Chaotic Clematis: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Cartel Mafia Stalker Romance

by K.A. Wombolt

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2026

Reviews

[Nikki Ibarra]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chaotic Clematis by K.A. Wombolt is a dark romance that unapologetically embraces chaos.

From the outset, the book establishes that these characters are not morally upright, and honestly, that’s part of their allure. Nicci stands out as one of the most memorable heroines I’ve encountered recently. She’s ruthless, unpredictable, and just as dangerous as the men around her. Unlike typical heroines who require saving, Nicci often finds herself causing destruction.

Antonio and Nicci’s relationship is tumultuous, obsessive, toxic, and utterly consuming. Their undeniable chemistry makes it difficult to put down as they navigate their feelings amidst violence and crime.

I particularly appreciated the presence of a female main character who matched the male lead’s darkness. The dynamic between them felt unique compared to many dark romances where the heroine is significantly softer than the hero.

Readers should be aware of the content warnings before diving into this book, as it contains mature themes, violence, morally questionable decisions, and darker relationship dynamics.

If you enjoy dark romance featuring possessive characters, enemies-to-lovers tension, criminal underworld settings, morally ambiguous protagonists, and relationships that thrive in chaos, Chaotic Clematis is definitely worth adding to your TBR.

Thank you to K.A. Wombolt for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyssa]

Absolutely loved Nicci's psycho ways and how damn strong she is! Antonio was obsessed with Nicci at first sight. Even though he was obsessed it didnt mean Nicci could walk all over him. He dished out as much as Nicci did. Absolutely loved them both!!

[Nikki Ibarra]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Chaotic Clematis by K.A. Wombolt is a dark romance that unapologetically embraces the chaos.

From the outset, the book establishes that these characters are not good people, and honestly, that’s part of their allure. Nicci stands out as one of the most memorable heroines I’ve read recently. She’s ruthless, unpredictable, and just as dangerous as the men around her. Unlike typical heroines who need saving, Nicci often causes the destruction.

Antonio and Nicci’s relationship is a whirlwind of messiness, obsession, toxicity, and complete consumption. Their undeniable chemistry makes it hard to put down as they navigate their feelings amidst violence and crime.

I particularly appreciated seeing a female main character who matched the male lead’s darkness. The dynamic between them felt unique compared to many dark romances where the heroine is significantly softer than the hero.

Readers should be aware of the content warnings before diving into this book. It contains mature themes, violence, morally questionable decisions, and darker relationship dynamics.

If you enjoy dark romance featuring possessive characters, enemies-to-lovers tension, criminal underworld settings, morally ambiguous protagonists, and relationships that thrive in chaos, Chaotic Clematis is definitely worth adding to your TBR.

Thank you to K.A. Wombolt for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina]

✨✨✨ ARC Review✨✨✨
✨Release Date: July 1, 2026✨
Chaotic Clematis: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Cartel Mafia Stalker Romance (Arizona Made Men Book Two)
K.A. Wombolt

‼️Check Trigger Warnings‼️
⚠️⚠️⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

🔪They don’t know she carved herself into my chest with a blade and embedded herself into my soul. They don’t know she’s mine. Mine.🔪 ~Antonio

🔪“Don’t you dare die on me,” I whisper one last time. “I finally found someone whose darkness matches mine, and I’m not letting you go.”🔪 ~Nicci

This was my first time reading a book by this author, and I’m definitely hooked. I’ll be picking up more of her work.

The story centers around Antonio, from a mafia family, and Nicci, a cartel princess with a dark edge, and I absolutely loved her. There’s nothing like a fierce, self-sufficient FMC who can handle anything.

After weeks of Antonio stalking her, he ends up in Nicci’s grasp, and from there their demons intertwine. They’re toxic in the most thrilling way, and their chemistry is off the charts. The ride from start to finish was wild, gripping, and fast-paced.

Chaotic Clematis releases July 1, 2026, and it’s without a doubt a must-read.

[Ashley]

Chaotic Clematis is unconventional, gripping, and unhinged. If you crave dark romance, captivity, spice, and a baddie fmc who plays by her own rules then this is a must read! Nicci is the princess of the Sanchez cartel. But don't let her title fool you. She unalived her first victim at nine and she doles out justice and finds out information to protect her family. Nicci captures the attention of Antonio Manitellie, the spare heir to the Manitellie Mafia and he starts stalking her. Nicci knows whats up and turns the tables on him. Nicci is a total boss. She is unapologetically herself, takes what she wants, and enjoys what she does. Antonio is obsessive, possessive, persistent and the ultimate masochist (well for our girl Nicci). They are definitely made for each other. Their chemistry is undeniable and they both enjoy the same ummm... activities. I absolutely loved reading Nicci and Antonio's story. The book does end with a couple of unanswered questions regarding Leo. I can't wait to see what comes of that.

I absolutely recommend Chaotic Clematis! But please read the trigger warnings before diving in!

[Kristi Stoller]

⭐4.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.75
"I'll always come back," I promise, knowing it's true even if we have seconds left.
"You can't fix me, Antonio."
My chest tightens and I smile even though she can't see it.
"I don't want to fix you, baby. I want to break with you. I want all of your shattered pieces mixed together until no one can tell where you begin and I end."

Book Two in the Arizona Made Men & K.A. Wombolt hit the ground running with one. We meet Antonio and Nicci at the wedding between Rio and Liana. Antonio admires Nicci from afar and doesn't understand his sudden and intense attraction towards her. He falls deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole where she is concerned and eventually falls into her well laid out trap.
Nicci has no interest in men who fall at her feet, and she is unimpressed that she is being followed, when she finally traps Antonio, she seems to find something in him that calls to her.
This book is a fast-paced mafia/cartel romance. Book, one doesn't have to be read to understand what's going on in book two, but it will help give more context to understand the family dynamic's at play.

[Deborah Peach]

Talk about one messed-up, dark, intense relationship. Following the woman who intrigues you to her hidden playground, where she interrogates her victims, and wishing it were you in the hot seat. Oh, wait, it is you who gets to enjoy her ministrations, making you fall for her, hard and fast. Antonio doesn't understand why Nicci's brand of caring unlocks the deepest, most repressed emotions he keeps secret from his family. All he knows is that his little demon is who he wants, and he won't let anyone stop him from getting her. Even her. And Nicci, the little spitfire of her family, is bound and determined to find answers that will save her family's business. So what if the handsome man who has been tagging along and following her gets on her last nerve, but intrigues her at the same time? Neither one of them claims to be anything but a psychotic. It's how they roll. But when their playtime could become deadly, they question whether a stronger emotion is at play, one that could last a lifetime.

[Laura Reads Too Much]

I'm still quite new to this authors books but I'm definitely liking what I'm reading!!

Here we have Antonio, the cousin of Liana (from book 1) who takes one look at Nicci, sees her violent side and he is a goner! Nicci is the FMC and the sister of Rio (also from book 1) and that is one kickass psycho woman who I want in my corner!! She is just nuts, has no fear, takes absolutely no nonsense from anyone, is a pro at using knives and takes great enjoyment from watching the light leave people's eyes - not gonna lie, I have a girl-crush!

Oftentimes characters can be pure unhinged with no morals but settle down when they 'meet the one', that doesn't happen here - it's each others darkness and inner turmoil that makes them work and they don't lose that so I love that I get to keep loving them as them!

Plenty of spice, a lot of I want to hate you but I don't, some blood and family drama. I liked it.

[Amanda]

This sucked me in from the first page and I read it in one sitting. I think I’m a little in love with Antonio and probably more in love with Nicci. She’s a girl after my own heart. She’s fierce, strong and slightly crazy. Antonio has an instant attraction to her. It started out as curiosity and quickly turned to obsession. He’s waited his whole life for someone like her. He thought he was broken from his past trauma but he just needed someone who matched his darkness. Nicci has never been in love and doesn’t know how but all it takes is giving in and allowing herself to trust Antonio. Their love is raw, passionate and I am here for every second of it! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!!

[Liz Ranne]

I loved this! It's Nicci & Antonio's story & it was awesome!! They're from rival families (sort of) & he's so fascinated by her that he stalks her & gets more than what he bargains for. She doesn't take kindly to his snooping & he thought she didn't know; that gets proven wrong. She's a baddie in her own right & she's on a few missions. The chemistry between them was amazing & I loved the story! They're both psychos & are a perfect match for each other! There's a lot that happens here & it takes her a long time to come to terms about her feelings for him. Loved the spice & the story was fantastic! Highly recommend this book & author!

[Natalie Horton]

Ok dark romance friends !!!!
K.A. Wombolt newest release is officially out!!!!!!

Want an unhinged baddie FMC??
If so Nicci will not disappoint!! She is not gonna let her Cartel Brothers have all the fun!!! Seriously Nicci is my spirit animal!!! She is a totally confident baddie but she can’t help but fall in love with a man who embraces her unhinged ways and loves her anyway?? Antonio is your man!!!! 🔥🔥🔥he knows what he wants and what he is willing to do to have her even if it means he is at her mercy….

Plot….Spice…. Enjoy the journey, but check your trigger warnings!!!!!

[Kathleen T]

This was a wild and crazy ride these two psychos are perfect for each other lol
This is book two but you can totally read it as standalone but you will want to go back and read the other books!
We start with Antonio stalking Nicci he thinks she doesn't know but she totally does but soon this becomes obsession and I was here for all of it!!
Nicci tries to keep Antonio at a distance until she can't anymore.
I can't wait for more In this series.

[Kobbi Brooks]

Oh little demon little demon. Obsession, desire, possessive , it’s all there . NICCI is the most beautifully broken unhinged fmc , I honestly want a road map of her mind , the way her basement was designed just sounds like something outta those saw movie but with a women’s touch 🤣, and don’t even get me started on Antonio ! Love this book , it was exactly what I wanted out of Nicci’s story ! Another home run !

[Frankie Bell]

Please, read those content warnings before jumping in head first. This book has some themes certain people might enjoy.

But K.A. Wombolt!!!! I don’t know how I’m going to recover!!!! Antonio and Nicci’s relationship rollercoster!!! The red flags(Don’t worry I couldn’t see them anywhere!) Also cold showers after I finished!

This book knows how to grab you and pull you in! I couldn't put it down! I needed to know what happened next!!!!

I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

[Selina Nagy]

DEVOURED THIS!!! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR NICCI!!
This book was everything I was hoping for and more!!
Nicci is a fierce unhinged woman!
I love the Made Men series!
Loved Nicci and Antonios story!!

Amazing! It has spice, plot, and a lot of torcher. lol

I can't wait to see who that red head is that Leo has collared!!

[Ashley Goodman]

Not to yuck someone's yum but this book was waving all of the red flags and like a bull I was sucked in. It follows Nicci and Antonio as they destroy each other to Obsession. This is not your typical love story and quite a few times I had to stop and question what I was reading. Well done K.A. please make sure you check your trigger warnings.

[Samantha Watson]

Crazy good

Omg, if you are looking for a take no crap fmc then Nicci is your girl. For once I was super into the fmc because of how this author wrote her story. Nicci isn't the girl to fall in love or show any emotions. Unless shes doing her thing. Throw Antonio into the mix and those emotions are forced out of her. KA I love you and your writing.

[Stacy Sitton Sherley]

I was obsessed with this book! I absolutely loved Nicci and how badass she was. Then you have Antonio who is the spare with a troubled past. I loved the how everything evolved between them and how they were absolutely perfect for each other. I can’t wait to see what else happens with the family :)

[Jenni]

Antonio is Mafia and Nicci is Cartel both lethal and chaotic in their own ways but together thier darkness shines and Niccis just caught her willing prey! Well written engaging steamy desires drama action dark themes and more!

[valley_girl_36]

Mafia mayhem…love this story filled with morally grey characters and a good level of darkness that made this book all the more exciting. No worries there’s Spice the heats up the pages too! I’m happy to recommend this book to friends.

[Misti Binkley]

This book was perfect even amount of spice and plot
And I loved the main characters

[jessica]

A great mafia/cartel twisted toxic relationship. I loved every second of the fight these two had to get what they wanted.