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Echo
Theo Winter is a bestselling crime writer on the brink of everything he’s worked for. With his third novel released and a book tour ahead of him, his career has never looked stronger.
But something isn’t right.
Small things at first, easy to ignore, easy to explain. Until they’re not. Until the unease settles deeper, sharper, impossible to shake.
When CID detectives Vance Hale and Hugh Slade cross his path, what begins as coincidence quickly turns into something far more dangerous. Because Theo isn’t just connected to what’s happening around him.
He’s being watched.
As the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur, the tension builds, pulling them closer to the truth, and to each other. But the deeper they go, the more it becomes clear that this isn’t something they can control.
And walking away is no longer an option.
Echo is a dark psychological MMM thriller layered with obsession, tension, and a slow-burn M/M/M romance where danger, desire, and control collide.
Content warnings apply.
This book includes crime, violence, stalking themes, and mature content.
But something isn’t right.
Small things at first, easy to ignore, easy to explain. Until they’re not. Until the unease settles deeper, sharper, impossible to shake.
When CID detectives Vance Hale and Hugh Slade cross his path, what begins as coincidence quickly turns into something far more dangerous. Because Theo isn’t just connected to what’s happening around him.
He’s being watched.
As the lines between fiction and reality begin to blur, the tension builds, pulling them closer to the truth, and to each other. But the deeper they go, the more it becomes clear that this isn’t something they can control.
And walking away is no longer an option.
Echo is a dark psychological MMM thriller layered with obsession, tension, and a slow-burn M/M/M romance where danger, desire, and control collide.
Content warnings apply.
This book includes crime, violence, stalking themes, and mature content.
- GenresM M Romance
650 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2026
About the author
Elise Rose
3 books30 followersElise Rose is an Australian author of dark romantic thrillers blending crime, tension, and emotionally intense relationships. Her stories live in the space between danger and devotion — where protection can become possession and love is never simple.
She writes why-choose romance featuring complex characters forced together by circumstance, secrets, and survival. Expect slow-burn connection, high stakes investigations, hurt-comfort, and characters who would do anything to keep the people they love safe.
Her books focus as much on emotional healing as they do suspense, combining thriller pacing with deeply character-driven romance.
When she isn’t writing, Elise can usually be found plotting future books, talking with readers online, or thinking about fictional men far more than is socially acceptable.
She writes why-choose romance featuring complex characters forced together by circumstance, secrets, and survival. Expect slow-burn connection, high stakes investigations, hurt-comfort, and characters who would do anything to keep the people they love safe.
Her books focus as much on emotional healing as they do suspense, combining thriller pacing with deeply character-driven romance.
When she isn’t writing, Elise can usually be found plotting future books, talking with readers online, or thinking about fictional men far more than is socially acceptable.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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October 31, 2026So far, out of all her books, Echo is my favourite. I think there's been a noticeable improvement in her writing compared to her other books, particularly Rookie.
Now, this isn't a Rookie review, but I can't help comparing the two since I read them in the same month. Rookie wasn't necessarily bad, but it was pretty mid for me. There were quite a few things I felt were missing, particularly when it came to character descriptions and relationship development. Echo, on the other hand, did a much better job in most of those aspects.
One thing I particularly liked about Echo was the relationship dynamic. We have three men, two of whom are already in an established relationship before introducing a third. My only issue is that I wish the author explored the existing relationship a little more. There were moments where I could actually see the connection between Vance and Hugh (I think those were their names), especially in the beginning. But once the third person came into the picture, it felt as though their relationship took a backseat and everything became centred around him. And don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore Thoe. He's cute, lovely, and I can understand why he gets so much attention. But these two were already in a relationship before he came along, and I wish that connection had remained just as visible throughout the story. Introducing a third person shouldn't mean the relationship between the original two disappears.
I also can't say much about heir because I didn't finish it. It wasn't necessarily bad; it just wasn't what I was in the mood for. I went in expecting more romance, but the story leaned more towards grief and the emotional struggles of a grieving young man. It was simply too sad for me, so I ended up putting it down. That's a me problem, not necessarily a criticism of the book.
Another thing I appreciated about Echo was the ending. And this is where I inevitably end up comparing it to Rookie again. That man, Lou, went through HELL. I mean, this man walked through hell, died in a burning stream of lava, and somehow came back alive. I genuinely don't know why the author made him suffer that much. My biggest issue, though, was that after everything he went through, we didn't really get to see him process it, move forward, or understand what came next for him. I was left wondering whether Lou would even still want to be a detective after everything that had happened. There was so much he needed to work through, and I wish we had been given more of that.
Echo gave me something I felt was missing from Rookie. I got to see the character grow, process what happened, and move forward. The ending felt much more satisfying because it gave the character the room to move beyond what he'd experienced rather than simply ending the story after everything he'd been through.
Honestly, I think her characters are great. I have no real complaints about the characters themselves. My issues are more with how their stories are written and how certain relationships and experiences are explored. And I think that's where the difference lies for me. The characters have so much potential, and Echo did a much better job of letting me appreciate that.
Overall, Echo is my favourite of her books so far, and I genuinely enjoyed seeing the improvement. There are still things I wish had been explored further, but compared to her other work, this was a much better reading experience for me.
Now, this isn't a Rookie review, but I can't help comparing the two since I read them in the same month. Rookie wasn't necessarily bad, but it was pretty mid for me. There were quite a few things I felt were missing, particularly when it came to character descriptions and relationship development. Echo, on the other hand, did a much better job in most of those aspects.
One thing I particularly liked about Echo was the relationship dynamic. We have three men, two of whom are already in an established relationship before introducing a third. My only issue is that I wish the author explored the existing relationship a little more. There were moments where I could actually see the connection between Vance and Hugh (I think those were their names), especially in the beginning. But once the third person came into the picture, it felt as though their relationship took a backseat and everything became centred around him. And don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore Thoe. He's cute, lovely, and I can understand why he gets so much attention. But these two were already in a relationship before he came along, and I wish that connection had remained just as visible throughout the story. Introducing a third person shouldn't mean the relationship between the original two disappears.
I also can't say much about heir because I didn't finish it. It wasn't necessarily bad; it just wasn't what I was in the mood for. I went in expecting more romance, but the story leaned more towards grief and the emotional struggles of a grieving young man. It was simply too sad for me, so I ended up putting it down. That's a me problem, not necessarily a criticism of the book.
Another thing I appreciated about Echo was the ending. And this is where I inevitably end up comparing it to Rookie again. That man, Lou, went through HELL. I mean, this man walked through hell, died in a burning stream of lava, and somehow came back alive. I genuinely don't know why the author made him suffer that much. My biggest issue, though, was that after everything he went through, we didn't really get to see him process it, move forward, or understand what came next for him. I was left wondering whether Lou would even still want to be a detective after everything that had happened. There was so much he needed to work through, and I wish we had been given more of that.
Echo gave me something I felt was missing from Rookie. I got to see the character grow, process what happened, and move forward. The ending felt much more satisfying because it gave the character the room to move beyond what he'd experienced rather than simply ending the story after everything he'd been through.
Honestly, I think her characters are great. I have no real complaints about the characters themselves. My issues are more with how their stories are written and how certain relationships and experiences are explored. And I think that's where the difference lies for me. The characters have so much potential, and Echo did a much better job of letting me appreciate that.
Overall, Echo is my favourite of her books so far, and I genuinely enjoyed seeing the improvement. There are still things I wish had been explored further, but compared to her other work, this was a much better reading experience for me.
September 27, 2026
If you love world building, emotionally intelligent characters and dialogue that has you highlighting memorable quotes every second page! Then you will love this book!
Theo might actually be one of my all time favourite characters. The sas was so charming and I could see how Hugh & Vance couldn’t resist falling for him!!!
Another top tier read from this author!! The only reason this didn’t hit 5 stars for me is I wish it had more!! I also think the high and obsession I have for Heir & Rookie had me (unfairly) comparing this book to them. I felt the plot itself didn’t hit me as hard as the other series, like I was waiting for the next big drop that didn’t quite come, but it was still a great read! If I had read this book before the other two by this author, I truthfully believe this would have been 5 stars!
I loved the vulnerability, Hugh especially, expressed openly in this book. Compared to other male leads, there was something really refreshing and hard hitting about how he voiced worries and didn’t come across as so stoic and unfazed that there’s no room for doubt. He made the story have a stronger emotional impact, to the point where I felt my chest tightening in response. It upped the stakes considerably if even the unshakeable and reliable men are afraid. It made Hugh very “human” to me, and I loved him for that! Having Vance balance that was honestly, chefs kiss, perfection!!
I fear I will now fall into a reading slump as I have read this authors books so quickly! But I will continue keeping an eye on this author going forward.
Theo might actually be one of my all time favourite characters. The sas was so charming and I could see how Hugh & Vance couldn’t resist falling for him!!!
Another top tier read from this author!! The only reason this didn’t hit 5 stars for me is I wish it had more!! I also think the high and obsession I have for Heir & Rookie had me (unfairly) comparing this book to them. I felt the plot itself didn’t hit me as hard as the other series, like I was waiting for the next big drop that didn’t quite come, but it was still a great read! If I had read this book before the other two by this author, I truthfully believe this would have been 5 stars!
I loved the vulnerability, Hugh especially, expressed openly in this book. Compared to other male leads, there was something really refreshing and hard hitting about how he voiced worries and didn’t come across as so stoic and unfazed that there’s no room for doubt. He made the story have a stronger emotional impact, to the point where I felt my chest tightening in response. It upped the stakes considerably if even the unshakeable and reliable men are afraid. It made Hugh very “human” to me, and I loved him for that! Having Vance balance that was honestly, chefs kiss, perfection!!
I fear I will now fall into a reading slump as I have read this authors books so quickly! But I will continue keeping an eye on this author going forward.
September 21, 2026
From the start, I knew I would enjoy this book after reading other works by Elise. The teasers on TikTok were enough for me to know this would end up in my top reads of this year.
In comparison to The Rookie, I think this book was much easier for me to follow and understand. I do not have prior knowledge of police protocols and having a MMC that is adjacent to law enforcement without being in it was incredibly refreshing and translatable.
The character descriptions were much more understandable and I still believe that these books are a suitable length for what is necessary. I didn’t feel like it was rushed and the third act turmoil was seen, dealt with and recovered from in a respectable timeframe.
While not as spicy as other books by Elsie, I think it was tasteful and as needed. There was no unnecessary fluff and was a very easy book to follow through. There was depth of character, emotional growth and the hurt/comfort trope will always have my heart. And the subtle call backs to other characters in the universe were a nice touch.
Another fantastic read by Elsie, I can’t wait to finish it out with Heir to get the full picture.
In comparison to The Rookie, I think this book was much easier for me to follow and understand. I do not have prior knowledge of police protocols and having a MMC that is adjacent to law enforcement without being in it was incredibly refreshing and translatable.
The character descriptions were much more understandable and I still believe that these books are a suitable length for what is necessary. I didn’t feel like it was rushed and the third act turmoil was seen, dealt with and recovered from in a respectable timeframe.
While not as spicy as other books by Elsie, I think it was tasteful and as needed. There was no unnecessary fluff and was a very easy book to follow through. There was depth of character, emotional growth and the hurt/comfort trope will always have my heart. And the subtle call backs to other characters in the universe were a nice touch.
Another fantastic read by Elsie, I can’t wait to finish it out with Heir to get the full picture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2026
Echo is better than rookie imo... was a hard pill to swallow to realise that but wow
You can feel that echo was written after rookie
Because theres huge development in story telling and world building. In rookie i could basically see the scene wich already is huge... in this book the surroundings pulled me in
i think in rookie i knew more about louis boys i felt more like i had them in my friendgroup if you get what i mean? With hugh and vance (love them) that feeling was a little less i guess, i still felt like i knew them but i have the feeling that i had a deeper connection with the characters of rookie🤔
The story overall was a ten while rookie was a ten when i read it i now think its a 9 haha
You can feel that echo was written after rookie
Because theres huge development in story telling and world building. In rookie i could basically see the scene wich already is huge... in this book the surroundings pulled me in
i think in rookie i knew more about louis boys i felt more like i had them in my friendgroup if you get what i mean? With hugh and vance (love them) that feeling was a little less i guess, i still felt like i knew them but i have the feeling that i had a deeper connection with the characters of rookie🤔
The story overall was a ten while rookie was a ten when i read it i now think its a 9 haha
September 15, 2026
i finished reading this book in less than a day and i'm absolutely in love with it !! i've been reading the author's stories on wattpad for years now and am always so stoked whenever a new one gets released, so you can probably imagine my joy when i was finally able to read this one :) elise definitely deserves all the love and recognition for their books. also, thank you for writing these- every single one keeps on holding me on the edge of my seat. i really appreciate them !!
now on to the next one - HEIR!!
now on to the next one - HEIR!!
September 16, 2026
One of my absolute favourite books!!!! I am re-reading this for the fourth time and it still has me unable to put it down! Hugh and Vance together are a force to reckoned with and then Theo gets thrown in the mix and they will burn the world for him. They will do anything to protect him and cross any line they need to keep him safe. The connection that Theo has with Hugh and Vance is undeniable. This books has suspense and twists and danger with every page! Trust me you will not want it to finish
October 15, 2026
This book was great! I actually love how they connected everything all together.until now the characters are also stuck to me now. It was a suspenseful and intense that keeps you curious throughout and explores the reality from fiction but I really love the mystery of it and how everything connected and it’s something that is unexpected.
You won’t regret reading this as this is remarkably perfect from inside and out
You won’t regret reading this as this is remarkably perfect from inside and out
September 24, 2026
We meet Vance and Hugh who are both CID who have been chasing a serial Unaliver for a couple of years when they come across Theo a well known crime author who happens to be linked to the unalivings without even realising.
So if you want mmm detective/victim, forbidden and the victim has a stalker then this book is for you
So if you want mmm detective/victim, forbidden and the victim has a stalker then this book is for you
September 16, 2026
Hugh, Vance and Theo are my new favourites omg
November 1, 2026
Theo has my heart this was the first book I read from this author and it will always be my favourite.
November 1, 2026
Echo was a great mystery and twist I really thought this book was well done. The relationships were wonderful I love Theo, Vance and Hugh together
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews