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Russian Tattoos: Obsession
A forbidden Russian mafia romance between a powerful pakhan and the woman who refuses to surrender.
Carter wants one thing above all freedom. But with an overprotective father controlling every part of her life, freedom feels impossible until she meets his mysterious new boss.
Vladimir Ivanov is commanding, generous, and impossibly alluring. A powerful Russian billionaire with striking blue eyes and tattoos that whisper danger steps into Carter’s world and takes control. At first, he feels like a savior. When her family faces financial ruin, Vladimir offers protection—and Carter is drawn to him in all the wrong ways.
Behind her father’s back, Carter slips into Vladimir’s world of privilege and peril. What begins as fascination turns into obsession. And once Vladimir sets his sights on her, walking away is no longer an option.
Vladimir reigns as the pakhan of the Russian Bratva, a man forged in a Siberian prison, every tattoo on his skin earned in blood. He watches Carter. Protects her. Controls her. When a man from her past threatens her, Vladimir intervenes—and Carter learns that being under his protection means surrendering far more than she ever intended.
She thought her Russian hero saved her life until she learns the truth—he owns her.
Russian Obsession is a slow-burn Russian mafia dark romance where desire feels like captivity, loyalty is currency, and the twist at the end will leave you breathless.
Carter wants one thing above all freedom. But with an overprotective father controlling every part of her life, freedom feels impossible until she meets his mysterious new boss.
Vladimir Ivanov is commanding, generous, and impossibly alluring. A powerful Russian billionaire with striking blue eyes and tattoos that whisper danger steps into Carter’s world and takes control. At first, he feels like a savior. When her family faces financial ruin, Vladimir offers protection—and Carter is drawn to him in all the wrong ways.
Behind her father’s back, Carter slips into Vladimir’s world of privilege and peril. What begins as fascination turns into obsession. And once Vladimir sets his sights on her, walking away is no longer an option.
Vladimir reigns as the pakhan of the Russian Bratva, a man forged in a Siberian prison, every tattoo on his skin earned in blood. He watches Carter. Protects her. Controls her. When a man from her past threatens her, Vladimir intervenes—and Carter learns that being under his protection means surrendering far more than she ever intended.
She thought her Russian hero saved her life until she learns the truth—he owns her.
Russian Obsession is a slow-burn Russian mafia dark romance where desire feels like captivity, loyalty is currency, and the twist at the end will leave you breathless.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
About the author
K.M. Shehata
4 books24 followersK.M. Shehata’s stories explore power, obsession, and relationships shaped by control, desire, and consequence. Known for blending emotional intensity with morally complex characters, she crafts narratives that pull readers in and refuse to let go.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 24, 2026
Dark, emotional, intense.
I still want to know more about the characters!
This story is told from Carter's point of view, which limits out ability to understand Vladimir.
So, I'm hoping book two is from his point of view, or both!
I'm curious to see where the author takes Boris' character. His role was definitely intriguing!
I think this may be the author's debut story, so kudos for that!
I still want to know more about the characters!
This story is told from Carter's point of view, which limits out ability to understand Vladimir.
So, I'm hoping book two is from his point of view, or both!
I'm curious to see where the author takes Boris' character. His role was definitely intriguing!
I think this may be the author's debut story, so kudos for that!
March 19, 2026
REVIEW OF ARC
Such an amazing well wrote book. Had me drawn in from the first page. Loved it so much I finished in two days which for me as a slow reader is quick. Can not wait for the next book. 💜
Such an amazing well wrote book. Had me drawn in from the first page. Loved it so much I finished in two days which for me as a slow reader is quick. Can not wait for the next book. 💜
March 29, 2026
I went into Obsession expecting tension, intrigue, maybe a little dangerous chemistry but what I got instead was… endless back and forth that never actually goes anywhere. By the time I hit 30%, I was still waiting for the story to start and honestly, that’s never a good sign.
The biggest issue for me was the pacing. There’s so much dialogue and internal backtalk but it rarely pushes the plot forward. It feels like the characters are constantly circling the point instead of just getting to it. And when your book leans heavily on conversation it has to be sharp, intentional, and revealing but here, it just felt repetitive and dragged out. I kept thinking: we could’ve cut half of this and lost absolutely nothing.
As for the characters… I wanted to feel something, anything. But they felt more like ideas of characters than fully formed people. Vladimir has that typical brooding, intense energy you’d expect from this kind of story but without enough depth to make it compelling. Carter on the other hand, felt frustratingly passive at times like she’s reacting to everything but not really driving anything. Their dynamic had potential but instead of tension, it mostly gave me exhaustion.
I will say, there are glimpses of atmosphere and a darker tone that could have worked if the story tightened up. The premise itself isn’t bad, it’s just buried under too much unnecessary dialogue and not enough actual progression. It’s one of those books where you keep reading hoping it’ll click… and then suddenly you’re 30% in and still waiting.
(Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
The biggest issue for me was the pacing. There’s so much dialogue and internal backtalk but it rarely pushes the plot forward. It feels like the characters are constantly circling the point instead of just getting to it. And when your book leans heavily on conversation it has to be sharp, intentional, and revealing but here, it just felt repetitive and dragged out. I kept thinking: we could’ve cut half of this and lost absolutely nothing.
As for the characters… I wanted to feel something, anything. But they felt more like ideas of characters than fully formed people. Vladimir has that typical brooding, intense energy you’d expect from this kind of story but without enough depth to make it compelling. Carter on the other hand, felt frustratingly passive at times like she’s reacting to everything but not really driving anything. Their dynamic had potential but instead of tension, it mostly gave me exhaustion.
I will say, there are glimpses of atmosphere and a darker tone that could have worked if the story tightened up. The premise itself isn’t bad, it’s just buried under too much unnecessary dialogue and not enough actual progression. It’s one of those books where you keep reading hoping it’ll click… and then suddenly you’re 30% in and still waiting.
(Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️
This had all the elements I usually love in a dark mafia romance: obsession, power, danger… but I didn’t like the execution. Unnecessary details and excessive drama weakened the buildup, making it harder to stay fully engaged. Carter was difficult to connect with at times; she’s supposed to be 19 but often came across much younger, and her naivety and repeated poor decisions made her frustrating, especially in situations that clearly put her at risk (like being involved with dangerous men much older than her). Vladimir, on the other hand, felt much older than he’s supposed to be, which made the story come across like a heavy age-gap (even though it isn’t at all), making it harder to connect with their relationship. His obsessive fixation, especially tied to Carter’s resemblance to her deceased sister, made things feel more unsettling than compelling. I also struggled with the fact that the story is entirely from Carter’s POV, which limited any deeper understanding of Vladimir and made their connection feel even weaker. On top of that, Boris seemed to dominate large parts of the story, often in uncomfortable ways that distracted from the main relationship (I was confused, sometimes it seemed he was the MMC). That said, the premise is undeniably intriguing, and despite my frustrations, I’m still curious enough to continue the series, mainly hoping for stronger character development and a more convincing emotional connection in book two.
⚠️ Trilogy – Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger!
This had all the elements I usually love in a dark mafia romance: obsession, power, danger… but I didn’t like the execution. Unnecessary details and excessive drama weakened the buildup, making it harder to stay fully engaged. Carter was difficult to connect with at times; she’s supposed to be 19 but often came across much younger, and her naivety and repeated poor decisions made her frustrating, especially in situations that clearly put her at risk (like being involved with dangerous men much older than her). Vladimir, on the other hand, felt much older than he’s supposed to be, which made the story come across like a heavy age-gap (even though it isn’t at all), making it harder to connect with their relationship. His obsessive fixation, especially tied to Carter’s resemblance to her deceased sister, made things feel more unsettling than compelling. I also struggled with the fact that the story is entirely from Carter’s POV, which limited any deeper understanding of Vladimir and made their connection feel even weaker. On top of that, Boris seemed to dominate large parts of the story, often in uncomfortable ways that distracted from the main relationship (I was confused, sometimes it seemed he was the MMC). That said, the premise is undeniably intriguing, and despite my frustrations, I’m still curious enough to continue the series, mainly hoping for stronger character development and a more convincing emotional connection in book two.
⚠️ Trilogy – Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger!
March 31, 2026
I am utterly speechless and don't know how to leave a review for this when I can't stop spiraling about the ending!!!
Carter is a college student looking to break free from the grasp of her father and gain her freedom after her sisters death. Her father sets her up with a job with a Russian billionaire, Vladimir. What he didn't know was that Vladimir is the packman of the Russian Bratva. As Carter falls further into his dark world, she becomes so entangled in his life with all that he can offer her. Protection, money, and the freedom she so craves. But Vladimir has his sights set on her now and walking away is no longer an option. What started off feeling as a savior offering protection slowly turns to control, threats, and possession. Just as she thinks she's finally about to break free from his grasps, she learns that she was never free. He was always watching, waiting, and now, he's ready to reclaim.
This story is dark and intense and I loved every second of it. I am at the edge of my seating waiting for the next one in this series because that ending had my jaw on the floor.
That was fantastic. The story is well done, well written, detailed and descriptive enough to immerse you in the story without being boring. I highly recommend giving this one a read, just check the trigger warning first.
Carter is a college student looking to break free from the grasp of her father and gain her freedom after her sisters death. Her father sets her up with a job with a Russian billionaire, Vladimir. What he didn't know was that Vladimir is the packman of the Russian Bratva. As Carter falls further into his dark world, she becomes so entangled in his life with all that he can offer her. Protection, money, and the freedom she so craves. But Vladimir has his sights set on her now and walking away is no longer an option. What started off feeling as a savior offering protection slowly turns to control, threats, and possession. Just as she thinks she's finally about to break free from his grasps, she learns that she was never free. He was always watching, waiting, and now, he's ready to reclaim.
This story is dark and intense and I loved every second of it. I am at the edge of my seating waiting for the next one in this series because that ending had my jaw on the floor.
That was fantastic. The story is well done, well written, detailed and descriptive enough to immerse you in the story without being boring. I highly recommend giving this one a read, just check the trigger warning first.
April 1, 2026
Vladimir and Carter🥰
❤️🔥My review❤️🔥
complete trilogy: Russian Tattoos: Obsession Russian Tattoos: Prisoner April 14 Russian Tattoos: Criminal April 28
But first Obsession:
Vladimir Ivanov is about to hire Ricky Cook to be his CIO of his company but he wants to meet his family first. Karen , his wife and stepmother to Carter. His 19 years old daughter. When she met him, something happened. He is handsome, covered with tattoos and feels like a man you don’t mess around with. Getting in troubles is Carter first thing. Helping her along the way, she find out he is the Pakhan of a very powerful family from Russia. But love doesn’t always work the way you want to be. Betrayal, lies and deception are all part of the journey. Will Carter end up with Vladimir or will she have to deal with the Pakhan side of Vladimir?
First time reader of S.M Shehata. It’s a trilogy so more to come in April. If you love very dark romance set in the Bratva world, you will be surprised!!! Vladimir and Carter relationship is complicated, slow burn but so exciting!! And Boris is one of my favourite in the book!!! I love to hate him 😆My only regret? I have to wait to read what is going to happen because she left us in a cliffhanger that will make you guess what is next!!!
4⭐️
❤️🔥My review❤️🔥
complete trilogy: Russian Tattoos: Obsession Russian Tattoos: Prisoner April 14 Russian Tattoos: Criminal April 28
But first Obsession:
Vladimir Ivanov is about to hire Ricky Cook to be his CIO of his company but he wants to meet his family first. Karen , his wife and stepmother to Carter. His 19 years old daughter. When she met him, something happened. He is handsome, covered with tattoos and feels like a man you don’t mess around with. Getting in troubles is Carter first thing. Helping her along the way, she find out he is the Pakhan of a very powerful family from Russia. But love doesn’t always work the way you want to be. Betrayal, lies and deception are all part of the journey. Will Carter end up with Vladimir or will she have to deal with the Pakhan side of Vladimir?
First time reader of S.M Shehata. It’s a trilogy so more to come in April. If you love very dark romance set in the Bratva world, you will be surprised!!! Vladimir and Carter relationship is complicated, slow burn but so exciting!! And Boris is one of my favourite in the book!!! I love to hate him 😆My only regret? I have to wait to read what is going to happen because she left us in a cliffhanger that will make you guess what is next!!!
4⭐️
April 2, 2026
Carter who is a tennis player, has struggled in life after blaming herself for the death of her sister and feels her father hates her for what happened that day. Her father loses his job but manages to find himself another one with Pakhan Vladimir. Vladimir wants to meet the whole family, so they head to Vladimir's property for dinner. Carter is given a job with Vladimir when she "loses her job" at the tennis club. Vladimir gives her protection in the shape of Boris. She finds herself making a lot of wrong decisions and needing to seek help from Boris. Sometimes her naivety gets her in more trouble. She tries to lie to cover up her misdemeanours to save herself or others. Which tends to get her in worse trouble. Carter wonders if maybe her family were chosen when she finds out that Valdimir knew her sister. Things take a dark turn when Vladimir thinks she has crossed him.
I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a very dark Mafia age-gap romance, then you will love this book. However, this is a very dark mafia romance and may not be for everybody. Therefore, please heed the author's trigger warnings before reading or purchasing this book. Obsession ends on a large cliffhanger, and I cant wait for the next book to see what happens next.
I received an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a very dark Mafia age-gap romance, then you will love this book. However, this is a very dark mafia romance and may not be for everybody. Therefore, please heed the author's trigger warnings before reading or purchasing this book. Obsession ends on a large cliffhanger, and I cant wait for the next book to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Obsession by K.M. Shehata is definitely one of the darkest romances I’ve read in a while, and it does not hold back at all. The intensity, the control, and the overall tone made this such a heavy but addictive read.
I felt so much for the FMC because she goes through so much in this first book, and it honestly broke my heart at times. Even with everything she endures, I kept rooting for her and just wanting things to get better for her.
The MMC… I have thoughts. He is very much that unhinged, obsessive, morally gray character, but I’m really hoping we see a redemption arc for him in the next book because I need him to treat her better. I want growth, I want accountability, and I need him to step up after everything that happened.
Overall, this was a super dark, intense, and emotional read that completely pulled me in. I’m definitely invested now and really hoping the next book gives the FMC the happy ending she deserves.
I felt so much for the FMC because she goes through so much in this first book, and it honestly broke my heart at times. Even with everything she endures, I kept rooting for her and just wanting things to get better for her.
The MMC… I have thoughts. He is very much that unhinged, obsessive, morally gray character, but I’m really hoping we see a redemption arc for him in the next book because I need him to treat her better. I want growth, I want accountability, and I need him to step up after everything that happened.
Overall, this was a super dark, intense, and emotional read that completely pulled me in. I’m definitely invested now and really hoping the next book gives the FMC the happy ending she deserves.
March 25, 2026
This is the 1st story in the Russian Tattoos Trilogy where we meet Carter a college student looking to earn her degree and get freedom from her controlling father. When her dad gets a good job Carter meets his new boss, Vladimir and becomes interwoven into his dark world unknowingly. Vladimir’s darkness is never shown until it’s too late and Carter has a habit of breaking rules finds herself in one troubling situation after another. These two have secrets and as they are discovered does their shaky situation become explosive. Carter has experienced situations that will haunt her and when presented with ammunition she uses it for her freedom. Will her promise under a different scenario lead her to a life altering fallout she can ever come to terms with…this dark intense romance will have you waiting for the next story!
Read
March 26, 2026Obsession is a darker mafia romance that leans into intensity, control, and an obsession-driven dynamic.
Told from Carter’s POV, the story highlights her inexperience and how she navigates a much darker world, which adds contrast to the overall dynamic.
Vladimir is a morally gray character whose obsession drives the story, creating a tense and sometimes unsettling dynamic between them.
The tone leans more toward dark and intense, with romance layered into the story rather than leading it.
As the first book in a trilogy, it sets up the story well and leaves you wanting to continue with the next book.
⭐️ 4/5 | 🔥 5/5 | 🌶️ 4/5 | 💧 4/5
Told from Carter’s POV, the story highlights her inexperience and how she navigates a much darker world, which adds contrast to the overall dynamic.
Vladimir is a morally gray character whose obsession drives the story, creating a tense and sometimes unsettling dynamic between them.
The tone leans more toward dark and intense, with romance layered into the story rather than leading it.
As the first book in a trilogy, it sets up the story well and leaves you wanting to continue with the next book.
⭐️ 4/5 | 🔥 5/5 | 🌶️ 4/5 | 💧 4/5
April 11, 2026
Carter is a college student who is looking for a way to break free from the grasp of her father and gain her freedom after her sisters death. Her father sets her up with a job with a Russian billionaire, Vladimir. She didn't know that Vladimir is the pakhan of the Russian Bratva. As Carter falls further into his dark world, she becomes so entangled in his life with all that he can offer her. These two have secrets and as they are discovered does their shaky situation become explosive. Carter has experienced situations that will haunt her and when presented with ammunition she uses it for her freedom. I loved the story.
March 29, 2026
New to me author.
I found carter to be very immature. She’s supposed to be a college student but acted more like a high school student. And she seems fine with allowing him to control her life. Rules set as far as where she can go, what she can drink and who she can hang out with. I don’t understand his obsession with her. I get the tie to her sister but that was years ago.
I can’t see how this could be a trilogy. I made it 25% of the way through and gave up.
I found carter to be very immature. She’s supposed to be a college student but acted more like a high school student. And she seems fine with allowing him to control her life. Rules set as far as where she can go, what she can drink and who she can hang out with. I don’t understand his obsession with her. I get the tie to her sister but that was years ago.
I can’t see how this could be a trilogy. I made it 25% of the way through and gave up.
May 13, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
FMC is naive, young & has alot to learn.
MMC is confusing & I haven’t quite figured him out yet.
I got whiplash from the back & forth of these characters, the storyline & etc.
I wanted to scream at both the FMC & MMC, they both frustrated me so much.
I wasn’t anticipating that cliffhanger though.. like whaaaaaat?!?
FMC is naive, young & has alot to learn.
MMC is confusing & I haven’t quite figured him out yet.
I got whiplash from the back & forth of these characters, the storyline & etc.
I wanted to scream at both the FMC & MMC, they both frustrated me so much.
I wasn’t anticipating that cliffhanger though.. like whaaaaaat?!?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Seriously couldn't finish this one as I didn't really like it. There were parts were I did but the writing felt really flat like that the excitement didn't get any hype up. I thought it would have had more in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2026
This felt like a good beginning to the series. I do feel like I need more so I’m excited to see how book 2 plays out. There were moments that didn’t keep me hooked as I hoped. But all in all, it was an entertaining read.
March 24, 2026
This is dark, intense, and addictive.
It’s a slow-burn romance with strong power dynamics and a gripping twist, it has morally grey characters and high-stakes tension.
It’s a slow-burn romance with strong power dynamics and a gripping twist, it has morally grey characters and high-stakes tension.
Did Not Finish
March 25, 2026Dnf at 33%.
So so so many red flags 😬 it didn’t even feel like a romance.
So so so many red flags 😬 it didn’t even feel like a romance.
March 30, 2026
This was an amazing well written book.
This story is told from Carter’s POV and it was amazing. The chemistry between the characters, and growth between them I devoured it.
This story is told from Carter’s POV and it was amazing. The chemistry between the characters, and growth between them I devoured it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews