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Vendetta #2
Retribution
Will and Diana Kincaid have left their pasts behind. They've even discarded their identities as Sin and Lee, but the past will never leave them.
When the body of mafia leader Ivan Kurev turns up in her district, Diana is forced to take a hard look at how well she has--or hasn't--covered her tracks. It turns out, no matter what she does, it isn't good enough. A stronger generation of Kurevs is growing out of the wasteland she left behind and the Kurev sons have a memory that is long . . . and angry.
In the past, the fight and the choices that go with it would have been easy. But now there are friends to protect, a home she doesn't want to leave, and a boss she likes, even if she's more than a little suspicious of him.
It's hard to choose sides when Diana can't even determine what the sides are anymore. She can't run, she can't stay and she can't protect what she fought so hard for, not when a newer, more dangerous breed of assassin waits around every corner . .
When the body of mafia leader Ivan Kurev turns up in her district, Diana is forced to take a hard look at how well she has--or hasn't--covered her tracks. It turns out, no matter what she does, it isn't good enough. A stronger generation of Kurevs is growing out of the wasteland she left behind and the Kurev sons have a memory that is long . . . and angry.
In the past, the fight and the choices that go with it would have been easy. But now there are friends to protect, a home she doesn't want to leave, and a boss she likes, even if she's more than a little suspicious of him.
It's hard to choose sides when Diana can't even determine what the sides are anymore. She can't run, she can't stay and she can't protect what she fought so hard for, not when a newer, more dangerous breed of assassin waits around every corner . .
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2014
About the author
A.J. Scudiere
68 books419 followers📖𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘆, 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲
♟️stories you can't outguess! 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘺!
🏆USA TODAY bestselling author
🎁grab a FREE BOOK at my website ReadAJS.com
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝟥𝟢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳!
GET YOUR FREE BOOK FROM ME HERE
https://www.readajs.com/book-series/n...
"Install a seatbelt in your favorite reading chair!" - ★★★★★
♟️stories you can't outguess! 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘺!
🏆USA TODAY bestselling author
🎁grab a FREE BOOK at my website ReadAJS.com
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝟥𝟢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳!
GET YOUR FREE BOOK FROM ME HERE
https://www.readajs.com/book-series/n...
"Install a seatbelt in your favorite reading chair!" - ★★★★★
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 27, 2014
Book Info: Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of suspense/thrillers
Trigger Warnings: murder, violence
My Thoughts: “What does not kill me had better start running.” After five years, just as Sin and Lee are starting to relax into their roles as Diana and Will, it all starts to unravel. Personally, I had trouble with this on a suspension of disbelief level, because Sin and Lee were so deeply buried, I don't know how anyone managed to figure out who they were, let alone find them. However, I didn't have a lot of time to think about it, because...
The story is fast-paced and relentless. There is also a bit of despair evident, especially in Will/Lee.
The editing on this is really quite good. The only spelling error I noticed was the use of “discrete” when “discreet” should have been used. There are some issues with punctuation and capitalization, but nothing the average reader would necessarily catch. I was very happy to see the improvement over earlier books. The only thing that hit my “pet peeve-o-meter” was the use of the phrase “another thing coming.” This should be “another think coming” and is something that just drives me nuts.
This is another fabulous book from A.J. Scudiere, and one which I can recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers and suspense novels. There is a lot of violence, so keep that in mind, and of course there are murders. There is also an extremely twisty plot and lots of revelations to be seen, so if that sounds like your sort of thing, definitely check this out.
Series Information: The Sin Trilogy
Book 1: Vengeance, review linked here
Book 2: Retribution
Book 3: Justice, release date TBA
Disclosure: I purchased this book for myself as I'm a fan of the author. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Will and Diana Kincaid have left their pasts behind. They've even discarded their identities as Sin and Lee, but the past will never leave them.
When the body of mafia leader Ivan Kurev turns up in her district, Diana is forced to take a hard look at how well she has—or hasn't—covered her tracks. It turns out, no matter what she does, it isn't good enough. A stronger generation of Kurevs is growing out of the wasteland she left behind and the Kurev sons have a memory that is long . . . and angry.
In the past, the fight and the choices that go with it would have been easy. But now there are friends to protect, a home she doesn't want to leave, and a boss she likes, even if she's more than a little suspicious of him.
It's hard to choose sides when Diana can't even determine what the sides are anymore. She can't run, she can't stay and she can't protect what she fought so hard for, not when a newer, more dangerous breed of assassin waits around every corner . . .
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: fans of suspense/thrillers
Trigger Warnings: murder, violence
My Thoughts: “What does not kill me had better start running.” After five years, just as Sin and Lee are starting to relax into their roles as Diana and Will, it all starts to unravel. Personally, I had trouble with this on a suspension of disbelief level, because Sin and Lee were so deeply buried, I don't know how anyone managed to figure out who they were, let alone find them. However, I didn't have a lot of time to think about it, because...
The story is fast-paced and relentless. There is also a bit of despair evident, especially in Will/Lee.
“We aren't clean... We won't ever be clean again. We're as dirty as they come, and our reasoning and our beliefs never changed our willingness to pull the trigger. We were judge and jury on those souls and—while I still think we were in the right—even 'vigilante' is too tame a term for what we were. We'll never truly scrub that off. You have to know that.”The plot is full of twists and turns, and there are a lot of discoveries made regarding family through the story. I have to wonder if the author had planned this from the beginning, or if she decided later to turn this into a trilogy and added in all the wrinkles to help move the pace along.
The editing on this is really quite good. The only spelling error I noticed was the use of “discrete” when “discreet” should have been used. There are some issues with punctuation and capitalization, but nothing the average reader would necessarily catch. I was very happy to see the improvement over earlier books. The only thing that hit my “pet peeve-o-meter” was the use of the phrase “another thing coming.” This should be “another think coming” and is something that just drives me nuts.
This is another fabulous book from A.J. Scudiere, and one which I can recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers and suspense novels. There is a lot of violence, so keep that in mind, and of course there are murders. There is also an extremely twisty plot and lots of revelations to be seen, so if that sounds like your sort of thing, definitely check this out.
Series Information: The Sin Trilogy
Book 1: Vengeance, review linked here
Book 2: Retribution
Book 3: Justice, release date TBA
Disclosure: I purchased this book for myself as I'm a fan of the author. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Will and Diana Kincaid have left their pasts behind. They've even discarded their identities as Sin and Lee, but the past will never leave them.
When the body of mafia leader Ivan Kurev turns up in her district, Diana is forced to take a hard look at how well she has—or hasn't—covered her tracks. It turns out, no matter what she does, it isn't good enough. A stronger generation of Kurevs is growing out of the wasteland she left behind and the Kurev sons have a memory that is long . . . and angry.
In the past, the fight and the choices that go with it would have been easy. But now there are friends to protect, a home she doesn't want to leave, and a boss she likes, even if she's more than a little suspicious of him.
It's hard to choose sides when Diana can't even determine what the sides are anymore. She can't run, she can't stay and she can't protect what she fought so hard for, not when a newer, more dangerous breed of assassin waits around every corner . . .
February 8, 2026
Vendetta #2 delivers exactly what a strong sequel should.
Retribution shows the afterlife of Sin and Lee, now living as Diana and Will Kincaid. They are married, settled, and trying to move forward, but the past refuses to stay buried.
Diana is now a police officer, still driven by justice and still unable to ignore wrongdoing. When the death of a Kurev surfaces, it becomes clear that the damage left behind in the first book has consequences. A stronger, angrier generation of Kurevs has risen, and they want retribution.
What I loved:
- The villains are smarter and more dangerous this time, which raises the tension.
- The leads are no longer the most powerful people in the room.
- The exploration of Diana’s real identity and family history adds emotional depth.
- The relationship between Sin and Lee is explored without weakening the thriller aspect.
The book introduces new characters and complex family connections. It took me a little time to grasp all of them, but the payoff was worth it. The revelations around Diana’s past, why her parents were killed, and how it all connects made this book darker and more layered.
Lines that stood out:
"Will wasn’t the jealous type, which was both good and lucky for Stelian, because he was the deadly type."
"Sin, I love you. I can’t lose you. You’re not my wife. My wife is the woman I share a home with and argue over the mortgage with. I’d say you are my home, but it’s more than that: you are the only thing on this earth that I’m alive with, that I’m alive for."
"There was retribution even for retribution, it seemed."
"What does not kill me had better start running."
"Retribution proves that revenge doesn’t end cleanly. It grows, it mutates, and it comes back stronger."
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy revenge-driven thrillers with strong female leads and real consequences.
Retribution shows the afterlife of Sin and Lee, now living as Diana and Will Kincaid. They are married, settled, and trying to move forward, but the past refuses to stay buried.
Diana is now a police officer, still driven by justice and still unable to ignore wrongdoing. When the death of a Kurev surfaces, it becomes clear that the damage left behind in the first book has consequences. A stronger, angrier generation of Kurevs has risen, and they want retribution.
What I loved:
- The villains are smarter and more dangerous this time, which raises the tension.
- The leads are no longer the most powerful people in the room.
- The exploration of Diana’s real identity and family history adds emotional depth.
- The relationship between Sin and Lee is explored without weakening the thriller aspect.
The book introduces new characters and complex family connections. It took me a little time to grasp all of them, but the payoff was worth it. The revelations around Diana’s past, why her parents were killed, and how it all connects made this book darker and more layered.
Lines that stood out:
"Will wasn’t the jealous type, which was both good and lucky for Stelian, because he was the deadly type."
"Sin, I love you. I can’t lose you. You’re not my wife. My wife is the woman I share a home with and argue over the mortgage with. I’d say you are my home, but it’s more than that: you are the only thing on this earth that I’m alive with, that I’m alive for."
"There was retribution even for retribution, it seemed."
"What does not kill me had better start running."
"Retribution proves that revenge doesn’t end cleanly. It grows, it mutates, and it comes back stronger."
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy revenge-driven thrillers with strong female leads and real consequences.
November 25, 2021
Retribution is the second book in the Vendetta Trifecta. While it can be read as a standalone, I think you will miss out on a lot of background if you don’t buy the first book, and why not it is available. This is a really enjoyable read. The storyline is fast-paced. The scenes are well constructed. The characters are well-developed. I really enjoyed all the twist and turns. She kept me thinking and guess the ”who done it” but just as I had it all figured out there was a new twist that took me down another road. The ending was a total surprise and left me wanting for more. I find most authors leave something wanting in a series. Each books seems to have something lacking. But that is not the way AJ writes. She puts her all into each novel, and seems each one is better thatn the last, and you just don’t think she can pull it off – but she does. I totally recommend this novel and would love to read more by this author. I was given a copy of this novel from the author. I was only asked to write an honest review either positive or negative. These are my own opinions.
May 28, 2017
When I read Vengeance it solidified me being a fan of Scudiere. It was one of my favorite books with two amazing characters. Retribution, the second book in the trilogy did not disappoint. From the moment I started reading I could not stop even knowing I had to get up early the next day. The characters have grown, changing slightly, yet they remain the same in terms of development and relatability. I am left ready to immediately get the third book in the trilogy so that I can see where their story goes from here. I also have a yearning desire to reread the first story.
I would highly recommend Retribution to all fans of action/suspense stories as well as all fans of Scudiere. They surely will not be disappointed.
I would highly recommend Retribution to all fans of action/suspense stories as well as all fans of Scudiere. They surely will not be disappointed.
April 1, 2019
Oh My Heavens....!!!! I was afraid book #2 would be a let down.......NOPE!! I lost even MORE sleep, reading into the wee hours of the morning! On to book #3!! I almost hate to start it, as it will be the end of this Trilogy!!
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April 17, 2017RETRIBUTION IS ANOTHER GREAT STORY FROM THE VIRTUAL PEN OF A.J. SCUDIERE.
After Vengeance, I was unsure A.J. could do better, but I was wrong. When most authors write a series, the things they cannot seem to get right are: making each book work as a standalone; giving an idea of the previous story, but not repeating too much, and knowing how to end each book at the right point. Few authors can do it well. A.J. Scudiere hit it on the head with all three, just as she has done with her “The NightShade Forensic Files” series. Whenever you read a book by A.J. Scudiere you know you get certain things: the book is well-structured, well-proofed and well-edited; the storyline is fast-paced, without trite or contrived scenes; the story is strongly written, the characters are complex and well-developed and the dialogue is honest and believable.
Retribution is a fun read that has all of the excitement and suspense you could ask for in a “You know who done it.” The book is hard to put down as the story unfolds in front of you because you want to know what is going to happen next. The twists and turns of the story leave you wondering “What now?” in a good way. I don’t like to put spoilers in a review, so all I can say is that you are not going to expect what is happening. The story is filled with the action you expect and just as you get back to a normal state, something else happens that gets you racing through the book again. I’m just glad there is a third book, “Justice,” in “The Vendetta Trifecta,” since Retribution left me wanting so much more Sin and Lee. It is that desire for more that makes A.J. Scudiere one of today’s favorite authors.
After Vengeance, I was unsure A.J. could do better, but I was wrong. When most authors write a series, the things they cannot seem to get right are: making each book work as a standalone; giving an idea of the previous story, but not repeating too much, and knowing how to end each book at the right point. Few authors can do it well. A.J. Scudiere hit it on the head with all three, just as she has done with her “The NightShade Forensic Files” series. Whenever you read a book by A.J. Scudiere you know you get certain things: the book is well-structured, well-proofed and well-edited; the storyline is fast-paced, without trite or contrived scenes; the story is strongly written, the characters are complex and well-developed and the dialogue is honest and believable.
Retribution is a fun read that has all of the excitement and suspense you could ask for in a “You know who done it.” The book is hard to put down as the story unfolds in front of you because you want to know what is going to happen next. The twists and turns of the story leave you wondering “What now?” in a good way. I don’t like to put spoilers in a review, so all I can say is that you are not going to expect what is happening. The story is filled with the action you expect and just as you get back to a normal state, something else happens that gets you racing through the book again. I’m just glad there is a third book, “Justice,” in “The Vendetta Trifecta,” since Retribution left me wanting so much more Sin and Lee. It is that desire for more that makes A.J. Scudiere one of today’s favorite authors.
April 2, 2014
I REALLY enjoyed the first in this series. this one was okay. I started it and realized I would have to treat the two novels as stand alones. once I did that I was able to finish it and enjoy it.
Like many sequels this one added things that were surprises. the direction this one took was very different that how I imagined the lives of the two main characters going. the added part about the head detective Nick and his relationships seem far fetched.
Of course like I mentioned, once I separated the two book it was good. It is always slightly disconcerting to pick up a sequel and read a novel far altered from your expectations.
will read the third book to see what happens. do not regret reading this book
Like many sequels this one added things that were surprises. the direction this one took was very different that how I imagined the lives of the two main characters going. the added part about the head detective Nick and his relationships seem far fetched.
Of course like I mentioned, once I separated the two book it was good. It is always slightly disconcerting to pick up a sequel and read a novel far altered from your expectations.
will read the third book to see what happens. do not regret reading this book
May 9, 2014
Sin and Lee lost their families due to mafia killings. They decide to try to live a "normal" life as Diana and Will Kincaid.
Diana discovers that she can't really escape her past. When a mafia leader shows up, Diana must decide to stay or run. She is reluctant to leave as she has finally made a friend and likes her job.
This is a very good, entertaining story. This is a novel you don't want to stop reading!
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
January 18, 2020
Oh
Ok I was excited to see what was going to happen with Lee and Son aka Will and Diana, a while the book does not disappoint they still have great adventures, it was almost to much time spent in the head's of the 3 main characters. I bored a lot an almost didn't finish.
Ok I was excited to see what was going to happen with Lee and Son aka Will and Diana, a while the book does not disappoint they still have great adventures, it was almost to much time spent in the head's of the 3 main characters. I bored a lot an almost didn't finish.
September 6, 2019
Good reading lots of twists
A little slower paced but very entertaining. Keeps me interested and can pick up after life's delays and it keeps your interest going.
A little slower paced but very entertaining. Keeps me interested and can pick up after life's delays and it keeps your interest going.
November 13, 2019
Intense
Was one of the most intense books I have ever read!!! Could not put down this sequel! Hooked on this series!
Was one of the most intense books I have ever read!!! Could not put down this sequel! Hooked on this series!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews