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Retribution #1
Branded
She's a woman about to break…
Nicole Camden thinks she's hidden her stained childhood until she's brought in for questioning for a crime she didn't commit. All evidence points to her, and she's branded a thief. Now, she's fighting to stay out of prison long enough to prove her innocence.
He's the man intent on breaking her…
Financial analyst by day and underground vigilante by night, Xander Secrist is determined to bring the woman who heisted ten million dollars to justice. The fact that her thieving father was instrumental in his father's death will make busting her all the sweeter. He plans to get close enough so she'll confide her secrets and fall into the perfect trap.
Their lives shatter…
Nicole is thrilled when Xander enters her life and wants to bring the true thief to justice. She quickly falls for her handsome and kind hero, leaving Xander trapped in an impossible situation. Nicole doesn't appear to be the calculating criminal he expected. She's sweet and sexy, leaving him torn. He wants her pay for her crimes, but more than that, he wants her. If she can't find a way to clear her name, she'll end up in prison, taking his heart with her
Nicole Camden thinks she's hidden her stained childhood until she's brought in for questioning for a crime she didn't commit. All evidence points to her, and she's branded a thief. Now, she's fighting to stay out of prison long enough to prove her innocence.
He's the man intent on breaking her…
Financial analyst by day and underground vigilante by night, Xander Secrist is determined to bring the woman who heisted ten million dollars to justice. The fact that her thieving father was instrumental in his father's death will make busting her all the sweeter. He plans to get close enough so she'll confide her secrets and fall into the perfect trap.
Their lives shatter…
Nicole is thrilled when Xander enters her life and wants to bring the true thief to justice. She quickly falls for her handsome and kind hero, leaving Xander trapped in an impossible situation. Nicole doesn't appear to be the calculating criminal he expected. She's sweet and sexy, leaving him torn. He wants her pay for her crimes, but more than that, he wants her. If she can't find a way to clear her name, she'll end up in prison, taking his heart with her
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2013
67 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Stark
99 books244 followersCindy Stark lives with her family and a sweet Border Collie in a small town shadowed by the Rocky Mountains. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romances, and she loves to hear from readers.
Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
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Lend it: Her e-books are lending-enabled, so please share them with a friend.
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Review it: Please tell others you liked her books by reviewing it at Amazon or Goodreads. If you do write a review, please send her an email at CindyStark19@gmail.com so she can thank you with a personal email, or drop her a line at http://www.CindyStark.com.
Thank you!
Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
http://facebook.com/CindyStark19
http://twitter.com/CindyStark19
If you enjoyed reading her books, she would appreciate it if you would help others enjoy her books, too.
Lend it: Her e-books are lending-enabled, so please share them with a friend.
Recommend it: Please help other readers find her books by recommending them to friends, readers’ groups, and discussion boards.
Review it: Please tell others you liked her books by reviewing it at Amazon or Goodreads. If you do write a review, please send her an email at CindyStark19@gmail.com so she can thank you with a personal email, or drop her a line at http://www.CindyStark.com.
Thank you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 17, 2013
This is an enjoyable, if predictable, romance, right up until the last couple chapters, then the whole thing falls apart.
First off, when Xander reveals himself to be a lying dirtbag who only got close to her so he could prove her guilt, Nicole's only response is to beg with him to believe her innocence and tell him how much she loves him. Umm, WTF?! HE should be begging for HER forgiveness, and she isn't even the least bit pissed off at him? That really ticked me off. He should have had to work for it at least; she was weak and it ruined the ending for me.
Also, all the stuff at the end with Riley was really confusing. I read that scene several times and I still felt like my copy was missing a few pages, because his explanation made no sense. So her aunt hired him to be her bodyguard? Did they know each other beforehand? How did he and her aunt meet? Did he have some bodyguard experience, and that was why he was hired? Cuz he works at a finance company, so I'm not seeing how he is qualified. And she went out of town for the weekend and he didn't even know. Bodyguard=fail. Major plot holes with his character are completely glossed over.
You pretty much can guess how its going to end in the beginning of the book, but I was still expecting a bit more from this. And it was a solid 4-star book, until the last 20 or so pages. The ending needs a rewrite.
First off, when Xander reveals himself to be a lying dirtbag who only got close to her so he could prove her guilt, Nicole's only response is to beg with him to believe her innocence and tell him how much she loves him. Umm, WTF?! HE should be begging for HER forgiveness, and she isn't even the least bit pissed off at him? That really ticked me off. He should have had to work for it at least; she was weak and it ruined the ending for me.
Also, all the stuff at the end with Riley was really confusing. I read that scene several times and I still felt like my copy was missing a few pages, because his explanation made no sense. So her aunt hired him to be her bodyguard? Did they know each other beforehand? How did he and her aunt meet? Did he have some bodyguard experience, and that was why he was hired? Cuz he works at a finance company, so I'm not seeing how he is qualified. And she went out of town for the weekend and he didn't even know. Bodyguard=fail. Major plot holes with his character are completely glossed over.
You pretty much can guess how its going to end in the beginning of the book, but I was still expecting a bit more from this. And it was a solid 4-star book, until the last 20 or so pages. The ending needs a rewrite.
October 14, 2014
I stumbled on this series and am loving it! Although it's book 1 in the Retribution series, it can be read as a standalone. The group of "brothers" and sort of vigilantes are the following stories and are featured in each story just a bit. The 2nd book's characters, Janie and Sam, are also introduced for a great deal of the book. The story is told in alternating points of view. The suspense part of the story builds at a great pace and the overall writing is excellent.
I liked how innocent and vulnerable Nicole was written, without her being a pushover or idiot. Xander was just the right amount of alpha along with some human qualities as he began to question her innocence. Both characters made my heart hiccup as he waffled and then lashed out at Nicole.
I had two frustrations with the book. First,
The other issue was the ending felt rushed after the climax of the story. She's proven innocent, but all of his friends continue to treat her like she's guilty. Then suddenly Xander pops up after not contacting her for a week. When he last saw her he had ripped her a new one and was cruel right before she was proven innocent. She immediately takes him back and the story just ends that they love each other. One of the last few paragraphs includes her saying she has his money and he says something along the lines that now they're wealthy. That seemed kind of insensitive considering the whole point of the story and why he went after her in the first place. That girl needed him to grovel. She forgave him for his duplicity way too quickly. FORTUNATELY, the 2nd book picks right up with their wedding so you are able to see the couple moving forward and happy. I think that's what I wanted to see the most instead of an abrupt forgiveness and then the end of the book.
All that to say, I absolutely am a new fan of Cindy Stark's and am quickly going through her backlist as soon as I finish the books already released for this story.
I liked how innocent and vulnerable Nicole was written, without her being a pushover or idiot. Xander was just the right amount of alpha along with some human qualities as he began to question her innocence. Both characters made my heart hiccup as he waffled and then lashed out at Nicole.
I had two frustrations with the book. First,
The other issue was the ending felt rushed after the climax of the story. She's proven innocent, but all of his friends continue to treat her like she's guilty. Then suddenly Xander pops up after not contacting her for a week. When he last saw her he had ripped her a new one and was cruel right before she was proven innocent. She immediately takes him back and the story just ends that they love each other. One of the last few paragraphs includes her saying she has his money and he says something along the lines that now they're wealthy. That seemed kind of insensitive considering the whole point of the story and why he went after her in the first place. That girl needed him to grovel. She forgave him for his duplicity way too quickly. FORTUNATELY, the 2nd book picks right up with their wedding so you are able to see the couple moving forward and happy. I think that's what I wanted to see the most instead of an abrupt forgiveness and then the end of the book.
All that to say, I absolutely am a new fan of Cindy Stark's and am quickly going through her backlist as soon as I finish the books already released for this story.
October 7, 2013
A well deserved 5* rating. Superbly written book with suspense, intrigue, hot passion & love. Never knowing from one page go the next what was going to occur, the pages kept turning until the last. Nicole is the daughter of a convicted criminal, who has been caught embezzling $16m. Xavier' s job is to get close to her & catch her out proving her guilt. With the added knowledge that her father tricked his father out of the family fortune, he is determined & tries to ignore the heat that scorches when they are both together. The characters remain true to their essence & throughout the story the reader becomes an investigator. Often frustrating as many suspense stories are, this does not fail to deliver. If you love Abbi Clines, Jessica Sorenson, Angela Graham, you have to read this too. Cindy Stark is now amongst my favourite writers.
May 10, 2013
I liked this book well enough. I did get annoyed at how Xander was attracted to Nicole but he had to fight it because she was guilty. Not that she was maybe guilty. For professional men they seemed to refuse the possibility that she was innocent.
Eventually he really started believing in her innocence. (only having slept with her)
Eventually he really started believing in her innocence. (only having slept with her)
October 19, 2013
I loved the first 87% of this book and would have given it 4 stars if it hadn't been for the convoluted ending. I can't say more without spoiling it for others. Let's just say I was disappointed. I'd still be willing to read another book by the author to give it another chance because most of the book was really good.
February 15, 2013
DAMN... this book was going GREAT till the last few chapters...
I LOVED Xander but MAN, HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO GROVEL MORE!!! As far as i'm concerned, Nicole gave in WAY TO EASY in the end... she should have made Xander crawl back to her... *GRRRRR*
I LOVED Xander but MAN, HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE TO GROVEL MORE!!! As far as i'm concerned, Nicole gave in WAY TO EASY in the end... she should have made Xander crawl back to her... *GRRRRR*
March 1, 2020
A Truly Great Novel
I really enjoyed the story line and the suspense along the way. Most novels like this have the characters a little less forgiving right at first to add drama to the story. I don't think I would be as forgiving the way he inserted himself into her life for his soul purpose of revenge and the lies. To me it would have been more dramatic if it actually took more time and effort in the forgiveness process. Came across spelling errors, and errors in sentences.
I really enjoyed the story line and the suspense along the way. Most novels like this have the characters a little less forgiving right at first to add drama to the story. I don't think I would be as forgiving the way he inserted himself into her life for his soul purpose of revenge and the lies. To me it would have been more dramatic if it actually took more time and effort in the forgiveness process. Came across spelling errors, and errors in sentences.
October 24, 2017
Overall I liked the fast pace of this book and I did like the revenge angle. I really disliked Sam in this book especially how adamant he was about Nicole's role in the theft.....I also didn't like how fast she forgave Xander.
March 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. The book pulled me into the story right away, and my heart went out to Nicole.
The story starts out with Nicole coming to work, and finding the police in her office taking her computer. They haul her to the police station for questioning. She is being accused of embezzling $10 million dollars from the company she works for, into a off shore account. The looks on all of her co workers faces said they think she is guilty.
Xander works in a way as a private investigator. He started out wanting to be friends with Nicole, so he could prove she was guilty. The trouble with that, was the more time he spent with her, the more he thought she was innocent.
True love can't be stopped, just felt. The time Xander and Nicole spent together the more the love grew between them. Xander wants to believe she is innocent, but is she? Or is he just being played?
The suspense of the story was really good. This was a excellent book. I will read the next book. I'm sure it will be just as good as this one was.
The story starts out with Nicole coming to work, and finding the police in her office taking her computer. They haul her to the police station for questioning. She is being accused of embezzling $10 million dollars from the company she works for, into a off shore account. The looks on all of her co workers faces said they think she is guilty.
Xander works in a way as a private investigator. He started out wanting to be friends with Nicole, so he could prove she was guilty. The trouble with that, was the more time he spent with her, the more he thought she was innocent.
True love can't be stopped, just felt. The time Xander and Nicole spent together the more the love grew between them. Xander wants to believe she is innocent, but is she? Or is he just being played?
The suspense of the story was really good. This was a excellent book. I will read the next book. I'm sure it will be just as good as this one was.
March 11, 2013
3.5 stars
Xander is in a secret alliance of good guys who will break the rules when they need to. When Xander learns that the daughter of the man who ruined his father has been accused of cyber-theft he knows the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree and will do whatever it takes to prove she is guilty. Small hiccup #1. Nicole might be innocent. Small hiccup #2. He has the hots for her. But he is so dedicated to the cause that he will take one for the team. *wink* *wink* and poor old Nicole...shunned by everyone who thinks she committed the crime. Did she? Didn't she?
Their story works well. She is reluctant to get involved with anyone while under suspicion. Seems normal. But she is willing to set that
aside if he is cute enough. Sounds perfectly reasonable to me. And boy is he cute enough. Mystery, intrigue and romance. This book stands alone, no cliffhangers, but I want to get the stories from the other good guys in the alliance.
Xander is in a secret alliance of good guys who will break the rules when they need to. When Xander learns that the daughter of the man who ruined his father has been accused of cyber-theft he knows the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree and will do whatever it takes to prove she is guilty. Small hiccup #1. Nicole might be innocent. Small hiccup #2. He has the hots for her. But he is so dedicated to the cause that he will take one for the team. *wink* *wink* and poor old Nicole...shunned by everyone who thinks she committed the crime. Did she? Didn't she?
Their story works well. She is reluctant to get involved with anyone while under suspicion. Seems normal. But she is willing to set that
aside if he is cute enough. Sounds perfectly reasonable to me. And boy is he cute enough. Mystery, intrigue and romance. This book stands alone, no cliffhangers, but I want to get the stories from the other good guys in the alliance.
January 18, 2014
The book started right into the action, leaving me floundering along with our Heroine. I wasn't sure what was going on at first and thought I had skipped a chapter somehow. It only took a couple of pages to lure me in to the book.
Branded (Retribution) certainly takes you on an emotional roller coaster - mostly angst, lust and smexy goodness. There is some thrill, but most is saved to the end.
I would have preferred a little more background of the main characters, and a little more fleshing out of the supporting cast. I'm assuming that will happen in future books.
Overall this was well worth the time. I found it an enjoyable quick read and will probably re-read it at some point.
Branded (Retribution) certainly takes you on an emotional roller coaster - mostly angst, lust and smexy goodness. There is some thrill, but most is saved to the end.
I would have preferred a little more background of the main characters, and a little more fleshing out of the supporting cast. I'm assuming that will happen in future books.
Overall this was well worth the time. I found it an enjoyable quick read and will probably re-read it at some point.
March 2, 2015
Stumbled upon this series and am glad I did. Romance, suspense, (hot) tension between lead pair, passion and emotion, all weaved into a story.
Xender is a detective and Nicole is his prime suspect in an embezzlement of millions because of her past. The deeper he digs, the more he realizes that she's innocent, but all clues lead to her. So, now he has to find the real culprit to save her from getting arrested.
Loved the romantic build-up between the protagonists. Raw desire and passionate love-making described without any crude references to the privates was another plus.
Interesting read.
Xender is a detective and Nicole is his prime suspect in an embezzlement of millions because of her past. The deeper he digs, the more he realizes that she's innocent, but all clues lead to her. So, now he has to find the real culprit to save her from getting arrested.
Loved the romantic build-up between the protagonists. Raw desire and passionate love-making described without any crude references to the privates was another plus.
Interesting read.
March 27, 2014
A friend who knows I like a side of suspense with my sex scenes recommended this book to me and I was not disappointed. I especially love it when the romance and mystery plots play off against one another, so Xander's suspicions about Nicole's guilt--and the effect it had on their relationship--totally worked for me. Stark's confident, fun, writing pulled me in from the first page of Branded, and her delightful characters and smooth plotting kept me engaged through the last one (in fact, it almost kept me engaged through my subway stop).
March 18, 2013
I love Cindy Stark's writing style and her book's that she has out already. This one certainly did live up to my expectations!
I thought it was well written out, and to be honest, I really do like how Xander didn't change his opinion about Nicole's innocence to quickly. This book was a good read, once I started it, I could not put it down!
I have recommended this to several of my friends and I look forward to the future books from Cindy Stark!
I thought it was well written out, and to be honest, I really do like how Xander didn't change his opinion about Nicole's innocence to quickly. This book was a good read, once I started it, I could not put it down!
I have recommended this to several of my friends and I look forward to the future books from Cindy Stark!
October 9, 2013
This would of been a 4 star rating, but I was really annoyed by the ending. I wanted a HEA, but I could not get my head around the fact that she just took him back without having a right go at him for doubting her. To me she just let him walk all over her, there should of been some angst at the end whilst she made him grovel.
The twists and turns in the story were really good, I was actually expecting the neighbour/neighbours boyfriend to be involved somehow in the theft.
The twists and turns in the story were really good, I was actually expecting the neighbour/neighbours boyfriend to be involved somehow in the theft.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2015
So good until the end. I think there was more groveling called for plus it was a bit rushed.
“Xander.” She searched his eyes as his gaze bored into hers. “I wasn’t even thinking about starting a relationship when I met you. But now? I can’t imagine life without you. My future was looking bleak, but with you, I have the will to press on. You make life worthwhile. I do love you, Xander. I love you with all my heart.”
“Xander.” She searched his eyes as his gaze bored into hers. “I wasn’t even thinking about starting a relationship when I met you. But now? I can’t imagine life without you. My future was looking bleak, but with you, I have the will to press on. You make life worthwhile. I do love you, Xander. I love you with all my heart.”
March 6, 2013
This went from a solid 3-4 to a 2 when Nicole was apologizing for her Dad/not upset at all!! by Xander's deception once it was uncovered. Then to top it off, she was so grovely at the end and so hurt that he didn't want her and he didn't even have to say "I'm sorry". Seriously?! That's just bad. It felt like the author just wanted to hurry up and end the story already.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2013
I know some people had a few issues with the ending, but I still loved this book and give it a solid 4.5 stars. I loved the relationship between Xander and Nicole, and I thought it felt authentic that it took a while for him to truly believe in her innocence. Overall, I thought this was a very enjoyable book that kept me engaged for the entire ride.
December 16, 2014
Cindy Stark is one of my go-to authors. I pretty much love anything she writes, and this one was no exception. I love romantic suspense, but Cindy snags me and drags me along until I just have to finish to find out how everything ends up. I would have made Xander grovel a little bit more at the end than Cindy did, but she's nicer to her characters than I am. :D Worth the read.
October 6, 2013
Nicole Camden is accused of a crime she didn't commit. Xander is part of a vigilante group that secretly uncovers criminals that may go undetected. He is assigned to break her and bring her to justice. But there is an attraction there.....
November 14, 2013
I liked this one. The story line and the characters were likable. The story moved at a good pace. The only negatives would be that the ending seemed a little rushed and there wasn't enough drama for me. Other than that, I enjoyed it. Will definitely read more from the series.
February 11, 2014
If this book wasn't free, I would want my money back. the story had such promise. You mean to tell me, after being set up to take the fall for stealing millions, she is just going to fall all over the man who was investigating her, didn't believe her AND lied to her? But such a promissing start.
March 8, 2013
Fast paced, action packed with great lead characters. Looking forward to more in this series.
March 23, 2013
This was a very enjoyable book. It has a great love story and mystery all in one.
October 5, 2013
I enjoyed this book-the suspense kept me from being able to put it down!
October 8, 2013
GREAT READ! I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. Ready to get lost in this one. Would recommend to anyone!
October 8, 2013
Pretty good till the last part. Pretty predictable romance but a few twists at the end. The last 3rd of the book was a little rough for me. Xander lost my respect.
November 5, 2013
The relationship between Xander and Nicole was sweet but a little too quickly developed and unrealistic. It was overall a good story and an interesting read. Very romantic! :)
November 13, 2013
Light reading... more romance than substance.
gave-up-on
March 5, 2014Gawd what did I get myself into! No, no, no!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews