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Sevyn
Born into rival drug cartels, Kevyn Zozlov and his best friend Esperanza Torres defy the odds, finding laughter in a world full of pain. Ripped away from her at a young age, Kevyn has to learn the difference between family, loyalty, and obedience. Fear keeps him focused each day. Memories fill his dreams at night. Torn between the death he sees daily and what he believes is right, he struggles to decide the kind of man he wants to be—until a promise he makes to his mother, the person he loves more than anyone, changes everything.
“Get out of here and find Esperanza. Promise me.”
Now, Kevyn has to figure out how to make his way to the only friend he ever had—the one person who understands his damaged world. Will she welcome him back with open arms, or turn him away, leaving him more lost than he already is?
With time against him, can he find Esperanza and his happiness, or will he be another casualty of the drug war, buried in an unmarked grave with no one to mourn his loss?
“Get out of here and find Esperanza. Promise me.”
Now, Kevyn has to figure out how to make his way to the only friend he ever had—the one person who understands his damaged world. Will she welcome him back with open arms, or turn him away, leaving him more lost than he already is?
With time against him, can he find Esperanza and his happiness, or will he be another casualty of the drug war, buried in an unmarked grave with no one to mourn his loss?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2021
2 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Renee Dyer
23 books279 followersBorn and raised in New Hampshire, Renee Dyer spent much of her youth hidden under a weeping willow, writing and whispering her stories to its wispy branches. She soon began sharing them with friends and family, and this crazy thing happened: they enjoyed them. Entertaining others filled her heart, in the same way, sharing her stories with the willow tree did. Having an audience unlocked her desire to be a writer. Today, she lives that dream and the joy it brings with her husband and sons.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 9, 2017
This is my favourite book by this author so far. It's certainly more darker than the books I've read by her.
This is Kevyn and Esperanzas story. My heart broke for these two characters.
I found this to be a fast paced rollercoaster of a story that had some great twists and turns that had me head in a spin.
If your looking for a well written mafia romance then I'd certainly recommend you read this gem.
This is Kevyn and Esperanzas story. My heart broke for these two characters.
I found this to be a fast paced rollercoaster of a story that had some great twists and turns that had me head in a spin.
If your looking for a well written mafia romance then I'd certainly recommend you read this gem.
March 4, 2017
First, know this is a mob book. So in it is violence, rape, abuse, and lots of cussing. Secondly, this is one of the best, if not the best, one I have read.
Never in a million years would I have seen where this book was going. I will only tell you my opinion of this one because you can read the summary for yourself, but if you like a book with twists and turns and a wild story with an ending that leaves you saying WOW, this is the one! It left me saying it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Never in a million years would I have seen where this book was going. I will only tell you my opinion of this one because you can read the summary for yourself, but if you like a book with twists and turns and a wild story with an ending that leaves you saying WOW, this is the one! It left me saying it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2021
I know that I've barely scratched the surface of Renee Dyer's writing talent, but I can say with certainty that I just didn't know what I was in for when I started reading Sevyn. I have to caution you about the dark themes in the book because there are triggers upon triggers, and even my dark & twisty self had to pause a time or two while experiencing it along with Kevyn. We are in the midst of a brutal mafia/cartel world, and Ms. Dyer stayed true to the brutality of both worlds. There's a lot of brutal darkness, violence, action, betrayal, twists coming in hot, and maybe just maybe some romance when it comes to Kevyn's feelings about Esperanza. Please understand that just because there are families involved, nothing is sacred in most situations. The struggle is read for Kevyn & the we the readers so again, take heed of the warning because it's no joke. Anyway, that's enough out of me, now it's your turn to experience it for yourselves if you're brave enough! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 31, 2017
5 Twisted Stars for Sevyn
First of all, definitely not for the faint of heart. This one is violent and a bit (or more) sadistic at times. It is a war between two cartels. It is not pretty, but it is intense and compelling. I will admit there was a scene or two that brought tears to these jaded eyes. And then there is everything you think you know, offset by what you are supposed to think you know. There are plenty of jaw dropping moments. It is rare that I can say anything shocks me, but I believe a few things in this book managed that status. I devoured it all in one sitting. Sleep? Pfft....who needs sleep when you have a book you can't put down? ;-)
Highly recommended for anyone who thinks they can handle it.
First of all, definitely not for the faint of heart. This one is violent and a bit (or more) sadistic at times. It is a war between two cartels. It is not pretty, but it is intense and compelling. I will admit there was a scene or two that brought tears to these jaded eyes. And then there is everything you think you know, offset by what you are supposed to think you know. There are plenty of jaw dropping moments. It is rare that I can say anything shocks me, but I believe a few things in this book managed that status. I devoured it all in one sitting. Sleep? Pfft....who needs sleep when you have a book you can't put down? ;-)
Highly recommended for anyone who thinks they can handle it.
May 27, 2017
This book was amazing. I just loved Kevyn. He's one tough guy. He's been through a lot. Being born into a mob family isn't something everyone wants as they get older. Some just want a normal life. Will Kevyn ever have a normal life.
September 7, 2021
Okayyy WOW!
If you are a follower of Renee, more than likely you have read this book before the new release. I enjoyed reading again, but.....Marty, why mess with something already perfect? LOL. I love HEA's and this book has one. However to please the Amazing Marty (not sarcasm) he is wonderful, there is an alternate ending. I have mixed emotions, hasn't Kevyn been through enough? Holy Wow, the stuff this woman comes up with just boggles my brain. Excellent story telling. Complex characters. I highly recommend.
If you are a follower of Renee, more than likely you have read this book before the new release. I enjoyed reading again, but.....Marty, why mess with something already perfect? LOL. I love HEA's and this book has one. However to please the Amazing Marty (not sarcasm) he is wonderful, there is an alternate ending. I have mixed emotions, hasn't Kevyn been through enough? Holy Wow, the stuff this woman comes up with just boggles my brain. Excellent story telling. Complex characters. I highly recommend.
March 15, 2017
Wow! Great read, I was hooked from beginning to end. This is a fast paced read with lots of drama and suspense. Elliott and Deacon have great chemistry and the story very entertaining. I loved it!
June 10, 2017
If you have a list of must read books this has to go on it!!! I would definitely say on my top five booklist. I will be looking this author up and checking out her other books. Kevyn's character was amazing.. let me tell you that I thought I new how it was going to end and saw I was only 80% done. Omg is all I can say and not ruin your reading experience.
February 21, 2018
Holy hell!!!!!
This book rocked me! I thought I had it, knowing it all. Boy was I wrong!! The dark I expected it’s a mafia romance, but the hellacious plot twist I dint NOT see!! I know I will never forget the story of “Ghost” Renee this was just way beyond an awesome read. Thank you for creating & sharing the story of Sevyn!!
This book rocked me! I thought I had it, knowing it all. Boy was I wrong!! The dark I expected it’s a mafia romance, but the hellacious plot twist I dint NOT see!! I know I will never forget the story of “Ghost” Renee this was just way beyond an awesome read. Thank you for creating & sharing the story of Sevyn!!
January 20, 2018
A dark twisted read and I loved every bit of it.I couldn't get enough of it and by the end I was in complete shock at what I was reading,it was freaking awesome.I did not see that end coming. Five Stars that are killing it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 11, 2017
Who hasn’t tried a dark romance, occasionally? MC, mafia, drug cartel, you name it. They all have a forbidden romance between two lovers from opposites side of town, action, tragedies and and a sweet HEA. That isn’t new, we have all read and heard about it one way or another. Nevertheless, what Sevyn doesn’t fall in cliché at all. I was expecting it to be like other mafia romance books I have read because, honestly, this is the first time I have read any book of Renee Dyer. I had no idea what to expect so I thought I would play it safe and hope for a nice and entertaining story. I was never expecting a total page-turner that had me up at 3 a.m. in tears, with my heart broken and confused, and two seconds away from a heart attack. This is a book I will never forget, yeah it was that good. It reminded me to expect the unexpected. I will most certainly be on the lookout for more novels from Dyer!
Sevyn tells the story of Kevin, a prodigy child from a Mexican cartel that has a cruel Russian father and a sweet and gentle Mexican mother. His only escape from the hate and cruelty of his father was the time he spent with his best friend Esperanza. I am not a fan of a friend to lovers but, I must confess, that the scene when these two fall in love totally stole my heart away. I do believe the author has talent for writing emotional scenes, I found a lot in the book and they are what, in my opinion, makes the book a page-turner.
The poor boy believes to be cursed by the number 7 because horrible things happen when it is involved. He was born at 7 months and almost didn’t make it, his heart stopped 7 times before he was born, he broke 7 bones by the time he has 7 years old and when he turned 7, he lost everyone he loved. Yeah, I can see a pattern there.
What I loved the most about this book was that it was full of twists. There were times when I felt I knew the guy as well as the palm of my hand, but he will prove me wrong again and again. I saw as much kindness and cruelty in him and I just couldn’t and didn’t want to see the latter. It truly broke my heart to see how twisted life turned him to help him survive. I saw the dark side of his true love and the even darker side of those monsters that kept tormenting them. I also saw light in those monsters and, to be honest, even made me understand them a little. It is always confusing when you see a spark of humanity on someone you thought lacked it. I started to care for some of those cruel people because I became so familiar with them. I could truly feel the turmoil in Kevyn’s heart and how he judged by the Mexican and Russian cartels for feeling something besides pure hate for the rival crime organization. It is a miracle the guy survived and sometimes I wonder if he truly did.
This is not your average mafia romance novel. It is full of mysterious and twisted plots that will make your heart ache and wonder if there is any goodness in this world at all. It has a HEA, but it is probably to the fairy tale kind of one some wish to see. Therefore, be prepare for it and the whole novel. I assure you that once you start it, like it or not, you won’t be able to put it down.
Reviewer of Romance Authors That Rock
5 <3
Sevyn tells the story of Kevin, a prodigy child from a Mexican cartel that has a cruel Russian father and a sweet and gentle Mexican mother. His only escape from the hate and cruelty of his father was the time he spent with his best friend Esperanza. I am not a fan of a friend to lovers but, I must confess, that the scene when these two fall in love totally stole my heart away. I do believe the author has talent for writing emotional scenes, I found a lot in the book and they are what, in my opinion, makes the book a page-turner.
The poor boy believes to be cursed by the number 7 because horrible things happen when it is involved. He was born at 7 months and almost didn’t make it, his heart stopped 7 times before he was born, he broke 7 bones by the time he has 7 years old and when he turned 7, he lost everyone he loved. Yeah, I can see a pattern there.
What I loved the most about this book was that it was full of twists. There were times when I felt I knew the guy as well as the palm of my hand, but he will prove me wrong again and again. I saw as much kindness and cruelty in him and I just couldn’t and didn’t want to see the latter. It truly broke my heart to see how twisted life turned him to help him survive. I saw the dark side of his true love and the even darker side of those monsters that kept tormenting them. I also saw light in those monsters and, to be honest, even made me understand them a little. It is always confusing when you see a spark of humanity on someone you thought lacked it. I started to care for some of those cruel people because I became so familiar with them. I could truly feel the turmoil in Kevyn’s heart and how he judged by the Mexican and Russian cartels for feeling something besides pure hate for the rival crime organization. It is a miracle the guy survived and sometimes I wonder if he truly did.
This is not your average mafia romance novel. It is full of mysterious and twisted plots that will make your heart ache and wonder if there is any goodness in this world at all. It has a HEA, but it is probably to the fairy tale kind of one some wish to see. Therefore, be prepare for it and the whole novel. I assure you that once you start it, like it or not, you won’t be able to put it down.
Reviewer of Romance Authors That Rock
5 <3
June 7, 2017
I’m about to save you some time, my fellow mafia romance book-loving friends. There simply is no reason for me to draw this review out. All you need to know is though the synopsis showed great potential, the delivery of the story itself clearly did not work for me.
I’ll leave you with only one major reason why, because, honestly, it says it all. The singy songy writing, which occurred even during OTT violent scenes, wasn’t enjoyable to me. Need an example? Early on, Kevyn, the hero, is describing how his mother was brutally murdered, and it felt like it was scripted in more of a fairy tale fashion than a realistic, mafia read. “Go find Esperanza, and she’ll bring you great happiness” was the oracle type dying mama message given to Kevyn when he was just a kid himself. Now that I think about it, Esperanza (the heroine’s name) kind of sounds like Rapunzel. OK, that may seem a stretch of the imagination, but, again, that thought likely came to mind because the writing style did not match the scenes.
Here’s to hoping it’s just me, folks. I very seldom do not finish a NetGalley ARC, but, this time around I just couldn’t force myself to do it.
Title: Sevyn, Author: Renee Dyer, mafia romance, ARC review, did not want to finish, did not like the writing style, dark theme.
(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
I’ll leave you with only one major reason why, because, honestly, it says it all. The singy songy writing, which occurred even during OTT violent scenes, wasn’t enjoyable to me. Need an example? Early on, Kevyn, the hero, is describing how his mother was brutally murdered, and it felt like it was scripted in more of a fairy tale fashion than a realistic, mafia read. “Go find Esperanza, and she’ll bring you great happiness” was the oracle type dying mama message given to Kevyn when he was just a kid himself. Now that I think about it, Esperanza (the heroine’s name) kind of sounds like Rapunzel. OK, that may seem a stretch of the imagination, but, again, that thought likely came to mind because the writing style did not match the scenes.
Here’s to hoping it’s just me, folks. I very seldom do not finish a NetGalley ARC, but, this time around I just couldn’t force myself to do it.
Title: Sevyn, Author: Renee Dyer, mafia romance, ARC review, did not want to finish, did not like the writing style, dark theme.
(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
May 31, 2017
I discovered Renee when she published her first book and was blown away. When I heard she was writing something completely different from her other books, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. This book did not disappoint! The plot was so titillating that I couldn't put it down. My emotions were completely run through the mud. At one point I was so angry, at another so happy, and at one point completely pissed that I almost threw my kindle at the wall (don't worry it's safe), to crying and then back to happy. This book was seriously this good.
For those who are a fan of her Broken Hearts series, this is nothing like that. I thought she went dark with Grant's book, but I was so wrong. This book is darker. This book is a mafia romance and doesn't skimp on the view of the mafia whatsoever. There is rape, murder, violence, and every nasty thing you can think of dealing with the mafia. However, there is an undertone of light. Not light in the essence of happy and serene but the kind of light that can only be brought by a character that has not embraced the darkness yet. That character is Esperanza. Esperanza is Kevyn's light at the end of a completely messed up and twisted dark tunnel. The ending of this book was something I couldn't even see coming.
A serious 1-click for sure. Just be prepared for the ride you're apart to take.
For those who are a fan of her Broken Hearts series, this is nothing like that. I thought she went dark with Grant's book, but I was so wrong. This book is darker. This book is a mafia romance and doesn't skimp on the view of the mafia whatsoever. There is rape, murder, violence, and every nasty thing you can think of dealing with the mafia. However, there is an undertone of light. Not light in the essence of happy and serene but the kind of light that can only be brought by a character that has not embraced the darkness yet. That character is Esperanza. Esperanza is Kevyn's light at the end of a completely messed up and twisted dark tunnel. The ending of this book was something I couldn't even see coming.
A serious 1-click for sure. Just be prepared for the ride you're apart to take.
May 15, 2017
No Spoilers! What a horrific and sad story with a terrific twist at the end. I never saw it coming. Kevyn aka - Maxim felt he was cursed because he was the 7th linked to a family name. Throughout the story most everything that had to do with the number seven becomes his curse. This was a book I could not put down. I could not stop reading because I had to find out why things happened and what else would happen to Kevyn. I also just had to know what happened between him and Esperanza and whether they end up together or not. I was given an ARC copy from another Author friend and I loved it so much I had to review it. I was not compensated in any way for this review.
January 12, 2020
This story is one that will have you gripped to the pages from the very beginning. The words will weave their way under your skin and leave you transfixed and unable to move away from the story until it has completely unfolded. Kevyn’s story will have you making assumptions, broken hearted and at times unsure what is the truth and who to trust. As your world implodes at times from the heartache one man can suffer and endure, their might just be a ghost of a chance of happiness. This is a story that will take you into the depths of darkness and have you captivated by the glimmer of light that you will feel illuminating the corners that might just rescue your heart.
May 15, 2017
I've followed Renee's writing for a few years now, and while she touched on a little darkness in one of her previous books, I've never seen her hit this dark.
And it's amazing!
The story of Kevyn, and the lost love of his life Esperanza was heartwrenching and emotional. Seeing his fight for his mother, for himself and his love is amazing. There's only so much I can say without spoiling anything, but you want to grab this one and hold on tight!!
And it's amazing!
The story of Kevyn, and the lost love of his life Esperanza was heartwrenching and emotional. Seeing his fight for his mother, for himself and his love is amazing. There's only so much I can say without spoiling anything, but you want to grab this one and hold on tight!!
August 8, 2021
So very interesting! Plenty of twists, angst, at the turn of almost every page!
I read the blurb, and said, I must. I also love discovering new authors and Ms. Dyer was that! Not any more. I will definitely be checking out her other work.
I enjoyed the characters, and I do enjoy mafia romance, so this fit nicely.
Love the name play! Sevyn - Kevyn!!!! You'll need to read to discover why the title was not Kevyn! It was not a typo! LOL
I read the blurb, and said, I must. I also love discovering new authors and Ms. Dyer was that! Not any more. I will definitely be checking out her other work.
I enjoyed the characters, and I do enjoy mafia romance, so this fit nicely.
Love the name play! Sevyn - Kevyn!!!! You'll need to read to discover why the title was not Kevyn! It was not a typo! LOL
May 15, 2017
Wow, this book is amazing. The twist and turns that kept happening were like riding a roller coaster. This is a dark book but I really enjoyed it, I don't normally read books this dark. Just when I thought I had things figured out, boom, I was wrong. This book had me captivated from start to finish. Definitely not the type of book I expected from Renee Dyer but I loved it.
August 19, 2021
Renee Dyer has mastered dark and twisty with Sevyn. This book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. Parts of the story gutted me and I had to use quite a few tissues. That being said I absolutely loved this book. The author’s imagination and story telling are impeccable. Her imagination is both impressive and a little scary. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
August 22, 2021
I liked this one. It's different from other books I read by the author. It's a mafia romance and covers some dark themes. When I first started reading I was a little confused because I thought the main character would be named Sevyn not Kevyn but I figured it out. Kevyn and Esperanza are great characters. This one was a good read with some twists.
January 13, 2018
Honestly my favorite book. If you like a great story line that is unpredictable, you'll love Sevyn.
May 17, 2017
This is a dark book. There's brutal scenes, mob hits, drugs and lots of crime. That being said it's powerfully written. The author will bring out your emotions on just about every page. I honestly couldn't put this book down. It was a fast read despite the underlying sadness of both Kevyn and Esperanza.
Childhood friends of rival drug cartels, Kevyn Zozlov and Esperanza Torres are torn apart by their families and even though they are now grown up they still feel they are missing from each other. Can they get back together without causing more violence? Will they finally find happiness each deserve?
Childhood friends of rival drug cartels, Kevyn Zozlov and Esperanza Torres are torn apart by their families and even though they are now grown up they still feel they are missing from each other. Can they get back together without causing more violence? Will they finally find happiness each deserve?
January 7, 2018
I know that not everyone has a piece of twisted in their soul, so I must leave this warning: Sevyn may have scenes that some can't handle. There is violence, a bit of craziness, some mystery, but at the heart of it all is love - wrapped in pain and redemption.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews