** A 15,000 word standalone novella, Hidden Obsession is part of The Club series**
Desperate for a change - and hoping to shake off the guy who has been stalking her for the last two years - Raven James moves to Karin, Texas to start a new life.
Until now, her stalker has kept his distance. But when a sexy young detective Conrad enters the scene, her stalkers behavior becomes more and more disturbing, leaving Raven to wonder how far he will go to get what he wants.
When Conrad turns up at her work with some interesting 'ideas' on how to draw her stalker out of the woodwork, Raven is willing to try anything, even if it means doing things she never thought she was capable of.
Conrad says he can help, but the line between duty and desire will be blurred in an effort to catch a madman.
Raven has recently moved to Texas away from her remaining family, her parents died and she only had her aunt and cousins so fleeing from her stalker was a no brainer.
Unfortunately her stalker has made an appearance at her new abode and thus she calls the police to report a break in and some dubious stains on her bed.
Conrad the cop helps Raven and they have a lot of chemistry, he makes her realise that she can move on from her fear and feel sexual without worrying about being watched. _ _ _ _
This was a short story, so character development and back story was basically nil. The chapters ended abruptly and some of it felt stilted, but it wasn't terrible and it mainly flowed other than that.
It was very predictable, but I could not get over
Overall, I thought it was a bit creepy. Read at your own risk!
Review copy gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
HIDDEN OBSESSION (The Club, # 2) by Missy Johnson February 10, 2015
68 pages, approximately Romance:
*** Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review. ***
-- SYNOPSIS -- Desperate for a change - and hoping to shake off the guy who has been stalking her for the last two years - Raven James moves to Texas to start a new life. Until now, her stalker has kept his distance. But when a sexy young detective Conrad enters the scene, her stalkers behavior becomes more and more disturbing, leaving Raven to wonder how far he will go to get what he wants. When Conrad turns up at her work with some interesting 'ideas' on how to draw her stalker out of the woodwork, Raven is willing to try anything, even if it means doing things she never thought she was capable of. Conrad says he can help, but the line between duty and desire will be blurred in an effort to catch a madman.
-- MY THOUGHTS -- This is a multi-author series. Novella, under 100 pages. First-person POV. This is the first piece that I've read by Missy Johnson and although I'd really hoped to love it, it left me somewhat disappointed. Conrad is an undercover cop, described to look like Liam Hemsworth and has a sudden desire to be part of the club scene. Raven's only described as being somewhat unfit, having long dark hair, and working as part of the security team in a kink club. Both characters have their perks and flaws. The chemistry between them is good, the dialogue and interaction is mostly believable and can be quite enjoyable. The plot is a bit stilted and flow, in places, comes off sort of stiff but for the most part, it's smooth. There are a few words here and there that'll remind you that the author is not American (which I have no problems with), such as footpath in place of sidewalk. My biggest issue with releasing such short novellas is the lack of dimension and dynamics in the plot and characters. Ms. Johnson manages to give the illusion of a longer story by creating a simple yet strong two-year history that is easily able to be relayed within a few paragraphs. Surprisingly, I figured out the identity of the stalker almost immediately, which is rather unfortunate. The conflict is resolved in a rather abrupt manner, concluding the book in a way that I would have to protest. That said, it is wrapped up with no loose ends. I'm really on the fence about this one's recommendability. The predictability of the stalker and the resolve really were a turn-off, but the rest of the story was pretty good.
*** WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEAD ! *** . .. ... Do not read the following if you don't want some vague details, it does contain what could be considered to be SPOILERS! .... ..... ------
(I will try to word it in a way that will not give the whole book away) After careful reconsideration, I had to detract further points from this book because after a week, I still cannot get past the fact that her stalker GUTTED her CAT in a fit of jealous rage and she's no longer concerned with it? She acknowledged that her stalker could be escalating into the "psychotic" range and she still accepts him and is willing to give him a chance? He begs for a chance to explain, but yet nothing is ever really, truly, fully explained! Does she think so little of herself that she is willing to put herself in this animal-abusing, obsessive, possessive, controlling creep's hands? I have no sympathy for stupid and "Raven" was just plain stupid there. Cannot endorse that type of psychotic behavior or complacent attitude towards it.
For a short story, it wasn't bad. The book dived straight into the story, did the job it was supposed to do, with no words wasted on non-essential bits. The characters were likeable and the story-line interesting enough.
I thought the story was predictable, which for me was a little disappointing. I guessed what would happen not far into reading the book. It didn't completely ruin my read but that being said, I would have loved to have been wrong and surprised with a plot twist I wasn't expecting.
***I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review!***
Rating: 2.5 Stars
This is a novella about a woman who is being stalked. The synopsis made it sound incredibly appealing; unfortunately, I was not very impressed. I didn't initially realize this was a novella, but even still, the ending was rather abrupt. The characters weren't extremely well-developed, and the story left me wanting more. I knew who the stalker was almost right from the beginning, but I had hopes that I would be proven wrong so that there was still an element of surprise. I didn't really care for either character based on the ending.
I did think that the author did a great job of incorporating some sexy scenes, and the stalker portion of the story line was conveyed very well. I would be incredibly leery of men after experiencing some of the things the heroine went through. The stalker's outlandish behavior increased at a great pace, which did keep the story moving.
Overall, though, I would not be able to recommend this book. I think that had the story been a bit longer it would have added to my overall rating.
Pro's-sexy elements with some steamy scenes; a quick read; believable stalker behavior; pacing of some story elements done very well
Con's-predictable and abrupt ending; certain elements of story unbelievable, especially the ending; needed more character development
I actually think the author lost her way in this book, particularly with the ending.
He'd terrorised her for 2 years, broken in, stalked her, killed her cat in the most brutal of ways, followed her to a new city, terrorised her, stalked her, broken in, spunked on her bed, made her flee her home again, encouraged her to fuck in public through deviant means....but it's ok cos he had a magic penis that made her fall in love with him and forget everything!
I cannot fault the writing ability of Ms Johnson. She can tell a tale even in a short book but my rate is 3.5 rounded up to a 4 because I don't think the ending was thought through. The author describes the stalker as a madman and it just seems implausible that after a couple of orgasms Raven is all swoony, forgetting the worry and trauma she'd been through. Must have been out of this world orgasms lol.
Ok so I love a steamy stalking story as much as the next girl but I am kinda at a loss with this one. Typically in stories like this the stalker only stalks for a shortish time..this guy stalked her for 2 effin years! Also, Does anyone remember how she said her stalker dismembered her freakin cat?!?! Did we arrive at crazy town?! Also I have a question that never gets answered…he’s on leave bc of something he “didn’t do” according to him but what was it?! And did he trash her apartment or was that a genuine break in? I’m sure he’s a real peach deep down but under no circumstance should he have been redeemable as a character. I just cannot get on board with this particular story. Spice level was Eh in case you’re wondering so it’s not even worth it for the smexy parts!
Hidden Obsession is the second book in The Club series and is written by Missy Johnson. Even though this book is part of a series from different authors, it can be read as a standalone. The characters and storyline are completely different from Book 1…Just One Sip.
This is a novella, so it is a very quick read. It can be read under 2 hours. With that said, this novella really packed a punch….It had a little bit of everything in it. We got romance, sex, mystery and suspense. I will say that I was able to figure out who the stalker was before the author revealed it in the story, but that didn't take away my enjoyment of the story. My only real complaint was that I would've liked a little more from the ending. I thought it was rather abrupt. I know that it is a novella and those are normally on the short side, but I still think we could've gotten just a little more. I felt that Raven forgave way to quickly.
One thing I truly enjoy about a novella/short story is that the author wastes no time with filler and extra information we don't need. Missy dove straight into the story from the first page to the last.
I found that the characters were both very likable. Even though we don't learn a lot about the characters, I never felt like I couldn't connect with them.
So if you are looking for a quick, sexy read with a little bit of that mystery element, then this is the book for you. If you are a Missy Johnson fan, then you don't want to miss this book. If you aren't a fan of novellas, then this book isn't for you.
I really like Missy Johnson's books so I was really excited to read this new story written by her :) When I first read the synopsis for this book I was quite intrigued and I have to say I definitely wasn't disappointed though I was surprised by few unexpected turns in the story. Both characters were really interesting and I enjoyed getting to know them though I would of loved it if the story was longer and I was given the chance to spend some more time with Conrad and Raven :)
Raven is a little bit closed off and kind of scared of the outside world but considering what she went through during the last two years of her life, that's quite understandable. I really loved seeing her open up and flourish under Conrad's attention and protection. I enjoyed seeing her tap into her inner desires, things even she herself didn't know she craved. In Conrad she definitely found her other half :)
Conrad was also quite an interesting character. I loved getting to know him and I so crave another dose of him. It was definitely interesting to see his tender side in the way he was taking care of Raven, his protectiveness when she needs it the most, and let's not forget his prowess in the bed department (and not only ;) ).
As I whole, I think the story is quite interesting and I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a short read :) I have to say that I did have an idea that everything will turn out as it did but there was still the element of surprise to some extent. I just wish the story was longer. I would of loved to know a little bit more about Conrad's background and what drove him to the decisions he made and it would've been great to read about Raven and Conrad's relationship in more depth :) They were definitely quite interesting characters :)
This review was originally posted at Living In Our Own Story Book Blog. I received an ARC of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Raven James left her home and moved away in order to escape a stalker. After leaving her alone for awhile, he escalates from flowers and break-ins to more extreme measures.
When a detective is called to Raven's apartment after her stalker's most recent act, Raven finds herself attractive to the young, handsome Liam Hemsworth look alike. As a client at Karim, the club that Raven works at, Conrad and Raven find themselves running in to one another more often and the attraction between the two soon heats up.
Can Raven trust Conrad to help her catch her stalker or in the end will Raven's stalker catch her?
Hidden Obsession is novella length (under 100 pages) and a quick read jammed pack with steamy scenes, angst, and sexual tension between the two main characters.
I liked the fact that the book wasn't exactly what I expected and in fact went in a total opposite direction. Missy Johnson is an author who captives her audience and leaves them wanting more and has once again left her readers on the edge of their seats needing to know what happens with Raven and Conrad next. As a talented author, Missy Johnson showcases her talent in each book and draws readers into her brilliant mind.
The only problems I had with the story is that we don't learn very much about the characters themselves, even though they come across as very likeable. Raven's character also didn't have a very specific description and was left to the reader's imagination. Secondly, the ending was somewhat abrupt and left me arguing with myself over how I truly felt about it. With a novella the ending didn't leave for much closure and would be much better explored in a full length novel.
With that being said I give Hidden Obsession 3 1/2 STARS. I look forward to more from Missy Johnson and from this multi-author series.
To be honest, I was expecting this read to be better. The blurb sounded intriguing with a stalker and a detective but it just fell flat at the end. I was not impressed and I couldn't understand the end of the story and it's one of the rare times.
The story did start off promising to be a good read with Raven trying to start afresh in a new city, hoping to shake off her stalker. Just when she is getting settled down, her stalker returned and she found herself with a good looking detective Conrad taking charge of her case. Raven finds herself turning to Conrad at each encounter she had with her stalker and as much as she tries to suppress, feelings for Conrad developed. Besides being good looking, Raven felt a calm when she is with Conrad and that was something she hasn't felt in a long while; not since the stalker appeared. However, she was shocked at her discoveries and fled...
I had quite a few questions about Raven's history which wasn't revealed and while I didn't figure out the identity of the stalker till the end, I couldn't help but shout WHY HIM? I just couldn't connect and neither could I understand why. The ending was totally abrupt and didn't do any justice to the story which already fell flat at the discovery of the stalker, and the resolve doesn't justify the psychological and physical trauma that Raven went through. I gave it 3 stars because I felt the rest of the story was pretty good.
I was gifted a copy of this book by Indiesage PR in exchange for an honest review.
The first thing I found with this book is that it was over with before it really started. Well it felt that way to me. This is a very quick read indeed.
Secondly it wasn’t until I was chatting to Rob about Hidden Obsession this morning that he reminded me of what happened to an animal…. Now that threw me – completely and utterly – and made me do a partial about turn because of the ending.
I can’t deny the chemistry between Conrad and Raven. But I do have issues regarding the ending. This book really did need to be explored more and consequences argued and indeed justified for the outcome that happens. If like me you get lost in the ‘them’ and forget the past information of what her stalker does then you’ll love it. But if you have a trusty co-reviewer or buddy that can remind you of actually what had gone on before then, you’re going to struggle with the outcome because then it doesn't feel right.
I cannot fault Missy’s writing in this, it’s just the story now and the crux of it is how could she do what she does at the end knowing what had happened before. (Being so elusive here so not giving anything away.) This would be a great discussion read book, because I can see it really being dissected to bits because of ‘cause of effect’ and then the outcome.
Bravo Missy, Jesus woman you certainly know how to evoke a lot of feelings from me, I’m still four starring this as I’m getting past what my head is arguing with and just going with the enjoyment and hotness of it all. Because I can’t fault that at all. ☺
Raven James has a stalker. She moves to get away from him because she is tired of his attention for the past two years. Raven wants a fresh start and hopes she can find it in Karin, Texas. to start a new life.
Raven's stalker not only found her but now what he does is just disturbing and makes Raven scared of what he will do next. Conrad an detective who is very attractive and Raven can't take her eyes off him. Conrad has an "idea" to draw out her stalker but will she do it and will she enjoy it? Conrad takes this case personally and the heat between these two is blurring that line, will they cross it? Who is this stalker with an hidden obsession for Raven James?
Missy Johnson has an overactive dark and twist mind, this is why I love her books. They are a breath of fresh air and so different from anything else I have ever read. This one has me shocked because at the end of this novella I don't know what is the right decision is for Raven. I am surprised by my thoughts on the characters or the major cliffhanger leaving me with my jaw wide open and saying oh wow! Can't wait to see what's going to happen next!
Hidden Obsession is a short quick read. There isn’t much back story or secondary characters; we just jump into the heart of the story.
We learn that Raven moved from away from her family in California to get away from a stalker. For a while it seems that she lost him, but one night, returning from work, she notices her apartment has been broken into. She calls the police to report the problem and in walks hot Detective Conrad.
Not only is he sexy but he vows that they will capture this criminal. The problem is she doesn’t know who her stalker is or what he wants.
As Conrad helps her they start to form a relationship of sorts. The chemistry between these two is incredibly hot and undeniable. Conrad brings her out of her shell and has her doing things that would normally be out of her comfort zone.
Slowly pieces start to click together and Raven figures out who her stalker is…
Who’s the stalker? Will they finally get him? What will happen between Conrad and Raven?
To find out you’ll need to read.
This story flowed pretty well as you started to think about who and what the stalker wants. I enjoyed the hotness that poured off the pages. I was, however, very much thrown for a loop on the ending. I wasn’t a huge fan, otherwise they story was good.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars I have to say I enjoyed reading this book, it was well written and I liked both characters Raven (love that name for a character too) & Conrad. Raven has a stalker that she is trying to escape and Conrad is the detective trying to help her. Their chemistry is apparent right away. I was intrigued at how their relationship was unfolding. It was a novella so it was short, a little too short, when she finally explains things it was rushed and lacking in anything tangible I could get my head around to agree with Ravens choices or understand why? There maybe some spoilers at least indirectly. I don't want to say to much to chance revealing the story for those who want to read it however, I figured the story out before it really got underway, too many little clues or should I say red flags that revealed the obvious. Which I thought toward the end was ok and done on purpose because the end revealed a different direction to the story but I was left with not enough explanation. Good read and thank-you for the copy, honestly I just wish there was more to the story as to why because everything else was there...
Raven leaves her life behind in hopes that she will be leaving her stalker there as well. Unfortunately that isn't how things go and he is escalating. She meets Conrad who is the detective that answers her latest call about the creeper stalking her. She is definitely attracted to him and they share a place in common unexpectedly. Conrad has an unconventional plan to bring out the stalker and she agrees. They are stepping all over boundaries between protector and lover.
I was really interested to see how this would play out between them, but I couldn't help feeling that it was all a bit rushed. Don't get me wrong...this story is hot with a dash of suspense. I just wanted more. What happened at home to make her leave it all behind? What is Conrad's deal? I can't get into that except to say that he has some secrets. I wanted to know more about Raven. Reading her story was like getting just a little nip of chocolate knowing how good it was and wanting to eat the whole bar. I know that it's a shorter part of a bigger story, but I wanted more packed into the little.
After two years of dealing with a stalker, Raven moves away from her family and friends, changes her name, and hopes to start a new life. Unfortunately, her stalker finds her and makes his presence known in a very disturbing way. When Raven calls the police she ends up meeting Conrad, a police detective who she is instantly attracted to. I have to admit that I’m a sucker for a romantic suspense where a police detective falls for the woman he’s assigned to protect. I liked Raven’s character from the beginning and there were enough details for me to feel a connection to her. There were some hot moments between Raven and Conrad, but I had trouble connecting with them as a couple, likely due to the length of this book.
This is a short and easy read that pulled me in from the beginning. Overall the book is well-written, fast-paced, and held my attention from beginning to end. The ending really bothered me, even though I suspected that was the direction the story was heading. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but this is a personal issue that will not bother all readers. For me it was a big turn off.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hidden Obsession is about Raven. She has moved across the country to start a new life and hopefully get rid of her stalker. Somehow her stalker finds her and he seems to have gotten bolder. One night when Raven returns home she finds that her stalker has broken into her apartment. She calls the police, this is when she met Detective Conrad. He always seems to be nearby whenever Raven needs him. He had ideas of how to get her stalker to emerge and Raven is all to happy to do anything to get rid of her stalker. What happens when the professional lines are crossed?
This was a great quick read. As always, Ms Johnson's writing is flawless. I loved the story line, it had it all suspense, drama and some super hot sex scenes. Ms Johnson pulled me in from the beginning and I couldn't put this book down. I had to know what happened next. I will say that I saw part of ending coming but that didn't take anything away from my experience. The other part of the ending left me in a daze and with so many questions. I don't know if I would consider the ending a cliffhanger but it definitely left me wondering what the heck just happened. I cannot wait to read more from The Club series.
I received this book for an honest review. Raven James moved across the country away from everyone she loves to start over in hopes to finally shake the guy who's been stalking her for two years. When the stalkings start again she meets a sexy detective Conrad who makes her feel safe, maybe things will finally turn around for her, or will they? The beginning of this book had me hooked, I liked Raven right away and the unknown of the stalker kept me on the edge of my seat but then it turned for me. The ending just felt rushed and predictable but at the same time unbelievable as for me the Raven from the beginning of the book never would have made the choices the Raven at the end of the book did in fact I can't imagine anyone in her position would have. I think this book had a lot of potential but the ending just ruined it for me. I think i would have preferred this leading into second book for a more cohesive ending then feeling like it was rushed so that it completed the story in one book.
There are some books that are quick reads and then there are some that just fly through your hands. This one is the latter because no sooner had I started than I felt like I had screeched to a halt. The book is short but it is a decent story but I feel it had enough in the tank that would have been able to carry it just a little longer. Conrad and Raven, I have to say that I loved the characters and the connection between them but I think they were done a disservice – the ending was much too sharp, too abrupt or maybe I just wasn’t ready to let them go – who knows? Raven’s stalker may be the catalyst to their connection but the depth of it was all them. They were great together. I really don’t want to give you a full rundown on the story because you may pick more out of it when you read it for yourself – but what I cannot fault is the quality of what was written, because it was both beautiful and passionate.
Hidden Obsession was a fun, fast-paced novella. The plot's premise was enticing and you're intrigued by Raven's mystery stalker as well as her budding romance with Conrad.
I thought this book was a erotic and highly enjoyable. The intensity and lust between Raven and Conrad - WOW!! Some of their scenes will completely overwhelm you with the couple's hotness. Their sexual moments together are captivating. If you're looking for quick, hot read - definitely check Hidden Obsession out.
However, I'm not sure I would recommend Hidden Obsession to readers who appreciate the suspense aspect of this type book. The story flowed well until about the end and it felt like the novella just ended. The conclusion to the stalker mystery was a bit of a let down and in my opinion, the ending felt a bit unbelievable. I was disappointed.
Overall, I liked Hidden Obsession and would recommend it to people looking for an bold, sexy read.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I have no idea where to start... Although I have several books of Missy Johnson's downloaded to my TBR list, this is my first book I've read by this author.
The beginning of Hidden Obsession started out great with the author giving you a feel of the female character. As the story moved on, I felt a little frustrated as there were a lot of pieces missing. I had many questions but few answers... What did the note say that came with the flowers? Why was Conrad on leave from his job in California?
I really liked this book; it had great sexual chemistry between the main characters and just enough twists mystery to keep you interested, but I think if there was a bit more background information on the characters, I would have loved this book more.
*****I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review******
What do you do when you have to leave everything you know due to a stalker who's out to get you. You take the money you have & start over where no one knows you in hopes that you can lead a normal life...right? Well that's not what happens for Raven just when things are starting to have a semblance of normalcy he's back. Enter sexy as hell detective Conrad to save the day & keep Raven safe. The sexual attraction between the two is there but Raven is scared to get involved with anyone until Conrad convinces her to play with him to draw the stalker out. The sexual tension between them is off the charts but is her knight in shining armor all he's cracked up to be. Secrets will be revealed that will forever change them both. This was a great short read that left my gasping for more.
I received a copy of this book from Indie Sage PR in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.
You have to admit that reading the blurb on this book will get you excited. I mean, there's romance, there's suspense, there's drama. I think a lot of exciting things were incorporated into this fast and easy read. It's so enjoyable.
I won't talk about the ending because it might spoil the story for other readers. However, if you are the kind of person who notices little things and hints, you'd be able to predict a little of how things are going down. I recommend this book because you can easily finish it during your late night reading while you stay way past your bed time. It's suspenseful enough to keep you guessing. But it's very entertaining from cover to cover.
Raven is a character that I connected to immediately, she is an orphan, who has left her Aunt, who is the only family that she has to escape a stalker. She is attending college and working in an exclusive sex club as an undercover security guard to make end meet.
One evening the Stalker is back and had broken into Raven's home. This is where the sexy detective Conrad rocks up and Raven instantly feels safe with him around and he goes above and beyond when helping her to stay safe from the stalker.
The sexy bits in this book are really steamy, the author has written two fabulous characters in Raven and Conrad.
This book is a must for lovers of a short read, it really does have it all, it ticks all the boxes and I felt fulfilled and no stone was left unturned when reading the story.
I received a copy for an honest review, so here it is. This book went in a direction that was unexpected and I loved it. Raven is a young woman who has had a stalker for the last couple of years. This stalker has turned her life upside down, so much so she moved away from her home town and from her family to escape him. After living in her new town for a little while her stalker shows up again. In the process of reporting a break in she meets Conrad, a detective with the local Police. There is an instant attraction between the two but not only that, Raven for the first time in a long time, felt safe and comfortable with a man. When the stalker strikes again, Conrad invites Raven to stay at his place until they can flush the guy out. I won't say any more so that I don't spoil a great read.
Raven has just moved to Texas to escape her stalker. But has he found her?
This was a short novella that packed a lot of story into it. Ms. Johnson did a great job of developing the characters. You got to know Raven and Conrad. You could feel the sexual tension between them. I loved Raven job at an exclusive club. Conrad was able to get Raven to open up to new opportunity's.
I don't want to give any spoilers away so all I have left to say was what the he!! when Ms. Johnson threw the twist at you. I had to re-read that part.
If you like - short quick read - sexual tension between hero and heroine - angst with the stalker - steamy scenes
Then this is a book for you.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*COPY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW* ★✩★✩★4.5 Obsession Stars★✩★✩★
This a really short story about a girl who's had a stalker for the past two years. And a cop who's so willing to come and rescue her without any hesitation. He's got a hidden agenda that I can't wait to find out more about it. Since it was a really short story, you're only given the beginning of Raven and Conrad's journey. It tells you everything that Raven had to deal with due to her crazy and creepy stalker. Raven tried to get away from her stalker, thinking that if she left her town, it would all stop. Or so she thought.
The ending was not what I expected and it will have you guessing as to why things happened the way they did. I can't wait to find out what happens between Conrad and Raven.