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Predatory Obsession
They underestimate me.
I've always been “the pretty boy.”
My enemies think I am weak and will crack under pressure.
Kidnapped, tortured, beaten, starved…
I do not give in. I do not break.
I know the Lupos will come for me.
But I never expect it to be Dante, the Boss himself, the man of my deepest desires…
No one harms the one I love and gets away with it.
Matteo is the younger brother of my consigliere.
I shouldn’t fall for him, but I do…
He is my soulmate. My obsession.
My rivals take him, torture him, nearly kill him…
They will get what is coming to them.
I am the predator and now they are my prey…
But with betrayal around every corner, we’re unsure who to trust. Can I keep the love of my life safe as enemy attacks escalate?
Predatory Obsession is a hurt-comfort MM Daddy Romance with morally ambiguous characters. This age gap story features steamy scenes, gratuitous violence, and an overprotective Daddy doing everything to keep his boy safe. Guaranteed HEA with no cliffhanger.
I've always been “the pretty boy.”
My enemies think I am weak and will crack under pressure.
Kidnapped, tortured, beaten, starved…
I do not give in. I do not break.
I know the Lupos will come for me.
But I never expect it to be Dante, the Boss himself, the man of my deepest desires…
No one harms the one I love and gets away with it.
Matteo is the younger brother of my consigliere.
I shouldn’t fall for him, but I do…
He is my soulmate. My obsession.
My rivals take him, torture him, nearly kill him…
They will get what is coming to them.
I am the predator and now they are my prey…
But with betrayal around every corner, we’re unsure who to trust. Can I keep the love of my life safe as enemy attacks escalate?
Predatory Obsession is a hurt-comfort MM Daddy Romance with morally ambiguous characters. This age gap story features steamy scenes, gratuitous violence, and an overprotective Daddy doing everything to keep his boy safe. Guaranteed HEA with no cliffhanger.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2023
88 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 12, 2024
Okkkk, let's pretend i AIN'T read that shit
December 24, 2023
Just ok.
I liked the mafia theme and there’s a good amount of it but it takes over the ‘romance’ a lot. The book is basically Dante being hot and cold and pushing away and when he finally realizes he wants to go all and knows he has to grovel… he does barely any groveling 😒
I liked the mafia theme and there’s a good amount of it but it takes over the ‘romance’ a lot. The book is basically Dante being hot and cold and pushing away and when he finally realizes he wants to go all and knows he has to grovel… he does barely any groveling 😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2023
Dante & Matteo
Rating: 3.3 ⭐
- Mafia
- Age Gap (9yrs)
- Morally Ambiguous Characters
- Kidnapping
This is the first book in The Lupo Syndicate series where we see Dante, the head of the family, and Matteo, the consigliere's younger brother. You also get a glimpse into the other family members and how the syndicate works. These two have been pining for each other for years but Dante has kept Matteo at arms length to protect him and himself. For a few years now Matteo has been outside of the family and going to college, staying away from Dante. When Matteo comes into to town to visit with his brother, he's mistakenly kidnapped by Lupo family enemies. Once Dante finds out that Matteo has been taken, he's ready to burn the city to the ground to find him before he's killed or hurt to badly.
After these two are reunited, it's a hot and cold nightmare on Dante's part and he continues to hurt Matteo at every turn because of it. I wanted to like Dante but he never fully grovels or properly apologizes to Matteo for how he treats him, in his version of protecting the man. Both MC's are absolutely obsessed with each other, always have been, but they suck at communicating effectively with each other. Most of their communication is all sass and commands, then pleading with each other for various reasons. As the family tries to find the culprits of the kidnapping, they're also having to deal with bodies being dropped on their territory.
I liked the overall premise of the story and where it can be taken with the other brothers in the family. I liked how Matteo was not a wilting flower and continuously showed his strength and knowledge, even when told to back down. I felt for all of Matteo's loses throughout the book as well and wanted to give him a hug.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
Rating: 3.3 ⭐
- Mafia
- Age Gap (9yrs)
- Morally Ambiguous Characters
- Kidnapping
This is the first book in The Lupo Syndicate series where we see Dante, the head of the family, and Matteo, the consigliere's younger brother. You also get a glimpse into the other family members and how the syndicate works. These two have been pining for each other for years but Dante has kept Matteo at arms length to protect him and himself. For a few years now Matteo has been outside of the family and going to college, staying away from Dante. When Matteo comes into to town to visit with his brother, he's mistakenly kidnapped by Lupo family enemies. Once Dante finds out that Matteo has been taken, he's ready to burn the city to the ground to find him before he's killed or hurt to badly.
After these two are reunited, it's a hot and cold nightmare on Dante's part and he continues to hurt Matteo at every turn because of it. I wanted to like Dante but he never fully grovels or properly apologizes to Matteo for how he treats him, in his version of protecting the man. Both MC's are absolutely obsessed with each other, always have been, but they suck at communicating effectively with each other. Most of their communication is all sass and commands, then pleading with each other for various reasons. As the family tries to find the culprits of the kidnapping, they're also having to deal with bodies being dropped on their territory.
I liked the overall premise of the story and where it can be taken with the other brothers in the family. I liked how Matteo was not a wilting flower and continuously showed his strength and knowledge, even when told to back down. I felt for all of Matteo's loses throughout the book as well and wanted to give him a hug.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verse: No
HEA: HFN
December 29, 2023
It's always interesting reading something by an author you've never read before. The premise of this was intriguing enough that I thought I'd give it a go. Now, the first thing you need to know is that this story, the writing, wasn't *bad* at all. I just had some issues with it. Possibly me-issues rather than general issues.
A lot of this book felt whiplashy or maybe just wishy-washy. It begins as horny mafia men with a maybe plot, turns into a dom/sub romance as the main point, devolves quickly into surprise Daddy kink (look, it says it in the title, I know, but it sort of came out of nowhere in the book and then they went hard with it), then attempts to pick the plot back up. The characters never seemed solid on their motivations or reasoning. The dynamic between the main characters was hot, but the chemistry made no sense--there was nothing that built up or gave a reason for the attraction/obsession. Near the beginning it felt like there was an implied "have to hide being gay" thing happening. Was it because being gay in the mafia is frowned on? Or being a gay Don would be difficult for some reason? But then the whole thing was knocked aside and everyone was accepting and unsurprised. I don't know, man. It just felt like there were a lot of starts and random sentences that didn't *go* anywhere and that bugged me more than it should have.
All that complaining aside, the story was interesting enough. I'd give the author another chance without much hesitation. And if you're looking for Daddy-kink mafia romance, go for it, this one was what it says on the tin.
A lot of this book felt whiplashy or maybe just wishy-washy. It begins as horny mafia men with a maybe plot, turns into a dom/sub romance as the main point, devolves quickly into surprise Daddy kink (look, it says it in the title, I know, but it sort of came out of nowhere in the book and then they went hard with it), then attempts to pick the plot back up. The characters never seemed solid on their motivations or reasoning. The dynamic between the main characters was hot, but the chemistry made no sense--there was nothing that built up or gave a reason for the attraction/obsession. Near the beginning it felt like there was an implied "have to hide being gay" thing happening. Was it because being gay in the mafia is frowned on? Or being a gay Don would be difficult for some reason? But then the whole thing was knocked aside and everyone was accepting and unsurprised. I don't know, man. It just felt like there were a lot of starts and random sentences that didn't *go* anywhere and that bugged me more than it should have.
All that complaining aside, the story was interesting enough. I'd give the author another chance without much hesitation. And if you're looking for Daddy-kink mafia romance, go for it, this one was what it says on the tin.
December 24, 2023
4 up to 4.5 stars.
Dante is head of the Lupo Syndicate, Matteo, his consigliere’s younger brother has been kidnapped by a rival family, they thought they kidnapped Angelo but took his brother.
Matteo means everything to Angelo and Dante, they kept him away from the family for his own best.
Since Matteo was a teenager he has feelings for Dante, who rejected him btw. Now he is twenty-five and still wants him. He knows the feelings are mutual, but he has always been kept at a distance from syndicate matters.
Dante found him, heavily injured, took him home, and made sure he survived.
Dante has trouble keeping his feelings hidden from Matteo, because yes they are mutual.
Still, even after a hot night, he keeps him at arm's length.
Matteo is devastated!
Next to the story about their complicated relationship, are the family/syndicate matters.
It’s intriguing and well-pictured. There’s a lot of action, all quite exciting!
I loved this story, the tension between Dante and Matteo was hugely sensible, the emotions were intense, and both characters were consistently pictured.
I think the author did a great job, I couldn’t put this read down until I finished it!
I understand the author rewrote the whole content, and republished it under a new title, I think it was a good choice! This one is certainly a recommendation worthy!
Dante is head of the Lupo Syndicate, Matteo, his consigliere’s younger brother has been kidnapped by a rival family, they thought they kidnapped Angelo but took his brother.
Matteo means everything to Angelo and Dante, they kept him away from the family for his own best.
Since Matteo was a teenager he has feelings for Dante, who rejected him btw. Now he is twenty-five and still wants him. He knows the feelings are mutual, but he has always been kept at a distance from syndicate matters.
Dante found him, heavily injured, took him home, and made sure he survived.
Dante has trouble keeping his feelings hidden from Matteo, because yes they are mutual.
Still, even after a hot night, he keeps him at arm's length.
Matteo is devastated!
Next to the story about their complicated relationship, are the family/syndicate matters.
It’s intriguing and well-pictured. There’s a lot of action, all quite exciting!
I loved this story, the tension between Dante and Matteo was hugely sensible, the emotions were intense, and both characters were consistently pictured.
I think the author did a great job, I couldn’t put this read down until I finished it!
I understand the author rewrote the whole content, and republished it under a new title, I think it was a good choice! This one is certainly a recommendation worthy!
June 25, 2024
Not for me
So, I couldn’t stand Dante. He wants Matteo but pushes him away. More than once. This whole self-sacrificing thing just doesn’t work for him. He’s a big tough mafia Don but can’t take what he wants? Boo. Matteo should have cut his loses and found someone who would actually treat him right.
The daddy element of this book was an afterthought. It wasn’t fleshed out or cohesive. There’s so much telling and not enough doing in this book. Dante and Matteo are together twice in the book, three of you count the epilogue, but that’s after the fact.
The book just didn’t feel like a complete story to me, with so many little parts not completed but none that were good enough to make me want to continue the series to find the answers.
So, I couldn’t stand Dante. He wants Matteo but pushes him away. More than once. This whole self-sacrificing thing just doesn’t work for him. He’s a big tough mafia Don but can’t take what he wants? Boo. Matteo should have cut his loses and found someone who would actually treat him right.
The daddy element of this book was an afterthought. It wasn’t fleshed out or cohesive. There’s so much telling and not enough doing in this book. Dante and Matteo are together twice in the book, three of you count the epilogue, but that’s after the fact.
The book just didn’t feel like a complete story to me, with so many little parts not completed but none that were good enough to make me want to continue the series to find the answers.
May 28, 2024
Final Rating: 3 / 5
Notable Tropes or Content Warnings: (Light) Daddy Romance, Mafia Boss, Brother's Best Friend, Violence, References to Torture (Off Page), Abduction
Favorite Moment and/or Quote
"I could safely say that I was fucking tired of being kidnapped. How many times was too many before I got a punch card that allowed me a free drink or some shit at the end of all of this?"
For a debut novel, this is an incredibly solid read. What you read in the synopsis and in the title is exactly what you get. It's nothing crazy or overtly new or original but if you're a fan of daddy romance and the mafia trope than you are going to get some degree of enjoyment out of this.
I will say the Daddy Romance aspect of this book is incredibly light and tame comparatively. The Daddy aspect doesn't come in till around the halfway point with only 2-3 scenes that really show through with it. But the Dom/Sub vibes are definitely there throughout the book. So, if you're new to the sub-genre or maybe just aren't a huge fan of it - I think you can still enjoy this book for what it is.
Despite the relatively basic plot line Dante and Matteo are interesting enough characters that you don't really have a problem rooting for them and their love story. Matteo's inner monologue I found especially entertaining. Dante isn't a bad character, but I feel like he was more wishy-washy especially when it came to his relationship with Matteo. It's posed for the majority of the story as sort of moral dilemma which as the reader you do somewhat understand; but I feel like it gets lost a bit in execution. I would of also like to see Matteo be more understanding of why Dante is so conflicted, but this can for the most part be written off as Matteo being stupidly stubborn.
I also enjoyed the dichotomy between Dante, Matteo and Angelo (Matteo's Brother). I actually found the conflict and tension between them three more entertaining than the background crime plot. Which wasn't bad per-say but definitely could have been better develop by adding another 100-ish pages to really establish the plot and up the stakes.
Overall, if you're really debating reading this than I can only assume you're a part of the book's target demographic and while definitely enjoy it even if just a little. Since Black has this listed as Book 1 - I hoping that means more books in the future for characters we met in this book. I would love to see Gio or Angelo get a book.
Notable Tropes or Content Warnings: (Light) Daddy Romance, Mafia Boss, Brother's Best Friend, Violence, References to Torture (Off Page), Abduction
Favorite Moment and/or Quote
"I could safely say that I was fucking tired of being kidnapped. How many times was too many before I got a punch card that allowed me a free drink or some shit at the end of all of this?"
For a debut novel, this is an incredibly solid read. What you read in the synopsis and in the title is exactly what you get. It's nothing crazy or overtly new or original but if you're a fan of daddy romance and the mafia trope than you are going to get some degree of enjoyment out of this.
I will say the Daddy Romance aspect of this book is incredibly light and tame comparatively. The Daddy aspect doesn't come in till around the halfway point with only 2-3 scenes that really show through with it. But the Dom/Sub vibes are definitely there throughout the book. So, if you're new to the sub-genre or maybe just aren't a huge fan of it - I think you can still enjoy this book for what it is.
Despite the relatively basic plot line Dante and Matteo are interesting enough characters that you don't really have a problem rooting for them and their love story. Matteo's inner monologue I found especially entertaining. Dante isn't a bad character, but I feel like he was more wishy-washy especially when it came to his relationship with Matteo. It's posed for the majority of the story as sort of moral dilemma which as the reader you do somewhat understand; but I feel like it gets lost a bit in execution. I would of also like to see Matteo be more understanding of why Dante is so conflicted, but this can for the most part be written off as Matteo being stupidly stubborn.
I also enjoyed the dichotomy between Dante, Matteo and Angelo (Matteo's Brother). I actually found the conflict and tension between them three more entertaining than the background crime plot. Which wasn't bad per-say but definitely could have been better develop by adding another 100-ish pages to really establish the plot and up the stakes.
Overall, if you're really debating reading this than I can only assume you're a part of the book's target demographic and while definitely enjoy it even if just a little. Since Black has this listed as Book 1 - I hoping that means more books in the future for characters we met in this book. I would love to see Gio or Angelo get a book.
December 20, 2023
PREDATORY OBSESSION is the first book in The Lupo Syndicate and we meet the Lupo Family, led by Dante, as they search for Matteo, who has been kidnapped by a rival family after being mistaken for his brother.
Matteo has had feelings for Dante for years but has been pushed aside by his brother and Dante, as neither of them wants him drawn into their world. But neither of them ever asked Matteo what he wanted, which has left him feeling insecure and unwanted. One thing Matteo isn't though and that's weak. This boy has a spine of steel and I loved it when he went toe-to-toe with Dante, who admittedly, was acting like an a$$ most of the time!
I loved how their relationship changed and how Matteo wasn't afraid of Dante, no matter what. Matteo is not some wallflower. He knows what he's good at and is proud of it. He knows the dark world but still manages to shine brightly. He is not unaffected by it though, and I thought the final scenes with Jasper were incredibly well-written!
This was a dark story with plenty of steam. I thought it was a great introduction to the Family, and I hope to see more of them soon, plus a catch-up with Dante and Matteo. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2023
Matteo has had feelings for Dante for years but has been pushed aside by his brother and Dante, as neither of them wants him drawn into their world. But neither of them ever asked Matteo what he wanted, which has left him feeling insecure and unwanted. One thing Matteo isn't though and that's weak. This boy has a spine of steel and I loved it when he went toe-to-toe with Dante, who admittedly, was acting like an a$$ most of the time!
I loved how their relationship changed and how Matteo wasn't afraid of Dante, no matter what. Matteo is not some wallflower. He knows what he's good at and is proud of it. He knows the dark world but still manages to shine brightly. He is not unaffected by it though, and I thought the final scenes with Jasper were incredibly well-written!
This was a dark story with plenty of steam. I thought it was a great introduction to the Family, and I hope to see more of them soon, plus a catch-up with Dante and Matteo. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2023
December 29, 2023
Dante is the head of the Lupo Syndicate family, fully in control of his city with his 3 brothers and his consigliere Anthony. When word comes in that Anthony’s brother Matteo has been kidnapped, everything is on hold to find him. Matteo has been a peripheral part of the family since he was a teenager, and had lived in the family compound until he was 19, when he was sent off to school. Dante was attracted to Matteo then, but pushed him away when Matteo made a move on him, determined to protect him and keep him out of the lifestyle. When Matteo is found, Dante realizes the attraction is still there, but the situation is still the same, even though Matteo is now 25 and still wants Dante. As the two tiptoe around their attraction, as Dante works to protect Matteo until the kidnapper is found, and as others challenge Dante and the Syndicate for control, Dante and Matteo are drawn together until everything falls apart. Matteo wants someone to love and dominate him, Dante wants what he can’t have and pushes Matteo away again, until danger again threatens Matteo and Dante must face his demons or lose him forever. Strong characters, on again off again relationship between the two MC, kidnapping and betrayal, and fighting for what one wants makes for an interesting, and at times exciting, look into the life behind the scenes in the Lupo Syndicate.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
December 29, 2023
Dante is the leader of the Lupo Syndicate family and he runs his city with his three brothers and his trusted consigliere, Anthony. One day, they receive news that Anthony's brother, Matteo, has been kidnapped. The family puts everything on hold to search for him. Matteo was once a part of the family and lived with them until he was 19 and sent to school. Dante was attracted to Matteo at that time, but he pushed him away because he wanted to protect him from the dangerous lifestyle of the syndicate.
When they finally find Matteo, Dante realizes that he is still attracted to him, but he still feels the need to protect him from the dangers of their world. Matteo, who is now 25, still wants Dante and as they tiptoe around their attraction, they must also deal with the challenge of others who seek control of the syndicate.
As their relationship grows, Matteo wants someone who can love and dominate him while Dante wants something he can't have. When danger threatens Matteo again, Dante must face his demons or risk losing him forever. This story is full of strong characters, an on-again, off-again relationship between the two main characters, betrayal, and fighting for what one wants. It provides an interesting and exciting look at the life behind the scenes in the Lupo Syndicate.
When they finally find Matteo, Dante realizes that he is still attracted to him, but he still feels the need to protect him from the dangers of their world. Matteo, who is now 25, still wants Dante and as they tiptoe around their attraction, they must also deal with the challenge of others who seek control of the syndicate.
As their relationship grows, Matteo wants someone who can love and dominate him while Dante wants something he can't have. When danger threatens Matteo again, Dante must face his demons or risk losing him forever. This story is full of strong characters, an on-again, off-again relationship between the two main characters, betrayal, and fighting for what one wants. It provides an interesting and exciting look at the life behind the scenes in the Lupo Syndicate.
December 26, 2023
“Predatory Obsession” is my first read by Trinity Black and boy did I have a good time reading this mafia MM romance! I was immediately intrigued with the trope list and this book did not disappoint. It was action packed from start to finish and had the obsession we all crave in a mafia romance down pat!
Both Dante and Matteo are *chefs kiss* and their chemistry is thai level hot! Their HEA took some twists and turns to get to but it was oh so good for them. Black’s writing style is easy to read and makes all the violence and BDE weaved throughout the book easy to get hooked to!
The only thing I wish I had was a much longer ending! These two deserved many many many more chapters and with the pace of the majority of the book, the last bit went a little too quick for me.
Now… don’t tempt me with a good time with a mafia romance and THEN make it MM? Sign me up. All my dark romance readers who love a mafia romance with a little violence and steam, the Lupo Syndicate universe is for you! Daddy Dante will make you drool 🤤 My question now is … WHO IS NEXT!??
Rating: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️🥵
Both Dante and Matteo are *chefs kiss* and their chemistry is thai level hot! Their HEA took some twists and turns to get to but it was oh so good for them. Black’s writing style is easy to read and makes all the violence and BDE weaved throughout the book easy to get hooked to!
The only thing I wish I had was a much longer ending! These two deserved many many many more chapters and with the pace of the majority of the book, the last bit went a little too quick for me.
Now… don’t tempt me with a good time with a mafia romance and THEN make it MM? Sign me up. All my dark romance readers who love a mafia romance with a little violence and steam, the Lupo Syndicate universe is for you! Daddy Dante will make you drool 🤤 My question now is … WHO IS NEXT!??
Rating: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 2/5🌶️🥵
December 22, 2023
After Matteo gets kidnapped after being mistaken as his older brother, it's up to Dante and members of the Lupo Syndicate to rescue and protect him until they can eliminate the danger. Matteo hasn't seen Dante in years after he confessed his crush on him and then he was sent away to college. After all this time, these two were still attracted to one another but Dante didn't want to act on it partially out of respect to Matteo's brother and that he didn't want him involved in mafia life because it puts a permanent target on your back for life.
While I really wanted to love this story, the crazy amount of angst between them after only being intimate ONE SINGLE TIME honestly made me want to DNF immediately but I kept going. And also, the first few chapters threw me off with all of the mafia business "talk" which seemed to be overly talked about and was a bit confusing to follow.
These two did eventually get their HEA, but it was a bit hard to get there.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review
While I really wanted to love this story, the crazy amount of angst between them after only being intimate ONE SINGLE TIME honestly made me want to DNF immediately but I kept going. And also, the first few chapters threw me off with all of the mafia business "talk" which seemed to be overly talked about and was a bit confusing to follow.
These two did eventually get their HEA, but it was a bit hard to get there.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review
December 31, 2023
You can't put this book down once you start reading it. Both the tension and the suspense serve as motivating factors in this narrative. It is quite a challenge to put this book down. Whether they're good or not, all of the characters are star players. Because the lines between good and evil are blurry throughout the novel, "good" can be a relative concept. In my experience, the person you root for most becomes the embodiment of goodness, while the one you dislike the most becomes the incarnation of evil. While the love story is certainly there and plays an essential role in the plot, I was more captivated by the themes of violent betrayal and vengeance, which are present throughout the narrative. But the love story was the one that started it all, so it has its own power, albeit a sweeter one, whereas the other one tastes like violence and revenge. The two paths that this book takes together provide an enjoyable journey for the reader.I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
December 20, 2023
I don't want to say that this had a bit of a slow start, because that's not exactly true. However, I did have a hard time getting into the story at first. But once I got a few chapters in and and we really started to see the relationship between the two characters it got much more interesting and I wasn't able to put it down.
This turned out to be exactly what I look for in my M/M mafia romance!
Enter your cinnamon roll who just wants to help while you have your mafia boss pushing him away to try to save him from being subjected to that kind of life.
Which, of course, never works out that way!
This turned out to be a fantastic read that I really enjoyed and I can't wait to see what the author has in store with this series. (I hope it's Gio and Ellis... please let it be Gio and Ellis... I ship them hard lol)
*I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.*
This turned out to be exactly what I look for in my M/M mafia romance!
Enter your cinnamon roll who just wants to help while you have your mafia boss pushing him away to try to save him from being subjected to that kind of life.
Which, of course, never works out that way!
This turned out to be a fantastic read that I really enjoyed and I can't wait to see what the author has in store with this series. (I hope it's Gio and Ellis... please let it be Gio and Ellis... I ship them hard lol)
*I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.*
December 22, 2023
Definitely a little grumpy/sunshine going on with this couple. Dante is grumpy crime boss, while Matteo is the sunshine to his world. Dante has been obsessed with Matteo for years, and all it takes is Matteo getting wrongfully kidnapped by Dante’s enemy family. Dante would do almost anything to keep him safe except being honest about his feelings until it’s too late. Dante keeps pushing and pulling his feelings around for Matteo.
Overall, I would recommend this book. Interesting crime boss story. Short read with the book being under 250 pages. Simple concept and easy to read in a single setting.
This is a reworked novel that was previously published. It has been completely edited from its original, I never read the original so I can’t compare the two and this review will be on the reworked version only.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review.
Overall, I would recommend this book. Interesting crime boss story. Short read with the book being under 250 pages. Simple concept and easy to read in a single setting.
This is a reworked novel that was previously published. It has been completely edited from its original, I never read the original so I can’t compare the two and this review will be on the reworked version only.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review.
December 24, 2023
From the beginning this book keeps you reading. The suspense, the intensity are both driving forces in this story. Putting this book down is no easy task. The characters are all star players rather good or not. Good may actually be a relative term here because good and evil are very gray in this book. I’ve found that who you favor garners the embodiment of good versus the less likable gaining the evil title. The storyline is powerful as there are very few dull moments and while the love story has its place and it is important as part of the story I found the aggressive betrayal and retribution to be the stronger of the subject matter. The love story, however, was the catalyst that set it all in motion so for that it has it’s own strength though sweeter while the other has a violence and a vengeance flavor. Both avenues of this book unite and give the reader an adventure that is very agreeable. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
December 27, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. This blurb grabbed me from the beginning. There is a lot going on here. Age gap, bff’s brother and forbidden romance.
Dante has been trained since he was five to run the Lupo Syndicate. He does so successfully but when Matteo is kidnapped things get a little out of hand for Dante
Matteo is the younger brother of Dante’s consigliere, Angelo. Angelo and Dante have grown up and been trained together from youngsters. When Angelo’s parents are killed he assumes guardianship for his younger brother Matteo.
Matteo’s life is sort of outside the syndicate’s business but when returning home from school to visit Angelo, he is mistaken for Angelo and kidnapped.
What Dante goes through to find Matteo and deal with him and how Dante deals with traitors kept the story moving right along. I enjoyed the story and hope to read more about these characters.
Dante has been trained since he was five to run the Lupo Syndicate. He does so successfully but when Matteo is kidnapped things get a little out of hand for Dante
Matteo is the younger brother of Dante’s consigliere, Angelo. Angelo and Dante have grown up and been trained together from youngsters. When Angelo’s parents are killed he assumes guardianship for his younger brother Matteo.
Matteo’s life is sort of outside the syndicate’s business but when returning home from school to visit Angelo, he is mistaken for Angelo and kidnapped.
What Dante goes through to find Matteo and deal with him and how Dante deals with traitors kept the story moving right along. I enjoyed the story and hope to read more about these characters.
December 23, 2023
Dante literally pushes Matteo away the ENTIRE book. It’s not til the very end that he expresses his feelings. I should have stopped reading after the second time Dante pushed him away, very harshly so, idk why I kept going. Dante kept talking about how he was going to make it up to Matteo and grovel his ass off but Matteo forgives him almost immediately so no grovel was needed. Of course. Also the Daddy/boy aspect was barely touched and they never had a single discussion about it. Just called each other that during sex and it was kind of out left field. I kept waiting for the daddy romance to happen and then 50% later Dante calls himself Daddy out of no where so I would not really classify this as a daddy romance in my opinion.
NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA
NO BREAK UP BECAUSE THEY WERE NEVER TOGETHER
MURDER
NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA
NO BREAK UP BECAUSE THEY WERE NEVER TOGETHER
MURDER
December 20, 2023
This was sooo good, I could have read 100 more pages of Dante and Matteo. This is a mafia romance with the perfect balance of possession and heat. Matteo is the younger brother of Dante's consigliere. This starts off with the kidnapping of Matteo. He is tracked down and rescued by Dante who he has always crushed on. Dante makes it his mission to figure out who kidnapped Matteo. Matteo is a graduate student, studying computers, so Dante puts him to work in his organization. Their relationship slowly builds, and it was beautiful to me. I loved every part of it. Will definitely read more by this author, I am hoping this is the start of a series.
"I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review."
"I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review."
December 21, 2023
Dante, the Don of the Lupo Syndicate rescued his consigliere Angelo's little brother Matteo from kidnappers who tortured him. Both Matteo and Dante have wanted each other for years but Dante keeps pushing Matteo away to protect him. I loved the Mafia angle and Dante is wonderfully possessive though he constantly tries to do the right thing. Matteo is brave and persistent. There is a lot of action and danger to enjoy and, of course, rescuing. I enjoyed their relationship and only wished for more sexy times. I believe I read this book before under a different name and the author rewrote parts. It is all the better for the changes. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
December 23, 2023
Matteo has been in love with his brother’s boss for as long as he can remember. When he’s kidnapped by his brother’s enemies, he knows his brother will come for him and refuses to give his torturers the information they want. What he doesn’t expect is for his brother’s boss to be the one rushing in to save him. Is this his chance to finally be with the one he’s always loved… or is this just another chance for Dante to push him away again? This was such a good mafia romance! I loved the tension between Dante and Matteo - everything is against them and their relationship, there are tons of reasons why they shouldn’t be together, but sitting on the edge of my seat while waiting to see if they could make it through was so satisfying! I cannot wait for the rest of the series!!
December 30, 2023
I liked the mafia side of this book. The world building is well done overall, with dangerous characters and plenty of tension. It’s a promising start to the series in that respect. There is very little relationship or romance however, which made it hard to be invested in Dante and Matteo as a couple until the very end. As a mob boss however, Dante is an effective character. He is dangerous, calculating, and you can feel his potential for violence. Matteo is also interesting as a character, he is intelligent and definitely has backbone. I liked the both main characters and the mafia world, but as a romance it didn’t quite work for me, three stars for that part of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 20, 2023
Being kidnapped, inevitably brings Mateo back into the world of his long time crush and head of the Lupos syndicate, Dante. A world which his brother has tried to keep him away from. Being back in Dante’s presence makes it harder to ignore the attraction between them but danger is still lurking and Dante is hesitant to pursue what can be.
This plot has lots of potential but there was a lot of push and pull between the characters and I felt that the Daddy/boy aspect of their relationship was a bit forced. There is a lot of violence, betrayal and bits of drama. But there is also an eventual HEA.
This plot has lots of potential but there was a lot of push and pull between the characters and I felt that the Daddy/boy aspect of their relationship was a bit forced. There is a lot of violence, betrayal and bits of drama. But there is also an eventual HEA.
December 23, 2023
Dante and Matteo were so different but definitely seemed to balance each other out- I liked how determined Matteo was (and it was a good thing too as there seemed to be more pushing away in places than moments together!). They had brilliant chemistry and the book jumped right in with action and kept a good pace throughout. I enjoyed the world-building and really liked getting to hear from both characters with the alternating perspectives for each chapter. Overall, a great book and I hope we get to learn even more about some of the secondary characters introduced as the series develops.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
December 25, 2023
A new to me author, a great story premise, a mafia Don that needs slapped and alove interest that shows his spine.
While I fully understand Dantes need to keep Matteo away from danger, and his obession with keeping him safe, he does all of this in a way that tears Matteos heart out. In a way that could impact his relationship with his brother.
I love Matteo standing up for himself, when he faced off against Dante. What I didnt like was that he basically fell over himself to forgive Dante. He really needed to make him sweat abit and earn forgiveness... otherwise he could easilynhurt Matteo again.
While I fully understand Dantes need to keep Matteo away from danger, and his obession with keeping him safe, he does all of this in a way that tears Matteos heart out. In a way that could impact his relationship with his brother.
I love Matteo standing up for himself, when he faced off against Dante. What I didnt like was that he basically fell over himself to forgive Dante. He really needed to make him sweat abit and earn forgiveness... otherwise he could easilynhurt Matteo again.
December 29, 2023
Predatory Obsession is a mafia romance and was right up my alley. Dante is a feared leader of The Lupo Syndicate and a “daddy”. Matteo is the little brother of Dante’s best friend and right hand man. Matteo is not for Dante - even though they’ve had a crush on each other for years. Matteo is supposed to live a life in peace away from the Syndicate. But when Matteo is kidnapped by one of Dante’s enemies - things that none of them can control is set into motion and the chemistry between them can’t be denied anymore.
It was a great book and a promising start to a new series - I’m excited to see what’s in store for us!
It was a great book and a promising start to a new series - I’m excited to see what’s in store for us!
December 30, 2023
It was a new-to-me author and I liked the book, but I did not loved it. A mafia MM daddy/boy, age gap romance with lots of sexy moments, but also angst and tension. It starts with a bang: the Kidnapping of Matteo, brother of Dante's friend Angelo. After that the romance starts and the action slows down. Dante and Angelo are very sweet together. I would have liked it for them to offer greater resistance to their coming together, but it is only a personal preference.
I think the book is well written and the plot well developed to grab the reader's attention. I am certainly curious to read another book by this author.
I think the book is well written and the plot well developed to grab the reader's attention. I am certainly curious to read another book by this author.
January 4, 2024
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and the start I want to say that I can see this being someone’s favorite cup of tea, for me it was not.
I had a hard time with decisiveness in this story. It felt very abrupt and the themes changed very frequently which made it hard for me to really get in to the universe.
The plot also seemed kind of in and out, and changed directions. And when I started the book I was confused as it felt like I should have already known who people were and what was going on. It felt very much like there was a book before this that I needed to have read. It made it very hard to push through it and figure it out.
2/5 ✨
I had a hard time with decisiveness in this story. It felt very abrupt and the themes changed very frequently which made it hard for me to really get in to the universe.
The plot also seemed kind of in and out, and changed directions. And when I started the book I was confused as it felt like I should have already known who people were and what was going on. It felt very much like there was a book before this that I needed to have read. It made it very hard to push through it and figure it out.
2/5 ✨
December 30, 2023
This is the first novel I've read from this author, and from what I've gathered from their author profile, their first novel as well. This was well-written and thoughtfully plotted out.
However, it felt rushed and not thorough. It needed a prologue to establish the characters' place in the world. Also, more of how Dante climbed the ranks and how and why his obsession with Matteo came about. I think a prologue would have made some of the family history and their rivalry a bit more clear.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
However, it felt rushed and not thorough. It needed a prologue to establish the characters' place in the world. Also, more of how Dante climbed the ranks and how and why his obsession with Matteo came about. I think a prologue would have made some of the family history and their rivalry a bit more clear.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
December 31, 2023
For this lover of hurt comfort, age gap and mafia romance with steam and action, this book was right up my alley. It made sense that Dante and Anthony would try to keep Matteo out of the "business" but that doesn't stop Matteo from wanting Dante (and vice versa). Things manage to go along successfully until Matteo is kidnapped and tortured by Dante's enemies. After his rescue, feelings are eventually admitted and acted on, revenge is in the cards and there is plenty of scheming and plotting going on against Dante and by extension Matteo. Delighted to see this is the first in a series.
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