Fiercely Possessive

by R. Leigh

Danger, wealth, revenge, power, and fear were all a part of his life.

As Don of the Messina family, he had fought and earned his place. He had it all. More money
than most could fathom, women at his will, and power to take whatever he wanted. He ruled his
world with fierce determination. Nothing was beyond his reach. He was never denied
anything…. until he met her.
Eden Wells lived a quiet unassuming life until she met Alessio Messina. The handsome
one-night stand she met while on vacation was intoxicating. After a passionate evening
together, Eden boarded her plane back to New York never expecting to see him again.
But their story was far from finished and Alessio had no intention of allowing her to walk out of
his life forever.

Soon Eden would discover how far a dangerous man would go to keep what he had
claimed as his own.

Genres: Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, Romance

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one of my first darker romances. Previously I’d read ones where the guy is dangerous, but the girl is fully onboard with that. This one she’s not with him voluntarily, as he kidnaps her and won’t let her leave. I thought that might be too dark for me, but the author does a great job of making the MMC Alessio both dark and endearing. He doesn’t pretend to be good and he doesn’t always treat the FMC Eden nicely, but somehow it works.

I really enjoyed this book. It was thrilling, there were surprises and life or death situations, but there were also lots of sexy moments. The story also has a couple excellent side characters that I wouldn’t mind reading more about.

I thought the story kept a pretty good pace, neither too fast nor too slow. It had character development, relationship development, and plot, which you don’t always get all three.

Warning: be careful reading this in public. It’s quite explicit at points and I found myself blushing and hoping no one tried to read over my shoulder. 😄
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am definitely rethinking dark romance and my tolerance levels after this book. I may have to look for more like this, as I enjoyed seeing the villain-ish guy get the girl. ☺️

Thanks to BookSprout and author R. Leigh for the free ARC copy of this book.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very spicy and possessive retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and I absolutely was here for it! Alessio and Eden are on complete opposite ends of life. Alessio is the head of the Messina mafia, and Eden lives a fairly normal life in NYC after leaving the countryside living with her aunt in the midwest. They meet while they're both in Italy, and Alessio is enthralled with her beauty and innocence.

Their lives are forced together by Alessio's hand; which puts a target on his and Eden's back because he did not marry for political association like his family and the Russo family intended.

Can Eden truly trust Alessio after he's forced her into marriage? Will she fall in love with Alessio over time? Only reading Fiercely Possessive will give you the answers, and trust me, you want to know. It's a taboo, dark mafia romance that takes you for one heck of a ride, and that ride is worth it.

[booklover · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely rushed ending & the male lead doesn't even apologize for sending her away for weeks the only reason he got together with her again was because he was jealous

[Mica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strap in for a thrilling ride through the world of the mafia with R. Leigh's Fiercely Possessive, where danger lurks in every corner and passion burns on every page. Here’s why this book captivated me:

👤 Alessio Messina: A Don with a Heart Under Lock and Key
As the formidable Don of the Messina family, Alessio commands wealth, power, and respect. His life is a high-stakes game of dominance and control—until Eden Wells crashes into his world. Alessio's fierce possessiveness and complex persona are fascinating to unravel, especially as his softer, fiercely loving side emerges.

🌹 Eden Wells: Sassy, Smart, and Unwilling to Yield
Eden's life takes a drastic turn from calm to a whirlwind of emotion and danger after her encounter with Alessio. Her sassiness and spirit make her a standout character, holding her own against Alessio’s overwhelming presence. Watching her navigate this unexpected and intense relationship was a treat, filled with tension and fiery exchanges.

🌟 A Dance of Dominance and Desire
From their steamy one-night stand to an entanglement that neither can escape, Alessio and Eden’s relationship is charged with an intoxicating mix of insta-lust and emotional depth. The dynamic between them evolves beautifully—from conflict and capture to care and commitment, making their journey compelling.

🎭 Tomas: The Comic Relief We All Need
Every dark tale needs a light, and Tomas provides just that with his witty banter and hilarious interjections. His presence brings a much-needed levity to the intense drama surrounding the main couple, making him an unforgettable part of the narrative.

🔒 A Story of Captivation and Claim
Fiercely Possessive lives up to its name with themes of control, pursuit, and ultimate surrender. The plot twists with kidnappings and mafia machinations keep the pages turning, while the development of Alessio and Eden’s bond provides a heart-pounding emotional core to the story.

🌶️ Scorching Scenes That Sear the Pages
The chemistry between Alessio and Eden is undeniable, and R. Leigh does not hold back on the spice. Each encounter raises the stakes and the heat, making this a truly sizzling read.

📘 Why It’s a Must-Read:
For lovers of mafia romance, Fiercely Possessive is a perfect blend of danger, passion, and dark allure. The story grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go, offering a perfect mix of suspense, romance, and a dash of humor.

🌟 Final Thoughts: A Thrilling Escape into Danger and Desire
If you’re drawn to stories where love battles the shadows of the underworld, Fiercely Possessive is your next great read. R. Leigh masterfully combines the thrilling elements of a mafia drama with the intense connections of a passionate love story.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiercely Possessive is Book 1 of Fierce Legacies by R. Leigh. This is Alessio and Eden's story.
Don Alessio Messina, his second-in-command Tomas and his men are in Italy to take care of business. Alessio is handsome, powerful and rich. He can have any woman he wants and women want to be with him. Alessio sees a beautiful young woman at the resort hotel which he is the owner of. Alessio discovers her name is Eden Wells and her and her friend Cami are there on vacation. Cami has always told Eden, she needs to have some fun. Eden thinks Alessio is extremely handsome and they have an enjoyable time together. Alessio has decided what he will do. He is very possessive and obsessive when it comes to Eden. He is powerful and gets what he wants.
Eden has returned to her apartment in New York. She is coming home from a baseball game with a guy friend and Alessio knows this. Alessio will not let any other man touch Eden. So Eden has a choice. This story is captivating, suspenseful, steamy, action-packed and wonderful characters. Also enjoyed how Tomas was written.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of the Fierce Legacies series you might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Alessio sexy as all get out man the Don of his corner who fought is way to the top, fought even harder to keep his spot at the top usually gets who/what he wants, when he wants it, dangerous, ruthless on a good day, deadly every day, not someone you want on your radar and that is just what the young women who captures his undivided attention in the worst/best way. Eden is sweet when she wants to be, sassy when she needs to be, steps into an elevator on the right day and that changed her course as she knows it. The moment she stood up to him changed everything he hadn’t found the one that work up everything in him turning him into an overprotective beast when it came to his girl but will she stick around, will she run the first time he gets a chance, will she see past his hard exterior to the softer side of him, will he show things he can’t tell her verbally, and will they find something more than the push and pull between them?

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Fiercely Possessive to be an amazing book, suspenseful, and a page-turner. I was quite literally on the edge of my seat during the entire time I read the book. I absolutely love the chemistry between Eden and Alessio. I also loved that Eden would "fight" against everything Alessio was deciding. I found it amazing that when Alessio was returning to New York and finding out that Eden was kissed by another man and decided to take extreme measures in taking Eden to his home. I loved how when Eden is taken, that Alessio does everything in his power to find her and bring her home. Even when that meant temporary working with the enemy's brother whom he still planned on killing. I also loved how instead of taking her straight back to the mansion, Alessio decided to give Eden her freedom back. I found it amazing that Eden decided to make a decision for herself pertaining to Alessio and their relationship. I'm so happy that this book ended in a happiness for Eden and Alessio. I would so HIGHLY recommend this book. I can NOT wait to check out more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author R. Leigh’s passionate and intense novel, Fiercely Possessive, is the compelling story of Alessio Messina, a man who fought his way to the top and fought hard to keep his place in the Messina family and was quite used to getting what he wanted. When he laid eyes on Eden Wells, an elegant and demure woman and perhaps the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, he began to believe she was his, and as in all other aspects of his life, he acted on those instincts. Fiercely Possessive was a breath of fresh air from an author I had never read before but will certainly read faithfully from now on. She is a gifted writer who knows how to spin a tale that kept me riveted to every detail, and she brought so much heat to Alessio and Eden’s story that my fingers burned every time I turned the page. Fiercely Possessive is not to be missed!!

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

This story was about Eden Wells, and Alessio Messina, they met in Italy when Eden and her girlfriend went there for a vacation, they went out for their last night in Italy, Eden had a one-night stand with a gorgeously, hot blooded, Alpha male they went to his hotel room and had an explosion of hot sweaty body slapping fornication. Alessio Messina is the Don of the Messina family he is good-looking, dirty rich and can have any women he want, no-one says no or stands up to him which fascinated him. Eden gets back home to New York there was an uneasy feeling, then the one-night she went out to watch a game with a co-worker, Alessio turns up and kidnapped her, now she is fiercely determined to escape.

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

[Tashie_LeeReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

I received this book as an ARC, and my thoughts are honest and my own.

I enjoyed this book. There was a lot of spice, but I found the main MMC to be an ass. It is just much insta love, and then it is a whirlwind from there.

I would have loved to see more of the mafia side of things and not just oh here she gets taken and then he finds her super quickly. And then it's a friend of his that finds her and gets her to safety, and then the guy just gives her her freedom. Just like that! Even though he kidnapped her. Forced her to marry him and said she would never get away. Ever.

I just wanted a bit more, I feel.

Check out tashie_leereads for my bookstagram! :)

[Amber Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thank you to @rebeccaleighbooks and @jbauthorcon for sending me an ARC!

This dark romance is great for those who are fans of:
🖤Mafia
🖤Kidn@pping
🖤Strangers to Lovers
🖤Touch Her and 💀

Alessio is a very interesting character. He’s used to getting everything he wants, especially as Don of the Messina family. He wasn’t what I expected. Eden comes along and teaches him a thing or two 😉

Eden can be really sassy, and I really enjoyed her inner dialogue while she’s trying to figure out Alessio and her feelings.

There were a lot of great side characters too that I really liked. I liked how everything came together and ended. Overall, this was a good mafia romance!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alessio Messina is a possessive, obsessive alpha that takes what he wants, because he can. He rules his corner of the world and destroys anyone that gets in his way. After a chance meeting with Eden, he decides he wants her and does not give her any say in the matter. She has seen his softer side and is torn between escaping her gilded prison or staying because of how he treats her. This is a dark romance only because he doesn't give her a choice in leaving. Otherwise consent is fully given in everything. Alessio may be OTT at times, but he truly cares about Eden. There is suspense and violence as expected when a Mafia Don rules with an iron will. Together with the romance, Fiercely Possessive is a fantastic read.

[Marcia Gomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

''Fiercely Possessive'' is an intense, passionate dark romance set in a dangerous world of power, loyalty, and obsession.
The writing is smooth and engaging, and the chemistry between Alessio and Eden is undeniable. R. Leigh delivers exactly what you’d expect from a dark romance: steamy tension, dominant characters, and a love story that burns hot from the very first pages.

The reason for the 3⭐️ is mainly the pacing, for me, it felt a bit uneven. Some parts flew by too quickly, and the ending could have used more development. Still, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of possessive, high-intensity romance stories.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fiercely Possessive" by R. Leigh swept me into a world of danger, power, and undeniable passion. Alessio Messina's fierce determination to claim Eden as his own kept me glued to the pages, rooting for their love to conquer all. Leigh's writing is intoxicating, drawing me into a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns. This book isn't just a steamy romance—it's a gripping tale of love, power, and the lengths we'll go to protect what matters most. If you're looking for a captivating read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further than "Fiercely Possessive.".

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start?? ...this book had me from the first page. Fiercely possessive?'oh yer! Even though Alessio kidnapped Eden, he treated her with care. He made sure she loved was but couldn't bring himself to admit it. And then he gives her freedom to keep her safe. I really loved how she made him realise that she loved him too. This book is amazing and everyone should read it as an entry into the world of possessive alphas!! Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jaime Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the start of the Fierce Legacies series. Fiercely Possessive, is the compelling story of Alessio Messina and Eden Wells. It was thrilling, there were surprises and life or death situations, but there were also lots of sexy moments. The drama, the excitement, the entire book keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat. Alessio and Eden’s banter was so passionate and all alluring. I enjoyed seeing the villain-ish guy get the girl. When the book came to an end, I wanted MORE and still do.

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. I liked the flow of the story and there was a good balance between mafia story and the romance. I liked that the heroine Eden fought her affection for Alessio and of course i absolutely loved how possessive and domineering he was in return. Together they had some really good chemistry and angst. The steam was done really well and suited the characters. Some really good side characters as well which i am really hoping we get separate books for.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Abby G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fully invested THREE chapters in. This was giving Beauty & the Beast vibes as well as 365 Days (Netflix). I couldn't help but picture Michele Morrone as Alessio. The man was unhinged and I was eating it up. Even I had Stockholm Syndrome while reading 💀😂

Read this if you like:
- an unhinged mafia don
- he kidnaps her
- forced marriage
- one night stand turned obsessive mmc
- dark themes

* I received an arc in exchange for an honest review *

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a he falls first, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, mafia love story. Alessio Messina is the alpha male who is the Don of his organization that falls for Eden West when she steps into his elevator. She is a strong character that eventually falls for him after putting up a fight. Well written and enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cali Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alessio is the Don of the Messina Family and he is dangerous (in a fun way😉). As soon as he sets his eyes upon Eden, his is obsessed, dominant, and possessive. I couldn’t put this book down, I just kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. Alessio and Eden’s banter was so passionate and all alluring. I liked all the side characters and I’m hoping to see more of their stories in the future.

•Mafia Romance
•Kidnapping
•Forced Marriage
•Touch her and 💀

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me turning the pages to see what happens next. This is my first time reading from this author and I can't wait to read more from her. I hope there's more to this series to come. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author has potential. The book was an OK start to the Fierce Legacies series. The book needed editing, but I had an ARC copy, so that's common. The writing style didn't always draw the reader in, but I am willing to give book 2 a try.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cressthebookdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤 Mafia
🖤 Kidnapping
🖤 Possessive MMC
🖤 Defiant FMC
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Dual POV

Holy wow this book was good! If you love a good mafia romance you should definitely read this! The spice was so good! Alessio is the Don of the Messina family. Once he sees something he wants he takes it and his sights on are Eden Wells.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Alessio and Eden’s story.
This is a dark and well-paced story, with danger, suspense, intrigue, undeniable chemistry, conflict, kidnapping, surprises, passion, emotions, and determination, which leads to a steamy and thrilling page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apt title

The most powerful crime lord in New York smitten by an ordinary girl while tending business in Italy - that is Alessuo Messina. In FIERCELY POSSESSIVE, there is a lot of the “I am the boss and I get what I want” vibe. “You are mine” is the prevailing theme interspersed with abduction, mafia rivalry, war, and other allies of dubious repute.

[Linda MARIE Pankow · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

But here's why...

I loved the flow of this book. It had all the Mafia keys, kidnapping, more kidnapping, and love, and most importantly possessiveness...

That said there was an abundance of typos. If you can read through em, it's worth it.

[Kaia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me on an emotional roll coaster and was totally worth every minute of it. I enjoyed this book very much.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shirley Rentzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously good

Finally! I swear I've read nothing but bad or mediocre books lately but this book, I hated to put it down. I loved the characters and the story line. Absolutely read this book, you will not be disappointed! Shirley

[YAZ3885 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing and suspenseful book, definitely a page-turner. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire time reading this book. I love the chemistry between Alessio and Eden.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angelica Larsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written and entertaining book filled with lots of emotions and wonderful characters that I enjoyed reading about.

I received a free copy of this book via R. Leigh Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.