Craving Vengeance

Sinful Surrender #2

by N. Slater

Playing with numbers and eating sugar used to consume my life. Now, I’m running off to Paris with three men I’ve given my heart to. Aside from them and Paval, there’s no one I can trust. No one I can lean on. And when the last of my foundation betrays me, I know that this is only the beginning of a very long and dark road. Gianni, Dmitri, and Valentyn are my only hope of surviving this madness, which means learning about who these men truly are and the lengths they’ll go to protect our new family. Hawk International has the answers we’re looking for, however, it can’t truly be that easy, right? The first time my phone rings, we all realize that maybe, just this once, we’re in over our heads. Numbers won’t save me this time and I’m not sure my men will be able to either.

This is an 18+ Dark MMMM Insta-Romance made for mature audiences. CW can be found in the Author's Note. It is the second installment in the Sinful Surrender series and ends with a HFN.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, M M M, Contemporary

213 pages, Paperback

Published February 29, 2024

About the author

African American. Indie Author. Chaos Writer.
Polyamorous & Found Family Stories Brought to Life.
From PRN to fantasy, contemporary to dark & twisted, there's a little something for everyone.

Reviews

[Dani (criesinanxiety) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so happy they got their happy ending! I was on edge the WHOLE time omfg all the twist and turns got me messed up

Omg?? I’m so excited for Paval story!!


Favorite Quote: “One step at a time. That’s how healing works.”

Recommend if you like…
~ M/M/M/M
~ HEA
~ Hurt/Comfort
~ Insta Love

TWs:
- Gaslighting (not from the MC or love interests)
- depression
- Mild/Non-graphic discussion of Domestic assault
- Scenes involving panic attacks & trauma responses
- Scenes of torture


(I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review)

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book read as an ARC


Im so happy Rhys and his men (plus sweet Paval) get their happy ending. They deserve it!! The story is thrilling and picks up with the suspense where the cliff hanger of the first book left off. The little insights into his siblings twisted minds are nice but i don’t feel you ever really get their “whole picture” of things or the reasoning behind Hawk International, but you get enough to keep the story moving along and make it interesting.

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tishana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuation of Embracing Darkness!

Craving Vengeance kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book! Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, there was another twist and unexpected scene I didn’t see coming. It was full of backstabbing, action, spice, love, heartbreak and more.

My heart literally broke in pieces for Rhys. To have to deal with all of the trauma that kept coming and the betrayal by those he loved most hurt my soul. He was so sweet and innocent and didn’t deserve all that he had went through. His 3 men: Gianni, Val and Dmetri truly loved and supported him, willing to follow him to the end of the Earth literally! Paval and Tia were the sweetest kids. Being strong in difficult times and loving on Rhys through his trauma and anxiety. His siblings deserved their karma FOR sure. Their resiliency through this entire book was awe-inspiring. Showing that love can get you through anything.

N Slater did an amazing job with this story! I’m incredibly sad that their story is over, but it was wrapped up well with a HEA! I can’t wait to see how the kids’ story plays out next! 💜

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s over far too soon! I devoured Rhys and his men too fast. This is an amazing continuation to Embracing Darkness. These guys are everything, sweet, loving, caring, encouraging, funny, dark, brooding, murder-y, vengeful, and sooo hot! This story has everything from loving touches and words to vengeful torture, cloak and dagger mysteries, and everything in between. We go on this second part of the journey with Rhys, Gia, Val, and Dmitri with cute little kids along for the ride, as the four men try to solve the mysteries of Hawk International, the program, and how to get out of this mess alive. It’s hard when they have enemies on all sides. I’m not easily shocked but there were some good twists in this journey! The writing is fantastic. The author spins a dark story that sucks you in and holds you, enthralls you til it’s over. And if you’re like me, that came way too soon! There is heat sprinkled in with the action. So much tender love between these guys and they all bring a different layer to the relationship. I highly recommend reading Embracing Darkness and Craving Vengeance. These guys are beautiful, bloody and dark souls that have found their HEA after a very long and dangerous path.

[Brittany Posey · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being left on a cliffhanger, I'm so glad to see how things went for Rhys.
So much happened in this book. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. From discovering how much Rhys' family was tied into the mess with Hawk International all the way to Rhys learning to believe in himself. I may have gotten a bit misty eyes as some parts and thoroughly heated over others. So many secrets and discoveries that were just so shocking.

[Kalie weuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m sad to see such a great story come to an end, but am so grateful that Rhys got the HEA that was well deserved. Honestly my heart was torn apart reading about the trauma poor Rhys endured throughout this book, but it all works out in the end. I do have to say it was nice to get a little insight on his siblings and how their twisted minds work, they most definitely deserve whatever karma is to come their way.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad Rhys & his men got the happy ending they deserved ❤️ Rhys deserved people who truly cared about him & his wellbeing and didn’t just want to exploit him for the things he could do. I loved how protective they were over each other and how they fully embraced Tia into their fold even before any permanent decisions were made. There were so many twist and turns in this book that kept me on the edge of my seat! That’s one thing I love about N. Slater’s writing; you are always going to get an engaging plot & the spice is always going to be amazing. Sad to see Rhys & him men go but super excited for Paval & Tia’s story!

[Kenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author after reading book 1 of the series in 2023, and I thoroughly enjoyed both books in the series. I loved the character development in this book and I LOVED how we got multiple povs from different characters!! I highly recommend this author and the books they have wrote as they are sooo good!!

Quotes
- Will be added once I find my fav ones

Tropes
- MMMM Romance
- Protective MMC's

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Vengeance was fantastic!

Craving Vengeance, book 2 of Sinful Surrender duet, by N. Slater @slater.47. Read the trigger warnings! First off, I am a fan of N’s & this book was no different!

I loved the conclusion to Rhys, Gianni, Dmitri, & Valentyn! This was such a great book. A great storyline & high levels of smut? Yes, please.

[Haydee Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys and his men babyyyy🌶️

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ baby let me just this I could not put this book 📚 down ok this book had me on the edge. I’m so sad to say goodbye 😥😥 I love that Rhys got his happy ever after

[Alyssa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so sad to see Rhys story go but I think it was a great ending to this duopoly! If you’ve read Embracing Darkness then Craving Vengeance is a must read!

[Kiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is action packed with sweetness and some twists with an amazing happy ending I really enjoyed this book alot

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible ending to an incredible story and family I wish I didn't have to say goodbye to Reece and his men but I'm glad they get their happy forever they all deserve it more than most

[Nikki Robson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved Rhys’ story and I’m sad to see them go but I’m excited to see what Slater brings us next!

Rhys and his men are in danger and must work together to unravel the company intent on getting their hands on Rhys. Rhys has never truly had a family he can depend upon so he is learning what family really means and just how far his guys will go to prove he is their family and he can absolutely depend on them. Together they help Rhys heal from his past and dream of a better future, one he truly deserves.

Packed with plenty of spice and plenty of plot twists and suspense, I enjoyed where this book took me and the HEA is so much sweeter when it’s earned.

[Amber Hoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Craving Vengeance is the highly anticipated second installment of the Sinful Surrender Duet. It is a continuation of the story, and you will definitely need to read the first book before attempting this one.
I completely fell in love with Rhys and his men in the first installment of this series, I fell in love with the story line, I was mad at the cliffhanger it ended on, all causing me to not be able to wait to read Craving Vengeance to get the many questions I had answered. Unfortunately, I felt the plot fell short and was rushed, maybe even a little disconnected this time around. Many times I felt a scene was glazed over and rushed when I wanted, or more likely needed, it to play out with more detail and a little slower. A time or two I had to reread a section to be able to figure out where we were in a timeline. For the most part I got answers to the plot hole questions that lingered from the first book, though it felt like a summary of the answers when I really wanted the feature article of them. My love for Rhys and his men was mostly maintained in this book, it would be really hard to not love a number loving sugar addict that has dealt with so much betrayal and trauma. I do think if I had just met them in Craving Vengeance and not in the first book, I would just like them and not love them as I do. Overall this was a needed and entertaining read if you have already read Embracing Darkness.

[Amy McIntire · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read book 1, Embracing Darkness, then you KNOW you are in for a treat and that Rhys and Pavel are just the cutest pair EVER. Poor Rhys just has so much trauma and trauma response that has darkened the light in his eyes:

"It finally made sense why Rhys had been sleeping in Paval's room. He thought he was burdening us, that we were only fighting this battle because of him. He thought he was our PROBLEM, not our fourth and it pained me that he had felt like that for an entire week before saying anything."

If you have every been someone that has had any amount of trauma in your life -YOU KNOW, and can wholeheartedly relate to Rhys. It's amazing to watch Val, Dom, and Gia take that pain on as their own and start to heal it. It's even sweeter when they get a little revenge......

And it's even better when they all 4 come together because that SPICE ya'll. WHEW. I don't know how to say goodbye to Rhys and his men. I loved the globetrotting smexy times, the sweet times, and especially the healing times because it was very much hard won. Very nice way to end a duet.

[Alexandra Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! This was book
2 of the Singul Surrender series and the second part of Rhys and his men! And I was absolutely here for it! I 💯 percent loved Rhys and his men in the first book and this just made me fall more in love all over again! NO SPOILERS, but it was definitely had some spice with twists and turns and a love that makes you feel whole, and a great plot with amazing characters. It is definitely on the darker side so check triggers if you have any, or if you're like and don't have any, just jump in and stay a while! After the cliffhanger from the first one I was definitely looking forward to this book and couldn't wait to dive in! I was no disappointed. Highly recommend

[Emma Bakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is lovely written book with its biggest plus been the dynamics between the characters, they talk and communicate beautifully. Nobody runs off trying to save anybody else they all know what each other is doing and why and it makes a wonderful change. I could read about this relationship all day.

Only downside would be the ending. Although the ending you would like, not very descriptive about what happened. Would have loved another chapter from Liam to describe his side and why he was trying to contact Rhys from prison.

That been said I would recommend this book and looking forward to Pavel's story in the future.

[jor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me going crazy. The twists and turns, the suspense, it was a lot but in the best way possible. This was a great continuation of Embracing Darkness. I absolutely adore Rhys and his guys. They treat him and each other so well. They deserved the HEA they got. Though this story still is dark, I couldn't help but melt at all the sweetness. They could always tell when something was wrong with one another and they way they always knew exactly what one needed...soulmates!! Val's labeled as the protector, but really they'd all do anything to keep each other safe and loved and I think that's beautiful. So glad their family with Paval is growing and I can't wait for his story!

[Booksandflames · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues smoothly and Part 2 really kept me on my toes.
The whole connection between Hawk International and the protagonists is so twisted that you can't read it fast enough as you'd like.
I was constantly on edge and desperate to figure out the solution.
Unfortunately, the ending was somehow too easy for me.
The situation should have meant more difficulties for the Kolas, but the men suddenly got out of it and everything cleared up.
The overall conclusion is positive.
However, I think the writing style can be improved.
I can happily recommend the books to you and look forward to Paval’s story.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was quite dissapointing. I thought with four men being in a relationship that there'd be a decent amount of smut and heat/spice between them. Unfortunately, the relationship lacked storyline and depth. It got ridiculous that the men kept coddling and babying Rhys. They were basically carrying him around like he was a koala.

The "villains" were weird to me. I couldn't understand their motives at all. Overall, the story was quite underwhelming. The only good thing about this story was the adorable kids, Pavel and Tia.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

A great ending to this duology. This book is packed full of angst, suspense, twists and turns, and also buttloads of love.

The plot definitely thickens in this instalment. I had a hard time putting it down because I needed to get my answers straight away. I like how it all comes together in the end, and we get our beautiful HEA.

There's a good amount of spice in this one, which had been nicely incorporated into the storyline. I mean...who doesn't like a full-on sausage fest 👀

Paval is still the cutest kid ever, followed closely by Tia. I can't wait to read their story in Facing the Music.

[Treyreadss · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great ending to this duet! Rhys and the men never disappoint. This was such a great read, the drama and action mixed with the perfect moment for Spice 🤌🏽🤌🏽. It’s sad to say goodbye to them but I’m so happy with the ending. Ada and Liam can go to hell, they got what they deserved. However it’s also ‘fuck you’ to his bitch ass daddy!!! I don’t like him 💀 I can’t believe how vile his family is. So glad Joey got OUT. I cannot wait to read about Paval’s life next. 💖💖

[Simera · Rating 4 out of 5]

You need to read Embracing Darkness first to get the whole feel and enjoyment of Rhys and his guys.
Like the first book in the series this one didn't disappoint in the drama in Rhys family, the angst, the twist and turns and why.
I just love Rhys, Gianni, Dmitri, and Valentyn and that they finally get their HEA.

[Casiddie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the tangled web that Slater weaved. This was an amazing conclusion to Rhys and his men with every twist and turn that you can imagine.

With everything stacked against them and Rhys feeling like he had no one to trust him men stayed by his side every step of the way showing them how much he was loved and wanted.

I'm a Stan for Slater's giggly, cuddly men!

[Relay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Above the rating level, it is unbelievable. It is the best book to read. The idea was unusual, new, exciting, and diverse. The events were more than wonderful and moved us from one shock to another. The interconnection of events was more than amazing. I enjoyed it so much that I read both books in one day. I was in Mellifluous because Events, but I loved them very much

[Axi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, there was a lot of action, traumatic events, and steamy scenes. With every page, I found myself with the feeling of needing to keep reading. From each perspective, it draws you in and allows you to see each moment pass by, but enticing you with every sentence. I can't wait to read the next book, which I plan to start immediately.

[Brittany Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. The spice and plot were both amazing as well as the plot twist. There was a good bit a character development between the characters. I believe this is a good introduction book to dark romance. It does have dark themes so please check TW’s. Tropes include: MMMM, insta-romance, dark.

[Not Princess1993 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this whole series. The spice is magnificient

[Jerica Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️

Another amazing book! It's real and is definitely a page turner. It wraps up the story in the most perfect way