Fractured: A Dark Stalker Toxic Love Retelling

by A.L. Maruga

She thinks she signed up for a game.

One night with no names, no mercy, and identities hidden with a mask.


One swipe right, and she becomes Red.

I become her hunter.

She believes she's meeting a stranger.

She's wrong.



I've been stalking her long before the app.

Heartbreak has made her reckless, and she's confessed her darkest desires out loud. Together, we're a toxic love story for the ages, but will it have a deadly ending? She belongs to me, regardless of my sins, and she always will.



In these woods, I make the rules.

This isn't a night of romance; it's primal instinct and dark obsession.

Toxic desire sharpened into hunger, and I'm ravenous.

She can't escape me now.



By morning, she'll understand the truth.

She wasn't here for the thrill. She was here for me, the hunter who's been waiting in the dark.

The man she has always belonged to.

Some love stories don't end happily.

They end in possession.


Author's This is a dark, erotic, horror-suspense-romance that contains obsessive themes, stalking behavior, and morally black characters, and is intended for mature readers. This book does not end with a HEA or HFN.

Genres: Dark

226 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2026

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you someone who dives headfirst into experiences, even when cautioned against them? That was my approach when I started this book. I ignored the warnings, so I can’t really blame anything that made me uncomfortable, as I chose to overlook the red flags.
These intense read features a range of themes that might drive many readers away, including dark stalking, murder, drugging, and a tumultuous lovers-to-enemies dynamic. It delves into morally ambiguous characters, obsession, and trauma, all wrapped in a narrative that is anything but conventional.
This isn’t just another dark romance; it’s a toxic love tragedy that blends erotic horror with suspense, guaranteed to evoke strong emotions and leave you feeling frustrated and unsettled.

Cordelie felt utterly humiliated and repulsed, her emotions in tatters after being betrayed by both her boyfriend(Noah) and her closest friend (Josslyn) , in two people she had trusted implicitly. In a desperate bid to regain control over her life and escape the pain of heartbreak, she decided to participate in a Valentine’s Hunt. She saw it as a game, a thrilling distraction that would help her move on.

However, she quickly realized the error in her judgment when she placed her trust in a stranger. What she thought would be a lighthearted adventure turned into a harsh lesson, leaving her to grapple with the consequences of her choices.

Man, don't even get me going on how Noah is a character that truly captivates and unsettles at the same time. His fixation on Cordelie goes beyond mere affection; it veers into the realms of possessiveness and predation, creating a chilling atmosphere. This obsession is not just disturbing; it adds layers to his character that make him fascinating within the narrative. In reality, someone like him would be a nightmare, but in the context of fiction, his psychological complexity keeps readers engaged and eager to turn the page.

What makes Noah particularly compelling is the way his character is meticulously crafted with unsettling psychological nuances. Each chapter reveals more about his dark motivations, drawing readers deeper into the story. This blend of terror and intrigue is what makes him stand out, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the book is finished

In conclusion, I can confidently say that I enjoyed this experience. The story certainly had a dark tone, which I found compelling.

However, the ending was a complete surprise and not at all what I anticipated. It left me shaken, as it diverged significantly from my expectations.

I have to be as unhinged as Noah because if I'm completely honest, even though there were moments when I was scared and other times when I felt disgusted., I actually ended up enjoying the darker aspects. The only thing I can truly say is, thank goodness this was all just in the author’s imagination and not actually true or was it?

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

WTF

[B B loves her books · Rating 5 out of 5]

holy smole that ending was crazy

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

It got me out of my reading slump!! This is like my Harleigh Beck era: very depraved (sexually), tense atmosphere, and just at my own comfort level for violent gore (I am not a fan of explicit gore in dark romance. It’s not my thing, but I am ok with violent moments).

Not OW-safe and not traditional HEA. I don’t want to say more than that because I found I enjoyed the book way more not knowing anything!

The whole book, I kept thinking wow the author is really making the hero commit to being a villain! After the ending, even more wow!! Little moments of humour in POV. Smut was good 🫣

I want to talk more about the characters so I’ll put it as a spoiler:

I don’t read a lot of cheating romances. This may be my second or third romance that deals with cheating. The author got me food tho, I thought the hero was able to be redeemed, although I didn’t understand why after 6 months, he decided to go after the heroine, or how the hero could continue to sleep with the OW even after he hooked up with the heroine. And the ending when he reveals what he did with OW after he slept her the final time- that was my personal out. I kept hoping he would be redeemed but he couldn’t come back after that, and I liked the heroine because she also felt for the OW. She didn’t deserve that. Both of them didn’t.

The character development was good enough that it gave me hope for their HEA. He cheated out of self-sabotage, he had a good thing with her, but knew it wouldn’t last. She also grew from the betrayal, not to say she needed it, but she got a lemon and she made lemonade. She wasn’t just a good girl, she had deeper desires. She wasn’t this delicate doll, although she was naive.

The author’s note says this was never going to end with them together, but in another world, I could have seen them make it up.

I will be reading more from A.L. Maruga!!

[NerdyWordyReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you looking for an unhinged, very dark, detailed spicy romance that does not end with a HEA? Than “Fractured” may be for you.

This book is filled with a lot of potential triggers. Ensure you look those up prior to reading.

In this story we follow Cordelie as she faces her own inner demons about being rejected by her now ex boyfriend, Noah. Not feeling worthy enough and blaming herself for things she shouldn’t, she makes a plan to do something WAY outside of her comfort zone that she hopes with help her move forward.

Meanwhile, Noah has his own plans. He knows he screwed up and damaged their relationship, but he is determined to get Cordelie back. That being by any means necessary.

Fractured is well written and enjoyable if you like dark, dark storylines and spicy, detailed scenes.

A lover who turned enemy then turned stalker.

The chapters changed with main characters and gave their individual points of view throughout the story. This chapters also included their inner thoughts and memories of the past.

The print/paperback of this book is stunning. With black and white photos, colourful full page illustrations and white text.

[Sylvia Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't your typical happy ever after. Cordelie is broken after she caught Noah cheating on her with her best friend. Try as she might she just can't help but feel like she won't ever heal from what he did to her. Noah, however is absolutely still obsessed with her. He refuses to let anyone else near her. This was dark and thrilling and I loved every second of it. Noah's villain arc was very well written and though Cordelie got on my nerves, I understood where she was coming from. We've all had that toxic ex we just couldn't see the bad in. It took her awhile, but she finally found a way to save herself.

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pitch black,unhinged,darkly erotic bordering horror

This is not a romance,nor have a HEA,has a long list of triggers and definitly not for the faint of the heart.
That said ,it's beautifully written ,perfectly executed and balanced,with the unmistakable style of AL Maruga.
Perfect for lovers of dark and edgy stories.
☠️Morally Black Characters
☠️ Obsession
💀Stalking
☠️Depravity
☠️Murder
☠️Trauma
☠️Love/Hate
☠️ Primal Play
☠️Dark Kink

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this in one sitting. I'm a sucker for primal and a good retelling. Loved Cordelie and Noah is something else. Story was so good. Check TWs but definitely worth the read.

[Nini · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!

review coming soon...

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is far from your typical happily ever after. Cordelie is shattered after catching Noah cheating with her best friend, the betrayal leaving wounds that refuse to heal no matter how hard she tries to move on. But Noah isn’t ready to let her go. Still dangerously obsessed, he lingers in the shadows of her life, determined that no one else will ever have her. What unfolds is a dark, thrilling spiral of obsession and heartbreak that kept me hooked from start to finish. Noah’s descent into villainy is chillingly well written, and while Cordelie tested my patience at times, her struggle felt painfully real. We’ve all known that toxic love we couldn’t quite see clearly. It takes her time, but in the end, Cordelie finally finds the strength to break free and save herself.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐ ARC Review 'Fractured'

🖤 Morally Black Characters
♥️ Obsession
🖤 Stalking
♥️ Murder
🖤 Trauma
♥️ Lovers to Enemies
🖤 Primal Play & Survival
♥️ Dark Kink

I absolutely loved this read. I didn't want to put it down! This is a dark erotic, horror suspense-romance. Our FMC Cordelie is suffering deep emotional trauma due to her ex partner Noah our MMC, and her what she thought was her best friend. Trying to move forward in her life from extreme heartbreak she enlists in a Valentine's Hunt. Hoping to breakthrough and forget her past self. She wants to feel empowered and stronger. What she doesn't yet realize is her match for the hunt is a totally unhinged, obsessive, psychopath who is about to capture her and mark her as his forever.
This story is dark, very suspenseful and does not have a HEA for some. For a shorter read, this story was packed and I loved every second of it! Please check your trigger warnings, as this story does contain a lot of darker elements

[Christie Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fractured by A.L. Maruga
MMC: Noah
FMC: Cordelia

🖤Morally Black Characters
❤️‍🔥Stalking
🖤Murder
❤️‍🔥Lovers to Enemies
🖤Dark Kink

Thank you for the opportunity of reading this!
Please be warned this is not a dark romance where the FMC and MMC ultimately live HEA. This is not a story where the MMC is toxic but his actions are redeemable. The triggers warnings here are real and are not an over exaggeration, CHECK THEM BEFORE MOVING ON!

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live for AL books!!! they are always so good so dark and so worth it

[☆ Allanah • Cosmic's Library ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️

"Yeah all men are good, until they're not, you know that first-hand, don't ya?"

Thankyou Book Sirens & A.L. Maurga for this ARC opportunity! 🫶🏻

⚠️First of all I want to say...⚠️
If you want to pick up and read this book PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not ignore the warnings, when A.L. Maruga says what they say at the start they mean it! Please think of your own mental health first. This story is not for the faint of the heart.

This was easily the darkest, most depraved and twisted story I have ever read. It held such a powerful message but it was told in such an extreme way. I loved it but also hated it, hated it but also loved it. As soon as I started reading it became an addiction of needing to know where the story would take me. I knew it came with a warning of no HEA and I just had to know why!

🐺 The villain arc of our MMC was written perfectly. His whole inner monologue gave me chills at times, you just knew there was a wolf in there scratching the surface ready to strike.

❤️ Our FMC got on my nerves at times but honestly I also understand why, like I could somewhat relate to her and I understood her. Like girl I get it men can absolutely send you crazy! There were also a few moments where I literally wanted to high 5 her through the pages and yelled HELL YES QUEEN for biting back!

For a quick fast paced book it really was packed with a punch! It didn't feel rushed and was perfectly laid out to feel what the characters were going through without any plot holes. 👏🏻

Even though I am slightly disturbed it has made me very excited to read some other books by this author in the future.

[dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for an unhinged, very dark, spicy romance that doesn't end with a HEA? Then "Fractured" is the book for you… This book is filled with a lot of potential triggers warnings, so ensure you look these up before you start reading. In this story, we follow Cordelie, as she faces her own inner demons about being rejected by her ex-boyfriend, Noah. Not feeling worthy enough, she starts blaming herself for things she shouldn't. She makes a plan to do something that is way outside her comfort zone. She hopes that with the help, she can move forward with her life. But Noah has plans of his own.. He knows he messed up and damaged their relationship, but he is determined to get Cordelie back… Fractured, it is well written, if you like your storylines DARK and spicy.. I would 1000% recommend this book to everyone..

[Morgan Schell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noah is unhinged, deadly, and insanely obsessed with Cordelie. Unlike other female leads this author writes, Cordelie lacks inner strength, is insecure about her worth, and is kinda naive. This makes her the perfect, weak, repetitive victim for Noah’s psychotic behavior. As you come to love, things are described vividly, especially the darker parts, and you truly feel yourself submerged in the scenes. No one comes out of this book unscathed. They are all damaged in various ways, and some never recover. Cordelie does really shine when it matters the very most, though! One question remains in my mind…. Who kept leaving the flowers in her apartment? It’s driving me crazy not knowing for sure! Grrr

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I love this twisted Valentine's Day version of events. Who needs love when you have an obsessed ex who becomes a deranged stalker? One that sabotaged their relationship because he thought he wasn't good enough. But then could not stand the thought of anyone else possessing what he saw as his. I literally could not put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed every twisted, depraved act that was committed in the name of love.

I used to think of myself as a good girl, but Ms. Maruga has proven we all have a dark side hidden within ourselves ;-)!!!

[Letty Howarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read that had me hooked. I read this in one sitting & everything else ceased to exist but this book.

Noah is absolutely unhinged

Poor Cordie went through hell but I feel proud of her for getting stronger & fighting back.

I highly recommend, A.L. Maruga has a great way of writing that hooks you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie Gilroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wild descent into darkness and obsession. It’s very important to read the author’s note. Please know your triggers. Your mental health is important. I almost stopped reading this one, well I contemplated it for a minute at least. But I love this author and I trusted the process and was extremely satisfied with the ending. Well done!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid dark stalker thriller with a strong overall premise. The obsession, betrayal, and escalation into full psychological chaos definitely gave it an intense edge. Catching your boyfriend cheating with your best friend is messy enough — but adding in manipulation, fixation, and a body count takes it to a darker level.
For me, the pacing didn’t fully pull me in the way I’d hoped. There were moments of tension that worked really well, especially as his obsession became more dangerous, but I didn’t feel completely hooked throughout.
I also struggled with the female main character. I understand she was reeling from betrayal and emotional fallout, but the heavy self-loathing and “poor me” inner dialogue lasted longer than I personally prefer. I tend to gravitate toward FMCs who find their strength a bit sooner, so that may just be a reader preference on my part.
The male lead was frustrating as a partner, but I will say his villain arc was well written. Once he fully leaned into his darker, obsessive side, the story picked up for me. Those moments felt tense and genuinely unsettling in a way that worked.
Overall, while it didn’t completely hook me, the premise was strong and the darker elements were done well. If you enjoy obsessive exes, psychological tension, and stalker thrillers that lean into the villain’s mindset, this one may work really well for you.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.75
Please, not the i wasn’t good enough for you, that’s why I cheated. Anyways, I hate cheating in any type of romance book and I would have lowered the rating but this book took a different turn and here we are—not a romance btw.

[BookishBarbie (Annette) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller-coaster of events that happened in this read, and I was invested from the beginning. Knowing this wasn't going to end with an HEA had me wanting more, and A.L. did not disappoint. From a broken and weak minded girl, Cordie sure came out stronger at the end. Beneath the dark, unhinged psycho that was Noah, I truly believe he loved her the way he only could. He was just too obsessed and possessive to really see how much he was hurting her. And let's not forget about Faye. She was the BFF that never left her side nor ever gave her bad advice. Always sticking up for Cordie during her time of need and weakness whenever Noah was around.
If you are looking for a dark thriller with suspense and depravity, this one is a must read!!

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an amazing book. Definitely watch for triggers. Cordelie has suffered a lot of trauma from her ex Noah and her best friend. Noah is definitely unhinged and obsessed with Cordelie. Hooked beginning to end.

A. L. Maruga is one of my absolute favorite authors. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet her at book events. Kudos to her for an another amazing book. Can’t wait for her next book!!!

[Bound By ink books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unapologetically dark, emotionally violent, and devastatingly addictive. It does not offer comfort, forgiveness, or a shiny HEA. What it does delivers is something far more realistic... Survival.

The spice is intense, raw, and often uncomfortable, perfectly mirroring the power imbalances and psychological damage woven throughout the story. Nothing is softened for reader ease.

The characters are morally black to the core, driven by obsession, control, and trauma rather than love in a healthy form. This book is written to make you feel the weight of every choice.

The MFC’s journey is brutal to witness. Her pain is not used as a plot device or as something that will be magically healed by the final chapter. By the end, she is free—and that freedom is the closest thing this book gives to a happy ending. She survives, she escapes, and she reclaims herself… but the trauma remains. The scars don’t vanish. And that honesty makes the ending hit harder than any traditional HEA ever could.

If you want a dark romance that pushes boundaries, challenges your comfort zone, and delivers an ending rooted in freedom rather than fantasy, Fractured is a must-read.

This book is for readers who understand that sometimes the bravest ending is simply surviving.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gemma Fairway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for the faint hearted, this toxic love, erotic horror love to hate tale follows a guys obsessive fixation with his ex girlfriend and doesn’t end with a HEA…. Or does it? Cordelie begins this story as a weak FMC, heartbroken, fragile and lost to her emotions. Throughout the book though she comes into her own strength, finding her self and her voice, to become a much better and stronger version of who she used to be. Noah is the guy you love to hate. He has deep disturbing issues, whether they were always there lying dormant or were kicked into overdrive when he messed up with Cordelie, all I know is this piece of crap guy deserves what he gets.
I love A.L’s exploration of these two characters and I’m glad she dint shy away from what HAD to happen.
Please check those TW before reading

[🖤 BAMBI 🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m honestly struggling to find the words for how dark and depraved this story truly is… this is a GOOD READ but easily the most twisted thing I’ve picked up this year so far!

This is a PITCH DARK retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, with a morally black character that will make you feel red hot with rage and feeling quite stabby!

As a survivor of domestic violence, it would be a disservice to the booksta community if I didn’t say: READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. I did, and I’m glad I was mentally prepared that some of the events in this story would stir things up for me. Please look after your peace before diving in 🙏🏼🖤

Watching our broken FMC scratch and claw her way from the depths of pure mental and physical torment to finally get back up... that is what made this whole twisted tale WORTH THE READ!

It’s a powerful story, but it is intense.

This book takes you on a dark journey and will leave you disassociating for a hot minute after you turn the last page. Proceed with caution- but definitely proceed!

Shoutout to @authoralmaruga for the ARC! 💋

[Crystal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wooooow, what did I read?! I couldn’t put this book down for a second. It was unhinged, dark, obsessive, crazy, and so much more. The author gave us the perfect completely obsessive MMC that was pitch black.

Cordelie finds her boyfriend, Noah, and best friend together and everything shatters. She is the good girl on the outside, but deep down she has some darker desires. She thinks a Valentines Haunt will help heal her heartbreak, but she has no idea how wrong she is.

Noah..he is psychotic and unhinged! He is obsessed over Cordelie and very possessive anytime another man gets near her. This man was disgusting the way he treated women as property.

This is an insane cat and mouse dynamic. I just wanted her to realize who she was talking to all along. I wanted her to resist him. But we have always been there where we can’t let someone we love go.

This is a very dark erotic suspense, it’s a romance read, but it does not end in a HEA. But I couldn’t love the ending more, it’s what needed to happen.

[jamies_bookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow - I love anti-Valentine storylines and boy does this one take it one step further! Without giving too much away. Let’s just say this graphic suspense/thriller with hella spicy scenes 🥵 twisted fantasies + a stalker and toxic love. Make for one heck of a good read. This is not a happy ending or even happy for now. So if that is not your thing - I understand. But if it is - I cannot recommend this book enough.

I’m so glad I started reading this author and looking forward to checking out their back list (and future releases).

[Katie Kellogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a love story or a romance. This is toxic, obsessive, erotic horror and does NOT have a HEA.

That being said, it is definitely worth reading. It was fairly short and I was able to finish it in one sitting. Noah is psychotic and unhinged and just when you think he’s hit rock bottom, he pulls the rug out from beneath you and there’s yet another level. Cordelie is not in your face strong. She is the quiet sort of strong that builds over time. I enjoyed seeing her grow into herself and seeing her confidence break through.

Despite this not being a HEA, I feel that Cordelie did/will get her happy ever after. I truly enjoyed this dark retelling and would definitely recommend it to those that don’t mind the triggers. 🖤

[Patricia Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fractured by A.L. Mauga
A Dark Stalker Toxic Love Retelling

This story begins in a coffee shop with Cordelie and her roommate, Faye, when they unexpectedly spot Cordelie’s ex-boyfriend, Noah, sitting with her former best friend, Josslyn. From that moment on, the story unfolds and reveals everything that led up to that painful encounter.

This book is an emotional rollercoaster filled with twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. The writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed and easy to become invested in. I found myself deeply emotionally involved in Cordelie’s journey and couldn’t help but cry a few times. I was truly rooting for her throughout the story. Please Check Trigger Warnings.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.