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Book Review – Blind Obsession by Ella Frank

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Blind Obsession
Right off the bat, I’m going to say that a certain detail in the book was “spoiled” for me via a comment left in my… proximity. Due to this, my reading experience was unfortunately affected. I knew… “stuff”, and what could have been such an edge-of-my-seat read had me instead, reading from the outside looking in. Well… at times. 😉 There were a few enchanting, super-sexy risqué moments that made up for the spoilers. Yep… no matter what I “knew”, I could not deny feeling the intensity of those deeply affecting scenes.

No worries, I won’t even bother to hint at what was revealed, so that you remain in the dark while reading this. I don’t want you to try and guess, or to think you have an idea, because going into this one clueless is the key for maximum impact and it really does have it’s twists and turns. This story is much more profoundly experienced not knowing a single thing, and being lead, mysterious inch by haunting inch all the way to the end.

For those of you who haven’t read it, avoid reviews (maybe even mine)! I worry that even I might reveal a tidbit that is best kept a mystery, although I don’t think I have, but just in case… Just know that the grand majority of our fellow readers went 5-star nuts over it. Me? I gave it 4 stars, and I suspect that my previous (spoilered) knowledge of an important aspect of this story, kept me from fully experiencing this one as I think I should have.

So because of that, my review will be more of an objective one, and not as much of a “feeling” one as I would have liked. And with a book like this, the BIG love for it, is alllll in the feeling. In the not knowing. In the guessing. In the mystery. In the eerie developments, in the personal awareness… and changes that occur because of it.

After all, this book is all about emotional connection and emotional disconnection. An aura of loneliness is omnipresent. Even the castle is shrouded in an obvious sadness. Rumors sparking outrage, turning a celebrated gorgeous artist into a shamed, possibly misunderstood recluse attempting to escape social scrutiny. And I’d almost venture to say, the one who misunderstands him the most… just might be himself.

For a moment, I feel as if I should be frightened. In recent months, this man has been described as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but like a silly rabbit, I stay inert, enraptured by the predator before me.

He is seething with righteous indignation, and yet also with shame and guilt. Rightfully so? You’ll soon find out.

And it is also the story of the one journalist that he has handpicked to tell his side.

As I stare at him, trying to forget all the things other people have warned me about, I can’t seem to stop my heart from racing.

For several months now, journalists from every form of media have been trying – and failing – to get Mr. Tibideau to tell his side of the rumored story as well as share the inspiration behind each of his paintings. Somehow, I, Gemma Harris, has been chosen.

But to tell it, she must first get to know him, his tragic tale… and maybe even experience it for herself.

“I think for you to understand this story, you must first become a part of it.”

And oh boy… does she ever! So much as to become tangled in his web, battling her mind’s insistence to take heed of him against her heart’s desire to take care of him.

“If there was obsession here – a dominant persistent desire  – then it was the desire to lose ourselves in one another. the only problem is that one person is now lost, and the other is trapped.”

So where did I “lose” myself while reading this? Or should I say where didn’t I lose myself?

‘Cause the whole point of me falling head-over-heels in love with a book is to wholeheartedly live every moment. Experience it with trepidation, excitement, fear, and nervous anticipation with the heroine. Wondering… how? When? And will…? But I already knew too much. GAH!!! I already KNEW and the fun is in the not knowing!!! I wanna go back and not know, cause well… I’m pretty sure I would have totally loved this, were it not for that pesky knowledge!!!

But what I can assure you all is that the writing is exquisite, the story, quite original (has a bit of that “If I Were You” feel to it, to give you an idea of the ambiance and intrigue). It’s even interactive (artwork and music linked up to the chapters!) And best yet, the emotions are explored in detail, and they are not always pretty. In fact, they are quite often disturbing and yet… enticing.

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” he asks, his warm breath floating across my mouth.

“I’m sorry I didn’t trust you,” I confide. “I’m sorry I doubted your intentions.”

The silence seems thicker without my sight. I’m straining to hear him, but there’s nothing, and that’s when I feel a soft kiss against the corner of my lips.

“I think you’re sorry you got caught. Oh, and, Gemma? You should always doubt my intentions.”

Exciting. Totally our thing. And even though I was able to put this book down and didn’t fully develop that crazy addiction to the story, I did feel… er…. quite a bit of it. Oh, right! Did I mention it’s erotica? But like… super-classy (even in it’s “dirty” ;)). I was all…. “oh. Oh!! Well that’s new!” (and a bit taboo, too!) *blush* Tee hee!!!

Hrmmm.. reading my review back again, I mentioned there’d be less feeling from me in this one, but apparently the book has impacted me nonetheless. Thank you to the author for sending me this review copy. Even though I knew… I still enjoyed the ride!

4 stars

P.S. From what I can tell, pretty much everyone else that went into this one clueless TOTALLY lost their hearts and minds to this book. Lots of enthusiastic 5-STARS from our fellow readers. LUCKY THEM!!!!

Check out their reactions and you’ll see why I think I missed out a bit.

Jules: Just finished Blind Obsession. I loved this book and writing! The storyline was unique. Thanks Sally and others for recommending it. Wow, it was a hauntingly beautiful and sensual love story. Intense and emotional, I was captivated from the start. I couldn’t stop reading to find out what happened. I felt the love, passion, pain and guilt. The links to music enhanced my reading experience because it set the mood in the scenes. 5 stars for me.

Sally: Phewwww I’m so glad you loved it Jules!! You never know when you fall in love with a book & want to scream it from the rooftops because you are so excited to share it if everyone will feel the same or just think you’re nuts! The only way I can describe this book is …you don’t read it, you experience it!

Kathy: Jules, I’m 49% in and loving it! It was just what I wanted after what seems like a run of reading the same story line over and over.

Maryse’s Book Blog: I liked it, too. Unfortunately I had a certain aspect of it spoiled for me so it took away a bit of that “edge on your seat” feel *sigh*. But I agree! Writing was fantastic, and story original, and it was VERY personal. Dark, eerie, sexy and emotional. *stupid spoiler!! grumble grumble* (I’ll be reviewing soon)…

Kathy: … This could quite possibly be one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. I loved it, I hated it, and was mesmerized by it all at the same time! I felt every emotion and they were mostly gut wrenching. It really will take me a while to recover from this one. I want more of this story. This is a book that stays with you and haunts you long after you’ve finished. A definite must read!

Johanna: WOW!! Im rendered speechless. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED.. Blind Obsession. Thanks Sally for insisting on this one.. Phewww it sure did a number on me. Def one of my faves for 2013.

Rach: I think Ella Frank has become a part-time therapist now. She has several Q&A’s with people, like me, who hunted her down because we needed closure. She has one with the Fifty Shades Group in GR and in Maryse’s spoiler forum.

Debra: Just finished Blind Obsession, totally mind blowing, so many times I was asking myself” what just happened”. Really like it.

Now for the giveaway!!!

How to enter for a chance to win a “Blind Obsession” ebook? Just leave a comment below, and Friday (Friday, April 19th, 2013) by 11pm EST, I will randomly select five winners.

The winners will be contacted and will have 48hrs to respond confirming that their email address works, so if you are picked, do not delay or you will lose your chance. This is a open to anyone that can receive an e-book!

UPDATE: winners have been selected, notified and have received their books from Ella. 🙂 Congratulations guys!!



Latest Paranormal & Contemporary Romance Book Releases – April 17th 2013

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<— Fans of Suzanne Wright’s Phoenix pack, rejoice! I know a lot of you loved her werewolf pack book back when it was indie. So many went crazy over it. Well…. book #2 is out right now! 🙂

And I just downloaded a few samples from the releases below that I just HAD to check out. A new motorcycle club romance (Outlaw) that looks quite gritty, a hockey star/bachelor party issue (Busted), race car drivers (that a few of our fellow readers were discussing having enjoyed), and one that looks super-dark (Wanderlust) and one that seems to have a touch of “dark” (After Hours). YES PLEASE!!!

And ’cause I’m a day late (I was in interview-heaven yesterday).

Today’s bargains finds!: 

          
Paranormal (latest releases):
           

Contemporary (latest releases):

                      

 

Behind the Books – Interview with Courtney Cole

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Author Courtney Cole

Happy re-release day to author Courtney Cole. Her hit bad-boy book “If You Stay (Beautifully Broken)” was just recently picked up by Grand Central and today is her official “release” day.

This book starts off with a bang!! 😉 And had me blushing like mad. Here’s the synopsis:

Twenty-four-year-old Pax Tate is an a$$hole. Seriously. He’s a tattooed, rock-hard bad boy with a tough attitude to match. His mother died when Pax was seven, leaving a hole in his heart filled with an intense guilt that he doesn’t understand. What he does know is that he and his dad were left alone, and they have never been close. Now, he uses drugs and women to cope with the black void in his soul. He pretends that the emptiness isn’t there and this has always worked . . . until he meets Mila.

Sweet, beautiful Mila Hill is the fresh air that Pax has never known in his life. He doesn’t know how to not hurt her¿but he quickly realizes that he’d better figure it out because he needs her to breathe. When the memories of his mother’s death resurface to haunt Pax, Mila is there to save him from his overwhelming guilt. Mila restores his broken heart, even as she evokes his powerful, sexual desires. Now for Pax to keep Mila, he needs to work on his issuesand stop being an a$$hole. But is that enough to make her stay?

Up our alley, right? Hehe. Bad words right in the synopsis. 😉

Well, to top of an already amazing day, Courtney is here with us to discuss Pax, his journey, and her own personal writing journey.

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Maryse: Congratulations on your amazing book deal!! Tell me about the day you found out your books would be published by Grand Central Publishing. How did you celebrate?

Courtney: Thank you so much, Maryse!  And thank you for having us here today.  So exciting! The book deal… well, the whole thing was a whirlwind.  Seriously.   If You Stay sold at auction and the two weeks that it took to pull the auction together and wait to see who the winner was…well, let’s just say that I’m surprised I have any hair left.  But it was so worth it.  I’m so, so excited to be with Grand Central.  They’ve been fabulous to work with.  As far as celebrations that night… well, I would show you a picture of the margarita that I had that night, but no one’s computer screen would be big enough to view it.  It was that big. <— Truth.

Maryse: LOL!!! A super-margarita! I’d love to hear about your own personal writing journey. Have you always known this was what you were meant to do?

Courtney: I figured out fairly young that I was a writer.  When I was a little kid, I used to lie a lot- because I had this big imagination and no real channel for it. <— Another truth.

I remember telling my mother once that wolves had come into my bedroom while I slept and not only messed it all up, but had eaten the clothes that she had laid out for me to wear to school.  Considering that I lived in Kansas where there are no wolves, it was particularly unbelievable.

But at some point when I was pretty little, I figured out that if I read a book where I hated the end, I could just write one that I liked better.  (In my version of Where the Red Fern Grows, the dogs don’t die.  Just an FYI.)  And then shortly after that, it occurred to me that if I was in the mood to read a particular kind of book but couldn’t find one, I could write it myself.  And just like that, I had a channel for my imagination.  It took me a few years to decide to make writing my profession.  But I’m so happy that I did.  I’ve never looked back and I’ve never been happier.

Maryse: Your own ending!! A novel idea!! 🙂 Has your family read your books?

Courtney: My 10-year old daughter and my mom read my YA books. But I won’t let either one of them read my New Adult work.  No way.  Just read the first paragraph of If You Stay and you’ll see why.

Maryse: Hehe. Yah. I read that, and um… I just had to read it to my husband just to show him how cool my books were. But I blushed through it, so I was… way-not cool. But I loved the very guy-‘tude. You had him perfect! Do you have a favorite scene within your own book?

Courtney: In If You Stay, I love the painting scene.  Mila is a painter and on one of her dates with Pax, she wanted to paint him.  It turns out a little differently than she had anticipated… and I sure love the reason why.  (Hint:  It involves nudity, fingers and painting.)

Maryse: What about your most heartwrenching scene?

Courtney: For me, it’s not the scene where Pax remembers what really happened to his mom.  No, instead- for me- it was a scene toward the end when Mila had to turn Pax away.  When I wrote it, I was literally sobbing at my computer.  I was a sniveling wreck.

Maryse: I love hearing when authors are emotionally affected by their own characters. Any reservations on certain aspects of where you took your story?

Courtney: My goal with this book was to be as real as possible, even if something was ugly or gritty or raw.  So heck yeah, I had tons of reservations.  I was afraid I’d gone too far several places, but I needed to show things the way Pax would really look at them.  So I did.  It was a risk, but I think it turned out okay.

Maryse: Yep! It’s one of the qualities I’ve enjoyed most about my favorite bad boy books. I love it when the author allows them to be real in their attitude, their anger, their fears. Real reactions and real emotion (even if it’s “ugly”). Stuff that I can remember from my own college days and say, “Yep. I knew someone like him”. Speaking of which… any scenes or characters inspired by real-life events?

Courtney: Pax’s personality is based on someone real, someone close to me.  And the incident with his mom… I got that idea from a news story that I watched years ago.  But in real life, the mother and son both lived.

Maryse: That was quite the “intro” look into Pax and his world. I admit after reading the first few lines I knew it was going to be my thing and I love the raw and unapologetic look his persona. Someone seemingly so cocky, arrogant and self-assured and at the same time, is in a self-destructive downward spiral. Can you tell me more about what inspired you to write his story?

Courtney: I know someone who struggled with drug use.  He used it to drown out reality.  When I started thinking about what would possibly make someone do that, what could possibly be so bad… I remembered a news story I’d heard years ago, involving a young mother, her son and an intruder. In real life, they lived.  But I started wondering… what would happen if the mother had died instead?  What would that have done to the boy who had survived? And that’s how Pax’s story was born.

Maryse: Any surprises that you didn’t see coming with your characters and their turn of events?

Courtney: My characters always surprise me.  When Pax went to talk to Mila in the heart-wrenching scene I mentioned before, I had meant for her to take him back immediately.  But she didn’t.  My characters are contrary sometimes.  But they usually know far better than me what’s going to work and what’s not.

Maryse: It’s great that you let them take it where they must go. The natural progression of their story makes it that much more real.

Do you have a favorite book (or books) that you’d love to recommend?

Courtney: Well, what I like to read depends on my mood.  I recently discovered Karina Halle’s Sins and Needles books.  Gritty and suspenseful- I love just love her writing style.  If I’m in the mood for something sexy and witty, I love to read Kristen Proby’s With Me in Seattle series.  They’re lighter- and steamy and delicious.

Maryse: Great recommendations!!! 😀

Thank you SO much, Courtney for hanging out with me today!! *hug*

Wanna know more about Courtney?

Behind The Books – Interview with J.A. Redmerski about her upcoming book, “The Edge of Always”

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Author J.A. Redmerski

J.A. Redmerski really knows how to tug on our heartstrings, distract us into comfort and then deliver a wallop! I’ve only reacted as intensely (meaning physically – more than just tears) to a very few, and her book “The Edge of Never” was one of them. An absolute standout! And then I found out that she was writing book #2 (The Edge of Always), and I just had to ask her… stuff. 😉

WARNING!!!! If you have not read The Edge of Never, DO NOT READ this interview (*potential spoilers for the first book*). If you enjoy reading my kind of favorites, with the angst, and the super-romance and that awesome “New Adult” feel we’re so crazy about, read her first book, absolutely!!! Skip this interview, read my review (if you’d like) and then after you’ve read #1, come back and read this.

Ready? Let’s see what she has in store for us!

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Maryse: Congratulations to you on the amazing book deal!! Tell me about the day you found out your books would be published by Grand Central Publishing. How did you celebrate?

J.A.: Thanks for having me again, Maryse! As always, it’s great talking with you. To answer your question, I have to say that I was relieved and excited when I found out I had a deal with Grand Central Publishing/Forever Romance. In all honesty, to be published by a traditional publisher has been one of my lifelong dreams and I couldn’t be more grateful that my dream came true. How did I celebrate? I dove right into my sequel!

Maryse: Oh I love that the excitement had you immediately writing more! I’d love to hear about your own personal writing journey. Have you always known this was what you were meant to do? Have you always had stories brewing? Any writing memories you’d like to share?

J.A.: I know I’ve said it before, but I’ve been writing something for as long as I can remember and started my first novel at the age of thirteen. I can’t imagine not writing! It has been the one consistent thing in my life, as far as hobbies and careers. My love for it never faded, I never lost interest and I never gave up.

Maryse: And we are very fortunate for that! Has your family read your books? Their reactions?

J.A.: A few of my family members have read some of my books and they love them (of course, they have to because they are family!), but for obvious reasons, I have pretty much begged them all to never read The Edge of Never. If they ever did, the holidays would become very awkward for us all, I think.

Maryse: *giggle* I get that… 😉 But it’s soooooooo good. You’re depriving them!! I bet some of ’em read it in private. Just you wait for that next holiday. You’ll probably notice a grinning family member awakwardly needing to gush and yell at you for a certain few… things. 😉

Okay, so… favorite scene within your own book?

J.A.: I think in The Edge of Always my favorite scene was one having to do with hallucinations and a beach, but that’s all I’ll say!

Maryse: *squeeee* We get a beach! Always romance at the beach!! Sunsets, sea breeze, waves crashing, sand stuck…. places… 😉 Hehe. Okay now tell us your favorite most heart-wrenching scene?

J.A.: In The Edge of Always, probably the tragedy.

Maryse: eek GAH!!! TRAGEDY!!!??? Are you trying to kill us?!! (okay mini *squeee* I’ll be on the edge of my seat for this one. I already was gonna be, but now you just made it worse!! 😉 ). Any reservations on certain aspects of where you took your story?

J.A.: All I can say is that where I took the story was where it had to be taken.

Maryse: confused Oh jeez. Yep. You’re tryin’ to kill us. *whiny melodramatic voice* Awwwwww come on!!!! *grins* Okay okay. Lemme be serious for a second (although I was kinda serious in my scared whiny-ness)… I love not knowing, though, and I can appreciate your need to take your characters where they need to go, so no matter what… I’m throwing my heart into the pile. I AM ALL IN!

Were there any scenes or characters inspired be real-life events?

J.A.: Just like with THE EDGE OF NEVER, the sequel – characters and events – were inspired by my *other* lifelong dream to backpack across the world. I can’t really say too much as far as The Edge of Always goes, without giving anything away, but something that happens, not the tragedy itself, but what the tragedy causes, hits very close to home.

Maryse: Fair enough! Big *hug* for giving a bit of your own self in these stories. I think it’s probably what makes these books so real to us. The emotion and thought processes are lifelike, and now I know why.

After such a whirlwind journey (both as they ventured on the road together, and shared in their own personal journeys) what can we expect in book #2? What inspired you to continue their story? Without asking for spoilers, what do we, the readers, not see coming? Possible shock to the system again? Er… wait. After what you just told me up there, I think that’s a given.

J.A.: Tough questions! Well, I planned to write a sequel before I even finished THE EDGE OF NEVER. I had the entire sequel mapped out in my head, but after the unexpected success of the first book, writing the sequel made me very nervous. I was afraid to ‘mess up a good thing’. But after I thought about it more, I thought that it would be more of a tragedy not to continue their story and let the readers really know what became of Camryn and Andrew and their life together. And yes, I’d say there is something significant they might not see coming, later on in the book.

Maryse: I get what you mean about not ruining a good thing, and to me, The Edge of Never was pretty much… perfection. At least in terms of how much I connected to it and how it is still vivid in my brain after so many months. Any book that can do that to me, have me physically react that way, and continue to adamantly recommend it to every person I can is my perfect read.

And one thing that helped make it so beautiful was their musical journey together. Her tentative approach to it all, his gentle support, and how they spoke to each other, and connected to each other so deeply through music. And in turn, we were able to connect with Cam & Andrew just as intensely. It made me feel them, and connect to their journey that much more. Will The Edge of Always be heavily influenced by music again? Any hints for the next song list?

J.A.: I’m so glad that readers could connect with their journey more because of the music! Yes, The Edge of Always will also be influenced by music, because hey, that’s who Camryn and Andrew are and it wouldn’t be right not to keep with their tradition in the sequel. Hints? Hmmm, Stevie, Dax and Withers? I hope those are good enough hints!

Thanks again, Maryse, for having me! You are super sweet and I look forward to meeting you at Book Bash! 🙂

Maryse: *squeeeee* See you at Book Bash!!! I’m gonna fangirl gush. Just a warning… 😉 OMG!! I just had a thought! I get to hug you for real!! Okay… okay… i’m calming myself. *deep breath in… deep breath out…*

Okay so just to let y’all know, book #2 (The Edge of Always) will only be out November 5th 2013 (I know it’s a long wait… but what an awesome read for our upcoming wintery holiday season), and it’s probably a good thing ’cause if there’s a “tragedy” that goes too far in that book, there might have been some Book Bash panic attacks at her table. 😉

If you want to know more about this author, check her out online, here:

Oh and check out my first interview with the author, after having read “The Edge of Never” <— I was a mess after that book.

Michelle Mankin – Black Cat Records Trilogy Reading Order

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Kim mentioned these to me, a few months ago. She said:

“Love Revolution (rock star meets country star) by Michelle Mankin came out yesterday!! It’s the 2nd book in her series the first was Love Evolution also rock star!! First was great and second looks good “

Thanks Kim! And the third one just came out too! 😀

Author note:

“Each of the Black Cat Records books can be read as stand alone novels. I wrote the first book, Love Evolution, with a young teen audience specifically in mind. Love Revolution and Love Resolution are for mature teens/new adults…”

ALSO: “There’s a $30 pair of Eddie Van Halen (Avery’s favorite guitarist) flip flops up for grabs over on michellemankin.com. Contest closes April 17, 2013…”

About book #1:

Nineteen year old Avery Jones can play guitar as well as any guy. Better, even.
Brutal Strength, one of the biggest rock bands around, needs a new lead guitarist.
Seems like the perfect fit, except for one big problem. Temperamental lead singer Marcus Anthony won’t allow a woman in his band.
Read Love Evolution, a rock ‘n roll adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

   

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