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Stranded in the friend zone, Orion’s been in love with his best friend Clo since high school, unable to work out how to get her to see him as more.

After catching her husband cheating, Clo turns to her best friend Orion for support, only to find he wants more than she’s willing to give.

While Orion shows her that not all men are pricks, and not all roses have thorns, Clo must find a way to let go of the past and open herself up to a second chance at love.

This book can be read as a standalone, or in series order.
Disclaimer: This book may contain mature content, filthy language, sensitive subject matter, and nuts.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2015

47 people are currently reading
355 people want to read

About the author

Misti Murphy

41 books482 followers

Misti Murphy writes sweet and funny, sometimes frustrating and always swoony romantic comedies with just a teensy bit of angst.

When she's not writing she lives in an imaginary world full of happy humans, glitter, and unicorns.

Not that being a mother of four, plus four fur kids isn't practically the same thing. Except when they steal the Tim Tams.

(Kangaroos are practically unicorns, right?)

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5 stars
68 (24%)
4 stars
90 (32%)
3 stars
64 (22%)
2 stars
35 (12%)
1 star
23 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Karine.
480 reviews35 followers
July 30, 2015
The way compulsion is written is a little different to the stories that I have read recently and I really enjoyed it. It starts in the present with flash back to how the story all came to the point where the reader joins the story. Then each chapter is the same with the present scene and another flash back. It may seem a bit stranger but it worked at really well for this type of story.

I really enjoyed Orion. I think my heart broke for him and the struggle that he had to go through. He has to watch his best friend fall in love with one of his friends and then later attended their marriage. It was pure heartbreak and he never really get over it. Sometimes I wanted him to just move on but other times I really wanted to see if love really can conquer all.

However I didn't really care for Clo. She just wasn't doing it for me. My only wish is that I was hoping that she would change or grow on me but she never did. Pity really because she was a major let down to an otherwise really enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Kjean Lara.
174 reviews8 followers
May 13, 2017
La historia es simple. Podría haber sido mejor.

Odié a Clo, nunca se mereció a Orion. Seguí leyendo y leyendo porque pensé que en un momento vería algo que me hiciera no odiar tanto a la protagonista, pero, nunca pasó.

Orion es un chico demasiado tierno que vive enamorado de su mejor amiga y conforme pasa el tiempo él nunca la deja de amar.

Clo se enamora de uno de los amigos de Orion, Zach. Y se casan y tienen una vida juntos. Cada que Clo ocupaba algo hay andaba el estúpido de Orion tras ella,. como perro, dando lastima.

Clo nisiquiera fue amiga para él. Ella no es más que una perra egoísta que solo bastaba con que tronara los dedos y ahí iba el idiota de Orion.
Orion solo recibió basura de parte de ella y créanme que le hubiera​ dado 4 estrellas si tan solo Orion hubiera encontrado otro amor que valiera la pena.

Termino de leer este libro con un enorme coraje hacia Orion por lo estúpido que es, demasiado estúpido y también por Clo que la odio y solo quiero golpearlos a ambos y mandarlos a la mierda.
Profile Image for Kay Blake.
Author 21 books76 followers
May 20, 2015
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was a big fan of Orion and how through out the years he was by Clo side. He gave me the impression of a good guy who was good with his family, and tried to be a good friend to his friends including Clo even though it broke his heart.
My heart was rooting for Orion as he got out into the friendship hump. I loved the way to book was written and how I was able to get an inside glimpse of Orion's head.
Great book.
Profile Image for seton.
713 reviews322 followers
July 26, 2015
Genre: CR
POV: 1st person POV Male

Constructor tells the reader of his relationship with the love of his life thru 10+ years.

I read this bc it was free and I love the BFF trope but I felt the MCs needed more fleshing out. I really didnt understand the narrator's attraction to Clo since she alternated between coming across as dumb or a user.

Rating: 2.5
DNF @ 54%
Profile Image for Misti Murphy.
Author 41 books482 followers
May 21, 2020
Compulsion the first book in the Magnetic Desires series is scheduled for release on the 15th June, 2015.

This book may contain sensitive subject matter, adult content, filthy language and nuts.
Profile Image for Deb Hanson.
1,368 reviews15 followers
May 23, 2015
Arc received in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know what I expected from this book, but I liked the blurb so I went for it. It is randomly set out part interview, part diary but it just kind of works... Compulsion is the story of Orion, and his love for Clodagh, his angel girl.

Orion 1st saw Clo, on her 1st day of school, he was instantly taken by her, but when his "best friend" Zack swoops in and takes her away he is made the designated best friend. He figures that at least as best friend, he could spend time with her while waiting for Zack to eventually screw up, he always does....

As Orion watches Clo fall in love with Zack he realizes that he will never have her, so he lets them leave for college together, time for him to leave that part of his life and move on.... fast forward 5 years. Orion is at the supermarket checking out the ass of a gorgeous red head in front if him, when his past comes back... that gorgeous red head is Clo, they have returned home. And all the time he spent removing her from his life, is gone in an instant.... She's back... but so is Zack.

Watching them plan a wedding, and being groomsmen all but kills Orion.... No woman will ever replace Clo, he is wrecked forever, but one blind date set up by Birdie, Orion's sister, has him having hope that there is someone else. Bella seems like the one for Orion and his chance to be happy is right there in front of him. But in typical Clo style, that is when is shows up, tears streaming down her face.... Zack has finally screwed up cheating on her again but this time in their bed. Orion drops everything including Bella, to go to Clo. But as damaged as she is, can Orion really have a chance with her make her believe real, nice and true men really do exist? Not everyone is a cheating bastard. He will do everything and anything to prove to her that HE is the one to make her happy.

This begins the emotional relationship start over for Orion and Clo.... Everyday seems 1 step forward, 2 steps back especially when Zack shows up to get Clo back, and she actually considers it. (Man I wanted to slap her). Never giving up, Orion pushes her limits to show her the real him, the man that loves her.... sex doesn't have to be in a bed only, flowers don't mean he cheated on her and dates are not the end of the world.

It takes 2 years, and a life turning event for Clo to realize once and for all, Orion is who she wants, but with his life in danger is it to late for her, for them?

I never saw the ending coming for this book, and I shed many a tear throughout. But not for Clo and Orion together but other events that shaped their lives and futures. I enjoyed this book, even though I was sometimes frustrated with Clo 's character and her dumb ass decisions, but then I remembered this all began while they were at school and at the end of the story they would have only been in their early 20's. I'm happy giving ☆☆☆☆ for a good read.
Profile Image for MELODY.
459 reviews16 followers
June 23, 2015
Misti Murphy brings us the story of Orion and Clo. The story is being told by Orion on a video tape before an event that you are not sure of at times. The first time Orion sees Clo, he falls in love with her. Only to lose her before he has had a chance to even speak to her to his supposed best friend Zack. So, instead of dating her he becomes her best friend. It breaks his heart every time Clo takes Zack back, so Orion trys to move on without her.

Clo has gone an married Zack. Orion with the help of his sister moves on and about to make a committment when Clo turns up again. Orion realizes that this is finally his chance and grabs it. Can Orion prove he isn't like Zack and convince Clo that they are made for each other? Can Clo let go of the years that she wasted on Zack and the insecurities left in his wake?

Ms. Murphy weaves a tale with some compelling plot twists that will leave you with your heart in your throat until you read the next chapter. Her characters are strong and well defined.

If you are looking for a great second chance romance, Compulsion is superb!
bepsquare-certified reviewer

Profile Image for Sivutha.
634 reviews80 followers
May 23, 2015
4 Compulsive Stars

Compulsion = Orion and his love for Clodagh/Clo.

Love at first sight. Orion instantly falls in love with Clo but lost his chance when his "best friend" Zack swoops in and dates her. Instead, he became her best friend and hoping for Zack to screw up cause he did.

Eventually Orion watched Clo falls for Zack and he realized that he will never have that chance with her so he moved on. Five years later Orion at a market staring at a gorgeous red head that is Clo. All the time he spent casting her out of his life, she is back and along with Zack.

Being Orion's position is kind of sad cause being in love a girl that is in love with another man, as she is planning her dream wedding. Instead of being the groom, he was the groomsmen and that wrecked him. So his sister, Birdie decided to set a blind date for him. Bella was sweet and innocent. Orion decided that she was the one for him. But then, Clo came over and told that Zack cheated on her.

2 years it took for Clo to see that Orion is the one she in love with. Danger is looming around the corner. What will happen to Clo and Orion?

Honestly, I can't stand Clo as a heroine
1,098 reviews19 followers
June 9, 2015
Loved, loved, loved it! This was awesome! I read it straight through without even little breaks because I didn't want to miss a moment. Orion is the best friend we all need! I loved reading the entries at the beginnings of each chapter and getting all the details throughout the chapter. Very unique and I enjoyed the style. Loved that it came from HIS pov. I cried a couple of times and was shocked once or twice...which is difficult as much as I read. Zach is a pig, or more to the point, a never-changed pig. Clo deserved more, but living it helped more than knowing it. Really a fantastic ending!

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
220 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2015
This book left me with mixed emotions. In my opinion, a book should make you feel something, good or bad, or make you think about it after finishing it. Otherwise,there is no point to it.

The writing was good as it kept me wanting to see it through to the end. Unfortunately, I didn't like the main characters. Clo was too needy and Orion was a doormat. However, the story and characters worked because they felt real. We've all known people like this that you just wanted to smack upside the head.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel Medhurst.
Author 112 books483 followers
June 18, 2015
Orion represents those of us that have been in love with a friend for a very long time. It's amazing how many people do fall for those they're close to. I got frustrated at times with how easily he was pulled back in, but only because I recognised that in myself.

Misti Murphy does any excellent job of portraying the very real and common emotions that come into play when wanting someone you can't have. I was hooked from the word go and read the whole book quickly.
Profile Image for Tatiana.
170 reviews6 followers
August 19, 2016
A mi este libro me gustó mucho. A MI.

Como todo es de gustos, a mi este libro me pareció muy real en muchas cosas, y en cierto sentido me sentí identificada con Orion.
Primero que todo, creo que nos muestra una faceta del amor que la mayoría de personas viven, especialmente con el primer amor, en el modo en que nos entregamos tan completamente y muchas veces no nos toman en serio y simplemente tenemos una amistad con esa persona. Me parece tan cotidiano y real. Me ha pasado y me gustó eso.
Segundo, si bien creo que Orion a ratos se pasa de tonto con ella, muchas personas son así de entregadas con alguien que aman.
Tercero, las inseguridades de Clo después de Zack, me recuerda a las personas que las lastiman y no se recuperan con facilidad, y dudan de todo el mundo o hacen pagar a otro por los pecados de quien los lastimo.
Cuarto, me gustó que mostraran el libro desde el POV de Orion y como fue su lucha y amor por Clo. Nunca se dio por vencido y la espero con una paciencia infinita.
Quinto, a veces Clo me molestaba, me sacaba el mal genio xD.
Sexto. uno queda como con dudas de otros personajes y pues genial esa intriga.
Séptimo, me gustó la enseñanza sobre el amor y como muchas veces esta tan cerca de nosotros.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,125 reviews51 followers
July 31, 2015
Told from the H/Orion's POV which I liked. The story opens in the present with Orion talking to a camera. The story flips present and the past (2005-2012) but not in a confusing way. The camera parts of the story are at the beginning of the chapters in the present as he describes his life and his love for Clo. You don’t find out who he’s talking to until the end of the story (and I won’t spoil it).

Devoted and in love Orion has loved Clo from the minute she steps into their high school class room. Unfortunately Zack, Orion's man-ho friend has gotten to her first. Orian plays the best friend to Clo through the years until Zack's caught cheating. Orion has tried to moved on but Clo is his one and only. Zack's dumped a heap of insecurities on Clo and Orion bides his time before he makes his move to have Clo forever. Cute story, now on to bk 2 about Orion’s sister Birdie.

First time author for me.
Profile Image for Beverly Diehl.
Author 5 books76 followers
February 12, 2016
The short novel features a story where the friend-zoned guy eventually gets the girl. If you think that kind of tale is sweet and romantic, you'll love this book. If you find that kind of storyline somewhat creepy (*raises hand*), you may struggle with it.

Disclaimer: I'm acquainted with the author via social media.

It's written in first person, from the POV of Orion, the male love interest, which I found very unusual. Orion doesn't cross any lines or go stalkerish. Clo is sweet, if a bit clueless about Orion's interest in her. I did come around to root for them as a couple, the sex scenes are smokin' hot, and there were some unexpected plot twists and turns. The writing itself was very good, and I will definitely read more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Brittany Price.
268 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2015
Wow! This book was super hard to put down! Seeing Orion and Clo's love unfold over time kept the pages turning. I LOVED Orion! Every guy should be like him! He cared so much about Clo and was so protective of her! Clo drove me nuts with how blind and naïve she was throughout the book. Some of her relationship decisions were unbelievably ridiculous. The alpha male personality that eventually came out of Orion was HOT! It was about time he challenged "the friend zone"! The sex scenes were intense! There's a nice twist and plenty of drama. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us!
Profile Image for Jennifer Johnston.
28 reviews23 followers
July 2, 2015
I received a ARC of Compulsion for a honest review

LA douleur exquise....The heartbreaking pain of wanting someone you can’t have.

Orion has loved Clo from the moment he first set his eyes on her, fate stepped in and his friend Zack got to her first, so he had to step aside and fall into the dreaded best friend zone.

I felt really sorry for Orion as he had to watch the woman he loves, marry his friend, now I just think that's cruel.

To be honest I didn't like Clo much and felt she was abit of a coward.


Profile Image for A.E. Snow.
Author 4 books12 followers
June 18, 2015
I enjoyed Compulsion very much. The author does a great job of painting a picture of a good guy who waits for the love of his life to realize that he's the one. When Clo falls for Orion's friend, he is disappointed but wants her to be happy. Compulsion explores the years of Orion's life from high school through adulthood and all the tumultuous years in between. Both main characters really come full circle and the reader is able to see a lot of growth in each of them. Oh and it's sexy as hell. I look forward to reading more in this series and from this awesome author!
Profile Image for Shaunna Armstrong.
279 reviews
July 2, 2015
Orion was one step behind his friend which cause him to be in the friend zone after Zack asked Clo out. Clo and Orion grow pretty close over the years and when Clo comes back home she came back with Zack who still isn't the best. After Clo finds out Zack has been cheating she files for divorce and leans on Orion for support. Orion takes a back seat to jumping at her right away and decides to be the friend she she needs, which turns into friends with benefits, and him possibly loosing everything. Will Clo ever see Orion for more than a great friend and sex?
243 reviews14 followers
July 22, 2015
Compulsion, Magnetic Desires by Misti Murphy Orion lived in the Friend Zone! Would he ever get out?

OMG! This book took hold of me and wrung me out. Sooo good!!! Made me laugh and ooh made me cry. So much of this story I once lived through. Once I was broken but was made whole by my own Orion. I just loved this book sooo hard. Thank you, Misti Murphy for a book that kept me up reading late into the night.
Profile Image for Ashley Stevenson .
512 reviews5 followers
July 10, 2015
I received ARC copy of this book for a honest review. Love Orion and Clo story they have some sad and happy moments. Orion had found his dream girl in high school but it was too late cause his best friend Zack got her first. Will he move on finally be happy or would get a second chance to have his true love by his side forever. Read this book to found out.
Profile Image for Pamela Talley.
130 reviews
July 19, 2015
What would be like to spend years in the best friend zone?

Tami thank you for posting the link to Misti Murphy's book Compulsion. OMG! This book took hold of me wrung me out. Sooo good. Made laugh and ooh made me cry. So much of this story I once lived through. Once I was broken but was made whole. I just loved this book sooo hard. Thank you Misti Murphy.
Profile Image for Nancy Jones.
932 reviews52 followers
January 13, 2020
Gifted copy for honest review.

I really enjoyed reading Compulsion. The story is about Orion and Clo. I liked how Orion related how he meet and fell hard for Clo. I liked how Orion stood by and waited for Clo. I recommend this one it is a good love story.
Profile Image for Marylee.
60 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2015
Amazing!

Felt like real life. I couldn't put this book down, I am speechless. This book is like a roller coaster ride just like life. Makes you want to love and live to the fullest.
8 reviews
July 27, 2015
Wow

This book was so very entertaining that I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it so much. I would subservient everyone
Profile Image for Trella.
7 reviews
September 14, 2015
Awesome, bittersweet love!

This story captivated me from the beginning to the end! The love we've all lost, they got to grab and run with it! Great book!!
Profile Image for Gabba.
303 reviews24 followers
June 25, 2016
Empalagoso y drama de clase b. La protagonista nunca me gustó. Dior le da pan al que no tiene diente. (?) Quiero leer la historia de la hermana.
3 reviews
November 4, 2018
Es una historia narrada por Orion, lo que desde un comienzo lo encontré bastante interesante ya que son muy pocas las veces en las que el protagonista masculino narra toda la historia.
No voy a mentir, a veces era un poco frustrante, pero no en el mal sentido, e leído muchas reseñas en las que odiaron a Clo, yo nunca la odié, de hecho se podría decir que me puse en su lugar y la entendí, porque definitivamente no debe haber sido fácil para ella, incluso, aunque no se profundiza mucho su personaje, le tomé cariño, porque a pesar de todo era muy visto que ambos estaban hechos el uno para el otro.
Orion, que puedo decir, lo amé, su personaje me llegó tan profundo que prácticamente sentía su dolor, yo no lo encontré estupido por estar detrás de Clo siempre que ella lo necesitaba, y amarla por todos esos años, porque que decir, así es el amor, si uno se rindiese tan fácilmente por alguien que clama amar, entonces, lo amas realmente?
Es una historia sencilla pero al mismo tiempo fuerte, lloré como una magdalena en algunos momentos.
Finalmente puedo decir que es una historia muy linda, y muestra la perseverancia de a pesar de todo, no rendirse con la persona que amas, le pongo 5 estrellas porque si bien no es la mejor historia de mundo, a mi si me llegó lo suficiente como para recordarla por un largo tiempo, se las recomiendo pero eso si, si es que la leen, háganlo con la mente abierta, porque es muy fácil odiar a un personaje sin ponerse en su lugar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ronnae Stately.
777 reviews
October 14, 2024
To Be Compelled

He seen her first but didn't get to her before his so called best friend did. A friend that could care less about her and only his own satisfaction of getting another girl in his bed. Her name was Clodough and his name was Orion. Two unusual names for two people one not knowing that she actually belonged with the other. We go through the years with them, starting with the trial and tribulations of Clo's first marriage which ended because her husband, Hugh was a cheating butt hole. Then we watch Orion insinuate his life into hers and get her to realize that he is what she needs. In the end we watch how a true love story is begun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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