| Title | : | Obsession |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 444 |
| Publication | : | Published March 24, 2024 |
Imagine my surprise when the chance to interview the country’s most notorious man on death row lands on my table. His final confession. It’s too good of an opportunity to turn down.
Robbie Hammond is old enough to be my father, a man condemned for the murder of at least fourteen women. He is dangerous, deadly. Intense in ways I can’t explain. Yet, despite the red flags, his magnetism draws me to him. I’m powerless to fight it.
Robbie
Not everything is as it appears. The moment Savannah set foot in here, she shivered like a leaf in the wind, barely able to hold eye contact without a blush creeping up her neck.
I can’t take my eyes off her. It’s no mistake she’s here, watching me from across the table.
There's a reason I only agreed to talk to Savannah Campbell before they put me down—why it has to be her.
Beneath the quivering smile hides a darkness I recognize.
A darkness that sparks my interest.
But the question is: how deep does it run?
Authors note: Obsession is a very dark thriller romance. It contains graphic sexual scenes and graphic violence that may be disturbing to some readers.
Obsession Reviews
-
DNF@7%
I don't have it in me to continue this book. I think I'm gonna be sick y'all fr. There's a difference between a dark romance and romanticising rape and killing innocent women. I went into this book thinking that he was a serial killer who only killed bad people (kinda like rowan from b&b). Turns out that he's a Ted Bundy type serial killer who kills innocent women/sexually assaults them because of his past trauma. While I empathise with him and feel for what he's been through because of his monster of a mother, it is NOT an excuse. Idc if y'all wanna come for me but I draw the line at killing innocent people/raping them for no fucking reason. I'm a true crime junkie and I've watched enough serial killer documentaries to know that this shit should not be romaticised ffs. Cause the FMC is literally giving Carole Ann Boone aka the woman who married Bundy and then divorced him after she found out that the he really killed all those women and he, in fact, was not innocent *gasp* If this would have been purely a psych thriller/horror, I would have finished it. But in no universe could I ever imagine a woman ending up with a man like that and believing that this supposed criminal has changed after more than a decade in prison. There's a reason why the death sentence still exists and why it was Robbie's punishment. This is like Hitched all over again jesus. Not for me. Here are some quotes that confirmed ny suspicion that Robbie Hammond was a rapist and a serial killer who enjoyed killing women:
“Hammond rapes and tortures his victims for hours, sometimes days, while they’re still alive. He subconsciously channels the suppressed rage and hatred that he feels toward his mother. It’s not a stretch of the imagination to assume that, somewhere along the line, it became a sexual perversion."
"I exit the photograph, skimming the article until I find what I’m looking for: the details of the killing. My stomach churns with unease, twisting and coiling as I imagine Robbie, covered in scratches and blood, carrying her lifeless body to the bathroom, where he proceeded to remove her head—a head that’s still missing."
‼️READ AT YOUR OWN RISK‼️ -
Captivating!!
Obsession by Harleigh Beck is the book to read if you're looking for a really good, dark, gripping romance.
I loved everything about this story. I found the trauma of the main characters heartbreaking, which added depth to the suspense.
The plot captivated me and I loved the fact that I never knew what was going to happen.
I highly recommend it if you want to read a dark, brutal, disturbing, bloody and steamy romance. -
"My instincts are telling me to run toward danger."
"Your instincts are trying to kill you, Savannah."
✨ Overall Rating: 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating: 3/5
📈 Plot: 5/5
🖋️ Writing: 5/5
🗺️ World Building: 5/5
👤 Characters: 5/5
⚖️ Interpersonal Relationships: 5/5
Themes:
🖤 Romantic Thriller
🖤 Criminal/Morally Black MC's
🖤 Reporter and Prisoner
🖤 Stalking and Obsession
🖤 Severe Childhood Trauma"I'm not drowning," I argue weakly.
"You've been drowning from the moment you set foot in here. I may be the one headed for the needle, but you're already dead."
A fantastic Romantic thriller written by
Harleigh Beck. As with her other novels, you can expect lot's of plot twists and dark, dark, characters.
The characters are almost addicting and it's impossible not to become invested in their story. We are introduced to two characters who despite their positions in life, share a commonality in their upbringing, which thus affected their life choices.
These are characters whom, despite their actions in life, you can't help but root for them to have a HAE.Morally grey is not a word in our dictionary. Black is our color. Black is our song. Black is his love note to me.
Please read TW’s before starting this book. Your mental health matters.
*I received an ARC and am leaving an honest and voluntary review* -
When I tell you that my neck hurts from the emotional whiplash of this book. Do not take it lightly. Harleigh, you’ve destroyed me. Pulled me apart at the seams and then taped me back together. I never wanted this book to end. It may be my favorite one ever. Pretty sure I say that about every book by this author but her writing is so twisty, and captivating and immersive. My mind runs a mile a minute trying to file every little detail away for later. So when the plot twist comes out of nowhere and scrambles my brain I am prepared. I however was not prepared for the utter betrayal I felt while reading this. I literally threw my phone across the room onto the couch and had to walk away. So… if you’re into that, then this obsessive duo is for you.
-
This book got me out of the worst slump. I ate up every single page and did not want to put it down. The pacing was perfect and kept me SO hooked. Robbie Hammond is a notorious serial killer on death row and will only tell his life story to Savannah, a reporter. Both Robbie and Savannah have severely traumatic pasts and their connection is absolutely everythingggg. Harleighs writing was so captivating, how on earth does an author make you fall for an absolute monster? No clue, but she succeeded. And Savannah was such a feisty badass. I adored her. I will be thinking about this book until the day I die, I swear. It was fantastic!
-
DNF @ 10%. Couldn’t be fucked with the plot, honestly. I can’t be bothered with any more men who take out their mommy issues on innocent women, and women who think these men are anything close to desirable in any way. Also as always, hate the graphic animal torture. I’d rather read about people being tortured. But that’s just me.
For the record, my coworker (both funeral industry workers) also DNF’d this at 10%. Take it for what it’s worth. -
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I am so grateful for the opportunity to do so.
This story personally took me to some dark places and I was not anticipating how much my heart would physically ache during some scenes. I feel like with all books it's best to not overly explain during reviews...but, especially with a
Harleigh Beck novel.
She has such a talent for twisting up the plot, making you think she's headed one way only to drop the floor out from under you.
Obsession : A thriller romance not only brought Harleigh's signature twist, but it brought a much sadder element that I wasn't prepared for as I mentioned above.
This book is mainly surrounding Savannah (FMC) however, there are several POV's that I absolutely LOVED. I want to see this in more books period moving forward; this was completely entertaining to get so many different pieces of the story through different perspectives! Robbie's (MMC) flashbacks shredded my heart, while his current day chapters had me like:
I feel like Obsession has multiple intents and once I finished, I allowed the story to sit and settle in my brain. Thinking over a lot of events that occurred and putting pieces together that had my eyes going big. I was satisfied with the way in which Harleigh delivered this beautiful, yet very, very dark tale.
I do think this book will be highly triggering to certain audiences and those looking for a "safer" type of read may be uncomfortable with the lines that Harleigh crosses. So, I would like to just have it out there that this book should be read responsibly by readers, who can buckle up for a difficult journey with an ending well worth the aches and pains. Because, believe me there are plenty of those!
I will be more than happy to pick up this book again in the future to revisit all of the characters
-
HARLEIGH PUT CRACK IN THIS BOOK. Between the storyline and the sexual tension between Robbie and Savannah being so fucking palpable and having me salivating I could not put this fucking book down. This is one of the best books I’ve ever fucking read, the mystery, the love story, the murders—it was thrilling, gripping and so fucking hot. I would give this book 1,000,000 fucking stars if I could absolutely fucking incredible from start to finish. I want to go back to the beginning and read it again immediately.
-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.⭐️/5
HES A GOOD MAN SAVANNAH. A GOOD MAN! -
First and foremost, this is a horror with spicy/thriller elements in it, so be sure to check your triggers. There is on page tragedy, and at times it is just gut wrenching. That being said, this gave off Hannibal Lector vibes (without the appetite) as we follow a reporter while she interviews an inmate with an intense record. There were moments that felt slow, but the intensity of the character's background stories, and the way they come together through angsty/heartbreaking moments was worth the read.
-
MAMA IM IN LOVE WITH A CRIMINAL 😭👌
Harleigh Beck did it again 🫠 this had me on the edge of my seat and it's the first time ive guessed who it was BUT THE REASON WHY 🫠 ugh just go read it -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5
Un asesino serial se enamora de una periodista . Este libro no es la típica historia de amor. Es una historia depravadamente, donde ningún de los protagonistas sufre culpa por lo que hace .
Robbie lleva en prision más de 16 años. Está preso por matar y v10l4r mujeres . El no es un buen hombre y lo sabe . Cómo está sentenciado a muerte el decide que quiere contar su historia, pero con una condición la única periodista que quiere es a Savannah.
Savannah es una joven periodista de 22 años. Ella no tiene tanta experiencia en esta carrera, pero sabe que entrevistar a Robbie, puede hacerla famosa.
Lo que ella nunca pensó es que se iba a enamorar de él o obsesionarse con el.
Si buscas en este libro personas que sean moralmente buenas no los vas a encontrar. Ambos son personas que sufrieron mucho y por culpa de lo que les sucedió son lo que son.
Este libro es un horror dark romance. El suspenso que tiene es increíble y vos no sabes si van a terminar juntos o no. En mi corazón, para mi Robbie es inocente.
Me gustó mucho. Las personas que sean fans del suspenso, no se pueden perder este libro. -
I have so many emotions after reading this book!
Questioning my moral tbh! How can i root for a serial unaliver, i don't know but i did!!
Yup this story had so many twists and turns and i had a 100 questions the whole time.
The only thing i can say is go read it! But make sure to read your TW first!! Because this is a super dark book!
It's f'd up but sooo good!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️ -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the sadist.
The monster.
My villain.
Holy shit, this book is epic! If you love a bit of horror with your romance, gruesome (and yet satisfying) death scenes, a laundry list of TWs, and a morally black “hero”, then this is the book for you! This is the kind of book that will stick with you and make you want to read an author’s entire back catalog.
Is it twisted that I came to care for Robbie as he enacted his revenge on all who hurt Savannah? Harleigh Beck delivered a lovable serial killer willing to burn the world down for his obsession. And I was all for it. Nothing says true love like severed body parts.
This is a medium/fast burn and spicy MF romance with multiple darker kinks including somno, blood and gun play, and NC/DC elements.
Obsession is a standalone with a HEA.
I highly recommend this book – easily a top read of the year.
⚠️ Check out the TW. This is not the book for the faint of heart. ⚠️
Genre: Thriller Romance
Tropes/Features: DARK romance, horror elements, age gap, stalking, obsession, stalker, serial killer MMC, reporter FMC, revenge/bloody revenge, NC/DC
POV: Multiple 1st Person POV, the majority POVs are the two main characters
Relationship Type: MF, fast burn, spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: Heavy TW. Available in book -
"My instincts are telling me to run toward danger."
"Your instincts are trying to kill you, Savannah."
This book had me on the edge of my seat.
I loved the story, the characters, the tension, the plot and the plot twists (Harleigh is very good at those!). I loved the spice with the two MC's and I like how the time jumps were written. My heart broke for both MC's at several points in the story. Overall, this was a book I really liked.
In this book you'll find:
🖤Dark thriller romance
🖤Reporter vs. Serial killer
🖤Age-gap
🖤Dub/non-con
🖤SA
🖤Graphic murder
🖤Graphic torture
🖤Dismemberment
🖤Blood play
🖤Revenge
🖤Child abuse
🖤Animal cruelty
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
⚠️ As always, check your triggers. There's plenty in this book⚠️ -
This was one of the best books i have read in awhile.
i was hooked from page one, i genuinely could not put it down, i literally kept reading until i couldnt keep my eyes opened.
the characters, the storyline.. it was all so intense and so damn good. the way I could read about these two forever. I loved them. I loved this story. I can see myself reread this in the future. -
Wow, this book!!! Harleigh Beck never disappoints with the twists and ability to have me saying WTF at least once. I’m so happy I did this one as a buddy read because having someone to talk to while reading was a huge plus.
Savannah is a reporter and Robbie is a serial Unaliver who is on death row. He agrees to interviews but only if Savannah is the one to do them. The pure need between these two as they connect through shared experiences had me in a chokehold.
Highly recommend this one but please check the triggers because it is DARK!
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 -
"𝗜'𝗺 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵. 𝗦𝗼, 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗜 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝘄."
𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨
• 𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝚔𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛/𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚎𝚛
• 𝚃𝚛𝚊𝚞𝚖𝚊
• 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎
• 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚛𝚘𝚠 𝚒𝚗𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎
• 𝚘𝚋𝚜𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗
• 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐
• 𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚐𝚊𝚙
• 𝚃𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚛 & 💀
• 𝙼𝚞𝚛𝚍𝚎𝚛
• 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎
• 𝙳𝙰𝚁𝙺 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚘𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎
• 𝚙𝚕𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚜
𝘼𝙧𝙘 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
I finished this late last night and now it's over, I miss every second of it. This is the first book I've read by the author and it was most definitely my type of book. An extremely twisted love story between a convicted serial killer on death row and a reporter. Just from that information, it just called my my dark, forbidden romance loving heart.
"𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵."
It's obviously no conventional love story by any means, with a boatload of trigger warnings and some pretty messed up content. 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 is a very dark and twisted romance with a healthy amount of thriller aspects to add to the plot. I've been a reader for just less than a year, so I'm still learning what my favourite kind of books are, tropes and what keeps me interested. I've read few dark thriller romances before and loved them all but through reading 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 I am now completely sure the mix of dark, unconvential & twisted romances with thriller aspects and mystery is 100% one of my favourite type of books to read.
There's so many twists and turns that leave you begging for answers. I loved guessing theories on how the whole situation was going to tie together. I locked in one of my theories at 40% in and I was correct but missed out ANOTHER twist I didn't see coming.. I legit screamed at my kindle and had to double back what I just read so many times. That's truly one of the best feelings whilst reading a book in my opinion. It's what I look for when really wanting to feel the storyline.
"𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆. 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗿. 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲."
‼️This is a VERY dark read and if you don't usually read dark romance, I really wouldn't reccommend starting with this one. In my opinion, this book is on the darker side of dark and should be read with caution whilst being aware of all the content/trigger warnings.‼️
𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:
𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗻𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮, 𝗱𝘂𝗯/𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻, 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲, 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲, 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀, 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱/𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝗴𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 & 𝗮 𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮 (𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲/𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲) -
I’ve come to expect grand things from Harleigh Beck, her exquisite storytelling setting a benchmark for genres on the darker end of the spectrum, and to say I had high hopes heading into Obsession would be an understatement. As soon as I feasted my eyes on its cover, I knew I was about to embark on a journey so special— the design so unlike what we’re usually served, and now that I’ve turned the final page, I can say this story is *different*. Different, and absolutely breathtaking.
This book starts off with a bang, Beck setting the stage with a foreboding and downright horrendous occurrence that surely sets the tone for the remainder of the book. We’re given liberty to peek behind the veil to witness agony and fear and unspeakable horrors, individuals starved of love and ready and willing to release that pain back into the world. At its core, Obsession is a tale of leashing the monster within, unveiling your truth and reclaiming the power that has been wrongfully stolen.
Robbie and Savannah are some of the most beautifully broken characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. With pasts filled with trauma, they’re two souls that truly understand one another, even if there are some secrets lying in wait ready to rear their ugly heads. With a condemned prisoner and hungry reporter dynamic, the tension between them is DELICIOUS. I never knew the hesitant touching of finger tips or the brushing of knees beneath a table could be so…erotic.
He bares his heart to her. She bares her pain to him. What blooms between them is an intense love that cannot be caged. A love that burns hot and transcends social norms, one the world tries to strip from them at any given moment, and one they fight tooth and nail for. Robbie wants to create a world where his Savannah can flourish, and he’ll do so at any cost. I knew Beck would be delivering on the heat, but I wasn’t expecting the raw emotions tossed into the mix. It’s truly beautiful.
I’ve always been a fan of thrillers that have layers and layers of twists and deceit, and Beck delivers this in spades. I was hooked from the very first chapter, and honestly, I’m sad it’s over. I fell so hard for these two, and I wish I could spend more time with them. What an incredible story, one that will live with me forever. If you’re looking for a visceral tale of passion and heartache, a forbidden love story that shouldn’t be, Obsession is the book for you. -
I knew it! But then that other part I did not know...
Also I was tired of hearing he was a monster on every page. I get it I get it, he’s a killer.
That is all.That is my review. -
I don’t even have words for this book.
If you’ve ever wished for someone to slay the demons from your nightmares in the most brutal way then this will be enjoyable for you. Lets be real, haven’t we all at some point just wished for someone to save us from our nightmares? And I mean, who among us hasn't fantasized about being the sole OBSESSION of someone's affection? Because it can’t just be me.
This book isn't just a story; it's a rollercoaster of emotions that had me clinging to every word, rooting for the morally black MMC. Because let's face it, in a world full of chaos and uncertainty, we could all use a little bit of that obsessive, all-consuming love to burn the world to ashes. -
Obsession by
Harleigh Beck is a dark thriller romance about a convicted serial killer on death row and the reporter covering his story. What an absolutely delicious relationship dynamic, right??
There are many potential triggers in this story. If you are sensitive to anything involving sexual abuse and assault of minors, violence and gore, torture, and/or serial murder, read with caution.“Your instincts are trying to kill you, Savannah.”
I loved this! Robbie and Savannah's obsessive love story was completely unhinged, gory and thrilling. I really appreciated that Beck did not hold back when it came to the grit and gore of Robbie's extracurricular activities, but also gave him a backstory that forced me to humanize him and root for him.
Both of these characters have unimaginable and very disturbing trauma. They understand each other on another level and I was on board with their insanity through this entire book."See, that’s the thing: darkness recognizes darkness. It transcends time and space to find the other half of its soul, like darkening, ominous clouds that gather over a grassy field. Sooner or later, lightning strikes and burns valleys to the ground."
This was not a perfect read for me. I found myself wanting more tension between the characters in the beginning (I am a slow burn girl at heart) and a few elements of Savannah's behaviour seemed contradictory to me — but overall this was entertaining and memorable.
This was my first read from Harleigh Beck and it definitely won't be my last. A few of my friends have been raving about her for a long time, and I can see why!! So many from her backlist are now calling to me and I can't wait to experience more of her stories! -
WOW! That was HOT AS HELL AND EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED IN A PRISON x REPORTER STORY!!! This is actually my second book by this author and I had some major doubts when I started it bc I gave her other book 1 star, like it was so bad madly written and plotted but this read like it was a completely different author!!!
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An interesting plot that had me hooked! I didn’t like the characters that much or the writing but the plot had me finishing it in a day.
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NOW LIVE!
Amazon US *
Amazon UK
This isn't a morally gray character...this is just a psycho. But I was so here for it and I loved not knowing what was going to happen at any moment. There were no lines that these characters wouldn't cross and it made the suspense of trying to figure out what was going to happen really fun. -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Out Now
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Mrs Harleigh Beck, WHAT WAS THAT???
When I tell you my jaw was on the floor for these plot twists you put, I had to put my iPad down and reflect.
How I like to describe this book is a different twist on Joker and Harleigh Quinn, but instead of a patient and psychologist, it's an inmate and a journalist. To me personally it gives very similar vibes to it and I loved that 🩷
I highly recommend checking this book out but PLEASE CHECK TW!!!
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𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒃:
Savannah
Imagine my surprise when the chance to interview the country’s most notorious man on death row lands on my table. His final confession. It’s too good of an opportunity to turn down.
Robbie Hammond is old enough to be my father, a man condemned for the murder of at least fourteen women. He is dangerous, deadly. Intense in ways I can’t explain. Yet, despite the red flags, his magnetism draws me to him. I’m powerless to fight it.
Robbie
Not everything is as it appears. The moment Savannah set foot in here, she shivered like a leaf in the wind, barely able to hold eye contact without a blush creeping up her neck.
I can’t take my eyes off her. It’s no mistake she’s here, watching me from across the table.
There's a reason I only agreed to talk to Savannah Campbell before they put me down—why it has to be her.
Beneath the quivering smile hides a darkness I recognize.
A darkness that sparks my interest.
But the question is: how deep does it run? -
What I read here was most definitely not what I was expecting....
MAJOR SPOILERS:
After reading some reviews where they said that there was a major plot twist, I thought that it was probably that the bad guy- Robbie (our anti-hero) was either framed, or made out to be a worse criminal than he actually was.
But no, this guy was a literal serial killer and rapist.
No plot twist to be found in that aspect.
I understand that Robbie went through literal torture and abuse as a child at the hands of his mother. It was horrible to read.
However, reading about how he would get sexually aroused by killing all of these women, would end up raping them for "hours", and didn't ever feel remorse for it...made me feel super icky.
Like... You want me to root for a romance with someone like that as a MC?
I'm just very conflicted, because I really did enjoy some parts of the book, and the authors' writing flows really well, but I couldn't stop thinking about it.
He does have some sort of tinyyyyy character redemption towards the end when they both (because the h becomes a killer as well lol) come to a silent agreement not to kill anymore innocents.
I get that this is a dark romance, and I really do love this genre. I'm sure many people would love this book, but the fact that he enjoyed doing all of that... It was personally too much.
Ps- Loads of OM drama. Was SA'd by her dad and his friends. Multiple scenes of her fucking/ giving BJ's to other guys.
No OW drama at all, besides for mention of the girls he raped in his past and SA by his mom... -
While reading this one, the first thing remind me was : Fortunate people have their whole life protected and healed by their childhood, unfortunate people have to have their whole life protected and healing from their childhood. - Alfred Adler (February 7, 1870 - May 28, 1937)
I haven’t cried when reading a romance since a long time ago. But this one really got to me and made me cry at least three times. It was so emotional, and I was deeply moved by what Robbie did for Savannah, as well as what he had endured during his childhood.
I’ve done terrible things, but the things I want to do to her are so much worse.
For once, I want a heart.
Her heart.
Robbie was a well-known serial killer, known for his merciless abilities and cruel nature. Savannah, on the other hand, worked as a reporter and writer, carrying the burden of a troubled past. She was taken aback when the opportunity to interview the country's most infamous man awaiting execution came her way. This would be his final confession.
The chance was simply too good to pass up. Robbie Hammond was significantly older than Savannah, akin to a father figure. He possessed a dangerous and deadly aura, with an intensity that defied explanation. Despite the warning signs, his charisma inexplicably attracted her. She found herself unable to resist its pull.
I let my gaze drift over her cursive handwriting. There’s warmth in my chest that softens the anger that has me clenching my free hand.
I imagine her writing this note with soft strokes of her pen before carefully folding it.
She drove here to deliver it, even though we’re not scheduled for another interview until the day after tomorrow.
She was here.
More importantly, she thought of me.
No one has ever thought of me before.
And just like that, I want to see her. I need to see her.
And thus, Robbie's unhappy childhood tale was gradually recounted from his perspective. I felt immense sadness for him, witnessing how his mother mistreated him during his early years. He must have been one of the most lugubrious young boys I have ever read in my life. Tears welled up in my eyes as I read about the immense hardships he endured at such a tender and innocent age. No one ever showed him any care or affection, leaving him feeling utterly abandoned. He resembled a lonely creature constantly yearning for his mother's love, yet everyone let him down. His mom, his classmates, his dad, everyone bullied him, which lead him had to hide in his own little world licking his wounds.
I meant it when I told her I wouldn’t taste her until I’ve slayed her demons, but this is different. She doesn’t know I’m here, cloaked in shadows and secrets. When I’m done acting on my selfish impulses, I’ll disappear into the night without her knowing I was here, too weak to resist stealing her for myself.
At least now that she’s asleep, she can’t look at me with that gleam of hope in her eyes that cuts me like a sharp blade. She can’t make me bleed with that sweet smile of hers.
This way, I can’t hurt her.
Savannah also had a difficult childhood. She experienced sexual abuse at the age of 5 by her father and his friend. While reading, we discovered the connection between her father and Robbie. It was evident that he knew her very well. As we read, we gradually understood how he came to know her so well.
Her pebbled nipples brush against my sweaty chest, and she circles her arms around my neck to bring us flush. “Are you still in control, Robbie?”
“Baby,” I reply with a grunt, my cock throbbing inside her, “I’ve never been in control around you. I’ve tried, but you make it impossible. From the very first moment I saw you, I knew I had to have you.”
She throws her head back with a moan, and I squeeze her ass. Her eyes lock on mine again, demanding I hand over every last ounce of my soul. “You wanted me at the first interview?”
“Long before then.” I crush my lips to hers to silence her string of questions. Now is not the time. Not when her pussy pulses around my dick.
I hold her to me as I climb to my feet. Then I slam her into the nearest wall and brace my hand against the cold surface while balancing her ass with my free arm.
Our fucking is nothing short of feral.
I’m insatiable in my pursuit of possessing her, and I can’t bury my cock deep enough or mark her with my teeth enough. I want to own her and possess her. I want to be the last thing she thinks about at night and the first thing she sees when she wakes up. I want her consumed by me. Nothing short of insanity will do.
This. Woman. Is. Mine.
Both of them had an intense fixation and attached on each other. They were both damaged, twisted, and troubled individuals. This meant that two separate broken hearts inevitably became one.
I really enjoy the intricate storylines of this book and the extent of Robbie's dedication towards the protagonist. He vowed to safeguard her and he truly went above and beyond. I don't want to reveal too much, but it's certain that he never harmed any innocent individuals after making that promise to Savannah. He was a man of his word, especially when it came to his significant other.
I’m always running from my past.
Always scared.
Never brave.
“Robbie,” I croak, my voice getting lost in the rustle as he lifts a branch out of the way.
Snow dusts his arm when he drops it back, and his eyes find mine, soft and vulnerable, yet determined.
I did that.
I hurt him.
“I love you,” I rasp, and those eyes flash with emotion before he grits his jaw and jumps over a frozen beck of water. His boots sink into the deep snow.
I am really infatuated with Robbie and Savannah’s story. The more I read, the more difficult it is for me to come across a truly endearing male main character, as it implies that my standards have become increasingly higher with more reading. However, this particular story evokes strong emotions and is incredibly heartwarming in their relationship. I am aware that a serial killer poses a real-world threat, but in the realm of fictional romance, I adore how he transforms into a romantic figure for one girl and is willing to go to extreme lengths for her and how he would do anything to burn the world for her. Really REALLY DO.❤️🥹😭
Other plots I love 💝
📖🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Standing by her bedside, I stroke her hair away from her brow. My own pull down low. Why is it that my chest always tightens in her presence? The urge to be around her, near her, to touch her, kiss her, and claim her tugs at my heart. I don’t like how powerless she makes me feel, yet I can’t stay away. I don’t want to stay away. Not when she’s the sun that parts the clouds or the silence that calms the voices inside my head.
📖🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“I’m a possessive man. In fact, this obsession knows no limits.” I aim my gun at his head. “Savannah is all I can think about. She’s beneath my skin and inside my veins, demanding my full attention. Demanding that I kill for her.”
📖🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
In this fucked-up relationship, we both know it would be the ultimate betrayal on his part to give in to his darkness.
Maybe it makes no sense. Maybe it’s toxic, sick, twisted, demented, evil. We’re both broken. We’re both damaged beyond repair by our pasts.
Morally gray is not a word in our dictionary. Black is our color. Black is our song. Black is his love note to me.
📖🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“You can’t tell me you want to be with a deranged serial killer. Is this what you want from life? Live the rest of your days on the run from the authorities? Always looking over your shoulder? And that’s if I don’t snap and kill you first—”
Pressing my fingers to his lips, I silence his tirade. “Stop, Robbie. Just stop. Ssshh.” I close my eyes briefly as the breeze shifts my hair off my neck. “I love you.”
I open my eyes, and my breath catches in my throat. There’s so much pain and fear in his gaze.
“I’m not scared of you, Robbie. You hear me? I’m. Not. Scared. Of. You.”
He wrenches his lips from beneath my fingers, cups my cheek, and trails his cool fingers over my tear-stained cheek, touching me gently yet firmly enough to know he’ll always protect and love me. “I love you too. I love you so much it consumes me, but I would never forgive myself if I hurt you.”
Instead of replying, I press up on my tiptoes and capture his lips.
With my arms around his neck, I lose myself in him, kissing his trembling lips with everything in me.
Our tongues tangle and our breaths dance between our lips every time we come up for air before colliding again, like waves touching the beach in a back and forth coming together.
Robbie braids his fingers in my hair and angles my head to kiss me deeper. He tastes me with a fevered need that curls my toes in my shoes.
Reciprocating, I cling to him even as my lungs burn from a lack of air.
Robbie is my oxygen and all I need in this fucked-up world.
📖🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
In response, he brings my hand to his lips and places a kiss on my knuckles. His stubble pricks my skin, and my heart swells when he says. “I love you more.”
I’m happy.
For the first time in my life, bathed in the sun’s glow through the windshield, I stare at my future and feel at peace.
Everything that’s happened. Everything that’s led up to this moment fades when his blue eyes meet mine.
He brushes his lips against my skin and whispers, “You’re my everything, Savannah. There’s nothing I won’t do for you. No lengths I won’t go to, no matter how wrong they may seem in the eyes of the world, to keep you here with me. We don’t follow rules.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
With his free hand hanging over the steering wheel, he points a finger at the empty country road ahead. “See that sunset, Savannah?” -
Savannah is a reporter who has been requested by inmate Robbie, who is on death row, to do an interview.
Straight away I was hooked.
Both characters suffered traumatic childhood which at times was really hard to read. Definitely worth checking TW before reading. The twists definitely kept me on my toes.
I can’t wait to read more of Harleigh’s other books!
![Nuagkʻ / Ghewondeay M. Alishanean. Volume v.2 1888 [Leather Bound]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1699054572i/124481387.jpg)
