I thought Shade, Blake and Mav could protect me. They all thought so too, but now that our little bubble has has been blown to bits, the truth is, they can't help me anymore.
My stepfather has me in his grasp and he's made a deal to marry me to worst man I've ever met. And that's saying something. Joe Banderville, my future husband, is as ruthless as he is insane. He wants me broken and bent to his will... following at his heels... a devoted, silent little wife who'll do as she's told and bear his heirs. He has me locked in my stepfather's house and under the watchful eyes of his allies. His driver, his bodyguard, the sadistic nurse who enjoys the power she has over me. I'm all alone here. A prisoner. The three men I care about most in the world can't get to me. They can't save me.
But my enemies won't break me. I'm Daisy Evans and I've taken everything life has thrown at me so far. My parents' deaths, ten years in an institution where they made me believe I was the one who was defective... But if it's a choice between being 'defective' or being like Joe or my stepfather, well, I know which one I'll choose. I need to get out of here first, though.
I guess I'll just have to save myself....
Retribution is book four in the Den of Deception five-book series where enemies become lovers and the weak become strong. Daisy is a neurodivergent FMC in a world where she's seen as lacking, an embarrassment, a problem. But she'll show them all who she really is, and she won't have to choose between her stepbrother and his friends while she does it... ;)
Kyra was 18 when she read her first romance, 19 when she left the US for the UK, 20 when she decided to stay in London, 25 when she met her now husband, 30 when she got married, 31 when she had kid 1, 33 when she had kid 2, and 36 when she was diagnosed as autistic.
She now lives a few miles outside London with her husband, the two (likely neurodivergent) kids, and a cuddly cocker spaniel named Patch who likes to roll in bird crap.
Not all of her stories have neurodivergent FMCs but representation is important, especially when so many women are not diagnosed until well into later life!
She writes PNR, Romantasy, and Contemporary why choose where the enemies to lovers journey is rough but worth it!
Take a look at her website, or subscribe to the newsletter for info on release dates, exclusive content and other general awesomeness from the worlds and characters she’s created.
Follow her on Instagram, Goodreads, Twitter or Facebook for all the up-to-date info on release dates, exclusive content and other general awesomeness from the Dark Brothers' world - where the road to happily ever after might be rough, but its well worth the journey!!
The best place to talk about her books is on Discord, where there’s a channel for every series and the spoiler threads!
Damn you Kyra,what do you do to me…..i should be used to it by now,but it HURTS!!! After Provocation,i was eager to find out what happened to Daisy. But now,after Retribution,i don’t know what to do with myself….AGAIN!!! Because that cliffhanger….i should say,those cliffhangers….they seem to be getting worse by the the book! Provocation left me worried about Daisy,but at least there were scenarios i could think of to ease my broken heart. She could’ve escaped the fire,because she was in a place that had a hidden exit. The place she’s in now? There’s no scenario i can think of that will keep me sane….. Yes,she’s grown so much stronger in her time with Shade,Mav and Blake. She can hold her own,negotiate terms on making Envy with Sauvage,who’s a ruthless criminal. She even found answers to questions she didn’t know she should have. Her bestie Lu,Blake,Shade,Mav,prof Applegate and even Stephens added pieces to the evergrowing puzzle. More secrets are coming to the surface,not everything is as it seems in the present as well as the past. So yes,she’s got friends and allies that would come to her aid if she needs them. And yes,her evil “fiance” can’t hurt her anymore. Nor can that bitch of a nurse,thankfully. What they did to her was cruel,sadistic and evil,and i’m happy they’re gone!
But how will i survive until Februari?? With the knowledge of where she is now?? How the hell did she get there?? Who took her,and how did they know where she was when they did?? And who’s behind the taking?? Is it John,AGAIN?? And what secrets is he hiding?? How is everything connected?? Because it is….and Daisy’s in the middle of it!!
There are still so many questions….and no real answers yet,just glimpses!! On the one hand,i hate being left like this. But on the other….i really enjoy the journey. And i can’t wait to hear more in Liberation!
I read this in one day! Whew!! That was CRAZY!! This book is more plot and drama than spice and it was perfection! 🤌
**You must read the first 3 books before this one**
We were left with that crazy cliffhanger from the previous book and this one continues right from there. Daisy is in the building when the bomb goes off. She recovers but the bastard that she is supposed to marry decides she needs a shorter leash. Check TW. There is on page SA. I thought I hated him the most but the nasty nurse is right there with him. This book shows Daisy is stronger than anyone expected and she is a boss. I love her determination and how smart she is.
Another cliffhanger that has you thinking WTH just happened?!? Cannot wait to read the next book!
" A Man does not Keep such a women" "A man can only survive her."
Love this series so much even with the dang cliff hangers! ha.. Kyra just keeps us coming back cause those cliffhangers are just so good! This is book four of the Den of Deception series and you must read in order.
What poor Daisy went through in this book was tough so be prepared(chapters 5-7 are tough) The amount of strength she needs is a lot but with the help of Lu and a few other special people in her corner she makes some changes on her own. Daisy is such a powerhouse who shouldn't be messed with, and I love how some characters just disregard her and don't think she can pull anything off. Lu as usual is hilarious in this book and had me laughing at her antics. I am so glad Daisy has a friend like her to step up and believe in her.
I do have to say I was confused by the last couple pages as to how the ending all rolled out but cannot wait for the next book! I am really wondering what the heck happened and how her men are going to handle that!
This book wreaked me. Daisy goes through so much in this book. There were times I was physically shaking I was so upset. I wanted to jump into the book and destroy certain people several times. And just when you think things are getting a little better. The characters are slightly enjoying themselves. You and the characters smile and laugh... Nope, maybe not. It took me a few days to process this book and come up with a review that was more than: 'I loved your book. I'm mad at everyone. I need the next one.' When the next and last book in this series comes out, I am dropping everything to lock myself away to read it with zero interruptions.
If you thought Daisy had already collected her punch card for suffering, think again. Retribution does not believe in tea breaks, spa days, or emotional hydration. Kyra Alessy slams her foot on the accelerator and hisses, “Hold on,” while we wave weakly from the backseat, already bruised from the previous books.
By this stage of the saga, our girl has been blown up, betrayed, tortured, stalked, gaslit, and occasionally kissed like she’s the last match in a snowstorm. One would assume she deserves at least a nap. But no. Daisy is busy evolving into a creature carved of grit, fury, and the quiet, terrible knowledge of her own worth. While the boys (yes, those boys: Shade, Maverick, Blake) are still deliciously chaotic, Daisy is the one stepping into the spotlight with a steel spine and a “try me” gaze. She’s not just surviving darkness; she’s decorating it.
This installment leans more into plot than pure heat, though do not worry: when the spice appears, it burns. But what makes Retribution memorable is the pacing. It’s relentless. The tension is a violin string pulled tighter and tighter until you swear you hear it crack. Every “wait—what?” moment hits like a slap coated in silk gloves.
The side characters deserve their applause too. Lu is a delightfully unhinged wildcard, Savage is… appropriately named, and even Jacob haunts the story like a ghost who’s too polite to leave but too unsettling to welcome.
And yes. The cliffhanger. Again. At this point, Kyra Alessy is not just writing cliffhangers. She is crafting weapons. Emotional bladed instruments. I reached the final page, closed the book, stared at the wall, and began drafting a strongly worded letter in my mind. The villain here is not a person. It is the author herself, giggling somewhere while we crumble.
In short: Prepare your heart. Prepare your patience. Prepare your group chat to hear you scream.
Because Retribution doesn’t just drag you into the dark. It leaves you wanting more.
Read this in ONE DAY. My brain? Fried. My emotions? Wrecked. My jaw? Still on the floor.
We pick up right after that cliffhanger from book 3 yes, the one that made us all throw our Kindles into orbit. Daisy’s in the building when the bomb goes off, and from there… chaos, trauma, and a level of character growth that had me feral and sobbing simultaneously.
Daisy said,
“No more Daisy, the damsel in distress. I need to be a warrior. Daisy the Destroyer.”
And I swear I stood up and saluted. Our girl didn’t just glow up she ascended. She’s out here being a literal Valkyrie while the men around her are in a permanent state of “protect Daisy or perish trying.”
Shade’s out here whispering, “I’m going to fuck you so full of me…” and I’m just sitting here clutching my kindle going “yes please”. Mav’s giving heartfelt TED talks about her dimples, and Blake’s ready to commit war crimes for their little found family.
Meanwhile, Sauvage strolls in with big crime boss energy like,
“When you came here, you were dying… now you are blooming again.”
Sir. Please. We are already emotionally unstable no need to flirt with poetic villain energy.
And then there’s Nurse Nasty, the intrusive thought personified. I’ve never wanted to throw bleach at a fictional character more.
This book is more plot and drama than spice, but the tension? Chef’s kiss. The suspense? I had to remind myself to breathe. The ending? Another cliffhanger that had me yelling “WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT’S THE LAST PAGE?!”
Kyra Alessy, ma’am… what do you have against my heart rate??
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars for Daisy the Destroyer, emotional carnage, and Sauvage’s unexpected charm.
You MUST read books 1–3 first or you’ll be as lost as I was when I forgot how to blink during the ending.
⚠️ Check those Trigger Warnings babes they are there for a reason!
This is the fourth book in the Den of Deception series, a dark why choose romance about a young autistic woman trying to integrate into society on a college campus amidst a stalker, cryptic messages about her mom’s death and a step-father that absolutely just wants to use her. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Why choose (MFMM) ✨College romance ✨Taboo romance ✨Autistic FMC ✨Forced proximity ✨Stalker (not a MMC) ✨Touch her and die ✨Self-identity ✨Ableism ✨Praise and dirty talk kinks ✨Possessive MCs
The Lovely: I absolutely adored how the MMCs were so worried for the FMC and just wanted to care for her. They’re willing to give up everything for her but now it might be too late. Ever when she’s kept off-limits (to them), they find ways of reaching her and letting her know she’s not alone. I love how something is always going on, or someone is scheming, even if in the background. You know something is going to happen, but what or when will be a total surprise.
Also Lovely: I loved when the FMC took her future in her own hands to get free, proving yet again that she’s not the damsel in distress others see her as just because she’s autistic. She’s clever and brilliant but struggles socially and emotionally. You will be rooting for her to not only succeed but to triumph over others.
Recommendation: I knew, I just knew there would be a cliffhanger at the end because the author always blesses us with a cliffhanger. But, wow, I wasn’t expecting *that.* That just turned the series upside down. I’m not sure how I’m going to wait. The final book in the series is, I believe, set to release in early 2026. Join me on the wild ride that is this series.
I’m loving this series, poor Daisy has the odds stacked against her but she’s a lot more intelligent than her stepfather and the Bandervilles give her credit for. Her stepfather John continues restricting her choices , nurse Nasty is truly evil. Even the guys keep underestimating her and her determination to have free agency over her life and not marry the odious Joe. Her solution to keep herself safe is a daring one that appears to be paying off, so sad that she’s had to resort to such drastic measures tho. We find out more on the mystery of her parents death, tho we still have no clue why John is so desperate to marry her off to the Bandervilles. Love the spice when she’s with all of her guts , so hot and just rhe right amount in this action packed story that gets more interesting with every instalment. That ending tho, reckon we may be closer to her stalker and his motives, he always seems to be one step ahead. Desperately wanting to find out what happens next for Daisy and the guys
The soul-gripping, all-consuming 4th installment in Daisy's story. The author wove the characters into our minds and hearts with such intensity that it felt like we were living their story. Specially Daisy, her autism,how she sees the world in a diferent way,how she's unable to understand the norms is perfectly described . There are so many twists and turns in the story that I’m not going to resume it,just that between her evil stepfather, her forced fiancee and the misterious stalker she's finding her power and retribution is coming...
"No more Daisy, the damsel in distress. I need to be a warrior. Daisy the Destroyer.”
Well written with a rich, descriptive and complex overarching plot, excelent world building and characters that steal your heart from the very beginning, this series is utterly addictive and can't wait to see what's coming. It's so good that I can't be mad with the cliffhanger,it only made my expectations go higher.
Holy Smokes!!!!! We are back with Daisy, Shade, Mav, and Blake. Book 4 continues where book 3 leaves off. While the book isn’t super long it still a story that will have you truly feeling the emotions that run through it. I love Daisy and how she processes everything. The things that she goes through in this one will break your heart at times. This book is filled with drama and suspense. It will have you on the edge of your seat. It kept me glued to it. I couldn’t put it down until I found out what happens. The world that Kyra Alessy has created is one that will leave you in shock and awe. The story is extremely well written and developed. But then we get to the end with an extremely major cliffhanger that has me absolutely excited to see what is going to happen next.
Retribution (Book 4) literally starts off with a bang! Picking up right after Provocation’s explosive ending, we finally see the stalker make his move. This series has kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning—there’s not a single chapter that doesn’t pull me completely in.
Daisy has been through hell, but nothing has stopped her from chasing her freedom. She goes to extreme lengths to escape John and the Bandervilles’ grip, proving just how strong she’s become.
“It’s just. I thought it would be so much worse, you know? I’ve had so much worse. Literally this morning. And that stick is really scary with all the clicking. But, like, it’s not much worse than a,” I laugh harder as I babble, “a bee sting. I mean, is it not working properly?”
This book had soo much going on. Literally between chapters 5-7, I was visibly angry at what was happening to Daisy. I thought about throwing my Kindle. Between Joe and the Nurse, they got what they deserved. Though I was hoping Daisy would have gotten her revenge on the nurse, that would have been a fun part to read. I really liked Sauvage in this book. Especially how he treats Daisy vs the guys, calling them stooges is hilarious. Finding out that Daisy may not have been involved with what happened to that kid when they were young was an interesting twist, though in the previous books, I was already kind of suspecting that. I'm still very curious as to who that person was in the prologue who blew up the club. The stalker person made no appearance at all in this book, and still have no idea who they are. That cliffhanger at the end! What is going on? I hope the next book gives us clear answers.
Just when I thought that things were bad enough for Daisy, along came Joe and his evil minions. They isolate her and then along comes someone laughably described as a nurse, think Nurse Rachet but more sadistic. She drips acid into Daisy’s mind while physically torturing her, restricting food and water, and the food that she is given is designed to trigger her sensory issues. But everyone underestimates Daisy, including her guys and revenge on her abusers is coming. I hated how broken-down Daisy became but was cheering her on when she started to rise again and when she finally gets there, I was cheering. But once again I was cursing Kyra Alessy for the ending, you keep doing it to me! Why? Well, I mean I know, because I am now absolutely feral to read the last book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
Oh. My. Good golly goodness. This series just keeps delivering and this installment shattered me in the best way possible. From one cliffhanger to another, Kyra knows how to keep our attention and bend it to her will. Daisy has officially entered her warrior ero, and I can't wait to see how she rises from the ashes of her current situation. Every chapter had me gasping and shouting (alarming my cat quite a bit, if I'm being honest). The stakes are sky-high, the suspense is relentless, and the found-family dynamics are perfection. Kyra has definitely orchestrated a masterpiece of chaos, heartbreak, and empowerment with precision. That ending, though? BRUTAL. I need the next book, like, yesterday. I give this book a 5/5 for intensity, resilience, and a heroine who refuses to conform to the norm.
Well…. where do I start. This was such a fantastic tense read from start to finish. I have no nails left!!!
Daisy and the boys are back and poor Daisy is still going through VERY tough times. She is just such a strong character and is one of my favourite FMCs. We get to know Pierre Sauvage better and I am getting to like him a lot unlike Joe and the Nasty Nurse who made me so angry.
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time and with the twists and turns you won’t want to put it down. The ending is *chefs kiss* but I was like give the girl a break!!!! 😂
Retribution is the fourth book in the Den of Deception series. Beware of the brutal cliffhanger! Please review trigger warnings prior to reading as this is a dark, why choose in a college setting.
I really enjoyed watching the FMC develop and take matters into her own hands. The MMCs have so much love and concern for Daisy, reading their push and pull with giving Daisy autonomy but still being hyper aware of her needs was heartwarming. Itching for the next book!
***I received this book as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review- thank you to the author and her team!
This was a quick read that meaningfully advanced both the storyline and characters, which is not always the case in book series within this genre. What I continue to love about Kyra’s writing is how it sucks you in so quickly and you suddenly look up and you’ve lost the afternoon / day/ nights sleep. But this series in particular is one that has kept me guessing. I read A LOT of books, and can almost always see the end coming… but with this series I still have not figured out how it’s all going to play out. Not to mention THAT ENDING!!! Can’t wait for book five and to finally see who is behind it all.
Omg! I can’t. I just can’t! All of the books in this series have been huge roller coasters. These characters just can’t seem to catch a break! This book was intense. I wanted to scream at some parts and cry at others. I am really enjoying Daisy’s character development especially towards the end of this book. The cliffhanger is insane! I’m both sad and happy that the next book is the last because I want to know how it all ends! And then I’m hoping Lu gets her own series because she is amazing! I highly recommend this whole series.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! I don’t know how much more I can take! My emotions are all over the place with this one! I am LOVING the drama and tension.
Daisy has grown so strong throughout this series, but how much more will she need to go through? Even surrounded by friends and allies, I’m not sure how Daisy is going to get through things this time! All I know is I will be eagerly awaiting February!
What did I just read!!! I thought this would be the end of the series. But oh no we have another crazy cliffy. Just crazy. Oh my goodness I need the next book asap. Daisy is awesome. She’s so strong. Absolutely love her.
I love this series so far. Kyra Alessy is an amazing author. Can’t wait for Liberation!!!
This book had me on edge for 80% of the book. I cannot wait for the last book in this series! Just when I think everything’s going to be okay, the author throws in another twist. Now I’m left teetering on the edge until the next book comes out in February.
All I have to say is wow. I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down!! I just had to find out what was going to happen to Daisy, and then (of course!) it ends on another cliffhanger! Daisy is really coming into her own and is trying so hard to manage everything that keeps getting thrown at her. I am sucked in and can't wait to see how everything ends.
The fourth book of the den of deception is just as good as the others. The story just draws you in further and further. A hot and spice why choose dark romance with alot of triggers. Daisy is finding herself more and more and the enemies are coming out of the woodwork. Love it alot. I recommend this book to dark romance lovers
Old secrets and crimes still not solved and new threats popping up. Daisy working on her exit strategy now with the help of Shade, Mav and Blake (and also this mysterious Monsieur Villeneuve?). Her bestie Lu still at her side. I'm a bit at loss what to write, the next book has to come ASAP.
Kyra when is our girl Daisy finally going to be ok? After that cliffhanger on the 3rd book I knew we were in for a rough go. The amount of people who have it out for Daisy with no reason is beyond me. Shade, Mav and Blake prove to be the best support system for her along with Lu and her crazy antics. I love how everyone underestimates Daisy and how she ends up being a lot more intuitive than what they believe. The puzzle pieces are coming together and that just leaves me wanting to know if Daisy will ever be able to live her life.
I knew a cliffhanger was coming because it’s Kyra but I did not guess this one! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
The book was so good as always! I’m glad the guys finally know that her life wasn’t a spa getaway and glad she got to show some of her power! I’m slightly obsessed with Pierre though.
My heart hurts for all that Daisy has had to endure and continues to endure. Daisy deserves a happily ever after and I am hoping she gets one in the finally book.
Daisy, Shade, Mav and Blake are back recovering from the explosion in the last book. Daisy goes through so much in this, beung locked in the house with a nasty nurse and tortured by Joe. She is strong though and I love how she stood up to Sauvage. There still plenty of mystery for the guys to solve involving her parents but the cliffhanger was stunning. Looking forward to the next book.