Obsessed

Starstruck #1

by Beth Ciotta

A showplace for talent. A playground for love. STARSTRUCK--a new contemporary continuity series by Beth Ciotta, Cynthia Valero, and Elle J Rossi. Three authors. One world. Launching with Ciotta’s sexy novella—Obsessed. Coming April 2015.

A Fallen Star…
A hot-mess of controversy and scandal, Dakota Breeze—tarnished pop star of fading fame and fortune—accepts a friend’s offer, taking refuge in a small Midwestern town in order to rehearse her comeback concert in secret. Starstruck is the perfect venue however rehearsals are marred by Dakota’s reluctance to resurrect her former bad-girl persona and complicated by an anonymous death threat.

A Haunted Bodyguard…
Enlisted by a mutual friend, Wyatt MacDermott—a seasoned protection specialist—agrees to act as Dakota’s temporary bodyguard. Forced to set aside a personal grudge in order to fulfill his duties, Mac’s stunned by his fierce and instant attraction to the reckless celebrity he’s long associated with his greatest regret.

Obsessed with conflicting needs and united passion, Dakota and Wyatt spin out of control, indulging in a whirlwind affair and tempting an avenger’s wrath.

ebook

First published April 13, 2015

About the author

Storytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Limiting herself to one sub-genre does not. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, and paranormal romantic fiction. “I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!”

Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.

To learn more about her chaotic life you can visit her Web site at www.bethciotta.com

Reviews

[Judy Miracle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review ~

This book is a quick read of a sweet story about finding love in an unlikely place.

Dakota is a has been pop star who is trying to make a comeback. While doing this an obsessed fan has been harassing and writint nasty letters.

Wyatt is hired as the security detail over Dakota. Hes the strong silent type and taking this job over Dakota as a favor to a friend he thought it would be no big deal. That is until he got around Dakota. There was an instant attraction that he didn't know how to explain.

I do wish this book could have been longer and that you could have gotten more into the suspense and over all love story. But for it being a novella it was very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads

This novella features a smoking hot but not interested Alpha male protection agent and a one-time pop diva trying to make a comeback. Fate intervenes to ensure that they see what is really hidden beneath the masks, and what a great little story it makes. I really liked the side characters and as this is the first in a series, I look forward to meeting them all again – especially the so far absent Frank!

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Wicked Reads for a free book to read and review.

Wyatt takes a security detail over Dakota Breeze, a tarnished, has been, pop star trying to make a comeback. An obsessed fan has written some nasty letters and there is some worry over something happening. Wyatt has a serious attraction to the starlet, and Dakota shows some attraction toward him as well. The scenario has been done before but I still enjoyed the banter between characters. The book could have been fleshed out a bit more to make it full novel length but as a novella it was pretty good. I gave it four stars.

[Lisa Filipe]

Beth Ciotta Fans...

Grab a stop on the Tour for OBSESSED, http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/02...

OR, Help to Celebrate the release on April 13th by hosting a Blast Stop at your blog, http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/02...

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Beth Ciotta. You can always depend on her for a sexy fun read. Her novella OBSESSED is no exception. Dakota Breeze is a former "Pop" Princess trying to make a comeback. Wyatt is hired as a security expert to protect her as she rehearses for a comeback at Starstruck.
I don't often choose stories about stars in the music or movie business. Spoiled, overindulged and self absorbed doesn't appeal to me for a hero or heroine. But I knew that if anyone could pull a "star" off well, it would be Beth Ciotta. Dakota is harsh at first and hours after meeting her new protector, she has a melt-down and does something foolish. Little does she know, but Wyatt has a connection to her that she doesn't know about and while he could have chosen to be vengeful, he decides to go the other way and be a professional. And this means he needs her cooperation, especially since she has started to be threatened.
So what would keep me interested in a bad-girl start and an uptight bodyguard? Ms. Ciotta began to peel back the layers of her characters in a perfect pace, one layer at a time. You are introduced to Rusty, a country star who owns Starstruck, and who provides to both Dakota and Wyatt a wonderful friendship. When Wyatt first meets Dakota, he doesn't really want to be her babysitter. But Rusty steps in and tells him that Dakota is not what she seems and to give her a chance. And layer by layer Ms. Ciotta paints the real Dakota. A woman who is haunted and remorseful, and who just wants to enjoy her career the way she really feels about her love of music before the producers and managers take over and take the joy out of it.
Of course, there is the sexy chemistry between Wyatt and Dakota. In a short period of time, they come to know and understand each other and the possibility of a happy future opens up for them both.
This story draws you in and you can't help liking not only the main characters, but there are plenty of secondary characters that make you smile. And the changes in Wyatt and especially Dakota make you feel good that they get their HEA. And we could all use a friend like Rusty. Do yourself a favor, read this story!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars – rounded
Like all the titles I have read by Ciotta, her writing grabs you instantly with characters that you need to know, and situations that are familiar in emotion, if vastly different in actuality. In this story, we meet Dakota: perfectly imperfect with drive and determination to get up, dust herself off and move forward. Working on her comeback, the pressure is enormous and she feels every bit of it: her own concerns about moving and making a good show, the people who are relying on her success to feed their families, and the sudden appearance of some threatening letters that could mean personal danger.

Wyatt is a bodyguard, brought into Dakota’s camp by his friend. Expecting a diva: spoilt, churlish, childish and callous, he is completely floored when Dakota is open, honest and completely aware of what she needs to do to make this attempt at a comeback work. Wyatt is that silent type, rarely giving away interest with his expressions, but Dakota intrigues him in ways he never expected.

What I have come to appreciate about Ciotta’s writing is the development of her characters. Dakota starts out as someone you want to know – you cheer for her determination and heart. Wyatt comes in with the overwhelming aura of protective alpha, but he’s somewhat removed until the force that is Dakota starts to soften his edges and give him reason to hope for something more. As he starts to soften, he shows a deep and layered person who becomes just as important to readers as he is to Dakota. The use of dual points of view show a gradual softening of Wyatt, and a deeper concern from them both about their attraction and how life-changing it can be. These are two characters that would easily fit into your circle of friends, and you’d want them there.

Suspense elements from the letters slowly unfold and show the true bond between Wyatt and Dakota, and as the plot unfolds there are plenty of options to wonder just where it will go. At just under 120 pages, Obsessed shows that a novella can pack a punch with story and plot, and have readers wanting more after the last page is turned.

I received an eBook copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[CatherineAA · Rating 4 out of 5]

3. 5 Stars

Regret. Guilt. Redemption.

Dakota Breeze is a has-been pop star with a scandal-filled past, poised on the edge of a comeback but a death threat letter raises concerns and a mutual friend recruits Wyatt MacDermott to protect her. Wyatt has been in the protection business for a while and protecting Dakota would be a piece of cake except for one thing: the instant and intense attraction he has for her. His perception of her as a spoiled diva is also colored by the fact that his sister was hurt while attending one of her concerts. However, as Wyatt spends time with Dakota, he realizes that her public persona is a far cry from who she really is. She really cares and has been on a path to redeeming herself after the disastrous concert years ago.

Dakota is caught between her own dreams and the expectations of others and has to figure out how to meet those expectations while staying true to herself. She’s also very attracted to Wyatt and shares a passionate interlude with him which turns t to be so much more than sex. She has fallen for Wyatt. And as it turns out, so has he.

OBSESSED is a quick and sweet story of redemption and finding love in the most unlikely place. Dakota is an interesting character, trying to take back her life after being controlled by those around her for most of it. Wyatt is the silent and stoic type and together they make a great couple. The suspense part of the story was easily resolved and a bit of a letdown for me because it seems it only acted as a reason for Dakota and Wyatt to be brought together. I was not overly fond of the insta-love between them and really would have loved more of their story. Overall, OBSESSED was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.


*I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella! Beth writes a heroine who is not at all what I expected, and I really liked Dakota. There is much more to her than meets the eye, and it was really neat to find out more and more about her as the story progressed. There is also a lot more to Wyatt than you first think, and I liked the slow reveal of his character and secrets.

Wyatt doesn't want to like Dakota, but he does. Although he guards his emotions and only reveals what he wants to reveal. As Wyatt aims to keep Dakota safe, suddenly neither of them are sure their hearts will be safe. I enjoyed the connection between them, and that it was something neither of them anticipated, nor were they sure if it would lead to anything.

Beth writes Obsessed from both Dakota and Wyatt's POV smoothly and I really like it when authors do this. I love seeing parts of them the other doesn't know about yet, and it makes me feel like I know them even better. I liked who both of these characters were and the concept of finding love when you least expect it.

Beth also managed to surprise me with the suspenseful part of Obsessed...the who and the why, and the conclusion was not only heart warming, it also showed the true strength of the main characters, in particular Dakota.

Well paced with smooth writing and an interesting plot, I'd recommend Obsessed to any romance reader looking to get lost between the pages for a few hours!

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessed by Beth Ciotta

Wyatt MacDermott is asked to be bodyguard and protect former teen pop star Dakota Breeze. As far as he's concerned, she is nothing more than a spoiled has-been. But once he gets to know her a little better, he realizes there may be more to her than he was led to believe by the paparazzi.
Dakota has a lot of people depending on her having a successful comeback. There are dancers relying on her, production staff and crew, not to mention her fathers financial issues. She's not finding it as easy to perform the dance moves she did all those years ago. Getting a crazy threatening letter from a stalker? No really on her radar. That's Wyatt's problem. Until she realizes there might be more connecting them than the job.

Hot, hunky bodyguard romance novella that takes you behind the scenes of the entertainment world. Wyatt is immediately enthralled by Dakota's charisma, and her luscious curves. She's stressed. He's enchanted. Kissing just seems to be called for.
A joy to read.

I received a coy of this book from the author.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Dakota Breeze" is a has-been pop star who needs to make a comeback. She left the music scene when tragedy hit one of her
concerts and Dakota was forced to take a break. Along with this break, Dakota's life basically fell apart. The comeback is suppose
to be on the QT, but someone is aware of what's going on. Dakota begins getting threatening messages and her "sponsor"
doesn't think Dakota is safe, so Rusty calls on good friend Wyatt to come in and be Dakota's personal body guard.

Wyatt or Mac has some serious issues with Dakota and with good reason, but he can't tell Rusty "no". As soon as
Mac and Dakota meet the sparks begin to fly. There are too many issues between them to let them explore the
chemistry building between them.

I love Beth's books and look forward to reading the rest of the Starstruck series.

[Cindy Reifel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a romance with a twist. It's about Dakota, a former singer whose meteoric rise and fall from the top was well documented, even the most horrible incident that finally destroyed her career. Dakota is now anonymously attempting a comeback. Not an easy thing to do when she is trying to keep her entourage happy, while staying true to herself.
In walks Wyatt, Dakota's new bodyguard that she doesn't want because she doesn't believe the death threats she is receiving are credible.
These two both have an immediate and explosive attraction to each other but, there is a big problem. They both need to deal with their secrets separately and together before they can take that attraction from immediate to something permanent.
This novella is a concise, well-written love story that I found fascinating! (less)

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dakota, is the has-been pop star trying to make a comeback, receiving threatening letters. Wyatt is the tough guy bodyguard brought in to protect her, who doesn’t divulge his painful connection to her. Their attraction ignites immediately, complicating everything and motivating them at the same time. Even though this is a short story, I felt like the depth of the characters could definitely fill a full sized novel! Beth quickly develops the characters so fully it was easy to feel empathy for their emotional struggles and enjoy their passionate rendezvous. Oh, and the culprit sending the threatening letters wasn’t who I expected it to be! This is a fast, fun read!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyatt MacDermott is a hunky bodyguard and is asked by his friend Rusty to guard former pop-star Dakota Breeze because of a threatening letter. She is trying to make a comeback. He thinks Dakota is nothing but a spoiled diva. He has a connection with Dakota but doesn’t reveal it to her right away. As he gets to know her, his whole conception changes. He finds that she is almost the opposite of what he expected. The first time they touched there was an electrical charge between them. The whole relationship is complicated and such a fun read. This was a great book to read!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet story of two unlikely people falling in love. I'm not a fan of insta-love, so I really would have liked this story to be longer so that Dakota and Wyatt could have had more time for their feelings to develop. The mystery surrounding the threat that brings Wyatt to Dakota is wrapped up pretty quickly and without much suspense. There are some tender moments as well as one night of hot sex between them. Overall an enjoyable read.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning, I had a picture painted of the kind of person Dakota was, a rich and spoiled princess. Only I was so very wrong. Dakota turned out to be a selfless and kind hearted woman, who even in the limelight thinks of others. Dakota ends up falling in love with her bodyguard, Wyatt, who is the silent but observant type. I really enjoyed how their story unfolded. Ciotta never let's me down on a good read. I just wish the story was longer as I wanted to read more.

[Kelli Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star-crossed lovers. Regret and guilt. Suspense. Redemption. This book has it all! Make sure you have nothing else to do once you start reading Obsessed - because you will obsessively NOT be able to put it down. Beth takes us on a the road to forgiveness - other AND ourselves - and reminds us to follow our OWN dreams - not someone else's!!

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that at first I thought Dakota was childish and a little crazy. But as the story went on and I got to know her better I began to see the real Dakota. She I liked a lot. This ended up being a very good story that I enjoyed.