Thank you to the Author, Azala Romance and NetGalley for giving me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'll start off by saying I'm so conflicted with how to review this book as there was so much I enjoyed but other aspects that just didn't hit the mark. This is, however, a great book to read if you're new to this genre and want to explore dark romance without some really heavy triggers and detailed spicy scenes. Please skip to the bottom of my review for a summary if you don't want to read the full review.

Quentin:
"She reminded me of a moon in the darkness, everyone else orbiting her while she shone in the centre"
I actually really liked Quentin as the MMC, we saw his character grow from a seriel unaliver looking for retribution for his sisters murder, his anger towards the world and the cards he had been dealt though life. He has a close circle of a few friends and generally didn't believe in love. By the end his heart was thawing and he was seeing the world in a different light. I adore the nickname he gave her of 'Little Moon'
I won't go into any further details with the risk of leaving spoilers!

Anora:
"....the thought of diving headfirst without a parachute into the abyss that was him scared the shit out of me..."
I liked Anora enough as the FMC but we didn't really learn much about her and her background. The only real details we were given were that she has pale hair, was very pretty and that she worked in fashion. I found it hard to really connect to a character that wasn't explored and given more depth. That said, she wasn't unlikeable!

The Plot:
I'd say this book was more character driven than having a real plot. Quentin essentially suffers 'instalove' when he first sees Anora and that's the basis around the plot. How their lives become intertwined and they get to know one another. I also think the 'big reveal' was done a little too quickly without much emotion from the FMC or much reaction. Everything was quite predictable and there were no plot twists that left my jaw on the floor.

The Spice:
"Eyes on me."
For a book that is considered a dark romance and comes with a list of trigger warnings however, I'd say this was actually quite mild. The spicy scenes didn't go on for many pages despite the build up and tension. There wasn't really that much detail within the scenes and the only real kinks explored was a mask and bound wrists - maybe I've just been spoilt as I read a lot of darker stuff.

Summary:
I've given this book 3.5 stars. The writing style was simple to follow and I never felt bored when reading it - I have also highlighted an abundance of quotes that I was absolutely in love with! Quentin was a great MMC and I enjoyed following his journey and growth. I do feel there needed to be more action given Quentin's lust for ending lives. I'd like to know more about Anora and possibly see where their journey takes them moving forward. I think this author has made a promising start in the world of dark romance and look forward to seeing what else they bring to the table.

A vigilante serial killer sets his eyes on a new obsession and will do anything to make her his.

Yours to Take is a fast pace stalker to lover romance. It is a great starter book for those interested in reading dark romance.

Quentin's backstory and purpose for his nightly activities is well written. I might have enjoyed this book more if it was based in his point of view alone because I could not relate to Anora enough to care for her perspective.

This wasn’t terrible but it was so quick and fast paced that it didn’t work for me. The smut was cookie cutter and the story was just over before it began. That and I can’t believe that Arora and Anora are room mates. Too similar!
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review. 2.5 ⭐️

Had me until the ending!

I loved reading this book from the literal first page! The dedication had me...the playlist at the start I thought was amazing as well!

I loved how honest Anora was in facing her "light stalker" Quentin. Failed previous dating attempts, a dark attractive stranger, an attempt at self preservation only to realise they're so much more connected than she thought! I even found myself justifying Quentin's actions (mostly) as we learn more about him.

What I found wanting, and the only reason for the 3 stars, was the ending. I found it rushed, abrupt, and didn't match the tone of the rest of the book.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

The Portland Slasher was a character of patience, resolve, and vengeance. The way Angel was just dispatched so quickly was really unsatisfying for me and was a glaring disconnect with the rest of the book and the slasher's character. I found myself asking why we spent so much time learning about the slasher: his reputation for taking his time and terrifying his targets with his taunting only for this final kill to just...end.

Anora's journey to healing was realistic, and her getting back to Quentin I found to be totally justified. But then, she just went to his apartment and had a shower...and that was it! After the steamy romance in this book it ended with a shower...and then pregnancy?! The whole dark feel of the book seemed to be thrown right out the window which unfortunately just put a bitter taste in my mouth. Not everything needs to be finished with a cute bow, and I feel this novel would've hit a lot harder if it would've ended with the same vibe that it started.

Arc review.

I liked the book, and I really liked the personages in the book.
The friendships were amazing!
And this book is full of potential.

But it was to fast paced for me personally.
I would have loved this if it was longer or maybe even a duet?
It just went to quick, and I had trouble following the time frame in the book.

I did enjoy reading it, so a 3,5.

I absolutely loved the serial killer trope & the horror/thriller vibes.
But please read the trigger warnings before reading!
Your mental health is important.

A lot of love to everyone involved for the arc!

Loved it.
This was such a fantastic read. It was dark, edgy, and full of tension.

Fast-paced and absolutely delicious, I devoured this book.

This was my first book from this author, but it was definitely not my last.

First off thank you NetGalley & Azala Romance for this opportunity to read this book.

Second I already knew after reading Vera’s first book that I was going to love this one. And boy did I. 🥵😍

Quentin was in his revenge era after his little sister was hurt. He was taking done every bad man out there. Especially the ones who were involved with his sister.

Until he spots Anora in the coffee shop. Then his motives change to get to know her. And boy does he push his way into her life.

But will she accept him and the path he’s been on?

“This man has just made it to the top of my shit list.” - Anora

This scene had me screaming and laughing 🤣🤣

Must read and also read her first book. 💕

This was such a solid, fantastic read. It’s a Slasher/Stalker romance that kinda has a forced proximity in the start but their relationship starts so weirdly that by the time they get together it so weirdly endearing. I enjoyed that we got some backstory and also that the plot itself was moving forward with just enough spice. Definitely enjoyed the pining he had for her. There can never be enough pining.

I do think that there could have been more development with the characters and the storyline. It did feel rushed and that there could be a lot more instances of him trying to dodge his kills with juggling the buddying relationship. It would have added more depth to it. But it still kept pace if a rad too fast.

I was a tad surprised at the epilogue baby though. Usually that’s not a trope within the serial killer type romance unless there is heavy erm breeding kink mentioned in the storyline.

Overall, this is definitely going to my trophy shelf and buying a paperback when it comes out.

Thank you to the publisher for this eARC and this review is my honest opinion.

The book was my first by Vera, and while it wasn't my top read, I still really liked it!
I felt things were slightly rushed and I wish it was longer, but I am looking forward to the next one!

I feel like this book had a lot of potential and it was an interesting concept. However, it moved too fast for me. I feel like their relationship and events would have benefited from being deeper and further planned out. It was a quick read and mostly enjoyable, I just would have appreciated more character building.

Thanks Netgalley for the arc!

I love a good horror/serial killer story, but Yours to Take confused me about what it was trying to be.

The romance element fell flat. If the love interest is supposed to be compelling, he should be more charming or dangerous. Instead, he lacked the appeal of a suave vampire or a slasher villain with a twisted allure. I mention these because of the Klaus quote and the nod to Ghostface.

The main character felt shallow, and the big reveal to her was handled in a way that didn’t land. She either needed to react more strongly or lean into Stockholm Syndrome (even though HE did not kidnap her, but you know the vibe), but instead, it was a weird in-between. And that epilogue? A surprise baby? Really? That trope felt completely out of place.

On the plus side, the book was short enough that I finished it quickly, but the pacing was too fast to allow for actual character development. The dark warnings at the beginning made me expect something intense, but what I got was underwhelming.