What do you think?
Rate this book
Obsession
Nick has a hard life. Not only is he working at an East Harlem bar to make ends meet and pay for his sister’s medical expenses, he’s also on the run from a shady past that’s surely catching up to him.
Most people think Claude has it easy due to the money and luxury surrounding him. But they would be wrong. Firmly trapped beneath his stern father’s thumb, Claude’s pre-determined life took a nosedive when his lover, Christian, left him a year ago.
When the two meet, sparks do not instantly fly between them. Claude thinks Nick is his ex-lover returned to him. Nick thinks Claude is crazy.
However, circumstances bring these two men together. And despite Claude’s jealousy and possessive nature, Nick is falling for him. Sick of being mistaken for Claude’s ex, Nick is willing to find out what happened to him—the real Christian. He’ll have to if he wants a stable relationship with Claude. How Claude takes the truth, however, is the only thing that scares him.
Most people think Claude has it easy due to the money and luxury surrounding him. But they would be wrong. Firmly trapped beneath his stern father’s thumb, Claude’s pre-determined life took a nosedive when his lover, Christian, left him a year ago.
When the two meet, sparks do not instantly fly between them. Claude thinks Nick is his ex-lover returned to him. Nick thinks Claude is crazy.
However, circumstances bring these two men together. And despite Claude’s jealousy and possessive nature, Nick is falling for him. Sick of being mistaken for Claude’s ex, Nick is willing to find out what happened to him—the real Christian. He’ll have to if he wants a stable relationship with Claude. How Claude takes the truth, however, is the only thing that scares him.
ebook
Published December 4, 2017
36 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 20, 2018
3.5 Stars!
What an incredibly intriguing twisted book. I was never sure where exactly this story was going or if I was really even liking it. I am still confused on how I feel about both of the MC's. So...
See I feel like if I say too much I will give a lot of the twists this story has away. I think I am gonna have to keep it short.
Nick has a rough past that he is trying to get away from. He works at a bar serving drinks to keep himself on the straight and to help pay for his sister's treatments. His sister Amy is 16 and has leukemia. They have a really tight bond and Nick will do anything for her. He has only one friend named Eric who works at the bar with him. He is still having a crappy go at life and doesn't see things getting much better. That is until an attractive man in an expensive suit grabs onto his arm and calls him, Christian.
Claude may have money and all the finer things life can offer him, but his upbringing was no cake walk. His father has been molding him since a young age to take over his boating company and his father has never made it easy on him. He loves his company more than his son and shows it with every sneer and complaint he aims at Claude. For the past year Claude has been mourning the loss of his lover Christian who left him for another man. He can't believe his eyes and luck when he finds Christian working in a bar while he's there meeting someone for business. But it's Nick who he believes is his past lover and no matter how many times Nick tells him his name Claude just shakes it off. He refuses to see Nick when all he can see is Christian.
Even though Claude believes Nick is his past lover Nick continues to sleep and have a relationship with this man. And the relationship is obviously unhealthy and gets even more twisted and unhealthier as the book goes. Obsession is the perfect title for this book because both men show signs of it for one another. There is even some Stockholm Syndrome going on as well. I won't go into anymore of that because that right there might have given too much away.
This was a gritty and at moments a hard read. I just couldn't put it down no matter how messed up it got. It was nothing really shocking for my jaded butt, but I am sure some will be uncomfortable with some of the things that take place in this book.
Did I say I was going to keep it short? LOL
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I RECIEVED AN ARC FROM NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.**
What an incredibly intriguing twisted book. I was never sure where exactly this story was going or if I was really even liking it. I am still confused on how I feel about both of the MC's. So...
See I feel like if I say too much I will give a lot of the twists this story has away. I think I am gonna have to keep it short.
Nick has a rough past that he is trying to get away from. He works at a bar serving drinks to keep himself on the straight and to help pay for his sister's treatments. His sister Amy is 16 and has leukemia. They have a really tight bond and Nick will do anything for her. He has only one friend named Eric who works at the bar with him. He is still having a crappy go at life and doesn't see things getting much better. That is until an attractive man in an expensive suit grabs onto his arm and calls him, Christian.
Claude may have money and all the finer things life can offer him, but his upbringing was no cake walk. His father has been molding him since a young age to take over his boating company and his father has never made it easy on him. He loves his company more than his son and shows it with every sneer and complaint he aims at Claude. For the past year Claude has been mourning the loss of his lover Christian who left him for another man. He can't believe his eyes and luck when he finds Christian working in a bar while he's there meeting someone for business. But it's Nick who he believes is his past lover and no matter how many times Nick tells him his name Claude just shakes it off. He refuses to see Nick when all he can see is Christian.
Even though Claude believes Nick is his past lover Nick continues to sleep and have a relationship with this man. And the relationship is obviously unhealthy and gets even more twisted and unhealthier as the book goes. Obsession is the perfect title for this book because both men show signs of it for one another. There is even some Stockholm Syndrome going on as well. I won't go into anymore of that because that right there might have given too much away.
This was a gritty and at moments a hard read. I just couldn't put it down no matter how messed up it got. It was nothing really shocking for my jaded butt, but I am sure some will be uncomfortable with some of the things that take place in this book.
Did I say I was going to keep it short? LOL
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I RECIEVED AN ARC FROM NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.**
January 4, 2018
A dark, gritty, raw read, with suspense that will make you scream.
I saw Claude had a Belgium surname when I read 'Mijn lief' in my own Dutch language and I jumped up. Yesss awesome!!
Nick has it hard and only one friend, Eric.A shit place to live, working at a bar in East Harlem, doing everything possible to pay the medical treatment for his sister. A shit past, a shit present....probably a shit future.
Then a beautiful, expensive looking man calls him Christian.
Claude has everything Nick does not have. Their paths crossed more than once...and not because of Nick. Nick thinks Claude is somewhat crazy... Claude thinks Nick is Christian, his ex-lover he hasn't seen in more than a year. Claude is head over heels again.
Nick tries to explain who he is but somehow it doesn't reach Claude. Claude has enough money to resolve all Nick’s problems.....very tempting.
Through this journey Nick developed feelings for Claude... and Claude- very possessive and jealous person- is scared to death Christian will disappear again. Nick has to find the truth about Christian.
The story is revealed little by little about how the relations between the men really are.
At the moment it's unequal and pasts collide.
The story gets darker and darker. We meet the lower side of humans.
A pool of dirt opens before our eyes, a pool you can't imagine.
It is an intriguing, gritty read. Sometimes hot and steamy and not always on the sweet side. A lot of haziness and violence from unexpected sides. At times I wanted to scream at Nick.
The story will give you feelings of despair, desolate, but also hope and prospect for better times
The storyline is original. Written in a captivating, not predictable way. Personalities with surprising sides. Suspense in good proportions. Enough developed to get a good impression and overlook.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
I saw Claude had a Belgium surname when I read 'Mijn lief' in my own Dutch language and I jumped up. Yesss awesome!!
Nick has it hard and only one friend, Eric.A shit place to live, working at a bar in East Harlem, doing everything possible to pay the medical treatment for his sister. A shit past, a shit present....probably a shit future.
Then a beautiful, expensive looking man calls him Christian.
Claude has everything Nick does not have. Their paths crossed more than once...and not because of Nick. Nick thinks Claude is somewhat crazy... Claude thinks Nick is Christian, his ex-lover he hasn't seen in more than a year. Claude is head over heels again.
Nick tries to explain who he is but somehow it doesn't reach Claude. Claude has enough money to resolve all Nick’s problems.....very tempting.
Through this journey Nick developed feelings for Claude... and Claude- very possessive and jealous person- is scared to death Christian will disappear again. Nick has to find the truth about Christian.
The story is revealed little by little about how the relations between the men really are.
At the moment it's unequal and pasts collide.
The story gets darker and darker. We meet the lower side of humans.
A pool of dirt opens before our eyes, a pool you can't imagine.
It is an intriguing, gritty read. Sometimes hot and steamy and not always on the sweet side. A lot of haziness and violence from unexpected sides. At times I wanted to scream at Nick.
The story will give you feelings of despair, desolate, but also hope and prospect for better times
The storyline is original. Written in a captivating, not predictable way. Personalities with surprising sides. Suspense in good proportions. Enough developed to get a good impression and overlook.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
December 7, 2017
This book was provided for free by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
It was really, really hard for me to write a review for this book! If I reviewed it just as a story, I'd give it closer to four stars--the tension had me white-knuckled and on the edge of my seat. You really don't know which character is of sound mind, which character is lying, which character is hiding something. You know it can't end well, but you don't know how.
If you're looking for a romance, I'd say skip this, even though there are genuinely romantic parts. That's what makes the story so confusing. We start with Nick, who is working a dead-end server job to support his sick sister. We know he has a dark past, but for most of the book, we don't know exactly what he's been running from. When he meets Claude, a ridiculously wealthy suitor who calls him "Christian" (which, red flag much?), he sinks slowly into a relationship riddled with both luxury and abuse. No punches are pulled here--, but poor Nick is in so deep that he doesn't know how to leave. As the extravagant vacations and shopping trips increase, so does our dread for this poor dude.
I devoured this book quickly because I thought it was a queer version of a classic "scorned lover" thriller. I was drawn to Nick's friend Eric, who seemed to just want to support Nick, and I thought we'd get a happy, victorious ending with Claude getting what was coming to him. Now, I'm not about to tell an author how to write a story, how to write their story. But as both a romance and thriller lover, I was sorely disappointed by the climax and ending of the book.
My biggest issue was turning chill, pot-smoking Eric ? It was so ridiculous that I immediately lost steam after this happened. All bets were off, and a dark thriller was turning into a farce. It took what could've been a fresh take on a classic genre and made it silly--and slightly racist.
For me, the only satisfying ending would've been . Whatever happened between point A and B would be fine, but that was the only ending I could get behind. The fact that .
I get what Theophilia St. Claire is going for, and I like it. She's doing something dark and taboo with a genre over-saturated in sweetness. She's also a very capable thriller writer who knows how to ratchet up the tension. I just didn't find this to be a satisfying read as a whole.
It was really, really hard for me to write a review for this book! If I reviewed it just as a story, I'd give it closer to four stars--the tension had me white-knuckled and on the edge of my seat. You really don't know which character is of sound mind, which character is lying, which character is hiding something. You know it can't end well, but you don't know how.
If you're looking for a romance, I'd say skip this, even though there are genuinely romantic parts. That's what makes the story so confusing. We start with Nick, who is working a dead-end server job to support his sick sister. We know he has a dark past, but for most of the book, we don't know exactly what he's been running from. When he meets Claude, a ridiculously wealthy suitor who calls him "Christian" (which, red flag much?), he sinks slowly into a relationship riddled with both luxury and abuse. No punches are pulled here--, but poor Nick is in so deep that he doesn't know how to leave. As the extravagant vacations and shopping trips increase, so does our dread for this poor dude.
I devoured this book quickly because I thought it was a queer version of a classic "scorned lover" thriller. I was drawn to Nick's friend Eric, who seemed to just want to support Nick, and I thought we'd get a happy, victorious ending with Claude getting what was coming to him. Now, I'm not about to tell an author how to write a story, how to write their story. But as both a romance and thriller lover, I was sorely disappointed by the climax and ending of the book.
My biggest issue was turning chill, pot-smoking Eric ? It was so ridiculous that I immediately lost steam after this happened. All bets were off, and a dark thriller was turning into a farce. It took what could've been a fresh take on a classic genre and made it silly--and slightly racist.
For me, the only satisfying ending would've been . Whatever happened between point A and B would be fine, but that was the only ending I could get behind. The fact that .
I get what Theophilia St. Claire is going for, and I like it. She's doing something dark and taboo with a genre over-saturated in sweetness. She's also a very capable thriller writer who knows how to ratchet up the tension. I just didn't find this to be a satisfying read as a whole.
November 24, 2017
This book completely blew me away with the suspense. I had no idea who is in their right mind. This story was filled with suspense from the beginning until the very end. These characters had that special something that made me fall in love with them all and when their true colors came out, I was completely blindsided. Nick, Eric, Claude and Christian are all characters that will have your mind completely blown. At one time I thought every character in this story was a little off kilter and I didn't know who to believe in, trust, and who was actually real. Nick had it the roughest though. His character went from one bad situation to the next and it followed that path until the end, so when the ending came I thought he got exactly what his character deserved but I wanted more for him than what he actually ended up with. I wanted him to have love, support and protection without having to always be on guard, he truly deserved that. As twisted as Claude was, I wanted more of him because even though he had his faults and was completely messed up, I actually enjoyed him with Nick at times. However, what he did to Nick was not okay at all in my book, but with that being said I still ended up liking him. Nick was truly alive because of him in a way. I definitely look forward to reading more books from this author in the future and hopefully more of these characters because this story cannot end the way it did without a follow-up book with Nick and Claude. I finished this book in one sitting and was not ready for it to end.
Beware: Please keep in mind before purchasing this book that it has dark subject matters including rape and murder. If you as a reader, rather not read books with dark subjects than this book is not for you.
Beware: Please keep in mind before purchasing this book that it has dark subject matters including rape and murder. If you as a reader, rather not read books with dark subjects than this book is not for you.
January 29, 2018
A ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Review.
4.5 Stars
Nick is down on his luck, his sister is fighting death on a daily basis and mysterious, tattooed mobsters seem to be after his life. In this chaos that Nick calls a life a mysterious stranger seems to literally be following him around, a rich, handsome stranger who professes to love Nick or atleast the person he thinks Nick is. When the delusion can't go on any longer, Nick finds himself curious about Christian the guy his boyfriend, Claude thinks he is and especially about what really happened to Christian…
I don’t know how I managed to go into this book thinking it would be a light-hearted read, like how. I feel like I truly deserved to get the shock I got when this book wasn’t a light-hearted read because that is exactly what I should get for thinking a book named Obsession could be a light-hearted read.
I knew this book was going to be nothing like I expected when by the end of the second chapter one of our main characters had already committed a murder. The worst part is I don't think the person deserved it in the least not that I condone murdering anyone no matter their deeds but if ever there was a choice this person would not be my first or hundredth for that matter.
Claude is a stalker/murderer extraordinaire. He is messed up, there is no way to describe it and he is definitely stalking Nick and it’s creepy as all hell like this guy literally has nothing better to do than to follow Nick all over the world. It’s amazing how much obsession the author has been able to infuse in Claude’s entire character when not one thing he does seems unnatural like his character moulds itself perfectly to the storyline. And for a storyline that is in all its essence dependent on a character’s personality, it is amazing to see how the author worked the character to be the story and to further it with every step.
Nick is a messed up character. While I don’t agree with Nick’s beliefs, I understand the rationale behind his beliefs and his thoughts. It’s easy to see him fall prey to Claude, only to find himself getting in way over his head, only to be hit by an anvil in the head by the realization that his only long-term relationship in the world is with a guy who doesn’t even know his name.
This story is very well handled. I mean for a story this insane which also simultaneously deals with some very unstable personalities and tons of issues it really manages to get in its groove. This story is amazingly well written and the biggest thing going for it is that it does justice to its characters, personally, I am not too happy with how Nick takes all of it but at the same time considering where he is at this particular time in his life, it also makes sense.
This book is a very interesting read, I had a hard time putting it down till I realized there was no putting it down and I finished it very quickly.
Nick and Claude have this really dark energy between themselves you can feel the lust and the love but it is like the taste of blood, metallic, their love is tinged with obsession.
An amazingly well-written story with some of the most amazing characters I have ever read. This story will last well beyond that last word.
Cover Art by Natasha Snow. I loved the cover because it very well encompasses what this story is all about.
4.5 Stars
Nick is down on his luck, his sister is fighting death on a daily basis and mysterious, tattooed mobsters seem to be after his life. In this chaos that Nick calls a life a mysterious stranger seems to literally be following him around, a rich, handsome stranger who professes to love Nick or atleast the person he thinks Nick is. When the delusion can't go on any longer, Nick finds himself curious about Christian the guy his boyfriend, Claude thinks he is and especially about what really happened to Christian…
I don’t know how I managed to go into this book thinking it would be a light-hearted read, like how. I feel like I truly deserved to get the shock I got when this book wasn’t a light-hearted read because that is exactly what I should get for thinking a book named Obsession could be a light-hearted read.
I knew this book was going to be nothing like I expected when by the end of the second chapter one of our main characters had already committed a murder. The worst part is I don't think the person deserved it in the least not that I condone murdering anyone no matter their deeds but if ever there was a choice this person would not be my first or hundredth for that matter.
Claude is a stalker/murderer extraordinaire. He is messed up, there is no way to describe it and he is definitely stalking Nick and it’s creepy as all hell like this guy literally has nothing better to do than to follow Nick all over the world. It’s amazing how much obsession the author has been able to infuse in Claude’s entire character when not one thing he does seems unnatural like his character moulds itself perfectly to the storyline. And for a storyline that is in all its essence dependent on a character’s personality, it is amazing to see how the author worked the character to be the story and to further it with every step.
Nick is a messed up character. While I don’t agree with Nick’s beliefs, I understand the rationale behind his beliefs and his thoughts. It’s easy to see him fall prey to Claude, only to find himself getting in way over his head, only to be hit by an anvil in the head by the realization that his only long-term relationship in the world is with a guy who doesn’t even know his name.
This story is very well handled. I mean for a story this insane which also simultaneously deals with some very unstable personalities and tons of issues it really manages to get in its groove. This story is amazingly well written and the biggest thing going for it is that it does justice to its characters, personally, I am not too happy with how Nick takes all of it but at the same time considering where he is at this particular time in his life, it also makes sense.
This book is a very interesting read, I had a hard time putting it down till I realized there was no putting it down and I finished it very quickly.
Nick and Claude have this really dark energy between themselves you can feel the lust and the love but it is like the taste of blood, metallic, their love is tinged with obsession.
An amazingly well-written story with some of the most amazing characters I have ever read. This story will last well beyond that last word.
Cover Art by Natasha Snow. I loved the cover because it very well encompasses what this story is all about.
February 20, 2018
3.5 STRANGE STARS.
This book definitely captured my attention, it was a page turner it held my interest. Did I love either MC? I can’t say yes, it was an obsession. It is a book to read without knowing what is happening kind of a “mysterious” undertone figure out who’s who and do we know everything.
Mindy-Lynn has a fantastic well though out review. Check that one out for more
This book definitely captured my attention, it was a page turner it held my interest. Did I love either MC? I can’t say yes, it was an obsession. It is a book to read without knowing what is happening kind of a “mysterious” undertone figure out who’s who and do we know everything.
Mindy-Lynn has a fantastic well though out review. Check that one out for more
November 25, 2017
Obsession is the story of Nick, Claude and the dangerous romance they find themselves immersed in. But is all the danger a physical threat or perhaps a psychological whirl wind as well. Nick works at Jen’in's Bar for minimum wage and crappy tips in order to help pay his sister’s medical bills. Ever since his childhood, he’s faced abuse and desperation, so it isn’t new for him to face precarious situations and to take advantage of them
Claude is a wealthy, business man who sees Nick during a client meeting and believes Nick to be his ex, Christian. It becomes an obsession for Claude. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get Nick’s attention, keep it and to have him forever.
My first thought as I read was, how could Nick entertain Claude believing him to be a different person. Then I started to understand it. Claude had everything Nick could ever want and he’s willing to please Nick in any possible way; romantically, monetarily, and sexually. Nick developing feelings for someone showering him with that much attention was completely understandable. That would be hard to walk away from.
I thought I would absolutely hate Claude but as crazy as it sounds, I empathized with the psychotic man. There was something about it that made me hope that Claude would see Nick as who he truly was sooner rather than later. There was something about Eric, for as good as he was, that made me weary.
It wasn’t until close to the end that I came to the right conclusion about “Christian” and what had happened to him. I liked how St. Claire kept me on my toes the entire time. I kept asking myself question after question. When was Claude going to lose it? How was he going to lose it? Where was Christian? Was he going to show up? Obsession kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen.
It broke did break my heart, just a little bit, how everything turned out. But I feel like St. Claire did the story line justice.
Would I recommend this to other readers? Oh yes! I’m looking forward to reading more from St. Claire.
Claude is a wealthy, business man who sees Nick during a client meeting and believes Nick to be his ex, Christian. It becomes an obsession for Claude. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get Nick’s attention, keep it and to have him forever.
My first thought as I read was, how could Nick entertain Claude believing him to be a different person. Then I started to understand it. Claude had everything Nick could ever want and he’s willing to please Nick in any possible way; romantically, monetarily, and sexually. Nick developing feelings for someone showering him with that much attention was completely understandable. That would be hard to walk away from.
I thought I would absolutely hate Claude but as crazy as it sounds, I empathized with the psychotic man. There was something about it that made me hope that Claude would see Nick as who he truly was sooner rather than later. There was something about Eric, for as good as he was, that made me weary.
It wasn’t until close to the end that I came to the right conclusion about “Christian” and what had happened to him. I liked how St. Claire kept me on my toes the entire time. I kept asking myself question after question. When was Claude going to lose it? How was he going to lose it? Where was Christian? Was he going to show up? Obsession kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen.
It broke did break my heart, just a little bit, how everything turned out. But I feel like St. Claire did the story line justice.
Would I recommend this to other readers? Oh yes! I’m looking forward to reading more from St. Claire.
December 7, 2017
This was such an intense roller-coaster of emotions and events. I’m not sure if it’s consider a romance but I thinks it goes more to the darker side, exactly one of the reasons I choose to read it. I found the title interesting, although I’m not completely sure if it fits, this looks more than an obsession to me.
I had a great time reading it. There were some moments when I just couldn’t read fast enough. It was very exciting. One of the things I enjoyed the most about it was Claude. He wasn’t a nice character. He had some very questionable conducts and it’s hard to feel sympathy for him, even though there are some aspects of him that might be intended that way. But still with all the issues about him, he was exactly the reason why I liked the book so much. I spend most of my reading time trying to figure him out.. He is a very complex character and I enjoy him so much.
Nick was ok. I guess most readers would like him but, for me, he was frustrating. He seem so oblivious of some clear alert signs or more than oblivious he choose to ignore them. I know that it was a realistic behavior and I appreciate that, but he made me mad so many times. One of the things I loved about him was his relationship with Amy, it was so beautiful.
There are some romance and some nice moments too, but I think the darker elements of the story had more weight in the development of the plot and it was really great. It was an amazing book but I think anyone interested on reading it should check the publisher’s warnings.
I had a great time reading it. There were some moments when I just couldn’t read fast enough. It was very exciting. One of the things I enjoyed the most about it was Claude. He wasn’t a nice character. He had some very questionable conducts and it’s hard to feel sympathy for him, even though there are some aspects of him that might be intended that way. But still with all the issues about him, he was exactly the reason why I liked the book so much. I spend most of my reading time trying to figure him out.. He is a very complex character and I enjoy him so much.
Nick was ok. I guess most readers would like him but, for me, he was frustrating. He seem so oblivious of some clear alert signs or more than oblivious he choose to ignore them. I know that it was a realistic behavior and I appreciate that, but he made me mad so many times. One of the things I loved about him was his relationship with Amy, it was so beautiful.
There are some romance and some nice moments too, but I think the darker elements of the story had more weight in the development of the plot and it was really great. It was an amazing book but I think anyone interested on reading it should check the publisher’s warnings.
August 30, 2018
DNF @ 22%.
The writing is so juvenile, which makes it a bit hard to buy into what I presume is suppose to be a thriller. Nick's behavior towards Claude just odd. Up until the point I read, Nick never even provided his name to Claude, Claude's driver, Claude's maids.... If someone was calling me a name that wasn't my own, no way would I just hop into a car with them, sleep with them (and do it for money while not negotiating the price or anything beforehand), etc. This just wasn't working for me.
The writing is so juvenile, which makes it a bit hard to buy into what I presume is suppose to be a thriller. Nick's behavior towards Claude just odd. Up until the point I read, Nick never even provided his name to Claude, Claude's driver, Claude's maids.... If someone was calling me a name that wasn't my own, no way would I just hop into a car with them, sleep with them (and do it for money while not negotiating the price or anything beforehand), etc. This just wasn't working for me.
December 2, 2017
Wow, You definitely want to listen to the TRIGGER WARNINGS at the beginning of this book. TRIGGER WARNINGS include but are not limited to excessive violence, rape, sexual abuse as a child, attempted rape, gangs, and domestic violence.
This is one of those books that when you are reading it you are asking yourself "why am I reading this?" but you find yourself not being able to stop. It is like when you see a train wreck waiting to happen and you know it is going to happen but you can't seem to look away or yell loud enough to warn anyone. That is this book in a nutshell.
Nick has a past that he is running from. A past that if he could forget he would but he can't. And when he thinks about his past it not only angers him but also breaks a little more of him inside. But Nick has gotten away from his past for around a year now and he is doing everything possible to take care of his baby sister, Amy who has leukemia. She is his world. And he would do anything for her. Even hook up with the weird man who seems to think that he is Christian.
Claude has moved on with his life since Christian Left him a year ago but he has not forgotten him. Now that he has seen the man that is Christian tonhim heis determined to make things right betweeen them and notnlet him go.
Though Nick has told Claude over and over again that he is not Christian Claude does not believe him. But Nick is starting to really care for Vlause so he is determined to find out exactly what happened to this Christian guy so Claude will finally see Nick for who he is and hopefully care for him and not for the ex that he wishes Nick was.
While Nick is trying to put togther what happened to Christian Nicks past is quickly catching up to him and it looks like these people from his past has their sights set in Amy. Can Nick protect his sister, figure out what happened to Christian, and protect himself all the while trying to convince Claude he is not who Claude thinks he is?
This is definitely a book that I would call a dark read. Before you read his book you definitely need to heed the trigger Warnings. Because some are definitely graphic. This was a good read if you like a dark read from time to time. Theophilia St Claire truly made an impression on me with the book.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
This is one of those books that when you are reading it you are asking yourself "why am I reading this?" but you find yourself not being able to stop. It is like when you see a train wreck waiting to happen and you know it is going to happen but you can't seem to look away or yell loud enough to warn anyone. That is this book in a nutshell.
Nick has a past that he is running from. A past that if he could forget he would but he can't. And when he thinks about his past it not only angers him but also breaks a little more of him inside. But Nick has gotten away from his past for around a year now and he is doing everything possible to take care of his baby sister, Amy who has leukemia. She is his world. And he would do anything for her. Even hook up with the weird man who seems to think that he is Christian.
Claude has moved on with his life since Christian Left him a year ago but he has not forgotten him. Now that he has seen the man that is Christian tonhim heis determined to make things right betweeen them and notnlet him go.
Though Nick has told Claude over and over again that he is not Christian Claude does not believe him. But Nick is starting to really care for Vlause so he is determined to find out exactly what happened to this Christian guy so Claude will finally see Nick for who he is and hopefully care for him and not for the ex that he wishes Nick was.
While Nick is trying to put togther what happened to Christian Nicks past is quickly catching up to him and it looks like these people from his past has their sights set in Amy. Can Nick protect his sister, figure out what happened to Christian, and protect himself all the while trying to convince Claude he is not who Claude thinks he is?
This is definitely a book that I would call a dark read. Before you read his book you definitely need to heed the trigger Warnings. Because some are definitely graphic. This was a good read if you like a dark read from time to time. Theophilia St Claire truly made an impression on me with the book.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
January 3, 2020
The suspenseful shiver down one’s spine in the dark mingles in a seamless blend with the tingle of a lover’s finger drawn down one’s bare spin in this tale of dark desire. Claude is rich, handsome, and charming, a dark prince whom could easily sweep Nick off his feet and away from his problems, saving his family from the peril they’re in. All Claude wants in return is Nick, but it’s not really Nick he’s seeing, but Christian, a lost love whose fate is a mystery. Claude’s obsession with Nick/Christian as a ghost from his past is seductive, yet dangerous. Nick senses the peril he’s in, yet it’s hard to resist Claude, especially when Nick is backed into a corner as far as his options are concerned.
Nothing is what it seems in this story. The way the suspense, horror, and mystery slithered into the beginning of the relationship, entwining their way through its core was impossible to look away from, Claude’s fixation upon Nick as Christian, along with what happened to the real Christian all played out beautifully between the pages as beats of music in a nightclub where a vampire sinks his fangs into the neck of an oblivious victim, to wax metaphorical. Claude wasn’t unsympathetic, though, even as he terrified both Nick and the reader. The unpredictable twist involving certain characters gaved what might have been a predictable relationship pattern unexpected energy. There were times when Nick’s defensive hostility made me less sympathetic towards him, yet I understood the reasons for his prickles. All in all, this was a steamy, seductive read, provoking all sorts of shivers. For those who like a little danger, suspense, and elegant vampiric menace with their m/m passion, I would definitely pick this up.
Nothing is what it seems in this story. The way the suspense, horror, and mystery slithered into the beginning of the relationship, entwining their way through its core was impossible to look away from, Claude’s fixation upon Nick as Christian, along with what happened to the real Christian all played out beautifully between the pages as beats of music in a nightclub where a vampire sinks his fangs into the neck of an oblivious victim, to wax metaphorical. Claude wasn’t unsympathetic, though, even as he terrified both Nick and the reader. The unpredictable twist involving certain characters gaved what might have been a predictable relationship pattern unexpected energy. There were times when Nick’s defensive hostility made me less sympathetic towards him, yet I understood the reasons for his prickles. All in all, this was a steamy, seductive read, provoking all sorts of shivers. For those who like a little danger, suspense, and elegant vampiric menace with their m/m passion, I would definitely pick this up.
November 27, 2019
"Obsession" by Theophilia St. Claire is a triple X hot M/M action-packed romance.
Nick and Claude are an example of how opposites attract. Their hot romance with luscious pornographic scenes turns dark and deadly. Excitement turns to fear. Murder lingers in the background. Mistaken identity, psychosis, violent possession. Can they trust each other, or themselves?
This book was full of shocking twists. I actually gasped out loud in surprise at the end of one chapter.
There were many parts of this book I read over and over for various reasons. This early scene drew a beautiful picture of Claude and Nick's relationship:
“Nick didn’t hesitate to return the kiss. Claude’s lips were soft and tender. He tasted like spice and scotch. And danger. The way he kissed Nick with so much passion and heat made Nick feel less like a cheap male whore and more like the most desired man in all of New York City.”
This is a thrilling adventure for readers 21+
Nick and Claude are an example of how opposites attract. Their hot romance with luscious pornographic scenes turns dark and deadly. Excitement turns to fear. Murder lingers in the background. Mistaken identity, psychosis, violent possession. Can they trust each other, or themselves?
This book was full of shocking twists. I actually gasped out loud in surprise at the end of one chapter.
There were many parts of this book I read over and over for various reasons. This early scene drew a beautiful picture of Claude and Nick's relationship:
“Nick didn’t hesitate to return the kiss. Claude’s lips were soft and tender. He tasted like spice and scotch. And danger. The way he kissed Nick with so much passion and heat made Nick feel less like a cheap male whore and more like the most desired man in all of New York City.”
This is a thrilling adventure for readers 21+
December 6, 2017
Obsession had a great premise. I loved the idea of Claude as a character.
However, the execution was a little lacking - mainly in the sense that Nick worked more as a plot-driver than a character (there wasn't much depth or insight even in the chapters from his point of view), and that some of the side characters were made up largely of stereotypes.
The story may have been more effective if it was told solely from Claude's point of view, who has the potential of being a great unreliable narrator, and could have really delved into one man's disturbed psyche, his descent into madness and eventual recovery.
However, the execution was a little lacking - mainly in the sense that Nick worked more as a plot-driver than a character (there wasn't much depth or insight even in the chapters from his point of view), and that some of the side characters were made up largely of stereotypes.
The story may have been more effective if it was told solely from Claude's point of view, who has the potential of being a great unreliable narrator, and could have really delved into one man's disturbed psyche, his descent into madness and eventual recovery.
December 26, 2017
This book has triggers....
This was a dark read. The author did a good job of creating suspense and I found myself trying to figure out what and who. What the hell is Nick doing by going along with it? Who is Christian? I wasn't expecting how the book ended. I'll try reading more by this author very soon.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
This was a dark read. The author did a good job of creating suspense and I found myself trying to figure out what and who. What the hell is Nick doing by going along with it? Who is Christian? I wasn't expecting how the book ended. I'll try reading more by this author very soon.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
December 2, 2018
Oh my God, what did I just read? This story was dark, hard, raw... and good. Well-written, well built tension. I just couldn’t take a pause, I just couldn’t rip my eyes from the text. If someone wants to read sweet fairytale or cute love story, dont’t do this book... But to anyone other I can recommend The Obsession, because this was something new and strong.
January 9, 2018
This was totally f*cked up...and I freaking LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!!!!
Wow, what a ride!
Wow, what a ride!
April 25, 2018
4 stars
Synopsis: Nick works as a waiter and is barely making ends meet. He has to pay for his sister's medications and hospital stays. He's trying to stay away from his past, since he made bad choices when he first left home. One night, he meets a man at the bar who calls him Christian.
Claude has money and runs a successful company. He doesn't have a lot of freedom, though, because his father oversees everything he does. And Claude's boyfriend left him a year ago without a trace. When Claude sees Christian at a bar, he isn't mad about the fact that he left, he's just glad to see Christian again. Only Christian doesn't seem to recognize Claude, and says that his name is Nick.
Nick goes home with Claude for the night, but that isn't enough for Claude. He is possessive of him, and jealous of any friendships Nick has. He doesn't believe anything that Christian tells him, as it doesn't match up with what he knew of Christian before he left.
In spite of Claude's insistence that Nick is Christian, they develop a relationship. Then Claude takes his intensity too far, and Nick walks away.
What I liked: the twisting and winding story. It kept me intrigued all the way through. The title and the précis don't lie.
What I didn't like: the characters. Claude was abusive, and Nick kept going back to it, in spite of how hard he fought to get away from the life that he got himself into.
Overall impressions: the writing was really good and intriguing. I would absolutely read something else by this author.
*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Synopsis: Nick works as a waiter and is barely making ends meet. He has to pay for his sister's medications and hospital stays. He's trying to stay away from his past, since he made bad choices when he first left home. One night, he meets a man at the bar who calls him Christian.
Claude has money and runs a successful company. He doesn't have a lot of freedom, though, because his father oversees everything he does. And Claude's boyfriend left him a year ago without a trace. When Claude sees Christian at a bar, he isn't mad about the fact that he left, he's just glad to see Christian again. Only Christian doesn't seem to recognize Claude, and says that his name is Nick.
Nick goes home with Claude for the night, but that isn't enough for Claude. He is possessive of him, and jealous of any friendships Nick has. He doesn't believe anything that Christian tells him, as it doesn't match up with what he knew of Christian before he left.
In spite of Claude's insistence that Nick is Christian, they develop a relationship. Then Claude takes his intensity too far, and Nick walks away.
What I liked: the twisting and winding story. It kept me intrigued all the way through. The title and the précis don't lie.
What I didn't like: the characters. Claude was abusive, and Nick kept going back to it, in spite of how hard he fought to get away from the life that he got himself into.
Overall impressions: the writing was really good and intriguing. I would absolutely read something else by this author.
*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
December 1, 2017
This book blew me away. Let me start out with what I expected. I saw there would be a mystery, mistaken identity, romance, troubled pasts and thought "well, Christian will turn out to be Nick's twin brother, given away by his parents for money or whatever, and they treat him bad out of guilt. Then, Claude will see the spitting image of his ex, and the twins will reunite, and much drama will be had." Then the book changed drastically to something completely different, and darker. I personally love dark, edgy books that creep you out as well as entertain, so this change made the book 1000% more appealing to me. If you would prefer the twin scenario, or one that does not involve murder, lying, or rape, then do not read this book.
If I had to name this book, I would call it 50 Shades of American Psycho. This is how Christian Grey should be; this is the real Edward Cullen. There is no BDSM, but Nick is emotionally entrapped by Claude, and wants to work through the mistaken identity problem, rather than run away. This is a look at abuse 101, and how things become internalized and rationalized even while recognizing that it is unhealthy. Nick is a victim in nearly every part of his life, and your heart breaks for him. He's not dumb, or blind to Claude's faults but desperate for love and stability. It is very disturbing to see Claude morph from loving boyfriend to abusive psycho in a span of hours. If you hated how 50 Shades of Grey romanticized abuse and ended happily, then this is a book you will enjoy.
If I had to name this book, I would call it 50 Shades of American Psycho. This is how Christian Grey should be; this is the real Edward Cullen. There is no BDSM, but Nick is emotionally entrapped by Claude, and wants to work through the mistaken identity problem, rather than run away. This is a look at abuse 101, and how things become internalized and rationalized even while recognizing that it is unhealthy. Nick is a victim in nearly every part of his life, and your heart breaks for him. He's not dumb, or blind to Claude's faults but desperate for love and stability. It is very disturbing to see Claude morph from loving boyfriend to abusive psycho in a span of hours. If you hated how 50 Shades of Grey romanticized abuse and ended happily, then this is a book you will enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews