Foundations of Vengeance (Book Two of the Foundations Trilogy): A Dark Romantic Suspense Love Triangle

by Maria Raye

She was built to design beauty.
He taught her how to survive ugliness.

Once, Mila Harrington dreamed in sketches and skylines.

Then her brother, Maksym Kovalenko, dragged her into a world ruled by blood, secrets, and debt. Under his hand, the softness burned away, leaving a woman who knows how to fight—and how to destroy.

Now the enemies who created her are closing in.

To end them, Mila must work alongside the very men who tore her heart in two—Adrian Roen, the man who saved her and destroyed her, and Levi Roen, the brother who still believes she can be redeemed.

Bound by vengeance, trust, and impossible love, they’ll have to build fragile alliances in a war that could bring everything—and everyone—crashing down.

Foundations of Vengeance is Book Two of the Foundations Trilogy—a dark romantic suspense about obsession, divided loyalties, and what it costs to become the weapon you once feared.

Genres: Dark Romance, Spicy

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2026

About the author

Maria lives in Iceland with her family, balancing a corporate career she loves with a long-standing obsession with storytelling.
She started writing as a teenager, mostly dark and slightly disturbing short stories—which, in hindsight, makes a lot of sense. Over time, her stories evolved into what they are today: emotionally intense romance with a darker edge and just a little (or a lot of) spice.
Her husband now serves as her unofficial editor, a role he didn’t exactly apply for but somehow can’t escape.

When she’s not working or writing, she’s usually at the gym, traveling, or enjoying a glass of wine—often while thinking about her next scene.

Maria is a deeply emotional writer, fully invested in her characters, and not immune to crying over scenes she’s writing.

Reviews

[Tabitha Bechtel]

What in the actual fuck did I just read?!?!?! I’m SCREAMING AT THE ENDING! Such a cliff hanger that I am DYING for the third book to come out already! I love this book so much!!!!

This is the second book in the Foundations Series. Mila’s story is continued. The back and forth between the brothers is kind of annoying but I’m torn on who I think she deserves to be with. I’m glad we get to meet Maskym and how he immediately treats Mila with so much love and respect like time was never lost.

There are some dark and deep themes to this book so please read the trigger warnings. Now excuse me while I go rot until the third book is released.

[Jessica Blackman]

I'm absolutely speechless. One of the hardest cliffhangers I have experienced. I need more ASAP!

[Melissa Mejia]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. OMG what did i just finished reading!! This is the second book on the Foundation Series. This book made me cry it was written well you felt like you were the character!! I cant wait to see what happens in the next book! I need it now as we were left with a cliffhanger! This book is full of dark romance and suspense chefs kiss to Maria Raye!!

[Josie's kindle era]

This is the second book in the series you need to read Foundations of guilt first! I stumbled across the first book on tiktok, and I devoured that one, and I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader of the second book.

And she's done it again.. Another 5 star read for me! It's spicy, it's traumatic, it's heartbreaking but also heartwarming. Be sure to read the trigger warnings!

The story continues with Mila, Levi, and Adrian, Mila is still torn between the two of them. Levi is the calm she needs, but Adrian is the dark she needs and craves. I was team Levi but I am now a firm team Adrian.

I love the relationship between Mila and Masksym and how he takes care of her in his mafia hard man way but it works.

I was so not ready for the cliffhanger that literally left us hanging. i can't wait to find out what happens in book three... please don't be too long!!

[Kathryn Paluszak]

What a ride! I was hooked from page one and at no point did I know what was going to happen next. Adrian has lost his mind over Mila! He is possessive and oh so dark. Levi is the light in Adrian’s darkness but oh boy these brothers definitely are not used to being told no. Mika’s reunion with her brother is so bittersweet but watching that relationship blossom was so special. That ending was heartbreaking. I need book 3 immediately

[Lisa]

The second book of the Foundation series comes with more spice, more depth and more danger.

Mila has to face her past, the truth and a new world. Thanks to Maksim, his rediscovered brother, whom I love!
She is is so strong and prepared to deal with inevitable challenges.

All with two unhinged, possessive twins willing to do anything to have her.

An involving writing leads to a storyline that gets more intense, raw and emotional.

Can’t wait to read the conclusion of this story and see what the future holds for this incredible characters!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan Vanderlaan]

Man this series just continues to have me in a chokehold, I loved the first book and didn’t think it could get much better but man was I wrong! I feel poor Mila’s tug between Levi and Adrian. Foundations of Vengeance is dark and twisty and sexy, honestly it’s all of the things I could ever ask for in a book. It kept me engaged and wanting more, it was most definitely a “just one more chapter” read! Highly recommend this series!

[Ladenia27]

In Foundations of Vengeance we get to see the continuation of Mila’s story, with an amazing plot, filled with trauma and tragedies both past and present.

The element of the love triangle didn’t feel as good as it did in the first book, but the romance and the spice kept on delivering.

Can’t wait to see where this story is going!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bryceann Williams]

Foundations of Vengeance by Maria Raye earns a strong 4.5/5 rating for delivering a powerful blend of emotional depth, high spice, and a gripping, revenge-driven plot that keeps the tension consistently high. As the story continues, the characters are pushed further into morally gray territory, forcing them to confront betrayal, trauma, and the cost of vengeance, while the romantic connection feels intense and unavoidable, carrying the weight of something that borders on a destined bond rather than a simple attraction. The chemistry is undeniable and the spice level is high, with scenes that feel earned and emotionally charged rather than gratuitous, enhancing the overall story instead of distracting from it. What truly stands out is the plot progression—secrets unravel, loyalties are tested, and the stakes rise with every chapter, making it impossible to read casually. The book concludes with a sharp cliffhanger, leaving major questions unanswered and setting the stage for an explosive continuation, which may frustrate some readers but will thrill those who love suspense and series momentum. Overall, this installment excels at balancing romance, darkness, and plot, making it a compelling and addictive read for fans of intense, spicy stories with emotional weight and a lingering sense of unfinished fate.

[Raquel Brasil]

Book two takes the story into much darker territory. After learning the truth, everything changes. Her life, her home, and her sense of purpose are reshaped, forcing her to slowly embrace a new reality and everything it carries with it.

As she begins to adapt, help comes from where she least expects it, offering a brief but meaningful reprieve from loneliness. What follows is a journey of finding her footing again, learning how to guide herself through old wounds, and discovering a path built on the need to lessen the pain of others. In that process, her purpose starts to solidify.

But peace doesn’t last. A favor is required, a deal is made, and she is pulled back toward old haunts and familiar patterns, even as she tries to hold onto her new focus. Choosing the devil comes at a cost, and being forced to make that choice again and again slowly strips something vital away.

The ending is a cliffhanger for the ages. This book delivers pain, fragile hope in the direst circumstances, fear, and a surprising faith in humanity, all while leaving you aching for the final installment. Book two doesn’t offer comfort—but it does deepen everything in the most compelling way.

Raquel (TheInkAddictsReads on Insta)

[Desiree Glauner]

Read this as an ARC read and let me just say..
EXCUSE ME?! This book isn’t even released yet and now I have to wait even longer to find out what happened?! OH MY GOD.
The first book? Amazing? This book? AHHHHH.
I cannot wait for the 3rd one.
Maksym? Funny needed character for the intensity of it.
Levi? Had mixed feelings the first book, then again this book. By the end of this book? I wanted to punch him myself.
Adrian? That man loves HARD. He sat there waiting for her, letting her live out whatever she needed to come to terms with him trying his best to protect her. His brother. Everyone. He didn’t want anyone but her and PROVED IT.
Ezra? Don’t get me started on how HAPPY I am for him and his new husband.
Riley? I hope it works out with her and Maksym. She deserves a man who will burn the world for her too
Gah, I am so in love with these books. 10/10 I recommend these to anyone that will listen.
I laughed, teared up, sighed, gasped. So in love.

[Amber]

I am not okay. I knew it would end on a cliffhanger but still wasn’t ready.
I’m so mad at Levi…. He was doing so well at making me not annoyed by his existence and had to go and mess that up.
Adrian…. Drives me bonkers but in a great way, mostly. I would have liked to see him more throughout the book but also, I like that there was more of a focus on the trafficking than the triangle.
Maxsym… the true MVP of not only the second book the series so far. I never thought someone could be so scary but also make me giggle so much. If I ever come across a mafia boss, I hope he’s as perfect as Maxsym.
Ezra and Riley- the friends everyone needs. True definition of Ride-or-Die. Without giving all the spoilers, I am rooting they stay on their current paths because I’m here for it all.
I have a strong feeling book 3 will bring on a 5 star review.

[Lianne Scheepers]

What an amazing read! I already loved the first book in this trilogy (Foundations of Guilt), but this one was even better!

Mila turns into a true badass, fighting for what she believes in. Meanwhile the Roen brothers are still fighting over her, they had their moments where I liked them, and they had their moments where I wanted to punch them in the face. We also get to know Maksym better, and can we please get him his own book? He’s fun!

The story is written really well, the emotions, the tension, the character growth. *chefs kiss!* There is also a lot of danger to the story, which is to be expected when all the characters are risking their lives to save others. Speaking about danger, the story ends on a huge cliffhanger! So be prepared for some emotional damage. 😉

I honestly can’t wait for the third and final book in this thrilling trilogy!

[KEEKZ]

Wow wow wow! Speechless! Chefs kiss!
This book was such an awesome read and I loved every minute of it. It took me on an emotional roller coaster in a good way.
It’s the second book in the foundation series continuing from the first book Foundations of Guilt.

I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t that! The tension, the plot, the spice😏, the raw emotions, everything about it was perfection.
Now I would like to say I’m a Adrian girly not gonna lie ☺️ alsoooo what was that ending….such a cliffhanger I’m still processing🤔 I would love to read the next book but you know I can’t wait🤫(that’s a lie, I can’t! I need to know) if you love dark billionaire forbidden romance, love triangle with twins who are obsessed, enemies to lovers you have to read this. 100% recommend!!!! Thank you for the read🥰

[Mari]

What in the emotional DAMAGE did I just read?!

Foundations of Vengeance had me in a chokehold from page one. The tension, the darkness, the obsession — absolutely unhinged in the best way. Mila continues to be such a powerful, complex character, and watching her navigate loyalty, trauma, and impossible choices was everything.

And let’s be clear:
Levi does not love Mila the way she truly needs. He’s manipulative, controlling, and wrapped up in his own version of what he thinks love is. Adrian may be dark, possessive, and completely feral — but his connection with Mila runs deeper, messier, and far more emotionally charged.

Every chapter pulled me further into this brutal world of vengeance and divided loyalties, and just when I thought I could breathe… that CLIFFHANGER happened.

Maria Raye, respectfully, I need Book 3 immediately because my sanity depends on it. 🖤

[Carmella Brown]

The ending to this killed me. I honestly thought it was tying everything together to close the set out an no it's to be continued .....so now I'm patiently waiting for book 3 to come out. Hopefully it comes out sooner than later. I need to know how the next part unfolds.

Foundations of Vengeance has great POVs from the main characters. The story line will have you at the edge of your seat with danger, a spicy love triangle, power moves all while hitting your emotional side as to what the book is actually about. I don't believe this is based from a true story but the way it is written it shows the reality of what really goes unnoticed to the blind eye in the real world.

Thank you to the Author
for the opportunity of sharing an ARC copy of this wonderfully well written book.

[Danika]

4 stars ⭐️
dark romance, love triangle, twin brothers, touch her & die 🥀

omg, I really liked the first book in this trilogy, but this one? second book definitely had me in a chokehold! in the first one I really liked Adrian more, but in this one, I was torn between him & Levi! although towards the end, I think I have my final verdict, i definitely love Adrian. The new character who was introduced at the end of book one who I will not mention to not spoil, BUT I LOVE HIMMM. He is so funny & protective, definitely my second favorite character in this one! & lastly the spice, was definitely spicyyyy. I was clutching my pearls 😭 cliffhanger had me teary eyed.. I can’t wait for the final book, & seeing how this all ends.

[Didi Norman]

ARC copy from the author

This book wrecked me in the best way. Dark, twisted, sexy, and emotionally brutal, it pulled me in so completely that I felt every raw emotion—desire, pain, shock, and hope—right alongside the characters. Levi was the light, Adrian was the darkness, and the choice Mila made still lives rent-free in my head.

I adored Mila and Maksym’s sibling bond—playful, real, and grounding amid the chaos. The spice was perfectly timed and intense, and the cliffhanger? Absolutely criminal.

I devoured this faster than book one and now I desperately need book three. If you love morally grey characters and emotions sharp enough to cut, don’t miss this one. 🔥📖

[Danielle ♡ Cirque des Morts]

This is Book 2 in the Foundations triology and let me say IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

It continues on with Mila, Adrian and Levi's story (with some new faces) and let me say BUCKLE UP! There is spice, there is drama, there is tears, there is the unexpected, the story line *mwah* perfection!

This was again and absolute amazing read, I laughed, I cried and held on for dear life with the twist and turns!

If you havent read book one yet, I beg that you do, in anticipation for book 2's release!

I dont want to leave any spoilers here as you just need to go on this journey with them❤️

[Meghan]

This book was an amazing sequel!

The writing depicts the depth of each characters emotions and perspective so well. You have feel the emotions through the pages. I’m so invested in their love story and mission and can’t wait for book three! Mila is strong and coming into that strength, setting limits, fighting back. I’ve loved that development for her. There is love, loss, jealousy, the mission and don’t get me started on the spice. This series is amazing. A must read! Bring on book 3 asap please!!

[Ashlei]

Wow this book! I loved the first one, and the second didn't disappoint! You're thrown deep into the world of child trafficking and the repercussions that come from that as a victim. It was heartbreaking and eye opening, and as a result all the characters of this book are much more darker and dealing with that trauma.
I loved Maksym and his banter and how him and Mila interacted!
And don't even get me started on that ending! I turned the last page looking for more and not wanting to finish it! Can't wait to see where the author takes it from here!

[Summer Silkman]

This book was soooo good! I received this as an ARC from the wonderful Maria Raye! Thank you for trusting me to review your book for a second time (I also have a review posted for her first book Foundations of Guilt).

This book made me laugh with its witty sibling quips and cry with the heartfelt brotherly love. This book had a deep and emotional plot. She captured the truth of what is and could be out in the world and in a way gave her readers a way to get a sense of fighting back. Well done. Cannot wait for book 3!!

[Alex]

Maria Raye is showing herself to be an incredibly talented writer. I can't believe she just published her first book last year and already published a second one and it's so good! I absolutely loved reading this brilliantly written and super exciting book. It was even better than the first one, which I also enjoyed thoroughly. This one was more exciting, more spicy, and better in every way. I loved the suspense, the humor and the new characters (especially Maksym, whom I'd like to know more about!). Already can't wait for the third and final book in the series.

[Su2108]

Review of ARC supplied by the author. I advise that you check the trigger warnings and read the first instalment of this trilogy before reading this book!

Foundations of Vengeance is the second installment of this gripping and emotionally charged trilogy. I had hoped that the pace and intensity from book one in this series would continue in book two and it did not disappoint.

The narrative is compelling, driven by strong characters whose motivations feel both raw and believable.

Its dark, its powerful, its intense yet well written and thought-provoking. And the cliff hanger at the end...noooooo!

Another win for Maria Raye, can't wait for the final book.

[syrenareads]

Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest review.

WHAT?! Okay, this book had me absolutely reeling. The suspense, the spice, the tension — all of it was perfection. And I still have no idea which twin I prefer. Honestly, can she just have both in the next book? Because I’m not choosing.

That cliffhanger hurt in the best way. If there hadn’t been a sneak peek at the end, I might’ve actually rioted.

I’m fully obsessed and counting down the days until the next book.

[Shawna Shay]

ARC review

This book was so much more than I expected. I read the first book and was back and forth on my opinion, but this one sealed it.
My heart was on an emotional roller coaster. The plot was full of unexpected twists. The banter was great. This borders on dark romcom, which happens to be my favorite genre.
I don’t do spoilers so let me say this… take the plunge and read the first book then this one. Be prepared to feel frustrated, laugh, cry, scream, cheer and enjoy!

[Jill S]

Ohhhhh my god. The ending!?!? The cliffhanger!?! I need the next book STAT.

This book was everything. I started out thinking I wasn't going to like Max, LOVED HIM.

Adrien's redemption arc was EVERYTHING.

The vote on Levi is still out.

I blew through this book so fast, it kept me hooked the entire time. If you had any doubts after the first book on whether you wanted to continue the series or not... continue it.

[Stefanie Verhelst]

Wow this 2nd installment is even better than the first book in the series.

The author creates depth and puts you as a reader in the middle of the story. Buckle up your seat and prepare for an impressive, overwhelming and shocking ride and though Foundations of Vengeance!

The ending will leave you with a feeling that you want more of this!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catrina Reagan-Spalding]

Phew!!!! What a ride this trilogy has been, and this is only book 2. Can't wait to find out who, when, why, and how. if you love a good romantic suspense this is for you. The character development is phenomenal. The build up is amazing. And the emotional Rollercoaster you are gonna ride is splendid. You must read Foundations of Guilt first to understand Foundations of Vengence.

[CozyDevourer]

Maria’s writing is hypnotizing. The story draws the reader in, sinks its hooks in, and refuses to let go. Mila’s story refuses to be ignored. Both Levi and Adrian are obsessed with her and Mila cannot let either one go. All three drawn into a dark world of deceit and greed, masked by polite society. The question is, will any of them survive long enough to emerge from the darkness?