Trapped

Killers Inc. #4

by Charity Parkerson

Ridge loved him since they were kids. Shadow can’t stop failing him. There never seems to be a middle ground.

The first time Ridge saw Shadow, he was a goner. They were raised together in a spy program and Ridge had to keep his feelings hidden. Shadow knows, though. He’s always known. That’s all that matters. At least, that’s what Ridge tells himself. Unfortunately, each time he sees Shadow choose a certain someone else, he thinks maybe he hates him a little, too. It’s getting harder to tell. All he feels lately is trapped.

Shadow doesn’t deserve someone amazing like Ridge. He’s an assassin. Shadow takes life. That’s not the least bit lovable. He should be with someone who keeps him in his place. Ridge needs someone who matches his gentle giant personality. He doesn’t understand why Ridge won’t give up, but he sees the growing hatred in Ridge’s eyes. Sometimes, there are no good choices, especially since he loves Ridge too.

Trapped is the fourth book in Charity Parkerson’s Killers Inc. series where hired assassins and their ilk find the love that finally saves them. These are best enjoyed when read in order.

Genres: Dark, M M Romance

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with several companies. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

*Eight-time winner of Readers' Favorite Awards
*2014 Golden Ankh nominee
*2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner
*2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner
*2012 ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance
*Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath

**Connect with her online:
Website: charityparkerson.com
Facebook: facebook.com/authorCharityParkerson
facebook.com/TheMenofSin
Twitter: twitter.com/CharityParkerso

Reviews

[Monikat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gorgeous, much deserved second chance romance. These two tortured assassins have loved each other for years. Together at last. Shadow and Ridge had years of being together yet apart due to a bad break up.

*A 'possible' incestual kiss was had (they didn't know)

This whole world is written so well and the love of this found family is beautiful.
These short books by Charity Parkerson are always very fulfilling, they share all the angst, all the drama and eventually all the love.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridge has loved Shadow since childhood, their bond forged in the intensity of a spy program. Though Ridge hides his feelings, Shadow has always known — yet his choices and distance leave Ridge feeling trapped between devotion and resentment. Each time Shadow turns to someone else, Ridge’s love curdles into frustration, making it harder to separate affection from anger. Shadow, burdened by his identity as an assassin, believes he doesn’t deserve Ridge’s gentle, steadfast love. He sees himself as unworthy, convinced Ridge should be with someone safer, someone who matches his kindness. Yet despite his self-loathing, Shadow cannot deny his own love for Ridge, even as he fears it will only bring pain. Together, they are caught in a cycle of longing, guilt, and unspoken truths — two men bound by history, torn by duty, and struggling to reconcile love with the shadows of who they are.

I loved this story about two men bound by history and desire, struggling to believe that love can survive guilt, resentment, and the shadows of their past. I loved how the story explored how deep love can coexist with bitterness, and how unresolved longing can become a trap. It was clear that their emotional imprisonment mirrored their literal training as spies — both are conditioned to suppress, conceal, and endure. At its core, this is a story about two men bound by history and desire, struggling to reconcile love with guilt, resentment, and the shadows of their past. It asks whether intimacy can survive when both partners feel trapped by who they are and what they’ve done. Easy to read and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.

[KDLediting · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I'd give it more stars if I could, but I don't get to pick. But anytime I can pick a book I usually pick one by this author!