Tarnished

by Ryan Mundy

I was raised in the dark.
Never protect. Not loved. Just locked away until the silence felt like home.
And then he found me.
He doesn’t promise freedom.
He promises nothing but himself.
A savior who looks at me like I was built to be caged.
A monster who whispers that I’ll never escape him.
A man who would rather burn the world to ash than to let me go.
I should fear him, I should run.
But every time I push, he pulls harder.
Every time I break, he picks up the pieces like they’ve always been his.
And maybe the truth is simpler than I thought…
I escaped one cage, just to walk into another.

As this is a dark romance, the author highly recommends reading the 'content warning' page.

Genres: Dark Romance, Amazon

598 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2025

About the author

Author📚
28 📍 South Carolina
Dark Romance | 18+🌶️
all books can be found on amazon (KU) and website ryanmundywrites.com

Reviews

[Becky Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I have just finished tarnished by Ryan mundy and im ready to kill for the next in this series. The amount of feeling in this is unreal following sybil trying to run and hide only to be taken and have to learn that sometimes possession is protection.
If you love forced proximity, broken but strong fmc, who did this to you and 'MINE' then this is the book for you and needs to be on your TBR like yesterday!

[Cookiereadsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I got the chance to read this book! Tarnished by Ryan Mundy is a beautiful and heartbreaking story, but worth every second of the read!

Sybil is so strong but has been conditioned to believe she’s not. The strength and power in her story has me crying and cheering for her!

Raiden is moody and broody. He’s everything Sybil needs when her stubbornness gets the best of her. With his own issues, he’s still such an amazing written character that I loved. Even if he has an ornery streak and a bad habit of forgetting just who Sybil is.

And I couldn’t just forget about Zyran! He’s my favorite brother! Being a friend and sharing his own trauma with Sybil. The comedic relief in chaotic times. He becomes a very needed piece of Sybil. And I would absolutely love a book of him and his adventures!

Again, Ryan you did an amazing job and I can’t wait to see what else you come up with!!!

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Cages & D€adly Obs€ssion

Geezus Besties… that 1st chapter? Immediate attention-grabber 👀. "Tarnished" wastes no time dragging you straight into the dark. Sybil’s past is heartbreaking. The trauma inflicted by her father is brutal and heavy, and you feel every cracked piece of her pain.

Enter Raiden... morally grey, dangerously poss€ssiv€, and absolutely unhing€d in the touch her & di€ way we love. The tension and banter between Sybil and Raiden had my anxiety spiraling (in the best way). Add in forced proximity, assassin x captive vibes, and a slow burn that hurts so good? I was locked in.

The brothers’ banter brings much-needed levity, while Sybil and Raiden’s story arc is both devastating and beautiful. Dark, intense, and addictive... this is a MUST ADD to your TBR if you love twisted, emotional dark romance.

My Ratings:  ⭐ 5/5  ▪︎  🥵 2/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Erin A. {midnight_rosepetals} Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨AUDIO/BOOK REVIEW✨

Rating: ♡5⭐️♡3🌶️♡
Written by: Ryan Mundy

I started this story but life happened and I had to put it down. This was my first with this author and it was directly up my alley!
I found the street/ARC team sign up on IG for the next book. It said this was a standalone book but it was recommended to read it….
I AM SO GLAD I DID!

Tarnished is definitely a perfect name for this book.

Sybil is one bad ass bitch! There were some points where … hitting too close to home was rough… But this…THIS story, shows no matter how beaten down you think you are or how lost you think you might be, you can always find your way back. Stronger. More fierce. Most of all, you can take back the power that they were sure they took from you! There is so much more I want to say but it would spoil things and I won’t do that haha! Ryan, you have a fan in me. Look forward to more… even if you don’t accept me to the team haha which I really hope you do!

[Phoenixinruin P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that I did love this book! There was character development with the FMC, Sybil. Took a bit for her to come to terms with things but I’m glad that she finally did!

I’ve gotta say that this was a slow burn and when the spice happened it happened (I wish there was more, but glad that it wasn’t too much that it took away from the story).

Let’s talk about Raiden, the MMC, now this man has her face tattooed on him, talk about committing! Who wouldn’t want an over protective stalker??

I took a star off for two reasons, the first being there were so many typos, you can 100% gloss over them, but it was throughout the entire book. The second reason was how abruptly the story ended… I was hoping that there would be an Epilogue of some sort, but there wasn’t (take with that what you may)

[Megan Hall-Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

forever in love with…

Already from dedication and the first chapter. I feel that connection, that pull but also, that understanding just in a psychological sense. I cannot wait to see what’s next to come…
Sometimes in life when life has only handed you trauma after you giving into the emotions felt from the ab*se that’s been f*rced upon you to choke and keep silent doing so. Sybil, I connect to in familiar way within the emotions felt and for that I want to thank Ryan Mundy for this read. This, each chapter, held breath, want, need… I am lost for words to it spoil anything but I am officially needing more, mi amor. With this book and I know soon will be more. I can’t wait. Thank you for this connection. To be seen in a way only authors, books can.

[Crystal D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again this is a one sitting cannot put down read!!!
Trained killer…the dad’s a monster…secret obsession(I’m calling it that cause let’s face it ya boy was obsessed but in a slightly healthy way)…band of brothers(I cannot wait for their books…Rhys I see you…your gonna be the one that steals all our hearts I’m calling it also slater I love a man of few words haha)
Our fmc truly was a phoenix rising from the ashes in this book and boy do I love a badass fmc that comes in and saves the day.

Also I need a reaper book. He’s intriguing! And I loved how puzzled the guys were with the connection at the end of the book.

[HeatherAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I made the mistake of starting this book, reading almost half, knowing I wouldn’t be able to pick it up again until the next morning. HUGE mistake. I was up five hours later— two hours before the sun, unable to sleep because of the tension. Then finished it in five hours.

Ryan. Does. Not. Mess. Around, when it comes to her men being brooding, vicious, and tatted. Her men are insanely loyal to their woman; and how far they go to protect what’s theirs, depends on how much they see with their own eyes.

If you are like me and like to be surprised, …or the menu looks tasty and intriguing, there is no turning back once you begin. You’re in the world she builds with both main characters, feeling their memories, and squirming in your soul for some chapters to end. I sobbed so many times, I lost count. Emotionally, I was NOT okay in the best way possible by the end. My heart broke, then mended— mostly; before Ryan decided ’Go big, or go home’. Then followed it up with, “challenge accepted”
It’s like she said, nah, that wasn’t gut shattering enough; here, hold my sanity and my soul, I’m going further.

Time for me to tell you to quit reading this, you’ve heard what I have to say. Go find out for yourself 🖤 Thank me later. 😉

[Autumn Shreve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know where to start with this book. It’s so amazing. Sybil is a bad ass…. She builds herself back up from the bottom and is a heroine!!! This story is intense and revealing. I really love everything about the storyline, and the characters. The banter between Sybil and Raiden is to die for. Their building relationship was so fun to follow. It made me laugh, cry and kept me on the edge of my seat. The mix of action, self-rebuilding and romance is like nothing I’ve read before. I love how they all just accept her and I think her friendship with Zyran is my favorite. I’m only sad that I’m done reading it! I want more….

[TheCaffeinatedTBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Smut: 🌶️🌶️ (2/5)

I went into this book blind and it did not disappoint. Both main characters carried serious bagage and they only started unpacking halfway through, and only one sliver of a layer at a time, but it was well worth the wait and the ending was so satisfying.

This was a slow burn, minor spice (only a couple of explicit scenes), forced proximity situation. The MMC was obsessed and protective, the FMC had serious trauma, and it was beautiful watching the FMC come out of her shell and watch her character grow. 

I'm used to spicier books and I did not miss it in this one. It was the perfect amount for the story.

[Wilmalys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite book by Ryan.

Sybil and Raiden were the best 👌🏽 Raiden was all about Sybil. That man was committed to her in all ways.

Sybil had a hard childhood, her Father was a complete asshat psychopath and did unspeakable things to train her into his little assassin...

The slow burn romance was perfection, I loved all the moments they had together forming a real foundation for their love.

Raiden and his brothers were fun and refreshing. They were all so different but equally amazing.

I enjoyed this book so very much!

[Deona Landrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in such a chokehold!!! i ate it right up like always, i love Ryan's books!! I will say please please check triggers and tropes because this does cover very dark themes and triggers!! Sybil you want to protect at all cost even though she doesnt need your protection. Shes an badass fighter who just wanted to be free and loved. Raiden very serious and protect guy who wanted Sybil since the first time laying eyes on her. He just wanted to protect everyone including his brothers!! I'm hoping for more books because i NEED more on the brothers stories!!

[Jasmine Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! Truly incredible! It was raw, gritty, emotional, but also so dynamic it had me crying in one chapter than laughing in the next like these characters were genuinely so funny! The plot line was insane! Sybil (fmc) finding her place and family in Raidens (mmc) brothers was sooo sweet. Like i dont know what else to say other than read this book. I can see myself rereading this over and over again and I cannot stress enough how impatiently I will be waiting for the next book in the series ( which i hope is about one of the brothers 👀). Overall amazing 10/10 recommend!

[Liz Ranne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this! It's Sybil & Raiden's story & it was a good one. She's hiding, but she still has people coming out of the woodwork for her. When they first meet a lot is going on in her head. Ger life was heartbreaking & her dad is a horrible person. They have so much difficulty at first & a lot of things are happening here. It takes a really long time for them to come to terms with each other's issues. This is a slow burn & I liked the story! Recommend this book & author.

[Daisy Magnolia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book... The first chapter already grabbed me by the throat ✨️

Dark, heartbreaking, and completely unputdownable—because I needed answers about Sybil.

Imagine being trained to kill before she was even a child, and her life full of nothing but pain 💔 But she's strong, stubborn, and surviving despite everything.

But when a price is put on her head, an unexpected savior appears—someone who's been watching her all along, even when she didn't know he existed ❤️‍🩹

[Perdita The Reada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s my ARC review for “Tarnished” by Ryan Mundy ☺️
[HAPPY RELEASE DAY EVE!]

Plot-Driven: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Mundy has NAILED the tortured FMC trope with Sybil; she is a deeply traumatized young woman who was raised by her heartless father to become an assassin from a very young age. She manages to escape his clutches and survive on the run for a few years until she is then captured by Raiden, a brutal hitman for hire. And from there? Well, you’ll have to read the rest, but let’s just say no lamp is safe from our girl Sybil. 😛

The slow burn between Raiden and Sybil is paced perfectly and builds in tandem with the action of the story. Sybil’s backstory is BEYOND heartbreaking and Raiden’s devotion to her is unparalleled. I also really love that Sybil develops friendships with Raiden’s brothers throughout the story, especially given her background. The last 1/3 of the book had me tearing up hard multiple times but the emotional damage is WORTH IT for that ending 🥹💕

I would recommend this book to anyone who is obsessed with almost irreparably damaged FMC’s and ultra devoted hitman-type MMC’s 👏🏻

[Nicola Roche-Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tarnished is a dark romance that contains themes and scenes that may be distressing for some readers. Please check the trigger warnings before reading.

Ryan Mundy has delivered a dark, addictive start to the Marked for Ruin series that completely pulled me in.

Sybil’s journey was the heart of this story for me. Raised by a father who saw her as nothing more than a weapon, she had never known what it meant to be valued simply for being herself. Watching her slowly discover her own worth was both heartbreaking and empowering and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

Raiden is the perfect morally grey antihero. Ruthless, possessive and fiercely devoted, his obsession with Sybil was impossible not to love. Knowing he had quietly watched over her for years, leaving flowers to remind her she was never alone, made his actions feel driven by love rather than control. What I appreciated most was that he never expected her trust. He earned it through patience, loyalty and unwavering belief in the woman she could become.

Seeing Sybil embrace the weapon her father had created, not to serve him but to protect the man she loved and become the very reason for his downfall, was such a powerful moment and the perfect end to her journey.

Dark, emotional and filled with unforgettable characters, Tarnished has left me completely invested in this series and I cannot wait to see where Ryan Mundy takes us next.

[The_Bookish_Masochist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarnished was absolutely amazing! I love a good phoenix rising from the ashes FMC. Not to mention an MMC who helps her pave the way to her revenge. The story line kept me hooked, and the healing that goes on in this book is like no other. I can’t wait to read the rest of the brothers books!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!! I could not put this book down! I instantly fell in love with Sybil and Raiden, their strong personalities and the way they connected, you are pulled in starting with the first page. I cant wait to buy my trophy for this and to read it again!

[Deani Inkdrinker8962 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Where are all my dark romance buddies at??? You don't want to miss this brilliant read.
It is everything I love in a dark romance with a strong female character (Sybil) and a man who helps her get her revenge. (Raiden)
And the brothers!!!! Love the twins.
Can't wait for their stories 🖤

[Stephanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gripped me from the start and I only put it down when life got in the way! I love a good thriller with some slight obsession undertones! This one is one I will definitely be getting a physical copy of and share! I can’t wait for more!!

[Jessica Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan mundy did it again! This book was chefs kiss. I love Sybil! She is a bad@ss! Love her sassy personality. This book is a slow burn, dang did these two have tension, so many times I yelled, just do it lol.

[Meesh Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first ever Ryan Mundy book, and I was lucky enough to receive it as an advanced reader copy.

WOW. Seriously just WOW.

This book took me on such a wild adventure, I genuinely didn’t know where it was going next but I was HOOKED!

The tension, the banter, and the utter BAD ASSERY that these characters have is incredible.

I absolutely loved the way that the trauma and flashbacks were written. There was so much care and thought behind every single word, and it was not only beautiful to read, but it was refreshing to see harsh truths on page in such a blatant way.

The devotion between characters? Immaculate. No notes.

I cannot wait to see more of these characters!!
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.
.
.
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“Not all monsters come in the same form - sometimes they’re the ones you trust the most.”

“She’s not a liability. She’s a fucking wired fuse. And I’m the dumbass holding the match”.

[Camden Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

giiiiirl

i loved this book. The banter was so good you could forget it was a slow burn. I loved watching them both open up and become better characters through the story and the tension is chefs kiss.
Spice 3.5/5
Plot 8/10

[Kalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarnished

This story was amazing!!!!! Ryan did amazing and I am so ready for book two! This story had me going in circles so much but I loved it and definitely wanna read more by this author!!!!!

[Kansas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this because I got approved for an arc of book 2 and I’m so glad I did. I think I found a new top tier dark romance series. I’m so ready to be able to read book 2 when I get the arc. Seeing Zyran in book 1 makes me excited to be able to be inside his head for book 2.

[Dawn Constant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Ghost’s Raiden

Wow! Just…. wow! Thank you. ❤️

Another remarkable find and favorite. I recommend that you read and love the characters.

To the author, Ryan, thank you.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost DNR'd but didn't!

Friends - this was almost a DNF for me until about chapter 20 - then everything changed & I was hooked! Put in the time - its worth it!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 2am, and I just did 143k words in ONE SITTING. Um excuse me?! I Could not put it down!

The plot was GREAT. Great tension, lots of angst moments and I was feral for them. How are they so perfect! I need more of them…. It’s a delicious slow burn but so so worth it.

A really great read.