Eyes of the Unholy
A Dark Mafia Romance: Enemies to Lovers Romantic Suspense
by Evie James
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Pub Date Feb 25 2026 | Archive Date Sep 30 2026
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Description
A dark mafia romance that begins with a Christmas night abduction and unravels into a high-stakes war against power, corruption, and human trafficking, Eyes of the Unholy is perfect for fans of Rina Kent, Michelle Heard, L.J. Shen, and Jill Ramsower.
This enemies-to-lovers romance features a morally gray Irish mafia antihero with a ruthless moral code. The heroine is scarred, but she refuses to break. His obsession turns to devotion as a gripping vigilante justice plot forces them to choose between survival, truth, and each other.
Lucian
God forgive me for what I’m about to do to the girl praying inside that church.
She’s not just a nun.
She’s the mayor’s daughter—leverage in a cartel war.
A saint.
A symbol.
Easy prey.
But who knew a girl with the face of an angel could be such a demon?
She should have been disposable.
Instead, she became my obsession.
Now everyone who hurt her will answer to me.
Scarlett
Everyone thinks I’m pure.
The quiet little nun on her knees, whispering prayers.
They’re wrong.
I’m far too dirty for salvation.
So when a mafia man drags me from a church on Christmas night, I expect what I’ve learned to survive—brutality.
It should have been the worst moment of my life.
Instead, he handles me as if I’m something precious.
And that terrifies me more than the kidnapping ever could.
Because he kills without remorse, sees everything I try to hide, and when he looks at me, it’s not hunger—it’s something far more dangerous.
The deeper I fall into his world, the uglier the truth becomes.
This isn’t about one city.
Or one cartel.
Or one broken girl.
It’s about presidents, princes, and men rich enough to believe they’re untouchable.
But when he vows to burn the world to keep me alive, can I survive what loving him will cost me?
Eyes of the Unholy is the second installment in the Sin Syndicate mafia romance series, where forced proximity, enemies to lovers tension, and vigilante justice collide as powerful men wage war on the billionaire class profiting from human trafficking.
Can be read as a standalone.
Dual POV • No cliffhanger • HEA guaranteed.
What you can expect from Eyes of the Unholy:
Enemies to Lovers
Forced Proximity
He Would Burn the World for Her
Touch Her and Die
He Falls First
Dangerous Protector
Vigilante Justice
Morally Gray Antihero
Scarred FMC
He Brushes Her Hair
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
“A Mafia Romance With Heart, Heat, and Real Stakes”
★★★★★ ReaderOfBooks, Amazon Reviewer
Eyes of the Unholy is, first and foremost, a true mafia romance — intense, protective, morally gray, and built on power and loyalty. But what makes it unforgettable is how much heart lives inside the darkness.
The enemies to lovers tension between Scarlett and Lucian is electric from the beginning. Their forced proximity throws them together in a way that feels dangerous and unavoidable, and the chemistry builds naturally instead of feeling rushed. He doesn’t soften for the world. She doesn’t back down easily. Watching them collide — and then slowly choose each other — is incredibly satisfying.
But this isn’t just a steamy story set in a penthouse.
There’s a full vigilante justice plot woven through political corruption, money laundering, and a sinister monastery network that gives the book real weight. The stakes feel high because they are. Actions have consequences. Violence isn’t glamourized — it’s purposeful. The underworld politics feel structured and believable, not chaotic.
What truly elevates this book, though, is the emotional arc. Scarlett’s journey from survival and silence to agency and strength is handled with care. Her trauma isn’t a plot device; it’s part of her growth. And Lucian’s love isn’t shallow obsession — it’s protective, steady, and rooted in respect. He doesn’t try to erase her past. He stands beside it.
It’s dark. It’s intense. And at its core, it’s a beautifully told love story inside the underworld.
“A Love Story that Glows in the Dark”
★★★★★ Mountain Woman, Amazon Reviewer
“I expected a dark mafia romance with intensity and heat. I did not expect something this emotionally beautiful.
Eyes of the Unholy absolutely delivers the tension, enemies-to-lovers sparks, forced proximity that crackles, and a vigilante-justice plot that takes on corruption at the highest levels. The underworld politics are real, dangerous, and layered. But what surprised me most was the tenderness running quietly beneath all of it.
In the middle of violence and power struggles, this story gives us something unexpectedly soft: two people choosing each other fully.
And Lucian, yes, he’s intense, morally gray, and absolutely lethal when he needs to be. But the way he loves her is reverent. Protective without being controlling. Fierce without being hollow. The contrast between the brutal underworld and the quiet way he holds her is what makes this story unforgettable.”
“Not Just Steamy — A Full Story With Real Substance”
★★★★★ Beth, Amazon Reviewer
“I went into Eyes of the Unholy expecting a steamy mafia romance, but what I got was so much more.
Yes, it has the classic enemies to lovers tension and that delicious forced proximity dynamic where two strong personalities are stuck in the same space and sparks absolutely fly. But this book is layered with emotion and purpose. Scarlett’s journey from silence and survival to strength and agency felt raw and honest. Her trauma isn’t used as shock value—it’s part of her arc, and watching her reclaim herself was powerful.
Lucian is everything you want in a dark hero: intense, controlled, morally gray—but not mindless. The vigilante justice element gives the story real substance. This isn’t just a couple hooking up in a luxury penthouse. There’s a full plot involving political corruption, money laundering, and a sinister monastery network. The stakes feel real, and the consequences matter.”
“Depth, growth, and healing”
★★★★★ Dezarae T., Amazon Reviewer
“I absolutely DEVOURED Scarlett and Lucian’s story! ... we also get to cheer as she heals from her trauma and spreads her wings, becoming the queen she was meant to be. And Lucian? Does not EVER expect her to be anything she is not. He shows so much pride in her growth. He doesn’t see her as broken, he sees the strength she possesses before she does.
Not only is it a fantastic read, Evie’s writing is amazing. She lets the reader feel the emotion instead of telling.”
“Sometimes the answers to your prayers are in the hands of your enemies.”
★★★★★ Jynnifer S., Amazon Reviewer
“Lucian is a good man, but he keeps his heart walled up. He prefers to keep his mind focused on business. Unfortunately for him his business includes a feisty, beautiful, red headed nun named Scarlett that’s about to give him a run for his money.
I’ll let you read the story for yourself, but it’s full of intrigue, trauma bonding, action sequences, healing, spice and love. Mafia romance with a twist.”
“Evie James Did it Again-Book 2 of The Sin Syndicate!”
★★★★★ Skye K., Amazon Reviewer
“In Eyes of the Unholy, Evie James creates a world that feels both expansive and claustrophobic. The story opens with a stark contrast: the sacred silence of a sanctuary versus the profane violence of the underworld. This sets the tone for a novel that isn’t just about crime families, but about the clash between light and dark.
What follows is a masterful execution of the Forced Proximity trope. Scarlett and Lucian aren’t just stuck in a room; they are stuck in a world where everyone wants a piece of them for the wrong reasons.
The pacing is relentless, making it one of those ‘just one more chapter’ reads that will keep you up until 3:00 AM ... I could not put this book down!”
“M.E.R.C.Y”
★★★★★ weighak, Amazon Reviewer
“Right away this story takes off with a run, not a jog and has fire leading the way! The intention, the initial plan quickly falls through when Lucian experiences something he hasn’t in a long time - an unexplainable, aching pull to Scar and what was just a job quickly transformed into obsession, protection and devotion with no restraint and no fear of tainting the soul.
Scarlett has scars that run deeper than any blade could and she still has strength to fight for life, for breath, for room in a world that the void swallowed up and didn’t question it.
Quickly, this duo of fire and ice become a team of relentless work ... a united force of revenge to right the wrongs and bring down the worst of the worst.”
“Welcome back to the chaos of the Sin Syndicate”
★★★★★ Nancy, Amazon Reviewer
“I am officially obsessed because Lucian’s story was everything I didn’t know I needed. If you’ve been following Evie James’s world through Eyes on You or The Broken Heroes Trilogy, you already know Lucian is a force, but seeing him center stage is a total game-changer.
What really blew me away, though, was the emotional depth behind the ‘mafia bad guy’ exterior. Lucian is 100% a dark hero—controlled, intense, and morally grey—but underneath all that, he is a protective, caring man who would quite literally burn the world down to keep Scarlett safe.
It’s a high-octane thriller with political corruption and sinister secrets, but it’s grounded by these raw conversations about trust and family.”
“My New Favorite Series!!”
★★★★★ Stephanie U., Amazon Reviewer
“The hype for this book was insane and Evie James absolutely blew it out of the park! Eyes of the Unholy is book two of the Sin Syndicate series and can be as a standalone.
The enemies to lovers and forced proximity vibe is EVERYTHING in this story!
The amount of tension, drama, action, emotional turmoil, trauma, trust, and healing in this book will grab you by the throat, have you in a chokehold, and make you beg for more.”
“He doesnt just fall he chooses”
★★★★★ Kinjal, Amazon Reviewer
“Eyes of the Unholy takes everything that made this world addictive and pushes it deeper into emotional intensity, darker tension, and higher stakes.
Lucian is a fascinating character because he embodies contradiction. He’s ruthless, morally gray, and unflinching when it comes to violence — yet when it comes to her, there’s a softness beneath the brutality that feels completely earned. That duality is what makes him so compelling.
High heat. High stakes. And a love that feels dangerous in the best possible way.”
“Loved!”
★★★★★ Mommyandherbooks, Amazon Reviewer
“There’s a really intense emotional current running through this story that kept me glued to the pages. The atmosphere feels dark and heavy in the best way, and the tension between the characters gives everything this addictive edge that makes it hard to stop reading.
Scarlett carries such a quiet strength that makes you want to root for her from the start.
And Lucian… yeah, he absolutely had my attention. The level of devotion and protectiveness he brings creates such a powerful dynamic, and that ‘I will burn the world for her’ energy is impossible not to love.”
“Evie does it again …”
★★★★★ ARR.READSBOOKS, Amazon Reviewer
“Dark Mafia / Forced Proximity / Suspense / HEA
Sin Syndicate #2 ... After her mother died, Scarlett Hayes was sent off to Spain to finish school and then join a convent. The men of the Sin Syndicate believe that she could be used to bring down her corrupt father, the Mayor of New York.
This was an incredible story of perseverance, courage, and sheer determination.”
“Amazing story!”
★★★★★ Katslovesbooks, Amazon Reviewer
“This mafia romance was everything I was hoping for and so much more! You have a woman that has survive unthinkable things but still has hope, an Irish enforcer who along with his brothers from the Syndicate want justice, a plot that was brilliant from the very first page and a love story that delivers high heat and an emotional healing.
I loved this story so much and I loved how hard and fast Lucian fell for Scarlet, he truly was everything I’m looking for in a vigilante hero.”
“My favorite one yet!”
★★★★★ JessSayYesToBooks, Amazon Reviewer
“Evie James does it again! This book was soo good! It’s my favorite one out of the series so far! The banter between Lucian and Scarlett was chef’s kiss!
I love Evie’s writing. She has a way with words that made me feel like I was right there in the book. If you’re looking for your next Mafia series, then add this one to your list!”
“Your next favorite dark romance read”
★★★★★ Megan F., Amazon Reviewer
“Welcome back to the Sin Syndicate. Now it’s time for Lucian’s story! ...
This story is fast paced, has high heat, and vigilante justice. Lucian will do everything in his power to help protect her. Scarlett soon learns what all that entails. Lucian and Scarlett’s story will have you on the edge of your seat.”
“Hot Nun vs Hot Mafia Man”
★★★★★ Megan C., Amazon Reviewer
“Book 2 did not drag at all!!!! This thing kicked the door wide open. Lucian is the hottest thing ever. He wasn’t ready for Scarlet. I don’t think anyone will be ready for her.
Her story really is so sad but beautifully written ... But she is a survivor. Didn’t let her circumstances break her.”
“Dark. Devoted. Ruthless.”
★★★★★ Mimi R., Amazon Reviewer
“If you love mafia romance with an actual plot, emotional depth, and characters that crawl under your skin in the best way, this one belongs on your TBR.
Lucian is the kind of morally gray hero who doesn’t just claim his woman, he reveres her. His devotion is intense, possessive, and unwavering, but it never overshadows Scarlett’s strength.
The chemistry is electric. The stakes are high. The emotions hit hard.”
“I loved Lucian and Scarlett’s story, savored every bit of their story 🖤”
★★★★★ Amanda M., Amazon Reviewer
“What an epic read this was. This book exceeded my expectations. It was everything I could have wanted in a dark mafia romance.
The main characters Lucian and Scarlett were incredible. I loved how these two are well matched and how they complement one another. I especially loved that Scarlett had this fierceness to her, that she's not to be underestimated.”
“Must read mafia romance!”
★★★★★ Mel, Amazon Reviewer
“Evie James has done it again! This book was everything I wanted for Lucian’s story! The way I devoured this book was unreal. The pacing was on point, and I was sucked in immediately.
Even though she endured brutal abuse, she was strong and resilient. I absolutely loved her for Lucian!”
“Great mafia romance”
★★★★★ The Rampant Reader, Amazon Reviewer
“This one is a dark romance(mafia/suspense). Scarlett and Lucian were so good together. So polar opposite but so so good! I would absolutely recommend this book.
Tropes include mafia, forced proximity, morally grey MMC, he falls first and hardest, spicy spice, and touch her and perish.”
“Lucian and Scarlett!!”
★★★★★ Melissa W., Amazon Reviewer
“The anticipation I had for this book was unreal! It did not disappoint!!! I devoured it in one sitting, I could not put it down. Lucian and Scarlett could not be more perfect! The instant connection, the angst, the story, the chemistry, the spice.. just phenomenal.”
“Perfection”
★★★★★ Liz C, Amazon Reviewer
“Lucian and Scarlett’s story is too good to miss. The story hooks you from the first line and it never lets up. I lost sleep reading this book.
And Lucian, mister ‘I don’t do relationships’ but falls fast and hard. This man is the epitome of ‘touch her and …’ vibes.”
“Must Read Book!”
★★★★★ Meghan Z., Amazon Reviewer
“Absolutely obsessed. From the first page I was absolutely hooked. The pacing of this story was perfect. It never felt like it was going too fast or too slow.
Lucian had me absolutely swooning. I loved everything about his character and the way he loved Scarlett.”
“Lucian has my heart”
★★★★★ Donna W., Amazon Reviewer
“This dark mafia romance was everything! I devoured it! It had everything you would want: love, romance, spice, violence, suspense, chemistry, banter, and awesome MCs.”
“Good Girl”
★★★★★ Mrs Reads Between The Lines, Amazon Reviewer
“Eyes Of The Unholy is an unputdownable, gritty vigilante justice dark mafia romance. This fast-paced, beautifully brutal read instantly pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s laced with high-stakes danger, raw chemistry, and spice.
Scarlett is fierce, sassy, and resilient. Lucian is protective and utterly devoted with a touch-her-and-die vibe.”
“Meet your new favorite mafia romance!”
★★★★★ A.Morris, Amazon Reviewer
“Let me just start by saying I LOVED THIS BOOK. I think I actually enjoyed it more than the first one? ... The pacing was wonderful, the spice was spicy, yet there was still a well thought out plot underneath it all. Lucian is my new book boyfriend.”
Marketing Plan
This title will be supported by a coordinated launch campaign including:
• 112-member Street Team ARC distribution
• Active newsletter (1,200+ subscribers)
• Instagram (16.8 K followers) and TikTok (7.8K 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 | 9781967669097 |
| PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 481 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 5 members
Featured Reviews
Melissa W, Reviewer
This dark mafia romance was everything! I devoured it! It had everything you would want: love, romance, spice, violence, suspense, chemistry, banter, and awesome MCs.
Lucian was so great; he’s added to my list as one of my favourite book boyfriends. He may have started off with ill intentions, but is redeemed almost instantly with lust at first sight when meeting Scarlett. These two have an explosive first meeting that was epic! Their fight was full of sexual tension and great banter that continued throughout the book. As much as Lucian comes off as some mafia bad guy, underneath that persona he is a loveable, adorable, caring man who would burn the world down for Scarlett. He is patient with her and understanding, and I loved the kindness he showed.
My heart broke for Scarlett. She had such a traumatic past, trying to survive and also hope for a better future. I’m so glad she found that happiness, and it was great to see her learn what she is capable of and embrace her sexuality. I loved Lucian and Scarlett, and when they finally came together it was explosive. I’m also glad they stuck together — no third-act breakup, no conflict. They chose each other, and they were epic.
There were some questions that still needed answering, and I can’t wait for more books in the series to find the answers. Bring on more mafia romance!
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. 🖤
Joy W, Reviewer
Wow, this book grabbed me and sucked me in, not letting me go until the very last page was read. Wow, what a read. This book moves along at a pace that makes for an enjoyable read and is perfect for the flow of the story. It speeds up and slows down as needed. These characters, you feel as though you have known them forever and no matter what happens you cant help but love them. This book will not disappoint. It demands a spot on your TBR list and you will not be sorry that you added it. It is a must read, no doubt about it.
Meghan Z, Reviewer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Absolutely obsessed. From the first page I was absolutely hooked. The pacing of this story was perfect. It never felt like it was going too fast or too slow. Lucian had me absolutely swooning. I loved everything about his character and the way he loved Scarlett. Even after everything Scarlett went through she still came out as a woman who knew what she wanted and was strong and capable. Evie James absolutely knows how to write mafia romance that will have you reading the book all in one setting. Cannot wait for more Sin Syndicate books.
Dezarae T, Reviewer
I absolutely DEVOURED Scarlett and Lucian's story! Not only is the FMC is redhead (sorry, we're sorely under represented), BUT we also get to cheer as she heals from her trauma and spreads her wings, becoming the queen she was meant to be. And Lucian? Does not EVER expect her to be anything she is not. He shows so much pride in her growth. He doesn't see her as broken, he sees the strength she possesses before she does. This book had me gasping at parts and kicking my feet at others. Not only is it a fantastic read, Evie's writing is amazing. She lets the reader feel the emotion instead of telling. Her descriptions, her world building, I eat up every word every time and absolutely cannot wait for the next installment of the Sin Syndicate!
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