I. A. Dice writes emotionally intense romance—both dark and light—but always equally spicy. When she’s not dreaming up love stories, she’s probably drinking too much coffee and swooning over fictional men.
Arc read, Yes I did a little eeep when I got this!
“Sleep hell cat, I’ll be hear when you wake up.” “You better, you promised me forever.”
I 100% think this was the best book in this series, however was so disappointed that there’s was no epilogue.
I love how Koby wants Leilani to be unapologetically herself, after everything she endured being in Antons clutches for 3 years.
Koby falls first and hard - “I don’t want just her body. I want her laugh, her anger, her broken pieces. I want every part,no matter how dark. I’m not sure I’ll survive if she doesn’t give me that.”
I think this book had so much more humour than the others and I fully laughed at Koby saying “fuck me sideways… I want to be a condiment.”
Leilani asking Koby how he could be a red and a green flag for Koby to say he’s not a red flag and having to be reminded that he kills people 😂
How Koby takes care of Leilani when shes on her period *chefs kiss*. And we even get the classic “fuck it” line before he kisses her for the first time!
The only reason for loosing a star is that there is no epilogue. If you’ve read these books you know the follow in from each other so no need for an epilogue, however as this is the last book in the series, I think we need a little more, even if its only 12 months later. I want to know how Broadways finding parenthood, Dante and Lyla too. Did any one get married. Did Norrettos “business” get shut down. Hows Leilani’s recovery going? So many questions 😂
Anyhow, go and read this book, this series.
I can’t wait to see what I A Dice does next. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you I.A Dice for allowing me an ARC copy of your latest book, I'm so grateful. It was an incredible read and has sealed Koby and Leilani as my second favourite couple in the Shadow Of Obsession series, after Carter and Hailey. This book marks the 10th book I've read by this author in less than two months and I know I will pick up any book this author writes.
This book was pure perfection, and I don't want to let it go. I don't want it to end. Honestly, I already knew that Koby was going to be a wild one, but I never imagined that his loved one, the lovely Leilani, would be just as much of a menace as he is, and I'm totally here for it. The main storyline comes to an end with a cathartic conclusion, which is nice, but I still don't want to let go of their hands because I love this world and its characters. It's all the author's fault that I still want to read at least one more person's book from this world because she made him such an interesting and complex character, and I just need to know more.
Where I thought I had already found my favorite character in this series, I was so wrong because Koby kicked in the door, ran through it, and screamed in my face that he’s still here... and oh boy, yes he is. He's not just obsessed with Leilani from the first sight, but he's also so funny. I laughed so much. The quickest way to my heart is if the mmc is a funny, goofy one but focuses on the job when required, especially when his girl’s life is at stake.
Leilani is such a surprise. I think the biggest one in this series. Her trauma comes from a different source than what is usually found in this kind of book. It's not what you typically encounter in this genre, but it's just as heavy as the others. It was so well-written that even my stomach turned into a knot when that person was mentioned.
And let’s just say that these characters' craziness matches in the bedroom as well because, whoa, those scenes were so hot. I'd easily say that this book was the spiciest of the series. I had such a great time reading it, which I did in less than 24 hours, and I think that says a lot. This book pulled me out of my reading slump, and even if I want to continue exploring this world, I’m excited to see what’s coming next.
You can absolutely read it as a standalone, you can start with any couple’s book you’d like to read first. However, for the best experience, I recommend reading them in order. This was one of the easiest five-star reads of my year.
The Shadows of Obsession series comes to an end with a book that undoubtably delivers. After Carter, Broadway, and Ryder, it’s finaly time for Koby’s story. These books are standalones, but interconnected and since there is a story that plays out throughout all 5 books, it’s best if they are read in order.
Our bad boy Koby is OBSESSED with Leilani from the moment he layed eyes on her. The haunted look in her eyes and the bruises on her body bring the overprotective insticts in him. When the opportunity arises, he grabs her from her keeper and promises her to keep her safe no matter what.
While Leilani stays with Koby, she realises she is attractive to him. What she doesn’t know is that Koby is not only attracted to her, he is utterly obsessed with her, lives and breathes for and wants to help her heal. Bit by bit Leilani reveals to him what she went through in the past 3 years she was held captive and Koby goes feral…
The people that hurt her are dead men walking…it’s time for revenge and settling old scores. This last book wraps up lose with a jaw dropping plot twist!!! A beautiful story, packed with action, come back of favourite hero’s and all the feels that make me willingly give this book 5 stars…even though, i am not gonna lie….i needed an epilogue. Unless I.A. Dice will surprise us with a novella for all the couples!
What to expect in this story: 🔥Unhinged, obsessed and overprotective MMC ❤Hurt but strong FMC 🔥Hilarious inner monologue by MMC ❤Brotherly banter 🔥Forced proximity 🔥Mutual attraction ❤He falls first and hard 🔥Spice and chemistry ❤Hurt and healing ❤Found family 🔥HEA
Keeping Leilani by I.A. Dice Shadows of Obsession Series Book Five
Here’s another fantastic read by one of my favourite authors. Keeping Leilani is the fifth book in the Shadows of Obsession series, a dark mafia romance with unhinged over the top obsessed and possessive men and the women who love them. This series was my introduction to mafia romance, and to this day it is my favourite of any mafia romance books that I have read to date.
Koby and Leilani have to be my favourite couple of this series. Leilani‘s strength and ability to bring herself out of the oppression and abuse at the hands of the deranged Anton Grey, was exciting and inspiring to read. Koby‘s ability to hold space for Leilani‘s healing process made him one of my favourite men of this series. He almost knocked Carter off the number one spot. Almost.
This unputdownable book had me laughing my ass off in some parts and rapidly blinking tears away in others. Not to mention the squirming and a thigh clenching during all of those spicy scenes 🥵
I.A.‘s writing style, dialogue, and strategy throughout this book had me guessing how Carter and his loyal men Koby, Ryder and Broadway would solve the problem of the Grey brothers and I am pleasantly surprised that I did not see that coming.
If you want to see how Koby and his little hellcat’s story unfolds, I highly recommend that you read Keeping Leilani. Although I do not believe it is imperative that you read the entire series I promise you that you will not be disappointed if you do.
I received an advanced readers copy, and this is my honest review.
Mafia romance girls, sit yourselves down and hear me out! If you want your men unhinged and morally black but completely down bad for their girls… well, the queen of ‘Give me one more,’ has done it again. I very rarely read books in only 24 hours, but somehow I have done with every single book in this series. And shock, this one was no different.
It’s a really bittersweet feeling when one of your favourite series comes to an end. But this one in particular feels hard to let go of, even after multiple re-reads since book one was released. Back when I read Breaking Hailey, it was the first time I ever dipped my toe into the darker side of Romance books and I haven’t looked back since.
I can honestly say though, I think Koby and Leilani are my favourite couple in The Shadows of Obsession series. If you want a man who is OBSESSED and not shy about it, then you will devour this one and lick your lips wanting more. Koby fell first and so hard I think he got concussion. There’s something about reading a morally black, mafia man turn soft for a woman that brings me to my knees and Koby gave this in buckets. He literally takes care of her when she’s on her period and practically begs her to let him do it. I couldn’t stop giddy squealing at how god damn cute it was!
After years of being oppressed, abused and manipulated into being pliant, Koby presses all the right buttons to help bring out Leilani’s wild, un-tamed and unruly sides. He wants every part of her and for her to hold nothing back. And is that not why we read romance? To see woman get what they deserve? To see them overcome and win their battles, free themselves of their confines and do it with a partner who does nothing but bolster them at their side?
Leilani is both soft and strong. She grows so much in this book and I absolutely loved seeing her tear down the walls that had been imposed around her. She was a really lovable character.
As always we get the return of our favourite characters and the little found family I.A.Dice has created in these books.
I just needed an Epilogue to wrap the series up 😢😢
So, as one incredible chapter comes to an end, I cannot wait to see what I.A.Dice gives us next.
I a dice doesn’t disappoint with this book that I have been desperate to read. Having read all the previous books in this series. It’s as you would expect and more, mafia, violence, triggers warnings are a must with these books please read. The old favourites are back in this book Broadway, Carter, Dante and the dark underworld that they live in. This book is Leilani story,full of violence, self loathing, pure hatred for what such a young girl has had to already endure when he sees her at Carter’s club- then she becomes his obsession to help her and become his !! Koby sees something in her eyes that first time he sees her that haunts him.. he does everything in his power to try and help her, maybe even bending Carters rules.. but as is always the case the boys have his back, as dark as it sounds ( which it can be) there is a lot of humour in it to mostly from Broadway and I’m a sucker for dark humour. I couldn’t put this book down it’s a fantastic book full of self discovery, off hot 🔥 🔥 spicy scenes, heart breaking scenes and friends, made family and revenge.. Absolutely smashed it
I absolutely LOVED this book, I. A. Dice is an amazing writer and captures you straight away with her books and characters. This book had me laughing, crying and shooketh all throughout. If you love a mafia romance this book and the whole series is just for you!!
Koby (MMC) is obsessed and VERY protective of Leilani (FMC) from the moment he see's her, who wouldn't when you're giving someone the "save me eyes" but still. He becomes obsessed with her, he wants to save and help her find herself again after what she has been through which is ALOT. Leilani is such a strong woman but also a bit unhinged. So is Kobe which makes them so perfect for each other! I love how she wants to save herself but also has the backup from Koby when she wants it.
My only thing is when I got the end I feel like it ended abruptly and was hoping for an epilogue. It ends well, I just don't think I was ready for it to actually end! Who knows maybe we will get a Novella (wishful thinking)
...who is ready for story time 👀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have been anxiously waiting to finally read Koby’s story and it did not disappoint!
Koby is obsessed with Leilani from the moment he laid eyes upon her! She made her appearance at the end of Catching Bianca as a scared and abused girl. When the opportunity arises, Koby takes Leilani away from her abuser and keeps her safe. She has lived through unspeakable trauma and manipulates everyone around her, even the ones she (starts to) trust, to avoid going back to her abuser. Koby lets her heal in her own way while being there for her the whole time. He wants her happy, healthy and, most importantly, free. The storyline that started with Breaking Hailey ends in this book with a plot twist I did not see coming. The banter between Carter, Broadway, Ryder and Koby did not disappoint!
I.A. Dice is one of my favourite authors, she has a way of putting a story on paper that makes me stay up until the early hours to finish her books. I am sad that Shadows of Obsession came to an end but I am looking forward to her new book!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ive loved this whole series and I'm so happy to be here for Keeping Leilani.
What an interesting angle and take on Mind and emotional Manipulation. It's a cage whichever way you want to look at it. What's worse than r*p3 he asked her…. to her, losing herself and her identity.
The Party Boy in the group the renowned bachelor bad boy , Hot as Sin… Sweet as Sin once he found his Obsession.. and he did… boy… I'm very impressed with how he looks after her, how he tries and how very hard she fights to get back to herself.
“I will not be held accountable for any damage caused while rewiring my brain.”
It's almost a redemption story but in a personal way. Definitely a 5 star read here. For sure a Binge Read so get cozy! and the spice… mmmmmm
“Unhealthy doesn’t scratch the surface of my growing obsession. There’s a part of me the size of... me that already considers *her mine…”
I was super excited to dive into Keeping Leilani and as always, I.A Dice did not disappoint!
We dive into Koby’s story here, after Catching Bianca ended up in a cliffhanger and he had his sights set on Leilani. This story is dark, full of violence and rage. I loved every second of it!
Koby is precious, a bit toxic and possessive (but aren’t all mafia men😂), but he’s super sweet. The way he takes care of Leilani is adorable 🫶🏼 and she’s a strong, amazing fmc. I loved her fiery personality. Also her and Koby’s chemistry 😮💨 the spice was just spicing!!
I love this series so much, starting from Breaking Hailey. It was amazing to meet all the familiar characters from the past books 🥹 I love their family dynamics too.
Thank you so much to I.A Dice for the ARC of Keeping Leilani 🫶🏼 I’m honoured to have read and reviewed it and I can’t wait for what more you have in store for us 😍
The Shadows of Obsession series reaches its finale with Koby and Leilani’s story, and it didn’t disappoint. I was patiently waiting for them and it delivered.
Koby, a little bit possessive, overprotective, a little bit unhinged and that makes him absolutely great. When he see Leilani for the first time, he wants to protect her. But believe me she is not a damsel in distress, she is a hellcat, that's what Koby calls her. Leilani's character is definitely unhinged as much as Koby's and that's why they are perfect for each other.
They chemistry was on point and the addition of all the characters made this story, a great read - i liked the whole bond, banter between Carter, Ryder, Broadway and Koby.
If u want a full experience of the Shadows of Obsession series i recommend to start with the first book, its really good.
I started reading from I.A. Dice when she was writing billionaire romances (a series I 100000% recommend), and when I found out she had mafia books, I was so excited that one of my favourite authors were beginning to write for one of my favourite genres. Like always, she did not disappoint. It's such an easy read with likeable characters, a great, unique plot, and lots of humour to push you through. Even if you hadn't read the previous books in the interconnected series, I highly recommend you give this book a try (although the whole series is just as good). Koby, having spotted Leilani by pure chance and luck, has this sense of protection over her and does everything he can to make sure she is happy, healthy, and most importantly, free. All the while, Leilani is battling internal demons, struggling to keep the past out of her present.
A beautiful ending to this series. I'm so thankful to have gotten an arc, as this was arguably my most anticipated read this year and I devoured it. Read it in one sitting and loved every second.
As usual, Mrs. I.A. Dice rips your heart out for her female main character and puts you in her shoes and if you can relate in any way, buckle up. And yet again we got to see our overprotective, possessive (in a good way), pitiful, down bad men who we love. This was such a good way to completely wrap up every plotline and answer every question throughout the series. I will be thinking about this entire series for years to come and will be doing a reread at some point.
The conclusion to the Shadows of Obsession series absolutely delivers. This time, we finally get the last of Carter’s men—Koby—and his explosive story with Leilani. And trust me, he’s every bit as unhinged as the rest of them. The moment he lays eyes on Leilani, he’s gone, and watching their chaos collide is everything.
What I loved: ♥ Both of them are deliciously unhinged ♥ He calls her hellcat (obsessed) ♥ An overprotective MMC done so right
You can read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend starting with the first book, Breaking Hailey, to experience the full intensity of the series.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was super excited for the final book in the series and so happens to be Koby‘s book. The stories trauma was so different to anything that I’ve really read before it was fresh and I enjoyed it. Leilani was such a feisty character and usually that’s not how I like my FMC but I really enjoyed her. I loved Koby He was so attentive with Leilani, It was really cute. It kind of sad that we didn’t get epilogue though. That’s probably why didn’t read it higher than four because I really do enjoy an epilogue and I was sad I didn’t get one.
How is this the end?! This entire series has been an absolutely phenomenal mafia romance. When I need a mafia romance packed with emotions, angst, and the perfect dose of “touch her and die” energy, this is the one I reach for every time.
I’ve been waiting for Koby’s book since the very beginning — his personality, that dry humor, the soft edges hidden under all that possessive, and slightly toxic charm… chef’s kiss. And honestly, what’s a mafia romance without a few questionable decisions?
Leilani, though. Our girl has been through hell, and her story was handled so beautifully. She’s fierce, resilient, and watching her learn to trust and love again? Perfection! And Koby was the perfect match for her from page one.
This book was well paced and tied up all the major ends so well. This was the perfect finale to an epic mafia romance series, and now I’m over here screaming for more. 🖤 This whole series just DELIVERED everything I wanted!!
I've waited FOREVER for this book! Absolutely loved this! It made me chuckle so much more than the others in the series.
Only reason for 4 stars (well if I could give half stars it would be 4.5) was the lack of epilogue. I like a pretty little bow 😭. Just wanted more to be honest! Which is a testament to this series as a whole!
I love kolby and leilani! Probs my favourite couple as joint with hailey/ carter!
Absolutely a must read series!
ETA: I actually CAN NOT WAIT for this to come out on audible also 🤣
This book was everything I had hoped for. I’m always scared that books will fall short of the hype, but I.A. Dice knocks it out of the park EVERYTIME. Koby and Leilani were so beautiful together. The angst, the anger, the growth, it all blew my mind. Koby and Leilani are electric together. The way that Koby helped heal Leilani while letting her be angry and allowing her to let that frustration out and welcoming it was so beautiful to see. And of course, I loved the little quips that Broadway and Ryder threw at Koby! 5/5
Keeping Leilani is a gripping, beautifully raw story that balances heartbreak, hope, and healing in all the best ways. I.A. Dice delivers characters who feel painfully real, with emotions that stick long after the final page. Leilani’s journey is intense and vulnerable, and the connection she shares with the love interest is full of depth, tension, and genuine care.
The writing is immersive. Soft when it needs to be, brutal when life demands it, and always full of heart. I couldn’t put it down, and I didn’t want to. This is the kind of book that leaves you feeling something powerful, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
This is book 5 in a series but thr first one that I read. With that in mind, I found that I was able to keep up and catch on pretty easily. I enjoyed this story and really liked the healing that took place and how thr MMC allowed Lailani to do what she needed to, how he asked what might trigger her and took care to avoid those things. Finally, when he did accidentally do something, he realized it and apologized. Now to go back and read the first 4 books.
Just wow I am never ceased to be amazed by I.A. Dice I have had the privilege of reviewing several ARC’s and I hate to play favorites but seeing Koby and Leilani I don’t know if it was the anticipation of waiting but this book hits every mark for me I love how Koby took Leilani for how she was and moved at her pace and healing journey it strikes so many notes for me I’m not giving away too much here but please add to cart you guys you won’t regret it! 😭💛🖤
What an explosive chapter to the shadows of obsession series! I knew I would enjoy this book as much as the rest and I was not disappointed. Lelani was such a strong and complex fmc and she fit so well with Kolby. They had great chemistry and tension which kept me engrossed not wanting to put the book down. The world building and the character growth was raw and powerful giving her redemption from her trauma and pain. I highly recommend reading this book and the rest of the series!!
I wish there was more!! Can’t believe it’s already over.
Really loved this book, i think even more than the other ones because its not just about physical trauma but also very deeply about the mental trauma? Koby problably needs his head checked but gosh i loved him for his way of handling the situations and care he gave her. Loved reading this story and yes girls can also throw a nice right hook ghehe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Leilani & Koby Forced Proximity He Falls First Obsessive and protective MMC Found Family
Omg this book is so good!!! I've been so excited for this one and it did not disappoint!
I'm obsessed with the way Koby would do anything to make sure Leilani is safe, even when she's nobody to him... but his instant attraction to her is so strong!
Koby takes the first opportunity he can to rescue Leilani, and he supports her through her healing process.
I was a arc reader for this and blimey, the level of angst I felt for the FMC was powerful. I felt every emotion that came from her, and the need the mmc had for her was just lovely. 4.75 ⭐ 3.5 🌶️
I loved the background to get to this book, i did have to reread the series to catch myself up.
Koby was so understanding of what Leilani went through even though he was not 100% sure what happened. He gave her space and time to open up.
Leilani was a total firecracker that was softening towards Koby, but who was also trying to find her footing again. I absolutely loved her relationship with Koby and how they both trusted each other implicitly.
This book was an excellent finish to the series where all the plots got wrapped up. It is always good to see the bad guy get his ending, but this one was extra perfect because it was Leilani closing her story too.
Loved this book and highly recommend! (I would recommend reading the first 4 books first as there is a larger plot throughout them.)
I got this as an ARC so I would like to say thank you ✨
I really enjoyed this book I found it to be really good . There are some heavy/sad parts but that didn’t take away from the laughs either . Genuinely love all the books in this series 🫶🏼
This book was SO worth the wait. Everything about this book was PERFECT. My only complaint is how abruptly it ended when I still wanted more. I really have loved this whole series so much and recommend it often. I’m really hoping to see more from this series!