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Watch Me. The Halcyon duet.: A tech stalker dark romance. Book 1.
AYLIARA
The Halcyon was supposed to be my fresh start. A high-tech fortress where I could finally hide from the monster in my past.
But I messed up. Big time.
I thought I was alone in my apartment, but the shadows here have eyes. My landlord? He’s not just some rich tech guy. He’s the ghost in the walls. He watches me sleep, he watches my cam streams, and he knows every single dirty secret I’m trying to bury.
And the most messed up part? I’m starting to crave the way he looks at me.
Marek
Her past is trying to track her down, but they’ll have to go through me first. I’ll burn this whole city to the ground to keep her safe.
She’s my queen, and I’m the monster in her walls. God help anyone who tries to take her from me.
The Halcyon was supposed to be my fresh start. A high-tech fortress where I could finally hide from the monster in my past.
But I messed up. Big time.
I thought I was alone in my apartment, but the shadows here have eyes. My landlord? He’s not just some rich tech guy. He’s the ghost in the walls. He watches me sleep, he watches my cam streams, and he knows every single dirty secret I’m trying to bury.
And the most messed up part? I’m starting to crave the way he looks at me.
Marek
Her past is trying to track her down, but they’ll have to go through me first. I’ll burn this whole city to the ground to keep her safe.
She’s my queen, and I’m the monster in her walls. God help anyone who tries to take her from me.
- GenresDark Romance
489 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2026
8 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Maria Rahaman
4 books27 followersI write the kind of love stories that keep you up at night not because they’re sweet, but because they scare you a little.
My debut novel, The Sinner of Mute, is about a girl who never speaks and the man who takes everything anyway. It’s dark. It’s intense. And if you’ve ever rooted for the villain just because he loved too hard (or too wrong), you’ll probably understand why I wrote it.
Thanks for being here. 💛
My debut novel, The Sinner of Mute, is about a girl who never speaks and the man who takes everything anyway. It’s dark. It’s intense. And if you’ve ever rooted for the villain just because he loved too hard (or too wrong), you’ll probably understand why I wrote it.
Thanks for being here. 💛
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
April 26, 2026
This is my first book by Maria Rahman and I really enjoyed reading it. This is a dark, unsettling romance. What starts as surveillance turns intimate and obsession and possession. Looking forward to the next book!
April 28, 2026
I rated this book 4 stars
This book crawled under my skin and refused to leave. It’s messy, obsessive, and psychologically rich. It’s the kind of dark romance that makes you cringe, laugh nervously, and then sit back to analyze every motive like it’s a case study in devotion.
A good dark romance isn’t about glamorizing toxicity; it’s about exploring the fantasy of devotion taken too far. Who doesn’t want someone endlessly devoted to them? But when that devotion becomes all‑consuming, it’s terrifying, and that’s the point. Watch Me leans into that contradiction and makes it impossible to look away.
The metaphors are wild: the building feels alive, breathing around the heroine, but it’s also the external projection of Marek’s mind. Once I saw that, every scene hit differently. Marek himself is a contradiction, predator and protector, monster and caregiver. He’s the kind of character who makes you whisper “no” while turning the page faster. Ayliara’s trauma responses are painfully believable, and together they form a psychological knot that’s equal parts disturbing and magnetic.
I kept catching myself thinking, why am I rooting for this man? and that’s when I knew the book had me.
It’s not perfect. There are some typos and tense slips, but the emotional depth more than makes up for it. The cliffhanger isn’t explosive, but it’s smart. It leaves space for her next decision, and that tension sets up Book 2 perfectly.
Questions I’m still wondering:
What’s the real purpose of Halcyon and its point system?
How does Marcus tie back in?
And what happened in Marek’s past to make him this devoted to his job?
Thank you to Maria Rahaman for this ARC and the psychological chaos.
This book crawled under my skin and refused to leave. It’s messy, obsessive, and psychologically rich. It’s the kind of dark romance that makes you cringe, laugh nervously, and then sit back to analyze every motive like it’s a case study in devotion.
A good dark romance isn’t about glamorizing toxicity; it’s about exploring the fantasy of devotion taken too far. Who doesn’t want someone endlessly devoted to them? But when that devotion becomes all‑consuming, it’s terrifying, and that’s the point. Watch Me leans into that contradiction and makes it impossible to look away.
The metaphors are wild: the building feels alive, breathing around the heroine, but it’s also the external projection of Marek’s mind. Once I saw that, every scene hit differently. Marek himself is a contradiction, predator and protector, monster and caregiver. He’s the kind of character who makes you whisper “no” while turning the page faster. Ayliara’s trauma responses are painfully believable, and together they form a psychological knot that’s equal parts disturbing and magnetic.
I kept catching myself thinking, why am I rooting for this man? and that’s when I knew the book had me.
It’s not perfect. There are some typos and tense slips, but the emotional depth more than makes up for it. The cliffhanger isn’t explosive, but it’s smart. It leaves space for her next decision, and that tension sets up Book 2 perfectly.
Questions I’m still wondering:
What’s the real purpose of Halcyon and its point system?
How does Marcus tie back in?
And what happened in Marek’s past to make him this devoted to his job?
Thank you to Maria Rahaman for this ARC and the psychological chaos.
April 12, 2026
Normally I really enjoy books like this, and I did like the plot of Watch Me! I found the characters to be generally enjoyable & interesting, but the dialogue fell short for me at times. Pacing was good, side-plots were gripping & gruesome.
There were also a few misspellings, weird sentence structures, & other minor issues that stood out to me. I’m a stickler for order so these things removed me from the immersion at times. At times, I found the characters’ inner monologues to be repetitive, with lines being repeated mere sentences apart. Ayliara & Marek seemed like they were coming together as a couple by the end, but I felt like I also didn’t really *know* who they were as individuals. Ayliara just spent so much of the book paranoid, it felt like I didn’t get to know her as a person despite lending to the mood of the story.
Thank you to the author and to Booksprout for an advance copy!
There were also a few misspellings, weird sentence structures, & other minor issues that stood out to me. I’m a stickler for order so these things removed me from the immersion at times. At times, I found the characters’ inner monologues to be repetitive, with lines being repeated mere sentences apart. Ayliara & Marek seemed like they were coming together as a couple by the end, but I felt like I also didn’t really *know* who they were as individuals. Ayliara just spent so much of the book paranoid, it felt like I didn’t get to know her as a person despite lending to the mood of the story.
Thank you to the author and to Booksprout for an advance copy!
April 11, 2026
✨ARC Read✨
If you live for "touch her and you die" energy and morally grey heroes who take obsession to a whole new level, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR!!
As the first installment of The Halcyon Duet, it sets a dark, intense tone that will leave you breathless and potentially checking your locks.
✨The Atmosphere & Plot✨
The story follows Aylaira Venn, who moves into a building with a chilling history: it’s a converted asylum. The owner, Marek Virelli, is immediately captivated by her from the moment she steps into the lobby. But Marek isn't just a wealthy landlord; he’s a man with a dark side who spends his time rescuing children from human trafficking.
The tension ramps up when Aylaira, a streamer, realizes one of her viewers is stalking her—and he's living in her building. When Marek discovers the threat, he doesn't just call the police; he orchestrates a slow, brutal end for the stalker, leaving a "parting gift" outside Aylaira’s door to ensure she knows he's protected.
💀Why You’ll Fall for Marek Virelli💀
Marek is the definition of a "soft for only her" hero. While he is ruthless to the rest of the world (including breaking a friend's hand just for touching Aylaira), his devotion to her is unmatched.
The Gifts: He pays attention to the smallest details. After learning her laptop broke, he replaces it with a brand-new MacBook. He even gifts her expensive cherry perfume because he knows she loves cherry candy.
The Nicknames: Prepare to melt whenever he calls her "My Queen" or "Little Bird."
The Protection: He goes to extreme lengths to ensure her safety, even consulting her best friend to find out exactly what she needs and wants.
🥵Final Thoughts🥵
This book is a rollercoaster of obsession and dark justice. However, please check the trigger warnings before diving in, as the violence is graphic and the themes are heavy.
Warning: This book ends on a major cliffhanger, so be prepared to jump straight into Book 2 as soon as you finish!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes: Stalker/Protector, Morally Grey Hero, "Touch Her and Die," Forced Proximitym
If you live for "touch her and you die" energy and morally grey heroes who take obsession to a whole new level, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR!!
As the first installment of The Halcyon Duet, it sets a dark, intense tone that will leave you breathless and potentially checking your locks.
✨The Atmosphere & Plot✨
The story follows Aylaira Venn, who moves into a building with a chilling history: it’s a converted asylum. The owner, Marek Virelli, is immediately captivated by her from the moment she steps into the lobby. But Marek isn't just a wealthy landlord; he’s a man with a dark side who spends his time rescuing children from human trafficking.
The tension ramps up when Aylaira, a streamer, realizes one of her viewers is stalking her—and he's living in her building. When Marek discovers the threat, he doesn't just call the police; he orchestrates a slow, brutal end for the stalker, leaving a "parting gift" outside Aylaira’s door to ensure she knows he's protected.
💀Why You’ll Fall for Marek Virelli💀
Marek is the definition of a "soft for only her" hero. While he is ruthless to the rest of the world (including breaking a friend's hand just for touching Aylaira), his devotion to her is unmatched.
The Gifts: He pays attention to the smallest details. After learning her laptop broke, he replaces it with a brand-new MacBook. He even gifts her expensive cherry perfume because he knows she loves cherry candy.
The Nicknames: Prepare to melt whenever he calls her "My Queen" or "Little Bird."
The Protection: He goes to extreme lengths to ensure her safety, even consulting her best friend to find out exactly what she needs and wants.
🥵Final Thoughts🥵
This book is a rollercoaster of obsession and dark justice. However, please check the trigger warnings before diving in, as the violence is graphic and the themes are heavy.
Warning: This book ends on a major cliffhanger, so be prepared to jump straight into Book 2 as soon as you finish!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes: Stalker/Protector, Morally Grey Hero, "Touch Her and Die," Forced Proximitym
April 25, 2026
I was this close to giving Watch Me a full five stars. Seriously, it had me hooked. The tension was insane, and the chemistry was even better. It is one of those reads where you keep saying “just one more chapter,” and suddenly it is 2 a.m.
The characters are messy in the best way. They are intense, a little chaotic, and really easy to get invested in. I loved the dynamic and how the relationship developed. It felt addictive without feeling rushed, which is hard to pull off.
Spoiler warning below.
One of my favorite moments was when it is revealed just how long he has been watching her. It completely shifted the tone from “this is intense” to something much more unhinged in the best way. The scene where she starts to realize she is not entirely scared of him was also so well done. That shift in tension added a layer of complexity that made their connection even more compelling.
Overall, it was a really strong read. Dark, gripping, and definitely worth it if you are into obsessive, high tension romances. I would absolutely recommend it.
The characters are messy in the best way. They are intense, a little chaotic, and really easy to get invested in. I loved the dynamic and how the relationship developed. It felt addictive without feeling rushed, which is hard to pull off.
Spoiler warning below.
One of my favorite moments was when it is revealed just how long he has been watching her. It completely shifted the tone from “this is intense” to something much more unhinged in the best way. The scene where she starts to realize she is not entirely scared of him was also so well done. That shift in tension added a layer of complexity that made their connection even more compelling.
Overall, it was a really strong read. Dark, gripping, and definitely worth it if you are into obsessive, high tension romances. I would absolutely recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2026
He watches her unravel, then makes himself the only place to land
Ayliara comes to The Halcyon looking for somewhere to vanish. Instead, she lands in a crumbling, high-tech maze where silence feels enforced, every door feels like a test, and the man behind the walls knows far too much about her. Marek built the place to keep danger out, but the closer Ayliara gets to the truth, the more she realizes the safest man in the room might also be the one she should fear most.
What starts as surveillance turns intimate fast. He watches her, protects her, and gets under her skin in ways she can’t explain away. Ayliara can’t decide whether she’s being hunted or held, while Marek’s control slips into obsession that feels less like a game and more like a trap they both want.
As The Halcyon gives up its secrets, their connection turns darker, tighter, and harder to escape. The more Ayliara sees of Marek, the violence, the protectiveness, the need, the harder it gets to tell where captivity ends and surrender begins.
Ayliara starts out trying to make herself small enough to survive, but Marek’s fixation forces her to face how badly she wants to be seen and chosen, even when that attention scares her. Marek begins as a cold, hyper-controlled watcher, but Ayliara turns him into someone rawer, needier, and far more exposed than he ever planned to be. Their relationship shifts from anonymous fear into volatile intimacy, until distance only sharpens the pull between them.
A dark, ultra-steamy story about a woman trying to disappear and the morally gray man whose obsession makes being watched feel dangerously close to being safe. It’s about power, fear, surrender, and survival, where protection blurs into possession and intimacy tangles itself up with control. Ends on a cliffhanger.
The Elevator Pitch: A young woman takes refuge in a decaying high-tech sanctuary, only to realize the man controlling its walls has already made her the center of his attention. As fear twists into hunger and safety starts to resemble possession, their connection deepens into something intimate, dangerous, and impossible to keep clean. Beneath the surveillance and seduction is a story about what it costs to be fully seen by someone who refuses to look away.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
Ayliara comes to The Halcyon looking for somewhere to vanish. Instead, she lands in a crumbling, high-tech maze where silence feels enforced, every door feels like a test, and the man behind the walls knows far too much about her. Marek built the place to keep danger out, but the closer Ayliara gets to the truth, the more she realizes the safest man in the room might also be the one she should fear most.
What starts as surveillance turns intimate fast. He watches her, protects her, and gets under her skin in ways she can’t explain away. Ayliara can’t decide whether she’s being hunted or held, while Marek’s control slips into obsession that feels less like a game and more like a trap they both want.
As The Halcyon gives up its secrets, their connection turns darker, tighter, and harder to escape. The more Ayliara sees of Marek, the violence, the protectiveness, the need, the harder it gets to tell where captivity ends and surrender begins.
Ayliara starts out trying to make herself small enough to survive, but Marek’s fixation forces her to face how badly she wants to be seen and chosen, even when that attention scares her. Marek begins as a cold, hyper-controlled watcher, but Ayliara turns him into someone rawer, needier, and far more exposed than he ever planned to be. Their relationship shifts from anonymous fear into volatile intimacy, until distance only sharpens the pull between them.
A dark, ultra-steamy story about a woman trying to disappear and the morally gray man whose obsession makes being watched feel dangerously close to being safe. It’s about power, fear, surrender, and survival, where protection blurs into possession and intimacy tangles itself up with control. Ends on a cliffhanger.
The Elevator Pitch: A young woman takes refuge in a decaying high-tech sanctuary, only to realize the man controlling its walls has already made her the center of his attention. As fear twists into hunger and safety starts to resemble possession, their connection deepens into something intimate, dangerous, and impossible to keep clean. Beneath the surveillance and seduction is a story about what it costs to be fully seen by someone who refuses to look away.
Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥 Ultra-Steamy / Erotic Romance
April 9, 2026
Update: I left my first review when I was on chapter 10. I just finished the book and can not wait for the second book to come out. I still think the story was great and love how the main characters interact with each other.
I just started chapter 10 and can't wait to keep reading. I definitely like the techy stalker aspect. This book is original and have not read anything like it. Can't wait to finish reading and update my review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just started chapter 10 and can't wait to keep reading. I definitely like the techy stalker aspect. This book is original and have not read anything like it. Can't wait to finish reading and update my review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2026
✨ARC read✨
His thumb moved along my waist, slow. "Because I wanted something on you that couldn't be taken back." His voice was the same register he used for facts. "Because you were going to try to leave. I could feel it even then. And I needed—" He stopped. Reconsidered. "I fucking needed you to carry something of mine wherever you went."
^yeah that’s what I’m talking about 😍 we love a possessive man.
This was one of those reads where I was hooked the entire time… but also slightly uncomfortable but hey I didn’t hate it 👀
The tech-stalker aspect of this book was surprising toe curling. The constant surveillance, the sense of being watched, the lack of privacy… it created this like suffocating, tense feeling that never really lets up and I was here for it all the way. If you like that “you’re not safe anywhere” vibe, this absolutely hits. Oh I knowww it did for me
The dynamic between the two characters is what carried the story for me. It’s toxic, it’s so addictive, but at the same time you can’t help but root for it. I was like yeeessssss the whole time. The power imbalance is 🥵and the story leans all the way into that.
The spice? Definitely lives up to the warning: explicit, heavy, and all about the power dynamic.
If you’re into dark stalker romance thats heavy on power and control , morally black MMC, and a constant sense of unease, this will absolutely hit. Fair warning check the triggers!!!
His thumb moved along my waist, slow. "Because I wanted something on you that couldn't be taken back." His voice was the same register he used for facts. "Because you were going to try to leave. I could feel it even then. And I needed—" He stopped. Reconsidered. "I fucking needed you to carry something of mine wherever you went."
^yeah that’s what I’m talking about 😍 we love a possessive man.
This was one of those reads where I was hooked the entire time… but also slightly uncomfortable but hey I didn’t hate it 👀
The tech-stalker aspect of this book was surprising toe curling. The constant surveillance, the sense of being watched, the lack of privacy… it created this like suffocating, tense feeling that never really lets up and I was here for it all the way. If you like that “you’re not safe anywhere” vibe, this absolutely hits. Oh I knowww it did for me
The dynamic between the two characters is what carried the story for me. It’s toxic, it’s so addictive, but at the same time you can’t help but root for it. I was like yeeessssss the whole time. The power imbalance is 🥵and the story leans all the way into that.
The spice? Definitely lives up to the warning: explicit, heavy, and all about the power dynamic.
If you’re into dark stalker romance thats heavy on power and control , morally black MMC, and a constant sense of unease, this will absolutely hit. Fair warning check the triggers!!!
April 4, 2026
Watch Me book is for my dark romance girlies
It is book 1 of The Halycon duet
Do reads the Trigger warning before you start the book
Aylaira Venn goes to a building which was previously an asylum
Marek Virelli the owner of the building
He got obsessed with her when he saw her first in the lobby of the building
Marek saves children from human trafficking
When Aylaira was streaming, she got to know that a man from the stream was living in the same building
And he had bad intentions
When Marek found out who the man was
He planned a slow death for him at the last he cut his head and told his man to put it outside her room door
He gives her cherry perfume, expensive cherry just because she likes a cherry candy and mac book because her old laptop broke
during her periods, he finds what she wants from her bestfriend and bought all those things for her
The man Marek is, I loved all the way he took care of her and will do anything to any person who comes near her, which he actually did twice - killed the streaming man and broke her male friend hand just because he hold Aylaira hand
He calls her "my queen" & "little bird" and I really loved these nicknames
Marek is only soft for his Aylaira
The book ends in a cliffhanger and will continue in Book 2 Keep Me
It is book 1 of The Halycon duet
Do reads the Trigger warning before you start the book
Aylaira Venn goes to a building which was previously an asylum
Marek Virelli the owner of the building
He got obsessed with her when he saw her first in the lobby of the building
Marek saves children from human trafficking
When Aylaira was streaming, she got to know that a man from the stream was living in the same building
And he had bad intentions
When Marek found out who the man was
He planned a slow death for him at the last he cut his head and told his man to put it outside her room door
He gives her cherry perfume, expensive cherry just because she likes a cherry candy and mac book because her old laptop broke
during her periods, he finds what she wants from her bestfriend and bought all those things for her
The man Marek is, I loved all the way he took care of her and will do anything to any person who comes near her, which he actually did twice - killed the streaming man and broke her male friend hand just because he hold Aylaira hand
He calls her "my queen" & "little bird" and I really loved these nicknames
Marek is only soft for his Aylaira
The book ends in a cliffhanger and will continue in Book 2 Keep Me
April 10, 2026
Book 1 in the Haltcon duet
Unhinged, dark, and twisted just the way I like it. This is exactly what i'm looking for in a stalker romance. A thrilling ride from beginning to end. This is not for the faint of heart, so please do check your triggers because there are graphic moments that can be different for sensitive readers.
The writing is easy to get into, and I devoured this book with interesting characters and their exciting story. I love a man obsessed, and Marek checks all the OTT boxes. His devotion knows no limits. Just one sighting is all he needed to laser in on Ayliara, and nothing was going to stop him from making her his. I ate up all the ways he tried to "woo" her, and when his protector mode kicked in, I was swooning even more. I really liked how she apologetically herself and was unafraid to take control of her life. Their chemistry was undeniable and intense.
The cliffhanger definitely has me wanting book 2.
Tropes:
Stalker
Vigilante
Cam girl
Obsessed MMC
Age gap
Morally-gray
Touch her and ☠️
Graphic
Dual POV
Check TW
Unhinged, dark, and twisted just the way I like it. This is exactly what i'm looking for in a stalker romance. A thrilling ride from beginning to end. This is not for the faint of heart, so please do check your triggers because there are graphic moments that can be different for sensitive readers.
The writing is easy to get into, and I devoured this book with interesting characters and their exciting story. I love a man obsessed, and Marek checks all the OTT boxes. His devotion knows no limits. Just one sighting is all he needed to laser in on Ayliara, and nothing was going to stop him from making her his. I ate up all the ways he tried to "woo" her, and when his protector mode kicked in, I was swooning even more. I really liked how she apologetically herself and was unafraid to take control of her life. Their chemistry was undeniable and intense.
The cliffhanger definitely has me wanting book 2.
Tropes:
Stalker
Vigilante
Cam girl
Obsessed MMC
Age gap
Morally-gray
Touch her and ☠️
Graphic
Dual POV
Check TW
April 9, 2026
I absolutely love a Dark Stalker Romance that borders on Pitch Black Romance. Check your triggers, rhis ones gor a menu fit for Dark Romance Dream. Obsessive, controlling, violent, and honestly uncomfortable at times but, I mean that’s the point right? The romance isn’t sweet or healthy, it’s deeply sexy, messy and possessive, built on tension, and on survival. The male lead stays rock solidly morally gray the whole time, and I appreciated that he wasn’t magically “fixed” by love. I Love a Dark, Broody Obsessive Bad Boy so much❤️🔥On to Book 2!
April 6, 2026
Omgg!!!!!! I can't even describe their story like.. Marek my goshh what a man you are..damnn..and when I started reading just 8 chapters, I was like OMGGGG their chemistry is gonna be the one of the best and guess what IT IS ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER READ and I'm also glad I received a e-ARC.
I just wanna say this I CAN'T EVEN WAIT FOR 2ND BOOK TO READ..AUTHORR YOU ARE TESTING MY GOOD PATIENCE ..hehehe...
Just go for it IF YOU'RE REALLY INTO DARK THEMES...
x0..
I just wanna say this I CAN'T EVEN WAIT FOR 2ND BOOK TO READ..AUTHORR YOU ARE TESTING MY GOOD PATIENCE ..hehehe...
Just go for it IF YOU'RE REALLY INTO DARK THEMES...
x0..
April 28, 2026
A true dark stalker romance. Ayliara has become Marek's obsession and he will stop at nothing to make her his queen. Marek is truly unhinged, depraved, and obsessed in the most delicious way.
Check TW before reading and know that this ends on a cliffhanger and tou were not provided a parachute for the jump.
Check TW before reading and know that this ends on a cliffhanger and tou were not provided a parachute for the jump.
April 4, 2026
Marek Virelli does not live in the light. He exists in the spaces between law and chaos where morality fractures, and justice becomes something far more personal, far more brutal. He is the man summoned when systems fail, when monsters slip through the cracks. To the world’s traffickers, predators and the truly depraved, he is not a savior, he is an ending. Judge. Jury. Executioner. And then Ayliara walks into his building… and something shifts. Halcyon is less a refuge and more a slow descent. For Ayliara, it’s what remains when everything else has been stripped away—family, stability, dignity. Cheap rent in exchange for obedience. Chores in exchange for survival. But from the moment she steps inside, the place feels wrong. Not just old, not just quiet, watching. Its past as an asylum lingers like a stain that never washed out. The residents feel less like tenants and more like ghosts waiting for permission to disappear. It's a place people come when they have nowhere left to go. It’s a place people never leave. And yet, beneath the decay, Halcyon hums with something unnatural, something precise. The building breathes technology. It sees. It listens. It remembers. And through it all… Marek watches. At first, it’s subtle. A feeling. A prickle at the back of Ayliara’s neck. The sense of being observed when no one is there. But Marek is everywhere, his gaze threading through walls, wires, shadows, until even her room is no longer hers. But the terrifying truth is that he isn’t the only one watching. And what follows is a plunge into something far darker than obsession. When Marek discovers another predator circling Ayliara, the story tears itself open and what he does in response is not justice. It’s horror. Raw, unflinching, and deeply unsettling. This is the moment the narrative sheds any illusion of restraint and reveals its teeth. Consider this your warning: the brutality here is not implied. It’s shown in all its grizzly details. And it lingers. There are also moments that jar in a different way, details that pull you out of the immersion rather than deepen it. Small things, but noticeable enough to break the spell. But Marek… Marek is the true conflict. He is not a good man. There is no redemption arc neatly waiting for him, only violence, control, and a chilling lack of remorse. And yet, with Ayliara, something almost tender begins to emerge. Not softer, not quite that, but focused. Consuming. He gives her everything… except freedom. Watches over her… while caging her. Protects her… while destroying anything that dares come close. Love, for Marek, is possession sharpened into a weapon. And Ayliara feels it. Her fear doesn’t vanish; it evolves. Twists into something quieter, more dangerous. Curiosity. Dependence. Maybe even desire. But she never fully trusts him and probably shouldn’t. Even as she’s drawn in, there’s a part of her that knows: this man could ruin her completely. Their dynamic is a constant push and pull between terror and attraction, and it leaves you as conflicted as she is. Do you root for him? Do you recoil? The answer never settles. And just when it feels like something might finally break the story cuts you off. It’s abrupt, sharp, and just cruel enough to make you want more. That said, the book itself struggles at a technical level. The writing often stumbles with grammar issues, punctuation misfires and repeated passages, which disrupts the flow and makes an already heavy read feel even more laborious. There is a strong, haunting core here, but it needs refinement to truly shine. This is not a romance for everyone. It is dark in the truest sense. Uncompromising, uncomfortable, and morally tangled. Marek exists in that grey space where fascination and revulsion collide, and even now, it’s hard to say which side he falls on. As for Ayliara… she survives. But in the next installment, she’ll need to do more than survive. She’ll need to rise, because loving a man like Marek means either becoming stronger…or being consumed entirely.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2026
Thank you to the author, Maria Rahaman, for providing me with an ARC of Watch Me (The Halcyon Duet #1). I really appreciated the opportunity to read and review this story, and I’m excited to see where the series goes next.
Watch Me is a gripping, unsettling start to The Halcyon Duet that leans hard into moral ambiguity, psychological tension, and the quiet danger of control disguised as care.
At first glance, the MMC Marek seems to fall into the familiar “morally grey protector” archetype – think Dexter Morgan energy, where violence is justified by a personal code. But just when you start to settle into that expectation, the narrative pulls the rug out. Marek crosses lines in ways that feel genuinely unhinged, challenging any sense of redemption and forcing the reader to sit with the discomfort of what he really is.
That tension is where the book really shines. There’s almost a hypnotic push-pull dynamic that mirrors a kind of psychological captivity–the sense that “the cage isn’t always obvious, but it’s still a cage.” It’s deeply compelling, even as it’s disturbing, and it creates a reading experience that feels both addictive and claustrophobic.
The surface-level worldbuilding around the Halcyon itself stood out to me. The systems Marek has built – particularly those meant to support vulnerable people, are intricate and intriguing, giving off subtle post-apocalyptic or controlled society vibes. The credit system, the structure of the building, and the contractual elements (especially since Ayliara skims over the terms when signing her lease) all hint at a deeper, more complex framework that I hope is explored in further installments.
Character-wise the book offers strong glimpses (actions/words) rather than full clarity (backstory). Marek is especially compelling in his contradictions through moments of quiet, almost tender acts of care, flickers of dry understated humor, calculated brutal violence vs. vicious unfiltered rage.
Character-wise, the book offers compelling glimpses – revealed through actions and dialogue – rather than full clarity or backstory. Marek stands out in his contradictions: moments of quiet, almost tender care and flickers of dry, understated humor sit uneasily alongside calculated vigilante justice and flashes of raw unfiltered rage.
That wide behavioral range can feel like whiplash, but it’s also intentional, reinforcing how unstable and unpredictable he is. We don’t fully understand what shaped him, but Rahaman skillfully reveals pieces the reader must infer through his actions and internal logic rather than direct exposition.
There’s a clear opportunity to expand the world around Marek and Ayliara through the stories of his team, and other residents of the Halcyon. The glimmers we get around the backstories are really intriguing.
One area that did pull me out of the story at times was the editing. There are small descriptive inconsistencies, occasional repeated lines or actions within close proximity, and a few phrasing issues. While not overwhelming, these moments can disrupt the immersive narrative.
Overall, Watch Me is a dark, psychologically charged read that thrives on discomfort and complexity. It doesn’t offer easy answers or a traditional redemption arc – instead, it asks you to keep watching, even when you’re not sure you should.
I’m eager to see what comes next for Ayliara and Marek.
Watch Me is a gripping, unsettling start to The Halcyon Duet that leans hard into moral ambiguity, psychological tension, and the quiet danger of control disguised as care.
At first glance, the MMC Marek seems to fall into the familiar “morally grey protector” archetype – think Dexter Morgan energy, where violence is justified by a personal code. But just when you start to settle into that expectation, the narrative pulls the rug out. Marek crosses lines in ways that feel genuinely unhinged, challenging any sense of redemption and forcing the reader to sit with the discomfort of what he really is.
That tension is where the book really shines. There’s almost a hypnotic push-pull dynamic that mirrors a kind of psychological captivity–the sense that “the cage isn’t always obvious, but it’s still a cage.” It’s deeply compelling, even as it’s disturbing, and it creates a reading experience that feels both addictive and claustrophobic.
The surface-level worldbuilding around the Halcyon itself stood out to me. The systems Marek has built – particularly those meant to support vulnerable people, are intricate and intriguing, giving off subtle post-apocalyptic or controlled society vibes. The credit system, the structure of the building, and the contractual elements (especially since Ayliara skims over the terms when signing her lease) all hint at a deeper, more complex framework that I hope is explored in further installments.
Character-wise the book offers strong glimpses (actions/words) rather than full clarity (backstory). Marek is especially compelling in his contradictions through moments of quiet, almost tender acts of care, flickers of dry understated humor, calculated brutal violence vs. vicious unfiltered rage.
Character-wise, the book offers compelling glimpses – revealed through actions and dialogue – rather than full clarity or backstory. Marek stands out in his contradictions: moments of quiet, almost tender care and flickers of dry, understated humor sit uneasily alongside calculated vigilante justice and flashes of raw unfiltered rage.
That wide behavioral range can feel like whiplash, but it’s also intentional, reinforcing how unstable and unpredictable he is. We don’t fully understand what shaped him, but Rahaman skillfully reveals pieces the reader must infer through his actions and internal logic rather than direct exposition.
There’s a clear opportunity to expand the world around Marek and Ayliara through the stories of his team, and other residents of the Halcyon. The glimmers we get around the backstories are really intriguing.
One area that did pull me out of the story at times was the editing. There are small descriptive inconsistencies, occasional repeated lines or actions within close proximity, and a few phrasing issues. While not overwhelming, these moments can disrupt the immersive narrative.
Overall, Watch Me is a dark, psychologically charged read that thrives on discomfort and complexity. It doesn’t offer easy answers or a traditional redemption arc – instead, it asks you to keep watching, even when you’re not sure you should.
I’m eager to see what comes next for Ayliara and Marek.
April 13, 2026
Watch Me by Maria Rahman is the kind of book that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go, like you are just going to read one chapter and suddenly it is 2 a.m. and your sanity is hanging by a thread. It leans hard into tension, both emotional and psychological, and builds this constant undercurrent of unease that makes you feel like something is always just about to snap. And when it does, you are not okay.
The story thrives on its atmosphere. There is this lingering sense of being watched, and it is done in a way that does not feel over the top or gimmicky. Instead, it is subtle, made up of little details, strange moments, and interactions that feel slightly off, and it slowly creeps under your skin. You are not just reading about paranoia, you start feeling it. Every character interaction feels loaded, like there is something unsaid lurking beneath the surface, and it keeps you constantly questioning what is real and what is not.
The main character is one of those people you do not fully trust, but you also cannot look away from. They are messy, complicated, and at times frustrating, but in a way that feels intentional rather than annoying. You understand why they make the choices they do, even when you are internally screaming at them to maybe not do the obviously terrible thing. It adds to the tension because you are not just worried about what is happening to them, you are also worried about what they might do next.
What really stands out is the pacing. It is not a nonstop action ride, instead it builds slowly, layering suspicion and dread until you are completely tangled in it. Some readers might find the slower build a bit much at first, but it pays off. By the time things start unraveling, you are so invested that every twist hits harder. And there are twists, ones that do not feel cheap, but instead make you rethink everything you have read up to that point.
If there is one thing that might not work for everyone, it is how heavy the psychological aspect is. This is not a light read, and it does not hand you easy answers. It expects you to sit in the discomfort, to question things, and to accept that not everything will be neatly wrapped up. But if you are into books that mess with your head a little or a lot, this is absolutely one to pick up.
Overall, Watch Me is intense, unsettling, and seriously addictive. It is the kind of book that lingers after you finish it, making you replay scenes in your head and wonder what you might have missed. Definitely not one to read right before bed unless you enjoy staring at your ceiling questioning your life choices.
The story thrives on its atmosphere. There is this lingering sense of being watched, and it is done in a way that does not feel over the top or gimmicky. Instead, it is subtle, made up of little details, strange moments, and interactions that feel slightly off, and it slowly creeps under your skin. You are not just reading about paranoia, you start feeling it. Every character interaction feels loaded, like there is something unsaid lurking beneath the surface, and it keeps you constantly questioning what is real and what is not.
The main character is one of those people you do not fully trust, but you also cannot look away from. They are messy, complicated, and at times frustrating, but in a way that feels intentional rather than annoying. You understand why they make the choices they do, even when you are internally screaming at them to maybe not do the obviously terrible thing. It adds to the tension because you are not just worried about what is happening to them, you are also worried about what they might do next.
What really stands out is the pacing. It is not a nonstop action ride, instead it builds slowly, layering suspicion and dread until you are completely tangled in it. Some readers might find the slower build a bit much at first, but it pays off. By the time things start unraveling, you are so invested that every twist hits harder. And there are twists, ones that do not feel cheap, but instead make you rethink everything you have read up to that point.
If there is one thing that might not work for everyone, it is how heavy the psychological aspect is. This is not a light read, and it does not hand you easy answers. It expects you to sit in the discomfort, to question things, and to accept that not everything will be neatly wrapped up. But if you are into books that mess with your head a little or a lot, this is absolutely one to pick up.
Overall, Watch Me is intense, unsettling, and seriously addictive. It is the kind of book that lingers after you finish it, making you replay scenes in your head and wonder what you might have missed. Definitely not one to read right before bed unless you enjoy staring at your ceiling questioning your life choices.
April 26, 2026
✨️ARC Review✨️
✨️ MAREK IS OBSESSED! Some of the things that this man does I have never read before in a book, and I LOVE my dark romances! ✨️
He’s a 10 but.......
🌹 He breaks into your room, drugs you and tattoos his initial on your neck, ink mixed with his own blood.
🔪He kills a resident as set his eyes on Ayliara by harassing her and spying on her, in the MOST BRUTAL way I have ever read and simply notified her as ‘Faulty Infrastructure’
The Halcyon, an automated building, ran by a dark, tech savvy billionaire that can access you anywhere, anytime. Built on the darkest of secrets, where even the most corrupt try to run from their past, to become invisible.
No ID checks, cheap, obey the rules and no questions asked.
I loved the concept of this story, a place where a cold, composed, possessive overseer, not only runs an automated building, but is hired to carry out impossible missions he can only get done. Tackling child-trafficking, rescuing them and giving them a life they deserve, sounds like the good guy, no? This vigilante hero takes matters into his own hands and doesn’t blink when the torture is second nature. That is until her meets her, Ayliara.
Captivated by her, he instantly becomes possessive, stalks and removes any threat that HE deems necessary. The tension that the author creates between the two, is fast paced, dark, oh and gets darker, so please read the triggers warnings before going into this!
I loved that you see from Marek's POV when he is on a mission and seeing that side of him, his blood lust for the enemies but the protection of the kids.
I really wanted to rate this a 4 star, but rating this a I am rating this a 3.5.
Some of the chapters outbalanced the story's structure for example, there were some punctuation mistakes, sentences that were repeated within the same paragraphs of each other.
I'm not sure if this was an editing error as such, but I did find that some parts within the story jumbled and did confuse me where or at what point I was within the story.
When a couple of chapters where from Ayliara’s POV I noticed a few times that she was addressing herself in the second tense, which confused me sometimes because I would get confused who the chapters POV was in.
✨️Favourite Quotes:✨️
'That’s not skill, that’s circle jerking your own expectations.'
'To hell with anyone who ever thought they could judge me. I’m done trying to fit into a world that turned its back first.'
'That’s the thing about obsession baby. It doesn’t ask permission.'.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
✨️ MAREK IS OBSESSED! Some of the things that this man does I have never read before in a book, and I LOVE my dark romances! ✨️
He’s a 10 but.......
🌹 He breaks into your room, drugs you and tattoos his initial on your neck, ink mixed with his own blood.
🔪He kills a resident as set his eyes on Ayliara by harassing her and spying on her, in the MOST BRUTAL way I have ever read and simply notified her as ‘Faulty Infrastructure’
The Halcyon, an automated building, ran by a dark, tech savvy billionaire that can access you anywhere, anytime. Built on the darkest of secrets, where even the most corrupt try to run from their past, to become invisible.
No ID checks, cheap, obey the rules and no questions asked.
I loved the concept of this story, a place where a cold, composed, possessive overseer, not only runs an automated building, but is hired to carry out impossible missions he can only get done. Tackling child-trafficking, rescuing them and giving them a life they deserve, sounds like the good guy, no? This vigilante hero takes matters into his own hands and doesn’t blink when the torture is second nature. That is until her meets her, Ayliara.
Captivated by her, he instantly becomes possessive, stalks and removes any threat that HE deems necessary. The tension that the author creates between the two, is fast paced, dark, oh and gets darker, so please read the triggers warnings before going into this!
I loved that you see from Marek's POV when he is on a mission and seeing that side of him, his blood lust for the enemies but the protection of the kids.
I really wanted to rate this a 4 star, but rating this a I am rating this a 3.5.
Some of the chapters outbalanced the story's structure for example, there were some punctuation mistakes, sentences that were repeated within the same paragraphs of each other.
I'm not sure if this was an editing error as such, but I did find that some parts within the story jumbled and did confuse me where or at what point I was within the story.
When a couple of chapters where from Ayliara’s POV I noticed a few times that she was addressing herself in the second tense, which confused me sometimes because I would get confused who the chapters POV was in.
✨️Favourite Quotes:✨️
'That’s not skill, that’s circle jerking your own expectations.'
'To hell with anyone who ever thought they could judge me. I’m done trying to fit into a world that turned its back first.'
'That’s the thing about obsession baby. It doesn’t ask permission.'.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2026
I went into this expecting a typical dark romance but Watch Me ended up being something much more intense and unsettling. But in the best way! The story centers around Aylaira who moves into a building with a disturbing past and Marek Virelli the morally gray owner whose obsession with her begins almost instantly. From there the book spirals into a mix of surveillance, protection and possession that keeps you hooked.
Marek is very much a “soft only for her” character. He’s ruthless and calculated and at times, downright terrifying to everyone else. His devotion to Aylaira is undeniable. At the same time, his version of protection crosses serious lines making him a true morally gray hero. If you like the “touch her and die” trope, this definitely delivers!
The dynamic between Marek and Aylaira is what really drives the story. There’s an unsettling tension as what starts as surveillance slowly turns into something more intimate and obsessive. The side plots, especially the darker elements involving crime and danger, add to the intensity and give the story a constant edge.
That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. At times, the dialogue and inner monologues felt repetitive and there were moments where the writing or pacing pulled me out of the story a bit. I also found myself wanting a deeper understanding of Aylaira as an individual as her character sometimes felt overshadowed by the plot and Marek’s presence.
Overall this is a dark and gripping and at times brutal read that leans heavily into obsession and protection. It’s not for everyone!!! I went into this blind but definitely check trigger warnings if you are sensitive to material! If you enjoy intense, morally gray characters and a story that doesn’t shy away from the darker side of romance, this is worth picking up!
Just be prepared… it ends on a major cliffhanger and I definitely want to dive in to the next book to see what is next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Marek is very much a “soft only for her” character. He’s ruthless and calculated and at times, downright terrifying to everyone else. His devotion to Aylaira is undeniable. At the same time, his version of protection crosses serious lines making him a true morally gray hero. If you like the “touch her and die” trope, this definitely delivers!
The dynamic between Marek and Aylaira is what really drives the story. There’s an unsettling tension as what starts as surveillance slowly turns into something more intimate and obsessive. The side plots, especially the darker elements involving crime and danger, add to the intensity and give the story a constant edge.
That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. At times, the dialogue and inner monologues felt repetitive and there were moments where the writing or pacing pulled me out of the story a bit. I also found myself wanting a deeper understanding of Aylaira as an individual as her character sometimes felt overshadowed by the plot and Marek’s presence.
Overall this is a dark and gripping and at times brutal read that leans heavily into obsession and protection. It’s not for everyone!!! I went into this blind but definitely check trigger warnings if you are sensitive to material! If you enjoy intense, morally gray characters and a story that doesn’t shy away from the darker side of romance, this is worth picking up!
Just be prepared… it ends on a major cliffhanger and I definitely want to dive in to the next book to see what is next!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2026
Received as an ARC via Booksprout.
This review lost a star or so due to the story needing heavy editing, there is major issues with inconsistency between sentences, one shes laced her trainers the next he’s carrying her barefoot another example hes stood leaning against a doorframe across from her room and then he's IN the elevator blocking her in? Which is it. Many sentences are then repeated a couple sentences later, it makes it confusing and hard to follow along without having to mentally edit the story yourself throughout the whole book. There is a lot of grammatical errors, many instances where characters refer to themselves as he/she/him/her instead of I.
That being said the toxic dynamic between the two main characters, though very clearly deranged, toxic and wrong, has you sat cheering them on and routing for them in your own twisted way. Marek isn’t morally grey he is unapologetically PITCH BLACK, and will do anything to save those he deems worthy. There isn’t anything he can’t solve without violence, destruction, money, unwanted barrages of gifts or ofc stalking, he sees everything, he is everywhere. He does have a hidden soft side which peeks out in parts throughout the story, especially when working and saving the trafficked children, and ensuring their safety.
Alyria is a 23 year old trying to make a fresh start, hiding in an odd apartment complex (unknowingly to her owned by Marek) which runs on an errands point system. She is trying to hide and gets noticed regardless, it’s just by Marek Virelli, who won’t take no for an answer. We follow along as she internally and mentally processes her new life and battles with her own conscious and mind with what is happening and if she’s going to allow it to happen, Marek has claimed her…is she going to allow him to own her?
(I’m sure we’ll find out in book 2 when he catches up with her)
This review lost a star or so due to the story needing heavy editing, there is major issues with inconsistency between sentences, one shes laced her trainers the next he’s carrying her barefoot another example hes stood leaning against a doorframe across from her room and then he's IN the elevator blocking her in? Which is it. Many sentences are then repeated a couple sentences later, it makes it confusing and hard to follow along without having to mentally edit the story yourself throughout the whole book. There is a lot of grammatical errors, many instances where characters refer to themselves as he/she/him/her instead of I.
That being said the toxic dynamic between the two main characters, though very clearly deranged, toxic and wrong, has you sat cheering them on and routing for them in your own twisted way. Marek isn’t morally grey he is unapologetically PITCH BLACK, and will do anything to save those he deems worthy. There isn’t anything he can’t solve without violence, destruction, money, unwanted barrages of gifts or ofc stalking, he sees everything, he is everywhere. He does have a hidden soft side which peeks out in parts throughout the story, especially when working and saving the trafficked children, and ensuring their safety.
Alyria is a 23 year old trying to make a fresh start, hiding in an odd apartment complex (unknowingly to her owned by Marek) which runs on an errands point system. She is trying to hide and gets noticed regardless, it’s just by Marek Virelli, who won’t take no for an answer. We follow along as she internally and mentally processes her new life and battles with her own conscious and mind with what is happening and if she’s going to allow it to happen, Marek has claimed her…is she going to allow him to own her?
(I’m sure we’ll find out in book 2 when he catches up with her)
April 17, 2026
** ARC Reader **
I didn't read the warning list. I highly recommend that you do.
I came into this one as an ARC reader who thought she knew what dark meant. This book humbled me. It became very dark, very fast, and I don't think I've read anything this extreme since college. Consider this your warning.
The Halcyon asylum concept and the Architect behind it are genuinely fascinating world-building. The plot is engaging and the pacing is well balanced — never too slow, never too fast. The author gives you just enough information and hints at exactly the right time to keep you turning pages. What also surprised me is how well developed the male character is — he gets equal page time to the female lead, maybe even more, which is refreshing and different from most dark romance where the focus stays almost entirely on her.
Talking about the spice level — or rather, the lack of it (and yes, this is subjective). I expected more. There are maybe two explicit smut scenes, and the physical side of the relationship is more suggested than shown. The torture scenes, however, are a very different story — those are explicit. I'll be transparent: I mostly skipped them. I was there for the plot, and if you're not into it, go in aware.
By the end I got strong 365 Days by Blanka Lipińska vibes — and I mean that in the most unhinged, this-is-objectively-chaotic-but-I-need-to-know-what-happens-next way possible.
Am I curious how the story ends?
Absolutely.
Will I be strategically skipping certain scenes along the way?
Most likely.
I can't wait for the 2nd book.
Thank you for the advance copy!
I didn't read the warning list. I highly recommend that you do.
I came into this one as an ARC reader who thought she knew what dark meant. This book humbled me. It became very dark, very fast, and I don't think I've read anything this extreme since college. Consider this your warning.
The Halcyon asylum concept and the Architect behind it are genuinely fascinating world-building. The plot is engaging and the pacing is well balanced — never too slow, never too fast. The author gives you just enough information and hints at exactly the right time to keep you turning pages. What also surprised me is how well developed the male character is — he gets equal page time to the female lead, maybe even more, which is refreshing and different from most dark romance where the focus stays almost entirely on her.
Talking about the spice level — or rather, the lack of it (and yes, this is subjective). I expected more. There are maybe two explicit smut scenes, and the physical side of the relationship is more suggested than shown. The torture scenes, however, are a very different story — those are explicit. I'll be transparent: I mostly skipped them. I was there for the plot, and if you're not into it, go in aware.
By the end I got strong 365 Days by Blanka Lipińska vibes — and I mean that in the most unhinged, this-is-objectively-chaotic-but-I-need-to-know-what-happens-next way possible.
Am I curious how the story ends?
Absolutely.
Will I be strategically skipping certain scenes along the way?
Most likely.
I can't wait for the 2nd book.
Thank you for the advance copy!
April 25, 2026
The story was good, I mean really good, Marek is a billionaire dark web cyber vigilante who lives in the shadows and does the things others can’t and won’t speak of. He saves children from child trafficking rings and pedophiles. He’s a psychopath doing good things and I was here for it all day long.
Ayliara was disowned by her mother and brother for things she didn’t do and now has no money and no where to go, except the Halcyon Apartments, owned by none other than Marek Virelli.
The thought that went into this story is amazing. The concept of the Halcyon and how it operates, the way the tech side operates without any of the tenants knowing, the classified operations that Marek and his team execute, there is more than just an obsessive stalker and his prey.
Now, this is not a dark romance book, it’s PITCH BLACK. Dude does some Fd up things for his obsession, Ayliara and it’s kinda morbid. Then what he does to her and with her is just as Fd up. The story is so good but the spicy scenes are NOT for the faint of heart and you REALLY need to read the trigger warnings.
There are some editing issues that need to be addressed, repetitive sentences that were missed during edits, some inconsistencies in the story (she was wearing her hoodie but then stepped inside and put it on), some of the sentence structure seemed incomplete to me, but it may just be the writers style.
The book is a duet and ends on a cliffhanger of sorts. I will be reading the next one!
This review is based upon my own thoughts and opinions. Thank you to the author and Booksprout for my ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Ayliara was disowned by her mother and brother for things she didn’t do and now has no money and no where to go, except the Halcyon Apartments, owned by none other than Marek Virelli.
The thought that went into this story is amazing. The concept of the Halcyon and how it operates, the way the tech side operates without any of the tenants knowing, the classified operations that Marek and his team execute, there is more than just an obsessive stalker and his prey.
Now, this is not a dark romance book, it’s PITCH BLACK. Dude does some Fd up things for his obsession, Ayliara and it’s kinda morbid. Then what he does to her and with her is just as Fd up. The story is so good but the spicy scenes are NOT for the faint of heart and you REALLY need to read the trigger warnings.
There are some editing issues that need to be addressed, repetitive sentences that were missed during edits, some inconsistencies in the story (she was wearing her hoodie but then stepped inside and put it on), some of the sentence structure seemed incomplete to me, but it may just be the writers style.
The book is a duet and ends on a cliffhanger of sorts. I will be reading the next one!
This review is based upon my own thoughts and opinions. Thank you to the author and Booksprout for my ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
May 5, 2026
This one didn’t just pull me in, it lingered. It’s intense, a bit chaotic, and full of that psychological depth that keeps your brain ticking long after you’ve put it down. The kind of dark romance that makes you pause, question yourself, and then keep reading anyway because you need to understand it.
Dark romance, when it’s done well, isn’t about making unhealthy dynamics look appealing. It’s about exploring what happens when devotion goes too far, when something that should feel comforting starts to feel consuming. That tension runs through this entire story, and it doesn’t shy away from it for a second.
What really clicked for me was the atmosphere. The setting feels almost sentient at times, like it’s reacting to everything around it, but it also feels tied to Marek himself, like an extension of who he is. Once that connection landed, it changed how I read every scene. Marek is complicated in a way that’s hard to pin down, protective yet unsettling, someone you instinctively question but still find yourself drawn to. And that’s what makes it work. Ayliara’s responses feel grounded and believable, especially given everything she’s navigating, and their dynamic becomes this tight, emotional push and pull that’s hard to look away from.
There were definitely moments where I stopped and thought, I shouldn’t be on his side… so why am I? And that’s when I realised how invested I’d become.
It’s not perfect. There are a few technical slips, but they don’t take away from the overall impact. The ending plays it smart rather than dramatic, leaving just enough unanswered to keep the tension alive and lead naturally into the next book.
Dark romance, when it’s done well, isn’t about making unhealthy dynamics look appealing. It’s about exploring what happens when devotion goes too far, when something that should feel comforting starts to feel consuming. That tension runs through this entire story, and it doesn’t shy away from it for a second.
What really clicked for me was the atmosphere. The setting feels almost sentient at times, like it’s reacting to everything around it, but it also feels tied to Marek himself, like an extension of who he is. Once that connection landed, it changed how I read every scene. Marek is complicated in a way that’s hard to pin down, protective yet unsettling, someone you instinctively question but still find yourself drawn to. And that’s what makes it work. Ayliara’s responses feel grounded and believable, especially given everything she’s navigating, and their dynamic becomes this tight, emotional push and pull that’s hard to look away from.
There were definitely moments where I stopped and thought, I shouldn’t be on his side… so why am I? And that’s when I realised how invested I’d become.
It’s not perfect. There are a few technical slips, but they don’t take away from the overall impact. The ending plays it smart rather than dramatic, leaving just enough unanswered to keep the tension alive and lead naturally into the next book.
May 1, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Booksprout.
Watch Me is a very dark, romantic psychological thriller. Ayliara is broke, estranged from her family, and finds herself at Halcyon, which is owned by Marek. It’s a community run with low rent and tasks for which you earn tokens. These tokens are the cash that buy you things/privileges within the community. We never really find out exactly what Halcyon is or why it’s structured so uniquely. We do know it is very high tech with heavy surveillance. Ayliara becomes familiar with Marek through him stalking her online, as well as in her apartment. He frustrates her, but there is an undeniable chemistry between them. Their banter is fantastic.
Marek is described as morally grey. And he is, just at the very top of the spectrum. You want to hate him, but find yourself falling in love with him. With Ayliara, he is obsessive and stalkerish, but at the same time, so tender and caring. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. He listens and pays attention to her every word. By doing this, he is able to surprise and spoil her with things she likes and needs. He also takes care of her when she feels bad. However, when others hurt the ones he loves or cause harm to children, Marek’s true dark side emerges. He can be graphic and gruesome with the offenders, but becomes a caretaker for the abused. He’s a dark angel of sorts.
I’m not sure what book 2 of this series, Keep Me, will bring, but I’m here for it! I am completely invested in everything that’s going on and cannot wait until the conclusion.
Watch Me is a very dark, romantic psychological thriller. Ayliara is broke, estranged from her family, and finds herself at Halcyon, which is owned by Marek. It’s a community run with low rent and tasks for which you earn tokens. These tokens are the cash that buy you things/privileges within the community. We never really find out exactly what Halcyon is or why it’s structured so uniquely. We do know it is very high tech with heavy surveillance. Ayliara becomes familiar with Marek through him stalking her online, as well as in her apartment. He frustrates her, but there is an undeniable chemistry between them. Their banter is fantastic.
Marek is described as morally grey. And he is, just at the very top of the spectrum. You want to hate him, but find yourself falling in love with him. With Ayliara, he is obsessive and stalkerish, but at the same time, so tender and caring. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. He listens and pays attention to her every word. By doing this, he is able to surprise and spoil her with things she likes and needs. He also takes care of her when she feels bad. However, when others hurt the ones he loves or cause harm to children, Marek’s true dark side emerges. He can be graphic and gruesome with the offenders, but becomes a caretaker for the abused. He’s a dark angel of sorts.
I’m not sure what book 2 of this series, Keep Me, will bring, but I’m here for it! I am completely invested in everything that’s going on and cannot wait until the conclusion.
April 26, 2026
ARC Review
This one isn’t here to comfort you. It’s here to unsettle you on purpose 😈📚
From the first pages, there’s this low, persistent hum of wrongness… like stepping into a place that feels off but convincing yourself it’s fine because you don’t have better options. The atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting. It’s claustrophobic, watchful, and constantly pressing in, like the story itself is aware of you reading it 🖤📡
The dynamic at the center is intense in a way that won’t work for everyone. It leans hard into obsession and control, and it doesn’t soften those edges. Instead, it commits fully, which makes it both compelling and, at times, overwhelming. There were moments where I genuinely had to pause just to breathe and recalibrate.
That said, if you go in knowing what you’re signing up for, there’s something oddly addictive about the descent. It builds that “I shouldn’t keep reading… but I absolutely will” tension and holds onto it all the way through.
Definitely check trigger warnings before diving in. This is dark, violent, and not shy about it. But if you’re someone who enjoys stories that push boundaries and lean into discomfort, this one delivers.
For me, it was a full rabbit hole experience.
Can’t wait for the second book 😈
Kelly (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)
This one isn’t here to comfort you. It’s here to unsettle you on purpose 😈📚
From the first pages, there’s this low, persistent hum of wrongness… like stepping into a place that feels off but convincing yourself it’s fine because you don’t have better options. The atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting. It’s claustrophobic, watchful, and constantly pressing in, like the story itself is aware of you reading it 🖤📡
The dynamic at the center is intense in a way that won’t work for everyone. It leans hard into obsession and control, and it doesn’t soften those edges. Instead, it commits fully, which makes it both compelling and, at times, overwhelming. There were moments where I genuinely had to pause just to breathe and recalibrate.
That said, if you go in knowing what you’re signing up for, there’s something oddly addictive about the descent. It builds that “I shouldn’t keep reading… but I absolutely will” tension and holds onto it all the way through.
Definitely check trigger warnings before diving in. This is dark, violent, and not shy about it. But if you’re someone who enjoys stories that push boundaries and lean into discomfort, this one delivers.
For me, it was a full rabbit hole experience.
Can’t wait for the second book 😈
Kelly (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)
April 28, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I love me some dark men who love to stalk. We have our FMC Ayliara who’s had a tough life and has ended up at the end of the road so to speak and is just tying to survive. Then we have our MMC Marek, our tech savvy, dark vibes stalker. Both characters are written excellent that they do not over power one another. The pace of the story is easy and simple to keep up with, there was a few occasions where I questioned if the characters would do something I was hoping for and it’s like the author already knew and the story followed it.
When it comes to the smut in the story she gave us enough that left us waiting for more. I now cannot look at certain objects the same anymore. Marek brings pain with pleasure and once his finished he takes care of Ayliara. And this is just the tip of how he shows how much he cares (obsessed) for Ayliara. Like this man learned certain things just to show Ayliara he knew how to care for her. And the length he goes for one of them had me putting the book down after he finished helping her.
But being a stalker isn’t his only attribute, his other form of employment has me understanding why he is the way he is. He isn’t one to stand on the sideline either or let his men handle it. His not afraid of getting his hands dirty, his up front in the line of fire just like his men.
Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I love me some dark men who love to stalk. We have our FMC Ayliara who’s had a tough life and has ended up at the end of the road so to speak and is just tying to survive. Then we have our MMC Marek, our tech savvy, dark vibes stalker. Both characters are written excellent that they do not over power one another. The pace of the story is easy and simple to keep up with, there was a few occasions where I questioned if the characters would do something I was hoping for and it’s like the author already knew and the story followed it.
When it comes to the smut in the story she gave us enough that left us waiting for more. I now cannot look at certain objects the same anymore. Marek brings pain with pleasure and once his finished he takes care of Ayliara. And this is just the tip of how he shows how much he cares (obsessed) for Ayliara. Like this man learned certain things just to show Ayliara he knew how to care for her. And the length he goes for one of them had me putting the book down after he finished helping her.
But being a stalker isn’t his only attribute, his other form of employment has me understanding why he is the way he is. He isn’t one to stand on the sideline either or let his men handle it. His not afraid of getting his hands dirty, his up front in the line of fire just like his men.
May 1, 2026
I received this book as a gift, but all opinions in this review are entirely my own. Let me start with OMG! I couldn't put this down. Watch Me by Maria Rahaman was for me a very bold psychologically dark read! This book got under my skin and wouldn't leave. Ayliara is at rock bottom and the only place left for her is The Halcyon an old asylum. The Halcyon is bone chilling and super intense and it feels alive in certain ways. Marek is a rich tech savy obsessive twisted stalker and owner of The Halcyon.
How could you not love Marek when he says things like this
" I came back because I couldn't stay away leaving you felt like ripping out my own damn lungs."
I was most definitely rooting for Marek. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty and do what others won't and will do anything he needs to, to get the job done. He definitely does bad things but is so perfect for Ayliara. He's between a monster and caregiver but knows exactly what Ayliara needs and just how to take care of her.
It is definitely dark, twisted, chilling, unsettling, obsessive and totally unhinged but in the best ways! Maria was absolutely brilliant with her story and the characters.
It does end with a cliffhanger and I'm anticipating book 2. Most definitely read your trigger warnings before you start.
How could you not love Marek when he says things like this
" I came back because I couldn't stay away leaving you felt like ripping out my own damn lungs."
I was most definitely rooting for Marek. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty and do what others won't and will do anything he needs to, to get the job done. He definitely does bad things but is so perfect for Ayliara. He's between a monster and caregiver but knows exactly what Ayliara needs and just how to take care of her.
It is definitely dark, twisted, chilling, unsettling, obsessive and totally unhinged but in the best ways! Maria was absolutely brilliant with her story and the characters.
It does end with a cliffhanger and I'm anticipating book 2. Most definitely read your trigger warnings before you start.
April 8, 2026
This author has a new fan. The writing, the progression of the story, the story itself and the details. There is a few spots I was a little "get over with it" during a scene but not enough to turn me away for anything. She is strong and independent. He is devoted. To his job and to her. It isn't directly focused on the relationship, which can sometimes be drawn out.
She comes in trying to figure out her life after her family screws her over. Things are a bit off in her new living arrangement but she mostly keeps to herself. He sees her once and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants. While he does it in an unorthodox way, he woos her. She's skeptical of course but in a twisted way, also loves the attention. By the end of it, I was wanting to be the subject of his attention. Lol.
TRIGGER WARNING!!!!
Stalking, rape, pain inflection, blood.
I don't know if it will be fixed, but the reason it lost stars is because its not reader friendly. Read on kindle and the pages looked like it was edited and put on a PDF page or something. Had to zoom in to read. Was not able to change the settings.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She comes in trying to figure out her life after her family screws her over. Things are a bit off in her new living arrangement but she mostly keeps to herself. He sees her once and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants. While he does it in an unorthodox way, he woos her. She's skeptical of course but in a twisted way, also loves the attention. By the end of it, I was wanting to be the subject of his attention. Lol.
TRIGGER WARNING!!!!
Stalking, rape, pain inflection, blood.
I don't know if it will be fixed, but the reason it lost stars is because its not reader friendly. Read on kindle and the pages looked like it was edited and put on a PDF page or something. Had to zoom in to read. Was not able to change the settings.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2026
Stalker romance? Yes please! There are so many stalker romances out there already, and I always enjoy seeing how authors give it their own twirl, so it still stands out. This book had an approach I haven’t seen before, and I really enjoyed that.
Marek Virelli owns a building, The Halcyon. It’s an old rundown asylum, and turned into small apartments with communal spaces. The building is meant for people who are in hiding that are low on cash. Ayliara is a newcomer in the building, and when Marek sees her on the security feed he instantly knows that she is his.
How to describe Marek Virelli? Take Zade Meadows and Malachi Vice, knock these two together really hard so they form one hunk of a man (yes, my imagination is endless 😉). Add an extra dose of madness and a dash of unhinged psycho, and voila!
His personality was pretty much in the driver’s seat for most part of the story, not that Ayliara has no personality but she’s more quiet compared to him. I really enjoyed their duality, their heated moments, and Ayliara’s reluctance in giving in. Everyone in her life left her at some point, so why would this man stay?
The story has a good pace and was very difficult to put down. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Marek Virelli owns a building, The Halcyon. It’s an old rundown asylum, and turned into small apartments with communal spaces. The building is meant for people who are in hiding that are low on cash. Ayliara is a newcomer in the building, and when Marek sees her on the security feed he instantly knows that she is his.
How to describe Marek Virelli? Take Zade Meadows and Malachi Vice, knock these two together really hard so they form one hunk of a man (yes, my imagination is endless 😉). Add an extra dose of madness and a dash of unhinged psycho, and voila!
His personality was pretty much in the driver’s seat for most part of the story, not that Ayliara has no personality but she’s more quiet compared to him. I really enjoyed their duality, their heated moments, and Ayliara’s reluctance in giving in. Everyone in her life left her at some point, so why would this man stay?
The story has a good pace and was very difficult to put down. I’m looking forward to the next book.
April 29, 2026
This was my first time reading a book by Maria Rahaman, and it didn’t disappoint.
It started a little slower for me personally, but quickly pulled me into an unsettling dark romance that leans into obsession, control, and psychological tension. It created that uncomfortable, can’t-look-away feeling that dark romance does best.
That said, I did find myself wanting more depth when it came to the characters and the world. I struggled to fully connect with who they were, how they ended up at Halcyon, and what its true purpose was. There are a lot of unanswered questions, especially surrounding the system, which left parts of the story feeling unclear.
There are also some minor technical issues (typos and tense slips), but the tone and atmosphere help carry the story.
It’s an intense, psychological read that will appeal to fans of morally complex characters and that push-pull dynamic between fascination and discomfort.
Overall, I was obsessed!!!!
I’m curious to see how the next book expands on the Halcyon world.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It started a little slower for me personally, but quickly pulled me into an unsettling dark romance that leans into obsession, control, and psychological tension. It created that uncomfortable, can’t-look-away feeling that dark romance does best.
That said, I did find myself wanting more depth when it came to the characters and the world. I struggled to fully connect with who they were, how they ended up at Halcyon, and what its true purpose was. There are a lot of unanswered questions, especially surrounding the system, which left parts of the story feeling unclear.
There are also some minor technical issues (typos and tense slips), but the tone and atmosphere help carry the story.
It’s an intense, psychological read that will appeal to fans of morally complex characters and that push-pull dynamic between fascination and discomfort.
Overall, I was obsessed!!!!
I’m curious to see how the next book expands on the Halcyon world.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
I just finished Watch Me by Maria Rahaman and I’m honestly still thinking about it.
This book pulled me in pretty quickly—the writing feels really immediate and personal, like you’re right there inside the main character’s head. It has that slightly unsettling, “something’s not quite right” vibe that keeps you turning pages even when you’re not totally sure where it’s going yet.
What stood out most to me was the tension. It builds in a way that feels subtle at first, then suddenly you realize you’re fully invested and a little on edge. I liked that it didn’t hand everything to you right away—you kind of have to sit with the discomfort and piece things together.
That said, there were a few moments where I wished for a bit more clarity or depth, especially with some of the side characters. But overall, the atmosphere and pacing made up for it.
If you like psychological, slightly eerie reads that mess with your head a bit, this is definitely worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just finished Watch Me by Maria Rahaman and I’m honestly still thinking about it.
This book pulled me in pretty quickly—the writing feels really immediate and personal, like you’re right there inside the main character’s head. It has that slightly unsettling, “something’s not quite right” vibe that keeps you turning pages even when you’re not totally sure where it’s going yet.
What stood out most to me was the tension. It builds in a way that feels subtle at first, then suddenly you realize you’re fully invested and a little on edge. I liked that it didn’t hand everything to you right away—you kind of have to sit with the discomfort and piece things together.
That said, there were a few moments where I wished for a bit more clarity or depth, especially with some of the side characters. But overall, the atmosphere and pacing made up for it.
If you like psychological, slightly eerie reads that mess with your head a bit, this is definitely worth checking out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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