Baby Widow

Prim & Poison #1

by Sydney Taylor

Baby Widow Makes a Home in Murder House

The media can say what they want about Chloe Stark, daughter of the infamous serial killer, the Black Widow. It won’t change the fact that she has three dead stepdads and not a care in the world.

Carrying on her mother’s legacy is causing bigger problems than tabloid drama. The local teacher who just surfaced from the bottom of the lake, for example. And the family man she just turned into mountain lion lunch.

And her biggest problem of all is that she’s in love with the man who put her mother in prison, and he’s in love with the idea of her in a jail cell.

Detective Colin Mills knows the Black Widow’s daughter isn’t as innocent as she pretends, that she might have had a hand in the grisly murders her mother committed. But the more time he spends on his chaotic hunt to find evidence that will put Chloe away, the further his obsession drives him over the thin line between truth and temptation and into the tangles of her web—and he’s far from the only one.

When everything he thought he knew starts to slip away from him, Colin has to decide what’s more important: the rules he thinks he believes in, or the woman who breaks every one of them.

TROPES: unhinged vigilante fmc / morally grey detective mmc / hate to love / grumpy x sunshine / cat x mouse / small town / she falls first

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Stalker, Thriller, Fiction, Dark

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

A psychological thriller lover turned romance fanatic, Sydney Taylor writes books that are a combination of all the dark & dreamy vibes you crave to keep you on the edge of your page.

Sydney is a sugar-obsessed animal lover who thinks pigeons are misunderstood. She’s an avid reader of all things that keep your blood flowing, your thighs clenching, and your mind wondering.

Sydney enjoys reading and writing plot twists, thinks everything is urgent, and feels the most grounded when she's with her almost-husband and their two dogs and two cats.

When she’s not huddled over her laptop or Kindle at four a.m., she can be found knuckles deep in a bag of Sour Patch or in her backyard.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Book Review✨

I am so obsessed with this book!

This story follows Chloe, a vigilante serial killer, and Colin, the detective who is convinced she’s guilty and obsessed with bringing her down.

This book was literally wild! I absolutely loved Chloe. She’s completely unhinged if you cross her, but she’s such a lover girl when it comes to Colin. I loved that she fell first, and honestly, it was adorable. You couldn’t help but like her… seriously, if she wanted to kill you, I’d have to wonder what you did 😂

Colin is sooo serious. He’s dealing with concerns about his mom’s health while being completely obsessed with convicting Chloe for the local murders he’s convinced she committed. I loved watching him slowly noticing her in a different light, both mentally and sexually. At first, he had her pegged as nothing more than a monster, so it was really satisfying watching his perspective gradually change.

This book had total Brynne Weaver’s vibes (minus the eyes… IYKYK). There’s definitely violence, but I felt it was fairly mild.

Literally, I swear to God, I grabbed my mouth in full on OMG when Colin finally confronts Chloe over the murders in the book. This writing is top tier dark romance! The ending was straight fire. It was so well done!

I enjoyed this book so much that I immediately looked up what else Sydney Taylor has written. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!

[Adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Baby Widow and I devoured it in less than 24 hours.

I liked the little twists that kept me intrigued on what Chloe and her mum’s history was, the group of women supporting and protecting each other, protective Chloe - yes, protective Colin - yes!

A stabby romance with an enemies to lovers trope is hitting each tick on my wish list. The pacing made it a really easy read and it dealt with some serious themes but was over all sassy and playful.

If you like Kill the Puckers by Sam Evans, Knife to Meet You by K.N. Wilder or Black Sheep by Alexa Harlowe and Brynne Weaver- you’ll like this book.

[Marija Unkind · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal! I can’t even express how much I loved it! If I could, I would give it ♾️ stars!🥹

First, the story had me in such a tight grip that I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Everything was so well balanced and beautifully written 🖤

Chloe was a perfect character! I loved her humor and obsessive personality. It’s so refreshing to read a book where the FMC is the unhinged one and has so much fun with the MMC.

Detective Colin was an MMC I wasn’t sure about at the beginning, but I quickly grew to love him too! I mean, he was obsessed in a different way. The anger and lust intertwining and clouding his judgment made him incredibly fun to read about.

This is one of those books that will become a must-read for me, one that I’ll recommend with my whole heart. It’s a beautiful story about two people on opposite sides of justice who are ultimately working toward the same goal.
I can’t wait to read the second book in the story about other characters!

Thank you to Sydney Taylor, Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC 🖤
All opinions are my own.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review - great story, finished in one sitting - could not put this down! Loved how the story evolved and enjoyed the twists and turns.

Can’t wait for the next in this series!!!

[Taylor Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
WOW this was so good! Sydney Taylor did such an incredible job and capturing my attention and not letting it go for a second! I absolutely fell in love with Chloe & Colin, their banter and dynamic was everything i needed it to be. This story had everything - suspense, humor, romance, spice, twist & turns, i couldn’t put it down! I cannot wait for the second book to come out!
Thank you so much, Sydney Taylor, for the opportunity to read your work of art!

[Jen Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the extreme pleasure of reading an ARC copy of Baby Widow by Sydney Taylor!! And girl, Sydney this book was FANTASTIC!!! I couldn’t put it down!! Love Chloe and Colin so much tension in their relationship and it was HOT!! Absolutely recommend this book to EVERYONE when it comes out !!! Absolutely worth the read!!!

Who doesn’t love a morally grey FMC and the equally Grey Detective who can’t help but fall for the daughter of someone he arrested and put in prison. And the twist of who her dad is wow absolutely great twist!!!

[Erika Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:
She’s a serial killer, and he’s a morally grey detective.
This dark romcom was everything I needed it to be! The hate to love was perfect, the banter was amazing, and her snarky attitude was my favorite.
“What season is it”
“It’s you”
Ughhhh. I cannot wait for book 2, you should add this to your tbr immediately!

[Sasha | omgitssmk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweat beads across the forehead of the man tied to the tree in front of the lake as I double check the knots around his wrists and legs to make sure they are both tight and secured. He's still knocked out from the transportation ride here but, then again, it's also probably from the elephant tranquilizer I stuck in his backside as he was making his way through the parking lot from his large glass building he hides himself within 8 hours, Monday through Friday.

Every day at 4:45 PM, he wraps up on his computer, packs up his bag, and makes his way to the parking lot by 5:00 PM. And at 5:10 PM, he would be making his way to a sketchy building three blocks over where he gets out of his car at 5:25 PM to then arrive at 5:28 PM to sign in for his weekday appointment he has scheduled at 5:30 PM each evening. That is, he would have been making his way three blocks over if I didn't intercept at 5:05 PM, which is the plan I had laid out in my color coordinated schedule & logbook plan I created for the team.

I look at my phone to check the time and smile, the "Type A" in me happy that I'm keeping good with my plan and scheduled timings for this "event", or "hunt" as Chole likes to call it. My original goal was to have Mr. Sweat tied up and ready for Chole by 7:00 PM - which is now 6:50 PM - 10 minutes ahead of schedule. Satisfied with my work, I notice the large man stirring just a bit, showing that the effects of the tranquilizer are starting to wear off. I pick up my phone and make a call.

The phone rings for a few seconds where an "automated message" seems to begin playing...

"Hi, Chole can't come to the phone right now. She's too busy being awesome and watching her future husband attempt to find his car that I just so happen to have stolen three hours ago. Please leave your name, number, and..."

"BEEP. Hi, this Sasha. You can reach me back at 'Get-Your-Ass-Here-In-The-Next-Five-Minutes' and I'd like to leave a message about 'You Have Four Minutes Left…'"

"Okay, okay....geeze, calm down....I'm here. I did read the Excel Document you sent out you know - even though you DO know that it's completely unnecessary, right?"
Chole emerges from the two trees behind me, phone to her ear, and smiling. She's wearing her typical outfit of choice and raises a questioning eyebrow at me.

Okay, fine - I can sometimes go over the top with my organization...but to be fair, it does keep us on track and efficient in our "hunts" that we do.

"And we all know the team would fall apart without me if I didn't do it - so good to see you are on the same page."

I smirk while standing with my arms crossed, tipping my head at Mr. Sweat who, from a full background check, is Mr. Gregory Johnson. Greg, while perfect on paper for everyone to see, actually has a dark side to him - so much so that he signs himself up three blocks away for an appointment with his partner in crime, and discusses their latest inclusions in their trafficking ring operation. Just like week, we picked up Christian Ramirez who was abusing both his wife and children (and just so happened to have a part of the trafficking ring) and who Greg and his teammates are frantically trying to locate after losing their last "shipment" of women & children they were expecting that MONDAY night. It's such a shame that he "accidentally" fell of that cliff on the side of the road during his ride home from work. And for our buddy Greg here, well, that's up to Chole. She IS our artistic "mastermind".

"Tranquilizer is about to wear off in about two minutes and then it's all you….anything else you need before I head off?"

"Nope - I think I have everything I need for this slimeball and will call you when It's finished."

Baby Widow by Sydney Taylor was an absolute fun ride and was so excited to see that I was selected to receive an ARC from NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op before it releases on JULY 07, 2026! If you are a fan of dark humor, a little bit of mystery, a little bit of yearning romance, and all tied up with a "can't put down" attitude, this is definitely one to add as your next read this coming JULY.

Let's start off with a quick review of what to expect with this FANTASTIC read, part of the Prim & Poison series....

We meet our FMC, Chole, who is the daughter of the infamous serial killer known as "Black Widow" who has not killed just one, but three of her, now "ex", husbands, and has found herself thrown in prison for the crimes that she did, in fact, commit. As news of this spread, Chole has been labeled from the news, press, and tabloids, as "Baby Widow", and could the media not be more right than that. Just like her mother, she has been carrying on the legacy, but doing so in a more "safe" and "private" way than her mother had. Unfortunately, with the turn up of one of Chole's most recent kills earlier than it should have surfaced, this has triggered our MMC Colin, the Detective who had put her mother in jail, to see how things are unfolding as he's always had a suspicion that Chole was up to no good and tied to any murders happening within their small town.

Fortunately for Chole, she has no ties nor evidence showing she was even apart of this but Colin knows better and has been trying to pinpoint Chole as not only an accomplice to her mother's doing but also to any new murders that have been showing up around town. But that obsessiveness from Colin looks to be stemming from something much more than just wanting to place Chole behind bars...in fact, it could be possible that Colin is obsessed with Chole for reasons that he is scared to admit. Chole on the other hand, has no issue with understanding what his true intentions are with his obsession and will do ANYTHING to make sure Colin sees this too. Then again, if you ask Chole, wasn't he always hers from the beginning?

When combining this with a few of the tropes that you will find....

🕷️Dark Romantic Horror Comedy
🕷️Grumpy MMC x Sunshine FMC
🕷️Morally Gray MCs
🕷️Unhinged Obsessiveness
🕷️Opposites Attract
🕷️Only One Bed
🕷️Hate To Love

This is setting us up for a wild ride of mystery, suspense, romance, and the most delicious plot that will keep you on your toes and foaming at the mouth for more!

One of the things I really admired about this book is how the flow of the storyline kept you in a tight grip of anxiety as you are uncovering different twists and turns. When you think you have something figured out, something else takes a turn which puts you thinking about what this new unveiling meant and how this had happened from what you previously had read. The best part about this is that author does this so seamlessly that it works REALLY WELL which is very hard for authors to do when they are writing a story. Many times that I've read books that provide similar "twists and turns", it comes up in a such a way that feels hurried and what mainly looks to be an afterthought. With Sydeny Taylor, you find how well thought out the storyline was from her end and how every moment and every little detail had a purpose which contributed to those twists and turns revealing themselves.

Also, the humor within this book and personality of Chole was *chef's kiss*. I mean, seriously, she is the best friend that I would want on my team and see so much of myself within her. That obsessiveness and snarky attitude, mixed with Harley Quinn dark/satire humor, really takes the cake here with this story and found myself grinning ear to ear just waiting for the next thing to come out of her mouth.

On the other side of that, I would note that our MMC Colin was someone that I needed a little more time to get used to. In a way, that chemistry between them was apparent and did show throughout their interactions. But I feel so though I wanted more from Colin - I wanted to really see the struggle on his side and the strong YEARNING that begins cracking against his steel walls he puts around him. While we get glimpses of it - I felt as though at times that "obsessiveness" or "interest" was only because she was "pretty" and he "like the way she looked" - almost just "lust" rather than "love". I wanted to see that turmoil happen on the pages and truly be able to feel that indecisiveness he was going through in his interactions with Chole both in person and on his own. Don't get me wrong, you start to see this more as you read through, but I think this would have resulted in better execution if we were to see this a little earlier on and understood him a bit more. In other words, I found myself thinking that Chole was delusional at times which should have never been the case at any point reading the story and starting to be suspicious of what Colin's true intentions really were.

Another note while reading this is I needed MORE of Micah. He was definitely someone I was interested in right from the beginning when he was introduced and found myself saying.."this is someone who would have a good story." With words stating "[he is] the entire digital forensics" and "jack of all trades and master of pretty much all of them"...how could you NOT be interested? Those who are the "jack of all trades" always end up being the most interesting people. And boy was I right....without giving anything away, just be sure to take note of this as you read through and see if you are on the same page as me. Then again, I might just have a thing for confident computer savvy boys....so I could just be biased.

Overall, I absolutely DEVOURED this book and CANNOT WAIT for the next one in the series to come out! The fast paced storyline mixed with the mystery plot and suspense really makes this one stand out and is an absolute need for everyone to add to their TBR this month when it comes out on JULY 07 2026.

[Brittany Revuelta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.

Chloe is the kind of FMC I can’t get enough of—confident, fearless, and completely unapologetic. Her zero-fucks-given attitude was everything. Honestly, I want to be like her when I grow up.

And then there’s Colin… or should I say Detective Daddy Mills. From the moment he realized Chloe was trouble, he couldn’t help wanting to get into trouble right alongside her. The chemistry between them was unreal. The pining, the tension, the constant push and pull… chef’s kiss. And that garage scene? Let’s just say I’ll be thinking about it for a while. ☺️

Even though Chloe fell first, Colin’s turning point was seeing her with his mom. That was the moment I knew he was in deeper than he wanted to admit. Still, I spent most of the book convinced he would eventually turn on her and send her to jail just like he did her mother. As the clues started coming together and the red flags kept piling up, he still couldn’t stop caring about her, and that made their relationship even more compelling.

Then those final chapters hit. The twists came so fast my head could barely keep up. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story pulled the rug out from under me again.

I loved everything about this book—the characters, the romance, the tension, the mystery, and all the shocking reveals. Now I’m impatiently waiting for Micah and Maeve’s story because after finishing this one, I need answers and I need them immediately. 📚❤️

[Analisia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby Widow by Sydney Taylor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

This book was such a wild ride and I loved every minute of it. This book follows the vigilante Chloe and detective Colin, a sizzling romance, and a mystery unfolding. The YEARNING in this book was absolutely to die for! I found myself dying to see the spark turn into a full blown blaze. I found it so hard to put this book down, I honestly really loved everything about it. Sydney’s writing is just absolutely amazing. She created such great and complex characters, I loved getting to know them, and there are even characters that have me sooo intrigued to know more about them. I highly recommend this book for my dark romance lovers with a hint of rom-com and hate to love. I’m already hooked on this series and I need book 2 asap lol.

✨Baby Widow release July 7th! Get your preorders in now✨

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe and Colin! What a perfectly imperfect pairing these two turned out to be! Thanks to the blurb, I knew what I was getting into with Baby Widow but experiencing their intense interactions with each other was on a whole new level. Chloe was my absolute favorite. She was confident, determined and knew her own mind. No wishy washy behavior, a real lady boss.

Clint was our good boy on his morally high ground trying desperately to fight off his fascination with Chloe. To say I enjoyed watching him squirm a little and finally have a break through, is an understatement. I was mad shipping them because they honestly are perfect for each other. The murder mystery was just a bonus subplot 😋

I loved the humor and the chemistry between the MCs but also the sharp bite of distrust and mystery that played out on page because it hooked me and kept me on the edge of my seat.

This is a stand-alone (no cliffy) but is the start of a new series that will focus on a new couple/murder mystery each book so I'm hoping this isn't the last we'll be seeing of Chloe and Colin because I will miss them! That said, I'm excited for the rest of the Terror Trio to find their HEA - each one brings something unique to the table and I just know their stories are going to wild with just the right amount of unhinged chaos!

Favorite Bits:
🖤 The Terror Trio
🖤 The paint session
🖤 Chloe!!

♡♡♡

"You can be a little good and a little bad. It doesn't make you rotten.

♡♡♡


SAFETY INFO:
Ages :

Cheating : None.

OM/OW drama : None.

Separation : None.

Triggers/Tropes/Content Warnings: Dual Stalking, murder, kidnapping, violence, dom/sub themes, bondage, spanking/punishment, primal play, orgasm control, praise kink, childhood trauma, family drama, toxic relationship, love/hate romance, distrust, serial killer FMC, Detective MMC, vigilante justice, mention of past sexual abuse/assault, revenge

HEA/HFN : HEA

[Plushy Diva Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby Widow had me hooked from the very first chapter!

Colin returns home after a year away and immediately finds himself drawn back into a case he probably should’ve left alone. As a detective, he can’t quite ignore the questions surrounding Chloe, and watching him navigate that tension made for such an addictive read.

Can we please talk about Chloe for a second? The confidence this woman carries is absolutely unmatched. She walks into situations with the kind of bold certainty most of us only dream about having. The way she approaches life, relationships, and the people she cares about was both refreshing and surprisingly heartwarming. She completely won me over.

And Maeve? I adored her. Every scene she appeared in felt like a gift.

I also need to confess that I laughed way harder than I should have at the line, “The third man, Chase, is still on the run.” For some reason my brain immediately turned it into a dad joke and I spent several minutes giggling like an absolute fool.

One thing I really appreciated was the balance between romance and plot. There’s a little bit of spice, but the story itself takes center stage. Sometimes you want a romance that’s driven by mystery, suspense, and character development with just a sprinkle of seasoning, and this delivered exactly that.

As for the twists? Honey, prepare yourself. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story said, “Bless your heart,” and pulled the rug right out from under me. My jaw practically lived on the floor.

I absolutely loved the ending for Chloe and Colin, but I was equally invested in seeing how things worked out for Caroline. It left me feeling satisfied while still making me desperate for more.

And speaking of more…Micah. Um, just a quick question… What exactly do you have going on over there? Because I have questions, concerns, and a feeling that Book 2 might contain the kind of delicious obsession-filled chaos I can never resist. Needless to say, I’ll be there.

[Spreading Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I probably shouldn't want to kiss the man who put my mother in prison, but I'm just dying to find out if that sweet blend of poison I see in his eyes lingers on his tongue, as well."

You could put this Dark RomCom in a lineup with the most popular Dark RomComs (Into Darkness Series, The Ruinous Love Trilogy, Cat and Mouse, Seasons of Carnage) and it would fit right in without a doubt in my mind. It was an amazing read, and followed all the expected emotions of a Dark RomCom plus more for me. Do NOT miss getting your hands on this one!

There were so many twists and turns along the way. Detective X Vigilante FMC? Daughter of the famous Black Widow...misunderstood or perhaps exactly what is expected? Both of the MCs had to find their way through their feelings all while exacting revenge against deadbeat fathers, husbands, human traffickers, dirty caretakers and more. The web has been spun and we can only hope we can sort our way through it along the way.

I could not stop reading this book, and I already can't wait for the next book in the series. The characters are all fascinating. The duology between wrong and right is a continuous theme and it will have you questioning everything you know. The banter and quick wit you find within these pages is going to leave you starving for more. Luckily for us, there is a whole set of supporting little psychos for us to get to know in the next book....

"my feelings towards her have gone from I'm going to f&cking kill her, to, I'm going to f&cking kill anyone who touches her."

🩵 Hilarious Dark Rom-Com
🕷️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🕸️ Detective/Serial Killer
🩵 Morally Grey Detective MMC
🕷️ Bubbly Serial Unaliver MFC
🕸️ Mutual Stalking
🩵 Cat x Mouse
🕷️ Hate to Love!
🕸️ Banter and Tension
🩵 Undeniable Chemistry
🕷️ Touch her and d*e
🕸️ Small Town
🩵 She Collects Dead Wildlife
🕷️ Insane Plot Twists
🕸️ Bad Girls Gone Unhinged

*This was an ARC read, and I am counting the seconds until the second book is here*

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute privilege of being both an Alpha/Beta reader and receiving an ARC (plus a gorgeous physical copy!), and watching this story evolve has been such an incredible experience. Even knowing what was coming, I was completely obsessed from beginning to end.

This book is delightfully deranged in the absolute best way. Calling it a rom-com feels both completely accurate and wildly misleading. It isn’t laugh-out-loud funny—it’s the kind of humour that has you pausing to think, “Well… that’s deeply concerning… and somehow hilarious.” The comedy comes from the sheer absurdity of the situations and the completely unhinged characters, and it works so well.

Chloe is the kind of FMC you can’t help but root for, despite the ever-growing body count. She’s delightfully chaotic, unapologetically unhinged, and somehow manages to make vigilantism feel… oddly wholesome. Colin is the perfect foil—morally grey, stubborn, and completely consumed by his obsession with proving she’s guilty, only to find himself equally obsessed with her. Watching these two circle each other in their twisted game of cat and mouse was one of my favourite parts of the book. Their chemistry is electric, and the tension is just as addictive as the mystery.

The Baby Widow reveal was everything I hoped it would be, and I loved how effortlessly this story balanced its darker thriller elements with an unexpectedly sweet romance. The grumpy x sunshine dynamic, hate-to-love tension, small-town setting, razor-sharp banter, and Chloe falling first all came together to create something wonderfully unique. Every chapter had me wondering how Chloe was going to charm—or manipulate—her way out of whatever mess she’d created next.

If you love morally questionable characters, serial killer shenanigans, “touch them and you’ll disappear” energy, and romances that make you question your own moral compass, this book is absolutely for you. It’s dark, quirky, twisted, oddly funny, and completely unforgettable. Easily one of my favourite reads of the year, and I already can’t wait for everyone else to meet Chloe and Colin.

Thank you Sydney Taylor for having me on your team! This review is only my opinion.

[Aida Rivero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baby Widow
By Sydney Taylor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sydney Taylor has officially delivered the ultimate unhinged dark rom-com. The story follows Chloe Stark, the daughter of a notorious "Black Widow" serial killer, who is desperately trying to outrun her mother's blood-soaked legacy. She moves into a local "Murder House" in a small town, hoping for a fresh start, only to find herself performing her own brand of vigilante justice. The plot takes a sharp, spicy turn when she crosses paths with Detective Colin Mills, a man whose singular obsession is putting a Stark behind bars. Their dynamic is the definition of "cat and mouse," fueled by a "she falls first, but he falls harder" energy that kept me turning pages until 2 AM.
What makes this book stand out is the perfect balance between high-stakes thriller and laugh-out-loud dark humor. Chloe is a fascinatingly chaotic FMC—she’s prim, she’s poisonous, and she’s definitely not your average damsel in distress. Watching her try to navigate a "normal" life while Colin breathes down her neck (sometimes literally) creates a delicious tension. Colin is the perfect foil; he’s a morally grey detective who is torn between his duty to the law and his growing, undeniable attraction to the very woman he’s supposed to arrest.
Overall, the "Murder House" setting provides a moody, atmospheric backdrop for a romance that feels both dangerous and surprisingly heartfelt. The chemistry is explosive, the plot twists are sharp, and the small-town vibes add a layer of coziness to an otherwise dark and twisted tale. If you love the "he’s obsessed with catching her" trope and a heroine who isn't afraid to get her hands a little dirty, this is a must-add to your TBR. I am already desperate for the next installment in the Prim & Poison series!

10/10 Would recommend this book to all family and friends.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc and am leaving a review at my own discretion

This book was a great mix of comedy, romance, and fmc vigilante rage: i am here for it! If you want a book that has Lights Out and Mindf*ck vibes then this is definitely it.

Chloe is such a likeable FMC! She is absolutely unhinged, hilarious, fun, and quirky. I loved her attitude and the way she navigated the trials in her life, Colin, and her friendships. The ways he handles Colin reminds me of the way the book community navigates biker posts 😂 IYKYK

Colin is the complete opposite to Chloe and he is equally unhinged, cranky, and super serious. Watching him froth after the very person he should be investigating is top tier, he openly admits to being completely out of line and genuinely cbf. The way he worships the ground this girl walks on later in the series is amazing but I love that he also can understand why she is who she is and sees why she is the way she is.

The supporting characters were also great and the scenes were fun, suspenseful at times, and openly made me laugh out loud. Towards the end, the plot became a lil' sloppy for me and there wasn't much foreshadowing or build up to reveal the main antagonistic for me. Regardless, it still was a good read and I would advise taking trigger warnings seriously as there were some indirect consent moments that can be triggering for people. I appreciate that the author was so transparent with these as I wasn't blindsided at all like other arcs i've DNF for this very reason!

Sydney created some really incredible and fun characters and I must say, this genuinely made me giggle out loud and add dark romantic comedy to my new liked genre list. I definitely will continue on with this series and look forward to seeing where Colon and Chloe end up in their adventure.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic dark romcom that I couldn’t put down!

I loved the cat and mouse routine these two had, as well as the sexy taunting Chloe put Colin through. Chloe had fallen first for Colin, despite having mixed feelings since he was the one to put her mom in prison, but that didn’t stop her from becoming obsessed with the man always on her tail. And Colin, beautiful and conflicted Colin. I loved watching him oscillate between what was the law, what was his gut feeling, and what may have been illegal but felt just to him. His emotions and feelings for Chloe being all over the place were complex and wonderfully done that I could feel the stress and turmoil coming off him while reading. I was very happy with where things shook out and some of their…sexy punishments along the way.

Most of all, I loved the found family we got in this book! We had our MCs Chloe and Colin who were obviously front and center in this book. I think they were the perfect couple to kick off this series and set the tone/background for the rest of the series to come. We then had Stella and Stone, the best friends to hopefully lovers (crossing my fingers y’all!). Stella is much the “mom” of the group with the way she thinks and how skeptical she is, even in a group of vigilantes who are all pretty skeptical. I have a feeling she experienced her traumas at a much younger age and much more of it than the others in the group, and her friend Stone is going right along with her because he’s in love with her. I really need them to have a murder road trip romance book and the best F*ck it moment as childhood besties to lovers!! Lastly, we have Micah and Maeve. From the beginning, these two intrigued me in how much intel each of them were able to get for Colin and Chloe, respectively. Micah definitely has a backstory and is not hiding his morally greyness with Colin, while Maeve appears to have a stalker…we’ll see what comes of that, but I absolutely need them to end up together!!

Thank you Sydney Taylor for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

4.25 stars!

[Melissa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe & Colin

Colin and Chloe grew up together in the small town of Devil's Peak. Colin went into the police force. Chloe- well Chloe and her mother became household names. 3 different men. 3 different deaths. And a mother in Prison. Colin was the one who put her there. Chloe was the one he suspected.

Chloe grew up fast. Never knowing her real father, her mother was a known name. Finding the sex trafficking ring, and taking them down- that was how she made her millions. But she sure couldn't pick step-fathers for Chloe. They were all monsters.

Colin has been gone from town for a year. Chloe hasn't stopped her pursuit of justice. So when Colin comes back in town- Chloe has just the answer. For her to continue being the "baby widow", she just has to make Colin fall in love with her first. But in her pursuit- she finds herself loving him. all of him. Even if he is on the wrong side of the "justice" system.
Colin is starting to believe that Chloe isn't who he suspected. He sees a different side of her. The side that volunteers at the women and children's shelter. The woman who puts her friends needs first. The woman who puts her mother before herself as well.

But was it all a lie?

Colin can't stop his feelings for Chloe. And with his boss ragging on him, and telling him that he's getting too close- he does it anyway. Because he knows that she's more than meets the eye. There's 2 sides of Chloe. He wants to see both of them. But will the law be his choice? Or will he choose her?

Thank you so much Sydney for allowing me to be on your ARC team. The banter and the fun woven throughout such a serious story line is what made me love this book even more. A cross between Navessa Allen and Brynne Weaver- the writing was great and the story was even better! I enjoyed Devil's Peak- and I cannot wait to see what becomes of book 2! Let's go to Summer Camp!

[Jess23Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe Stark has been living in the attention drawn to her as being the daughter of the infamous serial killer Black Widow. Her mother is in prison and there are three stepdads dead but Chloe Stark has not many cares in the world.

What many don't realize is that Chloe has been carrying on her mother's legacy despite her shun of the coined nickname of Baby Widow that the press has labeled her with. Chloe isn't your average killer as she is more of a vigilante helping women that have been abused or trafficked or worse to set them free and on to better lives.

Colin Mills is the detective that doesn't believe Chloe is as isn't as she seems. The pair despite their better judgement are drawn to each other beyond the ways and reasoning of the investigation. The two attempt to resist the attraction but as time is spent together the two come together with heat and passion and the feral hunger that can only be sourced from resisting attraction for so long.

As the two become closer the Black Widow murders come back to light and Colin realizes that perhaps he wasn't looking in the right place. The revelation leaves Chloe and Colin questioning everything when it comes to their relationship. After all how possible can a relationship between a killer and a detective work out?

For me Baby Widow was an enjoyable dark romance read. It was quirky and fun, I enjoyed seeing the split sides of Chloe's personality from being the killer to the sweet, caring woman. Her interactions with Colin's mom are so well done and I really enjoyed them as it helped the reader understand Chloe's 'why'. I highly recommend Baby Widow if you want a dark romance read with a great plot and amazing characters. Until next time,, happy reading!

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby Widow, book one of the Prim & Poison series written by Sydney Taylor, is an intense and somewhat unconventional romance between a woman haunted by her dark past and the detective determined to bring her to justice! I was immediately drawn to the book, and I love trying out new authors. The book blends crime thriller, dark romance, and rom-com chaos in a way that works wonderfully.

The book follows Chloe Stark, a woman whose life has been defined by the suspicious deaths of her three stepfathers. She is known to the media as the “Baby Widow.” Her path intersects with Detective Colin Mills, who has spent years obsessing over proving Chloe’s guilt. Their relationship is a high-stakes power struggle, fueled by mutual suspicion, intense attraction, and a commitment to their own personal versions of justice. Chloe leads a dual life, trying to maintain normalcy while concealing her dedication to, um… eliminating individuals. The story does challenge the traditional notion of right and wrong by blurring the lines between hero and villain.

Both Chloe and Colin desire familial protection. With Chloe protecting her mom and Colin’s worried about his mother’s safety, they both wish to shield those they love from harm. I enjoyed watching Chloe and Colin’s connection flourish even in the presence of darkness. I enjoyed the balance of tones. Baby Widow can be dark and violent at times, but it also has humor, banter, mystery, and romance woven throughout. The side characters and small-town elements also added a lot to the book. They helped build a world that felt bigger than just Chloe and Colin.

Thanks to Sydney Taylor for gifting me an eARC of Baby Widow. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colin and Chloe’s story.

This was a unique read. Was definitely surprised the capt. is secretly her dad.

The thing about this story is that some parts felt to fast and other parts felt too slow. Definitely think this an author who will develop their craft and I’ll be loving every minute of their story’s. For now however, it’s really something I could take or leave.

Chloe’s mom is in prison for not killing 1, not 2, but 3 of her husbands. Come to find out it was really Chloe doing the murdering and her mom and secret dad doing the cover up. Colin’s, a police detective, suspects all along it was Chloe but the closer he got to her the less sure he was about his feelings for her. Chloe’s had feelings all along so she’s down for his stalking ways whatever the reason.

I appreciate the author not really mentioning that Chloe was raped repeatedly by her stepfather’s. It was handled with a lot of sensitivity. However, because it was barely mentioned it felt like both characters never dealt with the situation. Kind of makes Colin look I sensitive. Kind of makes Chloe look like she’d have been a murder regardless of this evil situation she was placed in. Also, makes her mom seem horrible because what do you mean you protected your daughter for the first 18 years and then just let terrible men stick around and hurt you both. At this point maybe she should have just stayed in jail. Good riddance to bad rubbish and all that. Makes even less sense when the mom goes to the capt. after the murders but not all the times before that when she so desperately sought police help but never got any 🤔


Micah and Maeve are the next story and based on epilogue 2, I think I’ll come back to the series and read it.

[Bitzreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

 (I received an ARC copy of this book, however all thoughts are my own) 

In a genre filled with great books, Baby Spider fits in well. 

Baby Widow is the story of a serial killer and a cop trying to catch them. However it is he who gets caught in her web. 

At first we meet Chloe who I think made this book for me. I just loved her from the start. The further into the book the more unhinged you realise she is, she knows what she wants and she plans to get it. I think by simply just manifesting it. She wills it and so it is as well as having the perfect plan to draw him into her web. Then we meet Colin who I don’t think stood a chance. As he delves deeper into Chloes life not all is as he expects. I liked Colin, but I feel the book revolved around Chloe and we were all along for the ride. Their chemistry was great. I liked their banter and the way that they bounced of one another. Though there was not too much spice I enjoyed what we had it. It might have been nice to have a little bit more. 

The other characters were fun and I enjoyed getting to see the bits of them (not saying too much because spoilers) and how the world was building and coming together. 

The story/plot was fun, a few mysteries and twists that I didn’t see coming. Things to keep you guessing as you go through the story. Added with a good amount of humour, some sadness, violence and a few bits of tension. It was fun and always a bonus when I don’t predict correctly. The story and romance might have been a bit slower than I would normally prefer. But I enjoyed the book as a whole. A satisfying conclusion and a hint of things to come, which after this book I really cannot wait to read the next. 

[LANA VERITY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have I mentioned that I love dark romantic comedies? No? Well, I love them. Have I mentioned that I love dark romantic comedies with a mystery sub-plot? No? I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THEM.
Sydney really managed to surprise me: the suspense kept me hooked until the very end, and I couldn't figure out who the traitor was.
And we are NOT going to stay quiet about how beautifully Chloe and Colin's feelings are described. WE. ARE. NOT.
First and foremost, the book's premise completely won me over: I love vigilante serial killers. But I love detectives who are obsessed with them even more. God, it was so good.
The "Terror Trio" consists of three girls, each with a differently scarred past. One of them is Chloe, who suffered domestic and sexual abuse alongside her mother, later known as the Black Widow.
Chloe is an incredibly resilient girl with her own quirks and traumas, yet despite all that, she remains a fascinating character who is a joy to watch.
Colin is the detective who put Chloe's mother behind bars. He doesn't stop there and wants to lock Chloe up too. He follows her, installs cameras in her house, and taps her phone. He is certain he's right.
As the plot unfolds, Chloe reveals a completely new side to him—so gentle, caring, and insanely sweet. Except... she and her friends are being hunted down.
I'll be honest, I didn't have a single clue who it could be... MY JAW LITERALLY DROPPED WHEN I FOUND OUT.
Thank you, Sydney, for such a mind-blowing book. It gave me so many emotions, ranging from laughter to total shock and disbelief.

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

venom in silk gloves. love wrapped in danger. and a romance that absolutely should not work—but does anyway.

Baby Widow kicks off the Prim & Poison series with a sharp, seductive edge that blends dark romance energy with a constantly simmering sense of threat. From the start, it feels like nothing here is truly safe—not the characters, not the relationships, and definitely not the choices being made.

The tone is deliciously tense. There’s a constant push-and-pull between attraction and distrust, like every soft moment is sitting right next to something sharp waiting to cut. The romance leans into that danger, giving us chemistry that feels less like slow-burning warmth and more like stepping too close to fire and not moving away.

The main character is compelling in a quietly lethal way—there’s a sense that survival has shaped every decision, and she’s far more aware of the game being played than she lets on. That layered edge makes her dynamic with the romance even more addictive, especially as secrets and intentions start to blur.

The plot moves with steady intensity, balancing character-driven tension with moments that hint at bigger, more dangerous stakes underneath the surface. It doesn’t rush, but it also never lets you fully relax, which suits the “poison disguised as prim” vibe perfectly.

There’s a strong sense of identity in this book—feminine, sharp, dangerous, and emotionally complicated. It knows exactly what it wants to be and commits fully to the aesthetic and tone.

[Destiny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaotic. Obsessive. Dangerous.

Sydney Taylor’s Baby Widow is an absolute masterclass in unhinged, dark romance that will completely wreck you from the very first page. Chloe Stark is the ultimate chaotic, vigilante anti-heroine—she’s the daughter of a serial killer, carrying on a deadly family legacy with a terrifyingly nonchalant charm. When she clashes with Detective Colin Mills, the morally gray investigator obsessed with putting her behind bars, the tension is instant fireworks. Their relationship is a breathtaking, high-stakes cat-and-mouse game where the line between hatred, obsession, and pure temptation completely evaporates. It hits every single small-town, grumpy-versus-sunshine note perfectly, wrapping you in a dark web of secrets that makes it impossible to put down.

What makes this book an absolute standout is the brilliant execution of the "she falls first, but he falls harder" dynamic. Watching Colin struggle against his rigid rules while drowning in his consuming fixation on Chloe is incredibly delicious. Taylor writes their dual tension with so much bite; every interaction feels like a dangerous dance where someone might end up dead or hopelessly in love—or both. If you are obsessed with fierce, unapologetic heroines, protective but deeply conflicted lawmen, and a plot overflowing with dark secrets and breathless freefalls, Baby Widow needs to be at the very top of your TBR list. It is an addictive, single-sitting read that delivers everything a dark romance lover could possibly crave.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect amount of comedy, mystery and romance. I read this in one day and it kept me intrigued the entire time. I love when a book has a stabby, sarcastic, comical female main character—and Chloe was all three. But not only that—she’s beautiful, caring and kind to those that mean the world to her. She’s a package deal and definitely someone you want on your side. Colin on the other hand is the opposite of her—a detective, serious, and currently working to find out the truth behind Chloe Stark. I loved that their relationship—if we call it than in the beginning—had history. There was so much slow burn and chemistry between them and it’s the type you just can’t help but swoon over. The banter they had was top tier and all because Chloe knows exactly what to say to Colin to push his buttons and question everything she says and does. They’re the perfect mix of unhinged and chill—and I love them for it. The story throughout was executed so well and it had me guessing at every turn. Twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Side characters I didn’t expect to have secrets. Maeve, Stella and Stone were the perfect addition of a found family for Chloe. As was Micah for Colin. The story, the characters, the mystery, the humor, the seriousness even—was all so well crafted. This was my first book by the author and it won’t be my last. I’m excited to see how the next book in this series plays out. I’m already invested in it knowing who it follows. And I can’t wait.

A big thank you to the author for the advanced copy. I’m so happy I got the chance to read and review it.

[Gabrielle Reavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baby Widow by Sydney Taylor is a gripping psychological thriller that blends mystery, dark humor, and suspense into a unique and unforgettable story. The novel follows Chloe Stark, a young woman whose troubled family history and dangerous choices create constant tension throughout the book.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its complex main character. Chloe is neither completely good nor completely evil, making her fascinating to follow. Taylor develops her personality in a way that keeps readers questioning her motives while revealing the emotional scars that shaped her. The story is filled with unexpected twists that keep the pages turning, and the fast-paced plot makes it difficult to put the book down.

Taylor's writing is vivid and engaging, creating an eerie atmosphere that perfectly matches the novel's dark themes. The mix of suspense, crime, and psychological drama keeps readers invested from beginning to end. Although some scenes are disturbing due to the violence and mature subject matter, they contribute to the overall tension and emotional impact of the story.

Overall, Baby Widow is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with morally complex characters and surprising plot twists. I would recommend this book to fans of dark suspense and crime fiction who are looking for a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. I would rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3/5 ★★★★★

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Oh my god. Where do I even start with this one?

You know the saying, she fell first, but he fell harder? This book is that saying brought to life.

Chloe, a serial killer, falls for Colin, a detective. What follows is a messy web of feelings, morality, and figuring out where the line between right and wrong actually lies. This book strikes such a good balance between plot, romance, and mystery and honestly? It ate.

Chloe is one of those FMCs that you probably shouldn't relate to, but somehow you end up rooting for her anyway. She's completely unhinged, unapologetically herself, and fiercely protective of the people she cares about. The way she handles situations and navigates her relationships, whether romantic or platonic, says so much about who she is as a character.

And Colin? He's her complete opposite. Serious, uptight, and very much a by the book kind of person. He has always seen the world in black and white, but meeting Chloe forces him to question things he never thought twice about before. Watching her slowly rub off on him was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book.

Sydney Taylor really impressed me with this one. Since this is the first book in the Prim & Poison series, I absolutely can't wait to see what kind of trouble Chloe, Colin, and their friends get themselves into next.

[Kimberly Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so enthralled and excited to read this after coming across the blurb for this story. I have been wanting a romance book that featured cop or detective because I come from a foundation of loving mystery reads with most featuring that occupation, therefore wondering how that could play out in a romance book. I may have had a slight expectation that wasn't quite met, and initially -to be honest- the writing style clashed a little with my inner reading voice making it seem choppy- not quite boding well or with ease for me specifically. At the beginning it almost came across as "juvenile". Everything that presented in the story was interesting, nonetheless. Baby Widow's character is very infectious, and I instantly loved her character.; her confidence and quirks. I loved the bigger premise or theme in the fact that nothing is actually "black or white" which gets displayed very well through this story. The main characters are perfect for each other. There was a lot going on and to unpack and throughout the read certain things become revealed to you which created continued interest. It was a solid read, some powerful 'scenes' and well-rounded as well as balanced. Just like Chloe knows already what Colin can't admit; inevitability in-- you are going to like it and now just have to wait for the next book because there is no way I am leaving. Ready for Micah and Meave!!

[MadReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun dark romance. Fans of Brynne Weaver will like this. The characters are definitely morally grey, and the book really delves into the concept of mortality as a whole. Chloe is labeled the "Baby Widow," after her mother is sent to prison after the mysterious deaths of her 3 subsequent husbands. She also happens to be a serial killer, and she is in the love with Colin, the detective who put her mother away. They have great chemistry and banter, and just can't seem to stay away from each other. Their lives connect like a tangled web. Who is right and who is wrong really looks different when one is a detective with the police. I like that this was acknowledged head on. Protecting victims is at the core of this novel. The small town really set the scene and the entire cast of characters were interesting, and well developed. It deliciously twisty. There were a few moments with awkward transitions where we seemed to jump from one scene to the next, and a few basic details with hospitals and medical treatment (or the lack there of) that went beyond my suspended disbelief but overall I had a great time reading this. I think this series has so much potential. I'm really looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.