I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to receive my first advanced reader copy (ARC). Ever! It's a book written by one of my favorite romance authors, and its release date is October 12, 2023. Let's get this ARC book review of Obsession Falls by Claire Kingsley started.
Book Summary
Audrey's back in her hometown with her Mom and spoiled Persian cat. Temporarily just until she found her footing again.
She's gone through many job rejections that she reluctantly accepted a job at a local newspaper in the next town as a...well, she didn't even know the full job description. She was just winging it.
When roomies turn to room-foes, thanks to Audrey's playful and energetic derpy dog who couldn't leave the cat alone, she grabs the first pet-friendly rental she sees.
Enter Josiah - the grumpy hunky lumberjack neighbor and landlord doing some fixer-upper magic next door. After his past experiences, Josiah embraced the peaceful life of solitude.
Sparks fly between these two despite the awkward and embarrassing meet-up.
But when a creeper starts stalking Audrey, Josiah goes into full protective mode to keep her safe.
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Tropes
- Smalltown romance
- Landlord - Tenant
- Grumpy loner - Sunshiny dog lover
- Suspense (Stalker)
ARC Book Review: Obsession Falls by Claire Kingsley
When Claire announced that she'd be writing about the Havens, I thought it would be awkward or odd because of their rivalry with the Baileys in the Bailey Brothers series (one of my fave small-town romance series). But that series ended so well that seeing the families here post-feud is heartwarming.
I get a thrill every time a character I know is mentioned. It gives me that warm, nostalgic feeling like coming home for the holiday after a long time of being away.
- The story has a good blend of comedy, suspense, and romance.
- Claire Kingsley has a talent for writing likable characters. Despite being terrible at communicating, Josiah is a kind person, a good son, and a successful real estate mogul. Audrey remains optimistic and cheerful, even though life has thrown her some tough challenges.
- I love the chemistry between Josiah and Audrey. It's not as spicy as Claire's previous romance novels, but it still got some steam.
- I love returning to the quirky little town of Tilikum - home of my favorite Bailey brothers.
"I liked the quaintness and slow pace of Tilikum life." Audrey Young
Will I recommend this book? Definitely! I'm yet to read a Claire Kingsley book that I didn't enjoy.
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Favorite Scenes
- Picnic
- Every scene of Max, the derpy dog
- Every time the Tilikum squirrels are behaving the way they always have
My Book Rating
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
🌶🌶I enjoyed this book, and the only reason I'm not giving it a perfect 5 is that I could guess who the stalker was early on, and I love a suspense thriller that keeps me guessing until the end.
That's just me, though. I see reviews saying they didn't see it coming. I guess I've been reading more detective series than I realize.
I also expected the spice level to be the same as the previous series (they were really spicy), but that doesn't mean this book is missing the heat.
Sparks are still flying. You will still swoon.
You can say it's a personal preference, but it doesn't reflect how Claire Kingsley writes. She's still one of my favorite auto-buy authors, and I'll continue to devour all her books in the future.
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Quotes from the Book
"Nice girls didn't belong with a$$holes like me. She was blue sky and sunshine, plucky optimism, and happiness. I was a stoic cloud of optimism and surliness. It would never work."
"I liked him because he was gruff and stoic and sexy and surprisingly sweet under that surly lumberjack exterior."
"I'm not leaving you unless you make me."
What are you reading next?
What are you reading this season? Hope you like my first-ever ARC review and get a copy of Obsession Falls by Claire Kingsley. It's free on Kindle Unlimited and also available in paperback and audiobook.This post contains affiliate links, so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost. Thank you!
Hey, you wanna be book buddies? I share reading tips, short book reviews, recommendations, and funny memes on my Instagram account @booksandblogs_lux. Follow me there!
23 comments
This sounds like a book I’d like to read! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying your reading ~ always something to learn from every book ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thanks for giving an alternative to posting a comment on your review. Blogger flatly refused to let me sign in.
ReplyDeleteReceiving an ARC is an incredible thrill isn't it, and I am glad that you enjoyed the book and will continue to read the author.
That sounds like a really, really good one!
ReplyDeleteSounds good
ReplyDeleteIt's nice when you find an author that really speaks to you. I'm glad you enjoyed this even though it wasn't quite as great as the rest of the author's books. (They can't get it perfect every time :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really interesting book. Great review.
ReplyDeleteA book that may not appeal to me but I like the way you reviewed it.
ReplyDeleteI love this review. Thank you. Have a beautiful day.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Hello Lux! Excellent ARC review of Obsession Falls. I’ll be putting it on my Kindle with your link. 😊 John
ReplyDeleteThis very relatable and interesting
ReplyDeleteKindly check out my new post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/10/the-blessing-in-emergency.html
This sounds like a fun read. I bet it would make a great series too, I feel you, I figured out Gone Girl and Deep in the Woods, very annoying LOL.
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
Hope you got my comment, sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteAllie of
www.allienyc.com
Congratulations on your first ARC! I really enjoyed reading your review, along with the quotes you've shared.
ReplyDeletethanks for the wonderful and very interesting review dear Lux !
ReplyDeletei really enjoyed the story line though obsession are never healthy and this seems one of them .
thanks to visit my place and leave kind words!
hugs
This sounds like an entertaining read- thanks for sharing, babe!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Very detailed, interesting review!
ReplyDelete"sparks fly" between Audrey and Josh ; that means chemistry's at work, and assures the succes of the book as a romance novel.
wow, you sure know how to write a book review, girl! impressive.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first ARC--very exciting! Also, how did you know I've been craving a smalltown romance??
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interesting review!
Definitely a book I would enjoy, thanks for your review of it.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a book I’d like to read! Thanks for sharing your opinions on it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday!