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booklover_ca 's review for:
Psychotic Obsession
by Leigh Rivers
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5 Stars...Who am I kidding...10!
I had been anxiously awaiting this book since finishing the trilogy in January and as prepared as I was...I was NOT prepared. This book was everything I did not realize I needed. Tobias was CHEF's KISS.
If you had read the Edge of Darkness trilogy with Kade and Stacey then you met Tobias Mitchell. A gorgeous psychopath that was in love with their mother, Aria. Once I finished the trilogy, I was scared this book would ruin my experience but I was so wrong. How this book elevated EVERYTHING. Keep in mind the in control Tobias Mitchell in the Edge of Darkness trilogy is not the same version we have the enjoyment to read in this new book. He's younger, struggling with being 'normal' and he is darker, more unhinged.
The Psychotic Obsession takes place twenty years earlier when Aria, newly single from Ewan, visits the USA with her best friend and fellow scientist, Gabriella. Fortunately or unfortunately, Tobias and his only friend Justin was their assistants. Aria was laser focused about helping her young patient and Tobias tripped that woman up into feelings like it was no one's business. The chemistry, the push/pull was off the charts, the manipulation was wild and despite my knowing how it all would end, I was still all-in with every single sentence.
We watch her try to avoid any sort of encounter physically, flirtatiously, and socially with Tobias that was not professionally focused and that mindset died a swift, terrible death. We watch Aria war with her feelings and desires between Ewan and Tobias.
We also watch the beautiful friendship that was between Aria and Gabriella-it was heartwarming and it gave such a nice reprieve in the book that I think was necessary for us as the reader. How do opposite souls could connect and complete one another.
And the same could be said for opposites when it came to the toxic triangle between Ewan / Aria / Tobias. I have to be honest-I rooted and cheered for both of the men. I wanted it all because I'm greedy. Tobias did horrible things to Aria and yet in his mind he was doing the best for her. With a subtle but deliberate way about her, the author, highlighted the turmoil, dangers and ability to overcome in mental health. It can be the downfall but there can be a stabilization and living with something so dangerous and unforgiving-I appreciated that perspective and how beautifully crafted it was in her story.
Then there is Aria. That woman has the biggest heart and the purest unfiltered sight when it came to Tobias. Or most would say she was a little delulu. I wouldn't agree per se because I think she just saw him beyond the struggle and horrible actions. Aria Miller fell truly in love with the monster and he was rooted deep in her veins. She accepted his darkness and loved him beyond that and without conditions. She never faltered from wanting to get him help. It was never about punishment or revenge for her but always love and help. I think that is such a testament to the character that Leigh Rivers had written for us. A completely sandblasted soul and instead of allowing the darkness to tarnish and ruin; it allowed her to shine despite everything. Her love for both Ewan and Tobias-I couldn't get enough of the three of them.
Our glimpses of a young Jason, the beautiful friendship of Gabriella was so great to read but painful as well. Losses are big, painful and necessary.
This book is dark, its gritty, fills you with absolute turmoil and tears. The reader will not finish this book; the book will finish us. It finished me. I laughed, I cried, I cringed, but I also devoured every word and left zero crumbs. This author has become a very FAST favorite.
Minor mention: A few errors but did not distract from the amazing story.
I had been anxiously awaiting this book since finishing the trilogy in January and as prepared as I was...I was NOT prepared. This book was everything I did not realize I needed. Tobias was CHEF's KISS.
If you had read the Edge of Darkness trilogy with Kade and Stacey then you met Tobias Mitchell. A gorgeous psychopath that was in love with their mother, Aria. Once I finished the trilogy, I was scared this book would ruin my experience but I was so wrong. How this book elevated EVERYTHING. Keep in mind the in control Tobias Mitchell in the Edge of Darkness trilogy is not the same version we have the enjoyment to read in this new book. He's younger, struggling with being 'normal' and he is darker, more unhinged.
The Psychotic Obsession takes place twenty years earlier when Aria, newly single from Ewan, visits the USA with her best friend and fellow scientist, Gabriella. Fortunately or unfortunately, Tobias and his only friend Justin was their assistants. Aria was laser focused about helping her young patient and Tobias tripped that woman up into feelings like it was no one's business. The chemistry, the push/pull was off the charts, the manipulation was wild and despite my knowing how it all would end, I was still all-in with every single sentence.
We watch her try to avoid any sort of encounter physically, flirtatiously, and socially with Tobias that was not professionally focused and that mindset died a swift, terrible death. We watch Aria war with her feelings and desires between Ewan and Tobias.
We also watch the beautiful friendship that was between Aria and Gabriella-it was heartwarming and it gave such a nice reprieve in the book that I think was necessary for us as the reader. How do opposite souls could connect and complete one another.
And the same could be said for opposites when it came to the toxic triangle between Ewan / Aria / Tobias. I have to be honest-I rooted and cheered for both of the men. I wanted it all because I'm greedy. Tobias did horrible things to Aria and yet in his mind he was doing the best for her. With a subtle but deliberate way about her, the author, highlighted the turmoil, dangers and ability to overcome in mental health. It can be the downfall but there can be a stabilization and living with something so dangerous and unforgiving-I appreciated that perspective and how beautifully crafted it was in her story.
Then there is Aria. That woman has the biggest heart and the purest unfiltered sight when it came to Tobias. Or most would say she was a little delulu. I wouldn't agree per se because I think she just saw him beyond the struggle and horrible actions. Aria Miller fell truly in love with the monster and he was rooted deep in her veins. She accepted his darkness and loved him beyond that and without conditions. She never faltered from wanting to get him help. It was never about punishment or revenge for her but always love and help. I think that is such a testament to the character that Leigh Rivers had written for us. A completely sandblasted soul and instead of allowing the darkness to tarnish and ruin; it allowed her to shine despite everything. Her love for both Ewan and Tobias-I couldn't get enough of the three of them.
Our glimpses of a young Jason, the beautiful friendship of Gabriella was so great to read but painful as well. Losses are big, painful and necessary.
This book is dark, its gritty, fills you with absolute turmoil and tears. The reader will not finish this book; the book will finish us. It finished me. I laughed, I cried, I cringed, but I also devoured every word and left zero crumbs. This author has become a very FAST favorite.
Minor mention: A few errors but did not distract from the amazing story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Blood, Stalking, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Alcohol