Eyes on You
A Dark Mafia Romance: Forced Proximity with Romantic Suspense
by Evie James
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Pub Date Aug 26 2025 | Archive Date Aug 31 2026
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Description
A dark mafia romance that moves from the bright lights of Broadway to the brutal underworld of Manhattan mafia. Perfect for fans of Rina Kent, Michelle Heard, L.J. Shen, and Jill Ramsower, Eyes on You is a high-heat, forced proximity standalone featuring a possessive "touch her and die" anti-hero and the woman he’ll destroy the city to protect.
Lyla
In this city, I’m an easy target…
I came to Manhattan chasing Broadway dreams. Now I dance in a club to pay the rent.
House rules are simple: dance, smile, don’t speak. What the fine print hides: I’m up for auction.
Tonight, the crowd pays to watch me move. Tomorrow they’ll pay to own me. My choices? Be sold by a butcher—or be taken by the man eyeing me from the corner.
The devil in a tailored suit is quiet, cold, and obscenely handsome—scrutinizing me like a problem he intends to solve.
Turns out he’s Nikolai Volkov—newly crowned Russian mafia king. In his world, power isn’t a choice. Neither is loyalty.
Where others see prey, he sees something worth protecting. And once his eyes find me…they never leave.
He becomes my silent shadow.
Watching. Studying. Stalking.
Until watching isn’t enough.
When the bullets fly and I think it’s all over, he speaks my name like a vow. Suddenly I’m safe from everyone but him.
He tells me protection has a price and sets it high: my freedom, my name, my complete surrender.
He doesn’t seduce—he commands. One word and my pulse obeys. One touch and my knees do.
But I refuse to lose everything I’ve worked for…my dreams.
So I run…
Eyes on You is the explosive first installment in the Sin Syndicate series of standalone dark mafia romances with all the stalker, forced proximity, and possessive vibes. She’s a smart, sassy dreamer who won’t break; he’s a cold, wolfishly handsome king with touch-her-and-die energy who falls first and hard. You’ll get high heat, high stakes, in a brutal underworld with dark themes, violent retribution, and scorched-earth love.
No cliffhanger. HEA guaranteed.
What you can expect from Eyes on You:
Forced Proximity
Stalker
Opposites Attract
Virgin
He falls first
Possessive and Obsessive
Protective Rage
Vigilante Justice
Alpha Male
Touch Her and Die
Romantic Suspense
Dark Romance
A Note From the Publisher
The novel contains mature themes, including violence, organized crime, and explicit consensual intimacy. A full content notice is available at EvieJames.com.
Advance Praise
Evie James has an expertise for capturing the high-stakes tension of forced proximity, and Eyes on You is no exception. At its core, the novel explores the “forced proximity” and “slow burn” tropes with a refreshing level of maturity. Unlike many contemporary romances that rely on miscommunication to drive the plot, James leans into the psychological weight of being seen…both the comfort and the vulnerability that comes with it.
Evie James has carved out a specific hollow in the contemporary romance world. One defined by high-voltage tension and characters who feel like people you’ve actually met. With Eyes on You, she moves beyond the standard beats of the genre to explore the concept of visibility.
The storyline tension is built on the silent communication between the leads. Evie James utilizes the “male gaze” in a way that feels empowering rather than objectifying. When the hero looks at the heroine, he isn’t just cataloging her beauty; he is observing her habits, her hesitations, and her unspoken needs. This creates a psychological intimacy that makes the eventual physical payoff feel like an explosion of relief.
The setting acts almost as a third character. Whether it’s the claustrophobia of a shared workspace or the sprawling loneliness of the city, Evie James uses the environment to mirror the characters’ internal states.
Ultimately, the book asks a difficult question: Are you brave enough to be seen? This read explores the fear that comes with being truly understood by another person. The title, Eyes on You, serves as a double-edged sword, it is both the ultimate romantic fantasy and the ultimate vulnerability.
My Final Thoughts:
Imagine a slow burn so intense you’re practically holding your breath with every page turn. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a masterclass in the “staring” trope. You know that feeling when someone looks at you and it feels like they’re reading your soul? Yeah, Evie James bottled that feeling and put it in a book.
— Skye K., Amazon Reviewer
“This isn’t just another mafia romance, it’s an intoxicating blend of obsession, danger, and unexpected tenderness that gripped me from beginning to end.”
— Kinjal, Amazon Reviewer
“I was locked in from the first page and held captive (in the best way) through the whole dang thing!”
— RUINANDREVIEW, Amazon Reviewer
“This is the first book all year that finally satisfied my craving...The plot is great. The characters have depth and intellect.”
— Kristen McColey, Amazon Reviewer
“The storytelling is so detailed you feel like you are in the story and walking the streets with them...The personalities of the MMC and FMC are very well developed and honestly believable.”
— Marquex, Amazon Reviewer
“Evie James knows how to spin a good story and interweaves current-day events to help make it believable.”
— ARR.READSBOOKS, Amazon Reviewer
“This one gave me all the feels.”
— Mrs Reads Between The Lines, Amazon Reviewer
Marketing Plan
This title will be supported by a coordinated launch campaign including:
• 112-member Street Team ARC distribution
• Active newsletter (600+ subscribers)
• Instagram (15.8K followers) and TikTok (7.6K followers) promotion
• Goodreads and BookBub promotional campaigns
• Professional PR representation
• In-person promotion at Villains & Vixens, Wanderlust, and TN LitCon
• Cross-promotion with previous Sin Syndicate titles to drive series read-through
The book is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited and positioned for series growth in the Mafia Romance and Romantic Suspense categories.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781967669035 |
| PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 599 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 65 members
Featured Reviews
Anna R, Reviewer
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Swoon🫦🫦🫦
LMAO 🤣🤣
Tears 🥹🥹🥹
Banter 😉😉
Mafia Romance / Age Gap / Suspense / Opposites Attract / HEA
Sin Syndicate Series: Book 1 - Lyla Oakley has left Tennessee in pursuit of a career on Broadway. While attending auditions, she is also working two jobs. One is at a coffee shop, and the other is as a pole dancer at a private night club. One morning at the coffee shop, she takes an order from a broody customer who is rude to her, so she sasses him back. Big mistake … we first met Nikolai Volkov in Book Two of the Broken Heroes trilogy. He is Anastasia’s twin brother. He does not like this girl’s sass, but he is also intrigued. Being the king of hackers, he learns all about her and begins stalking her. He doesn’t like that she walks alone at night with no concern for her surroundings. When he learns that the club she dances at is a front for human trafficking and she’s next on the auction block, he steps in to save her. Now the Delgado family is out for revenge. Evie James knows how to spin a good story and interweaves current-day events to help make it believable. If only we had a real Nikolai and team to step in for us.
Reviewer 1711019
I loved this book, I was hooked from the first chapter to the very end! This is the first book I’ve read by Evie James, and it certainly won’t be the last! It does seem to link to previous books and an overarching storyline in the background. I think this can be read as a standalone without the need for reading the previous books without it impacting your grasp of the backstory, enough details are given by the author to follow the plot but not spoil the previous books either.
I loved Nikolai, he was moody, broody, gruff, protective, obsessive, clever and despite claiming the opposite a good guy beneath his tough exterior. Lyla has had a tough few years and comes to the city with stars in her eyes and dreams of being on broadway when she unknowingly takes a job in a gang club and becomes a pawn in their world. She’s sassy, determined and strong willed, and gains Nikolais attention after sassing him at her day job. Nikolai is intrigued and attracted to her and becomes obsessed with unravelling her secrets when he finds out she is at risk his protective instincts go into overdrive, despite him being in denial about his feelings he will do everything in his power to protect her.
The story was very well written and the plot was well planned out and executed. Unlike most stories in the genre, all the drama was not saved and rushed in at the end of the story. The story was a slow build until around halfway through when the drama, action, and spice kicked off and took me on a rollercoaster for the rest of the book! I cannot explain how good this book was! Everyone who likes mafia romance, stalker vibes, possessive, obsessive controlling mmc, touch her and d*e vibes, my king/my queen vibes…. This is a MUST read for you!
I was utterly enthralled with this story and couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read more from this series and this author!
Reviewer 1151578
It takes you straight into a world of danger, obsession, and raw chemistry. The hero is dark, calculating, and way too powerful to ignore but what makes him addictive is how his obsession blurs the line between protector and predator. He’s the kind of man who terrifies everyone else, yet when it comes to her, he can’t stay away. That intensity, paired with the constant sense of threat lurking in the background, keeps the tension wound tight the entire way through.
The heroine, on the other hand, isn’t just some passive figure in his orbit she’s fierce, passionate, and determined to chase her dreams, even when it puts her in risky territory. The clash between her fire and his darkness sparks something magnetic, and it makes every moment between them feel charged. It’s dangerous, it’s addictive, and it delivers exactly the kind of dark romance thrill ride that keeps you glued to the pages.
Skye K, Reviewer
Evie James has an expertise for capturing the high-stakes tension of forced proximity, and Eyes on You is no exception. At its core, the novel explores the "forced proximity" and "slow burn" tropes with a refreshing level of maturity. Unlike many contemporary romances that rely on miscommunication to drive the plot, James leans into the psychological weight of being seen…both the comfort and the vulnerability that comes with it.
Evie James has carved out a specific hollow in the contemporary romance world. One defined by high-voltage tension and characters who feel like people you’ve actually met. With Eyes on You, she moves beyond the standard beats of the genre to explore the concept of visibility.
The storyline tension is built on the silent communication between the leads. Evie James utilizes the "male gaze" in a way that feels empowering rather than objectifying. When the hero looks at the heroine, he isn't just cataloging her beauty; he is observing her habits, her hesitations, and her unspoken needs. This creates a psychological intimacy that makes the eventual physical payoff feel like an explosion of relief.
The setting acts almost as a third character. Whether it’s the claustrophobia of a shared workspace or the sprawling loneliness of the city, Evie James uses the environment to mirror the characters' internal states.
Ultimately, the book asks a difficult question: Are you brave enough to be seen? This read explores the fear that comes with being truly understood by another person. The title, Eyes on You, serves as a double-edged sword, it is both the ultimate romantic fantasy and the ultimate vulnerability.
My Final Thoughts:
Imagine a slow burn so intense you’re practically holding your breath with every page turn. This isn't just a romance; it’s a masterclass in the "staring" trope. You know that feeling when someone looks at you and it feels like they’re reading your soul? Yeah, Evie James bottled that feeling and put it in a book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Lori L, Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Beautiful Love Story in the Middle of the Underworld
Eyes of the Unholy is a mafia romance wrapped in danger and corruption — but at its heart, it is a profoundly emotional love story about healing, protection, and choosing each other in the darkest places.
Yes, there’s the intensity you expect: enemies to lovers tension, forced proximity that crackles with fire, and a vigilante justice plot that exposes a trafficking network woven through political and religious institutions. The stakes are high. The underworld feels real. The danger never fully disappears.
But what stayed with me wasn’t the violence.
It was the tenderness.
Scarlett’s journey from silence and survival to confidence and agency is handled with care. Her trauma is not sensationalized. It’s acknowledged, confronted, and slowly rewritten through trust. Watching her move from guarded and defensive to strong and self-assured felt earned and beautiful.
Lucian is a dark hero in every sense — controlled, lethal, morally gray — yet the way he loves is reverent. He doesn’t try to erase Scarlett’s past. He stands beside it. He protects her fiercely, but he also gives her space to choose, to speak, to heal. That balance is what elevates this from a typical mafia romance to something deeper.
The emotional honesty surprised me. Conversations about therapy, faith, loyalty, and family are woven naturally into the story. Even inside a world built on power and shadows, their relationship feels grounded and authentic.
In the middle of corruption and underworld politics, this story creates something unexpectedly beautiful: a love that feels safe without being soft, intense without being hollow, and protective without being controlling.
If you want a mafia romance that delivers both heat and heart — with real character growth, real consequences, and a love story that shines against the darkness — Eyes of the Unholy is absolutely worth your time.
What To Expect:
- Stalker
- Alpha male
- Opposites Attract
- He falls first
- Possessive/Obsessive
- Protective Rage
- Touch Her and 💀
- Age Gap
- Romantic Suspense
4.5⭐️ so i rounded up
oh. my. god. evie you did it again!! literal chef's kiss
lyla is like literal sunshine but she is also very feisty and i loved her so much. even though this book is a little more intense and dark romance, part of me couldn't help but giggle every time she sould fight nik on anything. it was just so amusing to me 😅
and nik, hot damn, i dont even know where to begin with him. i mean yeah you've got the broody, stalker, hacker and alpha vibes from him but there is also a lot more to him. i never thought i would say this but nik is the kind of stalker you might actually want. am i crazy for saying that, probably 😂🤷🏻♀️. but man was he protective and a little obsessive over lyla and he would do anything for her.
if you have read the broken heroes trilogy then you would have met nik and i have been craving his story. and it really surpassed every expectation i had set in my mind for his possible story while reading the broken heroes series.
5⭐️ 3🌶️
🩷Stalker
🩷Alpha male
🩷She's a Virgin
🩷Opposites Attract a He falls first
🩷Possessive/Obsessive
🩷Protective Rage
🩷Touch Her and Die
🩷Age Gap
🩷Romantic Suspense
He calls her “little lamb”
Eyes on you has a whole new meaning after finishing this book 🥵
Absolute best mafia book I’ve ever read. It had my heart pounding and my mind reeling the entire time. Lyla is a fierce FMC that overcomes everything that’s thrown her way and comes out stronger. Nikolai and his obsession with Lyla was everything. I cannot wait for more Sin Syndicate books!
I just finished this book and am still trying to comprehend everything that happened. I loved all of the world building and the detail in this book! The descriptions let me feel like I was there and gave me a full understanding of every situation that occurred. The pacing almost made me quit at one point, I didn't think that I could take anymore tension, but I am so glad that i held on for it, because the payoff was worth the wait. I loved Nik! He was what kept me reading when i was completely over Lacey's bratty attitude. I'm not going to lie, i really hated the FMC for a good portion of this book, but by the ending, that feeling completely switched. This book set up the scenes so thoroughly, I know that i will be reading the other books in the series.
Reviewer 1776648
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Eyes on You by Evie James!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️3/5
Tropes I loved:
🖤 Russian Mafia
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Protective/Possessive MMC
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Close Proximity
🖤 Stalker Romance
🖤 Suspense
WOW! I didn’t know I needed this book in my life until now.
Nikolai, a Russian mafia king born into power, is determined to stop human trafficking while taking down a rival crime family led by Ciro Delgado, who secretly traffics women through his nightclub. Lyla is a 20-year-old woman who moved to New York for a fresh start and dreams of a Broadway career. She works at a coffee shop by day and dances at Delgado’s club at night, completely unaware that the job is actually part of a trafficking operation preparing to sell her.
Lyla is sassy, strong willed, and hardworking. When she meets Nik at the coffee shop, she has no idea who he really is or the power he holds. Unlike others, she refuses to tolerate his attitude, leaving a lasting impression on him. Once Nik discovers she works at Delgado’s club, protecting her becomes his personal mission, even if that means stalking her in the streets and digitally.
This book had me turning pages nonstop, constantly wondering what would happen next. The romance builds slowly, with the spice picking up about halfway through. and it definitely delivers. I appreciated how the author handled some potentially uncomfortable moments, keeping Nik’s reactions believable while maintaining emotional depth. He also called her "Little Lamb" which had my heart.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Eyes on You by Evie James!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️3/5
Tropes I loved:
🖤 Russian Mafia
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Protective/Possessive MMC
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Close Proximity
🖤 Stalker Romance
🖤 Suspense
WOW! I didn’t know I needed this book in my life until now.
Nikolai, a Russian mafia king born into power, is determined to stop human trafficking while taking down a rival crime family led by Ciro Delgado, who secretly traffics women through his nightclub. Lyla is a 20-year-old woman who moved to New York for a fresh start and dreams of a Broadway career. She works at a coffee shop by day and dances at Delgado’s club at night, completely unaware that the job is actually part of a trafficking operation preparing to sell her.
Lyla is sassy, strong willed, and hardworking. When she meets Nik at the coffee shop, she has no idea who he really is or the power he holds. Unlike others, she refuses to tolerate his attitude, leaving a lasting impression on him. Once Nik discovers she works at Delgado’s club, protecting her becomes his personal mission, even if that means stalking her in the streets and digitally.
This book had me turning pages nonstop, constantly wondering what would happen next. The romance builds slowly, with the spice picking up about halfway through. and it definitely delivers. I appreciated how the author handled some potentially uncomfortable moments, keeping Nik’s reactions believable while maintaining emotional depth. He also called her "Little Lamb" which had my heart.
The characters felt well developed, and the side characters were introduced in a way that made me curious to learn more about them in future books. I expected a bit more backstory regarding Lyla’s family history, but her character depth still felt satisfying. Nik’s background story was well done and it helped explain the man he has become.
I am looking forward to continuing this series!
Nikolai is in the Russian mafia. Lyla is a southern belle from Tennessee coming to NYC to live out her dream of becoming a dancer. She works at a cafe and is an aerialist dancer at a club to make ends meet. What she doesn’t know is that she has caught the attention of not one Mafia but two. What happens when she gets in the middle of a gang turf war?
The Sin Syndicate has standards/ order, they don’t go after women and children. Unlike the other mafia, who go after anyone and everyone. Nik begins to stalk her and as a hacker digs into her live and proceeds to push the boundaries. What happens when all eyes are on Lyla? Will she be able to escape the hands of the mafias or is she bound for a life of the unknown?
🌸Strong FMC
🌸Stalker/ hacker
🌸spicy 🥵
🌸touch her and ☠️
🌸mafia dark romance
Favorite quotes
“Watching her was becoming an obsession”
“Make love to the eyes on you”
Dark mafia romance fans, this one is for you!! I loved how action packed and deliciously spicy this was. This story follows Nikolai and Lyla as we enter the explosive world of The Sin Syndicate. This felt like a movie with all the action and romance interwoven! Loved this story and I cannot wait to read more in the series!
Kirstie J, Reviewer
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure at the beginning of this one... It seemed a little dark for me. But then I thought "hang on, Evie hasn't steered you wrong before!" And stuck with it, and I'm so glad I did. I loved the characters in this story... How they developed and became more intriguing. The sex was epic, thank you very much. I received an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily. I love a little gangsta palette cleanser in-between my fantasy novels, and this didn't disappoint! Highly recommended.
From the very first page, Eyes on You consumed me. This isn’t just another mafia romance, it’s an intoxicating blend of obsession, danger, and unexpected tenderness that gripped me from beginning to end.
What sets this story apart is Nikolai. He’s every inch the ruthless mafia antihero: cold, commanding, and terrifying in his power. But the deeper you go, the more you see that his obsession with Lyla isn’t just control, it’s devotion. He stalks, protects, and plans every move with a precision that only money and power can buy, yet never once does he force her hand. Instead, he gives her the rarest thing a man like him could offer: choice. That, to me, is what made his obsession so compelling.
Lyla, on the other hand, was the perfect counterpart. Feral, sharp, and unafraid to challenge him, she refused to be silenced even when she knew exactly how dangerous he was. Their push and pull was electric. Every argument, every stolen glance, every dangerous moment crackled with tension. I loved that she wouldn’t bend, and I loved even more that he respected her for it, even when it drove him mad.
And then came his softer side. The moment he discovered Lyla’s innocence he immediately shifted gears, composing himself, protecting her, and allowing her space to decide for herself. That balance between brutal obsession and self-restraint made him unforgettable.
By the time I reached the “Eyes on me” scene, I was feral. 🖤 This book had me highlighting every other page, swooning one minute and shivering the next.
Evie James crafted a story that feels sharp, haunting, and addictively romantic, a perfect balance of mafia grit and obsessive devotion. I’m so honored I got to read this ARC, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series.
The quote that sums up ‘Eyes On You’:
“You’re my wife. My queen. The one who stands beside me in every battle and every victory. We’ll build together, burn together, and if it comes to it…” … “We’ll die together. Because I’m not letting go of you. Ever.”
This one gave me all the feels. Nikolai and Lyla/Lacey are terrific characters; as are the side characters. The world building was immersive; I had a clear picture of where the characters were and what they saw. But, the real standout is the PLOT!!! There is soooo much more going on other than a Bratva boss getting all possessive and growly over a young Southern belle working two jobs. (Sorry, no spoilers here!)
10/10 RECOMMEND
My first Mafia Romance book and boy did it take me on a rollercoaster ride ! Lacey and Nik’s story was captivating and had me hooked! If you want to read a story of love turnt borderline obsession then this is a must read! Nik,Russian mafia king and hacker, will do anything to protect her even if it means he has to burn the whole world down.
louise b, Bookseller
Lilac laine Oakley is a small town girl with big dreams of making it to Broadway, where as Nikolai Volkov is a ruthless Russian bratva leader.
Lyla's innocence clashes with Nikolai's world when she becomes prey to some powerful dangerous men, but lyla is hiding secrets too
Bailey R, Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely Captivating!
Eyes on You by Evie James completely swept me off my feet. From the first chapter, I was hooked by the chemistry, the banter, and the way the story pulls you right into the characters’ world. Evie James has a gift for writing intimacy that feels both tender and electric—you can practically feel every glance, every touch, every heartbeat.
One of my absolute favorite moments was the shower scene where he gently washes her face. When she asks, “Do I look like a raccoon?” my heart melted. The mix of vulnerability, humor, and pure affection in that moment sums up everything I loved about this book. Their connection is more than just attraction—it’s trust, care, and love all tangled together in the best way.
And then lines like “It’s always been you. Only you.” had me swooning so hard I had to set the book down just to take a breath.
If you love romance that’s equal parts steamy, heartfelt, and unforgettable, this book is an absolute must-read. Evie James has quickly become an auto-buy author for me—I’ll be rereading Eyes on You again and again.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I absolutely love all of Evie’s books and this one was no different. She has such amazing talent for character and world building.
🫣Stalker
🔥Alpha Male
❤️Virgin FMC
🔥Opposites Attract
😍He Falls First
🖤Possessive/ Obsessive
😡Protective Rage
🔪Touch Her & Die
❤️Age Gap
❤️🔥Romantic Suspense
Nikolai is a hacker king thrust to the head of a Russian Bratva mafia when his father is murdered.
Lyla leaves her small home town to chase her Broadway dreams and finds herself dancing in a club owned by underground monsters who plan to sell her to the highest bidder.
Nikolai watches from the shadows with an obsession so strong, he will destroy anyone who touches her.
If you love dark romance, mafia romance, sassy fierce FMCs, MMCs that will literally destroy everything to protect you, the Sin Syndicate series is for you.
Reviewer 1884857
Eyes on You delivers everything I want in a dark mafia romance—obsession, danger, chemistry that crackles, and a possessive anti‑hero who would raze the world for the woman he claims. From the moment Nikolai Volkov steps out of the shadows, the story becomes a full‑body experience. He’s cold, controlled, and terrifyingly focused…and once he chooses her, that’s it. No one touches what he wants.
The heroine is just as compelling—determined, resilient, and clinging to her dreams even when the world tries to break her. Their dynamic is explosive: he falls first and hard, she fights it with everything she has, and the tension between them is pure dark‑romance perfection.
This book hits every trope I love: stalker vibes, forced proximity, protective rage, vigilante justice, untouched heroine meets ruthless king. The heat is intense, the stakes are high, and the pacing never lets up.
By the end, I was already desperate for the next Sin Syndicate book.
Five stars. Fierce, filthy, and impossible to put down.
Eyes on You is the kind of slow burn that keeps you turning pages long past bedtime. The tension builds perfectly, with chemistry simmering just under the surface the entire time.
And when the spice finally kicks in… it really kicks in. The payoff is absolutely worth the wait. I especially loved that he falls first—watching his feelings develop made the romance even more satisfying.
Between the banter, the anticipation, and the emotional pull, I kept telling myself “just one more chapter.” I finished wanting even more of these characters—always the sign of a great read.
Jill G, Reviewer
WOW! Never a dull moment. The action starts at the beginning and it never lets up. Danger is constantly lurking and getting closer. The interaction between Nik and Lacey went from dangerous to 🔥🔥🔥in mere seconds. I love the cover photo even down to the clock tattoo on his hand. If you want a story that will constantly keep you guessing what will happen next, this is the story for you. I absolutely loved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Reviewer 2011431
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter and refusing to put it down until the very last page. Eyes On You delivers the perfect mix of tension, passion, and suspense that kept my heart racing the entire time.
The chemistry between the characters is electric. Every interaction feels charged, every glance carries weight, and the slow build of their connection makes the payoff incredibly satisfying. The MMC is intense, protective, and just the right amount of dangerous, while the FMC holds her own in a way that makes their dynamic impossible not to root for.
The story itself pulls you into a world filled with secrets, loyalty, and just enough darkness to keep things thrilling. The plot keeps twisting in ways that kept me guessing, and the emotional moments hit just as hard as the steamy ones.
Evie James created characters that feel real and flawed, and their journey together is full of tension, vulnerability, and undeniable attraction. By the end, I was completely invested in their story and already wishing there was more.
If you love dark romance with intensity, possessive energy, and characters that burn up the pages with their chemistry, this is absolutely a must-read.
🔥 Possessive MMC
🔥 Dark romance vibes
🔥 Intense chemistry
🔥 Twists that keep you turning pages
This one was an easy 5 star read for me and definitely a book I’ll be recommending. 📚✨
This was so good! Such a fast paced, dangerous life our characters are living. Lyla is a dancer and a waitress, but she keeps auditioning for a role to dance and act professionally. When she meets Nikolai, she has no clue that her whole life will change. But it's more to do with the world she's unintentionally found herself in than with him.
As Nik stalks Lyla, he learns more about her than probably anyone else, and she quickly realizes that he's following her. But she's not sure she's upset about it. Finally calling him out, she realizes a small part of the danger she's in. Not taking the warning she goes back to life as normal, overworked and in danger constantly.
When she finally realizes the reality of what's she's in the middle of, Nik goes from stalker to savior, keeping her safe from worse fates. But being stuck in the middle of a mafia war isn't a picnic for anyone.
M T, Reviewer
This is Book 1 in the Sin Syndicate series. I can't wait to read the others in the series!!! This book was SOO good! If you're a fan of dark mafia romance books, you won't want to miss this gem from Evie James!! ❣️😍
The author does such a good job of creating tension... and making you feel all the feels - from the angst to the slow burn to just the fact of being seen & truly understood.
One thing I loved about this book that is different from most mafia romances - Nik completely opens up to Lacey after they're married & tells her everything,... that's pretty rare to see.
Lacey is a spitfire & full of spunk & sass. Nik is intoxicated from the first meeting. He obsessively stalks her, which ends up saving her life.
The book is fast paced with unexpected plot twists & a good amount of spice. 😍
Thank you to the author (Evie James), publisher (Three Sided Publishing, Inc) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.
This is Book 1 in Evie's BRAND NEW series - Sin Syndicate.
If you have read Evie's previous series, Broken Heroes, then you've already met Nik, but in Eyes on You, we really get to know him more intimately.
The story pretty much picks up from after Mission Shift, with Nik back in the US and working at part of the Syndicate to eradicate the rot that has set in the City.
Naturally, he meets the sunny Lyla and so the story kicks off.
I absolutely loved learning more about Nik. As Ana's brother, he was always around in the background, but we never fully got an intro... and boy, do we get an intro here.
Nik is dark, brooding and stupidly clever but he is everything I expected him to be given the parts he played in Broken Heroes.
He describes himself as not a good man, but Nik is still the flicker of a flame inside a historically darkened, traditional room. He is the flame that drives the eradication of the nastier side of the underworld, including tr@fficking... something that Lyla has unwittingly found herself involved in.
Lyla has had a pretty rough past few years and came to the City with grandeu dreams of acting. Lyla is lovely... she is fiesty with a sugary nice side that she uses against those who annoy her.
She is navigating the dog eat dog world of acting, having multiple jobs to afford to just live and has to deal with grumpy, st@lkery men she meets at the coffee shop 👀. What's a gal to do?
The story itself is much darker than Broken Heros and I expected that given the focus of this new series, but it is still extremely enjoyable and gripping.
I wanted to pace myself with this book and ended up devouring the entire book inside day - oops!
Utterly enthralling, Evie will have you on the edge of your seat from the moment you read the very first word.
I can't wait to read Book 2 in this series as I have a feeling that each book will just get better and better!
If you love dark and twisty romance, full of suspense and more, then this is absolutely for you!
The way this book reminded my soul how much it loves mafia romance! 🤤!!!! It has been a HOT MINUTE since I’ve read a mafia romance, especially a gooood mafia romance. Like a morally, corrupt, stalker, touch her and die, I will burn the world for you, I make no apologies, you’re mine, really good mafia romance. If this is your vibe, you will devour this book. It follow Lyla and Niko and their lovely tangled mess of want and need. But also the unwillingness and messiness of mob life and cluelessness of two people who shouldn’t be together. I devoured this book. You literally can’t help but be sucked in. This book may not be for everyone, so if you get triggered by organized crime and the things that come with that, please stay away 😆.
Lyla, she is the epitome of a naive stubborn girl. But I would be too 😆. I literally can’t blame her for the choices she made. But come on, that girl was put through the wringer and still stood her ground. Five stars ⭐️ for a strong FMC! She gets unwillingly dragged down the mob rabbit hole and literally gets a front row seat in every aspect, mad respect to her. And I hope we get to see her do some serious damage in future books please 🤞🏼!!
Niko, oh man! This man needs to explanation. He wants what he wants and he gets it. Is he a true mafia ma through and through yes but he also has lines he doesn’t cross. So I really love that about him and his character. But he also demands and expects everything. So you better hold on tight because Niko isn’t one to repeat himself 😆. Except for his queen 👸!
Literally cannot wait to read about the other guys!!!!!
1000% recommend this book especially is mafia romance is your vibe!
Eyes on You is the first book I’ve read by Evie James, and it definitely won’t be the last! From the very first page, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
Lyla and Nikolai’s story pulled me in completely—I felt every single emotion right along with them. Happiness, shock, fear, sadness, and hope… this book had it all, and it kept me invested until the very end.
If you love dark mafia romance that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go, this is an absolute must-read. Highly recommend adding it to your TBR!
Megan M, Reviewer
I just finished Eyes of the Unholy and wow… I am not okay. This book consumed me. Body, mind, and soul.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into a world that felt dangerous, intoxicating, and impossible to walk away from. The tension? Suffocating in the best way. The chemistry? Absolutely feral. Every glance, every touch, every whispered threat had my heart racing.
Lucian… that man is darkness wrapped in control and quiet intensity. He’s ruthless when he needs to be, protective in a way that makes you weak in the knees, and layered with so much depth that peeling him back felt like unraveling something sacred. And Scarlett? She is strength and fire and vulnerability all tangled together. She doesn’t just survive the darkness — she stares it down.
Together, they are explosive. Twisted. Passionate. But also unexpectedly tender. Beneath all the chaos and intensity is a love story that feels raw and earned. The kind that hurts before it heals.
Lucian and Scarlett will always hold a special place in my heart. Their story wrecked me, stitched me back together, and then left its mark permanently.
If you love morally gray characters, high-stakes tension, and romance that feels a little dangerous and a lot consuming… this one will own you.
I’m still recovering — and honestly? I don’t want to. 🖤
I devoured this book. From start to finish I was hooked. It is the perfect read. And had an incredible storyline with wonderful characters. It is dark, twisty, and full of surprises. So if you're into dark romance with stalkery vibes and mafia then this is the story for you. Lyla and Nikolai are sure to grab your attention from the first chapter. Once you start you won't want to put this book down. And you're going to go on one wild roller coaster of a ride. An absolute must read.
Love Evie’s books! This story is a good girl down on her luck meets obsessive st@lkery mafia king. I really liked Nikolai and Lyla had a lot of spunk, which is what caught his attention in the first place. She isn’t a damsel, she may not be on broadway but she is making it work with a day job and being a midnight ballerina.
This is a great start to the syndicate series!
Jess B, Reviewer
5⭐️ 4🌶
I devoured this book. If you want a dark, possessive mafia book, this is it. It hits all the guilty pleasure tropes: touch her and 💀, grumpy x sunshine, obsessive, and stalker vibes.
I was pulled into Nik and Lyla's world with the fast pace plot, twisting in the Manhattan mafia underbelly. I just loved the sass from Lyla and the banter between her and Nik. I can't wait for the rest of the Sin Syndicate series!
Thanks Evie James for the opportunity to read the ARC!
This was honestly such a wild ride in the best way. I love a possessive, slightly unhinged man in books, so Nikolai was absolutely doing it for me, and I was hooked pretty fast, and finished this one in a day.
This is the kind of stalker most women shouldn't mind having 🤤
Character development was on point, the tension was there, the and I liked that it had actual suspense going on too instead of just vibes and constant sex. A few parts were a little over the top, but it WORKED for this book! I had a really good time with this one and will most definitely continue this series! 🩶
Thank you for approving me for this ARC!
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