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Ryan Rule

Ryan Rule

by Sadie Kincaid 2021 268 pages
3.91
47.6K ratings
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Plot Summary

Blood and Betrayal

A violent beginning, a desperate choice

Jessie, a skilled hacker, is trapped in the lair of Russian mobster Nikolai Semenov, forced to work for him against her will. When the Ryan brothers—Shane, Conor, Liam, and Mikey—storm in, killing Nikolai and his men, Jessie's life hangs in the balance. She bargains for survival, offering her hacking skills in exchange for her life, and is taken by the brothers to their New York stronghold. The trauma and healing of violence and the adrenaline of survival set the tone for Jessie's journey, as she is thrust into a world where trust is scarce and every alliance is fraught with danger. The emotional weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future create a palpable tension, drawing readers into her struggle for agency and belonging.

Hostage or Houseguest?

A new home, uncertain status

Jessie finds herself in the opulent penthouse of the Ryan brothers, unsure if she is a prisoner or a guest. The brothers—each with distinct personalities—treat her with a mix of suspicion, curiosity, and unexpected kindness. Jessie's sharp wit and resilience help her navigate the unfamiliar dynamics, as she observes the brothers' routines and begins to understand their roles within the Irish Mafia. The warmth of the twins, Liam and Mikey, contrasts with Shane's guarded leadership and Conor's charismatic intensity. Jessie's internal conflict—between fear and hope—mirrors her external predicament, as she weighs her options and contemplates her next move in this dangerous new environment.

The Ryan Brothers' Sanctuary

Finding comfort in chaos

The penthouse becomes a strange sanctuary for Jessie, offering her a respite from the violence of her past. She is introduced to Dr. Lisa, the brothers' trusted physician, who treats her with compassion and humor. Jessie's interactions with the brothers grow more nuanced, as she senses their own scars and vulnerabilities beneath their tough exteriors. The luxurious surroundings and the brothers' camaraderie provide a stark contrast to Jessie's memories of loss and survival. Yet, the ever-present threat of betrayal and the ghosts of her past keep her on edge, reminding her that safety is always conditional in a world ruled by ruthless men.

Proving Her Worth

Earning trust through talent

Determined to secure her place, Jessie offers her hacking expertise to the brothers, quickly impressing Conor by retrieving crucial security footage. Her skills become invaluable, and she is gradually integrated into the brothers' operations. Jessie's competence earns her a measure of respect, but also deepens the brothers' interest in her—both professionally and personally. The lines between captor and ally blur, as Jessie proves she is more than just a pawn. Her growing sense of purpose is tempered by the knowledge that her true mission—finding the man who destroyed her family—remains unfinished, and that trust is a currency she must spend wisely.

Dangerous Attractions

Desire complicates alliances

The simmering attraction between Jessie and the brothers, especially Conor, intensifies as they share moments of vulnerability and flirtation. The twins, Liam and Mikey, bring levity and warmth, while Shane's brooding presence adds an edge of danger. Jessie's relationships with each brother evolve, revealing their individual traumas and desires. The sexual tension culminates in a night of passion with the twins, where Jessie experiences both pleasure and acceptance. Yet, the emotional stakes rise, as intimacy threatens to unravel the fragile balance of power and loyalty within the group. Jessie's longing for connection is matched by her fear of losing control.

Secrets and Scars

Haunted by the past, seeking truth

Jessie's nightmares and memories of her family's murder by the Wolf—a legendary Russian assassin—surface, revealing the depth of her trauma. The brothers, too, are marked by their own scars: Conor's abduction and torture by the Russians, Shane's burden of leadership, and the twins' struggle for identity. Jessie's quest for vengeance drives her to dig deeper into the criminal underworld, using her skills to trace financial and personal connections. The discovery of a mysterious file linked to her family hints at secrets yet to be uncovered. The emotional weight of loss and the need for justice bind Jessie and the brothers, even as old wounds threaten to tear them apart.

The Twins' Temptation

Pleasure, trust, and shared desire

Jessie's bond with Liam and Mikey deepens as they share a night of uninhibited passion, exploring boundaries and forging a unique connection. The twins' playful rivalry and genuine affection provide Jessie with a sense of belonging she has long craved. Their willingness to share her, both physically and emotionally, challenges traditional notions of love and loyalty. The experience is both liberating and grounding for Jessie, who finds herself cherished and protected in ways she never expected. Yet, the intensity of their relationship also raises questions about jealousy, exclusivity, and the future of their unconventional found family.

Conor's Confession

Vulnerability and healing

Conor opens up to Jessie about his ordeal at the hands of the Russians, revealing the psychological scars that linger beneath his confident exterior. Their intimacy deepens as they share their fears and hopes, finding solace in each other's arms. Conor's admission of love marks a turning point, offering Jessie the emotional security she has always lacked. Their relationship becomes a source of strength, helping both to confront their demons and envision a future beyond survival. The healing power of love is juxtaposed with the ever-present threat of violence, reminding them that happiness is always fragile in their world.

Shane's Test

Trust, betrayal, and the price of freedom

Shane, ever the protector, tests Jessie's loyalty by offering her a chance to leave—with money, a new identity, and no strings attached. The gesture is both a challenge and a gift, forcing Jessie to confront her deepest fears and desires. Her refusal to abandon the brothers, despite the pain of Shane's harsh words, proves her commitment to their makeshift family. The emotional fallout is intense, as Jessie asserts her worth and demands respect. Shane's struggle to reconcile his feelings for Jessie with his need for control highlights the complexities of love, trust, and vulnerability among those who have only ever known betrayal.

Truths Unveiled

Revelations and reckoning

The truth about Jessie's identity—Jessica Romanov, the missing daughter of a murdered Russian family—comes to light, forcing her to confront her past and the lies she has told. Shane's investigation uncovers the depth of her deception, but also the trauma that shaped her. Jessie's confession brings both relief and fear, as she wonders if the brothers will accept her true self. The revelation strengthens their bond, as the brothers choose to stand by her, recognizing that they are all shaped by loss and survival. The past, however, is never far behind, and new threats loom on the horizon.

The Hacker's Past

Family secrets and the Wolf's legacy

Jessie delves into her family's history, uncovering clues about the Wolf and the reasons behind her family's murder. A mysterious marriage certificate and the appearance of the name Nataliya suggest that her mother's past may hold the key to the mystery. The brothers rally around Jessie, offering their resources and support as she pursues the truth. The search for answers becomes a shared mission, binding them together in purpose and resolve. The specter of the Wolf haunts their every move, reminding them that the past is never truly buried, and that vengeance comes at a cost.

Family of Choice

Belonging, boundaries, and new rules

Jessie is formally welcomed into the Ryan family, as the brothers establish ground rules for their unconventional relationship. The "cum oath"—a symbolic act of unity—cements her place among them, both as a lover and a partner in their criminal enterprise. The brothers' willingness to share her, and her acceptance of their love, challenges societal norms and redefines the meaning of found family. Jessie's newfound sense of belonging is tempered by the knowledge that danger still lurks, and that loyalty must be constantly earned and reaffirmed. Together, they forge a new identity, one built on trust, desire, and mutual respect.

The Wolf's Shadow

Old enemies, new threats

The threat of the Wolf looms ever larger, as Jessie's investigation draws the attention of powerful enemies. A near-fatal encounter at a bar reveals that her past is catching up with her, and that the Wolf's reach extends further than she imagined. The brothers mobilize to protect her, but the danger only intensifies. Jessie's determination to confront her family's killer is matched by the brothers' resolve to keep her safe, even as they grapple with their own fears and insecurities. The line between hunter and hunted blurs, as Jessie realizes that the only way to escape the Wolf's shadow is to face him head-on.

Erin's Return

Old flames, new rivalries

The reappearance of Erin, Shane's ex-fiancée and the brothers' lawyer, stirs up old wounds and new tensions. Erin's beauty, intelligence, and history with Shane threaten Jessie's sense of security, fueling jealousy and self-doubt. The rivalry between the two women exposes the fragility of trust and the complexities of love in a world where loyalty is always in question. Erin's involvement in the brothers' affairs brings both legal expertise and emotional turmoil, forcing Jessie to confront her own insecurities and assert her place in the family. The past and present collide, as old relationships are tested and new alliances are forged.

Love and Loyalty

Declarations, doubts, and devotion

The bonds between Jessie and the brothers deepen, as love is confessed and loyalties are tested. Each brother expresses his feelings in his own way—Conor's tenderness, the twins' playful affection, Shane's fierce protectiveness. Jessie's love for them is reciprocated, but the specter of betrayal and the fear of loss linger. The family's unity is both a source of strength and a potential weakness, as enemies seek to exploit their vulnerabilities. The struggle to balance desire, trust, and survival becomes the central challenge, as Jessie and the brothers navigate the treacherous waters of love in a world built on violence and deception.

The Cum Oath

Ritual, unity, and ultimate acceptance

In a powerful act of intimacy and trust, Jessie and the brothers participate in a ritual that cements her place in the family. The "cum oath" is both a celebration of their love and a declaration of loyalty, marking Jessie as a Ryan in every sense. The experience is transformative, breaking down the last barriers between them and forging an unbreakable bond. The family's unconventional structure is embraced, and Jessie's role as both lover and partner is solidified. The moment is both erotic and emotional, symbolizing the triumph of love over fear, and the creation of a new kind of found family.

A Ryan Forever

Home, happiness, and hard-won peace

Jessie settles into her new life as a Ryan, finding joy and fulfillment in the love of the brothers. The family's routines and rituals provide a sense of stability and belonging, even as the threat of the Wolf and other enemies remains. Jessie's journey from victim to survivor to cherished partner is complete, as she claims her place in the world on her own terms. The brothers, too, are transformed by her presence, finding healing and hope in their shared love. The future is uncertain, but for the first time, Jessie feels truly at home, surrounded by those who would do anything to protect her.

The Father's Return

A shocking reunion, a new danger

Just as Jessie finds peace, her world is upended by the return of her father, Peter Romanov, long believed dead. His sudden appearance, and the revelation that he has been searching for her all along, forces Jessie to confront the truth about her past and the motives of those around her. Torn between loyalty to her new family and the pull of her blood ties, Jessie faces an impossible choice. The threat of the Wolf, the secrets of her lineage, and the possibility of betrayal converge in a final, devastating twist. As Jessie is pulled away from the Ryans, the bonds of love and loyalty are tested to their breaking point, setting the stage for a new chapter in her journey.

Characters

Jessie (Jessica Romanov)

Survivor, hacker, seeker of justice

Jessie is a fiercely intelligent and resilient woman, shaped by the trauma of witnessing her family's murder and surviving captivity by the Wolf. Her skills as a hacker make her both a valuable asset and a target in the criminal underworld. Jessie's psychological complexity is rooted in her need for control, her fear of abandonment, and her longing for connection. Her relationships with the Ryan brothers—each unique and deeply intimate—allow her to heal and rediscover her capacity for love. Jessie's journey is one of transformation: from victim to survivor, from outsider to cherished partner, and from seeker of vengeance to builder of a new found family. Her past haunts her, but her determination and courage drive her forward, even as she faces new threats and impossible choices.

Shane Ryan

Leader, protector, wounded soul

Shane is the eldest Ryan brother and the undisputed head of the family's criminal empire. His stoic exterior and commanding presence mask deep scars from a lifetime of responsibility and loss. Shane's need for control and his fear of vulnerability make him both a formidable leader and a difficult lover. His relationship with Jessie is marked by power dynamics, intense passion, and a gradual softening as he learns to trust and love again. Shane's psychological complexity lies in his struggle to balance duty and desire, to protect his family without losing himself, and to accept that love can be a source of strength rather than weakness. His journey is one of reluctant transformation, as he opens his heart to Jessie and embraces the possibility of happiness.

Conor Ryan

Charmer, negotiator, haunted by trauma

Conor is Shane's right hand and the family's chief negotiator, known for his charisma, wit, and strategic mind. Beneath his confident exterior, Conor carries the scars of his abduction and torture by the Russians, which manifest as nightmares and a fear of darkness. His relationship with Jessie is tender and healing, offering both of them a refuge from their respective traumas. Conor's willingness to share Jessie with his brothers reflects his capacity for generosity and his understanding of unconventional love. His psychological journey is one of reclaiming agency, confronting his fears, and finding solace in vulnerability. Conor's love for Jessie is both a balm and a catalyst for growth, helping him to move beyond survival and embrace hope.

Liam Ryan

Gentle giant, peacemaker, quietly strong

One half of the Ryan twins, Liam is the quieter, more introspective brother. He serves as the emotional buffer within the family, diffusing tension and providing stability. Liam's relationship with Jessie is marked by warmth, humor, and a deep sense of loyalty. His insecurities about his role in the family are balanced by his unwavering support for his brothers and his willingness to share Jessie's affection. Liam's psychological depth lies in his struggle for self-worth and his desire to be seen and valued. Through his bond with Jessie, he finds affirmation and a sense of belonging, emerging as a quietly powerful force within the family.

Mikey Ryan

Playful, passionate, the heart of the family

The other half of the twins, Mikey is known for his humor, culinary skills, and zest for life. His lightheartedness masks a fierce loyalty and a willingness to do whatever it takes to protect those he loves. Mikey's relationship with Jessie is playful and deeply affectionate, providing her with comfort and joy. His openness to sharing and his lack of jealousy reflect a maturity and self-assurance that balance the family dynamic. Mikey's psychological journey is one of embracing vulnerability, finding purpose beyond violence, and nurturing the bonds that hold the family together.

Dr. Lisa Adams

Healer, confidante, moral compass

Dr. Lisa is the brothers' trusted physician and a rare source of stability and compassion in their chaotic world. Her dark humor and no-nonsense approach make her both a friend and a mentor to Jessie. Lisa's loyalty to the Ryans is rooted in gratitude and respect, and she serves as a bridge between their criminal activities and the outside world. Her presence provides a touchstone of normalcy and care, reminding the family of their humanity amidst violence and betrayal.

Erin McGrath

Ex-fiancée, lawyer, rival

Erin is Shane's former fiancée and the family's legal counsel. Her beauty, intelligence, and history with Shane make her both an asset and a source of tension. Erin's rivalry with Jessie exposes the fragility of trust and the complexities of love in a world where loyalty is always in question. Her motivations are ambiguous, and her actions often blur the line between ally and adversary. Erin's psychological depth lies in her unresolved feelings for Shane and her struggle to maintain power and relevance in the face of change.

The Wolf (Volk)

Assassin, tormentor, specter of the past

The Wolf is the legendary Russian hitman responsible for the murder of Jessie's family and her subsequent captivity. His presence looms over the narrative as both a literal and symbolic threat, embodying the violence and trauma that haunt Jessie and the brothers. The Wolf's psychological complexity is rooted in his capacity for cruelty, his obsession with Jessie, and his role as the catalyst for her transformation. He represents the darkness that must be confronted and overcome for healing and justice to be possible.

Peter Romanov

Jessie's father, survivor, catalyst for change

Long believed dead, Peter's sudden return upends Jessie's world and forces her to confront the truth about her past. His survival and the secrets he carries challenge Jessie's loyalties and her understanding of family. Peter's psychological journey is one of endurance, sacrifice, and the hope of reunion. His presence raises questions about identity, trust, and the possibility of redemption.

Dmitriy

Russian mobster, link to the past

Dmitriy is a minor but pivotal character whose actions and files provide crucial clues to Jessie's family history. His involvement in the criminal underworld and his connection to the Ivanovs and the Wolf make him both a threat and a source of information. Dmitriy's role highlights the interconnectedness of power, violence, and legacy in the world Jessie inhabits.

Plot Devices

Multiple Points of View

Shifting perspectives deepen emotional resonance

The narrative alternates between Jessie and the Ryan brothers, allowing readers to experience events through different lenses. This structure provides insight into each character's motivations, fears, and desires, creating a rich tapestry of psychological complexity. The use of first-person narration heightens intimacy and immediacy, drawing readers into the characters' inner worlds and emotional arcs.

Found Family and Chosen Bonds

Redefining family through love and loyalty

The theme of found family is central, as Jessie and the brothers forge bonds that transcend blood and tradition. Their unconventional relationships challenge societal norms and offer a vision of love built on trust, acceptance, and mutual support. The "cum oath" ritual serves as a symbolic act of unity, marking Jessie's transition from outsider to cherished member of the family.

Trauma and Healing

Confronting the past to build a future

The characters are all shaped by trauma—Jessie's loss and captivity, Conor's abduction, Shane's burdens, the twins' insecurities. The narrative explores the ways in which pain can both isolate and connect, and how healing is possible through vulnerability, honesty, and love. The recurring motif of scars—both physical and emotional—serves as a reminder of the past and a testament to survival.

Secrets, Lies, and Revelations

Unraveling mysteries to find truth

The plot is driven by secrets—Jessie's hidden identity, the Wolf's motives, the true nature of her family's murder. The gradual unveiling of these truths propels the narrative forward, creating suspense and emotional stakes. The use of hacking and investigation as plot devices mirrors Jessie's psychological journey, as she seeks to uncover not only external mysteries but also her own sense of self.

Erotic Power Dynamics

Desire, dominance, and consent

The story explores the complexities of sexual power, agency, and vulnerability. Jessie's relationships with the brothers are marked by shifting dynamics of control and submission, pleasure and pain. The explicit depiction of group intimacy and BDSM elements serves both as character development and as a metaphor for trust, surrender, and the negotiation of boundaries.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

Hints of danger and hope

The narrative employs foreshadowing—through dreams, memories, and subtle clues—to build tension and anticipation. Symbolic elements, such as the lake given to Jessie by Shane, represent sanctuary, transformation, and the possibility of new beginnings. The recurring presence of the Wolf serves as both a literal threat and a symbol of the past that must be confronted.

Analysis

Ryan Rule is a dark, erotic, and emotionally charged exploration of trauma, survival, and the transformative power of found family. At its core, the novel interrogates what it means to belong, to trust, and to love in a world defined by violence and betrayal. Jessie's journey from victim to empowered partner is mirrored by the Ryan brothers' own struggles to reconcile their pasts with the possibility of happiness. The narrative's explicit sexuality is not merely titillation, but a vehicle for exploring vulnerability, agency, and the negotiation of power within relationships. The story challenges traditional notions of family, loyalty, and gender, offering a vision of love that is both unconventional and deeply human. The ever-present threat of the Wolf and the unresolved mysteries of Jessie's past serve as reminders that healing is an ongoing process, and that the past can never be fully escaped. Ultimately, Ryan Rule is a testament to resilience, the redemptive potential of love, and the courage required to claim one's place in the world—even when that world is built on blood and secrets.

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Review Summary

3.91 out of 5
Average of 47.6K ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Ryan Rule receives mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.91 out of 5. Some readers praise the steamy content and fast-paced story, while others criticize the lack of plot depth and character development. Many describe it as primarily focused on explicit scenes with minimal storyline. The writing style is often called juvenile or amateurish. Despite criticisms, some readers find it entertaining and eagerly anticipate the next book in the series. The ending's plot twist generates intrigue, though the overall reception is polarized.

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4.55
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About the Author

Sadie Kincaid is a bestselling author specializing in dark mafia, billionaire, and paranormal romance genres. Her writing focuses on alpha male characters who are fiercely protective of their love interests. Kincaid enjoys engaging with her readers about her books and literature in general. She maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, where fans can follow her under the name Sadie Kincaid Author. She also runs a Facebook reader group for more direct interaction with her audience. Kincaid's work is available on Amazon, and she encourages readers to connect with her through various online channels.

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