My guardian angel is a devil in disguise.He hates me. He protects me.He watches me.My stalker is obsessed with keeping me safe. He calls me his prettiest debt.An assassin in the notorious Bullet gang, he uses his empire to control my life. Everything I know is a lie.What started as a debt turned into something more. What started as regret turned into obsession.Ambition is his muse and I am his … obsession.
Ambition is his muse and I am his conscience. Our past may bind us together, but his enemies will tear us apart.
My guardian angel is a devil in disguise.
He hates me. He protects me.
And I think I love him.
more
I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into with this book- I just knew that I love pretty much anything Coralee writes, so I figured I’d love this.
And I was definitely intrigued (and read it in one sitting)- this book draws you in, comforts you, then chews you up and spits you out- in a good way. The premise here was definitely alluring- we have a young 18-year old heroine who is mysteriously being protected (or stalked, potato-potAto) by an older stranger, at first unknowingly, then begrudgingly, then welcomely.
Our heroine Roe is a spitfire- with a past full of trauma and pain that has made her shut others out and consciously and subconsciously use people to numb her pain. She’s somehow both self-aware and oblivious, traumatized and unaffected, jaded yet naïve. She’s quickly drawn into Hunter’s world, the man who has been keeping her in a protective bubble for most of her life without her even knowing him, and we’re immersed into a tale of fraught relationships, unclear motives, deception, and inexplicable connection and obsessions.
Roe leverages Hunter’s interest in her to form the first real connection she’s had in years, and Hunter fights his conflicted feelings for her all while keeping her in the dark about his intentions and history. Hunter is deliciously intriguing- at the end of the duet, we still don’t quiet know and understand him even though we can fully live into his truth as it relates to Roe. And, for those Bullet fans out there, we do have some Gavriel cameos given Hunters ties to the Bullets.
Overtime, Hunter and Roe’s tie becomes an obsession for them both, both becoming controlled by their draw to each other- yet neither being self-assured, illuminated, and emotional stable enough to understand their feelings and whether or not this obsession is good or bad. The chemistry is sizzling, and Coralee is great at drawing out the sexual tension, dialing up the push and pull, all through the lens of emotional fractures. And, yet again, she excels.
The romance here is haunting and bittersweet, painful yet rejuvenating, and the last few chapters are painful. Be warned, this is a duet, so we have both a cliffhanger and no happy ending in sight. Coralee not only is a master at immersing us in the push-pull dynamic, but she’s also a master at letting relationships breathe and struggle- ensuring that both characterization and timing is write for a relationship to evolve, and this is not different. Roe and Hunter are still struggling with aspects of themselves, so, of course, they struggle either more in their connection to each other.
Omg where to start.
This was a new to me author and one I’m sure I’ll be reading many more from, starting with the second book of this duet, cannot wait to get my hands on a copy as I need answers!!!
What a mind bending first book, every time you think you have things figured out, along comes another curveball.
Hunter takes awhile to comprehend but once you do you’ll want to hold onto him forever and keep him safe, even from himself.
Was a pleasure watching Roe blossom once the secrets started unraveling, look forward to seeing more of it in book 2.
“They say that if you keep hurting the same part of you again and again and again and again, the nerve endings die, making you numb to the pain.”
“Hurt people hurt people, and Hunter was a boy that never let his damage breathe.”
Full disclosure: I wasn’t aware that this will be a duet. So, when a few chapters in and thinking why do I feel like the story is not yet building to its end, that’s when I found out. This is what happens when my ignorant self just instantly jumps into any new book this author releases. This woman is one of those that I will read anything she writes, even if it’s her grocery list, LOL.
A Lovely Obsession is a spin off of the Bullets world and I’m thrilled to know that we might be getting a few glimpses of these previous characters. What I liked about this book is that Roe is not your typical FMC and so is Hunter. They are both emotionally stunted which makes their love story, in my opinion, refreshing and engaging to begin with. I feel that the journey to their HEA will be a bumpy one, but so worth it in the end. I loved it and I can’t wait to read the final conclusion!
Great poetic story!! Secrets and lies! An assassins life!!
When I read the blurb for A Lovely Obsession( Debt of Passion #1) my curiosity was stirred. When I started reading the story, my mind was hooked. By the time I finished this book by CoraLee June, I was speechless and ready to cuss this woman out. How could she corner my heart and spirit, lift my mind and shatter it at the same time and leave me shaking my head saying What the Eve- Lovin-Hell did she just do? This is that sort of story and there is that kind of shock and awe.
Hunter could not be a better name for this hero. Alpha male with what many would call no redeeming values, yet all I can say is Keep Reading. Torn, emotionally tortured, lost, calculating and honorable, he is no friend, but he is indeed a hero. Valor sometimes is not recognized until too late. To be lost in one world while living in another is his norm but his lifelong task has now become an entirely new requirement. One he feels a need for just to breathe.
Roe may not see all the world through clear eyes, but what she does see has been ingrained in her from day one. Child to adult, she does what she needs to survive, and is powerful with her skills of subterfuge. Life has not been her friend, but family and love have always mattered…or at least they did. Even friends and family will surprise you.
Sometimes love is not enough. Sometimes people wonder what is love and how does it seep into our pores. CoraLee June held me hostage with this story, then hung me out to dry at the end. And I cannot wait to see how these two come together to discover what the rest of us hope is real, Only time will tell, and I am waiting to know. Amazing job!
Roe Palmer has a bit of a reputation as a slut in school but she isn’t worried what others think of her. She lives with her Uncle Mack after the death of her father and later her mother with both of them dying on her birthday but 10 years apart.
When Roe finds a lily on her doorstep her life is turned into chaos and everything she thought sje knew may turn out to be a lie.
Then she meets Hunter who seems to know more about her life than she does. But why is Hunter so obsessed with Roe and why is her life so important to him?
This was such an interesting book and there were a few twists that made me wonder what was going to happen next.
I thought Roe was such a great character and I loved that she almost used her reputation as a way of keeping people far away from her. Yet she managed to form a friendship with Nicole and I liked when Nicole called Roe out on a few things. I really liked the relationship between Roe and Mack at the beginning of the book and you could tell how much Mack really cared about Roe but when things went sideways I knew why Roe was upset and I couldn’t fault her for that but I was hoping they would rebuild their relationship.
Hunter was definitely an interesting character and we slowly learned more about him as the book went on. I was confused initially about his behavior towards Roe as I couldn’t understand if he hated her or loved her and why he was so protective of her but as the book went on we learned more about why he felt a responsibly towards her.
There was so much chemistry between Roe and Hunter and I knew things would eventually explode and they did but for Hunter there was so much more on the line as Roe was his weak link. Hunter also didn’t have an ordinary job which allowed his enemies to realize that there was one sure way to get to Hunter and that was to use Roe.
I was freaking out towards then end when Roe decided she needed more information on Hunter when an opportunity presented itself and I knew it wasn’t going to go good. I was grateful that Hunter got there in time but it changed the course of the book for sure.
The end was both happy and sad at the same time but I eagerly wait for the next book in the series!!
By Rebecca
Coralee June’s “A Lovely Obsession” is like a dark, intimate game of cat and mouse. One that keeps you constantly on the edge of your seat, breathless, waiting for the next twist in the story to unveil itself.
It’s provocative and raw. It’s a story that demands everything from a reader. Hunter and Roe were beautifully complex characters that I couldn’t help but get lost in.
I wanted, needed more before I had even reached the last page. And that ending? Damn. Totally leaves you wanting in the best possible way.
4.6 stars
This author is always able to navigate the fine line between light and dark. Her words are decadent and enticing. This book is an example of her brilliant mind and master skills as an author. I shouldn’t find a book about obsession sexy and poignant but I did because this book isn’t at all like one would think of they think someone is a stalker.
I’m in awe and I need the next book like I need air.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
My guardian angel is a devil in disguise. He hates me. He protects me. He watches me. My stalker is obsessed with keeping me safe.He calls me his prettiest debt. An assassin in the notorious Bullet gang, he uses his empire to control my life. Everything I know is a lie. What started as a debt turned into something more. what started as regret turned into obsession. Ambition is his muse and I am his conscience. Our past may bind us together , but his enemies will tear us apart. My guardian angel is a devil in disguise. He hates me. He protects me. And I think I love him.
I recently discovered Coralee June and I am obsessed. A Lovely Obsession is another great book that you do not want to miss. I devoured this book and I so loved getting to know both Roe and Hunter. Roe is a eighteen year old high school senior who never gets close to anyone and has a whole lot of strange stuff going through her head as her mother basically turned her into a hermit when her mental health declined after the death of Roe’s father. Now she lives with her Uncle Mack and is well adjusted and has one friend but many guys or that is the reputation that she chooses to let everyone see. However one day out of the blue her Uncle Mack tells her they have to go and everything in her life changes and she wakes us from a horrible accident to Hunter caring for her. He however is the guy who hates her. The guy who has sworn to keep her safe no matter what. She is his prettiest debt, and he can’t stand her. He too is a paid assassin and really good at his job. Now Roe is smack dab in the middle of all this danger and has no clue why or ever why she is a debt that Hunter owes. You have to read to find all that out and the book will keep you guessing. I really loved getting to know Roe and Hunter and this book is set in the Bullet Series world but you do not have to have read those books to read this one. These are all new characters and you are going to love this book. Then like me you are going to be hook and want to read all the previous Coralee June books that are out there. Don’t miss this one. I so can not wait to have the next book in my hands
I am OBSESSED with this story! CoraLee June has completely sucked me into Roe and Hunter’s world and I need more. The emotion pouring from the pages wrecked me. The suspense had me holding my breath. I can not rest until I see how this plays out.
It’s definitely not what I was expecting, especially as it’s a spin off from The Bullets Series. It started off slow and although it did get exciting the reason behind the stalking just felt a tad underwhelming for me. It’s still a good read though and I look forward to reading the next book.
I read the complete Obsession duet:
This duet hit me like….
Yes,
No,
I love it,
I shouldn’t love it,
I need to know what happens…
GAH!!!
Yes, it is that kind of read.
It taps into the part of your psyche that knows it’s a dark and depraved book and you shouldn’t read another word, but it is also the part of your brain that says ooooh, bring it on because it is forbidden and I want every delicious thing about you and I want more, more more!!!
Hunter and Roe shouldn’t make sense in any coupledom, but they also make perfect sense after you finish the book.
They are bound by destiny, a twisted fate that holds them together by their obsession of one another. There were moments I didn’t necessarily like the actions of either character, but it was because I was at the point of thinking, just let them go. GAH! Things had gotten so bad or they had pushed each other to the point where they had reached their final breaking point that you do wonder, if they really are better off with someone else.
Coralee did her job and did it well because it had me…I know the person who fights and wants her HEA’s actually pondering this, but that didn’t make me stop reading. For the eternal optimist, it actually made me read faster because I had faith that in that moment of darkness the HEA would be glorious.
I do know in times on ultimate darkness when everything seems bleak and you wonder how anything will be right, those are the times when I know the payout will be the biggest. Coralee did not disappoint one single bit when I was wallowing in those pits. This is a dark romance in every sense of the word, but know that with a dark romance there is beautiful light at the end.
Lovely obsession is unlike most books I read, which I’m going to say thank goodness with that, because this one got under my skin and lingered and lingered. I know I will be obsessed with these characters for some time and have to go and read everything that Coralee has written…I know I am now obsessed. Watch out for a new stalker, Coralee!! LOL!!
The first book in the Debt of Passion Duet by CoraLee June – A Lovely Obsession is a brilliant and captivating beginning to this collection. I was drawn into this dark, emotional and heartbreaking story. Plus the deep connection you feel with the characters as soon as I began reading.
The love/hate/ and obsessive/duty bound relationship between Hunter and Roe makes for an addictive read, and one that you won’t want to put down once you start, as each page brings a higher level of anticipation as to what’s coming next. Nothing about this story is predictable. As the story develops, Hunter’s obsession becomes more and more, just as Roe’s inner strength starts to build, until they devour each other other in an explosive scene filled with longing, regret, anger and emptiness.
A Lovely Obsession is definitely a one click book, and I can’t wait to read A Lovely Confession.
Side note: the dedication almost had me in tears.
Favourite quote: “I sensed his energy. It was like drinking whiskey and letting it burn you from the inside out.”
It took me a minute to decide to read this book after reading the blurb, and hearing it was a bout a stalker. However, after seeing how many people who were recommending this book on my reader groups I decided to give it a chance.
I am glad I gave this book a chance. This book is so much more beyond “just a stalker book”. June knows how to squeeze emotion out of every chapter, and keeping the reader wanting more. Roe and Hunters relationship starts out very surface level, and soon it begins to develop without either one wanting it to move for intimate. They each have their reasons for not wanting things to move forward, but life has other ideas. The ending of the book left me a little sad to see it was over, but I was able to dive right into book two.
Gawd everyone needs a stalker like Hunter!!!
A super sexy ,steamy hot ansty story of obsession out of heartbreak….
Coralee really knocks it out with this one I was hooked from the very beginning, the characters and story line draw you in and keep you hostage until you read the last line and immediately NEED MORE.
Hunter and Roe share a connection like no other and his obsession over keeping her safe in a world of danger is his top priority but feelings start to grow and ultimately secrets and lies are revealed…….I cant wait to dive back into this world it cant come fast enough.
Oh my gosh, I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book, it was absolutely amazing! This story is a little darker, the main Male character stalks the main female character. Throughout the story you find out what was behind his obsession. Roe is such a strong character, her childhood was not easy at all. Her mom was paranoid to the point that it was an extreme case of mental illness. Roe did not get to experience what most kids do. Hunters background was also quite sad. When this book ended, I just needed to know what happened and started the second book right away!
A dark, gritty, forbidden read that will grab you and pull you to the darkside. Raw and gripping I can’t quite express my obsession with this series (or why) but I’m just going to own it. A bit slow to start (for me) but once I got hooked I was in for the long haul. I can’t wait for book 2.
Oh my Hunter and Roe are everything. Their love is twisted and came from a dark place but they learned to let their damage breathe together. This ride was very push and pull but in the all the right directions. For a moment I was so upset with Gavriel but he was absolutely redeemed. Thank goodness that love’s light can reach the darkest crevices breathing life into them, creating softness where their was stone, and piecing back the brokenness that is in each of us. What a beautifully dark love story. Hunter and Roe are everything
I’ve read this authors Bullets series and loved those guys so it was not a shock that I loved Hunter and Roe. I loved the passion these two had, the plot of him protecting her, the revelations about why he protects her, and even that cliffhanger ending. Roe grew a lot in this book and she will continue to grow in the next book. The writing was great and I was able to feel the emotions that these two characters had not only for each other but for their pasts. I won’t give too much away but it was a great story. I am giving it 4 stars because it times I did find it a little bit predictable but I look forward to seeing what’s going to happen next. 4 stars #2OCCJD
I loved it. Can’t wait for book 2