What do you think?
Rate this book
Irish Kings #5
Wicked Duty
Lucy
I don’t need a bodyguard. Especially not one as cold and devastatingly gorgeous as Callum Kavanaugh.
I’ve just landed a spot in the most competitive modeling event of the year. This is my chance to reclaim my life after everything I’ve survived. I won’t let an overbearing robot in a three-piece suit stop me.
His calm, condescending demeanor infuriates me. I want to break his control and create chaos in his life and see how he likes it.
But I’m playing with fire, because the sparks between us could turn into a blaze that burns out of control.
He can protect me from the evil man hunting me.
But can he protect my heart?
Callum
Darren Kelly and I go way back, so when he hired me to protect his fiancée’s friend—the star witness in a sex trafficking case—I didn’t hesitate.
What I didn’t expect?
The Irish Kings’ patriarch asking for a favor that complicates everything.
Or that I’d be babysitting a spoiled, headstrong, infuriating model who seems hellbent on making my job impossible. One who doesn’t care that the most dangerous man alive wants her silenced.
Or the instant attraction between us that’s as undeniable as it is explosive. Even though my past taught me better than to get involved with a protectee.
I knew the assignment would be dangerous. I didn’t know it might cost me my life.
Or my heart.
*Wicked Duty is a full-length mafia romance novel with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
What to know more about Wicked
- Forced Proximity
- Touch Her and Die
- Family loyalty vs. Personal desires
- Alpha Male
- Danger Brings Them Closer
- Who Did This to You?
- Opposites Attract
- Secrets and Lies
- Slow Burn
I don’t need a bodyguard. Especially not one as cold and devastatingly gorgeous as Callum Kavanaugh.
I’ve just landed a spot in the most competitive modeling event of the year. This is my chance to reclaim my life after everything I’ve survived. I won’t let an overbearing robot in a three-piece suit stop me.
His calm, condescending demeanor infuriates me. I want to break his control and create chaos in his life and see how he likes it.
But I’m playing with fire, because the sparks between us could turn into a blaze that burns out of control.
He can protect me from the evil man hunting me.
But can he protect my heart?
Callum
Darren Kelly and I go way back, so when he hired me to protect his fiancée’s friend—the star witness in a sex trafficking case—I didn’t hesitate.
What I didn’t expect?
The Irish Kings’ patriarch asking for a favor that complicates everything.
Or that I’d be babysitting a spoiled, headstrong, infuriating model who seems hellbent on making my job impossible. One who doesn’t care that the most dangerous man alive wants her silenced.
Or the instant attraction between us that’s as undeniable as it is explosive. Even though my past taught me better than to get involved with a protectee.
I knew the assignment would be dangerous. I didn’t know it might cost me my life.
Or my heart.
*Wicked Duty is a full-length mafia romance novel with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.
What to know more about Wicked
- Forced Proximity
- Touch Her and Die
- Family loyalty vs. Personal desires
- Alpha Male
- Danger Brings Them Closer
- Who Did This to You?
- Opposites Attract
- Secrets and Lies
- Slow Burn
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
295 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 25, 2025
That ending!!!!
Callum Kavanagh was delicious. There’s something about a hero who is stoic, grumpy and dangerous that’s so attractive. He complimented Lucy’s wild, impulsive nature beautifully.
After a horrible trauma Lucy Marlow is trying to survive. She is set against a bodyguard but agrees reluctantly because of her loved ones. But for some reason Callum rubs her the wrong way from the first meeting itself.
God, these two fought each other like cats and dogs.
I will admit I didn’t like either Lucy’s or Callum’s actions that much in the middle part. Lucy especially for disregarding her safety. I wanted Callum to be more cunning.
When the drama hit @75% I was on edge. I enjoyed that part the most. I also enjoyed the action in this book.
Safety: no ow drama or cheating.
Like I said in the beginning, I wasn’t expecting that end after the epilogue and my heart kinda broke! Can’t explain because of spoiler. I liked that character since book 1. And was thinking there will be a HEA for him too.
Overall a good mafia romance with flawed characters, of healing, love and more.
-Bodyguard romance.
-Model x bodyguard.
-Heroine in danger.
-Dislike to lovers.
-Irish, obsessed hero.
-Safe, TW, KU and recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Callum Kavanagh was delicious. There’s something about a hero who is stoic, grumpy and dangerous that’s so attractive. He complimented Lucy’s wild, impulsive nature beautifully.
After a horrible trauma Lucy Marlow is trying to survive. She is set against a bodyguard but agrees reluctantly because of her loved ones. But for some reason Callum rubs her the wrong way from the first meeting itself.
God, these two fought each other like cats and dogs.
I will admit I didn’t like either Lucy’s or Callum’s actions that much in the middle part. Lucy especially for disregarding her safety. I wanted Callum to be more cunning.
When the drama hit @75% I was on edge. I enjoyed that part the most. I also enjoyed the action in this book.
Safety: no ow drama or cheating.
Like I said in the beginning, I wasn’t expecting that end after the epilogue and my heart kinda broke! Can’t explain because of spoiler. I liked that character since book 1. And was thinking there will be a HEA for him too.
Overall a good mafia romance with flawed characters, of healing, love and more.
-Bodyguard romance.
-Model x bodyguard.
-Heroine in danger.
-Dislike to lovers.
-Irish, obsessed hero.
-Safe, TW, KU and recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
November 17, 2025
An aspiring model with ties to the Kings, was rescued from trafficking and needs a bodyguard as she is primary witness. Bodyguard reluctant to take as believes her ties were more on modeling or ex girlfriend of main but didn’t know she was in the trafficking- I think that part was a little confusing with the ties, but still an interesting story! The side story was also intense, and it could have gone darker but it still followed through to the end. The epilogue will not make sense if you have not followed the series, but otherwise it was a good solid book, only a few plot holes (like how did she end up destroying the scaffolding on set?) but does not change impact of story. Mafia with enemies to lovers, and grumpy with not necessarily sunshine but healing FMC.
November 21, 2025
With this being my first book from Renee, I’m disappointed in myself since this series has been on my TBR for a while! Definitely plan on reading the others as I really enjoyed this one!
Love a good bodyguard romance 🤭
I’m hoping there will be more from this series even though this is book 5
Love a good bodyguard romance 🤭
I’m hoping there will be more from this series even though this is book 5
November 18, 2025
Lucy has been through a living hell. Her life has brought her nothing but pain, and the last ordeal left her with deep wounds, scars, and marks on her soul. Although she managed to escape, she's now in danger because she possesses something she stole during her rescue, and her life is at risk until that threat is neutralized. Protection comes in the form of Callum, the man tasked with keeping her safe at all times.
Callum also carries his own demons. He has equally deep scars and walls he's built throughout his life to avoid crumbling again. But when he's assigned to protect Lucy, his world is turned upside down. They're both incredibly stubborn, and yes, they drove me crazy more than once, I won't lie. But I also understood their fears, their wounds, and the way each of them fights to survive.
Lucy dreams of being a model because it's the only place where she feels truly safe, while Callum sees that profession as handing her over to her enemies on a silver platter. Every interaction between them is charged with tension, conflict, and intense emotions. And yet, Callum has a mission beyond protecting her: a mission that could cost him everything they could build together in the future.
But when love is strong enough to overcome every obstacle, the impossible becomes possible. Lucy managed to find her way into Callum's heart, and he found a way to heal her wounds. He showed her that she was strong, that she wasn't broken, that she deserved love. He protected her, held her, and saved her one last time. And even though Callum betrayed her trust, Lucy forgave him because he showed her, through his actions, how much he loved her. In the end, they both got their happily ever after. She found strength in him, and Callum found peace in her.
However, the epilogue made it clear that this isn't over yet. What happened there was completely unexpected, and it left me with the feeling that the story still has much more to tell. I'm excited for what comes next.
In short, I loved this book from beginning to end. Even though Callum and Lucy drove me crazy, experiencing this adventure with them was something I thoroughly enjoyed. ❤️❤️❤️
Callum also carries his own demons. He has equally deep scars and walls he's built throughout his life to avoid crumbling again. But when he's assigned to protect Lucy, his world is turned upside down. They're both incredibly stubborn, and yes, they drove me crazy more than once, I won't lie. But I also understood their fears, their wounds, and the way each of them fights to survive.
Lucy dreams of being a model because it's the only place where she feels truly safe, while Callum sees that profession as handing her over to her enemies on a silver platter. Every interaction between them is charged with tension, conflict, and intense emotions. And yet, Callum has a mission beyond protecting her: a mission that could cost him everything they could build together in the future.
But when love is strong enough to overcome every obstacle, the impossible becomes possible. Lucy managed to find her way into Callum's heart, and he found a way to heal her wounds. He showed her that she was strong, that she wasn't broken, that she deserved love. He protected her, held her, and saved her one last time. And even though Callum betrayed her trust, Lucy forgave him because he showed her, through his actions, how much he loved her. In the end, they both got their happily ever after. She found strength in him, and Callum found peace in her.
However, the epilogue made it clear that this isn't over yet. What happened there was completely unexpected, and it left me with the feeling that the story still has much more to tell. I'm excited for what comes next.
In short, I loved this book from beginning to end. Even though Callum and Lucy drove me crazy, experiencing this adventure with them was something I thoroughly enjoyed. ❤️❤️❤️
December 29, 2025
dnf @ 87%. this was awful
dnf
December 13, 2025DNF.
The MCs’ immaturity is exhausting. One is relentlessly judgmental, and the other treats her own life with reckless disregard.
The MCs’ immaturity is exhausting. One is relentlessly judgmental, and the other treats her own life with reckless disregard.
December 2, 2025
I seriously cannot with this book. The FMC Lucy had me so irritated.
The whole reason callum is brought on as her security detail is because she was human trafficked. A bunch of mafia bosses ask him to take the job and keep her safe.
As per some of my highlighted book notes you can see she slips her detail on purpose multiple times then when he catches up she runs off. Then picks up a mysterious package by her door when he tells her not to touch it. Not only opens it but locks him out of the apartment.. Soo supposedly she’s anxious yet she comes onto him to try and manipulate him.. gets mad he destroys her phone and try’s to throw boiling water at him. Need I saw more. She’s absolutely dumb as a character. She’s 25 I believe and acts like a child. Not to mention he’s supposed to be keeping her safe yet takes her on his motor cycle which isn’t bad but you think if she had a multi billion dollar sim chip that mob bosses are hunting her for.. just seems too casual with security. The whole thing was terrible. I was hoping it would be good. There was a couple I liked from this series but the last 2 I wouldn’t waste time on.
The whole reason callum is brought on as her security detail is because she was human trafficked. A bunch of mafia bosses ask him to take the job and keep her safe.
As per some of my highlighted book notes you can see she slips her detail on purpose multiple times then when he catches up she runs off. Then picks up a mysterious package by her door when he tells her not to touch it. Not only opens it but locks him out of the apartment.. Soo supposedly she’s anxious yet she comes onto him to try and manipulate him.. gets mad he destroys her phone and try’s to throw boiling water at him. Need I saw more. She’s absolutely dumb as a character. She’s 25 I believe and acts like a child. Not to mention he’s supposed to be keeping her safe yet takes her on his motor cycle which isn’t bad but you think if she had a multi billion dollar sim chip that mob bosses are hunting her for.. just seems too casual with security. The whole thing was terrible. I was hoping it would be good. There was a couple I liked from this series but the last 2 I wouldn’t waste time on.
December 8, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
I didn’t like either character, the pacing was terrible and the romance wasn’t romantic IMO.
I didn’t like either character, the pacing was terrible and the romance wasn’t romantic IMO.
January 5, 2026
Y'all, when I say I loved the first 4 books in this series, its an understatement. I recommend them to everyone. Finn, Cian, Rory, and Darren were on FIRE. This book, though, SUCKED.
I despised the FMC from the start. You've been through a traumatic event as a sex trafficking victim and are now a key witness to take down the Russian mob boss who abused you (and you stole something important from him) but you treat the bodyguard sent to PROTECT YOU like crap, giving him the slip. What sense does that make. She didn't have a death wish. She had recovered enough to get back to her modeling career so, clearly she wanted to live. Yet she was every bit of the brat Callum thought her to be.
Then there's Callum, the bodyguard. I liked Callum. Was he an ass to her and judgemental, sure, but in all honesty she didn't give him any reason to change his mind. And, for heaven's sake, who doesn't inform the bodyguard you're hiring to protect someone of the client's RELEVANT history. I mean, she was in the mess she was in BECAUSE she was a sex trafficking VICTIM. Why would Darren and Nika think it prudent to keep that from him? It would only help him protect her better, give him a better understanding of why she's acting the way she is. I know why the author wrote it the way she did, but I think it was a bad choice.
There was zero chemistry between the two MCs. The spice was bland, at best. And the plot was SLOW AF. And then there was the switch at 60% when they literally fell for each other, seemingly overnight. They hated each other, then boom, love...once it was revealed she was a victim, not a participator, in the trafficking. I literally rolled my eyes.
I was so terribly disappointed with this book. It doesn't hold a candle to the first 4 and was so bad, I'm gonna take a long break before I dive into the 6th one.
And, let me tell you, the epilogue burned me up. SERIOUSLY?!?! That's how we're starting the next one, really? I was beside myself.
I do not recommend this book.
I despised the FMC from the start. You've been through a traumatic event as a sex trafficking victim and are now a key witness to take down the Russian mob boss who abused you (and you stole something important from him) but you treat the bodyguard sent to PROTECT YOU like crap, giving him the slip. What sense does that make. She didn't have a death wish. She had recovered enough to get back to her modeling career so, clearly she wanted to live. Yet she was every bit of the brat Callum thought her to be.
Then there's Callum, the bodyguard. I liked Callum. Was he an ass to her and judgemental, sure, but in all honesty she didn't give him any reason to change his mind. And, for heaven's sake, who doesn't inform the bodyguard you're hiring to protect someone of the client's RELEVANT history. I mean, she was in the mess she was in BECAUSE she was a sex trafficking VICTIM. Why would Darren and Nika think it prudent to keep that from him? It would only help him protect her better, give him a better understanding of why she's acting the way she is. I know why the author wrote it the way she did, but I think it was a bad choice.
There was zero chemistry between the two MCs. The spice was bland, at best. And the plot was SLOW AF. And then there was the switch at 60% when they literally fell for each other, seemingly overnight. They hated each other, then boom, love...once it was revealed she was a victim, not a participator, in the trafficking. I literally rolled my eyes.
I was so terribly disappointed with this book. It doesn't hold a candle to the first 4 and was so bad, I'm gonna take a long break before I dive into the 6th one.
And, let me tell you, the epilogue burned me up. SERIOUSLY?!?! That's how we're starting the next one, really? I was beside myself.
I do not recommend this book.
November 24, 2025
Shattered Hearts still owns my soul, but Wicked Duty comes in swinging hard with tension, danger, and a slow burn that sets my entire brain on fire.
We’re dropped straight back into the Irish Kings’ world, where Callum Kavanaugh—stoic, grumpy, and annoyingly irresistible—is assigned to protect Lucy Marlow. Lucy is a model trying to rebuild her life after surviving unimaginable trauma… and she does not want a bodyguard shadowing her every move. Especially not one who treats emotions like a foreign language and wears control like a second skin.
Callum is all discipline and sharp edges. Lucy is fire, chaos, and fragile strength stitched together by pure will. From the moment they meet, they clash so hard it’s practically foreplay. And honestly? Watching these two fight their feelings was half the entertainment. They deny everything until the tension snaps, and then it’s over—the chemistry takes the wheel.
This book gives you exactly what you want from a mafia bodyguard romance: danger, secrets, forced proximity, and that delicious “touch her and die” energy Callum has buried right under his perfect self-control. The early chapters move slowly because both characters are trapped in their own heads, but once the action hits, the pacing takes off like gunfire. I inhaled those scenes. Renee Parker writes action like she wants your pulse to spike.
Lucy’s journey was one of my favorite parts. She’s messy, resilient, scared, stubborn… all of it. And Callum? He ends up being the kind of hero who protects with his body, apologizes with his actions, and loves like he never planned to love again. Even with mistakes made and trust broken, their bond feels earned and deeply emotional.
By the end, they’re exactly what the other needed: her chaos softening his walls, and his steadiness letting her breathe again. Their happily ever after felt well deserved.
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC. The review is voluntarily and honestly given.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
We’re dropped straight back into the Irish Kings’ world, where Callum Kavanaugh—stoic, grumpy, and annoyingly irresistible—is assigned to protect Lucy Marlow. Lucy is a model trying to rebuild her life after surviving unimaginable trauma… and she does not want a bodyguard shadowing her every move. Especially not one who treats emotions like a foreign language and wears control like a second skin.
Callum is all discipline and sharp edges. Lucy is fire, chaos, and fragile strength stitched together by pure will. From the moment they meet, they clash so hard it’s practically foreplay. And honestly? Watching these two fight their feelings was half the entertainment. They deny everything until the tension snaps, and then it’s over—the chemistry takes the wheel.
This book gives you exactly what you want from a mafia bodyguard romance: danger, secrets, forced proximity, and that delicious “touch her and die” energy Callum has buried right under his perfect self-control. The early chapters move slowly because both characters are trapped in their own heads, but once the action hits, the pacing takes off like gunfire. I inhaled those scenes. Renee Parker writes action like she wants your pulse to spike.
Lucy’s journey was one of my favorite parts. She’s messy, resilient, scared, stubborn… all of it. And Callum? He ends up being the kind of hero who protects with his body, apologizes with his actions, and loves like he never planned to love again. Even with mistakes made and trust broken, their bond feels earned and deeply emotional.
By the end, they’re exactly what the other needed: her chaos softening his walls, and his steadiness letting her breathe again. Their happily ever after felt well deserved.
Huge thank you to the author for the ARC. The review is voluntarily and honestly given.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A Soft, Healing Read with a King I’d Trust My Heart With
This book surprised me in the best way. At its core, it’s really about HEALING...like watching Lucy slowly learn how to trust again after everything she endured was emotional, heavy, and handled with so much care. Her trauma isn’t brushed aside or magically fixed, and I really appreciated how real her journey felt. She was misunderstood for so long, and seeing her finally be seen hit me right in the chest.
And yes… I am a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers moment, and this one did it for me. The tension, the misunderstandings, the slow shift from guarded to soft? Exactly my thing.😏😁
Callum though… whew. I love a CONSIDERATE KING, and he absolutely delivered. The moment he finally understands what Lucy has been through? My heart actually hurt (in a good way)🥹🥲🥺😭. The way he asks for permission, gives her choices, and makes sure she feels safe and in control during intimacy had me melting.🫠🫠😄 That level of patience and respect? Immediate book boyfriend behavior.🤏🏽🤏🏽💅
Tiny spicy spoiler for my #smutslut:
it's wild....chaotic....but it’s also INTENTIONAL, tender, and rooted in trust. And honestly? That made it even better. All I can say is he DEVOURED her!!!!🤭🫣😏😁
For a mafia romance, it truly gave what it was supposed to give ....tension, emotion, spice, and heart. I closed this book feeling weirdly comforted and very healed.
Queen Renee is such a gem.... her writing in this book was 👩🏽🍳💋 she found a way to balance the darker themes with warmth really well, and watching Lucy reclaim parts of herself through love, safety, and choice was genuinely beautiful. Some moments were tough to read emotionally, but they made her growth feel earned.
Overall, a solid 4 stars from me. Emotional, comforting, and proof that sometimes the sexiest thing a man can do is ask, “Is this okay?”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A Soft, Healing Read with a King I’d Trust My Heart With
This book surprised me in the best way. At its core, it’s really about HEALING...like watching Lucy slowly learn how to trust again after everything she endured was emotional, heavy, and handled with so much care. Her trauma isn’t brushed aside or magically fixed, and I really appreciated how real her journey felt. She was misunderstood for so long, and seeing her finally be seen hit me right in the chest.
And yes… I am a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers moment, and this one did it for me. The tension, the misunderstandings, the slow shift from guarded to soft? Exactly my thing.😏😁
Callum though… whew. I love a CONSIDERATE KING, and he absolutely delivered. The moment he finally understands what Lucy has been through? My heart actually hurt (in a good way)🥹🥲🥺😭. The way he asks for permission, gives her choices, and makes sure she feels safe and in control during intimacy had me melting.🫠🫠😄 That level of patience and respect? Immediate book boyfriend behavior.🤏🏽🤏🏽💅
Tiny spicy spoiler for my #smutslut:
it's wild....chaotic....but it’s also INTENTIONAL, tender, and rooted in trust. And honestly? That made it even better. All I can say is he DEVOURED her!!!!🤭🫣😏😁
For a mafia romance, it truly gave what it was supposed to give ....tension, emotion, spice, and heart. I closed this book feeling weirdly comforted and very healed.
Queen Renee is such a gem.... her writing in this book was 👩🏽🍳💋 she found a way to balance the darker themes with warmth really well, and watching Lucy reclaim parts of herself through love, safety, and choice was genuinely beautiful. Some moments were tough to read emotionally, but they made her growth feel earned.
Overall, a solid 4 stars from me. Emotional, comforting, and proof that sometimes the sexiest thing a man can do is ask, “Is this okay?”
November 26, 2025
In Wicked Duty, Lucy is an aspiring model. She is beautiful, intelligent, and stubborn. She has been through some traumatic events and just wants to forget about it or at least move on from it. That happens when she lands a spot in modeling event of the year. It is the most competitive event and she just landed the opportunity. However, since she was in danger before, she has been assigned a bodyguard named Callum. From the minute she meets him, she thinks he is only out for paycheck. His demanding set of rules have her rebelling and pushing every button. How long until he breaks?
Callum is a friend of the Irish Kings. He does it because they asked him. All he has to do is make sure that Lucy is safe at all times. Oh and complete a secret mission for the top king himself. He sees her as spoiled, reckless, and impossible. She doesn’t do anything he says and defies him at every turn. She also starts seeing how much he wants her. The chemistry is there. She slowly starts to realize she wants him also. Will they give in to what they feel??
Renee Parker made me feel bad for Lucy. All she wants to do is move on from the past. The fact that she is still in danger is not helping. I also felt bad that Callum had to fight his feelings for Lucy. He struggled with deceiving her and worrying about her. I was rooting for them in the beginning. The chemistry was there they instantly met. No matter how much they couldn’t stand each other, they wanted each other. This was an emotional roller coaster. I was on the edge of my seat. It is filled with action, drama, secrets, danger, heat and suspense. I’m so excited for another book.
Callum is a friend of the Irish Kings. He does it because they asked him. All he has to do is make sure that Lucy is safe at all times. Oh and complete a secret mission for the top king himself. He sees her as spoiled, reckless, and impossible. She doesn’t do anything he says and defies him at every turn. She also starts seeing how much he wants her. The chemistry is there. She slowly starts to realize she wants him also. Will they give in to what they feel??
Renee Parker made me feel bad for Lucy. All she wants to do is move on from the past. The fact that she is still in danger is not helping. I also felt bad that Callum had to fight his feelings for Lucy. He struggled with deceiving her and worrying about her. I was rooting for them in the beginning. The chemistry was there they instantly met. No matter how much they couldn’t stand each other, they wanted each other. This was an emotional roller coaster. I was on the edge of my seat. It is filled with action, drama, secrets, danger, heat and suspense. I’m so excited for another book.
January 7, 2026
I went into Wicked Duty with high expectations because I absolutely loved the first four books in the Irish Kings series. Unfortunately, this installment felt much slower and more restrained in comparison.
This is a true slow-burn bodyguard romance, centering on Callum and Lucy. While I appreciated the emotional weight behind their story (especially Lucy’s background as a survivor of sex trafficking) the pacing felt drawn out, and the romantic chemistry didn’t fully land for me.
The tension took a long time to build, and when it did, the payoff felt more muted than what I’ve come to expect from this series. The spice was not spicing, compared to the earlier books, sorry! 🥹
Lucy was a challenging character for me. Although her trauma is understandable and heartbreaking, some of her repeated risky choices made it harder for me to connect with her. Callum’s protectiveness and frustration, on the other hand, felt realistic given his role as her bodyguard and the dangers surrounding them.
Also for me… the Epilogue truly stood out. If you’ve read the first four books, it delivers a powerful emotional punch that caught me off guard and left me genuinely heartbroken. That moment alone elevated my overall impression of the book.
⭐ 3 stars for this!! It was slower and less intense than previous installments, but worth finishing for series readers, especially for the impactful Epilogue.
This is a true slow-burn bodyguard romance, centering on Callum and Lucy. While I appreciated the emotional weight behind their story (especially Lucy’s background as a survivor of sex trafficking) the pacing felt drawn out, and the romantic chemistry didn’t fully land for me.
The tension took a long time to build, and when it did, the payoff felt more muted than what I’ve come to expect from this series. The spice was not spicing, compared to the earlier books, sorry! 🥹
Lucy was a challenging character for me. Although her trauma is understandable and heartbreaking, some of her repeated risky choices made it harder for me to connect with her. Callum’s protectiveness and frustration, on the other hand, felt realistic given his role as her bodyguard and the dangers surrounding them.
Also for me… the Epilogue truly stood out. If you’ve read the first four books, it delivers a powerful emotional punch that caught me off guard and left me genuinely heartbroken. That moment alone elevated my overall impression of the book.
⭐ 3 stars for this!! It was slower and less intense than previous installments, but worth finishing for series readers, especially for the impactful Epilogue.
November 20, 2025
What happens when a broody, arrogant, gorgeous alpha male collides with a feisty, stubborn, breathtakingly beautiful woman? You get the exhilaration of witnessing Callum Kavanaugh and Lucy Marlow’s story unfold in Wicked Duty.
Fighting their undeniable attraction, Callum and Lucy size up one another almost immediately, and it’s dislike at first sight… with a passion. She challenges him at every turn, and he loves pushing her buttons. Eventually, the heat between Lucy and Callum combusts, lines are crossed, and rules are broken with no regrets at all.
With each passing day, they come to realize that sometimes first impressions don’t always tell the truth of a person’s story. Callum and Lucy have both experienced tragedy, heartbreak, and loss that shape who they are, but slowly, they start stripping off their protective armour. Maybe, they can help each other heal and find the love they both deserve. Still, not everything is what it seems, and Lucy and Callum are both keeping secrets that could destroy them,
Renee Parker wrote a story that’s suspenseful, full of first-class banter, and part action film. She also managed to weave in a little heartbreak along with a massive dose of heat and romance.
Callum and Lucy are destined to steal your heart! Wicked Duty is a keeper!!
Fighting their undeniable attraction, Callum and Lucy size up one another almost immediately, and it’s dislike at first sight… with a passion. She challenges him at every turn, and he loves pushing her buttons. Eventually, the heat between Lucy and Callum combusts, lines are crossed, and rules are broken with no regrets at all.
With each passing day, they come to realize that sometimes first impressions don’t always tell the truth of a person’s story. Callum and Lucy have both experienced tragedy, heartbreak, and loss that shape who they are, but slowly, they start stripping off their protective armour. Maybe, they can help each other heal and find the love they both deserve. Still, not everything is what it seems, and Lucy and Callum are both keeping secrets that could destroy them,
Renee Parker wrote a story that’s suspenseful, full of first-class banter, and part action film. She also managed to weave in a little heartbreak along with a massive dose of heat and romance.
Callum and Lucy are destined to steal your heart! Wicked Duty is a keeper!!
November 19, 2025
4.5 stars
Renee Parker just keeps getting better. Wicked Duty, Book 5 of The Irish Kings series, is charged with tension, panic, trauma, and that slow burn between two people who are not supposed to fit but somehow do. He thinks she is a spoiled, attention-seeking brat who got mixed up with the wrong crowd until he realizes she is a survivor of a nightmare she never chose. She is ambition and heart and hidden strength, and he cannot look away.
She sees him as cold, overbearing, and impossible to deal with, yet you can already feel the attraction simmering beneath her frustration. Their chemistry is sharp, charged, and alive and the emotions are intense. There is also a kind of pain that makes the tenderness hit even harder.
“Christ, this woman crawls so deeply under my skin, she hits the bone.”
That is their story, raw and consuming. They are both stubborn, both wounded, and both learning to trust and let someone in. The story is layered with sisterhood, brotherhood, loyalty, found family, and trauma that makes every moment of softness feel like a victory.
And then that epilogue, I honestly don’t know what to make of it. So many questions!!!!
Wicked Duty is Renee Parker at her best. Gritty, emotional, intimate, and absolutely gripping. I devoured every page.
Renee Parker just keeps getting better. Wicked Duty, Book 5 of The Irish Kings series, is charged with tension, panic, trauma, and that slow burn between two people who are not supposed to fit but somehow do. He thinks she is a spoiled, attention-seeking brat who got mixed up with the wrong crowd until he realizes she is a survivor of a nightmare she never chose. She is ambition and heart and hidden strength, and he cannot look away.
She sees him as cold, overbearing, and impossible to deal with, yet you can already feel the attraction simmering beneath her frustration. Their chemistry is sharp, charged, and alive and the emotions are intense. There is also a kind of pain that makes the tenderness hit even harder.
“Christ, this woman crawls so deeply under my skin, she hits the bone.”
That is their story, raw and consuming. They are both stubborn, both wounded, and both learning to trust and let someone in. The story is layered with sisterhood, brotherhood, loyalty, found family, and trauma that makes every moment of softness feel like a victory.
And then that epilogue, I honestly don’t know what to make of it. So many questions!!!!
Wicked Duty is Renee Parker at her best. Gritty, emotional, intimate, and absolutely gripping. I devoured every page.
November 24, 2025
Wicked Duty, Book 5 of The Irish Kings series, is emotional with tension, dread, shock, and that slow-burn spark between the FMC and MMC who are absolutely not suited for each other.
He thinks she’s a spoiled, attention-seeking brat who fell in with the wrong crowd… until he realizes she’s a survivor of a nightmare she never chose. She is ambitious, driven, and fueled by a hidden strength that refuses to break—and he finds that enthralling.
She sees him as an arrogant, domineering, and impossible to deal with. Yet their chemistry is sharp, volatile, and unmistakably alive, their emotions fierce and unfiltered. The pain they carry makes every flicker of tenderness feel like a small, hard-won victory.
This is Lucy and Callum’s story—consuming and relentless. Two exceptionally stubborn, wounded people learning to trust, to open up, and to let someone in. Wrapped in sisterhood, brotherhood, loyalty, found family, and the lingering effects of trauma, Wicked Duty delivers a love story where every moment of softness feels like survival.
Thank you for choosing me as an ARC reader.
He thinks she’s a spoiled, attention-seeking brat who fell in with the wrong crowd… until he realizes she’s a survivor of a nightmare she never chose. She is ambitious, driven, and fueled by a hidden strength that refuses to break—and he finds that enthralling.
She sees him as an arrogant, domineering, and impossible to deal with. Yet their chemistry is sharp, volatile, and unmistakably alive, their emotions fierce and unfiltered. The pain they carry makes every flicker of tenderness feel like a small, hard-won victory.
This is Lucy and Callum’s story—consuming and relentless. Two exceptionally stubborn, wounded people learning to trust, to open up, and to let someone in. Wrapped in sisterhood, brotherhood, loyalty, found family, and the lingering effects of trauma, Wicked Duty delivers a love story where every moment of softness feels like survival.
Thank you for choosing me as an ARC reader.
November 28, 2025
His Wicked Warrior!
First of all there isn't enough stars for this story,it needs a few more.Callum is a solider thru and thru but retired but called up to duty has a friend in needs a hand.When he meets his job,he knows he has his hands full.Lucy comes across has a spoiled brat that only thinks of her self and full most of story she does.Sh ec had a tough childhood growing up and she has to fight to survive and even her life now hasn't really improved.But right from the start Lucy doesn't take Callum's order too well,she plans to do what and when she wants regardless what her bodyguard says and she usually tries and he is stuck with cleanup duty too. Callus also has a task to do while watching Lucy,to fine what she may of stolen from her kidnapper and turn over Shane Gallerger, but so far he is drawing a blank with second job and his first job isn't taken seriously enough! This story is heart watching in places with feelings and you want to vote team Callum and then Lucy does something that you want to be team Lucy! But in the end they both become the same team!
First of all there isn't enough stars for this story,it needs a few more.Callum is a solider thru and thru but retired but called up to duty has a friend in needs a hand.When he meets his job,he knows he has his hands full.Lucy comes across has a spoiled brat that only thinks of her self and full most of story she does.Sh ec had a tough childhood growing up and she has to fight to survive and even her life now hasn't really improved.But right from the start Lucy doesn't take Callum's order too well,she plans to do what and when she wants regardless what her bodyguard says and she usually tries and he is stuck with cleanup duty too. Callus also has a task to do while watching Lucy,to fine what she may of stolen from her kidnapper and turn over Shane Gallerger, but so far he is drawing a blank with second job and his first job isn't taken seriously enough! This story is heart watching in places with feelings and you want to vote team Callum and then Lucy does something that you want to be team Lucy! But in the end they both become the same team!
December 24, 2025
Callum es todo disciplina y filo.
Lucy es fuego, caos y una fuerza frágil unidos por pura voluntad.
Desde el momento en que se encuentran, chocan tan fuerte que prácticamente es un juego previo.
¿Y honestamente? Ver a estos dos pelear sus sentimientos fue la mitad del entretenimiento.
Lo niegan todo hasta que la tensión se rompe, y luego termina, la química toma el volante.
En este libro, cuando estas leyendo te ofrece un romance entre guardaespaldas de la mafia: peligro, secretos, proximidad forzada y esa deliciosa energía de «tócala y muere» que Callum ha enterrado bajo su perfecto autocontrol.
Los primeros capítulos se desarrollan con lentitud porque ambos personajes están atrapados en sus propias cabezas, pero una vez que comienza la acción, el ritmo se acelera como los disparos. Así que deben estar atentos a los pequeños detalles que la autora nos va entregando poco a poco.
Para cuando quieras:
• héroe guardaespaldas con heroína modelo
• heroína que duda de sí misma ante su trauma, pero que es atrevida y soleada por defecto
• acción, suspenso, trauma
• romance lento y angustioso que se construye
Lucy es fuego, caos y una fuerza frágil unidos por pura voluntad.
Desde el momento en que se encuentran, chocan tan fuerte que prácticamente es un juego previo.
¿Y honestamente? Ver a estos dos pelear sus sentimientos fue la mitad del entretenimiento.
Lo niegan todo hasta que la tensión se rompe, y luego termina, la química toma el volante.
En este libro, cuando estas leyendo te ofrece un romance entre guardaespaldas de la mafia: peligro, secretos, proximidad forzada y esa deliciosa energía de «tócala y muere» que Callum ha enterrado bajo su perfecto autocontrol.
Los primeros capítulos se desarrollan con lentitud porque ambos personajes están atrapados en sus propias cabezas, pero una vez que comienza la acción, el ritmo se acelera como los disparos. Así que deben estar atentos a los pequeños detalles que la autora nos va entregando poco a poco.
Para cuando quieras:
• héroe guardaespaldas con heroína modelo
• heroína que duda de sí misma ante su trauma, pero que es atrevida y soleada por defecto
• acción, suspenso, trauma
• romance lento y angustioso que se construye
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
When you dive into Wicked Duty, expect protective energy, emotional walls, and a connection that refuses to be ignored. You’ll feel the tension simmering long before anything is said out loud. It’s a roller coaster of danger and desire in the best way.
Lucy is a woman who escaped a traumatic situation. Just when she thinks the worst is behind her, she realizes it was only the beginning.
Callum is a loyal friend, and when his friends come calling for a favor, he’s only a trip away. And when your friend is tied to a prominent organized crime family, ‘no’ is rarely an option.
The moment Callum meets Lucy, his preconceived notions jump straight to the forefront. Lucy couldn’t care less about Callum, yet the underlying tension between them is impossible to ignore, creating an attraction that could quickly become an occupational hazard. Determination and desire can make even the strongest man push forward.
Get ready for the push and pull between Lucy and Callum!
Do I recommend? Yes!
Lucy is a woman who escaped a traumatic situation. Just when she thinks the worst is behind her, she realizes it was only the beginning.
Callum is a loyal friend, and when his friends come calling for a favor, he’s only a trip away. And when your friend is tied to a prominent organized crime family, ‘no’ is rarely an option.
The moment Callum meets Lucy, his preconceived notions jump straight to the forefront. Lucy couldn’t care less about Callum, yet the underlying tension between them is impossible to ignore, creating an attraction that could quickly become an occupational hazard. Determination and desire can make even the strongest man push forward.
Get ready for the push and pull between Lucy and Callum!
Do I recommend? Yes!
November 19, 2025
Would have been a 5 star book if it had not started slow IMO. Once you get further in, this turned into a wonderful story!
Lucy, model wanna be, the victim of a sex trafficking group, was rescued and returned to her family.
Callum, mafia adjacent, works for a security group after completing his military service.
Brought together by Shane Gallager head of the Irish mafia, Callum is to provide bodyguard services to Lucy while her sister is out of the country. Preconceptions on both sides make for an interesting "relationship", he thinks she's a brat and she thinks he is overbearing and controlling. They're both right lol. As things unfold, more of their past is unearthed and they become softer toward each other.
This book brings all the feels: distrust, evasiveness, fear, betrayal, lust, and hard fought for LOVE.
A good read, easy to follow, and we get to see a little of Finn, Harper, Riley, Killen, Darren from previous books! Recommend !
Lucy, model wanna be, the victim of a sex trafficking group, was rescued and returned to her family.
Callum, mafia adjacent, works for a security group after completing his military service.
Brought together by Shane Gallager head of the Irish mafia, Callum is to provide bodyguard services to Lucy while her sister is out of the country. Preconceptions on both sides make for an interesting "relationship", he thinks she's a brat and she thinks he is overbearing and controlling. They're both right lol. As things unfold, more of their past is unearthed and they become softer toward each other.
This book brings all the feels: distrust, evasiveness, fear, betrayal, lust, and hard fought for LOVE.
A good read, easy to follow, and we get to see a little of Finn, Harper, Riley, Killen, Darren from previous books! Recommend !
November 21, 2025
Wicked Duty follows Callum and Lucy through danger and slow trust. This is book five in the Irish Kings series. It works alone, but reading the earlier books adds weight to every moment. Trigger warnings are important here.
Lucy survived an abduction. She holds something she took during her rescue. Her testimony puts her in danger again. Callum steps in as her bodyguard. He carries deep pain from his past. Their first meetings hold tension. Their push and pull felt raw.
Lucy wants a future in modeling because it gives her a sense of safety. Callum sees the opposite. His job is to shield her, but his growing feelings put his mission at risk.
The story is tight with suspense. The twist in the epilogue set up strong interest in the next book. This is one of my top reads this month.
Thank you to Renee Parker for the ARC.
Tropes
Bodyguard romance
Hate to love
Enemies to lovers
FMC in danger
Forced proximity
Found family
Lucy survived an abduction. She holds something she took during her rescue. Her testimony puts her in danger again. Callum steps in as her bodyguard. He carries deep pain from his past. Their first meetings hold tension. Their push and pull felt raw.
Lucy wants a future in modeling because it gives her a sense of safety. Callum sees the opposite. His job is to shield her, but his growing feelings put his mission at risk.
The story is tight with suspense. The twist in the epilogue set up strong interest in the next book. This is one of my top reads this month.
Thank you to Renee Parker for the ARC.
Tropes
Bodyguard romance
Hate to love
Enemies to lovers
FMC in danger
Forced proximity
Found family
January 9, 2026
🔥 Wicked Duty by Renee Parker 🔥
📖 Irish Kings #5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
Renee Parker does it again. If mafia romance is your thing, this series is a must-read — and if you haven’t started from book one… do yourself that favor 👀
This book follows Callum & Lucy and WOW.
Callum is the broody, lethal bodyguard tasked with protecting Lucy — and he completely underestimates her. He thinks she’s just a pretty model… spoiler: she is anything but.
💥 Lucy is a fierce survivor
💥 Strong, resilient, and quietly powerful
💥 The only woman capable of breaking through Callum’s iron-clad exterior
✨ Slow burn
✨ Insane tension
✨ Light spice (a refreshing change!)
Tropes we love:
• “F*ck it”
• Touch her and die
• Will die for her
• He falls first 😮💨
Protective, emotional, and utterly addictive — I 100% recommend this one.
🖤🔥 #MafiaRomance #BodyguardRomance #HeFallsFirst #Bookstagram #RomanceReader #IrishKingsSeries
📖 Irish Kings #5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
Renee Parker does it again. If mafia romance is your thing, this series is a must-read — and if you haven’t started from book one… do yourself that favor 👀
This book follows Callum & Lucy and WOW.
Callum is the broody, lethal bodyguard tasked with protecting Lucy — and he completely underestimates her. He thinks she’s just a pretty model… spoiler: she is anything but.
💥 Lucy is a fierce survivor
💥 Strong, resilient, and quietly powerful
💥 The only woman capable of breaking through Callum’s iron-clad exterior
✨ Slow burn
✨ Insane tension
✨ Light spice (a refreshing change!)
Tropes we love:
• “F*ck it”
• Touch her and die
• Will die for her
• He falls first 😮💨
Protective, emotional, and utterly addictive — I 100% recommend this one.
🖤🔥 #MafiaRomance #BodyguardRomance #HeFallsFirst #Bookstagram #RomanceReader #IrishKingsSeries
November 28, 2025
Wicked Duty is the fifth story in the Irish Kings series. It is a suspenseful story.
Lucy desires to be a model. She has been through trauma and wants to move on. She gets a modeling event and because of her past she is assigned a bodyguard, Callum. She doesn't like him because he is demanding. She rebels against him.
Callum takes the bodyguard job as a friend to the Irish Kings. He sees Lucy as being spoiled. They have so much chemistry.
I loved how Lucy defied Callum. It was so fun to watch how their relationship started. And they had the best chemistry. The connection they shared because of their pasts was amazing. Another great story.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Lucy desires to be a model. She has been through trauma and wants to move on. She gets a modeling event and because of her past she is assigned a bodyguard, Callum. She doesn't like him because he is demanding. She rebels against him.
Callum takes the bodyguard job as a friend to the Irish Kings. He sees Lucy as being spoiled. They have so much chemistry.
I loved how Lucy defied Callum. It was so fun to watch how their relationship started. And they had the best chemistry. The connection they shared because of their pasts was amazing. Another great story.
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for an honest review.
December 1, 2025
He is her bodyguard who thinks she’s spoiled and an attention-seeking brat. She’s a model who survives human trafficking thanks to her friend. Her friend Veronika and her boyfriend hired Callum to be Lucy’s body guard after her abduction but he doesn’t know what truly happened to her. Lucy thinks he is an as*hole. But despite what they think of each other they both start falling for one another. Loved how even when he was being mean she never backed down how after everything she has been through she still following her dream and not letting anyone stop her. When he learns everything that happened to her he falls even more in love with her. There is some miscommunication but the story is still so good definitely recommend
November 20, 2025
This is book five in the Irish Kings series. It's Lucy and Callum's book. Lucy is determined to live her own life after being taken. Her sister has to leave so Callum steps in to be her guard. She gives him fits and the interaction between the two is ready to combust. The action is also good. The issue was Callum willingly betrayed her trust to take the drive, but she easily forgave him. Lucy's reactions & feelings after returning to her life could have been delved in a bit deeper. It seemed a bit superficial. Overall, it was a good book but seemed to pull back when it came to the darker parts.
January 3, 2026
I honestly don’t understand the high ratings for this. You are sex-trafficked and being hunted down yet you fight your bodyguard EVERY SINGLE step of the way? You have no sense of self preservation AT ALL? Even when it’s obvious they know where you are still not acting like you want to survive? On top of that they had no chemistry at all. And she just was so irritating I struggled to stay connected to the plot. Adding to that you would think as a bodyguard he would need to at least have some semblance of relationship with her and communicate politely and respectfully. No. He talks down to her and calls her names REPEATEDLY.
November 19, 2025
ARC Review.
This series has been one of my fave mafia books. I jist divulge the book. Lucy has been through a lot.. lot of setbacks trauma and heartbreaks but still can forge her own path. I really love her character. She still chooses to be strong and rightfully so. And here comes the grumpy ex military bodyguard that had prejudice with FMC but cant hide the attraction.
I really love their banters and they really solved all their misundertandings.
But the epilogue part killed me.. is it really the new era.. please dont be..
This series has been one of my fave mafia books. I jist divulge the book. Lucy has been through a lot.. lot of setbacks trauma and heartbreaks but still can forge her own path. I really love her character. She still chooses to be strong and rightfully so. And here comes the grumpy ex military bodyguard that had prejudice with FMC but cant hide the attraction.
I really love their banters and they really solved all their misundertandings.
But the epilogue part killed me.. is it really the new era.. please dont be..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2025
I would highly recommend this book! I loved the characters and their story. The banter and push/pull between them caught and kept my attention from the beginning to the end. This book is packed with danger, action, fear, chemistry and more! Callum is providing bodyguard services to Lucy while her sister is out of the country. Lucy is a model with a hard past and still dealing with aspects of her past. She gives Callum a run for his money. Do they get a HEA? Only way to find out is to check out this book! So glad I did.
November 30, 2025
ARC Review, thx Renee Parker
The next book in Renee Parker's Irish Kings series is absolutely worth reading. It's so much fun to read about Callum and Lucy's journey together.
There's a palpable chemistry between them from the very beginning, but of course, neither wants to admit it. Banter, bickering, arguments, emotions, suspense, and not to forget the smut, bring the book and the characters to life. Even though the reader might want to shake both main characters in the middle section, it doesn't detract from the storyline. Although it becomes fairly obvious who's playing dirty in the modeling world, the action at the end is thrilling.
The only thing I didn't like was the epilogue. It seems like one of my favorite characters dies. I was really hoping that this person would get their own book with HEA.
Apparently, the series continues with Kellin and Trinity, not S.G.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3/5
The next book in Renee Parker's Irish Kings series is absolutely worth reading. It's so much fun to read about Callum and Lucy's journey together.
There's a palpable chemistry between them from the very beginning, but of course, neither wants to admit it. Banter, bickering, arguments, emotions, suspense, and not to forget the smut, bring the book and the characters to life. Even though the reader might want to shake both main characters in the middle section, it doesn't detract from the storyline. Although it becomes fairly obvious who's playing dirty in the modeling world, the action at the end is thrilling.
The only thing I didn't like was the epilogue. It seems like one of my favorite characters dies. I was really hoping that this person would get their own book with HEA.
Apparently, the series continues with Kellin and Trinity, not S.G.
HEA, no cheating or sharing
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 3/5
December 21, 2025
Wicked Duty by Renee Parker is the fifth book in the Irish Kings series. I read the first two books and fully skipped books three and four because this one had the bodyguard trope, and honestly… priorities were set 🫡
It was a good, solid read. Would I have loved it even more if it had been a bit darker with more spice? Absolutely. But overall, it was still a really enjoyable book and worth the read.
One thing to note: the epilogue will make zero sense if you haven’t started the series from the beginning. So maybe don’t do what I did… or do, but don’t say you weren’t warned 🙅♀️
It was a good, solid read. Would I have loved it even more if it had been a bit darker with more spice? Absolutely. But overall, it was still a really enjoyable book and worth the read.
One thing to note: the epilogue will make zero sense if you haven’t started the series from the beginning. So maybe don’t do what I did… or do, but don’t say you weren’t warned 🙅♀️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews