Book Review: Haunting Obsession by R.J. Sullivan

“She wants to be loved by you…alone!”

A Rebecca Burton Novella. Daryl Beasley collects all things Maxine Marie, whose famous curves and fast lifestyle made her a Hollywood icon for decades after her tragic death. Daryl’s girlfriend, Loretta Stevens, knew about his geeky lifestyle when they started dating, but she loves him, quirks and all.

Then one day Daryl chooses to buy a particularly tacky piece of memorabilia instead of Loretta’s birthday present. Daryl ends up in the doghouse, not only with Loretta, but with Maxine Marie herself. The legendary blonde returns from the dead to give Daryl a piece of her mind—and a haunting obsession he’ll never forget. - R.J. Sullivan

Haunting obsession is a really fun book.  It somewhat feels like a spoof of Marilyn Monroe with the ghost being a blond bombshell sex symbol from the sixties whose name is Maxine Marie.  It’s engaging, witty, and for the most part the characters are likeable.   It wasn’t overly complicated, it was straight forward, but to be honest, Loretta annoyed the hell out of me.   It was somewhat irritating how she forgave her Daryl left and right for all his misdeeds.   Here I am rooting for her to give that man a tongue lashing, or at least make him grovel a bit, but in the end all was forgiven.  None of this would have happened had he not bought the memorabilia item to begin with.  She loves the guy, I get it.  She wants to help him, of course.  That doesn’t mean that once everything is set and done that he shouldn’t have to make it up to her.  Granted, the man went through hell, but even before that she just automatically forgave him.  Grow a back bone girl!  After everything she was hurt just as much, if in different ways.  

It’s supposedly a Rebecca Burton novel, but she only makes a few cameos.  This lady definitely has some nifty gifts that I’d like to learn more about.  Honestly, I wish there had been more of this woman and her sense of awesomeness throughout the entire novel.  It was that little grain of Rebecca that will make me most definitely want to pick up R.J. Sullivan books in the future.

Other than the easy forgiveness from Loretta it was actually a decent novel.  Nothing that is overly phenomenal, but it’s a book to curl up on the corner of the couch with a soft blanket, and warm cup of cocoa to relax your mind.  If you like ghosts, were a fan of Marilyn Monroe, or just like a fun, easy read, I’d suggest picking this book up.

I give this book 3 1/2 out of five stars and a recommendation for a fun read.