters were funny, soft and very much loving.
I really enjoyed their dynamic as well as Lunas best friend.
This book had me laughing so hard in certain moments!
It kind of reminds me of Lights Out, as in it’s a funny dark romance.

I feel like the ending has left me with some questions so I’m hoping there will be more details and a resolution in book 2!

I would like to thank C.A Burkhart and her team for the ARC, I really appreciate the opportunity and really enjoyed this book!
Profile Image for Esthi Labuschagne.
184 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2026
What a great read! An obsessed MMC? Yes! A strong FMC? Yes! Stalker, danger, spice? Yes, yes and yes!
I really enjoyed this book. If you love Lights Out by Navessa Allen, you will love this book! In addition to this, it is also just a well written story. I loved all the elements in this book. I would rate this about a 3,5 on the 🌶️ scale 😝👌💥
Profile Image for darkreadswithnalieee .
51 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2026
Ink & Obsession by C.A. Burkhart is a dark, unhinged spiral into obsession, identity, and blurred lines between fantasy and reality—and it absolutely knows what it’s doing.
The story opens in Dante’s POV, immediately setting the tone: anonymous MaskTok fame, praise kink, voyeuristic desire, and a man who thrives on attention while hiding some very dangerous impulses. His fixation on anonymity and control feels playful at first… until it doesn’t. When one comment leads him to Luna Stirling, a dark romance author who writes about masked killers and taboo fantasies, the connection feels almost cosmic—and deeply unsettling.
Luna’s POV adds emotional weight and depth. She’s not just an author writing dark romance for shock value—her stories are survival, reclamation, and power born from real trauma. Her past is heavy: abuse, exploitation, survival sex work, and escaping an abusive partner. Writing is how she takes control again. Watching her rebuild herself while unknowingly being watched makes the tension unbearable in the best way.
What really elevates this book is the dual obsession:
Dante watching Luna
Luna unknowingly craving the very darkness Dante represents
The stalker tension is relentless. You’re constantly questioning who the real threat is, especially when Dante—who is already morally gray—realizes someone else may be targeting Luna for harm. That twist flips the narrative on its head and forces you to reassess everything you thought you understood about him.
The MaskTok/Wolfy storyline is diabolically clever. Fantasy bleeding into reality, consent versus manipulation, desire versus betrayal—it’s all explored in a way that’s deeply uncomfortable but impossible to stop reading. When the reveal happens, it’s devastating, not just shocking. Luna’s reaction feels raw, earned, and heartbreaking.
And yes—the spice is intense. Mask kink, primal play, power dynamics—it’s all there, but it never feels random. The intimacy is tied directly to control, obsession, and emotional exposure, which makes it hit harder.
The ending?
You think you see it coming… and yet it still lands.
Ink & Obsession is dark romance for readers who like:
morally black MMCs
obsession disguised as devotion
MaskTok energy
primal dynamics
psychological tension
trauma-aware FMC growth
This book doesn’t ask if obsession is healthy—it asks how far love can stretch before it breaks.
🔥🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026

ARC review - 100% honest review

3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

* Dark romance
* Secret identities
* Booktok
* Masktok (and he rides a bike 🏍️)
* Stalking

Luna, our FMC, is a writer who recently fled from her abusive ex. She’s an author who writes dark and spicy romance, the dark part is inspired by her own past and the people in it. She’s very active on VidTok, where she captures the attention of our MMC, Dante. He is also very active on VidTok where he posts anonymous thirst traps. And from here our story begins …..

Okay, this book was something. Honestly I liked the book overall, but while some parts felt drawn out other parts felt rushed. The writing was a bit off sometimes and made me pause to be sure I got everything right. Especially when the pov changes from Luna to Dante and we’re suddenly back in time to relive the chapter we just read from Lunas pov - THAT made me pause. This could however be fixed with shorter chapters and shifts in pov, so we get the pov in more “real time” if that makes sense. BUT, with that said: I actually enjoyed reading this book! Even with everything I just mentioned, I had a hard time putting the book down and I looked forward to continuing reading.

ARC review - this is my honest opinion about this book 📚
Profile Image for Jody Vogler.
109 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 27, 2026
RATING:4.75

Ink & Obsession delivers everything I want in a dark romance and then some.

Dante is the ultimate dark romance book boyfriend: masked, psychotic, and ohhh sooo devoted. He will do absolutely anything for his angel, and honestly? I loved every single minute of it. But Luna is the real star. She’s a legit badass FMC! After life non stop tries to bring her down, she always shows that she isn't one to be messed with. Watching her face her trauma, embrace the darkness it left behind, and grow stronger because of it was incredible.

I devoured this book. The twists hit hard, the character growth is chef’s kiss, and the chemistry between Luna and Dante is addictive. And OMG THAT SPICE.. The scene in the woods was STEAMYYY! I also loved reading about an author FMC (bookish babes, unite), the well developed side characters, and yes the kitty stole my heart. Any book with a cat involved will always have my heart!

This story is more than just dark and spicy. It’s about strength, survival, and refusing to let the past define you. Stalking, masks, murder, obsession...it has all my dark romance favorites, and it does them right. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for what comes next!!
30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 14, 2026
“Run faster, angel. The devil wants to play”

The absolute CHOKEHOLD this book has on me is unreal. I have never, in my nearly 28 years, read anything quite like this. Sure, the plot line of her being a dark romance author and him being a masktok star wasnt something I read before, but the much large plot left me speechless.

Dante is absolutely psychotic and unhinged, in the best way possible. I love me a masked psychopath, especially a righteous one such as himself. However, Luna is the real star of the show for me. Witnessing her fight through her trauma, come to terms with the darkness it left in her, and blossom from it was truly amazing. I absolutely love how this book had a strong mmc and a strong fmc. Dante may have been willing to do anything to save her and she may have even needed him to, but she was not weak. She was not incompetent. She wanted to be an active participant in her own freeing.

I think this book healed something in me. ”I am Vera, Vera is you”
Profile Image for Sophie.
67 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2026
Ink and Obsession was such a refreshing dark romance for me and honestly, the FMC being a grown woman in her 30s immediately had me invested. Praise be for an adult, fully-formed heroine who feels real, relatable and emotionally layered.

This book brings major “touch her and die” energy, but what really makes it hit is the depth behind it. The dark romance isn’t there just for shock value and there’s a powerful, emotional backstory that gives real weight to the characters and their choices.

I loved how the attraction builds with caution rather than insta-trust. Trauma is handled in a way that feels considered and the hesitation between the characters actually makes everything more intense and meaningful.

And that twist? Genuinely heart-dropping. The kind that makes you stop for a second and just stare at the page.

One of my favourite things was the ending as it confirms continuation without leaving you hanging off a brutal cliffhanger which I really appreciated. Intriguing, satisfying, and still leaves you desperate for more.
913 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
Dante and Luna

Tropes:
* Dark romance
* Stalker romance
* Secret identity
* Thirst trap masked MMC
* Dark romance author FMC


Content/Triggers
Too many to list!
Serial killer, blood, gore, stalking, torure, violence, trafficking, thoughts of self-harm… the list goes on….

Dark, and twisted… so, so twisted. What a story!
I’ve read a couple of stories with dark romance authors, or serial killer MMC’s or masktokers…. But this is the first time, I’ve read one with all three.

Dante, despite his darkness is golden retriever energy all the way.
Luna, seems to be the quiet type, then you get her history… and by the end of it, it’s a case of good girl gone bad.

Considering how dark the themese are in this, I wasn’t expecting sweetness, but we had it in there, with the characters providing many funny moments, along with some very tender and emotional ones.

A great read that hooks you, and a teaser… can’t wait for it to continue into book 2.

Thanks C.A. Burkhart for the advance copy.
Profile Image for ReviewsByNic .
59 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
Ink & Obsession by C.A. Burkhart
3.7 out of 5 stars (rounded up for Goodreads)
ARC

Thank you C.A. for this early copy. All parts of this review are of my honest opinion 💚

Firstly I need to be sure to remind everyone that this book does have a lot that could be a trigger for any reader. If you have interest in reading the book, please be sure to look at the content warning list first. Your mental health is important 💓

Though the writing style was a little off for me, kinda clunky, but this book does have a good storyline and uses modern day references that help make up for that. I also like the characters. They are so different, yet so alike, so they mash really well. They're funny, soft, tough, and clearly have intense trauma from their past that shapes them. It makes for them to have great understanding of the other which leads to chemistry and very spicy (and amazing) scenes.

Kinda gives me a slightly softer Butcher & Blackbird vibe so if that series was on your list of likes, this may be one to add to your collection
Profile Image for GracelinaReads .
60 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2026
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I ate this book up. Dante and Luna are the perfect match. Deep down, all Dante wants is to satisfy his darker desires, and all Luna wants to do is be free. Free to live, laugh, love, and have bomb sex.

Dante is the sweetest guy to Luna. He’s practically the perfect boyfriend, and that might or might not have something to do with some stalking!👀 Regardless, he treats her like a queen, and I don’t blame Luna for falling for a walking wet dream!💀

Luna’s character development is arguably some of the best I’ve encountered. We witness her reclaim her life, embrace her identity as a writer, and fall in love with her MMC personified!

If you’re craving a story filled with stalking, playful banter, a golden retriever boyfriend who’s also a professional unaliver, and watch Luna blossom into the woman she’s always been destined to be, this is the perfect read!

I’m reviewing this book as an ARC and voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenna H.
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 11, 2026
Ink and Obsession was one of the fastest ARCs I’ve ever smashed the signup button for—because if there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s a good dark romance. And let me tell you, C. A. Burkhart absolutely delivered. This book perfectly balances softness and chaos: a lovable cat, a badass author FMC who builds herself from the ground up and embodies pure, unfiltered female rage, and a golden-retriever-coded psycho who’s equal parts charming and terrifying.

I genuinely blinked and suddenly I was halfway through the book—it was that hard to put down. The plot kept me hooked from start to finish, the spice hit exactly where it needed to, and now I’m low-key wondering where I can order my own Wolfe. If you love dark romance with depth, danger, and a satisfying HEA, consider this your sign. I couldn’t recommend it more. 🖤📚
Profile Image for Stormy Shadows.
562 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 18, 2026
ARC Review
Star Rating: 3.75⭐️
Source: Author
Pub Date: Feb 6, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance/Stalker Romance
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Format. Digital

There’s a lot I liked about this and some I didn’t really like. The writing was clunky sometimes and the POV’s between Dante and Luna were just retelling the same scenes sometimes from each character which annoyed me but I loved the stalker romance vibes with Dante and Luna being an author. The characters were great and funny. I also liked the fact that Dante was a contract killer and all I have to say is omg Greg is a dang buttface… this novel wasn’t so deep but Luna went through a lot of trauma in her past relationship that she ran away and changed her whole life. Not a spoiler at all. It was a fun and entertaining read I just wish it was better written in some areas. Spicy as well.
34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
**First I'd like to thank C.A. Burkhart for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book**

I am a dark romance (or darker) book girly and this book gave me EVERYTHING I wanted. I couldn't help but love Luna , and her relationship with he bestie is so relatable. Then you bring in Dante, he is every girl that is on masked bikertoks dream! He brings the stalker, obsessed, protective and delicious with his own story to the book. I was unable to put this book down and will definitely be purchasing a trophy for my bookshelf.

If you like dark romance with some spice and plot, this is definitely a must read. Im looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
Profile Image for Readingsmyhobby .
37 reviews6 followers
January 22, 2026
Really liked the story and the fact that the fmc was a writer on Vidtok and the mmc also made content for vidtok. Really enjoyed learning what got the fmc into writing and how she used her life and everything she went through to inspire her books. The mmc really was able to see who she really was and saw the darkness she tried to hide, he noticed it all from her videos and by stalking her. He tried to be someone she could feel safe with. Loved how protective he got when he realized she had a stalker who wasn’t him. Loved her friends every girl deserves friends like that. That believe in you and are there for you
Profile Image for LacyReads.
85 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
*ARC Review*

C A Burkhart created a MMC who is a stalker, killer, and a cinnamon roll, all in one delicious man.
The FMC is a dark romance writer who channeled the trauma and abuse she’s suffered, and created a character in her books that is a reflection of her own feminine rage.
The magnetic pull of these two characters, leads the reader on a journey of learning trust, how fun a give and take power exchange can be, and both realizing and embracing their darkness together.
I could not put this book down.
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 22, 2026
OMGGGG! I loved this so much. I couldn't put it down. Luna is trying to start over after a very rough life when both her parents passed away when she was a teen. Running from an abusive ex she starts over, becomes a bestselling dark romance author from her own story turned into Vera's. Promoting on VidTok , Dante comes across her and she's his from the moment. I got worried at the end; I wasn't sure what direction we were going! I absolutely love Burkhart's writing. I think I have half the book highlighted to read to my husband😂 I can't wait for book two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angela Ballas.
137 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 10, 2026
I received this book early and DEVOURED it! It had me from the start!!! I absolutely LOVE dark romance, masked stalking men..and this gave all my fave tropes!!! I loved the characters, plot, and everything that happens!!! Dante 🥵🌶️ hello..yes please! Luna is a LUCKY girll 🤭. I love how he makes her fantasies realities!!! Holy Cow!!! If you have triggers, definitely check them! I don’t have any 🙃. Definitely a must read for all you dark romance readers 🖤.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Megan Ellwood.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 12, 2026
RUN DONT WALK!!!!🔥

I could not put this book down it is honestly hand on heart one of the best books I’ve read in so long!!! I’m so excited for everyone to read this I can’t get my head off it I’m so addicted to the world of Dante and Luna 😍 The author is just a diamond she’s so sweet and so kind and will listen to everything you have to say! Thank you again! Cannot stop thinking about it in the best way possible🥵
Profile Image for Deidra.
3 reviews
January 15, 2026
C.A Burkhart, thank you the opportunity to read your book. It was my first ARC read and I loved it! I was hooked on the first page. I thought the author did a fantastic job with the storyline of each character. And the obsession and romance of Luna and Dante… I don’t want to spoil it for you, but their story is heartfelt.


If you have not read dark romance, I suggest one of C.A Burkhart’s. This author will keep you hooked throughout the whole book.





Profile Image for Monica Minniti.
84 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
Meet Dante and Luna. He’s a masked stalker with an interesting backstory. She’s a survivor with a new name in a new city. These two— hot hot hot. The banter is top notch. The spice is chefs kiss. The story keeps you interested- how things connect and move is flawless. I was hooked from the first line. This book ends on a cliffhanger— so be prepared! Spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Bee.
54 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 14, 2026
HOLY F...
this book has it all.
1) badass FMC
2) mask men
4) the spice!!!!!

please pick this book up ASAP!

triggers/Tropes
MF
Voyerism
bit of exhibitionsm
PTSD
Parent loss but not a lot just touched on every now and then
murder yessssss
hitman
sex trafficking
sexual assault mentioned through out
childhood trauma
stalking
kidnapping
violence
home inasion
Profile Image for Emily.
29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
Received this ARC from the author and could not put it down. These characters are addictive. Luna is a fierce FMC who has overcome so much and keeps fighting. Dante as you MMC is a sexy, golden retriever type who kills people for a loving! The storyline keep you intrigued throughout. 10/10 recommend!
Profile Image for Niki N Evans.
110 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 18, 2026
this was a very fun dark read, he is masked vidtoker, she is a dark romance author, both with Rocky younger past, one of them with a old identity that they had to run away from, naturally when he sees her he immediately decides he's got to get to know her you know straight to stalker level, I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Rocky.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 21, 2026
I had so much fun reading this I wish would could see the notes I have written. Luna is an upcoming best selling author. Skeletons in her closet. All she knows is what she writes in her books until one day she’s the main character in her own book. Luna now has a stalker, will she run or relish in it?
Profile Image for Fallyn.
6 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 28, 2026
Ink & Obsession delivers a dark, obsessive romance filled with stalker vibes, high spice, and emotionally layered characters. Dante is masked, unhinged, and intensely devoted, while Luna shines as a strong FMC whose journey through trauma and self-discovery is the heart of the story. The chemistry is undeniable and the obsession runs deep. The character growth and dark romance elements make this an engaging read for fans of morally gray MMCs and intense love stories.
Profile Image for ShadowGemini84.
5 reviews
January 28, 2026
C. A. Burkhart wove a fantastic tale with this one. The characters have depth and wit. The details were expertly written without being overly done. the dual POV gives us glimpses into both characters inner thoughts without being a long monolog. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author!
60 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
This book was great!! I love masked stalkers, if you do too, you will love this book. I really enjoyed the thrilling story and well thought out story line and plot. The characters were intriguing. The ending was perfect. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 17, 2026
I loved this book! It was so good! I loved Dante and he easily became a fav book boyfriend for me! I also admired everything Luna went through so much! Such a strong bada** fmc I love it! Perfect for my fellow lights out & cat & mouse girlies
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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