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Shattered Obsession: A Dark Romance Novel
When trauma steals everything, can love rewrite what’s been shattered?
Thalia never expected her first date to end in betrayal, violence, and scars that can’t be seen. What Damian took from her still lingers in the dark corners of her mind—shadows that whisper she’ll never be whole again.
But then there’s Xander. Patient. Steady. Fiercely protective. With him, she finds a fragile sense of safety… until the shadows of her past claw their way back. Damian refuses to let go, and his obsession threatens to destroy everything Thalia has fought to rebuild.
Now, survival isn’t just about enduring the past—it’s about facing it head-on. In a world of fractured trust, unrelenting desire, and a love that burns against the darkness, Thalia must decide: will she rise from the wreckage, or let the obsession consume her?
Shattered Obsession is a dark romance of survival, healing, and the power of love against obsession.
This novel contains sensitive and potentially triggering material, please protect your mental health while reading.
Thalia never expected her first date to end in betrayal, violence, and scars that can’t be seen. What Damian took from her still lingers in the dark corners of her mind—shadows that whisper she’ll never be whole again.
But then there’s Xander. Patient. Steady. Fiercely protective. With him, she finds a fragile sense of safety… until the shadows of her past claw their way back. Damian refuses to let go, and his obsession threatens to destroy everything Thalia has fought to rebuild.
Now, survival isn’t just about enduring the past—it’s about facing it head-on. In a world of fractured trust, unrelenting desire, and a love that burns against the darkness, Thalia must decide: will she rise from the wreckage, or let the obsession consume her?
Shattered Obsession is a dark romance of survival, healing, and the power of love against obsession.
This novel contains sensitive and potentially triggering material, please protect your mental health while reading.
- GenresDark Romance
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Auden Allred Barrett
1 book5 followersAuden Allred Barrett writes emotionally charged, spicy romance that explores the many facets of love, intimacy, and emotional vulnerability.
Based in the Southeastern United States, Auden shares her life with her partner, her service dog, Nala, and her cat, Bella. As a neurodivergent author living with chronic illness and disability, she brings an unflinching honesty to her work, creating emotionally authentic stories that resonate long after the final page.
Based in the Southeastern United States, Auden shares her life with her partner, her service dog, Nala, and her cat, Bella. As a neurodivergent author living with chronic illness and disability, she brings an unflinching honesty to her work, creating emotionally authentic stories that resonate long after the final page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 8, 2026
3🌟 | 3🌶️
Going from a terrifying dating-app encounter to finding someone who makes her feel safe gave this dark romance an interesting emotional pull.
What stayed with me most was seeing Thalia slowly regain ownership of her life instead of having her trauma magically disappear once Xander entered the picture. Her courage, especially when she finally decided to confront Damian and stop letting her past dictate her future, brought some genuinely emotional moments.
I also liked the contrast between the two men. Xander offered patience and reassurance when Thalia needed it, and I appreciated that therapy and personal growth remained part of her journey. Their relationship did move incredibly fast, though, so I sometimes wished we had more opportunities to see their bond develop naturally. Xander also remained a little difficult to fully know outside of being the person standing beside Thalia, but I still enjoyed the comfort he brought to her story.
The storyline was fairly uncomplicated, which made it easy to follow, although some of the later sections began covering familiar emotional ground. Even so, the focus on finding your voice, making your own choices, and refusing to be defined by what happened to you gave the book a meaningful core.
It was an emotional read with some really strong moments, and while it didn’t completely hit everything I was hoping for, I still found the overall experience worthwhile.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Auden Allred Barrett and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Going from a terrifying dating-app encounter to finding someone who makes her feel safe gave this dark romance an interesting emotional pull.
What stayed with me most was seeing Thalia slowly regain ownership of her life instead of having her trauma magically disappear once Xander entered the picture. Her courage, especially when she finally decided to confront Damian and stop letting her past dictate her future, brought some genuinely emotional moments.
I also liked the contrast between the two men. Xander offered patience and reassurance when Thalia needed it, and I appreciated that therapy and personal growth remained part of her journey. Their relationship did move incredibly fast, though, so I sometimes wished we had more opportunities to see their bond develop naturally. Xander also remained a little difficult to fully know outside of being the person standing beside Thalia, but I still enjoyed the comfort he brought to her story.
The storyline was fairly uncomplicated, which made it easy to follow, although some of the later sections began covering familiar emotional ground. Even so, the focus on finding your voice, making your own choices, and refusing to be defined by what happened to you gave the book a meaningful core.
It was an emotional read with some really strong moments, and while it didn’t completely hit everything I was hoping for, I still found the overall experience worthwhile.
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Auden Allred Barrett and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Did Not Finish
August 20, 2026DNF @ 34%
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR 💌 for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I saw the cover and tropes to this book and was immediately hooked so of course I had to sign up. When I started the book I just KNEW it was going to be dark. Please look at the content warnings before reading the book.
The book dealt with a very heavy topic early in the book and I felt a strong connection to our FMC. I knew something bad was going to happen to her and it felt like I was internally screaming at her but just couldn’t help her. And please bear in mind that this was 10% into the book. By 14% the event had happened and I felt wholly crushed for her.
Then affectionate Xander with his nerdiness, books, gaming and animal memes. I LOVED the set up. However what led me to DNF was how rushed everything felt. It took away the vulnerability for me personally. It felt like the events of Thalia’s healing journey was extremely brushed over within a couple of tough pages rather than focusing on a long time of her contemplating things, her thoughts and physical signs during these times.
I can appreciate the message the author had. It was the reason I began actually loving it. I was so looking forward to seeing a soul bonding connection with healing but it just didn’t hit that. I felt like for such a dark and traumatic event the marketing for the book feels off too. Maybe that’s just me! I would have loved seeing a book that was LONG and handled the aftermath much more intricately and slow paced, focusing on Thalias healing and growth journey rather than that being crammed into 20 or so pages.
This keeps happening with me and books 😭 the concept and plot seems like such a good read and then it’s just executed very differently from how I imagine a five star read and it makes me so sad because otherwise they have that potential if they were written differently!
One thing I will say is the quotes in this book. They definitely did get me.
~quotes~
“I’m strong. I’m enough. And I will survive this.”
In the aftermath, I experience a suffocating silence that envelops me. The emptiness rings loudly, leaving me alone with the wreckage of my thoughts and feelings, unsure of how to move forward. Each day blends into the next, with just me and the remnants of what was once a more vibrant existence. I don’t have it in me to go out, so I lie in bed, only getting up to eat on the occasion that I actually feel hungry. It’s as though time is moving slowly, but before I know it, the whole week has passed, marking the end of another month.
Happiness, to me, feels like something borrowed, a luxury that teases and then retreats. Whenever I dare to believe that I might be deserving of joy, the universe seems to snatch it back, reminding me of my unworthiness. The part of me that should rage against this unfairness, that should scream for validation and the right to be happy, is too exhausted to put up a fight.
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR 💌 for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I saw the cover and tropes to this book and was immediately hooked so of course I had to sign up. When I started the book I just KNEW it was going to be dark. Please look at the content warnings before reading the book.
The book dealt with a very heavy topic early in the book and I felt a strong connection to our FMC. I knew something bad was going to happen to her and it felt like I was internally screaming at her but just couldn’t help her. And please bear in mind that this was 10% into the book. By 14% the event had happened and I felt wholly crushed for her.
Then affectionate Xander with his nerdiness, books, gaming and animal memes. I LOVED the set up. However what led me to DNF was how rushed everything felt. It took away the vulnerability for me personally. It felt like the events of Thalia’s healing journey was extremely brushed over within a couple of tough pages rather than focusing on a long time of her contemplating things, her thoughts and physical signs during these times.
I can appreciate the message the author had. It was the reason I began actually loving it. I was so looking forward to seeing a soul bonding connection with healing but it just didn’t hit that. I felt like for such a dark and traumatic event the marketing for the book feels off too. Maybe that’s just me! I would have loved seeing a book that was LONG and handled the aftermath much more intricately and slow paced, focusing on Thalias healing and growth journey rather than that being crammed into 20 or so pages.
This keeps happening with me and books 😭 the concept and plot seems like such a good read and then it’s just executed very differently from how I imagine a five star read and it makes me so sad because otherwise they have that potential if they were written differently!
One thing I will say is the quotes in this book. They definitely did get me.
~quotes~
“I’m strong. I’m enough. And I will survive this.”
In the aftermath, I experience a suffocating silence that envelops me. The emptiness rings loudly, leaving me alone with the wreckage of my thoughts and feelings, unsure of how to move forward. Each day blends into the next, with just me and the remnants of what was once a more vibrant existence. I don’t have it in me to go out, so I lie in bed, only getting up to eat on the occasion that I actually feel hungry. It’s as though time is moving slowly, but before I know it, the whole week has passed, marking the end of another month.
Happiness, to me, feels like something borrowed, a luxury that teases and then retreats. Whenever I dare to believe that I might be deserving of joy, the universe seems to snatch it back, reminding me of my unworthiness. The part of me that should rage against this unfairness, that should scream for validation and the right to be happy, is too exhausted to put up a fight.
August 31, 2026
I love a good dark romance and was intrigued from the start because it starts with Thalia, the fmc, doing on a dating app and finding two completely different men. As you can imagine, one ends up being her abuser and the other becomes her protector. But the best part of this book is Thalia reclaiming herself after the abuse; taking back her life, being back in control and getting revenge on the man who hurt her (with her loyal man in tow). I really enjoyed the plot as it focuses a lot on Thalias healing, which many books like to skip over, and I’m sure seeing the whole process resonates with so many people and reminds us of the strength it takes to not let the past define you. I will say the plot is pretty simple but it’s effective and portrays the trauma, hurt and healing very well. It does make it predictable though and the writing was still interesting at first but around the 70% point I realised it was very repetitive in portraying Thalia’s emotions and fear. So after a while the words didn’t give me the same shudder it used to. The way Thalia speaks is also a little robotic which could be an effect of the trauma or just a writing style I don’t like. Xander also carries some robotic qualities in the way he narrates and I honestly wish we got more of him because we don’t see much of who Xander actually apart from being Thalias protector. Apart from the moments of feminine rage from Thalia as she faces her demons, the story felt a little empty and repetitive near the end. However it serves as a full closure moment that I enjoyed. This story is so important as it talks about not being silenced and reclaiming choice. It’s beautiful, motivational and I cries multiple times, but I found the writing repetitive which kind of dulled my ending experience. I still enjoyed this and give it a 3.5/5
August 20, 2026
Shattered Obsession was a gripping read with plenty of twists, emotional depth, and themes of healing and survival. I really enjoyed the characters, found family, and darker suspenseful elements. I did get a little lost in the plot at times, which made some parts harder to follow, but overall I stayed invested and enjoyed the story!
September 1, 2026
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars — 4.5 rounded up to 5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5 — Primal, praise-heavy, restraint reclamation, deep aftercare)
Shelves: dark-romance, romantic-suspense, survivor-reclamation, book-boyfriends-who-set-the-standard, trauma-healing, arcs-2026, five-star-reads
[MIND YOURSELF, THIS BOOK JUST CAME OUT SO IT DOES HAVE MILD-SPOILERS, PROCEED WITH CAUTION IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT YET]
Listen to me RIGHT now: *XANDER IS THE BLUEPRINT*
If you are looking for a dark romantic suspense that will rip your ticker out, stitch it back together with golden thread, and leave you sobbing on your bedroom floor in pure catharsis, stop scrolling and pre-order *Shattered Obsession* immediately.
*Deep breath… you got this Claudia… you got this*
This book is heavy, raw, and completely unapologetic. It opens with the brutal reality of a first date gone horrifically wrong (and I cannot be more FOR REAL ABOUT HOW WRONG) an experience that shatters our heroine Thalia’s world and leaves her drowning in panic attacks, dissociation, and crippling self-blame.
But thennnnnn comes Xander, the sweet-faced, grease-stained mechanic with green-and-brown eyes who matched with her on the app right before everything went dark.
(I took one look at the man and then at the Author, hey Auden ;) and went *yes, good. This is good*.)
And when I tell you Xander’s devotion is god-tier, I MEANT it.
He is the ultimate "Golden Retriever with bite."
He doesn't try to be a condescending savior or sweep her trauma under the rug.
He asks permission before he touches her.
He learns her breathing patterns.
He waits outside her therapy appointments with coffee without demanding explanations.
But make no MISTAKEEEEEE the second anyone threatens her, his "touch her and burn" protective instinct is terrifying and unmatched.
*tehehehehehe*
The spice in this book is next-level, but what makes it ELITE is the craft underneath. As Thalia regains her autonomy, she and Xander explore consensual kink—using safe words, headboard huggers, and praise to overwrite her memories of feeling trapped into moments of CHOSEN, ecstatic POWER.
*fans myself as I relive it, eyes closed, humming joyfully*
It is hot, emotional, and profoundly respectful of her boundaries.
Watching Thalia’s journey from a place of fear into a woman who embraces her feminine rage and declares that trembling is just the prelude to baddie-glow-up had me *screaming at the ceiling*. The final confrontation gave me full-body chills.
Please check the content warnings before diving in (I can’t list them all here, but they are BIG they are heavy and you need to read responsibly so please read them.), because Auden Allred Barrett doesn't sanitize the darkness. But the light on the other side is radiant. An unforgettable, empowering debut. Go read it!
*(I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.)*
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5 — Primal, praise-heavy, restraint reclamation, deep aftercare)
Shelves: dark-romance, romantic-suspense, survivor-reclamation, book-boyfriends-who-set-the-standard, trauma-healing, arcs-2026, five-star-reads
[MIND YOURSELF, THIS BOOK JUST CAME OUT SO IT DOES HAVE MILD-SPOILERS, PROCEED WITH CAUTION IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT YET]
Listen to me RIGHT now: *XANDER IS THE BLUEPRINT*
If you are looking for a dark romantic suspense that will rip your ticker out, stitch it back together with golden thread, and leave you sobbing on your bedroom floor in pure catharsis, stop scrolling and pre-order *Shattered Obsession* immediately.
*Deep breath… you got this Claudia… you got this*
This book is heavy, raw, and completely unapologetic. It opens with the brutal reality of a first date gone horrifically wrong (and I cannot be more FOR REAL ABOUT HOW WRONG) an experience that shatters our heroine Thalia’s world and leaves her drowning in panic attacks, dissociation, and crippling self-blame.
But thennnnnn comes Xander, the sweet-faced, grease-stained mechanic with green-and-brown eyes who matched with her on the app right before everything went dark.
(I took one look at the man and then at the Author, hey Auden ;) and went *yes, good. This is good*.)
And when I tell you Xander’s devotion is god-tier, I MEANT it.
He is the ultimate "Golden Retriever with bite."
He doesn't try to be a condescending savior or sweep her trauma under the rug.
He asks permission before he touches her.
He learns her breathing patterns.
He waits outside her therapy appointments with coffee without demanding explanations.
But make no MISTAKEEEEEE the second anyone threatens her, his "touch her and burn" protective instinct is terrifying and unmatched.
*tehehehehehe*
The spice in this book is next-level, but what makes it ELITE is the craft underneath. As Thalia regains her autonomy, she and Xander explore consensual kink—using safe words, headboard huggers, and praise to overwrite her memories of feeling trapped into moments of CHOSEN, ecstatic POWER.
*fans myself as I relive it, eyes closed, humming joyfully*
It is hot, emotional, and profoundly respectful of her boundaries.
Watching Thalia’s journey from a place of fear into a woman who embraces her feminine rage and declares that trembling is just the prelude to baddie-glow-up had me *screaming at the ceiling*. The final confrontation gave me full-body chills.
Please check the content warnings before diving in (I can’t list them all here, but they are BIG they are heavy and you need to read responsibly so please read them.), because Auden Allred Barrett doesn't sanitize the darkness. But the light on the other side is radiant. An unforgettable, empowering debut. Go read it!
*(I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.)*
September 7, 2026
Shattered Obsession is a gripping and raw journey into one of the most complex battles a human can face. The story is powerful, very emotional and heavy.
I really enjoy books that deal with hurt/comfort, trauma and found family, which are themes you will find here.
Check your trigger warnings first please!
This book is about Thalia, our FMC, a young woman who simply wanted to feel less alone and decided to give online dating a chance. Two matches, two completely opposite men, two distinct approaches and one choice that will forever change her life.
Being a survivor and accepting that things will never be the same is what Thalia has to learn now. After isolating herself, the MMC slowly shows her that there is a life after the trauma. He encourages her to seek therapy, does grounding techniques with her and is the steady presence that reassures her when panic grips her. Their relationship is based on the trust and knowledge that he will never take anything from her. He always checks in, let’s her set the rules and respects her boundaries.
Healing is never linear, there are ups and downs and he is always there to accompany her on this tough road.
This book shows a harsh reality, unfiltered and sprinkles hope throughout it. There are many quotes I saved, this one really stood out with how much it spoke to me:
"Guilt fills the stillness, thick and suffocating, a slow-moving tide that threatens to pull me under.
Sometimes guilt becomes its own religion.
A ritual.
An altar I drag myself to again and again, convinced I owe penance for simply existing.
I don’t think Xander understands how heavy it feels inside my chest. He sees panic. He sees pain. But he doesn’t see the part of me that genuinely believes I deserve the worst, that anything gentle is something I have to earn."
I feel glad I discovered this author and Thalia’s story!
Thank you Auden Allred Barrett and Love Notes PR for this review copy.
I really enjoy books that deal with hurt/comfort, trauma and found family, which are themes you will find here.
Check your trigger warnings first please!
This book is about Thalia, our FMC, a young woman who simply wanted to feel less alone and decided to give online dating a chance. Two matches, two completely opposite men, two distinct approaches and one choice that will forever change her life.
Being a survivor and accepting that things will never be the same is what Thalia has to learn now. After isolating herself, the MMC slowly shows her that there is a life after the trauma. He encourages her to seek therapy, does grounding techniques with her and is the steady presence that reassures her when panic grips her. Their relationship is based on the trust and knowledge that he will never take anything from her. He always checks in, let’s her set the rules and respects her boundaries.
Healing is never linear, there are ups and downs and he is always there to accompany her on this tough road.
This book shows a harsh reality, unfiltered and sprinkles hope throughout it. There are many quotes I saved, this one really stood out with how much it spoke to me:
"Guilt fills the stillness, thick and suffocating, a slow-moving tide that threatens to pull me under.
Sometimes guilt becomes its own religion.
A ritual.
An altar I drag myself to again and again, convinced I owe penance for simply existing.
I don’t think Xander understands how heavy it feels inside my chest. He sees panic. He sees pain. But he doesn’t see the part of me that genuinely believes I deserve the worst, that anything gentle is something I have to earn."
I feel glad I discovered this author and Thalia’s story!
Thank you Auden Allred Barrett and Love Notes PR for this review copy.
September 8, 2026
2.5/5
Review of ARC
When I applied for this ARC, I knew I wanted to read Thalia's healing journey and all about her trauma. That's what swayed me to want this book in the first place. That is what I love about dark romance books. And yet, this story fell short (no shade to the author whatsoever, she's amazing for writing this) even though it seemed to be very enjoyable at first.
The thing I liked the most is that Thalia is very determined to heal, advocating therapy, and it didn't make her look weak for needing, seeking and getting professional help. This is one of the realest things an author can write about. Needing help and also seeking it out without thinking less of oneself.
And her relationship with Xander was the sweetest thing that can be written in a dark romance setting. However, I expected the plot, to you know, plot, but it didn't. And if it doesn't make sense what I'm trying to say, I'm basically saying the book could have been planned better. Because the relationship between Thalia and Xander just seemed very insta-lovey? And that did not match the vibes of the story or Thalia's journey through trauma. It seemed very forced, like the author tried to force Thalia to be something she wasn't because of her trauma. It is very subtle, or at least that's how I preceived it.
Anyway, what I would have loved is to know more about her past. I know, the book would have been that much darker and triggering because of her past with Damian, but I wanted to see all those little details. Or maybe, she could have been written as a character that was more than her trauma. I know, trauma can reshape who you are, but your life shouldn't just be the trauma. That is not really how life works. Or how it should work.
It was an average read at best, but I did enjoy it up to a point.
A huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC. I love the opportunities to read books to review them.
Review of ARC
When I applied for this ARC, I knew I wanted to read Thalia's healing journey and all about her trauma. That's what swayed me to want this book in the first place. That is what I love about dark romance books. And yet, this story fell short (no shade to the author whatsoever, she's amazing for writing this) even though it seemed to be very enjoyable at first.
The thing I liked the most is that Thalia is very determined to heal, advocating therapy, and it didn't make her look weak for needing, seeking and getting professional help. This is one of the realest things an author can write about. Needing help and also seeking it out without thinking less of oneself.
And her relationship with Xander was the sweetest thing that can be written in a dark romance setting. However, I expected the plot, to you know, plot, but it didn't. And if it doesn't make sense what I'm trying to say, I'm basically saying the book could have been planned better. Because the relationship between Thalia and Xander just seemed very insta-lovey? And that did not match the vibes of the story or Thalia's journey through trauma. It seemed very forced, like the author tried to force Thalia to be something she wasn't because of her trauma. It is very subtle, or at least that's how I preceived it.
Anyway, what I would have loved is to know more about her past. I know, the book would have been that much darker and triggering because of her past with Damian, but I wanted to see all those little details. Or maybe, she could have been written as a character that was more than her trauma. I know, trauma can reshape who you are, but your life shouldn't just be the trauma. That is not really how life works. Or how it should work.
It was an average read at best, but I did enjoy it up to a point.
A huge thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC. I love the opportunities to read books to review them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have mixed feelings about this one because, honestly, I went in expecting something very different based on the blurb and tropes.
I love a good dark romance, and the premise immediately grabbed my attention. Thalia meets two very different men through a dating app: one who becomes her abuser and one who becomes her protector. I was expecting a darker, more obsessive romance, with the suspense and danger playing a bigger role, but this book ended up being much more focused on Thalia’s trauma, healing, and reclaiming herself.
What Thalia went through was heartbreaking, and I really felt for her. She slowly takes back control of her life, finds her strength again, and refuses to let what happened to her define her. Her journey is painful and hard, but she went from surviving to actually reclaiming herself.
I also really liked Xander. He was patient, protective, attentive, and had that sweet, nerdy side that made him so easy to like. He supported Thalia and her healing rather than trying to magically fix her. He protected her and did everything he could to make her feel safe. And it was hard for him too... that was obvious.
The plot itself is fairly straightforward, and while there is suspense and darkness, the focus is much more on Thalia’s healing than on the obsessive, dark romance I was expecting. At times, I also felt like the author mixed the two men up, which made some of the tropes confusing for me. Love doesn’t erase trauma, and having someone beside you doesn’t mean the healing suddenly becomes easy and hence the characters’ frustration. Thalia has to find her own strength and reclaim her own choices, and I think that’s what made her story worth reading. It’s full of wisdom.
This wasn’t exactly the dark romance I thought I was picking up, but I did enjoy it for what it actually was. 🖤
I love a good dark romance, and the premise immediately grabbed my attention. Thalia meets two very different men through a dating app: one who becomes her abuser and one who becomes her protector. I was expecting a darker, more obsessive romance, with the suspense and danger playing a bigger role, but this book ended up being much more focused on Thalia’s trauma, healing, and reclaiming herself.
What Thalia went through was heartbreaking, and I really felt for her. She slowly takes back control of her life, finds her strength again, and refuses to let what happened to her define her. Her journey is painful and hard, but she went from surviving to actually reclaiming herself.
I also really liked Xander. He was patient, protective, attentive, and had that sweet, nerdy side that made him so easy to like. He supported Thalia and her healing rather than trying to magically fix her. He protected her and did everything he could to make her feel safe. And it was hard for him too... that was obvious.
The plot itself is fairly straightforward, and while there is suspense and darkness, the focus is much more on Thalia’s healing than on the obsessive, dark romance I was expecting. At times, I also felt like the author mixed the two men up, which made some of the tropes confusing for me. Love doesn’t erase trauma, and having someone beside you doesn’t mean the healing suddenly becomes easy and hence the characters’ frustration. Thalia has to find her own strength and reclaim her own choices, and I think that’s what made her story worth reading. It’s full of wisdom.
This wasn’t exactly the dark romance I thought I was picking up, but I did enjoy it for what it actually was. 🖤
Did Not Finish
September 7, 2026DNF at 60%
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to arc read this book, I will say that this might just be that the book wasn’t for me rather than it being a bad book however, I do feel that the book description and tropes are misleading on this one.
The tropes advertised which made me want to sign up were…
•possessive/obsessive MMC
•romantic suspense
•female rage
•BDSM
And the blurb made this seem as though it was going to be a typical dark romance… this was NOT that.
We have the FMC going through something extremely traumatic in the first 10% of the book (on page 🍇, check your triggers) and for the next 30% of the book she’s on a healing journey, but the journey somehow managed to feel rushed and dragged out at the same time - the second MMC Xander is a sweet boy but I HATED the fact that 2 weeks after the trauma she went through, she agrees to go on a date with him and on that date he asks her to be his girlfriend and tells her he loves her!? And she says it back!? Like wth you’ve just met 🙄 and then this man, who she’s just met and has just met her, takes it upon himself to help her heal and talks about how he’ll still love her when she’s worried she’ll never get herself back etc - like my guy you never met her before this happened what do you mean!?
And they way she talks about Damien (the 🍇ist) is as though he traumatised her and messed with her for years even though they went on one date and spoke for about 2 weeks before that, which I understand is how a traumatic event can feel, it just didn’t sit right in this story - we also get POVs from Damien and he’s obsessed with her, says she his and talks about her like they were together for years.
I spent my time reading this being annoyed with all of the characters and I reached a point where I just couldn’t anymore with this story.
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to arc read this book, I will say that this might just be that the book wasn’t for me rather than it being a bad book however, I do feel that the book description and tropes are misleading on this one.
The tropes advertised which made me want to sign up were…
•possessive/obsessive MMC
•romantic suspense
•female rage
•BDSM
And the blurb made this seem as though it was going to be a typical dark romance… this was NOT that.
We have the FMC going through something extremely traumatic in the first 10% of the book (on page 🍇, check your triggers) and for the next 30% of the book she’s on a healing journey, but the journey somehow managed to feel rushed and dragged out at the same time - the second MMC Xander is a sweet boy but I HATED the fact that 2 weeks after the trauma she went through, she agrees to go on a date with him and on that date he asks her to be his girlfriend and tells her he loves her!? And she says it back!? Like wth you’ve just met 🙄 and then this man, who she’s just met and has just met her, takes it upon himself to help her heal and talks about how he’ll still love her when she’s worried she’ll never get herself back etc - like my guy you never met her before this happened what do you mean!?
And they way she talks about Damien (the 🍇ist) is as though he traumatised her and messed with her for years even though they went on one date and spoke for about 2 weeks before that, which I understand is how a traumatic event can feel, it just didn’t sit right in this story - we also get POVs from Damien and he’s obsessed with her, says she his and talks about her like they were together for years.
I spent my time reading this being annoyed with all of the characters and I reached a point where I just couldn’t anymore with this story.
September 1, 2026
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 3✨
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - September 1, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
dark romance
obsession & possession
stalking & kidnapping
morally grey MMC
trauma & healing
protective hero
revenge
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Shattered Obsession follows Thalia, who is trying to rebuild her life after a traumatic past with Damian. She meets Xander, who slowly becomes her safe place, but Damian refuses to let her move on and eventually comes back into her life, forcing Thalia to face her past and take her power back.
I really liked the emotional side of Thalia’s journey and the way she slowly learns to feel safe again. Her final confrontation with Damian was definitely one of my favourite parts because she finally takes control of her own story. 🖤
But honestly, the story felt very dragged out for me. For a book this long, I expected more things to happen, but most of the storyline was focused on Thalia’s healing progress. I understand why that was important to her character, but after a point it started feeling repetitive.
Another thing that bothered me was how often Thalia compared Xander with Damian. I understood the reason behind it because of her trauma, but seeing the same kind of comparison again and again made the romance feel less natural for me.
Xander was sweet, protective and supportive, but sometimes it felt like his main purpose was simply to show how different he was from Damian instead of letting their relationship develop more on its own.
Overall, I liked the concept and the emotional message, but I wanted more actual storyline, more tension and less repetition. It had some really strong moments, but the dragged pacing kept me from connecting with it as much as I wanted. But if you wanna try this you can but it was okay okay for me!!
Thank you LoveNotePr for the ARC!
• 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - September 1, 2026
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
dark romance
obsession & possession
stalking & kidnapping
morally grey MMC
trauma & healing
protective hero
revenge
• 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Shattered Obsession follows Thalia, who is trying to rebuild her life after a traumatic past with Damian. She meets Xander, who slowly becomes her safe place, but Damian refuses to let her move on and eventually comes back into her life, forcing Thalia to face her past and take her power back.
I really liked the emotional side of Thalia’s journey and the way she slowly learns to feel safe again. Her final confrontation with Damian was definitely one of my favourite parts because she finally takes control of her own story. 🖤
But honestly, the story felt very dragged out for me. For a book this long, I expected more things to happen, but most of the storyline was focused on Thalia’s healing progress. I understand why that was important to her character, but after a point it started feeling repetitive.
Another thing that bothered me was how often Thalia compared Xander with Damian. I understood the reason behind it because of her trauma, but seeing the same kind of comparison again and again made the romance feel less natural for me.
Xander was sweet, protective and supportive, but sometimes it felt like his main purpose was simply to show how different he was from Damian instead of letting their relationship develop more on its own.
Overall, I liked the concept and the emotional message, but I wanted more actual storyline, more tension and less repetition. It had some really strong moments, but the dragged pacing kept me from connecting with it as much as I wanted. But if you wanna try this you can but it was okay okay for me!!
Thank you LoveNotePr for the ARC!
September 4, 2026
Thank you so much to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read this ARC. I did receive an advanced copy to read
Check those trigger warnings before going into this one.
This book is a dark romance centered around trauma, healing, obsession, consent, and reclaiming your own power.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was how trauma was portrayed. It wasn't used simply for shock value, and healing wasn't treated like something that magically disappears because a man comes along. It's messy, it isn't linear, and the book doesn't shy away from that.
Then we have two MMCs—and they could not be more different. One is deeply rooted in red flags galore, while the other is someone you'd THINK would come with his own collection of red flags(only because its a dark romance)... only to somehow keep showing me green ones.
My biggest criticism was the repetition. Some of the same themes and emotions were revisited throughout the book, and I think tightening those areas would have made the story even stronger and helped the plot move a little more smoothly. It didn't ruin the book for me, but it was definitely something I noticed.
One of my favorite lines also happens to sum up the heart of this book perfectly:
“I survived because I refused to stay silent. Because someone loved me enough to fight beside me. Because I chose myself.”
Overall, this was a heavy and emotional story about surviving, healing, learning to trust yourself again, and ultimately choosing yourself.
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 2/5 — And when I say two peppers, that's compared to what I normally read. There are a few spicy scenes, but I'd personally consider this more introductory spice
Check those trigger warnings before going into this one.
This book is a dark romance centered around trauma, healing, obsession, consent, and reclaiming your own power.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was how trauma was portrayed. It wasn't used simply for shock value, and healing wasn't treated like something that magically disappears because a man comes along. It's messy, it isn't linear, and the book doesn't shy away from that.
Then we have two MMCs—and they could not be more different. One is deeply rooted in red flags galore, while the other is someone you'd THINK would come with his own collection of red flags(only because its a dark romance)... only to somehow keep showing me green ones.
My biggest criticism was the repetition. Some of the same themes and emotions were revisited throughout the book, and I think tightening those areas would have made the story even stronger and helped the plot move a little more smoothly. It didn't ruin the book for me, but it was definitely something I noticed.
One of my favorite lines also happens to sum up the heart of this book perfectly:
“I survived because I refused to stay silent. Because someone loved me enough to fight beside me. Because I chose myself.”
Overall, this was a heavy and emotional story about surviving, healing, learning to trust yourself again, and ultimately choosing yourself.
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 2/5 — And when I say two peppers, that's compared to what I normally read. There are a few spicy scenes, but I'd personally consider this more introductory spice
September 13, 2026
I went into this expecting a dark, obsessive romance, but what I found was actually something much more focused on trauma, healing and learning how to feel safe again.
Thalia’s story is heavy from very early on, and watching her slowly reclaim control over her own life was probably the part I connected with most. I especially appreciated that Xander wasn’t presented as the magical cure for everything she had been through. He gives her patience, safety and support, but ultimately, Thalia has to choose herself.
And Xander? 🥹 Definitely the soft spot of this book for me. Protective, patient, nerdy and genuinely sweet. I loved the contrast between the darkness surrounding Thalia and the comfort he brought into her life.
My biggest issue was the pacing. Some incredibly emotional moments felt rushed, especially considering how serious the subject matter is, while other parts became slightly repetitive. I also wanted more time for Thalia and Xander’s relationship to develop naturally because their connection moved faster than I expected.
I think the title, cover and dark romance label also create expectations that don’t completely match the story inside. This felt much more like a romance about surviving trauma and rebuilding yourself, with darker elements surrounding it.
Still, there were moments that genuinely got me, and I really liked the message underneath it all:
🥀 Surviving is only the beginning.
🖤 Healing belongs to you.
✨ And being loved should never mean losing yourself again.
A difficult, emotional read with a beautiful core, even if I wanted a little more depth and time in some of its most important moments.
Thalia’s story is heavy from very early on, and watching her slowly reclaim control over her own life was probably the part I connected with most. I especially appreciated that Xander wasn’t presented as the magical cure for everything she had been through. He gives her patience, safety and support, but ultimately, Thalia has to choose herself.
And Xander? 🥹 Definitely the soft spot of this book for me. Protective, patient, nerdy and genuinely sweet. I loved the contrast between the darkness surrounding Thalia and the comfort he brought into her life.
My biggest issue was the pacing. Some incredibly emotional moments felt rushed, especially considering how serious the subject matter is, while other parts became slightly repetitive. I also wanted more time for Thalia and Xander’s relationship to develop naturally because their connection moved faster than I expected.
I think the title, cover and dark romance label also create expectations that don’t completely match the story inside. This felt much more like a romance about surviving trauma and rebuilding yourself, with darker elements surrounding it.
Still, there were moments that genuinely got me, and I really liked the message underneath it all:
🥀 Surviving is only the beginning.
🖤 Healing belongs to you.
✨ And being loved should never mean losing yourself again.
A difficult, emotional read with a beautiful core, even if I wanted a little more depth and time in some of its most important moments.
September 8, 2026
A story about healing, patience, and finding your way back to yourself.
What I appreciated most about this book was how honestly it handled trauma.
The protagonist's experience and its aftermath wasn't romanticised or turned into something aesthetically pleasing just to fit the story. Her trauma felt real, and more importantly, so did her healing. I loved that healing wasn't portrayed as simply forgetting what happened, but as learning to live through it, understand it, and eventually become stronger despite it.
And the hero? A freaking green flag. His patience was probably one of my favourite things about him. He never rushed her, never expected her to heal on his timeline, and remained honest and open with her throughout. His “take your time, I'll be here” energy was exactly what she needed.
I also really admired her character development. She was brave and strong, but never unrealistically so. Watching her go from trying to make herself invisible to finally standing proudly and claiming her place was incredibly satisfying.
My biggest issue was the presentation of the book. The title, cover, and overall marketing made me expect a dark romance, but the actual story isn't a dark romance. That disconnect genuinely disappointed me and could easily mislead readers going in with completely different expectations.
Aside from that, I really enjoyed the story and especially appreciated how thoughtfully it handled its heavier themes.
4/5 ⭐️
The story wasn't perfect, but the healing felt honest and that stayed with me. 🥀
What I appreciated most about this book was how honestly it handled trauma.
The protagonist's experience and its aftermath wasn't romanticised or turned into something aesthetically pleasing just to fit the story. Her trauma felt real, and more importantly, so did her healing. I loved that healing wasn't portrayed as simply forgetting what happened, but as learning to live through it, understand it, and eventually become stronger despite it.
And the hero? A freaking green flag. His patience was probably one of my favourite things about him. He never rushed her, never expected her to heal on his timeline, and remained honest and open with her throughout. His “take your time, I'll be here” energy was exactly what she needed.
I also really admired her character development. She was brave and strong, but never unrealistically so. Watching her go from trying to make herself invisible to finally standing proudly and claiming her place was incredibly satisfying.
My biggest issue was the presentation of the book. The title, cover, and overall marketing made me expect a dark romance, but the actual story isn't a dark romance. That disconnect genuinely disappointed me and could easily mislead readers going in with completely different expectations.
Aside from that, I really enjoyed the story and especially appreciated how thoughtfully it handled its heavier themes.
4/5 ⭐️
The story wasn't perfect, but the healing felt honest and that stayed with me. 🥀
September 14, 2026
I received an ARC from Love Notes PR and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I'm not even going to lie... this just wasn't my kind of book.
I really appreciated what the author was trying to do. The focus on healing after abuse, therapy, consent, boundaries, and learning to trust again was beautiful. I liked that Thalia's recovery wasn't magically fixed overnight, and the creepy messages ("You look better in black.") genuinely had me tense.
But after a while, I started disconnecting from the story.
I felt like almost every emotional moment was followed by an explanation of what it meant. There were so many beautiful lines about healing, safety, and reclaiming yourself, but they were repeated so often that they stopped hitting me emotionally.
I also struggled with the pacing towards the end. Instead of feeling pulled through the story, I found myself wanting the scenes to move forward more naturally. I wanted to discover the emotions through the characters rather than having them explained repeatedly.
Xander and Thalia had some sweet moments, and I liked the idea behind their journey, but I never fully connected with them the way I hoped I would.
I don't think this is a bad book—I actually think readers who enjoy healing-focused dark romance with strong themes of recovery and consent will probably appreciate it much more than I did.
For me, though, it just didn't work.
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
I'm not even going to lie... this just wasn't my kind of book.
I really appreciated what the author was trying to do. The focus on healing after abuse, therapy, consent, boundaries, and learning to trust again was beautiful. I liked that Thalia's recovery wasn't magically fixed overnight, and the creepy messages ("You look better in black.") genuinely had me tense.
But after a while, I started disconnecting from the story.
I felt like almost every emotional moment was followed by an explanation of what it meant. There were so many beautiful lines about healing, safety, and reclaiming yourself, but they were repeated so often that they stopped hitting me emotionally.
I also struggled with the pacing towards the end. Instead of feeling pulled through the story, I found myself wanting the scenes to move forward more naturally. I wanted to discover the emotions through the characters rather than having them explained repeatedly.
Xander and Thalia had some sweet moments, and I liked the idea behind their journey, but I never fully connected with them the way I hoped I would.
I don't think this is a bad book—I actually think readers who enjoy healing-focused dark romance with strong themes of recovery and consent will probably appreciate it much more than I did.
For me, though, it just didn't work.
Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
September 1, 2026
Shattered Obsession is an emotionally heavy read focused on trauma, pain, and the slow journey toward rebuilding one’s life. You can tell how personal this story was for the author, and her willingness to tackle such difficult topics head-on definitely deserves respect.
The book’s biggest strength is its realistic approach to healing. Thalia feels like a genuine survivor, and I really appreciated how normal and necessary therapy was portrayed—as a tool for growth rather than a sign of weakness. The core support system around her in that regard was refreshing to see.
Where the story stumbles, however, is in its execution and pacing. The romantic timeline with Xander moves at breakneck speed; dropping an "I love you" before the first date even wraps up felt more like a red flag than a sweet gesture. Because of this rush, Thalia’s character suffers—it's hard to get a clear sense of who she is, what she enjoys, or what her life looked like outside of her trauma. On top of that, major emotional scenes often felt glossed over, moving on before the weight of the moment could really set in.
It’s a story with a lot of heart and a message of hope, but the rushed plot and lack of depth hold it back from fully delivering on its premise.
Note: Be sure to check content warnings before reading, as the book touches on several sensitive and potentially triggering topics.
The book’s biggest strength is its realistic approach to healing. Thalia feels like a genuine survivor, and I really appreciated how normal and necessary therapy was portrayed—as a tool for growth rather than a sign of weakness. The core support system around her in that regard was refreshing to see.
Where the story stumbles, however, is in its execution and pacing. The romantic timeline with Xander moves at breakneck speed; dropping an "I love you" before the first date even wraps up felt more like a red flag than a sweet gesture. Because of this rush, Thalia’s character suffers—it's hard to get a clear sense of who she is, what she enjoys, or what her life looked like outside of her trauma. On top of that, major emotional scenes often felt glossed over, moving on before the weight of the moment could really set in.
It’s a story with a lot of heart and a message of hope, but the rushed plot and lack of depth hold it back from fully delivering on its premise.
Note: Be sure to check content warnings before reading, as the book touches on several sensitive and potentially triggering topics.
September 10, 2026
ARC Review
Hmmm, where do I start?
I can acknowledge the message this author was aiming for in Shattered Obsessions regarding sexual assault, trauma, PTSD & healing but I think this book missed the mark a little.
It’s also marketed as a dark romance but I wouldn’t consider this a dark romance at all. Traumatic? Yes, but dark romance? No.
Straight off the bat you’re thrown into an extremely traumatic and emotional scene, and then shortly after that event our FMC is back on the dating apps agreeing to a date with a guy she’s never met? I don’t know, that just doesn’t sit right with me.
Not only that but during that first date, he asks her to be his girlfriend and then says he loves her & she says it back? I’m sorryyyyy, what? Y’all just fucking met and our FMC just went through hell.
We went from one extreme to another very quickly during this book, like being scared to even have a man touch her (understandably so) to jumping into bed and using butt pl*gs & doing an*l??????
Felt extremely dragged out and often repetitive in several chapters, plus random POV’s from the side characters which, in my opinion, were unnecessary.
I just feel like this book was a bit of a mess and a lot of things do not add up.
Hmmm, where do I start?
I can acknowledge the message this author was aiming for in Shattered Obsessions regarding sexual assault, trauma, PTSD & healing but I think this book missed the mark a little.
It’s also marketed as a dark romance but I wouldn’t consider this a dark romance at all. Traumatic? Yes, but dark romance? No.
Straight off the bat you’re thrown into an extremely traumatic and emotional scene, and then shortly after that event our FMC is back on the dating apps agreeing to a date with a guy she’s never met? I don’t know, that just doesn’t sit right with me.
Not only that but during that first date, he asks her to be his girlfriend and then says he loves her & she says it back? I’m sorryyyyy, what? Y’all just fucking met and our FMC just went through hell.
We went from one extreme to another very quickly during this book, like being scared to even have a man touch her (understandably so) to jumping into bed and using butt pl*gs & doing an*l??????
Felt extremely dragged out and often repetitive in several chapters, plus random POV’s from the side characters which, in my opinion, were unnecessary.
I just feel like this book was a bit of a mess and a lot of things do not add up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2026
This is actually the first book I have ever DNF’d (did not finish). By the time I hit 35%, I realized I was skipping massive chunks of text and decided I wasn’t going to waste another minute of my time on it.
Told in a first-person POV, the first third of the book is filled with endless fluff about how Thalia feels. While emotional depth is necessary to pull a reader in, this was pure overkill. The constant, repetitive loop of her processing her trauma completely stalled the pacing. I got it the first few times. I didn't need to be reminded every single page. Move the story along!
At 35% in, this is not what I would call a dark romance; it reads strictly as a trauma-healing journey. Maybe Damian comes back later and the actual obsession or darkness kicks in, but there was zero suspense keeping me hooked enough to wait around and find out. Honestly, it feels like the author used her own journal entries to process personal trauma and turned it into a novel but forgot to edit out the repetitive processing. Repeating things works for personal healing in a journal, but it doesn't work for storytelling.
Told in a first-person POV, the first third of the book is filled with endless fluff about how Thalia feels. While emotional depth is necessary to pull a reader in, this was pure overkill. The constant, repetitive loop of her processing her trauma completely stalled the pacing. I got it the first few times. I didn't need to be reminded every single page. Move the story along!
At 35% in, this is not what I would call a dark romance; it reads strictly as a trauma-healing journey. Maybe Damian comes back later and the actual obsession or darkness kicks in, but there was zero suspense keeping me hooked enough to wait around and find out. Honestly, it feels like the author used her own journal entries to process personal trauma and turned it into a novel but forgot to edit out the repetitive processing. Repeating things works for personal healing in a journal, but it doesn't work for storytelling.
Review of advance copy
I get what the author was aiming for; I just think it fell flat for me.
Thalia went through something horrific after meeting a man on a dating app and is now trying to get her life back together. At the same time that she met the one who destroyed her, she also met Xander, someone with whom she had a connection and didn't push. She wants to be whole for their relationship and gets help and steps to get where she wants, but just as it seems like she's getting better, the ghost of her past starts popping up and setting her back. So when she's kidnapped, who will save her?
Thalia and Xander get their happy ending in this standalone book.
This book does deal with many heavy and triggering topics; please check and heed all warnings before diving in.
While the book was fine, okay, not fine- Thalia went through something horrible; something about the writing style came across as trying to make this subject matter lighter than it was. I felt many of the major scenes were glossed over and done before the significance of them could be processed. On the flip side, I also feel Xander was a bit of a red flag as well, just disguised as a good guy who listened. To want to lock in as boyfriend/girlfriend before the first date is over and to say 'I Love You' by the end is a bit fast. Yes, Thalia felt safe with him, but was that because the other option really gave her no choice at all? That being said, Xander and Thalia's best friend were both very supportive of therapy and what it could do to help her, and it did. I hope she went back after it was all over.
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thalia went through something horrific after meeting a man on a dating app and is now trying to get her life back together. At the same time that she met the one who destroyed her, she also met Xander, someone with whom she had a connection and didn't push. She wants to be whole for their relationship and gets help and steps to get where she wants, but just as it seems like she's getting better, the ghost of her past starts popping up and setting her back. So when she's kidnapped, who will save her?
Thalia and Xander get their happy ending in this standalone book.
This book does deal with many heavy and triggering topics; please check and heed all warnings before diving in.
While the book was fine, okay, not fine- Thalia went through something horrible; something about the writing style came across as trying to make this subject matter lighter than it was. I felt many of the major scenes were glossed over and done before the significance of them could be processed. On the flip side, I also feel Xander was a bit of a red flag as well, just disguised as a good guy who listened. To want to lock in as boyfriend/girlfriend before the first date is over and to say 'I Love You' by the end is a bit fast. Yes, Thalia felt safe with him, but was that because the other option really gave her no choice at all? That being said, Xander and Thalia's best friend were both very supportive of therapy and what it could do to help her, and it did. I hope she went back after it was all over.
I received an advance review copy from Love Notes PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Shattered Obsession is a look into dealing with pain, rage and hope, all while trying to move on from trauma. It reads as deeply personal to the author, and I truly respect her for writing something that must’ve been so hard for her.
Thalia is determined and a true survivor. I liked that the book advocated for therapy, and didn’t make her seem weak for needing help. Her relationship with Xander is sweet, and he is so devoted to her.
I just wish the plot was fleshed out better. The world building was non existent, Thalia doesn’t even seem to have a job. She jumps right into her relationship with Xander, despite his VERY keen first date (seriously, I love you on the first date?). There were just so many plot holes and so much repetition😭.
I would’ve liked more of Thalias history - why she falls for Damien in the first place, how she got to where she is, what she likes, who she is outside of the trauma.
Make sure you read the trigger warnings!!
Thank you Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC - all opinions are my own and unbiased.
Thalia is determined and a true survivor. I liked that the book advocated for therapy, and didn’t make her seem weak for needing help. Her relationship with Xander is sweet, and he is so devoted to her.
I just wish the plot was fleshed out better. The world building was non existent, Thalia doesn’t even seem to have a job. She jumps right into her relationship with Xander, despite his VERY keen first date (seriously, I love you on the first date?). There were just so many plot holes and so much repetition😭.
I would’ve liked more of Thalias history - why she falls for Damien in the first place, how she got to where she is, what she likes, who she is outside of the trauma.
Make sure you read the trigger warnings!!
Thank you Love Notes PR and the author for this eARC - all opinions are my own and unbiased.
September 2, 2026
Shattered Obsession was not quiet the dark romance I expected it to be. I read through the tropes and blub and was like yes I am keen, but as the book went on, it just wasn't what I was wanting from it.
* Dark romance (ish)
* Revenge
* Obsession/Possession
* Stalking & Kidnapping
* Trauma & Healing
* Protector
* Abuse
Thalia our FMC meets two different guys on online dating...Damien the abuser MMC and Xander the protector MMC.
The story plot is what you would expect and I love the fact that Thalia worked on herself and was healing. I felt for Xander who was trying his best to support and protect her and you could feel the toll it took on him with the storyline.
Unfortunately I struggled with the repetativeness towards the end of the book and it affected me staying in touch properly with the story and characters.
All and all it is a good read, just be aware it can be quiet raw to read about the abuse if you get triggered by that.
Thank you Love Note PR for the ARC.
* Dark romance (ish)
* Revenge
* Obsession/Possession
* Stalking & Kidnapping
* Trauma & Healing
* Protector
* Abuse
Thalia our FMC meets two different guys on online dating...Damien the abuser MMC and Xander the protector MMC.
The story plot is what you would expect and I love the fact that Thalia worked on herself and was healing. I felt for Xander who was trying his best to support and protect her and you could feel the toll it took on him with the storyline.
Unfortunately I struggled with the repetativeness towards the end of the book and it affected me staying in touch properly with the story and characters.
All and all it is a good read, just be aware it can be quiet raw to read about the abuse if you get triggered by that.
Thank you Love Note PR for the ARC.
Did Not Finish
September 8, 2026DNF @ 30%
Thank you Love Notes PR for allowing me to have an ARC of this. I DNF’d this book because it wasn’t something I was enjoying and quite honestly, I was a little bored reading it. The FMC has two guys that want her but she chooses the guy who she said has constant red flags instead of the nicer guy who made her feel safe. She still chooses to go on a date with the red flags guys because she doesn’t want to say no to him and this might be her last chance of love (there is a whole other guy who wants you and he’s way better). The date ends up ending really badly and she is now traumatized and doesn’t know how to get over it but two weeks after the event, she gets in a relationship with the nicer guy??? Their whole relationship was just her dealing with her trauma while also in a relationship which I think was adding stress to the situation. Her trauma and the way she would describe felt repetitive in every paragraph and I wasn’t really loving the writing style.
Overall, this wasn’t my cup of tea and decided not to continue with it.
Thank you Love Notes PR for allowing me to have an ARC of this. I DNF’d this book because it wasn’t something I was enjoying and quite honestly, I was a little bored reading it. The FMC has two guys that want her but she chooses the guy who she said has constant red flags instead of the nicer guy who made her feel safe. She still chooses to go on a date with the red flags guys because she doesn’t want to say no to him and this might be her last chance of love (there is a whole other guy who wants you and he’s way better). The date ends up ending really badly and she is now traumatized and doesn’t know how to get over it but two weeks after the event, she gets in a relationship with the nicer guy??? Their whole relationship was just her dealing with her trauma while also in a relationship which I think was adding stress to the situation. Her trauma and the way she would describe felt repetitive in every paragraph and I wasn’t really loving the writing style.
Overall, this wasn’t my cup of tea and decided not to continue with it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Shattered Obsession by Auden Allred Barrett was an intense and emotional dark romance that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Thalia’s story is heartbreaking at times, but I really enjoyed watching her find her strength and begin to heal. Her character felt strong and relatable despite everything she had been through. Xander’s protective and patient nature added a great balance to the darker parts of the story, while Damian’s obsession brought plenty of tension and suspense. The twists and emotional moments kept me turning the pages, and I loved the chemistry and complicated relationships throughout. This is definitely a dark romance with heavier themes, so readers should be prepared for an emotional ride. Overall, Shattered Obsession is a good choice for readers who enjoy dark romance with a strong emotional storyline.
I received an ARC copy from Love Notes PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from Love Notes PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
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September 5, 2026Shattered Obsession is a dark romance centred around a past that refuses to stay buried.
She survived him once, but now he’s back, and what follows is a story filled with obsession, danger, secrets and a connection that is anything but straightforward.
The story explores the darker side of relationships, where the lines between love, obsession and control become increasingly blurred. With a threatening past hanging over the characters, there is always the question of what will happen when everything they have tried to escape finally catches up with them.
This is very much a darker romance, with intense themes and characters whose relationships are complicated, messy and far from conventional.
For readers who enjoy dark romance with obsession, danger, suspense and morally grey characters, Shattered Obsession certainly falls into that category.
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read Shattered Obsession. 📚🖤
She survived him once, but now he’s back, and what follows is a story filled with obsession, danger, secrets and a connection that is anything but straightforward.
The story explores the darker side of relationships, where the lines between love, obsession and control become increasingly blurred. With a threatening past hanging over the characters, there is always the question of what will happen when everything they have tried to escape finally catches up with them.
This is very much a darker romance, with intense themes and characters whose relationships are complicated, messy and far from conventional.
For readers who enjoy dark romance with obsession, danger, suspense and morally grey characters, Shattered Obsession certainly falls into that category.
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read Shattered Obsession. 📚🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
I really enjoyed Shattered Obsession. What stood out to me most was how real the emotions felt. Thalia’s trauma genuinely touched me, and I found her journey through fear, anger, survival, and eventually reclaiming herself incredibly moving. The distinction between simply surviving and actually living was especially powerful.
I loved the emotional depth, the themes of trauma and healing, and Thalia’s progression from fear to taking back her power. And those last few chapters? They brought everything together beautifully and left me finishing the book very satisfied.
Overall, Shattered Obsession is an emotional dark romance about surviving trauma, reclaiming yourself, and learning that love doesn't erase what happened, but can exist alongside the journey of healing. Thalia’s story definitely stayed with me.
I really enjoyed Shattered Obsession. What stood out to me most was how real the emotions felt. Thalia’s trauma genuinely touched me, and I found her journey through fear, anger, survival, and eventually reclaiming herself incredibly moving. The distinction between simply surviving and actually living was especially powerful.
I loved the emotional depth, the themes of trauma and healing, and Thalia’s progression from fear to taking back her power. And those last few chapters? They brought everything together beautifully and left me finishing the book very satisfied.
Overall, Shattered Obsession is an emotional dark romance about surviving trauma, reclaiming yourself, and learning that love doesn't erase what happened, but can exist alongside the journey of healing. Thalia’s story definitely stayed with me.
September 8, 2026
Shattered Obsession was such an intense and addictive read. What an amazing debut from Auden Allred Barrett. ***be sure to read the trigger warnings. There is some very heavy content*** From the very beginning, the story pulled me in with its dark atmosphere and complicated emotions. I loved that the characters feel messy and imperfect, it made them so relatable which made their relationship all the more captivating. There is such enticing chemistry between the characters. She did a great job of balancing the romance with the darker, obsessive elements which created a constant sense of anticipation that kept me turning the page. Shattered Obsession is a great choice if you enjoy dark romance, complicated relationships, obsession, and plenty of emotional drama and spice. Definitely a book that stayed on my mind after finishing it!
September 2, 2026
This one really got to me, especially because Thalia’s emotions and trauma felt so real.
I loved watching her journey from fear and simply surviving to slowly reclaiming herself and taking back her power. Her growth was definitely one of my favourite parts of the story. 🥹
Xander was also such a great addition. He was patient, steady and protective, and I loved the support he gave Thalia throughout her journey. 🛡️❤️
There’s plenty of suspense, obsession, revenge and emotional angst, and those final chapters really brought everything together beautifully. 👀
Overall, this is a dark and emotional romance about survival, healing, reclaiming yourself and learning to live again. Thalia’s story definitely stayed with me.
I loved watching her journey from fear and simply surviving to slowly reclaiming herself and taking back her power. Her growth was definitely one of my favourite parts of the story. 🥹
Xander was also such a great addition. He was patient, steady and protective, and I loved the support he gave Thalia throughout her journey. 🛡️❤️
There’s plenty of suspense, obsession, revenge and emotional angst, and those final chapters really brought everything together beautifully. 👀
Overall, this is a dark and emotional romance about survival, healing, reclaiming yourself and learning to live again. Thalia’s story definitely stayed with me.
September 6, 2026
Thank you Love Notes PR for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
Okay, I’m really partial to this type of book because I love dark romance. It’s one of my favorite genres, so a 5 star is given from me.
But I really enjoyed this book overall! It’s such an intense and emotional read, but really good! I loved the push and pull between the two main characters, and the process of Thalia’s healing and Xander’s help in making her feel safe.
It definitely has the dark aspect to it with darker content and trigger warnings, but as long as you don’t mind something a little more heavy, then I definitely recommend reading this!! If you enjoy overprotective mmc with a warm healing process, obsession, and a romance like this, then add it to your TBR right now!!
Okay, I’m really partial to this type of book because I love dark romance. It’s one of my favorite genres, so a 5 star is given from me.
But I really enjoyed this book overall! It’s such an intense and emotional read, but really good! I loved the push and pull between the two main characters, and the process of Thalia’s healing and Xander’s help in making her feel safe.
It definitely has the dark aspect to it with darker content and trigger warnings, but as long as you don’t mind something a little more heavy, then I definitely recommend reading this!! If you enjoy overprotective mmc with a warm healing process, obsession, and a romance like this, then add it to your TBR right now!!
September 7, 2026
I received this book as an ARC. When I stated this book I was intrigued when she was talking about online dating. It’s shares the fear that all woman have when they meet someone online. The beginning makes you see red flags but you can’t tell Thalia you just have to keep reading. The way Xander is there for her and encourages her to get help is nice. I liked how he never pushes her to speed up her healing he gives her the time she needs. As you read the book you notice how Thalia is healing and how nice it is but being a person who loves books you wait for the plot twist. What a plot twist! This book talk a lot about healing from trauma and how it’s not always a straight road. It’s definitely an interesting read.
September 7, 2026
This was a very intense, emotional and heartbreaking book. It took quite some time to actually finish this book. I recommend reading the trigger warnings before reading.
For me personally, I read the TW and thought it was fine but I didn't realise the depth of it until I read it. But in then end it revolves around survival, finding your voice and learning about love and safety.
There were a lot of heavy emotional scenes that made Thalia's journey painful. To see her struggles and to show her journey was not always straight and it was not quick was portrayed good.
Xander was very patient and you could see him care and supported Thalia in any way that he could.
This was a good book.
For me personally, I read the TW and thought it was fine but I didn't realise the depth of it until I read it. But in then end it revolves around survival, finding your voice and learning about love and safety.
There were a lot of heavy emotional scenes that made Thalia's journey painful. To see her struggles and to show her journey was not always straight and it was not quick was portrayed good.
Xander was very patient and you could see him care and supported Thalia in any way that he could.
This was a good book.
September 8, 2026
I really like this book. I was kind of unsure when I first got it if I was going to like it really wasn't sure what to expect. I am so glad I put everything aside and I sat down and I read this from start to finish and was literally amazed.
What caught me initially with this book was the beginning of the blurb just the first statement kind of took my breath away. When it said, "When trauma steals everything, can love rewrite what’s been shattered?" That statement just kind of made me want to dive into this book a heck of a lot bigger
Let me tell you this book was when it says a dark romance novel that's what it is and it is absolutely brings everything hard. The author knocked this out of the park. I am so grateful that I got to advance read this because it was wow.
What caught me initially with this book was the beginning of the blurb just the first statement kind of took my breath away. When it said, "When trauma steals everything, can love rewrite what’s been shattered?" That statement just kind of made me want to dive into this book a heck of a lot bigger
Let me tell you this book was when it says a dark romance novel that's what it is and it is absolutely brings everything hard. The author knocked this out of the park. I am so grateful that I got to advance read this because it was wow.
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