The Other Woman's Obsession

by Savannah Schmidt

Eleanor Barlowe has watched the love of her life from across the street for years as he struggles—with his marriage, his job, his whole life. All she's ever wanted is a life with Eli, but when his father forced him into marrying another woman, she chose to take on a new role—the other woman… the mistress.
When she finds herself locked away in a mental health unit within a women's prison, she struggles to regain her memories of the past few weeks, unable to fathom why or how she could end up in such a horrible place. Yet, the one thought she can seem to let go of is Eli—if he loves her, then why has he never tried to visit?
As memories slowly reveal themselves, Eleanor and Eli learn that sometimes we don't know ourselves as well as we'd like to think… and sometimes we choose to shove the darkest parts of ourselves deep down inside us…
The Other Woman's Obsession is a romantic thriller with mature content including death of an unborn child, murder, and sex.

230 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Savannah Schmidt is a romance author who believes there’s always a story that hasn’t been told (and probably a happily-ever-after waiting to be discovered). She lives in North Georgia with her husband and two daughters. When she isn't writing fiercely independent heroines finding their unique voice, she can usually be found reading, painting, baking something sweet, or soaking up time with her family. Savannah has been writing since elementary school, starting with animal stories that later evolved into fanfiction in middle school, and she has been chasing stories ever since.

Reviews

[Shaelyn Pugliese · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!! ✨️
Eleanor is the girl across the street, pining for the neighbor Elijah. Elijah seems to be struggling with his job, his wife, and life in general, and Eleanor is convinced she can take him. That is until she finds herself locked away in a mental health unit.. while locked up, she struggles with her memory and doesn't understand why she's there. Slowly, her memory returns, and we learn more about them they even know about themselves.
Overall, I liked the storyline and the small twist that left a huge impact on the book. The back and forth got so confusing and the different names for the same characters also got me super confused (Part I is titled Elizabeth but our main character is Eleanor/ Jessica) so it was a bit hard to follow. After reading the journal entries, I started understanding the plot a bit more. This book was fast-paced and such a page turner after the first few pages just because I needed to know what was going to happen.

[Megan Athow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was chosen to read this as an arc and I can’t thank Book Sirens enough! I’ve never read an arc before so I was really excited to be apart of this opportunity! I will say I liked the overall story and the journal entries in the story, I did however get confused on the back and forth dual pov from past and present. I had my suspicions on what I thought was going to happen and some of what I said ended up being true! I would recommend reading this book it was fast paced, easy to read and captivating! Thank you again Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this arc!

[Tanya Pratt-Dubois · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!! This book had so many twist and turns that I love in a physiological thriller!! From the first page to last I was so engrossed in it I didn’t want to put it down! I loved the duel POV and the before and after kept me wondering what was going to happen! Definitely didn’t not expect the ending. Definitely a great read.

[Crim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anytime I see Savannah Schmidt I just know I am in for a delightful, magical, and easy read! I found Savannah a year ago and she has yet to dissapoint. The Other Womans Obsession is no exception to this!

While I couldn't give it a 5 star it truly is a 4.9! The only reason it did not reach 5 stars was because at times I got confused between the past and present flipping. But after a few chapters you dont even notice. A few spots felt they could have been moved a tad furthur but I also loved that they didnt at the same time.

What really drew me in though is the twist and turns this story has! I was shocked on numerous occasions and it made me want to reread it almost immediately just to see how I could have missed such a huge detail. Very well done! Cant wait to see whats next!

I want to thank the author for this gift to read early.

[Bre Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Savannah's tale, "The Other Woman's Obsession" shines,
A story of Eleanor's love that intertwines,
With Elijah, her neighbor, burdened and strained,
As their lives become entwined and rearranged.

Grateful for the ARC, I delved into this book,
Captivated by the twists that left me on the hook,
Eleanor's infatuation, a dangerous obsession,
Leads her to a mental health unit, a place of regression.

Lost in confusion, her memories adrift,
Eleanor struggles to make sense, her mind adrift,
But slowly, the pieces start to fall into place,
Revealing truths that leave a lasting trace.

Savannah's narrative weaves a tale so deep,
Of love, obsession, and secrets to keep,
A small twist that leaves a profound impact,
"The Other Woman's Obsession" is a thrilling act.

[Mckoylyn Dillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a arc.

I read this book going in blind. I definitely didn't think this was going to take my mind into a swirl. When I read this first half of this story I was trying to play detective and figure out what was going on this story confused me in a lot of ways though. I feel if your not used to twists and it being fast paced maybe this book isn't for you. I loved the characters and I loved the plot but I feel it definitely could of been pulled a little longer to explain some thing so it didn't make you feel like you cant understand the plot. I love reading books I fly through but I feel I definitely had to use a lot of thought into this book.

[Bethany Latronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible psychological romance thriller! I was blown away by this storyline. There were so many twists and turns that kept me guessing and not knowing what to expect next. I loved the mystery aspect of this read. The FMC plays the villain really well! I enjoyed the dual POV, it really helped to develop the MMC and show how he felt going through this as well. The journal entries were a nice touch and it helped showcase just how delusional and out of touch the FMC really was, which definitely developed her character throughout!

⭐4/5
🌶️3/5

⭐"He can't deny the truth. I know he has feelings for me too. He just needs to admit it. He will admit it."⭐

[Skylar Fink · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the privilege to read this as an ARC. Thank you Book Sirens!
Fast paced, page turner. Dual time line. It took me a few pages to understand what was going on. The more it gets into the story and the diary entries I was so confused and needing to know what happened.
The plot of the story was really good I do feel like it could have been executed differently. I guess my main confused is why part one is labeled Elizabeth when that’s her sister she murdered…

Psychological thriller
Suspense
Romance
Murder Mystery
Dark romance

[Abbey Antwine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the psychological aspect of this book greatly, had me thinking almost constantly through it even though I had a fairly good grasp on what was most likely happening. With the first twist, saw it, second, came out of nowhere. I had a good time reading this and it was a quick read for me. The only issue I had with it was how disjointed it was flipping from before to after and it didn’t make sense that the first part of the book had the title of “Elizabeth” and the second part was “Elijah” when it was supposed to be “Jessica” instead of “Elizabeth”.

[Kayla Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! I could not put it down as soon as I started it!
It reminded me a lot of a criminal minds episode with Adam and Amanda and holy he'll it was so interesting. I was constantly on my toes and wondering what was going to happen next and the ending was a wild ride!
This was far from my usual type of genre I read and it was an interesting change but I'm so glad I did because I could not get enough of it

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was chosen as an arc reader for this book and I’m so happy I got to read this!! It was a very interesting, twisted psychological thriller. I definitely could’ve finished this in one day if life wasn’t so busy! It’s quick and easy and keeps your attention! There were times I was a bit confused on who was who, but after finishing the book it all makes sense. This is one I would read again to really understand the whole thing!

[Ashly Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book….. I find this author on Facebook and read the blurb. I knew I would love it. Thrillers are my faves. However I was not expecting the twist. Holy crap! This book threw me
For a loop and had my mind guessing with every turn of the page. I read this book in one sitting. That’s how captivating her writing is! So glad I took the plunge and read this book.

[JM G]

This book sure kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through! Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. A definite page turner. I won't provide details as I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. Please read the book summary for some information. I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Ellie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually devoured this book within 2 hours. I couldn’t stop reading. The amount of good twists and turns and shock ending was unbeatable. How someone also managed to get such good character development in such a short book is amazing too. If you want a quick thriller read this is definitely for you

[Susete Kunkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG !!!!
This book had me on chokehol, I couldn't have enough. I don't even remember the last book to literally make me fight my sleep because I had to keep reading.

This was my first Savannah Schmidt read, but if her other books are anything like this one, SIGN ME UP NOW !

It was written so well, it kept us guessing. It kept us surprised.

It was absolutely fantastic 👏

[Mercedes Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book sucked me in and had me on the edge of my seat. The twists and turns this book had did throw me for a loop, had me doing a double take like did that really just happen?!

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book through Book Sirens for an honest review. I can say I did enjoy the book because I do like thrillers and mysteries. It was pretty easy for me to figure out how the story ended. If you like thrillers, then I would suggest giving this book a read. It was an easy, quick read 😊

[Brenda' Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little confusing at first. The more you read it makes sense. This author is really good at capturing your attention.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good short read! A lot of information in a short amount of pages, but it's a good thing. I liked it a lot and the twists were awesome. I would read more of her writing in heartbeat.

[Kim Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a definite page turner! I started and finished it in one sitting (about 4 hours) because I couldn’t get enough. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend.

[Trish Matter · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I struggled a bit with getting into it with going to the past to the present to the past again. After a while though it did suck me in. Multiple twists & turns you don't fully see coming. Was an interesting quick read that I would recommend.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead:read at own risk


OMG! This book is a 5 star book in my opinion. While it took me a few pages to really grasp the flashbacks and present views, once I was able to get in the swing of that timeline it was such a good book. The perspective at the beginning threw me as I expected the character to turn out to be Elizabeth, since that was the name listed as part 1. I honestly thought there was going to be a twist with that character that you didn’t expect. I also wish the first chapter was placed further along in the book so you don’t find out immediately that Eli and Taylor were killed. Obviously you assume as much, but I think it would have made more sense further along in the story. Other than those two parts being a tad confusing to me, I loved this book!! I didn’t want it to end and wished it was longer, while at the same time feeling like the storyline completely wrapped up nicely and did not feel rushed at all. I can’t wait for readers to really get into this book, as it felt like a Frieda McFadden book to me. If anyone enjoys Frieda’s books you’ll love this! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lavender.and_literature · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The plot was good. I enjoyed the characters. I liked the psychological parts of it.

The only thing keeping from giving it 5 stars was it was little hard for me with the jumping back and forth between the past and the present. But overall a good read. Would reccomend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found "The Other Woman's Obsession" to be engaging and thoughtfully structured. I enjoyed the journal entries and thought that they added a sense of depth to the narrative.

As others have mentioned, I did struggle with the shifts between the past and present. This back-and-forth approach occasionally disrupted the flow, making it challenging to keep track of the timeline and character developments. I also did find portions of the storyline to be a tad bit predictable, however the plot was still good.

Aside from those two complaints, the pacing of the book was brisk and it maintained a rhythm that was able to keep me reading.

Overall, I would rate this book 3 or 3.5 stars and I would likely recommend this book to others. It’s an easy read that offers an engaging experience.

Thanks to Book Sirens and Savannah Schmidt for providing me the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow is all I have to say because I honestly was not expecting this. When I started reading this I was thinking oh okay you know I expected how the book to end. But no joke after like 65% there's like a twist that I did not expect to happen. I was like what is going on! And then there's another twist and I'm just like whoa whoa whoa!!! This author did an awesome job with this book. Like no joke She kept me on my toes.

This book is about like murder, mental health, and so much more. It is such a good book I honestly didn't expect it. I thought it was going to be like your typical jealous girl mistress but no it was nothing like that. Honestly you guys need to give this book a read it so good.

[Kristyn G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book until the very end. First off- The dual POV felt confusing at times however, after a few chapters it was easier to keep track of. From the start it was obvious we were dealing with an unreliable narrator. There were many twists and turns keeping me interested and it was an easy day read.

SPOILERS

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Ok it made sense Eli would have hallucinations after all the trauma he went through. But Jessica escaping again?! Seemed quite far fetched. And not only that but him sleeping with her and him having a daughter. There would be so many different ways to give him a happy ending than this sloppy mess. I was disappointed.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

This was a great thriller with twists that left my jaw on the floor. However, the timeline had me a little confused with the going back and forth. Especially with the mfc being unsure of who she is. The story itself was very fast pace and kept me engaged. The lengths this woman was willing to go... moving in right across the street to watch them, befriending his wife, going into their house while she's home?!... she is a bold one! She is absolutely delusional! I enjoyed this a lot, so if you're into thrillers, I recommend giving this a read.

[Dirty Dayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The way this is written is really jarring to me as a reader its written very "shes tired, shes sleeping, he is hungry, he is happy etc" it feels a bit robotic. I will say the past/present different POVs is really confusing because none of the characters are fully developed enough for me to tell them apart. While the chapters are titled before and after it doesn't flow properly. The story is short but slow to develop and you tend to miss the breadcrumbs because of being disconnected from the story.

[Nadia Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5: this book an easy read. I enjoyed the book but just felt like some parts were repetitive, especially when it said “figment of my imagination” and the switching between characters and time of events. I didn’t feel there was too much character development. I was able to figure out quickly the plot of the story but still enjoyed the book.

[JUDITH CARRE · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Other Woman’s Obsession is a work of art. Trying to untangle the mystery leads to multiple surprising twists. I was completely absorbed in this incredibly complex story. It’s a great book for your book clubs as it presents several points of discussion. This young author is one to watch.