Unruly Obsession

Insidious Obsession #3

by Kia Carrington-Russell

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*

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Spicy, Enemies To Lovers, Dark, Mafia Romance, Fake Dating

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Amazon 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

Reviews

[Buffy ❤️‍🔥💀 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Ashlley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jess Nosworthy · Rating 2 out of 5]

its a book !

[Madison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lily sucked

[JoyceLynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was doing THE MOST… and yet I couldn’t look away. The plot? Chaotic. The pacing? Unstable. Lorenzo? An absolute menace to society—an ass, a walking red flag factory, a whole FBI watchlist—but unfortunately for my morals, the possessive, controlling, serial-killer vibes had me seated and minding my business (judge your mama, not me 😌).

Now let’s be clear: Lilly is the reason this book survived. As the mess unfolded, her personality snapped, cracked, and clapped back exactly when it needed to. Her kickbacks? Immaculate. Therapeutic, even. Was this toxic? Yes. Was it messy? Absolutely. Did I enjoy it? Regrettably… yes.

This is not a wholesome read. This is a “if you know, you know” read. Enter at your own risk—preferably with low expectations and high tolerance for chaos 🔥👀
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Ayle Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Thai ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes i skipped the second book in the series bc i did not care for the characters … BUT

LORENZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YEAH BC THATS MY MAN. he could run me over with a car and I’d thank him with tears in my eyes.

AND I ALSO EAT UP A BODYGUARD TROPES . OH HOW I LOVE A GOOD BODYGUARD TROPE. this was delicious this was spicy this was everything.

[Ioana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Sunshine stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨️
3🌶

[hana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It was cute

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ love me a good bodyguard romance

[Reb · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
FMC was on another planet. Like girl, he’s protecting you from getting murdered. Take a breath.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 💭

[Tasma · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kate Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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🌶️

[Sarah (iliveinbookworlds) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ it just didn’t give what I wanted it to give but I did have a good time

[Chelsea Newsome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo good I love Lorenzo & Lilly 😍. I’m excited for book 4 to come out. I know it’s going to be soooo good.

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

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:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Hiba · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.25⭐️

my life was not incomplete without this... I'll probably forget about this book within 15 minutes

[sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Aimey reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Azoy · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Lexi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Truthfully I wanted to rate this book a one star but settled for 2 only for Lorenzo and Sky. Omg I genuinely thought I would love this book, but I found myself ANNOYED the entire time. Lily is the most insufferable character ever. She’s ridiculous really! She swear up and down she don’t want to be treated like glass but she can’t even stand up for herself. I get that her personality was supposed to be bratty but I honestly just found her selfish. She’s acting like it’s Lorenzo choice to be her body guard. Like girl you have a HIT on you. Get real. I understand the whole enemies to lovers but her constantly being like “why are you following me” “why are you here” “you can’t come with me here” was just annoying because girl…IT’S HIS JOB. Her getting mad and then doing dumb crap like going to a comedy club or a shopping spree. Things she said she would never do. Things she was so called “annoyed” for Lorenzo even recommending. She’s quite literally a spoiled brat. Then at the near end she literally decides that maybe she need to thank him for protecting her with everything only for her to go to him and basically attack him AGAIN. He literally standing there begging her and confessing his love and obsession with her because she still is holding a grudge that shouldn’t have been held to begin with. She wants to be a part of his world but then hate him for it. Like she’s a joke. She genuinely pisses me off. Also I hated the way everyone treated Lorenzo in this book. Like him getting slapped by Ara for following an order HER HUSBAND gave him?????? Lily getting so upset over him taking her dad out but then the next chapter she’s okay with it. She’s just mad at him because he didn’t listen to her but girl literally doesn’t even care that her dad is gone. She’s ungrateful. She act like a child. I just wish Lorenzo took up for himself more. People ran over him so easy and because of it, it’s hard for me to take him serious as this dark romance ultimate guy because he’s genuinely a puppet that gets pulled left and right by either Luca, Ara, or Lily. It’s all so annoying and I genuinely didn’t want to finish the book. I’ve never been more relieved to finish a book. I think Lily is one of the worse book characters I’ve read. “Why are you here” and so he leaves “so you’re gonna just leave” girl rest. Then her having all these guts to threaten other people who are killers but can’t even stand up to her dad is a joke. Her pointing a gun at Lorenzo head is just a joke. She’s literally just a joke. Worst fmc ever. And Ara is a close second. This review started with a two star but after writing all of this I’m taking it to a 1 star.

[Adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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.”

[Amaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!! 😍💫

[C_C · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kim Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.