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Runaway Heart: A Dark Brother's Best Friend Romance
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 26, 2026
Sometimes,i like to take a chance on a new author.
Especially when the excerpt i read draws me in.
Ren A Sykes’ Runaway Heart did exactly that,and i’m glad i took that chance.
Because the story not only drew me in from the start,it kept me fully engaged until i finished.
The characters were likeable and relatable,and the surroundings were done well.
The smut was delicious,the emotions palpable,and the storyline engaging.
Both Clover and Beckett had a troubled past that made them who they are now.
Clover because she was only seen as the perfect girl that followed the rules,listened to her parents,and if it was up to her older brother,would never date.
Nobody ever asked her what she liked,or hated,they all simply assumed they knew.
With a childhood like that,it was only natural she felt suffocated….and ended up living a secret life that was nowhere near the picture they had of her at home.
Beckett’s parents divorced when he was young,and his not having one maternal bone in her body mother moved away to France,while his father started a new family with his second wife.
Since the only thing he got from his father was negative comments,Beckett was glad to leave the house that wasn’t a home at age 15.
He may have been working in the darker side of business,but he was planning to leave that behind him.
And when Clover came back into his life,he knew this was the final push to go legit.
And now Clover was back and taking over the family business,Lakewood Diner.
While she enjoyed being there,the pressure to make it work still weighed…..
And so,after she’d been talking to a Dom on Discretion,a kinky dating app for the last month,she was ready to meet him.
Only to find out that daddydom17 was her one of brother’s best friends called Beckett,the same one that she’d hated at the time.
And now he knew exactly what she liked…..worse,he was going to use it against her.
If that was her only problem,she might find a way to deal with it….but worse was coming,her past was about to catch up with her!
As debut stories go,like i said,this was a good one.
So good,i think i’m going to keep an eye out for this author.
Especially when the excerpt i read draws me in.
Ren A Sykes’ Runaway Heart did exactly that,and i’m glad i took that chance.
Because the story not only drew me in from the start,it kept me fully engaged until i finished.
The characters were likeable and relatable,and the surroundings were done well.
The smut was delicious,the emotions palpable,and the storyline engaging.
Both Clover and Beckett had a troubled past that made them who they are now.
Clover because she was only seen as the perfect girl that followed the rules,listened to her parents,and if it was up to her older brother,would never date.
Nobody ever asked her what she liked,or hated,they all simply assumed they knew.
With a childhood like that,it was only natural she felt suffocated….and ended up living a secret life that was nowhere near the picture they had of her at home.
Beckett’s parents divorced when he was young,and his not having one maternal bone in her body mother moved away to France,while his father started a new family with his second wife.
Since the only thing he got from his father was negative comments,Beckett was glad to leave the house that wasn’t a home at age 15.
He may have been working in the darker side of business,but he was planning to leave that behind him.
And when Clover came back into his life,he knew this was the final push to go legit.
And now Clover was back and taking over the family business,Lakewood Diner.
While she enjoyed being there,the pressure to make it work still weighed…..
And so,after she’d been talking to a Dom on Discretion,a kinky dating app for the last month,she was ready to meet him.
Only to find out that daddydom17 was her one of brother’s best friends called Beckett,the same one that she’d hated at the time.
And now he knew exactly what she liked…..worse,he was going to use it against her.
If that was her only problem,she might find a way to deal with it….but worse was coming,her past was about to catch up with her!
As debut stories go,like i said,this was a good one.
So good,i think i’m going to keep an eye out for this author.
May 22, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I fell in love with this book and these characters. I will say it’s heavy on the trigger warnings and to take them seriously because it’s a very kinky and very dark book. It’s very heavy on the Dom/Sub kink so just be prepared with that because I didn’t read the trigger warnings and was smacked in the face with how their dynamic was. Nothing really gets to me so I’m okay with not reading trigger warnings but I definitely recommend it for this one.
I loved the emotional story and how quickly I connected with the characters. Especially with the FMC and what she went through and how her family treated her and having a hard time with her relationship with her older brother after some things come out. Having to act differently in front of your family because they don’t listen or see you for you who actually are and you’re scared of upsetting them. The trauma she goes through shapes who she is and I love that he is there for in ways that make sense to them. Their initial meeting I was dying because I know I would hate to be meeting up with someone and get there and it’s someone I never wanted to run into but they already know so much about me from us talking on an app. He’s her brother’s best friend and it’s been 10 years since she was home and since they’ve seen each other, so they’re completely different people now. She was always the good kid growing up and never got into trouble, or so they all thought. She did a good job putting up a front so when she runs into Beckett and she’s completely different it throws him through a loop. They have a lot more in common than he originally thought and he’s also been hiding some things about who he is and damn do the puzzle pieces fit perfectly together for who they are and their compatibility.
I fell in love with this book and these characters. I will say it’s heavy on the trigger warnings and to take them seriously because it’s a very kinky and very dark book. It’s very heavy on the Dom/Sub kink so just be prepared with that because I didn’t read the trigger warnings and was smacked in the face with how their dynamic was. Nothing really gets to me so I’m okay with not reading trigger warnings but I definitely recommend it for this one.
I loved the emotional story and how quickly I connected with the characters. Especially with the FMC and what she went through and how her family treated her and having a hard time with her relationship with her older brother after some things come out. Having to act differently in front of your family because they don’t listen or see you for you who actually are and you’re scared of upsetting them. The trauma she goes through shapes who she is and I love that he is there for in ways that make sense to them. Their initial meeting I was dying because I know I would hate to be meeting up with someone and get there and it’s someone I never wanted to run into but they already know so much about me from us talking on an app. He’s her brother’s best friend and it’s been 10 years since she was home and since they’ve seen each other, so they’re completely different people now. She was always the good kid growing up and never got into trouble, or so they all thought. She did a good job putting up a front so when she runs into Beckett and she’s completely different it throws him through a loop. They have a lot more in common than he originally thought and he’s also been hiding some things about who he is and damn do the puzzle pieces fit perfectly together for who they are and their compatibility.
May 20, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from Author
This book had me kicking my feet one minute and clutching my pearls the next like they owed me money. Clover and Beckett’s chemistry? Nuclear. Radioactive. The kind that crackles through the pages and leaves your Kindle looking suspiciously overheated.
Clover was such a fantastic FMC. She’s stubborn, emotional, curious, and trying so hard not to fall for the one man who already knows every hidden corner of her mind. Watching her battle between resistance and surrender felt deliciously messy in the best way. You could feel her unraveling thread by thread, and honestly? I was cheering while the fabric burned.
And Beckett… whew. This man is weaponized tension wrapped in dominance and smug confidence. The online anonymity twist made every interaction feel sharper because once the masks dropped, the emotional stakes skyrocketed. The push-and-pull between them was absolute torture candy. Every conversation felt like a dare. Every touch felt loaded.
The spice? Top shelf. Silk gloves over a live wire. Possessive, intense, emotionally charged, and written with enough tension to make you pause and stare at the wall for a second before continuing.
What I loved most was that underneath all the heat, there was vulnerability. Both characters were exposing pieces of themselves they never intended to hand over, and that emotional intimacy made the romance hit even harder.
If you love:
* Brother’s best friend
* Enemies-to-lovers energy
* Secret online connection
* Dominant MMC
* “I shouldn’t want you but I absolutely do”
* Emotional spice with sharp teeth
…then this book is basically a trapdoor straight into obsession. And I happily fell through it.
This book had me kicking my feet one minute and clutching my pearls the next like they owed me money. Clover and Beckett’s chemistry? Nuclear. Radioactive. The kind that crackles through the pages and leaves your Kindle looking suspiciously overheated.
Clover was such a fantastic FMC. She’s stubborn, emotional, curious, and trying so hard not to fall for the one man who already knows every hidden corner of her mind. Watching her battle between resistance and surrender felt deliciously messy in the best way. You could feel her unraveling thread by thread, and honestly? I was cheering while the fabric burned.
And Beckett… whew. This man is weaponized tension wrapped in dominance and smug confidence. The online anonymity twist made every interaction feel sharper because once the masks dropped, the emotional stakes skyrocketed. The push-and-pull between them was absolute torture candy. Every conversation felt like a dare. Every touch felt loaded.
The spice? Top shelf. Silk gloves over a live wire. Possessive, intense, emotionally charged, and written with enough tension to make you pause and stare at the wall for a second before continuing.
What I loved most was that underneath all the heat, there was vulnerability. Both characters were exposing pieces of themselves they never intended to hand over, and that emotional intimacy made the romance hit even harder.
If you love:
* Brother’s best friend
* Enemies-to-lovers energy
* Secret online connection
* Dominant MMC
* “I shouldn’t want you but I absolutely do”
* Emotional spice with sharp teeth
…then this book is basically a trapdoor straight into obsession. And I happily fell through it.
May 20, 2026
Read the content warnings carefully. This is not for the faint of heart. The author emphasises the importance of consent and open communication, which is specially important considering the heavy themes of BDSM, degradation & free use lifestyle. You have been warned.
The book tells the story of Beckett and Clover. A brother's best friend trope + dark romance done right. Both of them are very interesting characters. The author has built layers to them making them pop and feel real.
I like their character arcs, their personal demons, their motivations, how they see they navigate the gray side of the world while trying to do right but in their own twisted way. They certainly took me on an emotional ride!
Clover is, rightfully, mistrustful of Beckett. Considering his past, she has every right. And Beckett can't belive the sweet, innocent girl-next-door was always hiding her true dirty self. They feel like each other's soul mates. Two halves of a coin with very sharp jagged edges. I loved how he took care of her after some really intense scenes and became her anchor in a chaotic, unreliable world. And how he had her back when it mattered. And how he punished her when she stepped out of line! 🥵
While there is limited POV from Beckett's side, it gave the much needed balance to the book. The author pulls you in their relationship and makes you care about them while pulling all the right heartstrings. The sex scenes are imaginative and hot.
I will definitely be reading the next book from this author. Can't wait for Julian, Marcus and Krissy's book next.
Note: I got an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
The book tells the story of Beckett and Clover. A brother's best friend trope + dark romance done right. Both of them are very interesting characters. The author has built layers to them making them pop and feel real.
I like their character arcs, their personal demons, their motivations, how they see they navigate the gray side of the world while trying to do right but in their own twisted way. They certainly took me on an emotional ride!
Clover is, rightfully, mistrustful of Beckett. Considering his past, she has every right. And Beckett can't belive the sweet, innocent girl-next-door was always hiding her true dirty self. They feel like each other's soul mates. Two halves of a coin with very sharp jagged edges. I loved how he took care of her after some really intense scenes and became her anchor in a chaotic, unreliable world. And how he had her back when it mattered. And how he punished her when she stepped out of line! 🥵
While there is limited POV from Beckett's side, it gave the much needed balance to the book. The author pulls you in their relationship and makes you care about them while pulling all the right heartstrings. The sex scenes are imaginative and hot.
I will definitely be reading the next book from this author. Can't wait for Julian, Marcus and Krissy's book next.
Note: I got an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
May 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Ren for an ARC!
I absolutely adored Beckett and Clover! Perceived as her brother’s innocent little sister all her life, Clover forced herself to fit into the mold her family wished for her to fill. Little did everyone know, she was never innocent. Add in her brother’s best friend and the hometown bad boy, Beckett, and it was the recipe for a crazy whirlwind of a romance. Clover was a strong, determined, and resilient FMC. Beckett was brooding and obsessed with Clover despite his friendship with her brother, which put a strain on their relationship. I loved Beckett and Clover‘s relationship and its many different facets. And the spice? Top freaking tier! I was fanning myself over the spicy scenes between the pair. Overall, I would highly recommend picking this one up!
*Check TWs if needed.*
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you to Ren for an ARC!
I absolutely adored Beckett and Clover! Perceived as her brother’s innocent little sister all her life, Clover forced herself to fit into the mold her family wished for her to fill. Little did everyone know, she was never innocent. Add in her brother’s best friend and the hometown bad boy, Beckett, and it was the recipe for a crazy whirlwind of a romance. Clover was a strong, determined, and resilient FMC. Beckett was brooding and obsessed with Clover despite his friendship with her brother, which put a strain on their relationship. I loved Beckett and Clover‘s relationship and its many different facets. And the spice? Top freaking tier! I was fanning myself over the spicy scenes between the pair. Overall, I would highly recommend picking this one up!
*Check TWs if needed.*
May 20, 2026
Runaway Heart is an intense dark brother’s best friend romance that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The story is filled with emotional tension, forbidden attraction, possessiveness, and suspense that make the relationship between the characters both toxic and addictive. The chemistry between the main leads is powerful, and the emotional depth adds even more intensity to the story.
The book does a great job balancing romance with darker themes, creating a thrilling and emotional reading experience. If you enjoy morally grey characters, protective male leads, and dramatic love stories with lots of tension, Runaway Heart is definitely worth reading.
The book does a great job balancing romance with darker themes, creating a thrilling and emotional reading experience. If you enjoy morally grey characters, protective male leads, and dramatic love stories with lots of tension, Runaway Heart is definitely worth reading.
May 22, 2026
Only 4 stars because this was much more intense than I’m used to. It was a good love story but the violence and level of bdsm was a tad higher then my norm.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The connection between the two main characters was heavy and undeniable! Tears were shed for this one also! Along with laughs, I enjoyed the read!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The connection between the two main characters was heavy and undeniable! Tears were shed for this one also! Along with laughs, I enjoyed the read!!
May 22, 2026
It was such an amazing book. I am so happy I got to read the arc, it is full of action, love , and dont forget spice. They are a match made in hell and I am in love. I did how ever hate her brother, i know he is not so bad but he can get a bit infuriated the way he is with his sister.
The book had me laughing, and on my toes at all times I cant wait to read more. I truly need more.
The book had me laughing, and on my toes at all times I cant wait to read more. I truly need more.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed reading Runaway Heart by Ren A. Skyes. The stiry is very emotional and explores love, loss and the struggle with dealing with ones past.
The characters feel real and flawed in a very relatable way, wich made it easy to connect to the story.
I especially liked how the emotional depht of the story was emphasized through their inner conflicts and fears.
The story holds a strong tension throughout the book, wich keeps the reader engaged and invested.
Overall it is a great story with emotional depth and a touching message about love and healing.
I would recommend the book to everyone who enjoy emotional, character-driven romances and feel comfortable reading stories that deal with heavier themes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters feel real and flawed in a very relatable way, wich made it easy to connect to the story.
I especially liked how the emotional depht of the story was emphasized through their inner conflicts and fears.
The story holds a strong tension throughout the book, wich keeps the reader engaged and invested.
Overall it is a great story with emotional depth and a touching message about love and healing.
I would recommend the book to everyone who enjoy emotional, character-driven romances and feel comfortable reading stories that deal with heavier themes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
What a kinky ride
I devoured this book, it was so much fun. I just wished the book was three books in stead of one, because I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and there was enough material to more than just one book!
This book is for you if you like:
- kinks (many different)
- grey and unhinged MCs
- fast paced book
If there is kinks you do not like, please check the trigger warnings, because this book may not be for you, although most of the taboo kinks are only there for one chapter, so they are easily skipped. 😝
Please enjoy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I devoured this book, it was so much fun. I just wished the book was three books in stead of one, because I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and there was enough material to more than just one book!
This book is for you if you like:
- kinks (many different)
- grey and unhinged MCs
- fast paced book
If there is kinks you do not like, please check the trigger warnings, because this book may not be for you, although most of the taboo kinks are only there for one chapter, so they are easily skipped. 😝
Please enjoy!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Best book I've read in forever. Great plot, lovable(and not so) characters, beautiful writing style, and wonderfully written scenes. 1,000/10. Can't wait to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Runaway Heart written by Ren A Syke is a great dark romance book. It had a nice combination of plot and smut. I can’t wait to read her next book and follow the series! Received an advance copy, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Runaway Heart: A Dark Brother's Best Friend Romance" is the perfect mix of steamy adult kink and storytelling. The evolution of the characters and dynamics are thoughtful, add depth to the plot, and leave the reader wanting more. The plot twists keep the reader invested, and the story exciting. This story has the potential to turn into a series, with this book as the first. I look forward to the next installments!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews