TRAPPED: Barred Hearts Series

by Marie Umbra

SHE DOESN’T BELONG IN HIS WORLD, BUT HER LIGHT IS THE ONLY ONE HIS DARKNESS BOWS TO.

Amber is a new correctional nurse. This job was supposed to be medications, charts, and clinical detachment. Instead, she finds herself under the stare of Tyler, a convict with danger inked on his skin and a look more lethal than his hands.



He’s the one she can’t ignore…
And the one she’s forbidden to want.



When a riot erupts, Tyler doesn’t just stand between Amber and the violence, but wields it on anyone who dares to threaten her. There’s no turning back once his hands are bloodied, and nothing will stop his obsession.

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 14, 2026

Reviews

[iky reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an addictive read! From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The prison setting added this gritty, dangerous edge that made every interaction between the MMC and FMC sizzle with tension. He’s got that irresistible touch her and die energy that makes your pulse race, while she’s a curvy, confident nurse who can’t quite get him out of her head (and honestly, who could?).

The pacing was perfection — fast, fierce, and full of heat. There’s action, forbidden desire, and just the right amount of spice to keep you glued to the page. The chemistry between them practically burns through the book!

Beautifully written, steamy, and packed with emotion — this one’s a total win for me. Highly recommend if you love dark, dangerous men and the women bold enough to face them.

I read this as an ARC and am leaving my honest review.

[Sabrina Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may be a short read but it has more character development than some full length novels. I was surprised to find myself enjoying more than one character dynamic here.
Tyler is an amazing MMC and his bad boy personality along with his protective nature just screams hot and dreamy. Then he gets to put both of those traits to the test when there is a prison riot and Amber is in danger. I was on the edge of my couch the whole time as there are some pretty tense moments. In between those tense moments are some pretty steamy moments that are quite enjoyable and leaves us wanting more.
The author leaves us sated and gives us a very happy ending

[Perdita The Reada · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, fun read! Plenty of action and plot crammed with the perfect amount of spice. My only complaint is not being able to get enough of Amber (curvy nurse FMC) and Tyler (brooding “touch her and die” prisoner MMC)!

[Brianne Hersey · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review,

First I will say that I absolutely loved that Amber was described as chubby and not a "perfect female body". Secondly, Tyler is the man that every women dreams about, he portrays the essence of duality of man.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid, Visceral, and Volatile: A Dark Romance Masterclass
​Trapped by Marie Umbra is an absolute masterclass in high-stakes, forbidden romance. The story follows Amber, a correctional nurse whose clinical detachment shatters the moment she encounters Tyler, a convict whose dangerous reputation is etched into his very skin. Their dynamic is perfectly encapsulated by the novel’s haunting theme: She doesn’t belong in his world, but her light is the only one his darkness bows to.
​The narrative tension reaches a fever pitch during a harrowing prison riot—a definitive scene that is as unforgettable as it is brutal. Tyler’s protective instincts are savage and all-consuming; he wields violence as a shield, and once his hands are bloodied in Amber’s defense, his fixation transforms into an unstoppable obsession.
​Though a quick read, Trapped is impossible to put down. Umbra masterfully utilizes alternating points of view to plunge the reader into a full spectrum of emotion—from the thrilling rush of burning lust to the raw depths of anger and fear.
​If you crave an addictive, emotionally charged, and fiercely possessive love story, clear your schedule and grab your copy of Trapped immediately.
⚠️ Content Note: This is an intense, high-heat dark romance. Please consult the trigger warnings before diving in, as the themes are mature and visceral.

[Maureen Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Trapped by Marie Umbra — 5 Stars

This was my first time reading Marie Umbra, and I was genuinely impressed. The writing style is smooth, easy, and addictive right from the start. For a short story, the pacing was spot on — a quick, engaging read that never felt rushed or lacking.

The prison setting added such a great layer of tension to the story. Amber is a nurse and Tyler is a convict, and their attraction is completely forbidden, which made every interaction feel charged. Their chemistry and desire were undeniable from the beginning.

I really enjoyed both main characters. Amber was easy to connect with, and Tyler had strong touch-her-and-die, obsessive and protective vibes that made him impossible not to root for. Together, they pulled me in fast.

The angst was present and very well written, adding just the right emotional weight without overwhelming the story.

I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and will definitely read more from this author.

Thank you for the ARC!

[Johnnya Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nurse having a crush on a hot inmate and being protected by him during a prison riot 🤭 didn’t know I would eat up this book like nothing. Amber’s internal struggle of professionalism, morals and integrity was so relatable because who would fall for a hot inmate that is a convicted murderer? But I’m glad to see she wasn’t too naïve about her workplace and the dangers she was constantly in. I just kinda hate how right she was when she gave the guards warnings. And sooo much happened in this short story that I’m surprised that it was just under 200 pages. The drama, the fights, and the near death scenes felt like this happened for days but it was only a few hours if anything in the story.
And thank goodness for the ending because the climax had me on a rollercoaster. Oh and the spicy 🥵 oooh NASTY 😏 but in a good way !

[Samara Hepplewhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review

This was such a great read — I absolutely loved it from start to finish. Even as a shorter book, it grabbed my attention immediately and held it the entire way through. The pacing was tight, the writing flowed beautifully, and the overall storyline was genuinely captivating.

What really stood out to me was how quickly I connected with the characters. Despite the shorter length, they felt well developed and emotionally engaging, which made the story hit even harder. I found myself invested in their journey far more than I expected.

Overall, this is an excellent book with heart, tension, and some sexy written moments. It may be a quick read, but it leaves a strong impression. A well-deserved five stars

[Stephanie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED from beginning to end!! The build-up of the scene and getting to know the characters...getting immersed in their day-to-day lives until BOOM!!
The climax drops and you're immediately pulled into the chaos, the hate, the hunt, and the raw intense passion all swirling around both Tyler (MMC) and Amber (FMC)...

Finished in under two and a half days, I was immediately drawn in and addicted...
The suspense and drama are undeniably exciting and the spice between Tyler and Amber is beyond PERFECT!!

Definitely a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ read and an absolute new favorite!! Can't wait for the series to continue!!

🥰❤️📖❤️‍🔥📖❤️🥰

[Sabrina McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A binge worthy fast read that pulled me in to the very last word. Characters in this book have depth and are diverse. Amber is a flirty full figure nurse while Tyler is a a dark fantasy that gives "touch her and you die vibes."

If you like romance that is dark or a little taboo, this book is for you. The spicy scenes are well written and add to the plot. The balance was great. I devoured Amber and Tyler's story in one setting.

I received an advance reader copy of this book, but this review is my own opinion. I can't wait to read more of Marie Umbra's work.

[Nicole Mott · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say I devoured this book, boy did I! It was a fun quick read, full of emotions. It had plot and spice. I loved the chemistry between the MMC and the FMC. And as someone on the chubbier side, I loved reading a story where the FMC was curvy and had a little belly. This book gets published the day after my birthday and I will 100% be buying myself a copy as a birthday gift for my overflowing bookshelf! I can't wait to recommend this to all my fellow book girls!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooooooo good I finished it in a matter of a few hours. I couldn’t put it down. It had me all over the place. The spice level was good, the twist and turns had me in the edge of my seat, I seriously couldn’t put it down. Very well written. Makes you realize how scary it can be to work in a prison. The way Tyler protects her and how he ruled it was hot. The way jack annoyed Tyler was comical. This book is a must read!

[Lauren Setford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was overly excited to read this arc!

In the words of the inmates we follow a ‘tubby’ FMC and a prisoner smut reading MMC.

Amber, Tyler, yearning, tension drama and grey sweat pants.. what is there not to love!🥵

The cell scene.. hot damn.. Someone lock me in a cell with Tyler.. thank you!

This may be a novella in size but it packs a mighty punch!

The ending just kicked me in the feels!
If you need a rounded off darker side quick smut read.. this is definitely worth the time

[Sheila E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first prison romance and I LOVED IT. I was so impressed with the story line, characters, and the pacing of the story itself. I went in thinking it was going to be all spice/no plot and I was SO WRONG. The spice was fantastic but the story would have still been amazing without it which surprised me.

Absolutely loved it and will be reading more from this author!

Overall: 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Spice: 4/5

[Stephanie Hennig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!
It’s shorter than what I usually read, but it is not lacking in any way.
I love the chemistry between the characters, the depth of them, and the Spice.
I fell for the MMC immediately.
The setting is believable and interesting.
The ease and flow of the book is refreshing.
Can’t wait for more!

[Stephanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how everyone says don’t fall in love with a murderer??? Well Tyler Rexha is the exception! ❤️ this book was AMAZING! I couldn’t put it down and I absolutely think EVERYONE should add it to their tbr and read! Read the trigger warnings before hand but it really is done so spicy and yet tasteful! I can’t wait for this to come out and add it to my bookshelves! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Thresa Charland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped - barred hearts seriers..
Amazing book ..its starts out retelling about there lives an them bang it all hits the drama the excitement an the spice bam all right there Tyler an Amber are amazing together..please read your Trigger warnings otherwise thank you Marie Umbra for letting me be part of ur team an cant wait for for rest of the seriers ..definitely be getting physical copies

[Heather H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2 hours. Fast-read characters were well developed. MMC and FMC had great chemistry. The plot was good and it was fast moving due to the length of the book. I would love to see a longer book and hopefully in the future there will be more books like this. Great read for short trips or extended lunch breaks.

[Bookktrovertedd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie Umbra’s Trapped throws readers straight into the kind of forbidden, high-voltage romance that thrives on tension, danger, and the constant sense that everything could explode at any moment. If you love morally gray love interests, high-stakes settings, and slow-burn tension soaked in desire, this book delivers exactly that.

[L.A. Boldrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a Beta reader for this novella and I could not put it down! I think I read it all in one sitting! It had great banter and spice! I love Tyler, he is my book boyfriend and I don't really want to share him.

[Mel Ronning · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some interesting plots in this book. I loved the prison riot and really wished there could have been more to it. I felt like the book was rushed and would have been so much better if it was longer.

[Morgen Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Marie Umbra read and i'll be back!

Loved this book, it's hard for an author to make you care for characters in such a short book but Marie does it. I was hooked from page 1 and I didn't want it to end.

[Teddi Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was short but had me on the edge of my seat almost holing my breath thru the adventure. And of course I love that the FMC was
Actually curvy not just small but “with curves”. Prison is a scary place.

[Tammy Bradberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically do not read the trigger warnings, but I’m so glad I did as I was locked in from there. This book is a fast-paced read packing a lot of emotions, tense situations, and steamy scenes in a short amount of time. Definitely recommend! Sometimes all you need is a quickie!

[Cassie Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review-I really enjoyed Tyler and Ambers story! She is a nurse working at a prison and he’s a prisoner. This was a short and quick read that ended with plenty of spice and a HEA! Highly recommend this one!

[Amanda Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, was this a fun read!! It started off great and it just kept going!!! Loved that it was short and easy to read, but i need more!!!!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first inmate/non inmate romance I’ve read but it’s DEFINITELY a trope I like. If tall, dark, and dangerously hot is your type, Tyler Rexha is your hype.

[Susan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book! It is a dark romance so check the trigger warnings!

[Elizabeth Stegman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd give this more than 5 stars if I could. I was hooked from the Menu - I mean Trigger Warnings. I DEVOURED this book and loved every second of it. I felt like I was there. I want more. 😭
If you enjoy dark and twisty, read this and you won't regret it.
🌟ARC 🌟