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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
898 people are currently reading
1041 people want to read
About the author
V.R. Tennent
18 books340 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
November 7, 2025
i almost had an aneurysm reading this .
i haven't read about an mmc THIS STUPID AND MORONIC in SOOOO long .
so the book starts with MMC Joel engaged to ow Eliza but breaking off the engagement because his FIANCÉ developed feelings for him and he didn't like it, so comes the fmc Nicky, they hook up, fall in love, get married ...etc
six years later she's a famous designer at his company, when ow/ mmc's bff ebony fakes documents and accuses her of stealing designs. and what does Joel do when Nicky slaps the Ebony for accusing her? he pushes Nicky away, cuddles Ebony, makes Nicky go home and then later goes home to yell at her and fire her without even letting her talk. he immidiately believes Ebony's lies, so Nicky gets upset and goes to her bff sophie, when Joel doesn't call or ask where she went, she comes back home to talk to him, only to find him cuddling Ebony on the couch, Nicky then asks for the divorce, he doesn't apologize for anything not tries to get her back.
2 years pass, during those 2 years ebony makes SEVERAL moves on him, he rejects her but always keeps her around, even when he finds out she lied about the stolen designs and being the reason he lost his wife, he never fired nor sets boundaries with her even when he KNEW she loved him, he even shared a hotel room with her that only had one bed where she got into bed with him naked, and this is how he describes Ebony
As much as I hate to admit it, she looks stunning with her dark hair pinned up high. Her makeup is subtle but shimmers against her deep blue eyes. She’s wearing a soft blue long-sleeved wool dress, both elegant and sexy.
I offer my arm. She takes it like it means something, and we walk into the hotel together.
Ebony stands looking in the full-length mirror and applies ruby red lipstick with precision. Her red figure-hugging dress shows off every curve, and her sky-high heels elongate her legs. She looks incredible.
then miss ebony gets a pregnant Nicky ( from a one night stand with him), kidnapped to be tortured and murdered by Joel's rivals, and what does this man do? he admits her to a psych ward to " get better" .
despite EVERYTHING she did, he always justified her shit by her being hit and abused by her ex and NEVER treated her with the same cruelty he treated Nicky, even after finding out what she did.
and if you think there's groveling, well you'll be sorely mistaken because this man is a DIMWITTED ASSWIPE.
“And Ebony?” The reality that my oldest friend double-crossed me cuts deep. After years of working together and supporting her, it hurts to the bone that she would be part of a plot against our family.
you dumb bitch your first clue would have been her setting up your wife and being obsessed with your dumbass
safety:
- no cheating unless you consider always taking ow's side and cuddling her despite his wife warning him to stay away from her . which i personally consider a big betrayel and emotional cheating
- owd : his Ex fiancé though she didn't cause any drama and she moved on
-owd 2: his bff / coworker is in love with him, kept making moves on him, like getting inti bed naked with him throughout the book,and idc if he rejected her,because he kept enabling her by playing into her fake dating fantasy and never setting boundaries with a psycho who tried to set up his wife.
-no omd
- both celibate during 2 year divorce apart form the moves Ebony made on him.
i haven't read about an mmc THIS STUPID AND MORONIC in SOOOO long .
so the book starts with MMC Joel engaged to ow Eliza but breaking off the engagement because his FIANCÉ developed feelings for him and he didn't like it, so comes the fmc Nicky, they hook up, fall in love, get married ...etc
six years later she's a famous designer at his company, when ow/ mmc's bff ebony fakes documents and accuses her of stealing designs. and what does Joel do when Nicky slaps the Ebony for accusing her? he pushes Nicky away, cuddles Ebony, makes Nicky go home and then later goes home to yell at her and fire her without even letting her talk. he immidiately believes Ebony's lies, so Nicky gets upset and goes to her bff sophie, when Joel doesn't call or ask where she went, she comes back home to talk to him, only to find him cuddling Ebony on the couch, Nicky then asks for the divorce, he doesn't apologize for anything not tries to get her back.
2 years pass, during those 2 years ebony makes SEVERAL moves on him, he rejects her but always keeps her around, even when he finds out she lied about the stolen designs and being the reason he lost his wife, he never fired nor sets boundaries with her even when he KNEW she loved him, he even shared a hotel room with her that only had one bed where she got into bed with him naked, and this is how he describes Ebony
As much as I hate to admit it, she looks stunning with her dark hair pinned up high. Her makeup is subtle but shimmers against her deep blue eyes. She’s wearing a soft blue long-sleeved wool dress, both elegant and sexy.
I offer my arm. She takes it like it means something, and we walk into the hotel together.
Ebony stands looking in the full-length mirror and applies ruby red lipstick with precision. Her red figure-hugging dress shows off every curve, and her sky-high heels elongate her legs. She looks incredible.
then miss ebony gets a pregnant Nicky ( from a one night stand with him), kidnapped to be tortured and murdered by Joel's rivals, and what does this man do? he admits her to a psych ward to " get better" .
despite EVERYTHING she did, he always justified her shit by her being hit and abused by her ex and NEVER treated her with the same cruelty he treated Nicky, even after finding out what she did.
and if you think there's groveling, well you'll be sorely mistaken because this man is a DIMWITTED ASSWIPE.
“And Ebony?” The reality that my oldest friend double-crossed me cuts deep. After years of working together and supporting her, it hurts to the bone that she would be part of a plot against our family.
you dumb bitch your first clue would have been her setting up your wife and being obsessed with your dumbass
safety:
- no cheating unless you consider always taking ow's side and cuddling her despite his wife warning him to stay away from her . which i personally consider a big betrayel and emotional cheating
- owd : his Ex fiancé though she didn't cause any drama and she moved on
-owd 2: his bff / coworker is in love with him, kept making moves on him, like getting inti bed naked with him throughout the book,and idc if he rejected her,because he kept enabling her by playing into her fake dating fantasy and never setting boundaries with a psycho who tried to set up his wife.
-no omd
- both celibate during 2 year divorce apart form the moves Ebony made on him.
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
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.
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.
July 26, 2025
Ciężko mi uwierzyć, że dorosły mężczyzna w takim miejscu był tak bardzo głupi i naiwny, ale postać nicky bardzo polubiłam❤️❤️
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.
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 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.
November 11, 2025
Thank you so much for writing such a book.I now know what not to read.
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.
October 10, 2025
This was pure crap
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.
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.
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’
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 25, 2025
Parker by @vrtennentauthor is an intense story about how far you are willing to go for love while becoming the ultimate king of the Glasgow underworld. ♥️🔪
Blurb: 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.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Every time VR Tennent releases a book, it is always a BANGER!!! Joel and Nicky’s story has me crying, laughing, swooning, sighing, and yelling at my Kindle. It kept me on the edge of my seat with the many twists and turns, and the steamy scenes were PERFECTION! The world building and flashbacks were written amazingly. Cannot wait to read whatever VR cooks up next because she is a mastermind!!! 😍💃🏽❤️🔥✨
Thank you to VR Tennent for the opportunity to read/review this eARC! 🤩📚
QOTD: Would you read this book?
🏷️: #parker #vrtennent #review #bookrecommendation #bookstagram
Blurb: 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.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Every time VR Tennent releases a book, it is always a BANGER!!! Joel and Nicky’s story has me crying, laughing, swooning, sighing, and yelling at my Kindle. It kept me on the edge of my seat with the many twists and turns, and the steamy scenes were PERFECTION! The world building and flashbacks were written amazingly. Cannot wait to read whatever VR cooks up next because she is a mastermind!!! 😍💃🏽❤️🔥✨
Thank you to VR Tennent for the opportunity to read/review this eARC! 🤩📚
QOTD: Would you read this book?
🏷️: #parker #vrtennent #review #bookrecommendation #bookstagram
July 29, 2025
Parker by VR Tennent is a mafia romance book which is also a standalone… so no need for any prior books. As I’m a fan of this author I was very much looking forward to reading this book. I’m a fan of reading second chance romances but with the added elements of mafia and a dash of whirlwind(ness) to it my attention was captured. I will fully admit while I overall enjoyed this book I wanted to reach through the pages and give a character a hefty shake or two… my gosh just communicate! On the other side I did enjoy the chemistry between Joel and Nicky. Let me say as much as Joel got under my skin; Nicky was the exact opposite. I really liked her character; with her trying to move on from her past and working a new career. I do think Joel needed to grovel just a bit more but that’s just my opinion. While this couple at times drove me bonkers I was ultimately rooting for their happy ending. I thought the book was written well with the drama, betrayal and everything in between. There were times I was gripping my book tight. I overall really enjoyed reading this story and would definitely recommend others giving it a go as well. Looking forward to more from this author.
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
January 12, 2026
I had a very hard time with Joel supposedly being so in love with the FMC, Nicky, yet treating her so poorly, and treating OW with more care and consideration that he ever did Nicky. It wasn't even logical really. He just completely believed Nicky betrayed him, though she already stood by him when his business caused her great harm, but at the first question about Nicky, he believed OW,, allowed OW to assault Nicky, and sent Nicky away, while he comforted OW. That would have been more than enough for me. I don't love that FMC sought him out to talk, after all he did, and found him all snuggled up in her home with him with OW. Then he never goes after her, just divorces her and moves OW in for a time. Keeps OW in his world for years after making OW his hostess and plus one to all events, in spite of any hurt he causes his wife/ex. Even after he learns the truth, he keeps OW around. And when all is said and done and she tries to again harm the love of his life, he doesn't toss her out of his life, have her arrested. Nope, he protects her and puts her in a treatment facility and pays for it. That shows how much he loved and was loyal to OW. Tell me what proves his love and loyalty to FMC? He wasn't even trying to win her back.
July 20, 2025
This was a different sort of romance in the way it was written, and I felt the emotions from the very first page.
I wish the backstory wasn’t as lengthy and more time was spent on the now - specifically, when one person’s lies are revealed. I felt that whole part was really glossed over, and we should have had a little more insight into all of that. However, that was about my only negative for this book.
Nicky is a fighter through and through. She’s done some bad things, but continues to pull herself out and come out ahead. Her mental health is not the best, so we can understand why she acts the way she does at times, but I was so happy to see her find the things she loves and move forward.
Oh Joel.. He was an amazing person, but chose to believe the wrong people. Here lied his downfall. He was so in love with Nicky, but was quick to doubt. Then didn’t understand why he felt so lost or broken after they separated. He was always around in a sense to protect her in the ways he promised.
These two were definitely perfect for one another and found each other right when they both needed it the most.
I wish the backstory wasn’t as lengthy and more time was spent on the now - specifically, when one person’s lies are revealed. I felt that whole part was really glossed over, and we should have had a little more insight into all of that. However, that was about my only negative for this book.
Nicky is a fighter through and through. She’s done some bad things, but continues to pull herself out and come out ahead. Her mental health is not the best, so we can understand why she acts the way she does at times, but I was so happy to see her find the things she loves and move forward.
Oh Joel.. He was an amazing person, but chose to believe the wrong people. Here lied his downfall. He was so in love with Nicky, but was quick to doubt. Then didn’t understand why he felt so lost or broken after they separated. He was always around in a sense to protect her in the ways he promised.
These two were definitely perfect for one another and found each other right when they both needed it the most.
February 3, 2026
Nikki couldn’t believe it when she meets Joel, from the first time they met they both knew they couldn’t be apart. Joel knew that Nikki was it for him, no matter what his family said or wanted he didn’t care, Nikki was it for him.
Nikki and Joel work, Nikki takes on working at the company and her designs are the best, but what she didn’t expect, was the woman who she knew wanted Joel, to say she stole the design. She definitely didn’t expect Joel to believe her and have Nikki leave the company.
With no other choice Nikki knows she must walk away, she knows when she sees Joel and the woman all over the media together.
Nikki knows that even since Joel found out that it was all a lie, he still hasn’t said sorry. He does however give her money to start up her own business. She thought Joel didn’t care anymore, she thought he moved on, but it seems that he hasn’t. He hasn’t forgiven her he didn’t chose he when it was important. Will he see that until he can choose her and not the lies that they can’t be together, or will he continue to keep the image the media wants to see for the company.
Nikki and Joel work, Nikki takes on working at the company and her designs are the best, but what she didn’t expect, was the woman who she knew wanted Joel, to say she stole the design. She definitely didn’t expect Joel to believe her and have Nikki leave the company.
With no other choice Nikki knows she must walk away, she knows when she sees Joel and the woman all over the media together.
Nikki knows that even since Joel found out that it was all a lie, he still hasn’t said sorry. He does however give her money to start up her own business. She thought Joel didn’t care anymore, she thought he moved on, but it seems that he hasn’t. He hasn’t forgiven her he didn’t chose he when it was important. Will he see that until he can choose her and not the lies that they can’t be together, or will he continue to keep the image the media wants to see for the company.
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