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Insidious Obsession #4
Carnal Obsession
A one-night stand. A mafia obsession. A roommate she can’t escape.
Romi
When my friends force me to advertise for a new roommate, the last person I expect to turn up is the stranger I had a one-night stand with.
He says he’s a doctor, but I suspect that’s a total lie.
I can’t stand his arrogance or the fact that he’s always there, sticking his nose in my business.
But I can’t seem to keep my hands off him.
Even when every part of me screams that the man is dangerous.
Dante
When I get the chance to become second in command of the Italian Mafia, I take it because I want to undermine my brother.
I want to destroy everything he’s built.
That’s why, when I see his fiancée’s friend advertising for a roommate, I decide to move in with her.
I intend to use her to burrow deeper into my brother’s life and under his skin.
The good news? She hates me. The bad news? It makes me want her.
And I always get what I want.
*This is a brand new stand alone dark romance based in the same world as Insidious Obsession*
Romi
When my friends force me to advertise for a new roommate, the last person I expect to turn up is the stranger I had a one-night stand with.
He says he’s a doctor, but I suspect that’s a total lie.
I can’t stand his arrogance or the fact that he’s always there, sticking his nose in my business.
But I can’t seem to keep my hands off him.
Even when every part of me screams that the man is dangerous.
Dante
When I get the chance to become second in command of the Italian Mafia, I take it because I want to undermine my brother.
I want to destroy everything he’s built.
That’s why, when I see his fiancée’s friend advertising for a roommate, I decide to move in with her.
I intend to use her to burrow deeper into my brother’s life and under his skin.
The good news? She hates me. The bad news? It makes me want her.
And I always get what I want.
*This is a brand new stand alone dark romance based in the same world as Insidious Obsession*
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2025
312 people are currently reading
1741 people want to read
About the author
Kia Carrington-Russell
41 books929 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 74 reviews
December 29, 2025
This was such a good book. I 10/10 recommend reading it and the books in this series before this one.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 3, 2026
Not only did we have Lorenzo, but we find out that HE HAS A BROTHER?! And we get to explore EVERYTHING about him in Carnal Obsession, and OH MY WORD! All I gotta say, IS THE WAY THAT THESE TWO MEET… KIA, GIRL!
From what little we know about both Dante and Romi, we DEFINITELY dive in and THE WAY everything went about, I COULD NOT EVEN! From Romi wanting to please her friends by getting a roommate, to WHO ACTUALLY ENDED UP BEING HER ROOMMATE?! All because a certain someone wanted to mess with his brother… I SEE YOU DANTE! I’m SURE both of them weren’t expecting what happened next, but MY GOD was it ELECTRIC, FIERY, SPICY and ALL ROUND CATASTROPHIC (in a good way, of course) *smirk*
Even with all of the bad bitchery from Romi, and the morally grey from Dante, both of them had some trauma and without even realising it, they both become one another’s anchor AND IT WAS TOO FUCKING CUTE! How they took care of each other when they needed someone JUST MADE MY HEART MELT. Especially Dante’s relationship with his brother and Romi’s remembrance of Lorraine. I swear they balance one another out and I feel like that is the BEST type of love!
Of course, we HAVE to mention that it was SO GOOD to see the rest of the gang! And there potentially is a moment we can have for Sienna and STILL HOPING FOR DARIO FOR REAL! He NEEDS HIS REDEMPTION ARC! I STAND BY IT!
From what little we know about both Dante and Romi, we DEFINITELY dive in and THE WAY everything went about, I COULD NOT EVEN! From Romi wanting to please her friends by getting a roommate, to WHO ACTUALLY ENDED UP BEING HER ROOMMATE?! All because a certain someone wanted to mess with his brother… I SEE YOU DANTE! I’m SURE both of them weren’t expecting what happened next, but MY GOD was it ELECTRIC, FIERY, SPICY and ALL ROUND CATASTROPHIC (in a good way, of course) *smirk*
Even with all of the bad bitchery from Romi, and the morally grey from Dante, both of them had some trauma and without even realising it, they both become one another’s anchor AND IT WAS TOO FUCKING CUTE! How they took care of each other when they needed someone JUST MADE MY HEART MELT. Especially Dante’s relationship with his brother and Romi’s remembrance of Lorraine. I swear they balance one another out and I feel like that is the BEST type of love!
Of course, we HAVE to mention that it was SO GOOD to see the rest of the gang! And there potentially is a moment we can have for Sienna and STILL HOPING FOR DARIO FOR REAL! He NEEDS HIS REDEMPTION ARC! I STAND BY IT!
December 9, 2025
When Romi Lutton needs a roommate to keep her friend’s worries at bay, she never expected the man she spent one night with to show up and take the room. Now, Dante Moretti is there but he has an ulterior motive. He is about to be second in command to the m*fia boss and Romi happens to be his brother’s fiancées’ friend. He will do anything to annoy his brother so getting close to Romi might be the answer unless this mission backfires and Dante starts to get feelings. Oh you are going to love the tension and banter between these two characters. Romi gives and good and she gets from him and his relationship with her little dog…priceless!! They are definitely perfectly matched in this dark mafia romance with plenty of action, chaos and one S*xy as h€|| pierced hero! He can be my roomie anytime. ;) A Top Read For Sure!!! Told in first person and dual POV.
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
December 9, 2025
Carnal Obsession is so good! It has roommates-to-lovers, an unhinged MMC, an obsessed MMC — and so much more.
The story follows Romi, who’s dealing with grief and guilt after the loss of her roommate, and Dante, who initially wants to get close to Romi for all the wrong reasons — to get back at his brother.
I love Dante’s character so much. He’s both a red flag and a green flag in the best way possible.
The way the author handled Romi’s grief really stood out. It showed that grief has no timeline and no “right way” to move forward — it was written so well.
I also loved how the book explored Dante’s relationship with his brother, the tension between them, and the hurt that comes from being misunderstood by family.
And Romi’s friends? They were amazing. They never abandoned her, even when she tried to push them away.
This is my favorite in the series — absolutely beautiful.
It’s a 4.5-star read, and I definitely recommend it.
The story follows Romi, who’s dealing with grief and guilt after the loss of her roommate, and Dante, who initially wants to get close to Romi for all the wrong reasons — to get back at his brother.
I love Dante’s character so much. He’s both a red flag and a green flag in the best way possible.
The way the author handled Romi’s grief really stood out. It showed that grief has no timeline and no “right way” to move forward — it was written so well.
I also loved how the book explored Dante’s relationship with his brother, the tension between them, and the hurt that comes from being misunderstood by family.
And Romi’s friends? They were amazing. They never abandoned her, even when she tried to push them away.
This is my favorite in the series — absolutely beautiful.
It’s a 4.5-star read, and I definitely recommend it.
December 31, 2025
Romi and Dante—theirs is an unconventional relationship, but one that pulls you in and tugs at your heartstrings. I loved these two with their fiery banter and combustible chemistry. These stories keep getting more addictive, and this one, book four, is sensational.
It is an interesting journey getting to know Romi better. Her self-honesty is refreshing and at times brutal, so I found myself wanting to wrap her in cotton wool–the very last thing she’d like. Her tempestuous character is fitting for an artist, but it’s her caring and loving nature that really sets her apart. When she loves someone, she is all in and loves fiercely. Romi, in all her imperfect glory, is just right for Dante.
Dante is definitely someone with unresolved issues from both his childhood and his brother’s influence. Lorenzo’s heart was in the right place, but I feel he didn’t really know his brother. Dante, too, is very honest about himself and doesn’t shy away from who he is unless he has a valid reason.
There are many light moments with some fun banter between characters that are chuckle-worthy. Then there are the darker moments, and, to be honest, these do take up much of the story. However, darkness comes in many shades, and this is very evident in Insidious Obsession—as the title suggests. Without going into too much detail, ‘experiencing loss’ is explored really well and in various ways, too. I will warn you, though, that there are plenty of emotions you can’t help but feel deeply when reading this terrific story.
It is an interesting journey getting to know Romi better. Her self-honesty is refreshing and at times brutal, so I found myself wanting to wrap her in cotton wool–the very last thing she’d like. Her tempestuous character is fitting for an artist, but it’s her caring and loving nature that really sets her apart. When she loves someone, she is all in and loves fiercely. Romi, in all her imperfect glory, is just right for Dante.
Dante is definitely someone with unresolved issues from both his childhood and his brother’s influence. Lorenzo’s heart was in the right place, but I feel he didn’t really know his brother. Dante, too, is very honest about himself and doesn’t shy away from who he is unless he has a valid reason.
There are many light moments with some fun banter between characters that are chuckle-worthy. Then there are the darker moments, and, to be honest, these do take up much of the story. However, darkness comes in many shades, and this is very evident in Insidious Obsession—as the title suggests. Without going into too much detail, ‘experiencing loss’ is explored really well and in various ways, too. I will warn you, though, that there are plenty of emotions you can’t help but feel deeply when reading this terrific story.
December 29, 2025
This is the fourth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Romi and Dante’s story.
Romi is encouraged by her best friend to advertise for a new roommate, and the last person she expect to turn up is Dante, her 1-night stand. Dante has the chance to become second in charge in the Italian mafia, he takes it to undermine his brother, and when he sees his brother’s fiancé’s friend advertising for a roommate, he applies to antagonise his brother.
No spoilers: this is a must read; you will not be disappointed!
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with family dynamics, friendships, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, obsession, roommates / lovers, challenges, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, dark mafia romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Romi is encouraged by her best friend to advertise for a new roommate, and the last person she expect to turn up is Dante, her 1-night stand. Dante has the chance to become second in charge in the Italian mafia, he takes it to undermine his brother, and when he sees his brother’s fiancé’s friend advertising for a roommate, he applies to antagonise his brother.
No spoilers: this is a must read; you will not be disappointed!
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with family dynamics, friendships, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, obsession, roommates / lovers, challenges, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable, dark mafia romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
December 10, 2025
After a passionate night together, Romi expected to never see Dante again. But when he suddenly shows up at her door as her new roommate, everything spirals into a physical and fiery relationship that neither of them knows how to define but that forces both of them to confront their inner demons.
This one was so unexpectedly emotional, I wasn’t expecting it to be so deep but I was pleasantly surprised. The evolution of their relationship and personal growth was honestly so worth the angst cause for Romi, it becomes a strange sort of healing and for Dante, it unlocks feelings he never thought he was capable of. Watching him evolve, slowly discovering his emotions and becoming someone Romi could actually trust with her heart, chefs kiss! And of course the physical stuff, what can I say? I’m a girl who likes spice.
But for real, Romi broke my heart. She is going through so much emotionally, carrying this self destructive pain that you can feel in every scene. Her walls were sky high and the way she coped made me ache for her…you could see how badly she wanted to be okay but just could not figure out how to get there. Her vulnerability made me want to hug her.
“Right now, I’m his. Entirely.”
Dante on the other hand…I liked his sarcastic, sadistic way SO much. He had this swag and confidence that somehow justified every unhinged thing he said or did. But it was the moments where that inner sweetheart slipped out, especially whenever Romi brought out his protective, caring side, that completely did me in. The contrast was addictive. He is chaotic, sharp, a little morally questionable, but so loyal once he decides someone matters. And Romi mattered, a lot. The only complaint I had was that I kinda wanted to see him finish off med school. A Dr. title would have made him even hotter haha.
I also loved seeing the entire Obsession gang getting together again. This entire unhinged found family is one of my favourite things about Kia’s universe. They are messy, dramatic, chaotic, and somehow the most supportive people alive so every scene with them just felt fun even through the hard parts.
At this point, I’ve read so much of Kia’s work but her writing never gets boring. She always keeps me wanting more, always adds a twist or an emotional punch that makes the book impossible to put down. And that epilogue…PERFECTION, MY HEART IS FULL! A final shoutout to the llamas and Boris, they had me laughing way louder than I should have. It was the exact amount of cute craziness that I needed.
This one was so unexpectedly emotional, I wasn’t expecting it to be so deep but I was pleasantly surprised. The evolution of their relationship and personal growth was honestly so worth the angst cause for Romi, it becomes a strange sort of healing and for Dante, it unlocks feelings he never thought he was capable of. Watching him evolve, slowly discovering his emotions and becoming someone Romi could actually trust with her heart, chefs kiss! And of course the physical stuff, what can I say? I’m a girl who likes spice.
But for real, Romi broke my heart. She is going through so much emotionally, carrying this self destructive pain that you can feel in every scene. Her walls were sky high and the way she coped made me ache for her…you could see how badly she wanted to be okay but just could not figure out how to get there. Her vulnerability made me want to hug her.
“Right now, I’m his. Entirely.”
Dante on the other hand…I liked his sarcastic, sadistic way SO much. He had this swag and confidence that somehow justified every unhinged thing he said or did. But it was the moments where that inner sweetheart slipped out, especially whenever Romi brought out his protective, caring side, that completely did me in. The contrast was addictive. He is chaotic, sharp, a little morally questionable, but so loyal once he decides someone matters. And Romi mattered, a lot. The only complaint I had was that I kinda wanted to see him finish off med school. A Dr. title would have made him even hotter haha.
I also loved seeing the entire Obsession gang getting together again. This entire unhinged found family is one of my favourite things about Kia’s universe. They are messy, dramatic, chaotic, and somehow the most supportive people alive so every scene with them just felt fun even through the hard parts.
At this point, I’ve read so much of Kia’s work but her writing never gets boring. She always keeps me wanting more, always adds a twist or an emotional punch that makes the book impossible to put down. And that epilogue…PERFECTION, MY HEART IS FULL! A final shoutout to the llamas and Boris, they had me laughing way louder than I should have. It was the exact amount of cute craziness that I needed.
December 26, 2025
And she has done it again!! Kia has managed to write the perfect unhinged MMC that turns into a soft for only her love!!
Kia is one of my “auto-read” authors, always, so when given the opportunity to ARC read one of her books, it’s a hell yeah, because every single time, it’s a wild, deranged great book!! This book is definitely no exception!! 100% recommend this read!! Has a great plot, amazing characters with both of them having HUGE IDGAF attitudes, deliciously spicy and smutty, and a MMC that is so cocky and smug!!! As always this was a quick read that had me swooning for a dangerous MMC and cheering the MFC on to overcome her issues!!
Dante is hard, dangerous, and lethal but for Romi he is soft, domesticated and supportive!! He wants to watch her break beautifully due to an unknown incident, but at the same time he wants to selfishly protect her. He loves to be on the receiving end of her bite, enjoys the pain she can inflict but loves seeing her softness. He wants to keep it all to himself!! The more she cuts him with her tongue, the more he finds himself enthralled by her, she absolutely fascinates him!! Romi was only supposed to be a way to destroy his brother and a means to an end, too bad for him, he’s envisioning so MUCH more of a life with her!!!
To Romi, Dante was a mystery one night stand in a string of self destruction!! But after her friends convince her to get a roommate, the stranger she met at her friend’s going away party, shows up on her doorstep looking to be her new roomie! Now she finds herself drawn in further by his darkness, in order to feel anything but the constant numbness and mixed emotions left behind by the death of her friend. At least when she’s with him, she feels something again, even if it is in the wrong place with a devil himself. Is he still only a nuisance to her, or someone who might actually end her life? She’s not sure, but she can’t stay away!
Kia is one of my “auto-read” authors, always, so when given the opportunity to ARC read one of her books, it’s a hell yeah, because every single time, it’s a wild, deranged great book!! This book is definitely no exception!! 100% recommend this read!! Has a great plot, amazing characters with both of them having HUGE IDGAF attitudes, deliciously spicy and smutty, and a MMC that is so cocky and smug!!! As always this was a quick read that had me swooning for a dangerous MMC and cheering the MFC on to overcome her issues!!
Dante is hard, dangerous, and lethal but for Romi he is soft, domesticated and supportive!! He wants to watch her break beautifully due to an unknown incident, but at the same time he wants to selfishly protect her. He loves to be on the receiving end of her bite, enjoys the pain she can inflict but loves seeing her softness. He wants to keep it all to himself!! The more she cuts him with her tongue, the more he finds himself enthralled by her, she absolutely fascinates him!! Romi was only supposed to be a way to destroy his brother and a means to an end, too bad for him, he’s envisioning so MUCH more of a life with her!!!
To Romi, Dante was a mystery one night stand in a string of self destruction!! But after her friends convince her to get a roommate, the stranger she met at her friend’s going away party, shows up on her doorstep looking to be her new roomie! Now she finds herself drawn in further by his darkness, in order to feel anything but the constant numbness and mixed emotions left behind by the death of her friend. At least when she’s with him, she feels something again, even if it is in the wrong place with a devil himself. Is he still only a nuisance to her, or someone who might actually end her life? She’s not sure, but she can’t stay away!
December 27, 2025
ARC REVIEW
"Carnal Obsession"
by Kia Carrington-Russel
I have been very fortunate to have ARC read previous book "Unruly Obsession", which had Lorenzo as the MMC, a ruthless Italian Mafia killer. And now with "Carnal Obsession", we follow Lorenzo's brother, Dante.
To whom have read Unruly and thought Lorenzo was ruthless, like I did, Dante is completely unhinged.
I loved the premise of his character: a doctor-almost-surgeon that becomes a Mafia killer by choice. And by pleasure. Because Dante's MO is totally unhinged. And his mind his so twisted, so unbelievable twisted, that he is funny.
When he meets Romi, the FMC, an artist that is living a very difficult time in her life, he becomes obsessed with her. With bringing her back to life and to his world painted with blood in every way.
It is a captivating, brutal and dark romance. But there is love in darkness. Dante and Romi will find theirs.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
some my favorite quotes:
There's something not entirely right about this man. Something dangerous.
"Make me forget," I whisper
A woman after my own heart. I have the distinct feeling I'm going to have a lot of fun here in New York.
Here's the thing... I like pain.
Whatever this little vixen has gone through, it's broken her. But this is the part I love to see the most people in.
"Scared you're going to fall for me, sweetheart?"
I want to watch her fall apart, curious to see how insane this woman can get.
"I forgot to mention that I enjoy a hunt. When you run, Cativella, I will always chase you."
That should in no way whatsoever turn me on.
He's more lethal than I would've ever imagined, and I've become some kind of carnal obsession.
She's mine, until the very end. Wether she'll willingly come or not.
"Who knew one of the most lethal men in Manhattan could have a soft spot?"
For her.
Only her.
"Carnal Obsession"
by Kia Carrington-Russel
I have been very fortunate to have ARC read previous book "Unruly Obsession", which had Lorenzo as the MMC, a ruthless Italian Mafia killer. And now with "Carnal Obsession", we follow Lorenzo's brother, Dante.
To whom have read Unruly and thought Lorenzo was ruthless, like I did, Dante is completely unhinged.
I loved the premise of his character: a doctor-almost-surgeon that becomes a Mafia killer by choice. And by pleasure. Because Dante's MO is totally unhinged. And his mind his so twisted, so unbelievable twisted, that he is funny.
When he meets Romi, the FMC, an artist that is living a very difficult time in her life, he becomes obsessed with her. With bringing her back to life and to his world painted with blood in every way.
It is a captivating, brutal and dark romance. But there is love in darkness. Dante and Romi will find theirs.
Thank you to the author for this ARC.
---
some my favorite quotes:
There's something not entirely right about this man. Something dangerous.
"Make me forget," I whisper
A woman after my own heart. I have the distinct feeling I'm going to have a lot of fun here in New York.
Here's the thing... I like pain.
Whatever this little vixen has gone through, it's broken her. But this is the part I love to see the most people in.
"Scared you're going to fall for me, sweetheart?"
I want to watch her fall apart, curious to see how insane this woman can get.
"I forgot to mention that I enjoy a hunt. When you run, Cativella, I will always chase you."
That should in no way whatsoever turn me on.
He's more lethal than I would've ever imagined, and I've become some kind of carnal obsession.
She's mine, until the very end. Wether she'll willingly come or not.
"Who knew one of the most lethal men in Manhattan could have a soft spot?"
For her.
Only her.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Addictive, emotional, unputdownable
Kia Carrington-Russell has once again blown my mind! CARNAL OBSESSION, Insidious Obsession #4, is a bad boy/bad girl, he falls first, obsessive alpha, hate to love, forced proximity, touch her and die, mafia romance which is an addictive, emotional, and unputdownable read.
Romi Lutton is living in a world filled with grief, she blames herself for the death of her friend and roommate. She's cut herself off from her friends preferring her own company, abottle of alcohol, and nameless s3x partners. A one night stand brings Dante Moretti into her life. Dante has returned to America to step into his brother's role as Luca Armani's second. Dante has another agenda and Romi is the centrepiece of his plan.
OMG!!! Romi and Dante were explosive from their initial meeting. Their chemistry was instant, their heat combustible, and their banter was absolutely brilliant. One minute the tension between them could have been cut with a knife, the next there was a soothing gentleness. Desire, passion, fire; Kia knows how to bring those to her characters. Dante's obsession with Romi only intensified the more he learnt about her, falling for her wasn't in his plan though. Boy, did that man fall hard, not only did he become obsessed, he was also possessive and protective of her. Romi fought how she felt about Dante for as long as and hard as she could, yet there was something about him that called to her recklessness, fiestiness, and her inner desires. He made her feel alive again.
Nothing about CARNAL OBSESSION was sweet or innocent. No, this story was chaotic, messy, obsessive, and addictive. Yet again Kia has shown why this genre is her home, I love the Mafia world she has created. Consuming Romi and Dante's story was easy; the drama, danger, spice, chemistry, and banter had me spellbound. Kia has done it once again!
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
Kia Carrington-Russell has once again blown my mind! CARNAL OBSESSION, Insidious Obsession #4, is a bad boy/bad girl, he falls first, obsessive alpha, hate to love, forced proximity, touch her and die, mafia romance which is an addictive, emotional, and unputdownable read.
Romi Lutton is living in a world filled with grief, she blames herself for the death of her friend and roommate. She's cut herself off from her friends preferring her own company, abottle of alcohol, and nameless s3x partners. A one night stand brings Dante Moretti into her life. Dante has returned to America to step into his brother's role as Luca Armani's second. Dante has another agenda and Romi is the centrepiece of his plan.
OMG!!! Romi and Dante were explosive from their initial meeting. Their chemistry was instant, their heat combustible, and their banter was absolutely brilliant. One minute the tension between them could have been cut with a knife, the next there was a soothing gentleness. Desire, passion, fire; Kia knows how to bring those to her characters. Dante's obsession with Romi only intensified the more he learnt about her, falling for her wasn't in his plan though. Boy, did that man fall hard, not only did he become obsessed, he was also possessive and protective of her. Romi fought how she felt about Dante for as long as and hard as she could, yet there was something about him that called to her recklessness, fiestiness, and her inner desires. He made her feel alive again.
Nothing about CARNAL OBSESSION was sweet or innocent. No, this story was chaotic, messy, obsessive, and addictive. Yet again Kia has shown why this genre is her home, I love the Mafia world she has created. Consuming Romi and Dante's story was easy; the drama, danger, spice, chemistry, and banter had me spellbound. Kia has done it once again!
Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction
✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS
Review of advance copy received from Author
So I expected these two to kill each other but… they killed me instead 😅.
Romi is the definition of “I hate him… but also I don’t, please someone stop me”.
Dante is chaos wrapped in danger wrapped in “I always get what I want”—and what he wants is her, obviously.
Romi is drowning in grief after losing her friend, refusing help from everyone who tries to reach her.
She wants space, silence, distance.
What she gets instead… is Dante.
Dante, the man who somehow sees straight through her walls even when she’s desperate to keep everyone out.
They were supposed to be a one-night mistake.
They were definitely not supposed to become roommates.
And he was absolutely not supposed to be the one person who gets under her skin when she needs someone the most.
This book gave me:
🔥 Mafia drama
🔥 A man who shows up exactly when she’s breaking
🔥 Banter that turns into comfort before turning into pure fire
🔥 Chemistry that does NOT play fair
🔥 Mafia tension + emotional healing (my fave combo)
By the time they stop trying to push each other away, it’s obvious— he is dangerous, but he is also exactly what her heart needed to start breathing again. At the end I wasn’t rooting for them to survive the mafia—I was rooting for them to survive each other.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ because DOC didn’t just obsess… he understood her.
And Romi finally letting someone in? That hit harder than the spice.
📖 “Is this your first time?” I bite. “Don't worry I'll be gentle.”
“I doubt you know anything about being gentle, sweetheart. But I'm simply waiting for you to beg.”
I prop myself up on two elbows.
“I don't beg, pretty boy. Either you make me come, or I'll walk back into that party and find someone who will.”
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Romi is the definition of “I hate him… but also I don’t, please someone stop me”.
Dante is chaos wrapped in danger wrapped in “I always get what I want”—and what he wants is her, obviously.
Romi is drowning in grief after losing her friend, refusing help from everyone who tries to reach her.
She wants space, silence, distance.
What she gets instead… is Dante.
Dante, the man who somehow sees straight through her walls even when she’s desperate to keep everyone out.
They were supposed to be a one-night mistake.
They were definitely not supposed to become roommates.
And he was absolutely not supposed to be the one person who gets under her skin when she needs someone the most.
This book gave me:
🔥 Mafia drama
🔥 A man who shows up exactly when she’s breaking
🔥 Banter that turns into comfort before turning into pure fire
🔥 Chemistry that does NOT play fair
🔥 Mafia tension + emotional healing (my fave combo)
By the time they stop trying to push each other away, it’s obvious— he is dangerous, but he is also exactly what her heart needed to start breathing again. At the end I wasn’t rooting for them to survive the mafia—I was rooting for them to survive each other.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ because DOC didn’t just obsess… he understood her.
And Romi finally letting someone in? That hit harder than the spice.
📖 “Is this your first time?” I bite. “Don't worry I'll be gentle.”
“I doubt you know anything about being gentle, sweetheart. But I'm simply waiting for you to beg.”
I prop myself up on two elbows.
“I don't beg, pretty boy. Either you make me come, or I'll walk back into that party and find someone who will.”
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 16, 2025
Words cannot describe how much I adored Romi and Dante but I’m gonna try so…I think I’ve found the couple who have taken the top spot in my heart for this series 👏🏼
If you are not familiar with who our main characters of this book is well here’s a quick refresher - Romi is friends with Ara, Lily, Elainee (leading ladies of the first 3 books of this series) and Sienna. Dante, briefly shows up in the end of unruly obsession and he is Lorenzo’s brother.
Now when we meet Romi she has the world on her shoulders- she is dealing with quite a lot of grief after the tragic passing of her roommate and honestly she is trying to find a way to cope with it all.
Dante is a peculiar man, while his brother tried to keep him away from all things mafia related it didn’t seem to help and in turn he resented his brother. Now that Lorenzo has returned to Italy, Dante has made an appearance state side to work in his brother’s old position but he has an another plan ongoing also and he is going to use Romi to do so.
As such the first step of this plan is infiltrating himself into Romi’s life and her friends just so happen to encourage her to find a new roommate. Of course Dante ensures that he will be the person to move in.
The tension and chemistry of this couple is absolutely off the charts, but what I didn’t expect was for their banter to be absolutely explosive- they had me cackling in so many chapters. These two are like fireworks together simple as.
I think both of these characters go on a healing journey in their own ways - Romi with the loss of her friend and Dante learning to let go of the resentment towards his older brother and they both help each other with that journey.
Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
If you are not familiar with who our main characters of this book is well here’s a quick refresher - Romi is friends with Ara, Lily, Elainee (leading ladies of the first 3 books of this series) and Sienna. Dante, briefly shows up in the end of unruly obsession and he is Lorenzo’s brother.
Now when we meet Romi she has the world on her shoulders- she is dealing with quite a lot of grief after the tragic passing of her roommate and honestly she is trying to find a way to cope with it all.
Dante is a peculiar man, while his brother tried to keep him away from all things mafia related it didn’t seem to help and in turn he resented his brother. Now that Lorenzo has returned to Italy, Dante has made an appearance state side to work in his brother’s old position but he has an another plan ongoing also and he is going to use Romi to do so.
As such the first step of this plan is infiltrating himself into Romi’s life and her friends just so happen to encourage her to find a new roommate. Of course Dante ensures that he will be the person to move in.
The tension and chemistry of this couple is absolutely off the charts, but what I didn’t expect was for their banter to be absolutely explosive- they had me cackling in so many chapters. These two are like fireworks together simple as.
I think both of these characters go on a healing journey in their own ways - Romi with the loss of her friend and Dante learning to let go of the resentment towards his older brother and they both help each other with that journey.
Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
December 17, 2025
Carnal Obsession ruined my peace! Fully. I picked this up thinking I was prepared. I was NOT.
This is not a romance you casually read. This is the kind of obsession that grabs you by the throat and whispers you’re mine before you even realize you’re nodding along. The chemistry was instant, aggressive, and unhinged in a way that had me pausing just to stare at the wall and rethink my standards.
Every interaction felt loaded. Like one wrong move and everything would combust. The looks were claiming. The touches were deliberate. The tension? Disrespectful. Kia knows how to weaponize desire, control, and restraint until you are begging for the inevitable snap.
And when it snapped? Yeah. I was gone.
This obsession was not just physical. It was mental. Consuming. Borderline concerning. The kind where boundaries become suggestions and logic packs its bags and leaves. The characters were flawed, intense, and absolutely spiraling toward each other with zero intention of stopping. I judged them. I rooted for them. I loved them. I need to talk to someone about them.
The spice was suffocating in the best way. Built on power, dominance, and that delicious edge of who is really in control here. Every scene felt charged, like something illegal was about to happen even when it technically wasn’t.
If you like dark romance that is possessive, morally gray, slightly toxic, and completely addictive, Carnal Obsession will have you acting feral at 2 a.m. This book is chaos. It is obsession. It is hot. And I would absolutely read it again without hesitation.
Kia Carrington did not come to play. And neither did this book.
This is not a romance you casually read. This is the kind of obsession that grabs you by the throat and whispers you’re mine before you even realize you’re nodding along. The chemistry was instant, aggressive, and unhinged in a way that had me pausing just to stare at the wall and rethink my standards.
Every interaction felt loaded. Like one wrong move and everything would combust. The looks were claiming. The touches were deliberate. The tension? Disrespectful. Kia knows how to weaponize desire, control, and restraint until you are begging for the inevitable snap.
And when it snapped? Yeah. I was gone.
This obsession was not just physical. It was mental. Consuming. Borderline concerning. The kind where boundaries become suggestions and logic packs its bags and leaves. The characters were flawed, intense, and absolutely spiraling toward each other with zero intention of stopping. I judged them. I rooted for them. I loved them. I need to talk to someone about them.
The spice was suffocating in the best way. Built on power, dominance, and that delicious edge of who is really in control here. Every scene felt charged, like something illegal was about to happen even when it technically wasn’t.
If you like dark romance that is possessive, morally gray, slightly toxic, and completely addictive, Carnal Obsession will have you acting feral at 2 a.m. This book is chaos. It is obsession. It is hot. And I would absolutely read it again without hesitation.
Kia Carrington did not come to play. And neither did this book.
December 23, 2025
When Romi starts searching for a new roommate, the last person she expects to move in is the man she once hooked up with. Dante, second-in-command to an Italian mafia boss, has his own reasons for wanting to live with her. As time passes, however, he realizes that irritating his brother isn’t the only motivation keeping him there.
The story explores Romi’s struggle with the loss of a loved one and the unhealthy ways she copes with her grief. At first, Dante is content with a purely physical arrangement, appreciating that Romi wants nothing more from him. But as he begins to see the depth of her pain, his priorities shift, and helping her open up becomes his personal mission. One of my favorite aspects of this book is Romi’s fierce personality, especially in her interactions with Dante (and also Lorenzo). Even knowing they’re deeply entrenched in the mafia and responsible for countless deaths, she refuses to be intimidated and never hesitates to put them in their place. And then there’s Dante: the broody, ruthless k!ller who slowly develops a soft spot for Romi, despite once mocking his boss and brother for being “püssy-whipped.” How the tables turn.
This is the fourteenth book I’ve read by Kia Carrington-Russell, and she continues to deliver every single time. Her talent for writing mafia romance is undeniable. The men are unapologetically ruthless, emotionally guarded, and utterly devoted to the women they claim, and Dante is no exception. Stories featuring obsessive, protective mmc who would do anything for “their woman” never fail to draw me in, and this one was no different. With Carnal Obsession, Kia Carrington-Russell proves once again why she excels in this genre, delivering yet another compelling mafia romance.
The story explores Romi’s struggle with the loss of a loved one and the unhealthy ways she copes with her grief. At first, Dante is content with a purely physical arrangement, appreciating that Romi wants nothing more from him. But as he begins to see the depth of her pain, his priorities shift, and helping her open up becomes his personal mission. One of my favorite aspects of this book is Romi’s fierce personality, especially in her interactions with Dante (and also Lorenzo). Even knowing they’re deeply entrenched in the mafia and responsible for countless deaths, she refuses to be intimidated and never hesitates to put them in their place. And then there’s Dante: the broody, ruthless k!ller who slowly develops a soft spot for Romi, despite once mocking his boss and brother for being “püssy-whipped.” How the tables turn.
This is the fourteenth book I’ve read by Kia Carrington-Russell, and she continues to deliver every single time. Her talent for writing mafia romance is undeniable. The men are unapologetically ruthless, emotionally guarded, and utterly devoted to the women they claim, and Dante is no exception. Stories featuring obsessive, protective mmc who would do anything for “their woman” never fail to draw me in, and this one was no different. With Carnal Obsession, Kia Carrington-Russell proves once again why she excels in this genre, delivering yet another compelling mafia romance.
December 31, 2025
Obsessed
I could not put this book down. From the first chapter, I was completely obsessed—especially with Dante. Kia Carrington-Russell delivers a hero who balances darkness with devotion so effortlessly that it’s impossible not to fall under his spell.
Romi is introduced at her most vulnerable. After a traumatic event, she’s guarded, closed off, and emotionally isolated—pushing people away because opening up feels too dangerous. That aspect of her hit close to home for me; her instinct to retreat and handle pain alone felt deeply relatable. But Romi isn’t fragile—she’s a firecracker. She doesn’t back down, speaks her mind, and channels her emotions into art, which made her such a compelling FMC to follow.
Then there’s Dante. We briefly meet him in Unruly Obsession, but this is where we truly get him—his past, his motivations, and what shaped him into the man he is. A doctor who’s also deeply entrenched in the mafia? Absolutely lethal. His obsession with Romi is intense, possessive, and unwavering—but it’s the quiet moments that got me: cooking for her, stocking the fridge, taking care of her in ways she never asked for but desperately needed.
The chemistry between Romi and Dante is electric—raw, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. I devoured every interaction between them. And that lake scene… the mud… that is Carnal Obsession in its purest form.
Dark, addictive, and emotionally charged, this book consumed me. I cannot wait for more in this world.
I could not put this book down. From the first chapter, I was completely obsessed—especially with Dante. Kia Carrington-Russell delivers a hero who balances darkness with devotion so effortlessly that it’s impossible not to fall under his spell.
Romi is introduced at her most vulnerable. After a traumatic event, she’s guarded, closed off, and emotionally isolated—pushing people away because opening up feels too dangerous. That aspect of her hit close to home for me; her instinct to retreat and handle pain alone felt deeply relatable. But Romi isn’t fragile—she’s a firecracker. She doesn’t back down, speaks her mind, and channels her emotions into art, which made her such a compelling FMC to follow.
Then there’s Dante. We briefly meet him in Unruly Obsession, but this is where we truly get him—his past, his motivations, and what shaped him into the man he is. A doctor who’s also deeply entrenched in the mafia? Absolutely lethal. His obsession with Romi is intense, possessive, and unwavering—but it’s the quiet moments that got me: cooking for her, stocking the fridge, taking care of her in ways she never asked for but desperately needed.
The chemistry between Romi and Dante is electric—raw, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. I devoured every interaction between them. And that lake scene… the mud… that is Carnal Obsession in its purest form.
Dark, addictive, and emotionally charged, this book consumed me. I cannot wait for more in this world.
January 2, 2026
Carnal Obsession by Kia Carrington-Russell
⭐ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Dante and Romi are the kind of couple that seeps into your bones. Romi pushes people away because of the grief she carries after her friend’s death—she suffers quietly, refuses to lean on anyone, and convinces herself she’d only be a burden. Watching her isolate herself while breaking inside was heartbreaking.
Enter Dante—who refuses to let her disappear. She tries everything to push him away, to keep him at arm’s length, but Dante is unwavering. He knows exactly what Romi needs even when she doesn’t, and his love is patient, steady, and all-consuming. He doesn’t rush her healing—he stays, reminding her again and again that she’s not alone… and that she’s his.
What makes this hit so hard is the emotional build. Romi feels broken and unworthy, and Dante slowly helps her rebuild her confidence piece by piece, proving through actions (not just words) that she deserves love, safety, and devotion. The obsession is intense, yes—but it’s layered with protection, understanding, and deep emotional connection.
And that ending? Chef’s kiss. The payoff is everything you want after all that tension and healing—deeply satisfying and unforgettable.
✨ Tropes ✨
🖤 Dark Romance
🔥 Obsessive, Devoted MMC
😈 Morally Grey Antihero
💔 Grief & Emotional Healing
🧠 Psychological Tension
💣 Power Imbalance
🩶 “I push everyone away” FMC
⭐ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ | 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Dante and Romi are the kind of couple that seeps into your bones. Romi pushes people away because of the grief she carries after her friend’s death—she suffers quietly, refuses to lean on anyone, and convinces herself she’d only be a burden. Watching her isolate herself while breaking inside was heartbreaking.
Enter Dante—who refuses to let her disappear. She tries everything to push him away, to keep him at arm’s length, but Dante is unwavering. He knows exactly what Romi needs even when she doesn’t, and his love is patient, steady, and all-consuming. He doesn’t rush her healing—he stays, reminding her again and again that she’s not alone… and that she’s his.
What makes this hit so hard is the emotional build. Romi feels broken and unworthy, and Dante slowly helps her rebuild her confidence piece by piece, proving through actions (not just words) that she deserves love, safety, and devotion. The obsession is intense, yes—but it’s layered with protection, understanding, and deep emotional connection.
And that ending? Chef’s kiss. The payoff is everything you want after all that tension and healing—deeply satisfying and unforgettable.
✨ Tropes ✨
🖤 Dark Romance
🔥 Obsessive, Devoted MMC
😈 Morally Grey Antihero
💔 Grief & Emotional Healing
🧠 Psychological Tension
💣 Power Imbalance
🩶 “I push everyone away” FMC
December 29, 2025
Carnal Obsession was full of grief, danger, raw emotions, possessiveness, obsession, a push and pull between two people whose chemistry was undeniable and hot.
Romi is consumed with grief and guilt that she is lost. Her days are full of alcohol, drugs and sex with nameless men. So when she gets a roommate who was one of those one night stands, everything starts to change.
Dante is a doctor but not your average one, he is up to be the second in command to the head of the mafia family. He’s dangerous, he is a killer and good at his job. He also lives to make his older brothers life hell. But now, he has a new obsession, Romi. And it’s so shocking because he has this soft side when it comes to her, this man cleans for her, he does her laundry and makes sure she has food. He fell hard.
Romi is in denial of her feelings and is constantly pushing him away. But he isn’t going anywhere. The tension between the two of them is thick. The banter, its perfection and I couldn’t get enough. They had an electric chemistry that was so hot. They two of them had so much character development throughout this story, it was beautiful. She was so broken and he helped her find the light in life again.
Romi is consumed with grief and guilt that she is lost. Her days are full of alcohol, drugs and sex with nameless men. So when she gets a roommate who was one of those one night stands, everything starts to change.
Dante is a doctor but not your average one, he is up to be the second in command to the head of the mafia family. He’s dangerous, he is a killer and good at his job. He also lives to make his older brothers life hell. But now, he has a new obsession, Romi. And it’s so shocking because he has this soft side when it comes to her, this man cleans for her, he does her laundry and makes sure she has food. He fell hard.
Romi is in denial of her feelings and is constantly pushing him away. But he isn’t going anywhere. The tension between the two of them is thick. The banter, its perfection and I couldn’t get enough. They had an electric chemistry that was so hot. They two of them had so much character development throughout this story, it was beautiful. She was so broken and he helped her find the light in life again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Kia Carrington-Russell for the ARC…
🖤 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 🖤
Romi has been spiraling ever since her roommate passed away. Grief, guilt, and bad decisions collide; a one-night stand with a very hot doctor at a going-away party. What could possibly go wrong? 😮💨🔥
An intervention from her best friends and one nonnegotiable rule: GET A NEW ROOMMATE!
The only person who responds?
None other than Dante Moretti -aka the one-night stand.
Dante: doctor, Luca’s second-in-command, Lorenzo’s younger brother... was definitely hiding an ulterior motive for moving in. What he doesn’t expect is how thin the line between love and hate really is—because once he falls? He falls hard and fast.
These two beautifully misunderstood souls are so good together. I loved watching them work through their trauma side by side; Romi never afraid to speak her mind or put Dante in his place, and Dante showing up in all the ways that matter.
And the best part? Seeing familiar faces from previous books and series pop up again. I loved it!
🖤 𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 🖤
Romi has been spiraling ever since her roommate passed away. Grief, guilt, and bad decisions collide; a one-night stand with a very hot doctor at a going-away party. What could possibly go wrong? 😮💨🔥
An intervention from her best friends and one nonnegotiable rule: GET A NEW ROOMMATE!
The only person who responds?
None other than Dante Moretti -aka the one-night stand.
Dante: doctor, Luca’s second-in-command, Lorenzo’s younger brother... was definitely hiding an ulterior motive for moving in. What he doesn’t expect is how thin the line between love and hate really is—because once he falls? He falls hard and fast.
These two beautifully misunderstood souls are so good together. I loved watching them work through their trauma side by side; Romi never afraid to speak her mind or put Dante in his place, and Dante showing up in all the ways that matter.
And the best part? Seeing familiar faces from previous books and series pop up again. I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dante starts off as a mischievous instigator, and I disliked him immensely. but then I slid into love with him, with the way this hardened killer is so very gentle and nurturing with Romi. I knew it would happen but it is still surprising since he does not come across as redeemable!
I mean, he does her laundry. folds it, too. that is just so sweet to me, and my very favorite part of the whole story is when Romi realizes that he takes good care of her and has been this whole time. I like the way her mindset shifted, to acceptance of his place in her life.
he is a killer, like they usually are in mafia stories, but this one hits differently. and I cannot put my finger on what exactly about this story makes me mushy for Dante...
these are just my late-night thoughts; I stayed up well past bedtime to finish the book then write this review.
I absolutely recommend Kia for all fans of mafia romance! 🫶🏻
I mean, he does her laundry. folds it, too. that is just so sweet to me, and my very favorite part of the whole story is when Romi realizes that he takes good care of her and has been this whole time. I like the way her mindset shifted, to acceptance of his place in her life.
he is a killer, like they usually are in mafia stories, but this one hits differently. and I cannot put my finger on what exactly about this story makes me mushy for Dante...
these are just my late-night thoughts; I stayed up well past bedtime to finish the book then write this review.
I absolutely recommend Kia for all fans of mafia romance! 🫶🏻
December 30, 2025
I take a step forward, and the gun goes off, and pain explodes in my leg. The burning sensation begins, and I grin as I look down at my thigh, blood welling and leaking from the wound. It’s delicious. “Love bites turn me on, sweetheart,”
Romi is in self destruction mode after the passing of her friend. But when she attends a party, she has a one night stand to forget the pain. What she doesn't expect is the man she slept with, to turn up at her door step as her new room mate. Dante is no ordinary man. He is the Italian Mafias bodyguard and he is on a mission to fuck his brothers life. Even if that means getting close to his brothers girlfriends friend, Romi.
This book really hit home for me. What Romi went through mentally I can relate to.
Carnal Obssession is book 4 of the series and advised to read in order.
check triggers, your mental health matters
🖤mafia
🖤bodyguard
🖤secrets
🖤mental health
🖤addictions
🖤grieving
🖤kidnapping
Romi is in self destruction mode after the passing of her friend. But when she attends a party, she has a one night stand to forget the pain. What she doesn't expect is the man she slept with, to turn up at her door step as her new room mate. Dante is no ordinary man. He is the Italian Mafias bodyguard and he is on a mission to fuck his brothers life. Even if that means getting close to his brothers girlfriends friend, Romi.
This book really hit home for me. What Romi went through mentally I can relate to.
Carnal Obssession is book 4 of the series and advised to read in order.
check triggers, your mental health matters
🖤mafia
🖤bodyguard
🖤secrets
🖤mental health
🖤addictions
🖤grieving
🖤kidnapping
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dante was such a fun, brutal, enticing character. I loved how he was with Romi, taking care of her but his ultra ego is brutal.
After Romi loses her house mate, Mafia man Dante moves into her spare room and into her life.
These two are so right for each other. I enjoyed the dark side of each character. Romi had her walls up sky high and pushing everyone away. But Dante wasn't going anywhere.
Seeing the journey both characters were going on to be together was mesmerising and captivating. The chemistry was dynamic and even though they had a steamy relationship, that was barely on the page.
I also liked the crazy brotherly relationship Dante had with Lorenzo as well as the masked guys.
So well written. Danger, drama, brutal and dark at times but the romance was unique. I honestly couldn't leave the book alone. So amazing a read. I highly recommend it.
After Romi loses her house mate, Mafia man Dante moves into her spare room and into her life.
These two are so right for each other. I enjoyed the dark side of each character. Romi had her walls up sky high and pushing everyone away. But Dante wasn't going anywhere.
Seeing the journey both characters were going on to be together was mesmerising and captivating. The chemistry was dynamic and even though they had a steamy relationship, that was barely on the page.
I also liked the crazy brotherly relationship Dante had with Lorenzo as well as the masked guys.
So well written. Danger, drama, brutal and dark at times but the romance was unique. I honestly couldn't leave the book alone. So amazing a read. I highly recommend it.
December 30, 2025
Kia just makes the MMCs so unhinged and I just end up obssesed with them! LOL
Dante & Romi's story is just so messy and complicated. It's perfect. She's going through trauma since losing her roommate, and her coping mechanisms aren't the best. Dante, on the other hand, what began as a method to make his brother miserable ends up immediately pulled into Romi's rawness. Dante is so unhinged, I love him. He takes Romi's darkness and mixes it with his own. It's a masterpiece honestly. This story is very real and it's about coping, how we all cope in different ways after a loss and sometimes we tend to find that person who's willing to take that darkness and make it beautiful.
In this series all the MMCs will have you falling in love with their intensity & the way they care for their women, it's so good!
Dante & Romi's story is just so messy and complicated. It's perfect. She's going through trauma since losing her roommate, and her coping mechanisms aren't the best. Dante, on the other hand, what began as a method to make his brother miserable ends up immediately pulled into Romi's rawness. Dante is so unhinged, I love him. He takes Romi's darkness and mixes it with his own. It's a masterpiece honestly. This story is very real and it's about coping, how we all cope in different ways after a loss and sometimes we tend to find that person who's willing to take that darkness and make it beautiful.
In this series all the MMCs will have you falling in love with their intensity & the way they care for their women, it's so good!
December 30, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CARNAL OBSESSION" a great intense, intriguing, dark twisted journey, with danger, secrets, steam keeping you on edge.
Romi's friends convince her to get a roommate it expecting Dante to turn up saying he's a doctor her one night stand she can't get enough of & thinks he's lying about being a doctor.
Dante is becomes second in command for the Italian Mafia only to tick his brother off, wanting to destroy what he's built. When Dante see's his brother's fiance's BF is Romi wanting a roommate, he wants to use her to get more into his brother's life.
Romi doesn't like Dante at first finds him she thinks he's dangerous, but after their one night stand she cant get enough of him.
Will Dante & Romi get to be together obce all is revealed a must read you absolutely can't miss a page turner to the end I loved it, so looking forward to the next book.
Romi's friends convince her to get a roommate it expecting Dante to turn up saying he's a doctor her one night stand she can't get enough of & thinks he's lying about being a doctor.
Dante is becomes second in command for the Italian Mafia only to tick his brother off, wanting to destroy what he's built. When Dante see's his brother's fiance's BF is Romi wanting a roommate, he wants to use her to get more into his brother's life.
Romi doesn't like Dante at first finds him she thinks he's dangerous, but after their one night stand she cant get enough of him.
Will Dante & Romi get to be together obce all is revealed a must read you absolutely can't miss a page turner to the end I loved it, so looking forward to the next book.
December 11, 2025
Wow, this book was absolutely beautiful! My favorite after the entire series and it has dethroned Luca and Arabella's book from being the top 1 in this series. The book follows Dante and Romi and their relationship, what started off as a one night stand turned to roommates with benefits turned into love. I absolutely loved how he was the one who was able to see her for who she is and she could do the same for him.
Seriously these two characters were written so well I was giggling, crying, laughing, and everything in between! The banter, the spicy scenes, the heartfelt emotions everything was chef's kiss.
Thanks to Kia Carrington-Russell for the ARC and allowing me to read this before its release.
Seriously these two characters were written so well I was giggling, crying, laughing, and everything in between! The banter, the spicy scenes, the heartfelt emotions everything was chef's kiss.
Thanks to Kia Carrington-Russell for the ARC and allowing me to read this before its release.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you look up "down bad" in the dictionary, you're going to find Dante Moretti's name. That man had no idea what he was getting himself into with Romi, and Romi keeps Dante on his toes from page 1.
There was such a great mix of banter, chemistry, emotional turmoil, and a dash of danger.
I loved every single stinkin' second of this book! Romi's journey through grief, Dante just out here being Dante, and everything in between.
Kia Carrington-Russell wrote two characters who were dwelling in the ugliest, most unlikeable parts of themselves, and wrote counterparts that loved them anyways. I was rooting for the characters regardless, and Kia did an amazing job of making the reader understand that grief is not linear, but left us with hope.
Great story, great characters, great read.
overall: highly recommend
spice: open door
There was such a great mix of banter, chemistry, emotional turmoil, and a dash of danger.
I loved every single stinkin' second of this book! Romi's journey through grief, Dante just out here being Dante, and everything in between.
Kia Carrington-Russell wrote two characters who were dwelling in the ugliest, most unlikeable parts of themselves, and wrote counterparts that loved them anyways. I was rooting for the characters regardless, and Kia did an amazing job of making the reader understand that grief is not linear, but left us with hope.
Great story, great characters, great read.
overall: highly recommend
spice: open door
Review of advance copy received from Author
It never fails that I read the obsession series books in one day. I think these two are my favorite couple yet. Dante’s personality is top tier. I love the feisty FMC Romi so much. This story includes a lot of grief and the different ways people deal. It’s painful and raw. You just wanna scream at her sometimes to pull it together, but that’s just not how it works. I think the grief was written so well. Especially the scene of her forgetting and walking into Dante’s bedroom. Been there and know exactly that feeling.
I truly love their story. His patience with her, loving every part of her, was such a good read. I really wish we had visuals of her art because it sounds beautiful. This story really just hit. Dante provides the comedic relief and there’s such good banter.
5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️
I truly love their story. His patience with her, loving every part of her, was such a good read. I really wish we had visuals of her art because it sounds beautiful. This story really just hit. Dante provides the comedic relief and there’s such good banter.
5/5⭐️
4/5🌶️
December 16, 2025
GUYS!!! I knew Dante was going to be a whole mood, and wow, did he deliver. This big sexy guy is absolutely unhinged in the best way possible! I couldn’t stop laughing. And even though Romi was drowning in her grief, I loved how she still gave him a run for his money. She was giving him all the sass and my gosh there were so many girl power high five moments 🤣🙌
It’s bursting with raw emotion, heart pounding suspense, spice that will have you sweating, twisted violence, and those soft, tender moments that make a dark mafia romance absolutely irresistible and then some. Yet again, Kia delivers another straight up banger in this series.
Thank you @kiacarringtonrussell for the advanced copy to read
It’s bursting with raw emotion, heart pounding suspense, spice that will have you sweating, twisted violence, and those soft, tender moments that make a dark mafia romance absolutely irresistible and then some. Yet again, Kia delivers another straight up banger in this series.
Thank you @kiacarringtonrussell for the advanced copy to read
Review of advance copy received from Author
Romi’s life gets complicated when her one night stand unexpectedly shows up as a roommate. Dante has his own agenda... infiltrate his brother’s world through her. She hates him… which only makes him want her more 🖤
I am completely obsessed. They are my favorite couple!! Romi is fearless and bold and Dante? Dangerous, broody and possessive as hell 😏 The way he’s patient with her and adores her, even when she’s pushing back, had me falling apart and falling in love at the same time.
The grief in this story is heavy and raw. It hits hard, feels so close to home and I felt every single emotion 💔
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Grieve
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Stalking/Possessive
🖤 One Night Stand
🖤 Touch Her and Die
⭐️ 5
💌 Huge thanks for the ARC!
I am completely obsessed. They are my favorite couple!! Romi is fearless and bold and Dante? Dangerous, broody and possessive as hell 😏 The way he’s patient with her and adores her, even when she’s pushing back, had me falling apart and falling in love at the same time.
The grief in this story is heavy and raw. It hits hard, feels so close to home and I felt every single emotion 💔
🖤 Dark Romance
🖤 Mafia Romance
🖤 Grieve
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Stalking/Possessive
🖤 One Night Stand
🖤 Touch Her and Die
⭐️ 5
💌 Huge thanks for the ARC!
December 29, 2025
Romi is so overwhelmed with her grief.
So much so she isolates herself and she tries to find consolation with alcohol.
When she meets a guy at a party, she doesn’t want to be at.
She has a one night stand with him to get out of her own head and escape the guilt for a bit.
And that should have been that end of that.
But Dante Moretti isn’t going anywhere.
He has his own agenda. And Romi is now a part of it.
The minute they meet it’s a clash of wills. And it just takes off from there.
Their chemistry is explosive and sizzling hot.
Their banter is captivating.
Everything between them is intense and fiery.
Carnal Obsession is a that had me consumed and invested in Dante and Romi.
Reading the pages as fast as I could that are filled with danger, drama, passion and lust.
So much so she isolates herself and she tries to find consolation with alcohol.
When she meets a guy at a party, she doesn’t want to be at.
She has a one night stand with him to get out of her own head and escape the guilt for a bit.
And that should have been that end of that.
But Dante Moretti isn’t going anywhere.
He has his own agenda. And Romi is now a part of it.
The minute they meet it’s a clash of wills. And it just takes off from there.
Their chemistry is explosive and sizzling hot.
Their banter is captivating.
Everything between them is intense and fiery.
Carnal Obsession is a that had me consumed and invested in Dante and Romi.
Reading the pages as fast as I could that are filled with danger, drama, passion and lust.
December 30, 2025
Dante may have started out just wanting to get under his brother's skin by moving in as Romi's roommate but even he could not predict that he would fall in love. I felt drawn to Romi as soon as I met her. There was this quiet, gentle strength about her. Once you learned where this came from, you just want to hug Romi.
"But he's also beautiful in a way I always imagined the devil would be."
OMG. This book had me in a clutch hold. Dante is morally gray but at the same time, the way that he cares for Romi is very endearing. She went through a lot. I love all of the books in this series but this one hit differently (in a great way). There was this tug and pull that Romi and Dante had with each other. This book is amazing! Definitely will be doing a re-read.
"But he's also beautiful in a way I always imagined the devil would be."
OMG. This book had me in a clutch hold. Dante is morally gray but at the same time, the way that he cares for Romi is very endearing. She went through a lot. I love all of the books in this series but this one hit differently (in a great way). There was this tug and pull that Romi and Dante had with each other. This book is amazing! Definitely will be doing a re-read.
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