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Vicious Vices #1
Broken Obsession
From the author of the Devils of Vitality comes the next wave of standalones set in the same universe. Meet the Black Harts, university students and members of the planet's founding families who aren't afraid to get their hands bloody for the things, or the people, they want.
Be vicious with your vices.
Eden Baldur is after revenge.
But first, he'll have to find the people responsible for the deaths of his family, and that's proving difficult. Someone who once dreamed of singing, Eden has resigned himself to the next best thing: voice acting for the popular mobile game, Vanity. When his character ends up attracting the attention of a powerful and persuasive member of society, Eden is given a choice. Trade himself for the vengeance he's so painfully desired, or give up on ever avenging his family.
Ares Major is seeking peace.
The survivor of unsanctioned NDE experimentation, Ares has perfected the art of living in the moment. The problem? Half the time, he can't tell if the "moment" is real, or if reality is a mere construct. He's found an anchor in the popular action otome RPG game, Vanity, and spends more time living in his head than in the real world. As the last living member of his line, his inheritance ensures he'll never have to work a day in his life, but he attends Sacrum Cor University and majors in the arts to keep himself busy. When the game stops being enough to ground him, his hunt for the voice actor of his favorite character begins.
What starts as a means for escapism quickly morphs into something more, and it isn't long before Ares changes the game. Eden is nothing like what Ares expected, but he has an obvious weakness, one Ares isn't above exploiting.
Because he's playing to win.
And the prize is Eden, in his bed, and in his life. Permanently.
Trigger Warning: This is a stand-alone dark romance, which means there are many themes that some might find disturbing. Some of these include, but are not limited to, dub-con, violence, a stalker who may or may not be all there in the head, and explicit sexual content not suitable for all readers. Please be sure to read the Author's Note for a complete list of warnings! HEA guaranteed!
Be vicious with your vices.
Eden Baldur is after revenge.
But first, he'll have to find the people responsible for the deaths of his family, and that's proving difficult. Someone who once dreamed of singing, Eden has resigned himself to the next best thing: voice acting for the popular mobile game, Vanity. When his character ends up attracting the attention of a powerful and persuasive member of society, Eden is given a choice. Trade himself for the vengeance he's so painfully desired, or give up on ever avenging his family.
Ares Major is seeking peace.
The survivor of unsanctioned NDE experimentation, Ares has perfected the art of living in the moment. The problem? Half the time, he can't tell if the "moment" is real, or if reality is a mere construct. He's found an anchor in the popular action otome RPG game, Vanity, and spends more time living in his head than in the real world. As the last living member of his line, his inheritance ensures he'll never have to work a day in his life, but he attends Sacrum Cor University and majors in the arts to keep himself busy. When the game stops being enough to ground him, his hunt for the voice actor of his favorite character begins.
What starts as a means for escapism quickly morphs into something more, and it isn't long before Ares changes the game. Eden is nothing like what Ares expected, but he has an obvious weakness, one Ares isn't above exploiting.
Because he's playing to win.
And the prize is Eden, in his bed, and in his life. Permanently.
Trigger Warning: This is a stand-alone dark romance, which means there are many themes that some might find disturbing. Some of these include, but are not limited to, dub-con, violence, a stalker who may or may not be all there in the head, and explicit sexual content not suitable for all readers. Please be sure to read the Author's Note for a complete list of warnings! HEA guaranteed!
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2025
156 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Chani Lynn Feener
62 books1,546 followersLibrarians, please don't add books. I stay up to date and add them myself and have ended up with many multiple copies because others add them later. Thank you!
Chani majored in Creative Writing at Johnson State College in Vermont. To pay her bills, she has worked many odd jobs, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, order picking in a warehouse, and filling ink cartridges. When she isn’t writing, she’s binging TV shows, drawing, or frequenting zoos/aquariums. She is the author of the Xenith trilogy, and the teen paranormal series, The Underworld Saga, originally written under the penname Tempest C. Avery. She currently resides in Connecticut.
Have a question? Check her blog! https://chanilynnfeener.wixsite.com/a...
Find her on Instagram @TempestChani
Chani majored in Creative Writing at Johnson State College in Vermont. To pay her bills, she has worked many odd jobs, including, but not limited to, telemarketing, order picking in a warehouse, and filling ink cartridges. When she isn’t writing, she’s binging TV shows, drawing, or frequenting zoos/aquariums. She is the author of the Xenith trilogy, and the teen paranormal series, The Underworld Saga, originally written under the penname Tempest C. Avery. She currently resides in Connecticut.
Have a question? Check her blog! https://chanilynnfeener.wixsite.com/a...
Find her on Instagram @TempestChani
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 23, 2025
Tropes: forced proximity, poor communication
Feels: 1/5
Steam*: 2.75/5
Kinks: rough sex, marathon sex for days, multiple orgasms, toys, gag, blindfold, handcuffs, fisting, dubcon, edging, somnophilia
Angst: medium
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: abuse of children in past, scientific experimentation on children, past murder of Eden's family violence, gore, murder, panic attack, drugging
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they meet, neither are interested in anyone else.
3 stars (it was hard to decide what to rate this, if I rate the romance it's a one. But I'm trying to give it credit for the story and not be too harsh)
Ares is 21. Eden is either 24 or 27/28 (at first, he's described as being 21 when he started voicing Ransom, and that he had been doing this for 7 years. And then later, it's commented that he is 3 years older than Ares. Continuity error).
Ares was medically experimented on by his parents for over 10 years, ending around the age of 16. He was killed and brought back to life like a hundred times, as his parents experimented on determining if there was an afterlife / another reality. It f***** him up. Eventually, his "brother" killed their parents and freed them. He believes that he is the god of creation, and that there are multiple realities, and that he can see between the veils. He is haunted by his parents ghosts of sorts and has trouble knowing what's real and what isn't. It's implied strongly that he has lived multiple lives across time and that he truly is a God. That it's not just mental damage from the abuse he went through.
Eden is a voice actor who voices Ransom, Ares' favorite character in a game. Eden's family was murdered when he was in college and he's been paying a private investigator since to look into it. Ares uses Eden's desire for revenge on those responsible to manipulate him into being his, because he wants him. Eden has a kink for CNC and he doesn't value his life much, so he agrees. And they start this path to revenge together.
This book wasn't really much of a romance in my opinion. It was more of a science fiction story with a poorly done romance in the background. It was a bit of a confusing story, you didn't really know if Ares was insane or really who he thinks he is. And an insane MMC in the way that Ares might be is incapable of loving Eden and being book boyfriend goals. And there were all these hints that were dropped, that maybe Eden had lived multiple lives and been with the god of creation in the past never amounted to anything firm. I understood why Eden was indebted to Ares, and liked what he gave him, so I could see there being love developing there. But I don't think Ares is capable of loving Eden, he was obsessed with him, but he never really loved him or liked him for himself. He likes that Eden makes the ghost of his parents quiet. But he was obsessed with Eden before he met him, and you never see him fall for who even is as a person, you never see him enjoy the personality that is uniquely Eden. He even at times ignores Eden, and he plays the video game wild with Eden. I feel like Ransom and the idea of the character is more important to him than Eden ever is.
He says he loves Eden and that Eden owns him, but he doesn't show it. He sits with Eden and he ignores him. He lets Eden put distance between them and he doesn't try to overcome the distance. And he doesn't have a good reason for why he wants Eden, we are just told that Eden does things to him, and it's implied that there is some mythos connecting Eden and Ares, but we don't see either of them falling in love
Ares never opens up to Eden. He specifically says that he can't risk telling Eden things. The only way that Eden learns things is looking him up online and hearing about him from Ares' friends. Their communication sucks, which is really disappointing in a romance.
I was a little off put by the sex in this book. Ares likes to have marathon sex, that lasts days and ruins Eden physically. At times, Eden wants to avoid sex with him. At other times he loves it. But it's hard to see them living a normal life with the kind of sex life that they have, because once they get started, it interferes with their daily living. It just didn't seem enjoyable or like it could be an everyday thing. And also given the lack of communication and romance development, it was a little too much to have them have such a kink heavy sexual dynamic. There was no emotional intimacy.
At least five typos.
Some notable moments:
"“This is my house,” he hissed. “Just because you’ve taken over the company, doesn’t give you the right to show up here unannounced and sneak in!” “Unannounced?” Ares forced Eden’s hand to open, splaying his fingers so he could dab antiseptic at the smaller cuts. “I told you I was coming. Don’t you remember?” Eden’s brow furrowed, then it seemed to click. “You can’t be serious?” “I said I’d see you later.” “I thought that was a pleasantry!”"
"“Beauty is subjective,” Ares explained. “I know how I see myself. I’m curious how you see me.” “Oh, I don’t know, as a psychopath?” “I’m not. I was tested, don’t worry.” “Well then,” Eden drawled, sarcasm impossible to miss, “I’ll get right on that not worrying train now that you’ve told me to.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 1/5
Steam*: 2.75/5
Kinks: rough sex, marathon sex for days, multiple orgasms, toys, gag, blindfold, handcuffs, fisting, dubcon, edging, somnophilia
Angst: medium
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: abuse of children in past, scientific experimentation on children, past murder of Eden's family violence, gore, murder, panic attack, drugging
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they meet, neither are interested in anyone else.
3 stars (it was hard to decide what to rate this, if I rate the romance it's a one. But I'm trying to give it credit for the story and not be too harsh)
Ares is 21. Eden is either 24 or 27/28 (at first, he's described as being 21 when he started voicing Ransom, and that he had been doing this for 7 years. And then later, it's commented that he is 3 years older than Ares. Continuity error).
Ares was medically experimented on by his parents for over 10 years, ending around the age of 16. He was killed and brought back to life like a hundred times, as his parents experimented on determining if there was an afterlife / another reality. It f***** him up. Eventually, his "brother" killed their parents and freed them. He believes that he is the god of creation, and that there are multiple realities, and that he can see between the veils. He is haunted by his parents ghosts of sorts and has trouble knowing what's real and what isn't. It's implied strongly that he has lived multiple lives across time and that he truly is a God. That it's not just mental damage from the abuse he went through.
Eden is a voice actor who voices Ransom, Ares' favorite character in a game. Eden's family was murdered when he was in college and he's been paying a private investigator since to look into it. Ares uses Eden's desire for revenge on those responsible to manipulate him into being his, because he wants him. Eden has a kink for CNC and he doesn't value his life much, so he agrees. And they start this path to revenge together.
This book wasn't really much of a romance in my opinion. It was more of a science fiction story with a poorly done romance in the background. It was a bit of a confusing story, you didn't really know if Ares was insane or really who he thinks he is. And an insane MMC in the way that Ares might be is incapable of loving Eden and being book boyfriend goals. And there were all these hints that were dropped, that maybe Eden had lived multiple lives and been with the god of creation in the past never amounted to anything firm. I understood why Eden was indebted to Ares, and liked what he gave him, so I could see there being love developing there. But I don't think Ares is capable of loving Eden, he was obsessed with him, but he never really loved him or liked him for himself. He likes that Eden makes the ghost of his parents quiet. But he was obsessed with Eden before he met him, and you never see him fall for who even is as a person, you never see him enjoy the personality that is uniquely Eden. He even at times ignores Eden, and he plays the video game wild with Eden. I feel like Ransom and the idea of the character is more important to him than Eden ever is.
He says he loves Eden and that Eden owns him, but he doesn't show it. He sits with Eden and he ignores him. He lets Eden put distance between them and he doesn't try to overcome the distance. And he doesn't have a good reason for why he wants Eden, we are just told that Eden does things to him, and it's implied that there is some mythos connecting Eden and Ares, but we don't see either of them falling in love
Ares never opens up to Eden. He specifically says that he can't risk telling Eden things. The only way that Eden learns things is looking him up online and hearing about him from Ares' friends. Their communication sucks, which is really disappointing in a romance.
I was a little off put by the sex in this book. Ares likes to have marathon sex, that lasts days and ruins Eden physically. At times, Eden wants to avoid sex with him. At other times he loves it. But it's hard to see them living a normal life with the kind of sex life that they have, because once they get started, it interferes with their daily living. It just didn't seem enjoyable or like it could be an everyday thing. And also given the lack of communication and romance development, it was a little too much to have them have such a kink heavy sexual dynamic. There was no emotional intimacy.
At least five typos.
Some notable moments:
"“This is my house,” he hissed. “Just because you’ve taken over the company, doesn’t give you the right to show up here unannounced and sneak in!” “Unannounced?” Ares forced Eden’s hand to open, splaying his fingers so he could dab antiseptic at the smaller cuts. “I told you I was coming. Don’t you remember?” Eden’s brow furrowed, then it seemed to click. “You can’t be serious?” “I said I’d see you later.” “I thought that was a pleasantry!”"
"“Beauty is subjective,” Ares explained. “I know how I see myself. I’m curious how you see me.” “Oh, I don’t know, as a psychopath?” “I’m not. I was tested, don’t worry.” “Well then,” Eden drawled, sarcasm impossible to miss, “I’ll get right on that not worrying train now that you’ve told me to.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
This plot was all over the place. What is reality? Who created it? Is there more than one? You never really find out. It’s a mess.
Revenge pushes them together but the love keeps them together.
There’s a book 2 same universe different could.. I’m not sure I’ll read it 😵💫😵💫😵💫
Revenge pushes them together but the love keeps them together.
There’s a book 2 same universe different could.. I’m not sure I’ll read it 😵💫😵💫😵💫
December 9, 2025
Ares Major is known as The God of Creation; he’s a Black Hart, a member of an elite society, and he has the power to see multiple realities at once. And it’s driving him crazy. The only thing that is able to ground him in this reality is playing his favourite video game, Vanity. He’s utterly obsessed with the game’s love interest, Ransom, and decides the best way to make Ransom his reality, is to capture the voice actor that the character is based on.
Eden Bauldur is living a half-life. He’s a voice actor on one of the most successful video games on the market, but he can’t enjoy life. Not after his family was brutally murdered three years ago. He’s been searching for the truth ever since, but only makes a breakthrough in the case when a mysterious masked figure tells him that he can help… and that everyone else has been lying.
Eden has to decide who he can trust - the masked man? Or the dangerous young man who is telling him that he’s Ransom’s biggest fan?
I loved the dynamics of this one - there’s so much push and pull for dominance between Eden and Ares; they’re both broken and angry and looking for solace in any way they can!
Thanks to Chani for letting me read an early version! It’s available on 14th Dec 2025 💕
Eden Bauldur is living a half-life. He’s a voice actor on one of the most successful video games on the market, but he can’t enjoy life. Not after his family was brutally murdered three years ago. He’s been searching for the truth ever since, but only makes a breakthrough in the case when a mysterious masked figure tells him that he can help… and that everyone else has been lying.
Eden has to decide who he can trust - the masked man? Or the dangerous young man who is telling him that he’s Ransom’s biggest fan?
I loved the dynamics of this one - there’s so much push and pull for dominance between Eden and Ares; they’re both broken and angry and looking for solace in any way they can!
Thanks to Chani for letting me read an early version! It’s available on 14th Dec 2025 💕
December 15, 2025
Broken Obsession is a dark MM sci-fi romance. Ares from a very rich family and had been experimented on for years. Now he sees multiple realities and he is obsessed with Eden. Eden is the face and voice of a popular virtual reality character named Ransom. He uses the money he gets to pay for information on who killed his entire family.
Ares proposed a deal with Eden- he’ll find and kill those responsible and Eden gives himself to him.
Please read your TW! 🫶🏻
Dubcon
Age gap
Younger Top
Professor/student
Rich/poor
Obsession
Mental health
Past trauma
Toys
Hidden cameras
Violence
Kidnapping
Lot of spice
Rough, endless smex
Set top/bottom roles
This was a very interesting read! Both MCs were broken and dealt with their trauma in different ways. This sets us up for future books in this series and also shouts out Vitality!!!
Ares proposed a deal with Eden- he’ll find and kill those responsible and Eden gives himself to him.
Please read your TW! 🫶🏻
Dubcon
Age gap
Younger Top
Professor/student
Rich/poor
Obsession
Mental health
Past trauma
Toys
Hidden cameras
Violence
Kidnapping
Lot of spice
Rough, endless smex
Set top/bottom roles
This was a very interesting read! Both MCs were broken and dealt with their trauma in different ways. This sets us up for future books in this series and also shouts out Vitality!!!
December 25, 2025
Chani Lynn Feener is my favorite author, I love how she writes dark, unhinged, possessive characters. This story explored the concept of time & reality. It was interesting but kind of confusing. I’m not sure if Ares is really supposed to be a God who’s lived multiple timelines, or if he’s just fucked in the head from being experimented on. And was Eden in those other realities? I’m not sure, but I’m looking forward to the rest of the series-especially Balthazar’s book
January 8, 2026
I am utterly obsessed with this book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The world building was not confusing for me in any way despite it feeding you bits and pieces of how society/life/law works in this universe. I really loved Ares and Eden’s interactions in the beginning, and the storyline was very intriguing. Dialogue and smut was absolute *chef’s kiss*. Also there were so many cool concepts in this universe! I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. I’m a bit ruined for other books now, this one was a fucking masterpiece.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book, omg I love it so much. I don't think it's possible to write a review about how freaking awesome I think it is. It's so good! 🥹
Ares and Eden are both messed up but I think they're precious. They heal each other and I love that.
Forget insta-love, it's insta-ride-or-die with Ares. I love the cover art. He's is so fucking hot. His over the top possessiveness is sexy as sin and I love how jealous Eden gets over him. The Gods and multiverse angle is so interesting and intriguing. I'm excited for more in the series! I'm obsessed.
I received an advance review copy of Broken Obsession by Chani Lynn Feener for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ares and Eden are both messed up but I think they're precious. They heal each other and I love that.
Forget insta-love, it's insta-ride-or-die with Ares. I love the cover art. He's is so fucking hot. His over the top possessiveness is sexy as sin and I love how jealous Eden gets over him. The Gods and multiverse angle is so interesting and intriguing. I'm excited for more in the series! I'm obsessed.
I received an advance review copy of Broken Obsession by Chani Lynn Feener for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 21, 2025
Eden and Ares are both broken, Eden by the loss of his family and Ares by experiments that left him fractured between realities. Eden needs Ares for vengeance and Ares needs Eden to ground himself, they were darkness and chaos together. Their story was a bloody roller-coaster ride.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by BookSirens*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by BookSirens*
December 21, 2025
Broken Obsession completely pulled me in. The plot was intense and addictive, the characters were complex and unforgettable, and the emotional depth was perfectly balanced with tension. Chani Lynn Feener’s writing is captivating and powerful
December 21, 2025
So good, I can't wait to see the whole new universe 😍
February 14, 2026
This is the first of The Vicious Vices series that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. If the rest of the series follows suit, I’ll be looking forward to meeting each of the individual Black Harts and their particular ‘vice’.
I’m assuming this series lives in the same universe as her ‘Devils of Vitality’ series.
The thing I love about Ms. Feener’s books is that they deal with MORE than just getting dicked-down. The protagonists all have genuine issues and usually take not-so-good paths to ‘fix’ those issues. But they are attempting in their screwed up glory to fix the issues. Which is compelling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m assuming this series lives in the same universe as her ‘Devils of Vitality’ series.
The thing I love about Ms. Feener’s books is that they deal with MORE than just getting dicked-down. The protagonists all have genuine issues and usually take not-so-good paths to ‘fix’ those issues. But they are attempting in their screwed up glory to fix the issues. Which is compelling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 15, 2025
In Project Firefly, Ares and Bal were experimented on by their parents seven years ago. Two years later, Eden lost his family in a robbery. He became the model and voice of a game and became Ares obsession. In a complex, woven story there's more than one reality but Ares needs Eden to ground himself and wants him in every reality. It's intricate, possession driven and steamy, like many of Chani's books but even one step more beyond them. Their playful times cross the line but Eden loves it and begs for more in this first book of the Black Harts.
December 16, 2025
Overall Rating: 3.0 Stars.
I liked the pairing of Ares and Eden. However, I felt a little lost at times in the book with some of the concepts, which made it a little difficult to get through.
I liked the pairing of Ares and Eden. However, I felt a little lost at times in the book with some of the concepts, which made it a little difficult to get through.
December 19, 2025
December 2025
Kindle edition
Hmm, not what I expected. After Ill and Rex I thought I knew what was up, but this one threw me for six. We're now into the realms of gods and mythology or cracked minds. I'm curious about Zar and his side of things. Liked the gun. Ellery seems problematic. Re-read required at another time.
Kindle edition
Hmm, not what I expected. After Ill and Rex I thought I knew what was up, but this one threw me for six. We're now into the realms of gods and mythology or cracked minds. I'm curious about Zar and his side of things. Liked the gun. Ellery seems problematic. Re-read required at another time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2026
DNF @ 53% - the first book I DNF’d by this author. I don’t know what happened, but I’m just not interested in it.
January 8, 2026
Ех, як я зненавиділа Едена. Він зі своїм «гаряче-холодно» просто виводив з себе
December 17, 2025
This one was just meh.
December 23, 2025
Absolutely amazing. Come through Chani!
December 17, 2025
When you’re in need of something unhinged, Chani Lynn Feener is a strong choice. Darker than many, and more f’d up than most, this author’s work goes to CNC and NC places that aren’t for everyone but that deliver if you’re into that. Mind the CWs, they’re for real. This story is a sort of science fiction-romantasy mashup set in an alternate universe with different planets and humanoid species. It’s set in the same universe as CLF’s Devils of Vitality series and features one of the Black Harts men.
This wasn’t my favorite as a romance; it didn’t feel as emotionally feral as CLF can go, but it was fascinating as an exploration of what reality is/means and what is possible in her world’s science. The question of whether more powerful but younger (also interesting dynamic) MC Ares (one of the Black Harts and a university student) is into career-frustrated music devotee Eden, or just trying to grab onto the next best thing to the character Eden plays in Ares’s favorite video game, Vanity, is a conundrum that haunts the couple for a good portion of the book. Ares is obsessed with the character…can he see Eden for who he really is?
Differentiating the person behind a popular character from the part they play is both a theme for our age of social media influencers and the timeless human obsession with celebrities, and I was interested in finding out if CLF could make me believe Ares really fell for Eden, or if he was still conflating Eden with the character that he voice-acts (and who was modeled on his looks) in the videogame created by Eden’s classmate, who seems to have used Eden without adequately compensating him (and their other friend who plays a different character in the game) now that
Vanity has become one of the most popular in their planetary milieu.
Ares’s backstory is heartbreaking and has made him cold and controlling (and his brother in being tortured is even more messed up). His grasp on reality splinters at times and raises the stakes. His ability to torture and murder seems related to a history of violent treatment by those who should have cared for him, and the experiments he and his brother went through forged them into unpredictable forces to be frightened of today.
Eden has his own mission. The voice acting pays for his search for vengeance for the murders of his entire family (mom, dad, sister). Something Ares exploits and can/will help with, if he can essentially own Eden for all time (yes, the unhinged was unhinging! That’s why I’m here!). He’s not actually giving Eden a choice about becoming his, just the semblance of one, but of course once Eden gets involved and realizes Ares can deliver on Eden’s most f’d up desires far better than any of his sporadic hookups can, Eden starts to fall into Ares’s trap and becomes his willing captive. Well, sort of willing. With protests and snarling foot-dragging and WTFery and all!
The game is afoot and is one messed up chaos journey of who is capturing who, including Ares’s even more f’d up fellow Black Harts, Eden’s personal goals that Ares can deliver on, and all the murderous vengeance one might wish for. If the emotional component doesn’t quite get to the level of Echo, Call of the Sea, and other early CLF works, well…I still had a great time and could not put this down.
But it isn’t as emotional; things seem more transactional for a long time, too long to really offset that with the too-abrupt evolution to I love yous. I mean, love is always toxic in its way in CLF’s books, but, this just didn’t quite reach the intensity to be addictive.
HEA (or, OEA aka Obsessed Ever After). Younger more vicious and powerful uni-student hero captures older vengeance seeker voice-actor. No OM action, thought there is a bit too much info on Eden’s former app hookups and reminders of that for me. Blech. Still, I think bc the emotions weren’t so emotional, it didn’t bother me as much as it might have. There are entertaining moments of jealousy on both sides, and that key possessiveness finally comes into play. Safe enough for me. Recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens and the author for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
This wasn’t my favorite as a romance; it didn’t feel as emotionally feral as CLF can go, but it was fascinating as an exploration of what reality is/means and what is possible in her world’s science. The question of whether more powerful but younger (also interesting dynamic) MC Ares (one of the Black Harts and a university student) is into career-frustrated music devotee Eden, or just trying to grab onto the next best thing to the character Eden plays in Ares’s favorite video game, Vanity, is a conundrum that haunts the couple for a good portion of the book. Ares is obsessed with the character…can he see Eden for who he really is?
Differentiating the person behind a popular character from the part they play is both a theme for our age of social media influencers and the timeless human obsession with celebrities, and I was interested in finding out if CLF could make me believe Ares really fell for Eden, or if he was still conflating Eden with the character that he voice-acts (and who was modeled on his looks) in the videogame created by Eden’s classmate, who seems to have used Eden without adequately compensating him (and their other friend who plays a different character in the game) now that
Vanity has become one of the most popular in their planetary milieu.
Ares’s backstory is heartbreaking and has made him cold and controlling (and his brother in being tortured is even more messed up). His grasp on reality splinters at times and raises the stakes. His ability to torture and murder seems related to a history of violent treatment by those who should have cared for him, and the experiments he and his brother went through forged them into unpredictable forces to be frightened of today.
Eden has his own mission. The voice acting pays for his search for vengeance for the murders of his entire family (mom, dad, sister). Something Ares exploits and can/will help with, if he can essentially own Eden for all time (yes, the unhinged was unhinging! That’s why I’m here!). He’s not actually giving Eden a choice about becoming his, just the semblance of one, but of course once Eden gets involved and realizes Ares can deliver on Eden’s most f’d up desires far better than any of his sporadic hookups can, Eden starts to fall into Ares’s trap and becomes his willing captive. Well, sort of willing. With protests and snarling foot-dragging and WTFery and all!
The game is afoot and is one messed up chaos journey of who is capturing who, including Ares’s even more f’d up fellow Black Harts, Eden’s personal goals that Ares can deliver on, and all the murderous vengeance one might wish for. If the emotional component doesn’t quite get to the level of Echo, Call of the Sea, and other early CLF works, well…I still had a great time and could not put this down.
But it isn’t as emotional; things seem more transactional for a long time, too long to really offset that with the too-abrupt evolution to I love yous. I mean, love is always toxic in its way in CLF’s books, but, this just didn’t quite reach the intensity to be addictive.
HEA (or, OEA aka Obsessed Ever After). Younger more vicious and powerful uni-student hero captures older vengeance seeker voice-actor. No OM action, thought there is a bit too much info on Eden’s former app hookups and reminders of that for me. Blech. Still, I think bc the emotions weren’t so emotional, it didn’t bother me as much as it might have. There are entertaining moments of jealousy on both sides, and that key possessiveness finally comes into play. Safe enough for me. Recommended.
My thanks to BookSirens and the author for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
December 15, 2025
ARC review, everything is real, so on, so forth.
So this book was different than what I have come to expect from a Chani Lynn Feener tale, and I’ll tell you why in just a sec.
I went into this blind, and since I found it a bit of a different vibe, I’d recommend that for anyone about to read this gem. So I’ll consider everything after this part a spoiler, but there won’t be any spoilers that ruin any surprises that might exist.
This book, in short, is a story of revenge. Eden’s family was killed 3 years prior and he’s been trying to solve the mystery of their murder with the use of a private eye after the police gave up. He’s had no success, but doesn’t live in a plane of existence where he has any plan of giving up.
Ares is a gamer obsessed with a character from a game called Vanity; a character named Ransom, who happens to be modeled after Eden. In an effort to fulfill his dream of meeting Ransom, he finds Eden and offers to help find and kill those who murdered his family.
That description is so incredibly surface level, and you’re in for a real treat once you uncover all of the layers showcased within. I also implore you to google everyone’s name to see how their namesakes can also be woven into the story to add another layer or 7.
Unlike the Chani Lynn books that I’ve read before, this one is really mild and dare I say, kind of sweet. For those who have had trouble stomaching the s*xually violent nature of many of her tales, this would be a good book for you. Compared to her other novels, I’d even consider this a slow burn. Of course, mind the trigger warnings, it’s not all sunshine and revenge-rainbows, but it’s mostly that. There’s still manipulation and a dollop of CNC, but neither is focused on heavily by the time the story ends.
I appreciate how different this book felt, and really look forward to continuing the series. I hope Zar’s story is next. I really want to know how his really complex web of an existence and zero emotions finds love. In the meantime, I’ll bask in the sweetness that is Creation and his Paradise (that sentence will make sense once you read the book and it’ll feel super poetic)
Ta!
So this book was different than what I have come to expect from a Chani Lynn Feener tale, and I’ll tell you why in just a sec.
I went into this blind, and since I found it a bit of a different vibe, I’d recommend that for anyone about to read this gem. So I’ll consider everything after this part a spoiler, but there won’t be any spoilers that ruin any surprises that might exist.
This book, in short, is a story of revenge. Eden’s family was killed 3 years prior and he’s been trying to solve the mystery of their murder with the use of a private eye after the police gave up. He’s had no success, but doesn’t live in a plane of existence where he has any plan of giving up.
Ares is a gamer obsessed with a character from a game called Vanity; a character named Ransom, who happens to be modeled after Eden. In an effort to fulfill his dream of meeting Ransom, he finds Eden and offers to help find and kill those who murdered his family.
That description is so incredibly surface level, and you’re in for a real treat once you uncover all of the layers showcased within. I also implore you to google everyone’s name to see how their namesakes can also be woven into the story to add another layer or 7.
Unlike the Chani Lynn books that I’ve read before, this one is really mild and dare I say, kind of sweet. For those who have had trouble stomaching the s*xually violent nature of many of her tales, this would be a good book for you. Compared to her other novels, I’d even consider this a slow burn. Of course, mind the trigger warnings, it’s not all sunshine and revenge-rainbows, but it’s mostly that. There’s still manipulation and a dollop of CNC, but neither is focused on heavily by the time the story ends.
I appreciate how different this book felt, and really look forward to continuing the series. I hope Zar’s story is next. I really want to know how his really complex web of an existence and zero emotions finds love. In the meantime, I’ll bask in the sweetness that is Creation and his Paradise (that sentence will make sense once you read the book and it’ll feel super poetic)
Ta!
January 14, 2026
I had to read this book twice, because it was kind of…chaotic. There’s a lot going on, but a rather large part of the story is…..unexplained. I’m assuming more info will be given about realities (trying to not give spoilers) and what exactly is going on in the next book(s).
If you’ve read Chani’s stories before, this one is no different as far as one character is uber powerful and the other has basically been manipulated by him. Ares is a college student and a member of an organization that seems to be family-based, one that’s very rich and very powerful. His parents were doctors/scientists and conducted experiments on him and his brother, supposedly pushing them into different realities and lifetimes…or at least he thinks so……..?? He’s also obsessed with a video game character, and decides that he needs the voice actor and model who plays the character. After doing some research, he finds a way to trap the man by giving him something he wants: Revenge.
Eden helped his friend create a video game that has now become a hit, and Eden’s job is voicing the character, who is also based on his appearance. Several years before, his entire family was killed in what was assumed to be a robbery gone wrong, yet no one was ever caught for the crime. He has become somewhat obsessed with trying to find the killers, and in the process finds himself making deals with a man who claims he can give him those guilty of killing his family.
Overall, the story was good, though, again…this is kind of a “typical” Chani story. I really REALLY liked the whole “realities” thing, but I wanted more…more explanation on what was real and what wasn’t. It was pretty vague, which was frustrating.
The spice was SPICY, with rough sex, edging, dubcon, voyeurism, and more. I feel bad for Eden’s butthole. 🤣
Overall: 3.4/5
Spice: 5/5
**ARC, my opinions are my own**
If you’ve read Chani’s stories before, this one is no different as far as one character is uber powerful and the other has basically been manipulated by him. Ares is a college student and a member of an organization that seems to be family-based, one that’s very rich and very powerful. His parents were doctors/scientists and conducted experiments on him and his brother, supposedly pushing them into different realities and lifetimes…or at least he thinks so……..?? He’s also obsessed with a video game character, and decides that he needs the voice actor and model who plays the character. After doing some research, he finds a way to trap the man by giving him something he wants: Revenge.
Eden helped his friend create a video game that has now become a hit, and Eden’s job is voicing the character, who is also based on his appearance. Several years before, his entire family was killed in what was assumed to be a robbery gone wrong, yet no one was ever caught for the crime. He has become somewhat obsessed with trying to find the killers, and in the process finds himself making deals with a man who claims he can give him those guilty of killing his family.
Overall, the story was good, though, again…this is kind of a “typical” Chani story. I really REALLY liked the whole “realities” thing, but I wanted more…more explanation on what was real and what wasn’t. It was pretty vague, which was frustrating.
The spice was SPICY, with rough sex, edging, dubcon, voyeurism, and more. I feel bad for Eden’s butthole. 🤣
Overall: 3.4/5
Spice: 5/5
**ARC, my opinions are my own**
January 11, 2026
when i say i liveeee for chani's booksss lorddd. i always eat them uppp. this one was definitely different from her other books, i won't lie. bUT that isn't a bad thing. i guess mainly what i mean is that we're not used to seeing the mmcs as weak or vulnerable, like not REALLY. like yes, i guess berga was vulnerable, but he was more like eden in that way? like the childhood trauma core. here it was TWO men who had been through extremely traumatic situations which caused them to be the way they are. i'll be honest, i do wish we got a bit more insight into the experiments ares was forced into. it was the first book where i felt that both the mmcs suffered from vulnerabilities and weren't inherently insane or psychopathic? like i liked seeing that ares was smart and manipulative but still had his sort of weaknesses or maybe had a bit more of a hard time reacting to the things that eden did. eden was also kind of a paradox lol, but i loved how he grew to be so possessive. i wish we had seen a bit more possessiveness from ares end, it was more like subtle things, like not liking when Bal called Eden by his name. I still wish we had built a little bit more on the plot of ares becoming obsessed with ransom, and by default with eden. I liked how eden was so against being called ransom, but i still liked how he sometimes called him starling, thats honestly a really cute nickname. also calling him paradiseee??? i loveee himmmm. i really do. and honestly he definitely seemed lilke the less cruel one out of all of the characters hahah. i loved them truly. ares was such a geek i loved him. n
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Broken Obsession by Chani Lynn Feener is a dark, emotionally charged MM romance that leans hard into obsession, trauma, and morally gray desire, and it does not pull its punches.
The relationship at the center of this book is intense, unbalanced, and deliberately uncomfortable. Chani explores obsession between two men in a way that feels raw and psychologically grounded, not glossed over or softened. The power dynamics are complicated and constantly shifting, and watching that tension evolve is both unsettling and addictive.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth of both MCs. Their pasts shape every choice they make, and the way trauma, need, and fixation bleed into attraction feels painfully real. The connection between them isn’t healthy or pretty—but it is compelling, and Feener makes you understand why neither of them can walk away.
The writing excels at atmosphere. The story feels tight and claustrophobic, with an undercurrent of danger that never fully disappears. Every interaction feels loaded, every moment edged with intent.
This is absolutely a dark read and not meant to be romantic in a traditional sense. Check trigger warnings. But if you’re looking for an MM story that embraces obsession, moral ambiguity, and emotional damage without apology, Broken Obsession delivers.
Haunting, disturbing, and incredibly gripping—an easy five stars. 🖤
Broken Obsession by Chani Lynn Feener is a dark, emotionally charged MM romance that leans hard into obsession, trauma, and morally gray desire, and it does not pull its punches.
The relationship at the center of this book is intense, unbalanced, and deliberately uncomfortable. Chani explores obsession between two men in a way that feels raw and psychologically grounded, not glossed over or softened. The power dynamics are complicated and constantly shifting, and watching that tension evolve is both unsettling and addictive.
What really stood out to me was the emotional depth of both MCs. Their pasts shape every choice they make, and the way trauma, need, and fixation bleed into attraction feels painfully real. The connection between them isn’t healthy or pretty—but it is compelling, and Feener makes you understand why neither of them can walk away.
The writing excels at atmosphere. The story feels tight and claustrophobic, with an undercurrent of danger that never fully disappears. Every interaction feels loaded, every moment edged with intent.
This is absolutely a dark read and not meant to be romantic in a traditional sense. Check trigger warnings. But if you’re looking for an MM story that embraces obsession, moral ambiguity, and emotional damage without apology, Broken Obsession delivers.
Haunting, disturbing, and incredibly gripping—an easy five stars. 🖤
December 18, 2025
Oof, I was wondering how Chani would follow up the Devil's Of Vitality series but I shouldn't have worried because this world is just as intense, darkly chaotic and deliriously sexy as the rest of her books 😈.
Ares is a complete simp for Eden, who so happens to be the inspiration and voice behind a favourite video game player called Ransom... Simp.. obsessed.. they mean the same thing right?! 🤣 Because once Ares gets it into his head that Eden is his, there's no stopping him 🥵.. and while Eden DOES put up a bit of a struggle, it's only because he likes the struggle 🤭.
This is a story based around revenge for Eden's long passed family, and Ares seems to be the only one capable of giving it to him, along with being the only one who seems to be able to give him his wildest fantasies come to life all at the same time 🔥. When I say the spicy was extra spicy I mean it! There were soooo many things I was NOT expecting from this book even with going in with an open mind, but I was here for every minute of this reality 💯 (once you read the book you'll understand all about realities 😉).
Seriously though, if you like your sweet with a whole helping of dark and possessive than this book is for you, and if you're already a fan of Chani's through her other darker worlds and books then you won't be disappointed 🫶.
Ares is a complete simp for Eden, who so happens to be the inspiration and voice behind a favourite video game player called Ransom... Simp.. obsessed.. they mean the same thing right?! 🤣 Because once Ares gets it into his head that Eden is his, there's no stopping him 🥵.. and while Eden DOES put up a bit of a struggle, it's only because he likes the struggle 🤭.
This is a story based around revenge for Eden's long passed family, and Ares seems to be the only one capable of giving it to him, along with being the only one who seems to be able to give him his wildest fantasies come to life all at the same time 🔥. When I say the spicy was extra spicy I mean it! There were soooo many things I was NOT expecting from this book even with going in with an open mind, but I was here for every minute of this reality 💯 (once you read the book you'll understand all about realities 😉).
Seriously though, if you like your sweet with a whole helping of dark and possessive than this book is for you, and if you're already a fan of Chani's through her other darker worlds and books then you won't be disappointed 🫶.
December 28, 2025
I want to begin with how excited I am for this new universe by Chani (now that DoV and Demons are done). The Black Hearts were first seen in the Vicious Valentines novellas, which introduced us to Illya, Ellery (a bit), and the others (which, admittedly, I did not finish), and Broken Obsession is the beginning of the focus on their universe. I personally wasn't super excited about the actual plot (it seemed a little similar to the Vile House books, which I don't really enjoy), but I found myself liking Eden (who is stubborn and ambitious, despite his situation) and Ares (I found him funny) as characters and their dynamic together. I also liked how we saw more of Ellery (who was lacking in his cousin's novella). I am very excited for his book.
While I liked the book as a stand alone, I found it was a little disjointed from what we were introduced to in the novellas, which, could be attributed to the fact that those were written by multiple authors (continuity issues), the fact that series began with novellas (shorter pieces with less focus on world building) or the characters themselves.
While I liked the book as a stand alone, I found it was a little disjointed from what we were introduced to in the novellas, which, could be attributed to the fact that those were written by multiple authors (continuity issues), the fact that series began with novellas (shorter pieces with less focus on world building) or the characters themselves.
December 16, 2025
I loved this story!
Ares and Eden were both such interesting characters. Though, in largely different ways. Eden is a very human character. He struggled with his moral compass for a while, wanting revenge but also afraid of how his thirst for vengeance changed him.
Unlike him, Ares stayed very steady from beginning to end. He knew what he wanted, he adapted and evolved with his wishes. Ares was patient, and that's what changed their relationship.
“How much he'd treasure him when Eden ultimately submitted and voluntarily offered himself.
All of himself.
Every piece.
Every scrap.
Every snippet of time and reality.
Every pulse and beat of his heart.”
He could give Eden what he wanted while still waiting to fully have him. In a messed-up way, Ares is very sweet to Eden. It's still toxic, but they were both happy by the end.
The concepts explored in this book (other dimensions and realities) were also fascinating. I liked how they played into this story and shaped the characters. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in Zar's book.
Ares and Eden were both such interesting characters. Though, in largely different ways. Eden is a very human character. He struggled with his moral compass for a while, wanting revenge but also afraid of how his thirst for vengeance changed him.
Unlike him, Ares stayed very steady from beginning to end. He knew what he wanted, he adapted and evolved with his wishes. Ares was patient, and that's what changed their relationship.
“How much he'd treasure him when Eden ultimately submitted and voluntarily offered himself.
All of himself.
Every piece.
Every scrap.
Every snippet of time and reality.
Every pulse and beat of his heart.”
He could give Eden what he wanted while still waiting to fully have him. In a messed-up way, Ares is very sweet to Eden. It's still toxic, but they were both happy by the end.
The concepts explored in this book (other dimensions and realities) were also fascinating. I liked how they played into this story and shaped the characters. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in Zar's book.
December 31, 2025
While I'm normally a fan of this author, I just couldn't get into the romance with this book. I'm still giving it 4 stars because Ares is soooooo fascinating; I absolutely loved his backstory and his problem with dipping in and out of realities. I loved the way he handled Eden and listened to what Eden needed. But their love leaned too heavily on mythology and not on a genuine growing bond developing between them, so it fell flat to me. Also, if I had to read one more page of Eden wondering if he was a bad person bc he wanted to get revenge on his family's killers, I was going to throw the book at the wall. It was too much; let him have his crisis early, come to a resolution, and move on. I can't stand a character going back and forth in their head on the same topic for a whole book when you already know what they're going to choose. And side note- s*x for 48 hours straight?? Come on. That's not sexy, even for a dark romance. It just seemed painful and I cringed when they brought it up like it was a good thing.
December 18, 2025
This was a fascinating opening to Ares's mind. I'm little confused, because I'm not sure if Ares is just mentally ill or if he does have other abilities. But I'm guessing that's kind of the point😆 I like Eden so much! He's so spicy and doesn't give in very easily. The sex scenes were very hot. My only complaints is that the book was too short. I wanted to get to know Ares and his world little better and right now I have more questions than answers😆Also I didn't feel the connection between Ares and Eden as deeply as other characters, but that's because Ares isn't all there and they didn't have much time to develope those feelings. That didn't bother me very much, but I do enjoy the characters with deep connection more than Ares and Eden. That's just my preference. I woul recommend this book to readers who enjoy Chani Lynn Feener's other books and MM dark romance.
I received a free copy of this book and leave this honest review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book and leave this honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so excited when I found out we are getting another series! I've been looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint! I love how she writes all of her characters but Ares was so interesting. The way he speaks, and his brother Zar, shows just how fractured the experiments they went through left them. The push and pull between him and Eden was great. They're both broken and looking for something that they end up finding in each other. Their banter was great. Eden had me cracking up quite a few times. Their chemistry made the spicey scenes fantastic. The world building great. I've always found different realities and the multiverse theory to be really interesting. I can't wait to read more stories in this series! It seems like there's a lot of good characters to choose from. Thank you to the author for letting me read this early!
January 10, 2026
So, this book made me see Chani’s work in a new light. I feel like there was a lot more romance happening between Eden and Ares, and I’m here for it. There is always a dark romance theme in her stories, but the chemistry between the two main characters felt realistic and pulled me in instantly. I could see the deep connection forming, so by the end, it felt like there would be genuine love in the couple’s future. Although Ares has feelings first because of Eden’s connection to Vanity, I believe Eden fell first without realizing it. I look forward to reading more in the Vicious Vices series. The Black Harts and their stories have been on my radar since Distant Heart from the Vicious Valentine series. So, it is exciting to see that Chani is filling in the blanks on that side of the universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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