Obsession

by Shanna Handel

A brokenhearted journalist is imprisoned by a punishing mafia man and held in his mansion on a private Greek island in this steamy romantic suspense

I've never felt this way but he's a dangerous man
Going undercover to reveal the naughty secrets of the Bachman family was my dream job.
Getting caught as a stowaway on the private jet of a sexy mafia man?
A dangerous adventure—one that got me severely punished.
He's locked me in his stunning mansion, set on his family's private island.
And he's not telling me what he plans to do with me.
I should have fought him when he spanked me, then took me on my hands and knees.
I should have turned down his invitation to dinner, and what came after, when he made me do naughty things.
But I didn't.
And now my only choice is total submission or face his shameful consequences.
This time, I know I need to ignore the desire that threatens to destroy me and escape him.
Will I get off this island...me and my heart in one piece?


She was just an obsession but she became my everything
My family needs me, but I'm faced with a massive problem.
A naughty little stowaway who is sweet, pretty, and terribly innocent.
Her boss threw her to the wolves when he sent her after me.
A big, bad, ruthless wolf with an insatiable appetite and a hand like a paddle.
I knew she was coming but I never expected her to make me feel this way.
Bit by bit she uses her sweet ways to chip away at my stone exterior.
Making me expose parts of myself I've never shared with anyone.
Don't think I won't make her pay for it.
I get my pound of flesh, punishing, then devouring every inch of her soft curves.
This beautiful girl's not just my prisoner, she's my obsession.
How do I send her off...when I can't live without her?

Good to know:
full length, standalone novel, HEA, steamy scenes, plot heavy, adult romance novel, mafia no gore, found family, strong female lead, alpha male, page turner, thriller, forced marriage, high spice romance, power exchange, adventure, jet setting, her love heals his wounds, he makes her feel desired again

Genres: Contemporary Romance

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2024

About the author

Shanna Handel is an Internationally Bestselling author of high-heat romantic suspense. If you like plot-heavy page turners with lots of heat and an HEA with found family, this author is for you.

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https://www.shannahandelromance.com/

Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHOSEN FAMILY ONLY

The story continues with the Bachman family—but as a new chapter. Unlike many of the Bachman men, Damian Bachman is blood-born. The son of Dante Bachman. He has always known the lifestyle, and his strong talents in martial arts are used to train Bachman men—to stay safe and especially to keep the Beauties safe. But when it comes to relationships—or heavens forbid love, Damian avoids it. After losing his mother and seeing the effect on his father, he doesn’t want to ever experience it himself.

The story is a roller coaster ride and will move back and forth in time—explaining more about the past and how it plays with the present. Damian will get a call, letting him know he needs to get to The Parrish, the Bachman private island in Greece. His father, Dante, needs him, his depression after the death of his wife, is spiraling.

Lindsay ‘Lindy’ Gorse is employed by an online magazine, Dirty Dish, which is a celeb gossip column. It is decided that they are going to uncover more about the Bachman family, and Lindy is the girl to do it, even if it takes her out of her comfort zone.

What happens when a reporter for a snoop publication tails Damien and sneaks aboard his private plane? It brings Lindy face to face with Damian Bachman, and he is furious with her—spanking her as punishment. He must continue on his way to The Parrish, and Lindy will find herself as an uninvited ‘guest’ at his home, under house arrest.

I loved the story of Damian and Lindy, and yet, these two tore me up with the ups and downs in their short-term ‘relationship’—if you can call it that. One minute, he seems kind, and the next indifferent. Even Lindy is confused about what is happening between them. But he slays me when he sends her away—my heart sank. Unlike Damian, Lindy’s entire life has been controlled by others—her mother forcing her into beauty pageants, never a mention of a father, and then the low-down cheating fiancé, Patrick. Damian’s roller coaster ride of emotions, regrets, and insecurities, nearly destroys them.

I will say, this was one of my favorite Bachman books, but it was emotional too. I do recommend the book, and so glad I read it. I’m now looking forward to Savage after reading the epilogue, which isn’t a cliffhanger, but a segue into that book.

[Stats23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This hot story is the beginning of a REALLY romantic series featuring the “family” members of a very rich, very powerful, Mafia-like entity that some of you may have heard of before…… The Bachman’s. Lindy, a journalist after a story on the family, ends up stowing away on Damian’s jet. She is easily, and quickly, discovered and is dealt with in the long standing family tradition, she is punished! While she has tried to deceive him, he is actually deceiving her. Lots of interesting twists in their back and forth banter. Once captive on the family island, the Parrish, a relationship like no other begins. Lindy has had her life controlled and structured, against her will, since the days of her pageant crazy mother. Everyone tries to make her into what they want. She is now in open rebellion. Damian is living with the grief of his mother’s death and his guilt in that occurrence. Each has too much baggage to allow them to be open and/or honest with each other. Their relationship dances around the edges. Their love story does have some very beautiful moments but they end up getting lost in the withheld emotion of trust. Lindy is every bit the romantic but Damian is too hung up on the control factor. The angst of the story is his stupidity when it comes to expressing his emotions. He is likable, and has every intention of being a romantic but just can’t seem to “open” his heart and his mouth in unison! All in all a very entertaining, sweet/hot relationship that finds it way to an HEA. Not as graphic and kinky as some of her previous stories but still far better than average and one I really enjoyed reading. 4 Stars.

[KittyLuvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully delightful Mafia romance.
This one is completely light, no darkness at all IMO; no v!olence, no gore, no n0nc0n; just deliciously simmering smoldering s3xual tension between 2 truly nice people.
Damien is a teacher for the Bachman empire: he is responsible for training all recruits/soldiers, etc in all types of physical protection, offensive & defensive. A job he loves. But Damien has a deep trauma that has tainted his enjoyment of life & desire for a long term relationship for a very long time. So what's he supposed to do when a lovely, curvy blonde stows away into his life? Apparently, hold her prisoner on a beautiful Grecian island in his palatial family estate.
Lindy is a low level journalist jockeying to file a 'groundbreaking & career exploding' article & infiltrating the Bachman family seems the perfect way to accomplish it. Especially via mouthwateringly gorgeous Damien. But her impromptu plan goes awry when she's prematurely discovered & delivered into Damien's LARGE & punishing hands. And Lindy too has issues from her past weighing her down & although not nearly as tragic as Damien's, they have deeply impacted her life & view of herself.
I found this one well written & that it smoothly pulled me into the world & lives of these characters. And not only Damien & Lindy but the secondary characters also reached in & tugged at my heartstrings in a sweetly heartwarming way: Dante, Dolores, Cesare were all such joyous characters to read.
And, both Damien & Lindy are touching & mesmerizing people.
Damien succeeds as an Alpha with everyone, perfectly at ease & confident as a completely in charge leader, except he finds himself faltering at times with his beautiful prisoner. And as he struggles with his increasing soft feelings for Lindy he rationalizes them by deeming them as an obsession.
And Lindy, determined to be 'mistress of her own fate', plans her escape from her captor who fascinates & excites her in the most sizzling of ways.
Both of these characters are truly nice people: caring, loving, loyal & flawed. I adored both of them as well as Dante, Cesare & Dolores.
A wonderful, light, romantic story that has the perfect balance of sizzle, generosity, sacrifice, past wounds to overcome, acceptance & most of all: love.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply wonderful read, the characters were simply delightful
Damien is a teacher for the Bachmen empire and as he is responsible for training the soldiers and the recruits he specialises in defence and offence and it is a job that he loves and takes extremely seriously.
He finds himself with a curvy blond that he is starting to care a little too much for, he as supposed to hold her prisoner on a beautiful estate in the Grecian Island in his palatial family estate. Lindy is a journalist that has been looking for a groundbreaking story and an article that will ensure she finally makes her name as a recognised and respected journalist and not some hack.
I guarantee that you ill love this story and that you will enjoy every moment of this wonderful story, as always, this book was wonderfully written and I guarantee that you’ll enjoy every moment of this captivating read.
assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasked by her editor with infiltrating and exposing the Bachman family, Lindy sets a trap for him. Little did she know that he already knew about her, had studied her, and from the moment he laid eyes on her, was obsessed. Born and raised a Bachman, Damian is a hard man, but tender and broken too. She wants to be herself. He wants her safe and the threat to his family neutralized. HEA guaranteed!

Damian is not the stereotypical damaged Hero. I mean, he is devastated by the recent loss of his mother, and his father's decline, but he is a Bachman, after all. Lindy is more than a feisty heroine. She is tired of being what others want her to be. From her mother to her former fiance, she's been forced into a mold, and she's sick of it. When Damian and Lindy come together, it is explosive. Sparks fly, and neither one will ever be the same. When he comes to his senses, and things get real, their story is tear jerking. And the ring! Oh the ring! This story is well written, and everything we've come to expect from Shanna Handel and more. It is one click worthy, and not to be missed.

I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lindy finds herself stowed away in Damian's jet while en route to one of his properties on a private island.. as that was the only option for her to get the story about him and his high profile family that her boss insists she get.

What happens when she is found... is where the story and the heat really start to unfold.

Lindy finds herself craving everything that Damian is, does, and breathes.. almost as much as he wants every piece of her.

Will she eventually get her story while being held captive (is it really against her will if she's enjoying herself, though?) ... or will she come up empty handed because of Damian's ability to keep himself so tight-lipped she won't be able to tell whether he's telling the truth in the end anyways?

Perhaps they will both learn some things about themselves and each other as their secrets come to light and and their feelings unravel

This is a great beginning to a new series by Shanna.. and I can't wait til the next book burns up my ereader... her books are fiiiire.. grab it before you regret it!

[Patricia C · Rating 5 out of 5]

It isn’t every day that a young lady who have bossed all her life finds love after stowaway on a private jet.

Lindy moved away from her controlling mom by graduating at the top of her class and attending University and getting a degree in English and Journalism.
The newspaper that Lindy worked at wanted an exclusive story on the Bachman Mafia. She was given the job to get the story. She never thought she was run into Damian at the club and she followed him and stowed away on his private jet.

Damian already had information on Lindy because they had news that the newspaper was trying to do a story to expose the Bachman Mafia. When he found her on his plane he carried her on to their private Island The Parrish in Greece.

So many things drew them closer but Damian had so much guilt with the death of his mom and his obsession of her he almost lost her.

Shanna has written the first book of another great series and I am looking forward to reading the next book. I high recommend reading this book.

[Hollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I am forever saying that you can never go wrong with a Bachman, but it’s true. Once again Shanna, pulled me right in with Damian and Lindy’s story. After her getting her heart broken, Lindy gets an undercover assignment to get details about the Bachman’s. To do so she sneaks onto Damian’s jet, only to be caught and whisked away to a private island in Greece without an escape. While Damian tries to figure out what to do with Lindy, he’s also dealing with family matters as well. The more they find out about one another, the more feelings seem to grow. As always with the Bachman’s there are rules. Lindy learns a lot more about what it means to have found family, and we get to see some of past Bachman’s in their story, which was nice. Damian now has to find out how he’s going to keep her safe, and if he’s going to let her go. They may be opposite but they fit perfect together and she seems to be the light to his dark. I am super excited for Savage’s story next!

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m loving these Bachman men.
And Damian is no exception!
He’s responsible for the training of the soldiers in the Bachman empire and keeping the Beauties safe.
He’s good at his job and loves it.
But when it comes to relationships that’s a big no thank you for him.
Lindsay is a journalist and her magazine has her go undercover to get the scoop on the Bachmans.
Well needless to say things don’t go quite as planned.
And she’s punished Damian style.
She is now a “guest” in his home on a Greek island.
I really liked both these characters. Both have baggage and demons from their past that have affected them into the present.
I was invested in their story and the outcome.
I wanted to know how their past wounds would compound their feelings towards each other.
And how they would overcome them.
Ms. Handel perfectly blends sweetness and spice,
With wonderful characters that truly deserve happiness and love.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review. and I am OBSESSED. Get yourself someone whose obsessed with you like Damian is obsessed with Lindy! He's perfect, he's pretty sweet and doesn't mistreat her. He's a blood member of the Bachman family, but there's never talks of any dark themes like murder or gore, there are steamy moments. Lindy is a journalist whose assigned to get dirt on Damian and his family, but she's not really a malice character, she's got a kind heart and bonds easily with everyone. I liked that there was no other woman drama, and I did get a little teary eyed when Damian was struggling with his feelings and thought pushing her away was the right choice for her. I'm always a sucker for the big bad mafia man whose afraid to fall in love. I was really a fan of this book and everyone in it. I can't wait for Savage's story next.

✔️ Mafia.
✔️ Obsessive MMC.
✔️ Fake Engagement.
✔️ Forced Proximity.

[Terra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place in the Bachman world that Shanna has created but you don't have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this story. This is the first in a new series, the second generation. Lindy is healing and finding herself after a bad break up and is given the task to infiltrate the Bachman family and finding out their secrets for the gossip mag she works for and she feels things are going well until she finds herself on a airplane as a stowaway and Damian is not very happy about this and takes it upon himself to "punish" her and takes her to a Greek Island since he is going to see his father who is grieving the death of his wife. The story and relationship develops from there. This story is two people healing from their past, growing as people and finding their person. It is funny, has heartbreak, sweetness and spicy steaminess. Everything you want in a romance and it is a great start to the second generation. Can't wait for the next story.

[Amanda Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsession is a little different from some of the other Bachman books I’ve read. They’re all great, but this one drew me in and is just a page turner to see what will happen next. We have Lindy who works for a local tabloid. She’s determined to get into the Bachman world for an exclusive story and sets her sights on Damian, a martial arts teacher for the family. She makes the mistake of stowing away on his private plane to Greece to be with his Father. She is discovered and turned over to Damian. You can imagine what comes next. He gives her an ultimatum to keep her safe, but will she accept it? Follow their story to Greece and back to the States. As always, Ms. Handel always draws you into the story with very descriptive surroundings. You can almost feel as if you’re in the story. I highly recommend this story!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read

Characters 🌟🌟🌟🌟characters were well established and there was more than just the main characters. I would have liked to have seen more interactions between the main and minor characters, but overall character development was good.
Story line 🌟🌟🌟 I especially liked that the story was developed a little before they hopped into spicy time. Most of the plot is enjoyable but I think she gave in too easily and didn’t make him sweat enough. There was a lot of fancy descriptions of settings, food, clothing etc which wasn’t bad just didn’t add to the overall story.
Spice 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟nice amount of spice. Not overly done or excessive.
Overall a good, quick story to just relax with on a cold day sitting by the fire.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drama, suspense, intrigue and romance all rolled together to create a beautifully written story that was an absolutely memorable experience. The author crafted a story filled with heartbreak drawing the emotions to the forefront almost immediately. This made it easy to connect with the characters. The sparks flew between them as the story played out. Each chapter brought forth a wonderful sense of rightness between them being together and I throughly enjoyed reading about their journey. I hope that the author revisits these characters in her next book which is already much anticipated from this reader. Great storytelling.

[Sunniva Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did read it in one sitting today. It was a nice read. Fast phased with and ok amount of spice. It started right in the story, but the book takes us back in time to get the whole story something I appreciated. It is a nice book if you want something fast with some spice to it. And well for me the best part is when you have a male character who don’t like cats suddenly is on all his fours looking for a missing cat, that had me chuckling. The only reason for me not giving it higher stars is since its so early in the year and i have no other books to compear it to. but i did realy enjoy the book and im looking forward to reading the next book

[Margaret Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written story full of very real emotions set in a very fancy world. I liked both Damien and Lindsay. Damien is grieving and full of guilt, also he is slightly blind to what's in front of him. Lindsay is a very enthusiastic journalist, she is also sweet and very generous. I enjoyed reading about their journey to happiness. All the characters are well done, real and rounded. There is plenty in this story to hold the reader's interest. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I recommend it. This is a sweet read and I hope that there will be loads more books in this new series.

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the Bachman name from this author is familiar, this is the first book in a spinoff and introduces us to the next generation. I admit to not being a fan of the beginning. I spent so long trying to figure out if I’d missed something previously to get where this book started that it completely ruined any enjoyment I would normally get from starting a new book. However, that’s about my only complaint about this story and I loved the rest of it. There is great interaction between Damian and Lindy , and I never would have thought Damian would turn out to be such a sweetheart.
This spinoff brings new life to the Bachman universe and I can’t wait for more.

[Danielle Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this story down, Shanna Handel did a great job on this story, Obsession had a strong plot that was written well, it was packed with a lot.
Damian and Lindy, these two went through some bumps but they were made for each other, the chemistry was off the charts, sizzling, they were perfect together. I don't want to say too much, don't want to give much away, the best I can suggest is to read it, it's a great story.
I want to thank Shanna Handel for a great story. Wonderful work. Thank you :)

[TL · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Cute light and unsophisticated

Very cute and light mafia.
No trigger, violence or anything shady.
Not even sure what this mafia does... This could have been a billionaire genre except the author needed an excuse to "contain" the characters in this plot.
It was a good first book, the reason for a 3.5 review is mainly because I felt there was no "flow". Some chapters were fluid,others seemed like the author was in another state of mind than previously. There was a little lack of depth, not for lack of trying though.
I enjoyed the read, relatively short and fun

[Heather Blitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this Lindy girl has been through it! After catching her fiancee cheating on her and being completely wrecked she takes on an undercover job to get a sneak peek at The Bachmann life. Only it does not go as planned! Caught, punished and held as a prisoner in an ivory prison. Damian has enough to worry about with his father in full on grief mode, but when he sees the woman sent to spy on his family he knows she's something different. Special. And all his!! Love love!!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Lindy's bravado in her actions to take on an expose' of a famous mafia family. You have to get up pretty early to pull one over on a mafia guy , and Damian is no exception to the rule. I liked how caring Lindy was with Damian's dad. They seemed to bond quickly. It was sweet to see Damian vulnerable to Lindy's love. Obsession!! The chemistry and the push and pull made this an epic love story. The epilogue teaser is compelling, and I can't wait to continue this journey.

[BookKitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this story about Damien and Lindy! Damien is so stern and serious but has a playful, sweet side as well. Lindy has been caught in relationships that require her to change who she is and is vowing to never do that again. They both have to fight their attraction to each other until they realize they can't live without the other. They heal each other in ways no one else could. This book is hot, sweet and spicy! I'm looking forward to this new series!

[Teresa Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please a Bachman come and find me. Well what else could I want. I want to be a beauty, Well you know in my own world 😉 I am so invested with this series as the stories are about that person but also involve the whole community absolutely great . I love Lindy and Damian, the excitement of Lindy the harshness sometimes of Damian makes this one beautiful, intense read. I voluntarily reviewed this book

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything related to the Bachman family from this author. It's Damian and Linsday's turn in the hot seat now. The push and pull, the ups and downs, the love and, well, not really hate but you know what I mean. This is probably one of my favorite books from Shanna Handel. I loved both characters and how they interacted with each other. Will love win out since Damian doesn't want any part of that or will he let Lindsay walk away? So good!

[Victoria Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very different mafia read for me. It was more romantic and light. There was no "darkness" that I expected to find. Had I not known, I would have assumed it was more a billionaire romance.
However, I was NOT disappointed with the story. The characters had a really good chemistry, and the book just flowed.
Since reading, I've also learned there is a series about the Bachman family, and I'll read them when I get a chance.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just okay for me it had so much potential but it just didn't cut it for me. Reporter goes under cover to get the goods on the family big mafia and after she finds her fiance in bed with another woman what does she have to lose. She hides in his plane and once discovered he takes her to Greece on a island and keeps her there until she agrees to marry him but it goes back and forth on time lines and just didn't hold my interest.

[Elise Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great love story!

Even though this isn't as dark as the books I usually read I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a story of a very hurt high powered man and a very strong but wounded woman. The book is very hot and steamy and has a very good storyline that captures the couples pain, doubts, fears and how their love for each other grows. It's got some ups and downs but the HEA is just perfect. I recommend this book highly...

[Tai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel in love with Damian and Lindy characters. Damian held the alpha role so well but show up a caring side if though he went through a horrible experience. Lindy was strong despite what she went through. This two were made for each other. They overcame their experience in life which made see the other for who they were. Love this book. Can’t wait for the next.

[Claudia Remmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by the fantastic Shanna Handel. This time, it's Damien representing the Bachmans and Lindy a woman who plans to infiltrate the family - to uncover secrets and write a story. But as expected, the Bachmans are one or two steps ahead. Look out for an alpha male, a cheeky woman and a HOT tale. I can't wait for the next book...

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have given it 4 stars, but that is due to personal preference- I don't care for a book that starts in the middle but I powered through and in Chapter 2 it went back to the beginning and I became fully invested in the story. The writing is crisp, the editing good, and the story flows well. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC.