Quiver

Revenge #1

by Trevion Burns

At just eighteen years old, Veda Vandyke fell victim to a brutal attack that stole her innocence, her joy, and her sanity. Ten years later, she’s a medical school graduate, has just accepted a residency in the town that crushed her soul, and she’s hungry for revenge. The best thing about medical school? It trained her to be a killer without ruining her manicure. Without a single ounce of guilt. Not a shred of evidence left in her wake. And before summer came to a close on that sleepy island called Shadow Rock, Veda Vandyke planned to put her Stanford M.D. to good use. Ten times. What Veda hadn’t planned on was being tempted by her mouth-watering Italian boss, Gage Blackwater. With pulsating biceps, a heart-stopping smile, and a savage stroke game that brought Veda to her knees, Gage threatened to spread her open in ways she’d never been spread before. Bestowing upon her an unshakeable devotion that unearthed her deepest secrets and most ardent desires, he had the power to destroy everything. But the ten animals who’d brutalized her and robbed her of her innocence needed to pay the price. No matter how persistent that spit-shined rich boy was, Veda refused to be swayed from her mission by his tongue-fueled kisses and intense brown eyes. Nothing would distract her from exacting revenge. Not even falling in love. — QUIVER is an interracial romance. Triggering elements. Strong sexual content—including graphic assault. Strong language. This story ends in a cliffhanger. The Revenge Serial is written to unfold over multiple volumes. Book 1: Quiver Book 2: coming soon

Genres: Interracial Romance, Romance, Dark, Abuse, Crime, Suspense, Doctors

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2016

About the author

I'm fascinated by deeply flawed people in impossible situations, and insane people who don't know they're insane. Perfection puzzles me, so my characters are always just a little bit evil--whether they know it or not!

Reviews

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! GIVE ME MORE BUT NOT OVER 2 MORE BOOKS!

[Gisele Walko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this a lot, but it wasn't the murder spree I thought it would be. I was happy with the ending and interested in the secondary characters. I would continue the series, but is it gonna be nine more books?!

4 stars

[Mspraise50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few of this authors books all of which I have enjoyed.

This book did not turn out how I expected. From the synopsis of the story I expected to read a dark romance. I was expecting Neda to be taking her revenge for the wrong done to her. Instead she is distracted into a relationship with Gage that prevents her from taking her revenge on those who hurt her.

In the end she did extract revenge but not how the book hinted at. In the end instead of being horrified at what she did it made me laugh. So I would not say this is a dark romance although there are themes around rape and abuse.

I look forward to seeing what book 2 will bring. I would recommend it as a good read, it keeps you interested.

[Bibi · Rating 3 out of 5]

*"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry..."*

Plot: 3 *you have got to be kidding* stars
Mood: Suspenseful; erotic
Sex scenes: 4 *Hot Tamale* stars
Characters: 4 *Complex* stars

This book starts with the following sentence:

The best thing about medical school? It trained her to be a killer without ruining her manicure. Without a single ounce of guilt. Not a shred of evidence left in her wake.

Well. Ms. Burns, we have a winner......muhahaha. I can't wait to see how and if Veda will achieve her primary objective of delivering justice to the group of ten men who raped her and left her for dead some 10-yrs earlier. She survived and went on to become an anesthesiologist; returning home to deliver much needed justice to these deplorable men.

In addition to this, we have a court-side seat to the impending love triangle between her, and two very hot guys- Gage and Linc-...... this should be so good.... *evil laugh*.......Muhahaha.

Be warned, this ends in a cliffhanger.

[Camy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice *smirk* :-D

Where's book 2?

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 Stars
Review to Follow Soon

[EbonyMonae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Every Minute of It!!

I was blown away. I have been reading this author since her first book. This book really showcased her growth as a writer. I can't wait for the rest of the series. I loved the ending good for him.

I'm intrigued to see how she will finish the series. How will she continue Veda and Gage's story? Who is number 10? Will Lincoln find his wife? This was a surprise read. I was not expecting her to put out a book. Now I can't wait until the next one.

All in all it was a great read.

Happy Reading!!

[Kashi Ashley-Ann Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10

This is this Dancehall song here that is called 10 outta 10 and boy is this book 10 outta 10. Totally love Gage lol so far he’s a sweet soul. I can’t wait to read about what the two of them coming out as a couple will cause. I really did enjoy this book. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness.!This was a great start to this series. This was not the murder spree I thought was going to happen,by Vede . However I'm not disappointed.

[Kiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022: man oh man, still so good. Very excited to be rereading this series

2016: 6 stars!!!+++

I reaaaaallllyyyyyy loved this book!

The characters were amazing. The relationships were so strong. The intimate scenes were sizzling with connection, and I just loved everything.

This book was so refreshing. I loved both the heroine and hero, and that was so freaking refreshing. Haven't felt that relaxed in a while at not wanting to roll my eyes of frustration at a character.

Veda had her moment where I did, but I'm going to pretend she didn't so I can continue to talk good about her and this book—Now, carrying on: Oh God GAGE! Sweeet, sweet GAGE. Love of my life. The one and only. His dedication, his love, his determination and passion, his everything! I loved him more than I loved Veda, but I still loved Veda so much too!

That girl was determined, firm, funny, while still being caring and loving. Their banter was hilarious, and they both were just two perfect characters strewn together.

Latika was my girllllllllllll though. Man as far as secondary characters go, she had to be my favorite. I just loved her. She was very realistic. Coco and Linc were up there though too.... OH MY GOOOOOSH. My heart hurt for both of them so much, especially Coco. Coco coco coco, sweet Coco. Ugh, I have no words.

I loved the altering point of views a load, and I think it did a lot to portray what each character was feeling when and however they felt it. The writing was just so good in this book, and I'm just envious! Literally, no imperfections found.

It hurts my heart that she's secretive with Gage because I hate that he doesn't know everything so he can completely be allll in it with her and vice versa, but.... UGH!

This book is easily a favorite, and—RIP to my freebie-spoiled behind and wallet bc of this .99 I have to pay lol— I will be reading the next book.

[Pearline · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book is apart of a book club read but it has been on my reading list since it was available on amazon. This is definitely a book full of suspense/mystery and for all of you hoping this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger is going to be upset. I suspect there may be at least 8 more cliffhangers in this series. Hopefully the author does it in three books instead of 9 but since Veda only got her revenge on only one person on her revenge list I suspect 8 more books. I'm not going to give a description of the book but just compare this book to the t.v. series Revenge. Which I really enjoyed the first season and half but then it went way left field and I was done. The book has the same concept- character leaves small coastal town due to powerful families destroying her life and vows to get revenge, character falls in love and reasons for revenge become hazy. Just like with Revenge this series has a ton of potential to be great, I'm just hoping this author doesn't go down that same road since there is so much potential.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me, the story doesn't live up to the blurb. This being the first instalment of 10. I picked this up as a story of revenge. The heroine is violated in the worst possible way, raped, and I couldn't wait to see her make her abusers pay. However, the plot is overwhelmed by her lust for the spit-shined white boy and the copious sex scenes.

I count my lucky stars I've never been raped, and due to that perhaps I shouldn't judge. But a woman hellbent on payback who spends so much time on her back, legs spread willingly, didn't ring true for me.

Do I plan to read the next 9 instalments? Not a chance.

[La Vida Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome start to what appears to be quite a series! Veda is some kind of woman. I get why Gage is so intent on being with her, despite the fact that she spends most of book running and running and running from him. I'm not convinced men IRL are this persistent but maybe they are lol I don't know, but the way she behaves with Gage, I can't imagine how he keeps up his pursuit, but whatever, he keeps up the pursuit. This leads to some intensely hot love scenes. Given that Veda has suffered unspeakable pain as a result of a brutal gang rape, I understand why she's so damaged and runs. I am just curious about whatever is burning between her and the detective, Lincoln. I suspect we'll get more info on that in the upcoming volumes. Either way, I am intrigued by this story of revenge, love and sacrifice. Very intense read.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quiver is the first in a seven part book series by Trevion Burns titled, Revenge.

Based on book one, and the opening of book two (Tingle), I do not think I'm going to make it to the end. After reading the Romanovsky Brothers series, and knowing Burns writing as I do (I've read most of her previous releases), I cannot deal with this one. Don't know what's happening with my favorite authors of this genre, but here goes:

About the book

Veda is determined to right the wrongs of her past. At age eighteen, a terrible crime was committed against her by ten men. Now, ten years later, she plans to exact the ultimate revenge on each man. However, what she didn't expect was to find the love of her life. To complicate matters, the detective who helped ten years ago, is still on the case, and she finds herself drawn to him for more than just their past connection. How will it all pan out in end, don't count on this book telling you; there's six more to go...

The plot is too familiar, with very little added to set it apart from the better fare that came before it. That the characters are of a different race, and one constantly sucks on a lollipop is not what I call original storytelling. Burns is a good writer, but I believe she is her best when she doesn't overextend herself. Her stories meander and are rife with repetition when she goes the series route.

Quiver has too much of everything it shouldn't. Dull, placeholder characters, instalove, a meandering plot, and way too many erotic scenes for a mixed-genre book that relies heavily on thrills and mystery. I know I'm in the minority here, but I believe Burns is not ready to tackle series and especially series with a strong mystery element. You've figured out all you need to know the first couple chapters in, that's like finding out the twist in the move ten minutes after the opening credits roll. The rest feels tedious. And seven books!

Are you freaking insane? Are we expected to sit through those many books to get a resolution to the overall story arc when the individual book plot just repeats themselves over and over with little deviation? No. I learned my lesson with her previous series. They always start off strong-ish and then fall apart by the second book. And it seems she keeps expanding her series. What will be next, a twenty book series?

The only exception to her other series is Stereo Hearts, and you know why that series works? Because the books are standalone with recurring characters. Makes you think. Anyway, I've ranted enough about that (or maybe I haven't). Here's the rundown:

Pros

1. Editing - You can see the growth and professionalism in Trevion Burn's recent releases. This book is no exception. The copy editing is tight. I came upon one typo. Not a big deal, nothing is perfect.

2. Characters - Veda and Linc come across as clearly defined characters. Their motivations and actions for the most part make sense. Well, many of them do.

3. Story - Although far from original, it creates an interesting and tangible foundation. Revenge and Vigilantism is something most understand or can relate to even if at an emotional distance. Trevion sets up something that in the beginning draws you in and keeps you curious. But...

Cons

1. Pacing - This seems to be a major issue with Burns' series. There are too many elements that drag, including repetitive phrases and seemingly endless erotic scenarios that take you out of the major hook of the story. And again, seven freakin' books! No way, no way can this hold my interest, the first book barely managed to.

2. Characters - Stereotypical personas like Gabe (obsessively lovelorn sexual beast of a Italian hero that hulks, runs his hands through his perfectly styled hair, and whose pensive gazes sets every woman's heart aflame. And he has a huge *you know what*), and there always has to be one woman with minus zero self esteem in the mix, enter the character, Coco. Even her name is a stereotype. This is becoming repetitive, the villains, the hero, the best friend all come across as though they were spit out of an online character generator.

3. Story - It's supposed to be original, well as original as a plot like this can be. But it bring absolutely nothing new to this kind of storytelling outside of the superficial. It's also supposed to be a mystery, thriller with romantic/erotic elements. Well, um...no. Let's reverse that, this is a romance/erotica with mystery and thriller elements. The latter being very weak. Burns is a writer of Romance and erotica, I wish she would stick to that. Because, so far I am not convinced.

My final word

That's all I'm willing to state for now. A Trevion Burns book used to be a one click purchase for me, even when her editing was shaky as F. If this was 2014, I would have bought every book available in this series the moment they dropped, without question. After so many misses with her past series, I just cannot go there anymore. Good luck to those of you that can outlast. Seven books...damn. Ms. Burns, this reader will see you after the next Stereo Hearts release.

My Rating: An overly-ambitious undertaking that falls way short of its mark 3.5

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/24/2021)! 🎁

[Amara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Revenge MF Romance

Book one, this book, is free today on Amazon!

Revenge series are one of my absolute things types of series.

Veda is hell bent on revenge and had gone through something awful that warrants it. She is making her way through her kill list and ensuring what happened to her can't happen to someone else.

I love her. She is strong, capable, and intelligent. And absolutely determined to see it through to the end.

Can't wait to see what happens next!

Recommend for those who like the Mindf*ck series by S.T. Abby.

[Nene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

First read by this Author and I loved this storyline, it was funny it has mystery and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[Meka♥books · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best thing about medical school? It trained her to be a killer without ruining her manicure.

I quickly one-clicked this book after reading the synopsis, I mean how could I not? Quiver is the story of Veda Gabriella Vandyke an intelligent and beautiful twenty-eight year old Stanford Salutatorian graduate and first year Anesthesiologist resident. However, Veda has demons she can't seem to shake and secrets that hunt her from the past. But she has a plan to rectify that- train herself to be a killer because she was raped by ten animals ten years earlier and now she wants revenge!

Throughout the book Veda gets distracted by her boss Gage who not only is engaged but who is also friends with Todd, one of the people who raped her talk about complicated. Veda and Gabe begin a relationship. As this relationship develops comments are made by Gage such as:

"Todd can be a real asshole," Gage said. "But I've known him for as long as I've been alive, and he's good at the core."

This perplexed me and Gage stumped me the whole time. At times I thought do birds of a feather flock together? Is Gage like Todd? Todd has nothing good in him. Veda was not Todd's only victim and one particular victim hits closer to home which made me wonder again how well Gage knows Todd. The character development for me needed more because the way the book is written Todd is a complete monster that if you look closely he really isn't good at masking his true colors where as if Gage was just like Todd you would have to look more closely to detect the truth.

One area while reading this book that bothered me a bit were the transitions. All of a sudden Gage had a key to Veda's apartment. When did happen and how? When did Gage's fiancé decide to stay at the pool boy’s house while he stayed at Veda's? At any event reading Veda and Gage's budding relationship was interesting. The jury is still out for me on Gage though because at times I felt he knew what Todd did to Veda he just wanted confirmation from her and other times I felt he was clueless.

Nothing in this book made me quiver per se. I was a bit let down in the revenge department as I was expecting more revenge and slaughter and less lovey dovey but the vengeance that Veda executed to Todd was oh so sweet. I will definitely follow Veda in The Revenge Series: Number Two as she carries out whatever payback she sees appropriate to the nine other animals who stole her virginity.

Quiver gets 3.5 one down, nine to go stars!

[Bennita · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.
I really enjoy revenge themes, so this book immediately caught my attention. I did feel that Veda had an impossible feat of paying back her attackers due to the number of people she was going after. I liked the mystery that Linc brought to the story. I was kind of hoping there would be a love triangle, but we just get a "taste" of Linc's story to keep us wondering about his character and Veda's attraction to him. Gage's vulnerability around Veda drew me to his character. I didn't feel as connected with Veda's character for some reason. I guess I didn't feel like I knew enough about her character and she didn't show a lot of emotion, so I was drawn more to Gage. All I could gather about Veda was her past rape, but nothing else. I would have liked to see more of an interaction between Gage and his best friend. I just couldn't see how Gage could be friends with such a horrible person. It will be interesting to see Veda's walls crumble and accept Gage into her life and see how she gets ultimate revenge.

[--karen Green-berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!

This is the first book in the revenge series and I absolutely loved it. Even though the basis of the story is about a young lady that was brutally gang raped; the story spoke to me.

Veda suffered a traumatic incident at 18 years of age that affected her for a long time. She sought revenge as the only way to right the wrongs and to heal. Gage was mesmerized the first time he saw her and eventually was willing to go against his powerful family to achieve his HEA.

Of course, this is easier said than done and the author's way of telling it is definitely a page turner. I will be starting the second book and highly recommend this as a great read.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Revenge

LMAO!!! Well done Veda. So I was all into Veda getting her revenge, but I see how she got distracted. Gage was so charming and the emotions that he displayed for Veda was just honest. I can understand why she had a tough time opening up to Gage. She been through one hell of a traumatic experience that I'm surprised didn't lead her down a much darker path!! I'm glad she was finally somewhat able to open her heart. I just really want to know who is the tenth person!! And I want to know Lincoln's back story!!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

there were so many things that i loved about this book that i don't know where to start. the first line alone made me keep reading even though it was one of the most uncomfortable first lines i've ever read. in all of veda's understandable messiness - she is such a badass that you have to lover her. and gage....oh gage please stay the wonderful man you appear to be. i cannot handle a twist down the road with you. this is definitely a series i will read to the end. you won't be disappointed! i'm so glad this was the BOM pick.

[Cheryl James · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. I was intrigued by the covers of all three books, however I was so disappointed. The story did not deliver as I expected. I am not sure if the author got caught up and had a brain freeze or was just lost in her words. How much physical sex do you need in one book, enough already, get back to the story. I purchased the other 2 books but I am not looking forward to reading them in 2016. I refuse to go out of this year with a 2 or lower rating. The good thing is she did get her revenge it just took her a long about way to get there.

[Anya Alsobrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! What a book!!

This book was soon good!!! It is a must read!! I cannot wait for book 2. Please come out soon!!

[Debra Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me conflicted between having Veda commit murder and let karma happen. The romance is good

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a new favorite author! This book was ah-mazing!!!

Trigger warnings:

This was a story about a young woman who was brutally gang raped when she was eighteen, went on to medical school, and all throughout mapped out a plan for revenge. Veda Vandyke was a character you could empathize with, you wanted her to succeed in her plan but also kind of not go through with it for fear of her getting caught and going to prison. But there were several hitches in her plan, one in the form of a 17 year old, skittish Coco who was a volunteer at the hospital where Veda was doing her residency, and Gage Blackwater the CEO of said hospital.

The chemistry between Veda and Gage made me blush on several occasions. Gage was not the typical stalker-y alpha male I've read a million times. He wasn't perfect, but he wasn't domineering with Veda either. But Gage wasn't exactly free to be with Veda seeing as how his parents had arranged a loveless marriage for him. Gage had his own struggles in terms of standing up to his parents to go after what he really wanted versus falling in line with what was expected of him to be seen as a "man".

Another character I really liked was Det. Lincoln Hill or just Linc. Aggressive, intensely quiet and someone who had a heart is the best way to describe him. He played an integral part in this story, having saved Veda after her horrific attack. Ten years later they cross paths and there was a part of me that hoped something might happen, but with Linc's wife missing and he suspecting Gage or his family having something to do with her disappearance, that seems very highly unlikely.

I had really hoped that this wouldn't be a story of a glorified chick on the side, but it wasn't. Not by a long hot. Veda didn't want to form any attachments because she had murder and revenge on the brain, and being close to anyone clouded that, made her care beyond her hunger for retribution. It was the push and pull of her conscience that made this not the typical: she only cares about the man in her life and nothing else story. The love scenes were beautifully crafted and very, paint-melting hot. Loved the chemistry between the two main characters.

This was a well written story that had an ending which left me satisfied. Veda got her revenge and for me it was sweeter than what she had originally planned for the ringleader of the worst night of her life. Now she has nine more to go, one of them being a person who's identity she's not sure of. Can't wait to read the next book.

[Felicia Scandrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great promise but then...

I was holding out for great things. Character development was promising though some characters rang a bit cliche and hollow, there was great plot development. I was there until the end ***caution this may be a spoiler alert". Not all rapist are stopped by castration. The character development leads you to believe that this animal is no mere closet sexual offender this critter needed to be put down not given another reason to continue is abusive and descruction of women. Especially knowing that he can just take hormone(testerone) replacement. With that said the build up to retribution was a real let down knowing that critter will more than likely have a dose of the magic blue pill plus his hormone therapy to fuel and aid him in his filthy crimes.

[Lebrondae Shei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfolding just the right amount of drama

I have had this book on my wish list for the longest while, and I am not unhappy and disappointed that I have finally succumb to actually buying this first instalment to the serial of this mini sequel. This book is very well written, edited and formatted as well as hollered out to fit the characters back story and their POV to the essential of the plot that is unfolding in a Pacific way, holding the reader gripped and being invested in each character including the sub supporting characters that are in this book!! Can't wait to buy the entire sequel to this story!!

[Meranda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational Read

Way to go Trevion Burns. You are an author among authors and deserve the respect of other fantastic romance writers. This is a reread for me as I purchased this book as soon as it was released. I absolutely love this entire series and wished it had continued with the other characters in this crazy town. This series as I mentioned in one of my other reviews for the series should have been made into a continuous series about The Hill while still centering on Veda, Gage, Linc, Coco and the rest of this secretive town.