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Rebel Obsession

Rebel Obsession

by Elle Thorpe 2023 418 pages
4.29
9.6K ratings
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Plot Summary

Night of Primal Violence

A party turns into horror

Rebel, determined to confront her attackers, attends Caleb's infamous Halloween party with her stepbrother Vaughn and their friends Fang and Kian. The party, under the guise of a "primal" theme, devolves into a nightmarish scene of orchestrated sexual violence and predation. Outnumbered and powerless, the group is forced to witness the depravity, culminating in Caleb kidnapping Rebel. Vaughn, Fang, and Kian race desperately to save her, haunted by guilt and the memory of their own failures to protect her before. The night marks a turning point, exposing the true evil of Caleb and his circle, and forging an unbreakable bond of vengeance and trauma among the friends.

Drowning and Rescue

Rebel faces death, finds hope

Drugged and bound, Rebel is thrown into a pool by Caleb, left to drown as a final act of cruelty. Her mind drifts between panic, regret, and a stubborn refusal to die without justice. At the brink of unconsciousness, she is saved by Sasha, a neighbor, who risks her own life to pull Rebel to the surface. The arrival of Fang, Kian, and Vaughn brings frantic efforts to revive her. In the aftermath, love and fear intermingle—Rebel confesses her feelings to Fang, and the group is forced to confront the reality of their trauma. The rescue is both a literal and emotional rebirth, but the scars of the night linger, fueling a need for retribution.

Aftermath and Confessions

Survivors struggle with guilt

As the paramedics leave, Rebel and her friends grapple with the emotional fallout. Sasha, the unlikely hero, is thanked but kept at arm's length for her own safety. Fang, Vaughn, and Kian each process their guilt and responsibility differently—Fang with fierce protectiveness, Vaughn with brooding self-reproach, and Kian with humor masking pain. The group's dynamic shifts as confessions of love and desire surface, blurring the lines between friendship, family, and romance. The trauma of the attack becomes a crucible, forging new connections and exposing old wounds, as they vow to take back control and seek justice on their own terms.

Old Wounds, New Desires

Past relationships resurface, complicate

Vaughn and Kian's shared history comes to the fore, revealing a teenage romance marked by secrecy, violence, and heartbreak. Their unresolved feelings simmer beneath the surface, complicated by Vaughn's marriage and Kian's role in the household. Meanwhile, Rebel's attraction to both men grows, even as she clings to Fang as her anchor. The house becomes a pressure cooker of sexual tension, jealousy, and longing, with each character wrestling with their own desires and the fear of repeating past mistakes. The need for revenge against Caleb and his friends is matched only by the need for healing and connection.

Night Watch and Secrets

Vigilance and vulnerability in the dark

Haunted by the threat of Caleb's return, Vaughn keeps a silent vigil over Rebel, unable to sleep and tormented by his own feelings. Their late-night conversation peels back layers of trauma and longing, as Vaughn confides in Rebel about his and Kian's painful past. The night becomes a confessional, with secrets shared and old wounds reopened. The revelation that Caleb may have another woman captive reignites their sense of purpose, galvanizing the group to act. The boundaries between protector and protected, friend and lover, blur further, as the house becomes both sanctuary and prison.

Club Ties and Family Bonds

Allies gather, old enemies return

Bliss, Rebel's best friend, and her polyamorous family are drawn into the conflict, bringing the resources and muscle of the Slayers MC. The group strategizes to rescue Caleb's other victim, but the lines between personal vendetta and collective justice blur. The MC's own history of violence and loss echoes the trauma faced by Rebel and her friends, creating a web of loyalty, obligation, and shared pain. As plans are made and alliances forged, the specter of family—both chosen and biological—looms large, complicating motives and deepening the stakes.

Plans for Revenge

Vengeance takes shape, risks mount

With the MC's support, the group prepares to storm Caleb's house and rescue the captive woman. Rebel is sidelined for her own safety, but her frustration and sense of helplessness grow. The men's need to protect her clashes with her own desire for agency and retribution. As the group moves out, the emotional stakes are heightened by declarations of love, jealousy, and the ever-present threat of violence. The plan is fraught with risk, and the possibility of betrayal or failure hangs over them all.

The Girl in the Basement

Captivity, hope, and despair

Kara, the woman held captive by Caleb, endures days of isolation, fear, and abuse. Pregnant and desperate, she clings to the hope of rescue promised by Rebel. Her ordeal is a mirror of Rebel's own trauma, and her resilience becomes a quiet act of defiance. When Caleb moves her to a new location, the sense of hope dims, replaced by the terror of the unknown. The narrative shifts to her perspective, deepening the emotional resonance and underscoring the stakes of the group's mission.

Escape and Betrayal

Failed rescue, shifting threats

The group's raid on Caleb's house comes too late—Kara is gone, and Caleb has vanished. The failure stings, fueling guilt and anger. The realization that the police are complicit or indifferent deepens their sense of isolation. Meanwhile, Kara is delivered into the hands of a new captor, Chaos, whose ambiguous morality offers both danger and a glimmer of hope. The shifting alliances and betrayals highlight the precariousness of safety and the limits of trust.

Tangled Loyalties

Love triangles and shifting alliances

Back at home, the emotional fallout intensifies. Rebel, Fang, Vaughn, and Kian navigate a complex web of attraction, jealousy, and loyalty. Old wounds between Vaughn and Kian resurface, threatening to tear the group apart. Rebel's need for agency clashes with the men's protectiveness, while her feelings for each of them deepen. The group's unity is tested by secrets, confessions, and the ever-present threat of violence from Caleb and his circle. The lines between love, lust, and loyalty blur, as each character is forced to confront what they truly want—and what they're willing to risk.

Lines Crossed

Desire, boundaries, and consequences

The sexual tension between Rebel, Vaughn, and Kian finally boils over, leading to a night of passion, confession, and vulnerability. The boundaries between friendship, family, and romance are obliterated, replaced by a new, fragile intimacy. The consequences of their choices ripple outward, complicating their quest for justice and their relationships with each other. The need for revenge is matched by the need for healing, but the path forward is fraught with danger and uncertainty.

Love, Lust, and Power

Claiming agency, embracing desire

Rebel takes control of her own narrative, refusing to be a passive victim. She orchestrates acts of revenge against her attackers, reclaiming her power and agency. The group's sexual dynamics evolve, with Fang's acceptance of polyamory and the deepening bonds between all four. Love and lust become acts of defiance, a way to heal and assert control in a world that seeks to strip them of both. The pursuit of justice becomes intertwined with the pursuit of pleasure, as the group learns to trust and rely on each other.

Taking Back Control

Revenge escalates, threats multiply

Rebel's campaign of vengeance intensifies, targeting her attackers with public exposure and psychological warfare. The risks mount, as the group is threatened by both external enemies and internal doubts. The arrival of threatening messages and the escalation of violence force them to confront the reality that safety is an illusion. The need for justice becomes a race against time, as the group is hunted as much as they are hunters.

The Fire of Vengeance

Arson, guilt, and aftermath

In a desperate bid for retribution, Rebel and Vaughn set fire to Hugh's house, hoping to eliminate one of her attackers. The act is both cathartic and horrifying, leaving them shaken and questioning their own morality. The fire becomes a symbol of their rage and their willingness to cross lines in pursuit of justice. The aftermath is marked by guilt, fear, and the realization that violence begets violence. The group is forced to reckon with the consequences of their actions, even as the threats against them escalate.

Threats and Unraveling

Danger closes in, trust erodes

As the group reels from the failed arson and the arrival of new threats, their unity begins to fray. The revelation of family secrets, the reappearance of Rebel's estranged father, and the discovery of a cult-like community add new layers of complexity and danger. The lines between friend and foe blur, as trust becomes a scarce commodity. The group is forced to confront the reality that the greatest threats may come from within, as much as from without.

The Cult of Family

Seeking belonging, finding danger

Rebel's search for family leads her to her father's rural commune, where she meets her half-sisters and stepmother. The idyllic setting masks a darker reality, as Vaughn and Kian grow suspicious of the community's insularity and control. The longing for belonging is tempered by the fear of manipulation and loss of agency. The visit becomes a crucible for Rebel's identity, forcing her to choose between the family she was born into and the family she has chosen.

Funeral and Final Confrontation

Grief, revelation, and violence

The funeral of Rebel's mother and Vaughn's father becomes the stage for a final confrontation with Caleb and Hugh. The gathering of friends, family, and enemies brings long-simmering tensions to a head. In a moment of clarity and rage, Rebel takes justice into her own hands, shooting Hugh and confronting Caleb. The revelation that Kara, the captive woman, is Rebel's long-lost sister adds a new layer of tragedy and hope. The cycle of violence reaches its climax, but the cost is high, and the wounds are far from healed.

The End, For Now

Resolution and new beginnings

As the dust settles, the group is left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. The bonds forged in trauma and desire remain, but the future is uncertain. The revelation of family, the pursuit of justice, and the embrace of love and agency offer the possibility of healing, but the scars of violence and betrayal linger. The story ends on a note of both closure and anticipation, as Rebel's journey continues, and the quest for justice and belonging remains unfinished.

Characters

Rebel Kemp

Survivor, seeker of justice, heart of the group

Rebel is the emotional and narrative center of the story—a woman marked by trauma but defined by her resilience and refusal to be a victim. Her relationships with Fang, Vaughn, and Kian are complex, blending love, lust, and deep psychological need. Rebel's quest for revenge is as much about reclaiming her agency as it is about punishing her attackers. She is fiercely loyal, stubborn, and unafraid to cross lines in pursuit of justice. Her longing for family and belonging drives her into dangerous territory, but her capacity for love and forgiveness offers hope for healing. Rebel's development is a journey from victimhood to empowerment, marked by both vulnerability and strength.

Vaughn Weston

Haunted protector, torn by love and guilt

Vaughn is Rebel's stepbrother and one of her primary protectors, but his role is complicated by unresolved feelings for both her and Kian. A man marked by loss—the murder of his father, the collapse of his marriage, and the trauma of past violence—Vaughn is driven by guilt and a desperate need to make amends. His relationship with Kian is fraught with longing and regret, while his connection to Rebel is a mix of protectiveness, desire, and genuine love. Vaughn's struggle is one of self-forgiveness and the search for redemption, as he learns to accept love and vulnerability without fear.

Fang (Milo)

Steadfast lover, anchor in chaos

Fang is the emotional anchor of the group, offering Rebel unconditional love and acceptance. A member of the Slayers MC, he is both a source of strength and a reminder of the dangers that surround them. Fang's willingness to share Rebel with Vaughn and Kian is both an act of love and a recognition of her need for a broader support system. His own life is marked by violence and loss, but he channels his pain into protectiveness and loyalty. Fang's development is a testament to the power of love to heal and the importance of chosen family.

Kian O'Malley

Wounded optimist, bridge between worlds

Kian is the group's gentle giant, a man whose humor and warmth mask deep wounds. His past with Vaughn is a source of both pain and longing, and his growing feelings for Rebel complicate his sense of loyalty and self-worth. Kian's role as caretaker and friend is tested by the demands of revenge and the complexities of polyamorous love. His struggle is one of self-acceptance and the search for a place to belong, as he navigates the shifting dynamics of the group and his own desires.

Caleb Black

Charismatic predator, embodiment of evil

Caleb is the primary antagonist—a man whose charm and privilege mask a deep-seated cruelty and sociopathy. His orchestration of sexual violence and manipulation of those around him make him a formidable and terrifying foe. Caleb's need for power and control is matched only by his capacity for sadism. He is both a symbol of the dangers of unchecked privilege and a personal nemesis for Rebel and her friends. His actions drive the narrative, forcing the group to confront the darkest parts of themselves in their quest for justice.

Kara (Louisa)

Hidden sister, survivor of captivity

Kara is the woman held captive by Caleb, later revealed to be Rebel's long-lost sister. Her ordeal is a parallel to Rebel's own trauma, and her resilience in the face of abuse is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Kara's longing for freedom and family is complicated by her role as a mother and her entanglement with Caleb. Her emergence as Rebel's sister adds a new layer of emotional complexity, offering both hope and tragedy.

Bliss

Best friend, model of healing and love

Bliss is Rebel's best friend and a member of a polyamorous family with deep ties to the Slayers MC. Her own history of trauma and recovery offers a model for Rebel, while her unwavering support and loyalty provide a lifeline in moments of crisis. Bliss's role as confidante and advisor is crucial, helping Rebel navigate the complexities of love, revenge, and healing.

War

MC leader, embodiment of loyalty and violence

War is the president of the Slayers MC and a key ally in the group's quest for justice. His own history of loss and violence mirrors the struggles faced by Rebel and her friends. War's leadership is marked by both ruthlessness and compassion, and his willingness to risk everything for those he loves makes him a formidable force. His relationship with Bliss and his role as protector underscore the importance of chosen family and loyalty.

Harold Coker

Manipulator, symbol of corrupt power

Harold is Vaughn's father's business partner and a symbol of the corrupt, patriarchal systems that enable men like Caleb. His manipulation of Vaughn and his willingness to use threats and blackmail to maintain control make him a secondary antagonist. Harold's actions force Vaughn to confront the limits of loyalty and the cost of complicity.

Sasha

Unexpected hero, catalyst for change

Sasha is the neighbor who saves Rebel from drowning, an act of courage that sets the stage for the group's renewed sense of purpose. Her willingness to risk her own safety for a near-stranger is a reminder of the power of individual action and the importance of community. Sasha's role, though brief, is pivotal in shifting the narrative from victimhood to agency.

Plot Devices

Multiple Perspectives and Shifting Narrators

Deepens emotional resonance, reveals hidden truths

The novel employs a rotating cast of narrators—Rebel, Vaughn, Fang, Kian, Kara, and others—to provide a multifaceted view of events. This structure allows for a deep exploration of trauma, desire, and agency, as each character's internal struggles and motivations are laid bare. The shifting perspectives create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, while also highlighting the limits of individual understanding and the importance of empathy.

Trauma and Recovery as Narrative Engine

Drives character development, shapes plot

The aftermath of sexual violence and the quest for justice are the central engines of the plot. The characters' trauma is not merely a backdrop but an active force, shaping their decisions, relationships, and sense of self. The process of recovery—messy, nonlinear, and fraught with setbacks—is depicted with honesty and nuance. The narrative refuses easy answers, instead embracing the complexity of healing and the necessity of community.

Polyamory and Chosen Family

Challenges traditional romance, explores new forms of love

The novel subverts traditional romantic tropes by embracing polyamory and the idea of chosen family. The relationships between Rebel, Fang, Vaughn, and Kian are fluid, evolving, and marked by both jealousy and acceptance. Love is depicted as expansive rather than exclusive, and the group's willingness to share and support each other becomes a source of strength. This device allows for a richer exploration of desire, loyalty, and the ways in which love can heal.

Revenge and Vigilante Justice

Blurs lines between right and wrong, escalates tension

The pursuit of revenge against Caleb and his friends is both a source of empowerment and a path to moral ambiguity. The characters are forced to confront the limits of the legal system and the cost of taking justice into their own hands. Acts of violence—arson, murder, psychological warfare—are depicted as both cathartic and corrosive, raising questions about the true meaning of justice and the possibility of redemption.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

Creates suspense, deepens thematic resonance

The novel is rich in foreshadowing—threatening messages, dreams, and recurring motifs (water, fire, confinement) signal the dangers to come and the characters' internal states. Symbolism is used to underscore themes of rebirth (drowning and rescue), destruction (fire), and the search for belonging (family, home). These devices create a sense of inevitability and heighten the emotional stakes.

Nonlinear Structure and Flashbacks

Reveals character backstory, complicates present action

The use of flashbacks—particularly to Vaughn and Kian's teenage romance and Kara's captivity—adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The nonlinear structure allows for the gradual revelation of secrets and the layering of past and present trauma. This device keeps the reader off-balance, mirroring the characters' own sense of dislocation and uncertainty.

Analysis

A modern, unflinching exploration of trauma, agency, and unconventional love

Rebel Obsession is a raw, emotionally charged narrative that refuses to shy away from the darkest corners of human experience. At its core, the novel is a meditation on the aftermath of sexual violence and the messy, nonlinear path to healing. The characters' quest for justice is both a personal and collective journey, marked by acts of vengeance that blur the lines between right and wrong. The embrace of polyamory and chosen family challenges traditional notions of love and loyalty, offering a vision of connection that is expansive, inclusive, and deeply healing. The novel's structure—shifting perspectives, nonlinear timelines, and rich symbolism—mirrors the complexity of trauma and recovery, refusing easy answers or tidy resolutions. Ultimately, Rebel Obsession is a story about reclaiming agency in a world determined to strip it away, about the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds, and about the necessity of community in the face of violence and betrayal. The lessons are clear: justice is rarely simple, healing requires both vulnerability and strength, and the families we choose can be as powerful as those we are born into.

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Review Summary

4.29 out of 5
Average of 9.6K ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Rebel Obsession receives mixed reviews averaging 4.29 out of 5 stars. Many readers praise the intense plot twists, compelling character dynamics, and steamy romance within this reverse harem series. Fans particularly love Fang's devotion and enjoy the developing relationships between Rebel, Vaughn, and Kian. However, critics find Rebel frustratingly immature and inconsistent, making poor decisions that drag out the plot. Several reviewers note the villain Caleb's prolonged presence as irritating. The cliffhanger ending leaves readers eager for the final installment, though some felt overwhelmed by multiple storylines and found the why-choose format challenging.

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About the Author

Elle Thorpe is a USA Today bestselling author who has written over thirty romance titles, including Amazon top ten books Start a War and Locked Up Liars. She has built a strong reputation for crafting dark reverse harem stories and sexy small town romances that keep readers engaged with intricate plots and compelling character development. Her work is characterized by intense emotional stakes, complex relationship dynamics, and unexpected twists. When not writing, Thorpe lives on her family's alpaca farm in rural Australia, balancing her creative career with rural life. She maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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