Own To Obsess

Wow! What a rollercoaster! I loved this sequel to Own To Obey. I found it more emotionally fulfilling with its twists and turns around the push/pull relationship between Shaya and Kardos. I found myself deeply frustrated (with both of them) and close to tears at certain pivotal moments in the story. The erotic scenes I also found more powerful in this installment than the last one because of the deeper emotional components and expectations (sometimes false) on both sides of the relationship. They both make bad decisions and their failure to communicate is the major source of my frustration but when they come together... it's an absolute wow! Hot, powerful, and as vivid as the descriptions of the harsh but beautiful Southern Lands themselves. One thing the author has done is create distinct worlds via the Eastern (Drocco), Western (Malloron), and Southern Lands so I appreciate how much attention to detail she's paid to ensure that nothing sounds duplicated or repetitive. And what a cliffhanger. I knew it was coming but in light of the fact that Shaya and Kardos seemed (key word seemed) to come to some sort of understanding or resolution, for it all to go sideways, but it was a fantastic cliffhanger. I am so eager for the final installment in this series and even the return of my ever-favorite character, Drocco. ;) *I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

This is the second book in Shaya and Kardos' story arc. You need to read Own To Obey first or you will not get the start of their story. As things continue to unfold in this romance, you are left on edge as Shaya struggles with her situation and Kardo's continues to be blinded by his quest to rule. This is a dark read, so it is not for everyone. So if in doubt, I recommend you give the book a pass. It is easy to get caught up in these characters and their story. Things are complicated, complex and often painful. Does end in a cliffhanger inpreperation of the next book.

Wow! Zoey Ellis continues her winning streak with part 2 of Kardos and Shaya’s story. I’m loving these characters. Kardos is big and bad and oh so very very alpha. He controls everything and everyone in his world. Shaya is sweet but stronger than she knows and is his perfect match. Major cliffhanger but oh so very worth it. Eagerly looking forward to the next book which continues their story. I’m always a bit wary when there are warnings on a book but in this case he is who he is supposed to be. He’s not maliciously cruel, he’s just who his world has made him. She’s not wimpy, she’s way stronger than she knows, and than he knows. Together they are amazing. My warning is don’t be lulled when things start to look like they’ll be happy because this author loves to keep us guessing. Exciting storyline, hot love affair and two characters that appear to be totally mismatched but are actually perfect together, but they haven’t figured that out yet and are NOT making much progress. Very highly recommended but be sure to read Own to Obey (Book 1 of Kardos and Shaya’s story). (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).