Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Riverton Romance #2

A Deadly Obsession

Rate this book
An obsession takes many forms. Jenny has always lived under the watchful eyes of her brother, Adam and his fellow police officer Jake Matthews. After Jenny strikes out on her own, something very dark seeks her out and pushes her towards the man she has always known-or the man she thought she knew.

Jake has a secret that could cost him everything he’s worked hard for, including his job. Will he risk everything for Jenny?
Redemption, justice, and vengeance.

Will Jenny and the men in her life be able to see where one ends and another begins? It’s a fine line between right and wrong. How far will someone go to protect the person they love? How much are they willing to risk?


Revised edition: Previously published as A Summer Love, part of the Seasons of Love series. This edition of A Deadly Obsession includes editorial revisions

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2014

10 people are currently reading
553 people want to read

About the author

Melanie James

69 books820 followers
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, Melanie James spent 14 years as an IT systems administrator before tiring of the hustle and bustle of the technology world. She's doing what she loves, by writing paranormal comedy, steamy paranormal, and contemporary romance books. Melanie has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Leadership and Development, with a minor in Women's Studies. She is working on her Master's Degree in Adult Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Melanie is married to a wonderful man who supports her dreams and goals. She has two children, three step-children, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and an adorable grand-baby.

Sign up for news and updates from Melanie. All you have to do is copy the link below and paste it into your browser!
http://eepurl.com/TnKn5

Ways to follow Melanie on Social Media
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanie...
Twitter @autmelaniejames
http://www.pinterest.com/melaniejames...
Visit Melanie's webpage to find the latest information on books, merchandise, and giveaways!
www.authormelaniejames.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
83 (54%)
4 stars
38 (25%)
3 stars
14 (9%)
2 stars
14 (9%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
5 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2014
This was not at all what I expected as a follow up to A Valentine's Surprise. This is not the soft, happy love story of Adam and Amanda. This is a fantastic story, it will keep you on the edge and take you into the mind of a psycho.
Jenny knows what she wants from life, She is a strong, independent woman. In just a short time she will graduate from college, she is anxiously waiting to moving forward in life and dreams of a future with Jake.
Jake has always loved Jenny, but will his family or a dangerous man, filled with darkness, from his past keep him from making Jenny his love?
You will find this one really hard to put down, face paced, suspenseful and exciting!!!
.
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books92 followers
November 16, 2014
Book: A Summer Love
Author: Melanie James
Publication Date: 7/11/2014
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars

REVIEW

In this book we have Jenny who is Adam’s little sister. She has always had a crush on Jake her brothers partner on the force since she was a teenager. Now she is 22 years old and that feeling has never changed only increased over the years. She would always want Jake. The problem is getting Jake to see her as more than his best friends little sister and see her as the adult woman she is.


Jake has always wanted Jenny but due to his loyalty to Adam he never followed through on his intense feelings for Jenny. But one night when she is attacked at a night club all thoughts of loyalty go right out the window. He knows Jenny is for him and hopes he can find a way to make that happen.

But the first night when he takes her home after the attack and things get hot and sweaty he hits a road block of sorts. He leaves Jenny feeling confused and heartbroken.

Can these two ever find their way to each other? Will big brother Adam become a block?

Pickup your copy and find out !!!

A great love story very intense , romantic and sensual.
I highly recommend you read this book !!!
A Summer Love
Profile Image for Jennifer.
4 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2014
Excitingly unexpected! When I read the sampler at the end of A Valentine Surprise, I assumed A Summer Love would be a soft, sweet love story about Adam's little sister, Jenny & his partner, Jake. Not so much! Hot! Thrilling! Couldn't put it down!! Melanie really raised the bar for, I'm hoping, an autumn sequel.
Profile Image for Jennifer Theriot.
Author 19 books477 followers
July 26, 2014
Melanie James, you've yet again thrown me! Very tricky cover Missy!....Just when you think Jenny and Jake are gonna have A Valentine's Surprise ride into the sunset type story...you are dead wrong, right? Melanie James is the queen of surprises and while this book is nothing like A Valentine's Surprise, I can tell you the surprise is awesome. We get the sweet story of Jenny and Jake...yeah they were destined to be together. He's hot, she's tenacious and beautiful and they are one HELL of a couple. The sex is amazing...matter of fact, Jake may just be my new book boyfriend.
But then,enter the 'where the HELL did this come from?' situation and you are swept further into this story. The story goes from sweet and sexy to suspenseful and downright creepy. There is redemption of a damaged family relationship, a psychopathic creepy character and lots of action. I don't want to give the story away, but suffice it to say that you can't judge a book by its cover. I consider this a MUST READ and am proud to give it FIVE FREAKING AMAZING stars.
BTW, Miss James has wooed me with Conjuring Darkness...a suspenseful mystery and had me laughing my butt off with Accidental Leigh. This author can write anything and I will read it.
Profile Image for Angela Cruz.
233 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2014
This is new adult romance, suspense book. This is the second book in the Seasons of Love series. This book promotes no drinking and driving... I agree wholeheartedly, thanks Melanie! This book is for adults only due to the steamy scenes. This book picks up where A Valentine's Surprise leaves off, but it is detailed enough you will not be lost if you have not read the previous book, but I advise you to read it! This book is about Jenny, the younger sister Adam raised after the passing of their parents. She is all grown up, independent, and I admire her strength. I love her relationship with her brother. I appreciate Jake's devotion to Adam and how he wants to be appreciated for himself. Not your usual love story... true love always finds a way... captivated from the first page... I may have a new book boyfriend.


This story is about Jenny Jennings, college student, working hard for her future, independent woman. Who has her eyes set on Jake. Yes she still has a crush on him, ok maybe more than a crush. She is not his partners "little" sister anymore. When she thinks things are taking a turn in the right direction, Jake does the unimaginable. He hurt her feelings, humiliated her but never again. She has a full plate and she is determined not to allow Jake to distract her anymore. Little does she know what danger is hidden in plain sight. Will fate step in before it's too late.

Jake Matthews is a cop, his partner is the older brother of his secret crush Jenny. He can not allow his feeling due to his respect for Adam. Jake has a past that he has hidden from everyone, this information could cost him everything he has worked so hard for. Upon accident he finds out Jenny's true feelings and is determined to be with her (with permission from Adam of course) but he has hurt her. Can he makes amends? Trouble is coming for Jenny, but Jake will do anything to keep her safe, including sharing his secret.


favorite passages:

"She should have kicked him in the balls, before fleeing from Adam's hospital room."
"Jenny opted to walk, because she would never drink and drive, and her best friends respected her wishes."
"She never understood what caused someone to get liquored up, and then get behind the wheel of a car. The damage done was irreparable. She was forced to live with it every day of her life. There wasn't a day that passed that she didn't think about her parents, and the empty space that remained where the should still be." <3
"Thanks to the memories of her parents, she also knew what real love could be, what it should be"
"She was his best-friend's little sister, but is didn't seem to matter."
"She would do anything to have them in her life again."
"She tried not to drool, honestly, she did. But, hello! Jake- uniform!"
"He wanted Adam's blessing, when it came to dating his sister." <3
"She felt like the queen of ugly cries."
"Adam shook his head in disbelief, a deep growl emanated from his throat, "I really don't want to kill you, Jake."
"Explosive, would have been more appropriate."
"It looked like a house of horrors."
"Though night had fallen long ago, the stadium lights illuminated the vast area."
"Maddie, Walter, Jake and even Adam would not rest until she was safe at home."


Profile Image for N Swaffar.
859 reviews27 followers
August 2, 2014
☆☆☆☆☆ 5☆☆☆☆☆

The book starts up with Jake and Jenny not being able to stand each other, as the book continues you will see why.

Jake and Jenny have been friends for a long time.Jenny have always been in love with Jake, but can’t do anything about it. Jake is her brother’s best friend, she felt like he was off limits and same thing goes with Jake. He had always had feelings for Jenny, but he doesn’t want to mess up his friendship with Adam just to get a chance with his sister. He was also bothered by their 6yr age difference, he thought Jenny was just way too young for him. Until that one night…

Things were heating up between with Jake and Jenny, but before they could take things too far Jake got up and walked out. He left Jenny without even looking back and without explanation. He left her broken hearted, to pick up the pieces of her own heart. After going more into the story you find out why he really left and you will understand why.

Jake knew he messed up with Jenny bad and will do anything to get another chance.
Will he figure out a way to convince Jenny how much she really means to him? Will she forgive him?

While all that is happening, they find out someone from Jake’s past wants revenge for the things that Jake had caused him. This psycho will do anything to hurt both of them and if hurting Jenny is a way to hurt Jake, then be it.

 photo ASummerLove-Teaser.jpg


Jake and Jenny will work together to stop this scumbag from hurting anyone again. Will they be strong enough to stay together? Read and find out.

This story is not your typical love story, there was some suspense and mystery in it. The best of all there is lots of love and steamy loves scenes in the story. I just love this story and the moral that Jake has. I cannot wait to read what’s up next with Seasons of Love.
Profile Image for W.H..
Author 2 books52 followers
August 22, 2015
Melanie James is a new author for me. This audible book is Flipping Fantastic!
Oh My Gosh!! Love this story... It has it all! Mystery, Suspense, Action, Love, Romance, Thrilling twisted turns, and steaming Hot SEX!!

This is my first Melanie James experience, it was wonderful, and it most definitely will not be my last. Melanie James is an Amazing Author and her worlds are on fire. Well done, Miss James.

I Love the way this story flows... Consistently and fast paced. The world is one of coming of age and self-discovery with a multilayered series of twisted and unexpected events that will keep you riveted to your seat.

The intimacy between the protagonist and Jake is HOT DAMN!!! The scenes are depicted beautifully. Just laying back and listening to them with my eyes closed brought them in loud and clear. Well developed characters, including their back stories.

The narrator did an awesome job of bringing the characters to life. Crisp and clear. I am loving audio books now. I seriously doubt that I could keep them straight in my head. Good Job, Bailey.

My Recommendation is for all 18+ readers out there who enjoy believable, steamy characters and scorching hot scenes.


Lovetiggi's Book Reviews
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,325 reviews23 followers
July 20, 2014
Another awesome book by Melanie James. From the looks of the cover you will get a great summer romance and you do get that and oh so much more. Love, heartache, betrayal, shootings and more surprises. This book has twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages to find out what happens.

The characters are great. Jake and Jenny have feelings for each other but obstacles in their way. Throughout the book you watch their relationship grow. Jake has to deal with his past and his family. Jenny has to deal with her feeling for Jake and also something dark in this book (I don't want to give away any spoilers).

The storyline flows well and keeps you wanting more. This book has everything between the covers that you can want in a book. Romance, mystery, suspense and some hot scenes between the characters. Pick it up today you won't be disappointed.

I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sheryl.
2,030 reviews22 followers
July 17, 2014
I am giving an honest review of this book by author Melanie James. This is book 2 of the Seasons of Love book series by the author.

Jenny Jennings has been in love with Jake Matthews since her parents died but she has never acted on it because he was her brother Adam's best friend. Jake Matthews would never date Jenny even though he was very attracted to her because she was his best friends sister. For some reason they are thrown together when a stalker has his sights on Jenny and Jake will do anything in his power to make sure she is safe and by his side.

The characters in this story mesh together and you can see the action and drama almost come to life as you read the pages of the story. Smooth flowing story line from start to finish in this book and I can't say anything bad about it.

Melanie James has done it again and hit the ball out of the park with this book and this series. This is a must read for any romance book lover and well worth putting in your library.
Profile Image for B. Maddox.
Author 3 books13 followers
July 23, 2014
A Captivating, Suspenseful must read.....

I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Melanie James has done it again and hit this one out of the park. This book is filled with love, friendship, suspense, and so much more. This book is centered around Jenny and Jake, but you get to see more of Adam and Amanda, from A Valentine's Surprise.
Jenny is Adam's little sister, but has been in love with his partner/ best friend, Jake, sense the moment he came into their lives. Jake has always loved Jenny, but never thought he was good enough because of his past. When circumstances beyond their control keep throwing the group together, things start to heat up. Jake has had is own secrets which finally come out throughout the chaos. Can they over come everything thrown at them? Well you will have to read to find out. You definitely don't want to miss this must read.
Profile Image for Betty.
509 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2014
I'm an avid Melanie James fan and she really amazes me. She has surpassed my expectations totally with this book.

Jenny has loved Jake (her brother Adam"s friend and police partner) for such a long time. Jake loves Jenny too but won't act on his feelings because he doesn't want to ruin his friendship with Adam. That is until the night she was accosted in a club and Jake came to her rescue. From then on things really get interesting and exciting. Jenny also finds out things about Jake that she didn't know.

This is a hot and sensual love story mixed with action, suspense and has you sitting on the edge of your seat!! I could write so much more but don't want to give anything away. You are going to have to read this book for yourself and you are going to be absolutely in thrall of this one. I wish I could give it a 10 star rating.


Profile Image for Barbara.
240 reviews9 followers
July 20, 2014
I was totally surprised by this second book in the Seasons of Love series by Melanie James. After a Valentine Surprise, which was a sweet love story this takes a turn to the darker side and obsession. Jenny has only ever loved Jake, her brother's partner and friend. 2 months earlier they had a chance and Jake walked away and Jenny was left humiliated and hurt. With her brother hurt in the line of duty, fate has caused Jake and Jenny to spend more time together. Jake is hiding a past from everyone but Adam and doesn't want to hurt Jenny anymore. When they are brought together again will their love ignite and stay. Will outside forces,a man obsessed with Jenny and revenge for Jake take away everything even their lives. Melanie James' writing blew me away! Totally amazed how she could get into the head of Tony. A read you won't put down!
Profile Image for Jessica Enoch-mosier.
16 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2014
This book was totally not what I expected from Valentines Surprise with Adam and Amanda.. This book has a lot more hot scenes in it with some mystery with it... Jenny and Jake have had feeling for each other for a while now Jenny longer than Jake, then a big problem occurs that puts Jenny right in Jakes lap.. Will Jenny and Jake be able to stay together once she finds out Jakes secrets? Will Jenny stay once the problem is found?? This book is a must read and defiantly worth the time... I was not able to put it down that my tablet died around 85% of the book I was still not able to quit I brought it up on the desk top just to finish... Was worth my time.. Cannot wait to see what Melanie James has storming up for the next book of the series...
Profile Image for Jessica Enoch-mosier.
16 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2014
This book was totally not what I expected from Valentines Surprise with Adam and Amanda.. This book has a lot more hot scenes in it with some mystery with it... Jenny and Jake have had feeling for each other for a while now Jenny longer than Jake, then a big problem occurs that puts Jenny right in Jakes lap.. Will Jenny and Jake be able to stay together once she finds out Jakes secrets? Will Jenny stay once the problem is found?? This book is a must read and defiantly worth the time... I was not able to put it down that my tablet died around 85% of the book I was still not able to quit I brought it up on the desk top just to finish... Was worth my time.. Cannot wait to see what Melanie James has storming up for the next book of the series...
Profile Image for Up-in.
317 reviews
November 20, 2014
This book is not what I expected, but now it had me remembering to "never judge a book by its cover." This story turned out to have lots of ups/downs & surprises. The story is about Jake & Jenny's romance but so much more! We meet Jake's father & learn a little about his family. Adam, Jenny's brother, also plays a role in this book. I enjoyed this book and was sad to reach the end. I would categorize this book in the mystery/suspense/thriller genre and not so much in the romance. There are elements of romance, but the psycho killer elements really drew me in. Some of the details are a little darker/harsh than other Melanie James books, but the overall book was great!
Profile Image for Kelsey.
22 reviews
July 28, 2014
I really love Melanie James' books and this was no exception! A Valentine's surprise was a sweet love story in which we first meet Jenny and Jake, so I figured that a Summer of Love would flow in much the same way. Sure, it starts out with nothing but "does he love me, could she love me" sweet romance goodness, then bam! You're hit with a new twist and you realize there is much more to this one! I won't go into details, but just know that this is a thrillingly fun book to read. I also loved the parts that showed Adam and Amanda's story from another point of view. Brilliant!
Profile Image for Nicole Garcia.
Author 62 books354 followers
January 27, 2015
Sexy Romantic Suspense!!!!
I enjoyed this book immensely. It had everything I look for in a romantic thriller/suspense. The love scenes were very hot and Jenny's stalker was super creepy. My favorite character in the story had to be Jake. He was hot, caring, and very protective of the woman he loved. What moment that moved me the most was when Jake and Jenny finally proclaimed their love for each other.
I have read just about all of Melanie James' books, but this one is my absolute favorite. Pick up any one of Melanie's books and I guarantee you will not be disappointed
Profile Image for Stephanie  Mae.
703 reviews
January 7, 2015
Melanie Melanie Melanie.... You sure know how to keep a girl on her toes! I absolutely loved this book. A Deadly Obsession has the perfect mix of romance and mystery to it without making it to much. Jenny is the sister of a cop and she is in love with her brother's partner. Jake is just as into Jenny as she is into him. There are always complications in relationships but can this relationship stand through a crazy time? Melanie keep writing these amazing books because you always have me begging for more.
Profile Image for Lissette.
34 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2015
This is my first book I've listened to by Melanie James and I am happy to have found a new author to read! She has a wonderful way of telling a story that keeps you on the edge of suspense and rooting for a happy ending to the love story! I loved everything about Jake and Jenny's love story. She had us look into the mind of a sociopath and pray he wouldn't get his hands on Jenny. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat! I will definitely look into reading a Valentine Surprise the first book in this series next!!! Thanks Melanie for an awesome story!
Profile Image for Doris Vandruff.
19 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2014
Book two of the Seasons of Loves series is a continuum of a Valentine's Surprise. It tells of the findingnof true love between Adam's sister Jennie, and his best friend Jake. it is a story of misunderstanding, hurt, mystery, and estranged relationships between a father and son.
It is a story of revenge. The lengths that someone will go to exact what they feel is their just dues. it's a story of forgiveness, and the strength of true love. Another great story by an outstanding Author.
Profile Image for Linda Quick.
1,326 reviews30 followers
November 16, 2014
This book is fantastic - a totally engrossing story and two different love stories. One is a traditional love between a girl and a cop, the other is a twisted tale of psychopath that is obsessed with the same girl and will have her at any cost. I just couldn't put this book down - make sure you don't start it late in the evening or you'll be up all night to finish it. This one is a must read - I was sorry when the book ended and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,815 reviews111 followers
July 21, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this latest by Melanie James. From the moment I picked it up I was caught within its pages and there was no putting it down. It moved along at a great pace, has characters that you will fall in love with no matter what and a story that will keep you interested from beginning to end. This has to be on your must read list for the summer, no doubt about it.
Profile Image for loves 2 read romance.
846 reviews17 followers
October 8, 2014
I love Melanie James, This is the second book in this series and I was pretty surprised with the storyline. The added suspense really pulled me in
Of course I did not put this book down till I read the entire thing. We learn a lot more about Jake and Jenny in this.book and the characters are well written and the chemistry is palpable. Love this series and look forward to more.
Profile Image for Renee Jeffries.
14 reviews3 followers
April 4, 2015
This is a great book it kept me riveted to the end it's well written and just an all around great read I listened to it on audio book and loved it I can't wait to find out what happens. I almost fell over when Melanie said the name of the man who was supposed to marry Maddie my sons name is Grant Alexander.
Profile Image for Amy Joy.
124 reviews17 followers
July 24, 2014
The cover looks like and iddlic love story between a sweet couple. Open it up and it's like a pandora's box of thrill and mystery. No spoilers here, but I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. I have found a new favorite author.
Profile Image for Kathy Boone.
156 reviews23 followers
August 12, 2014
I could not put this book down and I could not turn the pages fast enough. I was on the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to happen next. Can not wait for book 3 Fall in Love to see what happened to Maddie. What a great series so far.
Profile Image for Jennifer Tabler.
66 reviews19 followers
September 19, 2014
4 1/2 stars! I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I liked the suspense and romance and loved both of the characters. The only thing didn't like is the cliffhanger I hate hate cliffhangers, overall worth your time to read.
61 reviews
August 28, 2015
I so enjoyed that Melanie James gave some great Characters from A Valentines Surprise there own story. And yet its a stand alone book. This story was action and suspense filled. I really enjoyed the story and was rooting for Jenny to get her man. Its a story you get into and don't want to put down.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
December 25, 2017
What a thrilling exciting listen that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you are looking for an audio that is fast moving, with action, suspense, mystery and romance you have come to the right place. This was so good I was so hooked from start to finish that I bought the first audio in this series and can’t wait for the next one to come out.

I thought the narrator did a really great job with the characters. There are some places when she paused that she should not have. A few places where she paused that maybe the next words should have been said before the pause. It did take me a little while to get use to her narration but once I did I was hooked. Her character voices are great both her male and female was given the correct amount of emotion to what they were going through. There are no background noises, no volume change just a very clean steady audio that become a part of your mind. No repeating of words which is a big issue for me, if any breaks were taken I could not tell. I had no trouble knowing what character was talking or what they were feeling. The only problem I see is the narrator needs to work on when she pauses beside that it was an outstanding job. I would defiantly listen to more of her work. I thought she really bought the characters to life making it a very pleasant listen.

There are many twists and turns, you get to see both side of the story which really adds to the plot. There are a few heart stopping moments that you are unsure which way the author will take the story. I honestly didn’t not care for Jake’s boss and he outlook on Jake’s secret, he really started out as a very nice man but really turned into well an a** very fast. He will lose a lot of good men if he doesn’t clean up his act. I loved Jake he really is a man of honor, his father at first is a little hard to take but he grows on you. Adam was a dream I loved how protective he was of Jenny. The buildup of the romance was a delight, I really enjoyed how Adam dealt with it. There are lots of humor that will make you smile just as many places where you catch your breath waiting to see the outcome. It is a highly entertaining listen that pulls the reader in holding you on the edge. The romance is wonderful I just loved how they loved each other from afar for so long with neither knowing how the other felt. I liked how it all came together. The obsessed is crazy lord the things this man thinks of will just turn your stomach. He is totally nuts wanting the women who he believes is his true love and the revenge he thinks is his due for the justice he thinks he deserves. You just have to love a psycho, that is as long as it is in a story and not real life.

Bottom line this is a great story from start to finish that holds the listener spellbound waiting for the nut case to come out. There is a fine line between right and wrong but if you are like me when it comes to the people you love trying to keep them safe you will cross that line every time. I can see this series going in a lot of different direction all with a great outcome as some leave the law enforcement getting away from the ties of the law when the law doesn’t work. I really can’t wait to see what the author will do with the next book. I really wish it was out now. I honestly did not want the story to end. It isn’t a cliffhanger but does leave a few loose ends where the next book will take off.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.