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Shadowed Obsession
A woman with a closet full of skeletons and the man determined to find them.
Cèsar Nadal is arguably the best private investigator in the business. So when he’s outsourced to find dirt on a competing company’s executive to keep her from outbidding his client, he isn’t surprised.
But this time is a little different. Because when he takes one look at the woman he’s meant to ruin, he’s smitten.
Deirdre Klarke prides herself on her integrity…despite running a sector of the family business whose very foundation is littered with dead bodies. The Klarke family name carries more weight than Deirdre cares to wear anymore. But she’s determined to make a name for herself in Austin.
All is well until Deirdre feels like someone is watching her.
But as she becomes familiar with the efficient man who makes himself useful when breaking into her home, she finds herself getting sucked into a seductive dance with her stalker.
As the lonely crime family darling cozies up to her mysterious suitor, both of their secrets threaten to unravel their newfound affections.
Cèsar Nadal is arguably the best private investigator in the business. So when he’s outsourced to find dirt on a competing company’s executive to keep her from outbidding his client, he isn’t surprised.
But this time is a little different. Because when he takes one look at the woman he’s meant to ruin, he’s smitten.
Deirdre Klarke prides herself on her integrity…despite running a sector of the family business whose very foundation is littered with dead bodies. The Klarke family name carries more weight than Deirdre cares to wear anymore. But she’s determined to make a name for herself in Austin.
All is well until Deirdre feels like someone is watching her.
But as she becomes familiar with the efficient man who makes himself useful when breaking into her home, she finds herself getting sucked into a seductive dance with her stalker.
As the lonely crime family darling cozies up to her mysterious suitor, both of their secrets threaten to unravel their newfound affections.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2025
363 people are currently reading
1820 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Leigh
3 books480 followers(This is my OFFICIAL & ONLY Goodreads Profile)
Evelyn Leigh is an indie contemporary and dark romance author based in the Midwest. A multifaceted Gemini who’s lived a thousand lives both in and out of books. Writing worlds for you to escape to using the imagination she never quite outgrew.
Evelyn loves creating underrepresented characters that are relatable for you to live vicariously through. She likes sharing fast paced stories sure to make you laugh, cry, swoon and blush. After reading countless happily ever afters, she has decided to try her hand at writing her own. Here’s to her next chapter.
Follow her on IG/Threads/Tiktok @evelynleighauthor
Evelyn Leigh is an indie contemporary and dark romance author based in the Midwest. A multifaceted Gemini who’s lived a thousand lives both in and out of books. Writing worlds for you to escape to using the imagination she never quite outgrew.
Evelyn loves creating underrepresented characters that are relatable for you to live vicariously through. She likes sharing fast paced stories sure to make you laugh, cry, swoon and blush. After reading countless happily ever afters, she has decided to try her hand at writing her own. Here’s to her next chapter.
Follow her on IG/Threads/Tiktok @evelynleighauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
June 2, 2025
Shadowed Obsession follows César, a private investigator, and Deirdre, his assignment. Tasked with digging up any dirt on Deirdre and her family, César quickly comes to realize how obsessed he is with his new subject and inserts himself in her daily life, all while hiding behind a mask.
I really wanted to love this because it had the perfect setup to be an amazing dark romance, but the pacing and plot didn't deliver. The romance built up to César finally taking off his mask, and as soon as it happened, it was like they jumped straight into domestic bliss. No conversation or anything. Besides that, I also found all the family dynamics lacking. There was no real background and depth to Deirdre's complex family and considering it was a main plot point, I was left confused more often than not. While this story wasn't my favorite, I absolutely loved Evelyn Leigh's debut romance, and I'm not willing to give up on her yet!
~Many thanks to Good Girls PR for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this because it had the perfect setup to be an amazing dark romance, but the pacing and plot didn't deliver. The romance built up to César finally taking off his mask, and as soon as it happened, it was like they jumped straight into domestic bliss. No conversation or anything. Besides that, I also found all the family dynamics lacking. There was no real background and depth to Deirdre's complex family and considering it was a main plot point, I was left confused more often than not. While this story wasn't my favorite, I absolutely loved Evelyn Leigh's debut romance, and I'm not willing to give up on her yet!
~Many thanks to Good Girls PR for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
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June 4, 2025
Book Riot's Best New Romance Books Out in June:
In this darker outing by Elevator Pitch author Evelyn Leigh, a private detective is hired to find dirt on his client’s business competitor, in order to blackmail her out of outbidding him in a deal. But Cèsar finds himself practically in love with Deirdre, and turns into a bit of a stalker instead. Deirdre, who grew up in and leads an arm of a crime family, is curious about her new adversary, and the weirdest courtship goes underway. —Jessica Pryde
In this darker outing by Elevator Pitch author Evelyn Leigh, a private detective is hired to find dirt on his client’s business competitor, in order to blackmail her out of outbidding him in a deal. But Cèsar finds himself practically in love with Deirdre, and turns into a bit of a stalker instead. Deirdre, who grew up in and leads an arm of a crime family, is curious about her new adversary, and the weirdest courtship goes underway. —Jessica Pryde
June 8, 2025
Shadowed Obsession is a truly funny, ambitious dark romcom with family-oriented characters—the FMC, Deirdre is a member of a Black mafia family, and Cèsar is a private investigator hired by rich clients looking to outbid Deirdre in a real estate expansion. When Deirdre realizes that not only is someone watching her, they're helping her out by ordering her groceries, making her meals, filling up her car with gas, etc. she juggles fear and appreciation, these two feelings fighting for dominance.
I overall enjoyed this so very much. I was charmed by the banter, thought the Doe/Scar thing was very cute, and thought Cèsar was extremely funny, caring, and a little bit scary—but it worked! Deirdre was confident, successful, sensitive, strong, and kept her eyes on the prize the entire book, which was lovely to see in a romance novel with a career-oriented woman.
"Men lie and water is wet. Don't act like you're any better."
The side characters were so engaging! I love how there were crossover characters from another author's series I recently dove into (attempting to avoid spoilers so I apologize for being coy); I've never seen authors do that before and thought it was cool and effortlessly executed! I am sucked into the family dynamics now and can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This was my first time reading Evelyn Leigh and I'm locked in!
While I read an advanced, unedited copy of this book, there were some inconsistencies that made the reading experience challenging sometimes such as abrupt changes in POV mid chapter and repeated passages. Also, the first time they bump bodies is absent from the book? The next day it's revealed that it happened, just off page, and I felt like made the lead-up to it fall flat. I'm sure these things will be changed prior to release, but I wanted to mention this for other ARC readers who might be confused like I was lol. On the topic of spice, this was a bit of a slow burn in that department but it wasn't dragged out too long and the spice was well-written!
Thank you to Good Girls PR and the author for providing me with an ARC!
4.25 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 06/13/25
I overall enjoyed this so very much. I was charmed by the banter, thought the Doe/Scar thing was very cute, and thought Cèsar was extremely funny, caring, and a little bit scary—but it worked! Deirdre was confident, successful, sensitive, strong, and kept her eyes on the prize the entire book, which was lovely to see in a romance novel with a career-oriented woman.
"Men lie and water is wet. Don't act like you're any better."
The side characters were so engaging! I love how there were crossover characters from another author's series I recently dove into (attempting to avoid spoilers so I apologize for being coy); I've never seen authors do that before and thought it was cool and effortlessly executed! I am sucked into the family dynamics now and can't wait to read the next book in this series.
This was my first time reading Evelyn Leigh and I'm locked in!
While I read an advanced, unedited copy of this book, there were some inconsistencies that made the reading experience challenging sometimes such as abrupt changes in POV mid chapter and repeated passages. Also, the first time they bump bodies is absent from the book? The next day it's revealed that it happened, just off page, and I felt like made the lead-up to it fall flat. I'm sure these things will be changed prior to release, but I wanted to mention this for other ARC readers who might be confused like I was lol. On the topic of spice, this was a bit of a slow burn in that department but it wasn't dragged out too long and the spice was well-written!
Thank you to Good Girls PR and the author for providing me with an ARC!
4.25 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
🚨 Pub Date: 06/13/25
June 13, 2025
3.95⭐️ | 4🌶
honestly I was hesitant about this one for personal reasons but was so curious and excited for Evelyn's take on a darker romance. I thoroughly enjoyed myself with this one. César and Deidre. The intercultural rep, the friendship and chemistry they had. Did I cry towards the end? Yes, I did. It left me so curious about everybody else's stories. I can't wait to see where Evelyn takes the rest of the characters. Definitely check your triggers.
Thank you to her for the arc.
also side note: the whole time i was thinking about Dalton & Jules from Brenda Jackson's A Lover's Vow. I couldn't stop seeing D&C in them.
honestly I was hesitant about this one for personal reasons but was so curious and excited for Evelyn's take on a darker romance. I thoroughly enjoyed myself with this one. César and Deidre. The intercultural rep, the friendship and chemistry they had. Did I cry towards the end? Yes, I did. It left me so curious about everybody else's stories. I can't wait to see where Evelyn takes the rest of the characters. Definitely check your triggers.
Thank you to her for the arc.
also side note: the whole time i was thinking about Dalton & Jules from Brenda Jackson's A Lover's Vow. I couldn't stop seeing D&C in them.
January 15, 2026
*3.5
Thank you to Evelyn and Good Girls PR for the E-arc!
This dark romcom is treat, seeing BIPOC characters in this genre is something that we absolutely need and I'm glad that Evelyn chose to write this book.
Puerto Rican & Dominican MMC, who loves his abuelita and knows how to cook? ESO SI
Deirdre was a fun FMC to read about, she's a girlboss who knows how to have fun and for that I think she's totally cool.
If you enjoyed Lights out or Butcher & Blackbird, you'll enjoy this read for sure. This book isn't too dark and lands on the more comedic side than anything which others might find enjoyable.
Thank you to Evelyn and Good Girls PR for the E-arc!
This dark romcom is treat, seeing BIPOC characters in this genre is something that we absolutely need and I'm glad that Evelyn chose to write this book.
Puerto Rican & Dominican MMC, who loves his abuelita and knows how to cook? ESO SI
Deirdre was a fun FMC to read about, she's a girlboss who knows how to have fun and for that I think she's totally cool.
If you enjoyed Lights out or Butcher & Blackbird, you'll enjoy this read for sure. This book isn't too dark and lands on the more comedic side than anything which others might find enjoyable.
September 20, 2025
It’s a no from me. Love the representation though
August 5, 2025
-2.5 🌟This story was ok. I liked the characters, but felt like the plot needed to be fleshed out more. For some odd reason there were subtitles throughout the book, that would let you know when the next incident would happen. For example: 2:38am after the sixth incident happened. Kind of spoiled it for readers because we knew something was going to happen, before actually reading about the sixth incident. For a dark rom com I thought it would be funny, but only laughed at their text exchanges at times.
dnf
May 26, 20255/26/25 DNF’ed @ 18%
This one is a soft DNF. Might come back to at a later date, but the plot wasn’t progressing fast enough to keep my attention.
This one is a soft DNF. Might come back to at a later date, but the plot wasn’t progressing fast enough to keep my attention.
September 26, 2025
4.5/5 stars
Thank you so much to GoodGirlsPR for this ARC!! Even if i'm like two months late to reviewing omg!!
This was my first Evelyn Leigh book and I have to say, this was SOOO good!!! I'm not usually a big fan of stalker romances, but this was theeeeee perfect balance of stalker and romantic. Wow. Like I don't even have much to say because it was so good!! The writing, the story progression- I lowkey hope we get something about Regina and what ever happened to her husband- I need to knowwwwwwwwqwiefnj;lgjrqafioa.
I legit did not want this to enddddd- you know its real when you turn the percentage off so you can just genuinely enjoy the book lol. I loved the Scar/doe vibe, and how caring Cesar was even within the stalking. He never scared her or wanted her to fear him- which was a part that I really enjoyed.
I won't lie i wasn't the biggest fan of how abrupt the ending was, I kinda wish we would've gotten a lil more on what happens before the end authors note- but other than that?? UGHHHHHH TEW GOOOOOOOOD!! I also kinda wish....we got more spice? Like i think there could've been just a tingeeeee more.
Cesar and Deidre >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thank you so much to GoodGirlsPR for this ARC!! Even if i'm like two months late to reviewing omg!!
This was my first Evelyn Leigh book and I have to say, this was SOOO good!!! I'm not usually a big fan of stalker romances, but this was theeeeee perfect balance of stalker and romantic. Wow. Like I don't even have much to say because it was so good!! The writing, the story progression- I lowkey hope we get something about Regina and what ever happened to her husband- I need to knowwwwwwwwqwiefnj;lgjrqafioa.
I legit did not want this to enddddd- you know its real when you turn the percentage off so you can just genuinely enjoy the book lol. I loved the Scar/doe vibe, and how caring Cesar was even within the stalking. He never scared her or wanted her to fear him- which was a part that I really enjoyed.
I won't lie i wasn't the biggest fan of how abrupt the ending was, I kinda wish we would've gotten a lil more on what happens before the end authors note- but other than that?? UGHHHHHH TEW GOOOOOOOOD!! I also kinda wish....we got more spice? Like i think there could've been just a tingeeeee more.
Cesar and Deidre >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
June 9, 2025
Thank you Good Girls PR for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.
This was a quick and spicy read. The overall plot was interesting, but I felt that I was missing something. I gave me the feeling like this was book 2 of a series and left a lot unsaid about the side and main characters. The characters back stories felt rushed.
I did enjoy the MC’s banter throughout the book and both family dynamics.
This was a quick and spicy read. The overall plot was interesting, but I felt that I was missing something. I gave me the feeling like this was book 2 of a series and left a lot unsaid about the side and main characters. The characters back stories felt rushed.
I did enjoy the MC’s banter throughout the book and both family dynamics.
July 11, 2025
Shadowed Obsession features Deidre, CEO and César, private investigator. When César is tasked with shadowing Deidre, he falls for her instead of digging up her secrets. Deidre, on the other hand, gets a few anonymous texts and decides to flirt and sext the dude who is stalking her.
This was very difficult to read. The pacing just didn’t work for me. Each chapter title would explain where in the timeline we were, which just gave away that there was about to be an incident. The bits and pieces of the narrative didn’t string together well for me and I had to drag myself through the book. Also, it felt like there was so much information missing. I often had to reread a section because I didn’t understand how we had wound up where we were.
I liked Deidre and I enjoyed her PCOS representation. I love when heroines come in all shapes and sizes and Deidre detailing how she lives her life with this extra complication was great to see. She kind of fell flat as a character for me otherwise. César was fine but again, he didn’t discuss anything with Deidre and his interactions with her didn’t seem loving.
What was really frustrating was the book started with this content warning about how spicy it was and then listed all the things that we would enoucnter and then has a slow burn with no kiss until well beyond the 50% mark. And now I want to go back to check to see if all of the content warnings were even present.
Overall, very much not for me.
This was very difficult to read. The pacing just didn’t work for me. Each chapter title would explain where in the timeline we were, which just gave away that there was about to be an incident. The bits and pieces of the narrative didn’t string together well for me and I had to drag myself through the book. Also, it felt like there was so much information missing. I often had to reread a section because I didn’t understand how we had wound up where we were.
I liked Deidre and I enjoyed her PCOS representation. I love when heroines come in all shapes and sizes and Deidre detailing how she lives her life with this extra complication was great to see. She kind of fell flat as a character for me otherwise. César was fine but again, he didn’t discuss anything with Deidre and his interactions with her didn’t seem loving.
What was really frustrating was the book started with this content warning about how spicy it was and then listed all the things that we would enoucnter and then has a slow burn with no kiss until well beyond the 50% mark. And now I want to go back to check to see if all of the content warnings were even present.
Overall, very much not for me.
February 19, 2026
˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡˚ An obsessed man who becomes her stalker but also the love of her life ˙✧˖°📷 ༘ ⋆｡˚
I've been wanting to read Shadowed Obsession since F O R E V E R ♡︎⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡ I'm actually sooo happy I got the chance to read it because wow it made my day!! Evelyn Leigh, you got a fan in me now, I'm definitely going to be reading more and more of your books and your upcoming ones too.
This novel is about a private investigator who is hired to find dirt on this woman. But when he starts to find out more about her, he realizes that he wants to get to know her outside of his job. He sort of becomes her stalker, hacks her cameras, comes into her house to deliver her groceries, also washes her clothes, leaves her notes, and texts her under an alias. All of this of course to do his job... until it becomes real.
If you're looking to read a masked man romance, you've found it. César uses a mask to see her through the first half of the book, so IT JUST CREATES THIS LEVEL OF FORBIDDEN AND DANGER you know? Evelyn writes it so well and I loved César + Deirdre's dynamic throughout the whole book truly. Their flirting is so cute and they're hilarious together. Deirdre is so chill having a man stalk her lmao girl, I don't know how you do it but the man who is stalking you... ooof I get it girl
Read this if you want:
⋆˙⟡ Mafia romance
⋆˙⟡ Stalker vibes
⋆˙⟡ Latinx/Black leads
⋆˙⟡ He comes running when she feels ill
⋆˙⟡ Sort of pretends to mug her date because he's jealous lmao
⋆˙⟡ SUUUPER SPICY (she calls him Sir!!)
I need the next book PRONTO.
I've been wanting to read Shadowed Obsession since F O R E V E R ♡︎⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡ I'm actually sooo happy I got the chance to read it because wow it made my day!! Evelyn Leigh, you got a fan in me now, I'm definitely going to be reading more and more of your books and your upcoming ones too.
This novel is about a private investigator who is hired to find dirt on this woman. But when he starts to find out more about her, he realizes that he wants to get to know her outside of his job. He sort of becomes her stalker, hacks her cameras, comes into her house to deliver her groceries, also washes her clothes, leaves her notes, and texts her under an alias. All of this of course to do his job... until it becomes real.
If you're looking to read a masked man romance, you've found it. César uses a mask to see her through the first half of the book, so IT JUST CREATES THIS LEVEL OF FORBIDDEN AND DANGER you know? Evelyn writes it so well and I loved César + Deirdre's dynamic throughout the whole book truly. Their flirting is so cute and they're hilarious together. Deirdre is so chill having a man stalk her lmao girl, I don't know how you do it but the man who is stalking you... ooof I get it girl
Read this if you want:
⋆˙⟡ Mafia romance
⋆˙⟡ Stalker vibes
⋆˙⟡ Latinx/Black leads
⋆˙⟡ He comes running when she feels ill
⋆˙⟡ Sort of pretends to mug her date because he's jealous lmao
⋆˙⟡ SUUUPER SPICY (she calls him Sir!!)
I need the next book PRONTO.
June 16, 2025
The premise of the book hooked me right away. Deirdre is a member of a mafia family, and Cèsar is a private investigator hired by one of her family's business rivals to acquire some information that can be used to blackmail them out of a potential deal. However, while Cèsar is watching Deirdre, he finds it's becoming more and more difficult to stay in the shadows. The line between business and pleasure becomes increasingly blurred once he realizes she's quickly become his new obsession.
Cèsar and Deirdre's relationship started off so cute. The mystery and intrigue around his identity and what he wanted from her before he revealed himself was fun to read. Honestly, Cèsar was the worst stalker ever. He inserts himself in her life rather quickly and almost immediately is buying her groceries, cooking food, filling her tank, and even anonymously texting her. The banter between them made me giggle, but I don't know if I would necessarily call this a dark romance. More like a romcom with a smidge of darker elements.
While there were many things I liked about this book, some things I didn't like were the plot outside of Cèsar and Deidre's relationship seemed a little underdeveloped. There was little to no suspense halfway through this book; it sort of turns into a slice-of-life book, with the couple just living together, and that left me confused.
Cèsar and Deirdre's relationship started off so cute. The mystery and intrigue around his identity and what he wanted from her before he revealed himself was fun to read. Honestly, Cèsar was the worst stalker ever. He inserts himself in her life rather quickly and almost immediately is buying her groceries, cooking food, filling her tank, and even anonymously texting her. The banter between them made me giggle, but I don't know if I would necessarily call this a dark romance. More like a romcom with a smidge of darker elements.
While there were many things I liked about this book, some things I didn't like were the plot outside of Cèsar and Deidre's relationship seemed a little underdeveloped. There was little to no suspense halfway through this book; it sort of turns into a slice-of-life book, with the couple just living together, and that left me confused.
May 26, 2025
🌈 Rainbow Ratings:
Representation: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Intrigue: 10
Narrative: 9
Build-up: 9
Originality: 9
Wow Factor: 10
Ms girl, WHERE IS MY EPILOGUE?!? Seriously though, I loved this book and if I didn't require rest, it would've easily been a one day read. Shadowed Obsession follows César and Diedre, a PI and his mark, as the stalking turns into something more between them. César is the perfect balance of scary and sexy. I loved seeing how he cared for Dierdre and how independent she was, regardless. I am absolutely finding myself more and more drawn to dark romance because of authors like Evelyn. I love a good mix of "touch her and die" and "let me cater to you." Truly, I cannot recommend this enough. The pace is great, the story felt fresh and fun, and the banter was next level from the very beginning. Evelyn, you can do no wrong. Cannot wait to see what is next from you.
Thanks to the author and Good Girls PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Representation: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Intrigue: 10
Narrative: 9
Build-up: 9
Originality: 9
Wow Factor: 10
Ms girl, WHERE IS MY EPILOGUE?!? Seriously though, I loved this book and if I didn't require rest, it would've easily been a one day read. Shadowed Obsession follows César and Diedre, a PI and his mark, as the stalking turns into something more between them. César is the perfect balance of scary and sexy. I loved seeing how he cared for Dierdre and how independent she was, regardless. I am absolutely finding myself more and more drawn to dark romance because of authors like Evelyn. I love a good mix of "touch her and die" and "let me cater to you." Truly, I cannot recommend this enough. The pace is great, the story felt fresh and fun, and the banter was next level from the very beginning. Evelyn, you can do no wrong. Cannot wait to see what is next from you.
Thanks to the author and Good Girls PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2025
4 ⭐ 4 🌶️
This was a lt of fun. I love a good dark rom com and while this one wasn't over the top ridiculous, I still laughed hard and often. César was amazing and so obsessed with Dee and I absolutely loved him. Dee was one heck of a woman; insanely strong and sweet, but a bad a m f when she needed to be and I adored her for it.
The overall plot was really great. I loved how Evelyn told this story; it felt really rich in Black culture and I really enjoyed that. These characters were all very family oriented and I loved how much we got to see that throughout the book.
I'm really excited for Gi's story. I loved the little hints we got that it may be coming and the confirmation had me screaming in delight. I know César is going to be a big part too which has me giddy as heck. I can't wait.
This was a lt of fun. I love a good dark rom com and while this one wasn't over the top ridiculous, I still laughed hard and often. César was amazing and so obsessed with Dee and I absolutely loved him. Dee was one heck of a woman; insanely strong and sweet, but a bad a m f when she needed to be and I adored her for it.
The overall plot was really great. I loved how Evelyn told this story; it felt really rich in Black culture and I really enjoyed that. These characters were all very family oriented and I loved how much we got to see that throughout the book.
I'm really excited for Gi's story. I loved the little hints we got that it may be coming and the confirmation had me screaming in delight. I know César is going to be a big part too which has me giddy as heck. I can't wait.
December 18, 2025
She’s a mafia princess who heads up the outfit’s bourbon business and wants to go legit . He’s the P.I. that is following her at the request of a rival but becomes obsessed and starts stalking her (but in a “takes care of her needs and makes sure she is safe and happy kind of way” and not in a “creepy endangering her life” kind of way). What ensues is a game of cat and mouse that is equal parts humorous and steamy.
I loved this book from start to finish.
The banter is perfection
The antics are hilarious.
The tension and spice are just delicious.
If you love Dark RomComs, you need to read this book ASAP.
I loved this book from start to finish.
The banter is perfection
The antics are hilarious.
The tension and spice are just delicious.
If you love Dark RomComs, you need to read this book ASAP.
February 8, 2026
Shadowed Obsession is one of those books that I genuinely enjoyed while listening, that made me smile, that kept me engaged, that delivered on chemistry and intimacy...yet it left me sitting there afterwards thinking, “Why am I not more in love with you than I am?”
This is a soft-obsession, care-taking, himbo-stalker romance that is marketed as a dark rom-com, and I think that disconnect between promise and reality shapes almost every reaction to it. I had a good time. I also have thoughts. Hence: 3.5⭐️ but I am gladly rounding up!
Yes, there is a stalker, there's obsession and intensity. But in practice, what this story gives us is something much softer, much safer, and much more rooted in care-taking than in genuine moral darkness. The male main character is devoted in a way that manifests primarily through acts of service. He cooks, he cleans, he notices her emotional states, he anticipates her needs, and he quite literally does her laundry. His love language is caretaking. His obsession is filtered through protection and emotional attentiveness. And while that can absolutely be compelling—and for me, it definitely was—it does mean that this is not a “dark” romance in the way many readers expect when they pick up a book with that label...so please focus on the stalkerish, smutty rom-com spect when going into this.
There is no sustained moral ambiguity in their dynamic. Even when his behaviour edges toward possessive or creepy (for a chapter or two), it remains gentle, almost fluffy. And that is not a flaw in itself. In fact, it is something I personally tend to enjoy. There's also a mafia aspect to this, but again, this is NOT a MAFIA ROMANCE! The mafia-esque dynamics of her family, in general, do not play a significant role whatsoever. It's almost all telling, not showing, when it comes to that aspect. And all of this ultimately creates a gap between promise and reality that might shape your reading experience.
This is a strongly character-driven book, and that’s where it shines. The plot exists, but it’s secondary. What carries the story is the relationship: the banter, the teasing, the emotional attunement, the growing sense of connection. The FMC is funny, sharp, emotionally aware, and easy to root for. The MMC is intense, loyal to an almost absurd degree, and completely gone for her from early on. The “he falls first and hardest” dynamic is played straight, and it works. Their chemistry feels real. The intimate scenes are genuinely good! Emotionally grounded, not just technically competent.😉 I also really appreciated the Puerto Rican representation, which felt authentic rather than decorative.
Where the book loses some of its impact for me is in its structure and pacing. The recurring “X minutes before/after the incident” chapter titles are meant to build tension, maybe even to tease, but often did the opposite. They gave too much away, flattened suspense, and removed a sense of discovery. In the bigger picture, I can see why this was chosen, but I think I could have done without it!
The ending, unfortunately, fell flat for me. The final conflicts are resolved far too quickly, and it felt like a procedural decision. It feels like the book suddenly remembered it needed to end. Which is a shame, because the interpersonal stuff deserved more space.
All of this explains why I ultimately land at around 3.5 stars. I enjoyed reading it. I was emotionally invested. I cared about the characters. I appreciated the chemistry, the intimacy, and the representation. On a moment-to-moment level, I was rarely bored and often genuinely entertained.
It is a story that prioritises emotional comfort over emotional risk, and that choice will work beautifully for some readers and less so for others. A 3.5-star rating, in my personal system, reflects exactly that. I am glad I read this. I would recommend it to the right person. I would happily read more from this author. But I also recognise, clearly and without resentment, the limits of what this book chose to be.
This is a soft-obsession, care-taking, himbo-stalker romance that is marketed as a dark rom-com, and I think that disconnect between promise and reality shapes almost every reaction to it. I had a good time. I also have thoughts. Hence: 3.5⭐️ but I am gladly rounding up!
Yes, there is a stalker, there's obsession and intensity. But in practice, what this story gives us is something much softer, much safer, and much more rooted in care-taking than in genuine moral darkness. The male main character is devoted in a way that manifests primarily through acts of service. He cooks, he cleans, he notices her emotional states, he anticipates her needs, and he quite literally does her laundry. His love language is caretaking. His obsession is filtered through protection and emotional attentiveness. And while that can absolutely be compelling—and for me, it definitely was—it does mean that this is not a “dark” romance in the way many readers expect when they pick up a book with that label...so please focus on the stalkerish, smutty rom-com spect when going into this.
There is no sustained moral ambiguity in their dynamic. Even when his behaviour edges toward possessive or creepy (for a chapter or two), it remains gentle, almost fluffy. And that is not a flaw in itself. In fact, it is something I personally tend to enjoy. There's also a mafia aspect to this, but again, this is NOT a MAFIA ROMANCE! The mafia-esque dynamics of her family, in general, do not play a significant role whatsoever. It's almost all telling, not showing, when it comes to that aspect. And all of this ultimately creates a gap between promise and reality that might shape your reading experience.
This is a strongly character-driven book, and that’s where it shines. The plot exists, but it’s secondary. What carries the story is the relationship: the banter, the teasing, the emotional attunement, the growing sense of connection. The FMC is funny, sharp, emotionally aware, and easy to root for. The MMC is intense, loyal to an almost absurd degree, and completely gone for her from early on. The “he falls first and hardest” dynamic is played straight, and it works. Their chemistry feels real. The intimate scenes are genuinely good! Emotionally grounded, not just technically competent.😉 I also really appreciated the Puerto Rican representation, which felt authentic rather than decorative.
Where the book loses some of its impact for me is in its structure and pacing. The recurring “X minutes before/after the incident” chapter titles are meant to build tension, maybe even to tease, but often did the opposite. They gave too much away, flattened suspense, and removed a sense of discovery. In the bigger picture, I can see why this was chosen, but I think I could have done without it!
The ending, unfortunately, fell flat for me. The final conflicts are resolved far too quickly, and it felt like a procedural decision. It feels like the book suddenly remembered it needed to end. Which is a shame, because the interpersonal stuff deserved more space.
All of this explains why I ultimately land at around 3.5 stars. I enjoyed reading it. I was emotionally invested. I cared about the characters. I appreciated the chemistry, the intimacy, and the representation. On a moment-to-moment level, I was rarely bored and often genuinely entertained.
It is a story that prioritises emotional comfort over emotional risk, and that choice will work beautifully for some readers and less so for others. A 3.5-star rating, in my personal system, reflects exactly that. I am glad I read this. I would recommend it to the right person. I would happily read more from this author. But I also recognise, clearly and without resentment, the limits of what this book chose to be.
June 15, 2025
GIGGLING & KICKING & SCREAMING *repeats 3x
.
.
⭐️: 4
🌶️: 2
fave tropes:
- dark Rom com
- forced proximity
- forbidden
- Mon ties|blackmail
- HE FALL FIRST & HARD
GIGGLING & KICKING & SCREAMING *repeats 3x
SHADOWED OBSESSION - César (an audacious turned obsessed P.I.) is hired to gain intel on the Diedre (the classic Mob Princess) by her competitors in a very high stakes property bid! Seeing as this curvy beauty comes from a family with more than enough skeletons their closets, César assumes the take down will be an in and out job. But from his first site at the curvy Mob beauty, the always controlled P.I. changed his course of action, damn near by force…considering how enamored he is with the bombshell, who btw is all to willing to play along in a dark, steamy and laugh out loud hilarious game of Cat & Mouse.
A completed “TO DO” list, wire taps, hidden cameras…all orchestrated by a tall, brown and well built man with infinite audacity… SIGN ME UP!!
.
.
This book was so much fun. From the banter between the MCs, that perfect touch of dark and suspenseful and the tension … PANTY DROPPING. This story had me breathless from laughing so hard and kicking my feet at every interaction between the MCs.
PLEASE let this be a series, because I NEED MORE!
(ARC Review)
.
.
⭐️: 4
🌶️: 2
fave tropes:
- dark Rom com
- forced proximity
- forbidden
- Mon ties|blackmail
- HE FALL FIRST & HARD
GIGGLING & KICKING & SCREAMING *repeats 3x
SHADOWED OBSESSION - César (an audacious turned obsessed P.I.) is hired to gain intel on the Diedre (the classic Mob Princess) by her competitors in a very high stakes property bid! Seeing as this curvy beauty comes from a family with more than enough skeletons their closets, César assumes the take down will be an in and out job. But from his first site at the curvy Mob beauty, the always controlled P.I. changed his course of action, damn near by force…considering how enamored he is with the bombshell, who btw is all to willing to play along in a dark, steamy and laugh out loud hilarious game of Cat & Mouse.
A completed “TO DO” list, wire taps, hidden cameras…all orchestrated by a tall, brown and well built man with infinite audacity… SIGN ME UP!!
.
.
This book was so much fun. From the banter between the MCs, that perfect touch of dark and suspenseful and the tension … PANTY DROPPING. This story had me breathless from laughing so hard and kicking my feet at every interaction between the MCs.
PLEASE let this be a series, because I NEED MORE!
(ARC Review)
June 13, 2025
I want to start by saying I had so much fun reading this book, the characters and the banter were amazing. The BIPOC representation was everything! We desperately need more diversity in the romance community and Evelyn wants to give it to us! The MFC is a badass, though I have to state she frustrated me at times, and the MMC has it down baaaaad! And I love a simp soooooo I was a fan of that dynamic between them. He was hands down my favorite part of the book.
This is marketed as a dark rom-com and I know darkness level with dark romance is subjective. But for me it was very light on the 'dark' aspects, so do with that what you will.
Dark romance rom-coms have to be precisely in the right pocket or it misses its mark, sadly that's what happened with this one for me. While it did have its funny moments, it was lacking in the darker elements for me personally. Especially in a mafia universe.
Now, while I did enjoy reading this, I am always honest in my reviews, and this will be no different. This was more of a 3.5-3.8 rating but I rounded up. I did feel like the story was massively rushed. The bones of the book are 100% there, I just think it needs to be fleshed out more in its development. It also felt disjointed at times and unrealistic. Now I know this is fiction and authors can make whatever they want happen, but if you give us a strong mafia baddie and make her naive (she just starts texting a stranger and they become 'friendly' and then she just kind of accepts when he starts breaking into her home and doing things for her) in her decisions, it doesn't make for a cohesive narrative.
With this said I do think this would be a great read for someone wanting to dip their toes into something a little darker! And I so look forward to what comes next from Evelyn!
This is marketed as a dark rom-com and I know darkness level with dark romance is subjective. But for me it was very light on the 'dark' aspects, so do with that what you will.
Dark romance rom-coms have to be precisely in the right pocket or it misses its mark, sadly that's what happened with this one for me. While it did have its funny moments, it was lacking in the darker elements for me personally. Especially in a mafia universe.
Now, while I did enjoy reading this, I am always honest in my reviews, and this will be no different. This was more of a 3.5-3.8 rating but I rounded up. I did feel like the story was massively rushed. The bones of the book are 100% there, I just think it needs to be fleshed out more in its development. It also felt disjointed at times and unrealistic. Now I know this is fiction and authors can make whatever they want happen, but if you give us a strong mafia baddie and make her naive (she just starts texting a stranger and they become 'friendly' and then she just kind of accepts when he starts breaking into her home and doing things for her) in her decisions, it doesn't make for a cohesive narrative.
With this said I do think this would be a great read for someone wanting to dip their toes into something a little darker! And I so look forward to what comes next from Evelyn!
June 6, 2025
If Evelyn Leigh writes it, ima read it.
did i think reading a book that the mmc has the same name as my father was going to be heard? yup.
did this mmc have a nickname most of the book? also yes.
Cèsar & Deidra were both funny af and morally grey. one of my favorite combinations.
this book has dual pov and timelines. witty banter. SPICY scenes. funny text exchanges. PCOS/PMDD representation.
i love reading books that include words in spanish and various cultures are constantly being represented.
Evelyn knows how to hook a reader and keep you entertained while reading.
did i think reading a book that the mmc has the same name as my father was going to be heard? yup.
did this mmc have a nickname most of the book? also yes.
Cèsar & Deidra were both funny af and morally grey. one of my favorite combinations.
this book has dual pov and timelines. witty banter. SPICY scenes. funny text exchanges. PCOS/PMDD representation.
i love reading books that include words in spanish and various cultures are constantly being represented.
Evelyn knows how to hook a reader and keep you entertained while reading.
Read
February 18, 2026DNF’d at 25%, so not leaving a star rating.
I was really struggling to connect with the characters. FMC felt she was owed something and kinda had a chip on her shoulder. MMC felt too soft for the line of work he was in. I was listening to the audio and maybe that format wasn’t for me? I may pick up the physical book in the future.
As always—just because a book wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it’s not for you. 🖤
I was really struggling to connect with the characters. FMC felt she was owed something and kinda had a chip on her shoulder. MMC felt too soft for the line of work he was in. I was listening to the audio and maybe that format wasn’t for me? I may pick up the physical book in the future.
As always—just because a book wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it’s not for you. 🖤
May 26, 2025
This was so much fun, Cesar is a PI who takes his watching of Deidre a bit too far- man likes to break in and cook for her, buy her groceries etc like can I have that please?! Not to mention he’s half Puerto Rican and Dominican so when he dirty talks her, it’s in another language and makes me melt lol! She’s from a crime family and such a baddie in her own way and he’s just a simp of a stalker who does the most;) You’ll love these two!!
June 11, 2025
Evelyn Leigh’s books always hit the spot ! I fell in love with her writing in elevator pitch and couldn’t wait to read this one ! This was such a good dark rom com that had a interracial couple that was Puerto Rican / Dominican andddd black representation was immaculate 😚🤌🏼
To finish it off, César saying “mi beba” was just the cherry on top ! 🤭
To finish it off, César saying “mi beba” was just the cherry on top ! 🤭
Read
January 22, 2026I was NOT the target audience for this book, so I won’t be rating it. I hate stalker romances and the whole “lion/lamb” (or in this case lion/doe) dynamic. But don’t let me dissuade interested readers. César is charming and—ahem—attentive in his own straight boy way. Not trying to yuck anyone’s yum.
I have to say though the cover is STUNNING. My copy is signed as well and came with a little illustration inside it, equally as gorgeous as the cover. :)
I have to say though the cover is STUNNING. My copy is signed as well and came with a little illustration inside it, equally as gorgeous as the cover. :)
July 21, 2025
DNF @ 22%. Not quite sure what I was reading, but yeah no.
August 11, 2025
Oh I ate this up . It should be studied how good Evelyn was in this book WRITING!!!!!! ????
I will never ever forget Caesar 😩🙂🤪 I will never forget Ms Deidre ♥️🫶🏽 The banter, the slow burn, the anticipation and laughs were A1. Even the side characters were entertaining. It flowed so well & had my heart beating FAST! SWEATING😂 Now I gotta read elevator pitch !!!!!! Such a sexy, interesting plot and love story ‼️♥️
I will never ever forget Caesar 😩🙂🤪 I will never forget Ms Deidre ♥️🫶🏽 The banter, the slow burn, the anticipation and laughs were A1. Even the side characters were entertaining. It flowed so well & had my heart beating FAST! SWEATING😂 Now I gotta read elevator pitch !!!!!! Such a sexy, interesting plot and love story ‼️♥️
June 30, 2025
I am feeling morally grey about this one... It wasn't as dark as I wanted it to be but the comedy was hitting. Deidre and Cesar were both hot and hilarious but I couldn't take them series. The stakes weren't high but the spice is!
I would say, temper your expectations with this book to get the best reading experience.
1. Yes Deidre is a Mafia princess. However, the emphasis is on princess and less on mafia. If you are looking for a badass bullets blazing baddie, you've mistaken her for her cousin, Regina. (future book to come)
2. Cesar is a sexy silent stalker... but not in the way you think. This man gives chocolate lab energy, he will sneak up on you just to lick you in the face.
3. The plot with Dax and Dara is really a means to a conflict. Do not focus on that storyline because it will frustrate you more than fuel you.
I would say, temper your expectations with this book to get the best reading experience.
1. Yes Deidre is a Mafia princess. However, the emphasis is on princess and less on mafia. If you are looking for a badass bullets blazing baddie, you've mistaken her for her cousin, Regina. (future book to come)
2. Cesar is a sexy silent stalker... but not in the way you think. This man gives chocolate lab energy, he will sneak up on you just to lick you in the face.
3. The plot with Dax and Dara is really a means to a conflict. Do not focus on that storyline because it will frustrate you more than fuel you.
May 30, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading this book and I can say that I’m in awe with the representation in a good way and also I love that the important themes like Pcos was described very well. I also love the fact that mention of periods are here which is very important to me because I hardly get this representation in books. This is a dark romance book so it’s not for everybody and I’ll say that Deidre and Cesar’s relationship was so cute I could not stop giggling. However, it felt like there was no development to the plot from the start to finish if the book. Good character work but the plot and story was so redundant so it made it real difficult. I’ll recommend if you love dark romance with obsession as the theme and powerful families. Thank you Good Girls PR for the Arc, I appreciate.
July 28, 2025
Did not care for this :/ as much as I love Dominican representation I hate the idea that we’re randomly replacing words in a sentence even when it doesn’t make sense. The dialogue was strange, I didn’t like the spice, and also literally nothing happens in this book? Like this is a mob related stalker situation and somehow there are like zero stakes the whole time. Sigh. Not for me.
July 1, 2025
4.5🌟
"Klarke’s don’t hide from danger, they incite it."
"The sight of this man driving with one hand on the steering wheel and the other in mine should be illegal for my ovaries."
Deirdre + Cesar are the kind of toxic duo needed for the Summer !!🔥🔥🔥
Shadowed Obsession is the kind of unhinged we like to see in romance...falling for your stalker? ☑️ just as long as he brings you gifts and spoils you .😍😍😍
"Klarke’s don’t hide from danger, they incite it."
"The sight of this man driving with one hand on the steering wheel and the other in mine should be illegal for my ovaries."
Deirdre + Cesar are the kind of toxic duo needed for the Summer !!🔥🔥🔥
Shadowed Obsession is the kind of unhinged we like to see in romance...falling for your stalker? ☑️ just as long as he brings you gifts and spoils you .😍😍😍
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