Locked In

by Kandis Tolliver

Dru Pryor was born into privilege, but the streets became his truth. Power, money, and influence could never quiet the chaos within him or erase the pain of a mother’s absence. Just when he thinks he’s found love, betrayal cuts deep, forcing him to question everyone and everything around him.
A’Mashay Jackson has spent her life playing a role she never asked for. Sent away and shaped into perfection, she returns home only to find herself caught in her mother’s political games. When an unexpected proposal is placed before her, walking away could cost her everything she’s been promised.
What begins as a calculated move between powerful families quickly becomes something neither Dru nor Shay anticipated. Bound by duty but drawn by an undeniable connection, they find themselves unlocking parts of each other they never knew existed. Together, they must face buried secrets, painful pasts, and the possibility that love can rise from the most unexpected places.
In a world built on power and appearances, two broken souls will learn that some bonds are impossible to break.

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2025

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Locked in was the perfect title

This is my first read by this author and I read this in one sitting .... I love a good arranged marriage and this was SOOO good. The similar upbringings Shay and Dru shared ....the family secrets... The instant attraction .... the attentiveness.. Dru didn't play about his Shay...I loved every bit of it. BUT THAT VICTORIA. OH SHE WAS TRIFLINGGGGGGGGGG

[Keisha Renny]

DNF @ 9%.

[ReadnliftwithShar · Rating 3 out of 5]

locked in 🔐

This short story was pretty good, it’s an arranged marriage between two characters who struggled with their relationships with their mothers. Dru wanted his mother’s attention and A’Mashay and her mother bumped heads so much that she was shipped off to boarding school. This is a reminder that greed and vindictive behavior never gets you to the top, because Victoria lost it all and honestly she didn’t suffer enough. I wish this book was longer and more fleshed out - there were so many things that happened so quickly, however, I did enjoy seeing Dru turn his life around.

[Deyonna Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow !

I definitely didn’t see this book going in the direction it went !! It kept my attention all the way through and was truly upset when it was over . I love me a good arranged marriage now !!

[KweenBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Timer and It Was OK

This book was a first from this author for me and while I typically love a good arranged marriage plot, this one was just OK for me. For starters, I can appreciate a sensitive thug as much as the next chic, but Dru definitely gave immature and entitled and acting out for attention from his mommy at almost 30 which definitely yucked up his yum.

Then while this may sound shallow, it's MY OPINION... Both of them were raised in affluent homes by millionaires, and part of this deal was half a million dollars for them to split - yet he gave Shay more money for groceries than he spent on her engagement ring - a ring he didn't even pay full price for because he had a "homie hookup with the jeweler" and then still only went half on because Ted paid the other half as a gift. While the ring is not the most important part of a union, him and Shay are living in a million dollar Beachfront property - that cheap ring with diamond dust didn't match their lifestyle at all.

The revelation over halfway through the book is honestly what saved it for me because although it was extremely messy it was also very unexpected so that made me sit up and want to find out what happened next. The epilouge was kinda cute too. Overall this was a 3.5 Star read for me.

[Courtney Nicol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This urban romance with an emotionally driven plot is your next read. Coming in hot, we learn to love Dru and Shay. Despite their pasts, choices made by someone else's control connect with the characters as they "lock in". With flaws and real-world issues, the characters hit harder with a strong emotional hook. Tolliver leaves you feeling love for the characters and hate for others. The spice in her character development is just right. This is an arranged marriage story done right! While you may leave wanting just a little bit more, some characters seemed under-explored, leaving the ending feeling a bit rushed. This is a strong read for a weekend read, especially if you want something that's emotionally charged but isn't long.

[Verlana Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When The Game Turns Real

Kandis, You know I love your pen. I must say this love story is so cute. It gives just enough dramato make you angry. It also is a great showing of what vindictiveness will get you. I was so glad to see true love win out over games that could have turned another way. To see a parent admit to their mistakes and want to do better made my heart swell. I think this read was not only enjoyable but it was lessons learned as well.🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[Rashonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives fanfiction energy. It involves millionaires, beachfront houses, arranged marriages, and messy drama. The story moves quickly. There was a little immaturity sprinkled in. But the tension between them kept me interested. Their chemistry hits early, and I liked that Shay and Dru were both so caring and attentive. The spice was hitting. The secrets were hitting too.
If you want a short, intense romance with twists and high emotion, it delivers.

[Tash Boogie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Locked In

Shay and Dru’s romance came with stipulations that almost caused them to miss their chance at love. Knowing that no romance isn’t complete without some drama, it was Victoria’s indispensable behavior that caused the drama. Dru became a man and husband to Shay when she needed him the most.

[Ko MAC · Rating 5 out of 5]

pinky promise

New to me author. I enjoyed this book. This was a different type of arranged marriage. Shay and Dru both dealt with mommie issues. I see they both bonded when they got to know one another. During that time secrets were revealed that ended up changing things in a major way for Shay.

[Tiffany Joynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorbs.

This was really sweet. I thought they would do a whole lot more bickering, but they fell step with each other really well. It’s nice to be protected by your spouse when your own parents don’t make you feel loved.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This particular arranged marriage story I liked!! I loved how the FMC & MMC grew through out the book. Victoria (FMC mother) got on my nerves and I was so happy when everybody put her ass on blast😂 First book to read in 2026!!

[Tia Hairston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by Kandis and I was not disappointed. If you’re a fan of arranged marriages this is definitely a book for you to pick up. Full of family drama and secrets I promise you will have a good time.

[Shonda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dru and Shay

This was a really good short story!! I loved to see Dru grow!! Shay was exactly what he needed. 5 star read!!

[Miss Read A lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

They were just the cutest. They both related so they both knew what each other needed. They were equally there for each other. Love them together.

[Keywanna Revell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keywanna Revell

Locked in

Ok I'm really excited about this one
I'm gonna say Read it

This is one my favorite Arrangement Marriages for sure ,....


Secret will come out !!!!!

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dru & Shay were too cute 🥰 Them parents were absolutely ridiculous 😐 There were definitely some things that happened that I truly didn’t see coming, which made the story that much better.