Owned

Year of the Snake #5

by Imani Jay

Riku “The Serpent” Watanabe is the grumpiest, most intense man I’ve ever met. He’s dangerous, deadly, and completely irresistible.
When a priceless jade pendant is stolen during the Watanabe family’s Chinese New Year celebration, I find myself caught in the chaos—and in Riku’s arms.
Now he says I’m his to protect. His to claim. His to keep.
And when a Yakuza decides you’re his, there’s no turning back…

Genres: Romance, Erotica

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Imani Jay writes sweet and spicy romance with instalove, instalust, and little to no drama. Just curvy queens who get claimed by their hunky alpha males. Whether it’s in the boardroom, the mafia, OmegaVerse, or with a forbidden twist, Imani’s stories deliver high heat and heart. Ready for your next dirty pleasure? Imani’s got you covered!

Reviews

[Kkaaccyy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Filthy and fun for only 83 pages 😏 🌶️ 🥵

[Alexandria Woods · Rating 2 out of 5]

*****Spoilers*****

There's just not really enough to the book to rate it higher for me. Intense attraction and plenty of sexy times, but Riyu and Maryam go from meet to engaged so fast with pretty much nothing else in between. The chapters are so short it's bouncing between the two characters' perspectives like ping pong before it's over.

[Mo's Unapologetic Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

2⭐

Check out my latest book review video where I mention this read! I Accomplished Some Reading Goals | April 2025 Reading Reviews

[Laverne Brewster · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.50 Stars. BW/AM. Kindle Unlimited Edition 85 page novella e-book.

Setting: Twenty-first century USA.

Trope: Insta attraction/lust

Main Characters:
1. Maryam, female lead, is a young Black woman whose Asia friends have convinced to attend their family's Chinese New Year Celebration.

2. RiKu Watanabe, the Serpent and lead male, is a Yakuza boss and family enforcer.
3. Nia and Tessa are Maryam's friends and Riku's cousins.
4. Kenji Watanabe is Riku's brother.

There's not much to this novella. Riku and Maryam see each other from across the a yard: RiKu is on the upper rear deck looking down at the attendees and Maryam is looking up at the breathtakingly handsome man on balcony. Riku and Maryam's lock eyes and each is determined to have the other. In the mist of their wanton eyeballing a commotion erupts as someone steals a priceless jade pendant from the Watanabe home. Riku takes Maryam to his home for days of sex and a promise never to let her go. Later, the thief is caught and silenced, Riku immediately has dinner at Maryam's family home-he's loved by all. Three weeks later he proposes marriage. The end.

[Yvonne Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

I enjoyed this book it easily brought a smile of pleasure. The chemistry between the two characters is loveable and captivating. What I enjoyed about the characters are that Maryam is a fiesty and beautiful woman with Riku being a powerful and possessive man this makes for great storytelling. I even enjoyed all of the secondary characters their friendships are amazing. The story is fanciful and when you add in their small amount of drama along with their emotions it's a recipe for their happyever after which is why I enjoyed this it's truly delightful. Plus the little girl is such a cute character that it just worked so well together that I couldn't help but smile and their story along with how the love in the relationship is so natural its such a beautiful thing that it never seems forced.I had hope to read this story for a while but all good things come to a end and This Is Definitely A Sweet Treat.

[Ahmya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short. Spicy.

It is also an IR ( International Romance). This is not the first book. But it can be read as a standalone.
It is also a Love at first sight which usually I am not a fan of but this time I loved it.

I loved how both of them felt it when they saw each other but at the same time it was not soo ott that it was cringe. There was slight action or blood or death but it was detailed too much, which I love because it was death by a sword i think.

This is a Yakuza romance, basically i expected death, romance, blood and torture. the death blood and torture part was not detailed too much because basically he was too busy with her.

Their spicy romance is soo worth reading. I will definitely keep an eye out for the series and author.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Antoinette Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

She never stood a chance!

This book was EVERYTHING!! Imani Jay doesn't play when it comes to these instalove/OTT
books. Riku is the quintessential alpha male. He's direct, dominant, deadly, and determined to have Maryam. By any means necessary. Poor girl never stood a chance.

From the moment they met, their fate was decided. The passion between Riku and Maryam practically set these digital ablaze!! I laughed so hard at the shenanigans that took place between Maryham and Riku. Especially when she brought him, correction when HE took her to her family dinner night. That whole scene had me rolling!! And the epilogue? Chef's Kiss! 💋

I swear this book was one of the reasons I love this author. If you love OTT alpha male heroes that fall for beautiful, confident black heroines, then you'll love this book. It's a banger from beginning to the very end. I highly recommend it.

[Maroa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished this book and overall it was a pretty good read. It’s a short book, so it was fast and easy to get through. The story itself was interesting, but I did notice a few things that stood out, both good and not so good.

One thing that caught my attention was the repetition of certain sentences. It felt like some phrases or ideas were restated a bit too often, which made parts of the book feel redundant. Also, in one chapter, the POV switched a lot, which felt a little bit heavy. I wish some scenes had been more detailed too, as they felt a bit rushed.

That being said, for a short book, it did its job well. The pacing was quick, and it was an easy read overall. If you’re looking for something light and fast, it’s worth picking up!

[Bells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sexy Riku *fanning myself* he's so possessive and so dominating! I was like, "Oh yes, Maryam. Trouble did find you😏." This is a Yakuza interracial romance, and Riku fell hard at first glance. Since it's a novella, there's definitely insta-lust/love here.

"Cocky much, Riku?🤨" 😂 I was laughing 90% of the time, only because of how many times he said mine.

The first fade to black scene was one thing I didn’t enjoy, and the spice felt rushed probably because it's a novella you can finish in under an hour. Some of the dialogue was repeated a lot, which felt a bit unnecessary.

Overall, it was a decent story. These are my honest thoughts. Thanks, Imani and Booksprout, for this ARC opportunity!

[Jennifer D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah!!!
Imani did it again!!!!
If you like your alphas big, decisive, possessive and demanding then drive right in…. This one’s for you…
Maryam is at a party with friends Tessa and Nia when HE walks in….Riku is a Yakuza boss, cousin to Tessa and Nia’s husbands…and he only has one thought when he sees her….MINE…. A moments later a jewel is stolen and he whisks her to his office for safety…then his home…. And she’s never leaving…. Not that she wants to🥰🥰🥰
A very steamy instalove…. If you wanna read about a “good girl” 🥰…read on….

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owned is a standalone novella by Imani Jay, which has been published as part of the multiauthor collection, The Year of the Snake Collection.

This is over the top, instalove type of romance that is incredibly sexy and spicy. If you're a person that likes to see some character development before we get to the spice and the love, this is not the book for you. For those looking for a sexy and satisfying quick(ish) read, with a dash of Yakuza (and Mafia) connections, this is a pretty good read.

Riku, the Yakuza enforcer, is dark and possessive, but once he lays eyes on Maryam, he knows that she belongs to him.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Booksy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riku sees Maryam and decides that she’s his. No questions asked, no resistance given, he sees her, he wants her she’s his and that’s it. Maryam feels the spark too but resists it a little. She doesn’t think that someone like Riku could fit into her life, little does she know. Told from dual POV, this was a compact hot story about a man who finds a woman who he will never let go. This seems to be the third book in the series, the two previous books do not need to be read to follow the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaya Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I get me a Watanabe man? Seriously Riku is so hot and over the top that I couldn't ask for a better alpha male. He sweeps Maryam into his world with just one look and refuses (and she's not fighting it), to let her go. Gotta love a heroine who knows what she wants and gets it. My favorite scene was when he met her family and she's just standing back watching him be so irresistible that everyone loves him, even the nieces and nephews are calling him uncle Riku. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tamara Rolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owned is quite possibly one of the steamiest novellas I’ve ever read. I’m pretty sure my kindle melted in chapter 1. Riku is the perfect mix of dominant and possessive with a bit of a softer side. He and Maryam are the perfect insta love couple with off the charts chemistry. I could read 5 more stories with just these two.
Five steamy stars!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owned by Imani Jay was such a quick read but so engaging. You know books that you want them to just keep going? This was it. I loved the fact that the FMC was a BW but not portrayed with stereotypes. Mariyam was soft and sassy and her man, Riku, was overprotective and safe. 100% reading again and finding all her books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cass Donoghue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredibly enjoyable and quick read! The author has a remarkable talent for drawing readers into her world, and this book is no exception. One of the most delightful aspects is how it seamlessly blends characters from her previous works with fresh new faces, making it feel like a reunion with old friends while still offering the excitement of discovering new relationships. This book offers a perfect dose of romance and suspense with a bit of familiarity and a lot of new magic.

[PW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riko isn’t man to trifle with. He is known as The Snake for very specific reasons. When he looks across the ballroom he sees Maryam, then and there he decides she is his. This steamy read is hot, hot, hot 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. Rico is definitely an alpha with a soft spot in his heart for Maryam. There is some pushback( a little) from Maryam. Their lust/ love story had me reading this book in one sitting. 🫠 Enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done it again. Riku and Maryam have that instant connection on first sight. Little does she know, once a Wantanabe had you in his sights, you’re his forever! I love that even though she tried to play it cool, he knew better and wouldn’t let her get away. I hope Imani continues to write more Yakuza stories, maybe adding a little more Yakuza grit along the way.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owned is sultry possessive hotness and then some! Maryam and Riku have an incredibly intense and dominant chemistry—their connection is raw, primal, and electric. I loved every moment of this over the top alpha dominance and sassy attitude. Growly protective alpha? Yes! Hot and steamy? Yes, yes. Instalove powerful awesome? Oh yes, yes, yes!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a bad read.
It's a very short pallet cleanser.
Because it's so short it's very fast paced. But there is quite a bit of repetitiveness was working that gets a little irritating. Maryam sees Riku across the room there's an instant attraction and then when something comes up missing he ends up grabbing her claiming it for her safety yada yada yada.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of a multi author series called Year of the Snake Collection. Maryam is a friend's family gathering when she sees Riku "Serpent". There is an instant attraction. Riku is OTT obsessive and possessive. Riku may be a Yakuza Enforcer but he is so sweet with Maryam. Enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book. I loved how obsessive and possessive Riku was over Maryam. He saw her and was immediately like yep you're mine. My only wish for this book would've been a bit more drama, like her being kidnapped and Riku burning down everything in his down everything in his path to get Maryam back. Because the book was a tab bit flat.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast and Hot

I love when I get a new to me author. Imahi, gives us a bit of mafia. Alot of possessiveness and a good dose of sass. Totally different lifestyles.
Insta chemistry that gets pretty hot. She plays the no card a lot, he ignores it alot. Lol It's a fun quick bit of story. Just enough drama that mixes well with both characters. I enjoyed it im sure you will too.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maryam is celebrating the new year with her friends when Riku spotted her. Riku could not resist her and when trouble broke out he grabbed her to keep her safe. His plan was to keep her safe and never let her go. His sweet obsession is her and he knows he loves her but will not let her go until she is his forever.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a few of Imani’s books now and am impressed every time. The heat, the steam. The characters are done so well and the stories are so intense so fast and I love it so much! I only wish they were a bit longer so I can keep going!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous, possessive, a teensy bit unhinged yep, that's Yakuza enforcer Riku Watanabe a.k.a. 'The Serpent' and that's who's set his sights on Maryam. At sixteen chapters, this is a surprisingly quick read that is both scintillating and enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the best OTT alpha male, Riku, who steps up and claims the woman he wants without apology. Maryam is still trying to catch up mentally, and before long, she understands Riku is playing for keeps. I love Riku and Maryam. It was an excellent story with a fantastic HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabs you from the start, no one does insta love like Imani. This book ticks all my boxes. He is hot, and alpha and a take no prisoners man and fell for her instantly. She is gorgeous and his. Such a great quick read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owned: An AMBW Yakuza Romance story of Riku and Maryam..He’s dangerous, deadly,grumpy and most intense man and too attractive and tempting to be resisted.and what he wants he gets and he wants her..A quick,enjoyable,steamy and charming read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kyareth14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently started to read Imani and all her books have been lovely. I read this story of Maryam and Riku, the plot is good, with all the right touches for a pleasant reading. And knowing other characters led me to look for the other books and almost all men Watanbe have made me fall in love with them.