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Our Deadly Little Obsession

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My queen bows for no one… but I will be at her side.

For years, I lived with one mission. Revenge. I would bring down my father and wipe out the East Coast mafia. Until Naomi Marino.

From the very first look, I’m obsessed. An obsession that turns primal. A single moment alters the trajectory of my life. If I eliminate the mob, I would also be eliminating the Marino family. That meant I had to make her my bride. She's a queen that doesn't want a king, but I’ll make her need one.

As the oldest daughter of the city's most deadly man, she is next in line. I know Naomi was born for a purpose, one that would forever change history.

They call her cold, heartless, and plain. That is far from how I see her. For me, Naomi is the definition of sunshine. You need it to survive, but it could easily turn everything to ash.

But what happens when she finds out about all the things I've done? How I've woven our lives together far more than she could ever have imagined. Predicted and calculated every step, even hers. Naomi might turn that fiery wrath on to me. The burn will be worth it because my heart beats only for her now.

Where I once wanted to destroy my enemies for all the things they’d done, now I want to because they all want to destroy my bride.

This is the third book in the Kings & Queens Will Rise series. No cheating, no OW drama, and an HEA is always guaranteed! Each is standalone.

It features an extremely obsessive hero, an arranged marriage, steamy scenes, a wicked heroine who is deadly funny, and a criminal empire.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2026

170 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Lucy Darling

69 books1,593 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Jen ♥.
1,829 reviews1,114 followers
March 5, 2026
3.5 ⭐

Rounding it up because I love me some jealous, possessive, obsessed MCs. They both give as they get, but I think Naomi is way more over-the-top than Paxton. It's normally not my jam, but for some reason I really enjoyed her and her antics. 😂 I love how she seems more like the alpha in this relationship, and I adore him for supporting her and letting her be.

Anyway, can't wait for the upcoming books from this author. She's definitely an auto read for me.

Safe, Dual V, stalking 😉, and HEA. 🩷🩷🩷
Profile Image for MerReads.
444 reviews46 followers
March 6, 2026
DUAL VIRGINS! *happy happy dance!*

Quote,
“You have nothing to worry about with me. You’ve had
me from the moment I laid eyes on you.”
It might not have been purely sexual back then, but I’d been captivated
from the start. In a way that only she could do to me. She’s the only woman
who has ever piqued my interest.
end quote.

Quote,
He drops
his forehead to mine. “There has been no one else. Not before you or after. I
even kept my infatuation with you a secret that only a few knew of. If my
father knew of my desire for anything, he’d try to take it from me or use it.
It’s why I killed him. So that I could finally have you.”
“You killed your father for me.”
“I killed him for us.” That’s the most romantic gesture I’ve ever heard
of. Yeah, we’re definitely fated. Crafted to fit only each other. It may sound
crazy and go against logical thoughts, but I don’t care.
“That’s like the sweetest engagement gift. It’s perfect, really.” Paxton
throws back his head and laughs, his body shaking mine. I reach up and pull
him down for a kiss. I relish the fact that I will be the only woman to ever
have him.
end quote.

Quote,
“Sunshine?” Paxton takes my wrist, turning my hand over, and I release
it. “There is nothing to be nervous or to worry about.”
“That’s what that is.” He kisses one palm and then the other.
“Yes, and here with me. When it’s only us. I take care of you, and you
let me. You want that.”
“I do.”
“I’m right here with you. It’s new to me too.”
“What do you feel right now?”
“I don’t think there is a word for what I’m feeling. Everything I have
wanted is all coming together. I have you by my side.”
end quote.

Quote,
“Yeah, seriously.” I grip her hips.
“You’re being ridiculous with your jealousy, you know that,” she huffs,
and I have never in my life seen her fight so hard to not smile. “Are we
having our first married fight?”
“Might as well. We do all our firsts together.” A small laugh leaves her. I
grip her chin to stare into her eyes. She stares right back. “You see it now?”
“I see it,” she agrees. “I am your sunshine.”
end quote.

Safe
No cheating
No OW/OM drama
No OW/OM comparisons
No separation
No gross condom use
No stupid third act breakup
HEA

This is the long awaited story for our Naomi! She is one of the most interesting and intriguing heroines I have read in a very long time. Naomi is War and Tova's daughter. I can only describe her as the Wednesday Adams of the family. Like her father she is stoic, her movements seem calculated, she is practical in all aspects of her life and doesn't understand social cues. Contrary to how others see her, she feels emotions deeply, but it took Paxton our hero who was in love with her years before finally going after her to claim her hand in marriage, to show her that it is ok to relax and feel just as she naturally does. He doesn't want to change her, he never judges her and whenever he sees her micro expressions cluing him into what she must be feeling, he immediately smiles at her and comforts her. His hand cups her chin to lift it up, they lock eyes, hers confused and his comforting. She relaxes, smiles and same as Paxton, gives into this new feeling of love and lust in total trust that he had to earn. These two are soulmates, and I enjoyed their interactions very much.
Paxton is charming, intensely in love with Naomi, and had a dark past involving his father. He is from a family that wants to target the Marinos, years before the book starts, he wanted to do research on the infamous daughter of War and Tova Marino, Naomi. As soon as he set eyes on Naomi, his whole world shifts, and the epicenter of his being revolves around her and her alone. She is in every one of his thoughts and he always keeps her in his sights to look after her. Of course my favorite detail is they both have feelings of love and lust awakening for the first time. To me it will always be the most powerful part of a couples story, because I equate the act of sex and any form of intimacy as an expression of romantic love. Paxton feels the same! He goes to the Marino residence in order to talk to War and make sure he understands that all he wants is Naomi's hand in marriage.
The book is filled with our recurring characters, all surrounding our lovebirds and it is full of humour, drama (mild), action and romance. Of course the best moments are when Paxton and Naomi are alone, because the intensity of their connection is swoon worthy. The erotic moments were well earned and it worked because I believe these two are madly in love which heightens the sex scenes. Paxton is obsessed with Naomi and it only grew as the years pass until he finally made his move, but Naomi is also VERY possessive of her man, and the lengths she goes to claim him is entertaining. Paxton loves every bit of her attention, leaving him with hearts in his eyes, and a grin on his face.
There are many sequences of events that unfold in the book and it is a very easy read. I enjoyed it and I am quite sad that it is the end of the series. I wanted to see Damon's love story, Mac's love story. Damon is the largest of the enforcers, Mac is a master hacker. I hope Lucy Darling will give us their love stories in some capacity. Maybe in another series that is not directly linked to the mafia family. I really wanted to see what kind of woman Damon would fall in love with and I looked forward to what kind of hero Mac would fall in love with. I am not ready to say goodbye to this family just yet.
I enjoyed this whole series, but I have enjoyed Lucy Darling, because she guarantees us first timers romances, so I feel safe reading her stories knowing it is dual virgins and super safe. I highly recommend it of course!
Happy reading!
Profile Image for Babel.
2,374 reviews198 followers
March 9, 2026
A mafia couple equally skilled in cunning and obsession. Perfect!

Without missing on the cuteness and fun, this story delivers wonderfully in terms of crafty plotting and deadly assets.

The heroine is sharp and out-of-the-box unique. And the hero has been planning for that his whole life. He is intent on winning more than an empire. He needs her and when he conquers her it will be with her needs in mind. So devoted!

I loved the suspense, the well-crafted action and the strong bonds in the Marino family. It's been great to see them all interacting, loving each other, teasing each other, and also working together for the sake of their family and their ambitions. The main couple is very good together. She might be aloof and deadly, though he knows exactly how to treat her like the jewel she is. She's a force to be reckoned with in dealing with her enemies, but turns to butter in his loving hands.

Some of the action scenes are really riveting. I approve of this style :-D And of course the camaraderie and the hot romance are top-notch. A very satisfying finale in this series.
Profile Image for Kellyythoralabatalla.
1,094 reviews40 followers
March 17, 2026
si soy sincera, toda esta saga me ha parecido confusa y con este libro terminé pérdida. ojalá hubiera hecho un árbol genealógico para entender mejor quien era hijo de quién porque yo no entendí. pero si miro la historia de los MC, está bien y me gusta el contraste de ella con él.
78 reviews
March 22, 2026
I go into every one of her books hoping the writing will finally level up, and every time I’m reminded that the bones of the story are great… but the execution still needs heavy editing. This one had all the ingredients for the perfect obsessive love story, and with tighter writing it really could’ve been incredible.

What did work for me was the dynamic between Naomi and Paxton. They’re equals in a way her couples often aren’t—you could even argue Naomi holds more power—and I loved that. And Paxton, like so many of her heroes, knows exactly what he wants and goes after it. That part of her formula still hits.

What didn’t land as well was the timeline. I’m not a fan of couples who take years to get together, even if we don’t have to sit through the wait on the page. I did appreciate that neither of them had anyone else in the meantime; this author is consistently good at writing jealousy and obsession without undermining the couple’s bond. It adds tension instead of doubt.

But I wanted more from their actual love story. Naomi not knowing about Paxton until recently made their connection feel less believable compared to her other couples. The emotional foundation just wasn’t as strong.

Still, I’m hoping we get the cousins and siblings next. I would love to see Sloan end up with one of the Marinos—and I’m crossing my fingers that the writing finally gets the editing it deserves, because the potential is always there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
67 reviews
April 8, 2026
Our Deadly Little Obsession is the 3rd book in the Kings & Queens Will Rise series. Naomi is the daughter next in line to take over for her Mafia father. She is "different" and crazy scary. And universally loved and adored by her family. Paxton adores her too, though no one knows it. He's been watching her for years...waiting, gathering information, and planning. Now the time has come, and he wants her hand in marriage. Naomi doesn't really believe that she can love or feel emotions like most people. Paxton knows differently. She hides her depths. And he wants to be the one who sees all of her. I loved this story and the characters. Both are truly awesome. I hadn't read the first two books yet, but will soon. I found myself wanting more on the secondary characters, and am hoping to read their stories too.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rmqbookqueen.
1,104 reviews10 followers
March 8, 2026
This book made me want to re-read War & Tova’s book so bad after seeing how truly similar Naomi is to her parents. It was also so sweet seeing to little snippets of the family seeing similarities of Tova’s character in Paxton(Property of Naomi) as well. I adored the entire family perfectly accepting how Naomi operated, and man was it fun watching everyone respect and love her.

Fear not, because the next in line for the Marino family is an absolute baddie who takes charge and takes names while she’s at it. Her relationship with Paxton was so hot, and we were getting fed in the romance department so much more than I was expecting. When these Marinos fall they fall HARD! Paxton was the best addition to the family and I cannot wait to see who’s next in future books.
305 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2026
This is Book 3 in the Kings & Queens Will Rise series. It is an interconnected standalone with a guaranteed Happily Ever After. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

I enjoyed Paxton & Naomi's story. It was fast paced with witty banter, strong characters with a great friend & family group, mild suspense, unexpected plot twists & an ending that will leave you smiling.

*dark, morally grey
*mafia
*spicy
*she's a virgin
*arranged marriage
*he fell first
*stalker/obsessive MMC
*Strong FMC

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to the author (Lucy Darling), publisher & Booksprout for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melissa Wilson.
1,455 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 2, 2026
This is book 3 in Kings & Queens Will Rise series. I was intrigued by Naomi in the first two books in the series so I was happy when she was getting her own story. I absolutely loved Naomi and Paxton. Naomi knows she's different and doesn't get social cues like other people. Paxton sees the real Naomi and nurtures her to be just herself. The bond between Naomi and her family is heartwarming. Naomi has to be one of my favorite FMC with how complex she is. This book, had action, violence, humor, murder, and spice. 5 stars!! Hope there will be more books in this series.
Profile Image for Kyareth14.
1,419 reviews
March 6, 2026
This book is already one of my favorites; I knew Naomi's story would be unique. Lucy in this book exceeded my expectations as a reader. Paxton is the perfect man for Naomi; he loved her just the way she was. He knew she was destined to be a powerful woman, and he would be by her side to support and protect her. The plot is enjoyable in every chapter. Paxton is always two steps ahead, but always for Naomi's well-being. The ending is very good, but as a reader in love with the Lucy universe, I always want more.
Profile Image for Chrystal_K.
578 reviews
March 6, 2026
Naomi and Paxton were everything I hoped! I have been craving Naomi’s book since she was first introduced and Lucy Darling did not disappoint. Naomi seems cold and unfeeling to most. But Paxton saw yo the heart of her right from the start and his obsession only grew over the years. Everything he did was to secure their future and I love nothing more than a truly obsessed, slightly unhinged hero. Though Naomi is a warrior in her own right, Paxton’s support allows her to show her softer side as well. I loved this book. Think I’ll do a re-read of the whole Marino clan.
Profile Image for Johanna.
4,458 reviews72 followers
April 2, 2026
Book 3 of the Kings & Queens Will Rise series. Can be read as a standalone.

'Features an extremely obsessive hero, an arranged marriage, steamy scenes, a wicked heroine who is deadly funny, and a criminal empire.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karin Gesell.
1,929 reviews41 followers
March 6, 2026
I very much enjoyed this! Naomi, who one day will be the head of the Marino family, is very much like her father War. Direct, doesn’t show emotions, or understand them. Quirky & deadly, but her family gets her. That was enough. Until Paxton comes along, suggesting a marriage. She thinks it’s business, but he’s always wanted her. And when they get together, it’s magic. I totally loved this. I hope there’s more to come!
Profile Image for Day.
1,888 reviews11 followers
March 9, 2026
Naomi and Paxton

I've been dying to read Naomi's story ever since the series started. She was my favorite every time. Her story with Paxton was good and their connection is everything she needs in life. I just had a bit of a tough time staying invested in the story from time to time. Other than that, I liked the story. It was mildly steamy and had a plot. Hopefully, Damon's next!
695 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2026
In the dark world where the protagonists live and work, a lot might seem unacceptable, twisted, or crazy, yet at the same time exhilarating, and some things are done right. It was entertaining to see the hero's fascination and obsession, and the heroine exploring new feelings and learning a new side of herself; somehow, being together works well for them. Some parts of her personality I could understand.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jess.
3,215 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 5, 2026
I enjoyed this one!
I was curious to see how Paxton would win over Naomi and it did not disappoint! She is thought to be someone with no feelings, but Paxton sees how much she truly feels for her family. But her feelings towards him outshine all the others! He truly is her match in every way.
I thought this couple was fun and unexpectedly enjoyable!
603 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2026
Wow wow and more wow! I loved how Naomi’s story was so different than the rest in the series just like her and different meaning in the best way. And Paxton the way he sees her as not just an equal but a queen in all ways is so swoony! He was so perfect for her! Loved their story and how it shows how powerful women can be!
20 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2026
I couldn’t wait to read this book and it did not disappoint. I love that’s it’s a different dynamic between the mc and fc than I what Lucy usually writes. Naomi is very straight forward no nonsense kind of person no qualms about hurting anyone who deserves it. Paxton reminds me of a gold retriever. They balance each other out. I hope we get to read about the rest of the Marinos
Profile Image for Fran.
2,641 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2026
Loved Naomi and Paxton

I want to be Naomi when I grow up. She’s the best murderous female character I have ever read about. And Paxton knows just what she needs. Give me the morally gray hero’s every time, male and female. Fast paced intriguing and exciting read, lots of action and so hot and steamy. I loved it.
Profile Image for Flo₂₂.
1,658 reviews134 followers
March 12, 2026
barely 3 stars...
i had high hops for Naomi book... but i was left disappointed...
i expected more..
it started good but then all became bland ,flat, and kind of boring unfortunately.
the premise was good but not the delivery.
i even start skipping because i didn't fully enjoyed it and i didn't care anymore.
the second book was the best!! 5 stars!!
1,460 reviews6 followers
April 5, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Our Deadly Little Obsession. Once I started reading this book I didn't want to put it down. Naomi and Paxton are great characters and you can feel the chemistry between the two. Well worth the time spent reading this book. I hope you enjoy it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
238 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2026
Paxton want to marry Naomi and uses the excuse of an alliance. Even though she does not really understand emotions, she has a family that does and helps her along the way. I enjoyed how Naomi does not care about anything and Paxton allows her to be herself.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jessica.
27 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2026
This is Naomi's book. I love how she goes from people accusing her about having no emotions to finding her safe space to relax and be fully who she is. I love the way Paxton supports her and the love they show. I really love the entire series, but I think this book is my favorite so far!
130 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2026
i loved it, it was beautiful. Paxton and Naomi's love story. Paxton loved Naomi for years before his father died. when his father died he went to war for Naomi hand in marriage. war told him it is up to Naomi. it was a great love story. I hope we get a book about Damon and mac
Profile Image for Sil Hines.
328 reviews
March 6, 2026
the Marino’s

The Marino family keeps getting better and better. This is Naomi’s story, and it. Did. Not. Disappoint. Dang, this book was good. And also 🔥 lol. Paxton was chef’s kiss with Naomi. 10/10 recommend
Profile Image for Grace.
289 reviews15 followers
March 10, 2026
3.5 stars

So Naomi and Paxton are hands down the best couple from the series and I loved them together. It was all going great but the last 1/4 of the book hit a brick wall for me. It just couldn't hold my attention and I didn't care about all the mafia drama.
Profile Image for Rae&#x1f987;.
418 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2026
I effing LOVE Naomi and I’ve been WAITING for her story! It was everything I hoped it would be!

Dual V 🥰.

Naomi: (Raven haired/fmc) Unhinged. Very Wednesday Addam’s-like personality.
Paxton: (dirty blonde/mmc) Determined.
Profile Image for Sinful Bookwyrm.
1,238 reviews21 followers
April 2, 2026
Naomi's story was so cool and unique, just like her, and in the best way! Paxton and how he sees her as a queen is so swoon-worthy! They were perfect together! Loved their story and how it shows how powerful women can be!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
218 reviews
April 10, 2026
Naomi is a Queen!

I initially thought by the title that it was going to be a reverse harem but oh no! They were both just so obsessed with each other. Naomi is a beast and Paxton is the most calculating individual ever. I also really enjoyed the side story. Action packed!
Profile Image for effin surrey.
1,872 reviews26 followers
March 6, 2026
Book 2 still the best. This one, boring, bland. Not really feeling it. Sadly, I won’t read this again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews