“An irresistible page turner and a successful melding of thriller and romance. With a splash of international adventure and plenty of surprises, Stolen Obsession is an entertaining read and a great beginning to the Annalisse Series.” —Marta Cheng, Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½“Debut author Bell delivers a great, slow-building romance, gently examining her characters’ painful pasts.” —Kirkus … gently examining her characters’ painful pasts.” —Kirkus Reviews
People die, but legends live on.
New York antiquities appraiser Annalisse Drury recently lost her best friend to murder. The killer’s identity may be linked to her friend’s expensive missing bracelet—a 500-year-old artifact that carries an ancient curse, one that unleashes evil upon any who dare wear the jewelry created for the Persian royal family.
Weeks later, Annalisse sees a matching necklace at a Manhattan gallery opening. She begs the owner to destroy the cursed piece, but her pleas fall on deaf ears—despite the unnatural death that occurs during the opening. With two victims linked to the jewelry, Annalisse is certain she must act.
Desperate, Annalisse enlists the gallery owner’s son to help—even though she’s afraid he’ll break her heart. Wealthy and devastatingly handsome, with a string of bereft women in his wake, Greek playboy Alec Zavos dismisses Annalisse’s concerns—until his parents are ripped from the Zavos family yacht during their ocean voyage near Crete.
Annalisse and Alec race across two oceans to save his mother, feared dead or kidnapped. When the killer changes tactics and goes after Alec behind Annalisse’s back, can her plan to rescue Alec’s mother save them all?
Hold on for a heart-thumping, thrilling adventure through exotic lands in this fast-moving romantic suspense mystery by Marlene M. Bell.
Awards
The 2018 IndieReader Discovery Award (IRDA) for Best Fiction Cover
The 2018 Independent Book Award for Best Fiction Cover
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This was a first for me from this author. This story was suspenseful and very complex with lots of people involved. I enjoyed trying to figure if out. There was a little romance going on but not enough heat and sex for me. For someone who enjoys thriller suspense, this book should be right up their alley.
This series began with such intrigue and mystery that I could not put it down. Annalise is an antique appraiser who is positive that a piece of jewelry is cursed and has been the reason for multiple murders. Ms. Bell takes us on a journey of mystery, action, and romance that has so many twists you can’t put the book down. A definite must read. I received this through BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While I love watching revenge movies, filled with action & adventure, romantic suspense is not my usual genre to read. I’m so glad I took a chance on Marlene M. Bell’s Stolen Obsession.
Annalisse is an antiquities appraiser. She’s brilliant at her job, can spot fakes a mile away. But behind her professional and beautiful veneer, she lives in fear. Fear that her best friend’s murderer will walk away free. Fear that anyone who gets close to her will die, just like her parents did. It’s easy for Annalisse to believe in curses when she’s a living example. So when she spots a variation of the same cursed jewelry that brought about her best friend’s death, she panics.
The night the killer strikes again, also happens to be the night Alec, her older friend’s gorgeous son, finally notices her. In a typical romance novel, this would be the part where the couple would fall in love, or into bed for the first time. Instead, the murderer strikes again, and Alec is determined to protect the woman he’s secretly long admired. Alec quickly discovers Annalisse won’t fall into his arms like most women. Soon they are swept into a flight for their lives, and the murderer is closing in. Whoever is after them believes the necklace belongs to them, and they’ll kill to get it.
The pace of the story moved along swiftly and drew me in from the first page. The suspense is well crafted and had me on the edge of my seat several times, wondering who was in on the conspiracy. The romance in this book was very solid. Occasionally, the back and forth banter reminded me of Old Hollywood films. Instead of feeling cheesy, it made Alec & Annalisse’s interactions fun and sweet. I loved all the nods to history and the author’s vivid description, which made for a lovely read. A sweeping romantic and often deadly adventure, Stolen Obsession is my new standard for excellent suspense fiction.
A thrilling,exciting International thriller involving many exotic locals and romance on top. The book is fast paced and totally engaging. It doesn’t feel like a debut novel, but like a book from a seasoned writer! A great read that will leave you breathless with its excitement and twits and turns. Don’t miss this one!
Stolen Obsession by Marlene M Bell is the first in a series that features Annalisse Drury. She is an antiquities appraiser and after the death of her boss Harry, she notices an Iranian horse necklace that is on exhibit for her friend Generosa (Gen) Zavos. She has a bad feeling about the necklace, that it is cursed. At the exhibit, she meets Gen’s son Alec a wealthy good looking man who Annalisse is attracted to. The necklace is one of two identical necklaces and one of them is on the island of Crete.
Her best friend Sam had been murdered and she wore a bracelet that had the same design as what is on the necklaces. She enlists Alec and her friend Chase to investigate what happened to her best friend. On their way to Crete, they are met with some nefarious people who are after the necklace and tragedy occurs. What is the connection between her friend Sam’s murder and the death of her boss Harry?
Again, this is first in the Annalisse series, that I was able to get into quickly. The novel is set in New York, Crete, and at the farm where Annalisse grew up. I loved the atmosphere in which it was written especially on the yacht and in Crete. Lots of characters to love and a plot that keeps the reader on edge.
I got into the book immediately and enjoyed the storyline. I have already read the second in the series with a review to come!
Thank you Lola’s Blog Tours and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Stolen Obsession
By: Marlene M. Bell
REVIEW
I have actually already read the second book, Spent Identity, prior to reading Stolen Obsession. I loved the second, and I was fairly certain I would like this book as well. I was correct! Poor Annalise begins with a tragic event, then another, and her luck just seems so bad. I was sad for her and all the negative stuff in her life. The blame for this lack of luck might be blamed on cursed jewels in the gallery where she works. Others kind of think it’s a crazy idea, but Annalise is certain about the jewels and a curse bringing tragedy to the wearer. These jewels must be destroyed, but someone else is after the necklace. They will use sinister means to obtain the jewels, and Annalise knows she is in danger. She must find answers and keep the jewels away from whoever’s after them. It’s a journey to foreign places, through history and a race against time. This is a great story that begins with action and maintains a fast pace. It’s a mystery with drama and a bit of romance. I like the idea of a curse because it’s fascinating to imagine that it could be real. Annalise is a strong heroine who can hold her own, and she is highly intelligent. I appreciate a savvy feisty female lead because their aren’t enough of them. The end will leave you wanting more with a great twist. Marlene M. Bell has crafted a wonderful mystery and a great start to the series! Pick up your copy today!
A cursed jewel and murders.
What more could a person ask for in a story?
As an appraiser, Annalisse has seen it all…or so she thinks. So when cursed jewels come into her possession, she doesn’t know what to do. After suspecting they were behind the death of her friend, Annalisse embarks on a quest with her friend/romantic interest in a plan that will either stop the curse or kill them.
There is plenty of suspense and even some romance in this story. I love the blend of genres as well as the author’s ability to create both suspense and light-hearted moments.
The narration was distinctive and wonderfully done.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Stolen Obsession is the first installment form Marlene M Bell’s series, Annalisse. It is, also, the author’s debut novel. The reader is introduced to Annalisse Drury, an antiquities appraiser from New York. She finds herself trying to identify the killer of her best fired through a missing five hundred year old bracelet that carries an evil curse. She finds a necklace matching the bracelet at a gallery opening in Manhattan. Despite advising to have the necklace destroyed, another murder occurs. She asks Alec Zavos for help when his parents go missing. The two go on an action packed adventure that involves danger, mystery and suspense.
I enjoyed Stolen Obsession. It captured my attention to the point I did not want to put the book down until the end. It is not a long read but it is full of twists and turns that I did not expect or could not have predicted. I loved Annalisse and admired her courage, bravery and strength. I loved her even more when she meets the handsome Alec. Those two had great chemistry that made me want to root for a romance. I enjoyed other characters that I found to be fun and energetic.
I give Stolen Obsession four and a half stars. I recommend it for those who love a good and entertaining romantic suspense. I can not wait to see what happens next to Annalisse Drury in book two of the Annalisse series. I most definitely believe this is a book not to be missed.
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
The fabulous cover hints at the story inside and I do like when that happens. Doesn’t it peak your curiosity?
Annaliise has lost one friend to the curse and she struggles to stop any more from being added to the tragedy. She’s determined to protect her friends, whether they believe in the curse or not.
I love any twist on murder in my mystery and suspense/thriller reading, and Marlene M Bell supplies that in Stolen Obsession.
Traveling through words are some of my favorite adventures. I go places I would never visit otherwise. So…are you ready for the journey?
Annalise fights her attraction to Alex, but he is persistent and patient in his wooing of her, offering to help her on her mission to solve the mystery of the jewels. Annalise had suffered a great loss and protected her heart from more hurt. Of course, we know that can’t stand forever, seeing this is romantic suspense, but he will have to earn his way in.
I can relate to him, because my Mr Wonderful was the same way. And we know how that ended.
Their relationship developed in a realistic fashion, no instalove, but a familiar face appears in a new light for her. I won’t explain any more. You will need to read Stolen Obsession to find out more.
I couldn’t help but crack up at the Art Lady. She carries Ms Smith, her trusty 38, because pepper spray doesn’t cut it for her and is only used for backup.
Numerous times Marlene M Bell takes me to the brink of suspenseful tragedy, only to keep them safe and let me know there is more danger to come. I am very suspicious and she leads me to the edge of a cliff. I feel I’ll fall off, but she yanks me back from the precipice saying…not yet…but soon. I love that!!!
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Stolen Obsession by Marlene M Bell.
See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
Thrilling mystery and who-dun-it with slow-build romance
Slow-build romance…it took until chapter 27! I’m truly not sure if I missed something pertinent that explained why Annalissa was scared to give her heart away. Since this is a series, maybe we’ll find out more in future books. Her attempt to keep the hottest man away from her turns out impossible. Alec has wanted Anna for months. He can’t stop thinking about her and he seems earnest in his adoration, but his reputation in the sleaze publications tell a different tale. When events turn them to each other for safety, will that do it? Will she finally let down her guard? The romance is really a small part of this book. The thrill ride we go on from one continent to another while they try to stay alive is the real meat of this book.
Thievery, curses, hatred all come together to make a very suspenseful book. If you like thrilling endings with page-turning events and a slow-burn passion that explodes when it’s finally struck, read this book. Unfortunately, there are many deaths before they get their HEA. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
My review for this book will be short, I’m afraid, as I’m not entirely sure what didn’t work for me, or even what actually DID work for me.
You jump STRAIGHT in to this book, there is no build up or introduction. Straight into talking about Annalisse’s best friend’s murder. A cursed bracelet that seems to have a matching necklace, with an identical one? I got a bit confused when Alec was talking about the other necklace in Greece. It made no sense to me. Sorry!
Then there is the romance aspect. That I found a little too forced. Again, jumping straight in, with Alec making sexual overtones to Annalisse right after her boss has been murdered? No sense.
Alec and Annalisse do both have a say, so that was good. Also, I enjoyed the trip to Greece, since we didn’t get to go on holiday this year (Aug 2020)
It was okay, really, neither brilliant nor shockingly bad. Maybe not really for me, but I have book 2 to read next.
3 reasonably good stars.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This was my first Marlene M. Bell’s book, and won’t be my last. This is the first book in the Annalisse Series. Annalisse and Alex’s story is suspenseful, captivating, and intriguing. Annalisse is a wonderful character, smart, and resourceful. Alec is handsome, caring and supportive. The storyline is filled with adventure, danger, action, and romance. Katina Kalin did a great job with the narration. She has a beautiful voice, and the characters were easy to distinguish. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, Spent Identity. I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. #audiobookworm
Immediately when she sees the necklace that’s eerily similar to a bracelet that belonged to her murdered friend Sam, Annalisse is convinced that it’s not a modern copy but part of the antique Persian set. A collection that disappeared hundreds of years ago. The jewellery was destined to be worn solely by Iranian royalty and is supposedly cursed. She thinks that someone wants to get all the pieces back together and that everyone at the gallery is in danger. She has no evidence or clues to say or think this but that her friend was murdered and her bracelet gone. Well, not many robbers will leave an expensive golden piece of jewellery behind so that’s certainly a viable option. She may have been killed for the value of the bracelet without any further meaning attached to it. Then during a gallery party, her boss and owner of the gallery drops down dead (as they say) and turns out to be poisoned. Annelisse is certain that the cursed jewels are involved somehow.
There’s virtually no introduction of the characters and you’re left to figure out who’s who and what they do and how they all interact. Annalisse, the main character comes at first over as a bit daft with her swooning over her friend’s handsome Greek son. And her quick conclusions without any fundament, those 2 elements together in the first chapter made me want to give up on the book. As I just finished a waste-of-time book and didn’t want to undergo the same experience again, I hoped this was only a hiccup.
At least Annalisse doesn’t jump into bed with Alec at the first opportunity, regardless of the erotic tension between them. There’s a mutual attraction, but Annalise is very wary and distrusting. When the Greek horse breeder tells her he’s building a veterinary clinic for himself, she freaks out as she suspects that the vet her friend Sam was dating is the one that killed her. A bit exaggerated and even childish in my opinion, even if he would be the murderer that doesn’t mean anything regarding other people in that profession!
Alec is a rather stereotypical good guy/perfect soulmate-lover and a perfect gentleman as well. Despite his attraction to Annalise and the mixed signals she sends, he behaves so primly and proper you’d take him for a template Englishman.
It is not really clear at the start who Gen exactly is or what her function is. At first, she appears to be a Greek jewellery maker who exposes pieces of her work in the gallery. Later in the story, she behaves and is treated as an employee but then she’s said to be the owner when the cops come to the gallery. At the start of the book is said that Harry is the proprietor, that’s why Annalisse is worried about her job because she doesn’t get on with Peter, the brother in Law who will take over from the murdered Harry (inherit I assumed). It’s annoying and confusing, to say the least, or is it merely careless? Such obvious things (am I the only one to notice this?) should be rooted out by the editor. Messy writing like this really interferes with my reading progress and pleasure and once again I must force myself to continue to at least a third of the book. After all, those recommendations and positive reviews come from other people who seem to love this book.
But alas; 19th century English Tudor cottages’? Tudor STYLE maybe, as most of the 19th century was Victorian.
The FBI doesn’t go to other countries and take over the investigation. They have to ask permission and will ASSIST and work together with the local authorities. This is information to be found on the official FBI website. They may be authorised by US law to investigate kidnappings and terrorism against US citizens, but once they are abroad, they have to answer to the local laws just like anybody else. Not illogical, or would you like that Chinese police came to the US and apply their own law when one of their subjects was victims to a similar crime in Dallas (or so)? Further along in the book, it turns out that it’s the CIA and not the FBI that’s dealing with the Gen’s abduction. I don’t know which rules apply to them, but they’re just ordinary citizens and have no jurisdiction in other countries. I doubt that even friendly countries are happy with foreign interference in local affairs and crimes.
Apart from all those annoying inconsistencies, the story self isn’t bad, it’s fast-paced and exciting. I had a few hunches about how the puzzle fits together but didn’t get the full picture. I had to keep reading to find out if I was on the right track. I have to admit that towards the end the tension builds really high and it gets thrilling enough to deserve at least 3 stars. I’d give more if not for all the stupid mistakes. So, no I don’t regret to read past those first chapters.
I received a free ARC through Booksirens and this is my honest review.
If you don’t believe the truth. Believe the curse.
Annalise Drury is an N.Y.C antiquities appraiser who is invited to her employer’s Generosa Zavos gallery opening to show off her new attraction, a 500-year-old necklace made for Persian royalty. Only Annalise knows if it is worn by a person, not from Persian royalty, the person is cursed. It has already killed her friend two weeks ago. Terrified Annalise warns Generosa The 500-year old necklace is cursed. Generosa’s playboy son Alec does not believe there is a curse until another friend of Annalise, her boss’s partner Harry dies mysteriously. Both convince Generosa to shut down the gallery and give the necklace to police custody. They also decide to flee the country to Alec’s private island in Greece to escape the killers’ latest threat against Annalise. This book was an entertaining romantic, thriller that had me turning the pages and missing my bedtime. Lol. I loved all the foreign intrigue and the mystery of finding out who did it. The romance between Annalise and Alec left me scratching my head. I felt i was just dropped into the middle of this relationship i knew nothing about. How did they meet? When did they begin to have feelings for each other? Etc. I still loved it though. I loved the banter and sexual tension between them. The relationship reminded me of Pride and Prejudice where Annalise assumes she knows Alec from what is said about him only to find out she was all wrong. I just wish there was more history about them. This is a great start to the Annalise series which i definitely look forward to reading in the future. I received a complimentary advance copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntary.