Knotted by the Psychopath

by Taylor Rose

I came to the asylum to study a monster.

An alpha psychopath.

They warned me about him.

The other psychologists.

The guards.

Even the warden.

But when his scent hits me, my body responds in ways my clinical training never prepared me for. He watches me like he's memorizing the way I breathe. Speaks to me like he's reciting hungry prayers he wrote in my name.

And then he calls me his queen.

I should run.

I should scream.

I should remember what he is.

But the most dangerous thing about him isn't the blood on his hands.

It's how desperately I want those murderous hands on me.

Genres: Omegaverse, Dark, Romance, Novella, Dark Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy

120 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2026

Reviews

[Keith Book Korner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustration made the story so much better

The writing is the best part incredible story great action and suspense just loved it didn’t want to put it down. The way the story sucks you in and keeps a hold of you is amazing Definitely recommend reading

Keith book Korner

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

WTAF! Did I just read! It gives Harley Quinn and Joker vibes. Loved it!!!

[Cat H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3 stars.
Definitely got the ‘Joker-Harley’ vibes. 100%
So that was fun.
And hot.
And that’s really all there was to it.😂🤷🏻‍♀️

[GoldenEyeOfHorus · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy anything about this. It was corny and overly dramatic and featured the most boring of tropes, insta-love.

Also, the FMC had been an accomplished career woman (psychiatrist, published author) but as soon as she met the MMC she didn't care about anything but staying up under him for the rest of her life. 😒

[Rex the Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

would’ve been significantly more enjoyable if it weren’t clearly “written” with AI. and i use the term “written” VERY loosely because this genuinely feels like it was pulled straight off of chatgpt with minimal, if any, edits. disappointing to see that an “author” can’t even write a NOVELLA without resorting to the plagiarizing, environment killing hallucination machine. i want to read stories that people write, not ai slop

[Linda Knauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What in the Joker and Harley Quinn did I just read? Why did I actually really like it?

Was this unhinged? Absolutely.
Did I enjoy the heck out of it? Also, yes.

The music at the start of every chapter and graphics in the book added to my enjoyment so much. It set the tone for each section.

[Honey Coco Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this while listening to the songs attached to each chapter. This felt like a movie in my head. Round of applause! 👏👏👏

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

2⭐️

I ain’t gonna lie, this is the second book in the series I’ve read and I’m not gonna hold u. I really disliked it. The whole concept was kinky which I always like but omfgggg it was nothing but air with the occasional f***ing! I can’t explain it, like it builds up to nothing so I had to skim from half way, baring in mind this is a short story.

This series has one or two books left in me because the head scratching and fatigue has already started. I love supporting my indie authors but I need something more.

[Sevyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is on point so far!

This was a fun, hot little read. Taylor Rose always writes bangers and this one was no exception. At times it got a liiiiiiiiiitle repetitive for me but was still poetic and well written. Insta love of course. Loved the Joker and Harley spin off as that’s one of my favorite unhinged love stories.

[Hera Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toxic, Messy and Obsession at its Finest!!!

I’m just gonna say it and not care if other people disagree. The way Rook retrieved his Queen is WAY BETTER than how Joker got Harlequin. There I said it!! 😈😜😂😂😂

The visuals, the music and the story combined was CHEFS KISSED. It was fun and heightened my senses. A true IMAX experience in book form. Loved everything.

I loved that Rook was awakened by a Book of his Queen without meeting her. Books be that powerful 😂😂😂

Bravo 👏🏽

[Marshay Smith (Mommywhatchureading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just gotta read something wild! I did and I loved it!! This was a fun and short ride!

[Kesha Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So different

I didn't know how I'd feel about this one but it was so good! The music and the visuals were chef's kiss too. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Dudi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet. I love the visuals and accompanying soundtrack. I did not actually go to the musical links but some songs I could hear in my head and it was a nice touch.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book. Definitely one of my favorite couples so far this year. Swoon, dark, sexy, and intense chemistry. This re-telling definitely gives 5 star spice. I've already read it twice.

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Origin Story Remix

This was a whole vibe. As sort of traditional OV lover I can appreciate how the author didn’t sacrifice the setting to meet the expectations she made them fit into the story. A I found the Joker and Harley Quinn reimagining with an OV twist to be poetic and brilliant. Because the originals very much had a bond, soul mate, supernatural connection vibes. The ending was well done, very full circle and romance appropriate. So far this collection of stories is on point!

[Shantee' Parks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook is the man.

I devoured this book. I loved the action and the knotting. Also loved how Rook protected her. And I enjoyed how Willow evolved into the queen of the court. Great story!

[Soph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre - Omegaverse/Dark Romance
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice - 🌶️🌶️/5
Single POV (Willow’s POV)
MF

Main Characters
> Winter Lark - Omega/Forensic Psychiatrist/Published Author
> Rook/The Trickster (34) - Prime Alpha/Inmate in the Blackmoor State Hospital for the Criminally Insane/Leader of the Broken Court Pack/Previously a Professor of Logic and Mathematics (Scent - Pine Forrest & Smoke)

I loved this story 😍 Rook and Willow definitely gave off “Harley and Joker” vibes 🃏💣

Due to Rook being a Prime Alpha, he never went into a rut like Alphas are suppose to at 16. He thought something must be wrong, that he might not be an Alpha after all but all the tests came back Alpha positive. Imagine his surprise when his rut was suddenly triggered by seeing a photo of Willow in her book. It came forward so strongly that he ended up wrecking his cell and breaking 3 guards arms before they managed to sedate him. That’s when he found out that he was a “Prime Alpha”, a designation that only awakens when they see, smell or experience something that’s connected to their mate and in his case, it was triggered just by seeing a photo of her 📖📸 From then on his life has been about Willow and Willow only 🤭

Willows story was a bit different. She's just an ordinary Omega so seeing a photo of Rook didn't send her into an uncontrollable heat. The only reaction she had to his photo was an inner push to study him so that she could write a book about him and his crimes 📖🫆
Due to the nature of her job, she’s been on heat suppressants for the past 12 years. She uses them so that she doesn't react to Alphas or go into heat when she's on the job. When she got a call saying that Rook was willing to do an interview with her, she thought nothing of it. She expected it might happen considering the book she wrote is about him. Imagine her surprise when she starts getting heat symptoms after catching 1 whiff of Rooks scent when she was heading towards his cell. She tries to fight against the instinct and leave but another part of her came alive, knowing that she belonged to the Alpha that was just a few meters away. I’m guessing if Rook was a normal Alpha then she might not have reacted the way she did but as he’s a Prime Alpha, his scent went right through her suppressants and triggered her mating instinct 🤭

I loved that this story included the additional designations like Gammas and Sigmas. They’re different to how they're usually described in other Omegaverse stories but I’m not complaining, it suited the style of the story very well.

Gammas were the forgotten middle children of designation biology. Not dominant enough to be Alphas, not submissive enough to be Omegas, not neutral enough to be Betas. They existed in the genetic in-between-stronger than Betas, prone to aggression but without the pheromone production or bonding instincts that made Alphas valuable. Society didn’t know what to do with them, so it mostly pretended that they didn’t exist.

Sigmas were even rarer. Lone wolves by biology, not choice. Their systems reject bonds entirely. They couldn’t scent-match, couldn’t pair-bond, couldn’t feel the pull that drove the rest of us towards connection. Some called them evolutionary dead ends. Others called them free. Most of them ended up in places like this.

I read in a review that said Willow gives up her career to “stay up under him for the rest of her life” 🤔 Did some people just skim through the last chapter? 🤨 Rook clearly asks her if she wanted to continue practising psychology. She agrees that she doesn’t want to give it up because she loves her job and he offers up his pack as her new patients.

“Why would I ever want to leave?” Rook’s voice pulled me back. “And if you want to continue practising psychology…”
I quirked my eyebrows.
His smile turned knowing. “Surely the Broken Court could provide you with patients?”
A surprised laugh escaped me. “Your pack? As my patients?”
“They would be honoured, Beloved. To have their queen analyse their minds, help them understand their own darkness. Help them heal all the trauma welled up inside of their dark souls..” He leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. “And you would have access to case studies that no researcher has ever dreamed of. Fifty-two unique psychological profiles, all yours to explore.”

The clinical part of my brain— the part I thought had died in that padded cell— stirred with interest.
With hunger.
With the familiar thrill of a puzzle waiting to be solved.
“I could help them,” I said slowly. “Not cure them—I don’t think any of them want to be cured. But I could help them understand themselves. Help them function within the Court. Help them find… peace, maybe.”
“You could.” Rook pressed a kiss to my temple. “And they would worship you even more for it.”

This story ends with a HEA for this couple🃏🥼Up next is “Knotted By Her Alphas”, featuring a Why Choose Romance between Harper, Sawyer, Archer, Dustin and Thatcher 😊

Triggers/Tropes
▫️Abusive Parent/Spouse (MMC Father beat him and his mother)(Off Page)
▫️Blood
▫️Cunnilingus
▫️Dark Elements
▫️Death
▫️Exhibitionism
▫️Followers that would die for the MMC/FMC
▫️Heat
▫️Heat Suppressants (FMC had been on the for 12 years)(As the MC’s are soul bonded, the suppressants don’t work and her heat comes forward)
▫️Insta-Lust
▫️Insta-Obsession
▫️Knot/Knotting
▫️No Cheating/Sharing
▫️No OW/OM Drama
▫️No Protection
▫️No Third Act Break Up
▫️Obsessed MMC
▫️Omega FMC/Prime Alpha MMC
▫️Omegaverse
▫️Orgy (Rooks pack has an Orgy whiles watching him claim Willow for the first time)
▫️Pierced Peen 🍆
▫️Prison Over Run/Escape
▫️Restraints (Cuffs)
▫️Sedation
▫️Serial Killer MMC
▫️Soul Bonded Mate
▫️Touch Her and Die 💀
▫️Violence
▫️Voyeurism

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so this book skated the edge of being too dark for me. That said, I specifically picked it up for the psychopath angle and Rook did NOT disappoint. Let's just say he's not afraid to get his hands dirty. Or seduce his lady.

But before we get to that, we have to have Willow voluntarily walk into an asylum to meet a man who she's maybe a little obsessed with. Professionally, of course. At least that's what she tells herself. He's brilliant, deadly, and the end result of what he commits could almost be considered art. She's carefully collected all the information she could about him, written the definitive book based on that info, and now she's about to meet the man in question.

Except...she's not in charge. Everything that happens from the moment she steps through the asylum doors is orchestrated by him. He's as obsessed as she is. And he's gladly admit what he feels for her is anything BUT professional. He knows she's his other half and that they're meant for one another. Now he just has to convince her.

Like I said, this book was almost a little too dark for me. Willow has to accept that her body knows what it wants and the omega inside her wants Rook. He pushes her boundaries until she has no choice but to bend. I'm also pretty sure he'd burn down the world for her if needed. So, you know, there's that.

A little darker than I normally like, but enjoyable in a bloody, twisted sort of way.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Meep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, we’re giving 5 stars because I rate based on vibes and something about this book worked for me.

Take it with a grain of salt that this is a novella, so in a full length novel I’d crave more tension or insight into the mmc… I am however a sucker for an obsessed, unhinged love interest.

The bad:
- a criminal overuse of the word ‘Oh!’ Seriously, that was rough and should have been edited out 90% of the time. Also, one exclamation mark is fine. Two gets the side eye. More than three and I’m judging you. You go in the same category as authors that use ‘?!?!’

- personally, I occasionally got the ick because there’s a fine line between ‘gang of misfits following the misfit king’ and ‘cult leader with no regard for others’. The plot of this book is MEANT to be over-the-top and it mostly works, but sometimes reality came peeking back in and it gave Charles Manson vibes.

- I found the sex scenes to be mid. Not bad, but not sexy? I think heat scenes are hard and this entire novella is about her heat. It gave 2000’s paranormal romance ‘And I found myself soaring outside my body from ecstasy’ vibes, especially the second scene. 🤔

But honestly those are critiques about a book that I actually really enjoyed, stayed up way too late reading, and gave 5 stars to. Those are pieces that I didn’t enjoy in a novella that I really enjoyed 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knotted is a gripping instalove, fated‑partners romance that leans unapologetically into the darker side of devotion. From the very first pages, the story establishes an intense, magnetic connection between its leads—one that feels inevitable, consuming, and impossible to escape. This is not a slow burn; it’s a spark‑to‑inferno kind of love story, driven by obsession, destiny, and emotional intensity.
What truly sets Knotted apart is its multimedia storytelling. The illustrations woven throughout the book add depth and atmosphere, visually reinforcing the characters’ emotions and the shadowy tone of the narrative. The included music links are a standout feature, enhancing key moments and allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the smoldering mood of the story. Together, these elements elevate the reading experience beyond the page, making it feel cinematic and visceral.
Dark, passionate, and unapologetically intense, Knotted will appeal to readers who love morally gray characters, fated bonds, and love stories that toe the line between dangerous and irresistible. If you enjoy romance that’s a little twisted, emotionally charged, and enhanced by art and music, this book delivers a memorable and immersive experience.

[BooksChaosandTea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maannnn Listen… A Phenomenal Omegaverse That Left Me Wanting More

Maannnnn listen, Knotted by the Psychopath was a journey into a world I absolutely want to dive deeper into.
Usually in omegaverse, we only get omegas, alphas, and betas. But here, Taylor Rose introduced Gammas and Sigmas, and honestly, I need a deeper exploration of how they truly function within this world.
Then there’s the Trickster’s Court. I loved how each suit of cards had its own delegation and way of operating. The court itself felt like a living embodiment of a deck of cards. She even wove in a touch of tarot lore, especially the part about the lovers who fight while holding hands and never letting go of each other. That detail stayed with me.
This book was incredibly immersive. At the start of each chapter, there’s a link to songs that match the vibe of what you’re about to read. And the images throughout the book were phenomenal. If you’re reading on Kindle, I highly recommend opening the Kindle app afterward to see the artwork in full color. Those visuals are necessary to the experience.
This is my second Taylor Rose read, and it definitely won’t be my last. I truly hope she continues to expand this world. It was a phenomenal take on omegaverse, and I would love to read more.

[Valeria Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Psychotic

What do I say about this story? I had no idea that I would like this as much as I did. Rook and Willow had a love, unlike any other. The depths that he would go through to prove that she was meant to be his, was utterly insane. I could not believe that she was willing to give up everything to be with a psychopathic killer and that everyone in the insane asylum with him was willing to go through so much to help them be together. This was a weirdly written story, but it was oddly fascinating. It really pulled me in from beginning to end, and I can see myself reading another story like it. The fact that Willow does not have to give up her career to be with Rook is wonderful because she has tons of patients to psychoanalyze for quite a long time. Taylor Rose really wrote a weirdly great story when she wrote this book.

[cathrine crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭😭😭😭

Girl we go together real bad. I literally crave your new releases. There's no one better than you, you hear me Taylor 🤣. I love as kenya but girl when you switch to Taylor I know without a doubt my satisfaction level it at its peak. Ive read knotted by the other author but I knew you were the only that will have me on edge. Willow never stood a chance against that sexy psychotic man Rook. The illustration the music baby imma need my copies before anyone else😌. Willow thought she scored big by interviewing the worlds most ruthless psychopath but little did she know that he planned it all. Ms Taylor on to other matters you left me stranded with the hunt I needed a 3rd book I'm still waiting girl 😒😒

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook and Willow

Rook and his followers killed many unworthy alpha’s until 2 years ago they turn themselves in. Housed in a mental prison.
Willow writes a book about Rook. She is invited to interview him. For 12 years she hasn’t had a heat as an omega. As the warden walks her toward Rook’s cell his followers start chanting “the queen is here”to Willow. He stops at a door to let her walk toward Rook’s cell alone. The closer she gets she begins to smell something wonderful, then her body starts to react. Her suppressants aren’t working.
The book pulled me in and didn’t let go. They are obsessed with each other, Rook says she is his soulmate, Willow is just studying his case. Rook tells her she will soon find out….
Read to find out what happens.

[Gabriella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, that was unhinged, didn’t know I wanted or needed that.

I mean, I work in mental health and have to say, I don’t recommend fantasizing/romanticizing this in your real life, it’s really not going to get you the HEA you’re hoping for. So put your pen down, go ahead and throw that envelop you addressed to the state penitentiary in the garbage, and let’s leave this unhinged gem among our other unattainable fiction addictions (fae/shifters/vampires/demi-gods, etc).

Knot for everyone, but if you like dark, morally pitch black MMCs, short spicy OV reads, this might pleasantly surprise you, it definitely surprised me.

Two thumbs up, recommend if the above sounds appealing.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

insane alpha and Bw omega but not great

This bad allllll the ingredients to be soooo dark and delicious. A genius psychopath and a strong black female omega. The “beloved” nickname every 2 seconds was annoying. But I just wish this gave us more. It was ok but it needed more meat in the story. They get to the island and then like it’s the end. I wanted to see how they developed after the craziness of how they met. Not horrible tho so I’m gonna try another by this author.

The H was crazy and obsessive and I loved he’d literally just kill ppl for his lady.
Band of crazy minions which I loved
Strong and smart lead h whose black (yes representation!)
HFN I guess?
Knotting once

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow 🔥

Book: Knotted by the Psychopath
Author: Taylor Rose
Pages: 120
Series: Yes [An Omegaverse Romance] Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5

"She walks through the castle, the bride in the tower, the king waits for his flower, his flower, his flower—"

👑 psychologist X patient
👑 soul bound/fated mates
👑 knotting • claiming • biting
👑 calls her "beloved" & "his queen"

Willow is a psychologist going to the state hospital to study one patient but little does she know, he has had this planned for 2 years. She has spent 12 years taking suppressants to stop her omega heat cycles but one sniff of the alpha male and she wants to jump his bones.

"Forever. There is no cure to this love, and even if there was. . .I would destroy the medicine and kill the doctor."

[GracelinaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rook and Willow

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This really got me thinking about my values! I’m completely at a loss for words. Rook is something else, and I’m not sure how I feel about him. He’s quite a character. So, is his crew and I don’t know how I feel about them either.

I went from being completely smitten with Rook to feeling a pang of worry for Willow in the blink of an eye. When Brittany confessed, “Mama, I’m in love with a Criminal,” it clicked for me. This book feels like the song personified ! 💀 Despite it being wild and unhinged, I absolutely loved it! I’m still left wondering, “What the heck did I just read?”

[Kit Sinatra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5’

This book needed editing, it could have been actually perfect. I really liked the illustrations (even though they are ai) and the music to match and how it was almost a harlequin joker retelling but with omegaverse elements and the card theme. And it took place on Valentine’s Day which was pretty cute with an obsessed Hero. Really the problem was lines repeating and quotes that the characters had already said which is very noticeable in a novella. It was so so close it just needed a teensy bit more work. The ideas for scenes and bones of the book were exactly to my taste it just read like a wattpad.

[Marcia Gomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, Knotted by the Psychopath was an interesting read with some elements that really stood out to me. The story had moments that kept my attention, and I appreciated the darker tone and atmosphere the author was going for. While I found parts of the plot engaging, there were also moments where the pacing felt uneven and I wished for a bit more depth in certain scenes and character development.

One thing I genuinely loved was the photos included in the book. They added so much to the experience and helped bring the mood and characters to life in a way that made the story feel more immersive. The visuals definitely made the book more memorable for me.