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Hidden Obsession: Deadly Desires: Part 1

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Raina Andrews is one of the most driven missing persons detectives in the state of Minnesota, but no matter how many people she finds — she can’t fill the hole in her heart from the one who’s still lost.

When Alessandra, a stay-at-home mom with a picture-perfect life disappears, Raina realizes that nothing about the woman is the way it seems. With new secrets uncovered at every turn, she races against time to untangle the web before getting stuck in it herself.

As if everything isn’t already complicated enough, a new man catches the young detective’s eye. At the same time, her best friend is sending signals he wants to be more. She’s not sure if she can trust her feelings for either one, or if she’s even healed enough to start anything with anyone — but she just can’t help herself.

Will she put the puzzle pieces together fast enough to bring Alessandra home, without breaking herself apart along the way?

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2023

9 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Natasha Carter

5 books28 followers

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5 stars
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18 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
2 reviews
January 7, 2024
So good! Mouth dropping ending, can’t wait for the sequel!
Profile Image for Karla Claire.
7 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2024
"Hidden Obsession - Deadly Desires: Part 1" is a heart-pounding thriller with elements of a passionate romance novel. It’s like stepping onto a high-speed train of suspense, where every stop unveils a new twist. But this journey isn’t your typical sightseeing tour; it’s filled with secrets, lies, and a missing person.

Our heroine, Raina Andrews, is a detective who’s as tenacious as a bloodhound on a scent trail. She’s on the case of Alessandra, a woman who seemingly had it all, until she mysteriously vanished.

Raina’s journey through this labyrinth of deception is full of twists and turns. And just when you think you’ve untangled the knot, author Natasha Carter pulls the rug from under you.

But that’s not all! Amidst this whirlwind of a mystery, Raina’s heart is caught in a dance of emotions, being twirled between the arms of a new man and the confusing signals of her best friend.

In short, “Hidden Obsession” is a book that keeps you guessing, gasping, and giggling all at once. It’s like a spicy bowl of gumbo - hot, flavorful, and leaving you wanting more. So, buckle up, dear reader, because this is one ride you won’t want to miss!

3 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2024
Natasha again takes the reader on an adventure. Yet another book I couldn’t put down, can’t wait to read the next chapter.
Profile Image for Patrick Sims.
Author 6 books4 followers
November 26, 2023
Fantastic crime thriller... with some romance

If you're into crime novels or suspenseful thrillers, then this is the book for you.

Raina, the main character, is a wonderfully flawed detective whose tenacious attitude makes her like a dog with a bone when she catches wind of a high-profile missing persons case.

As she makes her way through a web of deceit and she and her partner try to track down leads on the case, her random encounter with a gentleman causes conflicting feelings between the mourning of a lost love and the potential of something new.

The characters have such depth and personality that they feel like real people you can relate to. The story is intriguing and draws you in.

I guarantee that the only disappointment you'll have with this book is that it's a two-parter.
1 review1 follower
January 14, 2024
An amazing read that I couldn't put down. That ending though! Can't wait for Part 2.
Profile Image for Lou.
420 reviews
January 14, 2024
This book was a great read. Reina was a dedicated police officer with secrets of her own. First there was Scott who took an immediate almost obsessive like to her which she initially went with. Adding to the mix of romantic intrigue is her friendly partner who tries to show some romantic interest but Reina seems to push her away.
Todd and Reina are throw together on a missing person's case. After some intriguing twists and turns, the ending was an unexpected right between the eyes finish.
Definitely looking forward to Part 2.
1 review1 follower
January 15, 2024
I loved Natasha’s first book so had to give this one a read…now I cannot wait for the release of its sequel! Hidden Obsession is a wonderfully written murder mystery with a steamy twist. The main character, Raina, is so relatable, you can’t help but feel like you’ve known her on some level all your life. This book kept me on my toes until the very end, and I was pleasantly surprised, yet utterly disgusted, that all of my assumptions about the ending we so wrong!
Profile Image for Scott Haines.
20 reviews
February 4, 2024
This is the first of Ms. Carters books that I have read and I was quite impressed! The first scene is is something that’s not usually in the books I read but she grabbed my attention from there and I read the book in nearly one sitting.

In these types of mysteries I try to figure out who is the antagonist as soon as possible but Cater definitely surprised me at the end. It is clear that this book was thoroughly researched as we follow the process of this missing persons investigation. If you enjoy a story with many twists and turns, I definitely recommend this book. I look forward to more books in the series as we follow Raina’s journey!
2 reviews
January 14, 2024
I loved this second book by Natasha Carter. As with her first book, the characters have depth and the main character is compelling enough to carry what appears to me a multi-part series. The mystery genre seems a natural fit for the author. No spoilers, but I did not figure out the ending and was very happy with the set up for the next book. I hope Part II is on the way soon!
2 reviews
December 10, 2023
Absolutely unbelievable world class writing and very steamy with a lot of plot turns and an ending you don't want to miss! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and is an amazing page Turner with genius cliff hanging and a romance cloaked in a roller coaster type thrill! Way more than just romance, although it will certainly strike your romantic interests/feels.
21 reviews
January 14, 2024
Excellent story and characters. Raina is a stubborn but determined detective, who is driven by her job. The story has good twists and turns. It will keep you guessing until the end. I am looking forward to part two. Would highly recommend the book and the author.
Profile Image for Ken Lynch.
4 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2024
Awesome read; in true mystery style; just when you think you've got it figured out..nope. Natasha's fresh style is only a hop-skip to screenplay. Looking forward to part deux..
Profile Image for Ray.
33 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2024
A detective's self-discovery

I was hooked five minutes in. An experienced police Detective is handed a new case but while she's taking us along solving it she takes us into her world and we watch her lower her defenses and let some people In...to know her better and while that's happening she lets herself in. The walls we put up aren't all there to keep others out. And the Inner boundaries are usually the hardest to see.

Hidden Obsession: Deadly Desires Part 1 moves at a very good pace and has characters we've all seen in real life. It was hard to put down. I stayed up late a couple of nights just to read a another chapter or two.

Congratulations to Natasha Carter for giving us another good one. I look forward to the next installment.
13 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2023
Th suspense, the thrill, the oooo, the witty humor!

“I see. So, I am order and you are chaos. What are we going to do about it?” “I could ruin your life.” I grinned.

Another great book by Natasha Carter that I will cherish and enjoy again and again. I can’t wait for the second part of this series. Get this books and enjoy as much as I did.
7 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2025
As a prolific reader who lives and breathes psychological thrillers and thrillers, I can say with absolute conviction that @NatashaCL7 ‘s Hidden Obsession: Deadly Desires: Part 1 is a masterclass in suspense that ranks among the best in the genre. I devoured the second half of this book in a single, steamy bath session tonight, utterly unable to put it down until I unraveled the jaw-dropping truth of “who did it.” Carter’s storytelling gripped me like a vise, and I’m already itching to dive into Part 2.

This is my second Natasha Carter novel, following her erotic romance Unfinished Business, and let me tell you—this woman is a super talented writer who can pivot genres with the finesse of a literary chameleon. While Unfinished Business set my heart racing in one way, Hidden Obsession had my pulse pounding with its relentless intrigue and psychological depth.

The shift to a mystery-thriller didn’t just meet my sky-high expectations; it obliterated them. Carter’s ability to craft a story that’s equal parts cerebral and heart-pounding is nothing short of phenomenal.

The story follows Raina Andrews, a tenacious missing persons detective in Minnesota, as she investigates the disappearance of Alessandra, a seemingly perfect stay-at-home mom. What starts as a routine case spirals into a labyrinth of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the final page. Carter’s pacing is impeccable—every chapter ramps up the tension, blending suspense with just the right touch of romantic heat.

Raina is a compelling protagonist, gritty and relatable, with a past that adds layers to her character without overshadowing the plot. The supporting cast, from her romantic interests to the enigmatic figures tied to Alessandra’s life, are richly drawn, each adding to the web of deception.

What sets this book apart in a crowded genre is Carter’s knack for psychological nuance. Her background in psychology shines through, making every character’s motivations feel authentic and every plot twist both shocking and earned. The ending? A gut-punch I never saw coming, yet it made perfect sense once the pieces fell into place. I was left reeling, desperate for the sequel.

I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a twisty, intelligent thriller—whether you’re a genre diehard like me or just dipping your toes in. Natasha Carter has cemented herself as one of my must-read authors, and I’m counting the minutes until I can crack open Part 2. If you’re ready to lose sleep over a book that grabs you and doesn’t let go, this is it.
Profile Image for Robert Lewis.
Author 5 books25 followers
August 6, 2025
This is basically a suspense thriller in which the main character is a missing persons detective working on a new case. But it also incorporates elements of what I believe people these days like to call “spicy” literature, so it includes major plots or subplots to do with her relationship and a kind of nascent love triangle. But the romance side of things and the mystery thriller side of things are completely incorporated one into the other so I’m pleased to report the book feels like a coherent whole.

I will admit I read it much more for the suspense element than the spicy element, the latter of which doesn’t offend but isn’t typically my cup of tea. Only in one scene, though, did the book’s spiciness reach a level beyond my personal taste, though, so it’s a great book even for those of us who really just want the mystery part.

On the mystery side, it’s full of the kinds of twists and turns we all love, presented in a way that will keep the reader guessing from the start. And that’s a rare feat because I’m one of those readers who can often see the ending coming right at the beginning. Not so here. Yes, I figured out the big reveal slightly before it was revealed, but only by a couple of pages, so the author is to be commended for writing a mystery that actually maintains mysteriousness without ever leaving the reader feeling cheated.

The ending does set us up for a sequel, which is already available and readers who enjoy this one will surely want to get a copy of that as well. But though a few threads are left for the follow-up, the main conflict of the novel is satisfactorily resolved so you don’t need to worry about cliffhangers or whether this first installment can be read as a stand-alone. It can.

I think most of you will enjoy reading this one.
Profile Image for Denis.
87 reviews
June 12, 2024
Natasha Carter does it again.

This book is engaging and a page turner. Raina Andrews, your protagonist, is an exciting character to follow. Working for law enforcement in the missing persons department she is out to solve every case she gets her hands on to find the victim, or to seek closure, whichever it happens to be.

I loved how the character of Raina develops throughout the story. She starts out as driven because she herself had not had closure to her missing SO, Colton. I am not going to give any spoilers here because one of the things I loved most about this book were the twists and turns the story took. Natasha masterfully weaves you through a maze of different events that just when you think you have it figured out, BOOM! Plot change.

I have two very minor complaints about this book. First, she really toned down the intimate scenes in the book as compared to her previous book "Unfinished Business" Kind of disappointing but she more than makes up for it with the intrigue. Secondly, If you read "Unfinished Business" you will find the subplot somewhat formulaic. One woman, two guys, one turns out to be a total scumbag, the other is the genuine article. I felt that I had read that before. But again, I say these are minor because Natasha has a very intriguing plot line with the book and you get the big surprise by the end of it. It really is a Hidden Obsession because you will never really see the end coming.

I am anxious for part 2.
Profile Image for Gareth Parker.
3 reviews
December 5, 2024
A Gripping Mystery with Unrelenting Suspense

Hidden Obsession: Deadly Desires: Part 1 by Natasha Carter is an enthralling mystery thriller that plunges readers into the world of Raina Andrews, a devoted missing persons detective in Minnesota. Despite her career achievements, Raina is haunted by an unresolved personal tragedy.

When Alessandra, an apparently perfect stay-at-home mom, goes missing, Raina quickly discovers that nothing in Alessandra's life is as it seems. As she unearths secret after secret, Raina races against the clock to solve the case before becoming ensnared in its web herself. Adding to her challenges, a new romantic interest emerges, and her best friend signals a desire to be more than just a friend. Amidst this whirlwind, Raina must navigate her emotions while striving to find Alessandra.

Natasha Carter's writing is captivating, with richly developed characters and a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The seamless blend of mystery, suspense, and a hint of romance makes this book an irresistible read.

If you're a fan of twisty thrillers featuring strong female protagonists, “Hidden Obsession: Deadly Desires: Part 1” is definitely worth picking up!

PARKER
Profile Image for Dave Falls.
13 reviews
January 30, 2025
This was my second book by this author. Her first, Unfinished Business, was more of an erotic/romantic thriller. I enjoyed both books, but in this one, she develops her characters better and does a better job of providing suspense and twists. Although intentionally leaving several unanswered questions, teasing her next entry, Buried Secrets: Deadly Desires, what she did wrap up in this first of two was enough not to leave the reader disappointed. As an independent author, she shows that she has the skill to be a successful author, and as such, I look forward to her next and upcoming novels. I like the growth she is showing in her main character, and anticipate more of the same in the next installment, balanced by her intelligence, with and of course, more of a peak into her erotic side, which in my opinion, adds to the plot and development of all the characters.
Profile Image for Shahid.
311 reviews30 followers
June 7, 2024
Natasha Carter's "Hidden Obsession: Deadly Desires: Part 1" introduces Raina Andrews, a dedicated missing persons detective in Minnesota. Despite her professional success, Raina is haunted by an unresolved personal loss. When Alessandra, a seemingly perfect stay-at-home mom, vanishes, Raina discovers layers of secrets that challenge her investigative skills. As she delves deeper, she must also navigate her own complicated emotions, torn between a new romantic interest and her best friend’s unexpected advances. Racing against time to solve the case, Raina must also confront her own vulnerabilities. This gripping thriller blends mystery, suspense, and emotional complexity.
Profile Image for Becky Singleton.
2 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2025
The Best Kind of Romantic Suspense

Raina is gritty and self-assured. She's a detective in Minnesota and works in the Missing Persons department. While searching for, Alessandra, a spoiled housewife gone missing, she uncovers a life of lies. Scott is a one night stand, who she hopes to never see again. As she explores the pain of her own past and Alessandra's hidden life, Scott confidently pursues her. Raina captures the reader's attention and doesn't let go through this twisty ride.

Hidden Obsession is a fast paced romantic suspense. I will start the second book immediately!
3 reviews
October 21, 2025
Not sure where this book falls under the Author's timeline of writing, but it is the third book of hers I have read. The story is just a bit shallow but that is okay. It is a very entertaining spicy thriller. I am very enthralled with the main character and her development. There is an entire story to be written about how she got to where she is currently in her career, but that is another story. This one has just enough depth to keep you engaged and just enough to keep you turning to the next page. The plot twists and deviations are expected, but not telegraphed. Overall it is just enough story, just enough thriller and just enough spice to encourage me to read a series on Raina.
2 reviews
January 14, 2024
Bought this book after reading the author’s first novel and was BLOWN AWAY. I could not put this one down and it had me at the edge of my seat/bed until the very end. I found the characters very relatable and multifaceted. Natasha is an excellent author. I follow her on Twitter and her humor does not disappoint. Can’t wait to read Part 2!!!
1 review
January 14, 2024
Natasha’s style captivates you from beginning to end. There were times I felt so taken in that I’d stay up late just to read another chapter. I look forward, very much, to reading anything she puts out! I wish I could give ten stars as she is truly that gifted in making you feel invested in her characters.

Absolutely well done :)
1 review
February 2, 2024
I found Hidden Obsession to be a great read. In short it's a mystery that delves into the complexities of detective Raina Andrews' life. The author skillfully weaves a tale that kept me nicely in tension between suspense and emotion throughout. The characters are well developed and I especially enjoyed Raina's internal struggles. Don't listen to the naysayers, you will enjoy this story.
1 review
August 29, 2024
spectacular read

Not your typical girlfriend’s romance novel as Natasha beautifully scripts this brilliant psychological thriller with an amazing twist and unexpected ending. I have a Graduate Degree in Forensic Psychology and she had me on the edge of my seat as I couldn’t put this exciting novel down! I can’t wait for part two in this magnificent series!
2 reviews
September 13, 2024
Page turner

I met Natasha on Twitter and we had talked for awhile before I realized she was an author. She told me about this book and I was curious about her writing style. Next thing I know, I’m halfway through this book and loving every second of it. I haven’t enjoyed a book this much since Dresden Files. Just read it. You won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Mario Booth.
15 reviews
December 3, 2024
This was a an easy read. The characters are believable. I finished the book in about 1.5 days on 1.3 speed. Virtual voice is one of the better ones but still had some errors (not the fault of the book or author). I would recommend this book to someone going on a trip or hanging out by the pool.
I will explore more by this author.
Profile Image for Lamora B.
9 reviews
March 10, 2024
Clueless

I rarely write reviews! If your looking for a story that will throw you in different directions and having you not sure of the true culprit.. this is the book! I thought I knew who did it and well damn I had it wrong!!
1 review
February 14, 2025
great read and I must know more

This was a well written novel, fast paced and intriguing. Natasha did very well. This is my first book by this author and I’m definitely coming for more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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