Melina Roderick thought she’d finally found peace.
But in her quiet suburban neighborhood, someone is watching—tracking her every move, targeting her children, and dismantling the fragile sense of safety she’s fought hard to rebuild.
When former Delta Force operator Matthew Mason moves in across the street, he’s more than just a quiet protector. He’s part of Aegis Global, a private military company that handles threats the rest of the world never sees..
Then there’s Jackson Mercer, the youngest member of Aegis and a former SEAL with sharp wit, haunted eyes, and a soft spot for Melina he doesn’t bother hiding.
With danger closing in and trust running thin, Melina is caught between two protectors—and haunted by a past that refuses to stay buried..
But when survival is no longer the only thing at stake, can she trust either man with her heart?
Obsession is a gripping romantic suspense about found family, resilience, and the kind of love that can save you… or cost you everything.
Perfect for fans of romantic suspense and military romance, Obsession is packed with: Single Mom • Protective Heroes • Forced Proximity • Love Triangle • Small Town Romance • Found Family • Emotional Healing • High-Stakes Suspense
I’m Melissa, a single mom of four amazing kids (three at home and one chasing his dreams in NYC). I also have a German Shepherd who’s absolutely convinced he’s the hero of every story—spoiler alert, he kind of is. By day, I’m a Sourcing and Recruitment Supervisor for a boutique physician recruitment firm. By night, I’m a storyteller, pouring my heart into creating fictional worlds that feel as real as the people who inspire them. I grew up in a small North Texas town, the same town that inspired the setting for my Aegis Global series. And while I spend my time writing now, a big part of me will always belong to the stage. I studied ballet for 14 years, and you’ll find a few dance-inspired moments woven into Book 3.
When I’m not writing, you’ll find me indulging in my favorite simple joys—stocking up on Bath & Body Works candles (I’m obsessed with their Perfect Christmas Candle) or celebrating any and every holiday. Book 2 even has entire chapters dedicated to Halloween and Thanksgiving—complete with a 12-foot skeleton and twinkly lights. I love the outdoors—camping, swimming, BBQs, and lazy days on the lake. If I’m indoors, I’m usually curled up with a good romance novel or a Netflix binge, coffee in hand.
But nothing compares to my love of writing. Since childhood, I’ve had a wild, vivid imagination, and a few years ago I finally decided it was time to bring the stories in my head to life. Many of my characters are inspired by real people and experiences, which makes this series deeply personal to me. It’s not fluffy. It’s raw, real, and deeply emotional with beats of trauma, grief, and heartbreak. But it’s also a story of redemption, resilience, and learning to love yourself again.
Right now, I’m putting the final touches on Books 1 and 2 of the Aegis Global series and drafting Book 3, with plans to rapid-release all three on Amazon KDP within the next 6–8 months. After that, I’ll be diving into something new—a fantasy romance series I’m beyond excited about.
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat with action and romance. I was part of the ARC team for this book, and while life prevented me from getting it done in a short time span after receiving it, it was not due to the interest in this book. I definitely wanted to keep reading. No matter what your favorite genres are, you will not be disappointed in this series!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, for which I would like to thank the author.
First, the positives. I think the writing style is engaging, the plot moves quickly, and there are moments of genuine tension. The book feels personal to the author, and I always think it's always fun when the setting is local (shout out DFW!).
Next, the things that I thought were not so strong. I will start with a disclaimer that I expected this to be a thriller. It's really not. It's a romance with some thriller elements. I struggle with romance as a genre because you have to suspend reality and just accept the tropes in front of you. Why would a woman with serious trauma history immediately trust the new neighbor? You just have to go with it. But that's on me, and I don't want to blame the author for that.
The other thing that caught me up was more technical. The military and medical fields are ones I know well (no less than 8 relatives former/current military, and I'm a doctor who really did work at Parkland for a while back in the day). At times, those scenes just didn't feel genuine - trying to use as many specialized terms as possible, but not necessarily to advance the story, just to show that you know them. There were a few errors in the medical scenes too, which (though minor) pulled me out of the story.
Overall, I think this is an above-average example of this genre, and so I give it 3 stars. If you're a romance fan, I think you'll probably enjoy it more than I did, and it's worth a read.
I received a free ARC of this book, and here is my honest opinion.
So the first thing that came to mind when I started reading this book, Obsession, by Melissa Sue Carey, was the raw emotional healing, the romance and the suspense. The story begins with Melina, a freelance copywriter and a mother of three children, who, over the past years, has endured a very abusive relationship with her husband. At some point, her husband got arrested and eventually ended up in jail after she had testified against him. She was starting to pick herself back up when we discovered that her ex-husband had been released on parole. Melina realises she can’t outrun her past. This forces her to stop hiding and start fighting back, especially once the kids’ safety is at risk. But danger resurfaces when her husband gets released from prison. She is eventually entrusted to the protection of Matt and the Aegis Global team. But not everyone is as bad as Melina, and Matt begins a journey of romance and intimate healing. Loyalties will be tested, and not everyone will go unscathed.
One of the main things I loved while reading this book is Melina's love for her children. I enjoyed seeing the extent she would go to provide and protect them. I also like how the characters were detailed, as well as the chain of events. The scenes and timeline were perfectly placed in such a way that one won't get lost in the middle. I also liked the build-up of the emotions between Melina and Matt; it did not feel rushed, rather it felt well-developed. I like how it balanced romance and suspense, giving readers a chance to breathe while reading.
On the downside, I felt the book should have come with a strong content warning as it includes multiple scenes of domestic violence and ptsd. Aside from this, I believe the book was perfectly written with some strong takeaways, such as the importance of building trust rather than just expecting it to come freely. One important point I understood from this book is that trauma has ripple effects.
If you're a fan of romantic suspense, military brotherhood, and women's fiction, then this book is a perfect read for you. I would rate this book as a 4 out of 5 stars.
Single Mom • Protective Heroes • Forced Proximity • Love Triangle • Small Town Romance • Found Family • Emotional . high suspense• Military 🪖 🎖 This book is Intense cliffhanger 3 book series
The suspense in this book had me screaming my at Kindle.
Matthew Mason(military) Jackson Mercer(military)
Darren (ex-husband)
Melina (mother of 3)
Melissa Sue Carey knows what she is talking about when it comes to her books.
The military and medical jargon were up to par. it felt like I was actually there and in on the experience the characters were going through.. I was blown away.
Melina is a mother of 3 and was taking her son to school and noticed she had a flat tire . This is how she met Matthew (Matty), who helped fix her tire. Things started progressing romantically between the two. . Things started getting worse for her in the ways of harassment. Not knowing who it was, his friends and colleagues from his military establishment helped protect her and her kids.
This is how she met Jackson, Sharp Shooter, ex military, was assigned to help taking care of her. Misfortune took hold of the situation and almost got her killed.
Needless to say, Matthew was not happy. Now, here we are at the point when Matthew gets assigned to leave the USA on another mission, and Jackson is the one who ends up watching after her.
I am owning this book. This author blew me away with how much she knew about the Military, Medical and everything in between. I didn't have to go look nothing up. That was the best part. Not having to second guess.
Needless to say. She is my new best author to read.
This book was absolutely devouring, emotional, intense, and full of depth. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. It’s one of those stories that’s not just entertaining but engaging on every level.
Melina is a force to be reckoned with. After everything she’s endured, she still finds the will and strength to keep going. Her connection with Matt is electric, and every character in this story is written with such care and dimension that you can’t help but feel invested in their journeys.
Melina and Jax have a special connection that leaves you wondering what the future holds. His ghosting her makes perfect sense for his personality, but I’m absolutely ready to see her kick his ass for it.
The pacing and buildup were spot on. The tension with Matt, the nail-biting mission, her growing bond with Jax, and the mystery of her stalker all came together beautifully. And what made this story truly shine was Melina herself. Despite being surrounded by strong, protective men, she saved herself. That’s what makes her story powerful she faced her past and took back her strength.
Why you should read it: If you love romantic suspense with emotional depth, strong heroines, and protective heroes who actually respect the woman they’re drawn to, this one’s for you. Obsession blends found family, emotional healing, and heart-pounding suspense. I’m already excited to continue this series and see where these characters go next.
a story full of raw honesty and truth. based around a single mother who is a SA survivor.
Triggers ARE listed in the book before the story begins but: • Domestic violence (emotional, verbal, and physical abuse) • Sexual assault (referenced, not graphically depicted) • Combat and gun violence • Death and medical trauma • Sex trafficking (referenced, not graphically depicted) • Stalking and child endangerment • Animal harm • Suicide and suicidal ideation • Symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSD) • Grief and loss • References to drugs and drug-related crime • Strong language and explicit consensual sexual content
this story really touched me, and while some bits were hard to read the way Melissa put the story on paper and depicted her characters personality/mental health/self doubts was great. from the military "jargon/language" used with regards to the male characters. It was excellently done.
every depicted scene, was done with such a perfessional manner.
I went through a rollercoaster of emotions reading this and read it in less than 24 hours. I recommend this book to anyone just take note of your triggers . your mental health matters.
Tropes: Single Mom Protective Heroes Forced Proximity Love Triangle Small Town Romance Found Family Emotional high suspense/intensity Military MMC / Side Characters 3 book series
If you're looking for a book that you won’t be able to put down, will make you scream, giggle, and gasp all at once, you have to read this one! Starts with a single mom who has had a really tough life and her super hot, super protective ex-military neighbor, Matt. The way he helps her and her kids when her abusive ex-husband starts stalking them is just everything. Their romance is so cute, and I was kicking my feet the whole time they were flirting. I absolutely fell in love with all of the characters, even the side ones. Then things get crazy when Matt has to go on a mission and leaves her with two bodyguards. She gets close to one of them, Jax, and their emotional connection is a huge part of the story. You can feel the tension as she tries to figure out her feelings. It's so good! The end of the book is an absolute whirlwind of action and emotion, leading to a heart-stopping finale. And the very last part? The epilogue from Jax's perspective? It gives a little peek into what's next for him, leaving you wanting more. This book took me on such a wild ride. I absolutely loved it and I know you will too! I also need more information on Arrow! And a little shout-out to POW—he's my favorite weatherman too! I cannot wait for book number two! I need more!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was so good!! And my first military romance.
Melina thought she’d finally built a safe life for her kids, but someone is watching, waiting, and tearing away the fragile peace she’s fought so hard to protect.
Enter Matthew Mason, former Delta Force operator next door, and Jackson Mercer, a younger SEAL with haunted eyes and a heart that can’t help but soften around her. Two protectors, one woman caught in the crossfire of danger and desire, and a past that refuses to stay buried it’s the kind of setup that keeps you glued to the pages.
Melissa Sue Carey blends action, heartache, and romance seamlessly. The love triangle is intense without feeling forced, the found family moments add warmth, and the suspense will have you holding your breath. This isn’t just a romance it’s a story about resilience, healing, and learning to trust when everything is on the line.
Tropes: single mom romance, protective heroes, forced proximity, love triangle, small town romance, found family, emotional healing, high stakes suspense
✨ARC REVIEW✨ this book was literally amazing!! i’m already so excited for book 2. i flew through melina and mattys story. i honestly need an extended epilogue of them because it just wasn’t enough. i loved them and jax so much. i need so much more. this military romance was so beautifully written i felt all the emotions. grab your copy on 9/30/25 when it drops!! melina is a single mom with a haunted past. marty is an retired active duty military working for aegis and only going on high stakes missions. when he moves in across the street from melina it was instant chemistry. weird things keep happening and he’s determined to get to the bottom of it while their relationship is slowly burning. marty gets sent out on a mission that goes sideways and jax an ex navy seal also working for aegis is on protective detail to watch over melina. she breaks down his walls and their bond grows unbreakable. they put their life on the line for each other when the unexpected happens. matty returns and melina and jax are in the hospital fighting for their lives.
I honestly enjoyed this book immensely. I received an ARC copy and couldn't put it down once I started. Each character felt real, the banter between them had me giggling the entire time. I honestly can't wait for the next installment. The jargon with the male characters was great and flowed wonderfully. Melina is a single mom with a dark past, just trying to do the best for her kids. Matt is retired military special forces now working for Aegis who moved in across the street from her. They meet when her tire is slashed and he helps her change it. The chemistry between them is instant. Matt starts looking more into why her tire is slashed and tells her to call him if she ever needs anything. Soon it's clear she has a stalker and he vows to help protect her and her kids. His team steps in to help once they know what's going on. Melissa kept my attention with this book, and I can't wait until the next installment from her
🚨 Pulse-pounding spice 🎖️ Military action 👀 Mystery stalker vibes 💪 Fierce FMC 😂 Banter that’ll have you cackling ❤️🔥 New book boyfriends unlocked
Holy shenanigans, Batman. This book has it all!
I laughed. I cried. I held my breath more times than I can count. From page one, I was hooked. Don’t just toss this on your TBR, put it at the very top of the pile.
Melina, the ultimate super baddie, has been cruising through life on her own terms, until a flat tire changes everything. Enter Aegis hero Matty Mason, whose rescue is only the beginning. When danger closes in, it becomes clear that Melina might need Matty’s help in more ways than one… and trust me, sparks fly.
🔥 Action, suspense, laughs, and heart. This is one wild ride you don’t want to miss.
Thank you to Melissa Sue Carey for an ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read and I can't wait for the next one!
This book took me by surprise because I just stumbled upon it on tik tok. Got intrigued, downloaded it & the rest is history!
When tell you this story has you feeling every emotion. From Melina battling her past & dealing with her psychotic husband coming back while trying to be a good mother to her three amazing kids. Bravery & strength. What a woman!
Then add in two military men, Matthew Mason & Jackson Mercer, who swoop in and become her protectors when Melina’s life is in danger.
Between Matthew who fell first, becomes her home & gives her hope in love again but then Jackson entering the chat and becoming her emotional support blanket & heals her in a way that she didn’t know she needed. IDK WHO THE F*CK to chose for her bc I fell in love with BOTH this men for different reasons.
The whole story is beautiful, heartwarming, gut wrenching, keeps you on your toes and spicy! All in all this book became one of my favorite reads of 2025!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This one hits all the feels. I smiled. I fell in love with Matt, I cried, and I fell in love with Jax! Melina is a single mom of 3 kids who meets and falls for Matt. Matt is a former Army Ranger who works for Aegis a private military group. Matt and Melina fall hard for each other, and he even tries to help her with her stalker situation. Matt is then sent on a mission and go e for quite some time. During this time Melina gets really close to Jackson, who is Matt's nemesis. Melina and Jax beco.e best friends during the time Matt is gone. One afternoon Melina and Jax are in a horrible accident, Jax ends up badly hurt and Melina refuses to leave his side. Then all of a sudden her stalker shows up at the hospital and things go a little crazy from there. I am excited for the next book, where we hopefully find a love for Jax. He deserves it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Melina’s life hasn’t been easy however; she’s put that behind her and is happy raising her family on her own. So what if she occasionally notices her hot new neighbour, a girl can look after all. Matt is not looking for a relationship, he just wants to settle into his new job with his new team. When strange things start happening to Melina he doesn’t stop to think but offer his help. I loved that this read had more than one story unfolding within its pages. It certainly kept you guessing which way it might develop. If you like reads with great characters, unhinged villains, protective/damaged alphas, and gripping edge of your seat moments, then this is a definite add to your TBR.
I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Tropes: ▪︎Romantic Suspense ▪︎Single Mom Romance ▪︎Forced Proximity ▪︎Love Triangle ▪︎Found Family ▪︎Emotional Healing An amazing and emotional story that will reel you in and keep you hooked. There are a few difficult scenes in the story, but it builds the story and is well written. The connection between MCs is authentic and captivating. The flow of the book was well paced and had just the right amount of drama, action, and a few laughs along the way. It does have a cliffhanger, but it just makes you want to read the next book as soon as possible. Wonderfully written and a must read. Congratulations, Melissa. Well done.
Melina, is a survivor of an abuse with her strength she was able to have her now ex husband arrested and sent to prison. Starting to pick up her life with her three children, Melina finds the ex is out on parole. She knows that hiding is not an option. Finding herself in the care of the men from Aegis Global , Matt is the man assigned to her protection. Finding a man who puts her first and only wants to keep her and her children safe is an eye opener and a wonderful feeling. These two have chemistry and trust grows. This book is full of suspense, romance, loyalty, brotherhood and great characters.
This book completely sucked me in and quickly took a top 5 spot on my list. The characters are so easy to fall in love with- their stories are heartbreakingly beautiful. Melina is a single mom that’s trying to find herself after being broken too many times. Matt is a handsome veteran that wants to be her knight in shining armor. Their dynamic is very instant attraction- but they do it in a realistic way with having kids involved. (Speaking from experience).. Melissa has outdone herself with this one and I cannot wait to see where she takes this series!
This story is so addictive, a real page-turner. Melina is a dedicated mom, balancing her job and the school run while raising her kids. But one morning, everything changes—her tire is slashed, and she meets her hot new neighbor, Matt. Matt is ex-military, highly skilled, and part of a special ops team where trust is everything. Melina is smitten with Matt, and she’s going to need him because her life is in danger. No more spoilers, but another team member will tug at your heartstrings. I absolutely can’t wait for book two!
Modern military Romance. Haunted by the past. Unexpected love and friendship.
This book was funny, full of emotions, and so relatable for me on so many fronts. As a single mama of three kids, I saw aspects of myself in the strong and resilient FMC. Her family dynamics mirrored so many of my own.
The relationships - found family, one broody MMC, and another charming MMC - had me kicking my feet. I loved all the plot twists and all the characters were lovable and hilarious.
I was lucky enough to be picked as an ARC reader. This was my first time doing this. Thank you so much for the opportunity.
Melissa Sue Carey wrote a great book. The storyline was fantastic and the chemistry between the FMC and the MMC was amazing. This is a “when you know you know” as far as when you meet someone and know that they’re the one.
I just can’t rave enough about this book. READ IT!! You won’t be let down.
This was such an amazing read. I loved it and had such a hard time stopping after “just one more chapter”. The characters are so well created. I give any author who can take me from screaming “no, not that one” about a character to “but I love them!” so much credit and Melissa definitely did just that. I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of this read, but got nice breaks with comic relief and passion. I’m so glad I read this book and anxiously await book 2.
Emily did a great job telling from the FMC view point, and it almost brought me to tears. To find love, lose it, and then find it again… what a journey. It beautifully captures how life can take you on a roller coaster of emotions. This story allows you to be okay to be sad, hurt, and happy all at once. The story shows the importance of love, support, and healing. Great job, Emily this one truly touched my heart
This story instantly pulled me in and I couldn't stop wanting more! The story is so real and raw, and the chemistry between the characters is intoxicating. If you love something steamy and full of the kind of energy and suspense that will keep you locked in and wondering what happens next, this should be your next read!
OMG!! This book sucked me in and never let me go!!! It was so good!!! The characters are absolutely incredible and you fall in love with all of them! And the ending was absolutely perfect and makes you scream that the second book isn’t already in your hands!!
I went into the completely blind about the plot, and I’m so glad I did! I was immediately sucked into each aspect of the story. Matt and Melina were perfection, but then I immediately fell in love with Jax (A BLONDE MAN) and now I can’t wait for the second book!
this book is one I would recommend but id say to watch your triggers. obsession... well its an accurate title because I was obsessed with it. this book will keep you on the edge of your seat, you never know what is going it happen next and you don't expect the ending at all.
This book sucked me right in and I loved every minute of it! Strong, independent MFM and fierce, hero MMC. I need more of the Aegis Global guys!! Single Mom Romance that does not disappoint!! I’m gonna need the 2nd book, like yesterday, to cure the book hangover that I’m feeling today!!
Unfortunately I decided to not proceed with reading this ARC. This is in no way shape or form as a bullying tactic towards the author herself and is a strictly a personal choice but I’m not a fan of using AI to create character art, promote or market a book.