Obsession: The Unspoken Sin

Seven Deadly Sins #5

by Christi Caldwell

A ruined lady. A righteous earl. A second chance no one saw coming.

He came to drag her home. He didn’t expect to want her.
Lady Alice Masterson was meant to disappear quietly into Scotland. Instead, the Earl of Denbigh finds her thriving in London’s most infamous gaming hell—brazen, beautiful, and scandalously off-limits. She’s his best friend’s sister. He’s the last man she can have.

But when old sparks turn to slow-burning fire, and long-buried secrets come to light, passion may be the one thing they can’t resist.

Desire was never part of the plan… but neither was falling in love.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

116 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!

Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2*STARS*
Laurence, the Earl of Denbigh, denied loving his best friend's sister to keep their friendship. Alice Masterson confessed her love for Laurence, and he pushed her away. A mistake that left Laurence living a predictable life and Alice living her dream as an artist, but hidden away in Devil's Den, for a reason. Laurence positions himself closer to Alice to convince her to go back to her family, but it puts him in a precarious position that ends in heartache. A man must do whatever it takes to win back the woman he loves.
Explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 95th book by Christi Caldwell. I read 2 of her books in 2013 but didn’t pick her up again faithfully until 2015. She is such a good author and I love her writing. She always has great stories and depending on the book, well written sex scenes. Except I have to say her books lately have been pretty steamy and this series has been super freakin' hot.

I have to say this book was a bit of a let down. It seems super short and not as hot as the others. I did like Alice and Laurence but they seemed a bit boring compared to some of the other couples. Of course at only 126 pages how much depth can you really get. Looking forward to Greed, which comes out in August.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The shorter length of this book compared to the others in the series works for me because the main characters had some history in their past. I loved how deep Laurence’s feelings were for Alice. The way he treated her “secret” melted my heart. Their connection was strong and even if he wasn’t truthful about how/why he found her they had some deep conversations during their time at the den. It had passion, spice and was well developed in a short amount of time. I am really enjoying this series.

Thank you @christicaldwellauthor for the gifted copy.

[Lynne Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsession is the latest book in Christi Caldwell’s Seven Deadly Sins series. This is a story of secrets, angst and longing that spans many years. Laurence has loved Alice, his best friend’s younger sister for years but honor has always kept him from acting on his feelings. Alice confessed her love to Laurence when she was a teenager only to be rebuffed and hurt. Now years later Alice’s brother has tasked Laurence with persuading her to return to the family after years living apart from them. He is shocked to discover she is living in the Devils Den, a gaming hell. Though that it’s nothing to the shock Alice gets when she comes face to face with Laurence. Predictably he makes a mess of things and Alice has him tossed out. Though this time he decides to throw caution to the wind and fight for his lady. Thankfully love triumphs and they find their happy ever after. Christi writes gritty, steamy books that don’t hold back from tough topics. My only disappointment was that this was shorter than the other stories in the series. I really enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it to other readers.

I received and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.

[belle ☆ﾐ (thisbellereadstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

actual rating: 3.5 stars

this story may be short, but it unfolds with emotional depth and satisfying clarity. laurence is his best friend’s younger sister’s longtime crush—alice. years ago, she tried to confess her feelings, only to be rejected. life took a sharp turn after that: alice ended up pregnant by another man who quickly vanished from the picture. now, she’s carving out a new life for herself—working at the devil’s den, raising her daughter, and pouring herself into her painting.

when laurence is sent to find her on behalf of her worried brother, their unexpected reunion rekindles the spark between them. the attraction they once buried now rises to the surface, and slowly, something real begins to blossom.

i absolutely adored how laurence interacted with alice and especially with her daughter, laurel. his bond with laurel was instant and heart-melting—it felt like fate. and as for laurence and alice, their emotional rhythm picks up right where it left off, only stronger now with time and experience behind them.

a quick, heartfelt read with just the right mix of second chances, vulnerability, and tenderness.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exceptional story. Well written, full of love, intrigue, society, family and emotions. Lady Alice left her home and family to live in Scotland , so her brother Exmoor has stated. Laurence is an Earl and best friends with Exmoor. When riding in the park on day, Exmoor tells Laurence about Alice. She has been in London , painting in a gambling Den. He asks him to go and bring her home so she can be with her family. Laurence becomes a private member so he can locate her and talk to her. When they come face to face lots of old memories come to surface and then they start to spend more time together. He comes to realize how much she has changed during her time away. She has a daughter, Laurel. When given a choice , she stays at the Den until she reads a newspaper and realizes he really does love her and wants to keep her safe. Once you start to read it's hard to put down, a real page turner. Excellent story telling by this author. Would recommend to everyone.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Obsession: The Unspoken Sin" by Christi Caldwell is an absolute must read in the magnificent Deadly Sin series. This novel effortlessly hooks you from the very first page with its fast-paced narrative and seamless flow, making it incredibly easy to read. Caldwell's storytelling prowess shines brilliantly, crafting an excellent plot that keeps you engaged.

The characters are impeccably developed, each layered with depth and authenticity, making their journeys both relatable and riveting. Their emotional arcs are compelling, drawing readers into their world with vivid detail and heartfelt moments.

What sets this book apart is its perfect blend of intrigue, passion, and redemption. It’s not just a story; it's an experience that echoes long after the final page is turned. Christi Caldwell has truly outdone herself with "Obsession: The Unspoken Sin." A must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurance’s best friend had a sister Alice. Alice always liked Laurence, but Laurence, because of his best friend, kept Alice at arm’s length. Laurence’s friend asked him to bring Alice home; she is staying at a gaming place. He goes to find her, but she does not know her brother sent him. While they are together the feelings Laurance always had for Alice and Alice always had for Laurance start to surface. I will tell you I loved Laurelia. This book was so good, I did not want it to end, I need 10 more chapters to know what will go on in their future. After reading this book, I realized I read the first one in the series, but I never read book 2, 3, or 4. Well guess what I did, I went and read all the rest of the books in 1 weekend.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.6
We have Lady Alice Masterson artist extraordinaire and sister to an Earl!
She is painting murals in a gaming hell because she’s ashamed and afraid of what her family will think! Alice is working at the Devils Den so she can support herself and hide in plain sight from her family!
The one man who is her brothers best friend and totally obsessed with her since was 17!
He had just “happened” to secure rooms at the Den and runs into her!
The Earl of Denbigh aka Laurence who has tried to hide and run from his affections because of her brothers reaction!
Both miserable and making foolish choices! When Laurence learns her secret he confronts her brother and confesses!
But Alice has learned the truth of why he’s at Devils Den and refuses to speak to him!
Laurence is going to need to grovel and a grand gesture!? Can he win Alice once and for all? Bravo

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurence, the Earl of Denbigh thought his best friend’s sister was in Scotland but she’s living in London’s most infamous gaming den & he’s told his friend he’ll bring her home. Lady Alice Masterson has grown up in the time she’s spent painting in the gaming den. She didn’t expect to meet Laurence there.
Shorter than the usual book from the author but it still packs a punch with strong characters & full of emotion, I read it straight through. I loved Laurence & Alice both had secrets & both had loved each other for years but their road to a HEA has its obstacles & some heartbreak before they finally admit their feelings for each other. A very well written engrossing novella
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author delivers a heartfelt novella where secrets, longing, and loyalty collide in London’s shadows. When Laurence, the Earl of Denbigh, steps into a notorious gaming den to retrieve his best friend’s sister, he finds not the girl he remembers—but a woman, Lady Alice Masterson, who’s built a world of color and solitude through her art. Their reunion awakens buried feelings and painful truths, as both navigate the chasm between duty and desire. Though compact, this story is laced with rich emotion, deft character work, and that unmistakable Caldwell magic. A poignant and beautifully drawn journey toward healing—and the love that waited patiently between them.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heartfelt throughout. Christi Caldwell is a talented writer when it comes to making emotions pour off the pages. Laurence goes to bring Alice home and finds a few surprises. Alice is no longer the sweet, innocent sister of Laurence's best friend. They can finally admit their love for one another, but there is also heartbreak. The book has some steam, but it is not much and towards the end. Keep in mind that the book is not a long one. My only complaint is that I did not want the book to end or wanted more at the end. I am enjoying this series and look forward to more un the series.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laureance has a conundrum. He is in love with his best friend’s sister, Alice. She left her family three years ago and has built a life for herself, but has never stopped loving him. The story is very original and a quick read-having done so in one night. I adored their chemistry and his willingness to help his best friend, even with dealing with his own pain. Though I could tell how the ‘break’ would happen, how they get to back together is so delicious and steamy. Would have loved to have seen a family reunion, but it seemed to end rather abruptly. A good story. I received this story for free and these are my own views

[Tiffany Hannick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story. Alice is Laurence best friends sister and is off limits to him. Alice has disappeared from her family and her brother asks Laurence to go into the den of sin to bring her back to society. Laurence doesn’t know the big secret that Alice has and the reason behind her leaving society. Their story often has sweet memories and chemistry galore. You will gladly escape into their world and a time long ago. You will be invested in their story and want to know all the secrets they posses from one another. You will wonder if love can overcome the secrets between them. Don’t miss the chance to read their story.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, heartwarming story. It is a novella that can be read in one sitting, but it is so wonderfully written, that it captures all the emotions between the characters.
Laurence goes to bring his friend's sister Alice home. Alice has a big secret and is no longer the innocent little sister that Laurence knew.
There are so many feelings, secrets, emotions, interesting secondary characters and some steamy scenes throughout the story.
I loved it and cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read an ARC and these are my opinions.

[Tami Fidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short and romantic read. I love a good friends-to-lovers trope, and this book certainly delivered. I did not see obsession so much throughout, but that did not alter how much I enjoyed this story. Laurence and Alice were well matched and well written. The story was fast-moving, but the earnestness of the characters was well-drawn. This book is not quite in the same vein as the rest of this series, but I enjoyed the freshness of the story. It was a good book and I highly recommend it. Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy for an honest review.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a reason that Christi Caldwell is a favorite author of mine. She always writes from the heart with such interesting characters who have multifaceted lives and personalities. I always become invested in their lives and root for them to resolve their troubled pasts and broken lives. In Obsession, both have loved one another for years but never acted on it or they could have avoided a lot of heartache. I loved watching them find one another once again and achieve their HEA. I know that it’s only a novella but I would have loved to have had an epilogue .

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

At under 150 pages, Obsession is a very quick read. It’s a cute “falling for the best friend’s sister” and “second chance” romance. With its brevity it leaves you feeling slightly wanting. There could have been a little more depth when exploring Alice’s desire to live in a gaming hell. There were a few moments that seemed at odds with each other where Alice seemingly knows all about being intimate with a man on a personal level, but really it’s more a second hand account of mutual pleasure and her solitary experience was disappointing for her.

I just wanted a little more from this one.

[Gayla McNicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of the angst expected in this series, and plenty of steam as well, this is the story of Laurence and Alice. Friends since childhood, in love with each other, but he refuses to act upon it due to his friendship with her brother. I wish there was an epilogue, but I always want to dwell a little longer in the HEA of a Caldwell story.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily reviewed it with my own honest opinion.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this series I was hooked! I’ve always loved Christi’s stories and characters but she has reached a new level of detail and depth with this series. I thought Wrath was my favorite but now it is Obsession- I can’t wait for the next two books in the series.
Star crossed lovers, brother’s best friend, unwed mother, sin and salvation - this one has it all in a delicious one sitting bundle. Gobble this one up!!

[Gwen Larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christi Caldwell continues her Seven Deadly Sins series with Book 5 “Obsession: The Unspoken Sin.”
The Earl of Denbigh and Lady Alice Masterson have a history. They grew up together with Denbigh the best friend of Alice’s older brother. For years, Denbigh denied his feelings for Alice, even to himself.
We all know the rule — sisters of best friends are off limits.
“Obsession” was an engaging story, and I found Denbigh’s Grand Gesture thoroughly charming.

[Nessa]

In other words, the MMC was too much of a coward to confess his feelings to the woman he loves, allowed her to leave and she got pregnant by someone else. Years later, he finds her in living in a debauched club painting erotics and they find their way back together?

Ehh, this just left a bad taste in my mouth.

People make enough stupid decisions in life for me to want to read about said stupid decisions in fiction.

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsession

In the depths of her tumultuous past, a resilient woman found solace in the unwavering love of a compassionate and honorable man. Their connection transcended her painful history, offering her a sanctuary of understanding and acceptance. At the heart of their story, a sweet little girl symbolized hope, healing, and the transformative power of unconditional love, bridging the wounds of the past with the promise of a brighter, more nurturing future.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a little different than the others in the series. It fits in but it is lighter and sweeter. I absolutely love second chance and this, for me, is a second chance story. There is longing, secrets, heartache and so much love which gives me all of the feels. Laurence and Alice are destined to be together and have all of the love that they can grab onto. Their story is so romantic.

[Melissa White · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

I love that this book resolved questions about two previous characters while showing somewhat new book characters in various ways of their own. I love this entire series but this book gave a new hope to some of Caldwell’s characters. Highly recommended for all her fans.

[Shirley Hamlod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series but this book was too short and lacked the depth of the others. I like the characters of Alice and Denbigh and the plot in general. However, there was plenty of scope to write a detailed ending regarding Alice’s return to her family and the introduction of Laurel to everyone. It just seemed a little rushed.

[Debi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tolerable at best

Christi Caldwell has always been one of my favorite authors, but her last two books (Sloth and Obsession) were tolerable at best. I stopped reading Sloth and barely made it through this book. I miss her old style of building up the chemistry between her characters and having a plot that kept me interested.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice leaves society. Laurence, her brother's best friend, asks for his help in locating Alice. In a faced paced, highly creative story, this author brings these characters to life. The layers of character depth, levels of imagination, detail and interaction is what makes both the story and this author one of the top writers that you never want to miss out on.

[Susan Sieger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

I enjoyed reading this book about Laurence and Alice, how they met to how they fell in love. He was her brothers best friend and he became her friend and then she fell in love with him. He did love her but lied when she confessed her feelings and he lost her for a while. It was a very HEA. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤

[SynergyQuest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yummy, Quick Read

I've read all the previous books in the Seven Deadly Sins series and this feels the shortest by a lot. That being said, Christi Caldwell knows what she's doing. This has all the steam and clear, strong writing I’ve come to expect from her.