Want to read a fabulous twist on Gothic Romance? Well, you couldn't do better than Dark Obsession. Allison Chaise strikes all the right chords when creating mood, raising the tension of the storyline, and writing heroes who are lovable and flawed (sober, self-sacrificing, guilt-ridden and possibly dangerous). Her descriptions of 19th century London society and the ruggedly beautiful countryside and seacoast of Cornwall, especially when seen through the eyes of the artist/heroine, are engrossing and fill the story with you-are-there details. The romance that blooms tentatively in the face of possible madness, sorrow and mystery is marvelously written.
The main characters marry in desparation and then learn to love, and, almost as importantly, trust one another through a series of set backs. But the heroine's gumption and her unflagging loyalty prove well-founded.
There's an aura of Wuthering Heights afoot, with all the gloom and bad weather you'd expect but with more humor (which ultimately heightens the dramatic tension, shows the characters growing closer and elevates the reader's interest in the relationship).
Even the minor characters (Nora's parents, Grayson's friend, nephew and servants) are well developed and potential suspects for mischief.
I'm thrilled that Ms. Chase has another Dark novel being released soon. Here she's woven a tale of shadows and sensuality and I look forward to losing myself in her next breathtaking, romantic adventure.