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Knights of Wrath #2
Pretty Vengeance
How much of yourself would you sell to get what you need?
I’m an outsider in the elite world where I live.
From foster care to a moneyed family to a university covered in ivy.
I’ve come a long way. But I have farther to go.
Then someone threatens my future, and I have to turn to him… the star athlete with dark intentions hidden beneath a beautiful surface.
What he demands in return for his help is unthinkable. I relent and quickly become caught in his web. Over time, I realize it isn’t his shadowy demands that will be my undoing.
It’s his past. His secrets. His thirst for revenge.
Now the one person I’m counting on is set to destroy my life.
I’m an outsider in the elite world where I live.
From foster care to a moneyed family to a university covered in ivy.
I’ve come a long way. But I have farther to go.
Then someone threatens my future, and I have to turn to him… the star athlete with dark intentions hidden beneath a beautiful surface.
What he demands in return for his help is unthinkable. I relent and quickly become caught in his web. Over time, I realize it isn’t his shadowy demands that will be my undoing.
It’s his past. His secrets. His thirst for revenge.
Now the one person I’m counting on is set to destroy my life.
- GenresDark Romance
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2025
203 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Marlee Wray
56 books314 followersUSA Today and Amazon Bestselling author Marlee Wray writes dirty romances that feature dominant, alpha males and bright, engaging heroines.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 1, 2025
Great read
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: blackmail
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was a pretty decent read. It got a little convoluted It got a little convoluted in spots which made it a little difficult to follow. But overall it was an interesting story and has characters that you'll get invested in. I'm really looking forward to War's story
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: blackmail
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was a pretty decent read. It got a little convoluted It got a little convoluted in spots which made it a little difficult to follow. But overall it was an interesting story and has characters that you'll get invested in. I'm really looking forward to War's story
May 17, 2025
Triggers is right, kidnapping of a young child, r@pe of a child, child taking their own life, & mentioning of drug dealing and abuse of drugs.
Close to 400 pages (on my kindle) and not a single boring moment. Yes this is a 'mafia' story so there is some taking of lives, sex, college, finding friendships but also betrayal in people from family to lovers.
Jamie O'Rourke early 20, from Ireland, Rower, in America for revenge mission for what happened to his brother, Jude. Involved with his cousin's criminal organization. Sawyer wanted something and he made a deal with her, for him to help her, she needs to be at his beck and call until she gets her end game. But Jamie didn't know what his search will lead to a certain family, he needs answers and Sauce better give answers.
Sawyer Allendale 'Cranberry Sauce, Sauce & Seesaw' are all her nicknames, 18, adopted by a distant cousin after her bio mother went to prison for drugs, Her 'stepbrother', Brad, isn't nice with her and hates her deeply and will physically assault her. Lost her adoptive mother Celine to cancer and Sawyer's mission is to get into a 'sisterhood' club as her mothers last wishes and to get the sisterhood bracelet back that Brad stolen and gave back to the sisterhood. Its the only thing she wants to prove to the 'family'.
Close to 400 pages (on my kindle) and not a single boring moment. Yes this is a 'mafia' story so there is some taking of lives, sex, college, finding friendships but also betrayal in people from family to lovers.
Jamie O'Rourke early 20, from Ireland, Rower, in America for revenge mission for what happened to his brother, Jude. Involved with his cousin's criminal organization. Sawyer wanted something and he made a deal with her, for him to help her, she needs to be at his beck and call until she gets her end game. But Jamie didn't know what his search will lead to a certain family, he needs answers and Sauce better give answers.
Sawyer Allendale 'Cranberry Sauce, Sauce & Seesaw' are all her nicknames, 18, adopted by a distant cousin after her bio mother went to prison for drugs, Her 'stepbrother', Brad, isn't nice with her and hates her deeply and will physically assault her. Lost her adoptive mother Celine to cancer and Sawyer's mission is to get into a 'sisterhood' club as her mothers last wishes and to get the sisterhood bracelet back that Brad stolen and gave back to the sisterhood. Its the only thing she wants to prove to the 'family'.
July 16, 2025
Fall deep into a wild love that's undeniable.
Jamie’ O’Rourke (age 19) is Trick’s cousin and C Crue new recruit. He's the beautiful golden-haired athlete. He's from Northern Ireland and he's now been in America for a couple of years. His true motivation for coming to the States is actually something dark and tragic, avenging his little brother Jude. The pain is real. And your heart really goes out to him as we learn more about Jude.
Sawyer Allendale (age 18) meets Jamie at a sorority poker game, there’s an instant attraction. She’s on a quest to get into an exclusive club since she is adopted and wants to show the family she is worthy.
We get a taste of both college and Mafia. The trauma they both endured is intense. This helps their connection and makes them perfect for each other. Enjoyed the spicy scenes as Jamie knows what he wants and Sawyer realizes she needs it too.
If you follow the series then Killian, Jamie and War live where Erik Sorensen did, with some nice upgrades. We also get so much of Ash in this story and realize she really is the best! Ash is the first real friend Sawyer makes after always feeling on the outskirts. Loved having the C Crue families and kiddo cameos! They are the cutest and I just can’t get enough 🥰
Ash has secrets and I cannot wait to see more of her And War in the next story!
Jamie’ O’Rourke (age 19) is Trick’s cousin and C Crue new recruit. He's the beautiful golden-haired athlete. He's from Northern Ireland and he's now been in America for a couple of years. His true motivation for coming to the States is actually something dark and tragic, avenging his little brother Jude. The pain is real. And your heart really goes out to him as we learn more about Jude.
Sawyer Allendale (age 18) meets Jamie at a sorority poker game, there’s an instant attraction. She’s on a quest to get into an exclusive club since she is adopted and wants to show the family she is worthy.
We get a taste of both college and Mafia. The trauma they both endured is intense. This helps their connection and makes them perfect for each other. Enjoyed the spicy scenes as Jamie knows what he wants and Sawyer realizes she needs it too.
If you follow the series then Killian, Jamie and War live where Erik Sorensen did, with some nice upgrades. We also get so much of Ash in this story and realize she really is the best! Ash is the first real friend Sawyer makes after always feeling on the outskirts. Loved having the C Crue families and kiddo cameos! They are the cutest and I just can’t get enough 🥰
Ash has secrets and I cannot wait to see more of her And War in the next story!
May 9, 2025
Oh, my, word. What a terrific story!
I have been loving these Dark Knights tales from Marlee Wray; who knew killers could be so sexy, so honourable, so desirable? These are the bad boys we ALL want!
This is Jamie's story, his and Sawyer's. A chance meeting and he decides he wants her for a while, and then she provides him with a way of leveraging that temporary arrangement. Things escalate from there; he is into some dominant stuff, and she discovers the joy of freeing herself from the pressures her adopted family have put her under, (and so wonderfully sexily, too). But things are never straightforward, are they? Throw in an aggressive adopted brother, a snide family and a secret which is burning Jamie's soul, and you have the ingredients for a thrilling and sexy romance which had me enthralled all the way through. Jamie is gorgeous, with a gorgeous soul. Dreamy!
Other characters are here from earlier stories, and the magical Ash, the friend every girl should have.
First rate. Not enough stars!
I have been loving these Dark Knights tales from Marlee Wray; who knew killers could be so sexy, so honourable, so desirable? These are the bad boys we ALL want!
This is Jamie's story, his and Sawyer's. A chance meeting and he decides he wants her for a while, and then she provides him with a way of leveraging that temporary arrangement. Things escalate from there; he is into some dominant stuff, and she discovers the joy of freeing herself from the pressures her adopted family have put her under, (and so wonderfully sexily, too). But things are never straightforward, are they? Throw in an aggressive adopted brother, a snide family and a secret which is burning Jamie's soul, and you have the ingredients for a thrilling and sexy romance which had me enthralled all the way through. Jamie is gorgeous, with a gorgeous soul. Dreamy!
Other characters are here from earlier stories, and the magical Ash, the friend every girl should have.
First rate. Not enough stars!
May 25, 2025
This dark college romance is the second in a series. I hadn't read the previous book, but I didn't feel as though I'd missed out on anything. This book contains dark themes that not all readers may be comfortable with, so please do read the content warnings.
The female protagonist, Sawyer, was a character that I could connect with. I was intrigued by Jamie, and drawn to him, just as she was. Jamie was a bad boy, and I really liked his dangerous energy. He gave Sawyer a cute nickname, which I enjoyed. The tension between the two characters seemed subtle at first, but after a while, the heat was turned up and things started to sizzle.
This dark, spicy page turner was just what I wanted. In addition to that, I enjoyed connecting with the more vulnerable side of both Sawyer and Jamie, and I became a little bit emotional towards the end, which was something that I hadn't anticipated at the beginning.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The female protagonist, Sawyer, was a character that I could connect with. I was intrigued by Jamie, and drawn to him, just as she was. Jamie was a bad boy, and I really liked his dangerous energy. He gave Sawyer a cute nickname, which I enjoyed. The tension between the two characters seemed subtle at first, but after a while, the heat was turned up and things started to sizzle.
This dark, spicy page turner was just what I wanted. In addition to that, I enjoyed connecting with the more vulnerable side of both Sawyer and Jamie, and I became a little bit emotional towards the end, which was something that I hadn't anticipated at the beginning.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2025
Sawyer hasn’t had an easy life, going into a children’s home following the imprisonment of her mother, being fostered then adopted into a middle class family, losing her new mum to cancer, and having an abusive half brother.
Jamie himself has had a sad past, with a burning desire to gain revenge.
They meet by chance, and Sawyer enlists his help. His demand for this surprises her, but fed up with being told what she can or cannot do, agrees.
Both Jamie and Sawyer are strong characters, each dealing with issues in their own way.
She meets her room mate Ash, and finds she is related to Jamie. She admires Ash for her self confidence and abundance of living life to the max.
Jamie and Sawyers relationship moves on, but secrets he has could change everything. Can their relationship survive what is to come?
I really enjoyed this book, how the story weaved together. The content could be upsetting to some, but some is an integral part of the story. There are twists and surprises along the way, with steamy and sad parts.
I look forward to reading the next book.
Jamie himself has had a sad past, with a burning desire to gain revenge.
They meet by chance, and Sawyer enlists his help. His demand for this surprises her, but fed up with being told what she can or cannot do, agrees.
Both Jamie and Sawyer are strong characters, each dealing with issues in their own way.
She meets her room mate Ash, and finds she is related to Jamie. She admires Ash for her self confidence and abundance of living life to the max.
Jamie and Sawyers relationship moves on, but secrets he has could change everything. Can their relationship survive what is to come?
I really enjoyed this book, how the story weaved together. The content could be upsetting to some, but some is an integral part of the story. There are twists and surprises along the way, with steamy and sad parts.
I look forward to reading the next book.
May 25, 2025
Sawyer is an adopted daughter of the Allendales. Her mother loved her dearly, but now she is gone. Her father accepts her, but the grandparents feel she is trash and should be removed from their family.
Currently Sawyer is a freshman at Granthorpe University. As her grandmother and mother before her, she is determined to become a member of the Briar Club. Unfortunately, her mentor hates her for the interest Jamie O’Rourke seems to show her. Fortunately for Jamie, Sawyer is desperate enough to become a member of this club to enter into an arrangement with Jamie for protection. Neither is aware of what their collusion will lead to. Watching Jamie and Sawyer slowly and beautifully build their relationship through “games” that allowed them to savor their intimacy was incredibly lovely.
I highly recommend this intriguing, exciting, enticing book so full of twists and turns that it kept me in suspense throughout the entire story.
Currently Sawyer is a freshman at Granthorpe University. As her grandmother and mother before her, she is determined to become a member of the Briar Club. Unfortunately, her mentor hates her for the interest Jamie O’Rourke seems to show her. Fortunately for Jamie, Sawyer is desperate enough to become a member of this club to enter into an arrangement with Jamie for protection. Neither is aware of what their collusion will lead to. Watching Jamie and Sawyer slowly and beautifully build their relationship through “games” that allowed them to savor their intimacy was incredibly lovely.
I highly recommend this intriguing, exciting, enticing book so full of twists and turns that it kept me in suspense throughout the entire story.
May 27, 2025
Marlee Wray did it again. The way she pulled me into the story just kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen next.
Jamie and Sawyer had such amazing chemistry. They were so hot together.
As if Jamie the MMC isn't hot enough he's also Irish and perfection. He's got secrets and he's a bad boy but he's also just so good.
Sawyer the FMC is a hot tamale. Trying to get into a school club and make a name for herself outside of her rich adoptive family that doesn't care for her.
Jamie and Sawyer have a chance encounter and instant attraction. They arrange in exchange for Jamie's help getting Sawyer into the club she wants to be a member of she gives her body over to Jamie to use at his beck and call.
This was a wild ride. I couldn't get enough, of the suspense, the steam. This was just so good.
Jamie and Sawyer had such amazing chemistry. They were so hot together.
As if Jamie the MMC isn't hot enough he's also Irish and perfection. He's got secrets and he's a bad boy but he's also just so good.
Sawyer the FMC is a hot tamale. Trying to get into a school club and make a name for herself outside of her rich adoptive family that doesn't care for her.
Jamie and Sawyer have a chance encounter and instant attraction. They arrange in exchange for Jamie's help getting Sawyer into the club she wants to be a member of she gives her body over to Jamie to use at his beck and call.
This was a wild ride. I couldn't get enough, of the suspense, the steam. This was just so good.
June 27, 2025
★”I’ve got a job, a vendetta, and a training schedule.”★
Unexpectedly, however, once he met Sawyer, whom he nicknamed “Cranberry Sauce,” he couldn’t get her out of his mind. She joins that minuscule list of priorities, and their chemistry burns hot! Secondary characters War and Ashling also left their lasting impressions - can’t wait for more of their rollercoaster/antagonistic interactions in the future. The worldbuilding (campus Irish mob) was pretty tight for all the characters and their motives. I loved this story and really look forward to more of this series and from this author!
Unexpectedly, however, once he met Sawyer, whom he nicknamed “Cranberry Sauce,” he couldn’t get her out of his mind. She joins that minuscule list of priorities, and their chemistry burns hot! Secondary characters War and Ashling also left their lasting impressions - can’t wait for more of their rollercoaster/antagonistic interactions in the future. The worldbuilding (campus Irish mob) was pretty tight for all the characters and their motives. I loved this story and really look forward to more of this series and from this author!
January 4, 2026
I love this interconnected series and I love the characters. Such great banter and personalities make the stories so fun.
We have Jamie & Sawyer in this book who seem like an accident waiting to happen but somehow get into a situationship that will benefit both of them, or so they think.
What starts out as a mutually beneficial agreement, turns into so much more. There is action, murder, and sexy time galore.
I can't wait to read the next book with War and Ash. Those two are going to be very entertaining for sure.
We have Jamie & Sawyer in this book who seem like an accident waiting to happen but somehow get into a situationship that will benefit both of them, or so they think.
What starts out as a mutually beneficial agreement, turns into so much more. There is action, murder, and sexy time galore.
I can't wait to read the next book with War and Ash. Those two are going to be very entertaining for sure.
May 12, 2025
Sawyer is from all appearance the girl with everything but appearances can be deceiving. The adopted child of a powerful family she struggles to find her footing until she feels like she will lose everything. With enthusiasm Jamie likes to play games and finds a way to ensure Sawyer while pursuing his own dark challenges. The twists and turns never stop coming!.
I received an advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2025
This is book 2 in Knights of Wrath series. This is a dark college romance. There is spice and dominance in the bedroom. Sawyer was adopted by a rich family who treat her hnlnndly after her adopted mother passed. Jamie is on a mission of revenge for his deceased younger brother. Intriguing story with complex characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2025
This book was such a good surprise read. I’m new to this author and series and didn’t expect much more than the run of the mill dark romance. The plot and writing was really good though — I enjoyed the main characters, felt like both the American and Irishisms were well done & liked the build of chemistry. This is the second book in the series but I didn’t realize until after. I’ll definitely read others.
May 23, 2025
I literally could not put this book down - I was hooked from page 1. As soon as I finished, I immediately went back and re-read Pretty Threats. This is Jamie's book and his story has all the ups and downs, highs and lows. We get to see more War and other characters from the Crue and Crue-adjacent make appearances. Hands down, a great book and I cannot wait for War's book.
May 27, 2025
A very good read. A turbelant love story with a lot of power exchange between Jamie & Sawyer. There is a roller-coaster of emotions and events that keeps readers on their feet for the next page. A well written mafia story. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2025
I love this book about Sawyer and Jamie. I felt for Jamie with everything he had lost. I love Sawyer as a character, as she is caring, considerate but still stands up for herself.
This is a great story, with tension, spice and plenty of action, that still manages to introduce past characters that make this read richer.
This is a 5 star book!
This is a great story, with tension, spice and plenty of action, that still manages to introduce past characters that make this read richer.
This is a 5 star book!
May 31, 2025
This is a very addictive college romance with a touch of forbidden!! It is the second story in the "Knights of Wrath" series. I was hooked until the very end. The story is about Jamie and Sawyer. Sparks fly between them and these two are combustible together. Throw in dark aspects, obsession, protective, alpha, danger, steam, revenge, and much more you get an incredible story!
July 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book. Took me a little bit to get into it, only because I was in a book slump and didn’t want anything heavy at that exact moment. Gave it a bit of time, picked it up again, and got sucked into their world. I really like Wray’s storytelling and look forward to more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2025
Jamie and Sawyers is the most recent book in the Knights of Wrath series and I loved it more than I can express. My happy place is this world she's built and each new addition is better than the last. Also...long awaited Ash content!! Can't wait to read what's next.
May 27, 2025
I thought this book was well written and I couldn't put it down and Marlee Wray did it again and I can't wait to read more. This is the second book in this series. I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2025
Excellent dark academy romance
A spicy agreement between the innocent good girl and the a irish rower with dark secrets. Lots of dark themes, a captivating storyline and some kind of fated mates. Recommended.
A spicy agreement between the innocent good girl and the a irish rower with dark secrets. Lots of dark themes, a captivating storyline and some kind of fated mates. Recommended.
June 3, 2025
It was a really good read. It checks the boxes and makes you want to keep reading. The plot and spice were on point and left you wanting more but in a good way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2025
I loved the captivating vibe that this story had as I read each chapter. I loved the riveting scenes between them. I found this story quite fascinating with good intensity and a great cast of characters.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2025
Pretty Vengeance by Marlee Way
Great story by this new author for me and I’ll be looking for more. This was interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great story by this new author for me and I’ll be looking for more. This was interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2025
maybe this book not for me or i understand the topic it tried to talk about and its dark but the writing…..why is it felt like i read wattpad book written by 14 yrs old like who spelled jesus name jayzus and the pet name sauce?? wym…..or my little girl i-
May 28, 2025
I loved reading about Sawyer and Jamie. Their relationship was captivating.I was hooked from the start. It was a roller-coaster ride,intense, spicy and suspenseful. I totally recommend it.
May 29, 2025
Pretty Vengeance: A Dark College Romance
Book 2 of Knights of Wrath
Marlee Wray
The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.
Book 2 of Knights of Wrath
Marlee Wray
The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.
November 16, 2025
I kind of wish there was a larger story developing in the background. But the scenes were hot and sizzling, so I'll forgive it.
Cannot wait for Ash and War
Cannot wait for Ash and War
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews