: The book features several "dubcon" (dubious consent) scenarios and is rated highly for its explicit steam and spice levels. Reader Reception
: Sebastian’s controlling behavior eventually drives Starling to run away. However, Sebastian continues to stalk her and pull strings from the shadows for two years.
The story begins in a high school setting where Starling, a student of modest means, encounters "The Elites"—four wealthy and powerful boys who rule the school. Obsession by Gemma Weir
: Some readers on Reddit criticize the writing style as "juvenile" or "Wattpad-like," noting a lack of character depth and unrealistic portrayals of wealth and power for college-aged characters. Obsession (Alphaholes, #1) by Gemma Weir - Goodreads
: Sebastian Lockwood, the ringleader of the Elites, becomes instantly obsessed with Starling during her sophomore year. He views her as his property, using his immense power and wealth to manipulate her life. : The book features several "dubcon" (dubious consent)
: Fans of the book, such as reviewers on Goodreads and TikTok , enjoy the over-the-top (OTT) possessiveness, the "bingeable" nature of the drama, and the protective dynamic Sebastian's friends eventually show toward Starling.
As a dark romance, the book contains several mature themes and potential triggers. Readers on The StoryGraph and the Trigger Warning Database highlight the following content: The story begins in a high school setting
Reviews for the book are polarized, often depending on a reader's comfort with the "dark romance" genre: