What do you think?
Rate this book
The Stables #2
Obsessive Compulsion
Set in Dallas, Texas, this is a Contemporary Romance series with light BDSM elements and mature themes. Each book will be a complete story, no cliffhangers.
In book 2, Ian’s OCD draws him to Charlie at the same time it’s pushing him away from her, but Charlie isn’t about to let him control the way their relationship unfolds.
Ian
I’m trying to stop my eyes from staring at her, but that’s like trying to tell my brain to stop worrying about the fact that my apartment door might still be unlocked because I only checked it twelve times this morning instead of sixteen times like I do on Thursdays. Even after twenty-eight years of the same shit, my rituals still find ways to argue with one another. Well, I can only assume that I was checking the latch on my crib when I was a baby, but I’m willing to bet money that I was.
I’ve never had my place broken into, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve never had a fire, either, but that doesn’t stop me from making sure all my appliances are unplugged before I go to bed. And I mean all the damn appliances. You think it’s no big deal until you’re trying to crawl behind a dryer at two in the morning while you’re in someone else’s apartment. Yeah. No second date from her.
Girls don’t seem to like a guy who’s a little… obsessive about some things. Okay, everything. A lot. A lot obsessive about everything.
Might as well just let it all out, Rider, while you’re staring like a shopping mall puppy, waiting for her to turn your way, see your sad little expression and wagging tail in the window, and then take the more sane puppy next to you home. The one who’s been licking his butt for an hour like a normal dog should instead of obsessing about how unsanitary it is.
Yes, my brain spends as much time obsessing about these clever little analogies as it does making sure I remember to brush my teeth. Four times. Twice on Tuesdays. Only once if it's raining.
I can’t even have a moment alone to myself to admire Charlie’s fiery red hair from afar, because my own mind won’t leave me the hell alone. Her hair captivates me, though, especially on days like this when the sun is brightly filtering down into the factory through the skylights to reflect on her waves of copper as it falls down her back. To say that I’m a little obsessive over Charlie’s hair is to belittle the fact that I’m just obsessive about Charlie in general.
Charlie
My mom used to say I was just a mess waiting to happen. Disorder. Chaos. An Oklahoma tornado on two legs with fiery waves of hair trailing behind me.
Nothing in my life has ever been cut and dry. From Emma to Italy, and all the crazy in between, I never have a lack of inspiration for the paint I slap against blank canvasses. Maybe that’s what draws me to Ian. He’s too neat. Too tidy. Too reserved and way too damn uptight. He has a sense of humor, when I can drag it out of him, and he’s one of the most kind men I’ve ever met, but I wish he’d just let lose a little. Get messy and dirty with me.
The man counts light-switch flicks and organizes his desk like it’s a Sudoku puzzle where everything must be in its proper place. He’s also a better man than what I’ve had in my life lately. Maybe a little order could do my chaos some good, and maybe a little tornado-Charlie could bring some much needed upheaval into Ian’s organized world.
Available at Amazon, All Romance and Smashwords. Coming soon to B&N Nook, iBooks and Kobo
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
In book 2, Ian’s OCD draws him to Charlie at the same time it’s pushing him away from her, but Charlie isn’t about to let him control the way their relationship unfolds.
Ian
I’m trying to stop my eyes from staring at her, but that’s like trying to tell my brain to stop worrying about the fact that my apartment door might still be unlocked because I only checked it twelve times this morning instead of sixteen times like I do on Thursdays. Even after twenty-eight years of the same shit, my rituals still find ways to argue with one another. Well, I can only assume that I was checking the latch on my crib when I was a baby, but I’m willing to bet money that I was.
I’ve never had my place broken into, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve never had a fire, either, but that doesn’t stop me from making sure all my appliances are unplugged before I go to bed. And I mean all the damn appliances. You think it’s no big deal until you’re trying to crawl behind a dryer at two in the morning while you’re in someone else’s apartment. Yeah. No second date from her.
Girls don’t seem to like a guy who’s a little… obsessive about some things. Okay, everything. A lot. A lot obsessive about everything.
Might as well just let it all out, Rider, while you’re staring like a shopping mall puppy, waiting for her to turn your way, see your sad little expression and wagging tail in the window, and then take the more sane puppy next to you home. The one who’s been licking his butt for an hour like a normal dog should instead of obsessing about how unsanitary it is.
Yes, my brain spends as much time obsessing about these clever little analogies as it does making sure I remember to brush my teeth. Four times. Twice on Tuesdays. Only once if it's raining.
I can’t even have a moment alone to myself to admire Charlie’s fiery red hair from afar, because my own mind won’t leave me the hell alone. Her hair captivates me, though, especially on days like this when the sun is brightly filtering down into the factory through the skylights to reflect on her waves of copper as it falls down her back. To say that I’m a little obsessive over Charlie’s hair is to belittle the fact that I’m just obsessive about Charlie in general.
Charlie
My mom used to say I was just a mess waiting to happen. Disorder. Chaos. An Oklahoma tornado on two legs with fiery waves of hair trailing behind me.
Nothing in my life has ever been cut and dry. From Emma to Italy, and all the crazy in between, I never have a lack of inspiration for the paint I slap against blank canvasses. Maybe that’s what draws me to Ian. He’s too neat. Too tidy. Too reserved and way too damn uptight. He has a sense of humor, when I can drag it out of him, and he’s one of the most kind men I’ve ever met, but I wish he’d just let lose a little. Get messy and dirty with me.
The man counts light-switch flicks and organizes his desk like it’s a Sudoku puzzle where everything must be in its proper place. He’s also a better man than what I’ve had in my life lately. Maybe a little order could do my chaos some good, and maybe a little tornado-Charlie could bring some much needed upheaval into Ian’s organized world.
Available at Amazon, All Romance and Smashwords. Coming soon to B&N Nook, iBooks and Kobo
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2014
83 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Kilgore
51 books187 followersC.E. Kilgore (1981 - ) is an author without genre, who likes to dabble in several genres from romance to science fiction. She also enjoys pushing the boundaries of those genres, trying new things, venturing outside formulas and turning tropes on their heads. Admittedly a control freak, she is currently a self-published author under the name Tracing The Stars, and hasn't quite found the publisher who fits all her quirks. Be sure to check out her website, cekilgore.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 15, 2019
Well... that was a disappointmet.
The story started strong and loveable. It was like nothing that I expected and it surprised me. I loved to see Ian and Charlie, the chemistry was hot hot hot. But halfway through the book everything went downhill.
My mainly problem is that many doubtful things happened and the characters reactions were too hard to believe.
The story started strong and loveable. It was like nothing that I expected and it surprised me. I loved to see Ian and Charlie, the chemistry was hot hot hot. But halfway through the book everything went downhill.
My mainly problem is that many doubtful things happened and the characters reactions were too hard to believe.
Want to read
April 30, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/30/2019)! 🎁
May 3, 2015
Hey, Yo, alert the presses! Apparently dysfunctional, clinical OCD can be cured by liberal application of a hot pussy, by a woman who can count to four. Who knew it was so easy?
OK, fine, the book doesn't claim Charlie cured Ian's OCD. It's just that all his symptoms seemed to go away. The reason I picked up The Stable series in the first place was to see disabilities integrated into romance. But Ian's OCD is pretty much just of the stereotypical, what you pick up from the interent sort. I sensed no deeper understanding of the illness, thus, no depth to the character dealing with it (at least not once he met Charlie). I'm not claiming any expertise or anything, but I didn't feel the book, which is ostensibly intending to give people with OCD a romantic character to relate to, accomplished that.
On the bright side, one of my biggest complaints about book one was that Emma didn't actually appear to be autistic at all. In this one, I still thought she acted like a child, not like an autistic, but at lest people (though notably never Emma) discussed her autism, so it at least felt relevant.
But there was one big drawback for me (and it's a BIG one for me). I was so excited to see that Ian was a sub and Charlie a dom. I got all giddy at the thought of the female being in charge and obviously strong (as well as allowing a man to be something other than an alpha). I was majorly let down. Even in a book set up to let the woman dominate she STILL ended up sobbing in the man's arms over her past traumas, as he corrected everything in her life. Her control in bed also basically came down to servicing him. So, no real subversion of standard gender tropes after all. Gah, really? So disappointing.
Like book one, the writing was fine. It could use a little more editing, but it's not a mess or anything. And despite the fact that the author and I obviously have different ideas of what constitutes a satisfying romance, I do like the characters. This leaves me in the odd position of having been annoyed at this book (which is an improvement over pissed off at the first one, yeah?), but still curious to see how ('cause obviously they will) Saul, Austin and Vic get their happy ending in book 3.
OK, fine, the book doesn't claim Charlie cured Ian's OCD. It's just that all his symptoms seemed to go away. The reason I picked up The Stable series in the first place was to see disabilities integrated into romance. But Ian's OCD is pretty much just of the stereotypical, what you pick up from the interent sort. I sensed no deeper understanding of the illness, thus, no depth to the character dealing with it (at least not once he met Charlie). I'm not claiming any expertise or anything, but I didn't feel the book, which is ostensibly intending to give people with OCD a romantic character to relate to, accomplished that.
On the bright side, one of my biggest complaints about book one was that Emma didn't actually appear to be autistic at all. In this one, I still thought she acted like a child, not like an autistic, but at lest people (though notably never Emma) discussed her autism, so it at least felt relevant.
But there was one big drawback for me (and it's a BIG one for me). I was so excited to see that Ian was a sub and Charlie a dom. I got all giddy at the thought of the female being in charge and obviously strong (as well as allowing a man to be something other than an alpha). I was majorly let down. Even in a book set up to let the woman dominate she STILL ended up sobbing in the man's arms over her past traumas, as he corrected everything in her life. Her control in bed also basically came down to servicing him. So, no real subversion of standard gender tropes after all. Gah, really? So disappointing.
Like book one, the writing was fine. It could use a little more editing, but it's not a mess or anything. And despite the fact that the author and I obviously have different ideas of what constitutes a satisfying romance, I do like the characters. This leaves me in the odd position of having been annoyed at this book (which is an improvement over pissed off at the first one, yeah?), but still curious to see how ('cause obviously they will) Saul, Austin and Vic get their happy ending in book 3.
June 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. Something about Ian and Charlotte/Charlie was really endearing.
Ian's OCD is quite debilitating and some reviewers thought it strange that some of his symptoms disappeared when he was with Charlotte. I just think that Ian was so in love that it distracted his brain from all his obsessive thoughts.
Charlotte also has some issues to get through and Ian is really strong for her.
This book gave me the hope that 2 people's crazy can add up to something wonderful.
Ian's OCD is quite debilitating and some reviewers thought it strange that some of his symptoms disappeared when he was with Charlotte. I just think that Ian was so in love that it distracted his brain from all his obsessive thoughts.
Charlotte also has some issues to get through and Ian is really strong for her.
This book gave me the hope that 2 people's crazy can add up to something wonderful.
July 20, 2019
Love conquers all
The thing that brings me back to this series is how the author has taken her characters and given them issues and led them to loves that help them overcome and accept. There is a light touch of BDSM but the main theme is overcoming adversity.
The thing that brings me back to this series is how the author has taken her characters and given them issues and led them to loves that help them overcome and accept. There is a light touch of BDSM but the main theme is overcoming adversity.
Want to read
December 31, 2022Purchase Amazon December 25, 2019
November 20, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review of Obsessive Compulsion by C. E. Kilgore
C. E. Kilgore’s Obsessive Compulsion is more than a steamy romance—it’s a thoughtful exploration of intimacy, vulnerability, and trust. While the novel is framed as a heterosexual erotic romance, what drew me in most was the portrayal of a protagonist living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. As someone working in behavioral health, I found it refreshing to see OCD represented not as a caricature or obstacle to love, but as part of the character’s lived reality, shaping their relationships and growth.
The BDSM elements are handled with care, serving not as shock value but as a vehicle for mentorship, bonding, and trust-building. The dynamic between the characters highlights how structure, consent, and ritual can become pathways to healing and connection. This resonated deeply with me, both professionally and personally, as it reflects how vulnerability and discipline can coexist in supportive relationships.
Kilgore’s writing balances erotic tension with emotional depth, creating a narrative that is both engaging and affirming. For readers interested in romance that doesn’t shy away from complexity—whether psychological or relational—this book offers a compelling blend of passion and authenticity.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and give it a full five stars.
C. E. Kilgore’s Obsessive Compulsion is more than a steamy romance—it’s a thoughtful exploration of intimacy, vulnerability, and trust. While the novel is framed as a heterosexual erotic romance, what drew me in most was the portrayal of a protagonist living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. As someone working in behavioral health, I found it refreshing to see OCD represented not as a caricature or obstacle to love, but as part of the character’s lived reality, shaping their relationships and growth.
The BDSM elements are handled with care, serving not as shock value but as a vehicle for mentorship, bonding, and trust-building. The dynamic between the characters highlights how structure, consent, and ritual can become pathways to healing and connection. This resonated deeply with me, both professionally and personally, as it reflects how vulnerability and discipline can coexist in supportive relationships.
Kilgore’s writing balances erotic tension with emotional depth, creating a narrative that is both engaging and affirming. For readers interested in romance that doesn’t shy away from complexity—whether psychological or relational—this book offers a compelling blend of passion and authenticity.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and give it a full five stars.
December 30, 2021
Highly recommend
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are just a couple of errors but nothing to get irritated about.
The characterisation is flawless, allowing the reader to form a connection and keep you turning the pages.
I can't find the words to adequately describe just how well written the characters are.
The plotline is beautiful, emotional and uplifting. Dealing with hidden loss and some of the most exacting OCD symptoms, it provides a deep insight into the potential emotional and psychological effects sufferers of this condition can face.
There are a couple of sex scenes of a light BDSM nature and there is some swearing.
The book is all about the romance, beautifully written.
I have no problem recommending the series but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain the best reading experience.
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are just a couple of errors but nothing to get irritated about.
The characterisation is flawless, allowing the reader to form a connection and keep you turning the pages.
I can't find the words to adequately describe just how well written the characters are.
The plotline is beautiful, emotional and uplifting. Dealing with hidden loss and some of the most exacting OCD symptoms, it provides a deep insight into the potential emotional and psychological effects sufferers of this condition can face.
There are a couple of sex scenes of a light BDSM nature and there is some swearing.
The book is all about the romance, beautifully written.
I have no problem recommending the series but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain the best reading experience.
July 6, 2021
Fab series
This is book 2 in a 6 part series . It follows on from one of the characters introduced in Book 1. Ian is a member of Brandons club. He has severe OCD but falls for a Emma's best friend Charlie who is a free spirit. The backdrop is the BDSM club. Like all the books in this series , its very well written with multi - dimensional characters. And the stories were interlinked really well. All are good as stand alone novels, but you are really missing out if you don't read them as the whole set.
This is book 2 in a 6 part series . It follows on from one of the characters introduced in Book 1. Ian is a member of Brandons club. He has severe OCD but falls for a Emma's best friend Charlie who is a free spirit. The backdrop is the BDSM club. Like all the books in this series , its very well written with multi - dimensional characters. And the stories were interlinked really well. All are good as stand alone novels, but you are really missing out if you don't read them as the whole set.
January 9, 2022
Hot! (but not for me)
The Stables are as hot as ever, and all the favorite characters are still there. There's a backstory developing that will find its conclusion in the next book. The fore story, however, is the one I found too slow and annoying. The Stables deal with flawed people, like many of us are, but I couldn't handle this scenario. It's still amazing writing, but not for me.
The Stables are as hot as ever, and all the favorite characters are still there. There's a backstory developing that will find its conclusion in the next book. The fore story, however, is the one I found too slow and annoying. The Stables deal with flawed people, like many of us are, but I couldn't handle this scenario. It's still amazing writing, but not for me.
August 25, 2020
Brilliant, Superb storytelling
I am so in love with these characters that it's ridiculous! Ian and Charlie's story is so stunningly written that it hollows out your heart only to stuff it full right up to the brim with love!
I don't have the words to recommend this book highly enough!
READ THIS BOOK ITS BRILLIANT!
I am so in love with these characters that it's ridiculous! Ian and Charlie's story is so stunningly written that it hollows out your heart only to stuff it full right up to the brim with love!
I don't have the words to recommend this book highly enough!
READ THIS BOOK ITS BRILLIANT!
June 7, 2017
I was obessed.
I was hooked from first paragragh. There is one spot that is so hot, hot, hot. I love Ian in this book. I know he will be happy. His counter partner is a strong female who fights a major demon. I off to read the next story.
I was hooked from first paragragh. There is one spot that is so hot, hot, hot. I love Ian in this book. I know he will be happy. His counter partner is a strong female who fights a major demon. I off to read the next story.
October 8, 2017
I loved this book. The feelings Ian brings out in you. The love and understanding of Charlie just melts you. This is a must read. This author can write with feeling and has you riding every one of them.
October 11, 2018
Binge reading...
Why did nobody tell me about this author... Can't read fast enough to satisfy my craving.
I am loving the bond between friends, the issues put forward and the voice of this author.
Why did nobody tell me about this author... Can't read fast enough to satisfy my craving.
I am loving the bond between friends, the issues put forward and the voice of this author.
November 19, 2018
I love reading about damaged heroes.
No one is perfect. No life long love story is without misunderstandings or difficulties. The fact that Ian and Charlie persevere is beautiful. Merry Christmas!
No one is perfect. No life long love story is without misunderstandings or difficulties. The fact that Ian and Charlie persevere is beautiful. Merry Christmas!
February 9, 2020
OCD explained very well. Love the fact that this romancence shows that everyone deserves to be loved.
He's diagnosed with severe OCD and thinks he will never have someone love him because of it. She's got her own baggage but thinks he's worth waiting for. Together they mesh.
He's diagnosed with severe OCD and thinks he will never have someone love him because of it. She's got her own baggage but thinks he's worth waiting for. Together they mesh.
March 14, 2021
Wow
Wasn’t sure what I was going to read but wow. Took my breath away with the complexity of the budding relationship and all the issues surrounding the major characters. Took me on quite a journey.
Wasn’t sure what I was going to read but wow. Took my breath away with the complexity of the budding relationship and all the issues surrounding the major characters. Took me on quite a journey.
January 12, 2020
Good story
Another good story with interesting flawed characters. Set amongst a BDSM theme, there really isn’t much in this book. Good reading.
Another good story with interesting flawed characters. Set amongst a BDSM theme, there really isn’t much in this book. Good reading.
February 11, 2021
Outstanding!!!
Such an amazing book! Would of loved to find out how Ian copes with fatherhood and with Charlie living with him but still brilliant x
Such an amazing book! Would of loved to find out how Ian copes with fatherhood and with Charlie living with him but still brilliant x
February 2, 2023
KSKS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
I had to DNF because how confusing it was to read thi
August 21, 2014
I really liked Ian in this story and his flaws. I can only imagine how hard it is to function and have relationships with his type of OCD. The fact that Charlie sees that and is willing to wait patiently while he learns to touch her and let her touch him speaks to the amount of patience she has for him. Away from the Stables, he does seem and act his 28 years. However, when they were at The Stables, he just somehow came across as being much younger. I thought it was funny as to why his refrigerator was three floors down when Charlies asked him where it was. Even though this book is their story, I'm glad that they will still show up in the other books in the series.
September 19, 2016
Touching.....Love conquers all (including OCD)
Call me a "sap", but I really like this series......sure, it's a tad cliche-ish and predictable at some parts but it's characters have really grown on me....
Loved Ian, Charlie, and all of the regulars in this little "shoe village" but it can get a little old when EVERYBODY has horrific devastating childhood baggage and haunting promises to keep and secrets, okay? Still, with that being said, it didn't stop me from ordering books 3 and 4, so onward and upward to the next story.....
Call me a "sap", but I really like this series......sure, it's a tad cliche-ish and predictable at some parts but it's characters have really grown on me....
Loved Ian, Charlie, and all of the regulars in this little "shoe village" but it can get a little old when EVERYBODY has horrific devastating childhood baggage and haunting promises to keep and secrets, okay? Still, with that being said, it didn't stop me from ordering books 3 and 4, so onward and upward to the next story.....
April 18, 2016
Great
I loved this book. It has everything you'd expect. I love Ian (Twitch). He's so adorable. I liked how the story carried on from the first book and included all of the characters and even a few more. I'm going to finish this series because I'm hoping for a happy ending for all the characters. The only complaint I had was bad spelling on occasions throughout the book if not for that I would have given it 5 stars. Well worth a read.
I loved this book. It has everything you'd expect. I love Ian (Twitch). He's so adorable. I liked how the story carried on from the first book and included all of the characters and even a few more. I'm going to finish this series because I'm hoping for a happy ending for all the characters. The only complaint I had was bad spelling on occasions throughout the book if not for that I would have given it 5 stars. Well worth a read.
February 27, 2015
I thought this book moved pretty fast for someone who has OCD, he was doing things he could never do. I guess there going to say love cures all huh! They did have those moments as other books where the nonsense comes in but it was an okay read. Im really interested in Saul/Vicky/Austin storyline.
June 5, 2020
I was half way reading this and I couldn't finish it.
I genuinely thought it would be something I would like - the story line intrigued me.
But it just... Wasn't my cup of tea. And I absolutely love reading BDSM books, but this novel... Just didn't cut it for me unfortunately.
I genuinely thought it would be something I would like - the story line intrigued me.
But it just... Wasn't my cup of tea. And I absolutely love reading BDSM books, but this novel... Just didn't cut it for me unfortunately.
May 14, 2016
OCD
A / hard disorder to understand but I can relate. Loved how Charlie understood and showed so much patience and compassion with Ian. Yet another interest in story by C.E. Loved it.
A / hard disorder to understand but I can relate. Loved how Charlie understood and showed so much patience and compassion with Ian. Yet another interest in story by C.E. Loved it.
January 29, 2017
“EVERYONE’S GOT THEIR HANG UPS, THEIR ODDITIES, THOSE THINGS THAT MAKE THEM UNIQUE”. I LOVE THAT AND I FEEL THE SAME WAY SAUL DOES. IAN REMINDS ME OF THE TV CHARACTER “MONK” WHO I REALLY ADORED. VERY DIFFERENT. ;D
March 6, 2016
3.5 Stars
March 29, 2015
Not as good as the first book but still enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews