I Caught Feelings… for a Fictional Serial Killer (and Other Red Flags in My TBR Pile)
We need to talk about the red flags lurking on my bookshelf.
You know the ones. The morally gray psychopaths with tragic backstories. The fierce women who set things on fire (literally or emotionally) and call it healing. The plots that make you question your own ethics because you’re rooting for the killer, the con artist, or the emotionally unavailable chaos goblin with a knife and a heart of gold.
Not proud. Not ashamed either.
Let’s talk about the walking red flags on my TBR—because they didn’t just ruin my moral compass, they ruined all future men.
Exhibit A: The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker
I know… I know… This is like beating a dead horse with this one (I promise, no horses were actually harmed in this statement). But I probably won’t stop until each and every one of you have read this book, it was so criminally underrated. (Pun intended.) The 4MK Killer isn’t exactly your next book boyfriend, but he is disturbingly methodical—and fascinating. The real magic? The story bounces between present-day investigation and his chilling diary entries, which slowly warp your sense of morality.
The vibes? Creepy. Dark. Obsessive. The twist? Hits like a freight train.
If you’ve ever said, “I just want a book that will mess me up a little,” congratulations—this one’s your new emotional support thriller.
Exhibit B: Verity by Colleen Hoover
This book is the literary version of “toxic, but make it sexy.”
Verity Crawford might be insane. Or she might be completely innocent. Or she might be playing everyone like a fiddle. And the morally confused love interest? Eating it up.
This one doesn’t technically star a serial killer (probably), but the vibe is: “Do NOT trust anyone, and definitely don’t go into the attic.” It’s the kind of story that makes you question your judgment and your own Google search history.
Exhibit C: The Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby
If you know, you know. If you don’t, please block off your entire weekend and emotionally prepare yourself.
This series is Dexter meets Revenge, dipped in romance, trauma, and just enough blood to make you question your genre preferences. Lana Myers is the vigilante killer we didn’t know we needed. And Logan—the FBI agent falling for her while hunting her—has absolutely no idea he’s sleeping with the monster under his bed.
It’s violent. It’s steamy. And unhinged. And somehow, it works.
Did I root for Lana? Absolutely. Did I want Logan to find out and still choose her anyway? Obviously. Did I worry what this says about my soul? Only a little.
Exhibit D: Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
Ah yes. The book that said, “Let’s make kidnapping sexy again.” Enter Zade. He stalks her, breaks into her house, hacks her tech, and somehow still manages to make readers swoon. Should we be concerned? Absolutely. Are we? …Not enough.
It’s a cat-and-mouse game with heavy breathing, some genuinely dark trauma, and the kind of tension that has you checking the page count to see how long until someone finally snaps (spoiler: not long).
If Zade’s not your type, you’re probably healthier than I am. Congrats.
Exhibit E: Credence by Penelope Douglas
File this one under: “Why is this hot? Someone please explain it to me.”
A step-uncle, 2 brothers and one isolated cabin, makes for one VERY questionably legal situation. It’s taboo. It’s unhinged. And it’s got enough spice to make you feel like you need to go to confession after.
I still don’t know if I loved it or if I blacked out and woke up in a fanfic fever dream. Either way, it was a ride.
Honorable Mentions for Book Boyfriends with Red Flags So Tall They Waved at the Moon:
- Rhysand (ACOTAR) – Not a killer, but absolutely gives “I could destroy kingdoms for you” energy.
- Joe Goldberg (You) – I hate myself for this one, but the way he narrates? That man could read my grocery list and I’d blush.
- Christian from Twisted Games – He’s your emotionally constipated bodyguard, and he’s had enough of your mouth. Yes, please.
Final Thoughts: Am I Okay?
Define “okay.”
If liking men who straddle the line between “savior” and “stabby” is wrong, then I’ve officially been corrupted by the dark romance algorithm—and I’m not even mad about it.
Your Turn
Got a book boyfriend who’s one restraining order away from being your favorite? Tell me everything. Bonus points if it made you question your morals and your Kindle search history.
If you still need to grab your copy of any of these fannnntastic titles, you can get them here on Amazon. Or get one for free when you sign up for a free trial from Audible. Until next time you spicy little deviants…
Keep it brash. Keep it bookish. And keep it true to you!
