Spark of Obsession

Entice #1

by Victoria Dawson

Some people come into your life and enhance it. And some people come into your life and destroy it.

Graham Hoffman did both.

When my best friend persuades me to accompany her to a work event, I never expect to encounter a mysterious man who both intrigues and confounds me. I know it the moment our eyes connect. I can feel the attraction deep in my bones.

Graham thrives on control, and I’m fueled by free will. It took me four years to rebuild my life after surviving a car accident. The last thing I need is for some man to dictate how I choose to live it.

When tragedy strikes my university, a spark of obsession ignites between us, causing our differences to magnify and clash. Second chances are rare, and mine is dependent on following my dream of becoming an investigative journalist. I’m so close to achieving my goals. I can’t back down now.

Can the foundation of a relationship built on lies survive, or am I destined to get buried as it starts to crumble?

Follow Angie and Graham on their epic journey to finding love, redemption, and forgiveness in the three-part Entice Series that will hold your heart hostage until the very end.

This book is intended for mature audiences.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn, College, Contemporary

574 pages, ebook

Published October 6, 2022

About the author

Victoria is the author of fiery heroines and possessive heroes. She thrives on writing stories that transcend the minds of readers, allowing them to get lost in the journey to love—and all the drama that entails. Prior to delving heart first into the romance writing world, she taught middle and high school students mathematics for ten years.

Victoria Dawson is a unique combination of hopeful realist and hopeless romantic. She is an iced coffee connoisseur, a reality TV enthusiast, and a habitual wearer of stretchy pants. If she is not chasing after her three active children, she is often found scouring social media for her next book boyfriend fix.

Having grown up in an itty bitty town in Pennsylvania, Victoria is a little bit country. She currently resides in Maryland with her family.

Reviews

[Nikki Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Info:
Ends in a cliffy 🧗‍♀️
First person narrative and Female POV 👩‍🦳
Troupe: Billionaire💵, Workplace🏢, Forced Relationship
Sub-genre: Contemporary Romance❤️, Romantic Suspense🫣
Category: Mystery🤔, OTT possessive male❤️‍🔥
Burn Rate: Slow Burn
Spice Level: 🌶🌶

OMG!!! I’m a big fan of this book!! I was asked to read and review this and I’m so excited that I did!! At first I thought is was going to be like Fifty Shades or the Crossfire series (which isn’t a bad thing) but it isn’t. It has some elements like those but it’s so much more.
I try not to give away a lot of plot in my reviews incase people want to go in blind but there is SO much plot here and I’m here for it!!
What I really loved is the writing style here. The internal monologue is great. I found the FMC Angie to be smart without being pretentious. She is also capable and funny. She has real depth. There are past issues and the way she tries to work through it, I found so relatable.
The MMC Graham is so friggin sexy. The way he is described and the things he does makes me wish he was real. He feels an instant connection with Angie and you feel it with them. There are times in the beginning that I wanted to punch his face but that’s because I’m invested. He isn’t perfect. He can be arrogant and mean and stupid. But I still love him. He has those OTT jealous possessive obsessive tendencies that I love in my MMCs!!!
The spice level is low. This book is one big fat edge. But what is in there is quiver worthy and hot (well done Ms Dawson!!). I usually like more smut with my romance, but in this book it didn’t matter because this plot is amazing.
This does end in a cliffhanger but it is a great read. This isn’t the type of book that relies on sex and just the main relationship. There are a lot of elements and those elements are SUPER intriguing. I can’t wait for the next book!!! If you like your romance with good smut scenes but mostly plot, get this!!

Kinks and Triggers: Spanking👋🏻, controlling hero💪🏻, OW/OM Drama🖤, Praise🗣, Dirty Talk🎙

[Kro Melo · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @45%

I couldn’t connect with the characters or the story. The h is very immature and the H isn’t that remarkable either. I didn’t like the writing style, it has way too many details and descriptions of the surroundings or the past which distracted you from the story. I forced myself to keep reading but @45% I just gave up

[Ashley Crimmins · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I did want to put it down. I’m wildly obsessed and can’t wait for the next book! I have so many theories of how this series will end, but every time I get set on one theory these charts low holes through them.

I would love to meet sexy Graham in person! He loves his work, but always has time for Angie. We don’t know a lot about Graham’s past, but Angie lost her mom to cancer and her twin brother in an accident. This girl is a mess! She lost her job at the beginning of her last semester in college. Her roommate has the perfect job for her that leads her to Graham, but he can’t stop warning her how dangerous he is. What makes him dangerous? He seems pretty perfect to me!

There is no way this is Victoria Dawson debut novel! It is AMAZING!

[샘 sam★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Both gave me headache and honestly? The ML treats OW better than the FL lol he can’t be this dumb to not notice he gives better treatment to OW? Even when FL told him abt it he keeps doing it in this book and in second book. Both dumb

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was bored out of mind. For a book with the word obsession in the title i expected so much more i expected him to quit telling her he was bad for her and get on with it. I expected him to make a move way sooner. I expected more this was just SLOW and boring.

[Pamela Deveze (winesandbooks_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first thought: I can't believe this is Victoria Dawson's debut work! I need book 2 now!

This is a book you start reading and are immediately invade by a tragic story, with a FMC that has fight through tragic and a MMC full of mystery and darkness. The thing with this book is that you will keep reading and reading because it keeps you in the edge and you keep wondering what will happen next and why.

This is a romantic suspense book, part 1 of a 3 book series and you will read it in less than a day as you'll try to find what's happening behind our MMC.

Congratulations to the author for this amazing work!

[Robia Davenport · Rating 3 out of 5]

immature writing

It seemed like half of the book happened in the author’s head. It was confusing to have scenes change with no flow or character suddenly be in a different position.

You know that creative writing exercise where they have elementary school aged kids write how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Then the teacher follows their directions exactly and it is supposed to show kids how to be more detailed??? This author missed that class

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grip this book had on me... I did not want to put it down! While it didn't have a lot of spice, I didn't mind that much bc the overall plot had me hooked.

I did love the fact that there's a couple different plot lines going on with Angie (fmc) yet it seems like it is all going to be connected somehow so you have this element of suspense and mystery tied into it all

I am so glad I purchased the entire series at once so I can immediately start book 2😈

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First by this author but RUNNING to book two. I feel like the first book in a series can be tough to get into.. but not this one! Edge of my seat, reading ad fast as possible. Angie (and her friend Claire) are trying to get through their last year in college.. add a mysterious man? Oooohhh yes

[HunterK. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will have you laughing, gasping, and panting until the very end!

This story follows Angie as she tries to navigate life during her last year of college while she supports herself all on her own.

With the help of her friend Claire, Angie meets a mysterious man and it’s game on for these enemies to lovers from the very start.

You must love flirty/sometimes ferocious banter, intriguing plot, and fire love scenes to enjoy this book.

I received an arc copy of this book.

[Amanda Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read!! Spice and lots of mystery with a crazy twist!!!!

[Farah · Rating 1 out of 5]

0 ⭐️

This is just bad in every way possible

[Queen Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

These book was umm interesting. The adults didn't act like adults. It felt more like they were children in high school with adult money. Everything started out very well with the dark and mysterious Graham but then it just got weird. There was a lot of subplots going on. I can't even tell you what the main plot was. There was so much going on. By the time I got to the end I didn't find any resolution for anything.

Graham and our FMC play around each other with this weird hot and cold thing that you'd think they'd have done page burning spicy scene. Nope. It was very lackluster. I felt myself just wanting it to be done with because I wanted to find out more about other things going on. Not to mention the whole fact that there is a man who is clearly bad news in this book and the FMC is blatantly ignoring the huge red flags. And I don't mean Graham either. While he's done some borderline crazy things in here atleast he doesn't seem to want to harm the FMC. Sleezeball is oozing bad intentions and this seems to slip by the FMC. The best friend having random sexcapades at their shared apartment is concerning. You'd think they just go to rich guys place but no. They decide to do all this consistently at her apartment where she has a roommate 😐😐. Rude. Anyway, I don't want to continue book 2. I'm just not interested because nothing was explored enough to make any particular thing stand out. Again to each their own, I always say give a book a try on your own. This is just my opinion on how things flowed to me

[L.A. Ferro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such an intriguing read

I love a romance book with a good plot and this delivers. The character development is spot on. Angie and Graham will drive you insane as much as they will.keep you turning the next page. I can't believe this is a debut novel for Dawson. If I had to compare it to anything I would say Fifty Shades of Grey but not for BDSM reasons its the plot and storyline. Don't get me wrong they are not the same its just a "if you liked this - try this" reference. There are so many layers to Graham and Dawson takes us on that ride. Who is the man behind the name. This book isn't incredibly spicy in fact its a crazy slow burn but when the spice hits it goes off with a bang. I couldn't put this book down. Can't wait to finish the series.

[Nikki Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
This book was so spicy 🌶️ definitely reminded me of 50 Shades. I kept wanting to read more about Angie and Graham’s relationship despite having a love/hate relationship with both characters. Some of the back and forth with them felt repetitive. It ends in a cliffhanger so I’m going to have to read the next books!

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

SpellBinding

Short of money and a semester to go, Angie follows her bestie's advice and signs up to Entice, an upmarket escort agency. Here she meets Graham, and that changes everything.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but it is brilliant. Angie hopes to be an investigative journalist and is searching for a story. Graham warns her off him, but becomes obsessed with her. There are exes, druggings, unhappy friends, and threatening texts.
This is book one of three, and I have bought the others.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this kinda dragged, despite that, the plot was nice. Not sure about finishing the series, maybe I'll just read this one because I tried to skim the 3rd book and found out the problem with OW was still on going which was too much for me. Would love that to be resolved on the 2nd book. I'll just finish this one and read other book.

[Stacey Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I just wish that it didn't end on a " to be continued" so that you have to read all three!

[Mariam · Rating 4 out of 5]

not me getting upset this wasn't dark enough-

and tbf it's kinda not. but it's about to be.

GOD I NEEDED A GOOD SLOW BURN WHERE SHIT WASNT OBVIOUS FROM PAGE ONE

fantastic book and i just KNOW next book is gonna hit

[Lauren K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spark of Obsession was forbidden, addictive and kept me on the edge of my seat! I absolutely love the tension between Angie and Graham, and the thrill of the chase was soooo sexy! This is a romantic thriller that is exquisitely written, sexy, and action packed in more ways than one. I have sooo many questions left unanswered, and cannot wait to dive into book two and get some answers. Victoria, you absolutely have a new fan here!!

[Melanie Hoffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, I want more! I instantly fell for Angie as she starts her journey with Entice and I was hooked after she had her first encounter with Graham. This is definitely a spicy, sexy treat of obsession. Graham's obsession with Angie gets her at every turn. I loved how he intercepted her dates. You are rooting for them to get together. But then the last few pages blow your mind. I want more, I want to know. My mouth dropped open like Omg! I cant wait to read the 2nd one.

[bookish.nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

• Review •

Spark of Obsession by Victoria Dawson

Ratings:
⭐️: 4/5
🌶: /5


Quote: “You love that idea too. You want to be my bad girl. Tease me. Make me want to go utterly insane for you.”

Tropes: billionaire, college student, possessive hero, secretive MCs, virgin heroine

——————————————————

What debut novel by Victoria Dawson! Some elements you can find in this novel are a crime solving heroine, a hint of danger when a mysterious text is received, and a campus wide scandal. Graham and Angie have chemistry. Their banter constantly had me smiling and laughing because they definitely knew how to push each others buttons. What they didn’t have was trust and communication. That being said, they both had their own secrets they were keeping from each other.

While we get more of an idea of what Angie is keeping hidden because we read from her perspective, we have no idea what’s going on with Graham. He’s a complete mystery even to us. We don’t know his motives, his actual feelings, nothing. We, like Angie, only have his words and sometimes sketchy behavior to go off of. I’m definitely intrigued by him and hope we get to learn more about him in the next book.

Angie is an interesting character. There are times where she almost feels like an unreliable narrator strictly because there are things that even we as readers are in the dark about. She’s been through a world of pain, and I have a feeling she’s about to be put through the wringer again. Hopefully Graham will be able to keep her safe and make her feel loved.

While the pacing was occasionally slow, this was a great debut novel. Definitely looking forward to the next one!

[Dillon Bancroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

a stunning debut!

Spark of Obsession is such an amazing debut! Graham is swoon worthy and his obsession with Angie is a fun cat and mouse game I can’t wait to explore more!

AND THAT ENDING!

I’m waiting on pins and needles for Rush of Jealousy.

[Erin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. For it being a debut novel, it’s absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to see what the second book has and to be able to finish Graham and Angie’s story!

this pulled me in right from the get go, and boy was it emotional from the start!

This love hate relationship between the characters kept things interesting, and her sarcastic humor made for an enjoyable read!

The characters development throughout, the dialogue, the pace of the book was all wonderful! There wasn’t a moment I felt bored or like I was on repeat going through the chapters.

Overall it is a great book and I can’t wait to read the next!

[L.R. Douglas · Rating 2 out of 5]

* currently at 57% and struggling to stay in the game *

I have a few issues with this book at the moment. The first is that it smacks heavily of 50 SoG - but without the kinky smut. And really, what's left? Graham (do not get me started on how much that name irks me) is very reminiscent of Mr Grey, but not in a good way. In a "I want to control your life so you will do everything I tell you while I hide shady secrets that could put you in danger" kind of way. Just coming across as a bit of a sleazy creep RN.

Also. I've seen this marketed as the FMC being a call girl? I mean... barely. Although she's apparently enticing and incredible enough to have everyone battling over dates with her at the agency (just not actual 'normal' guys).

Descriptions are becoming very much a drag too. There's a lot of filler that could potentially have been cut out. It's a massively long book for a debut author and the pacing is quite slow at the moment.
I may push through, I may not. We shall see.

[xbebex78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angie goes to River Valkey University, she's on her last year. She goes and meets with her advisor for an internship. She wants to be a journalist after her twin passed away and she investigated her twin accident. Even tho she was unsuccessful her love for journalism was sparked. Now she has to find something worthy to write about so she can get the internship. Angie works at Sugar Butter Bakery, the bakery was died so she check on her blog that he created called Bad Advice. She say a question a leader had and she answered it and closed the page. She closed the shop and Th owner Edna let her know that they are closing the shop because they can't compete with the bigger bakery. Hopefully she can find another job because the jobs get filled fast with college students. She calls her friend and let her know that she won't be able to pay the month rent because of the bakery closing. Her friend knew that the bakery wasn't going to last long. She told Angie not to worry that she would pay her part. Angie told her thank you and that she will look for another job. Claire told her to go work with her and Angie told her that she's not as fit as her. Claire told her not this job my other one. She told her to me her at the house and she will explain everything to her. Angie gets to the house and Claire told her that she gets paid to keep filthy rich man company. She tells her that she pretends to be there girlfriend and gets paid good amount of money for it. She told herctgat she shouldn't be telling her about it because she signed papers. That she's telling her about it because their besties. Claire tells her that she told her this because she needs the money. Angie told her so I go out with them then at the end say goodnight and go home. Claire was like well and Angie told her you have sex with them. Angie told her that she is not a prostituting herself and she asked if sex is required and Claire said no. Claire told her that word on the street is if you do you get triple the pay if she entertain after hours. Claire told her to go with her to the mixer with her, it's a recruiting event and they gave it once a month. So like we all guessed Angie went. They get to the mansion where the it's being held. Claire goes get them and drink while Angie waits. Someone say cristal and anngie turns around and tell them her name is Angie. He tell her his name is Nolan and would she like a drink. She takes the drink and drinks it fast and then heads to the restroom. After the restroom she heads to the patio for fresh air. She takes her heels off and dips her feet in the pool. She thinks to herself this is not for me I am a beer and peanuts type of girl. She grabs a cushion and gets comfortable and starts to think of her twin James. While she's thinking of her twin she smells a mans cologne and when she opens her eyes. She sees beautiful blue eyes staring at her. Her heart has never met him before. He walks toward where she is at and deeps his hands in the pool next to her. Then takes them out. She never met man like him, she asked him who are you and he tells her someone that you should stay away from. She didn't like the way he said that and tries to get out the pool. He reaches for her to help her out. He helps her and his touch makes her get goosebumps. She in her thoughts and then comes back. He tells her that they should play poker and she said why and he told her because her face gives everything away. She told him maybe I am bluffing and he told her she's bad at that too. She walks back to the party. Her friend Claire grabbed her and told her she was looking for her and she told her that she was at the patio and was talkibgvto someone. She asked her who bit she never got his name. Clarier told her that she want her to meet some guys that might want to date her. She met a few guys but she wasn't to comfortable. They notice she didn't gave a bracelet. They hope that she soon divides if she wants to joy. Claire tells her that she will explain later about the bracelet. Angie excused herself to the bathroom, she was also looking for the mysterious men but didn't see him. She walked tibtye bar and didn't know what to order due to there was no menu. She then heard his voice order drinks for him and her, she looked and saw his blue eyes. He tells her which one she wants the dirty one or the clean one. Angie grabs both and left him and went to a different room and sat down. Claire came and sat next to her and asked her if she will be going to the office with her next week. Angie told her maybe, they both are enjoying there night laughing. Angie asked her bout the bracelet and Claire told her what they meant. Claire also told her that surrounding herself with business people could help her with her paper for school. Which Angie never thought about. They stayed for a bit and then grab a cab home. A few days pass and she made her mind up, she second guess her self but she's doing it. Angie is dressed and ready to go. They get to the place and Claire telks her that they will love her and that she already have some fans from the party. The receptionist tells her that Dominic the CEO will is in charge of training you. She grabs her and walks her to the office. They get to his office and she wasn't expecting a hot dam looking guy in his upper twenties. He told them to wait for him his finishing up a meeting. When his office doors finally opens she see her mysterious man walk out. He looks at her like its the first time and she is wired with nerves. He walks away and leaves. She sits at the chair in front of the CEO and he explains everything to her. He see tgat she is nervous. He stands her a file and told her that ge gives her a week to think it over which they don't do, but told her to keep that file save. As she walks back she see Claire speaking to the mysterious man. She tells Claire she's ready to go home and she said what about your profile. Angie teljs her not today he gave her a week to think about it and she had the file. The mysterious man mutter that goes against protocol and walks off. Angie asked Claire who was he and she told him his name. They drive away from he office anguectells her how she met him. Claire told Ger to stay away from him, his trouble. Angie told her that was the same thing the guy told her. Claire also told her that a few of the guys said the same thing. She told her to stay away from him she doesn't need the drama. Will Angie go ahead and work at the agency? Will she not listen to her friend about her mysterious man? Or will she just work and stay away from him? Hmmm I wonder what is she going to decide or do? Must read this book and see. Oooo and there is a big surprise that will leave your mouth open like mines is right now. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Becca Tyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! Was a bit slow for my liking to begin with but once it got going, it really did get going! Great story, and ended on a bit of a cliffhanger so can’t wait for the 2nd book to come out now!

[FaithfulMarineWife · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written debut romantic suspence novel with intelligent characters! A rare gem.

It is hard to find books that are both well written and have a well thought out intriguing storyline. This is one of those rare gems that has it all, which makes it all the more amazing that this is the author's debut novel! I'm excited to see this author's writing develop as she continues her journey in authoring books.

It is refreshing to have both the hero and heroine characters be intelligent people with actual intelligent conversations together. That, too, is a rarity these days! I enjoyed reading the playful and romantic bantering between the main characters, which I think really helps reveal and build the strong chemistry between the two. I'm more a fan of slow burn novels, rather than insta-love or insta-lust, because that building of romantic tension between the two (once they eventually realize and admit what feelings they have for one another), just makes their coming together that much more emotional and powerful. As the reader, you can really feel the tingly sensation and increased heart rate that come along with that intensity! It really helps bring the reader into the story and truly feel the love and the chemistry between the two characters. It's just something that really cannot be achieved in books that take the instant approach, instead. So I think that's what makes this book have such depth and the characters are more fully developed. This author has a way of bringing you into the world of the story and captivating you. I did find this book hard to put down and probably stayed up a little too late some nights, but that is the sign of a good book!

I am a big fan of romantic suspense and "Spark of Obsession" definitely delivered in keeping the reader in suspense. The hero Graham is a bit of a mystery, and like the heroine of the story, the reader certainly is left wanting to know more about him and what exactly is going on that we don't know about. Thankfully, this isn't one of those highly predictable books. There are little nuggets throughout the story that keep us wondering and guessing about what secrets are being hidden, what is this hero really involved in, and what is this Entice company really all about.

The book does leave us with a cliffhanger, which I actually liked because it was a strong ending that left me wanting to read more! I know some people really dislike cliffhangers, but we cannot blame the authors for using them! It's what draws us into the story and wanting more. I'm less inclined to want to read the rest of the series if there isn't anything motivating me to continue on and/or if I lose interest and become bored with a nice and neatly wrapped up with a bow ending. "Spark of Obsession" held my interest throughout the entirety of the book, until the very end. I want to read more and I'm curious if this Graham guy is at all who he appears to be. Can he even be trusted? To be honest, I don't think I really even trust him. However, something tells me that everything may not be as it appears to be. That goes with the characters associated with the Entice company, too.

One of the things in the story I was a little confused about was the ex-boyfriend Russell. I didn't quite understand Russell and Angie's relationship together or why they were even together in the first place? How did the heroine end up with all his personal items, if he didn't appear to ever want to be with her and they were only together for a few brief months that they rarely saw or communicated with each other? I think I would have understood her having all his personal items if they had a longer term relationship together or if they at one point had a closer relationship together. However, the story made it seem like they were mere acquaintances that somehow decided to date one another (for unknown reasons), but they didn't appear to ever like one another. So it just seemed a little confusing and unrealistic to me why a guy would willingly hand over all his personal items to someone he doesn't particularly care for and really doesn't even know. I also was a little confused about the friend Zander. He just kind of appeared out of nowhere and I didn't understand how he was connected to Angie at first. The story just cut to a scene where Angie was picking him up at the airport, but I think I would have liked to know why she was picking him up, how they were connected, and what their history was together. I kind of felt like I was hanging a little bit wondering, who is this guy? Is he another love interest, is he a brother, a former boyfriend, a family friend? I didn't realize he was just a close guy friend until further into the story, at which point it was obvious he has a thing for his friend Angie that she was of course oblivious to.

The author already has books 2 and 3 written and scheduled to be available for purchase in the upcoming months. So it's exciting waiting in anticipation to see what more is going to happen in this series and between the characters involved! I think I have a soft spot for the side character friend Zander. Yes, I have a thing for the underdogs in these stories! They're rarely destined to get the girl, but it melts my heart when they do. Zander seems to have a genuine love and long term devotion to the heroine (more so than the hero who seems divided in his attention/affection with others), but of course he's not the hero, so I worry he may get his heart crushed in the end. I'm secretly hoping for a HEA for him, too, whether in this series or another series devoted to him! A job well done in "Spark of Obsession"! I highly recommend!

[Susan Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I was hooked from the first page. I loved it and I need answers. I am so glad that I found this book it is a must read for sure.

[Christine Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! I was an ARC reader and stayed up much too late to finish it! Definitely recommend!