Retribution

by Tori Fox

The Partners are back and they have a new enemy…

Eleven years ago I faked my own death to save my family.

And it cost me everything.

Now I'm a wanted criminal.

The Partners have me back in their grasp but it’s not them I am afraid of.

I have new enemies now.

Ones that wouldn’t think twice to put a bullet through my head.

To make matters worse, my kids hate me.

And my wife won’t forgive me.

But I will fight like hell to make it right, no matter who I have to take out in the process.

There’s only one way this ends, only one goal, to get my wife and kids back.

And make it out alive.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2025

About the author

Tori Fox is the author of romantic suspense and contemporary romance with a little bit of angst and a whole lot of sexy. When she isn’t writing, you can find her listening to true crime podcasts as she tends to her plants or singing along to Taylor Swift as she drinks champagne. Tori is living her best life in the magic of New Orleans with her dog.

You can find Tori on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

@ToriFoxBooks

Reviews

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading dark mafia romance. It never gets old to me. I 10/10 recommend this book.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retribution ( The Partners Book 4 ) OMG !! What an emotional rollercoaster that just sucks you right in and does not let go . I seriously was not prepared for Ainslie and Thiago’s story . All the emotions I was reeling with , all the secrets and unexpected surprises, the intrigue and suspense, the revelations, the moments that were so heartbreaking they literally tugged on all my heartstrings. I’m such a sucker for a great Dark Mafia Romance , a story that will literally have you on the edge of your seat seat and devouring every word at a ungodly pace , that will make you feel like your on the craziest ride at the amusement park . A story filled with multi layered characters and a relationship that has so many complexities . Well Thiago and Ainslies journey delivered all of the above in spades . ♠️

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5*

Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Tori Fox!

 

Retribution is the fourth standalone book set in The Partners series and tells the story of Ainslie and Tiago. Although this is the fourth standalone book in the series, I recommend reading the other three books in the series because Retribution mentions characters from the previous books.

 

It's been awhile since I read the third book, Redemption, in The Partners series so it took a bit to get into the story. I also didn't remember if Ainslee or Thiago were ever mentioned in one of the previous books. But I'm a big fan of Mafia Romance and I really enjoyed reading the first three books in The Partners series, so I was excited to start reading Retribution.

The Partners series is a book series with each book about a different couple, and in Retribution we get to read about Ainslee and Thiago. Ainslee and Thiago are wife and husband, and they have 3 children together, but... Thiago is supposed to be dead. Or is he? Retribution tells the story of how Thiago tried to save his family by pretending to be dead, and now almost eleven years later he wants to return to his family. But that's not an easy feat...

It took me almost a week to finish Retribution. Mainly because I have a 3-month-old I need to care for, but also because this book didn't really grab my attention. I mean, I liked the story in general, and I wanted to know how this book was going to end, but I also didn't feel like picking up this book and reading it. Which is sad because I really liked the previous books. Maybe it was just my mood because my 3-month-old had a bad week, or maybe this book lacked something for me? Who knows...

[Theresa Natole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleven years ago Thiago thought he was doing the right thing to protect his family. Not a day went by that he did not think of them. Thiago held on to the hope that one day he would return to them.
Now he has returned but he is not free of the life he tried to escape from. Thiago is warned to stay away from his family but he can’t help himself, he has to see Ainslie even if to make sure she is happy and safe. But once is not enough for him. He left her eleven years ago but he would not leave her again.
It took Ainslie a long time to accept that Thiago was gone. Now that he has come back can she forgive him for ever leaving. The love they once shared will certainly be tested. Will it stand the test of time. Can his family forgive him for ever leaving . Their story will have you guessing what will happen next and hoping for a happy ending for Thiago and Ainslie who have more than deserved it. Especially for the sacrifice Thiago made to keep them all safe.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thiago Montford has had dealing with The Partners and Ganado’s but the people that seem to be giving him the worse trouble is his FAMILY !! Because when you turn up ALIVE after 11 years your wife, children and brothers seem to have a BIG problem that you did what you did ….

Thiago was trying to get out forever and couldn’t make it happen even if it was for the good of his family. So when he ran out of options to keep his family safe he had to fake his own death !! But when he turns up alive he finds out he has more issues alive than dead ..

Ainslie and the kids, Lachlan, Reina and Tavish are Thiago whole world so when he tries to get them safe and back in his life he knows he has an up hill battle since his wife has moved on .. or so it looks like because someone seems to be waiting around d for Thiago ….

So worth waiting for !! Thank you Tori !! Loved it !!

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been waiting for this book, wait no longer because holy hell, it’s a doozy. Thiago's back after 11 years, faking his death to protect his family. But now he's more involved than ever. He's trying to find his way back to his family—even if his wife has moved on, his kids hate him, and his brothers are on another level. He thought he was doing what was right for all of them, but sometimes doing the right thing leads you down the wrong path. Ainslie thought her husband was dead, had mourned, and tried to move on the best she could for their children. It wasn't easy, and it was emotional. But now she finds out that her husband is alive, and reasons why, and well, the 5 stages of anger are about to kick in. Can she forgive him for what he did? Can his kids and brothers? But more importantly, can Thiago save them all?

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thiago had exhausted all avenues to keep his family safe and when he failed all he could do was fake his death and hope that his family would be safe and happy. Years later he can no longer wonder how they are and decides he needs to see his wife and kids. Eleven years is a long time to be gone and no one seems to be happy he’s back including his family. Emotions run high, Thiago and Ainslie’s story will rock you to the core, it’s suspenseful, secrets and heartbreaking moments will leave you wanting more and on the edge of your seat if you weren't already. Will Ainslie be able to move past what Thiago did for them and give him another chance? Great read.

[Stacey Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thiago needed to fake his own death to save his life along with his wife and kids. It’s been 11 years and he wants his family back. He has missed to much and Ainslie had a hard time believing him dead. Now there is a possibility in coming back to their f
Lives, will Ainslie accept this? Also, will those who lerk in the shadows lie down. Or will they pounce once once visible. Also will Ainslie and her kids forgive him as well? I found this exciting and scary as well. Loved it.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

He faked his death to save his life from organized crime and protect his family. It’s been years away and he is being sucked in . He will not give up his wife and family a second time but their safety is still priority.

[LINDA BASS · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, I am sorry that I missed the other books, and I am sure that they were fantastic, but book four had me rapidly reading when Thiago reappeared back from the grave!! I could almost see their reunion after being apart for eleven years, and for him to see his little girl for the first time and I almost cried.

[Abby Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Thiago and Ainslie. It is filled with suspense, action, romance, and angst. I loved it and could not put it down! This is book 4 and you definitely will want to read all of them in order. Phenomenal books and beyond worth it. Definitely a must read!

[Tara Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. Thiago faked his death to get out of the grasps of a criminal organization and to keep his family safe. Eleven years later he is captured by the same criminal organization and has to help them bring down another crime syndicate before he can be released from them. All he wants is to reunite with his wife, kids and brothers. To find out if he accomplishes this I recommend you read this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mafia suspense romance with twists.
Second chances - do they exist?
I enjoyed this book. I am going to go back and read the others now!