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The Obsession
A lonely man suffering from addiction meets his savior. But can the charming male psychology student truly love and save him?
Tristan Tolken feels invisible most of the time, which is fine by him. After suffering years of abuse by a mother who won’t accept his attraction to men, he’s fallen into sexual addiction. His only relief is to lose himself in his artwork and yearn for Collin from afar. There’s no way Collin could ever notice him, right?
Collin Stanley has the self-confidence and smarts to be starting his master’s degree in psychology early, but he has a problem. After only a few months, he’s been kicked out of his apartment and can only find a room in the dorm. When he strolls into his new room, he’s shocked to find Tristan there. He’s had his eye on Tristan. Tristan’s unusual habits are fascinating, but Tristan’s completely shut down. Will Tristan let him in?
Collin figures out Tristan’s obsession right away and knows that he’s the one who can fix him. But fixing Tristan leaves Collin with emotions he didn’t count on and his own fear of falling in love surfaces. As Tristan heals with Collin’s help, Collin hides a deep secret. This secret threatens their relationship and could throw Tristan back into a lonely life of addiction. As the secret is revealed, how can Collin redeem himself and not destroy Tristan in the process?
The Obsession is a standalone M/M romance novel. It is a dark, hurt/comfort, roommate romance with an HFN and no cliffhangers. It features an insecure young artist struggling to live his life, longing for love, and a confident young man with his own issues who wants to help. This book is a re-release of a book with the same name and has been extensively edited.
Trigger Warning: This book deals with a parental abuse, both emotional and physical from an alcoholic mother. There are also themes of sexuality prejudice.
Tristan Tolken feels invisible most of the time, which is fine by him. After suffering years of abuse by a mother who won’t accept his attraction to men, he’s fallen into sexual addiction. His only relief is to lose himself in his artwork and yearn for Collin from afar. There’s no way Collin could ever notice him, right?
Collin Stanley has the self-confidence and smarts to be starting his master’s degree in psychology early, but he has a problem. After only a few months, he’s been kicked out of his apartment and can only find a room in the dorm. When he strolls into his new room, he’s shocked to find Tristan there. He’s had his eye on Tristan. Tristan’s unusual habits are fascinating, but Tristan’s completely shut down. Will Tristan let him in?
Collin figures out Tristan’s obsession right away and knows that he’s the one who can fix him. But fixing Tristan leaves Collin with emotions he didn’t count on and his own fear of falling in love surfaces. As Tristan heals with Collin’s help, Collin hides a deep secret. This secret threatens their relationship and could throw Tristan back into a lonely life of addiction. As the secret is revealed, how can Collin redeem himself and not destroy Tristan in the process?
The Obsession is a standalone M/M romance novel. It is a dark, hurt/comfort, roommate romance with an HFN and no cliffhangers. It features an insecure young artist struggling to live his life, longing for love, and a confident young man with his own issues who wants to help. This book is a re-release of a book with the same name and has been extensively edited.
Trigger Warning: This book deals with a parental abuse, both emotional and physical from an alcoholic mother. There are also themes of sexuality prejudice.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2010
65 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Christie Gordon
60 books253 followersChristie Gordon is the author of steamy, heartfelt gay romance novels that explore the emotional journey of men discovering themselves and finding love. It all started when she stumbled upon MM fanfiction by accident—and let's just say, it was love at first read. Inspired by the genre's mix of passion and complexity, Christie transitioned from reading about men in love to writing her own stories. After taking fiction writing classes at a local community college, she published her first MM romance novel in 2009 with a small press, and she’s never looked back.
When she’s not writing, Christie watches boys-love dramas, creates digital art, or is serenaded by her snoring one-eyed rescue pug. A graduate of both Electrical Engineering (BS) and Business Administration (MBA), she spends her "day job" navigating the high-tech world, but her heart belongs to the characters who live in her books. Christie currently resides in the Phoenix metro area, though she’s also lived in California’s Bay Area and Minnesota (which probably explains her deep love of pumpkin spiced latte coffees and hockey).
She’s also the proud mother of two young-adult sons who provide plenty of material for stories—usually in the form of chaotic shenanigans. But no matter what, Christie’s always up for a new adventure, whether it's on the page or in the real world.
For information about her and her work, please visit her website at: www.christiegordon.com
Sign up for her Newsletter for free reads, updates and give aways: https:www.ChristieGordon.com/newsletter
Join her Reader’s Group for exclusive content: Christie’s Cocktale Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chris...
To friend or follow:
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When she’s not writing, Christie watches boys-love dramas, creates digital art, or is serenaded by her snoring one-eyed rescue pug. A graduate of both Electrical Engineering (BS) and Business Administration (MBA), she spends her "day job" navigating the high-tech world, but her heart belongs to the characters who live in her books. Christie currently resides in the Phoenix metro area, though she’s also lived in California’s Bay Area and Minnesota (which probably explains her deep love of pumpkin spiced latte coffees and hockey).
She’s also the proud mother of two young-adult sons who provide plenty of material for stories—usually in the form of chaotic shenanigans. But no matter what, Christie’s always up for a new adventure, whether it's on the page or in the real world.
For information about her and her work, please visit her website at: www.christiegordon.com
Sign up for her Newsletter for free reads, updates and give aways: https:www.ChristieGordon.com/newsletter
Join her Reader’s Group for exclusive content: Christie’s Cocktale Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chris...
To friend or follow:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristieGord...
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/chris...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiegor...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 18, 2014
"A Santa Barbara university," eh? Which "Santa Barbara university" would that be, now?
And is it just me or is the nipple placement reaaally weird?
after attempting to read it
This almost reads like someone who has no idea what "real university" looks like. Either that or they generalized it so much all of the specific nouns got lost in generalization.
Edit: no, definitely has no idea what a "real" university is like. see below
The reason this is a big problem is because I go to "a Santa Barbara university." I don't really know what other universities there are in Santa Barbara...well, that's what Google's for!
Hmm...I'm going to say it's Antioch University, cuz it sure as hell don't remind me of any place I know of on campus here. I mean, a senior, living on campus? If he were in UCSB, why hasn't he moved out to IV. And I don't remember much Spanish revival architecture on campus. Not saying it's not here. I just can't think of anywhere close to any of the dorms that might have Spanish revival architecture (at a school? Seriously? Our Psych building looks like a prison). I'm just going to say "Antioch," cuz I guess it's possible they'd have Spanish revival architecture (though that sounds more like a down-town SB/Goleta thing than a thing that would be on campus. Why would they pay for an architect to design a fancy-shmancy building to house classrooms? I mean, just pause a moment and think about it. Classrooms)
Is Big Fred's a real food place? Because I know of no Big Fred's in the vicinity, and neither does Google.
Tristan's got major issues. First off, his mother named him Tristan. Clearly, she was either delusional or hated her child. Yes, yes. Tristan is the kind of name you name characters. You don't sit and think, "huh. I'm implying some parent named their child this." No, you just go "welp, this sounds like a coolish name. That one it is." Still.
And then he I had to go back and look at that again just to make sure I was reading right.
The first couple lines sucked. They were going for a pseudo-shock factor that kind of made no sense and colors everything else Tristan does as a form of self-destructive behavior and self-hate.
Just realized his dorm's apparently a 20-floor building. Twenty. That's fucking huge. That's a fucking skyscraper. Are there even skyscrapers in Santa Barbara?
I'm cringing because there's just so much about the campus descriptions that make no sense to me. Why does NAU get a name if this mysterious, nonsensical "Santa Barbara university" doesn't get one? The worst part is, a lot of people are going to assume this is UCSB, which means they're probably going to assume we've got all this fanciful Spanish revival architecture and mission-style buildings and idyllic bougainvillea everywhere.
Doesn't help that Tristan reads like he's got some sort of sexual dysfunction.
The writing's pretty scattershot. Things kind of progress quickly. They don't develop, they happen in quite quick succession.
The typesetting of the version I have is horrible. It's in some sort of odd narrow font that does nothing for the readability. Add that to the writing and, uh, interesting characterization of Tristan...
DNF @ 17%
It just didn't do it for me. The SB university thing aside, the characterization was scattershot and random and kinda creepy because it was so erratic. Collin makes no sense. Everyone who isn't Collin or Tristan were so ignored by the author that they made no sense, even as NPCs. I didn't hate it, but I was quite wholly uninterested.
And there's definitely something wrong with the cover dude's nipple.
And is it just me or is the nipple placement reaaally weird?
after attempting to read it
This almost reads like someone who has no idea what "real university" looks like. Either that or they generalized it so much all of the specific nouns got lost in generalization.
Edit: no, definitely has no idea what a "real" university is like. see below
The reason this is a big problem is because I go to "a Santa Barbara university." I don't really know what other universities there are in Santa Barbara...well, that's what Google's for!
Hmm...I'm going to say it's Antioch University, cuz it sure as hell don't remind me of any place I know of on campus here. I mean, a senior, living on campus? If he were in UCSB, why hasn't he moved out to IV. And I don't remember much Spanish revival architecture on campus. Not saying it's not here. I just can't think of anywhere close to any of the dorms that might have Spanish revival architecture (at a school? Seriously? Our Psych building looks like a prison). I'm just going to say "Antioch," cuz I guess it's possible they'd have Spanish revival architecture (though that sounds more like a down-town SB/Goleta thing than a thing that would be on campus. Why would they pay for an architect to design a fancy-shmancy building to house classrooms? I mean, just pause a moment and think about it. Classrooms)
Is Big Fred's a real food place? Because I know of no Big Fred's in the vicinity, and neither does Google.
Tristan's got major issues. First off, his mother named him Tristan. Clearly, she was either delusional or hated her child. Yes, yes. Tristan is the kind of name you name characters. You don't sit and think, "huh. I'm implying some parent named their child this." No, you just go "welp, this sounds like a coolish name. That one it is." Still.
And then he I had to go back and look at that again just to make sure I was reading right.
The first couple lines sucked. They were going for a pseudo-shock factor that kind of made no sense and colors everything else Tristan does as a form of self-destructive behavior and self-hate.
Just realized his dorm's apparently a 20-floor building. Twenty. That's fucking huge. That's a fucking skyscraper. Are there even skyscrapers in Santa Barbara?
I'm cringing because there's just so much about the campus descriptions that make no sense to me. Why does NAU get a name if this mysterious, nonsensical "Santa Barbara university" doesn't get one? The worst part is, a lot of people are going to assume this is UCSB, which means they're probably going to assume we've got all this fanciful Spanish revival architecture and mission-style buildings and idyllic bougainvillea everywhere.
Doesn't help that Tristan reads like he's got some sort of sexual dysfunction.
The writing's pretty scattershot. Things kind of progress quickly. They don't develop, they happen in quite quick succession.
The typesetting of the version I have is horrible. It's in some sort of odd narrow font that does nothing for the readability. Add that to the writing and, uh, interesting characterization of Tristan...
DNF @ 17%
It just didn't do it for me. The SB university thing aside, the characterization was scattershot and random and kinda creepy because it was so erratic. Collin makes no sense. Everyone who isn't Collin or Tristan were so ignored by the author that they made no sense, even as NPCs. I didn't hate it, but I was quite wholly uninterested.
And there's definitely something wrong with the cover dude's nipple.
Read
October 10, 2021The Obsession received a 4.25 from Book Wenches:
Snippets:
"Christie Gordon’s novel The Obsession tells a story of first love, betrayal, and the struggle of a young man to overcome an addiction triggered by a lifetime of abuse. I found this story to be both interesting and sad. The narrative drew me in very quickly, and I stayed glued to the pages in fascinated horror until the end."
"The interaction between the boys feels pretty natural, not forced or stilted, and I thought that Ms. Gordon did a good job of characterization in this story. One character in particular, Tristan, burrowed his way into my heart quickly."
"I found The Obsession to be well worth my reading time. One of the characters describes what happens between the two heroes as a potential train wreck, and that describes much of this story very concisely. It is high on emotion and drama and is anything but a “light” read, but I still found it to be quite satisfying. I will continue to seek out Ms. Gordon’s work in the future."
Fallen Angel Reviews Gave 4 Angels
Snippet:
"Ms. Gordon has created an incredible story about one mans fight to overcome an addiction and find the love he is looking for. I was drawn into Tristan's story as his past was unveiled showing all the obstacles he has had to overcome in his life. I began to understand how his past influenced his life, and I was truly impressed that he still has the ability to trust in spite of his past. Collin on the surface appears to want to help Tristan, but his actions and refusal to tell Tristan anything makes Tristan and the reader wonder what he really wanted. The scenes where Tristan and Collin come together are very hot as they explore their new sexual relationship. Thanks go to Ms. Gordon for a wonderful story."
Joyfully Reviewed
Snippet:
"At times a psychological drama, The Obsession is a complex, occasionally disturbing love story. It feels almost like voyeurism at times, watching a tortured soul trying so hard to carve out a life for himself. There is quite a lot of self gratification and a learning curve for the gay, virgin college student. Tristan manages to rise above the ‘creepy’ level only just in the beginning and as readers learn more about his background his actions are easier to understand. For the most part Collin is an enigma, he’s usually good for Tristan, but there are times when his motivations are completely unclear. The Obsession almost made me think of a non-fatal car crash. You know you shouldn’t look, yet you can’t help yourself. I found this story to be difficult to read, except I had to know what happened to this character, I had to know what Tristan’s future looked like. The Obsession is dark and disturbing at times, yet, mesmerizing in the quest for love."
Available at:
eXtasy Books
Amazon
Fictionwise
All Romance eBooks
Mobipocket and more!
Snippets:
"Christie Gordon’s novel The Obsession tells a story of first love, betrayal, and the struggle of a young man to overcome an addiction triggered by a lifetime of abuse. I found this story to be both interesting and sad. The narrative drew me in very quickly, and I stayed glued to the pages in fascinated horror until the end."
"The interaction between the boys feels pretty natural, not forced or stilted, and I thought that Ms. Gordon did a good job of characterization in this story. One character in particular, Tristan, burrowed his way into my heart quickly."
"I found The Obsession to be well worth my reading time. One of the characters describes what happens between the two heroes as a potential train wreck, and that describes much of this story very concisely. It is high on emotion and drama and is anything but a “light” read, but I still found it to be quite satisfying. I will continue to seek out Ms. Gordon’s work in the future."
Fallen Angel Reviews Gave 4 Angels
Snippet:
"Ms. Gordon has created an incredible story about one mans fight to overcome an addiction and find the love he is looking for. I was drawn into Tristan's story as his past was unveiled showing all the obstacles he has had to overcome in his life. I began to understand how his past influenced his life, and I was truly impressed that he still has the ability to trust in spite of his past. Collin on the surface appears to want to help Tristan, but his actions and refusal to tell Tristan anything makes Tristan and the reader wonder what he really wanted. The scenes where Tristan and Collin come together are very hot as they explore their new sexual relationship. Thanks go to Ms. Gordon for a wonderful story."
Joyfully Reviewed
Snippet:
"At times a psychological drama, The Obsession is a complex, occasionally disturbing love story. It feels almost like voyeurism at times, watching a tortured soul trying so hard to carve out a life for himself. There is quite a lot of self gratification and a learning curve for the gay, virgin college student. Tristan manages to rise above the ‘creepy’ level only just in the beginning and as readers learn more about his background his actions are easier to understand. For the most part Collin is an enigma, he’s usually good for Tristan, but there are times when his motivations are completely unclear. The Obsession almost made me think of a non-fatal car crash. You know you shouldn’t look, yet you can’t help yourself. I found this story to be difficult to read, except I had to know what happened to this character, I had to know what Tristan’s future looked like. The Obsession is dark and disturbing at times, yet, mesmerizing in the quest for love."
Available at:
eXtasy Books
Amazon
Fictionwise
All Romance eBooks
Mobipocket and more!
March 16, 2010
The Obsession triggers around one of the characters but I really don't want to spoil anything by telling the who, how and what of it so I'll just keep it at a 'no spoiler' level if yeah don't mind.
Dealings of love lost, love gained, overcoming insecurities and betrayal. Loads of heart ripping drama. Trust is the key factor but unforeseen events has shattered and fractured that trust between these two men. Do they get that back? Find out.
I'd made comments as you might have noted when I updated certain pages I was on and I've got to admit by P50 I had garnered what was going to go down and rock the foundation in time. When Christie told me how for her it was a very emotional roller coaster ride when writing it I've got to say that after having read it I back up her claim 100%.
The Obsession is a very powerful story. Very deep. Very emotional and will tear at your heart's strings as it had mine. I say take the chance. Take the risk in reading this fantastic story. I just did and I had many vibes of angst course through me. I could literally feel what the character felt since the writing is superb, but I assure you there's no regrets.
A little tip: The ending will shock you to the core :grinning: I never saw it coming and I couldn't have asked for a better one than what Christie gave us.
Dealings of love lost, love gained, overcoming insecurities and betrayal. Loads of heart ripping drama. Trust is the key factor but unforeseen events has shattered and fractured that trust between these two men. Do they get that back? Find out.
I'd made comments as you might have noted when I updated certain pages I was on and I've got to admit by P50 I had garnered what was going to go down and rock the foundation in time. When Christie told me how for her it was a very emotional roller coaster ride when writing it I've got to say that after having read it I back up her claim 100%.
The Obsession is a very powerful story. Very deep. Very emotional and will tear at your heart's strings as it had mine. I say take the chance. Take the risk in reading this fantastic story. I just did and I had many vibes of angst course through me. I could literally feel what the character felt since the writing is superb, but I assure you there's no regrets.
A little tip: The ending will shock you to the core :grinning: I never saw it coming and I couldn't have asked for a better one than what Christie gave us.
August 26, 2013
This has certainly been an unusual read for me - with some aspects well executed, while others not so much. Ultimately, what made me appreciate the book was Tristan's emotional development and good characterisation. The romance dimension was not rendered believable to me because Collin always played the role of detached therapist, never that of participant in a loving relationship.
Which brings me to the main and highly problematic issue - . That is why I cannot help but despise Collin as both a supposed prodigy in his field and as a human being who consciously manipulated his boyfriend for personal gain throughout their relationship.
Therefore, the end was unsatisfying in my opinion. Collin did not really atone for his deceit and very hurtful actions towards Tristan, and I remained unconvinced that he actually felt some sort of love or anything beyond convenience. Tristan absolutely deserved someone who truly cared for him or at least had the capacity/potential to care for him.
Which brings me to the main and highly problematic issue - . That is why I cannot help but despise Collin as both a supposed prodigy in his field and as a human being who consciously manipulated his boyfriend for personal gain throughout their relationship.
Therefore, the end was unsatisfying in my opinion. Collin did not really atone for his deceit and very hurtful actions towards Tristan, and I remained unconvinced that he actually felt some sort of love or anything beyond convenience. Tristan absolutely deserved someone who truly cared for him or at least had the capacity/potential to care for him.
March 20, 2023
(3.5)
I want to start of by saying I've read some of Christie's other books and have enjoyed them, so I think this is just a case of being not my preference.
When I read the description of this book I thought it sounded unique, I hadn't read a story that sounded like this one before so I wanted to give it a try. I was aware that there would be a fair amount of s3x scenes, but I think I was under prepared. There was soo much s3x, which does make sense because that's Tristan's addiction. At first I thought this started off good, I was thrown at what Tristan was doing to himself but I shrugged that off and kept going. Then Collin came into the story and that's where things... Went a bit downhill for me. I think their relationship progressed WAy too quickly, they had just met officially and was already sleeping together? Furthermore, they never really had a date, nothing really happened that made it feel like they were dating. And Collin's character rubbed me the wrong way, his character came off as very controlling and almost manipulative? Not to mention he was a hypocrite at certain times throughout this story.
I did like Ally's character she was cool, I'm glad she convinced Tristan to share his artwork.
But I honestly think those are just things that don't sit well with ME, that's not to say you won't enjoy this story more! I actually implore you to read this yourself, even though it wasn't my favorite book, I'm still glad I read it. Christie is a really good author, so I still recommend this if it sounds like it might be something you would like.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
I want to start of by saying I've read some of Christie's other books and have enjoyed them, so I think this is just a case of being not my preference.
When I read the description of this book I thought it sounded unique, I hadn't read a story that sounded like this one before so I wanted to give it a try. I was aware that there would be a fair amount of s3x scenes, but I think I was under prepared. There was soo much s3x, which does make sense because that's Tristan's addiction. At first I thought this started off good, I was thrown at what Tristan was doing to himself but I shrugged that off and kept going. Then Collin came into the story and that's where things... Went a bit downhill for me. I think their relationship progressed WAy too quickly, they had just met officially and was already sleeping together? Furthermore, they never really had a date, nothing really happened that made it feel like they were dating. And Collin's character rubbed me the wrong way, his character came off as very controlling and almost manipulative? Not to mention he was a hypocrite at certain times throughout this story.
I did like Ally's character she was cool, I'm glad she convinced Tristan to share his artwork.
But I honestly think those are just things that don't sit well with ME, that's not to say you won't enjoy this story more! I actually implore you to read this yourself, even though it wasn't my favorite book, I'm still glad I read it. Christie is a really good author, so I still recommend this if it sounds like it might be something you would like.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
March 26, 2023
Well, this is quite different to what I have read before. It's a raw and emotional story. Tristan has a lot of anxiety which has lead to him touching himself more of less constantly. He gets a new roommate Collin who he has had a crush on for a while. Collin is a psychology student and he picks up on Tristan's problem quickly and secretly decides to write his thesis on Tristan and at the same time tries to help him. They end up in bed together. Their relationship is very up and down and I didn't like the way Collin treated Tristan at times but it was clear he had his own issues. They do have to go through heartbreak before finding their happy ending.
April 12, 2023
ARC review.
Book: Obsession by Christie Gordon (31/03/2023).
Obsession is a dark MM standalone tells how a art student of Santa Barbara University in California, Tristan Tolken, found his HEA, alongside his mysterious and charming roommate,the psicology student, Collin Stanley, beneath all the obstacles and difficulties, meanwhile he overwhelm is own past and problems.
The college vibes mixed with all that mysteries and secrets under the sheets, the slow and burning romance between them, the mystery surrounding the death of Tristan's dad and the way we're drivin in Tristan's childhood, his life in his old city, the exploration of his condition plus a contact with is mother disease and how Collin's treatment was changing Tristan for better and stronger and get him through his addiction were my highlights of this reading (sure later, I will chase another Christie's books after that ).
The book aiming to delve deeper into mental conditions, physical ones, parental abusing and their consequences, and how to overhealm years of physical and mental abuse responsable for his addiction as trigger warnings but it's the perfect read for College dark Romance lovers.
The 25-chapter plus a epilogue narrative is narrated in the third person but gives us a great understanding of its situations and events in its 278 pages.
My first college dark MM romance read and my only criticism is that I wanted more moments of Tristan happy after everything he passed through and more of Ally, Tristan dad's, Collin's family the only characters that won my heart, with even to little, that's why I don't give 5 stars, lie!
I'd like to see more of Tristan and Collin moments too like Tristan meeting Collin's family or their Christmas at Tristan's dad house, talking about this, what was that final, Mr. Tolken?
(I'm going to stop writing because this review is turning out to be longer than expected and I don't want to risk giving away a spoiler).
Then Obsession is the perfect book for you if you like college romance between roommates, topics like parental abuse being developed, suspense, mysteries, a dash of drama, mental conditions and addictions being overwhelmed, and a fragile, sweet and steamy romance between two college boys, that can be destructed by a dangerous secret.
P.s.: I'm still mad with you Collin.
Book: Obsession by Christie Gordon (31/03/2023).
Obsession is a dark MM standalone tells how a art student of Santa Barbara University in California, Tristan Tolken, found his HEA, alongside his mysterious and charming roommate,the psicology student, Collin Stanley, beneath all the obstacles and difficulties, meanwhile he overwhelm is own past and problems.
The college vibes mixed with all that mysteries and secrets under the sheets, the slow and burning romance between them, the mystery surrounding the death of Tristan's dad and the way we're drivin in Tristan's childhood, his life in his old city, the exploration of his condition plus a contact with is mother disease and how Collin's treatment was changing Tristan for better and stronger and get him through his addiction were my highlights of this reading (sure later, I will chase another Christie's books after that ).
The book aiming to delve deeper into mental conditions, physical ones, parental abusing and their consequences, and how to overhealm years of physical and mental abuse responsable for his addiction as trigger warnings but it's the perfect read for College dark Romance lovers.
The 25-chapter plus a epilogue narrative is narrated in the third person but gives us a great understanding of its situations and events in its 278 pages.
My first college dark MM romance read and my only criticism is that I wanted more moments of Tristan happy after everything he passed through and more of Ally, Tristan dad's, Collin's family the only characters that won my heart, with even to little, that's why I don't give 5 stars, lie!
I'd like to see more of Tristan and Collin moments too like Tristan meeting Collin's family or their Christmas at Tristan's dad house, talking about this, what was that final, Mr. Tolken?
(I'm going to stop writing because this review is turning out to be longer than expected and I don't want to risk giving away a spoiler).
Then Obsession is the perfect book for you if you like college romance between roommates, topics like parental abuse being developed, suspense, mysteries, a dash of drama, mental conditions and addictions being overwhelmed, and a fragile, sweet and steamy romance between two college boys, that can be destructed by a dangerous secret.
P.s.: I'm still mad with you Collin.
March 28, 2023
MORE DARK EMOTIONAL HURT/COMFORT ROOMMATES TO LOVERS!
This was one of the authors more deeper, darker and emotional reads but I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The MC’s have both been noticing each other from the same sociology class but when they become roommates one of them finally makes a move…
It was sweet how the psychology prodigy student Colin Stanley accepted Tristan Tolken the Art student’s obsessive behaviour and pursued him but why will he not tell Tristan what his thesis is about?…
I did not like what Colin was doing but he did redeem himself in the reader’s eyes by what he accomplished and how much he looked after Tristan but betrayal and mistrust cannot be forgiven or can it?…
So what exactly was the obsession- was it Tristan’s behaviour or Colin’s or both?
A sweet, emotional story with all the feels that will keep the pages turning!
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author for my honest non biased opinion on this book.
This was one of the authors more deeper, darker and emotional reads but I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The MC’s have both been noticing each other from the same sociology class but when they become roommates one of them finally makes a move…
It was sweet how the psychology prodigy student Colin Stanley accepted Tristan Tolken the Art student’s obsessive behaviour and pursued him but why will he not tell Tristan what his thesis is about?…
I did not like what Colin was doing but he did redeem himself in the reader’s eyes by what he accomplished and how much he looked after Tristan but betrayal and mistrust cannot be forgiven or can it?…
So what exactly was the obsession- was it Tristan’s behaviour or Colin’s or both?
A sweet, emotional story with all the feels that will keep the pages turning!
I voluntarily received an ARC from the author for my honest non biased opinion on this book.
August 23, 2011
What can I say? Dark, disturbing, powerful. Truly one of a kind. I wanted to throw the book halfway across the room sometimes. It pulled at me till the very end. I haven't been moved like this by very many books but if you're up for a roller-coaster of ride, angst and a dark love story, this is the book for you. I guarantee you will be thinking about it for days afterwards
April 2, 2023
DNF at 26% (the start of chapter 8)
Warnings: from the provided trigger warning page "this book contains emotional abuse, both past and present, past physical abuse all by a parent and prejudice. It also deals with themes of sexual addiction and betrayal."
I'm giving this 2 🌟 which is unusual for me for a book I didn't complete. I chose to stop reading this because I just wasn't ready for it right now. I've come from a book that teases a relationship, moves slower and is a mature couple. In contrast The Obsession has two 21-year-old protagonists, one full of self loathing and it drops you straight into the head of a sex addict mid act. It is also fast, maybe to fast, I can't decide if there is a bit of a pacing problem or not. The plot is potentially interesting. That idea of healing through trust, communication and understanding. But there is pain underlying it and my ethics and morals mean I find something coming the hight of detestable.
I like the characters well enough. Tristan is in pain and sweet in his way, his mother has much to answer for, she raised a wonderful boy in spite of her abuse. I do appreciate Collin's sexuality “Well, I’m not totally gay.” Collin traced circles on Tristan’s shoulder . “I like to think of it in terms of not having a gender preference. I like people for who they are, not their gender, get it?” I read this as pan not bi. Not enough authors choose to use this level of inclusive language, it feels inclusive of enbys. I became suspicious of Collin in the latter episodes I read. He hes potential to aid Tristan but at what cost? But that is exactly what we are supposed to be thinking, given the trigger warning that fear is well placed.
On the right day, following the right book, I would probably enjoy The Obsession greatly. The timing is wrong for me. This is likely not a bad book, it has quite a fan base I believe, but it is just not for me. Not right now.
“Take your hand out of your pocket.” Collin gently tugged at Tristan’s wrist.
Clenching his jaw, Tristan said, “I can’t. You don’t understand. I need this. I have to—”
“You masturbate to soothe yourself. I know. It’s like a baby with a pacifier.” — Collin and Tristan
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
April 1, 2023
Unleashed Turmoil (updated and reworked edition of book)
‘With a huff, Tristan glanced at the building. “Why do some people hate gay people so much?” “They’re just scared, is all. Scared we’re going to hit on them and they might just like it. Scared of something they don’t understand. Scared of anything that’s different from what their limited little world has shown them already. It makes them feel better about themselves to belittle people like us. I even think some of them are jealous, jealous that we can be happy and they, in their fucked up heteronormative world, will always be miserable, married to person who’ll never understand them, never truly know them, never truly love them.”
Christie Gordon has reworked The Obsession, a book she had published several years ago, so please make sure you look at review dates.
Emotions run high throughout this almost clinical story of a an emotionally and physically abused college student who manifests a sexual addiction for self-soothing. Along comes his dream guy, who happens to have a psychological degree, and suddenly becomes his roommate-one he finds himself more and more attracted to.
It is obvious quite early on that Collin is keeping something hidden from virgin and naive Tristan, yet while helping him, he is constantly asking for Tristan’s trust. Big Red Flag in a relationship. Other turmoil includes a horrendous relationship with an alcoholic mother, dead father that was gone before he was born, and being excommunicated by the Mormon religion he was raised and bullied in.
Honestly, this was a detailed portrait of sadness, even when Tristan was thriving, because we knew that untruths would unfold that might crush him. Most of the book gives detailed sexual encounters and thoughts, most one sided in their form of longing and love. Their friend circle is small, one that adds angst and one that is a beautiful soul who provides comfort.
There is a HEA, but be prepared to wallow in mental illness, feelings of despondency, and cries for help from both MCs for the majority of the story. Gordon has aptly titled this book The Obsession: A DARK roommates to lovers MM romance. It has been a unique read for me, as I usually want to see more happiness. Tristan easily earns my heart and holds it through the entire book. It does take the strongest souls to forgive those who have hurt them.
‘With a huff, Tristan glanced at the building. “Why do some people hate gay people so much?” “They’re just scared, is all. Scared we’re going to hit on them and they might just like it. Scared of something they don’t understand. Scared of anything that’s different from what their limited little world has shown them already. It makes them feel better about themselves to belittle people like us. I even think some of them are jealous, jealous that we can be happy and they, in their fucked up heteronormative world, will always be miserable, married to person who’ll never understand them, never truly know them, never truly love them.”
Christie Gordon has reworked The Obsession, a book she had published several years ago, so please make sure you look at review dates.
Emotions run high throughout this almost clinical story of a an emotionally and physically abused college student who manifests a sexual addiction for self-soothing. Along comes his dream guy, who happens to have a psychological degree, and suddenly becomes his roommate-one he finds himself more and more attracted to.
It is obvious quite early on that Collin is keeping something hidden from virgin and naive Tristan, yet while helping him, he is constantly asking for Tristan’s trust. Big Red Flag in a relationship. Other turmoil includes a horrendous relationship with an alcoholic mother, dead father that was gone before he was born, and being excommunicated by the Mormon religion he was raised and bullied in.
Honestly, this was a detailed portrait of sadness, even when Tristan was thriving, because we knew that untruths would unfold that might crush him. Most of the book gives detailed sexual encounters and thoughts, most one sided in their form of longing and love. Their friend circle is small, one that adds angst and one that is a beautiful soul who provides comfort.
There is a HEA, but be prepared to wallow in mental illness, feelings of despondency, and cries for help from both MCs for the majority of the story. Gordon has aptly titled this book The Obsession: A DARK roommates to lovers MM romance. It has been a unique read for me, as I usually want to see more happiness. Tristan easily earns my heart and holds it through the entire book. It does take the strongest souls to forgive those who have hurt them.
April 27, 2023
3.75 stars
Collin, a psychology student, needs a new place to live after an argument with his roommates. Tristan, a senior year art student, is one person living in a two person dorm room. The two are forced to share the room.
What follows is a story with elements of sexual addiction, unexpected emotional attachment, past and ongoing emotional and physical abuse and betrayal.
Collin, bi-sexual, wants to "cure" Tristan of his sexual proclivity by an untested method of therapy. Tristan, shy and gay, is still a virgin and feels unworthy of being loved or loving someone else. As Collin begins his "treatment" of Tristan, both begin to fall for the other.
But Collin is hiding a secret that, if discovered, could ruin the roommates' relationship and thoroughly derail Tristan's mental health.
Now, this is the one issue I had with this book: I knew what Collin's secret was a quarter of the way into to the plot. The clues were too obvious that it became undeniable. And while Collin's intentions may have good, we all know where the road paved with that manner of intent leads. This is true of Collin's well-meaning "help."
And as Collin continues to hide his secret, his attitude changes and ignites doubt and suspicion in Tristan towards Collin, leading the artist back to craving his sexual addiction.
The author does manage to deliver honest and, at times, brutally hurtful dialogue from all the characters in the story. Tristan's Mormon mother is particularly vile...to everyone. She is the major origin of Tristan's abuses.
World building is average and editing errors lost this book .25 stars. The manner Collin uses to atone for keeping his secret hidden is sort of sweet, but still seemed a little devious to me. If Tristan's character had not been written with such an abundance of forgiveness, this plot would have crumbled. In totality, this book does teach a lesson to readers: Do not try to "fix" other people you think are, in some manner, broken or outside the norm. That task is best left to professionals.
Collin, a psychology student, needs a new place to live after an argument with his roommates. Tristan, a senior year art student, is one person living in a two person dorm room. The two are forced to share the room.
What follows is a story with elements of sexual addiction, unexpected emotional attachment, past and ongoing emotional and physical abuse and betrayal.
Collin, bi-sexual, wants to "cure" Tristan of his sexual proclivity by an untested method of therapy. Tristan, shy and gay, is still a virgin and feels unworthy of being loved or loving someone else. As Collin begins his "treatment" of Tristan, both begin to fall for the other.
But Collin is hiding a secret that, if discovered, could ruin the roommates' relationship and thoroughly derail Tristan's mental health.
Now, this is the one issue I had with this book: I knew what Collin's secret was a quarter of the way into to the plot. The clues were too obvious that it became undeniable. And while Collin's intentions may have good, we all know where the road paved with that manner of intent leads. This is true of Collin's well-meaning "help."
And as Collin continues to hide his secret, his attitude changes and ignites doubt and suspicion in Tristan towards Collin, leading the artist back to craving his sexual addiction.
The author does manage to deliver honest and, at times, brutally hurtful dialogue from all the characters in the story. Tristan's Mormon mother is particularly vile...to everyone. She is the major origin of Tristan's abuses.
World building is average and editing errors lost this book .25 stars. The manner Collin uses to atone for keeping his secret hidden is sort of sweet, but still seemed a little devious to me. If Tristan's character had not been written with such an abundance of forgiveness, this plot would have crumbled. In totality, this book does teach a lesson to readers: Do not try to "fix" other people you think are, in some manner, broken or outside the norm. That task is best left to professionals.
March 23, 2023
We are all so naive when we connect romantically. No way that this fabulous person we've met could have ulterior motives, right? No way. . . . .
Tristan and Collin are students at an un-named University in Santa Barbara, CA. Tristan is a senior undergrad art major from Salt Lake City, and Collin is from Phoenix doing his masters in psychology. Tristan suffers from an addiction that is his release from severe physical, mental, and emotional abuse from his alcoholic mother.
There is an instant spark both ways from the time their paths first cross on campus. When they end up in the same class, sparks become flames. But unfortunately, Collin has other reasons than romance to develop a relationship with Tristan. Devious reasons. Reasons that are at a minimum unethical and have the potential to really hurt Tristan.
This is a dark book. It's sexy - but also full of angst. Collin becomes Tristan's roomie in the dorms after getting kicked-out of his apartment by his housemates. The fact that the author doesn't explain why Collin got booted made me a bit wary and I didn't have much of a connection with him. My mistrust kept growing with every chapter. With good reason it turns out.
It's very difficult to write a review of this book without any spoilers. It is not your typical MM romance, but it's worth your time and I'm glad I read it. I have a feeling it will resonate with me for weeks. And that's what good art is supposed to do, right? Ultimately Tristan & Collin's issues get resolved and we get a HEA once everything is on the table and gets processed. On reflection, I wonder if we could get a novella sometime from Christie that tells this story from Collin's perspective not Tristan's. Four Stars.
Tristan and Collin are students at an un-named University in Santa Barbara, CA. Tristan is a senior undergrad art major from Salt Lake City, and Collin is from Phoenix doing his masters in psychology. Tristan suffers from an addiction that is his release from severe physical, mental, and emotional abuse from his alcoholic mother.
There is an instant spark both ways from the time their paths first cross on campus. When they end up in the same class, sparks become flames. But unfortunately, Collin has other reasons than romance to develop a relationship with Tristan. Devious reasons. Reasons that are at a minimum unethical and have the potential to really hurt Tristan.
This is a dark book. It's sexy - but also full of angst. Collin becomes Tristan's roomie in the dorms after getting kicked-out of his apartment by his housemates. The fact that the author doesn't explain why Collin got booted made me a bit wary and I didn't have much of a connection with him. My mistrust kept growing with every chapter. With good reason it turns out.
It's very difficult to write a review of this book without any spoilers. It is not your typical MM romance, but it's worth your time and I'm glad I read it. I have a feeling it will resonate with me for weeks. And that's what good art is supposed to do, right? Ultimately Tristan & Collin's issues get resolved and we get a HEA once everything is on the table and gets processed. On reflection, I wonder if we could get a novella sometime from Christie that tells this story from Collin's perspective not Tristan's. Four Stars.
March 21, 2023
I really don't know what to think or write about this book. I have read the previous works of this author and I liked them a lot, but I think that with this one she did not get it right.
Tristan is an interesting character, who suffered the loss of his father, and emotional and sometimes physical abuse by his alcoholic and supposedly religious mother. Because of this, he suffers from a sexual addiction that is quite unconventional and inconvenient for his daily life, placing him in compromising situations more than once, making him introverted and closed off to others. In one of his classes he meets Collin and is attracted to him.
Collin... Well, I didn't like Collin. From the beginning he imposed himself on Tristan, first as his roommate, and immediately starting a relationship with him and trying to help him overcome his addiction. But his attitudes are quite suspicious and confusing. He acts secretive, and we see him in dubious situations with his supposed thesis advisor or, for example, when they go out on a date to dance, but instead of clarifying, he either evades Tristan's questions, or accuses him of being suspicious or not to trust on him. .
In the end, it turned out that Tristan was right to distrust Collin. And I don't think Tristan should have forgiven him so easily. In fact, I would not have forgiven him. As much love as there is, dishonesty and using another person for one's own benefit should not be so easy to forgive.
Anyway, I don't want to keep prolonging this. As I said, I think that she did not know how to turn this story around well and that this could improve.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Tristan is an interesting character, who suffered the loss of his father, and emotional and sometimes physical abuse by his alcoholic and supposedly religious mother. Because of this, he suffers from a sexual addiction that is quite unconventional and inconvenient for his daily life, placing him in compromising situations more than once, making him introverted and closed off to others. In one of his classes he meets Collin and is attracted to him.
Collin... Well, I didn't like Collin. From the beginning he imposed himself on Tristan, first as his roommate, and immediately starting a relationship with him and trying to help him overcome his addiction. But his attitudes are quite suspicious and confusing. He acts secretive, and we see him in dubious situations with his supposed thesis advisor or, for example, when they go out on a date to dance, but instead of clarifying, he either evades Tristan's questions, or accuses him of being suspicious or not to trust on him. .
In the end, it turned out that Tristan was right to distrust Collin. And I don't think Tristan should have forgiven him so easily. In fact, I would not have forgiven him. As much love as there is, dishonesty and using another person for one's own benefit should not be so easy to forgive.
Anyway, I don't want to keep prolonging this. As I said, I think that she did not know how to turn this story around well and that this could improve.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
March 14, 2023
From the start, you knew Tristan wasn't your typical romance character. His interest for Collin was indulged to readers in the first chapter, but how the events of chapter one were to shape the rest of the story was interesting. Now I am gettingahead of myself.
Tristan is an art major, with an emotional and physically abusive mother. (Trigger warning: Some of this is present in the book or at least implied). Through coincidence, Collin is assigned to be Tristan's roomate. Collin is a Psychology major, working on his master's degree.
Collin realizes right away that Tristan is not what he seems, and he begins to pinpoint the issue and how to treat it. Tristan learns to build trust with Collin, even though his past has told him to do otherwise.
Of course, everything can't be as simple as it seems. While Tristan is achieving life goals, Collin is keeping a secret that will hurt them both.
Talk about an emotional Rollercoaster. I will admit that from the get go I didn't want to trust Collin. After everything comes out, it explained a lot. However, I wish there was more to Collin's story to gain better empathy for his character. His role in everything was selfish and I feel like I needed a bit more to be forgiving.
Other than that, I loved Tristan's journey, and I will credit Collin for being the one who helped him start the journey. To see how far he has come in the epilogue makes me proud. Would love to hear how successful he is in the future. Maybe a cameo in a future book?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tristan is an art major, with an emotional and physically abusive mother. (Trigger warning: Some of this is present in the book or at least implied). Through coincidence, Collin is assigned to be Tristan's roomate. Collin is a Psychology major, working on his master's degree.
Collin realizes right away that Tristan is not what he seems, and he begins to pinpoint the issue and how to treat it. Tristan learns to build trust with Collin, even though his past has told him to do otherwise.
Of course, everything can't be as simple as it seems. While Tristan is achieving life goals, Collin is keeping a secret that will hurt them both.
Talk about an emotional Rollercoaster. I will admit that from the get go I didn't want to trust Collin. After everything comes out, it explained a lot. However, I wish there was more to Collin's story to gain better empathy for his character. His role in everything was selfish and I feel like I needed a bit more to be forgiving.
Other than that, I loved Tristan's journey, and I will credit Collin for being the one who helped him start the journey. To see how far he has come in the epilogue makes me proud. Would love to hear how successful he is in the future. Maybe a cameo in a future book?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2019
I enjoyed the angst, the plot and the delivery of the story. This is a story subject I have definitely not read before but I enjoyed the journey.
Tristan is a much stronger person then I would ever be. I could not see myself forgiving Colin, in fact, I would be straight down to his departments head and getting him in as much deep shit as possible, I'm sure what he did was not only morally corrupt but illegal as he did not have Tristan's permission.
I did feel Colin's love for Tristan but at the same time he felt fake to me, fake and a know it all. He pushed Tristan too far too fast without fully thinking about what the consequence might be for Tristan's mental health. Colin's actions basically confirmed too what was already a troubled, self-doubting, low self-esteemed, vulnerable young man that what he had been told about himself all his life to be true. A young man who although troubled had a will to live and better himself, then lose that will if even only momentarily. At times the book was hard to read as Colin did come across as a bully if not downright manipulative with a saviour complex that id pissed me off.
Such an interesting book that I enjoyed. I wish I could give the book a 4-star review but, I found the ending to have left me unfulfilled. Tristan went through too much during the story to have forgiven Colin as easily as he did, Colin made poor Tristan question himself and their relationship countless times.
Tristan is a much stronger person then I would ever be. I could not see myself forgiving Colin, in fact, I would be straight down to his departments head and getting him in as much deep shit as possible, I'm sure what he did was not only morally corrupt but illegal as he did not have Tristan's permission.
I did feel Colin's love for Tristan but at the same time he felt fake to me, fake and a know it all. He pushed Tristan too far too fast without fully thinking about what the consequence might be for Tristan's mental health. Colin's actions basically confirmed too what was already a troubled, self-doubting, low self-esteemed, vulnerable young man that what he had been told about himself all his life to be true. A young man who although troubled had a will to live and better himself, then lose that will if even only momentarily. At times the book was hard to read as Colin did come across as a bully if not downright manipulative with a saviour complex that id pissed me off.
Such an interesting book that I enjoyed. I wish I could give the book a 4-star review but, I found the ending to have left me unfulfilled. Tristan went through too much during the story to have forgiven Colin as easily as he did, Colin made poor Tristan question himself and their relationship countless times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2023
I am still really not sure what I make of this one. I knew going in that it would be dark, and I'm good with that, for the most part. I read the blurb so I kind of knew what the story would be. I think my problem is that I just didn't like Collin that much, and he did very little to redeem himself.
Tristan is naive, and coming from a background like his where he was abused emotionally as well as physically it's a wonder he was in as good a shape as he was, and even that wasn't great. I did feel for Tristan and that's why this is 3 stars. I liked Tristan and wanted him to get better, and find help for his addiction. I like to think that maybe it's something he'd have done eventually on his own. I just couldn't get on with Collin at all. I thought he was manipulative right from the start and I always thought he had an ulterior motive to even moving in with Tristan (what happened with his old roommates was never explored or explained). I didn't like how he was with Tristan, he was pushy and only wanted him for his own selfish reasons and I couldn't deal with the constant gaslighting either.
I'm glad Tristan found a friend outside that toxic environment though, and that things went well for him with his art, he really deserved that happy ending and relationship with his dad too. Collin, maybe he learned his lesson and with counselling it would be fine. I just wasn't a fan, sorry.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Tristan is naive, and coming from a background like his where he was abused emotionally as well as physically it's a wonder he was in as good a shape as he was, and even that wasn't great. I did feel for Tristan and that's why this is 3 stars. I liked Tristan and wanted him to get better, and find help for his addiction. I like to think that maybe it's something he'd have done eventually on his own. I just couldn't get on with Collin at all. I thought he was manipulative right from the start and I always thought he had an ulterior motive to even moving in with Tristan (what happened with his old roommates was never explored or explained). I didn't like how he was with Tristan, he was pushy and only wanted him for his own selfish reasons and I couldn't deal with the constant gaslighting either.
I'm glad Tristan found a friend outside that toxic environment though, and that things went well for him with his art, he really deserved that happy ending and relationship with his dad too. Collin, maybe he learned his lesson and with counselling it would be fine. I just wasn't a fan, sorry.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
April 13, 2023
This was a strange story, and it took me several chapters to get into it. This was a single POV with Tristan’s perspective only and it made me have to conjecture about Collin’s true motives and feelings. I could tell that Tristan’s feelings for Collin were sincere and strong, but until the very end of the book, I felt that Collin was faking his attraction so he could use the connection for his own benefit and to take advantage of Tristan’s trusting nature to benefit his thesis research, which is what happened in the beginning. It made me so upset to think that Collin was laughing at Tristan’s gullibility and his willingness to become intimate so readily. Collin made me very uncomfortable. I never trusted him. His friendship with Jessica had me unsettled. But in the very end, after they broke up and Collin was visibly upset, I still had reservations about Colin’s sincerity. Even though Tristan accepted Collin’s explanations and was willing to forgive, I was not rooting for them to get back together. This story was complex and compelling and kept my attention throughout the story. It is definitely worth the read, but just know that it is a dark romance, and it may make you feel unsettled.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2023
The Obsession is a standalone dark college roommates mm romance.
This book is so very different to anything I've read before. It deals with compulsive behavior, a guy that's been so scared in his life he doesn't know what to do so rather than feeling any kind of emotion he does the one thing that can soothe him.
He never had friends, his family is something else entirely, he was always made to believe his father was dead and he comes from a Mormon background.
His roommate Collin I was really sure what to make of him on and off throughout a lot of the book.
He was clearly trying to help Tristan but I also found him a bit contradictive, bossy, and I felt at times like he had a bit of a hold over Tristan.
It was sad how Tristan was kept in the dark by Collin even though he had chance after chance to come clean about what he's doing, he refused to let his true feelings be known until it was essentially too late.
The whole thing was heartbreaking and poor Tristan struggled so much.
Also I really don't think Collin does very well when he drinks and I would love to hear more from Christian!!
Overall a great story that was original and touches on subjects you don't hear of too often.
I'm a fan of this authors writing anyway and this book did not disappoint one bit.
This book is so very different to anything I've read before. It deals with compulsive behavior, a guy that's been so scared in his life he doesn't know what to do so rather than feeling any kind of emotion he does the one thing that can soothe him.
He never had friends, his family is something else entirely, he was always made to believe his father was dead and he comes from a Mormon background.
His roommate Collin I was really sure what to make of him on and off throughout a lot of the book.
He was clearly trying to help Tristan but I also found him a bit contradictive, bossy, and I felt at times like he had a bit of a hold over Tristan.
It was sad how Tristan was kept in the dark by Collin even though he had chance after chance to come clean about what he's doing, he refused to let his true feelings be known until it was essentially too late.
The whole thing was heartbreaking and poor Tristan struggled so much.
Also I really don't think Collin does very well when he drinks and I would love to hear more from Christian!!
Overall a great story that was original and touches on subjects you don't hear of too often.
I'm a fan of this authors writing anyway and this book did not disappoint one bit.
March 23, 2023
I don’t use the spoiler button often and there’s not lots in here but I don’t want ruin anything for anyone else but I also want to say what I think!
I love Christie’s work I’ve read lots of it and loved it, but this one was hard to read, it gave me a weird gut feeling. I do not like Colin at all, he was manipulative, aggressive and possessive but not in a good way.
To begin with I really thought he was helping Tristan but you can see the change start to happen and I just couldn’t get past it. Clearly that’s a me problem which I why I put the spoil button on because what I think about something is not going to be the same for everyone else.
I’m glad Tristan had Ally and he got to share his art but I just didn’t gel with this book.
But again you may love it so give it a go for yourself.
Also this won’t stop me reading anything else by Christie.
I love Christie’s work I’ve read lots of it and loved it, but this one was hard to read, it gave me a weird gut feeling. I do not like Colin at all, he was manipulative, aggressive and possessive but not in a good way.
To begin with I really thought he was helping Tristan but you can see the change start to happen and I just couldn’t get past it. Clearly that’s a me problem which I why I put the spoil button on because what I think about something is not going to be the same for everyone else.
I’m glad Tristan had Ally and he got to share his art but I just didn’t gel with this book.
But again you may love it so give it a go for yourself.
Also this won’t stop me reading anything else by Christie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
This book is a difficult and very poignant story. The hero is endearing, his feelings and anxieties are accurately captured. By reading this book, we have pain in the heart, we feel hope, we cry ... Despite the difficulties and betrayals, the hero grows and learns to deal with his vulnerabilities and he learns to forgive.
A difficult but terribly well written story, I recommend for the well hung hearts.
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Ce livre est une histoire difficile et très poignante. Le héro est attachant, ses ressentis, ses anxiétés sont restrancrites avec précision. En lisant se livre, on a mal au coeur, on ressent de l'espoir, on pleure... Malgré les difficultés et les trahisons, le héro grandit et apprend à gérer ses vulnérabilités et il apprend à pardonner.
Une histoire difficile mais terriblement bien écrite, je recommande pour les coeurs bien accrochés.
A difficult but terribly well written story, I recommend for the well hung hearts.
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Ce livre est une histoire difficile et très poignante. Le héro est attachant, ses ressentis, ses anxiétés sont restrancrites avec précision. En lisant se livre, on a mal au coeur, on ressent de l'espoir, on pleure... Malgré les difficultés et les trahisons, le héro grandit et apprend à gérer ses vulnérabilités et il apprend à pardonner.
Une histoire difficile mais terriblement bien écrite, je recommande pour les coeurs bien accrochés.
December 27, 2023
Tristan and Collin
Ok, so the book blurb is in first person but the book's narrative is in third person. It threw me off.
A rushed HEA
Steam level 3/5 in the beginning and toward the end it just fell off somehow. And it was a strict top and bottom role. Collin top. Tristan bottom. Tristan did say he wanted to top Collin but Collin blew that off.
I didn't really like Collin. He gas lit the hell out of Tristan, and then ignored or blew off heart felt things Tristan wanted or said, and with the twist idk if it was because he was being a deceitful and felt bad about it or what. I have no idea how their relationship could heal and move forward because the end was rushed........
This does deal with a sort of addiction and Tristan's past abuse.
Hurt/comfort kind of if Collin wasn't being a lying, manipulating, control freak.
Ok, so the book blurb is in first person but the book's narrative is in third person. It threw me off.
A rushed HEA
Steam level 3/5 in the beginning and toward the end it just fell off somehow. And it was a strict top and bottom role. Collin top. Tristan bottom. Tristan did say he wanted to top Collin but Collin blew that off.
I didn't really like Collin. He gas lit the hell out of Tristan, and then ignored or blew off heart felt things Tristan wanted or said, and with the twist idk if it was because he was being a deceitful and felt bad about it or what. I have no idea how their relationship could heal and move forward because the end was rushed........
This does deal with a sort of addiction and Tristan's past abuse.
Hurt/comfort kind of if Collin wasn't being a lying, manipulating, control freak.
March 31, 2023
What happens when the person you have been fantasizing about becomes your roommate? Pure explosion to say the least.
Tristan and Collin have a story that is not for the faint of heart, but I must say that you will be pulled in with it's intense and at times painful hard to read qualities that each of the characters have had to endure. Not only was the subject matter written with a real raw and honest energy, I felt like I was holding both the MC's hands as they were crawling out of the darkness into the light.
I loved this story and how it broke me and then put me back together again with a new found understanding of what facing and winning a traumatic past would feel like. Absolulty Excellent
Tristan and Collin have a story that is not for the faint of heart, but I must say that you will be pulled in with it's intense and at times painful hard to read qualities that each of the characters have had to endure. Not only was the subject matter written with a real raw and honest energy, I felt like I was holding both the MC's hands as they were crawling out of the darkness into the light.
I loved this story and how it broke me and then put me back together again with a new found understanding of what facing and winning a traumatic past would feel like. Absolulty Excellent
April 2, 2023
This was not an 'easy or fun' read.
It started out with so much hope for a smooth transition to a loving relationship.
I really waned Tristan to find someone who would love him.
Unfortunately he had a rough rocky spell ahead.
Collin seemed so perfect at the beginning.
But be careful what you wish for.
Something wasn't right shortly after Collin was 'assigned' to be Tristan's roommate. And I got just got more and more uneasy as the book progressed.
Until, at last, clues were revealed.
Trust was built.
Love was there.
And I could breathe again.
Be ready for a story fraught with pain and sorrow until all is revealed.
Another example of the great story telling of Christie Gordon.
It started out with so much hope for a smooth transition to a loving relationship.
I really waned Tristan to find someone who would love him.
Unfortunately he had a rough rocky spell ahead.
Collin seemed so perfect at the beginning.
But be careful what you wish for.
Something wasn't right shortly after Collin was 'assigned' to be Tristan's roommate. And I got just got more and more uneasy as the book progressed.
Until, at last, clues were revealed.
Trust was built.
Love was there.
And I could breathe again.
Be ready for a story fraught with pain and sorrow until all is revealed.
Another example of the great story telling of Christie Gordon.
March 26, 2023
Hurt/Comfort Story is told from Tristan's perspective. This was such an intense, raw, emotional read about Tristan, who has a sexual addiction due to past childhood trauma issues suffered from his mother, and Collin, his roommate working on his master's physchology degree. The hurt and betrayal Tristan feels when he discovers the secret of the thesis, plus has he actually fallen in love with Collin? This book was a page turner, has you wanting to rush to find answers but also trying to take your time to grasp the emotional rawness of the story...great writng!!
I received this as an ARC and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received this as an ARC and leaving my review voluntarily.
April 4, 2023
This story totally held my attention. The intense emotional life Tristin lives daily and when his background is revealed, I didn’t know how anyone could get up each day and keep trying. After he is drawn in by Collin I really wanted to scream. Didn’t the guy deserve a break.
Collin’s motivations, while suspicious remain unclear for most of the story. Even with his secrecy and manipulation of Tristin it was easy not to really like Collin.
This story really made me relook at what lives events form a child’s future. I feel this author does a great job at drawing the reader in and keeping strong attention till the end.
Collin’s motivations, while suspicious remain unclear for most of the story. Even with his secrecy and manipulation of Tristin it was easy not to really like Collin.
This story really made me relook at what lives events form a child’s future. I feel this author does a great job at drawing the reader in and keeping strong attention till the end.
April 1, 2023
This is a very angsty and emotion story of two young men who are so different, but underneath it all are able to connect with one another due to their close proximity as roommates. Tristan has so much anxious energy and needs something or someone to help reign it in. I appreciated that Collin was not some perfect savior. He was just guy who had issues and demons of his own but found himself drawn to Collin. This is well written, but a very angsty story of two young men improving themselves and falling in love in the process.
April 1, 2023
Darker than the other stories I've read from Christie Gordon, and also much steamier, The Obsession was an emotional roller coaster and a twisted tale of opposites attract and hurt/comfort.
Well written and addictive, if you favor darker stories you'll enjoy dipping into this psychological pool of raw emotions and brilliantly flawed men.
I had to take a break and read something fluffy because this isn't my usual jam, but I picked it back up because I knew I needed to know what the outcomes were... and I wasn't disappointed.
4.5 Stars rounded up
Well written and addictive, if you favor darker stories you'll enjoy dipping into this psychological pool of raw emotions and brilliantly flawed men.
I had to take a break and read something fluffy because this isn't my usual jam, but I picked it back up because I knew I needed to know what the outcomes were... and I wasn't disappointed.
4.5 Stars rounded up
April 4, 2023
Tristan and Collin
3 Stars ⭐️
This was so much darker than the usual stories from this author and I enjoyed that aspect of the book, with that being said: I found that there were many good qualities about this read and others I didn't quite care for. Some points of this story left me confused and others I was like hell yes! This one was truly a 50/50 split for me, I did however really like these characters so I would give another book in this series a go.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
3 Stars ⭐️
This was so much darker than the usual stories from this author and I enjoyed that aspect of the book, with that being said: I found that there were many good qualities about this read and others I didn't quite care for. Some points of this story left me confused and others I was like hell yes! This one was truly a 50/50 split for me, I did however really like these characters so I would give another book in this series a go.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
March 31, 2023
Collin is very smart and a psychology major. He has to move out of his apartment and into the dorms. Tristan is an introvert with quirks and an empty bed in his dorm room. Collin gets assigned to the room with Tristan. Tristan and Collin both have their issues, but Collin thinks he can help Tristan. Tristan has a crush on Collin and Collin sees Tristan as needing help. This story is about them discovering and what they can teach each other about life.
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