What do you think?
Rate this book
Unbalanced: A Dark Rom Com Serial Killer Obsession Romance
Betrayal doesn’t disappear. It festers and spreads like a disease.
The scales demand consequence and don’t balance themselves. Someone has to tip them back.
That person is me.
By thirty, I have it all. Wealth. Power. Prestige. A face people trust and a name that commands rooms. I know how to win juries, destroy reputations, and bury secrets beneath polished lies. I’m the attorney that most can’t afford.
But then something tragic happens the night of my birthday. A reminder of the night my father died. Something that should’ve stayed buried.
That’s when I know for certain that there is a threat.
Someone is watching. Stalking. I can almost feel the slow breath of someone standing too close and stirring the monster beneath my skin.
They know the truth about me.
And instead of running…they keep testing me.
I should be worried.
Instead, I’m obsessed. No one has ever been so bold.
The game is afoot, and when I finally uncover who’s been lurking in the shadows of my life…it will be the end for one of us.
The scales demand consequence and don’t balance themselves. Someone has to tip them back.
That person is me.
By thirty, I have it all. Wealth. Power. Prestige. A face people trust and a name that commands rooms. I know how to win juries, destroy reputations, and bury secrets beneath polished lies. I’m the attorney that most can’t afford.
But then something tragic happens the night of my birthday. A reminder of the night my father died. Something that should’ve stayed buried.
That’s when I know for certain that there is a threat.
Someone is watching. Stalking. I can almost feel the slow breath of someone standing too close and stirring the monster beneath my skin.
They know the truth about me.
And instead of running…they keep testing me.
I should be worried.
Instead, I’m obsessed. No one has ever been so bold.
The game is afoot, and when I finally uncover who’s been lurking in the shadows of my life…it will be the end for one of us.
- GenresDark Romance
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2026
About the author
Brooklyn Cross
60 books2,308 followersBrooklyn's Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_broo...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrookly...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooklyn.cro...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brook...
Brooklyn Cross grew up loving stories in a world that never quite understood how her mind worked.
Severe dyslexia and short-term memory challenges made school a constant fight, and success was something she was told to expect for others, not herself. Instead of quitting, she taught herself how to keep going.
Today, Brooklyn Cross writes dark romance for readers who don’t want safe love or perfect heroes. Expect morally grey men, fierce women, obsession, emotional chaos, and spice with consequences. If you like your romance messy, dangerous, and impossible to forget, you’re in the right place.
She has published multiple books and is relentlessly building worlds designed to ruin hearts, spark obsession, and stay with readers long after the final page.
Follow your dreams. Break the rules. Write anyway.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_broo...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrookly...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brooklyn.cro...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brook...
Brooklyn Cross grew up loving stories in a world that never quite understood how her mind worked.
Severe dyslexia and short-term memory challenges made school a constant fight, and success was something she was told to expect for others, not herself. Instead of quitting, she taught herself how to keep going.
Today, Brooklyn Cross writes dark romance for readers who don’t want safe love or perfect heroes. Expect morally grey men, fierce women, obsession, emotional chaos, and spice with consequences. If you like your romance messy, dangerous, and impossible to forget, you’re in the right place.
She has published multiple books and is relentlessly building worlds designed to ruin hearts, spark obsession, and stay with readers long after the final page.
Follow your dreams. Break the rules. Write anyway.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤 UNBALANCED by Brooklyn Cross 🖤
♎️ Dark Star Series — Libra
BROOKLYN CROSS… YOU SNEAKY LITTLE GENIUS. I LOVED THIS BOOK!
After the emotional devastation and cliffhanger-induced trauma of my last two ARC reads from Brooklyn, I went into Unbalanced fully prepared to have my heart ripped out, stomped on and handed back to me in a pretty little literary gift box.
But this time? SHE SWITCHED THINGS UP!
And honestly? I AM HERE FOR IT.
Because somewhere between the dark romance, the obsession and all the delicious Brooklyn Cross shenanigans, I found myself falling head over heels for Emily.
Oh, Emily. MY GIRL.
What an absolutely wonderful FMC! I adored her. She’s the kind of character who makes you want to climb into the pages, become her best friend and basically announce, “When I grow up, I want to be YOU!”
Yes, I am a fully grown woman. No, I will not be taking questions at this time.
And can we talk about the change in spice levels for a moment?
If Brooklyn’s usual offerings have me reaching for the peri-peri sauce and questioning whether my Kindle needs a cold shower, Unbalanced is a little more lemon and herb. 🍋🔥
But don’t mistake that for a lack of flavour!
Because when the spice does arrive? ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS.
Sometimes you don’t need the hottest sauce on the menu to enjoy every bloody bite!
I devoured this book in ONE AFTERNOON. No regrets. Not a single one. My TBR can wait, my responsibilities can form an orderly queue, and I was perfectly happy right where I was.
And Brooklyn? Listen carefully, because this doesn’t happen often…
I FORGIVE YOU.
For the cliffhanger. For the emotional devastation. For what you put me through with those previous ARCs.
Well… mostly. Let’s not get carried away.
But this book reminded me exactly why I love reading across different moods and genres. Brooklyn gave us something with a rom-com feel, characters I adored, and a story that had me completely hooked.
Emily has my heart. Brooklyn has my forgiveness. And my afternoon disappeared into the pages.
Do yourself a favour and meet Emily. You might fall in love with her too.
⭐ Five very happy, thoroughly entertained, lemon-and-herb-loving Novellaworm stars! ⭐
Brooklyn Cross, you did it again. And this time, you let me finish a book without needing emotional support, a lie-down and several strong cups of tea afterwards.
…I’ll probably need all three for your next one, though. 🖤
♎️ Dark Star Series — Libra
BROOKLYN CROSS… YOU SNEAKY LITTLE GENIUS. I LOVED THIS BOOK!
After the emotional devastation and cliffhanger-induced trauma of my last two ARC reads from Brooklyn, I went into Unbalanced fully prepared to have my heart ripped out, stomped on and handed back to me in a pretty little literary gift box.
But this time? SHE SWITCHED THINGS UP!
And honestly? I AM HERE FOR IT.
Because somewhere between the dark romance, the obsession and all the delicious Brooklyn Cross shenanigans, I found myself falling head over heels for Emily.
Oh, Emily. MY GIRL.
What an absolutely wonderful FMC! I adored her. She’s the kind of character who makes you want to climb into the pages, become her best friend and basically announce, “When I grow up, I want to be YOU!”
Yes, I am a fully grown woman. No, I will not be taking questions at this time.
And can we talk about the change in spice levels for a moment?
If Brooklyn’s usual offerings have me reaching for the peri-peri sauce and questioning whether my Kindle needs a cold shower, Unbalanced is a little more lemon and herb. 🍋🔥
But don’t mistake that for a lack of flavour!
Because when the spice does arrive? ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS.
Sometimes you don’t need the hottest sauce on the menu to enjoy every bloody bite!
I devoured this book in ONE AFTERNOON. No regrets. Not a single one. My TBR can wait, my responsibilities can form an orderly queue, and I was perfectly happy right where I was.
And Brooklyn? Listen carefully, because this doesn’t happen often…
I FORGIVE YOU.
For the cliffhanger. For the emotional devastation. For what you put me through with those previous ARCs.
Well… mostly. Let’s not get carried away.
But this book reminded me exactly why I love reading across different moods and genres. Brooklyn gave us something with a rom-com feel, characters I adored, and a story that had me completely hooked.
Emily has my heart. Brooklyn has my forgiveness. And my afternoon disappeared into the pages.
Do yourself a favour and meet Emily. You might fall in love with her too.
⭐ Five very happy, thoroughly entertained, lemon-and-herb-loving Novellaworm stars! ⭐
Brooklyn Cross, you did it again. And this time, you let me finish a book without needing emotional support, a lie-down and several strong cups of tea afterwards.
…I’ll probably need all three for your next one, though. 🖤
November 2, 2026
🖤🔪 UNBALANCED by Brooklyn Cross
At this point, I’m convinced Brooklyn Cross has a personal vendetta against my free time. 😂
Seriously, HOW does she do it?!
Every single time I pick up one of her books, I tell myself I’ll read a couple of chapters and get on with my life. And every single time, Brooklyn laughs in my face and suddenly it’s 3 a.m.
And the best part? HER ORIGINALITY!
Just when you think you’ve seen every possible variation of dark romance, she comes along with something completely different.
So, what do we have here?
Alden. Successful lawyer. Intelligent, charming, dangerously attractive… and with a rather unconventional approach to dealing with certain people. 🔪
And then there’s Emily.
A florist. Sweet, seemingly innocent, perfectly normal Emily. Who also happens to be dating Alden’s brother.
Nothing suspicious here, right?
HAHAHAHA. OH, SWEET SUMMER CHILD. 🌸😂
What I particularly loved about Unbalanced is how cleverly Brooklyn plays with our expectations.
You think you’ve figured out the characters. You think you understand their motivations. You even start making assumptions about where the story is heading.
And then you realise you’ve been paying attention to entirely the wrong things.
BRILLIANT.
I also loved the contrast between Alden and Emily. Their personalities, their secrets, the way their relationship develops and how the balance of power keeps shifting between them.
There’s something incredibly entertaining about watching two morally questionable people interact while wondering which one you should actually be worried about. 😂
And the humour! Brooklyn has this wonderful ability to make you laugh at situations that, under absolutely ANY normal circumstances, should have you reaching for the police.
The pacing was another huge win for me. The story grabs your attention almost immediately, keeps feeding you little pieces of information and makes it ridiculously difficult to put the book down.
But what I appreciate most is that the darkness isn’t the only thing carrying the story.
There’s an actual plot. There’s mystery. There’s manipulation, obsession and a very clever game of appearances.
And THAT is what makes it so entertaining.
Brooklyn doesn’t simply give us another dangerous man and a woman who falls for him. She takes familiar dark romance elements, rearranges them and creates something that feels genuinely fresh.
And honestly? That’s exactly why I keep coming back to her books.
As for Alden and Emily…
Well, I certainly wouldn’t invite them over for dinner.
But I’d happily read another entire book about them. 😂🖤
IG: @thesoftcurse
At this point, I’m convinced Brooklyn Cross has a personal vendetta against my free time. 😂
Seriously, HOW does she do it?!
Every single time I pick up one of her books, I tell myself I’ll read a couple of chapters and get on with my life. And every single time, Brooklyn laughs in my face and suddenly it’s 3 a.m.
And the best part? HER ORIGINALITY!
Just when you think you’ve seen every possible variation of dark romance, she comes along with something completely different.
So, what do we have here?
Alden. Successful lawyer. Intelligent, charming, dangerously attractive… and with a rather unconventional approach to dealing with certain people. 🔪
And then there’s Emily.
A florist. Sweet, seemingly innocent, perfectly normal Emily. Who also happens to be dating Alden’s brother.
Nothing suspicious here, right?
HAHAHAHA. OH, SWEET SUMMER CHILD. 🌸😂
What I particularly loved about Unbalanced is how cleverly Brooklyn plays with our expectations.
You think you’ve figured out the characters. You think you understand their motivations. You even start making assumptions about where the story is heading.
And then you realise you’ve been paying attention to entirely the wrong things.
BRILLIANT.
I also loved the contrast between Alden and Emily. Their personalities, their secrets, the way their relationship develops and how the balance of power keeps shifting between them.
There’s something incredibly entertaining about watching two morally questionable people interact while wondering which one you should actually be worried about. 😂
And the humour! Brooklyn has this wonderful ability to make you laugh at situations that, under absolutely ANY normal circumstances, should have you reaching for the police.
The pacing was another huge win for me. The story grabs your attention almost immediately, keeps feeding you little pieces of information and makes it ridiculously difficult to put the book down.
But what I appreciate most is that the darkness isn’t the only thing carrying the story.
There’s an actual plot. There’s mystery. There’s manipulation, obsession and a very clever game of appearances.
And THAT is what makes it so entertaining.
Brooklyn doesn’t simply give us another dangerous man and a woman who falls for him. She takes familiar dark romance elements, rearranges them and creates something that feels genuinely fresh.
And honestly? That’s exactly why I keep coming back to her books.
As for Alden and Emily…
Well, I certainly wouldn’t invite them over for dinner.
But I’d happily read another entire book about them. 😂🖤
IG: @thesoftcurse
October 27, 2026
Holy shit!!!! I recently read 2 other arcs from Brooklyn with both ending on diabolical cliffhangers so it was nice to have this tied up...but it in no terms means I am left unwanting because any crumbs Brooklyn puts down you best believe I am scooping up like an addict.
I need you to go in as blind as you can with this book because it literally will shock you to your core. I thought I knew what was happening then I got gaslit and it did a complete 180.
Emily is our strong badass FMC born out of trauma and a bad upbringing. Alden is our perfectly practiced lawyer with a darker side that comes out to play.
I have never read a book where the two main characters are so PERFECT for each other. I need an epilogue or bonus scene or something because I love them so much and never want to let them go.
Does it make me unhinged this was 5 stars? Idk take it up with my fictional therapist.
I need you to go in as blind as you can with this book because it literally will shock you to your core. I thought I knew what was happening then I got gaslit and it did a complete 180.
Emily is our strong badass FMC born out of trauma and a bad upbringing. Alden is our perfectly practiced lawyer with a darker side that comes out to play.
I have never read a book where the two main characters are so PERFECT for each other. I need an epilogue or bonus scene or something because I love them so much and never want to let them go.
Does it make me unhinged this was 5 stars? Idk take it up with my fictional therapist.
October 21, 2026
Two Red Flags Walked Into a Romance… and I Regret Nothing.
Brooklyn… WHAT ON EARTH DID YOU JUST DO TO ME?!
Alden. ALDEN. ALDEN. A morally questionable lawyer with a wicked mouth, a dark side and enough book boyfriend energy to make me throw every ounce of common sense out the window.
Do I have concerns? Absolutely. Are my standards suddenly negotiable? Apparently. Alden, darling, you are doing NOTHING for my sanity and I’m not even trying to fight it.
The forbidden attraction, twisted morals, dark humour and deliciously wicked chemistry had me hooked. These two are complicated, dangerous and wonderfully wrong for anyone who values peace and a normal blood pressure.
And the chemistry? DIABOLICAL.
The tension between Alden and Emily had me devouring every interaction. The way she gets under his skin? The way they bring out each other’s darker sides? GOOD LORD.
And the spice? Wickedly naughty, downright animalistic, and absolutely not helping my case. Alden’s dirty talk deserves a warning label and my Kindle needs adult supervision!
But Emily? OH, SWEETHEART.
Smart, devious, witty, calculating and an absolute badass, she was unexpectedly empowering. She may make some seriously questionable choices, but she refuses to be underestimated. She’s always thinking, planning, and seemingly three steps ahead.
Morally questionable? Absolutely. Would I underestimate her? NOT IN THIS LIFETIME.
And her twelve year obsession with one very specific man? SHE KNOWS THE MAN. SHE WANTS THE MONSTER.
Tell me that isn’t deliciously twisted!
The more these two circle each other, the more fascinating their connection becomes. Darkness recognizes darkness, darling, and watching them navigate their beautifully messed up world was ridiculously entertaining.
And Rob? Bless your heart. You really thought you knew the woman you were dating, didn’t you?
Let’s just say Emily has a way of keeping her cards close to her chest and underestimating her is a spectacularly bad idea. Even that signature flower might make you look at a florist a little differently!
Brooklyn, you knew EXACTLY what you were doing with this one. The dark humor had me cackling when I probably should have been concerned, the tension kept me invested and these morally complicated characters had me questioning my own fictional taste.
Five stars. Zero common sense. Questionable morals. One very interesting Little Liability.
Alden and Emily are a beautifully unbalanced disaster and apparently, I’m volunteering to watch the whole thing unfold.
Brooklyn, I picked this up for a good time and now I’m emotionally invested in two walking red flags and desperately wanting MORE.
This is entirely your fault. And if you write another book like this? I’ll be right there, ready to make the same questionable decisions all over again.
Brooklyn… WHAT ON EARTH DID YOU JUST DO TO ME?!
Alden. ALDEN. ALDEN. A morally questionable lawyer with a wicked mouth, a dark side and enough book boyfriend energy to make me throw every ounce of common sense out the window.
Do I have concerns? Absolutely. Are my standards suddenly negotiable? Apparently. Alden, darling, you are doing NOTHING for my sanity and I’m not even trying to fight it.
The forbidden attraction, twisted morals, dark humour and deliciously wicked chemistry had me hooked. These two are complicated, dangerous and wonderfully wrong for anyone who values peace and a normal blood pressure.
And the chemistry? DIABOLICAL.
The tension between Alden and Emily had me devouring every interaction. The way she gets under his skin? The way they bring out each other’s darker sides? GOOD LORD.
And the spice? Wickedly naughty, downright animalistic, and absolutely not helping my case. Alden’s dirty talk deserves a warning label and my Kindle needs adult supervision!
But Emily? OH, SWEETHEART.
Smart, devious, witty, calculating and an absolute badass, she was unexpectedly empowering. She may make some seriously questionable choices, but she refuses to be underestimated. She’s always thinking, planning, and seemingly three steps ahead.
Morally questionable? Absolutely. Would I underestimate her? NOT IN THIS LIFETIME.
And her twelve year obsession with one very specific man? SHE KNOWS THE MAN. SHE WANTS THE MONSTER.
Tell me that isn’t deliciously twisted!
The more these two circle each other, the more fascinating their connection becomes. Darkness recognizes darkness, darling, and watching them navigate their beautifully messed up world was ridiculously entertaining.
And Rob? Bless your heart. You really thought you knew the woman you were dating, didn’t you?
Let’s just say Emily has a way of keeping her cards close to her chest and underestimating her is a spectacularly bad idea. Even that signature flower might make you look at a florist a little differently!
Brooklyn, you knew EXACTLY what you were doing with this one. The dark humor had me cackling when I probably should have been concerned, the tension kept me invested and these morally complicated characters had me questioning my own fictional taste.
Five stars. Zero common sense. Questionable morals. One very interesting Little Liability.
Alden and Emily are a beautifully unbalanced disaster and apparently, I’m volunteering to watch the whole thing unfold.
Brooklyn, I picked this up for a good time and now I’m emotionally invested in two walking red flags and desperately wanting MORE.
This is entirely your fault. And if you write another book like this? I’ll be right there, ready to make the same questionable decisions all over again.
October 20, 2026
Wow...
I've been in a huge slump where I'm DNF'ing left and right. This book technically should've been a DNF based on the things I hate reading, primarily a manwhore MMC and OWD where it lasts nearly towards the end. I wish I found safety info in other reviews before I dove in. It was a struggle to overlook this.
This book had all the components of a soap opera. MMC has a casual FWB who wanted more but she fucks his cousin casually too and they're all cool. Smarmy cousin who needs cash and starts drama with MMC. MMC's dad rapes the virgin FMC when she's 15 (graphic on page). FMC then stalks MMC for 12 years cuz he saved her and she's in love. He slept around A LOT based on sprinkles of info. FMC sleeps with the brother to get close to MMC. The brother also cheats on the FMC with his partner who comes at the MCs. FMC turns out to be the killer. There's vigilante killings. Way too much growling and snarling. You see? It's a lot.
The dialogue was kinda cheesy and repetitive while some scenes were cringe. FMC's good girl act was part of the cringe so I'm glad her crazy side started to come out.
I did admire the FMC's resilience and her determination to secure her man. Additional star for this unhinged chick. Would've loved more backstory on what happened to her through the years and how she managed to obtain top notch hacking and stalking skills despite never going to school and had to homeschool herself at 8 years old.
MMC thought he was all that and I guess he is but I'm still baffled how he has so much dirt on people in high places considering he's a family attorney and not a criminal one.
Despite all this hodgepodge of tropes and messiness I usually avoid, I couldn't put the book down. The writing style was easy to consume and pacing was good. Bonus for the primal play at the end right before her villain reveal and for having majority of the chapters in his POV.
Also, this is labeled a dark romcom but there was no humor in it.
Safety - no virgins, he's a manwhore and slept with OWD even after FMC was intro'd to the story, no history on FMC except we know she was raped by the dad and slept with the brother, OWD, OMD, MMC doesn't sleep with OW after he had sex with FMC but he does sleep with OW leading up to it, no sharing, no on page sex with OP.
I've been in a huge slump where I'm DNF'ing left and right. This book technically should've been a DNF based on the things I hate reading, primarily a manwhore MMC and OWD where it lasts nearly towards the end. I wish I found safety info in other reviews before I dove in. It was a struggle to overlook this.
This book had all the components of a soap opera. MMC has a casual FWB who wanted more but she fucks his cousin casually too and they're all cool. Smarmy cousin who needs cash and starts drama with MMC. MMC's dad rapes the virgin FMC when she's 15 (graphic on page). FMC then stalks MMC for 12 years cuz he saved her and she's in love. He slept around A LOT based on sprinkles of info. FMC sleeps with the brother to get close to MMC. The brother also cheats on the FMC with his partner who comes at the MCs. FMC turns out to be the killer. There's vigilante killings. Way too much growling and snarling. You see? It's a lot.
The dialogue was kinda cheesy and repetitive while some scenes were cringe. FMC's good girl act was part of the cringe so I'm glad her crazy side started to come out.
I did admire the FMC's resilience and her determination to secure her man. Additional star for this unhinged chick. Would've loved more backstory on what happened to her through the years and how she managed to obtain top notch hacking and stalking skills despite never going to school and had to homeschool herself at 8 years old.
MMC thought he was all that and I guess he is but I'm still baffled how he has so much dirt on people in high places considering he's a family attorney and not a criminal one.
Despite all this hodgepodge of tropes and messiness I usually avoid, I couldn't put the book down. The writing style was easy to consume and pacing was good. Bonus for the primal play at the end right before her villain reveal and for having majority of the chapters in his POV.
Also, this is labeled a dark romcom but there was no humor in it.
Safety - no virgins, he's a manwhore and slept with OWD even after FMC was intro'd to the story, no history on FMC except we know she was raped by the dad and slept with the brother, OWD, OMD, MMC doesn't sleep with OW after he had sex with FMC but he does sleep with OW leading up to it, no sharing, no on page sex with OP.
October 27, 2026
Unbalanced is the kind of dark romance that refuses to take itself too seriously even while it leans all the way into obsession, stalking, and two people who should absolutely not be left unsupervised together.
Brooklyn Cross delivers a story that feels like a high stakes game of cat and
mouse where both players are equally unhinged and somehow still manage to make you root for them.
Alden is the polished attorney who has everything, wealth, power, a carefully constructed public image and a private compulsion to keep the scales of justice (and his own personal scorekeeping) perfectly balanced.
His thirtieth birthday digs up something from the night his father died, and suddenly someone is watching him, testing him, refusing to run even after discovering exactly what kind of monster lives under the tailored suits. Instead of fear, he feels fascination. That fascination turns into full blown obsession the moment Emily enters the picture.
Emily is not the wide eyed innocent he might have expected. She is sharp, stubborn, and perfectly capable of playing the long game while looking completely harmless.
Watching her deliberately tip Alden’s carefully ordered world off its axis is pure entertainment. Their chemistry is electric, equal parts banter, tension, and the kind of mutual recognition that only two people who understand darkness can share.
The book keeps the spice relatively light compared to some of the author’s other work, but the emotional and psychological intensity more than makes up for it.
The humor is dry and dark, the twists land with satisfying force, and the pacing stays medium and steady without dragging.
Secrets and lies stack up in a way that keeps you guessing, and the dual killer dynamic never feels like a gimmick. Both characters are predators in their own right, and the story never softens that reality just to make the romance more palatable.
If you enjoy morally gray (or pitch black) leads who match each other’s energy, stalking that becomes mutual obsession, and a story that can make you laugh even while it unsettles you, Unbalanced is a strong, entertaining entry.
Just don’t expect anyone in these pages to be well adjusted. The scales are never going to balance the way they should, and that’s exactly the point. 😜
🦋
Brooklyn Cross delivers a story that feels like a high stakes game of cat and
mouse where both players are equally unhinged and somehow still manage to make you root for them.
Alden is the polished attorney who has everything, wealth, power, a carefully constructed public image and a private compulsion to keep the scales of justice (and his own personal scorekeeping) perfectly balanced.
His thirtieth birthday digs up something from the night his father died, and suddenly someone is watching him, testing him, refusing to run even after discovering exactly what kind of monster lives under the tailored suits. Instead of fear, he feels fascination. That fascination turns into full blown obsession the moment Emily enters the picture.
Emily is not the wide eyed innocent he might have expected. She is sharp, stubborn, and perfectly capable of playing the long game while looking completely harmless.
Watching her deliberately tip Alden’s carefully ordered world off its axis is pure entertainment. Their chemistry is electric, equal parts banter, tension, and the kind of mutual recognition that only two people who understand darkness can share.
The book keeps the spice relatively light compared to some of the author’s other work, but the emotional and psychological intensity more than makes up for it.
The humor is dry and dark, the twists land with satisfying force, and the pacing stays medium and steady without dragging.
Secrets and lies stack up in a way that keeps you guessing, and the dual killer dynamic never feels like a gimmick. Both characters are predators in their own right, and the story never softens that reality just to make the romance more palatable.
If you enjoy morally gray (or pitch black) leads who match each other’s energy, stalking that becomes mutual obsession, and a story that can make you laugh even while it unsettles you, Unbalanced is a strong, entertaining entry.
Just don’t expect anyone in these pages to be well adjusted. The scales are never going to balance the way they should, and that’s exactly the point. 😜
🦋
October 15, 2026
I absolutely LOVE a strong, baddie FMC, and let me tell you, Emily is officially one of my favourites! She’s strong, stubborn, and knows EXACTLY how to play the innocent girlie when, in reality, she’s everything BUT innocent. This woman had me absolutely OBSESSED!
And can we PLEASE talk about Alden?! 🥵 An absolute SHARK both inside and outside the courtroom. This man really thought he was being all sneaky with his little secrets and schemes, only to find out that his little stalker was ALWAYS FIVE STEPS AHEAD OF HIM. 💀😂 LIKE SIR, DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH?!
When Alden finally realizes he has officially met his MATCH with Emily, I was SCREAMING WITH JOY! The absolute CHAOS of these two? I ate it UP!
This book takes a bit of a different turn from Brooklyn’s other books, taking us down a dark rom-com road, and honestly? I AM HERE FOR IT. 🖤😂 It had that perfect mix of dark, unhinged, and downright entertaining, and just like every other book I’ve read by Brooklyn, this one was absolutely AMAZING!
I WAS HOOKED. From the characters to the chaos to watching these two go head-to-head, I couldn’t get enough. 🔥
If you love a baddie FMC, a morally grey man who thinks he’s in control, stalker vibes, and a dark rom-com that keeps you entertained, DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND PICK THIS ONE UP! 🖤
And can we PLEASE talk about Alden?! 🥵 An absolute SHARK both inside and outside the courtroom. This man really thought he was being all sneaky with his little secrets and schemes, only to find out that his little stalker was ALWAYS FIVE STEPS AHEAD OF HIM. 💀😂 LIKE SIR, DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH?!
When Alden finally realizes he has officially met his MATCH with Emily, I was SCREAMING WITH JOY! The absolute CHAOS of these two? I ate it UP!
This book takes a bit of a different turn from Brooklyn’s other books, taking us down a dark rom-com road, and honestly? I AM HERE FOR IT. 🖤😂 It had that perfect mix of dark, unhinged, and downright entertaining, and just like every other book I’ve read by Brooklyn, this one was absolutely AMAZING!
I WAS HOOKED. From the characters to the chaos to watching these two go head-to-head, I couldn’t get enough. 🔥
If you love a baddie FMC, a morally grey man who thinks he’s in control, stalker vibes, and a dark rom-com that keeps you entertained, DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND PICK THIS ONE UP! 🖤
October 19, 2026
WOW! These were some unhinged, intense, violent and totally unbalanced characters that had me in a chokehold the whole way through. Emily and Alden take us on one hell of a dark and twisted journey filled with all kinds of bloody violence that kept me obsessed with their story.
I fell hopelessly in love with Emily and her strength and resiliency. This girl gives us and Alden one hell of an innocent girl act but quickly shows everyone that she is a force to be reckoned with. She was diabolical and I loved everything about her.
The plot was AMAZING, the characters PHENOMENAL and the spice – SIZZLING HOT!!!
I absolutely loved every second of this story and would love to read more with these two characters.
I fell hopelessly in love with Emily and her strength and resiliency. This girl gives us and Alden one hell of an innocent girl act but quickly shows everyone that she is a force to be reckoned with. She was diabolical and I loved everything about her.
The plot was AMAZING, the characters PHENOMENAL and the spice – SIZZLING HOT!!!
I absolutely loved every second of this story and would love to read more with these two characters.
October 14, 2026
Unhinged, addictive, chaotic, and packed with
LOL moments!
Brooklyn Cross really knows how to pull you into a story and leave you questioning whether the characters need therapy, a reality check, or someone equally unhinged to match their energy.
This book had me hooked! The tension, the messy emotions, the chaos, and those unexpected moments that had me laughing out loud when I probably should've been taking things seriously. One minute I'm caught up in the drama, the next I'm laughing at the absolute madness unfolding in front of me.
I love characters who aren't perfect, stories that keep me guessing, and a little bit of unhinged behaviour that makes me wonder what the hell I've just read. And let's be honest, sometimes you don't need someone to fix you. You need someone who looks at your particular brand of crazy and says, "Yep, that's my kind of crazy."
Did I question things? Absolutely.
Did I laugh out loud? More than once!
Did I get invested in the madness? ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
Would I do it all over again? HELL YES!
This was entertaining, addictive, and absolutely deserving of five stars.
Sometimes the red flags aren't a warning. Sometimes they're matching decorations.
LOL moments!
Brooklyn Cross really knows how to pull you into a story and leave you questioning whether the characters need therapy, a reality check, or someone equally unhinged to match their energy.
This book had me hooked! The tension, the messy emotions, the chaos, and those unexpected moments that had me laughing out loud when I probably should've been taking things seriously. One minute I'm caught up in the drama, the next I'm laughing at the absolute madness unfolding in front of me.
I love characters who aren't perfect, stories that keep me guessing, and a little bit of unhinged behaviour that makes me wonder what the hell I've just read. And let's be honest, sometimes you don't need someone to fix you. You need someone who looks at your particular brand of crazy and says, "Yep, that's my kind of crazy."
Did I question things? Absolutely.
Did I laugh out loud? More than once!
Did I get invested in the madness? ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
Would I do it all over again? HELL YES!
This was entertaining, addictive, and absolutely deserving of five stars.
Sometimes the red flags aren't a warning. Sometimes they're matching decorations.
October 17, 2026
Unbalanced by @author_brooklyncross
If you don’t already have a Brooklyn Cross book on your TBR, fix that shit right now, babe.
Imagine this: a serial killer who suddenly realises he has a stalker.
Alden keeps sensing someone messing with him, following him, breaking into his apartment… but that can’t be right. He’s a top-notch lawyer who covers his own tracks better than anyone.
Then he runs into Emily at a coffee shop.
His dickhead little brother’s girlfriend of three months. He’s been around her a few times, but something feels different this time… like she wanted him to notice her.
That same weekend at the family birthday party, shit goes sideways between Emily and Rob.
And in the middle of the night…
BAAAAAAAAM.
Rob’s dead.
In the exact same spot where Alden killed their dad twelve years ago. On Alden’s birthday.
Most romance books, even dual POV ones, still put the heavy focus on the woman.
Not this one. We live inside Alden’s obsessive, possessive, brutal head as both a lawyer and a killer… so much so that you don’t clock how wrong Emily is, even when you’re in her POV.
One minute you’re thinking “aww, poor conflicted Emily catching feelings for her dead boyfriend’s brother”…
and the next she’s like “nah bitch, I’ve been stalking this psycho for twelve years and I already murdered all his exes *and* his brother.” 😂
Actual 5 stars. This one hits different.
If you don’t already have a Brooklyn Cross book on your TBR, fix that shit right now, babe.
Imagine this: a serial killer who suddenly realises he has a stalker.
Alden keeps sensing someone messing with him, following him, breaking into his apartment… but that can’t be right. He’s a top-notch lawyer who covers his own tracks better than anyone.
Then he runs into Emily at a coffee shop.
His dickhead little brother’s girlfriend of three months. He’s been around her a few times, but something feels different this time… like she wanted him to notice her.
That same weekend at the family birthday party, shit goes sideways between Emily and Rob.
And in the middle of the night…
BAAAAAAAAM.
Rob’s dead.
In the exact same spot where Alden killed their dad twelve years ago. On Alden’s birthday.
Most romance books, even dual POV ones, still put the heavy focus on the woman.
Not this one. We live inside Alden’s obsessive, possessive, brutal head as both a lawyer and a killer… so much so that you don’t clock how wrong Emily is, even when you’re in her POV.
One minute you’re thinking “aww, poor conflicted Emily catching feelings for her dead boyfriend’s brother”…
and the next she’s like “nah bitch, I’ve been stalking this psycho for twelve years and I already murdered all his exes *and* his brother.” 😂
Actual 5 stars. This one hits different.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2026
Unbalanced : Dark Star Series Book 9 : A Dark Rom Com Serial Killer Obsession Romance. Dark , Steamy , Emotionally Charged and quite simply Utterly Addictive!! Guys , Words cannot even start to describe the crazy and wild ride I was just taken on . How I was literally on the edge of my seat and devouring every single word from the second I opened the very first page . How I felt everything from being speechless, to yelling , to having my jaw hit he floor to feeling like my heart was beating so hard one second and being shattered into 1000 pieces the next . And yes I did also smile , laugh at times and was always rooting so freaking hard . The storyline, the world building, the characters are nothing less then chefs kiss 💋 because just as she always does Brooklyn once again nailed it with this book . Emily and Aiden - so freaking hot together and truly a force to be reckoned with . Emily has to be one of the most kick@ss heroines I’ve met in a very long time. Strong , feisty, stubborn and smart as a whip . Aiden has no idea what’s about to hit him ( he truly has met his match . I’m not going to give any details away because trust me when I say You Absolutely Need To Go Into This Book Blind !! What I will say is that no sleep was had and I mean no sleep at all .
October 17, 2026
UNBALANCED BY BROOKLYN CROSS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
LOVED. EVERYTHING. ABOUT. THIS. BOOK!!!
I will give ZERO spoilers because you need to go into this read blind and enjoy every twist and turn!!!
This book was SO different from the other books I’ve read by Brooklyn Cross, and honestly? That made me love it even more! It’s such a testament to her incredible range as an author. She can take you down one dark, twisted path and then completely flip the script with something entirely different. And I AM HERE FOR IT!!!
Dark, unpredictable, and full of surprises, this book kept me on my toes and reminded me why I love discovering what an author is capable of when they step outside the box. Brooklyn, you absolutely NAILED this one!
Another five-star read from Brooklyn Cross, and another reminder that I will happily follow this woman into the darkest corners of her imagination! 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
LOVED. EVERYTHING. ABOUT. THIS. BOOK!!!
I will give ZERO spoilers because you need to go into this read blind and enjoy every twist and turn!!!
This book was SO different from the other books I’ve read by Brooklyn Cross, and honestly? That made me love it even more! It’s such a testament to her incredible range as an author. She can take you down one dark, twisted path and then completely flip the script with something entirely different. And I AM HERE FOR IT!!!
Dark, unpredictable, and full of surprises, this book kept me on my toes and reminded me why I love discovering what an author is capable of when they step outside the box. Brooklyn, you absolutely NAILED this one!
Another five-star read from Brooklyn Cross, and another reminder that I will happily follow this woman into the darkest corners of her imagination! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Unbalanced. Unhinged. Uncorked. Untethered. Unstable. So many words, all with the same meaning. I love it. Emily was the dark horse no one knew or saw coming. I couldn’t put the book down. It was brilliant, and fiercely captivating in a dark, twisted way!
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
I read and reviewed a copy of this book.
November 8, 2026
Two dark souls that connect by playing games instead of just coming out and admitting their attraction to one another. But the games were so worth the read. These two were hot and hilarious. I couldn’t put this down once I got started. Emily and Alden were so good in this. Their back and forth is what drove this story and it was freaking great. I absolutely loved this dark and humorous story.
October 16, 2026
I was surprised by this book and I love that. What I mean is that this book is more typical of a morally grey dark romance rather than some of Brooklyn other works I have read that are horror romance with morally pitch-black characters which I knew going in. I really enjoyed how it hit a lot of those elements that I enjoy with the dark romance genre with an OTT/JP MMC who has a secret life as a serial killer/vigilante and I love that but it felt typical for the genre (not a bad thing, it was hitting the spot) but it was not the dark rom com that I was expecting bc of how it was marketed. That is until the twist happened and then the book took on a whole new vibe that definitely hit the dark rom com vibes that had me giggling with its Cat and Mouse vibes and it just really drove home that that everyone has a mask (literally & figuratively) and no one is who they think they are.
Now something I will say that if anyone is concerned with the brother's GF trope and wonder if there might be cheating trust me when I say the MCs in this book have very strong views on cheating. Alden our MMC especially after witnessing his father's cheating and harm he brought to Alden's mother and other women as well. It's what motivated him to become a divorce attorney and a serial killer with a very particular set of targets. So, the way Brooklyn wrote this was in a way to give you the taboo of brother's GF without crossing the line of cheating. So, I really enjoyed that bc the cheating trope is not something I enjoy so I know I was concerned.
Now when it comes to the MC's I wish I could go into detail about why I enjoyed them so much but if I did it would give away the twist that had me sitting up and going "WTF! No, that can't be! I had to have read that wrong." Just know these two are perfect for one another and I really enjoyed their chemistry and plotting.
Overall, I had a blast and what I thought was a typical dark romance actually threw me for a loop and I really enjoyed that. Now if I have "negatives" it's that the nickname Alden had was a bit of a mouthful at least when they were getting spicy and I think the way Brooklyn writes her spice in her darker books is a smidge better. The spice here works but I feel liked the darkness and taboo she writes with her darker books just gives those spicy scenes a bit more edge. (personal opinion).
----------
This book is about Alden who on the surface all anyone sees is the success, wealth and power he wields but beneath the surface he has been shaped by the betrayal he not only saw but felt at the hands of his father. It shaped who is his and now at night he tips the scales for those who have been abused and betrayed. But when he takes a night off to celebrate his birthday at his family home it seems someone wants to show him they know all his secrets by recreating the scene of his first victim.... his father. This can only be a threat to let him know someone is watching and has the ability to expose all his secrets and all it does is stir the monster hiding beneath his skin. It soon becomes an obsession to uncover who is bold enough to test him because once he finds them, he plans to end this game of cat and mouse with them hanging from his chains.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now something I will say that if anyone is concerned with the brother's GF trope and wonder if there might be cheating trust me when I say the MCs in this book have very strong views on cheating. Alden our MMC especially after witnessing his father's cheating and harm he brought to Alden's mother and other women as well. It's what motivated him to become a divorce attorney and a serial killer with a very particular set of targets. So, the way Brooklyn wrote this was in a way to give you the taboo of brother's GF without crossing the line of cheating. So, I really enjoyed that bc the cheating trope is not something I enjoy so I know I was concerned.
Now when it comes to the MC's I wish I could go into detail about why I enjoyed them so much but if I did it would give away the twist that had me sitting up and going "WTF! No, that can't be! I had to have read that wrong." Just know these two are perfect for one another and I really enjoyed their chemistry and plotting.
Overall, I had a blast and what I thought was a typical dark romance actually threw me for a loop and I really enjoyed that. Now if I have "negatives" it's that the nickname Alden had was a bit of a mouthful at least when they were getting spicy and I think the way Brooklyn writes her spice in her darker books is a smidge better. The spice here works but I feel liked the darkness and taboo she writes with her darker books just gives those spicy scenes a bit more edge. (personal opinion).
----------
This book is about Alden who on the surface all anyone sees is the success, wealth and power he wields but beneath the surface he has been shaped by the betrayal he not only saw but felt at the hands of his father. It shaped who is his and now at night he tips the scales for those who have been abused and betrayed. But when he takes a night off to celebrate his birthday at his family home it seems someone wants to show him they know all his secrets by recreating the scene of his first victim.... his father. This can only be a threat to let him know someone is watching and has the ability to expose all his secrets and all it does is stir the monster hiding beneath his skin. It soon becomes an obsession to uncover who is bold enough to test him because once he finds them, he plans to end this game of cat and mouse with them hanging from his chains.
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2026
Where do i even begin. The title definitely fits what this story encompasses.
Our beautiful fmc, Emily, when you first met her she is really sweet, kind, caring and just wants her flower business to succeed. Over time, you learn that there is more to Emily than meets the eye. She is loyal, extremely intelligent and really shouldn't have feelings for her boyfriend's brother.
Our mmc is Alden. I actually really loved him. He is a lawyer by day and a you know what by night. But the individuals he you know what's are not great people and deserve it. He is charming, passionate about his business which he is a lawyer yet very direct. He has never really seen himself settling down but there's something about his brother's girlfriend that he can't get enough of.
The plot was amazing as always. What initially drew me in was Alden and the fact that he you know what's but also the forbidden aspect of liking his brother's girlfriend but as time went on Emily was the surprise that I never knew i needed and I really enjoyed the mind blowing twist. After an unfortunate event occurs, it draws Alden and Emily together. Someone is after Alden, they know what he did 15 years ago and he needs to find them and deal with them. But he can't stop thinking about everything Emily, he just can't help it, he's becoming obsessed and doesn't really want to stop. This story is full of twists and turns and I think you'll really like it.
Thank you Brooklyn and your amazing team for the opportunity to read this story and to be a part of your ARC team. I am forever grateful 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌹 dual pov
🌹 forbidden
🌹 lawyer x flower shop owner
🌹 stalker
🌹 hidden identity
🌹 obsession
🌹 unhinged characters
🌹 so much more
🌹 spicy
Our beautiful fmc, Emily, when you first met her she is really sweet, kind, caring and just wants her flower business to succeed. Over time, you learn that there is more to Emily than meets the eye. She is loyal, extremely intelligent and really shouldn't have feelings for her boyfriend's brother.
Our mmc is Alden. I actually really loved him. He is a lawyer by day and a you know what by night. But the individuals he you know what's are not great people and deserve it. He is charming, passionate about his business which he is a lawyer yet very direct. He has never really seen himself settling down but there's something about his brother's girlfriend that he can't get enough of.
The plot was amazing as always. What initially drew me in was Alden and the fact that he you know what's but also the forbidden aspect of liking his brother's girlfriend but as time went on Emily was the surprise that I never knew i needed and I really enjoyed the mind blowing twist. After an unfortunate event occurs, it draws Alden and Emily together. Someone is after Alden, they know what he did 15 years ago and he needs to find them and deal with them. But he can't stop thinking about everything Emily, he just can't help it, he's becoming obsessed and doesn't really want to stop. This story is full of twists and turns and I think you'll really like it.
Thank you Brooklyn and your amazing team for the opportunity to read this story and to be a part of your ARC team. I am forever grateful 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌹 dual pov
🌹 forbidden
🌹 lawyer x flower shop owner
🌹 stalker
🌹 hidden identity
🌹 obsession
🌹 unhinged characters
🌹 so much more
🌹 spicy
October 28, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest, voluntary review.
When the blurb described this book as a dark serial killer rom com I didn't know what to expect. Our FMC Emily is a florist who needs a big job to keep her small business afloat. It just so happens that her dud of a boyfriend's brother, Alden, owns a law firm that's flower demands could fill Emily's coiffeurs. A little coffee shop meet-cute magic leads to her wishes coming true and getting the big job she desperately needs. This little connection piques Alden's interests in the sweet, seemingly shy florist and starts our journey. If this sounds like a small town romance and not a dark, obsessive, serial killer story, you may be right, but things quickly take a turn.
This story was full of surprises. I was thrown for a loop in multiple places and was pleasantly surprised when things started to transform and move into a darker space. Things aren't always what they seem and that kept this book exciting and kept me turning the pages to see what revelation was going to be next. I wouldn't say I laughed much, but this definitely felt lighter than most dark romances in a lot of ways. The more heavy and disturbing elements were present, but somehow Brooklyn didn't let us steep in misery or pain for too long before moving on to a scene that lifted the fog to something less intense.
I think this book would be great for anyone who wants to dip their toe into the dark romance genre without fully submerging into the more intense books out there. This was an enjoyable, easy to read story with an interesting twist on what we typically get with morally gray/black characters.
When the blurb described this book as a dark serial killer rom com I didn't know what to expect. Our FMC Emily is a florist who needs a big job to keep her small business afloat. It just so happens that her dud of a boyfriend's brother, Alden, owns a law firm that's flower demands could fill Emily's coiffeurs. A little coffee shop meet-cute magic leads to her wishes coming true and getting the big job she desperately needs. This little connection piques Alden's interests in the sweet, seemingly shy florist and starts our journey. If this sounds like a small town romance and not a dark, obsessive, serial killer story, you may be right, but things quickly take a turn.
This story was full of surprises. I was thrown for a loop in multiple places and was pleasantly surprised when things started to transform and move into a darker space. Things aren't always what they seem and that kept this book exciting and kept me turning the pages to see what revelation was going to be next. I wouldn't say I laughed much, but this definitely felt lighter than most dark romances in a lot of ways. The more heavy and disturbing elements were present, but somehow Brooklyn didn't let us steep in misery or pain for too long before moving on to a scene that lifted the fog to something less intense.
I think this book would be great for anyone who wants to dip their toe into the dark romance genre without fully submerging into the more intense books out there. This was an enjoyable, easy to read story with an interesting twist on what we typically get with morally gray/black characters.
October 11, 2026
Thank you so so much to Brooklyn Cross for the ARC copy of this book. I absolutely loved this one and couldn't put it down. I ended up reading it in one day because I had so much run reading it and was hooked from the very first page.
Emily is easily one of my favorite FMCs. My heart hurt for her knowing everything she went through growing up, and being by herself from 15 years old. But then there was a certain point in the book where Miss Emily had me gasping. That reveal and finding out what was really going on, had my jaw on the floor.
And Alden. He's so hot lol. Lawyer by day, vigilante by night. Yes pls. I loved that despite how terribly his dad was and growing up with that type of father, he didnt let any of that make him like his father. Instead it did the exact opposite. If anything it shaped him into an even better person and I loved that a lot about his character.
Emily and Alden truly met their match in each other, and I loved watching them come together when everything was revealed at the end. THe obsession, the push and pull, the undeniable attraction between them was everything. They are so perfect for one another, and I was completely obsessed with the dynamic from beginning to end.
Emily is easily one of my favorite FMCs. My heart hurt for her knowing everything she went through growing up, and being by herself from 15 years old. But then there was a certain point in the book where Miss Emily had me gasping. That reveal and finding out what was really going on, had my jaw on the floor.
And Alden. He's so hot lol. Lawyer by day, vigilante by night. Yes pls. I loved that despite how terribly his dad was and growing up with that type of father, he didnt let any of that make him like his father. Instead it did the exact opposite. If anything it shaped him into an even better person and I loved that a lot about his character.
Emily and Alden truly met their match in each other, and I loved watching them come together when everything was revealed at the end. THe obsession, the push and pull, the undeniable attraction between them was everything. They are so perfect for one another, and I was completely obsessed with the dynamic from beginning to end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐ 3🌶️
📚 ARC REVIEW
Brooklyn Cross, you NEVER disappoint! 🖤🔥
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Unbalanced, and OMG, I absolutely loved this book!
Stalking, two killers, obsession, hidden identities, and morally questionable characters?! SIGN ME UP! 🥵🔪
Even though this one had a little less spice than I normally crave, the PLOT more than made up for it! I was absolutely burning through those pages because I needed to know what was going to happen next!
And can we PLEASE talk about that dedication?! 😂💀
"To my fellow walking red flags" 🚩 GIRLLLL, you already had me hooked before chapter one! Brooklyn Cross really knows her audience! 😂🖤
The ONLY reason this wasn't a 5⭐ read for me was because I NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THEY OPENED THAT TRUNK! 😭🔪
IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW! 👀
Seriously, Brooklyn Cross, thank you so much for allowing me to read this one early! I'm such a HUGE fan of your writing, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity! 🖤
📖 Tropes:
🔪 Two killers, one obsession
💀 Stalking
🚩 Predator meets his match
🖤 Brother's girlfriend
🎭 Hidden identity
⚖️ Dark romance / serial killers
⚠️ Check your triggers!
4⭐ 3🌶️
#Unbalanced #BrooklynCross #DarkRomanceBookTok #SerialKillerRomance #ARCReview
📚 ARC REVIEW
Brooklyn Cross, you NEVER disappoint! 🖤🔥
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Unbalanced, and OMG, I absolutely loved this book!
Stalking, two killers, obsession, hidden identities, and morally questionable characters?! SIGN ME UP! 🥵🔪
Even though this one had a little less spice than I normally crave, the PLOT more than made up for it! I was absolutely burning through those pages because I needed to know what was going to happen next!
And can we PLEASE talk about that dedication?! 😂💀
"To my fellow walking red flags" 🚩 GIRLLLL, you already had me hooked before chapter one! Brooklyn Cross really knows her audience! 😂🖤
The ONLY reason this wasn't a 5⭐ read for me was because I NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THEY OPENED THAT TRUNK! 😭🔪
IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW! 👀
Seriously, Brooklyn Cross, thank you so much for allowing me to read this one early! I'm such a HUGE fan of your writing, and I'm so thankful for the opportunity! 🖤
📖 Tropes:
🔪 Two killers, one obsession
💀 Stalking
🚩 Predator meets his match
🖤 Brother's girlfriend
🎭 Hidden identity
⚖️ Dark romance / serial killers
⚠️ Check your triggers!
4⭐ 3🌶️
#Unbalanced #BrooklynCross #DarkRomanceBookTok #SerialKillerRomance #ARCReview
Review of advance copy received from Author
Unbalanced is gritty, messy, and even a bit taboo, but it all rolls together perfectly. Alden and Emily, his Little Liability, are far from balanced. As you read, other words to describe them are deranged, unhinged, psychotic, and unsound. Seeing their not-so-playful sides come out to play was interesting, but it also convinced me these two characters were definitely made for each other. Both are over-the-top obsessive/possessive, hiding behind other identities, and hunting one another in secret. At first, a poor florist and a rich lawyer might not seem like a good match, but once you dig further into their circumstances, it makes sense. Easy jobs by day, ridding the world of filth by night. They challenge each other with cleverness. Emily was sweet and innocent until she saw those around Alden as threats; then she dealt with them as she saw fit. Alden upheld the law but was willing to break it in secret for his clients. Emily and Alden were a perfect match; their relationship suited them to a T. Sanity prevails by day; instability takes over by night. A match made not in Heaven but elsewhere. Their past defined their future, drawing them toward a grand finale.
November 12, 2026
What a wild ride! This book was not at all what I expected it to be, but I loved it! To be honest, I should expect this from Brooklyn by now... lol (and I love her for it!) but here we are. 😂
Unbalanced is such an apropos title for this book. Emily and Alden take us on a dark and twisted ride, and I can honestly say at no point did I know what was going to happen next on this journey. 😂 Alden is completely obsessed with Emily. He never commits to one woman or one relationship, but he just can't stay away. She's with his brother Rob, but he still finds way to be in her proximity and keep her coming back for more. And Emily... Emily surprised me in so many ways, and I'm gonna leave it at that because you need to experience this book in its entirety to benefit the most from it. Brooklyn does dark romance SO well, and this book is just another testament to that! Check the trigger warnings because it does get dark in some parts, but otherwise, strap in and enjoy another unhinged dark romance from Brooklyn Cross!
Thank you so much to Brooklyn Cross for an advanced reader's copy of this book. I cannot wait to get my shelf trophy!
Unbalanced is such an apropos title for this book. Emily and Alden take us on a dark and twisted ride, and I can honestly say at no point did I know what was going to happen next on this journey. 😂 Alden is completely obsessed with Emily. He never commits to one woman or one relationship, but he just can't stay away. She's with his brother Rob, but he still finds way to be in her proximity and keep her coming back for more. And Emily... Emily surprised me in so many ways, and I'm gonna leave it at that because you need to experience this book in its entirety to benefit the most from it. Brooklyn does dark romance SO well, and this book is just another testament to that! Check the trigger warnings because it does get dark in some parts, but otherwise, strap in and enjoy another unhinged dark romance from Brooklyn Cross!
Thank you so much to Brooklyn Cross for an advanced reader's copy of this book. I cannot wait to get my shelf trophy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ASTOUNDING!!!*
Brooklyn, ma’am, I just want to bow down to your mad genius mind because you truly impressed the heck out of me, which I’m not surprised at all. There’s something about your writing that is basically kryptonite to me. I’m thinking this is probably one of my favorite books of yours.
This book is the perfect balance of mystery, obsession, depravity, carnal desire, and so many other unbalanced things that I absolutely loved. This book made me question my sanity, broke my heart, made me hot and bothered, had so many pot twist that I didn’t see coming, put the biggest grin on my face, was beyond excited and so many other things. I devoured this book in two days and I want so much more.
Brooklyn I absolutely love your books that they have become my new obsession. If you absolutely love a book where both the MMC and FMC are both equally unhinged who are perfect for each other, then this book is for you. Seriously people you need to get this book because you will be in for a wild ride.
Brooklyn, ma’am, I just want to bow down to your mad genius mind because you truly impressed the heck out of me, which I’m not surprised at all. There’s something about your writing that is basically kryptonite to me. I’m thinking this is probably one of my favorite books of yours.
This book is the perfect balance of mystery, obsession, depravity, carnal desire, and so many other unbalanced things that I absolutely loved. This book made me question my sanity, broke my heart, made me hot and bothered, had so many pot twist that I didn’t see coming, put the biggest grin on my face, was beyond excited and so many other things. I devoured this book in two days and I want so much more.
Brooklyn I absolutely love your books that they have become my new obsession. If you absolutely love a book where both the MMC and FMC are both equally unhinged who are perfect for each other, then this book is for you. Seriously people you need to get this book because you will be in for a wild ride.
October 20, 2026
This book left me feeling like I just came off of a three hour long ride on the spinning teacups. And I mean that I the absolute best way. I was locked in from the start and completely addicted way too early into the book. But I regret nothing. Emily and Alden draw you in and get you invested. You will fall deeper and deeper with each instance you see them, together and apart. Emily is one seriously strong character and a real badd@ss. Some might see her as manipulative but I say she uses what she’s got to handle her business. Alden is a whole freaking vibe. He’s a force in every aspect of this life. And that man could boss me around anytime. But what truly sold me on this story and these characters was their interactions. They are the ideal match for each other and I couldn’t get enough. The chaos, the banter, the tension - all of it had me going feral turning pages to see what was coming next. This book is dark and twisted and unhinged and will have you obsessed from page one. I may have given up sleep and forgotten to eat while reading this but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
October 15, 2026
went into this book totally blind and really really enjoyed it. I didn’t realize it was part of a collaborative series … so that means I have more to read. Brooklyn Cross books have been giving me heart aches but this one made me happy.
Emily our FMC had a very tragic life and I hurt for her. If in her situation how do you not become a little unhinged? Everything that happened to her set the ball in motion for her future and she made it what she wanted.
Our hot sexy, MMC Alden had a good life (well, a good mom and a lot of money) but his upbringing also set him on his path to become everything his father wasn't. Divorce lawyer by day and super hero vigilante by night, Alden protected those who were cheated on, lied to, and abused by loved ones.
Emily and Alden were not cut from the same cloth but are kindred spirits all the same. They find their match in each other and are truly two halves of a whole.
Emily our FMC had a very tragic life and I hurt for her. If in her situation how do you not become a little unhinged? Everything that happened to her set the ball in motion for her future and she made it what she wanted.
Our hot sexy, MMC Alden had a good life (well, a good mom and a lot of money) but his upbringing also set him on his path to become everything his father wasn't. Divorce lawyer by day and super hero vigilante by night, Alden protected those who were cheated on, lied to, and abused by loved ones.
Emily and Alden were not cut from the same cloth but are kindred spirits all the same. They find their match in each other and are truly two halves of a whole.
October 10, 2026
Unbalanced: A Dark Rom Com Serial Killer Obsession Romance
(Dark Star Series Book 9)
by Brooklyn Cross
4⭐️
2🌶️
Well…Alden & Emily definitely balanced each other out! 🤣
If you’re craving a Dark Rom- Com that’s medium paced , light on spice, secrets and lies, with some banter and two unhinged serial unalivers then Unbalanced is for you.
Alden is a lawyer by day ,vigilante by night.
Emily is a florist by day and dating Alden’s brother, and has a secret.
But an unfortunate event and undeniable chemistry bring these two unhinged people together .
It turns out to be a match made in hell.
Overall I did enjoy some aspects of this story … but Alden’s nickname for Emily kind was a no go 🙅🏻♀️ 😬for me… sorry …lol 😂
Otherwise I did enjoy this book and would recommend it!
Thank you to Brooklyn Cross for the arc … this is my honest review.
(Dark Star Series Book 9)
by Brooklyn Cross
4⭐️
2🌶️
Well…Alden & Emily definitely balanced each other out! 🤣
If you’re craving a Dark Rom- Com that’s medium paced , light on spice, secrets and lies, with some banter and two unhinged serial unalivers then Unbalanced is for you.
Alden is a lawyer by day ,vigilante by night.
Emily is a florist by day and dating Alden’s brother, and has a secret.
But an unfortunate event and undeniable chemistry bring these two unhinged people together .
It turns out to be a match made in hell.
Overall I did enjoy some aspects of this story … but Alden’s nickname for Emily kind was a no go 🙅🏻♀️ 😬for me… sorry …lol 😂
Otherwise I did enjoy this book and would recommend it!
Thank you to Brooklyn Cross for the arc … this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished this read in a day!! That is how much this one had me obsessed and invested until the end. Because once you think you have it figured out, Brooklyn gave us a plot twist that had me giggling and in shock that I missed the signs.
Alden is exactly like I'd imagine he would be. Handsome, successful, unhinged to those who hurt people, and when he has this pull towards you, nothing is getting in his way. But when he finds that attraction with his brother's girlfriend, Alden tries really hard to stay away and fails many times. And our sweet and precious girl Emily is one that had me fooled. She is the definition of a wolf in sheep's clothing and I am here for it!! She had her eyes set on the boy who saved her and went for what she wanted. Talk about a bada$$ FMC!! This read had me falling in love with it from the beginning to the end.
This shared series, I can tell, is going to be my favorite.
Alden is exactly like I'd imagine he would be. Handsome, successful, unhinged to those who hurt people, and when he has this pull towards you, nothing is getting in his way. But when he finds that attraction with his brother's girlfriend, Alden tries really hard to stay away and fails many times. And our sweet and precious girl Emily is one that had me fooled. She is the definition of a wolf in sheep's clothing and I am here for it!! She had her eyes set on the boy who saved her and went for what she wanted. Talk about a bada$$ FMC!! This read had me falling in love with it from the beginning to the end.
This shared series, I can tell, is going to be my favorite.
October 20, 2026
Absolutely loved this dark rom com by Brooklyn! It had me laughing with how adorable the FMC was!
Alden is a very expensive lawyer in town that has a knack at going for couples who have split due to cheating. He is well known in the community but has a dark side nobody knows about. He is a vigilante in town and gets revenge on those who hurt others.
His own father hurt our FMC very badly when they were younger and she got out of the horrible situation with Alden’s help. Since that horrible night our adorable FMC, Emily has been watching Alden and become obsessed herself. Alden knows someone is watching him and he doesn’t know it yet but Emily is the perfect person for him.
I love how this book has some twists to it and I devoured this book! I should have learned by now not to start a book written by Brooklyn Cross at night because they are always SO good I end up staying awake for much longer than I should. 😅
You’ll love this book if you like:
* emotionally charged
* twists
* baddie FMC
* tragic pasts
* growth
* cat/mouse vibes
* hidden identity
* Dark Rom Com
* 3 🌶️
Alden is a very expensive lawyer in town that has a knack at going for couples who have split due to cheating. He is well known in the community but has a dark side nobody knows about. He is a vigilante in town and gets revenge on those who hurt others.
His own father hurt our FMC very badly when they were younger and she got out of the horrible situation with Alden’s help. Since that horrible night our adorable FMC, Emily has been watching Alden and become obsessed herself. Alden knows someone is watching him and he doesn’t know it yet but Emily is the perfect person for him.
I love how this book has some twists to it and I devoured this book! I should have learned by now not to start a book written by Brooklyn Cross at night because they are always SO good I end up staying awake for much longer than I should. 😅
You’ll love this book if you like:
* emotionally charged
* twists
* baddie FMC
* tragic pasts
* growth
* cat/mouse vibes
* hidden identity
* Dark Rom Com
* 3 🌶️
October 21, 2026
🌟 4.1
Dark, violent, obsessive. Insane in the best way. This book delivered for me.
Emily spent twelve years knowing exactly what she wanted, and boy, did she bring her man to heel. She didn’t just want the polished attorney; she wanted the monster beneath the surface. Every violent thought, every dark urge. She wanted ALL of Alden, and she wasn’t about to settle for half. Honestly, watching her manipulate this man until his entire world revolved around her was top-notch. Manipulation is usually a hard pill for me to swallow, but apparently, I’m perfectly fine with it when SHE does it. 😂
Some small problems, easily ignored. The graphic torture descriptions were descriptively gross (the skin peeling had me questioning my life choices 👀), but the level of detail hit my sweet spot.
And Alden? Hot as hell.
Dark, violent, obsessive. Insane in the best way. This book delivered for me.
Emily spent twelve years knowing exactly what she wanted, and boy, did she bring her man to heel. She didn’t just want the polished attorney; she wanted the monster beneath the surface. Every violent thought, every dark urge. She wanted ALL of Alden, and she wasn’t about to settle for half. Honestly, watching her manipulate this man until his entire world revolved around her was top-notch. Manipulation is usually a hard pill for me to swallow, but apparently, I’m perfectly fine with it when SHE does it. 😂
Some small problems, easily ignored. The graphic torture descriptions were descriptively gross (the skin peeling had me questioning my life choices 👀), but the level of detail hit my sweet spot.
And Alden? Hot as hell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✔️ Dark Serial Killer Rom/Com
✔️ OTT / JP
✔️ Stalking
✔️ Revenge
✔️ Family Drama
✔️ Hidden Identity
✔️ Emotionally Damaged Characters
✔️ Manipulation
✔️ Primal Play
✔️ Obsession
⚠️ Check trigger warnings; this dark content is for +18 readers
Wow, Unbalanced was dark, unhinged and twisted, and I was here for it! I loved the twists throughout Alden and Emily’s story. Emily was a character who took me by surprise, and I loved it. I have no doubt this story will stick with me for a while. Both Alden and Emily fit the description of Unbalanced, but together they seem to balance each other out. Unbalanced was a dark, fun read I didn't know I needed. I am giving Unbalanced 5/5 stars.
✔️ Dark Serial Killer Rom/Com
✔️ OTT / JP
✔️ Stalking
✔️ Revenge
✔️ Family Drama
✔️ Hidden Identity
✔️ Emotionally Damaged Characters
✔️ Manipulation
✔️ Primal Play
✔️ Obsession
⚠️ Check trigger warnings; this dark content is for +18 readers
Wow, Unbalanced was dark, unhinged and twisted, and I was here for it! I loved the twists throughout Alden and Emily’s story. Emily was a character who took me by surprise, and I loved it. I have no doubt this story will stick with me for a while. Both Alden and Emily fit the description of Unbalanced, but together they seem to balance each other out. Unbalanced was a dark, fun read I didn't know I needed. I am giving Unbalanced 5/5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG!! I loved this! It's Alden & Emily's story & it was awesome! Alden has his life in order, he's a lawyer by day, but at night? He's on another level. He has secrets & things start happening that tell him something's wrong. Emily has been dating his brother & she comes to Alden for help; she has many secrets & is playing the long game. But they can't help the attraction between them & things happen. I loved the twists here, she had my heart from the beginning, she went through so much trauma & he's doing everything he can to be a better man than the one who raised him. I loved the twists that I did not see coming! The spice was fantastic & I loved the story! Highly recommend this book & author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews