Dark Romance and Hilarious Banter: A Deep Dive into Carnal Urges

What happens when a sharp-tongued heroine collides with an Irish mafia king? J.T. Geissinger’s Carnal Urges, the second book in the Queens & Monsters series, delivers a dark romance filled with captivity, obsession, and laugh-out-loud banter. This story weaves danger and desire so tightly that every page pulses with tension and fiery chemistry.

Cover art for the Queens & Monsters series by J.T. Geissinger, featuring the books "Ruthless Creatures," "Carnal Urges," "Savage Hearts," and "Brutal Vows." Each cover displays thematic elements like a snake, chess pieces, a skull, and a dagger, set against vibrant floral backgrounds, symbolizing the dark and captivating nature of the series.

What Makes Carnal Urges Stand Out

This Carnal Urges review focuses on what sets this book apart in the crowded world of dark romance. The story centers on Sloane, a fearless and witty woman who refuses to be broken, and Declan, an Irish mafia king who is ruthless but magnetic. Their clash sparks a mafia war that leads to Sloane’s kidnapping. What starts as hostility quickly turns into a battle of wills, sharp banter, and explosive attraction.

The tension between captor and captive blurs lines between hate and desire, vengeance and love. The tone is dark and dangerous, but Sloane’s sass injects humor that keeps the story from becoming too heavy. This balance of intensity and wit makes the book a compelling read for fans of the genre.

Characters That Captivate

• Sloane

She is fearless, witty, and impossible to break. Her sharp tongue and quick thinking make her a standout heroine. She doesn’t just endure her situation; she fights back with sass and strength.

• Declan

The Irish mafia king is ruthless and protective. His obsession with Sloane drives much of the story’s tension. He embodies the dark, dangerous hero archetype but with a magnetic pull that readers find hard to resist.

Their dynamic is a perfect storm of enemies-to-lovers tension, forced proximity, and a significant age gap that adds complexity to their relationship. Declan’s obsessive protection clashes with Sloane’s fiery independence, creating a push-pull that fuels the story’s emotional and physical heat.

The Spice and Steam

The spice level in Carnal Urges is high (🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶). The intimacy scenes are frequent, explicit, and emotionally charged. What makes the steam especially gripping is how it ties directly to the enemies-to-lovers tension. The fiery, obsessive connection between Sloane and Declan makes every intimate moment feel urgent and raw.

This isn’t just about physical attraction; it’s about power, control, and surrender in a relationship that is anything but simple. The steam scenes reflect the characters’ inner turmoil and the dangerous world they inhabit.

Cover art for "Carnal Urges" by J.T. Geissinger features two regal chess pieces adorned with crowns, set against a moody, vine-draped backdrop, evoking themes of power and intrigue.

Tropes That Hit the Mark

The book uses several popular dark romance tropes but executes them with fresh energy:

• Mafia romance

• Captive × captor

• Enemies to lovers

• Forced proximity

• Age gap

• Protective/obsessive hero

• Fiery female main character with sharp banter

  
  

These tropes are familiar, but J.T. Geissinger’s writing breathes new life into them. The banter between Sloane and Declan is especially notable. It’s sharp, witty, and often hilarious, providing relief from the darker moments without undermining the story’s intensity.

Why This Book Resonates with Dark Romance Readers

This Carnal Urges review wouldn’t be complete without explaining why this book connects so well with its audience. Readers who crave taboo intensity will find it here. Declan fits the obsessive, protective hero mold perfectly, while Sloane’s sass keeps the relationship dynamic playful and sharp.

The mafia grit grounds the story in a dangerous world, but the humor and banter make it feel real and relatable. It’s a story that makes your heart race and your lips curl into a smile at the same time.

The Queens & Monsters Series Context

As the second book in the Queens & Monsters series, Carnal Urges builds on the dark, twisted world J.T. Geissinger created in the first installment. Fans of the series will appreciate the deeper dive into mafia politics and character development. New readers can jump in here, but knowing the background adds extra layers to the experience.

The series is known for blending dark themes with humor and complex characters, and this book continues that tradition with flair.

A witty excerpt from "Carnal Urges" captures a character's humorous perspective on relationships, highlighting the challenges of high-maintenance partners with a touch of sarcasm.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy your mafia romance with equal parts danger and wit, Carnal Urges will leave you breathless. J.T. Geissinger has crafted a story where every page crackles with tension, sharp banter, and burning desire. The characters are flawed, fierce, and unforgettable.

Have you fallen for Declan yet, or are you still holding out for another antihero from the Queens & Monsters series? Share your thoughts on this Carnal Urges review or recommend your favorite dark romance reads on the romance blog.

Until next time Beloves.

XO Maddi