Secret Obsession - S. Massery

 Hockey goalies are known to be obsessive—but none more so than my ex’s brother.

I just didn’t expect to be on the receiving end of his dark possessive streak.

After a mortifying public break up with his older brother and teammate, Miles Whiteshaw declares me as his. That I’ve always been his, minus my year-long lapse in judgment.

The only problem? I’ve sworn off of two things:

Whiteshaw boys and love.

But Miles will go to any length to prove that we belong together—and I’m not sure we’ll survive the fall out if he’s wrong.

Talk about a fucking rollercoaster. SECRET OBSESSION will take readers on a journey that feels unfamiliar for S Massery's male leads but also festers in the back on your mind like an itch you cannot scratch until you reach the end. 

So what happens when you see the girl first but your brother swoops in and secures her first? Okay, but what if he absolutely shatters her heart because he made a bet she’d fall in love with him? What do you do now that she’s broken and won’t accept any sort of love… let’s ask Miles shall we?

Miles Whiteshaw exceeds all expectations, proving to be a multifaceted character who defies the typical mold. Unlike the intense and violent hockey gods of the previous installments, Miles reveals himself to be a domineering control freak, yet with a surprising kind heart. His moments of sweetness, which occur more frequently than anticipated, overshadow his darker tendencies. As readers navigate Miles' words and actions, they find themselves torn between hating him and falling head over heels in love with him. There are moments that may challenge readers, particularly those who share a control freak nature, as they witness Willow's internal struggle to let go.

The chemistry between Miles and Willow is electric, making the book immensely enjoyable. Starting off as college friends, their connection is strained when Willow's heart is shattered by Miles' brother. The banter between them is perfection, though occasionally dark and twisty, and Miles' unwavering acceptance of Willow, faults and all, is heart-melting. Beyond the physical aspect of their relationship, it becomes evident that genuine care exists between these characters. Miles wants to badly to free Willow from the demons that hold her back, while Willow wants to shield Miles from her own issues so he can move forward with his life, and so she can escape the Whiteshaw boys with minimal damage. Amidst the shocking moments that characterize this dark romance, and for me there were a lot, it's critical to remember that, at its core, this is a story of love and the complexities of human emotions. The emotions and affection, particularly from Miles, leap off the page, intertwining with Willow's anxieties and pain. There exists a delicate power balance, showcased as acts of protection and love.

Navigating to the more challenging aspects of the book, it's important to acknowledge that SECRET OBSESSION features instances of non-consensual and dubiously consensual encounters. PLEASE always read the trigger warnings when starting any dark romance. However Massery handles these scenes with care, and these scenes serve a purpose in establishing the characters' connection. While it may not be immediately clear to the reader, a turning point in the narrative sheds light on the true nature of these encounters, making them significantly less horrible. Though still invasive and violating, Willow's perspective on the matter provides a different lens through which to view these scenes. 

It's important to remember that this is a work of fiction, and once readers distance themselves from their personal feelings, which I admittedly had to do, it becomes easier to accept these scenes for what they are: fictional events. Without revealing specific details, it's important to approach the book with an open mind and acknowledge its fictional nature, and again, read the damn trigger warnings.

I loved all the surprise POV’s in this book, not only did we get our two mains but we had some familiar characters back. It was nice to get into their heads and see where they are now! 

SECRET OBSESSION stands as the darkest installment yet in the series, given its consistent exploration of dubious and non-consensual encounters in my opinion. Miles, being a goalie, embodies a slightly deranged personality, I mean who willingly puts themselves in harm's way for a game?? If readers are willing to embrace a story that delves into the dynamics of a dominant man in complete love with a sad woman who must learn to submit, SECRET OBSESSION is the book to read.

Rating: 4.5/5 

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