She fears the dark.He rules it.Her dresses are too tight, her heels too tall. She laughs too loudly, eats without decorum, and mixes up most sayings in the book. Little do most know it’s just a sparkly disguise, there to hide one panic attack at a time.Nobody can crack Gianna’s facade . . . no one anyway, until he comes along.Most see a paragon of morality; a special agent upholding the law. In … special agent upholding the law. In the New York underworld, others know him as a hustler, a killer, his nature as cold as the heart of ice in his chest. Christian Allister has always followed the life plan he’d envisioned in his youth, beneath the harsh lights of a frigid, damp cell. With a proclivity for order and the number three, he’s never been tempted to veer off course. But perhaps one should never say never . . .
One winter night and their lives intertwine. She hates him—his stone-cold demeanor, his arrogance and too-perceptive eye—but over the years, even as their games consist of insulting each other’s looks and intelligence, she begins to live to play with him.
Nowhere in Christian’s plans had he ever prepared for Gianna. She’s chaos embodied, not his type, and married, but none of that can stop his eyes from following her wherever she goes.
All along, she doesn’t even know that she’s his—his frustration, his fascination.
His maddest obsession.
*Can be read as a standalone, though it is recommended you read The Sweetest Oblivion first to avoid spoilers from Book #1
more
reread dec 08, 2020
yes it’s still true, i’m a white man’s whore. obsessed boy trope is just delicious and tmo always be my favourite!
____________________________________
update: july 11, 2020
its happened again. my heart is bursting with so much love – idk how but it gets better and better after every reread… i swear, this book contains actual magic. i’m fully obsessed with gianna and christian and i never want to be cured of them. i DESPERATELY NEED a novella of them, i want to see how soft christian is with his baby, i want to see gianna as an amazing mother.. most of all, i just want to read more of christian and gianna as a couple<333333
____________________________________
update: aug 22.
Just finished rereading this - I don't know how but I loved it even more than the first time. I ADORE THIS BOOK. (i need more of this couple, plsss)
____________________________________
I have been waiting patiently for Christian's story after meeting him in the first book so when I saw the chance to get this ARC, I fucking took it.
I leaned closer, until our lips were a hair’s breadth apart.
“Why do you kiss me?”
I sighed into his mouth when he kissed me with a sweet pull. “Because you’re the only woman who’s ever tempted me.” His lips brushed mine. “Because you love it.” The last one was soft, with a possessive bite. “Because every part of you is mine.”
*sighs* Who doesn't love a dark and dangerous alpha that has slightly obsessive tendencies and a sweet spot for only his heroine?
I knew The Maddest Obsession would be great but guys, it honestly exceeded my fucking expectations. Oh my god. THIS BOOK. I cancelled my plans and finished this in one sitting. There was absolutely no way I was going to read a few chapters and fucking wait to read it the next day. I needed my fix and oh god it was so so so so so worth the wait. I am an absolute hoe for an enemies-to-lovers trope and this was fucking IT.
”Say something in Russian.”
“Ty samaya krasivaya zhenshchina kotoruyu ya kogda-libo videl.”
“What did you say?”
“You’re annoying.”
He actually said: You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. I AM ONCE AGAIN SOBBING.
This was such a compelling and wildly sexy read. I put my phone on do not disturb and told everyone not to bother me. These beautifully addicting characters commanded my undivided attention and I'm just so happy about everything with The Maddest Obsession. It was a sexy, captivating and sweet slow burn romance and it was brilliantly paced. Christian and Gianna's journey to each other was explosive, obsessive and oh so beautiful. The chemistry was out of this fucking world hot and their interactions were hilarious at times and I completely loved that.
Danielle has become that author where I'll automatically buy without any hesitation. Her writing is fucking outstanding and I need more of her books in my life. Whilst waiting for this book to release, I started her Alyria series and I just knew that anything she'd write, I'd completely adore.
I would have loved an epilogue with both Christian and Gianna, rather that just him. Regardless, this book was a fucking delight and I hope there is another in the series. Now I just have to wait for The Girl with a Tragic Ever After and my life will be complete.
Trope: I hate everyone in the world, including you – but I WILL kill anyone who so much as breathes at you the wrong way.
I cannot believe I am rating a mafia romance 5 stars but hey, Ms Danielle Lori can work miracles apparently.
I had heard so much hype about this book from friends before reading that I finally picked The Maddest Obsession up just to get them off my back. I thought, fine, I probably won’t hate this but I doubt I will give it a second thought once I am finished with is.
I am here to tell you that, months after completing, my head is VERY MUCH full of christiangianna (you guys the hype is sooooooo real).
Christian Allister – Undercover brooding FBI agent who could kill with one look
Gianna Russo – Drug addict/ alcoholic suffering from PTSD, immense hatred for a certain agent and a terrible fashion sense ( lets all forgive her for that last one though)
Christian and Gianna’s initial dynamic is really like nothing I have ever read before. Our introduction to the characters in The Sweetest Oblivion really set the scene perfectly for their relationship; the mystery of Gianna’s strong hatred towards Christian ( a seemingly nice enough guy) paired with the feeling that maybe the loathing isn’t as two-sided as we are led to believe, just ups the anti on the urge to know: what is their deal????
Within this rivalry, Christian and Gianna are everything I love to see in two mcs. They are both extremely flawed beings with a definite morally grey streak and while they grow as people within the book and their relationship, Lori doesn’t try and reform them; they both remain very much insane and we love them for it!
Now for the star of the show: THE ANGST
I really don’t know how to convey the wonders that this book has done for the obsessed boy x oblivious girl and grumpy/sunshine community. Despite the frequent time jumps, Lori manages to create such amazing tension between these two as well as just enough softness that by the end you a sobbing mess – not that I know from experience of course……
Long story short, if you’re debating reading The Maddest Obsession, just do it. Yes, it will occupy your thought and constantly beg to be reread for months on end but that’s okay. Live a little.
Someone Give me a Christian Allister!!!
It took me awhile to warm up to Gianna but what a pay off!!!!!!!!!! Christian is amazing! He keeps his emotions close to his heart and is slow to open up but that is my favorite male trait
I wish I had gotten more of their HEA because it was just beautiful. Seeing them both with their guards down and finally openly loving eachother (swoon) I need more!!!
“I wasn’t like any of the women I’d seen him with. He preferred classy, composed, and docile. I was the opposite. He wanted me, and he hated it.”
Everyone sad to me “Sam you’re going to love book 2 hero more than book 1” I said, “you’re all full of crap there is no way I could love someone more than Nico fricken Russo”
“to live with wolves, you have to howl like a wolf.”
Well, they were wrong because I love him EQUALLY to Nico just in a different way. Elena and Nico were perfect for each other and I loved their tension and push and pull, but Gianna and Christian were perfect in their own unique way. Christian is order and control, Gianna is chaos and mess. They seem like would never work but its that exact reason that they are exactly meant to be.
“to live with wolves, you have to howl like a wolf.”
Christians obsession with Gianna was amazing and truly brought a new meaning to the trope “all i think about is you” which combined with “touch her and I kill you” makes for the best books.
Danielle is such a talented writer, I feel completely consumed and enraptured by her words when I’m reading and this book was no exception. I’m really excited for book 3!!
This book was seriously amazing I really enjoyed the first one in this series but this one blew me away and even though it was at times a complete angst-fest it just made it all the more delicious and enthralling. The constant push and pull of Gianna’s and Christian’s building bond was just so well done and my god the angst here made everything so incredibly intense.
This is a mafia enemies to lovers romance and the story unfolds over quite a few years. Gianna is definitely not your typical heroine she’s very individual especially in her sass and style shes not had an easy path through life which has left her jaded and resulted in some bad choices along the way. She is very much a hot mess but covers it all up with a larger than life personality and a smile she is exactly the opposite of what Christian thought he wanted but every encounter with her causes him to obsess more and because it’s something he can’t have and also doesn’t actually want to feel he finds himself constantly cutting her down with his callous words and cold attitude.
Christian also has a past one he guards closely it has moulded him into who he is today and Gianna just doesn’t fit into his carefully constructed plans. He works in some capacity for the feds but is dodgy as all hell and is heavily involved in the made lifestyle he’s also one scary individual and thinks nothing of getting his hands dirty.
This story had so much heart and chemistry I adored Gianna her imperfectness only made her seem more real and relatable. Christian is very jealous and OTT possessive and when he decides she’s it for him nothing is going to stand in his way even Gianna herself.
This was fabulously written and I read it in one sitting. It’s dual POV and spans a period of about eight years totally recommend this if mafia romance is your thing it’s definitely one of the better ones out there.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
http://www.beckiebookworm.com
“Love is an obsession, some would even say…the maddest obsession.”
Christian is the ultimate book boyfriend- everything I would want in a man, Christian possesses. He’s a cold FBI agent to the world, a colder killer in the underworld, and the hottest, most infuriating man Gianna has ever met. He’s cruel, callous, and complicated with a broken past that just lures you in! But his dark soul is no match for Gianna’s sunshine heart.
Gianna is my forever girl crush- I just adore her badass, quirky personality. She’s honest, sweet, and genuinely herself despite the broken past she comes from. Even when Christian pushes her buttons, she fights back boldly and confidently. Her bright attitude shouldn’t balance with Christian’s cold exterior but their relationship is the perfect stasis of passion, devotion, and obsession.
Gianna and Christian’s story is heartbreaking and well, maddening at times but their love is raw, intense and real and that’s what makes them so superior. Their story spans years, crosses barriers and stretches between two tortured souls who recognize that their maddest obsession is actually their greatest love.
Danielle’s writing is an obsession in and of itself because her stories just entrap you in their words. She writes emotions the way that I feel them and I am immediately immersed into the story itself. Her writing plays like a movie in my mind and I feel so close to the characters in a way that no other author can make me feel. That’s why I would read anything she writes because every story is a string that just pulls me in.
My obsession started with a spirited young girl, a cold possessive man, and a beautiful story written on a dark snowy night.
Again, another win for me in with The Made Series. I’m really enjoyed this book and the authors writing style. Kept me wanting more.
This book is now one of my all-time favorites. Again Lori’s writing comes in portraying these seemingly vastly distinct characters and bringing them together. Christian Allister is now one of my favorite male characters. Like the title suggests, he is truly obsessed with Gianna. We get some more insight into their relationship in this book through flashback chapters. We read stolen glances in The Sweetest Oblivion, but now this is the real deal. Whatever you think you’re expecting, it’s the complete opposite of this book. While this may be a dark book, Gianna is one of the funniest characters I’ve read. If you enjoy the grumpy/sunshine trope, then I think this book may be for you. 100% recommend this book!!
I LOVE BOOKS ABOUT HEROS WITH OCD or being a Sociopath. For real. I wasn’t sure what to think about Gianna in The Sweetest Oblivion but I absolutely love her. And Christian.. he’s something else. But I’m obsessed with him. Lol. He’s freaking crazy but he’s so dang sweet to Gianna. They’re perfect together. This book had me on my toes because they just kept pushing each other away and it was so hard to watch. I actually started this series because of TikTok and thank goodness for that because so far this series has been SO SO GOOD. Dying to read book 3!!
My absolute favourite out of all of the series. This was the cutest and more interesting book. I love the way it was spread out through years and how it had little details. But I do with Christians ocd was talked about more but still loved it.
How can I put it into words how much I love The Maddest Obsession? I didn’t think this series could get any better than The Sweetest Oblivion considering it ended up being my favorite mafia romance book but Danielle Lori managed to make the second book of this addicting series as lovable, if not more.
I’ve come to realize that in Lori’s books, she writes characters that have so much depth you can’t help but feel attached to them in the first few pages. I was hooked from the first page of this book because it was started with the perfect explanation for the title! You see Christian and Gianna in the first book of this series and both of them were so intriguing to read about through Nico and Elena’s POV that I was gushing when I saw this book was about them.
Firstly, it was so, so interesting to read about Gianna especially. Through the impression we got of her in the first book, she didn’t seem like a character one could like too much. But trust me on this, her story is written with utter perfection in this book and you wouldn’t regret reading through the pages of it and being left with the perfect conclusion to hers and Christian’s story. Lori created the perfect heroine for us that has the softest heart you’ll ever know but covers it up by acting selfish and careless. There was one scene where she was helping the homeless and it defined her character so well because nearly everybody has one outlook of her, and it’s always negative. My heart broke for Gianna. And Christian was the perfect male lead for The Maddest Obsession. Seriously, I could write a dissertation about everything I adore about him because he was just that good. But if I had to say something about him, I think I could use Gianna’s words from the book to sum him up because I couldn’t have done it any better:
“I couldn’t help but think this was a man all other men aspired to be. He was the perfect prototype, and everyone else had just gotten the small details wrong.”
There were three-dimensional characters in this book that were a treat to read about. Once again, we got amazing side-characters who added the cherry on the top for this book and were the reason I gave it five stars. Because it truly was perfect in every aspect. Reading each page, and sometimes rereading certain scenes, filled me with so much warmth because this world Lori has treated us to is truly amazing and a rollercoaster of every positive and angsty emotion.
I now need my husband to speak Russian.
I seriously loved Christian, i didn’t really like Gianna in the first book the Sweetest Oblivion, but i loved
how much her character developed throughout the book.
“ ?”
. . , , .
“ .”
You ever read a book and then immediately afterwards you reread the whole thing just because it was THAT good?
This is that book for me.
I have reread The Maddest Obsession countless times and I seriously feel like every time is a completely new experience.
Danielle Lori’s writing style is spectacular and being able to get inside Christian and Gianna’s heads was a true gift. I honestly felt like the words were flowing from the pages and it was absolutely perfect.
Now enough of that, let’s get into the book – I really enjoyed how Danielle set up the timeline in the beginning and felt the flow was just perfect since she didn’t drag out each year of Gianna’s life until we got to the present.
“ ’ .”
Gianna Marino is one of the strongest, most brave, kind-hearted and goofiest characters I’ve ever read and I loved her more than words. Her strength was so inspiring and watching her overcome addictions, a scarred and abusive past, domestic abuse and literally brave through all her battles with a smile and the highest heels on her feet just made my heart swell and love her that much more.
“’ ’ .”
Christian Allister.. woah. I literally have no words to describe this man. He is one of the hottest, most well-written and intricate male characters ever. His power and alpha male aura was everything to me. His obsession with Gianna was so hot to me and the way he was such a perfectionist about everything.. yet he loved a girl who was so messy and wild it should’ve driven him crazy, and still — he loved even that about her, ah. Agent Allister honestly owns my heart and it sucks that he isn’t real because wow.. just wow. No words can describe his level of perfect.
“, ,” .
“ .”
“ .”
“?” , .
“ . . .” , . “ ’ .”
Together Christian and Gianna were just next level amazing. The fact they’re such an odd pair but still are absolutely perfect for each other is the best thing ever. I loved how even when Gianna was married to other men, Christian kept an eye out for her and was always ready to swoop in regardless of how that’d break his perfectionist patterns. The little moments that they stole while she was still married just completely took over my heart.
I’ll never get over this book, gahhh it is just so perfect.
I was so excited to dive into the Maddest Obsession- after meeting Christian and Gianna in the Sweetest Oblivion. And their story is every bit as angsty and addictive as I expected, a delightful second installment after an amazing series introduction in the Sweetest Oblivion.
Danielle tells a love story that spans years- and my, what a journey. As someone who sometimes struggles with the whiplash of a flashback/flash forward approach, I really appreciated the narrative approach to helping us understand the full picture of Christian and Gianna, with Danielle giving us a story in two parts- beginning before the events of the last book and truly immersing us in their history- seeing all we didn’t see in the Sweetest Oblivion, all that led to the tension we find them experiencing in the present. And in the present, we get to experience these two working through their history and the complicated emotional obstacles between them as they find themselves in close proximity. Christian is so cold and cruel at times, but it only feeds their obsession. The push-pull, the hot cold, it just adds to the tension, so when these two finally come together, we’re ready to explode. And explode they do. HOT.
The mafia business is less of a focal point, but I found this really worked for the romance (and made sense for these characters), keeping a firm focus on the evolution of both these characters as they confront their past and their personal baggage- and for both that includes some traumatic things. We have great heart and heat- and some great banter, too. Gianna has a great balance of vulnerability and resilient strength. And Christian is deliciously enigmatic alpha and broody, with some OCD tendencies. Together they are straight fire- ALL the sexual tension. And the chemistry is dynamic and consuming, and the emotional evolution is rewarding and complex. After all the longing, how hard they had to fight for their obsession, it’s so gratifying- and oh so angsty and passionate. “Haven’t you heard? Love is an obsession. Some would even say . . . the maddest obsession.” Yes, yes indeed.
Danielle continues to wow me with her artful pose- poetic, lyrical, and so emotive. I wanted a smidge more from that epilogue. But hopefully to see more of these two in the future!
This is by far one of the best mafia romances I’ve read in my life, definitely worth every single second.
I have completely read these out of order, and have had no problem following along. They are truly standalones despite being a series. I wasn’t sure going into this one, if I would like it based on what I knew of Gianna from the first book. However, all those concerns were for naught, this was a great book and cemented my decision that Danielle Lori would become an auto buy for me. Both Gianna and Christian are complex characters, and they were well written. Gianna is redeemed and you are able to fully understand how she ended up as she did and made the choices that she made. Christian and Gianna have chemistry that just jumps off the page. Their banter really worked and made this such a fun read. Christian is the epitome of the alphahole, possessive hero and I am so here for this dark mafia, enemies to lovers romance!
The Maddest Obsession is the second book in the Made Series. And I loved everything about it. The story & the characters are so perfect.
Gianna Russo. She is literally one of the best female characters I have ever read. She is so fierce n strong. I love her no non-sense attitude. The way she did what she wanted without giving a care about wt ppl think. That is some QUEEN MOVE. Also she didn’t let anyone walk all over her. Despite that she had a vulnerable side to her that made me want to protect her from everyone.
Christian Allister. Damn that man. He is so hot n sexy. Like he literally made me sweat with his personality.
He was so intimidating n so mysterious. He intrigued me from the time he was introduced. He was so unexpected. I never thought he was going to be this obsessed with Gianna. Like the man has ocd n he literally let her mess up his stuff without even caring. I loved how he cared about her n his brother.
Christian n Gianna had such intense chemistry since the start. Pls the sexual tension was so
Every moments of theirs was so swoon worthy. And I loved how they weren’t afraid to be vulnerable in front of each other. They serve GrumpySunshine trope so well.
Overall this book was SO GOOD. And I loved every minute of it from start to end. I can’t wait to read more about Christian n his relationship with his brother in the next book. And also the crumbs of Christian n Gianna.
When I said I loved Gianna, I freaking knew my heart made a right choice. I would forever be worshiping Gianna and Christian rest of my life.
Christian being OCD but letting gianna do whatever she do and him comforting her when she was afraid of the dark.
Christian had done justification for the title of the book with his obsession for Gianna. The man literally kept Gianna headband and wore it on his wrist for 3years , he went to therapy for his obsession and if this doesn’t speak his obsession toward Gianna idk what does.
Gianna my strongest fucking Queen, She got finally what she deserved. She went through so much with her head held high and I am so fucking proud of her.
The Maddest Obsession:
Danielle Lori (Made Series #2)
“All along, she doesn’t even know that she’s his—his frustration, his fascination.
His maddest obsession.”
I literally cannot describe in enough words how much this book is, of all the books in the entire world, my absolute favorite one ever. I’ve re-read it some 80 times (not even joking) and it just keeps getting better.
First of all, Danielle Lori’s writing is beyond astounding. Words fly off the pages, begging to be devoured and it sucks you in. This is a one sitting read—I could NOT put this down. I’m as obsessed with this book as Christian is with Gianna.
This book is easily my favorite of all time. Two incredibly complicated and tortured characters who find themselves in one another. The way they come together and fall in love is so agonizing and pure. The sheer contrast between Christian & Gianna is what makes this such a tantalizing story, one that I will never forget. There’s just something about how insanely different they are that makes them fit so well.
Gianna is a badass of the highest proportions. She does not take shit, she is strong, she is kind, she is so very real. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is unapologetically herself, even when mouthwatering men make fun of her for it. Despite everything she has been through, she really is the most “genuine” person I’ve ever read. Her sass, her fire, and everything about her make her such an incomparable character. She’s lovable, she’s kind, she’s generous, and I love the way she makes Christian feel. Words of affirmation come easy to her and really… all words. Never afraid to speak her mind–always honest. Gianna is my #1 female character of all time (my entire book insta is pretty much dedicated to this queen if you need proof)
Christian Allister is the epitome of a book boyfriend. Broken and dark, complicated and dominant. When he is a sweetheart, it’s worth every single thing. He is truly the most elite character I’ve ever read to this day. My number one book man–so possessive and protective of Gianna. He’d never let anything hurt her, and for a girl who has been burned by men over and over again, this is exactly what she needs. The way he loves Gianna is what I will ALWAYS try to look for in real life. But alas, perfection cannot be so easily found. I will, however, re-read this book until the day I die.
The Maddest Obsession is chaotic and messy and so carnal. It is everything. There’s a reason why it’s my favorite book of all time. The characters, the story–everything is so beautifully done, it’s hard to let go. The romance seeps through the pages and it’s clear as day. Officer & malyshka make you believe in that forever kind of love–the one where you know they will be happy until they die.
Christian & Gianna have my whole entire heart and they always will have it, no matter what. To the best book ever, five Russian stars.
#themaddestobsession #christianallister #giannarusso #giannaallister #daniellelori #mafia #romance