In the heart of the city's cruel underworld, where every fight is a dance with death, Minke Sloan—known as Poison—reigns supreme. A ruthless streetfighter driven by vengeance, Poison's every move is fueled by the memory of her brother, Jonathan, who was brutally murdered over a decade ago. As she fights to reclaim his territory and honor, each victory in the ring brings her closer to avenging his death, yet the ghosts of her past refuse to rest.
When Poison crosses paths with Scorpion, a legendary figure in the underground fighting world, her life spirals into uncharted chaos. His presence is a spark that ignites both desire and danger, challenging her to confront not just her enemies but the very darkness within herself. Scorpion's enigmatic allure and brutal past mirror her own struggles, creating an explosive relationship that could either save or destroy them both.
Amidst the savage arenas and the shadowy streets that hide secrets, Poison navigates a world where trust is a luxury and betrayal lurks at every corner. As alliances shift and enemies close in, she must decide if she can afford to let down her guard for a man who could be her greatest ally or her ultimate downfall.
Retaliation is a dark action romance that delves into the depths of revenge, loyalty, and the unbreakable spirit of a woman who fights not just to survive but to conquer. Prepare to be captivated by a tale of raw emotion, relentless action, and a love forged in the fires of battle, leaving you breathless from the first punch to the last breath.
Please ensure to read the TW list before diving in. The list is very long. Poison's journey is not for the faint of heart.
I was completely pulled into this whirlwind adventure of love and street fighting. But the ending of my God, I had to read the last two pages twice to make sure I read it right. I shouted, What!!!!, both times. Can't wait to read what happens next to Poison!
This was such a good read, the FMC is so well written, you are captivated by her from the get go. I could not put this one down.
The FMC is a strong independent woman who is out for revenge in the darkest way. The MMC crosses paths with her and their vibe is off the charts. At one point I was gasping clutching my chest internally screaming ‘it can’t be’ and in the next moment I had tears in my eyes from the twist.
The perfect balance of spice and plot which ends with a cliffhanger.
I started the second book and can’t put it down either!
First time reading Mea's Marco books and OMG 🤯. First, we have Poison, female badass boxer, gang leader, biker. I keep imagining her like Selene from the movie underworld. She is seeking revenge ( I won't go further so I do not spoil your reading) and she meets Scorpion (I picture a Jason Momoa kind of guy ) in a work thingy... there is instant drama, intensity, fighting and passion. We have betrayals and twisted relationships between main characters and side characters. We have lots of VIOLENCE AND GRAPHIC INJURY'S between main and other characters. There is forgiveness and pain, love and family as well, we have SMUT, is in point and at least 3🔥 Read the ⚠️, they are on point so you won't get in a book you cannot handle. The ending of this first book will make you spit your coffee ☕.. At least I spit mine.
I survived retaliation... There's no way that this was simply a "read".
Poison isn't someone who is just fist and fury, she has so many layers to her. She's broken and terrifyingly human. Poison runs on vengeance, wanting to seek justice for her brother's murder, thrown into the underworld of street fighting and mafia politics. Her relationship with Scorpion is like a mentos in diet coke... explosive. Their relationship is messy, it's obsessive and dangerous in all the right and possibly wrong ways. It's borderline toxic and you question whether love can survive.
This was such a great read. There's so much more that I could say but I wouldn't want to ruin the experience for other readers. If you love morally grey characters and explosive relationships, then you'll love this.
I don’t do books. But this? This was different. Fights are raw, brutal—no fake Hollywood nonsense. Poison is a straight-up weapon, running through the underground like she’s got nothing to lose. And Scorpion? That dude is a walking problem. Dangerous as hell, but you get why she’s drawn to him.
No fluff, no dragging romance—just fists, fire, and a story that hits hard. If more books were like this, I’d probably read more.
If you love your men morally grey and your heroine tough and able to kick butt then this is the book for you. A wonderful mafia romance with characters you will fall in love with and a cliff hanger ending that leaves you gasping and desperate for the next book. The world is fantastic, lots of steam, shocks,action and surprises. Read this book!!!! 🖤❤️
Its DARK, SPICY and is loaded with THRILLING moments... An enjoyable read if you like Badass Bikes... Streetfighting and a love story materializing while being tested every time you blink. The cliff hanger will punch you in the face.. So be prepared. Its my first time reading MEA MARCO's book and i was not disappointed. Looking forward to book 2
um WHAT EXCUSE ME MAAAAAAM. im....I'm speechless. that. ending. i absolutely love this book. it's got all the tropes we love but it still is so different. street fighters? yaaaa I'm here for it. ugh AND PHILLLLIIIPPP. I need the next book now.
Poison isn’t just a name—it’s a warning. A street fighter with nothing left to lose, she lives for the fight, driven by the brutal murder of her brother. Scorpion, a shadowy legend in the underground world, is a man whispered about in fear and respect. When their paths collide, it’s a storm of violence, desire, and revenge. This isn’t just about survival—it’s about retribution. And Poison won’t stop until every drop of blood is paid back in full.
I loved this book so much .. kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time with al the twist and turns . The development of the love story and the roller-coaster ride the main characters take you on had me kicking my feet the entire time...
Straight from the cover page to the cliffhanger on which it ended, this is one amazing book. It pulls you in straight from the dedication to the very last words. The anticipation and wondering what is going to happen next kept my head spinning the whole time.
It is fast paced, full of action, spicy, friendship and rivalry.
Absolutely cannot wait for the next one in the series.
This book that has : ✨ Strong and Tough Nails FMC ✨ Morally Grey MMC ✨ Found family ✨ Enemies to lovers ✨ Mafia Romance ✨ Underground Street Frighting ✨ Stalker ✨ Amazing Supporting Characters
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The storytelling that Mea does in this book grabs from the beginning and doesn’t let you go. She did a phenomenal job in describing the world she wanted you to envision. There are Plot and romance twist that leave you speechless and I honestly didn’t expect. AND that ENDING!!!! What A Cliffhanger!!! Ugh need Vengeance to come out sooner than later.
I got a free copy of Mea Marco's Retaliation for my honnest review!
My review might contain spoilers (I will try my best not to) so please scroll along if you don't want them.
First of All... How rude is that cliffhanger? LOL
Second, I absolutely loved this book. Excuse me miss Mea, how dare you want my skinny a$$ to now become a bad a$$ street fighter like Poisen!
The FMC is a total bad ass, strong woman with power! I absolutely Love her personality and would not change a thing about her. My heart is very confused though.. I am hoping Mea follows through with die bomb that dropped at the end of the book, (was getting kinda tired of those 2 guys)
Male main character has my heart confused. I was soo rooting for him to become protective of her, but it feels to me that it is more about his ego instead of her.. does that make sense?
The twists this plot had, had me wanting to scream! I absolutely loved it!
There are some nice spicy scenes but plot was on point too! The ratio - for me- was *Chef's kiss*
No Inhave to wait for book 2 to find out what happens next, I can't wait and also, once again... how Rude..
* Note to add, I now also want a tattoo that Scorpion has, I absolutely love the concept of Lotus flower and the skull and what it represents
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"I sincerely apologize in advance." I get why it’s there... but that line did absolutely nothing to soften the blow. WHY must authors hurt us like this!?
That ending? Came in like a wrecking ball wrapped in a thousand knives and shattered every bone in my emotional skeleton. I am not okay.
Coffee, chocolate, and that hug you offered? I’ll take all three. Immediately. 😱🥹 This book was my trauma. I need answers. I need therapy. I need my HEA. 🤌🏻
Scorpion? He is out here manning like a menace and I’m not mad about it. 🥵
Poison? She is the FMC we deserve. Unbothered. Unbreakable. Unapologetic. She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t fold, and might just be my spirit animal. 💪🏻
And Mea Marco? She giggled, twisted every plot thread into chaos, and I will thank her for it. Eventually. Maybe. After I recover.
Retaliation is dark, gritty, and unapologetically raw. From the very first page, Minke “Poison” Sloan had me hooked, an underground fighter haunted by grief, hiding her pain behind fists, vodka, and sharp one-liners. She’s flawed, fiery, and impossible not to root for. The world is a mix of brutal fight clubs, high-stakes corporate drama, and a slow-burn, electric chemistry with the enigmatic Scorpion. It’s violent, sexy, chaotic, and full of morally grey characters, exactly the kind of story that drags you into the shadows and dares you to stay. This book won’t be for everyone (the author warns you up front about the triggers, and she’s not exaggerating). But if you love anti-heroines, raw emotion, and dark romance laced with vengeance, Retaliation is an addictive start to the Poison series.
I am so invested in this series now its unbelievable... a streetfighter mafia romance was a new topic for me but ohhh damn did i love every second of it .
I loved everything from the storyline to the author's writing...short chapters made it a breeze to read and her writing is just perfect and easy to get through..it paints a perfect movie in your mind.
I screamed after finishing this book and jumped straight into the next !!!
you won't go wrong with this one ...its wayy more that 5 stars and the Spice I'd rate around 3.5 to 4 stars
I am ABSOLUTELY in love with this book 🤩❤️🔥 the way you can feel and understand the characters was honestly amazing! From a badass FMC who is a street fighter, crew leader, tech genius, no one stands in her way girl we all wanted to be but never found the courage to be, really makes you feel like you are Poison! 😈
O Scorpion.. this man has you hooked to him immediately! He is sweet, protective, biker boy and one of the most dangerous men ever! He lives rent free in my mind and heart 😍
The chemistry between them is raw and real! But will shatter you completely!
This is one thrilling roller coaster of emotions!!! Love, heartbreak, sarcasm of note, gasping moments and some rather yummy sexy scenes! I cried, I laughed, I screamed and I fully fell!
A beautifully written dark romance with some mafia elements. Mea has truly thrown us into a book that feels like it is reality! I can't get this book out of my mind and what will happen next! This book will leave you smiling and broken!
Retaliation by Mea Marco is a raw, high-stakes streetfighter romance that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. It’s gritty, intense, and packed with emotion, pulling you into a world where survival is a daily battle and love is the ultimate risk.
The story follows a fierce heroine who refuses to back down, even when the odds are stacked against her. The tension between her and the hero crackles with electricity—equal parts fire and fury. Their chemistry is undeniable, but in a world built on violence and betrayal, trust is the hardest thing to earn.
This book doesn’t just deliver on action; it’s a deep dive into complex characters, dark pasts, and a romance that burns hotter than the fight ring. If you’re looking for a story that’s intense, emotional, and impossible to put down, Retaliation will hit all the right spots.
It's been 5 days since I finished it and I still can't get it out of my mind.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a really good book. Like really interesting, the one I couldn’t put down for a second! This one is in my top 5! I can’t wait for the second book!!
I'M STILL TRYING TO PICK UP THE PIECES OF MY SHATTERED HEART!!! This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with twists and turns that left me breathless. The heroine's strength and resilience inspired me, and the bad boy biker boys... fans self... they're the perfect blend of rough, tough, and swoon-worthy.
The fighting scenes were intense and visceral, the betrayal cut deep, and the love... oh, the love was a beautiful, messy, and all-consuming thing. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, and I cheered - often all at the same time!
The plot was expertly woven, with surprises around every corner. I couldn't put it down, even when my eyes were burning and my bed was calling. It was worth every minute of lost sleep, every tear shed, and every scream of frustration. If you're looking for a book that will leave you feeling raw, emotional, and utterly satisfied, then this is the book for you! 5/5 stars
Love loved loved. Written as if she was there. The feelings the emotions. The raw anger. There were places where i was damn girl and OMG. Written very well. Here and there some missed grammar but overall i am in love with this book and the author's way of writing. Looking forward to more of this book series.
Yoooooh, I’m not okay. Like, AT ALL! I just finished Retaliation and I’m sitting here, staring at my ceiling, questioning everything. This book? It ruined me—in the best, most devastating way possible.
First off, I'm not sure if I'm spoiling any plot lines, so rather skip this until you have read it, because you need to!!!
Ok, so I NEED to talk about Poison because OMG. I’m obsessed. She’s that unapologetic, fierce-as-hell heroine I crave in dark romance but NEVER get to see! Like, this woman has been through it and still walks like she owns the whole damn world, a f@qing queen! The strength? The rage? The vulnerability she hates showing? UGH. I felt everything. Poison is that girl—complex, broken, powerful—and honestly, I want her to step on me. 💀
The writing? Dark and delicious. Every chapter drips with tension, and the slow unraveling of betrayal and love literally shredded my soul. I mean... the betrayal & love. 😭 I did not see it coming, and when it hit? It hit hard. Like, “put-the-book-down-and-scream-into-my-pillow” hard. WTF! But ok, i'm like also heavily inlove lol
And the love story? Mmm. It’s messy. It’s painful. It’s everything. The chemistry is 🔥 but the emotional wreckage?? Wrecked me. I was rooting for them so hard, only to be ripped apart right alongside Poison.
And the ending? Nah. No. I refuse. The audacity. I’m sitting here, angry, shattered and mind blown, waiting for more. How dare the author do me like this?? And in the same breath, I'm soooo glad she did! Cheers to you Mea! I’m talking pacing my apartment, replaying every scene in my head, addicted!! I'm devastated that i need to wait for the second and not dig my fingers into it right now!
WTF is happening?! Lol, for reals, the plot twists have my mind reeling, I cant see how this is going to play out... Damn!
If you love your romance dark, your heroines deadly, and your heart shattered, this book is for you. But be warned—you won’t walk away from this book the same.
Retaliation had me hooked from page one. This book is straight fire. Poison? She’s the definition of a badass. Tough, no-nonsense, but low-key dealing with all this pain underneath. Loved that for her. The fights are brutal. Real. I could practically hear the punches landing. No sugarcoating, just raw action.
But the real kicker? The vibe between Poison and Scorpion. Ugh, the tension! Like, I wasn’t ready for all those feels. One minute, they’re ready to tear the world apart, and the next, you’re catching those soft glances and thinking, just kiss already! Their connection was everything. Deep, complicated, messy in all the best ways.
The pacing was on point. No boring bits, just fight after fight, with that love story hitting you when you least expect it. The ending hand me screaming. It had me sitting there like, damn, I need a minute.
So yeah, if you’re into fast-paced reads with badass characters, hard-hitting fights, and a love story that burns you Retaliation is the one. Trust me, you’re gonna be obsessed.
THIS BOOK DESTROYED ME... and I loved every minute of it!!! I gasped, I cried, I screamed... and I couldn't get enough!!!
The fighting is both intoxicating pulls you in for more and is totally brutal, the betrayal is real, and the love is fierce. I was completely invested in the heroine's journey, cheering her on as she fought for survival and revenge.
The plot line is legendary!!!
And the romance? IT'S A SLOW BURN THAT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS. The bad boy biker boys had my toes curling! They complex, brooding, and utterly captivating. The love story is one of forbidden passion, suspense, and heartbreak.
I lost sleep to finish this book, but IT WAS WORTH IT. If you're looking for a book that will take you on a wild ride and leave you feeling breathless, then this is the book for you! 5/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My friend practically begged me to read Retaliation. I wasn’t expecting much—I’m not exactly a big dark romance reader—but honestly, I’m glad I listened to her. From the first few pages, it hooked me. The action is nonstop, gritty, and real. Poison is a badass. She’s tough, smart, and you can feel how personal every fight is for her.
The pacing is perfect. No dragging moments or filler. Just straight-up intensity and hard-hitting scenes that kept me flipping pages. The final showdown was insane—definitely didn’t see any of it coming.
Didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did, but this book surprised me. If you’re into action with a solid story and a lead who doesn’t take any crap, give it a shot. Good read
This book owns the underground fighting scene. Poison is a badass, fighting not just for revenge but for survival, and every punch she throws feels real. The action is raw, the betrayals cut deep, and the tension never lets up.
Then there’s Scorpion—dangerous, intense, and impossible to resist. Their chemistry? Absolutely explosive. This isn’t just a love story, its crazy and soooo worth it
If you love dark, gritty romance with street fights, bikers, and non-stop adrenaline, Retaliation will wreck you.