My Corrupt Obsession: Possessing Violet Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Corrupt Obsession: Possessing Violet by Dinah Harper is the prequel to the Possessing Violet series. The story centers on Jesse Sampson and Violet Carr, step-siblings who become caught in a tangled, forbidden relationship. For Jesse, Violet is more than a new step-sister—after the death of his father, she becomes his color, his only solid connection. Their bond is deep and immediate, bordering on unhealthy from the moment they meet. What starts as a tight friendship and unwavering loyalty morphs into something consuming and dangerous as both grow older. Raised in a conservative and religious household, Violet feels constrained by expectations and guilt. Jesse’s obsession grows, warping his love into something possessive and frightening, while Violet struggles with her need for him and her own mounting guilt.
The book explores family ties, taboo romance, obsession, and the push and pull of desire against deeply-rooted shame. Jesse's intensity drives him, and as his darkness grows, Violet finds herself conflicted, wanting him but fearing both him and their circumstances. The story unfolds through their difficult decisions, betrayals, and the impossible lines they cross as they break beneath secrecy and emotional unrest.
Why I Love This Book
I am taken in by just how raw and uncomfortable this book is. I find the emotional turmoil and psychological depth almost brutal. The writing doesn't gloss things over; it makes me sit with the mess and the shame, the pain and the longing. The way Jesse's obsession overtakes him feels disturbing but somehow honest. It’s rare for a book to make me feel such a whirlwind of discomfort, anger, heartbreak, and even hope for the characters.
I love that Violet isn’t just a bystander in her trauma—she’s strong, complicated, and a survivor even when trapped. The author doesn’t shy away from difficult subject matter and instead drags every emotion into the light. This isn’t the kind of dark romance that lets you distance yourself. Instead, it pulls me straight into the confusion, lust, regret, and loneliness. It’s a book that forces me to question what I think about obsession, control, love, and forgiveness. The complexity of the characters, especially Jesse’s descent into his own darkness and Violet’s struggle to hold onto herself, is what makes this book unforgettable. Even in their lowest moments, I catch myself wanting them to find peace, if not with each other, then at least with themselves.
Who Will Like This Book
If you are drawn to extremely dark romance or taboo storylines and want a story that doesn’t hold back from complicated emotions and broken characters, you’ll connect with this book. If you appreciate books that show obsession and psychological damage, as well as stories set in strict religious environments that crank up the sense of shame and secrecy, you’ll want to put this at the top of your reading list. Fans of enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, step-sibling romance, and books with plenty of moral gray will find plenty to keep them turning the pages. If you are looking for clear-cut heroes and comfort, though, you might want to look elsewhere.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book contains many triggers, including non/con and abusive, manipulative relationships. I think it's important to approach this one with caution and check the trigger warnings in advance.
Tagged As
dark romance, erotic romance, step-sibling romance, forbidden romance, taboo, possessive hero, obsession, age gap, religious themes, trauma, psychological drama, dubious consent, non-consent, series, kindle unlimited, dual POV
Steam Level
This book is explicit in its content and goes beyond most romance novels in both intensity and subject matter. If you’re looking for a book with a high spice level and boundary-pushing sex scenes, this is it.
