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Craved: Marked for Ruin
Not yet published
Expected 31 Jul 26I was raised to be useful.
Good daughter. Good liar. Good at cleaning blood out of places no one ever thinks to look.
My family didn’t teach me how to love.
They taught me how to hide bodies, how to stay quiet, how to make murder disappear.
So I ran.
Now I live small on purpose. Two jobs. Early mornings. Sleepless nights. I keep my hands busy and my head down. I smile when I’m supposed to. I pretend I’m harmless.
Most days, it works.
Until him.
I thought he didn’t notice me.
I didn’t realize he was cataloging me.
Studying my tells.
Tracking the cracks.
Waiting.
Because I’m unraveling. My past is catching up. And Zyran doesn’t ask what I’m running from.
He already knows.
He doesn’t save me.
He doesn’t offer escape.
He offers ownership.
He looks at my darkness like it belongs to him, and for the first time in my life, I wonder what it would be like to stop hiding. To stop cleaning up other people’s sins. To let someone else be the danger for once.
I should run.
I should disappear.
Instead, I stay.
And I let a man who whispers devotion like a promise decide what happens next.
Maybe broken girls don’t need redemption.
Maybe we need someone willing to kill for us and call it love.
And God help anyone who comes looking for me.
As this is a dark romance, the author highly recommends reading the 'content warning' page.
Good daughter. Good liar. Good at cleaning blood out of places no one ever thinks to look.
My family didn’t teach me how to love.
They taught me how to hide bodies, how to stay quiet, how to make murder disappear.
So I ran.
Now I live small on purpose. Two jobs. Early mornings. Sleepless nights. I keep my hands busy and my head down. I smile when I’m supposed to. I pretend I’m harmless.
Most days, it works.
Until him.
I thought he didn’t notice me.
I didn’t realize he was cataloging me.
Studying my tells.
Tracking the cracks.
Waiting.
Because I’m unraveling. My past is catching up. And Zyran doesn’t ask what I’m running from.
He already knows.
He doesn’t save me.
He doesn’t offer escape.
He offers ownership.
He looks at my darkness like it belongs to him, and for the first time in my life, I wonder what it would be like to stop hiding. To stop cleaning up other people’s sins. To let someone else be the danger for once.
I should run.
I should disappear.
Instead, I stay.
And I let a man who whispers devotion like a promise decide what happens next.
Maybe broken girls don’t need redemption.
Maybe we need someone willing to kill for us and call it love.
And God help anyone who comes looking for me.
As this is a dark romance, the author highly recommends reading the 'content warning' page.
626 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 31, 2026
About the author
Ryan Mundy
16 books129 followersAuthor📚
28 📍 South Carolina
Dark Romance | 18+🌶️
all books can be found on amazon (KU) and website ryanmundywrites.com
28 📍 South Carolina
Dark Romance | 18+🌶️
all books can be found on amazon (KU) and website ryanmundywrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 20, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Author.
After reading Tarnished (book 1) and loving Zyran in that book, I really enjoyed being inside Zyran’s head for this book. I highly recommend reading book 1 before this one just to get some kind of backstory to Zyran and his family. I’m excited to see if/how this world is expanded in the future. Thank you to the author for the arc copy.
After reading Tarnished (book 1) and loving Zyran in that book, I really enjoyed being inside Zyran’s head for this book. I highly recommend reading book 1 before this one just to get some kind of backstory to Zyran and his family. I’m excited to see if/how this world is expanded in the future. Thank you to the author for the arc copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I literally judged this book by its cover and immediately thought, "Yep... that looks like a bit of me." 💀🖤 And then I saw the trigger warning menu... followed by the elite playlist... I knew I was in for a ride.
A morally grey MMC and FMC? 👀 Now that is my kind of chaos. It's a refreshing change from what I usually read, and I absolutely loved it. There is just something about characters who take out the bad people that pulls me in every single time.
The character development in this book is phenomenal. Every chapter adds another layer of emotional depth, not only to the main characters but also to the relationships they build with each other and those around them. I became so invested in their journey that I could genuinely see this being adapted for the screen one day.
This is the definition of a slow burn. The tension builds so perfectly that by the time the spice finally arrives... WOW. It is absolutely worth the wait and left me craving so much more.
And can we take a moment for Zyran? 🥵 You have officially earned yourself a place in the @WhatMrsDobbsReads Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. Congratulations—you've joined an elite group.
Ryan Mundy has completely hooked me with this one, and I already need more from this world.
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🖤 Morally Grey Duo: 10/10 👀
🔥 Slow Burn: Absolutely worth the wait
📖 Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A morally grey MMC and FMC? 👀 Now that is my kind of chaos. It's a refreshing change from what I usually read, and I absolutely loved it. There is just something about characters who take out the bad people that pulls me in every single time.
The character development in this book is phenomenal. Every chapter adds another layer of emotional depth, not only to the main characters but also to the relationships they build with each other and those around them. I became so invested in their journey that I could genuinely see this being adapted for the screen one day.
This is the definition of a slow burn. The tension builds so perfectly that by the time the spice finally arrives... WOW. It is absolutely worth the wait and left me craving so much more.
And can we take a moment for Zyran? 🥵 You have officially earned yourself a place in the @WhatMrsDobbsReads Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. Congratulations—you've joined an elite group.
Ryan Mundy has completely hooked me with this one, and I already need more from this world.
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🖤 Morally Grey Duo: 10/10 👀
🔥 Slow Burn: Absolutely worth the wait
📖 Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
I'd like to thank Ryan Mundy for providing me with an ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was hooked by the 20% mark and ended up finishing this in one sitting because I genuinely didn't want to put it down. The writing was so easy to read, the pacing was great, and I never felt bored for a second.
Zyran was definitely the highlight of this book for me. He honestly reminded me of Josh from Lights Out. If Josh is a golden retriever, then Zyran is like a loyal, slightly broody puppy who follows Esper everywhere. And the fact that he cooks? Immediate bonus points.
One of my favorite things was how naturally Esper and Zyran understood each other. They had similar pasts, and whenever one of them woke up from a nightmare, the other was always there. They didn't need to say much because they just got each other.
The only thing I wished for was a slightly crazier Zyran 🤣 He was so patient and sweet that I kept expecting him to become a little more unhinged.
I'd like to thank Ryan Mundy for providing me with an ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was hooked by the 20% mark and ended up finishing this in one sitting because I genuinely didn't want to put it down. The writing was so easy to read, the pacing was great, and I never felt bored for a second.
Zyran was definitely the highlight of this book for me. He honestly reminded me of Josh from Lights Out. If Josh is a golden retriever, then Zyran is like a loyal, slightly broody puppy who follows Esper everywhere. And the fact that he cooks? Immediate bonus points.
One of my favorite things was how naturally Esper and Zyran understood each other. They had similar pasts, and whenever one of them woke up from a nightmare, the other was always there. They didn't need to say much because they just got each other.
The only thing I wished for was a slightly crazier Zyran 🤣 He was so patient and sweet that I kept expecting him to become a little more unhinged.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC BOOK REVIEW Received from the Author✨
Rating: ♡5⭐️♡5🌶️♡
I have said this before and I will say it again - I pride myself on figuring out the plot BEFORE the plot, plots. I - in fact - did NOT with this one. I read Tarnished first (which is also an absolute must read) and I am so glad that I did. Family dynamics make sense. Personalities make sense. So, while you don’t HAVE to you SHOULD definitely read Tarnished.
Now, back to the subject at hand. The ONLY reason I didn’t finish this book the DAY I opened it is because life was lifin.
FMC - Esperr - I have had A LOT of favorite FMCs in my reading career, Sybil being one of them (Tarnished).
MMC - Zyran - WAS NOT expecting that SPICE to SPICE like that. I mean… Ryan, ma’am, you tickled my brain!
I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about this book (and the first one!) For the love of the gods, please please please tell me there is a next one?!?! Don’t break my heart!
Rating: ♡5⭐️♡5🌶️♡
I have said this before and I will say it again - I pride myself on figuring out the plot BEFORE the plot, plots. I - in fact - did NOT with this one. I read Tarnished first (which is also an absolute must read) and I am so glad that I did. Family dynamics make sense. Personalities make sense. So, while you don’t HAVE to you SHOULD definitely read Tarnished.
Now, back to the subject at hand. The ONLY reason I didn’t finish this book the DAY I opened it is because life was lifin.
FMC - Esperr - I have had A LOT of favorite FMCs in my reading career, Sybil being one of them (Tarnished).
MMC - Zyran - WAS NOT expecting that SPICE to SPICE like that. I mean… Ryan, ma’am, you tickled my brain!
I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about this book (and the first one!) For the love of the gods, please please please tell me there is a next one?!?! Don’t break my heart!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy from the author.
This is a dark romance with content that may be triggering for some readers, so I would advise reading the trigger warnings first.
On first impressions, I found that the author presented both of these characters in an appealing way. Zyran, our MMC, seemed like someone who would turn heads when he walked into the room. Our FMC, Esperr, seemed to have a lot of cool girl energy going on, like the girl that everyone admires. I also loved the way she articulated herself on the page, and enjoyed connecting with the deeper, more vulnerable side of her.
I found that as I carried on reading, both of these characters had a powerful presence on the page that made me want to hang on every word, and they had awesome on-page chemistry too. I became invested in these characters and their story, so if you are a dark romance reader, you might want to add this to your TBR.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC copy.
This is a dark romance with content that may be triggering for some readers, so I would advise reading the trigger warnings first.
On first impressions, I found that the author presented both of these characters in an appealing way. Zyran, our MMC, seemed like someone who would turn heads when he walked into the room. Our FMC, Esperr, seemed to have a lot of cool girl energy going on, like the girl that everyone admires. I also loved the way she articulated herself on the page, and enjoyed connecting with the deeper, more vulnerable side of her.
I found that as I carried on reading, both of these characters had a powerful presence on the page that made me want to hang on every word, and they had awesome on-page chemistry too. I became invested in these characters and their story, so if you are a dark romance reader, you might want to add this to your TBR.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC copy.
July 24, 2026
Thank you to the author for the advance readers copy
Well damn! This book will leave you yearning for more! Both FMC and MMC are morally grey and both have a traumatic past that they must try to overcome. There’s so much character development done with Esperr and Zyran. There’s sooo much history to both and both are an emotional ticking bomb. The layers of secrets in this story leaves you wanting to peel every single one until all are uncovered. There’s so much emotional and sexual tension in the story. The slow burn is soooo good. The secrets, the emotional/sexual tension, and slow burn gradually increases as you continue to read the story.
I loved that Zyran is a hardcore badass and self assured that he does everything to ensure Esper feels safe, loved, and comfortable with him.
Author Ryan Mundy did not hold back with the ending either. Talk about full circle. She does not hold back with the ending either. Excited about book 3.
Well damn! This book will leave you yearning for more! Both FMC and MMC are morally grey and both have a traumatic past that they must try to overcome. There’s so much character development done with Esperr and Zyran. There’s sooo much history to both and both are an emotional ticking bomb. The layers of secrets in this story leaves you wanting to peel every single one until all are uncovered. There’s so much emotional and sexual tension in the story. The slow burn is soooo good. The secrets, the emotional/sexual tension, and slow burn gradually increases as you continue to read the story.
I loved that Zyran is a hardcore badass and self assured that he does everything to ensure Esper feels safe, loved, and comfortable with him.
Author Ryan Mundy did not hold back with the ending either. Talk about full circle. She does not hold back with the ending either. Excited about book 3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Smut: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Zade and Josh who?! Zyran has officially stolen the crown. He is a stalker-trope lover’s absolute wet dream: protective, an amazing cook, great in bed, and ready to kill for you in the most brutal ways imaginable but also stalk you for over a year but that's just because he loves you right?
This was another incredible slow burn, and when the spicy scenes finally arrived, they had me blushing and squealing. There wasn't a single dull moment in the plot. Everything flowed perfectly, and that massive plot twist at the end that had me screaming!
Esperr’s journey was so different from Sybil's, Tarnished's FMC, and she may not be the same type of badass, but watching her fight through her trauma and battles was just *chef's kiss*.
It looks like we might get Zyran's brother's, Rhys, story next, and I’m already obsessed. Serious question though: where do I sign up to get my own Zyran?
Smut: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Zade and Josh who?! Zyran has officially stolen the crown. He is a stalker-trope lover’s absolute wet dream: protective, an amazing cook, great in bed, and ready to kill for you in the most brutal ways imaginable but also stalk you for over a year but that's just because he loves you right?
This was another incredible slow burn, and when the spicy scenes finally arrived, they had me blushing and squealing. There wasn't a single dull moment in the plot. Everything flowed perfectly, and that massive plot twist at the end that had me screaming!
Esperr’s journey was so different from Sybil's, Tarnished's FMC, and she may not be the same type of badass, but watching her fight through her trauma and battles was just *chef's kiss*.
It looks like we might get Zyran's brother's, Rhys, story next, and I’m already obsessed. Serious question though: where do I sign up to get my own Zyran?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Zyran is absolutely everything! He’s my favorite so far although I have a feeling Rhys will eventually take his spot but until then I’m going to continue swooning over our favorite stalker. Esperr is such a badass in such a different way than Sybil but I can see them being besties. The emotions in this book between two broken people over different things yet everything they feel and experience is so similar despite the differences however big or small they are. They mend the things that other people broke and the love the things that they cannot control due to their own minds being the enemies. I cannot wait to see what/whose book is next!
Side character mention: Oliver..he needs a book or something cause who beat him up? Why was he acting weird? What’s his story? I love his love for esperr!
Side character mention: Oliver..he needs a book or something cause who beat him up? Why was he acting weird? What’s his story? I love his love for esperr!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Esperr and Zyran are EVERYTHING!!!! Their automatic soul connection pulls you in from the beginning and leaves you craving (😉) more. I absolutely loved how patient they were with each other and just knew what each other needed based off of their own personal struggles, and their personalities were 1000/10. I was able to feel a relatable connection with Esperr with her amazing personality, humor, smart mouth, and refusal to shut her mouth when it might have been the better option.
This book, like the first in the series will forever be a recommendation!!
Also the freaking spice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book, like the first in the series will forever be a recommendation!!
Also the freaking spice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so awesome I read it in one sitting it was super engaging the characters the story all blended together perfectly. I loved that we got to dive in more depth with this story into the characters. You really need to read book one first before reading this book. I highly recommend reading the TW List. This story is engaging and had me hooked before the end of chapter one. Thank you for letting me into your world and ARC Read this awesome book these are my own words and thoughts on this book
Review of advance copy
Wow what a ride this book was sooo good and thank you for writing on the serious topic that was in this book was well it was so refreshing and the spice 🥵 oh yessss mam you didn't disappoint the ending was bittersweet the freedom Esperr gotten was amazing she didn't have to run anymore and Zyran was her home 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg that was such a good book! Listen, Tarnished was good…but Esperr and Zyran were EVERYTHING!! That ending when Esperr was like ‘I’m not backing down’ dude so freaking good!! I can’t wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced copy received
This books was amazing, very well written got me hooked on the story , number one did the same. Thank you to the author for letting me read the ARC
This books was amazing, very well written got me hooked on the story , number one did the same. Thank you to the author for letting me read the ARC
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews