From International bestselling author Maggie Cole comes a morally gray psychological romance where boundaries are temptation, ethics are foreplay, and a dangerously perceptive woman sets her stalker sights on her therapist.
My parents made me see a therapist for stalking.
They thought Dr. Red Mercer would cure me. They assumed he would teach me restraint, discipline, and distance. What they didn’t count on was the way his gaze lingers too long, like he’s undressing the truth instead of treating it. Or how his voice tightens every time I say exactly what I’m thinking.
He says boundaries. I hear an invitation.
He says ethics. I see a man begging not to want me.
I’m not spiraling. I’m precise. I know where he draws the line and exactly how to leap over it.
Red calls my fixation a disorder.
I call it fate already in motion.
This is my version of the sessions.
And no matter how hard he fights it, I’ll strip away his control until Dr. Red Mercer admits what we both know.
He was never meant to resist me.
Resisting Blue is book one of the Beautiful Delusions Duet. This book contains self-harm. See Authors Note inside the book for trigger warnings.
Maggie Cole is committed to bringing her readers alphalicious book boyfriends and fiercely strong heroines.
She’s been called the literary master of steamy romance. Her books are full of raw emotion, suspense, and will always keep you wanting more. She is a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and loves writing about broken people who rise above the ashes. Her books can often be found hanging out in the top 100, even years after publication.
Maggie lives in Florida with her son. She loves tennis, yoga, paddleboarding, boating, other water activities, and everything naughty.
Her current series were written in the order below: All In (Stand alones with entwined characters) It's Complicated (Stand alones with entwined characters) Together We Stand (Brooks Family Saga - read in order) Behind Closed Doors (Read in order) Mafia Wars Mafia Wars New York Club Indulgence Duet Mafia Wars Ireland Wilted Kingdom Duet The Underworld The Cartwright Family (Holiday Romance)
I am fully invested in this duet's storyline. The FMC, Blue Ivanov, is just a cunning as her father's character from Vicious Protector that was Adrian Ivanov and Skylar's story from Mafia Wars. (You do not need to read their story, the storylines are completely different, and genre is not the same, there is no overlapping connection besides it's her family)
It's not often that the FMC character overshadows an MMC when I read. Usually, I want more from the MMC POV but with this one I feel like Blue is a character that is leaving a long last impression and I had realized this quickly into book one of this duet.
I love that you get to see how Blue's mind works with her knowingly stalking, manipulating situations and still able to be feisty and still bring forth a strong sense of herself awareness.
Dr. Red Mercer has a grasp of the situation but is in no way prepared for what walks through his door on their first meeting. He sees all her internal battles, manipulation, boundary crossing and continues to bring her in for more sessions while fighting internally if he can give her to another therapist knowing she crosses every boundary, line and professional and personal line he sets in place.
I will say this is a slower burn with buildup to show the evolving relationship twist and turn from the professional to personal levels. Blue has no care for his steadfast boundaries she wants the man behind the desk, in the chair while he tries to help her.
Beware the author lists a content warning for a reason if you have issues with reading certain material please review the list. A reader's mental health is more important. This book has Age Gap (MMC 40, FFM 25) Therapist/Patient, Mental Disorder, Morally Grey, Stalker
Now this was a book that left me with my jaw permanently on the floor with the twists and turns it takes.
Our FMC Blue Ivanov is the daughter of Skylar and Adrian Ivanov (Mafia Wars - you do not need to read their book to understand their daughter’s story). I read Maggies Underworld series prior to this and in the final book we caught a glimpse of Blue and her obsessive behaviour towards Brax. From that moment my interest was piqued with this character and I wanted her to be explored further.
In the beginning of this book we are met with the same scene from the underworld series in which Blue’s must attend a therapist. Our FMC is feisty, cunning and is very lenient to manipulation to get her way. Personally I don’t think Dr Mercer was ready for the women who walked through his doors. Initially he understands her behaviour and deep down beneath the surface he hears his own call to her but he desperately tries to maintain that professional boundary.
It’s no surprise that Blues attention and obsession deviates from Brax to Dr Mercer. She is a FMC that definitely leaves an impression on characters and readers a like and I am desperate to find out where Blue and Red’s story goes in part two.
Please note that the author does set out her TWs for this book in the beginning and these are not to be taken lightly.
Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Okay but WHY did this book sneak up on me like that?? 👀
I went in expecting to like it (because hi, it’s Maggie Cole 💁🏻♀️), but came out fully invested, slightly unhinged, and needing answers immediately. Blue and Red?? Toxic… but also not?? Like excuse me while I try to process the emotional whiplash because I could NOT predict what was coming next.
The character development? Chef’s kiss. The tension? Delicious. My patience waiting for the next book? Nonexistent.
Respectfully… I need the next one ASAP because I am not okay 😌📚
Ok so this book was a bit different from others that Maggie has written. But I absolutely loved it. I know in Bride by Ritual, when he first meet Blue I knew I needed to know her story. And this one dove into her perfectly. I loved getting such a different FMC. And Red. He tried so hard but was no match.. definitely ready for the next book..
Great first chapter of Blue and Red’s story. Blue pushes Red’s boundaries professionally and personally which ultimately leads to a major cliff hanger leading to book 2.
Does have self harm triggers, obsession and manipulation are key topics addressed throughout the story.
I do wish there was more action involved but loved it from the very start.
Loved this story. Literally couldn’t put it down. This story follows Blu Ivanov, a side character in Maggie’s The Underworld trilogy. The tension in this book was top notch. I can’t wait to read Chasing Red.
A dark, daring romance that blurs every boundary and leaves you utterly hooked.
Resisting Blue, the first book in the Beautiful Delusions Duet by Maggie Cole, is not your typical romance—it’s a deeply complex, thought-provoking journey that isn’t always comfortable, but is completely impossible to put down.
This is a story with clear triggers, and it doesn’t shy away from pushing limits. But once I dived in, I was all in. It consumed me—compulsive, addictive, and utterly unputdownable.
We first met Blue in Ritual Bride—the troubled young woman whose obsession with Brax lingered in the background. Here, she takes centre stage, and what unfolds is a raw, intense exploration of her mind, her past, and the darkness that shapes her.
Blue is unlike any heroine I’ve ever read. She’s chaotic, powerful, and completely unforgettable—a force of nature who refuses to be contained. And then there’s Dr. Red Mericer… the man who meets her on that edge. Together, they ignite something dangerous. Boundaries are blurred, morality is tested, and the story walks a razor-thin line through the greyest corners of dark romance.
The chemistry between Blue and Red is electric, unsettling, and utterly captivating. You can feel the tension in every interaction—this is not a safe love story, but it is a gripping one.
And that ending… brace yourself. It’s an edge-of-your-seat, jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for more.
If you love your romance dark, daring, and unafraid to push boundaries, Resisting Blue is one you won’t be able to resist.
Resisting Blue by Maggie Cole delivers a compelling mix of tension, emotion, and undeniable chemistry that keeps you hooked from the very first chapter. Blue is the kind of character you want to resist—but absolutely can’t. The push-and-pull dynamic is written so well, with just the right balance of angst and vulnerability. The emotional depth really stood out to me, especially as the characters navigated their pasts and tried to protect their hearts.
The chemistry? Off the charts. 🔥 Maggie Cole knows how to build slow-burning tension and then deliver when it matters. I found myself completely invested in their journey, rooting for them even when things felt messy and complicated.
What I appreciated most was how real the characters felt. Their struggles, decisions, and growth didn’t feel forced—they felt authentic and relatable. The pacing kept me engaged, and I had a hard time putting it down. If you love...emotionally charged romance,strong, complex characters, tension-filled relationships with satisfying payoff… this one is definitely worth picking up. There is a cliff-hanger and I cannot WAIT for Chasing Red now!! I NEED to know what happens!!!
honestly I’ve read a lot of dark and depraved books, but this one… truly comes out on top for all the therapist x patient books I’ve read. I love the switching of gender roles as usually it’s the fmc who’s the therapist and the mmc who’s the obsessed psychopath. But I just loved watching Red struggle and go through internal panic every time Blue manages to surprise him with another chaotic trick. The plot was immaculate, very well paced and so intense from start to finish. Every page was packed with emotion, intensity and a whole lot of crazy. Blue’s point of view was just soo interesting to read because of the constant jumps in thoughts, her crazy delusions, and just the overall unorganised chaos of it. And Red was adorable, he’s a guy who likes being in control and doesn’t know what to do when Blue storms in and messes up his entire life. Their chemistry is just amazing, and their bond is taboo and just SLIGHTLY toxic but I loved it so much. The book ended on a diabolical cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next one, I give this a 5/5
Note: This is book 1 of a duet so consider this your CLIFFHANGER warning!!! Listen... Blue is unstable. That's a fact. And her behavior is, truthfully, scary, at times. And I am so here for it!! As an avid reader of Maggie Cole's books, I loved seeing Blue in Brax's story, but didn't realize how much more to her there is until she got her own duet. Personally, I love a forbidden relationship so this therapist x patient story is everything I want. And Blue's stalker tendencies? Yes please!! Dr. Red Mercer is a great MMC - smart, compassionate, hot - attempting to do the right thing while fighting temptation... oh, but he's absolutely failing at resisting!! Oh gurrl, throw your ethics out the window for this ride and enjoy the journey because everything about this story was unexpected; every twist, I didn't see any of it coming.
Thank you for gifting me an advanced reader copy. Review reflective of my personal opinions
Holy WOW! Like my mind is blown at how scary and good this writing was for getting into the mind of Blue. It was downright terrifying at times to see how this character worked!! I absolutely love the patient/ psych doc trope and the way this story developed was disturbing in all the best ways. Please read your triggers as Maggie does tell all and prepares you as best she can but I can promise if those don’t bother you then buckle up and be ready to absolutely devour this book!
I felt like I was the one being manipulated at times 😂 I will say it would be very beneficial to read The Underworld series before this, especially the third book, however you can absolutely read this as a stand alone, just know the beginning stems from Blue’s connection to another character from that series.
I absolutely loved everything about this and am really excited for the next book!
Messy, Intense, & Charged I literally stayed up all night reading this. I could not put it down. It was completely addictive.
Blue had my mind spinning the entire time, and her dynamic with Red is…intriguing? Compelling? I don’t even know the exact word, but it pulls you in and keeps you there. The push and pull between them is intense, messy, and so charged.
I love how Maggie writes emotions. You’re not just watching it happen, you’re in both of their heads, feeling everything as it unfolds. It never feels one-sided either, which I really liked because you understand both of them, even when they’re making questionable decisions.
And that teaser at the end… yeah, I’m already impatient for Chasing Red. I know I’m going to fly through that one too.
I have been craving Blue's story since Bride by Ritual when she was obsessed with Brax. I knew it was going to be intense and messy and boy was I right.
This is not a light and fluffy story. So while I recommend this story with my whole heart, if you want light, this is not it. And please please please check your triggers.
Blue is very clearly suffering from some obsessive tendencies. And she turns that obsession straight from Brax to her new therapist. So obviously you know this is going to be messy. And it is.
Every line drawn in the sand is obliterated. Every boundary is tested and broken.
I was captivated from start to finish. It does end on a bit of a shocking cliffhanger but luckily this is a rapid release and book 2 will be out before we know it!!
Resisting Blue is book 1 in the Beautiful Delusions duet. It's the first part of Blue Ivanov and Dr. Red Mercer's journey. It's a fantastic, age gap, stalker, therapist/patient story and it's a story that literally left me speechless. From start to finish this book has so many twists and turns. Blue is the queen of manipulation and she uses it well to her advantage. When she's made to see a therapist I'm not altogether sure Dr. Red knew what make of his new patient but one thing is for sure. It won't take her long to show him. Keep in mind, Resisting Blue is a dark romance which means trigger warnings should definitely be a priority before reading this book. Now I'm ready for Chasing Red.
What a ride!! Blue Ivanov is in a world of her own, and she needed her own duet to tell her story. Blue Ivanov is perfectly obsessed with Brax. We read his story in Bride by Ritual, and she will do anything for his attention. Now that she finds herself in therapy for her actions, she is set on discovering all that is Dr. Red Mercer. Red knew he had met his match after his first session with Blue. With his ethics hanging on by a thread, he falls hard and fast for his patient. Blue is unhinged is the most delicious way, and Red tries so hard to resist. Their chemistry is beautiful and chaotic and screams Blue! But let's not forget that gutting cliffhanger!! Their fight for the other had me in tears. Oh, I can't wait to read what Maggie has for us in the final book.
Blue Ivanov is the daughter of Adrian Ivanov (Mafia Wars). She tests the limits of everyone around her. She starts to see a therapist because her parents want her to work thru some things, like her obsession with Brax (Undrrworld Series). Meeting Dr. Red Mercer in her first session, her sights change immediately to him. He became what she wanted. Pushing and testing every single professional and personal boundary. Dr. Mercer has no clue what he's in for when Blue walked thru his office.
I loved this book sooooo much!!! I was already in from the forst chapter. I didnt want to stop reading. Im so ready for the 2nd book of the Beautiful Delusions Duet!!
Wow book 1 of this duet kicks off with a bang! Blue is even more unhinged than Bride By Ritual made it seem and she’s got her eyes set on a new target! Blue’s parents are concerned after allegations of her stalking Brax arose. That’s when she meets Dr. Red Mercer! He becomes her new obsession and continues to push his carefully constructed boundaries. I loved reading their push and pull and even though this is a slow burn their sexual tension was HOT!! I honestly couldn’t put this down! It had all the unhinged stalker aspects you want! The end left me utterly shocked with a cliffhanger, but I can’t wait to see how Blue reacts next! I absolutely can’t wait for book 2!
A fascinating story about interaction between a young woman and her therapist. Blue is an enigma, I can’t decide if she has an illness or whether she is just manipulative. It is clear that Red is in over his head with her and I so hope he doesn’t lose his license, but Blue has me changing my mind every few minutes. At times she is almost bipolar, at others a woman in a crisis that just needs love and attention and then she is perfectly normal and is just manipulating the other person. Her mother seems straight forward but her father not so much. A story to keep you riveted and guessing right until the cliffhanger ending and what a twist that was!
This book was insane!! (In a good way of course) I absolutely loved Blue and was so glad we were able to finally have a full story (duet, since book 2 is coming) all about her. We got glimpses of just how delightfully unhinged she was in the Underworld series but finally getting to dive deeper into her was a wild ride I could not have imagined. This story is dark, steamy and the ultimate taboo guilty pleasure read. But the question remains...how far will Blue go to win the man she loves...even if that man is her therapist.
This is the first book in Maggie’s new delusional series. Blue Ivanov whom we met in Bride by Ritual has some very serious issues. She then falls for her therapist Dr. Red Mercer. Her obsession over Brax has now morphed to the good doctor. This book is different from Maggie’s books but still pulls you in and makes you want more. Can’t wait for book 2.
This is the first book in the Beautiful Delusions Duet series from Maggie Cole. Wow, this book will keep you turning the pages and staying up all night just to finish it but beware, it does end in cliffhanger!!!
I don’t want to say much about this because you really should read it but this is where we get Blu and Brax’s story.
I can’t wait to read the conclusion with Chasing Red!!!
Absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the second book!! Red tried to resist all of Blue's temptations, but he didn't in the end. Of course the ending is a cliffhanger but thankfully I don't have to wait to read the second book!
OMG!! So good. Lines are blurred between patient and therapist, who is "shrinking" who. I love familiar characters from her earlier books. Can't wait for next in the series!