Ryker

by Erica Jade

Summer
College was supposed to be my escape. Instead, my twin sister Rain has vanished without a trace, and I can't shake the feeling of being watched... a presence that follows me everywhere.
When a note appears in my bedroom, I know it's not paranoia. As I search desperately for Rain, a masked man haunts my nights. I'm not just hunting for my sister anymore... I'm surrendering to an obsession that feels like falling into an abyss. And God help me, I want to keep falling.
Ryker
I've been watching my angel for months. Summer Avery—my beautiful obsession. Every night I stand in the shadows, watching her, memorizing each delicate movement. The way she tucks her hair behind her ear when she's nervous makes my cock throb. She's fucking perfect.
I know it's fucked up. I know I should stop. But I won't.
When she walks into our house seeking help for her missing sister, her fear and innocence nearly shatter my control. I want to pin her against the wall, mark her soft skin, make her understand she belongs to me. Even if what she needs protection from most is the darkness inside me.
*18+ Dark Romance. Warning this book contains scenes of abuse/assault and stalking that may trigger some readers. As well as graphic sex and violence.*

Genres: Dark Romance

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Erica Jade is the author of Never Yours, a gripping dark Mafia romance. When she’s not writing, Erica enjoys binge-watching TV shows with her husband and their French bulldog, Ellie. She cherishes quality time with her husband and their three children.
Erica has a deep love for all things horror, an insatiable appetite for tacos, and an ever-growing collection of books to fuel her reading obsession. Whether she’s diving into a spine-chilling horror flick or savoring her favorite tacos (yes, they’re worth mentioning twice), Erica’s passions always find their way into her vibrant and dynamic storytelling.

Reviews

[Kris-Posey · Rating 4 out of 5]

So damn addictive!

I practically inhaled this one, and loved every damn minute!

The story line was deliciously twisty and intriguing, and the characters completely enthralling— secondary characters included.

Honestly, Ryker will live rent free in my head for a long time to come— and I’m down for it!

Erica Jades has just gained herself a dedicated fan!

I can’t wait to devour the rest of this series!

Love, love, LOVE!

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. I inhaled it and couldn't put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen. Not only was there excitement about the stalker but there was a suspenseful mystery too!

Summer's twin Rain goes missing. She makes friends with a group who all go to the same college as her and helps her search for her sister. Included in that group of new friends is her stalker Ryker!

Ryker is so obsessed with Summer after meeting her only once. When I say I enjoy stalker romance MMCs this is what I mean. Ryker is possessive but protective and so hot.

I need more! This series is connected but can be read as a standalone.

[Bexs Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite growing up in different worlds, Summer and Ryker are perfect for each other. The passion they have for each other was delicious.

I enjoyed Summer stepping out of her father's shadow, becoming the person she wanted to be, and I love that Ryker is completely aware of how deranged he is.

Book two in the Men Of Dark Harbor series did not disappoint. With more twists and turns to keep thriller lovers hooked, I can't wait for more in the series.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

First let me start with this:🚩🚩Be sure to check the TWs for this book. There's a lot of themes and situations that may be uncomfortable for some readers.🚩🚩

I knew this was going to be a setting of young college students, but I wasn't quite expecting this type of vibe. I didn't read the first book, and there are names being dropped of past characters that I knew nothing about. The story didn't give much of a reminder so I was in the dark about certain things in this small town. I've read stalker, dark romances before, but this one here came wayy out of left field. Especially with an 18yr old girl named Summer and Ryker, which I guess was around the same age, maybe he's 20 since he's in college with her {{the book never shared that info}} seem to not be the right fit for this sordid tale. Who are these young teens and adults who engage in this weird type of behavior? Vigilantes to fix the crimes of adults in this small town. Why was the sheriff never called? It made zero sense. No adults anywhere. If they were there, they're awful people who sell their kids to the mob. Or they got murdered by their kids. Ryker said something about his Father. Did he... kill him?😳 Considering everything else he did, maybe? It no longer mattered. Obviously these characters are wealthy. They all seem to live in one mansion. Except for Summer and Cora who live on campus. They mostly eat. If they were older, had more life experiences, then okay it would make sense, but no. None of them worked, I guess. Ryker was into stalking, abuse, obsessive behavior, and he's the greatest in bed.🙄 A 20yr(?) old acting like a 35yr old man. Ryker the MMC, there's nothing attractive about some guy super imposing himself toward Summer, the MFC, in such a twisted and suffocating manner. One past interaction with Summer and he's hooked, he follows and watches her every single move. For protection. He put cameras in her dorm room. He follows her when she goes anywhere, to the gym, then he punished her with hardcore spanking... and this turns her on.😑 Why the humiliation of a spanking, b/c she upset him by using a toy in her bedroom while he watched on camera. Summer doesn't have a clue it's Ryker since he wears a mask and hoodie during this altercation. All the while, they, Summer and Ryker and the rest of their group of friends, are looking for Summer's fraternal twin sister Rain who went missing. That part of the story lost steam against all the other clatter. And I was more interested in that mystery and Rain than anybody else.😨

Don't get me started when Summer finally figured out who her stalker was. Let the punishing, rough, choking, biting, yes all over even in intimate places, slapping action begin. "Ryker's passion painted in purples and reds." Girl you obviously know it's bad since you had to hide it. And Cora, later saw these marks, but Summer liked it so it's okay. High five. You're getting some. Woohoo.🤦🏼‍♀️ It was... ridiculous. Ryker likes control. You do what I say when I say it. He's that type. It's disfunctional and unhinged. If she doesn't show up on time, or who are you talking to, if Summer doesn't mind him, obey, then you know what will happen.😒 But he loves her. Isn't that how it always starts. Till it eventually leads to: look what you made me do.😡 Slight spoiler: There's a baby on the way. Yikes! This was fiction. I get it. But it was trying to romanticize what MANY would say is an unhealthy relationship. Summer, to me, was insecure about herself that she didn't know or even care, that she could have done better. This book didn't work for me. A book should pull you in not drive you away. I didn't like these characters. The OTT situations. Nope! Question. Why didn't 17yr old Crissy go back with her family? I finished reading it but it took a lot. I still wanted to know about Rain. I won't spoil how that played out. If you want to read it, go for it. Other reviewers seem to like it. Good luck. 2 stars for Rain. Happy reading.*•>§<•*💙🖤💙🖤

Thank you to Ms Jade and Booksprout for an early book. These are my honest thoughts on the story that I read.

[PlotTwist&Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, TRIGGER WARNINGS (because wow, girl, this ain’t a Disney princess story):

Stalking (like industrial-grade stalking — cameras, hacking, tree-climbing surveillance type of deal)
Obsession/possession (Ryker basically said, “Personal boundaries? Never heard of her.”)
Gaslighting, manipulation
Emotional dependency
Dubious consent themes (he’s VERY “you’re mine” whether she signed up for it or not)

Now the Tea:

Summer Avery is your sweet little good girl, mayor’s daughter, trying to find herself outside Daddy’s iron fist and plans for world domination through his daughter’s uterus. Then enters Ryker Truett — looking like every bad decision you regret and fantasize about at the same time.

Ryker isn’t just obsessed — he’s certifiably insane in a way that would land a normal man in court-ordered therapy and a Lifetime original movie. But somehow, in Erica Jade’s deliciously toxic hands, you’re reading his inner monologue like, “Honestly, same.”

The book is a full-course meal of morally gray yumminess:

Stalking? Absolutely.
Installing hidden cameras? Duh.
Watching her sleep? He thinks it’s romantic, not felonious.
Internal screaming and territorial growling when other men breathe near her? Standard Truett brother behavior.

Meanwhile Summer’s over here just trying to survive college and not get kidnapped by her literal walking, talking red flag of a soulmate.

The Spice:
Slow-burn that eventually ignites into molotov-cocktail-level intensity.

You’re getting a filthy, possessive, primal Ryker who treats Summer like she’s made of glass and sin simultaneously.

Imagine being hunted like a deer but also worshipped like a goddess — that’s the spice profile.

(He really said, “You’re not leaving this bed unless it’s in my arms or a body bag, sweetheart.”)

Characters that need therapy immediately:

Ryker (obviously)
Summer (once she realizes she’s deeply into the crazy)
Ryan (Summer’s friend-zoned white knight who’s 3 sips away from his own villain origin story)
Matt (dead man walking)

Rating: 5/5 Stars
(or 10/5 if you love hot psychos, don’t mind being morally questionable, and secretly wish you were someone’s lifelong obsession.)

Final Thoughts:
This book was basically a cinnamon roll stuffed inside a firecracker wrapped in caution tape labeled “DO NOT LOVE HIM”… and you still ate it. Happily. With a bib.

If you’ve ever whispered “I could fix him” while smiling at your Kindle, congratulations, this book was built for your feral little heart.

[Sabrina Mordini · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️💫 (2.5 rounded up to 3 stars)

As an ARC reader, I always appreciate the chance to discover new authors and stories. Ryker by Erica Jade definitely delivers on intensity and spice, and while it had some engaging moments, I struggled to connect deeply with the characters or the storyline.

The plot follows a familiar path in the stalker/obsessive romance genre — the MMC is intense, over-the-top possessive, and turns out to be both the stalker and the love interest. The FMC, on the other hand, didn’t stand out much in terms of personality. Her main defining feature seems to be how others respond to her, rather than anything she actually does. That made it harder for me to invest in her emotionally.

There are several subplots: a missing sister, a stalker, and later, a kidnapping/trafficking arc. While this added a sense of urgency, it often felt like too much was crammed into the book without enough time to let any of it breathe. The missing sister was the event that kick-started the story, but emotionally, it didn’t feel like the driving force it should have been — especially considering it’s her twin. The FMC continues on with her life in a way that felt jarring and unrealistic.

The spice level is high (definitely a draw for some readers!), but it often seemed like the story existed to link together the spicy scenes, rather than the other way around. With so many dramatic plot points, I was hoping for more character development or a deeper emotional arc, but things often resolved too quickly or didn’t fully land.

One thing that gave me real pause was the age of the FMC — she’s 18, so technically legal, but very young, and the power dynamics didn’t sit comfortably with me. There’s a moment where she says no to a date, and the MMC pushes past her refusal — that was particularly problematic for me, and it colored how I viewed their entire relationship.

While the book has its audience — especially readers who enjoy possessive alpha romances with heavy spice — I personally found it hard to suspend disbelief enough to truly enjoy the ride. I’ll be curious to see how Erica Jade develops as an author, and I’d definitely give her future books a try with the hope for more nuanced relationships and stronger emotional grounding.

[Lisa Serrano-Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer's sister disappears without a trace. Desperate and alone, Summer starts searching for answers. She turns to a friend & ends up finding him, Ryker — a brooding, intense man with ties to the darkest corners of life — and his close-knit group of friends for help.

What she doesn’t know is that Ryker has been watching her for months, consumed by an obsession he can’t explain. He didn't mean to reveal himself to her this soon … but now that she's in his world, he can’t let her go.

As they look for her sister, a connection between them grows. Ryker’s obsession turns into fierce, possessive love — just as Summer finally begins to let down her guard & trust him...well you are going to have to just read the book to find out the rest of the story.

Erica has done it again. Book 2 in the Men of Dark Harbor series. She has written characters that you want to know in real life. The suspense, the tension, the passion, the conflict is all palpable. It will keep you up way past your bedtime just to know how it all turns out.

*This is a dark romance book that contains: abuse, stalking, assault, explicit sexual scenes & violence *

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so so GOOD! Ryker was such a good read. It had plenty of action, conflict, reasonable resolution, and spice. Speaking of spice: WHEW! Erica Jade sure knows how to write the perfectly compatible sexy-times partnership—Ryker and Summer were H. O. T.! I have to mention how much I despise Summer’s father—Such a cat’s pucker-hole! Summer goes through so much. Very happy Ryker was always her unconditional.

P. S. Everyone deserves an ‘unconditional’. The one that gives his all—every obsessive, possessive, stalkery, sexy, gorgeous, muscular, reliable inch.

*** Recommended ***

HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* Book 2 of Men of Dark Harbor
MMC:
* Ryker
FMC:
* Summer
Tropes:
* Dark Romance
* Stalker Romance
* Morally Gray MMC
* Possessive MMC
* Obsessed MMC
* Touch Her and Un-Alive
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Language
* Violence
* Assault
* Abuse
* Kidnapping
* Drugging
* Human Trafficking
* Pregnancy
Burn Speed:
* Medium
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’ve got twin sisters, one sister is missing, when Summer brings up Rain being gone their dad brushes it off as Rain just being her normal rebellious self. Summer knows deep down it’s not.

Enlisting the help of her roommate and her roommates friend Lyric, they make it their mission to find her. Queue in Ryker (our MMC) and Knox (lyrics bf but also Ryker’s older brother) who have also offered their help but let’s back track a little….

Summers father is the Mayor of Dark Harbor, during an event her father warns her to stay away from the Truett and Kane brothers. So when she finds out they want to help she’s is a little hesitant. But she feels a strange pull towards Ryker and she can’t understand it.

Queue in her stalker…..I’ll let you guys read to find that out!

This book was great. The characters are great, the plot is plotting and will leave you will your jaw on the floor. The world of Dark Harbor has its secrets and they are slowly unraveling.

I will say, if you aren’t a fan of the surprise pregnancy trope, don’t read this. But it doesn’t bother me and I thought it was sweet how big bad Ryker was so excited to be a dad.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erica Jade Ryker Men Of Dark Harbor 2

Book two in the Dark Harbor series and best to be read in order. This town is full of corruption. You have the mystery and suspense with Summers twin missing.
Ryker was over the top obsessed and was full out in stalking mood and masked interactions with. Summer was very quiet and followed what her father wanted a good girl. I felt like there were a few things added to cause conflict that didn’t necessarily need to be added. I really like Ryker and how fixated and protective he was of Summer. The growth that she shows after getting to know him and the rest of the group. It will be interesting where the next story in the series goes with the little bit of tension between some of the other characters.


Dark Romance
College
Sta1ker
Masked Man
Surprise Pregnancy
Suspense
Found Family

[Pà · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryker was such a wild, addictive ride. Summer’s search for her sister pulls her straight into Ryker’s twisted world, and let’s just say, once he's in her life, there’s no way out. He’s intense, obsessive, but also protective and weirdly sweet in his own twisted way. And of course I loved him. The chemistry was off the charts from the very first moment.The spice was so good. I loved the found family vibe with Ryker’s friends too, it was the best part in my opinion. Also, this book reads fast, like I blinked, and I was at 50%. One-sitting kind of fast. I couldn’t stop flipping pages. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving a honest review

[Vivien Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer is a college student whose twin sister, Rain, has vanished. She also knows she is being watched, or rather st@lked. And the odd thing is, she doesn't hate the idea of being watched. Erica's stories are so good and my personal weakness is romantic st@lker stories. So I just ate this one up! Ryker is obsessed with Summer and watches her at night. And when she asks him for help in finding her missing sister, he almost snaps and loses his control because he wants her so badly. Ryker and Summer's sexual chemistry ends up being so hot! I love how protective he is over her and at the same time being borderline unhinged in his feelings and possessiveness of her. Raise your hand if you love an over-the-top jealous, protective male character! This story is for you.

[Kelsey Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man I thought Knox was great but this was even better. Super into the whole st@lker side of Ryker and how down for it Summer was even though she wasn’t sure she should be or who it even was. I loved the tension between her and Ryker and how she could always feel him when he was watching her. I loved the way everyone from “the masked mansion” got involved with helping Summer find her missing sister Rain. Cora and Summer bonding so quickly was really nice and I loved how Lyric and Knox welcomed her with open arms. The spicy scenes were crazy hot, Ryker knew exactly what he was doing🥵 the twists about Summer’s father and about where Rain was were so good. I’m so excited to read Kane Brothers now to see what happens next!

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker is an intense stalker story and has topics that may be sensitive to some readers so make sure you check trigger warnings before you start reading.
Summer and Ryker’s journey is a great, fast-paced story that'll keep you glued to the pages from start to finish. Summer is innocent, timid and completely perfect for Ryker. Ryker is dark, dangerous and exactly what Summer needs whether she realizes it or not. Their journey will quickly pull you in and completely consume you. I hope we see more from these characters in the future. Gage has got my curiosity all stirred up, if I'm honest they all do! There's lots of secrets among these men of Dark Harbor.

[bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryker had me from the first chapter. The masked man angle? Fucking delicious. I ate up every second of his obsessive, possessive behavior, and somehow Erica Jade made it all feel like foreplay. Summer was easy to root for, even when her judgment made me want to shake her. The mystery behind her sister's disappearance added a solid layer of suspense that kept me flipping pages. Some of the darker scenes hit hard, and there were moments that could’ve used a bit more depth, especially toward the end, but honestly, worth the read. It’s dark, twisted, and steamy as hell. I just wish we got more of Ryker unhinged.

[Melissa Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erica Jade has done it again!! This book was 🤩🤩!!

This is book 2 of the Dark Harbor Series. Make sure to read the first book before reading this one!! Characters from the first one make appearances in this one and you will be lost.

Ryker has my heart now!! He is broody, obsessive and just 🥵😍🥰. I couldnt help but fall in love with him!! The way Erica wrote his character made me picture him too. I absolutely loved it!!

I SERIOUSLY cant wait for the next book!! Thank you Erica for allowing me to read your amazing book!

[Shere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker is an absolute YES

There is something about this series or the way that Erica Jade writes that just sucks me right in.

I devoured this book, did not put it down once I picked it up. Hello late night reading. Ryker was the best kind of walking red flag for me. I love when they’re obsessed and he was so obsessed with Summer.

Summer is super sweet and I really enjoyed her character.

If you’re a dark romance girlie and you like a bit of suspense with your books. This one is for you.

[DAnna Seabridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing 😍. I loved Knox (the first book in The Men of Dark Harbour series) but Ryker took that place right out from under him. The truett brothers are two peas in a pod but at the same time, Ryker has a darker side to him. The spice was very much spicy. I would recommend this book series to everyone I know. Erica has done it again and I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next.

[Alexis Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m truly obsessed with this book. From the start I couldn’t get enough I loved every single second of it and I devoured it so fast. I loved how obsessed Ryker is with Summer and how obsessed she is with him. The spice was so damn spicy and made the book so good. I enjoyed everyone we got to meet and the friendships that were formed. The surprises we got were amazing and unexpected. When it ended I wanted so much more. I’m so obsessed and glad I got to read this

[Elizabeth W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker.. man, this guy is even more unhinged and stalker worthy than his brother Knox. I love him. He's deliciousness wrapped up in masked man goodness. You want to stalk me with a mask and feed me pancakes? Sold! Summer has a very complicated family and things get really dicey. The whole Scooby gang is here to help though! All our favorites from Knox ( Book 1) The way this book ended leaves me excited for all the potential ways things could go down in Book 3. Seriously check this series out!

[Anita Balthazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a scooby doo episode for grownups.
I wish that I would have known that it was part of a series, can't wait to read the first book. This book covered every facet mystery, intrigue and the topping on the cake dark romance. Ryker and Summer complete each other and the chemistry was over the top. I plan on re-reading this book after I read the first one. Good Job Erica Jade!!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GroceReadsAfterDark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I freaking love Ryker! I thought Knox was hot, but Ryker he is on fire 🔥.

The possessiveness, the protective side, the stalker side and the killer side.

Summer and Ryker were truly a match made in heaven. I was cheering them on the entire time.

But let me tell you I was definitely biting my nails at parts. On my toes waiting to know what happens.

But the ending had me in tears. I was definitely happy with how it ended. But man did I want more. I wasn’t ready for it to end

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

yasssss mam 😮‍💨 oh baby yesssss Ryker is definitely that man whew the spice level was a 10 🥵 outta 10 😌 summer is a lucky lady indeed Ryker didn't play about her he made sure to protect her at all costs thank you for writing about a series topic in this book as well I can't wait to read the book from this series

[S I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker by Erica Jade
My first time for this author and I loved it!
It had all the details and attractions and emotions that a good book will bring out of you. The undercurrent attraction was sizzling even though they didn’t want to show it. Fantastic story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker and Summer. College. Rain twin sister missing. Masked man stalking her. Then notes. Hes been watching for months. She needs help to find her sister.
You'll need a tissue or two. Hes a possessive, intriguing, mysterious, protective, stalker alpha male that will make you melt to a puddle.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bre E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a good dark romance with a morally gray MMC with some heavy stalking, Ryker is your man, and Summer is his girl! Summer's sister goes missing, and she is unaware that she may be in danger as well. But you know who does know? Ryker! How does he know? Because he's her stalker and soon-to-be captor.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caidence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good, it had me kicking my feet and giggling 🤭. Def recommend reading 📖 it. If I could re-read any book this one would be on my list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryker and Summer packs the heat in this thrilling story. When she comes to their house seeking help about her sister it starts one sizzling journey that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[valley_girl_36 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Mystery, romance with some anticipation. Erica covered all the bases in this story and I loved it !! I want myself a Ryker. The book is written with enough time given for good character development and a very engaging plot so you will have trouble putting this read down.

[joanne bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book,Summer and Ryker an unlikely pairing but the chemistry between them is smoking hot.Her father’s control over Her at the start of the book is completely broken very quickly and you are carried away with the thrills,mystery and passion in the story.Most definitely worth reading !!.