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Devil Next Door
Criminal Delights
All Remy Harker wants is a fresh start.
Well, maybe that’s what he tells himself as he rolls up to his nice new house, in the nice little neighborhood, in a town where nobody knows his name.
He’s surrounded by friendly neighbors and a white picket fence. The ugly pink carpet might drive him to insanity, and he can’t stop wondering where the old lady who lived there before him died—but it’s nice.
And if he puts his mind to it, he can be anything—or anyone—he wants to be. He can be nice too.
At least, he thinks he can until he lays eyes on his next-door neighbor.
Luke Boucher is nice.
And quiet.
And perfect.
It doesn’t take long for Remy to insinuate himself into Luke’s life. A camera here, a break-in there.
– It’s not really stalking if you love someone, is it? –
But when Remy’s plan to make a good impression goes to hell, he ends up over his head in more ways than one. Then things aren’t quite so nice anymore.
– It’s not really murder if you love someone, is it? –
Loving your neighbor isn’t so easy when you’re the devil next door.
*****
This book is part of CRIMINAL DELIGHTS. Each novel can be read as a standalone and contains a dark M/M romance.
Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.
All Remy Harker wants is a fresh start.
Well, maybe that’s what he tells himself as he rolls up to his nice new house, in the nice little neighborhood, in a town where nobody knows his name.
He’s surrounded by friendly neighbors and a white picket fence. The ugly pink carpet might drive him to insanity, and he can’t stop wondering where the old lady who lived there before him died—but it’s nice.
And if he puts his mind to it, he can be anything—or anyone—he wants to be. He can be nice too.
At least, he thinks he can until he lays eyes on his next-door neighbor.
Luke Boucher is nice.
And quiet.
And perfect.
It doesn’t take long for Remy to insinuate himself into Luke’s life. A camera here, a break-in there.
– It’s not really stalking if you love someone, is it? –
But when Remy’s plan to make a good impression goes to hell, he ends up over his head in more ways than one. Then things aren’t quite so nice anymore.
– It’s not really murder if you love someone, is it? –
Loving your neighbor isn’t so easy when you’re the devil next door.
*****
This book is part of CRIMINAL DELIGHTS. Each novel can be read as a standalone and contains a dark M/M romance.
Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2019
297 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Alex Jane
26 books181 followersAfter spending years creating stories in her head, Alex started writing them down and then found she couldn’t stop.
Despite the late start, she now writes m/m romance about found families, sometimes with a historical feel—and the occasional werewolf.
Free from aspirations of literary greatness, Alex simply hopes to spin a good yarn of love and life, wrapped up with a happy ending. And if her characters have to go through Hell to get there, she’s a-okay with that.
Alex writes and walks on the South Coast of England—even when her heart and spellcheck are in New York.
You can now find her dark m/m romance under Alexis Jane if you like love…but darker.
Blog and Newsletter available on my website - www.alexjane.info
Despite the late start, she now writes m/m romance about found families, sometimes with a historical feel—and the occasional werewolf.
Free from aspirations of literary greatness, Alex simply hopes to spin a good yarn of love and life, wrapped up with a happy ending. And if her characters have to go through Hell to get there, she’s a-okay with that.
Alex writes and walks on the South Coast of England—even when her heart and spellcheck are in New York.
You can now find her dark m/m romance under Alexis Jane if you like love…but darker.
Blog and Newsletter available on my website - www.alexjane.info
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
March 24, 2019
"Come on,love.I'm coming in whether you want me to or not.Might as well let me hear you."
The crazy troll gif doesn't come out very often but it's totally appropriate here.Jump on board the crazy train and try and enjoy the ride...
Fancy reading something dark and twisted with some really fu*ked up characters...look no further.The blurb promises so much and this book certainly delivered.It was so much more than I was expecting.I think I just sat in stunned silence when I finished...I couldn't quite believe what I'd just read.
Nothing better than a stalkerish,obsessed character.Honestly I love this stuff.
Remy is obsessed.....
Arriving in a new neighbourhood he takes one look at the guy next door,Luke,and is immediately smitten.His instant obsession with Luke baffled me at the start but all becomes clear as the story is told.His obsession and actions are without doubt creepy as he tries to plant himself firmly in Luke's life.Everything seems to be going wrong for Luke and it's Remy who's always there to help out....
But he starts to get increasingly frustrated as things don't go according to plan....
There's a twist that I NEVER saw coming in a million years and the story takes an even darker turn. Be warned this most definitely isn't for the faint hearted.
Not gonna lie I disliked both characters but some of the best stories have despicable characters after all.
Be careful what you wish for....
I wanted dark and twisted and that's what I got.
An Arc of Devil Next Door was kindly provided to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review.
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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April 27, 2019
3.5 Stars
Well, the first half was slow and wasn’t really dark and I got a bit bored but the second half surprised me with the turn of events! I liked it more. Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in the "Criminal Delights" but it can be read as a standalone and it's a quick read!
Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.
Well, the first half was slow and wasn’t really dark and I got a bit bored but the second half surprised me with the turn of events! I liked it more. Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in the "Criminal Delights" but it can be read as a standalone and it's a quick read!
Warning: These books are for adult readers who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.
April 29, 2019
I love these morally questionable books. 😁 And yes, I’m obsessed with stalkers and serial killers when it comes to romance. So it really isn’t a surprise that I enjoyed the hell out of Luke and Remy. 😏 They really are a match made in heaven, one serial killer and one stalker whose idea of perfect gift is choosing the next perfect victim for your boyfriend. 👏 And Jackson, oh, his love and sacrifice was just .... I have no words for it. ❤️ This is a very graphic book so don’t read it if you aren’t ok with gore and blood. I know this is more of an erotica than a romance but for me, it was oddly and unbelievably quite romantic. Loved it! 😍 And I’m grateful that for once I listened Lorraine. 😂
4.5 I feel like a god and invincible with you stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4.5 I feel like a god and invincible with you stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
February 25, 2025
I love this story, I hate the epilogue, I absolutely cannot recommend this book to anyone. Please do only read if you can handle murder and torture on page and two MCs who are total psychopaths.
It's hard to put into words without giving too much away. I was very surprised because apparently I wasn't completely focused. I think if you read this book in a more awake state than I did, you might be able to anticipate the plot development a bit. It completely caught me off guard.
That's probably why I love this story and was completely fascinated by the dynamic that develops between Luke and Remy.
"You know we could bug the Roberts' place if you wanted? You could fuck me while we watch Paul jerk off? Might spice up dinner on Thursday?"
Shoving him slightly, Remy straightened up, saying through a smile, "You say the sweetest things." 🖤🫠🖤
The physical agony was nothing compared to the feeling of being wanted so badly and so completely. When Luke put his hands around Remy's throat and squeezed as he thrust into him more violently, Remy simply closed his eyes, prepared to give whatever he needed to make Luke happy. 🤤🖤🤤
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: stalking, murder and torture and kidnapping on page
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
Kinks: vers couple, face fucking, rough sex, breath play, fucking in front of a victim
It's hard to put into words without giving too much away. I was very surprised because apparently I wasn't completely focused. I think if you read this book in a more awake state than I did, you might be able to anticipate the plot development a bit. It completely caught me off guard.
That's probably why I love this story and was completely fascinated by the dynamic that develops between Luke and Remy.
"You know we could bug the Roberts' place if you wanted? You could fuck me while we watch Paul jerk off? Might spice up dinner on Thursday?"
Shoving him slightly, Remy straightened up, saying through a smile, "You say the sweetest things." 🖤🫠🖤
The physical agony was nothing compared to the feeling of being wanted so badly and so completely. When Luke put his hands around Remy's throat and squeezed as he thrust into him more violently, Remy simply closed his eyes, prepared to give whatever he needed to make Luke happy. 🤤🖤🤤
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Minor spoilers probably ahead
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Content warnings: stalking, murder and torture and kidnapping on page
Cheating between MCs: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
Kinks: vers couple, face fucking, rough sex, breath play, fucking in front of a victim
March 1, 2025
I think this one was a bit of a mismatch in tropes and kinks for me and ended up being a swing and miss.
I struggled to get into the chemistry and relationship between Luke and Remy, oddly enough not cause of the murder, but because of how much page time is dedicated to Lukes ex. And I understand why the ex is important to the plot but how am I meant to get swept away in the chemistry of a new couple if y'all keep talking about your ex??
Also, I have no issue with BDSM elements in a couples dynamic but that wasn't really the case here. I don't have a pain kink and in the one scene where they have penetrative sex the focus is so heavily on the intent to cause pain that it was a bit of a ick for me.. Although I had to laugh that after that sex scene Luke was like "but I want to take things slow"... My guy, you just fucked the dude over the couch while he cried, I think that ship has sailed.
Also, I'm perhaps reading way deeper than I should be in a KU 'dark romance book', but we have identified that Luke is a psychopath and that he sees the idea of Remy taking the fall for him as a sign of his devotion? I find it hard to see that Luke would be capable of a genuine emotional connection and love to Remy and that his investment in the relationship could be anything more than the use and services Remy provides to Luke? I feel like this is a pitfall that authors fall into when trying to tackle a dark romance with a psychopath and underestimating the skill it takes to make their participation and investment in a romantic intimate relationship make sense.
Luke and Remy have some scenes that are a bit iffy on the dub con/non con side but I wouldn't say that element is front and centre of their dynamic. I hated the epilogue primarily cause there is one throw away statement about them performing non con on one of their murder victims together and that felt like such a random line and was so unnecessary and gross. There is no third party participation in Remy and Luke's relationship on page but it's definitely alluded to that it could be a feature in the future, especially given the above mentioned behaviours with victims.
I think a big issue with this is that it is trying to build some pretty complex morally black dynamics and because of the story structure it just doesn't leave enough space to achieve that. The murder husband's dynamic only really comes into play at like the 50% mark and given that it is only 150 pages that doesn't leave much room to sell an audience on some pretty gross behaviour.
I think this is another one of those dark romance books that realistically is just a horror book that didn't lean in hard enough to really commit to its genre. It kind of reminded me a little of Ricochet but without the emo Wattpad fic writing that book had.
I can see what this book is trying to do and while I admire the effort it takes to tackle something as ambitious as a story like this, I think that ultimately the writing sophistication required to make the characters and story work was missing.
I struggled to get into the chemistry and relationship between Luke and Remy, oddly enough not cause of the murder, but because of how much page time is dedicated to Lukes ex. And I understand why the ex is important to the plot but how am I meant to get swept away in the chemistry of a new couple if y'all keep talking about your ex??
Also, I have no issue with BDSM elements in a couples dynamic but that wasn't really the case here. I don't have a pain kink and in the one scene where they have penetrative sex the focus is so heavily on the intent to cause pain that it was a bit of a ick for me.. Although I had to laugh that after that sex scene Luke was like "but I want to take things slow"... My guy, you just fucked the dude over the couch while he cried, I think that ship has sailed.
Also, I'm perhaps reading way deeper than I should be in a KU 'dark romance book', but we have identified that Luke is a psychopath and that he sees the idea of Remy taking the fall for him as a sign of his devotion? I find it hard to see that Luke would be capable of a genuine emotional connection and love to Remy and that his investment in the relationship could be anything more than the use and services Remy provides to Luke? I feel like this is a pitfall that authors fall into when trying to tackle a dark romance with a psychopath and underestimating the skill it takes to make their participation and investment in a romantic intimate relationship make sense.
Luke and Remy have some scenes that are a bit iffy on the dub con/non con side but I wouldn't say that element is front and centre of their dynamic. I hated the epilogue primarily cause there is one throw away statement about them performing non con on one of their murder victims together and that felt like such a random line and was so unnecessary and gross. There is no third party participation in Remy and Luke's relationship on page but it's definitely alluded to that it could be a feature in the future, especially given the above mentioned behaviours with victims.
I think a big issue with this is that it is trying to build some pretty complex morally black dynamics and because of the story structure it just doesn't leave enough space to achieve that. The murder husband's dynamic only really comes into play at like the 50% mark and given that it is only 150 pages that doesn't leave much room to sell an audience on some pretty gross behaviour.
I think this is another one of those dark romance books that realistically is just a horror book that didn't lean in hard enough to really commit to its genre. It kind of reminded me a little of Ricochet but without the emo Wattpad fic writing that book had.
I can see what this book is trying to do and while I admire the effort it takes to tackle something as ambitious as a story like this, I think that ultimately the writing sophistication required to make the characters and story work was missing.
October 25, 2024
In the first bit of the book it feelt like it could be a start of a horror book instead of a dark romance, and he seemed so realistic in a very weird and problematic way it made me creeped out and uncomfortable. But I loved it and with the twist (which is one of my favorites in dark romances) I'll change my rating to a 5 stars instead of a 4. As of course to took a while before I wrote my review as usual.
April 19, 2019
I can be short about this one. It’s one big mindf*ck and from the beginning I didn’t know what the next step would be. I love that in a read!
Remy is new in this nice little town. Everything is nice (read: boring) in the kind and nice street where he lives. One thing is more than nice and that’s his neighbor Luke.
In no time Remy knows every breathe and move of Luke. Infiltrating in his house he can watch him day and night. But that’s just illusion...
This was one bloody rollercoaster, I loved all the unexpected turns. Awesome writing style which made it captivating as hell.
The personalities were endearing (read: creepy) they were kind (read: you don’t want to know them) they were lovable (read: run, when you can) and they had patience (read: patience) ha!
Awesome intriguing dark romance. There are some bloody mindf*ck triggers so be aware of that.
Remy is new in this nice little town. Everything is nice (read: boring) in the kind and nice street where he lives. One thing is more than nice and that’s his neighbor Luke.
In no time Remy knows every breathe and move of Luke. Infiltrating in his house he can watch him day and night. But that’s just illusion...
This was one bloody rollercoaster, I loved all the unexpected turns. Awesome writing style which made it captivating as hell.
The personalities were endearing (read: creepy) they were kind (read: you don’t want to know them) they were lovable (read: run, when you can) and they had patience (read: patience) ha!
Awesome intriguing dark romance. There are some bloody mindf*ck triggers so be aware of that.
April 23, 2019
This was definitely twisted in many ways. I think I would have found it more interesting if it hadn't started so slow and the characters were more likeable. The super slow build to figure out what Remy was doing and then the twist with Dr. Byrne and stuff just took way too long to get to. And I'm not sure any writer could get me to find the first sex scene erotic.
I do like my antiheroes but I need to like them and this was all just too clinical for me.
I do like my antiheroes but I need to like them and this was all just too clinical for me.
April 20, 2019
So, that was an unexpected read ! Mind games, extreme planning and two psychopaths... no spoilers from me 😎
April 21, 2019
Not my jam. It started rather slowly for me. For me to like a book, I need to like something about it, a character, the message, hell a dog or a cat, but no. there was nothing in here for me at all. I know this is a dark series, but I think there is a difference between dark and just plain evil/awful. There were no redeeming characteristics to make me care about these characters. Thank god it was short. This is my first read by this author and given the nature of this series, I will try the author again but with something lighter.
August 25, 2019
My face when the twist came. What a surprise! I didn't predict anything in this.
I can not believe what I just read.
Just one thing to say about this: The stalker is not always who you think it is!
Love it.
Scary. So scary.
PS: If you are searching for a typical romance...don't get here haha!
March 5, 2021
This was my first book by this author and definitely not my last. This book was a complete mind fuck, the first half was slow and I thought it was not that dark since the focus was just on stalking and I was surprised when shit happened! I loved the unexpected twist in Luke's character. Both of them are creepy, the content was brutal, and not for the feint of heart. This book was one hell of a ride!
May 20, 2019
me at the beginning: this is dark but not like MEGA dark...
me in the middle: HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIIII-
anyway this was insane and pretty good with some fantastic bombshells, but it is D-A-R-K so if you're not into that then run!! run for the hills!!
April 20, 2019
3.5 stars
A little bit cray cray for me. But nice twist.
A little bit cray cray for me. But nice twist.
October 22, 2020
This book presented an interesting idea. It also has two unlikeable leads. I have no issue with unlikeable leads doing nasty things, unless I don't like the MCs. I'd say I wasn't overly invested in R and L.
R moves to a new town, a fresh start, and falls for the guy next door, L. Who's the monster here? Who's what and why?
The biggest problem with this book was the pacing - the beginning was too slow and dragged, and the all-tell-no-show epilogue was unnecessary.
Great idea, not badly written overall. Middle of the road reading for me. A story for some dark Halloween reading, because The Devil Next Door turns into a wholly and disturbingly nasty little book for the right nasty reader.
R moves to a new town, a fresh start, and falls for the guy next door, L. Who's the monster here? Who's what and why?
The biggest problem with this book was the pacing - the beginning was too slow and dragged, and the all-tell-no-show epilogue was unnecessary.
Great idea, not badly written overall. Middle of the road reading for me. A story for some dark Halloween reading, because The Devil Next Door turns into a wholly and disturbingly nasty little book for the right nasty reader.
August 25, 2025
3⭐ for the plot twist
May 1, 2022
3.5 stars
I still can't believe what I just read ....
The first 3 chapters were slow and a bit boring, but then it became more interesting.
Hell I didn't expect at all what happened 😲
At The end I enjoyed this dark with very complex characters.
I still can't believe what I just read ....
The first 3 chapters were slow and a bit boring, but then it became more interesting.
Hell I didn't expect at all what happened 😲
At The end I enjoyed this dark with very complex characters.
April 24, 2019
Wow.... this story was quite unexpected.
Remy made me a bit nervous, or maybe stalking makes me nervous. Either way, holy sweaty palms. When people do a little B&E or something they shouldn't be, I feel like I'm an accomplice lol
Going into the story, we have no idea who Remy is (or was) or anythign about why he's moved or about his therapist. You can't really tell either if he's talking past tense about said therapist because he has moved or if thy're "gone". You're kind of learning it all as you go, so there,s a mystery in itself.
What I wasn't expecting was that turn of events with Remy's "wrong move" and what it brings out in the rest of the story.
Alex wrote, basically a thriller/horror story, but I will say it wasn't gory. Or, not as gory as it could have been. There was surprisingly a lack of detail in the process of death here. I honestly don't know if I am grateful or not lol! On one hand...eew.. but on the other hand, it can really add another dimension to the story, a thrill, a wrongness. Some people just have a strange fascination with death and serial killers and how they did it. You'll only get some of that here, no major details on the hows, just that it happened.
With all that said... stalking, killing, I actually LIKED these characters. I was rooting for them and their relationship. I thought Remy was kind of sweet and he and Luke were sweet together. Here we go again, another Criminal Delights story where the couple is strangely sweet (*cough* K.A. Merikan Wrong Turn *cough*) :)
Remy made me a bit nervous, or maybe stalking makes me nervous. Either way, holy sweaty palms. When people do a little B&E or something they shouldn't be, I feel like I'm an accomplice lol
Going into the story, we have no idea who Remy is (or was) or anythign about why he's moved or about his therapist. You can't really tell either if he's talking past tense about said therapist because he has moved or if thy're "gone". You're kind of learning it all as you go, so there,s a mystery in itself.
What I wasn't expecting was that turn of events with Remy's "wrong move" and what it brings out in the rest of the story.
Alex wrote, basically a thriller/horror story, but I will say it wasn't gory. Or, not as gory as it could have been. There was surprisingly a lack of detail in the process of death here. I honestly don't know if I am grateful or not lol! On one hand...eew.. but on the other hand, it can really add another dimension to the story, a thrill, a wrongness. Some people just have a strange fascination with death and serial killers and how they did it. You'll only get some of that here, no major details on the hows, just that it happened.
With all that said... stalking, killing, I actually LIKED these characters. I was rooting for them and their relationship. I thought Remy was kind of sweet and he and Luke were sweet together. Here we go again, another Criminal Delights story where the couple is strangely sweet (*cough* K.A. Merikan Wrong Turn *cough*) :)
May 1, 2019
This is my first but certainly not my last read by this author as this is a fabulous read.
If you like stalker reads you will love Remy. Looking for a fresh start he moves to a quiet neighbourhood. His new neighbor Luke catches his eye.
I’m not gonna say more as this is a crazy and twisted read that you need to read for yourself.
If you like stalkers stories on the dark side then I definitely recommend this wee gem for you.
This is part of the Criminal Delights series but each book can be read as a standalone. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series. I’ll certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
If you like stalker reads you will love Remy. Looking for a fresh start he moves to a quiet neighbourhood. His new neighbor Luke catches his eye.
I’m not gonna say more as this is a crazy and twisted read that you need to read for yourself.
If you like stalkers stories on the dark side then I definitely recommend this wee gem for you.
This is part of the Criminal Delights series but each book can be read as a standalone. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series. I’ll certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
October 13, 2023
4 stalker creeper stars
The detailed planning and setting up for stalking and full-on surveillance was riveting. And creepy.
Remy moves into a new house and immediately starts stalking his next door neighbor. 😅
He suffers from anxiety (aside from his stalkerish ways) and has some impulse control, so we get to see him remembering what his therapist told him to do in situations.
The book is 150 pages and it's clear there is going to be a twist or two. It was fun trying to guess how much more deranged the plot was going to get, or if it was going to have a redemption arc.
This was a fun read, I've been in the mood for a creepy stalker book. This is not a morally ambiguous read.
Only one grievance, using the term 'exotic dancer'. Gross.
The detailed planning and setting up for stalking and full-on surveillance was riveting. And creepy.
Remy moves into a new house and immediately starts stalking his next door neighbor. 😅
He suffers from anxiety (aside from his stalkerish ways) and has some impulse control, so we get to see him remembering what his therapist told him to do in situations.
The book is 150 pages and it's clear there is going to be a twist or two. It was fun trying to guess how much more deranged the plot was going to get, or if it was going to have a redemption arc.
This was a fun read, I've been in the mood for a creepy stalker book. This is not a morally ambiguous read.
Only one grievance, using the term 'exotic dancer'. Gross.
October 24, 2021
oh no
August 19, 2022
Flojo
August 22, 2023
August 2023
Paperback edition
Read to cover a challenge. Still my go to M/M stalker romance. It's short to the point and isn't what it seems. I still cringe at the mess up, pattern break and panic before things calm again.
2022 - Paperback
Really not liking the new Goodreads format. Can't find anything. Where's the button to review another edition? Bleh. The paperback version is small and thin. Reminds me of the fairy series I had as a kid. How times have changed. Still a dark, fun read. Just annoying now to turn the pages and I no longer have a booklight so no late-night reading. The cover is a little delicate but nothing a weight or pressing won't fix.
Remy and Luke are made for each other, although Remy was basically groomed for the role. I think what I like about this one so much is the twist. The hunter becomes the hunted and things aren't what they seem. I liked that Luke was sweet and took care of Remy.
2021 - Kindle
Short, slow, precise and neatly executed. The prologue made me question everything, so I did wonder if Remy was one of the would-be victims or had been groomed by the serial killer, or if the neighbour wasn’t who he seemed. I was expecting some sort of twist. Although Remy was a little cute in a weird way with all his effort, it’s just the fairytale coincidental meet ups were planned.
At the halfway mark the story does have twists and goes from methodical stalking to murder, extreme sex, mentions of rape, murder husbands and a play at being siblings. It went from twisted to very twisted, although Luke caring for Remy was sweet and Remy’s skill in changing identities was smooth. Interesting story.
Paperback edition
Read to cover a challenge. Still my go to M/M stalker romance. It's short to the point and isn't what it seems. I still cringe at the mess up, pattern break and panic before things calm again.
2022 - Paperback
Really not liking the new Goodreads format. Can't find anything. Where's the button to review another edition? Bleh. The paperback version is small and thin. Reminds me of the fairy series I had as a kid. How times have changed. Still a dark, fun read. Just annoying now to turn the pages and I no longer have a booklight so no late-night reading. The cover is a little delicate but nothing a weight or pressing won't fix.
Remy and Luke are made for each other, although Remy was basically groomed for the role. I think what I like about this one so much is the twist. The hunter becomes the hunted and things aren't what they seem. I liked that Luke was sweet and took care of Remy.
2021 - Kindle
Short, slow, precise and neatly executed. The prologue made me question everything, so I did wonder if Remy was one of the would-be victims or had been groomed by the serial killer, or if the neighbour wasn’t who he seemed. I was expecting some sort of twist. Although Remy was a little cute in a weird way with all his effort, it’s just the fairytale coincidental meet ups were planned.
At the halfway mark the story does have twists and goes from methodical stalking to murder, extreme sex, mentions of rape, murder husbands and a play at being siblings. It went from twisted to very twisted, although Luke caring for Remy was sweet and Remy’s skill in changing identities was smooth. Interesting story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2019
Feels 1
Steam 3
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Remy is a bit of stalker. He moves into the suburbs and tries to make nice while trying to get closer to his neighbor Luke. Luke throws up all sorts of obstacles that interfere with Remy's stalking...he's cautious, avoids him and seems to be wary of any type of friendship. But Remy doesn't let that deter him. He's focused on finding out every little thing about Luke. Even if it becomes a little painful.
"When you find him, there's no need to rush things. If it's meant to be, if he really is the one for you, he'll let you know. Just keep your head. There'll be no mistaking it."
I love dark themed stories and this M/M one made me giddy! Remy seemed a little obsessive to me at first glance but boy did I get thrown a curve. Luke was such a sweet, cautious neighbor...getting over a bad relationship. I’m just...wow. I freaking adored where the story went next. If you enjoy twists and those lovable psychopaths, this is an amazing quick read that gets the adrenaline pumping. Fun and demented...the way I like them.
Alex Grayson is a new author to me and I have to say that I'll definitely be checking out other stories. Bring on the creepy factor times ten. I LOVE IT!
Steam 3
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Remy is a bit of stalker. He moves into the suburbs and tries to make nice while trying to get closer to his neighbor Luke. Luke throws up all sorts of obstacles that interfere with Remy's stalking...he's cautious, avoids him and seems to be wary of any type of friendship. But Remy doesn't let that deter him. He's focused on finding out every little thing about Luke. Even if it becomes a little painful.
"When you find him, there's no need to rush things. If it's meant to be, if he really is the one for you, he'll let you know. Just keep your head. There'll be no mistaking it."
I love dark themed stories and this M/M one made me giddy! Remy seemed a little obsessive to me at first glance but boy did I get thrown a curve. Luke was such a sweet, cautious neighbor...getting over a bad relationship. I’m just...wow. I freaking adored where the story went next. If you enjoy twists and those lovable psychopaths, this is an amazing quick read that gets the adrenaline pumping. Fun and demented...the way I like them.
Alex Grayson is a new author to me and I have to say that I'll definitely be checking out other stories. Bring on the creepy factor times ten. I LOVE IT!
May 1, 2019
1. Wrong Way Home ★★★★
2. Devil Next Door ★
This book was really not for me. At first I was interested because I could tell that I was missing a big part of the story and I wanted to know what was going on, but as I kept reading everything just started getting crazier and crazier and it was just way too much for me. I did not enjoy it at all in the end. I feel kind of sick actually and don't know if I should go to bed or try to read something lighter first. This was really really violent and should be labeled serial killer instead of obsession. The obsession aspect of the story was not as prominent.
I always considered myself a big fan of dark romance, and I have never before read one that crossed a line for me, but this one did. I am not sure what to do about this series now. I was so excited for it but now I'm scared to read more in case they are like this one. It would be great if they had some sort of scale. If I could rate this on a Dark Romance scale from 1-10 this would be a 10 and Wrong Way Home would be a 4.
But I already have the next book and it’s just as short and has better reviews. So I guess I’ll try one more.
2. Devil Next Door ★
This book was really not for me. At first I was interested because I could tell that I was missing a big part of the story and I wanted to know what was going on, but as I kept reading everything just started getting crazier and crazier and it was just way too much for me. I did not enjoy it at all in the end. I feel kind of sick actually and don't know if I should go to bed or try to read something lighter first. This was really really violent and should be labeled serial killer instead of obsession. The obsession aspect of the story was not as prominent.
I always considered myself a big fan of dark romance, and I have never before read one that crossed a line for me, but this one did. I am not sure what to do about this series now. I was so excited for it but now I'm scared to read more in case they are like this one. It would be great if they had some sort of scale. If I could rate this on a Dark Romance scale from 1-10 this would be a 10 and Wrong Way Home would be a 4.
But I already have the next book and it’s just as short and has better reviews. So I guess I’ll try one more.
April 23, 2019
The meticulous way Luke went about removing every last trace of Gregor made Remy's heart sing. If he wasn't already in love with him then, he would have fallen hard in those moments after Luke had handed Remy a toothbrush, a bottle of bleach spray, and pointed at a blood spot on the wall.
So 60% is definitely the turning point. But the confrontation and revelation could have been more sadistic imo. It definitely got there but the first half of this book was a long set up. Still intriguing for sure but absolutely no character development. I think had we learned more about these guys, their desires and backgrounds, it could have made this couple all the more wickedly fabulous.
Enjoyable and definitely the kind of fucked up I like just wish the characters could have been equally so.
So 60% is definitely the turning point. But the confrontation and revelation could have been more sadistic imo. It definitely got there but the first half of this book was a long set up. Still intriguing for sure but absolutely no character development. I think had we learned more about these guys, their desires and backgrounds, it could have made this couple all the more wickedly fabulous.
Enjoyable and definitely the kind of fucked up I like just wish the characters could have been equally so.
October 13, 2025
Thank God I finished this🤦🏻♀️
Okay where do I start with this?🤔
This is was BAD terrible even I was waiting for it to end about 30% in🤦🏻♀️ but obviously I pushed through since it’s a short one..
Firstly
As a dark romance reader the thing I love about it is that you bring a non redeemable morally grey/black characters and somehow makes them work to a point where I like them, but this wtf is this!? The characters have no redeeming points whatsoever “zero” and were not likable at all..
Secondly
If I’m reading about a psychopath I would actually appreciate if I knew more of the character back story as it somehow helps redeeming the character later on but we’ve got none here and the glimpses we had shows that one of the 2 characters “the psychopath” had a completely normal life and so he’s doing what he’s doing out of pure evil psychopathic tendencies.. How am I supposed to sympathize with that!!? No idea🤦🏻♀️ instead I was hoping they’d get caught the whole time I’m reading this😂
Thirdly
Since the author portrayed one of the characters as a textbook psychopath you obviously couldn’t accept any type of emotions he was showing “as it should be” to the other character, it just felt like he was manipulative and just getting him to do what he wants and the other characters was just totally smitten so he does anything even if the pov showed that he sometimes didn’t like it.. So where is the romance in that!!? Again no idea🤷🏻♀️ there was no connection whatsoever between the two characters “none” “zero”🤦🏻♀️
Lastly
Even the spice was not IT at all..
So that’s that, what a sad day for me😭🤦🏻♀️
Okay where do I start with this?🤔
This is was BAD terrible even I was waiting for it to end about 30% in🤦🏻♀️ but obviously I pushed through since it’s a short one..
Firstly
As a dark romance reader the thing I love about it is that you bring a non redeemable morally grey/black characters and somehow makes them work to a point where I like them, but this wtf is this!? The characters have no redeeming points whatsoever “zero” and were not likable at all..
Secondly
If I’m reading about a psychopath I would actually appreciate if I knew more of the character back story as it somehow helps redeeming the character later on but we’ve got none here and the glimpses we had shows that one of the 2 characters “the psychopath” had a completely normal life and so he’s doing what he’s doing out of pure evil psychopathic tendencies.. How am I supposed to sympathize with that!!? No idea🤦🏻♀️ instead I was hoping they’d get caught the whole time I’m reading this😂
Thirdly
Since the author portrayed one of the characters as a textbook psychopath you obviously couldn’t accept any type of emotions he was showing “as it should be” to the other character, it just felt like he was manipulative and just getting him to do what he wants and the other characters was just totally smitten so he does anything even if the pov showed that he sometimes didn’t like it.. So where is the romance in that!!? Again no idea🤷🏻♀️ there was no connection whatsoever between the two characters “none” “zero”🤦🏻♀️
Lastly
Even the spice was not IT at all..
So that’s that, what a sad day for me😭🤦🏻♀️
May 2, 2019
When other Romance authors want to take a walk on the 'dark' side they shy away where Alex Jane fully committed and fail where Devil Next Door succeeds on every level.
Alex Jane understands that 'bad guys' don't have to be mustache twirling, slobbering carricatures of psychopaths NOR moody pretty boys who lean on walls in sexy leather jackets and are actually conflicted about the Bad Things they do deep down.
Remy and Luke aren't here to scare you or to turn out to be the soft-hearted boyfriend of your secret dreams. They're the real deal. And this book pulls zero punches. I have read other reviews claiming that this is not that 'dark'. Well it depends on what you're looking for. The darkness here is certainly not the 'sexy' kind. There is plenty of smut but the real dark content is definitely in the actual serial murdering going on.
It's explicit, gory and absolutely not for the faint of heart or those who want to somehow still believe the protagonists are 'good people' somehow.
I loved the total commitment to writing about true sociopaths. This extends to their relationship too. I don't think the word 'love' is ever really uttered between them and yet they relationship seems more intimate and committed than many of the insta-love Romance I have read in the past. I guess comitting murder together does wonders for a relationship :)
Absolutely recommended for fans of Hannibal, Dexter and anyone who's not afraid of a little blood.
Alex Jane understands that 'bad guys' don't have to be mustache twirling, slobbering carricatures of psychopaths NOR moody pretty boys who lean on walls in sexy leather jackets and are actually conflicted about the Bad Things they do deep down.
Remy and Luke aren't here to scare you or to turn out to be the soft-hearted boyfriend of your secret dreams. They're the real deal. And this book pulls zero punches. I have read other reviews claiming that this is not that 'dark'. Well it depends on what you're looking for. The darkness here is certainly not the 'sexy' kind. There is plenty of smut but the real dark content is definitely in the actual serial murdering going on.
It's explicit, gory and absolutely not for the faint of heart or those who want to somehow still believe the protagonists are 'good people' somehow.
I loved the total commitment to writing about true sociopaths. This extends to their relationship too. I don't think the word 'love' is ever really uttered between them and yet they relationship seems more intimate and committed than many of the insta-love Romance I have read in the past. I guess comitting murder together does wonders for a relationship :)
Absolutely recommended for fans of Hannibal, Dexter and anyone who's not afraid of a little blood.
June 8, 2022
2.5/5
I'm torn between rounding up or down on this one. There were elements I liked; I thought the build up was good and the twists were executed well. I also liked how absurd the ending was; the combination of murder and the domestic was a premise that had potential, especially if the book had a better sense of humor about it. But tonally, the book took itself quite seriously, and I never really liked the leads. This was another title that had less romance and more erotica, but the sex scenes were not appealing to me. Also I can get behind dark romances, even ones where the leads are murderers, but there needs to be something other than as a reason. Revenge, fear, etc. those are things that can create interesting characters, even when the characters are depraved in some way. Also, the bothered me less than . Honestly, as far as a romance, I guess these two were a good fit, but I just was disgusted by them.
I'm torn between rounding up or down on this one. There were elements I liked; I thought the build up was good and the twists were executed well. I also liked how absurd the ending was; the combination of murder and the domestic was a premise that had potential, especially if the book had a better sense of humor about it. But tonally, the book took itself quite seriously, and I never really liked the leads. This was another title that had less romance and more erotica, but the sex scenes were not appealing to me. Also I can get behind dark romances, even ones where the leads are murderers, but there needs to be something other than as a reason. Revenge, fear, etc. those are things that can create interesting characters, even when the characters are depraved in some way. Also, the bothered me less than . Honestly, as far as a romance, I guess these two were a good fit, but I just was disgusted by them.
dnf
March 27, 2025DNF @ 41% – This book has formatting issues. At the end of chapter one it says it has the “About the Author” along with a list of books in this series, the author’s acknowledgments, and “Also by this author”. You know, all the stuff that goes AT THE BACK OF THE BOOK!
But I got past that. It’s only 7 chapters, so I forged on. Thankfully you don’t get all the “end of book” stuff at the end of every chapter. But I made it to chapter 4 and I am bored out of my skull. There’s nothing happening!
I also hate it when a British author sets their story in America but refuses to use American English. Set the story in your own country!! We don’t say “he was sat in the corner” in America. Nor do we use “removals guys”. I kept thinking it was about trash men. No! It was simply they men who moved the character from Portland to Pennsylvania. We call them “movers” here. Add to that the spelling errors and random things that made no sense, and I’m done.
But I got past that. It’s only 7 chapters, so I forged on. Thankfully you don’t get all the “end of book” stuff at the end of every chapter. But I made it to chapter 4 and I am bored out of my skull. There’s nothing happening!
I also hate it when a British author sets their story in America but refuses to use American English. Set the story in your own country!! We don’t say “he was sat in the corner” in America. Nor do we use “removals guys”. I kept thinking it was about trash men. No! It was simply they men who moved the character from Portland to Pennsylvania. We call them “movers” here. Add to that the spelling errors and random things that made no sense, and I’m done.
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