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Duplicitous: A Dark Stalker Romance

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I've watched her. Waited for her. Protected her from the shadows.

I've been obsessed with Karolina for years, but she has no idea that I've been stalking her every move.

Any man who dared to try to touch what's mine is dead.

Now, I've finally become the man she'll want, not the monster I've hidden from her.

She only knows me as "Bones", her online masked man.

But it's time for the mask to come off, even if I can never reveal who I really am.

I'll insert myself into her life as her new professor, and she'll finally be mine in every way.

I crave to torment and cherish her.

If she ever tries to run away, there's nowhere on Earth she can hide from me.

Because I know her darkest, most depraved secret: Karolina wants to be hunted.
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About the author

Julia Sykes

124 books2,113 followers
Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

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5 stars
42 (42%)
4 stars
36 (36%)
3 stars
13 (13%)
2 stars
5 (5%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel.
115 reviews30 followers
July 21, 2026
I want to preface in saying I love this author. I love all of her work and her writing style. She writes in a way that keeps me engaged and hooked from the beginning. She also writes clear expressions of SUB and DOM experiences. In comparison to other authors that write grey area DOM/SUB her writing in my opinion gives a clear understanding of the main characters participating in DOM/SUB activities.

Now back to this book. Literally the first two chapters are spicy, intense, and omg has me hooked. I was locked in. The masked character Bones and the chase scene was so wild. I could not put this book down and absolutely scratched my stalker romance itch.

That ending...that cliffhanger ending...I had predicted or guessed some of the twists but not that very end. I'm still in shock. I can't wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Letty.
76 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up! I read this in one night!!
That ending 😩 was like OMG say what?? That can’t be possible!

This starts off running with Karolina & is already “messy” with her foster brothers, Carter & Brandon when she’s younger.

Fast forward, now an adult & dealing with her trauma in her own way as a young woman getting her MA. She has Bones, her masked man, via video chat who is she feels is “safe” as it’s not a relationship & is superficial serving its purpose 😉
Throw in a hot professor and a very possessive stalker, things start escalating!

I highly recommend putting on your TBR!
If you like possessive MMCs, masked men, being chased in the woods, professor/student, and stalkers THIS is for you!

Check your TW ❌ !

Book Overview below as well 👇🏻



***A special thank you to the author, Julia Sykes, for the opportunity to read & review this ARC! I am voluntarily leaving this honest review. ***



Book overview

I’ve watched her. Waited for her. Protected her from the shadows.
I’ve been obsessed with Karolina for years, but she has no idea that I've been stalking her every move.

Any man who dared to try to touch what’s mine is dead.

Now, I’ve finally become the man she’ll want, not the monster I’ve hidden from her.

She only knows me as “Bones”, her masked online confidante.

But it’s time for the mask to come off, even if I can never reveal who I really am.

I’ll insert myself into her life as her new professor, and she’ll finally be mine in every way.

I crave to torment and cherish her.

If she ever tries to run away, there’s nowhere on Earth she can hide from me.

Because I know her darkest, most depraved secret: Karolina wants to be hunted.


Profile Image for Ecem Esen.
80 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2026
Ok first things first. I am a stalker romance connoisseur. Its my fave trope and i have basically read all of them.

I have never in my whole 2 years of reading felt what i felt at the plot twist. My heart actually sank into my stomach and my heart was racing. It wasnt an outcome i considered at ALL. this was BRILLIANT. Its that end chapter where you actually start to tell how deranged he actually is, like mentally GONE.

The MMC Rand is absolutely gone over this girl, in love but dangerously and i have read some pitch black romances. I think what makes this more disturbing and impacting compared to them is how it is written so realistically. Not just stalker for shock value . I love how he still respects her boundaries however i suspect there may be some noncon arriving in the second book 😏. He would do anything for this girl.

I also really enjoyed the FMC. Karolina/Lena is a very guarded girl but she actually tries to put the effort in to opening up to him. She is fiercely independent and absolutely owns her sexuality which is refreshing, even though shes a virgin shes not shy from exploring which is rare.

im still reeling from this and i want the second book so so badly . This is going to be a reread alot of times

God Julia you are genius i love u
Profile Image for Heather Newsome.
167 reviews20 followers
July 27, 2026
What a book… From the start to finish I wasn’t sure what was doing to happen on the next page. So many red flags in this book but that’s what I liked about it. Stalker romances can get stale after a while but this one kept me needing more.
Profile Image for Karla.
287 reviews
July 25, 2026
Amazingly Good 👍

I truly enjoyed and love 💗 this story…. Super thrilling, sexy, suspenseful, and intense plot….. Absolutely awesome….. a total must read in the genre…..
Profile Image for The Heathens Book Nook.
53 reviews
July 16, 2026
Dark stalker romance, foster siblings, masked man, and from the very first page you know exactly what game you've signed up for. The opening chapter doesn't ease you in: Foster siblings, child abuse, and dialogue that's genuinely uncomfortable to read beautifully written, but uncomfortable. Karolina fights back, and that fight matters; it sets up everything that follows.
Fast forward five years and Karolina hasn't been able to be touched since except by "Bones," a masked, red-skull-wearing virtual stranger she's built years of trust with him online. Spice hits from chapter 2 and doesn't let up, and what I appreciated most is how it's handled: this isn't just heat for heat's sake, it's her reclaiming a safe, controlled space to explore her own sexuality after trauma. That's a genuinely interesting take, and it's done with care.
Bones is obsessive, possessive, unhinged, the kind of stalker-romance hero who every dark romance fan wants but would absolutely run from in real life. His solution to "getting his girl" is exactly as deranged as it should be, and the banter between them (she's bratty, he loves it) gives the book some breathing room between the heavier aspects.

Where this book really got me: there's a second presence circling Karolina that builds a separate, distinct thread of dread alongside everything else going on and it's woven in so well. Without spoiling anything, the reveal tied to it hits hard and readjusts the stalker fear that's been simmering throughout. This is exactly the kind of twist that deserves to land fresh, so I won't say another word about it just trust me.

Heads up on content: stalking, sexual assault, CNC, murder, child abuse, foster care trauma, degradation, power imbalance (Professor/ Student)this is not a light read. It is a Dark Romance and that is how you should go into this read.
Book 2 is flagged as darker still (kidnapping, drugging, torture, dubious consent), so pace yourself accordingly.
Profile Image for Tardisgirl.
401 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2026
I do not understand how this book got so many high ratings.
It has little to no character developement & story building. Why do dark romance novels often lack this? It's such a shame. It often seems to revolve only around the smut.

And only on the last page, I find out it's a d*mn series! Why hide that it has a cliffhanger and that it's part of a series?!
I'd probably not have read it all, if I knew.

Also, there is this big hoopla about them being virgins the entire book. And then the first time they have actual sex, it is literally over in just a few lines... 0_o What?!?!
Throughout the entire book the s3xscenes are lengthy and described in such detail. And then the big moment is there, and it is so rushed! That honestly made no sense, at all!

I'll also never understand what it is with women enjoying incestual romance stories.
I only found it somewhat tolerable, because they were only short term foster brother & sister, and didn't actually grow up together. Otherwise I would've stopped reading straight away.

It's safe to say I didn't enjoy this book.
It really missed depth, a story, anything to make me care for any of the characters. And because I didn't have any connection what so ever with either character, the smut felt flat too.

I rate it 2 stars, and that's being generous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chai_Tea_Reads  .
43 reviews
July 20, 2026
Ugh, that cliffhanger… and THE PLOT TWIST. I had my suspicions, but I didn't think I was right until the very end (sorry, no spoilers here 😉).

Karolina has endured more than anyone should have to. Orphaned at a young age and subjected to unimaginable abuse, she’s fought hard to escape her past and build a new life for herself, even while being haunted by recurring nightmares. Her one source of comfort is Bones—her masked online confidant who makes her feel safe in a way no one else can.

But what Karolina believes is harmless fun is anything but. Bones is a man consumed by obsession, and when that obsession pushes past her boundaries, Karolina’s walls go up and she runs. Refusing to let her slip away, Bones finds another way back into her life—this time as her professor, where he uses manipulation and calculated tactics to draw her closer.

But when a real threat emerges, secrets can no longer stay buried. Bones can’t hide behind his mask forever, and Karolina can’t keep running.

What you can expect:
Trauma
Stalking
Masked MMC
Hidden Identity
Power Play
“Good Girl”
Primal Play
OTT/Obsessed MMC
Touch Her and Die
Spanking
Virgin FMC
Professor x Student
Hidden Cameras
Forbidden
Profile Image for Samira :).
27 reviews
July 23, 2026
This book gets a 4.75⭐️.
I got the chance to be an ARC reader for this wonderful book, and I'll be forever grateful for it because I absolutely devoured it, and I LOVED it. 😍
This author's writing style is absolutely incredible. I'm honestly sad I hadn't read anything else by her before now (I'll definitely change that soon!) because the way this story pulled me in was unbelievable.
I've been craving a story with an obsessed MMC for so long, and this book absolutely delivered. The way the MMC basically lives his life for her? It’s everything I've been wanting. 😩
The FMC has some deep-rooted issues and a lot of heavy trauma, but she still decides to overcome it and open up to him. She starts to need him and feels safe in his presence, which made me so unbelievably happy.
This couple is honestly perfect for each other, and I'm so excited to see where their story will lead them!
The plot twist at the end? MIND BLOWING!!! Normally, I'm really good at figuring out what's going to happen in books, but this one literally surprised me SO much!
I can't wait for Book 2 because I NEED to know what's going to happen next.
837 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2026
This was fairly short but not too bad. Stalker romance with heavy primal kink.

Karolina’s/Lina’s parents died and she was sent into foster care. She fell in love with her stepbrother Brandon and they partook in primal play him chasing her and kissing her. Then another stepbrother Carter found her in the woods and told her Brandon had sent him. She tried to escape however Carter caught her she hit him over the head and shot Brendan and left them both in a fire presumably dead. She has a new identity and is now in the Uk in university.

Brandon/Bones/Rand has completely infiltrated Lina’s life she has been interacting with Bones an on line domination for 4 years he wears a mask and they know nothing about each other. Also he is now her professor and he is also pretending to be her stalker to chase her into Rand’s arms. You find out he is Brandon right at the end as he has had facial reconstruction due to the shotgun incident. To say he is obsessed is an understatement he has been killing people who get too close to her and she has just realised this but she now has a real stalker.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,448 reviews
July 19, 2026
A captivating read that held me riveted from start to finish, main characters are simply wonderful
Karolina has endured more than anyone should ever have to, Orphaned at a young age and subjected to unimaginable abuse. She has worked extremely hard building her life into something so much better and is trying to leave the nightmares behind.
Bones as she knows him is used to taking on any risks and he is always watching her he is ready to take out anyone that threatens her safety, he finds a way to come into contact with her by teaching at her place of study, he is a professor position and they meet and he helps her and watches her as much as he is able.
When there was a real threat where secrets can no longer remain hidden, he knows that Karolina has to be put in the picture, she has to know who he has been doing to ensure that she remains safe.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
Profile Image for Courtney Shaw.
10 reviews
July 15, 2026
Definitely read the trigger warnings before reading this. I wont put any spoilers in this.

Read in a day, throughly enjoyed this. Gripping the edge of my seat during the dramatic and adrenaline rush scenes. You can actually feel the emotions coming out of the page.
When the little bit of spice hits, it hits! 3 out of 5 for spice. 10/10 as usual for the writing.

Holy F! Like that plot twist at the end? Damn!

I love how the fmc is bratty and likes to wind up the mmc with her attitude (reminds me of me!)
I also love how this is set in York, UK (close to where I live!) I do love an English set book.

I cant wait for the 2nd book because this was just perfect and leaves it on a cliffhanger.

Thank you Julia for allowing me to review this as an ARC. I absolutely enjoyed it 🥰
5 reviews
July 19, 2026
Julia has done it again. She has set a fire to burn 🔥with a heat that will consume. Duplicitous is a surprising, tension-filled beginning book in a firey dark romance series. 🔥 It is impossible to put down and leaves you ready for more. Karolina is feisty and strong because she's had to survive. I was drawn into her story instantly. Bones is a safe outlet after all she's been through, but he isn't who she knows him to be. ❣️ You will be drawn in and held until you are artfully thrown over the cliff to hang until the next book.
Detailed world building and intense character development craft this story into your next favorite series beginning from Julia Sykes!
🔥The chase is on & you will be caught.🔥
Profile Image for Nicole Falcon.
146 reviews6 followers
July 23, 2026

"No, it’s not romantic. It’s so much more than that. Karolina is my entire world, my only reason for existence."

Karolina was trying to live her life the best she could with her new identity because who she was 5 years ago, is someone she is trying to forget. Rand is a man with different identities, and has does questionable things to keep Karolina within reach for years and she has no idea. He knows she is not ready for the truth of who he really is but that doesn't keep from meeting in person or becoming her professor!

Karolina didn't stand a chance keeping away from Rand, even if she doesn't realize who he truly is. This stalker-forbidden romance will have you hooked in the first chapter. I couldn't put the book down. The witty banter, the obsession Rand has for Karolina and the way she melts for him every time?! I cannot get enough! I am excited to see what happens next because this does end on a cliffhanger that will have you begging for more!

Stalker romance, Mask play, Primal play, Secret Identities, 1st person POV, Dual
Profile Image for Ash Zimmerman.
11 reviews
July 22, 2026
Honestly these books have never been my style and unfortunately this book has not changed that. I’m not the biggest fan of stalker books but I figured I would give this one a shot. There is definitely a focus on the sex. I found the sex quite boring but I was intrigued by the ending and I just want to know how the mmc will work to gain back the fmc’s favor. I understand that I read this book right after it was released so the second book would not be out yet but I must say that if I had read this book after the second was already released, I would be inclined to purchase the second book. As it stands, though, I will forget about this book existing long before the second installment is released.
9,591 reviews67 followers
July 24, 2026
Karolina was orphaned at a young age and put out to foster where she suffered at the hands of her foster brothers. Now years on shes making her way in the world, and studying for her MA, she has her online confessions with Bones who keeps things spicy without the deeper connection or so she thought. Bones was a persona created to make her feel safe but behind the mask lies a man obsessed and theres nothing he wouldnt do to get what he wants. That cliffy ending and twist will have you questioning everything! I cant wait for bk2!! Well written heavy dark themes, trauma  desires, stalker  obsession and more.
Profile Image for Savanna Marliere.
96 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2026
I was given the opportunity to do an ARC read and what a phenomenal read! I knew anything coming from Julia Sykes would be a masterpiece but I was captivated by this one.

Such a great story with some crazy plot twists. I did not expect the ending and holy cow do I need the next book like right now!!

💀
Dark and twisted
Stalker Romance
Professor & Student
Banter
Possessive mmc
Touch her and die vibes
Masked mmc
Chased in the woods
💀

Make sure to check your triggers and enjoy!

I love Karolina and Rand so much!
Profile Image for Zelda.
1,508 reviews
July 22, 2026
Wow! I was surprised at how quickly I read this book—the characters, story & pacing just meshed for me. This book is perfect for dark romance readers who like unhinged & obsessive MMCs. It’s a spicy slow burn story about Karolina and her online partner named Bones. Bones will stop at nothing to protect & keep Karolina & the twists in this story just kept coming. It’s a great cliffhanger, will definitely read the next book.
Profile Image for KIMMY.
92 reviews
July 29, 2026
Dark stalker romance is one of my favorite tropes I was hooked from the first 2 chapters very spicy/intense with start off with Karolina & her foster brothers Carter & Brandon when she was young fast foward Karolina is now an adult things have started picking up between a hot professor & a very possessive stalker everything esculates quickly, the ending shocked me wasn't expecting it that's for sure, loved the book can't wait to see what's next.
Profile Image for Heather Pulley.
27 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2026
First time reading this author and man, she did not disappoint! I cannot wait for the 2nd book to come out. Rand had me questioning everything about him and then, WHAM, left me on a cliffhanger 😳 Had me up until 1 am and I don’t regret it one bit. If you like your man dark, dangerous, and utterly obsessed (but ya know, in a good way), then you have to read this book! Thank you, Julia Skyes for a phenomenal read!
Profile Image for Chelsea.
128 reviews19 followers
August 17, 2026
I enjoyed Devoted from start to finish, and I highly recommend this one by Julia I can't wait for the second book. The cover alone is what drew me in to apply to read this book, and it absolutely did NOT disappoint! That cliffhanger at the end...l love my dark romances, but always check your triggers before diving in. And yes... I stayed up far too late devouring this book!
The mmc is NUTS, I mean he is absolutely unhinged... but somehow, you're going to love him anyway.
Profile Image for Hannah Pike.
Author 4 books17 followers
July 18, 2026
I recieved the ARC for this in exchange for an honest review!

Steamy, spice level extremely high and so many twists and turns!
Had my giggling and kicking my feet, yelling at my kindle and nearly throwing it across the room

5 stars but would rate it higher if I could! Will definitely read more from this author
Profile Image for Cassy.
275 reviews11 followers
July 26, 2026
I've been following this author for a while and love her books. The banter between Karolina and Rand is fun to read and I would catch myself laughing a few times. I had a feeling when the twist was revealed, but the cliffhanger left me a little gutted. I can't wait to see how their story plays out.
3 reviews
July 18, 2026
Wow what a good read, well written and a slow burn between Rand and Karolina but they are meant to be! There is a couple of twists and turns but I did not want this story to end! I really cannot wait for the next book!!
2 reviews
July 18, 2026
The only negative of this book for me is I wish it was longer! I loved it. You could easily read this book in one sitting. I found it very fast paced with lots of little twists and top tier spice! This first chapter is definitely pretty dark so check trigger warning
Profile Image for Laura Ferguson.
212 reviews
July 19, 2026
Woah!! Amazing !! How absolutely riveting !! I am so in love with Lena. She is saucy and strong !! I love this character. So excited for the next one in this series
It was a crash after the last page. Love this twisted and endearing story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
7 reviews
July 20, 2026
This is the first time I have picked up a book from. This author and I was lucky enough to get it as an arc . But oh my the spice and the plot twist threw me . A definite book to read if u love your spice and cliff hangers can’t wait to read the next one ❤️❤️
9 reviews
July 22, 2026
I was luckily enough to get this book as an arc copy. I really enjoyed it from the start and it kept me engaged the whole way through and managed to remove me from my reading slump!! The cliff hanger at the end has me hooked and can’t wait for book two!
Profile Image for Tere Henriquez.
33 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2026
This new story from Julia Sykes mind is to die for. From angst to suspense to edge-of-your-seat drama. The love story is so twisted and depraved that it keeps me thinking "one more chapter" every night. No sleep for this goddess. Talk about cliffhanger!!! I can't wait for book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews