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Ruthless Games #1
Douce obsession (Jeux impitoyables t. 1)
J’ai sauvé sa vie.
Maintenant, il envahit la mienne.
Il y a deux ans, une décision de dernière minute a tout changé. J’ai risqué ma vie pour un homme que je ne connaissais même pas et j’ai failli en mourir.
J’ai essayé de l’oublier. Lui, ainsi que cette nuit fatidique.
Mais il ne m’a pas oubliée.
Il m’observe depuis.
Obsédé.
Avide.
Et lorsqu’il fait un retour fracassant dans ma vie, accompagné par deux ombres obscures — des hommes qu’il appelle ses frères — la vie que j’ai essayé de reconstruire pour moi-même se brise en mille morceaux.
Il croit que nos âmes sont liées par le sang, et il est revenu réclamer ce qui lui appartient.
Il y a deux ans, j’ai sauvé la vie de Marcus Constantine.
Aujourd’hui, je regrette de l’avoir fait.
Voici le premier livre de la série Jeux impitoyables. Douce obsession n’est PAS un roman indépendant, mais fait partie d’une série.
Maintenant, il envahit la mienne.
Il y a deux ans, une décision de dernière minute a tout changé. J’ai risqué ma vie pour un homme que je ne connaissais même pas et j’ai failli en mourir.
J’ai essayé de l’oublier. Lui, ainsi que cette nuit fatidique.
Mais il ne m’a pas oubliée.
Il m’observe depuis.
Obsédé.
Avide.
Et lorsqu’il fait un retour fracassant dans ma vie, accompagné par deux ombres obscures — des hommes qu’il appelle ses frères — la vie que j’ai essayé de reconstruire pour moi-même se brise en mille morceaux.
Il croit que nos âmes sont liées par le sang, et il est revenu réclamer ce qui lui appartient.
Il y a deux ans, j’ai sauvé la vie de Marcus Constantine.
Aujourd’hui, je regrette de l’avoir fait.
Voici le premier livre de la série Jeux impitoyables. Douce obsession n’est PAS un roman indépendant, mais fait partie d’une série.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2020
6053 people are currently reading
25723 people want to read
About the author
Callie Rose
88 books2,834 followersCallie Rose is a bestselling author who loves to write books that will grab you by the feels and not let go till the very last page. She loves twisty plots, tortured bad boys, strong FMCs, and redemption stories where that shit is *earned*.
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She promises not to bite (or spam you)!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,097 reviews
November 24, 2021
1ish star...DNF @ 87%
This book started with promise, the premise was interesting with Ayla saving a "beautiful earth and air eyed man" from being shot, but in turn being shot herself and ends up losing part of her arm from the elbow down. But because she saved the mysterious man, said man decided that him and his two friends shall stalk Ayla for 2 and a half years...
At first I was like is this another Fifty Shades of Grey, where there is an alpha male who is rich and will stalk his "obsession"? And ummm yes it was kinda like that. I think that the fact that Marcus (the beautiful earth and air eyed man) literally stalks the crap out of our main character with his two friends Theo (the goofy not serious one) and Ryland (broad silent type).
You might think, "Kaity why did you still read the book if you know you didn't like it" and to that I tell you, "I like to torture myself if it isn't obvious".
I was wanting to know why Marcus and Co wanted to stalk Ayla and the only reason we got for the whole time is that he wanted to know her, and her heart and what goes on in her mind... and I'm like you couldn't have seen her when she was in the hospital or something 2 years earlier???!!!!!!!!
Also the fact when Ayla would have flashbacks about her time getting shot, she would have it mixed with a sex dream with the three boys, and I'm like "uhhh...hmmm that is weird... but to each their own, in your own dream world" and that is where I thought it would end... BUT nope when she has a flashback in real life with Marcus and bros, she decides to act on her dream of taking it head
on (yeah I did a penis joke if you didn't get it haha) but yes to clear this up she ended up having sex with Marcus and Theo (poor Ryland got the short end of the stick) while having a crippling flash back, and I am reading it thinking to myself, "there is no way that this is happening right now" SO that is where I decide to draw the line and stop myself from torture.
I will skim the end to just see what happens, but honestly I just don't care about these characters anymore. For having romance in this RH, I felt no romantic connection with Ayla with the other two guys besides Marcus, since she rarely hung out with the other two guys.
I don't get how this had such a high rating, but I must have missed the hype train for this, but its over and it is time to move on!
This book started with promise, the premise was interesting with Ayla saving a "beautiful earth and air eyed man" from being shot, but in turn being shot herself and ends up losing part of her arm from the elbow down. But because she saved the mysterious man, said man decided that him and his two friends shall stalk Ayla for 2 and a half years...
At first I was like is this another Fifty Shades of Grey, where there is an alpha male who is rich and will stalk his "obsession"? And ummm yes it was kinda like that. I think that the fact that Marcus (the beautiful earth and air eyed man) literally stalks the crap out of our main character with his two friends Theo (the goofy not serious one) and Ryland (broad silent type).
You might think, "Kaity why did you still read the book if you know you didn't like it" and to that I tell you, "I like to torture myself if it isn't obvious".
I was wanting to know why Marcus and Co wanted to stalk Ayla and the only reason we got for the whole time is that he wanted to know her, and her heart and what goes on in her mind... and I'm like you couldn't have seen her when she was in the hospital or something 2 years earlier???!!!!!!!!
Also the fact when Ayla would have flashbacks about her time getting shot, she would have it mixed with a sex dream with the three boys, and I'm like "uhhh...hmmm that is weird... but to each their own, in your own dream world" and that is where I thought it would end... BUT nope when she has a flashback in real life with Marcus and bros, she decides to act on her dream of taking it head
on (yeah I did a penis joke if you didn't get it haha) but yes to clear this up she ended up having sex with Marcus and Theo (poor Ryland got the short end of the stick) while having a crippling flash back, and I am reading it thinking to myself, "there is no way that this is happening right now" SO that is where I decide to draw the line and stop myself from torture.
I will skim the end to just see what happens, but honestly I just don't care about these characters anymore. For having romance in this RH, I felt no romantic connection with Ayla with the other two guys besides Marcus, since she rarely hung out with the other two guys.
I don't get how this had such a high rating, but I must have missed the hype train for this, but its over and it is time to move on!
November 29, 2020
Spoilers ahead
3.5*
Ayla goes to a club one night and for a brief moment she saw who we later learn is Marcus, she later goes outside and sees the beginning of a drive by shooting. Ayla steps in front of the shooter who was aiming at Marcus and his friends thereby saving his life. 2 years later that night has devastating consequences as Ayla lost part of her limb from the three bullets, she's working in a bar trying to save money for college.....until an attempted mugging up ends her world once again. Now Marcus and the guys step out of the shadows into Ayla's life...... But these men are not living ordinary lives and getting involved with them puts her in grave danger
******
The good
I enjoyed this one, Ayla is a strong and fierce h, moving forward with her life despite her physical disability
Marcus becomes obsessed with Ayla after she saved his life and had been silently looking out for her with the help of his two friends. When she's attacked though he rescues her and outing himself. I really liked how intense and focused on her he was, so much so I almost wished this was a m/f and not RH romance
The sexual chemistry was off the charts
The plot was interesting enough though I admit I didn't see things heading the way they did
The bad
I'm not sure the ages were confirmed but I'm thinking early twenties, this unfortunately reminded me of college bully romances(no bullying took place in this book) in that these guys are mega rich, with mansions and the best cars, with no other adults around.....yet none of them went to work. They all claimed to work for their parents yet never actually went to work......just badasses with fast cars, safe houses,mansions and no responsibilities aside from probably one phone call that I remember
The h saying fuck in every convo.....that does not a badass make
I actually would've preferred to see the h struggle a teeny tiny bit with her physical issue. It's like the author forgot sometimes she was missing a partial limb.....there was one scene during sex in book 2 where I was SURE she forgot 😂 I don't think I have such balance and coordinating even with my two hands
The bottom line?
My first read by this author and I enjoyed it. I will say that at the time of writing this review after some time has passed since I finished this book I'd actually go with a high 3 rather than 4 but that could also be because I didn't enjoy the rest of the books as much as I'd hoped.
Cliffhanger
RH though she's involved with only Marcus here I believe, the connection with the other 2 exists however
They're not together for 2 years in the beginning as the guys secretly watch out for her but I don't believe there were any others during that time for the guys
The h was sexually abused as a teen (can't remember in which book this is revealed)
3.5*
Ayla goes to a club one night and for a brief moment she saw who we later learn is Marcus, she later goes outside and sees the beginning of a drive by shooting. Ayla steps in front of the shooter who was aiming at Marcus and his friends thereby saving his life. 2 years later that night has devastating consequences as Ayla lost part of her limb from the three bullets, she's working in a bar trying to save money for college.....until an attempted mugging up ends her world once again. Now Marcus and the guys step out of the shadows into Ayla's life...... But these men are not living ordinary lives and getting involved with them puts her in grave danger
******
The good
I enjoyed this one, Ayla is a strong and fierce h, moving forward with her life despite her physical disability
Marcus becomes obsessed with Ayla after she saved his life and had been silently looking out for her with the help of his two friends. When she's attacked though he rescues her and outing himself. I really liked how intense and focused on her he was, so much so I almost wished this was a m/f and not RH romance
The sexual chemistry was off the charts
The plot was interesting enough though I admit I didn't see things heading the way they did
The bad
I'm not sure the ages were confirmed but I'm thinking early twenties, this unfortunately reminded me of college bully romances(no bullying took place in this book) in that these guys are mega rich, with mansions and the best cars, with no other adults around.....yet none of them went to work. They all claimed to work for their parents yet never actually went to work......just badasses with fast cars, safe houses,mansions and no responsibilities aside from probably one phone call that I remember
The h saying fuck in every convo.....that does not a badass make
I actually would've preferred to see the h struggle a teeny tiny bit with her physical issue. It's like the author forgot sometimes she was missing a partial limb.....there was one scene during sex in book 2 where I was SURE she forgot 😂 I don't think I have such balance and coordinating even with my two hands
The bottom line?
My first read by this author and I enjoyed it. I will say that at the time of writing this review after some time has passed since I finished this book I'd actually go with a high 3 rather than 4 but that could also be because I didn't enjoy the rest of the books as much as I'd hoped.
Cliffhanger
RH though she's involved with only Marcus here I believe, the connection with the other 2 exists however
They're not together for 2 years in the beginning as the guys secretly watch out for her but I don't believe there were any others during that time for the guys
The h was sexually abused as a teen (can't remember in which book this is revealed)
March 4, 2021
3.5/4 stars
This series looks promising! I devoured the last half of the book. The first half seemed a bit slow, but I think that's because I was a bit clueless to what was going on with the story and characters.
Ayla is badass. She's always looked out for herself and doesn't need a knight in shining armor. She damn well doesn't need THREE, but she gets it whether she likes it or not.
One random night out at a club changed her life.. forever. She'll never be the same. She didn't have much going for her and she still doesn't.
3 men watch from the shadows. Watch her every move. One obsessed, one falling and one fighting for control - Marcus, Theo and Ryland. They watch. They wait. Finally they have to step out of the darkness and face the light. Face her. Ayla. The one who is so embedded in their heart and minds.
She'd recognize those eyes anywhere ... even in the darkness.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆.
What control was once tethered with the 3 has now been snapped. She is back in their lives. They can't help it anymore. Now they just need to keep her safe.
This was a whirlwind read. That cliffhanger was... ugh!
This series looks promising! I devoured the last half of the book. The first half seemed a bit slow, but I think that's because I was a bit clueless to what was going on with the story and characters.
Ayla is badass. She's always looked out for herself and doesn't need a knight in shining armor. She damn well doesn't need THREE, but she gets it whether she likes it or not.
One random night out at a club changed her life.. forever. She'll never be the same. She didn't have much going for her and she still doesn't.
3 men watch from the shadows. Watch her every move. One obsessed, one falling and one fighting for control - Marcus, Theo and Ryland. They watch. They wait. Finally they have to step out of the darkness and face the light. Face her. Ayla. The one who is so embedded in their heart and minds.
She'd recognize those eyes anywhere ... even in the darkness.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗲, 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗸𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆.
What control was once tethered with the 3 has now been snapped. She is back in their lives. They can't help it anymore. Now they just need to keep her safe.
This was a whirlwind read. That cliffhanger was... ugh!
February 3, 2022
had promise
February 28, 2024
I feel like this is the right level of ‘dark’ for me. There are definitely heavy themes and a few triggers, but nothing that makes me feel traumatised. Which is always a good thing 👍
The beginning isn’t what I would call ‘light’. The first chapter definitely shaped who the FMC would be throughout the book. I don’t want to give too much away, but she experienced life-changing injuries from an incident. After this point, a time jump occurs, which I usually hate, but it was definitely needed.
Gonna be honest, I wasn’t a fan of the MMCs in the beginning. I thought they handled ‘the situation’ poorly. However they hadn’t properly been introduced yet, so excuses were made. After this point, I made a lot more excuses for the MMCs because I became slightly obsessed with their red-flag behaviour. There was just something about them 😅
They were all very alpha male, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say that they were too obsessive (not including Marcus). Protective maybe. The relationships are moving at very different speeds, so their protectiveness came across in different ways.
One is instant love, the other is more so a friendship at the beginning and the last is indifferent for a while. They all have reasons for how they approached their relationship with the FMC. I like that this was a slow burn in some ways and not in others.
Don’t get me wrong these men are not Boy Scouts, they are all morally grey and very aware of it. It’s not straight out said what kind of men they are, but their homes, possessions, money and flare for violence give lots of hints 💰
The FMC has most definitely been through some sh1t and came out so much stronger. She cares, but she doesn’t care enough. It was great to see her finally have people to protect her, despite the fact she doesn’t really know how to take it. I think how she reacted was usually out of fear and unfamiliarity. This was highlighted without being over-explained.
Her injury (there doesn’t seem like a good way to relate to it without giving it away, so I’m going with ‘injury’) isn’t dwelled upon. It’s obviously mentioned, but not overly, as she has adapted to it now. It seems like an additional to her character, over being her whole character, which I feel happens sometimes in books.
There was another little plot twist/ reveal towards the end of the book, which could have fallen very short, but surprisingly made me more excited to read the next book. I was shooketh 🫨 It added another level of action that I didn't realise was needed.
It’s really hard trying to not give away the whole plot when that is all I want to do.
The only point of the book I could have done without were her very vivid ‘dreams’. I was a little indifferent to them.
⚠️The biggest triggers I can think of are mentions of SA of a child (the FMC), murder and general violence. Otherwise, nothing seems to be that dark, but always check the content warning⚠️
The beginning isn’t what I would call ‘light’. The first chapter definitely shaped who the FMC would be throughout the book. I don’t want to give too much away, but she experienced life-changing injuries from an incident. After this point, a time jump occurs, which I usually hate, but it was definitely needed.
Gonna be honest, I wasn’t a fan of the MMCs in the beginning. I thought they handled ‘the situation’ poorly. However they hadn’t properly been introduced yet, so excuses were made. After this point, I made a lot more excuses for the MMCs because I became slightly obsessed with their red-flag behaviour. There was just something about them 😅
They were all very alpha male, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say that they were too obsessive (not including Marcus). Protective maybe. The relationships are moving at very different speeds, so their protectiveness came across in different ways.
One is instant love, the other is more so a friendship at the beginning and the last is indifferent for a while. They all have reasons for how they approached their relationship with the FMC. I like that this was a slow burn in some ways and not in others.
Don’t get me wrong these men are not Boy Scouts, they are all morally grey and very aware of it. It’s not straight out said what kind of men they are, but their homes, possessions, money and flare for violence give lots of hints 💰
The FMC has most definitely been through some sh1t and came out so much stronger. She cares, but she doesn’t care enough. It was great to see her finally have people to protect her, despite the fact she doesn’t really know how to take it. I think how she reacted was usually out of fear and unfamiliarity. This was highlighted without being over-explained.
Her injury (there doesn’t seem like a good way to relate to it without giving it away, so I’m going with ‘injury’) isn’t dwelled upon. It’s obviously mentioned, but not overly, as she has adapted to it now. It seems like an additional to her character, over being her whole character, which I feel happens sometimes in books.
There was another little plot twist/ reveal towards the end of the book, which could have fallen very short, but surprisingly made me more excited to read the next book. I was shooketh 🫨 It added another level of action that I didn't realise was needed.
It’s really hard trying to not give away the whole plot when that is all I want to do.
The only point of the book I could have done without were her very vivid ‘dreams’. I was a little indifferent to them.
⚠️The biggest triggers I can think of are mentions of SA of a child (the FMC), murder and general violence. Otherwise, nothing seems to be that dark, but always check the content warning⚠️
March 15, 2020
Right away from the blurb, I just knew that Sweet Obsession was going to be something special. Something different. And now after reading it, I can tell you that I wasn’t wrong in the least. It is absolutely Callie Rose at her finest and hands down, my favorite book of hers to date.
Ayla hasn’t had an easy go of things. Getting bounced around in the system from a young age, she’s had to deal with some traumatic issues in her young life, but it isn’t until one fateful night at a club when her life gets changed forever. Her path crosses with Marcus Constantine and their fate was entwined from that night forward.
Ayla is so incredibly strong, super stubborn, and feisty. She doesn’t back down from anyone, or anything, and she gives as good as she gets. This is a girl who can easily dish it out.
Then there’s Marcus. And Ryland. And Theo. Three alpha males who keep to the shadows of Ayla’s life until they have no choice but to step back into the light. Marcus commands the room with his presence, while Theo’s easy going demeanor and Ry’s brooding nature complete the trifecta. They all offer something different, all complementary to the others. It doesn’t take long for Ayla’s walls to crack.
There is so much going on in this book, so many fun layers to peel back. Mystery, suspense, action, and chemistry so hot, it’s nothing short of an inferno. I couldn’t put this book down and kept needing to know more and more from these four. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Ayla hasn’t had an easy go of things. Getting bounced around in the system from a young age, she’s had to deal with some traumatic issues in her young life, but it isn’t until one fateful night at a club when her life gets changed forever. Her path crosses with Marcus Constantine and their fate was entwined from that night forward.
Ayla is so incredibly strong, super stubborn, and feisty. She doesn’t back down from anyone, or anything, and she gives as good as she gets. This is a girl who can easily dish it out.
Then there’s Marcus. And Ryland. And Theo. Three alpha males who keep to the shadows of Ayla’s life until they have no choice but to step back into the light. Marcus commands the room with his presence, while Theo’s easy going demeanor and Ry’s brooding nature complete the trifecta. They all offer something different, all complementary to the others. It doesn’t take long for Ayla’s walls to crack.
There is so much going on in this book, so many fun layers to peel back. Mystery, suspense, action, and chemistry so hot, it’s nothing short of an inferno. I couldn’t put this book down and kept needing to know more and more from these four. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
December 25, 2021
I can't 😀
My sorry-but-no shelf is growing
My sorry-but-no shelf is growing
July 26, 2021
3.5 "Battle Royale" Stars
If you are familiar with "Battle Royale" you are going to really enjoy this steamy version. Sooo in this first book we get glimpses of Ayla and Marcus' story. They have a nice chemistry and at the end of the book there is a major turn and an even bigger CLIFFHANGER! Diving right away in the next book!
If you are familiar with "Battle Royale" you are going to really enjoy this steamy version. Sooo in this first book we get glimpses of Ayla and Marcus' story. They have a nice chemistry and at the end of the book there is a major turn and an even bigger CLIFFHANGER! Diving right away in the next book!
October 20, 2021
Okay so, i wasn’t expecting this to be amazing to be honest, BUT I regret wasting my time with this, it has a lot of potential to be a good-ish storyline, but yeah nah 😂
March 3, 2021
reverse harem is not my jam
read it for the reading challenge
except for having a heroine with a prosthetic, this book didn't do anything for me
1,5 stars
read it for the reading challenge
except for having a heroine with a prosthetic, this book didn't do anything for me
1,5 stars
Read
September 21, 2021Beware review that makes no sense.
I still haven't decided on a rating and while I downloaded the second book right after finishing the first, I never went to read it.
And I'm not certain I will.
This book is good and dark. But I guess it gotta be dark when the three love interests are genuine stalkers.
I kind of love the idea. Fantasizing about book stalkers is weird but fortunately, nobody judges me to my face when I read about those. But the thing that goes with my fantasy is the toxic power balance I believe there should be between the stalker and the stalkee.
Which doesn't happen here. The men have the upper hand all the time because the heroine is just too broken to get a reaction about anything else than disrespect.
Because while Marcus worships her, he definitely does not respect his savior.
But see, the heroine's life is shit and that's what makes it so dark. It might have mafia undertones and talks about gang wars or whatever, what makes the story dark is Ayla herself.
Ayla comes from foster homes. She's been used and abused, she's been beaten, she has struggled to make a life for herself.
But one fateful night, an unwanted selfless act made her jump between three bullets and Marcus Constantine and irrevocably changed her life - to the worst.
She lost her arm and she dropped out of school, but most of all she lost herself. She lives in constant fear, misery, and self-loathe because she cannot accept her own actions ruined her whole life. She tells everyone and herself everything was an accident because she doesn't understand why she would have chosen to save a stranger -even a handsome one- and end up with nothing other than phantom pain and a crappy waitressing job.
Ayla is sad.
She's a sad character.
She's also fucking strong because like I said, her life really sucks.
And the poor girl deserves a break. She makes me want to bang my head against a wall and I just want her to run far, far, far away from her stalkers. She saved Marcus Constantine's life but she didn't deserve his obsession, his love, and his darkness. She didn't deserve to be stalked for two years as a reward and she certainly didn't deserve to fall in love with her stalkers.
Ayla deserved to be handed a nice amount of money and be able to start a new life under the sun, far away from this toxic city, these toxic men, this toxic relationship she is starting, and this toxic need she has for Marcus Constantine, and the fear and pain he brings her.
Sweet Obsession was kind of a fantastic read but too sad to really enjoy. Even if I sometimes like my romances dark, I wanted to cry all the time.
I know this was only the first book of a trilogy, and I am sure they will get their well-deserved happy end based on respect and love by book three. But I'm not sure I can go through all the journey and would rather jump directly to the happy ever after.
> No MM
> No FF
> Cliffhanger
> Multiple POVs
> Three guys
> Who falls first?
Trigger warning:
Violence, stalking, loss of an arm, mention of sexual abuse, kidnapping, and more I'm sure.
I still haven't decided on a rating and while I downloaded the second book right after finishing the first, I never went to read it.
And I'm not certain I will.
This book is good and dark. But I guess it gotta be dark when the three love interests are genuine stalkers.
I kind of love the idea. Fantasizing about book stalkers is weird but fortunately, nobody judges me to my face when I read about those. But the thing that goes with my fantasy is the toxic power balance I believe there should be between the stalker and the stalkee.
Which doesn't happen here. The men have the upper hand all the time because the heroine is just too broken to get a reaction about anything else than disrespect.
Because while Marcus worships her, he definitely does not respect his savior.
But see, the heroine's life is shit and that's what makes it so dark. It might have mafia undertones and talks about gang wars or whatever, what makes the story dark is Ayla herself.
Ayla comes from foster homes. She's been used and abused, she's been beaten, she has struggled to make a life for herself.
But one fateful night, an unwanted selfless act made her jump between three bullets and Marcus Constantine and irrevocably changed her life - to the worst.
She lost her arm and she dropped out of school, but most of all she lost herself. She lives in constant fear, misery, and self-loathe because she cannot accept her own actions ruined her whole life. She tells everyone and herself everything was an accident because she doesn't understand why she would have chosen to save a stranger -even a handsome one- and end up with nothing other than phantom pain and a crappy waitressing job.
Ayla is sad.
She's a sad character.
She's also fucking strong because like I said, her life really sucks.
And the poor girl deserves a break. She makes me want to bang my head against a wall and I just want her to run far, far, far away from her stalkers. She saved Marcus Constantine's life but she didn't deserve his obsession, his love, and his darkness. She didn't deserve to be stalked for two years as a reward and she certainly didn't deserve to fall in love with her stalkers.
Ayla deserved to be handed a nice amount of money and be able to start a new life under the sun, far away from this toxic city, these toxic men, this toxic relationship she is starting, and this toxic need she has for Marcus Constantine, and the fear and pain he brings her.
Sweet Obsession was kind of a fantastic read but too sad to really enjoy. Even if I sometimes like my romances dark, I wanted to cry all the time.
I know this was only the first book of a trilogy, and I am sure they will get their well-deserved happy end based on respect and love by book three. But I'm not sure I can go through all the journey and would rather jump directly to the happy ever after.
> No MM
> No FF
> Cliffhanger
> Multiple POVs
> Three guys
> Who falls first?
Trigger warning:
Violence, stalking, loss of an arm, mention of sexual abuse, kidnapping, and more I'm sure.
March 25, 2020
Ahhh! Just what I needed! It’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to read Callie Rose and I’m glad I didn’t miss this one!
As usual, I’m obsessed with the guys Callie writes. She’s a go to author for me when it comes to RH because I know I’ll fall in love with her characters.
Marcus, Ryland (love his name so much), and Theo are our H’s. Marcus is top dog, a bit obsessive, and has the prettiest eyes ever. Ryland is hard and closed off and Theo is our pretty boy that balances them out.
As for our h, Ayla, we meet her in the beginning when she’s out with some people from school and that night she saves Marcus’s life— who is a stranger to her. She shouldn’t have survived, but she did. Two years later circumstances bring three shadowy figures back into her life. She’s drawn to them, they are drawn to her and everything from there turns into questions, secrets, lies, want, sex, tension, games and bloodshed.
This foursome is exciting and sexy. I’m so excited to explore more of their dynamic and how see how their story unfolds! Also, I need to not have to live with that cliffy for too long— ya girl is over here biting her nails in anticipation for answers!
*ARC received in exchange for honest review
As usual, I’m obsessed with the guys Callie writes. She’s a go to author for me when it comes to RH because I know I’ll fall in love with her characters.
Marcus, Ryland (love his name so much), and Theo are our H’s. Marcus is top dog, a bit obsessive, and has the prettiest eyes ever. Ryland is hard and closed off and Theo is our pretty boy that balances them out.
As for our h, Ayla, we meet her in the beginning when she’s out with some people from school and that night she saves Marcus’s life— who is a stranger to her. She shouldn’t have survived, but she did. Two years later circumstances bring three shadowy figures back into her life. She’s drawn to them, they are drawn to her and everything from there turns into questions, secrets, lies, want, sex, tension, games and bloodshed.
This foursome is exciting and sexy. I’m so excited to explore more of their dynamic and how see how their story unfolds! Also, I need to not have to live with that cliffy for too long— ya girl is over here biting her nails in anticipation for answers!
*ARC received in exchange for honest review
April 1, 2020
4.5 stars!!
Oooo I need the next book STAT!! The premise for this series has me salivating and having read the first book I cannot wait to devour the rest. This is a reverse harem with a difference, and I love that. The plot of this book is something I have never read before and you knew the boys were hiding something, but seriously NOT THAT. I love our heroine, she is strong and knows her own mind, but she felt that connection the night they met and it will not leave her alone. While there isn't really any RH action in this book, the lay of the land has been made, and you know where this foursome is going. I CANNOT wait to read more.
Oooo I need the next book STAT!! The premise for this series has me salivating and having read the first book I cannot wait to devour the rest. This is a reverse harem with a difference, and I love that. The plot of this book is something I have never read before and you knew the boys were hiding something, but seriously NOT THAT. I love our heroine, she is strong and knows her own mind, but she felt that connection the night they met and it will not leave her alone. While there isn't really any RH action in this book, the lay of the land has been made, and you know where this foursome is going. I CANNOT wait to read more.
Read
November 21, 2021nvm
April 14, 2022
Where to start? Ok first, thank you BookTok for introducing me to this amazing author. 👏🏼 Second, this is my first reverse harem book. I wasn’t sure how it would go. This was a very slow smooth introduction to this classification of books and I am 100% here for it! Definitely starting the next book in the series. Like..now. 🖤
June 5, 2021
This poor cover model probably didn't drink water for an entire day just to get this massively cut photo.
On to actual thoughts about the story.
For the majority of the book I thought it was going to be a pnr. Don’t ask why, I don’t know! Maybe it was the ethereal feel to her dreams or her “connections” with the guys? I was expecting vampire or shifters at the end…so don’t be like me. It has zero pnr action. It's a RH, but there are only a couple steamy scenes and those are with one guy.
Ayla was raised in the foster care system and Also, she may or may not have a younger brother. Ayla was 17 when she lost part of her right arm when she jumps in front of bullets meant for a stranger (at the time) named Marcus.
Some of the plot points felt off, or brushed over.
-All the MC's are 17/18 in the first chapter, and are at a bar drinking and dancing. Maybe all four of them used fake ID's? The bulk of the story takes place 2.5 years after this, so they are all around 22/23.
-Marcus, Ryland, and Theo are the H. They are very wealthy, but we never hear about them actually working. They live in a huge mansion, have nice clothes, and garage filled with expensive cars, etc.
-Ayla has a gorgeous half sleeve but says she barely has enough money to feed herself and pay her own rent, how the heck did she afford that expensive tattoo? We are reminded a few times that she's trying to save up money to attend college. (works as a bartender and temp aid)
- The entire reason for the story felt really stupid and a bit of a let down...probably because I was expecting werewolves. I thought that
On to actual thoughts about the story.
For the majority of the book I thought it was going to be a pnr. Don’t ask why, I don’t know! Maybe it was the ethereal feel to her dreams or her “connections” with the guys? I was expecting vampire or shifters at the end…so don’t be like me. It has zero pnr action. It's a RH, but there are only a couple steamy scenes and those are with one guy.
Ayla was raised in the foster care system and Also, she may or may not have a younger brother. Ayla was 17 when she lost part of her right arm when she jumps in front of bullets meant for a stranger (at the time) named Marcus.
Some of the plot points felt off, or brushed over.
-All the MC's are 17/18 in the first chapter, and are at a bar drinking and dancing. Maybe all four of them used fake ID's? The bulk of the story takes place 2.5 years after this, so they are all around 22/23.
-Marcus, Ryland, and Theo are the H. They are very wealthy, but we never hear about them actually working. They live in a huge mansion, have nice clothes, and garage filled with expensive cars, etc.
-Ayla has a gorgeous half sleeve but says she barely has enough money to feed herself and pay her own rent, how the heck did she afford that expensive tattoo? We are reminded a few times that she's trying to save up money to attend college. (works as a bartender and temp aid)
- The entire reason for the story felt really stupid and a bit of a let down...probably because I was expecting werewolves. I thought that
June 12, 2020
Sometimes I want to break you, angel.
Sweet Obsession is book 1 in Callie Rose’s new Ruthless games series and i am shook.
I love Callie’s RH stories so when I saw that this one was a RH, kind of stalker romance I was a bit thrown but I gave it a go anyway.
I won’t give any spoilers or the plot away but I will say this, the majority of the book was good, I enjoyed it but when it got to about 75% and didn’t think anything was going to happen, Callie Rose said watch this then and proceeded to blow my mind and things took an epic turn that I NEVER saw coming.
Callie Rose dropped a massive bomb and the book turned from good to what in the ever loving fuck am I reading. I was on the edge of my seat, I was breathing fast, I couldn’t get enough and then guess what... THE MOST MADDENING CLIFFHANGER EVER! And I have to wait until August to read the next book!
Sweet Obsession is book 1 in Callie Rose’s new Ruthless games series and i am shook.
I love Callie’s RH stories so when I saw that this one was a RH, kind of stalker romance I was a bit thrown but I gave it a go anyway.
I won’t give any spoilers or the plot away but I will say this, the majority of the book was good, I enjoyed it but when it got to about 75% and didn’t think anything was going to happen, Callie Rose said watch this then and proceeded to blow my mind and things took an epic turn that I NEVER saw coming.
Callie Rose dropped a massive bomb and the book turned from good to what in the ever loving fuck am I reading. I was on the edge of my seat, I was breathing fast, I couldn’t get enough and then guess what... THE MOST MADDENING CLIFFHANGER EVER! And I have to wait until August to read the next book!
August 8, 2021
TW: self harm, gang violence, past sexual assault
This story went by incredibly fast but was also incredibly cringy. I have no interest reading the rest of the series.
This story went by incredibly fast but was also incredibly cringy. I have no interest reading the rest of the series.
October 18, 2021
This book was fine. Not a bad start to a series, and it kept me reading, but there were definitely some issues, and I was left wanting a bit more at the end.
Our characters in this book are Ayla, Marcus, Ryland, and Theo. I felt like we didn't learn anything about these characters, especially the boys. I don't even mean their backstory; it's fine if that's hidden, especially in a trilogy. The problem was we barely spent any time with these guys, so I feel like I don't know anything about their personalities and the reason why Ayla would like them or what differentiates them. If I don't know anything about them, it confuses me why Ayla would be in love with them.
The plot was fine, more interesting to me than the romance but still had some weird parts. The balance between sex and plot was really off at the beginning. There were too many meaningless sex scenes and not a lot of development of feelings or the plot. Points off for not wearing a condom the first time Ayla sleeps with Marcus too. She later is like "it's fine because I've been on birth control since I was fifteen." Like girl, that's not the only reason to wear a condom when you're sleeping with a stranger! Since this is marketed as a dark romance and starts with a shooting, I'm expecting for there to be more plot throughout the book rather than just sticking it all at the end.
I am intrigued by the ending, mostly because it ends with a cliffhanger. I did think the plot twist was a little silly but I'm expecting a little bit of unrealism in this type of story so it didn't bother me as much. I do want to see a bit more from book two. I want to see actual relationship development rather than the love-at-first-sight stuff we got here and I want a better integration of the external plot throughout the whole book. I will read the next book because this is a fun story and not a bad read but I did want just a bit more.
Our characters in this book are Ayla, Marcus, Ryland, and Theo. I felt like we didn't learn anything about these characters, especially the boys. I don't even mean their backstory; it's fine if that's hidden, especially in a trilogy. The problem was we barely spent any time with these guys, so I feel like I don't know anything about their personalities and the reason why Ayla would like them or what differentiates them. If I don't know anything about them, it confuses me why Ayla would be in love with them.
The plot was fine, more interesting to me than the romance but still had some weird parts. The balance between sex and plot was really off at the beginning. There were too many meaningless sex scenes and not a lot of development of feelings or the plot. Points off for not wearing a condom the first time Ayla sleeps with Marcus too. She later is like "it's fine because I've been on birth control since I was fifteen." Like girl, that's not the only reason to wear a condom when you're sleeping with a stranger! Since this is marketed as a dark romance and starts with a shooting, I'm expecting for there to be more plot throughout the book rather than just sticking it all at the end.
I am intrigued by the ending, mostly because it ends with a cliffhanger. I did think the plot twist was a little silly but I'm expecting a little bit of unrealism in this type of story so it didn't bother me as much. I do want to see a bit more from book two. I want to see actual relationship development rather than the love-at-first-sight stuff we got here and I want a better integration of the external plot throughout the whole book. I will read the next book because this is a fun story and not a bad read but I did want just a bit more.
August 28, 2021
This book had me HOOKED - I was truly emotionally invested in Ayla’s life and the repercussions of her split second decision. But honestly, the whole twist in the end about what exactly is going on with the guys was the biggest disappointment because it’s so weird and illogical and unrealistic compared to how relatable Ayla is. So yeah, would have easily given this 4.5 stars but that whole plot point killed the book for me, so only giving it 3.
May 11, 2023
I don't know WTH I just read, but it was Brilliant!
So I've already run immediately to book 2, to see if I can get some answers.
That cliffy in this book was just down right cruel.
Great intro to this Trilogy. I would recommend this read.
So I've already run immediately to book 2, to see if I can get some answers.
That cliffy in this book was just down right cruel.
Great intro to this Trilogy. I would recommend this read.
October 15, 2024
DNF. i'm not a dnf girlie but this rh was so badly written and apart from the disability rep, there wasn't anything in it for me
October 17, 2021
I can't believe I read this. I can only blame myself - I didn't pay close enough attention to the tags. Guys, this is a reverse harem porno. How in the fuck does it have over 4 stars? It has basically no plot and is entirely "character" driven. I say "character" driven loosely because there isn't much of any character building. The 3 guys are distinct from each other, but cliched for a trio of guy friend "brothers". When I realized it was a reverse harem (and not a urban fantasy, which were the original vibes I was getting from the unexplained attraction) I was a bit skeeved out because I didn't find it sexy. At all. It's not my thing. And I really don't understand why the guys liked her so much?
I'm just disappointed because the premise was so promising. The idea of someone getting shot for you and having to live a very different life due to the loss of a limb was very interesting. The men she saved coming back into her life was cool too. And then everything fell apart from there. Oh well. I won't be reading any more of this series. Thanks.
I'm just disappointed because the premise was so promising. The idea of someone getting shot for you and having to live a very different life due to the loss of a limb was very interesting. The men she saved coming back into her life was cool too. And then everything fell apart from there. Oh well. I won't be reading any more of this series. Thanks.
January 21, 2023
Bro this was so good I didn't even see it coming ahshsjsjsk🥹🥹🥹 I mean, I thought the premise was pretty interesting but I didn't think that I'd like it this much. Like literally, WOW😍 The spice, the tension, the plot twist, the cliffhanger...mwah chef's kiss😙🤌🏻 I'm so glad that I gave this book a chance eventhough I was kinda nervous to read this based on so many DNFs/1⭐️ reviews. Funny thing tho, most of the time, I end up disliking/hating books that have *really* high ratings and instead end up loving books that have quite a bit of negative ratings (there are exceptions to that obv). Honestly looking forward to finishing this series and reading more of Miss Callie's work🤎
- RH
- plot twist
- no condoms
- no cheating
- no OW/OM drama
- tension + spice 🌶🌶🌶
- obsessed H/stalker
- "touch her and i'll kill you" + worships the ground h walks on
- cliffhanger
- RH
- plot twist
- no condoms
- no cheating
- no OW/OM drama
- tension + spice 🌶🌶🌶
- obsessed H/stalker
- "touch her and i'll kill you" + worships the ground h walks on
- cliffhanger
February 7, 2024
02/06/2024 - Reread
06/02/2020 - 4.5 stars. I can’t believe how much I enjoyed this book. I thought the entire series was out before I started reading book 1 and am so disappointed it is not.
I do not want to give to much away but the heroine saves one of the hero’s lives one night at a night club. Two and 1/2 years later they save her life from a mugger from then they story begins. The heroine starts a relationship of sorts with one of the heros but it is a slow burn with the other two. Nonetheless, it works. Everything in this book works. The suspense, the mystery, the romance, the characters. I loved it.
06/02/2020 - 4.5 stars. I can’t believe how much I enjoyed this book. I thought the entire series was out before I started reading book 1 and am so disappointed it is not.
I do not want to give to much away but the heroine saves one of the hero’s lives one night at a night club. Two and 1/2 years later they save her life from a mugger from then they story begins. The heroine starts a relationship of sorts with one of the heros but it is a slow burn with the other two. Nonetheless, it works. Everything in this book works. The suspense, the mystery, the romance, the characters. I loved it.
May 17, 2022
4✨ + ❤️
sweet obsession is the first book on a reverse harem trilogy that talks about a woman, ayla, who is shot trying to save some strange’s life. this strange? marcus, her new stalker.
after the accident, the guy becomes obsessed with the girl who was capable of saving him without knowing who he was. that's why he involves his best friends almost brothers, ryland and theo to help him protecting ayla.
about the three H’s:
marcus is the one who most appears on this book, and i accepted that since there is three books (and i imagine the author intends to develop each one in her own timing). he's clearly the boss on the trio, the possessive one.
we also have theo, which is my favorite. those who read reverse harem JUST KNOW it always has the character that is super cute and protective with a dark past and probably tattoos, piercing and/ or a crazy appetite for sex we wouln't imagine about......... this is theo.
to conclude, ryland. nothing to say about him. joking. he was the less developed but i can already say he will be the one i will less care. he is that rude type of reverse harem guy that clearly doesn't know how to deal with his feelings so shows hate to the main character. (i kinda hate that)
about the hot scenes 🔥:
i liked! marcus was the main character here and we didn't have any groupal scene (i was expecting, i confess).......... i can say marcus is hot. that's it.
about the stalker part:
i have read some stalker's plot books and i can say this one here is one of the best about this especific topic. usually the author introduces the stalking part and then the characters meet and everybody forgets the whole point of the plot.
this book here developed till the end. talking about them watching her for like two years. bringing flashbacks... i liked.
about the game:
sweet obssession is not only romance. i liked the way the author wrote the plot of the book. we have a kinda of hunger games without the hunger part and more like rich people killing rich people and the winner will be richer. stupid things if you think about it but it was super crazy to read it.
if i was writing this review in the moment i finished reading, i would have said: can't wait to read the next one! but i already finished and i didn't like it so much............... but i'll let this part to the second book's review.
sweet obsession is the first book on a reverse harem trilogy that talks about a woman, ayla, who is shot trying to save some strange’s life. this strange? marcus, her new stalker.
after the accident, the guy becomes obsessed with the girl who was capable of saving him without knowing who he was. that's why he involves his best friends almost brothers, ryland and theo to help him protecting ayla.
about the three H’s:
marcus is the one who most appears on this book, and i accepted that since there is three books (and i imagine the author intends to develop each one in her own timing). he's clearly the boss on the trio, the possessive one.
we also have theo, which is my favorite. those who read reverse harem JUST KNOW it always has the character that is super cute and protective with a dark past and probably tattoos, piercing and/ or a crazy appetite for sex we wouln't imagine about......... this is theo.
to conclude, ryland. nothing to say about him. joking. he was the less developed but i can already say he will be the one i will less care. he is that rude type of reverse harem guy that clearly doesn't know how to deal with his feelings so shows hate to the main character. (i kinda hate that)
about the hot scenes 🔥:
i liked! marcus was the main character here and we didn't have any groupal scene (i was expecting, i confess).......... i can say marcus is hot. that's it.
about the stalker part:
i have read some stalker's plot books and i can say this one here is one of the best about this especific topic. usually the author introduces the stalking part and then the characters meet and everybody forgets the whole point of the plot.
this book here developed till the end. talking about them watching her for like two years. bringing flashbacks... i liked.
about the game:
sweet obssession is not only romance. i liked the way the author wrote the plot of the book. we have a kinda of hunger games without the hunger part and more like rich people killing rich people and the winner will be richer. stupid things if you think about it but it was super crazy to read it.
if i was writing this review in the moment i finished reading, i would have said: can't wait to read the next one! but i already finished and i didn't like it so much............... but i'll let this part to the second book's review.
August 5, 2021
Yes! I loved Sweet Obsession! Ayla was such a badass. With everything she had been through, being a foster kid her whole life, being abused by a foster parent, and losing her arm. she was fierce and strong. The perfect match for Marcus, Theo and Ryland. Though this is a reverse harem and she was meant for all three guys her connection with Marcus was so strong.
The ending! My god what a cliff hanger! thankfully this whole series is on KU so I could binge the whole series in one go.
The ending! My god what a cliff hanger! thankfully this whole series is on KU so I could binge the whole series in one go.
March 18, 2020
Callie knocked it out of the park with this book. I didn't want it to end. I was hooked from the first page. We meet Ayla when she and her friend are at a club dancing and Ayla literally catches the eyes of Marcus, Ryland and Theo. When the night ends in disaster she is changed forever. She becomes a broken shell of her old self trying to put herself back together. A couple years pass and she sees all three boys again when they insert themselves into her life. The relationships grow from there and as as a reader I could feel how much Ayla, Marcus and the others were connected. I loved how intense the feeling were. I can't wait to read more and find out were they go from here.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2021
DNF…
Not sure why this has a lot of good reviews. I was really looking forward to reading this but just no. I liked the beginning but after, it just started going down hill. It’s annoying how Ayla wants to stand up to Marcus and they just end up sleeping together. Like WHYYYY!? she then wants to prove it was nothing but a one time thing but ends up agreeing not to touch another guy unless it’s the guys stalking her. I found her annoying as I continued reading on and just ended up skimming through to about half way through the book.
Not sure why this has a lot of good reviews. I was really looking forward to reading this but just no. I liked the beginning but after, it just started going down hill. It’s annoying how Ayla wants to stand up to Marcus and they just end up sleeping together. Like WHYYYY!? she then wants to prove it was nothing but a one time thing but ends up agreeing not to touch another guy unless it’s the guys stalking her. I found her annoying as I continued reading on and just ended up skimming through to about half way through the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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