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From the first look, I’m obsessed and she’s going to be mine.

An offer I’ve already refused.
A woman I can’t let go.

Rue Ricci was a secret, hidden in a tower from prying eyes.
Nobody in the underworld knew about her until her parents tried to sell her.

Now I’ll stop at nothing to claim her.

I run the underworld of LA County with an iron fist.
I can make the worst of men fall to their knees with a single look.

But Rue brings me to mine from the first whimper.
She claims my heart with her need to be near me.

When the enemy thinks he can take over and targets my little girl,
I have no problem wiping them out. Even if it means a blood bath.

I’m Nick Gambino and there is nothing I won’t do for my little Rue.

Obsess is a gritty Rapunzel retelling filled with an obsessed hero, a heroine so innocent she’ll make your teeth ache and a love so powerful you’ll be rereading for months to come. If a dirty Daddy is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place because he’ll do anything his little girl asks of him and even more, she’s yet to discover.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2024

121 people are currently reading
398 people want to read

About the author

K.L. Donn

147 books1,664 followers
Krystal writes as USA Today Bestselling Author KL Donn. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, she has over 50 published books in differing romance genres. She enjoys making her readers cry as they go on a deep journey of love and loss through each book.

Experiencing her own insta-love at 17, Krystal has been with her husband for 18 years and they share 4 beautiful children together.
 
Fun facts about KL:
Perpetual romantic.
Coffee addict.
Sarcasm lover.
Give her an action flick over a romance. But a romance book over action. She’s weird like that.
Did she mention coffee addict?
Closet shopaholic.
Beach lover.
Coffee addict, it bears repeating. Again.
Husband obsessed. Hers that is, you can keep yours.
Mom of 6, well 7 if you count the husband. Oh and 2 of those are a cat & dog, that are confused about their species.

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5 stars
196 (39%)
4 stars
126 (25%)
3 stars
109 (22%)
2 stars
42 (8%)
1 star
21 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,266 reviews518 followers
June 16, 2024
Spoilers ahead



Nick receives an offer to sell her from Rue's father, as soon as he sees her picture he wants her. He storms the compound and rescues his girl determined to make her his and keep her safe
Rue has been locked away with only 2 serval cats for company for over a decade. She's had no contact with the outside world and knows nothing about it. She's taken from the compound by Nick and his men and starts a new life with her daddy

*****"
Absolutely NOT
I love me the shy, naïve virgin h with the big bad protector Alpha H but Rye wasn't the typical virgin h, she's literally clueless!!! She doesn't even know what a kitchen is called for crying out loud!!!!!!!!! How can this be ok? If the H had given her some time to learn a little about the outside world I'd have thoroughly enjoyed this but instead he came across as a disgusting pervert. Even though she's 18 she didn't come across as such. He was beautifully protective and possessive of her but she was just too innocent for this set up to work. Him having sex with her and making her call him daddy was even worse and I love the daddy kink. She couldn't understand wtf was going on!!!!! Calling her pussy her secret place or whatever omfggggggggg!!!!!!!!! Nooooooooooooo she read like a child, came across like a child and not an innocent h but somebody who needed TIME!!!!
Then
OMFG
Then
He starts having sex, the doctor suggests birth control but he doesn't want that. He's eventually convinced to let her and he chooses the pill??!!! The pill for a girl who probably has no clue wtf that is! How is she going to remember to take the damn things!!!!
Of course she ends up pregnant
I loveeeeeee unexpected pregnancy but no this was a baby having a baby even though she's of age
Grrrrrrrrrrrr
And of course everything else was OTT, I mean we basically had attack cats for fucks sake 😂

Because I loved the daddy kink, the Alpha male badass who'll unalive everyone for his girl I'll try more from this author but this one wasn't it



Virgin h
Not stated if he's a manwhore
Mafia
Age gap
h was physically, emotionally and mentally abused by her parents. This is like Rapunzel just darker than the Disney version
Profile Image for Tai.
266 reviews
June 11, 2025
3.5✨

Nick + Rue’s love story

Mobster x Sheltered girl

(I don’t think I’ve ever read about a more sheltered h in my life. But I adored her, esp when she got sassy with the doctor. Babygirl might not have known much, but one thing was for sure and two things were for certain: she didn’t play when it came to her daddy, I mean her man😏😂)


Nick🥵 whewwww, he had some very questionable actions and was manipulative but I was able to look passed it bc he loved my girl to pieces. Anywho, I would’ve rated this much higher bc I throughly enjoyed it UNTIL he let another man touch her neck, then stick said finger in his mouth and suck on it. Yeah… no. Do I think he would’ve killed him if he went further? Sure. But I need my MMC’s ballistic behind the FMC. Meaning no man can breathe her air molecules and live.





🩷’d:
•Mickey & Minnie😂
•h’s protectiveness of the H matches his for her
•Winston


⚠️ + Info:
— Rapunzel retelling
— Instalove
— Dual POV
— Age gap: H (older for sure, but I don’t recall his age being mentioned) h (18)
— Virgin h🍒 • experienced H, I just chose to believe he wasn’t a 304 bc no info was provided.
—🌶️: Anal, rough sex, daddy/little girl relationship + exhibitionism
— No: sharing, cheating, push/pull, separation or 3rd act break up
— OWD: h had a fit when the doctor would refer to H by his first name, and then she had her thrown out of their house when the OW bad mouthed H 😂 (caused no drama for the couple)
— OMD: OM (H’s associate) trails finger down h’s neck and sucked the finger (caused no drama for the couple BUT drama for me -__-)
— MURDER + it may be gory for some
— Recounts: child abuse + mutilation
— HEA: Happily married w/ 4 kids🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Leslee.
2,652 reviews76 followers
January 10, 2024
Its been days since I finished Nick and Rue's story and I'm still trying to formulate a review that will encompass how much I adored it. Its brutal and sweet, savage and loving! Its simply the best book KL has written so far! Rue has been secluded, abused and stifled. Her view of the world is stunted and Nick becomes her hero and savior. Nick is a bad man but he is so good to her. He is her rock, he is her touchstone but she is his heart. I wanted to absorb their story into my very soul: it is pure, soul deep gold in book form! 5 stars is not enough, the universe doesn't hold enough stars to cover my love for this couple!
Profile Image for Hazel Gower.
Author 51 books932 followers
February 3, 2025
sooo good.

I’m not usually a daddy book fan, but this was done fabulously. The book flowed and I didn’t put it down until I was done.
KL Donn books get better each time.
This is the perfect start to a series.
Profile Image for cara.
730 reviews16 followers
February 22, 2024
3.5
Wasn’t a fan of the daddy kink but otherwise great read
Profile Image for Montanna.
69 reviews2 followers
Read
June 19, 2024
Read about 85% and just could not be bothered finishing it, I think I would've enjoyed this if the writing hadn't been so disjointed and weird to read
Profile Image for Sarah Marie.
104 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2024
Yes, yes, yes!! This was hot, quick, and intense. The chemistry between Rue and Nick jump off the pages and just forces you to keep turning.

Rue is so innocent. It’s hard to convey that sometimes, but KL Donn does it perfectly without making Rue seem over the top in her desires. Once Nick comes into her life Rue has so many choices, none of them forced on her, but just there for her to make when she feels comfortable. Her innocence and lack of interaction with the world make her wary, but at the same time curious. She doesn’t know anything other than her cats Mickey and Minnie, and her curiosity is often encouraged by them. Rue has free rein of Nick’s estate, and more often than not ends up tucked on his lap as the world goes on around her. The peace she gets from Nick, his presence, and his protection gives her the freedom to grow into herself.

Nick is intense, grab you by the throat and don’t let go kinda intense. He takes what he wants and he doesn’t give a single care what anyone else thinks. His obsession with Rue starts with a single picture and the emotion it pulls from him solidifies their future. Even if Rue doesn’t know it yet. He is unapologetic in his wanting of Rue, and those around him will either get on board with it or find themselves tucked away in his basement until he has the time to deal with them. Nick was truly the perfect partner for Rue, she allowed him to be soft with her, yet his true possessive, controlling, and protective self. And he allowed her to blossom under his care, his love, and his guidance into the world.

Loved the need they both had to be close to each other, KL Donn always gives her characters something they can claim as their own. Some form of intimacy that is important to them and the story line. The way Rue was always seeking out Nick’s warmth and heartbeat, the way Nick was always willing and ready to pull her into his embrace was so incredible. He recognized what she needed, what she had been deprived of, and gave it to her from the literal moment they saw each other. And Rue instantly recognized Nick as her safe space. Little touches like that are the reason I will always be a huge KL Donn fan, she just knows how to write special kinds of love.
Profile Image for Nina.
144 reviews6 followers
April 10, 2024
I absolutely loved Nick and Rue. They were what each other needed. Rue needed Nick to feel safe and to blossom; Nick needed Rue for no other reason than she was his. I love how innocent Rue was and she did whatever she needed to do to feel safe regardless of how Nick’s men would view her and her actions. She didn’t know any different except Nick gave her comfort and made her feel safe. By the end she had definitely came into her own and didn’t care how people viewed her relationship with Nick. She was the perfect queen to stand by his side. As much as I loved Nick and Rue, Mickey and Minnie definitely stole the show in the book.
797 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2025
Totally obsessed by MeemsAngel82

This was my first KL Donn book and I was so happy with it! The blurb sounded great and it really was! The writing was done well, she doesn't waste time on too many details to the point it gets bogged down and yet you get enough to be engaged. The plot was something I really loved. I love fairytale retellings and this was a good mafia twist, not to mention a steamy one! The characters... Wow. A whole cast of people I most DEFINITELY want to read about! Then you went and added animals?! I'm done. Those two...omg, do I absolutely adore them!

She was kept alone and hurt in more ways than one. She had been gifted her two pets, her only comfort in this life...until him.

She had been kept in a way that was just mean. Thank goodness she hadn't been through even more! I'm so pleased wth the way everything played out. He had an obsession with her and it was honestly lovely and steamy. The intensity and passion and innocence of their connection was so sweet and hot. He took care of her and hey, she was his world. She changed his life for the better, too. He literally did anything for her and at times it was due to meanness from others. My heart broke for that. I wish we got more of his background. The side characters that support them and stand with them I love. I just love the bonds and the possibilities that they all might find their very own HEAs would also make me so happy. Maybe not have everyone witness some intimacies! Then came her two protectors. How bloody, and I do mean bloody delightful were they?! I'm a sucker for an animal and these two...their names...squeal!! She did them justice because she actually used them in the story. They were always present and it mattered for reasons of comfort, security and love. The H and his people interacting with them were priceless and again, they connected with them, too. So well done. This was innocent and passionate and just H-O-T. Hey, their nicknames work for them and it's their lifestyle. It meant more than just heat. The entire group became one big happy family and maintained that dangerous edge while allowing for the chemistry to sizzle. Needless to say, this will not be my last book by her!! I requested this book via BookFunnel and am so happy that I did. I wanted to leave this review so people are aware of how great it is.
Profile Image for april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews.
1,475 reviews2,592 followers
January 9, 2024
5/5 "I'm yours, little one; forever, I'm yours."

TROPES:
~mafia
~age gap
~super innocent heroine x mafia boss hero
~instalove/lust
~touch her and die vibes

PLOT: Rue has been held captive in a tower since she was a young child. Local mafia boss, Nick, sees her picture and wants her immediately! Rue has been incredibly sheltered her entire life - she's brilliant, but doesn't even know that the "cooking room" is called a kitchen. As soon as Nick rescues her, she looks to him as her savior. She's dependent on him but Nick wouldn't have it any other way. His little girl is everything he ever wanted in life and it shows in the devotion between them.

THOUGHTS: Omg, K.L. Donn puts CRACK in her books I swear! I loved this book so much. I loved the chemistry between them, the dependency - everything. Rue often sits in his lap and crawls inside his shirt just so she can hear his heartbeat. How sweet. Mickey and Minnie really stole the show too! ;) Ahh, this book is giving me a hangover. I cannot wait to see what she writes next. The next book in this series is going to be brilliant! <3

SAFETY:
Ages: 18h, older H
Virgin/celibate?: virgin heroine, not a manwhore hero
OM/OW?: no
Cheating/sharing?: no
Triggers: abuse, murder of side characters, kidnap/captivity
Kinks: anal, daddy, dirty talk, exhibitionism (hot), "good girl"s, hand necklaces, pushes you-know-what back inside, rough sex, kinky
HEA? yes!! <3
50 reviews
October 21, 2024
Nick Gambino is offered to purchase a secluded woman from her father.

Rue is a newly 18 year old that has been locked away in a tower since the age of eight with no contact from anyone.

Nick vows to make Rue his after seeing her photo during the meeting and rescues her. He makes the people who hurt her pay.

This book includes: age-gap, mafia trope, touch her and die, virgin h, daddy kink, 🍑.

Quick read with not much to the story. I felt like there was a lot of contradictions through out. For example, he threatened to unalive anyone that looked at her, but later allowed a business associate to witness them having sex in the hallway. It was kind of all over the place. It might be worth it to read it was free, but I’m pretty upset I spent $4 on something I don’t plane to reread and other books have the same tropes and are better done.

HEA with epilogue 1 month after and 5 years after.
Profile Image for Vee.
715 reviews204 followers
February 10, 2024
3,5 stars

Tropes : arranged marriage, possessive H, sheltered h, grumpy x sunshine, mafia romance
Ending : HEA (set 5 years later married with 3 kids and 1 on the way)
Triggers : violence, abuse, torture, gore, isolation
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst: 🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama: OM (H's a jealous type)
Standalone/Series: can be read as a standalone

Hero: Nick
Heroine: Rue
Kink: daddy, no condoms, oral, anal, rough sex, virgin h

a quick cute-ish read for me. Rue was super innocent since she was locked in her room since she was 5 until she's 18. Didn't have any human interaction at all and only had her cats throughout the years.

I'm not a huge fan of daddy kink, but this is kinda tolerable, still cringing every few minutes tho ngl, lol. The ending was cute as well.
490 reviews15 followers
December 31, 2023
What a page turner. KL Donn has written another amazing book! From the beginning of the book til the very end. Nick and Rue had one powerful connection right from the moment he took her from the tower she lived in. Not only did Nick rescue Rue, but he took in Mickey and Minnie, her Servals. Vicious, but also very loyal to Rue.

This story comes with so many surprises and twists and turns! From protecting Rue to the bond they built, nothing could stop the way he felt for her. He was determined to make her his. Wait til you see what Rue does when she feels she needs to be connected and safe to Nick. Just that gesture makes me feel that Nick and Rue were always destined to be together. How will their story end? Will these two have an everlasting love?
Profile Image for Kelly ~Booktrovert~.
724 reviews
April 10, 2024
This is book one of the Kings of California series AND Kings of the Underworld. I know I might be a little biased when it comes to K.L. Donn's books because she is one of my favorite authors, but she has yet to disappoint.

The chemistry between Rue and Nick was off the charts. They were exactly what each other needed.

Nick can be very intense but I loved it. One look at a picture of Rue and he KNEW she was his. He is honestly one of my top three H's that Donn has written.

Rue was a sweetheart even though she was dealt a crap hand. By the end, you could see her character growth. She came into her own beautifully.

As someone who enjoys reading Daddy Kink, K.L. Donn knocked this out of the park.

I cannot wait to see where she takes us next in this series.

4 BIG stars!
Profile Image for HANNAH (Books, Films, and Tea).
332 reviews54 followers
June 2, 2024
I really enjoyed Obsess! This was my first book by KL Donn and I am excited for the next books in the series! This was a nice and quick read. It was very steamy and Nick and Rue kind of just did it whenever they felt like it. Nick was very possessive of Rue from the start and sweet with her, but also made it clear he wanted her. Rue became possessive of Nick as well, which was fun. I liked Rue's serval cats who protected her. There is daddy kink in this book, which is not for everyone. The climax of the book that showed more of the mobster side was more confusing than anything. It also felt a bit rushed after such a descriptive and slower build up of Nick and Rue's relationship. Overall though, definitely a nice erotic and steamy romance.
Profile Image for Tianna.
224 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2024
Daddy Nick To The Rescue

Is that smoke? Pretty sure your book/kindle is on fire! KL Donn lit the match with Obsess and there is no water in sight! I can’t even begin to explain my own obsession with this story and all I can say is buckle up cause you are in for a dirty, dirty ride. Because, Nick sees nothing but Rue and will make everyone and anyone pay if she is not thought to be his Queen and above everything including himself. Rue is terrified of her own life but flourishes under Nick. Her guards are willing to handle everything even when Nick doesn’t see it. Nothing will stop the obsession he has.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,872 reviews548 followers
October 14, 2024
When Nick Gambino is offered Rue Ricci he wants answers as to why. Nick knows about Rue but not the full story, he knows she has been living in a tower for years and no one knows about her, he has a ton of questions. When Nick decides to take matters into his own hands and acquire Rue himself he knows she is his one. He becomes obsessed with Rue and as her story becomes clear he will do everything in his power to keep her.

I liked the idea of this but grappled with the fact that Rue was so cavalier about the intimate play between her and Nick in front of others. That was a bit too much for me. Otherwise the story was entertaining and had a few surprises.
730 reviews3 followers
February 28, 2024
This was a quick, spicy read with sweetness and viciousness and even mini leopards that sounded perfect.

Rue has been locked away without human contact for years, and Nick is approached with an offer for an arranged marriage. He's captivated by her photo, and the story goes from there.

Reading about Rue coming ino her own was interesting, as well as the connection she has with Nick. Her need for physical closeness was not something I've seen to this extent, and I enjoyed reading it. Rue also showed her fiestiness, which was entertaining.
Profile Image for Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི.
2,318 reviews229 followers
April 18, 2024
2.5✯

-virgin heroine (18)
-non virgin H
-dual POV
-insta love/lust
-no ow/om drama
-no separation
-I liked the heroine for the first 2/3 of the book, she was sweet and shy, then she became annoying
-the hero was very OTT but I wouldn't call him an alpha, while he was fucking the heroine he let another man touch her throat and then the man put the finger that was touching her into his mouth
-mild daddy kink
-no cheating
-exhibitionism
-epilogue: 1 month and 5 years later -married with 3 kids and another on the way
Profile Image for Brooke.
440 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2025
This has the potential to be a decent book but like with many done by this author it falls short. I know she can write a good book but the past several I’ve read from her have been hit or miss. I was intrigued by this one at the start and could have seen myself enjoying it but the characters are not fleshed out nearly enough, particularly Rue. She’s just too naive for my tastes, almost too much like a child. I really don’t like the “daddy” stuff either, especially when she was doing it in front of everyone in the house.
Profile Image for Charlee.
43 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2024
Oh. My. Holy. Hotness.🔥
This book is EVERYTHING.

I know I’m a little biased when it comes to KL Donn books because she is my favorite author & I can basically recite “His Kingdom” from memory but this book…. Damnnnn. Nick is the ultimate holy hotness alpha daddy & Rue, oh sweet Rue, got the HEA she so desperately deserved. This book took me by surprise & will definitely be a book I will reread often. 10/10 ❤️
Profile Image for Julliett warner.
139 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2025
It was soo creepy. The fmc is described just like a little child and her manners are child like, she never interacted anyone beyond the age of 5 yr old so her mind is basically of a 5yo girl. This is just a book for pedos. I hate it so so much. The mmc makes her call him daddy, which is a genre in erotica i know that but in this sense its just creeeepy!! She doesn’t even know what pregnancy means and she fucking gets pregnant by him!!!!! Does no one else find this shit alarming??
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,795 reviews147 followers
Read
March 10, 2025
Sarge, Kane, Butch, and Bruno become Sarge, Kane, Brock, and Bruno at some point. During the black moment, all four are mentioned, and they're alive. However, during the epilogue, Bruno is never seen nor discussed. Seems odd to have the other three be referenced/a part of this scene, yet Bruno is missing from it. (Based upon one line -- Sarge and Bruno are with Rue -- it's implied he survived, so where is he?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,620 reviews8 followers
December 29, 2023
Powerful read that had me gasping out loud. Rue has been through so much abuse being locked away in the tower by her parents. The way Nick protects and loves her will warm your heart. I laughed when the strong men reacted to seeing Mickey and Minnie and some of the things that came out of their mouths. I read this book in one sitting, couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,916 reviews16 followers
December 29, 2023
I LOVE THIS BOOK! Nick and Rue were the perfect match, throw in Mikey and Minnie, and then eventually a moat! Loved the intensity, loved the story, it gutted me emotionally, but Ms. Donn always provides a wonderful happily ever after. Finished the book in one sitting, I could not put it down. Definitely recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Tiffany Mahaxay.
124 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2024
What a great book to start the new years with!!! Ms Donn brings you another wonderful book with all goody that you would love in it! You have Nick that is Obsesse with his baby girl Rue. This book will make you cry and be happy that heroine get a HEA after you read her story. I can’t wait to read more of this new series! Love it!! ❤️
Profile Image for Belinda.
1,156 reviews15 followers
January 12, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this delightful book by KL Donn. This is a retelling of Repunzel with a mafia twist. Wonderfully written, I devoured this book which was deliciously dark as well as hot and sexy. KL certainly knows how to write a good mafia story. I look forward to reading more from this new series.
Profile Image for Shannon Brown.
408 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2024
This was a weird story that had a lot of inconsistencies. It’s meant to be a modern fairytale in the vein of Rapunzel, but it falls flat. Very flat. It was an interesting effort overall, so if you are easily entertained then you may enjoy this. The writing is decent, so it’s a smooth read overall. This just wasn’t my cuppa.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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