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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Talk about a fucking rollercoaster. SECRET OBSESSION will take readers on a journey that feels unfamiliar for S Massery's male leads but also festers in the back on your mind like an itch you cannot scratch until you reach the end.
So what happens when you see the girl first but your brother swoops in and secures her first? Okay, but what if he absolutely shatters her heart because he made a bet she’d fall in love with him? What do you do now that she’s broken and won’t accept any sort of love… let’s ask Miles shall we?
Miles Whiteshaw exceeded all of my expectations. He was such a complex character who defied Sara’s typical MMC mold. Unlike the intense and deranged hockey gods of the previous books, Miles reveals himself to be a domineering control freak with a surprising kind heart. His moments of sweetness, which occur more frequently than anticipated, overshadow his much darker tendencies. As I went through Miles' words and actions, I found myself torn between hating him and falling head over heels in love with him. There are moments that may challenge readers, particularly those who share a need for control themselves, as they witness Willow's internal struggle to let go and trust.
The chemistry between Miles and Willow is electric, making the book immensely enjoyable. Starting off as friends, their connection is strained when Willow's heart is shattered by Miles' brother. The banter between them is perfection, though occasionally dark and twisty, and Miles' unwavering acceptance of Willow, faults and all, is honestly heart-melting. Beyond the physical aspect of their relationship, it becomes evident that genuine care exists between these characters. Miles wants to free Willow from the demons that hold her back, while Willow wants to shield Miles from her own issues so he can move forward with his life, and so she can escape the Whiteshaw boys with minimal damage. Amidst the shocking moments that characterize this dark romance, and for me there were a lot, it's critical to remember that, at its core, this is a story of love and the complexities of human emotions. The emotions and affection, particularly from Miles, leap off the page, intertwining with Willow's anxieties and pain. There exists a delicate power balance, showcased as acts of protection and love.
Navigating to the more challenging aspects of the book, it's important to acknowledge that SECRET OBSESSION features acts that are non-consensual/dubiously consensual. PLEASE always read the trigger warnings when starting any dark romance. However Massery handles these scenes with care. Also these scenes serve a significant purpose in establishing the characters' connection. While it may not be immediately clear to the reader, and still invasive and violating, Willow's perspective on the matter provides a different lens to view these scenes.
I loved all the surprise POV’s in this book, not only did we get our two mains but we had some familiar characters back. It was nice to get into their heads and see where they are now!
SECRET OBSESSION stands as the darkest installment yet in the series, given its consistent exploration of dubious and non-consensual encounters in my opinion. Miles, being a goalie, embodies a slightly deranged personality, I mean who willingly puts themselves in harm's way for a game?? If readers are willing to embrace a story that delves into the dynamics of a dominant man in complete love with a sad woman who must learn to submit, SECRET OBSESSION is the book to read.
So what happens when you see the girl first but your brother swoops in and secures her first? Okay, but what if he absolutely shatters her heart because he made a bet she’d fall in love with him? What do you do now that she’s broken and won’t accept any sort of love… let’s ask Miles shall we?
Miles Whiteshaw exceeded all of my expectations. He was such a complex character who defied Sara’s typical MMC mold. Unlike the intense and deranged hockey gods of the previous books, Miles reveals himself to be a domineering control freak with a surprising kind heart. His moments of sweetness, which occur more frequently than anticipated, overshadow his much darker tendencies. As I went through Miles' words and actions, I found myself torn between hating him and falling head over heels in love with him. There are moments that may challenge readers, particularly those who share a need for control themselves, as they witness Willow's internal struggle to let go and trust.
The chemistry between Miles and Willow is electric, making the book immensely enjoyable. Starting off as friends, their connection is strained when Willow's heart is shattered by Miles' brother. The banter between them is perfection, though occasionally dark and twisty, and Miles' unwavering acceptance of Willow, faults and all, is honestly heart-melting. Beyond the physical aspect of their relationship, it becomes evident that genuine care exists between these characters. Miles wants to free Willow from the demons that hold her back, while Willow wants to shield Miles from her own issues so he can move forward with his life, and so she can escape the Whiteshaw boys with minimal damage. Amidst the shocking moments that characterize this dark romance, and for me there were a lot, it's critical to remember that, at its core, this is a story of love and the complexities of human emotions. The emotions and affection, particularly from Miles, leap off the page, intertwining with Willow's anxieties and pain. There exists a delicate power balance, showcased as acts of protection and love.
Navigating to the more challenging aspects of the book, it's important to acknowledge that SECRET OBSESSION features acts that are non-consensual/dubiously consensual. PLEASE always read the trigger warnings when starting any dark romance. However Massery handles these scenes with care. Also these scenes serve a significant purpose in establishing the characters' connection. While it may not be immediately clear to the reader, and still invasive and violating, Willow's perspective on the matter provides a different lens to view these scenes.
I loved all the surprise POV’s in this book, not only did we get our two mains but we had some familiar characters back. It was nice to get into their heads and see where they are now!
SECRET OBSESSION stands as the darkest installment yet in the series, given its consistent exploration of dubious and non-consensual encounters in my opinion. Miles, being a goalie, embodies a slightly deranged personality, I mean who willingly puts themselves in harm's way for a game?? If readers are willing to embrace a story that delves into the dynamics of a dominant man in complete love with a sad woman who must learn to submit, SECRET OBSESSION is the book to read.
medium-paced
Christ on a cracker this book blows. Zero stars even though this ended up being a hate/rage read until the end I refused to DNF.
Everyone in this book is Pathetic, with a capital P. There is not one character in this whole thing that doesn’t come off as some over the top charactature of what chat GPT would think is hot new adult foder.
This book is so unrealistic its offensive to readers, something outside of reality happens basically every chapter and you can’t lose themself in the story because you are too busy giving so much side eye.
This is a new to me author, and she clearly should have stuck with mafia romance, because at least in that genre the over the topness has criminal backing and funding. I could foresee this writing style doing much better In those books but as a sports romance it makes me question if the author is able to understand how to write college students. (Alcoholism, is totally treated as a non issue and easy to overcome with a single day of tough love btw. I found this more offensive than the actual torture in the book. And yes, or MMC violates and tortures the FMC with zero consequences. Like, I’m all for dark but I need some groveling even if it’s just for show. Otherwise I’ll never accept the fmc as anything other than a waste of reading time)
I started in the middle of a series but the blurb states it can be read alone. I agree it can be, I guess? But you have to deal with obnoxious other characters we are clearly supposed to give a shit about. if this what the author is offering up I have no interest in the other books.
Why did I even pick this up? Kinks, that’s why and spicy scenes are actually spicy. But do note this is actual non con not just dub con or cnc. I was fine going in with that understanding from the get go, but even spice didn’t save this story from its horrible writing.
Everyone in this book is Pathetic, with a capital P. There is not one character in this whole thing that doesn’t come off as some over the top charactature of what chat GPT would think is hot new adult foder.
This book is so unrealistic its offensive to readers, something outside of reality happens basically every chapter and you can’t lose themself in the story because you are too busy giving so much side eye.
This is a new to me author, and she clearly should have stuck with mafia romance, because at least in that genre the over the topness has criminal backing and funding. I could foresee this writing style doing much better In those books but as a sports romance it makes me question if the author is able to understand how to write college students. (Alcoholism, is totally treated as a non issue and easy to overcome with a single day of tough love btw. I found this more offensive than the actual torture in the book. And yes, or MMC violates and tortures the FMC with zero consequences. Like, I’m all for dark but I need some groveling even if it’s just for show. Otherwise I’ll never accept the fmc as anything other than a waste of reading time)
I started in the middle of a series but the blurb states it can be read alone. I agree it can be, I guess? But you have to deal with obnoxious other characters we are clearly supposed to give a shit about. if this what the author is offering up I have no interest in the other books.
Why did I even pick this up? Kinks, that’s why and spicy scenes are actually spicy. But do note this is actual non con not just dub con or cnc. I was fine going in with that understanding from the get go, but even spice didn’t save this story from its horrible writing.
The suspense
Well the suspense is real with this one. I just remember reading the first few chapters and thinking he's crazy, then later thinking he's sweet.. the guy gave me whiplash with all of these emotions and feelings. I will say I do not like his brother. I won't spoil why but I do not like him at all and I have no sympathy, I understand to some slight extent but no sympathy. So far I love this series. I forgot how much I missed books with some mystery and suspense and now that I remember, I will keep my eyes peeled for more. Oh and the smut
Well the suspense is real with this one. I just remember reading the first few chapters and thinking he's crazy, then later thinking he's sweet.. the guy gave me whiplash with all of these emotions and feelings. I will say I do not like his brother. I won't spoil why but I do not like him at all and I have no sympathy, I understand to some slight extent but no sympathy. So far I love this series. I forgot how much I missed books with some mystery and suspense and now that I remember, I will keep my eyes peeled for more. Oh and the smut
DNF at 75%
This man murders someone trying to break into her home - but as soon as he says 'I love you' she decides it's too much and leaves??
I'm not meant for a bully romance. I am all for enemies to lovers - but when we add non-consensual into it.. I just can't back you up here.
This was not for me.
This man murders someone trying to break into her home - but as soon as he says 'I love you' she decides it's too much and leaves??
I'm not meant for a bully romance. I am all for enemies to lovers - but when we add non-consensual into it.. I just can't back you up here.
This was not for me.
Awe Miles!
My heart was broken for both Miles and Willow in the begging of their story, but I loved reading it develop and them getting their HEA! This book was definitely not what I expected and somewhat darker than the others in the series but I loved it! Spice
My heart was broken for both Miles and Willow in the begging of their story, but I loved reading it develop and them getting their HEA! This book was definitely not what I expected and somewhat darker than the others in the series but I loved it! Spice
darker than the last. happy ever ending.
i enjoyed the bullying (of course)
definitely took me longer to read so i have less detailed thoughts for my review since it’s not fresh.
good smut / good plot
i enjoyed the bullying (of course)
definitely took me longer to read so i have less detailed thoughts for my review since it’s not fresh.
good smut / good plot
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Ma’am, how dare you make me cheat on Greyson by romanticizing a murderer in the first 10% of the book?!