Sinful Obsession

Whitmore Elite #4

by J.A. Owenby

Brie
He’s stalking me.
Someone has been in my home, left messages on my wall.
I’ve had dreams that a stranger in a mask touches me while I’m sleeping,
forcing my body to bend to his wicked ways.
But I want more. Crave more.
He has the key to release me from my prison.
Can I trust him, or will he be the end of me instead?

Kane
I'm playing a dangerous game. Stalking her. Breaking into her house while she’s asleep.
Brie Langston left me for dead.
Years later, I see her face at Whitmore U.
Now, I’m the leader of a secret society,
And the star quarterback with a future in the NFL.
I’m king and it feels good … and she could take it all away.

I know what happens when you mix fire and gasoline …
The flames consume and destroy.
But I'm torn between the girl I used to love and the one I have a sinful obsession with now.

She ruined me once, but this time I know her secrets.
If I’m going down, I’m going to destroy her first.

Sinful Obsession is a full-length dark, enemies-to-lovers, second chance, sports standalone featuring a damaged hero, a strong heroine, and a lot of kinky, good times. No cheating, no cliffhanger, and a happily ever after guaranteed!

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Sports Romance, Sports, Second Chance, College Romance

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2023

About the author

International 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.

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas]

Brie and Kane’s Story

[image error]

Brie and Kane’s story had shattered my heart
into a million pieces, and Somewhere along the way the author was able to put my heart back together piece by piece………….



Somehow, I thought this book was going to be one of those enemies to Lovers……. Or maybe one those books where just that one seeks out revenge from the other since they have a pass together…… yeah it was kind of that for minute or two……




I must admit that there was some very Steamy scenes and also few hate fu$ks……but after that Kane stole my heart when he started to share his past!

The more I learn about his pass the more I want seek out the people that had hurt him………

I must say, this is a Tequila worthy read………

[Priya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

3rd book in the series and so far my favourite one.
This book is full of heartbreak but it mends your heart as well. What Brie and Kane went through was unimaginable and only one of them remembers it its even more heartwrenching. But Both MMC kept growing and healing. Tbh I didnot expect this storyline at all but the writer wrote is so beautifully. I really really enjoyed this one.
Thanks to Paulette's review or else I would have had missed out on this amazing story.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

dannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Meka 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by Owenby and once again I was impressed.

The plot twists kept twisting, the romance and spice were just right and I couldn’t put it down.

Brie and Kane’s story broke my heart. They had to overcome so much, multiple times to create a normal life for themselves and I was rooting for them the entire time.

Overall

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kane and Bries story is just my cup of tea and I loved it and all the twists and turns. Kane had no idea what he was about to get when he sees Brie again but it’s definitely not what he had anticipated. Loved it

[Dino Queen · Rating 2 out of 5]

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: yes
spice: several open-door spicy scenes
TWs: alcohol abuse, amnesia, anxiety, blackmail, breaking and entering, bullying, claustrophobia, CNC, degradation, DubCon, emotional manipulation, foster care/adoption, fugue states, gang r@pe (recounted, non-descriptive), grief, insomnia, kidnapping, MCs have sex with other people during the book, night terrors, primal play, PTSD, r@pe (recounted), r@pe and abuse of underage teens (recounted), religious cult, religious trauma, self-harm, sexual assault, somnophilia, stalking, suicidal thoughts, torture, trauma
Kinky Content: bondage, exhibitionism, sex club, spanking, toys, wax play
standalone: yes
final thoughts: Overall not for me but the thriller aspects kept me engaged. There were some tropes not mentioned that would’ve turned me away from this book had I known before, but they certainly appeal to others. The twists were good and happened throughout the book. There didn’t seem to be a clear high point since things were revealed then seemed to be resolved so quickly.
As far as the relationship between the MCs… I thought Kane got over his hate of Brie SO FAST and I get it but… come on. And I felt like most of the sex scenes happened between other people and not the MCs which isn’t my preference.
This book is very dark with lots of triggers.

read this book if you love
🤕 amnesia
⛓️ BDSM
📨 blackmail
😠 bully
💞 childhood crush
🏫 college setting
🖤 dark romance
🤫 hidden secrets
🏝️ forced proximity
🩹 hurt/comfort
🧠 “it’s always been you”
💰 kidnapped
😏 kinky
👹 masked men
🤐 miscommunication
🎭 mistaken identity
❓ mystery
🌀 plot twists
🗡️ revenge
2️⃣ 2nd chance romance
👺 secret identity
🏈 sports romance (football)

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinful Obsession
J A Owenby

Sinfully Good!!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I don’t know where to start. I cried, I laughed, I cried some more. I read this with my heart stuck in my throat and tissues in my hands.

Owenby has outdone herself with strong leading characters that have gone thru unbelievable obstacles. Their stories are heartbreaking and will stay with you long after you finish the book. It is one that will definitely be on my reread list.

There are twists and turns to keep you guessing and just when you think you have it all figured out, Nope, you don’t. I definitely didn’t see that ending coming.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨Dark Romance
✨Second Chance
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Football Romance

•Dual POV
•Stand-alone

This book was SO. FREAKING. GOOD. 🔥

This book was such an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every second it. Brie & Kane’s characters were absolutely amazing. The journey they went through in the past and present was so intense, but it got to me to where they are today. 🎢

Sinful Obsession is dark, steamy, with so many twists and turns I didn’t see coming. And for those reasons, I loved it so so much. ❤️

Brie was such a strong woman and Kane was fierce, protective, and HOT. 🥵🔥

So so good, it has me reading more from J.A. Owenby! 😍

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were tears, rage, laughs, more anger, and a lot of wishful thinking going on as I read this book. My breath caught in my throat, my heart racing as I read. I hoped that time would heal the hurts of the past, and a second chance for love would blossom. There was sorrow and joy; the shock was replaced with understanding and compassion. My emotions ran so wild with each page turned. It’s a ride through all the feelings possible for this second chance HEA that two amazing people richly deserve. You can’t help but feel for them as their stories unfold before your eyes and in your heart.

An obsession that borders on sinful fuels Kane to seek revenge on a girl from his past when she shows up at Whitmore University. Kane isn’t willing to let this opportunity slip through his fingers to show Brie the hell he has had to live through the last six years. Kane has had to find unconventional coping methods since she was torn from him. Kane has secrets he is keeping that would stop his future in its tracks, and Brie holds the key that will blow the door wide open. Brie has secrets of her own that are damaging. When she mistakenly receives an invite to The Black Widow Society, she fills out the questionnaire for fun. Brie doesn’t expect to be chosen as a candidate. Suddenly, she becomes a target for a crazy person who thinks it’s a game to break into her house and scare her. These events set Brie on a collision course with a haunting past that will either overcome her barriers or bury her chances at a more normal life.

Sinful Obsession is chock full of twists and turns. You might think you have the story figured out … BAM!!! Another surprise hits, and you end up on a different tangent than expected. There was never a dull moment while reading this book, and I loved every word!

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever been on the edge of my seat so long for a book. I felt like I couldn’t read fast enough to figure out what was happening and what secrets and surprises were going to come next. Brie and Kane have been through SO much, it was honestly heartbreaking to read about. They’re both trying to move on with their lives and hoping to have a normal and good year at Whitmore University, except Kane is shocked when he sees Brie. He remembers everything, and can’t figure out why she is acting like she doesn’t remember him. Kane starts out for revenge at first and uses the society to help with that, when Brie finds out he’s the one who’s been breaking into her place - they decided it’s time to chat and lay all the cards out. Talk about a shocking twist of events! I was not prepared for what she had to say. They then decided to navigate through it all together to fill in blank voids and maybe find some peace.. if that’s even possible? So much darkness and so many twists, my heart strings were pulled every which way while reading and it only made me love both of them more. No matter how much the darkness tries to take them, love always wins.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

couldn’t stop reading it

Very sad 😞
I felt so bad for the characters. I know that cult practices like this ARE real so it’s kind of sad to read about this kind of stuff. The author gave a very serious but probably realistic example of how sexually traumatized victims cope with their demons.
SPOILER***
I like that they had their happily every after and that Brie/ Lyndsey never gets back her memories because her mind just can’t handle the abuse she suffered. But Kane/Jacob he’s just so broken he’s a adult one minute and scared child the next it was too real. I felt for them.
Some of it was a bit cringy for me like the interactions with the parents and the wording.. otherwise it was a good read.

[Katiesbookland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Sinful Obsession.
(A Whitmore Elite Football Novel)
By: J.A. Owenby.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
ARC Copy.

J.A. Owenby is a new to me author and after reading this I’m going to be looking for more books by her! Sinful Obsession was a rollercoaster of a story. It has all of the feels! Heartbreaking moments, steamy scenes, joyful moments, beautiful friendships, and family.

Kane and Brie are such strong characters. What they both go through is something that nobody should ever have too. But both of them make it out to the other side. Better but stronger people. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it. Do look at the trigger warnings before reading!

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I am wondering why it has taken me so long. Brie and Kane's story was a dark intensely sexy romance. The mystery of their past connection is slowly revealed and it was as surprising as it was heartbreaking. Parts of the storyline deal with some serious subjects and it felt like it fit together neatly with Brie and Kane reconnecting. The anger hatred and mistrust slowly changes to reveal a deep friendship and love. The twists in the story kept me guessing right until the end.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept Me On The Edge Of My Seat

Wow!! When a book takes you in and puts your emotions through the wringer only to throw another curveball at you, it’s a huge winner in my book. This book had that and more with Kane and Brie’s story. This author did an amazing job at combining genres I love with sports romance, second chance and enemies to lovers all with a twist of darkness and steam.

This is time I’ve read this author’s work and it definitely won’t be the last time after reading this book. Loved every minute of it.

[Viviana Custódio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it

A simple read but ao much fellings through it I laugh,, I got irritated and I cry
This book it’s on my top favorite read!

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.A. Owenby is slowly becoming an auto read author for me. Her books are just the perfect amount of fucked up that I love and this book is no different.
Brie, the FMC, has just started college and is with her family unpacking her things, totally normal right? Except her dad, when helping her unpack, unpacks handcuffs and a leather strap and attaches them to her bed... You then meet Kane, quarterback of the football team and head of a secret society that includes girls and spicy times. Brie gets invited to a party where she meets some new friends and Kane gets to see the new cheerleader for the first time, goes into a rage, and announces her off-limits to everyone, but no one knows why.
Well, I would tell you but that would ruin the whole book. This book had so many twists and turns, I thought it was going one way and this person was going to be revealed as someone but then they weren't and I thought one thing was happening but something else did. It was just such a good thriller, at least I thought it was thrilling with so much spice I think it might need a 3.5 because omg it is hot but at the same time you're learning about Brie and Kane's pasts and seeing how they're connected.
The trigger warnings for this book need to be read because even for me I had to take a break and come back because the back story that you learn is heartbreaking but it helps to weave these two together in such a beautiful way that it ends on a happy note but trust and believe it takes you on a wild ride first!
Thank you to the author agency and jaowenby for allowing me to ARC read this!

[Caitlin Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW🥀

⭐️5/5
🌶️3/5


📖 Sinful Obsession by J.A. Owenby
OUT NOW !

🖤Dark Romance
🖤Enemies-to-lovers
🖤Masked Man
🖤Secret Society
🖤Second Chance
🖤Revenge
🖤Football
🖤Band of brothers
🖤Jealous Possessive Hero
🖤Morally Grey Hero

Omg this book was EVERYTHING!! J.A. Owensby is such a good writer and her plot twist and turns keep you intrigued. This is like a blend of enemies to lovers and second chance and I loved every second of it. Kane may be a new fav book boyfriend. Kane is a football player with a dark past and Brie is a cheerleader with a secret both attending whitmore university. Both hiding from what haunts them.

Read how they make it out!

For sure a must read!!!
Thank you for the arc!

⛔️PLEASE READ ALL TRIGGERS BEFORE READING ❤️

[Joanne K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant series

Another amazing story in this series!! I am hooked. I haven’t been able to put all of these books down! Can’t wait for the next one.

[Christie Wilcox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sinful Obsession:

MMC - Kane
FMC - Brie

🏈enemies-to-lovers
🔥second chance
🏈sports
🔥damaged hero
🏈strong heroine
🔥secret society

Audiobook review:
I am obsessed with Devon Ryder & what he narrates. I’m SO thankful that this series has the SAME narrator for each book!

Kane and Brie have known each other for all their lives, and share a past that is dark and tragic. They were born into a cult and honestly it was so brutal.
Sadly, only one of them remembers, Kane. When Kane first sees Brie after years of being separated, he’s beyond hateful. He thinks she abandoned him and he’s determined to make her leave town. An obsession that borders on sinful fuels Kane to seek revenge on a girl from his past when she shows up at Whitmore University. Kane isn’t willing to let this opportunity slip through his fingers to show Brie the hell he has had to live through the last six years. When she mistakenly receives an invite to The Black Widow Society, she fills out the questionnaire for fun. Brie doesn’t expect to be chosen as a candidate. When Brie finds out he’s the one who’s been breaking into her place - they decided it’s time to talk and unveil all the secrets. When he discovers the truth, all he wants to do is protect her from their horrible and heartbreaking past. At this point, she still has no memories of the past abuse. I find this is a good thing somewhat… she doesn't have to constantly relive it. She ended up with amnesia to cope with all the abuse/trauma. Kane, on the other hand, lives with it EVERYDAY! He has some VERY VERY dark memories. Bri makes him relive his trauma just to fit her needs. I didn’t care for this part.


‼️ PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS; both the MMC & FMC have been 🍇 ed in the past ‼️

[Nicole (all_bookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
4 Chili Peppers

Tropes:
Dark Romance
Second Chance
Enemies to Lovers
Football
College

Dual POV

Please check trigger warnings.

"Brie Langston was my sinful obsession."

Do not let the cover fool you. This book is filled to the brim with spice, angst, and banter. This is a rollercoaster, do not take that lightly. You will feel the highs and lows of both Kane and Brie.

There were twists that I didn't see coming, that made me sit there with my mouth hanging open. There were times were I got angry. Times were I laughed. But seriously ROLLER.COASTER.OF.EMOTIONS!

"I've worked my ass off to keep the monsters at bay, and you're asking me to open it and dance with the devil."

Brie is one of the best FMC characters ever. Seriously. She's been through so much and yet can handle her own. She can take down a grown man like it's nothing. She is braver than I'll ever be. I did at parts find her whiny but she wanted answers and she wasn't getting any, so I understand.

"Hate is love wrapped up in an ugly package"

Kane is strong. He has a lot of secrets but he puts on a happy face. All I'll say is when he hates, he hates hard. But when he loves, he loves even harder.

I did not want this book to end. But at the same time, I wanted to know how it ended. But I still want more!

Thank you to J.A. Owenby for this ARC!

[Melissa Houpt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Whitmore Elite series but can be read as a standalone. I’m obsessed with the entire series so I recommend reading them all. Love, love, love!! Stalker romance, secret society, with a little second chance romance thrown in. Kane had no idea what he was in store for when he sees Brie. All he had on his mind was revenge. Both Kane and Brie have a shared past, that only one remembers but they both are trying to keep their own secrets. Then throw in an ex that just doesn’t want to take no for an answer. This had the perfect amount of spice and a plot with a few twists and turns.

4.5/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enemies-to-lovers/second chance story hit me right in my heart and soul. There are so many quotes in this book that just hit me. The first soul crushing quote for me was... Slamming my fist onto the dashboard, I yelled, “You never came back for me!" I absolutely love the books J.A. Owenby writes. However, I will have to say I think this one is my favorite. The things Kane and Brie go through and how they overcome it just gives so much hope. This book while having dark parts I just loved the emotion and growth of the characters. I have always loved the way J.A. Owenby hits real-life topics. I also love how we get to see some of our favorite characters from other stories. There were times I wanted to yell at Kane to just talk to Brie, but as you discover more of Kane's past you understand why he can't just trust and talk. There were some twists and turns that I do not want to spoil, so pick up the book and read it!!!

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking amazing! I can’t recommend this book enough! It’s a second chance romance, but unlike any I’ve read before. And had one heck of a huge surprise bombshell revelation!!!
Kane and Brie have known each other for all their lives, and share a past that is dark and tragic. But only one of them remembers. When Kane first sees Brie after years of being separated, he’s beyond hateful. He thinks she abandoned him and he’s determined to make her leave town. But when he discovers the truth, all he wants to do is protect her from their horrible and heartbreaking past.
This book is a must read! Kane and Brie were amazing and absolutely perfect for each other. It took a lot for them to get to their HEA, but they did and I couldn’t have been more happier. As much as I can’t wait for the next book, I’d love to see another book written for Kane and Brie and see how everything’s turned out!

[Tracey Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie and Kane's story was non stop page turning.
I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.
It's hard to review without giving any spoilers away but I will try my best.
Their backstory was so heartbreaking. I felt so much heartbeak for both of them.
The way Kane reacted to Brie and tried to get her to leave was crazy.
Once she finally confronted him and he found out the truth behind everything, I loved how he accepted her completely
I loved how she was brave enough to leave home and try to go to college and do this on her own. She is one resilient woman.
They had such a strong love and understanding for each other's past that I absolutely loved them for that.
It's one of my favorites by this author!

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read! Owenby did an amazing job of balancing and blending the tension between Brie and Kane, the mystery about their pasts, the secrets of their present, and the suspense that slowly built throughout the book.

Your heart will break and ache for what these characters have been through, but Owenby will also slowly mend it with the relationships between Brie and Kane, but also between each of them and their families.

And don't worry, there's plenty of spice in here too.

While there are a lot of heavy themes in this book, it's wonderful and I highly recommend it.

Owenby has become a favorite author and I look forward to reading all of her books!

(I received this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.)

[Amber Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done it again! This is my favorite book to date! The way Owenby captures Kane’s emotions is just.. chef’s kiss! I definitely had emotional OVERLOAD!! Everything Kane felt, I felt right along side of him. I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest at times and I couldn’t swipe my kindle fast enough! I was so consumed by this book. If you want a man that is ALL for his woman even with a heartbreaking past, intense present, and an unknown future, Kane is your man! The twists and turns in this book just kept coming and I was blown away with how it all turned out.
Will definitely be a multiple re-read for me!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, never read this author before and it was decent. I was interested in the plot since I never expected it to be a cult. Having her father out of prison and meeting him was dumb and not needed. Kane was a great character and overcame so much. Sometimes I wish she got her memory back in pieces to remember him

[Peggy Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gahhh!!! This book!!! There are not enough stars in the world to show how much I absolutely LOVED this book! I have read so many dark college/secret society books in my life, but this has got to be the absolute best!!! Kane had such a sinful depraved side, while also having a sweet innocent side that nobody knew about. I fell in love with him instantly, and he and Brie were scorching hot together! I loved everything about this book, past and present, and if you're into these tropes, this one is a MUST read! Highly recommended with ALL THE STARS!

[Mrs A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book has had me in a chokehold. So many emotions whilst reading this book. I finished this rather quickly as I was desperate to know more!

This book is well written with intricate plot and wonderfully complex characters. The world building is really good and done gradually throughout the book. There is drama, mystery, angst and plot twists which I didn’t see coming.

This author is cementing her place as one of my go to dark romance authors. I love that sensitive topics are handled with care. Please do heed trigger warnings as the topics are quite sensitive

[Jennifer Bossard · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Why has it taken me so long to discover this author ??! I couldn’t put this down. Kane and Brie’s story is absolutely heartbreaking, yet beautiful. J.A Owenby did an amazing job writing this story.

My heart broke and burst with love as I read this. There is so many twist and turns to this story. I honestly didn’t see any of it coming. Just when I thought they were done, nope, here is another. There is a lot of sensitive topics and triggers, but it is written well.

Round of applause for this book!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼