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King of Ruin #1
Tainted Obsession
Evelyn
The last thing I can remember is the rough hands that grabbed me from behind and the rank scent of the cloth that was forced over my face.
I hear my captors saying that they’re keeping me as a hostage. Until they no longer have a use for me.
Then there’s pain, a feral roar of rage, and the world disappears.
Massimo
I found them brutalizing her, and I made them pay with their lives.
My criminal world is steeped in blood and violence, but she’s innocent, and I won’t allow them to hurt her ever again.
I stalk her from the shadows, memorizing every shy smile and small gesture of kindness.
When corrupt men threaten her once again, I don’t have a choice: I take her for myself, for her own protection.
Once I have her under my control, my fascination deepens to obsession.
I’ll do anything to keep her, devising the most deviant seduction to make her mine.
She’ll be so addicted to my touch that she’ll never want to leave.
Evelyn belongs to me, body and soul.
The last thing I can remember is the rough hands that grabbed me from behind and the rank scent of the cloth that was forced over my face.
I hear my captors saying that they’re keeping me as a hostage. Until they no longer have a use for me.
Then there’s pain, a feral roar of rage, and the world disappears.
Massimo
I found them brutalizing her, and I made them pay with their lives.
My criminal world is steeped in blood and violence, but she’s innocent, and I won’t allow them to hurt her ever again.
I stalk her from the shadows, memorizing every shy smile and small gesture of kindness.
When corrupt men threaten her once again, I don’t have a choice: I take her for myself, for her own protection.
Once I have her under my control, my fascination deepens to obsession.
I’ll do anything to keep her, devising the most deviant seduction to make her mine.
She’ll be so addicted to my touch that she’ll never want to leave.
Evelyn belongs to me, body and soul.
Unknown Binding
First published April 25, 2024
948 people are currently reading
3077 people want to read
About the author
Julia Sykes
138 books2,021 followersJulia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
April 24, 2024
Tainted Obsession by Julia Sykes
5/5 stars
Tainted Obsession is such a hot, quick read. I completely devoured it and read it in one sitting. Not sure if it is a novel or a novella. For me it felt like a novella and that really suited the pace of the story and the story itself.
The book starts with Evelyn being kidnapped and overhearing what the two kidnappers plan to do with her. She is paralyzed in fear. Until she hears a third voice. Asking if he is innocent or not. The next thing she knows, she is waking up in the hospital with her fiance, George Crawford, next to her. At first she assumes he saved her. But he quickly lets her know he did not.
The savior is Massimo. He is in Mexico to make a deal with Duarte, a cartel boss. He killed the two men who kidnapped Evelyn and he promises Duarte to handle the business the kidnappers were supposed to do. He starts to stalk George. But his eyes quickly follow his pretty fiance. And animalistic urges come to the surface regarding her.
I just absolutely loved this novella. It is fast paced, has a great story line and the lead characters have fun, hot and sizzling chemistry.
And even though the book ends on a gigantic cliffhanger, I absolutely loved the last scene. And I cannot wait to read the next book/novella in this series.
5 big stars from me! For the addictive story.
5/5 stars
Tainted Obsession is such a hot, quick read. I completely devoured it and read it in one sitting. Not sure if it is a novel or a novella. For me it felt like a novella and that really suited the pace of the story and the story itself.
The book starts with Evelyn being kidnapped and overhearing what the two kidnappers plan to do with her. She is paralyzed in fear. Until she hears a third voice. Asking if he is innocent or not. The next thing she knows, she is waking up in the hospital with her fiance, George Crawford, next to her. At first she assumes he saved her. But he quickly lets her know he did not.
The savior is Massimo. He is in Mexico to make a deal with Duarte, a cartel boss. He killed the two men who kidnapped Evelyn and he promises Duarte to handle the business the kidnappers were supposed to do. He starts to stalk George. But his eyes quickly follow his pretty fiance. And animalistic urges come to the surface regarding her.
I just absolutely loved this novella. It is fast paced, has a great story line and the lead characters have fun, hot and sizzling chemistry.
And even though the book ends on a gigantic cliffhanger, I absolutely loved the last scene. And I cannot wait to read the next book/novella in this series.
5 big stars from me! For the addictive story.
June 7, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I'm not sure how to rate this read. For me, it was definitely a between 3 and 4 stars read! I'll go with 4 stars in the end, because I am very curious about how Massimo will manage to save her, once again! So, I will absolutely continue this series, at least with the 2nd book.
What I didn't like:
- the pace, quite slow in the beginning
- I don't know why this is a trilogy; it would have probably worked as a duet, at least
- the all so overused trope of never satisfied h, and the very experienced H (at least he never had a serious relationship, and it's clear he is smitten with her and wants to constantly protect her because she's that innocent)
!! This is not a dark read when it comes to their relationship. It does have dark -ish elements because of the mafia / cartels set-up (violence, attempted SA, etc.).
***** Possible small spoilers below *****
What I liked: how protective he was with her since the very first moment they met 😭🖤🖤
I liked the heroine overall, I want to see how she will grow as a character. I hope she'll become stronger. I hope she'll find her voice and that big love and security she deserves (with the H, of course 🤭). I hope she'll get her revenge against her POS ex-fiance. She was such a sheltered type of person, never been loved, even by her parents, hence why she always tried to get her fiancée's attention and love. She basically was doing everything for her fiancées happiness, even though she wasn't always content with their situation. Of course, her fiancée was a POS who did not care about her. Ugh, I wanted to kick his ass so bad 😂😂. I hope he'll get what he deserves. So, considering her past and current life, I understand why she was portrayed like that, hence why I moved past the fact that she has such an imbalanced experience compared with the H.
I definitely liked the H, aka Massimo. He is an Italian mobster of some kind. He saved her when she was abducted by her fiancée's rivals. Then he had to follow her fiancée's (so he could kill him), but actually, of course, he ended up stalking her as well. And he definitely fell for her while protecting her two times more. He basically jumped in front of a gun for her 🥹 and I love that!! Once they are thrown together in the close proximity scenario, things definitely evolve quickly between them. Again, I felt like it was quite instantly, but it also worked for them.
Anyways, this ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm damn curious about what happens next! I'm rooting for this couple! Also, I hope his friends will get their books as well 👀.
What to expect
- touch her and 🔪, literally
- obsessed, overprotective, all mine mine mine H
- adorable, sweet heroine
- some spice, not overdone, but it works considering their situation
- no cheating, no scenes with OP
- quick read, cliffhanger!!
.
.
.
" “It’s okay,” I murmured. “You can cry. You don’t have to hold back around me.”
She’d hidden her distress from Crawford, protecting him from worry with her quiet strength.
But I was strong enough for both of us, and she didn’t have to bear that kind of burden now that she was with me. "
-- love how he understood her and tried to offer her emotional security so she can just be herself 🥹🥹🖤; and in such a short time; stalking and getting to know her definitely worked in his advantage 🤭🥰
"Massimo was a protector, a provider. He had a code of honor. And he cared about me deeply, perhaps so much that it should unnerve me.
But no one had ever looked at me like he did. No one had ever treated me so well, like my happiness mattered to them. Not my family, and certainly not George."
--- true, true, and sadly true 🥹🥹
I'm not sure how to rate this read. For me, it was definitely a between 3 and 4 stars read! I'll go with 4 stars in the end, because I am very curious about how Massimo will manage to save her, once again! So, I will absolutely continue this series, at least with the 2nd book.
What I didn't like:
- the pace, quite slow in the beginning
- I don't know why this is a trilogy; it would have probably worked as a duet, at least
- the all so overused trope of never satisfied h, and the very experienced H (at least he never had a serious relationship, and it's clear he is smitten with her and wants to constantly protect her because she's that innocent)
!! This is not a dark read when it comes to their relationship. It does have dark -ish elements because of the mafia / cartels set-up (violence, attempted SA, etc.).
***** Possible small spoilers below *****
What I liked: how protective he was with her since the very first moment they met 😭🖤🖤
I liked the heroine overall, I want to see how she will grow as a character. I hope she'll become stronger. I hope she'll find her voice and that big love and security she deserves (with the H, of course 🤭). I hope she'll get her revenge against her POS ex-fiance. She was such a sheltered type of person, never been loved, even by her parents, hence why she always tried to get her fiancée's attention and love. She basically was doing everything for her fiancées happiness, even though she wasn't always content with their situation. Of course, her fiancée was a POS who did not care about her. Ugh, I wanted to kick his ass so bad 😂😂. I hope he'll get what he deserves. So, considering her past and current life, I understand why she was portrayed like that, hence why I moved past the fact that she has such an imbalanced experience compared with the H.
I definitely liked the H, aka Massimo. He is an Italian mobster of some kind. He saved her when she was abducted by her fiancée's rivals. Then he had to follow her fiancée's (so he could kill him), but actually, of course, he ended up stalking her as well. And he definitely fell for her while protecting her two times more. He basically jumped in front of a gun for her 🥹 and I love that!! Once they are thrown together in the close proximity scenario, things definitely evolve quickly between them. Again, I felt like it was quite instantly, but it also worked for them.
Anyways, this ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm damn curious about what happens next! I'm rooting for this couple! Also, I hope his friends will get their books as well 👀.
What to expect
- touch her and 🔪, literally
- obsessed, overprotective, all mine mine mine H
- adorable, sweet heroine
- some spice, not overdone, but it works considering their situation
- no cheating, no scenes with OP
- quick read, cliffhanger!!
.
.
.
" “It’s okay,” I murmured. “You can cry. You don’t have to hold back around me.”
She’d hidden her distress from Crawford, protecting him from worry with her quiet strength.
But I was strong enough for both of us, and she didn’t have to bear that kind of burden now that she was with me. "
-- love how he understood her and tried to offer her emotional security so she can just be herself 🥹🥹🖤; and in such a short time; stalking and getting to know her definitely worked in his advantage 🤭🥰
"Massimo was a protector, a provider. He had a code of honor. And he cared about me deeply, perhaps so much that it should unnerve me.
But no one had ever looked at me like he did. No one had ever treated me so well, like my happiness mattered to them. Not my family, and certainly not George."
--- true, true, and sadly true 🥹🥹
October 21, 2024
I’m not quite sure why or how the book has such high ratings, but do not waste your time.
April 22, 2024
OH. MY. GODDDDD! 🔥
I was hooked from the FIRST SENTENCE! Tainted Obsession was a fast-paced and fun read that left me wanting more. This story ends in a cliffhanger, and I am not okay. I need part 2 IMMEDIATELY. Massimo has that whole "touch her and d!e" thing going for him, and I'm here for it!!
You might like this if you enjoy:
- Strangers to Lovers
- m@fia
- touch her and d!e vibes
- protective/possessive MMC
- St@lker
- Dark
- Saving her from Mr. Wrong
- Slight BD$M
I was hooked from the FIRST SENTENCE! Tainted Obsession was a fast-paced and fun read that left me wanting more. This story ends in a cliffhanger, and I am not okay. I need part 2 IMMEDIATELY. Massimo has that whole "touch her and d!e" thing going for him, and I'm here for it!!
You might like this if you enjoy:
- Strangers to Lovers
- m@fia
- touch her and d!e vibes
- protective/possessive MMC
- St@lker
- Dark
- Saving her from Mr. Wrong
- Slight BD$M
October 28, 2024
Good idea
Bad execution
Bad execution
August 16, 2024
What a read!
It is a short and satisfying read.
It starts off right away with Evelyn being kidnapped. Massimo is a strong 6ft Italian with the mafia. Expect touch and....(literally). Overprotective, all mine mine mine H. An adorable, sweet heroine, some spice, not overdone, but it works considering their situation. Forced proximity, kidnapping, he falls first and hard. A quick read and a cliffhanger!
Onto the next book in the trilogy!
It is a short and satisfying read.
It starts off right away with Evelyn being kidnapped. Massimo is a strong 6ft Italian with the mafia. Expect touch and....(literally). Overprotective, all mine mine mine H. An adorable, sweet heroine, some spice, not overdone, but it works considering their situation. Forced proximity, kidnapping, he falls first and hard. A quick read and a cliffhanger!
Onto the next book in the trilogy!
April 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝑵𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕, 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆.
You know what Evelyn Day didn’t have on her bingo card? Being kidnapped. Twice. But here she is, held captive again just days after escaping her first ordeal. Something else she didn’t have on her personal bingo card? Being attracted to Captor Number Two. But here we are…
Massimo hasn’t been able to let Evelyn out of his sight for long since releasing her from his cartel counterparts. His obsession only deepens when he has to rescue her yet again and finally has her all to himself. But can he truly keep her forever?
I was excited to get approved for an ARC of this dark mafia romance - because your girl loves a little light stalking and kidnapping - and I wasn’t disappointed. I can’t wait to see what happens for Massimo and Evelyn next!
𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒔𝒎𝒖𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝑵𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕, 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆.
You know what Evelyn Day didn’t have on her bingo card? Being kidnapped. Twice. But here she is, held captive again just days after escaping her first ordeal. Something else she didn’t have on her personal bingo card? Being attracted to Captor Number Two. But here we are…
Massimo hasn’t been able to let Evelyn out of his sight for long since releasing her from his cartel counterparts. His obsession only deepens when he has to rescue her yet again and finally has her all to himself. But can he truly keep her forever?
I was excited to get approved for an ARC of this dark mafia romance - because your girl loves a little light stalking and kidnapping - and I wasn’t disappointed. I can’t wait to see what happens for Massimo and Evelyn next!
𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒔𝒎𝒖𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆𝒔𝒔.
June 14, 2024
⭐️4/5 🌶️3/5
📖tropes: mafia romance, possessive mmc, forced proximity, he kidnaps her, touch her you die, he falls first
📖tropes: mafia romance, possessive mmc, forced proximity, he kidnaps her, touch her you die, he falls first
April 28, 2024
Once I have her under my control, my fascination deepens to obsession.
I’ll do anything to keep her, devising the most deviant seduction to make her mine.
She’ll be so addicted to my touch that she’ll never want to leave.
A short, fast, action packed read that has you on the edge of your seat.
Massimo's alpha obsession for Evelyn is hot, and something we all dream of in the dark romance bookish world, but you can truly see his soft side shine when it comes to all things Evelyn. I devoured the Praise he gave Evelyn!
This does end on quite a cliffhanger, and makes you want the next book in the series right now!
Tropes:
- Touch her and die
- Forced proximity
- Mafia
- Possessive MMC
- Strangers to lovers
I’ll do anything to keep her, devising the most deviant seduction to make her mine.
She’ll be so addicted to my touch that she’ll never want to leave.
A short, fast, action packed read that has you on the edge of your seat.
Massimo's alpha obsession for Evelyn is hot, and something we all dream of in the dark romance bookish world, but you can truly see his soft side shine when it comes to all things Evelyn. I devoured the Praise he gave Evelyn!
This does end on quite a cliffhanger, and makes you want the next book in the series right now!
Tropes:
- Touch her and die
- Forced proximity
- Mafia
- Possessive MMC
- Strangers to lovers
November 30, 2024
2 ⭐️
The amount of times I read the words “I will keep you safe” is actually insane 💀💀
This book had good potential, but had terrible execution. The beginning was dragged out so much and then everything was left completely unsolved. I don’t really care about either of the characters and I don’t even know if i’m going to pick up the second book. Somehow the characters didn’t even meet until like 60% in and when they finally did, it was insta love. Massimo literally kidnapped Evelyn and she hates him for it for all of 24 hours, until she wakes up the next morning and decides she’s in love. Don’t waste your time on this book it’s terrible.
The amount of times I read the words “I will keep you safe” is actually insane 💀💀
This book had good potential, but had terrible execution. The beginning was dragged out so much and then everything was left completely unsolved. I don’t really care about either of the characters and I don’t even know if i’m going to pick up the second book. Somehow the characters didn’t even meet until like 60% in and when they finally did, it was insta love. Massimo literally kidnapped Evelyn and she hates him for it for all of 24 hours, until she wakes up the next morning and decides she’s in love. Don’t waste your time on this book it’s terrible.
April 27, 2024
Thank you Julia Sykes and Valentines PR for sending me an eARC of this read.
My weakness is Morally Gray Mafia Men with an honor code. Then you throw in some light stalking, BDSM, & a nickname and I’m practically salivating. I ate this book up, if it were a dinner plate it would been a situation where I would have licked it clean.
Evelyn is unknowingly engaged to a POS dirty DEA agent, George, she is kidnapped as leverage so the cartel can take him out. She’s beaten, bound and close to being violated when all of a sudden a stranger rescues her. The words “she’s an innocent” burned in her memory forever. Little does she know her protector, her rescuer has developed himself an obsession. She is his fixation and he will not stop until her unworthy fiancé, George is eliminated.
Massimo is a member of the Camorra, the Italian mafia, he is in Mexico City on business with his partners trying to form a connection with a cartel. Meanwhile, since his act as protector has caused a bit of a wrinkle in the plan he is determined to take out George Crawford (Evelyn’s fiancé). It’s not just about the promise he made, he wants her for himself, ever since that night she has occupied his thoughts. She may not know it yet, but she is HIS.
Massimo begins to insert himself into Evelyn’s life until she too begins to subconsciously crave him. His touch, his kiss, and even his name. She needs to know who this man who shows up at the right time to protect her is, even if that man is not George. The weight of her reality comes around her when she finds out the truth about her fiancé, but once again Massimo is there. He is there to show her that she can be his so easily. She just needs to give in.
This book was short, sweet and tense. It ends on a cliffhanger and will keep me coming back for more. I have to know what happens with Evie and Massimo. The spice we get is perfection and I know it’s only the beginning, because the build to it was *chefs kiss*
This book is out now on Amazon & KU so go add it to your TBR!
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😮😥😍😒😢🥰🥵😱
✨Tropes: He falls first, forced proximity, OTT/JP MMC, Morally Gray MMC, Mafia, MINE!
💫Micro-Tropes: BDSM, Kidnapping, Protector, Tragic Past
Quotes:
”Hunger gnawed at my gut, a keen desire I’d never experienced before. I wanted this woman. I wanted her innocence, her beauty, her quiet strength. Everything about her fascinated me, and I craved more of her attention. I couldn’t have broken from her gaze even if I’d wanted to.”
“Let go, farfallina,” I urged, tugging her grasping fingers free from my shirt. She didn’t fight me. “Good girl.”
“You’re welcome to look, farfallina.”
“I know men like him. He would sacrifice anything for it, even you. I won’t allow that to happen.”
“Never hide from me, farfallina,”
“Your sweet cunt belongs to me. I could feast on you every day.”
“You’re all right, dolcezza. No one will dare to touch you.”
“No one had ever wanted me so desperately. Like I was everything to him, and he would do anything to possess me. “
My weakness is Morally Gray Mafia Men with an honor code. Then you throw in some light stalking, BDSM, & a nickname and I’m practically salivating. I ate this book up, if it were a dinner plate it would been a situation where I would have licked it clean.
Evelyn is unknowingly engaged to a POS dirty DEA agent, George, she is kidnapped as leverage so the cartel can take him out. She’s beaten, bound and close to being violated when all of a sudden a stranger rescues her. The words “she’s an innocent” burned in her memory forever. Little does she know her protector, her rescuer has developed himself an obsession. She is his fixation and he will not stop until her unworthy fiancé, George is eliminated.
Massimo is a member of the Camorra, the Italian mafia, he is in Mexico City on business with his partners trying to form a connection with a cartel. Meanwhile, since his act as protector has caused a bit of a wrinkle in the plan he is determined to take out George Crawford (Evelyn’s fiancé). It’s not just about the promise he made, he wants her for himself, ever since that night she has occupied his thoughts. She may not know it yet, but she is HIS.
Massimo begins to insert himself into Evelyn’s life until she too begins to subconsciously crave him. His touch, his kiss, and even his name. She needs to know who this man who shows up at the right time to protect her is, even if that man is not George. The weight of her reality comes around her when she finds out the truth about her fiancé, but once again Massimo is there. He is there to show her that she can be his so easily. She just needs to give in.
This book was short, sweet and tense. It ends on a cliffhanger and will keep me coming back for more. I have to know what happens with Evie and Massimo. The spice we get is perfection and I know it’s only the beginning, because the build to it was *chefs kiss*
This book is out now on Amazon & KU so go add it to your TBR!
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😮😥😍😒😢🥰🥵😱
✨Tropes: He falls first, forced proximity, OTT/JP MMC, Morally Gray MMC, Mafia, MINE!
💫Micro-Tropes: BDSM, Kidnapping, Protector, Tragic Past
Quotes:
”Hunger gnawed at my gut, a keen desire I’d never experienced before. I wanted this woman. I wanted her innocence, her beauty, her quiet strength. Everything about her fascinated me, and I craved more of her attention. I couldn’t have broken from her gaze even if I’d wanted to.”
“Let go, farfallina,” I urged, tugging her grasping fingers free from my shirt. She didn’t fight me. “Good girl.”
“You’re welcome to look, farfallina.”
“I know men like him. He would sacrifice anything for it, even you. I won’t allow that to happen.”
“Never hide from me, farfallina,”
“Your sweet cunt belongs to me. I could feast on you every day.”
“You’re all right, dolcezza. No one will dare to touch you.”
“No one had ever wanted me so desperately. Like I was everything to him, and he would do anything to possess me. “
May 13, 2024
This troupes for this book is touch her and 💀 forced proximity mafia possessive MMC strangers to lovers this book is short fast with a lot of action read with Alpha obsession that my little dark romance hear loved!
April 23, 2024
✨ Tainted Obsession ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Synopsis:
My criminal world is steeped in blood and violence, but she's innocent, and I won't allow them to hurt her ever again. I stalk her from the shadows, memorizing every shy smile and small gesture of kindness. When corrupt men threaten her once again, I don't have a choice: I take her for myself, for her own protection.
💭 My Thoughts:
My first ARC read! I loved this book! It is the first book in what ai believe will be a trilogy and I am hooked! It was also my first tine reading any of Julia Skyes novels and I think it was a very nice introduction. 😌 Evelyn just got a taste of what shes in for and as for Massimo, he's a big brooding italian man but I know a giant muscley teddy bear when I see one. Yes, this does end on a cliffhanger, but I will definitely be reading the next one!
PS, I took off one star cause there wasnt enough spice (personally) hehe 😉
Tainted Obsession by Julia Sykes, releasing on April 25, 2024!
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xh7OXB
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/49i6dhx
Let me know what you think!
💜✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Synopsis:
My criminal world is steeped in blood and violence, but she's innocent, and I won't allow them to hurt her ever again. I stalk her from the shadows, memorizing every shy smile and small gesture of kindness. When corrupt men threaten her once again, I don't have a choice: I take her for myself, for her own protection.
💭 My Thoughts:
My first ARC read! I loved this book! It is the first book in what ai believe will be a trilogy and I am hooked! It was also my first tine reading any of Julia Skyes novels and I think it was a very nice introduction. 😌 Evelyn just got a taste of what shes in for and as for Massimo, he's a big brooding italian man but I know a giant muscley teddy bear when I see one. Yes, this does end on a cliffhanger, but I will definitely be reading the next one!
PS, I took off one star cause there wasnt enough spice (personally) hehe 😉
Tainted Obsession by Julia Sykes, releasing on April 25, 2024!
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xh7OXB
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/49i6dhx
Let me know what you think!
💜✨
November 5, 2025
Tainted Obsession by @authorjuliasykes
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥🔥
🖤🖤🖤🖤
From the moment she was captured and rescued by Massimo, an intense obsession took hold of him. His eyes never left her, watching her every move, fueled by a desperate need to protect her. But when danger struck again, Massimo made a life-altering choice to take her for himself, no matter the cost.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶
🔥🔥🔥🔥
🖤🖤🖤🖤
From the moment she was captured and rescued by Massimo, an intense obsession took hold of him. His eyes never left her, watching her every move, fueled by a desperate need to protect her. But when danger struck again, Massimo made a life-altering choice to take her for himself, no matter the cost.
April 25, 2024
ARC review
Ratings
4/5 stars
3/5 spice
I need more!!! This story was Chef's Kiss and I cannot wait to read more from Julia Sykes and for the next book in Evelyn and Massimo's story that I can barely hold myself together. The tension was through the roof the second they met without even knowing who each other was. Massimo is the knight in dark armor we all deserve, he took "Touch Her and 💀" to the next level of seriousness. Evelyn was such a strong character and while she needed saving she didn't let those situations define her and continued to be the badass she was.
I did not want this book to end because of how much I was obsessed with it. Massimo was a man who I needed to have and Evelyn had the strength I wanted to have.
This would have been 5 stars if it weren't for the cliff hanger but I will be reading the captive series by her while I die for the next book.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Julia Sykes for the arc in return for an honest review.
Ratings
4/5 stars
3/5 spice
I need more!!! This story was Chef's Kiss and I cannot wait to read more from Julia Sykes and for the next book in Evelyn and Massimo's story that I can barely hold myself together. The tension was through the roof the second they met without even knowing who each other was. Massimo is the knight in dark armor we all deserve, he took "Touch Her and 💀" to the next level of seriousness. Evelyn was such a strong character and while she needed saving she didn't let those situations define her and continued to be the badass she was.
I did not want this book to end because of how much I was obsessed with it. Massimo was a man who I needed to have and Evelyn had the strength I wanted to have.
This would have been 5 stars if it weren't for the cliff hanger but I will be reading the captive series by her while I die for the next book.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Julia Sykes for the arc in return for an honest review.
May 3, 2024
okay so this novella start off with a bang. it was fun and fast paced. massimo is literally my man and i loved him(i want more of him). i think for a novella this was well done. and its spicy but we don't get spicy until like 70% which i didn't mind because it was worth the wait and i do love a slow burn. now the only reason i gave it a 3.5🌟 is literally the cliffhanger i cried bc i didn't want it to end. i can't wait to read more and just love the story even more!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
He might have said more than a hundred times in the book that "I will protect you and keep you safe." May I add on every other page? He even kept saying this in his inner monologues 🙄
But alas he couldn't lmao. In the end she was kidnapped.
But alas he couldn't lmao. In the end she was kidnapped.
May 6, 2024
Fast-paced, novella with a ... *gasp*
Plot: 4 📍
Spice: 3 🔥
Overall: 4.5 ⭐
Cliffhanger! UGH! Julia! Why have you done this to us!!!!
But it's okay - I am now waiting on bated breathe for the follow on to this little snack. I'm hungry and I am 100% ready for the main course! (And I promise I'm done with the food analogies! :) I can't/won't go into too much detail because that will either lead to a plot review (that would be a spoiler) OR give away twists (also a spoiler), so I'm just going to be as brief as my verbose self can be!
Our sweet, kind-hearted FMC, Evelyn, is just an absolute doll with a d!ck fiance (zero spoilers, you learn to hate him almost immediately). The opening scene is our FMC in peril and the pace doesn't stop.
Our delightfully morally grey MMC, Massimo (hmm... say that with a snazzy Italian accent), is instantly drawn to Evelyn andstalks watches over her under the true and primary objective of dealing with her fiance.
Chaos ensues, throwing our MMC & FMC together in everyone's favorite "Forced Proximity" trope, yum, and then.... *cliffhanger!*
My only nitpick - and this is just me - with novellas, every single word choice matters because so much happens in such a short page span. There were a couple of times in Massimo's POV towards the beginning where his inner dialogue felt repetitive. Not enough to give you de ja vu or make you feel like you had lost your place, but enough to say "He's already said that before, move forward, please." Like I said, absolutely 100% nitpicking, and it may not even be noticeable to others!
Regardless, I can't wait for the rest of the story, follow ons, whatever else Ms. Sykes decides to do. I do know that I will adding all of those to mymenu TBR and can't wait to take another bite!
I did receive this early copy only for the opportunity to discover a wonderful new author and give my honest review.
Plot: 4 📍
Spice: 3 🔥
Overall: 4.5 ⭐
Cliffhanger! UGH! Julia! Why have you done this to us!!!!
But it's okay - I am now waiting on bated breathe for the follow on to this little snack. I'm hungry and I am 100% ready for the main course! (And I promise I'm done with the food analogies! :) I can't/won't go into too much detail because that will either lead to a plot review (that would be a spoiler) OR give away twists (also a spoiler), so I'm just going to be as brief as my verbose self can be!
Our sweet, kind-hearted FMC, Evelyn, is just an absolute doll with a d!ck fiance (zero spoilers, you learn to hate him almost immediately). The opening scene is our FMC in peril and the pace doesn't stop.
Our delightfully morally grey MMC, Massimo (hmm... say that with a snazzy Italian accent), is instantly drawn to Evelyn and
Chaos ensues, throwing our MMC & FMC together in everyone's favorite "Forced Proximity" trope, yum, and then.... *cliffhanger!*
My only nitpick - and this is just me - with novellas, every single word choice matters because so much happens in such a short page span. There were a couple of times in Massimo's POV towards the beginning where his inner dialogue felt repetitive. Not enough to give you de ja vu or make you feel like you had lost your place, but enough to say "He's already said that before, move forward, please." Like I said, absolutely 100% nitpicking, and it may not even be noticeable to others!
Regardless, I can't wait for the rest of the story, follow ons, whatever else Ms. Sykes decides to do. I do know that I will adding all of those to my
I did receive this early copy only for the opportunity to discover a wonderful new author and give my honest review.
April 25, 2024
4.6/5
Wow I read this book in one sitting. It was THIS good. This book is short yes, the story is fast yes, but still so good and intense! I love how the author put everything in place, the writing was beautiful and remarkable considering the shortness of the book. I had my fear but I enjoy every page of the book. AND even if everything is going on fast you can still feel the story, and be with the characters. She did a good job!
I really enjoyed the way Massimo doesn't force Evelyn to trust him or be with him. You can definitely see from the beginning that Evelyn is an obsession for Massimo, but not a negative one, he's just trying to protect her from her dirty DEA agent of a fiancé, and anyone who wants to take her away from him. He's the kind of man who would do anything for the woman he wants.
I love how cruel he is with everyone except her, with Eve, he's gentle, caring, loving and more. I love how protective he is of her, and I loved how cute and shy she was about it. I loved her innocence and mysterious sides.
This book was really good and I NEED the book 2, because the end was heartbreaking and I know Massimo is coming to get his woman. With or without blood!!!!
Wow I read this book in one sitting. It was THIS good. This book is short yes, the story is fast yes, but still so good and intense! I love how the author put everything in place, the writing was beautiful and remarkable considering the shortness of the book. I had my fear but I enjoy every page of the book. AND even if everything is going on fast you can still feel the story, and be with the characters. She did a good job!
I really enjoyed the way Massimo doesn't force Evelyn to trust him or be with him. You can definitely see from the beginning that Evelyn is an obsession for Massimo, but not a negative one, he's just trying to protect her from her dirty DEA agent of a fiancé, and anyone who wants to take her away from him. He's the kind of man who would do anything for the woman he wants.
I love how cruel he is with everyone except her, with Eve, he's gentle, caring, loving and more. I love how protective he is of her, and I loved how cute and shy she was about it. I loved her innocence and mysterious sides.
This book was really good and I NEED the book 2, because the end was heartbreaking and I know Massimo is coming to get his woman. With or without blood!!!!
May 19, 2024
1.5⭐ / 2🌶️
— vibezz
🦋 insta-love
💎 man obsessed
🦋 kidnapping
💎 praise
🦋 he's a possessive™ one
mini blurb — ✍🏻
Evelyn is living in Mexico City with her fiancé, but because of his job and the shady connection he has with certain people, one day she's abducted and held hostage. Only for the intervention of Massimo she's able to escape. This is the beginning of Massimo's obsession with her, he sees her as too pure and innocent to be with a man who's capable of putting her in danger for his selfish interests and personal gains.
//
I'm sorry I was bored out of my mind.
70% of the book it's just random rumbling and personal thoughts and always the same litany written over and over again.
It is not as entertaining and captivating to have to write an entire trilogy about it, since the action might be starting in the last 30% (and I'm being generous).
idk if I'm even gonna read the second one, despite ending the first in a cliffhanger...
still up to debate.
— vibezz
🦋 insta-love
💎 man obsessed
🦋 kidnapping
💎 praise
🦋 he's a possessive™ one
mini blurb — ✍🏻
Evelyn is living in Mexico City with her fiancé, but because of his job and the shady connection he has with certain people, one day she's abducted and held hostage. Only for the intervention of Massimo she's able to escape. This is the beginning of Massimo's obsession with her, he sees her as too pure and innocent to be with a man who's capable of putting her in danger for his selfish interests and personal gains.
//
I'm sorry I was bored out of my mind.
70% of the book it's just random rumbling and personal thoughts and always the same litany written over and over again.
It is not as entertaining and captivating to have to write an entire trilogy about it, since the action might be starting in the last 30% (and I'm being generous).
idk if I'm even gonna read the second one, despite ending the first in a cliffhanger...
still up to debate.
April 23, 2024
From the beginning, this book just sucks you right in! Things heat up quickly in this fast paced story!
*Mafia
*Protective Stalker
*Touch Her and die
*He falls first
*Kidnapping
*Praise
If you like these things, then don't miss out on Massimo and Evelyn!!!
Check the triggers. This is a dark romance, and it ends on a cliffy!!
Can't wait for the second book Illicit Obsession to find out what happens next!
*Mafia
*Protective Stalker
*Touch Her and die
*He falls first
*Kidnapping
*Praise
If you like these things, then don't miss out on Massimo and Evelyn!!!
Check the triggers. This is a dark romance, and it ends on a cliffy!!
Can't wait for the second book Illicit Obsession to find out what happens next!
April 21, 2024
I started this book less than 6 hours ago and I finished it in one sitting. Massimo is such a protector and every Evelyn.
This book was fast paced, easy to read and the plot was so good. The ending was 😱😳🤯😮 which I loved.
I am so grateful I was able to receive this ARC! Thank you to Valentine PR ❤️📚
This book was fast paced, easy to read and the plot was so good. The ending was 😱😳🤯😮 which I loved.
I am so grateful I was able to receive this ARC! Thank you to Valentine PR ❤️📚
April 25, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️.5
Evelyn, while engaged to a DEA agent, finds herself kidnapped in Mexico City until a broody stranger comes to ask one simple question. Is she innocent? Then saves her life. Who is this guy and what happens when she comes face to face with him again? He's definitely dangerous, but maybe that's a turn on 😉
Massimo, Massimo, Massimo 🥵 He is so GONE for Evelyn!! He'll do anything to protect her. Maybe she just realized it a little too late 🙊 Julia, that cliffhanger was so not nice! Can't wait for the next part of Massimo && Evelyn's love story!!
🌶️.5
Evelyn, while engaged to a DEA agent, finds herself kidnapped in Mexico City until a broody stranger comes to ask one simple question. Is she innocent? Then saves her life. Who is this guy and what happens when she comes face to face with him again? He's definitely dangerous, but maybe that's a turn on 😉
Massimo, Massimo, Massimo 🥵 He is so GONE for Evelyn!! He'll do anything to protect her. Maybe she just realized it a little too late 🙊 Julia, that cliffhanger was so not nice! Can't wait for the next part of Massimo && Evelyn's love story!!
May 10, 2024
This is Evelyn and Massimo story and it starts off with a bang from the start which I love. Evelyn the pawn to a kidnapping with Massimo being her savior.
This was exciting I could not put it down, so well written it consumes you these two are amazing characters. I can't wait for more.
This was exciting I could not put it down, so well written it consumes you these two are amazing characters. I can't wait for more.
March 31, 2025
Despite it being a relatively short read, the book really delivered on the build-up, the chemistry and the hot scorching spice. It isn't a standalone but for some reason I feel it could work well as both for the cliffhanger sets up the next book but the romance itself is pretty much conclusive.
October 30, 2025
It was a good story line, but came across very Stockholm syndrome-ish. It was a nice quick read.
June 8, 2024
Good storyline, but is slow moving. Not sure if I can read two more to get to the ending.
April 29, 2024
Massimo and Evelyn’s complicated journey came out hot and fast and kept building until that cliffhanger ending. I love when a story grabs me from the start and holds me hostage till the end. I will be impatiently counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next book. I highly recommend diving in.
April 24, 2024
+ ARC Review +
This was my first book by Julia Sykes and I can confidently say it will be the first of many. I have always been a sucker for Mafia Romance books in general however when you add in..
*Touch Her & You D*e
*Who Did This To You?
*Stalking
*Pet names in a different language
*Unhinged Morally Grey MMC
....I am instantly sold.
This was my first book by Julia Sykes and I can confidently say it will be the first of many. I have always been a sucker for Mafia Romance books in general however when you add in..
*Touch Her & You D*e
*Who Did This To You?
*Stalking
*Pet names in a different language
*Unhinged Morally Grey MMC
....I am instantly sold.
June 5, 2024
❤~🌟~❤4 SCINTILLATING STARS ❤~🌟~❤
”You’re mine.”
I thoroughly enjoyed TAINTED OBSESSION, the first titillating installment in Julia Sykes King of Ruin trilogy! While short in length and a tad predictable and farcical at times, I was unabashedly addicted from page one! This high octane dark mafia romance is jam packed with hot, carnal passion, pathos, peril and heart pumping suspense. And made me shiver and squeal in equal measure!
Evelyn’s dark, possessive Italian protector, Massimo, definitely has “touch her and die” vibes and holy moly did I dig this big, predatory powerfully muscled anti-hero! He might be morally grey action wise, but oh so lovable and utterly swoonworthy. I adore how obsessed he is with his sweet “farfallina” and will do anything to protect her from her traitorous fiancé, George. whose in bed with Massimo’s boss’s, Stefano Duarte’s, enemies and won’t hesitate to use her as collateral damage.
But while grateful for Massimo’s protection, the beautifully beleaguered Evelyn claims she doesn’t want to be “kept” by any man..especially her dark, savage savior whose silvery wolf eyes penetrate her soul and whose every molten touch sets her on fire! I do believe this sweet, blonde haired damsel doth protest to much! But with their enemies hot on their tail and a cartel war brewing, it’s anyone’s guess how this dark and twisty saga will unfold!
Well, after that explosive cliffy, I sure hope that dastardly DEA agent George gets his comeuppance for his despicable actions and suffers mightily at Massimo’s merciless hands.
BOTTOM LINE:
What a scintillating start to this dangerous saga! Our MCs have combustible chemistry galore, and I’m 100% invested in the outcome! Plus it was fun to catch up with Carmen and Stefano, who are pivotal players in this new trilogy. Book two, ILLICIT OBSESSION is guaranteed to be a doozy!
”You’re mine.”
I thoroughly enjoyed TAINTED OBSESSION, the first titillating installment in Julia Sykes King of Ruin trilogy! While short in length and a tad predictable and farcical at times, I was unabashedly addicted from page one! This high octane dark mafia romance is jam packed with hot, carnal passion, pathos, peril and heart pumping suspense. And made me shiver and squeal in equal measure!
Evelyn’s dark, possessive Italian protector, Massimo, definitely has “touch her and die” vibes and holy moly did I dig this big, predatory powerfully muscled anti-hero! He might be morally grey action wise, but oh so lovable and utterly swoonworthy. I adore how obsessed he is with his sweet “farfallina” and will do anything to protect her from her traitorous fiancé, George. whose in bed with Massimo’s boss’s, Stefano Duarte’s, enemies and won’t hesitate to use her as collateral damage.
But while grateful for Massimo’s protection, the beautifully beleaguered Evelyn claims she doesn’t want to be “kept” by any man..especially her dark, savage savior whose silvery wolf eyes penetrate her soul and whose every molten touch sets her on fire! I do believe this sweet, blonde haired damsel doth protest to much! But with their enemies hot on their tail and a cartel war brewing, it’s anyone’s guess how this dark and twisty saga will unfold!
Well, after that explosive cliffy, I sure hope that dastardly DEA agent George gets his comeuppance for his despicable actions and suffers mightily at Massimo’s merciless hands.
BOTTOM LINE:
What a scintillating start to this dangerous saga! Our MCs have combustible chemistry galore, and I’m 100% invested in the outcome! Plus it was fun to catch up with Carmen and Stefano, who are pivotal players in this new trilogy. Book two, ILLICIT OBSESSION is guaranteed to be a doozy!
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