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Riverside Reckoning
The Crew stole my freedom. They changed my life. But I’m a warrior.
Frankie Gomez, heir to the Riverside Docks Crew, claimed me before I ever had a chance to run. I wanted nothing to do with him. Nothing to do with his gang. But in Riverside, what I want doesn’t matter.
Now I’m trapped in their world, surrounded by dangerous men. Frankie. Joe. Ash. I’m watched. Controlled. Owned. There’s no way out. The Crew is for life. The Crew is thicker than blood.
As gang wars ignite and enemies close in, my survival depends on the one man I should fear the most. Frankie. He;s ruthless and possessive. Deadly. With his two bodyguards at his side, he’ll protect what’s his at any cost.
Even if that means breaking me first.
This is my reckoning. And I will not fall.
Frankie Gomez, heir to the Riverside Docks Crew, claimed me before I ever had a chance to run. I wanted nothing to do with him. Nothing to do with his gang. But in Riverside, what I want doesn’t matter.
Now I’m trapped in their world, surrounded by dangerous men. Frankie. Joe. Ash. I’m watched. Controlled. Owned. There’s no way out. The Crew is for life. The Crew is thicker than blood.
As gang wars ignite and enemies close in, my survival depends on the one man I should fear the most. Frankie. He;s ruthless and possessive. Deadly. With his two bodyguards at his side, he’ll protect what’s his at any cost.
Even if that means breaking me first.
This is my reckoning. And I will not fall.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
12 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Jess Peters
27 books118 followersJess Peters, a born in Southend-on-Sea, UK, initially honed her skills as an aviation engineer before transitioning into the realms of literature and screenwriting. From an early age, Jess immersed herself in the art of storytelling, evolving from crafting short stories to formally pursuing writing in 2020 with her book, Alchemy Academy. Now, four years into her creative journey, she is set to embark on a compelling new chapter, dedicated to bringing her envisioned series to the screen.
An accomplished author, Jess specializes in contemporary and paranormal romance. Her completed series, "Riverside Docks Crew" and "Alchemy Academy," showcase her narrative prowess, while ongoing projects like the Mafia series, beginning with "Captured (Dark Empire Book 1)," and the dark paranormal series with "Bound by Shadows (The Wielders Book 1)," reflect her diverse storytelling abilities. Notably, her bestselling series, featuring titles like "Explicitly Owned," "Explicitly Found," and "Explicitly Empowered," offers a spicy and captivating reading experience.
Follow me on twitter @J_Peters_author and on Facebook. (Jess Peters author) and Instagram @jesspeters_author
Blog/website:
www.jessreviews.co.uk
https://www.amazon.com/author/jesspeters
Instagram:
@lordlouis_persian
(yes, there for my cats...)
And don't forget the tortoise @hermes_tortoise
An accomplished author, Jess specializes in contemporary and paranormal romance. Her completed series, "Riverside Docks Crew" and "Alchemy Academy," showcase her narrative prowess, while ongoing projects like the Mafia series, beginning with "Captured (Dark Empire Book 1)," and the dark paranormal series with "Bound by Shadows (The Wielders Book 1)," reflect her diverse storytelling abilities. Notably, her bestselling series, featuring titles like "Explicitly Owned," "Explicitly Found," and "Explicitly Empowered," offers a spicy and captivating reading experience.
Follow me on twitter @J_Peters_author and on Facebook. (Jess Peters author) and Instagram @jesspeters_author
Blog/website:
www.jessreviews.co.uk
https://www.amazon.com/author/jesspeters
Instagram:
@lordlouis_persian
(yes, there for my cats...)
And don't forget the tortoise @hermes_tortoise
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 4, 2025
4 ⭐️
3.5 🌶️
Frankie “Ace” Gomez, the heir to the ruthless Riverside Docks Crew gang, is used to getting whatever he wants, and he wants Cassie Martin. She doesn’t want him, but her feelings about the matter? Well, they don’t matter. She’s become the new possession of the deadly, unpredictable man. As both slowly get to know each other, though, she becomes less a possession and more a true girlfriend, and Frankie finds himself in uncharted territory. He doesn’t know to be in a relationship, and Cassie is dead-set on fighting her growing feelings for him. She is also falling for his bodyguards Joe and Ash, a dangerous path to tread because what’s Frankie’s is only Frankie’s, and he will violently defend that boundary. As a gang war ramps up, and with Frankie’s cruel father Tiger wanting to eliminate his son’s new distraction, it’s going to take everything Cassie and her three “boys” have to make it out alive.
The pages flew when I was reading this action-packed tale. Cassie is one tough chick! The wringer she’s put through would surely kill most but she manages to survive every trial she faces — definitely worse for the wear physically, but her stubborn spirit never gives up. Frankie, Joe and Ash will fight to the death to protect the woman they all love. Their fierce devotion to Cassie is swoon-worthy. I have to admit I was Team Joe before I was Team Frankie or Team Ash but I’m hoping they all learn to share in the next book! I also have to confess that I find Frankie’s (and Joe’s) possessive streaks hot and Ash’s restraint quietly heartbreaking. I can’t wait for all four to get the HEA they deserve (and for Tiger to get what deserves). Bring on book 2!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 🌶️
Frankie “Ace” Gomez, the heir to the ruthless Riverside Docks Crew gang, is used to getting whatever he wants, and he wants Cassie Martin. She doesn’t want him, but her feelings about the matter? Well, they don’t matter. She’s become the new possession of the deadly, unpredictable man. As both slowly get to know each other, though, she becomes less a possession and more a true girlfriend, and Frankie finds himself in uncharted territory. He doesn’t know to be in a relationship, and Cassie is dead-set on fighting her growing feelings for him. She is also falling for his bodyguards Joe and Ash, a dangerous path to tread because what’s Frankie’s is only Frankie’s, and he will violently defend that boundary. As a gang war ramps up, and with Frankie’s cruel father Tiger wanting to eliminate his son’s new distraction, it’s going to take everything Cassie and her three “boys” have to make it out alive.
The pages flew when I was reading this action-packed tale. Cassie is one tough chick! The wringer she’s put through would surely kill most but she manages to survive every trial she faces — definitely worse for the wear physically, but her stubborn spirit never gives up. Frankie, Joe and Ash will fight to the death to protect the woman they all love. Their fierce devotion to Cassie is swoon-worthy. I have to admit I was Team Joe before I was Team Frankie or Team Ash but I’m hoping they all learn to share in the next book! I also have to confess that I find Frankie’s (and Joe’s) possessive streaks hot and Ash’s restraint quietly heartbreaking. I can’t wait for all four to get the HEA they deserve (and for Tiger to get what deserves). Bring on book 2!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2025
Cassie is just trying to survive when she is taken by Ace’s (Frankie’s) crew to fight in one of their rings. She catches the eye of Frankie who claims her as his chosen one. The story is easy to follow, you have adverse gangs fighting to maintain control. Frankie now has something of value and this throws Cassie into immediate danger. During her time with Frankie she begins to not only fall for him but his 2 crew members- definitely complicating matters. This is book 1 and it ends with a “to be continued “
May 10, 2025
Ace and Cassie. Hes heir to the Riverside Docks Crew. She goes to Riverside High School which is their territory. Theres the Downtown Bridge Crew and the Royal Gang. The Docks Crews minions are bulling her and forcing her to fight. The world shes living in now full of rules, chaos and cruelty. Ace is at the fight. Picked her opponent himself. Was told she was defiant. She faced worse. Her mothers boyfriends. This just another day in her he!!ish life. The fight over. The boss summons her. Hes been ordered by his father to choose a girl. She won ther fight. No. No such word. So much for keeping a low profile. Hes chosen. Shes his. She has no choice. The morew time they spend together Ace starts to see her less as a possession and more like a real girlfriend. Cassie is not lowering her walls and not letting her feelings and emotions tell her what to do. She fights him tooth and nail. But now theres a gang war brewing Tiger his father sees her as a distraction and he wants her eliminated. Indulge yourself in this world of gangs and be entertained. Cant wait till the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2025
1. Boys, yes i said boys not men... Boys who hit girls should start wearing mini skirt, heavy make up then got bitch slap until black and blue. These cowards are not boys, lt alone men to begin with!
And just because Frankie, Joe and Ash are hot, specially Frankie cause he is the boss, there are no redeeming for allowing his thugs hitting girls.
2. When she heard about shotting range, as self proclaimed warrior why not jump to the chance to learn how to shoot instead of moping - oh i'm a hostage. Oh i have no choices - over and over again??
3. Its cheating. What happened with Joe, is cheating. Lust, want, whatever excuse she wants to use, fuck it all. When there are no knowledge or consent from all involve in this supposedly rever harem, Its cheating. Cheaters are low than low. I lost my respect the first time they did it, second time just grants you DNF
4. Up to chapter 12, whats the plot?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And just because Frankie, Joe and Ash are hot, specially Frankie cause he is the boss, there are no redeeming for allowing his thugs hitting girls.
2. When she heard about shotting range, as self proclaimed warrior why not jump to the chance to learn how to shoot instead of moping - oh i'm a hostage. Oh i have no choices - over and over again??
3. Its cheating. What happened with Joe, is cheating. Lust, want, whatever excuse she wants to use, fuck it all. When there are no knowledge or consent from all involve in this supposedly rever harem, Its cheating. Cheaters are low than low. I lost my respect the first time they did it, second time just grants you DNF
4. Up to chapter 12, whats the plot?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2025
This book had me hooked right away with the action. Plenty of steam with plenty of plot too.
Fast-paced
Why choose MMMF
FMC POV
Book 1 of a series
Cassie 18 FMC She had a rough life and has had to learn how to take care of herself and defend herself from a very young age.
Frankie 23 aka Ace gang boss heir. He chose Cassie to be his girl and he doesn't care if she wants him or not. He claimed her and he is possessive over what is his. “Nobody touches what’s mine.”
Joe 25 bodyguard 1 Friend to lover. “I want to give you everything.”
Ash 26 bodyguard 2 Friend but have an intense attraction. "I wish you weren’t his."
Cassie starts to fall for all three men, her thoughts: "Frankie, with his unwavering possession and dark protectiveness. Joe, with his quiet, smoldering devotion. Ash, with his restraint, his unspoken longing."
Cassie goes through a lot in this book but she's tough and smart. She's confident and takes what she wants.
These guys will do anything for Cassie they will protect her no matter the cost.
That cliffhanger though! *Sprinting* toward book two.
Fast-paced
Why choose MMMF
FMC POV
Book 1 of a series
Cassie 18 FMC She had a rough life and has had to learn how to take care of herself and defend herself from a very young age.
Frankie 23 aka Ace gang boss heir. He chose Cassie to be his girl and he doesn't care if she wants him or not. He claimed her and he is possessive over what is his. “Nobody touches what’s mine.”
Joe 25 bodyguard 1 Friend to lover. “I want to give you everything.”
Ash 26 bodyguard 2 Friend but have an intense attraction. "I wish you weren’t his."
Cassie starts to fall for all three men, her thoughts: "Frankie, with his unwavering possession and dark protectiveness. Joe, with his quiet, smoldering devotion. Ash, with his restraint, his unspoken longing."
Cassie goes through a lot in this book but she's tough and smart. She's confident and takes what she wants.
These guys will do anything for Cassie they will protect her no matter the cost.
That cliffhanger though! *Sprinting* toward book two.
May 4, 2025
This one is a mix of a why choose romance, with a dark twist involving gangs and the darker side of life.
This book is really fast paced and it is sooo hard to put it down, I loves the writing style and the way you get everything you want in a book like this!
I loved the depth of all the characters but especially Cass and Frankie!
Cass just wants to start over, go unnoticed but it goes the exact opposite when the gang leaders son claims her as his new girlfriend.
Frankie on the other hand, has never felt the way you feel in a relationship, to him women are disposable - like his father taught him.
I absolutely love the growth between Cass and Frankie. She goes from practically hating him to slowly seeing his other sides and she eventually loves him.
However, that cliffhanger in the end - that was cruel!
I cant wait for the next book🤩
This book is really fast paced and it is sooo hard to put it down, I loves the writing style and the way you get everything you want in a book like this!
I loved the depth of all the characters but especially Cass and Frankie!
Cass just wants to start over, go unnoticed but it goes the exact opposite when the gang leaders son claims her as his new girlfriend.
Frankie on the other hand, has never felt the way you feel in a relationship, to him women are disposable - like his father taught him.
I absolutely love the growth between Cass and Frankie. She goes from practically hating him to slowly seeing his other sides and she eventually loves him.
However, that cliffhanger in the end - that was cruel!
I cant wait for the next book🤩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
Riverside Reckoning is a gritty and intoxicating dive into the dark world of organized crime, loyalty, and unexpected romance. From the first page, the stakes feel real — gritty suspense collides with intense attraction as the powerful “Ace” clashes with the strong, determined Cassie ready to fight for her future. Cassie is a sharp-witted, fiercely independent girl who’s spent her life avoiding the criminal world that destroyed her family. But when her path crosses with the infamous crew leader, Frankie “Ace” Gomez, everything changes. Frankie is dangerous, ruthless, and utterly magnetic — the kind of man Cassie knows she should stay away from. Yet as she’s pulled deeper into his world, their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. Cassie challenges Frankie at every turn, refusing to become just another woman lost to power and fear, while Frankie finds himself drawn to a strength he rarely sees in anyone. Cassie also finds herself developing feelings for Frankie’s two bodyguards, Joe and Ash. She knows her father-in-law, Tiger, is to be feared but she doesn’t understand why he hates her so much. The story’s backdrop is in Riverside’s criminal underbelly where Cassie doesn’t want to be, but is willing to do anything to help Frankie from his controlling father.
June 26, 2025
Riverside Reckoning starts with a gritty, fast-paced premise and leans hard into the dark romance and gangland tension it promises. There’s definite potential here—the atmosphere is raw, the stakes are high, and the dynamic between the leads keeps things moving. But the execution stumbles at times, especially when it becomes clear the book may have been AI-edited. At one point, the text actually says something like, “Here is another version, full with more empathy,” which completely breaks the immersion and reads like leftover AI instruction or revision notes. It’s moments like that, along with some repetition and uneven phrasing, that make the story feel unfinished. There’s a good foundation underneath, but it needs a more careful human touch to really shine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2025
Riverside Reckoning is book 1 in the new Riverside Docks Crew series and my first read by this author. It's a very intense story and had me feeling everything. Unbelievable fury, overwhelming sadness and immense happiness was felt at some point throughout this book. Riverside high school was supposed to be a relatively fresh start for Cassie. Her intent was to keep her head down and just get through school blending into the background. Randall, a flunky from the Docks Crew made sure that didn't happen though and put her in the sights of Frankie Gomez aka Ace. This book is fast paced, well written and will consume you quickly. It ends on a cliffhanger so I'm anxious for book 2 now.
January 11, 2026
Frankie! Bad boy through and through. He goes after what he wants and he takes it even if it doesn’t want to be taken. He wants Cassie, she doesn’t want him. But he mashes her his anyway. Although she doesn’t want him at first, things change. She funds herself falling for him. Just one slight problem, Frankie doesn’t know his to be in a relationship…
This book was awesome! I lived the chaos and tension. I loved the pushback from Cassie in the beginning. It was great watching her slowly come around. The way the two connected was great. I really loved this book. Amazing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was awesome! I lived the chaos and tension. I loved the pushback from Cassie in the beginning. It was great watching her slowly come around. The way the two connected was great. I really loved this book. Amazing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2025
I don’t find myself interested in gangs or violence in books but this one had me. Cass tries to stay under the radar of the three gangs and graduate high school until one day she’s launched into a fight. Little does she know that Ace has his eye on her and there’s nothing she can do about it now that he’s claimed her for himself. Get sucked into a world where Cass finds herself outrunning the other gangs while trying to get her feelings under control. Will she make it and be with Ace or will she be taken by the rival gangs?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
This is an Re-vamp update to the Riverside Docks Crew series, which I have read and re-read so many times that if I had it on paper it would be very faded or well loved.
This book is so good. I cannot say enough on how much I love the series. Frankie comes off as this hard as heck bad boy, but once he gets to know her, he'd do anything for her. She is his whole world. All he wants is to give her the world and keep her safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is so good. I cannot say enough on how much I love the series. Frankie comes off as this hard as heck bad boy, but once he gets to know her, he'd do anything for her. She is his whole world. All he wants is to give her the world and keep her safe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2025
This is was everything I needed to get out of my slump. Cassie just wants to get out of high school quietly. Frankie has other plans. Seeing her fight one night, he claims her as his. The problem is so do his guards Ash and Joe. The drama between all of them is engaging. Frankie has to keep Cass safe from not only other gangs but his father as well. It is well written and I need more. The ending... chef's kiss. Now on to book 2 cuz I have to see what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2025
First off, the time ending of the book was cruel 😂 But I loved getting to read about Cassie falling for Frankie, Joe and Ash. Cassie just wanted to be left alone, hoping to just go unnoticed. Unfortunately for her, Frankie, a gang leader's son, claimed her. With little choice, Cassie is learning to navigate her new life. While doing so, she begins to truly fall for Frankie...and both of his bodyguards.
April 25, 2025
A spicy action packed story of gang rivalry and lust. There were parts I wished there were more of, specifically between Cassie/Joe and Cassie/Ash, and less of the back and forth meetings. Some parts seemed to drag on, and were very predictable, but I still enjoyed the overall story, and can’t wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2025
Fast paced but well written. I really liked this book. Gang rivalry, haven’t read one in a while. Frankie (Ace), possessive and protective of Cassie. They are so cute together! And her relationship with Joe and Ash, I wish there was a little more of it but I love her interactions with them. I love how the story is going. Can’t wait for the next book 📖 it was left on a cliffhanger.
June 17, 2025
If you’re looking to read a mafia book based in high school you may be disappointed. This barely touches high school relationships. Also, the phrasing and conversation is stilted. Not much flow and seems immature. Just disappointed all around.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2025
Book 1 and it sets up the storyline very well. The characters were all so very deep and had their own agendas. The plot was intriguing and very exciting. World building was excellent. Recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 29, 2025
Fast paced which i love because it means I dont want to put it down! Man what has Cassie gotten herself into?! Being involved in a gang was not on her bingo card this year. This is a why choose romance and ends on a cliffhanger
May 18, 2025
I thought that the blurbs sounded somewhat familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it.
I'm assuming this is a rewrite of Riverside Warriors. Because all through the book it was a deja vu.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm assuming this is a rewrite of Riverside Warriors. Because all through the book it was a deja vu.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2025
I’m not a huge fan of books that involve cheating though they’re are extenuating circumstances in this one. Lots of drama and action and plenty of steamy scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2025
I thought this book was well written and I couldn't put it down and Jess Peters did it again and I can't wait to read more. This is the first book in this series. I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
This is a really good read. It has everything and I love how much spice and action there is so much going on and it flows so well. The cliffhanger is a killer for sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s very entertaining it draws you in and doesn’t let you go. I’m really hoping there’s going to be another book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2025
this angsty Mafia romance is the definition of "touch her and die".
it's a great read for anyone who is going down or already is down the Mafia romance habit hole!
it's a great read for anyone who is going down or already is down the Mafia romance habit hole!
April 30, 2025
This was a well written book and kept you wanting more the whole book and man oh man that cliffhanger had me gasping!! I loved the characters together and I can not wait for the next book!!
May 29, 2025
This book was really good. The development of Cass and Ace was nice. The book is not that Spicy i would give it 🌶️🌶️. All in all i loved it. I cant wait to read the second book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews