The publisher’s summary for S. Massery’s Brutal Obsession promises a dark and intense new adult romance centered around a tumultuous relationship between a disgraced hockey prodigy and the girl who derailed his plans. This review will analyze the key elements presented in the excerpt, assessing their potential to create a compelling narrative while also examining the content warnings and target audience for this novel.
Synopsis
The summary introduces an unnamed male protagonist, a talented hockey player with aspirations of being drafted into the NHL and earning the respect of his senator father. However, a fateful collision with Violet Reece sets off a chain of events that shatters his carefully laid plans, resulting in a night in jail and damaging news articles.
Forced to transfer to a new school and hockey team, the protagonist harbors a deep resentment towards Violet, whom he blames for his misfortunes. When he discovers that she also attends his new school, he becomes determined to exact revenge, vowing to find “a thousand ways to ruin her.”
Themes and Conflict
The excerpt sets up a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic, with the added twist of a revenge plot. The protagonist’s single-minded obsession with Violet and his determination to make her pay for his downfall hints at a dark, potentially toxic relationship dynamic. This premise, while undoubtedly intriguing for fans of the genre, also raises concerns about the portrayal of unhealthy behaviors and power imbalances.
The mention of the protagonist’s senator father adds an element of political intrigue and familial pressure to the narrative. This subplot has the potential to explore themes of identity, expectations, and the cost of pursuing one’s dreams. The protagonist’s need to prove himself to his father could provide a compelling motivation for his actions, adding depth to his character.
Character Analysis
While the summary provides limited information about the characters, it offers some intriguing glimpses into their personalities and motivations. The protagonist is presented as a driven, talented athlete whose singular focus on his goals leaves little room for distractions or setbacks. His quick descent into obsession and vengeful thinking after his plans are derailed suggests a potentially volatile and dangerous personality.
Violet, meanwhile, remains an enigma. The excerpt provides no information about her character, leaving readers to speculate about her role in the protagonist’s downfall and her own motivations. This air of mystery could be a deliberate choice to build anticipation for her character reveal, but it also runs the risk of reducing her to a mere plot device rather than a fully realized individual.
Content Warnings and Target Audience
It is crucial to note that Brutal Obsession is marketed as a “dark college bully romance” and includes a content warning for listener discretion. This suggests that the novel will contain mature themes, potentially including violence, sexual content, and emotionally disturbing situations.
The excerpt’s emphasis on the protagonist’s vengeful intentions and the promise of a hero who “does not grovel under any circumstances” implies a power dynamic that some readers may find problematic or triggering. It is essential for potential readers to carefully consider their own boundaries and comfort levels before engaging with this content.
The target audience for this novel appears to be fans of new adult romance who enjoy dark, intense, and potentially controversial themes. The college setting and hockey backdrop may also appeal to readers who enjoy sports romances or academic settings.
Conclusion
Based on the publisher’s summary, Brutal Obsession promises a intense, emotionally charged romance that pushes the boundaries of the genre. The excerpt sets up a compelling central conflict and hints at complex character dynamics that could make for a gripping read.
However, the dark themes and potentially problematic power dynamics may not be suitable for all readers. The content warnings should be taken seriously, and potential readers should approach the novel with a clear understanding of what to expect.
For fans of dark new adult romance who enjoy exploring the complexities of obsession, revenge, and redemption, Brutal Obsession may prove to be a thrilling and provocative read. However, it is crucial to approach the novel with a critical eye and an awareness of the potential risks and limitations of its themes and tropes.
Ultimately, the success of Brutal Obsession will depend on Massery’s ability to navigate the delicate balance between crafting a compelling, emotionally engaging narrative and responsibly handling the sensitive subject matter. If the author can deliver on the promise of complex characters, high stakes, and a satisfying resolution, while also addressing the inherent power imbalances and toxic behaviors hinted at in the excerpt, Brutal Obsession could be a standout addition to the dark romance genre.
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