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Degrees of Darkness #2
Retribution: Book 2 of the Degrees of Darkness series
Called to the homicide of a Dallas criminal lawyer, Detective Remy LeBeau stares at a scene that drags him back into his past. To another murdered lawyer in New Orleans. A case that put Remy on a collision course with death.
Cody Lewis struggles with the horrific memories of her kidnapping and the need to numb the pain. The battle she puts up causes her to avoid Remy and their undetermined relationship. But the flashbacks and nightmares are proving more potent than Cody thought and she's having a harder time resisting the cravings for alcohol.
As the case takes a turn in revealing a professional assassin is behind the death, Remy begins to make decisions that could cost him his job and Cody. Because the deeper he sinks, the closer the enemies of his past come to finding him.
Sensuality Level: Behind Closed Doors
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2013
7 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Winter Austin
26 books266 followersAs a Note, I do not use AI in any way to write my books. Lots a sweat equity goes into my writing, not computer generated.
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.
A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.
A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 17, 2013
This is the second installment in the Degrees of Darkness series, starring Cajun detective Remy LeBeau and barrel racer Cody Lewis. They're making progress, but so many secrets still stand in the way of their happily ever after.
You can read this one on its own, but you'll be missing a lot of the layers that make it so awesome. As usual Remy has more secrets than the CIA, and they've already taken people he loves. The secrets are pushing Cody away at a time when she needs Remy more than ever. Her descent into an alcoholic binge is particularly well done and doesn't pull any punches.
But what comes after that descent, wow! You have to read it to find out why there's a burning house on the cover, and who the house belongs to. Also, if you have a crush developing on Remy's partner, Heath Anderson, there's plenty of fuel to turn that crush into a raging swoon.
You can read this one on its own, but you'll be missing a lot of the layers that make it so awesome. As usual Remy has more secrets than the CIA, and they've already taken people he loves. The secrets are pushing Cody away at a time when she needs Remy more than ever. Her descent into an alcoholic binge is particularly well done and doesn't pull any punches.
But what comes after that descent, wow! You have to read it to find out why there's a burning house on the cover, and who the house belongs to. Also, if you have a crush developing on Remy's partner, Heath Anderson, there's plenty of fuel to turn that crush into a raging swoon.
May 23, 2015
The second installment on the Degrees of Darkness series doesn't disappoint! In fact, it heightens the readers interest and puts into place all the background information gleaned from the Relentless. Retribution picks up right where Relentless left off. Can you read this one without having read Relentless? Yes. But, I wouldn't recommend it. If you do, you'll miss much of the background information that makes everything fit together and intensifies the plot.
Cody and Remy are becoming comfortable with their relationship and have put more of a "label" on it. They still are not a traditional couple by any means. Each of them has too much baggage for that. In Retribution, Remy's past rears its ugly head big time. What lengths will he go to in order to protect Cody? Will he ever realize that she isn't Marie?
There are many more questions answered in this one, but just as many either left unanswered or come to light. Again, the intrigue is high, the characters are intriguing, and the interaction is fast and furious. I'm glad that Anderson gets a bigger role in this one.
OK, off to Revenge, book three in the series. It's difficult to put these down!
Cody and Remy are becoming comfortable with their relationship and have put more of a "label" on it. They still are not a traditional couple by any means. Each of them has too much baggage for that. In Retribution, Remy's past rears its ugly head big time. What lengths will he go to in order to protect Cody? Will he ever realize that she isn't Marie?
There are many more questions answered in this one, but just as many either left unanswered or come to light. Again, the intrigue is high, the characters are intriguing, and the interaction is fast and furious. I'm glad that Anderson gets a bigger role in this one.
OK, off to Revenge, book three in the series. It's difficult to put these down!
June 27, 2013
I read Relentless which is Book 1 in this series and absolutely loved it. I even have a little girl crush on the author for writing such an amazing story. After reading Retribution, I am in full blown stalking mode.
I LOVED Retribution! Seriously LOVED it! And Remy LeBeau...no words are spectacular enough for this man.
I was never big on the romance/suspense/mystery genre but oh how I am singing a new tune now. Winter Austin is a writer who can weave a story of suspense to the level of building it piece by piece that you are actually on the edge of your seat chapter by chapter. And when she has you on the edge of that seat, she swoops back in and completely knocks you right off with surprise after surprise that you are reeling from the multiple layers she is tossing you as she leads you in to her world.
Winter Austin's ability to tell a plain old good story is just...wondrous.
I was completely engaged with the characters. They were written in such a way that they were real. Flesh and bone real. I continually think about them. I know them. I can feel their emotions.
Did I mention Remy Lebeau? Yes I did but he is definitely worth the redundancy.
Jeepers I loved his character. Alpha. Kind. Protective. Troubled. Confused. Cajun. Smexy. Dark. Mysterious. Hidden past. Hurt. Swoon worthy.
Retribution starts off five months after Relentless ended. And the story starts off running with another murder mystery. This time though, the stakes are higher, the twist and turns that are woven bring you back to Remy's former life in New Orleans. We finally find out so much more that was hinted at and touched upon in Relentless. What happened to him, his wife, and what led him to disappear. What secrets is he still hiding, and what has him so scared.
Then we have Cody. She loves Remy just as Remy loves her. But there is so much still keeping them apart. Cody is suffering from PTSD from her kidnapping ordeal and not dealing with it very well. Not dealing to the point of continuously avoiding Remy.
The story line is so intricate in bringing past and present together that the additional characters brought in start to bring everything full circle in your understanding of their world.
There is the return of J.C, Heath, and Logan as well.
Heath aka C-Bar, Remy's partner. He's quite the character and we learn a lot more about him and his past as well. He played a very big role this time around with all involved.
The story is action packed with the same underlying romance peaking in around the edges. You will be guessing and completely surprised through out the entire story with a HUGE surprise ending. Personally, my mouth was hanging open I was so stunned!
Retribution can definitely stand on it's own but I highly suggest you read Relentless first for a much better understanding of the characters and situations.
And the best thing about this series...it continues with Revenge, book 3 scheduled to be released in November. I know I need more.
This series is a definite must for a good story, a good mystery, great suspense, and a nice romantic balance.
February 16, 2014
It's getting HOT in Texas! Find out how hot in Retribution: Book 2 of the Degrees of Darkness Series, a romantic suspense by author Winter Austin.
In Retribution, Winter Austin continues the story where Relentless left off. Dallas Detective REMY LEBEAU is determined to keep his horrific past from ruining his future with CODY LEWIS. He wants to protect her from an evil he refuses to tell her about. Cody doesn't have time to deal with Remy's elusiveness. She is battling her own demons, post traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. Neither is willing to let the other see his/her weaknesses.
While Remy and Cody can't seem to completely give over to trusting each other, their hearts are entwined too much to allow them to let the other go. Add a murder with ties into another murder all-too-familiar to Remy with a hired assassin who takes great pleasure in tormenting and stalking him and the ride gets wild.
Cody is not the only person Remy refuses to confide in. His partner, Detective HEATH ANDERSON, knows there is more than Remy will tell yet his professionalism and respect assure that he will still have Remy's back when he is needed.
When the assassin attacks Cody's best friend, KIM GREGORY, PTSD pulls Cody down. She falls back into old habits to numb the pain. In disgust at herself, she realizes she can't fix her problems on her own and turns back to her faith. Resolving to win her inner battle, she must fight even harder as the stakes get higher when the assassin targets her.
Several times I wanted to take Remy's and Cody's heads in my hands, bonk them together and yell, “Talk to each other!” Communication is not their strong suits. If they can get past the secrets and that danged assassin, might they have a future together?
In the second book of the Degrees of Darkness series we get to see Heath play a bigger role in the story. I liked his wit in Book 1. I liked his honor and resolve in Book 2. I look forward to seeing his character develop through the rest of the series.
I enjoyed Retribution and recommend it to anyone who loves beautiful Cowgirls and smokin' hot Cajun men fighting to hold onto each other while working to defeat the enemies that threaten to keep them apart. Every time they are together, whether the encounter is during a stifling Texas day or a steamy Texas night, this story will have you fanning yourself and reaching for a glass of ice tea.
In Retribution, Winter Austin continues the story where Relentless left off. Dallas Detective REMY LEBEAU is determined to keep his horrific past from ruining his future with CODY LEWIS. He wants to protect her from an evil he refuses to tell her about. Cody doesn't have time to deal with Remy's elusiveness. She is battling her own demons, post traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism. Neither is willing to let the other see his/her weaknesses.
While Remy and Cody can't seem to completely give over to trusting each other, their hearts are entwined too much to allow them to let the other go. Add a murder with ties into another murder all-too-familiar to Remy with a hired assassin who takes great pleasure in tormenting and stalking him and the ride gets wild.
Cody is not the only person Remy refuses to confide in. His partner, Detective HEATH ANDERSON, knows there is more than Remy will tell yet his professionalism and respect assure that he will still have Remy's back when he is needed.
When the assassin attacks Cody's best friend, KIM GREGORY, PTSD pulls Cody down. She falls back into old habits to numb the pain. In disgust at herself, she realizes she can't fix her problems on her own and turns back to her faith. Resolving to win her inner battle, she must fight even harder as the stakes get higher when the assassin targets her.
Several times I wanted to take Remy's and Cody's heads in my hands, bonk them together and yell, “Talk to each other!” Communication is not their strong suits. If they can get past the secrets and that danged assassin, might they have a future together?
In the second book of the Degrees of Darkness series we get to see Heath play a bigger role in the story. I liked his wit in Book 1. I liked his honor and resolve in Book 2. I look forward to seeing his character develop through the rest of the series.
I enjoyed Retribution and recommend it to anyone who loves beautiful Cowgirls and smokin' hot Cajun men fighting to hold onto each other while working to defeat the enemies that threaten to keep them apart. Every time they are together, whether the encounter is during a stifling Texas day or a steamy Texas night, this story will have you fanning yourself and reaching for a glass of ice tea.
July 19, 2013
Retribution is the second book by Winter Austin that I've been fortunate to read. If you haven’t read the first book, Relentless, I would recommend that you do. Otherwise, you will miss a good story and depth of understanding in this second installment of the Degrees of Darkness series.
Retribution continues the story of Remy and Cody. I love this story. It’s believable, logical, and gripping. Here’s a quote from the book “Fear coiled in the pit of her gut, and its venom slithered through her veins.” I still get chills read this line.
The characters are deeper. Cody is struggling what happened to her in Relentless (don’t want to give away any spoilers in this or the previous book) which is realistic instead of having her swoon into the hero’s arms. Remy is pursued by his past and the dangers draw into a dramatic conclusion with his and Cody’s life pitted against a professional assassin.
This is a must read for anyone who loves romantic suspense, mystery, contemporary romance, or a thrilling read that will have you savoring every page.
Retribution continues the story of Remy and Cody. I love this story. It’s believable, logical, and gripping. Here’s a quote from the book “Fear coiled in the pit of her gut, and its venom slithered through her veins.” I still get chills read this line.
The characters are deeper. Cody is struggling what happened to her in Relentless (don’t want to give away any spoilers in this or the previous book) which is realistic instead of having her swoon into the hero’s arms. Remy is pursued by his past and the dangers draw into a dramatic conclusion with his and Cody’s life pitted against a professional assassin.
This is a must read for anyone who loves romantic suspense, mystery, contemporary romance, or a thrilling read that will have you savoring every page.
May 15, 2013
I loved Retribution. This is book #2 in the series and yes, I whole-heartedly recommend you read Relentless, the first book, before diving into Retribution. Although the story in Retribution does stand on its own two feet with an individual plot and conclusion, it is the continuation of a larger arc including the love story between the hero and heroine. Ms. Austin has a complex story to tell – in full – while continuing the already established larger arc; a challenging relationship between Remy and Cody; and setting up the next book in the series. She does all of this in fine style, which I’m finding to be her norm.
I had a hard time putting this down. I was irritated with interruptions while I was reading. The conclusion was satisfying but left me anxious for more. An excellent read in what is turning out to be an excellent series.
I was provided an arc for an honest review.
I had a hard time putting this down. I was irritated with interruptions while I was reading. The conclusion was satisfying but left me anxious for more. An excellent read in what is turning out to be an excellent series.
I was provided an arc for an honest review.
June 10, 2013
If you thought Relentless was good, wait until you read Retribution! Winter Austin upped the stakes in the 2nd book in this series with not only a roller-coaster romance between two hurting, stubborn people, but also revved up the danger to the characters.
Remy is dealing with issues from his past, and Cody is struggling with PTSD from her run in with a killer. Remy finally says no more and takes an active stand against a murderer from his past while Cody struggles with dulling the pain with alcohol. These issues threaten to tear the two apart until the final, edge-of-your-seat exploding scene. Literally!
For fans of suspense novels with a thread of romance, deep characterization, and ruthless killers, this is a series for you. Can't wait for the third installment.
Remy is dealing with issues from his past, and Cody is struggling with PTSD from her run in with a killer. Remy finally says no more and takes an active stand against a murderer from his past while Cody struggles with dulling the pain with alcohol. These issues threaten to tear the two apart until the final, edge-of-your-seat exploding scene. Literally!
For fans of suspense novels with a thread of romance, deep characterization, and ruthless killers, this is a series for you. Can't wait for the third installment.
November 13, 2018
Full Review posted on Book Lovin' Mamas
I am intrigued now about Remy's partner, Heath Anderson. I found out something about him that made him even more interesting than Remy. I want to know more about him.
I give this book 4 full moons and highly recommend it to romantic suspense readers out there.
I look forward to the next book in the series. Here's hoping Remy does not keep any further secrets from Cody and Cody gets some help on what happened to her. Here's also hoping that Heath Anderson plays a more significant part in the next book.
I am intrigued now about Remy's partner, Heath Anderson. I found out something about him that made him even more interesting than Remy. I want to know more about him.
I give this book 4 full moons and highly recommend it to romantic suspense readers out there.
I look forward to the next book in the series. Here's hoping Remy does not keep any further secrets from Cody and Cody gets some help on what happened to her. Here's also hoping that Heath Anderson plays a more significant part in the next book.
June 26, 2013
This is the second book in this series and you need to read Relentless!
Cody is struggling to find herself and get back to who she was prior to the kidnapping. With all that she has been through at the hands of a killer, I am surprised she is as functional as she is.
Remy has been battling demons and secrets of his own and they are starting to catch up to him. The tension that rages between these two characters is intense and passionate. Winter has managed to create beautifully developed storylines and characters that keep you guessing.
I am not normally a huge fan of romantic suspense but I can’t wait to read more from Winter.
Cody is struggling to find herself and get back to who she was prior to the kidnapping. With all that she has been through at the hands of a killer, I am surprised she is as functional as she is.
Remy has been battling demons and secrets of his own and they are starting to catch up to him. The tension that rages between these two characters is intense and passionate. Winter has managed to create beautifully developed storylines and characters that keep you guessing.
I am not normally a huge fan of romantic suspense but I can’t wait to read more from Winter.
March 17, 2016
A great follow up that I enjoyed even more than book 1! I was happy to see some of Remy's secrets finally revealed, and it was interesting to see him face some of his past. The mystery/suspense was great, and that is what keeps me hooked on this series. Again, there was a lot of back and forth with the romance, but I did like the progression in this book. I was also really happy to see more of Anderson in this book and hope he plays an even bigger role in the future!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews