I don’t know why I do this to myself lol, almost 1000 pages for this duet. I’m kicking myself for even finishing it. It’s definitely my fault. This could’ve been one book. 😩
If you enjoy a emotionally stunted MMC, who doesn't know how to express himself but tries for her then Ransome is up your alley, honestly he's abit of a bosshole I didn't like him at all to start with but the FMC amara she's his personal assistant and she's obsessed like stalker level obsessed. Amara is a young woman who's had to raise her 3 siblings since she was 11 she sends over 50 percent of her wage to her siblings because they still live in her childhood home. Shes a kind, genuine and maybe a touch lonely girl.
Ransome knows she's obsessed with him, not to the extent she is but he does know so when he ends up catching her following him, she learns pretty quickly Ransome isn't just a bosshole, he's a bratva pakhan and he isn't who she thought he was. He holds her hostage at his penthouse.
So when he a the world to think he's got a girlfriend because his dad is forcing an arranged marriage on him with a family he despises. It's helpful having his personal assistant on hand to fill the role.
The problem is that Ransome doesnt know when amara started mattering to him, how her feelings became something he considers and why he cares about keeping the people in her life safe but somewhere along the line he stated caring and his feelings there all the way on.
But in true romance style it goes wrong, Tristan chadivich the heir to a rival family who's been after Ransome for years and killed ransomed little brother nik gets a hold of amaras little brother, after getting him involved in shady stuff. Ransome goes to rescue him and finds out that Tristan has got proof he's met amara behind ransomes back. The clips doctored but when ransomes best friends shot he doesn't want to hear amaras excuses he just sends her packing, tells her to go so far she can't be traced. So she does except she's hiding something.
Fantastically written as always.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked how this story developed. Amara has had a thing about her boss, for a long time, when he finds out that she’s been stalking him via various means, he virtually blackmails her into being a fake girlfriend. Amara is doing her best to look after her siblings, but finds herself in Ransome’s world of the bratva. Things, at first, appear to be fine but there’s skullduggery at work and she finds herself all at sea, fleeing with her siblings. Can’t wait to read book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Like all Naomi West novels, this one is thrilling and full of action and a bit of spice.
I liked seeing the stalker concept reversed, seeing two people obsessed with each other is great. I liked how Amara is mouthy and spirited, that she doesn’t heed easily, and I loved how Ransome was obsessed with her.
I can’t wait for book 2, however Ransome does need to listen to others not just listen to himself!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Stalking my boss is not something I set out to do.
But I’ve been obsessed with Ransome Rozanov since the day I walked into his office.
He’s the CEO of Apex Energy, the largest international oil and gas company in the world.
And I’m his right-hand woman.
Which means I have access to his calendar, his penthouse, and his location at all times.
Some girls like Netflix, but I have a different hobby.
I spend my time playing out my fantasies from afar.
Tracking my boss’s daily activities and his extracurriculars.
Tracking his business deals and his many late nights with the supermodel of the week.
But my obsession went too far.
When my innocent little crush got me into a world of trouble.
When I followed his location to somewhere I certainly wasn’t supposed to be.
When I hear the door shut behind me and a voice growls:
“I know you’ve been watching me.
Now, I’m going to find out why…”
This contemporary dark mafia women's crime fiction fake marriage romantic suspense romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in New York that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters who are an alpha male, the most dangerous man in New York, exuding power/wealth, violent, brooding, dangerous, violent, obsessive/possessive, and a female heroine who is obsessed with the most dangerous mafia man in New York, both are captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with vicious obsession, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, suspense that is sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats, a fake marriage, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with vicious obsession and an explicit dark mafia women's crime fiction fake marriage romantic suspense romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly dangerous, intriguing, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Being the stalker… and getting caught?Addictive and sinfully HOT!
This mafia romance is dark, spicy and impossible to put down.
Amara isn’t just obsessed—she’s the perfect PA. Sharp, sassy, and unstoppable, she runs Ransome Rozanov’s empire while raising her siblings. Obsessing over Ransome Rozanov? It’s her one reckless indulgence.
Ransome is the book boyfriend we’re all drawn to: CEO, bratva heir, ruthless and filthy-mouthed in all the ways that make your pulse race. He’s dominant, dangerous and completely in awe of Amara. When he discovers Amara’s obsession, he doesn’t punish her… he uses it. To defy his father. To provoke a rival family. To drag her into a war that could get them both killed.
The tension is feral. The banter is razor-sharp. The chemistry? Explosive and possessive. What starts as manipulation turns into scorching obsession that burns out of control.
Then he tells her to leave. To disappear with her siblings. And your heart shatters. The weight of her sacrifices, the life she’s built and the man she can’t resist—all collide in a moment that is gut-wrenching and utterly raw.
High stakes. Brutal bratva power plays. A heroine who’s fearless, brilliant, and wickedly funny. And a cliffhanger that should be illegal. It will leave you desperate for Vicious Innocence.
Noami West delivers morally gray heat, family loyalty, and spine-tingling obsession that demands to be devoured.
Powerful men. Unstoppable heroines. Scorching obsession. This is a MUST READ!!
Amara is obsessed with her cold unfeeling boss. But her infatuation will draw her into a world or death, pain, betrayal, heat, lust and love. There is a chance at happiness until.......well you have to rad it to find out!!!!
A good Bratva book although, wasn’t too keen on Ransome and how he treated Amhara who was also slightly annoying at times. Hoping that both do better in the second book.
Vicious Obsession is book one of the Rozanov Bratva duet. A full-length standalone romance with no cheating and ends on a cliffhanger. The story continues in book two, Vicious Innocence. This Ransome and Amara story which is told from a dual point of view. A fast paced, thrilling, dark and twisted story. Immerse yourself in this mesmerizing mind-blowing story filled with non-stop twists and turns, panty-melting passion, high-octane adventures, pulse-pounding drama and suspense. An unputdownable and absorbing read An exquisitely written story with world building individuals and a fascinating storyline that captures the audience attention from the beginning. Amara Parker works at Apex Energy and is the personal assistant to Ransome Rozanov who's the heir to the Rozanov Bratva. Amara has had a thing for Randsome since she started working for him to the point where she started to stalk him. Unbeknowing to her that she didn't want to get entangled with a man like him because he dabble on the other side of law. Amara is beautiful, intelligent, fierce and loyal. Amara as had a rough upbringing riddle with poverty because both of her parents abandon her and her and her three siblings and she's now the breadwinner for everyone. She devoted to her family and will do anything for them. Ransome as a lot on his plate juggling the various legitimate businesses and illegal businesses plus is preparation of taking over as pakhan in upcoming months. Ransome is the CEO of Apex Energy, the largest international oil and gas company in the world. And Amara is his right hand woman. This means she have access to his calendar, his penthouse, and his location at all times. Amara is a different type of stalker and she spends her time playing out her fantasies from afar. Tracking hus daily activities, and his extracurricular. Tracking his business deals, and even his many late nights with the different supermodel of week. However, she allows her obsession to go too far and it got her in a world of trouble when his underworld activities collides with his daily life. This stalker story takes us down on a wild road and the author have the reader wondering who was really stalking who. Because Ransome knows that she had been watching him and he wants to know why. Amara these two relationship will go from boss-employee to lover and it was sizzling hot. A good story with betrayal, loyalty, double-cross, treachery, acceptance, family, laugh-out-loud-moments, surprises, backstabbing, banter, revenge, retaliation, revelations, deep hidden secrets that could potentially tear them apart. It ended on a mind-blowing cliffhanger.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amara has a little secret obsession with her boss, Ransome and it’s taking over her life. But as the future Pakhan, his life is already mapped out for him, including an arranged marriage he has no interest in going through with. So when he proposes a contract relationship with Amara as a way to avoid it, what starts off as a strategic solution quickly becomes complicated as the closer they get, the harder it becomes to separate the professional boundaries they started with from the very real feelings growing between them.
“Ransome Rozanov has been the sun of my universe for so long now.”
Y’all all I can say it FINALLY! An FMC who is insanely obsessed actively stalking the MMC? I WAS SHOOK! And then we cut to Ransome’s POV and our homeboy is just as whipped? That was the moment I knew this was going to be soooo good. And boy, it did not disappoint. This one had all the classic Naomi West elements that I love, the Bratva politics mixed with characters who clearly cannot keep their hands off each other. But this one definitely felt a bit more slow burn, with Amara and Ransome not fully focusing on their feelings yet because there’s so much happening around them and their relationship is still very physical at this stage. But I’m telling you, things are clearly building and it’s about to get REAL in the next book.
Amara is a girl obsessed and honestly…I don’t even blame her. Because who wouldn’t be? High five girl, you go girl. I actually loved seeing an FMC who was this unapologetically into the MMC, but I do wish her obsession had lasted a little longer though. Amara was sultry without even trying but still very real and grounded, and she has this self sacrificing side to her that really made me root for her.
And Ransome…oh I loved this man. The swag, the charm, the confidence…ugh, he’s hot. There’s a reason his name rhymes with handsome haha. He definitely has trust issues but in the world he lives in that honestly makes sense. When you’re surrounded by sharks, you can’t afford to let your guard down easily.
As with any Naomi West duet, things definitely get worse before they get better. But if this first book is anything to go by, I already know Vicious Innocence is going to take me on a full emotional rollercoaster and I am so ready for it.
2.5 Too long with a plot that is repetitive text book CEO/Pakhan/arranged marriage.
This book could have been better, even with the repetitive storyline had the author made it her own. Unfortunately, the story started off somewhat interesting with a snarky but efficient Amara, personal secretary to Ransome, an OCD CEO and future Pakhan to the Rozanov Bratva, but quickly went south when the snark and the back talk between the two characters was no longer entertaining, but aggravating.
Amara's character initially was quite funny in how she stalked Ransome, but Ransome's character was just an a.....hole. I found myself skimming and skipping chapters in order to get through the book because it had grown so tiresome and predictable with characters that just graded on my nerves. I couldn't stand Amara's girlfriend, and Maverick was a bit odd, but Baron and Amara's siblings were good, especially Quinn. A bit young and a bit intrusive into things he really didn't fully understand, but a good character.
The vibe between Ransome and Amara was strictly a sexual/lust attraction with nothing in 500 pages to make this a love story. No connection between two people who didn't like each other. I am so tired of authors throwing the "oops pregnancy's" into these stories all the time. They have ran that into the ground with making the characters look like idiots when they have unprotected sex and are surprised when they get pregnant. What year is this?
I won't be reading book two because if it follows the same text book plot as all the others before it, I already know what is going to happen. Even if book two produces a "gotcha" in it, a second long book in this duet, wasn't necessary. This story could have been one book.
I liked this because it was a turnaround- Amara was stalking her boss, Ransome (a name which I think sounds very 1980s supermarket-checkout romance). Despite the name, Ransome is hot, and I love that she actually steals his shirts to wear to bed. She also catalogs everything about him. But the one thing she doesn’t know is that Ransome is the heir to his Bratva’s family. Until it’s too late and she has signed a contract to be his fake girlfriend. Ransome is your typical Alphahole. He’s not much different than most Bratva Romance types. This is a slightly weak part of the story, not gonna lie, and the main reason the book didn’t get five stars from me. Also, the storyline is pretty predictable (although I’ll have to read the second book in the duet to see if I’m right). Amara, however, is a joy. She takes financial care of her younger brother and sisters without acting like a martyr. Her snark is priceless. I also like how honest she was with herself about her feelings for her boss. Cat’s Stats Bechdel test? Passes Heat- explicit, no protection. Safety? Y Triggers- violence, language in two languages, sexual harassment, botoxed socialites. Tropes- safe stalking, fake relationship, workplace romance, pining for you, surprise pregnancy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vicious Obsession is a powerful and gripping start to the Rozanov Bratva series. Naomi West delivers everything dark mafia romance fans crave — intensity, danger, and a hero whose obsession burns as fiercely as his ambition.
The Bratva hero is commanding, strategic, and unapologetically ruthless when it comes to protecting what he considers his. Yet beneath that cold exterior lies a depth of emotion that makes his fixation compelling rather than one-dimensional. His dynamic with the heroine crackles with tension, power struggles, and undeniable chemistry.
The world-building feels immersive, pulling readers into a shadowy underworld where loyalty and betrayal walk hand in hand. The pacing keeps the suspense high while allowing the emotional connection to unfold naturally, creating a satisfying balance between action and romance.
I’d recommend this to readers who love dark mafia romance, possessive antiheroes, and high-stakes relationships built on obsession and devotion. If you enjoy morally gray heroes and intense emotional dynamics, this book absolutely delivers.
A bold and addictive series opener that leaves you eager for more from the Rozanov Bratva world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amara is the kind of heroine who puts everyone else before herself. She works tirelessly to care for her siblings and does everything she can to hold her small family together. Her love and devotion to them feel incredibly real and heartfelt, adding a strong emotional layer to the story.
Ransome, on the other hand, is bound by the harsh traditions of the Bratva and struggles with the life he’s expected to live. Amara works as his assistant and has long been obsessed with him, unaware of the darker side of his world. When their paths begin to truly collide, the chemistry between them is intense and undeniable.
What stood out most to me was how well the characters were developed. Their emotions—grief, loneliness, hurt, and the pain of abandonment—felt genuine and deeply human. The author does a wonderful job of making you feel what the characters are going through.
Between the emotional depth, the sizzling tension, and Amara’s fierce love for her siblings, this story pulls you in and keeps you invested until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first couple of pages I thought this girl is crazy lol. Amara is the oldest of 4 siblings who she takes care of, her mum Is gone and her dead is a drunk, Amara is the assistant to Ransome and she is obsessed with him. She knows him in and out or so she thinks. Ransome is not only the CEO of his company but the next Pakhan of the Bratva. After being busted stalking, he makes her a deal of being in a contract relationship with him in the hopes to avoid an arranged marriage.?Along the way feelings start to get involved and the war heats up between 2 families. Lies, secrets and betrayal.
Cliff hanger ending with Ransome telling her to leave and he doesn’t know she is pregnant.
Some thoughts in my head: Can Electra be trusted? I’m thinking no. Is there more to her mum leaving? What really happened to Nik! Ransome better not hook up with Jenica! Does Amara and Ransome get a happily ever after?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have never read a book where I stopped and asked myself, "Wait...who is stalking whom?" until this one. I was completely sucked in from the very beginning. We are led to believe that Amara has been harboring a major crush on her hunky boss, Ransome. Yet we find out it might not be as unrequited as we initially thought.
I admit, I wasn't Ransome's biggest fan for the first half of the book. He was harsh, jaded, and held a lot of cards close to his chest. But as his appreciation for Amara grew, my love for him did too. I am now officially a fan of Handsome Ransome.
There was action, stalking, hidden agendas, suspense, Bratva business, workplace romance, and chemistry that's off the charts.
I am absolutely on the edge of my seat waiting for Book 2!!
This is my first Naomi West book and I can't wait to read more from her.
This is book one in the Rozanov Bratva series. We have two main characters that are broken in some way due to family losses. Amara is a smart, clever, and personal assistant to her famous bachelor boss. Amara is also the breadwinner for her three siblings because both of her parents deserted them. The lead male character Ransome Rozanov is Amara’s boss plus the CEO of several companies plus his side hustle will be taking over his father’s role as Pakhan in six months. The twists are good because Ransome Rozanov is hiding his other family ties but now that Bratva life is leaking into his CEO life. There is attraction on both sides, but it feels like lust, pressure, and convenience more than love or anything else. Hopefully in book two, these two characters will be able to be better at communicating and understanding each other instead of just yelling and pushing each other’s boundaries.
Amara and Ransome were surprising protagonists. I never knew what to expect from them. The story starts with a role reversal of the typical dark romance stalking trope, as Amara really puts effort into stalking her boss, Ransome early on. She definitely bites off more than she can chew and the story twists and turns from there. I didn't anticipate either character making the decisions they made througout the story. The miscommunication trope is hit hard in the third act and that, coupled with Amara's general brattiness, dropped the book to a four star for me. If you're ready for a different take on the bratva/dark romance trope, then this will definitely do it. I do recommened, just have my own hangup with certain tropes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vicious Obsession (Book 1 of Rozanov Bratva) by Naomi West. First off, I loved Amara and her inner dialogues and her headstrong way of taking care of her siblings to the best of her ability. Her obsession with Ransome was almost comical at times but leads to dark waters once she realizes what his entire world looks like. Ransome thinks her stalking is for entirely different purposes and he is mad. While he is fighting his attraction to her, he realizes she could be his way out of the partnership he doesn’t want. I thought this was a good start to their roller-coaster romance and am looking forward to the conclusion in Vicious Innocence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vicious Obsession by Naomi West is the story of Ransome and Amara. He’s her boss. She’s been his assistant for quite some time now. Though, she doesn’t know what he really does…When he decides he needs to prevent a forced marriage, he asks for her help. Now, they’re both in huge danger!
This is the first book in a duet and ends in a cliffhanger!! Luckily, both books in the duet are available, so you can continue the story without a break in reading!! Ransome is strong, fierce, bold, and protective. Amara is devoted, caring, loving, and wants to help everyone. But, when danger comes knocking at both their doors, life hangs in the balance! Wonderful read!!
If you like FMCs that are smart, resilient and really need to learn how to not be smart mouthed this one is for you.
If you like MCs that are in charge, demanding, cold and also give off the touch her and die vibes .. again this is for you.
Also don’t be surprised if the best friend is dangerous … as in doesn’t make good decisions
Or when the MCs family keeps making demands …
Or better yet when the MC thinks he knows what happened and doesn’t give the FMC a chance … yeah that happens and honestly there is a second book so maybe he will eat his words?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vicious Obsession is the first book in the Rozanov Bratva Duet which follows Ransome, CEO of an international gas and oil organization as well as heir to his Bratva Pakhan, and Amara, his PA and stalker. Amara is a hard worker who provides for her siblings but is also interested in Ransome's life. When he catches her stalking him, their professional relationship turns personal. This intriguing book has suspense, snarky banter, plot twists, misunderstandings, strong emotions, and complex characters. The book ends in a cliffhanger and continues in the final book of this duet, Vicious Innocence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vicious Obsession is book 1 in the Rozanov Bratva series and is Ransome Rozanov and Amara's story. This is a story where the hunter not only gets hunted but she gets caught. Stalking her boss seems like a good idea at the time, until she's caught. Amara is a fiesty one and goes toe to toe with Ransome and he likes it. Maybe too much. Ransome and Amara take us on a very steamy, intense, dramatic journey. Vicious Obsession does end on a cliffhanger though so be prepared for that. Vicious Innocence will bring us the rest of their journey.
Wow! This is one of those books that has you on the edge of your seat the whole time needing to know what happens next. Amara works as Ransom Rozanov's assistant and is totally obsessed with him to the point of stalking. Only once she gets him she doesn't realize how dangerous he is till it's too late. This book is full of twists, lots of spice and non stop Bratva action. I can't wait for the next book. Definitely a 4.5 star must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a fascinating story Amara is the administrative assistant to Ransome Rozanov the CEO of Apex. She's fascinated by her sexy, handsome grumpy boss who nitpicks at everything she does. Ransome is definitely more then he appears at first glance, he's CEO by day and mafia heir. I love their witty banter; their dynamics is explosive and he can't resist her anymore especially when she's caught up in something she has no business knowing. A captivating story end with a cliffhanger. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Why is it always the men that can’t see reason?? I mean in the end I would not have it any other way. Especially when it is a 2 bk series. Ransom is the CEO and Amara is his assistant. She knows what he needs before he ask. She knows EVERYTHING except for him being Bratva. She was stalking him and in the end he found out. Deal was made and the rest history!!! I can’t wait to start the 2nd now, to see how this cliffhanger ends. Happy Reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'VICIOUS OBSESSION is Book 1 of the Rozanov Bratva duet. The story continues in Book 2, VICIOUS INNOCENCE.'
'“I know you’ve been watching me. Now, I’m going to find out why…”'
The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.