BLIND OBSESSION by ELLA FRANK

13 April, 2013

SYNOPSIS:

Obsession, defined as the domination of one’s thoughts or feelings by a persistent idea, image or desire….

Chantel Rosenberg’s passion for music and life had never shone brighter than the time she spent in Bordeaux France. It’s a time when feelings arose and desires ran deep, a time that fundamentally changed her life.

A man living in seclusion, Phillipe Tibideau is haunted and plagued by memories he cannot disregard. Choosing to live a quiet life in his Chateau surrounded by the vineyards of France, he’s left his passion for art behind.

However, the time has arrived to tell his side of a tale. A tale that has depicted him as a ‘beautiful monster’ and he’s finally allowing someone close.

Close enough to ask questions. Questions he’s not sure he wants to answer. Questions about her.

For up and coming journalist Gemma Harris, the pursuit of truth is what drives her and when a job of a lifetime presents itself there is nothing in the world that will stop her from taking it. Even if it does mean leaving her home for several months to stay at Chateau Tibideau, with him.

This is a story of what happens when three passionate lovers collide and the desire for truth, art and music merge.

Chateau Tibideau is a place full of unanswered questions, dark sinful desire and a beauty so hauntingly sad it will have you wondering how you will ever leave the same….

**********

Review by Jenny & Gitte

4.5 beautiful stars

Jenny: Well Gitte, wasn’t this a beautifully decadent and intoxicating read? I really didn’t know what to expect from this book but what I got was a million miles away from anything I had imagined.

This book brought it to the table didn’t it! Passion, mystery, intrigue, beauty and this erotic tale really was something magical. There was something so very special in the way it was all interactively brought to life through the senses and really was more an experience than simply a read. This book took you deep in the moment don’t you think?

Gitte: I have no words really Jenny. Whilst reading it I was intrigued, addicted and swept away by the beauty of it, it was definitely not simply a story; it was a piece of provocative erotic passionate and emotional art. I wanted answers and understanding and as soon as I had finished reading a million thoughts went through my head. I was wowed and am very conscious that this story can be easily ruined for readers who should experience it ‘blind’ as we did.

Jenny: I had to keep reminding myself that this story was set in present time. It really did have that bygone era feel about it and you were swept away by the beauty and magnificence of this story weren’t you? I can’t put my finger on what it was….the music, the speech, the setting…it felt lush and somewhat historical in feel.

There are three players in this story. The inquisitive, passionate Gemma Harris. Who is drawn to Phillipe in such an intense way.

“I want him with such an unexpected ferocity that I barely stop myself from begging him to rip off my clothes and fuck me right where we stand”

Gemma is a Journalist entering Phillipe’s reclusive world when given the task of interviewing this seductive, capricious and temperamental artiste to ascertain the truth behind the disparaging rumours that have been written about him in the press. This is a man plagued by memories which constantly haunt him and have left a mark on his heart.

“He seemed so lost, yet at times, he was also so present and so angry”

And the mysteriously enchanting, delicate, passionate and ethereal like Chantel, sharing a love that was so all consuming, an aching love which she feels to her core.

“Let me touch you in the way you just touched me“

Gitte: Yes absolutely Jenny, I did feel that the story came across as more historical than current. I think it was the prose, the setting, perhaps even because the story seemed stripped bare of any outside influences as we never left our main characters and of course there was the elusive Chantal.

“Would you say they were right? Were you obsessed with Chantal Rosenberg?” – Gemma

Gemma, a journalist has been requested to set the story straight of whatever happened to Chantal Rosenberg who had an intense, obsessive relationship with Phillipe Tibideau, in fact she was intoxicated by him. Or perhaps as the press painted it – his obsession which led to his world famous paintings and the brain washing of his muse Chantal.

“…After all, one of the most horrid stories he read about himself described him as a man who had picked the wings from a butterfly….”

We know something awful has happened and that Phillipe is a broken tormented man who is living as a recluse surviving through living in the past with the ghost of his love that has taken and damaged his heart beyond repair. He is such a complex man, so withdrawn, morose, arrogant and angry, so many emotions that seem to change within the blink of an eye only to turn seductive, passionate with such a seductive prowess.

“When I fuck you, Gemma, I want your eyes open, looking right at me. I’ve never hidden who I am from anyone I’ve touched, and I won’t start with you.”

Phillipe carries a huge burden of self-blame and knows he has the ultimate power to destroy and ruin a woman’s life. So when the unwanted desire for Gemma stirs his very being with the added confusion and guilt, he is a man torn in half. The wanting and desire coupled with the despair tearing him apart. The desire has two faces whilst telling his story alongside Chantal.

Gemma is intrigued, mystified and attracted beyond belief to Phillipe, an attraction she fights feeling it irrational despite the power and allure of this man. She wants to know him, know Chantal and ultimately know their story. The path she gets led down is harrowing, beautiful, passionate and oh so tragic. Gemma is both frightened and embarrassed by the passion he awakens within her. Phillipe well his self-loathing chants Seduce….Tempt…..Destroy.

“I’m struck with the realisation that I’m holding onto a man, who for now, is holding onto me but he has still not let go of her.” – Gemma

Jenny: This story is like a beautifully orchestrated masterpiece that comes to life little by little. It is resplendent in its beauty and every word is so carefully and intricately woven. You really feel like you were drawn into, and inhabited their world.

“Everything has a beauty but not everyone sees it”

I have to say the ending left me with many questions but this did not detract from what was overall an exceptionally well written and compelling story, so different to anything I’ve read recently. The pacing was slow which seems intentional to enable the reader to experience the whole movement, mystery and beauty of the story. It’s was like watching a play. Watching each character own their piece of the stage and watching each one of their stories unfold and come together before your eyes.

“I felt this desperate compulsion to become one with him”

It is extremely hard to review this book without giving away too many details and to do so would only unfair of us as reviewers. This book needs to be experienced and felt in the way the author has painstakingly presented and intended it to unfold.

“This was desire. This was to crave. This was what it felt like to want”

Beautiful. Mesmermising. Resplendent. Erotic. Moving. Passionate. Engaging. A true reading experience.

Gitte: No doubt Jenny, this was truly a brilliantly written journey. I lived and breathed Phillipe, Chantal and Gemma and have to say at times I hated their story as much as I loved it. However, this was purely based on the intensity of my emotions which reflected theirs.

I have to say, considering the heartfelt anguish, the passion and the absolute tragedy of love lost that the ending hurt my heart. It really did. I won’t say why or how. Just know that I understand the why as it falls in line with the story but it is not what I ultimately wanted.

Arc supplied by author for an honest review

BLIND OBSESSION by ELLA FRANK
amazon us || amazon uk

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78 Comments:

13 April, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Krystle said:

I have wanted to read this book ever since I heard about it! Been hearing sooo many great things 😀 I’ll hold off on buying it and keep my fingers crossed. thanks for the chance to enter! xo

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13 April, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Brenda Tetreault said:

This sounds WONDERFUL! Thank you for the chance to win it!

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13 April, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Janeane said:

Great giveaway. I have this on my TBR list and am looking forward to reading it!

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13 April, 2013 at 12:42 pm
Monique said:

I totally agree the ending left me wanting I still loved the story but that ruin it a wee bit for me I wanted to throw all my toys outta the cot lol

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13 April, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Sandy Lion said:

I loved the review points and it makes me interested to check out this book. I am adding it to my TBR pile and hope I get the opportunity here to win. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com

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13 April, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Suzanne Wendolski said:

What an amazing giveaway!!!!

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13 April, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Krista said:

I loved this book!! I literally had no words and ugly cried at the end. It was so powerful……not sure if it was the incorporation of the music and art but i was so involved in this story….<3 <3 <3

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13 April, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Pauline White said:

Love Ella Franks writing ,look forward to enjoying this one 🙂

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13 April, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Sara Butler said:

I so totally want to read this book!!!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Megan said:

Wow! That was a great review. I cannot wait to read this! I’ve heard some good things about it, but after reading your review it’s moving up on the TBR list. Thank you ladies!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:03 pm
kp said:

have read so many great reviews on this book…would love to win it!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Rosarita Reader said:

I want to read this book soooo bad! I’ve been stalking the blog tour trying to win a copy. I am a huge Ella Frank fan having read all previous work. But this one is a whole different side than the lighthearted humor of Exquisite and Entice and the teasers have left me drooling. Please, please, please pick me!!!!!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Kim U said:

Oh boy, yet another to add my TBR list!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Casie said:

Adding to my TBR!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:24 pm
Dawn Bush said:

DYING to read these! Thanks for sharing your review and for the chance to win!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Maria Malaveci said:

I have wanted to read this ever since its release was announced. I am looking forward to it!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Tammy said:

I’ve heard great things about this book. 🙂

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13 April, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Autumn said:

This is #1 on my TBR list!!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:28 pm
April Lilly said:

Ooooh, this sounds goooood!!!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Kelly Tannacore said:

Wow, this book sounds so different and enticing. I loved your review and I am really excited about reading it, hope I win! Thank you for the chance 🙂

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13 April, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Marina Buff said:

Also adding on my TBR list!

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13 April, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Sónia Costa said:

Awesome review 🙂 this book looks great 😀

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13 April, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Jenny Zymola said:

Fantastic review! I love Ella’s books! I can’t wait to read Blind Obsession! Thanks for the giveaway!

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13 April, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Lariza said:

Awesome review can’t wait to read it!!

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13 April, 2013 at 2:02 pm
Kim said:

Great review! This is definitely on my TBR list!

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13 April, 2013 at 2:27 pm
sarah said:

Great post! This book looks really good, can’t wait to read it

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13 April, 2013 at 2:28 pm
Vicki said:

Sounds very intruiging!

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13 April, 2013 at 2:32 pm
Vicki said:

Sounds very intruiging!!!

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13 April, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Zita R said:

Great review! You paint the picture of a mesmerizing tale. I look forward to reading it! Thanks for the give-away.

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13 April, 2013 at 3:02 pm
Heather said:

Awesome review! Thanks for a chance to win a copy of Blind Obsession

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13 April, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Amy Shonk said:

Wow, the reviews are really fantastic! Adding to my tbr.

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13 April, 2013 at 3:20 pm
Holley said:

Can’t wait to read, I love Ella Franks books

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13 April, 2013 at 3:34 pm
Heather P said:

I love Ella books and I can’t wait to read this one!

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13 April, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Keri said:

Great review! With your review & what I have been seeing on Goodreads, this one has been placed in my “must read now” pile.

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13 April, 2013 at 4:02 pm
Leslie T. said:

Great review, I can’t wait to read this one it sounds like an awesome read! Thanks

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13 April, 2013 at 4:10 pm
Maxima said:

I can’t wait! I’m hope I win.

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13 April, 2013 at 4:14 pm
Sadie said:

I have heard a lot about this one! Great review.

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13 April, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Karen G. said:

Thanks for the review but now you have me scared cuz it didn’t end the way you wanted it too! But I still really am looking forward to reading it and that makes it all the more intriguing to me. I love a book that touches all emotions.

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13 April, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Joanne Cowan said:

Great review, sounds like my kind of book 🙂

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13 April, 2013 at 5:48 pm
Lori T said:

This book is on my list to buy – I keep running out of money to buy books….might need to get a job to feed my book addiction. LOL.

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13 April, 2013 at 6:37 pm
Debra D said:

Looks so good, can’t wait to rad it!

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13 April, 2013 at 6:57 pm
danielle james said:

Amazing!

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13 April, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Megan said:

Fantastic reviews! This books sounds great. It sounds similar to The Fifth Favor, and I loved that book!

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13 April, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Mary Mooney said:

Can’t wait to read this one, sounds very interesting. Great giveaway!

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13 April, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Rose said:

This story sounds beautiful and I would love to win a copy!

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13 April, 2013 at 9:58 pm
Stephanie Beasley said:

loved the review and cant wait to read this… awesome Giveaway!!!

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13 April, 2013 at 10:27 pm
Mick Murphy said:

Book sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway!

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13 April, 2013 at 10:28 pm
Wendy said:

Ella Frank is amazing at what she writes! Can’t wait to read this one.

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13 April, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Jen P said:

Have been hearing a lot about this one…moving it up!! Thx

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13 April, 2013 at 11:15 pm
Pam said:

Sounds like a great book!

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14 April, 2013 at 12:42 am
Eliza said:

Great review! I am really excited about this book! It sounds really good!!!

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14 April, 2013 at 1:42 am
Vanna O said:

This book seems like it would be a little confusing at times but I’m definitely drawn to it and curious about the ending. I also got the feeling, from reading info on the book, that this was a book set back in time.

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14 April, 2013 at 3:17 am
Barb said:

I love Ella Frank! Can not wait to read this book!

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14 April, 2013 at 3:27 am
Angela Love said:

Great Review and I can’t wait to read it is on my list…. Thanks so much for this giveaway and the chance to enter!!!

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14 April, 2013 at 3:37 am
Deb said:

Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.

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14 April, 2013 at 4:16 am
Courtney S. said:

Looks like an interesting read. Thanks for the giveaway!

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14 April, 2013 at 5:22 am
Lou Gut said:

Thanks for the giveaway. This book looks really good.

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14 April, 2013 at 5:25 am
Teracia Loretan said:

thank you for a change at this amazing giveaway

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14 April, 2013 at 11:19 am
Naomi O'Sullivan said:

This Book is on my TBR so would be great to win!! 🙂 Thank you x

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14 April, 2013 at 3:51 pm
Ninna Marie said:

Heard great things about this book.

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14 April, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Julie Cole said:

I put this on my tbr list a few days ago. Looking forward to reading it.

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14 April, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Chanpreet said:

I’m totally jealous y’all have gotten to read it! I hope to be reading this book and loving it soon as well!

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15 April, 2013 at 1:15 am
Laura Mendez said:

First I love the cover…. second I’ve heard lots of good things about this book. Can’t wait to read this book.

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15 April, 2013 at 1:50 am
Tricia said:

I can’t wait to read this one! I’ve never heard so many people agree on a book being so great!

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15 April, 2013 at 1:50 am
Karen L said:

sounds like one to put in the TBR pile, near the top! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway!

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15 April, 2013 at 1:56 pm
Courtney said:

I absolutely devoured this book and loved everything about it! Aweseome review girls!

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15 April, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Krystal said:

This seems really good ! Pick me, pick me PLEASE !!!! LOl.

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15 April, 2013 at 6:40 pm
Susana Dorado said:

WOW! I’m super excited to read…I have read some interesting takes on this book…so I would love to read….thanks for a chance to win a ebook giveaway of Blind Obession….

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16 April, 2013 at 7:11 am
Thashni said:

Oh this sounds like an awesome read…Cant wait!!!

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16 April, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Amy said:

Can’t wait to read this one!!

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16 April, 2013 at 2:09 pm
leslie Metsch said:

Can’t wait to read this book Pick me PLEASE:)

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16 April, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Amy Malek Concepcion said:

So many good reviews about this one. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway

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16 April, 2013 at 6:25 pm
kim hunsberger said:

I am so excited to read this book. Always looking for something new and exciting. Can’t wait to get my little fingers on it.

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17 April, 2013 at 1:21 am
Riley Faith said:

Can’t wait to read this book!

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17 April, 2013 at 2:57 pm
Michelina said:

Awesome review!!! Can’t wait to read this book.

I have heard AMAZING things about it 🙂

Thanks for the chance to win it!

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17 April, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Vanessa Mehl said:

Cannot wait to read this.

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17 April, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Anna said:

I cannot wait to read this book and meet Phillipe!

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17 April, 2013 at 9:47 pm
Nina said:

Really powerful. I read it in one sitting basically because it is impossible to put down. I was gutted and shaking at the end….Great read but not an easy one…

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