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Daddy's Little Deviants
Daddy's Stepstalker
He’s been Daddy since he won me my first stuffie at a carnival booth.
Even when he married her and became unavailable.
For years Daddy Shaw’s all I’ve ever wanted.
But he still sees me as the innocent boy he took in.
It's a giggle how sweet he thinks I am.
He has no idea of the things I have done.
Of how I've stalked him…
...fantasized about him
... killed for him.
Will he still think of me as his little angel when he finds out I'm rotten to the core?
Even when he married her and became unavailable.
For years Daddy Shaw’s all I’ve ever wanted.
But he still sees me as the innocent boy he took in.
It's a giggle how sweet he thinks I am.
He has no idea of the things I have done.
Of how I've stalked him…
...fantasized about him
... killed for him.
Will he still think of me as his little angel when he finds out I'm rotten to the core?
457 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2022
338 people are currently reading
891 people want to read
About the author
Gianni Holmes
107 books1,307 followersGianni Holmes is a USA TODAY Bestselling author who's embracing her love for literature by wielding the pen and creating stories of her own. She's the author of the popular series The Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale and The Taking Care series. Gianni is a former teacher of Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature.
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
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February 4, 2022Not rating this one because I stopped reading it at about 90%. But I did not like this book. Why did I not like this book you ask? Was it the really long list of trigger warnings including on page murder, stalking, torture, drugging someone?? Or maybe the really long list of kinks including watersports, daddy kink, age play, cock warming? No, that’s everything I loved about the book. I adored everything about those parts of the book.
Which is why I would like to focus my review on a topic that is very important to me, the representation of mental health disorders in books. This book ends on all the dark elements in the book, including the murders, the torture, the stalking, being explained by the fact that the character who did them has a mental health disorder and that he wasn’t taking his medication for it.
This is a spoiler for the book, this book features a boy that kills a lot of people, and he stalked his future daddy and everything in between and at the end of the book we learn that the boy did all of those things because he has cyclothymia disorder, which is a milder form of bipolar disorder and that the boy wasn’t taking his mood stabilizers and that’s why all of the previous events in the book happened.
Being bipolar does not make you go on a murder spree because you’re not taking your mood stabilizers. Things just do not work that way. And I cannot begin to explain how harmful it is to explain that a character went on a killing spree because he has a mental health disorder. And taking your mood stabilizers is not going to make you less likely to kill people, because no one is killing people because of their mental health disorders in the first place. It’s how someone is brought up and the environment they live in that brings them to killing people, not their mental health disorder. Showing things that way is just bound to bring a lot of stereotypes that aren’t true to anyone who has the same mental health disorder.
Also talking about how the mental health disorder was done in this book, not only does being bipolar does not make you murder people, but all the character’s symptoms were also things that sound like clinical stereotypes of being bipolar and none of them sound like they would be realistically applicable to an actual human being. It sounded like the character’s symptoms were chosen by opening the DMV to the page of bipolar disorder and using those characteristics to write symptoms. It just didn’t really feel like the character with a mental health disorder was a realistic depiction of that mental health disorder.
I'm sure the author did not mean any harm by using this kind of plot point in the book, I understand how mental health isn't the most talked-about subject and how it's harder to be aware of all of the details surrounding the topic, but I just don't enjoy this kind of depiction of mental health disorders, having a mental health disorder does not make you murder people, these things are just not related.
Plus, I just want to add, incase that’s not clear enough already, being bipolar does not make you go on a killing spree and stalk your love interest until he falls in love with you. That’s just not how it works.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Which is why I would like to focus my review on a topic that is very important to me, the representation of mental health disorders in books. This book ends on all the dark elements in the book, including the murders, the torture, the stalking, being explained by the fact that the character who did them has a mental health disorder and that he wasn’t taking his medication for it.
This is a spoiler for the book, this book features a boy that kills a lot of people, and he stalked his future daddy and everything in between and at the end of the book we learn that the boy did all of those things because he has cyclothymia disorder, which is a milder form of bipolar disorder and that the boy wasn’t taking his mood stabilizers and that’s why all of the previous events in the book happened.
Being bipolar does not make you go on a murder spree because you’re not taking your mood stabilizers. Things just do not work that way. And I cannot begin to explain how harmful it is to explain that a character went on a killing spree because he has a mental health disorder. And taking your mood stabilizers is not going to make you less likely to kill people, because no one is killing people because of their mental health disorders in the first place. It’s how someone is brought up and the environment they live in that brings them to killing people, not their mental health disorder. Showing things that way is just bound to bring a lot of stereotypes that aren’t true to anyone who has the same mental health disorder.
Also talking about how the mental health disorder was done in this book, not only does being bipolar does not make you murder people, but all the character’s symptoms were also things that sound like clinical stereotypes of being bipolar and none of them sound like they would be realistically applicable to an actual human being. It sounded like the character’s symptoms were chosen by opening the DMV to the page of bipolar disorder and using those characteristics to write symptoms. It just didn’t really feel like the character with a mental health disorder was a realistic depiction of that mental health disorder.
I'm sure the author did not mean any harm by using this kind of plot point in the book, I understand how mental health isn't the most talked-about subject and how it's harder to be aware of all of the details surrounding the topic, but I just don't enjoy this kind of depiction of mental health disorders, having a mental health disorder does not make you murder people, these things are just not related.
Plus, I just want to add, incase that’s not clear enough already, being bipolar does not make you go on a killing spree and stalk your love interest until he falls in love with you. That’s just not how it works.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
August 21, 2025
HOLLLLLY FUCK ... ◆THIS BOOK. HAD NO BUSINESS. BEING THIS ADDICTIVE.◆
3.75⭐️
✨️💀“You’re the flicker of flame that my darkness can’t ever snuff out. I-I need that, or I would be lost.”💀✨️
It’s one of those stories that grabs you from the beginning and refuses to let go. Almost every chapter has something happening—whether it’s obsession, revenge, drama, or desire—and that constant pull kept me reading long past the point I meant to stop. It’s addictive in the best fucking way, even when the characters themselves are far from perfect.
The biggest highlight for me was ARI. He’s the type of character you don’t easily forget: deeply flawed, messy, and endlessly complicated. His personality is sharp and unpredictable, his bond with his daddy is twisted and unhealthy, and yet he’s the heartbeat of the entire story. He makes the book compelling, even when his choices are questionable. Honestly, without Ari, this book wouldn’t be half as engaging.
And then there’s the relationship between the MMCs at the center of it all—unhealthy, obsessive, dramatic, and absolutely not what you’d call traditional. It shouldn’t work. It doesn’t even really make sense. But somehow, it’s impossible not to get invested. I found myself rooting for them, turning pages faster just to see how far they’d go for each other. Their bond might not be healthy, but it’s magnetic, and it keeps the tension alive.
Something I didn’t expect? How the book made me *tolerate—even enjoy—*some painfully cringy parts. I’ve never read dynamics or scenes quite like the ones here, and a lot of them felt like they were thrown in my face. They shocked me, surprised me, sometimes even made me pause… but weirdly, they never turned me off. And that’s where my confusion lies: I feel like I wasn’t supposed to like this as much as I did, but I couldn’t help myself. Normally, I don’t believe in the idea of guilty pleasures—you don’t have to feel guilty about what you read—but with this book, it kind of felt like that. I didn’t want to love it, but I really, really enjoyed it.
I also have to say, I loved how the character development quietly came through in the end. Daddy’s realization that he would do anything for his boy—mirroring the way Ari had been willing to do anything for him from the very beginning—made the ending land in a surprisingly satisfying way.
That being said, there’s one thing that really stuck with me: the death of Ari’s new friend. To me, it felt unnecessary, and honestly, it made me sadder than the accident Ari himself went through. He had already lost a friend back when he was just a teenager, and to strip him of another one here felt excessive. I couldn’t quite fathom why it had to happen, and it added a heaviness to the story that didn’t seem to fit the tone. It was the one part that pulled me out of the addictive fun and left me feeling more sorrow than I expected.
What I loved most, though, was how much the book gives. There’s no shortage of revenge, passion, problems, drama, smut, and tension between the characters. It’s messy, it’s over the top, and it’s incredibly fun. It never pretends to be something it’s not—it delivers entertainment, intensity, and a relationship you can’t look away from, no matter how wrong and weird it feels.
If you’re looking for emotional depth or layered characters, this isn’t the story for you. The characters don’t have much dimension beyond their roles in the drama, and while there’s a nod toward healthier growth at the end, it’s not enough to make the book feel like a deep emotional journey. And honestly, that’s okay. Because this book doesn’t need to be deep—it’s here to entertain, and it does that brilliantly.
So if what you want is a dark, addictive story filled with obsession, drama, and a relationship that defies logic but keeps you hooked—this one is absolutely worth picking up.
3.75⭐️
✨️💀“You’re the flicker of flame that my darkness can’t ever snuff out. I-I need that, or I would be lost.”💀✨️
It’s one of those stories that grabs you from the beginning and refuses to let go. Almost every chapter has something happening—whether it’s obsession, revenge, drama, or desire—and that constant pull kept me reading long past the point I meant to stop. It’s addictive in the best fucking way, even when the characters themselves are far from perfect.
The biggest highlight for me was ARI. He’s the type of character you don’t easily forget: deeply flawed, messy, and endlessly complicated. His personality is sharp and unpredictable, his bond with his daddy is twisted and unhealthy, and yet he’s the heartbeat of the entire story. He makes the book compelling, even when his choices are questionable. Honestly, without Ari, this book wouldn’t be half as engaging.
And then there’s the relationship between the MMCs at the center of it all—unhealthy, obsessive, dramatic, and absolutely not what you’d call traditional. It shouldn’t work. It doesn’t even really make sense. But somehow, it’s impossible not to get invested. I found myself rooting for them, turning pages faster just to see how far they’d go for each other. Their bond might not be healthy, but it’s magnetic, and it keeps the tension alive.
Something I didn’t expect? How the book made me *tolerate—even enjoy—*some painfully cringy parts. I’ve never read dynamics or scenes quite like the ones here, and a lot of them felt like they were thrown in my face. They shocked me, surprised me, sometimes even made me pause… but weirdly, they never turned me off. And that’s where my confusion lies: I feel like I wasn’t supposed to like this as much as I did, but I couldn’t help myself. Normally, I don’t believe in the idea of guilty pleasures—you don’t have to feel guilty about what you read—but with this book, it kind of felt like that. I didn’t want to love it, but I really, really enjoyed it.
I also have to say, I loved how the character development quietly came through in the end. Daddy’s realization that he would do anything for his boy—mirroring the way Ari had been willing to do anything for him from the very beginning—made the ending land in a surprisingly satisfying way.
That being said, there’s one thing that really stuck with me: the death of Ari’s new friend. To me, it felt unnecessary, and honestly, it made me sadder than the accident Ari himself went through. He had already lost a friend back when he was just a teenager, and to strip him of another one here felt excessive. I couldn’t quite fathom why it had to happen, and it added a heaviness to the story that didn’t seem to fit the tone. It was the one part that pulled me out of the addictive fun and left me feeling more sorrow than I expected.
What I loved most, though, was how much the book gives. There’s no shortage of revenge, passion, problems, drama, smut, and tension between the characters. It’s messy, it’s over the top, and it’s incredibly fun. It never pretends to be something it’s not—it delivers entertainment, intensity, and a relationship you can’t look away from, no matter how wrong and weird it feels.
If you’re looking for emotional depth or layered characters, this isn’t the story for you. The characters don’t have much dimension beyond their roles in the drama, and while there’s a nod toward healthier growth at the end, it’s not enough to make the book feel like a deep emotional journey. And honestly, that’s okay. Because this book doesn’t need to be deep—it’s here to entertain, and it does that brilliantly.
So if what you want is a dark, addictive story filled with obsession, drama, and a relationship that defies logic but keeps you hooked—this one is absolutely worth picking up.
May 18, 2025
This book is messed up in all of the wrong ways.
By around 15%, it’s uncomfortably bizarre. By 20%, I was not sure whether to laugh or just be disappointed. I wasn’t exactly expecting a masterpiece, but this is dreadful.
Straight men are not like that. Not everyone wants Ari. I doubt many of any orientation would. He is about as sexy as Michael Moore.
When Shaw is more angry at Ari for flirting with the cop than for killing someone, I just couldn’t. There’s no way that this book can take itself seriously. It’s similar to one of those horror movies that are so bad, they are funny. But this is not funny…like, at all.
Gets more and more difficult to read as it progresses. I needed multiple breaks - but I finished the damn thing. It is not enjoyable, it is not romantic, it is not sexy. It’s just lame. The sex is beyond cringe. Hands-free cumming? Of course. Couldn’t see that one coming, what with the overall quality of this…book.
The drama towards the end — do any readers actually care whether these characters live or die? It’s completely unfeasible that the authorities would buy their stories, or that they wouldn’t look into what transpired any further than they did.
It was also a really cheap shot taken at a certain mental illness, and those who actually suffer it. One of the more deplorable notions in this book - and it’s chock-full of deplorable notions.
I don’t know who even thought putting some of these sentences together was alright. And who let her do it. That someone can unironically write this material is baffling, and probably more disturbing than the actual plot.
By around 15%, it’s uncomfortably bizarre. By 20%, I was not sure whether to laugh or just be disappointed. I wasn’t exactly expecting a masterpiece, but this is dreadful.
Straight men are not like that. Not everyone wants Ari. I doubt many of any orientation would. He is about as sexy as Michael Moore.
When Shaw is more angry at Ari for flirting with the cop than for killing someone, I just couldn’t. There’s no way that this book can take itself seriously. It’s similar to one of those horror movies that are so bad, they are funny. But this is not funny…like, at all.
Gets more and more difficult to read as it progresses. I needed multiple breaks - but I finished the damn thing. It is not enjoyable, it is not romantic, it is not sexy. It’s just lame. The sex is beyond cringe. Hands-free cumming? Of course. Couldn’t see that one coming, what with the overall quality of this…book.
The drama towards the end — do any readers actually care whether these characters live or die? It’s completely unfeasible that the authorities would buy their stories, or that they wouldn’t look into what transpired any further than they did.
It was also a really cheap shot taken at a certain mental illness, and those who actually suffer it. One of the more deplorable notions in this book - and it’s chock-full of deplorable notions.
I don’t know who even thought putting some of these sentences together was alright. And who let her do it. That someone can unironically write this material is baffling, and probably more disturbing than the actual plot.
March 12, 2023
This is not for everyone! We got Daddy/little play with a bad boy who likes to kill people left and right. This is a dark book with a plot you can’t take seriously, but I found it most amusing … well I’m not right in the head, but I don’t give a fuck. 😏
I fucking hated this mother!!!
“He’s a fucking deviant. I told you. Something’s not right with him, but you won’t listen to me. You still keep him around.” 😤😤😤
I wanted to do bad bad things to her.
And yes, Ari is a little shit and deviant for real …
Right on cue, tears spilled down my cheeks. They were mostly fake, but I was upset I wasn’t allowed to wear what I wanted. Mom always made snide remarks about me looking too much like a girl.
but God, did I love him. 💞
Shaw, well … he had no chance
His soft purr and sweet innocence pulled me in like a moth drawn to a flame. Goddammit. The very idea of getting singed excited me. And there was no mistake that I would burn if I touched him. 🔥
There were parts of the plot I didn’t like. I could have done without the shitshow of the father and all the drama he caused. But the rest was real nice and I loved all the wrong things.
“Ari, you’re every reason a man needs to both be good and bad at the same time. Because I’ll do whatever it takes to take care of you and ensure your well-being.” 😍😍😍
"I know it's not right." Thrust. "But I'm beyond obsessed with you." Thrust. Thrust. Thrust. "Obsessed with the way you feel around my cock." 🖤🖤🖤
Taking a cold shower now 😳
I fucking hated this mother!!!
“He’s a fucking deviant. I told you. Something’s not right with him, but you won’t listen to me. You still keep him around.” 😤😤😤
I wanted to do bad bad things to her.
And yes, Ari is a little shit and deviant for real …
Right on cue, tears spilled down my cheeks. They were mostly fake, but I was upset I wasn’t allowed to wear what I wanted. Mom always made snide remarks about me looking too much like a girl.
but God, did I love him. 💞
Shaw, well … he had no chance
His soft purr and sweet innocence pulled me in like a moth drawn to a flame. Goddammit. The very idea of getting singed excited me. And there was no mistake that I would burn if I touched him. 🔥
There were parts of the plot I didn’t like. I could have done without the shitshow of the father and all the drama he caused. But the rest was real nice and I loved all the wrong things.
“Ari, you’re every reason a man needs to both be good and bad at the same time. Because I’ll do whatever it takes to take care of you and ensure your well-being.” 😍😍😍
"I know it's not right." Thrust. "But I'm beyond obsessed with you." Thrust. Thrust. Thrust. "Obsessed with the way you feel around my cock." 🖤🖤🖤
Taking a cold shower now 😳
January 14, 2026
5 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
every time i read a gianni holmes book i discover more things about myself i don’t really wanna know.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
every time i read a gianni holmes book i discover more things about myself i don’t really wanna know.
April 15, 2022
5/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Content Warnings for book: Physical abuse, rape, dubious consent, forced prostitution, murder, torture, arson, suicide of a close friend, the death of a family pet, bullying, stalking, attempted rape, non-consensual drugging, manslaughter via self-defense, wounding with intention, gun violence, false accusation of sexual assault, suicidal ideation, mental health issues, femme-shaming
Kink: Daddy kink, ABDL, age play, omorashi, watersports, impact play, cockwarming, suckling, exhibitionism, sex toys, lace and lingerie
Daddy’s Stepstalker by Gianni Holmes is a wild ride on the codependent, toxic bond between Ari and his obsession, Shaw, who was also his stepfather from the age he was sixteen. Throw in a bunch of kink and murder, and you’ve got a dark and twisty read.
Aristotle and Shaw are so interesting as a couple to me, because you really have them bringing out both the good and bad — Shaw brings out the best in Ari, while Ari brings out the darkness in Shaw. Shaw starts to unravel his own conceptions of himself as he realizes what he wants to do to Ari and those who hurt him, for better or for worse. Comparatively, Ari has obsessed and dedicated so much to Shaw but he is the only man he’ll pause and reconsider the next course of action for.
For those of you familiar with the “yandere” archetype in Japanese media, Ari is very much this. He murders, he steals, he does just about anything to protect the love of his life, his Daddy. The way the plot unravels to show how deep and far-reaching this obsession goes is fascinating, and definitely toes an interesting line. I loved how Ari’s murderous tendencies and other behavior throughout the book are marked by both his personal ‘logic’, and yet acknowledging the enjoyment he had. Very much like most yandere media, he is willing to do anything for his love for Shaw. There is a scene which is dub-con between the two of them, and it was erotic as much as it was mind-fuckery. If you like this type of character archetype, someone who will do anything (and I mean anything) for the person they love, I would read this book.
Holmes couches this violent obsession in a framework that the victims to it are not good people. I think this is done cleverly for us as readers, because if it were truly all innocent, then it would probably be difficult for some to read. However, I do think that means this book suffers through the trope of a character everyone wants to fuck Ari and victimizes him because of it. I could have done without that, though I understand it’s purpose in the narrative. Those that Ari killed deserved it, and I liked that Shaw was pulled into the darkness right along with him. These two are bound to each other from the beginning.
It’s interesting being in the head of someone who so easily manipulates. I could write on and on like I have about this, but seriously. This book is dark, tantalizing, and yet so emotional in some parts. The kink is well-written, and I really enjoy the aspect of how happy their lives came to be. As we see these two settle into their happy-ever-after, I think that there is also this sense of turning over a new leaf. They don’t have to stay in the past of it all, and I was happy to go on this journey with them.
Content Warnings for book: Physical abuse, rape, dubious consent, forced prostitution, murder, torture, arson, suicide of a close friend, the death of a family pet, bullying, stalking, attempted rape, non-consensual drugging, manslaughter via self-defense, wounding with intention, gun violence, false accusation of sexual assault, suicidal ideation, mental health issues, femme-shaming
Kink: Daddy kink, ABDL, age play, omorashi, watersports, impact play, cockwarming, suckling, exhibitionism, sex toys, lace and lingerie
Daddy’s Stepstalker by Gianni Holmes is a wild ride on the codependent, toxic bond between Ari and his obsession, Shaw, who was also his stepfather from the age he was sixteen. Throw in a bunch of kink and murder, and you’ve got a dark and twisty read.
Aristotle and Shaw are so interesting as a couple to me, because you really have them bringing out both the good and bad — Shaw brings out the best in Ari, while Ari brings out the darkness in Shaw. Shaw starts to unravel his own conceptions of himself as he realizes what he wants to do to Ari and those who hurt him, for better or for worse. Comparatively, Ari has obsessed and dedicated so much to Shaw but he is the only man he’ll pause and reconsider the next course of action for.
For those of you familiar with the “yandere” archetype in Japanese media, Ari is very much this. He murders, he steals, he does just about anything to protect the love of his life, his Daddy. The way the plot unravels to show how deep and far-reaching this obsession goes is fascinating, and definitely toes an interesting line. I loved how Ari’s murderous tendencies and other behavior throughout the book are marked by both his personal ‘logic’, and yet acknowledging the enjoyment he had. Very much like most yandere media, he is willing to do anything for his love for Shaw. There is a scene which is dub-con between the two of them, and it was erotic as much as it was mind-fuckery. If you like this type of character archetype, someone who will do anything (and I mean anything) for the person they love, I would read this book.
Holmes couches this violent obsession in a framework that the victims to it are not good people. I think this is done cleverly for us as readers, because if it were truly all innocent, then it would probably be difficult for some to read. However, I do think that means this book suffers through the trope of a character everyone wants to fuck Ari and victimizes him because of it. I could have done without that, though I understand it’s purpose in the narrative. Those that Ari killed deserved it, and I liked that Shaw was pulled into the darkness right along with him. These two are bound to each other from the beginning.
It’s interesting being in the head of someone who so easily manipulates. I could write on and on like I have about this, but seriously. This book is dark, tantalizing, and yet so emotional in some parts. The kink is well-written, and I really enjoy the aspect of how happy their lives came to be. As we see these two settle into their happy-ever-after, I think that there is also this sense of turning over a new leaf. They don’t have to stay in the past of it all, and I was happy to go on this journey with them.
February 4, 2022
3.5 Stars
My rating doesn’t reflect how much I enjoyed this but sadly, I was disappointed with the resolution. However, for the most part it was outrageously entertaining, downright dirty, with triggers and kinks galore. I’ve popped quite a few cherries with this one and might even have been converted 😏 Will definitely check out more from this new to me author!
My rating doesn’t reflect how much I enjoyed this but sadly, I was disappointed with the resolution. However, for the most part it was outrageously entertaining, downright dirty, with triggers and kinks galore. I’ve popped quite a few cherries with this one and might even have been converted 😏 Will definitely check out more from this new to me author!
May 18, 2022
4.5 stars story.
I so am not into Daddy/Little kink but I totally loved this book aside for 2 cringy sex scenes. That's why I didn't give it a full 5 stars. So happy book 2 comes out tomorrow! I can't wait!
I so am not into Daddy/Little kink but I totally loved this book aside for 2 cringy sex scenes. That's why I didn't give it a full 5 stars. So happy book 2 comes out tomorrow! I can't wait!
August 17, 2022
3.5
I was all “yeh murder” and what I should have done was read the trigger warnings 😫
Here I was minding my own business when boom 💥 there was talks of sippy cups 😭😭😭 alas, I decided to continue because curiosity won out. I can say the age play stuff isn’t very overwhelming but if you’re really against it…STAY AWAY.
It’s all good over the top fun.
January 31, 2022
I did not like Shaw at all. Ari literally begged him not to send him to his father and then he suddenly left on his own to go there and with a jealous petty woman who wanted to kick him out of the house it didn't seem suspicious to him?
And Shaw was more liable to blame for everything that happened than Ari ever was but instead of being grateful that he had someone willing to kill for him he just blamed everything on Ari instead.
There's possessive and then there's scaring Ari's friends away. I'm a huge fan of possessive alpha male MCs but somehow here I just couldn't stand the way Shaw tried to scare Howard away because he was being insecure.
Also there's nothing I hate more than when the main relationship is an unconventional relationship and one of the MCs or both have mental disorders. Like c'mon.
And Shaw was more liable to blame for everything that happened than Ari ever was but instead of being grateful that he had someone willing to kill for him he just blamed everything on Ari instead.
There's possessive and then there's scaring Ari's friends away. I'm a huge fan of possessive alpha male MCs but somehow here I just couldn't stand the way Shaw tried to scare Howard away because he was being insecure.
Also there's nothing I hate more than when the main relationship is an unconventional relationship and one of the MCs or both have mental disorders. Like c'mon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2022
Holy moly this is a trip… an amazing dirty trip!
Ari: 21, small, femme, sweet, sociopath, master manipulator, dangerous, exciting, vulnerable
Daddy Shaw: 48, divorced, Bi, tired, POSSESSIVE!, kinky Daddy
I was so fascinated by Ari and had a lot of empathy too. Shaw would normally be just okay to read about… an average Joe without much spark… but these two together create a wild dynamic. Plenty of spark when Shaw embraces his daddy side. Fish to water for Shaw.
Whole new twist to Daddy/little— I cannot say this is a romance… certainly unconventional but there is obsession, connection, and love. There’s a lot of humor and found myself simultaneously smiling and shaking my head. 🤦🏽♀️
Heed the trigger warnings… it’s all there but I only found 1 scene difficult to read… more out of empathy for Ari than graphic detail. Its all so character driven and we know from the start Ari has a lot going on. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something different… just go with this twisted tale. I mean hold on for the ride… there’s a definite HEA.
I could not put it down… had to see what would happen next! I enjoyed start to finish then went back and reread favorite sections.
I’m majorly looking forward to the rest in series.
Ari: 21, small, femme, sweet, sociopath, master manipulator, dangerous, exciting, vulnerable
Daddy Shaw: 48, divorced, Bi, tired, POSSESSIVE!, kinky Daddy
I was so fascinated by Ari and had a lot of empathy too. Shaw would normally be just okay to read about… an average Joe without much spark… but these two together create a wild dynamic. Plenty of spark when Shaw embraces his daddy side. Fish to water for Shaw.
Whole new twist to Daddy/little— I cannot say this is a romance… certainly unconventional but there is obsession, connection, and love. There’s a lot of humor and found myself simultaneously smiling and shaking my head. 🤦🏽♀️
Heed the trigger warnings… it’s all there but I only found 1 scene difficult to read… more out of empathy for Ari than graphic detail. Its all so character driven and we know from the start Ari has a lot going on. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something different… just go with this twisted tale. I mean hold on for the ride… there’s a definite HEA.
I could not put it down… had to see what would happen next! I enjoyed start to finish then went back and reread favorite sections.
I’m majorly looking forward to the rest in series.
April 19, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
dnr-authors
July 4, 2024Horrific depiction of Bipolar
April 28, 2025
⭐️ 3/5 🌶️ 3/5
Listen... I’m all in when it comes to obsession, stalking, and murder in my dark romances. I live for that. But even when shit gets bloody, I still need to feel that deep emotional pull — the love, the bond, the insane sexual tension that makes you wanna claw your chest open. And sadly, I didn’t really get that here. 😕
The premise? Killer. (Pun intended.) A stepfather Daddy and a pretty little stepson in dresses and heels? Fuckin' sign me up. Ari as a character was messy, dangerous, and addictive, and honestly carried the whole damn story on his pretty little shoulders.
But Shaw? As a Daddy? Meh. He felt wishy-washy and kinda distant to me. I needed him to be more obsessed, more protective, more mine, more... Daddy. I needed sparks flying and a constant feeling that these two couldn’t breathe without each other. The point is, the relationship itself didn’t hit that intense emotional high I was desperate for. 😮💨
If you like your dark romances chaotic and don't mind if the emotional connection takes a back seat to the bloody obsession, you’ll probably enjoy it. But if you’re like me and you crave a romance that’s fucked up but still feels so goddamn right, you might end up wishing for a little more fire between the MCs.
CW (off the page and mentioned):
Physical abuse, rape, forced prostitution, murder, suicide of a close friend, the death of a family pet, bullying in high school.
CW (on page):
Stalking, attempted rape, non-consensual drugging, murder, manslaughter under self-defense, wounding with intent, false accusation of sexual assault, torture, and arson.
Tropes and kinks:
🔪 MM dark contemporary romance
🔪 Stepfather x stepson
🔪 Age gap
🔪 Daddy kink
🔪 Age play
🔪 Mild ABDL (diaper, bib, pacifier, sippy cup)
🔪 Rimming
🔪 Watersports
🔪 Spanking
🔪 Cock warming
🔪 Suckling
🔪 Public sex and blowjob
🔪 Feminization (lingerie, heels, dress, panties, makeup)
Listen... I’m all in when it comes to obsession, stalking, and murder in my dark romances. I live for that. But even when shit gets bloody, I still need to feel that deep emotional pull — the love, the bond, the insane sexual tension that makes you wanna claw your chest open. And sadly, I didn’t really get that here. 😕
The premise? Killer. (Pun intended.) A stepfather Daddy and a pretty little stepson in dresses and heels? Fuckin' sign me up. Ari as a character was messy, dangerous, and addictive, and honestly carried the whole damn story on his pretty little shoulders.
But Shaw? As a Daddy? Meh. He felt wishy-washy and kinda distant to me. I needed him to be more obsessed, more protective, more mine, more... Daddy. I needed sparks flying and a constant feeling that these two couldn’t breathe without each other. The point is, the relationship itself didn’t hit that intense emotional high I was desperate for. 😮💨
If you like your dark romances chaotic and don't mind if the emotional connection takes a back seat to the bloody obsession, you’ll probably enjoy it. But if you’re like me and you crave a romance that’s fucked up but still feels so goddamn right, you might end up wishing for a little more fire between the MCs.
CW (off the page and mentioned):
Physical abuse, rape, forced prostitution, murder, suicide of a close friend, the death of a family pet, bullying in high school.
CW (on page):
Stalking, attempted rape, non-consensual drugging, murder, manslaughter under self-defense, wounding with intent, false accusation of sexual assault, torture, and arson.
Tropes and kinks:
🔪 MM dark contemporary romance
🔪 Stepfather x stepson
🔪 Age gap
🔪 Daddy kink
🔪 Age play
🔪 Mild ABDL (diaper, bib, pacifier, sippy cup)
🔪 Rimming
🔪 Watersports
🔪 Spanking
🔪 Cock warming
🔪 Suckling
🔪 Public sex and blowjob
🔪 Feminization (lingerie, heels, dress, panties, makeup)
February 17, 2023
This was a journey. I had a lot of inner questioning while reading, but overall, the ending was a great way to wrap up this story. This is dark, there's stalking, there's murder, there's manipulation, there's plenty of CWs to check out. There's also a very tender underlying romance included in this. I enjoyed watching two fairly extreme MCs kind of meet each other in the middle. I thought it was hilarious that instead of freaking out about a dead body in the car, the MC was jealous of flirting - please.
I learned that manipulative MCs aren't my favorite, especially when we're in their POV and in real time watch them knowingly manipulate their loved ones. I also learned that the humiliation kink isn't for me. I'm glad the MCs enjoyed it, but I just wanted to hug Ari the whole time.
I appreciated Holmes' blog post going deeper into a plot spoiler and recommend checking that out if you have similar big ??? what is going on?? feelings as I did near the 80% mark.
I learned that manipulative MCs aren't my favorite, especially when we're in their POV and in real time watch them knowingly manipulate their loved ones. I also learned that the humiliation kink isn't for me. I'm glad the MCs enjoyed it, but I just wanted to hug Ari the whole time.
I appreciated Holmes' blog post going deeper into a plot spoiler and recommend checking that out if you have similar big ??? what is going on?? feelings as I did near the 80% mark.
January 23, 2022
Co ja właśnie przeczytałam.
Psychopata, manipulator, lubiący kobiece ciuchy Ari I Dyrektor szkoły, były ojczym, Daddy Shaw.
Intrygująca, wciągająca książka.
Psychopata, manipulator, lubiący kobiece ciuchy Ari I Dyrektor szkoły, były ojczym, Daddy Shaw.
Intrygująca, wciągająca książka.
dnf
February 11, 2022DNF at 47%
I really wanted to keep going because there were parts that were interesting, but it was starting to read a bit too much like a soap opera. OTT drama. ☹️
I really wanted to keep going because there were parts that were interesting, but it was starting to read a bit too much like a soap opera. OTT drama. ☹️
August 15, 2023
Uwielbiam książki Gianni Holmes, mimo że często bohaterowie są "over the top", ale muszę przyznać, że mi to zbytnio nie przeszkadza.
Bardzo polubiłam Ari'ego i jego obsesyjne zachowanie, choć ogromnie współczułam mu jego przeszłości. Z kolei Shaw był zbyt perfekcyjny i czasami chciałam mu powiedzieć, żeby się ogarnął, bo i tak w końcu .
"Te sceny" były najlepsze, tak bardzo pasowały do moich upodobań, więc za to ogromny plus. Minusem może być fabuł, która im bliżej końca, tym bardziej stawała się przerysowaną (nawet jak na tematykę książki).
Bardzo polubiłam Ari'ego i jego obsesyjne zachowanie, choć ogromnie współczułam mu jego przeszłości. Z kolei Shaw był zbyt perfekcyjny i czasami chciałam mu powiedzieć, żeby się ogarnął, bo i tak w końcu .
"Te sceny" były najlepsze, tak bardzo pasowały do moich upodobań, więc za to ogromny plus. Minusem może być fabuł, która im bliżej końca, tym bardziej stawała się przerysowaną (nawet jak na tematykę książki).
June 4, 2022
2.5 stars⭐
This book was twisted and messed up in all the right ways, until the 90% mark (I think). It was exactly what I wanted to read and I would've given it 5 stars, if not for the depiction of mental health disorders.
Having cyclothymia or bipolar disorder doesn't make you go on a murder spree, even if left unchecked. Yes, the symptoms will increase, but the person who is bipolar poses a bigger threat to themselves, than to others Also, the vast majority of people with bipolar disorder are most likely to fall victims of violence instead of causing it.
In this book, I found that Ari's reason for being violent is that he has cyclothymia to be offensive actually and perpetuate the stigma that accompanies mental health disorders and the people who have them.
I do not believe the author did that on purpose, but I do think something else could be used as an explanation. Or, better yet, no explanation at all.
This book was twisted and messed up in all the right ways, until the 90% mark (I think). It was exactly what I wanted to read and I would've given it 5 stars, if not for the depiction of mental health disorders.
Having cyclothymia or bipolar disorder doesn't make you go on a murder spree, even if left unchecked. Yes, the symptoms will increase, but the person who is bipolar poses a bigger threat to themselves, than to others Also, the vast majority of people with bipolar disorder are most likely to fall victims of violence instead of causing it.
In this book, I found that Ari's reason for being violent is that he has cyclothymia to be offensive actually and perpetuate the stigma that accompanies mental health disorders and the people who have them.
I do not believe the author did that on purpose, but I do think something else could be used as an explanation. Or, better yet, no explanation at all.
January 31, 2022
Oh boy, this was something else! Awesomeness everywhere between these covers!
Ari is obsessed with his stepfather, the big bear is the only one who’s ever been kind to him. Ari and his mother’s relationship is defective, and that’s only mild expressed. Ari’s mother despises him, she thinks he’s sick in the head, looks feminine, loves to wear dresses, is stalkerisch, and wants to have her man. It’s jealousy of course. Hmmm maybe he is all she says, but only if it concerns Shaw.
Shaw is overprotective about his beautiful petite stepson, the boy is extremely vulnerable, he can’t handle if anyone hurts the boy, especially the boys’ mother, who seems to hate the boy.
Ari is calculated, he watches his Daddy’s enemies every step and is determined to protect him.
When he finally got Daddy all for himself he was thrilled. Being a master manipulator he gets what he wants.
Ari giggles because his Daddy thinks he’s innocent and pure. If he only knew!
Well, be aware, while Shaw stays in the dark, certainly in the beginning, we, as readers, get to know every dark step of Ari.
Omfg, Ari is one big contradiction, he’s so sweet, with big tears on his lashes, walking in delicate lingerie and beautiful makeup, but also manipulative af, sharp, vicious.
Bit by bit Shaw gets to know about Ari’s past and current life. The man wants to protect his boy, but how on earth can Shawn keep his sweet, kinky, devilish boy safe.
At times the story is sugar-sweet and scorching hot, but there’s a threat, a horrendous one!
What a great story, I was completely captivated reading it. There are some delicious kinky and passionate scenes, the author did such a great job with it. I loved the mutual obsession and possessiveness.
The course of this narrative was amazing and unpredictable, my mouth hanging open from amazement by everything passing the scene, at times I was like what the f is happening! It’s all consistently written, hugely intriguing, captivating, thrilling, and everything within their relationship extremely sweet and yah, kinky.
If you love some well-written kink, and are not shy of a bloody dark course, with also a lot of sweetness, because yes that’s possible to combine, stop right here. It’s right before you.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Ari is obsessed with his stepfather, the big bear is the only one who’s ever been kind to him. Ari and his mother’s relationship is defective, and that’s only mild expressed. Ari’s mother despises him, she thinks he’s sick in the head, looks feminine, loves to wear dresses, is stalkerisch, and wants to have her man. It’s jealousy of course. Hmmm maybe he is all she says, but only if it concerns Shaw.
Shaw is overprotective about his beautiful petite stepson, the boy is extremely vulnerable, he can’t handle if anyone hurts the boy, especially the boys’ mother, who seems to hate the boy.
Ari is calculated, he watches his Daddy’s enemies every step and is determined to protect him.
When he finally got Daddy all for himself he was thrilled. Being a master manipulator he gets what he wants.
Ari giggles because his Daddy thinks he’s innocent and pure. If he only knew!
Well, be aware, while Shaw stays in the dark, certainly in the beginning, we, as readers, get to know every dark step of Ari.
Omfg, Ari is one big contradiction, he’s so sweet, with big tears on his lashes, walking in delicate lingerie and beautiful makeup, but also manipulative af, sharp, vicious.
Bit by bit Shaw gets to know about Ari’s past and current life. The man wants to protect his boy, but how on earth can Shawn keep his sweet, kinky, devilish boy safe.
At times the story is sugar-sweet and scorching hot, but there’s a threat, a horrendous one!
What a great story, I was completely captivated reading it. There are some delicious kinky and passionate scenes, the author did such a great job with it. I loved the mutual obsession and possessiveness.
The course of this narrative was amazing and unpredictable, my mouth hanging open from amazement by everything passing the scene, at times I was like what the f is happening! It’s all consistently written, hugely intriguing, captivating, thrilling, and everything within their relationship extremely sweet and yah, kinky.
If you love some well-written kink, and are not shy of a bloody dark course, with also a lot of sweetness, because yes that’s possible to combine, stop right here. It’s right before you.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
February 14, 2022
I’m so conflicted.
I really enjoyed the book at the beginning and lots of the triggers didn’t bother me at all.
Little play- I totally get it.
Daddy figure- absolutely fine.
Murder and mayhem- not a problem.
Ok, so diapers and urine are not my bag but I’m happy to read on.
It sounds crazy but one of my main niggles was Ari’s ‘beauty’. I don’t know why this got to me but how beautiful was this boy that straight men even described him as a beauty and then wanted to ravage him then and there?!? Hmmm, I wasn’t convinced. Even Ari called himself beautiful- conceited characters are not a fave with me.
Overall, it was a good premise but quite over the top in lots of ways. I was interested to see how it worked itself out, what Ari’s backstory was and the evolution of Shaw was something to behold. Xx
I think I’d give it 2.8 stars but have rounded up to 3 because that’s just the kind of gal I am!!
I really enjoyed the book at the beginning and lots of the triggers didn’t bother me at all.
Little play- I totally get it.
Daddy figure- absolutely fine.
Murder and mayhem- not a problem.
Ok, so diapers and urine are not my bag but I’m happy to read on.
It sounds crazy but one of my main niggles was Ari’s ‘beauty’. I don’t know why this got to me but how beautiful was this boy that straight men even described him as a beauty and then wanted to ravage him then and there?!? Hmmm, I wasn’t convinced. Even Ari called himself beautiful- conceited characters are not a fave with me.
Overall, it was a good premise but quite over the top in lots of ways. I was interested to see how it worked itself out, what Ari’s backstory was and the evolution of Shaw was something to behold. Xx
I think I’d give it 2.8 stars but have rounded up to 3 because that’s just the kind of gal I am!!
June 21, 2023
Ugh. So much potential and then the last 30ish percent happened. Granted it got iffy around 20% but I held out hope because the premise was nice.
I regret it 😔.
Stop blaming mental illness for everything that a person does wrong. A person won’t just up and start killing ppl because they stopped taking mood stabilizers. Idk, maybe because I lived with a parent with bipolar disorder I know exactly how a person behaves and this character was a mockery of it.
The author pushed a lot of harmful rhetoric about mental illnesses and I ain’t here for that.
I regret it 😔.
Stop blaming mental illness for everything that a person does wrong. A person won’t just up and start killing ppl because they stopped taking mood stabilizers. Idk, maybe because I lived with a parent with bipolar disorder I know exactly how a person behaves and this character was a mockery of it.
The author pushed a lot of harmful rhetoric about mental illnesses and I ain’t here for that.
February 14, 2022
“His stalkerish behavior should have freaked me out, but it was oddly comforting. Like a vicious little guardian angel working overtime to ensure his human was safe.”
Really enjoyed all the kinks in this one
Really enjoyed all the kinks in this one
February 22, 2025
Everything you expect from the word “deviant” was in this book.
4.5
RTC
4.5
RTC
January 23, 2022
This book definitely has that WOW Factor! I almost did not grab this one, buy I am beyond glad I did! yes check the trigger warnings but just know that deep down this book is all about truly loving one another despite all obstacles, differences, and no matter what others think! Ari and Shaw are both obsessed with one another even though it takes a little longer for Shaw to admit it! I was so invested in their love story I could not put this book down! There are so many hot and kinky steamy times, some violence, many crazy twists and turns and a lot of insecurities and possessiveness! I desperately needed them to get a HEA! I do not want to give anything away because this one is a wild ride of a romance, but just know you will get all the feels for poor ARI as what he has experienced in his young life is exposed. Shaw is a wonderfully not perfect Daddy! Love that he has a bit of a belly and ARI is so hot for it! I received an ARC of this book and I highly recommend if you are looking for a steamy, super possessive and obsessive yet unexpectedly sweet romance! There is Nothing these two will not do for each other!
November 28, 2022
My lowest rated Gianni Holmes book so far
I really wanted to love this book like I've loved some of her other works, but this one left me feeling unsatisfied, though I liked the second half more than the first half.
The kinks and dark elements were fun, but I couldn’t connect with this story and its characters. Shaw felt flat and I realized towards the end that I knew nothing about him while knowing a lot about Ari.
Also something about this book didn’t sit right with me but I can’t pinpoint it.
I really wanted to love this book like I've loved some of her other works, but this one left me feeling unsatisfied, though I liked the second half more than the first half.
The kinks and dark elements were fun, but I couldn’t connect with this story and its characters. Shaw felt flat and I realized towards the end that I knew nothing about him while knowing a lot about Ari.
Also something about this book didn’t sit right with me but I can’t pinpoint it.
January 29, 2022
WHEW!!! What a rollercoaster read! 😱🤯💯 It's darker than most books I've read so far and I sweeeeear every chapter have triggers in it! Definitely not for the mushy peeps, but hey, there's always a first time 😉 😘
February 23, 2024
Not my first time reading the author and not my first time dnfing her. I guess she's just not for me. I don't like her characters and her plots usually sound interesting but end up being messed up and ridiculous imo.
I guess this is a "not for me" kinda situation. I will try to resist whenever I see one of her books in the future, and will try to remember we just don't click.
I guess this is a "not for me" kinda situation. I will try to resist whenever I see one of her books in the future, and will try to remember we just don't click.
July 10, 2022
No, just no. Ari needed loads and loads of therapy and a loving and healthy environment, not what he got in this book.
maybe-later
February 7, 2023Maybe to finish later
Story was a bit darker than I was ready for (emotionally wise) and the dynamic wasn't exactly what I was expecting - 41%
Story was a bit darker than I was ready for (emotionally wise) and the dynamic wasn't exactly what I was expecting - 41%
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