Carnal Obsession

Insidious Obsession #4

by Kia Carrington-Russell

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*

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Forced Proximity, Smut

432 pages, Paperback

Published December 29, 2025

About the author

Amazon Top 25 Best Selling Author

Australian Author, Kia Carrington-Russell is known for her recognizable style of kick-butt heroines, enemies to lovers, fast paced action and romance that dances from light to dark. Including multiples genres such as Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance and Fantasy Romance. Obsessed with all things coffee, food and travel, Kia is always seeking out her next international adventure.

Now back in her home country of Australia, she takes her Cavoodle, Sia along morning walks on beautiful coastline beaches, building worlds in the sea breezes and contemplating which deliciously haunting story to write next.

Follow Kia at:
TikTok- kia_crystal
Instagram- kiacarringtonrussell
Facebook- kiacarringtonrussellauthor
www.kiacarrington-russell.com

Reviews

[Tasma · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. I 10/10 recommend reading it and the books in this series before this one.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Lawlah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[onemorechapterisaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.”
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Rachel Santillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ This book was refreshing in the way that our FMC, Romi, was complicated, not meek, not abused by anyone but herself. She’s self destructive, drowning in self hatred and all the vices, sex, drugs, alcohol.

Our MMC, Dante, found all of her amusing. He was intrigued that she wouldn’t fall at his feet because of how handsome, rich, and powerful he was. Romi wanted to use him like all the other people she’d used before, just to numb the pain she felt and he was determined to make sure he became her only vice.

Throughout, both of their secrets are revealed, and as the saying goes, only light can fight the dark. They ignite that light in each other, healing painful wounds and becoming each other’s savior.

Dark, twisted, and all kinds of mafia possession fun.

[Buffy ❤️‍🔥💀 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly I shouldn’t be surprised that this book was a flop for me- the other books from the series that I’ve read also were. I don’t know why but every MMC from these books is insufferable

[Devika Ragbeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Romi is healing from a difficult time in her life when Dante Moretti swoops in and becomes the roommate she never wanted. Dante wormed his way into her heart and because someone who has feelings.

From the moment Dante met Romi I just knew that he would never stop being relentless in winning her over. And Romi did one hell of a job of pushing him away.

I loved every bit of their story and how they developed into who they became at the end of the story.

I can’t wait for what’s next. 😏

[Nicoles_bookcorner10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Loved this one as much as I loved the prior book!
Dante was everything, not gonna lie. I did hate him a little bit in the beginning, but then he grew on me and he’s pretty funny. My heart went out to Romi. I love how prior characters from the previous books come full circle into this book. There wasn’t as much spice as I normally like but when there was, it was pretty good. This is a great book if you’re a beginner into the mafia, dark romance books.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Grace Dawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh found this boring

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes yes YESSSS!!!! Finally. I LOVE both Romi and Dante. They are by far my favorite out of this entire series. I found myself intrigued in this book from the jump. I love how obsessed and unhinged Dante is. I love his personality and most of all I love that he doesn’t let Luca dictate his entire life like Lorenzo did. Romi is my favorite girl and such a refresher after reading lily. Romi was real and she lived for Dante unhinged behavior. She was powerful and stood her ground in the most likable way. I honestly wish this book was longer. I want more Dante and Romi. I want to see even more of their dynamic now that they are together. I love how Romi was protective over just as he was protective over her. I loved that he was this big bad mafia man but took care of
Romi by doing her laundry and buying groceries and taking care of her dog. I do think because of the fiery personality of both that their spicy scenes should have been more mind blowing. I found that they were repetitive and rushed but tbh their personalities and their dynamic made up for it so it’s still a 5 star read for me.

[Kimm Euto · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 🌟 mafia romance yet again!

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 @kiacarringtonrussell for all fans of mafia romance! 🫶🏻

[Ashlley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Want some unhinged characters? You get Romi and Dante.

Individually, Romi and Dante were a little hard to love. But LISTEN, when they’re together, that’s when they truly work for me!! They’re both complex characters who clearly have their own issues, but they also have redeeming qualities that make them compelling.

What I loved most about this book is how emotionally charged it is compared to the others, especially when it comes to Romi’s backstory. Her path of self-destruction is not an easy read, particularly for anyone who copes the same way or has experienced grief so painful and raw that you’d do anything to block it out. Kia handled this topic with a lot of care and sensitivity, and it really helped me understand why Romi is the way she is.

I’m not going to lie, I felt conflicted about this one. There were parts I really loved, and others that fell a bit flat for me. However, I can still say that I enjoyed the story overall!!

[DemetraP · Rating 2 out of 5]

The heroine started off unlikable. She drinks a lot, smokes cigarettes and weed. She is mourning her friend and roommate's death. She meets the hero at a party and they bang. She immediately walks away afterwards. They don't even know each other's names.

Spoilers.
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The next night she picked up a woman at a bar. She was trying to steal her lamp. Her friends caught her in the act. She goes back to that same bar a few nights later and that woman slaps her.

She goes home and her new roommate the hero is there. They bang again. This time she walks away as soon as she has an orgasm. The hero didn't finish yet. She leaves him hanging.

At this point, I stopped reading.

[CharrysBookishEra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
2.75🌶️ I don’t really have connection to these 2 MC’s. Both have backgrounds that made you think their character could ruined a friendship and family. Heroine was putting walls to her friends, always wasted and kept using people to distract her because of her roommates death and as well as the hero has this plan of destroying his brother’s reputation and life who had a personality of somewhat reckless, smug and cocky who kept grinning and too much proud of his appearance (which too cringey). To much to say, the plot for me was not so great.

[Kristi Lange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! it’s definitely more emotionally charged than most mafia books. Romi is really struggling after her roommate’s death, using anything she can to block out the grief including Dante.

At first, Dante only wanted to get closer to Romi to annoy his brother who is dating one of Romi’s best friends. But he quickly starts taking care of her and becomes obsessed with making sure she’s taken care of (but also that he’s the only person taking care of her 😉)

”What started off as a carnal obsession has turned into something more, something sweeter and more like forever.”

-one night stand
-roommates to lovers
-boy obsessed
-unhinged MMC
-pierced MMC & FMC
-hate to love
-touch her and die
-grief

[sammiimarriiee · Rating 5 out of 5]

•Mafia
•Grief
•OTT MMC
•Snarky Fmc


I lovedddd Dante and his shit stirring attitude. His playfulness was so fun. the character development that he and Romi did was amazing. I feel like I haven’t enjoyed a well put together story in a long ass time. I would def reread this! This also had soo many good one liners. Half the book is highlighted lol.

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Bebe Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have great time reading this one. Dante x Romi = chaotic couple I loved ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[Taylor Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

She shot him and he still bought her a house ugh

[seebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loooooooooved my man Dante. Also love how grief can be shown in messy forms with no judgement just worry <3

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

fuck YES

[Tess · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - plot was lacking 19% in

[✧ minthe ✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5

[Nstefa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series!! Never had heard of the author but damn…. Need more now!! I loved the characters, the dynamic between them and the story was great !! Bring more like this on now!!!

[Tychedea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just could not get past the level of haunted the FMC was. Her path of self destruction was too raw and did not make for a pleasant read. I did not finish it for this reason.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!

This book is awesome!!! Read it! Great story and plot. Fast mover. I want some more Dante. Romi is great to.

[Emsi Gleds · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved Dante and romi.. loved all of these books in this series roll on the last one being published 😀