Cruel Obsession: A Mafia Romance by J.L. Beck

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I made a vow to protect her when we were just kids. First, from the monsters hiding under the bed and then the ones roaming the world freely.

My obsession with Dove wasn’t normal. It toed the line on psychotic, but my love for her overshadowed that.

I’d killed, destroyed, and hurt those who had done her wrong. I’d watched her for years wanting to claim her but refusing to. I was both her guardian angel and a demon lurking in the shadows.

She was mine, even though she didn’t know it yet.

I had planned to let her live her life while I watched from afar. Until one night, everything changes, and I’m forced to kidnap her.

She doesn’t remember me. 
She doesn’t know me. 
She begs me to let her go.

But I can’t. I won’t.

There are things she doesn’t know. 
Secrets I cannot tell her, but one thing is 
I’ll die before I ever let her slip through my fingers.

Dark, Twisted, and Completely Addictive

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🩷💙❤️
Spice/Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌏
Character development: 😋😀😉🥰😍
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

Character Background and Plot Dynamics

Cruel Obsession by J.L. Beck and C. Hallman dives headfirst into the darker side of romance, delivering a story that is equal parts unsettling and compelling. At the center are Dove Miller and Zane Brennan, two characters whose lives collide in a way that feels dangerous from the very beginning.

Dove is trying to survive her circumstances, quietly enduring a life that has already taken more from her than it should have. There is a vulnerability to her, but also a quiet strength that becomes more apparent as the story unfolds. Zane, on the other hand, is a hitman with a chilling presence. He is methodical, controlled, and used to operating in the shadows. His fixation on Dove starts as something predatory, rooted in observation and control, but quickly spirals into something far more complex.

The plot leans heavily into obsession, power imbalance, and psychological tension. Zane’s stalking is not softened or romanticized in a traditional sense, which gives the story a raw edge that fans of dark romance will appreciate. As their connection deepens, the line between fear and desire becomes increasingly blurred. This is very much a slow unraveling rather than a straightforward love story, and as the first book in a duet, it builds tension without offering full resolution.

Strengths and Limitations

One of the strongest aspects of this audiobook is how immersive the character dynamics feel. Zane is particularly well-crafted if you enjoy morally gray or outright dangerous male leads. His perspective adds a layer of intensity that keeps the story gripping. Dove’s evolution is another highlight, especially as she begins to push back against the role she has been forced into.

The atmosphere is also a standout. There is a constant sense of unease that lingers throughout, which fits perfectly with the themes of obsession and control. The pacing works well for the most part, gradually revealing more about both characters and their motivations. The intimate scenes were intense and super sexy and the major conflict between Zane and his employers was filled with danger.

That said, this is definitely not a story for everyone. The darker elements, including stalking and power imbalance, may be uncomfortable for some listeners. At times, Dove’s passivity early on can feel frustrating, though it does serve a purpose in her character arc. Additionally, since this is the first book in a duet, the ending leaves a lot unresolved, which may not satisfy listeners looking for a complete story.

Narration

Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross deliver a solid dual narration performance. Wen Ross brings a strong, controlled intensity to Zane that fits his character well. His voice carries that quiet menace and obsession in a way that enhances the listening experience. Kai Kennicott captures Dove’s vulnerability and emotional struggle, though there are moments where her tone may not resonate with every listener.

The dual narration format works effectively here, allowing each character’s perspective to feel distinct and personal. It helps pull you deeper into their minds, especially with a story that relies so heavily on internal tension and conflicting emotions.

Final Opinion

Cruel Obsession is a gripping start to a dark romance duet that fully embraces its twisted premise. If you enjoy intense, morally complex characters and stories that explore the darker edges of desire, this one is likely to hold your attention from beginning to end. It is not a light or easy listen, but it is undeniably engaging.

For fans of dark romance, Dove and Zane offer a compelling and unsettling dynamic that makes you want to see just how far things will go in the next installment.

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