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To Love a Psycho #1
Dream a Little Dream
His student. His obsession. His undoing.
"Maybe there’s something in two broken souls needing the same thing, at the same time, then searching for it in the same place."
Aaron Jones has survived by hiding behind walls of control and calculated indifference. He’s had to. As the son of two infamous serial killers, people either fear him, pity him, or crave to peel him open just to see what’s underneath. The last thing he needs is anyone digging into his past. Especially not a man who makes him want to surrender every defence.
Dr Kenneth Lyons. Criminal psychologist. Brilliant. Respected. Off-limits. And the one man Aaron can’t seem to resist.
Kenny has always been drawn to the shadows of the human mind, but nothing is darker, or more tempting, than the new haunted student in his lecture hall.
Aaron is beautiful, complicated, and utterly forbidden. Every rule says he should walk away. Every glance, every brush of contact, makes that impossible. Desire twists into obsession. Boundaries shatter. Every kiss is dangerous. Every touch is a confession. And every moment brings them closer to ruin.
But when a new killer surfaces on campus, mimicking the crimes of Aaron’s parents, their intoxicating entanglement turns deadly. Someone wants to resurrect the past. Someone wants to expose the truth. And if Kenny isn’t careful, giving into Aaron could cost him everything.
Dream a Little Dream (To Love a Psycho, Book 1) launches the dark MM To Love a Psychoromantic thriller series where Aaron and Kenny’s story begins, and never truly ends. Their bond of forbidden desire and dangerous obsession threads through every murder, every secret, and every temptation. For listeners who crave their romance steeped in danger, tangled with lies, and bound by a love that should never happen… yet refuses to let go.
Please see author note for trigger warnings.
"Maybe there’s something in two broken souls needing the same thing, at the same time, then searching for it in the same place."
Aaron Jones has survived by hiding behind walls of control and calculated indifference. He’s had to. As the son of two infamous serial killers, people either fear him, pity him, or crave to peel him open just to see what’s underneath. The last thing he needs is anyone digging into his past. Especially not a man who makes him want to surrender every defence.
Dr Kenneth Lyons. Criminal psychologist. Brilliant. Respected. Off-limits. And the one man Aaron can’t seem to resist.
Kenny has always been drawn to the shadows of the human mind, but nothing is darker, or more tempting, than the new haunted student in his lecture hall.
Aaron is beautiful, complicated, and utterly forbidden. Every rule says he should walk away. Every glance, every brush of contact, makes that impossible. Desire twists into obsession. Boundaries shatter. Every kiss is dangerous. Every touch is a confession. And every moment brings them closer to ruin.
But when a new killer surfaces on campus, mimicking the crimes of Aaron’s parents, their intoxicating entanglement turns deadly. Someone wants to resurrect the past. Someone wants to expose the truth. And if Kenny isn’t careful, giving into Aaron could cost him everything.
Dream a Little Dream (To Love a Psycho, Book 1) launches the dark MM To Love a Psychoromantic thriller series where Aaron and Kenny’s story begins, and never truly ends. Their bond of forbidden desire and dangerous obsession threads through every murder, every secret, and every temptation. For listeners who crave their romance steeped in danger, tangled with lies, and bound by a love that should never happen… yet refuses to let go.
Please see author note for trigger warnings.
Audible Audio
First published March 3, 2025
196 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
C.F. White
39 books240 followersBrought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
February 16, 2026
I'm annoyed at how much I enjoyed this. Mostly because it felt like 90% thriller and 10% romance. But that 10%? WHEWWWW.
Okay, as a big hater of student x professor pairings, I went into this half-hearted because I figured if I'm already biased against the pairing, how much could I possibly enjoy the story, right?
Wrong.
First off, the RESTRAINTTTTT.
That alone was enough to sell me on this. I've always felt like the pairing has a power imbalance you can't escape from. So the fact that Kenny(professor) drew the line firmly and stood on it? Worked for me.
Obviously I know I may live to regret this in the sequel. But at this point I would personally get Kenny's hands and place them on Aaron.
Because wdym you're telling him it can't be more but when he's falling apart he can get into your bed and you hold him all night?
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY REITERATING AT ANOTHER POINT THAT FOR AS LONG AS HE'S YOUR STUDENT, IT CAN NEVER BE MORE, BUT THERE'S A GOODBYE KISS WHERE YOUR TONGUES TOUCH, EVEN IF IT DOESN'T DEVOLVE INTO MORE?!
How are you adding an extra layer of separation by not being his therapist but driving him to see the one you handpicked for him, every bloody week, and then one time, holding hands for part of the way there?
And poor Aaron thinks it's partly because of his pedigree. Asks him, 'If I weren't me, if I were just another twink you met on a night out, would it be different?'
Kenny goes, 'No. Because if you weren't you, I wouldn't even be interested in the first place.'
GUYS, HOW IS THIS A GOODBYE, LET'S NOT GET CARNAL SPEECH?
This sounds like the appetizer for getting carnal.
These are the mixed signals they talk about in Situationships 101.
Kenny was KILLING me and I don't know why Aaron doesn't just club him over the head caveman style and tie him up until he stops with the nonsense.
***I support Kenny's nonsense. I just hate every moment of the support.
Aaron's no better, though at least he's made it clear the situation is not an issue for him and if Kenny changes his mind, he's ready to go all in.
Man told him he can't let him in because if he does he might not ever let him go and he'd ruin him. And this MF TEENAGER goes....
"That is not a deterrent for me."
💀
You really have to be the adult with kids because they refuse to be it😂
Very bold about it, too. Goes on a violent bender after discovering Kenny went on a date and then tells him "You know how to make it stop."
Basically tells him 'I'm acting up because you're seeing other people'. As if THEY are dating.
Lololol and he quizzes him about the events of said dates like he's in charge😂
How are you asking your professor "Did you kiss her?" like it's your business in any way.
And Kenny acts all blasé about it but I know it secretly thrills him.
Because he gives vague answers that give room for misinterpretation. He likes that Aaron's feral for him, even if he won't admit it.
But also, I get it? Because do you really want to start a relationship with a 19 year you met in a bar very far away from where you teach specifically to reduce the odds of them being a student, have the most mutually explosive sexual encounter ever, only to then discover that they're a student in your first year class, possibly knew who you were at the time of the initial encounter, also happen to be the son of the most prolific serial killers you helped put away in your career AND are now a suspect in a murder that seems to follow their parents' MO?
That's a LOT of baggage, lol.
I liked when Kenny was all tangled up in thoughts of 'Do I not think Aaron's the murderer because it doesn't fit the profile I have of him or do I not want him to be a murderer because my deepest desire is to touch him in ways that can't be explained in polite company?'
So I get why Kenny's like this absolutely, on pain of death, can NOT happen.
But will still touch tongues with him as a goodbye.
Came for the romance, of which there was criminally little but plenty of yearning, stayed for the thriller-esque plot.
Unrelated. What exactly is Kenny packing and how is he putting it down because why is his ex from eons ago now engaged but still hurt at the idea of him with someone else?
Kenny, Kennyyyyy. If you're out there, we want to see. If you won't show us, then at least show Aaron.
I'm rooting so hard for that boy to wear that man down, you don't even know.
Okay, as a big hater of student x professor pairings, I went into this half-hearted because I figured if I'm already biased against the pairing, how much could I possibly enjoy the story, right?
Wrong.
First off, the RESTRAINTTTTT.
That alone was enough to sell me on this. I've always felt like the pairing has a power imbalance you can't escape from. So the fact that Kenny(professor) drew the line firmly and stood on it? Worked for me.
Obviously I know I may live to regret this in the sequel. But at this point I would personally get Kenny's hands and place them on Aaron.
Because wdym you're telling him it can't be more but when he's falling apart he can get into your bed and you hold him all night?
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY REITERATING AT ANOTHER POINT THAT FOR AS LONG AS HE'S YOUR STUDENT, IT CAN NEVER BE MORE, BUT THERE'S A GOODBYE KISS WHERE YOUR TONGUES TOUCH, EVEN IF IT DOESN'T DEVOLVE INTO MORE?!
How are you adding an extra layer of separation by not being his therapist but driving him to see the one you handpicked for him, every bloody week, and then one time, holding hands for part of the way there?
And poor Aaron thinks it's partly because of his pedigree. Asks him, 'If I weren't me, if I were just another twink you met on a night out, would it be different?'
Kenny goes, 'No. Because if you weren't you, I wouldn't even be interested in the first place.'
GUYS, HOW IS THIS A GOODBYE, LET'S NOT GET CARNAL SPEECH?
This sounds like the appetizer for getting carnal.
These are the mixed signals they talk about in Situationships 101.
Kenny was KILLING me and I don't know why Aaron doesn't just club him over the head caveman style and tie him up until he stops with the nonsense.
***I support Kenny's nonsense. I just hate every moment of the support.
Aaron's no better, though at least he's made it clear the situation is not an issue for him and if Kenny changes his mind, he's ready to go all in.
Man told him he can't let him in because if he does he might not ever let him go and he'd ruin him. And this MF TEENAGER goes....
"That is not a deterrent for me."
💀
You really have to be the adult with kids because they refuse to be it😂
Very bold about it, too. Goes on a violent bender after discovering Kenny went on a date and then tells him "You know how to make it stop."
Basically tells him 'I'm acting up because you're seeing other people'. As if THEY are dating.
Lololol and he quizzes him about the events of said dates like he's in charge😂
How are you asking your professor "Did you kiss her?" like it's your business in any way.
And Kenny acts all blasé about it but I know it secretly thrills him.
Because he gives vague answers that give room for misinterpretation. He likes that Aaron's feral for him, even if he won't admit it.
But also, I get it? Because do you really want to start a relationship with a 19 year you met in a bar very far away from where you teach specifically to reduce the odds of them being a student, have the most mutually explosive sexual encounter ever, only to then discover that they're a student in your first year class, possibly knew who you were at the time of the initial encounter, also happen to be the son of the most prolific serial killers you helped put away in your career AND are now a suspect in a murder that seems to follow their parents' MO?
That's a LOT of baggage, lol.
I liked when Kenny was all tangled up in thoughts of 'Do I not think Aaron's the murderer because it doesn't fit the profile I have of him or do I not want him to be a murderer because my deepest desire is to touch him in ways that can't be explained in polite company?'
So I get why Kenny's like this absolutely, on pain of death, can NOT happen.
But will still touch tongues with him as a goodbye.
Came for the romance, of which there was criminally little but plenty of yearning, stayed for the thriller-esque plot.
Unrelated. What exactly is Kenny packing and how is he putting it down because why is his ex from eons ago now engaged but still hurt at the idea of him with someone else?
Kenny, Kennyyyyy. If you're out there, we want to see. If you won't show us, then at least show Aaron.
I'm rooting so hard for that boy to wear that man down, you don't even know.
May 9, 2025
4.5
Exactly what I love to read! I'm really into crime mysteries at the moment too and this one was definitely engaging.
Aaron broke my heart - the things he's endured because of who his parents are are devastating. I empathised with him so much, and the pain and rejection he feels from Kenny had me teary eyed.
Kenny is an interesting character who's facing a battle between ethics and desire, and honestly I feel like he's making stupid decisions but I can understand his reasoning.
Roisin is definitely a few sandwiches short of the whole picnic and I'm interested to see what role she plays in the series.
I'm so glad this is a trilogy though because I want to know more about Aaron and Kenny, and I need to see Aaron get his well deserved HEA. The tension between these two is so good and I can't wait to see it burst!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from CF White, and this is my honest review
Exactly what I love to read! I'm really into crime mysteries at the moment too and this one was definitely engaging.
Aaron broke my heart - the things he's endured because of who his parents are are devastating. I empathised with him so much, and the pain and rejection he feels from Kenny had me teary eyed.
Kenny is an interesting character who's facing a battle between ethics and desire, and honestly I feel like he's making stupid decisions but I can understand his reasoning.
Roisin is definitely a few sandwiches short of the whole picnic and I'm interested to see what role she plays in the series.
I'm so glad this is a trilogy though because I want to know more about Aaron and Kenny, and I need to see Aaron get his well deserved HEA. The tension between these two is so good and I can't wait to see it burst!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from CF White, and this is my honest review
June 26, 2025
4.25**** stars
A student and a professor.
The son of a pair of serial killers and a criminal psychologist involved in their case and conviction ten years prior .
And now there is a new victim. A murder that resembles too much the parents’ MO. Only they couldn’t have done it. So who?
And although parts of the book were a bit longwinded and I had wished for the general pace to be faster I was fascinated and very much invested. In the overall plot, the characters, especially Aaron and also the murder mystery.
The romance between Kenny and Aaron was more of an afterthought in this first book in the trilogy but I honestly didn’t mind. It only added to the careful and reserved approach. And although there were sexual encounters, theirs is not a love story yet. They want it to be but at this point, it’s impossible.
Can’t wait for the sequel to release.
**************
To Love a Psycho Trilogy
Book 1 - Dream a Little Dream - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Kiss Me Honey Honey - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Killing Me Softly - currently reading
A student and a professor.
The son of a pair of serial killers and a criminal psychologist involved in their case and conviction ten years prior .
God, he was good at lying.
And now there is a new victim. A murder that resembles too much the parents’ MO. Only they couldn’t have done it. So who?
And although parts of the book were a bit longwinded and I had wished for the general pace to be faster I was fascinated and very much invested. In the overall plot, the characters, especially Aaron and also the murder mystery.
The romance between Kenny and Aaron was more of an afterthought in this first book in the trilogy but I honestly didn’t mind. It only added to the careful and reserved approach. And although there were sexual encounters, theirs is not a love story yet. They want it to be but at this point, it’s impossible.
“If you want me to help you heal, to get you through all this, and understand who you are, then I can’t blur those lines. Not with you.
Can’t wait for the sequel to release.
**************
To Love a Psycho Trilogy
Book 1 - Dream a Little Dream - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Kiss Me Honey Honey - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Killing Me Softly - currently reading
October 23, 2025
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Dream a Little Dream was an impressive and a bit disturbing Book 1 in a series that promises more excitement and murdery chills to come! Not a romance exactly, but the energy is there for these complicated MCs to go the distance. Rightfully, (assoc. prof) Kenny and (son of serial killers) Aaron's push and pull beginnings had me squirming. Most times these romances say they're forbidden and they're not, but there were some serious lines here that made me nervous, and I'm really glad there's a legit build-up to however these two will bridge that gap in the installments to come!
White's narrative style and tone, complex characters, and ofc the serial-killer creepy vibes made this story compulsively readable, and I absolutely cannot wait to dive right into the next! Great start to this crime drama romance, and looking forward to wherever White takes this series next in Kiss Me Honey Honey!
Dream a Little Dream was an impressive and a bit disturbing Book 1 in a series that promises more excitement and murdery chills to come! Not a romance exactly, but the energy is there for these complicated MCs to go the distance. Rightfully, (assoc. prof) Kenny and (son of serial killers) Aaron's push and pull beginnings had me squirming. Most times these romances say they're forbidden and they're not, but there were some serious lines here that made me nervous, and I'm really glad there's a legit build-up to however these two will bridge that gap in the installments to come!
White's narrative style and tone, complex characters, and ofc the serial-killer creepy vibes made this story compulsively readable, and I absolutely cannot wait to dive right into the next! Great start to this crime drama romance, and looking forward to wherever White takes this series next in Kiss Me Honey Honey!
Want to read
March 8, 2025Pre-read:
You're telling me there's a MM psychological thriller with...I'm gonna assume age gap cause student/prof and I didn't know about it? This is theoretically something I'd really love.
You're telling me there's a MM psychological thriller with...I'm gonna assume age gap cause student/prof and I didn't know about it? This is theoretically something I'd really love.
January 2, 2026
4.5⭐️
Really good!
I didn’t realise there was more than one book, so I’m happy that the next one is available to read now. I hate waiting 😆
I listened to this on Audible, and I thought the narrator was perfect for Kenny but not so much for Aaron, so I think I’ll just read the rest.
There’s a real likeness to Fred and Rose West in this book. From their names to their crimes to the aftermath. Lots of little nods to their story. Having watched a fair few documentaries on these two, it made this story feel super real and interesting. It doesn’t focus heavily on their crimes but rather the aftermath.
The story between Kenny and Aaron was very intriguing. Lots of bad decisions and toxic moments, but the way it’s written just has you wanting more from them both.
Really good, and I’m looking forward to where this goes next.
………………………………………………………….
I got an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
Really good!
I didn’t realise there was more than one book, so I’m happy that the next one is available to read now. I hate waiting 😆
I listened to this on Audible, and I thought the narrator was perfect for Kenny but not so much for Aaron, so I think I’ll just read the rest.
There’s a real likeness to Fred and Rose West in this book. From their names to their crimes to the aftermath. Lots of little nods to their story. Having watched a fair few documentaries on these two, it made this story feel super real and interesting. It doesn’t focus heavily on their crimes but rather the aftermath.
The story between Kenny and Aaron was very intriguing. Lots of bad decisions and toxic moments, but the way it’s written just has you wanting more from them both.
Really good, and I’m looking forward to where this goes next.
………………………………………………………….
I got an ARC from GRR, and this is my honest review.
April 11, 2025
Well, that was an unique experience I had with this book. I started it not feeling that into it but then it kept getting better and better. Ultimately, I really liked it and I'm impressed at how much my opinion differs from the beginning. As a heads up: this book doesn't end in HEA/HFN for the couple as it is the start of a series and it is disclosed by the author at the beginning, but it isn't a bad ending either.
The story is about Aaron, a young guy who is interested in Kenny, an older man that turns out to be his professor at the university he's enrolled in. The mutual attraction is undeniable, but once Kenny discovers he is his student along with more things about Aaron's past, Kenny tries to draw a line. In the midst of everything, the body of a student from the campus is found dead and Kenny believes the killer is related to his sister's and Aaron's cases. The murderer might be on the hunt again.
I have to start by praising about how well the story delivered on the elements it intended, especially the forbidden attraction trope. The pull between the MCs is very present. I liked that it was Aaron pushing the buttons, playing with the power imbalance of their dynamic, and that the narrative was self-aware without it feeling obnoxious. There is the themes of mystery and crime as well, both keeping me at the edge of my seat.
Another thing to highlight was that the story introduced new themes organically and the change in perspectives actually helped to move it forward. The subplot about Rahul was upsetting, same as the one with the bully. The more the story advanced, the more Aaron's character turned out to have more depth besides the obsessive and feisty young guy going after his professor, it showed he is a person with values that fights agaisnt injustice and doesn't let assholes put him and others down. It shoved that he cared, he felt human, no matter what his nonchalant attitude wants to project as his mask.
At first, I felt more invested into those topics alone rather than the main relationship, but Kenny eventually won me over and I ended up believing in the relationship too. Kenny is a smart man that tries to be the responsible adult between both, but he's also an hypocrite and it was satisfying that the narrative called him out for not following his own preaching about honesty. Truth is, Kenny is a liar as much as Aaron, but in different ways: him lying about his attraction and lifestyle, while Aaron is lying about who he really is (inside and outside). This makes their dynamic interesting because both aren't exactly perfect, instead they make each other confront their secret demons.
Now onto the things that didn't entirely work for me:
-While this ultimately did happen, it took me some time to get used to the writting style. After the first few chapters, I felt that it flowed better and could finally get into the story.
-I wanted a bit more build up between MCs before their first meeting, because it felt a bit too much like instalust - a trope I'm not into. It wasn't until after the 30% where I actually felt they had chemistry, although I wished their dynamic wasn't only about attraction/obsession and there were some actual feelings involved too. I guess it'll be addressed later in the series.
-Kenny is supossed to be well versed in psychology but at one point he suggest Aaron to treat him and discover his repressed memories, which wouldn't work realistically speaking because of their closeness. As an expert, he should know that and even if he wants to, there was never a mention of this fact, as if he really believed he could "fix" Aaron. I guess that shows one of Kenny's flaws. I just prefer important facts not to be glossed over.
Ultimately, I thought the development between the couple felt natural, because sometimes it is taking two steps forward and one back. The ending was satisfying because things get wrapped up as best as possible and within the circumstances, it is fitting. I appreciated the good pacing and that the last pages set up a continuation. I really am hoping that book 2 has the dynamic reversed: Kenny being the chaser next time instead of Aaron. It is about time he's the one getting jealous, hoping Taylor can evoke that one him.
Overall, this was a really great start of a series. There are many great things introduced such as the psychological aspect, the complexity of the MCs (separately and in unison), a good murder mystery (a bit predictable but with a good pay off) and the intense push and pull between MCs made this work a solid book. Definitely looking forward to the upcoming ones.
-This was an ARC review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
The story is about Aaron, a young guy who is interested in Kenny, an older man that turns out to be his professor at the university he's enrolled in. The mutual attraction is undeniable, but once Kenny discovers he is his student along with more things about Aaron's past, Kenny tries to draw a line. In the midst of everything, the body of a student from the campus is found dead and Kenny believes the killer is related to his sister's and Aaron's cases. The murderer might be on the hunt again.
I have to start by praising about how well the story delivered on the elements it intended, especially the forbidden attraction trope. The pull between the MCs is very present. I liked that it was Aaron pushing the buttons, playing with the power imbalance of their dynamic, and that the narrative was self-aware without it feeling obnoxious. There is the themes of mystery and crime as well, both keeping me at the edge of my seat.
Another thing to highlight was that the story introduced new themes organically and the change in perspectives actually helped to move it forward. The subplot about Rahul was upsetting, same as the one with the bully. The more the story advanced, the more Aaron's character turned out to have more depth besides the obsessive and feisty young guy going after his professor, it showed he is a person with values that fights agaisnt injustice and doesn't let assholes put him and others down. It shoved that he cared, he felt human, no matter what his nonchalant attitude wants to project as his mask.
At first, I felt more invested into those topics alone rather than the main relationship, but Kenny eventually won me over and I ended up believing in the relationship too. Kenny is a smart man that tries to be the responsible adult between both, but he's also an hypocrite and it was satisfying that the narrative called him out for not following his own preaching about honesty. Truth is, Kenny is a liar as much as Aaron, but in different ways: him lying about his attraction and lifestyle, while Aaron is lying about who he really is (inside and outside). This makes their dynamic interesting because both aren't exactly perfect, instead they make each other confront their secret demons.
Now onto the things that didn't entirely work for me:
-While this ultimately did happen, it took me some time to get used to the writting style. After the first few chapters, I felt that it flowed better and could finally get into the story.
-I wanted a bit more build up between MCs before their first meeting, because it felt a bit too much like instalust - a trope I'm not into. It wasn't until after the 30% where I actually felt they had chemistry, although I wished their dynamic wasn't only about attraction/obsession and there were some actual feelings involved too. I guess it'll be addressed later in the series.
-Kenny is supossed to be well versed in psychology but at one point he suggest Aaron to treat him and discover his repressed memories, which wouldn't work realistically speaking because of their closeness. As an expert, he should know that and even if he wants to, there was never a mention of this fact, as if he really believed he could "fix" Aaron. I guess that shows one of Kenny's flaws. I just prefer important facts not to be glossed over.
Ultimately, I thought the development between the couple felt natural, because sometimes it is taking two steps forward and one back. The ending was satisfying because things get wrapped up as best as possible and within the circumstances, it is fitting. I appreciated the good pacing and that the last pages set up a continuation. I really am hoping that book 2 has the dynamic reversed: Kenny being the chaser next time instead of Aaron. It is about time he's the one getting jealous, hoping Taylor can evoke that one him.
Overall, this was a really great start of a series. There are many great things introduced such as the psychological aspect, the complexity of the MCs (separately and in unison), a good murder mystery (a bit predictable but with a good pay off) and the intense push and pull between MCs made this work a solid book. Definitely looking forward to the upcoming ones.
-This was an ARC review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
March 17, 2026
So captivating you’ll forget to blink, sleep, and hold on to your sanity (that last part is your fault, Kenny). And yet it’s merely the beginning. And I’m so fucking ready.
March 2, 2025
Wow! I’m blown away by this gripping, dark, twisted, and intense psychological thriller. C.F. White is a master of suspense, and she brings her A-game with this new series. This is the true crime/serial killer x MM romance mashup you didn’t know you needed!
There are a lot of different kinds of relationships to unpack in this one - familial, romantic, platonic, and toxic - but let’s talk about the romance. It’s not a HEA or even a HFN…YET. In fact, both of the MCs spend most of this book dating other people despite their insanity-inducing level of chemistry. I’m not even sure this qualifies as a full-on romance, although it’s definitely building toward it, including some really hot, very intense encounters between Aaron & Kenny.
C.F. White has been upfront & honest about this being a series romance arc, and she’s definitely making us work for it. Their connection is undeniable, electric, end game kind of material - we know it and they know it - just buzzing between them waiting to combust. Unfortunately, their timing is terrible - think serial killers getting the way and all the cards stacked against them kinds of terrible. But I don’t know if I’ve ever shipped a couple harder or loved a character more for having the strength to walk away.
Every facet of this story brings that cold, chilling edge you'd expect from a psychological thriller. I haven’t been this alert and captivated by a story in quite some time; some of it's just the abject horror, deviance, & depravity necessary to carry out such cold, calculated crimes, but it’s also the slow, methodical way the story unfolds and secrets are revealed. Revelation after revelation will have you reeling and wondering where it could possibly end. Everything and everyone in this story is connected, so my advice is to buckle up and pay attention! It’s a wild ride. I can’t wait for more, and I’m pretty sure I’ll never look at roses the same way again.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
There are a lot of different kinds of relationships to unpack in this one - familial, romantic, platonic, and toxic - but let’s talk about the romance. It’s not a HEA or even a HFN…YET. In fact, both of the MCs spend most of this book dating other people despite their insanity-inducing level of chemistry. I’m not even sure this qualifies as a full-on romance, although it’s definitely building toward it, including some really hot, very intense encounters between Aaron & Kenny.
C.F. White has been upfront & honest about this being a series romance arc, and she’s definitely making us work for it. Their connection is undeniable, electric, end game kind of material - we know it and they know it - just buzzing between them waiting to combust. Unfortunately, their timing is terrible - think serial killers getting the way and all the cards stacked against them kinds of terrible. But I don’t know if I’ve ever shipped a couple harder or loved a character more for having the strength to walk away.
Every facet of this story brings that cold, chilling edge you'd expect from a psychological thriller. I haven’t been this alert and captivated by a story in quite some time; some of it's just the abject horror, deviance, & depravity necessary to carry out such cold, calculated crimes, but it’s also the slow, methodical way the story unfolds and secrets are revealed. Revelation after revelation will have you reeling and wondering where it could possibly end. Everything and everyone in this story is connected, so my advice is to buckle up and pay attention! It’s a wild ride. I can’t wait for more, and I’m pretty sure I’ll never look at roses the same way again.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
March 24, 2025
I am absolutely blown away. I am finding it hard to find words to describe how much I loved this book, it is utterly engrossing. This author has a captivatingly unique voice and the way the layers of suspense and reveals are built is genius. That prologue sent a deluge of questions through my mind and I was instantly hooked, unable to put it down but also self aware enough that I knew I didn’t want to rush through it. Parts of this book literally sent chills down my spine, there are Spectacular games of cat and mouse playing out, mind games where each word is a move on a live high stakes chess board.
Aaron and Kenny add their layers of the romantic plot development with a touch of forbidden age gap and student professor dynamic and with a fascinating push and pull, the author taking all the time to describe their compulsions and their obsession with each other.
Characters, their back stories, their motivations are fully fleshed out and presented in a most impactful way, inexorably pulling you in with language that is sublimely immersive. And that ending, more questions seeded into my brain and I need to read more, what happens next.
Book 2 is coming out later this month so highly recommend starting this series soon.
Expect:
* Suspense
* Dark academia
* Forbidden Student Professor
* Touch starved
* Hurt comfort
* Age gap
* Morally grey
* Psychological thriller
* Found family
* Slow burn
* Not an HEA yet
Aaron and Kenny add their layers of the romantic plot development with a touch of forbidden age gap and student professor dynamic and with a fascinating push and pull, the author taking all the time to describe their compulsions and their obsession with each other.
Characters, their back stories, their motivations are fully fleshed out and presented in a most impactful way, inexorably pulling you in with language that is sublimely immersive. And that ending, more questions seeded into my brain and I need to read more, what happens next.
Book 2 is coming out later this month so highly recommend starting this series soon.
Expect:
* Suspense
* Dark academia
* Forbidden Student Professor
* Touch starved
* Hurt comfort
* Age gap
* Morally grey
* Psychological thriller
* Found family
* Slow burn
* Not an HEA yet
December 22, 2025
My baby Aaron deserves all the love in the world, especially after everything he went through because of his parents.
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- psychological thriller
- forbidden romance
- professor × student
- age gap
- hurt x comfort
- trauma bonding
- slow burn
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- psychological thriller
- forbidden romance
- professor × student
- age gap
- hurt x comfort
- trauma bonding
- slow burn
December 28, 2025
ARC review
I loved this book so much.
It's a first in a trilogy and I'm already dying for the rest.
Aaron had been through a lot in his short life and the only thing he wants is to someone to love him and understand him. He went through so much because of who his parents were and it wasn't fair.
Kenny helped arrest Aaron's parents and it's a case that haunts him.
These two shouldn't and can't be together for various reasons but it's not easy to ignore a connection like theirs.
I loved this book so much.
It's a first in a trilogy and I'm already dying for the rest.
Aaron had been through a lot in his short life and the only thing he wants is to someone to love him and understand him. He went through so much because of who his parents were and it wasn't fair.
Kenny helped arrest Aaron's parents and it's a case that haunts him.
These two shouldn't and can't be together for various reasons but it's not easy to ignore a connection like theirs.
Read
October 27, 2025dnf 23%
hooookkaayyy apparently cleaning out my KU shelves is just not going well for me.
the premise sounded awesome but the writing is meh? and it feels like the author keeps forgetting their own plan? one moment the MC knows who Kenny is before showing up in his class the next he...doesn't? one sec he seeks him out to establish that connection in the club and the next...he didn't know he'd end up in his class? yet five minutes later we again are told he signed up for the class to get close to Kenny?
pick a lane, won't ya? 🤷♀️
hooookkaayyy apparently cleaning out my KU shelves is just not going well for me.
the premise sounded awesome but the writing is meh? and it feels like the author keeps forgetting their own plan? one moment the MC knows who Kenny is before showing up in his class the next he...doesn't? one sec he seeks him out to establish that connection in the club and the next...he didn't know he'd end up in his class? yet five minutes later we again are told he signed up for the class to get close to Kenny?
pick a lane, won't ya? 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
Loved this one. Had my heart pounding from page one till the very end.
April 4, 2025
Where’s the Romance?
I DNF’d this book. I read up to the 55% mark (page 200 for me) and I just couldn’t continue. In the initial author blurb, they mention that this is essentially a romance, but I don’t see it at all. For the entirety of what I’ve read so far, Kenny is pining for his ex, or he’s reliving memories of their past (sometimes explicitly), or he’s with his current love interest Heather. There’s sexual tension between him and Aaron (the other MC), but nothing else. So, I have to ask having read more than half the book, where is the romance or even the chemistry between the two MC’s? It’s non-existent up to this point, and I don’t want to waste more time trying to chase it.
The plot itself is interesting. There’s a murder that connects the MCs pasts together that keeps the reader on edge. I like it, but not enough to keep me interested.
The writing style is geared more towards UK readers. I didn’t understand a lot of the slang and there were times when sentences were unfinished or just stopped and it made me question if it’s a UK thing, or if the story needed an editor? Not sure. It made the reading feel disjointed at times. Overall, not a book for me.
I DNF’d this book. I read up to the 55% mark (page 200 for me) and I just couldn’t continue. In the initial author blurb, they mention that this is essentially a romance, but I don’t see it at all. For the entirety of what I’ve read so far, Kenny is pining for his ex, or he’s reliving memories of their past (sometimes explicitly), or he’s with his current love interest Heather. There’s sexual tension between him and Aaron (the other MC), but nothing else. So, I have to ask having read more than half the book, where is the romance or even the chemistry between the two MC’s? It’s non-existent up to this point, and I don’t want to waste more time trying to chase it.
The plot itself is interesting. There’s a murder that connects the MCs pasts together that keeps the reader on edge. I like it, but not enough to keep me interested.
The writing style is geared more towards UK readers. I didn’t understand a lot of the slang and there were times when sentences were unfinished or just stopped and it made me question if it’s a UK thing, or if the story needed an editor? Not sure. It made the reading feel disjointed at times. Overall, not a book for me.
March 5, 2025
Insert a string of courses here because this book made me remember why I often read series only when all books are released and I just read an ARC so I have to wait even longer for the next book to be out… And I lovingly hate that!
I knew there was going to be a second (and third) book. But I suspected it to be standalone books.
Warning: they’re not. It’s the same couple. It’s slow burn. It’s so fucking slow it’s backwards. It ends not with a HEA but with a I-need-the-next-book-right-fucking-now. I don’t even know what to do with myself now…
I finished the book about an hour and a half on a weekday past my bedtime. Because I couldn’t stop reading because I needed them together. And then the author did that!
This book is amazing! I am obsessed!
I love psychological thrillers and I have no idea how accurate the things in the book are or if anything Kenny ever said while analyzing is true of if the author did her research while watching Criminal Minds. And I don’t care. It is amazing!
It felt real, it felt reasonable, it made sense.
Kenny’s and Aaron’s relationship… gosh, it is so sizzling on fire. I could feel their want and need through the pages and it burnt me with them.
It was so perfectly paced! I mean, I’ll pop champagne when they’ll finally be together, but all the pining hurt so good.
I really like that the professor actually sees and regards the problems that a relationship would bring. It’s often quite fast smoothed over and the characters are fine, but Kenny (in the end) actually heeds that they can’t be together. Yes, I hate him a teeny little bit for that too.
Aaron’s character.... he is very screwed up. Not sure how much therapy someone can take to overcome the shit he went through.
It took a while for him to be graspable and to see behind his facade.
Same with Kenny. He closed himself off from the world because he can see the darkness and the fucked-up-ness in everyone.
I think they both kind of just want to be happy and be loved and know that something in their heads is too twisted up to permit that.
I also have to mention the overall setting of the book because I could really see it in my mind. The eariness of a small-town college, somewhere in the British countryside. (I didn’t google the city, don’t tell me if it’s not).
The rainy weather and the fog on the riverbank. It feels like I know how it felt like walking through the muddy woods.
So… go preorder and read this book!
I’ll be here, nursing the hangover of bookish hangovers until the whole trilogy is out!!
PS: If someone is into fucked up manga, read In These Words, Volume 1
I pictured Kenny as Katsuya so much! The way he stood, with his glasses,...
Thank you GRR for allowing me to read this book early (I kinda lovingly hate you).
I knew there was going to be a second (and third) book. But I suspected it to be standalone books.
Warning: they’re not. It’s the same couple. It’s slow burn. It’s so fucking slow it’s backwards. It ends not with a HEA but with a I-need-the-next-book-right-fucking-now. I don’t even know what to do with myself now…
I finished the book about an hour and a half on a weekday past my bedtime. Because I couldn’t stop reading because I needed them together. And then the author did that!
He blinked, breaking the spell Aaron had over him before he could do something reckless, something that would shatter his very existence.
This book is amazing! I am obsessed!
He inhaled. The man smelled of cyanide. Ash. Ethanol and regret. And it fizzed on Aaron’s tongue as if he wanted to lick him and die. With him. Because of him.
I love psychological thrillers and I have no idea how accurate the things in the book are or if anything Kenny ever said while analyzing is true of if the author did her research while watching Criminal Minds. And I don’t care. It is amazing!
It felt real, it felt reasonable, it made sense.
Kenny’s and Aaron’s relationship… gosh, it is so sizzling on fire. I could feel their want and need through the pages and it burnt me with them.
It was so perfectly paced! I mean, I’ll pop champagne when they’ll finally be together, but all the pining hurt so good.
I really like that the professor actually sees and regards the problems that a relationship would bring. It’s often quite fast smoothed over and the characters are fine, but Kenny (in the end) actually heeds that they can’t be together. Yes, I hate him a teeny little bit for that too.
“What animal would you be, and why?”
“A fish.”
Heather scrunched up her nose. “A fish? Why a fish?”
“Because there aren’t any monsters in the sea. They all walk on land.”
Aaron’s character.... he is very screwed up. Not sure how much therapy someone can take to overcome the shit he went through.
It took a while for him to be graspable and to see behind his facade.
Same with Kenny. He closed himself off from the world because he can see the darkness and the fucked-up-ness in everyone.
I think they both kind of just want to be happy and be loved and know that something in their heads is too twisted up to permit that.
“I only run when I’m being chased.”
“Who says you’re not?”
I also have to mention the overall setting of the book because I could really see it in my mind. The eariness of a small-town college, somewhere in the British countryside. (I didn’t google the city, don’t tell me if it’s not).
The rainy weather and the fog on the riverbank. It feels like I know how it felt like walking through the muddy woods.
So… go preorder and read this book!
I’ll be here, nursing the hangover of bookish hangovers until the whole trilogy is out!!
Maybe there’s something in two broken souls needing the same thing, at the same time, then searching for it in the same place.
PS: If someone is into fucked up manga, read In These Words, Volume 1
I pictured Kenny as Katsuya so much! The way he stood, with his glasses,...
Thank you GRR for allowing me to read this book early (I kinda lovingly hate you).
February 21, 2025
Let me take a moment to breathe because WOW this book ATE.
I love books that deal with psychopaths, psychology and all that goodness and I haven't found the book that ticked all my boxes the way this one had. It has you in a chokehold and every second spent reading lures you deeper and deeper into the world crafted by the author. I just love it so much.
Aaron is kinda a cross between a psycho and an empathetic cutie pie. His snarky attitude, witty remarks and avoidance of things are a shield to hide his true self. His little obessession with his professor, Kenny, and later his craving for him break his walls a lot faster that a water ballon hitting the ground. His character is something that needs to be studied, for sure. I also love how much attention he needs and someone to dominate him but not just anyone. No, my boy needs Kenny's firm guidance.
Kenny is such a wholesome character. I love when he goes on his little psychological rants which Aaron loves. His position and age and career and all other outside factors prevent him from truly embracing his need for Aaron. The craving. The obsession. I actually loved seeing him slowly becoming obsessed with Aaron and how that obsession built up throughout the story.
All in all this was a book that had me staying up 'til the next day because of how good it was. It was well balanced. There wasn't anything lacking in my opinion and the twists and turns? They had my heart beating erratically.
Expect dark romance, age gap, mutual obsessed MCs, games of cat and mouse, steamy encounters, unhinged twink, cute precious scenes that really soothe the soul and a lot more crazy shenanigans.
//ARC Review//
I love books that deal with psychopaths, psychology and all that goodness and I haven't found the book that ticked all my boxes the way this one had. It has you in a chokehold and every second spent reading lures you deeper and deeper into the world crafted by the author. I just love it so much.
Aaron is kinda a cross between a psycho and an empathetic cutie pie. His snarky attitude, witty remarks and avoidance of things are a shield to hide his true self. His little obessession with his professor, Kenny, and later his craving for him break his walls a lot faster that a water ballon hitting the ground. His character is something that needs to be studied, for sure. I also love how much attention he needs and someone to dominate him but not just anyone. No, my boy needs Kenny's firm guidance.
Kenny is such a wholesome character. I love when he goes on his little psychological rants which Aaron loves. His position and age and career and all other outside factors prevent him from truly embracing his need for Aaron. The craving. The obsession. I actually loved seeing him slowly becoming obsessed with Aaron and how that obsession built up throughout the story.
All in all this was a book that had me staying up 'til the next day because of how good it was. It was well balanced. There wasn't anything lacking in my opinion and the twists and turns? They had my heart beating erratically.
Expect dark romance, age gap, mutual obsessed MCs, games of cat and mouse, steamy encounters, unhinged twink, cute precious scenes that really soothe the soul and a lot more crazy shenanigans.
//ARC Review//
March 10, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This is a great start to a new series by CF White and I really liked the set up and the characters. We first see Aaron as a young boy being removed from his home as his parents are being arrested for a series of murders. We then move forward to Aaron starting college and his life in between has been one of trauma, assault, and violence. It’s a tragedy what happens to him as he’s put into care and doesn’t get any help. He was forbidden to use the internet and he was unable to search out any information on his parents until he was 16. He’s now seeking out Kenny because he knows that Kenny was involved in his parents’ case and the two of them have a connection that runs deep. Neither one of them expected the red hot, obsessive attraction between them.
The mystery here was not difficult to solve, as the killer was easily seen in plain sight, but the overall story of it illuminates Aaron’s past a little more. This series is a trilogy and with Aaron’s mother an on-page character from prison, it will be a twisted path of discovery of where this will go. The match has already been lit on the chemistry between Aaron and Kenny, but it will be a long road to get them together as they valiantly fight the inevitable.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This is a great start to a new series by CF White and I really liked the set up and the characters. We first see Aaron as a young boy being removed from his home as his parents are being arrested for a series of murders. We then move forward to Aaron starting college and his life in between has been one of trauma, assault, and violence. It’s a tragedy what happens to him as he’s put into care and doesn’t get any help. He was forbidden to use the internet and he was unable to search out any information on his parents until he was 16. He’s now seeking out Kenny because he knows that Kenny was involved in his parents’ case and the two of them have a connection that runs deep. Neither one of them expected the red hot, obsessive attraction between them.
The mystery here was not difficult to solve, as the killer was easily seen in plain sight, but the overall story of it illuminates Aaron’s past a little more. This series is a trilogy and with Aaron’s mother an on-page character from prison, it will be a twisted path of discovery of where this will go. The match has already been lit on the chemistry between Aaron and Kenny, but it will be a long road to get them together as they valiantly fight the inevitable.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
February 19, 2026
Crazy readable. Almost broke my work night rule and stayed up past midnight but finished at 11:55.
Are there some highly problematic dynamics that made me cringe? 💯! Do I also greatly dislike the casual use of word psycho in the series name as well as the cover which makes this book seem more like a conventional MM romance than it really is? You betcha! Am I totally going to start reading the next in the series during breaks at work? Oh absolutely. Is the tension between the two MCs and the writing top notch? Yes and yes.
An aside: very curious about how people in forensic psychology look at people and personality disorders as opposed to the rest of us. Seems like a fundamentally different orientation, but maybe that’s just fiction being fictional.
Are there some highly problematic dynamics that made me cringe? 💯! Do I also greatly dislike the casual use of word psycho in the series name as well as the cover which makes this book seem more like a conventional MM romance than it really is? You betcha! Am I totally going to start reading the next in the series during breaks at work? Oh absolutely. Is the tension between the two MCs and the writing top notch? Yes and yes.
An aside: very curious about how people in forensic psychology look at people and personality disorders as opposed to the rest of us. Seems like a fundamentally different orientation, but maybe that’s just fiction being fictional.
March 4, 2025
I really wanted to give this book 4 stars because honestly the ending didn’t do the rest of the book justice. It felt simple predictable and flats compared to the rest of the book and the emotions i felt until then! But that just wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the book because my whole reading experience - until the last hundred pages, was OMG 5 ⭐️ read….
Soooo because this is the first book in a series and this is my first read of this author I am going to give it five stars but be very strict on my rating of the second book!
Soooo because this is the first book in a series and this is my first read of this author I am going to give it five stars but be very strict on my rating of the second book!
March 23, 2025
Dream a Little Dream is the first book in the To Love a Psycho series. This is the story of Aaron who's parents were infamous serial killers and Kenny (Dr Kenneth Lyons) his professor a renowned criminal psychologist. I love dark books about crime mysteries. I loved this story so much, it kept me at the edge of my seat. I felt so bad for Aaron and all he has gone through because of who his parents are. I wanted to yell at Kenny because of some of the decisions he makes through the story. I did want more of the romance between the guys but understand that this is just the first book in the trilogy. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
May 7, 2025
Wow! Just wow!
Definitely not the romance I anticipated. Ignore the cover. This book floored me. It was so much more intense than I expected. I don’t have the brain power to say this gracefully, so pardon my bluntness. There wasn’t much in the way of hot and heavy scenes. I think this was strategic. I don’t feel bored or even bereft. ‘Edged’ is my best descriptor. I am curious about what comes next.
Definitely not the romance I anticipated. Ignore the cover. This book floored me. It was so much more intense than I expected. I don’t have the brain power to say this gracefully, so pardon my bluntness. There wasn’t much in the way of hot and heavy scenes. I think this was strategic. I don’t feel bored or even bereft. ‘Edged’ is my best descriptor. I am curious about what comes next.
January 5, 2026
4.25
I am obsessed!
Literally obsessed! This books is a roller coaster!
Student/professor—— the student is the child of serial killers that the professor helped captured. I mean WTF!
This story is so captivating like I was hooked and I will need more! I will be reading the second book asap because I need to know what happens next! Aaron and Kenny are wild and had me shooked to my core!
I am obsessed!
Literally obsessed! This books is a roller coaster!
Student/professor—— the student is the child of serial killers that the professor helped captured. I mean WTF!
This story is so captivating like I was hooked and I will need more! I will be reading the second book asap because I need to know what happens next! Aaron and Kenny are wild and had me shooked to my core!
February 20, 2026
Excellent book with, to quote Evelyn (go find her review for this book - I couldn’t have said it better), “criminally little” romance but I’m desperate to continue with Aaron and Kenny so off I go. I am loving this author!
PS don’t miss the Dream Bonus Chapter from Book Funnel called Cruel Summer. There’s a brief conversation that physically made my heart ache for a moment 💔
PS don’t miss the Dream Bonus Chapter from Book Funnel called Cruel Summer. There’s a brief conversation that physically made my heart ache for a moment 💔
March 2, 2025
I love this book, I don't give 5 stars because of the cliffhanger
The chemistry between Kenny and Aaron is awesome but we have to wait for the next books of the series
If you don't like books with cliffhangers you have to wait for the wholw series is out but the first one is worth the try
The chemistry between Kenny and Aaron is awesome but we have to wait for the next books of the series
If you don't like books with cliffhangers you have to wait for the wholw series is out but the first one is worth the try
September 27, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very first line. Dream a Little Dream is an intoxicating blend of psychological suspense, forbidden romance, and chilling mystery that kept me on edge the entire time.
Aaron Jones, 19, is the kind of character who lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page; beautifully broken, dangerously compelling, and carrying the weight of a haunting legacy.
And then there’s Dr. Kenneth Lyons, 40, the professor who should know better but can’t resist the pull of his enigmatic student.
Their connection crackles with tension, blurring every boundary until obsession takes hold.
The writing is sharp, atmospheric, and laced with an eerie sense of foreboding. As the bodies pile up and the past comes creeping back, the question isn’t just who the real monster is, it’s whether Kenny and Aaron will survive each other.
Also, this story is best experienced firsthand, with its twists and revelations left unspoiled.
If you love dark academia, forbidden attraction, and a psychological thriller that grips you by the throat, this book is a must-read. I’m already dying for the next instalment!
Part of the gripping trilogy of obsession, psychological tension, and dark romance To Love a Psycho, and must be read in order:
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2025
This was a delightful slow burn dark romance. I have been reading more slow burn romance and it is very different than the normal steamy erotica I go for. There was one scene that was so so vivid and then the rest of the book was world and character building. I will definitely continue the series. I appreciate that this was not too formulaic. I understand there are beats to hit when writing romance. The tropes that were included were great. Looking forward to more from this author.
December 29, 2025
Just whoa 😳! What a great read from CF White, Dream A Little Dream is quite a chilling read, where the MC's idyllic image of his family shatters, revealing a horrifying truth lurking beneath the surface.
Aaron, a university student struggles, as he grapples with the devastating implications of his parents' actions, for his own identity. This is the theme of the story throughout, just how innocent is Aaron? From the beginning of the story, it's obvious that he is a badly troubled young man, and has you wondering what he's really capable of. His back story really did make me feel for him, he's young, beautiful, but so scarred mentally, always wondering, 'what if ?'
I really liked Kenny for Aaron, even though he has his own problems. I felt that they were good for each other. Aaron 'acts out' throughout the story, but deep down he's hurting badly. Kenny recognises this, and though the feelings they have for one another are strong, they aren't resolved in this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, to see how things develop between them.
Fresh off the final chapter of the audible version, I’m still reeling from the emotional weight of this performance. Piers Ryman doesn’t just read the story; he inhabits it, performing with a level of empathy that makes the horror feel real and the romance feel earned. This is a first class version of character driven storytelling, focusing on two men, Kenny and Aaron, who are as secretive as they are flawed. Piers' voice captures every nuance, the friction of Kenny trying to keep his distance, and the vulnerability of Aaron’s longing for the peace and stability Kenny's presence provides.
Aaron, a university student struggles, as he grapples with the devastating implications of his parents' actions, for his own identity. This is the theme of the story throughout, just how innocent is Aaron? From the beginning of the story, it's obvious that he is a badly troubled young man, and has you wondering what he's really capable of. His back story really did make me feel for him, he's young, beautiful, but so scarred mentally, always wondering, 'what if ?'
I really liked Kenny for Aaron, even though he has his own problems. I felt that they were good for each other. Aaron 'acts out' throughout the story, but deep down he's hurting badly. Kenny recognises this, and though the feelings they have for one another are strong, they aren't resolved in this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, to see how things develop between them.
Fresh off the final chapter of the audible version, I’m still reeling from the emotional weight of this performance. Piers Ryman doesn’t just read the story; he inhabits it, performing with a level of empathy that makes the horror feel real and the romance feel earned. This is a first class version of character driven storytelling, focusing on two men, Kenny and Aaron, who are as secretive as they are flawed. Piers' voice captures every nuance, the friction of Kenny trying to keep his distance, and the vulnerability of Aaron’s longing for the peace and stability Kenny's presence provides.
October 22, 2025
4.25/5 stars! Umm. Excuse me!?!?! Someone wrote a book in a series called "To Love a Psycho" and I get the honor of reading it!?!?!?!? Yes please. I am obsessed with dark romance and crime thrillers, so I was so pumped to read this. I really liked watching these characters develop. I also loved the care the professor took to be caring despite Aaron's traumatic past. I wish there hadn't been a cliffhanger. I am eager to read the next book asap.
March 3, 2025
One for people who are good with reality rather than ideality. This book did not work for me on a few levels.
People who like psychological suspense may enjoy this read. For Me reasons, I enjoyed until I did not. IYK me, YK what’s coming next. The element wasn’t included in the TWs.
This book includes one MC Aaron long after the two MCs are very, VERY into each other. The story also includes 10-years-ago backstory scenes for the other MC Kenneth “Kenny” with his ex, including Some will say you needed to see it to get the exes’ past dynamic. I say, really, ma’am, no I did not. It gave the Kenny’s-ex thread equal to or even more weight than the current MCs’ romance. It would have been enough for romantic conflict that the ex is part of the present story too, but, honestly, it started to read like the start of a second-chance romance for Kenny and his ex. And the hints that Kenny and ex and ex's new person are all gonna wind up being bestest buddies was not my thing. Kenny knowing more about what his ex needs than ex's new-person does? Working through their past to resolve it as part of this present story? Hmm. Could have worked for romantic conflict, but, it took over too much. And Kenny listening to the ex rather than his own gut about what Aaron wanted and needed...not great.
But back to our supposed MCs and their story. The forbidden professor-student romantic conflict alone is intense, and I ate up the convoluted, seriously messed-up backstory connection for these two. Aaron, the student, is quite the intriguing character, son of serial killers, studying forensic psychology...and fixated on a person who impacted him in the distant past, who was on-scene when his parents were caught. MC Kenny (which tbh I don’t love the nickname and kinda grimaced at it every time) is the psychologist consultant and now-professor who consulted on Aaron’s parents’ case in the past, a man whose identity Aaron knew when he deliberately signed up for his criminal psychology course in uni.
The main story opens with a hot unforgettable hookup with Aaron and Kenny at a club. Then...Kenny turns out to be Aaron’s professor for his course at uni. Cue much consternation from Kenny, and much intense pushing the boundaries from Aaron. Loved the tension, the dynamic, the obsession-y feel without it going over the top. I could have totally loved this read. But I was also confused as to whether Aaron knew who Kenny was in the club—I’d assumed yes, but later it seems no, which, given he knew his name for sure, did not make sense because he’d have looked up his photo. But didn’t? I may have read it wrong. (Kenny does NOT know who Aaron is)
Things get even more twisted and exciting as a murder happens on campus that points straight to the past, then Kenny’s ex comes back on stage, and Aaron...well, how involved might he really be? Although, come on, it took Kenny way too long to confirm the connection. When it’s that obvious to the reader, the MC should get it sooner.
The story devolved for me when the main antagonist got a huge neon sign pointing to his head for the reader, and the two people most involved in the past case didn’t have a clue, which made them look incompetent. I was also confused as to why there was even any question at first that the murder was a murder when there was very clearly no question about it. Aaron coming under suspicion was entertaining though, that part I enjoyed.
The Nope (for me) happened at 81%, and the book died for me there. If I hadn’t been reading an ARC, I’d have dnf’d. I felt gaslit by the truly fabulous “he’s mine” moment earlier, and then the jump to the new situation. It became a watered-down, not-so-obsessed obsession trope, and I lost interest in the MCs as a couple. The epilogue truly killed the romance dead, revealing that six months later and that was unheroic and killed any sense of romance. Plus, Kenny became a more paternal figure, which...icky. That was my sense of it. But I do believe many people will enjoy this and be eager for book 2. I won’t be continuing.
The Academy Award for best supporting character goes to Aaron’s mom for being fascinating.
No HEA/HFN, open-ends with MCs not together and one in a very lukewarm No literal cheating, but both MCs dating other people, and one sleeping with the other person. Not a safe or good read for me, I am honestly sad to say (I’ve enjoyed a ton of the author’s previous work, so, my assumption was that it would be safe, which no doubt made me react even worse, I admit.). But, folks without my particular issues who love psychological romantic suspense may enjoy the book as the entry into what I believe is to be a trilogy about these two MCs. Read at your discretion.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
People who like psychological suspense may enjoy this read. For Me reasons, I enjoyed until I did not. IYK me, YK what’s coming next. The element wasn’t included in the TWs.
This book includes one MC Aaron long after the two MCs are very, VERY into each other. The story also includes 10-years-ago backstory scenes for the other MC Kenneth “Kenny” with his ex, including Some will say you needed to see it to get the exes’ past dynamic. I say, really, ma’am, no I did not. It gave the Kenny’s-ex thread equal to or even more weight than the current MCs’ romance. It would have been enough for romantic conflict that the ex is part of the present story too, but, honestly, it started to read like the start of a second-chance romance for Kenny and his ex. And the hints that Kenny and ex and ex's new person are all gonna wind up being bestest buddies was not my thing. Kenny knowing more about what his ex needs than ex's new-person does? Working through their past to resolve it as part of this present story? Hmm. Could have worked for romantic conflict, but, it took over too much. And Kenny listening to the ex rather than his own gut about what Aaron wanted and needed...not great.
But back to our supposed MCs and their story. The forbidden professor-student romantic conflict alone is intense, and I ate up the convoluted, seriously messed-up backstory connection for these two. Aaron, the student, is quite the intriguing character, son of serial killers, studying forensic psychology...and fixated on a person who impacted him in the distant past, who was on-scene when his parents were caught. MC Kenny (which tbh I don’t love the nickname and kinda grimaced at it every time) is the psychologist consultant and now-professor who consulted on Aaron’s parents’ case in the past, a man whose identity Aaron knew when he deliberately signed up for his criminal psychology course in uni.
The main story opens with a hot unforgettable hookup with Aaron and Kenny at a club. Then...Kenny turns out to be Aaron’s professor for his course at uni. Cue much consternation from Kenny, and much intense pushing the boundaries from Aaron. Loved the tension, the dynamic, the obsession-y feel without it going over the top. I could have totally loved this read. But I was also confused as to whether Aaron knew who Kenny was in the club—I’d assumed yes, but later it seems no, which, given he knew his name for sure, did not make sense because he’d have looked up his photo. But didn’t? I may have read it wrong. (Kenny does NOT know who Aaron is)
Things get even more twisted and exciting as a murder happens on campus that points straight to the past, then Kenny’s ex comes back on stage, and Aaron...well, how involved might he really be? Although, come on, it took Kenny way too long to confirm the connection. When it’s that obvious to the reader, the MC should get it sooner.
The story devolved for me when the main antagonist got a huge neon sign pointing to his head for the reader, and the two people most involved in the past case didn’t have a clue, which made them look incompetent. I was also confused as to why there was even any question at first that the murder was a murder when there was very clearly no question about it. Aaron coming under suspicion was entertaining though, that part I enjoyed.
The Nope (for me) happened at 81%, and the book died for me there. If I hadn’t been reading an ARC, I’d have dnf’d. I felt gaslit by the truly fabulous “he’s mine” moment earlier, and then the jump to the new situation. It became a watered-down, not-so-obsessed obsession trope, and I lost interest in the MCs as a couple. The epilogue truly killed the romance dead, revealing that six months later and that was unheroic and killed any sense of romance. Plus, Kenny became a more paternal figure, which...icky. That was my sense of it. But I do believe many people will enjoy this and be eager for book 2. I won’t be continuing.
The Academy Award for best supporting character goes to Aaron’s mom for being fascinating.
No HEA/HFN, open-ends with MCs not together and one in a very lukewarm No literal cheating, but both MCs dating other people, and one sleeping with the other person. Not a safe or good read for me, I am honestly sad to say (I’ve enjoyed a ton of the author’s previous work, so, my assumption was that it would be safe, which no doubt made me react even worse, I admit.). But, folks without my particular issues who love psychological romantic suspense may enjoy the book as the entry into what I believe is to be a trilogy about these two MCs. Read at your discretion.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
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