Tragedy leads Lia from Sydney to Sicily. Her father’s last wishes were to re-unite his estranged family. Lia finds herself pitted against the formidable Nico who has no interest in reconciling the past. He is a man who needs to control every aspect of life around him, and is unprepared for Lia’s spirit and determination. Their constant clashes lead them both to an attraction that is unwanted, … forbidden and very unexpected.
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A fundamentally compelling, sexy read that is chock full of drama
This book was a mixed affair for me. On the one hand, I was immediately sucked into the family drama that rapidly unfolds, and the tension between Lia and Nico. On the other hand, I actually hated Nico and didn’t have a lot of respect for Lia. But damned if the push and pull between them wasn’t completely fascinating.
Their story went from old family drama to the obvious sexual tension between them to their own unfolding saga. The way they talked to each other, especially in the beginning, was just appalling, and some of the exchanges and events were both shocking and confusing. There’s no denying that these are two complex characters who are, ultimately, well suited to each other, as dysfunctional as it may seem from the outside.
In the end, I also liked that they both grew as people in their understanding of themselves and their relationship, and that a lot of what was happening came full circle with the family drama that had taken center stage at the beginning of the story. Though it needs more editing, there was something fundamentally compelling about the elements at play in this story and it’s definitely worth a read!
I started this book thinking I’d read a couple of chapters each night, but I ended up reading half the book that first night. And this is not a short book. The story makes you wonder from the first chapter. You keep asking, “What’s going on between these people?” – you just want to keep reading.
It is a well-woven story with very intriguing characters. The main characters, Lia and Nico, are complex people and well-developed. You’d admire Lia, but you’d want to hate Nico at first. Although you’d also want to know why he was the way he was and how would he grow. The author did an excellent job of creating multi-faceted characters – even the supporting ones, and there are plenty of them. Each supporting character has a part in revealing more facets of the main characters and helping them in their journey.
I love that the story is set mostly in Sicily. If I have any criticism for the author, I wish she had painted us a picture of Sicily and the life there a bit earlier in the book (she did eventually) because I like to imagine the story in my head as I read. I don’t think it’s a major thing, it’s just a personal preference.
Overall, I would recommend this book if you enjoy a complicated absorbing love story that involves a deep connection, complex characters, and major sexual tension.
Unexpected Obsession by Barbara Strickland is a unique romance, and I mean that in a GREAT way! It’s a sexy, second chance romance combined with a bit of a family saga.
Lia and Nico have known each other for many years, but their families were torn apart by tragedy. No spoilers here…I want other readers to enjoy every part of this book.
Both characters are strong in their own right, so they fit perfectly together as a couple. The romance is steamy yet sweet. Strickland pulls off what some writers don’t. She writes a steamy love scene, but all the emotions and love her characters feel are also present. She combines both aspects perfectly.
The writing and the pacing of the story is fantastic. The romance between the characters are realistic. I loved the memories each character shared. Those memories helped me connect even more with the characters and the story they had to tell.
The book was well-written. Strickland writes in a way that transported me right into the story and the setting, making me feel as if I were a part of it myself. I know Strickland is a somewhat newer writer, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what she has in store for her readers in the future.