Summary: Naomi wakes one stormy night before her birthday to see her father walking into the woods. To find some relief from the oppressive summer heat - and maybe sneak a peek at her birthday present - Naomi follows her father into the woods. After waiting for her father to leave the hidden cellar in the ground, she opens the doors hoping to see a new bike or puppy only to find a horror so unspeakable she can't breathe. Instead of her hoped for birthday gift, she sees a woman bound and bleeding. And proof that there had been more before her. Naomi is faced with a choice that will tear her family apart and impact her future for years to come.
My Thoughts: I love Miz Roberts and this book was satisfying on so many levels its hard for me to put my thoughts into words.
Nora Roberts' books are epic, her fans legion and with the mastery of her craft comes the ability to touch on topics that may be taboo, or at least left seen as risky, in the traditional romance industry. And Nora takes those chances and runs with them.
For example, "The Obsession" focuses heavily on Naomi's life growing up as the daughter of a serial killer. We spend time with Naomi as a child and teenager, learning how her father's legacy and media aftermath lead to trust issues and a brokenness that play a part in making Naomi who she is. Someone who moves around a lot, trusts a little and can't quite find her place in the world. Normally the focus of romance is on, well, the romance, but Roberts take's the story beyond the expected in a way that works and adds to the depth of the main character.
Despite her legacy, Naomi has a lot going for her. She has a solid brother, fabulous Uncles that love her unconditionally (and big points to Miz Roberts for giving Naomi gay uncles) and a job as a freelance photographer that allows her to travel, be her own boss, and follow her passions. She finds a run-down house that calls to her heart and decides to take a chance to set down roots as she rehabs the property. (And let me tell you....rehabbing houses is Tami catnip. I could read about that and nothing else and be happy.) While working on the house, Naomi finds a place to set down her roots and starts to find love with local hottie mechanic Xander. Naomi begins to define herself and her future outside of her past, a huge theme in Robert's books.
And then a copy cat serial killer appears and it all goes to hell in a deliciously creepy and terrifying way.
Rating: This one will go into my Nora Roberts regular rotation. It was that good.
Reviewed By: Tami
Also Read by this Author: I've read almost all of Roberts' catalog, which you can find at her website. You can check my other reviews on Robert's books by searching for Nora Roberts in the quick search on the right hand side of the page, or by clicking individual links here: Shadow Spell | Dark Witch | Thankless in Death | Concealed in Death | The Collector | Blood Magick | Blue Dahilia | The Liar | Dance Upon the Air
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