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Eyes on You a Mafia Romance
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
0 days and 20:01:07
100 copies available
U.S. only
In this forced proximity mafia romance, a Russian mafia king becomes the unlikely protector of a Broadway dreamer targeted by a human trafficking ring—sparking a brutal war in Manhattan’s criminal underworld.
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.
Dual POV • No cliffhanger • HEA guaranteed
What you can expect from Eyes on You:
Forced Proximity
Stalker Hero
Opposites Attract
Untouched
He falls first
Protective Rage
Vigilante Justice
Protective Antihero
Morally Gray Mafia King
Romantic Suspense
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.
Dual POV • No cliffhanger • HEA guaranteed
What you can expect from Eyes on You:
Forced Proximity
Stalker Hero
Opposites Attract
Untouched
He falls first
Protective Rage
Vigilante Justice
Protective Antihero
Morally Gray Mafia King
Romantic Suspense
599 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2025
About the author
Evie James
7 books275 followersEvie James writes dark contemporary romance filled with morally gray men, obsessive love, high-stakes danger, and heroines strong enough to survive it all. From mafia worlds built on violence and loyalty to medical romances with deadly underworld ties, her books blend angst, heat, emotional devastation, and hard-won happily-ever-afters.
She writes strong, sassy heroines who know exactly how to push every button on a man and possessive alphas who would burn the world down for their woman.
Connect with her on Instagram (@evie.james.author), Facebook (@evie.james.author) and on TikTok (@evie_james_author).
Find all of her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: EvieJames.com
A true romantic and animal lover, she’s a Cancer sign to a fault—deeply emotional, fiercely loyal, and guided by intuition. She channels those traits into stories filled with passion, vulnerability, and characters readers can’t forget.
When not writing, she can be found baking, doting on her four dogs, or dreaming up her next emotionally reckless couple.
She'd love for you to read her books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
Did Not Finish
September 29, 2025DNF @39%
I can't with this story, just I can't. I don't care what happens to these characters at all at the moment.
I can't with this story, just I can't. I don't care what happens to these characters at all at the moment.
March 14, 2026
Look, the book could be solid, I just can't stand the FMC. Her stupidity is overwhelming, so much so that I dnfed it at 38% in.
Thank you Hambright PR for providing me with the copy of this book, I wish it worked for me 🤷🏻♀️
Over and out
Thank you Hambright PR for providing me with the copy of this book, I wish it worked for me 🤷🏻♀️
Over and out
August 21, 2025
⭐️ARC Review⭐️
5⭐️/4🌶️
Eyes on You by Evie James is mafia romance crack. Nikolai Volkov is the kind of obsessive antihero your mafia mommy warned you about—dangerous, broody, and watching from the shadows… but in a way that makes you want him to never stop. Lyla is sunshine with a Broadway dream, and watching her light collide with his darkness is pure magic.
It’s twisted, it’s addictive, and it’s the kind of book that makes you question if maybe being stalked by a Bratva king wouldn’t be the worst thing ever. 👀🔥
5⭐️/4🌶️
Eyes on You by Evie James is mafia romance crack. Nikolai Volkov is the kind of obsessive antihero your mafia mommy warned you about—dangerous, broody, and watching from the shadows… but in a way that makes you want him to never stop. Lyla is sunshine with a Broadway dream, and watching her light collide with his darkness is pure magic.
It’s twisted, it’s addictive, and it’s the kind of book that makes you question if maybe being stalked by a Bratva king wouldn’t be the worst thing ever. 👀🔥
August 26, 2025
“You taste like sunshine and sin. Like you were made for me to ruin.”
thank you so much evie for the arc !! i absolutely ate this tf up 😍
this is a mafia romance, bratva, age gap, stalker vibes, virgin fmc, grumpy + sunshine, opposites attract, possessive and obsessive, he falls first, duo pov, interconnected standalone 💕
nikolai wanted to avoid the mafia lifestyle but ever since his father was killed, he has been dragged into this world of violence and lies. he becomes the head of the russian bratva which he never wanted to begin with. through all this, nikolai still has his love for hacking and finding secrets about people he has to play nice with. when he catches the eyes of an innocent barista who finds herself oblivious to the dangers around her, he becomes intrigued and wants to know everything about her. lyla is a part time barista, part time dancer at the strip club. she is someone who came all the way across oceans to find her big break and fulfill her dreams. but with that comes spending a lot of money … money she doesn’t have. she doesn’t know much about the gangs and mafia groups who control this city. so when she is also dragged into danger, nikolai won’t stop until she is safe. he even starts a war over her 🤗
i absolutely fell in love with lyla 🥰 she is such a hardworking baddie and she is fierce yet demure 💋 but miss girl literally has no survival skills or a sense of danger around her 😭 she can be so delusional yet so in tuned at the same time it’s actually quite funny 😂 then nikolai is over here stressing out which had me actually DYING 💀 this man is so obsessed. he was intrigued the moment she sassed him and he just didn’t know it then 🤭 they both bicker constantly and it seems to never end. but their moments together was one of the best i’ve ever read 🥹
i’m so hype for the rest of this series !! definitely going to go back to get some glimpses of nikolai in some of evie’s other books 😍
🌶️🌶️🌶️
thank you so much evie for the arc !! i absolutely ate this tf up 😍
this is a mafia romance, bratva, age gap, stalker vibes, virgin fmc, grumpy + sunshine, opposites attract, possessive and obsessive, he falls first, duo pov, interconnected standalone 💕
nikolai wanted to avoid the mafia lifestyle but ever since his father was killed, he has been dragged into this world of violence and lies. he becomes the head of the russian bratva which he never wanted to begin with. through all this, nikolai still has his love for hacking and finding secrets about people he has to play nice with. when he catches the eyes of an innocent barista who finds herself oblivious to the dangers around her, he becomes intrigued and wants to know everything about her. lyla is a part time barista, part time dancer at the strip club. she is someone who came all the way across oceans to find her big break and fulfill her dreams. but with that comes spending a lot of money … money she doesn’t have. she doesn’t know much about the gangs and mafia groups who control this city. so when she is also dragged into danger, nikolai won’t stop until she is safe. he even starts a war over her 🤗
i absolutely fell in love with lyla 🥰 she is such a hardworking baddie and she is fierce yet demure 💋 but miss girl literally has no survival skills or a sense of danger around her 😭 she can be so delusional yet so in tuned at the same time it’s actually quite funny 😂 then nikolai is over here stressing out which had me actually DYING 💀 this man is so obsessed. he was intrigued the moment she sassed him and he just didn’t know it then 🤭 they both bicker constantly and it seems to never end. but their moments together was one of the best i’ve ever read 🥹
i’m so hype for the rest of this series !! definitely going to go back to get some glimpses of nikolai in some of evie’s other books 😍
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 24, 2025
Nikolai never wanted power but when his father was killed, he found himself head of a Russian Bratva he never wanted to rule. He’s a hacker at heart so when he encounters Lyla, part time barista and part time dancer in a strip club with dreams of Broadway, he can’t help but dig into her live and soon she’s his new obsession. He stalks her to protect her and when she finds herself in danger, Nikolai will do whatever it takes to save her- even start a war.
Urm. Wow. I need a sec. This was intense and packed with everything I love the most. Lyla isn’t your usual FMC. This girl is feisty and seems to have no sense of danger or self preservation! She fights Nik at every turn and it’s refreshing to read! And then there’s Nik. Oh Nik. How I adore this man! He’s the type of stalker you want (yes, I just said that!) He’s thoughtful and protective and the right amount of obsessive. Plus he’s hot as hell!! I knew I’d love him from the glimpses we’ve had of him in the Broken Heroes series but I was not prepared!! Nikolai Volkov is firmly in my top 5 MMCs ever! I cant wait for the rest of this series and to see how this underlying plot plays out because I am fully invested!!
Urm. Wow. I need a sec. This was intense and packed with everything I love the most. Lyla isn’t your usual FMC. This girl is feisty and seems to have no sense of danger or self preservation! She fights Nik at every turn and it’s refreshing to read! And then there’s Nik. Oh Nik. How I adore this man! He’s the type of stalker you want (yes, I just said that!) He’s thoughtful and protective and the right amount of obsessive. Plus he’s hot as hell!! I knew I’d love him from the glimpses we’ve had of him in the Broken Heroes series but I was not prepared!! Nikolai Volkov is firmly in my top 5 MMCs ever! I cant wait for the rest of this series and to see how this underlying plot plays out because I am fully invested!!
August 23, 2025
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.
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.
August 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩷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 can not wait for more Sin Syndicate books!
The idea that someone like him—dangerous, cold, untouchable—was obsessed with me? It should’ve terrified me. And it did, a little. But mostly? It made me feel alive.
“You taste like sunshine and sin,” he rasped. “Like you were made for me to ruin.”
He didn’t just explore—he claimed. His tongue stroked deep, his teeth grazing my lower lip. Each nip was a dark promise. He was marking me. And I let him.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🩷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 can not wait for more Sin Syndicate books!
The idea that someone like him—dangerous, cold, untouchable—was obsessed with me? It should’ve terrified me. And it did, a little. But mostly? It made me feel alive.
“You taste like sunshine and sin,” he rasped. “Like you were made for me to ruin.”
He didn’t just explore—he claimed. His tongue stroked deep, his teeth grazing my lower lip. Each nip was a dark promise. He was marking me. And I let him.
August 25, 2025
This book didn’t just knock my socks off-it stripped emotions bare. If you’re into dark romance books, this will definitely be your new obsession. Evie James served up every single one of my guilty-pleasure tropes on a silver platter: stalker vibes, protective rage, a deadly little ‘touch her and ☠️,’ and of course… he falls first (swoon). Plus, the addition of mafia heat and it had me forgetting about sleep, work, life and even my morals! Lyla and Nikolai don’t just tell a story, they drag you on a ride so deliciously dangerous you’ll forget which way is up. Five hundred plus pages (closer to six hundred) felt like five minutes because I was too busy swooning, gasping, and whispering ‘just one more chapter.’ The author, Evie James, doesn’t just write the book - she seduces through her ability to weave a compelling life between the two main characters. Now, I’m shamelessly begging for more of Lyla and Nikolai because once they’re in your head, there’s no taming their flames.
September 25, 2025
I liked the premise of this book but I just couldn’t connect with the FMC at all. She runs her mouth and runs from the MMC too much, all while he’s just trying to save her from her stupid life choices. I DNF’d around 65% because at this point she doesn’t even know his name and he’s saved her life like 100 times by now and she’s still fighting him. They really haven’t even spent any time together and it was a struggle to get to this point. I just couldn’t do it anymore.
August 23, 2025
Hot. Steamy. Dangerous. Romantic.
Eyes on you captures the underground life that has Nikolai and Lyla thrown into each other's paths. Lyla Oakley trying to make it in the world whilst chasing her dreams ends up being chased by more - monsters in the dark. Yet, one has her eye - she can feel him, sense him and she's not afraid. Nikolai never wanted the throne he sits in now but he's made it his mission to turn around the ways of the Syndicate, he just never anticipated Lyla crashing into his life and his need to claim her overpowering everything. Lyla, as smart and cunning as she is has become a victim and blind to the future that lay ahead and only Nikolai will be able to pull her from the fire. Guarding what's his, rebuilding an empire and trying to erase the feelings he has for her - Nikolai is forced to allow her into his sanctuary, the only place to keep her safe. To keep her his. While playing in a dance of fight or flight and attraction vs salvation, they've loosened each other's restraints (ones put on by their own accord and the other, expectations of following duty, dreams and reality). They let the walls crash down and bare themselves to each other - every secret, sin, piece of pain, every minute of their lives they recount, all shared; whispered into the safety of their new normal, their new dynamic. Roles changing and acceptance given, they emerge as a duo made unstoppable.
Taunting the villain yet falling in love wasn't the plan but it made for one hell of a story and a way to draw out the prey. Lyla and Nik forge on in a new sense of honesty, trust and vulnerability that came easily and crashed into a carefully curated Bratva - rewriting what it means to be loyal, protected and save those that are preyed on in the darkness. Creating a new sense of family and loyalty, Lyla and Nikolai become the rulers of the Syndicate and together only they can fight what lurks in the shadows, stalks the innocent and bring down the worst of the worst - global annihilation and refortifying and reshaping what it truly means to be a part of the Sin Syndicate.
Major thank you to Evie for allowing me to read this for you and be a part of the Sin Syndicate and your world.
Eyes on you captures the underground life that has Nikolai and Lyla thrown into each other's paths. Lyla Oakley trying to make it in the world whilst chasing her dreams ends up being chased by more - monsters in the dark. Yet, one has her eye - she can feel him, sense him and she's not afraid. Nikolai never wanted the throne he sits in now but he's made it his mission to turn around the ways of the Syndicate, he just never anticipated Lyla crashing into his life and his need to claim her overpowering everything. Lyla, as smart and cunning as she is has become a victim and blind to the future that lay ahead and only Nikolai will be able to pull her from the fire. Guarding what's his, rebuilding an empire and trying to erase the feelings he has for her - Nikolai is forced to allow her into his sanctuary, the only place to keep her safe. To keep her his. While playing in a dance of fight or flight and attraction vs salvation, they've loosened each other's restraints (ones put on by their own accord and the other, expectations of following duty, dreams and reality). They let the walls crash down and bare themselves to each other - every secret, sin, piece of pain, every minute of their lives they recount, all shared; whispered into the safety of their new normal, their new dynamic. Roles changing and acceptance given, they emerge as a duo made unstoppable.
Taunting the villain yet falling in love wasn't the plan but it made for one hell of a story and a way to draw out the prey. Lyla and Nik forge on in a new sense of honesty, trust and vulnerability that came easily and crashed into a carefully curated Bratva - rewriting what it means to be loyal, protected and save those that are preyed on in the darkness. Creating a new sense of family and loyalty, Lyla and Nikolai become the rulers of the Syndicate and together only they can fight what lurks in the shadows, stalks the innocent and bring down the worst of the worst - global annihilation and refortifying and reshaping what it truly means to be a part of the Sin Syndicate.
Major thank you to Evie for allowing me to read this for you and be a part of the Sin Syndicate and your world.
March 11, 2026
ARC: This one had a really intriguing premise and I do love mafia romances… The MMC definitely brings the intensity, and the story has a lot of the classic mafia romance elements like obsession, danger, and a protective anti-hero.
That said, the pacing and relationship development felt a little rushed at times for me, which made it harder to fully connect with the characters. I enjoyed the overall concept and some of the darker romantic tension, but I did wish for a bit more buildup between the leads.
I also felt like the first part of the book was quite a bit better than the second part, which is what led me to finish it.
Tropes:
• Mafia romance
• Stalker / obsession vibes
• Forced proximity
• Opposites attract
• Protective MMC
• Touch her and 💀
Overall, a solid mafia romance with some compelling moments, even if it didn’t completely win me over.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for the ARC.
That said, the pacing and relationship development felt a little rushed at times for me, which made it harder to fully connect with the characters. I enjoyed the overall concept and some of the darker romantic tension, but I did wish for a bit more buildup between the leads.
I also felt like the first part of the book was quite a bit better than the second part, which is what led me to finish it.
Tropes:
• Mafia romance
• Stalker / obsession vibes
• Forced proximity
• Opposites attract
• Protective MMC
• Touch her and 💀
Overall, a solid mafia romance with some compelling moments, even if it didn’t completely win me over.
Thank you to the author and Hambright PR for the ARC.
August 22, 2025
I ate this book up faster than I could have imagined. Less than 24 hours - devoured whole. While I've seen so many mafia and stalker books on the market, 'Eyes on You' surpassed any expectation I had for it. The fmc, Lyla - literal baddie wrapped in southern sass. The mmc, Nikolai - BLOWN AWAY with the multi-faceted personality. I was not expecting to like it as much as I did, or for the pace to be as heart-stopping and fast-paced as it was. For dipping my toe into the realms of Evie James' writing, this was an amazingly solid start. I was locked in from the first page and held captive (in the best way) through the whole dang thing!
Would I recommend? - Absolutely yes to anyone that loves a stalker, mafia, dark romance. The vibes between Lyla and Nikolai are FIRE, but even more than that, the plot and pace of Nikolai's world is literally what had me pulled through the whole thing. So yes, please, give it a read if you need a quick standalone that will have you on your toes the entire time!
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Lyla may be a small-town southern girl from the sticks of Tennessee, but her heart and her tenacity were MADE for Manhattan. She's got the grit of someone that knows how to work for what she wants - it's not given, it's earned in blood, sweat and tears (literally). And I think that's what draws our mmc, Nik, to her just as much as her sweetly sinful sexual nature. I mean, what's more intriguing to the devil than the angel in disguise?
Their banter was off-the-charts fun. Sassy quips from Lyla that brought out that lip-tilted smirk from Nik. And I loveeee a good 'her laugh makes sounds like sunshine' moment that wrecks the exterior of the mmc they once thought bulletproof and James delivered that ten-fold!
I think the most surprising part to me in the entire book was THE PLOT. While it starts out as the tortured stalker-mafia hottie wants to keep the small-town girl for himself, it became so much more than that as the story progressed. When you thought that Lyla was just the girl that was oblivious to the world she was currently walking into and that made her less, James shows us IMMEDIATELY that just because you're unaware doesn't mean you won't fight back harder and fiercer once your eyes are opened. If anything, Eyes on You isn't just about the stalker tendencies of Nik, it's also about the eyes on the entire underworld on Lyla and what she turns out to be. It feels very phoenix rising from the ashes.
I feel like I'm talking so much about Lyla and honestly, top fmc, for me (outside of fantasy books). But Nik needs his time in the spotlight too.
He is what you expect. HOT. TATTED. MAFIA BOSS. LETHAL. But as all morally grey lovers know, it's the protective, i'll burn the world for her, energy that really seals the deal for our favorite mmc's and Nik is EXACTLY that. Sinful, smirk-filled, and sensationally so human underneath it all, he'll have you begginggggg for more of his POV throughout.
Honestly, 10/10 such a good ride the whole way through. Converted to a Evie James supporter 100%! I can't wait to see what else the Sin Syndicate has in store in the next one!!!!
Thank you, THANK YOU, to Evie James for letting me a part of her ARC readers for 'Eyes on You'! I've had the best time getting to know you and my fellow ARC readers in our chat and can't say enough about how FUN this book was!
Would I recommend? - Absolutely yes to anyone that loves a stalker, mafia, dark romance. The vibes between Lyla and Nikolai are FIRE, but even more than that, the plot and pace of Nikolai's world is literally what had me pulled through the whole thing. So yes, please, give it a read if you need a quick standalone that will have you on your toes the entire time!
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
Lyla may be a small-town southern girl from the sticks of Tennessee, but her heart and her tenacity were MADE for Manhattan. She's got the grit of someone that knows how to work for what she wants - it's not given, it's earned in blood, sweat and tears (literally). And I think that's what draws our mmc, Nik, to her just as much as her sweetly sinful sexual nature. I mean, what's more intriguing to the devil than the angel in disguise?
Their banter was off-the-charts fun. Sassy quips from Lyla that brought out that lip-tilted smirk from Nik. And I loveeee a good 'her laugh makes sounds like sunshine' moment that wrecks the exterior of the mmc they once thought bulletproof and James delivered that ten-fold!
I think the most surprising part to me in the entire book was THE PLOT. While it starts out as the tortured stalker-mafia hottie wants to keep the small-town girl for himself, it became so much more than that as the story progressed. When you thought that Lyla was just the girl that was oblivious to the world she was currently walking into and that made her less, James shows us IMMEDIATELY that just because you're unaware doesn't mean you won't fight back harder and fiercer once your eyes are opened. If anything, Eyes on You isn't just about the stalker tendencies of Nik, it's also about the eyes on the entire underworld on Lyla and what she turns out to be. It feels very phoenix rising from the ashes.
I feel like I'm talking so much about Lyla and honestly, top fmc, for me (outside of fantasy books). But Nik needs his time in the spotlight too.
He is what you expect. HOT. TATTED. MAFIA BOSS. LETHAL. But as all morally grey lovers know, it's the protective, i'll burn the world for her, energy that really seals the deal for our favorite mmc's and Nik is EXACTLY that. Sinful, smirk-filled, and sensationally so human underneath it all, he'll have you begginggggg for more of his POV throughout.
Honestly, 10/10 such a good ride the whole way through. Converted to a Evie James supporter 100%! I can't wait to see what else the Sin Syndicate has in store in the next one!!!!
Thank you, THANK YOU, to Evie James for letting me a part of her ARC readers for 'Eyes on You'! I've had the best time getting to know you and my fellow ARC readers in our chat and can't say enough about how FUN this book was!
August 22, 2025
Releases August 26
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”
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”
January 19, 2026
Ugh I really loved this book at first and a small part of me still does I just honestly got so bored… this imo was a slow burn but not a good one- 60% into the book I was starting to get more and more over it and once I got to the 90% I was just done and the dialogue b/t the MMC and FMC started to get lowkey cringy…
January 8, 2026
felt like a chat-gpt written book
March 26, 2026
I ended up giving this one 4 stars, but have to admit it was the latter part of the book that brought the rating up for me. During the middle of the story, I had actually considered giving it a 3.
The thing that brought the rating down for me was some of the over-the-top actions of the FMC. Lyla was introduced as a spunky, sassy, hard-working and talented girl from Tennessee with ambitions of making it on Broadway. She worked two jobs to make rent, one as a waitress in a coffee shop (where she meets/collides with the MMC Nikolai), the other as an "aerial stripper" at a club where she has NO idea the kind of danger she's in there.
The first meeting between the MMC and FMC goes wrong on soooo many levels, but I still found it comical, because Lyla has NO idea who she's mouthing off to.
She gets the MMC's attention immediately, and he begins stalking her. And he's not liking the fact she's taking too much of his head space, but can't seem to stop😂
There were times in the story I began to wonder if Lyla was really just "that" stupid, when the facts and dangers to her were right in front of her face. (eye roll) She was single-minded in what she wanted her life to be, not wanting to accept the reality of what it was, and refusing to take the steps needed to protect herself. There were other times when I wondered if she was completely mental, because of some of the crazy things she said and did under stress. I'd like to think we Tennessee women are a little more capable, stable, and able to adapt to situations better than how Lyla's character was portrayed.
So, that was disappointing to me.
There was a lot of action and danger in the story; bad characters and dirty politicians aplenty-and I was invested in seeing whether these people would get what was coming to them (because I'm mean like that😉😂).
I feel I also need to warn: this is more of a slow burn story than I expected it to be, due to both of the characters finding excuses not to give in to one another........
The thing that brought the rating down for me was some of the over-the-top actions of the FMC. Lyla was introduced as a spunky, sassy, hard-working and talented girl from Tennessee with ambitions of making it on Broadway. She worked two jobs to make rent, one as a waitress in a coffee shop (where she meets/collides with the MMC Nikolai), the other as an "aerial stripper" at a club where she has NO idea the kind of danger she's in there.
The first meeting between the MMC and FMC goes wrong on soooo many levels, but I still found it comical, because Lyla has NO idea who she's mouthing off to.
She gets the MMC's attention immediately, and he begins stalking her. And he's not liking the fact she's taking too much of his head space, but can't seem to stop😂
There were times in the story I began to wonder if Lyla was really just "that" stupid, when the facts and dangers to her were right in front of her face. (eye roll) She was single-minded in what she wanted her life to be, not wanting to accept the reality of what it was, and refusing to take the steps needed to protect herself. There were other times when I wondered if she was completely mental, because of some of the crazy things she said and did under stress. I'd like to think we Tennessee women are a little more capable, stable, and able to adapt to situations better than how Lyla's character was portrayed.
So, that was disappointing to me.
There was a lot of action and danger in the story; bad characters and dirty politicians aplenty-and I was invested in seeing whether these people would get what was coming to them (because I'm mean like that😉😂).
I feel I also need to warn: this is more of a slow burn story than I expected it to be, due to both of the characters finding excuses not to give in to one another........
August 24, 2025
Eyes On You follows the story of Lyla and Nikolai. Nikolai is the hunter and Lyla is the hunted by not only Nikolai but half of NYC. Lyla is a prize to be cherished and where she is headed no one but Nikolai can cherish her in the way she needs and deserves.
Nikolai is not what he seems to be. He can cook, he is firm with commands, takes no BS and is infatuated with Lyla. Nikolai is drawn to Lyla like a moth to a flame and he is going to get burned one way or another. As the story develops we find out that Lyla has secrets too as well as a little fight left in her. We find out where she's come from and why she's in NYC distracting Nik from his day job.
Once these two clash the world around them burns to ashes. Eyes On You is your introduction to the Sin Syndicate. Welcome.
Buckle in babes.. Lyla is all sass and Nik is all dominance.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Nikolai is not what he seems to be. He can cook, he is firm with commands, takes no BS and is infatuated with Lyla. Nikolai is drawn to Lyla like a moth to a flame and he is going to get burned one way or another. As the story develops we find out that Lyla has secrets too as well as a little fight left in her. We find out where she's come from and why she's in NYC distracting Nik from his day job.
Once these two clash the world around them burns to ashes. Eyes On You is your introduction to the Sin Syndicate. Welcome.
Buckle in babes.. Lyla is all sass and Nik is all dominance.
Thank you to the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2025
5-⭐️s
Dark, delicious, and unforgettable.
Eyes on You is the kind of mafia romance that hooks you from page one and doesn’t let go. This is a story of obsession, danger, and forbidden passion between Nikolai—an antihero Bratva boss with a hacker’s mind—and Lyla, the fiery dancer who stumbles into his shadowy world of organized crime.
The romance is twisted and raw, but it’s also layered with themes of loyalty, survival, and vigilante justice. Nik doesn’t just want Lyla—he claims her, protects her, and burns down anyone who threatens her. The way Evie James balances suspense, sensuality, and mafia politics is masterful.
If you love dark romance with an edge—obsessive alpha male, stalker hero, high stakes, and a heroine who gives as good as she gets—this book will wreck you in the best way. Absolutely five stars.
Dark, delicious, and unforgettable.
Eyes on You is the kind of mafia romance that hooks you from page one and doesn’t let go. This is a story of obsession, danger, and forbidden passion between Nikolai—an antihero Bratva boss with a hacker’s mind—and Lyla, the fiery dancer who stumbles into his shadowy world of organized crime.
The romance is twisted and raw, but it’s also layered with themes of loyalty, survival, and vigilante justice. Nik doesn’t just want Lyla—he claims her, protects her, and burns down anyone who threatens her. The way Evie James balances suspense, sensuality, and mafia politics is masterful.
If you love dark romance with an edge—obsessive alpha male, stalker hero, high stakes, and a heroine who gives as good as she gets—this book will wreck you in the best way. Absolutely five stars.
July 31, 2025
Review from the Publisher
Eyes on You is the first installment in Evie James’s Sin Syndicate series, a dark mafia romance that blends danger, desire, and high-stakes suspense. At its heart is Nikolai Volkov, a hacker king thrust into the violent world of organized crime, whose obsession with a small-town dreamer ignites a story of passion, power, and vigilante justice. With evocative prose, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters, James delivers a compelling tale where loyalty is bloodstained, love is perilous, and every choice carries consequences. Readers of mafia romance and dark romance will find themselves captivated by this intense, addictive opening to the Sin Syndicate series.
Eyes on You is the first installment in Evie James’s Sin Syndicate series, a dark mafia romance that blends danger, desire, and high-stakes suspense. At its heart is Nikolai Volkov, a hacker king thrust into the violent world of organized crime, whose obsession with a small-town dreamer ignites a story of passion, power, and vigilante justice. With evocative prose, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters, James delivers a compelling tale where loyalty is bloodstained, love is perilous, and every choice carries consequences. Readers of mafia romance and dark romance will find themselves captivated by this intense, addictive opening to the Sin Syndicate series.
August 25, 2025
I devoured this book.plenty of suspense & spice. Nikolai is the perfect alpha male ready to claim his prey. Lyla, the strong, full of life brat, ready to fight him at every turn. They are perfect together. I love this book. my first Evie James read, and I can't wait for more. Eyes On You is the first book in the Syndicate Series. It's definitely worth the read!
August 29, 2025
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. so i am sooo beyond grateful to be able to read and review this book as well as being apart of evie's sin syndicate team. thank you so much evie!!
- 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. so i am sooo beyond grateful to be able to read and review this book as well as being apart of evie's sin syndicate team. thank you so much evie!!
September 2, 2025
DNF - 66%
It’s the same thing over and over and over and over again. Literally it’s like the MMC is talking to a brick wall or the FMC has some serious issues.
And I’m sorry but can we get rid of the trope of FMCs saying “nothing can hurt me because I say so” like babe, it doesn’t work that way. You can’t walk in front of a car and expect it not to hit you because you say so.
It’s the same thing over and over and over and over again. Literally it’s like the MMC is talking to a brick wall or the FMC has some serious issues.
And I’m sorry but can we get rid of the trope of FMCs saying “nothing can hurt me because I say so” like babe, it doesn’t work that way. You can’t walk in front of a car and expect it not to hit you because you say so.
April 12, 2026
This book was so good!! I was hooked from the very beginning. The angst was perfect!! Evie James can write the perfect mafia stalker dark romance!! I loved Lyla and Nik’s story! Lyla came to live out her dream on stage and has several jobs to pay bills. She meets Nik at a cafe and was sassy and he did not know how to take her. But he wanted to know more about her. He stalks her and learns that she is in danger. You have to read this bec some of the twists i didn’t see coming!!
August 29, 2025
✨Wow!!! This played out like a movie in my head. This had everything in it, from Mafia wars to Romantic Suspense. And let me tell you the spice was 🥵🥵🥵.
✨I just loved the witty banter between the FMC and MMC. You really felt that slow burn! 🔥 It was great and had me wanting to read more!
✨This is the first book in The Sin Syndicate Series. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
💗FAVORITE QUOTES💗
“My light in the darkness. I will guard you until the end”
“Lyla was a lamb in a city of wolves, and I had just caught her scent”
“She was a match, and I was soaked in gasoline”
✨I just loved the witty banter between the FMC and MMC. You really felt that slow burn! 🔥 It was great and had me wanting to read more!
✨This is the first book in The Sin Syndicate Series. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
💗FAVORITE QUOTES💗
“My light in the darkness. I will guard you until the end”
“Lyla was a lamb in a city of wolves, and I had just caught her scent”
“She was a match, and I was soaked in gasoline”
August 27, 2025
Evie James has crafted an absolute masterpiece with Eyes On You a dark mafia romance that delivers on every single promise and then some! From the very first page, I was utterly ensnared in Nikolai Volkov's world, and by the end, I was left breathless and craving more. This book is everything I crave in a dark romance: intense obsession, fierce protection, undeniable chemistry, and a hero who will burn the world for his woman.
Nikolai Volkov is the epitome of the morally gray antihero you can't help but fall for. Thrust into the brutal world of the Russian Bratva after his father's murder, he's a hacker king who never wanted a crown, but wears it with a lethal grace. His journey from reluctant leader to an utterly consumed, possessive force is mesmerizing. When he locks eyes on Lyla, his transformation from silent observer to unwavering protector is both terrifying and incredibly seductive. He's dark, dangerous, and his obsession with Lyla is palpable – a silent, deadly promise of protection that evolves into something fiercely possessive and utterly addictive.
Lyla Laine Oakley is the perfect ray of sunshine in Nikolai's dark world. She's small-town innocent, chasing Broadway dreams, and completely unaware she's dancing on the edge of a dangerous underworld. She could easily be just a "prey," but Evie James makes her so much more. Lyla is naive, yes, but she's not weak. Her vulnerability draws Nikolai in, but her quiet strength and dreams make her a heroine you genuinely root for.
The stalker-savior trope is executed flawlessly here. Nikolai's progression from silent shadow, watching and studying Lyla, to actively intervening and claiming her, is a masterclass in tension and desire. The chemistry between them is off-the-charts – a slow burn that ignites into an inferno you can feel through the pages. The line between protection and obsession blurs beautifully, creating an intoxicating dance of power and surrender.
The world-building is gritty and immersive, pulling you deep into the dangerous underbelly of Manhattan's crime world. The stakes are high, the danger is ever-present, and the plot is thrilling, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Evie James doesn't shy away from the darkness, making Nikolai's actions and motivations feel authentic and compelling.
If you love a ruthless antihero who falls harder than he ever thought possible, a heroine who brings light to the shadows, undeniable chemistry, and a plot that keeps you absolutely hooked, then stop what you're doing and read Eyes On You RIGHT NOW. This is a five-star, must-read dark mafia romance that will claim your heart and mind. I can't recommend it enough!
Nikolai Volkov is the epitome of the morally gray antihero you can't help but fall for. Thrust into the brutal world of the Russian Bratva after his father's murder, he's a hacker king who never wanted a crown, but wears it with a lethal grace. His journey from reluctant leader to an utterly consumed, possessive force is mesmerizing. When he locks eyes on Lyla, his transformation from silent observer to unwavering protector is both terrifying and incredibly seductive. He's dark, dangerous, and his obsession with Lyla is palpable – a silent, deadly promise of protection that evolves into something fiercely possessive and utterly addictive.
Lyla Laine Oakley is the perfect ray of sunshine in Nikolai's dark world. She's small-town innocent, chasing Broadway dreams, and completely unaware she's dancing on the edge of a dangerous underworld. She could easily be just a "prey," but Evie James makes her so much more. Lyla is naive, yes, but she's not weak. Her vulnerability draws Nikolai in, but her quiet strength and dreams make her a heroine you genuinely root for.
The stalker-savior trope is executed flawlessly here. Nikolai's progression from silent shadow, watching and studying Lyla, to actively intervening and claiming her, is a masterclass in tension and desire. The chemistry between them is off-the-charts – a slow burn that ignites into an inferno you can feel through the pages. The line between protection and obsession blurs beautifully, creating an intoxicating dance of power and surrender.
The world-building is gritty and immersive, pulling you deep into the dangerous underbelly of Manhattan's crime world. The stakes are high, the danger is ever-present, and the plot is thrilling, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Evie James doesn't shy away from the darkness, making Nikolai's actions and motivations feel authentic and compelling.
If you love a ruthless antihero who falls harder than he ever thought possible, a heroine who brings light to the shadows, undeniable chemistry, and a plot that keeps you absolutely hooked, then stop what you're doing and read Eyes On You RIGHT NOW. This is a five-star, must-read dark mafia romance that will claim your heart and mind. I can't recommend it enough!
February 23, 2026
• 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 5✨
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- dark mafia romance
- morally grey hero
- obsessed protector
- stalker
- small town girl x crime king
- touch her & die
- he falls first
- organized crime war
- forced proximity
Nikolai Volkov is the cold and dangerous heir to a Russian mafia empire trying to clean up a brutal gang war. Lyla Oakley is a small town girl chasing her Broadway dreams while secretly working nights as an aerial dancer to survive.
Their worlds collide in a coffee shop, and what starts as sharp words and fire turns into obsession, protection, and a war that threatens to destroy everything. When enemies realize Lyla is Nikolai’s weakness, she becomes a target. And Nikolai proves he is not just a man who talks about power. He is the kind who bleeds for it.
Oh my God this book had me in a chokehold from page one. Nikolai is not a regular dark hero. He is ruthless, calculated, silent, and when he decides someone is his, he means it in the most terrifying way. Books always say the hero will burn down the world for her. He literally did it 🫠 The way he protected her was not just words. It was action after action after action. Blood. Fire. Chaos. And he did not hesitate once.
Lyla is not some weak heroine either. She is bold, fearless, stubborn, and she talks back even when she should probably run. I loved how she did not lose herself just because the hero was powerful. She had dreams. She had fire. And she made him feel things he never planned to feel.
The tension between them was insane. The banter. The power play. The heat. Every scene felt intense and charged. I could literally feel the danger through the pages. The mafia politics were strong and gripping. So much action. So many high stakes moments. I was stressed in the best way possible.
But what really got me was Nikolai’s quiet obsession. He watched. He calculated. He protected. He claimed. Not in a soft way. In a deadly way. And somehow it still felt romantic in this dark twisted world.
Thank you so much hambright for the free ARC!
• 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
- dark mafia romance
- morally grey hero
- obsessed protector
- stalker
- small town girl x crime king
- touch her & die
- he falls first
- organized crime war
- forced proximity
Nikolai Volkov is the cold and dangerous heir to a Russian mafia empire trying to clean up a brutal gang war. Lyla Oakley is a small town girl chasing her Broadway dreams while secretly working nights as an aerial dancer to survive.
Their worlds collide in a coffee shop, and what starts as sharp words and fire turns into obsession, protection, and a war that threatens to destroy everything. When enemies realize Lyla is Nikolai’s weakness, she becomes a target. And Nikolai proves he is not just a man who talks about power. He is the kind who bleeds for it.
Oh my God this book had me in a chokehold from page one. Nikolai is not a regular dark hero. He is ruthless, calculated, silent, and when he decides someone is his, he means it in the most terrifying way. Books always say the hero will burn down the world for her. He literally did it 🫠 The way he protected her was not just words. It was action after action after action. Blood. Fire. Chaos. And he did not hesitate once.
Lyla is not some weak heroine either. She is bold, fearless, stubborn, and she talks back even when she should probably run. I loved how she did not lose herself just because the hero was powerful. She had dreams. She had fire. And she made him feel things he never planned to feel.
The tension between them was insane. The banter. The power play. The heat. Every scene felt intense and charged. I could literally feel the danger through the pages. The mafia politics were strong and gripping. So much action. So many high stakes moments. I was stressed in the best way possible.
But what really got me was Nikolai’s quiet obsession. He watched. He calculated. He protected. He claimed. Not in a soft way. In a deadly way. And somehow it still felt romantic in this dark twisted world.
Thank you so much hambright for the free ARC!
August 30, 2025
Perfect balance of mafia and obsessive devotion
ARC Review: Eyes on You by Evie James
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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice
ARC Review: Eyes on You by Evie James
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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spice
August 30, 2025
Review: Eyes on You by Evie James
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Eyes on You is hands-down one of the best mafia romance novels I’ve read in a long time. Evie James has a remarkable talent for storytelling — from the very first page, I was completely hooked. Her ability to craft characters and scenes that pull you in and refuse to let go is nothing short of extraordinary. I couldn’t put it down!
Nik is everything you’d expect from a mafia anti-hero — mysterious, dangerous, and utterly ruthless — but somehow, he’s impossible to hate. On the contrary, I found him deliciously sexy and the kind of dark fantasy man you can’t help but fall for. He’s enigmatic but magnetic, and every scene with him just sizzles.
Lacey (or Lyla) is a standout heroine. She’s fearless, hardworking, and refuses to be intimidated, even when the stakes are high. I was rooting for her from the beginning. Her resilience and determination to chase her dreams, despite everything she’s endured, are truly inspiring.
If I had to point out one drawback, it would be the pacing. It’s a bit of a slow burn, and then suddenly all the “sexy” action hits at once. I wish there had been a more balanced build-up. Also, the epilogue left me slightly confused — if Delgado is still at large, how are Nik and Lyla walking around so freely?
That said, none of these things stopped me from loving the story. The chemistry, the suspense, the emotional pull — it all worked. This book deserves all five stars and a solid 3 ½ hot peppers for the heat level!
Highly recommend for mafia romance lovers looking for a story with depth, danger, and just the right amount of spice.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Eyes on You is hands-down one of the best mafia romance novels I’ve read in a long time. Evie James has a remarkable talent for storytelling — from the very first page, I was completely hooked. Her ability to craft characters and scenes that pull you in and refuse to let go is nothing short of extraordinary. I couldn’t put it down!
Nik is everything you’d expect from a mafia anti-hero — mysterious, dangerous, and utterly ruthless — but somehow, he’s impossible to hate. On the contrary, I found him deliciously sexy and the kind of dark fantasy man you can’t help but fall for. He’s enigmatic but magnetic, and every scene with him just sizzles.
Lacey (or Lyla) is a standout heroine. She’s fearless, hardworking, and refuses to be intimidated, even when the stakes are high. I was rooting for her from the beginning. Her resilience and determination to chase her dreams, despite everything she’s endured, are truly inspiring.
If I had to point out one drawback, it would be the pacing. It’s a bit of a slow burn, and then suddenly all the “sexy” action hits at once. I wish there had been a more balanced build-up. Also, the epilogue left me slightly confused — if Delgado is still at large, how are Nik and Lyla walking around so freely?
That said, none of these things stopped me from loving the story. The chemistry, the suspense, the emotional pull — it all worked. This book deserves all five stars and a solid 3 ½ hot peppers for the heat level!
Highly recommend for mafia romance lovers looking for a story with depth, danger, and just the right amount of spice.
August 31, 2025
what a ride!!! and I loved it the whole way!!
Wow!!! What a great story and a great ending! 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. You get pulled into the details of the story and the whole journey of good and bad and that gray line. Can’t wait for part two.
SPOILERS
So I started off loving the FMC. She is a firecracker no doubt and comes in taking no prisoners with her fiery tongue. You can tell right away that he knows she is a force to be reckoned with so it’s just a matter of time. As the story goes I was a bit frustrated with the FMC- she is still the same personality, which made it more realistic. She isn’t like one of those this would never happen how she falls for the guy. That was what drove me nuts because she literally was not having it. The shift in their relationship makes sense when you think of her personality from the being- she is consistently a take the bull by the horns type of girl, so all the ups and downs are consistent. She is actually a very well written FMC and her complexity is what I loved in the end. I love Nikolai and I think his character will develop even more in book two. You see glimpses of who he is and he is a definitely a more than meets the eye type. I was actually happy with the ending, even though you know there is more to come. She never played the damsel - not even at the end which was great!
This is a great book- can’t wait for the next book in the Sin Syndicate.
Wow!!! What a great story and a great ending! 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. You get pulled into the details of the story and the whole journey of good and bad and that gray line. Can’t wait for part two.
SPOILERS
So I started off loving the FMC. She is a firecracker no doubt and comes in taking no prisoners with her fiery tongue. You can tell right away that he knows she is a force to be reckoned with so it’s just a matter of time. As the story goes I was a bit frustrated with the FMC- she is still the same personality, which made it more realistic. She isn’t like one of those this would never happen how she falls for the guy. That was what drove me nuts because she literally was not having it. The shift in their relationship makes sense when you think of her personality from the being- she is consistently a take the bull by the horns type of girl, so all the ups and downs are consistent. She is actually a very well written FMC and her complexity is what I loved in the end. I love Nikolai and I think his character will develop even more in book two. You see glimpses of who he is and he is a definitely a more than meets the eye type. I was actually happy with the ending, even though you know there is more to come. She never played the damsel - not even at the end which was great!
This is a great book- can’t wait for the next book in the Sin Syndicate.
March 8, 2026
This is Book 1 of the Sin Syndicate series which will have 6 standalone, but interconnected books.
This is a captivating mafia romance wrapped in layers of romantic suspense following Nik and Lyla.
Nikolai Volkov is a fallen angel, heir to the Bratva in New York. Cold, calculated, deadly. He is silent intensity and darkness personified.
Lyla is a Tennessee ray of sunshine, gifted dancer and aerialist, determined to make it in the Big Apple. Surviving in the big city is pushing her to work above and beyond her limits and in places that are outposts of Hell.
The banter between Lyla and Nik is at a masterclass level and deserves a review of its own.
Story develops slowly, in a delicious slow burn and culminates in volcanic eruption of carnal pleasures. The relationship develops on a backdrop of trauma and in the context of treacherous (under)world of vigilante justice.
But one thing that really stood out to me as a reader is the writing style. It is nuanced, with perfect tempo and great attention to detail. You are not reading the story; you are IN the story. And this gentle reader is a huge fan of little moments captured on page. “Central Park was a cathedral when it snowed”. Beauty! Evie James writes in a way that is atmospheric and sensory and pulls you right in.
In summary, I cannot recommend this book enough for mafia romance fans and readers who want to explore this subgenre. I know that I will dive deep into the Sin Syndicate series. To be honest, Book 2 Eyes of the Unholy is already on my Kindle.
This is a captivating mafia romance wrapped in layers of romantic suspense following Nik and Lyla.
Nikolai Volkov is a fallen angel, heir to the Bratva in New York. Cold, calculated, deadly. He is silent intensity and darkness personified.
Lyla is a Tennessee ray of sunshine, gifted dancer and aerialist, determined to make it in the Big Apple. Surviving in the big city is pushing her to work above and beyond her limits and in places that are outposts of Hell.
The banter between Lyla and Nik is at a masterclass level and deserves a review of its own.
Story develops slowly, in a delicious slow burn and culminates in volcanic eruption of carnal pleasures. The relationship develops on a backdrop of trauma and in the context of treacherous (under)world of vigilante justice.
But one thing that really stood out to me as a reader is the writing style. It is nuanced, with perfect tempo and great attention to detail. You are not reading the story; you are IN the story. And this gentle reader is a huge fan of little moments captured on page. “Central Park was a cathedral when it snowed”. Beauty! Evie James writes in a way that is atmospheric and sensory and pulls you right in.
In summary, I cannot recommend this book enough for mafia romance fans and readers who want to explore this subgenre. I know that I will dive deep into the Sin Syndicate series. To be honest, Book 2 Eyes of the Unholy is already on my Kindle.
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