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Carnal Games #3
Unholy Obsession
“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned—and I liked it.”
I left my past behind.
Then she walked into my church.
Once, I was Bane Blackwolf—heir to a legacy of blood and sin. A monster in the making. Instead, I chose the cloth over the crown, buried my name, and became Father Blackwood.
For years, I was in control of my darker nature. Until her.
Moira.
The woman with a sinner’s mouth and a body made for worship. The woman who doesn’t know it was me behind the mask that night—me who had her on her knees, begging.
Now she’s here, whispering confessions that twist the knife deeper. Tempting the man I pretend to be and the beast I’ve tried to bury.
I vowed to be a good man. I vowed to never take what doesn’t belong to me.
But Moira is mine.
The moment I touched her, I knew—I’d never crave anything the way I crave her. She’s the only thing that silences my demons and makes me forget the weight of my sins.
And I’ll be damned before I let her go.
TWs: Please note this is an intense dark romance with characters dealing with mental illness, abuse, and trauma. A full list of trigger warnings can be found on the author’s website.
I left my past behind.
Then she walked into my church.
Once, I was Bane Blackwolf—heir to a legacy of blood and sin. A monster in the making. Instead, I chose the cloth over the crown, buried my name, and became Father Blackwood.
For years, I was in control of my darker nature. Until her.
Moira.
The woman with a sinner’s mouth and a body made for worship. The woman who doesn’t know it was me behind the mask that night—me who had her on her knees, begging.
Now she’s here, whispering confessions that twist the knife deeper. Tempting the man I pretend to be and the beast I’ve tried to bury.
I vowed to be a good man. I vowed to never take what doesn’t belong to me.
But Moira is mine.
The moment I touched her, I knew—I’d never crave anything the way I crave her. She’s the only thing that silences my demons and makes me forget the weight of my sins.
And I’ll be damned before I let her go.
TWs: Please note this is an intense dark romance with characters dealing with mental illness, abuse, and trauma. A full list of trigger warnings can be found on the author’s website.
574 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2025
519 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Stasia Black
77 books2,098 followersStasia was born in Georgia, grew up in Texas, recently spent a freezing five-year stint in Minnesota, and now is happily planted in sunny California, which she will never, ever leave.
She loves writing, reading, listening to podcasts, and has recently taken up biking after a twenty-year sabbatical (and has the bumps and bruises to prove it). She lives with her own personal cheerleader, aka, her handsome husband, and their teenage son. Wow. Typing that makes her feel old. And writing about herself in the third person makes her feel a little like a nutjob, but ahem! Where were we?
Stasia’s drawn to romantic stories that don’t take the easy way out. She wants to see beneath people’s veneer and poke into their dark places, their twisted motives, and their deepest desires. Basically, she wants to create characters that make readers alternately laugh, cry ugly tears, want to toss their kindles across the room, and then declare they have a new FBB (forever book boyfriend).
She loves writing, reading, listening to podcasts, and has recently taken up biking after a twenty-year sabbatical (and has the bumps and bruises to prove it). She lives with her own personal cheerleader, aka, her handsome husband, and their teenage son. Wow. Typing that makes her feel old. And writing about herself in the third person makes her feel a little like a nutjob, but ahem! Where were we?
Stasia’s drawn to romantic stories that don’t take the easy way out. She wants to see beneath people’s veneer and poke into their dark places, their twisted motives, and their deepest desires. Basically, she wants to create characters that make readers alternately laugh, cry ugly tears, want to toss their kindles across the room, and then declare they have a new FBB (forever book boyfriend).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
April 4, 2025
2.25 stars | After reading Cherry Auction, I was very intrigued to start this but unfortunately, this one was such a miss for me. First off, this book doesn’t explicitly say that this is part of a series and it doesn’t exactly read well as a standalone. Even after reading the first book in the series, it doesn’t make much sense. After the ending of Cherry Auction, it feels like there’s a lot of information that the reader doesn’t have and we’re just thrust into the next installment of this world. And aside from all of that, the book itself just doesn’t feel like it knows exactly what it’s doing or what it wants to be.
Compared to the first book, the writing and the plot feel very weak in comparison. Plus the story wasn’t all that believable. Not only that, but it doesn’t seem like the plot was made very clear. There is a lot that was pushed into the story and it felt like too much (in my opinion).
I did like the characters at the beginning, but the issues overall overshadowed them. I also didn’t love the Insta love aspect of this book. I felt that this story, and the characters would have benefited from having a slower burn with a lot more tension and character buildup rather than how rushed the story and its events were (more so in the second half of the book the start of this book wasn’t that bad). However, I did like the depth that these characters had. I loved the mental health representation that was done in this book.
I feel really sad saying all of this, considering how much I enjoyed the previous book. But I just don’t understand the amount of five stars that this book has. It just felt very messy overall, and in my opinion just wasn’t very well written.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC to review!
i have so many mixed feelings :/ rtc
Compared to the first book, the writing and the plot feel very weak in comparison. Plus the story wasn’t all that believable. Not only that, but it doesn’t seem like the plot was made very clear. There is a lot that was pushed into the story and it felt like too much (in my opinion).
I did like the characters at the beginning, but the issues overall overshadowed them. I also didn’t love the Insta love aspect of this book. I felt that this story, and the characters would have benefited from having a slower burn with a lot more tension and character buildup rather than how rushed the story and its events were (more so in the second half of the book the start of this book wasn’t that bad). However, I did like the depth that these characters had. I loved the mental health representation that was done in this book.
I feel really sad saying all of this, considering how much I enjoyed the previous book. But I just don’t understand the amount of five stars that this book has. It just felt very messy overall, and in my opinion just wasn’t very well written.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC to review!
i have so many mixed feelings :/ rtc
April 3, 2025
Note before reviewing: this is the second installment of a series called Carnal Games, centered around a BDSM club (Carnal) and a group of its regulars. Each book in the series focuses on a different couple. 7 Days (formerly titled Cherry Auction), follows Domnhall and Brooke; Unholy Obsession is about Domnhall's sister Moira and Bane. If you would like to read Unholy Obsession, do read 7 Days first; I read 7 Days prior to this ARC in order to best review it.
Stasia Stark writes erotica. The Carnal Games series involves BDSM related content. Unholy Obsession does not beat around the bush, instantly putting the centered couple together. When we start reading, we learn they've already had a sexual encounter at Carnal, and that it was a re-awakening for the both of them. For Moira, it was the first time in a long time she felt anything since falling out with her brother; for Bane, it was a reconnection with a part of himself he's felt he had to hide away for the past few years.
(I wish this scene was the actual start of the book, rather than mentioned as a memory / afterthought. Show, not tell! Although the couple's chemistry sizzles regardless, it would've helped drive home how and why they both experienced this first moment as highly impactful on their lives moving forward. Even a flashback would've worked. The scene is available as a bonus scene on Stasia Black's website, though.)
Despite sharing this indulgence together, these two people couldn't be more different from one and other. Moira ia a self-proclaimed sex addict, whereas Bane is a priest. A legitimate priest. A man of God who just happens to also be a dominant. (He's an Episcopal priest, so no vow of celibacy.)
I'm not religious, so I'm good with it. In fact, I didn't really experience their relationship or their brand of BDSM as all that dark or taboo, though I could understand mostly from Bane's own PoV chapters why it certainly is frowned upon in their lives and why it was an important plot point. And yeah, there is a scene that is very, very... well. Let's just say there's altar worship and then there's ALTAR WORSHIP, okurrrr. But none of it is shocking to me, and so it didn't feel as all that dark. 7 Days delivered more in that regard.
But this isn't to say 7 Days is the better book of the two. I think Unholy Obsession is, in terms of the romance. Moira and Bane both are very sympathetic characters with a lot of layers to them; Moira is feisty and goes through life with everything seemingly gliding off her like water off a duck's back, but she's very sensitive and vulnerable. And so incredibly misunderstood and unsupported. Treated like shit. I found her endearing in a way. Bane, 3 years her senior at age 25, is emotionally intelligent and mature, and he just gets Moira in a way no one else does. He sees her, but he also understands her and what she needs.
It's refreshing to read about a dominant personality who actually is a big fat teddy bear underneath it all and utilizes his dom role as a way to help his sub just be herself. There is no dubious consent. There is give and take despite their roles, especially when it comes to daring to be vulnerable and open. There is clear communication. There is safety, physically and emotionally. I love their relationship. Plot's gotta be plottin', that's the nature of the beast, but at its core, despite it all, their relationship is very solid. A bit of a whirlwind, but solid enough to be believable and to be invested in.
Now plot wise, Unholy Obsession takes a backseat to 7 Days. Because 7 Days is wild. It's just insane. Unholy Obsession focuses more on the romance and Moira's and Bane's personal growth both individually and together, whereas 7 Days is also a decent thriller. Some interesting shit does go down in Unholy Obsession, mostly involving Bane's family background, but I struggled with plot holes and a messy, confusing timeline. One side character's arc goes Off The Fucking Rails and it's distracting, abrupt and kinda unexplained. Another major plot point is explained away but then there's also another explanation that's not... really... clear? There is a lot of chaos in the timeline; the amount of months passed make no sense and are likely errors.
Furthermore, Stasia Black also focuses a bit too heavily on the couple featured in the third not-yet-published installment of Carnal Games. We're not reminded of who they are again, and then much of their relationship development is given away. Will book 03 be a parallel timeline? Probably. But I'm not sure I'm interested in reading that when I've basically read the epilogue already. Besides, Unholy Obsession hands down has the best male and female main character in Bane and Moira. I feel the Carnal Games series maybe hit a high there that's going to be hard to top. Do I need to read more about this band of people beyond this installment? For some of them, I already know their story. And the rest... well, they seem like assholes not really worth any more of my time.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Stasia Stark writes erotica. The Carnal Games series involves BDSM related content. Unholy Obsession does not beat around the bush, instantly putting the centered couple together. When we start reading, we learn they've already had a sexual encounter at Carnal, and that it was a re-awakening for the both of them. For Moira, it was the first time in a long time she felt anything since falling out with her brother; for Bane, it was a reconnection with a part of himself he's felt he had to hide away for the past few years.
(I wish this scene was the actual start of the book, rather than mentioned as a memory / afterthought. Show, not tell! Although the couple's chemistry sizzles regardless, it would've helped drive home how and why they both experienced this first moment as highly impactful on their lives moving forward. Even a flashback would've worked. The scene is available as a bonus scene on Stasia Black's website, though.)
Despite sharing this indulgence together, these two people couldn't be more different from one and other. Moira ia a self-proclaimed sex addict, whereas Bane is a priest. A legitimate priest. A man of God who just happens to also be a dominant. (He's an Episcopal priest, so no vow of celibacy.)
I'm not religious, so I'm good with it. In fact, I didn't really experience their relationship or their brand of BDSM as all that dark or taboo, though I could understand mostly from Bane's own PoV chapters why it certainly is frowned upon in their lives and why it was an important plot point. And yeah, there is a scene that is very, very... well. Let's just say there's altar worship and then there's ALTAR WORSHIP, okurrrr. But none of it is shocking to me, and so it didn't feel as all that dark. 7 Days delivered more in that regard.
But this isn't to say 7 Days is the better book of the two. I think Unholy Obsession is, in terms of the romance. Moira and Bane both are very sympathetic characters with a lot of layers to them; Moira is feisty and goes through life with everything seemingly gliding off her like water off a duck's back, but she's very sensitive and vulnerable. And so incredibly misunderstood and unsupported. Treated like shit. I found her endearing in a way. Bane, 3 years her senior at age 25, is emotionally intelligent and mature, and he just gets Moira in a way no one else does. He sees her, but he also understands her and what she needs.
It's refreshing to read about a dominant personality who actually is a big fat teddy bear underneath it all and utilizes his dom role as a way to help his sub just be herself. There is no dubious consent. There is give and take despite their roles, especially when it comes to daring to be vulnerable and open. There is clear communication. There is safety, physically and emotionally. I love their relationship. Plot's gotta be plottin', that's the nature of the beast, but at its core, despite it all, their relationship is very solid. A bit of a whirlwind, but solid enough to be believable and to be invested in.
Now plot wise, Unholy Obsession takes a backseat to 7 Days. Because 7 Days is wild. It's just insane. Unholy Obsession focuses more on the romance and Moira's and Bane's personal growth both individually and together, whereas 7 Days is also a decent thriller. Some interesting shit does go down in Unholy Obsession, mostly involving Bane's family background, but I struggled with plot holes and a messy, confusing timeline. One side character's arc goes Off The Fucking Rails and it's distracting, abrupt and kinda unexplained. Another major plot point is explained away but then there's also another explanation that's not... really... clear? There is a lot of chaos in the timeline; the amount of months passed make no sense and are likely errors.
Furthermore, Stasia Black also focuses a bit too heavily on the couple featured in the third not-yet-published installment of Carnal Games. We're not reminded of who they are again, and then much of their relationship development is given away. Will book 03 be a parallel timeline? Probably. But I'm not sure I'm interested in reading that when I've basically read the epilogue already. Besides, Unholy Obsession hands down has the best male and female main character in Bane and Moira. I feel the Carnal Games series maybe hit a high there that's going to be hard to top. Do I need to read more about this band of people beyond this installment? For some of them, I already know their story. And the rest... well, they seem like assholes not really worth any more of my time.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
July 19, 2025
I loved the chemistry and the tension between Moira and Bane! We got to know this characters a little in the previous books and I was excited to see where this story would go. It’s steamy and emotional and our MCs are dealing with some big life choices. There are also these moments that are very funny and really break up some of the more emotional and tense moments.
Audio: Both of these characters have so many layers to them and I think that’s really where these two narrators shine! Ok yes, I could listen to Shane read catering menus and be completely enthralled, but that’s beside the point. He did such a great job with Bane - he was having these conflicting thoughts and we really feel that play out.
This was my first book narrated by Willa and it will most definitely not be my last! I loved how she brought Moira to life. She was dealing with addiction and mental health issues and these heavier topics were handled with care.
Also there is an alter scene…that…yeah, you’ll know when you get there!!
✨What To Expect:
✟ Priest romance
✟ Marriage of Convenience
✟ Forbidden Love
✟ Morally Gray MC
✟ Opposites attract
✟ Obsessed Hero
✟ Mental Health Representation
✟ Angst
✟ Found family
✟ Anti-Hero
✟ Unlocks your dark side
Audio: Both of these characters have so many layers to them and I think that’s really where these two narrators shine! Ok yes, I could listen to Shane read catering menus and be completely enthralled, but that’s beside the point. He did such a great job with Bane - he was having these conflicting thoughts and we really feel that play out.
This was my first book narrated by Willa and it will most definitely not be my last! I loved how she brought Moira to life. She was dealing with addiction and mental health issues and these heavier topics were handled with care.
Also there is an alter scene…that…yeah, you’ll know when you get there!!
✨What To Expect:
✟ Priest romance
✟ Marriage of Convenience
✟ Forbidden Love
✟ Morally Gray MC
✟ Opposites attract
✟ Obsessed Hero
✟ Mental Health Representation
✟ Angst
✟ Found family
✟ Anti-Hero
✟ Unlocks your dark side
April 27, 2025
Normally, I don't go for the religious-themed dark romances BUT I'm glad I did for this because it was really interesting and a good read! Definitely check all the TW/CW before diving in because your mental health is important & mental health is a pivotal part of this book as well.
Bane/Father Blackwood probably thinks he's a red flag BF but honestly? Green flags all the way for me 😂 Right away we learn that Moira and Bane had a VERY life changing sexual encounter at the BDSM club Carnal that is central to the series. Moira admits she's a sex addict but it's really just a larger symptom of her mental health issues. The mutual obsession between Bane & Moira leads to him becoming her dom which quickly evolves into a full monogamous relationship, surprising Moira for sure.
There's a lot of outside forces at play in this story, but seeing how Bane consistently shows up and is there for Moira and how she wants to be better for him was the best part of the story. I can't wait to read the Kira & Isaak's story next!
Bane/Father Blackwood probably thinks he's a red flag BF but honestly? Green flags all the way for me 😂 Right away we learn that Moira and Bane had a VERY life changing sexual encounter at the BDSM club Carnal that is central to the series. Moira admits she's a sex addict but it's really just a larger symptom of her mental health issues. The mutual obsession between Bane & Moira leads to him becoming her dom which quickly evolves into a full monogamous relationship, surprising Moira for sure.
There's a lot of outside forces at play in this story, but seeing how Bane consistently shows up and is there for Moira and how she wants to be better for him was the best part of the story. I can't wait to read the Kira & Isaak's story next!
April 11, 2025
so, definitely not my favorite.
i will say the writing in this book was good. very descriptive, enchanting, and almost eerie at the start. i was drawn in at the beginning, but lost interest.
father blackwood's dark allure captivated me at first; he was both mysterious and sexy, and his obsession with moira was everything. both bane and moira had a lot depth, and i enjoyed watching their character development and the evolution of their relationship. their dynamic and communication made the story engaging. i admired the mental health representation, but i did find it challenging to read a pov from a sex addict. bdsm also isn’t my thing, but the plot was thrilling and interesting enough. i also liked that the chapters were short. i think the book would have been more enjoyable if i had read the other books in this series but overall, a decent read! it was good, but maybe just not good for me.
thank you netgalley and stasia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
i will say the writing in this book was good. very descriptive, enchanting, and almost eerie at the start. i was drawn in at the beginning, but lost interest.
father blackwood's dark allure captivated me at first; he was both mysterious and sexy, and his obsession with moira was everything. both bane and moira had a lot depth, and i enjoyed watching their character development and the evolution of their relationship. their dynamic and communication made the story engaging. i admired the mental health representation, but i did find it challenging to read a pov from a sex addict. bdsm also isn’t my thing, but the plot was thrilling and interesting enough. i also liked that the chapters were short. i think the book would have been more enjoyable if i had read the other books in this series but overall, a decent read! it was good, but maybe just not good for me.
thank you netgalley and stasia for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
April 13, 2025
I was hooked within the first few pages of this book, but I found myself tapering off abit throughout the book. Moira and Bane have a complicated relationship with her addictions and his father trying to control Bane. I think their relationship didn't really grow. Lots of side characters were more interesting to me ie Domhnall and MadAnna's which have their own book.
The writing is very good, the story just just didn't take me where I wanted it too.
The last part of the book, like the first was better. Glad I had the opportunity to read it but wasn't gripped.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing is very good, the story just just didn't take me where I wanted it too.
The last part of the book, like the first was better. Glad I had the opportunity to read it but wasn't gripped.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 3, 2025
I received this ARC through NetGalley recently. The blurb captured be straight away when I read it was about a priest who had a dark side. The first few chapters were incredible and pulled me in but as I kept going I found it got repetitive and lost interest. I understand the FMC was addicted to s3x but for me, there wasn’t enough build up when he gave in early on.
Thank you NetGalley and Stasia for allowing me the chance to review this for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Stasia for allowing me the chance to review this for an honest review.
May 16, 2025
*****I received this ebook free from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This was a fun dark romance. It starts out right on the first page grabbing your interest. I honestly thought they would play out the religious aspect a bit longer before it was revealed to Moira. It worked out well but became a different type of romance. Still a great dark romance read overall.
This was a fun dark romance. It starts out right on the first page grabbing your interest. I honestly thought they would play out the religious aspect a bit longer before it was revealed to Moira. It worked out well but became a different type of romance. Still a great dark romance read overall.
June 6, 2025
Wow, this book was so good. I loved the characters, having seen them introduced in the last two of Stacia's books, and was thrilled to get Moira's story and perspective.
The time jumps in the middle of the book were a bit disorienting, but necessary I think to get a longer relationship developed.
The yearning was soooo good! I loved how the perspective shifted from Moira being the tortured soul to it being Bane instead. I really, really loved his character and the journey he went through! Both of their mental health journeys were so well developed and healing!
Check trigger warnings, especially for the self harm/unalive ideation.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The time jumps in the middle of the book were a bit disorienting, but necessary I think to get a longer relationship developed.
The yearning was soooo good! I loved how the perspective shifted from Moira being the tortured soul to it being Bane instead. I really, really loved his character and the journey he went through! Both of their mental health journeys were so well developed and healing!
Check trigger warnings, especially for the self harm/unalive ideation.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2025
The cover on the book is so explosive as well as the story follows.
Story of love,forgiveness ,mental health issues and spicy kinks. The priest and sex addict, very unique and definitely not conventional.
It’s dark romance ,very well written and will keep your attention.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Story of love,forgiveness ,mental health issues and spicy kinks. The priest and sex addict, very unique and definitely not conventional.
It’s dark romance ,very well written and will keep your attention.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2025
It was so steamy and I love the exchanges between father Blackwood and Moria. The book was so well written. I could feel his struggle between him being the sinner Bane and the Priest he is trying to be. The way Bane for her is insane. Her “lessons” are my favorite part.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
Audiobook and Book Review
❤️ Forbidden romance
💛 Priest Dom
🖤 S3x addict
❤️ Marriage of convenience
💛 Mental health rep
🖤 Morally gray
❤️ Found family
💛 Angst
🖤 Obsessed hero
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
☠️There are some triggering themes/topics in this book, so please check all warnings before diving in. Your mental health matters.☠️
This turned out to be a much deeper book than I anticipated, and I’m so glad that it was. It isn’t just surface level spice. No, there is so much more. That “more” was taken to the next level by the remarkable performances of Willa Jaymes and Shane East. These two made this book absolutely unputdownable (that’s a real word, you don’t need to look it up, but it’s for sure a thing 😅). A priest who is a dom, obsessed with a s3x addict that has mental health issues. Oh and throw in a marriage of convenience and then an escape from people who want to harm you? Yeah, definitely a must read/listen if that is your jam!
Unholy Obsession is the third book in the Carnal Games series. You do not have to read the others before this one, but it would give you more background into the characters, specifically the tension between Moira and her brother. That tension lingers throughout the story but is on the back burner to what the main line is. Moira had a night with a masked Dom that fulfilled her in ways she’s never experienced before. When she tries to confess her sins to the delicious looking priest, she never imagined who he was. Bane, aka Father Blackwood, can’t get the carnal need for her, Moira, out of his system. So the two come to an agreement that turns into so much more than either could have foreseen.
The depth, the angst, the tortured feelings that these characters have is so much more than I was expecting. It really pulled me into the story, needing to find out how it would end. I love that despite everything, the love that Moira and Bane finally allow themselves to feel is paramount to anything else. I didn’t read the other books in the series, but the author gave just enough background that I felt I had a solid enough grasp on things. There is so much in this story that I won’t spoil. Is there spice? Yes. Is there plot? Yes. Is it worth the read? Absolutely.
I’ve listened to and enjoyed Shane East’s incredible performances for so long I can’t remember how many of his titles I’ve listened to! He has a massive range in his narration, sometimes incredibly quiet and tense, while others you feel the palpable angst, grief, possession, or whatever the feeling may be. He is ridiculously talented and I think this performance showcases all of his strengths. Opposite him was Willa Jaymes. This is only my second time listening to her perform, but holy motherclucking damn. She. Was. Phenomenal. Like, next level. Like, I’m now obsessed with her and want to listen to everything she narrates. She transformed into Moira with incredible precision, bringing her to life so that it felt like Moira was speaking into my AirPods instead of Jaymes. East and Jaymes were a genius pairing for this audiobook!
Once again I have to thank Must Love Audio for allowing me to listen to another title that will consume my mind for the foreseeable future. Of course a thank you to Stasia Black for writing this story! And East House Productions, you again brought us quite the banger!
⛪️“I am a sinner of the worst order. The kind who wears the cloth of a saint.”
🙏🏼“Because redemption doesn’t come from doing things perfectly. It comes from the fight. From choosing to believe you’re worth saving, even when it feels impossible.”
⛪️“Maybe it’s not wrong to give in to obsession as long as the object of my obsession wants to be devoured.”
🙏🏼“That’s all you’re gonna give me? No more explanation about how you go back and forth from playing, ‘yes, Daddy,’” she moans breathily, then puts her hands together, “to ‘forgive me, Father’?”
⛪️“You belong to me, Moira.”
🙏🏼“Let the whole f***ing world burn. Nothing matters but the woman in front of me.”
❤️ Forbidden romance
💛 Priest Dom
🖤 S3x addict
❤️ Marriage of convenience
💛 Mental health rep
🖤 Morally gray
❤️ Found family
💛 Angst
🖤 Obsessed hero
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
☠️There are some triggering themes/topics in this book, so please check all warnings before diving in. Your mental health matters.☠️
This turned out to be a much deeper book than I anticipated, and I’m so glad that it was. It isn’t just surface level spice. No, there is so much more. That “more” was taken to the next level by the remarkable performances of Willa Jaymes and Shane East. These two made this book absolutely unputdownable (that’s a real word, you don’t need to look it up, but it’s for sure a thing 😅). A priest who is a dom, obsessed with a s3x addict that has mental health issues. Oh and throw in a marriage of convenience and then an escape from people who want to harm you? Yeah, definitely a must read/listen if that is your jam!
Unholy Obsession is the third book in the Carnal Games series. You do not have to read the others before this one, but it would give you more background into the characters, specifically the tension between Moira and her brother. That tension lingers throughout the story but is on the back burner to what the main line is. Moira had a night with a masked Dom that fulfilled her in ways she’s never experienced before. When she tries to confess her sins to the delicious looking priest, she never imagined who he was. Bane, aka Father Blackwood, can’t get the carnal need for her, Moira, out of his system. So the two come to an agreement that turns into so much more than either could have foreseen.
The depth, the angst, the tortured feelings that these characters have is so much more than I was expecting. It really pulled me into the story, needing to find out how it would end. I love that despite everything, the love that Moira and Bane finally allow themselves to feel is paramount to anything else. I didn’t read the other books in the series, but the author gave just enough background that I felt I had a solid enough grasp on things. There is so much in this story that I won’t spoil. Is there spice? Yes. Is there plot? Yes. Is it worth the read? Absolutely.
I’ve listened to and enjoyed Shane East’s incredible performances for so long I can’t remember how many of his titles I’ve listened to! He has a massive range in his narration, sometimes incredibly quiet and tense, while others you feel the palpable angst, grief, possession, or whatever the feeling may be. He is ridiculously talented and I think this performance showcases all of his strengths. Opposite him was Willa Jaymes. This is only my second time listening to her perform, but holy motherclucking damn. She. Was. Phenomenal. Like, next level. Like, I’m now obsessed with her and want to listen to everything she narrates. She transformed into Moira with incredible precision, bringing her to life so that it felt like Moira was speaking into my AirPods instead of Jaymes. East and Jaymes were a genius pairing for this audiobook!
Once again I have to thank Must Love Audio for allowing me to listen to another title that will consume my mind for the foreseeable future. Of course a thank you to Stasia Black for writing this story! And East House Productions, you again brought us quite the banger!
⛪️“I am a sinner of the worst order. The kind who wears the cloth of a saint.”
🙏🏼“Because redemption doesn’t come from doing things perfectly. It comes from the fight. From choosing to believe you’re worth saving, even when it feels impossible.”
⛪️“Maybe it’s not wrong to give in to obsession as long as the object of my obsession wants to be devoured.”
🙏🏼“That’s all you’re gonna give me? No more explanation about how you go back and forth from playing, ‘yes, Daddy,’” she moans breathily, then puts her hands together, “to ‘forgive me, Father’?”
⛪️“You belong to me, Moira.”
🙏🏼“Let the whole f***ing world burn. Nothing matters but the woman in front of me.”
June 1, 2025
Unholy Obsession is the third book in the Carnal Games Series. A dark steamy full-length standalone romance filled with mystery, steam, tension, emotions and secrecy. A brilliantly written story with two flawed and broken individuals and a twisty and complex storyline that grabs the audience attention from the first chapter and keeps you transfixed and turning the pages with twists and turns and suspense. Wow is all that I can say about this series. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride of cravings and heart-stirring emotions and follow along as these two characters fall in love with each other. A definite page turner with enticing erotic scenes that will have you sweating like a sinner on Sunday. An unputdownable and absorbing addictive read. Unholy Obsession is sexy, emotion-filled delight. It completely blew me away. "I can't say enough good things about Unholy Obsession! A very touching love story about two people who suffered past trauma and overcoming hardships come together in a very passionate and loving way."
A city life fiction romance, dark romance, alpha male romance, contemporary romance, erotica romance, anti-hero romance, morally-grey romance, priest romance, stalker romance with passion, spicy, revelations, hurt and pain, trauma, sadness, grief, mental illness, abuse, love, control, secrets, stalking, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, kinky fuckery, angst, BDSM, Dom/Sub relationship, redemption, healing, sex addict, heartache, religious taboo, secret identity, power and control, drama, spanking, fear and so much more. Father Blackwood was once Bane Blackwolf and heir to a legacy of blood and sin. He's a monster in the making but instead he has chosen the cloth over the crown created in blood. He buried his name and became Father Blackwood. He's an Episcopalian priest with very dark tendencies and kinky proclivities.
Although he's a priest he enjoys visiting sex club as a Dom behind a mask to order to keep his identity hidden. For years he had deny himself and buried his dark urges until he gives in and goes to the club. He meets a woman there, Moira Callaghan where they had a mind-blowing encounter that actually changes both of their lives. Moira is an undiagnosed sex addict with a troubled childhood past riddle with trauma, abuse and mental health issues. She often visits the sex club not too far from the church. One night she went into the confessional booth to confession her sins unbeknowing to her that she was confessing to her Dom. He knew she was his from that day on he started stalking her. Because she was the only one who have somehow managed to silent the demon inside him. She had been looking all over for the Dom changed her life. Their chemistry was electrifying, magnetic, carnal and filthy. They're both suffering from things and has family issues and needs healing. I'll stop here for now.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A city life fiction romance, dark romance, alpha male romance, contemporary romance, erotica romance, anti-hero romance, morally-grey romance, priest romance, stalker romance with passion, spicy, revelations, hurt and pain, trauma, sadness, grief, mental illness, abuse, love, control, secrets, stalking, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, kinky fuckery, angst, BDSM, Dom/Sub relationship, redemption, healing, sex addict, heartache, religious taboo, secret identity, power and control, drama, spanking, fear and so much more. Father Blackwood was once Bane Blackwolf and heir to a legacy of blood and sin. He's a monster in the making but instead he has chosen the cloth over the crown created in blood. He buried his name and became Father Blackwood. He's an Episcopalian priest with very dark tendencies and kinky proclivities.
Although he's a priest he enjoys visiting sex club as a Dom behind a mask to order to keep his identity hidden. For years he had deny himself and buried his dark urges until he gives in and goes to the club. He meets a woman there, Moira Callaghan where they had a mind-blowing encounter that actually changes both of their lives. Moira is an undiagnosed sex addict with a troubled childhood past riddle with trauma, abuse and mental health issues. She often visits the sex club not too far from the church. One night she went into the confessional booth to confession her sins unbeknowing to her that she was confessing to her Dom. He knew she was his from that day on he started stalking her. Because she was the only one who have somehow managed to silent the demon inside him. She had been looking all over for the Dom changed her life. Their chemistry was electrifying, magnetic, carnal and filthy. They're both suffering from things and has family issues and needs healing. I'll stop here for now.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2025
Moira and Bane's story was pure chaos, messy and an obsession that neither could deny.
Moira is a sex addict and Father Bane Blackwood is a man of god, but his Dom persona speaks to Moira on a level that matches his own.
What they have is wild, unadulterated and chaotic that nothing makes sense.
Moira and Bane both have trauma in there life from there respective families, it's ruled them for far too long and it's time for them to take who they are back.
They repent their sins on the alter of the church in such an unholy manner which then leads to them in getting hitched. Bane loves Moira with every fibre of his being and he will not let her go.
But Bane's father has other plans for his son that don't include Moira, which puts her in a difficult position with her sister in law MadsAnna. To save her brother Domhn she lets Bane go, which pushes her towards a downward spiral.
Moira finally gets the help that she needs, now knowing what mental illness that she has, she is living a normal that she's not used too.
Bane is coming to terms with his father's passing, and when Moira learns that his father is gone, do they reconnect, and Bane learns the truth of what Moira did what she did, regardless he still loves her, but what is unsettling for Moira is will Bane still want her now that she is normal, Bane reassures her that he meant every word of his vows, vowing to love her in sickness and in health and will love every facet of her regardless.
That being said, Bane travels to England to settle his father's estate coming face to face with his brothers and sister. They are less than cordial, yet when there father's will is read out do they go into uproar, only Bane flips it on the head with his own stipulations, one his family will accept or get absolutely nothing. And in this moment do Moira and Bane reconnect on an intimate level, because Bane went through literally hell without Moira and he has a lot to make up for and he does in the most delicious of ways.
And when they return home, they create their new normal one of mutual patience, love and understanding, and look forward to a future unknown together.
Those smexy scenes were downright steamy, spicy, hot, sinfully wicked, deliciously dirty and depraved and between Moira and Bane they both know how to give as good as they get.
Recommend both the author and the book. Looking forward to reading how Isaak and Kira's story unfolds.
I received a copy of this book for and honest review.
Moira is a sex addict and Father Bane Blackwood is a man of god, but his Dom persona speaks to Moira on a level that matches his own.
What they have is wild, unadulterated and chaotic that nothing makes sense.
Moira and Bane both have trauma in there life from there respective families, it's ruled them for far too long and it's time for them to take who they are back.
They repent their sins on the alter of the church in such an unholy manner which then leads to them in getting hitched. Bane loves Moira with every fibre of his being and he will not let her go.
But Bane's father has other plans for his son that don't include Moira, which puts her in a difficult position with her sister in law MadsAnna. To save her brother Domhn she lets Bane go, which pushes her towards a downward spiral.
Moira finally gets the help that she needs, now knowing what mental illness that she has, she is living a normal that she's not used too.
Bane is coming to terms with his father's passing, and when Moira learns that his father is gone, do they reconnect, and Bane learns the truth of what Moira did what she did, regardless he still loves her, but what is unsettling for Moira is will Bane still want her now that she is normal, Bane reassures her that he meant every word of his vows, vowing to love her in sickness and in health and will love every facet of her regardless.
That being said, Bane travels to England to settle his father's estate coming face to face with his brothers and sister. They are less than cordial, yet when there father's will is read out do they go into uproar, only Bane flips it on the head with his own stipulations, one his family will accept or get absolutely nothing. And in this moment do Moira and Bane reconnect on an intimate level, because Bane went through literally hell without Moira and he has a lot to make up for and he does in the most delicious of ways.
And when they return home, they create their new normal one of mutual patience, love and understanding, and look forward to a future unknown together.
Those smexy scenes were downright steamy, spicy, hot, sinfully wicked, deliciously dirty and depraved and between Moira and Bane they both know how to give as good as they get.
Recommend both the author and the book. Looking forward to reading how Isaak and Kira's story unfolds.
I received a copy of this book for and honest review.
April 30, 2025
Stasia Black's "Unholy Obsession" throws you headfirst into a maelstrom of forbidden desire and buried secrets, perfectly encapsulated by the tantalizing tagline: "I used her body like an altar. Now she’s here for confession." This book isn't for the faint of heart, delving into the dangerously blurred lines between sacred vows and profane longing.
Father Blackwood, once the notorious Bane Blackwolf, believed he'd traded a legacy of violence for the sanctity of the church. He’s a man wrestling with a past he desperately tries to keep buried beneath his cassock. That carefully constructed facade begins to crumble the moment Moira walks into his church. She’s a woman who ignites a fire in him he thought long extinguished, a temptation that threatens to consume his very soul.
The narrative crackles with the undeniable chemistry between Bane and Moira. Their connection is raw and intense, fueled by a shared history Moira remains blissfully unaware of. The description hints at a past encounter, a night where Bane, masked and anonymous, brought Moira to her knees. Now, as she seeks solace and confession from the very man who haunts her memories, the tension becomes almost unbearable.
Black masterfully portrays Bane's internal conflict. His vows of priesthood clash violently with the primal urges Moira awakens within him. He’s a man teetering on the precipice, torn between his commitment to God and the undeniable pull of a woman who silences his inner demons. The possessiveness hinted at – "Moira is mine" – adds a layer of dark intensity that will undoubtedly appeal to readers who enjoy their romance with an edge.
The promise of Moira being "the only thing that silences my demons" suggests a compelling exploration of how love and obsession can intertwine, offering both salvation and potential destruction. The stakes are sky-high, with Bane risking not only his vows but also the exposure of his past.
If you're looking for a romance that pushes boundaries, explores the allure of the forbidden, and features a hero wrestling with his dark nature, "Unholy Obsession" seems poised to deliver. Be prepared for a steamy and potentially morally ambiguous journey where the lines between sin and salvation become dangerously blurred, and the confession might just unleash a whole new kind of obsession.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Father Blackwood, once the notorious Bane Blackwolf, believed he'd traded a legacy of violence for the sanctity of the church. He’s a man wrestling with a past he desperately tries to keep buried beneath his cassock. That carefully constructed facade begins to crumble the moment Moira walks into his church. She’s a woman who ignites a fire in him he thought long extinguished, a temptation that threatens to consume his very soul.
The narrative crackles with the undeniable chemistry between Bane and Moira. Their connection is raw and intense, fueled by a shared history Moira remains blissfully unaware of. The description hints at a past encounter, a night where Bane, masked and anonymous, brought Moira to her knees. Now, as she seeks solace and confession from the very man who haunts her memories, the tension becomes almost unbearable.
Black masterfully portrays Bane's internal conflict. His vows of priesthood clash violently with the primal urges Moira awakens within him. He’s a man teetering on the precipice, torn between his commitment to God and the undeniable pull of a woman who silences his inner demons. The possessiveness hinted at – "Moira is mine" – adds a layer of dark intensity that will undoubtedly appeal to readers who enjoy their romance with an edge.
The promise of Moira being "the only thing that silences my demons" suggests a compelling exploration of how love and obsession can intertwine, offering both salvation and potential destruction. The stakes are sky-high, with Bane risking not only his vows but also the exposure of his past.
If you're looking for a romance that pushes boundaries, explores the allure of the forbidden, and features a hero wrestling with his dark nature, "Unholy Obsession" seems poised to deliver. Be prepared for a steamy and potentially morally ambiguous journey where the lines between sin and salvation become dangerously blurred, and the confession might just unleash a whole new kind of obsession.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2025
From the very first pages, Unholy Obsession pulls readers into the incendiary connection between Moira and Bane—a bond forged in the shadows of the BDSM club, Carnal, and strengthened by emotional rawness as much as physical intensity. What begins as a life-altering sexual encounter quickly evolves into something far deeper and more complex. Moira, who openly admits to being a sex addict, gradually realizes her addiction is a symptom of broader mental health issues. She is a sympathetic, layered, yet deeply misunderstood and emotionally raw character. Bane, is a revelation. A priest who loves control and exorcises his demons at a sex club. Until he meets Moira, who calms his soul. Wow! Despite his role as Moira’s dominant, I loved that he was much more of a softie beneath the surface—a portrayal refreshing in a genre that often leans too heavily into dark and brooding aloofness. Their power exchange is rooted in trust, vulnerability, and mutual growth, making their dynamic all the more compelling. Bane doesn’t just control—he cares, offering Moira the safety she’s rarely known and the emotional support she’s long been denied. Their relationship is further complicated by external forces—Moira’s struggle with her addiction, Bane’s controlling father, and the constant push-pull of past and present. The chemistry between them is scorching, dripping with electric tension. Stasia expertly explores Bane’s internal conflict, particularly his torn identity between sacred vows and carnal desire. These layers of forbidden tension add a beautifully taboo undertone to the romance, even if this story doesn't quite match the intensity of Cherry Auction. While the novel is rich in character development and emotional resonance, it’s not without flaws. Some plot inconsistencies and abrupt time jumps occasionally undercut the narrative momentum, and certain threads feel underdeveloped or abandoned. Still, the core of the story—Moira and Bane’s evolving bond and the emotional authenticity they bring to each other—is powerful enough to carry the reader through. All in all, Unholy Obsession is a provocative, emotionally intelligent exploration of love forged in darkness. It challenges ideas of dominance, submission, healing, and trust in refreshing ways, offering a romance that is as tender as it is intense.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 27, 2025
The title delivers what it promises and summarises the book perfectly! I thoroughly enjoyed this dark and intense romance novel that felt like an emotional rollercoaster and kept me hooked from the start with its complex characters, suspense, intrigue, danger, sizzling chemistry and hot love scenes. I already knew Moira from the first part of the series, which I really enjoyed, and was curious to find out more about her story. Readers of the previous book „7 Days“ (previously titled „Cherry Auction“) know that Moira is a sex addict and doesn't quite have her life under control. But in the course of this book you realise that there is much more to it than that. Bane also has mental health issues brought on by his childhood with his hedonistic, controlling father. The chemistry between the two sizzles from the start and although they are totally different in nature, they are just right for each other. The other characters from the previous book and other members from the Carnal and previous events also play big roles, so I definitely recommend starting with the first installment of the series.
I can well imagine that some readers might find some scenes offensive or upsetting, that’s why I would advise reading the author's trigger warnings beforehand and taking them seriously.
Bane Blackwolf aka Father Blackwood turned to the priesthood to atone for his sinful and dissolute life under his father’s influence, to control his urges and to find peace. Nevertheless, he secretly visits Carnal in disguise and spends a hot night with Moira, whom he cannot forget afterwards and becomes obsessed with. He secretly observes her during the nights.
Since the incidents of the previous year, Moira's brother Domhn has broken off contact with her and she feels more alone and driven than before. The inner pressure, which she can only control with sex, is getting worse and worse. But after her night with dom Bane, she no longer has any satisfaction from it. On the run from a violent lover, she meets Bane again, who takes her to his parish house and begins her training in self-control and self-discipline...
If you enjoy dark BDSM romances with a lot of depth and emotion, you are sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
I can well imagine that some readers might find some scenes offensive or upsetting, that’s why I would advise reading the author's trigger warnings beforehand and taking them seriously.
Bane Blackwolf aka Father Blackwood turned to the priesthood to atone for his sinful and dissolute life under his father’s influence, to control his urges and to find peace. Nevertheless, he secretly visits Carnal in disguise and spends a hot night with Moira, whom he cannot forget afterwards and becomes obsessed with. He secretly observes her during the nights.
Since the incidents of the previous year, Moira's brother Domhn has broken off contact with her and she feels more alone and driven than before. The inner pressure, which she can only control with sex, is getting worse and worse. But after her night with dom Bane, she no longer has any satisfaction from it. On the run from a violent lover, she meets Bane again, who takes her to his parish house and begins her training in self-control and self-discipline...
If you enjoy dark BDSM romances with a lot of depth and emotion, you are sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
November 21, 2025
⭐ **Review: *Unholy Vows* by Stasia Black**
I really wanted to like this book more because I was genuinely excited to finally get Moira’s story. You could tell from book one that she had layers of trauma, and I was curious to explore that deeper.
⚠️ **Trigger Warnings**
* 🩹 Self-harm
* 💔 Suicidal thoughts / unaliving mentions
* 🧠 Bipolar disorder representation
* 😣 Trauma
* 👿 Emotional cruelty (sibling)
* 🔊 Yelling / aggressive behavior
* 💊 Medication discussion
*(May contain additional triggers depending on reader sensitivity.)*
--- ✨ **Tropes**
* 👤 Damaged-but-strong FMC
* 💕 Protective MMC
* 🖤 Dark romance undertones
* 🔥 Complicated family dynamics
* 🧠 Mental Health + Bipolar Rep
* 💔 Trauma & Healing
* 😍 MMC who adores every quirk
* 🎧 Intense MMC (yells a lot)
---
💕 **What I Liked**
The FMC was unapologetic and fully accepted herself, even while clearly struggling. You could also tell she had thoughts of unaliving herself and doing physical harm to her body, and I feel that was handled with depth and care.
The MMC absolutely adored her—accepted every single one of her quirks—and the mental health representation throughout was very well done. I also liked that he recognized she was Bipolar and how Moira described the effects of medication. Those parts felt raw, honest, and grounded.
---
😬 **What Didn’t Work for Me**
Dohmall was honestly horrible to his sister for a mistake she made—one that unintentionally sent his fiancée/girlfriend into a downward spiral. It felt extreme and unfair.
I liked Bane, but he yelled *a lot*. Maybe the audio version amplified it, but some of the yelling felt unnecessary. I prefer an MMC who can strike fear with a calm, cold tone instead of constant shouting.
---
⭐ **Final Thoughts**
There were pieces of this story I truly appreciated—especially the mental health depth—but some character choices pulled me out of it. Moira had real potential, and the honesty in parts really landed, even if the overall delivery didn’t fully work for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.Unholy Obsession
I really wanted to like this book more because I was genuinely excited to finally get Moira’s story. You could tell from book one that she had layers of trauma, and I was curious to explore that deeper.
⚠️ **Trigger Warnings**
* 🩹 Self-harm
* 💔 Suicidal thoughts / unaliving mentions
* 🧠 Bipolar disorder representation
* 😣 Trauma
* 👿 Emotional cruelty (sibling)
* 🔊 Yelling / aggressive behavior
* 💊 Medication discussion
*(May contain additional triggers depending on reader sensitivity.)*
--- ✨ **Tropes**
* 👤 Damaged-but-strong FMC
* 💕 Protective MMC
* 🖤 Dark romance undertones
* 🔥 Complicated family dynamics
* 🧠 Mental Health + Bipolar Rep
* 💔 Trauma & Healing
* 😍 MMC who adores every quirk
* 🎧 Intense MMC (yells a lot)
---
💕 **What I Liked**
The FMC was unapologetic and fully accepted herself, even while clearly struggling. You could also tell she had thoughts of unaliving herself and doing physical harm to her body, and I feel that was handled with depth and care.
The MMC absolutely adored her—accepted every single one of her quirks—and the mental health representation throughout was very well done. I also liked that he recognized she was Bipolar and how Moira described the effects of medication. Those parts felt raw, honest, and grounded.
---
😬 **What Didn’t Work for Me**
Dohmall was honestly horrible to his sister for a mistake she made—one that unintentionally sent his fiancée/girlfriend into a downward spiral. It felt extreme and unfair.
I liked Bane, but he yelled *a lot*. Maybe the audio version amplified it, but some of the yelling felt unnecessary. I prefer an MMC who can strike fear with a calm, cold tone instead of constant shouting.
---
⭐ **Final Thoughts**
There were pieces of this story I truly appreciated—especially the mental health depth—but some character choices pulled me out of it. Moira had real potential, and the honesty in parts really landed, even if the overall delivery didn’t fully work for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.Unholy Obsession
April 18, 2025
Look, I went into Unholy Obsession thinking, “Surely, a priest with a bondage kink can’t get more scandalous than this,” and boy did Stasia Black say, “Hold my Bible and bend over the pew.”
Father Blackwood (Bane, if you’re nasty) is our charmingly tormented Episcopal priest—think smoldering eyes, trauma baggage, and a priest’s collar that tightens every time Moira walks into the room. Which is often. And usually after she’s just blown up her life again.
Moira, bless her chaotic, sex-starved, emotionally imploding heart, is the kind of hot mess you don’t root for so much as buckle in and hold on. She’s like your favorite soap opera character who just stole a cop car, seduced the DA, and then cried about her ex at a strip poker game. Endearing, really.
The writing is deliciously filthy with lines that made me clutch my pearls and then remove them because apparently, we’re using them as restraints now. The whole vibe is like Hozier lyrics had a threesome with a goth confession booth and a leather paddle.
Triggers? Oh honey, this is a whole collection of triggers:
• Religious trauma (served extra crispy)
• Physical and emotional abuse
• Mental illness (including self-harm ideation)
• Violence
• A priest with more issues than National Geographic
Check the author’s site for the full laundry list if you don’t want to be blindsided by the holy water enemas of emotional damage.
So why only 3 stars if I’m clearly obsessed?
Because:
1. Emotional Whiplash: One second we’re sobbing in a pew, the next we’re spanking someone with a Bible. And somehow… neither feels fully earned. It’s trauma dumping with a twist of lube.
2. Repetitive Angst: There’s only so many times a man can internally monologue “I’m a monster” before you want to grab him by the collar (in a non-kinky way) and say, “Yes, babe, we GET it.”
3. Too Much Cockblocking, Not Enough Plot: The sexual tension could light up the Vatican, but sometimes it felt like foreplay for a plot that never fully climaxed.
That said—if you’re here for spicy sacrilege, holy thirst traps, and sinners who need very specific types of redemption, you’ll devour this book like communion wafers after a week-long fast.
Just… maybe don’t recommend it to your grandma’s book club.
Father Blackwood (Bane, if you’re nasty) is our charmingly tormented Episcopal priest—think smoldering eyes, trauma baggage, and a priest’s collar that tightens every time Moira walks into the room. Which is often. And usually after she’s just blown up her life again.
Moira, bless her chaotic, sex-starved, emotionally imploding heart, is the kind of hot mess you don’t root for so much as buckle in and hold on. She’s like your favorite soap opera character who just stole a cop car, seduced the DA, and then cried about her ex at a strip poker game. Endearing, really.
The writing is deliciously filthy with lines that made me clutch my pearls and then remove them because apparently, we’re using them as restraints now. The whole vibe is like Hozier lyrics had a threesome with a goth confession booth and a leather paddle.
Triggers? Oh honey, this is a whole collection of triggers:
• Religious trauma (served extra crispy)
• Physical and emotional abuse
• Mental illness (including self-harm ideation)
• Violence
• A priest with more issues than National Geographic
Check the author’s site for the full laundry list if you don’t want to be blindsided by the holy water enemas of emotional damage.
So why only 3 stars if I’m clearly obsessed?
Because:
1. Emotional Whiplash: One second we’re sobbing in a pew, the next we’re spanking someone with a Bible. And somehow… neither feels fully earned. It’s trauma dumping with a twist of lube.
2. Repetitive Angst: There’s only so many times a man can internally monologue “I’m a monster” before you want to grab him by the collar (in a non-kinky way) and say, “Yes, babe, we GET it.”
3. Too Much Cockblocking, Not Enough Plot: The sexual tension could light up the Vatican, but sometimes it felt like foreplay for a plot that never fully climaxed.
That said—if you’re here for spicy sacrilege, holy thirst traps, and sinners who need very specific types of redemption, you’ll devour this book like communion wafers after a week-long fast.
Just… maybe don’t recommend it to your grandma’s book club.
April 8, 2025
Bane's father, the wealthiest man in the world, is known for doing unholy and cruel things. So Bane became a priest, Father Blackwolf, to try and get away from that life, but he's having trouble doing so. His father was indulgent and taught him to do the same - have fun and use people as he sees fit.
Something happened in Moira's past, damaging her relationship with her brother, and she hasn't been able to feel much... until Bane came along. They first meet at a nightclub (from Book 1); he makes her feel alive, and she quiets the darkness inside. But the next day, she's unable to find him again. One day, she sees a nearby church and confesses her sins (She didn't know it was Bane as he wore a mask at the club that night). Little does she know that the priest listening is the one she is looking for.
They both had challenges and demons to overcome, which created a strong push-and-pull relationship. Bane's father tries to interfere, which causes trouble for them. The last half of the book had lots of mystery, suspense, heartaches, steamy scenes and twists.
Bane is supposed to be her Dom, but there were some femdom type scenes (which I'm not a fan of) and I felt that it changed how I viewed his character.
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Bane (Father Blackwolf) & Moira
Darkness: Bane's father was a horrible man, but I didn't find this book that dark
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novel - Book 1 is Moira's brother (Originally called Cherry Auction changed to 7 Days)
Title: Unholy Obsession - Book 2
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, loyal and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*Third Act Breakup
*Priest Taboo
*Church Scenes
*Mental Health
*Abu$e (not between the MCs)
*Long list of TWs
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
Something happened in Moira's past, damaging her relationship with her brother, and she hasn't been able to feel much... until Bane came along. They first meet at a nightclub (from Book 1); he makes her feel alive, and she quiets the darkness inside. But the next day, she's unable to find him again. One day, she sees a nearby church and confesses her sins (She didn't know it was Bane as he wore a mask at the club that night). Little does she know that the priest listening is the one she is looking for.
They both had challenges and demons to overcome, which created a strong push-and-pull relationship. Bane's father tries to interfere, which causes trouble for them. The last half of the book had lots of mystery, suspense, heartaches, steamy scenes and twists.
Bane is supposed to be her Dom, but there were some femdom type scenes (which I'm not a fan of) and I felt that it changed how I viewed his character.
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 3 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Bane (Father Blackwolf) & Moira
Darkness: Bane's father was a horrible man, but I didn't find this book that dark
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novel - Book 1 is Moira's brother (Originally called Cherry Auction changed to 7 Days)
Title: Unholy Obsession - Book 2
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, loyal and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her
*Third Act Breakup
*Priest Taboo
*Church Scenes
*Mental Health
*Abu$e (not between the MCs)
*Long list of TWs
*No cheating or sharing
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 24, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Unholy Obsession is the 3rd book in the Carnal Games series, and it is centered around a group of people that go to a BDSM club. This is an erotic romance between a troubled sex addict and a priest.
Moira is a sex addict, and she is struggling to get off after the fallout with her brother. She recently had a hot experience with a masked Dom at the club named Bane that left her wanting more. Bane is actually a priest with a dark past, and he becomes obsessed with Moira. He can’t stay away from her, and they decide to start a BDSM relationship. Bane falls for her fast, but his rich and abusive father does not want him to be with Moira, and he uses dark methods to end their relationship.
I read the 2nd book in this series and really enjoyed it, but I felt confused with this one because it had a lot to do with the first book. I never read Moira’s brother’s book, so I felt a little lost when it came to their past. I think you should definitely read that book before reading this one for better enjoyment.
I am not really religious, so I didn’t find this taboo, especially since he is an Episcopal priest and he did not have vows of celibacy. The alter sex scene was super hot, but also very moving and felt more emotional. The characters were connecting on a more intimate level.
I thought the whole 3rd act was confusing and a little disjointed. I couldn’t really get connected to the side characters or suspense element. I did enjoy Moira’s journey to finally deal with her mental health and finally work on herself. I also appreciated how devoted Bane was to her, and he is super swoony.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This audiobook had duet narration by Shane East and Willa Jaymes. Shane East is one of my favorite narrators, and his performance was so emotional, and he brought so much passion to every scene. He is phenomenal!!! Willa also did a great job showcasing Moira’s chaotic and manic behaviors. I would recommend the audio since this was also a pretty long book.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Unholy Obsession is the 3rd book in the Carnal Games series, and it is centered around a group of people that go to a BDSM club. This is an erotic romance between a troubled sex addict and a priest.
Moira is a sex addict, and she is struggling to get off after the fallout with her brother. She recently had a hot experience with a masked Dom at the club named Bane that left her wanting more. Bane is actually a priest with a dark past, and he becomes obsessed with Moira. He can’t stay away from her, and they decide to start a BDSM relationship. Bane falls for her fast, but his rich and abusive father does not want him to be with Moira, and he uses dark methods to end their relationship.
I read the 2nd book in this series and really enjoyed it, but I felt confused with this one because it had a lot to do with the first book. I never read Moira’s brother’s book, so I felt a little lost when it came to their past. I think you should definitely read that book before reading this one for better enjoyment.
I am not really religious, so I didn’t find this taboo, especially since he is an Episcopal priest and he did not have vows of celibacy. The alter sex scene was super hot, but also very moving and felt more emotional. The characters were connecting on a more intimate level.
I thought the whole 3rd act was confusing and a little disjointed. I couldn’t really get connected to the side characters or suspense element. I did enjoy Moira’s journey to finally deal with her mental health and finally work on herself. I also appreciated how devoted Bane was to her, and he is super swoony.
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
This audiobook had duet narration by Shane East and Willa Jaymes. Shane East is one of my favorite narrators, and his performance was so emotional, and he brought so much passion to every scene. He is phenomenal!!! Willa also did a great job showcasing Moira’s chaotic and manic behaviors. I would recommend the audio since this was also a pretty long book.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
August 23, 2025
“I’m not waiting for you to fall apart, Moira. I’m waiting for you to let go.”
I was looking for a forbidden romance that wasn’t overhyped but still plenty of plot and spice. I’m excited to post that this was it! Episcopal priest with dangerous and troubled past goes to a sex club and meets sex obsessed/nymphomaniac female! This is a single FMC and single MMC working together through their trauma to become better individuals and navigating the light and dark of their lives. A standalone from the series, Carnal Games. I did not read the other two books out so I may have missed out on Easter eggs or explanations of this couple and the supporting characters. I didn’t feel I needed to read them either. Check out the trigger warnings though! This has heavy trauma, domestic abuse, parental alienation, BDSM, but it does a great job representing various mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, etc in true light. As a person with OCD and PTSD I was pleased with the accuracy.
This book started out fast and then stalled. Going back and forth a bit repetitive and predictable until the action started half way through. I almost DNF the book as a result until supporting character Mads/Anne gets Moira into some hot water or saves her from it. I’m still not entirely sure. Nonetheless, the book was an interesting read and when the smut was going it was so hot! Sex in the church caught by a parishioner! Yes, please!! I do recommend this book but know there are some redundant elements that could have been left out.
“Bastard. Sadistic, gorgeous bastard. He loves to torture me, but not without purpose. There’s an art to it with him, every flick of his fingers, every command—a calculated masterpiece of control.”
“Oh dear. I have the horrible, no good, absolutely deliciously delightful feeling that I’m about to be in trouble. And I do so love trouble.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was looking for a forbidden romance that wasn’t overhyped but still plenty of plot and spice. I’m excited to post that this was it! Episcopal priest with dangerous and troubled past goes to a sex club and meets sex obsessed/nymphomaniac female! This is a single FMC and single MMC working together through their trauma to become better individuals and navigating the light and dark of their lives. A standalone from the series, Carnal Games. I did not read the other two books out so I may have missed out on Easter eggs or explanations of this couple and the supporting characters. I didn’t feel I needed to read them either. Check out the trigger warnings though! This has heavy trauma, domestic abuse, parental alienation, BDSM, but it does a great job representing various mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, etc in true light. As a person with OCD and PTSD I was pleased with the accuracy.
This book started out fast and then stalled. Going back and forth a bit repetitive and predictable until the action started half way through. I almost DNF the book as a result until supporting character Mads/Anne gets Moira into some hot water or saves her from it. I’m still not entirely sure. Nonetheless, the book was an interesting read and when the smut was going it was so hot! Sex in the church caught by a parishioner! Yes, please!! I do recommend this book but know there are some redundant elements that could have been left out.
“Bastard. Sadistic, gorgeous bastard. He loves to torture me, but not without purpose. There’s an art to it with him, every flick of his fingers, every command—a calculated masterpiece of control.”
“Oh dear. I have the horrible, no good, absolutely deliciously delightful feeling that I’m about to be in trouble. And I do so love trouble.”.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2025
❤️🔥Unholy Obsession❤️🔥
By Stasia Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Star Review
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5 Spicy Level
This is book 2 of 3 in the Carnal Games series by Stacia Black. I did not read book 1 prior. It is set up as a standalone but has shared characters with the other books. Each book in this series is about a different love story. It’s definitely a dark romance in genre with explicit scenes and a lot of strong emotional cues.
Unholy Obsession is the story of Bane and Moira.
Father Bane Blackwood is an Episcopalian priest who has some “darker” tendencies and enjoys visits to a local sex club, Carnal, while wearing a mask to hide his identity. He comes from money with a very troubled past. He has been living humbly as a priest, no contact with his family by choice for many years, and trying to gain absolution from past poor choices. One evening after giving in to his darker urges, he meets Moira Callaghan at Carnal where they have a rather intense scene together.
Moira Callaghan also comes from a very troubled past with a childhood suggestive of abuse. It’s very clear she has serious undiagnosed mental health issues which play a huge part in this story. The author does a phenomenal job of realistically portraying the mental health problems & how they affect daily life, both in the short and the long term.
These two together are explosive. Wild. Chaotic. Passionate. They are both inherently good people who have made poor past choices, trying to be better, making each other better, all while trying to make their relationship work and manage difficult family dynamics.
This was my first book I’ve read by this author. I would like to read the other two from this series after meeting those characters in this book.
The author does offer bonus content for this book through a link at the end via Book Funnel.
I did read this book as an ARC after publication date.
❤️🔥Happy Reading!❤️🔥
By Stasia Black
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Star Review
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5/5 Spicy Level
This is book 2 of 3 in the Carnal Games series by Stacia Black. I did not read book 1 prior. It is set up as a standalone but has shared characters with the other books. Each book in this series is about a different love story. It’s definitely a dark romance in genre with explicit scenes and a lot of strong emotional cues.
Unholy Obsession is the story of Bane and Moira.
Father Bane Blackwood is an Episcopalian priest who has some “darker” tendencies and enjoys visits to a local sex club, Carnal, while wearing a mask to hide his identity. He comes from money with a very troubled past. He has been living humbly as a priest, no contact with his family by choice for many years, and trying to gain absolution from past poor choices. One evening after giving in to his darker urges, he meets Moira Callaghan at Carnal where they have a rather intense scene together.
Moira Callaghan also comes from a very troubled past with a childhood suggestive of abuse. It’s very clear she has serious undiagnosed mental health issues which play a huge part in this story. The author does a phenomenal job of realistically portraying the mental health problems & how they affect daily life, both in the short and the long term.
These two together are explosive. Wild. Chaotic. Passionate. They are both inherently good people who have made poor past choices, trying to be better, making each other better, all while trying to make their relationship work and manage difficult family dynamics.
This was my first book I’ve read by this author. I would like to read the other two from this series after meeting those characters in this book.
The author does offer bonus content for this book through a link at the end via Book Funnel.
I did read this book as an ARC after publication date.
❤️🔥Happy Reading!❤️🔥
April 10, 2025
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
YTD Book Boyfriend Ranking: 9/48
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
This is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones and while there is no indication of that until the end, I actually didn't find it too confusing. There was definitely some moments where I thought I was missing something but it wasn't enough to get me to be upset or feel like I needed to read the first one.
There were some pretty good things about this book, I liked the plot well enough, though there were some moments where I questioned the characters motivations, the spice was solid and not overdone. The book boyfriend was pretty good. He managed to make his way into my top ten for the year (for now, the list is ever evolving). I kinda hated his name and him "changing" it to Blackwood just made it confusing because I kept thinking there were editing errors. This was a solid potato chip read and I had a good time reading it. For what I expected, it definitely delivered.
I will say though, whoever edited this book for the author needs to be replaced. Because the timeline is all sorts of messed up and that's something that should have been caught in editing. For example: It's April, then six weeks later, it's March? Nine months later, it's December and a baby that hadn't been born yet in March is eleven months old? A conversation that occurred months ago was "the other day"? The couple reunites in March but nine months later, they've only been back together for three months? There's a lot of that and since I got this ARC after the book came out, I'm thinking this needs to be adjusted ASAP :)
Overall, this book was solid, and I had a good time reading it. I went into it expecting a spicy fun dark romance and that's what I got!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Hidden Gems, and Stasia Black for the ARC. All opinions are my own!
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
YTD Book Boyfriend Ranking: 9/48
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
This is the second book in a series of interconnected standalones and while there is no indication of that until the end, I actually didn't find it too confusing. There was definitely some moments where I thought I was missing something but it wasn't enough to get me to be upset or feel like I needed to read the first one.
There were some pretty good things about this book, I liked the plot well enough, though there were some moments where I questioned the characters motivations, the spice was solid and not overdone. The book boyfriend was pretty good. He managed to make his way into my top ten for the year (for now, the list is ever evolving). I kinda hated his name and him "changing" it to Blackwood just made it confusing because I kept thinking there were editing errors. This was a solid potato chip read and I had a good time reading it. For what I expected, it definitely delivered.
I will say though, whoever edited this book for the author needs to be replaced. Because the timeline is all sorts of messed up and that's something that should have been caught in editing. For example: It's April, then six weeks later, it's March? Nine months later, it's December and a baby that hadn't been born yet in March is eleven months old? A conversation that occurred months ago was "the other day"? The couple reunites in March but nine months later, they've only been back together for three months? There's a lot of that and since I got this ARC after the book came out, I'm thinking this needs to be adjusted ASAP :)
Overall, this book was solid, and I had a good time reading it. I went into it expecting a spicy fun dark romance and that's what I got!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Hidden Gems, and Stasia Black for the ARC. All opinions are my own!
April 11, 2025
Tempting, powerful and exciting!
Trope: Forbidden PRIEST Dark Romance
So, this book grabbed me right from the start! I was immediately pulled into a world full of secrets that pop up in surprising ways. Stasia Black wrote a story that really hooked me with forbidden romance between Bane and Moira. You know that feeling when a book just pulls you in? I mean, I didn't even care if I stayed up late until 3 AM just to find out what happened next.
A little heads-up for those picking this up, okay? Don't ignore this.
1. YES, I liked the story! But there were times I felt like I was missing some information here. Uhm... to be honest, some things about the characters and what happened in the past were a little confusing.
2. This book doesn't feel like a story on its own or you know... considered as stand-alone. I mean, reading this book feels like you're only getting part of a bigger story. I'm really curious to see how it connects to other books. I think that will help me understand the characters even better.
BUT...
Despite that minor point, I was completely blown away by how BOLD and interesting this forbidden love story with a priest was. It grabbed my attention! As someone who has a WEAKNESS for this particular trope, the author really nailed it! Stasia Black created a relationship that was both SO WRONG and SO GOOD to read about!
- internal conflict
- undeniable chemistry (it was done so well that I couldn't help but get lost in the story)
I thought about giving it 4 stars because...again, I felt like I missed some background info. But what made me decide to give it a solid 5 stars was how exciting the story was and how well the author wrote this dark and forbidden romance. Reading this late at night until dawn was worth it!
Big thanks to the author for letting me read this early!
Trope: Forbidden PRIEST Dark Romance
So, this book grabbed me right from the start! I was immediately pulled into a world full of secrets that pop up in surprising ways. Stasia Black wrote a story that really hooked me with forbidden romance between Bane and Moira. You know that feeling when a book just pulls you in? I mean, I didn't even care if I stayed up late until 3 AM just to find out what happened next.
A little heads-up for those picking this up, okay? Don't ignore this.
1. YES, I liked the story! But there were times I felt like I was missing some information here. Uhm... to be honest, some things about the characters and what happened in the past were a little confusing.
2. This book doesn't feel like a story on its own or you know... considered as stand-alone. I mean, reading this book feels like you're only getting part of a bigger story. I'm really curious to see how it connects to other books. I think that will help me understand the characters even better.
BUT...
Despite that minor point, I was completely blown away by how BOLD and interesting this forbidden love story with a priest was. It grabbed my attention! As someone who has a WEAKNESS for this particular trope, the author really nailed it! Stasia Black created a relationship that was both SO WRONG and SO GOOD to read about!
- internal conflict
- undeniable chemistry (it was done so well that I couldn't help but get lost in the story)
I thought about giving it 4 stars because...again, I felt like I missed some background info. But what made me decide to give it a solid 5 stars was how exciting the story was and how well the author wrote this dark and forbidden romance. Reading this late at night until dawn was worth it!
Big thanks to the author for letting me read this early!
April 30, 2025
"I am a sinner of the worst order."
"And she’s more than even my dark, little, obsessive heart could ever dream she could be."
"The mayhem is me, and I am the mayhem."
Father Blackwood is a conflicted priest. There is another side to Father Blackwood that craves the carnal desires, Bane. Bane is into BDSM, sex clubs, and controlling women. Bane would prefer to worship at Moira's altar because he becomes obsessed with Moira. The church would not appreciate a priest that much into his type of proclivities. " I hid my face behind a black cloth skull mask, concealing the priest and letting the sinner run free."
Moira is troubled and well just a lot! Moira needs help and guidance, but does a BDSM kinky priest stand a chance of helping her? Is it normal for a priest to go to a sex club? Father Blackwood knows who Moira is, but she doesn't have a clue who he is in the beginning. I think both of them are trying to heal theirselves through sex. Saints, these two are not.
This book is extremely spicy, taboo, and tempting. Moira is literally such an extreme mess! I don’t think Moira had anyone in her corner, until Father Blackwood. The amount of control Father Blackwood had, for the most part, was admirable. Father Blackwood was calm and Bane was controlling. The only thing I didn’t like was a scene where Bane kneels for someone other than Moira. I didn't appreciate that entire scene at all.
There's a whole lot of conflict, wild emotions, and high angst. This really makes me want to read the 1st book about Moira's brother. I didn't really fully understand what was going on with MadAnna. Check the warnings because there's a lot of triggering content.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"And she’s more than even my dark, little, obsessive heart could ever dream she could be."
"The mayhem is me, and I am the mayhem."
Father Blackwood is a conflicted priest. There is another side to Father Blackwood that craves the carnal desires, Bane. Bane is into BDSM, sex clubs, and controlling women. Bane would prefer to worship at Moira's altar because he becomes obsessed with Moira. The church would not appreciate a priest that much into his type of proclivities. " I hid my face behind a black cloth skull mask, concealing the priest and letting the sinner run free."
Moira is troubled and well just a lot! Moira needs help and guidance, but does a BDSM kinky priest stand a chance of helping her? Is it normal for a priest to go to a sex club? Father Blackwood knows who Moira is, but she doesn't have a clue who he is in the beginning. I think both of them are trying to heal theirselves through sex. Saints, these two are not.
This book is extremely spicy, taboo, and tempting. Moira is literally such an extreme mess! I don’t think Moira had anyone in her corner, until Father Blackwood. The amount of control Father Blackwood had, for the most part, was admirable. Father Blackwood was calm and Bane was controlling. The only thing I didn’t like was a scene where Bane kneels for someone other than Moira. I didn't appreciate that entire scene at all.
There's a whole lot of conflict, wild emotions, and high angst. This really makes me want to read the 1st book about Moira's brother. I didn't really fully understand what was going on with MadAnna. Check the warnings because there's a lot of triggering content.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2025
🥀 ALC Review 🥀
📖 Unholy Obsession by Stasia Black
🎙️ Narrated by Shane East and Willa Jaymes
“ℐ’𝓂 𝓃ℴ𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓉ℴ 𝒻𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉, ℳℴ𝒾𝓇𝒶. ℐ’𝓂 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓉ℴ 𝓁ℯ𝓉 ℊℴ.” —Father Blackwood
ℐ𝓉’𝓈 ℬ𝒶𝓃ℯ ℬ𝓁𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓌ℴ𝓁𝒻. ℳ𝓎 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃. ℳ𝓎 ℴ𝒷𝓈ℯ𝓈𝓈𝒾ℴ𝓃. ℳ𝓎 𝒽𝓊𝓈𝒷𝒶𝓃𝒹. — Moira
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
Narration: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️/ 5
✟ Intense Dark Romance
✟ Priest MMC
✟ Marriage of Convenience
✟ Forbidden Love
✟ Morally Gray MC
✟ Opposites Attract
✟ Obsessed Hero
✟ Mental Health Representation
✟ Found Family
Oh, lord. This is the perfect title for this book. I was in a constant state of either blushing or picking my jaw up from the floor. The number of times I had to pause and just… take a breath 😮💨 I had a bunch of blasphemy running through my head of the “Oh, god. Holy f*ck. Jeezus Christ! God damn. F*cking hell.” variety. 😅
One thing I as surprised about was the emotionally darkness! (It’s giving The Crow, for my fellow Elder Millennials.) These characters are both in dark places in their lives. These are not glamorous characters. Moira literally is cleaning shit out of a bathroom in one scene. They are going THROUGH IT, but that what makes their story so strong.
Willa Jaymes is a new-to-me narrator, and she was awesome. Moira was a multifaceted character who went through a LOT in this book, but Willa made every stage of her character believable. Shane East rocked it as Father Blackwood. This was one of my favorite Shane East performances. (And I’m saying that as a massive fan of his work.) He had a bunch of characters to play and it was a display of his range as a voice actor. (Ummm.. Shane East doing an Irish accent?!? Yes, please.)
TLDR: Emotionally dark, spicy, obsessed priest romance.
📖 Unholy Obsession by Stasia Black
🎙️ Narrated by Shane East and Willa Jaymes
“ℐ’𝓂 𝓃ℴ𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓉ℴ 𝒻𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒶𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉, ℳℴ𝒾𝓇𝒶. ℐ’𝓂 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓉ℴ 𝓁ℯ𝓉 ℊℴ.” —Father Blackwood
ℐ𝓉’𝓈 ℬ𝒶𝓃ℯ ℬ𝓁𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓌ℴ𝓁𝒻. ℳ𝓎 𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓃. ℳ𝓎 ℴ𝒷𝓈ℯ𝓈𝓈𝒾ℴ𝓃. ℳ𝓎 𝒽𝓊𝓈𝒷𝒶𝓃𝒹. — Moira
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
Narration: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️/ 5
✟ Intense Dark Romance
✟ Priest MMC
✟ Marriage of Convenience
✟ Forbidden Love
✟ Morally Gray MC
✟ Opposites Attract
✟ Obsessed Hero
✟ Mental Health Representation
✟ Found Family
Oh, lord. This is the perfect title for this book. I was in a constant state of either blushing or picking my jaw up from the floor. The number of times I had to pause and just… take a breath 😮💨 I had a bunch of blasphemy running through my head of the “Oh, god. Holy f*ck. Jeezus Christ! God damn. F*cking hell.” variety. 😅
One thing I as surprised about was the emotionally darkness! (It’s giving The Crow, for my fellow Elder Millennials.) These characters are both in dark places in their lives. These are not glamorous characters. Moira literally is cleaning shit out of a bathroom in one scene. They are going THROUGH IT, but that what makes their story so strong.
Willa Jaymes is a new-to-me narrator, and she was awesome. Moira was a multifaceted character who went through a LOT in this book, but Willa made every stage of her character believable. Shane East rocked it as Father Blackwood. This was one of my favorite Shane East performances. (And I’m saying that as a massive fan of his work.) He had a bunch of characters to play and it was a display of his range as a voice actor. (Ummm.. Shane East doing an Irish accent?!? Yes, please.)
TLDR: Emotionally dark, spicy, obsessed priest romance.
April 2, 2025
Unholy Obsession written by Stasia Black focuses on the character of Moira who was introduced in Cherry Auction, renamed 7 Days. She is Domhnall's sister and is a self-proclaimed "sex addict" who develops a relationship with a priest. Bane became a priest to escape the life of hedonism and entitlement his father enjoyed. He discovers Moira has other mental health issues as her mood swings from depression to manic behavior. Moira is sort of estranged from her brother for something that happened in the previous book that endangered Maddie/Anna. I wish the author had explained that in this book as I had forgotten the incident. Moira has a good relationship with Maddie. As Bane and Moira's relationship progresses, his father interferes causing the two to have a major problem.
Stasia Black is an excellent writer. Her ability to spin a tale and use words to create imagery is poetic. I didn't really connect with Moira or even like her much through the first half of the book. Probably because her mental health issues made her initially seem very self-centered and immature. The book doesn't read as a dark romance despite the title. Bane is an Episcopal priest and therefore is allowed to have sex and marry. The BDSM was minimal and both characters gave up control to the other character at times. There were some erotic moments but many instances more or less used the concept of "fade to black".
This is a good story and interconnects with the previous book. while it can be read alone, reading Cherry Auction/7 Days would be my recommendation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stasia Black is an excellent writer. Her ability to spin a tale and use words to create imagery is poetic. I didn't really connect with Moira or even like her much through the first half of the book. Probably because her mental health issues made her initially seem very self-centered and immature. The book doesn't read as a dark romance despite the title. Bane is an Episcopal priest and therefore is allowed to have sex and marry. The BDSM was minimal and both characters gave up control to the other character at times. There were some erotic moments but many instances more or less used the concept of "fade to black".
This is a good story and interconnects with the previous book. while it can be read alone, reading Cherry Auction/7 Days would be my recommendation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2025
**The Priest and His Secrets**
*Unholy Obsession* is the second book in the *Carnal Games* series, and let me tell you—it’s quite a ride! The love story between Bane and Moira is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with complex characters and a connection that’s both deep and sizzling hot.
Moira is dealing with her own struggles as a sex addict, and there’s a good reason behind her behavior. On the other hand, Bane has turned to the priesthood in an effort to escape his father's shadow and avoid repeating his mistakes. Under the guise of a mask, he visits Carnal, a sex club, as a DOM, where things really begin to heat up between him and Moira.
After her brother Domhn cuts off all contact with her, Moira feels increasingly alone. The only time she feels in control is during her encounters, but everything feels off after her night with Bane. When they cross paths again, Bane takes it upon himself to help her develop self-control and discipline at his parish house, which leads to some fascinating dynamics.
The characters are written so well, and you’ll find yourself captivated by the dark, forbidden, and intense layers of their story. Plus, the BDSM scenes add an extra bit of spice! While I didn’t find any triggers personally, I completely understand that others might, so I recommend checking for trigger warnings before diving in.
I really enjoyed this book and have already read the third installment, *Ruined Vow*. Now, I just need to go back and read the first book, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the fourth! Happy reading, everyone!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*Unholy Obsession* is the second book in the *Carnal Games* series, and let me tell you—it’s quite a ride! The love story between Bane and Moira is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with complex characters and a connection that’s both deep and sizzling hot.
Moira is dealing with her own struggles as a sex addict, and there’s a good reason behind her behavior. On the other hand, Bane has turned to the priesthood in an effort to escape his father's shadow and avoid repeating his mistakes. Under the guise of a mask, he visits Carnal, a sex club, as a DOM, where things really begin to heat up between him and Moira.
After her brother Domhn cuts off all contact with her, Moira feels increasingly alone. The only time she feels in control is during her encounters, but everything feels off after her night with Bane. When they cross paths again, Bane takes it upon himself to help her develop self-control and discipline at his parish house, which leads to some fascinating dynamics.
The characters are written so well, and you’ll find yourself captivated by the dark, forbidden, and intense layers of their story. Plus, the BDSM scenes add an extra bit of spice! While I didn’t find any triggers personally, I completely understand that others might, so I recommend checking for trigger warnings before diving in.
I really enjoyed this book and have already read the third installment, *Ruined Vow*. Now, I just need to go back and read the first book, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the fourth! Happy reading, everyone!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2025
This book was so good that it felt like a sin reading it. Bane Blackwolf is an Episcopal priest, which does not require a vow of celibacy. That doesn’t mean he can be a dom in a BDSM sex club, wearing a mask to conceal his identity, in his spare time either. Bane ran from his wealthy family drama with a narcissistic father that taught him to be a monster. Horrified, he would turn out like his father, Bane sought out the priesthood, trying to find redemption and peace. But a letter from his father sends him in a spiral, and he ends up at Carnal, a sex club, and begins a tumultuous, passionate affair with Moira, a sex addict that loves BDSM as much as he does. They crave each other.
Unholy Obsession is another dark and delicious story from Stacia Black. She seduces readers with her prolific writing that makes you feel like you are in the story. The book is for fans of kinky pleasures of the physical kind. It is an intense and dark story, with vividly detained scenes, and interesting and complex characters. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before reading the book as the plot may seem extreme but is within the norm of the type of relationship the main characters, and it also deals with mental illness, abuse, and trauma. The MCs are multi-layered, wonderfully flawed, and strong yet vulnerable. There is an amusing dynamic between the MCs and the interesting supporting characters. Overall, I enjoyed the complexity of the story and recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unholy Obsession is another dark and delicious story from Stacia Black. She seduces readers with her prolific writing that makes you feel like you are in the story. The book is for fans of kinky pleasures of the physical kind. It is an intense and dark story, with vividly detained scenes, and interesting and complex characters. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before reading the book as the plot may seem extreme but is within the norm of the type of relationship the main characters, and it also deals with mental illness, abuse, and trauma. The MCs are multi-layered, wonderfully flawed, and strong yet vulnerable. There is an amusing dynamic between the MCs and the interesting supporting characters. Overall, I enjoyed the complexity of the story and recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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