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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.
334 pages, Hardcover
Published June 11, 2025
345 people are currently reading
1633 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Leigh
3 books436 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 381 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.
June 6, 2025
*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.
Given that I received an arc, it's important to remember that what I'm about to share might be edited out/changed before the book is published.
There was a couple of typos, incorrect POV subtitle usage, random POV changes mid paragraph, and copy and pasted passages in the arc I recieved. Which did impact my experience while reading, which is why this landed on the lower side of a "good rating." As I mentioned, I don't know if edits will be made to the book but I really do hope so because there was quite many.
This isn't in no way meant to be a harsh review, in fact, I think this novel has a lot of potential. I just think that technically details need to be worked on.
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.
Given that I received an arc, it's important to remember that what I'm about to share might be edited out/changed before the book is published.
There was a couple of typos, incorrect POV subtitle usage, random POV changes mid paragraph, and copy and pasted passages in the arc I recieved. Which did impact my experience while reading, which is why this landed on the lower side of a "good rating." As I mentioned, I don't know if edits will be made to the book but I really do hope so because there was quite many.
This isn't in no way meant to be a harsh review, in fact, I think this novel has a lot of potential. I just think that technically details need to be worked on.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ! 🤭
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 .😍😍😍
June 8, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5
TW - organised crime, panic attack, anxiety, use of medication, infertility, endometriosis (sc, mentioned), PMDD, PCOS, pregnancy / IVF (discussed), death of a grandparent (off page), religious trauma, prejudice, microaggressions, alcohol consumption, gambling, gun violence, death, invasion of privacy incl hacking / phone tapping and hidden cameras, theft, drug use (weed), cigarettes (sc), stalking, breaking and entering / home invasion, kidnapping, blood, gore, wrongful accusation of a crime (past), fatal car crash (past FMC’s ex and sc’s partner, mentioned), death of a parent (past, scs, mentioned), blackmail (mentioned), stage four kidney failure (family member, on page, terminal incl discussions of eventual death, death on page, DNR, hospital appointments and hospice care), drunk driving (sc, past, mentioned), murder, grief, embezzlement (scs, mentioned), missing person (sc, mentioned), bullying (past, mentioned), abusive and manipulative ex (past, mentioned, incl snide comments on the FMC’s body), adoption (sc, mentioned), infidelity (scs, mentioned), kidnapping (incl use of chloroform, scs), faux armed robbery
CW - voyeurism, exhibitionism, light degradation, body worship, breath play, role play, soft Dom, toys, spitting, edging, light spanking, semi public play, masks
Tropes - hidden identity, jealousy, masked MMC, slow burn, stalker, mafia (subplot)
Representation - Black FMC, Dominican and Puerto Rican MMC, FMC with PCOS, plus size FMC, mental health (anxiety, PMDD, panic attacks), queer rep (scs)
I’m in two minds about this book. I enjoyed it. It was a good read and I typically enjoy a stalker romance which Evelyn Leigh defo delivered on this book. César (MMC) is like a golden retriever stalker and a caretaker at heart. He’s drawn to Deidre (FMC) even though he shouldn’t be. The predicament he has found himself in leaves them both vulnerable and puts multiple lives at risk.
The rating for this book dropped for me because I feel like it didn’t fully deliver on the marketing. I was locked in by the Black mafia and the romantic suspense and the dark romcom and, either I just read too much dark romance, but I wouldn’t say this is dark at all - maybe dark adjacent. There was little to no mafia content and I was really excited to get more of that from the Black FMC. Learning that she wants to be more legitimate than the rest of her family kind of explains that but it was somewhat disappointing nonetheless.
I would like to clarify that this book IS NOT bad by any means. I look forward to whatever Evelyn writes in this world because I think she did a good job of setting up this world. I think if I picked this up solely expecting a contemp stalker romance, this would have ate and I probably would’ve rated 4 or 4.5 ⭐. Where the other characters are more involved in the organised crime world, I think it likely to deliver on the things that were missing for me in this one.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶.5/5
TW - organised crime, panic attack, anxiety, use of medication, infertility, endometriosis (sc, mentioned), PMDD, PCOS, pregnancy / IVF (discussed), death of a grandparent (off page), religious trauma, prejudice, microaggressions, alcohol consumption, gambling, gun violence, death, invasion of privacy incl hacking / phone tapping and hidden cameras, theft, drug use (weed), cigarettes (sc), stalking, breaking and entering / home invasion, kidnapping, blood, gore, wrongful accusation of a crime (past), fatal car crash (past FMC’s ex and sc’s partner, mentioned), death of a parent (past, scs, mentioned), blackmail (mentioned), stage four kidney failure (family member, on page, terminal incl discussions of eventual death, death on page, DNR, hospital appointments and hospice care), drunk driving (sc, past, mentioned), murder, grief, embezzlement (scs, mentioned), missing person (sc, mentioned), bullying (past, mentioned), abusive and manipulative ex (past, mentioned, incl snide comments on the FMC’s body), adoption (sc, mentioned), infidelity (scs, mentioned), kidnapping (incl use of chloroform, scs), faux armed robbery
CW - voyeurism, exhibitionism, light degradation, body worship, breath play, role play, soft Dom, toys, spitting, edging, light spanking, semi public play, masks
Tropes - hidden identity, jealousy, masked MMC, slow burn, stalker, mafia (subplot)
Representation - Black FMC, Dominican and Puerto Rican MMC, FMC with PCOS, plus size FMC, mental health (anxiety, PMDD, panic attacks), queer rep (scs)
I’m in two minds about this book. I enjoyed it. It was a good read and I typically enjoy a stalker romance which Evelyn Leigh defo delivered on this book. César (MMC) is like a golden retriever stalker and a caretaker at heart. He’s drawn to Deidre (FMC) even though he shouldn’t be. The predicament he has found himself in leaves them both vulnerable and puts multiple lives at risk.
The rating for this book dropped for me because I feel like it didn’t fully deliver on the marketing. I was locked in by the Black mafia and the romantic suspense and the dark romcom and, either I just read too much dark romance, but I wouldn’t say this is dark at all - maybe dark adjacent. There was little to no mafia content and I was really excited to get more of that from the Black FMC. Learning that she wants to be more legitimate than the rest of her family kind of explains that but it was somewhat disappointing nonetheless.
I would like to clarify that this book IS NOT bad by any means. I look forward to whatever Evelyn writes in this world because I think she did a good job of setting up this world. I think if I picked this up solely expecting a contemp stalker romance, this would have ate and I probably would’ve rated 4 or 4.5 ⭐. Where the other characters are more involved in the organised crime world, I think it likely to deliver on the things that were missing for me in this one.
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
June 12, 2025
Thank you to Evelyn Leigh and her team for providing me with the earc - this is an honest review
- this is an multicultural romance book because the mmc césar is a DomiRICAN + Afro Latino) . And DEIDRE IS A BLACK WOMan . But not just that she’s also a technically in the mafia/ mob ( well her family is ) she’s not really apart of those operations as much . + it’s also got plus size rep cus the fmc is curvy + plus sized & god I love that .
So this is a romcom dark romance and truly those are the kind of dark romances I pick up nowadays . So being able to read this as arc was an honour especially since it’s Black romance ( a black romance - that’s a dark romance book) those are rare !! -or at least they don’t get popular on bookstagram / booktok and honestly that’s a damn shame .
Anyways : this being a he falls first romance book is everything for me + dual pov + the spice actually being super hot - istg this book had me feeling some type of way fr ( like fr) if there’s one thing that Evelyn Leigh can do right ( and trust me there are so many things - that she does ) it’s writing a super hot steamy scene that truly makes you go “ oh my god this is so hot “ & the spice scenes in this book truly are hot af - none of your typical Dark romance stalker antics - with the “accidental” unconsensual scenes that aren’t hot . That some have . - it’s all consensual and hot and omg these two have some serious chemistry I love it . Deirdre and césar are super hot together !! And ofc apart too.
One thing that may make some of you go “ not for me”
Is how he does have cameras in her home + bugs her phone - but listen to me it’s done in the way that Josh from lights out does - sure it’s not hot in your typical sense but because césar isn’t some creep it kinda makes you go “ wait this is kinda hot “ . + she finds out and knows about it and doesn’t really care plus hehe its not super creepy in this book - at least not to me .
The cover is absolutely stunning I’m exited to have this book on my shelf ( right next to elevator pitch ) - cus in 2024 I also got lucky and was able to read elevator pitch as an arc too truly that was an honour too.
Now I’m not the biggest stalker romance fan ( 2023 - 18 yr old me was ) but the way Evelyn wrote this book was so hot and omg amazing - you forget that stalking is not hot because of how hot césar is obviously is because he’s not the typical kind of stalker in your typical dark romance book . He’s actually hot af !! What makes this even better is the fact he literally is being paid to keep tabs on her ( by his client ) who wants him to uncover her skeletons in her closet / her families closet ) - because let’s not forget she’s in relation to a mafia cartel like family !!
The nicknames they have for each other doe ( he calls her doe) and she calls him ( scar)
The ending was so perfect omg - the 3rd act conflict worked and fit and truly made me go ( wait this actually fits so well) and omg I loved this book so much.
also the fact in 2026 we will be getting a Regina Cidro book - even if I know they don’t get a happy ending got I’m excited for their book - to be in Regina’s mind !!
Also it’s crazy that daya the next fmc in the hil series is cèsars cousin
- this is an multicultural romance book because the mmc césar is a DomiRICAN + Afro Latino) . And DEIDRE IS A BLACK WOMan . But not just that she’s also a technically in the mafia/ mob ( well her family is ) she’s not really apart of those operations as much . + it’s also got plus size rep cus the fmc is curvy + plus sized & god I love that .
So this is a romcom dark romance and truly those are the kind of dark romances I pick up nowadays . So being able to read this as arc was an honour especially since it’s Black romance ( a black romance - that’s a dark romance book) those are rare !! -or at least they don’t get popular on bookstagram / booktok and honestly that’s a damn shame .
Anyways : this being a he falls first romance book is everything for me + dual pov + the spice actually being super hot - istg this book had me feeling some type of way fr ( like fr) if there’s one thing that Evelyn Leigh can do right ( and trust me there are so many things - that she does ) it’s writing a super hot steamy scene that truly makes you go “ oh my god this is so hot “ & the spice scenes in this book truly are hot af - none of your typical Dark romance stalker antics - with the “accidental” unconsensual scenes that aren’t hot . That some have . - it’s all consensual and hot and omg these two have some serious chemistry I love it . Deirdre and césar are super hot together !! And ofc apart too.
One thing that may make some of you go “ not for me”
Is how he does have cameras in her home + bugs her phone - but listen to me it’s done in the way that Josh from lights out does - sure it’s not hot in your typical sense but because césar isn’t some creep it kinda makes you go “ wait this is kinda hot “ . + she finds out and knows about it and doesn’t really care plus hehe its not super creepy in this book - at least not to me .
The cover is absolutely stunning I’m exited to have this book on my shelf ( right next to elevator pitch ) - cus in 2024 I also got lucky and was able to read elevator pitch as an arc too truly that was an honour too.
Now I’m not the biggest stalker romance fan ( 2023 - 18 yr old me was ) but the way Evelyn wrote this book was so hot and omg amazing - you forget that stalking is not hot because of how hot césar is obviously is because he’s not the typical kind of stalker in your typical dark romance book . He’s actually hot af !! What makes this even better is the fact he literally is being paid to keep tabs on her ( by his client ) who wants him to uncover her skeletons in her closet / her families closet ) - because let’s not forget she’s in relation to a mafia cartel like family !!
The nicknames they have for each other doe ( he calls her doe) and she calls him ( scar)
The ending was so perfect omg - the 3rd act conflict worked and fit and truly made me go ( wait this actually fits so well) and omg I loved this book so much.
also the fact in 2026 we will be getting a Regina Cidro book - even if I know they don’t get a happy ending got I’m excited for their book - to be in Regina’s mind !!
Also it’s crazy that daya the next fmc in the hil series is cèsars cousin
May 29, 2025
If you like shiesty-wearing, provider book boyfriends singularly focused in hot pursuit of the FMC, this is for you! Fans of Lights Out may enjoy this fun romp as I did!
Private investigator, César, is tasked with running surveillance on his privileged client’s competitor. His target? Baddie mafia princess, Deirdre, working to legitimize her family’s spirits business. The more he watches her, the more enraptured he becomes. One errant text ignites their entanglement, quickly blurring the line between personal and professional.
😍 Here’s what I loved:
- The characters are layered. César is talented, serious about work, deeply values his family, doesn’t play about his girl and is undeniably sexy while also being so goofy and endearingly irksome. Deidre is a competent CEO making money moves for a better future, but also privately struggles with the pressure to go against her family’s grain. They both have a lot going on, but it’s nice to see them slot so perfectly against each other and take solace in their connection.
- The chemistry between the leads and their game of cat and mouse. César weaves in and out of Deidre’s orbit like smoke and it really lends itself to the romantic and sexual tension.
- As an Afro-Caribbean woman, there were traces of familiarity in this book that endeared me. From the musical selections, to the mentions of sofrito and pollo guisado. Tastes of home betwixt the pages.
- The cover art is gorgeous. It seems almost film noire meets 007 inspired and the composition evokes that hunter and his quarry vibe. In short, this eats.
- The ✨dick-tionary✨at the beginning of the book is also a nice touch for, ahem, re-readability purposes 😏 Conversely, if smut’s not your thing, you know exactly where to skip. Skipping it doesn’t take away from the narrative or romance at all.
🧐 Here’s what I wanted to see more of:
- The ending was a bit abrupt. I would’ve liked to see more resolution for the third act breakup.
- I also could’ve done with oneeee moreee sexy scene or longer existing scenes. But that’s just me 🤭
Overall, this is a solid 4⭐️ and showed me I need more Book Papis in my TBR! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this universe and more by Evelyn Leigh.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Private investigator, César, is tasked with running surveillance on his privileged client’s competitor. His target? Baddie mafia princess, Deirdre, working to legitimize her family’s spirits business. The more he watches her, the more enraptured he becomes. One errant text ignites their entanglement, quickly blurring the line between personal and professional.
😍 Here’s what I loved:
- The characters are layered. César is talented, serious about work, deeply values his family, doesn’t play about his girl and is undeniably sexy while also being so goofy and endearingly irksome. Deidre is a competent CEO making money moves for a better future, but also privately struggles with the pressure to go against her family’s grain. They both have a lot going on, but it’s nice to see them slot so perfectly against each other and take solace in their connection.
- The chemistry between the leads and their game of cat and mouse. César weaves in and out of Deidre’s orbit like smoke and it really lends itself to the romantic and sexual tension.
- As an Afro-Caribbean woman, there were traces of familiarity in this book that endeared me. From the musical selections, to the mentions of sofrito and pollo guisado. Tastes of home betwixt the pages.
- The cover art is gorgeous. It seems almost film noire meets 007 inspired and the composition evokes that hunter and his quarry vibe. In short, this eats.
- The ✨dick-tionary✨at the beginning of the book is also a nice touch for, ahem, re-readability purposes 😏 Conversely, if smut’s not your thing, you know exactly where to skip. Skipping it doesn’t take away from the narrative or romance at all.
🧐 Here’s what I wanted to see more of:
- The ending was a bit abrupt. I would’ve liked to see more resolution for the third act breakup.
- I also could’ve done with oneeee moreee sexy scene or longer existing scenes. But that’s just me 🤭
Overall, this is a solid 4⭐️ and showed me I need more Book Papis in my TBR! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the next book in this universe and more by Evelyn Leigh.
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2025
Shadowed Obsession is such a fun taboo romance! This is a stalker-mafia romance with a diverse cast, majority Black and Afro-Latino, with a plus-size lead who has PCOS.
This was giving me everything I needed! It was funny but had its serious moments, and the spice was spicing! 🥵 Our main characters, Deirdre and Cesar, are so sexy, so hot together! I loved their banter and moments together. I am one that doesn't read a lot of dark romance, sometimes it's just too much for me. Shadowed Obsession was not hard for me to get through at all, I would still recommend checking the triggers first.
My only con to this story is that Deirdre has a lot of members involved in her mafia family. I am still confused on who is whose child, cousin, sibling, etc. I found out at the end of the book that even though Shadowed Obsession is a standalone, it is within a same universe as other books by other authors. I think if I read those, I might have understood more. There were a few characters mentioned once or twice that were familiar to our MC's, but I had no clue who they were or why they really mattered. I also think the ending went by really fast. I would have loved to see more of Deirdre and Cesar once the family were aware of them.
Overall, I'm so glad I read this one, thank you to my friends who recommended it!
Content Warnings:
This was giving me everything I needed! It was funny but had its serious moments, and the spice was spicing! 🥵 Our main characters, Deirdre and Cesar, are so sexy, so hot together! I loved their banter and moments together. I am one that doesn't read a lot of dark romance, sometimes it's just too much for me. Shadowed Obsession was not hard for me to get through at all, I would still recommend checking the triggers first.
My only con to this story is that Deirdre has a lot of members involved in her mafia family. I am still confused on who is whose child, cousin, sibling, etc. I found out at the end of the book that even though Shadowed Obsession is a standalone, it is within a same universe as other books by other authors. I think if I read those, I might have understood more. There were a few characters mentioned once or twice that were familiar to our MC's, but I had no clue who they were or why they really mattered. I also think the ending went by really fast. I would have loved to see more of Deirdre and Cesar once the family were aware of them.
Overall, I'm so glad I read this one, thank you to my friends who recommended it!
Content Warnings:
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