Bound to the Jerk

The Jerks of Miami Series

by Amaryllis Lanza

I’m Katrina Sanchez and I have to marry Mark Finley, the bully who made my life miserable in high school. I hate everything about Mark – his icy blue eyes, his sneering smile, his bulked-up tattooed body, his insufferable grumpiness and bossy attitude. But my dad is in real trouble and if I don’t marry Mark, Dad will lose everything.

I don’t know why Mark is insisting on this sham of a marriage, either, other than he wants to torture me for life. Well, I’m not having it. He can have me as a wife, but he can’t have my heart. He’s taken everything else, but that belongs to me.

Publisher’s Note: This contemporary romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, danger, sensual scenes, power exchange and is intended for adults only.

Genres: Contemporary, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2021

About the author

Fiery romance and suspense author Amaryllis Lanza took the road less traveled early on and has enjoyed many adventures in far flung places. She’s settled for a while in the green and rolling countryside of Northern Europe where she shares her life with her lovely husband and her frolicking cats.
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She particularly loves stories in which alpha males meet feisty females and get in all sorts of trouble but ultimately find true love. She doesn't shy away from dark themes, blazing hot and edgy scenes or complex characters. Writing has been her dream (and her compulsion) since she was a girl and she feels blessed to be able to do it professionally now that she's (mostly) an adult.

If you like your billionaire romance, jerk romance, dark romance, cowboy romance, paranormal romance or name-your-flavor of romance to have a memorable cast, a plot that surprises, scenes hot enough to melt the ice shell on Europa, with plenty of wit and sexy banter then you are her kind of people and are bound to love her fictional worlds.

When she’s not writing (and reading) racy romance, suspense, and urban fantasy Amaryllis works as a freelance journalist.
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Get in touch, seriously, or follow on social—she loves to hear from readers!

Reviews

[Beatrice · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't exactly my cup of tea as I felt there was a huge misrepresentation of BDSM and the consent that goes along with it. I also had issue with the idea that having an intact hymen was the only way to determine virignity as people can break their hymen many ways and still be a virgin. The focus on virginity throughout the book was a bit much.

The plot was certainly interesting but I was hoping to understand more about Mark's family and what exactly it is that they do, and why exactly Mark had to marry Katrina and why Roger wanted to kill him so bad. I definitely got the general gist of it but I felt like that part of the plot was brushed over and the book focused so much more on the sex between the two main characters. There were some characters, like Parker, who we knew nothing about but was mentioned a few times and then he died. There were some things about Mark, his family and what he does that confused me because there wasn't enough given to me for me to fully understand. I would have preferred for there to be a balance between the two plotlines as they were both connected to each other. 

When it came to the romance between the two MCs, I was hoping for more redemption on Mark's part and more romance between the two. I could only feel some of the sexual tension between them but I couldn't feel any actual feelings or love between them, so I was genuinely surprised when they were in love with each other all of a sudden.

Additionally, I felt like the ending was rushed and brushed over so quickly. It was like the writer wanted to tie up loose ends as fast as possible and get to the epilogue.

I did enjoy that the book was fast-paced and what kept me reading to the end was the fact that I wanted to know how Mark was going to redeem himself. However, I don't feel like he did and I found it hard to really like both of the MCs. I did like that in a genre so dominated by White characters, there was a Latina character.

Overall, some of the elements of the book did not work for me but book had some interesting moments and the fast pace helped to keep me on my toes.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it! Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of the Jerks of Miami series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Katrina is sweet, loves kids teaches them (second grade teacher), happily going on with her life until her father shows up telling her he needs help (money wise) to keep his business open and her only option is to marry the man who bullied her making life miserable (technically her father sold her to him to cover his debt owed). Mark sexy as all get out bully into to some not so clear dealings, and he needs a bride quickly why not the girl he tormented. Mark doesn’t get any easier to like because he dismisses her feelings of dislike for him due to his bullying, and his abusive ways towards her from the beginning. But not to worry Katrina is strong using animosity/hate as fuel, after the marriage she informs her father that she wants nothing more to do with him and doesn’t make it easy for Mark yet the chemistry is there and the magnetic pull is there but will she ever forgive him for making her life miserable, will she forgive her father for getting her into this mess/marriage taking her from her life of peace she created for herself. Also, she doesn’t hesitate to tell Mark how she feels about him (which is pretty much hate) but does she forgive him, will she ever forgive her father, does she eventually be happy with Mark, does Mark has any redeeming qualities and can they find happiness on this journey? (Just a note his point of view would have been nice it may have given him a leg to stand on in the likeness department as it stands he isn't a likeable man, he is mean, nasty at times still guess that is what makes the book dark (just not in a good way))

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This features an unpleasant, unappealing MMC and a brain-dead, doormat MFC. Sorry, not my fantasy so hard pass.

I'll also add that the disclaimer is not strong enough for how horribly he treats her: the non-consent, forced marriage, face-slapping, and humiliation put this squarely in the "dark" category. "Grumpiness" and "bossy" are way too benign. And nothing I read is my idea of a "sensual scene" since it's non-con and he just abandons her after, but YMMV.

I do appreciate that in a genre that's overwhelmingly white, the author depicts ethnic characters. I don't appreciate it enough, however, to finish the book or probably read anything else by this author.

[Lady Raven RAVE! · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Dark Level: 1.5/5
Sexual Level: OK
Triggers: Yes
Violence: Yes
Male: Very Intense
Series: Book 1
Pages: 150
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: No


STORY:
I loved the concept of this story. It was the blurb that pulled me to it. The first 50% of the book is intense and that’s because of Mark. He was aggressive, dark and mistreats Katrina a bit. So this will fall under dark for the dark romance lovers. The storyline doesn’t fall under blackmail, however, Katrina’s father, did trade her for marriage in exchange for funds. What makes this more interesting, Mark was also Katrina’s bully growing up. I have no issues with the dark contents of the story, as I am a lover of dark. It might bother others as there are some triggers. At one point, Mark slaps Katrina. Make no mistake though, Katrina is very spicy and is not as submissive as she tries to defy Mark when she can.

My issues, I don’t need a book to be dual POV all the time. However, I felt this story needed to be. There was good anticipation building not knowing what Mark’s intentions were, but it was frustrating not knowing his thoughts as well. The story was told from Katrina POV. Mark was so aggressive and dark, and you are not sure what to think or make of him. I guess that was a part of the mystery but still wanted a few POV for him. After the first 50% the story felt ok.


SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
I thought the sex scenes were ok. Seeing Mark’s intensity, I didn’t feel that with the sex scenes. Mark is into BDSM, he more expressed this verbally when speak to Katrina.



SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
The secondary characters were interesting, but not enough for me to want to see their own story. Maybe, john but not in a big way.


OVERALL:
Still likable read. First 50% of the book was intense mainly in regard to the way Mark’s treatment of Katrina. I still like the author’s writing style and will check out more of her work.



TRIGGERS: non con, assault


****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.

[lovelust andbloodygoodbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you soo much for sending us a copy of your first book in your new series and allowing us the privilege of exclusively revealing it to Instagram. We seriously are soo grateful.

This book is the first in the jerks of Miami series and Bound to the Jerk is one hell of an incredible read from start to finish. it's captivating with all its twists and turns. It's passion-filled and seriously HOT!!!

This story is Katrina's account of how her father failed her and sold her to her high school bully. She has a vivid collection of how she felt Mark tortured her at school and had them all calling her chicken legs but she just can't seem to let it go.

Mark is a part of a very important family who has their hands in many pots and plenty of huge secrets. his grandfather has given him the task of marrying a virgin and staying with her for two years in order for him to get his inheritance but he has a brother and plenty of enemies who want to kill his bride to be in order to prevent him from getting said inheritance. we don't get Marks side in this story but I can imagine it to be one heck of a read if this book is anything to go by.

Katrina loves reading BDSM books but can't allow herself to partake in it no matter how much her body craves submission and the pain-pleasure factor it brings. she feels shameful of herself for having those desires.

This book seriously is incredible and I will not go into much more of it because it would ruin the story. Although Katrina comes across as quite bratty you can't help but love her and want to know more of how their story unravels in order to find out more of the secrets that are hidden within the Finley family.

I absolutely loved Mark he was one hell of an alpha character and Tuck his grandfather was funny and mysterious which only adds to this story being as incredible as it is. trust me you need to get this book and now because once your in you are hooked and will be left screaming for more in this series. If I could give more than 5 I would.

My Overall Rating 5 💋💋💋💋💋
My Passion Rating 5 💋💋💋💋💋

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about this book Mark the jerk the bully the maybe shady character you don't know until the end because he keeps everything to himself even how he feels about Katrina. Katrina a smart mouth who doesn't know when to shut up and gets into way to much trouble for a school teacher she lacks basic maturity. And her tast in kink seems to be just as dark as Mark's. Mark needs a wife quickly and Katrina's gambling addicted father needs money so Katrina is the bargaining chip. So how do two people who seemingly hate each other make there marriage work well its a very bumpy road with allot of spanking.

Okay so I feel this way Mark is a little two much and for someone with BDSM needs he forgot the safety words never are they mentioned hes more about the punishment and not exploring Katrina's limits before the full on stuff she's a novice to the whole scene even if she is intrigued by it. And Katrina well she spends so much time battling Mark that it was hard to see them as a couple by the end of the book you get that picture but it still lacked chemistry it seemed more about domancy and less about them as a couple its just a dark themed BDSM read with some mystery and danger. I needed to here Mark's point of view and only got Katrina's most of Mark's friends just seem like perverted jerks themselves so it's hard for me to even like them I don't mind dark bully themed reads or even bondage I've read some stuff okay I tend to like books like this but this particular book just fell flat for me.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Ragu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound To The Jerk is the first book in the Jerks of Miami series and tells the story between Katrina, a second grade school teacher, and Mark, her former high school bully. They meet up again years later when Katrina is forced to marry Mark in order to save the family restaurant due to her dads bad business dealings and the fact that it meant the world to her deceased mother. Mark offers to pay those debts if and only if Katrina Marry’s him. Mark has a time frame he has to be married by and he has to marry a virgin if he doesn’t meet this criteria he will loose his very extensive inheritance. This is a pretty fast moving story and was a fairly quick read. Some smatterings of BDSM, Discipline in the form of spanking, danger, suspense, off the chart chemistry, stubbornness. Some darkness. Overall a good story, would recommend. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an Advance Reader's Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Sarah Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second grade schoolteacher Katrina Sanchez is absolutely horrified when her father announces that she’s going to marry Mark Finley. The same Mark Finley who made her life hell in high school. Katrina doesn’t want to marry Mark, but her father is in serious debt, and their marriage will save him. When Katrina agrees to go along with this sham of a marriage, she vows that while Mark can have her as his wife, he’ll never have her heart.

Oh my gosh, yes. I’m pretty much a sucker for anything Amaryllis Lanza writes, and I was so excited when I saw that she started a new series. This book did not disappoint! I loved Katrina, she was bold and sassy and a little hellion of a woman. As for Mark… is it bad that I thought he had a charm about him despite his arrogance? I adored this book, although be warned, it is intended for people over eighteen. 5 steamy stars!!!

[R.R. Vane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved arranged marriage stories, and this was a treat for me (It reminded me of my old Sara Craven favourites from the 90s). It is a hot, dynamic book that reads fast, written in a humorous self-ironic tone and narrated by Katrina Sanchez - a spirited second-grade teacher who initially does not want to be bound to the jerk who made her school years a nightmare. The trouble is the jerk, Mark Finley, is sexy as hell and dominant and knows only too well the heroine likes all the naughty things he does to her. This sunny Miami book put a smile on my face and brightened my weekend. I particularly enjoyed the hilarious chapter titles as well as the Spanish bits of dialogue - the clever, lively switch from English to Spanish which made me really pay attention to the voices and shades of meaning in this story.

[Ann Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Bound To The Jerk' by Amaryllis Lanza is the first book in her Jerks of Miami series and tells the story between Katrina, a second grade school teacher, and Mark, her former high school bully. Her father is in debt and Mark offers to pay the debt if Katrina marries him, but she must be a virgin.

Ms. Lanza has written an interesting book with compelling characters and good world descriptors. However, it took a little while to to get into the book and the relationship between Katrina and Mark seems a bit forced at times. This book is very dark and may have some triggers for people. I did enjoy the book, after I got into it. Hopefully, the next one will be faster paced.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Swivel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses Buch ist einfach super! Amaryllis Lanza erzählt die Liebesgeschichte von Katrina und Mark. Vor allem Katrina war mir gleich von Anfang an sehr sympathisch. Wie in jeder guten Enemies-to-Lovers-Story streiten die beiden sehr viel und schenken sich nichts. Mark ist sehr dominant und weiß Katrina in ihre Schranken zu weisen, was dieser, auch wenn sie es sich nicht eingestehen will, sehr gut gefällt. Die Geschichte ist humorvoll, spannend, romantisch und hat viele erotische BDSM-Szenen, die meiner Meinung nach aber nicht zu intensiv sind.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrinas father is in debt and needs money quick, his only choice seems to be in the hands of her high school bully Mark. Katrinas nightmares come all at once with Mark dark ways, but what is in it for him? the story line holds your attention, though its all Katrinas thoughts (would be interesting to have had Marks POV on occasion to better understand his character) its a darkish intense themed read with twists and turns aplenty.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound to the Jerk was my first book by Amaryllis Lanza. Katrina is forced to marry Mark, the guy who tormented her all through school. Thanks to her dad's debts she has to give herself to Mark Finley. Mark has his own reasons for needing to marry Katrina. If he doesn't marry a virgin, he will lose his vast inheritance. This book will grab you and not let go with all the twists and turn throughout the story. Its also book one in the Jerks of Miami series. Be aware of possible triggers but still an amazing read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure at first what to make of this story. Katrina seemed “good” and Mark seemed “bad” but the story shows how everything isn’t as it seems. Katrina was holding onto past hurts and was further willfully trying to deny her needs. Mark kept a lot secret or was so cryptic when he did give her information that it was easy for her to be stubborn and to flail around and cause problems. But time and events served to bring them together. A good story of growth and change.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Syd Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
This was my first book by Amaryllis Lanza and I'm intrigued enough to come back for more. I thought that this was an ok book. I really liked the first half of the book and the darkness that came from Mark but I kind of wish we had his POV at times. Katrina was feisty and I really enjoyed her as a character.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that Katrina and Mark were both interesting and I enjoyed reading their story. Katrina is forced to marry Mark because of her father and Mark is marrying Katrina to secure his inheritance. I thought this book had the right amount going on to keep me reading to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bridget Blackwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark arranged marriage plot between a couple who knew each other briefly as kids. They are enemies who become lovers after a lot of putting each other through hell. His family has more secrets than you can shake a stick at and she's a bit reckless around obviously dangerous people. A closet brat indeed of a strong dom. Boy does she find one too, lol

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Antonella - Happy Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bully love-hate story.
by Happy-Girl

Katrina and Mark have a past: he's the boy who bullied her in High School. Now she has to marry him because he needs an acceptable wife, and her father owes him!
It seems such a cruel and shady situation, there are mysteries and lots of unspoken truths.
Mark is bossy, grumpy and hot in a dark way, and in the end there is a HEA to discover!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosario Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrina and Mark’s story is actually very funny. Told from her point of view, you just know she’s got some things a little bit skewed, but well… then. Mark is funny, so is his grandfather, Tuck. It was a great read. Recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book though it is a little on the rough side, however it also is about forgiveness. He teased her horribly in high school and she has never forgiven him. Now she has to marry him to save his father.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

A cracking read - this book is a real roller coaster ride that twists and turns throughout. I loved both Mark and Katrina, she is feisty as all get out, and really enjoyed their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, riveting read. Deliciously dark and dangerous. Great characters, well written storyline. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Mark & Katrina's book. It was an intriguing book. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind, and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading, I could not put it down until I read the last page.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/14/2022)! 🎁

[Vina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Most annoying heroine in the world!! Her whining gave me headaches .. couldn’t finish

[Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hated the heroine for not fighting back. And I couldn't bring myself to like Mark.
Their whole relationship felt so forced 😐