VEILED OBSESSION (HIS AGENDA, BOOK #1) BY DORI LAVELLE: BOOK REVIEW

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Veiled Obsession

His Agenda, Book #1

By  Dori Lavelle

Author’s Website: http://www.dorilavelle.com

 

Veiled ObsessionBrought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Synopsis:

**WARNING: Due to sexual situations and dark content, this twisted romantic thriller is not intended for readers under the age of 18.**

 

“I cry for the man I used to know, the man I used to love…until his love killed mine.”

My name is Haley Macknight, and I’m dying inside. From the outside my life is every woman’s dream. I’m married to Jude Macknight, a handsome multimillionaire who loves me…too much.

Once upon a time, I loved him. But that love is dead. Unwilling to let me go, I’ve become his obsession. He will stop at nothing to make sure I remain in a marriage I no longer want, inside my gilded cage.

Each day I pull away from Jude, I watch him transform into a monster. Before my eyes, he becomes a man I don’t recognize, a dangerous man. He makes it clear that I belong to him, that my life is no longer my own. If I leave, he’ll kill me. But if I stay, I’ll die a slow death.

 

**This serial unfolds over three volumes.**

Review:

Well, well, well.  Dori Lavelle has done it again.  Veiled Obsession is a very compelling introduction to a new series.  Right off the bat, I must admit that I was a bit put off by how dark and twisted the story was.  I read the prologue and was so disturbed that I quit reading for a few days!  Finally, I decided I should continue on as I have always loved every other story Dori has written.  I am a more light-hearted sort of reader.  Having said that, the writing was so engaging, gripping, heart wrenching, that I was drawn in over and above my objection to the darker, twisted side and very nearly read the book in one sitting.

What I found intriguing was how in chapter one I got the impression that Jude is like a personal savior to Haley.  He is a great guy (and bazillionaire to boot!!) …coming to a damsel in distress’ rescue.  He wines and dines and slowly endears himself to her.  To the point that they marry and are very happy.  And then the dark side of Jude comes out VERY slowly…no small feat given the length of the book   I found the depth of character of Jude well written, providing the right amount of mystique to his dark side, which frankly, became darker with each chapter.  Jude’s badness brought goosebumps as the reading continued…what a truly evil guy.  He is the husband you NEVER wish upon your daughter. I truly hated this character; his degrading of Hayley was so unconscionable.

At times I did want to shake Hayley.  She has definitely made bad choices in her life, but it also seems life is not letting her catch a break.  She falls in love with Jude and all is well until…..Jude’s dark side slowly emerges.  I felt that Hayley did not have the depth of character that was so evident in Jude.  Hopefully as the series continues, we will get to see more depth to her.  Having said this, it is truly hard for a battered and abused woman to show depth as their spirit and zest for life has literally been taken away from them.  So her behavior is not unexpected.

Near the end, a new character is introduced…Dustin.  Dustin is also extremely wealthy, high school beau of Hayley’s and all around nice guy.  He in the end plays an important role for Hayley and I envision his role in the next book as even greater.

Dori certainly took the reader on a ride…a cold, dark, twisted, unimaginable ride.  It will be interesting to read the continuation of Hayley’s journey.  I wait with baited breath.