Oblivious

The Herrera Cartel #2

by Ashlynn Mills

After leaving my old life behind, I've lived by a strict set of job always comes first. Don't stand out. Don't get close to anyone. Don't make mistakes. Don't get distracted. Never fall in love again. These rules also mean nothing when it comes to a cute little drug mule I can't stand to stay away from. It's my job to protect him on missions, not to want and crave him. Phillip Romos has slithered his way into my life, mind and heart and there's no doubt he will be my downfall.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark Romance, LGBT, Forced Proximity, Dark

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2024

About the author

Ashlynn Mills is a Latina from Texas who currently resides in Missouri with her family running a farm. She enjoys reading and writing all genres about people falling in love.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4

[ I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Oblivious is the second stand alone in The Herrera Cartel series by Ashlynn Mills. A dark romance between a Cartel hitman and a drug mule.

I touch him and I forget the rough edges of my life. I kiss him, our lips locking tightly together, and the blood on my hands feels worth it.

Antonio's prologue was devastating and ripped my heart out 😭 Then we fast-forward to 15 years later, and he hasn't given himself to another man since he lost his husband. In comes Phillip, a drug mule, who breaks down his walls with his vulnerability. Phillip was just the right amount of bratty and his struggles with his anxiety and panic attacks with break your heart. While the gentle way Antonio soothes him through them will make your heart swell. I loved their interactions with each other from outside to inside the bedroom.

“You were so good, my sweet boy. Everything I could need this morning.” “Only this morning?” He slumps against me. “No. Not just this morning.”

Oblivious is a dark romance with a daddy/boy (no age play ) dynamic, a possessive MC, a bratty boy, an abundance of steam, hurt/comfort, movie nights, and a satisfying ending.

[Lennese Hepburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

[Mariansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just everything about this book is amazing! The prologue made me cry, it’s not an easy read. Opening up the story with this definitely sets the mood ♥️

Loved the snarky, bit bratty Phillip from the start. He’s obsessed with Antonio, and he tries every trick in the book to get him where he wants him. And he’s a bit broken as well, which I absolutely love in books.

Antonio, my heart…. He hasn’t lived an easy life, and he’s completely taken by surprise by Phillip… He definitely has some caring, productive Daddy sides ♥️

Read the triggers if you have any. It’s not every day I cry and have heart ache while reading a dark, mafia romance. This has all the feels… and it’s sizzling hot with lots of dirty talk.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip becomes a drug mule to get close to Antonio. Antonio, a hitman/ jack of all trades for Zacharias, is unaware that Philip is his dead husband's brother. This book is so hot, absorbing and enthralling, just like Ashlynn's other books in this series, dark romances with Mob men and no innocents involved. There is knife and blood play with murder scattered throughout. Yet Philip and Antonio's obsession with each other grows into a consuming passion. I can't help but become addicted to each and everyone of these books and this violent family and eagerly await the next. I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Showarst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oblivious by Ashlynn Mills is book 2 in the Herrara Cartel series. I did not read book 1, but I had read Conflicted which features drug lord Zacharias and Andres. This book was focused on Antonio, the family hitman, and Phillip, a drug mule. These two are thrown together during a job. Phillip knows who Antonio is, but Antonio is unaware of their connection. This story was a four star for me until the reveal. Once that happened, it fell a little flat. I guess I just wanted to see more fire and angst from this huge secret that Phillip had been keeping. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I will have to go back and read “Forbidden” as well.

I received an ARC for my honest review

[Brey (lil Sebastian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book since I DNFed the first in the series. Definitely glad that I picked it up. I loved how Antonio and Phillip were with one another. The prologue about Tony’s husband was really sad and you can see how he turned out the way he did. I think the big secret came out at the perfect time and I am glad there was no big break up scene over it. Good book if you're in the mood for some mafia steam.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read to me by Alexa
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

This was great and for no particular reason.

✅ Daddy/boy
✅ hurt/comfort
✅ an implied size difference? I don’t know, I feel like it was an emphasized, but everything about their interactions, and the way things happen between them made me feel like Philip was much smaller than Antonio.
✅ needy bottom
✅ grumpy/ sunshine
✅ codependency

I wish I could put my finger on what this author did right, that other authors that included the exact same tropes did wrong, and I didn’t like their book. The only reason this isn’t getting five stars is because I don’t think I’ll read it again and that’s usually what I require to give a book 5 stars. Though I have been known to make an exception.

The book starts off with a pretty heavy scene, featuring Antonio and something pretty tragic happens to him. We fast forward and want to say 15 years and he is now a ruthless, lethal, lonely hitman working for the cartel, and he has been assigned to watch over Philip our other MMC.

Philip is a drug mule, and he knew Antonio in his past life before tragedy led him down a different path But Antonio does not recognize him because they haven’t seen each other for 15 years. Little does Antonio know, everything Philip has done up to this point has been leading him back to Antonio.

Philip suffers with near crippling anxiety and we get to see Antonio play a caregiver role and coach him through not succumbing to his anxiety. Philip already had feelings for Antonio, but Antonio‘s feelings develop a little bit slower the more he takes care of Philip.

Eventually, we do get to some spicy times and of course because this is a romance the spicy times lead to deeper feelings. We get to see Antonio be Phillip’s big bad protector, which was pretty hot. But eventually the secret that Philip knew him in a past life does eventually come out. And we watch them navigate that betrayal.

Overall, I can’t say that anything about the story or the writing was particularly groundbreaking. The plot was relatively predictable. But I really enjoyed the chemistry between Antonio and Philip. I enjoyed their backstory. I enjoyed the spice. I also enjoyed the light Daddy kink. and again I wish I could put my finger on what this author did right that I just haven’t been enjoying from other authors lately. But whatever it is I’m glad she did it because it pulled me out of my reading funk. If you like daddy, kink, codependency, possessive behavior, and a ruthless Daddy that is lethal to anyone, but his boy… Then this is the read for you.

[Scatteredashes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prologue with Antonio hits hard and fast. This book does not pull it's punches and I liked that. Antonio's a bit of an odd duck and doesn't really understand when other's are being subtle or hinting at things. He's one of those that you have to be blunt about what you want. Phillip has been hunting down Antonio for a while. He's known Antonio his whole life, but since his appearance has changed over the years, Antonio doesn't recognize him. These two are great for each other. Antonio is able to help Phillip with his anxiety and Phillip give Antonio some human connection. I did enjoy these two dancing around each other and the spice that follows once they give in. I will say that I think overall, Ashlynn Mills may not quite be the author for me. There's something with their writing that I have a hard time following. For example, Phillip really keeps pushing the Daddy/boy thing with Antonio and then I seemed to miss the switch where Antonio goes from thinking it's not for him to referring to himself as Daddy. I don't mind that he thinks of himself as Antonio's Daddy. It's more that, I just didn't see his thought process or understand when his feelings about this changed until they're in the middle of some good times. It's small things like that that trip me up but may not be a problem for you. If you don't mind a story on the darker side, which characters who do questionable things, then I think you'll like this one. I did enjoy when these two pretended to be "normal" and play house. It was pretty cute and their chemistry didn't hurt either.

[read•me•romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🍭Oblivious // The Herrera Cartel 1 // Ashlynn Mills🍭🖤

😈Oblivious is the perfect blend of unhinged and adorable! A sweet boy with st•lkery tendencies and the guarded daddy who’s weak for only him! Yes, Please! 😈

🍭 Phillip is absolutely precious even though he doesn’t take no for an answer when it comes to Daddy Antonio. Nation is oblivious to Phillips hard pursuit, but eventually can’t resist the sweet, complicated boy. 🖤

✨ With themes of hurt comfort, some dark romance vi•l•nce and mayhem, and perfectly excuted shminks and 🔥 scenes- this is another 5 ⭐️ read from an excellent dark romance author! If you haven’t started this series- go back to the beginning, read them both and thank me later 😈. ✨

🔪 Cartel
Connected Traumas
Widower- Grief
Forced Proximity- Protection
Action & Violence
Anxiety Rep
Daddy Shmink
Hurt Comfort
Protective / Possesive Daddy
St•lkery Boy

🔥 tags:
Strict Top/ Bottom: yes
Size Difference
D/s- Daddy/ boy
All the Praise shmink
First Times
Primal / CNC
Needy Bottom
Dirty Talk
Light Breath Pl•y
C•m Pl•y
S•mn•ph•lia
Sp•nk•ng
🔪🩸 Pl•y

✅ book has listed trigger warning.

💋 @read.me.romance

🏷️

[Sarahreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oblivious

Reading order: Conflicted (Ruthless Daddies 1), Forbidden, Oblivious


My heart broke during the prolonged, like most books Ashlynn Mills writes. I couldn't wait for her to put my broken heart back together.

As I started reading one of my first thoughts were "wouldn't it be neat if this happens" and it did and I gave a little silent scream because it waz late at night and my kids were asleep.

I loved Phillip! I love that he can go from confident to anxious in a matter of moments. That is how I am a lot of the time. I felt myself through him. I love how Ashlynn Mills gives her characters real life issues. I love an imperfect character almost as most as I love a morally grey character.

When I first read of Antonio in Forbidden I needed his story and I needed his story to be with Phillip. I needed to why he was so Oblivious or if it was an act. I love that he got his happy ended after being broken for so long.

Hopefully Tyson will get a book*wink wink* I've been on team Tyson gets a book since Conflicted.

[Michele (_LivesBtweenPgs_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sometimes you need a little bad to appreciate the good.”

Mafia always leaves me wanting more.
Ashlynn did it again with this one.

Did I want more? yes I did.
Burrito & His daddy had me from the beginning except they didn't.
I literally said "oh no" at the beginning.

I loved this book. I loved Antonio & Philip.
I read this in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down, I had to know what was going to happen. Mafia hitmen just always keep me intrigued and this one was no different, add in Philip and I was captured.

We get to see others from this series as well and I loved that. I am curious about a certain someone but we will have to wait for that book possibly.
Antonio made me laugh but only because like the title he was completely oblivious while Philip was very direct. Their relationship was one of playfulness but also serious when it needed to be.
There was a point in the book where I was questioning things and then we get Philips POV, that was a rough one to get through. I didn't want that to happen but when it did, I was sniffly.

This book had just them little bits I love.
Spice
Dirty talk... alll the dirty talk
Tension with a touch of emotion in there to keep it interesting
and last but not least with mafia books... the possessiveness

Definitely a good addition to the series! Now come on Tyson..

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed Oblivious (The Herrera Cartel Book 2) by Ashlynn Mills, one of my favourite authors of dark romance.

Antonio, now working for the Herrera Cartel after a devastating event (which we read about in the prologue) tears his world apart. Antonio has locked down his emotions since losing his husband and best friend 15 years before and hasn't had any sort of relationship since.

Along comes Phillip a bratty, snarky drug mule working for the cartel after being caught stealing from them. Phillip has a secret, a reason for being exactly where he is, though I can't imagine ever putting myself in this sort of position no matter what.

These two men are thrown together when Antonio has to be his bodyguard on a drug trafficking job. I enjoyed every moment these two spent together and loved seeing Antonio become protective and then possessive of Phillip as the bratty young man wore down his carefully built walls.

There were some dangerous times for these two and some emotional times too, my heart was breaking for Phillip at one point, it's not often I'm nearly crying in a dark mafia romance.

I was caught up in this story from the get-go and will eagerly be waiting for the next book in the series, or the next book Ashlynn Mills writes.

Though this can be read as a standalone it is recommended you read Conflicted the Forbidden first. I had only read Conflicted but it gave me an introduction to some of the side characters and the leader of the cartel.

[Thera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Antonio is so oblivious. The title fits perfectly.

Antonio had his heart broken 15 years ago. A lot happened and he ends up working for the cartel. He gets a job transporting a drug mule. Little does he know he knows the drug mule. He just doesn't recognize him. Phillip knows exactly who he is though. And Phillip knows exactly what he wants. Which is Antonio. And Phillip gets what he wants.

Antonio finds his heart opening for the first time and their slow love connection is beautiful. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was afraid it was all going to go bad for Phillip. It kinda does not not completely. Not the way I thought it would.

I loved this story so much. One of my top reads of this year. Just fantastic. I really, REALLY hope a certain brother and a certain someone get their own book. They need it!!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oblivious is part of the Herrera Cartel series featuring Antonio, the family’s hitman. I’ve been excited about his book since we first met him. Tony, as he’s called only by his little pink-haired burrito, has gone through some pretty traumatic stuff. He knows the dark, and he needs a little light. He finds that in Phillip, a drug mule he is tasked with babysitting.

Ashlynn Mills has done a great job creating characters that draw the reader in. Phillip’s battle with anxiety and panic was very well written and relatable for those who also suffer. Antonio is the perfect protector, even when he doesn’t understand why he has that desire.

It was great seeing glimpses of characters from several other books by the author. Always love the crossovers! Looking forward to the next in the series.

[mm_spice_reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Antonio and Phillip. We met these two in Conflicted, Antonio works for the cartel and Phillip is one of the drug mules. I have to say... the prologue in this book absolutely gutted me! These two were very sweet to me, Phillip is super anxious but also sweet and sassy. His flirtatious remarks directed towards Antonio were adorable, and Antonio was so clueless! There is a bit of a twist with their story, but it happens somewhat close to the beginning, I won't spoil that. Overall, their story flowed well, I loved how patient Antonio was with Phillip from the very beginning. I'm excited to see who the next couple/book will be!

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

So tragic at the beginning but the outcome at the end was nice. This is oh so dark and gritty. Very violent in your face look on cartel life... but throw in some romance and a little kink and you got a very entertaining train wreck of a story...and I loved it! The author named this book appropriately...Antonio was sooooooooo oblivious that it was almost comical. His relationship with Phillip kept me on the edge until the very end and I loved how everything played out. This was great and all this did was have me thirsty for more. Very NICE indeed!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, Antonio's beginning broke my heart!

Fifteen years later, he meets Phillip, a drug mule for the Cartel, who thinks he will possibly never leave that life because of the choices he made. Phillip is Antonio's deceased husband Lucian's brother and Antonio has no idea throughout most of the story. The way they were infatuated with each other with every interaction, Antonio had no idea that all of his touches and the way to calm Phillip down was just the preface to their hot, intimate story in and out of the bedroom.

Please check the TWs as some may not be for everyone

Plot: 4/5
Spice: 5/5

I received an ARC from Ashlynn's ARC team and this is my honest review

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of hurt/comfort and Daddy/bratty boy. The prologue is gut wrenching, so the book is very explosive from the off. You then get a period of quiet where we meet an older Antonio and Phillip. Phillip plays the brat very well, but he also needs help with his anxiety - very brave to purposefully fall into that line of work when he already suffers with it. Antonio is a fair bit of bluster in most things, but he's also a bit soft and mushy on the inside. Great seeing some of the other characters again. Can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gripping book. I loved Antonio and Phillip together. These two were draw to each; one because he has been drawn to the other for years while the other can’t help put fall and fast. I really enjoyed the connection, chemistry, steam, love, pain, suspense drama, action and HEA that these two got. I have been looking forward to Antonio’s book and it did not let me down. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see what Ashlynn has in store for us next.

I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just how I like my Dark Cartel romances! A protective and caring Antonio, but only for his Phillip. A bratty drug smuggling boy with a fixation on his man. I mean stalking and smuggling go hand in hand! A tough and emotional beginning to set up the rewarding relationship that follows. This story somehow perfectly balances hurt comfort with some downright sassy and spicy times.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please mind the trigger warnings. I absolutely loved this story. This is the second book in this series and for maximum enjoyment should be read in order. The characters are so wonderfully fascinating and the world building is great. I really enjoyed the story line and I really didn’t want to put this down.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip, who becomes a drug mule, approaches Antonio, a versatile hitman working for Zacharias. Unknowingly, Antonio is approached by Philip, who is the brother of his late husband. The book is filled with action, dark romance, and mob men, without any innocence. It had my attention from start to finish, and I'm eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.

[FHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hitman for the cartel, Antonio is very stoic especially after the loss he has experienced. When bratty, drug mule Phillip comes into his life, his walls slowly disintegrate.

This is an engaging read that is best read after book one. A Daddy/boy, dark romance, with a a possessive Daddy, a bratty boy, an abundance of steam, hurt/comfort vibes, violence, a familial twist and a good ending.

[Kimberly Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book in the series

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the interactions between the characters. I really enjoyed Fernando's reaction to the interactions between the two main characters. Overall a good book I will read again and I look forward to future books in the world of the Herrera Cartel.

[Amanda Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Herrera Cartel and this has been such a great series. I have been waiting for Antonio since we first met him the the other books and it was so great seeing him with Philip. This is an emotional book to read and if you have any triggers definitely check the warnings.

[Crystal Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Antonio and Philip. Antonio was trying to do the right thing for his husband and his brothers safe. Years down the road Philip became a drug mule to stalk Antonio. Philip doesn't take no for a answer and wears down Antonio defenses. Philip gets Antonio to use his daddy kink on him

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oblivious is the second book in The Herrera Cartel series by Ashlynn Mills. This book is about Antonio and Philip. I really liked their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels, exciting, thrilling and very well written.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a dark romance but it’s actually sweet. The heartbreaking story that happened to Antonio. The way Phillip falls into his lap, acting as a cartel mule. They have so much chemistry. The way Antonio soothes Phillip is totally lovely. This book is so good.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gah that prologue broke my heart! Poor Antonio, I’m so happy he found a happy ending, he really needed one. Phillip is a freaking sweet boy, so happy he pursued Antonio. Now I’m really hoping for Tyson’s book next!

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Antonio and Phillip’s story!! Antonio is the family’s hitman and Phillip is a drug mule. They knew each other 15 years ago but Antonio doesn’t recognize Phillip now. He is tasked with babysitting him and he starts to develop feelings for him the more that he cares for him. When their shared past comes to light Antonio feels that Phillip has betrayed him. Will he be able to move past this?