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Tainted Obsession: A Standalone Mafia Romance
She's engaged to a DEA agent, but the mafia boss is obsessed with her...
I'm supposed to kill the corrupt DEA agent, but I'm distracted by his innocent fiancée.
When I'm watching him, I find my attention drawn to her instead.
His corruption puts her in danger, and I have no I take her for myself, for her own protection.
Once I have her under my control, my fascination deepens to obsession.
She's the only light in my dark criminal underworld, and I'm utterly addicted to her.
If her abusive fiancé ever dares to come back for her, he'll learn just how vicious I can be when I protect what's mine.
One-click this standalone mafia romance novel for an obsessed, morally grey MMC, a sweet, innocent FMC, touch her and die, forced proximity, and hurt/comfort vibes!
Tainted Obsession was originally released as the King of Ruin Trilogy. It has been edited and revised into one book.
I'm supposed to kill the corrupt DEA agent, but I'm distracted by his innocent fiancée.
When I'm watching him, I find my attention drawn to her instead.
His corruption puts her in danger, and I have no I take her for myself, for her own protection.
Once I have her under my control, my fascination deepens to obsession.
She's the only light in my dark criminal underworld, and I'm utterly addicted to her.
If her abusive fiancé ever dares to come back for her, he'll learn just how vicious I can be when I protect what's mine.
One-click this standalone mafia romance novel for an obsessed, morally grey MMC, a sweet, innocent FMC, touch her and die, forced proximity, and hurt/comfort vibes!
Tainted Obsession was originally released as the King of Ruin Trilogy. It has been edited and revised into one book.
180 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Julia Sykes
138 books2,024 followersJulia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.
An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 2, 2025
Massimo! Massimo! Massimo! Oooohhhh. Dark hair. Olive skin. Piercing eyes. Sexy muscular body. Dangerous. Obsessed. Possessive.
Let me just say that this godly creature could abduct me from my DEA fiancé and love me like he does Evelyn and I would thank every God there ever was.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Enemies (sorta) to lovers
Great read!!
Let me just say that this godly creature could abduct me from my DEA fiancé and love me like he does Evelyn and I would thank every God there ever was.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Enemies (sorta) to lovers
Great read!!
October 30, 2025
“He was sin and salvation all at once… and she was doomed to crave both.”
I don’t even have words big enough for what this story did to me.
From the first page, I was gone — lost in Evelyn and Massimo’s world of danger, chaos, and passion that burns hotter than it should.
Julia Sykes doesn’t just write love stories. She writes obsessions that tear you open, make you bleed, and then somehow piece you back together again.
Massimo is more than a mafia antihero — he’s a storm. Beautiful. Brutal. Unforgiving.
And Evelyn? She’s his match in every way — fragile yet fierce, breaking and healing in the same heartbeat.
Their connection isn’t sweet. It’s raw. Consuming. Terrifyingly human.
The kind of love that ruins you… and you’d still beg for more.
When I finished, I sat in silence — heart aching, mind spinning, and soul completely wrecked.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Because some stories don’t fade… they brand you.
🖤 Mafia Romance
🔥 Possessive Antihero
💔 Dark Obsession
🥀 Emotional Damage (the best kind)
#TaintedObsession #JuliaSykes #DarkRomance #MafiaRomance #BookReview #SpicyReads #RomanceBookstagram #BookAddict #MoralGrayMen #PossessiveLove #BookishObsessions #ReadersOfInstagram #RomanceReaders #BookQuote #EmotionalReads #DarkBookAesthetic
I don’t even have words big enough for what this story did to me.
From the first page, I was gone — lost in Evelyn and Massimo’s world of danger, chaos, and passion that burns hotter than it should.
Julia Sykes doesn’t just write love stories. She writes obsessions that tear you open, make you bleed, and then somehow piece you back together again.
Massimo is more than a mafia antihero — he’s a storm. Beautiful. Brutal. Unforgiving.
And Evelyn? She’s his match in every way — fragile yet fierce, breaking and healing in the same heartbeat.
Their connection isn’t sweet. It’s raw. Consuming. Terrifyingly human.
The kind of love that ruins you… and you’d still beg for more.
When I finished, I sat in silence — heart aching, mind spinning, and soul completely wrecked.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Because some stories don’t fade… they brand you.
🖤 Mafia Romance
🔥 Possessive Antihero
💔 Dark Obsession
🥀 Emotional Damage (the best kind)
#TaintedObsession #JuliaSykes #DarkRomance #MafiaRomance #BookReview #SpicyReads #RomanceBookstagram #BookAddict #MoralGrayMen #PossessiveLove #BookishObsessions #ReadersOfInstagram #RomanceReaders #BookQuote #EmotionalReads #DarkBookAesthetic
November 19, 2025
I enjoyed this story. It had me hooked from the start.
I liked the two main characters Massimo and Evelyn.
I liked how they changed throughout the book. The locations in the book were in great details that you could picture them in your mind and feel like you were there.
Massimo will definitely become a lot of women’s book boyfriend. He is a strong, protective man, who also has that arrogance that makes you fall for him in every way.
But I also liked how he showed Evelyn the more vulnerable side of himself.
Evelyn starts off meek and timid, but with the right love and support she grows into the person she was always meant to be.
There is one character that I didn’t like (but that is great writing from Julia) as this character is vile, all the while meant to be a good person. (Can’t say too much as will give spoilers)
The dynamics of the story keeps you interested. This book has everything romance, crime, some mystery and plenty of spicy scenes.
I can’t say much more as I will give spoilers, which I don’t want to do.
I would recommend this book to read.
You won’t be disappointed.
I liked the two main characters Massimo and Evelyn.
I liked how they changed throughout the book. The locations in the book were in great details that you could picture them in your mind and feel like you were there.
Massimo will definitely become a lot of women’s book boyfriend. He is a strong, protective man, who also has that arrogance that makes you fall for him in every way.
But I also liked how he showed Evelyn the more vulnerable side of himself.
Evelyn starts off meek and timid, but with the right love and support she grows into the person she was always meant to be.
There is one character that I didn’t like (but that is great writing from Julia) as this character is vile, all the while meant to be a good person. (Can’t say too much as will give spoilers)
The dynamics of the story keeps you interested. This book has everything romance, crime, some mystery and plenty of spicy scenes.
I can’t say much more as I will give spoilers, which I don’t want to do.
I would recommend this book to read.
You won’t be disappointed.
October 28, 2025
All 3 books edited into one.
Tainted obsession-One moment and Evelyn's life will never be the same again, taken hostage, she's rescued by Massimo, whose obsession with her only grows, and he'll go to any lengths to keep her safe. But others seek to take her from him, her corrupt DEA fiancee for one!
Illicit obsession-Massimo and Evelyn's story continues, and Massimos obsession with her only grows deeper by the day, getting Evelyn back is all he wanted but keeping her in his guilded cage, might not be the best way to win her over into accept a life surrounded by criminals.
Endless obsession-Evelyn and Massimos conclusion, Evelyn got shot because of the dangers surrounding Massimo, he brought her into his world and it nearly took her from him. But will he set his butterfly free? Will she even want to be?
Well written, the story has you hooked with action, with suspense, violence, teasing steamy scenes, desires, tender loving moments and more!
Tainted obsession-One moment and Evelyn's life will never be the same again, taken hostage, she's rescued by Massimo, whose obsession with her only grows, and he'll go to any lengths to keep her safe. But others seek to take her from him, her corrupt DEA fiancee for one!
Illicit obsession-Massimo and Evelyn's story continues, and Massimos obsession with her only grows deeper by the day, getting Evelyn back is all he wanted but keeping her in his guilded cage, might not be the best way to win her over into accept a life surrounded by criminals.
Endless obsession-Evelyn and Massimos conclusion, Evelyn got shot because of the dangers surrounding Massimo, he brought her into his world and it nearly took her from him. But will he set his butterfly free? Will she even want to be?
Well written, the story has you hooked with action, with suspense, violence, teasing steamy scenes, desires, tender loving moments and more!
November 3, 2025
This is Massimo and Evelyn's story...Massimo is an Italian Mafia man who has come to South America to make a deal for drugs for his boss. He is tasked with killing a crooked DEA agent who has ties to his source's rivals...but before he finds the agent and kills him , sees Evelyn, the innocent fiance.She doesn't know her intended is crooked, and becomes a target herself. Massimo is morally gray, has his own morality, meaning he doesn't kill innocents...Yes, he is Mafia...Yes, he is involved with drug trafficking...Yes, he is a killer...but he is obsessed with Evelyn who is strong and resilient. Evelyn decides to stay with a man she knows is a killer, but who puts her first, which has never happened before in her life, believing he is a good man with his code of honor...but you will need to read this intense, steamy story to find what happens and see a couple of familiar characters from previous stories...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
November 1, 2025
This Story begins with Evelyn held captive. So right off the first page Julia Sykes has thrown us into the drama. She is being assaulted, when Massimo although a criminal himself, sees the pain they are inflicting on an innocent girl.
As it turns out, he becomes her black knight in shining armour. He us truly obsessed with Evelyn. Even showing her that the fiance George is not the man she thought he was.
I also love that characters from another book are intertwined. It's like a catch up with old friends.
This book will drag to to dark grey depths, yet you feel that Evelyn will bring Massimo towards the light. Well maybe a light grey colour. A brilliant read with some steamy scenes.
As it turns out, he becomes her black knight in shining armour. He us truly obsessed with Evelyn. Even showing her that the fiance George is not the man she thought he was.
I also love that characters from another book are intertwined. It's like a catch up with old friends.
This book will drag to to dark grey depths, yet you feel that Evelyn will bring Massimo towards the light. Well maybe a light grey colour. A brilliant read with some steamy scenes.
October 30, 2025
Tainted Obsession by Julia Sykes
I just couldn't put this steamy, maffia romance down. It took no time at all to get wrapped up in Evelyn & Massimo's world filled with chaos and passion. Bringing these two together challenges the possibilities of the heart. Julia Sykes never lets me down.
Great character development and world building all while pulling you in. Massimo is not just extremely hot, but full of depth. And I want to be Evelyn.
It's a great read. Maybe not a glass of wine in a bathtub read, unless you want to boil over. Tainted Obsession has a kinky twist and a deep connection you will want to read more than just once.
I just couldn't put this steamy, maffia romance down. It took no time at all to get wrapped up in Evelyn & Massimo's world filled with chaos and passion. Bringing these two together challenges the possibilities of the heart. Julia Sykes never lets me down.
Great character development and world building all while pulling you in. Massimo is not just extremely hot, but full of depth. And I want to be Evelyn.
It's a great read. Maybe not a glass of wine in a bathtub read, unless you want to boil over. Tainted Obsession has a kinky twist and a deep connection you will want to read more than just once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
This is an amazing story. The MMC is protective and obsessed with the FMC. He makes it clear she is his, he marks her, and protects her with his life. You can feel the chemistry and growing love from both of them. At times I was so deeply drawn into the book that it felt like I was right there, other times I had a little bit of a hard time reading it, that's why it's only 4 stars. The FMC is innocent and at times seems to have not a lot of life experience. If you are looking for spice, this book will absolutely not disappoint you. It's absolutely worth reading, and I will read more of her books.
I had the privilege of receiving an advance reader copy, and this is my personal opinion.
I had the privilege of receiving an advance reader copy, and this is my personal opinion.
November 24, 2025
Good
This book was just ok for me. The MFC, I understand why she had trust issues, but what I don't get is, how quickly she flipped. After the auction, I totally get. She didn't know what or why he was doing what he did. It's the before the auction I don't understand how quickly she flipped. It only made sense when MMC pointed out what had been done to her. The differences between George & the MMC was clearly night & day. It all seemed surface level attraction to me. So, it's good but could be better. Kinda 50/50 on recommendation, take that how you will. On to the next!
This book was just ok for me. The MFC, I understand why she had trust issues, but what I don't get is, how quickly she flipped. After the auction, I totally get. She didn't know what or why he was doing what he did. It's the before the auction I don't understand how quickly she flipped. It only made sense when MMC pointed out what had been done to her. The differences between George & the MMC was clearly night & day. It all seemed surface level attraction to me. So, it's good but could be better. Kinda 50/50 on recommendation, take that how you will. On to the next!
October 28, 2025
If you love a morally grey MMC, Mafia romance with an innocent FMC and forced proximity, then this book is for you. It is a swoon worthy story that I was hooked on. And it has an exceptional storyline that's well written. Massimo and Evelyn are chef's kiss. Loved their chemistry. And the plot is done well. Overall, this is an incredible book. I highly recommend reading.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. These are my opinions and they are freely expressed.
Thank you to the author for an advance copy. These are my opinions and they are freely expressed.
October 31, 2025
Man what a book, Julia killed it! I had the privilege to arc read this book and let me just say, Massimo has a part of my heart now! This book hooked me within the first few pages and would not let me go! The MMC is possessive and promises he’ll always protect and boy does he do just that! He is obsessed! If you’re looking for a spicy book with an obsessed MMC then this is definitely the book for you!
November 17, 2025
I did ARC read this. So far I loved every book I've read of hers. This one was so good. Massimo yes and yes! Evelyn is with the right man. If you like mafia romances definitely give this a read, you wont be disappoint, well I wasn't.(people have different opinions so hey you may or may not. Just give it a try) When Massimo said "You promised you would stay", "Evelyn!". So glad she made it :) or did she lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dropped
November 29, 2025Dropped 2025
This is the case of it’s not the book I just know myself enough that I’m going end up skimming until the end so I won’t bother reading further.
The FMC is engaged and the MMC seemed like small time not really the mafia boss I envisioned but again I stopped at 6% so don’t take my word for it.
This is the case of it’s not the book I just know myself enough that I’m going end up skimming until the end so I won’t bother reading further.
The FMC is engaged and the MMC seemed like small time not really the mafia boss I envisioned but again I stopped at 6% so don’t take my word for it.
January 4, 2026
Loved Tainted was dark, addictive, and unapologetically hot. The chemistry sizzled from the first interaction, the tension was deliciously unbearable, and the romance was messy in the best way. Every glance, every touch felt charged, and the emotional stakes only made the spice hit harder. I devoured this and immediately wanted more—dangerous, seductive, and impossible to put down.
October 27, 2025
Love love loved this. The tension and banter between Massimo and Evelyn is absolute perfection. This has all the tropes from touch her to “Mine”. If you looking for you next Dark and I mean morally black dark this is definitely your next read.
November 4, 2025
It’s a quick, easy mafia romance read, but the chemistry falls short. The story wasn’t bad, it just didn’t grab me or make me feel anything for their relationship. Fun for a light read, but not one that’ll stay with me 🫶
November 17, 2025
I loved the blend of the love story with the mafia conflicts. It made the book exciting and kept me from wanting to put it down. The writing was easy to follow, and the story and characters were very clear.
November 2, 2025
This was such a great arc read, had me hooked since the beginning all the way to the end, loved it! 5/5 stars ❤️✨️
November 6, 2025
Another great read by Julia Sykes. Full of angst and some spice, what more does a girl need?
November 7, 2025
Loved this book the MMC just knows how to make you feel and fall in love. 100% recommend reading.
#ARC #Massimo
#ARC #Massimo
November 7, 2025
one sitting read
We all want a Massimo! The brutally deep love he shows is something captivating. Definitely will make you want to read in one sitting!
We all want a Massimo! The brutally deep love he shows is something captivating. Definitely will make you want to read in one sitting!
November 20, 2025
there so cute. Like he’s so obsessed with her bro I need a him. Immediately. His sweet girl🌝
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews