Mutual Obsession is a novella-standalone. This short story is fast paced but gives you everything you need. If you are looking for a quick little one two that is laced with drama, secrets, scandal, unhinged behavior, and a sprinkle of spice, this good read is for you.
Grayson “Gray” Deeds is a ruthless bill collector for organizations that operate above the law. Rain Ellington is his childhood neighbor and best friend. Gray has been wanting to make Rain his forever, but she wasn’t willing to risk their friendship, not until her long term relationship comes to an end. When they finally link up, Rain instantly becomes obsessed with Gray and regrets waiting so long to give into his advances. What they don’t know is someone else is mutually obsessed with Gray and will stop at nothing to make him hers.
Gray was that 🥷🏾. The Deeds name rings bells in these streets, and most know not to mess with him. Gray has had a thing for his best friend Rain, since they were children. However, she did not want to ruin their friendship with crossing the line. No matter Gray always had her back and waited for the opportunity to make her his.
Rain, seemed to be an intelligent woman, but hanging on to that zero Jamal was becoming tiresome. Life was interesting for her though, with her crazy bestie Harmony. This woman was on go at the drop of a hat and didn't play about her friend.
I was surprised at the plot twist, and the people involved, when the secrets came tumbling out. For people to be so solid, the betrayals just seemed to come out of nowhere. Decent read.
There were two plots twists in here particular that I’m still thinking about days later. The first one I predicted from the beginning — but the second one, with “Storm” … I didn’t see that coming at all and I loved it. I wanted a little more meat on the bones of this story in a way I can’t fully articulate right now, but this is one I can definitely see myself re-reading.
I loved that the characters were that great balance. I appreciated that the charavyers didn't feel ratchet. Bear and Ant were hilarious 😂 and comic relief. Of course we had Mr. Deeds, the smexy MMC, was fierce, loyal, and kind but ruthless about his business. This had some good dark romance moments. He stayed and played his position oaigently waiting on Raine to drop her loser boyfriend and pick him. Raine, to her credit, had some fears and didn't want to end her string friendship. Once the stage was set, each step was a page turner. Couldn't put down. There was a thrilling mystery to solve, good d!ck down sessions to be had, and so many touch her and ☠️ moments Gray used to show his love for Raine. Loved it.
There were a few negative reviews for this book that made me want to read it. Normally I pass when I see negative reviews. However, this was really good. Some parts had me cracking up. There were a couple of parts that I just knew were going to go one way and they went in the complete opposite direction. So good. The only really I'm giving 4 out 5 stars is because I wanted worse for the villain. I feel like they got off too easy. Otherwise...I'll definitely read more from this author.
Did not finish. It was kinda corny to me. The author was trying to hard to be funny and it just didn’t work. First time reading this author. Might give another book a try. Not sure though
For me, it was a solid 4 read up until the person was revealed. I love a book that actually makes me lol, and besides the joke Gramps first told about Big Momma that would be wild for a man to say about his own wife to other men, the rest was funny.
I just don't think it's good to have the characters do a sudden 180° pivot from everything that's been building - all for the sake of a plot twist. It doesn't make sense, and to me, it's.... lazy. I'd prefer a novella to be somewhat predictable than have a nonsensical ✌🏽plot twist✌🏽.
I don't want to give anything away, but nothing about the reveals lined up with what we'd seen from the characters. Loyalty is required, but at least have the punishment support the so-called crime. (🗣Alexa play moni long)
Damn this was good! Gray is that dude. When I started this book I assumed it was going to be just another alright read, but the way it turned out gave a bit of a shock. The spice was a great addition too😉
The plot twist in here baby!! I honestly never expected it because it's only a 100 or so pages. But the build up was good. I definitely cackled a few times throughout the story and that's always a plus. Gray and Rain were definitely cute together and overall is made for a good read.
Favorite moments: Big Mama and Gramps talking in the kitchen (they have absolutely no filter lol), Bear kicking Star down the driveway in the bin, and Rain's parents being always on go bout their babygirl.
I really enjoyed this novella. First read from Ms. Charisse, will not be my last.
I wasn't surprised by the twist, and the book felt rushed. We barely got to know the characters, as everything was only surface-level. This is why friend-to-lovers stories don't excite me; they mostly miss the mark.
This book has some hilarious characters. The storyline is good, but the writing is kind of choppy. It’s a quick read, so I kept going til 95% and then just skipped the epilogue.
(New to me author) this was a blind read which i do pretty often don’t read synopsis or reviews. Just going by the title I was not expecting what i read. The plot twist was 🤯. Lol the fact that everything was a scheme set up by Todd (RHOA reference) was crazy. I thought just by reading the first few chapters it was going to be a cute friends to lovers trope and ended up with so much more. Just disloyalty all around and folks plotting on the downfall. Like to say i was surprised was an understatement i was not expecting the people who seemed most loyal based on the context to go out that sad. All in all i enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Rain is actually more of a Lizzo type, but the storyline is right outta that 1992 Whitney Houston classic. That is, if Whitney had an alter ego AND a dude that’s been loving her on the low for a while but played his position until her current relationship played out. I liked how Jamal wasn’t a complete villain, just a jerk. And the cleanup crew was a nice touch. Too many books feature murderous acts where you’re left to imagine that they just leave the body wherever it falls and casually move on. GREAT STORY
First… I loved the character names: Rain, Storm, Harmony, Grayson, Star, Zia!
Back to the book.. This was interesting. I understand that it was a short read, I just wish it wasn’t. I can see the potential for more character and plot development. I just filled in the missing parts with my own story. Gray has been in love with Rain since he has been knowing her. He stepped into his role as her best friend because he would rather have her in his life than not have her at all. Meanwhile, Rain is supporting a bum named Jamaal. Without giving too much away, things change and escalate quickly. There were a few plot twist (I actually saw them coming… kinda) & unforgiveable betrayal. I couldn’t put the book down. Read it, it’s too quick to pass up.
Perfectly executed. This novella sucked me in from the first page. Even made me shed a thug tear. The hurt and deceit in this book was unmatched, it’s always the ones closest to you man. Rain and Grays friendship to relationship was too cute. To know the lengths Gray would go to protect rain was beautiful. Dealing with a broke no good man just didn’t sit well with anybody in Rains life and to learn of the betrayal was even worse. I definitely did not expect this book to end the way it did as I went in blind but DAMN! Was that perfectly executed. Definitely want to read more by this author.
My first time reading a book by this author, and I enjoyed it. Although the story was short, it had a nice pace with a few moments of humor between the characters, especially the grandparents. Loyalty and mental illness were the key factors amongst these character relationships, which was also a shock no one saw coming, but in the end, Rain and Greyson got their happily ever after.
I had to sit here for a moment and really process what I read. I thought I knew but I had no idea at all. This book was so full of twist and turns that I did not see coming what so ever!! This is your sign to go read it like now!! My mouth still hung open cause just wow
I really enjoyed this book especially the different plot twists in this book. This is my second read by this author and I read this book on live with some of my book club members. I loved Gray and Rain together. I read another book by this author but I feel like this book is my favorite out the two books.
Not even gon hold ya that was a helluva plot twist I was NOT expecting the culprit to be who the culprit was. Mental health ugh I love it. It’s unfortunate in some cases when it’s the ppl closest to u playing a hand in your downfall smh.
If you don't know that all of your "friends" are not your friends and family ain't family then you need to read this book to find out. Crazy doesn't even begin to describe the shenanigans within this book. All I will say is, snakes are everywhere even in your closest friend. Whew!!
Charisse, good read. I really enjoyed how you gave us some good twist in here. You really showed how folk will use you for their own gain. It was sad but true on how it turned out. Friends can turn into something else.
I give this book a 3.3 only bc I’m not big on friends to lovers book. This was a quick read. Having a friend that’s jealous of you through the whole book is crazy and you not noticing one red flag is even crazier.
This book has been on my radar for over a year. And when I saw it was in audiobook, it became the perfect opportunity to get it in! That being said, it just didn’t land for me. But by all means, judge for yourself. I would possibly give this author another try at some point.
This was my 1st book by this author and it was a roller coaster. The twists and turns did what they were supposed to do. I enjoyed this and will definitely be checking out the rest of this author’s catalog.
This audiobook had me hooked. I didn't know I was signing up for a mystery, thriller, suspense romance. When things started to be revealed my jaw was on the floor. The love, care, & devotion this man showed this woman, did my heart good!!!