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Enduring Vendettas #2
Guarded Obsession
I swore to hate him.
He vowed to protect me.
I never meant to fall in love.
Alexis
I hated him on sight—the huge, tattooed mafia soldier and cousin to the man who killed my father.
Nick’s uncle destroyed my family, leaving my mother and me alone in a world with no protection…
Until he’s assigned as my bodyguard.
Living in a safehouse with a grumpy gangster who gets under my skin feels like a fate worse than death.
But as I slowly glimpse the man beneath the gruff exterior, I realize Nick isn’t the villain I imagined.
He has honor.
And when he looks at me with those simmering dark eyes, I feel things I never expected.
I vowed not to fall for my bodyguard—but it’s a promise I’m not sure I can keep.
Nick
Guarding the daughter of my rival was not on my bucket list.
Our first meeting was a disaster, and I’m torn between shutting her pretty mouth—or teaching her just how… pleasurable using those full lips can truly be.
She’s everything I can’t have: brilliant, innocent and far too young for me...
But the more time we spend together, the more I realize she’s not the spoiled princess I assumed.
And when our enemies dare to harm her, I’ll stop at nothing to protect what’s mine—and make them pay for every second of her fear.
If you love an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance with a grumpy hero and a feisty, curvy heroine, you’ll devour Alexis and Nick’s story. Settle in and enjoy the world of the Carusos and Rossis. Content information can be found in the beginning of the book and on the author’s website.
He vowed to protect me.
I never meant to fall in love.
Alexis
I hated him on sight—the huge, tattooed mafia soldier and cousin to the man who killed my father.
Nick’s uncle destroyed my family, leaving my mother and me alone in a world with no protection…
Until he’s assigned as my bodyguard.
Living in a safehouse with a grumpy gangster who gets under my skin feels like a fate worse than death.
But as I slowly glimpse the man beneath the gruff exterior, I realize Nick isn’t the villain I imagined.
He has honor.
And when he looks at me with those simmering dark eyes, I feel things I never expected.
I vowed not to fall for my bodyguard—but it’s a promise I’m not sure I can keep.
Nick
Guarding the daughter of my rival was not on my bucket list.
Our first meeting was a disaster, and I’m torn between shutting her pretty mouth—or teaching her just how… pleasurable using those full lips can truly be.
She’s everything I can’t have: brilliant, innocent and far too young for me...
But the more time we spend together, the more I realize she’s not the spoiled princess I assumed.
And when our enemies dare to harm her, I’ll stop at nothing to protect what’s mine—and make them pay for every second of her fear.
If you love an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance with a grumpy hero and a feisty, curvy heroine, you’ll devour Alexis and Nick’s story. Settle in and enjoy the world of the Carusos and Rossis. Content information can be found in the beginning of the book and on the author’s website.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Kaya Sable
3 books13 followersKaya Sable writes steamy romance with powerful men, passionate women and love that consumes.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 15, 2026
Guarded Obsession by Kaya Sable delivers exactly what fans of steamy mafia romance crave, intense enemies to lovers tension, a possessive alpha hero who borders on obsessive, and a strong, curvy heroine who refuses to be anyone’s damsel.
This is the second installment in the Enduring Vendettas series, and we catch up with the Caruso and Rossi family world introduced in Heated Redemption (Book 1). While it works well as a standalone, readers familiar with the first book will appreciate the deeper family vendettas and crossover vibes.
Alexis is still reeling from the violent loss of her father at the hands of a rival mafia figure, none other than a relative of the man now assigned to protect her.
Nick, a towering, tattooed mafia soldier with a gruff exterior and hidden depths of honor, is tasked with guarding her in a remote safehouse. What starts as mutual loathing (she sees him as guilty by blood association, he views her as a spoiled, feisty liability) quickly ignites into something far more dangerous, undeniable, combustible attraction!
Confined together 24/7, every shared meal, heated argument, and reluctant moment of vulnerability strips away their defenses. The safehouse becomes its own pressure cooker, amplifying banter, lingering glances, and the slow erosion of their emotional walls.
For me, Alexis stands out as one of the most relatable and compelling heroines in recent mafia romance. Brilliant, resilient, and unapologetically curvy, she’s dealing with genuine grief and the fear of being left unprotected in a dangerous world. She’s feisty without being annoying, holding her own against Nick’s grumpiness and refusing to back down even when her body betrays her growing feelings.
Her internal conflict, vowing to hate the man tied to her family’s destruction while slowly seeing his protective, honorable core, had me both smiling and wanting to tell her it will be ok.
Nick is the ultimate grumpy, protective hero. Older, experienced, and battle hardened, he’s torn between his duty and the forbidden pull toward a woman he believes is too young and too connected to his world’s enemies. His “touch her and die” protectiveness kicks into overdrive when threats escalate, revealing layers of quiet honor beneath the tattoos and mafia muscle. The way he wrestles with his obsession, wanting to silence her sharp tongue one moment and worship those full lips the next, creates delicious tension. 😜
Their banter is sharp, witty, and flirtatious, evolving naturally from icy barbs to playful teasing and raw emotional confessions. The age gap element adds forbidden spice without feeling over the top, and the “I can’t have her… but I will burn everything to keep her safe” dynamic was deeply satisfying.
The story balances romance and suspense really well. The mafia vendetta provides real stakes, attacks, danger, and the constant shadow of rival families, without overwhelming the central love story. Action scenes are tense and well paced, while quieter moments in the safehouse allow for trust building.
I loved being back in the Caruso/Rossi world, with enough references to Book 1’s events to keep me turning those pages.
Themes of grief, trust, vulnerability, and found safety shine through, giving the book more emotional weight than typical “light” mafia fare.
If you love possessive, dirty talking heroes who go from gruff to reverent with their heroine, Nick will not disappoint.
If you enjoyed Heated Redemption, this one amps up the obsession and steam while delivering another couple you’ll root for fiercely.
Guarded Obsession is a fast paced, addictive delight, equal parts heart pounding danger, laugh out loud banter, and scorching romance.
Alexis and Nick’s journey from sworn enemies to “I’ll protect what’s mine at all costs” is deeply satisfying and I’m eager for more in the Enduring Vendettas world.
Highly recommended for romance readers who want high steam, solid emotional stakes, and that perfect “hate you… now kiss me” payoff.
🦋
This is the second installment in the Enduring Vendettas series, and we catch up with the Caruso and Rossi family world introduced in Heated Redemption (Book 1). While it works well as a standalone, readers familiar with the first book will appreciate the deeper family vendettas and crossover vibes.
Alexis is still reeling from the violent loss of her father at the hands of a rival mafia figure, none other than a relative of the man now assigned to protect her.
Nick, a towering, tattooed mafia soldier with a gruff exterior and hidden depths of honor, is tasked with guarding her in a remote safehouse. What starts as mutual loathing (she sees him as guilty by blood association, he views her as a spoiled, feisty liability) quickly ignites into something far more dangerous, undeniable, combustible attraction!
Confined together 24/7, every shared meal, heated argument, and reluctant moment of vulnerability strips away their defenses. The safehouse becomes its own pressure cooker, amplifying banter, lingering glances, and the slow erosion of their emotional walls.
For me, Alexis stands out as one of the most relatable and compelling heroines in recent mafia romance. Brilliant, resilient, and unapologetically curvy, she’s dealing with genuine grief and the fear of being left unprotected in a dangerous world. She’s feisty without being annoying, holding her own against Nick’s grumpiness and refusing to back down even when her body betrays her growing feelings.
Her internal conflict, vowing to hate the man tied to her family’s destruction while slowly seeing his protective, honorable core, had me both smiling and wanting to tell her it will be ok.
Nick is the ultimate grumpy, protective hero. Older, experienced, and battle hardened, he’s torn between his duty and the forbidden pull toward a woman he believes is too young and too connected to his world’s enemies. His “touch her and die” protectiveness kicks into overdrive when threats escalate, revealing layers of quiet honor beneath the tattoos and mafia muscle. The way he wrestles with his obsession, wanting to silence her sharp tongue one moment and worship those full lips the next, creates delicious tension. 😜
Their banter is sharp, witty, and flirtatious, evolving naturally from icy barbs to playful teasing and raw emotional confessions. The age gap element adds forbidden spice without feeling over the top, and the “I can’t have her… but I will burn everything to keep her safe” dynamic was deeply satisfying.
The story balances romance and suspense really well. The mafia vendetta provides real stakes, attacks, danger, and the constant shadow of rival families, without overwhelming the central love story. Action scenes are tense and well paced, while quieter moments in the safehouse allow for trust building.
I loved being back in the Caruso/Rossi world, with enough references to Book 1’s events to keep me turning those pages.
Themes of grief, trust, vulnerability, and found safety shine through, giving the book more emotional weight than typical “light” mafia fare.
If you love possessive, dirty talking heroes who go from gruff to reverent with their heroine, Nick will not disappoint.
If you enjoyed Heated Redemption, this one amps up the obsession and steam while delivering another couple you’ll root for fiercely.
Guarded Obsession is a fast paced, addictive delight, equal parts heart pounding danger, laugh out loud banter, and scorching romance.
Alexis and Nick’s journey from sworn enemies to “I’ll protect what’s mine at all costs” is deeply satisfying and I’m eager for more in the Enduring Vendettas world.
Highly recommended for romance readers who want high steam, solid emotional stakes, and that perfect “hate you… now kiss me” payoff.
🦋
March 22, 2026
Thank you to Kaya Sable for this arc in exchange for an honest review
Alexis wants to get out of the mafia and work in the city. She’s ready to do that. The only problem is that her now step dad Michael has enemies that want the information she has. She has to go into hiding with Michael’s right hand man Nick. What happens when you’re stuck with your enemy for an undisclosed amount of time? You fall for him of course.
I love that Nick calls Alexis “Princess” and that she actually grows to like it. I think Alexis was right to hide the information she has from Michael as leverage after everything her and her mother Bianca have been through. The way Alexis and Nick bicker is cute. I do like how Alexis tells herself that being difficult won’t get anywhere. How funny is it that Bianca says that Alexis could drive a saint to worship the Devil. The way Nick saves the day is insane. That was the absolute best ending! I’m so excited for the next book.
Alexis wants to get out of the mafia and work in the city. She’s ready to do that. The only problem is that her now step dad Michael has enemies that want the information she has. She has to go into hiding with Michael’s right hand man Nick. What happens when you’re stuck with your enemy for an undisclosed amount of time? You fall for him of course.
I love that Nick calls Alexis “Princess” and that she actually grows to like it. I think Alexis was right to hide the information she has from Michael as leverage after everything her and her mother Bianca have been through. The way Alexis and Nick bicker is cute. I do like how Alexis tells herself that being difficult won’t get anywhere. How funny is it that Bianca says that Alexis could drive a saint to worship the Devil. The way Nick saves the day is insane. That was the absolute best ending! I’m so excited for the next book.
April 5, 2026
I didn’t think it was possible for me to adore a couple more than I did Bianca and Michael in book one, but Nick and Alexis set this book on fire! I love feisty heroines who take no buck from the hero and Alexis may have had to accept that grumpy Nick was assigned as her bodyguard, but she didn’t have to like it. Author Kaya Sable always writes really smart heroines, and I love that, and Alexis is a brilliant hacker and this is why she’s being targeted. She also has a smart mouth, which is fun. I loved the age gap. I loved the forced proximity (who doesn’t love a good blizzard, y’all!) And when these two finally get together, whew, fanning myself with my kindle here. This series is a delight and I can’t wait for the couple in book 3! 5/5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Alexis is one stubborn woman just like her mama, and Nick is in for a fight he will never win. I loved the book, the banter the action and suspense kept me hooked. I could not put this down. Alexis I freaking love. She knew what she wanted and she made sure she got it. Her personality in this book is great. Nick that pour man he was not ready for Alexis and her stubbornness but boy did he have it bad. I wanted to smack him for saying he was old. Boy we are thriving in our 30s we are not old sweety lol. Now I’m patiently waiting for the next book. I wanna see if the bad guys succeed or fail. Make sure to read the trigger warnings.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Guarded Obsession, book two in the Enduring Vendetta’s series follows the story of Bianca’s daughter, Alexis Rossi and Michael’s nephew, Nick Caruso. During the events of book one, Alexis and Nick go into hiding with Nick vowing to protect her. Their chemistry slowly grows, igniting into something that neither are prepared for, especially since Alexis doesn’t want to live a mafia life. The longer they spend together, the more they realize that their attraction is quickly turning into so much more, and neither one is ready for things to end when they go back to their real lives outside of the safe house.
March 31, 2026
Book 2 of the Enduring Vendettas series. Can be read as a standalone but for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.
'And when our enemies dare to harm her, I’ll stop at nothing to protect what’s mine—and make them pay for every second of her fear.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'And when our enemies dare to harm her, I’ll stop at nothing to protect what’s mine—and make them pay for every second of her fear.'
The characters were very complex and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and the following review is my honest opinion:
AHHHHHHH I LOVE NICK and ALEXIS! Just like her mom Alexis does not play around and knows exactly what she wants. In a world where most books have FMCs who are more subservient to men these women DO NOT come to play. I love how Nick is also just a hardcore simp. He doesn't have the annoying macho attitude where he has to be in control, he knows Alexis is going to do what she wants and he's gonna enjoy the ride.
Another super fun read and of course, always want more at the end. I can't wait for Leo & Katya's story!
AHHHHHHH I LOVE NICK and ALEXIS! Just like her mom Alexis does not play around and knows exactly what she wants. In a world where most books have FMCs who are more subservient to men these women DO NOT come to play. I love how Nick is also just a hardcore simp. He doesn't have the annoying macho attitude where he has to be in control, he knows Alexis is going to do what she wants and he's gonna enjoy the ride.
Another super fun read and of course, always want more at the end. I can't wait for Leo & Katya's story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I could not wait to start this book after the ending of book 1! And it did not disappoint!!
Nick is given the task of being Alexis's bodyguard in a safe house and there is tension from day one. Sparks fly and they start to get on each other's nerves. That tension turns from sparks to flames and I loved to read allllll about it! 🔥 These two have been through so much to get their HEA and I loved the whole ride! I'm glad Alexis stood her ground.
Another great addition to the series, I loved it, highly recommend!
Nick is given the task of being Alexis's bodyguard in a safe house and there is tension from day one. Sparks fly and they start to get on each other's nerves. That tension turns from sparks to flames and I loved to read allllll about it! 🔥 These two have been through so much to get their HEA and I loved the whole ride! I'm glad Alexis stood her ground.
Another great addition to the series, I loved it, highly recommend!
April 1, 2026
This was so good. At first Alexis doesn’t like Nick. He killed here father, so she has every reason to not like him. But as they spend more time after being trapped in a room together, she sees another side to him. He’s nothing like she thought he was. These two were so intense. I loved the way they slowly connected. She was fierce and he was genuinely awesome. I loved the heat and back and forth between them. This was a really great story. I was totally engrossed in this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yet another amazing book by kaya this one definitely was my fave Nick and alexis are my favourites banter I loved everything about them there playful banter the flirting the tension everything was perfect I already went more of them definitely sad it over I want to go back and read for the first time again can’t wait to see what more more this author has in store
Review of advance copy received from Author
The unexpected can make for strange bedfellows. Neither Alexis nor Nick ever expected to be stuck in the same room together, especially since their families are rivals, and he killed her father. But the more time they spend together, the closer they become. No matter how much they may have originally detested each other, living alongside one another changed their opinions.
March 30, 2026
This one has Michael and Alexis in hiding after her mother marries Michael's uncle. Alexis, per her mother, could drive a saint to worship the devil and the reader understands how true that is. At first Nick isn't really sure if they will get along but they develop a banter that grows as their relationship grows. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2026
Once I started reading Guarded Obsession, I didn't want to put it down. The suspense kept me at the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next. Alexis and Nick are great characters and you can feel their connection. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a powerful story. It has so much suspense. Just when you think they are safe, something happens. It's sweet how Alexis and Nick grow to love each other in such strange circumstances. I couldn't put it down. I had to continue reading until I found out how it would end. I can't wait to read about the next two characters and see what happens to them all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a 4.6🌟 read for me.This was a really good book and I flew right through it. While liked book 2 I think I love this one more. I love that Alexis is smart strong and goes after what she wants. I definitely want to read book 3 when it comes out.
April 5, 2026
Guarded Obsession
Book 2 of Enduring Vendettas
by Kaya Sable
I really liked Sergei going to kitchen at midnight. Thea took the deal to pay back the Mafia.
Must read this story!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 2 of Enduring Vendettas
by Kaya Sable
I really liked Sergei going to kitchen at midnight. Thea took the deal to pay back the Mafia.
Must read this story!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 7, 2026
This was a fantastic read that kept me turning the pages. It was well written and the characters were great. I can't wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2026
Dark romance. Forced Proximity. Power Imbalances.
Emotional Intensity. Tension & Chemistry.
Could not put it down.
Emotional Intensity. Tension & Chemistry.
Could not put it down.
April 25, 2026
great story
A well thought out story, with some spice and a HEA.But like many sequels, it doesn’t compare to the first in the series , which my mind was just brilliant
A well thought out story, with some spice and a HEA.But like many sequels, it doesn’t compare to the first in the series , which my mind was just brilliant
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews