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Retribution
Elle The monsters of my father’s world weren’t ever supposed to enter mine. I was safe from them. Untouchable. Adam swept into my life on a whirlwind, a dark knight, a predator stalking its prey. He’d been hiding in the shadows all along. Waiting for me to fall into his trap. And I fell. I fell hard. Adam This wasn’t ever supposed to be about her. She wasn’t ever supposed to matter. Her father needed to pay for what he’d done and there was one sure way to do it. Take what he loved best. Break it. Break her. I just didn’t realize that in the process of destroying the girl, I’d destroy myself.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2016
176 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Knight
105 books5,272 followersNatasha Knight is the USA Today Bestselling author of Romantic Suspense and Dark Romance Novels. She has sold over a million books and is translated into six languages. She currently lives in The Netherlands with her husband and two daughters and when she’s not writing, she’s walking in the woods listening to a book, sitting in a corner reading or off exploring the world as often as she can get away.
Write Natasha here:
natasha@natasha-knight.com
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Write Natasha here:
natasha@natasha-knight.com
Check out her books here:
https://natasha-knight.com
Sign up for her newsletter here:
https://bit.ly/3heleGN
Connect with her here:
Facebook Page→ http://bit.ly/29q3s4b
Facebook Fan Group → http://bit.ly/2xvnZO5
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
February 10, 2017
4 Stars!!
Natasha Knight delivered an intriguing dark-ish tale that totally kept my attention from start to finish. Even if the premise is nothing new, the story development was gripping and like nothing I had expected. “Retribution” is a story about revenge, secrets, lies, but also about love and redemption. Like I mentioned above is not a very dark read, but it’s not a fluffy read either.
Ever since his sister was kidnapped, tortured and brutally raped only to kill herself after escaping, Adam had lived only for revenge. He wants to make the man responsible for her death pay and he will do anything to accomplish that. He doesn’t want to kill him, he wanted him completely destroyed and he thinks the key is his daughter, Elle Vega.
Elle is a nice, quiet girl who works one day a week in a portrait studio photographing children. Adam watched Elle for a long time. He knows everything that is to know about her. To get close to her he moves in the same building where she lives, later pretending that he is interested in her. Elle is completely smitten with her bossy and arrogant, yet gorgeous new neighbor who wears a suit and rides a motorcycle. Adam likes Elle in some way, but he can’t forget that she’s not so innocent she knows about her father’s dirty business and he can’t forget about the the fact that he lived for revenge all this time.
This story like I mentioned above was dark-ish, with some erotic BDSM and violent scenes that may be triggers for some. It was a pretty addictive read despite the fact that the premise wasn’t totally original. But what I enjoyed was the fact that the storyline and the antihero/hero was different from what I had expected.
Adam was an anti-hero because of his thoughts and of course because of his action, but he was a hero as well for a good part of the book. His character was well developed, complex and I loved how his inner turmoil was done. It was simply believable! It was heartbreaking to see him struggling with his feelings and with his conscience and it was really great to see him realize that not everything is black and white. I really sympathize with him. Maybe some readers will dislike him or even hate him at some point, but I didn’t. I saw him for what he was from the start – a tortured soul.
Elle was a likeable heroine. A little innocent and also naïve of course like all the heroines in dark reads, but strong and also determined to survive. Even in captivity when she realizes that Adam still fights his own demons, she has faith that he is not pure evil, that he’s redeemable. She sees Adam’s two sides, she sees the real man who has her captive, she sees his vulnerability and most important of all she wants to help him despite everything he does to her. Needless to say Elle is genuinely a good person, compassionate and thoughtful even when she wasn’t supposed to be.
The story was fast-paced, maybe a little fast paced at times, but overall the plot was well built and interesting. The two main characters’ interactions were well done from the beginning and the edgy, erotic sex scenes were fantastically written.
I can’t say the story was very twisted, but it has some interesting twist…to say the least I didn’t see it coming.
Overall, a fantastic read!
Natasha Knight delivered an intriguing dark-ish tale that totally kept my attention from start to finish. Even if the premise is nothing new, the story development was gripping and like nothing I had expected. “Retribution” is a story about revenge, secrets, lies, but also about love and redemption. Like I mentioned above is not a very dark read, but it’s not a fluffy read either.
“…I’d steal her life, just like they’d stolen mine.”
Ever since his sister was kidnapped, tortured and brutally raped only to kill herself after escaping, Adam had lived only for revenge. He wants to make the man responsible for her death pay and he will do anything to accomplish that. He doesn’t want to kill him, he wanted him completely destroyed and he thinks the key is his daughter, Elle Vega.
Elle is a nice, quiet girl who works one day a week in a portrait studio photographing children. Adam watched Elle for a long time. He knows everything that is to know about her. To get close to her he moves in the same building where she lives, later pretending that he is interested in her. Elle is completely smitten with her bossy and arrogant, yet gorgeous new neighbor who wears a suit and rides a motorcycle. Adam likes Elle in some way, but he can’t forget that she’s not so innocent she knows about her father’s dirty business and he can’t forget about the the fact that he lived for revenge all this time.
This story like I mentioned above was dark-ish, with some erotic BDSM and violent scenes that may be triggers for some. It was a pretty addictive read despite the fact that the premise wasn’t totally original. But what I enjoyed was the fact that the storyline and the antihero/hero was different from what I had expected.
Adam was an anti-hero because of his thoughts and of course because of his action, but he was a hero as well for a good part of the book. His character was well developed, complex and I loved how his inner turmoil was done. It was simply believable! It was heartbreaking to see him struggling with his feelings and with his conscience and it was really great to see him realize that not everything is black and white. I really sympathize with him. Maybe some readers will dislike him or even hate him at some point, but I didn’t. I saw him for what he was from the start – a tortured soul.
“Who was I?
Who had I become in my quest for vengeance?
What had I become?”
Elle was a likeable heroine. A little innocent and also naïve of course like all the heroines in dark reads, but strong and also determined to survive. Even in captivity when she realizes that Adam still fights his own demons, she has faith that he is not pure evil, that he’s redeemable. She sees Adam’s two sides, she sees the real man who has her captive, she sees his vulnerability and most important of all she wants to help him despite everything he does to her. Needless to say Elle is genuinely a good person, compassionate and thoughtful even when she wasn’t supposed to be.
The story was fast-paced, maybe a little fast paced at times, but overall the plot was well built and interesting. The two main characters’ interactions were well done from the beginning and the edgy, erotic sex scenes were fantastically written.
I can’t say the story was very twisted, but it has some interesting twist…to say the least I didn’t see it coming.
Overall, a fantastic read!
February 3, 2016
Eye contact is way more intimate than words will ever be.
ARC provided in exchange for a honest review.
4.5 #IOnlyWantYourPain STARS
Adam and Elle
So I was given this novel in exchange for an honest review. Right off the bat, after reading that description I knew I had to dive into this AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This is the second novel I've read by Natasha Knight and it's safe to say that she has a way with words. Despite the fact that at points I was agitated with Adam's actions in the novel .. the words and what he was thinking got to me! I didn't like himvery much at first however he did grow on me as his reasoning became clear. Adam had quite the transformation as the story progressed. He just wanted retribution. Retribution is a punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act. That is an understatement for the vile things that were done to his sister. It was a quite dark novel nonetheless had me captivated from the start.
Retribution Natasha Knight
ARC provided in exchange for a honest review.
4.5 #IOnlyWantYourPain STARS
Adam and Elle
Adam Smith had come into my life like a whirlwind.
He'd swept me off my feet. And then, he'd stolen me away.
And when I'm lonely, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you .. ►♫
So I was given this novel in exchange for an honest review. Right off the bat, after reading that description I knew I had to dive into this AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. This is the second novel I've read by Natasha Knight and it's safe to say that she has a way with words. Despite the fact that at points I was agitated with Adam's actions in the novel .. the words and what he was thinking got to me! I didn't like him
I set out to destroy you, but in the end, it destroyed me.
It's remarkable how many people will fail to
make the right decision when offered a choice.
Retribution Natasha Knight
February 6, 2016
An Eye For An Eye
As far as dark romance goes, this was a pretty good story. It was somewhere in the middle in term of "darkness". It definitely wasn't a fluffy, rainbows and unicorns type of book, but it wasn't all blood and gore either. There were definitely some scenes that will push many people's boundaries and that may be triggers for some, but if you're a fan of darker reads, there isn't anything too shocking in here.
That being said, I really enjoyed this story. It was unlike most captivity stories, in that Elle and Adam actually developed a relationship and dated prior to him kidnapping her. He liked her as a person first and had to fight his emotions for her right from the start. This was different from most in this genre where the hero begins as a heartless kidnapper that grows a heart as the heroine "softens" him.
Both Elle and Adam were likable characters and they drew me into the story right from the start. I didn't want to put this book down. I kept waiting for Adam to make his move and take Elle, since the blurb made his intentions clear, but it took quite some time before I got to the abduction.
Once Adam abducted Elle, he attempted to transform himself into a different person. As he fought with himself repeatedly, I began to question whether or not he had a split personality. Because he struggled with his conscience so much, he came off somewhat unbelievable as the "bad guy". He just never could get quite cruel and twisted enough to pull off the terrifying kidnapper role.
I love dark, twisted stories, so I was a bit disappointed that Adam wasn't a bit more depraved. I know. I know. I probably need a good shrink, but I was prepared for some gore that never came. I was a tad let down by the way Adam skirted the edges of darkness without diving in.
Overall, I really liked this story. It was a fast-paced, captivating read. I liked the way the author put a different spin on the typical captivity storyline. It was a worthwhile and highly entertaining story.
As far as dark romance goes, this was a pretty good story. It was somewhere in the middle in term of "darkness". It definitely wasn't a fluffy, rainbows and unicorns type of book, but it wasn't all blood and gore either. There were definitely some scenes that will push many people's boundaries and that may be triggers for some, but if you're a fan of darker reads, there isn't anything too shocking in here.
That being said, I really enjoyed this story. It was unlike most captivity stories, in that Elle and Adam actually developed a relationship and dated prior to him kidnapping her. He liked her as a person first and had to fight his emotions for her right from the start. This was different from most in this genre where the hero begins as a heartless kidnapper that grows a heart as the heroine "softens" him.
Both Elle and Adam were likable characters and they drew me into the story right from the start. I didn't want to put this book down. I kept waiting for Adam to make his move and take Elle, since the blurb made his intentions clear, but it took quite some time before I got to the abduction.
Once Adam abducted Elle, he attempted to transform himself into a different person. As he fought with himself repeatedly, I began to question whether or not he had a split personality. Because he struggled with his conscience so much, he came off somewhat unbelievable as the "bad guy". He just never could get quite cruel and twisted enough to pull off the terrifying kidnapper role.
I love dark, twisted stories, so I was a bit disappointed that Adam wasn't a bit more depraved. I know. I know. I probably need a good shrink, but I was prepared for some gore that never came. I was a tad let down by the way Adam skirted the edges of darkness without diving in.
Overall, I really liked this story. It was a fast-paced, captivating read. I liked the way the author put a different spin on the typical captivity storyline. It was a worthwhile and highly entertaining story.
August 1, 2016
3.5 Stars
Retribution marks my second book by this author and it definitely confirmed what I knew after the first; I'll definitely be reading all her future books. The woman can write one hell of a tortured, brooding, anti-hero alpha. This was a dark and twisty tale of revenge and pain and second chances. It was gritty, violent, and erotic as hell!
Adam Smith is a man with one goal on his mind for the past 15 years; revenge. All he wants is retribution against the man that was responsible for his sister's kidnapping, torture and eventual death. And what best way to make the man pay than to take something dearest to him and break her just like he broke his sister. His target? Elle Vega
The story gripped me from the very beginning. Adam was exactly the sort of alpha I love to read about; intense with a touch of depravity. Elle was a touch naive for my tastes but oddly enough it didn't grate on me like it usually would in any other book. I found it hard to wrap my mind around exactly how naive she was considering her father and what she grew up around, but again, it wasn't enough to ruin the story for me.
The writing was engaging and the story was fast paced, yet somewhere around the 25% mark, it began to lose some of the intensity for me. Adam starts off so strong, but soon enough becomes almost wishy washy in his drive for vengeance. He wants to make her pay, yet his conscience gets the best of him. I suppose I just didn't feel as much connection to his character to truly understand the why's of it.
The other thing that kept it from being a solid 4 star for me was Elle. While her naivety wasn't enough to bother me, I did have a hard time understanding her easy acquiescence to Adam. Considering everything the man does to her, I found it hard to wrap my mind around how easily she gives into the sexual chemistry between them. She barely puts up a fight and while there are hints of a strong woman somewhere in there, it just wasn't enough for me to truly ever connect with her.
That being said, around the 60% mark it really started to pick up for me and I couldn't put it down until the end. There were some twists thrown in that added to the appeal of the story and I really enjoyed the epilogue. I wished the intensity was more than it was and I hoped that I'd connect to the characters more, but I still enjoyed it thoroughly.
If you're looking for a sexy and gritty revenge plot with a dash of depravity, definitely give this book a shot. I'm looking forward to whatever this author has in store next.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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I had one plan, one goddamned thing to do. Break the girl. That was all.
Retribution marks my second book by this author and it definitely confirmed what I knew after the first; I'll definitely be reading all her future books. The woman can write one hell of a tortured, brooding, anti-hero alpha. This was a dark and twisty tale of revenge and pain and second chances. It was gritty, violent, and erotic as hell!
Tonight, it had taken command of him. Tonight, he'd given himself over to it.
Adam Smith is a man with one goal on his mind for the past 15 years; revenge. All he wants is retribution against the man that was responsible for his sister's kidnapping, torture and eventual death. And what best way to make the man pay than to take something dearest to him and break her just like he broke his sister. His target? Elle Vega
The story gripped me from the very beginning. Adam was exactly the sort of alpha I love to read about; intense with a touch of depravity. Elle was a touch naive for my tastes but oddly enough it didn't grate on me like it usually would in any other book. I found it hard to wrap my mind around exactly how naive she was considering her father and what she grew up around, but again, it wasn't enough to ruin the story for me.
"What do I want?
I want your pain."
The writing was engaging and the story was fast paced, yet somewhere around the 25% mark, it began to lose some of the intensity for me. Adam starts off so strong, but soon enough becomes almost wishy washy in his drive for vengeance. He wants to make her pay, yet his conscience gets the best of him. I suppose I just didn't feel as much connection to his character to truly understand the why's of it.
The other thing that kept it from being a solid 4 star for me was Elle. While her naivety wasn't enough to bother me, I did have a hard time understanding her easy acquiescence to Adam. Considering everything the man does to her, I found it hard to wrap my mind around how easily she gives into the sexual chemistry between them. She barely puts up a fight and while there are hints of a strong woman somewhere in there, it just wasn't enough for me to truly ever connect with her.
That being said, around the 60% mark it really started to pick up for me and I couldn't put it down until the end. There were some twists thrown in that added to the appeal of the story and I really enjoyed the epilogue. I wished the intensity was more than it was and I hoped that I'd connect to the characters more, but I still enjoyed it thoroughly.
If you're looking for a sexy and gritty revenge plot with a dash of depravity, definitely give this book a shot. I'm looking forward to whatever this author has in store next.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
January 3, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Natasha!
This book is fan-freaking-tastic!!! This is not a fluffy romance, the characters are rough and real and so is the suffering and the love. The story touched me on so many levels.
There’s captivating, all-consuming drama that leaves you breathless and keeps you flipping the page to see what happens next. It explores death and destruction and it tests the lengths certain people are willing to go to do what they deem is right. Retribution is a story of grit, life and loving someone no matter what.
I loved the interactions between Adam and Elle and I must admit that in the beginning I did not trust him but as the story progressed he stole my heart. I won’t say much about the plot because the synopsis is very well written and polished.
Adam seeks retribution and closure for his sister’s unfair death by breaking her abuser’s beloved daughter, Elle. The society has failed to punish Elle’s father for his crimes, so Adam has decided to take the law into his own hands, resulting in vigilante justice and punish Elle in proportion to the gravity of her father’s vicious and brutal outburst on his sister 15 years ago, meaning injury for injury.
Adam is determined to punish Elle and make her suffer pain just like her father did with his sister years ago. Both his intentions and actions are gritty, deep dark and evil but the sexual attraction for each other cannot keep them apart. Elle sees the beauty he possesses even when he does not.
I absolutely loved the spanking scenes, Natasha Knight is very good at it! But what I loved most was Adam’s inner journey and the reasons of his transformation. The most intriguing of all is that the “bad” character (Adam) flirts for awhile with the idea of being good, then decides that his true self is on the dark side of the street.
The story is hard, horrific and heart wrenching … pain, struggles, fear, love, family, faith, devotion. It has a bit of everything. The writing in this book is phenomenal and the author did an amazing job making you feel like you are right there in the story the whole time. Thank you Natasha Knight for writing such a wonderful story of hope, strength and love.
If you enjoy spanking…If you enjoy alpha male types… If you enjoy edgy sex scenes…If you enjoy dark erotica… then there is a good chance you will enjoy this book very much.
Bottom-line if you have this book on your TBR...Please do not wait to read it, you will not be disappointed!
This book is fan-freaking-tastic!!! This is not a fluffy romance, the characters are rough and real and so is the suffering and the love. The story touched me on so many levels.
There’s captivating, all-consuming drama that leaves you breathless and keeps you flipping the page to see what happens next. It explores death and destruction and it tests the lengths certain people are willing to go to do what they deem is right. Retribution is a story of grit, life and loving someone no matter what.
I loved the interactions between Adam and Elle and I must admit that in the beginning I did not trust him but as the story progressed he stole my heart. I won’t say much about the plot because the synopsis is very well written and polished.
Adam seeks retribution and closure for his sister’s unfair death by breaking her abuser’s beloved daughter, Elle. The society has failed to punish Elle’s father for his crimes, so Adam has decided to take the law into his own hands, resulting in vigilante justice and punish Elle in proportion to the gravity of her father’s vicious and brutal outburst on his sister 15 years ago, meaning injury for injury.
Adam is determined to punish Elle and make her suffer pain just like her father did with his sister years ago. Both his intentions and actions are gritty, deep dark and evil but the sexual attraction for each other cannot keep them apart. Elle sees the beauty he possesses even when he does not.
I absolutely loved the spanking scenes, Natasha Knight is very good at it! But what I loved most was Adam’s inner journey and the reasons of his transformation. The most intriguing of all is that the “bad” character (Adam) flirts for awhile with the idea of being good, then decides that his true self is on the dark side of the street.
The story is hard, horrific and heart wrenching … pain, struggles, fear, love, family, faith, devotion. It has a bit of everything. The writing in this book is phenomenal and the author did an amazing job making you feel like you are right there in the story the whole time. Thank you Natasha Knight for writing such a wonderful story of hope, strength and love.
If you enjoy spanking…If you enjoy alpha male types… If you enjoy edgy sex scenes…If you enjoy dark erotica… then there is a good chance you will enjoy this book very much.
Bottom-line if you have this book on your TBR...Please do not wait to read it, you will not be disappointed!
January 4, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Natasha Knight" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Retribution
AUTHOR: Natasha Knight
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: January 12th 2016
MY RATING: 5 HOLY SHIT, I NEED THERAPY STARS!!
RETRIBUTION: is a full-length, Dark Romantic Suspense novel. No Cliffhanger. Intended for mature readers. Contains BDSM content. Dual POV
Fifteen years ago Adams sister was kidnapped, they abducted her a block from their house, at a bus stop, one minute she was there waiting for the bus, the next minute she was gone. Six weeks after the abduction the police found her walking the streets in Utah, incoherent, near naked.
After some digging Adam found out that Manual Vega was behind her kidnapping, Elle's father. His revenge was to make Elle suffer like his beloved sister did.
Retribution Definition: comes from the Latin for giving back what's due, either reward or punishment. But when we talk about retribution, we only talk about punishment. The old punishment code of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," is an example of retribution.
I'm avenging my sister's death, avenging all of his victims.
I've not read anything by this author previously but when I got that message asking me to review this I screamed like a 5 year old..
The cover grabs your attention but that synopsis hooks you in, then mention the dark element and I was keen to get my hands on this!!
I knew where she lived. I knew what she ate. Where she did her dry cleaning. Who she socialized with. Who she fucked — although that was surprisingly infrequent.
Revenge truly was a dish best served cold.
My sister had fallen prey to the Dominican kingpin, but I’d be the one to avenge her death.
I would have my vengeance.
RETRIBUTION: What I've noticed about this is the pace the author has set, everything is fast paced, he stalks her, they meet, they fuck, he kidnaps her..Once you reach the kidnapping things start getting twisted, fucked up and gritty which will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering how far Adam will go to dish out his punishments, reenacting his sisters abduction..
It's very rare for me to get so lost in a book that the seconds, minutes, hours just fly by, the housework, the phone and sorry to say this but the partner ignored while I sat there just reading, the world around me ceased to exist.
"Natasha Knight" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Retribution
AUTHOR: Natasha Knight
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: January 12th 2016
MY RATING: 5 HOLY SHIT, I NEED THERAPY STARS!!
RETRIBUTION: is a full-length, Dark Romantic Suspense novel. No Cliffhanger. Intended for mature readers. Contains BDSM content. Dual POV
Fifteen years ago Adams sister was kidnapped, they abducted her a block from their house, at a bus stop, one minute she was there waiting for the bus, the next minute she was gone. Six weeks after the abduction the police found her walking the streets in Utah, incoherent, near naked.
After some digging Adam found out that Manual Vega was behind her kidnapping, Elle's father. His revenge was to make Elle suffer like his beloved sister did.
Retribution Definition: comes from the Latin for giving back what's due, either reward or punishment. But when we talk about retribution, we only talk about punishment. The old punishment code of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," is an example of retribution.
I'm avenging my sister's death, avenging all of his victims.
I've not read anything by this author previously but when I got that message asking me to review this I screamed like a 5 year old..
The cover grabs your attention but that synopsis hooks you in, then mention the dark element and I was keen to get my hands on this!!
I knew where she lived. I knew what she ate. Where she did her dry cleaning. Who she socialized with. Who she fucked — although that was surprisingly infrequent.
Revenge truly was a dish best served cold.
My sister had fallen prey to the Dominican kingpin, but I’d be the one to avenge her death.
I would have my vengeance.
RETRIBUTION: What I've noticed about this is the pace the author has set, everything is fast paced, he stalks her, they meet, they fuck, he kidnaps her..Once you reach the kidnapping things start getting twisted, fucked up and gritty which will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering how far Adam will go to dish out his punishments, reenacting his sisters abduction..
It's very rare for me to get so lost in a book that the seconds, minutes, hours just fly by, the housework, the phone and sorry to say this but the partner ignored while I sat there just reading, the world around me ceased to exist.
January 19, 2016
This book gives an all new meaning to the term 'Hate Fuck.' I can't believe all that shit actually happened! I went into this thinking that it would be a lite-dark (yes that's a thing to me) book and that nothing too crazy would happen. I don't know exactly why I thought that, but I was wrong.
Adam has lived only for revenge ever since his sister was taken, and tortured before returning home only to kill herself. He wants the man that hurt his sister to pay for his sins, but Adam thinks that killing him would be too easy. So he waits and he plans until the time is right for him to hurt the one person his enemy loves most - his daughter.
Elle was excited at the thought of meeting a new man. She's ran into her neighbor a few times while coming and going to her apartment and when she finally gets to meet him up close, she realizes how good looking he his. She thinks it's a start of a new relationship, maybe even just friend with benefits, but what she never though was that he would end up being her ruin.
I feel like I should start seeing a therapist or something because I thought Adam was such a hot anti-hero. Even while he was being a complete psycho I wanted to jump him, and make him mine. His character was definitely a crazy one but I loved seeing how he viewed things and what he was willing to do to get his revenge.
Retribution will make you question everything, and you'll start to wonder what kind of person you are...
Is his vengeance warranted? Should she pay for her fathers sins? Can they move past the bad history?
I liked that the story kept me on my toes and was able to shock me. There was a lot that happened that I never really thought would, and the reactions from the characters made me wonder why I liked them. Elle was a tough girl for going through everything she did and yet was still able to come out on top. I loved the emotions we got to see from her and she felt very real to me.
Overall, I loved this story and I highly recommend it. I hope we'll get a story for Nikki because I really want to get updated on her. I'll be checking out Natasha Knight's other books since I've only read one or two before.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Adam has lived only for revenge ever since his sister was taken, and tortured before returning home only to kill herself. He wants the man that hurt his sister to pay for his sins, but Adam thinks that killing him would be too easy. So he waits and he plans until the time is right for him to hurt the one person his enemy loves most - his daughter.
Elle was excited at the thought of meeting a new man. She's ran into her neighbor a few times while coming and going to her apartment and when she finally gets to meet him up close, she realizes how good looking he his. She thinks it's a start of a new relationship, maybe even just friend with benefits, but what she never though was that he would end up being her ruin.
I feel like I should start seeing a therapist or something because I thought Adam was such a hot anti-hero. Even while he was being a complete psycho I wanted to jump him, and make him mine. His character was definitely a crazy one but I loved seeing how he viewed things and what he was willing to do to get his revenge.
Retribution will make you question everything, and you'll start to wonder what kind of person you are...
Is his vengeance warranted? Should she pay for her fathers sins? Can they move past the bad history?
I liked that the story kept me on my toes and was able to shock me. There was a lot that happened that I never really thought would, and the reactions from the characters made me wonder why I liked them. Elle was a tough girl for going through everything she did and yet was still able to come out on top. I loved the emotions we got to see from her and she felt very real to me.
Overall, I loved this story and I highly recommend it. I hope we'll get a story for Nikki because I really want to get updated on her. I'll be checking out Natasha Knight's other books since I've only read one or two before.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2016
About a third of my way into this book I was wondering what the fuck I had gotten myself into here. An absolutely brutal story of vengeance, mind-fuckery and violence, this isn’t for the faint of heart.
Adam’s sister was kidnapped, tortured and violently raped. She never recovered and shortly after, she committed suicide. Now, fifteen years later, Adam has locked his mind into a very dark place and is on a single-minded path of vengeance. Simply killing those responsible will not be enough. He needs to break that which is most valuable to the man responsible. His target? Elle. The daughter of the man responsible.
Believe me, I wanted to hate Adam. He was a man so fuelled by violence and hate that I didn’t for a second think he could be redeemed. But as the book progressed, I got more and more drawn in by the emotions at war inside Adam- guilt, hatred, and vengeance, the need to punish and be punished, obsession, love and confusion- and in the end the man had my sympathy. The sex was dark , delicious, erotic and extremely well written, but again; not for the faint of heart.
Many times I wondered how far the author would actually take it, and she kept pushing my limits throughout. I was kept on the edge of my seat wondering how it would all play out. I was very aware of my own emotions whilst reading this story, and kept asking myself how I would feel in a similar situation. I raged, I cried, I loved, I hated, I gasped in shock , I shook my head in disbelief and at the end I needed a damn cookie.
I don’t want to give more away about the actual plot of this book, but the author certainly packed a lot of story into this fast-paced book. She certainly doesn’t shy away from any brutal details and nothing is tied up into a pretty little bow to help you stomach the awfulness of such a revenge plot. What I found interesting about this book as well, was the difference between good and bad. The lines between were a mangled mess and you could never determine who was truly good or bad. Ultimately, the book sent a strong message that we can never make sense of violence and even though our intentions may seem logical, it never is and in the end everyone involved will be a victim. A brilliant dark read.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Adam’s sister was kidnapped, tortured and violently raped. She never recovered and shortly after, she committed suicide. Now, fifteen years later, Adam has locked his mind into a very dark place and is on a single-minded path of vengeance. Simply killing those responsible will not be enough. He needs to break that which is most valuable to the man responsible. His target? Elle. The daughter of the man responsible.
Believe me, I wanted to hate Adam. He was a man so fuelled by violence and hate that I didn’t for a second think he could be redeemed. But as the book progressed, I got more and more drawn in by the emotions at war inside Adam- guilt, hatred, and vengeance, the need to punish and be punished, obsession, love and confusion- and in the end the man had my sympathy. The sex was dark , delicious, erotic and extremely well written, but again; not for the faint of heart.
Many times I wondered how far the author would actually take it, and she kept pushing my limits throughout. I was kept on the edge of my seat wondering how it would all play out. I was very aware of my own emotions whilst reading this story, and kept asking myself how I would feel in a similar situation. I raged, I cried, I loved, I hated, I gasped in shock , I shook my head in disbelief and at the end I needed a damn cookie.
I don’t want to give more away about the actual plot of this book, but the author certainly packed a lot of story into this fast-paced book. She certainly doesn’t shy away from any brutal details and nothing is tied up into a pretty little bow to help you stomach the awfulness of such a revenge plot. What I found interesting about this book as well, was the difference between good and bad. The lines between were a mangled mess and you could never determine who was truly good or bad. Ultimately, the book sent a strong message that we can never make sense of violence and even though our intentions may seem logical, it never is and in the end everyone involved will be a victim. A brilliant dark read.
(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
June 16, 2017
***** 4 'Destroy Me' Stars *****
The cover alone makes me want to drool.
Uncontrollable salivation.
Like many stories by Natasha Knight, Retribution isn't for readers wanting a fluffy romance story. It's dark, abusive, and dirty. There's some bondage, spanking, and harsh whipping.
In the beginning, I was a bit indifferent of Elle. She was a pampered girl that really didn't pay attention to her surroundings. But she really grew on me and I loved her relationship with Adam.
Adam's plan of revenge on Elle's father involved hurting Elle. He locked her up and had his ways with her. Although Elle experienced pain, she saw the real Adam. A man grieving. Not a sadistic monster.
These scenes are intense and capable of generating accelerated heartbeats. I can't wait to read more from Natasha Knight.
The cover alone makes me want to drool.
Uncontrollable salivation.
Like many stories by Natasha Knight, Retribution isn't for readers wanting a fluffy romance story. It's dark, abusive, and dirty. There's some bondage, spanking, and harsh whipping.
In the beginning, I was a bit indifferent of Elle. She was a pampered girl that really didn't pay attention to her surroundings. But she really grew on me and I loved her relationship with Adam.
Adam's plan of revenge on Elle's father involved hurting Elle. He locked her up and had his ways with her. Although Elle experienced pain, she saw the real Adam. A man grieving. Not a sadistic monster.
These scenes are intense and capable of generating accelerated heartbeats. I can't wait to read more from Natasha Knight.
January 13, 2016
If emotional dark reads unnerve you then this book might just have you running blindly into the night. It's erotic yes but it's almost like car crash TV because it's uncomfortable , disturbing and yet impossible to look away from. This book is cleverly written with dual perspective's which truly opens up the story and allows the reader to experience along with the two main characters their harrowing journey . Not for younger readers and warning there are scenes that will have you cringing but so worth reading because this author sure knows how to tell a gripping tale.
Ok short and to the point it's a story about Adam taking revenge for brutal acts that changed his family forever . His solution? Kidnap and force his enemy's daughter Elle to go through such a horrendous ordeal that it will bring her father to his knees. The attraction between them from the outset is insane and there is no way anyone could describe Elle's feelings as Stockholm syndrome but it's a painful relationship they forge as they both learn to save each other.
There are many captive dark romances out there and usually they end when there's a resolution between the lovers but Ms Knight takes her story a whole lot further . Nothing is black or white and indeed the shades of grey are far too numerous without giving major spoilers. I read the book in one day sometimes wanting to put it down and yet totally unable to as I was fascinated as to just how on earth the author could turn this around. I'm a hopeless romantic and I'm not really that keen on bdsm stories but this book has everything I want in a good read. Fast moving plot, incendiary scenes, suspense with a huge twist and of course an epilogue that left me breathing a huge sigh of relief! If you want to read something gritty and yet provocative then this book delivers in spades!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
Ok short and to the point it's a story about Adam taking revenge for brutal acts that changed his family forever . His solution? Kidnap and force his enemy's daughter Elle to go through such a horrendous ordeal that it will bring her father to his knees. The attraction between them from the outset is insane and there is no way anyone could describe Elle's feelings as Stockholm syndrome but it's a painful relationship they forge as they both learn to save each other.
There are many captive dark romances out there and usually they end when there's a resolution between the lovers but Ms Knight takes her story a whole lot further . Nothing is black or white and indeed the shades of grey are far too numerous without giving major spoilers. I read the book in one day sometimes wanting to put it down and yet totally unable to as I was fascinated as to just how on earth the author could turn this around. I'm a hopeless romantic and I'm not really that keen on bdsm stories but this book has everything I want in a good read. Fast moving plot, incendiary scenes, suspense with a huge twist and of course an epilogue that left me breathing a huge sigh of relief! If you want to read something gritty and yet provocative then this book delivers in spades!
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
November 2, 2016
3.5 Stars!
This is a story about the hero wanting revenge for the harm that was done to his sister. It has some dark undertones with some uncomfortable scenes he puts the heroine through.
Adam’s only focus is retribution for the kidnapping and rape of his beloved sister, Alessandra. What Alessandra suffered through was so horrific that in the end took her own life. He wanted payback and his target is the daughter of the person he believes is responsible. There is no better way to get revenge than put his precious daughter through the same suffering. He thought he could go through with this but he struggled with the decision to seek vengeance for his sister and the feelings he began developing for Elle. Even go as far as telling her to run far away from him. A warning she didn’t understand and listen to until he made the decision for her and at the point it was too late for her to run. You felt his conflicting emotions; one moment he is beating her and then he takes care of her injuries and apologizes for his actions.
This was fast paced and quick. A solid read!
This is a story about the hero wanting revenge for the harm that was done to his sister. It has some dark undertones with some uncomfortable scenes he puts the heroine through.
Adam’s only focus is retribution for the kidnapping and rape of his beloved sister, Alessandra. What Alessandra suffered through was so horrific that in the end took her own life. He wanted payback and his target is the daughter of the person he believes is responsible. There is no better way to get revenge than put his precious daughter through the same suffering. He thought he could go through with this but he struggled with the decision to seek vengeance for his sister and the feelings he began developing for Elle. Even go as far as telling her to run far away from him. A warning she didn’t understand and listen to until he made the decision for her and at the point it was too late for her to run. You felt his conflicting emotions; one moment he is beating her and then he takes care of her injuries and apologizes for his actions.
This was fast paced and quick. A solid read!
Read
January 21, 2016Damn this novel hit me hard!
Review is on the way...
ARC provided by the author, Natasha Knight, in exchange for an honest review!
Review is on the way...
ARC provided by the author, Natasha Knight, in exchange for an honest review!
August 2, 2016
Spoiled princess heals tortured soul
Meet Elle
I didn't like her. She says things like, "I only worked one day a week. Five hours. I had it better than most people, but it still took all I had to suck it up and do it." But then counters it with how she knows she has it so much better than most, so she shouldn't complain. Hmm, ya think? I started to like her character a bit more when we find out she's spending her non-working hours out photographing prostitutes and their high profile johns with some altruistic delusion that an expose will help these women. Naive but I'll go with it because she "hates hypocrisy" so very much... Except, hmm, she's lying to ALL of her friends about her background, where she lives, who her dad is, and has turned a blind eye to her family's shady business dealings while collecting her monthly allowance her whole life. Oh, and she wasn't honest about her intentions with the prostitutes she photographed and interviewed either because the ends justify the means. Yup, but hypocrisy really bothers her. Riiigghhtt...
Meet Adam
Adam has been planning his revenge for fifteen years. Nobody's been able to build a case and have it stick against Elle's dear ole dad for all the usual reasons--witnesses keep disappearing, etc. The solution? Death is too easy. Adam will make him pay by ruining the one thing he loves most in this world--his daughter--and he has the perfect playbook to follow. Since Adam's sister was kidnapped and tortured, he'll just deliver the same punishment upon Elle.
The First Mess Up
Adam had already inserted himself into Elle's life. All he had to do was initiate the plan he'd already painstakingly thought out--remember, this is fifteen years in the making! Except, before he can, she mouths off and gets bratty, and he gives away that he knows who her dad is. Really? This ex-military, totally-in-control man blows it after 15 years of planning? Sorry, my BS meter's going off.
It All Went Downhill From There
What followed was Adam trying to follow through but utterly failing because he was too much at war with himself, cue the "am I a monster?" inner dialogue. Then there was Elle, who alternated between being angry and bitter, to being depressed and feeling hopeless, to wanting to save him and seeing the good in him, cue the "you're not a monster" dialogue. Never once could she deny him physically though, no matter what mood she was in. You know, because he's just that good in the sack.
The Twists and Turns
There were a couple, and I will say I didn't see them coming, so bravo for that. Unfortunately for me, they did nothing for the story except make their already in the works HEA together more plausible.
Meet Elle
I didn't like her. She says things like, "I only worked one day a week. Five hours. I had it better than most people, but it still took all I had to suck it up and do it." But then counters it with how she knows she has it so much better than most, so she shouldn't complain. Hmm, ya think? I started to like her character a bit more when we find out she's spending her non-working hours out photographing prostitutes and their high profile johns with some altruistic delusion that an expose will help these women. Naive but I'll go with it because she "hates hypocrisy" so very much... Except, hmm, she's lying to ALL of her friends about her background, where she lives, who her dad is, and has turned a blind eye to her family's shady business dealings while collecting her monthly allowance her whole life. Oh, and she wasn't honest about her intentions with the prostitutes she photographed and interviewed either because the ends justify the means. Yup, but hypocrisy really bothers her. Riiigghhtt...
Meet Adam
Adam has been planning his revenge for fifteen years. Nobody's been able to build a case and have it stick against Elle's dear ole dad for all the usual reasons--witnesses keep disappearing, etc. The solution? Death is too easy. Adam will make him pay by ruining the one thing he loves most in this world--his daughter--and he has the perfect playbook to follow. Since Adam's sister was kidnapped and tortured, he'll just deliver the same punishment upon Elle.
The First Mess Up
Adam had already inserted himself into Elle's life. All he had to do was initiate the plan he'd already painstakingly thought out--remember, this is fifteen years in the making! Except, before he can, she mouths off and gets bratty, and he gives away that he knows who her dad is. Really? This ex-military, totally-in-control man blows it after 15 years of planning? Sorry, my BS meter's going off.
It All Went Downhill From There
What followed was Adam trying to follow through but utterly failing because he was too much at war with himself, cue the "am I a monster?" inner dialogue. Then there was Elle, who alternated between being angry and bitter, to being depressed and feeling hopeless, to wanting to save him and seeing the good in him, cue the "you're not a monster" dialogue. Never once could she deny him physically though, no matter what mood she was in. You know, because he's just that good in the sack.
The Twists and Turns
There were a couple, and I will say I didn't see them coming, so bravo for that. Unfortunately for me, they did nothing for the story except make their already in the works HEA together more plausible.
February 19, 2016
DNF at 70%. The writing is not engaging at all. We have a typical story of vengeance-turns-to-reluctant-love-with-the-enemy's-daughter, however if executed properly, it would still have been very enjoyable.
The Hero, spends 15 years of his life plotting the psychological breakdown via torture of the heroine because her father is a human trafficker who did the same to H's sister which eventually caused her to commit suicide. Yeah, so he starts out as being all strategic and keeping tabs on all times on h and talking about his great big plan that he's spent FIFTEEN YEARS OF HIS LIFE on. However, after coming face to face with the h, he completely gets lost in her vagina and then just keeps creating this clusterfuck of a storyline where the reader feels terribly frustrated at the H's lack of direction in his supposed torture and overall confusion. I couldn't connect with the H's emotional turmoil, he just came off as really stupid and unprepared and indecisive. It really annoyed me.
And of course, we have the typical spineless, clueless, innocent heroine who had no idea Daddy was the bad guy and wants to do good for the world. She sleeps with the H and then gets kidnapped and tortured by the H but she can see the real broken-hearted man behind the demon and wants to help him and love him. Please give me a break! And btw her great love and 'seeing the pain behind his eyes' is caused purely by H's cock. They have no emotional connection whatsoever, she doesn't know who H is or why he kidnaps/tortures her. She just sees some supposed pain behind his eyes and decides he needs to be saved. Yes, Ok then.
Do not recommend to readers who like plausible plots or character development in their stories.
The Hero, spends 15 years of his life plotting the psychological breakdown via torture of the heroine because her father is a human trafficker who did the same to H's sister which eventually caused her to commit suicide. Yeah, so he starts out as being all strategic and keeping tabs on all times on h and talking about his great big plan that he's spent FIFTEEN YEARS OF HIS LIFE on. However, after coming face to face with the h, he completely gets lost in her vagina and then just keeps creating this clusterfuck of a storyline where the reader feels terribly frustrated at the H's lack of direction in his supposed torture and overall confusion. I couldn't connect with the H's emotional turmoil, he just came off as really stupid and unprepared and indecisive. It really annoyed me.
And of course, we have the typical spineless, clueless, innocent heroine who had no idea Daddy was the bad guy and wants to do good for the world. She sleeps with the H and then gets kidnapped and tortured by the H but she can see the real broken-hearted man behind the demon and wants to help him and love him. Please give me a break! And btw her great love and 'seeing the pain behind his eyes' is caused purely by H's cock. They have no emotional connection whatsoever, she doesn't know who H is or why he kidnaps/tortures her. She just sees some supposed pain behind his eyes and decides he needs to be saved. Yes, Ok then.
Do not recommend to readers who like plausible plots or character development in their stories.
February 23, 2016
This book started out AMAZING, and then slowly started to get a bit dull for me. I wasn't able to 100% connect with the characters, either.
That being said, it was definitely a dark and steamy read!
That being said, it was definitely a dark and steamy read!
January 27, 2016
****4.5 Stars****
January 22, 2016
Adam Smith has his eye on Elle Vega and not with good intentions. It’s no coincidence that they are neighbors. Adam wants revenge for the torture that his sister suffered, and he intends to make Elle pay for her father’s crimes.
The opening pulled me in and it had a great start. I liked Adam’s initial alpha presence and conniving manner. There was definitely potential. But after Elle is kidnapped, I just didn’t feel their connection or chemistry, at least not enough to understand how Elle continued to get off while undergoing his abuse. I’m not sure if it was because her character was naïve or if she simply was just too accepting of it all. Adam’s appeal also started to wane for me as he flip-flopped back and forth with his plan and became more conflicted. I know this was supposed to soften him, but he also came across as a little wishy-washy. Plus there were aspects of his characterization that felt lacking or unexplained. All in all I was just kinda of meh on their romance.
There was one reveal that I began to see coming but a few other unpredictable twists that kept the plot fresh. Despite the twisted and disturbing nature of their relationship, the story wraps up neatly in the end and includes an epilogue. Told via Adam and Elle’s alternating first person point of view, Retribution is a dark romantic suspense standalone. Fans of captive erotica will most likely enjoy.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review/blog tour
The opening pulled me in and it had a great start. I liked Adam’s initial alpha presence and conniving manner. There was definitely potential. But after Elle is kidnapped, I just didn’t feel their connection or chemistry, at least not enough to understand how Elle continued to get off while undergoing his abuse. I’m not sure if it was because her character was naïve or if she simply was just too accepting of it all. Adam’s appeal also started to wane for me as he flip-flopped back and forth with his plan and became more conflicted. I know this was supposed to soften him, but he also came across as a little wishy-washy. Plus there were aspects of his characterization that felt lacking or unexplained. All in all I was just kinda of meh on their romance.
There was one reveal that I began to see coming but a few other unpredictable twists that kept the plot fresh. Despite the twisted and disturbing nature of their relationship, the story wraps up neatly in the end and includes an epilogue. Told via Adam and Elle’s alternating first person point of view, Retribution is a dark romantic suspense standalone. Fans of captive erotica will most likely enjoy.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review/blog tour
August 21, 2016
DNF 36 percent
I liked the writing a lot, in fact I read Natasha knights Alpha book and really liked it. I just did not like the situation in the way the author presented it in Retribution.
Elle (heroine) - daughter of a mob guy, gets anything she wants, has money, tries to hide the fact she is spoiled and has money from friends, and is a photographer.
Adam (hero) - wants revenge on mob guy for the kidnapping of his sister 15 years ago which left her a shell of her self and ultimately lead to her suicide. Adam wants this revenge on Elle.
Started out fine, the two meet, have sex, then Adam kidnaps her. Elle was annoying, naive, and stupid etc. Just want to get that out now. He puts her in a cell then beats her with a belt while Elle is screaming and crying. (<---this was non consensual - now if it was a normal two people agreeing to it then I would of excepted it ) Ok right here, at this very moment, I hate this guy. Non redeemable in my eyes. Elle made it worse by trying to understand him. "Oh he has a look on his face, i think it was a bit of remorse." WTF
I personally just can not read about weak willed women. (i guess it is just how the author throws it at you on whether or not it is acceptable to a reader or not) I just couldn't here in this instance. It got on my last nerve. And I could so feel Elle's F'ing dumbness dripping off my kindle.
I liked the writing a lot, in fact I read Natasha knights Alpha book and really liked it. I just did not like the situation in the way the author presented it in Retribution.
Elle (heroine) - daughter of a mob guy, gets anything she wants, has money, tries to hide the fact she is spoiled and has money from friends, and is a photographer.
Adam (hero) - wants revenge on mob guy for the kidnapping of his sister 15 years ago which left her a shell of her self and ultimately lead to her suicide. Adam wants this revenge on Elle.
Started out fine, the two meet, have sex, then Adam kidnaps her. Elle was annoying, naive, and stupid etc. Just want to get that out now. He puts her in a cell then beats her with a belt while Elle is screaming and crying. (<---this was non consensual - now if it was a normal two people agreeing to it then I would of excepted it ) Ok right here, at this very moment, I hate this guy. Non redeemable in my eyes. Elle made it worse by trying to understand him. "Oh he has a look on his face, i think it was a bit of remorse." WTF
I personally just can not read about weak willed women. (i guess it is just how the author throws it at you on whether or not it is acceptable to a reader or not) I just couldn't here in this instance. It got on my last nerve. And I could so feel Elle's F'ing dumbness dripping off my kindle.
January 29, 2016
I really had high hopes for this one because I started out really liking this one. Things started to fizzle out about half way through and it turned out to be just ok for me. Adam was a twisted man set on getting revenge for the kidnapping and death of his sister. Elle was the daughter of the man Adam believed to be responsible for it. Adam had a plan.. and he wanted revenge! I didn't hate it though.
May 31, 2016
4.5 Stars
Adam's sister was kidnapped by human traffickers when he was a teenager. She somehow managed to escape, but couldn't deal with the memories of her torture and abuse and killed herself. Since that day, his life has been consumed with getting revenge. He doesn't want the man responsible to simply pay with his life, he wants him to feel the same pain and devastation he himself has felt all these years. To accomplish that goal, he decides to take away the one thing he holds dear, his daughter. Adam slowly insinuates himself into Elle's life. As she starts to fall for him, he prepares to break her and in the process, destroy her father. What he doesn't plan for is the conflicting emotions he will feel and the realization that achieving the retribution the has desired all this time may turn him into the very type of monster he has spent so long hating.
Retribution is the first book I have read by Natasha Knight and I was impressed by her storytelling ability. A revenge plot is not exactly new, but she managed to keep me gripped from the prologue and had enough plot twists to keep the story feeling fresh and different. This was a dark read, though not as dark as I expected going in. Certain scenes read like a train crash, you knew you should look away, but you just couldn't tear your eyes away from the devastation unfolding. Adam was a wonderful anti-hero. His hatred and need for revenge warped him, but you could tell he was still decent somewhere. That decency lead to him questioning his actions as the story progressed which made for interesting reading. My favorite moments were when we were inside his head.
Elle grew on me a little more slowly. At first she comes off as naive and overly pampered. I didn't believe that she didn't know who and what her father was, it was just so much easier to pretend nothing nefarious was at play than to question the money she was surrounded by. Her inner strength came out as the story progressed. She was inherently good and even as Adam's cruelty came to the forefront, she held onto a desire to see the best in him and sympathize with his inner pain. Their relationship was wrong, but felt oh so right and was oh so sexy in the best kind of twisted way. Even if I knew she should run as far from Adam as she could, I desperately wanted them to see their way through the pain, cruelty and devastation. If you like well written dark capture/revenge storylines Retribution should be immediately added to your to be read pile.
Adam's sister was kidnapped by human traffickers when he was a teenager. She somehow managed to escape, but couldn't deal with the memories of her torture and abuse and killed herself. Since that day, his life has been consumed with getting revenge. He doesn't want the man responsible to simply pay with his life, he wants him to feel the same pain and devastation he himself has felt all these years. To accomplish that goal, he decides to take away the one thing he holds dear, his daughter. Adam slowly insinuates himself into Elle's life. As she starts to fall for him, he prepares to break her and in the process, destroy her father. What he doesn't plan for is the conflicting emotions he will feel and the realization that achieving the retribution the has desired all this time may turn him into the very type of monster he has spent so long hating.
Retribution is the first book I have read by Natasha Knight and I was impressed by her storytelling ability. A revenge plot is not exactly new, but she managed to keep me gripped from the prologue and had enough plot twists to keep the story feeling fresh and different. This was a dark read, though not as dark as I expected going in. Certain scenes read like a train crash, you knew you should look away, but you just couldn't tear your eyes away from the devastation unfolding. Adam was a wonderful anti-hero. His hatred and need for revenge warped him, but you could tell he was still decent somewhere. That decency lead to him questioning his actions as the story progressed which made for interesting reading. My favorite moments were when we were inside his head.
Elle grew on me a little more slowly. At first she comes off as naive and overly pampered. I didn't believe that she didn't know who and what her father was, it was just so much easier to pretend nothing nefarious was at play than to question the money she was surrounded by. Her inner strength came out as the story progressed. She was inherently good and even as Adam's cruelty came to the forefront, she held onto a desire to see the best in him and sympathize with his inner pain. Their relationship was wrong, but felt oh so right and was oh so sexy in the best kind of twisted way. Even if I knew she should run as far from Adam as she could, I desperately wanted them to see their way through the pain, cruelty and devastation. If you like well written dark capture/revenge storylines Retribution should be immediately added to your to be read pile.
January 17, 2016
3 1/2 Stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and I really didn't know what to expect.
I didn't expect it take me a long time to get into this book. I almost gave up.....twice, but curiosity got the better of me. Things got better and the story line picked up.
The things Adam did to Elle. He is truly fcvked up and Elle, OMG, he REALLY broke her. All that CRAZINESS in the name of Vengeance?!
This book is dark, disturbing and sometimes uncomfortable. I began to question my own sanity and emotional stability. That is enough to make me explore this author's work more.
I gave it 3 1/2 stars because of the time it took for me to get into it............and that's your punishment.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I really didn't know what to expect.
I didn't expect it take me a long time to get into this book. I almost gave up.....twice, but curiosity got the better of me. Things got better and the story line picked up.
The things Adam did to Elle. He is truly fcvked up and Elle, OMG, he REALLY broke her. All that CRAZINESS in the name of Vengeance?!
This book is dark, disturbing and sometimes uncomfortable. I began to question my own sanity and emotional stability. That is enough to make me explore this author's work more.
I gave it 3 1/2 stars because of the time it took for me to get into it............and that's your punishment.
February 9, 2016
If you're looking for sweetness, romance and fluff ... you won't find it here. If, however, you're looking for dark, raw, intense, and extremely erotic look no further. Retribution will draw you in with its suspenseful storyline. Natasha Knight writes deliciously dark and gritty book boyfriends who, despite all their faults, you can't help but love!!!
*ARC provided by Author for an honest review
*ARC provided by Author for an honest review
January 28, 2016
Ever finish a book and immediately run off to Amazon to see what else you can devour from that author? Well, that's exactly what I did when I finished Retribution. This book was so good and I can promise it will turn you inside out with conflicted emotions. Very reminiscent of CJ Robert's Captive in the Dark series, I found myself falling in love with Adam yet feeling incredibly dirty afterwards. From an outsider looking in, you would have to be out of your mind to not only yearn for this character after everything he does to Elle, but to be able to trust him. But when you are in the story, in the moment, and you completely immerse yourself in her head, it totally makes sense where nothing else does. Call it Stockholm syndrome, call it naive, call it stupid; I say it's seeing a world and situation that is bathed in shades of gray. And when you are able to to see past the negative, you'll have a story of love, retribution, and forgiveness. Oh, and a very VERY dirty talker, which was quite possibly my favorite part!
I loved how this story unfolded from both Adam and Elle's perspectives. You know from the beginning what Adam's plan is for Elle, and it was intriguing seeing him carry it out and the thought process that went into everything. Had we not had his perspective, this would have been an entirely different story and I can guarantee my feelings towards him would have differed greatly. But as we were allowed into his mind, I was able to see past the pain, torture, and supposed indifference. I was able to see into his heart and grant him forgiveness of my own. I loved and hated at the same time how captivated she was with him; almost obsessed. But I think it was that she saw in him her other half. She saw what she'd always been missing, and for that reason alone she was able to look past what was thrown in her face.
There was so much suffering that took place in this story, and I loved every angsty, guilt ridden moment of it! I can guarantee the next break I have in my reading schedule that I'll be grabbing more titles from this author. Highly recommend!
I loved how this story unfolded from both Adam and Elle's perspectives. You know from the beginning what Adam's plan is for Elle, and it was intriguing seeing him carry it out and the thought process that went into everything. Had we not had his perspective, this would have been an entirely different story and I can guarantee my feelings towards him would have differed greatly. But as we were allowed into his mind, I was able to see past the pain, torture, and supposed indifference. I was able to see into his heart and grant him forgiveness of my own. I loved and hated at the same time how captivated she was with him; almost obsessed. But I think it was that she saw in him her other half. She saw what she'd always been missing, and for that reason alone she was able to look past what was thrown in her face.
There was so much suffering that took place in this story, and I loved every angsty, guilt ridden moment of it! I can guarantee the next break I have in my reading schedule that I'll be grabbing more titles from this author. Highly recommend!
April 30, 2016
If you're looking for an inspirational and sweet love story, this is not the book for you. This book is dark. I mean, really dark. I don't want to give too much away, but there is real suffering, and not everything is completely consensual.
But that's what makes it such a compelling read. The main female character, Elle, is able to see the pain and psychological mess of her captor. And he, in turn, changes, letting go of a lifetime of anger and pain.
I consider this book a "romance," but it's also a psychological exploration into the psyche of a person who's suffered a lifetime of anger and pain, and the woman who is able to see past that to the person he really is.
I will read pretty much anything by Natasha Knight. She has a true gift for writing exceptionally deep and dark novels, where I feel like I'm going to fall into the depths and get lost. But she pulls me out just in time, letting me see that love can be found even in the grimmest of emotional places.
But that's what makes it such a compelling read. The main female character, Elle, is able to see the pain and psychological mess of her captor. And he, in turn, changes, letting go of a lifetime of anger and pain.
I consider this book a "romance," but it's also a psychological exploration into the psyche of a person who's suffered a lifetime of anger and pain, and the woman who is able to see past that to the person he really is.
I will read pretty much anything by Natasha Knight. She has a true gift for writing exceptionally deep and dark novels, where I feel like I'm going to fall into the depths and get lost. But she pulls me out just in time, letting me see that love can be found even in the grimmest of emotional places.
May 18, 2016
Elle and Adam are friggin awesome!
This story can be considered Mafia although it crosses several genres. It's dark and may contain triggers for some readers. Retribution is based on revenge for a perceived debt that occurred 15 years prior. Adam and Elle's story is an emotional ride with a huge helping of murder, intrigue, lies, physical abuse, and cover ups! The bed play between the two........HAWT! Very hot sex scenes. Perfect blend to balance the madness in other areas....... I would LOVE to elaborate but I'm trying to work on not telling the story in my reviews....to become more generic. Get this book QUICK! It is sooooo very DELISH and Adam is simply to die for!!!!
Retribution is a standalone, crosses several boundaries, and worth several reads!
Five stars for Adam and Elle. They've proven peace is not merely an illusion.........
This story can be considered Mafia although it crosses several genres. It's dark and may contain triggers for some readers. Retribution is based on revenge for a perceived debt that occurred 15 years prior. Adam and Elle's story is an emotional ride with a huge helping of murder, intrigue, lies, physical abuse, and cover ups! The bed play between the two........HAWT! Very hot sex scenes. Perfect blend to balance the madness in other areas....... I would LOVE to elaborate but I'm trying to work on not telling the story in my reviews....to become more generic. Get this book QUICK! It is sooooo very DELISH and Adam is simply to die for!!!!
Retribution is a standalone, crosses several boundaries, and worth several reads!
Five stars for Adam and Elle. They've proven peace is not merely an illusion.........
November 16, 2016
Pleasantly pleased by this book recommendation (Thanks, Expresso!!!!!!)
Retribution is a great read. We get to meet Adam (out to seek vengeance) and Elle (innocent & living in denial).
Due to the tragic and sad end of Adam’s sisters life, he is hell-bent on seeking revenge against the one(s) he believes caused her to end her life.
This is where Elle comes in. She is the pawn Adam feels is necessary to resolve his pain and avenge his sister. What Adam doesn’t expect is that along the way he unexpectedly develops feelings for Elle and the truths that he believed and held onto for the sake of his sister; all turn out to be lies.
Should Adam have trusted those closes to him? You will have to read Retribution to find out.
Retribution is a true page turner; Thank you Expresso for this great recommendation!! I love it!!!!!!
Retribution is a great read. We get to meet Adam (out to seek vengeance) and Elle (innocent & living in denial).
Due to the tragic and sad end of Adam’s sisters life, he is hell-bent on seeking revenge against the one(s) he believes caused her to end her life.
This is where Elle comes in. She is the pawn Adam feels is necessary to resolve his pain and avenge his sister. What Adam doesn’t expect is that along the way he unexpectedly develops feelings for Elle and the truths that he believed and held onto for the sake of his sister; all turn out to be lies.
Should Adam have trusted those closes to him? You will have to read Retribution to find out.
Retribution is a true page turner; Thank you Expresso for this great recommendation!! I love it!!!!!!
February 7, 2016
That was a bit unexpected, but still pretty exciting!
I have to say, this authour is pulling me in more and more with each new book. The stories have a definite edge to them, and the anti-hero's aren't 'heart-of-gold' types, they really are bad guys. Now in this story, the bad guy has a conscience, but is still far from being any type of good.
Our heroine isn't a shrinking violet either, but she is still a good person, and has a sunny outlook to life. She tries to see the good, even in the bad, which doesn't come across as naive, she is too realistic for that, just it is what it is
I wouldn't classify the book as dark, though some probably would, it was just a perfect edgy read that now has me completely hooked on the authour!
I have to say, this authour is pulling me in more and more with each new book. The stories have a definite edge to them, and the anti-hero's aren't 'heart-of-gold' types, they really are bad guys. Now in this story, the bad guy has a conscience, but is still far from being any type of good.
Our heroine isn't a shrinking violet either, but she is still a good person, and has a sunny outlook to life. She tries to see the good, even in the bad, which doesn't come across as naive, she is too realistic for that, just it is what it is
I wouldn't classify the book as dark, though some probably would, it was just a perfect edgy read that now has me completely hooked on the authour!
April 23, 2016
Um....so. Boy meets girl, boy kidnaps girl to exact revenge for something her father did to his sister. Boy semi-tortures and f*cks girl repeatedly. Boy emotionally, mentally, and physically ruins girl. Boy lets girl go. Girl misses boy. Girl finds out she's pregnant and misses and loves boy. Boy eventually comes back and they live HEA.
Wtf. I would've shot him in the face first chance given. Instead she mourns for him, because he took her back home and left her?!?! He kidnaps her, holds her in a cell for two weeks, whips her until she's bleeding and scarred, mentally screws with her, and then she has the audacity to miss him?!? No. Just no. I'm all for dark romance and mind games, but no. This was just a little too fucked up and Stockholm Syndrome for me.
Wtf. I would've shot him in the face first chance given. Instead she mourns for him, because he took her back home and left her?!?! He kidnaps her, holds her in a cell for two weeks, whips her until she's bleeding and scarred, mentally screws with her, and then she has the audacity to miss him?!? No. Just no. I'm all for dark romance and mind games, but no. This was just a little too fucked up and Stockholm Syndrome for me.
April 28, 2016
Review ~~ Retribution
Retribution
by Natasha Knight
QueenZany 3.5 STAR REVIEW
I was lucky to review the audiobook “Retribution”!
Let me start off by saying the “The narrator was spot on”!
Philip Alces had a voice that kept me listening. Yes I would give his performance a 5 star review !!!
But as it comes to the story. I didn't care much for it. I lost interest 25% into the book.
I generally love dark and suspenseful books. But this one was way beyond my comfort zone.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
Retribution
by Natasha Knight
QueenZany 3.5 STAR REVIEW
I was lucky to review the audiobook “Retribution”!
Let me start off by saying the “The narrator was spot on”!
Philip Alces had a voice that kept me listening. Yes I would give his performance a 5 star review !!!
But as it comes to the story. I didn't care much for it. I lost interest 25% into the book.
I generally love dark and suspenseful books. But this one was way beyond my comfort zone.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
https://plus.google.com/+heatherpollo...
January 19, 2016
4.5 Spectacular & Disturbing Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh wow what a story. Revenge just how far will he go. I was completely devasated and so scared for Elle. What a tortured soul this man is I really felt the emotions in this book, it's dark, twisted and so bloody disturbing it even had me cringing at a couple of bits and I knew then that this was another great read, such spectacular writing that pulled me in and didn't let go until the very end.
Oh wow what a story. Revenge just how far will he go. I was completely devasated and so scared for Elle. What a tortured soul this man is I really felt the emotions in this book, it's dark, twisted and so bloody disturbing it even had me cringing at a couple of bits and I knew then that this was another great read, such spectacular writing that pulled me in and didn't let go until the very end.
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