Let's be real. If you’ve spent more than five minutes on BookTok or scrolled through the "dark romance" tags on Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the name Declan O’Shea. He’s the guy every reader seems to be losing their collective minds over. He is the heart of the Carnal Urges book series, or more accurately, the standout second installment of the Queens & Monsters series by J.T. Geissinger. It’s a wild ride. It’s messy. It’s loud. And honestly? It’s exactly what the mafia romance genre needed to shake things up.
Most people get this series confused. They think it’s just another "girl gets kidnapped by the mob" trope. It isn't. Not really. While the Queens & Monsters saga technically starts with Ruthless Creatures, it was the second book—Carnal Urges—that turned the series into a genuine cultural phenomenon within the romance community. It’s about Sloane and Declan. She’s a spitfire who won't shut up, and he’s an Irish mob boss who basically met his match.
The Chaos That Defines the Carnal Urges Book Series
If you’re looking for a submissive, quiet heroine, look elsewhere. Seriously. Sloane is the polar opposite of a "damsel." When Declan kidnaps her, he expects fear. He expects her to cower. Instead, she complains about the snacks and insults his house decor. It’s hilarious. The banter is the actual engine of the story.
Geissinger didn’t just write a romance; she wrote a 300-page power struggle. This is a common thread throughout the Carnal Urges book series universe. The women aren't just accessories to the men's violence. They are often the most dangerous people in the room, even if they aren't the ones holding the guns. You see this evolution from the first book, Ruthless Creatures, through the final installments like Savage Hearts and Brutal Vows. But there is something specific about the chemistry between Declan and Sloane that people just can't stop talking about. It’s the "forced proximity" trope done with a sledgehammer.
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You've probably noticed that mafia romance can get a bit stale. It’s often a lot of brooding men in suits saying "mine" every five seconds. While Declan certainly does that, he’s also surprisingly funny. He has a personality beyond being "The Boss." That’s why these books rank so high on Goodreads—currently sitting with thousands of five-star reviews. People aren't just reading for the spice, though let's be honest, that’s a huge part of it. They’re reading for the specific brand of Irish-versus-Russian mob dynamics that Geissinger handles with a weirdly addictive flair.
Why the Order of the Queens & Monsters Universe Matters
Kinda important: you shouldn't just jump into the middle if you want the full picture. Even though Carnal Urges is the title everyone screams about, the series follows a specific trajectory of the Five Points (the Irish) and the Bratva (the Russians).
- Ruthless Creatures (Book 1): This sets the stage. We meet Natalie and Kage. Kage is a mystery. Natalie is a widow who thinks she’s done with love. It’s dark, but it’s the gateway drug.
- Carnal Urges (Book 2): The fan favorite. Declan O'Shea takes center stage. Sloane is the "hostage" who basically takes over his life.
- Savage Hearts (Book 3): This one follows Malachi and Riley. It’s a bit darker, focusing on a brother’s debt and a girl who is way tougher than she looks.
- Brutal Vows (Book 4): This is the "enemies to lovers" peak. Spider and Reyna. Reyna is arguably the most badass woman in the whole series.
Most readers will tell you that while the books can technically be read as standalones, you’ll miss the cameos. And the cameos are everything. Seeing Declan show up in later books to annoy the other protagonists is half the fun. Honestly, the way Geissinger weaves these characters together makes the world feel lived-in. It’s not just a collection of stories; it’s an ecosystem of chaos.
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Addressing the Dark Romance Misconceptions
Let’s talk about the "dark" label for a second. Is the Carnal Urges book series dark? Yes. There’s violence. There’s kidnapping. There’s some pretty intense stuff. But compared to "extreme" dark romance, it’s actually quite accessible. Geissinger uses humor to balance the grit. That’s her superpower. You’ll be laughing at a joke about a cat on one page and then holding your breath during a shootout on the next.
Some critics argue that the "insta-lust" or the rapid progression of the relationships is unrealistic. Well, yeah. It’s a mafia romance. It’s supposed to be heightened. But if you look deeper, there’s a lot of emotional work happening. These characters are usually broken or lonely people finding the one person who doesn't try to "fix" them but instead accepts their jagged edges.
What Actually Makes Declan O'Shea a Top-Tier Hero?
It’s the mouth. Declan’s dialogue is a masterclass in "alpha" writing that doesn't feel like a caricature. He’s obsessed with Sloane, but he’s also constantly bewildered by her. He’s a man who has controlled everything his entire life, and suddenly he can't control a five-foot-something woman who refuses to follow his rules.
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Readers often point to the "Who did this to you?" moment—a classic trope in this genre—as a turning point. In the Carnal Urges book series, these tropes aren't just boxes to check. They feel earned because the characters have such distinct voices. Geissinger doesn't write "template" heroes. Declan feels different from Kage, and Kage feels different from Spider. That variety is why the series has such staying power.
Actionable Ways to Experience the Series Properly
If you're ready to dive in, don't just grab a random copy. There’s a strategy to getting the most out of this world.
- Check the Trigger Warnings: Seriously. These books deal with kidnapping, murder, and high-intensity situations. Geissinger is great, but her world is violent. Know your limits before you start.
- Audiobook is Key: If you like audiobooks, the narrators for this series—specifically Troy Duran and Michelle Sparks—are legendary. They bring the accents to life. Declan’s Irish brogue in the Carnal Urges audio is often cited as the reason many people finished the book in a single day.
- Read the Prequels and Related Works: While not strictly part of the "Queens & Monsters" title, Geissinger has a massive back catalog. If you find yourself obsessed with her style, look into the Dangerous Beauty series or the Beautifully Cruel books. They share a similar "vibe" and often touch on the same themes of power and obsession.
- Join the Community: The "Geissinger’s Gang" or various Facebook groups are incredibly active. If you have a question about a specific plot point or want to see fan art of the characters, that’s where you go. The author herself is known to interact with fans, which adds a layer of connection you don't always get with big-name writers.
The Carnal Urges book series isn't just a set of books you read once and toss aside. It's the kind of series that makes you want to reread your favorite chapters the moment you finish the last page. It balances the heat with actual heart, proving that romance doesn't have to be soft to be meaningful. Whether you’re here for the Irish accents, the Bratva politics, or just a heroine who refuses to shut up, you’re going to find something that sticks with you long after the Kindle screen goes dark.
For those starting today, begin with Ruthless Creatures. It builds the foundation. By the time you get to Declan in the second book, you’ll understand the stakes, the humor, and exactly why everyone is so obsessed with this particular brand of literary mayhem.