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Men of Paradise #1
Where Violets Bloom
Van
This is the only way I can make sure she’s safe. And she has to be safe.
My feet are quieter than a whisper as they trudge along the asphalt. She doesn’t look at me until we’re nearly toe-to-toe, because she walks her with her beautiful head tipped down.
That’s something I’m going to change.
I grab her quickly, so fast that she doesn’t even have the chance to make a sound. I’ve got her cuffed and gagged in just moments, and in the back seat of my SUV just as quick.
It’s true how it’s always recounted; it always happens so fast.
She struggles against my hands and I hold her shoulders until she’s out of fight, which only takes a minute. I’m scaring her right now. But I’ll make it right.
And this is for her own good.
She will see.
Violet with the emerald eyes.
Where Violets Bloom is Book 1 in the Men of Paradise series.
Author's Note: Please visit the reading guide on the author's website for all content warnings and other information. For Adult Readers.
This is the only way I can make sure she’s safe. And she has to be safe.
My feet are quieter than a whisper as they trudge along the asphalt. She doesn’t look at me until we’re nearly toe-to-toe, because she walks her with her beautiful head tipped down.
That’s something I’m going to change.
I grab her quickly, so fast that she doesn’t even have the chance to make a sound. I’ve got her cuffed and gagged in just moments, and in the back seat of my SUV just as quick.
It’s true how it’s always recounted; it always happens so fast.
She struggles against my hands and I hold her shoulders until she’s out of fight, which only takes a minute. I’m scaring her right now. But I’ll make it right.
And this is for her own good.
She will see.
Violet with the emerald eyes.
Where Violets Bloom is Book 1 in the Men of Paradise series.
Author's Note: Please visit the reading guide on the author's website for all content warnings and other information. For Adult Readers.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
595 people are currently reading
3246 people want to read
About the author
Daisy Jane
48 books1,274 followersDaisy Jane is a forbidden love romance author, inspired by VC Andrews and more . When she's not penning a hot age gap novel or dreaming up steamy stories, she's enjoying the sunshine and warmth at her home in California. She enjoys reading, true crime, exercise and, of course, romance.
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Connect with Daisy!
WEBSITE: DaisyJane.com
NEWSLETTER: Newsletter Sign Up
FACEBOOK: Daisy on FB
INSTAGRAM: Daisy on IG
PINTEREST: Daisy on Pinterest
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
July 12, 2022
3.5 Our Truest Selves Stars ⭐
It's a mixed bag of feelings I'm sorting through. On one hand I really liked the premise of this story. A stalker with morals, who would have thought? And I love a man playing a hero to a woman who could really use one. But then I wish it was a little grittier and not so perfect. I wanted Van to kidnap his girl and maybe pull her hair with a few love smacks for good measure instead of him thinking about his weeping dick. Yep, I have issues...
I’ve tried to be invisible for so long, I didn’t realize how starved I was to be seen.
Violet is a victim of domestic violence and scarily by a parent. Flying under the radar, this school teacher dreams of a future away from her family. Yet in the meantime she leads a very mundane life until she's taken.
A police officer with a secret. Apart from his vigilante antics he's been stalking a woman he's never officially met. From the moment Van lays eyes on Violet, he's adamant that she's the one. Having spent the last year watching her from a distance, he finally snaps when he sees that she has been harmed.
“See, that’s another thing I’m realizing having you here.” I swallow, the anger resurfacing at the remembrance.
“If I would have known you weren’t getting treated right… Baby, I would’ve taken you ages ago.”
Oh yeah a loved up stalker, me likey! Except things get very sugary the moment Van and Violet actually meet. I mean Violet was strangely okay about being stalked and kidnapped and Van became immediately repentant. I felt there was a breakdown. I think the biggest issue was we went from sexily creepy to cutesy. It was good but I just wanted to love it more.
It's a mixed bag of feelings I'm sorting through. On one hand I really liked the premise of this story. A stalker with morals, who would have thought? And I love a man playing a hero to a woman who could really use one. But then I wish it was a little grittier and not so perfect. I wanted Van to kidnap his girl and maybe pull her hair with a few love smacks for good measure instead of him thinking about his weeping dick. Yep, I have issues...
I’ve tried to be invisible for so long, I didn’t realize how starved I was to be seen.
Violet is a victim of domestic violence and scarily by a parent. Flying under the radar, this school teacher dreams of a future away from her family. Yet in the meantime she leads a very mundane life until she's taken.
A police officer with a secret. Apart from his vigilante antics he's been stalking a woman he's never officially met. From the moment Van lays eyes on Violet, he's adamant that she's the one. Having spent the last year watching her from a distance, he finally snaps when he sees that she has been harmed.
“See, that’s another thing I’m realizing having you here.” I swallow, the anger resurfacing at the remembrance.
“If I would have known you weren’t getting treated right… Baby, I would’ve taken you ages ago.”
Oh yeah a loved up stalker, me likey! Except things get very sugary the moment Van and Violet actually meet. I mean Violet was strangely okay about being stalked and kidnapped and Van became immediately repentant. I felt there was a breakdown. I think the biggest issue was we went from sexily creepy to cutesy. It was good but I just wanted to love it more.
May 30, 2022
I have no problem with dark romances, psycho heroes, or stalkers… but where I draw the line? Cops who use their power in all-too-realistic ways.
When I realized in chapter 2 of this book that Van was a cop, I almost put it down. When he began to go full-on corrupt cop police brutality, I probably should have.
Example: him pulling over a guy for licensed expiration and saying, in respond to the guy asking why he had to put his hands on the dash, “Because I told you to, and I have the gun and you don’t.”
Another example: him stalking the heroine in uniform and in his police car.
It just felt so… icky. Because of course that can and does happen. I can suspend disbelief for psychos and stalkers but something about it being a cop made it all too real.
Also, they really tried to rationalize him stalking her and her (and her friend) being okay with it. Like, no. It’s never okay to stalk. So lean INTO the psycho. I want to read about a heroine who finds out someone is stalking her and fucks him up or turns it into a game. Not one who’s like, “I know this is wrong. But because you say you love me it’s okay.”
So, yeah. Apparently cheating and shady cops are my hard no’s on romance.
CW: domestic abuse (parent/child), neglect, stalking, violence, corrupt cop
When I realized in chapter 2 of this book that Van was a cop, I almost put it down. When he began to go full-on corrupt cop police brutality, I probably should have.
Example: him pulling over a guy for licensed expiration and saying, in respond to the guy asking why he had to put his hands on the dash, “Because I told you to, and I have the gun and you don’t.”
Another example: him stalking the heroine in uniform and in his police car.
It just felt so… icky. Because of course that can and does happen. I can suspend disbelief for psychos and stalkers but something about it being a cop made it all too real.
Also, they really tried to rationalize him stalking her and her (and her friend) being okay with it. Like, no. It’s never okay to stalk. So lean INTO the psycho. I want to read about a heroine who finds out someone is stalking her and fucks him up or turns it into a game. Not one who’s like, “I know this is wrong. But because you say you love me it’s okay.”
So, yeah. Apparently cheating and shady cops are my hard no’s on romance.
CW: domestic abuse (parent/child), neglect, stalking, violence, corrupt cop
April 19, 2024
*3.5* Living at home at 25 with a full-time teaching job, no rent, and not being able to save up enough money to even rent your own place seems slightly far-fetched. Why does she keep going back to live with her family when she is being abused? I don’t understand how she doesn’t have a medical coverage as a teacher, and how the “accident” cost her 40k?!!
Anti-hero/cop combo
Stalking to extreme
Smokin hot sex scenes
Mmc is one of the most unrealistic, sexy, OTT book boyfriends ever. If you like men who should go to prison for the things they do for you, this one’s for you!
It’s ridiculous, fun at times, scorching hot, but the fmc was so annoying she almost ruined the story.
Anti-hero/cop combo
Stalking to extreme
Smokin hot sex scenes
Mmc is one of the most unrealistic, sexy, OTT book boyfriends ever. If you like men who should go to prison for the things they do for you, this one’s for you!
It’s ridiculous, fun at times, scorching hot, but the fmc was so annoying she almost ruined the story.
March 13, 2022
Where Violets Bloom is not like any stalker romance, I have read before. Do not get me wrong; I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's more on the darker side of the author’s work. It's light grey on my dark scale.
Van is a police officer with some extracurricular activities. One day he stumbles upon Violet, and she is his instant obsession. Van decides to start stalking Violet, and boy; he had me laugh a time or two. Violet is a teacher with awful home life. Her only support system is her best friend.
I love Van; as much as his obsession is far from healthy, he does take a healthier approach; I know Oxymoron. However, it’s true. His love for Violet is profound, and he would do anything for the people he loves.
Let me tell you; I was waiting for Violet to find her voice. She is more vital than she gives herself credit. At times, I kept asking her what are you thinking? Both characters are complex, and not everything is black and white. There is a ton of grey.
If you haven't read any stalker romance and want to try one, or you want a lighter side. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
Van is a police officer with some extracurricular activities. One day he stumbles upon Violet, and she is his instant obsession. Van decides to start stalking Violet, and boy; he had me laugh a time or two. Violet is a teacher with awful home life. Her only support system is her best friend.
I love Van; as much as his obsession is far from healthy, he does take a healthier approach; I know Oxymoron. However, it’s true. His love for Violet is profound, and he would do anything for the people he loves.
Let me tell you; I was waiting for Violet to find her voice. She is more vital than she gives herself credit. At times, I kept asking her what are you thinking? Both characters are complex, and not everything is black and white. There is a ton of grey.
If you haven't read any stalker romance and want to try one, or you want a lighter side. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
May 3, 2022
I don't read many stalker books (most are too dark for me personally), but I enjoyed this one and I'm glad I checked with a friend on here first so I didn't skip it! Van (the H) is obsessed with Violet (the h) from the moment he sees her in passing. He begins following her and the stalking slowly gets more serious. He wants to stop and meet her in a "normal" setting but doesn't know how. Violet is a sweet elementary school teacher with an awful home life and a boss who makes her work life also difficult. She's not aware of Van until something happens to her and it pushes him over the edge. The story is told in first person, dual POV. Neither were virgins; bc was discussed; no ow drama, om drama in the sense that her boss is harassing her.
When Violet finally meets Van, he's already 100% committed to her and I really appreciated seeing the development from her end on how to process his stalking and her conflict with that and how well he was treating her. Once they're together, it's also not automatically smooth sailing, some bumps happen. But Van is a giant, protective, dirty sweetheart and that's a winner right there. Plenty of steam heats things up once they get going and Van is a praiser with lots of "good girl" thrown out.
Amazing and hilarious side characters rounded out the story nicely too. Seriously, the banter and relationship Van has with his best friends had me smiling crazily (and it seems like we'll be getting their books too). We do also get suspense in a few scenes where you're going to wonder where the story's going and how far the characters will take things. Violet was dealing with heavy situations pre-Van. I knew early on that this was going to have a solid HEA though and it delivered. There are a couple time jumps at the end to show them secure and happy.
Trigger warnings: on page parental abuse; on page sexual harassment
When Violet finally meets Van, he's already 100% committed to her and I really appreciated seeing the development from her end on how to process his stalking and her conflict with that and how well he was treating her. Once they're together, it's also not automatically smooth sailing, some bumps happen. But Van is a giant, protective, dirty sweetheart and that's a winner right there. Plenty of steam heats things up once they get going and Van is a praiser with lots of "good girl" thrown out.
Amazing and hilarious side characters rounded out the story nicely too. Seriously, the banter and relationship Van has with his best friends had me smiling crazily (and it seems like we'll be getting their books too). We do also get suspense in a few scenes where you're going to wonder where the story's going and how far the characters will take things. Violet was dealing with heavy situations pre-Van. I knew early on that this was going to have a solid HEA though and it delivered. There are a couple time jumps at the end to show them secure and happy.
Trigger warnings: on page parental abuse; on page sexual harassment
May 29, 2022
If “You” had a happy ending…
I loved this book. It’s a little over the top, but sweet, and, of course, kinda disturbing. Violet hasn’t had a good life, and she’s always been a victim, both from her family and from her handsy boss at work. Donovan “Van” Drake has an interesting backstory, which I won’t spoil here, but to say he’s obsessed with Violet is putting it lightly. He wants to protect her, no matter the cost.
One thing I loved about this book was that as the book progresses, Violet becomes less of a meek and mild wallflower (lol) and she learns to stick up for herself. The author nicely balances VIolet’s newfound ability to protect herself with Van’s need to keep her safe.
All in all, an entertaining read!
I loved this book. It’s a little over the top, but sweet, and, of course, kinda disturbing. Violet hasn’t had a good life, and she’s always been a victim, both from her family and from her handsy boss at work. Donovan “Van” Drake has an interesting backstory, which I won’t spoil here, but to say he’s obsessed with Violet is putting it lightly. He wants to protect her, no matter the cost.
One thing I loved about this book was that as the book progresses, Violet becomes less of a meek and mild wallflower (lol) and she learns to stick up for herself. The author nicely balances VIolet’s newfound ability to protect herself with Van’s need to keep her safe.
All in all, an entertaining read!
July 11, 2022
This was an enjoyable read it’s the first thing that I’ve read by this author and despite the description, it’s not really a dark one I’d describe this as more of an obsessive love story with some darkish undertones. Donavon has a hobby one where he likes to waylay people and reveal to them what could happen so they will appreciate and realise just how lucky they are and what could happen if they don’t wise up. Whilst out in the park he sees Violet and is instantly memorised by her what follows Is over a year of him following and stalking the girl he knows in his heart is his.
Violet is a school-teacher with a tendency to allow others to walk all over her this includes her own family who are completely awful to her all she wants is to escape from this daily torment and to finally be free of them. When Van notices that she is hurt all bets are off acting in an extreme fashion he reveals himself and in the process comes clean about his prior activities. Violet rather than being scared is actually flattered and though she knows she should be cautious can’t help but fall deep for this man who wants to be her saviour.
This wasn’t dark as soon as van reveals himself he stops following Violet and he tells her everything no matter how bad it paints him. He’s a police officer by profession but is still prepared to go to extremes to protect those he cares about. The romance here is sweet and Van is all in from the start he’s a very intense guy which Violet finds she loves these two definitely have plenty of chemistry and the intimate scenes are red hot. If you like stories about obsessive all about the girl males then this is the story for you. It was well written and I enjoyed it immensely.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
June 17, 2022
stalker/ cop H/ teacher h/ abuse
Solid 3 for me. This had many things I like and some things that kinda aren’t for me but weren’t deal breakers either.
Some things:
- Stalker 🤤 I always love a stalker! This H sees our h and watches her/stalks her for a year. He installs camera in her room and drives by and sits outside her house, job and her friends house. He did sneak in her room but not many times that we see before our story starts.
- Protective H… not OTT although he doesn’t like anyone around his h. He spends a year watching her and idk he kinda took a back seat and I didn’t like that so he’s not OTT. But he is jealous of her attention, and possessive of his violet and he’s very protective. Protective more than anything.
- “who hurt you” moments… I LOVEEE this. He handles anyone who bothers he knows about it. Although he isn’t just killing everyone 🫤 but I guess not everyone can just hack people ya know? 🤷🏻♀️😆 they officially meet when he abducts her bc he sees her face is bruised and knows someone’s hurt her and she’s not safe without him now.
-H is a cop… sooo this was a double edge sword for me. He abuses his badge.. he roughs someone up bc he’s having a shitty day and his partner covers for him when he’s clearly using force for no reason. This bothered me but this maybe a trigger I didn’t know I had bc it hits deep personally for me and I’ve not really read it like it was here. One the other side- he is a cop which lets him get away with me while protecting h.
-h is a sweet school teacher who is used to being beaten down and sadly is a victim with no voice. The H becomes her sword and shield 🛡 🗡
-ABUSE ⚠️ She’s been abused at home her whole life by her family. Mentally, verbally, physically. We do see some physical abuse and we get flashbacks of other ones. She is also being touched inappropriately by her creep old boss at work.
-We get some good girls, and baby
-V card h
-BC is talked about 👎🏻😂
-good side characters
-steamy
-HEA/ HFN idk if they have kids or not I can’t even remember how long the epilogue is I think it’s a year out? Not even sure 🫢
-NO OM/OW/cheating drama at all
Some stuff I didn’t like:
- this book is LONG… it coulda been shorter. I honestly kept waiting for the epilogue or time jump to move ahead and it was just continuing the current moment lol 😂
-The H was a beta/alpha … does this make sense? He was not… **don’t judge me 🫣** aggressive enough for me. He was soooo sweet and thoughtful and loving which was great but… I kept waiting for an alpha moment.. like… she gets upset and leaves for a week.. he’s in touch with her friend but you spent a year stalking her, then you got her and she ran off over some BS and we just not even gonna watch her or stalk anymore? Nah. He also STOP stalking when they become a thing bc it’s “not right” 😑🙄 WHAT?! I mean I know she’s a victim and she’s been abused and maybe he was just wanting to keep handling her with kid gloves 🧤 but at some pint he shoulda grabbed her, pushed her against the wall, growling good girl in her ear while he took her and made her KNOW she was his… 👏🏼 but… maybe that just me bc we know I am just for the aggressive dominating men 😆
-I also gotta say this chick gets sooooo upset over a notebook. I get it but.. really? Of all the things he has said and done.. a notebook bish? Ok.
-speaking of filth… he sucks on her DIRTY, SWEATY bike shorts while jacking himself bc he’s so addicted 😂😳 I was like ohhh oh I think that’s even a hit too nasty for me. Lol 😂
Overall it was decent a bit too damn long that I almost gave up bc I was reading to move onto something else but it was strong overall and I enjoyed it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Solid 3 for me. This had many things I like and some things that kinda aren’t for me but weren’t deal breakers either.
Some things:
- Stalker 🤤 I always love a stalker! This H sees our h and watches her/stalks her for a year. He installs camera in her room and drives by and sits outside her house, job and her friends house. He did sneak in her room but not many times that we see before our story starts.
- Protective H… not OTT although he doesn’t like anyone around his h. He spends a year watching her and idk he kinda took a back seat and I didn’t like that so he’s not OTT. But he is jealous of her attention, and possessive of his violet and he’s very protective. Protective more than anything.
- “who hurt you” moments… I LOVEEE this. He handles anyone who bothers he knows about it. Although he isn’t just killing everyone 🫤 but I guess not everyone can just hack people ya know? 🤷🏻♀️😆 they officially meet when he abducts her bc he sees her face is bruised and knows someone’s hurt her and she’s not safe without him now.
-H is a cop… sooo this was a double edge sword for me. He abuses his badge.. he roughs someone up bc he’s having a shitty day and his partner covers for him when he’s clearly using force for no reason. This bothered me but this maybe a trigger I didn’t know I had bc it hits deep personally for me and I’ve not really read it like it was here. One the other side- he is a cop which lets him get away with me while protecting h.
-h is a sweet school teacher who is used to being beaten down and sadly is a victim with no voice. The H becomes her sword and shield 🛡 🗡
-ABUSE ⚠️ She’s been abused at home her whole life by her family. Mentally, verbally, physically. We do see some physical abuse and we get flashbacks of other ones. She is also being touched inappropriately by her creep old boss at work.
-We get some good girls, and baby
-V card h
-BC is talked about 👎🏻😂
-good side characters
-steamy
-HEA/ HFN idk if they have kids or not I can’t even remember how long the epilogue is I think it’s a year out? Not even sure 🫢
-NO OM/OW/cheating drama at all
Some stuff I didn’t like:
- this book is LONG… it coulda been shorter. I honestly kept waiting for the epilogue or time jump to move ahead and it was just continuing the current moment lol 😂
-The H was a beta/alpha … does this make sense? He was not… **don’t judge me 🫣** aggressive enough for me. He was soooo sweet and thoughtful and loving which was great but… I kept waiting for an alpha moment.. like… she gets upset and leaves for a week.. he’s in touch with her friend but you spent a year stalking her, then you got her and she ran off over some BS and we just not even gonna watch her or stalk anymore? Nah. He also STOP stalking when they become a thing bc it’s “not right” 😑🙄 WHAT?! I mean I know she’s a victim and she’s been abused and maybe he was just wanting to keep handling her with kid gloves 🧤 but at some pint he shoulda grabbed her, pushed her against the wall, growling good girl in her ear while he took her and made her KNOW she was his… 👏🏼 but… maybe that just me bc we know I am just for the aggressive dominating men 😆
-I also gotta say this chick gets sooooo upset over a notebook. I get it but.. really? Of all the things he has said and done.. a notebook bish? Ok.
-speaking of filth… he sucks on her DIRTY, SWEATY bike shorts while jacking himself bc he’s so addicted 😂😳 I was like ohhh oh I think that’s even a hit too nasty for me. Lol 😂
Overall it was decent a bit too damn long that I almost gave up bc I was reading to move onto something else but it was strong overall and I enjoyed it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 19, 2022
So much for a dark stalker romance huh?!😬😕
It was more syrupy sweet and fluffy than some of the diabetes-inducing contemporary romances I've read.
Just a big resounding NO to this.
PS- The story and the hero felt actually creepy in some scenes and not in the good way. Him being a cop made all the brutality way too real and also, the way every wrong thing was being rationalised by the author through her characters, felt manipulative.
It didn't leave me with a good feeling.
It was more syrupy sweet and fluffy than some of the diabetes-inducing contemporary romances I've read.
Just a big resounding NO to this.
PS- The story and the hero felt actually creepy in some scenes and not in the good way. Him being a cop made all the brutality way too real and also, the way every wrong thing was being rationalised by the author through her characters, felt manipulative.
It didn't leave me with a good feeling.
January 27, 2023
Yup. This man is crazy. But I'm cool with it.
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
April 19, 2023
A disgusting ode to police brutality.
July 8, 2022
Absolutely loved it!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: stalker, captive
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Just wow! This book was unlike any stalker/kidnapping book I've ever read! Beautifully written with great dialogue and a plot that had a bit of action and moved quickly. Loved both of the MCs and the chemistry between them was fantastic. Sooo looking forward to reading about the other guys in the series. Highly recommend!!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: stalker, captive
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Just wow! This book was unlike any stalker/kidnapping book I've ever read! Beautifully written with great dialogue and a plot that had a bit of action and moved quickly. Loved both of the MCs and the chemistry between them was fantastic. Sooo looking forward to reading about the other guys in the series. Highly recommend!!
August 21, 2022
If you’re looking for a dark hero and a pitch black romance…this is certainly not it.
This is the sweetest, most tender take I’ve ever read as a stalker trope and it even stopped being a stalker romance in the second half of the book or so, since once the MCs officially ‘meet’ the H aims to be the perfect, amazing, protective boyfriend and he stops spying on the h to respect her boundaries and privacy.
Don’t get me wrong, he is a somewhat morally gray Hero: he's a cop and while he wholeheartedly is dependable and loyal to his friends, he has his own special moral compass and a particular questionable 'need' he channels after work hours while being a vigilante of sorts. He wants people to learn how good they have it to be alive and to be able to appreciate their loved ones, so he fake attacks them and then… he’s back on his way.
I don’t know, I didn't find this to be the brightest idea for his character. maybe it would've made more sense to simply assault people who actually deserved it? But I digress. During one of his hunts he spots the heroine at a park, completely remains lovestruck at first glimpse and for a whole year he stalks her and falls in love from a distance while trying to come up with a plan for them to come face to face and hopefully to make her love him in return.
It took a long while for them to be on page together and for the heroine to even know about his existence but I do love the circumstance in which they do, and I guess from that point on this book becomes a romantic fairy-tale like love story.
I am a romantic at heart and I’ll always appreciate tender couples no matter my love for dark content, not gonna deny that. I just appreciate MORE when heroes are a lot more pushy, rough around the edges, aggressive, extreme or simply full on psychos lol you know the drill.
The heroine, a grade school teacher, was a bit of a damsel in distress. she lived with her abusive dad and family saving money for the day she’s be able to move out. She loved her job but her boss tormented her daily and sexually assaulted her so she had a lot on her plate. I think her response to trauma was very much a realistic one, I loved how sweet and resilient in her own way she was but I loved even more when the H finally took matter in his own hands dealing with the toxic people in her life. Swoon. He was a true knight in shining armor and he was devoted to her and passionate the whole time.
The chemistry and sex between them were very intimate and emotional, I would say very vanilla and maybe repetitive towards the end but quite intense nonetheless. Doesn’t always have to be rough or ‘forced’ to be all-consuming great sex :)
I think this book was a nice chance for my mind to take a break from super dark content, it was an endearing sweet love story
3.5 stars
This is the sweetest, most tender take I’ve ever read as a stalker trope and it even stopped being a stalker romance in the second half of the book or so, since once the MCs officially ‘meet’ the H aims to be the perfect, amazing, protective boyfriend and he stops spying on the h to respect her boundaries and privacy.
Don’t get me wrong, he is a somewhat morally gray Hero: he's a cop and while he wholeheartedly is dependable and loyal to his friends, he has his own special moral compass and a particular questionable 'need' he channels after work hours while being a vigilante of sorts. He wants people to learn how good they have it to be alive and to be able to appreciate their loved ones, so he fake attacks them and then… he’s back on his way.
I don’t know, I didn't find this to be the brightest idea for his character. maybe it would've made more sense to simply assault people who actually deserved it? But I digress. During one of his hunts he spots the heroine at a park, completely remains lovestruck at first glimpse and for a whole year he stalks her and falls in love from a distance while trying to come up with a plan for them to come face to face and hopefully to make her love him in return.
It took a long while for them to be on page together and for the heroine to even know about his existence but I do love the circumstance in which they do, and I guess from that point on this book becomes a romantic fairy-tale like love story.
I am a romantic at heart and I’ll always appreciate tender couples no matter my love for dark content, not gonna deny that. I just appreciate MORE when heroes are a lot more pushy, rough around the edges, aggressive, extreme or simply full on psychos lol you know the drill.
The heroine, a grade school teacher, was a bit of a damsel in distress. she lived with her abusive dad and family saving money for the day she’s be able to move out. She loved her job but her boss tormented her daily and sexually assaulted her so she had a lot on her plate. I think her response to trauma was very much a realistic one, I loved how sweet and resilient in her own way she was but I loved even more when the H finally took matter in his own hands dealing with the toxic people in her life. Swoon. He was a true knight in shining armor and he was devoted to her and passionate the whole time.
The chemistry and sex between them were very intimate and emotional, I would say very vanilla and maybe repetitive towards the end but quite intense nonetheless. Doesn’t always have to be rough or ‘forced’ to be all-consuming great sex :)
I think this book was a nice chance for my mind to take a break from super dark content, it was an endearing sweet love story
3.5 stars
March 18, 2022
Another stalker book?! Yay! So glad to find this because my dnf streak was pretty bad until block shot and this. H is a cop and h is A third grade teacher being abused at home and smexxxually a$$Allred at her school.
He runs into her at a park and stalks her for over a year and finally lady naps her when he sees that she’s been hurt. Loved his ott jpness and how he takes care of her!
Things I didn’t like:
1. She had a concussion that was so bad that she vomited. I thought fur shure he was going to take her to thr hospital but he just took her home and have her some over thr counter medicine 🤷♀️🤣 like….whut?! I don’t know why this bothered me so much but in real life, she should be seen by a licensed medical professional but what da fuq do I know
2. After she vomits, he kisses her. Iirc, with tongue 😐😳🤢
3. The dichotomy of his character was a puzzle to me. He’s a nice guy prone to murder (not of the h people) 🧐🤷♀️ he hangs out with his group of buddies but also makes sure to unalive people as he sees fit. Sees legit. Too legit to quit
And btw, the scenes with his group of friends had me guffawing 😂😂🤣 the way brian got his nickname….good lord 🤣🤣🤣 that’s such a guy thing
Can’t wait to see if Mally, bran and the other dude gets a book! It said book 1 so maybe?
He runs into her at a park and stalks her for over a year and finally lady naps her when he sees that she’s been hurt. Loved his ott jpness and how he takes care of her!
Things I didn’t like:
1. She had a concussion that was so bad that she vomited. I thought fur shure he was going to take her to thr hospital but he just took her home and have her some over thr counter medicine 🤷♀️🤣 like….whut?! I don’t know why this bothered me so much but in real life, she should be seen by a licensed medical professional but what da fuq do I know
2. After she vomits, he kisses her. Iirc, with tongue 😐😳🤢
3. The dichotomy of his character was a puzzle to me. He’s a nice guy prone to murder (not of the h people) 🧐🤷♀️ he hangs out with his group of buddies but also makes sure to unalive people as he sees fit. Sees legit. Too legit to quit
And btw, the scenes with his group of friends had me guffawing 😂😂🤣 the way brian got his nickname….good lord 🤣🤣🤣 that’s such a guy thing
Can’t wait to see if Mally, bran and the other dude gets a book! It said book 1 so maybe?
June 20, 2022
Holy Stalker Hotness!
I loved this book. Loved it. Stalker romance plus praise kink? Yes, please!
Van was great even if he was a gym junkie and meathead. Seriously, he said “Legs day is a vibe” lol.
This book was sweet, steamy as hell, passionate, and surprisingly funny. I wouldn’t call it a rom-com by any means but Vans narration had me chuckling more than once.
The only thing I wished for was that maybe he couldn’t stop stalking her, even when she knew? I mean, he had great personal growth but I stan an out of control, obsessed man.
Going on my favorites for sure.
I loved this book. Loved it. Stalker romance plus praise kink? Yes, please!
Van was great even if he was a gym junkie and meathead. Seriously, he said “Legs day is a vibe” lol.
This book was sweet, steamy as hell, passionate, and surprisingly funny. I wouldn’t call it a rom-com by any means but Vans narration had me chuckling more than once.
The only thing I wished for was that maybe he couldn’t stop stalking her, even when she knew? I mean, he had great personal growth but I stan an out of control, obsessed man.
Going on my favorites for sure.
Read
July 15, 2024DNF notes to self:
Feeling waayyy too triggered by the FL's domestic abuse situation and sexual harassment at work. ML is a cop, bleh, but funnily enough the stalker romance aspect was fine for me, lol.
Feeling waayyy too triggered by the FL's domestic abuse situation and sexual harassment at work. ML is a cop, bleh, but funnily enough the stalker romance aspect was fine for me, lol.
March 17, 2022
The couple: Van and Violet
Romance genre: stalker
Series: Men of Paradise
Length: 400 pages
Plot: Donovan Drake, a local cop known to his good friends as Van, has a problem. He has a need, an urge to show people the error of their ways, and it isn't just with a stern lecture. But one evening when he's out looking for his next victim, he sees Violet. Abused, downtrodden Violet, and he is instantly obsessed. For a year he stalks her, progressively more and more intrusive. He's trying to figure out how to approach her in a way that won't scare her, but then he sees her face: bruised and beaten. He freaks out and grabs her, kidnapping her but with the intention of letting her if she really, really wants to. But Violet surprised both Van and herself - she doesn't want to leave. Now Van has the object of his obsession; what will the future bring for these two damaged souls?
Commentary: 6/5 stars - I loved it! Van was next-level stalker. He did the whole follow her to work-home-everywhere routine, and he put cameras in her room, and he stole some of her stuff (which is definitely a plot point later in the book). About halfway through the book, when he finally takes her, he has what he wants and becomes what he needs to be, which in this case is a caregiver. So there is a change to a sweet hero. If you're looking for him to remain a bad anti-hero for the whole time, this isn't necessarily the book for you. Saying that, however, when his girl is threatened, despite the fact that he is softer for her, he will do whatever it takes, up to and including murder, to keep her safe and happy.
Our characters
Van:
Violet:
Romance genre: stalker
Series: Men of Paradise
Length: 400 pages
Plot: Donovan Drake, a local cop known to his good friends as Van, has a problem. He has a need, an urge to show people the error of their ways, and it isn't just with a stern lecture. But one evening when he's out looking for his next victim, he sees Violet. Abused, downtrodden Violet, and he is instantly obsessed. For a year he stalks her, progressively more and more intrusive. He's trying to figure out how to approach her in a way that won't scare her, but then he sees her face: bruised and beaten. He freaks out and grabs her, kidnapping her but with the intention of letting her if she really, really wants to. But Violet surprised both Van and herself - she doesn't want to leave. Now Van has the object of his obsession; what will the future bring for these two damaged souls?
Commentary: 6/5 stars - I loved it! Van was next-level stalker. He did the whole follow her to work-home-everywhere routine, and he put cameras in her room, and he stole some of her stuff (which is definitely a plot point later in the book). About halfway through the book, when he finally takes her, he has what he wants and becomes what he needs to be, which in this case is a caregiver. So there is a change to a sweet hero. If you're looking for him to remain a bad anti-hero for the whole time, this isn't necessarily the book for you. Saying that, however, when his girl is threatened, despite the fact that he is softer for her, he will do whatever it takes, up to and including murder, to keep her safe and happy.
Our characters
Van:
He also knows how good I am at strangling that side of myself for the majority of my existence. At work, I’m a good guy. In the gym, I’m a helpful bro. With women, I’m an alpha catch. I’m a very good guy all the fucking time. How? I have a little personal “banking” system. Every day I’m a very good guy, I earn myself some time–thirty minutes, a stroll down the pier, an afternoon on a jogging trail–to be a very bad man. The man that seems to be at my core.
She’s bold when she wants to be but subtle otherwise. It’s a perfect blend of ladylike and cock-killing, and I love it. Just another thing I love.
Violet:
Because that’s what I am, no matter when I became it; I’m weak. But in my experience… The fight never seems worth the inevitable injury and pain.
But Van and I don’t do things the way they’re usually done. We don’t follow any shoulds. We are categorically and beautifully out of order, and it works.
She smiles, then before she closes the door she says, “I slashed Wheeler's tires in the grocery store parking lot a few weeks ago.” I love her even more now.
Finally, it feels like we’re really just a normal couple.
January 15, 2023
Van & Violet
Tropes: Dual POV
Stalker
Obsessive/Possessive Alpha Male
Man in Uniform (Police Officer)
Mild Praise Kink (my fave!)
TW: Assault/Abuse
Violence/Murder
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Donovan "Van" is a police officer with a darker side. He sedates his inner beast by frightening random strangers and stalking his newest obsession, Violet.
Violet is a sweetheart teacher who is living through an abusive home life.
After a year of stalking, Van finally finds the opportunity to introduce himself to Violet, immersing himself in her problems and becoming her avenging dark knight.
I am a sucker for a good stalker romance. I've read quite a few and found Where Violets Bloom to be a different take on the trope.
Van is definitely dark, but not the darkest. If you are a dark romance reader, I believe this book will come off as more "gray".
There were a few points in the plot that didn't flow well or make complete sense, but I really enjoyed reading it.
I definitely recommend if this is your type of read.
Tropes: Dual POV
Stalker
Obsessive/Possessive Alpha Male
Man in Uniform (Police Officer)
Mild Praise Kink (my fave!)
TW: Assault/Abuse
Violence/Murder
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Donovan "Van" is a police officer with a darker side. He sedates his inner beast by frightening random strangers and stalking his newest obsession, Violet.
Violet is a sweetheart teacher who is living through an abusive home life.
After a year of stalking, Van finally finds the opportunity to introduce himself to Violet, immersing himself in her problems and becoming her avenging dark knight.
I am a sucker for a good stalker romance. I've read quite a few and found Where Violets Bloom to be a different take on the trope.
Van is definitely dark, but not the darkest. If you are a dark romance reader, I believe this book will come off as more "gray".
There were a few points in the plot that didn't flow well or make complete sense, but I really enjoyed reading it.
I definitely recommend if this is your type of read.
March 8, 2022
Generally I avoid stalker romance, but I love Daisy Jane's books so I thought I would check it out. I didn't just check it...I devoured it!
There are definitely stalker elements and some trigger warnings for sure, but it was so good! There was laughter and tragedy. There was soul baring and mistakes forgiven. Ultimately this is a steamy HEA love story about 2 halves finding each other in a nontraditional way. There is an alpha who cares so deeply it makes you swoon and creates the perfect support so that his woman can blossom into her best self. I'm absolutely glad I read it and I hope there are some spinoff books coming for the supporting characters!
There are definitely stalker elements and some trigger warnings for sure, but it was so good! There was laughter and tragedy. There was soul baring and mistakes forgiven. Ultimately this is a steamy HEA love story about 2 halves finding each other in a nontraditional way. There is an alpha who cares so deeply it makes you swoon and creates the perfect support so that his woman can blossom into her best self. I'm absolutely glad I read it and I hope there are some spinoff books coming for the supporting characters!
August 24, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
I liked it. Romance-wise, it was fab and delivered what it was meant to. I’ve been looking for a read where the hero is consumed and totally bonkers. She is his exception girl. The man will literally stuff her underwear into his mouth, if you like that masochistic streak.
Dark romances can read like fantasy because they are so completely removed from reality. Typically, it’s a billionaire or some sort of vigilante/assassin that is wealthy. They promptly stalk or kidnap the heroine and then introduce themselves.
Is this the darkest book I’ve ever read? Hell to the no. But did I have a mixed bag of feelings? Yep.
This male lead is a police officer. He’s a gym fanatic. He owns a modest home. He has a solid group of friends. He has been secretly stalking the heroine for the better part of a year, yet still can not bring himself to meet her until he learns that she is being abused by her father, at which point he intervened by kidnapping her. He is watching her bedroom through a camera he installed. He has a violent streak. That is to say, he exploits the authority his badge grants him and assaults unruly or unpleasant civilians. His police officer buddies cover up and support his extra-curricular exploits. It came to a point where a little backchat from a civilian meant he would punch their daylights out. So yes, he’s a little… unhinged.
This would normally pass me by. I enjoy dark fiction and all forms of gore because they are simply a part of the reading experience and hold no personal significance for me. However, given the utter normality of their surroundings and certain narratives that exist on the news about white male police officers abusing civilians while covering for one another, I briefly felt uneasy with how much emphasis was put on this storyline. He just seemed like he had no control over his temper but it wasn’t your typical dark read.
The hero kills the principal at the heroine’s workplace who was harassing her and edging towards potentially sexually assaulting her. He just murders him. I wouldn’t call it a one-off but it is. It’s like he doesn’t believe in the natural justice of the uniform he wears yet he’s so normal? It was whiplash for me as a reader. Hopefully what I’m trying to say is coming across because the romance wasn’t dark, because they were so utterly normal and sweet, but then there was this.
As I say this, I still liked it. 🙄😭 They were hot.
Safety: Safe. No virgins. Both have been with others in the past.
I liked it. Romance-wise, it was fab and delivered what it was meant to. I’ve been looking for a read where the hero is consumed and totally bonkers. She is his exception girl. The man will literally stuff her underwear into his mouth, if you like that masochistic streak.
Dark romances can read like fantasy because they are so completely removed from reality. Typically, it’s a billionaire or some sort of vigilante/assassin that is wealthy. They promptly stalk or kidnap the heroine and then introduce themselves.
Is this the darkest book I’ve ever read? Hell to the no. But did I have a mixed bag of feelings? Yep.
This male lead is a police officer. He’s a gym fanatic. He owns a modest home. He has a solid group of friends. He has been secretly stalking the heroine for the better part of a year, yet still can not bring himself to meet her until he learns that she is being abused by her father, at which point he intervened by kidnapping her. He is watching her bedroom through a camera he installed. He has a violent streak. That is to say, he exploits the authority his badge grants him and assaults unruly or unpleasant civilians. His police officer buddies cover up and support his extra-curricular exploits. It came to a point where a little backchat from a civilian meant he would punch their daylights out. So yes, he’s a little… unhinged.
This would normally pass me by. I enjoy dark fiction and all forms of gore because they are simply a part of the reading experience and hold no personal significance for me. However, given the utter normality of their surroundings and certain narratives that exist on the news about white male police officers abusing civilians while covering for one another, I briefly felt uneasy with how much emphasis was put on this storyline. He just seemed like he had no control over his temper but it wasn’t your typical dark read.
The hero kills the principal at the heroine’s workplace who was harassing her and edging towards potentially sexually assaulting her. He just murders him. I wouldn’t call it a one-off but it is. It’s like he doesn’t believe in the natural justice of the uniform he wears yet he’s so normal? It was whiplash for me as a reader. Hopefully what I’m trying to say is coming across because the romance wasn’t dark, because they were so utterly normal and sweet, but then there was this.
As I say this, I still liked it. 🙄😭 They were hot.
Safety: Safe. No virgins. Both have been with others in the past.
June 24, 2024
I’m disappointed in this one because if Van was just a little bit different, if he was like he was with Violet, all the time, I would’ve liked him and this book so much more. It would’ve been a five star for sure. For the first 160 pages I wanted Donovan to do nothing more than shut the fuck up. Being inside his man brain was taking away from how sexy he was on the outside. His sometimes toxic masculinity was unnecessary and his “hobby” was giving acab. He’s the cop that pulls you over and is a complete dick to you just because he wants to be, but says it’s his urges because he lost his parents and he’s mad at the world, and I can’t get behind that. Nothing is worse than a corrupt fucking cop, and Van is one. Then you have the toxic masculinity with his ‘there are just some things guys don’t talk about’, and ‘that’s something a guy never says out loud’, and ‘the only people that take naps are in diapers; babies and senior citizens’. I’m so tired of his inner monologue. I’m telling you, if he just would shut the fuck up and work on his issues he’d be a sexy cop, but the entire time I felt dirty and kept screaming acab.
Setting Van’s masculinity and his urges and inner monologue aside, he was amazing. He’s absolutely obsessed with Violet, always there to have her back. He’s a patient, kind lover. He’s fine af with his glasses and beard and muscles. THIS is the Van we all deserved.
I enjoyed Violet. I liked the way she took so easily to Van and his stalking. Sometimes it gets exhausting when the heroine fights her attraction to the hero. Violet’s willingness to throw caution to the wind and stepping away from her good girl image was nice.
This book too for fucking ever for me to read. The first half, when Van wasn’t with Violet, just himself and his gym attending friend, were unbearable. But after he gets Violet he stops with his hobby and he’s a little more likable. So first half is like a 2 star, last half is almost a 4, so I’ll settle on 3 stars for this one.
Setting Van’s masculinity and his urges and inner monologue aside, he was amazing. He’s absolutely obsessed with Violet, always there to have her back. He’s a patient, kind lover. He’s fine af with his glasses and beard and muscles. THIS is the Van we all deserved.
I enjoyed Violet. I liked the way she took so easily to Van and his stalking. Sometimes it gets exhausting when the heroine fights her attraction to the hero. Violet’s willingness to throw caution to the wind and stepping away from her good girl image was nice.
This book too for fucking ever for me to read. The first half, when Van wasn’t with Violet, just himself and his gym attending friend, were unbearable. But after he gets Violet he stops with his hobby and he’s a little more likable. So first half is like a 2 star, last half is almost a 4, so I’ll settle on 3 stars for this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2022
I enjoyed the book but it is not like the title makes it sound.
Hero is a cop and stalks her for over a year. Heroine doesn't know. He tells her the first time he meets her because he doesn't want to lie to her. So he does stalk her at first and then stops once he meets her in real life.
PSOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
There is a few scenes with hero's friend Batman and his wife Robin. This is book 1 in the series with the stalker so I guess there is not a book with his friends?
Hero and heroine also seem to really like touching themselves in front of each other. Mutual masturbation in multiple scenes.
I felt like the heroine made dumb decisions. We find out her father threw her down the stairs and caused her to break bones. She spent a lot of money on medical bills. SHE NEVER REPORTED HER DAD'S ABUSE.
He also hit her multiple times. Heroine is 25 and never moved out. Or went to stay with friends. She says she can't be a burden and she has to save money again because her "accident/on purpose fall" wiped out all of her savings. So she lives with her abuser when she has lots of options. Ridiculous.
Also hero lets her dad live but makes him leave town. But he kills the principal who keeps touching her inappropriately. But lets the guy live who repeatedly beat her up (her dad). He says it is in case she wants to have a relationship with dad in the future. So wrong.
Hero is a cop and stalks her for over a year. Heroine doesn't know. He tells her the first time he meets her because he doesn't want to lie to her. So he does stalk her at first and then stops once he meets her in real life.
PSOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
There is a few scenes with hero's friend Batman and his wife Robin. This is book 1 in the series with the stalker so I guess there is not a book with his friends?
Hero and heroine also seem to really like touching themselves in front of each other. Mutual masturbation in multiple scenes.
I felt like the heroine made dumb decisions. We find out her father threw her down the stairs and caused her to break bones. She spent a lot of money on medical bills. SHE NEVER REPORTED HER DAD'S ABUSE.
He also hit her multiple times. Heroine is 25 and never moved out. Or went to stay with friends. She says she can't be a burden and she has to save money again because her "accident/on purpose fall" wiped out all of her savings. So she lives with her abuser when she has lots of options. Ridiculous.
Also hero lets her dad live but makes him leave town. But he kills the principal who keeps touching her inappropriately. But lets the guy live who repeatedly beat her up (her dad). He says it is in case she wants to have a relationship with dad in the future. So wrong.
March 12, 2022
"My mind temporarily freezes. Goes on hiatus. I just sit there, mouth agape, staring at this orgasm in the flesh, this hunk of a man saying all these incredibly romantic and exceptionally creepy things.
And yet my body magnetizes to him in a way that is really hard to refuse.
But he's... a stalker I think.
I have a stalker?
I have a stalker.
And its freaking this guy?!
Ohmygosh! I wish more people knew about this book because its SO good! I adored the slightly naughty cop Donovan. He was seriously ALPHA, in the very best way. He was also sweet, loving and just a good guy. Mostly. I couldn't help but giggle at alot of his internal dialogue...his thoughts and feelings felt real. Even though the way Violet meets "Van" isn't the normal way she's never afraid and realizes he's what she needed all along. I highly recommend!!
And yet my body magnetizes to him in a way that is really hard to refuse.
But he's... a stalker I think.
I have a stalker?
I have a stalker.
And its freaking this guy?!
Ohmygosh! I wish more people knew about this book because its SO good! I adored the slightly naughty cop Donovan. He was seriously ALPHA, in the very best way. He was also sweet, loving and just a good guy. Mostly. I couldn't help but giggle at alot of his internal dialogue...his thoughts and feelings felt real. Even though the way Violet meets "Van" isn't the normal way she's never afraid and realizes he's what she needed all along. I highly recommend!!
December 9, 2022
*fans self *
Van is perfect. The second half did drag on for a little bit but I still very much enjoyed it. I loved both the MCs.
Van is perfect. The second half did drag on for a little bit but I still very much enjoyed it. I loved both the MCs.
November 19, 2024
DNF at 24%. sick of the weak, pathetic fmc in dark romance.
dnf
December 18, 2025DNF @35%. It’s been to long, tried to pick it up again and I can’t remember anything. Don’t have the patience to restart lol.
April 25, 2023
“No disrespect to you, Violet, but the thing you need to know about boogeymen is that they don’t tell. Because boogeymen have closets full of skeletons, and they won’t do anything that draws attention to their skeletons, you know?”
This was so unexpected for me and my previous Daisy Jane experience. It took a moment for me to adjust to how dark this book was but I honestly didn’t have any conflict with our Hero and what he did.
Violet lives with her family and they are complete trash humans in every way. Van can sense that the people around Violet are not good to her and his stalking journey begins a year before they even meet face to face.
“I’ve never followed or stalked anyone. I’ve never treated a woman or girlfriend badly. I’m not a dangerous person. But when I started to follow you I just… I got addicted. I wanted more of you, and the more I followed you, the more I thought… you’re so perfect. I can’t just walk up to a woman like you and date you. You’re out of my league. So I just… I kept watching you, and I knew it was wrong but I promised myself one day, I’d meet you and come clean… if you gave me the chance.”
Van is the ultimate tough guy when handling shiz for Violet but when it’s just the two of them he is completely jelly in her hands. Feeding, bathing, braiding hair, massages…gah!
Main elements in this book:
Praise
Worship
Obsessive hero
Abused heroine
Revenge
Rescue
TW:
Physical, verbal and psychological abuse
Sexual harassment
Police who make their own rules
Stalking (duh)
Abduction
Also, that ending scene with the bike shorts, moly holy! 🫠🥵🤤
I love this author and I’m excited to keep up with her collection!
This was so unexpected for me and my previous Daisy Jane experience. It took a moment for me to adjust to how dark this book was but I honestly didn’t have any conflict with our Hero and what he did.
Violet lives with her family and they are complete trash humans in every way. Van can sense that the people around Violet are not good to her and his stalking journey begins a year before they even meet face to face.
“I’ve never followed or stalked anyone. I’ve never treated a woman or girlfriend badly. I’m not a dangerous person. But when I started to follow you I just… I got addicted. I wanted more of you, and the more I followed you, the more I thought… you’re so perfect. I can’t just walk up to a woman like you and date you. You’re out of my league. So I just… I kept watching you, and I knew it was wrong but I promised myself one day, I’d meet you and come clean… if you gave me the chance.”
Van is the ultimate tough guy when handling shiz for Violet but when it’s just the two of them he is completely jelly in her hands. Feeding, bathing, braiding hair, massages…gah!
Main elements in this book:
Praise
Worship
Obsessive hero
Abused heroine
Revenge
Rescue
TW:
Physical, verbal and psychological abuse
Sexual harassment
Police who make their own rules
Stalking (duh)
Abduction
Also, that ending scene with the bike shorts, moly holy! 🫠🥵🤤
I love this author and I’m excited to keep up with her collection!
October 14, 2022
disappointing
Alright, so I read the Cat and Mouse duet by HD Carlton and was like, I could use more stalker romance, but maybe a little less dark.
This was not good. The editing sucked, the writing felt immature, and the spicy scenes felt repetitive. It’s a dual POV book, so you see the characters inner thoughts before they speak, but sometimes the author will have them think something, then repeat the exact same words out loud. It’s lousy writing. This is emphasized by the fact that the author doesn’t know how to use capitals during dialogue.
In addition, there’s this huge focus on Van being a good gift who does morally gray things, but really, he’s a good guy!!
No. He’s a dirty cop that gets away with shit because he and his best friend gaslight their victims.
Also, the so-called “plot twists?” Saw them coming a MILE away.
SPOILER ALERT
Violet is cool with Van putting a camera in her room, threatening to kill her family, stalking her for a year, jacking off in her closet, etc. but draws the line at keeping her diary from her?
Maybe it’s just my disgust at the abuse of power, but all I could think while reading this was ACAB.
Alright, so I read the Cat and Mouse duet by HD Carlton and was like, I could use more stalker romance, but maybe a little less dark.
This was not good. The editing sucked, the writing felt immature, and the spicy scenes felt repetitive. It’s a dual POV book, so you see the characters inner thoughts before they speak, but sometimes the author will have them think something, then repeat the exact same words out loud. It’s lousy writing. This is emphasized by the fact that the author doesn’t know how to use capitals during dialogue.
In addition, there’s this huge focus on Van being a good gift who does morally gray things, but really, he’s a good guy!!
No. He’s a dirty cop that gets away with shit because he and his best friend gaslight their victims.
Also, the so-called “plot twists?” Saw them coming a MILE away.
SPOILER ALERT
Violet is cool with Van putting a camera in her room, threatening to kill her family, stalking her for a year, jacking off in her closet, etc. but draws the line at keeping her diary from her?
Maybe it’s just my disgust at the abuse of power, but all I could think while reading this was ACAB.
May 11, 2022
I think this started off strong, especially the stalker aspect, but I got bored at about 60%. From there, I just wanted this to end and it felt like it kept going and going. It was just a lot of "blah blah happened" between sex scenes and one inevitable fight you could see coming a mile away.
Nothing overtly bad about this overall, but it just felt lackluster. I was annoyed at how naive and childish Violet came across at times. Especially when it came to her determination of what type of person Van was. MVP goes to Sasha, for sure.
Nothing overtly bad about this overall, but it just felt lackluster. I was annoyed at how naive and childish Violet came across at times. Especially when it came to her determination of what type of person Van was. MVP goes to Sasha, for sure.
June 19, 2023
I don’t reread books often but for daisy, I made it a priority. I’m so excited that her books are coming to audio! Audiobooks can destroy a story or (in this case) completely enhance a story. I originally gave this book 4 stars but the audio was just so good that I changed my rating to 5 stars ❤️
Original review: 4 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶
Van is probably the sweetest stalker ever. If you are new to stalker romances and want something that’s not super dark- this one is for you.
I think it was a little lengthy but other than that, I enjoyed it 😁
Original review: 4 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶
Van is probably the sweetest stalker ever. If you are new to stalker romances and want something that’s not super dark- this one is for you.
I think it was a little lengthy but other than that, I enjoyed it 😁
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