Scandalous Little Obsession by Rachael Brownwell takes the reader back to Lake State University. So, I have been following this series from the beginning and with each installment I have grown closer to the characters. The teaser at the end of Wicked Little Promise made me eager to get my hands on Evie and Leo’s story. I am happy to report it did not disappoint. Chock full of emotions, Scandalous Little Obsession kept me engaged from start to finish.
I’m the youngest but that doesn’t mean I’m naive. That I can’t take care of myself.Or go after what I want. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: Scandalous Little Obsession
Author(s): Rachael Brownell
Series: Lake State University #5
Also in this series: Dirty Little Secret , Tempting Little Tease, Risky Little Affair , Wicked Little Promise , Torrid Little Passion , Tangled Little Truths, Twisted Little Lies, Defiant Little Love
on May 13, 2022
Pages: 248
Genre(s): New Adult
Source: Author
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon
Series Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Which is exactly what I plan to do, no matter how many times my brother tries to stand in my way. This is my life, not his. He may be afraid to let me go, but I’m not scared of spreading my wings and flying.
Of rising from the ashes.
I’m tired of mourning. I’m tired of being treated as fragile. And I’m ready to start living my life again.
First thing on my list… sex.
So what if it’s my first time? Who cares if it’s supposed to be special?
I’m not looking for a relationship, I just want to lose my virginity.
I’ve even set my sights on the person I want to give it to.
His messy hair falls in his honey brown eyes, making me weak in the knees.
His touch lights a fire inside me I didn’t know existed and I find myself begging to get burned. Best of all, he says he likes to fix broken things.
I’m still a little broken, and I have a few ideas how he can fix me.
The only problem… my brother’s forbidden him to come near me.
It’s a good thing sneaking around is hot.
SUMMARY
Evie Palmer, the youngest of the Palmer siblings, is a freshman at Lake State University. Ever since her senior year in high school, she has wanted one thing, but her brother Max scared away all the potential candidates. Now she’s in college and she plans to live her life on her own term. To prove to everyone, her brother included, she can take care of herself. The first thing on her agenda is to rid herself of her virginity and walk away with no strings attached. She has the perfect candidate on her radar, but achieving her goal will not be an easy undertaking. First, the guy she set her sights on was rushing the fraternity for which her brother was president. Second, her brother’s determination to keep guys away from her, especially members of his fraternity made her quest harder.
The story began with Evie and Leo’s first encounter. Since that moment they were caught in a game of cat and mouse, with Leo doing the chasing while Evie keeps running. In the middle of the chase, we find Max dishing out threats, hoping to scare Leo from pursuing his baby sister.Â
Evie was a great character. In this installment, she grows into a confident and strong individual. She has come to terms with the loss of her dad. The pain is still raw, but she recognized he would want her to live her life to the fullest and she plans to do just that. I admired how she stood up to her brother, letting him know that is her life and not his to control. She definitely has gumption, which made her a perfect match for Leo.
Leo was the one guy Max’s scare tactics did not work on. He refused to back off and proved he would willingly walk through the fire to be with Evie.
The romance which developed falls into the category of slow burn. Despite her eagerness to rid herself of her virginity, it took a while for them to become intimate. In this regard, Leo displayed his gentleman side by putting Evie’s needs above his. That being said, it took me sometime to warm up to Leo. I knew little about him and he appeared too good to be true. Brownwell slowly weaved his past into the story. Eventually, one learns of the betrayal and heartbreak he experienced while in high school. Especially when that past came tumbling into his present, wanting a reconciliation.
As this is a college romance, one would expect there to be an emphasis on the college experience, however, this was not the case. The focus was on Leo and Evie’s relationship and Max’s insecurities in his sister’s ability to take care of herself. Now, while I understood Max’s need to protect his sister, I found his attitude and actions overbearing. It’s clear he harbors deep-seated issues. I sure hope he deals with it.Â
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Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, Scandalous Little obsession delivered an entertaining college romance. It will make you laugh and swoon and leave you wanting more of these characters. I am looking forward to the next couple’s story.
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About Rachael Brownell
Rachael Brownell is an award-winning author of young adult and new adult romance.Â
Rachael lives in Michigan with her husband, son, snuggly dog, and hateful cat. She moonlights as a bartender a few days a week (her excuse to get out of the house and socialize) and writes almost full time. Her first book was published way back in 2013 and since she’s released 30 additional titles. She writes all kinds of romance – dark, sexy, sweet. When she’s not writing her next novel, you can find her hanging out with her family, watching her son play baseball, or running on the treadmill at the gym (though she skips more days than she goes). She also enjoys golfing but is still learning, so if you see her on the course… stand back.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Thanks for the review Nadene, I’m glad you liked it. I’m not usually one for an NA romance but it sounds tempting 🙂
Its not my usual jam either, but the series has proven addictive.
Lovely review. I like that both characters have some emotional depth!
I always do love a slow burn romance but sometimes I feel like the physical aspects are pushed too far back into the story.
It sounds like it was a solid read for you.
Great review!
I agree with your perspective, but that aside I prefer slow burn romance.
This sounds like it was well done. I do think that I would like these characters. I will have to check out the series.