Inescapable Obsession

Shelby Creek County #2

by Jean Marie

Fake dating my bully’s brother was supposed to solve all my problems.
Instead, I fell in love .

David proved that he was a great friend when he proposed the idea.
The bully would get off my back if he pretended to be my boyfriend.

But who were we kidding when we tried to ignore the chemistry ignited between us…

David’s protection kept me sane.
His strong arms around my waist remind me that nothing would harm me.
Not even my bully that turned into a stalker.

My feelings for David barely even hit me when he’s forced to make a choice.

My heart or my safety.

The fake arrangement has turned into a disaster that would leave me either heartbroken or dead.

Either way... I’m in deep trouble.

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2023

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is some of the worst storytelling I've seen in a while... Good God I don't even know where to begin. I hate to be so harsh, but damn. This is so bad. The characters are so empty and boring. The relationship development is non-existent. Nothing is developed as far as characters, storyline, setting, etc. There's so much completely pointless stuff happening in this book. And the sex scenes are boring, so you can't even write off the bad storytelling.
I think all the good reviews are fake. There's just no way anyone can read this and think it's good in any way.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

MMC/FMC- David and Ashley
POV- 1st person
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Sub Genre- Small Town Romance
Heat- fizzles instead of sizzling
Series? Y
Cliffhanger? N. Teaser for next book.
HEA/HFN? Y
Triggers- violence, sex, some language (a couple of F bombs), stalking
Tropes- My Boy Is Just Misunderstood, Fake Dating, Friends to Lovers, Sweatpants Fetish, Dysfunctional Families FTW
What I thought- I really wanted to like this book. But it fizzled rather than sizzled and it was hard to get into the romance mood between the stalker, the Hero’s insecurities, and the willfully blind mother.
What I did like- the Hero was not the typical ripped Alpha Male. He was a nice guy with a bit of a dad bod. The heroine got to take the lead in their romance and in their bedroom activities. Also, a policewoman suggested that the heroine get therapy instead of assuming she’d be able to just shake it off. I also liked that this book was body positive for both men and women.
What could have been better- the erotic scenes needed improvement. They just weren’t hot. The only one that approached being hot was the one where the Hero and heroine were in separate rooms. Also, the stalker plot line far overshadowed the romance plot. The book would have been better if we had gotten more of the hero’s feelings, either from conversations or through some POV chapters.
Verdict- disappointing because this book had potential and I normally love this author’s work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherri Leisure · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Jean Marie and she is now two for two. I loved both books, but I will be honest as much as I loved Inescapable Obsession - I loved Joker's Oath more. Jean's plots are intriguing and she really knows how to get her readers attention. Once I picked this book up it was impossible for me to put it down. She masterfully creates characters that are easy to get attached to and stories that you quickly become invested in. I am now a huge fan of Jean's and I can't wait to read others books that she has previously published.

Ashley has been tormented by Steven who has bullied her for years. David who is Steven's older brother intervenes on Ashley's behalf and puts an end to the latest encounter. She doesn't believe that Steven is bullying her because he actually likes her, but David is addiment. He comes up with a plan to fake date Ashley so she will see that it is true. At the same time David believed if Steven saw they were dating he would back off and leave Ashley alone. Nothing could have been further from the truth. What ensues is a nightmare Ashley can only hope to survive. Steven has gone off the rails with his stalking and obsession for her as well as his belief that Ashley really loves him. He repeatedly tells David and Ashley that she is his. Lucky for her what began as fake dating brought her and David together as a real couple. Can David keep Ashley safe or will Steven be a force to be reckoned with?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven has been harassing Ashley for years, her best friend says it’s because he fancies her, but she doesn’t think so because he has been so horrid to her.
David, Steven’s brother, comes to her rescue one day when Steven has her cornered, he then suggests they fake date so she can see Steven’s reaction. They both feel attracted for real, however Steven’s obsession puts a dampener to any hope of a relationship.
Mental and physical abuse are dealt with sensitively and the budding romance has a rocky start because of Steven. I really liked this book; it had a good flow, was quite emotional with well thought out characters. The ending left me wanting the next book as soon as possible.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this incredible series, and this is David and Ashley’s story. Ashley has been torments and bullied by Steven for years, and when David, his older brother interferes, he suggest she become his fake girlfriend to ensure that Steven stops stalking her. What happens when the lines become real between fake and realistic?
This is a well written story which is a friends / lovers’ story, with danger, suspense, intrigue, obsession, family, friendships, bullying, survival, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and steamy, small-town romance, which had me on tenterhooks throughout.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing short of amazing! I loved Ashley’s strength. David supported her to no end. Ashley has a bully stalker, Steven- who happens to be David’s brother. Ashley and David entered into a fake relationship initially to see if Steven was stalking her because he likes her. Ashley and David quickly blurred the lines and before they know it, they have very real feelings for each other. However, Steven is never far away.
I was on the edge of my seat while the story transpired. Ashley and David were well matched to each other. This book was a fascinating read and would definitely recommend it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Akshar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story 'Inescapable Obsession' by Jean Marie but I found it disturbing too. Ashley is a young woman that has always been bullied and harassed by a man who wants her to be his whether she wants that or not. His brother steps in to protect her by pretending to date her but they actually fall in love which only enrages the unstable brother. It is disturbing and at times suspenseful, but it is a good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley is being harassed by Steven, David's brother. David continues to try to run interference and as a last ditch effort, they fake date trying to get Steven to stop. It doesn't work and infuriates him more and things become dangerous for Ashley. In the interim, David and Ashley recognize that they really do have feelings for each other but each one has their own issues they are dealing with. This is a sweet romance with a little bit of steam and action to keep things interesting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley had been harrased by Steven, some say he liked her but to her he was a bully. When David, Stevens brother suggests they fake sate to keep Steven in check, the outcomes brings more danger when fake turns real and Steven becomes more of a threat. Well written, emotions, depth of story and characters hold your attention through out, a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I am blown away by this book. It was so good. The story had me glued to the book. I had to finish it in one sitting! It was that good. You get suspense, a good story and spice. I loved it! Ash is such an amazing character. David is also amazing and I loved him. This books has everything you need if you love the fake dating trope with a little bit of suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley is the object of Steven’s obsession. She is bullied and harassed by him to the point she can’t function. David, Steven’s brother, stands by Ashley and offers to fake date her in order to get Steven off her back. This enrages Steven because he is already unstable. It was supposed to be a fake relationship between Ashley and David but real feelings start to develop. Steven is never far away, will he ruined their budding relationship?

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series and look forward to the next book. I know that they started fake dating just because of the brother but I'm happy that they found each other. I would love to see what the future holds for them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsession gone crazy. Glad David developed a backbone & took his place by Ash. Penny definitely made me angry for denial of what was happening. Ash is sure a strong woman deserving her HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kandiemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great story by Jean Marie. I'm really enjoying this series. I can't wait to read more. Highly recommend reading this and the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This one about Ashley who has to deal with a bully stalker she can't get away from. David steps in to help her see the facts and is there to help protect her.

[Emzy Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is and interesting story. The characters are very connectable. The MCs relationship is wonderful to behold. Some of the other characters made me yell at me the book. Some of the things that the MCs do together tugged at me heart and made me almost cry. Overall, this is a lovely story.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed David and Ashley’s book. It was an intriguing read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 7%. Sorry, but even after just one chapter I knew there was nothing the author could do to make me like this book.

[robert tabora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeless Romantic

Great story Line and characters. David and Ashley love story is so different it takes while but they finally find their happy ever after.