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Parker
Power, love or betrayal. Choose your poison.
Inheriting power comes with the chains of control. Ruthless bloodlines, whispered deals, and a family empire built on fear. I never had a choice in the life mapped out for me.
Then I met her.
Nicky wasn’t supposed to be part of my world. She had a record, a broken past, and the kind of fire that made her impossible to ignore. She didn’t care about the Parker name. She cared about the man underneath it.
So I married her. Built a life with her. Gave her everything.
And we destroyed it. Or maybe… someone made sure we would.
Now the legacy my father died to protect is cracking at the seams. Lies are surfacing. Loyalties are shifting. And the woman I never stopped loving might be the only one who can save me from the truth, and from myself.
I can rebuild an empire, but I don’t think I can survive losing her again.
Author Note: This is a steamy mafia romance. Parker was previously partially published under the title Locked. It has since been rewritten and reedited.
Inheriting power comes with the chains of control. Ruthless bloodlines, whispered deals, and a family empire built on fear. I never had a choice in the life mapped out for me.
Then I met her.
Nicky wasn’t supposed to be part of my world. She had a record, a broken past, and the kind of fire that made her impossible to ignore. She didn’t care about the Parker name. She cared about the man underneath it.
So I married her. Built a life with her. Gave her everything.
And we destroyed it. Or maybe… someone made sure we would.
Now the legacy my father died to protect is cracking at the seams. Lies are surfacing. Loyalties are shifting. And the woman I never stopped loving might be the only one who can save me from the truth, and from myself.
I can rebuild an empire, but I don’t think I can survive losing her again.
Author Note: This is a steamy mafia romance. Parker was previously partially published under the title Locked. It has since been rewritten and reedited.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2025
About the author
V.R. Tennent
18 books351 followersVR Tennent emigrated from Scotland to Spain in 2020. She lives in the Spanish campo with her husband, young daughter, and ever-growing animal family.
In January 2022, she decided to put pen to paper and write a book after joining the writer’s group of her favourite author. Five months later she was offered a publishing contract on that very book.
She writes contemporary fiction filled with love, heartbreak, and spice.
In January 2022, she decided to put pen to paper and write a book after joining the writer’s group of her favourite author. Five months later she was offered a publishing contract on that very book.
She writes contemporary fiction filled with love, heartbreak, and spice.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
July 13, 2025
What a ride this story is. A refreshing twist on the normal romance trope.
VR Tennent has a knack of pulling in you with her words. Nicky had my whole heart. She deserved the world and more. This was a ride let me tell you. Certain characters can get in the bin though. Another great read from @vrtennentauthor
VR Tennent has a knack of pulling in you with her words. Nicky had my whole heart. She deserved the world and more. This was a ride let me tell you. Certain characters can get in the bin though. Another great read from @vrtennentauthor
August 2, 2025
Nicky was a freakin' teenage psychopath and Joel was weak and afraid of his mother. 🤮
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2025
malo malísimo quién me manda a mi a leer esto. me da igual su historia anterior de amor en plan de verdad me la suda ha estado 40 capítulos de 44 con el PASADO.
July 13, 2025
Loved it!
I’ve been on a mafia kick lately and this didn’t disappoint. The love these 2 carry for each other is unlike anything else, even through the divorce and everyone trying to keep them apart, they are still deeply in love with each other. Parker took a long time to realise his ‘friend’ wasn’t acting like his friend, he should have kicked her to the curb ages ago but the ending of this book was great. Parker and Nicky overcome so many obstacles, but there love for each other brings them together in the end ❤️
I’ve been on a mafia kick lately and this didn’t disappoint. The love these 2 carry for each other is unlike anything else, even through the divorce and everyone trying to keep them apart, they are still deeply in love with each other. Parker took a long time to realise his ‘friend’ wasn’t acting like his friend, he should have kicked her to the curb ages ago but the ending of this book was great. Parker and Nicky overcome so many obstacles, but there love for each other brings them together in the end ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
I can’t remember how I came across this book, maybe on TikTok, but because it’s a second-chance, marriage-in-trouble story (with cheating vibes thrown in) I jumped straight in. Those are my favourite tropes, and this one is a standalone about Joel Parker and Nikki.
They meet at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and there’s an instant connection. Nikki’s backstory is heartbreaking—she’d just come out of prison after serving ten years for killing her dad. She caught him cheating with his secretary, snapped, and it led to an accident where he died. Her mum disowned her, she struggles with addiction, and she’s basically just trying to piece her life together. Joel, meanwhile, comes from the powerful Parker mafia family. He doesn’t hide his demons from her, though he leaves out just how dangerous his family really is.
Their romance is a whirlwind. Joel was supposed to marry someone else but ditched the wedding for Nikki, and soon enough they were living together, married, and happy for years. Nikki even starts working at the Parker fashion house and does well there. But things turn dark when Ebony, Joel’s long-time family friend and PR manager, schemes her way between them. She frames Nikki for stealing designs and convinces Joel with fake evidence. Instead of believing his wife, Joel sides with Ebony, and that’s where the cracks in the marriage appear.
Nikki moves out, starts divorce proceedings, and Joel lets her go. The whole thing unravels fast—there’s heartbreak, drinking relapses, and a painful coldness from Joel that made me think he was being a complete douche. He never cheated, but his failure to trust Nikki was enough to break them apart. A year later, the truth about Ebony comes out, but by then the damage is done. Joel tries to get back into Nikki’s life, but she shuts him down—until mafia enemies target her, she’s kidnapped, and Joel discovers she’s pregnant with his child.
From there, he becomes determined to protect her, and eventually their son Evan. He starts winning her back slowly, promising that he’ll take her however she wants him—just as a friend, or more if she’s willing. They do eventually find their way back, and I liked that their love story wasn’t rushed after all the betrayal. There’s more drama with Ebony being revealed as obsessed with Joel and working with his enemies, but in the end they get their happily ever after with a vow renewal at the cottage where they first fell in love.
I really enjoyed this story. It had everything I wanted—angst, betrayal, mafia danger, redemption, and a believable reunion. Joel frustrated me at times (why wouldn’t he at least talk to his wife before believing the worst?), but it fit with his pride and blind trust in Ebony. I liked that Nikki grew into her own strength, and I especially liked how Joel’s mum eventually came around and became supportive. I only wish we’d gotten more from Ebony’s side, maybe a real confession of her obsession and schemes instead of her lies just being revealed and brushed over.
Overall, it wasn’t perfect—it felt like it needed a little extra punch—but it kept me hooked the whole way through. The characters felt mature, the angst was solid, and I really liked the ending. A good read, and one that stuck with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
I can’t give a total honest review. I’m waiting for the author to get back to me since I had many questions about the timeline because it made no sense.
Update: Never heard back from author after briefly talking with her, nothing for weeks but that’s okay! Now can give review.
This book timeline made absolutely no sense. You have no idea how many times I went back and forth.
August 2018- confront each other about “stealing” designs.
September 2018- Nicki files for divorce four weeks after fight
**Ebony tells him the truth RIGHT after she leaves in 2018**
March 2019- divorce finalized, STILL won’t give back designs even though he knows they ARE hers since Ebony lied and he’s known FOR MONTHS and kept Ebony on board.
March 2020- asked if security is still necessary for her, yes
April 2020- gives her $1 million for her designs knowing she didn’t steal them for 2 FREAKING YEARS!
Christmas 2020- tells her the truth of knowing it was all a lie
2021- pregnant
Joel knew for a year Nicky didn’t steal the designs and he still let her go, if you love her why not find out the truth? He didn’t want a divorce so why didn’t he fight harder for her? He found out seven weeks after that everything Ebony said was a lie and he still did nothing to get her back. He didnt even punish Ebony for the crimes that she did towards his wife, he let her win while Nicki suffered. He let her walk away and he played into Ebonys games like an idiot until she started stripping and trying to get into bed with him knowing he wanted Nicki still. And spoiler alert, Ebony was the bad guy in the end! He kept reiterating that he was ONLY in love with Nicki but he didn’t do anything about it! Piss poor MMC and FMC. I would’ve dumped his ass and never saw him again. This has me fuming.
Update: Never heard back from author after briefly talking with her, nothing for weeks but that’s okay! Now can give review.
This book timeline made absolutely no sense. You have no idea how many times I went back and forth.
August 2018- confront each other about “stealing” designs.
September 2018- Nicki files for divorce four weeks after fight
**Ebony tells him the truth RIGHT after she leaves in 2018**
March 2019- divorce finalized, STILL won’t give back designs even though he knows they ARE hers since Ebony lied and he’s known FOR MONTHS and kept Ebony on board.
March 2020- asked if security is still necessary for her, yes
April 2020- gives her $1 million for her designs knowing she didn’t steal them for 2 FREAKING YEARS!
Christmas 2020- tells her the truth of knowing it was all a lie
2021- pregnant
Joel knew for a year Nicky didn’t steal the designs and he still let her go, if you love her why not find out the truth? He didn’t want a divorce so why didn’t he fight harder for her? He found out seven weeks after that everything Ebony said was a lie and he still did nothing to get her back. He didnt even punish Ebony for the crimes that she did towards his wife, he let her win while Nicki suffered. He let her walk away and he played into Ebonys games like an idiot until she started stripping and trying to get into bed with him knowing he wanted Nicki still. And spoiler alert, Ebony was the bad guy in the end! He kept reiterating that he was ONLY in love with Nicki but he didn’t do anything about it! Piss poor MMC and FMC. I would’ve dumped his ass and never saw him again. This has me fuming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2025
This book really doesn’t make any sense tbh.
They divorced cause she thought he was cheating and he thought she was a thief.
He kept the OW in the company. Kept fake dating her for appearances. He found out eventually that the theft was forged by the OW. Kept fake dating her appearing like a power couple for the public. Meanwhile he finds this said OW stunning. And then of course FMC is pregnant so they get back together and of course she loves him so much that he doesn’t even have to grovel lol
Both main characters are beyond stupid and the whole book was just a waste of time.
Writing was bad, tbh, but the plot was a mess.
They divorced cause she thought he was cheating and he thought she was a thief.
He kept the OW in the company. Kept fake dating her for appearances. He found out eventually that the theft was forged by the OW. Kept fake dating her appearing like a power couple for the public. Meanwhile he finds this said OW stunning. And then of course FMC is pregnant so they get back together and of course she loves him so much that he doesn’t even have to grovel lol
Both main characters are beyond stupid and the whole book was just a waste of time.
Writing was bad, tbh, but the plot was a mess.
July 24, 2025
Joel and Nicky have my heart from the beginning of this book. I 10/10 recommend reading this book.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 26, 2025
Ciężko mi uwierzyć, że dorosły mężczyzna w takim miejscu był tak bardzo głupi i naiwny, ale postać nicky bardzo polubiłam❤️❤️
November 11, 2025
Thank you so much for writing such a book.I now know what not to read.
July 24, 2025
Parker is a standalone, contemporary, m/f, steamy, second chance mafia romance with plenty of action, intrigue, betrayal, emotion provoking moments, and secrets. It is a unique and entertaining read that kept me enthralled throughout.
The characters are incredible and I absolutely loved their chemistry. Joel and Nikki had a love that ignited passionately and never quite burned out, despite the many huge obstacles that stood in their way and drove them apart. Both of these main characters may have had me spitting nails angry at them at several points during their story, but I never stopped rooting for their inevitable HEA.
The writing, pace, plot, and flow of the story are fantastic, as are the characters, character development, relationship development, storytelling, storyline, and world building. I could not get enough of the characters and their story and cannot wait for more from this awesome author.
The characters are incredible and I absolutely loved their chemistry. Joel and Nikki had a love that ignited passionately and never quite burned out, despite the many huge obstacles that stood in their way and drove them apart. Both of these main characters may have had me spitting nails angry at them at several points during their story, but I never stopped rooting for their inevitable HEA.
The writing, pace, plot, and flow of the story are fantastic, as are the characters, character development, relationship development, storytelling, storyline, and world building. I could not get enough of the characters and their story and cannot wait for more from this awesome author.
July 23, 2025
“Power, love, or betrayal. Choose your poison.”
She’s an ex-con and he is a green flag trapped in a red flag world.
This was an emotional read but so enjoyable. V.R. Tennent’s writing style gets me every time!
I am going to be completely honest, if I saw the list of tropes for this book written down, I probably wouldn’t have been interested. That said, I would have been missing out, big time!
Nicky is such a talented, strong, and resilient FMC that deserves the world. Joel is your touch her and ☠️, protective, mafia Don. They have a love that is passionate and they fit together perfectly.
Did I mention they are divorced?
She’s an ex-con and he is a green flag trapped in a red flag world.
This was an emotional read but so enjoyable. V.R. Tennent’s writing style gets me every time!
I am going to be completely honest, if I saw the list of tropes for this book written down, I probably wouldn’t have been interested. That said, I would have been missing out, big time!
Nicky is such a talented, strong, and resilient FMC that deserves the world. Joel is your touch her and ☠️, protective, mafia Don. They have a love that is passionate and they fit together perfectly.
Did I mention they are divorced?
July 31, 2025
Nikki and Joel’s story is a hell of a roller coaster ride; it goes full circle on the emotional aspects because it has drama, angst, betrayal, lies and the spicy scenes of course.
If this isn’t a second chance in love I don’t know what is. There chance meeting and love story for them is cut short by different circumstances, it doesn’t go well for a bit, but maybe there is a chance for redemption at the end of the day. You do not want to miss this story and the complex characters it presents.
If this isn’t a second chance in love I don’t know what is. There chance meeting and love story for them is cut short by different circumstances, it doesn’t go well for a bit, but maybe there is a chance for redemption at the end of the day. You do not want to miss this story and the complex characters it presents.
July 15, 2025
These authors' books are incredible and so enjoyable. It's such an emotional read—Nicky has to fight for everything her whole life, and the man she loves, Joel, causes her so much pain. It's absolutely addictive; you won't want to put it down.
July 16, 2025
Loved this one! ❤️ highly recommend if you love light mafia and strong fmc x
absolutely loved Nicky and she deserved the world x
absolutely loved Nicky and she deserved the world x
January 18, 2026
It was weird with the times lines going back then current then back again to the future? I ended up skim reading it. The hype on TikTok is what made me hold out and finish it and I was kind of disappointed
July 26, 2025
This book will definitely take you on a rollercoaster, of both events and emotions.
I have such a love hate relationship with Joel.
And my heart really broke for Nikki.
While I am glad they found their way back to the HEA. My man needed to grovellllll so much more.
I have such a love hate relationship with Joel.
And my heart really broke for Nikki.
While I am glad they found their way back to the HEA. My man needed to grovellllll so much more.
August 2, 2025
I’m really sad that I didn’t like this book as much as I wanted to 😩 The prologue really gets you especially the first paragraph, I thought I was going to love it. I was expecting it to be more antsy but I get those feelings.
I’m sorry but Nikki was really frustrating at time. Joel just let her think everything was wrong and didn’t even try to explain anything to her. And don’t get me started on the OW drama I was over it. How can he believe her over his own wife 🙃🙃
Also to me it felt like soo much was going on but at the same time nothing was going on. To me it had to many flashbacks, I would’ve love to see them work on their relationship more.
I’m sorry but Nikki was really frustrating at time. Joel just let her think everything was wrong and didn’t even try to explain anything to her. And don’t get me started on the OW drama I was over it. How can he believe her over his own wife 🙃🙃
Also to me it felt like soo much was going on but at the same time nothing was going on. To me it had to many flashbacks, I would’ve love to see them work on their relationship more.
November 7, 2025
It wasn’t that good.
I was expecting a second chance Mafia romance but there wasn’t any mafia more gangsters, the FMC was supposed to be this badass woman but she felt more of a passive one!
The MMC was supposed to be this morally grey possessive husband but he felt more like a spineless CEO in charge of an empire. I mean his viper female bff betrayed him more than once and was responsible for his divorce but he kept her close anyway even pretend to be her bf. And he was surprised that she betrayed him again and couldn’t understand why!! Seriously, I wanted to slap him a few times!!!
Will not recommend this book I’m afraid
I was expecting a second chance Mafia romance but there wasn’t any mafia more gangsters, the FMC was supposed to be this badass woman but she felt more of a passive one!
The MMC was supposed to be this morally grey possessive husband but he felt more like a spineless CEO in charge of an empire. I mean his viper female bff betrayed him more than once and was responsible for his divorce but he kept her close anyway even pretend to be her bf. And he was surprised that she betrayed him again and couldn’t understand why!! Seriously, I wanted to slap him a few times!!!
Will not recommend this book I’m afraid
October 10, 2025
This was pure crap
May 13, 2026
3.5 Stars
There are major, major spoilers in this review, read at your own risk. You have been warned!!!
The love story between Nicola (Nicky) Smithe and Joel Parker is epic, they meet at an alcohol support group meeting. In walks Joel absolutely breathtaking, throughout the meeting they slyly steal glances at one another. After the meeting, Joel strikes up a conversation and he asks her out for coffee. They realize they've talked for hours and Joel requests to see her again, she agrees. They part ways, only for Joel to drive up and asks her to come home with him and she never leaves.
The romance is whirlwind and people are angry because Joel, well he forgot to mention he most recently had a fiancee and his wedding day was happening within 24 hours, though he had no plans to show up and told his family and his fiancee. Unfortunately, for them they underestimated his love at first sight for Nicky.
However, Nicky has just gotten out of jail but Joel is keeping a major secret in addition to neglecting to tell Nicky about the fiancee he had 30 days ago.
When we meet Joel, he's a cinnamon role swooney hero, more beta with shades of alpha but when his father dies he has to take over the families legitimate and illegitimate holdings and he takes to the role like a duck to water, he turns into a complete alpha male.
All is well, Nicky is thriving but her success at Parker Fashions causes an enemy to reveal themselves, and this is where the book starts to fall flat. Ebony (this is a popular UK name) straight up lies and produces manufactured evidence which Joel believes because the evidence doesn't lie, Nicky pleads with him to believe her and it falls on death ears. This is a man that put Nicky before his parents and readers are expected to believe he would abandon and accuse her without allowing her the opportunity to defend herself, this is not believeable.
There is a part in the story where I was laughing hysterically, because Nicky's actions (here and between opening doors without finding out who was on the other side) were unbelievable and just plain dumb. Sophie, her ride or die best friend should have risked their friendship because they were nearly tits up (UK slang).
Finally, Ebony there is just no way she should have survived—just no to the way they dealt with her—this bad ass criminal family. What she did went beyond and made even more sense to kill her, there I said it. She needed to die a slow death and send a signal to all, betrayal will not be tolerated.
Wait, there was one more enemy that wasn't dealt dying or not, he didn't deserve the grace he received—that is all! Overall, I enjoyed this story though it's not perfect. Lastly, the name chosen didn't make sense to me despite the explanation. Okay, there is something that Joel says early in the story that made me think, he was doing the things he was doing as part of a plan, but it never panned out.
It was still a good betrayal and grovel story which is my new trope that I'm loving. Recommended: Read this Books!
Sign up for the author's newsletter to receive a bonus epilogue. Happy Reading!!!
There are major, major spoilers in this review, read at your own risk. You have been warned!!!
The love story between Nicola (Nicky) Smithe and Joel Parker is epic, they meet at an alcohol support group meeting. In walks Joel absolutely breathtaking, throughout the meeting they slyly steal glances at one another. After the meeting, Joel strikes up a conversation and he asks her out for coffee. They realize they've talked for hours and Joel requests to see her again, she agrees. They part ways, only for Joel to drive up and asks her to come home with him and she never leaves.
The romance is whirlwind and people are angry because Joel, well he forgot to mention he most recently had a fiancee and his wedding day was happening within 24 hours, though he had no plans to show up and told his family and his fiancee. Unfortunately, for them they underestimated his love at first sight for Nicky.
However, Nicky has just gotten out of jail but Joel is keeping a major secret in addition to neglecting to tell Nicky about the fiancee he had 30 days ago.
When we meet Joel, he's a cinnamon role swooney hero, more beta with shades of alpha but when his father dies he has to take over the families legitimate and illegitimate holdings and he takes to the role like a duck to water, he turns into a complete alpha male.
All is well, Nicky is thriving but her success at Parker Fashions causes an enemy to reveal themselves, and this is where the book starts to fall flat. Ebony (this is a popular UK name) straight up lies and produces manufactured evidence which Joel believes because the evidence doesn't lie, Nicky pleads with him to believe her and it falls on death ears. This is a man that put Nicky before his parents and readers are expected to believe he would abandon and accuse her without allowing her the opportunity to defend herself, this is not believeable.
There is a part in the story where I was laughing hysterically, because Nicky's actions (here and between opening doors without finding out who was on the other side) were unbelievable and just plain dumb. Sophie, her ride or die best friend should have risked their friendship because they were nearly tits up (UK slang).
Finally, Ebony there is just no way she should have survived—just no to the way they dealt with her—this bad ass criminal family. What she did went beyond and made even more sense to kill her, there I said it. She needed to die a slow death and send a signal to all, betrayal will not be tolerated.
Wait, there was one more enemy that wasn't dealt dying or not, he didn't deserve the grace he received—that is all! Overall, I enjoyed this story though it's not perfect. Lastly, the name chosen didn't make sense to me despite the explanation. Okay, there is something that Joel says early in the story that made me think, he was doing the things he was doing as part of a plan, but it never panned out.
It was still a good betrayal and grovel story which is my new trope that I'm loving. Recommended: Read this Books!
Sign up for the author's newsletter to receive a bonus epilogue. Happy Reading!!!
October 8, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Kidnapping
🚩Drug Mentions
🚩Murder
🚩Cheating
Tropes:
💕Mafia Romance
💕MF Romance
💕OW Drama
💕Second Chance Romance
💕Marriage in Trouble
💕Surprise Pregnancy
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Summary:
FMC and MMC meet at a low time in both their lives. They fall fast for each other and get married. Surprise, he is part of the mafia and she is meant to adjust to this. All is going well until his old "friend" shows up. The FMC is set up to look like she betrayed the family. The MMC jumps to the wrong conclusion and is ruthless with her. By the time he finds out it was all a lie it is too late. The FMC, rightfully so, wants a divorce. There is much more that happens...HEA
Review:
This is my first time reading a book by this author. I have purchased the remaining books in this "series" and will review them at a later date. However, I am a lover of mafia romance, and this missed the mark for me. Being a lover of mafia romance my standard may be a bit high.
I flipped through at least half of this book. The timing was just slow, and I felt like I wasn't getting to the meat and potatoes quick enough. This is probably a long way of saying it didn't catch me/engage me at the start.
Once, I got to the grovel portion of the story I was a bit more engaged. But even having said that I needed more. To me it is an average read but not my fave. Hopefully, the next book I read by this author will be better.
MC Romance Author Recommendations:
Eve Black
Candice Wright
Samantha Cole
Penny Dee
Sandy Alvarez & Crystal Daniels
Audrey Bell
Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Kidnapping
🚩Drug Mentions
🚩Murder
🚩Cheating
Tropes:
💕Mafia Romance
💕MF Romance
💕OW Drama
💕Second Chance Romance
💕Marriage in Trouble
💕Surprise Pregnancy
Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Summary:
FMC and MMC meet at a low time in both their lives. They fall fast for each other and get married. Surprise, he is part of the mafia and she is meant to adjust to this. All is going well until his old "friend" shows up. The FMC is set up to look like she betrayed the family. The MMC jumps to the wrong conclusion and is ruthless with her. By the time he finds out it was all a lie it is too late. The FMC, rightfully so, wants a divorce. There is much more that happens...HEA
Review:
This is my first time reading a book by this author. I have purchased the remaining books in this "series" and will review them at a later date. However, I am a lover of mafia romance, and this missed the mark for me. Being a lover of mafia romance my standard may be a bit high.
I flipped through at least half of this book. The timing was just slow, and I felt like I wasn't getting to the meat and potatoes quick enough. This is probably a long way of saying it didn't catch me/engage me at the start.
Once, I got to the grovel portion of the story I was a bit more engaged. But even having said that I needed more. To me it is an average read but not my fave. Hopefully, the next book I read by this author will be better.
MC Romance Author Recommendations:
Eve Black
Candice Wright
Samantha Cole
Penny Dee
Sandy Alvarez & Crystal Daniels
Audrey Bell
July 15, 2025
5 ⭐️
Tropes: mafia romance, second chance romance
I had the honor of reading this in 2023 as published under “Locked” and reading this again I was again left absolutely SPEECHLESS! Because WOW! You know those authors who just write masterpiece after masterpiece?!? V.R Tennent is one of those authors who writes in a way that just takes over and before you know it you’ve devoured her books. VR Tennent is the QUEEN of making you feel all the feels - and this had it ALL, it was deliciously spicy, had suspense, heartache, secrets, mafia bosses, drama and betrayal. I was HOOKED from start to finish! She did an amazing job at capturing my attention at every turn and I loved every single minute of it, I honestly didn't want it to end. I cannot recommend this book and author enough - her writing is seriously addictive.
This is the love story of two EXTREMLY different people; Nicky just fresh out of prison and Joel the son of a very powerful and rich family. Their life's collided so unexpectedly and they fell hard and fast. The chemistry was indescribable, and they knew just hours after meeting that what they had and felt was real. Nicky and Joel skipped the dating, among other things that "normal" new relationships have. Within a few month of meeting they were already married and living together. Everything was perfect, Nicky was moving passed her haunted past, working on her new career and Joel was taking over more reasonability's with his families dealing. Until things went south... Joel isn't the man she thought he was... Now they are divorced and things start going bump in the night with other very powerful and dangerous men. Nicky is no longer safe and Joel is doing everything in his power to make things right. Will Joel redeem himself after everything? Will they make things work?!? Guess you need to read this to find out ;)
I cannot wait for your next book and thank you for allowing me to continue being a part of your ARC team!
Tropes: mafia romance, second chance romance
I had the honor of reading this in 2023 as published under “Locked” and reading this again I was again left absolutely SPEECHLESS! Because WOW! You know those authors who just write masterpiece after masterpiece?!? V.R Tennent is one of those authors who writes in a way that just takes over and before you know it you’ve devoured her books. VR Tennent is the QUEEN of making you feel all the feels - and this had it ALL, it was deliciously spicy, had suspense, heartache, secrets, mafia bosses, drama and betrayal. I was HOOKED from start to finish! She did an amazing job at capturing my attention at every turn and I loved every single minute of it, I honestly didn't want it to end. I cannot recommend this book and author enough - her writing is seriously addictive.
This is the love story of two EXTREMLY different people; Nicky just fresh out of prison and Joel the son of a very powerful and rich family. Their life's collided so unexpectedly and they fell hard and fast. The chemistry was indescribable, and they knew just hours after meeting that what they had and felt was real. Nicky and Joel skipped the dating, among other things that "normal" new relationships have. Within a few month of meeting they were already married and living together. Everything was perfect, Nicky was moving passed her haunted past, working on her new career and Joel was taking over more reasonability's with his families dealing. Until things went south... Joel isn't the man she thought he was... Now they are divorced and things start going bump in the night with other very powerful and dangerous men. Nicky is no longer safe and Joel is doing everything in his power to make things right. Will Joel redeem himself after everything? Will they make things work?!? Guess you need to read this to find out ;)
I cannot wait for your next book and thank you for allowing me to continue being a part of your ARC team!
July 19, 2025
Nicky and Joel had it all, a whirlwind romance between two unlikely people, a cozy married life, years of happiness. Until one day, they broke and nothing was ever whole again. Now, as exes after divorce, they fight their feelings as they find themselves gravitating once more to each other and have to fight through what tore them apart.
“Your marriage is too precious; you two had the ultimate love-at-first-sight-fairytale.”
“There’s a reason those stories are called fairtytales.”
Oh man, the emotions I felt while reading this were a mix of anger and frustration (in the best way!). This review is spoiler free but I felt mad, big mad…at the manipulation and craziness that went on to tear these two apart. Nicky and Joel were two kindred sprits, truly, and after all the hardships that Nicky had been through, she had my heart and deserved a happily ever after, not the emotional instability that she faced. All I kept thinking is, man, the grovelling better be top tier here and it was.
“My heart has always been yours—even when I didn’t deserve yours back.”
Ugh, can I just say, I just HATE Ebony? Like so much? I don’t think I’ve hated a fictional person so much. The only correct ending for her was to be thrown into a pit of fire but that didn’t happen so #sad.
It was the perfect mix of a mafia lite drama/second chance romance/whirlwind romance that swept both of them off their feet and into a six relationship that leaves them both hurt, confused and spiteful. Honestly, I came into this fully blind, even having avoided the teasers and was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns. VR Tennent is a newer author to me but I really liked how uniquely written this was, the mix of past and present was done beautifully and while I do wish that we had some more present scenes that would really dig deeper into events, I really enjoyed how it all came together.
“Your marriage is too precious; you two had the ultimate love-at-first-sight-fairytale.”
“There’s a reason those stories are called fairtytales.”
Oh man, the emotions I felt while reading this were a mix of anger and frustration (in the best way!). This review is spoiler free but I felt mad, big mad…at the manipulation and craziness that went on to tear these two apart. Nicky and Joel were two kindred sprits, truly, and after all the hardships that Nicky had been through, she had my heart and deserved a happily ever after, not the emotional instability that she faced. All I kept thinking is, man, the grovelling better be top tier here and it was.
“My heart has always been yours—even when I didn’t deserve yours back.”
Ugh, can I just say, I just HATE Ebony? Like so much? I don’t think I’ve hated a fictional person so much. The only correct ending for her was to be thrown into a pit of fire but that didn’t happen so #sad.
It was the perfect mix of a mafia lite drama/second chance romance/whirlwind romance that swept both of them off their feet and into a six relationship that leaves them both hurt, confused and spiteful. Honestly, I came into this fully blind, even having avoided the teasers and was pleasantly surprised at the twists and turns. VR Tennent is a newer author to me but I really liked how uniquely written this was, the mix of past and present was done beautifully and while I do wish that we had some more present scenes that would really dig deeper into events, I really enjoyed how it all came together.
July 15, 2025
ARC Review of Parker by V.R. Tennent
* * * * *
Lies, manipulation and disappointment will tear this once happy couple apart, but hardly because of their own actions. Someone is pulling the strings, and it may cost someone their life more than just their marriage.
Nicky's life starting to fall back into the darkness she believed she had escaped.
One technical mistake stole ten years of her life. Then she met Joel, a man who made her feel happy and loved and special. From his family of money and high expectations, she knew she wouldn't belong with them...only, she didn't know the more indepth details of his family's power. What they did when the cameras weren't on them.
When the lovers tie the knot, they start to make things work. When secrets start to come out, loss is faced, and feelings are changing for the worst, Nicky and Joel hit a collusion.
An affair? Theft? Lies? Secrets?
Is this the end for them...or will they uncover what is really happening and who is truly their enemy?
Drama! Desire! Danger! DRAMA! I'll say it twice because DAMN!
This second chance romance with underworld ties and toxic people is bound to have you glued to this book without coming up for breath. Note: don't decide to read this in hour before you go to bed...because you won't go to bed until you've consumed the entire thing!
Nicky and Joel's beginning is super sweet. With Nicky having barely anyone in ther life, and Joel having his fate already sealed, their happiness was enough to have them run away together. When fate turns their life around, they make things work. Until, of course, shtick hits the fan.
Definitely recommend diving into this standalone.
* * * * *
Lies, manipulation and disappointment will tear this once happy couple apart, but hardly because of their own actions. Someone is pulling the strings, and it may cost someone their life more than just their marriage.
Nicky's life starting to fall back into the darkness she believed she had escaped.
One technical mistake stole ten years of her life. Then she met Joel, a man who made her feel happy and loved and special. From his family of money and high expectations, she knew she wouldn't belong with them...only, she didn't know the more indepth details of his family's power. What they did when the cameras weren't on them.
When the lovers tie the knot, they start to make things work. When secrets start to come out, loss is faced, and feelings are changing for the worst, Nicky and Joel hit a collusion.
An affair? Theft? Lies? Secrets?
Is this the end for them...or will they uncover what is really happening and who is truly their enemy?
Drama! Desire! Danger! DRAMA! I'll say it twice because DAMN!
This second chance romance with underworld ties and toxic people is bound to have you glued to this book without coming up for breath. Note: don't decide to read this in hour before you go to bed...because you won't go to bed until you've consumed the entire thing!
Nicky and Joel's beginning is super sweet. With Nicky having barely anyone in ther life, and Joel having his fate already sealed, their happiness was enough to have them run away together. When fate turns their life around, they make things work. Until, of course, shtick hits the fan.
Definitely recommend diving into this standalone.
May 5, 2026
Well… this one was a bit of a ride.
First off, I really appreciated that this felt like a different kind of romance. It didn’t follow the usual formula, and I was genuinely invested in the characters and where things were going. For me, it sat somewhere around a 4–4.5⭐ read, but it definitely wasn’t without a few frustrations.
The biggest thing? The angst. It starts… and then we’re thrown back into the past for what feels like forever. I get why it was done, but it honestly felt like most of the book lived there, and I found myself just waiting (impatiently) to get back to the present timeline where all the tension had been built up.
But once it does shift back? Buckle up! the drama kicks in and it’s full rollercoaster mode from there (tbh the various drama plots were a bit much!)
Now, Joel… ohhhh Joel. He tested my patience more times than I can count, especially with the OW drama. I wanted to shake him. And while he said all the right things at times, his actions didn’t always back it up, which made it hard to fully buy into his redemption.
And Nicky! I really liked her, but I wanted just a bit more from her in terms of making him work for it. I kept waiting for her to truly let him have it, and it didn’t quite hit the level I was hoping for.
That said… despite all my grumbling, these two do work as a couple. There’s something about them that keeps you hooked, even when you’re frustrated. And I was absolutely rooting for that HEA by the end, because wow, after all that drama, they earned it.
Messy, angsty, dramatic and definitely memorable.
First off, I really appreciated that this felt like a different kind of romance. It didn’t follow the usual formula, and I was genuinely invested in the characters and where things were going. For me, it sat somewhere around a 4–4.5⭐ read, but it definitely wasn’t without a few frustrations.
The biggest thing? The angst. It starts… and then we’re thrown back into the past for what feels like forever. I get why it was done, but it honestly felt like most of the book lived there, and I found myself just waiting (impatiently) to get back to the present timeline where all the tension had been built up.
But once it does shift back? Buckle up! the drama kicks in and it’s full rollercoaster mode from there (tbh the various drama plots were a bit much!)
Now, Joel… ohhhh Joel. He tested my patience more times than I can count, especially with the OW drama. I wanted to shake him. And while he said all the right things at times, his actions didn’t always back it up, which made it hard to fully buy into his redemption.
And Nicky! I really liked her, but I wanted just a bit more from her in terms of making him work for it. I kept waiting for her to truly let him have it, and it didn’t quite hit the level I was hoping for.
That said… despite all my grumbling, these two do work as a couple. There’s something about them that keeps you hooked, even when you’re frustrated. And I was absolutely rooting for that HEA by the end, because wow, after all that drama, they earned it.
Messy, angsty, dramatic and definitely memorable.
July 18, 2025
There is nothing I love more than a mafia book, and this is that but so much more. The depth to both of these characters, Nicky (Nicola) and Joel is typical V.R, and this is another emotional read.
There first meeting at the most unlikely of places is powerful, insta love and an undeniable attraction. On the surface, you would think this was not a match, but they are the air they each need, the stabilizing force and love they have been denied, the yin to the yang. He may be the wealthy man set to take over the mafia side of business from his father, and she is the ex con who doesn't come from a world of excess and money, in fact at their meeting, she is unemployed and needing to rebuild her life, but they are each others soul.
My heart hurt alot thru this book, so so many times, and their love for each other was strong, so strong. But, there was twists and darkness that they both had to face, and a crucial point in the book where my heart broke. I cannot articulate well enough to explain how much this book means to me from a personal standpoint, and true to form V.R always knows how to pack a punch when it comes to her writing. If you want emotional angst, heart stopping moments where you don't even have time to draw breath and love that is hard fought for.....this is it. I will always read V.R's books, I will always say you should read everything she writes, because they are worth more than the 5 stars I can give on here.
There first meeting at the most unlikely of places is powerful, insta love and an undeniable attraction. On the surface, you would think this was not a match, but they are the air they each need, the stabilizing force and love they have been denied, the yin to the yang. He may be the wealthy man set to take over the mafia side of business from his father, and she is the ex con who doesn't come from a world of excess and money, in fact at their meeting, she is unemployed and needing to rebuild her life, but they are each others soul.
My heart hurt alot thru this book, so so many times, and their love for each other was strong, so strong. But, there was twists and darkness that they both had to face, and a crucial point in the book where my heart broke. I cannot articulate well enough to explain how much this book means to me from a personal standpoint, and true to form V.R always knows how to pack a punch when it comes to her writing. If you want emotional angst, heart stopping moments where you don't even have time to draw breath and love that is hard fought for.....this is it. I will always read V.R's books, I will always say you should read everything she writes, because they are worth more than the 5 stars I can give on here.
May 17, 2026
Ugh! The heartbreak of this book. It was definitely a book I devoured, finished in 4 hours in fact.
I do wish there was more to give me the peace and beauty of their HEA (even with the super short bonus scene) because this book had too much betrayal and heartbreak.
It starts off with their divorce. So you know it’s going to be a hard road for them to be together again. But the things that go down are crazy.
At first I didn’t like Nicky at all. The choices she made, but then she becomes pretty awesome, and I get why she chose to leave Joel. He was stupid. And as a mob boss, getting rid of Ebony (permanently) was the only solution, so why the family let her continue in her role was stupid. I mean if they’re literally burying/dumping enemies’ bodies, I don’t see why they couldn’t do the same with Ebony.
But then I guess all that other drama couldn’t unfold. And I liked seeing it all getting repaired. Imelda visiting the new shop, commissioning dresses, Joel still trying to be in Nicky’s life. Nicky succeeding in her own (well with a little bit of money owed to her from her ex). And it was a sweet and beautiful end for them, but a tad unfinished as I wanted some closure where that evil bitch Ebony was concerned but we don’t get that. So no 5 stars because there’s no full closure and the ending needed a bit more of the happy before being done.
I do wish there was more to give me the peace and beauty of their HEA (even with the super short bonus scene) because this book had too much betrayal and heartbreak.
It starts off with their divorce. So you know it’s going to be a hard road for them to be together again. But the things that go down are crazy.
At first I didn’t like Nicky at all. The choices she made, but then she becomes pretty awesome, and I get why she chose to leave Joel. He was stupid. And as a mob boss, getting rid of Ebony (permanently) was the only solution, so why the family let her continue in her role was stupid. I mean if they’re literally burying/dumping enemies’ bodies, I don’t see why they couldn’t do the same with Ebony.
But then I guess all that other drama couldn’t unfold. And I liked seeing it all getting repaired. Imelda visiting the new shop, commissioning dresses, Joel still trying to be in Nicky’s life. Nicky succeeding in her own (well with a little bit of money owed to her from her ex). And it was a sweet and beautiful end for them, but a tad unfinished as I wanted some closure where that evil bitch Ebony was concerned but we don’t get that. So no 5 stars because there’s no full closure and the ending needed a bit more of the happy before being done.
July 20, 2025
Wow, just Wow ~ Parker was previously released as Locked, I loved it then & my goodness I loved it even more now.
Despite previously reading, I honestly thought I was reading a whole new book ~ I was completely consumed, I couldn’t stop reading.
I knew most of the characters & storyline but V.R Tennent has completely reworked it.
Her characters are flawed but relatable. I find myself being their cheerleader from my sofa !
Nicky is one of my favourite heroines, one impulsive moment has completely changed her life BUT
She's strong, determined & fierce.
When she meets Joel, they have this instant connection. They both fall hard & fast but trust is broken on both sides, people & circumstances get in their way.
The journey Nicky & Joel had to take to find each other again with an unbreakable love in their hearts still burns strong and bright, is not an easy one. It's fraught with danger and terror, yet it is one of healing, hope and ultimately love.
A modern day, dark fairytale.
I don't want to give too much away, all I can say is that I honestly can't recommend Parker enough.
Parker is not just a romance; it is a story about facing your past, seeking redemption, finding love against all odds & holding onto it with every breath of your being.
It delivers a tale that is both heartbreaking, touching & thrilling, with characters that are flawed but you cant help rooting for them from beginning to end.
‘Power, Love or Betrayal ~ Choose your poison’
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Despite previously reading, I honestly thought I was reading a whole new book ~ I was completely consumed, I couldn’t stop reading.
I knew most of the characters & storyline but V.R Tennent has completely reworked it.
Her characters are flawed but relatable. I find myself being their cheerleader from my sofa !
Nicky is one of my favourite heroines, one impulsive moment has completely changed her life BUT
She's strong, determined & fierce.
When she meets Joel, they have this instant connection. They both fall hard & fast but trust is broken on both sides, people & circumstances get in their way.
The journey Nicky & Joel had to take to find each other again with an unbreakable love in their hearts still burns strong and bright, is not an easy one. It's fraught with danger and terror, yet it is one of healing, hope and ultimately love.
A modern day, dark fairytale.
I don't want to give too much away, all I can say is that I honestly can't recommend Parker enough.
Parker is not just a romance; it is a story about facing your past, seeking redemption, finding love against all odds & holding onto it with every breath of your being.
It delivers a tale that is both heartbreaking, touching & thrilling, with characters that are flawed but you cant help rooting for them from beginning to end.
‘Power, Love or Betrayal ~ Choose your poison’
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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