It's been a very long time since I've been so consumed with an entire series that it's devoured in days and each book is given 5 stars. I am NOT one to throw fives out like confetti. For me 5 stars means that this story pulled a physical or emotional reaction from me.

Sadly, my drive to finish the series meant I am reviewing the entire series as a whole versus each book. However, each book was rated immediately upon each individual completion.

This series has been highly recommended in multiple reader groups as well as author live with Nyla K and Dana Isaly. Everyone praised this series as being incredible and a true mind fuck. No one provided actual details other than saying "OMG, This is sooo good, It's a Must Read". I went into this blind with knowledge of the storyline or author.

I really do NOT want my review to look like the beginning of an internet recipe where the author gives her entire life story before telling you what 5 ingredients you need for Texas Cavier, but there is so much to say I figured I'd get it all out in book one's review so that I can focus on the actual storyline in the individual book reviews.

Last fall I read The Dark Side series (review available in Goodreads) by Kristy Cunning and I struggled with it. I loved books one and three but books two and four were just okay for me. It felt off rating half the series low. I'm bringing this up because part way through the Mindfuck series I thought to myself that this author gets it. She's staying on task and at no point did I feel like momentum was lost. I thought back to the Dark Side series because I really did love the overall storyline and hated that I struggled with half the books. I wonder if the authors knew each other.

It wasn't until the completion of the Mindfuck series that I discovered that S.T. Abby and Kristy Cunning are the same person. CM Owens being the main pen named used. As many of us know, CM Ownes passed in July of 2021 at the age of 37. This breaks my heart. As an author this woman had an incredible imagination and artistic mind. I am grateful that she left behind a large catalog for current and future fans to follow and appreciate her talents.

-- On to the good stuff---

So, we have a female serial killer attracted to/dating an FBI profiler who just happens to be assigned to her case!! What in the Law & Order Criminal Intent is this?!?!

It's pure gold I'll tell you that. This first book is an introduction to Lana and SSA Bennett.

Lana is a bad ass serial killer. She is organized, ruthless, and checking off a list of men who have wronged her. Her attention to detail and counter forensics has the FBI following their tails. She's not just killing; she's torturing these butt munches and it's described in tummy turning detail. However, when it comes to flirting, she's incredibly cute and awkward. She has no idea what she's doing and every interaction with SSA Bennet makes made me feel giddy like it was 1998 and a new edition of Tiger Beat just dropped.

SSA Bennet reminded me of Holden from Mind Hunter. *These books dropped first just sayin* He is straightlaced, a bit up tight but at times just says what's on his mind. He is hard working, highly respected, talented, and sexy. Like Lana, flirting is NOT his strong suit.

Everything about the two of them is just so adorable. Mix in the almost comical fact that she has to hide her true self from him, and you will find yourself rooting for these two.