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Portrait of a Killer
“You’ve got no idea what I’m capable of, pretty thing.”
- Victor -Sevastyan is the most beautiful man I have ever seen.
He is also a fraud. No one who looks like the man in his self-portraits would ever choose to live as a recluse. It simply makes no sense.
And I will expose his lies. Because Sevastyan ruined my life with a single exhibition.
Over the years, my loathing has turned into poison coursing through my veins and helped fill my sketchbooks with violent fantasies fixated on one man, who doesn’t even know I exist.
Well, he’ll find out when I break into his home and prove to the world his beauty isn’t real, humiliating him once and for all.
What I don’t expect is that Sevastyan is ready for me. Amused, unafraid, the monster behind the masterpieces traps me before I get to fire a single bullet.
He sees me for the obsessive little freak I am and tells me I’ll never leave. That I will be his toy, his muse, his entertainment, his distraction from years of isolation.
I thought I was the danger.
I was so, so wrong.
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
“Portrait of a Killer” is a Dark M/M Romance where a failed artist breaks into the home of the famous painter who ruined his career. He might be an ugly duckling, but soon he becomes his enemy’s prisoner, obsession, and unexpected muse.
Dive in to find out how captivity becomes intimacy, and morally gray desire rooted in power imbalance turns into a twisted romance where fear and devotion blur beyond recognition.
Violence, abduction, Stockholm syndrome
- Victor -Sevastyan is the most beautiful man I have ever seen.
He is also a fraud. No one who looks like the man in his self-portraits would ever choose to live as a recluse. It simply makes no sense.
And I will expose his lies. Because Sevastyan ruined my life with a single exhibition.
Over the years, my loathing has turned into poison coursing through my veins and helped fill my sketchbooks with violent fantasies fixated on one man, who doesn’t even know I exist.
Well, he’ll find out when I break into his home and prove to the world his beauty isn’t real, humiliating him once and for all.
What I don’t expect is that Sevastyan is ready for me. Amused, unafraid, the monster behind the masterpieces traps me before I get to fire a single bullet.
He sees me for the obsessive little freak I am and tells me I’ll never leave. That I will be his toy, his muse, his entertainment, his distraction from years of isolation.
I thought I was the danger.
I was so, so wrong.
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
“Portrait of a Killer” is a Dark M/M Romance where a failed artist breaks into the home of the famous painter who ruined his career. He might be an ugly duckling, but soon he becomes his enemy’s prisoner, obsession, and unexpected muse.
Dive in to find out how captivity becomes intimacy, and morally gray desire rooted in power imbalance turns into a twisted romance where fear and devotion blur beyond recognition.
Violence, abduction, Stockholm syndrome
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2026
58 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
132 books3,124 followers(Goodreads profile run by Kat)
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 12, 2026
Okay I've had enough
Time of death 39%
Reasons for the DNF:
Making him lick his cum covered foot clean
Coercion (MC even says this in his own words) - he's tied up captive and in no position to say no
Called him 'piggy'
"Releases spunk in a generous helping"
Only 3 trigger warnings for a heavy trigger book
Overall weird vibes and not the good kind of weird
Time of death 39%
Reasons for the DNF:
Making him lick his cum covered foot clean
Coercion (MC even says this in his own words) - he's tied up captive and in no position to say no
Called him 'piggy'
"Releases spunk in a generous helping"
Only 3 trigger warnings for a heavy trigger book
Overall weird vibes and not the good kind of weird
April 13, 2026
Well this was a fun departure from the norm! Both Sevastyan and Victor are such interesting characters. It was interesting to watch their animosity and distrust turn into trust and love, even with the dark themes and interesting setting. Despite everything Sevastyan could be so gentle with Victor, but he could also fulfill his darker needs perfectly. I really enjoyed the beautiful connection that came out of these dark beginnings and the epilogue just solidified that feeling.
March 26, 2026
Holy hecking monologue. God I feel like a terrible person for rating this low, but I really struggled with this one (I originally rated it as 2* but I can’t morally do that for an ARC that’s not even out yet, so I’m bumping it up to 3*s to account for the things that I hate in this are very much me problems).
I am a monologue hater, and almost this entire book was monologue after monologue from the two main characters. There was so little showing and so much telling from Victor and Seva that I never really became immersed in the story, and because of that I never connected to either of the main characters. They were constantly waxing lyrical about how beautiful and sexy and talented the other one was, without actually showing me anything. Ugh. I just sound like a hater, I know. This book will really work for those who love living inside character’s heads and who are into the tortured artist aesthetic. Unfortunately that’s really not me. I went into this expecting a romance thriller; what I got was decidedly not that.
Also, this book was all set in one location, for the entire book (with the exception of the epilogue). Which, fine, a closed locale often works for romance and can work for some thrillers but for this just felt… odd? Like Seva is a retired (??) contract killer who is now an artist and he’s living in this big house built into a cliff and the whole threat of the story is assassins breaking in and trying to kill him all the time. In fact for a large portion of this book, Seva thinks that Victor is an assassin. But like, doesn’t kill him because of his general hotness and sexiness. You know how it is.
It’s annoying because the actual writing in this book is well done; they’re talented authors. I just feel personally that what could have been a thrilling read just became 230 odd pages of the MCs just fangirling over each other in their heads.
KA Merikan’s work is so hit or miss for me; some of their works are my actual favourites (When Foxes Hunt With Wolves, Enemy & Creep) but then some, like this are a miss.
I am a monologue hater, and almost this entire book was monologue after monologue from the two main characters. There was so little showing and so much telling from Victor and Seva that I never really became immersed in the story, and because of that I never connected to either of the main characters. They were constantly waxing lyrical about how beautiful and sexy and talented the other one was, without actually showing me anything. Ugh. I just sound like a hater, I know. This book will really work for those who love living inside character’s heads and who are into the tortured artist aesthetic. Unfortunately that’s really not me. I went into this expecting a romance thriller; what I got was decidedly not that.
Also, this book was all set in one location, for the entire book (with the exception of the epilogue). Which, fine, a closed locale often works for romance and can work for some thrillers but for this just felt… odd? Like Seva is a retired (??) contract killer who is now an artist and he’s living in this big house built into a cliff and the whole threat of the story is assassins breaking in and trying to kill him all the time. In fact for a large portion of this book, Seva thinks that Victor is an assassin. But like, doesn’t kill him because of his general hotness and sexiness. You know how it is.
It’s annoying because the actual writing in this book is well done; they’re talented authors. I just feel personally that what could have been a thrilling read just became 230 odd pages of the MCs just fangirling over each other in their heads.
KA Merikan’s work is so hit or miss for me; some of their works are my actual favourites (When Foxes Hunt With Wolves, Enemy & Creep) but then some, like this are a miss.
April 19, 2026
3.5✨
This adult erotic fantasy delivers exactly what it promises.
Although the horror - angsty feelings pretty much dissolve quickly, the stage is set for a Stockholm syndrome erotic story with emphasis on all the erotic aspects of it plus a little bit of James Bond-ish villainous accessories.
This adult erotic fantasy delivers exactly what it promises.
Although the horror - angsty feelings pretty much dissolve quickly, the stage is set for a Stockholm syndrome erotic story with emphasis on all the erotic aspects of it plus a little bit of James Bond-ish villainous accessories.
April 21, 2026
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
This was a “love my captor” type story, which I didn’t know beforehand. I don’t mind this type of story, I’ve read many before. And I did enjoy the kink, and the way Seva viewed Victor. But I do wish it had been fleshed out a lot more. It could have been a lot longer, to try to really sell the romance between them. It felt a bit rushed. And I also feel that we really didn’t know enough about Seva and his past. Seva and Victor are the only characters with names and speaking roles. This really could have just had more in general.
This was a “love my captor” type story, which I didn’t know beforehand. I don’t mind this type of story, I’ve read many before. And I did enjoy the kink, and the way Seva viewed Victor. But I do wish it had been fleshed out a lot more. It could have been a lot longer, to try to really sell the romance between them. It felt a bit rushed. And I also feel that we really didn’t know enough about Seva and his past. Seva and Victor are the only characters with names and speaking roles. This really could have just had more in general.
May 10, 2026
Genre: MM Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First person - dual
Rating:
After failing to advance his career, Victor Thompson had only one goal in mind—to destroy the one who ruined his future. But the highly popular yet reclusive artist, Sevastyan, was more than meets the eye, and Victor could find himself in deeper trouble than he ever expected.
Sevastyan was highly confident and competent, and I loved when he displayed his psycho bits. Victor, on the other hand, was the complete opposite, constantly seeking validation (which I found annoying after a certain period). I liked seeing their vulnerabilities, mistakes, and how they worked through them.
He will color the gray walls of my home and be the reason I pick up my brush.
While I liked the overall story, I felt Sevastyan’s past could have used more detail to make it more convincing. I did enjoy the bursts of action woven between the more mellow moments.
Portrait of a Killer is a story of reevaluating life. It would appeal to readers who enjoy MM romance with a sprinkling of dark elements.
🔪🎨🔪. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🔪🎨🔪
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March 24, 2026
Love love love
Portrait of a Killer by K.A. Merikan is the perfect book for me. An obsessed psycho killer with a booby-trapped house? An artist with a grudge that soon turns into worship? Everything that I love in a book. Victor is tired of being overlooked for his art. His one big chance gets overtaken by world-famous Sevastyan. After a while, he stalks him and then breaks into the artist’s home to prove that he is a phony. Little does he know that he is completely wrong about Sevastyan. I devoured this book and could not put it down. I was obsessed from page 1. Sevastyan and Victor are actually perfect for each other and I loved watching them fall for each other. Seva had a little trouble trusting others, but he soon learns that he can put his trust in Victor. I was a little sad about what happened to Seva near the end, but I actually understand why it happened. How else were the two going to build a future together? I know that I will be reading this one again as soon as possible.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
Portrait of a Killer by K.A. Merikan is the perfect book for me. An obsessed psycho killer with a booby-trapped house? An artist with a grudge that soon turns into worship? Everything that I love in a book. Victor is tired of being overlooked for his art. His one big chance gets overtaken by world-famous Sevastyan. After a while, he stalks him and then breaks into the artist’s home to prove that he is a phony. Little does he know that he is completely wrong about Sevastyan. I devoured this book and could not put it down. I was obsessed from page 1. Sevastyan and Victor are actually perfect for each other and I loved watching them fall for each other. Seva had a little trouble trusting others, but he soon learns that he can put his trust in Victor. I was a little sad about what happened to Seva near the end, but I actually understand why it happened. How else were the two going to build a future together? I know that I will be reading this one again as soon as possible.
I received an ARC from GRR for my honest review.
April 18, 2026
If Oh Sangwoo was a red flag instead of a black one. 3.5
April 12, 2026
DNF @ 53% - I’m confused, I’m discombobulated. Both characters were just not it.
April 16, 2026
I may have found a KA Merikan leading man I love more than Nico!
I absolutely love that the vibes KA Merikan brings to the party are unhinged set-up > whoops, he's a killer > wait, he's actually a giant cinnamon roll > things get more unhinged > they lived happily ever after.
Before the break-in, both Victor and Sevastyan lived their lives unseen, just in vastly different ways. While their circumstances are vastly different, both are lonely and unanchored, floating through their days. While Victor learns to see himself as beautiful, Sevastyan learns to see himself as worthy of love and companionship.
I absolutely love that the vibes KA Merikan brings to the party are unhinged set-up > whoops, he's a killer > wait, he's actually a giant cinnamon roll > things get more unhinged > they lived happily ever after.
Before the break-in, both Victor and Sevastyan lived their lives unseen, just in vastly different ways. While their circumstances are vastly different, both are lonely and unanchored, floating through their days. While Victor learns to see himself as beautiful, Sevastyan learns to see himself as worthy of love and companionship.
April 18, 2026
First book I have read by this author, and I really liked it—Stockholm Syndrome at its finest.
Even though there is murder and imprisonment, this was a really light, enjoyable read.
They get an HEA, and the novella of the HEA is a great ending.
Even though there is murder and imprisonment, this was a really light, enjoyable read.
They get an HEA, and the novella of the HEA is a great ending.
April 24, 2026
3 stars. How fascinating and utterly strange…Ratimir was the best character 🐀 so cute 🥹
I also love an ugly duckling type of romance since I rarely see that done, so this was refreshing…albeit WEIRD.
I also love an ugly duckling type of romance since I rarely see that done, so this was refreshing…albeit WEIRD.
April 27, 2026
Dark themes with kinky spice - a quick that I enjoyed lots! I devour everything by these authors in the last year plus! This is a really good start to this multi-author collab - totally up my alley!
April 29, 2026
10/10 - sheer perfection! How could I not love a book where MC1 blames MC2 for his failing career and when MC1 breaks into MC2’s house for revenge he himself gets caught in MC2’s trap and kept as a pet?! Add in some light torture and spicy fun, a pet rat, and unhinged art boys. Ugh it was everything as KA Merikan always is for me. Highly, highly recommend for dark romance lovers (though imo it is on the lighter side).
April 13, 2026
🎨Ugly? Perfection is boring, but you are so beautifully imperfect.I've never seen anyone like you☠️
"He goes by his first name only. 'Sevastyan'. And the art world eats it up because, of course, who wouldn't love a mysterious reclusive artist with the face of a fallen angel? Me. That's who."
"I just...I just want him to suffer. I want him to know what it's like to feel small, ugly, and insignificant. Like he made me feel. For once, our roles will be reversed."
"Hopefully, the threat of the firearm will be enough to subdue the b****** who destroyed my one chance at a different life. A life like...this."
"I've always liked various irregularities on people's skin, but he's...a work of art. I could spend months studying every single mark on his flesh."
"Shhh...it's ok. You're ok. I mean...you're not, but I won't torture you today. Deep breaths."
"I hate him. This b****** has ruined my life. Just because I also have a slightly unhealthy obsession with him doesn't mean I find him attractive. Who wouldn't? Killer psycho or not, he is insanely beautiful."
"But it doesn't stop the shame from creeping in when I'm right next to this absolute god in human form. I'm short, skinny, and covered in more freckles than reasonable. Unwanted. Unseen. Underappreciated."
"His beautiful mask hides a torture chamber where I thought the portraits hide a mediocre man. There is nothing mediocre about Sevastyan."
"Maybe if you taste me, you will absorb some of those traits you worship about me?"
"Ugly? Perfection is boring, but you...you are so beautifully imperfect. I've never seen anyone like you."
"Perhaps I shouldn't reveal how lonely I've been, but I want him to know. I want him to know he's a ray of sunshine entering my cold, peaceful home."
"I want him at my side. All the time. I want him to challenge me, so I never slip like this again. He will color the gray walls of my home and be the reason I pick up my brush."
"I love you. It might sound crazy to you, but I know it. You turned my life upside down, but for the better. When I'm with you, things that used to be black and white appear in Technicolor. I didn't even know I was the one dead inside before I met you. I don't need anyone else. Only you."
OMG, this book was beyond amazing. I have loved everything I have read by these authors, and this book was no different. I was very curious about this series and this first book set the tone flawlessly. This had some great troupes like: Assassin/Psycho/Painter/Artist, Size Difference, Stockholm Syndrome/Abduction, Touch Starved, Ugly Duckling/Beautiful Psycho, and Forced Proximity. The plot had me engaged towards the very end. This also had me in my feels quite a few times as I felt bad for both characters. The spice and kink were delicious and spicy 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I really love how the authors portrayed beauty in this story being unconventional.
This story follows Sevastyan and Victor. Victor comes up with a revenge plot to abduct Sevastyan and call him out for the fraud he is. Both of these men are artists/painters. Victor hates Sevastyan as he ruined Victor's chances of making it big in a showcase and now his life is miserable. Sevastyan is a huge name in the art world. No one has seen his face expect for the beautiful self-portraits he creates. Victor "breaks" into his mansion but doesn't expect Sevastyan to be the beautiful psycho god he is. Sev is waiting for him and almost kills him. Sev becomes obsessed and makes Victor his pet and muse. These two are both unhinged and obsessed with each other. Stockholm sets in for Victor as he's never had someone give him this attention before. Victor finds out who Sev really is when all the assassins come and try to kill them. Will Victor survive this new captivity thrust on him? Can Sev truly keep him and Victor safe? Will Victor end up running or stay to help save his captor?
I loved both of these men so much. Victor was a shy, timid, polite guy who kept to himself. He's a little unhinged and obsessive. He's also very freaky and kinky 😉. Sev is a beautiful, vain psycho who is extremely gifted. He is so sweet, a great caretaker, and so deadly. He is used to being alone. My heart hurt for how Victor viewed himself 😭. Sev made him feel beautiful, sexy, and seen. I love how how Victor got to see a side of Sev that no one has. He also made Sev feel more human and alive. Until Victor came into his life, Sev was stagnant with his paintings and feeling cold and dead inside. Now with his new muse, he feels rejuvenated and creative. The chemistry and tension between these two melted my kindle 🥵🥵. The spicy and kinky scenes had me 💦🥵🔥🔥😉😏. I loved how obsessed and feral these two were for each other. I also love how they became each other's muses. I love how the roles reversed when Victor had to take care of Sev. The ending of this was phenomenal and made my heart happy. And let's not forget the real hero of this story: Ratimir 🐀. He was adorable god. I highly recommend this book! 🎨🖼🖌✏️📓🐀☠️🩸🔫
"He goes by his first name only. 'Sevastyan'. And the art world eats it up because, of course, who wouldn't love a mysterious reclusive artist with the face of a fallen angel? Me. That's who."
"I just...I just want him to suffer. I want him to know what it's like to feel small, ugly, and insignificant. Like he made me feel. For once, our roles will be reversed."
"Hopefully, the threat of the firearm will be enough to subdue the b****** who destroyed my one chance at a different life. A life like...this."
"I've always liked various irregularities on people's skin, but he's...a work of art. I could spend months studying every single mark on his flesh."
"Shhh...it's ok. You're ok. I mean...you're not, but I won't torture you today. Deep breaths."
"I hate him. This b****** has ruined my life. Just because I also have a slightly unhealthy obsession with him doesn't mean I find him attractive. Who wouldn't? Killer psycho or not, he is insanely beautiful."
"But it doesn't stop the shame from creeping in when I'm right next to this absolute god in human form. I'm short, skinny, and covered in more freckles than reasonable. Unwanted. Unseen. Underappreciated."
"His beautiful mask hides a torture chamber where I thought the portraits hide a mediocre man. There is nothing mediocre about Sevastyan."
"Maybe if you taste me, you will absorb some of those traits you worship about me?"
"Ugly? Perfection is boring, but you...you are so beautifully imperfect. I've never seen anyone like you."
"Perhaps I shouldn't reveal how lonely I've been, but I want him to know. I want him to know he's a ray of sunshine entering my cold, peaceful home."
"I want him at my side. All the time. I want him to challenge me, so I never slip like this again. He will color the gray walls of my home and be the reason I pick up my brush."
"I love you. It might sound crazy to you, but I know it. You turned my life upside down, but for the better. When I'm with you, things that used to be black and white appear in Technicolor. I didn't even know I was the one dead inside before I met you. I don't need anyone else. Only you."
OMG, this book was beyond amazing. I have loved everything I have read by these authors, and this book was no different. I was very curious about this series and this first book set the tone flawlessly. This had some great troupes like: Assassin/Psycho/Painter/Artist, Size Difference, Stockholm Syndrome/Abduction, Touch Starved, Ugly Duckling/Beautiful Psycho, and Forced Proximity. The plot had me engaged towards the very end. This also had me in my feels quite a few times as I felt bad for both characters. The spice and kink were delicious and spicy 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I really love how the authors portrayed beauty in this story being unconventional.
This story follows Sevastyan and Victor. Victor comes up with a revenge plot to abduct Sevastyan and call him out for the fraud he is. Both of these men are artists/painters. Victor hates Sevastyan as he ruined Victor's chances of making it big in a showcase and now his life is miserable. Sevastyan is a huge name in the art world. No one has seen his face expect for the beautiful self-portraits he creates. Victor "breaks" into his mansion but doesn't expect Sevastyan to be the beautiful psycho god he is. Sev is waiting for him and almost kills him. Sev becomes obsessed and makes Victor his pet and muse. These two are both unhinged and obsessed with each other. Stockholm sets in for Victor as he's never had someone give him this attention before. Victor finds out who Sev really is when all the assassins come and try to kill them. Will Victor survive this new captivity thrust on him? Can Sev truly keep him and Victor safe? Will Victor end up running or stay to help save his captor?
I loved both of these men so much. Victor was a shy, timid, polite guy who kept to himself. He's a little unhinged and obsessive. He's also very freaky and kinky 😉. Sev is a beautiful, vain psycho who is extremely gifted. He is so sweet, a great caretaker, and so deadly. He is used to being alone. My heart hurt for how Victor viewed himself 😭. Sev made him feel beautiful, sexy, and seen. I love how how Victor got to see a side of Sev that no one has. He also made Sev feel more human and alive. Until Victor came into his life, Sev was stagnant with his paintings and feeling cold and dead inside. Now with his new muse, he feels rejuvenated and creative. The chemistry and tension between these two melted my kindle 🥵🥵. The spicy and kinky scenes had me 💦🥵🔥🔥😉😏. I loved how obsessed and feral these two were for each other. I also love how they became each other's muses. I love how the roles reversed when Victor had to take care of Sev. The ending of this was phenomenal and made my heart happy. And let's not forget the real hero of this story: Ratimir 🐀. He was adorable god. I highly recommend this book! 🎨🖼🖌✏️📓🐀☠️🩸🔫
April 10, 2026
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Ahaha I dunno what this says about me but I really enjoyed this unhinged bit of kinky love ngl! K.A. Merikan always delivers the most intense MCs who make the "crimes-of-passion to instalove" pipeline a highly entertaining read from start to finish!
Portrait of a Killer was all of that OTT wildness, complete with sex-gorging simps doing (down) bad things, and the requisite killing that defines the murder-husbands we love to love. Surprising no one, I was hooked from page 1 and the feral way this story kicked off. Most especially because the diabolical drama featured artist MCs who had both painting skillsets AND violence on the brain.
Victor was just such a lusty, messed up dude and I simply could not look away from his "angry little man" level of twisted, freaky, "hate to love you" ferocity.
Granted, he'd been on a steady diet of ramen and festering rage, courtesy of shattered dreams, jealousy, and an inferiority complex, but when I found out whyyy baby boi was so mad his spiral had some actual juice to it tbh.
My favourite thing about this story was that Victor came in hot, but turned out to be a kinky crybaby when he came face-to-face with the spectacular truth about the Adonis he was obsessed with. Kitten went from a grudge-related misdemeanor to being handily declawed by Sevastyan's aura. Victor clocked the man's killer vibe and it was over for the poor thing within seconds.
I was straight up giddy from about 5% in and happily Victor kept serving with how stunningly overwhelmed and terrified and turned on he was, all at the same time. Victor was properly rocked by every single one of his kinks, and sh!t hadn't even popped off yet. He was simply in the presence of excellence, and Victor's competency kink was very veeeery relatable!
Sevastyan was everything deadly and beautiful ever created. And I appreciated his artistry, his vanity, and his journey from perfection in face, body, painting skills, and assassin assassinator, to having to rely on Victor, who truly loved him beyond the superficial. I loved that he saw Victor as a precious, unique beauty, and that he was voracious for him as both muse and lover.
I would have loved a bit more plot dimension to the assassin storyline, but I still loved the whole "house of doom" set up, and how exciting things were at the end there!
Portrait of a Killer wasn't perfect, and the kinks weren't really my thing, but it WAS still a really fun read, because this time around Merikan gave the art world a murdery twist and that just made me love this book even more!
Can't wait for whatever the ladies have in store for us next, because if it was anything like this wild thing was, I'm sure I'll have the best time with the next pair of killer babes, who'll ensnare me with their brand of sexy danger just like Victor and Sevastyan did!
Ahaha I dunno what this says about me but I really enjoyed this unhinged bit of kinky love ngl! K.A. Merikan always delivers the most intense MCs who make the "crimes-of-passion to instalove" pipeline a highly entertaining read from start to finish!
Portrait of a Killer was all of that OTT wildness, complete with sex-gorging simps doing (down) bad things, and the requisite killing that defines the murder-husbands we love to love. Surprising no one, I was hooked from page 1 and the feral way this story kicked off. Most especially because the diabolical drama featured artist MCs who had both painting skillsets AND violence on the brain.
Victor was just such a lusty, messed up dude and I simply could not look away from his "angry little man" level of twisted, freaky, "hate to love you" ferocity.
Granted, he'd been on a steady diet of ramen and festering rage, courtesy of shattered dreams, jealousy, and an inferiority complex, but when I found out whyyy baby boi was so mad his spiral had some actual juice to it tbh.
My favourite thing about this story was that Victor came in hot, but turned out to be a kinky crybaby when he came face-to-face with the spectacular truth about the Adonis he was obsessed with. Kitten went from a grudge-related misdemeanor to being handily declawed by Sevastyan's aura. Victor clocked the man's killer vibe and it was over for the poor thing within seconds.
I was straight up giddy from about 5% in and happily Victor kept serving with how stunningly overwhelmed and terrified and turned on he was, all at the same time. Victor was properly rocked by every single one of his kinks, and sh!t hadn't even popped off yet. He was simply in the presence of excellence, and Victor's competency kink was very veeeery relatable!
Sevastyan was everything deadly and beautiful ever created. And I appreciated his artistry, his vanity, and his journey from perfection in face, body, painting skills, and assassin assassinator, to having to rely on Victor, who truly loved him beyond the superficial. I loved that he saw Victor as a precious, unique beauty, and that he was voracious for him as both muse and lover.
I would have loved a bit more plot dimension to the assassin storyline, but I still loved the whole "house of doom" set up, and how exciting things were at the end there!
Portrait of a Killer wasn't perfect, and the kinks weren't really my thing, but it WAS still a really fun read, because this time around Merikan gave the art world a murdery twist and that just made me love this book even more!
Can't wait for whatever the ladies have in store for us next, because if it was anything like this wild thing was, I'm sure I'll have the best time with the next pair of killer babes, who'll ensnare me with their brand of sexy danger just like Victor and Sevastyan did!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If there’s one book that feels engineered specifically for my taste in dark, unhinged romance, it’s Portrait of a Killer by K.A. Merikan. This story delivers obsession, violence, and twisted devotion in a way that’s impossible to look away from.
Victor is a struggling artist who’s sick of being ignored, especially after his big opportunity is overshadowed by the internationally celebrated Sevastyan. Bitter and convinced that Sevastyan’s work is a sham, Victor becomes fixated—watching him, following him, and eventually breaking into his isolated, heavily secured home to expose the truth. Except… nothing is what Victor expects. Not Sevastyan, not the art, and definitely not the danger waiting inside.
Sevastyan’s world is less “eccentric artist” and more “lethal fortress.” His home is rigged with traps, his past is soaked in violence, and his instincts are razor sharp. Somehow, Victor survives their first encounter—more by Sevastyan’s fascination than luck. What follows is a deeply messed-up dynamic where hunter and prey blur into something far more complicated. Captivity turns into connection, suspicion into fixation, and hatred into something dangerously close to reverence.
One of the most compelling aspects is how quickly Sevastyan becomes captivated by Victor—not just as a person, but as inspiration. Victor, who has always doubted himself, finds his confidence slowly reshaped under the gaze of the very man he once resented. Meanwhile, his rigid belief that Sevastyan was a fraud collapses as he’s forced to confront the truth: Sevastyan is the real thing, in every sense—including the terrifying parts.
Their relationship is anything but healthy, but that’s exactly the appeal. It’s intense, volatile, and built on a foundation of fear, fascination, and mutual need. Watching it evolve into trust (in its own warped way) is strangely satisfying. The story doesn’t shy away from brutality either—there’s bloodshed, injury, and constant tension, all woven into the emotional progression.
That said, there are a few gaps. Sevastyan’s past—especially the reasons behind the constant threat on his life—feels underexplored. The idea that someone has been sending danger his way for years raises questions that never fully get answered. Similarly, Victor’s sudden disappearance from his old life seems a bit too convenient. But honestly, those loose ends didn’t stop the story from being completely absorbing.
At its core, this is a romance that thrives on extremes: obsession turning into devotion, control shifting into trust, and danger giving way to something lasting. It’s dark, chaotic, and unapologetically twisted—and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Victor is a struggling artist who’s sick of being ignored, especially after his big opportunity is overshadowed by the internationally celebrated Sevastyan. Bitter and convinced that Sevastyan’s work is a sham, Victor becomes fixated—watching him, following him, and eventually breaking into his isolated, heavily secured home to expose the truth. Except… nothing is what Victor expects. Not Sevastyan, not the art, and definitely not the danger waiting inside.
Sevastyan’s world is less “eccentric artist” and more “lethal fortress.” His home is rigged with traps, his past is soaked in violence, and his instincts are razor sharp. Somehow, Victor survives their first encounter—more by Sevastyan’s fascination than luck. What follows is a deeply messed-up dynamic where hunter and prey blur into something far more complicated. Captivity turns into connection, suspicion into fixation, and hatred into something dangerously close to reverence.
One of the most compelling aspects is how quickly Sevastyan becomes captivated by Victor—not just as a person, but as inspiration. Victor, who has always doubted himself, finds his confidence slowly reshaped under the gaze of the very man he once resented. Meanwhile, his rigid belief that Sevastyan was a fraud collapses as he’s forced to confront the truth: Sevastyan is the real thing, in every sense—including the terrifying parts.
Their relationship is anything but healthy, but that’s exactly the appeal. It’s intense, volatile, and built on a foundation of fear, fascination, and mutual need. Watching it evolve into trust (in its own warped way) is strangely satisfying. The story doesn’t shy away from brutality either—there’s bloodshed, injury, and constant tension, all woven into the emotional progression.
That said, there are a few gaps. Sevastyan’s past—especially the reasons behind the constant threat on his life—feels underexplored. The idea that someone has been sending danger his way for years raises questions that never fully get answered. Similarly, Victor’s sudden disappearance from his old life seems a bit too convenient. But honestly, those loose ends didn’t stop the story from being completely absorbing.
At its core, this is a romance that thrives on extremes: obsession turning into devotion, control shifting into trust, and danger giving way to something lasting. It’s dark, chaotic, and unapologetically twisted—and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Review of advance copy
I’m still trying to comprehend my situation. I lost my mind, decided to commit a crime, and now, I guess I’m paying for it by being held prisoner by a serial killer who complimented my cry-face.
A Beauty and the Beast inspired twisty dark romance where the beast breaks into beauty's home to expose him as a fraud, and ends up staying forever. This book is a bit of a wild ride with murder, intrigue, obsession, Stockholm syndrome, nudism and a laundry list of kinks: dacryphilia, degradation, feet, fear and probably a few others I'm forgetting.
“I feel alive whenever I’m around you. Like I’m finally a real person, not a ghost everyone passes without noticing.”
Another day, another book I'm conflicted on my rating for. I love K.A. Merikan's writing a lot, and this book was very well crafted. They tackle some tough subject matter in a thoughtful way, and of course there is a lot of murder and fun to be had. There were a lot of moments where I felt deeply uncomfortable while reading this book, which is a reflection of my reaction to the relationship between the 2 MCs and also the strength of the writing. The tropes and overall vibes were not for me, but I can recognize that that's my issue with the book, rather than a genuine issue with the book itself. I think lots of readers will really enjoy the wildness and weirdness.
Any normal person would probably want a nice soft bed and cuddles for their first time, but I’m exactly where I want to be. On my knees and talked down to.
There were 2 parts I struggled with. Near the beginning of the book, Victor ends up with an injury to his leg and soon after he's doing things that you really shouldn't do with an open wound, like taking a bath or standing for long periods of time. At one point he falls and makes a mess, and rather than checking on him first to see if he's okay, Sevastyan checks on the damage to his painting. It made my heart hurt for Victor. I know that he's happy and satisfied in their relationship but I wanted more for him. I enjoy reading degradation scenes but when the power difference and imbalance between 2 characters is so pronounced on every level, it hit a little different for me. Like I said the book was very well done but for those reasons I felt uneasy reading it. My favourite character was the murder house- the creativity of the authors is always such a treat to experience.
Rating: 3.75 stars
Angst: 4/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 29, 2026
I found the writing a bit weak and simple compared to their other works. Some words or expressions stood out as really online ('parasocial relationship', 'consent king', 'make it make sense'…) and it always gets me our of the story when it's during the narration in a first person book. There's a bit of over explaining (just a bit, but still) when the context is enough for me as a reader to understand it —for example the fact that consent is a tricky notion in their relationship, I don't need them to explain it to me in their inner monologues.
Also, some aspects of the spy stuff are a bit over the top and very Looney Tunesey, and contrast with the more human, real and evolving relationship between the two characters:
Also, some aspects of the spy stuff are a bit over the top and very Looney Tunesey, and contrast with the more human, real and evolving relationship between the two characters:
Review of advance copy
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
↳This book in a nutshell.
As a dark romance, it was actually pretty… mild?
Apart from a few sections, it was very slice-of-life, albeit a tad fucked-up, but still.
I mostly enjoyed it, but it was also slightly boring. It was still typical KA Merikan craziness, but both the plot and the characters just didn’t work for me.
It also felt like it was the least smutty of all the ones I’ve read by these authors. With the time skips, it felt like they also cut out a lot of the sex scenes, which made it difficult to really feel their relationship deepening. Their initial connection was very lust-based, so to not have those beginning weeks of ‘bonding’ made Victor’s switch from fear to love a bit out of the blue.
I also didn’t really care for Sev’s characterization, the self-centered and vain mafia hitman turned painter. And we don’t get to see much of Victor pre Sev.
Still, I had a pretty fun time with this, especially the action bits. The romance and MCs weren’t my fave, but if you’re used to KA Merikan’s wild books, this is a perfect one.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/death
- Abduction
- Stockholm Syndrome
- Ex-mafia
- Size difference
- Virgin MC
- Dub-con
- Top/bottom
- Dacryphilia
- Humiliation/praise
- Foot jobs
- Nudism
- Bondage
- Blindfold
- Rimming
Painting. Cooking. Fucking. Occasional body disposal.
↳This book in a nutshell.
As a dark romance, it was actually pretty… mild?
Apart from a few sections, it was very slice-of-life, albeit a tad fucked-up, but still.
Is it wrong that I feel special for being chosen even if it’s by a psycho killer? His focus on me is like the warm rays of sunshine even deep into the night.
I mostly enjoyed it, but it was also slightly boring. It was still typical KA Merikan craziness, but both the plot and the characters just didn’t work for me.
“We will have plenty of fun together, Victor.”
It also felt like it was the least smutty of all the ones I’ve read by these authors. With the time skips, it felt like they also cut out a lot of the sex scenes, which made it difficult to really feel their relationship deepening. Their initial connection was very lust-based, so to not have those beginning weeks of ‘bonding’ made Victor’s switch from fear to love a bit out of the blue.
I also didn’t really care for Sev’s characterization, the self-centered and vain mafia hitman turned painter. And we don’t get to see much of Victor pre Sev.
Still, I had a pretty fun time with this, especially the action bits. The romance and MCs weren’t my fave, but if you’re used to KA Merikan’s wild books, this is a perfect one.
“I… um… I think I’m a little fucked-up,”
“That makes two of us, pet.”
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Violence/death
- Abduction
- Stockholm Syndrome
- Ex-mafia
- Size difference
- Virgin MC
- Dub-con
- Top/bottom
- Dacryphilia
- Humiliation/praise
- Foot jobs
- Nudism
- Bondage
- Blindfold
- Rimming
Review of advance copy
This book was so good, but wasn't quite what I was expecting!
Victor bacame so obsessed with getting revenge on the guy who destroyed his artistic future that he's going to break into his home and expose him as the fraud Victor believes he is.
Unfortunately, Sevastyan is way more than just a successful artist and is waiting for Victor to enter his home. Due to his previous job, Sevastyan believes Victor is another assassin sent to kill him.
These men are such opposites. Victor has low self esteem, views himself as ugly, is struggling financially, and has a natural sub mentality. Sevastyan is very confident, he is beautiful, well off financially, and is a dominant, take charge kind of guy.
They both have a passion for art, are talented artists, and are both lonley men.
Despite the situation they find themselves in, it doesn't take long for both of them to realize that the other man is not at all what they expected. But, since Sevastyan can't be sure about Victor and has trust issues, he keeps him captive.
What follows is two men giving in to an intense attraction, discovering erotic kinks, slowly learning about one another, then gaining trust, developing a deep connection, healing, falling in love, and getting an unexpectedly wonderful HEA. I loved how natural the dynamic between them felt.
Their journey is fraught with unexpected danger and violence from outside sources, which ultimately helped speed up the trust and feelings between them.
I found Sevastyan's traps to be creative, interesting, and very deadly. I really liked both MC's and felt their connection to be genuine. I loved the secondary character Ratimir!!
Overall, I found this book to be intriguing, highly entertaining, dark, and slightly twisted - I loved it!
I recieved an ARC from GRR, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Victor bacame so obsessed with getting revenge on the guy who destroyed his artistic future that he's going to break into his home and expose him as the fraud Victor believes he is.
Unfortunately, Sevastyan is way more than just a successful artist and is waiting for Victor to enter his home. Due to his previous job, Sevastyan believes Victor is another assassin sent to kill him.
These men are such opposites. Victor has low self esteem, views himself as ugly, is struggling financially, and has a natural sub mentality. Sevastyan is very confident, he is beautiful, well off financially, and is a dominant, take charge kind of guy.
They both have a passion for art, are talented artists, and are both lonley men.
Despite the situation they find themselves in, it doesn't take long for both of them to realize that the other man is not at all what they expected. But, since Sevastyan can't be sure about Victor and has trust issues, he keeps him captive.
What follows is two men giving in to an intense attraction, discovering erotic kinks, slowly learning about one another, then gaining trust, developing a deep connection, healing, falling in love, and getting an unexpectedly wonderful HEA. I loved how natural the dynamic between them felt.
Their journey is fraught with unexpected danger and violence from outside sources, which ultimately helped speed up the trust and feelings between them.
I found Sevastyan's traps to be creative, interesting, and very deadly. I really liked both MC's and felt their connection to be genuine. I loved the secondary character Ratimir!!
Overall, I found this book to be intriguing, highly entertaining, dark, and slightly twisted - I loved it!
I recieved an ARC from GRR, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
April 24, 2026
A mysterious, deadly painter. An obsessive, jealous stalker. I wouldn't have guessed this pairing could be the start of an epic romance, but K. A. Merikan have proven they can sell me on anything. Victor and Seva's story was a passionate, artistic exploration. If Victor was an open book, Seva was pretty much the opposite -- full of secrets as dangerous as he was. It was fascinating to slowly unravel the events that had led Seva to isolate himself at home, and even more compelling to watch him break his self-imposed rules for Victor. The two of them shouldn't have worked as lovers, but their obsessive natures lined up in just the right way to make their chemistry explosive. Seva was enraptured by the liveliness that surrounded Victor at all times, even if he didn't understand his devotion. I suspect Victor was in love with Seva even when he'd convinced himself he hated the man, and it was delightful to watch that connection develop further. The two of them had nothing to do but spend time together, and that made for a character-focused narrative that I was thrilled to dive into. I definitely let my guard down at some point, because when Seva's enemies popped back up I was left reeling at all that unfolded. I get why Seva had his doubts about Victor's loyalty, but by the end of the book he'd more than proved his love. I think I'm still in shock at how crazy things got at the end, but somehow K. A. Merikan pulled off a happy ending for these two that felt authentic to the lifestyle they wanted to live together.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This book is part of the In The Spotlight series, of 13 books, the first to be released.
Victor breaks into Sevastyan's home to kill him (I think! His plans were a bit murky!) for making him lose his gallery showing. Victor has no idea who Sevastyan is, not really, or what he is capable of.
Here's the thing, ok? I finished this book. I can't say I loved it, but it hit a few buttons and smashed a few, not in a good way.
I struggled with Sevastyan the most. MUCH of his back history is missing and we don't fully get just why he was in hiding. Some is explained, but I need a more comprehensive explanation other than, he pi**ed someone off, after doing his job. Victor's history is more explained.
It is graphic in it's violence. Sevastyan's house is basically "Home ALone but deadlier"! And the ending of several assassins is described in detail. Needed, though, I think.
I did like that it took a bit of time for both men to fully accept their new situation. Victor especially, but Sevastyan surprised me.
It does get steamy, but it takes a bit of time.
I kept expecting a Van der Horn to pop up! (Poisoned Heart, Christmas Mafia Prince) Sevastyan certainly has those sort of tendencies! I was disappointed that they don't, to be honest.
3 good, but maybe not quite for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This book is part of the In The Spotlight series, of 13 books, the first to be released.
Victor breaks into Sevastyan's home to kill him (I think! His plans were a bit murky!) for making him lose his gallery showing. Victor has no idea who Sevastyan is, not really, or what he is capable of.
Here's the thing, ok? I finished this book. I can't say I loved it, but it hit a few buttons and smashed a few, not in a good way.
I struggled with Sevastyan the most. MUCH of his back history is missing and we don't fully get just why he was in hiding. Some is explained, but I need a more comprehensive explanation other than, he pi**ed someone off, after doing his job. Victor's history is more explained.
It is graphic in it's violence. Sevastyan's house is basically "Home ALone but deadlier"! And the ending of several assassins is described in detail. Needed, though, I think.
I did like that it took a bit of time for both men to fully accept their new situation. Victor especially, but Sevastyan surprised me.
It does get steamy, but it takes a bit of time.
I kept expecting a Van der Horn to pop up! (Poisoned Heart, Christmas Mafia Prince) Sevastyan certainly has those sort of tendencies! I was disappointed that they don't, to be honest.
3 good, but maybe not quite for me, stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
April 10, 2026
While these authors write dark stories, and this story was at the core dark, it was kind of sweet.
Victor had it all planned out, after Sevastyan stole Victor’s first exhibition under his nose, he wants to end the man and expose what a fraud he is.
He put on his balaclava and entered Sevastyan’s house on a cliff.
What he couldn’t foresee was Sevastyan was waiting for him. Amused and ready to abduct him.
After Victor tried to escape he got hurt, and now he is afraid for his life. Dang, he can’t do anything right!
‘I’m short, skinny, and covered in more freckles than reasonable.
Unwanted. Unseen. Underappreciated.’
Sevastyan is an artist who lives in seclusion; his house is one big trap. With an injured prisoner, he could get used to having someone around.
Someone adorable, cute, and harmless.
Victor understands that Sevastyan isn’t who he thought he was. While he is his prisoner, there’s an undeniable attraction.
Even though Victor is his prisoner, Sevastyan is pampering him and makes sure he doesn’t get hurt. Because regularly, assassins are coming by who want to kill Sevastyan, and Victor could get hurt while they try.
The story was sweeter and sexier than dark. I loved the situation they were in, and the way the characters handled it.
I would have loved some more hurt comfort. The way the story ended was absolutely smashing!
I loved how these authors write. The story was quite entertaining and original.
Read and reviewed for Love Bytes LGBTQ reviews
Victor had it all planned out, after Sevastyan stole Victor’s first exhibition under his nose, he wants to end the man and expose what a fraud he is.
He put on his balaclava and entered Sevastyan’s house on a cliff.
What he couldn’t foresee was Sevastyan was waiting for him. Amused and ready to abduct him.
After Victor tried to escape he got hurt, and now he is afraid for his life. Dang, he can’t do anything right!
‘I’m short, skinny, and covered in more freckles than reasonable.
Unwanted. Unseen. Underappreciated.’
Sevastyan is an artist who lives in seclusion; his house is one big trap. With an injured prisoner, he could get used to having someone around.
Someone adorable, cute, and harmless.
Victor understands that Sevastyan isn’t who he thought he was. While he is his prisoner, there’s an undeniable attraction.
Even though Victor is his prisoner, Sevastyan is pampering him and makes sure he doesn’t get hurt. Because regularly, assassins are coming by who want to kill Sevastyan, and Victor could get hurt while they try.
The story was sweeter and sexier than dark. I loved the situation they were in, and the way the characters handled it.
I would have loved some more hurt comfort. The way the story ended was absolutely smashing!
I loved how these authors write. The story was quite entertaining and original.
Read and reviewed for Love Bytes LGBTQ reviews
April 13, 2026
This was such a fun, twisted ride and honestly, exactly what I want from a dark romance.
Sevastyan and Victor are both such fascinating characters. What starts as obsession and distrust slowly shifts into something deeper, even if it’s built on very dark, very messy foundations. Watching that transition from animosity to trust (and something like love) was so compelling.
The setup is wild in the best way. Victor breaks into Sevastyan’s isolated, trap-filled home thinking he’s exposing a fraud… only to realise very quickly that he is way out of his depth. The whole hunter becoming the hunted dynamic? Loved it.
Sevastyan is intense, dangerous, and completely unhinged at times—but then he turns around and is unexpectedly gentle with Victor, especially when it comes to seeing him as both a person and a muse. And Victor’s journey, going from insecure and resentful to slowly finding confidence under Sev’s attention, was really satisfying to watch.
Their relationship is definitely not healthy, but that’s the appeal. It’s obsessive, volatile, and full of tension, and I was completely hooked. The danger, the chaos, the way they somehow build trust in their own warped way—I ate it up.
And that epilogue? Perfect way to wrap it all up.
If you love dark, twisted romances with obsession, captor/captive dynamics, and morally questionable characters, this one is absolutely worth it.
Sevastyan and Victor are both such fascinating characters. What starts as obsession and distrust slowly shifts into something deeper, even if it’s built on very dark, very messy foundations. Watching that transition from animosity to trust (and something like love) was so compelling.
The setup is wild in the best way. Victor breaks into Sevastyan’s isolated, trap-filled home thinking he’s exposing a fraud… only to realise very quickly that he is way out of his depth. The whole hunter becoming the hunted dynamic? Loved it.
Sevastyan is intense, dangerous, and completely unhinged at times—but then he turns around and is unexpectedly gentle with Victor, especially when it comes to seeing him as both a person and a muse. And Victor’s journey, going from insecure and resentful to slowly finding confidence under Sev’s attention, was really satisfying to watch.
Their relationship is definitely not healthy, but that’s the appeal. It’s obsessive, volatile, and full of tension, and I was completely hooked. The danger, the chaos, the way they somehow build trust in their own warped way—I ate it up.
And that epilogue? Perfect way to wrap it all up.
If you love dark, twisted romances with obsession, captor/captive dynamics, and morally questionable characters, this one is absolutely worth it.
May 4, 2026
Victor has spent years hating the reclusive artist Sevastyan, convinced the man is a fraud whose self‑portraits are too beautiful to be real. After one exhibition destroys Victor’s career, his anger festers into obsession, filling his sketchbooks with violent fantasies. Determined to expose Sevastyan, Victor breaks into his home — only to discover the artist is nothing like he expected. Sevastyan is powerful, amused, and fully aware of Victor’s fixation. Instead of being the hunter, Victor becomes the one trapped, as Sevastyan claims him as a captive muse and makes it clear that Victor will not be leaving.
This is a very dark romance with several uncomfortable themes, so it’s definitely one to approach with care. The story centres on a twisted, shifting obsession — first Victor’s fixation on Sevastyan, and then the far more intense, consuming obsession Sevastyan develops for Victor. Their dynamic is unsettling, messy, and often disturbing, and some of the behaviours and language push into depraved territory. Despite that, I found myself invested. The tension between them, the psychological push‑and‑pull, and the way their obsession reshapes itself kept me turning the pages. It’s a well‑written story that leans fully into its darkness, and while it won’t be for everyone, it delivers exactly the kind of intense, chaotic emotion it promises. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please note the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself **
This is a very dark romance with several uncomfortable themes, so it’s definitely one to approach with care. The story centres on a twisted, shifting obsession — first Victor’s fixation on Sevastyan, and then the far more intense, consuming obsession Sevastyan develops for Victor. Their dynamic is unsettling, messy, and often disturbing, and some of the behaviours and language push into depraved territory. Despite that, I found myself invested. The tension between them, the psychological push‑and‑pull, and the way their obsession reshapes itself kept me turning the pages. It’s a well‑written story that leans fully into its darkness, and while it won’t be for everyone, it delivers exactly the kind of intense, chaotic emotion it promises. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please note the trigger warnings and be kind to yourself **
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Fun and slightly unhinged romance between two artists in a very one-sided rivalry/obsession.
The whole Stockholm Syndrome/kidnapping romance wasn't totally believable, but the book is frank about what it is going in, and I was willing to go along. Plus, it's Victor who breaks into Sevastyan's home to threaten him, carrying weapons, so.... he very much started it.
Both characters are far from well-adjusted, but that worked for them and the plot. Victor being a cry-baby and Sevastyan being absolutely charmed by that was my favourite detail. Plus, the rat, of course.
I would have liked to see more fun with the traps around Sevastyan's house. As an ex-killer-for-hire who has a lot of people after him, his house is a death trap. I also wanted more from the art, given that they are both artists.
The crying aside, the sexual dynamic was take-it-or-leave-it for me, some of the foot-based domination scenes were slightly off-putting to me, but overall not too extreme.
The twist at the end wasn't entirely unexpected, but also not really subversive, especially since I feel like I've read this sort of plot/character progression from these authors before. Still, a good direction for the plot to go, and the epilogue was very satisfying.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
The whole Stockholm Syndrome/kidnapping romance wasn't totally believable, but the book is frank about what it is going in, and I was willing to go along. Plus, it's Victor who breaks into Sevastyan's home to threaten him, carrying weapons, so.... he very much started it.
Both characters are far from well-adjusted, but that worked for them and the plot. Victor being a cry-baby and Sevastyan being absolutely charmed by that was my favourite detail. Plus, the rat, of course.
I would have liked to see more fun with the traps around Sevastyan's house. As an ex-killer-for-hire who has a lot of people after him, his house is a death trap. I also wanted more from the art, given that they are both artists.
The crying aside, the sexual dynamic was take-it-or-leave-it for me, some of the foot-based domination scenes were slightly off-putting to me, but overall not too extreme.
The twist at the end wasn't entirely unexpected, but also not really subversive, especially since I feel like I've read this sort of plot/character progression from these authors before. Still, a good direction for the plot to go, and the epilogue was very satisfying.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 12, 2026
Victor, an overlooked artist whose career has been repeatedly overshadowed, fixates on Sevastyan—the world‑renowned talent whose success eclipsed Victor’s one significant opportunity. Convinced that Sevastyan is a fraud, Victor’s resentment escalates into a dangerous obsession that ultimately drives him to infiltrate Sevastyan’s heavily fortified, booby‑trapped estate. What he discovers there dismantles every assumption he has held. The dynamic that unfolds between Victor and Sevastyan is both disturbing and unexpectedly intimate. Their relationship begins in hostility and fear, shaped by a captive‑captor imbalance, yet gradually evolves into a complex bond built on reluctant trust, artistic fascination, and emotional vulnerability. The authors handle this progression with surprising nuance, allowing the characters’ psychological unraveling to feel both organic and inevitable. Sevastyan’s immediate artistic fixation on Victor—particularly his striking coloring and freckles—adds an intriguing layer to their interactions, while Victor’s long‑standing insecurities begin to shift under Sevastyan’s intense attention. Watching Victor confront the truth of Sevastyan’s talent, and witnessing how admiration slowly replaces hatred, is one of the novel’s most compelling arcs.
April 13, 2026
This is one of those dark romances that fully commits to its blurb and doesn’t try to soften the edges. It’s intense, unsettling at times, and completely addictive if you enjoy morally grey characters and power imbalances taken to the extreme.
Victor’s obsession is immediate and all-consuming, and the story does a great job of pulling you into his mindset. What starts as resentment and fixation quickly spirals into something far more complicated once he comes face to face with Sevastyan. And Sevastyan himself is exactly the kind of character you expect from a story like this, enigmatic, dangerous, and always one step ahead.
Their dynamic is where the book really stands out. It’s not a traditional romance by any means; it’s built on control, fear, and fascination, with a gradual shift into something that almost resembles trust. Watching that transformation unfold is both disturbing and compelling, especially as the lines between captor and companion begin to blur.
As always K.A has kept with their darker themes and twisted relationships and characters who exist in that uncomfortable grey area, giving us yet another gripping read. Exceptional!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Victor’s obsession is immediate and all-consuming, and the story does a great job of pulling you into his mindset. What starts as resentment and fixation quickly spirals into something far more complicated once he comes face to face with Sevastyan. And Sevastyan himself is exactly the kind of character you expect from a story like this, enigmatic, dangerous, and always one step ahead.
Their dynamic is where the book really stands out. It’s not a traditional romance by any means; it’s built on control, fear, and fascination, with a gradual shift into something that almost resembles trust. Watching that transformation unfold is both disturbing and compelling, especially as the lines between captor and companion begin to blur.
As always K.A has kept with their darker themes and twisted relationships and characters who exist in that uncomfortable grey area, giving us yet another gripping read. Exceptional!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review.
Victor is obsessed with the artist Sevastyan, whom has slighted him in some way known only to the narrator. Victor considers himself an ugly duckling but once Sevastyan and him cross paths, Sevastyan is enamored by his unique traits, especially his freckles. There is more to Sevastyan than meets the eye. As Victor’s revenge plot turns into something else altogether, the two are drawn to one another. (There might even be a little bit of Stockholm syndrome going on). There is an undeniable chemistry between the two MCs.
Sevastyan sees himself one way. When something happens to change that, his world is rocked. Victor proves himself as perfectly loyal and obsessed. The two overcome both internal and external conflict to obtain their HEA. This is a dark romance, so check the trigger warnings prior to reading.
This book will keep you on your toes. It’s well paced and full of intriguing scenes. There’s the obsessive MCs were love to associate with Merikan. If you are in the mood for artistry and booby traps, this is the book for you!
Check it out when it releases on April 10th!
This is my honest and voluntary review.
Victor is obsessed with the artist Sevastyan, whom has slighted him in some way known only to the narrator. Victor considers himself an ugly duckling but once Sevastyan and him cross paths, Sevastyan is enamored by his unique traits, especially his freckles. There is more to Sevastyan than meets the eye. As Victor’s revenge plot turns into something else altogether, the two are drawn to one another. (There might even be a little bit of Stockholm syndrome going on). There is an undeniable chemistry between the two MCs.
Sevastyan sees himself one way. When something happens to change that, his world is rocked. Victor proves himself as perfectly loyal and obsessed. The two overcome both internal and external conflict to obtain their HEA. This is a dark romance, so check the trigger warnings prior to reading.
This book will keep you on your toes. It’s well paced and full of intriguing scenes. There’s the obsessive MCs were love to associate with Merikan. If you are in the mood for artistry and booby traps, this is the book for you!
Check it out when it releases on April 10th!
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