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One Dark River
At the quiet University of Grisham, shadows stretch longer than the ivy-covered walls. Taryn, a quiet and unassuming student, is just trying to survive the academic grind and escape the weight of her past. But when she catches the attention of Adrian, her anatomy professor, her world begins to unravel. She begins to question everything she knows.
Adrian is more than obsessive—he’s a predator cloaked in charm, hiding a chilling he’s a serial killer with a taste for control over everything in his life. The one place he finds he doesn't have that control is with Taryn. As their relationship deepens, Taryn finds herself caught in a web of desire, fear, and twisted devotion.
One Dark River is a haunting exploration of power, vulnerability, and the thin line between obsession and affection. Perfect for readers drawn to morally complex characters, atmospheric settings, and slow-burning psychological suspense.
Adrian is more than obsessive—he’s a predator cloaked in charm, hiding a chilling he’s a serial killer with a taste for control over everything in his life. The one place he finds he doesn't have that control is with Taryn. As their relationship deepens, Taryn finds herself caught in a web of desire, fear, and twisted devotion.
One Dark River is a haunting exploration of power, vulnerability, and the thin line between obsession and affection. Perfect for readers drawn to morally complex characters, atmospheric settings, and slow-burning psychological suspense.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2026
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 6, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book and damn. I’m a slow reader and this one sucked me in so much I read it in three days.
The scenes can be graphic at times and can get pretty dark, so make sure to check the trigger warnings on this one before proceeding.
The characters are obsessive and possessive. The whole dynamic is dark, toxic and they are drawn to each other like they have no choice in their feelings. Moths to a flame.
If you liked Nocticadia, You, and Dexter, then you will absolutely love this vibe. It’s like a hybrid baby of them all but still very much its own story.
Oh and let me tell you, the ending shook me! I wasn’t expecting that at all. I sat there having a bit of a book hangover when I finished.
The scenes can be graphic at times and can get pretty dark, so make sure to check the trigger warnings on this one before proceeding.
The characters are obsessive and possessive. The whole dynamic is dark, toxic and they are drawn to each other like they have no choice in their feelings. Moths to a flame.
If you liked Nocticadia, You, and Dexter, then you will absolutely love this vibe. It’s like a hybrid baby of them all but still very much its own story.
Oh and let me tell you, the ending shook me! I wasn’t expecting that at all. I sat there having a bit of a book hangover when I finished.
January 12, 2026
This book!!! Oh man. I received it as an ARC read and it was so good!!! The twist at the end was impeccable! No notes!
January 29, 2026
WOW!! MUST READ!!!
This book was not what I anticipated at all!! This exceeded all expectations in the best way!! I was hooked right away and could not put it down, reading every little moment I had! I loved the way the author did two narratives while still keeping it mainly only one. The plot twist in this book is unreal along with all the spiciness, I definitely did not see that coming! Loved it!! I truly look forward to more to come and will be following this authors work! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading dark smut romance with a twist.
This book was not what I anticipated at all!! This exceeded all expectations in the best way!! I was hooked right away and could not put it down, reading every little moment I had! I loved the way the author did two narratives while still keeping it mainly only one. The plot twist in this book is unreal along with all the spiciness, I definitely did not see that coming! Loved it!! I truly look forward to more to come and will be following this authors work! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading dark smut romance with a twist.
January 12, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
One Dark River - The Havenworth Diaries Book 1
I was screaming at the twist this book takes! I was so captivated by this book that I had to force myself to stop reading and get housework done because I just had to know exactly what was happening next.
This book is definitely plot driven. There are a lot of inconsistencies and gaps, but it all makes sense and comes together in the end. If I said anymore, I'd be giving spoilers. 😭
There wasn't much information on the outside world, (there's a reason for that) but I did enjoy the way Mae brought me into how the FMC views the places she goes to and visits, as well as the people she comes across.
With books in a series, I like to immerse myself into the whole story so I will be reading this again and will possibly change my view. I also say this because, when I read this again, I'll be looking out for any details I believe I missed reading it the first time, especially because I did question things a lot until I got to the end and it all made sense.
One Dark River isn't a simple read because it's a dark, twisted, and complicated story that would leave any reader who loves dark taboo romance craving their next hit. But being the type of book it is, it does get a little confusing and some details make you question yourself and our FMC, Taryn.
Mae's words got me so confused and sad, but when I tell you this book is worth it, it is so worth the constant back and forth with yourself.
I read this baby in 24 hours! I COULDN'T put it down because I just had to know what was happening and if my questions would finally get answered (not all of them obviously, but that's for you to figure out).
The cover made me stop for a second because, even though it's dark, it looked tranquil and calming in a way, until I read the description and thought yes please! Count me TF in! I love dark psychological romance. I did not expect the ending, but I should've.
I didn't like the cliffhanger I was given (who likes those when you can't read the next book immediately? 😭). But, on the other hand, I loved the ending. Psychological plot twists make me power read until my subconscious gets what it wants. But it has made me super excited for book 2!
If you loved reading Perfect Strangers and crave another psychological thriller, or are just a huge fan of dark taboo romance like me, then this should be your next read!
If you do plan to read this, please read the trigger warnings as some scenes in this book are graphic.
One Dark River - The Havenworth Diaries Book 1
I was screaming at the twist this book takes! I was so captivated by this book that I had to force myself to stop reading and get housework done because I just had to know exactly what was happening next.
This book is definitely plot driven. There are a lot of inconsistencies and gaps, but it all makes sense and comes together in the end. If I said anymore, I'd be giving spoilers. 😭
There wasn't much information on the outside world, (there's a reason for that) but I did enjoy the way Mae brought me into how the FMC views the places she goes to and visits, as well as the people she comes across.
With books in a series, I like to immerse myself into the whole story so I will be reading this again and will possibly change my view. I also say this because, when I read this again, I'll be looking out for any details I believe I missed reading it the first time, especially because I did question things a lot until I got to the end and it all made sense.
One Dark River isn't a simple read because it's a dark, twisted, and complicated story that would leave any reader who loves dark taboo romance craving their next hit. But being the type of book it is, it does get a little confusing and some details make you question yourself and our FMC, Taryn.
Mae's words got me so confused and sad, but when I tell you this book is worth it, it is so worth the constant back and forth with yourself.
I read this baby in 24 hours! I COULDN'T put it down because I just had to know what was happening and if my questions would finally get answered (not all of them obviously, but that's for you to figure out).
The cover made me stop for a second because, even though it's dark, it looked tranquil and calming in a way, until I read the description and thought yes please! Count me TF in! I love dark psychological romance. I did not expect the ending, but I should've.
I didn't like the cliffhanger I was given (who likes those when you can't read the next book immediately? 😭). But, on the other hand, I loved the ending. Psychological plot twists make me power read until my subconscious gets what it wants. But it has made me super excited for book 2!
If you loved reading Perfect Strangers and crave another psychological thriller, or are just a huge fan of dark taboo romance like me, then this should be your next read!
If you do plan to read this, please read the trigger warnings as some scenes in this book are graphic.
January 20, 2026
I’m rating this a 2.5/5, but don’t want to rate as low as a two because this is an indie author and I know the potential for improvement is there!
One Dark River had an idea worth exploring—but the execution fell short.
The premise is there, and there were moments where I could see what this book wanted to be. Unfortunately, it leans far too heavily on existing dark academia and taboo romance works, particularly Nocticadia. The student–professor dynamic, the tone, and even the MMC’s characterization ( Dr. Death, anyone?) felt more borrowed than inspired, to the point where it was distracting.
The book also desperately needed another serious round of editing. There is frequent word repetition, noticeable plot holes, and abrupt time jumps or setting changes that don’t flow cleanly from one chapter to the next. I repeatedly found myself flipping back to earlier pages to check whether I’d missed something … only to realize the transition simply wasn’t there. That constant confusion pulled me out of the story over and over again.
There is a significant plot twist in the final chapters, and I can acknowledge that some of the earlier confusion may have been intentional. However, instead of feeling shocked or impressed, I was left hoping that the twist was meant to justify what otherwise felt like lazy or unfinished writing. The effect didn’t land the way it should have.
On top of that, the dialogue and characterization rely too heavily on pop culture references. Phrases like “ten toes down” completely broke immersion, and the very obvious nods to shows like Dexter and YOU made the MMC feel less complex and more like a mashup of familiar TV antiheroes.
The FMC was another sticking point. She reads very strongly as a “pick me” and “not like other girls” archetype, which was already grating, but becomes even more frustrating in light of what we learn after the plot twist.
That said, I am curious whether the author’s writing evolves in the next book. There’s potential here, and I’d like to see it developed with more originality, stronger editing, and more intentional character work. I’m just not particularly hopeful based on this installment.
One Dark River had an idea worth exploring—but the execution fell short.
The premise is there, and there were moments where I could see what this book wanted to be. Unfortunately, it leans far too heavily on existing dark academia and taboo romance works, particularly Nocticadia. The student–professor dynamic, the tone, and even the MMC’s characterization ( Dr. Death, anyone?) felt more borrowed than inspired, to the point where it was distracting.
The book also desperately needed another serious round of editing. There is frequent word repetition, noticeable plot holes, and abrupt time jumps or setting changes that don’t flow cleanly from one chapter to the next. I repeatedly found myself flipping back to earlier pages to check whether I’d missed something … only to realize the transition simply wasn’t there. That constant confusion pulled me out of the story over and over again.
There is a significant plot twist in the final chapters, and I can acknowledge that some of the earlier confusion may have been intentional. However, instead of feeling shocked or impressed, I was left hoping that the twist was meant to justify what otherwise felt like lazy or unfinished writing. The effect didn’t land the way it should have.
On top of that, the dialogue and characterization rely too heavily on pop culture references. Phrases like “ten toes down” completely broke immersion, and the very obvious nods to shows like Dexter and YOU made the MMC feel less complex and more like a mashup of familiar TV antiheroes.
The FMC was another sticking point. She reads very strongly as a “pick me” and “not like other girls” archetype, which was already grating, but becomes even more frustrating in light of what we learn after the plot twist.
That said, I am curious whether the author’s writing evolves in the next book. There’s potential here, and I’d like to see it developed with more originality, stronger editing, and more intentional character work. I’m just not particularly hopeful based on this installment.
January 7, 2026
ARC Review
One Dark River has a solid plot line and a slow burn romance. Adrian is Taryn’s professor turned boss and he becomes absolutely obsessed with her after their first class. He does stalk her and this book is the epitome of the touch her and die trope. Taryn is an outcast in her town and feels out of place at the university where she attends and meets Adrian. She is trying to move past her past traumas, and develop a normal social life like her fellow co-eds. Adrian makes his desire for Taryn known, and with her own attraction for him they develop a romantic taboo relationship that they have to hide from the university and her peers. Adrian has many dark secrets, and we learn that he is a serial killer and also the city’s corner. As their relationship progresses, Taryn discovers Adrian’s deep dark and bloody secrets, and is faced with the decision, if she can truly handle him. Adrain demonstrates his desire to keep and protect her by keeping her safe after she goes through a horrific incident. And towards the end when the readers are just dying to know how Taryn is going to make it through, we are faced with a plot twist that no one could have saw coming.
Definitely check the triggers because themes explored in this book are rather dark.
Tropes include:
Stalker/serial killer romance
Touch her and die
Age gap romance
Taboo romance
One Dark River has a solid plot line and a slow burn romance. Adrian is Taryn’s professor turned boss and he becomes absolutely obsessed with her after their first class. He does stalk her and this book is the epitome of the touch her and die trope. Taryn is an outcast in her town and feels out of place at the university where she attends and meets Adrian. She is trying to move past her past traumas, and develop a normal social life like her fellow co-eds. Adrian makes his desire for Taryn known, and with her own attraction for him they develop a romantic taboo relationship that they have to hide from the university and her peers. Adrian has many dark secrets, and we learn that he is a serial killer and also the city’s corner. As their relationship progresses, Taryn discovers Adrian’s deep dark and bloody secrets, and is faced with the decision, if she can truly handle him. Adrain demonstrates his desire to keep and protect her by keeping her safe after she goes through a horrific incident. And towards the end when the readers are just dying to know how Taryn is going to make it through, we are faced with a plot twist that no one could have saw coming.
Definitely check the triggers because themes explored in this book are rather dark.
Tropes include:
Stalker/serial killer romance
Touch her and die
Age gap romance
Taboo romance
January 7, 2026
One Dark River absolutely took me on a ride. I finished this book feeling a little lost for words, still trying to process everything it put me through.
The characters are fantastic. If you love morally grey men, Adrian is going to be your guy. He’s obsessively devoted — the kind of unhinged where he would kill anyone who even looks at Taryn the wrong way. And the way he kills? Gruesome, brutal, and not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for dark, violent intensity, Adrian delivers.
Taryn, who carries the weight of a traumatic past, is an independent introvert who slowly begins to come out of her shell once Adrian enters her life. I really loved watching her growth and the development of their relationship. Despite how dark the story gets, there’s a surprising sweetness to them together that made their bond feel genuine.
This book ends with a major plot twist that genuinely shocked me. If you love a story that pulls the rug out from under you, this is one you need to read. It also ends on a cliffhanger, setting up the next book — and I’m already impatient to see where Mae Dralle takes this story next.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The characters are fantastic. If you love morally grey men, Adrian is going to be your guy. He’s obsessively devoted — the kind of unhinged where he would kill anyone who even looks at Taryn the wrong way. And the way he kills? Gruesome, brutal, and not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for dark, violent intensity, Adrian delivers.
Taryn, who carries the weight of a traumatic past, is an independent introvert who slowly begins to come out of her shell once Adrian enters her life. I really loved watching her growth and the development of their relationship. Despite how dark the story gets, there’s a surprising sweetness to them together that made their bond feel genuine.
This book ends with a major plot twist that genuinely shocked me. If you love a story that pulls the rug out from under you, this is one you need to read. It also ends on a cliffhanger, setting up the next book — and I’m already impatient to see where Mae Dralle takes this story next.
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 8, 2026
OMG!!!! I am speechless. This book had me sucked in from the start. if i didn't have work i would have finished it in a day. I did not want to put this book down. I kept saying one more chapter every time i was done with one. I loved Taryn and Adrian's relationship. I love the guy that will burn the world for someone he loves. and protect her at all cost. How he murdered those people that hurt Taryn was brutal. Also loved the little nickname that was given for her, by him. But that plot twist OMG!!! I was not expecting that at all. Like I had to go back a page or two to make sure what i read i read. I was like aint no way that it was just that. I felt like breaking dawn all over again. But damn it was so good. As of right now this is my favorite read i have read in a while. I can not wait to get the physical book for sure on release day. But i need to know what happens next soon. I am so excited for book 2.
January 11, 2026
This was an ARC read for me. It was very reminiscent of Nocticadia and the show You. The story was interesting, but I had issues with the writing itself. I feel like the book would benefit from another round of editing. There were some typos and grammar mistakes, as well as some words that were misused/misspelled. (Sorted past vs. Sordid past, etc) The sentences felt very stiff and began with "I" statements way too often. I had a difficult time marking the passage of time in the story. The dual POV was great, but I felt like it made it super obvious that the characters didnt really know each other at all. And the POV often felt like it swapped abruptly. Like I said, I genuinely enjoyed the story itself, and the twist at the end had me shocked. But it felt rushed and lacked a lot of detail for me. I didnt feel as though the author was super successful at painting a picture with words.
January 12, 2026
I received an ARC copy of One Dark River and let me tell you.. I devoured this book. I was so caught up in the story, the spice and the twists. I loved the characters and the way everything was detailed, it really helped me create a brilliant imagery in my mind while reading
The MMC is heavily laced with Dexter undertones (one of my FAVORITE shows), the FMC is quirky and quiet but strong, it gives grumpy x sunshine in the best ways.
But that twist at the end.. the gasp I gusped! I surely was not expecting that, having made it to 94% of the way done and knowing that something else had to be coming.. it threw me for a loop. I thought we were going to go left and we took a HARD right, but it was the PERFECT twist for this story.
I absolutely can’t wait for more of this story, impatiently so.
The MMC is heavily laced with Dexter undertones (one of my FAVORITE shows), the FMC is quirky and quiet but strong, it gives grumpy x sunshine in the best ways.
But that twist at the end.. the gasp I gusped! I surely was not expecting that, having made it to 94% of the way done and knowing that something else had to be coming.. it threw me for a loop. I thought we were going to go left and we took a HARD right, but it was the PERFECT twist for this story.
I absolutely can’t wait for more of this story, impatiently so.
January 6, 2026
This book is a dark and twisted look at relationships. It delves into power struggles, vulnerability, and what people are willing to do/tolerate. It also challenges the reader’s perception of reality within the framework of the book. I thought I knew what was happening, what kind of book this was. Then in the last almost 10 pages I was smacked in the face. Up until that point I had one notion of this book, thinking it was going a certain direction. Then bam 💥 we drove off a cliff and I am here for it! That veer off was perfection! I literally went back and reread to make sure I didn’t accidentally miss something. Best deviation ever. I NEED MORE!! Please Mae Dralle! Your readers must have more! Like yesterday.
January 9, 2026
Received this as an ARC.
My honest review, I did struggle to get sucked in to this straight away. However, I kept going and it started to build and then it hits!!
There is one depiction that had me holding my breath!!
I was sitting through, saying to myself I want more of Adrian’s history and without giving it away you will understand!!
But the twist had me with whiplash. I sat there kicking my legs like a school girl!!
I really didn’t not see it coming and damn, it was a twist and a half!!
I’m so here for Taryn and Adrian and cannot wait for the next instalment of this!!
New author to add to my list of darkness!!
My honest review, I did struggle to get sucked in to this straight away. However, I kept going and it started to build and then it hits!!
There is one depiction that had me holding my breath!!
I was sitting through, saying to myself I want more of Adrian’s history and without giving it away you will understand!!
But the twist had me with whiplash. I sat there kicking my legs like a school girl!!
I really didn’t not see it coming and damn, it was a twist and a half!!
I’m so here for Taryn and Adrian and cannot wait for the next instalment of this!!
New author to add to my list of darkness!!
January 14, 2026
This thriller wastes no time pulling you in. The pacing is sharp and relentless, making it one of those rare reads that’s genuinely hard to put down. Just when I thought I had the plot figured out, the story delivered a twist that was both surprising and deeply satisfying.
The characters are a standout element—complex, magnetic, and shaped by backstories that make their connection feel electric. Their dynamic adds emotional depth to the tension, raising the stakes in all the right ways.
I’m already eager to dive into book two and see where the series goes next. One note of caution: definitely check the trigger warnings before starting, as the story explores some intense themes.
The characters are a standout element—complex, magnetic, and shaped by backstories that make their connection feel electric. Their dynamic adds emotional depth to the tension, raising the stakes in all the right ways.
I’m already eager to dive into book two and see where the series goes next. One note of caution: definitely check the trigger warnings before starting, as the story explores some intense themes.
January 19, 2026
I received this book as an arc reader and when I say I was grossly unprepared for this book please believe that! I love the fact that this is “to be continued” for one but also I would have never EVER seen that twist coming and I am here for it. Reading this author for the first time was a huge plus and I absolutely loved the writing style. It gave me a lot of what I want in a book! Lots of spice, a great story line, an even better plot twist and it left on an end note that didn’t make me feel betrayed as the reader or left on a note that was lackluster. I can’t wait to read more from Mae cause this introduction to her writing was a great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of this book. This is the first book I've read from this author and I can tell you it will definitely not be the last. This book had alittle bit of everything in it..forbidden romance, stalking, the tension in this book wow...and then the twists and turns! Gah! I can not wait for the next one to be released! This book hooked me within the first few pages and I literally could not put it down. The story was well written, and the spice was as spicy. 10/10 recommend this book to those who love a dark twisty romance!
January 17, 2026
Most of the book is like Dexter, but turns to Joker by the end!
It took me a minute to get into it, but then I got hooked. I find the writing to be very straight forward, and tells more than shows (probably reading too much romantasy, so reality based book hit different lol). The slow burn and tension between the main characters is great and the ending has a twist you never expected!
Honestly, the ending is what really sold the book for me. Definitely intrigued to see where the next book is headed.
Definitely a darker themed book, but not overdone.
It took me a minute to get into it, but then I got hooked. I find the writing to be very straight forward, and tells more than shows (probably reading too much romantasy, so reality based book hit different lol). The slow burn and tension between the main characters is great and the ending has a twist you never expected!
Honestly, the ending is what really sold the book for me. Definitely intrigued to see where the next book is headed.
Definitely a darker themed book, but not overdone.
January 19, 2026
HOLY COW!!! So this booked sucked me in SO fast. I was not expecting the characters to be built so fast in my brain but the other did such a good job with her writing. I think we all would love an Adrian in our lives hehe 😮💨 the twists and turns this took blew me out of the water and I found myself saying WHAT THE EFF at the end! 10/10 girl. It’s also a quick read which was super nice actually and I CANNOT wait for the next one hahaha!
January 6, 2026
This story holds an edge of darkness by both characters. As both characters are drawn to each other it's interesting that she is so innocent and he is so obsessive about her but each connects with one another. There is something more I would like to say but I do not want to ruin the ending for others but I must say it was a WOW that completely caught me off guard. I would recommend this book.
January 8, 2026
I was really into this book and the dynamics between Adrian and Taryn until the twist at the end. Adrian was a fun mix of psycho and protective and Taryn was a predictable yet fun character that suited his needs perfectly. The ending left me feeling betrayed and that it was all a lie/my feelings while I read invalid
January 14, 2026
Dang it
This book started off slow but then picked up really fast. It has everything you need for a good story. Professor and student. Serial killer you ask? Yep. The spicy is spicy and it keeps you wanting more. Plot twist was insane and it ended on a cliff hanger. Dang it..... I NEED the next book like yesterday!!! Definitely recommend!!!!!
This book started off slow but then picked up really fast. It has everything you need for a good story. Professor and student. Serial killer you ask? Yep. The spicy is spicy and it keeps you wanting more. Plot twist was insane and it ended on a cliff hanger. Dang it..... I NEED the next book like yesterday!!! Definitely recommend!!!!!
January 17, 2026
Great dark romance read. It’s not too long so definitely good to read in one sitting. I liked the character growth between the main characters throughout the book. There were two things that threw me way off. First was that plot twist, what the heck was that!! I’m still trying to wrap my mind around that. The second is that ending. Really???
January 10, 2026
I will say, the story started off kind of slow for me, but after a bit, it picked up and I couldn't put it down! Taryn and Adrian, a taboo relationship, is great. the possessiveness that Adrian has, is simply put... incredibly delicious. I can't wait for the second book!
January 24, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book. Even though it started out slow but it totally sucked me in all the way in. I enjoyed the relationship between Adrian and Taryn. And I can't wait for the second book to come out.
January 7, 2026
the ending had my mind blown. cant wait to hear more about the little moth and her spider.
January 7, 2026
Ummm I need book two asap! The ending, oh my goodness 🤯
January 13, 2026
I loved this book! it started out slow but once it picked up I couldn't put it down. I love Taryn and Adrains relationship. cant wait to read the second book
January 14, 2026
I received this as an ARC and let me tell you, 10/10!! It’s dark, addicting to read and I couldn’t stop! Absolutely check the trigger warnings but you’ll absolutely have to read this one
January 17, 2026
wow!!
I didn’t see that ending. I was thrown for a loop but loved it!!I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!
I didn’t see that ending. I was thrown for a loop but loved it!!I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!
January 25, 2026
Great book! Student and professor romance. Stalking, murder, a little torture. This book stays exciting and has a massive twist!
February 4, 2026
5 Stars for the MOST mind-blowing plot twist I’ve read in a while. I loved the direction this took and how it concluded. Fast paced and will keep you on your toes!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews