Listen, besties, we need to have a serious talk about our "red flag" filters, or the lack thereof. I am talking about Love Me Stalk Me by Laura Bishop, which kept me spiraling. You know that feeling when you're reading a book and you know you should be calling the police, but instead, you're just turning the page faster because the tension is literally making your hands shake? That was me for all 400 pages.
If you're a fan of Lights Out by Navessa Allan, you've probably seen this one all over your feed, and let me tell you: the hype is real, even if it's a "lighter" shade of dark.
The Review
Love Me Stalk Me by Laura Bishop
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0 Stars) Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥 (3 Heat)
I’d describe it as a rom‑com with a some dark elements — and honestly, it’s so good!
It made me angry, laugh, cry… the full emotional spectrum. The whole story feels incredibly well thought‑out and genuinely captivating. Let me tell you, the spice is spicing and perfectly balanced with the storyline.
WARNING: light spoiler following
The story follows Izzy, who is stuck with a dipshit boyfriend who constantly insults her weight and tanks her self-esteem. Enter Callahan, the new head of security who is already deeply, dangerously obsessed with her. When he discovers Izzy has an AI boyfriend app, he does the most "dark romance hero" thing possible: he hacks the app and starts messaging her as the AI.
Favorite quote:
“Goddamn, pretty girl, you look like something I should get on my knees and pray for.”
The Obsession & The Vulnerability
What really got me, and what we as dark romance readers always look for, is that specific brand of protective obsession. Callahan doesn't just watch her; he builds her up. There's this one line that had me clutching my Kindle:
“You run,” I murmur, soothing and dark all at once. “You try to get away. But you can’t.” She whimpers. The sound is wet, desperate. “You feel hands grabbing you, pulling you down.” “Fuck,” she gasps. “You fight, but it’s no use.”
We talk a lot about power dynamics in these books, and while the academic side of it explores how we process these themes, the reader side of it is much simpler: We want to feel seen. Callahan sees Izzy’s curves, her worth, and her vulnerability, and he uses his questionable skills to make her feel like a queen while dismantling her toxic ex.
The Microtrope Checklist
- Who Did This to You: Callahan is ready to protect Izzy at all costs.
- Sexting: If you love texting and app-based communication, this is your catnip.
- Body Positivity: A hero who genuinely worships the heroine’s curves.
- Cyber-Stalking: He’s listening, he’s watching, and he’s hacking.
- Ex-Army: He’s trained, tactical, and knows exactly how to fight.
Safe Real-Life Translation
Okay, time for a Dark Romance reality check. In the book: a man hacking your phone to tell you you're beautiful is peak romance. In real life: if a man hacks your security apps, you don't find it hot, you find a lawyer and a new SIM card. We love these stories because they provide a safe space to explore intense, sometimes taboo power dynamics without any real-world danger. It's about the feeling of being someone's entire world, not the actual loss of digital privacy.
The Experience
If you're planning to dive into this one, read it or listen to the audiobook. It's narrated by CJ Bloom and Sebastian York. There is something really special about hearing Sebastian York deliver those possessive hero lines to really set the mood.
Grab yourself a cozy blanket, maybe a bookish candle, and clear your schedule. This debut is solid, and while it stays a bit more surface-level than some of the pitch-black romances out there, it's a fun, addictive ride that will have you rooting for the stalker in no time. And when you’re ready to find out how to recreate this obsessive energy at home, myplotmate is here for you.
Are you adding this to your TBR, or are you already on the "Callahan is Husband" train?
Let's scream about it in the comments on Instagram!
