Dean Jensen: A dark college rom-com series

by Marissa Markx

This series becomes darker with each book. They are interconnected standalones, but it's more fun to read them in order.

Dean
I’ve been numb my entire life—until one of the only two people I cared about was taken and murdered.
Revenge becomes my sole focus… until she shows up.
A reckless little hacker who stumbles into my world, derails my plans, and sparks feelings I’ve never experienced before. I teach her everything I know, hoping she’ll stop making the same mistakes. But she is her own miscalculation—reckless, tempting, lethal.
She infuriates me.
She fascinates me.
And before I know it, I become an… observer.
I watch her through my screens. I track her every move. But when we’re forced to work together, I can no longer hide in the shadows.
She lures men into her traps… but when she captures me, there’s no escaping.
Because now that I’ve revealed who I am…


I give her no choice—I’ve already decided that she’s mine.

Tracy
I lost everything when I was sixteen—my home, my parents, and my sister.
She was taken and sold to be a sex slave, and I did everything to find her. Infiltrating dark web auction sites, I track down the men responsible for her disappearance. Once I’ve lured them into my trap, I do whatever it takes to “extract” information.
Unfortunately, the sight of blood makes me woozy.
But fortunately, I have my very own avenging devil.
Mr. Tasker has been by my side for years—silent, efficient, deadly. He says he feels nothing for me, that I mean nothing to him… but when I screw up again and nearly die for it, he shows up. Just like always. Saving me from a fate worse than death.
But when I uncover the truth about who he really is, everything changes.

Do I let myself fall for the man who lives in the shadows? Or do I walk away before I risk the one thing that’s already broken and bruised?

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

388 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2025

About the author

Marissa Markx writes spicy, chaotic, and sometimes uncomfortably funny romances where trauma meets temptation—and where no kink is too weird to play with. Her books are dark, emotional, and full of morally grey men, strong heroines, and the kind of found family you wish you could crash a party with (badass granny included).

When she’s not writing, Marissa can usually be found plotting new ways to torture her characters, laughing at her own jokes, or cuddling dogs who definitely think they’re the real stars of her books.

If you like your romance messy, bold, and with a side of “wait, did she really just write that?”—welcome to her world.

Reviews

[Isabelle Proulx · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! Just wow! I loved it from start to finish! All the ingredients for a good book are there; humor, "romance", spice.... a lot... just the perfect dose! Not to mention the suspense! Dean is so endearing because of his peculiarities, how his brain resonates and how he acts with Tracy! And our dear Tracy, lord she made me laugh. Who doesn't fall in love with her? She's funny, sassy, intelligent, despite her blunders of course! I love the unhinged aspect of each character in the story! They bring so much fun and color! oh and A+ for the Supernatural reference!!! I can't wait to read the next book in the series which coming in March 2026!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God! Marissa didn't disappoint with Dean and Tracy's story! Like at all! This book is by far darker than the previous two books but still contains aspects of the humor we love! It ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you screaming wanting more. I can’t wait for book 4 because I can’t get enough of these characters!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read trigger warnings as this is a dark rom com. I giggle a few times and even teared up near the end.

I enjoyed this story. Love the banter and the tension.

Looking forward to Axel's story and plus that cliffhanger? What the heck?

- dual POV
- enemies to lovers
- threesome
- stalking
- autism rep

[daddysbabygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marissa didn’t disappoint with Dean and Tracy’s story! This book is darker than the previous two and yes, the humor is still there. It ends on a cliffhanger but it’s worth the read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🖤🖤

“You keep seeking out death, hoping it will catch you, but I’m your fucking grim reaper, my little vixen, and I’ll decide when enough is enough. You’ve been wishing for me to fuck you, own you.” His lips are a whisper away from mine when he continues, “Consider your wish fucking granted.”

[Twins Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Jensen, the third novel in The Assignment Series by Marissa Markx takes a more sinister turn, and it's truly outstanding, regardless of being cruel, cunning, and compulsive, Dean is the kind of character that shouldn't be likeable, but his oddities somehow make him memorable, he is a figure who is equally frightening and endearing because of his odd intellect, those glasses, his direct demeanour, and his unrelenting obsession with Tracy! Tracy, meanwhile, is chaotic in high heels, she laughs when you're still gripping the page in suspense and plunges impulsively into situations she has no business being in, you can feel the pressure creeping beneath your skin as a result of their conversations, which shock with a proprioceptive electricity!
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At just the right times, the humour enters and lightens the darkness yet retain its poignancy, Marissa brilliantly establishes a stunning structure between the suspense, the humour, and the spice that keeps you riveted! Grandma Jensen needs her own dang spin-off, I loved her character, even when Tracy is ruining everything with the reckless bravery that only someone who has been seriously damaged can summon, she is the kind of heroine that you can't help but applaud for, she's smart, and crazy in all the right ways, she is a lady whose sharp remarks are more deadly than any weapon she has, every mistake she makes feels natural and unvarnished, and her quest to find her sister gives the plot its heartbreaking root!
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Dean strides in as her vengeful shadow, the man she has no idea has been following her, saving her, and tying her up in ways she does not yet understand, their banter is vibrant, their chemistry dynamic, and when his mask falls when the Tasker transforms into Dean the sensitivity lying behind his obsessive control is almost shocking! The Author Marissa Markx's clever treatment of Dean's inability to absorb emotions lends him remarkable personality. He is possessive, yet there is a need within him that is frighteningly human, the humour punches just as hard as the darker twists, and there are times that leave you gasping in surprise, only to make you laugh two pages later! This literary coordination effort keeps the book interesting. I was entertained, curious, unnerved, and absorbed all at the same time which is difficult to accomplish, but the Author makes it very easy!
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The book ends in a terrific, screaming into yourbpillow cliffhanger that made me want to throw my book across the room, just to pick it back up again!!! Dean and Tracy's plot erupts it left me eager for what comes next while still feeling that the story has been well delivered! This novel is heavier, bloodier, and more violent than the first two but the Author also inserts in humour and sensitivity to keep the dark tone from becoming oppressive, the dual point of view creates elegance, allowing the mind to dig inside of their shattered brains, and the tension the stalking, hacking, and enemies to lovers obsession is addicting and riveting and everything was a masterpiece altogether!

[Tropes_and_Taboo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Jensen (The Assignment Series #3) by Marissa Markx
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dual POV • Standalone (but better in order) • Somnophilia • Trafficking • Pierced peen • Exhibitionism • Voyeurism • Stalking • Dub-con • Spit roast • Autism rep • Enemies to lovers

⚠️ This one is DARKER than the first two—so definitely check triggers before diving in. But if you’re into enemies-to-lovers with heavy tension, humor, and complex characters, this one delivers.

Marissa Markx has a way of writing characters that feel alive—like they’ve got their own backstory notebook we’re just peeking into. Dean? Absolute perfection. Those slutty glasses, the hidden layers, the unapologetic personality… yeah, I want him for myself.

I also have to shout out the rep in this book—realistic body diversity that isn’t filtered through a “corn star standard.” Big lips (not the face ones), different shapes, different bodies. It’s refreshing and makes the world feel real. More of this in dark romance, please!

And omg, Grandma Jensen? ICON. I may or may not have begged Marissa for a spinoff short because she deserves her own spotlight.

Dean and Tracy’s arc wraps up beautifully here, but beware—that ending will leave you screaming. (Axel’s book is coming in March, and Maxwell’s after that… buckle up.)


*Received this one as an ARC from the author and voluntarily writing a review because I love this series!

[Shelby Seal(Allen) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohmahgoddddd. Dean Jensen did not disappoint! This is book 3 in the Assignment Series and I feel like each book gets better and better!

One thing I specifically love about Marissa's writing is her ability to inject humor into the darkest of situations. Book 3 is much darker than the first 2, so check those TW before diving in! ⚠️

Dean and Tracy have been such aloof characters up until now. I absolutely adored getting deeper into their history and backstories! Both being hackers, they each have an agenda that happens to be decently aligned, only in the beginning, Dean wants to get Tracy out of his way to achieve his goal.

Tracy has such a bad b*tch attitude that I love. She's unapologetically herself and her sarcastic commentary is incredible. She will stop at absolutely nothing to find her sister and honestly I found myself captivated by her character. Dean gives the best of both worlds, he's dark and possessive, while also having an inner soft side only for her. He takes OTT and possessiveness to the next level! While he may not be the best at understanding emotion, he definitely tries his best to understand Tracy!

I live for the tension between these two and the chaos of their story! There were so many moments I was dying of laughter and then by the next page gasping in shock. I cannot BELIEVE that cliff I'm dangling off of after that ending! Book 4 can't get here soon enough!

This is an ARC review that I'm leaving voluntarily and all thoughts are my own. 💛

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nerds Are Hot

A dark rom-com that ticks off all the boxes! This genre can be real hit or miss for me, but Marissa Markx knows how to do it right. She had me at the dedication. What a fantastically dark and hilariously written romance. The chapter titles alone were hilarious.
Pick a comfy spot and a time to read, because once you start reading this series you won't want to stop. This is an interconnected standalone, it can be read without reading the first two. The characters are all fantastic and this plot had me laughing and fanning myself.

Tropes:
Stalker
Hacker
Kink
Enemies-to-lovers
Morally-gray
And more...

Dual POV
Dean and Tracy are the two MCs in this book. The banter alone was worth the read. They were the epitome of enemies-to-lovers. The spice is next level.

Dean is the morally-gray psycho sexy nerd of our twisted dreams. His obsession with Tracy is unhinged and just so hot. Don't get me started on his embellished member. Have mercy.

Tracy is a BA chic. She is fearless and relentless. I love her confidence and her no-nonsense attitude. She's just as loca and unhinged.

Seriously though do yourself a favor and get this book, it was a fun time. I must have looked like a total goof while reading this book with as many facial expressions as I made while both laughing and cringing.
I'm eager now to go back and read the first two books. I can't wait for more from this author.

Though there's humor please still check your TW.

[Lei Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG Marissa Markx did us so dirty with the ending of this book!! This book just blew my mind. This book just sucker punched me from the jump and never stopped even at the end. Each book gets darker, more intense, and spicy as hell. Even Pom Pom (King & Laneys dog) is a dirty little whore in this book. If you haven't started this series, you need to start. I swear you won't be disappointed.

[Maaike · Rating 5 out of 5]

MARISSAAAAA. This cliffhanger 😭😭😭.

without jokes tho, this book was really good. The chapter titles had me laughing, and overall the writing style was just really good. She wasn't kidding when she said each book was gonna be darker. I am so freaking excited for the next book in the series. Aaahhh.

[Toni Amey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one that I was anticipating reading and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint one bit! The banter was everything I didn’t know I needed. Add that in with some super steamy spicy scenes and you come up with a must read book! If you are ready to meet your next book boyfriend then don’t even hesitate to read all about it Dean 🥵🥵
10/10 read and I wish I could read it for the first time all over again!!

[Dannielle Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

So before i start, lemme just cool myself down because phewwww that was HOT!!! *fans self* Dean Jensen is the third book in The Assignment Series and i was so excited to see how Dean & Tracy/Valentina’s story would unfold, this is Marissa’s third book release and lemme tell you, each one just keeps pulling me in more & more, you have a TALENT girllll, i was giggling throughout all of this, even though it’s classed as a dark romance, it is full of laugh out loud moments and i just love it!!! Especially Deadpool Cane omg!! I love him so much 🤣🤣

If you’ve read the previous two books you’d have met both our main characters, Tracy is best friends with Laney & Lily, whilst Dean tolerates being friends with King & Cane, well, so he says… and Dean acts asif he can’t stand to be around Tracy, which is true in some aspects but not for the way Tracy thinks.

Tracy has had a horrific past, her sister was taken to be trafficked and when Tracy tried to confront the guy who had taken her he had both her parents killed forcing her into the witness protection program. Ever since it has been her mission to track down her enemy and find her sister, but not without the help of her hacker friend Mr. Tasker and who is Mr. Tasker you ask? OMG YES it’s our Meany Deany, little does Tracy know he has been doing everything in his power to keep her safe, that includes going to the same school as her, what he didn’t expect was that he’d find a group of friends who would end up becoming so close to his secret obsession, so what does he have to do? Make her think he hates her so she stays away from him, Dean likes things just the way it is, he prefers to not feel any emotion but that all changes when he comes across the VanishingVixen.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, once Tracy found out who the Tasker really was and Dean started showing his more caring side it was so sweet, the way he had to go to AI because he wanted to take care of her properly was adorable, he truly cared for Tracy and he wasn’t walking away from this he was ALL IN!! he just had to help Tracy break them walls down & trust him and it helped that he just so happened to be able to persuade her with other methods.. like his BIG PIERCED PEEN hehe! The found family vibes were amazing, i feel like with each book these guys just evolve more and more & i love their dynamic! Cane & Lily are my absolute favourite, they have me howling with laughter, they are just perfect for each other & i’m made up we get to see more of Lily’s confident side too.

Oh… & that little tidbit at the end just THROWN IN THERE!!!

BOOM HERE YOU GO, DON’T MIND ME I’M JUST GOING TO MAKE YOU GO CRAZY UNTIL THE NEXT BOOK IS OUT, well yeah thank you for that now i’m ITCHING for Axels book! I can’t wait xoxo

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dean Jensen” by Marissa Markx is book three in “The Assignment Series.” It is a spicy dark romance with trigger warnings you will need to review. There is a list of “kink warnings” that you might also want to review… or take note of. ✨We listen and we don’t judge.✨
“The Assignment Series” increases in both darkness and kinkiness with each book, so this book is darker than the previous books. I would compare this book to Navessa Allen’s “Lights Out” on both counts. Both MCs, Tracy and Dean, have a past full of murder, trauma, the dark web, and revenge. The entire crew is back together, so there is comedy and debauchery throughout (mostly from Cane). I loved it.
Tracy cannot rest until she finds her sister, Carmen. She has spent 7 years looking, hacking, and tracking each person responsible. Dean cannot rest until a murder is avenged. It would be easier if Tracy would stop getting in the way or causing trouble for him to clean up. Not that she knows that. As their enemies begin to close in and a wedding is on the horizon, will Tracy be able to accept all of the revelations?
This book is spicy. I mean 🔥spice. At LEAST a 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spice level. I had to take a minute to breathe and have a private business meeting with my husband. The dark and kink mesh perfectly in this story, meeting each other, dare I say, pound-for-pound.
In my opinion, Markx’s pacing is flawless. Scenes don’t linger longer than they should, nor do they finish too early 😜.) There are seeds for future books throughout the book (Axel and Maxwell are next), and I was so thrilled when I figured out a couple of them! It only made me more excited for the next books. “Dean Jensen” ends on a cliffhanger, and it killed me! I felt like the Mr. Krabs meme where everything spins for a second. All I could do was re-read and say “woah.” I am beyond ready for the next book. I can’t believe I have to wait!
I have enjoyed this series from the get-go, and I have not been disappointed once. I ate, and there were no crumbs.
Marissa Markx

[Chelsea Donohue · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 ＡＲＣ Ｒｅｖｉｅｗ 📖
Book:
Dean Jensen
Marissa Markx
360 pages
Contemporary, dark, rom-com
🌟🌟🌟🌟/🔥🔥🔥

Tropes/triggers:
Breath Play (choking on a humongous cock) - Dirty talk - Dub-con - Edging - Exhibitionism - Fingerplay - Mirror play - Muff diving - Praising - Popsical play - Riding the ladder - Rimming - Rough sex - Scenting - marking - Somnophilia - Spit-roasting - Threesome - Virtual reality (VR) play - Voyeurism - Anal Play. “Cheating” FMC - Abduction - Autism - Being drugged against your will - Murder - Pussy blankets - Sex trafficking - Sexual assault (dream) - Stalking - Stripping - Suicide (mentioned) - Torture - Vibrating piercings - Vomiting. Cliffhanger ending.

Review:
* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

THIS WAS THE BOOK IVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!!! 💃🎉
I read book 1 & 2 and loved them but this was THE ONE!!! 🔥 Goddamn there's something about a kinky nerd that sets me off!!! 😏
So in this book we meet Tracey & Dean. Tracey is in a witness protection programme after her sister was abducted & her parents were murdered. She's been seeking her revenge since and on a mission to find her sister. However, she's not very good at it 🙃 Dean is our nerdy, Autistic mmc. He's super reclusive and dark and broody, however he's got a thing for Tracey and keeps a watchful eye on her every move and helps "clean up" her failed attempts at exacting revenge. The tension in this book was THICK. When it finally snapped, good LORDT. 🔥
Marissa did so good with this installment of the Assignment Series, it was definitely different to the previous two books and I loved the character dynamics. Obviously we got cameos from our favourite friends from book 1&2 and the new comedic relief, Granny, of course. I bloody loved her 🤣
I seriously can't wait to see what else Marissa has up her sleeve for us because GURL THAT ENDING!!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

No forgiveness, no promises, just blood and obsession.

Tracy has one mission: find her sister and burn the trafficker who took her down. No one gets close, not even the voice behind the screen name "Mr. Tasker," her anonymous hacker ally. Then Dean walks into her life, dragging secrets, a gun, and an obsession he’s been hiding for years. He’s not just in her way, he’s the one path she can’t walk alone.

Dean's done hiding. He’s crossed lines, hacked systems, and hunted monsters to keep Tracy safe. But face to face, she’s nothing like he imagined. She’s fierce, unpredictable, and impossible to let go of. As danger closes in, Dean doesn’t ask for trust. He takes it and fights like hell to be worthy of it.

From city streets to locked-down compounds, their search for answers turns into a war against the people who broke them. When everything explodes, it’s not just the mission that’s on the line, it’s the bond that’s been forged in fire. Love might save them, or it might burn them alive.

Tracy and Dean start out broken and brutal, each surviving their pasts in the only way they know how: alone. But survival turns into something more as they’re forced to face what connection really costs. Their relationship shifts from volatile and obsessive to raw, protective, and painfully real.

A dark, ultra-steamy romantic thriller with high-stakes heat and emotional punch, featuring enemies to lovers, stalker turned protector, forced proximity, secret identity, found family, and a morally gray hero who’d burn the world for her. It explores trauma, obsession, survival, trust, control, identity, redemption, and the kind of love that scars and still stays. It’s about confronting your worst moments, reclaiming power, and choosing something real even when it hurts. It’s about holding on without losing yourself.

[Christine ARGYROPOULOU · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️

I got this book as an ark and omg i Devoured it in one day❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
This book got me hooked from the very first page. The pacing was really nice, the characters, the found family🤭i loved it.

So is a dark romance with hackers. He stalks her , he is so obsessed with her😍he does not care about anything except keeping her safe and she doesn’t know it is him. She doesn’t know that ghe guy who bullies her in uni is the guy who secretly helps her in the dark web to track down the guys involved in her sister’s disappearance .

Tracy is spontaneous and she doesn’t know that things without thinking them because she desperately need revenge and found her sister.
Dean is always there to save her when she makes a mistake.

She is secretly obsessed with her hackingfriend online but she doesn’t know is Dean🤭

The tension is mutual and so powerful 😍the action scenes were so amazing and so well written 🤭the smut OMG I LOVED IT😍

I really liked Tracy as a character and i am so obsessed with Dean. In my head he is like Dean Winchester from Supernatural 🤭

Go read this book. 😍Is part of a series but i wak ok reading it as a stand alone ❤️
I will go through and read the other ones as well because i loved @marissamarkx writing , her stories and her characters ❤️
The book ends in a massive cliffhanger so i am so excited about the next one😍I can’t wait

[pitch_black_wannabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Book Review: Dean Jensen by marissamarkx 

“Pompom, you dirty girl.”

Excuse me—what kind of cliffhanger was THAT?! How am I supposed to carry on with my life until 2026 after thatending?! 😤

Dean Jensen is the third wild ride in The Assignment series, and this one zeroes in on Tracy & Dean.

Tracy—our chaotic queen—is still hunting for her sister after she was trafficked. She’s a stubborn, impulsive, reckless hacker with a soft spot for justice and a serious lack of self-preservation. Lucky for her, Mr. Tasker’s got her back.

And then there’s Dean. Hacker, protector, dark-web white knight. He’s the only one who really knows Tracy—and the only reason she’s still alive. Also… his gran? Absolute legend. 🙌

Tracy and Lilith dragging poor Laney into that strip club? I wanted to scream. Peer pressure meets murder plots—college, am I right?

The ending? CHAOS. On-brand for this duo.

Pompom She knows exactly where the juice is 😏

I’m beyond hyped for Axel’s story next… and Maxwell? We might just be saving the best for last. 👀

Huge thanks to marissamarkx for letting me beta read this wild ride of a book and being part of the street team — it’s been such a blast

[Mercedes Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝 𝙖 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮- 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 - 𝙗𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪?

𝙞 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞 𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 5 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙂𝙀𝙉𝙐𝙄𝙉𝙀𝙇𝙔 𝙎𝙊 𝙂𝙊𝙊𝘿 😩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙮𝙮𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙚𝙭𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧, 𝙨𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡.

𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙖𝙠𝙖 𝙑𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙖, 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨, 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩 (𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙤.) 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧? 𝙈𝙧. 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙠𝙖 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙣 😏 𝙈𝙧. 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙨 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮’𝙨 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙬𝙚𝙗 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙩𝙚𝙙𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙜𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚… 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨… 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝘼𝙇𝙎𝙊 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧.

𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨, 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙨𝙝���� 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙛 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨, 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 & 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙.

[CassiandraJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just think of some sexy-ass man, Tracy. Henry Cavill in Superman! Yes! Fondle those tits, Clark Kent. Oh! Mama likey-likey. I imagine that strong jawline, those thick, black-framed glasses, and his jet-black hair dancing in the wind while motorboating my tits.

🖤🖥️🖤🖥️🖤🖥️

🖤Alpha Male
🖥️Black Cat FMC
🖤Hackers (both)
🖥️Bully(ish)
🖤Frenemies to Lovers
🖥️Found Family
🖤Kidnapping
🖥️Pierced/Tattooed MMC
🖤Secret Identity
🖥️Stalking

🖤🖥️🖤🖥️🖤🖥️

This was my first from Marissa and I was cackling like a mad woman the entire time!

Dean & Tracy have been in each other's orbit for several years, but only he knows exactly how long that has been due to his secret identity. He was willing to mentor her in her pursuit to locate her kidnapped sister, but she doesn't know it's him. She associates Dean to be someone other than Mr. Tasker. Little does she know he's the one stalking her while also protecting her from herself & others.

Dean's obsession is one that totally pisses him off. He's somewhere on the spectrum and is used to feeling completely numb, but she's the only one & thing that can actually make him feel something. He has no plans to reveal his identity until Tracy pushes him just a little too far while in Vegas for their mutual friends' wedding.

Be prepared to laugh and scream while you're reading this. And be warned of freaking PomPom and windows! 🤣🤣🤣

[Bec A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit!! This series just keeps getting better with every new story!! I absolutely loved this book!

Following on from bks 1 (King Kingston) and 2 (Cane Naughty) we follow (MMC) Dean and (MFC) Tracy/Valentina's story.

The dynamics and chemistry between Dean and Tracy/Val definitely went up a notch right along with the spice for this book. It has a varied and exciting storyline and loved that there was more to it than meets the eye. I love that Tracy is more than just a hacker and her background adds a different flair to the storyline. Shes a bad ass bitch that doesnt apologise and I'm here for it! Our neurodivergent (autistic) MMC Dean wasn't afraid to investigate his overwhelming feelings and find his golden retriever side and fight for what he wants! Between them they kick ass and make no apologies!

With such scenes involving slutty students and FBI agents, Cane as Deadpool and a window licking pom pom, that will have you in stitches and fist pumping, this 3rd instalment of the Assignment series is pure writing gold!

A brilliant read, so glad I found this series!

Check your TW before reading.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean - umm... can I have him? Pretty please? This man comes off as a complete Alphahole in the beginning but the more the story unfolded the more I loved him. So... maybe the way he goes about things isn't the best way to do so but he will stop at nothing to protect what is his. Speaking of Dean... his grandma? I love her. Their relationship had me laughing.

Tracy.... or should I say Valentina? - She faced her fears and was a total baddie while doing so. She was both brilliant and dumb when executing her "plans". If it weren't for Tasker who knows what kind of trouble she would have found herself in. I love the friendships she has with the other two females and how she would do anything to get her sister back.

The chemistry between Dean and Tracy is panty-melting hot. I loved the amount of tension between the two and how they both weren't afraid to let their freak flags fly 🤭

I LOVED all the Supernatural references and the fact that the squad played a Stray Kids song while on their mission!!! What more can I say? I'm obsessed 😍

[Lindz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should be illegal to end on a cliffhanger...especially the one this book ended on 😅. I was hooked from start to finish on Tracy & Dean's story. It brought quite a few things into perspective and answers some questions from the last book. It makes Dean, Axel, and Tracy more relatable characters because you understand them on a deeper more personal level. Dean definitely has a touch of the 'tism 😙, but he's really just a Machiavellian gentleman with a touch of sociopathic tendencies. So obsessed and in love with Tracy, that he "literally" can't function or cope. Tracy is a beautiful & broken seductress with a death wish stumbling through trying to find her sister. She wants love & affection but can't identify it or bring herself to trust it. It took awhile for them to get it together but they figured it out once they stopped trying to control everything and each other by just submitting to what they felt. This is turning into a thrilling and wild ride. One that I'm glad to be on and can't wait for Axel's book next year....which honestly can't come sooner!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GracelinaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tracy and Dean are my favorite couple! They’re hilarious, and I can’t get enough of them. Tracy is a menace, and honestly, she brings a brighter side to Dean. She’s unapologetically herself and owns her sexuality. It’s fascinating how much power women truly have when it comes to sex. It also shows how men often think with their penises first! Granted, I won’t say that all of Tracy’s tactics were successful, but she was getting somewhere. 💀😂

I’m a sucker for a male main character who’s grumpy or broody. Dean is so protective and dominant, and I knew I would love him. He’s incredibly smart, and honestly, I don’t know how he managed to stay ahead of Tracy. He met his match with her. She’s reckless, while he’s calculated. They balance each other well!

I love how it starts as enemies to lovers. The banter and the hate add depth to the story. Deep down, we all know that E2L really has feelings for each other, even if they don’t want to admit it.

Hey, just a heads-up: I’d really appreciate it if you could take a peek at the trigger and content warnings. There are some pretty intense themes in there.

[Amanda Luck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cliff hanger, Marissa.... why did you have to end it like that?! I am DYING to get the next book in my hands.

Boy Marissa... you were not lying when you said each book was going to be darker than the rest. The spice level in this book... whew. I don't think I will EVER look at a popsicle the same way ever again. I may be introducing my husband to that...

Dean Jensen stole my heart for sure in this. He showed his vulnerability and Marissa showed the true emotions behind a neurodivergent/autistic person. Having a son who was diagnosed Level 2 ASD and reading through all of his social & emotional struggles made this that much more real.

Tracey though... man girl you seriously have the biggest death wish known to man. But knowing that Mr. Tasker had your back through it all, your seriously a lucky girl. I am so glad you finally broke down those walls to let him in. I know you will not be disappointed.

[Flor Arasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whattttt? Marissa Markx, you evil woman! That ending? The mother of cliffhangers, how am I going to survive these months until the next book?

Yet, I forgive you because this book was awesome. I just couldn’t resist falling in love with BOTH Tracy and Dean. They both gave us so much plot, character development, action, love, fun, banter. I couldn’t blink or sleep until I finished it!

I feel like each book keeps getting better (and darker, but we were warned about that). Every previous couple keeps appearing and giving us updates of their happiness, which is super cute and makes for a rich universe.

If I had to choose a favorite MMC from the series, so far Cane has my heart. BUT I have big hopes for our next man, Alex. Or maybe I’ll just write a little why choose fanfic where we get all of them.

Can’t keep saying what I loved about the book to avoid spoilers but GODDD, it was incredible!

I received this book as an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Natiley Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

In Dean Jensen, Marissa Markx delivers a gripping tale of vengeance and unexpected romance. The story follows Dean, a man whose life spirals into darkness after the murder of someone he loves. His quest for revenge takes an intriguing turn when he encounters Tracy, a reckless hacker who disrupts his meticulously planned life. Their chemistry is electric, filled with tension as Dean grapples with feelings he never anticipated while trying to protect Tracy from the dangers she invites.

Tracy's backstory adds depth to the narrative, as she seeks to find her sister who was taken years ago. Markx skillfully intertwines their journeys, exploring themes of trauma, obsession, and the complexities of trust. The relationship between Dean and Tracy evolves as they confront their pasts and the threats they face together. With a blend of suspense and emotional depth, Dean Jensen is a captivating read that leaves you eager for more from this talented author.

[Jennifer Hash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did really dig this story between Dean and Tracy.
His daily struggles with his particular touch of 'tism were understandable and felt well-written. Both Dean and Tracy have past experiences with losing family members. And they are each searching for the same villain who did it.
Dean was willing to mentor Tracy in her hacking skills, but Tracy continuously puts her life on the line, making mistakes which could kill her. But she's got Dean stalking her and cleaning up her mess. He can't lose her too, not until he can identify exactly what it is he is feeling for her beyond lust
But Dean continues his stalker persona while avoiding her in real life. Until he catches her having made multiple mistakes in an evening trying to take out another rung in the ladder to the villain.
Plus, hey, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Not so much here.
This does wrap up nicely but there is a slight cliffhanger, mostly a to-be-continued.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frenemies to Lovers + VR Play = My New Obsession

Okay besties, buckle up because "Dean Jenson" was a wild ride I didn’t want to get off. Tracy’s on a mission to find her missing sister, caught up in a human tr@fficking ring, and who’s stuck bailing her out every time she gets in over her head? Dean = the Hacker-God she hates. The secret? Tracy doesn’t even know her savior is Dean. Cue the rollercoaster of chaos, angst, and “OMG did that just happen?” moments.

This standalone book in the series, leans a little darker than the earlier ones—gritty suspense, danger around every corner, and yes, TWs apply. But the banter had me LOL'ing and the spice? Whew. VR Play kink unlocked, babes. 🔥

Dean is a d¡ck (FACTS), BUT he’s also addictive. Now I’m counting down the days for Axel’s story!

My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

["They Did What?" · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely amazing roller-coaster of a ride. Although you can for sure read this as a stand-alone book, let me tell you, don't do it! The growth and complexity of the relationships of everyone involved with each book is something that should not be missed. The deep dive into Dean and the uncovering of each layer kept the pages turning, and his absolute knowledge of what Tracy/Val needed kept them sizzling. To say that the scenes between them were hot would be a gross understatement, it’s more like an inferno. The devotion, kink, humor, friendship, family, drama, obsession, violence, revenge, laughter, hate, and cringe check off every single box on your what makes a great story list. March can't get here soon enough for Axel's story. "This is my honest review of an advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily."

[Sam ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nooo no no no no no! Why a cliff hanger?!? I can't handle cliff hangers very well. I have to wait almost a whole year before getting to read the next book?!
Insanity!
No surprise I loved everything about this book.
Dean and Tracy were ment for each other. Dean and Axel
I wasn't ready for that scene but oh my god!
The window scene at the apartment. Holy. The popsicle!?
THE ENDING?!?! I was holding my breath. This book is gold. The amount of times I laughed is not normal for a
"darkish stalker romance" it's like a dark rom com, maybe? I was dying at some of the things that were said though. This book was hilarious! It says all the things you think about saying but don't because they are weird or gross or dirty. I loved it all. My favorites will be posted!
This series is amazing. I can't wait to read about Axel and how he falls into this mess.