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Ryker
Bianca spends her life on the run from a monster. A monster who chases her throughout the city, taking out any loved ones she gains along the way. Manzo wants nothing more than to break her so she will return to him and fulfill her destiny of becoming his wife. Bianca becomes her own hero by using disguises and her training to stay under the radar or so she thought…
Ryker Domincio is the mob boss over Manhattan. He was raised by a ruthless father. He was raised to kill and never ask questions. Now that his father has retired, he has taken over the territory. Ryker is hired by Manzo to find a woman who has been causing trouble for families all throughout New York. He thinks returning Bianca to Manzo will help protect his territory and prevent war, but he soon discovers some wars are worth fighting.
Ryker Domincio is the mob boss over Manhattan. He was raised by a ruthless father. He was raised to kill and never ask questions. Now that his father has retired, he has taken over the territory. Ryker is hired by Manzo to find a woman who has been causing trouble for families all throughout New York. He thinks returning Bianca to Manzo will help protect his territory and prevent war, but he soon discovers some wars are worth fighting.
545 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
15 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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September 5, 2025I don’t get why every time we get an “unhinged” FMC in books, it almost always has to be tied to sex. I love a sex positive FMC, but it feels like it’s become the norm that her “crazy” always comes with sex. She’s usually or has to pretend to be a stripper, a sex worker, or her unhinged moments come with constant sexual innuendo. Why can’t unhinged mean she’s literally terrifying? Actually good at fighting, walking into a room with guns blazing, and genuinely dangerous. Meanwhile, when it’s an MMC, unhinged means violent, ruthless, unpredictable, and actually dangerous with zero sexual anything. Why can’t unhinged for women mean the same thing, guns blazing, terrifying, feared? There’s always a difference in what unhinged means for the FMC versus the MMC. And it’s getting old.
I wanted to read this book because it was advertised as having an unhinged and badass FMC, but I checked the first few pages and it already proves my point above… 😪
I wanted to read this book because it was advertised as having an unhinged and badass FMC, but I checked the first few pages and it already proves my point above… 😪
October 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5 (rounded up for GR)
What a debut novel!! Weeks later I am still thinking about Ryker and how this book absolutely blew away my expectations!
This mafia dark romance is full of action, banter, smexual tension, MULTIPLE twists, and yes even gore!! It’s honestly an amazing read for spooky season (great timing with the 10/1 release date, Emily 🤭).
The writing style is captivating and descriptive, the perfect combination to suck you into the story! I highly recommend this book and trust me when I tell you, you won’t want to leave this world or these characters by the time you’re done!
What a debut novel!! Weeks later I am still thinking about Ryker and how this book absolutely blew away my expectations!
This mafia dark romance is full of action, banter, smexual tension, MULTIPLE twists, and yes even gore!! It’s honestly an amazing read for spooky season (great timing with the 10/1 release date, Emily 🤭).
The writing style is captivating and descriptive, the perfect combination to suck you into the story! I highly recommend this book and trust me when I tell you, you won’t want to leave this world or these characters by the time you’re done!
September 9, 2024
A great Dark Mafia Romance. Bianca is a badass FMC and I fell in love with her sass! So many Mafia romances skip the plot, but Ryker did not disappoint. I'm dying for the sequel because we do get left on a major cliffhanger. Can't wait to see what Emily has in store for us!
Plot 4.5 stars
Characters 4 stars
Spice 3 chili peppers
Overall 4.5 stars -a grand read that kept me hooked the whole way through.
Plot 4.5 stars
Characters 4 stars
Spice 3 chili peppers
Overall 4.5 stars -a grand read that kept me hooked the whole way through.
October 3, 2024
omg, 5 stars. I got this as an arc, and i read all 600 plus pages in 1 day. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. THE TWISTS AND TURNS. that ending i need book 2 already!!!!
October 2, 2024
Weeks ago I would have never said I was a dark mafia romance girlie and maybe I’m still not but I’m a EMILY girlie!
Omg this was so good! I did go in blind personally and skipped the trigger warnings because sometimes those scare me away. It was the best decision FOR ME. I’m not squeamish so everything was perfect.
RYKER 🥵🥵🥵 my man my man my man. If I had to pick it would be him every time
Bianca- such a strong FMC , I felt all the emotions she did !
I loved that this was a dual POV also! I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out! And I can’t wait to have a physical trophy of this since I was an arc reader!
Omg this was so good! I did go in blind personally and skipped the trigger warnings because sometimes those scare me away. It was the best decision FOR ME. I’m not squeamish so everything was perfect.
RYKER 🥵🥵🥵 my man my man my man. If I had to pick it would be him every time
Bianca- such a strong FMC , I felt all the emotions she did !
I loved that this was a dual POV also! I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out! And I can’t wait to have a physical trophy of this since I was an arc reader!
September 9, 2024
I was thrilled to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book, and let me tell you, I read it in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down! The twists are relentless, so be prepared for many surprises along the way! Let’s not even get into the ENDING!! Mind blown!
This is a dark mafia romance that follows our female main character, Bianca, and our male main character, Ryker. Be sure to check the trigger warnings for this book, as it features morally black and dark gray characters.
This is a dark mafia romance that follows our female main character, Bianca, and our male main character, Ryker. Be sure to check the trigger warnings for this book, as it features morally black and dark gray characters.
September 5, 2024
4.5⭐️4🌶️ Wow this is an amazing book I couldn’t put it down. Ryker and Bianca are an amazing dynamic duo.
Dark Mafia Romance with tonz of tension and spice. Ryker is a dangerous mob boss who will cut anything down in his way. Bianca has been used and abused and can kick ass when she needs to. The twists in Ryker will hook you in from the beginning. Loved this book so much. It’s a must read is you like dark spicy romance with an edge.
Dark Mafia Romance with tonz of tension and spice. Ryker is a dangerous mob boss who will cut anything down in his way. Bianca has been used and abused and can kick ass when she needs to. The twists in Ryker will hook you in from the beginning. Loved this book so much. It’s a must read is you like dark spicy romance with an edge.
September 8, 2024
I’m so honored that I got this arc read! This book was absolutely amazing! I did not want to put it down! The twists are insane and ones you never see coming!
Who doesn’t love a mafia, enemies to lovers with a great story and spice?!
The ending tho turned my brain into mush (in the best way) I can’t wait for there to be more!
Who doesn’t love a mafia, enemies to lovers with a great story and spice?!
The ending tho turned my brain into mush (in the best way) I can’t wait for there to be more!
August 30, 2024
This dark mafia romance mixed thriller and mystery elements into a complex plot with a shacking plot twist. This debut novel leaves me craving book two! Stunning! Kept me gasping and second guessing everything
September 30, 2024
Wow. This book...
This book put through all the emotions. ALL OF THEM. As one of the darkest things I've read in a long time, it's not an easy read but BOY, is it a good read!
If you're a fan of dark romance to the extreme, this book is for you.
Remember to check those triggers.
This book put through all the emotions. ALL OF THEM. As one of the darkest things I've read in a long time, it's not an easy read but BOY, is it a good read!
If you're a fan of dark romance to the extreme, this book is for you.
Remember to check those triggers.
November 4, 2024
This book was DEFINITELY a 5 star read for me! I can’t wait for book 2 to come out. I love a book that has an ending that I don’t see coming! It has found family, chili peppers, twists and turns. I can’t recommend this book enough!!!!
September 12, 2024
This is one of my favorite reads of the year. If you’ve followed me you know mafia is one of my FAVORITE genres (specifically Cora Reillys universe) but this gave so many additional things I didn’t know I needed.
Bianca has been on the run from the NY Mafia for years. After a chance encounter with one of the bosses at her job, and some naked fun time, she finds herself thrown back into the world she’s worked so hard to escape.
Ryker has no idea the true identity of the woman he met at a club, and after the secrets of his world slowly start to unravel. Not only is there seemingly a mole, but Bianca and the secrets she carries has the potential to destroy everything and everyone.
UGH. this book. THIS MAN. This book is gritty and shocking and nauseating. I had my theories and while some were right, the ending had my jaw at risk of being permanently unhinged. I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved it.
Read this if you like-
*mafia
*enemies to lovers (kinda?😬)
*found family
*touch her and die
*betrayal
*dark as shit themes and scenes
*plot twists that have plot twists
Bianca has been on the run from the NY Mafia for years. After a chance encounter with one of the bosses at her job, and some naked fun time, she finds herself thrown back into the world she’s worked so hard to escape.
Ryker has no idea the true identity of the woman he met at a club, and after the secrets of his world slowly start to unravel. Not only is there seemingly a mole, but Bianca and the secrets she carries has the potential to destroy everything and everyone.
UGH. this book. THIS MAN. This book is gritty and shocking and nauseating. I had my theories and while some were right, the ending had my jaw at risk of being permanently unhinged. I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved it.
Read this if you like-
*mafia
*enemies to lovers (kinda?😬)
*found family
*touch her and die
*betrayal
*dark as shit themes and scenes
*plot twists that have plot twists
September 23, 2024
BK-R
3🌶️
Dual POV
⛔️ CAITION!⛔️
CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!
Ok now that that part is out of the way, holy crap! This book was awesome! I kept thinking this book would be sitting at 4⭐️’s but the ending blew it out of the water! Please check your triggers! Your mental health here matters!
But I loved following our main characters! Epilogues matter!!!!
3🌶️
Dual POV
⛔️ CAITION!⛔️
CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!
Ok now that that part is out of the way, holy crap! This book was awesome! I kept thinking this book would be sitting at 4⭐️’s but the ending blew it out of the water! Please check your triggers! Your mental health here matters!
But I loved following our main characters! Epilogues matter!!!!
September 15, 2024
THIS BOOK!!
Let me just tell you Emily knew what she was doing with this being her 1st book. It will hook you right into the storyline and have you not wanting to put it down because you have to know what happens next. And that ending?!? She really knew what she was doing with making you want the second one to be out already.
Let me just tell you Emily knew what she was doing with this being her 1st book. It will hook you right into the storyline and have you not wanting to put it down because you have to know what happens next. And that ending?!? She really knew what she was doing with making you want the second one to be out already.
October 5, 2024
I picked up this book on KU after hearing about it on TikTok and a friend was also reading it.
This is a Mob romance (I would put it on the light dark romance category) which o enjoy from time to time but it’s not my go-to genre. Growing up in the 1980s in NY gives a person a different perspective on Mob culture so that can impact the reading experience.
I’ll say that overall I liked the story. It was engaging and I wanted to turn the pages to see what happens. I rounded up my rating as it deserved the fair share from the debut indie author.
Since I know my OG audience I’ll mention that there are several errors throughout the book but they don’t make you lose site of the story. These are things that are bound to happen with a debut novel. The important thing is that it was an enjoyable read and a good escape. I personally wouldn’t have liked to read this around February as where I live it would have fit the reading mood!
So if you would, give this one a shot. It’s available now on Kindle Unlimited as well as paperback with a fun cover. And no, Ryker isn’t talking about the prison but a man with the name!
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
June 3, 2025
Roller coaster of emotions
Whew! What a ride! And to do me like that?!
Alright so here’s the deal. This is a dark mafia enemies to lovers story. Heavy on the enemies. They are NOT nice to each other, at all. But the FMC is the badass to end all badasses, so our mob boss has his hands full.
Bianca is one of the most amazing characters I’ve read. Her drive to keep everyone safe is born from being discarded and abused. She feels pain deeply and cares with a fierceness that isn’t matched by her loved ones. She deserves so much as a person that she’s been denied and the way you want to protect her and her beautiful strength is overwhelming.
Ryker is a cruel and calculating man of strict morals who can’t get away from the girl that keeps spinning him around and leading him into a blinding light that is more disorienting than enlightening. Her ingenuity and sass have him begin to respect the woman that’s marked herself as his enemy. But he’s not a man to be trifled with, and he won’t take no for an answer. She WILL spill her secrets, if it’s the last thing she does.
The character growth is great, and the characters themselves are so very realistic. The author spins an amazing tale that will have you laughing, crying, raging, grieving and hoping. This book is definitely worth the read.
Whew! What a ride! And to do me like that?!
Alright so here’s the deal. This is a dark mafia enemies to lovers story. Heavy on the enemies. They are NOT nice to each other, at all. But the FMC is the badass to end all badasses, so our mob boss has his hands full.
Bianca is one of the most amazing characters I’ve read. Her drive to keep everyone safe is born from being discarded and abused. She feels pain deeply and cares with a fierceness that isn’t matched by her loved ones. She deserves so much as a person that she’s been denied and the way you want to protect her and her beautiful strength is overwhelming.
Ryker is a cruel and calculating man of strict morals who can’t get away from the girl that keeps spinning him around and leading him into a blinding light that is more disorienting than enlightening. Her ingenuity and sass have him begin to respect the woman that’s marked herself as his enemy. But he’s not a man to be trifled with, and he won’t take no for an answer. She WILL spill her secrets, if it’s the last thing she does.
The character growth is great, and the characters themselves are so very realistic. The author spins an amazing tale that will have you laughing, crying, raging, grieving and hoping. This book is definitely worth the read.
June 14, 2025
First and foremost I have to say that these characters are so realistic that as an introvert there were times when I wanted to punch them in their faces for their realism. They were so human, so flawed and realistic. It was very well done.
Bianca is the badass FMC's to end all badass FMC's. I wouldn't fuck with Bianca if you paid me. And she's got and entire city of mob bosses trying to fuck with her and they don't know what they're signing up for really.
Now the mob boss in question: MMC Ryker. Ryker has some of the most insane character growth through the novel. He starts off with a completely different mindset that what he ends on. The way he views Bianca through the entire story changes as he watches who she is develop. It's very well done.
However, this is an enemies to lovers. Heavy on the enemies. If you're not into your MMC ever being mean to your FMC this ones not for you. They hit each other HARD as often as they can. That is their relationship. Until of course, they grow and evolve and become teammates.
This was my first mafia romance. I was very impressed.
This ones 4 stars and 3 chili peppers for me.
Bianca is the badass FMC's to end all badass FMC's. I wouldn't fuck with Bianca if you paid me. And she's got and entire city of mob bosses trying to fuck with her and they don't know what they're signing up for really.
Now the mob boss in question: MMC Ryker. Ryker has some of the most insane character growth through the novel. He starts off with a completely different mindset that what he ends on. The way he views Bianca through the entire story changes as he watches who she is develop. It's very well done.
However, this is an enemies to lovers. Heavy on the enemies. If you're not into your MMC ever being mean to your FMC this ones not for you. They hit each other HARD as often as they can. That is their relationship. Until of course, they grow and evolve and become teammates.
This was my first mafia romance. I was very impressed.
This ones 4 stars and 3 chili peppers for me.
October 21, 2024
I Need More!
I could not put this book down it was so good. This was the type of read that kept you on your toes, needing to know what happens next. I loved the different characters. The development between Bianca and Rykers relationship. For a hot minute I had some suspicions about where Lincoln's allegiance truly lies. Jeremys character reminded me of a golden retriever. The epilogue at the end did not see that coming I need to know what happens. I need book to like yesterday LOL!
the author wrote a phenomenal story.
There were some parts that seemed a bit rushed. But I believe that was the point to get to certain events/scenes in the story.
I could not put this book down it was so good. This was the type of read that kept you on your toes, needing to know what happens next. I loved the different characters. The development between Bianca and Rykers relationship. For a hot minute I had some suspicions about where Lincoln's allegiance truly lies. Jeremys character reminded me of a golden retriever. The epilogue at the end did not see that coming I need to know what happens. I need book to like yesterday LOL!
the author wrote a phenomenal story.
There were some parts that seemed a bit rushed. But I believe that was the point to get to certain events/scenes in the story.
June 19, 2025
This was my first time entering the world of romance books... let alone a mafia one.
This was a fantastic book for the author's debut. I listened to a live reading of this book on a stream with the author in chat. It was a great experience. The different POV's in the book were well placed, and you knew who was talking during the time. It was very easy to follow. The enemies-to-lovers trope was well played in this book. It does come with a trigger warning, so make sure to check those before reading, because your mental health matters.
If you like some spice, well, this book has it. All in all, I would recommend this to anyone interested.
This was a fantastic book for the author's debut. I listened to a live reading of this book on a stream with the author in chat. It was a great experience. The different POV's in the book were well placed, and you knew who was talking during the time. It was very easy to follow. The enemies-to-lovers trope was well played in this book. It does come with a trigger warning, so make sure to check those before reading, because your mental health matters.
If you like some spice, well, this book has it. All in all, I would recommend this to anyone interested.
November 17, 2025
⚠️ Proceed with caution⚠️
This book is dark. Like really dark. There were things I loved (when the fmc was a bad a$$ confident woman) and things I hated (when she would smirk at the MMC and then immediately act all shy). I felt like sometimes the characters were flipping some weird switches between tough people to little softies, but not in a “omg he’s so sweet to his girl” type of way. More like “why are they both acting like they were not born and raised in the mafia.” I would recommend this book to a few people, but not everyone (hence the 3 ⭐️ rating). It is very dark so please check every trigger warning and be safe. Overall, I think you should give this book a try!
This book is dark. Like really dark. There were things I loved (when the fmc was a bad a$$ confident woman) and things I hated (when she would smirk at the MMC and then immediately act all shy). I felt like sometimes the characters were flipping some weird switches between tough people to little softies, but not in a “omg he’s so sweet to his girl” type of way. More like “why are they both acting like they were not born and raised in the mafia.” I would recommend this book to a few people, but not everyone (hence the 3 ⭐️ rating). It is very dark so please check every trigger warning and be safe. Overall, I think you should give this book a try!
October 1, 2024
Ryker is a mafia dark romance that has elements of stalking, violence and gore, non-con, and much much more. I was able to part of Emily's beta reader team and to experience this book come to life was awesome and so amazing.
The sexual tension between Ryker and Bianca was chef's kiss. The twist and turns keep you on your toes and the ending is going to make you want to throw your book across the room. This read is so worth it.
Enjoy Daddy Ryker ;)
The sexual tension between Ryker and Bianca was chef's kiss. The twist and turns keep you on your toes and the ending is going to make you want to throw your book across the room. This read is so worth it.
Enjoy Daddy Ryker ;)
December 1, 2024
First check your trigger warnings. A beautifully written mafia dark romance. MMC is powerful and will stop at nothing to get what he wants and keep it. FMC has had one heck of a life but is strong as ever. Author did an amazing job with “oh ish!” And “no effin way” moments. With a one two punch plot twist at the end! I could not put this book down it grabs you and sucks you in until the end and then you are thirsty for more! Cannot wait for book 2!
November 11, 2024
If you love dark romance with a little bit of spice this book is for you. If you like mob bosses and how their systems work and how people in their circle are treated or interested in that you should read this book. I had a really hard time putting this book down!! Emily you did an amazing job with this book. I can’t wait for book two!!
September 26, 2025
Wow
*Check your TW's*
This book is a rollercoaster of the best proportions. There's trauma, and angst, and so much more. The FMC has been through it and BACK, but she keeps pushing and she's determined to live her life. Hold on to your hat and be ready for an ending you never expected. With dark mafia, darker themes, and a little bit of spice in the mix... I need more!🖤
*Check your TW's*
This book is a rollercoaster of the best proportions. There's trauma, and angst, and so much more. The FMC has been through it and BACK, but she keeps pushing and she's determined to live her life. Hold on to your hat and be ready for an ending you never expected. With dark mafia, darker themes, and a little bit of spice in the mix... I need more!🖤
April 19, 2025
The best type of cliff hanger. The writing. The chemistry. The twists? Chefs kiss. I like dark romance but never been a huge mafia fan but let me tell you this one drew me in. It took me a day to read and I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2025
amazing plot excellent read
For the authors debut novel- excellent the plot is super thick- the FMC is amazing fierce, strong willed, and MMC is possessive, and heroic.
The spice is also well placed and detailed- needs a touch more in my opinion.
For the authors debut novel- excellent the plot is super thick- the FMC is amazing fierce, strong willed, and MMC is possessive, and heroic.
The spice is also well placed and detailed- needs a touch more in my opinion.
October 5, 2024
Read this on KU. It was hard to get through with continuity issues, things that don’t make sense and grammar issues. A good editor would have made this a great book as the plot was interesting.
October 16, 2025
i absolutely devoured this book i absolutely loved how big of a sarcastic person Bianca was it was so funny but i do have to say i need more! i loved ryker ah my heart ❤️
November 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I beta read this book and also received a physical copy from the author.
If you love, mafia romance and dark romance this book is a perfect mixture of the two. I highly recommend you check the CW’s though. The main character goes through a lot in this book. I do love how strong she is.
The FMCs backstory is brutal. I feel so bad for her. I love how you get to see the revenge side of her because I feel a lot of those characters need to be brought to justice in this book.
You get to see the mafia side of things through the MMCs POVs, which I have always found them mafia aspect very interesting.
The romance that starts the main character and the female character is very spicy! There is lots of banter in here which I love in a book. It is an enemies to lovers and that is one of my favorite tropes.
This was the authors debut, and I thought this was written very well for a debut.
Overall, this is a very good dark mafia romance.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I beta read this book and also received a physical copy from the author.
If you love, mafia romance and dark romance this book is a perfect mixture of the two. I highly recommend you check the CW’s though. The main character goes through a lot in this book. I do love how strong she is.
The FMCs backstory is brutal. I feel so bad for her. I love how you get to see the revenge side of her because I feel a lot of those characters need to be brought to justice in this book.
You get to see the mafia side of things through the MMCs POVs, which I have always found them mafia aspect very interesting.
The romance that starts the main character and the female character is very spicy! There is lots of banter in here which I love in a book. It is an enemies to lovers and that is one of my favorite tropes.
This was the authors debut, and I thought this was written very well for a debut.
Overall, this is a very good dark mafia romance.
October 1, 2024
As a lover of Mafia and dark romances, this book was a breath of fresh air. It has all the elements of a proper enemies to lovers tale with twist and turns that I couldn't predict. For a debut novel by a new author, to say that I was impressed would be an understatement. Bianca holds on to her trauma in a way many of us women do and Ryker gives every girl a new book boyfriend they didn't know they needed.
I cannot tell how many times I GASPED and started yelling at the book just from the shock LOL
Would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good Dark/Mafia romance.
Be mindful of your triggers though!
I cannot tell how many times I GASPED and started yelling at the book just from the shock LOL
Would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good Dark/Mafia romance.
Be mindful of your triggers though!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews