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The Cordova Empire #1
Obsession
Winner of the 2017 RWA Passionate Plume for Best Contemporary Novel Hannah All my life, I’ve only wanted one someone to love me and someone who will let me love them in return. This seems like a simple request, but I was born to parents who wished I had died of childhood leukemia, instead of my younger sister, and who have ignored me no matter how much I’ve tried to please them. I’m starved for affection, addicted to the feeling when someone cares about me, which has led to a love life filled with either boys I’ve scared off, or men all too eager to take advantage of me. I thought I would never find a man who could feed my craving for constant attention—and then I met Leo. He fills the void inside of me, haunts my dreams, and does things to me in bed that are so good, they’re probably illegal. I can only pray I don’t scare him off once he figures out just how needy I really am. Leo There are very few people in this world I’ve ever been able to form an emotional attachment to, but the moment I saw Hannah, I knew she was mine. We were bound together by fate, our paths crossing first as children, then as adults, each time marking me. She doesn’t know it but I’ve been watching her for a year now, studying her, stacking the deck so when I do make my move, there’s no way she’ll ever escape me. But my world is a harsh, cruel place, and the cartel I work for demands absolute loyalty and trust…a loyalty Hannah has yet to earn in the dangerous eyes of my employers. There is only one way to ensure Hannah’s absolute devotion, and I hope that she doesn’t hate me forever when she finds out that not only have I brainwashed her into loving me, but that I don’t feel an ounce of guilt about doing it. She’s mine, only mine, and I’m keeping her forever. This story features a rough and demanding Dom who’s completely devoted to bringing his baby girl pleasure through such unconventional means as spanking, mild BDSM, D/S, roleplaying, and various other forms of wicked kinkery.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2016
259 people are currently reading
1686 people want to read
About the author
Ann Mayburn
95 books1,974 followersAnn is Queen of the Castle to her wonderful husband and three sons in the mountains of West Virginia. In her past lives she's been an Import Broker, a Communications Specialist, a US Navy Civilian Contractor, a Bartender/Waitress, and an actor at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. She also spent a summer touring with the Grateful Dead(though she will deny to her children that it ever happened).
From a young age she's been fascinated by myths and fairytales, and the romance that often was the center of the story. As Ann grew older and her hormones kicked in, she discovered trashy romance novels. Great at first, but she soon grew tired of the endless stories with a big wonderful emotional buildup to really short and crappy sex. Never a big fan of purple prose, throbbing spears of fleshy pleasure and wet honey pots make her giggle, she sought out books that gave the sex scenes in the story just as much detail and plot as everything else-without using cringe worthy euphemisms. This led her to the wonderful world of Erotic Romance, and she's never looked back.
Now Ann spends her days trying to tune out cartoons playing in the background to get into her 'sexy space' and has learned to type one handed while soothing a cranky baby.
From a young age she's been fascinated by myths and fairytales, and the romance that often was the center of the story. As Ann grew older and her hormones kicked in, she discovered trashy romance novels. Great at first, but she soon grew tired of the endless stories with a big wonderful emotional buildup to really short and crappy sex. Never a big fan of purple prose, throbbing spears of fleshy pleasure and wet honey pots make her giggle, she sought out books that gave the sex scenes in the story just as much detail and plot as everything else-without using cringe worthy euphemisms. This led her to the wonderful world of Erotic Romance, and she's never looked back.
Now Ann spends her days trying to tune out cartoons playing in the background to get into her 'sexy space' and has learned to type one handed while soothing a cranky baby.
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September 24, 2016
4 Smut Scale Stars
September 23, 2016
Hannah has spent her whole life wanting someone to love and cherish her. Growing up with cold parents that always let her know they wished she would have died instead of her beautiful outgoing sister Tiffany, left her broken. While saying goodbye to her sister, a ten year old Hannah meets an older boy fighting his own sadness at the death of his mother. Little did they both know that chance meeting would change both their futures.
Leo is a sociopath and torture master for the Cordova Cartel. A late bite to eat brings him face to face with a girl from his past. So starts the twisted cat and mouse game that lures Hannah into his web of lies and deceit. When the truth is revealed will Leo loose Hannah forever or will these two damaged, yet perfect halves to a whole get their slightly disturbing HEA?
"Times up.” Her yelp lit me up inside as I tackled her, flipping her over onto her stomach before grabbing her hands and holding them behind her back. “Daddy’s home, and he’s ready to play with his hot little slut."
What can I say. I really enjoyed this one. It wasn't nearly as kinky as I was expecting (much to my disappointment) but still had some pretty hot sexytimes. I can imagine that the whole "drug" issue is going to be bothersome to some individuals. I'll admit there were certain parts where I was uncomfortable. I didn't like the way Hannah was referred to as an "experiment" by others (not Leo) I DID feel that her free will WAS taken away a bit, especially with the use of the sex drug. It didn't take away from my enjoyment, but did push my limits.
That said both characters (in need of a TON of therapy) were well written and enjoyable. Hannah was over the top needy and Leo was smothering. A combination made in fuckedup relationship heaven. We also get to meet an array of interesting side characters. I am especially looking forward to a book with Ramon and I assume Joy (Hannah's roommate) and hopefully we'll get one with Mark as a hero as well. The plot was well thought out (if a bit farfetched) and kept me turning the pages, and I haven't been able to say this very often lately, but it even had a sweet little "15 years later" epilogue.
Overall, a great way to spend a few hours. Two thumbs up from yours truly.
Want to read
November 4, 2016
Leo sounds right up my alley! Reading asap!
Stand-alone
Purchase: | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
Blurb:
Hannah
All my life, I've only wanted one thing: someone to love me and someone who will let me love them in return. This seems like a simple request, but I was born to parents who wished I had died of childhood leukemia, instead of my younger sister, and who have ignored me no matter how much I've tried to please them. I'm starved for affection, addicted to the feeling when someone cares about me, which has led to a love life filled with either boys I've scared off, or men all too eager to take advantage of me. I thought I would never find a man who could feed my craving for constant attention--and then I met Leo. He fills the void inside of me, haunts my dreams, and does things to me in bed that are so good, they're probably illegal. I can only pray I don't scare him off once he figures out just how needy I really am.
Leo
There are very few people in this world I've ever been able to form an emotional attachment to, but the moment I saw Hannah, I knew she was mine. We were bound together by fate, our paths crossing first as children, then as adults, each time marking me. She doesn't know it but I've been watching her for a year now, studying her, stacking the deck so when I do make my move, there's no way she'll ever escape me. But my world is a harsh, cruel place, and the cartel I work for demands absolute loyalty and trust...a loyalty Hannah has yet to earn in the dangerous eyes of my employers. There is only one way to ensure Hannah's absolute devotion, and I hope that she doesn't hate me forever when she finds out that not only have I brainwashed her into loving me, but that I don't feel an ounce of guilt about doing it. She's mine, only mine, and I'm keeping her forever.
November 3, 2016
3.75 DADDY DRUG STARS
Well I don't know about anyone else but that drug D128 sounds like it would be a huge commercial success. Too bad about the whole sexy side effects, cause NO ONE LIKES TO HAVE SEX! Haha, I can't even say this without laughing my as$ off.
So anyways this story is about a very crazy obsessive enforcers named Leo who falls for an insecure needy girl named Hannah. Leo sets about trying to secure her into his life and making her his!
HE IS COMPLETELY OBSESSED WITH HER!
I mean he goes to some very extreme Lengths (drugs and hypnosis) to get her.
My major problem with this story is that Leo did not have to do this! The whole thing was ridiculous!
She wanted him and was drawn to him. She would have done anything for him so why do this to her!?
It made the whole relationship based on a lie and manipulations when it could have easily been about building trust and being loving.
Because basically...
This book was pretty good but it had some issues like dubious consent and administering drugs without consent or approval of the food and drug administration. No studies or results were made before she was given this.
Also, this is about the DDlg role playing, BDSM, and toys (most I had never heard of and had to Google them, just hope no one ever checks my browser history here!), and many other elements.
I really thought this would bother me, the painful sex thing. But this hero was all about taking care of her and making her feel the pleasure pain.
It was very well done!
I would only recommend this to those who don't mind the elements mentioned above and those who are not trouble by triggers such as dubious consent and torture (not the heroine but the hero tortures others for his family).
This Book is not for everyone!
And thanks ReadingisMyEscape for this recommendation. I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. <3
Safety: I will be honest here and say it's not really safe because the hero was watching her for a year but she had only stopped having sex for 9 months. So you do the math! They are both sexual experienced and she is on the shot. No drama but some pushing from the side of the heroine and some pulling from the obsessed hero.
Well I don't know about anyone else but that drug D128 sounds like it would be a huge commercial success. Too bad about the whole sexy side effects, cause NO ONE LIKES TO HAVE SEX! Haha, I can't even say this without laughing my as$ off.
So anyways this story is about a very crazy obsessive enforcers named Leo who falls for an insecure needy girl named Hannah. Leo sets about trying to secure her into his life and making her his!
HE IS COMPLETELY OBSESSED WITH HER!
I mean he goes to some very extreme Lengths (drugs and hypnosis) to get her.
My major problem with this story is that Leo did not have to do this! The whole thing was ridiculous!
She wanted him and was drawn to him. She would have done anything for him so why do this to her!?
It made the whole relationship based on a lie and manipulations when it could have easily been about building trust and being loving.
Because basically...
This book was pretty good but it had some issues like dubious consent and administering drugs without consent or approval of the food and drug administration. No studies or results were made before she was given this.
Also, this is about the DDlg role playing, BDSM, and toys (most I had never heard of and had to Google them, just hope no one ever checks my browser history here!), and many other elements.
I really thought this would bother me, the painful sex thing. But this hero was all about taking care of her and making her feel the pleasure pain.
It was very well done!
I would only recommend this to those who don't mind the elements mentioned above and those who are not trouble by triggers such as dubious consent and torture (not the heroine but the hero tortures others for his family).
This Book is not for everyone!
And thanks ReadingisMyEscape for this recommendation. I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. <3
Safety: I will be honest here and say it's not really safe because the hero was watching her for a year but she had only stopped having sex for 9 months. So you do the math! They are both sexual experienced and she is on the shot. No drama but some pushing from the side of the heroine and some pulling from the obsessed hero.
September 12, 2016
'Obsession' By Ann Mayburn is the story of Hannah and Leo. This is a hot read that pushes a lot of buttons that some people might be turned off by. It covers a Daddy / Daughter submissive role, there is some drugging of Hannah but not to take advantage of her at that time. I just wanted to put that out there for the reader that is turned off by that. I take books like this as a fantasy and not that serious where I get all up in arms with this type of story. I enjoyed it and thought that with Leo background he was dealing with things the only way he knew how. Also Hannah has issue with her parents not being there for her and so being secure with Leo is what I thought she need.
Hannah and Leo actually met first time at a hospital where she was young girl having to watch her sister die and Leo was a teenager watching his mom die. They comforted each other for a few minutes but both went on their separate ways. Now years later Leo happens to find Hannah again and find that she has grown into a sweet beautiful women. So he starts to put things into place that will lead her to him and relationship that he has always wanted. Hannah is quickly attracted to Leo but she has a 'stalker' type attitude which has in the past turned off boyfriends. Hannah tires not to be that way with Leo but he seems to like having her around.
Can these two work through their past issue and the future ones they both are making?
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more from Ms. Mayburn!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Hannah and Leo actually met first time at a hospital where she was young girl having to watch her sister die and Leo was a teenager watching his mom die. They comforted each other for a few minutes but both went on their separate ways. Now years later Leo happens to find Hannah again and find that she has grown into a sweet beautiful women. So he starts to put things into place that will lead her to him and relationship that he has always wanted. Hannah is quickly attracted to Leo but she has a 'stalker' type attitude which has in the past turned off boyfriends. Hannah tires not to be that way with Leo but he seems to like having her around.
Can these two work through their past issue and the future ones they both are making?
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for more from Ms. Mayburn!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
October 1, 2019
Spoilers ahead
Leo and Hannah first meet when she's 10 years old and in the hospital where her sister is dying, Leo's mom was shot in a drive by meant for him and she too is dying. When he sees Hannah's parents wrapped up in their grief and each other and ignoring Hannah he dpeaks to the child with the sad eyes
Fast forward years later, where Leo is the ice vold torture master of the Cordova cartel. The Cordova family has taken a massive blow as wife of Fernando sold his son to a rival cartel who killed the boy, with Fernando loding his mind the matriach of the family and Leo torture and murder the wife. But this has left the family emotionally traumatized. When Judith asks Leo to come up with a way to make sure that the family is never betrayed in such a way again he racks his brain for ideas. When he goes to a dinner and sees Hannah again he gets an idea of what to do. Hannah is sweet, kind and eager to please ad he plans to make her his.
Fast forward a year later where Hannah and her friends go to a club and she meets Leo who takes her home with him as phase one of his plan. He hynotizes and drugs Hannah making her open to his suggestions. He then drops her home
Fast forward again to weeks later where Leo "meets" Hannah again and their messed up ride to a hea begins
Ok so this was.......uh different? Leo drugs Hannah making her susceptible to his suggestions. The author mentions on many occasions that he cannot MAKE her love him the drugs just take away some of her barriers making it easier for her to accept the speed of the relationship but it doesn't take away her free will, given that Hannah herself was so needy I'm not sure the drug as even needed. I understood the family's reasoning messed up though they were but drugging someone into giving a relationship a try as well as being open to his brand of kink was just a bit too much. In a later scene were told he only implanted positive suggestions in Hannah's brain but that just seemed ridiculous after all that was said and done previously. Hannah also experiences a mating frenzy making her want sex badly and secret a pheromone that even his brothers can smell. That was all just a bit too much. Regardless of his intentions I'm not keen on my H drugging my H for any reason
Hannah needed therapy more than she needed to be sexed up and spanked. She's the neediest h I've ever read and is a stage 5 clinger who throughout her life has clung to men. She stalked her exes on social media learning their interests and favourites and then using it to get closer to them. she'd be quick to confess love and see a future with whatever man she had in her life. Her roommate had to frequently remind her of when she was getting too needy.......that to me screamed broken, not a woman looking for a man.
Hannah is brutally beaten by enemy's of Leo's and during her recovery finds out about Leo's actions, she has what to me seems a reasonable reaction but because the family are not good guys per se she's held in the family's home unable to leave. Judith,Mark and the family all feel she should forgive Leo for not telling her he was a torturer and that he'd drugged her. Hannah eventually realizes that he didn't brainwash her into believing she loved him so she forgives him.
I did like the way Leo was with her. He took devotion to a whole new level and treated her really well. The sexy times were surprisingly well done though if you're not a fan of Daddy kink it may not work for you. Leo was celibate in the year since he saw a grown Hannah so that was another plus as well as the sweet epilogue. Nevertheless the drugging and the family's reaction to Leo's betrayal as well as Hannah herself lowered my rating of this one. I'm curious enough to move on to the next though.
Daddy kink
Hannah is brutally beaten
H drugs Hannah
Heroin use by a secondary character
Death of a child
Torture
Leo and Hannah first meet when she's 10 years old and in the hospital where her sister is dying, Leo's mom was shot in a drive by meant for him and she too is dying. When he sees Hannah's parents wrapped up in their grief and each other and ignoring Hannah he dpeaks to the child with the sad eyes
Fast forward years later, where Leo is the ice vold torture master of the Cordova cartel. The Cordova family has taken a massive blow as wife of Fernando sold his son to a rival cartel who killed the boy, with Fernando loding his mind the matriach of the family and Leo torture and murder the wife. But this has left the family emotionally traumatized. When Judith asks Leo to come up with a way to make sure that the family is never betrayed in such a way again he racks his brain for ideas. When he goes to a dinner and sees Hannah again he gets an idea of what to do. Hannah is sweet, kind and eager to please ad he plans to make her his.
Fast forward a year later where Hannah and her friends go to a club and she meets Leo who takes her home with him as phase one of his plan. He hynotizes and drugs Hannah making her open to his suggestions. He then drops her home
Fast forward again to weeks later where Leo "meets" Hannah again and their messed up ride to a hea begins
Ok so this was.......uh different? Leo drugs Hannah making her susceptible to his suggestions. The author mentions on many occasions that he cannot MAKE her love him the drugs just take away some of her barriers making it easier for her to accept the speed of the relationship but it doesn't take away her free will, given that Hannah herself was so needy I'm not sure the drug as even needed. I understood the family's reasoning messed up though they were but drugging someone into giving a relationship a try as well as being open to his brand of kink was just a bit too much. In a later scene were told he only implanted positive suggestions in Hannah's brain but that just seemed ridiculous after all that was said and done previously. Hannah also experiences a mating frenzy making her want sex badly and secret a pheromone that even his brothers can smell. That was all just a bit too much. Regardless of his intentions I'm not keen on my H drugging my H for any reason
Hannah needed therapy more than she needed to be sexed up and spanked. She's the neediest h I've ever read and is a stage 5 clinger who throughout her life has clung to men. She stalked her exes on social media learning their interests and favourites and then using it to get closer to them. she'd be quick to confess love and see a future with whatever man she had in her life. Her roommate had to frequently remind her of when she was getting too needy.......that to me screamed broken, not a woman looking for a man.
Hannah is brutally beaten by enemy's of Leo's and during her recovery finds out about Leo's actions, she has what to me seems a reasonable reaction but because the family are not good guys per se she's held in the family's home unable to leave. Judith,Mark and the family all feel she should forgive Leo for not telling her he was a torturer and that he'd drugged her. Hannah eventually realizes that he didn't brainwash her into believing she loved him so she forgives him.
I did like the way Leo was with her. He took devotion to a whole new level and treated her really well. The sexy times were surprisingly well done though if you're not a fan of Daddy kink it may not work for you. Leo was celibate in the year since he saw a grown Hannah so that was another plus as well as the sweet epilogue. Nevertheless the drugging and the family's reaction to Leo's betrayal as well as Hannah herself lowered my rating of this one. I'm curious enough to move on to the next though.
Daddy kink
Hannah is brutally beaten
H drugs Hannah
Heroin use by a secondary character
Death of a child
Torture
September 23, 2016
5++++ Daddy stars. Oh my god, this book.
December 15, 2016
This book is definitely on the darker side of life, and the hero, Leo; would be considered an anti-hero! He is very "obsessive" when it comes to his heroine...and once he decides he wants her, there are no rules that will make it so he can't have her. He will have her, and keep her. He is the cartel's torture king, and let me tell you....no one wants to cross him!!
I have always had a love for darker stories, and I like finding the anti-heroes who we end up loving to hate them!! Leo is for sure one of them, and even though his love is unconventional....I still enjoyed him anyway!!
I'm surprised this book hasn't become more popular...I am hopeful that more people will read it and love it!! I have ulterior motives when I say that...I really want the author to write about the other cartel members!!! LOL I am not ready to give up this world yet!! The main warning that I will give readers is that the relationship is not your run of the mill, healthy relationships!! It is possessive, and obsessive...and their is BDSM involved. Also, this is a very smutty read!!! Oh, and the Leo likes to be called "Daddy" in the bedroom!!!! You have been warned! LOL
I have always had a love for darker stories, and I like finding the anti-heroes who we end up loving to hate them!! Leo is for sure one of them, and even though his love is unconventional....I still enjoyed him anyway!!
I'm surprised this book hasn't become more popular...I am hopeful that more people will read it and love it!! I have ulterior motives when I say that...I really want the author to write about the other cartel members!!! LOL I am not ready to give up this world yet!! The main warning that I will give readers is that the relationship is not your run of the mill, healthy relationships!! It is possessive, and obsessive...and their is BDSM involved. Also, this is a very smutty read!!! Oh, and the Leo likes to be called "Daddy" in the bedroom!!!! You have been warned! LOL
September 27, 2016
3.75 stars. Not sure exactly about this one. There were things I loved and other things I'm not sure how I feel about. The hero is crazy possessive(Look at the tittle) and I love the authors writing. There is no cheating in fact thinking about the H with anyone else is laughable once he see's the h. He literally makes a perfect world for the heroine for a whole year before he connects with her, and the beginning of the book is really sweet. All in all not a bad book.
September 20, 2016
BOOK REVIEW: Obsession
AUTHOR: Ann Mayburn
GENRE: Erotic Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: September 20, 2016
CLIFF HANGER: No
5 Stars
SYNOPSIS:
Warning: This story features a rough and demanding Dom who’s completely devoted to bringing his baby girl pleasure through such unconventional means as spanking, mild BDSM, D/S, roleplaying, and various other forms of wicked kinkery. Also note if you are not into taboo storylines such as daddy/princess play, then this book isn’t for you. The author portrays this type of kink so it does not have a pedophile/incest role playing vibe to it and she explains how the Daddy Dom dynamic works upfront.
Hannah
All my life, I’ve only wanted one thing: someone to love me and someone who will let me love them in return. This seems like a simple request, but I was born to parents who wished I had died of childhood leukemia, instead of my younger sister, and who have ignored me no matter how much I’ve tried to please them. I’m starved for affection, addicted to the feeling when someone cares about me, which has led to a love life filled with either boys I’ve scared off, or men all too eager to take advantage of me. I thought I would never find a man who could feed my craving for constant attention—and then I met Leo. He fills the void inside of me, haunts my dreams, and does things to me in bed that are so good, they’re probably illegal. I can only pray I don’t scare him off once he figures out just how needy I really am.
Leo
There are very few people in this world I’ve ever been able to form an emotional attachment to, but the moment I saw Hannah, I knew she was mine. We were bound together by fate, our paths crossing first as children, then as adults, each time marking me. She doesn’t know it but I’ve been watching her for a year now, studying her, stacking the deck so when I do make my move, there’s no way she’ll ever escape me. But my world is a harsh, cruel place, and the cartel I work for demands absolute loyalty and trust…a loyalty Hannah has yet to earn in the dangerous eyes of my employers. There is only one way to ensure Hannah’s absolute devotion, and I hope that she doesn’t hate me forever when she finds out that not only have I brainwashed her into loving me, but that I don’t feel an ounce of guilt about doing it. She’s mine, only mine, and I’m keeping her forever.
MY THOUGHTS:
I am not going to tell you what this book is about or describe scenes. I am going to tell you how I experienced this book.
What can I say I loved this book in all its depraved wickedness! It was so good it had me glued to the pages. I flew through this book and loved every minute of it. I laughed when I read through the authors warning in the beginning of the book describing what the books contents was, because all I could think of was oh baby this is going to be good! It certainly didn’t disappoint! It was funny, extremely sexy, brutal, obsessive, heart breaking, and a fabulous unconventional love story.
Does it have a controversial and taboo story line, you bet. Do I care. Nope! Not one bit! I loved the story from beginning to end. Are there parts that I cringed and thought, well maybe that wasn’t such a good idea? Sure! But do I care? Nope! I took this book as it is with its warts and all! Not all books are for all readers. We all have our own particular likes and dislikes. As I have stated in a lot of my reviews, we all read the same books differently. We see the characters differently. We like a writer’s particular style or not. Did I like this book? I loved it. It was filled with an obsessive type of love that only a person needing that type of love could thrive. You felt in your soul what the characters craved and what they were feeling. I cried! My heart broke a few times. There are a lot of feels to this book and you ride the roller coaster train and hang on and hope your heart survives.
The story had twists and turns that the heroine didn’t see coming and it broke my heart all over again. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I laughed out loud at her friend’s antics and I pray that there are going to be books about the secondary characters because they are all fascinating, and the way she weaved them into the story they just need their own stories. Leo and Hannah, amazing characters, well developed. Great story line. It hit it on all notes for me.
I highly recommend this book. Read the warning labels and if you can get past that and go in with an open mind and an open heart, you will love it as much as I did.
ARC provided for an honest review.
AUTHOR: Ann Mayburn
GENRE: Erotic Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: September 20, 2016
CLIFF HANGER: No
5 Stars
SYNOPSIS:
Warning: This story features a rough and demanding Dom who’s completely devoted to bringing his baby girl pleasure through such unconventional means as spanking, mild BDSM, D/S, roleplaying, and various other forms of wicked kinkery. Also note if you are not into taboo storylines such as daddy/princess play, then this book isn’t for you. The author portrays this type of kink so it does not have a pedophile/incest role playing vibe to it and she explains how the Daddy Dom dynamic works upfront.
Hannah
All my life, I’ve only wanted one thing: someone to love me and someone who will let me love them in return. This seems like a simple request, but I was born to parents who wished I had died of childhood leukemia, instead of my younger sister, and who have ignored me no matter how much I’ve tried to please them. I’m starved for affection, addicted to the feeling when someone cares about me, which has led to a love life filled with either boys I’ve scared off, or men all too eager to take advantage of me. I thought I would never find a man who could feed my craving for constant attention—and then I met Leo. He fills the void inside of me, haunts my dreams, and does things to me in bed that are so good, they’re probably illegal. I can only pray I don’t scare him off once he figures out just how needy I really am.
Leo
There are very few people in this world I’ve ever been able to form an emotional attachment to, but the moment I saw Hannah, I knew she was mine. We were bound together by fate, our paths crossing first as children, then as adults, each time marking me. She doesn’t know it but I’ve been watching her for a year now, studying her, stacking the deck so when I do make my move, there’s no way she’ll ever escape me. But my world is a harsh, cruel place, and the cartel I work for demands absolute loyalty and trust…a loyalty Hannah has yet to earn in the dangerous eyes of my employers. There is only one way to ensure Hannah’s absolute devotion, and I hope that she doesn’t hate me forever when she finds out that not only have I brainwashed her into loving me, but that I don’t feel an ounce of guilt about doing it. She’s mine, only mine, and I’m keeping her forever.
MY THOUGHTS:
I am not going to tell you what this book is about or describe scenes. I am going to tell you how I experienced this book.
What can I say I loved this book in all its depraved wickedness! It was so good it had me glued to the pages. I flew through this book and loved every minute of it. I laughed when I read through the authors warning in the beginning of the book describing what the books contents was, because all I could think of was oh baby this is going to be good! It certainly didn’t disappoint! It was funny, extremely sexy, brutal, obsessive, heart breaking, and a fabulous unconventional love story.
Does it have a controversial and taboo story line, you bet. Do I care. Nope! Not one bit! I loved the story from beginning to end. Are there parts that I cringed and thought, well maybe that wasn’t such a good idea? Sure! But do I care? Nope! I took this book as it is with its warts and all! Not all books are for all readers. We all have our own particular likes and dislikes. As I have stated in a lot of my reviews, we all read the same books differently. We see the characters differently. We like a writer’s particular style or not. Did I like this book? I loved it. It was filled with an obsessive type of love that only a person needing that type of love could thrive. You felt in your soul what the characters craved and what they were feeling. I cried! My heart broke a few times. There are a lot of feels to this book and you ride the roller coaster train and hang on and hope your heart survives.
The story had twists and turns that the heroine didn’t see coming and it broke my heart all over again. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion. I laughed out loud at her friend’s antics and I pray that there are going to be books about the secondary characters because they are all fascinating, and the way she weaved them into the story they just need their own stories. Leo and Hannah, amazing characters, well developed. Great story line. It hit it on all notes for me.
I highly recommend this book. Read the warning labels and if you can get past that and go in with an open mind and an open heart, you will love it as much as I did.
ARC provided for an honest review.
October 3, 2016
As messed up as some parts of this book were, I still couldn't help but really like it. Leo was a great H.
October 3, 2016
BDSMy dark romance with an obsessed Daddy Dom H who schemes to get the vulnerable young h into his clutches and in borderline unethical ways too! The college student h was hungry for love,she had parental issues and was rather needy - with her lame boyfriends, she was even stalkerish....The H was a good match for the h, able to give her the attention she craved and they were well matched in bed too. The H was also the torture master for a cartel (though he only ever targeted the bad guys) so that added some drama and background. All in all this couple were made for each other and the HEA/epilogue was wonderful; hope this series continues with Joy's story!! 4.25 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2016
Title: Obsession
Series: (Standalone)
Author: Ann Mayburn
Genre: Adult Contemporary Erotic Dark Romance
Rating: 5-Stars Favorite
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Blog: HERE
ObsessionBook can be read as a standalone.
I'm obsessed with Obsession and its Anti-Hero, Leo—who didn't have to brainwash me into loving him ... though his dark, entrancing words can whisper into my ear, making me submit to his will, any night.
I'm not a good man, in fact, I may be an evil one, but I'd bind this angel to my wicked life any way I could.
full review to come
Hero: 5-Stars
Heroine: 5-Stars
Romance: 5-Stars
Sex: 5-Stars
Plot: 5-Stars
Dialogue: 5-Stars
Writing: 5-Stars
PS: I was given a complementary copy of this book. But I do solemnly swear that I am up to...good. *wink* This is a fair, honest review and/or rating(s) of this book, pinky promise.
November 14, 2019
Ann Mayburn may start to be one of my 1-click buy authors.
Obsession, the first book on the Cordova Empire is not a book for those with a faint heart. The themes it touches go beyond a dark read.
Still I'm not quite sure I'm good with the whole reasoning thing of the 'programming' but that's some read.
Both Leo and Hannah are two deeply wounded heroes and years after the events that changed their lives are still standing and going strong.
Leo's obsession goes beyond a simple routine or stalking, but I suspect that Hannah wouldn't want to stay away eitherway.
Obsession, the first book on the Cordova Empire is not a book for those with a faint heart. The themes it touches go beyond a dark read.
Still I'm not quite sure I'm good with the whole reasoning thing of the 'programming' but that's some read.
Both Leo and Hannah are two deeply wounded heroes and years after the events that changed their lives are still standing and going strong.
Leo's obsession goes beyond a simple routine or stalking, but I suspect that Hannah wouldn't want to stay away eitherway.
October 28, 2016
3.75 Stars
While I loved this story I couldn't give it 5 stars for a few reasons. But before I get to those reasons I want to go into all the good stuff.
The story overall was good. I'm glad to say that this didn't follow the standard Ann Mayburn story line where the Hero is a complete manwhore and the heroine is constantly surrounded by his past conquest or subs (this book does have BDSM but we only see very little of it). However, it was crude and there were times I found myself cringing at not only what the Hero said but also what the heroine said (I'm one of those that prefers a more reserved and womanly heroine - limited cussing, not crude, stuff like that...). The story moved at an OK pace and I found myself invested in not only the MC's but also the side characters. I want an HEA for all of them and the best thing of all....we got an epilogue that showed us that all of them will get their HEA's (I was especially happy to get a glimpse at Fernando's).
Leo was a fantastic 5 star hero. He was possessive and obsessive over the heroine, Hannah. While he was not a "good" man he was completely and totally in love with Hannah. From their second meeting on (they met the first time when she was 11) everything he did was about her. Her comfort, her health, her happiness...his life revolved around Hannah.
"She was a treasure waiting for the right man, a man like me, to recognize her potential"
After meeting Hannah for the second time Leo took a year to stalk her to learn everything about her. He had her dream house built, he filled the closets with all of her dream clothes. He knew her favorite foods, drinks and just about everything you can imagine. He had everything set up to make Hannah his forever.
The slight hesitation for me - that initially made him a 4 star Hero - was taken away around the 95% mark and it made me love him even more.
Hannah was a 3 star heroine for me. I found her likable. She had a heartbreaking life through out her teens. However, she proved her strength because she didn't let that time in her life completely destroy her. She overcame the best she could and she recognized her own faults.
Now for the reason this is only a 3.75 star read for me...
1 - While I can understand Leo's reason's for doing what he did I found them hard to handle sometimes. It was extremely secretive and bordered on removing the heroine's free will for me.
2 - The fact that he wasn't planning on telling the heroine what really happened and how they ended up together until they had been together 20 years. Again, I can understand his reasoning but...it just felt really wrong.
"I intended to show you this in twenty years."
"Why that long"
"So you'd know without a doubt by that point that your feelings for me were real"
3 - The heroines inner thoughts became tedious. I got tired of hearing how much she wanted Leo. I got tired of hearing about how she wanted Leo. Also, like I said above, she had a rather crude mouth and thoughts at times.
4 - Hannah was a grade A clinger. She had past relationships that ended and her almost being on the receiving end of a restraining order.
4...and this is the biggest one - from Chapter 3 until Chapter 18 I felt that there was a lot of dubious consent.
So with those four points I couldn't in good conscious give this 5 stars. However, I would recommend this book with the warnings of it being somewhat crude and involving dubious consent.
NO OW/OM drama - we never saw or were introduced to any of Leo's subs or past partners
NO Cheating - Leo was celibate after meeting Hannah for the second time. I'm ok with him not being celibate after the first meeting as she was only 11 and it would have bordered on pedophilia if he had become obsessed with her at that point.
YES HEA - the epilogue was set 15 years out and involved the side characters.
While I loved this story I couldn't give it 5 stars for a few reasons. But before I get to those reasons I want to go into all the good stuff.
The story overall was good. I'm glad to say that this didn't follow the standard Ann Mayburn story line where the Hero is a complete manwhore and the heroine is constantly surrounded by his past conquest or subs (this book does have BDSM but we only see very little of it). However, it was crude and there were times I found myself cringing at not only what the Hero said but also what the heroine said (I'm one of those that prefers a more reserved and womanly heroine - limited cussing, not crude, stuff like that...). The story moved at an OK pace and I found myself invested in not only the MC's but also the side characters. I want an HEA for all of them and the best thing of all....we got an epilogue that showed us that all of them will get their HEA's (I was especially happy to get a glimpse at Fernando's).
Leo was a fantastic 5 star hero. He was possessive and obsessive over the heroine, Hannah. While he was not a "good" man he was completely and totally in love with Hannah. From their second meeting on (they met the first time when she was 11) everything he did was about her. Her comfort, her health, her happiness...his life revolved around Hannah.
"She was a treasure waiting for the right man, a man like me, to recognize her potential"
After meeting Hannah for the second time Leo took a year to stalk her to learn everything about her. He had her dream house built, he filled the closets with all of her dream clothes. He knew her favorite foods, drinks and just about everything you can imagine. He had everything set up to make Hannah his forever.
The slight hesitation for me - that initially made him a 4 star Hero - was taken away around the 95% mark and it made me love him even more.
Hannah was a 3 star heroine for me. I found her likable. She had a heartbreaking life through out her teens. However, she proved her strength because she didn't let that time in her life completely destroy her. She overcame the best she could and she recognized her own faults.
Now for the reason this is only a 3.75 star read for me...
1 - While I can understand Leo's reason's for doing what he did I found them hard to handle sometimes. It was extremely secretive and bordered on removing the heroine's free will for me.
2 - The fact that he wasn't planning on telling the heroine what really happened and how they ended up together until they had been together 20 years. Again, I can understand his reasoning but...it just felt really wrong.
"I intended to show you this in twenty years."
"Why that long"
"So you'd know without a doubt by that point that your feelings for me were real"
3 - The heroines inner thoughts became tedious. I got tired of hearing how much she wanted Leo. I got tired of hearing about how she wanted Leo. Also, like I said above, she had a rather crude mouth and thoughts at times.
4 - Hannah was a grade A clinger. She had past relationships that ended and her almost being on the receiving end of a restraining order.
4...and this is the biggest one - from Chapter 3 until Chapter 18 I felt that there was a lot of dubious consent.
So with those four points I couldn't in good conscious give this 5 stars. However, I would recommend this book with the warnings of it being somewhat crude and involving dubious consent.
NO OW/OM drama - we never saw or were introduced to any of Leo's subs or past partners
NO Cheating - Leo was celibate after meeting Hannah for the second time. I'm ok with him not being celibate after the first meeting as she was only 11 and it would have bordered on pedophilia if he had become obsessed with her at that point.
YES HEA - the epilogue was set 15 years out and involved the side characters.
July 9, 2019
Great book! Looking forward to all the brothers getting a story.
March 21, 2017
I'm conflicted with this one. I loved the possessiveness the Leo felt and how good he treated Hannah, but it had a few elements I'm not a fan of like Daddy kink and BDSM. Admittedly they were mild in this story. His thoughts implied more than what we actually read happening so I could still enjoy the story. The drugging and video surveillance really pushed the boundaries, yet not enough to turn me off of Leo. So, yeah. I liked it, but was disturbed about a few things. I really want Ramone and Joys story but he sounds like he's hardcore BDSM so I'm not sure if I will be able to enjoy it.
April 5, 2017
4.5 stars
Wow. This story hit all of the right buttons for me. Dark and broody alpha male that is dedicated to one woman? Check. Dangerous Dom with an uber kinky twist? Check. Adopts a dog for her?? I’m all in.
The simplest way I can put it is that Obsession was pure Ann Mayburn. It was darkly erotic and just this side of taboo. It pulls you into an underworld of society where power and strength are valued, loyalty is prized, and nothing is off limits.
The only thing I found to vary from what I’ve seen in other books by this author are the characters themselves. They were both so fundamentally flawed and needy, but it worked for them. Leo was deadly and powerful. He was frankly a borderline sociopath, but his love and obsession for Hannah redeemed him. He wanted to care for her and protect her in a way that was sweet for a man so steeped in brutality. In real life, if you had a man that stalked a woman’s Pinterest page for a year to plan a house, a wardrobe, an entire life, around what she liked, you’d run screaming in the other direction with a restraining order. But in this fantasy world, it truly worked.
It also worked because Hannah herself was receptive to it. As she described herself, she was a “stage 5 clinger”, but having a man that demanded to be clung to reduced the creepiness factor. The attention wasn’t unwarranted and the attraction was off the charts.
The one aspect of their relationship that may be a deal breaker for some was also dealt with extremely well. This book portrays a “Daddy/little” relationship, and Ms. Mayburn began the story with an explanation of this dynamic that was further supported by the interaction between Leo and Hannah themselves. There was nothing incestuous or childish about their relationship. There was no point where Hannah was put into a child-like role or in any way infantilized. Rather, the interaction between the two was shown as a strong and dominant man wanting to love and protect and cherish the princess in his life. He wanted to care for her and guide her and be the person she depended upon to see to her needs. It was sweet and kinky and everything that I’ve come to expect in this author.
Several other of the men in the cartel are featured prominently in this book and my hope is that there will be stories for them as well. The stage has been set for another fantastic series by an author whose writing I adore, and I can’t wait.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Wow. This story hit all of the right buttons for me. Dark and broody alpha male that is dedicated to one woman? Check. Dangerous Dom with an uber kinky twist? Check. Adopts a dog for her?? I’m all in.
The simplest way I can put it is that Obsession was pure Ann Mayburn. It was darkly erotic and just this side of taboo. It pulls you into an underworld of society where power and strength are valued, loyalty is prized, and nothing is off limits.
The only thing I found to vary from what I’ve seen in other books by this author are the characters themselves. They were both so fundamentally flawed and needy, but it worked for them. Leo was deadly and powerful. He was frankly a borderline sociopath, but his love and obsession for Hannah redeemed him. He wanted to care for her and protect her in a way that was sweet for a man so steeped in brutality. In real life, if you had a man that stalked a woman’s Pinterest page for a year to plan a house, a wardrobe, an entire life, around what she liked, you’d run screaming in the other direction with a restraining order. But in this fantasy world, it truly worked.
It also worked because Hannah herself was receptive to it. As she described herself, she was a “stage 5 clinger”, but having a man that demanded to be clung to reduced the creepiness factor. The attention wasn’t unwarranted and the attraction was off the charts.
The one aspect of their relationship that may be a deal breaker for some was also dealt with extremely well. This book portrays a “Daddy/little” relationship, and Ms. Mayburn began the story with an explanation of this dynamic that was further supported by the interaction between Leo and Hannah themselves. There was nothing incestuous or childish about their relationship. There was no point where Hannah was put into a child-like role or in any way infantilized. Rather, the interaction between the two was shown as a strong and dominant man wanting to love and protect and cherish the princess in his life. He wanted to care for her and guide her and be the person she depended upon to see to her needs. It was sweet and kinky and everything that I’ve come to expect in this author.
Several other of the men in the cartel are featured prominently in this book and my hope is that there will be stories for them as well. The stage has been set for another fantastic series by an author whose writing I adore, and I can’t wait.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
May 7, 2017
I didn't care for the d/s parts. I liked the daddy kink. More H pov was needed. Something was missing & I'm not sure what. The chapter leading to the epilogue wasn't fleshed out enough.
I loved the epilogue.
I would of liked this so much more if the H didn't sexually manipulate the h using a hypnosis (w/o her consent). I wanted more of a conversation about this between them. All we got was the h saying she wasn't sure how she felt about it.
"I couldn’t take the risk that Hannah wouldn’t be turned on by my preferred sexual lifestyle, so tonight I would mold her mind, awaken desires in her she was unaware she had, give her subconscious permission to be as open and wild with sex as she wanted, without guilt."
"I told her that my pleasure was her pleasure, that when I was aroused, she would be aroused, and she would orgasm on command for me. I conditioned her mind for my needs and desires, shaping her own naturally submissive soul for my particular brand of kink. I couldn’t drastically change who she was at her core, or make her suddenly love lemons when she truly hated them, or even love a monster like me, but I could mold some of her responses with a butterfly touch to her psyche. I could plant the seeds"
I also thought their relationship was based on sex. I needed more of an emotional connection between them. The H did have some loving thoughts about the h but for me the sex over shadowed this. I loved how the H was so intense about the h.
The H enjoyed when the h was sexually aroused by the pain he caused her. I would of been ok with this if the h enjoyed it w/o the manipulation (hypnosis ). The H wanted the h to enjoy the pain. It was about him pleasuring her.
From the epilogue you know the H/h have a wonderful life together. & that they love each other.
I loved the epilogue.
I would of liked this so much more if the H didn't sexually manipulate the h using a hypnosis (w/o her consent). I wanted more of a conversation about this between them. All we got was the h saying she wasn't sure how she felt about it.
"I couldn’t take the risk that Hannah wouldn’t be turned on by my preferred sexual lifestyle, so tonight I would mold her mind, awaken desires in her she was unaware she had, give her subconscious permission to be as open and wild with sex as she wanted, without guilt."
"I told her that my pleasure was her pleasure, that when I was aroused, she would be aroused, and she would orgasm on command for me. I conditioned her mind for my needs and desires, shaping her own naturally submissive soul for my particular brand of kink. I couldn’t drastically change who she was at her core, or make her suddenly love lemons when she truly hated them, or even love a monster like me, but I could mold some of her responses with a butterfly touch to her psyche. I could plant the seeds"
I also thought their relationship was based on sex. I needed more of an emotional connection between them. The H did have some loving thoughts about the h but for me the sex over shadowed this. I loved how the H was so intense about the h.
The H enjoyed when the h was sexually aroused by the pain he caused her. I would of been ok with this if the h enjoyed it w/o the manipulation (hypnosis ). The H wanted the h to enjoy the pain. It was about him pleasuring her.
From the epilogue you know the H/h have a wonderful life together. & that they love each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2017
I can't even really write a review. It was all kinds of dirty...but in a kinky good way. The hero was insanely obsessed and our heroine was a clinger which made for a good pace . The story was solid which surprised me. I was honestly expecting smut and I was a actually really sucked into each character!
May 16, 2019
She was so beautiful and ethereal, like a fairy princess, while I hovered over her like an overprotective beast.
~ Leo
Surprised myself with how much I like this book. It’s definitely outside my normal type of reads but Leo and Hannah were a great couple and their interesting dynamic was intriguing and down right a #guiltypleasure.
I was on the fence about reading Obsession because my first book by the author was a total bust. So glad I shelfed this one and decided to take the plunge. To all my GR friends that raved about this book, thank you! I needed that extra push to give this author another go and I’m so happy I did. This was a story of a man completely devoted to his one and only and the lengths he goes through to care and love her unconditionally.
“You have no idea how good it feels to know you’re happy, to know I’ve made you this way. Your smile is more precious to me than anything.”
~ Leo
This story is definitely unconventional but raw and full of sweetness and romance that turned me into a pile of sappy goo every time it happened. I wasn’t expecting it and that just made me enjoy it all the more. I gotta say that Mayburn knows how to write characters that are complex and down right crazy sometimes but still really lovable.
“This heart, fucked-up though it is, belongs to you.”
~ Leo
Leo and Hannah really were made for each other. They complimented each other so well and their bumpy love story was never slow or skim-worthy. I was glued to my kindle from start to finish and fell in love with both of them.
Their kink is not OTT and some of their BDSM was not for me but the consensual depiction of it was done just right that it didn’t completely scare me away. Like the author says, somethings might (and might not) float your boat, but this is an equal opportunity romance world so there’s something for every taste bud.
Leo is hands down my favorite, he was strong, protective, crazy dedicated to caring and loving Hannah and was all around the perfect kind of OTT alpha Daddy that Hannah needed. With all her quirks and big heart, it was hard not to love Hannah too. Her transformation from insecure and clingy to sassy and confident was adorable and I loved that these two balanced out their crazy and it was imperfectly perfect for them. Definitely the ying to the other’s yang.
I didn’t want to hurt Leo, I wanted to heal him. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I believe love can heal just about everything, and I wanted Leo to know he had that from me.
~ Hannah
Favorite Lines:
Because Leo is a romantic poet at heart . . . *sigh*
“You . . . you breathe warmth into my world like sunlight on my soul. That makes you irreplaceable.”
~ Leo
I just love this line and also, Hannah is a bad ass :)
I liked what I liked and I didn’t need their condemnation, or blessing, for how I lived my life.
~ Hannah
Would I recommend? This is my second book by this author and although the first one (Alexandr’s Cherished Submissive) was a huge fat no-go for me, this one was leagues different and I loved Leo and Hannah. I’ve already downloaded Sweet Obsession *fingers crossed* it’s as good as the first in this series. This author has all kinds of kink under her belt so read her tags to avoid unpleasant surprises.
SAFETY INFO:
September 23, 2016
Seriously..WOW
This was one of the most messed up- beautifully written- crazy books ive ever read..
And I loved everything about it..
From a crazy psychotic hero, to a needy heroine; mild DD/LG play; his insane need to please her (Can someone make my pinterest boards come true too?!)- this dark love story gripped me from start to end.
I really enjoyed Leo and Hannah, and went woah and OMG at many moments. It was insane..and amazing!
Cant wait to read about both the best friends.
Safe with exceptions
4.75/5
This was one of the most messed up- beautifully written- crazy books ive ever read..
And I loved everything about it..
From a crazy psychotic hero, to a needy heroine; mild DD/LG play; his insane need to please her (Can someone make my pinterest boards come true too?!)- this dark love story gripped me from start to end.
I really enjoyed Leo and Hannah, and went woah and OMG at many moments. It was insane..and amazing!
Cant wait to read about both the best friends.
Safe with exceptions
4.75/5
September 24, 2016
This was amazing!! I really enjoyed all the characters. Definitely going to be reading more by this author!
January 12, 2017
This was an excellent read. Different plot but boy did Mayburn make it believable! Loved Hannah and Leo!
Strongly recommended
5+ addictive stars *****
pss...I hope Joy and Ramon are next!
Strongly recommended
5+ addictive stars *****
pss...I hope Joy and Ramon are next!
September 20, 2016
***Warning This is going to be one of those reviews that I'm so flabbergasted that I have no idea what to say. I won't be able to follow my usual "recipe" because all I can do right now is feel.***
*** Warning This is not a sweet love story, if you don't enjoy darker romance, with BDSM and screwed up people, some dub-con situations, this book is not for you.***
I'm totally in love with Ms. Mayburn. I mean this book has everything I love the most on my reads and I have no idea how I have never read any of her books before. Now, I'm going to stalk her forever.
The book's mood starts like this:
...but of those occasional bouts of negative feelings I have to endure, sorrow is by far the worst. Once it sinks its poisoned claws into you, it debilitates your body, steals your will to function, drains your life, and leaves you hollowed out and blistered raw inside.
Yeah, this is a very gritty ride! The hero is not heroic at all. In fact, the is the anti-hero. He is really screwed up, violent, dark, dangerous, perverse and kinky. Really he is amazing. He is hot, sexy, totally crazy and my favorite type of book alpha male. TWISTED!!!
The money was good, but the release of tension I felt after killing someone was even better.
This is a love story. A crazy, twisted one, but a LOVE STORY. Leo not only love Hannah, he is obsessed with her. Their path has crossed since their were very young and somehow, his twisted mind has turns this into fate.
He does despicable things for this crazy love, but following his life's story they all make sense. He is flaw and instead of fighting it, he embraces and creates the perfect man inside his perverse world. What I meant by that is, Leo becomes the best version of a man who his world could have. He is loyal, he is caring, he is giving, he is loving, with those that are part of his family, friends and responsibilities.
Hannah is the perfect pair for Leo. She is sweet, naïve, loving and needy. She needs a firmer hand, someone to guide her to her full potential. She is starving for attention and Leo's over the top need to be in charge of everything is the right balance for Hannah. Hannah is clay, ready to be molded, just needing the sculptor that will take her on. She is a true submissive and perfect to Leo's true Dominant side.
Obsession has left me obsessed. I had a hard time putting down this book. I felt so much! Sometimes I was almost to tears, others I was in shock! I had a love and hate relationship with Leo that I wanted to slap some sense into him at the same time I wanted to hug him and tell him that he didn't need all that to be loved.
This is not the type of romance that you end the book wanting for yourself. This is a punch to your face, a wake up call, a message that love is out there in all sort of forms to all sort of people. Love is not a mold that only has one shape; love is not tangible; is not explainable. Love is FELT!!!!
You MAY buy this book because you like erotic romance; you SHOULD buy this book because you like Ms. Mayburn's work; you MUST read this book if you like an abrasive story that scratches and abrades your emotions!!!
This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
October 18, 2016
This book was fabulous.
November 9, 2016
What does a cartel family do when one of their sons is betrayed by his wife in a devastating and heartbreaking way? Come up with a diabolical plan to make sure that the next woman brought in will not be capable of being disloyal.
Leo chose the woman who seemed to randomly pop up on the worst days of his life. After watching her for a year he decided she is a sweet, kind, loyal girl with some self-esteem issues, and she is HIS. Then he goes about making sure she stays that way.
Once he snags her he figures out she is exactly as he thought with a few added things. Extremely naive with absolutely no self-preservation instincts whatsoever and she’s a doormat. She’s also could be a poster child for showcasing those who aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed. I was horrified with myself when I wasn’t really all that upset with all the Leo did, because if anyone needed a “Daddy” in their life, this was the girl.
I can’t believe I’m saying this but there was almost too much sex–so much I skimmed over parts. There was a reason why they were constantly boinking like bunnies and there were other things happening but not quite enough to offset all the sextivities. There were some BDSM elements but it wasn’t as kinky as it could have been with all the Daddy stuff.
Some would call this a dark book, and it definitely had some murky elements, but not near what I was expecting. There was violence and the hero was a sociopath but it didn’t really bother me. The family, especially the parents were some serious pieces of work, but there was a reason for what they did. There were some little twists at the end that surprised me which is always a good thing.
I can’t say this was my favorite Ann Mayburn book, certainly not up to her Iron Horse MC standards, but it was a decent book. I think my main issue was it didn’t grip me like I expected it to, which surprised me.
3.5 Sociopaths Can Be Sweet Stars
For this review and more, check out EDGy Reviews
Leo chose the woman who seemed to randomly pop up on the worst days of his life. After watching her for a year he decided she is a sweet, kind, loyal girl with some self-esteem issues, and she is HIS. Then he goes about making sure she stays that way.
Once he snags her he figures out she is exactly as he thought with a few added things. Extremely naive with absolutely no self-preservation instincts whatsoever and she’s a doormat. She’s also could be a poster child for showcasing those who aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed. I was horrified with myself when I wasn’t really all that upset with all the Leo did, because if anyone needed a “Daddy” in their life, this was the girl.
I can’t believe I’m saying this but there was almost too much sex–so much I skimmed over parts. There was a reason why they were constantly boinking like bunnies and there were other things happening but not quite enough to offset all the sextivities. There were some BDSM elements but it wasn’t as kinky as it could have been with all the Daddy stuff.
Some would call this a dark book, and it definitely had some murky elements, but not near what I was expecting. There was violence and the hero was a sociopath but it didn’t really bother me. The family, especially the parents were some serious pieces of work, but there was a reason for what they did. There were some little twists at the end that surprised me which is always a good thing.
I can’t say this was my favorite Ann Mayburn book, certainly not up to her Iron Horse MC standards, but it was a decent book. I think my main issue was it didn’t grip me like I expected it to, which surprised me.
3.5 Sociopaths Can Be Sweet Stars
For this review and more, check out EDGy Reviews
October 3, 2016
By all that is holy...THIS BOOK.
I have been such a huge fan of Ann Mayburn for so long--but this story officially turns me into her stalker. How these two utterly broken people came together, needing things they didn't even know they needed, then had to fight their way back to that love after shattered trust and really SCARY danger...it was a ride of EPIC proportion, and I LOVED every last damn word of it. Seriously, I'm sitting here in massive book withdrawal.
I'm not certain I can put into words how this hero, Leo Brass, made me shiver, shudder, tremble, cry, and most of all, gasp with complete, passionate devotion to his very special brand of loving on his woman, Hannah. The things he goes through to win her love are jaw-dropping and kind of intense--but you see it's because he doesn't think he's good enough to have her all on his own. Dear Lord, the intensity of his devotion to her...it made me want to deck him at times, hold him at others...and let's face it, drag him off to a cave and have my way with him, too!
Ann Mayburn doesn't write pretty princess love. She tells it like it is, but her books shine as real, gorgeous, incredible testaments to what love can be when you take off the blinders and love a person for all they are--and best of all, all they can become. This is a beautiful, breathtaking, incredible work of romance. Now I just need to go get through my Leo DTs. I'll be okay...in about a month...maybe.
I have been such a huge fan of Ann Mayburn for so long--but this story officially turns me into her stalker. How these two utterly broken people came together, needing things they didn't even know they needed, then had to fight their way back to that love after shattered trust and really SCARY danger...it was a ride of EPIC proportion, and I LOVED every last damn word of it. Seriously, I'm sitting here in massive book withdrawal.
I'm not certain I can put into words how this hero, Leo Brass, made me shiver, shudder, tremble, cry, and most of all, gasp with complete, passionate devotion to his very special brand of loving on his woman, Hannah. The things he goes through to win her love are jaw-dropping and kind of intense--but you see it's because he doesn't think he's good enough to have her all on his own. Dear Lord, the intensity of his devotion to her...it made me want to deck him at times, hold him at others...and let's face it, drag him off to a cave and have my way with him, too!
Ann Mayburn doesn't write pretty princess love. She tells it like it is, but her books shine as real, gorgeous, incredible testaments to what love can be when you take off the blinders and love a person for all they are--and best of all, all they can become. This is a beautiful, breathtaking, incredible work of romance. Now I just need to go get through my Leo DTs. I'll be okay...in about a month...maybe.
August 31, 2017
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Interesting and entertaining! Story of Leo (Criminal, stalker) and Hannah. By chance, Leo and Hannah meet when Hannah is a small child. Both of them are suffering from a loss of a family member. Leo's path crosses with Hannah again, and he knows she is the one and goes about stacking the deck in his favor. Leo goes to the extreme, including stalking, to get and keep Hannah.
I like both characters initially. Yes, Leo was extreme, but he loved Hannah fiercely and would do anything to keep her with him. I started out liking Hannah, but towards the end of the book, she grated on my nerves. This story was different, which I like to be surprised. Overall, it was a good book and captured and held my attention!
Why Not 5 Stars?
Floated a little out of Reality - I thought the D128, being in heat like an animal, was somewhat over the top for me. Including the Cordova Cartel. I think the story did not need it for greatness. It actually took away from the realness.
Hannah - While I really liked Hannah's character at the beginning, as the book progressed, I found her character to be spoiled and childish.
Epilogue - While I loved the epilogue went 15 years into the future, including a brief glimpse of some of the secondary characters. However, it did not make much sense. I think it was the setting, and then it just ended. It felt rushed and incomplete.
Interesting and entertaining! Story of Leo (Criminal, stalker) and Hannah. By chance, Leo and Hannah meet when Hannah is a small child. Both of them are suffering from a loss of a family member. Leo's path crosses with Hannah again, and he knows she is the one and goes about stacking the deck in his favor. Leo goes to the extreme, including stalking, to get and keep Hannah.
I like both characters initially. Yes, Leo was extreme, but he loved Hannah fiercely and would do anything to keep her with him. I started out liking Hannah, but towards the end of the book, she grated on my nerves. This story was different, which I like to be surprised. Overall, it was a good book and captured and held my attention!
Why Not 5 Stars?
Floated a little out of Reality - I thought the D128, being in heat like an animal, was somewhat over the top for me. Including the Cordova Cartel. I think the story did not need it for greatness. It actually took away from the realness.
Hannah - While I really liked Hannah's character at the beginning, as the book progressed, I found her character to be spoiled and childish.
Epilogue - While I loved the epilogue went 15 years into the future, including a brief glimpse of some of the secondary characters. However, it did not make much sense. I think it was the setting, and then it just ended. It felt rushed and incomplete.
October 27, 2016
2.5 STARS!
This book took me ages to read. I think mostly because it was boring. Writers have a job to do, and I'm not criticizing this ones job, but ththe s one just wasn't for me.
It should be for me..it has mafia ties, dominating male, a daddy kink, lots of sex but then she threw in the whole . Also, I love sex in my books, HOT KINKY sex, dirty talk, the works. Again, I found the sex to be a bit boring. How that is possible, I'm still trying to figure out.
I don't know if there are other books in this series, or if I'll read them.
It got kinda good by the end, but by that time, I was over it..
This book took me ages to read. I think mostly because it was boring. Writers have a job to do, and I'm not criticizing this ones job, but ththe s one just wasn't for me.
It should be for me..it has mafia ties, dominating male, a daddy kink, lots of sex but then she threw in the whole . Also, I love sex in my books, HOT KINKY sex, dirty talk, the works. Again, I found the sex to be a bit boring. How that is possible, I'm still trying to figure out.
I don't know if there are other books in this series, or if I'll read them.
It got kinda good by the end, but by that time, I was over it..
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