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New York City Syndicate #2
Deadly Obsession
Sage
He was supposed to be a one-night stand… but it turned out to be the best sex of my life.
Still, I wasn’t looking for anything serious. I snuck out thinking I’d never see him again.
Wrong.
Imagine my surprise when I run into him a few weeks later at a Christmas party hosted by my best friend’s father.
Turns out, Elias Carter is the Don of the QBM—the Queensboro Mob—and I’ve become his new obsession.
Maybe he can help me escape the man threatening to harm me and my family. A man from my past who wants me to help him. Just one problem… he wants me to spy on Elias to help bring down the QBM.
Elias
I thought I’d never see her again. The woman who didn’t look at me in fear. Who challenged me. Who made me believe that maybe there’s more to life than leading a crime syndicate.
It may have been one night, but I need more.
I need her.
My new obsession.
Something, or someone, has her spooked, and I’m determined to protect her at all costs—even if she keeps running from me.
Even when I find out she’s connected to the man I’ve been hunting down.
Deadly Obsession is the second, and final, book in the New York City Syndicate duology. It's a standalone, however, you meet Sage and Elias in Deadly Deceit and get more insight into this mafia world. This book is a dark cozy romance meaning the romance is sweet... but the story includes dark themes.
Deadly Obsession contains explicit content and some difficult topics. They are listed within the first pages of the book. You can also find them on the author's website. If you have a specific trigger, please reach out to the author.
He was supposed to be a one-night stand… but it turned out to be the best sex of my life.
Still, I wasn’t looking for anything serious. I snuck out thinking I’d never see him again.
Wrong.
Imagine my surprise when I run into him a few weeks later at a Christmas party hosted by my best friend’s father.
Turns out, Elias Carter is the Don of the QBM—the Queensboro Mob—and I’ve become his new obsession.
Maybe he can help me escape the man threatening to harm me and my family. A man from my past who wants me to help him. Just one problem… he wants me to spy on Elias to help bring down the QBM.
Elias
I thought I’d never see her again. The woman who didn’t look at me in fear. Who challenged me. Who made me believe that maybe there’s more to life than leading a crime syndicate.
It may have been one night, but I need more.
I need her.
My new obsession.
Something, or someone, has her spooked, and I’m determined to protect her at all costs—even if she keeps running from me.
Even when I find out she’s connected to the man I’ve been hunting down.
Deadly Obsession is the second, and final, book in the New York City Syndicate duology. It's a standalone, however, you meet Sage and Elias in Deadly Deceit and get more insight into this mafia world. This book is a dark cozy romance meaning the romance is sweet... but the story includes dark themes.
Deadly Obsession contains explicit content and some difficult topics. They are listed within the first pages of the book. You can also find them on the author's website. If you have a specific trigger, please reach out to the author.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2025
72 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Settle Myer
15 books127 followersSettle Myer lives in New York City with her cats Zombie, Michonne, and Birdie. She's currently a TV news writer who hopes to one day leave a world of death, disaster, and politics for a world of creativity and adventures. She loves all things zombies, cats, karaoke, and tattoos. But not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 5, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️ (4.5⭐️)
We start off with a bang and only go up from here! A plus-size baddie and talk, dark and husky have a night to remember that Sage thought was going to stay a memory. But when you sleep with the Don of the Queensboro Mob you don't get off that easy, or sometimes you do ;). He is determined to track her down because there is no getting her out of his head but fate steps in and these two can't help but keep falling into each others lives. A dark spicy story full of drama, with low-stakes and cozy vibes that hits all the right spots. I devoured this novel in no time and already plan to re-read in the future because these two are a power couple that make you root for their HEA form beginning to end.
We start off with a bang and only go up from here! A plus-size baddie and talk, dark and husky have a night to remember that Sage thought was going to stay a memory. But when you sleep with the Don of the Queensboro Mob you don't get off that easy, or sometimes you do ;). He is determined to track her down because there is no getting her out of his head but fate steps in and these two can't help but keep falling into each others lives. A dark spicy story full of drama, with low-stakes and cozy vibes that hits all the right spots. I devoured this novel in no time and already plan to re-read in the future because these two are a power couple that make you root for their HEA form beginning to end.
July 21, 2025
I'm going to miss this world. This is a mafia romance tightly knitted together with book 1 but can still be read as a stand alone. We have 3 major crime famillies fighting it out amongst themselves, with strong morally grey characters.
Here we have Elias a big bodied mob boss that is trying to eradicate human trafficking rings and becomes obsessed with the girl he F%$&! In the office of his club, also the brother of the first books MMC. He becomes obsessed with sage and needs to protect her, but Sage doesn't make it easy on him, slipping out after their office fun and not giving him any way to contact her. While in book 1 Noah was all confidence, book 2 we get Sage that does portrait confidence but we see the growth and trauma and struggle. It's lovely to see that complexity in her self confidence. Page goes through a lot and is caught in a very bad situation while also realizing the mafia show going on with her inner circle. It's a lot and it's beautifully done.
A great part two but I am gonna miss this world.
Here we have Elias a big bodied mob boss that is trying to eradicate human trafficking rings and becomes obsessed with the girl he F%$&! In the office of his club, also the brother of the first books MMC. He becomes obsessed with sage and needs to protect her, but Sage doesn't make it easy on him, slipping out after their office fun and not giving him any way to contact her. While in book 1 Noah was all confidence, book 2 we get Sage that does portrait confidence but we see the growth and trauma and struggle. It's lovely to see that complexity in her self confidence. Page goes through a lot and is caught in a very bad situation while also realizing the mafia show going on with her inner circle. It's a lot and it's beautifully done.
A great part two but I am gonna miss this world.
July 15, 2025
The story of Deadly Obsession takes place alongside Deadly Deceit, the first book in the New York City Syndicate series. In this book, we are reintroduced to Elias, Delancy’s older brother, and Sage, Noah’s best friend. The least we can say is that we get straight to business in this second book—if you know what I mean 👀
One thing is certain: I enjoyed this book as much as the first. It features the same successful elements as the first book, such as references to the NYC mafia, lots of banter between the two main characters, mystery, secrets, and so on. However, that doesn’t mean the two books are identical—quite the contrary. I found a sense of sweetness amid the brutality in Deadly Obsession that I didn’t expect, and I quite enjoyed it, despite already knowing that Settle Myer describes the series as a dark cozy romance.
I really liked Sage. Even though she has many vulnerabilities that make her seem fragile, she holds her head high and does exactly what she wants. While many would be afraid of ending up completely broken, Sage grows stronger by taking back control of her life. She isn’t afraid to stand up to Elias when 99% of people wouldn’t dare tell him a fraction of what she says to him. At the same time, I don’t think anyone has ever tried to understand Elias as much as Sage does. She sees who he truly is behind his mafia boss persona and accepts him. If anyone is capable of saving Elias from himself, I believe it is sa Reine, Sage.
Honestly, who would have thought that beneath the frightening costume of a mafia boss was a big teddy bear—but only for Sage. Elias tries to appear fearless, but beneath his tough exterior is a frightened, abused boy consumed by guilt. Yet, when we see him with Sage, we realize that, beneath all his red flags, lies a big old green one. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for her. I enjoyed getting to know him and seeing how much he cares for his brother, even though the two men are virtually incapable of showing it.
I was drawn in and fascinated by the story, both in terms of character and plot development. I liked that the book featured many interactions with Noah and Delancy. I also felt less alone in having a nut allergy and strongly empathized with Elias on that point.
I also wanted to point out that it’s rare for both main characters in a book to be plus size, which I really appreciated.
While I obviously recommend this book, I advise reading the author’s note first. Your mental health is always more important than anything else.
Many thanks to Settle Myer for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of Deadly Obsession. This review is my own. All opinions expressed are mine.
One thing is certain: I enjoyed this book as much as the first. It features the same successful elements as the first book, such as references to the NYC mafia, lots of banter between the two main characters, mystery, secrets, and so on. However, that doesn’t mean the two books are identical—quite the contrary. I found a sense of sweetness amid the brutality in Deadly Obsession that I didn’t expect, and I quite enjoyed it, despite already knowing that Settle Myer describes the series as a dark cozy romance.
I really liked Sage. Even though she has many vulnerabilities that make her seem fragile, she holds her head high and does exactly what she wants. While many would be afraid of ending up completely broken, Sage grows stronger by taking back control of her life. She isn’t afraid to stand up to Elias when 99% of people wouldn’t dare tell him a fraction of what she says to him. At the same time, I don’t think anyone has ever tried to understand Elias as much as Sage does. She sees who he truly is behind his mafia boss persona and accepts him. If anyone is capable of saving Elias from himself, I believe it is sa Reine, Sage.
Honestly, who would have thought that beneath the frightening costume of a mafia boss was a big teddy bear—but only for Sage. Elias tries to appear fearless, but beneath his tough exterior is a frightened, abused boy consumed by guilt. Yet, when we see him with Sage, we realize that, beneath all his red flags, lies a big old green one. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for her. I enjoyed getting to know him and seeing how much he cares for his brother, even though the two men are virtually incapable of showing it.
I was drawn in and fascinated by the story, both in terms of character and plot development. I liked that the book featured many interactions with Noah and Delancy. I also felt less alone in having a nut allergy and strongly empathized with Elias on that point.
I also wanted to point out that it’s rare for both main characters in a book to be plus size, which I really appreciated.
While I obviously recommend this book, I advise reading the author’s note first. Your mental health is always more important than anything else.
Many thanks to Settle Myer for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of Deadly Obsession. This review is my own. All opinions expressed are mine.
July 28, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC
“Deadly Obsession” is the second book in the New York Syndicate series, and here we meet Elias and Sage. Sage is a confident woman who is completely ignorant of her best friend’s mafia connections and is trying to get her life back together after a ruinous relationship. She meets Elias at his club, and they have a one night stand. Elias is smitten with Sage right away, but he cannot find her since she uses a different name. He is shocked to see Sage at one of the mafia parties, and not only is she completely ignorant of her surroundings, she’s also being threatened by her ex. Elias will do anything to protect Sage.
Elias was such a cutie! I think he was an amazing character, and I loved that both protagonists had bigger bodies. I’m still team no shirts for book covers because I love real men on covers. I love photographed models, but it saddens me how a lot of times men are portrayed as beefy and very muscular. I get this is a fantasy with men that a lot of women have, and that is ok! But get me an Elias any single day because damn! A big body guy with that much power and his vulnerability? Hell yeah! I also love that we get more chubby guys on covers. Although their bodies are not the focus of the romance, I think it is huge that we are moving forward in literature. And this is of course thanks to indie authors, who are contributing to the book world to be more diverse and more realistic.
Back to the plot and the book, I loved Elias and the smut scenes were really good. I loved that Sage exuded confidence and worked with pleasure. I also loved that Elias never felt threatened by her and her power. He knew how to make her feel good and how to cherish her. Sage also had such a bad past relationship that she realises that what she has with Elias is something good and worth living for. Elias is still a mafia guy, so while he protects Sage and her family, he is not an innocent man, but Sage is also not an innocent blushing woman.
I had some issues with the pacing by the end, especially when Noah and Del appeared, it was a little too frantic, and I was hoping to have more time with Elias and Sage and explore their dynamic. I felt like Noah and Del's side story distracted me from the main couple. The ending was great and very cute, and I hope to still read Noah and Del’s story to feel their dynamic. This is totally personal and readers might not even notice it.
“Deadly Obsession” is a really good book if you wish to read some mafia romance with a lot of smutty elements. Elias and Sage’s story, although it touches on mafia theme it’s still a feel-good story, and it reads like a dream. Totally recommend this one!
“Deadly Obsession” is the second book in the New York Syndicate series, and here we meet Elias and Sage. Sage is a confident woman who is completely ignorant of her best friend’s mafia connections and is trying to get her life back together after a ruinous relationship. She meets Elias at his club, and they have a one night stand. Elias is smitten with Sage right away, but he cannot find her since she uses a different name. He is shocked to see Sage at one of the mafia parties, and not only is she completely ignorant of her surroundings, she’s also being threatened by her ex. Elias will do anything to protect Sage.
Elias was such a cutie! I think he was an amazing character, and I loved that both protagonists had bigger bodies. I’m still team no shirts for book covers because I love real men on covers. I love photographed models, but it saddens me how a lot of times men are portrayed as beefy and very muscular. I get this is a fantasy with men that a lot of women have, and that is ok! But get me an Elias any single day because damn! A big body guy with that much power and his vulnerability? Hell yeah! I also love that we get more chubby guys on covers. Although their bodies are not the focus of the romance, I think it is huge that we are moving forward in literature. And this is of course thanks to indie authors, who are contributing to the book world to be more diverse and more realistic.
Back to the plot and the book, I loved Elias and the smut scenes were really good. I loved that Sage exuded confidence and worked with pleasure. I also loved that Elias never felt threatened by her and her power. He knew how to make her feel good and how to cherish her. Sage also had such a bad past relationship that she realises that what she has with Elias is something good and worth living for. Elias is still a mafia guy, so while he protects Sage and her family, he is not an innocent man, but Sage is also not an innocent blushing woman.
I had some issues with the pacing by the end, especially when Noah and Del appeared, it was a little too frantic, and I was hoping to have more time with Elias and Sage and explore their dynamic. I felt like Noah and Del's side story distracted me from the main couple. The ending was great and very cute, and I hope to still read Noah and Del’s story to feel their dynamic. This is totally personal and readers might not even notice it.
“Deadly Obsession” is a really good book if you wish to read some mafia romance with a lot of smutty elements. Elias and Sage’s story, although it touches on mafia theme it’s still a feel-good story, and it reads like a dream. Totally recommend this one!
July 17, 2025
A tantalizing blend of mafia grit, sizzling chemistry, and a connection that lingers.
What was supposed to be a one-night stand turns into something far more dangerous - and intoxicating - when Sage runs into Elias at a Christmas party. Charming, intense, and powerful, Elias isn't just any man - he’s the Don of the Queensboro Mob. And now, he’s fixated on her. But Sage has a secret: a man from her past is threatening her family and forcing her to spy on Elias. As passion collides with peril, lines blur and loyalties are tested. Because falling for the mob boss was never part of the plan… but neither was falling in love.
A companion to Deadly Deceit, this interconnected standalone is perfect on its own, yet offers a rewarding new layer for readers already familiar with the world. Scenes overlap in clever ways, and returning to familiar events through fresh eyes only deepens the story’s intrigue.
The plot kicks off at full throttle - literally opening with spice - and never loses momentum. Sage and Elias’s instant and intense connection is electrifying, but it’s the development of their bond that steals the show. The sexual chemistry is palpable and ever-evolving, with changing power dynamics, creative settings (mirrors, car, wake-up sex, and more). This isn't just steam for steam's sake; it’s a reflection of two characters bratting to push boundaries and deepen trust.
Elias is the ultimate teddy bear in a leather jacket. He's dangerous, vengeful, and emotionally guarded, yet completely undone by the softness of Sage - a sweet, blood panicking woman who is unexpectedly fierce when it comes to protecting those she loves. Their push-and-pull dynamic is gripping, as Sage’s vulnerability and Elias’s intensity create a balance that just works. She brings out his humanity; he brings out her bravery.
Tropes abound - secret identities, found family, reappearing exes, protectiveness, trauma, redemption - but they’re handled with freshness and flair. Elias and Sage may be opposites, but their relationship is layered, messy, healing, and, most of all, passionate.
The mafia subplot isn't a flimsy backdrop - it's rich with tension, rivalries, and gritty action. From uncovering killers to dismantling sex trafficking rings, the stakes are high and the danger is real. Every tender or spicy moment is matched by a dark turn or thrilling revelation, ensuring the reader is always engaged.
In short, Deadly Obsession is a darkly delicious dive into love and danger that you won’t want to put down.
What was supposed to be a one-night stand turns into something far more dangerous - and intoxicating - when Sage runs into Elias at a Christmas party. Charming, intense, and powerful, Elias isn't just any man - he’s the Don of the Queensboro Mob. And now, he’s fixated on her. But Sage has a secret: a man from her past is threatening her family and forcing her to spy on Elias. As passion collides with peril, lines blur and loyalties are tested. Because falling for the mob boss was never part of the plan… but neither was falling in love.
A companion to Deadly Deceit, this interconnected standalone is perfect on its own, yet offers a rewarding new layer for readers already familiar with the world. Scenes overlap in clever ways, and returning to familiar events through fresh eyes only deepens the story’s intrigue.
The plot kicks off at full throttle - literally opening with spice - and never loses momentum. Sage and Elias’s instant and intense connection is electrifying, but it’s the development of their bond that steals the show. The sexual chemistry is palpable and ever-evolving, with changing power dynamics, creative settings (mirrors, car, wake-up sex, and more). This isn't just steam for steam's sake; it’s a reflection of two characters bratting to push boundaries and deepen trust.
Elias is the ultimate teddy bear in a leather jacket. He's dangerous, vengeful, and emotionally guarded, yet completely undone by the softness of Sage - a sweet, blood panicking woman who is unexpectedly fierce when it comes to protecting those she loves. Their push-and-pull dynamic is gripping, as Sage’s vulnerability and Elias’s intensity create a balance that just works. She brings out his humanity; he brings out her bravery.
Tropes abound - secret identities, found family, reappearing exes, protectiveness, trauma, redemption - but they’re handled with freshness and flair. Elias and Sage may be opposites, but their relationship is layered, messy, healing, and, most of all, passionate.
The mafia subplot isn't a flimsy backdrop - it's rich with tension, rivalries, and gritty action. From uncovering killers to dismantling sex trafficking rings, the stakes are high and the danger is real. Every tender or spicy moment is matched by a dark turn or thrilling revelation, ensuring the reader is always engaged.
In short, Deadly Obsession is a darkly delicious dive into love and danger that you won’t want to put down.
July 14, 2025
ARC review with only mild spoilers- Deadly Obsession by Settle Myer.
4.5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
- Touch her/him and die,
- ONS but they can’t fight that feeling anymore,
- Hurt/comfort
- Plus size and badass FMC and MMC
Although this is a standalone I would strongly recommend reading Deadly Deciet first (it’s a great book in itself and the plot overlaps). I went into this book hoping for some cozy dark mafia vibes and it did not disappoint. We get to see Noah and Del (the main characters from deadly deceit) again and I loved the strong female friendship rep from Sage and Noah. You never know when you need your best friend to track you down and knee someone in the balls.
Our FMC:
Sage is a firecracker with a soft heart who overcomes her past and takes ownership of her power as a woman.
Our MMC:
Elias is a bruised badass man who is desperate to find someone crazy enough to survive in his world and pour his neglected heart into.
Their relationship starts with a bang (see what I did there 😉) before Sage ghosts Elias out of panic and self preservation. Thankfully for them both Elias knows a good thing when he sees it and doesn’t give up on the minx of a woman who immediately changed his goals in life.
The book follows mafia in-fighting, intrigue, lots of spice, humour, self discovery and two strong individuals willing to give each other control in all ways. It has also changed all connotations I had for Barry Manilow permanently 😂
I devoured this book and strongly recommend you read it. If that isn’t enough to make you want to read it, here’s a selection of quotes that I think sum up the overall vibe of the book:
“my stabby little queen”
“blood for lubrication”
“It’s like a rage room… and I know you have so much more rage to show him”
“Level 100 Clinger”
“I forgave you the moment you sank to your knees”
“You’ve shared your life with me, and I’m honoured.”
Treat yourself to this slightly unhinged but lovable book and you won’t regret it.
🖤🔥
4.5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
- Touch her/him and die,
- ONS but they can’t fight that feeling anymore,
- Hurt/comfort
- Plus size and badass FMC and MMC
Although this is a standalone I would strongly recommend reading Deadly Deciet first (it’s a great book in itself and the plot overlaps). I went into this book hoping for some cozy dark mafia vibes and it did not disappoint. We get to see Noah and Del (the main characters from deadly deceit) again and I loved the strong female friendship rep from Sage and Noah. You never know when you need your best friend to track you down and knee someone in the balls.
Our FMC:
Sage is a firecracker with a soft heart who overcomes her past and takes ownership of her power as a woman.
Our MMC:
Elias is a bruised badass man who is desperate to find someone crazy enough to survive in his world and pour his neglected heart into.
Their relationship starts with a bang (see what I did there 😉) before Sage ghosts Elias out of panic and self preservation. Thankfully for them both Elias knows a good thing when he sees it and doesn’t give up on the minx of a woman who immediately changed his goals in life.
The book follows mafia in-fighting, intrigue, lots of spice, humour, self discovery and two strong individuals willing to give each other control in all ways. It has also changed all connotations I had for Barry Manilow permanently 😂
I devoured this book and strongly recommend you read it. If that isn’t enough to make you want to read it, here’s a selection of quotes that I think sum up the overall vibe of the book:
“my stabby little queen”
“blood for lubrication”
“It’s like a rage room… and I know you have so much more rage to show him”
“Level 100 Clinger”
“I forgave you the moment you sank to your knees”
“You’ve shared your life with me, and I’m honoured.”
Treat yourself to this slightly unhinged but lovable book and you won’t regret it.
🖤🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
Note: I received an advance copy of this book so this is my honest review. I will also being doing my best to avoid spoilers for this book as I want folks to read it.
I know this is the second book in the New York City Syndicate series by Settle Myer. I wish I had read the first one before reading this as it does contain spoilers for Deadly Deceit. This time we're following the paring of Sage and Elias. Both characters were introduced in Deadly Deceit as Elias is the older brother of Delancy, and Sage is a friend of Noah. Both Delancy and Noah pop up from time to time this story as well. I do enjoy when connecting characters make appearances as I feel they can tie the universe together nicely.
Sage is a woman escaping her past in the hopes of keeping herself and her family safe. New life, new city, new her, but things don't go as planned when she has a one night stand with the owner of a night club. On top of that, the man from her past has threatened to hurt her family if she doesn't cooperate with him.
Elias is more than just a night club owner, he's the head of the Queensburo Mafia. He's smitten with this woman who took matter into her own hands on a guy who groped her in his nightclub. He had a one night stand with the woman in his office before he tortures the groper and kills him. Elias may be a mafia boss, but he despises people who assault woman. Once he returns to the office, he finds that this woman is gone. He becomes obsessed with her, and wishes to find her. And that's just the first two chapters.
Yes, this is my first dive into the Dark Mafia Romance. And believe me it gets dark. This has a pretty solid trigger warning list including sexual content, harsh language, depictions of violence, abuse, etc. This isn't a light read, but it has moments of sweetness. I recommend giving it a read.
I know this is the second book in the New York City Syndicate series by Settle Myer. I wish I had read the first one before reading this as it does contain spoilers for Deadly Deceit. This time we're following the paring of Sage and Elias. Both characters were introduced in Deadly Deceit as Elias is the older brother of Delancy, and Sage is a friend of Noah. Both Delancy and Noah pop up from time to time this story as well. I do enjoy when connecting characters make appearances as I feel they can tie the universe together nicely.
Sage is a woman escaping her past in the hopes of keeping herself and her family safe. New life, new city, new her, but things don't go as planned when she has a one night stand with the owner of a night club. On top of that, the man from her past has threatened to hurt her family if she doesn't cooperate with him.
Elias is more than just a night club owner, he's the head of the Queensburo Mafia. He's smitten with this woman who took matter into her own hands on a guy who groped her in his nightclub. He had a one night stand with the woman in his office before he tortures the groper and kills him. Elias may be a mafia boss, but he despises people who assault woman. Once he returns to the office, he finds that this woman is gone. He becomes obsessed with her, and wishes to find her. And that's just the first two chapters.
Yes, this is my first dive into the Dark Mafia Romance. And believe me it gets dark. This has a pretty solid trigger warning list including sexual content, harsh language, depictions of violence, abuse, etc. This isn't a light read, but it has moments of sweetness. I recommend giving it a read.
July 12, 2025
OMG I loved this dark, mafia book, with a cozy romance! First, I love reading a strong FMC that's older than 25 (and not petite and skinny) - Sage (32) is a plus sized baddie, working to overcome an abusive ex and re-claiming herself. She's also hiding in plain sight in NYC and a one night stand gets her put back on her ex's radar. MMC Elias is perfect as the mafia don/level 100 clinger with all the perfect red flags for our girl! I devoured this book in a day! I loved all the realistic little quips and comments and how Sage and Elias were both really "normal" (I mean outside of the killing, blowing up things and running a mob...) I loved there was no 2nd act break up/3rd act redemption arc to the story and I didn't feel there were any dangling plot lines that were just forgotten. Thanks Settle Myer for another amazing read!! I did forget to read book 1 in the New Your City Syndicate series before I started my ARC read. While I'm sure there are things I've "missed" but not doing so, I honestly never felt like it. Obvi I kinda know how it all ends - but I'll still be going back to read it soon! But I def recommend going to read the first book while you wait for this one to come out!
July 26, 2025
Deadly Obsession is a dark, cozy, mafia romance, meaning the romance is sweet but holy cow is their world dark. And let me tell you, this story starts steeeamy! We meet our main characters, Sage and Elias, right away and if Elias had it his way Sage would never leave his side. Our Mafia boss man falls first and hard. He says all the right things to our MFC and backs them up with his actions.
Our girl Sage is a plus size girlie who loves her body. She’s dropped into this mafia world and does her best to do what she has to do to protect her loved ones. And Elias is more than happy to help her. I
I loved reading Deadly Obsession, I made the mistake of not reading Deadly Deceit before only because I’m now obsessed with Del and Noah and wish I could go back in time and not spoil their love story for myself. (But I could completely understand the plot and characters of this book without having read their story)
I have to be honest, I was a little nervous about some of trigger warnings and there was one scene I had to skim over. But Settle Myer’s writing is amazing perfectly descriptive but not disturbingly gory.
This is my first book by Settle Myer, but not my last! Thank you to Settle for the advanced copy, this is my honest review!
Our girl Sage is a plus size girlie who loves her body. She’s dropped into this mafia world and does her best to do what she has to do to protect her loved ones. And Elias is more than happy to help her. I
I loved reading Deadly Obsession, I made the mistake of not reading Deadly Deceit before only because I’m now obsessed with Del and Noah and wish I could go back in time and not spoil their love story for myself. (But I could completely understand the plot and characters of this book without having read their story)
I have to be honest, I was a little nervous about some of trigger warnings and there was one scene I had to skim over. But Settle Myer’s writing is amazing perfectly descriptive but not disturbingly gory.
This is my first book by Settle Myer, but not my last! Thank you to Settle for the advanced copy, this is my honest review!
July 13, 2025
It's official whether its mafia romance or monster romance...Author Settle Myer will literally have you on the edge of your seat and then fanning yourself from all the glorious heat!( I really didn't mean to rhyme it just happened lol)
My thoughts:
-The fact that this book begins with a spicy scene....like Settle was like buckle up buttercup!
-Then she proceeds to abruptly drop back into this world where you meet some familiar characters but you weren't just quite sure how they all were going to fit into this equation.
-You immediately fall on love with the FMC, she's a totally baddie and has a heart of gold....which unfortunately gets her into a not so awesome situation.
-The MMC, who is her savior for the evening, is also a walking god and mafia leader who after just one taste has developed a bit of an obsession.
-Not only is their chemistry off the charts and HOT... but their banter is also entertaining.
-This book is one of the darkest, yet sweetest mafia romances that I've read... there's tons of torture but also lots of little stolen sweet moments...there's revenge ....yet theres also romance.
-And once I started it I could not put it down!
My thoughts:
-The fact that this book begins with a spicy scene....like Settle was like buckle up buttercup!
-Then she proceeds to abruptly drop back into this world where you meet some familiar characters but you weren't just quite sure how they all were going to fit into this equation.
-You immediately fall on love with the FMC, she's a totally baddie and has a heart of gold....which unfortunately gets her into a not so awesome situation.
-The MMC, who is her savior for the evening, is also a walking god and mafia leader who after just one taste has developed a bit of an obsession.
-Not only is their chemistry off the charts and HOT... but their banter is also entertaining.
-This book is one of the darkest, yet sweetest mafia romances that I've read... there's tons of torture but also lots of little stolen sweet moments...there's revenge ....yet theres also romance.
-And once I started it I could not put it down!
July 24, 2025
this ones for the boss
Sage and Elias, you beautiful, fat babes I am feckin feral for you both! Not one but 2 plus size baddies!? Sign me the eff up. This book was everything I could want especially when they feature babes who are comfortable in their skin.
Settle, babe you absolutely nailed this book! Every character had me in a chokehold and I knew that I needed more of Sage and Elias since meeting them in Deadly Deceit and bbbby this book had me giggling one minute and sweating the next. I loved the connections between the two books and how it all flowed together. The spice? Unholy in the best way. Deadly Obsession had one of the hottest scenes I’ve ever read, and I say that as someone who treats smut like a competitive sport. (Pizza making seems so appealing now #iykyk)
Settle, you are a goddess, you’ve ruined me in the best way.
More, please. Immediately. Maybe Jax needs some love?
Sage and Elias, you beautiful, fat babes I am feckin feral for you both! Not one but 2 plus size baddies!? Sign me the eff up. This book was everything I could want especially when they feature babes who are comfortable in their skin.
Settle, babe you absolutely nailed this book! Every character had me in a chokehold and I knew that I needed more of Sage and Elias since meeting them in Deadly Deceit and bbbby this book had me giggling one minute and sweating the next. I loved the connections between the two books and how it all flowed together. The spice? Unholy in the best way. Deadly Obsession had one of the hottest scenes I’ve ever read, and I say that as someone who treats smut like a competitive sport. (Pizza making seems so appealing now #iykyk)
Settle, you are a goddess, you’ve ruined me in the best way.
More, please. Immediately. Maybe Jax needs some love?
July 21, 2025
An absolutely delicious read. I knew I was going to love Sage & Elias’s story from the moment I met Elias in Deadly Deceit.
The back and forth banter was so much fun. I love how they easily play into each other’s silliness the world doesn’t get to see behind the tough exterior.
I also know how hard it is finding love and trusting someone after being in an abusive relationship, so I really related to Sage (though mine wasn’t in the mafia lol).
I love watching a big tough guy fall apart and melt for his girl, especially this “stabby little queen”.
Settle Myer is one of those authors who I immediately read anything she puts out and this series has been amazing so far 😍 can’t wait to see what else she releases!
“I’ve never had a man lust over me the way that Elias does. It’s slightly toxic…definitely full of red flags…but it doesn’t matter because they’re my red flags now.”
The back and forth banter was so much fun. I love how they easily play into each other’s silliness the world doesn’t get to see behind the tough exterior.
I also know how hard it is finding love and trusting someone after being in an abusive relationship, so I really related to Sage (though mine wasn’t in the mafia lol).
I love watching a big tough guy fall apart and melt for his girl, especially this “stabby little queen”.
Settle Myer is one of those authors who I immediately read anything she puts out and this series has been amazing so far 😍 can’t wait to see what else she releases!
“I’ve never had a man lust over me the way that Elias does. It’s slightly toxic…definitely full of red flags…but it doesn’t matter because they’re my red flags now.”
July 25, 2025
⭐️: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review:
Literally a banger. Hot and steamy right as you start reading. Final book in the series (standalone). It was a book I had a hard time putting down. I enjoyed ready every bit of this. This a dark mafia romance with a happily ever after ending.
The ending was great. Turning over a new league and starting a family melted my heart.
My favorite quotes:
“She’s going to ruin me. She’s going to ruin sex for me. I’ll never be able to fuck anyone else. That’s why I’m determined to find her. Obsessed with finding her.” - Elias
“Um, hello, babies? Birth control isn’t 100% effective.” “I’d happily put a baby inside you.” He winks, starts up the SUV, and merges into traffic.
“I kinda kicked him in the nuts when he wasn’t going to let me go inside.” “It wasn’t kinda,” Jax mumbles. “You did kick me in the nuts.”
🌶️:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review:
Literally a banger. Hot and steamy right as you start reading. Final book in the series (standalone). It was a book I had a hard time putting down. I enjoyed ready every bit of this. This a dark mafia romance with a happily ever after ending.
The ending was great. Turning over a new league and starting a family melted my heart.
My favorite quotes:
“She’s going to ruin me. She’s going to ruin sex for me. I’ll never be able to fuck anyone else. That’s why I’m determined to find her. Obsessed with finding her.” - Elias
“Um, hello, babies? Birth control isn’t 100% effective.” “I’d happily put a baby inside you.” He winks, starts up the SUV, and merges into traffic.
“I kinda kicked him in the nuts when he wasn’t going to let me go inside.” “It wasn’t kinda,” Jax mumbles. “You did kick me in the nuts.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
I really tried to like this book however I DNF’d this at 78% as I just couldn’t find the will to finish this.
I love me a curvy MFC and this had a plus size male character too so double win. I just didn’t care about either of them.
Sage our MFC is in hiding and has happen to befriend Noah who is a hit person from book 1. Her ex boyfriend is now a drug addict and dealer and is also into human trafficking (started with identity theft not sure how he got here). She happens to have sex with Elias (who is Lance from book 1’s brother) he is the head of a mafia group.
Elias is the typical example of a mafia leader and falls hard for Sage chases her a little bit.
Not much happened in this book their dead father reappeared for no reason really. They keep mentioning the time all the wives of the leaders were murdered but not much going on.
I love me a curvy MFC and this had a plus size male character too so double win. I just didn’t care about either of them.
Sage our MFC is in hiding and has happen to befriend Noah who is a hit person from book 1. Her ex boyfriend is now a drug addict and dealer and is also into human trafficking (started with identity theft not sure how he got here). She happens to have sex with Elias (who is Lance from book 1’s brother) he is the head of a mafia group.
Elias is the typical example of a mafia leader and falls hard for Sage chases her a little bit.
Not much happened in this book their dead father reappeared for no reason really. They keep mentioning the time all the wives of the leaders were murdered but not much going on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2025
DNF
If you said you liked this book…no you didn’t. I could look past the hook up on the first page, but everything else? NO! We jump straight into the story without any context, which usually I’m a fan of a fast paced story, but this one is so confusing. Random facts are thrown at us and I’m just like?? News to me but ok. I love the relationship and dynamic between the main characters, but if this is going to be a fast burn why are they pushing eachother away when they fr jumped eachother two pages earlier??????? Idk I just feel like there is so much pushing and pulling and then that’s mixed in with all this random information being thrown at us and it’s so overwhelming. I was initially so excited to start this book as it seemed so fun, but after the fmcs ex randomly showed up at her apartment and demanded crazy things I was lost. I really wish I liked this book but it was just so bad.
If you said you liked this book…no you didn’t. I could look past the hook up on the first page, but everything else? NO! We jump straight into the story without any context, which usually I’m a fan of a fast paced story, but this one is so confusing. Random facts are thrown at us and I’m just like?? News to me but ok. I love the relationship and dynamic between the main characters, but if this is going to be a fast burn why are they pushing eachother away when they fr jumped eachother two pages earlier??????? Idk I just feel like there is so much pushing and pulling and then that’s mixed in with all this random information being thrown at us and it’s so overwhelming. I was initially so excited to start this book as it seemed so fun, but after the fmcs ex randomly showed up at her apartment and demanded crazy things I was lost. I really wish I liked this book but it was just so bad.
July 13, 2025
What a perfect conclusion to this duet!
Elias. I just can't. Settle Myer combined this delectable cinnamon roll with a take charge mafia boss and he's top tier book boyfriend material.
I don't want to spoil anything since this book is very closely intertwined with book one, but with Elias and Sage, we get insanely hot sex, pining and chemistry, suspense and answers, and TWO plus size MCs. Dare I say, I loved this even more than Deadly Deceit.
I will probably have to add to this review when I can be more eloquent, but for now, I'm just going to yell about things I loved...
-PERIOD REP & PERIOD SEX!
-MIRROR SCENES
-C*CK WARMING
-FEMME DOM - Sage is a badass!
-CHOKING AND BREATH PLAY
-IN PUBLIC, IN HIS OFFICE, IN THE CAR
Elias. I just can't. Settle Myer combined this delectable cinnamon roll with a take charge mafia boss and he's top tier book boyfriend material.
I don't want to spoil anything since this book is very closely intertwined with book one, but with Elias and Sage, we get insanely hot sex, pining and chemistry, suspense and answers, and TWO plus size MCs. Dare I say, I loved this even more than Deadly Deceit.
I will probably have to add to this review when I can be more eloquent, but for now, I'm just going to yell about things I loved...
-PERIOD REP & PERIOD SEX!
-MIRROR SCENES
-C*CK WARMING
-FEMME DOM - Sage is a badass!
-CHOKING AND BREATH PLAY
-IN PUBLIC, IN HIS OFFICE, IN THE CAR
July 24, 2025
Failed one night stand lands you with the mafia
This book has your Mafia Don who really is trying to make the streets safer. Plus of course rivals who don't care. Elias has been dealing with trafficking and trying to get rid of the bad seeds.
Both Elias and Sage have stuff from their past that makes itself known in this story.
We also revisit Noah and Lani from the first book seeing as Sage and Lani are besties.
The love story is beautiful and fairly sweet. The world around them is determined to try and end them but together they will be able to heal each other.
I loved seeing how Elias grew in this story. It was not super apparent to others but what Sage gave him was the most beautiful of gifts. She saw him and loved him anyways.
This book has your Mafia Don who really is trying to make the streets safer. Plus of course rivals who don't care. Elias has been dealing with trafficking and trying to get rid of the bad seeds.
Both Elias and Sage have stuff from their past that makes itself known in this story.
We also revisit Noah and Lani from the first book seeing as Sage and Lani are besties.
The love story is beautiful and fairly sweet. The world around them is determined to try and end them but together they will be able to heal each other.
I loved seeing how Elias grew in this story. It was not super apparent to others but what Sage gave him was the most beautiful of gifts. She saw him and loved him anyways.
October 29, 2025
3.75⭐️ 3.5🌶️
I gave this book two tries and I judged it too harshly the first time. There was a moment right at the start which wasn’t my cup of tea and I dnf’d on my first read- I think I was in a bit of slump at the time. But saw an extract that I liked and gave it another try only to be really pleasantly surprised in the end.
The characters are fun the storyline weaves nicely with the first book and I really enjoyed reading it.
There were a couple of moments where Elias fell a little short for me in turns of believable as a mafia boss but it was an overall good read! I will read the next books in the series :)
I gave this book two tries and I judged it too harshly the first time. There was a moment right at the start which wasn’t my cup of tea and I dnf’d on my first read- I think I was in a bit of slump at the time. But saw an extract that I liked and gave it another try only to be really pleasantly surprised in the end.
The characters are fun the storyline weaves nicely with the first book and I really enjoyed reading it.
There were a couple of moments where Elias fell a little short for me in turns of believable as a mafia boss but it was an overall good read! I will read the next books in the series :)
July 13, 2025
If you loved the first book in this duo of cozy mafia romances, you'll love this one too! Deadly Obsession is a sweet romance in a dark setting, which defines the Cozy Dark tone.
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I've been waiting for Sage's story (and Elias too) since book one, but I didn't realize how much I loved getting to know about her.
Settle Myer writes fantastic confident Fat FMCs - like Olivia Dade level - and this story gave me some Lila Herron vibes, but not as dark.
Thank you to those who gifted me this book. I am voluntarily leaving a real review.
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I've been waiting for Sage's story (and Elias too) since book one, but I didn't realize how much I loved getting to know about her.
Settle Myer writes fantastic confident Fat FMCs - like Olivia Dade level - and this story gave me some Lila Herron vibes, but not as dark.
Thank you to those who gifted me this book. I am voluntarily leaving a real review.
July 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
Everything flowed really well. I loved the characters that we learn more about in this book and seeing the characters from the previous book.
There is lots of spice and I would recommend reading the trigger warnings before going into this book. I didn’t think much fazed me but I was a little squeamish a couple of times but just read past it really quickly before I thought about it too much.
The storyline does have bits from the first book. So that you don’t spoil it I would definitely recommend reading book 1 first.
Everything flowed really well. I loved the characters that we learn more about in this book and seeing the characters from the previous book.
There is lots of spice and I would recommend reading the trigger warnings before going into this book. I didn’t think much fazed me but I was a little squeamish a couple of times but just read past it really quickly before I thought about it too much.
The storyline does have bits from the first book. So that you don’t spoil it I would definitely recommend reading book 1 first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
how is this so cozy and so dark at the same time?!?!?!
I think this might be my favourite genre Settle Myer writes in- it can get so dark but it never feels oppressive, it has enough cute cozyness and levity to balance it and make it seem more real and less like dark for darks sake. I love how much she LOVES her body and that both MCs are plus sized is so fabulous! She is such a firecracker, and he tries to hide how sensitive he is but hes such a secret softy! terrifying but a softy haha- LOVED IT!
I think this might be my favourite genre Settle Myer writes in- it can get so dark but it never feels oppressive, it has enough cute cozyness and levity to balance it and make it seem more real and less like dark for darks sake. I love how much she LOVES her body and that both MCs are plus sized is so fabulous! She is such a firecracker, and he tries to hide how sensitive he is but hes such a secret softy! terrifying but a softy haha- LOVED IT!
July 25, 2025
5⭐️3🌶️
This was a cozy bad romance mafia spicy read and I enjoyed every page of it.
The banter between the main characters Elias and Sage had me LOL 😂 all the time and the spicy 🥵.
Although this was book 2 of the New York City Syndicate you dont need to read book 1 but book 1 Noah and Del story does happen simultaneously with this book so SPOILER ALERT. 🚨
I absolutely love Settle books and her bigger main characters representations. She represents me. And the curvy body, the oooh sooo sexy dad bod. And that keeps me coming for more.
Settle has become an automatic read author ✍️.
This was a cozy bad romance mafia spicy read and I enjoyed every page of it.
The banter between the main characters Elias and Sage had me LOL 😂 all the time and the spicy 🥵.
Although this was book 2 of the New York City Syndicate you dont need to read book 1 but book 1 Noah and Del story does happen simultaneously with this book so SPOILER ALERT. 🚨
I absolutely love Settle books and her bigger main characters representations. She represents me. And the curvy body, the oooh sooo sexy dad bod. And that keeps me coming for more.
Settle has become an automatic read author ✍️.
August 6, 2025
I was so excited for Deadly Obsession! It was just as good as Deadly Deceit, which takes place in the same world. This one starts off with a bang and the story just sweeps you away. I love that Sage is a baddie and Elias is head over heels the first night. There is the mafia aspect of the story, which adds to the plot very nicely. It's dark, but also sweet and romantic. You get the best of both worlds and before you know it the story is hitting the end. Definitely recommend this and book one! You'll be hooked.
August 8, 2025
Sage and Elias were electric from the start. Their one night stand had Elias hooked and his stage 100 clingy behavior convinced Sage to truly give him a chance. However, the mafia plot line felt underdeveloped. There was no true lead up to the plot twist nor did it feel very exciting. Furthermore, killing their fathers and becoming true heirs to the keys of the kingdom felt like another day in the park. The lack of awe and the seamless ease without intense planning took away from the novel as a mafia tale. Read for the romance and not necessarily the plot.
September 20, 2025
I loved everything about this book. Sage is a badass, Elias is a sexy big boy, there is a fabulous female friendship, spice for dayssss, revenge, push and pull for dominance between FMC & MMC, and so much more. The immediate attraction between Sage and Elias is undeniable... literally. This book starts with multiple bangs. Throughout, Elias vows to protect Sage, and Sage slowly opens up and become the mafia boss’s partner in crime. I thoroughly enjoyed this dark romance. I will be rereading my favorite parts for weeks.
July 25, 2025
Read the content warnings first! This book dives into some heavy topics.
This story? A wild ride. It didn’t go from 0 to 100, it started at 100,000. Elias is a man obsessed from page one, although, has *some* boundaries. He is a mafia don, who needs to do bad things for the greater good (lol). Sage was confident, sassy, and challenging just what Elias needed. Romance was great, and side plot was interesting as well.
P.S. agree Elias is a teddy bear wrapped up in a mafia boss's body.
This story? A wild ride. It didn’t go from 0 to 100, it started at 100,000. Elias is a man obsessed from page one, although, has *some* boundaries. He is a mafia don, who needs to do bad things for the greater good (lol). Sage was confident, sassy, and challenging just what Elias needed. Romance was great, and side plot was interesting as well.
P.S. agree Elias is a teddy bear wrapped up in a mafia boss's body.
July 27, 2025
I'm about to gush over DO
From the jump, Sage & Elias caught the whole darn world on fire. From start to end these two shaped their puzzle to match and find love
What I love most is both are plus size characters. I can relate to that. Thank you Ms. Settle for all you do. Healthy blessings always. Happy writing.
From the jump, Sage & Elias caught the whole darn world on fire. From start to end these two shaped their puzzle to match and find love
What I love most is both are plus size characters. I can relate to that. Thank you Ms. Settle for all you do. Healthy blessings always. Happy writing.
August 20, 2025
Best of both Worlds
This book expanded my expectations by 1000%. The banter, the love and the story line is just perfect. What I love is that it’s breaks stereotypes, they are both plus size, both in their 30s and how the mmc talks about his metal health. Both are equally obsessed with each other and how they care for one another is so adorable.
This book expanded my expectations by 1000%. The banter, the love and the story line is just perfect. What I love is that it’s breaks stereotypes, they are both plus size, both in their 30s and how the mmc talks about his metal health. Both are equally obsessed with each other and how they care for one another is so adorable.
October 7, 2025
If you know me, and you saw that I read this…just know it really wasn’t even that bad. I liked the main character, hated that the story seemed resolved but there was still 70 pages, it drove me crazy.
The smut was good. The characters were fine. I just didn’t care about the plot at all.
The smut was good. The characters were fine. I just didn’t care about the plot at all.
November 2, 2025
This was probably the sweetest mafia romance I have ever read.
It was a darkish story line with the sweetest love stories.
We have full blow obsession and insta love going on and overall it was a fun read.
It was a darkish story line with the sweetest love stories.
We have full blow obsession and insta love going on and overall it was a fun read.
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