Marked by Obsession

Empire of Possession #1

by Bri Blackwood

In his world, power isn’t negotiated—it’s taken. Kept. Owned.

I learned that too late. Men like him don’t see women the way others do. They see leverage. Risk. Weakness. And somehow, I became all three.

Years ago, I closed a door he intended to walk through without resistance. Cost him ground he doesn’t lose. I told myself it was business. It wasn’t. Now his company owns Prescott Vantage, and his condition is simple: I stay.

I should walk away. I should know better. But walking away from men like him isn’t simple—it’s dangerous. He watches me like I’m a problem he’s already solved. Like he knows my routines. My tells. The exact moment my control slips.

I tell myself I can handle him. That staying is strategy. Survival. But the longer I’m here, the clearer it becomes.

I’m not managing him. I’m contained by him. He isn’t losing interest. He’s closing in. And the worst part? I think I was marked long before I ever realized I was his.

Tropes:

- Dark romance
- Billionaire romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Obsessive hero
- Morally grey
- Forced proximity / working together
- Strong heroine
- Super spicy

Marked by Obsession is the first book in a morally grey, dark and obsessive trilogy. It ends in a cliffhanger and the next book in the series will be Bound by Desire.

Genres: Dark Romance, Audiobook, Dark, Smut, Stalker

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2026

About the author

Bri loves a good romance, especially ones that involve a hot anti-hero. That is why she likes to turn the dial up a notch with her own writing. Her Broken Cross series is her debut dark romance series.

She spends most of her time hanging out with her family, plotting her next novel, or reading books by other romance authors.

Reviews

[Dani's Book Spiral · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This was exactly what I needed. Marked for Obsession delivers everything I was looking for: a deliciously dysfunctional, over-the-top smutty romance that fully commits to the chaos. It ticks all the boxes for readers who enjoy messy relationships, obsessive dynamics, and characters making questionable decisions at every turn.
The story ends on a cliffhanger that definitely did its job, because I'll be picking up the next book to see what happens. This relationship is completely, spectacularly messed up—and that's precisely what makes it so entertaining.
If you're a fan of dark, toxic, addictive romance, this one is worth checking out.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

As in the title, obsession is the main theme of this book. In the last few chapters we see just how deep Cain’s obsession with Sutton has gone.

This was a quick read, but I felt like the pacing was a bit off. A lot of detail for things that didn’t feel important, I would have preferred the plot moved along more. I would have liked to see the ending at the 60% mark and had a bit more rather than the cliffhanger.

There could have been more in the way of tension, it just seemed like all of a sudden Sutton was throwing herself at Cain, but more of a build up would have been nice, more stolen touches etc. They were super professional, until they weren’t. The whole book was quite proper with the professionalism, it was a lot.

I found Cain very unlikeable for most of the book, after NYC I liked him a bit more haha walking red flag, but I was into it.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intense, steamy enemies‑to‑lovers with obsessive, morally‑grey vibes. Powerful tycoon forces smart, sharp Sutton Prescott to stay at her family’s firm after he takes it over — turning workplace tension into a high‑stakes game of power and possession. Fast‑paced, addictive, heavy on atmosphere and chemistry — trigger warning: dark themes apply.

Perfect if you like this style; not for readers avoiding edgy romance tropes.

[•mikaela• :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ALC Review✨

A billionaire dark romance, and he is OBSESSED? Okay. 👀

That ending should be illegal.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received from NetGalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for honest review.

⭐⭐⭐.5

⚡BLURB⚡
In his world, power isn’t negotiated—it’s taken. Kept. Owned.
I learned that too late. Men like him don’t see women the way others do. They see leverage. Risk. Weakness. And somehow, I became all three.
Years ago, I closed a door he intended to walk through without resistance. Cost him ground he doesn’t lose. I told myself it was business. It wasn’t. Now his company owns Prescott Vantage, and his condition is simple: I stay.
I should walk away. I should know better. But walking away from men like him isn’t simple—it’s dangerous. He watches me like I’m a problem he’s already solved. Like he knows my routines. My tells. The exact moment my control slips.
I tell myself I can handle him. That staying is strategy. Survival. But the longer I’m here, the clearer it becomes.
I’m not managing him. I’m contained by him. He isn’t losing interest. He’s closing in. And the worst part? I think I was marked long before I ever realized I was his.

⚡REVIEW⚡
I am a big fan of billionaire romance, especially when it's on the darker side, and whilst I enjoyed Marked by Obsession, I didn't love it. I think a big part of that is it being such a short book. It felt like I blinked and it was over, which was quite disappointing. I'd have liked to have seen an extended story with more expansion on the plot. Whilst I understand that this is a trilogy, it just felt that this instalment was too short for any real development - demonstrated in the relationship between the characters.

Cain Ashcroft is as morally grey as it gets. His company is known for ruthless acquisition and demolition, and Prescott Vantage is his latest target - but this takeover is not going as per his modus operandi. His real target is Sutton Prescott, daughter of the company owner. She piqued his interest professionally, which turned into an obsession. He allows her to negotiate a lot of terms he would never usually consider, to show he's on her side, but his ultimate aim is to claim her as his own. The incident in New York is more than a little OTT, in order to make this story darker, and it gives Cain leverage over Sutton, which furthers his control of the situation. When it comes to the cliffhanger, I am completely in the dark as to how he will respond - something I really like. He is an unpredictable character, and I look forward to seeing the next chapter unfold.

Sutton Prescott is a woman who knows her worth. Her disappointment when she realises her father has sold Prescott Vantage out from under her is huge, so when she discovers Cain Ashcroft is the man he's sold to, she is determined to stand up to him. Her shock when he agrees to her demands is huge, despite her awareness of what she brings professionally. She starts to become slightly alarmed by his interest in her when he knows her coffee order before they've met, and has a dress designed for her when she is his plus one to his mother's event without getting her measurements, but she is still not aware of the real truth of it. When the incident happens in New York, her reactions go from horror to lust, and it throws her off. When a journalist really sets alarm bells off, she is determined to get to the truth - and it leads to a cliffhanger that leaves you wondering just what her future holds. Sutton's attraction to Cain is complex due to his actions, and her actions are not always rational because of it, something wildly at odds with her character. This felt slightly jarring - a strong woman being reduced by baser needs, although her actions at the end prove she is not completely weakened by him. I'm interested to see what comes next for her.

The relationship between the characters at the moment is very strained. He is utterly obsessed with her, as shown in his actions plus the New York incident. She is determined not to fall for his charms, yet falls into his arms twice, once after seeing his capabilities, and once in his office when she is determined to get to the bottom of why he is so interested in her. It's like she loses her head, and I'd like to see a bit more push and pull before that happens, particularly when her character has shown such incredible professional resilience and success.

The short nature of this book means that the pacing does feel a little rushed. I would love to see this expanded with more plot, more encounters between the main characters, and time given for the attraction to develop. With this, I think this could be an excellent story that will have readers gripped. As it is, I am invested and will read on - I just hope there is a more extended story to come!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are fictional red flags… and then there are the kinds of red flags that come with a private jet, a billion-dollar bank account, questionable morals, and enough obsession to make you wonder if you should be concerned about yourself for finding any of it entertaining.

Bri Blackwood’s Marked by Obsession was exactly the kind of fast, addictive Sunday evening read I was in the mood for. Boldwood Books, thank you so much for the gifted copy.

Sometimes you don’t want a deep literary masterpiece that leaves you contemplating the meaning of life. Sometimes you want a morally gray billionaire who has absolutely no concept of healthy boundaries and a heroine determined to make his life difficult. This book delivered exactly that.

Sutton Prescott has spent years helping build her father’s company and proving she belongs in a world where people constantly underestimate her. When she discovers the company is being sold, she’s furious. When she learns the buyer is Cain Ashcroft, things go from frustrating to downright complicated.

Cain is cold, calculating, powerful, and completely obsessed.

Not interested.

Not intrigued.

Obsessed.

The title isn’t being subtle here.

One of the things I appreciated most was Sutton herself. She isn’t a pushover, and she certainly isn’t sitting around waiting for someone to save her. She’s ambitious, intelligent, and determined to protect the career she’s worked so hard to build. Even when she finds herself caught in Cain’s orbit, she continues to challenge him and question his motives.

And honestly, she should.

Because Cain Ashcroft is the kind of man who makes dark romance readers kick their feet while everyone else is screaming, “Please seek professional help.”

The further I got into the story, the more obvious it became that this wasn’t simply attraction. Cain has spent years learning everything he can about Sutton. He notices things nobody else notices. He knows things he probably shouldn’t know. Every revelation made me raise an eyebrow while simultaneously turning the page faster.

“Every time my eyes landed on Sutton, the only word running through my mind was mine.”

That line pretty much sums up Cain’s entire personality.

The chemistry between these two was intense from the start. Every conversation felt like a power struggle. Every interaction carried tension. Neither one wanted to give ground, which made their dynamic incredibly entertaining to read.

I also liked that this wasn’t trying to disguise itself as something it isn’t. This is dark romance. The obsession is the point. The possessiveness is the point. The questionable decisions are definitely the point. Readers looking for a sweet cinnamon-roll hero should probably keep scrolling. Readers who enjoy morally gray antiheroes and relationships that live in very messy territory will likely have a great time.

Because this is a shorter read, everything moves quickly. Personally, I would have loved a little more development in a few areas and a little more time spent building some of the emotional moments. There were places where I wanted the story to slow down and let the tension simmer a bit longer before moving forward.

That said, I flew through it.

This felt very much like the opening act of a much bigger story, and by the time I reached the final pages, I was fully invested in seeing where Bri Blackwood plans to take these characters next.

And then came the cliffhanger.

Friends.

Nobody warned me that ending was going to walk into the room, flip over a table, and leave me staring at my Kindle wondering what just happened.

For me, this was a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐ read. It was dramatic, spicy, obsessive, entertaining, and exactly the kind of book that keeps you reading long past the point where you should have gone to sleep.

If you love dark romance, billionaire heroes, workplace tension, enemies-to-lovers vibes, forced proximity, obsessive antiheroes, strong heroines, and stories packed with power plays and chemistry, you’ll probably want this one on your radar.

Now tell me—what’s the biggest fictional red flag you’ve ever fallen for, and did you immediately forgive them because they were attractive?

#MarkedByObsession #BriBlackwood #BoldwoodBooks #DarkRomance #DarkRomanceBooks #MorallyGreyMMC #BillionaireRomance #EnemiesToLovers #ForcedProximity #BookReview

[crisscrossreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Every time my eyes landed on Sutton, the only word running through my mind was mine."

Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood books for my eARC. Receiving an advanced copy did not impact my review.

There are fictional red flags... and then there are the kinds of red flags that come with a private jet, a billion-dollar bank account, questionable morals, and enough obsession to make you wonder if you should be concerned about yourself for finding any of it entertaining.

Bri Blackwood's Marked by Obsession was exactly the kind of fast, addictive Sunday evening read I was in the mood for. Sometimes you don't need a literary masterpiece that leaves you emotionally attached and on the brink of an existential crisis. Sometimes you just need a morally gray billionaire who has absolutely no concept of healthy boundaries and a girly pop who makes it her mission to make his life difficult. You know just for funsies. And while an existential crisis may seem fun, like 82.7% of the time I need the latter option.

Sutton Prescott has spent years helping build her father's company and proving she belongs in a world where people constantly underestimated her. When she discovers the company is being sold, she's furious. When she learns the buyer is Cain Ashcroft, things go from frustrating to downright complicated.

Cain is not what you’d call “huggable”. He’s cold, calculating, powerful, and cherry on top ladies… my guy is completely obsessed. This isn’t like oh he’s just got a crush, nah fam, homie is like Sméagol with the One Ring (IYKYK).

I mean, the title isn't just for show it’s like the warning label.
Top things I love in an FMC is when she’s herself to the core and I appreciated that Sutton maintained her own identity & personality. She's a baddie! A head strong, intelligent woman, that fights to protect the career she's worked so hard to build. Even when she finds herself caught in Cain's orbit, she pushes him and continually questions his motives.

As she should because in case the message wasn’t clear already… my guy is a little unhinged. The kind that makes my fellow dark romance girls fall hard & fast but clarify most statements with “only in fiction”.

As you read it becomes apparent that Cain has been down bad for years. You’d think that was yearning, but no no boo, that’s calculated. It’s called surveillance. He notices the little things nobody else notices and remembers those things. And maybe you think you have a secret but sorry babe you don’t, he knows those too. Given the dynamic you already know the tension and chemistry was *chefs kiss* from the jump. Tension so thickkk.

I like this has all the elements you’d expect of a dark romance and isn’t trying to be something else. The obsession & possessiveness are the whole point and we love itttt. If you want a golden retriever and fluffy unicorn rainbow story with cuddles… please move down the lane babe. But all my feral dark romance gremlins who are down bad for a stalker and have made questionable decisions because they think Damon Salvatore is everything, and also that Fear was definitely romantic. This one is for you babe.

Now I’m just gonna say that I’m a girl that I’ll deal with a cliffhanger okay. Like if I know it’s going to happen I’ll keep reading. Because please give me a cinematic ending all day and then edge me for book 2…maybe I’m a masochist 😜. But like Bri didn’t just give us a cliffhanger, she said you thought you knew shit BUT ACTUALLY YOU KNOW NOTHING, Boom. While your brain is trying to put the pieces back together your kindle stares at you like yeah girl that happened and no there aren’t any more pages.

For me, this was a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. It was dramatic, spicy, obsessive, entertaining, and exactly the kind of book that keeps you reading long past the point where you should have gone to sleep.

If you love dark romance, billionaire heroes, workplace tension, forced proximity & morally grey men… then you just need to grab it already.

[Why Choose Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marked by Obsession is a dark billionaire romance with a brilliant premise and a deliciously obsessive MMC, but it’s held back by how short it is. I enjoyed it, but I also kept wishing the story had more room to breathe. It’s one of those books where you can see the potential clearly, you can feel the tension trying to build, and then the chapter ends before it gets the chance. Still, the vibes are strong, the atmosphere is heavy, and the obsession is exactly the flavour I like.

Cain Ashcroft is a morally grey menace with the emotional warmth of a marble countertop and the fixation of a man who absolutely should not be left alone with Google Maps. He’s calculated, controlled, and so laser‑focused on Sutton that half the time I wasn’t sure if I should be impressed or concerned. Sutton Prescott is ambitious, competent, and very aware of her own value, which is why her occasional lapses in judgement feel slightly off. She’s sharp, she’s capable, she’s used to running a company… and then Cain looks at her and her brain briefly leaves the chat. Not unbelievable, just rushed. Both characters have strong foundations, they just needed more pages to fully settle into themselves.

Sutton Prescott’s week is already circling the drain when she finds out her father has sold their company Prescott Vantage, the one she’s worked and basically bled for, to Cain Ashcroft. Cain, who is known for hostile takeovers, emotional detachment, and the general vibe of a man who has never once been told “no” in his life. Sutton expects a corporate war. What she gets is… something else entirely.

Because Cain isn’t just interested in the company.
He’s interested in her.
And not in the normal, HR‑approved way.

From the moment he steps into her life, it’s painfully obvious he knows far more about Sutton than any sane person should. Her routines. Her tells. Her preferences. The way she reacts before she reacts. It’s not dramatic, it’s not explosive, it’s a slow, creeping realisation that this man has been paying attention for a very long time, and Sutton is only just catching up.

As she tries to navigate the takeover, Sutton keeps running into Cain’s influence everywhere she turns. He agrees to her terms too easily. He anticipates her moves. He pushes just enough to unsettle her but never enough to give her something concrete to fight back against. It’s psychological pressure, not theatrics, the kind of tension that builds quietly until you suddenly realise you’re in far deeper than you meant to be.

Meanwhile, Sutton’s attraction to him is doing her absolutely no favours. She’s torn between wanting to throttle him and wanting to climb him, which is deeply inconvenient when she’s supposed to be protecting her company and her sanity. And just when she starts to regain her footing, a journalist begins digging into Cain’s past. the kind of digging that makes Sutton question how much she actually wants to know.

By the time the book hits its final chapters, the tension has tightened into something sharp and unavoidable. The cliffhanger doesn’t rely on shock value, it lands because you genuinely have no idea how Cain is going to react when the truth finally hits him. And that unpredictability is the entire point.

The book has a strong premise, a compelling MMC, and the kind of dark, obsessive energy that always pulls me in. The atmosphere is excellent, the tension is there, and the dynamic between Cain and Sutton has all the ingredients to become something brilliant. But the short length means the relationship development feels rushed, and the plot doesn’t get the space it deserves. I’m invested, I’m intrigued, and I’ll absolutely continue the trilogy, I just hope the next instalment slows down long enough to let the obsession, tension, and emotional chaos actually build. If it does, this series could be fantastic.

[Adele Heathcote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
3 ⭐️

I have such mixed feelings about this one because on paper it should have been everything I love. Morally grey billionaire? Obsessive MMC? Dark romance? Sign me up immediately.

Unfortunately I just felt like everything happened way too fast.

The biggest issue for me was the relationship development. It genuinely felt like I missed chapters at certain points because one minute they’re meeting and the next we’re suddenly supposed to believe this intense connection exists between them. If I wasn’t reading on Kindle I genuinely would have checked to see if pages had been ripped out.

I love a dark romance and I love an unhinged billionaire MMC as much as the next person but I still need some build-up. Some tension. Some anticipation. Give me lingering looks, give me obsession, give me the feeling that we’re heading somewhere. Instead it felt like we went from 0 to 100 in the space of a few pages and it left me feeling disconnected from the relationship.

There were multiple moments where I found myself asking “how did we get here?” because the progression didn’t feel natural to me. The chemistry was there, the attraction was there, but I wanted more development before certain decisions and reactions started happening.

That being said, I did find myself intrigued by Cain. He was definitely the strongest part of the story for me. He’s ruthless, morally grey and unpredictable which made me want to keep reading to see what he was going to do next. I also appreciated that Sutton wasn’t a complete pushover and was willing to challenge him when she felt she needed to.

I think because this is the start of a trilogy it felt more like an introduction than a complete story. There are definitely interesting ideas here and enough unanswered questions that I’d be curious to see where the series goes next.

Overall I think this book had a lot of potential and the foundations for a compelling dark billionaire romance are there. Personally I just would have loved more time spent developing the relationship and building the tension between the characters before jumping into certain plot points.

I’m interested to see where the next book takes these characters and whether some of the development I felt was missing here comes later in the series.

Xoxo

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked by Obsession is the opening book in a dark psychological trilogy that delivers exactly what its title promises - an obsessive antihero, a toxic relationship, and plenty of steamy tension. At the centre of the story is Cain Ashcroft, a morally grey and deeply unsettling hero whose fixation on Sutton Prescott borders on being all-consuming. He wants her, he intends to have her and has little regard for anyone or anything that stands in his way, with any obstacle swiftly and ruthlessly dealt with.

Cain is the definition of a walking red flag. He knows everything about Sutton, from her coffee order to her dress size, and his level of interest is both fascinating and disturbing. Sutton meanwhile is equally aware that something isn’t quite right. As she discovers just how deep Cain’s obsession runs, and just how much he knows about her, she becomes increasingly unsettled. Yet despite her growing unease, the attraction between them is undeniable as she finds herself drawn to him almost against her will. That push and pull creates a constant undercurrent of tension that drives the story forward and kept me turning the pages.

What really worked for me was the air of unpredictability surrounding Cain. His actions and intentions were never entirely clear, and throughout much of the book, I found myself questioning his motives as to whether or not his feelings for Sutton were driven by a genuine desire or simply a need for absolute control and to possess her, which added to the psychological edge of the romance. My only real complaint with this book would be that felt far too short. Just as the story was building momentum, it ends on a cliffhanger and, while I understand this is the first book in a trilogy, part of me wishes the story had been told in a single novel rather than spread across three books.

Overall, Marked by Obsession is a strong start to the Empire of Possession trilogy and a solid choice for readers who enjoy dark romances featuring obsessive, morally grey heroes and relationships that blur the line between attraction and obsession.

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC READ

The start of this book felt a little slow for me. There was a lot of information to unpack early on, and I did find myself struggling to stay fully focused at times. It almost felt like I had been dropped into the middle of the story, as though I was missing a piece of the puzzle.

Sutton comes across as headstrong, independent, hardworking and very much a powerhouse. At this point in the story, I did feel like I wanted more depth from her backstory, as there is clearly more to her than we are initially given.

Cain, on the other hand, is a force of nature. A complete wrecking ball in the corporate world. He comes across ruthless, focused and almost completely without remorse. I spent a lot of the story trying to work out whether he was truly a bad guy, or whether he was simply so locked onto his target that nothing else mattered.

“Insanity is just another word for clarity that frightened ordinary people.”

When Sutton and cain finally come together, it is definitely hot. It has that wrong-but-right feel to it, where you know you probably shouldn’t be rooting for it, but the tension is there anyway.

As the story develops, it becomes very clear that cain is unhinged on another level. He does not seem to have empathy or remorse. He simply clears a path through anyone and anything that gets in the way of what he wants — and what he wants is Sutton.

When Sutton discovers what has been happening, the story takes a tense turn and leaves you on a cliffhanger. The ending is heated, but not in a soft or romantic way. It feels intense, uncomfortable and messy.

Overall, I feel conflicted. This is a short story, and while there were parts that pulled me in, I am not entirely sure whether I fully enjoyed it or whether I want to continue with the next book. It has intrigue, tension and an extremely obsessive male lead, but I did struggle with the pacing and the feeling that some emotional depth was missing early on.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sutton has spent the past several years elevating her father’s company to the next level, so when he announces that the company is being acquired by another firm, she is livid. Even moreso when she founds out that the person who acquired it is none other than the man she has been fantasizing about ever since they met at a gala a few weeks ago. When he sets foot in her office, he makes it clear he has different plans for her, outside of just their shared business, but when Sutton sees something she shouldn’t, and then gives in to their mutual desire, she decides she needs to know exactly what his true motives are, only she’s not ready for the answers.

Cain is as cold as he is ruthless, and never lets emotions affect his business dealings, until her. When he acquires Sutton’s father’s company, it is only step one towards getting what he’s really after, her. Now that he has her close, he can justify the close attention he’s been giving her for longer than she’s known, and one taste of her will never be enough. While he’s used to getting what he wants through any means necessary, this time, his usual methods may not be enough to make Sutton realize she’s already his.

I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley and I really enjoyed it. While the beginning didn’t really seem like a dark romance, once we hit that tipping point, there was no going back. Sutton is a strong independent woman who has been overlooked by one too many men, and while she’s cautious about the attention Cain gives her, she can’t resist his pull. Cain takes obessed to the next level, and as we find out exactly how deep his obsession goes, I can’t wait to see what length’s he’ll go to in order to make Sutton feel the same way. The book ended on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author


Cain and Sutton absolutely consumed me.

From the very first chapter, there was this constant feeling that something was tightening around Sutton, and not just because of the business deal that forced them together. Cain is the kind of morally gray billionaire hero who walks into a room and immediately owns the atmosphere. He doesn’t beg for attention. He doesn’t need to. Every interaction felt calculated, possessive, and dripping with tension.

Sutton was exactly the heroine this story needed. Strong, intelligent, and determined not to bend, even when Cain seemed ten steps ahead of everyone around him. I loved that she challenged him instead of instantly falling at his feet. Their push-and-pull dynamic made every scene crackle with anticipation.

The obsession trope was executed perfectly. Cain’s fixation on Sutton wasn’t a passing attraction. It was all-consuming, intense, and slightly unsettling in the best dark romance way. The chemistry between them practically set the pages on fire, and the spice delivered every single time.

What really hooked me was the atmosphere. The power plays, the manipulation, the forced proximity, and the constant feeling that Sutton was walking deeper into Cain’s web created an addictive sense of suspense. Every chapter left me needing just one more.

And that ending? Cruel. Absolutely cruel. I closed the book and immediately needed the next book because there is no way I’m surviving that cliffhanger without answers.

If you love obsessive heroes, morally gray billionaires, enemies-to-lovers tension, possessive alpha energy, and enough spice to melt your Kindle, Marked by Obsession is a must-read.

🌹 Cain Blackwood is obsession wrapped in a tailored suit.
🖤 Sutton Prescott is the perfect woman to challenge him.
🔥 Together, they’re completely addictive.

[Faiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked by Obsession was the kind of dark romance that completely drags you into chaos and obsession from page one 🖤💸 This book delivers a dangerously possessive billionaire MMC who doesn’t just fall hard — he spirals completely, and honestly? I was hooked the entire time.

The atmosphere felt heavy, seductive, and constantly on edge 😮‍💨 Every interaction carried this sense that the MMC was always controlling the situation behind the scenes, watching, planning, and pulling strings long before the FMC even understood how deeply involved she already was in his world.

And this man??? Absolutely feral over one woman 🥵🚩 He’s manipulative, intense, protective in a terrifying way, and so morally questionable that half the time I didn’t know whether to fear him or swoon over him. The obsession wasn’t subtle either — it built stronger and darker with every chapter, which made the chemistry between them ridiculously addictive.

What I really appreciated was that the FMC wasn’t blind to the danger. She recognizes the red flags 🚨 She understands he’s not safe, yet there’s still something about him she can’t stay away from. Watching her get drawn deeper into his possessive orbit made their relationship feel messy, toxic, emotional, and impossible to look away from.

This definitely embraces the darker side of romance without holding back 🔥 The tension, manipulation, emotional intensity, and obsessive devotion are front and center throughout the story. If you love morally grey men who are completely unhinged when it comes to the woman they want, this book absolutely delivers.

Definitely go in prepared and check the trigger warnings first ⚠️ because this romance dives headfirst into dark themes and doesn’t soften the edges.

[Deborah Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, delicious, scorching hot antics. Questionable morals that may or may not end with someone going to jail. Two antagonists who can't keep their hands to themselves. A read that kept me turning the pages, wondering who would come out on top: Cain with his devious, almost stalkerish ways or Sutton with her nonsensical business acumen. These two strike sparks that could light up the sky brighter than Fourth of July fireworks. The only question is: who will win in their battle for supremacy?

Marked by Obsession is an enemies-to-lovers, billionaire romance set in the workplace with forced proximity. Cain is a morally gray MMC obsessed with Sutton, with a "touch her and you'll pay the price" attitude. But Sutton is no pushover. She stands up to the infernal man, determined to make her his possession, showing she won't make it easy for Cain to dictate how she should run his new acquisition. These two have fiery dispositions that keep it interesting in and out of the boardroom. To say Cain is obsessed with Sutton is not an exaggeration. For more than two years, he has learned every minute thing he can about her: what she eats and drinks, her favorite places to go, her daily routine, and who she holds near and dear. Cain escalated his level of obsession when he took over her father's company, the very one she had built up from almost nothing over the last decade.

Is it creepy or endearing that Cain knows so much about Sutton? Read the book and be the judge. But be forewarned because Bri Blackwood loves to leave you hanging with a whopper of a cliffhanger when there's a second book to follow. It's going to be a juicy beginning for the next book, and I am here for it.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A matter of dark delights

My Review: Marked by Obsession by Bri Blackwood is book #1 in the Empire of Possession series. It is categorized as a "morally grey, dark and obsessive romance." It was released on 6/22/26.

About the Book: "In his world, power isn’t negotiated—it’s taken. Kept. Owned.

I should walk away. I should know better.

He watches me like I’m a problem he’s already solved.

I tell myself I can handle him.

But..."


In My Own Words: A hunger. A longing. A perfectly executed trap. A taste of the forbidden. A passionate entanglement. What's next?

My Final Say: This was such an interesting read. It was captivating and unexpected. Just as I was beginning to see a direction, an unexpected twist came out of nowhere. My mind, of course, filled in the blanks, but oh my!

It reminded me of 9 1/2 Weeks but set in the corporate world. (Do with that what you will.)

Other: Readers who enjoy the following tropes will like this dark-sexy read. Just be prepared for a build up, a blow up, and a bombastic end that will keep you guessing.

Tropes:

🖤 Dark romance

🖤 Billionaire romance

🖤 Enemies to lovers

🖤 Obsessive hero

🖤 Morally grey

🖤 Forced proximity / working together

🖤 Strong heroine

🖤 Super spicy

Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes +/-
Audience: A
Status: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Level: 🌶️🌶️
Format: 📱
Series: Yes
Cover: +

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Boldwood Books), and to NetGalley. I appreciate the opportunity to review this novel. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions.

[whataurasreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Boldwood and NetGalley for this ARC. These are my honest opinions.

Sutton is a business mogul in her own right, having turned her family's company around from the inside out. She absolutely expects to inherit the busines, only to find her dad has sold it out from under her to cutthroat business mogul Cain. Cain is a business shark: controlled, disciplined, ready to attack at the perfect time to take down his prey. The merger takes on a different meaning as Cain and Sutton negotiate her position in the new company and all that means for their relationship, professional and otherwise.

There were enjoyable elements to Marked By Obsession, but overall I found the pacing very slow. The first 65% of the book was spent introducing characters and laying out backstory, which I didn't mind in itself. The issue came with the whiplash of the character development in the final 35%. I was left wondering why we spent so much time digging deep, only for things to go off the rails so suddenly and seemingly without cause. The pacing felt perfect for me in the last 75 pages.

It was hard to stay in the story when things started making no sense, but I felt like I was supposed to just go along with the intense shift. Maybe I was frustrated that the first 65% didn't really end up meaning much to the ending except to showcase that everything we presumed (or read) was wrong in a jarring way.

This is the first book in a series, so perhaps this was more setup for what's to come. I'm curious to see where it goes, but this one left me feeling a bit disconnected.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in the Empire of Possession series and I was so captivated by this book I read it in one sitting, literally stayed up until I finished it. Sutton has spent years building her father’s company and when she finds out it’s been sold out from under her, she is not about to just accept it. Enter Cain, the man behind the takeover, cold, calculated, and already ten steps ahead of everyone else. What she doesn’t realize at first is that the company was never the real target, she was. From the moment they are in each other’s space, it is tension, control, and a power struggle that neither of them is willing to back down from, even when things start to spiral into something much darker.

This man is completely unhinged in the best way for this kind of story. What starts off as him taking over turns dark really fast, and the more you learn about how deep his obsession goes, the harder it is to look away. I loved that Sutton did not just fold, she pushed back and challenged him even when everything around her was shifting. Their dynamic is intense, messy, and built on control and tension, and I could not wait to see what would happen in every chapter. It moves fast, but I was so locked into their story that I didn’t even care, I just needed more. And that ending… I am absolutely not okay and already need the next book.

If you love dark billionaire romance with obsession, control, and a morally gray man who does not know boundaries, this is one you need to read.

[Jordan Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me be clear: I LOVE dark, edgy themes in a romance. I find that novels are really the only medium where I can healthily digest those sort of topics, compared to movies or TV. I was enraptured by the premise; one person is motivated and driven for their own success, and the other is obsessed with the first. It's the sort of theme that makes you tuck your legs and read through slotted fingers, both worried and electric over whatever will happen next.

But you lose me at the murder. I was legitimately pissed when Sutton walked out and saw the crime. Just imagine the drama if Cain had killed his colleague, disposed of the body in the alley, and walked back in to the gala with her none the wiser? She would be thinking, "Okay, maybe this new arrangement won't be so bad," meanwhile he is literally killing over his possessiveness of her. AND! You want me to believe that Sutton, who has been presented as a driven, ethical individual, was turned on by the scene? What on earth is sexy about seeing someone die??

I think I will read the sequel out of hope that it focuses more on the emotional turmoil of having someone 10x more powerful than you being completely obsessed and delirious about you, rather than unnecessary homicide. But I swear, if the next one has any scenes like the first's climax that break Sutton as a character, I will respectfully be putting this series away.

[Megan Witsche · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early ARC Read from Netgalley

Tropes: Dark Romance, Billionaire, Enemies to Lovers, Stalking, Obsessive/Possessive, Forced Proximity

Quotes: "Everything." I answered simply, "From the moment I saw what you were capable of, I knew I wanted to make you mine."

Review No Spoilers: A dark, spicy billionaire romance and the first installment in the Empire of Possession trilogy, this story begins with a ruthless corporate takeover that quickly evolves into a dangerously personal battle of obsession, power, and control.

Sutton is ambitious, fiercely independent, and confident in her ability to navigate the cutthroat world of corporate politics. Convinced she can outlast any challenge, she views staying within Cain Ashcroft's orbit as a calculated move for survival, certain that his interest will eventually fade.

Cain Ashcroft, however, is not a man who loses interest. Cold, calculating, and morally gray, he sees the world through leverage, risk, and opportunity. Beneath his controlled exterior lies a dangerous fixation: he has memorized Sutton's routines, studied every subtle tell, and learned exactly how to dismantle the walls she has spent years building. As their power struggle intensifies, the line between strategy and obsession begins to blur, drawing them into a game neither is willing to lose.

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This had all the ingredients of a dark billionaire romance—an obsessive, controlling hero, high-stakes corporate tension, and plenty of steam—but it didn’t completely work for me.

The premise was intriguing, and I enjoyed the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the main characters. The hero’s obsession created a constant sense of tension, and Bri Blackwood certainly knows how to write an intense, possessive alpha. Fans of darker romance with dominant heroes will likely find plenty to enjoy here.

However, I struggled to fully connect with the romance. While the chemistry was undeniable, the emotional development felt rushed at times, making it difficult for me to become invested in the relationship. The hero’s behaviour often crossed lines that made it hard for me to root for him, and I would have liked more depth and vulnerability from both characters to balance the darker elements.

The writing kept me turning the pages, and the story never dragged, but I found some plot points predictable and wished there had been more character growth by the end.

Overall, Marked by Obsession is a fast-paced, steamy dark romance with plenty of possessive billionaire drama, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. A decent read for fans of obsessive heroes, though not one of my favourites from the genre.

[Chaptersxchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If toxic billionaires, obsession, and tension so thick you could cut it with a knife are your thing, this book absolutely delivers. From page one, the chemistry between the heroine and the morally grey billionaire had me completely hooked. Every interaction felt like a power play, and I could not stop turning the pages.

The hero is possessive, intense, controlling, and fully obsessed, yet the author somehow makes their dynamic impossible to look away from. The relationship has that addictive push and pull where you know things are dangerous, but you still want to see how far it will go. The tension between them carries the entire story and keeps the stakes feeling high the whole way through.

I also appreciated that the heroine held her own. She challenged him, pushed back, and refused to be easily intimidated, which made the enemies to lovers dynamic even stronger. The forced proximity and workplace conflict added another layer of tension, and the steam was definitely delivered.

This was dark, dramatic, addictive, and full of the kind of obsession that fans of morally grey billionaire romances will probably devour. If you enjoy high tension, possessive heroes, and relationships that blur the line between dangerous and irresistible, this one is worth picking up.

[LM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked by Obsession by Bri Blackwood has an unexpected style that really worked for me. The novel keeps you in the dark, breadcrumbing details little by little until the picture finally comes into perfect focus... and that's when you realize Cain Ashcroft is absolutely nuts.

I enjoy a billionaire romance. Most billionaire heroes are controlling, bossy, and stubborn. Cain is all of those things, but he's also incredibly calculated and plays the long game. He rarely meets his match, so when one of his acquisitions is derailed by Sutton Prescott, he takes notice. In fact, he becomes obsessed.

Sutton is no delicate flower. Sure, her father owns the company, but she works tirelessly to earn respect and prove herself. She's intelligent, determined, and fully aware that she has become a target of Cain's attention. The problem is, she's not entirely sure why.

Cain is a tiny bit unhinged... and by "tiny bit," I mean completely and totally. This novel builds a suspenseful plot that steadily tightens its grip on you. Full disclosure: it ends on a cliffhanger, so don't expect your happily ever after just yet. But honestly, that's okay because it leaves you completely invested in what happens next.

Thank you to Bri Blackwood, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Ecem Esen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Marked by Obsession and if you like obsessive, morally grey MMCs who are absolutely unhinged about one woman… this is definitely for you.

The whole vibe of this book felt intense from the beginning. It has that dark billionaire romance energy where the tension is less “will they/won’t they” and more “this man is already ten steps ahead and she doesn’t even realise it yet.”

The MMC was possessive, calculating, and honestly slightly terrifying at times — but in the exact way dark romance readers eat up. You can really feel the obsession building the entire book and it made the chemistry between them so addictive.

I also liked that the FMC wasn’t completely naive. She knows he’s dangerous, knows she should walk away, but keeps getting pulled further into his world anyway. Their dynamic felt toxic, complicated, and weirdly addictive to read about.

Definitely check trigger warnings before going in because this leans fully into the darker side of romance, but if you like:
🖤 obsessive heroes
🖤 billionaire romance
🖤 enemies to lovers
🖤 forced proximity
🖤 morally grey MMCs

then this will probably work for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of protective, stalker-vibes romance, and Bri Blackwood absolutely delivered with Marked by Obsession! The setup of Cain buying Sutton's company just to keep her contained and under his watch is peak dark romance deliciousness. I loved the sheer determination Sutton has to protect her legacy, and the banter between them is incredibly sharp. The intense psychological push-and-pull between them kept me turning the pages late into the night.

However, I went into this book completely blind and didn’t realise it ended on a major cliffhanger, which caught me totally off guard! Because the finale came as such a surprise, the ending felt a bit abrupt, and a few plot points in the middle felt a little repetitive and were almost written to pad the story out. That being said, the scorching chemistry and high-stakes tension completely made up for the shock ending. It is a fast, addictive read that has definitely left me wanting to know what happens next in the Empire of Possession trilogy.

My thanks to Boldwood Books for my copy of Marked By Obsession. All thoughts expressed are my own. 😊

[Ann-Maree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked by Obsession
by Bri Blackwood

This book is one that, once you start, you won't be able to put down. Dark and twisted in all the right ways, its addictive nature will keep you hooked until the very last word.

Cain Ashcroft embodies the essence of moral ambiguity. His company is notorious for its ruthless acquisitions and demolitions, with Prescott Vantage as his next strategic move. He is calculating, controlled, and laser-focused on Sutton, creating an intriguing tension that’s hard to ignore.

Sutton Prescott knows her worth, which makes her occasional lapses in judgment feel out of character. When she discovers that her father's company is being sold, she is furious. The situation escalates further when she discovers that Cain Ashcroft is the buyer.

From the very beginning, the chemistry between these two is electric. Every conversation is a captivating power struggle. My only regret is that the story isn’t longer; I crave more of the intense drama. Although it ends on a cliffhanger, it’s a satisfying pause that sets the stage perfectly for what’s to come. I embraced the cliffhanger wholeheartedly.

[Vikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bri Blackwood definitely knows how to write an obsessive, morally gray billionaire who keeps you turning the pages just to see what he'll do next. The tension between the main characters was there from the start, and I appreciated that the story didn't waste time getting into the central conflict.

That said, I found myself wanting more depth from both characters. Their chemistry was intriguing, but I think spending more time developing their personalities, motivations, and history together would have made some of the bigger emotional moments and plot developments hit even harder. There were points where I understood what was happening, but I wanted a stronger connection to why it mattered.

The pacing is fast, the spice is solid, and the obsessive dynamic will absolutely appeal to readers who enjoy possessive, morally gray heroes. It's an easy binge that sets up the rest of the trilogy well.

And then...that ending.

I should have known better than to get attached before realizing this book ends on a cliffhanger. Now I'm officially invested and need Bound by Desire because you can't leave me hanging like that.

[Dani 💚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked for Obsession was exactly the kind of read I was hoping for. It’s packed with obsession, unhealthy relationships, and nonstop drama, making it an entertaining choice for anyone who enjoys dark romance with flawed characters and chaotic dynamics. The ending left me eager for the next book, and I’m curious to see where the story goes from here.

Cain Ashcroft is ruthless, calculating, and impossible to predict. His business deal with Prescott Vantage quickly becomes secondary to his fixation on Sutton, and his actions blur the line between strategy and obsession. He’s willing to bend his usual rules when it suits his goals, making him an intriguing morally grey lead whose next move is never obvious.

Sutton is confident, ambitious, and refuses to be intimidated, especially after learning her family’s company has been sold. While she initially stands her ground against Cain, his unusual attention toward her creates a confusing mix of suspicion and attraction. At times her choices feel at odds with her normally level-headed personality, but she still shows enough determination to make me interested in seeing how her story develops.

The chemistry between them is intense but deeply complicated. Cain’s obsession drives much of the tension, while Sutton struggles to resist him despite recognising the warning signs. I would have enjoyed a little more build-up before some of their emotional shifts, as the romance moves quickly.

Because the book is fairly short, the pacing can feel rushed and some moments could have benefited from more development. Even so, it’s an addictive read with plenty of twists, high-stakes tension, and a cliffhanger that makes continuing the series hard to resist.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity!

I love a dark billionaire romance — morally gray, obsessive MMCs are exactly my type. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Neither of the main characters stood out as much as I’d hoped. A lot of the book felt taken up by logistics — work schedules, car rides — rather than moments that built real tension between the leads.

The conversations between the FMC and her friend felt a bit jarring given what was happening in the story, like the tone didn’t quite match the stakes. And while the MMC was clearly meant to read as obsessive, his dialogue didn’t come across that way to me — I wanted more intensity in how he spoke and acted around her.

The first spice scene also fell flat. It lacked the buildup and detail I usually expect from an opening intimate scene, especially in a book leaning into the dark romance genre.

Overall, this didn’t feel dark enough for me personally, though I can see readers who enjoy lighter takes on the trope getting more out of it than I did.

[Megan Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marked by Obsession was a solid read that kept me turning the pages from start to finish. Bri Blackwood did a great job creating tension between the characters, and I found myself invested in seeing how everything would unfold. The chemistry was definitely there, and the possessive, obsessive vibes delivered exactly what the title promises.

I especially enjoyed the suspense and the emotional push-and-pull throughout the story. There were several moments that had me eager to keep reading just one more chapter. While some parts felt a bit rushed for me and I would have loved a deeper connection to a few of the characters, I still had a great time with this book overall.

If you enjoy obsessive heroes, plenty of tension, and a romance that keeps you hooked, this one is worth adding to your TBR. It wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, but it was definitely entertaining and one I’ll remember for a while.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)