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Always #1
Always Watching
ᴡʜᴀ� ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴀ ꜱᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴅᴇꜱ ᴀ ᴄᴀᴍʙᴏʏ ɪ� ʜɪ�?
ℝ𝕒𝕟𝕖�
My life has become a nightmare. A stalker intent on having me permeates my waking moments. Gifts and threatening messages greet me at every turn. Every cam session is filled with the fear of them watching me in my most intimate moments. One day, my stalker takes it a step further than words and attacks me in my home. Just when I think I won’t make it, a stranger with a blue-green stare saves me from my fate.
ℕ𝕠𝕣𝕥�
I wanted him before I knew his name, and he’s belonged to me since the first time I touched him. When a crazed fan attacks him, there’s only one solution. I move in with Ranen to keep him safe. Now I need to navigate finding his stalker while keeping my murderous habits in check. All I want is Ranen. I just have to figure out how to make him mine.
~~~
𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 is a dark MM romance featuring a psychopath who will stop at nothing to keep his camboy safe from any danger that comes his way� By any means necessary.
ℝ𝕒𝕟𝕖�
My life has become a nightmare. A stalker intent on having me permeates my waking moments. Gifts and threatening messages greet me at every turn. Every cam session is filled with the fear of them watching me in my most intimate moments. One day, my stalker takes it a step further than words and attacks me in my home. Just when I think I won’t make it, a stranger with a blue-green stare saves me from my fate.
ℕ𝕠𝕣𝕥�
I wanted him before I knew his name, and he’s belonged to me since the first time I touched him. When a crazed fan attacks him, there’s only one solution. I move in with Ranen to keep him safe. Now I need to navigate finding his stalker while keeping my murderous habits in check. All I want is Ranen. I just have to figure out how to make him mine.
~~~
𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 is a dark MM romance featuring a psychopath who will stop at nothing to keep his camboy safe from any danger that comes his way� By any means necessary.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
325 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Lee McCormick
13books233followersLee McCormick has been writing since they were very young, and they've finally found the courage to offer up some of their favorite ideas to the world.Parent to two amazing kids and three pretty fantastic dogs, they've always been fascinated with dark romance and love that transcends time and reason.
When they aren't busy working on their novels, you can usually find them browsing queer romance recommendations or playing a video game. (Baldur's Gate 3 is the current obsession!)
When they aren't busy working on their novels, you can usually find them browsing queer romance recommendations or playing a video game. (Baldur's Gate 3 is the current obsession!)
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dnf
March 7, 2025MM Romance
DNF @ 30%
I am so bored 🥱 and I can’t believe something by these two authors can be so lackluster because they usually deliver messy romance which is what I’m in the mood for. This is about a cam boy, Ranen, who has a stalker that attacks him and is saved by an obsessed fan who is also a serial killer, North 🤦🏻♀️💀. The names are seriously terrible. They are now living together in Ranen’s apartment as he somehow let this total stranger move in and it’s just so incredibly boring. Nothing is happening. During the attack, Ranen saw the attacker’s brown eyes but that’s all he knows about what he looks like. Shortly before passing out though he looks into North’s blue green ones as he’s saving him so when he wakes up in the hospital and sees those green blue eyes he automatically feels safe and lets him move in. 🤦🏻♀�
I have a theory that the stalker is going to be Ranen’s landlord because the author keeps mentioning his “calculating brown eyes�. 🙄 Someone want to tell me if I’m right?
No rating because I’m under 50% but I have fallen as sleep twice and regret picking this up.
DNF @ 30%
I am so bored 🥱 and I can’t believe something by these two authors can be so lackluster because they usually deliver messy romance which is what I’m in the mood for. This is about a cam boy, Ranen, who has a stalker that attacks him and is saved by an obsessed fan who is also a serial killer, North 🤦🏻♀️💀. The names are seriously terrible. They are now living together in Ranen’s apartment as he somehow let this total stranger move in and it’s just so incredibly boring. Nothing is happening. During the attack, Ranen saw the attacker’s brown eyes but that’s all he knows about what he looks like. Shortly before passing out though he looks into North’s blue green ones as he’s saving him so when he wakes up in the hospital and sees those green blue eyes he automatically feels safe and lets him move in. 🤦🏻♀�
I have a theory that the stalker is going to be Ranen’s landlord because the author keeps mentioning his “calculating brown eyes�. 🙄 Someone want to tell me if I’m right?
No rating because I’m under 50% but I have fallen as sleep twice and regret picking this up.
February 26, 2025
I enjoyed this fun, opposite-attractive romance between serial killer North and camboy Ranen. This premise alone piqued my interest due to the crazy shenanigans of what this premise could lead to. I was not disappointed at all in this story. I loved North's relentless pursuit to own, consume, and defend Ranen from any dangerous threats. His character runs on his instinct, which never let him down especially when he finds himself drawn to the innocent Ranen, who must be protected at all costs.
Ranen on the other hand is both shocked and awed by North's blatant devotion and primal need to protect him. Together they go on quite an unorthodox adventure full of surprises, violence and steamy moments that I could not get enough of.
Overall, this story is fun, entertaining, dark, and twisted, with the amazing relationship between North and Ranen at its center. I loved the introduction to this world and its characters and cannot wait for the next installment.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Ranen on the other hand is both shocked and awed by North's blatant devotion and primal need to protect him. Together they go on quite an unorthodox adventure full of surprises, violence and steamy moments that I could not get enough of.
Overall, this story is fun, entertaining, dark, and twisted, with the amazing relationship between North and Ranen at its center. I loved the introduction to this world and its characters and cannot wait for the next installment.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
May 5, 2025
Ranen + North 🖤
Professional killer and camboy | Obsession | Virgin MC
Yes yes. I'll take more of this please.
Also very much looking forward to Atlas and Calvin's book.
....
"It felt right, holding him. It felt like some part of me had come home and made a nest between my ribs, sinking in hooks and nails and teeth."
"Fuck, he’s like a little rabbit, caught in the eyes of a wolf. I just need to find a way to make sure he knows I’ll only bite if he asks."
“I know you can take care of yourself, Ranen, but you don’t have to while I’m around."
"As much as I’d like to make him disappear so Ranen’s attention is completely focused on me, I have to remind myself that it’s not nice to kill everyone he knows just because I’m jealous."
"As much as I want to go to his apartment with him, maybe find an excuse to get my mouth back on his� I can’t. There’s a man waiting for me, tied up in my dad’s trunk. It would be extremely inconsiderate to leave him waiting."
“Look at you, you’re such a fucking dirty mess for me.� I lean in close, pressing my lips to his ear, my voice a husky growl. “All marked up and leaking, stretched open from my dick.� Ranen shudders, and I brush my lips against his temple softly. “You’re so good for me, baby. So fucking perfect.�
"Maybe telling your boyfriend- isn’t- the- right- word- but- obsession- sounds- too- creepy that you’re a serial killer is more a discussion for dessert."
"I love you� and it means that he knows I’m doing this because I want to show him. I love you� and it means that I’m the only one who is ever going to get to touch him like this again. I love you� and it means the low gasp that tears from his throat when I press inside him and the way he whines my name is a song I get to hear for the rest of my life."
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Strangers to lovers
Professional killer & camboy
Protector
Twink
Reverse kidnapping
Size difference
Obsession
Good boy
Virgin MC
Hurt/comfort
Surprise virgin (other MC doesn't find out until he's already inside)
Camboy gets his 🍒 popped on camera
Hands free 💦
💦 in pants
Sex next to attackers dead body
Blood from MC injury used as lube
Rough sex
Mine
Public claiming
"Baby"
Snowballing
Strict roles
Touch him and die
Spanking
Exhibitionism (virtually)
Dry hump to completion
💦 while giving head
TWs:
Murder
Torture
Stalker (outside the relationship)
Home break-in resulting in MC getting beat
Hospital stay
Mentions of parents and grandparent death
Professional killer and camboy | Obsession | Virgin MC
Yes yes. I'll take more of this please.
Also very much looking forward to Atlas and Calvin's book.
....
"It felt right, holding him. It felt like some part of me had come home and made a nest between my ribs, sinking in hooks and nails and teeth."
"Fuck, he’s like a little rabbit, caught in the eyes of a wolf. I just need to find a way to make sure he knows I’ll only bite if he asks."
“I know you can take care of yourself, Ranen, but you don’t have to while I’m around."
"As much as I’d like to make him disappear so Ranen’s attention is completely focused on me, I have to remind myself that it’s not nice to kill everyone he knows just because I’m jealous."
"As much as I want to go to his apartment with him, maybe find an excuse to get my mouth back on his� I can’t. There’s a man waiting for me, tied up in my dad’s trunk. It would be extremely inconsiderate to leave him waiting."
“Look at you, you’re such a fucking dirty mess for me.� I lean in close, pressing my lips to his ear, my voice a husky growl. “All marked up and leaking, stretched open from my dick.� Ranen shudders, and I brush my lips against his temple softly. “You’re so good for me, baby. So fucking perfect.�
"Maybe telling your boyfriend- isn’t- the- right- word- but- obsession- sounds- too- creepy that you’re a serial killer is more a discussion for dessert."
"I love you� and it means that he knows I’m doing this because I want to show him. I love you� and it means that I’m the only one who is ever going to get to touch him like this again. I love you� and it means the low gasp that tears from his throat when I press inside him and the way he whines my name is a song I get to hear for the rest of my life."
....
⚠️ potential spoilers below in detailed tropes and trigger warnings
Tropes:
Strangers to lovers
Professional killer & camboy
Protector
Twink
Reverse kidnapping
Size difference
Obsession
Good boy
Virgin MC
Hurt/comfort
Surprise virgin (other MC doesn't find out until he's already inside)
Camboy gets his 🍒 popped on camera
Hands free 💦
💦 in pants
Sex next to attackers dead body
Blood from MC injury used as lube
Rough sex
Mine
Public claiming
"Baby"
Snowballing
Strict roles
Touch him and die
Spanking
Exhibitionism (virtually)
Dry hump to completion
💦 while giving head
TWs:
Murder
Torture
Stalker (outside the relationship)
Home break-in resulting in MC getting beat
Hospital stay
Mentions of parents and grandparent death
May 24, 2025
⭐️ 5/5 🌶� 4/5 � Unhinged perfection.
Let me start by saying this book ate and left no crumbs. None. I licked the fuckin� plate, okay? This story is absolutely unhinged, and I loved every second of it. If you're here for healthy, fluffy romance� turn your ass around. This ain't it. But if you're like me—deranged, emotionally unwell, and thriving on dangerous love and found family murder cults? Buckle the fuck in. 😈😌
We meet Ranen, a sweet and struggling camboy who sells his innocence—but he actually enjoys it—to fund care for his dementia-suffering grandpa—his only family. That alone? Gut punch. I'm already a sucker for this boy. Then enters North Sinclair—cold-blooded serial killer to the world, loyal boyfriend-material psychopath to Ranen. 📸🖤🔪
North is incapable of feeling real emotion. He fakes empathy, fakes social cues, but somehow, with Ranen, the world shifts. He starts feeling—genuinely and terrifyingly. That transition? Delicious. His inner monologues had me wheezing and swooning at the same time. North is petty, jealous, petulant, and possessive as hell—and I ate it up. That petty war with Olly in the early chapters and North's innocent confusions inner monologues on how to be in a relationship? Literal comedy gold. 💀🤣
The whole Sinclair family dynamic deserves its own series. Atlas, Wylder, and North are all terrifying psychopaths, but also act like a fucked-up Brady Bunch from Hell. Their version of “How are you?� is “Did you kill someone today?”—iconic. I want to sit at that murdery-ass dinner table and pass the salt while someone bleeds out next to the potatoes. 🩸🥔
Their bond spirals from guarded trust to mutual obsession. Ranen goes from scared, unsure, and sweet to completely feral for North, and I was cheering the whole goddamn way. The emotional climax around chapter 20-21? Babe, I highlighted half the fuckin' book. Ranen saw North—his darkness, his family, his brutal truth—and said "I love you." That moment?? That’s everything I read romance for. 🙂↕️🥹❤️�
And the ending? Plot twist from hell, and I loved every dark second. North straight-up murders him, and I cheered like I was courtside. Justice served—with blood. 🤯☠️
Final Thoughts: This book is a perfect blend of sick, twisted, and tender. It gave me obsession, domestic softness, emotional rawness, and literal murder. North and Ranen are soulmates—unhinged, messy, and hopelessly in love. The found family aspect with the Sinclairs? Weirdly wholesome in a “we’ll hide a body for you� kinda way. 😍🤗😂
I can't wait to read Atlas and Calvin’s book. Also, Wylder and Matteo?? That “Princess� nickname has taken over my brain and I can’t un-stuck it. I swear if those two don’t get a book, I’m committing crimes. 😈😤
-
Quotes:
It takes three rings before my dad answers, and his voice is gruff and thick with sleep. I didn’t bother to check the time, and I feel no guilt when he sighs.
“Did you kill someone?�
-
The phone rings three times before my brother picks up.
“Did you kill someone?� Fuck, why is that always the first question my family asks me?
-
“I know you can take care of yourself, Ranen, but you don’t have to while I’m around. You heal, and let me handle the rest.�
-
Was there a right time to confess to the man you’d forcibly moved in with that you were a serial killer?
-
“You fucked with something that’s mine. You don’t get to do that and live.�
-
I need to head back to Ranen.
Fuck, this is more complicated than I thought.
Home. When I think of him, I think of the word home.
-
"Look at you, you're such a fucking dirty mess for me."
"All marked up and leaking, stretched open from my dick."
"You're so good for me, baby. So fucking perfect."
-
“Show them all how good you are for me. Come on� come on my fingers, baby. Give it to me.� I fuck into him a few more times with my digits and Ranen cries out. I catch the sound of it with my mouth on his, and pull his cheeks apart so the camera can see his hole as it pulses, as he leaks my come down his thighs and his cock spurts a few droplets on my waist again.
-
RC and MCs:
🔪📸 MM, strict top/bottom
🔪📸 North Sinclair 28yo, Ranen Greer a.k.a. Cassidy Star (Cas) 22yo
🔪📸 North: Blue-green eyes, dark hair
🔪📸 Ranen: 5ft5/165cm, blue eyes, red hair
Genre, tropes, and all things my safety fam needs to know:
🔪📸 MM dark contemporary romance
🔪📸 Psychopath serial killer x camboy
🔪📸 Virgin MC
🔪📸 Morally gray MCs
🔪📸 Tattooed MC
🔪📸 J/P obsessive protective MC
🔪📸 Stalking
🔪📸 Mine mine mine
🔪📸 Reverse-kidnapping
🔪📸 Size difference
🔪📸 Strangers to lovers
🔪📸 Only soft for him
🔪📸 Touch him and die (literally)
🔪📸 Mutual obsessions
🔪📸 Found family
🔪📸 Codependency
🔪📸 Separation anxiety
🔪📸 Angst: Medium
🔪📸 Vibes: Dark, intense, funny, sweet, steamy
🔪📸 OW/OM drama: No
🔪📸 Cheating/sharing: No
🔪📸 Third act breakup: No
🔪📸 Ending: HFN
🔪📸 Epilogue: Yes
🔪📸 Series structure: Interconnected standalone
Spice and kinks:
Exhibitionism, sex toys (dildo), mutual jerk-off session, cum play, snowballing, coming untouched, praise kink, branding/marking (biting, hickeys), bareback, dry humping to completion, coming in pants, rimming, coming hands-free, blood play, blood as lube, cum as lube, felching, pushes cum back inside.
CW/TW:
Murder, violence, torture, physical assault (on page, to a main character), mentions of Dementia, stalking, panic attacks, threatening/internet stalking, sex near a dead body, codependency, separation anxiety.
Let me start by saying this book ate and left no crumbs. None. I licked the fuckin� plate, okay? This story is absolutely unhinged, and I loved every second of it. If you're here for healthy, fluffy romance� turn your ass around. This ain't it. But if you're like me—deranged, emotionally unwell, and thriving on dangerous love and found family murder cults? Buckle the fuck in. 😈😌
We meet Ranen, a sweet and struggling camboy who sells his innocence—but he actually enjoys it—to fund care for his dementia-suffering grandpa—his only family. That alone? Gut punch. I'm already a sucker for this boy. Then enters North Sinclair—cold-blooded serial killer to the world, loyal boyfriend-material psychopath to Ranen. 📸🖤🔪
North is incapable of feeling real emotion. He fakes empathy, fakes social cues, but somehow, with Ranen, the world shifts. He starts feeling—genuinely and terrifyingly. That transition? Delicious. His inner monologues had me wheezing and swooning at the same time. North is petty, jealous, petulant, and possessive as hell—and I ate it up. That petty war with Olly in the early chapters and North's innocent confusions inner monologues on how to be in a relationship? Literal comedy gold. 💀🤣
The whole Sinclair family dynamic deserves its own series. Atlas, Wylder, and North are all terrifying psychopaths, but also act like a fucked-up Brady Bunch from Hell. Their version of “How are you?� is “Did you kill someone today?”—iconic. I want to sit at that murdery-ass dinner table and pass the salt while someone bleeds out next to the potatoes. 🩸🥔
Their bond spirals from guarded trust to mutual obsession. Ranen goes from scared, unsure, and sweet to completely feral for North, and I was cheering the whole goddamn way. The emotional climax around chapter 20-21? Babe, I highlighted half the fuckin' book. Ranen saw North—his darkness, his family, his brutal truth—and said "I love you." That moment?? That’s everything I read romance for. 🙂↕️🥹❤️�
And the ending? Plot twist from hell, and I loved every dark second. North straight-up murders him, and I cheered like I was courtside. Justice served—with blood. 🤯☠️
Final Thoughts: This book is a perfect blend of sick, twisted, and tender. It gave me obsession, domestic softness, emotional rawness, and literal murder. North and Ranen are soulmates—unhinged, messy, and hopelessly in love. The found family aspect with the Sinclairs? Weirdly wholesome in a “we’ll hide a body for you� kinda way. 😍🤗😂
I can't wait to read Atlas and Calvin’s book. Also, Wylder and Matteo?? That “Princess� nickname has taken over my brain and I can’t un-stuck it. I swear if those two don’t get a book, I’m committing crimes. 😈😤
-
Quotes:
It takes three rings before my dad answers, and his voice is gruff and thick with sleep. I didn’t bother to check the time, and I feel no guilt when he sighs.
“Did you kill someone?�
-
The phone rings three times before my brother picks up.
“Did you kill someone?� Fuck, why is that always the first question my family asks me?
-
“I know you can take care of yourself, Ranen, but you don’t have to while I’m around. You heal, and let me handle the rest.�
-
Was there a right time to confess to the man you’d forcibly moved in with that you were a serial killer?
-
“You fucked with something that’s mine. You don’t get to do that and live.�
-
I need to head back to Ranen.
Fuck, this is more complicated than I thought.
Home. When I think of him, I think of the word home.
-
"Look at you, you're such a fucking dirty mess for me."
"All marked up and leaking, stretched open from my dick."
"You're so good for me, baby. So fucking perfect."
-
“Show them all how good you are for me. Come on� come on my fingers, baby. Give it to me.� I fuck into him a few more times with my digits and Ranen cries out. I catch the sound of it with my mouth on his, and pull his cheeks apart so the camera can see his hole as it pulses, as he leaks my come down his thighs and his cock spurts a few droplets on my waist again.
-
RC and MCs:
🔪📸 MM, strict top/bottom
🔪📸 North Sinclair 28yo, Ranen Greer a.k.a. Cassidy Star (Cas) 22yo
🔪📸 North: Blue-green eyes, dark hair
🔪📸 Ranen: 5ft5/165cm, blue eyes, red hair
Genre, tropes, and all things my safety fam needs to know:
🔪📸 MM dark contemporary romance
🔪📸 Psychopath serial killer x camboy
🔪📸 Virgin MC
🔪📸 Morally gray MCs
🔪📸 Tattooed MC
🔪📸 J/P obsessive protective MC
🔪📸 Stalking
🔪📸 Mine mine mine
🔪📸 Reverse-kidnapping
🔪📸 Size difference
🔪📸 Strangers to lovers
🔪📸 Only soft for him
🔪📸 Touch him and die (literally)
🔪📸 Mutual obsessions
🔪📸 Found family
🔪📸 Codependency
🔪📸 Separation anxiety
🔪📸 Angst: Medium
🔪📸 Vibes: Dark, intense, funny, sweet, steamy
🔪📸 OW/OM drama: No
🔪📸 Cheating/sharing: No
🔪📸 Third act breakup: No
🔪📸 Ending: HFN
🔪📸 Epilogue: Yes
🔪📸 Series structure: Interconnected standalone
Spice and kinks:
Exhibitionism, sex toys (dildo), mutual jerk-off session, cum play, snowballing, coming untouched, praise kink, branding/marking (biting, hickeys), bareback, dry humping to completion, coming in pants, rimming, coming hands-free, blood play, blood as lube, cum as lube, felching, pushes cum back inside.
CW/TW:
Murder, violence, torture, physical assault (on page, to a main character), mentions of Dementia, stalking, panic attacks, threatening/internet stalking, sex near a dead body, codependency, separation anxiety.
May 30, 2025
I predicted a lot of this, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Ranen was an adorable little cinnamon roll, and North was a hot, possessive, psycho (but in the best possible way).
Ranen was an adorable little cinnamon roll, and North was a hot, possessive, psycho (but in the best possible way).
March 5, 2025
4.5 stars
March 17, 2025
Good enough
This was a good book, one I'm pleasantly surprised I liked as much as I did because I haven't had the best track record with these authors, especially one in particular (you know who you are). But as much as I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to dark romance fans who are looking for something not so heavy-handed, it was kind of...hallow
Good things first. The book is hot. The smut in this is top tier and I like how positive and respectful is to sex workers (sex work is real work, I don't make the rules). I also really enjoyed the side characters, Atlas in particular. I can tell I'm going to really enjoy his book. I also like how North isn't some secret tech millionaire recluse, it's a nice change of pace. And yeah, I even liked the gruesome kills. I would have liked to see the last one on page as it was the most significant but whatever I guess. And that brings me to my biggest issue with this book. It wasn't just lacking in some areas, it was also empty.
This book doesn't do enough in my opinion. There's no sauce. We know Ranen (whose name I never learned to pronounce) was close to his grandfather but we don't know why or how. We don't learn about anything they bonded over or things that he left behind that Ranen now holds dear. The same is true for North. We know his mother was a good person but we don't learn anything about her or their relationship. Even though he was young when she died, he could have heard stories from his father and brother. I know it sounds like I'm harping on characters who ultimately don't play a role in our story but we are told that they had impact on our characters. We just don't really see it.
This book is also...boring isn't the right word because I have been known to enjoy some boring books, but there is a lot of sitting around and waiting for things to happen. I get this is a forced proximity deal so there isn't going to be a ton of action but there should be focus on the characters as characters, not just their relationship. What do I mean? See above, but also give them quirks. We don't know anything about their interest outside of each other. Maybe North has a sweet tooth or Ranen is obsessed with martial arts films. The what isn't important so much is the why. It adds an extra layer to the characters and allows us to become invested in them and in turn their relationship.
A lot of things needed to have been turned up. Lean into the psychotic nature of North, have some fun and set him loose. Turn up the heat and have these two going at it like bunnies. He's a cam boy, get creative with that. Make it kinky! There's an endless list of things that could have been added to elevate this and give us something to sink our teeth into. As it is, this is just two people who are obsessed with each other. That's fine but It doesn't really make for a story you can fall into. By the, end I didn't care because I wasn't giving anything to care about. The HEA was cute but it wasn't satisfying because there was what, NO SAUCE!
The book is good but it might be a bit of a stretch to say I liked it. I think it was well written but it was a little too sweet for me in terms of a dark romance. I think there are a lot of people who will like it but it won't be memorable because dark romance is already an oversaturated market and these this doesn't really do anything to try and stand out. That being said, I'll probably still read the second book because I liked Atlas and found myself pretty invested in him. Fingers crossed they stick the landing with that one. So three stars because it's a good book, it just wasn't good enough for me.
This was a good book, one I'm pleasantly surprised I liked as much as I did because I haven't had the best track record with these authors, especially one in particular (you know who you are). But as much as I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to dark romance fans who are looking for something not so heavy-handed, it was kind of...hallow
Good things first. The book is hot. The smut in this is top tier and I like how positive and respectful is to sex workers (sex work is real work, I don't make the rules). I also really enjoyed the side characters, Atlas in particular. I can tell I'm going to really enjoy his book. I also like how North isn't some secret tech millionaire recluse, it's a nice change of pace. And yeah, I even liked the gruesome kills. I would have liked to see the last one on page as it was the most significant but whatever I guess. And that brings me to my biggest issue with this book. It wasn't just lacking in some areas, it was also empty.
This book doesn't do enough in my opinion. There's no sauce. We know Ranen (whose name I never learned to pronounce) was close to his grandfather but we don't know why or how. We don't learn about anything they bonded over or things that he left behind that Ranen now holds dear. The same is true for North. We know his mother was a good person but we don't learn anything about her or their relationship. Even though he was young when she died, he could have heard stories from his father and brother. I know it sounds like I'm harping on characters who ultimately don't play a role in our story but we are told that they had impact on our characters. We just don't really see it.
This book is also...boring isn't the right word because I have been known to enjoy some boring books, but there is a lot of sitting around and waiting for things to happen. I get this is a forced proximity deal so there isn't going to be a ton of action but there should be focus on the characters as characters, not just their relationship. What do I mean? See above, but also give them quirks. We don't know anything about their interest outside of each other. Maybe North has a sweet tooth or Ranen is obsessed with martial arts films. The what isn't important so much is the why. It adds an extra layer to the characters and allows us to become invested in them and in turn their relationship.
A lot of things needed to have been turned up. Lean into the psychotic nature of North, have some fun and set him loose. Turn up the heat and have these two going at it like bunnies. He's a cam boy, get creative with that. Make it kinky! There's an endless list of things that could have been added to elevate this and give us something to sink our teeth into. As it is, this is just two people who are obsessed with each other. That's fine but It doesn't really make for a story you can fall into. By the, end I didn't care because I wasn't giving anything to care about. The HEA was cute but it wasn't satisfying because there was what, NO SAUCE!
The book is good but it might be a bit of a stretch to say I liked it. I think it was well written but it was a little too sweet for me in terms of a dark romance. I think there are a lot of people who will like it but it won't be memorable because dark romance is already an oversaturated market and these this doesn't really do anything to try and stand out. That being said, I'll probably still read the second book because I liked Atlas and found myself pretty invested in him. Fingers crossed they stick the landing with that one. So three stars because it's a good book, it just wasn't good enough for me.
May 10, 2025
A MM Dark romance with a Serial Killer x Cam Boy, a stalker to find, reverse-kidnapping, major "touch (or even virtually hurt) him & die" scenes, obsessions, first times, cute love & so much smut!
I liked Ranen, North & North's killer family heh.
The 1st 50% of this book took me freaking days to get through & then I procrastinated for a month 😆, I wasn't vibing with & into the plot with my exam stress. But finally powered through the last 50% during a holiday! Overall it did just take like 7hrs to read. I'm glad to complete my #ARC as it isn't bad per-se & I love these authors. Must be bad timing 🤔, maybe I'm more of a mood reader than I thought. I'm also looking forward to Daddy Atlas's book!
“I want him here, and I want to belong to him like he belongs to me.�
Ranen (22) is a Cam boy. R's a sweet, seductive yet blushy, sunshiney guy but is being haunted & traumatized by a stalker. He's a virgin & never really wanted anyone... Until North.
North (28) is from family of killers (or also construction people). N's a subscriber of R's & obsessed. When R gets hurt, N couldn't stay away. N's intense, protective, caring of R & filthy hot.
Despite the dark themes of the plot, N+R's relationship is quite sweet & low angst! They pretty much want eachother from start & even when truths finally come out, I got pleasantly surprised. Unhinged, possessive together 😋. Spice lovers will have so much f*cking!
The asshole stalker played matchmaker with the whole roomies thingie! The sus vibes man, poor boy has some creepy people around him! Anyhow, I'm happy I guessed right despite the red herrings 😁. The climax & ending's good. I'm curious of Wylder bro!
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? �> Took me time, but yeah 4.5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😳😅😩😬🤕😏🙃🥰😆🥵🥺😋🥵😈☠️💞
4) Steamy scenes: 4/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 2/5
Dark: 3/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Killer, Cam boy, Stalker) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.3/5
I liked Ranen, North & North's killer family heh.
The 1st 50% of this book took me freaking days to get through & then I procrastinated for a month 😆, I wasn't vibing with & into the plot with my exam stress. But finally powered through the last 50% during a holiday! Overall it did just take like 7hrs to read. I'm glad to complete my #ARC as it isn't bad per-se & I love these authors. Must be bad timing 🤔, maybe I'm more of a mood reader than I thought. I'm also looking forward to Daddy Atlas's book!
“I want him here, and I want to belong to him like he belongs to me.�
Ranen (22) is a Cam boy. R's a sweet, seductive yet blushy, sunshiney guy but is being haunted & traumatized by a stalker. He's a virgin & never really wanted anyone... Until North.
North (28) is from family of killers (or also construction people). N's a subscriber of R's & obsessed. When R gets hurt, N couldn't stay away. N's intense, protective, caring of R & filthy hot.
Despite the dark themes of the plot, N+R's relationship is quite sweet & low angst! They pretty much want eachother from start & even when truths finally come out, I got pleasantly surprised. Unhinged, possessive together 😋. Spice lovers will have so much f*cking!
The asshole stalker played matchmaker with the whole roomies thingie! The sus vibes man, poor boy has some creepy people around him! Anyhow, I'm happy I guessed right despite the red herrings 😁. The climax & ending's good. I'm curious of Wylder bro!
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? �> Took me time, but yeah 4.5/5
2) The Characters: 5/5
3) Top feels: 😳😅😩😬🤕😏🙃🥰😆🥵🥺😋🥵😈☠️💞
4) Steamy scenes: 4/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4/5
Angst: 2/5
Dark: 3/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Killer, Cam boy, Stalker) 4.5/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.3/5
May 6, 2025
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶�
Heroes: Ranen and North
This was pretty fun. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Ranen and North. I was happy with Ranen's reaction to finding out who/what North was. And the steam is absolutely delicious.
I didn't even mind that I completely guessed the bad guy from the very beginning. I don't think the book makes it obvious; it was just a gut feeling.
I'm looking forward to the next book!
Spice: 3.5/5 🌶�
Heroes: Ranen and North
This was pretty fun. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Ranen and North. I was happy with Ranen's reaction to finding out who/what North was. And the steam is absolutely delicious.
I didn't even mind that I completely guessed the bad guy from the very beginning. I don't think the book makes it obvious; it was just a gut feeling.
I'm looking forward to the next book!
March 5, 2025
� Adorable camboy in danger?
� Possessive unaliver to the rescue?
� Family of hottie McHottersons who share similar hobbies?
This one’s gonna keep you guessing. And wanting more.
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
� Possessive unaliver to the rescue?
� Family of hottie McHottersons who share similar hobbies?
This one’s gonna keep you guessing. And wanting more.
*𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.*
March 8, 2025
This is actually a five-star story that derailed. North and Ranen are extremely well written characters and the development of the story between them is perfect. So many things could have gone wrong trying to write a serial killer and the kind of person who would fall in love with them, but the progression is well paced, and meticulous. It's really well done.
Somewhere after they officially get together, but before North reveals his true nature, the story starts dragging. Like, yes, the sex is great, but we could see there was a lot of page count left, and we needed something to happen! Finally, the 'villain' is revealed and well, it's just terrible. Not only is it cliched and predictable as hell, but given the page count left, who didn't know we weren't at the end?? (I'm trying not to spoil). THEN, we get the final twist and it's even more predictable. I was sooo disappointed. Like, how did TWO authors think this was a good idea?? Just unimaginative. The 'mystery' angle was the total downfall of this story, and the authors should re-think including this genre ever again. I was skimming for the last 30%. The book was too long and the resolutions were sub-par. But the first 70% is absolute fire.
I'm looking forward to Atlas and the nurse's story. They mention his chestnut brown skin, so I'm thinking it'll be interracial. *Twirls!!* But no mysteries, PLEASE!
PS. That cover. Yasssss! Goodness!
Somewhere after they officially get together, but before North reveals his true nature, the story starts dragging. Like, yes, the sex is great, but we could see there was a lot of page count left, and we needed something to happen! Finally, the 'villain' is revealed and well, it's just terrible. Not only is it cliched and predictable as hell, but given the page count left, who didn't know we weren't at the end?? (I'm trying not to spoil). THEN, we get the final twist and it's even more predictable. I was sooo disappointed. Like, how did TWO authors think this was a good idea?? Just unimaginative. The 'mystery' angle was the total downfall of this story, and the authors should re-think including this genre ever again. I was skimming for the last 30%. The book was too long and the resolutions were sub-par. But the first 70% is absolute fire.
I'm looking forward to Atlas and the nurse's story. They mention his chestnut brown skin, so I'm thinking it'll be interracial. *Twirls!!* But no mysteries, PLEASE!
PS. That cover. Yasssss! Goodness!
March 8, 2025
***ARC Review***
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
Lee McCormick and RS McKenzie have teamed up to co-write a dark MM romance about a psychopath (of course) and the obsession that he needs to keep safe at all costs. Definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book.
Ranen is a 22 year old camboy. North is the 28 year old psychopath that stalks him…in a purely protective way of course. ;) North works in construction, among other things. He sets his sights on Ranen and instantly knows that he wants to keep him. He also does everything in his power to keep Ranen safe. Ranen feels an immediate connection to North. Someone is leaving sinister messages on Ranen’s site and North takes it upon himself to ensure no one harms Ranen again.
Ranen and North are drawn to one another. Things get intense and then North gets possessive in the most dramatic and dangerous of ways. There is a genuine attraction and mutual respect between the MCs. While their relationship may be a little unhinged, it works for them. McCormick and McKenzie write well together. Both authors deliver a healthy amount of spice and unaliving in this book. There are some unexpected moments in this book. Additionally, there’s definitely obsessive/possessive elements in this story that will keep you interested well beyond Ranen and North’s HEA.
Side note: I’m excited to see what happens with Atlas and Calvin! I’m curious to see if Wylder gets his own story as well.
This is my honest and voluntary review for the ARC I received.
Lee McCormick and RS McKenzie have teamed up to co-write a dark MM romance about a psychopath (of course) and the obsession that he needs to keep safe at all costs. Definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book.
Ranen is a 22 year old camboy. North is the 28 year old psychopath that stalks him…in a purely protective way of course. ;) North works in construction, among other things. He sets his sights on Ranen and instantly knows that he wants to keep him. He also does everything in his power to keep Ranen safe. Ranen feels an immediate connection to North. Someone is leaving sinister messages on Ranen’s site and North takes it upon himself to ensure no one harms Ranen again.
Ranen and North are drawn to one another. Things get intense and then North gets possessive in the most dramatic and dangerous of ways. There is a genuine attraction and mutual respect between the MCs. While their relationship may be a little unhinged, it works for them. McCormick and McKenzie write well together. Both authors deliver a healthy amount of spice and unaliving in this book. There are some unexpected moments in this book. Additionally, there’s definitely obsessive/possessive elements in this story that will keep you interested well beyond Ranen and North’s HEA.
Side note: I’m excited to see what happens with Atlas and Calvin! I’m curious to see if Wylder gets his own story as well.
March 10, 2025
4.25 �
Hmmm. This is hard to review. There was a lot I loved. Possessive protective psychopath falls in love plus a lot of hurt/comfort really is my jam. But the writing quality seemed to take a significant dip in the last 15% of the book. The dialogue became weirdly awkward and repetitive and superficial in a way that felt inconsistent with the rest of the book. I wonder if that has something to do with two authors writing one book, but who’s to say. ALSO good lord if this was not the most obvious twist I have ever read. I’m terrible at picking up on foreshadowing and solving mysteries but this was next level obvious. I still loved the relationship, but it was insanely frustrating how long it took them to figure out what was going on. And saying “I won’t let anyone hurt you� is all hot and great except you failed multiple times because you somehow missed the most obvious clues that a 12 year old could have picked up on. No offense to 12 year olds. But yknow, a 30-something year old psychopath serial killer really should have picked up on this shit before the man he swore to protect was put in life threatening danger TWICE. Book boyfriends, you’re better than this. Be better.
Hmmm. This is hard to review. There was a lot I loved. Possessive protective psychopath falls in love plus a lot of hurt/comfort really is my jam. But the writing quality seemed to take a significant dip in the last 15% of the book. The dialogue became weirdly awkward and repetitive and superficial in a way that felt inconsistent with the rest of the book. I wonder if that has something to do with two authors writing one book, but who’s to say. ALSO good lord if this was not the most obvious twist I have ever read. I’m terrible at picking up on foreshadowing and solving mysteries but this was next level obvious. I still loved the relationship, but it was insanely frustrating how long it took them to figure out what was going on. And saying “I won’t let anyone hurt you� is all hot and great except you failed multiple times because you somehow missed the most obvious clues that a 12 year old could have picked up on. No offense to 12 year olds. But yknow, a 30-something year old psychopath serial killer really should have picked up on this shit before the man he swore to protect was put in life threatening danger TWICE. Book boyfriends, you’re better than this. Be better.
February 27, 2025
I don’t think either of these authors could write a bad book but I especially loved this. 😭
Ranan is a cam boy and when he starts getting stalked and sent threatening messages, he never expects it to go as far as it does. Thankfully, his other stalker is his night in shining armor 😂
North is a super sweet and cuddly serial killer, aren’t they all. He vows to always protect Ranan and though things go awry, he does his best 🥹
They’re so sweet and though I saw the plot twist coming, it still gave me the anxiety it intended 😂
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review! 🖤
Ranan is a cam boy and when he starts getting stalked and sent threatening messages, he never expects it to go as far as it does. Thankfully, his other stalker is his night in shining armor 😂
North is a super sweet and cuddly serial killer, aren’t they all. He vows to always protect Ranan and though things go awry, he does his best 🥹
They’re so sweet and though I saw the plot twist coming, it still gave me the anxiety it intended 😂
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review! 🖤
March 12, 2025
Always Watching is a dark romance story about North and Ranen.
North is a psychopath who becomes obsessed with camboy Ranen. When Ranen finds himself in danger, North is there to protect him at all costs. I was a big fan of the possessiveness and loved the mutual codependency. I enjoyed meeting North’s brother and father, and hope they will get their own books. This book was one wild ride and I just ate it up.
North is a psychopath who becomes obsessed with camboy Ranen. When Ranen finds himself in danger, North is there to protect him at all costs. I was a big fan of the possessiveness and loved the mutual codependency. I enjoyed meeting North’s brother and father, and hope they will get their own books. This book was one wild ride and I just ate it up.
May 15, 2025
I figured it out so early, that I bored myself 😭 I'm still going to read book 2 though.
Read
May 26, 2025DNFing at 50%. Not the biggest fan of the cam boy trope in general, so I knew it would be risky starting this one.
March 24, 2025
North was so sweet and Ranen deserves so much better from the people around him.
I knew his landlord was creepy but his friend�.crazy as ever. He really should have trust issues but he’s not really exposed to anyone else so I can see how that doesn’t play out here. Even though North was a stalker, i’m glad he was there when he was needed.
They were so sweet to each other and North’s family is so cool, i hope they each get their own book because i am certainly intrigued.
I knew his landlord was creepy but his friend�.crazy as ever. He really should have trust issues but he’s not really exposed to anyone else so I can see how that doesn’t play out here. Even though North was a stalker, i’m glad he was there when he was needed.
They were so sweet to each other and North’s family is so cool, i hope they each get their own book because i am certainly intrigued.
April 3, 2025
3.5 🤷🏾♀�
May 14, 2025
Your girl was locked in the entire time. I will be reading every book in the series. I can't wait for the next one.
June 4, 2025
North was unhinged when it came to protecting Ranen and I loved every second of it.
Also, the on camera smex scenes? 🥵🥵🥵
Also, the on camera smex scenes? 🥵🥵🥵
May 19, 2025
i am a slut for a funny dark romance
March 8, 2025
Always Watching is the first book in the new series, Always, by Lee McCormick and R.S. McKenzie.
« camboy x serial killer »
« psychopath MC »
« reverse kidnapping »
« hurt x comfort »
« size difference »
« virgin MC & first times »
« protective/obsessive »
« “mine� »
« touch him & die »
« mutual codependency »
This book is equal parts dark, funny, twisted, and emotional. Honestly, they had me at reverse kidnapping! The premise of this book intrigued me, and I was not disappointed which is no surprise considering this dynamic duo of Lee McCormick and R.S. McKenzie. I am always thirsty for possessiveness, OTT obsession, and mutual codependency. Psychopath unaliver was the cherry on top.
North is a psychopathic serial killer in a family of psychopathic serial killers. He runs completely on instincts. He was captivated by Ranen from the first time he saw one of this cam videos. He doesn’t quite understand it, but he trusts his instincts. When he is watching one of Ranen’s videos his instincts were screaming at him that Ranen was in trouble and his instincts were right. This is where his obsession came in handy � luckily he already had Ranen address. His arrival stops Ranen’s assault with the attacker fleeing, and North rushes Ranen to the hospital. North vows to protect Ranen, whether he wants his protection or not. North basically moves in Ranen’s apartment and is determined to make Ranen his and keep him safe from his stalker. He becomes possessive and protective from the moment he walked into Ranen’s apartment � maybe even before that.
This pull that North has towards Ranen isn’t one sided. Despite North radiating danger, Ranen feels it too. He feels safe with North. This intense chemistry and intense connection develops into a mutual obsession and an all-consuming type of love, on and off camera. They become mutually possessive and obsessive with each other and completely codependent. North may be a serial unaliver but he is exceptionally sweet and devoted to taking care of Ranen.
This story will take you on one wild ride! This book has it all � twists, possessiveness, obsession, codependency, a family of unhinged characters, kidnapping, spice levels high enough to burn everything to the ground (in the best way of course), and sweet moments that will totally make you swoon!
I loved Atlas and Wylder, especially Atlas. I CANNOT wait for his and Calvin’s story next!
[I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.]
« camboy x serial killer »
« psychopath MC »
« reverse kidnapping »
« hurt x comfort »
« size difference »
« virgin MC & first times »
« protective/obsessive »
« “mine� »
« touch him & die »
« mutual codependency »
This book is equal parts dark, funny, twisted, and emotional. Honestly, they had me at reverse kidnapping! The premise of this book intrigued me, and I was not disappointed which is no surprise considering this dynamic duo of Lee McCormick and R.S. McKenzie. I am always thirsty for possessiveness, OTT obsession, and mutual codependency. Psychopath unaliver was the cherry on top.
North is a psychopathic serial killer in a family of psychopathic serial killers. He runs completely on instincts. He was captivated by Ranen from the first time he saw one of this cam videos. He doesn’t quite understand it, but he trusts his instincts. When he is watching one of Ranen’s videos his instincts were screaming at him that Ranen was in trouble and his instincts were right. This is where his obsession came in handy � luckily he already had Ranen address. His arrival stops Ranen’s assault with the attacker fleeing, and North rushes Ranen to the hospital. North vows to protect Ranen, whether he wants his protection or not. North basically moves in Ranen’s apartment and is determined to make Ranen his and keep him safe from his stalker. He becomes possessive and protective from the moment he walked into Ranen’s apartment � maybe even before that.
This pull that North has towards Ranen isn’t one sided. Despite North radiating danger, Ranen feels it too. He feels safe with North. This intense chemistry and intense connection develops into a mutual obsession and an all-consuming type of love, on and off camera. They become mutually possessive and obsessive with each other and completely codependent. North may be a serial unaliver but he is exceptionally sweet and devoted to taking care of Ranen.
This story will take you on one wild ride! This book has it all � twists, possessiveness, obsession, codependency, a family of unhinged characters, kidnapping, spice levels high enough to burn everything to the ground (in the best way of course), and sweet moments that will totally make you swoon!
I loved Atlas and Wylder, especially Atlas. I CANNOT wait for his and Calvin’s story next!
[I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.]
March 10, 2025
I feel like I've been very good lately, crossing things off my TBR ARCs list. So...here's a well-deserved reward/break. Here's Lee McCormick and RS McKenzie's "Always Watching." It's the first novel in their Always series.
["ᴡʜᴀ� ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴀ ꜱᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴅᴇꜱ ᴀ ᴄᴀᴍʙᴏʏ ɪ� ʜɪ�?
Ranen
My life has become a nightmare. A stalker intent on having me permeates my waking moments. Gifts and threatening messages greet me at every turn. Every cam session is filled with the fear of them watching me in my most intimate moments. One day, my stalker takes it a step further than words and attacks me in my home. Just when I think I won’t make it, a stranger with a blue-green stare saves me from my fate.
North
I wanted him before I knew his name, and he’s belonged to me since the first time I touched him. When a crazed fan attacks him, there’s only one solution. I move in with Ranen to keep him safe. Now I need to navigate finding his stalker while keeping my murderous habits in check. All I want is Ranen. I just have to figure out how to make him mine."]
Literally, how are dark romances so fucking fluffy and sweet?!?! I need to know. Because this book, these two, they were adorable as hell. Yes, there was a stalker and violence and secrets, sure, whatever, BUT there was so much protectiveness and possessiveness and dedication and LOVE.
I just fucking loved these two. They were perfect for each other, utterly ready to put everything (everything) on the line for the other. They completed each other, complimented each other.
And don't get me wrong, just because this book was fluffy as hell (I think? I might need evaluated), it doesn't mean this book wasn't also spicy as hell. Because wooow.
I need the next book now, please (and the third one---there is a third one, right?)
Trigger Warnings: murder, violence, torture, physical assault, mentions of dementia, stalking, blood place, on-page panic attacks, internet stalking/threats
#alwayswatching #alwayswaiting #always #alwaysseries #rsmckenzie #leemccormick #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["ᴡʜᴀ� ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴀ ꜱᴇʀɪᴀʟ ᴋɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴅᴇꜱ ᴀ ᴄᴀᴍʙᴏʏ ɪ� ʜɪ�?
Ranen
My life has become a nightmare. A stalker intent on having me permeates my waking moments. Gifts and threatening messages greet me at every turn. Every cam session is filled with the fear of them watching me in my most intimate moments. One day, my stalker takes it a step further than words and attacks me in my home. Just when I think I won’t make it, a stranger with a blue-green stare saves me from my fate.
North
I wanted him before I knew his name, and he’s belonged to me since the first time I touched him. When a crazed fan attacks him, there’s only one solution. I move in with Ranen to keep him safe. Now I need to navigate finding his stalker while keeping my murderous habits in check. All I want is Ranen. I just have to figure out how to make him mine."]
Literally, how are dark romances so fucking fluffy and sweet?!?! I need to know. Because this book, these two, they were adorable as hell. Yes, there was a stalker and violence and secrets, sure, whatever, BUT there was so much protectiveness and possessiveness and dedication and LOVE.
I just fucking loved these two. They were perfect for each other, utterly ready to put everything (everything) on the line for the other. They completed each other, complimented each other.
And don't get me wrong, just because this book was fluffy as hell (I think? I might need evaluated), it doesn't mean this book wasn't also spicy as hell. Because wooow.
I need the next book now, please (and the third one---there is a third one, right?)
Trigger Warnings: murder, violence, torture, physical assault, mentions of dementia, stalking, blood place, on-page panic attacks, internet stalking/threats
#alwayswatching #alwayswaiting #always #alwaysseries #rsmckenzie #leemccormick #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
March 9, 2025
A Dark, Twisted, and Addictive Read! Always Watching was twisted in the best way possible and I devoured this!!
Always Watching is an intense mix of obsession, danger, and unexpected love. Ranen is a cam boy with no one in his life except his best friend, his subscribers, and a relentless stalker tormenting him. He plays the part of a confident performer, but in reality, he’s a virgin with no real-life experience with men. His tormentor's constant harassment starts to wear him down, and his moments of hesitation catch the attention of North—a dangerous man with a protective streak.
North is a psychotic serial killer who kills for fun, but lately, even that hasn’t been enough to satisfy him. He’s been watching Ranen for a while, drawn to him in a way he doesn’t quite understand. When he notices something change in Ranen, his instincts take over. The moment Ranen’s stalker breaks into his apartment and brutally attacks him, North steps in, stopping the assault and rushing him to the hospital. From that moment on, he moves into Ranen’s apartment, determined to protect him—whether Ranen wants him to or not.
Despite the danger that surrounds North, Ranen is drawn to him, seeing him as both his hero and something much darker. Their chemistry is undeniable, and what starts as an unusual, possessive connection quickly turns into something deeper. They fall for each other hard—both on and off camera—giving Ranen’s subscribers a show they’ll never forget. But with a violent stalker still out there, they’ll have to take him down before he strikes again.
This book is a wild ride—equal parts dark romance, psychological thriller, and steamy passion. There’s plenty of blood, gore, and unexpected twists, but also moments of tenderness amidst the chaos. North’s family adds a fascinating layer to the story, and the writing keeps you hooked from start to finish. If you love stalker/psycho romances with intense heat, gripping suspense, and an unconventional love story, Always Watching is a must-read! I cannon wait for Atlas and Calvin's story in book 2 'Always Waiting'.
Always Watching is an intense mix of obsession, danger, and unexpected love. Ranen is a cam boy with no one in his life except his best friend, his subscribers, and a relentless stalker tormenting him. He plays the part of a confident performer, but in reality, he’s a virgin with no real-life experience with men. His tormentor's constant harassment starts to wear him down, and his moments of hesitation catch the attention of North—a dangerous man with a protective streak.
North is a psychotic serial killer who kills for fun, but lately, even that hasn’t been enough to satisfy him. He’s been watching Ranen for a while, drawn to him in a way he doesn’t quite understand. When he notices something change in Ranen, his instincts take over. The moment Ranen’s stalker breaks into his apartment and brutally attacks him, North steps in, stopping the assault and rushing him to the hospital. From that moment on, he moves into Ranen’s apartment, determined to protect him—whether Ranen wants him to or not.
Despite the danger that surrounds North, Ranen is drawn to him, seeing him as both his hero and something much darker. Their chemistry is undeniable, and what starts as an unusual, possessive connection quickly turns into something deeper. They fall for each other hard—both on and off camera—giving Ranen’s subscribers a show they’ll never forget. But with a violent stalker still out there, they’ll have to take him down before he strikes again.
This book is a wild ride—equal parts dark romance, psychological thriller, and steamy passion. There’s plenty of blood, gore, and unexpected twists, but also moments of tenderness amidst the chaos. North’s family adds a fascinating layer to the story, and the writing keeps you hooked from start to finish. If you love stalker/psycho romances with intense heat, gripping suspense, and an unconventional love story, Always Watching is a must-read! I cannon wait for Atlas and Calvin's story in book 2 'Always Waiting'.
February 23, 2025
Dee's Grade: A+
:🚦🚦/5
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵/5
Angst: 🥹🥹🥹/5
Humor: 🤣🤣/5
Toxicity: ☣️/5
Bullying: 💔/5
Intimacy: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️�/5
Chemistry: 🌋🌋🌋🌋/5
Dirty Talking: 🤬🤬🤬🤬/5
Hurt/Comfort: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️�/5
Codependency: 🫂🫂🫂🫂.5/5
Protectiveness: 🪦🪦🪦🪦.5/5
Obsessiveness: 👀👀👀👀.5/5
Possessiveness: ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️.5/5
Communication: 🗣🗣🗣🗣.5/5
The Dark Matter: 🌒🌒🌒/5
Burn Speed Rate: 🔥🔥🔥.75/5
Morally Grey Men: 🕴🏽🕴🏽🕴🏽🕴🏽.75/5
The Plot Strength: 🪨🪨🪨/5
The Fluff-O-Meter: 😶🌫️😶🌫️/5
The Swoon Factor: 🫠🫠🫠🫠.25/5
Found Family Feels: 🧑🧑🧒🧒🧑🧑🧒🧒🧑🧑🧒🧒🧑🧑🧒�/5
Growth and Healing: 🥳🥳🥳/5
Comfort Readability: 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗/5
Illicit Romance Scale: 🫦🫦🫦/5
BFFs to Lovers Vibes: 👨🏿🤝👨🏾👨🏿🤝👨🏾👨🏿🤝👨�.5/5
E/R to Lovers Tension: 🤺/5
Wreck Your TBR and READ NOW ✔️
Add to Your TBR and READ LATER
*** ONE EMOJI means little to none of that trope/micro-trope is present in the book.
Relationship Dynamic: MM
MM MM+ MF MMF MFM Poly RH
Relationship Angst: Outside Forces
Outside Forces/Internal Strife/Both/N/A
Cheating: No
Cheating Between MCs: No
Taboo: No
Toxicity and/or Bullying NOT btwn MCs:
Yes
So codependency is my cracknip and the mutual codependency in this book was decadent. Toss in some I see you and love you exactly as you are plus obsessive, possessive, protective touch him and dye type of love...you will create a book im wholly obsessed with.
This book isn't for you if insta obsession and loved comes quickly with little strife isn't you jam. If you are like me and gobble that right up then you need to read this book immediately.
:🚦🚦/5
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵/5
Angst: 🥹🥹🥹/5
Humor: 🤣🤣/5
Toxicity: ☣️/5
Bullying: 💔/5
Intimacy: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️�/5
Chemistry: 🌋🌋🌋🌋/5
Dirty Talking: 🤬🤬🤬🤬/5
Hurt/Comfort: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️�/5
Codependency: 🫂🫂🫂🫂.5/5
Protectiveness: 🪦🪦🪦🪦.5/5
Obsessiveness: 👀👀👀👀.5/5
Possessiveness: ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️.5/5
Communication: 🗣🗣🗣🗣.5/5
The Dark Matter: 🌒🌒🌒/5
Burn Speed Rate: 🔥🔥🔥.75/5
Morally Grey Men: 🕴🏽🕴🏽🕴🏽🕴🏽.75/5
The Plot Strength: 🪨🪨🪨/5
The Fluff-O-Meter: 😶🌫️😶🌫️/5
The Swoon Factor: 🫠🫠🫠🫠.25/5
Found Family Feels: 🧑🧑🧒🧒🧑🧑🧒🧒🧑🧑🧒🧒🧑🧑🧒�/5
Growth and Healing: 🥳🥳🥳/5
Comfort Readability: 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗/5
Illicit Romance Scale: 🫦🫦🫦/5
BFFs to Lovers Vibes: 👨🏿🤝👨🏾👨🏿🤝👨🏾👨🏿🤝👨�.5/5
E/R to Lovers Tension: 🤺/5
Wreck Your TBR and READ NOW ✔️
Add to Your TBR and READ LATER
*** ONE EMOJI means little to none of that trope/micro-trope is present in the book.
Relationship Dynamic: MM
MM MM+ MF MMF MFM Poly RH
Relationship Angst: Outside Forces
Outside Forces/Internal Strife/Both/N/A
Cheating: No
Cheating Between MCs: No
Taboo: No
Toxicity and/or Bullying NOT btwn MCs:
Yes
So codependency is my cracknip and the mutual codependency in this book was decadent. Toss in some I see you and love you exactly as you are plus obsessive, possessive, protective touch him and dye type of love...you will create a book im wholly obsessed with.
This book isn't for you if insta obsession and loved comes quickly with little strife isn't you jam. If you are like me and gobble that right up then you need to read this book immediately.
March 8, 2025
North and Ranen's story is.. unconventional.
Ranen is a cam-boy who's been struggling with a stalker who's determined to scare him. When he gets attacked and rescued by a man with blue-green eyes, he somehow knows he's safe... If only he knew that North wasn't a random passerby but also a stalker of his..
North is a serial killer that comes from a family of serial killers. It's the family business, that and construction. He's been watching Ranen for quite some time but when someone attacks the bubbly man he knows he has to step in. He just never thought someone like him could care so much for another person, not until Ranen.
This story was good, even though it is a darker romance I still enjoyed it. The opposites attract element was done well, and I liked how even though certain elements felt a bit unrealistic, these two authors still took the time to make the relationship between the MC's feel realistic. (Ranen being okay with a complete stranger moving in is the unrealistic bit i was referring to, but in this type of story, it just worked.)
I liked that there were twists and turns when it came to figuring out who the real guilty person is, I liked that there was clues and hints throughout the story. I think a lot of people might be shocked by who the 'bad guy' turns out to be, but if you pick up the more subtle clues, you'll be able to guess yourself as well.
I'm hoping that Atlas and Wylder get their own stories, I'm so curious about them after their roles in this story. Overall a good read!
Ranen is a cam-boy who's been struggling with a stalker who's determined to scare him. When he gets attacked and rescued by a man with blue-green eyes, he somehow knows he's safe... If only he knew that North wasn't a random passerby but also a stalker of his..
North is a serial killer that comes from a family of serial killers. It's the family business, that and construction. He's been watching Ranen for quite some time but when someone attacks the bubbly man he knows he has to step in. He just never thought someone like him could care so much for another person, not until Ranen.
This story was good, even though it is a darker romance I still enjoyed it. The opposites attract element was done well, and I liked how even though certain elements felt a bit unrealistic, these two authors still took the time to make the relationship between the MC's feel realistic. (Ranen being okay with a complete stranger moving in is the unrealistic bit i was referring to, but in this type of story, it just worked.)
I liked that there were twists and turns when it came to figuring out who the real guilty person is, I liked that there was clues and hints throughout the story. I think a lot of people might be shocked by who the 'bad guy' turns out to be, but if you pick up the more subtle clues, you'll be able to guess yourself as well.
I'm hoping that Atlas and Wylder get their own stories, I'm so curious about them after their roles in this story. Overall a good read!
February 28, 2025
Advanced Copy Review
🌶🌶🌶.5
This is a Dark Romance with a serial Un-Aliver so please check your TWs before heading in 🖤
This book has literally everything I love! Possesive man CHECK touch of that Codependency CHECK addicting plot CHECK CHECK!
Ranen is a camboy who has been not so low key stalked for the last year. North is one of Ranen's subscribers and has been pulled in by Ranen's personality and light. North also moonlights as a serial Un-Aliver who is a tad bit (alot) OTT Obsessive he might even drop on that Psychopath spectrum somewhere. During one of Ranen's shows North spots a man lurking in the background and runs over to try and save Ranen, (obviously with him being OTT he has Ranen's address 🤣) unfortunately Ranen is Hurt but North does get there in time to get him to the hospital. Ranen is greatful for this man who has saved his life and North is now in full on Possessive mode set to protect Ranen and find out who this man is. So of course he just moves in with Ranen 🤣🤣 😈
The plot through this book was awesome! I absolutely love Atlas and Wylder and cannot wait for more of them! I will say I had my thoughts on who the bad guy was and Lee and R. S. tried to throw me off! At one point they actually did and then BAM plot twist so I hope you guys are ready for something that's exciting and keeps you on your toes the whole way!
🌶🌶🌶.5
This is a Dark Romance with a serial Un-Aliver so please check your TWs before heading in 🖤
This book has literally everything I love! Possesive man CHECK touch of that Codependency CHECK addicting plot CHECK CHECK!
Ranen is a camboy who has been not so low key stalked for the last year. North is one of Ranen's subscribers and has been pulled in by Ranen's personality and light. North also moonlights as a serial Un-Aliver who is a tad bit (alot) OTT Obsessive he might even drop on that Psychopath spectrum somewhere. During one of Ranen's shows North spots a man lurking in the background and runs over to try and save Ranen, (obviously with him being OTT he has Ranen's address 🤣) unfortunately Ranen is Hurt but North does get there in time to get him to the hospital. Ranen is greatful for this man who has saved his life and North is now in full on Possessive mode set to protect Ranen and find out who this man is. So of course he just moves in with Ranen 🤣🤣 😈
The plot through this book was awesome! I absolutely love Atlas and Wylder and cannot wait for more of them! I will say I had my thoughts on who the bad guy was and Lee and R. S. tried to throw me off! At one point they actually did and then BAM plot twist so I hope you guys are ready for something that's exciting and keeps you on your toes the whole way!
March 3, 2025
“I cut myself open and offered up my heart, and he held it in gentle hands and said I see you without saying anything at all. This is more than words. This is everything. This is forever.�
Well, damn. I didn’t think I needed anymore book boyfriends, but then these two authors created North.
Ranen is a sweet little cam boy with no real life experience. Except for one friend, he’s basically on his own. Yet, he’s managed to catch the eye of a few less than reputable individuals. I just wanted to wrap him up in a bubble and protect him. Luckily, North did too. North is a serial unaliver with some psychopathic tendencies and an obsessive streak. He may not be an angel, but when it comes to Ranen, he’s all heart. After Ranen is attacked, North becomes his savior and guardian. For someone who never really feels much, he has some big emotions for Ranen. I loved the relationship between these two. They are opposites in so many ways, but it just works. And the chemistry is insanely hot.
The story follows them as they try to figure out who is behind the attack. It’s dark romance written by two authors who do it so well. It’s got elements of stalking, touch-him-and-die, a bit of murder. And North’s inner commentary and rambling is perfection. It manages to spin a psycho/innocent plot line in a fun, unique way. I absolutely loved the interactions with North’s family. I’m glad the authors decided to make the book into a series because I need more Atlas and Wylder.
If you liked Onley James’s Necessary Evils series or L Eveland’s Wayward Sons, you’ll probably enjoy North and Ranen’s story as well.
Well, damn. I didn’t think I needed anymore book boyfriends, but then these two authors created North.
Ranen is a sweet little cam boy with no real life experience. Except for one friend, he’s basically on his own. Yet, he’s managed to catch the eye of a few less than reputable individuals. I just wanted to wrap him up in a bubble and protect him. Luckily, North did too. North is a serial unaliver with some psychopathic tendencies and an obsessive streak. He may not be an angel, but when it comes to Ranen, he’s all heart. After Ranen is attacked, North becomes his savior and guardian. For someone who never really feels much, he has some big emotions for Ranen. I loved the relationship between these two. They are opposites in so many ways, but it just works. And the chemistry is insanely hot.
The story follows them as they try to figure out who is behind the attack. It’s dark romance written by two authors who do it so well. It’s got elements of stalking, touch-him-and-die, a bit of murder. And North’s inner commentary and rambling is perfection. It manages to spin a psycho/innocent plot line in a fun, unique way. I absolutely loved the interactions with North’s family. I’m glad the authors decided to make the book into a series because I need more Atlas and Wylder.
If you liked Onley James’s Necessary Evils series or L Eveland’s Wayward Sons, you’ll probably enjoy North and Ranen’s story as well.
March 5, 2025
Individually I love these authors. Together - wow!! This book has so many things that I love - unhinged characters (even better when it's a family of unhinged characters), camboys, possessive MCs, touch him and d!e, codependent MCs, spicy spice, and....plenty of swoony moments. Ranen is a camboy who is attacked by a stalker and seriously injured in his home during one of his shows. Who happens to show up to rescue him in the nick of time? Conveniently, North, local serial ki!!er extraordinaire, happens to be johnny on the spot and is able to take matters in hand by coming to Ranen's rescue. These MCs become pretty attached quickly and I am here for it. Love North's possessive, caretaking streak...and he cooks! Ranen is sweet and precious, but has a backbone. Over the course of trying to figure out who has been stalking Ranen, they fall and fall hard and the spice reflects that too. This book also has interesting side characters, especially North's family - Atlas and Wylder - and I hope they each get their own book because I cannot wait for more from this author duo! I could not put this book down - it was a really fast read for me!
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily
I received a complimentary copy and am leaving this review voluntarily
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