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Brutal Obsession
Orphaned and alone, there’s no one left to protect me. Until he’s forced to marry me.
When my brother is executed by the Irish King of Boston, I’m the only one left alive in my family. Eighteen and alone, heiress to the Connelly name, I’m a target for anyone who might want the empire my father and brother left behind.
Until the Council chooses a husband against my will.
Sean Flannery is twenty years older than me, a ruthless enforcer known as the Wolf of Dublin. And the worst part? He doesn’t want me either. Yet from the moment we meet his grip tightens, and the heat between us ignites. Forced into proximity, bound by an arranged marriage to save me and his reputation, we become trapped in a deadly web of power, guilt and raw desire.
Now he’s the only man able to keep me alive…and the one I’m terrified to need. Because giving in to the assassin who claimed me as his bride means putting more than my life at risk.
I’m falling for a man who might not catch me…unless I can tame the wolf who trapped me.
For fans of dark mafia standalones, arranged marriages, age-gap enemies-to-lovers and books by authors like Rina Kent, JT Geissinger and Danielle Lori.
When my brother is executed by the Irish King of Boston, I’m the only one left alive in my family. Eighteen and alone, heiress to the Connelly name, I’m a target for anyone who might want the empire my father and brother left behind.
Until the Council chooses a husband against my will.
Sean Flannery is twenty years older than me, a ruthless enforcer known as the Wolf of Dublin. And the worst part? He doesn’t want me either. Yet from the moment we meet his grip tightens, and the heat between us ignites. Forced into proximity, bound by an arranged marriage to save me and his reputation, we become trapped in a deadly web of power, guilt and raw desire.
Now he’s the only man able to keep me alive…and the one I’m terrified to need. Because giving in to the assassin who claimed me as his bride means putting more than my life at risk.
I’m falling for a man who might not catch me…unless I can tame the wolf who trapped me.
For fans of dark mafia standalones, arranged marriages, age-gap enemies-to-lovers and books by authors like Rina Kent, JT Geissinger and Danielle Lori.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2026
137 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
M. James
65 books413 followersPrepare to be captivated by the sensational world of M. James, the mastermind behind a genre-defying realm of romance and intrigue. With a pen dipped in passion and a heart that beats to the rhythm of forbidden desires, M. James weaves tantalizing tales that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
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Follow her to the dark side where strong heroines fearlessly navigate treacherous paths and damaged heroes find solace in their darkest corners. Her words will wrap around your senses like a seductive embrace, transporting you to a world where love and danger dance a wicked tango.
M. James resides in the suburbs of Chicago but lives for the big moments that make life interesting. Although writing brings her passion and darkest fantasies alive, watching suspenseful thrillers with her two dogs and loving husband brings her excitement in the most exhilarating way. Nonetheless, getting lost in a dark mafia romance along with a tall glass of wine makes any day a bit juicier.
From enemies to lovers to forbidden romances, M. James' stories of passion, intrigue, and betrayal will keep you hooked until the very end. If your appetite craves the intoxicating prose of Rina Kent or the allure of Sophie Lark, prepare to be entangled in M. James' captivating new series. But be warned, dear reader, for her world is not for the faint of heart. It is a world where inhibitions are shed, and inhibitions are tested. It is a world where passion reigns supreme, and where the pursuit of love can ignite a blaze that consumes all in its path.
FOLLOW ME ON MY SOCIALS
BUNDLES & MORE
EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
TIKTOK
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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January 11, 2026If you’re into long paragraphs of inner monologue while very little happening, then this might work for you.
Lost interest about 10% into the story.
Lost interest about 10% into the story.
January 4, 2026
70% mark:
Not bad. But I feel like there was too much push & pull, the same reasoning over and over again without much progress.
Not bad. But I feel like there was too much push & pull, the same reasoning over and over again without much progress.
January 20, 2026
Plot: 3.5/5 - Spice: 2.5/5 ——————> The amount of back and forth this one had to get anywhere was infuriating. He hates her. he hates that he wants her. he pushes her away. he craves her. he saves her. he loves her. she hates him. she craves his attention. she’s miserable. she loves him.
This took so damn long to even get them to even talk to each other. A forced marriage between two irish families. She’s lost everyone. He’s an assassin. Not a match made in heaven. She, of course, is an 18 year old sheltered virgin. He’s a mid-thirties, assassin for hire for the irish council.
Eventually this does get somewhere. It is a SLOW burn. I don’t think there was any sort of actual kiss until we were past 200 pages.
If you’re looking for an arranged marriage - age gap - virgin FMC - touch her and die vibes - mafia - (and i can’t stress this enough) SLOW burn - this may be for you.
This took so damn long to even get them to even talk to each other. A forced marriage between two irish families. She’s lost everyone. He’s an assassin. Not a match made in heaven. She, of course, is an 18 year old sheltered virgin. He’s a mid-thirties, assassin for hire for the irish council.
Eventually this does get somewhere. It is a SLOW burn. I don’t think there was any sort of actual kiss until we were past 200 pages.
If you’re looking for an arranged marriage - age gap - virgin FMC - touch her and die vibes - mafia - (and i can’t stress this enough) SLOW burn - this may be for you.
January 4, 2026
Irish Mob
Emotionally stunted MMC
Innocent FMC
Slow Burn
Age Gap 20 yrs
Emotionally stunted MMC
Innocent FMC
Slow Burn
Age Gap 20 yrs
January 25, 2026
So much repetition, DNF
The amount of times an emotion “flickered in his eyes and was gone” was comically bad. DNF at 50%-ish. I kept hoping it would get better because none of the reviews said anything negative. But so many phrases were repeated over and over, things were overly explained, and neither the MMC/FMC were likable. Lots of whining and “guess I’ll have to just deal with it but I’m going to sulk and brood the whole time”.
Honestly all of that aside, the fact that she went into her father’s office…that’s now hers….and just shrugged when she came across locked drawers? Like girl break the drawer, it’s your house!
The amount of times an emotion “flickered in his eyes and was gone” was comically bad. DNF at 50%-ish. I kept hoping it would get better because none of the reviews said anything negative. But so many phrases were repeated over and over, things were overly explained, and neither the MMC/FMC were likable. Lots of whining and “guess I’ll have to just deal with it but I’m going to sulk and brood the whole time”.
Honestly all of that aside, the fact that she went into her father’s office…that’s now hers….and just shrugged when she came across locked drawers? Like girl break the drawer, it’s your house!
January 13, 2026
Maeve is eighteen, freshly orphaned, and essentially handed over like property by the Irish Council after her family implodes in mafia violence. Sean Flannery, also known as the Wolf of Dublin,is sent to marry her as punishment after failing a mission and that detail matters, because it undercuts the entire fantasy from the start: Sean doesn’t want Maeve, doesn’t want a wife, and is furious at being saddled with a girl young enough to make him feel both predatory and guilty.
Maeve starts out genuinely terrified, she doesn’t “secretly want this” she doesn’t swoon, but she agrees to marry and after the wedding survives how she knows best. The wedding night gave me strong Cora Reilly vibes, but here the hero is noticeably more considerate.
They go through a series of violent and emotional trials, and while they do find happiness in the end, the road there is anything but simple.
Maeve starts out genuinely terrified, she doesn’t “secretly want this” she doesn’t swoon, but she agrees to marry and after the wedding survives how she knows best. The wedding night gave me strong Cora Reilly vibes, but here the hero is noticeably more considerate.
They go through a series of violent and emotional trials, and while they do find happiness in the end, the road there is anything but simple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
Maeve and Sean
They both got thrusted in a situation that neither wanted. She has lost the last member in her family and he failed a mission. Council saw wise to have him marry her to protect their council interest. This was definite pull and tug relationship.
They both got thrusted in a situation that neither wanted. She has lost the last member in her family and he failed a mission. Council saw wise to have him marry her to protect their council interest. This was definite pull and tug relationship.
January 9, 2026
Great book.. Awesome author..
January 10, 2026
I did enjoy this one. But I also felt like it dragged on way too long. Always love a good HEA!
January 26, 2026
it’s a must read
I loved this book it was a great read,I loved the characters You did an amazing job writing this book.
I loved this book it was a great read,I loved the characters You did an amazing job writing this book.
February 15, 2026
While this was a fairly decent sized book I feel like a whole lot of nothing went on. The main characters barely interacted
January 13, 2026
Maeve is eighteen, freshly orphaned, and essentially handed over like property by the Irish Council after her family implodes in mafia violence. Sean Flannery, also known as the Wolf of Dublin,is sent to marry her as punishment after failing a mission and that detail matters, because it undercuts the entire fantasy from the start: Sean doesn’t want Maeve, doesn’t want a wife, and is furious at being saddled with a girl young enough to make him feel both predatory and guilty.
Maeve starts out genuinely terrified, she doesn’t “secretly want this” she doesn’t swoon, but she agrees to marry and after the wedding survives how she knows best. The wedding night gave me strong Cora Reilly vibes, but here the hero is noticeably more considerate.
They go through a series of violent and emotional trials, and while they do find happiness in the end, the road there is anything but simple.
Maeve starts out genuinely terrified, she doesn’t “secretly want this” she doesn’t swoon, but she agrees to marry and after the wedding survives how she knows best. The wedding night gave me strong Cora Reilly vibes, but here the hero is noticeably more considerate.
They go through a series of violent and emotional trials, and while they do find happiness in the end, the road there is anything but simple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews