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Unexpected Obsession
Brown eyes and a feisty annoying mouth, and a fragrance that lingered long after she left the room. A nuisance in his life until he sees her dance one night. Rationality disappears and wanting takes its place, an obsession that changes lives.
Nico frightened her and yet despite his attempts to prevent any family harmony with his sharp tongue and constant antipathy, he also confused her, stirred something deep inside her.
One touch becomes two and then turning back impossible. A perfect relationship, too perfect for his liking.
She needed to be punished for the way she made him feel. She ran. He followed but not before she found a way to balance the equation.
Nico frightened her and yet despite his attempts to prevent any family harmony with his sharp tongue and constant antipathy, he also confused her, stirred something deep inside her.
One touch becomes two and then turning back impossible. A perfect relationship, too perfect for his liking.
She needed to be punished for the way she made him feel. She ran. He followed but not before she found a way to balance the equation.
Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
About the author
Barbara Strickland
7 books43 followersFollow her Amorina Rose’s blog on her website at www.brstrickland.com
Contact at barb@brstrickland.com as Barb loves hearing from readers.
Barbara Strickland grew up in Sydney in a multicultural environment. Having Italian parents encouraged a love of travelling. The wonderful cultures inspired, and she found herself using bits and pieces in her contemporary romance series - Unexpected Love. Conscious of what Australia has to offer Sydney and North Queensland also feature throughout the series along with some spicy hot loving.
In her spare time, she is obsessed with Japanese poetry, ballroom dancing and learning languages.
RELEASED:
Unexpected Obsession (Unexpected Love, Book 1)
Unexpected Passion (Unexpected Love, Book 2)
Emotions in Eruption
Emotions in Evolution
Emotions in Existence
The Emotions Anthology
COMING 2024
Unexpected Celebrations (Unexpected Love - Book 3)
TBA
Unexpected Love (Books 4, 5 and 6)
The Narrow Hallway
Lance needs a family (a book for young children.)
Contact at barb@brstrickland.com as Barb loves hearing from readers.
Barbara Strickland grew up in Sydney in a multicultural environment. Having Italian parents encouraged a love of travelling. The wonderful cultures inspired, and she found herself using bits and pieces in her contemporary romance series - Unexpected Love. Conscious of what Australia has to offer Sydney and North Queensland also feature throughout the series along with some spicy hot loving.
In her spare time, she is obsessed with Japanese poetry, ballroom dancing and learning languages.
RELEASED:
Unexpected Obsession (Unexpected Love, Book 1)
Unexpected Passion (Unexpected Love, Book 2)
Emotions in Eruption
Emotions in Evolution
Emotions in Existence
The Emotions Anthology
COMING 2024
Unexpected Celebrations (Unexpected Love - Book 3)
TBA
Unexpected Love (Books 4, 5 and 6)
The Narrow Hallway
Lance needs a family (a book for young children.)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 29, 2017
Coffee Dates with Unexpected Obsession
First Date: After the death of her father, Lia travels from Sydney to Sicily. She is determined to mend the rift that tore their family apart. Lia hasn't been in Italy since she was eight years old and her arrival at her Aunt Gina's home is unexpected and unwelcome, especially by Nico Gina's son. Right away readers experience the tension and undeniable chemistry between Nico and Lia. I was a little unsettled in the beginning as I tried to establish their familial connection and worried this might be a taboo romance, but their ties were explained. Strickland shares events from the past throughout the story and eventually readers will understand what caused the divide among these families.
Second date: As Lia's kind spirit shines she reconnects with her Aunt Gina much to Nico's dismay. Her presence upends him, and soon she is all he can think about. Strickland does an excellent job of developing these complex, intense and flawed characters. While I didn't particularly care for Nico, I can honestly say I understood what drove him. The banter, sexual frustration and denial build until the inevitable happens. While the story has strong sexual content filled with dominance, surrender, and steamy details it gave insight into Nico's needs for control and ultimately his fears. Don't expect to get cozy with this romance, it pushes boundaries and at times made me uncomfortable. An unexpected development drives them together, and at first, everything is blissful.
Third Date: Nico's fears push him to do the unthinkable and Lia reacts precisely how he anticipated. Here we indeed see the depth of Nico's flaws and the strength of Lia's personality. These two create a storm filled with electricity and power that everyone around them feels. This final date takes us to Sydney before returning us to Italy. Aspects tugged at my heartstrings and kept me wondering if a happily ever after was possible. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
First Date: After the death of her father, Lia travels from Sydney to Sicily. She is determined to mend the rift that tore their family apart. Lia hasn't been in Italy since she was eight years old and her arrival at her Aunt Gina's home is unexpected and unwelcome, especially by Nico Gina's son. Right away readers experience the tension and undeniable chemistry between Nico and Lia. I was a little unsettled in the beginning as I tried to establish their familial connection and worried this might be a taboo romance, but their ties were explained. Strickland shares events from the past throughout the story and eventually readers will understand what caused the divide among these families.
Second date: As Lia's kind spirit shines she reconnects with her Aunt Gina much to Nico's dismay. Her presence upends him, and soon she is all he can think about. Strickland does an excellent job of developing these complex, intense and flawed characters. While I didn't particularly care for Nico, I can honestly say I understood what drove him. The banter, sexual frustration and denial build until the inevitable happens. While the story has strong sexual content filled with dominance, surrender, and steamy details it gave insight into Nico's needs for control and ultimately his fears. Don't expect to get cozy with this romance, it pushes boundaries and at times made me uncomfortable. An unexpected development drives them together, and at first, everything is blissful.
Third Date: Nico's fears push him to do the unthinkable and Lia reacts precisely how he anticipated. Here we indeed see the depth of Nico's flaws and the strength of Lia's personality. These two create a storm filled with electricity and power that everyone around them feels. This final date takes us to Sydney before returning us to Italy. Aspects tugged at my heartstrings and kept me wondering if a happily ever after was possible. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 17, 2022
3.5 stars
Unexpected Obsession is a dark romance that borders on erotica and takes place in Italy and Australia.
Lia has come to Italy to persuade her relatives to re-evaluate their beliefs about past family events and to accept her in their lives once more. At first her presence is resented, but after months of hard work on Lia’s behalf, she wears down her Aunt Gina. However, getting Gina’s son Nico to change his dislike for her, is extremely difficult.
Nico is proud and passionate but he also needs to feel in control of everything in his life, to the point where his obsessions are often disturbing to read about. When they were younger Lia idolised Nico; now they use words to fight each other. I kept thinking about different beauty and the beast scenarios all mixed with sexual dominance and submission. Lia was so sure that she could ‘fix’ Nico with her love, but I wanted her to run far away.
I liked the story arc of Lia and Nico and the developments in their relationship and I can understand the idea of using their close family relationship as a feature to make the story interesting. However, I was really unconvinced with the dubious family connections and even by the end I barely grasped how the two were related.
There’s lots of angst and fairly explicit sex which you might expect from dark romance, with much of the tension and atmosphere created via anger and heated arguments. However, there are so many more emotions which can be used in fiction and I would have enjoyed a wider range.
I thought that there were missed opportunities to use deep point of view which might have created interesting layers to the characters; I wanted to empathise with them and really ‘feel’ part of their world.
Overall, there is a good story in between the pages, but it needs more work to bring out the star features and the real emotion that readers enjoy.
Unexpected Obsession is a dark romance that borders on erotica and takes place in Italy and Australia.
Lia has come to Italy to persuade her relatives to re-evaluate their beliefs about past family events and to accept her in their lives once more. At first her presence is resented, but after months of hard work on Lia’s behalf, she wears down her Aunt Gina. However, getting Gina’s son Nico to change his dislike for her, is extremely difficult.
Nico is proud and passionate but he also needs to feel in control of everything in his life, to the point where his obsessions are often disturbing to read about. When they were younger Lia idolised Nico; now they use words to fight each other. I kept thinking about different beauty and the beast scenarios all mixed with sexual dominance and submission. Lia was so sure that she could ‘fix’ Nico with her love, but I wanted her to run far away.
I liked the story arc of Lia and Nico and the developments in their relationship and I can understand the idea of using their close family relationship as a feature to make the story interesting. However, I was really unconvinced with the dubious family connections and even by the end I barely grasped how the two were related.
There’s lots of angst and fairly explicit sex which you might expect from dark romance, with much of the tension and atmosphere created via anger and heated arguments. However, there are so many more emotions which can be used in fiction and I would have enjoyed a wider range.
I thought that there were missed opportunities to use deep point of view which might have created interesting layers to the characters; I wanted to empathise with them and really ‘feel’ part of their world.
Overall, there is a good story in between the pages, but it needs more work to bring out the star features and the real emotion that readers enjoy.
February 23, 2017
2 ½ ★
This book was a rather up and down for me.
While there was plenty I liked there were also a few things that I didn’t.
I did enjoy the story and the world setting, Italy with all his charm. I also enjoyed the characters, their background and story line.
While I enjoyed all these things at the same time I had a hard time to connect to them at the same time. It was a constant back and forth, likening them or not.
I think some of it had to do with that some things went into great detail while others were not, that often left them a little flat or a 2 dimensional.
That went for characters as well as situations happening.
Also for a copy that came straight from Amazon, it had quite a few errors in it, spelling and grammar. While I’m sure that has been corrected by now, it took away from the flow of reading. I think an extra run through the editor or so before publishing it would have helped with that.
Overall I thought the story was nice and I enjoyed it, but the character and the structure could have used little more refining.
I rate this 2 ½ ★ but think maybe someone else might even love it.
January 20, 2019
I'm not normally a reader of romance so this was an unusual choice. Although it does contain a high proportion of fairly explicit sexual content, the central relationship of Nico and Lia is also rather touching. Both are scarred from events of the past, revelations skilfully woven throughout the story. I did feel that the narrative need a little more plot and that it read more as a relationship study, but that may well be typical of this type of story. The characters were entertaining and the dialogue felt both clever and realistic, keeping my attention to the end. If this is your genre, you should enjoy it.
April 30, 2018
This is an explicit erotically well written book. Not something I usually read. That being said, I have to congratulate Barbara for writing such an engaging family saga. A real life story, that can be believed.
I really liked that the story developed the characters and it did not stop with “Happily ever after marriage” scenario. Very well done!
I really liked that the story developed the characters and it did not stop with “Happily ever after marriage” scenario. Very well done!
October 27, 2021
I will state up front my connection to the author, Barbara Strickland: I read her blog(s), and we occasionally chat by email. She has also honestly reviewed my first two books, and I am now giving my own honest review of her work.
For the original edition, in my review I noted:
Let me start off with the negatives: there are many typos in the book. I believe the author is currently working to fix that, so if you’re distracted by that kind of thing, maybe hold off on buying it until the 2nd edition is released.
But that is the end of the negatives.
I'm very happy to say the author's new edition has addressed all those typos, as well as making many more subtle but thoughtful revisions, and so I'm very happy to bump my star rating up from 4-star to 5-star.
The book is very well written: the language is good, with a distinctive “voice”. The pacing and plot was very good indeed, and very original. I don’t read many books in the Romance genre, though I do read a reasonable amount of paranormal romance, and have read and thoroughly enjoyed all the Madeleine Brent romance novels. So although a straight-up romance is outside my comfort zone, I think I’m familiar with many of the tropes: like “woman is torn between two men; picks the wrong one...” and “two people, perfect for each other, torn apart by misunderstandings...”, but in this story, both the sources of tension and the characters’ actions and responses felt very original to me, and also very authentic. Note that the author does not shy away from the sexual side of things, either, so this is an adult romance (more on that, later).
Lia, the main character, last saw Nico (the other MC) during a stay in Italy when she was eight and he was sixteen, which ended with a tragic and dramatic family incident. The story shows what happens when the very determined Lia returns to Italy to try to reunite the families split by that tragedy. At the heart of the story is the relationship between Nico and Lia. Nico is a very controlled and controlling personality, who cannot handle messiness or change – and that dominance extends into the bedroom.
I was kept on edge by the ease with which their developing relationship could turn destructive and explode apart. Many times it teetered on the edge of disaster, and the normal romance trope would be for it to fall apart in angst (before all was resolved and they reunited), but Lia’s integrity and courage, and Nico’s directness or need to be in control (especially of himself) either pulled them back from that edge – or plunged them over it in an unexpected direction.
There’s a lot of tension in the book, generated from the numerous opportunities for vast misunderstandings to develop. There were many occasions where I thought the relationship would turn destructive and explode apart – but Lia’s integrity, empathy and insights steered them past those rocks time and again. So what’s the source of the dramatic tension? I won’t say, as that would be a spoiler, but on each occasion it comes very naturally from the characters themselves, even though I didn’t see them coming. The romantic tension, conflicts and twists were utterly plausible and natural, yet unexpected. In fact the whole book struck me as highly original.
On the adult nature of the book – there is a lot of (very well-written and engaging) sex in it. (As an aside, how strange is it that in our society, a romance with a towering passion at its heart seems to blend genres simply because it refuses to shy away from the sexual side? Adding to that bravery is that the sex includes dominance and submission.) In some ways it reminded me of Stjepan Šejić’s Sunstone in its honest inclusion of mildly kinky sex – and in Lia’s honesty and courage. And similarly to Sunstone, the sex isn’t just healthy, it helps the main characters grow and mature.
One thing that delighted me was that despite Lia’s inexperience, she doesn’t allow that to compromise her integrity, and sets firm boundaries and sticks to them. She’s young but mostly wise, and very determined. Nico, too, is a very interesting character, with depth and flaws, yet we feel we understand him. If you’ve every known someone unable to handle mess or change, who needs order and control, then Nico will strike a chord.
All the characters felt well rounded, real, and drew me in and made me happy to spend time with them. A very enjoyable and satisfying read. I'm happy to now give this revised edition a 5-star rating.
April 7, 2022
Note: The author has re-edited and updated this book. With the changes made, I think this book deserves the full rating. Can't wait for book #2 in the series!
____
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.
____
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.
June 6, 2018
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.
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.
June 21, 2018
Barbara Strickland has written the kind of book I love: Deep characters, a passionate love, steamy sex, and lots of good, intricate plot.
Lia and Nico are connected through family. After the death of her father, Lia travels to Italy in order to close the rift between her part of the family and Nico’s. She meets with obstacle after obstacle, but the determined, yet kind, Lia won’t give up. During her mission, Lia becomes more and more aware of Nico, whom she knew when she was a child. Although they were friends as children, Nico now doesn’t trust her, and yet he can’t fight his attraction to her, either.
Lia and Nico are two characters who are both haunted by the past, and must confront their own issues before they can be together. It isn’t easy for either of them. In telling their story, Strickland has delineated a powerful tale of likeable characters who must learn to be true to themselves, as well as true to the other people in their lives. If you love well-drawn characters dealing with mature, and sometimes difficult emotions, if you love Italy, and if you love a plot that takes many twists and turns, then this book is for you. I really enjoyed reading Lia and Nico’s story, and I look forward to the next installment in this series.
Lia and Nico are connected through family. After the death of her father, Lia travels to Italy in order to close the rift between her part of the family and Nico’s. She meets with obstacle after obstacle, but the determined, yet kind, Lia won’t give up. During her mission, Lia becomes more and more aware of Nico, whom she knew when she was a child. Although they were friends as children, Nico now doesn’t trust her, and yet he can’t fight his attraction to her, either.
Lia and Nico are two characters who are both haunted by the past, and must confront their own issues before they can be together. It isn’t easy for either of them. In telling their story, Strickland has delineated a powerful tale of likeable characters who must learn to be true to themselves, as well as true to the other people in their lives. If you love well-drawn characters dealing with mature, and sometimes difficult emotions, if you love Italy, and if you love a plot that takes many twists and turns, then this book is for you. I really enjoyed reading Lia and Nico’s story, and I look forward to the next installment in this series.
July 20, 2019
This was great fun, I enjoyed it immensely. Filled with passion and Italian family drama. Dio mio! XD I really loved Lia. She's a firecracker. She's sweet and caring and artistic, but she's no doormat! She gives as good as she gets, and that's why Nico can't get her out of his head.
I have to admit that I'm not usually into the alpha male thing in romance. (Let's face it--there are enough jerks out there in real life, we don't need to glorify them in fiction too). But Ms. Strickland is very good at painting a picture of real human beings, not one-sided cardboard characters. Nico has his flaws, and as the story of the family's secrets unfolds we come to see why he is the way he is, and why there's so much tension among all the characters. Lia makes him want to be a better man, as he makes her want to walk the knife's edge. There's a delicious tension between these two that was a joy to read!
This was well written and the secrets unfold at a masterful pace that keep you wanting more. I look forward to reading more in this series by Ms. Strickland!
I have to admit that I'm not usually into the alpha male thing in romance. (Let's face it--there are enough jerks out there in real life, we don't need to glorify them in fiction too). But Ms. Strickland is very good at painting a picture of real human beings, not one-sided cardboard characters. Nico has his flaws, and as the story of the family's secrets unfolds we come to see why he is the way he is, and why there's so much tension among all the characters. Lia makes him want to be a better man, as he makes her want to walk the knife's edge. There's a delicious tension between these two that was a joy to read!
This was well written and the secrets unfold at a masterful pace that keep you wanting more. I look forward to reading more in this series by Ms. Strickland!
May 17, 2017
I've never been a huge fan of romance, mainly because of the constant sex and the often predictable endings. That said, Barbara Strickland's Unexpected Obsession manages to overcome both of these flaws. The lovemaking is indeed hot and constant, but there is more complexity to the main lovers, Lia and Nico, than you might expect.
The two are actually relatives, bound together by both tragedy and scandal in their past. Lia travels from Australia to Italy for an extended stay with the family, during which she tries to understand and to rectify past errors. She and Nico can barely tolerate one another on a personal level, but their physical attraction can't be denied. Nico has a need to dominate and control not only his lovers, but his surroundings. However, he has to reckon with Lia, who is very much her own woman.
All in all, Unexpected Obsession is one of the more satisfying examples of the genre.
The two are actually relatives, bound together by both tragedy and scandal in their past. Lia travels from Australia to Italy for an extended stay with the family, during which she tries to understand and to rectify past errors. She and Nico can barely tolerate one another on a personal level, but their physical attraction can't be denied. Nico has a need to dominate and control not only his lovers, but his surroundings. However, he has to reckon with Lia, who is very much her own woman.
All in all, Unexpected Obsession is one of the more satisfying examples of the genre.
March 26, 2019
I enjoyed this book very much. The character development was excellent and the story line did not disappoint. This genre is not what I usually read so I was hesitant, but the depth of the characters and their recognition of the flawed people they were, as well as their determination to move past those flaws, drew me in. Highly recommend!
February 8, 2019
Not my usual read but was asked by a friend to take a look. I was surprised by the story. It is about real people despite the alpha male as the dominating and forceful hero. Loved the setting and well-drawn characters. An intriguing and sexy read.
January 16, 2022
'Unexpected Obsession' is certainly unexpected! It is not a light, lovely romance. It is, in fact, a powerful love story that resonates with the reader long after the last page is read. Set within an Italian cultural background, both in Italy and Australia, and spanning two generations, this love story is heart-wrenching.
The author has created a raft of secondary characters (strong, credible, distinct personalities) that drive the plot around the central characters, Nico and Lia.
Initially, Nico is not easy to like. However, Lia knows him, understands him and has always loved him. It is through her determination to rediscover the boy she loved, who was so good to her when she needed comforting, that the reader begins to understand what drives Nico and thereby gain an insight into his OCD condition - and the ways in which it impacts and inhibits him. It is Lia's persistence and courage in the face of almost insurmountable resistance that unravels and resolves the secrets of the past, secrets that have shaped Nico, the adult.
'Unexpected Obsession' is beautifully written. Italian cultural practices slip so easily and credibly into the narrative. Dialogue is sharp, fluent and distinctive. Each character is so clearly depicted. The narrative flows seamlessly from beginning to end.
'Unexpected Obsession' is a compelling representation of love and heartbreak; of sorrow and redemption; of hope and courage. It is the beginning of a saga - and not a story the reader can put aside. Indeed, the reader is left wanting to pick up the second novel immediately.
The author has created a raft of secondary characters (strong, credible, distinct personalities) that drive the plot around the central characters, Nico and Lia.
Initially, Nico is not easy to like. However, Lia knows him, understands him and has always loved him. It is through her determination to rediscover the boy she loved, who was so good to her when she needed comforting, that the reader begins to understand what drives Nico and thereby gain an insight into his OCD condition - and the ways in which it impacts and inhibits him. It is Lia's persistence and courage in the face of almost insurmountable resistance that unravels and resolves the secrets of the past, secrets that have shaped Nico, the adult.
'Unexpected Obsession' is beautifully written. Italian cultural practices slip so easily and credibly into the narrative. Dialogue is sharp, fluent and distinctive. Each character is so clearly depicted. The narrative flows seamlessly from beginning to end.
'Unexpected Obsession' is a compelling representation of love and heartbreak; of sorrow and redemption; of hope and courage. It is the beginning of a saga - and not a story the reader can put aside. Indeed, the reader is left wanting to pick up the second novel immediately.
January 24, 2022
This was quite a little gem! I was in the mood for some romantic escapism. I received so much more than I could have imagined. I loved the Italian setting as it's a place I've been and I love the warmth and colour of the countryside and the people.
The male lead, Nico, is quite the alpha male which I don't normally go for. However there is something so enticing about him even when he behaves badly. There is a hint of more to Nico and his behaviour, and it is because Lia understands this that their tumultuous relationship takes us on a fast burn to passion, a dive into sadness and a climb into love..
I loved the tension between Nico and Lia and the way the story of family history and secrets, love, lust and loss comes together. This is well worth the read,and if hotness is your pleasure then the heat will keep you reading. Great plot, engaging characters, and the emotions evoked makes this definitely one to put on your reading list!
The male lead, Nico, is quite the alpha male which I don't normally go for. However there is something so enticing about him even when he behaves badly. There is a hint of more to Nico and his behaviour, and it is because Lia understands this that their tumultuous relationship takes us on a fast burn to passion, a dive into sadness and a climb into love..
I loved the tension between Nico and Lia and the way the story of family history and secrets, love, lust and loss comes together. This is well worth the read,and if hotness is your pleasure then the heat will keep you reading. Great plot, engaging characters, and the emotions evoked makes this definitely one to put on your reading list!
January 24, 2022
This is a sizzling love story where the main characters, Lia and Nico, are each other’s soul mates and have been since they were children. Their love is inevitable and, once they meet again as adults, explodes in lava-hot sex.
Their relationship is set within an engrossing family saga that also reveals the characters’ history. These revelations help us understand Lia and Nico’s psychological makeup, both good and bad. Barbara uses the characters’ strengths and weaknesses to draw readers into a dynamite exploration of love, sex, and commitment.
The plot twists and turns and doesn’t rely on the romantic genre’s usual ingredients to move it along. A worthy accomplishment. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion that had me closing the book down going, ahhhhh. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance or would just like a great read.
Their relationship is set within an engrossing family saga that also reveals the characters’ history. These revelations help us understand Lia and Nico’s psychological makeup, both good and bad. Barbara uses the characters’ strengths and weaknesses to draw readers into a dynamite exploration of love, sex, and commitment.
The plot twists and turns and doesn’t rely on the romantic genre’s usual ingredients to move it along. A worthy accomplishment. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion that had me closing the book down going, ahhhhh. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance or would just like a great read.
January 1, 2022
This book took me by surprise! I was expecting a lovely little romance, just the thing for a quick read during the busy holiday season!
However, I was immediately invested in the story, and the fizzing chemistry between the protagonist Lia, a lovely warm caring woman, and the brooding, domineering Nico.
She first appears as a young woman returning to her parent’s family in Italy, after her childhood and teenage years growing up in Sydney. She is sweet and innocent.
Lia is taken aback by the cruel and heartless Nico who doesn’t want her there and does everything in his power to get rid of her.
As the story progresses, we see the magnetic attraction between Lia and Nico develop, and while each fight this attraction, it explodes into a fiercely physical relationship.
Doomed to failure I thought. But no! These characters although flawed, love each other enough to find a way to be together, and that means they each have to grow as people. Lia toughens up showing her strength in dealing with Nico, while he has to change by accepting their relationship on her terms, a lesson in humility and humanity
This is a really great novel. I enjoyed Lia and Nico’s journey together while watching their relationship develop and deepen. I was totally immersed in this book and all the characters around Lia and Nico who also loved and supported them.
This is a fabulous debut novel by an author I hope to hear more from. It’s different, interesting, fresh and I’m waiting………for the next book in this fantastic family saga!
However, I was immediately invested in the story, and the fizzing chemistry between the protagonist Lia, a lovely warm caring woman, and the brooding, domineering Nico.
She first appears as a young woman returning to her parent’s family in Italy, after her childhood and teenage years growing up in Sydney. She is sweet and innocent.
Lia is taken aback by the cruel and heartless Nico who doesn’t want her there and does everything in his power to get rid of her.
As the story progresses, we see the magnetic attraction between Lia and Nico develop, and while each fight this attraction, it explodes into a fiercely physical relationship.
Doomed to failure I thought. But no! These characters although flawed, love each other enough to find a way to be together, and that means they each have to grow as people. Lia toughens up showing her strength in dealing with Nico, while he has to change by accepting their relationship on her terms, a lesson in humility and humanity
This is a really great novel. I enjoyed Lia and Nico’s journey together while watching their relationship develop and deepen. I was totally immersed in this book and all the characters around Lia and Nico who also loved and supported them.
This is a fabulous debut novel by an author I hope to hear more from. It’s different, interesting, fresh and I’m waiting………for the next book in this fantastic family saga!
March 7, 2022
This was a great read. It kept my attention from the first to last page.
The characters and their interpersonal relationships were well developed.
I particularly loved the cross cultural aspects of the book.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
The characters and their interpersonal relationships were well developed.
I particularly loved the cross cultural aspects of the book.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
August 14, 2019
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!
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!
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October 16, 2023Loving the Update
Just finished reading this on my kindle while pretending not to be the author. You probably think that sounds strange but I put a lot of work into improving this before continuing with my next book in the series so I needed to know if I had made a difference.
And I think I have and reading over Nico's behaviour, I was reminded about hasty judgements. Nico is a difficult man to love but underneath there is so much more to him. The book is about seeing below the surface and the rewards when you take the time the way Lia does.
I hope you might agree.
Just finished reading this on my kindle while pretending not to be the author. You probably think that sounds strange but I put a lot of work into improving this before continuing with my next book in the series so I needed to know if I had made a difference.
And I think I have and reading over Nico's behaviour, I was reminded about hasty judgements. Nico is a difficult man to love but underneath there is so much more to him. The book is about seeing below the surface and the rewards when you take the time the way Lia does.
I hope you might agree.
January 27, 2022
I read this book a few years ago before the new re-edit and it is so much better with just some tweaking. Unexpected Obsession is a very sexy and emotional read with Sydney and Sicily as the backdrop. I was born in Sydney so I loved the description of Centennial Park as Lia introduces her favourite place to her son.
Lia is back home from Sicily to regroup after her relationship with Nico comes to an explosive end.These two leading characters have a fiery relationship. Nico is difficult, a hard man with domineering ways. Lia is loving, warm and determined to create a family in place of the one she lost. She knows behind the harsh facade there is a good man.
The novel is not just a romance. It is also about family, about friends and about the real meaning of love. It was a good read before but it is a great read now.
Lia is back home from Sicily to regroup after her relationship with Nico comes to an explosive end.These two leading characters have a fiery relationship. Nico is difficult, a hard man with domineering ways. Lia is loving, warm and determined to create a family in place of the one she lost. She knows behind the harsh facade there is a good man.
The novel is not just a romance. It is also about family, about friends and about the real meaning of love. It was a good read before but it is a great read now.
September 13, 2023
Such a good read. Lots of heat but lots of Love. Well written with some lovely peripheral characters. Highly recommend this trip to Sicily.
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