Chasing Obsession

by Nina Knox, Cristina M. Octavia

Chasing Obsession – A Dark and Twisted Love Story

I told her she was mine. She refused to listen.

Neira thought she could live a normal life, that she could ignore the shadows watching her from the corners of her world. But I was always there. Waiting. Watching. Planning.

She can fight me. She can hate me. It won’t change a thing.

Because I don’t take no for an answer.

Drawn into a dangerous game of obsession and control, Neira will have to decide—does she run, knowing I will chase? Or does she surrender to the inevitable?

One thing is certain… she was never meant to escape me.

A dark, psychological romance packed with tension, dangerous attraction, and the kind of love that ruins.

Trigger This book contains dark themes, including psychological tension, control, and morally complex characters. Reader discretion is advised.

Genres: Dark

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2025

About the author

Author also writes under Cristina M. Octavia

Reviews

[Chantel Da Cunha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is bold. I love that it gives you the satisfied feeling but also leaving you burning for more. This story follows Niera a lost woman to her past shitty relationships that is until she comes across the dark, unnerving and dominate Kage. I love a strong FMC character however it seems like the closer to the very end we see that fierceness falter (for reasons I shall not disclose) maybe it will only be for a short time who knows. The two MMC characters Kage & Damien are steamy, dark & relentless I could not get enough of Damien that is for sure.
There are so many little touches that stood out and made this book unique in its own right, things like Niera being a tattoo artist and working at a tattoo parlor or that she loves 90's horror movies. These tiny but significant quarks are some of the reasons why I think this book was well written and grim and spicy. I wont lie I feel as if for myself a few scenes were super intense I had to put the book down a few times to get through them. However, I am happy I kept pushing on and look forward to part two since we get left with a in my eyes sad but well anticipated ending.
* READ TRIGGER WARNINGS!!

Thank you Cristina M. Octavia for letting me be a part of your ARC Team, this book was truly an experience. You are a talented writer and I can not wait to read more of your future work!

[Kate’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woowwww!! 🤯
I don’t think i’ll even be able to do this book and its author the justice and recognition it deserves!!
This is Cristina’s debut book and it blew me away!! Seriously!! It was an absolute honour to be chosen to read this book and I couldn’t be prouder of her!! Reading this book felt like I was reading a well established authors writing … She smashed it!!🙌🏻🖤

Chasing Obsession had me captivated straight from the off! The FMC Neira is an absolute badass tattoo artist who has had a pretty shitty and unfulfilling love life and the MMCS (YES MULTIPLE😏 - 3 to be exact 😉😏) Are EVERTHING you want in a dark romance!!🥵🔥
They Are all unhinged, dark, dangerous, possessive and utterly OBSESSED with Neira! ❤️‍🔥

The plot and twists and turns in this book had me GASPING! Just when I thought ahh yeah that’s guna happen BANG im thrown in a different direction and something else is thrown in!! I was on the edge all the way through this book!! And now i’m Desperate to read more!! The Duel POV was very easy to follow and flowed really well throughout.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Easily a 5 Star read for me! This book had everything! Amazing writing, Dark possessive men (who like to share 😏) Tension, drama, spice🔥, plot twists GALORE!

ALL
OF
IT!!!
🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼

I still can’t believe she left it LIKE THAT though!! (Naughty edging me like that!!) 🤭🤣
I’m now absolutely desperate on my knees begging for Part 2! 🧎‍♀️🙏🏼🤣

‼️This is labelled a dark romance for a reason!! Make sure you read your trigger warnings before diving in as there is some seriously dark - but delicious😏 stuff in this book! .. You have been warned!🤌🏼

[Neapolitan670 📚🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Downloaded this one on a recommendation from the author and a book friend, annnnd…this story just has you on tenter hooks most of the way through it.

Neira, a tattooist trying to make the most of her life after a break up with her boyfriend, little does she know what happened to him. As Kage has set his sights on her and no-one is going to stand in his way, his stalking of her, laying down foundations that he knows she will fall into either by herself or by him taking…not giving you anymore than this 🤭

𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚖𝚗 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚎. 𝙸 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚖𝚎 𝚊 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚌. 𝙰 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢, 𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚎.

It was one of those reads you don’t want to put down but need sleep 😂 the angst that Nina builds up makes your heart race at times. Our shy FMC doesn’t know which way to turn, one minute she has a feisty strength, the next she is a mess of emotions. The spice is spicy, the stalking is 🤌, the m^*dering 🔪, the domination, and Damien well, he’s en par with a darkness we’ve yet find out if it’s comparable to Kage’s or worse 😬 I need the next one for answers 🫣

[Kim Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark twisted story takes you through the utter obsessions of both Kage and Damien for their beautiful Neira. The twists desires of these two become all too consuming for her. Can Neira handle them and their deranged desires? Kage may have claimed her first in secret and with the help of Lyam, play out his dark fantasies.

Personally, I’m a Damien fan! He stole my heart in all the twisted ways, but shows his softer side with Neira. 🫣🫣

Now Lyam, he has peeked my curiosity as I feel there is so much more to learn of him and his character. I wonder what will come in the next book.

Who will steal her heart in the end? Or does Neira have a choice in matters of her heart?

As always please check your triggers.

Tropes:
Serial Unaliver
Stalker
Unhinged
Pet Names
Multi POV
Brotherhood
Trauma
Morally Grey

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure how to describe this book, without ever being able to give it enough praise, recognition and hype!

It is completely captivating and just like Kage with Neira, utterly addicted to this story.

Do not be fooled, this book is a DARK romance with some incredibly dark scenes - more fool you if you don’t read the trigger warnings!

I did not expect some of the twists, but it only kept me more captivated, and unbelievably eager to read more!

If dark romance, unhinged MMC’s (that’s right, MULTIPLE), and an addictive storyline is your vibe, you’re in the right place.

Bring on Part Two!

[Jo DarkRom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, I love a good dark romance with a crazy stalker! Kage babe you are insane and I love it!
Thanks for letting me ARC for this amazing book 🖤

[T || · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Obsession by Nina Knox

Not going to lie, this book had me right at the dedication 👀😮‍💨🤣

"To the filthy little fucks who don’t just crave the villain—they spread their legs for him, let him wreck their body, and moan his name like a prayer. Don’t act surprised—you knew exactly what the fuck you were walking into. Now turn the fucking page before I make you."
🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡😬
It also comes with an almighty shopping list (trigger warnings) see the other pic thats like Somewhere ↕️↔️🔄🔃 that way 🤣🫡.
If you find any of these themes triggering or uncomfortable, please reconsider before reading. You are responsible for your own well-being. This book was written in British English, which is a rarity for honestly lol.
Now all the be careful is out of the way 👀👀
Page 1 Kage - im already in deep. Blood is intimate. It holds a person’s life, their sins, their secrets—all the things they think they can keep hidden. But when it spills—when it soaks into my skin, my clothes, and the earth beneath me—I feel everything. The fear. The surrender. That precise moment when their soul fractures under the weight of the inevitable. It’s beautiful.
....Sold....👀 100000% touch her you wont just die ill burn the world vibes and im in deep already 👀🤣🔥🤯 & when he said "Happiness? Love? They’re nothing but ghosts. Faint echoes of something that never truly belonged in my world." I just wanted to hug him 😭😭 if that makes me a pretty little psycho so be it 👀
I liked the fiesty fmc Neira too!! Total kick ass!
This read seriously is Dark, especially with Kage 👀, I can see why people do like Damien over Kage, if you dont like the pitch black male, Damien is the tamer of the 2 👀🤣 i was Kage for abit then did a total 180 and preferred Damien lol. Can confirm by the end, I think I stick by my decision.
Although it is Dark, I have to admit. It is a recommendation 🤣 .. ps. Nina, seriously? Thats how you end it.....👀😮‍💨🤯😬 i need to know

[Jamie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Romance that embodies obsession and possession.

On the night Neira breaks up with her boyfriend, her life is put on the path with three men.
Three very dangers, dark and intoxicating men.
These men (Kage, Lyam and Damien) are deliciously demented with the obsession they have for Neira but where will this road she is on lead her to? Neira had always been attracted to twisted and dark men but now she may never be able to get out of the darkness.

This is a very dark romance so check the trigger warnings. It leaves off on a cliffhanger and man is it set up for the next book!!! If you want to get sucked into these men's minds then yes yes yes read this book!!!

[GHOUL 💋✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an arc of Chasing Obsession & let me tell you, I was so happy to have been given the opportunity to read it — Have you ever read a book & vividly felt all of the feelings the author was trying to convey? I felt the FMCs hate, anger, happiness, sadness, and was all giggly during certain parts. There was TONS of spice & it was well written with some parts that had me gasping. But then…it was over far too soon, & I was left wanting more. If you love a dark stalker romance you will enjoy this book! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was on another level!

Dark stalker romance that's written exceptionally well and the spice in this corrrr absolutely👌🏻

Great story line with all the amazing twists and turns. The characters are written so so well, I love the contrast between them! It's certainly a book that brings out all kinds of emotions, so just be prepared and also check Trigger warnings as its intensely dark!

And I'm sorry, what was that ending! I'm shook and I need the 2nd book now pls 🤭

Thank you so much for the opportunity to ARC read this, all opinions are of my own*

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*


Well, this was one hell of a ride, and it's only starting.

3 Men all sick and twisted in their own way,

1 trusting girl.


This is very dark. i had to take a break at one point 👀

Im not normally shocked in reading darker books, but this 1 dam a few scenes shocked the hell out of me.

This is up there with the darker books
I can't wait for more


⚠️Definitely read the trigger warnings before going into this one. ⬇️

CNC ; BDSM ; obsession ; stalking ; dubious consent ; non-consensual situations ; kidnapping ; psychological manipulation ; gaslighting ; toxic relationships ; violence ; bloodshed ; weapons use ; physical fights ; murder ; mental health struggles ; trauma ; substance use ; alcohol use ; loss of identity ; mental struggles ; sexual violence ; threats ; torture ; physical abuse ; self-harm ; suicidal ideation ; dehumanization ; objectification ; revenge ; moral corruption ; drugging ; anal play ; violence ; abuse ; graphic language ; rape ; sexual penetration by objects.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book. I love dark romance and true to the authors word, this dark romance left me questioning my own sanity lol. I loved the characters especially Neira and Damien. Kage I had trouble really liking him, he struck me a little kid playing games and then throwing a fit because he didn’t get his way. Lyam, I’m anxious to learn more him and see how his character progresses throughout the next book. If you love dark romance, like really dark romance, this is a book for you.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re the poison flooding my veins, and I crave the addiction,”

This book was insane. I finally got to meet Kage. And he is just as unhinged as I thought he would be. This author has a way of making you feel sort of safe within her pages and then she flips the script.

I have no idea who I trust…or if I trust anyone to be honest 👀

The ending had me immediately grabbing the next book because I need more info.

4.5

[Christina Salisbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a bit slow to start on the first 2 chapters but then everything really starts to unfold, stalker romance, possessive, unexpected romance, and very very spicy. I absolutely loved it and I am very impatiently waiting to read the next book.

[LilyBug Booktok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not enough words can fathom the love I had for this book 🖤❤️ The fact that this is the authors first release is absolutely wild. The writing style, the way the scenes were captured & all the banter from character to character was phenomenal. She wrote like a well established author. The entirety of the book I was able to visualize each scene with how it was well written. This is a dark & twisted love story that will have you gripping your seats and have you flying through this story. We have all the spice delectably written and a boatload of delicious trigger warnings. So please please if you have triggers so some research on this book first. So let’s dive into the book a bit. We have Kage, our MMC, that is introduced immediately. Kage is witnessing the FMC in the middle of an argument with a man and said man is a bit physical with her. So Kage takes it into his own hands to avenge her honor to say the least 😉 He gains the mindset since he was her unknowing savior she must be his and belongs to him know if she comes willingly or not. He becomes obsessed with the FMC and stakes claim to her. Her being, Neira is completely oblivious to what’s occurring behind closed doors and goes upon her marry life. Little does she know she has a serpent lurking in the shadows watching her move as she’s his prey waiting to strike when she least expects it. Kage tried playing nice and being a good guy to earn Neira as his own as was suggested by his brother. But being possessive and obsessed with Neira, he got ahead of himself and snubbed his chances for her to come willingly. If he can’t have her no one else can, she belongs to him and him only. He won’t stop until she is his. There are so many twists and turns throughout this read that has you wanting more. From the bottom of my heart ❤️ I have to say thus far this is by far my favorite read. Please keep doing what you’re doing Cristina I love you girl 🫶❤️ I need to order me a book so I can have it as a trophy because I think this will go far 🌟

[Paigeshannonx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start ?!

Chasing Obsession is a books that grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. It’s an amazingly crafted book that plays with your emotions, keeping you on edge of your seat the whole way through!

From the start, cristina writes a narrative so gripping that you find yourself questioning every character’s motives.

Just when you think you have things figured out, the story takes another unexpected turn. Cristina doesn’t just tell a story; she makes you feel it.

Pulling you deeper into a world where obsession and reality blur.
The characters are complex and unpredictable, making you constantly wonder who to trust.

This isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. If you love books that challenge your perceptions, make you feel deeply, and keep you guessing until the very end, Chasing Obsession is a must-read.

Will it end how you think ??

[Bonnie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Chasing Obsession. It was such an addictive dark romance and fit perfectly into the Cursed Venom Universe.

Nina Knox absolutely nailed the obsession in this one. The hero is possessive as hell, the chemistry is intense, and the tension between him and the heroine had me hooked from the start. I loved the dark, consuming atmosphere throughout the story, and there were definitely a few moments that had my heart racing. The steamy scenes hit the mark too.

What I loved most was that Knox didn't hold back on the toxic, obsessive "you're mine" energy. It was raw, intense, and exactly the kind of dark romance I love getting lost in.

If you're into stalking vibes, morally black heroes, and that addictive push and pull dynamic, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. It's dark, messy, and seriously hard to put down.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc and after reading the blurb this was not what i was expecting.

Neira has been in a run of bad relationships, then in walks Kage to her tatto parlour. She instantly drawn to him. Kage wants Neira, his obsession, but how dark does his desire go. Reading the blurb for the book you think you might know how this goes but you definitely don't.

To be honest the after the first quarter i was wondering if i would finish this book but i am so glad i kept going as it got so good. Absolutely loved it. Once i hit about halfway through I couldn't put it down. But please if you are going to read this book read the triggers, it is dark and even some scenes made even me pause.

[Casey Hera-Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ 4.5 🌶️

I enjoyed the storyline and characters in this one. LOVED the spice, read this in 2 days basically and absolutely devoured the spice. Controversial, but I loved Damien more than Kage, I like my MMC’s morally grey to morally charcoal so Kage is a bit too dark for me haha but Damien is jussssst right 😏 Interested to see what book 2 holds. And what are these missions… I need more details 🙏

[Liberty silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star read! I would consider this a pitch black romance! It did take me about 4-5 chapters to really get into it and then the plot really picked up about 40-50% through the book! After I hit that mark I couldn’t put it down! I was very fortunate to receive this as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving this review which is all my own opinions! Overall- I do love this book! That cliff hanger though!?? I need more asap!

[Rayven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this story. it's vile, evil, gentle, and so brutal! when you think things are getting better, they are so much worse! you start routing for one of the guys, but you're so wrong. This book threw me in so many different directions... enjoyed is the wrong word, but that's the point it was so dark and evil I feel I need to read on... take the trigger warnings seriously. This book is an emotional ride!

[samantha1311 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow
This story is dark and twisted
Absolutely had me hooked right from the start
It’s a story about the dark twisted desires of kage and his utter obsession with neira and the lengths he will go to to have her
Gripping story , great writing
Left on a cliffhanger!!!! I can’t wait for the next book

[Rosina Ellis · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only reason i’m going to continue this book is to see what happens at the end . I’m about halfway through and the writing sucks . To the author, you try way too hard. Damien and Neira met once and are acting like they’re head over heels for eachother . Kages character also tries way too hard . I love possession and the alpha male characters that are demanding but Kage honestly seems like a loser that’s trying way too hard and honestly this book seems like it’s a temu version of the LORDS series. like you literally are trying to be Shantel and suck at it .

[Grace Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the filthy little fucks who don’t just crave the villain—they spread their legs for him, let him wreck their body, and moan his name like a prayer. Don’t act surprised—you knew exactly what the fuck you were walking into. Now turn the fucking page before I make you. When a book has a dedication like this, you know you’re in for a treat.

Where do I start…I absolutely devoured this book but at the same time I didn’t want it to end, it was deliciously dark and twisted and I ate it up!! Neria has had some really bad relationships that left her feeling unsatisfied in some departments… when she finally gets rid of her toxic ex all she wants to find is someone that can satisfy her needs.
A day at work leads to her first encounter with the broody possessive Kage who had set his sights on Neria to be his….Just the start of the obsession she is so clueless about, but something about him makes her core heat with fire… until, she meets Damien in a club and that fire turns into a full inferno, he lights her up while Kage shows her the storms.

She has a choice to make between the two but her decision does not go down well with Kage… that’s the wrong choice!! I already need book two, that ending left me on edge for more…

But nightmares don’t end that easily.

[angelictaleslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 ⭐️
This book was super dark, unhinged & also this authors debut book, absolutely incredible! The twists & turns will blow your mind.
This is a dark stalker romance, totally unhinged..

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in blind for the TW…for anyone who has triggers….please read the list!! I really enjoy a dark psych read and this book didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a story with a great story line, plot twists (that floor you) and lots of 🌶️, and characters that will make you melt…then Chasing obsession is for you.

It was written perfectly, making you want more!

💯 recommended!!!

[Becci Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check your trigger warnings !!!! This book was left on a huge cliffhanger that I’m now desperate for book 2 to release. I had this book as an arc reader and found this to be on the darker side of dark romance. In the book there is 1 female main character and 3 male main characters. I’m not going to give any spoilers but this book had me in the edge of my seat. I loved the twists in this story, you think you know where it’s going then there’s a complete 180, and I really enjoyed the darker side of dark romance.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride !!
This was amazing !! You literally never know what is coming next , and I just love that !!

[Bam · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️As always read the trigger list ⚠️
This book has me in a chokehold, it's that 🥵🔪⛓️🖤😈🌶️🔥 pitch dark.
Loved the entire story, the characters and writing style. So ready for the second part of this duet 🥰
A pageturner for sure ‼️

[Terri Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG if I could rate this more than 5 stars I would! I devoured this book in less than 24 hours.
This is a pitch black story that follows Niera, Kage and Damien!

Highly recommend reading the trigger warnings as it might not be for everyone but Cristina delivered the plot like an absolute master.

I will shout my recommendations from the rooftop for chasing obsession. Perfect 👏🏻👏🏻