Still Obsessed

Obsessed #4

by Deborah Bladon

Life couldn't have been more idealistic for Ivy Marlow. She owned the business of her dreams, worked alongside the man she loved, and her future was bright and filled with unending promise. Looks can be deceiving though and as much as she loved her life, she knew that she and Jax Walker were destined for a collision course if something didn't change.

Destiny stepped in and one fateful night on a dark street, everyone's life transformed in a profound way. Ivy is tossed back into the past she thought was behind her and Jax is determined to reclaim what was rightfully his.

What neither of them could have predicted is that life doesn't let you plan your own course. Sometimes you have to let fate take you by the hand so you can find your true destiny. Is Ivy's future with Jax or will the ghosts of her past destroy them forever?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Erotica, Audiobook, Novella

71 pages, ebook

First published June 2, 2014

About the author

Deborah Bladon had never read a romance hero she didn't like. Her love for romance novels began when she was old enough to board the bus, library card in hand to check out the newest Harlequin paperbacks. She was a Canadian by heart, and by passport, but you could often spot her in New York City sipping a latte and looking for inspiration for her next story. Manhattan was definitely her second home.

She cherished her family and believed that each day was a gift for writing, for reading, and for loving.

Reviews

[Mommaang · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh! The entire series only took me 2 days, but they seemed to be the longest 2 days of my life. This series was repetitious, in need of more proof-reading, and had a wimpy-ass, perpetual damsel in distress, airhead as the lead female. I understand that even us bad mamma mamma's have experienced a time or two of distress in our lives, but we pick ourselves up by the boot straps, put on our big-girl panties, and get the fuck on with life. We don't believe we can't live without a man to take care of us. Hell, half the time, it's the other way around.

And if the author drops enough hints that we can guess at a particular piece of the plot, and the lead character doesn't see it, we tend to think those characters are airhead. And I HATE stupid, weak female leads (see paragraph one).

I've given up on this author. This is the third series she's disappointed me with. Stick a fork in me...I'm done.

[P · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't believe I bought all these books years ago i didn't have taste. I will admit Deborah knows how to write a cliff hanger but aside from that many things were
unresolved Ivy was such a doormat for Jax she let many things slide. Many things were added for filler that were hella cheesy and corny and also didn't make sense..

[Adriana Fuentes · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I read all the books before I did an actual review.

See.. there were some things I didn't like and some I thought there were pretty good.
For example: I'm a type of girl that needs to find out the whole truth and even if it hurts I rather know and then figure thing out. So when Ivy just didn't want to listen to what Nathan, Mrs. Adams, Jax, or even Mark that got on my nerves. She would've save her self so many heartaches.
Another thing I didn't like was that even though Jax seemed pretty dominant, most of the time he looked like a wimp. I like emotional guys don't get me wrong but I think there a limit.

What I like:
I liked that Ivy actually didn't become friends again with her ex best friend, been thru that myself and there no way in hell you can gain the trust again. I was really afraid the aithor would make them friends again and was so happy when she still kind of helped her but didn't change her mind.
Also I love how one thing is related to another thing and how the story develops. How much trouble one persons goes thru just to be with someone.
And well I generally love the way the author writes. I love her cliffhangers and that she doesn't let us wait for months for the next installment.

Oh one more thing, I just can imagine a girl her age think like she does, or a guys Jax's age think like that too. I think ages should be a little higher. I have friends on both ages and they don't act that way.

[Cherryreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to be honest(I always am in my reviews), until the ending of Still Obsessed, I was ready to throw my hands up on the series and say that the author should of stopped at book three. I had a brief epiphany during this book that maybe I needed to change my perspective. I was reading them as the old married woman that I am. I realized that I needed to read them as a young twenty something woman who still sweats the small stuff. What is frustrating about this book is that Jax and Ivy have a lot of made up drama. The issues that continue to threaten Jax and Ivy's happiness seem trite and never ending. I was ready to give up on this story, but I feel that the author does pull it out in the end. I realized that Jax’s fears about Ivy are based on taking care of his ailing mother before she passed away. Ivy is only acting like a woman who is trying to figure things out for herself. These two people have never had to deal with a real relationship and the struggles that go along with it. I stand by my earlier reviews that I liked the series. I am a sucker for a good romance story. There are a lot of steamy scenes and drama (maybe a little too much). The writing, for the most part flows easily and the characters are likable. These stories make a nice little escape from reality.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reading and story

[lynette desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with the ending of Obsessed. I loved the first few books and was really looking forward to the last installment but I wasn't as invested in the book as I was in the series. It felt as though everything was revolved around the one surprise at the end, which I had already guess during a good portion of the book. I found myself skimming through certain details because I just wanted to get to the end. I think the plot line, or story line, was a little off. I understand the want of ending a character but I felt like it could have been done a little bit better. I also felt the chemistry between Jax and Ivy was there, but just not as intense as it had been in the previous books. One thing that I couldn't wrap my head around was the fact that they have only been together for six months but they have all of this outside nonsense affecting their relationship when realistically they would probably still be in the honeymoon stages, getting to know one another. I know everything about their relationship was rushed in the first three installments, but this story just felt thrown together to me. I love Deborah Bladon and her books, I just felt the ending could have been better than Jax and Ivy, fighting and making up throughout the entire story.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't see really any point to this book. Everything is good and no drama type of book. I need drama. Long story short felt like this was one long episode that should of been an epilogue in the third book. The Liz thing has no point, baby thing, mark thing, shares thing. This was stuff that was thrown in to make a book because none of it dealt with anything. It was either rehash stuff or no new point stuff. I like reading about the h & h and it's the only reason it's a 3. Thankfully it was short and cheap. But also unnecessary!

[Krystel Theodore-Branker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series. It's the most satisfying feeling when a writer knows how to write and capture you completely in the world of their books. Deborah has done that and this ending to such an intense book was exactly perfect in the end. It had just the right amount of drama to keep you intrigued , chemistry that solidified the main characters and an ending well deserved.

[Christon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment into the series was a great outlook on how Ivy and Jax's relationship has been progressing. For a minute there, I was concerned that Jax was slipping into his old patterns of being consumed by business. I was happy to see the couple work through their issues yet again and have even more to cherish in their relationship. I can't wait until the next installment is written and the chance to see how far this wonderful couple goes within another year. I absolutely love these two!

[Anya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating 2.5 Stars

There are a lot of things I didn't like about the book. For one thing after reading the entire series I still don't know what the fuck was happening. What made me continue to read this I could never fathom. But I got to say it was like those daytime soap operas that even though they have poor scripts and bad acting you just can't help but be entertained.

[Keishua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still obsessed!

I love the story of Ivy and Jax. I kind of wished that Mark had not died. Mark was guaranteed drama. I am obsessed with the obsessed series. This is a great series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Love it

Sorry about previous reviews. I mixed up characters, my mistake. I love ivy and Ajax, he gave up a lot for her and that is true love! I knew that this ending would happen, just guessed the outcome. fun reading

[Liz Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series, couldnt put me kindle down til i'd finished all books!

[Melissa R Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still obsessed.

I have really enjoyed reading this series. I've gotten angry, sad, happy and extremely hot and bothered. You are one great author.

[Nicole Baylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more!!

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 lovely stars!!

Loved the ending!

Loved it soooo much!! <3

Off to rate the series ;)

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another five star read. Deborah Bladon can do no wrong. I've enjoyed everything she has written so far. Now moving onto Exposed.

[Red Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will miss Jax and Ivy but without going over old ground this series was good but it was rushed as if the author had x amount of words and couldn't go over it. Please read this series but enjoy it for what it is and the characters for who they are not what could have been.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do you need to read this novel? Nope. Once again there's a lot of unnecessary drama. Also once again, Ivy and Jax doesn't fully trust one another and jump to conclusion. Not only that but they lack communication skills. I can't deal with dumb or slow characters. Overall, not my fav by this author.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕💕

I absolutely adored this story so many twists and turns taking you all over the place. It’s definitely an intense story full of drama and romance. I fell in love with Jax when I totally thought I would never even like him. Can’t wait to read the next series.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Ending to the series

I loved this book. Jax was a controlling jerk in the beginning, but finally turns into a good guy and Ivy finally grows a spine and takes control

[Eda** · Rating 2 out of 5]

For Still Obsessed (Obsessed #4): 2 STARS
For the series total: 3,5 STARS

** REVIEW FOR THE SERIES TOTAL: **

"You are the shining light of my life. I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. You hold my heart in your hands. It is yours. That is forever."

Another beautiful novella series by the incredibly talented Deborah Bladon!



Ivy Marlow is an independent jewelry designer, who is emotionally broken over her break up with a man she wasted years with, Mark, who has cheated on her with several women while they were engaged.

The day Ivy attends an art show in New York with her best friend Liz Sanders, changes everything and turns her life upside down...

Ivy is standing in front of an artwork at the opening of Brighton Beck's collection, and first, she hears his voice from behind her: "This is called Seduction." Then she feels his warm breath on her neck and smells his cologne...

Jax Walker is dangerously gorgeous and magnetizing...and suspiciously knows a lot more about her than is normal at the first encounter. All of a sudden, he is everywhere, at every part of her life and she is confused. With time, Ivy realizes that nothing about this man or his encounters with her are a coincidence or a twist of fate...

We, and Ivy, slowly get to learn more and more of Jax's secrets and his motives with each book in the series. I love the way the author reveals only tiny bits of the suspense of the story with every book, always keeping the readers at their toes, never letting the story to lose its pace. I was excited with every cliffhanger at the ends of the new installments...



Ivy acted very juvenile and rather annoying at times, but mostly, she was tolerable, especially compared to most of the female leads in romance books nowadays.

Jax was very likable most of the time. But sometimes I just wanted to slap him stupid! He was very hot-and-cold, which made me think "I would dump this guy in a heart beat." to myself, more than a few times while reading. At the end, Jax still made a place for himself in my heart.

If you ask me, the story should have ended at Book #3. This last book was SO POINTLESS. I didn't even like the Epilogue.



Okay, lastly, WHY THE HELL DIDN'T ANYBODY TELL ME THAT "Nathan Moore" FROM Pulse - Part One and "Brighton Beck" FROM Vain WERE A PART OF THIS SERIES?!?



Nathan was a sweetheart, as usual.



But about Brighton...



You see, I thought he was an arrogant prick while reading Vain. I've seen a different side of him in Obsessed. I think I actually really like him now. Weird, right?

This one is not as good as her latest work, but Deborah Bladon really doesn't disappoint, so I recommend it to everyone looking for a quick and sweet read! ;)

[Khanique McDaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The gangs all back and guess what? ... They haven't changed a bit. Mark is still breaking the law, which unfortunately catches up to him this time; Liz is still shunning Brighton and getting in trouble with Mark; Jax is still a douche and Ivy is constantly floating between the Ivy of book 1 and 3. At least Nathan seemed to have moved on but that's not really confirmed.

I'm the first to say that I don't really hate this series but I hate how it progresses and the endings are usually crap. Each installment always feel unfinished and usually are. This time however, we get an epilogue that did NOTHING for us as readers and a following page to notify us that there will be more, in the format of a special holiday release but here comes to the catch ... you have to subscribe to Deborah Bladon's mailing list.! I would have subscribed anyways, because there is a few novellas that pique my interest but don't force me with a promise of more, from a story that I am interested in.

The issues of this novel are tantamount but they are fleeting as we spend the time with Jax and Ivy having sex to answer every problem that arise. The one time they didn't, I actually liked it because Jax was drunk and saying things that can get him stabbed and Ivy finally put him in his place in the morning, after vomiting out her weak guts in the night.

A lot of major plot changes were thrown in so give thanks that we weren't on a merry go round but not enough depth was given due to the length. I once again believe that at least a 200 page novel is needed to fully tell Jax and Ivy's story and help them through a 1/4 of their issues.

I like that Jax was still a snake and often times resentful because it made this story real. I therefore hate that when we got down to the major changes in their lives we weren't given the opportunity to celebrate and share with them. We didn't even get to meet Jackson :(

I'm glad we spent some time with Mrs. Adams and I am sorry that we never got to have a talk with Mark. Irrespective of this novella being just as brief and fleeting as the others before, there were a lot of changes and issues that covered each chapter as we went. I found myself liking Jax more and coming to grips with them as a couple. Some things fell in place while so much more was left unsaid and unresolved. In the end, I could still do with a good lengthy novel on these two but as is this was a good update installation and I subscribed for the holidays edition because I mostly wanna meet Jackson and see what trouble Jax is currently getting into.

[Smut Fanatics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Click here to read my entire review & others from this series!



What I Loved: There is just craziness in this story; I don’t even know where to begin. Surprisingly this one picks up about 6 months from where Part 3 left off. We get to see Jax and Ivy in a more settled relationship, with Ivy designing her jewelry pieces in her own store and Jax a little unemployed. I love that we get to see them in more of a routine with their lives, because once again they each get thrown into drama pretty quickly. Ivy is given some pretty devastating news that is a game changer for both of them and starts to cause a rift between them. Jax finds himself back in the world of business again, and becomes that shrewed closed off business we met in Obsessed which starts to cause a rift between the two of them. My heart broke a little for Ivy to see how stressed out and depressed she becomes, and eventually we find out why, which I was happy and guessed pretty early on.

Not So Much: As much as I loved this series, and it was great that this story gave a great ending, but it was probably the least favorite one for me. It was just very scattered and unorganized at parts, and there seemed to be huge holes in the plot line for me. Especially towards the end, it all just seemed very rushed and because of that the details of each plot line were just swept under the rug. The epilogue of the book introduces someone new, and his name is never even mentioned, he’s just referred to as “him” (at least give us a name). I needed more details from the supporting characters, not just that they were shipped away or moved somewhere else; give me a couple more sentences at least.

[Laura Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Click here to read my entire review & others from this series!



What I Loved: There is just craziness in this story; I don’t even know where to begin. Surprisingly this one picks up about 6 months from where Part 3 left off. We get to see Jax and Ivy in a more settled relationship, with Ivy designing her jewelry pieces in her own store and Jax a little unemployed. I love that we get to see them in more of a routine with their lives, because once again they each get thrown into drama pretty quickly. Ivy is given some pretty devastating news that is a game changer for both of them and starts to cause a rift between them. Jax finds himself back in the world of business again, and becomes that shrewed closed off business we met in Obsessed which starts to cause a rift between the two of them. My heart broke a little for Ivy to see how stressed out and depressed she becomes, and eventually we find out why, which I was happy and guessed pretty early on.

Not So Much: As much as I loved this series, and it was great that this story gave a great ending, but it was probably the least favorite one for me. It was just very scattered and unorganized at parts, and there seemed to be huge holes in the plot line for me. Especially towards the end, it all just seemed very rushed and because of that the details of each plot line were just swept under the rug. The epilogue of the book introduces someone new, and his name is never even mentioned, he’s just referred to as “him” (at least give us a name). I needed more details from the supporting characters, not just that they were shipped away or moved somewhere else; give me a couple more sentences at least.

[Rachel Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not rating just this novella but the whole series an overall 3.5ish stars...


Here are some side thoughts:

>The connection between Jax and Ivy seemed forced at times...

>There was an insta-love that had me WTFing?????

>Ivy was a complicated mess at times I loved her character and thought she was very classy chick while other times I just thought she was a moron...

>The secondary cast was lacking...

>I never understood why Jax was so obsessed...

As with all my reviews I always keep in mind when rating how much the book kept me engrossed in the story. This series of novellas (one book broken into 4 parts) did just that... I just want to go on record that I think it is ridiculous that this author (and many others) are splitting up one book essentially, into 4 parts and then calling it a series...Because it's not!!!!!!! Any whoooooo..

Happy Reading Ladies...

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel as though too much happens in a short period of time, then it's over and it's the future.

Jax and Ivy have issues that still need to be resolved but are not, they hit a few speed bumps along the way to their happy ending and then before you know it, nothing it fixed yet this couple is happy.

In book 4 we learn of tragic accident (without giving too much away), that that is the basis I felt for book 4. Ivy and Jax are so consumed with their relationship, the lust, the passion and don't deal with what's going on. And the ending was way too quick.

Although it might come off as thought I didn't enjoy book 4 but I did, Jax is still the ultra crazy alpha male, and Ivy is still fighting and unsure yet sure of herself and her actions. I just wish there would have been more development in the characters and the ending of their story. It was too much too soon.

[Sarah Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Are you fucking kidding me with this ending??? Like, seriously, the 'ohmygod we're inexplicably having a baby and this is fantastic' is so overdone by now. I mean, I saw it coming a mile away and reeeally hoped it wasn't going to happen. If there was ever a couple that needs to have a few years of wedded bliss before cranking out a family, it's Ivy and Jax. Their communication was so godawful my suspension of disbelief was not even enough to buy them as a couple. I legit think it would have been just as good of a book if they could have just been honest and upfront and taken on all the Mark drama together as a couple.... or something. Ugh. I like Deborah's writing (OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT SHE MAJORLY NEEDS TO HIRE AN EDITOR), but this series/couple is not her best.

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ivy Marlow should be happy. Her life is perfect. She works for herself, creating and selling custom jewelry. Jax Walker is by her side, loving her in his own intense ways. And Mark is out of her life. Until life comes crashing down on her. Now, Ivy and Jax will have to figure out if they will move forward together or go their separate ways. Her head is spinning. She is overwhelmed and Jax isn't helping matters… The final installment of the Ivy and Jax romance brings yet another twist to their lives. A chance to visit with Deborah Bladon's sexy characters again, before Ivy and Jax finally find their happily-ever-after.

[J.L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find the storyline a bit over the top. In my option, the fixation of Jax on Ivy is not believable. I guess I don't believe in love at first sight. Lust at first sight yes. I am not sure how you can fall in love with someone you don't even know. Jax does his research and he learns what he can on Ivy. He does surprise her. But..... I guess I am just a doubting Thomas......

Overall the storyline is good and there are twists and turns. The title is fitting but I get the willies with how Jax is almost stalkerish infatuated with Ivy.