The Bloke

by Jacklyn Parker

CAN YOU FEEL THE THUNDER?

I was desperate for a change of scenery and pace, raised in a life of unrealistic expectations and dreams that were never mine to begin with. I spent two years attempting to gain acceptance into the Aurelia School of Dance, only to be denied time and time again.
I am a legacy and obligated to follow in my mother’s footsteps.
With my third attempt and failure at acceptance, I packed my bags and flew across the country, abandoning my past for what it was and rebranding my identity, my future.

Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps.
An escape from the reality of never being good enough for anyone or anything.
Back in New York, I was a pushover, and now I'm a force to be reckoned with.

Enter Colby Bryce, a man who I didn't expect to sweep me off my feet and show me just how much the world had to offer to those who knew how to take what they wanted.
One wild night, one blazing hookup, and one giant f*cking mistake.

Can he keep up with me? I highly doubt it.
What happens in Vegas... Well, you know the rest...

The Bloke by Jacklyn Parker is A Dark Dancer Romance. There are scenes of a violent and sexual nature in this story. Therefore, it is intended for readers of 18+ years. Please take note of the trigger warnings.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Audiobook, Contemporary, Secret Society, Forced Proximity, Romance

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

If you're looking for memorable, high‑heat romance with darker themes, secret societies, and morally complex characters—and you don’t mind some violent or suspenseful elements—Jacklyn Parker delivers it in spades. Her pacing is fast, the spice is hot, and the characters are beautifully flawed.

Reviews

[Pranjal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I FEEL SO HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS BOOK HAS MADE HIS WAY STRAIGHT TO MY 'FAV BOOKS OF ALL TIME' LIST. WHAT AN AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL AND SMEXY READ!!!!!

Jacklyn Parker, you made my day with this dark, hot and spicy book of yours. You've found yourself a forever fan too 🥹🫶.

I loved the fmc more than mmc because such a badass she is!!! Forced marriage and forced proximity are some of my fav tropes. And don't even get me start on 'my wife' moments *swoons🫠* and him calling her 'love' *blushes* *throws feet in the air while giggling🤭🤭* (most of my bookish friends know how much obsessed I'm with this particular nickname lol). Highly recommend this book and can't wait to read book 2!!!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite tropes is accidental marriage., I love a good oops we got married in Vegas while drunk. This one has a twist, it’s also a little and has a secret society.

Sienna packs up her life and moves to Vegas to get away from her family. Now five years later she does what she wants and is fiercely independent. While out with her friends, she meets a dancer named Colby. It's an instant attraction between the two. But Cooby is hiding a dark secret.

This is the first book I read from the author and very much enjoyed it. I love the unique twist on accidental marriage. She wrote a strong FMC and I just love Colby. Definitely recommend this book.

[Chiara^•^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bloke by Jacklyn Parker
4/5⭐
3,5/5🌶️

"When I look into your eyes, I know that I have everything I'll ever need in this life and the next."

I was intrigued by this book, especially with the MMC being a male dancer revue and having a morally gray personality. I’ve never read a dark-dancer romance before, so I was excited to dive into this story. I thought I had it all figured out, but the last 15% surprised me in the best possible way—I had no idea what was coming, and it left me with my mouth hanging open! The author did a fantastic job of keeping me engaged, and I was loving every moment.

Sienna has been living under her parents' expectations since her mom was an amazing dancer at a prestigious school and wants her to follow in those footsteps. After her third unsuccessful attempt to get accepted, Sienna decides to break free and move to Vegas. One night, while hanging out with friends at a male entertainment show, she feels an instant attraction to one of the dancers.

Colby, too, is escaping his family's expectations and looking for a fresh start. When he arrives in Vegas, things are tough until he hears about a secret society. After passing some tests, he becomes a member and starts living the high life. Then, during a performance, he spots Sienna and feels an undeniable urge to make her his.

While Colby can be a bit intense, wanting to keep Sienna close and sometimes even stalking her, he also knows when to give her space—understanding that she needs to make her own choices. I loved how protective he was of her; he’d do anything to keep her safe, even if it meant bending some rules. Sienna, on the other hand, is so brave and independent. She’s determined to take charge of her life and can finally build her own studio after working so hard for it.

Their connection is truly special! There’s instant chemistry, but they both take the time to build a deeper bond before falling in love. The passion between them is electric, sweet, and intense. This book has a dark vibe with morally gray characters, intense chemistry, and plenty of twists to keep you on your toes. For me, the darker elements feel like light to medium gray but check the triggers before diving in. If you’re a fan of dark romance, this book could be just what you’re looking for!

"My wife was flawless, breathtaking in her element of dance. I stared up in awe as our eyes locked with one another. This woman was mine, all fucking mine."

[Jennelle Glassburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Jacklyn Parker absolutely delivered with this dark, twisty, and utterly addictive read! From the moment Sienna and Colby crossed paths in the electric chaos of Las Vegas, I was hooked. Their chemistry was immediate, intense, and impossible to ignore.

Sienna, a sweet girl finally taking control of her life, meets Colby—a men’s revue dancer with a troubled past and a determination to claim her as his forever. An "accidental" marriage ties them together, and from there, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, spice, and surprises. The plot twist? OMG. I didn’t see it coming, and it left me reeling in the best way. Jacklyn’s storytelling had me questioning everything I thought I knew and saying “WTF” more times than I can count.

The spice? 🔥 Perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying. The emotional depth? Chef’s kiss. Colby and Sienna’s journey is filled with vulnerability, passion, and the kind of love that leaves you breathless.

If you’re a fan of dark romance with unforgettable characters and jaw-dropping twists, you need this book in your life. I recommend diving in blind, but if you have triggers, I would recommend reading the TW/CW.

Jacklyn, you’ve done it again! Another must-read masterpiece.

Tropes:
* Dark Romance
* Touch Her & Die
* Secret Society
* "Accidental" Marriage
* Forced Proximity
* Dancer Romance

Favvv Quotes:
"Look at you, soaking wet for a man you only just met. Want to make this more personal? Tell me your name."
"Our relationship was a grenade just waiting for someone to pull the pin and throw it away."
"She was a storm, one that I'd love to get caught in."

[Randi (randi_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an accidental marriage, he falls first romance between Colby and Sienna. He's a male revue dancer that is also part of a secret society. When he sees Sienna, it's an instant connection and she is IT for him. After one night of steamy times, they wake up to find that they got married. It is Las Vegas! Colby will do whatever it takes for her and to keep her as his wife. But, she must pass the secret society tests for wives or face dire consequences.

I listened to this and...wow...so, so, so good!! It is narrated in duet by James Cassidy and Marie Hawkins. I just listened to Marie, and she is now a favorite, but I am new listener of James. Um...why? His voice is so sexy. Perfection. The MMC in this book is Australian and James' voice is on point. When he calls Sienna "love" in that voice/that accent...well, swoon. I am a now a fan and will be looking for more books narrated by him.

Thank you to Blue Nose Audio for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nora's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a really good time with this book! It kept me entertained, and I genuinely enjoyed the story. And Colby? Well, let’s just say he was hot. At least in my mind! I definitely enjoyed reading about him.

Sienna, on the other hand, was okay. There were moments when I liked her, but I can’t say I felt that strongly about her or connected with her as much as I would have liked. She didn’t ruin the experience for me, though.

The one thing that really caught me off guard was the whole reveal about Sienna working with LVSF. That came out of nowhere for me! I wasn’t expecting it at all, and I wish there had been a little more build-up because it felt like such a big thing to suddenly drop into the story.

Still, I enjoyed the book overall. No regrets spending time with this one!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacklyn Parker you’re killing me! I’m in a chokehold! I felt on fire every single chapter! Please check your trigger warnings!

No way to jump into 2025 then reading this hot, scorching, smexy book. Colby oh my lanta. He may just make me schedule a flight to Vegas to see if I can find my new book boyfriend. Sienna really hit the jackpot while out on a Vegas night and a very good accidental marriage. Why complain!?

But holy twists! That is all. My gah. Vegas here I come!

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your permanent ARC team! I’m hooked and obsessed!

[Jordan R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Besties, 'The Bloke' by Jacklyn Parker isn't just another Vegas romance, it's a story that finally puts us Pilates girlies in the spotlight!

Sienna build her own studio while navigating life's curveballs felt incredibly authentic. What really sets this dark romance apart is how it weaves together a secret society plot line with the glittering backdrop of Vegas nightlife.

When Sienna meets Colby at Heaven Down Under (honestly, the name alone deserves a chef's kiss 😘), their chemistry is instant and explosive. But what starts as one wild night turns into an accidental marriage that had me gasping! So many amazing tropes in one story!

Spice level: Think hot Pilates class in the Vegas summer - steamy with extra sizzle! 🔥

[Tiffany ✨️ Bergamot Book Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Colby has moved from Australia to Las Vegas to start a better life for himself, instead of following his families traditions. Sierra has done the same in escaping her families strict ways on the east coast. Their paths cross over 5 years later, yet they're not at all who they initially set out to be.

*****

I really wanted to like this book, and I genuinely did at the start. Colby was interesting, his initiation had me hooked, and Sierra's intro storyline was perfection. As it got closer to them meeting, things started to slide off a bit. There was a lot of dropping of brand names of items, some of which I had no idea of, and some of which had me cringing (being doused in AXE body spray will forever not be attractive) and brought a level of superficialness to Sierra that felt awkward. How they met and came to be was hilarious, especially Colby being unable to comprehend why Sierra would be raging. It was quirky and fun, then slowly started to shift into boredom.

Multiple times we had chapters repeat from each person's perspective which dragged the pacing. There was one repeating scene that also in detail described a dance, and I was absolutely lost. I'm not a dancer, and the authors descriptions of the moves and what was happening baffled me, yet took up a significant portion of the scene from both POVs. This happened with dancing and pilates, more than once, and was a bit frustrating as I couldn't actually picture what was happening during the scenes.

The rest of the book was going okay, and tracking in at a decent read until the big twist. It was so unrealistic and ridiculous that I couldn't believe the author went with it. It undermined the FMC's previous thoughts and actions, added weird tension that didn't make sense, and an injury that could have been avoided or faked. Not to mention that injury being patched up and fixed in a few minutes by a medic on a dirty casino floor? And then sent on their way? Absolutely not. Then the lead being completely fine and able to function normally just over a week later? It was unbelievable and just added a layer of ridiculousness and glaringly poor logic to round out the end of the book.

Between that, the odd way female characters were fleshed out, the addition of Travis as a random character, and the random 20 year epilogue, this just fell off so flat at the end, which was incredibly disappointing.

Despite what didn't work above, there were some redeeming parts to the novel, it just didn't connect with me.

*****

Thank you to The Author Agency for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Emmy P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio of this ALC was hot.

Sometimes you just need an easy, drama filled, gaspable read and this brought all those and more for me. I adored our couple so much I didn't even need the plot, but was happy to have it all the same.

Dub con, stalkers, oopsy marriage, sprinkle in some healthy communication style, and give us double edge dancers. Call me easy. I am.

I would do it again.

[Christina Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to beta read this book. I enjoyed every second of this book. This book has some scenes without giving anything away.

Search for trigger warnings before reading this.

[💕📚Cassie📚💕 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

⭐️5 Listen 🌶️5 spice

I had no idea what The Bloke was about other than the little info I knew. I’m glad I didn’t! It made the experience so much better for me personally.

The way this storyline and characters found me and added me to the group chat isn’t even funny lol at this point we’re all friends in my own little world of fictional characters who found their way in my heart.

I loved this bundle of joy so much! Within the first few chapters I was hooked there was no getting rid of me even if the author wanted to lol I say this in a very, very positive way I love how the author wrote this story.

The MMC is well… he’s very talented I guess is the word I’m looking for lol He’s so well written in a way that keeps you interested to keeping reading or listening you just wanna know more of what he did, why he did it, and everything else in between. The same goes for the FMC she’s a woman with her mindset in what she thinks and feels is best for her and I’m here for it!

Sienna is a strong independent woman who feels like she’s very selective with people which makes this whole story even better in my opinion. That’s just my take on it overall both main characters bring so much to the table for this storyline.

It feels suspenseful dark and steamy with a side of kicking your feet and giggling from both characters. There’s so many moments I wanna mention but I can’t since I don’t wanna ruin any surprises for you guys. Whether you read or listen to this I think you’ll enjoy it however… if you're having a hard time getting into it or just looking for a fantastic audiobook go right for the AUDIOBOOK!! It's narrated by the talented narrators Marie Hawkins and James Cassidy

Everyone did a great job with this from writing it, producing it to narrating it. Everything is done perfectly it hooks and locks you in to the point you can’t help but say I want MORE! GIVE ME MORE!

At least that’s how I felt lol anywho it’s great give this a try you won’t be disappointed at all. It’s a dark dancer romance take it from there 🤭 if you enjoy vibes like L.O.R.D.S series then this is for you.

I'd like to take a moment to thank Blue Nose Audio and the author Jacklyn Parker for allowing me to a listener for this masterpiece. The way I gasped when I saw this in my inbox made my day. I signed up for this one not expecting to get it and I did!

I can’t wait to read more of your books Jacklyn

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The Bloke is Book 1 in the Men Under Revue series. This is Colby and Sienna's story. For two years Sienna has been trying to get into the Aurelia School of Dance only to be denied time and time again. When she tried a third time she fails again and decides to rebrand her identity. She moves to Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Enter Colby. He sweeps her off her feet and they spend one wild night together. One hookup and one huge mistake later their lives are changed forever.

Jacklyn is a new to me author. She started the book with lots of heat and it didn't disappoint at all. I loved how she explained the world of male Revue dancers. It's more complex than it's initially perceived as. The characters were flawed and they intrigued me right away. When Colby becomes a member of Male Under Revue he didn't know at the time the kind of involvement he needed to do would question his morals. I loved how overprotective and obsessed he was of Sienna. I adored Sienna. I loved seeing her character growth. In the past she was a people pleaser, but now living in Vegas she did what made her happy. I loved that she took the control back in her life.

As for the audiobook narration, it's amazing! Performed in duet by James Cassidy and Marie Hawkins. These two gave captivating performances. James is a new to me narrator. I love his voice!! He does a great Australian accent. It's so good! He was how I imagined Colby to sound like. James exuded Colby's confidence and brought out his obssessiveness for Sienna. Marie captured Sienna's softness in the beginning and when she moved to Vegas Marie's tone also changes. It's subtle, but she conveys Sienna with a fiercer tone. Together James and Marie brought the story and characters to life. The duet narration added more depth to the storytelling. I loved listening to every minute of it! Highly recommend!

Audiobook Release Date: August 1, 2025

Thank you to @bluenoseaudio for my ALC and for the opportunity to review and listen.

[Paula Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to live in Jacklyn's head, seriously another unreal read! Failing that I want to move to Las Vegas and find myself a Colby.

Colby is the MMC who moved to Vegas to take control of his own life and do what he wants. He is working as part of the Men Under Revue group who are more than they seem (no spoilers) but it allows him to live a great life, one he wants to maybe one day share but for now he's having fun.

Enter Sienna, our FMC. Having grown up in her mothers shadow, under both parents expectations and feeling like shes failed at every turn, Sienna has moved to Vegas to find the real her and be in control for once.

Neither expected what was to happen and neither will you.
The Bloke is fast paced, full of amazing characters and one you won't put down until you've finished. I started at 11pm and finished at 2:30am.

The Bloke has everything, accidental marriage, touch her/ him and die, secret society, possessive partners and a rollercoaster of emotions!

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review-The Bloke (Men Under Revue Book #1) by Jacklyn Parker
Narrated in Duet by Marie Hawkins and James Cassidy

"Some people gamble with cards; I gambled with my heart."

The tropes:
-Hate to Love banter that makes sparks fly
-Possessive & Obsessive MMC who can’t let go
-Secret Society intrigue lurking in the shadows
-Forced Proximity that turns up the tension
-Surprise/Accidental Marriage that changes everything
-The “My Wife” moments (instant swoon!)

🔥 The Bloke delivers steam, suspense, and emotional punch in all the best ways.

Sienna escapes the rigid world of New York’s elite dance scene and reinvents herself in Vegas. One reckless, unforgettable night lands her in a surprise marriage to Colby—a scorching-hot Aussie dancer with secrets that could unravel them both. Their chemistry? Explosive. But the path to love is tangled with trust issues, hidden truths, and heart-stopping twists.

Marie Hawkins perfectly captures Sienna’s growth from soft to fierce, while James Cassidy’s deep, gravelly narration gives every “my wife” moment enough heat to melt your headphones. Their dual performance turns each scene into something cinematic and intimate.

This isn’t just a quick Vegas fling. It’s a love story layered with fire, fate, and a whole lot of feels. Highly recommended for fans of high-heat romance with emotional depth and a hero who will absolutely ruin you in the best way. ★★★★★

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Cheers to the men who made my last night in Vegas one that I will never forget. I hope all my dark readers spread these pages as wide as I spread my legs on stage. Remember, bad cunts come down under. So, be a good girl and enjoy the show."

This book was soo good !  I was hooked instantly and just  kept me wanting more from the story . I love the suspense with an amazing plot line that i just couldnt get enough of it .... It has a lot of spice 🥵🥵🥵 but you cant forget the MMC is pierced ....🥵🥵  and here are is my favourite sentence :
1. "there was a neon sign that lit up the dark entryway: Good girls go to heaven; bad cunts come down under."

[Manda Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

I received an ALC through Iris Influencer Society- all thought are my own💛



What a ride! I couldn’t get enough of the “My Wife” trope in this & it was interesting having the scene set in Las Vegas! The audiobook makes this book 1000000000x better bc you actually get to hear Colby’s accent and no amount of words I put in this review can accurately convey just how perfect his narration was. I also have to give it to Sienna’s narration as well- a winner was picked when assigning her role bc she executed her job flawlessly. Oh & Chapter 31 had me yelling “WHAT!?” in front of my coworkers today😂

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Jacklyn for allowing me to ARC read The Bloke!

Wow, I really enjoyed this book. Think Magic Mike, but with a dark twist! I honestly was interested from start to finish. There were plot twists and definitely some things I did not see coming!

It had secret society, enemies to lovers, accidental marriage, touch her and die and so many more great tropes.

Colby was so hot but also melted my heart the way he fell so hard for Sienna.

I loved Sienna's fire and determined spirit! She is such a boss woman and I really enjoyed it.

Oh my, the spice was really good. The chemistry between these two was intense from the first interaction and never let up.

I can't wait to get the other characters books that were introduced in this one and I am excited to see what is to come for the Men Under Revue series.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️/3 🌶️

A bada$$ FMC, secret society, and an obsessed hero – what else do you need in a book? 🤩

This story was the perfect mix of Magic Mike and the Lords series, and I was hooked from start to finish! The plot kept me on my intersetd, the twist was mind-blowing, and the spice? Chef's kiss! 🔥

Sienna was an absolute queen, taking charge and kicking a$$, while Colby's obsession added just the right amount of intensity. Their chemistry was off the charts!

I genuinely hope this turns into a series because I need more of this world ASAP! 🙌

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read this author and when I read the premise of The Bloke it sounded interesting, and very sexy. I was not wrong!

The Bloke starts off as Colby is beginning his new life. It’s one that isn’t what it seems and I loved that little twist. We then get to meet Sienna and I love when these two meet because the heart is scorching hot!! After that things take off for both of them and this story is packed with even more tantalizing twists.

I enjoyed Siennas fiery personality especially because she was so quiet and meek but ended up being someone who would speak her mind and wasn’t scared to take chances. This book has a ton of steamy moments and will keep you entertained till the very end!

[Alison McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

This was interesting. No idea how I found it. It is a dark romance and there’s some surprising twists.

The most unbelievable thing for me was that a male revue dancer would also be a hired killer 🤣

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

The narrators James Cassidy and Marie Hawkins were great and the only redeemable thing about this book.

There’s nothing classy about my review.
I always try to suspend my logic and beliefs when I read books, but even I couldn’t believe this story. This didn’t just require a suspension of belief, it requires a suspension of common sense and being ok with a bunch of storylines that do not align. There were so many random plot points without any context, the bare minimum of details for some things which required it and contradictory behaviors of the characters. I pretty much wrote a rant about it because I couldn’t believe the things we were supposed to believe, especially considering this was a CR.

**An obscene amount of spoilers below**
We meet Colby, a male dancer in a Vegas revue who is initiated into a secret society where they kill bad guys, but he also has a day job as a bartender. He’s rich because he’s a member of the secret society where he’s not a contract killer, but he has to kill specific ppl and gets rich from it. They’re called ‘missions’...? Also known as…a contract killer. Right? There’s no reference to him actually getting paid, but he’s magically rich because he’s in this society. No explanation. The killings last about 1 minute each with zero buildup. “I had a mission to kill this person, I went to the hotel and slit their throat.”

Sienna is a female dancer who hasn’t been successful in her dance career, so she moves to Vegas and opens a Pilates??? studio…and more on that later.

Colby takes advantage of a drunk Sienna to marry her the day they met. She’s is totally cool with her husband killing a man in cold blood in front of her randomly before she knows he’s a killer. Then she’s willing to kill someone for her husband so he can stay in his secret society after knowing him for maybe 2 weeks. If she doesn’t kill someone then he has to kill her, but she doesn’t know that. After she finds out she has to kill someone, they go to a secret society party where she’s going to talk with the wives of other members for advice on her ‘mission’. The wives are part of a couple and a triad. I went looking for where these characters were introduced, maybe in another book, but they weren’t. In fact, the people we meet are the stories for books 2 and 3, but they’re already together in book 1. How is that logical?

During her mission to kill someone in the last hour or so of the book, it goes wrong, Sienna gets shot and he thinks she’s dead.

Then came the wildest and most ridiculous plot twist that not even the writer could explain properly. Flashback 3 weeks prior and we find out Sienna is actually working undercover for the Las Vegas Special Forces during her mission because they’re blackmailing her into doing things for them. They tell her they’re going to shoot her in the chest during her mission so they can get the bad guy out, but before that she needs to inject herself with something to slow her heart rate and will stop her from bleeding out. What?? Later we find out she worked as an informant AND an undercover officer for the LVSF. Those are not remotely the same thing and cannot happen at the same time. An informant is not an officer, so was she an informant or an officer? If she was an informant, what was she informing on? We find out she quit after her partner got abusive, but she had ramifications for leaving. We don’t know what the ramifications are and I’m not sure why someone quitting a job has ramifications or why they’re blackmailing her. Zero context for how she got into that role or why she left. Also, how does a dancer just randomly become a special forces cop with no law enforcement or military background and then a pilates studio all within 5 years.

Back to Sienna not dying-After she was shot in the chest and fake died, she was treated by a special forces medic on scene by being shot up with something to resume her normal heart rate, and then they slapped a bandage on her and she was good to go. Colby carried her out of the casino while ‘no one was looking’ (because no one pays attention to people who are shot). She slept for 36 hours and I guess she was all better because they had sex. Then she got a re-do to kill someone. Of course it’s totally logical the secret society who kills people and requires their members to kill their spouses who fail, gave her a free pass despite her betraying them and working with the cops. It ends with them having kids and being required to kill 2 ppl a month to maintain their secret society membership. End of book. Yes. It really was that insane.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I couldn’t put it down once I started it. There’s so many twists and turns that just kept me wanting more!

•Secret Society
•Surprise Marriage
•He Falls First
•Morally Grey Characters
•”My Wife”

Colby moved to Las Vegas from Australia for a new start in life and he wound up becoming a male revue dancer.
Sienna moved to Las Vegas to get away from everyone and everything controlling her life. After a few years in Vegas she opens up her Pilates studio and she’s making ends meet. One night, for her friend’s birthday, they decide to go to Heaven Down Under 😏 That’s where Sienna and Colby meet and Colby becomes obsessive and possessive. And just one night is all it took for Colby to know that Sienna was going to be his forever, but Sienna needed a little more convincing.

This book is suspenseful and has such a great plot line. I loved the secret society and the tasks that had to be done! This book also has high spice! I mean who doesn’t love a pierced MMC?! 🥵

I highly recommend this book! If you like the LORDS series, you will like this book! With all the twists and turns that took place, so good!

[Jolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

derek, you have competition 😮‍💨

i can finally post my review nowww so let’s go

this was something entirely different from what i usually read. like come on… male dancers? i’m obsessed. colby is another book boyfriend on my endless list and our fmc is a badass. it’s quick to get through because you don’t get bored and when i tell yall, that the plot twist was diabolical. i’m still not over it actually 😭

anyways i loved beta reading this book and hope you all will too. happy reading

[Crystal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so imagine Magic Mike, but throw in some darkness…that’s what you get with this book!

Sienna is a very head strong woman. She moved to Vegas after not getting accepted into a dance school for the 3rd time. She needed a change and out from under her parents judgment. She ends up at a male entertainment show and her eyes land on a hunk of a specimen. The connection is instant between the two.

Colby…once he has his eyes set on something or should I say someone, he does whatever it takes to make them his. And that is exactly what happened with Sienna. The two had a wild passionate night and then ended up married. He is determined to keep her and of course she is a spitfire and isn’t going to make it easy.

The spice in this book is HOT! The two had an instant connection from the moment their eyes locked. And the twists in the book 🤯 I did not see that coming at all. The dark twist on the book just took the book over the edge.

ⓐⓤⓓⓘⓞ ⓣⓗⓞⓤⓖⓗⓣⓢ
The narrators did an AMAZING job with this book! The way they brought both of these characters to life was perfection. They sounded exactly how I imagined Colby and Sienna to be. They got the tension right. You could feel that chemistry of the characters and I didn’t want to stop listening.

4.5⭐️
3🌶️

[Miasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
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Before we get into the RIPPING OUT MY HEART and the TRAUMA this book causes, check the trigger warnings as this is a dark romance.

First thing first; Mr. Colby Bryce, who said you can be as sexy and swoon worthy as you are my guy? You’re totally lucky Sienna is a badass, and a little unhinged or ya know 😏😮‍💨

If you like shots and Magic Mike, then you’d want this. Jacklyn brings Vegas to you in the shape of Colby who has standards on what he won’t do for money😂. He is one hell of a man who takes what he wants, damn the consequences; literally the persona of “it’s better to ask for forgiveness, than permission.” Sienna is living the dream when it comes to Colby but you know she gotta play hard to get, even after the fact. The fact that Colby uses “my wife” religiously? I mean “COLBY! Can you call me “my wife” please?”

Jacklyn is known for her twists that she does in her books but yall 😫 the TRAUMA this one brings you 😭. The way she will rip your heart out, and cackle while she watches you suffer. It will literally have you wanting to yeet your tablet and stare at the wall.

This book is perfection!

[Stacey Kelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a hot mess of half thought out storylines.

I love dark romance, and I love secret society stories. However, to write a good secret society story requires a good bit of backstory, and that is sorely lacking here. Everything about this book is so rushed. There are multiple plot lines happening, and none of them are fully formed. Then there’s a twist thrown in that’s simply just another half formed idea.

And it’s super repetitive. Look, if you’re going to craft a secret society world in less than 400 pages, the least you could do is not repeat the same chapters just from a different point of view.

The one positive thing I can say about this book, is that the narrators are great.

[Chelsea (2_girls_bookin_it) · Rating 1 out of 5]

**Thank you to Jacklyn Parker and The Author Agency for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

***I was in a funk when I picked this up, so this review could totally be biased by that book slump. So do not base your decision based only on this review because 4.17 is a high GR rating!

DNFed around 32%. The leap from male revue dancer to murderer just seemed too sudden. And I get that should play into his character, but it felt too different from what we had already learned about him. There also seemed to be a lack of chemistry between the two MCs too. I don't know. It just fell flat for me.

[Megan L Harnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took me for a ride and I was disappointed in the end. At first I wanted to DNF it because the whole idea of a male revue show also being somewhat of a mafia is a completely absurd idea. Once Sienna gets into the picture it picks up a little and I liked the chemistry between her and Colby. But then it just went downhill for me. It was basically a glorified porno to me. The characters were bland and boring, Their back stories had no really feeling in them. The insta love was not believable. I should really have DNF'd this book.

[SaltyBeach NSpicyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖ARC REVⵊEW📖
Sᴛᴏʀʏ: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was my first read by Jacklyn Parker but I have to say she absolutely delivered with this dark, twisty, and utterly addictive read! This was a really fast paced read, with twists you won't see coming, and an utter buffet of dark tropes to choose from. I was worried with so much going on, it would be tough to follow but I shouldn't have been concerned at all: from the moment Sienna and Colby cross paths in the chaos of Las Vegas, I was hooked! Their chemistry was immediate, intense, and impossible to ignore and the story grabbed in in a 𝒸𝒽ℴ𝓀ℯ𝒽ℴ𝓁𝒹 and wouldn't let go. I'm 100% a new fangirl fan!

Sienna, a sweet classically trained dancer finally takes control of her life, fleeing to Vegas where she meets Colby—a male revue performer...instant chemistry, an "accidental" marriage, forced proximity, and a secret society...what could possibly go wrong?! Bring on the rollercoaster of emotions, HOT well-placed spice, and more surprises than I could count AND THAT PLOT TWIST?! OMG I didn't see it coming and had me saying WTF more times than I could count and scrambling to get to the next page to see what happened next! So good!

And can we just talk about the SPICE for a second?! 🔥 Perfectly balanced with an equally satisfying storyline. THE MOUTH ON THAT MAN! So filthy! Yum! And the FMC is fierce! The characters are well developed and the different POVs make it a fun read to jump back and forth through. I went into this book knowing it might be a bit far fetched (but that's half the fun, isn't it?!) With the insta-lust, secret society, and obsessive/possessive MMC, the dark romance lover in me was thrilled right up front (who doesn't want a total smokeshow MMC to be instantly obsessed with them?!) Their attraction and angst develops quickly and can be a little over the top but again, that's part of the beauty of fiction. That said, I have to say that Colby and Sienna somehow manage to have emotional depth filled with vulnerability, passion, and the kind of love that one only dreams about develop through the story and it really makes you fall in love with them over and over again.

Overall, this book is a quick paced, spicy dark romance filled with unforgettable characters, jaw-dropping twists and turns, and spicy AF smut that is so worth the read! If you liked the LORDS series, this will be a much lighter take on that secret society theme but unique enough to keep you entertained and coming back for more. I recommend diving in blind (it's always more fun that way in my opinion!) but do be aware it has dark themes as well as explicit scenes and descriptions so proceed at your own risk. Check out the author's site for any TW if you have them!

Jacklyn Parker has a new fan in me - this is definitely a must-read and I can't wait for more of this series!

Tʀᴏᴘᴇs:
💋 ʜᴀᴛᴇ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🖤 ᴀᴄᴄɪᴅᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴀɢᴇ
💋 sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ sᴏᴄɪᴇᴛʏ
🖤 ʜᴇ ꜰᴀʟʟs ꜰɪʀsᴛ
💋 ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ/sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ ɪᴅᴇɴᴛɪᴛʏ
🖤 ꜰɪᴇʀᴄᴇ FMC
💋 ᴘɪᴇʀᴄᴇᴅ MMC
🖤 ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ☠️
💋 ᴏʙsᴇssɪᴠᴇ J/P MMC
🖤 ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ/ᴏɴᴇ ʙᴇᴅ
💋 "ᴍʏ ᴡɪꜰᴇ"
🖤 ᴅᴀʀᴋ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
💋 ᴅᴀɴᴄᴇʀ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🖤 ᴍᴏʀᴀʟʟʏ ɢʀᴇʏ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs
💋 ᴍᴀʟᴇ ʀᴇᴠᴜᴇ MMC