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My Very Own Book Boyfriend #1
To Have and to Stalk
From USA Today Best Selling author Mary Catherine Gebhard comes a brand new dark romcom about a girl who makes a dating profile to live out all of her spicy, bookish fantasies.
He was all my twisted, dark book boyfriend fantasies come to life. Masked. Tattooed. Dirty talking—and totally unhinged.
Morally grey? Check.
Stalker? Check.
A very illegal, very bloody hobby? Check.
Possessive, obsessive, and calls me a good girl? Check. Check. Check.
I should probably call the police.
I definitely shouldn’t take dirty selfies because I know he hacked my phone.
But what’s a girl to do?
It’s my very own stalker romance.
He was all my twisted, dark book boyfriend fantasies come to life. Masked. Tattooed. Dirty talking—and totally unhinged.
Morally grey? Check.
Stalker? Check.
A very illegal, very bloody hobby? Check.
Possessive, obsessive, and calls me a good girl? Check. Check. Check.
I should probably call the police.
I definitely shouldn’t take dirty selfies because I know he hacked my phone.
But what’s a girl to do?
It’s my very own stalker romance.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 540 reviews
August 27, 2026
Shay, a self-proclaimed bookworm with a penchant for dark romance novels, decides to dive into the world of dating apps in search of a one-night stand to satisfy her fantasies. What could possibly go wrong, right? 😂
After some light banter with a guy who seems genuinely interested in getting to know her, things take an interesting turn when he suggests their first date at a cemetery. Because, of course, that sounds completely normal. 😂
Shay is determined to keep things casual and avoid any emotional entanglements. But then there’s Void, a stalker who becomes fascinated by her. He definitely crosses some lines, but there’s also a surprising depth to him, especially in the thoughtful ways he uses what he learns about Shay.
Both Void, aka Calder, and Shay were incredibly likable characters, and I really enjoyed the chemistry and buildup between them. Their relationship was the perfect balance of tension, humor, vulnerability, and chaos. The banter was effortless, the chemistry was undeniable, and every interaction left me wanting more. I especially loved watching their relationship develop throughout the story. They had just the right amount of push and pull, and I was completely invested in seeing where their story would take them.
What really made this story stand out from other dark romance stalker books I’ve read was its playful tone. I loved the stalker vibes, the masked main character, and especially the whole hidden-identity aspect. It added another layer of intrigue and kept me wondering what was coming next. The anti-hero and good-girl dynamic worked so well for these two, and the humor brought just the right amount of fun to all the darkness.
I also really liked the inclusion of chronic illness representation and how naturally it was woven into the story. It was something different and added another layer to the characters without feeling forced.
Overall, this was a fun, quirky, dark, and surprisingly entertaining read, and dark rom-com was definitely the perfect genre for it. 🖤 I had a great time with Shay and Calder’s story, and I’ll definitely be looking to read more from this author in the future!
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October 4, 2026
3.5⭐️
ще одна спроба повторити джоша зі «світло згасло», бо калдер теж ну такий прям милий сталкер. який вдереться до тебе, аби просто поприбирати в квартирі. який детально вивчить усе про твоє хронічне захворювання, щоб знати, як краще дбати про тебе. і ця його турбота.. ай, як же це було ніжно й смачно 🫠 який накупить тобі купу улюблених книжок, щиро цікавитиметься твоєю дослідною роботою в космології та прочитає всі твої наукові статті. який розділить твоє занурення в кінки із дарк романів і, звісно, подарує найкращий секс у житті 😈😝
подумаєш, ще примусово відмиває гроші для мафії. але ху кееерс, якщо у вільний час чоловік розправляється з кривдниками жінок. ну мілашка 🌚
як і у випадку з джошем, історію мені трохи псує ця награна карикатурна мафійка та надто легке вирулювання у фіналі. зате те, як розправилися з колишнім додіком шей.. хехе, я б сказала точно в яблучко 🤭
сам стиль авторки здався дещо рваним. таке відчуття, наче деякі розділи поспіхом згортали, аби швидше перескочити на інші події.
ну то таке, загалом гг приємні. а сімейка у калдера взагалі колоритна, як на підбір. один брат - одержимий сталкер, зав'язаний з мафійкою, другий - кремезний здоровань, який щойно вийшов із в'язниці за чужий злочин, і молодша сестра - судмедекспертка, що живе буквально біля кладовища 😅
про них, як розумію, будуть наступні книжки. бо я з перших же згадок поєднала ліліт зі стоуном, а фіг з м'ясником. у них там явно гарний метч. тож, можливо, читну й продовження 🤓
ще одна спроба повторити джоша зі «світло згасло», бо калдер теж ну такий прям милий сталкер. який вдереться до тебе, аби просто поприбирати в квартирі. який детально вивчить усе про твоє хронічне захворювання, щоб знати, як краще дбати про тебе. і ця його турбота.. ай, як же це було ніжно й смачно 🫠 який накупить тобі купу улюблених книжок, щиро цікавитиметься твоєю дослідною роботою в космології та прочитає всі твої наукові статті. який розділить твоє занурення в кінки із дарк романів і, звісно, подарує найкращий секс у житті 😈😝
подумаєш, ще примусово відмиває гроші для мафії. але ху кееерс, якщо у вільний час чоловік розправляється з кривдниками жінок. ну мілашка 🌚
як і у випадку з джошем, історію мені трохи псує ця награна карикатурна мафійка та надто легке вирулювання у фіналі. зате те, як розправилися з колишнім додіком шей.. хехе, я б сказала точно в яблучко 🤭
сам стиль авторки здався дещо рваним. таке відчуття, наче деякі розділи поспіхом згортали, аби швидше перескочити на інші події.
ну то таке, загалом гг приємні. а сімейка у калдера взагалі колоритна, як на підбір. один брат - одержимий сталкер, зав'язаний з мафійкою, другий - кремезний здоровань, який щойно вийшов із в'язниці за чужий злочин, і молодша сестра - судмедекспертка, що живе буквально біля кладовища 😅
про них, як розумію, будуть наступні книжки. бо я з перших же згадок поєднала ліліт зі стоуном, а фіг з м'ясником. у них там явно гарний метч. тож, можливо, читну й продовження 🤓
September 23, 2026
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
Genre & Tropes : Dark romance x RomCom x Mafia romance x Grumpy x Sunshine x Past trauma x Stalker romance x Kinky romance x Erotica
Une romance que je ne pensais pas aimer autant mais que j’ai finalement dévoré !
Assez bizarrement, il faut savoir que je n’aime pas trop ni la dark romance ni les romcom MAIS apparemment, ce qui me manquait c’est une romance qui mélange les deux =D
Quand j’ai lu la chronique de Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas, j’ai été immédiatement curieuse de cette romance : un homme de main de la mafia et une nerd astrophysicienne qui se rencontrent par le biais d’une application ?? Un côté stalker et un premier date dans un cimetière ?? Et par dessus tout ça, de l’humour et des personnages attachants ??
Sans surprise, j’ai dévoré le livre ><
Les personnages étaient bien plus complexes que de prime abord : Shay était tellement amusante (la « crucifixion » par erreur xD) mais en même temps vulnérable (à cause de son passé et sa maladie) et Calder était tellement plus qu’un simple mafieux sexy (tout son passé également et ses relations avec sa famille) ! J’ai particulièrement aimé la façon dont ces deux personnages un peu cabossés par la vie arrivent à se retrouver, se compléter et finalement se rendre meilleurs !
Je m’attendais pas à l’intrigue avec l’ex de Shay et la mafia qui étaient plus complexes que ce que j’attendais mais j’ai adoré (et je ne m’attendais TELLEMENT PAS à la fin ! GO SHAY !)
La romance était géniale : des échanges de piques (volontaires ou non, selon s’il y a hacking de téléphone ou pas xD), pleine de tendresse (la façon dont Calder s’occupe de Shay et pâtisse pour elle) et bien sûr des moments hyper chauds bouillants (la scène avec le fémur (ce qui est très bizarre dis comme ça hors contexte xD))
Attention à bien lire les avertissements parce que les kinks de ce livre ne sont pas pour tout le monde … Par contre, en ce qui concerne le consentement, Calder était TOP (ce qui est plutôt rare pour une dark romance !)
Je pense que ce qui m’a conquise, c’est le côté hyper sombre de certains passages mais en même temps, le fait que j’ai tellement ri à d’autres moments (la scène où Void s’introduit chez elle … Et qu’elle est carrément pas seule xD) Il y a des moments de tension et de tristesse mais aussi des moments ridiculement amusants (les amis de Shay m’ont tuée xD)
Bref, une romance à la fois dark et comique très originale que j’ai lu avec grand plaisir ! Je veux teeeeellement un tome avec le frère du héro MAIS aussi la sœur du héro et Butcher <3
Pour plus de jolies chroniques 😘 : Mon Bujo tout en couleurs et en livres
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A romance I didn’t expect to love so much, but ended up devouring !
Funnily enough, I’m not usually a fan of either dark romance or rom-coms—BUT it turns out what I was missing was a romance that blends the two =D
When I read the review from *Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas*, I was immediately intrigued : a guy working for mafia and an astrophysicist nerd meeting via an app ?? A stalker vibe and a first date in a cemetery ?? And on top of all that, humor and lovable characters ??
Unsurprisingly, I devoured the book ><
The characters were far more complex than they first appeared : Shay was so funny (the accidental "crucifixion" xD) yet vulnerable (due to her past and her illness), and Calder was so much more than just a sexy mobster (considering his own past and his family relationships) ! I especially loved how these two characters—both a bit battered by life—managed to find each other, complement one another, and ultimately make each other better !
I didn't expect the plot involving Shay's ex and the mafia to be as complex as it was, but I loved it (and I SO didn't see that end coming ! GO SHAY !)
The romance was brilliant : lots of banter (intentional or not, depending on whether a phone gets hacked or not xD), plenty of tenderness (the way Calder looks after Shay and bakes for her), and—of course—some seriously steamy moments (the scene involving the femur—which sounds really weird out of context xD).
Make sure to read the content warnings, because the kinks in this book aren't for everyone ... That said, Calder was AMAZING when it came to consent (which is pretty rare for a dark romance !).
I think what really won me over was the super dark nature of some parts, combined with how much I laughed at other moments (like the scene where Void breaks into her place ... and she is definitely not alone xD). There are moments of tension and sadness, but also ridiculously funny ones (Shay’s friends cracked me up xD).
In short, a highly original romance that was both dark and funny—I really enjoyed reading it ! I want a book about the hero’s brother SO badly, BUT also one about the hero’s sister and Butcher <3
For more pretty reviews 😘: My Bujo, all in color and books
Genre & Tropes : Dark romance x RomCom x Mafia romance x Grumpy x Sunshine x Past trauma x Stalker romance x Kinky romance x Erotica
Une romance que je ne pensais pas aimer autant mais que j’ai finalement dévoré !
Assez bizarrement, il faut savoir que je n’aime pas trop ni la dark romance ni les romcom MAIS apparemment, ce qui me manquait c’est une romance qui mélange les deux =D
Quand j’ai lu la chronique de Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas, j’ai été immédiatement curieuse de cette romance : un homme de main de la mafia et une nerd astrophysicienne qui se rencontrent par le biais d’une application ?? Un côté stalker et un premier date dans un cimetière ?? Et par dessus tout ça, de l’humour et des personnages attachants ??
Sans surprise, j’ai dévoré le livre ><
Les personnages étaient bien plus complexes que de prime abord : Shay était tellement amusante (la « crucifixion » par erreur xD) mais en même temps vulnérable (à cause de son passé et sa maladie) et Calder était tellement plus qu’un simple mafieux sexy (tout son passé également et ses relations avec sa famille) ! J’ai particulièrement aimé la façon dont ces deux personnages un peu cabossés par la vie arrivent à se retrouver, se compléter et finalement se rendre meilleurs !
Je m’attendais pas à l’intrigue avec l’ex de Shay et la mafia qui étaient plus complexes que ce que j’attendais mais j’ai adoré (et je ne m’attendais TELLEMENT PAS à la fin ! GO SHAY !)
La romance était géniale : des échanges de piques (volontaires ou non, selon s’il y a hacking de téléphone ou pas xD), pleine de tendresse (la façon dont Calder s’occupe de Shay et pâtisse pour elle) et bien sûr des moments hyper chauds bouillants (la scène avec le fémur (ce qui est très bizarre dis comme ça hors contexte xD))
Attention à bien lire les avertissements parce que les kinks de ce livre ne sont pas pour tout le monde … Par contre, en ce qui concerne le consentement, Calder était TOP (ce qui est plutôt rare pour une dark romance !)
Je pense que ce qui m’a conquise, c’est le côté hyper sombre de certains passages mais en même temps, le fait que j’ai tellement ri à d’autres moments (la scène où Void s’introduit chez elle … Et qu’elle est carrément pas seule xD) Il y a des moments de tension et de tristesse mais aussi des moments ridiculement amusants (les amis de Shay m’ont tuée xD)
Bref, une romance à la fois dark et comique très originale que j’ai lu avec grand plaisir ! Je veux teeeeellement un tome avec le frère du héro MAIS aussi la sœur du héro et Butcher <3
Pour plus de jolies chroniques 😘 : Mon Bujo tout en couleurs et en livres
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A romance I didn’t expect to love so much, but ended up devouring !
Funnily enough, I’m not usually a fan of either dark romance or rom-coms—BUT it turns out what I was missing was a romance that blends the two =D
When I read the review from *Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas*, I was immediately intrigued : a guy working for mafia and an astrophysicist nerd meeting via an app ?? A stalker vibe and a first date in a cemetery ?? And on top of all that, humor and lovable characters ??
Unsurprisingly, I devoured the book ><
The characters were far more complex than they first appeared : Shay was so funny (the accidental "crucifixion" xD) yet vulnerable (due to her past and her illness), and Calder was so much more than just a sexy mobster (considering his own past and his family relationships) ! I especially loved how these two characters—both a bit battered by life—managed to find each other, complement one another, and ultimately make each other better !
I didn't expect the plot involving Shay's ex and the mafia to be as complex as it was, but I loved it (and I SO didn't see that end coming ! GO SHAY !)
The romance was brilliant : lots of banter (intentional or not, depending on whether a phone gets hacked or not xD), plenty of tenderness (the way Calder looks after Shay and bakes for her), and—of course—some seriously steamy moments (the scene involving the femur—which sounds really weird out of context xD).
Make sure to read the content warnings, because the kinks in this book aren't for everyone ... That said, Calder was AMAZING when it came to consent (which is pretty rare for a dark romance !).
I think what really won me over was the super dark nature of some parts, combined with how much I laughed at other moments (like the scene where Void breaks into her place ... and she is definitely not alone xD). There are moments of tension and sadness, but also ridiculously funny ones (Shay’s friends cracked me up xD).
In short, a highly original romance that was both dark and funny—I really enjoyed reading it ! I want a book about the hero’s brother SO badly, BUT also one about the hero’s sister and Butcher <3
For more pretty reviews 😘: My Bujo, all in color and books
October 3, 2026
Місцями було прикольно.
Авторка цікаво познайомила та репрезентувала хворобу - хронічну втому. Я дійсно співчувала Шей. ЧГГ (я закінчила читати хвилин 10 тому, а вже забула як його звати 🤦♀️), такий уважний сталкер, вивчив її, як краще допомагати та доглядати за людьми, які цим страждають. Ложки ті. Молодець.
Я не люблю авторок, які самі забувають, що пишуть кілька сторінок тому. Міняють імʼя другорядного персонажа. Коли герой забуває, що він в шоломі, або кілька разів підряд знімає маску, героїня забуває, що у неї спіраль, а не таблетки.
Не така велика книга, щоб упускати такі деталі 🙌.
Авторка цікаво познайомила та репрезентувала хворобу - хронічну втому. Я дійсно співчувала Шей. ЧГГ (я закінчила читати хвилин 10 тому, а вже забула як його звати 🤦♀️), такий уважний сталкер, вивчив її, як краще допомагати та доглядати за людьми, які цим страждають. Ложки ті. Молодець.
Я не люблю авторок, які самі забувають, що пишуть кілька сторінок тому. Міняють імʼя другорядного персонажа. Коли герой забуває, що він в шоломі, або кілька разів підряд знімає маску, героїня забуває, що у неї спіраль, а не таблетки.
Не така велика книга, щоб упускати такі деталі 🙌.
June 21, 2026
First, thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read. A dark stalker rom com is usually right up my alley!
I wanted to really love this book. What dark romance reader doesn't fantasize about a real life book boyfriend to act out all of their dark romance fantasies?
I think the issue for me was there were a few comical moments, but not enough to call it a dark romantic comedy. This book was more of light dark romance, and I wish I knew that going into it to adjust my expectations.
The MMC had some great parts (we love an obsessed man who's only soft for her) and I appreciated the chronic illness rep with the FMC.
I wanted to really love this book. What dark romance reader doesn't fantasize about a real life book boyfriend to act out all of their dark romance fantasies?
I think the issue for me was there were a few comical moments, but not enough to call it a dark romantic comedy. This book was more of light dark romance, and I wish I knew that going into it to adjust my expectations.
The MMC had some great parts (we love an obsessed man who's only soft for her) and I appreciated the chronic illness rep with the FMC.
June 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Standalone in an interconnected Series "My Very Own Book Boyfriend"
🗣️ Dual POV
🖤 M/F
The second I read the premise, I knew I was either going to love it or hate it, and thankfully I had the BEST time with it. It's basically what happens when a romance reader gets a little too attached to her book boyfriend fantasies and the universe says, bet.
The humor in this book was what really sold it for me. It manages to poke fun at dark romance tropes while somehow also delivering them at the same time. I was laughing one minute and then immediately kicking my feet the next.
Shay was so relatable as a book girlie. Her inner thoughts had me cracking up because she was fully aware of how insane the situation was and yet...there she was 😂 I also loved seeing a STEM FMC and the chronic illness representation woven into the story.
And Calder? Unhinged. Completely. The man checks every dark romance book boyfriend box imaginable and somehow knows it. The dynamic between them was equal parts chaotic, funny, and surprisingly sweet underneath all the insanity.
What I appreciated most was that this book never took itself too seriously. It knew exactly what kind of story it wanted to be and committed to the bit the entire time.
One of the most entertaining dark romcoms I've read in a while.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark RomCom
💀 Masked MMC
🖤 Stalker Romance
💀 Morally Gray MMC
🖤 Bookish FMC
💀 STEM FMC
🖤 Chronic Illness Rep
💀 Touch Her & Die
🖤 Possessive MMC
💀 "This Is Literally My Book Boyfriend" Energy
🖤 Chaos & Shenanigans 😂📚💕
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Standalone in an interconnected Series "My Very Own Book Boyfriend"
🗣️ Dual POV
🖤 M/F
The second I read the premise, I knew I was either going to love it or hate it, and thankfully I had the BEST time with it. It's basically what happens when a romance reader gets a little too attached to her book boyfriend fantasies and the universe says, bet.
The humor in this book was what really sold it for me. It manages to poke fun at dark romance tropes while somehow also delivering them at the same time. I was laughing one minute and then immediately kicking my feet the next.
Shay was so relatable as a book girlie. Her inner thoughts had me cracking up because she was fully aware of how insane the situation was and yet...there she was 😂 I also loved seeing a STEM FMC and the chronic illness representation woven into the story.
And Calder? Unhinged. Completely. The man checks every dark romance book boyfriend box imaginable and somehow knows it. The dynamic between them was equal parts chaotic, funny, and surprisingly sweet underneath all the insanity.
What I appreciated most was that this book never took itself too seriously. It knew exactly what kind of story it wanted to be and committed to the bit the entire time.
One of the most entertaining dark romcoms I've read in a while.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark RomCom
💀 Masked MMC
🖤 Stalker Romance
💀 Morally Gray MMC
🖤 Bookish FMC
💀 STEM FMC
🖤 Chronic Illness Rep
💀 Touch Her & Die
🖤 Possessive MMC
💀 "This Is Literally My Book Boyfriend" Energy
🖤 Chaos & Shenanigans 😂📚💕
June 14, 2026
I was surprised with the way it started and got way to excited that I had to reread the first chapter to make sure what I read actually happened 😂. I was instantly hooked from the start that putting this book down and going about my adult life was DIFFICULT! I absolutely loved the characters not just the FMC & MMC but the side friend characters aswell. I loved every aspect of this book. Shay and her friends are such a relatable characters with their bookclub meetings and the things they read 🤭. Reminds me so much of my friend group. I love the way Calder is with Shay and her chronic illness. He is everything Shay needs and more 🥹! I had so much fun reading this one and I highly recommend it if you love dark romcoms with top tier banter , stalker vibes , an MMC that bakes 🤭 but will still protect his lady and of course some spice 🌶️😏.
August 6, 2026
This was such a surprisingly good read! Dark, funny, romantic… what more could you ask for!
September 3, 2026
⭐️3.8 🌶️3.5
The way this started had me gagged to the point I had to go back and reread the first chapter because I said I must be missing something🤣.
I loved the relatability to every character both mmc & fmc as well as the side characters. Also, the representation of illness was beautifully done.
My only downside is maybe I read too much dark romance because this wasn’t that dark for me like I thought it was going to be. I’m not mad at it because it’s a dark romance romcom, however I was told it was DARK and I fear it was child’s play to what I consider dark lol.
The way this started had me gagged to the point I had to go back and reread the first chapter because I said I must be missing something🤣.
I loved the relatability to every character both mmc & fmc as well as the side characters. Also, the representation of illness was beautifully done.
My only downside is maybe I read too much dark romance because this wasn’t that dark for me like I thought it was going to be. I’m not mad at it because it’s a dark romance romcom, however I was told it was DARK and I fear it was child’s play to what I consider dark lol.
June 8, 2026
To Have and To Stalk
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
I read this book in a single sitting, and I have to say, I was thoroughly entertained. It gave me slight Lights Out vibes with the stalker elements, but it still felt like its own story.
The book follows a bookish girl who loves dark romance and decides to explore some of her fantasies through an app. Enter Void/Calder, a stalker who becomes intrigued by her and quickly realizes there's a genuine connection between them. While he definitely crosses boundaries, he also uses what he learns about her in surprisingly thoughtful ways. He reads the books she loves, researches her chronic illness, and pays attention to the details that matter to her.
One of my favorite moments was when she realizes the guy she's been messaging is actually stalking her and decides to start messing with him. Their dynamic was hilarious and added a fun twist to the story.
I do think there were a few storylines that either weren't explored enough or felt unnecessary in this book. However, I have a feeling those plot points were breadcrumbs for future books in the series. My prediction? The sister is definitely getting her own story.
Overall, this was a fun, addictive read, and I'll definitely be picking up more from this author. I'm loving the rise of dark rom-coms, and this one was a great addition to the genre.
Tropes:
🔪 Dark Rom-Com
🔪 Stalker Romance
🔪 Chronic Illness Rep
🔪 Bookish Girlie / Masked Tattooed MMC
🔪 He Falls First
🔪 Kink Exploration
📚 Available on KU June 18, 2026
✨ I received an advance copy from the author and House of Hearts Literary Services in exchange for an honest review. ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
I read this book in a single sitting, and I have to say, I was thoroughly entertained. It gave me slight Lights Out vibes with the stalker elements, but it still felt like its own story.
The book follows a bookish girl who loves dark romance and decides to explore some of her fantasies through an app. Enter Void/Calder, a stalker who becomes intrigued by her and quickly realizes there's a genuine connection between them. While he definitely crosses boundaries, he also uses what he learns about her in surprisingly thoughtful ways. He reads the books she loves, researches her chronic illness, and pays attention to the details that matter to her.
One of my favorite moments was when she realizes the guy she's been messaging is actually stalking her and decides to start messing with him. Their dynamic was hilarious and added a fun twist to the story.
I do think there were a few storylines that either weren't explored enough or felt unnecessary in this book. However, I have a feeling those plot points were breadcrumbs for future books in the series. My prediction? The sister is definitely getting her own story.
Overall, this was a fun, addictive read, and I'll definitely be picking up more from this author. I'm loving the rise of dark rom-coms, and this one was a great addition to the genre.
Tropes:
🔪 Dark Rom-Com
🔪 Stalker Romance
🔪 Chronic Illness Rep
🔪 Bookish Girlie / Masked Tattooed MMC
🔪 He Falls First
🔪 Kink Exploration
📚 Available on KU June 18, 2026
✨ I received an advance copy from the author and House of Hearts Literary Services in exchange for an honest review. ✨
October 29, 2026
This was smutty and cute.
June 10, 2026
A love an unhinged stalker but love it even more when he’s a sweetheart who bakes, sneaks into her house to do her laundry, and goes out of his way to recreate her favourite book scenes with her. Shay is my type of gal, because she reads the most unhinged dark romance and is finally brave enough to explore her fantasies (you go girl!). But she meets Void/Calder on a dating app who becomes instantly obsessed (just the way I like them) and of course begins to stalk her. TBH w plot was amazing, as he tried to manage both his personas (as Void the stalker and mafia man, and Calder the sweet forensic accountant) and tried so hard not to fall for shay. But truly it was a helpless case because the man was a goner the second he saw her in that coffee shop. The plot was stunning, fast pasted, very intense and had amazing plot twists. I loved how badass Shay was at the end and it truly showed her character growth, from this insecure girl broken from her emotionally abusive relationship to a strong woman finding herself and her light again. But another thing I loved was how although her light was dimmed, Calder always say it and did his best to bring it out. He is a CONSENT KING, which is an anomaly a dark romance book, but he knew exactly when she got uncomfortable, stopped and helped her get back into her comfort zone. This book also has great chronic illness representation, especially because the author also suffers this illness, which made Shays experience feel much more real. It was beautiful and healing for me too in a way (because a mental health disorder kind of functions chronically) because of the reminder that being ill does not make you a burden which truly warmed my heart. As a bonus I also loved that little spicy scene where they recreated what I believe to be the graveyard scene from I Will Break You by Gigi Styx with the FEMUR. Overall this hook was the perfect mix, so sweet, spicy, and completely deranged and I give this a 5/5
June 24, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released called To Have and To Stalk. This is about Shay, she's single, she loves to read, and so decides to make herself a dating profile not to find a boyfriend but to help her find a stranger that will help her fulfill her dark romance fantasies. What she doesn't expect is to find someone who checks all her boxes, even ones she didn't know she had. She's thrilled and a little scared, but mostly excited for this masked stranger to help her with her list. But she doesn't expect a connection to form between them and for her to start having feelings for him. But he's stalked her, hacked her phone, broke into her house to do her laundry and make her food. All those red flags start to turn a pretty shade of pink. But she has no idea what she's gotten herself into with someone like him.
This was so, so good! This had my attention right from the very first page and wouldn't let me go! This was such a fun and entertaining dark romcom! I loved these characters; a masked stalker MMC who bakes, a FMC who knows what she wants and finds her voice, supportive and loveable side characters, and a romance that every dark romance girly needs to read! Both the main characters had been through trauma in their pasts and the FMC had a chronic illness, but those things just built a deeper and more genuine connection between them throughout the story and I really loved that. This was my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last, I absolutely loved this story and I can't wait for the next book! 🩷📚
Thank you to Mary Catherine Gebhard, Smuthood, & House of Hearts for this ARC of To Have and To Stalk, in exchange for an honest review.
This was so, so good! This had my attention right from the very first page and wouldn't let me go! This was such a fun and entertaining dark romcom! I loved these characters; a masked stalker MMC who bakes, a FMC who knows what she wants and finds her voice, supportive and loveable side characters, and a romance that every dark romance girly needs to read! Both the main characters had been through trauma in their pasts and the FMC had a chronic illness, but those things just built a deeper and more genuine connection between them throughout the story and I really loved that. This was my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last, I absolutely loved this story and I can't wait for the next book! 🩷📚
Thank you to Mary Catherine Gebhard, Smuthood, & House of Hearts for this ARC of To Have and To Stalk, in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2026
ARC Review 🔥❤️
Calder "Void" Throe is officially the man of my dreams. The way he learned about Shay’s kinks and fulfilled them perfectly? 🔥 And taking her book shopping with NO limit because she loves to read? If this man exists in real life, please send him my way immediately! 😭🙏
The whole book revolves around a bookworm girl and a masked stalker/criminal guy, which is just my absolute fav! Since the FMC and I share the exact same tastes (especially kinks 🤭), it was so easy to put myself in her shoes. Even though it was a total push-and-pull, back-and-forth ride because being together would literally risk her life, they finally held onto each other and stood by their feelings in the end. 🥹❤️
I feel so incredibly lucky that I got the chance to read this book early! 📖✨ I already figured out who the couple for the next book will be, and I honestly cannot wait!
Calder "Void" Throe is officially the man of my dreams. The way he learned about Shay’s kinks and fulfilled them perfectly? 🔥 And taking her book shopping with NO limit because she loves to read? If this man exists in real life, please send him my way immediately! 😭🙏
The whole book revolves around a bookworm girl and a masked stalker/criminal guy, which is just my absolute fav! Since the FMC and I share the exact same tastes (especially kinks 🤭), it was so easy to put myself in her shoes. Even though it was a total push-and-pull, back-and-forth ride because being together would literally risk her life, they finally held onto each other and stood by their feelings in the end. 🥹❤️
I feel so incredibly lucky that I got the chance to read this book early! 📖✨ I already figured out who the couple for the next book will be, and I honestly cannot wait!
June 30, 2026
3.5⭐️ rounded up
This was a lot of fun! Started off really strong - hacking her account and posting on her own close friends list was *so* good. But I do feel like it petered off pretty quickly and then mins of ebbed and flowed.
There were elements I really liked - the kink rep and the chronic illness rep were both great. Our MMC is *peak* book boyfriend energy - although it felt a little too on the nose at times. I love a down and man.
I think where this fell a little flat for me is that it was almost *too much*. Some things felt added in just to check off a box - whether that’s a trope, or an element that feels borrowed from “standard dark rom coms”.
Still had a great time for this, and I’m sure lots of others will as well.
This was a lot of fun! Started off really strong - hacking her account and posting on her own close friends list was *so* good. But I do feel like it petered off pretty quickly and then mins of ebbed and flowed.
There were elements I really liked - the kink rep and the chronic illness rep were both great. Our MMC is *peak* book boyfriend energy - although it felt a little too on the nose at times. I love a down and man.
I think where this fell a little flat for me is that it was almost *too much*. Some things felt added in just to check off a box - whether that’s a trope, or an element that feels borrowed from “standard dark rom coms”.
Still had a great time for this, and I’m sure lots of others will as well.
August 20, 2026
This was okay
Shay and Calder meet when he sees her in a coffee shop with her friends and he is obsessed and starts stalking her.
Shay makes a dating profile in a kinky app and Calder matches with her as Void. They start talking and he tells her that she shouldn’t be on this app and that it’s dangerous. He hacks her instagram and posts a story (where only she could see it) saying her password is shitty. They ask each other questions and if one doesn’t answer, they’re required to send the other a sexy picture. Calder asks her a normal question and Shay send him a picture instead cuz she wants to meet him.
They end up meeting in a graveyard to do a CNC scene. Void is wearing a motorcycle helmet and has white powder on his hands (he bakes when he is nervous) and has a birthmark on his neck. They decide not to meet after the graveyard and to stop talking. They don’t fully do the deed. Shay learns that Void has a phobia of spiders cuz he lost his shit when a spider got on him in the graveyard.
Some other days later, her friends and sister want to match her with a guy so she can go on a date. They are horrified that she went to the graveyard with a random dude and never told them. They make it their miss to match her with someone. Calder made a profile (as Calder not Void with his real face)
They match and go on a date. During the date, Shay notices he has white powder on his hands and he knows things she didn’t tell him. She gets suspicious that he is Void so she tells him there is a spider and he loses it which is when Shay notices the birthmark like Void’s on his neck. She leaves and decides to mess with Calder. She writes on her notes app (which he reads cuz he hacked her phone) that was the worst date of his life and that Calder is a bad kisser. Void messages her (as Void) why was the date bad but she ignores him.
Calder breaks into Shay’s apartment to do her chores cuz he knows she struggles to do them with her chronic illness 🥺
Calder is doing money laundering for the mafia cuz he got in deep with them. His brother Stone went to jail instead of Calder when Calder killed their abusive father (who was in debt to the mafia)
The mafia threaten Calder by telling him they will kill Stone in prison if he doesn’t work for them like his father used to. The mafia guy Andrew is a piece of shit that is forcing Cader to launder millions in days. Calder tells him that this amount will get flagged if it’s done fast but Andrew is desperate.
Meanwhile, Shay’s asshole ex-fiance who was abusing her by telling her no one can handling her cuz she’s a burden except for him. Cuz of her chronic illness she feels tired for days and her ex keeps telling her she’s a burden to everyone.
Her ex comes back and tries to log into her work computer (after work hours). She’s working late and sees him. He demands she open her computer but she is saved by the cleaner. Her ex tries to get into her computer again but fails.
We find out that her ex is actually Andrew the mafia guy who is threatening Calder. He hid a program in Shay’s work computer cuz no one will think to ever search there. They work together with a guy called butcher and Andrew is gone.
Calder was a sweetheart. Always baking and asking her who she feels in terms of spoons. How many spoons out of 10. He doesn’t want her to go below 5 spoons.
Next book is Shay’s sister Lilith and Calder’s brother Stone. Apparently she knows him cuz she works in the prison. It could be interesting.
Shay and Calder meet when he sees her in a coffee shop with her friends and he is obsessed and starts stalking her.
Shay makes a dating profile in a kinky app and Calder matches with her as Void. They start talking and he tells her that she shouldn’t be on this app and that it’s dangerous. He hacks her instagram and posts a story (where only she could see it) saying her password is shitty. They ask each other questions and if one doesn’t answer, they’re required to send the other a sexy picture. Calder asks her a normal question and Shay send him a picture instead cuz she wants to meet him.
They end up meeting in a graveyard to do a CNC scene. Void is wearing a motorcycle helmet and has white powder on his hands (he bakes when he is nervous) and has a birthmark on his neck. They decide not to meet after the graveyard and to stop talking. They don’t fully do the deed. Shay learns that Void has a phobia of spiders cuz he lost his shit when a spider got on him in the graveyard.
Some other days later, her friends and sister want to match her with a guy so she can go on a date. They are horrified that she went to the graveyard with a random dude and never told them. They make it their miss to match her with someone. Calder made a profile (as Calder not Void with his real face)
They match and go on a date. During the date, Shay notices he has white powder on his hands and he knows things she didn’t tell him. She gets suspicious that he is Void so she tells him there is a spider and he loses it which is when Shay notices the birthmark like Void’s on his neck. She leaves and decides to mess with Calder. She writes on her notes app (which he reads cuz he hacked her phone) that was the worst date of his life and that Calder is a bad kisser. Void messages her (as Void) why was the date bad but she ignores him.
Calder breaks into Shay’s apartment to do her chores cuz he knows she struggles to do them with her chronic illness 🥺
Calder is doing money laundering for the mafia cuz he got in deep with them. His brother Stone went to jail instead of Calder when Calder killed their abusive father (who was in debt to the mafia)
The mafia threaten Calder by telling him they will kill Stone in prison if he doesn’t work for them like his father used to. The mafia guy Andrew is a piece of shit that is forcing Cader to launder millions in days. Calder tells him that this amount will get flagged if it’s done fast but Andrew is desperate.
Meanwhile, Shay’s asshole ex-fiance who was abusing her by telling her no one can handling her cuz she’s a burden except for him. Cuz of her chronic illness she feels tired for days and her ex keeps telling her she’s a burden to everyone.
Her ex comes back and tries to log into her work computer (after work hours). She’s working late and sees him. He demands she open her computer but she is saved by the cleaner. Her ex tries to get into her computer again but fails.
We find out that her ex is actually Andrew the mafia guy who is threatening Calder. He hid a program in Shay’s work computer cuz no one will think to ever search there. They work together with a guy called butcher and Andrew is gone.
Calder was a sweetheart. Always baking and asking her who she feels in terms of spoons. How many spoons out of 10. He doesn’t want her to go below 5 spoons.
Next book is Shay’s sister Lilith and Calder’s brother Stone. Apparently she knows him cuz she works in the prison. It could be interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
3.5
So, this book didn't quite live up to my expectations. While there were a lot of elements that normally I like/love (Smart FMC, Stalking, Devoted MMC) for some reason they just didn't click for me this time. I think the main thing is this is marketed as a Dark RomCom and for me personally while there were funny moments it felt more like a light dark romance than a romantic comedy. For me with Romcoms I need to be left smiling or giggling at least for 50% of the book. I want to walk away smiling bc of how funny it was but that just wasn't my experience. Now when it comes to the actual story it was just okay. While it kept my interest enough to finish the book there was nothing about it that stuck out to for me. It just wasn't dark or funny enough to hit either mark for my personal preference. It sometimes felt more like I have to hit these elements rather than embrace those elements of the story if that makes sense.
As for the characters you first have our FMC Shay who is cosmologist and she studies black matter, and I love a smart FMC and so did our MMC Calder who even went so far to try and read her scientific papers to the best of his ability. We love a supportive king. But along with being a woman in STEM she also has an invisible chronic illness that has affected her since she was diagnosed when she was 15. It's because of her illness that she is sometimes hampered by what she is able to do because it could trigger a flare up and have her in bed for a few days. Combine that with a horrible EX finance she has now is the time to live it up and explore all the kinks she has read about and caught her interest. I enjoyed how bookish she was and how fun she was with her friends and I was sympathetic with what she has and continues to go through. She could also be funny at times but those really happened when it came to her banter with Calder, so they had decent chemistry, but it seemed that these individuals were better and shined when they were together than when they were separate. With Calder he hit all the notes of a book boyfriend with trying to read her scientific papers even though they are well outside his understanding, he communicated and walked through her kink explorations so that they could not only find out what she felt comfortable doing but what she was able to do. He never pressured her and when he learned about her illness, he did everything he could to not only research it but also find ways to support and lighten her load by sneaking in and doing chores so she didn't have to worry about the dishes or laundry after a long day. Definitely a supportive man we all wish we could have and he could also bake.
Overall, this was not a bad book, but it just wasn't the 100% book for me, but I am sure there will be a lot of readers who love this book.
-----
This book is about Shay who never thought taking a chance by downloading and filling out a profile on a kink exploration website would lead to her having a stalker. She had only wanted to explore the things she had read about in her book club and wanted to live a little after her breakup with her ex-fiancé. But now she has this man texting her dirty messages and pictures and knowing way too much about her life all while calling her a good girl has her very confused but very excited. She thought a morally gray man who chased women in graveyards was only something that happened in books, but here he is letting her live out her very own dark stalker romance. But what is she supposed to do other than to give in to his dark and possessive nature and run excited for him to catch her.
I have received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
So, this book didn't quite live up to my expectations. While there were a lot of elements that normally I like/love (Smart FMC, Stalking, Devoted MMC) for some reason they just didn't click for me this time. I think the main thing is this is marketed as a Dark RomCom and for me personally while there were funny moments it felt more like a light dark romance than a romantic comedy. For me with Romcoms I need to be left smiling or giggling at least for 50% of the book. I want to walk away smiling bc of how funny it was but that just wasn't my experience. Now when it comes to the actual story it was just okay. While it kept my interest enough to finish the book there was nothing about it that stuck out to for me. It just wasn't dark or funny enough to hit either mark for my personal preference. It sometimes felt more like I have to hit these elements rather than embrace those elements of the story if that makes sense.
As for the characters you first have our FMC Shay who is cosmologist and she studies black matter, and I love a smart FMC and so did our MMC Calder who even went so far to try and read her scientific papers to the best of his ability. We love a supportive king. But along with being a woman in STEM she also has an invisible chronic illness that has affected her since she was diagnosed when she was 15. It's because of her illness that she is sometimes hampered by what she is able to do because it could trigger a flare up and have her in bed for a few days. Combine that with a horrible EX finance she has now is the time to live it up and explore all the kinks she has read about and caught her interest. I enjoyed how bookish she was and how fun she was with her friends and I was sympathetic with what she has and continues to go through. She could also be funny at times but those really happened when it came to her banter with Calder, so they had decent chemistry, but it seemed that these individuals were better and shined when they were together than when they were separate. With Calder he hit all the notes of a book boyfriend with trying to read her scientific papers even though they are well outside his understanding, he communicated and walked through her kink explorations so that they could not only find out what she felt comfortable doing but what she was able to do. He never pressured her and when he learned about her illness, he did everything he could to not only research it but also find ways to support and lighten her load by sneaking in and doing chores so she didn't have to worry about the dishes or laundry after a long day. Definitely a supportive man we all wish we could have and he could also bake.
Overall, this was not a bad book, but it just wasn't the 100% book for me, but I am sure there will be a lot of readers who love this book.
-----
This book is about Shay who never thought taking a chance by downloading and filling out a profile on a kink exploration website would lead to her having a stalker. She had only wanted to explore the things she had read about in her book club and wanted to live a little after her breakup with her ex-fiancé. But now she has this man texting her dirty messages and pictures and knowing way too much about her life all while calling her a good girl has her very confused but very excited. She thought a morally gray man who chased women in graveyards was only something that happened in books, but here he is letting her live out her very own dark stalker romance. But what is she supposed to do other than to give in to his dark and possessive nature and run excited for him to catch her.
I have received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2026
3.5 stars ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ To Have and to Stalk☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
🩷₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊✨ ♡ THOUGHTS ♡ ✨₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊🩷
Void being down bad from the moment he saw Shay and then proceeding to go on the dating app and take her on a date (as Calder) without alluding to the fact that he was her stalker 🙂↕️. She clocked him real quick because of his birthmark and his fear of spiders. I genuinely love him, though. He was so thoughtful and had her best interests at heart, and it was one of those dark romances where he actually has boundaries (bare minimum, I know… but that's rare nowadays in dark romance). He made sure to check if she was physically okay and considered her chronic fatigue before initiating any form of intimacy. That was my favorite aspect about him. He cared a lot, and he wanted to protect her, but he also couldn't stay away. Calder would've preferred if she didn't get involved with him for her own best interest. He didn't want to involve her in the darker parts of his life, but she was the one who pushed him because she wanted him.
Shay is so real!!! She had a LIST of kinks she wanted to explore, and Calder didn't want her to meet any weirdos on the dating app, so he stepped up (what a gentleman) 😮💨👏. He truly set the standard.
🩷 He broke into her apartment to do her chores.
🩷 He listened to the audiobooks she was listening to, read the books she loved, and tabbed them ☹️.
🩷 He's afraid of spiders and will lose his shit. He's also scared of motorcycles (he's adorable). I love a safety conscious king.
🩷 AFTERCARE!!! He asked about spoons, and that's her method of determining how much energy she has ☹️🥹. He's a sweetheart.
🩷 Took her on a date to the bookstore 🤭🙂↕️.
🩷 He washed her hair and made her food when she had a flare up.
🩷₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊✨ ♡ OVERALL ♡ ✨₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊🩷
I do think his ties to the mafia were random and then conveniently tied up when she made a bargain with Butcher and he quickly agreed. I feel like the whole reason he wanted to stay away from her made sense because of this background, but I don't feel like there was an equal amount of character arc build up. It definitely focused more on her chronic illness and her experience growing up as opposed to how he watched his mom get abused by his father, and how that's why his brother Stone ended up in prison to cover for him. It was conveniently covered and recapped in one conversation near the end. He deserved a longer arc, but I still loved the book.
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ To Have and to Stalk☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
🩷₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊✨ ♡ THOUGHTS ♡ ✨₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊🩷
But one night with Shay and I wanted to break every rule. Wanted to bring her back to my place, tie her up, and never let her leave.
Void being down bad from the moment he saw Shay and then proceeding to go on the dating app and take her on a date (as Calder) without alluding to the fact that he was her stalker 🙂↕️. She clocked him real quick because of his birthmark and his fear of spiders. I genuinely love him, though. He was so thoughtful and had her best interests at heart, and it was one of those dark romances where he actually has boundaries (bare minimum, I know… but that's rare nowadays in dark romance). He made sure to check if she was physically okay and considered her chronic fatigue before initiating any form of intimacy. That was my favorite aspect about him. He cared a lot, and he wanted to protect her, but he also couldn't stay away. Calder would've preferred if she didn't get involved with him for her own best interest. He didn't want to involve her in the darker parts of his life, but she was the one who pushed him because she wanted him.
“Sorry,” I said. “I’m nervous.”
“Don’t apologize.” His grip tightened slightly at my hip. “It’s my job to make you comfortable.”
Shay is so real!!! She had a LIST of kinks she wanted to explore, and Calder didn't want her to meet any weirdos on the dating app, so he stepped up (what a gentleman) 😮💨👏. He truly set the standard.
🩷 He broke into her apartment to do her chores.
🩷 He listened to the audiobooks she was listening to, read the books she loved, and tabbed them ☹️.
🩷 He's afraid of spiders and will lose his shit. He's also scared of motorcycles (he's adorable). I love a safety conscious king.
🩷 AFTERCARE!!! He asked about spoons, and that's her method of determining how much energy she has ☹️🥹. He's a sweetheart.
🩷 Took her on a date to the bookstore 🤭🙂↕️.
🩷 He washed her hair and made her food when she had a flare up.
🩷₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊✨ ♡ OVERALL ♡ ✨₊˚ෆ💖ෆ˚₊🩷
I do think his ties to the mafia were random and then conveniently tied up when she made a bargain with Butcher and he quickly agreed. I feel like the whole reason he wanted to stay away from her made sense because of this background, but I don't feel like there was an equal amount of character arc build up. It definitely focused more on her chronic illness and her experience growing up as opposed to how he watched his mom get abused by his father, and how that's why his brother Stone ended up in prison to cover for him. It was conveniently covered and recapped in one conversation near the end. He deserved a longer arc, but I still loved the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2026
The only thing better than a new book from one of my favorite authors is probably a solid book recommendation from one of my favorite authors, and this one was a doozy! None other than Canadian hockey romance-writing goddess Helena Hunting suggested this book, and I was all in.
What Mary Catherine Gebhard has crafted here is a pitch black MMC with a moral code, kind of like Dexter, but this lead’s wet work doesn’t require the disposal of bodies. Our heroine Shay is a bona fide astrophysicist who only had one serious long term relationship and of course the philandering loser was just awful to her. However, despite some health challenges and limited experience, she has a very k!nk-specific wish list for her foray into no strings physical encounters. Her core friend group and her sister are absolute #squadgoals, and the guy(s?) who fit her criteria are laser focused on fulfilling every. one. of. her. requirements.
I will not spoil this delightful romp for you, dear reader, with any further details except to say that the true Bad Guy is easily spotted early and from as far away as the moon, but it shouldn’t dampen your enjoyment of this darkly funny, twisted, and steamy romp.
I can’t believe it will be nearly a year before we get to read the next book in the series, but I suspect it will be well worth the wait.
What Mary Catherine Gebhard has crafted here is a pitch black MMC with a moral code, kind of like Dexter, but this lead’s wet work doesn’t require the disposal of bodies. Our heroine Shay is a bona fide astrophysicist who only had one serious long term relationship and of course the philandering loser was just awful to her. However, despite some health challenges and limited experience, she has a very k!nk-specific wish list for her foray into no strings physical encounters. Her core friend group and her sister are absolute #squadgoals, and the guy(s?) who fit her criteria are laser focused on fulfilling every. one. of. her. requirements.
I will not spoil this delightful romp for you, dear reader, with any further details except to say that the true Bad Guy is easily spotted early and from as far away as the moon, but it shouldn’t dampen your enjoyment of this darkly funny, twisted, and steamy romp.
I can’t believe it will be nearly a year before we get to read the next book in the series, but I suspect it will be well worth the wait.
June 21, 2026
4.5 stars - this was a fab read.
"She was bright. My life was steeped in darkness, so her light was...intoxicating."
Shay Adder is a girl with a chronic illness and dark, kinky desires. Calder Throe is a criminal with a good heart and an obsession with a girl he saw in a coffee shop. Together, they are addictive, compelling and so right!
"My love for you is like the dark matter you study. It's the thing that exists when all else dies. The secret, invisible black holding the universe up."
This was a crazy story and I was right there for it! I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the plot developments. Shay was so endearing. In spite of her health challenges and her recent relationship history, she was willing to put herself out there and test her own boundaries. Calder really won me over. Forced into a life he never wanted, he aimed to redress the balance by dishing out justice in his own way. I enjoyed his obsession with Shay and the way he took care of her, protected her, and loved her. These two were dark, super sexy, and melted my heart.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
"She was bright. My life was steeped in darkness, so her light was...intoxicating."
Shay Adder is a girl with a chronic illness and dark, kinky desires. Calder Throe is a criminal with a good heart and an obsession with a girl he saw in a coffee shop. Together, they are addictive, compelling and so right!
"My love for you is like the dark matter you study. It's the thing that exists when all else dies. The secret, invisible black holding the universe up."
This was a crazy story and I was right there for it! I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the plot developments. Shay was so endearing. In spite of her health challenges and her recent relationship history, she was willing to put herself out there and test her own boundaries. Calder really won me over. Forced into a life he never wanted, he aimed to redress the balance by dishing out justice in his own way. I enjoyed his obsession with Shay and the way he took care of her, protected her, and loved her. These two were dark, super sexy, and melted my heart.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
June 8, 2026
this was a an emotional romance with memorable characters, great chemistry, and plenty of spice.
Shay, a smart cosmologist living with a chronic illness, felt realistic and relatable, while Calder's intense devotion, patience, and care made him an unforgettable hero.
the stalker romance element was sweet, balanced with humor, heartfelt moments, and strong character growth. while the ending felt a little confusing and almost like the author just wanted it to be wrapped up quickly, the engaging plot, hot romance, and genuine connection between the characters made this a highly enjoyable read. fans of possessive yet caring heroes, emotional depth, and spicy romance will likely love this one.
Shay, a smart cosmologist living with a chronic illness, felt realistic and relatable, while Calder's intense devotion, patience, and care made him an unforgettable hero.
the stalker romance element was sweet, balanced with humor, heartfelt moments, and strong character growth. while the ending felt a little confusing and almost like the author just wanted it to be wrapped up quickly, the engaging plot, hot romance, and genuine connection between the characters made this a highly enjoyable read. fans of possessive yet caring heroes, emotional depth, and spicy romance will likely love this one.
June 18, 2026
Loved this book. As usual there isnt a single Mary Catherine Gebhard book I havent loved. Unlike the others that have some soul grabbing moments, this one was just a dark humorous romance that I read in one sitting.
“I’m embarrassed that I stayed with someone who treated me so poorly for so long.”
That line got to me. It SPOKE to me. Having just went through the same thing (minus the illness) I connected with Shay so much. And I LOVED Calder. He was so dark and mysterious but she made him soft and open and I adored it. I really hope we get a Stone and Lithie book but I am HERE for the Butcher and his hilarious personality.
“Be a good girl for me, Shay, and let me buy you books.”
Oh & this line made me wetter than anything I read in a long time… HAHAHA
“I’m embarrassed that I stayed with someone who treated me so poorly for so long.”
That line got to me. It SPOKE to me. Having just went through the same thing (minus the illness) I connected with Shay so much. And I LOVED Calder. He was so dark and mysterious but she made him soft and open and I adored it. I really hope we get a Stone and Lithie book but I am HERE for the Butcher and his hilarious personality.
“Be a good girl for me, Shay, and let me buy you books.”
Oh & this line made me wetter than anything I read in a long time… HAHAHA
June 25, 2026
Thanks to Mary Catherine Gebhard and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
It is such a cute dark rom-com and definitely gave Lights Out vibes! I loved that it blended a little bit of academia, mafia, humor, and smut. Calder is sweet, caring, and has such a beautiful heart. One of my favorite things about him was that he never left after learning about her illnesses. Instead, he wanted to be there for her—to support her, encourage her, and take care of her. The fact that he was just as invested in fulfilling her desires (and fantasies) as his own was a 10/10 for me. Their chemistry and connection were everything. It was perfect!
It is such a cute dark rom-com and definitely gave Lights Out vibes! I loved that it blended a little bit of academia, mafia, humor, and smut. Calder is sweet, caring, and has such a beautiful heart. One of my favorite things about him was that he never left after learning about her illnesses. Instead, he wanted to be there for her—to support her, encourage her, and take care of her. The fact that he was just as invested in fulfilling her desires (and fantasies) as his own was a 10/10 for me. Their chemistry and connection were everything. It was perfect!
July 13, 2026
Once you have read one funny stalker book, you have kind of read them all. But they are always a fun time, and this one was no different. It did not offer anything particularly new or exciting for the genre, but it was an easy, light read that I finished in two days.
It started to feel repetitive, especially in the last 30%, and the writing was pretty choppy. It definitely could have benefited from a stronger edit and a smoother overall flow. Even so, I still had fun with it. I am definitely going to continue with book two since it is an MMF why choose story, and I think that dynamic will make things more interesting.
It started to feel repetitive, especially in the last 30%, and the writing was pretty choppy. It definitely could have benefited from a stronger edit and a smoother overall flow. Even so, I still had fun with it. I am definitely going to continue with book two since it is an MMF why choose story, and I think that dynamic will make things more interesting.
September 12, 2026
This book was written for all the dark romance girlies. It literally had everything a dark romance should have. It was like the book knew what its readers wanted. Stalker?✅ Secretly a sweet and caring guy?✅ Alll the tropes and triggers✅
July 27, 2026
When Shay finds herself with her very own stalker she knows she shouldn't text him back, she knows she shouldn't share her darkest fantasies with him and she definitely shouldn't be taking dirty selfies for him, but the more they communicate the more she wants to meet him and have him fulfill all of her dark fantasies. Even when she finds out that he is dangerous and hurts, possibly even kills, people she can't walk away. Void is who she wants. So, when she meets Caulder, goes on a date with him, she can't quite stop thinking of Void even though Caulder seems to know exactly what she likes and seems to know other things about her. When she finds out that Void and Caulder are one and the same, can she forgive the lie? When she finds out what he does not only for a living, but his bloody hobby can she just walk away?
I loved Shay and Caulder. Shay was so sweet and bubbly, with just a dash of dirty even after all she has gone through with her disability. And Caulder, I just loved him. When he finds out about Shay's disability, and he does everything to adjust and accommodate what she may need and when it hits her hard, he takes care of her in ways no one ever has before.
I loved Shay and Caulder. Shay was so sweet and bubbly, with just a dash of dirty even after all she has gone through with her disability. And Caulder, I just loved him. When he finds out about Shay's disability, and he does everything to adjust and accommodate what she may need and when it hits her hard, he takes care of her in ways no one ever has before.
June 18, 2026
Mary Catherine Gebhard took every dark romance trope readers love to obsess over and turned them into a wildly entertaining dark romantic comedy.
To Have & To Stalk knows exactly what it is from the very first page. It leans into the fantasy of the masked, possessive, morally gray stalker hero while simultaneously poking fun at the genre in a way that feels self-aware and incredibly fun. Instead of trying to be overly serious, the book embraces the absurdity and lets readers enjoy the ride.
The heroine was easy to connect with because she feels like every romance reader who's ever fallen for a fictional red flag and immediately justified it. Her inner thoughts, reactions, and self-awareness added so much humor to the story, especially as she finds herself living out the exact scenario she probably should be running from.
The chemistry between the main characters was immediate and entertaining. The dynamic is built on obsession, attraction, banter, and a healthy amount of chaos. While the story definitely plays with darker themes and morally questionable behavior, the romcom tone keeps things feeling playful rather than heavy.
What stood out most was how much fun the author had with the concept. The book constantly winks at readers who know and love dark romance tropes, creating a reading experience that feels like being in on the joke while still getting all the things you came for.
Overall, To Have & To Stalk is a fast-paced, trope-filled dark romcom that delivers obsessive hero energy, plenty of laughs, and a heroine who is just as entertaining as the man stalking her. Perfect for readers who love dark romance but don't mind laughing at the genre's most beloved red flags along the way.
To Have & To Stalk knows exactly what it is from the very first page. It leans into the fantasy of the masked, possessive, morally gray stalker hero while simultaneously poking fun at the genre in a way that feels self-aware and incredibly fun. Instead of trying to be overly serious, the book embraces the absurdity and lets readers enjoy the ride.
The heroine was easy to connect with because she feels like every romance reader who's ever fallen for a fictional red flag and immediately justified it. Her inner thoughts, reactions, and self-awareness added so much humor to the story, especially as she finds herself living out the exact scenario she probably should be running from.
The chemistry between the main characters was immediate and entertaining. The dynamic is built on obsession, attraction, banter, and a healthy amount of chaos. While the story definitely plays with darker themes and morally questionable behavior, the romcom tone keeps things feeling playful rather than heavy.
What stood out most was how much fun the author had with the concept. The book constantly winks at readers who know and love dark romance tropes, creating a reading experience that feels like being in on the joke while still getting all the things you came for.
Overall, To Have & To Stalk is a fast-paced, trope-filled dark romcom that delivers obsessive hero energy, plenty of laughs, and a heroine who is just as entertaining as the man stalking her. Perfect for readers who love dark romance but don't mind laughing at the genre's most beloved red flags along the way.
June 16, 2026
I’m gonna preface this review by saying this series is literally called My Very Own Book Boyfriend — and Calder is absolutely a top‑tier book boyfriend. I haven’t been this obsessed with an MMC in a while. Tall. Hot. Broody. Stalker tendencies. Tattoos. Say less. What more could a girl possibly ask for?
Our FMC is Shay — and our girl has a whole doctorate. She’s brilliant, a total book girly, and navigating life with an unpredictable illness that makes her afraid to get attached. She’s independent, self‑aware, and has some very specific preferences 😏
Then we have Calder. An accountant 👀 who loves to bake and is very observant. He’s spent his whole life making choices to protect his family, and he’s always been a one‑night‑only kind of guy… until a certain blonde walks into his life and ruins that habit completely. He’s attentive, gentle in ways you don’t expect, and — four words — he buys her books. Ideal book boyfriend behavior.
This story is the perfect blend of rom‑com and dark romance. When it’s spicy, it’s spicy, but in between the heat you get heart, humor, lovable side characters, and a plot (with some twists) that actually enhances the romance instead of distracting from it. I also loved the rare disease rep and how Calder genuinely pays attention to Shay’s needs - he truly sees her.
I giggled, I kicked my feet, I highlighted half the book. Calder and Shay own me. Can’t wait for the next one!
Our FMC is Shay — and our girl has a whole doctorate. She’s brilliant, a total book girly, and navigating life with an unpredictable illness that makes her afraid to get attached. She’s independent, self‑aware, and has some very specific preferences 😏
Then we have Calder. An accountant 👀 who loves to bake and is very observant. He’s spent his whole life making choices to protect his family, and he’s always been a one‑night‑only kind of guy… until a certain blonde walks into his life and ruins that habit completely. He’s attentive, gentle in ways you don’t expect, and — four words — he buys her books. Ideal book boyfriend behavior.
This story is the perfect blend of rom‑com and dark romance. When it’s spicy, it’s spicy, but in between the heat you get heart, humor, lovable side characters, and a plot (with some twists) that actually enhances the romance instead of distracting from it. I also loved the rare disease rep and how Calder genuinely pays attention to Shay’s needs - he truly sees her.
I giggled, I kicked my feet, I highlighted half the book. Calder and Shay own me. Can’t wait for the next one!
June 18, 2026
I received To Have & To Stalk in return for an honest review from Candi Kane PR.
I'm obsessed with Shay she's such a sweetheart you can't help cheering her on through he story. My bestie has the same illness and we've had so many spoon conversations over the years. She quickly stole my heart and has become one of my favorite characters you can't not love her. What can I say about Calder except he's swoon worthy and plus who doesn't love a morally grey guy.
I was hooked from the first page till the very last and ended up devouring it in just a few short hours. I loved the chemistry between Shay and Calder they have this sweet yet spicy romance. This is a darker stalker rom-com that I feel is on the lighter side of dark so everyone will enjoy it. We have a great cast of side characters that just enhance the story but it's Shay and Calder who stole the show.
This is my first book by the author and I'm addicted. She does a beautiful job creating a captivating story that I couldn't put down. I enjoyed every moment of the characters story and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I highly recommend if you are looking for a fun stalker romance that will have you swooning and giggling give this one a chance. I'm looking forward to exploring the authors backlist books as I'm a fan.
I'm obsessed with Shay she's such a sweetheart you can't help cheering her on through he story. My bestie has the same illness and we've had so many spoon conversations over the years. She quickly stole my heart and has become one of my favorite characters you can't not love her. What can I say about Calder except he's swoon worthy and plus who doesn't love a morally grey guy.
I was hooked from the first page till the very last and ended up devouring it in just a few short hours. I loved the chemistry between Shay and Calder they have this sweet yet spicy romance. This is a darker stalker rom-com that I feel is on the lighter side of dark so everyone will enjoy it. We have a great cast of side characters that just enhance the story but it's Shay and Calder who stole the show.
This is my first book by the author and I'm addicted. She does a beautiful job creating a captivating story that I couldn't put down. I enjoyed every moment of the characters story and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. I highly recommend if you are looking for a fun stalker romance that will have you swooning and giggling give this one a chance. I'm looking forward to exploring the authors backlist books as I'm a fan.
June 18, 2026
**(My first ever) ARC REVIEW**
🖤
First off, thank you to The Smuthood and Mary Catherine Gebhard for picking me to be a part of the ARC readers for this new book! 🫶🏼
Now onto the review…
I will say I was a little worried the very beginning of the book. I immediately picked up on editing errors and the story line wasn’t grasping me as quickly as I had liked. I felt like I had started reading in the middle of the book and I was concerned there was an issue with the download. Thankfully that wasn’t the issue and the book picked up perfectly after that 1st chapter (and it made more sense when I realized what was going on).
The main characters Calder & Shay were very likable and I really loved the build up between the two! I liked that this was different from other stalker dark romance books I’ve read. This one was more playful and gave light to a chronic illness. I thought that was really cool to include and build into the story. Dark romcom was the perfect genre to put this in.
Also… Two F.R.I.E.N.D.S. references in one book?!?! SOLD!!🙌🏼🙌🏼 That had me smiling so hard!!
The smut was 👩🏻🍳🤌🏼🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Very well written and had me hooked! There were definitely sections I couldn’t put the book down and I had to keep reading!
The ending has a small little twist I didn’t expect. It is a HEA, so yay for that!
I would say I would read this again for sure! 🖤
🖤
First off, thank you to The Smuthood and Mary Catherine Gebhard for picking me to be a part of the ARC readers for this new book! 🫶🏼
Now onto the review…
I will say I was a little worried the very beginning of the book. I immediately picked up on editing errors and the story line wasn’t grasping me as quickly as I had liked. I felt like I had started reading in the middle of the book and I was concerned there was an issue with the download. Thankfully that wasn’t the issue and the book picked up perfectly after that 1st chapter (and it made more sense when I realized what was going on).
The main characters Calder & Shay were very likable and I really loved the build up between the two! I liked that this was different from other stalker dark romance books I’ve read. This one was more playful and gave light to a chronic illness. I thought that was really cool to include and build into the story. Dark romcom was the perfect genre to put this in.
Also… Two F.R.I.E.N.D.S. references in one book?!?! SOLD!!🙌🏼🙌🏼 That had me smiling so hard!!
The smut was 👩🏻🍳🤌🏼🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Very well written and had me hooked! There were definitely sections I couldn’t put the book down and I had to keep reading!
The ending has a small little twist I didn’t expect. It is a HEA, so yay for that!
I would say I would read this again for sure! 🖤
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