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WILDER
Wilder is a psychological horror exploring trauma, obsession, and the terrifying cost of being seen.
Running was supposed to keep Isla safe.
Alive.
Free of her past.
In a remote Highland village, isolation feels like sanctuary, until it doesn't. When signs of a watcher begin to surface, Isla finds herself questioning her surroundings, her memories, and the reliability of her own traumatised mind.
As fear seeps into the quiet spaces she once trusted, Isla is forced to confront an unsettling she may not have escaped danger at all, only changed its shape.
Please This book contains romantic elements but features a grim psychological resolution with NO Happily Ever After.
Running was supposed to keep Isla safe.
Alive.
Free of her past.
In a remote Highland village, isolation feels like sanctuary, until it doesn't. When signs of a watcher begin to surface, Isla finds herself questioning her surroundings, her memories, and the reliability of her own traumatised mind.
As fear seeps into the quiet spaces she once trusted, Isla is forced to confront an unsettling she may not have escaped danger at all, only changed its shape.
Please This book contains romantic elements but features a grim psychological resolution with NO Happily Ever After.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
About the author
Kayla D. Ward
3 books14 followersKayla D Ward is a Scottish author writing psychological horror and dark, character-driven fiction.
Based in the Scottish Highlands, she writes stories about complicated people, uncomfortable choices and the darker places the mind can go when left alone with itself.
When she isn’t writing, Kayla can usually be found reading something unsettling, listening to music far too loudly, or attempting to convince herself that learning the drums in her thirties was a perfectly reasonable life decision.
She lives in the Highlands with her husband, three children, cat and an ever-growing collection of books.
Based in the Scottish Highlands, she writes stories about complicated people, uncomfortable choices and the darker places the mind can go when left alone with itself.
When she isn’t writing, Kayla can usually be found reading something unsettling, listening to music far too loudly, or attempting to convince herself that learning the drums in her thirties was a perfectly reasonable life decision.
She lives in the Highlands with her husband, three children, cat and an ever-growing collection of books.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 29, 2026
Wow. This was definitely a psychological gut punch. I have read some psychological mixed in but never a book that deep dives into it. This dives into the world of a girl who is constantly looking over her shoulder because she has a person hunting her. Throughout all the horror she has constantly wondering when he will eventually find her, the story weaves some twists and turns that kept me fully immersed and on the edge of my seat. This was an amazing book. It does have a quote unquote "HEA" but not in the sense you would expect.....I absolutely loved this book. Kayla, thank you for gifting me this audio for an immersive read 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
February 27, 2026
Old houses creak!
Isla escapes to a small village, sets herself up in a secluded bothy hoping the peace will relax her nerves. She manages to find two jobs, one in a bookstore and one in a bar. The trouble with a secluded cabin, is there are always going to be noises; the trees rustling, the burn flowing, the wood creaking and the footsteps…no, no, they’re not noises you expect, neither are the little things that happen. Isla, is already a nervous, anxious and susceptible wreck but she plods on. Meeting Ciaran in the bar helps eliminate some of her anxiety but she is convinced her ex is stalking her…
𝙄 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩.
𝙂𝙤𝙙, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙞𝙙.
For me it was slow burn to start, however the building up, the in-depth descriptions had you jumping on her behalf, you actually imagine what she’s feeling and shouting at the book…in your head obviously, people would think I was mad if it did it out loud 🤣 Honestly, it is one story that simmers in your head, the psychological aspect was great, leading you through traumatic times, and on to some kind of hope. I can’t lie, I slept on it one night and figured it out but it didn’t stop me from reading to the end because I enjoyed the narrative so much, do read the triggers as there are aspects of DV, major gaslighting, loss of autonomy and some real WTF moments 🫣
Isla escapes to a small village, sets herself up in a secluded bothy hoping the peace will relax her nerves. She manages to find two jobs, one in a bookstore and one in a bar. The trouble with a secluded cabin, is there are always going to be noises; the trees rustling, the burn flowing, the wood creaking and the footsteps…no, no, they’re not noises you expect, neither are the little things that happen. Isla, is already a nervous, anxious and susceptible wreck but she plods on. Meeting Ciaran in the bar helps eliminate some of her anxiety but she is convinced her ex is stalking her…
𝙄 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩.
𝙂𝙤𝙙, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙞𝙙.
For me it was slow burn to start, however the building up, the in-depth descriptions had you jumping on her behalf, you actually imagine what she’s feeling and shouting at the book…in your head obviously, people would think I was mad if it did it out loud 🤣 Honestly, it is one story that simmers in your head, the psychological aspect was great, leading you through traumatic times, and on to some kind of hope. I can’t lie, I slept on it one night and figured it out but it didn’t stop me from reading to the end because I enjoyed the narrative so much, do read the triggers as there are aspects of DV, major gaslighting, loss of autonomy and some real WTF moments 🫣
August 24, 2026
Leaving her shadows behind, Isla finds herself in the highlands attempting to heal from her past. It starts small, the feeling of eyes following her, something moving just out of sight, objects not where she thought she left them, creaking of the old cabin… footsteps? Was her anxiety getting the better of her? Has her past found her?
It was a slow start and buildup, but before I knew it I was hooked. The writing and the way Jo delivered had me all wrapped up in the story, on the edge and waiting to see what happened next.
It was a slow start and buildup, but before I knew it I was hooked. The writing and the way Jo delivered had me all wrapped up in the story, on the edge and waiting to see what happened next.
September 5, 2026
Straight into this book and it instantly gave me that anxious feeling that just would NOT let up! 😳
I genuinely think my smartwatch is going to log the last five hours as a full-on workout because my heart rate has been THROUGH THE ROOF! 😂
Just when I thought she was safe with Ciaran… BAM. Instant panic.
From that point on, I swear I was vibrating through the entire second half of this book. I spent a solid 5 HOURS holding my breath, covered in goosebumps and waiting for the next thing to happen.
Kayla… WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?! 😭
I have NEVER read a book that has affected me quite like this one. The anxiety, the anticipation, the constant feeling that something was about to happen… I was physically FEELING this story.
Well done, Kayla. 👏🏻
You have officially spent my Friday putting me in a permanent state of panic, and honestly?
I loved every second of it. 🖤
If my smartwatch counts this as cardio, I’m accepting it. 😂
5⭐️ — because apparently emotional trauma counts as entertainment.
I genuinely think my smartwatch is going to log the last five hours as a full-on workout because my heart rate has been THROUGH THE ROOF! 😂
Just when I thought she was safe with Ciaran… BAM. Instant panic.
From that point on, I swear I was vibrating through the entire second half of this book. I spent a solid 5 HOURS holding my breath, covered in goosebumps and waiting for the next thing to happen.
Kayla… WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?! 😭
I have NEVER read a book that has affected me quite like this one. The anxiety, the anticipation, the constant feeling that something was about to happen… I was physically FEELING this story.
Well done, Kayla. 👏🏻
You have officially spent my Friday putting me in a permanent state of panic, and honestly?
I loved every second of it. 🖤
If my smartwatch counts this as cardio, I’m accepting it. 😂
5⭐️ — because apparently emotional trauma counts as entertainment.
October 9, 2026
First-person narration isn’t always my favorite, particularly in thrillers, where I sometimes find that the prose sacrifices beauty and description for immediacy. What struck me about Wilder, though, was how often I caught myself thinking, “I love that this is written in third person,” only to remember that it wasn’t! Kayla D. Ward manages to capture the intimacy and immersion of first-person narration while maintaining the kind of rich, descriptive prose I typically associate with third person. It’s beautifully written, which creates an interesting contrast with the decidedly unbeautiful psychological experience of its protagonist, Isla.
And this book is CREEPY. If you enjoy the voyeuristic unease of something like Rear Window, there’s plenty to appreciate here. I particularly loved experiencing certain moments from both Isla’s perspective and that of her stalker. Knowing what’s happening behind the scenes makes even the most mundane details feel sinister. A misplaced object, something that isn’t quite where you left it, that nagging feeling that something is just, well, off. Ward exercises wonderful restraint in building suspense, proving that sometimes the quietest moments are the ones that send the biggest chills down your spine.
But what I appreciated most was the psychological depth. Without giving anything away, this is as much a study of trauma as it is a thriller. Ward explores how prolonged fear and manipulation can affect a person’s psyche, including the complicated responses and decisions that might seem incomprehensible to someone looking in from the outside. Because we’re so immersed in Isla’s experience, those responses become painfully understandable.
I also appreciated that the story never romanticizes the trauma or reduces it to something titillating. Instead, it offers a disturbing, nuanced look at the psychological toll of being victimized and just how difficult escaping that experience can be.
Beautifully written, deeply unsettling, and psychologically compelling. Sometimes the scariest things aren’t the ones that go bump in the night, but the tiny, almost imperceptible things that make you question whether you’re safe in your own home.
And this book is CREEPY. If you enjoy the voyeuristic unease of something like Rear Window, there’s plenty to appreciate here. I particularly loved experiencing certain moments from both Isla’s perspective and that of her stalker. Knowing what’s happening behind the scenes makes even the most mundane details feel sinister. A misplaced object, something that isn’t quite where you left it, that nagging feeling that something is just, well, off. Ward exercises wonderful restraint in building suspense, proving that sometimes the quietest moments are the ones that send the biggest chills down your spine.
But what I appreciated most was the psychological depth. Without giving anything away, this is as much a study of trauma as it is a thriller. Ward explores how prolonged fear and manipulation can affect a person’s psyche, including the complicated responses and decisions that might seem incomprehensible to someone looking in from the outside. Because we’re so immersed in Isla’s experience, those responses become painfully understandable.
I also appreciated that the story never romanticizes the trauma or reduces it to something titillating. Instead, it offers a disturbing, nuanced look at the psychological toll of being victimized and just how difficult escaping that experience can be.
Beautifully written, deeply unsettling, and psychologically compelling. Sometimes the scariest things aren’t the ones that go bump in the night, but the tiny, almost imperceptible things that make you question whether you’re safe in your own home.
September 8, 2026
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW | Wilder by Kayla D. Ward ✨📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
OMG… WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ?! 😬👀
This book was SO creepy that it genuinely had me looking over my shoulder! The atmosphere was unsettling from the very beginning, and there was this constant feeling of tension that kept me hooked all the way through.
And just when I thought I had everything figured out… BAM… I was completely wrong. 😱 The twists kept coming, uand I loved never quite knowing what was real.
I was completely drawn into Isla’s journey as she tried to rebuild herself and escape her past, and I really enjoyed watching her relationship with Ciaran develop throughout the story.
The ending? WOW. 😳 It left me staring at the wall, questioning EVERYTHING.
Wilder is a chilling psychological horror that explores trauma, obsession, and the terrifying cost of being truly seen.
Set in a remote Highland village, Isla believes she has finally found safety and a chance to leave her past behind. But when signs of a watcher begin to appear, she starts to question her surroundings, her memories, and even her own traumatised mind. As fear slowly creeps into the quiet spaces she once trusted, Isla is forced to confront a disturbing possibility: perhaps she never escaped danger at all… perhaps it has simply changed shape.
This is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish the final page, and I highly recommend adding it to your TBR immediately! 👀📚🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5
OMG… WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ?! 😬👀
This book was SO creepy that it genuinely had me looking over my shoulder! The atmosphere was unsettling from the very beginning, and there was this constant feeling of tension that kept me hooked all the way through.
And just when I thought I had everything figured out… BAM… I was completely wrong. 😱 The twists kept coming, uand I loved never quite knowing what was real.
I was completely drawn into Isla’s journey as she tried to rebuild herself and escape her past, and I really enjoyed watching her relationship with Ciaran develop throughout the story.
The ending? WOW. 😳 It left me staring at the wall, questioning EVERYTHING.
Wilder is a chilling psychological horror that explores trauma, obsession, and the terrifying cost of being truly seen.
Set in a remote Highland village, Isla believes she has finally found safety and a chance to leave her past behind. But when signs of a watcher begin to appear, she starts to question her surroundings, her memories, and even her own traumatised mind. As fear slowly creeps into the quiet spaces she once trusted, Isla is forced to confront a disturbing possibility: perhaps she never escaped danger at all… perhaps it has simply changed shape.
This is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish the final page, and I highly recommend adding it to your TBR immediately! 👀📚🖤
August 21, 2026
Wilder is genuinely one of the best blends of thriller and dark romance I’ve read. The tension throughout had me constantly on edge, and once I was hooked, I did not want to stop listening.
Isla is such a lovable and relatable FMC from the very beginning. There’s something about her that immediately makes you feel safe with her while simultaneously wanting to reach into the story and protect her at all costs.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration completely rooted me in Scotland. The setting felt so vivid and cinematic that I could picture the scenery around me, which made it incredibly easy to disappear into the story.
And THE TWIST?! Deviously brilliant. I won’t say anything else because this is absolutely a book you need to experience without spoilers, but I loved where Kayla D. Ward took it.
Then there’s Ciaran... 🫠 Consider me swooning. The romance worked beautifully alongside the darker thriller elements rather than taking away from them, and when things finally got steamy, it was exactly the right amount of steamy goodness with none of the cringe.
Five stars, easily. I’ve officially found another indie author to obsess over, and Struan is already next on my list.
Isla is such a lovable and relatable FMC from the very beginning. There’s something about her that immediately makes you feel safe with her while simultaneously wanting to reach into the story and protect her at all costs.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narration completely rooted me in Scotland. The setting felt so vivid and cinematic that I could picture the scenery around me, which made it incredibly easy to disappear into the story.
And THE TWIST?! Deviously brilliant. I won’t say anything else because this is absolutely a book you need to experience without spoilers, but I loved where Kayla D. Ward took it.
Then there’s Ciaran... 🫠 Consider me swooning. The romance worked beautifully alongside the darker thriller elements rather than taking away from them, and when things finally got steamy, it was exactly the right amount of steamy goodness with none of the cringe.
Five stars, easily. I’ve officially found another indie author to obsess over, and Struan is already next on my list.
August 9, 2026
Wilder features a stalker MMC who follows, taunts, and eventually ensnares our broken-but-not-finished-fighting FMC Isla. However, this is not a stalker romance. It is a psychological thriller: dark, twisted, unsettling, predatory, and diabolical in all the best ways. Our stalker was patient, chipping away at Isla's sanity bit-by-bit, and I felt like I was being pulled right down with her into madness. Kayla's writing kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to piece together clues and guess what was coming next. Some of the descriptors became a little redundant, but overall did not take away from the story. I'm low key mad that she created a certifiably insane red flag of a man so sexy. I was as confused as Isla half the time.
Jo's narration engaged me in the story, taking me along with her in the whirlwind of emotions Isla experienced in this book. The panic, doubt, confusion; her fight and sense of defeat. It was all expressed beautifully. Knowing this story was set in Scotland and hearing it told in a Scottish accent was immersive and added to the story in a way reading words from a page would have missed.
Jo's narration engaged me in the story, taking me along with her in the whirlwind of emotions Isla experienced in this book. The panic, doubt, confusion; her fight and sense of defeat. It was all expressed beautifully. Knowing this story was set in Scotland and hearing it told in a Scottish accent was immersive and added to the story in a way reading words from a page would have missed.
October 18, 2026
I always say to myself never judge the book by the cover, then I do exactly that! The cover of this book is deceiving its normal, subtle cover gives nothing away of what’s inside. This book arrived last night and I just read the prologue and was immediately hooked, so hooked that I stayed up until 1:30am to finish it I couldn’t put it down! The tension just keeps building and building you know when you have a migraine and that tension in your temples feels like a vice is being turned and turning tighter and tighter well the tension feels like that only in the best way without pain! The hairs on the back of your neck stand up and you feel you’re with Isla every step of the way I screamed several times “call someone”!! But even when help came it wasn’t a relief it was claustrophobic and unsettling and you still want her to run, to get away from everything that’s going on but there is no relief in this book and there is no HEA either it’s just tension, claustrophobic, suffocating, fear, anxiety, raw and real! This is by far the best book I’ve read all year and I’m off to buy the authors other books now!
April 21, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Isla FMC
Ciaran MMC
This book is a dark psychology thriller and it makes you THINK. The first 60% had me hooked, I was scared to continue reading because it got under my skin so much....
This was written is such a fabulous way that it made you so uncomfortable in all the right and wrong ways.
The gaslighting, the coercive behaviour! The control and manipulation by this man was again so well written it made you want to scream at this woman to RUN.
What I found difficult was that there was zero context and backstory to this man. There no context as to why he did what he did. Why he made Isla feel the way she did, to the point where I was confused.
The book did its job of making me feel uncomfortable, and it was so hard to read it without feeling everything for the FMC.
But the overall experience, I felt like something was missing. There was also zero fight from her... not even when she initially figured it out, she just immediately melted into this man and clutched at him for everything - which I guess it what happens in real life!
Isla FMC
Ciaran MMC
This book is a dark psychology thriller and it makes you THINK. The first 60% had me hooked, I was scared to continue reading because it got under my skin so much....
This was written is such a fabulous way that it made you so uncomfortable in all the right and wrong ways.
The gaslighting, the coercive behaviour! The control and manipulation by this man was again so well written it made you want to scream at this woman to RUN.
What I found difficult was that there was zero context and backstory to this man. There no context as to why he did what he did. Why he made Isla feel the way she did, to the point where I was confused.
The book did its job of making me feel uncomfortable, and it was so hard to read it without feeling everything for the FMC.
But the overall experience, I felt like something was missing. There was also zero fight from her... not even when she initially figured it out, she just immediately melted into this man and clutched at him for everything - which I guess it what happens in real life!
June 28, 2026
Fear ! Something so simple , and healthy , breaking and rewiring our whole body chemistry permanently , when it is constant to a point where obsession feels like love , and the cage of control feels like safety.
Have you ever been so terrified , to gaslight yourself that it is your paranoia , and everything is ok ? when everything in you scream danger .
Have you ever experienced starvation from love and understanding even from your family , utterly alone , in the darkness in your own head , suffocating by shame , allowing yourself to be caged by your own emotions ?
Have you ever experienced the moment when everything broke free ? Everything is too overwhelming , can't be caged , the numbness after , the void where emotions used to be , only to wake up on the next day and to start over .
Don't forget we all break beautifully !
If you want to explore all of this from the safety of the pages, pick up Wilder .
Short , chilling read for summer hot waves , psychological horror .
Have you ever been so terrified , to gaslight yourself that it is your paranoia , and everything is ok ? when everything in you scream danger .
Have you ever experienced starvation from love and understanding even from your family , utterly alone , in the darkness in your own head , suffocating by shame , allowing yourself to be caged by your own emotions ?
Have you ever experienced the moment when everything broke free ? Everything is too overwhelming , can't be caged , the numbness after , the void where emotions used to be , only to wake up on the next day and to start over .
Don't forget we all break beautifully !
If you want to explore all of this from the safety of the pages, pick up Wilder .
Short , chilling read for summer hot waves , psychological horror .
October 28, 2026
Wilder is truly wild. It is a dark, stressful, brilliant read. If you like your fiction to feel incredibly immersive, and terrifyingly terrorising, this is perfect for you.
Honestly, this story grabs hold and doesn’t let go. You are inside the head of Isla and you are feeling her descent into dread and paranoia, and with very good reason.
It is a dark psychological horror with obsessive themes, quite a bit of spice, and a truckload of trigger warnings, by an author that has mastered the art of tension; it builds and builds and does not let go.
Wilder is claustrophobic and deeply unsettling, and not in an otherworldly way, but in a way that is deeply rooted in contemporary reality. The tension ratchets up and creates an edge-of-your-seat panic.
It’s a book about obsession and possession, about feeling hunted, about not feeling safe in your own home, and about not trusting your own mind; it is dark and unsettling in the very best way.
A deliciously uncomfortable read, perfect for a dark stormy night in front of the fire. With a cushion. To hide behind.
Honestly, this story grabs hold and doesn’t let go. You are inside the head of Isla and you are feeling her descent into dread and paranoia, and with very good reason.
It is a dark psychological horror with obsessive themes, quite a bit of spice, and a truckload of trigger warnings, by an author that has mastered the art of tension; it builds and builds and does not let go.
Wilder is claustrophobic and deeply unsettling, and not in an otherworldly way, but in a way that is deeply rooted in contemporary reality. The tension ratchets up and creates an edge-of-your-seat panic.
It’s a book about obsession and possession, about feeling hunted, about not feeling safe in your own home, and about not trusting your own mind; it is dark and unsettling in the very best way.
A deliciously uncomfortable read, perfect for a dark stormy night in front of the fire. With a cushion. To hide behind.
May 5, 2026
This book was a journey... It delves deeply into the ugly side of love; obsession, possession and ruin.
Isla's story was heartbreaking to read, tormented, broken and defeated, the thing that finds her and offers a semblance of healing, is also the very thing that could break those last threads of humanity.
Kayla did an amazing job at really delving into the phsyche of both parties, I felt every conflicting emotion as Isla did - a sign of a well written book! I was morbidly fascinated throught, wondering what direction the story was going to take. I still don't know how I feel about the events that transpired, and that only cements the fact that the author did exactly what she set out to do!
Well done 👏🏻
Isla's story was heartbreaking to read, tormented, broken and defeated, the thing that finds her and offers a semblance of healing, is also the very thing that could break those last threads of humanity.
Kayla did an amazing job at really delving into the phsyche of both parties, I felt every conflicting emotion as Isla did - a sign of a well written book! I was morbidly fascinated throught, wondering what direction the story was going to take. I still don't know how I feel about the events that transpired, and that only cements the fact that the author did exactly what she set out to do!
Well done 👏🏻
June 1, 2026
From the very first page, I was hooked and found myself unable to put it down. The suspense kept building throughout the story, and I was constantly on edge, wondering what would happen next.
Kayla D Ward did a great job creating tension and weaving in unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages. While I don’t want to spoil anything, this is a dark and gripping story that explores abusive relationships, manipulation, and the lasting effects of trauma in a way that felt unsettling, compelling, relatable and important to acknowledge.
For a debut novel, this was seriously impressive, and I'm excited to see what this author writes next. If you like psychological horror, dark romance, and stories that keep you guessing, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a shot !!!!
Kayla D Ward did a great job creating tension and weaving in unexpected twists that kept me turning the pages. While I don’t want to spoil anything, this is a dark and gripping story that explores abusive relationships, manipulation, and the lasting effects of trauma in a way that felt unsettling, compelling, relatable and important to acknowledge.
For a debut novel, this was seriously impressive, and I'm excited to see what this author writes next. If you like psychological horror, dark romance, and stories that keep you guessing, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a shot !!!!
August 18, 2026
Wilder was such an uncomfortable read, but in a way that really worked for me. It gets so deep into trauma, isolation, and the way women can doubt themselves and be afraid to ask for help.
What really stuck with me was how trauma can completely change the way you see relationships and danger, to the point where you do not even recognize what is happening. Isla’s fear and uncertainty made this feel incredibly real and honestly unsettling.
Dark, disturbing, and definitely one that stayed with me.
What really stuck with me was how trauma can completely change the way you see relationships and danger, to the point where you do not even recognize what is happening. Isla’s fear and uncertainty made this feel incredibly real and honestly unsettling.
Dark, disturbing, and definitely one that stayed with me.
November 8, 2026
Idk how I ended up with forgetting the review!!!
Anyways, this book was absolute perfection! I read this a few months ago and now given the audiobook a listen, and absolutely loving it!
The psychological part is giving my brain the scratch that no dark romance ever could, the stalking feels so real and her fear and anxiety also feels so, so real. Kayla absolutely knows how to write well enough for you to forget that it’s all a book. She drags you into the book and makes you live in the story.
Anyways, this book was absolute perfection! I read this a few months ago and now given the audiobook a listen, and absolutely loving it!
The psychological part is giving my brain the scratch that no dark romance ever could, the stalking feels so real and her fear and anxiety also feels so, so real. Kayla absolutely knows how to write well enough for you to forget that it’s all a book. She drags you into the book and makes you live in the story.
May 28, 2026
I don’t think cute is the right word to describe this, but I definitely thought it. 😂
Such a perfect little story to feed all those cravings to have a monster own and protect them. Author says this isn’t a love story, I disagree because I definitely fell in love with Ciaran.
I just have two questions:
What happened to Mark?
When can we have Ciaran’s backstory?
Such a perfect little story to feed all those cravings to have a monster own and protect them. Author says this isn’t a love story, I disagree because I definitely fell in love with Ciaran.
I just have two questions:
What happened to Mark?
When can we have Ciaran’s backstory?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2026
I'm so obsessed with this book. The perfect balance of suspense, thriller and a dash of romance. Kayla sets the perfect pace in the first half of the book to introduce the characters and set the scene all while building the tension. But once we hit the second half, oh wow, what a thrilling ride. If you are a fan of dark fiction and psychological thrillers, this is a must read.
May 14, 2026
I have literally just finished this book. If I could give this book 6 stars I really would. Every chapter kept me on the edge of my seat. The suspense, the plot twists, the tension, the spice. I loved every bit of it.
April 24, 2026
Isla sought peace in the windswept solitude of the Scottish Highlands, believing the remote village would be the place to finally heal from her past. Surrounded by mist-covered mountains and silence, she thought she had left the shadows behind—until the feeling of being alone began to feel like a lie.It starts with small, impossible details: objects moved when her back was turned, lights in the distance where no house stands, the distinct sensation of eyes following her through the trees. As the line between reality and nightmare begins to blur, Isla wonders if her trauma is playing tricks on her mind, or if something far more sinister has been waiting for her all along. Because someone is watching. Someone who knows her deepest scars, who studies every breath she takes, and who believes that protecting her means possessing her. What began as a refuge has become a prison, and as the barrier between safety and danger collapses, Isla discovers that escaping the past was never an option. She didn’t outrun the darkness; she simply walked straight into its heart.
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Genre: Dark Phycological Romance
Pages: 306
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Tropes or Themes: New beginnings, Domestic violence, Drugs, Stalker, Obsession, Trauma, Fear masquerade as desire, Morally Black MMC, "you were never alone", Manipulation, Gaslighting, Torture, Kidnapping
Check Triggers
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I found myself completely wrapped up in the FMCs experience—almost reacting to things as if I were right there with her. You can really sense her emotions, which makes the whole journey feel intense and personal. At times, it’s frustrating in a very intentional way—you find yourself internally urging the main character to see what’s happening and get out.
The story lingers in your thoughts, especially with its strong psychological focus. It explores the character’s past struggles in a way that feels raw and honest. Even though I had a sense of where things were going, the way it unfolded kept me interested, and I genuinely enjoyed the storytelling throughout. I do however wish we learn more as to why the MMC chose Isla and have more background story to him. Overall it was such a good read! Do Check Triggers
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Genre: Dark Phycological Romance
Pages: 306
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Tropes or Themes: New beginnings, Domestic violence, Drugs, Stalker, Obsession, Trauma, Fear masquerade as desire, Morally Black MMC, "you were never alone", Manipulation, Gaslighting, Torture, Kidnapping
Check Triggers
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I found myself completely wrapped up in the FMCs experience—almost reacting to things as if I were right there with her. You can really sense her emotions, which makes the whole journey feel intense and personal. At times, it’s frustrating in a very intentional way—you find yourself internally urging the main character to see what’s happening and get out.
The story lingers in your thoughts, especially with its strong psychological focus. It explores the character’s past struggles in a way that feels raw and honest. Even though I had a sense of where things were going, the way it unfolded kept me interested, and I genuinely enjoyed the storytelling throughout. I do however wish we learn more as to why the MMC chose Isla and have more background story to him. Overall it was such a good read! Do Check Triggers
September 7, 2026
This book shoves you into the deep end of the tension pool without caring if you can swim. Your immediately left drowning in the same unease and fear of the FMC. The depth of the characters is fantastic and well written and I'm intrigued for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews