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Payback
They locked her away. He’ll bury them to set her free.
Aubrey
They kept me locked in the attic like a shameful secret - my own father and brother, selling pieces of me to the highest bidder while pretending loyalty to the Murphy mob. I was their dirty little money-maker. Disposable. But monsters always get what’s coming to them. And this time, I’m not the only one out for blood.
Rowan
I don’t believe in love. I never wanted a wife. But the moment I saw her - broken, defiant, mine - I knew I’d burn the world down to keep her. Now she’s gone. Taken. And I’m going to get her back with fire, bullets, and a body count that’ll stain the streets red. They thought they could touch what’s mine. They were dead wrong.
Aubrey
They kept me locked in the attic like a shameful secret - my own father and brother, selling pieces of me to the highest bidder while pretending loyalty to the Murphy mob. I was their dirty little money-maker. Disposable. But monsters always get what’s coming to them. And this time, I’m not the only one out for blood.
Rowan
I don’t believe in love. I never wanted a wife. But the moment I saw her - broken, defiant, mine - I knew I’d burn the world down to keep her. Now she’s gone. Taken. And I’m going to get her back with fire, bullets, and a body count that’ll stain the streets red. They thought they could touch what’s mine. They were dead wrong.
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2025
About the author
Ivy Penn
58 books241 followersIvy Penn is a multi-genre romance author who has a macabre sense of humor and loves horror movies. Growing up as a single child, she was often lonely and began creating characters to entertain herself. Now she shares her stories with her readers. Dark, morally grey, sweet, or dirty. Her belief is that all stories bloom in thier own way. She lives in the midwestern United States with her husband and daughter. Her hobbies include drinking coffee, video games, and cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 21, 2025
Payback ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ivy Penn
Aubrey and Rowan
Rowan is the next in line in the Murphy mob family. Aubrey was chained away in the attic by her brother and father sold to men for money. When Aubrey escapes and runs into Mrs. Murphy by accident writing please help on a piece of paper. Mrs. Murphy went home and told her husband and son about what happened and that’s when they realized that these men were cheating the business. Rowan ends up at Aubrey‘s house and finds her barely alive. Mr. Murphy lets Rowan know he’s going to marry Aubrey to protect her. Can Aubrey and Rowan make this marriage happen or will people from both their past come back for revenge?
Ivy Penn
Aubrey and Rowan
Rowan is the next in line in the Murphy mob family. Aubrey was chained away in the attic by her brother and father sold to men for money. When Aubrey escapes and runs into Mrs. Murphy by accident writing please help on a piece of paper. Mrs. Murphy went home and told her husband and son about what happened and that’s when they realized that these men were cheating the business. Rowan ends up at Aubrey‘s house and finds her barely alive. Mr. Murphy lets Rowan know he’s going to marry Aubrey to protect her. Can Aubrey and Rowan make this marriage happen or will people from both their past come back for revenge?
September 14, 2025
Amazing Mafia Read!
Ivy has very quickly become a one-click author for me. This book just reaffirmed that. This is a dark Irish Mob read so please check the triggers before reading it.
The book is fast paced, emotional and has a fierce FMC - Aubrey. The MMC Rowan is swoony! He’s not perfect, screws up a time or two but I loved this book even more because of that! I can’t wait more to read from this author and I hope there are more stories to come from this world!
Ivy has very quickly become a one-click author for me. This book just reaffirmed that. This is a dark Irish Mob read so please check the triggers before reading it.
The book is fast paced, emotional and has a fierce FMC - Aubrey. The MMC Rowan is swoony! He’s not perfect, screws up a time or two but I loved this book even more because of that! I can’t wait more to read from this author and I hope there are more stories to come from this world!
July 1, 2026
So ooo amazing
This book took me on a long rollercoaster of emotions. Absolutely recommend 10 out of 10 everything was so perfect
This book took me on a long rollercoaster of emotions. Absolutely recommend 10 out of 10 everything was so perfect
July 3, 2025
This book had me hooked from the very first page! It’s a fast-paced, emotionally charged read that builds up beautifully—only to leave you hanging on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. I couldn’t swipe fast enough!
The slow-burn relationship between Rowan and Aubrey is a highlight. What begins as mistrust slowly transforms into longing, connection, and deep emotional tension. Their chemistry is intense but carefully developed.
Aubrey’s resilience is powerful. After being held captive and used by men for years, she refuses to let her trauma define her. With Caden (Rowan’s brother) as her sparring partner, she fights to reclaim her strength and independence. Rowan’s quiet patience during her recovery is both respectful and endearing—he gives her the space she needs, and in turn, his love for her grows.
Together, they begin plotting revenge against the ones who hurt her—specifically her own father and brother. It's personal, raw, and driven by pain and justice.
And that ending? Completely unexpected. I genuinely tried to turn the page, only to realize I’d hit the cliffhanger. I need to know how it all ends—how the revenge unfolds, and if Rowan and Aubrey’s love can survive the darkness.
Highly recommend if you’re into emotional healing, slow-burn chemistry, revenge plots, and strong survivor leads. I’m counting down the days for the next book!
The slow-burn relationship between Rowan and Aubrey is a highlight. What begins as mistrust slowly transforms into longing, connection, and deep emotional tension. Their chemistry is intense but carefully developed.
Aubrey’s resilience is powerful. After being held captive and used by men for years, she refuses to let her trauma define her. With Caden (Rowan’s brother) as her sparring partner, she fights to reclaim her strength and independence. Rowan’s quiet patience during her recovery is both respectful and endearing—he gives her the space she needs, and in turn, his love for her grows.
Together, they begin plotting revenge against the ones who hurt her—specifically her own father and brother. It's personal, raw, and driven by pain and justice.
And that ending? Completely unexpected. I genuinely tried to turn the page, only to realize I’d hit the cliffhanger. I need to know how it all ends—how the revenge unfolds, and if Rowan and Aubrey’s love can survive the darkness.
Highly recommend if you’re into emotional healing, slow-burn chemistry, revenge plots, and strong survivor leads. I’m counting down the days for the next book!
July 16, 2025
Payback Ivy Penn
If you have triggers, you might want to think hard about whether to read this book. It’s tough- the heroine is confined and s. trafficked by her brother for years and one of her fantasies involves paying him back quid pro quo by paying a bunch of big guys named Bubba to… well, she’s not interested in turning the other cheek. There’s also Female on Male SA, violence, and illegal substance administration.
THIS IS NOT A SAFE READ. There’s cheating. I can’t put it more bluntly. Not only is there cheating, but the mistress sends harassing texts to the FMC.
If you can get past these triggers, and if cheating is not a deal breaker for you, proceed. I think pretty poorly of the MMC, whose behavior regarding the mistress is ridiculous. This guy is a crime boss; surely he can find a different, less toxic mistress. The fact that he doesn’t is sheer laziness. I mean, he even admits that he’s tired of her.
I did find a lot about this book entertaining. It’s a fast read with interesting characters and a badsass FMC.
If you have triggers, you might want to think hard about whether to read this book. It’s tough- the heroine is confined and s. trafficked by her brother for years and one of her fantasies involves paying him back quid pro quo by paying a bunch of big guys named Bubba to… well, she’s not interested in turning the other cheek. There’s also Female on Male SA, violence, and illegal substance administration.
THIS IS NOT A SAFE READ. There’s cheating. I can’t put it more bluntly. Not only is there cheating, but the mistress sends harassing texts to the FMC.
If you can get past these triggers, and if cheating is not a deal breaker for you, proceed. I think pretty poorly of the MMC, whose behavior regarding the mistress is ridiculous. This guy is a crime boss; surely he can find a different, less toxic mistress. The fact that he doesn’t is sheer laziness. I mean, he even admits that he’s tired of her.
I did find a lot about this book entertaining. It’s a fast read with interesting characters and a badsass FMC.
June 5, 2026
Hot quick read!
Aubrey is a hostage of her own family and used in horrific ways. That is until she escapes. But freedom is fleeting.
Rowan is the son of the mafia boss and is sent to rescue her by his mother, who encountered Aubrey during her escape and knows she needs help.
This story is fast paced and full of twists and turns. It is also full of villains' who are out to either steal from or control the Murphy family mob.
Rowan and Aubrey's relationship is a rocky road with pitfalls and high ground as they navigate where they are destined to be. The banter is fun. The heat is really hot. And the outcome will surprise you.
** I must note that if you are squeamish to violence then this may not be the book for you. But if you are a fan of mafia romance then this one should be on your list.
Aubrey is a hostage of her own family and used in horrific ways. That is until she escapes. But freedom is fleeting.
Rowan is the son of the mafia boss and is sent to rescue her by his mother, who encountered Aubrey during her escape and knows she needs help.
This story is fast paced and full of twists and turns. It is also full of villains' who are out to either steal from or control the Murphy family mob.
Rowan and Aubrey's relationship is a rocky road with pitfalls and high ground as they navigate where they are destined to be. The banter is fun. The heat is really hot. And the outcome will surprise you.
** I must note that if you are squeamish to violence then this may not be the book for you. But if you are a fan of mafia romance then this one should be on your list.
June 20, 2025
This booked sucked me in from the first page! It was a great quick read that leaves you in a cliff hanger.
I loved the developing relationship between Rowan and Aubrey. Mistrust to start grows to yearning and wanting each other.
Aubrey was held against her will and used by men for years but refused to let that hold her back. Caden, Rowan’s brother, became her sparring partner while she fought to grow back her independence. Rowan gives her space at the beginning of her recovery and his feelings grow for her. This gives her time to accept his touch. They start to plan their revenge against her father and brother together.
The cliffhanger was unexpected as I was still trying to go to the next pages. Can’t wait to see how this ends and how the revenge and love play out!
I loved the developing relationship between Rowan and Aubrey. Mistrust to start grows to yearning and wanting each other.
Aubrey was held against her will and used by men for years but refused to let that hold her back. Caden, Rowan’s brother, became her sparring partner while she fought to grow back her independence. Rowan gives her space at the beginning of her recovery and his feelings grow for her. This gives her time to accept his touch. They start to plan their revenge against her father and brother together.
The cliffhanger was unexpected as I was still trying to go to the next pages. Can’t wait to see how this ends and how the revenge and love play out!
June 23, 2025
Payback was an intense mafia story with a cliffy of an ending.
Aubrey has gone through a lot in her short amount of time. But her one determination in life is to take down her stepfather and stepbrother for everything they have done to her. She enlists the help of Rowan to get her revenge.
Rowan, man, stop thinking with what is in your pants. He is really dumb when it comes to women. I get you have needs, but he really needs to choose who he spends his time with better. He did bother me at times but it seems like he has a revelation finally and gets better by the end of the book.
Now that was an ending which has left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. I need to see what else happens with this couple.
Aubrey has gone through a lot in her short amount of time. But her one determination in life is to take down her stepfather and stepbrother for everything they have done to her. She enlists the help of Rowan to get her revenge.
Rowan, man, stop thinking with what is in your pants. He is really dumb when it comes to women. I get you have needs, but he really needs to choose who he spends his time with better. He did bother me at times but it seems like he has a revelation finally and gets better by the end of the book.
Now that was an ending which has left me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. I need to see what else happens with this couple.
June 24, 2025
How dare you edge me Ivy! From the first page and throughout the entire book I was biting my nails anxiously waiting for a few characters to get what’s coming to them!
Aubrey is a resilient, strong girl and when she gets her chance to escape her situation, she happens to fall by the feet of the woman who’s family can save her. The oldest son, Rowan, is true to his mafia family and soon sees all the qualities he wants in a woman in Aubrey. Their story so far is emotionally intense and the cliffhanger was unexpected! Patiently waiting now for PAYBACK!
Aubrey is a resilient, strong girl and when she gets her chance to escape her situation, she happens to fall by the feet of the woman who’s family can save her. The oldest son, Rowan, is true to his mafia family and soon sees all the qualities he wants in a woman in Aubrey. Their story so far is emotionally intense and the cliffhanger was unexpected! Patiently waiting now for PAYBACK!
August 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This was good. Not too much build up to them gaining feelings. I’m a fast romance kind of girl. Slow burns make my heart hurt. I like that this is a mob that actually cares about love and woman. They’re protective and loving and I really like that.
Rowan is strong and handsome and ready to settle down, so when his parents tell him that he’s marrying Aubrey he’s happy to do it.
Bre is beautiful and tenacious and finally free to fall in love with someone as long as she can get her revenge.
🌶️🌶️
This was good. Not too much build up to them gaining feelings. I’m a fast romance kind of girl. Slow burns make my heart hurt. I like that this is a mob that actually cares about love and woman. They’re protective and loving and I really like that.
Rowan is strong and handsome and ready to settle down, so when his parents tell him that he’s marrying Aubrey he’s happy to do it.
Bre is beautiful and tenacious and finally free to fall in love with someone as long as she can get her revenge.
August 14, 2025
"They locked her away. He’ll bury them to set her free."
This book absolutely blew my fucking mind!! What an incredible read. This novella really packs a punch and a half. It grips you and doesn't let go. Once you start you can't stop. It's such a wild rollercoaster ride with twists and turns. It is gut wrenching and beautiful. The characters are amazing, the storyline and plot are epic. It's dark, intriguing, spicy, and so much more. It's action packed and leaves you with an almighty cliffhanger. I can't wait to read more. Highly recommend.
This book absolutely blew my fucking mind!! What an incredible read. This novella really packs a punch and a half. It grips you and doesn't let go. Once you start you can't stop. It's such a wild rollercoaster ride with twists and turns. It is gut wrenching and beautiful. The characters are amazing, the storyline and plot are epic. It's dark, intriguing, spicy, and so much more. It's action packed and leaves you with an almighty cliffhanger. I can't wait to read more. Highly recommend.
June 7, 2025
Payback is Rowan and Audrey's intriguing, intense, dramatic journey. This story has absolutely wreaked havoc on my heart. Aubrey and her life is just gutwrenching! This book, from start to finish had me gripping the edge of my seat. It's one huge emotional rollercoaster and then there's that cliffhanger! I can't wait for more!
July 10, 2025
This little novella was just wow. 🤯🤯🤯
Aubrey is locked up by her father and dad and used to make them money. She ends up escaping into the hands of the mafia, who protects her.
This is full of twists and turns and ends on one heck of a cliffhanger (not cool Ivy!!) I can’t wait to see what happens in the second part.
Aubrey is locked up by her father and dad and used to make them money. She ends up escaping into the hands of the mafia, who protects her.
This is full of twists and turns and ends on one heck of a cliffhanger (not cool Ivy!!) I can’t wait to see what happens in the second part.
August 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Aubrey is held captive by her brother and father, used and abused but she manages to escape and find help from Rowan and his family.
This is the first book of the Murphy Mob family. It seems each brother will get his own story, which will be great.
I can't wait to read Cadens book.
This is the first book of the Murphy Mob family. It seems each brother will get his own story, which will be great.
I can't wait to read Cadens book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
This was pretty crazy. Mafia, trafficking, revenge, arranged marriage, it's got a bit of everything! I really enjoyed it and cannot wait to find out what happens next
June 29, 2025
Loved it.
Couldn't stop reading it until it was almost morning.
Thank you ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Couldn't stop reading it until it was almost morning.
Thank you ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 3, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down from the first page I was hooked
Aubrey has been held captive by her brother and father in the attic of their house, she’s made to do unthinkable things for men for money
One day she escapes and goes into a cafe and passes a note to someone asking for help then her brother comes along and takes her back to the hell she’s living in
Rowan is the number 2 in the family business his mother is the one who Aubrey bumped into and asked for help his mother is so upset about how Aubrey looked, and she’s asked her sons to go and find her and bring her back to their house
This book is amazing it end on a cliffhanger OMG NO!!! I can’t wait for the next book in this series
Aubrey has been held captive by her brother and father in the attic of their house, she’s made to do unthinkable things for men for money
One day she escapes and goes into a cafe and passes a note to someone asking for help then her brother comes along and takes her back to the hell she’s living in
Rowan is the number 2 in the family business his mother is the one who Aubrey bumped into and asked for help his mother is so upset about how Aubrey looked, and she’s asked her sons to go and find her and bring her back to their house
This book is amazing it end on a cliffhanger OMG NO!!! I can’t wait for the next book in this series
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews