A Dark Force 20 Years with a Covert Narcissist

by Erin Riley

Celebrated music maven Erin Riley looked like she had it a 1960s Mad Men-style upbringing on Manhattan's Upper West Side, then an escape to "find herself" in glamorous 1970s Hollywood, where she landed some of the most influential positions of the 1980s music industry. She hung out with rock stars like Keith Richards, Steven Tyler, James Taylor, and Jon Bon Jovi and chose the hit records for America's #1 rock & roll radio station, WMMR-FM. But her colorful, raucous, rock & roll life hid dark secrets. An emotionally neglected child with a generational legacy of stoicism and hiding painful truths, Erin had no real experience with love and healthy relationships. The marriage she thought would be her happily-ever-after led to 20 years of confusion, heartbreak, anger, and betrayal, all fueled by a malignant covert narcissist. Erin's honest, searing memoir recounts her self-discovery journey through a series of life's traumas and tragedies, her many bad decisions, and two toxic marriages. Her story will bring insight and guidance to survivors of narcissistic abuse and those questioning their relationships, and the hope that they, like Erin, can find a joyous rock & roll redemption.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

300 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2022

Reviews

[Stephanie Oquendo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow

This book was incredible. Her stories not only resonated but opened my eyes to feelings and suspicions I held but could not pinpoint. This book is life changing. Soul healing and universally connective in healing energy for all of us who know the toxic reality of having lived with, loved, known, or married a covert narc. Which I wholeheartedly agree can be nothing more than a demonic dark force! Thanks so much for sharing your story. Helping me realize that my gut is always right and my desire to try and work things out will only lead to wasted effort and time on someone who is truly not worth it. I love you so much for being this vulnerable, and you have impacted my life more than you will ever know. I am extremely grateful to you. 🙏🏽 💜

[Caridad Kraus · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! amazing book!

I feel like I was reading a lot of my own experiences. Erin was real and transparent in sharing her story of what it was like to be married to a covert narcissist. Great book!

[Sami Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Riley's book was fascinating! Her insights and explanations of the covert narcissistic personality are enlightening, and her story was told with grace. Highly recommend.

[Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy read about a hard dark truth. Riley’s “A Dark Force” shines the light on the tactics and techniques of covert narcissists and serves as a beacon of hope illuminating the path to self-love.

[Robyn Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite the read having been through a relationship myself with a narcissist. It brought me right back and assisted in understanding some things one can only understand when looking in from the outside versus living it day to day in the emotion. Erin's views are eye opening and I acknowledge her for her openness and sharing. She really nails it in such a transparent way. I also loved learning of her privileged rock and roll life and was so fun and so touching. This book heals old wounds and really is a wonderful read.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, I could not put it down once I started reading. Filled with the terminology you need to to discuss and describe a narcissist. I added Glamping to my vocabulary. Who would guess there was a word for fancy camping. I have been in and seen others in relationships with narcissists. I was always confused by what they do and why they do it. This gave me a clear understanding why some people act in this fashion. If I was in a position to advise those who have been gaslit, i would hand them this book.

[Jennifer Fayad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark Force 20 Years with a Covert Narcissist by Erin Riley was a great book. Courageous, brave, the ultimate survivor. Erin was completely vulnerable, transparent, and compelling in this memoir. If you have any questions about if a person is a Narcissists and how to overcome trauma, this is a must read. Thank you Erin can’t wait for the next one

[Sara Petrosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very provocative. Almost every page included a story, a reference, or an idea that made me question my own conduct and the conduct of those around me, essentially my capacity to love and be loved. Erin's ability to tell her story, while educating others about a serious mental health issue, is unrivaled.

[Jesse Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. The author went through such a horrible situation and came out the other side. I learned a lot about the terms dealing with the covert narcissist and I'd bet that anyone who's been in a situation like this will recognize so much. This was definitely a heavy story that could easily be made into a limited series. A very personal story that anyone who's been in a bad relationship can relate to.

[Zoe Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Content was compelling, however writing style was hard to follow. 5 for content, much less for writing style. Powerful story.

[Bobbi Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most compelling reads that I have encountered Erin’s book had me utterly experiencing what her extraordinary life was like. Heart breaking at times, super informative, entertaining as well with the stories of her life in rock and roll and extremely honest in its portrayal of what it is like to live with a “dark force.” Learned so much while enjoying a remarkable read. Highly recommend to all. Could go on for a very long time about the positives of this read.

[Erin Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to write a book that would help people to understand themselves and how they come to certain relationships and how they can recognize their own feelings learn to value themselves and prevent themselves from being susceptible to predatory people. The first thing you have to do is accept the fact that they exist, there are people out there that actually do not have your best interests in mind, from the minute they meet you. Educate yourself and your children. Learn to recognize their behaviors and patterns of intermittent abuse and how to heal if you've had the misfortune to ever be entangled with a narcissist. Stay safe out there. Trust your gut and love yourself first.