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Dollhouse #3
Novelty
A Standalone Novel created in the Dollhouse World.
Retribution has been my only friend. The desire to make those that hurt me pay, my only solace but one act of humanity and I'm taken with my would be rescuer.
Thoughts of him fill my head until I'm as obsessed with him as I am with getting rid of those that tried to break me. Too bad for him being in my crosshairs only brings death, proving no good deed goes unpunished.
She thinks I don't know she's there, waiting, watching, but I see her. I don't know what she wants, but I'm willing to let her play her game until I decide to end it.
Novelty is a MF contemporary standalone novel created in the Dollhouse World. It is intended for mature audiences and contains adult content.
Retribution has been my only friend. The desire to make those that hurt me pay, my only solace but one act of humanity and I'm taken with my would be rescuer.
Thoughts of him fill my head until I'm as obsessed with him as I am with getting rid of those that tried to break me. Too bad for him being in my crosshairs only brings death, proving no good deed goes unpunished.
She thinks I don't know she's there, waiting, watching, but I see her. I don't know what she wants, but I'm willing to let her play her game until I decide to end it.
Novelty is a MF contemporary standalone novel created in the Dollhouse World. It is intended for mature audiences and contains adult content.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2023
129 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Albany Walker
33 books2,099 followersAlbany lives in Michigan where she's happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children's extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany's passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 14, 2024
Chwilę się zastanawiałam, czy ją zaczynać, bardzo się cieszę, że się na to zdecydowałam.
Jak w poprzednich: opieramy się na motywie fascynacji, obserwacji, na granicy stalkingu.
Nowość: tą osobą obserwującą jest kobieta.
I chyba pierwszy raz spotkałam się z motywem morderczyni śledzącej pierwszą osobę, która okazała jej dobroć.
Czyta się świetnie, ogromnie wciąga, zwłaszcza, że mamy tu dwa mocne charaktery, gdzie żaden nie odpuszcza.
Mega cool.
.
.
.
"How’s Fel?”
Rex’s eyes narrow. “Why are you always asking about her?”
“Some days, it’s hard to convince myself she stays around you willingly,” I retort.
That softens his features, something that never happened before her. “Willing or not, she’s mine.” He shrugs, fully admitting he would do anything it took to keep her.
.
"Because babies need their momma and take up a lot of their time,” I answer, dumbfounded that he needed clarity.
“My mom wasn’t ever around.”
“And that turned out so well for you,” I deadpan.
.
"Christ, please don’t tell me you’re using Rex as your relationship role model.”
.
"She looks like trouble all wrapped up in a pretty mess of a package,” Iron says, his thoughts mirroring my own. “I bet she’s like candy to you.” He faces me again.
“More like a fucking headache,” I retort.
.
“I just need to know why she was following me,” I deflect.
“Because she wants your johnson. Oh shit, her last name is Johnson. That’s funny,” Iron remarks, amusing himself. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe he’s actually as smart as he is. “Or she could want to kill you. I think those are pretty much the only reasons a chick would shadow a guy.” That is so much easier to believe.
.
I open a few drawers and cupboards as I pass.
“There are no knives. I noticed your affinity for weapons.”
“You forgot the forks,” I joke, pushing the drawer closed.
“If you manage to kill me with a spoon or fork, I’ll consider it my time to go.”
.
"I expect you to follow the rules, Max.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be a good little girl,” she sneers.
“I don’t want you to be a good little girl. You’re a grown fucking woman. I want you to be smart and recognize you’re in danger, and not to do anything stupid that puts yourself at risk.”
.
"Why do you care about what happens to me?”
“Nobody fucks with what’s mine.”
“I’m not yours,” comes her quick reply.
“Wrong, but they should have known better than to even step foot in the city.”
“I’m not yours,” she says again, this time through gritted teeth.
“You dropped a body on my doorstep, Max. We can see it as a gift or a threat. Would you rather be my enemy?”
.
"Well, if my dead body turns up, she’ll know to send the cops straight to you.”
I crouch in her door, making us eye level as I reach for her seatbelt and buckle it for her. “No worries there, trouble. I’m not planning on killing you, and if I were, they would never find your body.”
Her grin never disappears as she says, “Ah, you never know. It may be me whom she turns in when they find you.”
“Still want to kill me, even though I’ve been keeping you safe?” I adjust her belt, then stand.
“Still want to keep me prisoner, even though I wasn’t hired to kill you?” she counters.
.
"Stay out of my business.”
“No.” I won’t bullshit her. “You made yourself my business.”
.
"You should have gotten rid of me while you had the chance.”
The color in Winger’s eyes shifts to a deeper blue, and a half smile curls his lips, creating a dimple on his cheek. Well, crap, how does that make him even more handsome?
“I was thinking the same thing, Max, but I didn’t give you much of a chance to get away from me, did I?” He’s not smug. If anything, the smile almost looks sad upon further examination.
.
“I’ll never be the person who will be happy hiding behind you, but I’ll always be the one willing to fight at your side, if you let me.”
.
“Please don’t hate me. I think I love you.”
A ball forms in my throat, and a wave of emotion has me ducking my head even closer to her. “Never, and always.”
.
Jak w poprzednich: opieramy się na motywie fascynacji, obserwacji, na granicy stalkingu.
Nowość: tą osobą obserwującą jest kobieta.
I chyba pierwszy raz spotkałam się z motywem morderczyni śledzącej pierwszą osobę, która okazała jej dobroć.
Czyta się świetnie, ogromnie wciąga, zwłaszcza, że mamy tu dwa mocne charaktery, gdzie żaden nie odpuszcza.
Mega cool.
.
.
.
"How’s Fel?”
Rex’s eyes narrow. “Why are you always asking about her?”
“Some days, it’s hard to convince myself she stays around you willingly,” I retort.
That softens his features, something that never happened before her. “Willing or not, she’s mine.” He shrugs, fully admitting he would do anything it took to keep her.
.
"Because babies need their momma and take up a lot of their time,” I answer, dumbfounded that he needed clarity.
“My mom wasn’t ever around.”
“And that turned out so well for you,” I deadpan.
.
"Christ, please don’t tell me you’re using Rex as your relationship role model.”
.
"She looks like trouble all wrapped up in a pretty mess of a package,” Iron says, his thoughts mirroring my own. “I bet she’s like candy to you.” He faces me again.
“More like a fucking headache,” I retort.
.
“I just need to know why she was following me,” I deflect.
“Because she wants your johnson. Oh shit, her last name is Johnson. That’s funny,” Iron remarks, amusing himself. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe he’s actually as smart as he is. “Or she could want to kill you. I think those are pretty much the only reasons a chick would shadow a guy.” That is so much easier to believe.
.
I open a few drawers and cupboards as I pass.
“There are no knives. I noticed your affinity for weapons.”
“You forgot the forks,” I joke, pushing the drawer closed.
“If you manage to kill me with a spoon or fork, I’ll consider it my time to go.”
.
"I expect you to follow the rules, Max.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be a good little girl,” she sneers.
“I don’t want you to be a good little girl. You’re a grown fucking woman. I want you to be smart and recognize you’re in danger, and not to do anything stupid that puts yourself at risk.”
.
"Why do you care about what happens to me?”
“Nobody fucks with what’s mine.”
“I’m not yours,” comes her quick reply.
“Wrong, but they should have known better than to even step foot in the city.”
“I’m not yours,” she says again, this time through gritted teeth.
“You dropped a body on my doorstep, Max. We can see it as a gift or a threat. Would you rather be my enemy?”
.
"Well, if my dead body turns up, she’ll know to send the cops straight to you.”
I crouch in her door, making us eye level as I reach for her seatbelt and buckle it for her. “No worries there, trouble. I’m not planning on killing you, and if I were, they would never find your body.”
Her grin never disappears as she says, “Ah, you never know. It may be me whom she turns in when they find you.”
“Still want to kill me, even though I’ve been keeping you safe?” I adjust her belt, then stand.
“Still want to keep me prisoner, even though I wasn’t hired to kill you?” she counters.
.
"Stay out of my business.”
“No.” I won’t bullshit her. “You made yourself my business.”
.
"You should have gotten rid of me while you had the chance.”
The color in Winger’s eyes shifts to a deeper blue, and a half smile curls his lips, creating a dimple on his cheek. Well, crap, how does that make him even more handsome?
“I was thinking the same thing, Max, but I didn’t give you much of a chance to get away from me, did I?” He’s not smug. If anything, the smile almost looks sad upon further examination.
.
“I’ll never be the person who will be happy hiding behind you, but I’ll always be the one willing to fight at your side, if you let me.”
.
“Please don’t hate me. I think I love you.”
A ball forms in my throat, and a wave of emotion has me ducking my head even closer to her. “Never, and always.”
.
April 8, 2023
It was good! I'm so glad we got a book for Winger~! I wish Maxine had kept her badassery she had at the beginning and did some fighting for Wing besides snarking and death glares. And uggghhhh her being the stalker is so great, I guess I was hoping for almost Rex-level of stalking from her, so I am a little disappointed.
Honestly, I loved how she is different from the previous women and think she is fitting in with the group great. And Maxine and Winger's dynamic is interesting with them both having insecurity issues AND being obsessed with the other without understanding why.
I don't think anything is going to top Amusement for me, but this one was really close to being on par with it which I hope says a lot. I continue looking forward to more books in this series (Saddle???) and of course will always check out anything this author writes.
Honestly, I loved how she is different from the previous women and think she is fitting in with the group great. And Maxine and Winger's dynamic is interesting with them both having insecurity issues AND being obsessed with the other without understanding why.
I don't think anything is going to top Amusement for me, but this one was really close to being on par with it which I hope says a lot. I continue looking forward to more books in this series (Saddle???) and of course will always check out anything this author writes.
March 16, 2023
Well, that was a little darker than I expected. However, the darkness was beautifully written in a fantastic story. The gritty nature of the characters highlighted their own flaws and weaknesses. The trust that Maxine develops for Winger is hard won. In his obsession she found some healing.
Please make sure to check the trigger warnings before reading.
Please make sure to check the trigger warnings before reading.
April 6, 2023
Another heart gripping, toe curling story by Albany Walker. You meet the characters in the other Dollhouse book 1 and 2. . The Dollhouse series is one of my favourite . Albany wrote a great series, it’s well write , very great description . It’s full of mystery and romance.
This story is about Jess . You meet Jess in book 2 . It’s started when there is a murder outside of Dollhouse the bar that you saw in book 1 , ( if you haven’t read it go grab it ). Love how Albany ( the author);brought together the heroine and heron , it’s a love story that you won’t see coming
This story is about Jess . You meet Jess in book 2 . It’s started when there is a murder outside of Dollhouse the bar that you saw in book 1 , ( if you haven’t read it go grab it ). Love how Albany ( the author);brought together the heroine and heron , it’s a love story that you won’t see coming
April 6, 2023
Novelty by Albany Walker
PoV: First person, present tense, dual pov
ToN (Type of Narration): n/a
Audio book length: n/a
Genre and Sub genre: Dark romance
Location: Detroit, Cleveland
Time(s): Current/Contemporary
Tropes: Dark Romance, Stalker, enemies to lovers,
TW/CW's:
Language Rating: 5/5
Sex Rating: 5/5 graphic sex warning:
Maxine Johnson is determined to get revenge for the wrongs committed against her when she was younger. Her vow to do so takes her all over Michigan and Ohio seeking this retribution. She has no family to speak of, and she is mostly drifting in the world on her own, this plan of revenge her only friend. When one simple act of kindness throws her off her game so badly, she almost drops everything to focus on the person who helped her.
Winger has been a bouncer and owner at the Dollhouse for years now. He knows the ins and outs, and is tired of the work. Every night he drinks himself half to death, and then goes home and drinks some more. His life has become empty and meaningless. Except one day, he stops a mugger from attacking a woman on the street, and he realizes that drinking isn’t something he wants to do anymore.
Working on sobering up is hard, but Winger has one bright spot in his day- a sweet little thing named Maxine that has been stalking him. He doesn’t know why, or what she is up to, but he has a new zest for life, and a reason to continue to get sober.
When Maxine is mugged in a parking lot, Winger takes action and gets her wound stitched up, but he is determined to find out who she is working for, and why she has been stalking him. He decides he isn’t going to let her out of his sight until he gets the answers he wants. But who is the victim now? Both of them are dangerous predators, circling and waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce… Will they both leave the house alive as lovers? Or will they both die as enemies? If you love a good cat and mouse game book, this one is for you!
Novelty was a great stalker dark romance. I love how the stalker was female, which is something we often don’t see a lot of in dark romance books. Albany did an incredible job pulling in the characters and making us feel invested in them and caring about the motivations behind their actions. The novel also had me questioning what I would do to get revenge. If I would take it that far.
I loved the relationship between Max and Winger. One thing we don’t hear about, almost at all, is Winger’s back story. We actually heard more about it in book 1 than we did in this book! I believe that Albany could have connected her readers more to Winger by explaining more WHY he had a need to keep his cupboards full, and WHY that compulsion was so important. It is a big part of his backstory that is just glossed over in this book, and it seems weird to me that it was skipped! I love all things Winger, and I wanted more!
One thing I didn’t like is that it felt like the novel just ended. We had the list, we were working on the list, but then all of a sudden we were done… So I guess everyone was taken care of? And I must have missed it, but why was everyone at the cabin together? If you know why, please tell me in the comments below!
Another thing that bothered me about this book is how Winger and Rex said they were going to make the person who killed the lawyer pay. Except when they found out who did it, there was no retribution… In fact, there was nothing ever brought up again that Rex said he was going to make them pay.
I love the way Albany writes, and I love the carefully crafted stories she creates! But in some of her novels I feel like they just end. As if she ran out of time or space and was just done with the book and ended it. This isn’t the first book she has written that has ended this way. It leaves me yearning for more!! I love, love, love her work and feel like there are parts that could totally be expanded upon more, and they aren’t, and the reader is left hanging. Maybe that is the artistic choice though, and maybe I just don’t understand!
I loved revisiting the Dollhouse World, and I am glad we got to go back again! I especially loved Lucy and her kindness towards Winger, offering to bring him soup. That is SO Lucy! I don’t really know who we would read about next, but I would love to go back to Dollhouse again!
PoV: First person, present tense, dual pov
ToN (Type of Narration): n/a
Audio book length: n/a
Genre and Sub genre: Dark romance
Location: Detroit, Cleveland
Time(s): Current/Contemporary
Tropes: Dark Romance, Stalker, enemies to lovers,
TW/CW's:
Language Rating: 5/5
Sex Rating: 5/5 graphic sex warning:
Maxine Johnson is determined to get revenge for the wrongs committed against her when she was younger. Her vow to do so takes her all over Michigan and Ohio seeking this retribution. She has no family to speak of, and she is mostly drifting in the world on her own, this plan of revenge her only friend. When one simple act of kindness throws her off her game so badly, she almost drops everything to focus on the person who helped her.
Winger has been a bouncer and owner at the Dollhouse for years now. He knows the ins and outs, and is tired of the work. Every night he drinks himself half to death, and then goes home and drinks some more. His life has become empty and meaningless. Except one day, he stops a mugger from attacking a woman on the street, and he realizes that drinking isn’t something he wants to do anymore.
Working on sobering up is hard, but Winger has one bright spot in his day- a sweet little thing named Maxine that has been stalking him. He doesn’t know why, or what she is up to, but he has a new zest for life, and a reason to continue to get sober.
When Maxine is mugged in a parking lot, Winger takes action and gets her wound stitched up, but he is determined to find out who she is working for, and why she has been stalking him. He decides he isn’t going to let her out of his sight until he gets the answers he wants. But who is the victim now? Both of them are dangerous predators, circling and waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce… Will they both leave the house alive as lovers? Or will they both die as enemies? If you love a good cat and mouse game book, this one is for you!
Novelty was a great stalker dark romance. I love how the stalker was female, which is something we often don’t see a lot of in dark romance books. Albany did an incredible job pulling in the characters and making us feel invested in them and caring about the motivations behind their actions. The novel also had me questioning what I would do to get revenge. If I would take it that far.
I loved the relationship between Max and Winger. One thing we don’t hear about, almost at all, is Winger’s back story. We actually heard more about it in book 1 than we did in this book! I believe that Albany could have connected her readers more to Winger by explaining more WHY he had a need to keep his cupboards full, and WHY that compulsion was so important. It is a big part of his backstory that is just glossed over in this book, and it seems weird to me that it was skipped! I love all things Winger, and I wanted more!
One thing I didn’t like is that it felt like the novel just ended. We had the list, we were working on the list, but then all of a sudden we were done… So I guess everyone was taken care of? And I must have missed it, but why was everyone at the cabin together? If you know why, please tell me in the comments below!
Another thing that bothered me about this book is how Winger and Rex said they were going to make the person who killed the lawyer pay. Except when they found out who did it, there was no retribution… In fact, there was nothing ever brought up again that Rex said he was going to make them pay.
I love the way Albany writes, and I love the carefully crafted stories she creates! But in some of her novels I feel like they just end. As if she ran out of time or space and was just done with the book and ended it. This isn’t the first book she has written that has ended this way. It leaves me yearning for more!! I love, love, love her work and feel like there are parts that could totally be expanded upon more, and they aren’t, and the reader is left hanging. Maybe that is the artistic choice though, and maybe I just don’t understand!
I loved revisiting the Dollhouse World, and I am glad we got to go back again! I especially loved Lucy and her kindness towards Winger, offering to bring him soup. That is SO Lucy! I don’t really know who we would read about next, but I would love to go back to Dollhouse again!
May 22, 2023
“He gave me back a piece of myself, something that never should have been taken from me, and he slid it into place without even trying. ”
This was not what I was expecting at all.
Expectation:
Girl stalks guy > Guy eventually finds out but pretends he doesn’t know > they both meet at some point > with time, Guy and Girl fall for each other forming a strong but toxic/obsessive bond > the end :)
Reality:
Girl stalks guy > Guy kidnaps girl > Girl is Guy’s enemy…but Guy thinks Girl is cute> both eventually work together to unalive criminals > Guy and Girl form a strong bond (still kinda toxic) with each other > cute and funny epilogue > the end :)
Reality was unexpected but I LOVED it. This was so much more complex than I thought. It moved from stalker romance to captive romance to enemies to lovers romance to proximity romance and more. There were so many tropes in this I couldn’t keep up lol. Personally, I thought everything was well balanced too. Sometimes having too many different things happening in a book can make the reader confused but honestly I was throughly entertained. It slightly reminded me of the Mindf**ked series actually —a much, much, tamer version. This was so interesting I literally had to force myself to stop reading because I’m an adult with responsibilities and that means I need sleep 🥲
Even though I just finished reading, I wish I could read it again.
Also, I’m used to unique pp because I read a lot of monster romance books so I was just expecting a regular plain looking pp in this but the hero did not come to play😳 idk if I should envy the heroine or be scared for her tbh but based on the epilogue I have to assume all is well…maybe too well haha
Afterthought: This had no business being as funny as it was😂 I think that helped a lot because there are some dark themes in here like SA
Emotions:😅🕵️♀️😢😂😮🥶😠🤦♀️😰🥹😔😯🥵😱🫣🥰
Rate: 4.5/5 (the last chapter felt abrupt to me so I can’t say this was perfect)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5 (almost gave this 5 JUST for the pp)
This was not what I was expecting at all.
Expectation:
Girl stalks guy > Guy eventually finds out but pretends he doesn’t know > they both meet at some point > with time, Guy and Girl fall for each other forming a strong but toxic/obsessive bond > the end :)
Reality:
Girl stalks guy > Guy kidnaps girl > Girl is Guy’s enemy…but Guy thinks Girl is cute> both eventually work together to unalive criminals > Guy and Girl form a strong bond (still kinda toxic) with each other > cute and funny epilogue > the end :)
Reality was unexpected but I LOVED it. This was so much more complex than I thought. It moved from stalker romance to captive romance to enemies to lovers romance to proximity romance and more. There were so many tropes in this I couldn’t keep up lol. Personally, I thought everything was well balanced too. Sometimes having too many different things happening in a book can make the reader confused but honestly I was throughly entertained. It slightly reminded me of the Mindf**ked series actually —a much, much, tamer version. This was so interesting I literally had to force myself to stop reading because I’m an adult with responsibilities and that means I need sleep 🥲
Even though I just finished reading, I wish I could read it again.
Also, I’m used to unique pp because I read a lot of monster romance books so I was just expecting a regular plain looking pp in this but the hero did not come to play😳 idk if I should envy the heroine or be scared for her tbh but based on the epilogue I have to assume all is well…maybe too well haha
Afterthought: This had no business being as funny as it was😂 I think that helped a lot because there are some dark themes in here like SA
Emotions:😅🕵️♀️😢😂😮🥶😠🤦♀️😰🥹😔😯🥵😱🫣🥰
Rate: 4.5/5 (the last chapter felt abrupt to me so I can’t say this was perfect)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5 (almost gave this 5 JUST for the pp)
August 2, 2025
3-3.5 ⭐️
Novelty is the third interconnected standalone set in the "Dollhouse" world. The main male character is Winger, who we already know from the previous books, and the main female character is Maxine, someone new to the world.
As I believe I said about book two (Diversion), book one (Amusement) is the best of the series, with the next two not reaching the fun uniqueness of Rex's stalker-ness, but I did enjoy them both all the same.
It's kind of weird, because not a whole lot happens in this book, and the couple doesn't really spend any time together until almost halfway through, (and the mildish steam is near the end, for those that matters to) but I find this author's voice and style simultaneously entertaining and comforting so it doesn't bother me to read as events slowly unfold, and that is saying more than it seems since I have really struggled to stay engaged with books lately.
There are several dark actions in this book so I'm sure some coin this a dark romance but the tone is way not dark to me and I would not classify it as such for myself. The heroine is on a revenge tour and the hero is part of a group of criminals, and neither hold back on the kinds of things criminals do, but despite them doing things people like that do, it really comes across as slightly gritty contemporary romance to me (though I admit my scale goes darker than most).
This is the last book currently out set in this world, but I would happily read more so I hope the author continues on in it someday. I will definitely be checking out her other books/series though since as I said, I love the writing style.
Novelty is the third interconnected standalone set in the "Dollhouse" world. The main male character is Winger, who we already know from the previous books, and the main female character is Maxine, someone new to the world.
As I believe I said about book two (Diversion), book one (Amusement) is the best of the series, with the next two not reaching the fun uniqueness of Rex's stalker-ness, but I did enjoy them both all the same.
It's kind of weird, because not a whole lot happens in this book, and the couple doesn't really spend any time together until almost halfway through, (and the mildish steam is near the end, for those that matters to) but I find this author's voice and style simultaneously entertaining and comforting so it doesn't bother me to read as events slowly unfold, and that is saying more than it seems since I have really struggled to stay engaged with books lately.
There are several dark actions in this book so I'm sure some coin this a dark romance but the tone is way not dark to me and I would not classify it as such for myself. The heroine is on a revenge tour and the hero is part of a group of criminals, and neither hold back on the kinds of things criminals do, but despite them doing things people like that do, it really comes across as slightly gritty contemporary romance to me (though I admit my scale goes darker than most).
This is the last book currently out set in this world, but I would happily read more so I hope the author continues on in it someday. I will definitely be checking out her other books/series though since as I said, I love the writing style.
April 3, 2023
3.5 stars.
The writing style is something I will always love from Albany. You get to know the characters really well.
I haven’t read anything in the Dollhouse word until this story.
I love winger. But because I haven’t read previous stories with him, I feel like I didn’t know him very well. But I knew him just enough to know he is ruthless but with a big heart.
To me, this story wasn’t very dark. However, it was a great introduction story to dark romances.
Max was slightly annoying, but not so annoying it hurt the story. She was only annoying because she dealt with so much trauma she refused to be pushed around. Even when we know she should listen.
The story itself is kind of insta love. So if you don’t like insta love, it’s possible you won’t like this. It isn’t love at first sight, but obvious attraction and a need to have/posses the other.
The major issues I had with this was how quickly things went. There was so much time spent on being locked up in the apartment but not enough getting revenge. It just went from a list, to like two being taken care of and then we are left just knowing the rest is taken care of.
We know the story line, but there is no big big bad. Just some crappy people that get what is coming to them.
Overall it’s enjoyable and quick.
The writing style is something I will always love from Albany. You get to know the characters really well.
I haven’t read anything in the Dollhouse word until this story.
I love winger. But because I haven’t read previous stories with him, I feel like I didn’t know him very well. But I knew him just enough to know he is ruthless but with a big heart.
To me, this story wasn’t very dark. However, it was a great introduction story to dark romances.
Max was slightly annoying, but not so annoying it hurt the story. She was only annoying because she dealt with so much trauma she refused to be pushed around. Even when we know she should listen.
The story itself is kind of insta love. So if you don’t like insta love, it’s possible you won’t like this. It isn’t love at first sight, but obvious attraction and a need to have/posses the other.
The major issues I had with this was how quickly things went. There was so much time spent on being locked up in the apartment but not enough getting revenge. It just went from a list, to like two being taken care of and then we are left just knowing the rest is taken care of.
We know the story line, but there is no big big bad. Just some crappy people that get what is coming to them.
Overall it’s enjoyable and quick.
April 6, 2023
I was so excited to read Winger's story. I love how protective he was with Lucy even knowing how crazy Rex was. And Albany did not disappoint. I loved that Winger and Max both are a little crazy in their own rights. Winger quickly just wants to do whatever he can to protect Max both physically and her heart. He knows her story and what she has been through and even if he has to lock her away from the world, which he may do ;), maybe for forever, just to keep her safe. They are both a little crazy. Both have stalker tendencies. I like seeing other characters emerge that you want to learn more about. I would read some of their stories, so I hope there are more. Especially Saddle and Masher. For Saddle especially I think we get a glimpse of things to come at the end. Which is saying enough without giving anything away. Will Maxine find those she is looking for? Will Winger succeed in not locking Maxine away and pushing her away? Will the Novelty wear off?
March 21, 2023
A dead lawyer in the area of the Dollhouse has Winger wondering if it was meant to be a hit or a warning to his guys, either way he was on guard. Maxine was someone he never thought was a killer and when she followed him home one night, he was all about wanting to know who sent her and was he her next target. After Maxine got stabbed Winger took her to a safe apartment and got her on the road to getting better. But neither of them had any idea just how dangerous the other is or could be. and being in the same place 24/7 will they start to catch feelings for each other, or will Winger really land his name on Maxine's hit list when or if he ever lets her leave. ugh once again Albany hits it out of the park and the bantering between these two is just hilarious, I love the dollhouse world and can't wait for more.
March 12, 2023
Wooo, that was a ride! This is not a story for the faint of heart, but if you love slightly jagged killers who find the other broken piece to their puzzle - this is the book for you! Do heed the triggers, though, since there are some heavy subjects.
This is the first book for me in the Dollhouse series, but now I'll HAVE to go back and get Rex's and Iron's stories. I love that the big bad, Winger, is the one being stalked by the pretty killer, instead of the innocent female getting stalked by the big bad wolf this time around. Max has been through a lot of dark stuff in her life, and I like that they happened to stumble upon each other and how they are obsessed with each other, even before meeting for real. Dark and delicious and a bit psychotic - the very best kind of romance!
This is the first book for me in the Dollhouse series, but now I'll HAVE to go back and get Rex's and Iron's stories. I love that the big bad, Winger, is the one being stalked by the pretty killer, instead of the innocent female getting stalked by the big bad wolf this time around. Max has been through a lot of dark stuff in her life, and I like that they happened to stumble upon each other and how they are obsessed with each other, even before meeting for real. Dark and delicious and a bit psychotic - the very best kind of romance!
April 5, 2023
I love being back at the Dollhouse. There’s a slight twist to Novelty, on who is actually doing the stalking and killing and for that I was hooked.
Maxine’s childhood is horrific, but it helped shaped who she is as an adult. Deciding to enact some vengeance on those that hurt her, Max throws out some serious killer vibes. When her path collides with Wringer it throws her off and lands him in her line of sight.
I love the dynamic between Wringer and Max. Obsessed with each other from the beginning, each is broken in their own way, but together they fill the jagged pieces of their own puzzles perfectly.
I loved the character crossovers from the previous two books and reminded me on just how much I enjoy this series. Novelty is a dark slow burn and every bit psychotically addicting.
Maxine’s childhood is horrific, but it helped shaped who she is as an adult. Deciding to enact some vengeance on those that hurt her, Max throws out some serious killer vibes. When her path collides with Wringer it throws her off and lands him in her line of sight.
I love the dynamic between Wringer and Max. Obsessed with each other from the beginning, each is broken in their own way, but together they fill the jagged pieces of their own puzzles perfectly.
I loved the character crossovers from the previous two books and reminded me on just how much I enjoy this series. Novelty is a dark slow burn and every bit psychotically addicting.
April 6, 2023
Great addition to the Dollhouse world!
All of the dollhouse books are about characters that are a little broken and a little morally gray, this one is no different except Winger and Maxine are more than a little broken. But their broken parts fit together beautifully. I think this book has the best character arcs of the series and you really feel the changes they go through. Winger deserved someone that was just as uber devoted and protective of him as Rex and Irons were for their partners. Maxine was perfect for him, just like he was perfect for her. It's like they woke each other up and brought each other to life. As with all of Albany's books, I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet but I'm super curious to see if Saddle will get his own book, too.
All of the dollhouse books are about characters that are a little broken and a little morally gray, this one is no different except Winger and Maxine are more than a little broken. But their broken parts fit together beautifully. I think this book has the best character arcs of the series and you really feel the changes they go through. Winger deserved someone that was just as uber devoted and protective of him as Rex and Irons were for their partners. Maxine was perfect for him, just like he was perfect for her. It's like they woke each other up and brought each other to life. As with all of Albany's books, I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet but I'm super curious to see if Saddle will get his own book, too.
March 31, 2023
Novelty is a Stalker Romance book that takes place in the Dollhouse world. You will hear the characters you know from the other books but it is not required to read them to enjoy this book! Our FMC Maxine had a tragic pass and due to the nature of how her mother treated her she was removed from her care. Now grown up she seeks revenge. She will not stop until her list is completed. At the beginning of this story the MMC saves her from a mugging. With this she now becomes obsessed with why. I really did enjoy this book from Albany. This is a slow burn. You will not see much spice in it at all until much later in the book. Happy reading!
April 3, 2023
Loving this series from Albany Walker. Novelty delivers a dark, slow burn, steamy romance with a fresh take on the stalker trope. It's gripping in parts and I loved how different it was from any of the stalker romances I have read so far- and I've made it a point to read as many as I can find. Max and Winger were perfect for each other in a lot of ways. They are both incredibly guarded, which really adds to the story. I'm a sucker for the overprotective, possessive alpha male, which makes Winger such an attractive hero. If you love slow burn and stalker romances- then definitely pick this one up!
April 6, 2023
When the man you've been stalking starts stalking you back. Risks his life to save yours and then kidnaps you.
What a book! A slow burn, highly addictive read.
Based in the Dollhouse world, we finally get Wingers story, and it did not disappoint. I loved his character in the first one and love that he is finally finding his happily ever after!
I love stalker books, but this was my first one where it's the FMC who stalks the MMC, and I love that! Albany did a great job at turning the tables and keeping us guessing.
The emotional toll that each character is carrying with them is a lot. The way that they help each other recover and move forward is, I think, one of the best parts of the book!
What a book! A slow burn, highly addictive read.
Based in the Dollhouse world, we finally get Wingers story, and it did not disappoint. I loved his character in the first one and love that he is finally finding his happily ever after!
I love stalker books, but this was my first one where it's the FMC who stalks the MMC, and I love that! Albany did a great job at turning the tables and keeping us guessing.
The emotional toll that each character is carrying with them is a lot. The way that they help each other recover and move forward is, I think, one of the best parts of the book!
April 8, 2023
Novelty is quite a dark yet great story. Maxine & Winger are quite a dynamic. This is a slow burn with a dark story. Maxine has been through it! Like really through it! She has become someone who's actions she isn't a fan of but still does because revenge and justice and necessary! Just call her KARMA! He is her dark angel. In a sense! Winger has his own past and stays tucked in the darkness himself. Truly they are meant to cross paths purely from fate! YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK! THERE ARE HEAVY TRIGGERS AND TROPES PLEASE BE AWARE AND CONSCIOUS OF THE AUTHORS NOTE!
Albany Walker
Albany Walker
July 6, 2023
What happens when a vigilante and a crime boss fall into each other's web?
In another world, these two would become mortal enemies. However, things are different here in the Dollhouse world ...
I've enjoyed every installment in this series of stand-alone books. The men of Dollhouse are deliciously OTT J/P. If that's your jam, you better come make a sandwich. While each book is a stand-alone, reading out of order does contain slight spoilers for past events.
I enjoyed Winger and Max immensely. Two chaotic souls. My only gripe is I hated the repeat going ok during some of the dual POV and it also slowed in pace for me during certain points.
In another world, these two would become mortal enemies. However, things are different here in the Dollhouse world ...
I've enjoyed every installment in this series of stand-alone books. The men of Dollhouse are deliciously OTT J/P. If that's your jam, you better come make a sandwich. While each book is a stand-alone, reading out of order does contain slight spoilers for past events.
I enjoyed Winger and Max immensely. Two chaotic souls. My only gripe is I hated the repeat going ok during some of the dual POV and it also slowed in pace for me during certain points.
April 6, 2023
I mean, stalker romance? Check. The Dollhouse world? Check check. I LOVE returning to the dark and obsessive world created in this series. While all books can and do stand alone, you really get the most out of the connections by reading them in order. Here we meet Max and Winger, two damaged souls who are inexorably and obsessively drawn together. One thing this author is so skilled at is drawing you into the painful and chaotic motivations of her characters, and they resonate so deeply with the hurt spaces we all carry. Definitely a do not miss!
April 8, 2023
Very Good
I have been in a reading slump lately. I start books with great reviews and stop reading before finishing. So many books in my DNF collection. I’m happy to slay this one broke my slump. I have liked the other books in the Dollhouse world and hoped this one would be just as good. I enjoyed reading it. I was glad to see Winger get his happy ever after. I liked both characters. I like how the characters are dark but good to each other. My only complaint is that it ended a little suddenly for my taste.
I have been in a reading slump lately. I start books with great reviews and stop reading before finishing. So many books in my DNF collection. I’m happy to slay this one broke my slump. I have liked the other books in the Dollhouse world and hoped this one would be just as good. I enjoyed reading it. I was glad to see Winger get his happy ever after. I liked both characters. I like how the characters are dark but good to each other. My only complaint is that it ended a little suddenly for my taste.
April 11, 2023
Wingers story was good, and what I had hoped for. I liked the fire between Winger and Max, the push and pull between the two! I just wanted a little bit more angst and sorrow in it...both characters have struggled and lived through hard times in their youth. I wanted more pain and feels from it, they have been damaged from the past but find something in each other. Whilst that is what I wanted as a reader, I still wanted to experience and feel more roller coaster emotions that happened from what they both went through. But otherwise, another good read and a great addition to the series!
June 6, 2023
Obsessive Love
Max has a list created from her past. When Winger unknowingly steps in to help a woman in an alley he don’t even know it is Max until she becomes obsessed with his act of kindness. This causes all kinds of red flags for Winger and thinks she is trying to take him out.
I really enjoyed the dry sarcasm and sass that Maxine gives to Winger. She was a spitfire and made me laugh. Winger basically kidnapped her to owns her in his mind. Revenge is so sweet.
This was a slow burn, D POV. Ends with a HEA. You also got a little bit of Rex and Lucy.
Max has a list created from her past. When Winger unknowingly steps in to help a woman in an alley he don’t even know it is Max until she becomes obsessed with his act of kindness. This causes all kinds of red flags for Winger and thinks she is trying to take him out.
I really enjoyed the dry sarcasm and sass that Maxine gives to Winger. She was a spitfire and made me laugh. Winger basically kidnapped her to owns her in his mind. Revenge is so sweet.
This was a slow burn, D POV. Ends with a HEA. You also got a little bit of Rex and Lucy.
April 3, 2023
My first time reading one of the Dollhouse novels, and I really enjoyed it! Looking forward to getting the other books set in this world.
This is not a light-hearted story. Max and Winger are both damaged by their pasts. Their present is filled with violence, anger, and self-hatred. But there is something about each of them-- they do bad things but are not all bad. They are good for each other. I loved the chemistry between them, seeing their relationship evolve. Great characters!
This is not a light-hearted story. Max and Winger are both damaged by their pasts. Their present is filled with violence, anger, and self-hatred. But there is something about each of them-- they do bad things but are not all bad. They are good for each other. I loved the chemistry between them, seeing their relationship evolve. Great characters!
April 5, 2023
OMG how did I not know going into this that it was Winger’s story 😍 This one has less spice than Amusement but it was so sweet and I feel like we got to see their feelings really grow. Leaning about Max’s and Winger’s past and the different struggles that both had to get through was intense. I love that they both are equally obsessed with each other and not willing to give the other up even if the other person tried to get away.
April 6, 2023
This is the third standalone in the Dollhouse Series. It is a dark, contemporary, slow-burn, steamy, stalker romance. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Winger and Max are awesome. The writing, storytelling, character development, relationship development, and flow are fantastic, as are the wit, emotion, and steam. I loved this book and cannot wait for more fabulous stories by this author.
April 6, 2023
Please read the trigger warning before reading this book! Albany did amazing job with this book and I can’t wait to see what is next! I loved this book! There was so many questions that was left unanswered for me but that’s okay maybe they will get answered in the next book! But this book was basically about Maxine and Winger. How they met and how they started out acting together. I do hope she will finish their story though!
April 7, 2023
Yesss!!
This entire series has me hooked! I loved loved loved reading Maxine and Winger’s book. And I absolutely loved Maxine from the moment she stepped on the page. I love the way Albany writes these strong female characters and writes the men that are obsessed with their women!
I’m always sad when these books come to an end because I always end up wanting more. And I definitely need more!
This entire series has me hooked! I loved loved loved reading Maxine and Winger’s book. And I absolutely loved Maxine from the moment she stepped on the page. I love the way Albany writes these strong female characters and writes the men that are obsessed with their women!
I’m always sad when these books come to an end because I always end up wanting more. And I definitely need more!
April 26, 2023
intense with a slow burn
And so the stalker stalks the stalker. I loved reading about Maxine and Winger! A lot of angst, banter, and plot driven goodness in here. Maxine is so fierce and dangerous, despite her trauma. I love a wicked tough FMC. Winger definitely is all man, specifically, morally gray man, but he honestly cares so deeply about protecting Max. This is slow burn, but well worth it.
And so the stalker stalks the stalker. I loved reading about Maxine and Winger! A lot of angst, banter, and plot driven goodness in here. Maxine is so fierce and dangerous, despite her trauma. I love a wicked tough FMC. Winger definitely is all man, specifically, morally gray man, but he honestly cares so deeply about protecting Max. This is slow burn, but well worth it.
June 17, 2023
Disappointed
I’ve waited so long for Winger’s story and I’m gutted because it’s not good. I’m a kindle unlimited customer and after borrowing the first 2 in the series I bought them as I enjoyed them both, though, Amusement is my favourite.
Winger’s story had the potential to be emotional and gritty but honestly it was boring and felt like it had been written by a bot.
Disappointed
I’ve waited so long for Winger’s story and I’m gutted because it’s not good. I’m a kindle unlimited customer and after borrowing the first 2 in the series I bought them as I enjoyed them both, though, Amusement is my favourite.
Winger’s story had the potential to be emotional and gritty but honestly it was boring and felt like it had been written by a bot.
Disappointed
April 4, 2024
Good story line
Enjoyable but I didn't like how after the initial build up of Max being a total bad ass that the author made her seem weak. I fell for Winger in Rex and Lucy's story. He seemed so chill and caring in the ways he could be then we find out he's dependent on alcohol?? The Winger in the first story didn't match this stories version of Winger. I also would have liked more detail about his and Maxs past. It was very vague.
Still it was a good read.
Enjoyable but I didn't like how after the initial build up of Max being a total bad ass that the author made her seem weak. I fell for Winger in Rex and Lucy's story. He seemed so chill and caring in the ways he could be then we find out he's dependent on alcohol?? The Winger in the first story didn't match this stories version of Winger. I also would have liked more detail about his and Maxs past. It was very vague.
Still it was a good read.
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