MY OBSESSION—MY BEAUTIFUL SWALLOW
Once again, Ms. Renee Rose has spun a fantastic tale. The story is the third in the Chicago Bratva series but could read well as a stand-alone. While the two characters, Story Taylor and Oleg, have been introduced, there has been nothing more. Oleg is like her biggest fan, as she and her band, The Storytellers, play each week at Rue’s Lounge. He is always there, open to close, at the same table, where she trusts that he will play along, catching her, allowing her to climb him, whatever. The crowd eats it up. Then at closing, Oleg watches to make sure she leaves safely—wash, rinse, repeat week after week.
The plot will have Oleg at her weekly performance and not happy when it is over, and she downs more alcohol than usual, and then her brother and bandmates leave her drunk to drive the van. Oleg will be there, offer to drive her home, and when she wants sex, he isn’t going to take advantage of her drunk. He gives her an orgasm, then tucks her in and leaves. But he isn’t paying attention and is attacked. While he escapes, he isn’t unharmed and makes his way back to the van where he passes out, and that is where Story finds him the following day.
The story is full of mystery, suspense, danger, threats, revelations, and, best of all, the sweetest romance. Oleg and Story seem strong on the outside, but on the inside, they have both suffered pain, and wounds are still raw. Oleg has secrets that could lead to his death, things that others would do whatever is necessary to uncover. Story comes from a life of chaos, and it has become her defense in avoiding any commitments.
“It’s amazing how comforting his presence is to me. Grounding. Solid. When I’m around him, the chaos in my head seems to quiet.”
When Oleg and Story do get together, it is like two missing pieces finding what they didn’t even know they were looking for. Story thrives on the dominance and control Oleg exerts, and he finds peace within himself when he is wrapped in her arms.
“You’re like a big daddy-bear who spanks and then cuddles. I’m definitely going to be your bad girl.”
After a second attempt, this time using Story to get to Oleg, the rest of the group must become involved. Oleg fears his secrets may be his doom, but his bratva brotherhood proves they are loyal and ready to do whatever is necessary to stop the threats and keep Oleg and Story safe. Now, Story is brought into the Kremlin, and she doesn’t back down; she is active and honest.
“I grew up in total chaos. Two siblings, a mother who is—emotionally unstable, and a dad who partied like a rock star. We had a lot of love but not much consistency. Consequently, I have a very high tolerance for chaos.”
Plans are made to flush out the enemy. The one thing that there is no control on is feelings, something that both Oleg and Story have avoided all their lives. What will happen when their hearts get involved? Will they be able to handle this, or will it cause one or the other to walk away?
“She believes this will end as quickly as it started. Maybe that’s her M.O. with men—quick to let them in, quick to throw them out. That seems to fit with her enigmatic personality.”
The good, the bad, and the ugly play their roles. Story needs to learn that she isn’t her parents and their messed-up lives. She is such a sweet, caring person, doesn’t seem to judge, accepting, and when it comes to Oleg, she doesn’t see him as a freak, a broken man; she sees him as a friend, then lover, and eventually a huge part of her heart and soul. Oleg has suffered so much in his life, learning that even the ones you respect and care for, they will turn on you. But when it comes to Story, her songs, her personality, it is a healing balm—yet, he is afraid she will reject him—and when he isn’t, the man shines. True acceptance is a blessing, and love is powerful—and that is what happens with these two. But, then trouble is here, his past has caught up with him, he can’t let his brotherhood be caught up in his responsibilities, and he can’t take a chance on Story’s life—but martyrdom leads to upset.
“You were being you. Trying to protect me and do it all by yourself without reaching out for help from anyone else.”
The story has power exchange, dominance, control, and explicit sex scenes. It has life and death danger, some violence—but best of all; it has chemistry and romance.