Twisted Obsession

by A.L. Long

Lara

I despised him with every fiber of my being, and now he was coming after me. He was the monster who had taken my mama and papa from this world, and I was next on his list. The moment I stepped away from my childhood home, I understood that there was no going back. Larissa Zhukova had to vanish, and in her place, Sarah Jones emerged to navigate the shadows of a new life. That was until he tracked me down, his thirst for vengeance over what my father had done burning fiercely. But never did I imagine his revenge would involve binding me to him in marriage, compelling me to bear his heir. I had to find a way to flee, to escape his suffocating darkness before it consumed me entirely.

Dmitri

Vengeance had never tasted so intoxicatingly sweet, and there was nothing I desired more than to claim Lara as mine. She might believe her father had perished, but I knew the truth. Her family had ruthlessly stripped away everyone I loved, and it was time they faced the consequences. In the icy caverns of my heart, there was no room for love. Lara served a single to provide me with an heir. However, she had unexpectedly become an obsession, and with each passing day, she peeled away the layers of the dark armor I had encased my heart in, threatening to expose the vulnerability I had buried long ago.

Twisted Obsession is the first book in The Red Knights Series. Each book is a standalone with a HEA. This is a spicy Dark Mafia Romance which features scenes of a violent nature as well as those with explicit sexual nature with TW.

Genres: Forced Proximity

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

About the author

Award-winning author of the Independent Press Award for Distinguishing Favorite. Recipient of the National Indie Excellence Award for Erotica Romance.

My love for writing began several years ago after an early retirement from a demanding job that I loved and hated because it consumed so much of my time. Now, I can focus my time on what I love. Writing romance has been a lifelong dream and to actually say that I am a published author is beyond what I would have ever expected.

Even though some may say I have a little naughtiness in my books, I look at it as an added bonus for my readers. After all, what is a romance book without a little spice?

When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with friends either at home or out on the town. Mostly, I enjoy a relaxing night at home where I can enjoy a glass of wine in the company of a good book.

Out of everything, she enjoys driving in her little convertible with the top down.



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Reviews

[⌜Linaraxx⌟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt just like a Wattpad story from 2015, and I loved it! It brought back so many memories of staying up late reading stories on my phone. The vibe was really nostalgic and fun. The writing was easy to understand and follow, which made it even better.

[Bee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay 4.5 stars overall is WILD. I did not like this book, it was actually so hard for me to get through.

I’m always stoked for a good mafia romance but this felt super forced. Also hardly a romance. It was pretty much just him r*ping her every time she pissed him off, and her being like “oh no why do I like that I shouldn’t like him.” Like, no. There was almost no romance until she, of course, got kidnapped and realized she screwed up. And then they actually admitted their feelings like BRO. Maybe it was just like, too cliche? I don’t even know.

Also there was simultaneously too much information and also not enough information at the same time, somehow…. The story was too fast, so many characters were just /there/ and I had no idea who tf they were? I don’t know. His “shipments” were being taken but like we knew NOTHING about his business until they said guns like one time.

Honestly, it’s a no for me. I legitimately kept falling asleep because I was so bored and not engaged with this story at all.

Also if I ever read “winking eye” as a description for someone’s a** hole again I’ll probably gouge my eyeballs out. 🤮🤮🤢🤮

Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

[Michelle Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super thankful I got to receive an ARC copy to read!
This is definitely a dark mafia romance. More on the darker side I would say than a lot of mafia romance I’ve read.
It was a really good book, but I couldn’t fully get to grasp the main characters, which is why I gave it a 4 stars.
The plot was absolutely perfect, the writing was done really well, I love how everything came together in the end with all characters. Super spicy! It was just a really good read overall!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in this series which is a dark Mafia story, it's a little more intense than i usually read, but worth the read. Dimitri has hunted her for three years, and now he plans to marry her. Lara has been hiding since her parents died. She thought she was safe but still he found her. The story is compelling and twisted. Can she live a life forced on her. Will Dimitri actually admit his true feelings. This is a steamy rivalry enemies to lovers story that is definitely worth a read

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure how I feel about this one. I’ve read plenty of romantasy and darker romance before, but I struggled to connect with the love story in this dark mafia romance. The writing itself was easy to follow and the pacing worked well, though the paragraph spacing in my ARC copy felt a bit wide. Not a bad book at all if this is your type of thing — just not really my cup of tea.

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Lara and Dmitri's story. This is a great mafia romance. I love a good enemies to lovers romance and this one of full of spice, suspense and action. You should definitely read this one.

[Kazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was ever a more apt title for a book, Twisted Obsession is perfect! I absolutely loved the storyline and the beautifully written characters had such depth, it was incredibly easy to actually picture them all. Lara and Dmitri faced so many challenges starting with Dmitri hunting Lara down for 3 years before finally finding, kidnapping and marrying her! This is of course in retaliation for Lara’s father killing his mother and sister and Lara has remained hidden under a secret identity since her parents were killed. The story is filled with drama, danger, evil, betrayal, lies, secrets, brotherhood, friendships, steamy scenes, romance and love.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookFunnel and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Redcurlsangel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this is yet another book in which the virgin bride is drugged, kidnapped, forced into marriage, and brutally r*ped on her wedding night. And of course, the young woman still had an org*sm. I can only roll my eyes; surely no woman has an org*sm during this. Oh, and as the story progresses, the sexual acts become still brutal. There are also hard spankings with a belt, as punishment, not for pleasure.
But, surprise, surprise, after FMC Lara is kidnapped again by another person, MMC Dmitri realizes he loves the protagonist. Lara suddenly loves Dmitri too, although it's probably more of a case of Stockholm syndrome. Unfortunately, only one star, as even the plots don't help. Also, there's a lack of information about the Red Knights; everything is too vague.
What's also strange is that even though Lara has a contraceptive implant under her skin that will last for at least three years, she is pregnant.

[Candy76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This was amazing! There are so many twists to this story it'll have you on the edge.
Dimitri and Lara are great characters, you'll fall in love with ❤️ Dimitri now the Pakhan now the one Lara is promised to since his father is dead. Dimitri has vengeance in mind since Lara's father killed his.
Lara over hears her parents arguing and then a shot fired, she flees and stays under the radar for 3 years and that's how long Dimitri has been searching for. He's found his bride and now his vengeance can begin.
Great author and is wonderful at pulling you in and keeping you on edge till the end. This is now one of my favorites by A. L. Long!
~ARC provided in return for honest review~

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lara hides from her familial enemy. It only takes her car needing repairs to be found. This starts her captivity, torture, and secrets revealed for both her and Dimitri. Their story is suspenseful and spicy. Not for the feint of heart.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lara despises Dmitri with every fiber of her being, and now he was coming after her. Dmitri was the monster who had taken her mama and papa from this world, and she was next on his list.

The moment Lara stepped away from her childhood home, she understood that there was no going back. Larissa Zhukova had to vanish, and in her place, Sarah Jones emerged to navigate the shadows of a new life.

That was until Dmitri tracked me down, his thirst for vengeance over what her father had done burning fiercely. But never did she imagine Dmitri’s revenge would involve binding her to him in marriage, compelling Lara/Sarah to bear his heir. She had to find a way to flee, to escape his suffocating darkness before it consumed her entirely.


Vengeance had never tasted so intoxicatingly sweet, and there was nothing Dmitri desired more than to claim Lara as his. She might believe her father had perished, but Dmitri knew the truth.

Her family had ruthlessly stripped away everyone he loved, and it was time they faced the consequences. In the icy caverns of his heart, there was no room for love.

Lara served a single purpose to provide Dmitri with an heir. However, she had unexpectedly become an obsession, and with each passing day, she peeled away the layers of the dark armor he had encased his heart in, threatening to expose the vulnerability he had buried long ago.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.

Tropes: Mafia, Enemies-to-Lovers, Contemporary, Dark Romance, M/F Romance, Arranged/Forced Marriage, Forced Proximity, Hurt/Comfort, Abduction, Betrayal, Found Family, Vengeance, Virgin FMC, Alpha MMC, Bad Boys, Cruel/Bully MMC, Grumpy/Cold MMC, Possessive MMC, Rich MMC, Dark Mafia Romance, Obsessive MMC, Revenge Storyline, Heir/Breeding, OTT Possessive/Obsessive/Dominant MMC, Kidnapping, Captive, No Cheating/Sharing, Bratva.

Twisted Obsession is the 1st book in The Red Knights Series by A.L. Long. Twisted Obsession is the first book in The Red Knights Series. Each book is a standalone with a HEA. This is a spicy Dark Mafia Romance.

I am such a fan of A.L. Long. I have read several of her books now and she has never let me down yet and Twisted Obsession was not only perfectly named but it lived up to A.L. Long’s reputation and it didn’t let me down and once I started this book, I found myself enthralled and I couldn’t put it down. This book is such an absolute maelstrom of absolute passion, action, and peril.

A.L. Long has given us such beautifully written characters that have this stunning depth and each and every scene is so easy to picture and you find yourself almost feeling like you are right there in the scenes, in the shoes of the characters.

All the tension starts with Dmitri, who is on a mission to hunt down, abduct, and marry by force our stunningly beautiful FMC Lara. Dmitri has been scheming, planning, and searching for Lara for the last three years, all predicated on this relentless burning drive for his own vengeance.

This emotional start is all rooted in one single diabolic, terrifying, and brutal betrayal: Lara’s father eliminated Dmitri’s beloved mother and sister. This one single act forced Lara to take the secret identity of “Sarah Jones” hiding from Dmitri's retribution, especially since her own parents had been assassinated after Dmitri’s mother and sister.

I loved Lara’s perspective, it felt so raw, intense, and absolutely real. You can feel this when she says: "I despised him with every fiber of my being, and now he was coming after me. He was the monster who had taken my mama and papa from this world, and I was next on his list."

I loved the way Lara had the courage to try and vanish from her life as Larissa Zhukova and become “Sarah Jones”. This took such courage and strength. But, disappearing into a new identity didn’t stop Dmitri from finding her, his vengeance was just too fierce. Lara just never dreamed that Dmitri’s revenge would include forcing her to marry him and compelling her to give him an heir. But, Lara is far to stubborn and she’s desperate to get away from his suffocating darkness and shadows before it has a chance to consume her completely.

For Dmitri, he finds that vengeance has never tasted so thrillingly sweet, and all he desires now is to claim Lara and make her his in every way possible. Dmitri knows the complete truth of Lara’s family, how her family is the one that viciously ripped away everyone he loved the most, and now it’s time Lara’s family faced the consequences for that betrayal.

Dmitri has encased his heart in steel and ice believing that there’s no room in his life, his heart, or his plans for love; Lara is there to serve a since sole purpose: to give Dmitri an heir. However, the more time that Dmitri is forced to spend with Lara, the ice and steel around his heart starts to melt away and suddenly she becomes this engrossing obsession, somehow managing to peel away all the layers of his dark armor and Dmitri is shocked to find Lara is threatening to expose the vulnerability he had long ago buried deep down.

I have to admit that I found Dmitri and Lara’s dynamic rather complex and this helps to create a storyline that’s filled with drama, danger, evil, an unforgettable betrayal, and high-stakes lies along side long hidden secrets. But hidden in the shadows and the darkness, Twisted Obsession delivers a sharp romance, scorching hot spicy scenes, and some really very touching moments of brotherhood, friendship and, a love that is pure, genuine, and something that comes close to being fated.

I can’t tell you how much I loved this storyline, Lara and Dmitri’s journey is so emotional and they face so many challenges together, and rather than driving them apart, it brings them together and forms a bond between them.

If you love a great enemies-to-lovers story that’s been packed with emotional gut punches, the world of the dark shadowed Mafia/Bratva, characters who grow and develop and form a bond that is made of celestial steal than this is the book you’ve been searching for. And you’re going to love it as much as I did.

Two of my favorite quotes from this book were:

“My sole desire was to make Andrei pay for my father’s murder.”

"I despised him with every fiber of my being, and now he was coming after me. He was the monster who had taken my mama and papa from this world, and I was next on his list."

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

One fateful night, Lara wakes to overhear her father telling her mother that they must flee because he’s crossed Viktor Antonov, a powerful man and now their lives hang in the balance. Viktor wanted Lara to marry into his family to settle the debt her father owes, but Andrei refused. Moments later, Lara’s world is shattered, her parents are gunned down and she swears a vow to avenge their deaths. Forced into hiding under a new identity, Lara believes she’s escaped the nightmare, until Dmitri, Viktor’s son, tracks her down after three long years. Her illusion of safety crumbles as Dmitri kidnaps and marries her in a brutal act of retaliation for the sins of her family. What unfolds next is a dark, dangerous dance between two enemies, both consumed by betrayal, pain, and a thirst for revenge. As the story unravels, so do the lies that bind them. Lara and Dmitri each discover that the truths they’ve been living by are twisted deceptions and that the real enemy may not be who they thought. It’s a tale where vengeance meets obsession, and love burns through the cracks of hatred. Make no mistake, this is a dark mafia romance, and it doesn’t pull its punches. Dmitri’s actions early on are difficult to stomach: he’s cruel, cold, and consumed by anger. Lara, drugged and locked away, feels like a pawn in a game she never chose to play. These moments were uncomfortable, as they should be. They highlight the brutal reality of the mafia world the author builds. Yet, as their paths intertwine, the chemistry between them grows undeniable. The more they fight their feelings, the deeper they fall. Lara’s quiet strength and resilience slowly chip away at Dmitri’s icy armor, revealing the man beneath the monster. Their connection is fierce, volatile, and magnetic, filled with passion, rage, and heartbreak. The spice is intense, raw, and not always easy to read, with Dmitri’s possessive dominance taking center stage (though some of the descriptive choices—“winking hole,” for example—were… questionable at best!) Lara’s courage shines through, though at times I wished she had been a touch more assertive. When she’s kidnapped again, Dmitri’s transformation is complete. His love for her ignites a desperate determination to save her, no matter the cost. This story brims with betrayal, danger, sizzling tension, and unexpected tenderness. Beneath all the darkness lies a heartbeat of loyalty, brotherhood, and redemption. The emotional rollercoaster of Lara and Dmitri’s journey kept me hooked from start to finish. If you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers story that’s unapologetically dark, emotionally charged, and scorchingly passionate, this one delivers every punch—and then some.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I could not put this book down! Twisted Obsession by A.L. Long is perfectly named, as the story itself is an absolute whirlwind of passion and peril. The beautifully written characters have such depth that it was incredibly easy to picture every scene. The tension begins with the hero, Dmitri, hunting down, kidnapping, and marrying the heroine, Lara, a scheme driven by three years of relentless searching and a burning thirst for vengeance. This dramatic start is rooted in a brutal betrayal: Lara's father killed Dmitri's mother and sister, forcing Lara to live under the secret identity of "Sarah Jones" since her parents were also killed.

Lara's perspective is raw and intense: "I despised him with every fiber of my being, and now he was coming after me. He was the monster who had taken my mama and papa from this world, and I was next on his list." She had managed to vanish from her past as Larissa Zhukova, only for Dmitri to track her down, his vengeance fierce. She never imagined his revenge would escalate to forcing her into marriage to compel her to bear his heir, and she is desperate to flee his suffocating darkness before it consumes her entirely.

From Dmitri's side, vengeance has never tasted so intoxicatingly sweet, and there is nothing he desires more than to claim Lara as his. He knows the truth her family ruthlessly stripped away everyone he loved, and it is time they faced the consequences. Initially, he believes there is no room for love in the icy caverns of his heart; Lara serves a single purpose: to provide him with an heir. However, she unexpectedly becomes an all-consuming obsession, peeling away the layers of his dark armor and threatening to expose the vulnerability he had buried long ago.

Their complex dynamic creates a story filled with drama, danger, evil, unforgettable betrayal, and high-stakes lies and secrets. But beneath the darkness, the book delivers sharp romance, scorching steamy scenes, and touching moments of brotherhood, friendship, and genuine love. I absolutely loved the storyline, and the emotional journey of Lara and Dmitri facing so many challenges together. If you're looking for an enemies-to-lovers story packed with every emotional punch, this is it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brenda Sullivan]

📖 **Book Review: *Twisted Obsession* by A.L. Long**
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spice Level

Lara and Dmitri both come from the mafia world, but their story is filled with twists, misunderstandings, and revenge.

Lara believes that Dmitri is responsible for the death of her family, so she disappears and goes into hiding under an alias. Of course, hiding from a powerful mafia man can only last so long. Dmitri eventually finds her—and he’s seeking revenge of his own for the death of his family.

At first, Lara’s only purpose in Dmitri’s world is to give him an heir. But as time goes on, his interest turns into a deep and dangerous obsession, and it becomes clear there is no way he will ever truly let her go.

I’ve read my fair share of dark romance, but this one definitely pushes the boundaries. I’m not saying that in a negative way, but even I had a couple of moments where I cringed a little (and I’m Gen-X so I usually don’t bother with trigger warnings 😅).

There were also a few parts that left me a bit confused. I wasn’t entirely sure if the **Red Nights** were meant to be part of a secret society or simply an extension of the mafia world—similar to the Alliance in SJ Tilly’s series.

I ended up giving this **3 stars** mainly because it didn’t feel like the main characters were truly invested in each other until much later in the story. The spice level is intense—and honestly pretty brutal at times, especially on the wedding night.

That said, the **twists and turns** really kept the story interesting and were probably my favorite part of the book. Because of that, I’m definitely planning to continue the series and see where the story goes next.

I received an **advance review copy for free**, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

**Tropes:**
✨ Dark Mafia Romance
✨ Marriage of Convenience
✨ Obsessive MMC
✨ Revenge Storyline
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Heir / Breeding Trope

[Tracy Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are seeking a dark mafia romance filled with obsession, danger, and sustained tension, this novel delivers exceptionally well.

As the first book in the series, it is considerably darker and more intense than my usual reading preferences, yet I found it impossible to put down. The story immerses readers in a ruthless world where love and possession are deeply intertwined, and each chapter leaves you eager to discover what happens next.

For three years, Dimitri has pursued Lara with one objective in mind: to make her his wife. Since her parents were murdered, Lara has spent every waking moment in hiding, convinced that staying out of sight is the only way to remain safe. However, no matter how far she runs or how carefully she conceals herself, Dimitri always finds her. Their relationship begins in fear, resentment, and a battle of wills, creating an atmosphere of constant intensity.

What I appreciated most was the persistent emotional push and pull between the two characters. Lara refuses to yield without resistance, while Dimitri is ruthless, protective, and entirely consumed by her. Beneath his cold, calculating exterior are emotions he is unwilling to confront, and watching those defenses gradually begin to break down was one of the most compelling aspects of the novel.

The plot is twisted, addictive, and full of unexpected developments that kept me reading late into the night. It is the kind of book that continually raises the question of whether love can truly emerge from such dark beginnings, and whether either character will ever be willing to trust the other.

The chemistry is undeniable, the steam is intense, and the enemies-to-lovers dynamic is rich with angst, obsession, and emotional depth. If you enjoy dark mafia romances with morally gray heroes, strong heroines, forced proximity, and a romance that balances closely between hatred and desire, this is certainly one to add to your TBR.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely stirred up some strong opinions, and I can see why. For me, it was a good story with an engaging plot and plenty of twists that kept me turning the pages. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a dark mafia romance, so the content isn’t meant to be soft, sweet, or easy to digest.

We follow Lara, who is living under a false identity after her parents’ deaths, only to be tracked down by Dmitri, the man who believes vengeance is owed for what her family did to his. What follows is a twisted, dangerous push-and-pull dynamic between two characters carrying generational trauma, hatred, and the heavy weight of betrayal.

I’ll admit, some of Dmitri’s actions early on made me uncomfortable. The way he kidnapped, drugged, and forced Lara into marriage crossed lines that I personally don’t condone. However, I also understood that this is the essence of dark romance: it explores extremes of obsession, control, power, and blurred consent. As the story progressed, their relationship shifted into something more mutual, and the emotional layers began to shine through.

Beyond the romance, I really enjoyed the themes of revenge, found family, secrets, and betrayal. There were enough twists to keep me invested, and I especially liked how the layers of truth started to unravel for both characters.

This was my first read from A. L. Long, and I can say it won’t be my last. While it’s not a book for everyone and definitely not for readers uncomfortable with non-consent themes. It is a solid choice for fans of dark mafia romance who know what they’re stepping into.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Recommended.

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dmitri, Pakhan of the Antonov Bratva and part of The Red Knights Brotherhood, plans to take Larissa (Lara) as revenge for his family being unalived by her family.

But before he can take her, Lara wakes with a hangover from a night out and overhears her father (Andrei) telling her mother (Lidia) that they need to leave to stay safe. He crossed Viktor Antonov, Dmitri's father, and now, (her father) Andrei feared for their lives. Viktor wanted Lara to marry into his family to pay off the debt he owed them, but Andrei refused. The next thing Lara knows, her parents are shot, and she makes a promise to herself to enact vengeance on the people who murdered them. For now, she's going into hiding under a different name so no one can find her.

Dmitri had a hard time locating Lara (now Sarah), but he never gave up his search for her, and after 3 long years, he finally found her, held her captive, and has plans to force her into marriage, saying that she would give him an heir.

When she first arrived, after being drugged and locked in a room, Dmitri was angry at what her family did, so he was very cold and cruel. I didn't like how she was treated, not just by Dmitri but by some of the other characters, but at the time, she was just a pawn.

The more they spent time together, the stronger their need for each other grew. She started unconsciously submitting to him, and his stone wall started crumbling, forcing his emotions to break through, and they found themselves unable to live without each other. Their chemistry grew strong, and the spicy scenes were off the charts! He was very dominant, possessive (MINE) and the one in charge! Lara was courageous and strong in her own way; she was able to survive for 3 years undetected.

The story was filled with mystery, twists and left me in suspense. It didn't take me long to finish it!

Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Dmitri & Larissa (Sarah)
Nickname: Lara
Darkness: 3 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novel
Title: The Red Knights Series- Twisted Obsession: Book 1
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and (eventually) protective MMC
*Mafia
*Forced Marriage
*Kidnapping
*Captive
*Both Non & Dub-Con
*Revenge
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check the TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Teresa Neace · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Dark, Twisted, and Utterly Addictive 🔥

I could not put this book down! 📖 Twisted Obsession by A.L. Long is a dark mafia romance that pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. Dmitri has spent the last 3 years hunting for Lara as retribution for her father killing his own… while Lara believes Dmitri is responsible for her parents’ deaths. 😱

When he finally finds her and kidnaps her, he forces her into marriage 💍—and what follows is an intense game of hate, lust, and undeniable chemistry. 💣🔥 Their hatred runs deep, but so does the connection that begins to bloom between them… and watching it unfold is beautifully brutal.

This story is packed with betrayal, dark secrets, brotherhood loyalty 🤝, and oh yes—plenty of steamy scenes that will leave you breathless. 😈💋

I received an advanced reader copy of this book via BookFunnel and am leaving this review voluntarily. These thoughts are entirely my own. Thank you, A.L. Long, for such a gripping read—I’m already counting down to the next one! 📚❤️

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twisted obsession was well written in flow, had a good overall plot line and definitely fits into the DARK romance and mafia genres. Rated lower as a little more background on some characters would have improved the book as new characters would appear and I couldn’t figure out who they were or how they connected. I would recommend skipping this one if forced relationships and forced relations trigger you though. If this does not trigger you, it is action packed and includes multiple dark romance style spicy scenes. I did struggle at times with how often things were forced and the main character just accepted it - wait, what?! No girl, go fight like hell for yourself!

Dmitri would definitely not fit into my list of desired book boyfriends - because wow he’s a bit much and I really was longing for Lara to stand up for herself and protect herself more throughout the pages. I enjoyed the Red Knights hidden portion of the story and the action scenes that included them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved reading this deliciously electric book I was hooked straight away, the story was written well and the characters were sensational. This story of hiding the pain so revenge comes out, Sarah Jones left her home and had to say goodbye to Larissa Zhukova, Sarah received a job and found somewhere to live, the place doesn't look like a place she would live in, she also made sure to tell the gentleman that if anyone comes looking for her to tell them she left. Dmitri Antonov, has been looking for the last Zhukova the one that got away for three years, and he will make sure they suffer locked in one oof his underground jail cage he has made sure there is nothing but a bed, a toilet and cameras everywhere. Dmitri always is in control until now watching her. There was so many twist and turns through out the book and just think the love and romance.

[Hannah Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a dark Mafia romance, and Twisted Obsession for the bill. Dimitri is the Pakhan of the Bratva and decides to avenge his father's death by kidnapping Lara, marrying her and forcing her to have his heir. I really liked the flow of this book, and it was an easy read.

The reason for my 4 stars instead of 5, is because there were some components that were introduced without any backstory or real explanation, so the story didn't seem as well rounded as it could be.

Dimitri business was unknown to me until over halfway in, and his shipments were mentioned quite a bit, but shipments of what?

Some characters were introduced as a pretty major plot point, but who were they in relation to the Bratva and Dimitri's life? They just came in and went away pretty quickly with zero backstory.

Overall, the story was a good, quick read and it was easy to finish.

I received this advanced review copy for free and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[SammyJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, Lara & Dmitri's story is one of many twists and turns and whilst I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next installment I feel like it could of been so much more than it was.

It could of given more back ground to the Red Knights and Lara. I feel like the ending was a little rushed and didn't answer all questions and whilst I know there is more books to come there are still loose ends in to Ivan, Angelo, Marta the house keeper etc.

What I did love was the relationship between the 2 main characters, I liked that Dmitri had one plan when he set out to find Lara but then that quickly changed as he fell for Lara. I like how Lara fought him at every step but still fell for him. Their love felt like it was destined from the beginning. Ivan was a good villain, his behaviour really creeped me out but that was the point.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Loves2 Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dark mafia romance kicks off a new series with an intense, compelling, and twisted enemies-to-lovers story. It follows Dimitri, who has finally captured the woman he's hunted for three years, Lara, and now intends to marry her. The development of their relationship is a slow burn, meaning the payoff is gradual, and the chemistry isn't immediately crazy, which might suit readers who prefer a less instant connection.

While the intensity and themes push the boundaries of a traditional love story, the book is definitely worth reading. The writing is easy to follow, and the pacing is effective. Still, readers should be prepared to embrace this steamy and specific niche of romance to fully enjoy the forced-marriage dynamic and the question of whether Dimitri or Lara will ever admit their true feelings.

Thank you Booksirens for the opportunity to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jaso Saeed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story pulled me into a dark, intense world from the very first page and refused to let go.
Lara’s journey is heartbreaking and powerful. Losing her parents, erasing her identity, and being forced to survive under a new name made her story feel raw and painfully real. Her fear, strength, and desperation to escape were written in a way that made me deeply empathize with her. The idea of being hunted by the very man who destroyed her past — only to be bound to him through marriage — added a chilling layer of tension that never faded.
Dmitri is the definition of a morally gray antihero. Cold, ruthless, and driven by vengeance, he believes his actions are justified by the pain Lara’s family caused him. Yet beneath his cruelty lies a man slowly unraveling. Watching his obsession with Lara transform into something far more dangerous — and emotional — was both unsettling and fascinating. The way she begins to crack the armor around his heart was one of the most compelling aspects of the story.
The dynamic between Lara and Dmitri is dark, suffocating, and charged with emotion. Power, control, fear, and desire collide in a way that keeps you constantly questioning where the line between hatred and obsession truly lies. This is not a light romance — it’s intense, emotional, and filled with moments that linger long after you finish reading.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to read and experience such a gripping and unforgettable story.

[Pamela Noseworthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peppers - 3
Stars - 3.5
Hearts - 3

ARC - Yes - BookSirens

Thropes
Dark Mafia Romance
Revenge
Forced Marriage
Possessive MMC
Bratva
Kidnapping

Main Characters
FMC
Lara’s loss, erased identity, and forced survival made her story raw and real. Her fear, strength, and desperation to escape evoked deep empathy, especially knowing she was hunted by the man who shattered her past.

MMC
Dmitri, Pakhan of the Antonov Bratva and part of The Red Knights Brotherhood, plans to take Larissa (Lara) as revenge for his family being unalived by her family.

Thoughts
Likes
A tale of betrayal, secrets, brotherhood loyalty, and steamy scenes that leave you breathless.
I love a good Mafia Romance. I think AL Long did a great job with the story. I really enjoyed it.

Dislikes
How he kept forcing himself on her. Especially when she said no
Needed more of the back story explained.

Recommend - Yes, but make sure you check the triggers as there is alot of dark elements.

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly, I'm blown away by this book. I mean, it literally slayed me in the best of ways. Talk about a literal masterpiece of complex, beautifully written characters with depth and such raw feelings and vulnerability in a storyline that gets its claws into you and holds you captivated till the very end. The way this book is written, you feel the pain, the need for vengeance, the chemistry, all the feels.

Twisted Obsession centers on Dmitri and Lara. Dmitri, in a bid for revenge, kidnaps and forcibly marries Lara, a plan that was three years in the making, it's conception spawned from a deep betrayal. Dmitri and Lara are tangled up in a web of deceit, betrayal, vengeance, secrets, lies, passion and enemies. It's up to them to discover their truths and if it's possible to be more than enemies.

I can't stress enough how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would very much recommend it to anyone and everyone. Five stars all the way!!

[BP34]

Twisted Obsession is the first book in The Red Knights Series. Each book is a standalone with a HEA. This is a spicy Dark Mafia Romance with some triggers like violence, strong sexual content. A story of revenge and obsession. Larissa/Sarah and Dmitri will take you on an emotional roller coaster in his fast paced book. After her parents were killed she went into hiding under another name. It took him three years but he finally found her and forced her into marriage with the expectation of a heir. He wanted revenge since her father had killed his mother and sister. The characters are well developed and the story line is a page turner. Prepare to lose a little sleep because once you start reading, you won’t be able to put this book down. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via the Book Sirens and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow this was such a brilliant read.

I loved Lara and Dmitri who were both characters that were realistic and life like.

Dmitri a Mafia man took Lara to bear an heir as revenge against her family.

He was so ultra possessive and obsessed with her. They hated each other from the start. He murdered her parents and he wanted her as revenge. Nothing she wanted was taken into account but she didn't cower to him after a while finding her voice.

That chemistry did come out eventually. A book full of danger, grief, secrets and lies. The danger ever present and the suspense took them on a journey.

I didn't like Dmitri at the start, too domineering but soon he showed his true ways.

So well done, a book I could get into. A first by this Author and I will be looking out for more. So good!!

[Sammyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable start to the Red Knights series. A lighter mafia romance for me, which was a nice change. A good storyline that held my attention. I didn't connect to Lara as much as Dmitri as I felt she was immature and lacked personality.. She had been led to believe that Dmitri's family had killed her parents, but lies and betrayal's unfold to lead both of them realising everything they thought they knew was wrong. A few plot twists that I worked out, generally worth picking up as I feel the series will get better.

Well written romance, I just felt it lacked an oomph, somethimg missing to hold my attention. I'm sure the next book in the series will be a great read as the ending was HEA, but left with questions and new beginningsI received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carey’s Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars! This is the first book in ‘The Red Knights’ series and can be read as a standalone. I’ve read & liked dark romance before but this one was a bit too dark for my tastes. The main characters are Larissa/Lara and Dmitri. There were times that I wanted to slap both of them. Their “relationship” felt more like it was a Stockholm syndrome relationship than actual love. I felt like some parts of the book were over explained and others were not explained enough. I really wanted to like this book and thought it would be better since it has such a high rating. The story was interesting and I enjoyed that part. The romance/relationship was just an ehh for me.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*