Dark Obsession

by K.C. Crowne

"Keep your distance, princess. Or I'll be your ruin."


I should listen.
I’m Bratva royalty, and he’s my brother’s closest ally.
Older. Scarred. Lethal.

But as his dark gaze locks with mine, full of the desire he’s tried to bury,
I know I’m ready to break every d*mn rule written in my book.

When masked men crash my birthday with the intent to make it my last,
It’s Grigori who saves me.
In the shadows of a safehouse, he becomes my obsession. And I, his.

His words tell me I deserve better.
But his eyes reveal a hunger he’s buried for years,
A desire he’s fought every step of the way.

They say a savage enforcer with bloodstained hands will only destroy me.
And I’m ready to burn for him.

Because walking away from the only man who’s ever made me feel alive isn’t an option.
Not when I’m carrying the one secret that could destroy us both.



Readers This is full-length standalone, Russian mafia/bratva, age-gap, brother's best friend romance in the bestselling Chicago Bratva series. K.C. Crowne is an Amazon Top 6 Bestseller and International Bestselling Author.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

300 pages, Hardcover

Published January 9, 2025

About the author

️‍🔥Silver Fox Daddies (complete standalones)
1. Doctor Daddy
2. Taboo Daddy
3. Daddy's Best Friend
4. Daddy's Law
5. My Ex-Boyfriend's Dad
6. Daddy's Girl
7. My Ex-Best Friend's Daughter
8. Secret Daddy
9. Christmas with Dad's Best Friend
10. Vegas Daddy
11. Daddy's Obsession
12. Royal Daddy
13. Irish King
14. My Ex's Dad
15. Daddy's Orders
16. His Demands
17. The Arrangement
18. Sold to my Ex's Dad
19. Sexting the Silver Fox
20. Nanny for the Don
21. Dark Christmas
22. Sexting the Don
23. Boss Daddy
24. Forbidden Vows
25. Sinful Union
26. His Son's Ex
27. Under His Control
28. Masked Seduction

️‍🔥Chicago Bratva Series (shared world, bratva family)
1. Dark Prince
2. Dark Obsession
3. Dark Seduction

️‍🔥Antonov & Nicolaevich Bratva Series (shared world, bratva family)
1. Highest bidder
2. Bratva Daddy
3. Owned by the Bratva
4. Knocked up by the Bratva
5. Ruthless Rival
6. Scarred Prince
7. The Closer
8. Brother's Best Friend
9. Devil's Nuptials

️‍🔥For Her Pleasure, Reverse Harem Books (complete standalones)
1. Four Daddies for Christmas
2. Christmas Triad
3. Her Independence Day
4. Quadruple Daddies
5. Bossed by 3 Billionaire Brothers
6. Four Stepbrothers for Christmas
7. Christmas with Four Tattoo Artists
8. Men on a Mission
9. Christmas with Four Firemen
10. Dirty Cowboys
11. Big Bad Mountain Brothers (Menage)

️‍🔥Doctors of Denver Series (shared world, small town doctors)
1. Doctor's Secret
2. Doctor's Surprise Delivery
3. Irish Doctor's Secret Babies
4. Triplets for the Millionaire
5. Doctor's Baby Plan
6. New Zealand Doctor's Baby
7. Doctor's Duties
8. Billion Dollar Mistake
9. Irish Doctor's Gift
10. Irish Doctor's Orders
11. Irish Doctor's Valentine
12. Lucky Charm
13. Secret Babies for my Best Friend's Dad
14. Secret Baby Next Door
15. Secret Babies for the Mafia Doctor
16. Secret Babies for my Dad's Best Friend
17. The Doctor Who Stole Christmas

️‍🔥Mountain Men of Liberty Series (shared world, small town mountain men)
1. Baby for the Mountain Man
2. Junior for the Mountain Man
3. Knocked Up by the Mountain Man
4. Baby for Daddy's Best Friend
5. Triplets for the Mountain Man
6. Taken by the Mountain Man
7. Mountain Man's Secret Baby
8. Mountain Man's Accidental Surprise
9. Quadruplets for the Mountain Man
10. Delivering His Gifts
11. Mountain Man's Fate
12. Mountain Man's Lucky Charm
13. Mountain Man's Rival
14. Small Town Mountain Daddy
15. Mountain Man's Gift
16. Mountain Man's Christmas Surprise
17. Mountain Man's Valentine
18. Big Daddy
19. Fireworks with Three Mountain Men
20. Faking Mr. Right

️‍🔥Bearded Brothers (shared world, small town mountain men)
1. Her Mountain Daddy
2. Beauty and the Beard
3. Built and Bearded
4. Bride and Beard

Connect with me anytime!
https://authorkccrowne.com/pages/contact

Reviews

[Shannon M.]

Reason to avoid: I’ll never openly and willingly read AI generated books. The fact this “author” got through editing, ARC’s, and publication without more people noticing the fact that they left ChatGPT prompts in the actual book… insanity. That’s a no from me dawg.

[Rebecca]

DNR SCAM

AI AUTHOR

AI is Theft.

[♡ Dakota ♡ (Sarcasm is my middle name)]

Author was exposed for writing this book with AI. No thanks.

[erikoreads]

Leaving a note that this was AI written, and still includes the AI generated response in the book

[Aleksandra]

author uses AI

https://www.threads.net/@bookish_melt...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews]

This author uses AI to write her books. I will never read another one of hers again, and I'm leaving her ARC team.

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 1 out of 5]

After seeing the AI prompt by others I am retracting my review. In my arc copy, there was no prompt. I just searched it but couldn’t find it. But I will say that the book felt off to me from the start. It was still good but it wasn’t the age gap the author’s excuse claimed. Unfortunately, in the end, with the AI prompt on the final version, I cannot rate it more than 1 star. Even with the author’s excuse. 1 Star.

[Felica Hunt]

DNFed at page 7 of 294 in the kindle version due to AI usage. There's a paragraph on this page from AI that wasn't edited out. Do better

[Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this..appreciate that it was fast-paced
I'm also glad that there was a marriage and kid scene at the end (epilogue)

[XOX · Rating 1 out of 5]

AI generated slop. No thanks.

[Brynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I will never support someone using AI to write for them. This author should be ashamed and embarrassed to call themselves a "bestselling author" while using AI to write, or at the very least, heavily edit their books. I can understand using AI to help research, but that's not what this is. It undermines and de-values the time and hard work authors put into writing their stories to connect with their audience.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

How have the 5* reviewers missed the glaring Chat GPT prompts in the text?

ETA: my original review got taken down because of “suspicious review activity”… because that doesn’t scream censorship

[Frankie]

cannot think of anything more embarrassing than using generative AI to make a book. I say make, because that's not writing, it's theft. disgusting

[Halls · Rating 1 out of 5]

AI SLOP ABSOLUTELY DO NOT READ

[Ash GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that I loved this book is an understatement. Mafia romances are one of my favorite tropes. The fact that heroine is not just turning 19 or 22 is quite refreshing. There’s quality smut BUT THE PLOT? Delicious. Touch THEM and die 100%. Grigori & Elena were a pair to be reckoned with. At times Elena was infuriating and Grigori’s tough demeanor made me roll my eyes, but don’t feel anything was unnecessary. It was actually too short for me. I wanted more of them!!! Mafia romances often depict heroes with extensive experience in women and sex, not here and I LOVED that. Grigori was a PERFECT flawed hero. The family relations left me all giggly and smiling. All in all- a 6 STARS for me.

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

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Obsession is a steamy full-length standalone novel and part of the Chicago Bratva Series. The story is interconnected with characters from the previous books making appearance and contributing to the story. A brilliantly written story with world building characters and a fascinating storyline that captures the audience attention from the beginning and on the edge of your seat with it's pulse-pounding action, high-octane adventures, and non-stop twists and turns. An unputdownable and addictive absorbing read. A fast paced, dark, and thrilling story. Hang on to your kindle and prepare yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride of cravings, tension and emotions and follow along as these two characters breaks the rules and give into their desires. Wow is all that I can say about this book. A great addition to the series.
Elena Ivanov is the virgin twenty-seven year old mafia princess and only girl of the Ivanov Bratva family. She's the CEO/hacker of Ivanov Holdings and runs the IT department of it's multi-billion dollar empire. She was celebrating her birthday at the Bellagio 223 club with her two best friends Sasha and Natalie. They were perched above it all in their private lounge with her bodygyards lingering close by station in very corner of her private section as her brothers have ordered for her safety. The Ivanov family is the hierarchy of Chicago mafia and as run the city for generations. She was dancing on the dance floor with her friends scoping out potentials with her bodygyards spread out. Grigori her personal bodyguard, secret crush and family enforcer is normally the closest guard to her every where she goes but he wasn't around tonight puzzles her. She stopped dancing as a strange feeling knots in her stomach and her instincts kicking in. Then through the sea of dancers she sees one of her guards crumple to the floor and then she hears a sharp unmistakable pop unbeknowing to the crowd. But then she see the men emerging from the side entrances. She tells her friends to run but stay wondering where Grigori is. But Suddenly, a rough hand grabs her wrist yanking her back.
A man who's face is half hidden in the shadows growls something in Spanish which she doesn't understand. But friend Natalie created a distraction by throwing a drink in the man face which free her up to move. She quickly realized that this wasn't some amateur hit it was high profile and coordinated and wondered who has the cajones to come for her there. The entire time she kept wondering where Grigori was when she needed the most. The hit squad was Oscar Molina's men from the Molina Cartel. A ruthless, vicious, evil and bloodthirsty group. They had targeted Elena to get to Grigori because they knew that she was his weakness. Years ago Grigori went after the Molina Cartel for killing his entire family in New York and created a bloody massacre that New York would never for wiping out the most of the Molina Cartel and killing Oscar and his two daughters. Grigori had been keeping a deep dark hidden secrets that plague him from the family about his past for years. Elena was surprised when Grigori spoke fluent Spanish to her attackers because she never knew that he speak the language.
Grigori saved Elena from the attack and then they went to a safe house for the night. It was there that they acted on an attraction that both harbored for years and had a night filled with passion that would change everything forever. Elena thought that they were after her and what surprises her is whrn he told her that they were after him. Grigori learn from Dollar mid-level street hustler that the Molina Cartel were planning to take over the whole city. They were going to start by torching the Ivanov's businesses to the ground as a warning to make a statement. And they wanted to make a special example out of Grigori. They've got him in their cross hairs. Oscar Molina had been presumably dead for years and a guy name Claudio Sanchez is making moves in Chicago. After speaking to Dollar Grigori finally has all of the pieces put together about the Bellagio club shooting and what was going on and it's now clear that everyone that he cares about was in danger. Grigori Petrov is the Ivanov family enforcer and best friend to Luk, Yuri, Lev and Alexei. He had been with family his he was ten years old after he lost his family and uncle Marcel took him in and raised him like a family with the Ivanov's.
Elena wants to know what's going on but no one would let her in. And even though Grigori told her to leave it alone and he doesn't want her in what went down at the club she disobeyed him and hacked into the CPD CCTV cameras and reports to get answers which leads her to Claudio Sanchez, who was Oscar Molina's right hand man and enforcer. The two got even closer as Grigori realized that he couldn't stay away from her and was addicted to her to the point of sneaking in her room like a teenager to be with her again. The Molina Cartel had been making big moves for years since his death. But Elena would learn that Oscar did not died in the fire that everyone thought and had building new pipe line and businesses and was running the scene behind the entire time. Chicago would soon turn into a war zone as Molina's men move in to kidnap Elena and kill Luk in order to cut the off the Ivanov's Bratva mafia.
Grigori knows that is family would not be safe if he doesn't end what he started years ago and kill Oscar and went back to New York to finish it. But as usual Elena doesn't listen and when she found out that Oscar wasn't in New York and was in Chicago she thought that Grigori was walking into a trap and sneak out of the house to go after him inspite of hearing how vicious he was. But she only walked right into his trap and was kidnapped as a pawn to lure Grigori out to Oscar who plans on picking off all the Ivanov's starting with her. It was then that the story picks up with all types of surpising twists and turns, violence, revenge, blood and gore, drama, threats, lies, attacks, secrecy, suspense, retaliation, anger, fear, guilt, passion, action, revelations, power and control, power struggle, family, power play, betrayal, and new enemies as they battle for Chicago territory and fight for hierarchy. This is a beautiful story that's entertaining, funny and action packed. It's filled with obsession, steaming hot passion, threats, possessiveness, mob war, rivalry, sacrifice, darkness, madness, resilience, survival, love and so much more.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna M. Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena Ivanova/Grigori Petrov. Bratva Princess /Bratva. Elena's friends - Sasha and Natalia. Elena's brothers - Luk, Yuri and Lev. Ivanov Bratva Pakhan - Luk Ivanova.. Body guards - Brothers' orders. Alexei, Viktor and Grigori - Elena's bodyguards. Ivanova Holdings - Family business, Birthday. Celebration. Assault. Kidnapping attempt - Grigori? Elena? Cartel. Coordinate effort. Oscar Molina - Molina Cartel. Ruthless. Bloodthirsty. Oscar - Dead. Dollar? Involvement. Boss? The Velvet Din - Strip club - Dollar. Claudio Sanchez - Making moves. Claudio - Oscar's right hand man. Alexei - Elena's half brother. Attempted kidnapping. Bodyguards murdered. Fights back. Escapes. Detective Barnes - Ivanov's payroll. Grigori missing. Marcel Ivanov - Elena, Yuri, Lev, Luk and Alexei's uncle. Murdered - Grigori's family. Investigates. Discovery. Revenge. Fire - Molina's daughters die. War - Cartel vs. Bratva. Hospital attack - Get Elena and Luk. Lock down. Preparations. Elena - research. Oscar Molina alive. New York. Traitor? Betrayal? Molina - Chicago. Elena - kidnapped. Grigori - Kidnapped, tortured. Protective. Possessive. Gripping. Thrilling. Attraction. Taboo. Affection. Virgin. Consensual. Acceptance. Action-packed. Endearing characters and intriguing story. Love. HEA. Entertaining.

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

[LV · Rating 4 out of 5]

K. C Crowne delivers another great read. This book is incredibly action packed, fast paced, yet the narrative flows well. At times it does have a Hollywood movie feel to it.
This is the first book I've read in this particular Chicago Bratva series, and although it reads well as a stand alone book, I wish I'd read the previous installments as I wasn't as emotionally involved with the main characters as I'd like to have been. In saying that Elena was an incredible heroine, while she comes across at first as a bit of a brat it becomes clear she has hidden layers, is independent and can more than hold her own. Grigori and her do work well together, especially in their action sequences and his naturally intense and aloof nature comes across. His background is revealed explaining a lot. The plot is slowly revealed bit by bit and keeps you interested.
The brothers are more supportive than I expected, I particularly loved Alexei and look forward to his story.
If you love a lot of action in your stories and especially strong well written female characters with unique strengths, I highly recommend this book.

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

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Obsession is a spicy age gap Bratva romance that begins for MFC Elena Ivanova, Bratva Princess, the night she is out celebrating her birthday at club Bellagio 223.
A hit is about to go down and she thinks it’s for her. Losing sight of her bodyguard MMC Grigori she manages to get her friends to leave by the nearest exit before racing for the outside herself.
With a hitman on her tail, Grigori finally reappears and the threat is neutralized.
But surprise of all surprises when he tells Elena he was the one they were after not her.
Whoa, lots of little twists in this entertaining read and that was just one.
After they arrive at a safe house the attraction that has been simmering between the two for years finally explodes in a passion filled encounter.
Loved this newest intrigue rich saga from author KC Crowne that holds all the mystery, family dynamics, action, forbidden love, steam, awesome writing, secrets, and deliciously crafted characters that make a good book an immersive read. So happy to have been on this tantalizing journey! HEA.

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

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great push and pull romance, with a big touch her and die vibes. Elena is a Bratva princess, her brothers the heads, and an incredible hacker. Grigori is her bodyguard, but her brothers treat him more like another brother than just a soldier. He’s considered family, and loyalty runs deep. There was a lot of push and pull between the MC’s, more pushing away on Grigori’s end all in the name of keeping Elena safe. But Elena is stubborn and hates being treated like she’s delicate, or not part of the family business. She gets into some trouble because of it, but Grigori and her brothers are always there to save her. I didn’t find this all that dark of a romance, but there was lots of action and violence on page, as well as some steamy moments. It reads like a stand alone, but I do wish I had read the previous books as I felt like some of the storyline would have made more sense. No cheating or OM/OW drama, virgin FMC, read triggers warnings, HEA and 2 epilogues in the future that wrapped it all up nicely. I always enjoy this authors books, so I’m looking forward to whatever books come next!

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elena Ivanov is the protected little sister of her brothers who run Ivanov Holdings and the Ivanov crime family. Elena runs IT for her family’s business. Her life is not perfect though because of the invasion of bodyguards surrounding her, making her crazy and impulsive. It’s hard to have alone time with a guy so at 27 she’s still a virgin. Because Elena’s on her last nerve, she’s become reckless and defiant and has become a target for a cartel leader looking for revenge. Grigori grew up with the Ivanov family and is now the lead bodyguard of Elena. Several years ago, he went lone wolf targeting the evil leader of a cartel in New York…it went very wrong … Grigori killed the wrong target, and now someone is looking for revenge … they’ve targeted Elena. This story is about a violent gang war for revenge and the takeover of the streets of Chicago. Lots of mayhem. Elena and Grigori finally act on the feelings they’ve each had for the other for years. They get their sweet and happy ever after. Linda

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was epic!!! Holy explosive chemistry, danger and everything in between, Batman. Grigori and Elena have crushed on each other for years. He is an enforcer for her family and has been her protector for years. He has always been close. Always watching. Always wanting. He was perfect. He didn't see himself that way, but he was perfect for her. Elena is no shrinking violet. She is a kickass heroine. She doesn't take crap from anyone. She's smart and brave. They are truly what the other needs. They are both strong and they need someone strong as their partner. So that in the days where they don't feel that strong their other half carries the weight. Their love was fierce. I adored their story so much. Their ending was an absolutely perfect HEA. The danger from the cartel was really well written and kept me engaged the whole time. I couldn't put it down and finished it in marathon speeds.

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

[Ozavidreader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Below is my original review which the author had Goodreads assist her in removing. My review was true and accurate to what I read and I stand by my original review that the author used and left AI prompts in the text.


Goodreads takes the responsibility of maintaining the authenticity of ratings and reviews and protecting our diverse community of readers and authors very seriously. As part of this, we are removing all ratings and reviews added during times of unusual activity on Dark Obsession, including yours. We have included a copy of your review below for your personal records. Since your review meets our Review Guidelines, you are welcome to repost it once the unusual activity has passed.

You can learn more about our work to protect the authenticity of ratings and reviews on Goodreads in our community update which you can find here.

Sincerely,
The Goodreads Team



Dark Obsession
by K.C. Crowne

review Jan 15, 2025
did not like it

If you’re into computer generated books with AI prompts still present in the text, go right ahead.

[Naughty Nightie · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.C. keeps you turning the pages with this Bratva romance between Grigori and Elena. Elena is out celebrating her birthday when a shooting incident occurs. She helps save her friends since Grigori, her bodyguard, is nowhere to be seen. When it matters, he's finally there to save her. They get a chance to share the sexual tension between them finally. But they must hide it from her brothers, or there will be consequences. Someone from another Bratva mafia family has their sights set on Elena, and she is in danger. You keep turning the pages with all the twists, turns, and dangers everyone is in. Will Elena and her bodyguard get their HEA, or will her protective brothers put a stop to their relationship?
I received an arc from Booksprout in exchange for my voluntary, honest reviews for NN Book Blog. If you love a fast-paced, steamy Bratva romance with twists and turns you don't see coming, you will enjoy this book.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elena is a Bratva Princess, her brothers make sure she has guards when ever she goes out. She and her friends are out celebrating her birthday when masked men crash the club. Grigori is there to save her before they close in. She has had thing for Grigori for some time. He takes her to a safehouse for protection. It is there that they cross the line that there will be no way to come back from.

Grigori knows something from his past has come back to haunt him, something he never told the family. He would lay down his life for Elena to keep her safe. Now that he has had a taste of her there is no going back, her brothers will not be happy.

Elena is not the type not to support her man, and will not just do as she is told. This is a steamy, action packed fasted pass romance. Elena is Grigori's perfect match.

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risking it All for Love and Family -
This story goes from zero to one hundred right from the first chapter and doesn’t slow down all the way through to the end. I was glued to the pages and couldn’t take a break until I finished reading the book. I found myself on the edge of my seat with all the twists, action-packed moments, camaraderie, angst, determination and steamy encounters, that came together beautifully and ultimately led to a well deserved happily ever after. This book is a definite must read if you like suspenseful romance stories where the heroine doesn’t sit back and wait for a hero, but rather jumps in and fights beside him. You will absolutely love reading this book and be happy to recommend it.

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

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and the way the characters interact with each other. The give and take, the soft times and the rough times between Gregori and Elana, shows how deep their feelings go for each other.
When the past comes back and threatens the one women that Gregori loves and will do anything for, then he will unleash a storm of hurt and death on anyone who comes near her.
Elana is the same way about Gregori and her family, but instead of using force or violence, she uses her brain and hacking skills to help and find out important info, that they would not normally be able to get.
Together both Gregori and Elana, plus her family take out a Cartel and keep the. City of Chicago and New York safe for the time being.
Their love for each other continues to grow and grow with each new day.

[Ragu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Obsession, an age gap, Bratva romance story about Elena and Grigori. Elena is a Mafia princess, Grigori is her brother's best friend, also Elena's bodyguard. Elena and Grigori's story is steamy and filled with suspense, action, danger, violence, drama, and unexpected twists. The chemistry between them is off the charts unbelievable but, that neither one has opened up about. Dark Obsession is a fantastic read, a story once you start you don’t want to set it down for any reason! I swear I went through every emotion possible while reading this book, gotta tell you, I would probably read it again I enjoyed it that much. I do not hesitate when I say A Must Read, you will not be disappointed if this is a genre you enjoy. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slight dip in the series for me

3.75

This story took a twist from Dark Seduction (the prior book in the series). I liked the concept of Grigori and Elena. When they were together there seemed to be that forbidden pull and chemistry. It just felt like there was such a foundation of their bond and history that wasn’t displayed in the book. Overall I feel it made the relationship appear less deep in the moment because the build up wasn’t included. The plot felt a little drawn out and like there could have been more dimension added to it.

For me this one didn’t quite measure up to the same level as Dalia and Lev’s story had previously.

I used an audio feature to read this book and did not specify catch the AI/ChatGPT prompts others had mentioned in their reviews.

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

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this series & was looking forward to reading Elena's story & I wasn't disappointed.
Although she's part of a Bratva family she's been kept away from the danger surrounding them but is ready to fight for those she cares about.
He's been Elana's protector & part of her family for years but when her lifevis threatened he will do anything to protect her so when his past comes the threaten her it causes a war no one ever expected.
It takes the fear & possibility of losing each other that they finally give into the feelings they've secretly had for years & no one will stop them being together.
There's a lot going on before any chance of a happy ever after for these two, danger, pain, secrets, betrayal, steam, loyalty, family & love.

Definitely recommend reading this series.

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