If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Hallmark Christmas movie and a dark romance had a very sexy, morally complicated baby, He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Alta Hensley is it. ~ Under the Covers

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What Is He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Alta Hensley About?

Chloe Hallman is a successful New York jewelry influencer with a secret: at night, she becomes BlackasChlo on a cam site called Dark Secrets, where she explores her darker sexual fantasies with an anonymous audience. Among her most devoted followers is a mysterious user named WinterWatcher, who seems to understand her in ways no one else does.

What Chloe doesn’t know is that WinterWatcher is Jack, a firefighter who’s been quietly watching over her for years… shoveling her snow, fixing her alarms, making sure she’s safe, and obsessing over her. By day, he’s the sweet, steady “Safe Jack” she’s dating. By night, he’s the masked stranger who fulfills her filthiest fantasies online.

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Alta Hensley slowly, more cozy Christmas than high-stakes danger, until those two worlds collide in ways that are erotic, emotional, and a little unsettling.

Who Are the Characters in He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Alta Hensley?

Chloe Hallman / BlackasChlo
Chloe is layered. She’s confident about her sexuality, honest about her needs, and not afraid to chase pleasure on her own terms. There’s power in how she owns both sides of her identity, the polished jewelry influencer and the uninhibited woman who shares her fantasies online. She’s still healing from deep trauma, the death of her parents, but instead of shutting down, she uses control and desire as a way to reclaim herself.

Jack / WinterWatcher
Jack is the ultimate contradiction: both a golden retriever and mysterious voyeur. What makes him work, and keeps this story from crossing into too-dark territory, is his genuine sweetness. Yes, he’s in fact stalking her, but he’s also shoveling her walk and helping her elderly neighbor, Mr. Haven.

As WinterWatcher, he gives Chloe the darkness they both crave, dominance, control, the safety to surrender. As Jack, he gives her comfort and stability. Watching those sides merge is a satisfying part of the book.

Supporting Cast
Sloane, Chloe’s friend and jewelry designer at Moth to a Flame Designs, adds warmth to the story. She’s also the heroine of book two, and her support of Chloe (even after learning about her online persona) is refreshing. Tyler, the company executive, provides the story’s danger. He’s manipulative and predatory. And then there’s Mr. Haven, Chloe’s sweet and adorable elderly neighbor. I really wished there was more of him!

Is He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Alta Hensley Worth Reading?

He Sees You When You’re Sleeping by Alta Hensley is a surprisingly sweet entry into dark romance. Yes, there’s stalking, voyeurism, and a CNC fantasy scene, but there’s also emotional healing, trust, and an underlying sense of care that makes it feel oddly wholesome. The spice level is a 2-3 out of 5, there’s plenty of heat, dirty talk, and exhibitionism, but nothing extreme despite the dark premise.

The pacing drags a bit in the middle but the payoff is worth it once the WinterWatcher reveal hits. If you’re new to dark romance and want a holiday story that just dips into kink, this is a great starting point. Think Fireman Daddy that stands outside her window meets Hallmark Christmas movie.

Now it’s your turn, let me know in the comments if you’re adding this to your TBR or if you’ve read it already? Were shocked like me that we are now getting stalker holiday romances? I didn’t know we needed that, but it was a welcome addition.

In the meantime, you may want to check even more holiday romance books or dark romance book recommendations so your list of books to read is always overflowing.

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