Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Unfortunately Francine

Rate this book
Georgia, 1995–A gentle push from her sister causes Francine Adams to agree to one date with the handsome, Jalal Dorsey. When his ex-girlfriend makes an appearance, a perfect evening takes a turn for the worse. Blinded by humiliation and desperate to put distance between herself and the drama, Francine flees the upscale eatery. Unfamiliar with Atlanta, she wanders down a dark side street and encounters a series of unfortunate events. Troy Bryant has spent seven years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Upon his release, he realizes the man he was before prison is gone. Now, he’s everything he was wrongfully accused of. After witnessing a young woman running from a restaurant in the heart of Atlanta, Troy follows her hasty retreat down an unlit side street, forever changing the course of both their lives. Troy decides to keep her–no matter the cost, and Francine is forced to need the man who stole her from her life. Two souls collide, and a dark romance begins to bloom. Unfortunately Francine spins an erotic tale of anger, love and acceptance.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2019

150 people are currently reading
459 people want to read

About the author

Joan Vassar

15 books171 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
298 (63%)
4 stars
120 (25%)
3 stars
42 (8%)
2 stars
6 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for Rashawnda.
1,391 reviews1,148 followers
February 2, 2023
SENSATIONAL!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽That’s the only way I can describe what I just listened to! Have you ever read/listened to a book that you want to tell every minute detail about but also want to just be like 🗣️GO READ THE BOOK?! Yeah that’s what this was. I want to tell y’all all about how Frankie and Troy made me fall in love with a story where most would be like girl whet 😒….🤣🤣🤣 All Frankie wanted was love and sis definitely got it just not in the way she thought she would. Sis was on a date giving Jalal a chance to woo her and all went well until his girlfriend showed up to the restaurant!! 🐸 🍵 Talk about embarrassing…. Frankie couldn’t high tail it out if that restaurant quick enough. As if she thought things couldn’t get any worse the universe was like 🗣️HOLD MY BEER!! Things went left and QUICK!!! Troy was newly released from prison for a crime he didn’t commit and the events surrounding him imprisonment turned him cold blooded!! Gone was the man everyone knew before his incarceration! Troy was intense and I loved every minute of it!!! The way he would ask Frankie for her goodies sent me up the river like baby Moses 🤣🤣🤣 This book was dark, erotic, romantic and suspenseful. Do yourself a favor and download this audiobook NOW!! Nicole Smalls and Jakobi have proved once again why they are the one and not the two!! The skill and the way they brought these characters to life should be a sin. So so good!!!!!! Next book me ASAP!!
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,068 reviews317 followers
November 22, 2024
This was a interesting read on Stockholms syndrome.
Profile Image for JBucky.
465 reviews32 followers
November 24, 2024
"In life, he couldn’t let her go–but in death, there were no choices to make."

WHAT A BOOOKKKKKKKK!!! This book truly had me SAT! I have so many thoughts, especially about the end. Without giving to much away & to keep it short, I will say that although their meeting was beyond unconventional, I found myself really rooting for Ernest & Francine!!!!

The audiobook, TOP TIER!!!
Profile Image for Butterbean.
185 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2022
I enjoyed the crime story that unfolded from the middle of the book. However, I was bothered by the fact that it was never explained why Levi, an attorney, suggested that Troy, an exonerated inmate and activist, should either kill or marry Francine after Troy rescued her from being raped and murdered by two goons. Why not get the police? The battered victim was alive to tell them that Troy shot the men to save her. The goons weren't people of means that would be a threat to Troy and his crew. There was ABSOLUTELY NO REASON for them to kidnap Francine and it only made their marriage look shady and questionable to Francine's family and the media. If anything, Troy would probably have been more endearing to the media had they documented his heroic act. I was about to quit this book midway while it introduced more characters and had Troy brooding through his ridiculous marriage until we were introduced to the headstrong Shirley Jenkins and her imprisoned son and was given a proper storyline. Although I had my issues with this book, I'm curious to see what is going to happen in the next book.
Profile Image for Lette Reads.
250 reviews71 followers
January 27, 2023
I could have finished this audiobook before now but I didn’t want it to end so I stretched it out 😂😂.

I can’t even put into words what I just listened to. The only thing I can come up with is literary masterpiece! This book was perfectly written and narrated!!! Joan Vassar is unbelievably great at this. This book covered several topics perfectly: dark romance, crime, social issues and more. I never thought I could love dark romance so much. I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,417 reviews155 followers
July 31, 2024
Captured by love

This was a ntma. I enjoyed her layered story telling and writing style.

When Troy saw Francine retreating from a bad date. His only thought was ...mine. He knew that she would be his...willingly or unwillingly. Francine had a bad damn day and she realized it wasn't getting any better when Troy crossed her path.

Troy was so complicated. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to love him or hate him. Ultimately I landed somewhere in between. Life had been unfair to him and he was doing his best to get back pieces of his life...until Francine. He was drawn to her and he refused to let her go. I felt like sir 😒 do we need to go this extreme?? Lol. Francine let her guard down and realized that despite their initial meeting, she was oddly attracted to him. Over time the need for each other was so prevalent that neither of them could see life without the other.

In the midst of this budding love story there was so much drama going on. I'm talking issue after issue and I did not have anything figured out at all.
I loved the original take on this trope. I appreciated the layering of the plot and the growth of the characters. I can't wait to read Akeel and Levi's stories.
Profile Image for Antoinette (_literaryaura_).
443 reviews93 followers
August 10, 2023
Audiobook listen

All I have to say is I wasn’t ready!!! Even though I read the synopsis, I somehow missed that this was a dark romance. I don’t know what I went in expecting but it’s definitely not what I got. It had me reaching out to one of my book besties like “please tell me that this is not some sick cringey story.” She reassured me that it wasn’t and told me that the main male character, Troy was “layered”and that I would fall in love with him. Well @Lette Reads, I DID NOT fall in love with Troy but I did end up liking him. 😂 Sis, what kind of sick, cringey, stalker, psychopath, Stockholm Syndrome ish you done recommended that I couldn’t put down? I was caught up at the prologue, my mouth wide open and me reaching out again like I don’t know about this. This is definitely a ride you want to get on. There were so many twists and turns and unexpectedness. I was so disappointed to come to the end and can’t wait to continue on with the next installment. A must read, especially if you like dark romance.
Profile Image for Talia.
12 reviews
January 17, 2026
Unfortunately Francine By Joan Vassar Review

I just finished reading Unfortunately Francine By Joan Vassar. To every reader who is thinking about passing up this novel: DON’T DO IT! This book is a literary gem. The novel is an amalgamation of so many genres of literature: romance, mystery, crime, philosophy, and history. The novel is complex, thought provoking, well written and a wild ride that leaves the reader wanting more.

Joan Vassar’s literary style is unique. Unfortunately Francine is categorized as a Dark romance, yet it is so much more. The relationship between Troy and Francine is so elaborately convoluted, like all human relationships are! Also, the love scenes are fire!🔥 There are elements of mystery and crime: Who murdered who? Will this one get away with it? Where do they discard the ever growing amount of dead bodies? There is an philosophical exploration into the working life and mind of Black people. It explores and sheds light on the harsh reality of being Black in America. Lastly, this novel all takes place in 1995 Atlanta, Georgia. While set in the past, the novel focuses on themes that are still happening today.

Vassar continues to give her readers a variety of characters that are familiar, yet, devastatingly nuanced and surprising. Her characters are real, period. They are made up of contradictory actions and emotions that are ultimately human. Unfortunately Francine’s characters are no exception. Troy, Francine, and many other characters in the novel are acting out of pure self preservation and pain. The characters’ actions are unexpected, yet understandable. As stated above, Troy and Francine’s relationship is so elaborately convoluted, because as a reader I wanted to pigeon hold their story to a conventional plot line. I wanted Troy to be all bad and Francine to be all good. In Joan’s novels, as in real life, that does not work! Their relationship is messy and confusing, which makes the book hard to put down.

Overall, Unfortunately Francine is a novel for true readers. The tug of war that happens with trying to predict the outcome of the book, while the author continues to provide exquisite twist and turns, will leave you mentally exhausted. By the middle of the book, you will just surrender to the ride that Joan has you on! It is about that time that you see why Joan Vassar is a true literary artist. You love the bad guy and are hoping a crazy relationship continues. Unfortunately Francine is not to be missed. I’m reading it again next week!
Profile Image for Jaliesa.
183 reviews13 followers
November 20, 2024
JOAN don’t miss at this point . Unfortunately Francine you and Troy are Alluring . I’m sold.☺️

This past week I been wrapped up in Joan and what an amazing journey it’s been. Unfortunately Francine was yet another banger from her . This book was just so spectacular, I honestly did not know what to expect but the more I dived in the more mystery , suspense it got and I was investigating, solving just like them. I like the story took place in the nineties and being from Georgia I knew every , street ,
Town, City that was describe and I really enjoyed that.

Troy & Francine how they got definitely was unorthodox but abducted turned love story be having me STUCK . I was here for it ( the moment she was rescued ) and how he was with her even though he was the captor ( slick)! she really had him captive, the passion , emotion, chemistry through the roof . Down bad!


Idk when we are getting Part II but I am ready! I love that fact he was a silent activist and Hassan , Levi , butch ,Akeel , Jennifer & Monica , was a great addition as well. The fight to get justice was to real and it made me want to keep reading that much more . Their story was moving! I said MUST READ why not! 😉
Profile Image for Tina.
121 reviews14 followers
July 6, 2021
Take Me Too

I wasn't looking forward to reading this book. I didn't know what to expect. Once I started reading, I was quickly drawn into the story. Troy was a villain in every since of the word. He loved Francine and she came to love him in spite of the way they met. This love story was very unique and unconventional. I was mad at myself for rooting for Troy. With every thing that I knew about Troy I was supposed to hate him. The author somehow makes this villain likable and even lovable. His swag and sex appeal dripped off of the pages. I wanted him to take me too. The sex scenes were very well written. I felt like I was literally there with them lol.
The author also used her platform to acknowledge the way black men are often treated by the media and the justice system. This was a love story, murder mystery and so much more. You won't be disappointed.
EyeCU Approved and Recommended
Profile Image for Markisha.
156 reviews
June 3, 2022
I really wanted to love this book especially after all the hype I was seeing on TikTok but I didn’t. There is a lot going on in this book, the main plot then side plots and it was just kind of a mess for me. I felt it was totally unnecessary for Troy to even take Francine to begin with, he could have easily reported the crime and it would have worked out in his favor. I understand why he would be reluctant to call the police BUT I would equally argue that if it’s a choice between trusting the police or committing another crime that would land you in jail you would call the police. Especially when the victim was alive and well. Anyway it was just a bit all over the place for me. Also I think part of the issue is I listened to it on audio and it was weird to have dual narrators but the story is written in 3rd person. I would have DNFd this one but by the time I realized it was a mess I was too far in and had already invested so much time. Sadly I’m gonna pass on the sequel.
Profile Image for Earon Randle.
27 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2021
Phenomenal

Ms.Vassar has once again hit it out the park with this tale of black love. This is definitely not your typical love story but at its raw core it is developmental love. Enjoy the ride as she beautifully unravels this storyline and introduce you to some complex characters.
Profile Image for Pamela  qp_reads.
128 reviews38 followers
April 17, 2022
JOAN VASSAR!!!!! My first time experiencing my fellow Q-Boro denzien’s excellence with a pen. I found myself surprised, entertained, amused, and gobsmacked (A LOT!). Ms. Joan spent time talking with the Black Romance Book Club (@theblackromancebookclub)and by the time she left all of us joined her FB Group, The Fort.

‘Another One’ *DJ Khaled voice* - Read. This. Book!!!
Profile Image for Monae Nicole.
Author 76 books191 followers
May 29, 2023
Great read

I didn't know what to expect going into this book. I thought it was going to be one thing, but it was so much more. The twist and turns had me completely invested in the story.
Profile Image for JazzReads .
1,078 reviews32 followers
January 13, 2025
good read

I enjoyed this book along side the audiobook book. This book is my first read by this author and I look forward to reading more books by her. I felt bad for Francine because she went through do much in this book. Her relationship with Troy was so unconditional. Overall I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Ronnie Renee.
230 reviews
December 17, 2024
I decided to give this book a second chance by listening to the audio and I'm so glad I did because it was really a good story with crazy ass alpha men that say things like "mine, Francine." Lol Troy was crazy!
Profile Image for Kelly Kel.
11 reviews
January 12, 2025
Good book but I do have some thoughts. I am very used to dark romance but the way this book was written was much more mature and sensual than other dark romance books I have read. The romance between Francine and Troy was very captivating and I was rooting for them to have a good relationship from the very beginning.

The book also had very suspenseful parts to it and the second plot line aside from the romance that were interesting. I will say there were some things that didn’t really need to be in the book and felt it was kind of irrelevant to the story.

I also feel like the first half of the book and second half of the book are a bit disconnected. The second half of the book there were so many other plot lines and characters that make it a bit confusing to follow. And I feel like it started to stray away a bit from the “dark romance” category and more into just a suspense/crime novel. Additionally, I know that they are setting up Akeel’s book, but the way Francine and Troy story ended a bit abruptly left me a bit lost. I wish they wrapped up their story together. But I know they’ll probably be mentioned a bit more in the next book.
Profile Image for sometimesrobinreads.
116 reviews389 followers
April 1, 2023
I read this book last year and loved it so when I realized it had an audiobook with dual narration, I knew I needed to listen to it.

Unfortunately Francine is one of those books where it ain't for everybody but it's for me! It is not your typical love story. It is literally described as a dark romance in the synopsis.

I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more, on the second go around. Joan Vassar has a way of reeling you in and holding you hostage (see what I did there lol) with her words. Troy was a complicated man caught in between wanting to save a woman in distress but also not wanting to let her go. At times he felt like a borderline bully but in the way that only Troy could, he checked himself so that he could become someone Francine could learn to trust.

I think Vassar did a great job at laying the groundwork for this series. I can't wait to see what's next.
Profile Image for Lisette.
614 reviews43 followers
July 9, 2021
FanFreakinTastic!
This book is beyond amazing. There are so many moving parts to it. I started off reading but when #Jakobi and #NicoleSmall hit the audio I listened and Babbbbbbyyyyyy!
Whew!
I don't know what to address first.
Joan Vassar is brilliant. I am not just saying this because she is one of the sweetest, most humble, incredibly intelligent and all things Black Excellence! Her writing takes you on a journey. You become submerged in her storytelling. You feel. You learn. You love. Francine and Ernest were made for one another.
Before he saw her, he felt her. They were meant.
There is so much to this story outside of the love that these 2 shared.
Do yourself a favor and read it or listen to it. Either or. You will not regret it.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,557 reviews13 followers
August 26, 2023
Audio - Jakobi!

This is a hard book to review. It was all over the place for me. When I run into this, I find it’s better to say what I did and didn’t like. So here goes:

I didn’t like:
1. There were four books within the story. I’m not sure the meaning of that but it was seriously drawn out for me. Maybe it should have been a series.
2. Two many levels of drama.
3. Too many side character and relationships.
4. Too many villains.
5. Weak heroine.

I liked:
1. Jacobi. Would have stopped reading otherwise.
2. Author hit on key issues within black community.
3. Action packed.

I’ll go with a solid 3.
Profile Image for Royath Cutwright.
19 reviews
March 26, 2024
I found this book to be rather offensive myself. It had very controlling males controlling very weak females. The biggest issue for me is the fact that Francine fell in love with her kidnapper, showing some psyc vibes to me. I did read the whole book as I was too far in to stop, but it was painful reading this, to say the least. Although it did address some serious issues, this is why a rated it a 2 star , the above took away from those issues. Have no desire to continue with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Goddess’ Smut Library &#x1fa77;.
502 reviews23 followers
December 14, 2024
I really enjoyed the first half of the book but then by the second half it got really confusing because it went into like a whole different storyline. The book is basically Stockholm syndrome romance, the FMC I guess you could just say she’s young and naïve and they made it seem like the MMC was 50 years old and in reality he was only 34 not for nothing I did like their chemistry, but then the book ends on a cliffhanger and it doesn’t make any sense why they added in all this backstory mumbo-jumbo.
Profile Image for Evie.
86 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2021
**Audiobook Review**

Story - 5 Stars
Narration - 5 Stars

This book is soo good. I don't have words for how impeccable Joan Vassar's writing is. This is a dark romance yet a beautiful love story that deals with some complex issues. The narration for this book is outstanding! Jakobi and Nicole Small did an amazing job with the tone and pacing of book.
Profile Image for isasssswrld.
27 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2024
6⭐️: Very detailed explanation of the appearance of the characters, the emotions they were feeling, the rooms they were in, etc. The author really set the scenes and I followed all the way through. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author and can’t wait for this series to continue.
Profile Image for Meekilovesbooks .
370 reviews9 followers
July 24, 2023
This was definitely a 5 star read to me. The characters felt so real, and the storyline was amazing. And oh the spice, was superb.
86 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2019
After reading the "Black" Series I just didn't know if Ms. Vassar was going to be able to keep up that same momentum. Well, I'm here to tell you, she came through! Once I got started I found myself saying one more chapter until I reached the end. Once at the end, I was saying its over already! If you're looking for a great read, this is one you'll want to pick up. Ms. Vassar definitely brought her "A" game as, this book will have you falling in love with the villain.

EyeCU APPROVED
Profile Image for Angela S.
298 reviews7 followers
August 2, 2019
Speechless

I tried to read other works by this author but perhaps I was not in the right mindset at the time to complete the book. I

Then enters Unfortunately Francine and it changed my reading mentality immediately! OMG, Troy/Ernest, Francine, Levi, Jennifer, the twists, turns, plots, betrayals, the 3 degrees of separation on either side of each character has me at every turn.

Never have I ever read a masterpiece like this one! Joan Vassar, you are the bees knees lady! When is 2 coming?
Profile Image for TheReaderVert .
817 reviews32 followers
November 17, 2024
2 Stories in 1

This book is an odd mixture. I loved it, and the writing is so strong with crystal clear characters, but there are times that the romance drags. It should be fun, but it isn't at times. The 3rd person drags down the story. Steam is good but far in between. The dark menacing bully promises made sorta don't happen.

Genre
It's a good story, but is it a good dark romance story? It has all of the elements, but sometimes I felt the setup to scenes and situations took too much, leaving the romance void. Part 1 is a slow build-up of a romance, while Part 2 focuses on social justice cases. It's disjointed feel shifts everything.

Promises, Promises
Again, promises of hand necklace moments, spanking, and rough sex slowly disappiates. Troy promises dominance in the bedroom. It's kind of there. Troy says she'll like the pain with pleasure. It never really happens. Troy says he likes her fear. That's more of a lie. As a good story that is the social justice topic of police corruption, I was enthralled. As a dark romance, I was a little bored.

Character in Action
Francine doesn't really change in the story. She's a flatline. Troy does shift and grow, but that bully meance just becomes a big ole softie. It's not fun if you want dark romance. But it's nice if you wanted an urban thriller whodunit
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.