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Retribution
Dark Crime Romance/Psychological Thriller. This book is not suggested for younger readers due to the sexually explicit content, violence and over all theme. This is not your typical romance, and will not appeal to all readers.
Three people irrevocably linked.
A heartless killer.
A shady businessman.
A woman caught in the cross-fire.
Braxton Alexander is a beast without remorse; a vessel filled with hate. Imprisoned for the murder of the one girl who loved him, now he is free.
Brycen Cole knows he must stop Braxton from taking everything he has and turning it to ash.
Gemma Woods has loved Brycen for years, but ever so slowly the happiness she once felt in the arms of her lover has turned to fear and resentment.
Braxton has one goal, one thought, and one mission – destroy Brycen Cole, by any means necessary.
He will not stop.
He will not fail.
Like a juggernaut, he will keep coming, destroying everything in his wake.
Brycen runs a successful corporation and provides a lot of pay-checks; he also has a shady past and a dark talent for hiding things.
Gemma spots the wolf in sheep’s clothing but cannot stop gravitating towards him again and again.
What happens when the lines between good and evil become blurred?
What happens when the one you love is the one you should fear?
What happens when the one you fear becomes the only one you can trust?
Three people irrevocably linked.
A heartless killer.
A shady businessman.
A woman caught in the cross-fire.
Braxton Alexander is a beast without remorse; a vessel filled with hate. Imprisoned for the murder of the one girl who loved him, now he is free.
Brycen Cole knows he must stop Braxton from taking everything he has and turning it to ash.
Gemma Woods has loved Brycen for years, but ever so slowly the happiness she once felt in the arms of her lover has turned to fear and resentment.
Braxton has one goal, one thought, and one mission – destroy Brycen Cole, by any means necessary.
He will not stop.
He will not fail.
Like a juggernaut, he will keep coming, destroying everything in his wake.
Brycen runs a successful corporation and provides a lot of pay-checks; he also has a shady past and a dark talent for hiding things.
Gemma spots the wolf in sheep’s clothing but cannot stop gravitating towards him again and again.
What happens when the lines between good and evil become blurred?
What happens when the one you love is the one you should fear?
What happens when the one you fear becomes the only one you can trust?
- GenresDark
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2015
6 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Lou Dowson
8 books259 followersFind me on my official website. www.mandyloudowson.weebly.com
Mandy Lou Dowson was born and raised in a small town in Ireland, in 1983. Family is a huge deal to Mandy. She has three wonderful children, and two dogs - a Siberian Husky who only does what she’s told if there’s something in it for her, and a little white Pomeranian who loves nothing better than to roll in mud, or worse.
In her spare time, she likes to relax with a few glasses of wine and some karaoke. She has a keen interest in special effects make-up and is part of a dramatical society which puts on one show and one concert each year.
Mandy started reading at quite a young age and her appetite for the written word has only increased with time. It would not be at all surprising to find her reading anything and everything from shampoo bottles to Edgar Allan Poe.
Mandy Lou Dowson was born and raised in a small town in Ireland, in 1983. Family is a huge deal to Mandy. She has three wonderful children, and two dogs - a Siberian Husky who only does what she’s told if there’s something in it for her, and a little white Pomeranian who loves nothing better than to roll in mud, or worse.
In her spare time, she likes to relax with a few glasses of wine and some karaoke. She has a keen interest in special effects make-up and is part of a dramatical society which puts on one show and one concert each year.
Mandy started reading at quite a young age and her appetite for the written word has only increased with time. It would not be at all surprising to find her reading anything and everything from shampoo bottles to Edgar Allan Poe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 20, 2016
I have to start my review with saying that even though this book contains a somehow love triangle and I don't usually do love triangles in this case it didn't bother me at all. Why is that? Well maybe because Brycen is an abusive piece of shit and I do not fell sorry for him at all..
Secondly, this book contains cheating (Yes, for me it is cheating even if we're not talking about actual sex) and even though cheating is a big NO NO for me in this case I didn't mind because I actually despise Brycen and he deserved it.
If you want to read a story that has a good and knight in shining armor male character then this is not the book for you. Braxton (a.k.a. Daegan) and Brycen are two fucked up guys that I can't even begin to label. The one that you think is good is actually bad...and the one that you think is bad might be good. Well...who am I kidding? He's not good at all...
Brycen Cole is a "good guy" that runs his own company by day and an evil SOB that produces illegal pharmaceuticals and runs an underground fighting ring by night. He's also an ABUSIVE and CONTROLING psycho that makes Gem (his girlfriend) feel bad about herself all the time, barely lets her into his precious car, takes her to the gym with him and then leaves her alone for hours, makes her give up her job, threatens her friends to never contact her again and the list could go on and on...abusive enough for you? I wasn't even at 8% with the book and I already hated him.
Braxton Alexander a.k.a. Daegan Crane is an ex con convicted of murdering and raping his 17 year old girlfriend and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He gets out after 8 for good behavior and sets out on a path to destroy Brycen (the brother of his girlfriend) and finally end him. In order to get his revenge he wants to take everything Brycen has, including his girlfriend Gem.
Gemma Woods has been with Brycen for a few years and can't see a way out of her life even if he treats her like crap. When Daegan enters the picture she feels attracted to him but at the same time she feel bad for having those type of feeling for him. But how can she get out of an abusive relationship when she has nowhere to go?
I'm not going to delve into the story because it will spoil all the fun but what I can tell you is that it is not very dark and that despite de whole "semi" love triangle, cheating and 2 fucked up male characters I...
But to give you a taste of how fucked up they are here is a passage from the book, what Daegan tells Gem right before they're about to have sex for the first time...against the door (no bed for these two :P)...
"This isn't going to be soft or gentle," he warned..."This isn't going to be romantic or loving. This is going to be rough, hard. I'm going to fuck you like I hate you, Gem. And you're going to fucking love it"
What a stand up guy right?
You are probably wandering why I didn't "fivestar" this book if I loved it so much. Well...because I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I would have liked. Maybe it was the writing style (third person) that kept me from fully engaging with the characters but I understood that the author wrote the book this way in order for us to be able to get the full picture. Another reason was the fact that even though the cheating didn't bother me somewhere deep down I would have preferred that there wasn't any...even if we're not talking about actual sex, in my book she still cheated. All in all as a personal rating this book is a 4.5 star for me.
And...
I have to tell you this so you don't hate me when you get to the end of the book.
I was down to my last 10% and I thought "Well this is pretty predictable". He writes her a letter, she goes after him and he will be waiting for her. What I was not expecting was for the wrong He to be waiting for her...
And...it ended with a cliffhanger...
So Mandy Lou Dowson, congrats on this book, very unique and (in a fucked up kind of way) beautiful story.
It looks like this is going to be a series after all..so I have a few suggestions on what this series should be called :P:
1. The F@0Ked up guys series(because I had the felling you where introducing a new character in the end)
2. The ex con series (same reason)
3. The revenge series
...and I'm going to give this problem further thought :P
But in the mean time I seriously hope you started writing the next book in this series...Seriously!!!
Curious?
You can preorder this book here:
Retribution by Mandy Lou Dowson
Enjoy! :D
Later edit...
As requested by my lovely ladies I'm going to describe a scene from the novel that takes place between Daegan and Gem :D So here it goes...
NOT INTENDED FOR READERS UNDER 18
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Secondly, this book contains cheating (Yes, for me it is cheating even if we're not talking about actual sex) and even though cheating is a big NO NO for me in this case I didn't mind because I actually despise Brycen and he deserved it.
If you want to read a story that has a good and knight in shining armor male character then this is not the book for you. Braxton (a.k.a. Daegan) and Brycen are two fucked up guys that I can't even begin to label. The one that you think is good is actually bad...and the one that you think is bad might be good. Well...who am I kidding? He's not good at all...
Brycen Cole is a "good guy" that runs his own company by day and an evil SOB that produces illegal pharmaceuticals and runs an underground fighting ring by night. He's also an ABUSIVE and CONTROLING psycho that makes Gem (his girlfriend) feel bad about herself all the time, barely lets her into his precious car, takes her to the gym with him and then leaves her alone for hours, makes her give up her job, threatens her friends to never contact her again and the list could go on and on...abusive enough for you? I wasn't even at 8% with the book and I already hated him.
Braxton Alexander a.k.a. Daegan Crane is an ex con convicted of murdering and raping his 17 year old girlfriend and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He gets out after 8 for good behavior and sets out on a path to destroy Brycen (the brother of his girlfriend) and finally end him. In order to get his revenge he wants to take everything Brycen has, including his girlfriend Gem.
Gemma Woods has been with Brycen for a few years and can't see a way out of her life even if he treats her like crap. When Daegan enters the picture she feels attracted to him but at the same time she feel bad for having those type of feeling for him. But how can she get out of an abusive relationship when she has nowhere to go?
I'm not going to delve into the story because it will spoil all the fun but what I can tell you is that it is not very dark and that despite de whole "semi" love triangle, cheating and 2 fucked up male characters I...
But to give you a taste of how fucked up they are here is a passage from the book, what Daegan tells Gem right before they're about to have sex for the first time...against the door (no bed for these two :P)...
"This isn't going to be soft or gentle," he warned..."This isn't going to be romantic or loving. This is going to be rough, hard. I'm going to fuck you like I hate you, Gem. And you're going to fucking love it"
What a stand up guy right?
You are probably wandering why I didn't "fivestar" this book if I loved it so much. Well...because I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I would have liked. Maybe it was the writing style (third person) that kept me from fully engaging with the characters but I understood that the author wrote the book this way in order for us to be able to get the full picture. Another reason was the fact that even though the cheating didn't bother me somewhere deep down I would have preferred that there wasn't any...even if we're not talking about actual sex, in my book she still cheated. All in all as a personal rating this book is a 4.5 star for me.
And...
I have to tell you this so you don't hate me when you get to the end of the book.
I was down to my last 10% and I thought "Well this is pretty predictable". He writes her a letter, she goes after him and he will be waiting for her. What I was not expecting was for the wrong He to be waiting for her...
And...it ended with a cliffhanger...
So Mandy Lou Dowson, congrats on this book, very unique and (in a fucked up kind of way) beautiful story.
It looks like this is going to be a series after all..so I have a few suggestions on what this series should be called :P:
1. The F@0Ked up guys series(because I had the felling you where introducing a new character in the end)
2. The ex con series (same reason)
3. The revenge series
...and I'm going to give this problem further thought :P
But in the mean time I seriously hope you started writing the next book in this series...Seriously!!!
Curious?
You can preorder this book here:
Retribution by Mandy Lou Dowson
Enjoy! :D
Later edit...
As requested by my lovely ladies I'm going to describe a scene from the novel that takes place between Daegan and Gem :D So here it goes...
NOT INTENDED FOR READERS UNDER 18
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
March 23, 2015
Take overs and Donations for the release party. Join it HERE
With one more crook of his masterful fingers, she came undone. And with a look of triumph, he covered her mouth with his other hand. “That's it, baby. Come for me. But shut the fuck up while you do it.”
Using her hair as a handle, he brought her head back around. Feeling himself enter that space of emptiness inside himself, he smiled. “You have about two minutes to finish me off, Gemma. Make use of them.”
Disallowing her the pleasure of speech, he thrust inside her again, hitting the back of her throat, causing her to convulsively swallow. Fuck, that felt amazing. Hitting a rhythm, he fucked her face, slow, languorously. “One minute, baby.”
Eyes frantic, nose pinching together on each inhale, she finally understood. He wasn't afraid of Brycen catching them.
March 8, 2018
Dark...Brutal...and yet so exciting!!!
Braxton Alexander had only one thing and one thing only on his mind...get out of prison and make the person who landed him there pay...Retribution!!!After being locked up in a cell for so many years,his heart and soul turned hard and cold and thought only of revenge.His plan was very well laid out...only he hadn't planned on what meeting Gemma would do to him.She saw him as something beyond the dangerous,enigmatic man he had become...in some twisted way she brought out a compassion he believed no longer existed.He glued her broken pieces together making her feel safe and cherished.A dark story that takes you to the depths of the underground world,leaving you flipping page per page...caught up in the suspense and danger.Mandy Lou Dawson has captured all the imperfections of this dark world and put it spectacularly into this exciting novel.Personally,I couldn't put this ARC down,my adrenaline ran too high!Praise to the author for such a gut-retching & heart-stopping story which deserves every star its getting!!!
Braxton Alexander had only one thing and one thing only on his mind...get out of prison and make the person who landed him there pay...Retribution!!!After being locked up in a cell for so many years,his heart and soul turned hard and cold and thought only of revenge.His plan was very well laid out...only he hadn't planned on what meeting Gemma would do to him.She saw him as something beyond the dangerous,enigmatic man he had become...in some twisted way she brought out a compassion he believed no longer existed.He glued her broken pieces together making her feel safe and cherished.A dark story that takes you to the depths of the underground world,leaving you flipping page per page...caught up in the suspense and danger.Mandy Lou Dawson has captured all the imperfections of this dark world and put it spectacularly into this exciting novel.Personally,I couldn't put this ARC down,my adrenaline ran too high!Praise to the author for such a gut-retching & heart-stopping story which deserves every star its getting!!!
May 4, 2015
I was given this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
“Monsters aren’t born; they’re made.”
I have read other books by Mandy Lou Dowson and find her to be a great author. This is the first in a more dark genre of romance for her, which is not always a go-to genre for me. However, this one was definitely worth the risk. I picked it up at night and read until it was done, intrigued by every moment.
“He’d wrongfully assumed she was looking for for a knight in shining armor when the truth was, she needed a rough and ready warrior.”
Braxton Alexander and Brycen Cole are mysterious and dangerous. They have a history together that is only partially revealed to us in the beginning. Gemma Woods is Brycen Cole's girlfriend. She is mostly innocent to the workings of Brycen’s business, but she continues to remain with him despite her suspicions. She, undoubtedly, is set up to become a means to an end. It is soon in the story that all of their paths collide, and the past, present, and future meld together to give us a fast-paced and heart-pounding read.
Everything about this story made me sit on the edge of my seat. Mandy Lou Dowson created well-rounded characters and a storyline that sucked me in, twisted me up, and held onto me until the end. I loved the whole "who’s the good and who’s the bad guy" thought in the story. It made me want to flip pages so fast to get to the answer because I had my suspicions. Gemma initially infuriated me, as I thought she would be another helpless female. But she surprised me and flipped on her brazen-switch when it counted. Of course Brycen and Braxton each had their own alpha-male qualities, but one took it a little over the edge. And that is the fun of reading this review…you must read the story yourself to find out! Of course, no good story is complete without those added characters that bring out so many more qualities in the main characters. Each of these in Retribution gave more information and clues as to the true nature of Brycen, Braxton, and Gemma, and solidified the story's development and outcome. A great beginning to this new series from this author.
“Monsters aren’t born; they’re made.”
I have read other books by Mandy Lou Dowson and find her to be a great author. This is the first in a more dark genre of romance for her, which is not always a go-to genre for me. However, this one was definitely worth the risk. I picked it up at night and read until it was done, intrigued by every moment.
“He’d wrongfully assumed she was looking for for a knight in shining armor when the truth was, she needed a rough and ready warrior.”
Braxton Alexander and Brycen Cole are mysterious and dangerous. They have a history together that is only partially revealed to us in the beginning. Gemma Woods is Brycen Cole's girlfriend. She is mostly innocent to the workings of Brycen’s business, but she continues to remain with him despite her suspicions. She, undoubtedly, is set up to become a means to an end. It is soon in the story that all of their paths collide, and the past, present, and future meld together to give us a fast-paced and heart-pounding read.
Everything about this story made me sit on the edge of my seat. Mandy Lou Dowson created well-rounded characters and a storyline that sucked me in, twisted me up, and held onto me until the end. I loved the whole "who’s the good and who’s the bad guy" thought in the story. It made me want to flip pages so fast to get to the answer because I had my suspicions. Gemma initially infuriated me, as I thought she would be another helpless female. But she surprised me and flipped on her brazen-switch when it counted. Of course Brycen and Braxton each had their own alpha-male qualities, but one took it a little over the edge. And that is the fun of reading this review…you must read the story yourself to find out! Of course, no good story is complete without those added characters that bring out so many more qualities in the main characters. Each of these in Retribution gave more information and clues as to the true nature of Brycen, Braxton, and Gemma, and solidified the story's development and outcome. A great beginning to this new series from this author.
May 9, 2015
I love Mandy Dowson's writing and this book just cemented her as one of my favourite authors ever. This book is so well thought out, so well executed, this story is hot, angst-ridden and very,very clever. indeed.
Braxton has suffered, suffered at the hands of another and is accused of a crime he did not commit.The vicious murder of his girlfriend. Not only accused, but found guilty and sentenced to jail time. While inside he plots and plans revenge on the one man who he believes brought about his downfall, sister to the murder victim, Brycen.
Brycen is a hot guy who is now in a relationship with the lovely Gem. Gem is starting to realise that Brycen is not all that he seems, he is in fact a ruthless monster, and when she meets Brax, well, sparks fly and the two are engulf in the flames of desire. This book has everything that people whinge about, a threesomes, cheating, cliffhanger and I love it!!! I love that Mandy always goes against the grain and does her own thing. I am a firm believer that people should just read a book and judge it on its merits, rather than having a list of 'will not reads.' Books are not designed to fit into our expectations. They are supposed to thrill you, anger you and excite you. Mandy's book do all these things. Buy this book!
Braxton has suffered, suffered at the hands of another and is accused of a crime he did not commit.The vicious murder of his girlfriend. Not only accused, but found guilty and sentenced to jail time. While inside he plots and plans revenge on the one man who he believes brought about his downfall, sister to the murder victim, Brycen.
Brycen is a hot guy who is now in a relationship with the lovely Gem. Gem is starting to realise that Brycen is not all that he seems, he is in fact a ruthless monster, and when she meets Brax, well, sparks fly and the two are engulf in the flames of desire. This book has everything that people whinge about, a threesomes, cheating, cliffhanger and I love it!!! I love that Mandy always goes against the grain and does her own thing. I am a firm believer that people should just read a book and judge it on its merits, rather than having a list of 'will not reads.' Books are not designed to fit into our expectations. They are supposed to thrill you, anger you and excite you. Mandy's book do all these things. Buy this book!
Want to read
April 29, 2015
July 4, 2015
First, thanks to Give Me Books and Mandy for allowing me a copy of Retribution to read in exchange for an honest review. Secondly, SWEET dark and deadly maniacs. What a story. Dark, twisted and everything it promised to be. Braxton/Deagan was just… a man on a mission. Setting out to right a wrong in the best way he knew how. Retribution for years of jail time that was not his to be served. I loved it. I mean L.O.V.E.D. it!!
***small spoiler alert***
Okay so this story is dark, twisted, a bit of a wild card game but it is realllly good. We meet Braxton Alexander. Convicted murderer. A man with a dark anger inside of him wanting to be released. A man on a mission to get out from behind the bars that have held him captive for the last eight years. He has a debt to pay and so far he has made it through, doing what he can, saying what is needed to be said to get out. And get out he does. His plan is instantly put into play. But for two years he has to play it safe. Once his probation period is up its game on.
And two years later he is right where he wants to be. Working side by side with the man he is here to break. To destroy him slowly, piece by aching piece. Braxton who is going by Daegan Crane now is set up and in the inner circle of Brycen Cole. The man that has caused all of his problems for the last eight years. Eight long years. He has a plan and that plan once it is completely played out will not only put him back where he was but ease his hated and his heart. Or that was the plan. But as with any good plan things don’t always go the way you expect them to. The plan was get close, get in the inner circle and then slowly take everything from Brycen. His business, his money and his girl. Not to say it wasn’t easy to take his business all he needed was money, which he had from an inheritance his father had given Braxton so once he got out of prison he would never show his face at home again. Loving asshole of a father he has there. But anyways, using connections he had, favored owed to him and a number of pawns in his chess game Braxton/Daegan made his moves.
It doesn’t take long for things to start spiraling into a fury of events that have Brycen sweating, fuming even and Daegan sitting back smirking. Yes it all played out just as he had planned.. all but what happens between himself and Gemma. Brycen’s toy. The woman by his side. Once Daegan actually gets to spend time with her, tease her, get her wanting him.. the dumbass falls for her. He tries to not let her get under his dark hated and into his heart but she does. That act alone changes the plan. Because it leads her to his doorstep and into his bed. But before he can tell her of his mistrusts and lies Brycen finds them. What he tells Gemma can’t be denied. He makes Braxton tell her the truth of who he is. The moments of doubt, fear and mistrust from her break him. Watching Gemma walk out the door and away from them both hits him harder than it should have. But now that he cared for her he was lost. And alone.
Weeks later when an old ‘friend’ Demen comes to him he is in a rowdy, pissed off sulky mood. He misses Gemma. Before he left town he mailed her a letter and told her everything. The set up, about his arrest and why he now did what he did. He didn’t know that she wanted to see him, had gone looking for him but instead of finding Braxton, Brycen had found her. And now, three weeks later Demen has told him Gem is missing, Brycen is missing and its game on. He has to find his girl. Yes she is HIS girl. And so he calls in reinforcements. The biggest, baddest of the bad and the hunt is on.
***small spoiler alert***
Okay so this story is dark, twisted, a bit of a wild card game but it is realllly good. We meet Braxton Alexander. Convicted murderer. A man with a dark anger inside of him wanting to be released. A man on a mission to get out from behind the bars that have held him captive for the last eight years. He has a debt to pay and so far he has made it through, doing what he can, saying what is needed to be said to get out. And get out he does. His plan is instantly put into play. But for two years he has to play it safe. Once his probation period is up its game on.
And two years later he is right where he wants to be. Working side by side with the man he is here to break. To destroy him slowly, piece by aching piece. Braxton who is going by Daegan Crane now is set up and in the inner circle of Brycen Cole. The man that has caused all of his problems for the last eight years. Eight long years. He has a plan and that plan once it is completely played out will not only put him back where he was but ease his hated and his heart. Or that was the plan. But as with any good plan things don’t always go the way you expect them to. The plan was get close, get in the inner circle and then slowly take everything from Brycen. His business, his money and his girl. Not to say it wasn’t easy to take his business all he needed was money, which he had from an inheritance his father had given Braxton so once he got out of prison he would never show his face at home again. Loving asshole of a father he has there. But anyways, using connections he had, favored owed to him and a number of pawns in his chess game Braxton/Daegan made his moves.
It doesn’t take long for things to start spiraling into a fury of events that have Brycen sweating, fuming even and Daegan sitting back smirking. Yes it all played out just as he had planned.. all but what happens between himself and Gemma. Brycen’s toy. The woman by his side. Once Daegan actually gets to spend time with her, tease her, get her wanting him.. the dumbass falls for her. He tries to not let her get under his dark hated and into his heart but she does. That act alone changes the plan. Because it leads her to his doorstep and into his bed. But before he can tell her of his mistrusts and lies Brycen finds them. What he tells Gemma can’t be denied. He makes Braxton tell her the truth of who he is. The moments of doubt, fear and mistrust from her break him. Watching Gemma walk out the door and away from them both hits him harder than it should have. But now that he cared for her he was lost. And alone.
Weeks later when an old ‘friend’ Demen comes to him he is in a rowdy, pissed off sulky mood. He misses Gemma. Before he left town he mailed her a letter and told her everything. The set up, about his arrest and why he now did what he did. He didn’t know that she wanted to see him, had gone looking for him but instead of finding Braxton, Brycen had found her. And now, three weeks later Demen has told him Gem is missing, Brycen is missing and its game on. He has to find his girl. Yes she is HIS girl. And so he calls in reinforcements. The biggest, baddest of the bad and the hunt is on.
April 27, 2015
Amazing!
I just loved this book! In it we experience the story from three different points of view, giving us a look into each of the characters. Gemma who is in a terrible, abusive relationship with Brycen for several years, who treats her like crap but she realizes it way too late, and she doesn't see a way out of it. Brycen, as you may have guessed is another one of the characters we follow. People think that Brycen is a great guy, how wrong are they! Finally there is Braxton, the character who is the reason for the title. He wants his retribution. For what? Well our man Braxton has spent the last 8 years in prison convicted of murdering his girlfriend. The girlfriend who just happened to be Brycen's sister. Braxton blames Brycen for landing him in jail in the first place and sets out to take everything away from him in retribution. During his stay in prison Braxton becomes a dark, hardened man, one who no longer feels anything but anger, hatred, and other dark feelings. As he sets about his task, there is one thing he didn't count on. Gemma. I feel if I add much more I will leak out spoilers, and I certainly don't want to do that! I will just say read the book! It is so worth it. It takes you for a roller coaster ride that pulls you into the story and will have you on the edge of your seat turning pages until the very end. This is definitely five star material. Kudos to Ms. Dowson for an awesome creation! I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I just loved this book! In it we experience the story from three different points of view, giving us a look into each of the characters. Gemma who is in a terrible, abusive relationship with Brycen for several years, who treats her like crap but she realizes it way too late, and she doesn't see a way out of it. Brycen, as you may have guessed is another one of the characters we follow. People think that Brycen is a great guy, how wrong are they! Finally there is Braxton, the character who is the reason for the title. He wants his retribution. For what? Well our man Braxton has spent the last 8 years in prison convicted of murdering his girlfriend. The girlfriend who just happened to be Brycen's sister. Braxton blames Brycen for landing him in jail in the first place and sets out to take everything away from him in retribution. During his stay in prison Braxton becomes a dark, hardened man, one who no longer feels anything but anger, hatred, and other dark feelings. As he sets about his task, there is one thing he didn't count on. Gemma. I feel if I add much more I will leak out spoilers, and I certainly don't want to do that! I will just say read the book! It is so worth it. It takes you for a roller coaster ride that pulls you into the story and will have you on the edge of your seat turning pages until the very end. This is definitely five star material. Kudos to Ms. Dowson for an awesome creation! I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2015
Review to be posted on Ladies Living In Bookland on release day
Review:
Mandy Lou Dowsons 'Retribution' had me hooked from the word go.
We meet Braxton Alexander and learn he had been sentenced for the death of his then girlfriend. But despite him being the bad boy we learn about...it wasn't him surely?! This remains the question throughout but we know it haunts him. We know it's his reason for seeking out his enemy he holds so much contempt for.
Braxton has a score to settle with Brycen and he would feel the wrath of Braxton Alexander.
----------
Extract:
"Retribution would be his"
----------
Braxton needed to get close enough to Brycen to execute his plan. He would do that under the alias Daegen. So that's what he would do. Close enough to gain his trust, access to his life, and Gem.
--------------------------
Extract:
"The darkness in me craves your light. It's too fucking hard to deny.
----------------------------
I don't want to say too much more but I could literally rant about this book till the end of time. With the three different POVs made it all more fascinating in getting to know the characters all the more.
The dark twists and turns of the story continues throughout and there really is something for everyone in here. From the crime lord, to the violence, to the love story. All leading to the retribution of one man.
I can't give this book any higher praise. I loved it!
A 5* rating doesn't seem enough for Mandy's latest release.
Review:
Mandy Lou Dowsons 'Retribution' had me hooked from the word go.
We meet Braxton Alexander and learn he had been sentenced for the death of his then girlfriend. But despite him being the bad boy we learn about...it wasn't him surely?! This remains the question throughout but we know it haunts him. We know it's his reason for seeking out his enemy he holds so much contempt for.
Braxton has a score to settle with Brycen and he would feel the wrath of Braxton Alexander.
----------
Extract:
"Retribution would be his"
----------
Braxton needed to get close enough to Brycen to execute his plan. He would do that under the alias Daegen. So that's what he would do. Close enough to gain his trust, access to his life, and Gem.
--------------------------
Extract:
"The darkness in me craves your light. It's too fucking hard to deny.
----------------------------
I don't want to say too much more but I could literally rant about this book till the end of time. With the three different POVs made it all more fascinating in getting to know the characters all the more.
The dark twists and turns of the story continues throughout and there really is something for everyone in here. From the crime lord, to the violence, to the love story. All leading to the retribution of one man.
I can't give this book any higher praise. I loved it!
A 5* rating doesn't seem enough for Mandy's latest release.
April 29, 2015
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Mandy Lou Dowson's writing has only gotten better with every book release she does. This one was by far my favorite of hers so far, though her others are what hooked me on her books to start with (I encourage you to look them up if interested! The Moon Bound Series and Taboo Series are excellent!).
But I digress...
This book is #1 in a new series. It is all about one man and his battle for retribution over a painful past. The plot scheme is excellent, the character descriptions are realistic, the psychology seems to be spot-on, and her bedroom scenes... *cough* they're not for the timid! They're sinfully satisfying. Though left at the end without everything resolved, I feel that she did well to satisfy most curiosities... for now. It wasn't a painful cliffhanger. I could totally see this book becoming a movie someday. I absolutely loved the scene descriptions and character transformations. You can bet that I'll be chomping at the bit for her next one!
Mandy Lou Dowson's writing has only gotten better with every book release she does. This one was by far my favorite of hers so far, though her others are what hooked me on her books to start with (I encourage you to look them up if interested! The Moon Bound Series and Taboo Series are excellent!).
But I digress...
This book is #1 in a new series. It is all about one man and his battle for retribution over a painful past. The plot scheme is excellent, the character descriptions are realistic, the psychology seems to be spot-on, and her bedroom scenes... *cough* they're not for the timid! They're sinfully satisfying. Though left at the end without everything resolved, I feel that she did well to satisfy most curiosities... for now. It wasn't a painful cliffhanger. I could totally see this book becoming a movie someday. I absolutely loved the scene descriptions and character transformations. You can bet that I'll be chomping at the bit for her next one!
May 5, 2015
Although this is not what I normally read, I must say I really enjoyed and got into it completely. A very complex and real occurrence in life, it delves into the way a selfish twisted person can change an otherwise normal man.
Normal Braxton Alexander is changed into a vengeful dark Daegan Crane after spending 8 years in prison. Now all he lives for is getting vengeance for the wrong that was done to him. But he never counted on Gemma, oh she was part of the plan, but now she has put a kink in it.
Gemma thought she was in love, thought she had it made and then along comes this dark mysterious man. He puts ideas in her head and butterflies in her stomach. Why does she always fall for the 'Bad Boys?
Brycen Crane thinks he's on top of the world, he has money, Gemma, he can get away with anything! He is obsessed with his Gem and now he must hide away with her and show her just how much he loves her.
The clock is ticking for Gemma. I can't wait for the next book. I love it!
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
Normal Braxton Alexander is changed into a vengeful dark Daegan Crane after spending 8 years in prison. Now all he lives for is getting vengeance for the wrong that was done to him. But he never counted on Gemma, oh she was part of the plan, but now she has put a kink in it.
Gemma thought she was in love, thought she had it made and then along comes this dark mysterious man. He puts ideas in her head and butterflies in her stomach. Why does she always fall for the 'Bad Boys?
Brycen Crane thinks he's on top of the world, he has money, Gemma, he can get away with anything! He is obsessed with his Gem and now he must hide away with her and show her just how much he loves her.
The clock is ticking for Gemma. I can't wait for the next book. I love it!
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
April 4, 2015
I won this book from the author and promised and honest review..... No spoilers here
Wow is the best word to describe this book. Let me first say, I am normally not a fan of series book, but Mandy Lou I am anxiously awaiting the next part of the story.I loved the way the story unfolded between Gem and the 2 men in her life. The control that Bryce exerts over her life is described so realistically. Enter Daegan into the picture and his role in the story is gripping. The more I read the more I wanted to read. Gem is the typical woman who doesn't see that she is in a relationship that is way over her head, until reality kind of smacks her in the face. There are a few sensitive issues that are touched on, but the author did it with class. i got to the last page and was like, what the end,this book was just that good.
Wow is the best word to describe this book. Let me first say, I am normally not a fan of series book, but Mandy Lou I am anxiously awaiting the next part of the story.I loved the way the story unfolded between Gem and the 2 men in her life. The control that Bryce exerts over her life is described so realistically. Enter Daegan into the picture and his role in the story is gripping. The more I read the more I wanted to read. Gem is the typical woman who doesn't see that she is in a relationship that is way over her head, until reality kind of smacks her in the face. There are a few sensitive issues that are touched on, but the author did it with class. i got to the last page and was like, what the end,this book was just that good.
May 4, 2015
Braxton has had plenty of time to plot his revenge. Having been framed for the murder of the one woman that ever loved him, Braxton has served his time and has one goal in mind. To destroy Brycen Cole by taking everything that he loved. This included Gemma. Brycen has hid behind his persona of a businessman but his real money comes from illegal fighting and drugs. Gemma has loved Brycen for years but over time that love has changed to fear and suspicions. Gemma is aware that Braxton is not exactly what he seems. The three of them race against time to keep their secrets hidden, exact revenge and fight for control. This was such a good book with different points of view that kept you caught up in the story from the beginning. Each character was well written and the three of them meshed perfectly to tell this story.
April 20, 2015
Wow. I just finished this book and I'm at a loss for words. This book is beyond a good read and I'm afraid my words won't do it justice. The hate between these two men and the fire of their passion for the one woman. Both hate and love fuel this book with twist you don't expect and an outcome you hold your breath to see. I dreaded getting so close to the end of this book because I didn't want to see it ending any other way than the way I had in my mind. You will totally hate one the men and love/hate the other one. No names because I would be spoiling it and this too good to have any part spoiled. If this book isn't #1 on your reading list then you need to rectify that now, because it is a definate must read.
April 24, 2015
Awesome book!!!!
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. So many twists and turns it left in my head spinning.
Braxton Alexander has one thing on his mind... Make the man pay that sent him to jail. He had his whole plan laid out after 8 years in jail, ruin Bryce Cole. Only he didn't plan on meeting Gemma, Bryce's girlfriend. Braxton has his revenge plan down to the last detail... Ruin Bryce financially and get Gemma to leave him. But he didn't plan on falling in love with Gemma and Gemma with him. It's a twisted, gritty love triangle with so much suspense I couldn't put it down. Mandy Lou Dowson has hit another homerun with Retribution. I can't wait for the second installment of Retribution!!!
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. So many twists and turns it left in my head spinning.
Braxton Alexander has one thing on his mind... Make the man pay that sent him to jail. He had his whole plan laid out after 8 years in jail, ruin Bryce Cole. Only he didn't plan on meeting Gemma, Bryce's girlfriend. Braxton has his revenge plan down to the last detail... Ruin Bryce financially and get Gemma to leave him. But he didn't plan on falling in love with Gemma and Gemma with him. It's a twisted, gritty love triangle with so much suspense I couldn't put it down. Mandy Lou Dowson has hit another homerun with Retribution. I can't wait for the second installment of Retribution!!!
April 3, 2015
Quote "This isn't going to be soft or gentle," he warned..."This isn't going to be romantic or loving. This is going to be rough, hard. I'm going to fuck you like I hate you, Gem. And you're going to fucking love it"
AMAZING .. GRITTY ..PANTY DROPPING.... This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what had really happened the 8 years before when Braxton was sent down for His girlfriends murder this book had some dark themes.. it will have you biting your Nails wondering whats going to happen. you will have to read it to find out!
I really Like Braxton/Daegen
The twists and turns of the story continues Right up till the very end of the book.
I won a ARC copy thank you Mandy I really enjoyed this book
AMAZING .. GRITTY ..PANTY DROPPING.... This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering what had really happened the 8 years before when Braxton was sent down for His girlfriends murder this book had some dark themes.. it will have you biting your Nails wondering whats going to happen. you will have to read it to find out!
I really Like Braxton/Daegen
The twists and turns of the story continues Right up till the very end of the book.
I won a ARC copy thank you Mandy I really enjoyed this book
May 3, 2015
I have been left in a state of shock after ready this amazing book. I have to be honest and say that this isn't my usual genre to read but I have certainly been won over. You had me gripped from the very start, and I'm not sure if I am meant to but I really like Braxton! When he was with Gem he showed his soft side. But I also loved his nasty side, he was so realistic. Gem grew on me towards the end. I just kept yelling at her to grow a pair and leave Brycen. Now he is a piece of work. I hate him, which is down to your fabulous writing. I was kept guessing all the way through and didn't think it would end like it did. But well done it was perfect. I easily award this book 5 stars and am already looking forward to your next release!!
May 4, 2015
This book blew my mind.
Retribution is dark, gritty, twisty, thrilling, suspenseful, enticing, lustful and dangerous all rolled into a ball of panty melting hotness!
You have 3 main players in this book:
→ Braxton, a killer who is hell bent on revenge after being released from prison.
→ Braycen, a businessman who is not what he seems by a mile and who Braxton wants revenge on.
→ Gemma, who has loved Brycen for a long time but is drawn to the dark and mysterious stranger Braxton.
Lies will be uncovered and truths will be told. The players who you think are good will throw you for a loop and the bad players might be the only ones who can offer salvation and hope.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Tanya.
Retribution is dark, gritty, twisty, thrilling, suspenseful, enticing, lustful and dangerous all rolled into a ball of panty melting hotness!
You have 3 main players in this book:
→ Braxton, a killer who is hell bent on revenge after being released from prison.
→ Braycen, a businessman who is not what he seems by a mile and who Braxton wants revenge on.
→ Gemma, who has loved Brycen for a long time but is drawn to the dark and mysterious stranger Braxton.
Lies will be uncovered and truths will be told. The players who you think are good will throw you for a loop and the bad players might be the only ones who can offer salvation and hope.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Tanya.
April 30, 2015
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
Wow, this was an roller coaster book! I loved it! It was fast paced, dark and full of surprises. I couldn't put it down because I kept wanting to find out what Braxton was going to do next! This book took me by surprise, in a good way, and I cant wait to see what happens next! (Yes I wasn't sure when I started this one, if there was going to be another book to follow but it is not a standalone there is a bit of a cliffhanger!) I highly recommend! You wont be disappointed with this ride! After all you can go wrong with Hot Alpha guys, a beautiful girl, and old enemies getting their retribution! (hehe)
Wow, this was an roller coaster book! I loved it! It was fast paced, dark and full of surprises. I couldn't put it down because I kept wanting to find out what Braxton was going to do next! This book took me by surprise, in a good way, and I cant wait to see what happens next! (Yes I wasn't sure when I started this one, if there was going to be another book to follow but it is not a standalone there is a bit of a cliffhanger!) I highly recommend! You wont be disappointed with this ride! After all you can go wrong with Hot Alpha guys, a beautiful girl, and old enemies getting their retribution! (hehe)
April 20, 2015
***I was given an ARC for an honest review. Ms Dowson has done it again, bated us like a worm and is letting us wriggle on the hook, waiting for more of her glorious mind fuck. This dark and twisted tale of romance and the underbelly of society leaves you questioning your own morals when you find yourself rooting for certain aspects and characters that you didn't set out to. Dowson has a raw way with words that paints a detailed picture that you can't get out of your head and you love it. She remains one of my favorite indie authors because she is not afraid to "go there." And she does it well.
May 4, 2015
This story was awesome! Retribution indeed! Braxton has the patience of a saint! I would not have been able to bide my time like he does. His plan is brilliant. He is ruthless, conniving, and on a mission. He has a dark side that allows him to be who he needs to be to see his revenge through. However, he does not plan for Gemma. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Falling in love is not part of his plan. But when does anything ever go according to plan? He does not want to use her, but she is essential to Brycen’s downfall. How is he supposed to pull this whole thing off and keep the girl?
Definitely must have more!
Reviewed for FMR Book Grind
Definitely must have more!
Reviewed for FMR Book Grind
May 2, 2015
ARC copy for a honest review.
Gem is in trouble and it has all to do with two men. One is pure evil and hurtful. The other is playing a game on payback and she just might get caught in the middle.
These characters are great. I love the fact the he was able to get his revenge and do it so well.
Braxton is out for revenge.
Brycen is a snake and just continues to do his business
Gem is the girl in the middle
I really liked Braxton's way of thinking and planning. Brycen is not as smart as he thinks he is.
Great read. Excellent writing.
Gem is in trouble and it has all to do with two men. One is pure evil and hurtful. The other is playing a game on payback and she just might get caught in the middle.
These characters are great. I love the fact the he was able to get his revenge and do it so well.
Braxton is out for revenge.
Brycen is a snake and just continues to do his business
Gem is the girl in the middle
I really liked Braxton's way of thinking and planning. Brycen is not as smart as he thinks he is.
Great read. Excellent writing.
November 5, 2018
Ugh cliffhanger!
Oh no! I didn’t know this was a cliffhanger and a big one! I need that 2nd book now! It’d better be out!
Oh no! I didn’t know this was a cliffhanger and a big one! I need that 2nd book now! It’d better be out!
April 2, 2019
This Book is one of my Favourite rereads.
If you want a book that's full of Suspense, determination and sexiness, this is your next read.
If you want a book that's full of Suspense, determination and sexiness, this is your next read.
May 4, 2015
There are some books that are worth more than the accepted 5 stars – this is one of those books – Many Lou Dowson has served up a story that is likely to have you gasping for air as it shakes you relentlessly by the throat because this is not a soft and gentle romance, IT IS DARK, IT IS GRITTY but by god it is FABULOUS!!!!
Told from three unique perspectives it is fascinating to get to know what makes each of these three individuals tick.
I felt for Gemma early on – seeing that she was trapped a relationship with the abusive Brycen, like many before her she realises too late that the man she gave her heart to is a man that she needs to cut loose but with a man like Brycen leaving is not an option.
Brycen is a bastard of the highest order, to the outside world he is everyone’s mate, such a great guy but behind closed doors, he is a monster with little if any redeeming qualities. His duplicitous nature suits him, he is man that it is very easy to hate.
Braxton, well he had me from his first words, he has spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit but now back on the right side of the bars, he is ready to meet out his own justice and take his retribution for the years that he has lost. Who does he blame for his incarceration – well none other than Brycen.
Oh, I was whooping with joy at this point – I couldn’t wait to see the snake get whatever Braxton has in mind for him – I’m not normally a vindictive person but I really took exception to the way he treated Gemma and the fact that he had no (and I mean absolutely none!!) remorse for the hell that he put her through.
Braxton took his task seriously and was meticulous in his execution – after all he had spent eight years plotting it out. But what he knew nothing about was Gemma.
The book involves Braxton systematically endeavouring to take everything from Brycen just like he had done to him, but even with years of hurt and pain driving him and his needs, he is unsettled by the presence of Gemma in the equation.
Gemma saw behind the darkness that Braxton wore so well and despite the air of menace that shrouded him, she saw more and because of that she managed to uncover a side of him that he thought he had left behind long ago, she brought out his compassion and with a clear head he was able to show her what it was like to be loved, to feel special and most of all to feel wanted.
The triangle between the three of them kept me completely engrossed, and the world that surrounded the story was completely intriguing, I found it almost impossible to slow myself done , desperately trying to insure that I didn’t skip any detail of the story.
There was so much going on that I was detail hunting in order to try and work out where I thought the next turn was coming from – more fool me because the author had me completely at a disadvantage – she stacked the cards and I went with the hand she dealt me and it was beguiling!
One word for this book – amazing!
Told from three unique perspectives it is fascinating to get to know what makes each of these three individuals tick.
I felt for Gemma early on – seeing that she was trapped a relationship with the abusive Brycen, like many before her she realises too late that the man she gave her heart to is a man that she needs to cut loose but with a man like Brycen leaving is not an option.
Brycen is a bastard of the highest order, to the outside world he is everyone’s mate, such a great guy but behind closed doors, he is a monster with little if any redeeming qualities. His duplicitous nature suits him, he is man that it is very easy to hate.
Braxton, well he had me from his first words, he has spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit but now back on the right side of the bars, he is ready to meet out his own justice and take his retribution for the years that he has lost. Who does he blame for his incarceration – well none other than Brycen.
Oh, I was whooping with joy at this point – I couldn’t wait to see the snake get whatever Braxton has in mind for him – I’m not normally a vindictive person but I really took exception to the way he treated Gemma and the fact that he had no (and I mean absolutely none!!) remorse for the hell that he put her through.
Braxton took his task seriously and was meticulous in his execution – after all he had spent eight years plotting it out. But what he knew nothing about was Gemma.
The book involves Braxton systematically endeavouring to take everything from Brycen just like he had done to him, but even with years of hurt and pain driving him and his needs, he is unsettled by the presence of Gemma in the equation.
Gemma saw behind the darkness that Braxton wore so well and despite the air of menace that shrouded him, she saw more and because of that she managed to uncover a side of him that he thought he had left behind long ago, she brought out his compassion and with a clear head he was able to show her what it was like to be loved, to feel special and most of all to feel wanted.
The triangle between the three of them kept me completely engrossed, and the world that surrounded the story was completely intriguing, I found it almost impossible to slow myself done , desperately trying to insure that I didn’t skip any detail of the story.
There was so much going on that I was detail hunting in order to try and work out where I thought the next turn was coming from – more fool me because the author had me completely at a disadvantage – she stacked the cards and I went with the hand she dealt me and it was beguiling!
One word for this book – amazing!
May 4, 2015
HAHA you think you know Braxton's story , well ya you don't know JACK about it. He may be coming out of prison hell bent on retribution , revenge , whatever you want to call it but after finding out the pieces to the crazy puzzle he totally deserves his day. Of course there is a major cliffy and we do not get to see that come to completion....maybe soon ??
Brycen lost his sister to a horrible murder years ago , on the verge of the murderer being released from prison Brycen is at an all time high dabbling in all kinds of illegal and underground business while seeming to be a normal straight laced businessman to his girlfriend. He is on the lookout for Braxton to come for him but being Brycen means being protected , or so he thinks.
Gemma has now been with Brycen for 3 or so years. Their relationship went from amazing to horrifying. Now knowing the things he is into she is afraid but also stuck. She has nothing , he has worked her into this unstable fragile girl that depends on him for it all.
Daegan has quickly come up from a fighter at Brycen's underground arena to security and almost working the inner circle. Since this story provides a 3 way POV we also know Daegan is hiding a huge secret and hiding it freakin well !! You can quickly tell something about that night doesn't add up and honestly I was never afraid or suspicious of Daegan's actions. I was hoping that as his plan came together piece by piece we would get pieces of that night and what really happened. Sadly we don't get the story anytime soon but reading Daegan unravel Brycen's life was exhilerating !!
Gemma gets lost in the middle of this war and without knowing. I feel for her , Brycen is horrible and although he claims to not cheat he doesn't deserve a faithful hair on Gemma's body. Thankfully she takes care of that !! Daegan can't help but fall for Gemma after seeing the way she is treated but that is not part of his plan so there is some angsty , annoying back and forth that heats you up and then throws cold buckets of water at you too !!
You must simply choose which bad boy is the one to trust. Be careful because there are bad boys and there is evil. One of these guys is pure evil and it may not be the one you think. Hang on tight because this is a twisted ride and not a ride for everyone !! If you like HEA's and lovey dovey crap take a hike !! This book is for the hardcore readers that love angst and suspense and a challenge and of course super hot sex with super hot guys !!
Brycen lost his sister to a horrible murder years ago , on the verge of the murderer being released from prison Brycen is at an all time high dabbling in all kinds of illegal and underground business while seeming to be a normal straight laced businessman to his girlfriend. He is on the lookout for Braxton to come for him but being Brycen means being protected , or so he thinks.
Gemma has now been with Brycen for 3 or so years. Their relationship went from amazing to horrifying. Now knowing the things he is into she is afraid but also stuck. She has nothing , he has worked her into this unstable fragile girl that depends on him for it all.
Daegan has quickly come up from a fighter at Brycen's underground arena to security and almost working the inner circle. Since this story provides a 3 way POV we also know Daegan is hiding a huge secret and hiding it freakin well !! You can quickly tell something about that night doesn't add up and honestly I was never afraid or suspicious of Daegan's actions. I was hoping that as his plan came together piece by piece we would get pieces of that night and what really happened. Sadly we don't get the story anytime soon but reading Daegan unravel Brycen's life was exhilerating !!
Gemma gets lost in the middle of this war and without knowing. I feel for her , Brycen is horrible and although he claims to not cheat he doesn't deserve a faithful hair on Gemma's body. Thankfully she takes care of that !! Daegan can't help but fall for Gemma after seeing the way she is treated but that is not part of his plan so there is some angsty , annoying back and forth that heats you up and then throws cold buckets of water at you too !!
You must simply choose which bad boy is the one to trust. Be careful because there are bad boys and there is evil. One of these guys is pure evil and it may not be the one you think. Hang on tight because this is a twisted ride and not a ride for everyone !! If you like HEA's and lovey dovey crap take a hike !! This book is for the hardcore readers that love angst and suspense and a challenge and of course super hot sex with super hot guys !!
May 4, 2015
Originally posted at Revenge of the Feels
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
I am convinced that my earc copy of RETRIBUTION is actually missing at least 20 pages…or possibly a whole chapter.
RETRIBUTION DID NOT JUST END LIKE THAT.
NOPE. NO WAY. THIS IS NOT THE ENDING.
***DENIAL IN PROGRESS***
Be warned! You will be reduced to a hot steaming mess of nothing but anger, happiness, elation and finally, denial in that order after reading RETRIBUTION!
(Let’s not forget sexy, gritty, and oozing manliness!)
Gemma, Brycen and Braxton. These 3 people are linked to each other, especially for Gemma, in a cruel way. Retribution is one of the best dark romance read I ever have in a long time!
My heart absolutely breaks for Gemma. She’s so strong yet her fire seems to diminish each day she loves Brycen and stays with him. Brycen is one of the biggest asshole I have ever encountered and despite that, I honestly wished he would stop doing shitty things to Gem.
This is a rather complicated and interesting relationship between Gemma and Brycen. Well, the part with Gemma losing her happiness is pretty obvious she isn’t happy in this relationship. It becomes rather confusing for Brycen.
I mean…WHY WOULD YOU DO SHITTY THINGS TO THE WOMAN YOU LOVE?!
That’s not all. So many evil things and YET HE STILL PROCLAIMED HIS LOVE FOR HER?
I’m lost, confused, angry, and sad and just a bundle of emotions but this is definitely some sort of twisted love-hate relationship
NOW…we move onto one of the hottest, sexiest, manly and dark man in the land of sexy men – Braxton Alexander.
Oh phew! You guys most definitely need a change of panties after reading the heavy action between Gemma and Braxton!
Seriously, if anyone was standing even near them during their eye-f*cking session will met. Literally into a pool of hot mess!
Retribution is a dark romance story about people who found love in strange places, obsession with revenge and love and PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN RISKS!
Risks include: rollercoaster of emotion, emotional therapy is needed after reading, chocolates, and etc.
Highly recommended for everyone to read this amazing novel!
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
I am convinced that my earc copy of RETRIBUTION is actually missing at least 20 pages…or possibly a whole chapter.
RETRIBUTION DID NOT JUST END LIKE THAT.
NOPE. NO WAY. THIS IS NOT THE ENDING.
***DENIAL IN PROGRESS***
Be warned! You will be reduced to a hot steaming mess of nothing but anger, happiness, elation and finally, denial in that order after reading RETRIBUTION!
(Let’s not forget sexy, gritty, and oozing manliness!)
Gemma, Brycen and Braxton. These 3 people are linked to each other, especially for Gemma, in a cruel way. Retribution is one of the best dark romance read I ever have in a long time!
My heart absolutely breaks for Gemma. She’s so strong yet her fire seems to diminish each day she loves Brycen and stays with him. Brycen is one of the biggest asshole I have ever encountered and despite that, I honestly wished he would stop doing shitty things to Gem.
This is a rather complicated and interesting relationship between Gemma and Brycen. Well, the part with Gemma losing her happiness is pretty obvious she isn’t happy in this relationship. It becomes rather confusing for Brycen.
I mean…WHY WOULD YOU DO SHITTY THINGS TO THE WOMAN YOU LOVE?!
That’s not all. So many evil things and YET HE STILL PROCLAIMED HIS LOVE FOR HER?
I’m lost, confused, angry, and sad and just a bundle of emotions but this is definitely some sort of twisted love-hate relationship
NOW…we move onto one of the hottest, sexiest, manly and dark man in the land of sexy men – Braxton Alexander.
Oh phew! You guys most definitely need a change of panties after reading the heavy action between Gemma and Braxton!
Seriously, if anyone was standing even near them during their eye-f*cking session will met. Literally into a pool of hot mess!
Retribution is a dark romance story about people who found love in strange places, obsession with revenge and love and PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN RISKS!
Risks include: rollercoaster of emotion, emotional therapy is needed after reading, chocolates, and etc.
Highly recommended for everyone to read this amazing novel!
May 4, 2015
This review was first published on .{ ink.eaters }.
3.5/5 stars!
Retribution by Mandy Lou Dowson, which released today, is a very well written and thoroughly thought-through, masterminded story... but for my taste, it is almost TOO thought through. It held no surprises or plot twists before I was about 96%, according to kindle-status, in – and then it was only a short-lived surprise, as the book ended on a cliffhanger. I do understand the purpose of one – drawing the reader in for the next installment – but I honestly am not sure if I will be able to give the story another chance. I did like the end, but that unfortunately didn't make up for the disappointment I had felt towards the rest of the book. It's lack of surprising elements just made it a mostly boring read to me, and there was more than one occasion on which I debated giving up on reading the whole book, the only thing that kept me going being the great writing and hope for some twists and turns that would catch my interest - because the story itself could be interesting, it just, to me, didn't sell. Part of that was due to, unfortunately, not being able to connect with the characters, no matter how hard I tried. Braxton Alexander is hot, dark, dangerous and has an interesting back-story – consequently, he should absolutely be my kinda book-man, but even he was lacking something to keep me interested. I did, however, like the various points of views the reader gets to have a look at the story from, but I do believe a first-person narrative would have made it easier to connect with the characters emotionally, and thus with their stories.
That being said, I do think the book was really well written, and I do believe it's based on a really interesting idea that could make for a great story - I just wasn't convinced of the book as a whole. To me, it was lacking something crucial (twists, turns, surprises - something that wasn't given away too soon and couldn't be foreshadowed from the beginning) - but I am rather confident that the next book will be a better package, as the cliffhanger of Retribution holds the promise of a bumpy ride.
*** I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***
3.5/5 stars!
Retribution by Mandy Lou Dowson, which released today, is a very well written and thoroughly thought-through, masterminded story... but for my taste, it is almost TOO thought through. It held no surprises or plot twists before I was about 96%, according to kindle-status, in – and then it was only a short-lived surprise, as the book ended on a cliffhanger. I do understand the purpose of one – drawing the reader in for the next installment – but I honestly am not sure if I will be able to give the story another chance. I did like the end, but that unfortunately didn't make up for the disappointment I had felt towards the rest of the book. It's lack of surprising elements just made it a mostly boring read to me, and there was more than one occasion on which I debated giving up on reading the whole book, the only thing that kept me going being the great writing and hope for some twists and turns that would catch my interest - because the story itself could be interesting, it just, to me, didn't sell. Part of that was due to, unfortunately, not being able to connect with the characters, no matter how hard I tried. Braxton Alexander is hot, dark, dangerous and has an interesting back-story – consequently, he should absolutely be my kinda book-man, but even he was lacking something to keep me interested. I did, however, like the various points of views the reader gets to have a look at the story from, but I do believe a first-person narrative would have made it easier to connect with the characters emotionally, and thus with their stories.
That being said, I do think the book was really well written, and I do believe it's based on a really interesting idea that could make for a great story - I just wasn't convinced of the book as a whole. To me, it was lacking something crucial (twists, turns, surprises - something that wasn't given away too soon and couldn't be foreshadowed from the beginning) - but I am rather confident that the next book will be a better package, as the cliffhanger of Retribution holds the promise of a bumpy ride.
*** I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***
May 4, 2015
***ARC Received In Return For An Honest Review***
Retribution is the latest book by one of my favorite authors, Mandy Dowson. This is a dark story that is quick moving with lots of action that draws the reader in. The book is about Braxton (Daegan Crane) Alexander and his plan to seek revenge and get "retribution" against the man who destroyed his life, Brycen Cole. Braxton has had eight years to come up with a plan to take Brycen's life apart, piece by piece. His plan is to take Brysen down incrementally and when he has virtually nothing left but his girlfriend, to take her too. The one thing he had not counted on was falling in love with Brycen's girl, Gemma. This is also Braxton and Gremma's story of how they come to realize the feelings that they have for each other and how they do everything in their power to resist them. It is about the obstacles that they have to overcome, physically, intellectually and emotionally to be together and begin to work towards their happy ever after. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of emotion from the very beginning and the reader is right there with them through it all; you laugh and cry with them, you worry for them and you champion their cause and hope that they are able to achieve their dreams. The author has created characters that are relevant, well rounded, realistic, and although they are a bit damaged, they are likeable. I fell in love with Braxton and Gemma. The relationships between the characters are clearly explained so that the reader can easily understand. Through the use of words and graphic visualizations, the author creates a story that is full of emotion and sensuality that gives the story depth. There were some very , hot intimate sex scenes between Brycen and Gemma and then some between Gemma and Braxton (Daegan), that had the reader breathless at moments. They were perfectly placed in the book. The author is able to draw the reader in to the story from the very beginning and then they are captivated and can't put it the book down. Before they know it they have reached the end and they are wanting more...now. I loved the book and can't wait for book 2 in the series. I would recommend this book to others.
Retribution is the latest book by one of my favorite authors, Mandy Dowson. This is a dark story that is quick moving with lots of action that draws the reader in. The book is about Braxton (Daegan Crane) Alexander and his plan to seek revenge and get "retribution" against the man who destroyed his life, Brycen Cole. Braxton has had eight years to come up with a plan to take Brycen's life apart, piece by piece. His plan is to take Brysen down incrementally and when he has virtually nothing left but his girlfriend, to take her too. The one thing he had not counted on was falling in love with Brycen's girl, Gemma. This is also Braxton and Gremma's story of how they come to realize the feelings that they have for each other and how they do everything in their power to resist them. It is about the obstacles that they have to overcome, physically, intellectually and emotionally to be together and begin to work towards their happy ever after. Their relationship is a rollercoaster of emotion from the very beginning and the reader is right there with them through it all; you laugh and cry with them, you worry for them and you champion their cause and hope that they are able to achieve their dreams. The author has created characters that are relevant, well rounded, realistic, and although they are a bit damaged, they are likeable. I fell in love with Braxton and Gemma. The relationships between the characters are clearly explained so that the reader can easily understand. Through the use of words and graphic visualizations, the author creates a story that is full of emotion and sensuality that gives the story depth. There were some very , hot intimate sex scenes between Brycen and Gemma and then some between Gemma and Braxton (Daegan), that had the reader breathless at moments. They were perfectly placed in the book. The author is able to draw the reader in to the story from the very beginning and then they are captivated and can't put it the book down. Before they know it they have reached the end and they are wanting more...now. I loved the book and can't wait for book 2 in the series. I would recommend this book to others.
May 5, 2015
Dark. Raw.. Emotional... Erotic.... Passionate..... Leaves The Reader Craving for The Next Book!
I read Mandy Lou Dowson's first book Stepbrother Mine and loved it. When I found out she had another book coming out I searched and found an application to receive an ARC and was lucky enough to get one. This book according to the synopsis was to be very different than her first book and had me curious as to how well she would do at writing something with the darker side shining so brightly.
This book has the perfect title. It isn't just about revenge, it is about the attempt to bestow punishments for criminal acts in very personal way. This is part one of a dark erotic romance series, with a cliffhanger. Retribution has verbal, emotional and physical abuse along with hot passionate sex scenes, a reawakening of souls giving one the desire to live and change their current path.
The author did a fabulous job developing her characters for the first part of this series! Anyone who reads various series realizes the first book is about getting the reader to connect with the characters, love them or hate them. Mandy Lou Dowson was able to achieve that deeper connection with the main characters making the reader want to know more, especially with the cliffhanger she provided!
I am giving this book a 4.8 star rating! It is on my read again and again list. If you love your dark erotic romances I do not believe you will be disappointed with this book.
I read Mandy Lou Dowson's first book Stepbrother Mine and loved it. When I found out she had another book coming out I searched and found an application to receive an ARC and was lucky enough to get one. This book according to the synopsis was to be very different than her first book and had me curious as to how well she would do at writing something with the darker side shining so brightly.
This book has the perfect title. It isn't just about revenge, it is about the attempt to bestow punishments for criminal acts in very personal way. This is part one of a dark erotic romance series, with a cliffhanger. Retribution has verbal, emotional and physical abuse along with hot passionate sex scenes, a reawakening of souls giving one the desire to live and change their current path.
The author did a fabulous job developing her characters for the first part of this series! Anyone who reads various series realizes the first book is about getting the reader to connect with the characters, love them or hate them. Mandy Lou Dowson was able to achieve that deeper connection with the main characters making the reader want to know more, especially with the cliffhanger she provided!
I am giving this book a 4.8 star rating! It is on my read again and again list. If you love your dark erotic romances I do not believe you will be disappointed with this book.
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