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The Reckless Rockwoods #1
Obsession
WARNING: Contains an uptight earl with a secret that haunts him, and a heroine determined to have her independence while overcoming the dark pain of her past. Two souls trying find their way to each other in Jack the Ripper's London,where deeply buried passions explode in a world gone mad with terror.
Helen Rivenall is willing to do anything to escape the brutality of her uncle’s home. But a promise of honest employment in London is a ruse. Drugged and auctioned off in a notorious brothel, she finds herself won by a man who wants nothing from her except her participation in a harmless charade. Left with no choice, she reluctantly agrees, but as their web of lies grows, so does temptation and the realization that erotic pleasures and sin are often one and the same.
Sebastian Rockwood, Earl of Melton is haunted by a dark secret in his past. One that taught him control is a personal trait to be valued above all others. He also learned never to give his heart to anyone. The risk is too great. Yet where Helen is concerned, his prized control is slowly giving way to an erotic need that threatens to consume him, and all too quickly he discovers nothing can protect him from the ultimate obsession—love.
But when Helen is kidnapped by a madman, Sebastian realizes the only part of his world that matters is Helen, even if she chooses to love someone else. Set against the backdrop of Jack the Ripper's diabolical murders, this erotic historical romance is the story of two injured souls struggling to find each other despite the pain of their pasts.
Helen Rivenall is willing to do anything to escape the brutality of her uncle’s home. But a promise of honest employment in London is a ruse. Drugged and auctioned off in a notorious brothel, she finds herself won by a man who wants nothing from her except her participation in a harmless charade. Left with no choice, she reluctantly agrees, but as their web of lies grows, so does temptation and the realization that erotic pleasures and sin are often one and the same.
Sebastian Rockwood, Earl of Melton is haunted by a dark secret in his past. One that taught him control is a personal trait to be valued above all others. He also learned never to give his heart to anyone. The risk is too great. Yet where Helen is concerned, his prized control is slowly giving way to an erotic need that threatens to consume him, and all too quickly he discovers nothing can protect him from the ultimate obsession—love.
But when Helen is kidnapped by a madman, Sebastian realizes the only part of his world that matters is Helen, even if she chooses to love someone else. Set against the backdrop of Jack the Ripper's diabolical murders, this erotic historical romance is the story of two injured souls struggling to find each other despite the pain of their pasts.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2006
222 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Monica Burns
52 books509 followersAn award-winning author of spicy historical and paranormal romance, Monica Burns penned her first short romance story at the age of nine when she selected the pseudonym she uses today.
Facebook Reader Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Monic...
Her historical book awards include the 2011 RT BookReviews Reviewers Choice Award and the 2012 Gayle Wilson Heart of Excellence Award for Pleasure Me .
She is also the recipient of the prestigious paranormal romance award, the 2011 PRISM Best of the Best award for Assassin’s Heart .
From the days when she hid her stories from her sisters to her first completed full-length manuscript, she always believed in her dream despite rejections and setbacks. A workaholic wife and mother, Monica believes it’s possible for the good guy to win if they work hard enough.
Facebook Reader Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Monic...
Her historical book awards include the 2011 RT BookReviews Reviewers Choice Award and the 2012 Gayle Wilson Heart of Excellence Award for Pleasure Me .
She is also the recipient of the prestigious paranormal romance award, the 2011 PRISM Best of the Best award for Assassin’s Heart .
From the days when she hid her stories from her sisters to her first completed full-length manuscript, she always believed in her dream despite rejections and setbacks. A workaholic wife and mother, Monica believes it’s possible for the good guy to win if they work hard enough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
May 9, 2018
A Victorian romance between a woman fleeing from an abusive uncle and a brooding Earl set at the time of the Jack the Ripper murders in London.
Sebastian Rockwood, the Earl of Melton, is investigating rumors of young women being kidnapped and auctioned at London brothels when he is captivated by one of the victims, Helen Rivenell. After buying her at auction and rescuing her and her young brother from their captors he struggles with the chaotic feelings that disrupt his otherwise meticulously ordered life. Helen is as infatuated as Sebastian is, but refuses to yield to a man she believes incapable of returning her feelings.
This is a solid romance with a male protagonist with a death-grip on the stupid-ball. He does pass it to the female protagonist from time-to-time though, and to be fair to the author and the large and likable cast, everyone else comments on how stupid the pair are about their relationship. Add in some family drama on Helen's side, an unhealthy obsession from another bidder at the auction where Sebastian rescued Helen and the background of the Ripper murders themselves and you have a tale that moves along at a good rate and ends satisfyingly well.
A very minor quibble is that the story only really works because of Helen's ahistorical attitude towards marriage and what appears to be an equally ahistorical appreciation of the rights of women in 19th century England. It's not egregious, but Helen's behavior and Sebastian's ignorance of propriety don't really fit the time.
Sebastian Rockwood, the Earl of Melton, is investigating rumors of young women being kidnapped and auctioned at London brothels when he is captivated by one of the victims, Helen Rivenell. After buying her at auction and rescuing her and her young brother from their captors he struggles with the chaotic feelings that disrupt his otherwise meticulously ordered life. Helen is as infatuated as Sebastian is, but refuses to yield to a man she believes incapable of returning her feelings.
This is a solid romance with a male protagonist with a death-grip on the stupid-ball. He does pass it to the female protagonist from time-to-time though, and to be fair to the author and the large and likable cast, everyone else comments on how stupid the pair are about their relationship. Add in some family drama on Helen's side, an unhealthy obsession from another bidder at the auction where Sebastian rescued Helen and the background of the Ripper murders themselves and you have a tale that moves along at a good rate and ends satisfyingly well.
A very minor quibble is that the story only really works because of Helen's ahistorical attitude towards marriage and what appears to be an equally ahistorical appreciation of the rights of women in 19th century England. It's not egregious, but Helen's behavior and Sebastian's ignorance of propriety don't really fit the time.
April 12, 2023
3 Stars
Highlights...
- New-to-me author.
- Written well.
- Interesting plot twists.
- It needed a hard edit in the latter half, like ruthless edit.
- It started great, I called it the most sensual book I might have read in the past few months, and then it went down the drain.
- Initially, I admired Helen, I really did, then I was confused, frustrated, and wished her dead. She couldn't make up her mind at all. After continued warnings, she placed her trust in the wrong person, rebuffed people who tried to help her and kept creating drama. Woman, if you don't let the man speak, how is he supposed to convey his love for you? The one you supposedly crave.
- I liked Sebastian because of his name (duh!), character arc, control, sardonic humour, saviour instincts and sensuality. But poor fellow received the raw end of the deal!
- You could see the villain coming from miles away.
- Shocking aspects in the epilogue which intrigued me enough to want to read the following books in the series.
Highlights...
- New-to-me author.
- Written well.
- Interesting plot twists.
- It needed a hard edit in the latter half, like ruthless edit.
- It started great, I called it the most sensual book I might have read in the past few months, and then it went down the drain.
- Initially, I admired Helen, I really did, then I was confused, frustrated, and wished her dead. She couldn't make up her mind at all. After continued warnings, she placed her trust in the wrong person, rebuffed people who tried to help her and kept creating drama. Woman, if you don't let the man speak, how is he supposed to convey his love for you? The one you supposedly crave.
- I liked Sebastian because of his name (duh!), character arc, control, sardonic humour, saviour instincts and sensuality. But poor fellow received the raw end of the deal!
- You could see the villain coming from miles away.
- Shocking aspects in the epilogue which intrigued me enough to want to read the following books in the series.
May 13, 2018
Pretty shallow, predictable plot, the usual clichee of characters not communicating with each other, taken to a ridiculous level. It lacked humour and wasn‘t very well written.
I did not get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I kept rolling my eyes constantly through the first six chapters. The plot got a little more interesting eventually. However, the characters were just TSTL all around and it was all just so painfully obvious.
Definitely not going to pick up anything else by this author.
I did not get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I kept rolling my eyes constantly through the first six chapters. The plot got a little more interesting eventually. However, the characters were just TSTL all around and it was all just so painfully obvious.
Definitely not going to pick up anything else by this author.
September 22, 2021
2 stars
Pretty raunchy/sexy and wasn’t bad but would have been better at about half the length- honestly, the heroine went through one hell after another (drugged and auctioned off at a brothel for starters) and it was just dragged out, with even Jack the Ripper making an appearance.
The hero was OTT starchy, and the heroine very stubborn. Way too long.
Pretty raunchy/sexy and wasn’t bad but would have been better at about half the length- honestly, the heroine went through one hell after another (drugged and auctioned off at a brothel for starters) and it was just dragged out, with even Jack the Ripper making an appearance.
The hero was OTT starchy, and the heroine very stubborn. Way too long.
December 3, 2021
I felt like Sebastian's personality was kind of cold. It seemed like only his sister Louisa could bring out a more "fun", cheerful side to him. Idk
He kept his emotions inside, but to the point to where I'm like did the author just make him the generic cold rake, because I don't think any guys have personalities like his. I have no idea if this even makes sense.
Helen was slightly boring too. I don't know why all these guys were obsessed with her, except for maybe her beauty. Also, I thought she was a virgin (unless her cousin had raped her), but she expressed no pain or discomfort when she and Sebastian first had sex.
Like too many romance books, I needed more conversation between them that didn't relate to the circumstances at hand.
The story definitely improved as it went on. I thought someone was truly crazy... (Wish we knew the backstory behind him, with his unsavory sexual ?? appetites)
The epilogue confused me. I thought it started a few days after the main story because Helen was looking at a newspaper clipping talking about the Marquess of Templeton, but it was actually ten years later? And then why did Devin, who had married Louisa, die? The epilogue shouldn't introduce unanswered questions.
As other reviewers brought up, there were a few editing mistakes in this book.
He kept his emotions inside, but to the point to where I'm like did the author just make him the generic cold rake, because I don't think any guys have personalities like his. I have no idea if this even makes sense.
Helen was slightly boring too. I don't know why all these guys were obsessed with her, except for maybe her beauty. Also, I thought she was a virgin (unless her cousin had raped her), but she expressed no pain or discomfort when she and Sebastian first had sex.
Like too many romance books, I needed more conversation between them that didn't relate to the circumstances at hand.
The story definitely improved as it went on. I thought someone was truly crazy... (Wish we knew the backstory behind him, with his unsavory sexual ?? appetites)
The epilogue confused me. I thought it started a few days after the main story because Helen was looking at a newspaper clipping talking about the Marquess of Templeton, but it was actually ten years later? And then why did Devin, who had married Louisa, die? The epilogue shouldn't introduce unanswered questions.
As other reviewers brought up, there were a few editing mistakes in this book.
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January 28, 2018
Helen and Sebastian
Enjoyable read... Sebastian was a tragic sort of hero to me. His inability to express his feelings elongated the story and created a great deal of frustration for this reader.
Helen was the type of heroine I like. She was assertive and did not allow herself to dwell in a victim's story. Horrible things continued to happen to her, but she kept trying to take care of herself and establish her independence.
I enjoyed the tie-ins to real life events and the terror those events engendered in the population at that time. I was a bit disappointed in the epilogue though. I had been looking forward to a certain couple's HEA throughout this book and to learn that there would be no such thing saddened me.
Enjoyable read... Sebastian was a tragic sort of hero to me. His inability to express his feelings elongated the story and created a great deal of frustration for this reader.
Helen was the type of heroine I like. She was assertive and did not allow herself to dwell in a victim's story. Horrible things continued to happen to her, but she kept trying to take care of herself and establish her independence.
I enjoyed the tie-ins to real life events and the terror those events engendered in the population at that time. I was a bit disappointed in the epilogue though. I had been looking forward to a certain couple's HEA throughout this book and to learn that there would be no such thing saddened me.
March 19, 2013
I'm not sure why Helen and Sebastian loved each other; both were terrible people, especially Sebastian. I can see why Helen didn't think he loved her as all he wanted to do - from the first moment he met her - was have sex with her. Speaking of which, was I supposed to find the sex scenes erotic and titallating? Because I didn't. I also hated the epilogue. We go from Devlin looking at Louisa strangely after she kills the driver, to an epilogue where they've been married, had two kids, he died, and she's been in constant mourning? Why bother with that story at all if it encompasses three whole paragraphs? Aside from not really liking the story, I also found multiple spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors throughout. Note to the author and her editors: it's to, not too.
June 25, 2012
Monica Burns has a way with bringing damaged souls together, in spite of themselves, and others, with dishonorable plans, that would strive to separate them! She also proves, AGAIN, she DEFINITELY knows her way around STEAMY love scenes! (A fact that I always appreciate!)
I am a huge fan of this author and was delightd to find OBSESSION had been re-issued, expanded and in Kindle format. Take a chance on this Monica Burns book, it's a good story, with a hero you will like from the first page!!
I am a huge fan of this author and was delightd to find OBSESSION had been re-issued, expanded and in Kindle format. Take a chance on this Monica Burns book, it's a good story, with a hero you will like from the first page!!
November 19, 2021
The plot seemed like it could be interesting, but the characters were boring AF. The heroine was a complete moron and the hero, who was supposed to be all proper and starchy/immovable, was super wishy washy. And their inner monologues never changed during the first hundred pages. So: boring, repetitive, and flat, and that’s where I had to give up. Too much good stuff out there to read to stay with something this dull.
August 14, 2014
3.5 Stars. This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed the story and the characters. On the down side: I don't like stories with crazy villans, the writing was not outstanding, and the e-book had quite a few grammatical and spelling errors which detracted from the story. Worth reading, but with some short-comings.
July 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
This book was a frustratingly mixed bag. I enjoyed the story very much, and I was eager to see where it would go. There is plenty of suspense, a bit of mystery, and several interesting side-stories that could have been followed. Sebastian is a wonderfully written hero - flaws and all - and Helen is a great heroine. The supporting cast is strong, though somewhat undeveloped in several cases. I liked the characters overall, and I read to the end.
The problems were a gaping plot hole - Helen doesn’t know her estranged grandfather’s title (only his surname) and so cannot find him in London. Now, correct me if I am wrong - that is just the sort of dilemma that Debrett’s Peerage was made to solve, right?!? But the book is never referenced.
There are also a bunch of editing errors. Missing words and incorrect homophones (discrete is NOT the same as discreet!) abound. I was frustrated with the epilogue - it is always good to flash-forward in tome to see the HEA, but I didn’t think it needed another full love scene. Less is sometimes more!
This book was a frustratingly mixed bag. I enjoyed the story very much, and I was eager to see where it would go. There is plenty of suspense, a bit of mystery, and several interesting side-stories that could have been followed. Sebastian is a wonderfully written hero - flaws and all - and Helen is a great heroine. The supporting cast is strong, though somewhat undeveloped in several cases. I liked the characters overall, and I read to the end.
The problems were a gaping plot hole - Helen doesn’t know her estranged grandfather’s title (only his surname) and so cannot find him in London. Now, correct me if I am wrong - that is just the sort of dilemma that Debrett’s Peerage was made to solve, right?!? But the book is never referenced.
There are also a bunch of editing errors. Missing words and incorrect homophones (discrete is NOT the same as discreet!) abound. I was frustrated with the epilogue - it is always good to flash-forward in tome to see the HEA, but I didn’t think it needed another full love scene. Less is sometimes more!
February 13, 2023
I really liked this one. The beginning sucked me in. I love Sebastian's demeanor. Helen was perfect for him and I loved her brother Edward how he seemed very mature for his age. The first convo with them 3 in the carriage was cute to me. The introduction to the Rockwoods will for sure keep me entertained in this series. I also loved the mystery murder elements of the side plot is happening in the story. I will be reading the next one "Dangerous"..."Jane Eyre meets The Mummy!!!!!" COUNT ME IN!
May 8, 2021
The perfect blend of smuttiness and romance! (With a little Jack the Ripper thrown in!)
August 20, 2015
"This is a revised and expanded reissue of the 2006 edition of Obsession. New content is included in this digital edition."
An interesting and intriguing tale of two souls with dark secrets that haunt them both. A Victorian re-take on Jack the Ripper's London, with many twists. Fast paced with tortured and injured souls, secrets, passion, romance,diabolical murders,past hurts, and finding forgiveness and healing to move forward. Well written with beautifully written erotic scenes, engaging characters who desire more than passion but need security and finally some peace and love. Compelling,with moments of scary situations, intriguing with mystery and suspense. A must read. Ms Burns is a constant storyteller who wins fans hearts with your compassionate, loving characters and her unique, intriguing storylines. An absolutely wickedly delicious and seductive tale from the first page to the last. The Rockwoods are fantastic in more ways than one. A must read. Fans of Historical Romance, Victorian era romance, erotic romance and epic love stories will enjoy "Obsession".
I adore this authors stories, her charismatic characters and her unique storylines. Well done. Can't wait for the next grand adventure.
*Received for an honest review from the author
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
An interesting and intriguing tale of two souls with dark secrets that haunt them both. A Victorian re-take on Jack the Ripper's London, with many twists. Fast paced with tortured and injured souls, secrets, passion, romance,diabolical murders,past hurts, and finding forgiveness and healing to move forward. Well written with beautifully written erotic scenes, engaging characters who desire more than passion but need security and finally some peace and love. Compelling,with moments of scary situations, intriguing with mystery and suspense. A must read. Ms Burns is a constant storyteller who wins fans hearts with your compassionate, loving characters and her unique, intriguing storylines. An absolutely wickedly delicious and seductive tale from the first page to the last. The Rockwoods are fantastic in more ways than one. A must read. Fans of Historical Romance, Victorian era romance, erotic romance and epic love stories will enjoy "Obsession".
I adore this authors stories, her charismatic characters and her unique storylines. Well done. Can't wait for the next grand adventure.
*Received for an honest review from the author
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
August 10, 2016
Terrible all round, and I found myself skim-reading most of it.
The hero was an inconsiderate, sex-obsessed, doesn't-understand-no-means-no alphahole who supposedly prided himself on his self-control but literally had none where the heroine is considered. He's okay in an emeergency crisis situation but is lead by his not-all-too-well internalized rage and pain or whatever so is not always reliable or cool-headed.
The heroine was tiresome with all her "I'm going to stay away from him, oh but he's such a good kisser, oh but I've only just met him, oh I love him" and so on and so forth. I've reached a point in my HR reading where I have no more tolerance for unnecessary, contrived secrets and separation. So when the heroine kept refusing the hero's proposal because he'd never said he loved her, but *obviously* couldn't explain this to him, I couldn't be bothered trying to like her. IF YOU HAVE VALID REASONS, FREAKING TELL HIM.
Anyway, I didn't like much about the romance at all, and I swear about 85% of the book is him being angry/shouting at her. If she had any self-respect she'd have run and run far. If he had any decency, he'd be more open with her instead of just yelling all the time and expecting her to automatically accede to all his wishes.
The hero was an inconsiderate, sex-obsessed, doesn't-understand-no-means-no alphahole who supposedly prided himself on his self-control but literally had none where the heroine is considered. He's okay in an emeergency crisis situation but is lead by his not-all-too-well internalized rage and pain or whatever so is not always reliable or cool-headed.
The heroine was tiresome with all her "I'm going to stay away from him, oh but he's such a good kisser, oh but I've only just met him, oh I love him" and so on and so forth. I've reached a point in my HR reading where I have no more tolerance for unnecessary, contrived secrets and separation. So when the heroine kept refusing the hero's proposal because he'd never said he loved her, but *obviously* couldn't explain this to him, I couldn't be bothered trying to like her. IF YOU HAVE VALID REASONS, FREAKING TELL HIM.
Anyway, I didn't like much about the romance at all, and I swear about 85% of the book is him being angry/shouting at her. If she had any self-respect she'd have run and run far. If he had any decency, he'd be more open with her instead of just yelling all the time and expecting her to automatically accede to all his wishes.
April 14, 2014
I completely fell in love with Sebastian from the beginning of this story. An earl, he is a kind and very responsible eldest brother taking care of his family, running his estate, and trying to match his siblings while trying to keep his beloved Aunt Matilda from matchmaking him. He’s very self-disciplined and used to being in complete control of his life and Helen upends it completely; the way he constantly looks at his timepiece is hilarious. He’s also a consummate pianist and he plays to relax when he can.
He stumbles upon Helen in a brothel, when he helps his brother, Caleb, rescue a young woman who has been kidnapped; she is being auctioned to the highest bidder. He feels for her and is disgusted by the process so, to protect her and keep her from his loathsome nemesis, Viscount Templeton, he bids for her and wins. He takes her to his family’s London home and, in exchange for helping her, he (ashamedly) asks Helen to pose as his fiancée for his fastidious aunt. Because she feels indebted to him, she agrees, especially after he also rescues her precocious younger brother, Edward.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1gv5AA3
He stumbles upon Helen in a brothel, when he helps his brother, Caleb, rescue a young woman who has been kidnapped; she is being auctioned to the highest bidder. He feels for her and is disgusted by the process so, to protect her and keep her from his loathsome nemesis, Viscount Templeton, he bids for her and wins. He takes her to his family’s London home and, in exchange for helping her, he (ashamedly) asks Helen to pose as his fiancée for his fastidious aunt. Because she feels indebted to him, she agrees, especially after he also rescues her precocious younger brother, Edward.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1gv5AA3
August 11, 2015
Sebastian Rockwood wants and needs an orderly life. Nothing spontaneous for him. He knows what can happen if he deviates. Unfortunately his life is turned upside down when he rescues Helen from a brothel. She is a beautiful, caring woman who is to easy to love. She has known too much pain and cruelty. He will make sure that she's safe and cared for, but he needs her help. She will pretend to be his fiancée and stop his aunt from matchmaking. What happens next is pure romance. Monica Burns has written characters that I enjoyed. The battle of wills between the feisty lady and the powerful lord is entertaining. She is no timid miss and he's not use to being ignored. The sparks fly. The story is well plotted. It's filled with a passionate romance as well as suspense and danger. With Jack the Ripper terrorizing the city and Helen being pursued by her cruel uncle, I was on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the setting and the sparkling dialogue. Thank goodness this is the first book in the series so there will be more stories to follow. The Rockwood Family can't stay out of trouble.
September 25, 2010
I dislike the heroine.
Helen is rude, inconsiderate and ungrateful toward Sebastian. He asks questions and she won't even answer them. He has her best interests at heart. She refuses to tell him anything about her grandfather so that he could help her find her grandfather. I don't find anything to like about her. The sex through much of the book is simply his imagination of what sex with her would be like. If you're only seeking explicit, graphic erotic sex scenes you might like it. I couldn't like this book because I didn't like Helen.
Helen is rude, inconsiderate and ungrateful toward Sebastian. He asks questions and she won't even answer them. He has her best interests at heart. She refuses to tell him anything about her grandfather so that he could help her find her grandfather. I don't find anything to like about her. The sex through much of the book is simply his imagination of what sex with her would be like. If you're only seeking explicit, graphic erotic sex scenes you might like it. I couldn't like this book because I didn't like Helen.
May 26, 2017
Poor girl, to be the object of obsession by so many men. I was so relieved at the end, that Sebastian and his lady love managed to finally achieve their HEA. The sexual tension between the two of them kept the story moving from beginning to end. A great read. (I voluntarily reviewed this free ebook).
September 2, 2013
A huge amount of typos and dropped words. The editing was horrible.
September 26, 2013
The story sounded interesting enough, and I loved the basic character descriptions. However, poor editing and a repetitive, expository, writing style kept me from finishing this book.
August 29, 2015
Review coming soon to a computer screen near you.
April 12, 2016
First time reading this author and I Loved the story!
June 5, 2016
It is a great book to read forever and ever it since the heart is of a good book to read for now and forever
October 11, 2020
I was disappointed in The Rogue's Offer by this author, but one thing I enjoyed in that book, was the Rockwood family members that made an appearance. For this reason, I went ahead and took advantage of the free download of Obsession in exchange for signing up for Ms. Burns' newsletter. I'm glad I did, this book was a great improvement over that one, despite having been written much earlier.
While I knew Burns was clearly capable at character development, I doubted her ability to form a cohesive plot. She overcame that problem in Obsession. The romance here developed well and was drawn out just enough. The tension came from an inability to admit feelings, rather than repeated and annoying miscommunications. In addition, it would have been easy for the story to get lost in all the side plots introduced. We have an abusive uncle, Jack the Ripper, a crazy spurned suitor, and a grandfather to find. Somehow, the author manages to use all of these elements effectively without getting sidetracked from the main love story.
There are some weaknesses that prevent it from earning 4 starts. The writing, especially in the beginning of the book seems unpolished. The same word used too frequently in a paragraph, some poor grammar, the weird affectations to make the aunt sound Scottish...these are all things that distract from the storytelling and could have been easily improved with better editing or just taking al little more time and care before publishing. I also found myself repeatedly confused by the passage of time in the story. There would be a surge of events that felt like should take at least a week, only to be a few days, then it would seem a month or more had passed. Then the author decided to place their wedding anniversary in July. If the story follows the dates of the Jack the Ripper murders, Sebastian and Helen should have reconciled after her second rescue in November of 1888. To wait until the following July to wed after all that had transpired between them seems odd, to say the least. This odd choice for dating the epilogue was completely unnecessary and had me scratching my head and questioning if I'd gotten the timing wrong in the rest of the book. Just strange, and like I said, completely unnecessary.
I may have to buy more of this series. I did find myself truly enjoying this one. I'm curious as to the stories for the other Rockwoods, despite knowing how they all end up thanks to reading the spin-off Rogue's Offer. After all, you never start a romance novel doubting how it will end.
While I knew Burns was clearly capable at character development, I doubted her ability to form a cohesive plot. She overcame that problem in Obsession. The romance here developed well and was drawn out just enough. The tension came from an inability to admit feelings, rather than repeated and annoying miscommunications. In addition, it would have been easy for the story to get lost in all the side plots introduced. We have an abusive uncle, Jack the Ripper, a crazy spurned suitor, and a grandfather to find. Somehow, the author manages to use all of these elements effectively without getting sidetracked from the main love story.
There are some weaknesses that prevent it from earning 4 starts. The writing, especially in the beginning of the book seems unpolished. The same word used too frequently in a paragraph, some poor grammar, the weird affectations to make the aunt sound Scottish...these are all things that distract from the storytelling and could have been easily improved with better editing or just taking al little more time and care before publishing. I also found myself repeatedly confused by the passage of time in the story. There would be a surge of events that felt like should take at least a week, only to be a few days, then it would seem a month or more had passed. Then the author decided to place their wedding anniversary in July. If the story follows the dates of the Jack the Ripper murders, Sebastian and Helen should have reconciled after her second rescue in November of 1888. To wait until the following July to wed after all that had transpired between them seems odd, to say the least. This odd choice for dating the epilogue was completely unnecessary and had me scratching my head and questioning if I'd gotten the timing wrong in the rest of the book. Just strange, and like I said, completely unnecessary.
I may have to buy more of this series. I did find myself truly enjoying this one. I'm curious as to the stories for the other Rockwoods, despite knowing how they all end up thanks to reading the spin-off Rogue's Offer. After all, you never start a romance novel doubting how it will end.
May 2, 2021
This novel is a great example of why every good writer needs an even better editor. The storyline was fairly predictable (this is genre fiction, after all) and the characters were written to type (again, this is genre fiction), but because this is the type of genre romance I wanted to read, it did not disappoint because it "checked all the boxes." If you're looking for a tropey-Regency romance with a bit of a mystery and adventure, a bit of heat and a happy ending, you'll likely enjoy it and will keep reading to find out what happens.
However, it was fairly quickly and abundantly obvious that this was a self-published work that could have been greatly improved by a professional editor. There were a number of typographical errors (primarily in the form of missing words, or incorrectly conjugated verbs in sentences); distracting POV switches; repetitive narrative commentary (I lost count of how many times the hero had the same inner argument with himself about "why, why, why was he doing this?!?"); and the incessant amount of purely rhetorical and melodramatic questions within the narrative ("How could he face her?" "Could she -- must she?! -- really go through with this?").
I also felt gypped because one of the reasons I decided to read the book was for the trope it promised: fake dating. There was a lot of time invested in the two main characters preparing for the ruse... and then it just... never happened. At the end of the day, I think that an editor would have focused and condensed the plotline which would have helped even everything out and would have cut through all the unnecessary yammering by the narrator, and could have easily cut this book down by 25k-30k words and it would not have suffered in the least.
However, it was fairly quickly and abundantly obvious that this was a self-published work that could have been greatly improved by a professional editor. There were a number of typographical errors (primarily in the form of missing words, or incorrectly conjugated verbs in sentences); distracting POV switches; repetitive narrative commentary (I lost count of how many times the hero had the same inner argument with himself about "why, why, why was he doing this?!?"); and the incessant amount of purely rhetorical and melodramatic questions within the narrative ("How could he face her?" "Could she -- must she?! -- really go through with this?").
I also felt gypped because one of the reasons I decided to read the book was for the trope it promised: fake dating. There was a lot of time invested in the two main characters preparing for the ruse... and then it just... never happened. At the end of the day, I think that an editor would have focused and condensed the plotline which would have helped even everything out and would have cut through all the unnecessary yammering by the narrator, and could have easily cut this book down by 25k-30k words and it would not have suffered in the least.
April 27, 2021
Sebastian goes to a brothel to help his brother find his kidnapped girlfriend. But he finds Helen instead and saves her. Threatens the madame. Nothing happens. Comes back the next day and threatens her again. Nothing happens. Comes back a third time a few days later, he gets shot, but nothing else seems to happen with/to the brothel. That story line died.
So he brings home Helen to protect her and help her find a safe place. But he's lusting after her and keeps her at his home. Then he makes a deal with her to pose as his betrothed to repay her debt, but it never really seemed like they did that. Oh, and she needs to find her grandfather. But she won't ask Sebastian for help because she doesn't want to be any more indebted to him. But then she asks him, but he doesn't really try.
They were both annoying. Sebastian's character was so hot and cold. She is convinced that she loves him and I get that she doesn't want to be with him if he doesn't love her, but that drug along for too long. Much like the book.
So he brings home Helen to protect her and help her find a safe place. But he's lusting after her and keeps her at his home. Then he makes a deal with her to pose as his betrothed to repay her debt, but it never really seemed like they did that. Oh, and she needs to find her grandfather. But she won't ask Sebastian for help because she doesn't want to be any more indebted to him. But then she asks him, but he doesn't really try.
They were both annoying. Sebastian's character was so hot and cold. She is convinced that she loves him and I get that she doesn't want to be with him if he doesn't love her, but that drug along for too long. Much like the book.
November 23, 2019
Great series starter!
This book is one of the reasons why Monica Burns is one of my favorite authors. Obsession draws you in from the first page to the highly satisfying epilogue. It has everything that makes a romance successful. A handsome alpha hero and a sassy heroine that throws said hero for a loop when she *gasp* doesn't just fall in line with his plans for her. Not to mention a cute kid, meddling family and a nasty villain that you can't decide if you love or hate!
The writing flows so well to the build up that you don't even realize the climax of the story is happening until you are sitting there, biting your nails on the edge of your seat (and in my case yelling at my ereader) and just she you think it's over BAM! She draws you back in for more....
Monica Burns writing is the kind where you really feel like you have been there, in the story, along with all the characters, if that makes sense.
This book is one of the reasons why Monica Burns is one of my favorite authors. Obsession draws you in from the first page to the highly satisfying epilogue. It has everything that makes a romance successful. A handsome alpha hero and a sassy heroine that throws said hero for a loop when she *gasp* doesn't just fall in line with his plans for her. Not to mention a cute kid, meddling family and a nasty villain that you can't decide if you love or hate!
The writing flows so well to the build up that you don't even realize the climax of the story is happening until you are sitting there, biting your nails on the edge of your seat (and in my case yelling at my ereader) and just she you think it's over BAM! She draws you back in for more....
Monica Burns writing is the kind where you really feel like you have been there, in the story, along with all the characters, if that makes sense.
May 2, 2021
Sebastian visits an auction in a brothel, trying to find his brother's sweetheart who has been abducted. Instead, he finds himself buying a young woman to save her from another bidder. Sebastian values order and control over all things as a result of a dark secret from his past. Helen destroys his calm at every turn, and his willpower is failing him.
I picked this up when it was free, and I'm glad I did. The story is enjoyable and there is plenty of steam. There were a couple of points where I felt the story was a bit too long and drawn out. And I could have done without the Jack the Ripper bit. Mentioning it in passing was one thing, but it would have been better kept away from the story. But, overall, it was a good read.
I picked this up when it was free, and I'm glad I did. The story is enjoyable and there is plenty of steam. There were a couple of points where I felt the story was a bit too long and drawn out. And I could have done without the Jack the Ripper bit. Mentioning it in passing was one thing, but it would have been better kept away from the story. But, overall, it was a good read.
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