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The Diplomat #1
Ruthless Arrangement
She thinks she’s playing him. He knows he’s playing her.
Lea Song is fresh out of journalism school, ambitious, and driven by a single destroy Nico Varela, the enigmatic seasoned mafia mediator she blames for her father’s ruin. She’s maneuvering her way into his world, convinced she can expose his secrets while guarding her own.
Nico Varela, Chicago’s ruthless “Diplomat,” operates in shadows she can’t comprehend. He sees through Lea’s attempts at manipulation. Intrigued by the unexpected challenge she represents, he grants her access, pulling her into his orbit as a pawn in a much larger, deadlier game. He demands obedience, a price Lea finds increasingly costly as she witnesses his brutal control firsthand.
She’s seriously out of her league, caught between her quest for vengeance and an undeniable, consuming attraction to the powerful man she should hate.
In this lethal game of smoke and mirrors, who is manipulating whom? And when attraction wars with revenge, will survival mean surrender?
Ruthless Arrangement is Book 1 of the steamy dark mafia romance The Diplomat. It features intense power dynamics and a cliffhanger ending.
Lea Song is fresh out of journalism school, ambitious, and driven by a single destroy Nico Varela, the enigmatic seasoned mafia mediator she blames for her father’s ruin. She’s maneuvering her way into his world, convinced she can expose his secrets while guarding her own.
Nico Varela, Chicago’s ruthless “Diplomat,” operates in shadows she can’t comprehend. He sees through Lea’s attempts at manipulation. Intrigued by the unexpected challenge she represents, he grants her access, pulling her into his orbit as a pawn in a much larger, deadlier game. He demands obedience, a price Lea finds increasingly costly as she witnesses his brutal control firsthand.
She’s seriously out of her league, caught between her quest for vengeance and an undeniable, consuming attraction to the powerful man she should hate.
In this lethal game of smoke and mirrors, who is manipulating whom? And when attraction wars with revenge, will survival mean surrender?
Ruthless Arrangement is Book 1 of the steamy dark mafia romance The Diplomat. It features intense power dynamics and a cliffhanger ending.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2025
464 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Parker
257 books2,101 followersStep into the seductive and suspenseful world of M. S. Parker, a USA Today Bestselling author where dark romance meets thrilling suspense. If you crave stories that are both steamy and intricate, with characters that are as dangerous as they are desirable, you've found your next obsession.
M. S. Parker specializes in crafting addictive series that push boundaries and keep you guessing until the very last page. Expect to find dangerous mafia bosses and intense, grumpy billionaires clashing with smart, witty young women who, though perhaps out of their element, are quick to adapt and hold their own. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, where passion is a weapon and love is the ultimate prize. Dive into the darkness. You might just find your new favorite escape.
Connect with M. S. Parker on Facebook at http://facebook.com/msparkerauthor
M. S. Parker specializes in crafting addictive series that push boundaries and keep you guessing until the very last page. Expect to find dangerous mafia bosses and intense, grumpy billionaires clashing with smart, witty young women who, though perhaps out of their element, are quick to adapt and hold their own. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, where passion is a weapon and love is the ultimate prize. Dive into the darkness. You might just find your new favorite escape.
Connect with M. S. Parker on Facebook at http://facebook.com/msparkerauthor
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 23, 2025
Ruthless Arrangement😱
Wow, Ruthless Arrangement is the first book in the duet, the Diplomat series. Lea is a recent graduate and has secured a position as a journalist at a well known publication. When she arrives, she finds the assignment she’s been given “fishy”…for lack of a better word. She’s been asked to write a piece on Nico Varela, possibly THE most dangerous, well connected man in Chicago😳 And what happens next will blow your mind🙌
I can’t wait to read the next book…my only complaint is August feels way too far away right now🙈
Wow, Ruthless Arrangement is the first book in the duet, the Diplomat series. Lea is a recent graduate and has secured a position as a journalist at a well known publication. When she arrives, she finds the assignment she’s been given “fishy”…for lack of a better word. She’s been asked to write a piece on Nico Varela, possibly THE most dangerous, well connected man in Chicago😳 And what happens next will blow your mind🙌
I can’t wait to read the next book…my only complaint is August feels way too far away right now🙈
May 25, 2025
Highly INTERESTING!!
What a intense and interesting story. I couldn’t put this book down!!
Nico and Lea story in so very intriguing, fascinating and alluring.
Lea wants to find the person responsible for her father’s death and being a journalist gives her a chance to get close to Nico.
The chemistry between them is tantalizing and enticing.
Each of them is playing a game of wills but when it comes to life and death situations Lea does something she never thought she would.
As there relationships takes on another level of intimacy and intensity Nico and Lea need to navigate through feelings neither of them thought would be possible.
Nico is aware of certain things that Lea doesn’t know.
He may be a powerful and controlling but Nico has this protective and charismatic side that Lea is seeing more of and it’s changing how she sees him.
When revelations come to light Lea discovers she’s been manipulated by the one person she never would have imagined.
So if you want to escape into a very captivating, passionate and entertaining story with characters that are engaging, empowering and exhilarating, Nico and Lea’s story will satisfy and impress you thoroughly!
A remarkably stunning read!!
What a intense and interesting story. I couldn’t put this book down!!
Nico and Lea story in so very intriguing, fascinating and alluring.
Lea wants to find the person responsible for her father’s death and being a journalist gives her a chance to get close to Nico.
The chemistry between them is tantalizing and enticing.
Each of them is playing a game of wills but when it comes to life and death situations Lea does something she never thought she would.
As there relationships takes on another level of intimacy and intensity Nico and Lea need to navigate through feelings neither of them thought would be possible.
Nico is aware of certain things that Lea doesn’t know.
He may be a powerful and controlling but Nico has this protective and charismatic side that Lea is seeing more of and it’s changing how she sees him.
When revelations come to light Lea discovers she’s been manipulated by the one person she never would have imagined.
So if you want to escape into a very captivating, passionate and entertaining story with characters that are engaging, empowering and exhilarating, Nico and Lea’s story will satisfy and impress you thoroughly!
A remarkably stunning read!!
May 24, 2025
Authors please!
If you have the talent to write a whole book. Why can't you write a few descriptive lines explaining the book. I did not finish this book because some of us do not like BDSM sex clubs and public sex. It is rude of you not to list trigger warnings. I hate it when I start the book get invested and then I'm so disgusted out I have to quit reading. If others like it that's fine but by not giving an accurate description you take away the choice from your readers. Therefore I will not be reading any more books from this author.
If you have the talent to write a whole book. Why can't you write a few descriptive lines explaining the book. I did not finish this book because some of us do not like BDSM sex clubs and public sex. It is rude of you not to list trigger warnings. I hate it when I start the book get invested and then I'm so disgusted out I have to quit reading. If others like it that's fine but by not giving an accurate description you take away the choice from your readers. Therefore I will not be reading any more books from this author.
June 1, 2025
Originality 5
Character Development 5
Plot 5
Pace 4
Flow 4
Writing quality 5
A great book that I didn't want to put down. My only disappointment is that I have to wait two months before book 2 comes out. It was intriguing, addictive, mysterious, sensual and kept me on my toes. Lea and Nico are like two ships that pass in the night only to be thrown into each other's lies, dirty secrets and manipulations. They both have their own agenda's never expecting to find themselves where they are by books' end. Each of these characters think that they have outsmarted the other with a back and forth that builds in this story to a crescendo with the death of a very important character. I hated to see that character die and wasn't sure what the point was behind their death.
Lea is a junior reporter that believes she is getting the inside story of a lifetime which always seemed off to me from the very beginning. Most investigative reporters who are required to do a deep dive in real time are made of two or three reporters, not one; and especially one who is a new hire. To her, this story is suppose to help her understand what happened to her father. As of yet, that hasn't happened, but one can only surmise what is yet to come; with the revelations that have become apparent.
Nico is what I would consider a "fixer" on a level that most fixers don't reach. He oversees everything and everyone in his city and has been nicknamed "The Diplomat" that flies under the radar of a billionaire, underworld criminal and well connected business man. He has legitimate business' and clubs that entertain the darkest criminals in his world as well as some of the most connected including politicians, law enforcement and billionaires (to only name a few) that he commands. He is a man that at times feel more like a robot than a flesh and blood human being. Flaws begin to appear in his exterior as Lea manages to get under his skin.
The stand off between these two that is hidden at first, grows as the story is revealed. Their sexual connection is one that is not instant, but builds slowly resulting in an explosion once it comes to fruition.
A very compelling and original story that is worth reading.
Character Development 5
Plot 5
Pace 4
Flow 4
Writing quality 5
A great book that I didn't want to put down. My only disappointment is that I have to wait two months before book 2 comes out. It was intriguing, addictive, mysterious, sensual and kept me on my toes. Lea and Nico are like two ships that pass in the night only to be thrown into each other's lies, dirty secrets and manipulations. They both have their own agenda's never expecting to find themselves where they are by books' end. Each of these characters think that they have outsmarted the other with a back and forth that builds in this story to a crescendo with the death of a very important character. I hated to see that character die and wasn't sure what the point was behind their death.
Lea is a junior reporter that believes she is getting the inside story of a lifetime which always seemed off to me from the very beginning. Most investigative reporters who are required to do a deep dive in real time are made of two or three reporters, not one; and especially one who is a new hire. To her, this story is suppose to help her understand what happened to her father. As of yet, that hasn't happened, but one can only surmise what is yet to come; with the revelations that have become apparent.
Nico is what I would consider a "fixer" on a level that most fixers don't reach. He oversees everything and everyone in his city and has been nicknamed "The Diplomat" that flies under the radar of a billionaire, underworld criminal and well connected business man. He has legitimate business' and clubs that entertain the darkest criminals in his world as well as some of the most connected including politicians, law enforcement and billionaires (to only name a few) that he commands. He is a man that at times feel more like a robot than a flesh and blood human being. Flaws begin to appear in his exterior as Lea manages to get under his skin.
The stand off between these two that is hidden at first, grows as the story is revealed. Their sexual connection is one that is not instant, but builds slowly resulting in an explosion once it comes to fruition.
A very compelling and original story that is worth reading.
May 18, 2025
What a wonderful start of a new series! This one is going to be intense!
Lea just graduated from journalism school and ready to hit the ground running! She lands a job, quickly in her field and somehow the folder containing Nico Varela has landed in her lap as her first job! Someone up the chain wanted her in charge to report, what a lucky break....or is it! She wants nothing more than expose/charge Nico for the death of her father. He's crooked, shady and needs to be put in his place, which happens to be jail! However, she's going to get way more than she bargained for.
Nico Varela is always in control! Since he's mafia, he plans every move he makes to a T and no one gets by with anything. He has connections and eyes everywhere! When a new nosey journalist lands a job, he sees to it she's assigned to his case. She's got revenge on the brain, after her father died and she believes he did it. However, he's way smarter and focused than she could ever be and he's going to manipulate her to get what he needs. His moves are always calculated perfectly, that's how he got where he is.
Lea and Nico play the perfect game of cat and mouse. It's hard to tell who is the craftier one, sometimes. Loved the characters and the story line! I look forward to reading the whole series!
Lea just graduated from journalism school and ready to hit the ground running! She lands a job, quickly in her field and somehow the folder containing Nico Varela has landed in her lap as her first job! Someone up the chain wanted her in charge to report, what a lucky break....or is it! She wants nothing more than expose/charge Nico for the death of her father. He's crooked, shady and needs to be put in his place, which happens to be jail! However, she's going to get way more than she bargained for.
Nico Varela is always in control! Since he's mafia, he plans every move he makes to a T and no one gets by with anything. He has connections and eyes everywhere! When a new nosey journalist lands a job, he sees to it she's assigned to his case. She's got revenge on the brain, after her father died and she believes he did it. However, he's way smarter and focused than she could ever be and he's going to manipulate her to get what he needs. His moves are always calculated perfectly, that's how he got where he is.
Lea and Nico play the perfect game of cat and mouse. It's hard to tell who is the craftier one, sometimes. Loved the characters and the story line! I look forward to reading the whole series!
June 29, 2025
Intense Steamy Mafia Romance!! ❤❤❤
5 stars for Nico & Lea's story!! ❤ Wow was this intense. I normally don't like slow burn romance books, but this one was totally worth it. Nico was a ruthless sexy mafia boss who was both calculating and showed no mercy to those who have hurt the people he cares for. Also, trying to rid the Chicago streets of violence from rival mafia gangs by taking matters into his own hands. Then in comes Lea, his initial plan was to manipulate and use her. Lea who originally planned to destroy Nico for the murder of her father. Lots of plot twists, hot steamy and scenes all wrapped into this amazing book. I'm really glad I read this, I even almost cried. I love Nico 😍 While he was ruthless and calculating he was also a vulnerable hurt young boy under his hard won facade, who was forced into a cruel and brutal mafia at a tender age. I can't wait for the sequel to be released, I truly hope there's a HEA for Nico & Lea 🙏❤
5 stars for Nico & Lea's story!! ❤ Wow was this intense. I normally don't like slow burn romance books, but this one was totally worth it. Nico was a ruthless sexy mafia boss who was both calculating and showed no mercy to those who have hurt the people he cares for. Also, trying to rid the Chicago streets of violence from rival mafia gangs by taking matters into his own hands. Then in comes Lea, his initial plan was to manipulate and use her. Lea who originally planned to destroy Nico for the murder of her father. Lots of plot twists, hot steamy and scenes all wrapped into this amazing book. I'm really glad I read this, I even almost cried. I love Nico 😍 While he was ruthless and calculating he was also a vulnerable hurt young boy under his hard won facade, who was forced into a cruel and brutal mafia at a tender age. I can't wait for the sequel to be released, I truly hope there's a HEA for Nico & Lea 🙏❤
October 20, 2025
Breathtaking, intriguing
Lea has worked hard to be the investigative journalist who goes after the hard stories. After her father died, it was just her mother and her moving through the grief and the adjustments to a different life without him. Now she has been given the chance to that few junior journalists get..to do a story on one of the biggest criminal leaders in Chicago. Will she be able to deal with the information she finds or will it be her downfall?
Nico has orchestrated the criminal underbelly for years. There is a problem in one of his areas but he has figured out a way to manipulate things to fall into place. After all, he is the Great Manipulator. His plans don’t fail because he is always 2 steps ahead. He has picked his lure, now he just has to make sure she is in so deep that she can’t see any other way but his.
Edge of your seat, engrossing, time well spent!
Lea has worked hard to be the investigative journalist who goes after the hard stories. After her father died, it was just her mother and her moving through the grief and the adjustments to a different life without him. Now she has been given the chance to that few junior journalists get..to do a story on one of the biggest criminal leaders in Chicago. Will she be able to deal with the information she finds or will it be her downfall?
Nico has orchestrated the criminal underbelly for years. There is a problem in one of his areas but he has figured out a way to manipulate things to fall into place. After all, he is the Great Manipulator. His plans don’t fail because he is always 2 steps ahead. He has picked his lure, now he just has to make sure she is in so deep that she can’t see any other way but his.
Edge of your seat, engrossing, time well spent!
July 29, 2025
wait whaaaaaaatt !!!!! This ending I did NOT see coming!!!! I am shook!! I also don’t know if I can wait two days until the next book is released. I’m actually shocked at how much I liked this book, and I genuinely think the twist at the end was so shocking that it immediately made me like the book more. The characters are ok, there is a clear development between the two, the way they talk about each other has a clear evolution over the course of the book. I am excited for book 2. SPOILER ALERT: this book ends with her walking off the property into the woods after learning her mother is a NK operative, and that she was unknowingly an asset.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2025
Another fantastic book from MS Parker 👏🏼❤️
This is an intriguing story of a young woman, who learns the hurtful truth of family. She is entangled in a forbidden world where she does not dare leave. Her essence full of curiosity, awe and magnetic pull drives her to become someone she does not recognize. There is definitely a hot chemistry between Lea and Nico. Who is playing who; which is the master manipulator? This book is extremely well written, which makes it fascinating. I love the plot and the characters. Thank you for such a magnificent, reading retreat.😍
This is an intriguing story of a young woman, who learns the hurtful truth of family. She is entangled in a forbidden world where she does not dare leave. Her essence full of curiosity, awe and magnetic pull drives her to become someone she does not recognize. There is definitely a hot chemistry between Lea and Nico. Who is playing who; which is the master manipulator? This book is extremely well written, which makes it fascinating. I love the plot and the characters. Thank you for such a magnificent, reading retreat.😍
August 7, 2025
After waiting so long for the second part, to ensure I savour the experience, now I am unable to finish book 1.
People need to be 100% honest about their reviews, because I still don't understand how this story has so many 5-star reviews.
As someone who binges good stories for hours, I struggled for 3 days to reach 76% of this story before I completely stopped due to boredom and skipping.
I would not recommend this to anyone; there are better versions of this storyline out there that will keep you entertained and captivated.
People need to be 100% honest about their reviews, because I still don't understand how this story has so many 5-star reviews.
As someone who binges good stories for hours, I struggled for 3 days to reach 76% of this story before I completely stopped due to boredom and skipping.
I would not recommend this to anyone; there are better versions of this storyline out there that will keep you entertained and captivated.
August 26, 2025
Not what it seems
Lea worked very hard in school and in college. She couldn't figure out how she landed her job along with the biggest assignment any reporter would kill for. Nico allowed her to observe his daily dealings, but she was a means to an end. Him being a negotiator for the city organized crime, he had to get his hands dirty. What Lea was not expecting was a familiar person to be part of it.
Lea worked very hard in school and in college. She couldn't figure out how she landed her job along with the biggest assignment any reporter would kill for. Nico allowed her to observe his daily dealings, but she was a means to an end. Him being a negotiator for the city organized crime, he had to get his hands dirty. What Lea was not expecting was a familiar person to be part of it.
September 27, 2025
This was REALLY interesting - saw so many good things about it on booktok but i dont think the story is for me 😩 I actually don't think dark romance is for me.. could also be that my expectations were too high?! Regardless, I don't doubt its a good story if you enjoy dark romance because there were some good twists and turns and of course, interesting chemistry between the main characters...I just unfortunately didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would BUT still glad i read it.
July 9, 2025
The story was ok
The story was ok but what killed it was the virtual voice of audio book....
It just ruined the story, between the virtual voice claiming a emotion it was lost in translation.
M.S. Parker you need to screen your handle on who puts what to your name a good story, maybe, but again the virtual voices destroyed this work...
Wasn't work the $$$ I paid
The story was ok but what killed it was the virtual voice of audio book....
It just ruined the story, between the virtual voice claiming a emotion it was lost in translation.
M.S. Parker you need to screen your handle on who puts what to your name a good story, maybe, but again the virtual voices destroyed this work...
Wasn't work the $$$ I paid
August 3, 2025
Wow what an intense read this was. Nico and Lea are both calculated, he's the diplomat of the underworld, and she's a reporter. Both have ulterior motivates, except each didn't take into account falling for the other. What a great read, some twists I was not expecting, and so many secrets to decipher. Can't wait for the next read.
June 23, 2025
another great read
Parker never lets me down. I’m so thankful for her authentic writing style. Whenever I feel stuck in a reading pattern, Parker introduces a new character. This intense read will keep enthralled so be warned.
Parker never lets me down. I’m so thankful for her authentic writing style. Whenever I feel stuck in a reading pattern, Parker introduces a new character. This intense read will keep enthralled so be warned.
October 16, 2025
Nico and Lea deception and mystery at it's best!
The author has given you the storyline, so there is no need to repeat it. The manipulation is crazy. M S Parker thank you for the beginning of this intriguing tale, a masterpiece only you could tell!
The author has given you the storyline, so there is no need to repeat it. The manipulation is crazy. M S Parker thank you for the beginning of this intriguing tale, a masterpiece only you could tell!
May 24, 2025
Kindle unlimited
For a honest review on a book I read in my own words . Fantastic story of manipulation, lies ,honor, betrayal ,friendship, love and much more .
For a honest review on a book I read in my own words . Fantastic story of manipulation, lies ,honor, betrayal ,friendship, love and much more .
June 7, 2025
Ruthless Arrangement (The Diplomat Book 1)
Amazing story of betrayal and lust. The intricate twist of inserting Lea into the belly of the underworld was fantastic.
Amazing story of betrayal and lust. The intricate twist of inserting Lea into the belly of the underworld was fantastic.
June 7, 2025
Captivating
Drew me in right away and had me hooked. I’m really looking forward to the release of Book 2. Great read!!!
Drew me in right away and had me hooked. I’m really looking forward to the release of Book 2. Great read!!!
August 5, 2025
Rating 3.5 stars
September 6, 2025
Wow!
Wow! I am hooked! So much manipulation and intrigue, my heart wouldn’t stop pumping. Nico and Lea are fantastic. Can’t wait to finish their story!
Wow! I am hooked! So much manipulation and intrigue, my heart wouldn’t stop pumping. Nico and Lea are fantastic. Can’t wait to finish their story!
October 25, 2025
Loving the complexity
The storyline is so detailed and complex, I'm loving it.
Dark, moody, sexy, exciting can't wait to see what happens next.
The storyline is so detailed and complex, I'm loving it.
Dark, moody, sexy, exciting can't wait to see what happens next.
May 25, 2025
This starts as a slow burn. Building a picture of Lea and Nico.
You start to see the way their lives are connected.
Lea the journalist investigating her father's death. Then Nico mysterious with secrets a diplomat for the underworld.
With lies and games played by both. Will anyone win.
All of a sudden the pace within the story ramps up. Things start to happen. Stories unravelling. Lies revealed. The sex scenes are off the charts. Warning it ends on a cliffhanger, that will have you begging for more.
You start to see the way their lives are connected.
Lea the journalist investigating her father's death. Then Nico mysterious with secrets a diplomat for the underworld.
With lies and games played by both. Will anyone win.
All of a sudden the pace within the story ramps up. Things start to happen. Stories unravelling. Lies revealed. The sex scenes are off the charts. Warning it ends on a cliffhanger, that will have you begging for more.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews