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Southern Comfort #5
Obsession
Trauma surgeon Justin Wellington is accustomed to handling gunshot wounds… just not over his Cobb salad. When a lunch date with his best friend, the woman with whom he’s quietly and desperately in love – homicide detective Kathleen Murphy – becomes the scene of a drive-by shooting, Justin’s surgical skills are called upon to save the life of a young waitress. His heroism that day sets into motion a chain of events that brings him to the attention of a dangerous and disturbed individual, threatening his career, his own life and the lives of those he holds dear. Because sometimes what we think is love is really only madness.
520 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2014
103 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Clark O'Neill
23 books247 followersOne fine day in the not-too-distant past, Lisa Clark O’Neill left Wittenberg University with a BA in English, which she promptly neglected. After working as an interior designer, decorative artist, and Montessori art teacher (there may have been a BA in art as well,) she finally settled into the role of mother to two very fine children. However, two years of doing the stay-at-home-mom brain cell melt drove her to pull out a pen and one of her old college notebooks. That turned into six manuscripts. Lisa spent subsequent years avoiding housework by burying her nose in just about every romance novel she could get her hands on, after completely falling in love with the genre. Her own work falls into the romantic suspense sub-genre, with strong comedic undertones. Two of Lisa's recent novels, Circumstantial Evidence and Malice, were chosen as Best Reads of 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 24, 2015
Trauma surgeon Justin Wellington has loved his friend Detective Kathleen Murphy for three years but missed his chance to make a move when she began dating Anthony Corelli a year ago. He didn't want to lose the friendship by confessing his feelings and not having them returned. Things took a turn after they were in the crossfires of a gang drive-by shooting at a bar. It also soon becomes clear that Justin has a stalker-ish admirer and someone has an axe to grind with Kathleen.
The stalker storyline was interesting even though it was clear who it wasn't from the start. The fact that multiple incidents happened across different law enforcement jurisdictions really hampered the two investigations. It was frustrating to watch the train wrecks from the sidelines as none of the dots were connected and it points to the probable realities of our system.
I enjoyed the romance between Justin and Kathleen, even though he was exceptionally clueless about everything but his profession. He earned the title Doctor Hopeless. The mystery was pretty easy to solve though the motivation was much more elusive. I still had unanswered questions at the end, though, and needed more resolution.
The stalker storyline was interesting even though it was clear who it wasn't from the start. The fact that multiple incidents happened across different law enforcement jurisdictions really hampered the two investigations. It was frustrating to watch the train wrecks from the sidelines as none of the dots were connected and it points to the probable realities of our system.
I enjoyed the romance between Justin and Kathleen, even though he was exceptionally clueless about everything but his profession. He earned the title Doctor Hopeless. The mystery was pretty easy to solve though the motivation was much more elusive. I still had unanswered questions at the end, though, and needed more resolution.
December 10, 2017
I don't really remember this book, but I think that while the H was in love with his best friend h he continued to date and sleep with OW. And the h sees him with these other gals. I really don't like the friends to lovers / sleeping with others while you supposedly love the h 😝
Hopefully I am remembering right!
Hopefully I am remembering right!
February 25, 2017
While having a late lunch with his best friend, Kathleen Murphy, whom he's been in love with for 3 years, a drive by shooting occurs, putting trauma surgeon Justin Wellington's skills to use saving a life of one of the waitresses. From this point on, questionable break-ins and gifts in the mail from a psycho stalker start showing up at Justin's doorstep. Not only that but his relationship with Kathleen has taken a turn beyond that friendship zone. Which puts Kathleen in the crosshairs of danger.
I was a bit frustrated with Justin considering how he just brush off those break-ins in the beginning. For a man with a medical degree, he can be clueless at times. I get that it's in his nature to help people and believe everything about them but when strange "gifts" appear inside your locked properties, you call the cops!! Aside from that, I did enjoy the friends to lovers part of the book, I wish we got a bit more of it to explore its depth.
The stalker angle was interesting, this one was wayyyyyy certifiably crazy. It wasn't hard to deduce who it was but knowing it and reading the events happening, which occurred across different police jurisdictions made it harder for the law enforcement to connect the crimes made me really tense. Plus I wanted to tell Justin to stop being nice to everybody even though that's impossible because he IS your all-around nice guy.
The ending felt too abrupt for me, I wanted some loose ends tied up/described a bit more. Other than that, it was a great read. I love the updates on the previous couples from the series. I also loved James, he definitely stole a few scenes in the book here. Definitely hero material.
I was a bit frustrated with Justin considering how he just brush off those break-ins in the beginning. For a man with a medical degree, he can be clueless at times. I get that it's in his nature to help people and believe everything about them but when strange "gifts" appear inside your locked properties, you call the cops!! Aside from that, I did enjoy the friends to lovers part of the book, I wish we got a bit more of it to explore its depth.
The stalker angle was interesting, this one was wayyyyyy certifiably crazy. It wasn't hard to deduce who it was but knowing it and reading the events happening, which occurred across different police jurisdictions made it harder for the law enforcement to connect the crimes made me really tense. Plus I wanted to tell Justin to stop being nice to everybody even though that's impossible because he IS your all-around nice guy.
The ending felt too abrupt for me, I wanted some loose ends tied up/described a bit more. Other than that, it was a great read. I love the updates on the previous couples from the series. I also loved James, he definitely stole a few scenes in the book here. Definitely hero material.
August 25, 2017
4.5 stars
This was one of the best books in the series.I Loved the mystery and how it all ended.Although I knew who it was after a while.I just needed something more .I needed to know the whys and what happened next!
This was one of the best books in the series.I Loved the mystery and how it all ended.Although I knew who it was after a while.I just needed something more .I needed to know the whys and what happened next!
February 15, 2015
I’m here to tell you if you haven't read any works by Lisa Clarke O'Neill, you're truly missing out on not only some terrific reads, but a terrific series. Once again – and we’re talking for the fifth time – the author delivers an engaging novel full of mystery, romance, and a little humour; not to mention a cast of various family and friends sprinkled throughout that add a touch of familiarity that make the “Southern Comfort” novels always a pleasure to read . You could read the books out of order as they can be read as stand-alone. However, I highly suggest you start out with "Serendipity," book 1 in the "Southern Comfort" series. Trust me when I say that once you finish book 1 you’ll be clamouring for more, quickly adding each novel in the series to your TBR list. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the next installment.
With respect to “Obsession,” as much as liked both Justin and Kathleen, I thought these two lacked the heat and passion that the other couples definitely had. As for the suspense, I thought it was quite clear early on who the killer was, and since both Justin and Kathleen are two very bright and intelligent people (a surgeon and a detective), it was more than a little hard for me to accept that these two couldn’t figure out who it was when it was staring at them right in their face. Regardless, in my opinion the novel is worthy of the 4 stars I gave it.
Love the book cover. :)
With respect to “Obsession,” as much as liked both Justin and Kathleen, I thought these two lacked the heat and passion that the other couples definitely had. As for the suspense, I thought it was quite clear early on who the killer was, and since both Justin and Kathleen are two very bright and intelligent people (a surgeon and a detective), it was more than a little hard for me to accept that these two couldn’t figure out who it was when it was staring at them right in their face. Regardless, in my opinion the novel is worthy of the 4 stars I gave it.
Love the book cover. :)
March 28, 2014
Reviewed by Gemini
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Obsession is the fifth book in the Southern Comfort Series by Lisa Clark O’Neill. It’s the story of South Carolina residents Justin Wellington and Kathleen Murphy. Justin is an ER doctor and Kathleen is a homicide detective. They have been close friends for the past few years. However, there is a spark between them that Justin has wanted to ignite but hasn’t. When shots ring out inside a shady restaurant where they are having lunch, a chain of events is set off that changes their relationship and threatens their lives.
Although I have not read all of the books in the series, it was not difficult to follow along. The other books just provide more insight into each of the characters’ relationships. The chemistry between Justin and Kathleen is fun to watch. They have a challenging time navigating their way out of the friend zone. The funny part is that everyone else knows that they are meant to be together. There is a good balance between the suspense and their budding romance. As much as I would love to explain the basis of the obsession that the book hinges on, it would take away from what makes it such a good read. Nonetheless, there is a mystery stalker, murder, and plenty of suspects.
I would definitely recommend this book. It started off a little slow, but once the stalker increases their advances, the book becomes much more interesting. You will not know what to expect.
Source: Author
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Obsession is the fifth book in the Southern Comfort Series by Lisa Clark O’Neill. It’s the story of South Carolina residents Justin Wellington and Kathleen Murphy. Justin is an ER doctor and Kathleen is a homicide detective. They have been close friends for the past few years. However, there is a spark between them that Justin has wanted to ignite but hasn’t. When shots ring out inside a shady restaurant where they are having lunch, a chain of events is set off that changes their relationship and threatens their lives.
Although I have not read all of the books in the series, it was not difficult to follow along. The other books just provide more insight into each of the characters’ relationships. The chemistry between Justin and Kathleen is fun to watch. They have a challenging time navigating their way out of the friend zone. The funny part is that everyone else knows that they are meant to be together. There is a good balance between the suspense and their budding romance. As much as I would love to explain the basis of the obsession that the book hinges on, it would take away from what makes it such a good read. Nonetheless, there is a mystery stalker, murder, and plenty of suspects.
I would definitely recommend this book. It started off a little slow, but once the stalker increases their advances, the book becomes much more interesting. You will not know what to expect.
Source: Author
Read
March 11, 2014Thank you Ms. O'Neill
For aiding and abetting me in the crime of procrastination. I will now be up all night and morning finishing my project for college. I started this book this afternoon and tried to put it down. I JUST COULDN'T DO IT! I loved it. Justin definitely makes my top five in book boyfriends. The characters in this book gave me that warm and fuzzy family feeling. The bad women in this book, well I kind of wished their characters suffering and misery. The plot kept my grip tight on this Kindle, even beyond dinnertime. The mystery, well, I figured that out pretty easy but I'm smart that way. The romance, well I love a good friends-to-lovers story and these characters possessed chemistry. If you're thinking of reading this book, please do. It's an intense puzzle that keeps you hooked in to what possibly happens next until you reach the last page. Happy reading my fellow bookworms!
For aiding and abetting me in the crime of procrastination. I will now be up all night and morning finishing my project for college. I started this book this afternoon and tried to put it down. I JUST COULDN'T DO IT! I loved it. Justin definitely makes my top five in book boyfriends. The characters in this book gave me that warm and fuzzy family feeling. The bad women in this book, well I kind of wished their characters suffering and misery. The plot kept my grip tight on this Kindle, even beyond dinnertime. The mystery, well, I figured that out pretty easy but I'm smart that way. The romance, well I love a good friends-to-lovers story and these characters possessed chemistry. If you're thinking of reading this book, please do. It's an intense puzzle that keeps you hooked in to what possibly happens next until you reach the last page. Happy reading my fellow bookworms!
February 7, 2016
Five super easy stars! This was my favorite book in the series. Just loved the 2 main characters...Kathleen and Justin were perfect:) Lots of intrigue and suspense to go with the romance...makes me a happy, happy, reader! I'm going to look for more by this author, as she's an excellent writer.
December 20, 2017
This is the third book by the author, I read Forbidden first then Nemesis and finished the series off with Obsession. The romance aspect was boring and not safe
February 16, 2014
I simply love this series and this author and highly recommend both. This book is irritating because so many things are going on that seem to be unrelated when in fact they are. There are various police departments and jurisdictions and people involved, each with different bits and pieces, but no one seems to be putting it all together. Our main characters are each at a disadvantage (You know; falling in love, worrying about their families, trying to do their jobs, each which is highly important) and each has a different suspect in mind for their individual situations. Of course, we as the readers have a lot of those bits and pieces. Aaaaaah, it's good to be the reader. Especially with such great characters and great interaction spread out among those characters. The humor mixed in with the seriousness (There really ARE crazy people out there) is so welcome. I hope we see more of some of the key players in this book, they were excellent. Even the ex-boyfriend.
April 20, 2014
A copy was provided by the Goodreads First Reads Contest!!
I really liked the story as a reader who had not previously read anything by Lisa Clark O'Neill or any previous books in the series. The story was very easy to follow and held many interesting events within the story that were weaved very well to seem random, but tied together perfectly in the end.
As with many stories of destined best friend relationships, Justin and Kathleen face many of the trials of trying to simultaneously get out of the friend zone while having no idea about the others feelings even though everyone else can see they love each other. I really liked the characters especially Justin, we were able to see just why they make such a good pair and become (I'm assuming more) endeared to them and rooting for their relationship.
I look forward to reading more from Lisa Clark O'Neill.
I really liked the story as a reader who had not previously read anything by Lisa Clark O'Neill or any previous books in the series. The story was very easy to follow and held many interesting events within the story that were weaved very well to seem random, but tied together perfectly in the end.
As with many stories of destined best friend relationships, Justin and Kathleen face many of the trials of trying to simultaneously get out of the friend zone while having no idea about the others feelings even though everyone else can see they love each other. I really liked the characters especially Justin, we were able to see just why they make such a good pair and become (I'm assuming more) endeared to them and rooting for their relationship.
I look forward to reading more from Lisa Clark O'Neill.
February 13, 2014
Dam this author, she is awesome. I mean I just found her about a month or so ago, and I am plowing through her books like crazy. I absolutely adore Justin and Kathleen. I mean Justine is not my usual hero, but man he sets me on fire! In this book, we get to see more of Kathleen, still kick ass, but I really enjoyed getting to know all of her. Now, on pins and needle for the next book!
February 23, 2014
I literally did not want to put this book down --it was in my hand the whole time I begrudgingly got up for the necessity of getting food. The suspense was fantastic (had me guessing right up until the very end), the humor spot-on, the romance hot, the characters well-rounded, realistic, and relatable. Truly an excellent read!
October 23, 2019
“Just as long as you don’t sleep through it.”
Dr. Justin and cop Kathleen just happen to be in the middle of a shoot out and save the life of a young woman. When strange things start happening to both of them, the friendship they’ve always had, turns into something more... If you haven’t read the other books in this series, you need to only because they are all Super reads!! Enjoy!!!
Dr. Justin and cop Kathleen just happen to be in the middle of a shoot out and save the life of a young woman. When strange things start happening to both of them, the friendship they’ve always had, turns into something more... If you haven’t read the other books in this series, you need to only because they are all Super reads!! Enjoy!!!
August 14, 2019
I love this serues
Actually, I love every Lisa Clark O'Neill book. I've read every kindle book she had this month and now I'm bummed out there is no more. I DEFINITELY recommend this book series and every Lisa Clark O'Neill book
Actually, I love every Lisa Clark O'Neill book. I've read every kindle book she had this month and now I'm bummed out there is no more. I DEFINITELY recommend this book series and every Lisa Clark O'Neill book
September 11, 2017
Ms. Clark-O'Neill is a recent find for me - I enjoy her writing style and characters. A fun, fast paced read - just the way I like um!
September 25, 2017
Enjoyable Reading
Read books 1 2 3 4 and 5 - Held my interest from start to finish - Thank you for sharing.
Read books 1 2 3 4 and 5 - Held my interest from start to finish - Thank you for sharing.
October 15, 2018
Page turner
Had to read it straight through. The Who-Did-It-factor for several incidents wouldn't allow me to stop reading. Great series that I will be recommending.
Had to read it straight through. The Who-Did-It-factor for several incidents wouldn't allow me to stop reading. Great series that I will be recommending.
February 23, 2019
Great book!
Finally, Justin and Kathleen! I've been waiting for this one. Kept me guessing until the end. Another solid addition to the series.
Finally, Justin and Kathleen! I've been waiting for this one. Kept me guessing until the end. Another solid addition to the series.
August 9, 2019
Obsession review
Obsession is the fifth fast paced romantic suspense book in the Southern Comfort series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
Obsession is the fifth fast paced romantic suspense book in the Southern Comfort series written by author Lisa Clark O'Neill.
December 15, 2019
Another great read—mystery - romance by Lisa Clark O’Neil. Unfortunately the last in series. Hope she will come up with an addition or another new series as I have but one more to read.
September 7, 2025
B
Ending leaves you hanging and hate computer read books?
Ending leaves you hanging and hate computer read books?
February 9, 2017
Awesome page-turner. Creepy and gives a real glimpse of what it is like to have a stalker.
December 12, 2015
I've been a huge fan of Lisa Clark O'Neill ever since I discovered her novel, Nemesis. I do think I enjoyed Nemesis slightly more than Obsession. Obsession is the fifth book in the Southern Comfort Series by Lisa Clark O’Neill and I highly recommend both Ms. O'Neill as an author and this series in particular.
I like Ms. Clark O'Neill writing voice and she paces the story well. The suspense in this novel is well done; all the loose ends are tied up and answered which I really appreciate. Her characters feel real and fleshed out. Her secondary characters are really strong in this novel as the suspense is woven with more detail than the romance. In fact, my disappointment in this book was more centered on the romance. Justin and Kathleen are friends to lovers and this is well done and there is a lot of chemistry. However, due to her position in the police department and the cases being worked, Kathleen can't spend as much time with Justin as she/he wants or as much time as the reader may want.
In summary: Great author, great writing, great story; definitely recommend.
I like Ms. Clark O'Neill writing voice and she paces the story well. The suspense in this novel is well done; all the loose ends are tied up and answered which I really appreciate. Her characters feel real and fleshed out. Her secondary characters are really strong in this novel as the suspense is woven with more detail than the romance. In fact, my disappointment in this book was more centered on the romance. Justin and Kathleen are friends to lovers and this is well done and there is a lot of chemistry. However, due to her position in the police department and the cases being worked, Kathleen can't spend as much time with Justin as she/he wants or as much time as the reader may want.
In summary: Great author, great writing, great story; definitely recommend.
March 30, 2015
Justin's story
I have really enjoyed this series. Justin and Kathleen have been prominent throughout most of the books, so it was nice to see them finally get their own story. Basically, Justin saves a life and acquires a stalker. The stalker is not only interested in wooing Justin, but also eliminating anyone close to him or anyone who opposes him. Justin's brother, James, and Kathleen's ex end up working together to determine the stalker's identity and protect Justin and Kathleen. Unfortunately, no matter what they do, the stalker keeps getting through. In the midst of all the chaos, Justin finally decides to act on his attraction to Kathleen and takes their relationship to the next level. They made a great couple with lots of chemistry.
I have really enjoyed this series. Justin and Kathleen have been prominent throughout most of the books, so it was nice to see them finally get their own story. Basically, Justin saves a life and acquires a stalker. The stalker is not only interested in wooing Justin, but also eliminating anyone close to him or anyone who opposes him. Justin's brother, James, and Kathleen's ex end up working together to determine the stalker's identity and protect Justin and Kathleen. Unfortunately, no matter what they do, the stalker keeps getting through. In the midst of all the chaos, Justin finally decides to act on his attraction to Kathleen and takes their relationship to the next level. They made a great couple with lots of chemistry.
November 25, 2016
I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the book. The only thing I really disliked was the ending. It felt like it ended abruptly. Although everything was explained with no question about who the culprit was and why...it still felt like the ending was way too short.
Aside from that, still a great book and would recommend.
Oh, actually there is one thing and it's something I keep forgetting to mention in other reviews for the author's books.
The editing. I read these on Kindle and there is no spacing between chapters. it ends up looking like a weird run on or just cramped.
This also happens when she tries to switch between situations/characters within a chapter. It's the only thing that really jars me out of the book.
Aside from that, still a great book and would recommend.
Oh, actually there is one thing and it's something I keep forgetting to mention in other reviews for the author's books.
The editing. I read these on Kindle and there is no spacing between chapters. it ends up looking like a weird run on or just cramped.
This also happens when she tries to switch between situations/characters within a chapter. It's the only thing that really jars me out of the book.
December 18, 2016
Great read. Intriguing storyline with lots of surprising plot twists. Dynamic characters. Looking forward to another book in this series. The author is now one of my favorites. Love her writing style.
April 8, 2015
Great addition to the series
November 27, 2018
JUSTIN WELLINGTON
KATHLEEN MURPHY
Read 24/11/14 | 3.5 stars
KATHLEEN MURPHY
Read 24/11/14 | 3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews