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Invidious Obsession #3
Unruly Obsession
A ruthless bodyguard. A forbidden obsession. A dangerous game of fake dating with the Mafia.
Lily
I never thought I’d be involved with the Italian Mafia.
My association with them has made me a target, so they’ve appointed one of their most ruthless to be my bodyguard.
He pretends to be my boyfriend, but a man as cold-hearted as Lorenzo Moretti is not built for high society and will never receive my father’s approval.
Worse, he’s getting too close to my secrets, my heart, and the seemingly perfect life I’ve built.
Lorenzo
Lily Taylor is my most difficult mission yet.
She’s spoiled, bratty, and intent on making my life a living hell.
But the temptation of her curves and sharp tongue is distracting, making it hard for me to focus.
Her safety is my priority.
And I’m willing to take out anyone who compromises that safety—even her father.
*This is a brand new stand alone dark romance based in the same world as Insidious Obsession*
Lily
I never thought I’d be involved with the Italian Mafia.
My association with them has made me a target, so they’ve appointed one of their most ruthless to be my bodyguard.
He pretends to be my boyfriend, but a man as cold-hearted as Lorenzo Moretti is not built for high society and will never receive my father’s approval.
Worse, he’s getting too close to my secrets, my heart, and the seemingly perfect life I’ve built.
Lorenzo
Lily Taylor is my most difficult mission yet.
She’s spoiled, bratty, and intent on making my life a living hell.
But the temptation of her curves and sharp tongue is distracting, making it hard for me to focus.
Her safety is my priority.
And I’m willing to take out anyone who compromises that safety—even her father.
*This is a brand new stand alone dark romance based in the same world as Insidious Obsession*
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
241 people are currently reading
13811 people want to read
About the author
Kia Carrington-Russell
40 books884 followersAmazon Top 25 Best Selling Author
Australian Author, Kia Carrington-Russell is known for her recognizable style of kick-butt heroines, enemies to lovers, fast paced action and romance that dances from light to dark. Including multiples genres such as Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance and Fantasy Romance. Obsessed with all things coffee, food and travel, Kia is always seeking out her next international adventure.
Now back in her home country of Australia, she takes her Cavoodle, Sia along morning walks on beautiful coastline beaches, building worlds in the sea breezes and contemplating which deliciously haunting story to write next.
Follow Kia at:
TikTok- kia_crystal
Instagram- kiacarringtonrussell
Facebook- kiacarringtonrussellauthor
www.kiacarrington-russell.com
Australian Author, Kia Carrington-Russell is known for her recognizable style of kick-butt heroines, enemies to lovers, fast paced action and romance that dances from light to dark. Including multiples genres such as Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance and Fantasy Romance. Obsessed with all things coffee, food and travel, Kia is always seeking out her next international adventure.
Now back in her home country of Australia, she takes her Cavoodle, Sia along morning walks on beautiful coastline beaches, building worlds in the sea breezes and contemplating which deliciously haunting story to write next.
Follow Kia at:
TikTok- kia_crystal
Instagram- kiacarringtonrussell
Facebook- kiacarringtonrussellauthor
www.kiacarrington-russell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
October 23, 2025
Honestly this book was hyped up on Tik tok for me so I had high expectations. But alas, I’m disappointed… tbh both the MMC and the FMC were insufferable - I really had to push through to finish it
November 8, 2025
Unruly Obsession by Kia Carrington-Russell
★★★★★ (4.5/5)
Thank you so much Kia for the ARC!
Oh my gosh, I knew it. I knew this one wouldn’t disappoint! And as my first Kia book, this is definitely not going to be my last!
I know the grumpy x sunshine trope is everywhere, but Kia absolutely nailed it with this one. Lorenzo isn’t just grumpy — he’s broody, intense, and secretly soft (the holy trinity, yes). And Lilly is a literal ball of sunshine who lights up every page she’s on. They’re complete opposites, yet somehow made for each other. The chemistry between them is easily one of the best I’ve read in a while. 🔥
The push and pull, the tension, the yearning (!!!) — and that glorious fck it* moment had me screaming into my pillow at 2 a.m.
Kia also perfectly set up the next book in the series without taking attention away from this one. I seriously cannot wait to read what’s next!
December 2, 2025
i was SAT. literally read in less than 20 hours, including work and sleep in that. was reading between every patient and ignoring everyone at lunch. consumed this book but it consumed ME
Lorenzo…. no words. The way he protects her and gave her so much confidence killllls me. I don’t want to move on from them.
I will always be a sucker for bodyguard romance and this just reminds me why. LOVE
Lorenzo…. no words. The way he protects her and gave her so much confidence killllls me. I don’t want to move on from them.
I will always be a sucker for bodyguard romance and this just reminds me why. LOVE
November 26, 2025
4.5 Sunshine stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨️
3🌶
3🌶
December 18, 2025
its a book !
October 7, 2025
I think Lily and Lorenzo have taken first place as my favourite couple of the series🤭 Lily and Lorenzo have made appearances in the previous books of the series and I have been absolutely itching to get my hands on their story and it didn’t disappoint. Look I love the bodyguard trope and Kia absolutely smashed it 👏🏼.
Our book opens where Lily is in Italy visiting Ara but an incident occurs that puts Lily at risk and now she finds her self with an unwanted tag along in her life, at Ara’s request, yes Lorenzo is now Lily’s bodyguard. The tension between this pair you would honestly dissect with a spoon - these two have always found one another attractive but the pair never acted on it, but we all know what occurs when two people are in close proximity.
Lily is deemed as the good girl, she wants to make her father proud even at her own expense. Her father has been pushing her to settle down but he wanted her to settle with someone he could use to his advantage, so when Lily reluctantly rocks up at a public event her father is not impressed. While Lorenzo was firstly not impressed acting as her bodyguard he was even more reluctant with having to pose as her fake boyfriend but he certainly took to the protective boyfriend role pretty well🤭.
I honestly loved these two together- we got plenty of tension, plenty of back and forth and when these two finally give in oh we were in for an absolute treat🤭.
I have many favourite moments in this book but one of them is definitely when Lorenzo annoys Lily she ends up in Cartier where she tricks him in buying her jewellery, but this man without a doubt handed over his card.
I am absolutely loving this series and after reading that epilogue there is definitely more to come and I cannot wait.
Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
Our book opens where Lily is in Italy visiting Ara but an incident occurs that puts Lily at risk and now she finds her self with an unwanted tag along in her life, at Ara’s request, yes Lorenzo is now Lily’s bodyguard. The tension between this pair you would honestly dissect with a spoon - these two have always found one another attractive but the pair never acted on it, but we all know what occurs when two people are in close proximity.
Lily is deemed as the good girl, she wants to make her father proud even at her own expense. Her father has been pushing her to settle down but he wanted her to settle with someone he could use to his advantage, so when Lily reluctantly rocks up at a public event her father is not impressed. While Lorenzo was firstly not impressed acting as her bodyguard he was even more reluctant with having to pose as her fake boyfriend but he certainly took to the protective boyfriend role pretty well🤭.
I honestly loved these two together- we got plenty of tension, plenty of back and forth and when these two finally give in oh we were in for an absolute treat🤭.
I have many favourite moments in this book but one of them is definitely when Lorenzo annoys Lily she ends up in Cartier where she tricks him in buying her jewellery, but this man without a doubt handed over his card.
I am absolutely loving this series and after reading that epilogue there is definitely more to come and I cannot wait.
Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
October 1, 2025
THE TIME IS FINALLY HERE! I could NOT BE MORE EXCITED TO HAVE Lorenzo & Lily in my hands as I HAVE BEEN DESPERATELY WANTING their story, and WE HAVE IT! AAAHH!
Throughout we definitely see Lily become more fearless and not the sheltered good daughter that we see at the beginning and have seen in the previous books. And as much as she gets on Lorenzo’s nerves, I FOR SURE feel that they belong together. Lorenzo, the hard, mysterious and brooding type softens only for Lily and WE LOVE TO SEE IT. Oh, and I can not forget to mention how he is on her ass LITERALLY and takes his protection seriously but at the same time is showing his possessive and obsessive side which again WE LOVE.
The slow burn in this book SLOW BURNED… OH MY GOD. Of course, not without mentioning their little moment back two years ago *smirk*. However the push and pull of their want for each other was INTOXICATING. And it was so sweet when their declarations came about, especially with Lorenzo. SO. FUCKING. CUTE. Also! It was so good to see Ara, Luca as well as Dmitri and Elanee again and I am STILL PINING for a book about Dario!
Throughout we definitely see Lily become more fearless and not the sheltered good daughter that we see at the beginning and have seen in the previous books. And as much as she gets on Lorenzo’s nerves, I FOR SURE feel that they belong together. Lorenzo, the hard, mysterious and brooding type softens only for Lily and WE LOVE TO SEE IT. Oh, and I can not forget to mention how he is on her ass LITERALLY and takes his protection seriously but at the same time is showing his possessive and obsessive side which again WE LOVE.
The slow burn in this book SLOW BURNED… OH MY GOD. Of course, not without mentioning their little moment back two years ago *smirk*. However the push and pull of their want for each other was INTOXICATING. And it was so sweet when their declarations came about, especially with Lorenzo. SO. FUCKING. CUTE. Also! It was so good to see Ara, Luca as well as Dmitri and Elanee again and I am STILL PINING for a book about Dario!
September 28, 2025
While vacationing with her friend and new husband Zara & Luca, Lily Taylor gets in the cross hairs of the mafia. Bodyguard Lorenzo Moretti is there guarding them all but gets assigned to Lily full time. He may be a ruthless man but who better to protect her from the mob than one of their own. Now, this bodyguard also has to pretend to be her boyfriend to find intel on her father. Can he protect Lily or will their close quarters warm this cold hearted man? This is an action packed, enemies to lovers, bodyguard romance with plenty of tension and great banter between the two main characters. It’s starts fast far from page one and doesn’t lose your interest the whole way through. I really enjoyed Lorenzo and Lily’s build up of hate to love. Told in first person and dual POV.
October 19, 2025
Fabulous protector romance with all the hidden treats - age gap, morally gray, bodyguard/protector.
𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝒚𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒇 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒑.
I loved the dynamic of both Lily and Lorenzo in this one. She's the sunshine type, to his grumpy, but in a way, she's innocent and in need of someone like Lorenzo to save her.
How she matured throughout the story was fantastic and definitely a natural feeling with all she had to endure. Innocent is lost, and yet she emerges a beautiful broken butterfly --- just perfect for the dangerous Lorenzo.
"𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒛𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎.”
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Spice: 2🌶️
𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏, 𝒚𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒍𝒇 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒑.
I loved the dynamic of both Lily and Lorenzo in this one. She's the sunshine type, to his grumpy, but in a way, she's innocent and in need of someone like Lorenzo to save her.
How she matured throughout the story was fantastic and definitely a natural feeling with all she had to endure. Innocent is lost, and yet she emerges a beautiful broken butterfly --- just perfect for the dangerous Lorenzo.
"𝑳𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒛𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒈𝒐 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒎.”
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Spice: 2🌶️
October 21, 2025
What can I say? I'm really getting into my Mafia romance books at the moment and this did not disappoint! This is the first book I've read from Kia and it wont be my last. This is the third book in The Insidious Obsession series but can be read as a standalone and i will definitely be picking up the first 2 books. I absolutely adored Lily and Lorenzo. Lorenzo helps Lily come into her own and uncovers some family secrets and honestly how can you leave the ending like that? Can't wait to see where this story goes.
December 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ it just didn’t give what I wanted it to give but I did have a good time
December 23, 2025
Soooo good I love Lorenzo & Lilly 😍. I’m excited for book 4 to come out. I know it’s going to be soooo good.
October 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end i couldn’t put it down. I 10/10 recommend reading this book and the others in this series.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 17, 2025
1.25⭐️
my life was not incomplete without this... I'll probably forget about this book within 15 minutes
my life was not incomplete without this... I'll probably forget about this book within 15 minutes
December 7, 2025
It took me 5 days to finish this book and it nearly finished me. The writing was so bad I was in tears. I finished 3 other books before I came back and finished this.
November 26, 2025
Lily sucked
October 21, 2025
4.5 ⭐️/ 3🌶️
Lorenzo and Lily were amazing! I love my sweet heroines and broody hero, and both Lorenzo and Lily were it and so much more! 🙌🏼
Without spoiling much, I will say this - The writing, the plot, the romance, and the spice were all on point. I have always loved Kia's work, and this book didn't disappoint at all.
I cannot wait for the next one!
Lorenzo and Lily were amazing! I love my sweet heroines and broody hero, and both Lorenzo and Lily were it and so much more! 🙌🏼
Without spoiling much, I will say this - The writing, the plot, the romance, and the spice were all on point. I have always loved Kia's work, and this book didn't disappoint at all.
I cannot wait for the next one!
October 13, 2025
This one just didn’t work for me. I got this as an ARC thanks to kia but I had a lot of problems with this story.
This is a standalone book within a same universeand I genuinely loved Insidious Obsession.
Lily our fmc is friends with Ara whose husband is the Italian mafia. Now she is a target and is assigned to Lorenzo who is the second hand of Ada’s husband Luca.
Both Lorenzo and Lily are not happy with this situation as he has to play the role of a fake boyfriend.
My major issue with this story was that I did not get enough of Lily and Lorenzo. They had more chemistry and scenes with the side characters than with each other. I understand that as a part of a same universe and previous books mmcs and fmcs are often make appearances but this just didn’t feel working for me.
This is a standalone book within a same universeand I genuinely loved Insidious Obsession.
Lily our fmc is friends with Ara whose husband is the Italian mafia. Now she is a target and is assigned to Lorenzo who is the second hand of Ada’s husband Luca.
Both Lorenzo and Lily are not happy with this situation as he has to play the role of a fake boyfriend.
My major issue with this story was that I did not get enough of Lily and Lorenzo. They had more chemistry and scenes with the side characters than with each other. I understand that as a part of a same universe and previous books mmcs and fmcs are often make appearances but this just didn’t feel working for me.
October 29, 2025
tell me why i got more scenes with all the side characters then with the literal main characters FMC and MMC. as much as i love learning about the side characters, there was no need for them to take over the book and that’s why i felt almost no chemistry between the two because they HARDLY HAD ANY SCENES TOGETHER
October 22, 2025
“I don’t know when this unruly obsession took over my life, but it’s certainly destroying it.”
Enemies to Lovers, Opposites attracts… it has NOTHING on Lilly and Lorenzo.. not even on the scale… they are complete and utter Opposites. There is not world in which their paths should logically have crossed and yet……
The energy sizzling throughout is a 10 + .. its magnetic and sparks are just waiting to ignite.
and when it does… boy when it does..
Lilly is a ball of sunshine, she gives and gives and very rarely expects anything in turn. She doesn't have doormat energy though. She has golden retriever energy and I say this in the best way. She is a ball of love but secretly there she has teeth…
Lorenzo is the epitome of Emotionally Unavailable.
He lives “the life” second in charge to the Italian Mafia Leader.
He is Brutal, Hard, Cold and he knows his darkness can only corrupt light so he doesn't even entertain that thought.
“Are you hiding something from me?” A devilish smile appears, and I’m too stunned to move because it’s breathtaking.” *I would give what to have been in this moment and see that smile!!
So imagine just that. He is charged to look after Lilly. Not just that, to make sure she is protected. Day in / Day out..
Nough said?
lols…. Nope you need to READ IT.. amazing!! I loved it!!!
I wanted more , not because it left me hanging nope.. because I am IN LOVE with their story!
I hope we get to see more of them in the upcoming (and I hope it who I think’s novel… )
This world is electric and I am happy to burn any Midnight Candle any time to read it!!!
I loved the underlying theme in the book of Cages. You can be in a cage someone else created for you, yes. Sometimes it's not possible to escape and other times you willingly keep yourself there even if the door is not locked.
Other Times the cage is your mind doing and it takes a little courage and perspective to open it and step out.
“It’s a shame you’re in your own shackles, huh?” I bite out. “From what I can see, sweetheart, you haven’t stepped too far out of yours either. A cage is still a cage, whether it’s of someone else’s making or your own now.”
Enemies to Lovers, Opposites attracts… it has NOTHING on Lilly and Lorenzo.. not even on the scale… they are complete and utter Opposites. There is not world in which their paths should logically have crossed and yet……
The energy sizzling throughout is a 10 + .. its magnetic and sparks are just waiting to ignite.
and when it does… boy when it does..
Lilly is a ball of sunshine, she gives and gives and very rarely expects anything in turn. She doesn't have doormat energy though. She has golden retriever energy and I say this in the best way. She is a ball of love but secretly there she has teeth…
Lorenzo is the epitome of Emotionally Unavailable.
He lives “the life” second in charge to the Italian Mafia Leader.
He is Brutal, Hard, Cold and he knows his darkness can only corrupt light so he doesn't even entertain that thought.
“Are you hiding something from me?” A devilish smile appears, and I’m too stunned to move because it’s breathtaking.” *I would give what to have been in this moment and see that smile!!
So imagine just that. He is charged to look after Lilly. Not just that, to make sure she is protected. Day in / Day out..
Nough said?
lols…. Nope you need to READ IT.. amazing!! I loved it!!!
I wanted more , not because it left me hanging nope.. because I am IN LOVE with their story!
I hope we get to see more of them in the upcoming (and I hope it who I think’s novel… )
This world is electric and I am happy to burn any Midnight Candle any time to read it!!!
I loved the underlying theme in the book of Cages. You can be in a cage someone else created for you, yes. Sometimes it's not possible to escape and other times you willingly keep yourself there even if the door is not locked.
Other Times the cage is your mind doing and it takes a little courage and perspective to open it and step out.
“It’s a shame you’re in your own shackles, huh?” I bite out. “From what I can see, sweetheart, you haven’t stepped too far out of yours either. A cage is still a cage, whether it’s of someone else’s making or your own now.”
October 27, 2025
Unruly Obsession was such a great read!! 😭✨ Like, I don’t binge-read unless I’m fully hooked—and I completely inhaled this story. I adored Lily and Lorenzo so much. Okay, yes, I accidentally deflected (read book 3 first 👀) but that’s fine because I’m a curious person and honestly… this was so freaking good 😭😭😭
Watching Lily’s journey was honestly inspiring. She went from putting others first to learning how to choose herself, and that growth hit hard 🥹 She’s strong, but she also became fearless—finally standing up for herself while still loving fiercely and protecting her people with everything she has. Her courage and heart are something to be admired 🫶
“You don’t scare me. You can try those feral tactics on others, but you don’t use them on me. You speak to me like a lady, and you certainly treat me like one as well. If you want to act like a dog, I’ll train you like one.”—This had me wheezing🤣🤣🤣
And then there’s Lorenzo Moretti—the bodyguard, the fake boyfriend, the man who redefined swoony 😭🔥 I loved his POV chapters, seeing just how obsessed he was with Lily while trying (and failing) to resist her was perfection. He’s protective, a little possessive and obsessive, and so, so serious about her safety that it made me melt. Their banter was Chef’s kiss. The way Lily gets on his nerves just because she can had me grinning like a fool 😂🤣 Their chemistry!!?? It was straight-up fire 🔥🔥🔥
She’s always been a temptation for me. I might be a man of discipline, but fuck me, resisting her might be my breaking point.—Holy Fuck.
I also adored the appearances of the MCs from other books—they added so much warmth and support especially Ara and Dmitri. Lily’s friend group is everything—the kind of women who love, uplift, and defend each other no matter what ❤️
Overall, Unruly Obsession was addictive, emotional, and so much fun. I had the best time reading it, and I can’t wait to dive into books 1 and 2 next!! 😍💫
Watching Lily’s journey was honestly inspiring. She went from putting others first to learning how to choose herself, and that growth hit hard 🥹 She’s strong, but she also became fearless—finally standing up for herself while still loving fiercely and protecting her people with everything she has. Her courage and heart are something to be admired 🫶
“You don’t scare me. You can try those feral tactics on others, but you don’t use them on me. You speak to me like a lady, and you certainly treat me like one as well. If you want to act like a dog, I’ll train you like one.”—This had me wheezing🤣🤣🤣
And then there’s Lorenzo Moretti—the bodyguard, the fake boyfriend, the man who redefined swoony 😭🔥 I loved his POV chapters, seeing just how obsessed he was with Lily while trying (and failing) to resist her was perfection. He’s protective, a little possessive and obsessive, and so, so serious about her safety that it made me melt. Their banter was Chef’s kiss. The way Lily gets on his nerves just because she can had me grinning like a fool 😂🤣 Their chemistry!!?? It was straight-up fire 🔥🔥🔥
She’s always been a temptation for me. I might be a man of discipline, but fuck me, resisting her might be my breaking point.—Holy Fuck.
I also adored the appearances of the MCs from other books—they added so much warmth and support especially Ara and Dmitri. Lily’s friend group is everything—the kind of women who love, uplift, and defend each other no matter what ❤️
Overall, Unruly Obsession was addictive, emotional, and so much fun. I had the best time reading it, and I can’t wait to dive into books 1 and 2 next!! 😍💫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2025
ARC REVIEW
"Unruly Obsession"
(Insidious Obsession # 3)
by Kia Carrington-Russell
This was my first Kia's book (shame on me, I know) and it definitely won't be the last.
It follows the story of Lorenzo, a ruthless Italian Mafia killer, and Lilly, a girl who belongs to the high society but is oh-so tired of that place and wants to find her own in the world.
They are the definition of the tropes grumpy x sunshine and opposites attract. Because it's that what they are; their banter and their 🌶️ moments are 🔥.
Between bullets, explosions, killings and views of NYC, this book is addictive.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
some my favorite quotes:
her world has been flipped upside down as she discovers that stories of boogeymen under her bed are, in fact, living and breathing things.
Thinking about Lily Taylor is nothing but a distraction, much like she has always been when she stands in any room with her blinding ray-of-fucking-sunshine light.
It's not just his size that's imposing, but his simple presence.
"If you want to act like a dog, I'll train you like one."
Dangerous is what this woman is. She plays Miss Goody Two-shoes through the day, and at night, after a few drinks, turns into a seductress.
She's always been a temptation for me. I might be a man of discipline, but f*ck me, resisting her might be my breaking point.
"Trust me when I say you can't handle me, Sunshine."
"Must be tiresome being a good girl all the time"
"I admit to being a monster, instead of parading around like a prestigious show dog."
She's not made for the darkness - she shines too f*cking brightly.
"There's no line I won't cross to remain by your side."
I love Lily without a doubt, but it doesn't take away from the fact that I'm poison to her life.
"Unruly Obsession"
(Insidious Obsession # 3)
by Kia Carrington-Russell
This was my first Kia's book (shame on me, I know) and it definitely won't be the last.
It follows the story of Lorenzo, a ruthless Italian Mafia killer, and Lilly, a girl who belongs to the high society but is oh-so tired of that place and wants to find her own in the world.
They are the definition of the tropes grumpy x sunshine and opposites attract. Because it's that what they are; their banter and their 🌶️ moments are 🔥.
Between bullets, explosions, killings and views of NYC, this book is addictive.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
some my favorite quotes:
her world has been flipped upside down as she discovers that stories of boogeymen under her bed are, in fact, living and breathing things.
Thinking about Lily Taylor is nothing but a distraction, much like she has always been when she stands in any room with her blinding ray-of-fucking-sunshine light.
It's not just his size that's imposing, but his simple presence.
"If you want to act like a dog, I'll train you like one."
Dangerous is what this woman is. She plays Miss Goody Two-shoes through the day, and at night, after a few drinks, turns into a seductress.
She's always been a temptation for me. I might be a man of discipline, but f*ck me, resisting her might be my breaking point.
"Trust me when I say you can't handle me, Sunshine."
"Must be tiresome being a good girl all the time"
"I admit to being a monster, instead of parading around like a prestigious show dog."
She's not made for the darkness - she shines too f*cking brightly.
"There's no line I won't cross to remain by your side."
I love Lily without a doubt, but it doesn't take away from the fact that I'm poison to her life.
November 3, 2025
Lily Taylor only wanted a quiet escape in Italy with her best friend Ara. But a single deadly event puts her directly in the arms of Lorenzo Moretti, second in command to the Italian Mafia. Assigned to protect her after the attempted hit, he’s forced into a fake relationship to keep her safe, but the lines quickly blur leaving both of them questioning what’s really between them.
“She stares into my eyes, as if looking for some weakness in my armor. Little does she realize, it’s slowly becoming her.”
Lorenzo is cold, disciplined, and merciless…except when it comes to Lily and OH MY LORD I LOVED HIM FOR IT. Lorenzo doesn’t say he loves, oh no, he proves it in the most dangerous ways possible. But when the walls all broke down, this man stole my heart. And Lily’s evolution was seriously one of my favourite parts. At first, she’s this good girl, super innocent and just weighed by her father’s/society’s expectations but through her time with Lorenzo, she really learns what freedom feels like. I just really enjoyed reading her, she’s witty, stubborn, and absolutely refuses to be treated as a damsel, a true queen.
“He’s my person.”
This book had me absolutely feral. I’ve loved most of Kia’s writing, it’s always these unhinged yet lovable characters who live dangerously and love passionately. So of course this didn’t disappoint! She really knows how to balance chaos and tenderness perfectly; one second you’re clutching your chest at Lorenzo’s ruthlessness, the next you’re grinning like an idiot at Lily’s sass (shoutout to the the Cartier scene!). The chemistry was off the hook and honestly, this book really had everything that is required in the quintessential mafia romance: grit, danger, obsession, and heart. I’m really looking forward to continuing this series cause with every couple, I feel breathless, a little ruined, and absolutely feral for more.
“She stares into my eyes, as if looking for some weakness in my armor. Little does she realize, it’s slowly becoming her.”
Lorenzo is cold, disciplined, and merciless…except when it comes to Lily and OH MY LORD I LOVED HIM FOR IT. Lorenzo doesn’t say he loves, oh no, he proves it in the most dangerous ways possible. But when the walls all broke down, this man stole my heart. And Lily’s evolution was seriously one of my favourite parts. At first, she’s this good girl, super innocent and just weighed by her father’s/society’s expectations but through her time with Lorenzo, she really learns what freedom feels like. I just really enjoyed reading her, she’s witty, stubborn, and absolutely refuses to be treated as a damsel, a true queen.
“He’s my person.”
This book had me absolutely feral. I’ve loved most of Kia’s writing, it’s always these unhinged yet lovable characters who live dangerously and love passionately. So of course this didn’t disappoint! She really knows how to balance chaos and tenderness perfectly; one second you’re clutching your chest at Lorenzo’s ruthlessness, the next you’re grinning like an idiot at Lily’s sass (shoutout to the the Cartier scene!). The chemistry was off the hook and honestly, this book really had everything that is required in the quintessential mafia romance: grit, danger, obsession, and heart. I’m really looking forward to continuing this series cause with every couple, I feel breathless, a little ruined, and absolutely feral for more.
October 1, 2025
Thank you Kia Carrington-Russell for sending me this ARC!
Unruly Obsession is the third book in a series of standalone Dark Romance books and I really enjoyed it, this series is so good.
When Lily joins her friend and her husband on their honeymoon, the last thing she expects is to be shot at. Thrown into a dangerous mafia world, she needs a bodyguard and gets no other than Lorenzo, the man she had a crush on but who turns out to be different than she expected and she quickly learns she despises him, especially when they are forced to pretend to be dating and they both try and fail to ignore the attraction between them.
I was so curious about Lily and Lorenzo when I met them in the previous books and their story was so worth the wait. Lily was a bit sheltered and delicate in the beginning but I loved her character development here and Lorenzo was the kind of mysterious, broody morally grey MMC I adore in mafia books. He was obsessed with Lily and so protective, I liked how he only had a soft spot for her and was willing to do anything for her. They were the definition of opposites attract and grumpy x sunshine but so perfect for each other, I could feel the tension between them from the beginning and loved it when they finally gave in to it. I also liked seeing familiar faces from the previous books and am already excited for the next one, based on the ending it’s going to be interesting.
Unruly Obsession is a really great dark romance and next installment in this amazing series, I enjoyed it a lot and definitely recommend it. I can’t wait for more books in this series.
Unruly Obsession is the third book in a series of standalone Dark Romance books and I really enjoyed it, this series is so good.
When Lily joins her friend and her husband on their honeymoon, the last thing she expects is to be shot at. Thrown into a dangerous mafia world, she needs a bodyguard and gets no other than Lorenzo, the man she had a crush on but who turns out to be different than she expected and she quickly learns she despises him, especially when they are forced to pretend to be dating and they both try and fail to ignore the attraction between them.
I was so curious about Lily and Lorenzo when I met them in the previous books and their story was so worth the wait. Lily was a bit sheltered and delicate in the beginning but I loved her character development here and Lorenzo was the kind of mysterious, broody morally grey MMC I adore in mafia books. He was obsessed with Lily and so protective, I liked how he only had a soft spot for her and was willing to do anything for her. They were the definition of opposites attract and grumpy x sunshine but so perfect for each other, I could feel the tension between them from the beginning and loved it when they finally gave in to it. I also liked seeing familiar faces from the previous books and am already excited for the next one, based on the ending it’s going to be interesting.
Unruly Obsession is a really great dark romance and next installment in this amazing series, I enjoyed it a lot and definitely recommend it. I can’t wait for more books in this series.
October 17, 2025
Ah, Lorenzo and Lily! I fell in love with this couple straight away. Okay, okay, Lorenzo made me want to give him a shake in the beginning, but truly, it was out of love and encouragement. Unruly Obsession has a great balance. The darker elements are lightened by the sunshine Lily brings to the story and the fun banter between the two lead characters.
Lily is such a beautiful character both inside and out. She is always there for all her friends, sometimes putting her own needs last. Lily understandably tries to prop up her family image but the emotional scars to herself are quite large. I love how confident she became as the story progressed and she really had Lorenzo to thank for a lot of it.
Lorenzo is and always has been Luca’s protector so playing ‘babysitter’ to Lily had him grind his teeth in frustration—well mostly. 😆 He is a no-nonsense, at times overbearing, overprotective man; however, it proved warranted quite a few times.
Ara and Luca feature in this story too and, at times, offer some fun banter—perhaps a bit sarcastic but still funny. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship had progressed.
The Hounds—oh, I would love each Hound to get their own story too. They all add a little something special from a twinkle in Skye’s eye to the more serious Tony, all are intriguing.
The mystery surrounding who and why there is a threat to either Ara or Lily keeps you on your toes. I won’t give anything away but I will say there are some terrific twists.
Bring on book four in this sensational series.
Lily is such a beautiful character both inside and out. She is always there for all her friends, sometimes putting her own needs last. Lily understandably tries to prop up her family image but the emotional scars to herself are quite large. I love how confident she became as the story progressed and she really had Lorenzo to thank for a lot of it.
Lorenzo is and always has been Luca’s protector so playing ‘babysitter’ to Lily had him grind his teeth in frustration—well mostly. 😆 He is a no-nonsense, at times overbearing, overprotective man; however, it proved warranted quite a few times.
Ara and Luca feature in this story too and, at times, offer some fun banter—perhaps a bit sarcastic but still funny. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship had progressed.
The Hounds—oh, I would love each Hound to get their own story too. They all add a little something special from a twinkle in Skye’s eye to the more serious Tony, all are intriguing.
The mystery surrounding who and why there is a threat to either Ara or Lily keeps you on your toes. I won’t give anything away but I will say there are some terrific twists.
Bring on book four in this sensational series.
October 28, 2025
I have been in love with Kia's book ever since I read about Luca and Ara, their relationship was just my favourite. And, I haven't stopped reading her books ever since, so I am glad I was a part of the Arc team. ✨
Enzo and Lily, their personality was opposite yet they fit so perfectly with each other 🥹 Lily might seem like the innocent one among her friends but she ain't a pushover. She gives Lorenzo back every chance she gets (she's a brat according to enzo 👀)
Lily Taylor comes from old money, hence her life and family seems perfect but it ofcourse is isn't. She might seem like a sunshine but she has her own past and demons she needs to overcome. The fact that she doesn't let her family dynamics ruin her personality is so brave of her 🥹💕 I love this girl so much, even after finding the truth about Ara and her life being in danger she still doesn't turn her back on the ones she loves.
Lorenzo Moretti is Luca's (first book in the series) bodyguard (also his right-hand man). Being grateful and protective of his boss comes as a second nature to him. So when he was asked to fake date Lily for her safety by his boss's wife, he couldn't say no. 👀 He knew Lily Taylor was gonna be his undoing the moment he saw her (or touched her😗).
Enzo and Lily's dynamic was soo good and they were perfect for each other 🤌🏻 Lily putting him in his place and Enzo putting up with her brat attitude.😂
Enzo and Lily, their personality was opposite yet they fit so perfectly with each other 🥹 Lily might seem like the innocent one among her friends but she ain't a pushover. She gives Lorenzo back every chance she gets (she's a brat according to enzo 👀)
Lily Taylor comes from old money, hence her life and family seems perfect but it ofcourse is isn't. She might seem like a sunshine but she has her own past and demons she needs to overcome. The fact that she doesn't let her family dynamics ruin her personality is so brave of her 🥹💕 I love this girl so much, even after finding the truth about Ara and her life being in danger she still doesn't turn her back on the ones she loves.
Lorenzo Moretti is Luca's (first book in the series) bodyguard (also his right-hand man). Being grateful and protective of his boss comes as a second nature to him. So when he was asked to fake date Lily for her safety by his boss's wife, he couldn't say no. 👀 He knew Lily Taylor was gonna be his undoing the moment he saw her (or touched her😗).
Enzo and Lily's dynamic was soo good and they were perfect for each other 🤌🏻 Lily putting him in his place and Enzo putting up with her brat attitude.😂
November 5, 2025
Unruly Obsession by Kia Carrington-Russell is an intoxicating blend of danger, desire, and defiance. From the moment Lily and Lorenzo meet, sparks ignite — not the sweet, gentle kind, but the kind that threaten to burn everything down. This isn’t your typical love story; it’s a power struggle wrapped in obsession, and I loved every chaotic, addictive second of it.
Lily is the kind of heroine I can’t help but root for — fierce, sharp-witted, and unapologetically herself even when thrown into Lorenzo’s dark and commanding world. She’s no damsel; she pushes back, claws out, refusing to bend. And Lorenzo? He’s the perfect storm — dangerous, magnetic, and maddeningly in control, yet every interaction with Lily cracks his armor a little more. Together, they’re pure combustion.
The chemistry between them is electric, the tension deliciously unbearable. Carrington-Russell’s writing captures that fine line between temptation and torment, weaving in emotion and intensity that feel raw and real. The pacing keeps you hooked, and the emotional stakes rise with every page — leaving you desperate to know who will truly win this battle of hearts and power.
Unruly Obsession is for readers who crave dark romance with grit, dominance, and depth — a story where love doesn’t come easy, but it’s all the more intoxicating because of it. Lily and Lorenzo’s story is messy, magnetic, and utterly consuming — just the way I like it.
Lily is the kind of heroine I can’t help but root for — fierce, sharp-witted, and unapologetically herself even when thrown into Lorenzo’s dark and commanding world. She’s no damsel; she pushes back, claws out, refusing to bend. And Lorenzo? He’s the perfect storm — dangerous, magnetic, and maddeningly in control, yet every interaction with Lily cracks his armor a little more. Together, they’re pure combustion.
The chemistry between them is electric, the tension deliciously unbearable. Carrington-Russell’s writing captures that fine line between temptation and torment, weaving in emotion and intensity that feel raw and real. The pacing keeps you hooked, and the emotional stakes rise with every page — leaving you desperate to know who will truly win this battle of hearts and power.
Unruly Obsession is for readers who crave dark romance with grit, dominance, and depth — a story where love doesn’t come easy, but it’s all the more intoxicating because of it. Lily and Lorenzo’s story is messy, magnetic, and utterly consuming — just the way I like it.
September 29, 2025
{ARC} 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆 :: UNRULY OBSESSION:: This Obsession series is one craving I’ll never give up. Enemies-to-lovers stories always get me, but there’s something about a sweet, innocent heroine and a brooding, dangerous hero that hits differently—and this series delivers it flawlessly.
Lilly is everything her name suggests—kind, gentle, and selfless to a fault. She always puts others first, often at her own expense. Watching her come into her own, especially while running her flower shop, gave me literal goosebumps. Her growth and quiet strength made me so proud of her—it’s impossible not to root for her.
And then there’s Lorenzo. The perfect second-in-command, with a dark, intense heart and a loyalty that is unmatched. His devotion to his boss—and by extension, his boss’s wife—is the kind of loyalty any leader would dream of. But when his job becomes protecting Lilly, the sparks fly. Watching these two clash, push boundaries, and slowly break down each other’s walls had me completely hooked. They’re like pure sunshine colliding with a hurricane—chaotic, intense, and utterly magnetic.
The next book is set up perfectly, and I can already feel the chaos that’s coming. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next—if you love dark romance with tension, passion, and characters that linger long after the last page, this series is a must-read.
Lilly is everything her name suggests—kind, gentle, and selfless to a fault. She always puts others first, often at her own expense. Watching her come into her own, especially while running her flower shop, gave me literal goosebumps. Her growth and quiet strength made me so proud of her—it’s impossible not to root for her.
And then there’s Lorenzo. The perfect second-in-command, with a dark, intense heart and a loyalty that is unmatched. His devotion to his boss—and by extension, his boss’s wife—is the kind of loyalty any leader would dream of. But when his job becomes protecting Lilly, the sparks fly. Watching these two clash, push boundaries, and slowly break down each other’s walls had me completely hooked. They’re like pure sunshine colliding with a hurricane—chaotic, intense, and utterly magnetic.
The next book is set up perfectly, and I can already feel the chaos that’s coming. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next—if you love dark romance with tension, passion, and characters that linger long after the last page, this series is a must-read.
October 21, 2025
Unequivocally obsessed
I don't know how she does it, but every time I read a book by Lia Carrington-Russell I find it almost impossible to put down. UNRULY OBSESSION, Insidious Obsession book #3, is a dark mafia romance with a delicious slow burn, an age gap, and a morally gray bodyguard.
Lily Taylor and Lorenzo Moretti are two opposites who find it hard to deny the magnetic attraction between them. In the beginning the tension between them could be cut with a knife, but when they finally gave in to their attraction it was so worth the wait. Lily is the sunshine to Lorenzo's grumpy moodiness, she needed a man like him in her life, just as he needed her. Together they sizzled and the eruption of their heat was volcanic. I loved how obsessed Lorenzo was, his passion for Lily and his possessiveness. I loved the growth of Lily, she blossomed from a naive, innocent woman to one who learnt her self-worth and her power.
Kia has delivered an addictive story which has incredible chemistry, wonderful banter, hot spice, terrific characters, and plenty of mystery and suspense. Of course there are some jaw dropping twists, but it wouldn't be a "Kia" book without them. She's perfectly set the scene for the next book and I cannot wait.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
I don't know how she does it, but every time I read a book by Lia Carrington-Russell I find it almost impossible to put down. UNRULY OBSESSION, Insidious Obsession book #3, is a dark mafia romance with a delicious slow burn, an age gap, and a morally gray bodyguard.
Lily Taylor and Lorenzo Moretti are two opposites who find it hard to deny the magnetic attraction between them. In the beginning the tension between them could be cut with a knife, but when they finally gave in to their attraction it was so worth the wait. Lily is the sunshine to Lorenzo's grumpy moodiness, she needed a man like him in her life, just as he needed her. Together they sizzled and the eruption of their heat was volcanic. I loved how obsessed Lorenzo was, his passion for Lily and his possessiveness. I loved the growth of Lily, she blossomed from a naive, innocent woman to one who learnt her self-worth and her power.
Kia has delivered an addictive story which has incredible chemistry, wonderful banter, hot spice, terrific characters, and plenty of mystery and suspense. Of course there are some jaw dropping twists, but it wouldn't be a "Kia" book without them. She's perfectly set the scene for the next book and I cannot wait.
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
October 21, 2025
A man who protects and loves
I love mafia. I love an obsessed man. I love when a man decides she’s it and nothing will stop him from protecting, claiming, and worshiping her.
Lorenzo was that man. Cold, calculated, and lethal to everyone but her. For years, he fought his attraction to Lily, the one woman who could undo him with a single glance. As the most trusted and most feared man in the organization, he’s a storm barely contained.
Lily, on the other hand, just wants to break free of her family’s control. She’s strong but still learning to stand her ground, and when she’s attacked, their worlds collide. To keep her safe, they agree to fake date but there’s nothing fake about their chemistry.
Their push and pull? Addictive. Their tension? Electric. And that “f*ck it” moment when it all snaps? Perfection.
Lorenzo might be ruthless to the world, but for her, he’s soft, buying her favorite drinks, remembering every detail, and making sure she’s fed and safe, even when she drives him insane. He punishes, protects, and worships in equal measure. And beneath every brutal edge is a man who would destroy the world to keep her breathing.
By the end, when ahe says “we’re okay,” I felt that in my soul. The confession scene? Pure love.
This book gave me everything I crave frompossession, devotion, danger, and heart.
I love mafia. I love an obsessed man. I love when a man decides she’s it and nothing will stop him from protecting, claiming, and worshiping her.
Lorenzo was that man. Cold, calculated, and lethal to everyone but her. For years, he fought his attraction to Lily, the one woman who could undo him with a single glance. As the most trusted and most feared man in the organization, he’s a storm barely contained.
Lily, on the other hand, just wants to break free of her family’s control. She’s strong but still learning to stand her ground, and when she’s attacked, their worlds collide. To keep her safe, they agree to fake date but there’s nothing fake about their chemistry.
Their push and pull? Addictive. Their tension? Electric. And that “f*ck it” moment when it all snaps? Perfection.
Lorenzo might be ruthless to the world, but for her, he’s soft, buying her favorite drinks, remembering every detail, and making sure she’s fed and safe, even when she drives him insane. He punishes, protects, and worships in equal measure. And beneath every brutal edge is a man who would destroy the world to keep her breathing.
By the end, when ahe says “we’re okay,” I felt that in my soul. The confession scene? Pure love.
This book gave me everything I crave frompossession, devotion, danger, and heart.
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