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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The story of Deadly Obsession takes place alongside Deadly Deceit, the first book in the New York City Syndicate series. In this book, we are reintroduced to Elias, Delancy’s older brother, and Sage, Noah’s best friend. The least we can say is that we get straight to business in this second book—if you know what I mean 👀
One thing is certain: I enjoyed this book as much as the first. It features the same successful elements as the first book, such as references to the NYC mafia, lots of banter between the two main characters, mystery, secrets, and so on. However, that doesn’t mean the two books are identical—quite the contrary. I found a sense of sweetness amid the brutality in Deadly Obsession that I didn’t expect, and I quite enjoyed it, despite already knowing that Settle Myer describes the series as a dark cozy romance.
I really liked Sage. Even though she has many vulnerabilities that make her seem fragile, she holds her head high and does exactly what she wants. While many would be afraid of ending up completely broken, Sage grows stronger by taking back control of her life. She isn’t afraid to stand up to Elias when 99% of people wouldn’t dare tell him a fraction of what she says to him. At the same time, I don’t think anyone has ever tried to understand Elias as much as Sage does. She sees who he truly is behind his mafia boss persona and accepts him. If anyone is capable of saving Elias from himself, I believe it is sa Reine, Sage.
Honestly, who would have thought that beneath the frightening costume of a mafia boss was a big teddy bear—but only for Sage. Elias tries to appear fearless, but beneath his tough exterior is a frightened, abused boy consumed by guilt. Yet, when we see him with Sage, we realize that, beneath all his red flags, lies a big old green one. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for her. I enjoyed getting to know him and seeing how much he cares for his brother, even though the two men are virtually incapable of showing it.
I was drawn in and fascinated by the story, both in terms of character and plot development. I liked that the book featured many interactions with Noah and Delancy. I also felt less alone in having a nut allergy and strongly empathized with Elias on that point.
I also wanted to point out that it’s rare for both main characters in a book to be plus size, which I really appreciated.
While I obviously recommend this book, I advise reading the author’s note first. Your mental health is always more important than anything else.
Many thanks to Settle Myer for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of Deadly Obsession. This review is my own. All opinions expressed are mine.
What a perfect conclusion to this duet!
Elias. I just can't. Settle Myer combined this delectable cinnamon roll with a take charge mafia boss and he's top tier book boyfriend material.
I don't want to spoil anything since this book is very closely intertwined with book one, but with Elias and Sage, we get insanely hot sex, pining and chemistry, suspense and answers, and TWO plus size MCs. Dare I say, I loved this even more than Deadly Deceit.
I will probably have to add to this review when I can be more eloquent, but for now, I'm just going to yell about things I loved...
-PERIOD REP & PERIOD SEX!
-MIRROR SCENES
-C*CK WARMING
-FEMME DOM - Sage is a badass!
-CHOKING AND BREATH PLAY
-IN PUBLIC, IN HIS OFFICE, IN THE CAR
Elias. I just can't. Settle Myer combined this delectable cinnamon roll with a take charge mafia boss and he's top tier book boyfriend material.
I don't want to spoil anything since this book is very closely intertwined with book one, but with Elias and Sage, we get insanely hot sex, pining and chemistry, suspense and answers, and TWO plus size MCs. Dare I say, I loved this even more than Deadly Deceit.
I will probably have to add to this review when I can be more eloquent, but for now, I'm just going to yell about things I loved...
-PERIOD REP & PERIOD SEX!
-MIRROR SCENES
-C*CK WARMING
-FEMME DOM - Sage is a badass!
-CHOKING AND BREATH PLAY
-IN PUBLIC, IN HIS OFFICE, IN THE CAR
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
OMG I loved this dark, mafia book, with a cozy romance! First, I love reading a strong FMC that's older than 25 (and not petite and skinny) - Sage (32) is a plus sized baddie, working to overcome an abusive ex and re-claiming herself. She's also hiding in plain sight in NYC and a one night stand gets her put back on her ex's radar. MMC Elias is perfect as the mafia don/level 100 clinger with all the perfect red flags for our girl! I devoured this book in a day! I loved all the realistic little quips and comments and how Sage and Elias were both really "normal" (I mean outside of the killing, blowing up things and running a mob...) I loved there was no 2nd act break up/3rd act redemption arc to the story and I didn't feel there were any dangling plot lines that were just forgotten. Thanks Settle Myer for another amazing read!! I did forget to read book 1 in the New Your City Syndicate series before I started my ARC read. While I'm sure there are things I've "missed" but not doing so, I honestly never felt like it. Obvi I kinda know how it all ends - but I'll still be going back to read it soon! But I def recommend going to read the first book while you wait for this one to come out!
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
⭐⭐⭐⭐
👀Tropes: Sage and Elias star in this Dark Mafia Romance, which has a 'one night stand', plus size MC's, an obsessed partner in their 30's. We love a hurt/comfort with a HEA and no 3rd act breakup.
☠️CW: Torture, Murder, Violence, Abduction, Human/sex trafficking, Domestic Abuse (Emotional and physical), Death of a Parental Figure (murder off page), Death of an abusive Parent Figure (on page), Cursing, Alcohol, Drug Use, Sexual Assault (groping), Depression, Grief, Child Abuse, Rape, Sexual Assault, Attempted Suicide
🪢Kinks: Choking, Edging, Breathe play, Ass play, Period play, Breeding kink, Exhibitionism, Power exchange/play
📚Read Method: Kindle eBook
✨My Thoughts: This dark mafia romance, but surprisingly cozy? Definitely a very fun read and I very much enjoyed the whole thing. This is the second book in the New York City Syndicate duology, but can be read as a standalone. Just know that it will spoil/ruin the first book, Deadly Deceit.
I mean, the first sentence in the book really sets the tone for the book.
"I'm getting railed by the man who owns the hottest nightclub in Brooklyn."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Grief, Suicide attempt