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Runaway: A Dark Mafia Why Choose Romance
I escaped the mafia… and ran straight into the arms of three deadly biker brothers.
For the first time in my life, I thought I was free. Safe. But fate had other plans for me.
One distracted moment. A crime I never should have witnessed. And I’m suddenly theirs.
The Iron Strykers’. Savage. Psychotic. Lethal. That should be their club motto—if it isn’t already.
They terrify me… but fear isn’t the only thing that burns when they’re near.
Jagger — the ruthless leader who grinds my nerves and makes my pulse race.
Asher — the smooth-talking, charming womanizer who swore he’d never love but looks at me like I’m the one who will break his rules.
Cruz — the wild, reckless one who promises I’ll be his… body, heart, and soul.
I swore love was a weakness I would never allow, but my heart won’t listen. Not with them. They have awoken something inside of me I never knew existed.
I ran for freedom, but now I’m trapped in a twisted world I might never want to escape, no matter how dangerous it is for my safety… and my heart.
Runaway is Book One in the Savages of Ravens Hollow trilogy — a dark, steamy why choose romance where Daisy’s wild journey will lead her to at least three love interests and a hard-earned happily ever after.
This series features complex characters, first-person present tense from Daisy’s POV, enemies to lovers, age gap, angst, forced proximity, and morally gray heroes. It also contains mature and sensitive themes. A full content guide is available on my author website or in the front of the book.
For the first time in my life, I thought I was free. Safe. But fate had other plans for me.
One distracted moment. A crime I never should have witnessed. And I’m suddenly theirs.
The Iron Strykers’. Savage. Psychotic. Lethal. That should be their club motto—if it isn’t already.
They terrify me… but fear isn’t the only thing that burns when they’re near.
Jagger — the ruthless leader who grinds my nerves and makes my pulse race.
Asher — the smooth-talking, charming womanizer who swore he’d never love but looks at me like I’m the one who will break his rules.
Cruz — the wild, reckless one who promises I’ll be his… body, heart, and soul.
I swore love was a weakness I would never allow, but my heart won’t listen. Not with them. They have awoken something inside of me I never knew existed.
I ran for freedom, but now I’m trapped in a twisted world I might never want to escape, no matter how dangerous it is for my safety… and my heart.
Runaway is Book One in the Savages of Ravens Hollow trilogy — a dark, steamy why choose romance where Daisy’s wild journey will lead her to at least three love interests and a hard-earned happily ever after.
This series features complex characters, first-person present tense from Daisy’s POV, enemies to lovers, age gap, angst, forced proximity, and morally gray heroes. It also contains mature and sensitive themes. A full content guide is available on my author website or in the front of the book.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2026
23 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Darke
22 books31 followersAlicia Darke is a spicy dark RH romance and romantic suspense author. She lives on the beautiful South Coast of NSW, Australia, with her partner and three teens, a Cocker Spaniel, and a Lovebird. When she's not writing or daydreaming about new story ideas, you can find her playing with flowers at the local flower shop or kicking a soccer ball around with her team.
Her stories transport readers into thrilling escapes from reality, filled with fierce, badass heroines, irresistible anti-heroes, and bad boys who steal hearts as easily as they break rules. With panty-wetting chemistry, delectable plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Alicia’s books promise unforgettable adventures that culminate in the kind of happily-ever-afters you never see coming.
Her stories transport readers into thrilling escapes from reality, filled with fierce, badass heroines, irresistible anti-heroes, and bad boys who steal hearts as easily as they break rules. With panty-wetting chemistry, delectable plot twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Alicia’s books promise unforgettable adventures that culminate in the kind of happily-ever-afters you never see coming.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 29, 2026
Reading this felt like having to listen to an endless loop of nails on a chalkboard while being held at gunpoint. The plot and characters gave me whiplash.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have never known a series of books that has been drawn in from the very beginning, and each of the books within that series has had my nose stuck in it from start to finish. The series set in Raven Hollow has all been like this, and this new one looks no different. This latest instalment follows three of the Stryker brothers, Jagger, Cruz, and Asher, who end up babysitting Daisy, the wife of Valentine from the previous series, which involved Sloane, their sister.
We have Jagger, the oldest brother, who is all about the control! We have Cruz, who is a bit of a psycho, well, a lot of psycho, and we do love one of those! Then we have smooth-tongued Asher, who can charm anyone into his bed, and has...A LOT!! Then we have sweet Daisy, who only wants her life back, being able to control what she does and where she goes, instead of her life being a business transaction for her father to gain more power. She has had it rough being in an abusive marriage to Valentine. She has fled to the US, hoping to buy herself some time, and the only person she can turn to is her friend Sloane.
The story follows Daisy's interaction with the three men, and boy, what interactions they have. The story, as usual, had me gripped from the beginning. It made me smile and giggle, the way Daisy tries to stay away from them, but she is constantly drawn to them, and they to her. She tries to fight for her independence, but the men are trying to keep Daisy safe. But can she trust these men? Are they just guards for hire? Is she just someone they are using while she stays with them, or can she believe their devotion to her?
The story leaves us on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see what the next instalment brings!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have Jagger, the oldest brother, who is all about the control! We have Cruz, who is a bit of a psycho, well, a lot of psycho, and we do love one of those! Then we have smooth-tongued Asher, who can charm anyone into his bed, and has...A LOT!! Then we have sweet Daisy, who only wants her life back, being able to control what she does and where she goes, instead of her life being a business transaction for her father to gain more power. She has had it rough being in an abusive marriage to Valentine. She has fled to the US, hoping to buy herself some time, and the only person she can turn to is her friend Sloane.
The story follows Daisy's interaction with the three men, and boy, what interactions they have. The story, as usual, had me gripped from the beginning. It made me smile and giggle, the way Daisy tries to stay away from them, but she is constantly drawn to them, and they to her. She tries to fight for her independence, but the men are trying to keep Daisy safe. But can she trust these men? Are they just guards for hire? Is she just someone they are using while she stays with them, or can she believe their devotion to her?
The story leaves us on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to see what the next instalment brings!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2026
2 stars (I finished it and still feel robbed)
I powered through the whole thing, every frustrating page, and honestly, it didn't get better. Daisy (the runaway heroine) remains immature, impulsive, and downright ridiculous from start to finish. She acts like a rebellious teen thrown into adult situations, making one boneheaded decision after another, then acting shocked when consequences hit.
The "why choose" setup with three brothers (the "deadly biker brothers") is the core of the book, but it never feels earned or believable. Who jumps into a poly relationship with siblings while supposedly fleeing the mafia? It screams daddy issues (which the book name-drops repeatedly), but there's zero depth. No real backstory exploration, no emotional growth, just surface-level angst and steam.
The guys are labeled "bikers" nonstop, yet there's no actual MC/gang life: no club rules, no rides, no rivalries, no brotherhood beyond sharing the heroine. It feels like the author threw in the word for edgy vibes without backing it up. Same with the mafia side. Daisy escapes one family, witnesses something, gets tangled with these brothers, and suddenly other people with mafia ties/connections pop up... but explanations? Relationships? How anyone knows each other? Crickets. The plot jumps around with convenient twists that aren't built up, and the world-building is so thin it collapses under scrutiny.
The spice is there (if that's your main draw), and it ends on a note that sets up the trilogy, but I needed way more substance: better character arcs, logical connections, and a heroine with actual agency instead of constant victim/impulse mode. If you're here for pure dark RH fantasy with minimal plot logic, it might scratch the itch. For me, finishing it just confirmed how shallow and frustrating it was. Hard pass unless you're in a very specific mood.
I powered through the whole thing, every frustrating page, and honestly, it didn't get better. Daisy (the runaway heroine) remains immature, impulsive, and downright ridiculous from start to finish. She acts like a rebellious teen thrown into adult situations, making one boneheaded decision after another, then acting shocked when consequences hit.
The "why choose" setup with three brothers (the "deadly biker brothers") is the core of the book, but it never feels earned or believable. Who jumps into a poly relationship with siblings while supposedly fleeing the mafia? It screams daddy issues (which the book name-drops repeatedly), but there's zero depth. No real backstory exploration, no emotional growth, just surface-level angst and steam.
The guys are labeled "bikers" nonstop, yet there's no actual MC/gang life: no club rules, no rides, no rivalries, no brotherhood beyond sharing the heroine. It feels like the author threw in the word for edgy vibes without backing it up. Same with the mafia side. Daisy escapes one family, witnesses something, gets tangled with these brothers, and suddenly other people with mafia ties/connections pop up... but explanations? Relationships? How anyone knows each other? Crickets. The plot jumps around with convenient twists that aren't built up, and the world-building is so thin it collapses under scrutiny.
The spice is there (if that's your main draw), and it ends on a note that sets up the trilogy, but I needed way more substance: better character arcs, logical connections, and a heroine with actual agency instead of constant victim/impulse mode. If you're here for pure dark RH fantasy with minimal plot logic, it might scratch the itch. For me, finishing it just confirmed how shallow and frustrating it was. Hard pass unless you're in a very specific mood.
February 15, 2026
Truthfully, the 3 mmc’s and fmc were exhausting af. The only thing that really saved this book for me was Cruz’s psychotic ass lol. I don’t feel like the other 2 mc’s were as possessive or cared as much for the fmc. She got a job at the men’s sisters strip club and 2 of the mc’s were ok with her dancing naked, giving lap dances and even going into the VIP rooms where she would give sexual favours to other men. Now she never did that (besides twice but it was one of the mc’s she had sex with even though she wasn’t 100 percent sure it was him and the other 2 mc’s didn’t know it was him.) but she did give another guy a lap dance. It wasn’t until towards the end that the other guys were on board with her not going to the VIP room anymore. The men were also doing way too much. Everytime she was doing something, they popped up and toke her away. Like when she was drinking with the club girls after work, they showed up and one of the mc’s toke her away. Also when she was out to coffee with their sister, one of the mc’s showed up and that basically ended that girl time. I would’ve liked to see her build friendships outside of the men but they were too pushy. And when she finally sleeps with all the men, they want her to no longer work any VIP’s or sleep with other men but she gets SO mad about that and says they shouldn’t tell her what to do. Like hoe, you ok? You’re getting dicked down by 3 men and you want more!! I mean, she later on says she didn’t want to do that either but still, she made such a fuss about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once again, Alicia Darke has kept me gripped all the way through the start of Daisy's story! I didn't realise the love interests were Sloane's brothers but I'm enjoying seeing the contrast between how they were before and after meeting Daisy. Enjoying the character development and relationship development between Daisy, Crux, Asher and Jagger! The chemistry between them definitely adds to the spicy scenes which are *Chef's kiss*. Love the spicyness between Jagger and Daisy, the hate/love borders blurring just are the cherry on top for me. The ending has me gasping for the next book already! Daisy is torn between wanting to be independent, falling for the Stryker men and needing to escape her family. Her struggles come across clearly and can't wait to see how this all unfolds!
I was looking forward to Daisy's story after finishing Sloane's and it doesn't disappoint at all. Can't recommend the start of this duet enough, love the darkness of Alicia Darke's writing! Her story telling keeps me wanting more every time and excited for the next one already!
I was looking forward to Daisy's story after finishing Sloane's and it doesn't disappoint at all. Can't recommend the start of this duet enough, love the darkness of Alicia Darke's writing! Her story telling keeps me wanting more every time and excited for the next one already!
Review of advance copy
Daisy's on the run from her father, and the mafia. Her husband dies and she knows it's just a matter of time before her father finds her a new husband, a new alliance. The book starts out fast when she witnesses a murder right in from of Ravens Hallow. Exactly where she's going to find her friend Sloane Stryker, we meet her and her brothers Jagger, Cruz and Asher from the Sloane's story. The story is nonstop and once it takes off it never stops. It's intriguing as Daisy tries dealing with the brothers. I love how she stands up to them going toe to toe with them all. They're all alpha males, who love control and they've set their sights on Daisy. This story if filled with secrets, danger and twists that end in a cliff-hanger. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2026
Book 1 of Savages of Ravens Hollow
Three sexy biker brothers and one amazing FMC that's relatable and so lovable right from the start. This book had me hooked so fast that I can't even tell you the thrill and excitement I had as I tore through the pages.
If you're familiar with Alicia Darke and her work you know how absolutely addictive her writing is. I love the Ravens Hollow world and the incredible characters she creates, all uniquely interesting with their own complexities. I loved how the story developed and the dynamic between Daisy and Jagger, Cruz, and Asher. The banter, connection, and chemistry are absolutely delicious.
That cliffhanger left me hungry for the next book!
Tropes:
Why-choose
FMMM
Enemies-to-lovers
Age-gap
Biker
Forced proximity
Morally gray
Kidnapping
Mental health rep
Explicit
FMC first-person POV
Check TW
Three sexy biker brothers and one amazing FMC that's relatable and so lovable right from the start. This book had me hooked so fast that I can't even tell you the thrill and excitement I had as I tore through the pages.
If you're familiar with Alicia Darke and her work you know how absolutely addictive her writing is. I love the Ravens Hollow world and the incredible characters she creates, all uniquely interesting with their own complexities. I loved how the story developed and the dynamic between Daisy and Jagger, Cruz, and Asher. The banter, connection, and chemistry are absolutely delicious.
That cliffhanger left me hungry for the next book!
Tropes:
Why-choose
FMMM
Enemies-to-lovers
Age-gap
Biker
Forced proximity
Morally gray
Kidnapping
Mental health rep
Explicit
FMC first-person POV
Check TW
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Runaway is a gripping dark mafia why-choose romance that throws you into danger, desire, and high emotional stakes from the first page. The heroine escapes her past only to get pulled into the world of the Iron Strykers—three deadly, intense men who are terrifying and irresistible at the same time.
The tension between fear and attraction is constant, and the characters are morally gray in all the best (and worst) ways. The story blends violence, suspense, and heat with emotional conflicts that kept me turning pages. This is perfect for fans who love dark, complicated romance with more than one powerful love interest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The tension between fear and attraction is constant, and the characters are morally gray in all the best (and worst) ways. The story blends violence, suspense, and heat with emotional conflicts that kept me turning pages. This is perfect for fans who love dark, complicated romance with more than one powerful love interest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2026
I was curious to read the Stryker brothers - Jagger, Asher & Cruz's books after they popped up in their sister's (Sloane) books (secrets of Ravens Hollow). Daisy (FMC) is a Mafia Princess that's been traded to a prominent man - Valentine (makes more sense who he is from Sloane's books) but when he goes missing she sees it as a chance for a new life. By escaping and running to Sloane which in turn leads to her becoming entangled with Sloane's brothers. Not by choice. Bringing all sorts of problems for her especially from her family who are intent on controlling her.
This book certainly kept me on my toes and that cliff-hanger ending was a jaw dropper that's for sure. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the books in this series.
This book certainly kept me on my toes and that cliff-hanger ending was a jaw dropper that's for sure. I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the books in this series.
Review of advance copy
Runaway is book 1 in the Savages Of Ravens Hollow duet. It's a great, enemies to lovers, age gap read that completely consumes you from the start. This story is Daisy's and the men she brings along for the ride.
"Jagger — the ruthless leader
Asher — the smooth-talking, charming womanizer and Cruz — the wild, reckless one."
All are members of the Iron Strykers MC. It appears that Daisy ran from one danger straight into another. Two worlds collide in the best way in their journey. These characters and their story kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Things get tense pretty quick with Runaway and then I got slammed with a cliffhanger! Hideaway can't come fast enough!
"Jagger — the ruthless leader
Asher — the smooth-talking, charming womanizer and Cruz — the wild, reckless one."
All are members of the Iron Strykers MC. It appears that Daisy ran from one danger straight into another. Two worlds collide in the best way in their journey. These characters and their story kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Things get tense pretty quick with Runaway and then I got slammed with a cliffhanger! Hideaway can't come fast enough!
Review of advance copy
This is Book 1 of Savages of Ravens Hollow and my heavens, it is complex and delicious!! If you are a fan of why choose then you are in for a roller coaster ride of emotions as Daisy journeys to try and find a HEA! Complex characters, intriguing story line, hot, morally gray heroes, all the drama, definite angst, and lots of steam!! Great read!! Do be aware though of very mature and sensitive themes, with possible triggers. Know those before proceeding!
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2026
The way I could not put this book down—Runaway had me in a chokehold. Alicia Darke knows exactly how to reel you in and refuse to let go. I loved Daisy’s fierce determination for independence, even when I wanted to shake her for getting in her own way (girl, please 😩). And let’s talk about the spice—because whew 🔥 the spicy scenes were excellent and perfectly placed. Disclaimer: this book ends on a cliffhanger, and trust me, you will be fiending for book two the second you hit the last page. Consider yourself warned. 📖✨.
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.
January 29, 2026
Now this is my first official review of any type of book. This book had me hooked from the beginning you have Daisy the main character then you have Cruz, Asher, and finally Jagger all brothers; they protect those who they care about. When little Ms. Daisy shows up in Ravens Hollow trying to live her life not knowing her past has followed her and here she is stumbling into the Stryker brothers arms. I went from sitting on the edge of my chair to wallowing on the floor to jumping in the air with joy. If you want a shocking, nail biting story I would recommend this!!.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2026
I honestly didn't know whether to cheer for Daisy or stage an intervention because her survival instincts are non-existent. She walks into Raven’s Hollow and immediately witnesses a murder, which is just her luck. Jagger and his brothers are the definition of "too much," yet I found myself hooked on their chaotic family dynamic. The pacing kept me on my toes, even when the sheer amount of testosterone on the page felt a bit ridiculous. I was genuinely annoyed by how quickly the story cut off. That cliffhanger is a personal insult to my patience. It is a solid start to a series, even if it makes me want to scream into a pillow.
Review of advance copy
I am soo sooo glad we get a story with the Stryker brothers. These three men are over the top possessive and controlling.
Daisy thought she was getting a fresh start but is caught in their web. She ran from her family and isn’t sure who she can trust.
This is dark .. not in how the 3 MCs treat her but in her past, their past, her family and what she father will do to control her.
What a cliffy to end on ….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Daisy thought she was getting a fresh start but is caught in their web. She ran from her family and isn’t sure who she can trust.
This is dark .. not in how the 3 MCs treat her but in her past, their past, her family and what she father will do to control her.
What a cliffy to end on ….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This story was hit. Daisy is running from her mafia husband that treats her badly. So she runs to the US and hopes that her friend Sloan can take her in give her a job. Little does she know, she’s running right into Sloans brothers. All three. All part of an MC… and they’re just as dangerous. This book brings the heat, the intensity, and a fire you hope will never be put out. I loved every minute of this one. This is the first time I’ve read this author, and it definitely will not be the last.
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.
January 12, 2026
A dark mafia romance and the first book in the Savages of Ravens Hollow series, Runaway introduces us to Daisy as she’s running from her father after her husband’s death. Yet, she seems to have run into another corner with Jagger, Asher, and Cruz. It’s high stakes danger, filled with intense emotions from well developed characters. At least the wait till Hideaway comes out in March isn’t too long, cause that cliffhanger! Absolutely love the interconnected world of Ravens Hollow.
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.
January 20, 2026
Daisy has escaped her mafia family after her abusive husband "disappears" and she realizes her father is trying to arrange another marriage for her. On the run she heads to Raven's Hollow and her friend Sloane Stryker. Sloane helps her out with a job and a place to live - with her brothers Jagger, Cruz and Asher. This is an action packed, high heat with tons of steamy parts, Book 1 of a duet with a monster of a cliffhanger.
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.
January 5, 2026
Book 1 of the Savages of Ravens Hollow duet. And a FANrastic start to the duet. Check your triggers.
The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy. Plot was intriguing and exciting and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Look forward to more from this world. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy. Plot was intriguing and exciting and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Look forward to more from this world. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2026
Absolutely loved this story. If you've read Sinners of Ravens Hollow and Secrets of Ravens Hollow you will already have an understanding of this world but its not necessary to have read them. This is a fast paced intense story that will keep you riveted to the book and the characters. Lots, lots, lots going on and it defintely gets steamy! There is a cliffhanger that will keep you hanging for the second book.
January 9, 2026
Hooked from start to finish!! The story was so addictive and the chemistry between the characters blew me away! This story has so many twists, is full of suspense and will definitely leave you on the edge of your seat! Daisy is definitely a fighter and i loved her standing up for herself against the domineering and alpha brothers!.
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.
January 22, 2026
Daisy first meets the Stryker brothers at a rather inconvenient moment. Jagger, Asher and Cruz protect her as her world is imploding, along with their siblings Sloane and Mal. Dramatic, sexy and steamy, daring, sizzling, bold, violent, protective and loving, just some of the things this book could be described. Absolutely fabulous, I can’t wait for 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.
January 5, 2026
I highly recommend this book! Kept me gripped the entire time, Will read more books from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Daisy is on the run from her abusive mafia husband and family. She comes to Ravens Hollow to find Sloane to beg for a job in her club. However it looks like Daisy has ran from danger just to land into it all over again. Daisy gets tangled up with the dangerous and obsessive brothers of Sloane who are members of the Iron Strikers MC. This will have you staying up late and on the edge of your seat. Can’t wait to read Hideaway.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews