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Bittersweet Obsession
(Previously published under the pen name Rachel Blake)
The Bittersweet Gothic Romance Collection is a series of full length adult romance novels set in the nineteenth century and based loosely on horror classics. Bittersweet Obsession, the first in the series, is based on Mary Shelley’s classic, Frankenstein.
Angel Van Ostrand has returned from the Peninsular War wounded and dispirited from the horrors of battle only to discover that his father, Dr. Van Ostrand, a once renowned scientist, is engaged in a series of macabre experiments financed by a wealthy baron who seeks immortality. With the melting of winter’s frost, Angel is determined to leave his family home, Greystock Manor, forever. But when his father’s latest purported triumph over nature comes in the form of an ethereal beauty named Jane, Angel is drawn to her. And now he finds himself in a new battle— one that involves his heart.
After being stabbed and left for dead in an icy pond, Jane has woken in a strange house under the care of an odd physician and with no recollection of her past. As she recuperates and deals with the slow and painful return of dark memories, she finds that she is losing herself to the doctor’s son, Angel. But with each passing day layers of secrets from both the past and present are peeled away and soon Jane discovers that nothing is as it seems.
The Bittersweet Gothic Romance Collection is a series of full length adult romance novels set in the nineteenth century and based loosely on horror classics. Bittersweet Obsession, the first in the series, is based on Mary Shelley’s classic, Frankenstein.
Angel Van Ostrand has returned from the Peninsular War wounded and dispirited from the horrors of battle only to discover that his father, Dr. Van Ostrand, a once renowned scientist, is engaged in a series of macabre experiments financed by a wealthy baron who seeks immortality. With the melting of winter’s frost, Angel is determined to leave his family home, Greystock Manor, forever. But when his father’s latest purported triumph over nature comes in the form of an ethereal beauty named Jane, Angel is drawn to her. And now he finds himself in a new battle— one that involves his heart.
After being stabbed and left for dead in an icy pond, Jane has woken in a strange house under the care of an odd physician and with no recollection of her past. As she recuperates and deals with the slow and painful return of dark memories, she finds that she is losing herself to the doctor’s son, Angel. But with each passing day layers of secrets from both the past and present are peeled away and soon Jane discovers that nothing is as it seems.
Unknown Binding
First published September 29, 2012
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About the author
Tess Oliver
124 books2,444 followersTess Oliver is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Custom Culture series and a large collection of other romances. She is well known for her relatable characters who "become your friends" as you journey with them and for intriguing stories that will have you "devouring her books in just one day". Tess has been featured on USA Today's 'Happy Ever After' site, and in publications including Glamour UK and Elle UK magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 11, 2014
This review can also be found on my blog: A Match Made in Heaven
I loved the setting in this book and it managed to keep a bit of the Gothic feel with the secluded old manor. Or as I would imagine it, since I have never actually read Frankenstein. I instantly felt for Angel as we are introduced to him and he is contemplating suicide. I would guess he had PTSD from the Napoleonic War, but that diagnosis didn't exist at the time.
As we get to know Angel a little better we see that he is moody and angry at the world for a lot of reasons. I felt instant sympathy for him and his situation and already started looking forward to the introduction of his true love. I was really excited for him to get that chance to heal.
Jane was sweet although I would have preferred a little more depth to her. Angel was the one always risking himself for her, and saying incredible things like "You possess me wholly." I still really enjoyed the way their relationship developed, and how Angel gradually let himself forget her origins. It was very romantic. They had great chemistry, and I know Jane loved Angel, but she wasn't as passionate about it as him.
There was a lot of mystery surrounding Jane's previous life that I enjoyed. We never really knew who the people were who were looking for her until the end. The mystery unraveled slowly and there was a bit of a twist which I thought was very neat and smart. And I enjoyed the ending, as Angel once again takes charge and sweeps Jane off her feet.
"There is no one else on this earth for me but you."
I would like to thank the authors for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the setting in this book and it managed to keep a bit of the Gothic feel with the secluded old manor. Or as I would imagine it, since I have never actually read Frankenstein. I instantly felt for Angel as we are introduced to him and he is contemplating suicide. I would guess he had PTSD from the Napoleonic War, but that diagnosis didn't exist at the time.
As we get to know Angel a little better we see that he is moody and angry at the world for a lot of reasons. I felt instant sympathy for him and his situation and already started looking forward to the introduction of his true love. I was really excited for him to get that chance to heal.
Jane was sweet although I would have preferred a little more depth to her. Angel was the one always risking himself for her, and saying incredible things like "You possess me wholly." I still really enjoyed the way their relationship developed, and how Angel gradually let himself forget her origins. It was very romantic. They had great chemistry, and I know Jane loved Angel, but she wasn't as passionate about it as him.
There was a lot of mystery surrounding Jane's previous life that I enjoyed. We never really knew who the people were who were looking for her until the end. The mystery unraveled slowly and there was a bit of a twist which I thought was very neat and smart. And I enjoyed the ending, as Angel once again takes charge and sweeps Jane off her feet.
"There is no one else on this earth for me but you."
I would like to thank the authors for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2012
I sincerely LOVED this book! I have to admit that at the beginning of the book I was not quite sure where the story line was headed, but I was very pleasantly surprised. In the beginning of the book you are introduced to Angel Van Ostrand, a gentleman that has come home from war with his own set of issues in dealing with the after effects of being wounded in battle. Angel has come home to his father, who works endlessly to discover ways to prolong the lives of others, through medical experimentation. When Angel and his father find a woman who was left for dead the story line truly begins to unfold. I love a story where I am not able to predict what is lurking behind every turn. This story had many pleasant surprises to it that I did not see coming. I would highly recommend this book.
kindle-i-own-to-read
October 12, 2012Amazon Freebie 10/11/2012
November 13, 2014
This book had me on the edge of sanity and biting my nails! It was amazing! I devoured it in less than one day neglecting kids, husband, and housework! I am a big fan of dark romance so I was excited to get my hands on this book.
Angel Van Ostrand was suffering. He went to war and lost his best friend during battle. Angel received his own injury at the hands of a French soldier’s bayonet that still caused him constant pain. His mother had died years ago and was left to be raised by his father Dr. Colin Van Ostrand and the few people that were hired to help run their estate, Greystock Manor. Angel’s father was a bit of a mad scientist. He was doing experiments on cadavers trying to bring them back to life. He had a rich benefactor, Baron Rowntree, looking for the elixir of life and was willing to pay a great amount for it.
When we start the story, Dr. Van Ostrand is awaiting for Baron Rowntree to come visit. The doctor already has one specimen, Zander, to show that his experiments were working. Zander was a giant of a man with the mentality of a small child. Angel was utterly disgusted with his father’s research and longed to break free from the estate, which he planned to do once the winter season had passed.
While in the local village, Dr. Van Ostrand seizes the opportunity for a new specimen when Angel and the doctor spot a man disposing of a body in a nearby frozen lake. Once they get their blanket wrapped bundle home and discover a young woman with a necklace engraved with the name Jane on it, Angel is even more disgusted with his father. He wants nothing to do with this and cannot wait for the winter to end. Dr. Van Ostrand is successful in reviving Jane. Much to Angel’s surprise, Jane is of full faculties unlike Zander. Her only problem is memory loss. She cannot remember anything prior to waking up at Greystock Manor, but otherwise seems absolutely normal.
Angel and Jane are extremely attracted to one another. However Angel cannot get past the idea that she was once dead and now isn’t. He doesn’t know how to justify his feelings for her because of his aversion to her. He is extremely confused. Meanwhile, Jane’s past life is quickly closing in on them and danger is right around the corner.
There are lots of twists and turns in this book. I absolutely loved it! At the end of it all, I fell head over heels in love with every one of the characters that lived at the estate EXCEPT Dr. Van Ostrand. The confessions he makes…..made my blood boil with anger! If I had been near him, I would have knocked him on his bottom! I can’t wait to read more works by Tess Oliver. If you haven’t read this book yet, go 1-click it today!
Angel Van Ostrand was suffering. He went to war and lost his best friend during battle. Angel received his own injury at the hands of a French soldier’s bayonet that still caused him constant pain. His mother had died years ago and was left to be raised by his father Dr. Colin Van Ostrand and the few people that were hired to help run their estate, Greystock Manor. Angel’s father was a bit of a mad scientist. He was doing experiments on cadavers trying to bring them back to life. He had a rich benefactor, Baron Rowntree, looking for the elixir of life and was willing to pay a great amount for it.
When we start the story, Dr. Van Ostrand is awaiting for Baron Rowntree to come visit. The doctor already has one specimen, Zander, to show that his experiments were working. Zander was a giant of a man with the mentality of a small child. Angel was utterly disgusted with his father’s research and longed to break free from the estate, which he planned to do once the winter season had passed.
While in the local village, Dr. Van Ostrand seizes the opportunity for a new specimen when Angel and the doctor spot a man disposing of a body in a nearby frozen lake. Once they get their blanket wrapped bundle home and discover a young woman with a necklace engraved with the name Jane on it, Angel is even more disgusted with his father. He wants nothing to do with this and cannot wait for the winter to end. Dr. Van Ostrand is successful in reviving Jane. Much to Angel’s surprise, Jane is of full faculties unlike Zander. Her only problem is memory loss. She cannot remember anything prior to waking up at Greystock Manor, but otherwise seems absolutely normal.
Angel and Jane are extremely attracted to one another. However Angel cannot get past the idea that she was once dead and now isn’t. He doesn’t know how to justify his feelings for her because of his aversion to her. He is extremely confused. Meanwhile, Jane’s past life is quickly closing in on them and danger is right around the corner.
There are lots of twists and turns in this book. I absolutely loved it! At the end of it all, I fell head over heels in love with every one of the characters that lived at the estate EXCEPT Dr. Van Ostrand. The confessions he makes…..made my blood boil with anger! If I had been near him, I would have knocked him on his bottom! I can’t wait to read more works by Tess Oliver. If you haven’t read this book yet, go 1-click it today!
June 9, 2014
I went in to this story completely blind. I didn't read the blurb, I didn't read anyone else's reviews or opinions I simply knew it was by Tess Oliver of whom I'm a huge fan. Boy was I in for a surprise...but a very good one.
Bittersweet Obsession is a complete wonder. It is so vastly different from Tess's other work that I've had the pleasure of reading. For one, it's setting is just after the Napoleonic Wars rather than a modern day affair and instead of an intense and insanely hot tattooist we have Angel, a wounded former soldier in turmoil and trodden down by a life filled with fights, brothels and pubs and an existence inside a cold, desolate mansion- a vast household headed by his physician father Dr. Van Ostrand.
I loved Angel's character. He's suffered through his fair share of travesties and hardship and on top of all that, he has returned home from the horrific wars to a house run by a rather calculating and obsessive father and one of his 'experiments' juvenile giant Zander. Angel is magnificent, he's stalwart in his beliefs, with a good moral compass and compassion towards others although he may sometimes not show it very well outwardly. He's a dark, brooding man, abrupt and often taciturn- oh yes and he's 'rough around the edges'. There's so much depth to him, a hard outer shell that is slowly peeled back to show a hero with a huge heart especially evident when the insanity within the mansion walls escalates. The one person who could possibly help him heal and reveal his softer side is the innocent and fragile heroine Jane.
Jane is a rather mysterious character who starts out with no memory of her past, who simply wakes up one day on the medical slab in Dr. Van Ostrand's home. Jane is simply a sweet loving woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and somehow ends up embroiled in a real-life horror story of madmen, murder and monsters.
I can't give away too much of the story without spoiling it for you and I reallllly don't want to do that because if you love Paranormal Romance with a dark twist as well as handsome brooding heroes and beautiful damsel's in distress with a little bit of sensuality threw in to the mix then this is the book for you. Tess's writing is superb throughout, the way everything is executed and described to perfection- you can literally feel the chill of the air or the agony of a broken rib or the anxiety of falling in love with someone seemingly unattainable. It's utterly flawless. A brilliant storyline, terrifically portrayed personalities and enough drama, angst, horror and romance to keep you reading 'til the wee hours. Magnificent stuff and certainly five star material in my opinion.
Bittersweet Obsession is a complete wonder. It is so vastly different from Tess's other work that I've had the pleasure of reading. For one, it's setting is just after the Napoleonic Wars rather than a modern day affair and instead of an intense and insanely hot tattooist we have Angel, a wounded former soldier in turmoil and trodden down by a life filled with fights, brothels and pubs and an existence inside a cold, desolate mansion- a vast household headed by his physician father Dr. Van Ostrand.
I loved Angel's character. He's suffered through his fair share of travesties and hardship and on top of all that, he has returned home from the horrific wars to a house run by a rather calculating and obsessive father and one of his 'experiments' juvenile giant Zander. Angel is magnificent, he's stalwart in his beliefs, with a good moral compass and compassion towards others although he may sometimes not show it very well outwardly. He's a dark, brooding man, abrupt and often taciturn- oh yes and he's 'rough around the edges'. There's so much depth to him, a hard outer shell that is slowly peeled back to show a hero with a huge heart especially evident when the insanity within the mansion walls escalates. The one person who could possibly help him heal and reveal his softer side is the innocent and fragile heroine Jane.
Jane is a rather mysterious character who starts out with no memory of her past, who simply wakes up one day on the medical slab in Dr. Van Ostrand's home. Jane is simply a sweet loving woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and somehow ends up embroiled in a real-life horror story of madmen, murder and monsters.
I can't give away too much of the story without spoiling it for you and I reallllly don't want to do that because if you love Paranormal Romance with a dark twist as well as handsome brooding heroes and beautiful damsel's in distress with a little bit of sensuality threw in to the mix then this is the book for you. Tess's writing is superb throughout, the way everything is executed and described to perfection- you can literally feel the chill of the air or the agony of a broken rib or the anxiety of falling in love with someone seemingly unattainable. It's utterly flawless. A brilliant storyline, terrifically portrayed personalities and enough drama, angst, horror and romance to keep you reading 'til the wee hours. Magnificent stuff and certainly five star material in my opinion.
October 3, 2012
I love a novel that has a paranormal twist, lots of action, twists and turns, and hot (really hot) romantic scenes. "Bittersweet Obsession" delivers all of this in spades! First, let me say that this book is loosely based on the Frankenstein myth. However, there are definite and interesting twists to it.
Angel Van Ostrand is a somewhat broken man, ravaged by the memories of fallen comrades from the war and a body that is trying to heal from a severe stab wound. He tries everything to ease his sorrow including drink, women of questionable virtue and even suicide. However, his father, a scientist manages to bring him out of his revelry with his distasteful human experiments. It seems Dr. Van Ostrand has brought back to life a giant of Zander, a man with the mental capacity of a child. Angel is outraged at his father's callousness and vows to leave the crumbling estate in the spring. Before this can occur, Angel and his father stumble upon a man who is dumping a body into a frozen lake. Dr. Van Ostrand has just found his new experiment and with the help of his reluctant son takes the body back to his home.
Angel manages to talk his father into not experimenting with the body if it is a child; but, what he failed to garner agreement on was no experiments on the body of a woman. When they unveil the corpse, Angel sees the loveliest face he has ever seen. Yet, he will not stand around while his father does the unthinkable. So, he goes off to town in search of a little physical exertion. Soon,Jane, the lovely young woman emerges from the laboratory and Angel attempts to avoid her at all cost. On the other hand, Jane cannot understand why Angel dislikes her so much. Little do either of them know, it is not distastefulness that is keeping them at arms length but a budding attraction that will send both of their worlds into a tailspin.
In the past, I have commented that Ms. Blake's (Tess Oliver) books needed a bit more action for me. Well, she has provided plenty of action and intrigue in this book. It is a perfect read at approximately 210 pages. I was enthralled page after page and could not put it down wondering what would happen next.I gobbled down every delectable and juicy bit. Then, the strangest thing happened, the plot took a turn I did not in the least expect. Ms. Blake truly surprised me and that is rare for me. I for one cannot wait to read the other books in the series. If they proved to be half as entertaining as this one, I will be thrilled!
Angel Van Ostrand is a somewhat broken man, ravaged by the memories of fallen comrades from the war and a body that is trying to heal from a severe stab wound. He tries everything to ease his sorrow including drink, women of questionable virtue and even suicide. However, his father, a scientist manages to bring him out of his revelry with his distasteful human experiments. It seems Dr. Van Ostrand has brought back to life a giant of Zander, a man with the mental capacity of a child. Angel is outraged at his father's callousness and vows to leave the crumbling estate in the spring. Before this can occur, Angel and his father stumble upon a man who is dumping a body into a frozen lake. Dr. Van Ostrand has just found his new experiment and with the help of his reluctant son takes the body back to his home.
Angel manages to talk his father into not experimenting with the body if it is a child; but, what he failed to garner agreement on was no experiments on the body of a woman. When they unveil the corpse, Angel sees the loveliest face he has ever seen. Yet, he will not stand around while his father does the unthinkable. So, he goes off to town in search of a little physical exertion. Soon,Jane, the lovely young woman emerges from the laboratory and Angel attempts to avoid her at all cost. On the other hand, Jane cannot understand why Angel dislikes her so much. Little do either of them know, it is not distastefulness that is keeping them at arms length but a budding attraction that will send both of their worlds into a tailspin.
In the past, I have commented that Ms. Blake's (Tess Oliver) books needed a bit more action for me. Well, she has provided plenty of action and intrigue in this book. It is a perfect read at approximately 210 pages. I was enthralled page after page and could not put it down wondering what would happen next.I gobbled down every delectable and juicy bit. Then, the strangest thing happened, the plot took a turn I did not in the least expect. Ms. Blake truly surprised me and that is rare for me. I for one cannot wait to read the other books in the series. If they proved to be half as entertaining as this one, I will be thrilled!
June 19, 2014
4.5 Stars - Where do I begin? I have so many bookmarked pages and highlighted quotes or sections throughout this book. I can't exactly put them all in my review because then I'd be giving away the whole story. I'm sure you all wouldn't like that very much. But, UGH! I want to talk about it all! This book was not what I was expecting at all. I absolutely love Angel. He was surprisingly so easy to fall in love with. When I first started the book he was very rude towards his father, so I was thinking "Ok, so this guy is going to be an ass." Maybe at times yes but he was so loving and caring.
Angel Van Ostrand was a solider who was injured in the war and has returned home with his father in the Greystock Manor. He struggles with thoughts of suicide as his experience in the war haunts him. Angel is not quite happy to have returned home as he is not a supporter of his father's obsession with his experiments with immortality. He still cares deeply for his father and finds himself helping him in yet another experiment when they stumble upon what his father views as the perfect specimen. Then the unthinkable happens.
"A dead man, we've found a dead man who somebody hated enough to kill and drop in an ice pond and who weighs no more than a ten-year old. I only pray that it is not a ten-year-old."
When Angel sees Jane for the first time he is taken by her beauty. As much as Angel tries to fight his feelings for Jane he cannot deny the instant attraction and feelings that she evokes in him.
"She was tiny, delicate, and by far the most beautiful girl
he'd ever laid eyes on."
I love how Jane seems to be innocent but she is in fact a little vixen. She does not try to deny to desire she feels for Angel. Although they started off on a rough patch, each of them struggling with their own demons and Jane struggling to remember her past, they give in to there feelings. But what happens when your past comes back to haunt you?
This was very well written. It has a mixture of pain, heartache, betrayal, deceit, passion, desire and love. The main characters were all very captivating. It surely kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. A great read that I have already recommended to a friend.
Angel Van Ostrand was a solider who was injured in the war and has returned home with his father in the Greystock Manor. He struggles with thoughts of suicide as his experience in the war haunts him. Angel is not quite happy to have returned home as he is not a supporter of his father's obsession with his experiments with immortality. He still cares deeply for his father and finds himself helping him in yet another experiment when they stumble upon what his father views as the perfect specimen. Then the unthinkable happens.
"A dead man, we've found a dead man who somebody hated enough to kill and drop in an ice pond and who weighs no more than a ten-year old. I only pray that it is not a ten-year-old."
When Angel sees Jane for the first time he is taken by her beauty. As much as Angel tries to fight his feelings for Jane he cannot deny the instant attraction and feelings that she evokes in him.
"She was tiny, delicate, and by far the most beautiful girl
he'd ever laid eyes on."
I love how Jane seems to be innocent but she is in fact a little vixen. She does not try to deny to desire she feels for Angel. Although they started off on a rough patch, each of them struggling with their own demons and Jane struggling to remember her past, they give in to there feelings. But what happens when your past comes back to haunt you?
This was very well written. It has a mixture of pain, heartache, betrayal, deceit, passion, desire and love. The main characters were all very captivating. It surely kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. A great read that I have already recommended to a friend.
August 13, 2016
ARC Kindle copy from author
It is about Angel Van Ostrand who has returned from the Peninsular War embittered by his war injuries and the scenes of battles. He comes home to his father a scientist who is obsessed with immortality.
Shades of Frankenstein as Angel in introduced to Xander by his father as someone whom he has bought back to life. Xander appears to be rather child like in intelligence but is heavy built and has great physical strength. Angel does not question his father abilities but believe what he is doing is morally wrong.
On night while Angel and Dr. Van Ostrand are out, they come across a strange who they believe was acting strange as they caught sight of blood coming from his covered wagon. They decided to discreetly follow and watch the stranger drop the covered body in the icy water. Once the body is dumped Angel’s father enlists his son to help removed the body and to bring it back to their home.
Next day the dead body has been brought back alive a young lady named Jane but she has no idea who she is or that someone had tried to kill her. As time passes she begins to remember small pieces of her memory as she and Angel start to fall for each other. Angel tries hard not to be attract to her knowing that she was dead beforehand.
In the small village where they live strangers start to visit asking about a missing girl bearing her description. Jane is made to stay at their house and is not allowed to wander into town. Who is searching for her and are they involved in her attempted murder? What secrets does she hold and who are the Van Ostrands?
It is a semi dark tale making you feel back in time of nineteen century with compelling characters,
It is about Angel Van Ostrand who has returned from the Peninsular War embittered by his war injuries and the scenes of battles. He comes home to his father a scientist who is obsessed with immortality.
Shades of Frankenstein as Angel in introduced to Xander by his father as someone whom he has bought back to life. Xander appears to be rather child like in intelligence but is heavy built and has great physical strength. Angel does not question his father abilities but believe what he is doing is morally wrong.
On night while Angel and Dr. Van Ostrand are out, they come across a strange who they believe was acting strange as they caught sight of blood coming from his covered wagon. They decided to discreetly follow and watch the stranger drop the covered body in the icy water. Once the body is dumped Angel’s father enlists his son to help removed the body and to bring it back to their home.
Next day the dead body has been brought back alive a young lady named Jane but she has no idea who she is or that someone had tried to kill her. As time passes she begins to remember small pieces of her memory as she and Angel start to fall for each other. Angel tries hard not to be attract to her knowing that she was dead beforehand.
In the small village where they live strangers start to visit asking about a missing girl bearing her description. Jane is made to stay at their house and is not allowed to wander into town. Who is searching for her and are they involved in her attempted murder? What secrets does she hold and who are the Van Ostrands?
It is a semi dark tale making you feel back in time of nineteen century with compelling characters,
June 14, 2014
If you are looking for a book that exceeds a 5 star rating, then this is definitely it. All your expectations will be met and be surpassed by this excellent read. It is always wonderful to see a storyline that steps outside the genre norm for a particular author. This is a brilliant example of crossing those genre boundaries. You get a little of everything – mystery, paranormal, romance, etc. A story that is captivating and intriguing. There is an immediate and heart wrenching need to know what happens next. This makes for a quick read because of the inability to put it down. Characters are so well written and supportive to storyline. An immediate attachment and involvement develops with each role. Emotions will run all over the place. It is impossible to not feel like an emotional mess. There will be tears, laughter, anger, fear, edge of your seat moments and heartbreak. The outstanding usage of descriptive and attention grabbing terminology provides and promotes the visual and realistic format. Every element is strengthened to the degree of feeling like you are inside the storyline. Highly recommend!!!! No disappointment. Fun enjoyable read. I can’t wait for the next. AndreaAH
June 17, 2014
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
"Sometimes I worry that I've just conjured you up in my imagination. I worry that if I reach out and touch you, the vision will vanish and my heart will splinter into a million pieces." Angel Van Ostrand
I have read and fallen in love with Tess Oliver's Custom Culture Series and a few of her other NA and YA books. This book was a bit different from those stories and even though it isn't like any book I've ever read before, I fell in love with this story as well! Bittersweet Obsession was set in the nineteenth century and based on the story of Frankenstein. Angel has returned home from the war battered and dealing with a lot of issues. He comes home to his father, a scientist on a mission to find the secret to immortality. When Angel and his father find Jane who was stabbed to death and left in an icy pond to die, Angel can't fight his attraction to her.
Jane and Angel have an amazing connection and the twists throughout the book made this a definite page turner for me. The writing was amazing as I was able to visualize every scene and feel the emotions of the characters as well! Great ending and can't wait to read more from this series! Highly recommend!!
"Sometimes I worry that I've just conjured you up in my imagination. I worry that if I reach out and touch you, the vision will vanish and my heart will splinter into a million pieces." Angel Van Ostrand
I have read and fallen in love with Tess Oliver's Custom Culture Series and a few of her other NA and YA books. This book was a bit different from those stories and even though it isn't like any book I've ever read before, I fell in love with this story as well! Bittersweet Obsession was set in the nineteenth century and based on the story of Frankenstein. Angel has returned home from the war battered and dealing with a lot of issues. He comes home to his father, a scientist on a mission to find the secret to immortality. When Angel and his father find Jane who was stabbed to death and left in an icy pond to die, Angel can't fight his attraction to her.
Jane and Angel have an amazing connection and the twists throughout the book made this a definite page turner for me. The writing was amazing as I was able to visualize every scene and feel the emotions of the characters as well! Great ending and can't wait to read more from this series! Highly recommend!!
June 9, 2014
Absolutely in love with this story. It is unique and unlike any other storyline I have read. It is gothic paranormal set in late century were the characters are from a time of horse back riding. Right when you think the great doctor has turned his dead corpses into Frankensteins, you have other twists and turns that keep you hanging on the edge of your seat until you finish this book. With all this going on two characters in the story find true love and even they have a hard time keeping hold on this love. In the end of this story, you will find out the truth, but not until you read the last chapter that all answers will be answered. Truly could not put this book down and this is the second time I have read it. This author is truly amazing will this storyline and all the twists she puts into it.
June 14, 2014
As the author has decided to reissue this story I was given a copy for review. Under the assumption this was loosely based on Frankenstein I expected a horrific sort of love story. Surprise! Twists and turns kept this book interesting, suspenseful and a little gut wrenching. Angel is our attractive, rough and tough soldier living at home after an injury. His father is slightly odd with his experiments and seems to suffer debilitating migraines. Jane was murdered and now living, her past slowly haunting her and endangering her future. I'd almost say this was a little bit Frankenstein and a little bit Snow White. Looking forward to other stories in this collection. Love an author not afraid to take chances and give the readers an engaging story.
June 13, 2014
This is a refreshing take on the classic Frankenstein theory, retold through the Van Ostrand's. You cannot help to feel captivated by this retelling of the classic. I totally did not see the plot and outcome coming that transformed in the end. Angel is indeed the sexy, but disturbed son of who comes back from the war with his own demons, he is the son the crazy but brilliant scientist! And sweet Jane you cannot help but feel for her! This is definitely not the innocent classic and retold through Tess Oliver's eyes there are some hot scenes so this is a definite adult 18+ read. I really enjoyed this book as I have all of Tess's books so far! Great writing Tess, keep up the great work! I look forward to more of the Gothic Romance novels that you write!
June 16, 2014
This is the 1st book I have ever read classified as 'Dark Romance" so I had no idea what to expect.
I have to say, I loved it! I immediately fell in love with Angel & immediately disliked his father. Jane is an absolute sweetheart right from the start. I actually could not put this book down once I had started until I read the last page. I don't want to fill my review with spoilers so ill just say this book has lots of twist's & turns, things will happen that you just don't see coming but at the root of it all is a beautifully developing romance between Angel & Jane that goes from strength to strength from the beginning of the book right through to the end!
If you enjoy Dark Romance books, go and one click this one now, you won't be disappointed!!
I have to say, I loved it! I immediately fell in love with Angel & immediately disliked his father. Jane is an absolute sweetheart right from the start. I actually could not put this book down once I had started until I read the last page. I don't want to fill my review with spoilers so ill just say this book has lots of twist's & turns, things will happen that you just don't see coming but at the root of it all is a beautifully developing romance between Angel & Jane that goes from strength to strength from the beginning of the book right through to the end!
If you enjoy Dark Romance books, go and one click this one now, you won't be disappointed!!
April 17, 2015
I was gifted this book and so I began reading it without knowing about the "dark" aspect behind the romance. I must say I am glad for that, because I do not typically choose anything in that genre and would have undoubtedly missed out on this wonderful story. I started reading without questioning because I am a Tess Oliver fan after reading her Custom Culture series. This book is quite different, not only is the setting in a different place and a different time, but, the concepts are something completely different as well. It was not so dark that I could not enjoy it and it did not disturb me. I avoid horror books and movies because they haunt me, but this was just interesting and well written! Tess has done it again!! She created characters that pull us in and leave us rooting for them!
June 24, 2014
this book was great you have frankentsien and modern love meet, so you think. Jane is a wonam that her life was cut short at a young age. she ever rally lived her life seh lived the life that everyone around her wanted her to live. Angel was the total oppisite, he took the world by the horns, one night faith puts them in the same path and there worlds are now one. Tess Oliver did a great job, this book has excitement, love, lust, murder, and so much more. you will be hooked from page one. if your one that wants pages of sex and small storyline the this is not the book for you. the story flows from every page, in the end wil love concore or will her past find her and consume her.
July 16, 2014
I adore the stories that Tess Oliver creates. I reas this book in a day, and actually I thought I had already written a review. Sorry, Tess. I hate reviews that spoil the book by revealing the whole plot, so I will say just like all of her other books this was fantastic.
I loved Angel, and it killed me that he could not see the good in himself. I instantly wanted Angel and Jane together, and yelled numerous times "kisss her"
Thank you for sharing your words with us Tess.
I loved Angel, and it killed me that he could not see the good in himself. I instantly wanted Angel and Jane together, and yelled numerous times "kisss her"
Thank you for sharing your words with us Tess.
June 28, 2015
Bittersweet obsession is the first dark historical romance book I read. I didn't know what to expect when I starting reading but I couldn't put it down once I started. I loved it and fell in love with the characters Angel and Jade. The book has many twist and turns, unexpected things will happen that you don't see coming and will keep you on edge to the end of the book.
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February 10, 2016210pgs, The Bittersweet Gothic Romance Collection is a series of full length adult romance novels set in the nineteenth century and based loosely on horror classics. Bittersweet Obsession, the first in the series, is based on Mary Shelley's classic, Frankenstein.
Want to read
October 12, 2012Kindle Freebie 10/11/12
November 23, 2014
I loved this book! It was amazing!!!! Could not put it down!
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