Isle of Obsession

Obsidian Island #1

by Elle Kay

I wasn’t supposed to be here. But I knew exactly what I was doing when I took her place.

Obsidian Island is a secret playground for the powerful, where men bid in silence and women are expected to smile through the surrender. Here, purity is currency — and we’re auctioned like art.

They think I’m one of them.
They don’t know I came for him.

Cain.
That’s what they call him here.
But I knew him before the island. I watched him for years, long before I ever stepped into his world. And now I’m in it — chosen, claimed, and stripped of the control I thought I had.

Because Cain doesn’t break you all at once.
He unravels you slowly.

And if I want to survive this island, I’ll have to let him ruin me.

Genres: Dark Romance

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2025

Reviews

[Tracy McDonell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

OMG!!! I See you Elle Kay! You definitely can be a Pitch Black writer… and we are waiting for you toy jump completely into the mud!!

First of all, isle of Obsession is far from the Conti Family, and I am so here for it!! 😎 Thank you Ellie for this ARC read!, you have tipped your toes into the black waters.

For those of you who are looking for a mafia romance, this is not it for those of you were looking for a dark romance …. This could be it, but please please please read your trigger warnings and then go beyond that because this is it..

I will not give any spoilers except for if it’s a trigger it’s in here,.., and Ellie lived up to it 😎😎😎 this had spice, twist, even had a little bit of a oh my goodness at the end.

If this is not your type of book after reading the trigger warnings, please don’t read it and leave a bad review because you’ve been warned. The trigger warnings read like a menu and they’re there for a reason..

Elle Kay… please continue to get darker. Your imagination is impeccable ma’am, and I hope to see darker books come out of your imagination. Us pitch black girls are waiting.

[K M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, twisted, and impossible to put down!

Elle Kay has just set a new standard for dark romance for me The world-building of Obsidian Island is incredible. It’s decadent, cruel, and dripping with danger. But it’s the characters that make this book unforgettable. Sera Marlowe isn’t a passive heroine. She’s obsessive, reckless, and so consumed by her fixation on Kieran that I couldn’t look away.

And Kieran? He’s powerful, patient, and utterly lethal. Their dynamic is tense, erotic, and terrifying all at once. I loved the way the story twisted familiar tropes into something fresh and haunting. If you like dark romance that feels immersive, brutal, and impossible to put down, this is it.

[Bianca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowwww. Spicyyy. I was hooked and on the edge of my seat all the way through this read. I read it within 48 hours and I couldn't put it down. I absolutely can't wait until the next one. I need more!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAY IM OBSESSED. This was my first book by Elle Kay, and it was FANTASTIC. It’s amazing. I don’t have enough words, but I am in such AWE of this book. It’s dark, twisted, DELICIOUS. It has all of my favorite elements, and if you’re a dark romance girlie, lover of morally pitch black, and a wee bit of stalking then this book is for you. 10/10. Cannot rave about this enough.
READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS PLEASE.

[Taylor James · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excerpt of this fell onto my FYP, and immediately I was drawn. I read this in about 6 hours, and I enjoyed it! It’s a strong 3.5, and my only reasonings for not 5 stars are more of preference rather than anything about the author, the world she built, and her overall strong voice.

First of all, the spice? DELICIOUS. The scene I read on TT was the plus one (iykyk) and as a bisexual woman, I nearly passed away, my curiosity at a fricken 15.

I never read one pov books, though, and if I had known, I wouldn’t have read this, so thankfully I went in blind and the hooks were already in me. I would’ve enjoyed the OB members side of things, as well as a few POVs from Kieran, his thoughts on why Aubrey drew him in so quickly compared to others.

I do wish the final claiming scene went a bit longer, maybe even ended a little more sensually, since the plot twist twisted exactly in the way I thought it would. Meant to be in theory, yes, but I wanted more of their true identities chemistry.

Now onto what I wish was tweaked (and I do say that with the utmost constructive appreciation for the author and her story!) the FMC barely spoke! She had short lines, a mask in place at all times, but I can probably count on one hand the amount of times she actually said words aloud to the MMC, circling back to their chemistry. She genuinely had no out loud words spoken until at least chapter 5, maybe even 6.
Again, the author did a FABULOUS job at this, but the world-building and description became a bit over the top, and I found myself skipping multiple pages, because we were trapped inside the FMC’s head, describing the scene while waiting with bated breath to actually have the scene play out. Maybe it’s a show vs tell thing, but I’d loved more dialogue between characters, again, especially because of the plot twists that kept hitting until the very last chapter with the Mistress!
I’d loved Sera’s pushback, maybe some explanation, or an anecdote about how she thought she was being careful but Kieran was a step or two ahead — something to link the beginning to the ending for the reader.

Overall, I did devour this book, and enjoyed the plot, as it was something I hadn’t read before. I will be picking up book two next summer, and can’t wait to see what else this world has for us! (Maybe one members balls hanging off Mistress’ neck in book two, particularly 😂)

[xbebex78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sera went to drop of some important paper to the CEO. When she got there she hear his voice and she stop to listen. Then his eyes met hers. She step in and was confused but he walked behind her and she felt hear from his breath. The way he grabbed her hip and she felt something that she never felt before. It got more hot for her, he was making her feel that way. She thought can she lose her virginity to him. He told her you look like you’re just out of college. Then his intercom rang, his secretary told him his companion service was running late. He looked at Sera and said you’re not her and she said I am an intern. I was told to drop these paper off. She gave him the file and he grabbed it and stared at her. Then he turned to the door and opened it and said Goodnight Intern. As soon as the door closed, she felt undone. She couldn’t hardly sleep, she replayed what happened. She never felt that kind of heat from any person before, not just desire but intensity. The next morning she went to work and wanted to see him in his element and will he remember. She saw him and she parented to be doing something on her phone and eventho he didn’t see her. The moment he came into view all that happened last night came back to her and it wasn’t over not for her. After summer pasted he offered her a full time role. She told herself it meant something but weeks and months go by and nothing happens. She had a plan, she will make her self uncomfortable. She worked for that year and left. She went home and she knew almost everything about him. Then she became the thing he wanted but hasn’t seen yet. She did all the homework she needed now it was her time to go after who she wanted. Will it workout? Will he fall for her or will it all fail for her? Are you ready for the twist plot? You will not regret it, I am speechless I wasn’t expecting what happened and what I read. Must read to find out what I am talking about. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsidian Island is as beautifully cruel as its name suggests; a place where desire curdles into danger, and love wears a mask of obsession. But before we reach the island’s black shores, there’s Sera — quiet, invisible Sera — and the single, intoxicating moment that rewires her entire existence. One chance encounter, one mistaken identity, and suddenly, she’s spiraling into obsession. Three cheers to Elle for flipping the script and giving us a female stalker (at least at first). For five long years, Sera studies him, shapes herself into his fantasy, until she’s ready to step into his world. It’s eerie, it’s fascinating, and it’s impossible to look away. Watching her shed her innocence and emerge as a predator was nothing short of hypnotic. Then comes Obsidian Island itself. A billionaire’s playground built for sin, a place where fantasy and nightmare blur. The deeper Sera goes, the more you feel the pulse of danger beneath every silk sheet. The tension doesn’t just simmer, it burns, tightening around you like a lover’s hand at your throat. And Kieran (or Cain, if you dare), he’s no savior. He’s the monster behind the mask, every bit as unhinged and magnetic as Sera herself. Together, they’re a storm — destructive, beautiful, and utterly deranged. Morally grey doesn’t even begin to cover it. They’re pitch-black souls circling each other in a dance that’s equal parts lust and annihilation. Elle keeps you teetering on the edge, never certain who’s the hunter and who’s the prey. The power shifts, the mind games, the exquisite tension… it’s a delicious descent into madness. There are no safe words here, just hunger, danger, and the slow unraveling of two people too far gone to be saved. Isle of Obsession is brutal, intoxicating, and completely consuming. A dark romance lover’s dream, or perhaps their worst temptation.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Princessfal123 bookendedreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elle Kay’s Isle of Obsession is the first book of the Obsidian Island series.

Welcome to Obsidian Island!

This is not a fun fantasy island, unless your type of fun is depraved and your fantasy is to hunt. From all around the world, the wealthy would covet an invitation to the island to participate in their elusive Auction. With the promise of an elite experience that was treated like a desired fantasy while being wined and dined, girls willingly joined and offered their submission for one week of curated pleasure. The admission requirement…they had their V-card.

She is obscure, shies away from attention like a ghost in the shadows where she is content and forgettable. Then she meets him, and he mistakes her for someone else. In this one interaction he fascinates her and unknowingly opens up her world where for five years she'll secretly deep dive into his. It’s as if he can see something in her that she doesn’t recognize or maybe she just hasn’t given herself permission to notice. She becomes consumed by a desire for him and will stop at nothing to have him. And now, she’s crossed the line from fascination to obsession.

Elle Kay wrote a book with a plot that is well developed and is consistent throughout the storyline. The pacing is balanced and doesn’t become boring or drag on. There is good use of descriptive imagery and sensory detail giving life to the story.

This is a dark romance. It contains dark elements, is intense at times and contains mature themes. The author has provided a list of content warnings as this book contains content that may be disturbing for some readers.

[NyckiD · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unhinged Stalking Obsession That Keeps You Turning The Pages🗒️

This story starts off with an unexpected encounter with both characters. Kieran(CEO) believed she was his hired escort. Sera(intern) is just fixated and mesmerized by his sheer presence. An intercom interruption halts their almost interaction. After a year of working for Kieran’s company, Sera quits but doesn’t give up her quest. For Sera, this is five years in the making of belonging to Kieran at any cost. Within this time, Sera uncovers “Obsidian”, an island 🏝️ that auctions off innocents to obscenely wealthy billionaires that indulge in their wicked/wildest fantasies. She devises a cold calculated plan to be there and make Kieran hers. This is a dark read but not too dark, because it is well written. The plot holds your attention from beginning to end. Both characters are unhinged and perfect👌🏾 The shock value of this story is crazy and hit me like (Mike🥊)!!😁 This book did not disappoint! All the triggers are confirmed, so proceed with caution⚠️ I would definitely recommend reading this book if you like captivating dark themes with a very interesting storyline.

[Storybyscreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know homegirl's name and she is already obsessed with a man that mistook her for somebody else??....nice a change for once
woah talk about a morally grey obsessed woman...I👏AM👏 HERE 👏FOR👏IT👏
I have never been so excited to read someone's plans play out.... you know this trend where the girl will tell the guy sorry I was asleep then he will be like I know and show all his secret camera in her apartment in this book the case is reversed

I was so nervous when they called her number.... ahhhh
when he stood up during the biding I was like bro what are you about to do........ these people keeps taking the air out of me. it was the first time I understood how dangerous and powerful he was and I don't know why but he is giving me daddy vibes...... for the record I quite like Abel too
The situation ended up being playing the player...I wish I had on chapter in his pov because I freaking love this man
I think I am going to love this series
I need a book about Abel and Evie hopefully together and Selene that girl is a whole vibe
The author or authors ate with this one

[Vidisha Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isle of Obsession by Elle Kay completely consumed me from the very first page. The writing is razor-sharp and cinematic, pulling you into a world of power, control, and dangerous desire. Elle Kay doesn’t just tell a story—she builds an atmosphere that wraps around you like silk and steel. Every chapter felt like peeling back a new layer of mystery and obsession, and I found myself reading long past midnight because I had to know what would happen next.

What I loved most was how the author balanced psychological intensity with raw emotion. The characters are deeply flawed yet fascinating—especially Sera, whose transformation from quiet observer to calculating mastermind was mesmerizing. It’s dark and twisted, yes, but also beautifully written and full of tension that feels both intimate and explosive.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Una Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Sera and Kieran. He mistakes her for an escort when she as an intern enters his office with some papers one fateful evening. She cannot forget him and needs to have him, queue unhinged fmc stalker.

She ends up on an island (by her own design) where virgin women are sold to the highest bidder and she is not the only unhinged one. Kieran matches her perfectly.

This is polished dark romance among billionaires, there is FF scenes as well as MF scenes, kinky without contracts or safe words.

I wanna read more about obsidian island, sounds like a place where much filth is happening!

[Victoria Eckard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t hate Isle of Obsession, but I didn’t love it either.

The story itself? I was locked in. I loved that the FMC was the stalker, she’s smart, calculated, and it was such a refreshing switch from the usual dynamic. That alone kept me reading.

BUT the writing… yeah. There was a lotttt of repetition. Same thoughts, same phrases, over and over. If I wasn’t already invested in the plot, this would’ve probably been a DNF for me.

Overall, the concept carried. The idea was way stronger than the execution, and while I enjoyed the story, the writing style just didn’t fully do it for me. Definitely a solid mid read that is entertaining, but probably will not be continuing the next book.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in the Obsidian Island series is Isle Of Obsession. Keep in mind this is a dark romance which means there will be elements to this story that may be sensitive to some readers. Be sure you check the trigger warnings before you start. For me, this story was absolutely fantastic, definitely intense and all about obsession. These characters are fantastic and their story steamy perfection!

“Do you feel it?”
“The difference. This isn’t Cain breaking Aubrey. This is Kieran Wolfe—owning Sera Marlowe.”

[Dynisha Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way the tension builds in this book from PAGE ONE is insane and frankly unmatched! It makes the entire book feel cinched tighter and tighter with every chapter, giving you the perfect pay off as if YOU have been the good one! I do also enjoy the way the characters play at what and who they are in different ways throughout the narrative, and the ways that morally dark is explored. If you are a fan of these authors at all, a fan of dark romance, or just interested in what happens when the concept of control is thoroughly explored then this one is for you!

[SusanT62 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sera has been obsessed by Kieran Wolfe for over 5 years. She has schemed to get back into his orbit. He will be attending the Obsidian auction. She kidnaps Aubrey and replaces her at the auction.

Sera matches Kieran in the over the top, crazy, obsessive behavior. She is willing to do anything (lie, kill) to achieve her objective. There is plenty of spicy action and please check the triggers.
The ending seems open ended so I don’t know if there will be more books featuring this couple or the Obsidian auctions.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dark Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark romance - please check triggers before reading. It's also book 1 of a series.

This is a new author for me, so I'm not able to speak to her previous books, but I really enjoyed this one. Our FMC, Sera, is a fierce and obsessive character, and the way that the familiar obsession trope is flipped on its head makes for an interesting read. Kieran, her MMC, is strong and a good match for Sera. The spice is excellent as well :)

[M Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intense!! As always please read your trigger warnings! Her stalking him was a nice twist! The lengths and dedication she gave to getting him was like nothing I've ever seen. Her realization at the end?? Let me just say I was also surprised when he said it! I can't wait to see what comes next.

[Sara Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was wild! Seriously, make sure to read the trigger warnings first. I didn’t expect her to be the one stalking him—such a twist! The way she went all-in trying to get him was next-level. And that ending? Her big realization and then what he said… I was totally shocked. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next one!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT. DID. I. JUST. READ?!

Isle of Obsession is the first book of the Obsidian Island series.
I will Most Definitely be BACK!!!

An elite experience?
For whom?

Intense!
Steamy!
Twisted!!!

Fantastic character and world-building!

This is my third story by this author and she's made me Obsessed!

[FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal! It's giving a "test / trial" vibes but curated with sensual desire and pleasure. Mind the TW! Compelling plot, interesting storyline. Filthy rich and obsessive characters. You think you got it at your finger tips, then the twists flip it all around and blow your mind. It's hard to put down. Grateful for the ARC opportunity.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

When its dark with a twist
Its always a pleasure to find new authors. Now if you're trigger ⚠️ cautious. This pretty much checks most triggers.
So think decadent. Think twisted. Shake in some dark then stir in stalkered.
Just when you think you have it figured out... you dont. Definitely on my reread list. Oh the end... yeah she did that.

[A Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isle of Obsession is A Dark Billionaire Forbidden Auction Romance. This is book 1 of the Obsidian Island series. This was an intense steamy romance with possessive and obsessed characters. This was a great dark romance and I can't wait to read more of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isle of Obsession - WOW this is my first Elle Kay book and I am totally speachless. Didn't expect things to happen as they did or for her to go as far as she did.... And then when he said that!!!! WOW, next book in the series please!!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isle of obsession was Kieran and Sera’s story. It was an engaging and addictive read. I received an early copy. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I throughly enjoyed this book. There could’ve been a little more character background on the FMC but I loved it anyways. I can’t wait for more from the author!

[Ashley Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay Elle! You did it again!

I’ve loved everything of read of hers but this new series is going to be 🔥

This has the storyline, the spice, the tension! Everything you’d expect from Elle and more! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!!