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Whitmore Elite #1
Forbidden Obsession
An all-new dark standalone romance from the International bestselling author, J.A. Owenby. This full-length novel is a forbidden, enemies-to-lovers standalone and features a hot, possessive/jealous stepbrother and a pampered princess who becomes a strong, kick-ass heroinewhen she learns that love and family mean more than Daddy’s bank account—packed with heat and heart, no cheating, no cliffhanger, and a happily ever after guaranteed!
Jagger Whitlock is my worst nightmare.
He’s a straight-up asshole who lives to torment me, and he’ll stop at nothing to punish me over the smallest slight.
When he digs up a sex tape starring—you guessed it—me, he takes bullying to a whole new level, using it to blackmail me into doing his bidding.
If the video gets out, it will ruin me.
But my stepbrother makes it clear that he doesn’t give a damn.
He drags me deep into his dark and twisted world, showing me the monster he hides beneath his handsome exterior, taking risks that put our lives in danger.
I thought I knew the devil I lived with.
I was wrong.
But so is he.
He thinks I’m nothing more than a pampered princess, but soon he’ll realize I’m a Queen.
And it’s time I put Jagger in his place.
This book is NOT for you if:
You don’t enjoy witnessing a spoiled character grow and realize that love and family are more important than money.
You don’t like asshole anti-heroes.
You have triggers.
You don’t like dark romance.
**If you like Sebastian and Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl or Fallon Carrington from Dynasty, then you'll enjoy this book.
WARNING: This book is a DARK romance. It contains graphic content of abuse and assault that some readers may be sensitive to. If you have triggers or think you might, please heed this advice.
Jagger Whitlock is my worst nightmare.
He’s a straight-up asshole who lives to torment me, and he’ll stop at nothing to punish me over the smallest slight.
When he digs up a sex tape starring—you guessed it—me, he takes bullying to a whole new level, using it to blackmail me into doing his bidding.
If the video gets out, it will ruin me.
But my stepbrother makes it clear that he doesn’t give a damn.
He drags me deep into his dark and twisted world, showing me the monster he hides beneath his handsome exterior, taking risks that put our lives in danger.
I thought I knew the devil I lived with.
I was wrong.
But so is he.
He thinks I’m nothing more than a pampered princess, but soon he’ll realize I’m a Queen.
And it’s time I put Jagger in his place.
This book is NOT for you if:
You don’t enjoy witnessing a spoiled character grow and realize that love and family are more important than money.
You don’t like asshole anti-heroes.
You have triggers.
You don’t like dark romance.
**If you like Sebastian and Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl or Fallon Carrington from Dynasty, then you'll enjoy this book.
WARNING: This book is a DARK romance. It contains graphic content of abuse and assault that some readers may be sensitive to. If you have triggers or think you might, please heed this advice.
292 pages, ebook
First published May 11, 2022
841 people are currently reading
2111 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Owenby
39 books1,039 followersInternational bestselling author J.A. Owenby grew up in a small backwoods town in Arkansas, where she learned how to swear like a sailor and spot water moccasins skimming across the lake.
She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety-mile-an-hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.
Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and cat, Chloe (who frequently encourages her to drink). She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.
J.A. Owenby writes new adult and romantic thriller novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.
Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.
She finally ditched the south and headed to Oregon. The first winter there, she was literally blown away a few times by ninety-mile-an-hour winds and storms that rolled in off the ocean.
Eventually, she longed for quiet and headed up to snowier pastures. She now resides in Washington state with her hot nerdy husband and cat, Chloe (who frequently encourages her to drink). She spends her days coming up with ways to torture characters in a way that either makes you want to throw your book down a flight of stairs or sob hysterically into a pillow.
J.A. Owenby writes new adult and romantic thriller novels. Her books ooze with emotion, angst, and twists that will leave you breathless. Having battled her own demons, she’s not afraid to tackle the secrets women are forced to hide. After all, the road to love is paved in the dark.
Her friends describe her as delightfully twisted. She loves fan mail and wine. Please send her all the wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
August 31, 2023
This book was Recommended By a friend and my first from the author
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Ariana has always been the Apple of her daddy’s eyes, but that will change after she confesses about what she’s been up to in her daddy’s Limousine.
Within a few days, she has gone from being a spoiled, wealthy girl tucked away in a sheltered world to living in reality full of lies and danger.
Hidden in between each turn of the page Is plenty of twist and turns…. the main Character he is a complete alpha-as$hole that is possessive and jealous……but lord on the flip side Jagger is hot enough to melt your Panties right off you ……. did I also mention the fact that Jagger is also Dark and depraved
I'm honestly not a huge fan of step Siblings having Sexual relationships. But somehow this author was able to pull it off pretty much Flawlessly. ……. I can’t lie, I’m really Curious about reading Teagan’s story
November 14, 2022
“Forbidden Obsession” is the story of Ari and Jagger.
Tw: stepsiblings romance, descriptive sexu@l assault on page, abuse of power
Dnf at 70
Unsafe
1.5/5
Tw: stepsiblings romance, descriptive sexu@l assault on page, abuse of power
Dnf at 70
Unsafe
1.5/5
October 9, 2022
Forbidden Obsession
J.A. Owenby
Another 5 star read from this author.
Bad boys for the win!!!
This is one hot book. Takes off right from the start and doesn’t let up. Jagger is such an alpha male, but loves and protects what’s his. Ari (Arianna) spoiled princess? Maybe, but so much more. Owenby’s book has plenty of spice, but also doesn’t lack on the plot, will keep you interested right up till the end. Didn’t not want to put it down.
Can’t wait to read Book 2!!
J.A. Owenby
Another 5 star read from this author.
Bad boys for the win!!!
This is one hot book. Takes off right from the start and doesn’t let up. Jagger is such an alpha male, but loves and protects what’s his. Ari (Arianna) spoiled princess? Maybe, but so much more. Owenby’s book has plenty of spice, but also doesn’t lack on the plot, will keep you interested right up till the end. Didn’t not want to put it down.
Can’t wait to read Book 2!!
April 25, 2022
Holy hotness! J.A. Owenby has outdone herself! Jagger and Ari's story will take you on one wild ride that will have you feeling every emotion. So buckle up and prepare for all the feels. Well done, Ms. Owenby!
February 28, 2023
Holy hotness!!! If you want lots of heat and the forbidden, then pick this book up. You won't be disappointed by what's between the pages. Jagger is a jealous, possessive, alpha a$$hole who won't let anyone near what's his, and that is Ariana, even if she doesn't know it yet. The friction between the two stepsiblings could melt the flame retardant protection off of a fireman. The action just doesn't stop in this book. I felt every emotion as I read this amazing book - anger, laughter, sadness, fear and, best of all, pure happiness.
Ariana is a spoiled rich, little princess. All she knows is how to party and spend daddy's money. She's just finished exams and getting ready to start her summer when her pain in the a$$ stepbrother, Jagger, comes home from college. But for some reason he's being even more of a pain than in the past. He's closed off, snarling and pushing Ari further away than normal. He keeps ordering her around but won't tell her why he's acting this way. When he humiliates her in front of everyone at a party to try and control her actions, Ari finally breaks. Danger has come calling and Jagger is the only one who can protect her but it just might be the one thing that breaks their connection forever.
Ariana is a spoiled rich, little princess. All she knows is how to party and spend daddy's money. She's just finished exams and getting ready to start her summer when her pain in the a$$ stepbrother, Jagger, comes home from college. But for some reason he's being even more of a pain than in the past. He's closed off, snarling and pushing Ari further away than normal. He keeps ordering her around but won't tell her why he's acting this way. When he humiliates her in front of everyone at a party to try and control her actions, Ari finally breaks. Danger has come calling and Jagger is the only one who can protect her but it just might be the one thing that breaks their connection forever.
May 11, 2022
A great read
Wow! From the very start off very hot and heavy. From there there are twists and turns and unexpected events. As always I love seeing our favorite security team!!! I also have to say I would love an extra special in the newsletter with Uncle Gunner. I don't know why, but I really liked him and the gang members nicknames cracked me up. This book does not end in a cliff hanger. It is a HEA and we get to have a sneak peek of the next book (Teagan's story).
Wow! From the very start off very hot and heavy. From there there are twists and turns and unexpected events. As always I love seeing our favorite security team!!! I also have to say I would love an extra special in the newsletter with Uncle Gunner. I don't know why, but I really liked him and the gang members nicknames cracked me up. This book does not end in a cliff hanger. It is a HEA and we get to have a sneak peek of the next book (Teagan's story).
April 21, 2022
Another Amazing Book by J.A.Owenby.
This Bully Romance breaks out all the feelings. Page by page, the emotions are real, character's relatable, Storyline
Phenomenal.
Ari and Jaggers step romance is everything. I don't usually read step romances or bully but this story was too
Intriguing to not!
This Bully Romance breaks out all the feelings. Page by page, the emotions are real, character's relatable, Storyline
Phenomenal.
Ari and Jaggers step romance is everything. I don't usually read step romances or bully but this story was too
Intriguing to not!
April 22, 2022
Such a great book. I'm honestly not a huge fan of enemies-to-lovers, but this book grabbed me from page one and wouldn't let go. You really grow to care about these characters, and you forget you are reading a book. This book is packed with angst, steam, and so much emotion you won't be able to put it down!
April 22, 2022
This dark romances book is a little different the J.A. Owenby’s normal but she totally knocked it out of the park. It’s steamy, it’s emotional, there are plenty of twists and turns and as usually she writes an amazing Villain.
April 21, 2022
Omg I can't wait to read the second book ,this book was so good that I didn't put it down.
April 25, 2022
What a way to kick off a new series.
I started the book and couldn’t put it down. It will make you angry, cry and happy.
This book does have major trigger warnings
I however will not look at a limo the same. The book start off 🔥🔥. Jagger and Ari and step sibling. Jagger loved ari from a far constantly blocking her. Ari is to self absorbed to realize it at first. After Jagger gets hands on her sex tape. Things start to change.
I can’t not wait for the next book
I’m so excited for Teagen story.
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden love
I received an Arc copy of this book and I am Voluntarily leave in this review
I started the book and couldn’t put it down. It will make you angry, cry and happy.
This book does have major trigger warnings
I however will not look at a limo the same. The book start off 🔥🔥. Jagger and Ari and step sibling. Jagger loved ari from a far constantly blocking her. Ari is to self absorbed to realize it at first. After Jagger gets hands on her sex tape. Things start to change.
I can’t not wait for the next book
I’m so excited for Teagen story.
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden love
I received an Arc copy of this book and I am Voluntarily leave in this review
April 25, 2022
Holy Shit!!!
Forbidden Obsession from Jennifer Ownbey is literally my newest Obsession. Run, don't walk to pre order, just trust me ladies (Or gent's) I would not steer you in the wrong direction! It starts off with a whole lotta spice and ends in a HEA!
J A Owenby delivers an epic, steamy bully romance, with a splash of Step siblings thrown into the mix and viola you got the recipe for your next Obsession.
I can not wait until the second book to continue this journey, come join us on the adventure!!!!!
Forbidden Obsession from Jennifer Ownbey is literally my newest Obsession. Run, don't walk to pre order, just trust me ladies (Or gent's) I would not steer you in the wrong direction! It starts off with a whole lotta spice and ends in a HEA!
J A Owenby delivers an epic, steamy bully romance, with a splash of Step siblings thrown into the mix and viola you got the recipe for your next Obsession.
I can not wait until the second book to continue this journey, come join us on the adventure!!!!!
May 11, 2022
J.A. Owenby always has a way of ripping your emotional stability to shreds and still coming out in the end healed up and glad you finished reading the entire book. This book is so good! It dives right in to wow and drags you all the way to damn that was wild. Definitely going to add this to my favorites collection!
January 17, 2024
3.5🌟🌟🌟🌟
It was really good. I am loving books from this series and this one was no exception(though I loved the first book more than this) . I read about Jagger in the first book and wanted to read about him and Ariana. Overall a good one.
Onto the next one now
It was really good. I am loving books from this series and this one was no exception(though I loved the first book more than this) . I read about Jagger in the first book and wanted to read about him and Ariana. Overall a good one.
Onto the next one now
April 20, 2022
I didn't know I loved bully romance until I read this book.
Jagger is the perfect bad boy. He hates just as hard as he loves. You definitely don't want to be on his bad side.
Ari is astounding. She grows so much in this book, not that she was unable to hold her own to begin with.
This book has plenty of spice, lots of dark emotional parts, and some unexpected twists and turns. I was sucked into their world from the first page and couldn't put it down. There is definitely a happy ending, but I need more of all the characters!!
Merged review:
I didn't know I loved bully romance until I read this book.
Jagger is the perfect bad boy. He hates just as hard as he loves. You definitely don't want to be on his bad side.
Ari is astounding. She grows so much in this book, not that she was unable to hold her own to begin with.
This book has plenty of spice, lots of dark emotional parts, and some unexpected twists and turns. I was sucked into their world from the first page and couldn't put it down. There is definitely a happy ending, but I need more of all the characters!!
Jagger is the perfect bad boy. He hates just as hard as he loves. You definitely don't want to be on his bad side.
Ari is astounding. She grows so much in this book, not that she was unable to hold her own to begin with.
This book has plenty of spice, lots of dark emotional parts, and some unexpected twists and turns. I was sucked into their world from the first page and couldn't put it down. There is definitely a happy ending, but I need more of all the characters!!
Merged review:
I didn't know I loved bully romance until I read this book.
Jagger is the perfect bad boy. He hates just as hard as he loves. You definitely don't want to be on his bad side.
Ari is astounding. She grows so much in this book, not that she was unable to hold her own to begin with.
This book has plenty of spice, lots of dark emotional parts, and some unexpected twists and turns. I was sucked into their world from the first page and couldn't put it down. There is definitely a happy ending, but I need more of all the characters!!
April 26, 2022
Wow!…..🔥🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Forbidden Obsession is really different from J.A Owenby’s other books but in a really good way. Ari and Jagger are an enemies to lovers dark romance that is so hot. The first chapter will have you racing through the rest of the book to see what else will happens, and when you get to the end you will want to relive it again and again.
Forbidden Obsession is really different from J.A Owenby’s other books but in a really good way. Ari and Jagger are an enemies to lovers dark romance that is so hot. The first chapter will have you racing through the rest of the book to see what else will happens, and when you get to the end you will want to relive it again and again.
April 26, 2022
In my opinion, there just wasn't as much character or relationship development as I would have liked to see. It seemed like the main characters go from hating each other one minute to immediately dating. Because of that, it seems like the people we see at the beginning of the book are completely different from the people at the end rather than being a better, more well-developed version of their former themselves. Additionally, the plot was subpar at most, and instead of seeing the conclusion play out, we're simply told that the issue has been resolved and that everyone lived happily ever after.
I love bully romances which is why I'm so sad to give this 2.5 stars. It has a lot of potential, and maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset when I was reading this, but I was left sorely disappointed.
Arc received in exchange for an honest review
I love bully romances which is why I'm so sad to give this 2.5 stars. It has a lot of potential, and maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset when I was reading this, but I was left sorely disappointed.
Arc received in exchange for an honest review
April 26, 2022
OMGGGGGGGGGGG If you love a forbidden stepsibling romance then this baby is for you. Jagger is a complete alpha-hole that is possessive and jealous AF Ariana is his girl and no one can touch her even if she is completely oblivious to that fact at the moment. This book will have you from beginning to end so don’t plan on getting anything else done. This book blew my mind it was something different and unexpected from this author but it was knocked out of the park. This book is non-stop from beginning to end and will have you on one epic roller coaster ride of emotions. The chemistry between Jagger and Ari is explosive and will have you burning up the pages of your kindle. The spice and steam is on point and super HOT. Ari and Jagger turned out to be so much more than I was expecting…. Everyone needs to read their story it was top notch! MUST READ
April 11, 2023
4.5 🌟
I loveee Jagger so muchhh😩💓❤️🔥 (I needed his pov 😩)
really enjoyed how Ari literally couldn’t see Jaggers heart spilled out for her and kept fighting him 🤭😍
I love how their parents were so supportive.
My first from the author and I loveeee this book so much 🫠💗 looking forward to read more.
Definitely a top 2023 book for me! 💗😽
I loveee Jagger so muchhh😩💓❤️🔥 (I needed his pov 😩)
really enjoyed how Ari literally couldn’t see Jaggers heart spilled out for her and kept fighting him 🤭😍
I love how their parents were so supportive.
My first from the author and I loveeee this book so much 🫠💗 looking forward to read more.
Definitely a top 2023 book for me! 💗😽
April 28, 2022
*Happily sighs* Ahhh forbidden love, is there anything better? Since the dawn of… I’m just fucking with you, we both know why you’re here. You want to know all the dirty details about Forbidden Obsession and my thirsty self is happy to share it all with you.
Stepsiblings? Check! Dominate growly alpha male? TRIPLE check! Jagger gets bonus checks because he’s hot enough to melt the polar ice caps. Dark and depraved? Fucking CHECK!
This book was what I like to call a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am. What does that mean?, I’m sooo glad you asked! It means that Forbidden Obsession was the perfect dark and steamy standalone. Nothing was left unfinished/unresolved. It was full of sexy times that were steamy enough to create a miniature replica of Yellowstone’s geyser in your pants. (The girls that get it, get it.) And most importantly, it kept my full attention. I know that doesn’t sound like much but it is. I have the attention span of a squirrel, so it’s a big accomplishment.
Honestly the only thing I didn’t like was that the “I love you” felt very rushed for one of the characters. (I’m not saying which so I don’t risk spoiling anything.) I just didn’t feel like they had enough time thinking of the other person in a romantic way for the I love you to be real. That’s just me tho and as I said it’s the only thing I disliked. Other than that this book was the best thing since flavored lube! Highly recommend!, the book not the lube. *smirks*
Stepsiblings? Check! Dominate growly alpha male? TRIPLE check! Jagger gets bonus checks because he’s hot enough to melt the polar ice caps. Dark and depraved? Fucking CHECK!
This book was what I like to call a wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am. What does that mean?, I’m sooo glad you asked! It means that Forbidden Obsession was the perfect dark and steamy standalone. Nothing was left unfinished/unresolved. It was full of sexy times that were steamy enough to create a miniature replica of Yellowstone’s geyser in your pants. (The girls that get it, get it.) And most importantly, it kept my full attention. I know that doesn’t sound like much but it is. I have the attention span of a squirrel, so it’s a big accomplishment.
Honestly the only thing I didn’t like was that the “I love you” felt very rushed for one of the characters. (I’m not saying which so I don’t risk spoiling anything.) I just didn’t feel like they had enough time thinking of the other person in a romantic way for the I love you to be real. That’s just me tho and as I said it’s the only thing I disliked. Other than that this book was the best thing since flavored lube! Highly recommend!, the book not the lube. *smirks*
April 30, 2022
This book started off intense and never stopped! Holy cow, talk about an action packed read! Ariana is a spoiled sassy princess and a bit immature. She gets whatever she wants and doesn’t care how she gets it. Jagger is her grumpy step brother. Jagger has a dark side and a emotional past. These two together are like oil and water…until they open up to each other. This book was a great read with a lot going on. It was dark, suspenseful and emotional it the best possible way. There were a few times I gasped, I also laughed out loud at some of the banter. There is a large amount of family drama that these two needed to get though. This book had amazing depth and the characters were addicting. This author is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. I’m already looking forward to seeing what book comes out next.
September 14, 2023
J.A. Owenby has done it again, Forbidden Obsession was dark, intense, forbidden, and so much more. Jagger and Ari had a strong attraction for each other. With Jagger, it was hard to see because he was so full of anger and mixed up in things she didn't know about. As the book went, there were a lot of secrets that came out of the woodwork, causing issues in the family. I really loved this book; it was amazing on every level. I look forward to the second part of this duet. This is a must-read.
April 27, 2022
Oh my!
This is such a great story. Enough twists and turns to make your heart race and your anxiety kick in. At first, Jagger is a straight-up A** but you can’t help but to be sucked into his world. Ari, herself, is a bit lost and is struggling with so many issues. What seems to be a bad match turns into two puzzle pieces who fit together with a HEA. Waiting impatiently for the next book!
This is such a great story. Enough twists and turns to make your heart race and your anxiety kick in. At first, Jagger is a straight-up A** but you can’t help but to be sucked into his world. Ari, herself, is a bit lost and is struggling with so many issues. What seems to be a bad match turns into two puzzle pieces who fit together with a HEA. Waiting impatiently for the next book!
April 28, 2022
I love Jagger and Ari! The chemistry was off the charts. The characters were well developed and I loved the storyline. I would love to read more about them!
May 18, 2022
DNF, bad spoiled brat heroine
May 9, 2023
KU*
2.5 stars
The synopsis of the book sounded really interesting, unfortunately for me, this book fell flat.
Also this book deals with traumatic events and it is given in detail as the incident takes place.
There really is no character development, we are given Ariana and Jagger, who are step-siblings, and we are to believe they hate each other, no reason given they just do. So we are given a little background on their relationship, Ariana is a spoiled rich girl who loves getting her way and manipulating anyone to get what she wants (the opening scene is the perfect example). Jagger is apparently a year older than Ariana and I think he goes to college (this was very lightly implied) and has been a major date blocker for Ariana from about the moment they met.
So thing sbetween them pretty much go like: don’t like each other to tolerate each other to completely hating each other (for like 5 seconds) to being in love with each other.
This book has a lot of plot twists and reveals so even given this review without spoilers is difficult.
This book was just all over the place and quite honestly we don’t really see their romance unfold we are basically told and must go with it. Also, Ariana calls Jagger her brother, not stepbrother, for like the first quarter of the book, but wanted to hook up with him so bad at the same time; so that was an ick factor for me. Especially the ending so many things happen, people are hurt and killed and the we are told in the end everything is good and book ends.
I started to warm up to Ariana but by the end, in my opinion, she went back to her bratty ways when her father, Theo’s, connection with Jagger and Samantha’s past is revealed. It wasn’t an easy situation but to go from being daddy’s girl to like hello Theo in seconds was a bit much.
Honestly, most of the book felt unnecessarily dragged out and it just prolonged the book. For example, everyone in Ariana’s family knows about the danger, but she only finds out bits and pieces of the reason throughout the book. Jagger apologizes for putting her in this position, but basically states I owe you an explanation but I will tell you pieces at a time when I am ready, but you are in danger now and must follow my orders whenever I give them.
My favorite character quite honestly was Teagan, Ariana’s best friend and confidant. Teagan, to me, was Ariana’s conscience and common sense and really the only person who could make her see reason about certain situations.
I didn’t hate the rest of the characters I just didn’t develop a connection with them and couldn’t understand their actions/reasonings.
These are some questions never answered:
Why did they ask about Gabrielle’s father, Liam? Gabrielle is Ariana’s friend.
Who was Jagger talking to on his phone at Aaron’s party that he called beautiful?
Who was driving the limo when Ariana was taken by Chuk?
The next book is about Teagan and it is titled Ruthless Obsession.
Spoilers below:
Ariana is the spoiled princess but she wants completely annoying especially when she talked with her bestie, Teagan and realized the error of her ways.
Jagger started to have romantic feelings for Ariana when she was 16 and tried to keep it to himself but couldn’t so there goes the reason for the cockblocking
Jagger didn’t make the sex tape of Ariana on purpose he put cameras in the limo because Chuk was a suspect; so imagine his anger when he saw the girl he loved getting plowed in the limo by 2 guys
Sex tape is released at Aaron’s party but Jagger wasn’t the one who did it; Ariana is pissed leaves the party and ends up somewhere odd and finds Jagger and a group dudes beating a guy to death
Ariana tried to use what she saw as blackmail against Jagger but it doesn’t work out
Ariana calls Jagger her brother but also imagines having sex with him, Teagan had to point out that maybe their feelings were more romantic than sibling on both sides
Turns out Jagger and his mother, Samantha, have a dark past and that past is trying to kill them now so now Ariana and her father, Theo, are in danger
Jagger, is the master of mix signals when it comes to Ariana but apparently everyone has known all along that he was in love with her
Things get weird because of the danger and Jagger’s jealousy, he attacks Chuk and then takes Ariana to his house where she officially meets his uncle, Gunner and his MC brothers
Ariana learns some more truth but only a little and kind of flirts with Jagger’s MC friends, he was not pleased
They go home and Jagger proceed to act like Jekyll and Hyde with Ariana then ends up giving her an orgasm and moves out of the house in the middle of the night
Chuk contacts Ariana about the damages and she goes to meet him to keep Jagger out of jail which was all kinds of bad idea and she knew it and still did it
Chuk kidnaps and rapes Ariana multiple times
Ariana learns some details from Chuk, like he has a partner, and right before he tries to rape her again Jagger comes in and kills him
Things just get more complicated and Ariana is told she can only speak to Teagan about what happens and the she proceed to tell all 5 of her friends everything :/
Finally the truth is revealed apparently the man after them all is Joe, Jagger’s abusive father who was thought to be dead
Jagger goes with the MC to find Joe gets his ass shot pretty badly
Joe would abuse Jagger while his mother, Samantha, had no idea until one day she learns the truth and sends her brother, Gunner, after him
Apparently, Joe’s job was to procure babies and sell them on the black market
Big reveal! Ariana was one of those babies and now she hates her daddy! And wants to find her real parents, who matter to her more than her current family
Ariana and Jagger receive news that Joe was killed and everything is fine
Book ends with Jagger fucking the daylights of Ariana and she’s like, isn’t love grand
2.5 stars
The synopsis of the book sounded really interesting, unfortunately for me, this book fell flat.
Also this book deals with traumatic events and it is given in detail as the incident takes place.
There really is no character development, we are given Ariana and Jagger, who are step-siblings, and we are to believe they hate each other, no reason given they just do. So we are given a little background on their relationship, Ariana is a spoiled rich girl who loves getting her way and manipulating anyone to get what she wants (the opening scene is the perfect example). Jagger is apparently a year older than Ariana and I think he goes to college (this was very lightly implied) and has been a major date blocker for Ariana from about the moment they met.
So thing sbetween them pretty much go like: don’t like each other to tolerate each other to completely hating each other (for like 5 seconds) to being in love with each other.
This book has a lot of plot twists and reveals so even given this review without spoilers is difficult.
This book was just all over the place and quite honestly we don’t really see their romance unfold we are basically told and must go with it. Also, Ariana calls Jagger her brother, not stepbrother, for like the first quarter of the book, but wanted to hook up with him so bad at the same time; so that was an ick factor for me. Especially the ending so many things happen, people are hurt and killed and the we are told in the end everything is good and book ends.
I started to warm up to Ariana but by the end, in my opinion, she went back to her bratty ways when her father, Theo’s, connection with Jagger and Samantha’s past is revealed. It wasn’t an easy situation but to go from being daddy’s girl to like hello Theo in seconds was a bit much.
Honestly, most of the book felt unnecessarily dragged out and it just prolonged the book. For example, everyone in Ariana’s family knows about the danger, but she only finds out bits and pieces of the reason throughout the book. Jagger apologizes for putting her in this position, but basically states I owe you an explanation but I will tell you pieces at a time when I am ready, but you are in danger now and must follow my orders whenever I give them.
My favorite character quite honestly was Teagan, Ariana’s best friend and confidant. Teagan, to me, was Ariana’s conscience and common sense and really the only person who could make her see reason about certain situations.
I didn’t hate the rest of the characters I just didn’t develop a connection with them and couldn’t understand their actions/reasonings.
These are some questions never answered:
Why did they ask about Gabrielle’s father, Liam? Gabrielle is Ariana’s friend.
Who was Jagger talking to on his phone at Aaron’s party that he called beautiful?
Who was driving the limo when Ariana was taken by Chuk?
The next book is about Teagan and it is titled Ruthless Obsession.
Spoilers below:
Ariana is the spoiled princess but she wants completely annoying especially when she talked with her bestie, Teagan and realized the error of her ways.
Jagger started to have romantic feelings for Ariana when she was 16 and tried to keep it to himself but couldn’t so there goes the reason for the cockblocking
Jagger didn’t make the sex tape of Ariana on purpose he put cameras in the limo because Chuk was a suspect; so imagine his anger when he saw the girl he loved getting plowed in the limo by 2 guys
Sex tape is released at Aaron’s party but Jagger wasn’t the one who did it; Ariana is pissed leaves the party and ends up somewhere odd and finds Jagger and a group dudes beating a guy to death
Ariana tried to use what she saw as blackmail against Jagger but it doesn’t work out
Ariana calls Jagger her brother but also imagines having sex with him, Teagan had to point out that maybe their feelings were more romantic than sibling on both sides
Turns out Jagger and his mother, Samantha, have a dark past and that past is trying to kill them now so now Ariana and her father, Theo, are in danger
Jagger, is the master of mix signals when it comes to Ariana but apparently everyone has known all along that he was in love with her
Things get weird because of the danger and Jagger’s jealousy, he attacks Chuk and then takes Ariana to his house where she officially meets his uncle, Gunner and his MC brothers
Ariana learns some more truth but only a little and kind of flirts with Jagger’s MC friends, he was not pleased
They go home and Jagger proceed to act like Jekyll and Hyde with Ariana then ends up giving her an orgasm and moves out of the house in the middle of the night
Chuk contacts Ariana about the damages and she goes to meet him to keep Jagger out of jail which was all kinds of bad idea and she knew it and still did it
Chuk kidnaps and rapes Ariana multiple times
Ariana learns some details from Chuk, like he has a partner, and right before he tries to rape her again Jagger comes in and kills him
Things just get more complicated and Ariana is told she can only speak to Teagan about what happens and the she proceed to tell all 5 of her friends everything :/
Finally the truth is revealed apparently the man after them all is Joe, Jagger’s abusive father who was thought to be dead
Jagger goes with the MC to find Joe gets his ass shot pretty badly
Joe would abuse Jagger while his mother, Samantha, had no idea until one day she learns the truth and sends her brother, Gunner, after him
Apparently, Joe’s job was to procure babies and sell them on the black market
Big reveal! Ariana was one of those babies and now she hates her daddy! And wants to find her real parents, who matter to her more than her current family
Ariana and Jagger receive news that Joe was killed and everything is fine
Book ends with Jagger fucking the daylights of Ariana and she’s like, isn’t love grand
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2022
I've really been into the darker side of romance lately, and this fits. I will say there were a few things I didn't completely love, but it was a wild ride. While Ari is a hard character to like at first (very self centered, image obsessed, spoiled rich girl), she has growth in the pages as she goes through a very intense summer. And while I found it odd that Jagger had a home of his own even though he was away at college most of the time, I like how crazy he is about his stepsister and how dirty they like to play. The one other thing was that I was super glad someone got this girl lube by the end of the book when they played in the back, because, OUCH. I know it sounds like I'm being harsh on this story, but really I liked it, that's why there were four stars. Because I still really enjoyed it and the story was full of action, secrets, suspense, and a slightly taboo love story. But be warned- Ari does go through something pretty traumatic and it may trigger some people.
May 12, 2022
Oh...my....Jagger is the definition of bad boy and I love me some bad boys. Im obsessed with Ari and Jagger 🥰😍🥰 this book is amazingly written and just keeps you sucked in on every page!!! Its a must read for those who love bad boys
May 12, 2022
Jagger and Aris back and forth made this a absolute page turner. Jagger wants to more then humiliate her but he’s about to very surprised that she’s not one to have anyone think they have the upper hand
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