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Club Desire #1

My Obsession

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In this story of temptation and total surrender for readers of Sylvia Day and J. Kenner, a powerful master gives his dream girl a new beginning in the dungeons of decadent ecstasy.

Running from a troubled past, Sandra Barry spent years hiding out in New York City’s BDSM scene, finding satisfaction and even a sense of community as a sub at a large dungeon. But when a stalker joins the dungeon posing as a Dom, he crosses her personal boundaries, giving her no choice but to return home to Arizona. Seeking refuge once again in the kink lifestyle, Sandra meets a sexy new Dom whose tutelage drives her wild—although there’s something familiar about him she just can’t place.

As a teenager, Brent Weston was a nerd. Now he owns the hottest dungeon in Phoenix, enjoying the power and success he’s always craved. All that’s missing is the right woman to share it with. Then one day Sandra, his secret high school crush, walks into his club. She’s just as beautiful as he remembers. She’s also scared as hell. Brent has been waiting for this moment, and now that Sandra’s in his sights, he’ll do anything to protect her, pleasure her—and prove that he’s the only master worthy of her devotion.

My Obsession is intended for mature audiences. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2015

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459 people want to read

About the author

Cassie Ryan

11 books78 followers
Cassie Ryan (a.k.a. Tina Gerow) started her published writing career writing steamy paranormal romance under another pen name. However, when one of her critique partners, Brit Blaise, suggested she try her hand at erotic romance, she gave it a shot! After all, shes not a girl to turn down a challenge of any type. So, she pulled out all the stops and wrote the first several chapters of what would become CEREMONY OF SEDUCTION.

After hearing Audrey LaFehr from Kensington speak on a new erotic romance line shed started called Aphrodisia, at RWA Nationals, Cassie sent in her partial and went back to writing. So, when Audrey fished her partial out of the slush pile and offered her a three book deal, Cassie Ryan was officially born.

Cassie lives in Phoenix, Arizona and besides being a write-a-holic, is a frequent speaker on several writing and motivational topics.
"

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Ivy Deluca.
2,382 reviews330 followers
July 15, 2015
Sandra has just moved back from New York, to escape an abusive Dom. She still needs her D/s fix, so she goes to Club Desire, where she meets Brent. Brent knows Sandra from high school, where he carried a torch for her, but she doesn’t recognize him. Can Brent protect Sandra while introducing her to BDSM kinky effery? Well, you know romance is gonna happen.

description
New to me author : I’ve never read anything by this author, but I did like the set up to this club. I thought Club Desire reminded me of a little of other BDSM clubs in Romancelandia, where the Doms are tasty and it’s all about the safe, sane and consensual, which I can get down with. There’s a wealth of potential for other Doms to find their own HEAs, and I’d definitely like to check out Dex’s story.

BDSM 101 : If there was one thing that took me out of the love story, it was the overly instructional nature of the BDSM scenes. I appreciate the need to emphasize the SSC motto but I felt that some of the spontaneity and chemistry between the characters was sacrificed for it. Brent would explain what he was about to do to Sandra, and then Sandra would describe the exact same thing. It made it feel repetitive instead of sexy. Now, I’ve certainly read my fair share of BDSM tales, so this may not bother someone who is less familiar with the genre.

Insta-love : Brent and Sandra have that instant attraction and you could say it’s insta-love, especially on Sandra’s part. I mean, at 4% she’s already thinking that he could be the man that could dominate and care for her. It felt kind of quick. There is a bit of good chemistry at first, and there’s definite heat between them. When the “secret” that Brent knew Sandra in high school comes out, it plays out pretty much exactly as you expect it to.

Crazy villain danger : There’s the psycho ex Dom, who has some pages devoted to his crazy stalking. Even if he’s completely irredeemable, it does add tension to the story.

description
I liked elements of this and I think there’s potential for the series. If you like safe BDSM romances, you may enjoy this.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
Profile Image for Candace.
1,179 reviews5,014 followers
February 6, 2017
***I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley.com in exchange for honest feedback.***

This story was "okay", but failed to captivate and wow me. It seemed to lack originality and didn't stand out from any of the hundreds of other D/s books that were released on the heels of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. It was a quick read that was straightforward and a nice enough way to pass some time, but I'll probably forget all about it within a week or two.

For those that are curious, the story's heroine, Sandra, returns to her hometown, Phoenix, after 10 or so years. She's running away from an abusive Dom, Diego, that can't seem to get over the fact that she's through with him. He's the hunter and she's the prey.

In an attempt to venture out into the D/s world again, Sandra petitions for membership at the highly esteemed Club Desire. Unbeknownst to her, the club is owned by a former classmate of hers that she had shunned in high school.

Brent is no longer the scrawny nerd that was a target for bullies. He is now a rich, sexy, sought after Dom. When Sandra walks back into his life, the connection is immediate. He is bound and determined to make her his this time around.

Sandra and Brent quickly develop a strong bond. It is apparent that Sandra's past has left her scarred and Brent's protective nature kicks into high gear. He promises to protect her and that promise is put to the test when Diego reappears in Sandra's life.

All in all, it was alright. It was sweet and delivered a HEA. At times key scenes seemed anticlimactic, such as Diego's appearance at the club. With all the build-up and tension leading up to a scene, I just expect a little more than a two-second super-hero type of takedown. Again, it was okay, but just didn't stand out much to me.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
July 20, 2015
Leigh's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

I love getting in on the ground floor of a new BDSM series, and Club Desire is just the new dungeon to explore!

First off, I thoroughly loved Brent. He is just about the perfect Dom. He is understanding, compassionate, protective and caring. Having completely transformed himself from the outcast he was in high school, and once again meeting up with the object of his teenage infatuation, Brent was sexy and I adored him and Sandra together as their backgrounds and needs complimented one another perfectly.

Having escaped from a sadistic partner and abusive past, Sandra needed a man like Brent and a place like Club Desire. The background story of Sandra’s ex provided just the setting to showcase the kind of Dom that Brent was, and I enjoyed getting to know the other denizen’s of the dungeon.

I only had two complaints: first, I did have an issue on occasion with the timelines. Sandra had only just moved back to Phoenix days before, but there were references which were confusing and made it seem as if she had been back for longer. On several instances, I had to go back and make sure I hadn’t read it wrong that she had only recently relocated.

Second, I like my Dom’s with a little bit more of a filthy mouth. Brent and the rest of the Dom’s need a little more foul mouthed behavior going on! But that’s just a personal preference, and the men were all just yummy.

The need for a dirty talker aside, I have high hopes for what will come out of this series at Club Desire. Reminiscent of Cherise Sinclair’s Shadowland’s series, I’m already salivating, hoping for a book about Dex and the rest of the Dom’s that work and play at this unique new club.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Talltree.
2,081 reviews25 followers
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
July 22, 2015
h on run from abusive ex...so tired of this plot. Why can't h's be allowed to have better judgement in men??!
Profile Image for Linda.
887 reviews83 followers
July 27, 2015
What a great read, I loved this book! " My Obsession" was hard to put down the two main characters Sandra Barry and Brent Weston have a shared past but only one of them realizes it!
Sandra has come back to her home town of Pheonix to escape an abusive Dom from her dungeon in New York , with a recommendation from the owner of her New York dungeon, Master Mason of a new club for her to join when home; Club Desire.
Brent Weston, could not believe that the girl of his dreams from high school was sitting in the waiting and viewing area of his dungeon and still as beautiful as then, Sandra ran with the popular crowd in high school. And it took him the school geek weeks to get the courage up to ask her out only to be shot down. Having read Mason's letter informing him of the abuse and her restraining order against the Dom , Brent is prepared to invite her into the Club Desire family and his protection and that of the fellow Dom's.
Sandra is brought to Master Brent's office ad finds herself immediately attracted to Master Brent. And the more time they spend together touring the club and meeting other Masters and subs the more protected and safe she feels with Brent.
Brent was a little surprised. That she did not recognize him from high school , however he has changed a lot since then , bulked up thanks to practicing Karate and now being a Dom a much more confident demeanor, but she definitely test his will power , before even going very hard limits the two are hot and heavy in a club elevator and Brent's dream girl is in his arms.
These two get involved quickly and though Sandra's exposure to bdsm has been a poor example he takes his time with her , Brent knows he should come clean and tell her they went to school together but everytime he tries something happens and gets in the way , so when Sandra finally finds out it is no surprise how angry she is ,hell his freind and fellow Dom , Dex warned him no now he is not just infatuated with Sandra but in love with her and trying to figure out how to make it right. Never mind that Diego is still out there somewhere threatening Sandra . How the hell is he suppose to protect her now!
Overall a great reunion romance , with some wonderful sexy and Bdsm play scenes centered in a unique dungeon setting, with a secondary plot line with a x - stalker Dom!
Arc graciously supplied by Loveswept via Netgalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Arys.
651 reviews34 followers
May 9, 2015
(Thanks to Cassie Ryan, Random House Publishing – Loveswept, and NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of My Obsession for an honest review).

My Obsession by Cassie Ryan is a great author. Her novel was well written and descriptive. It has everything I like in an erotic romance. Besides the BDSM elements, the hot/sexy DOM, and a heroine I can cheer for – it has a great story. Sandra Barry leaves New York and her abusive Dom, Diego, and returns home to Arizona where she seeks refuge at Club Desire, an exclusive Dungeon she petitions for membership at. It is here where she meets Brent Weston, an old classmate of Sandra’s who had a secret crush on her in high school. Completely different from high school, Sandra doesn’t recognize him, but she does sense something familiar about him. This hidden identity, second-chance romance, mixed with the stalker ex-DOM threat was exactly what I needed after a long week to dive in and read.

Sandra is vulnerable, fragile and definitely needs a caring and kind Dom like Brent. He’s so patient and protective of her. He really takes care of her and her needs, and I loved how their relationship grows. When she finally realizes who he is and how she knew him in high school, my heart nearly leaped out of my throat especially when she confronted him about it.

Overall, My Obsession is a great read that I highly recommend. Can’t wait to read the next books in the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,512 reviews86 followers
April 17, 2015
ARC received for review

Oh this is an amazing start to a new series. I might have a new favorite dungeon to visit. I've read Ms. Ryan before and enjoyed, and this is one of my favorite genres...I was not disappointed to have requested it. Master Brent is an amazing Dom. Sandra, although she had a bad "Dom," she didn't dwell on the past. There are so many great secondary characters I can't wait to read about. I just hope Dex is next.
Profile Image for books are life .
Author 56 books1,858 followers
June 4, 2015
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuch.co.uk

My Obsession is book #1 in the Club Desire series and the first book I have read by this author. I was gifted a copy of this book to read for Gemma Reads Too Much.

I LOVE a good kinky sex book, FSOG is kind of tame and I quite enjoy a really filthy little smutfest!!!

My Obsession has all the elements to be a brilliant book, but unfortunately it just doesn’t work for me. It’s too polite, it’s almost too nice!!! Brent is an ok Dom, he seems to be able to talk the talk and he has moments of that gruff, stern alpha goodness. But those moments are rare and fleeting and the rest of the time he’s just a bit stiff.

I really wasn’t feeling Sandra, she’s whiny and obnoxious and generally incredibly annoying. She’s not sure she’s really into the kink lifestyle yet she’s seeking out Sex clubs!!! She actually says that in the past she went really just for the female friendship WTF!!!!

I tried really hard to buy into this story, I wanted to be really turned on and have found a new little gem of kinkfest to recommend to my bookish friends. But instead this book was tentative, and I just struggled to feel the connection between Brent and Sandra. They felt so much older than there supposed age, I would have put them both in their mid to late 40’s.

Even the dirty talking felt a little stilted and awkward, in my opinion the author wasn’t feeling this genre either. I read a lot of books and the best kinky ones are the ones where the author has actually performed the kinky sex, watched the kinky sex or fantasized about the kinky sex. Their words drag you into the action and that’s my issue with this book, it felt like the scenes were just going through the motions.

Diego however was brilliant, he was the right side of completely deranged and was bone chillingly terrifying. The best villains are the complete psychopaths and Diego felt completely unhinged!!!

I’m not living the kink lifestyle, but normally these kinds of books are a glowing advertisement for embracing your dark fantasies. This book read like a warning label, Sandra stumbles into the kink lifestyle and is abused and stalked because of it.

This book obviously didn’t tickle my pickle so I’m gonna give it 2 stars.
Profile Image for Wendy.
Author 4 books15 followers
September 6, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book by Netgalley in exchange for this honest review. This review is also found on my website.

My Obsession by Cassie Ryan is a very steamy romance, and one that I greatly enjoyed. It’s the story of Sandra Barry, a relative newbie to the BDSM scene, who’s fled New York because of a stalker, and Brent Weston – Master Brent – the owner of Club Desire, a BDSM dungeon in Phoenix, where Sandra has just become a member.

But there’s more to them than that – they went to high school together, and while Brent vividly remembers Sandra, and wanting to be with her, she only thinks he’s vaguely familiar but can’t quite place him.

The relationship between them develops with an interesting combination of speed and steadiness. The physical relationship progresses much more quickly than the emotional one, which would be expected, given the circumstances under which they meet again. The physical chemistry between them is off the charts, and the emotional connection, while slower to develop, is just as incredible and equally as satisfying.

I was particularly intrigued by Sandra’s stalker – the circumstances that surrounded how he met her, and the things he did in stalking her. If I had to find a flaw with this book, it would be that I wanted there to be more suspense and more about the stalking. I felt I was missing a little of the fear and terrorizing that I expected, given the attention the stalking was given in the blurb about the book.

But even that is only a minor flaw, and while it was a bit disappointing for me, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story. There was still enough about the stalking, and the stalker did make an appearance that made it interesting.

Seeing Sandra overcome her fears – both from the stalking and from other issues in her past – was heartwarming, and it increased the chemistry between her and Brent. Watching Brent struggle to find the right time to tell her that they knew each other from school was both frustrating and moving.

The sex was hot and while it definitely went outside plain “vanilla” sex, it did so in a way that made sense, wouldn’t be too uncomfortable for someone unfamiliar with BDSM, and didn’t seem to be completely gratuitous.
Profile Image for Crystal.
903 reviews15 followers
April 20, 2015
My Obsession by Cassie Ryan

It started out a little slow for me, but that was ok. I liked the buildup. I wasn’t left with questions at the end. But I do hope there are more books for the other characters. Well mainly Dex. I really want his story. EX-FBI agent who teaches self-defense classes by day, Dom by night. Ohh yeah.

Sandra is very new to the BDSM scene. She ends up in a very abusive relationship with a Dom. She is so scared that she drops everything and high tales it to her hometown. No job, no money, no family, not even a place to call her own. She gets with a very good high school friend she knew back in the day and stays with her. The only thing Sandra is sure of is she needs stability in her life and before Diego, her abusive ex-Dom, she was adapting well into the BDSM lifestyle.
Sandra petitions for membership at a very exclusive Dungeon, Club Desire.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking “This girl has no money, no job, no home…and she is petitioning for membership at Club Desire? She has no money for membership!” But she’s a hot mess and she needs this. Here Sandra meets the owner, Master Brent, who is too sexy for his own damn good, Master Brent actually tours the facility with Sandra and assures her that she is safe there. He goes out of his way to welcome her even offering her a full paid membership if she wishes to join. Master Brent has a secret though, he was head over heels for Sandra when they were in high school. She has no idea who he really is. Brent reinvented himself. He is no longer the nerdy type. Brent is sex on legs and he is going to win his girl this time around.
Sandra’s troubles follow her to her hometown and Brent is determined to keep her safe. But secrets always have a way of coming out.
I’m sad this ended but I’m hoping for more from Club Desire. There are a lot of sexy hopefuls.
Profile Image for S.M. Harshell.
Author 5 books46 followers
July 20, 2015
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

Sandra has been running most of her life, whether it's from her abusive mother or an abusive ex-Dom, she's been on the run. Returning to Phoenix from New York, she needs to find another dungeon. Her kink is the one constant in her life. Armed with a note from one of the Dom's in New York, she walks into the hottest dungeon in Phoenix, Club Desire.

Brent Weston was that geeky kid in high school. He was always left out of the popular crowd. But time has been good to Brent and he is nothing like the geeky kid he used to be. He is now the owner of Club Desire. When Sandra walks into his club looking for a membership, Brent knows its every fantasy he's every had.

Sandra is finding Club Desire fits her perfectly. It's a community, a place where she can find friends and maybe the perfect Dom for her submissive nature. That is until her worst nightmare makes an appearance. Can Brent defend her at any cost?

I enjoyed the story. It has a great set up for the series. Club Desire serves as a great backdrop for these characters. I am hoping I get to see more of Dex and Logan. I did find there is some over explanation of the BDSM scenes, but otherwise I was entertained with the overall story.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Juletta Gilge.
1,234 reviews23 followers
June 29, 2015
**ARC provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

As much as the lover-turned-stalker/homicidal maniac has been played, this one was pretty cool.

Brent was adorable, and sexy at the same time. I just loved him.

 photo tumblr_nl9jcm0Zvj1tq4of6o1_400_zpslcnlzxjo.gif

I mean come on, he has had a crush on Sandra from high school. And now she's back because her abusive piece of shit ex boyfriend was going to kill her. So Brent just takes her in and protects her, helps her find a job, helps her get some self defense classes. He was a perfect book boyfriend.

I liked the writing style of this author, and the way the characters acted. I wish that Sandra would have spoken up sooner about her ex, but at least it ended with an HEA! I really enjoyed the book, and will check out this author's other works.

Check out the full review at Bookaholic Raves
Profile Image for Angie.
1,301 reviews22 followers
July 16, 2015
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
I really enjoyed this book. Sandra has been in the BDSM lifestyle for awhile, but then things go wrong with her Dom and she moves across the country to get away. Missing the BDSM lifestyle Sandra applys for membership at a new club and the owner is someone from her past but she doesn’t realize that. Brent is sex on a stick and he remembers Sandra when he sees her but she doesn’t remember him because he is not the nerd she used to know. The chemistry between Sandra and Brent is off the charts and so steamy. Just when things are going great Sandra’s past catches up with her. This book had a little angst, some drama and a lot of hotness. It was a great start to a series I will continue to read.
Characters: well written and believable
Sex: yes, holy hotness
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: this is the first in a series
Genre: BDSM/Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Kris.
844 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2015
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads

My Obsession (Club Desire #1) was everything that you’d expect from a BDSM Erotic novel.

We have our main character, Sandra, a woman who’s running from her abusive ex-Dom, Diego. Then we have Brent, an old school mate of Sandra’s. Brent has made a name for himself back in Sandra’s home town, running his own BDSM club, Club Desire.
Sandra finds herself back in her home town after leaving Diego to try a fresh start. Finding a new BDSM club puts her right back within Brent's domain, he's the owner and resident Dom of Club Desire. Brent just happens to have had a crush on Sandra from high school and can’t believe his luck that she walks back into his club after all this time. Will he be able to take care of her needs without her past, her ex Dom and their old history getting in the way? The story that follows flowed well and had decent action with crazy ex Diego thrown in the mix! Also, we have some good chemistry between Brent & Sandra during several hot, kinky scenes. I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys the classic BDSM book.

Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
July 21, 2015
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads~~

This was a very enjoyable and entertaining read. It had enough plot and angst to not be too romantic; enough back-story to be engaging; plenty of lust-filled moments to get the reader heated; and a desirable conclusion. I thought that the twist in the plot worked well, and was not overplayed. The gentle steps through D/s worked well against the backdrop of her past. And the side characters such as Dex, Logan and Michelle will hopefully all get more input in future story-lines. A trip to Master Mason also would seem in order.

There could have been a little more informal speech, but generally the tone was good, and the writing style flowed easily - making me read it in almost one sitting, as I was so thoroughly invested in the outcome. I look forward to more Ms Ryan!

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for She Hearts Books.
2,113 reviews74 followers
July 17, 2015
Sandra takes off for home because a crazy stalker man who was her abusive dom won't leave her alone. She leaves everything behind, but can't let go of the lifestyle that she wants and needs to live. She shows up at a BDSM club armed with a letter of recommendation and a desire to submit and community. She meets with a Dom that rings all those right bells, but not one that should. He looks familiar, but she can't place how. Turns out Brent knows her from school and had a huge crush on her, but chooses not to reveal that to Sandra at first. Let me tell you...Brent is a delicious bossy man. Holy hotness! They are scorching together and have a sizzling chemistry they can't deny. So he just has to protect her from the monster from her past and capture her heart for the future. I really loved their story.

I give My Obsession 5 hearts!
Profile Image for Rachael Orman.
Author 23 books380 followers
July 20, 2015
5 Stars

I loved this book. It was very hot and I loved way the BDSM lifestyle was portrayed.

Brett was so sweet and caring yet and incredibly sexy Dom. Sandra had a lot going on in her life, but the way she handled it all was so believable and made me really relate to her and her fears.

The naughty scenes were HOT. The BDSM was excellent. For once we saw the measures taken to protect everyone in the scene and the true gift of submission given to a Dom instead of it being taken.

I only wish we'd gotten to see the party that'd been booked... I'll never complain about too many BDSM scenes or sex as well written as this was mixed in with a nice plot with twists that were surprising.

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Profile Image for Jenn C Reads.
1,963 reviews48 followers
February 19, 2016
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Probably closer to 3.5 stars, but I rounded up for heat. This book jumped into the steamy stuff a little too quickly and I would have preferred just a bit more set up, but Ryan didn't leave anything out. I fully understood the background of Sandra and Brent and followed along with their relationship. I liked the intrigue with Diego, but I would have liked a little bit more backstory about him and Sandra as well as more information about Dex and about how Brent got to be where he is today. Overall a great read and I look forward to more books by Cassie Ryan.
30 reviews
May 20, 2018
Hot Club Desire

Wow! This book was very hot, but also had a good story. Sometimes our past collides with the present. And throw in a little mystery with it and you will love My Obsession. Cassie Ryan what a good book.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,095 reviews93 followers
July 22, 2015
* A review copy was provided by the author via Netgalley for the Blog Tour *

~ 4 Dominating Stars ~

My Obsession is the first Cassie Ryan book I have read and I am happy to say that it won't be my last. I look forward to reading more books in this series and by this author.

My Obsession is book 1 in Cassie Ryan's Club Desire Series and I have to say that this is off to a great start. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and writing style. I really liked the characters she created and the storyline she thrust them into. This book was more than just a BDSM story. Yes there was BDSM aspects to the story, because of the club Brent owned, but there was also, love, romance, and suspense built into the story.

One of my only real complaints is, that when I read the blurb and saw it was labeled Erotica, I was expecting a lot more sex to the story. Yes there was bondage and foreplay, but actually sex didn't come into the story until around 70%, now that doesn't mean that this book wasn't steamy, it just wasn't enough sex for me to give it 5 stars. Now with me saying that, I don't like a book that is overpowered with sex, the best scenario is when a book has just the right combination of sex and storyline.

Even with the lack of actual sex, it didn't deter me from really liking this book. The storyline was intriguing enough and suspenseful enough to keep me hooked and turning the pages. I also felt that the ending was a little rushed and kind of glossed over. I would've liked a little more from the ending. But I did love that we got an epilogue, so it felt that Brent and Sandra was wrapped up.

I almost want to label this a second chance romance story, because it some of those elements, but it was more of a unrequited love and a reunion of high school friends. This book is the story of Brent and Sandra. Brent is the owner of Club Desire, an exclusive BDSM club that is very popular. Sandra is a woman who, after high school left her hometown to follow her path in NYC. While in New York Sandra got introduced into the BDSM lifestyle and things were going well until her Dom left and she was placed with a new one, Diego. Things go really bad and she is forced to leave and go back to her hometown. Still looking to be involved in the BDSM lifestyle, she goes to Club Desire and meets Brent. Brent knows who she is, his high school crush from 10 years ago, but she doesn't recognize Brent. There is an instant connection and Brent vows to take Sandra under his wing and teach her the BDSM way. Things are going smoothly until Sandra's past comes to bite her in the butt again. This is where the suspense comes into the story and keeps you guessing how it will all turn out.

I truly loved the pace the author took for Brent and Sandra, I just wish there would've been more sex. I loved that Brent was extremely patient with how new Sandra was to his lifestyle. He never forced her or pressured her into doing anything she wasn't ready for I do wish we would've gotten a little bit more about Brent's past. We know some things and that high school was a horrible time for him, but the subject of his home life was kind of glossed over. As for Sandra, my heart broke for her once we learned about her upbringing and then what she endured in New York. I was happy to see her trust Brent enough to open up to him.

I also really liked the other characters that were introduced. I would love to read a story about Dex and/or Michelle. I loved the sense of family the author created within Club Desire. She made you feel like a part of the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the BDSM Genre, but is also looking for a story that is more than just sex and bondage.

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Profile Image for Jaime.
1,804 reviews310 followers
June 17, 2015

(Honest Review is provided in exchange for ARC -- Thanks to Cassie Ryan, Random House Publishing – Loveswept, and NetGalley for review opportunity).



Overall Stars: 3.5 rounding up to 4



First, Cassie Ryan is a wonderful author and I have enjoyed her books in the past. She writes erotic romance that takes the reader into the world of the characters. Cassie does a wonderful job continuing her superb writing in My Obsession.







My Obsession is a story heavily laden with the world of BDSM, private clubs, sexy Dom's and of course the villain --- who that is you will have to read the book to find out....







In addition to the sexual chemistry in the book, there is an additional underlying plot. Sandra Berry, who left New York to return home away from an abusive ex-Dom, seeks to join Club Desire and it is there she meets Brent Westwood. As the reader finds out, Brent and Sandra knew each other in high school and Brent has wanted Sandra for a very long time. Sandra, not recognizing Brent -- thinks she has just met her dream Dom.





The story keeps you involved and you want to keep reading to see what will happen. My only reason for marking it lower than a solid 4 star is it had a lot of unnecessary information the first 30-40% in that almost had me putting the book down. Once you get past that...the story is hot.as.ever!











Overall, My Obsession is a book that I recommend. Can’t wait to read the next books in the series.







Reviewing for Alpha Book Club Blog



Profile Image for Melissa Mendoza.
2,598 reviews55 followers
June 25, 2015
Received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

“The sexy man who had captured her attention walked around her in a slow circle, examining her with dark appreciation in his eyes. He radiated Dom with every breath. It was as if the entire world was his to do with as he wished.”

4 super sexy bdsm stars!! This was a hot read, I really seemed to enjoy it from the beginning to end.

In this erotic story of temptation and total surrender for readers ofSylvia Day and J. Kenner, a powerful master gives his dream girl a new beginning in the dungeons of decadent ecstasy.

Running from a troubled past, Sandra Barry spent years hiding out in New York City’s BDSM scene, finding satisfaction and even a sense of community as a sub at a large dungeon. But when a stalker joins the dungeon posing as a Dom, he crosses her personal boundaries, giving her no choice but to return home to Arizona. Seeking refuge once again in the kink lifestyle, Sandra meets a sexy new Dom whose tutelage drives her wild—although there’s something familiar about him she just can’t place.

As a teenager, Brent Weston was a nerd. Now he owns the hottest dungeon in Phoenix, enjoying the power and success he’s always craved. All that’s missing is the right woman to share it with. Then one day Sandra, his secret high school crush, walks into his club. She’s just as beautiful as he remembers. She’s also scared as hell. Brent has been waiting for this moment, and now that Sandra’s in his sights, he’ll do anything to protect her, pleasure her—and prove that he’s the only master worthy of her devotion.

My Obsession is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Sandra is running from her previous life in New York after being under the thumb of an abusive DOM. Fleeing back home to Phoenix she ends up in another BDSM club, which is owned by a man named Brent. As soon as Brent meets Sandra sparks fly like crazy. But he also remembers her from their high school days. While Sandra on the other hand has no clue as to who Brent is. Slowly Brent starts to gain Sandra’s trust and she slowly starts to become herself again. But will her previous life come back to haunt her?? Will Brent’s secret destroy what he’s built with Sandra? This book was hot from the beginning and I really loved it!! Cassie Ryan knocked it out of the park!
Profile Image for Girl Reading Books Too.
779 reviews54 followers
September 20, 2015
This is another one of those stories I started with trepidation because my friend Bambi did not finish it. That said, there have been books that she has not finished which I have enjoyed so I'm always willing to give the book the benefit of the doubt.

This book read like a sex manual to me. There was a lot of thinking about sex, talking about sex, having sex. Just sex, sex, sex. There's a lot of sexual overtones right through the book. It's like reading someone with sex constantly on the brain. Fortunately, while it was too much, it did not put me off.

I found the sex somewhat clinical and I think that had to do with the overall tone of the book which gave a lot of background and backstory to BDSM. At certain points in the story, I felt a lot like I was reading BDSM 101 and I did learn a lot of interesting BDSM lifestyle terms like munch, subspace and aftercare. Of course, when I mentioned it to Bambi, she asked what rock I had been living under and had I not read Maya Banks and Shayla Black, which incidentally, I have not!

As I mentioned, the sex came across as very clinical to me, all the terms, the rules, the boundaries. I did not feel that there was enough of an emotional connection between Sandra and Brent even though they were very sexually attracted and turned on by each other. Overall, this book lacked emotion.

Because of the lack of emotion, I had a hard time connecting to Sandra as a person and even as a victim. I understand she was being stalked, she had bad experiences where she was abused and hurt, but I did not feel her pain. Everything was explained so clinically that all I felt was a slightly detached understanding. I expect that was not what Ms Ryan was hoping for.

With Brent, I got that he was hot and super attractive but again, I did not connect with him. Usually, I'm all about the hero and particularly if he's an alpha male, I'm all over it. Brent left me feeling kinda flat. It was like looking at a very attractive two dimensional image which I could intellectually acknowledge was attractive but did not get my heart beating faster or my breath catching in my throat.

While I don't feel this story was a let down since I learned so much about the BDSM lifestyle (which I thought was very well explained), I have mixed feelings about reading more of the series. I can see a story for each of the other major Doms from the Club. Master Dex was particularly appealing.
Profile Image for Angela Cramer.
183 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2015
***I received a copy of My Obsession by Cassie Ryan via Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept and Netgalley for an honest review***

What all should I say besides I love the book. In my opinion, the author not only knows how to write a story, but to draw the reader into the plot as well.

Though it starts slow, the speed and action, all the action heats up quickly between Sandra and Brent. Our hero and heroine are old classmates, yet she does not recognize him from school, but he recognizes the girl he’s had a major crush on throughout high school. But I am getting ahead of myself as usual.

We start out with Sandra literally running from a tragic past in NYC, but where to run to? Why back home, of course to Phoenix where she is staying with her bff from school, Michelle. However, back in NY she discovered that she has a kinky side. She likes to watch others having sex and not only that, she had begun to explore the D/s relationship. Now in Phoenix, she seeks membership to the exclusive Club Desire, owned and operated by hotty, mchot Master Brent. Did I forget to mention that Brent has an uber crush on Sandra since high school when she turned him down? Well oops, my bad. Now I won’t give the rest of the story away, but needless to say, Brent is not the boy he used to be and Sandra is not the frightened girl hiding secrets anymore either.

At least she isn’t by the time Master Brent is through with showing her just how well he can make her body sing. Smokin’ hot sex, an introduction to the world of BDSM that many may not know about (I for one have a different connotation when I hear the word Munch), and a suspenseful story beyond and within Club Desire brings My Obsession to the top of my recommendation list. I was either on the edge of my seat or having my heart ripped out. I most definitely did not want to put the book down.

As a romance, you know there will be a happily ever after, but the ride getting there is part of the fun and My Obsession is no different. The author pulls the reader in, so that you can imagine yourself as Sandra wanting a hunky Brent all of your own. If this is the first of a series, I cannot wait to meet the women who put the men of Club Desire through their paces.
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
July 25, 2015
A new series that is specifically 18 and older, My Obsession was an interesting start to a new series. The writing and story trajectory are super: well-paced and described with some lovely dialogue and a safety threat that kept things moving forward and intriguing.

Sandra is the girl who came from a troubled childhood, and scampered away as quickly as possible. I liked her, but I wanted more from her: her vibe didn’t fit the slightly apologetic and nervous person I expected from that background, and that made her choices for submission a touch suspect to me. Her first draw into the lifestyle was with a very aggressive and dominant male, abusive and possessive to the point of stalker. She runs from him and heads back to her hometown to regroup. I understand the familiar, but from her purported history, home wouldn’t have been a refuge and safe place, at least not in my view.

Brent is a wonderful character: bullied in school, he’s always had a crush on Sandra, and never forgot her even after time had passed. Using his own desires and impulses to open Club Desire, he’s grown into a sexy man who enjoys his role in the lifestyle, and his ownership of the club. Again, there was something not quite ‘right’ about the personality fitting the perceived role here: Brent is great, but he’s softer, gentler and far more fitted to take orders than give them. He’s the anti-dom dominant, so interactions between the two were a bit mixed. Sensual and sexy for sure, but the emotional impact that I would have expected (and want) from a story rooted in the lifestyle wasn’t as strongly prevalent as it would need to be to make this a great start.

As it stands, this is a good start to a series, more on the lighter side of lifestyle romances with plenty of solid dialogue, several sexy moments and a twist that adds tension with a stalker threatening Sandra. What emerges is a promising start for a new series for those new to the genre and the author, and who want some heat with a touch of tension.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Profile Image for Jacque.
998 reviews22 followers
July 17, 2015
My Obsession by Cassie Ryan was a great start to her new Club Desire series. Sandra grew up in a troubled home. To get away she heads out to NYC where she finds the BDSM scene much to her liking. That is until she ends up with the wrong Dom., an abusive one, a stalker one. To get away from him she returns to her hometown where she once again seeks out the BDSM world. There she finds a club more suited to her and discovers a Dom who is perfect for her. Brent grew up being bullied as a nerd. All throughout school, he was picked on. Now he’s an adult and owns the hottest dungeon in Phoenix. He’s got it all except for a woman to call his own. The one day, the girl he dreamed about all through high school walked in his dungeon doors.

I have mixed feeling about Brent. Let me start with I really enjoyed his character. I found him very sexy, smart and I would do him in a heartbeat. He’s come a long way from the abused nerd he was in high school. My problem is while he was very gentle to Sandra, I didn’t find him to be a very strong Dom. My expectations of Doms tend to run on the very strong and dominant side. I found him to be a bit more beta than alpha. Equally, I am questioning Sandra’s choices as being a sub. I’m not getting the whole abused child wanting to be a sub thing as an adult. Both of them were head-scratchers to me but maybe this is what works for them.

My personal issues aside with the MCs, I found this book to be a very good read. There’s lots of great secondary characters here that I enjoyed and look forward to see them get their own stories. In addition, there’s a lot of sexy play and smooth dialog that gives this book a nice pacing. Equally good was the stalker hunting down Sandra. It certainly gives a new meaning to the title and added a very nice scary twist to the whole thing. Wrap it up all together and you have a book here worth reading.


I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars - 3.5, Flames – 4.5
Profile Image for Julie Barrett.
448 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2015
My Obsession is the first book in Cassie Ryan's Club Desire series, and she's kicked the series off with a real bang. This book can be read as a standalone and there is no cliffhanger - yay! Cassie Ryan is a new author to me but if all of her books are as good as this one then I can see her making my list of favourite BDSM romance authors. The writing is strong, the story is nicely paced and flows well, and the characters are easy to connect with.

Sandra arrives in her hometown in Arizona after running from New York and her abusive Dom, Diego. She visits Club Desire in the hope of getting a membership to the elite BDSM club. The club is owned by Brent and he instantly recognises Sandra as the popular girl he had a crush on in high school. Brent has changed a lot from the nerd he was in school, so Sandra doesn't recognise him even though she thinks he looks vaguely familiar. Brent helps Sandra learn about the lifestyle and learn to trust again - he also learns that Sandra is the perfect submissive for him. But Diego is stalking Sandra and she is in danger - can Brent protect her?

I absolutely loved Brent - he is a great Dom, he was so patient with Sandra and he was really caring and protective towards her. He is also as hot as hell! Sandra was a great mix of strength and vulnerability. She had been through a traumatic experience but she was still strong enough to venture into the lifestyle again. This pair were great together - the sex was really hot but more importantly it felt like they truly belonged together and completed each other. The stalking storyline was exciting to read as well - and Diego was super creepy! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author, and I'm hoping that dishy Dex's story is the next book in this series. Five stars!


I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Leslie.
119 reviews16 followers
June 14, 2015
Cassie Ryan has officially built my favorite fictional dungeon ever!! Who wouldn't love to go play in a dungeon that has the look of a ancient castle?! Besides creating my favorite dungeon she also hit on my favorite type of romance.

So, we have Sandra the little sub who has had a pretty battered past. The BDSM world was not kind to her at all! She had a half-assed Dom for her first experience and then an abusive Dom as her second. The club she belonged to didn't step in until it was almost too late. After her traumas, she flees home to Phoenix.

When she arrives in Phoenix she goes to find refuge at Club Desire where she meets Brent. Brent has had a thing for Sandra all his life. She was the popular girl in high school to his uber nerd, Brent decides to keep this from her because the timing was always off when he attempted to tell her.

Brent and Sandra have instant attraction and enter into their own BDSM relationship which of course spills over into their real lives. When Sandra's past makes an appearance everything goes to hell! Not only does her past come back to kick the shit out of her, Brent's secret pretty much destroy's their whole relationship. They do get their happy ever after but not before some harsh words and intense scenes.

Overall this book was a good little read. I'll probably pick up another Club Desire book mainly because I did like the secondary characters and the world of Club Desire. I did feel that the end of the book was handled a little too prematurely. There just wasn't enough of a bridge from the devastation of the relationship to the happily ever after in my opinion. I did love the overall plot and the scenes were amazing. I'd say it's a really solid debut book for a new series.

Profile Image for Nikita.
159 reviews3 followers
July 7, 2015
On the run from an abusive Dom, Sandra Berry leaves her New York dungeon and travels back to her Arizona homeland in hopes of creating a fresh, new life for herself. With a glowing letter of recommendation from her former dungeon master, she petitions for membership into the exclusive Club Desire. There she meets Brent, the club owner and Dom whom Sandra feels an immediate and intense connection. That attraction is mutual and soon Brent is pushing Sandra pleasurable boundaries while soothing away the fears instilled her previous, sadistic Dom.

If you read any BDSM novel, let it be MY OBSESSION! This has everything I could ever hope for in a great BDSM erotica novel. The sex is sensual, sure, but the focus is really on the “safe, sane, and consensual” motto of the BDSM lifestyle and the love scenes actually center around the sensations, emotions, and feelings the D/s relationship brings to Sandra and Brent’s life together. A reader is given great insight into the thoughts of both Sandra and Brent and their growing relationship, but this doesn’t detract from the plot of the story. In fact, there were times I felt like I was one of the voyeurs at Club Desire! The scenes suck you in and you just can’t put this book down. Well-written, great pace, a good cast of characters (whom I hope to see more of in future books), I finished this novel in just a few short hours and highly recommend you check it out too!

A fantastic erotica novel that I thoroughly enjoyed – this series has been placed on my automatic buy list!

Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com

I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Jill.
786 reviews9 followers
July 27, 2015
4 stars for the first book in the Club Desire series which is all about Sandra Barry finding her "way" how ever unconventional it may be. Sandra is a submissive living in New York and is part of a D/s relationship when things go bad with her current Dom, Diego. Sandra chooses to move back home to Arizona and start over but with no money/job she has very limited options and relies on a friend from high school for a place to live. There is something missing though so Sandra decides to petition for membership into Club Desire, an exclusive and high priced BDSM club. The owner Master Brent takes a liking to Sandra and decides to take her as his sub. There is just something about Master Brent that seems very familiar to her but she can't put her finger on it....

Brent Weston is the owner of Club Desire and is a very affluent businessman in the Phoenix, AZ area. The man is the epitome of the sexy, successful rich guy but where the other guys would wear suits out to business dinners, Brent would prefer his leathers for flogging in the dungeon at Club Desire. Brent has come light years from the shy, quiet, nerd he was when he was younger but the one thing that still holds true is his utter fascination with Sandra Barry. He can't remember a time when he didn't have a "thing" for her so when she is back in town campaigning for a membership into his club it's almost like all his prayers had been answered.

Once these two come together it is incredible to watch the relationship unfold as Sandra learns the true meaning of submission to a Dom who actually cares about her well being. Good story that we have heard before but the supporting characters make it a great read as well as the smoking hot BDSM scenes. Will definitely read more in this series :)
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