Vengeance

The Blackthorn Brothers #3

by Cali MacKay

When the devil rides in on the wings of revenge.
***

Naked, bloody and on the run, I can’t even remember my name. I’m a stranger… yet Locke Blackthorn has taken me into his home and is doing all he can to put me back together again. He’s become my savior in a world where I have no one.

But it’s all a lie.

Because I know damn well who the Blackthorns are—and they have my family’s blood on their hands.

I’m here to exact my revenge. Except that I never anticipated that the devil I hate would steal yet one more thing from me—my heart.

*** This is a darker adult romance with adult language and steamy sex scenes. This story explores darker situations that may not be to everyone's tastes and some readers might find disturbing. Though this story has a Happily Ever After for the couple and can be read as a stand alone, there are small plot points that will continue in upcoming books. ***

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2017

About the author

Cali MacKay is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in New England with her husband, two girls and their crazy mutt. When not tapping away on her laptop and getting her characters into trouble, she can be found designing book covers for other authors, wrangling her girls, and splicing DNA.

She's also a decent potter, adventurous cook, and a horrible gardener.

Reviews

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sinfully sexy story of revenge. Revenge for the death of a family. Emie is determined to avenge her family's death and the people responsible are the Blackthorn family. So showing up on Locke Blackthorn's doorstep naked, bloody, and scared is only the beginning of her plan. Everything seems to be going according to plan until she realizes that she really likes Locke and he's not the monster she had always thought he'd be. As it becomes clear she may not have known the full story behind her family's tragic end she is torn between wanting revenge and guilt for being attracted to someone she once thought responsible.

Definitely a good read and one I would highly recommend.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily sure goes to extreme lengths to get her "Vengeance", not sure I could have been quite that full-on. I actually felt sorry for Locke once it became clear what was going on, he fell hard and fast. Great story line though I think this is the best so far in this series. I loved Bear he sounded very cuddly, loyal and loving. These Blackthorn guys may have been on the fringes of bad stuff but they don't seem to have crossed the line, mainly trying to use intelligence rather than threat or force to fix the problems they have been asked to sort. Violence is something they all prefer to avoid if possible, but if no other option available then they know how to fight. Emily is on the edge, she has lost all her family and has no one. Feeling this is her only option to get revenge and find out the truth of what happened, finding out more than she expects in the process and that things were not quite what she and everyone else thought. Lots of twists in this book so don't get to comfortable or think you have it figured out to soon, chances are you haven't. There is some violence which is graphic and some hot sexual content. There were a few times when I wondered if Emily would come through or end it all which was a bit upsetting, I know myself how lonely and desperate you can get when so low you cant figure any other way to end the pain. This could also be a trigger for readers that have been in that situation. I love the bond these men have with each other, the support always and never ending, no questions asked. Dane is up next and I cant wait.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am honestly not sure if Locke and Emie's story was a quick read, or if I was so engrossed in the tale, it seemed like it ended quickly.

I really could appreciate that neat little twist at the beginning of the story. I absolutely did not expect it.

After the way the book started, I did expect more action (not of the sexual nature) involving the two of them. Locke and Emie's chemistry was hot and intense. They definitely had Insta attraction, if not instalove. Locke was a really nice alpha male. Emie was ridiculous and it seemed like she would have investigated a bit more instead of just accusing. I was surprised at how easily Locke forgave her. I liked Bear. I got the feeling there was a story behind Locke and Bear's relationship, but it wasn't discussed in this book.

I did enjoy the book enough to recommend it, and also go back and read the first two books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Vengeance: The Blackthorn Brothers Book 3 written by Cali Mackay. What a great book! Lots of suspense, sweetness,sweatiness, sexy times and a little darkness in there too. What would you do if a naked woman showed up bruised and beaten on your doorstep claiming to have been held hostage? Would you turn her away or try to care for her and help her? From the first time he laid eyes on her Locke Blackthorn is drawn to her. Who was holding Emie hostage and why? Can Locke help Emie regain her memory? Can Emie pull it off? Who is doing what? You will be surprised! Don't miss this one! I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily chose to leave this honest review.

[Gina Mackin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. This whole series has been great for me but this book was my favorite so far. This book is highly recommended. I have read a book a day for probably 4 years now so I have read tons of books and this story is so worth reading. Congrats on another great book. Gina

[Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it alright to lie in the name of vengeance? Can love overcome lies or is the damage done? That's part of what Vengeance is about. I was given a copy of Vengeance by the author and this is my freely given honest review. I think that I am one of the few people that read Vengeance that has never read Cali Mackay's work before. I realize that this is part of an ongoing series but I read it as a standalone and enjoyed Locke and Emily's story. Emie, as she calls herself, is hell bent on getting even with the man she feels is responsible for her father's murder of her mother and sister as well as his suicide. The evidence she has found is that Locke is that individual. He falls for her damsel in distress act hook, line and sinker but the problem is she is falling for him as well. How are these two going to work through these kinds of obstacles? Well I'm not going to give away the story that easily so you're going to have to read it! Their insta-love story is loaded with heat, some action and a few tears. I will now track down the first two books and read them because I would like to know where the Blackthorn family tale began.

[Terri Eaches · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Blackthorn Addition!!!

A great story of love, lies and vengeance!!! Emily "Emie" Douglas wants vengeance against the Backthorns for the loss of her family but her plan backfires when she meets Locke Blackthorn face to face. When a naked and battered Emie shows up at his home Locke is possessed with a need to protect her and is willing to take her to his family's mountain home to keep her safe and help get her memory back. Emie has doubts about her plan for vengeance but how can she tell him the truth without losing him now that she has fallen for him. Locke knows she is holding something back but when he learns what it is will he be able to put the betrayal aside for the woman he had come to love. When someone shots his dog and kidnaps Emie he realizes he can't live without her but will he make it in time to save her. This book kept me on the edge of my seat wondering... is she going to tell him now??? A great story that I highly recommend, I haven't read a bad book from Cali MacKay. Grab your copy now!!!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Thank You Cali MacKay

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Candi Kisses and some Regret, lots and lots of regret!!

We make choices in life. Those choices set the course for the foreseeable future for your self and those impacted by those choices. When you make choices with emotion instead of logic, this book is what you get.

Emie set her sights on vengeance and was blinded not only by emotions but her need to be wanted, cared for, loved even by anyone again.

Locke is a pragmatic fella and see what' in front of him but chooses to ignore his "gut" feeling in order to have something that he sees as happiness.

In the end it works out and we get our HEA, but it full of twists and turns....

[Chantelle Bouffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! I've reviewed this book for the author. This is a great story of love, lies and vengeance!!! They are a love at first sight. This is the first i read in this series. I definitely needs to go back and read the rest of them. I was hooked from the first page until the end. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this series! Keep up the awesome work Cali!

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation

Emily Douglas is out to get the Blackthorn Brothers for what she believes they did to her family unbeknownst to her that not everything is as she sees it......

Cali MacKay takes you on a journey with intrigue, suspense, twists and turns around every corner along with hoy, sexy scenes!!

[Cynthia Whisler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome series!

I just can't get enough of these Blackthorn Boys. The are sexy as all get out, super Alpha but sweet and tender when needed. The storyline was Revenge for Emily's family but instead she found the truth and love. Locke thought love was impossible for him. Low and behold Em was on her way to him!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vengeance

I don't know what was missing for me, it had danger, excitement, it was steamy and the hero was great. I think i just genuinely disliked the heroine, i realise her doing what she did was the whole basis off the story line, but it made me not like her and that meant i couldn't get myself invested in her happy ending. Just not the story line for me.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vengeance...

I had a love hate with this book. Locke does it for me but the Emily got on my last nerve. How did she think this revenge plan would work. She seemed unstable and needy. I can't stand her. But the book written well. And it was sexy when I wasn't angry at Emily.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A plan of deceit turned out the opposite.

Wanting to get revenge for her family, turns into more than she thought. Love and putting others in harm's way, makes a different outcome.

[★¸. • * ° *Jillie* ° *•.¸☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read these awhile ago. Comments and review to follow.

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[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always Cali has written another book that has kept me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait to read more. Truly enjoyed it.

[La Lonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Good story but short in length honestly feel like the storyline was rushed and could have been flushed out a bit better had it been a bit longer.

[Amy Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would admit the book started off a little slow but I would have to say it got better quickly and I could not put down.

[Christina Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Locke Blackthorn was one sexy guy. The way he cared for Emie was wonderful. He really didn't have to take in a total stranger and give her a place to sleep, food, and buy her clothing. Emie had her reasons for deceiving Locke, but she quickly had doubts about her deception. She definitely fought falling for him, but it was inevitable. This story was a darker story, but I really enjoyed reading it. It hooked me in quickly and kept me interested until the end.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

I have loved reading about Locke and Emie!! They are a love at first sight and they both have to put just behind them so they can move on and love each other!! I would recommend this wand the whole Blackthorn Brothers Series to everyone!!

[Christine Frieseke-Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first got a glimpse of what this story would be when the author did a short story in a facebook group featuring Locke and Emie. I knew from that short snippet, that I needed to read their story.

Locke and Emie had an instant chemistry and Locke felt the need to protect and take care of Emie from the minute he met her. When he finds out what she is keeping from him, he is devasted and tries to walk away. Emie has lost her family and is looking for who is to blame. When she discovers that Locke and his family weren't involved like she thought, she tries to search for who was to blame and in turn the wrong people come after her.

This was a good love story between Emie and Locke. There is also some mystery around what happened to Emie's family and who is to blame. It was a good read.

[Susan Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting story. Emie is seeking revenge for the deaths of her parents and younger sister. Although it is believed that her father killed her mother and sister then himself she blames Locke Blackthorne for their deaths. She dreams up an elaborate plan to get close to him to find out how responsible he is. Her plan sort of works, but they have an instant attraction to each other, and her belief in his guilt fades. Locke is not responsible, but she is determined to find out who is, and this causes a huge crack in their relationship. She continues to try and find out the truth, which puts her in great danger, and requires Locke and his brother's to rescue her. We get the required Happy Ending, and the hint of which brother will be next in line for his own happy ever after. Worth reading.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeance is a powerful emotion and it's not always warranted. Sometimes the story we've been told is not the real story or not the whole story. What happens when you've planned vengeance on a family and you find yourself attracted to a member of that family and maysebe the story is not as it seems. This series just keeps getting better and better and this book, in my opinion is the best one yet. Wow Locke and Emie had instant chemistry and it was off the charts. This story is well written, fast paced and has lots of surprises. A great read and a page turner for sure. I received an arc copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read the previous two books in the Blackthorn Brothers series but you can bet your tail I'm going to grab them after reading Vengeance.

Emie runs into Locke in desperate need of help.
Being the man he is he doesn't even consider turning her away, taking her in and taking her on as his problem.
Locke has no clue who he's dealing with.
A woman out for revenge who will do just about anything to get it and an unsuspecting, protective alpha male who's falling fast.
While I understood why Emie did what she did I felt horrible for Locke. Luckily that remedied itself fairly quickly for me!
Loved Locke & Emie's story and now I have to start from the beginning of this series to catch up!

[Angie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Douglas is alone in this world. Her father killed her mother and her sister and then killed himself. Know the Blackthorn, specifically Locke Blackthorn, had threaten her father into doing this she wanted answers. She wanted to get close to Locke to get the answers she wanted and the revenge she needed. Sadly her plan backfired on her as she realized Locke and his family wasn’t the people she thought they were. Now how does she tell him in the truth without losing Locke? Having everything blow up in her face she is forced to keep looking for answers on her own. Locke is forced to face Emily again and his feelings for her. Locke is what Emily needs and Emily needs someone to love. So perfect for each other and I couldn’t put it down. Patiently waiting for Dane’s story!!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC of Vengeance, from the author, for an honest review. Vengeance is the third book in the Blackthorn Brothers Series. This book will NOT disappoint, that is if you love a hot steamy alpha male and intense romance with a twist. Vengeance is Locke and Emie's story. Without giving too much away, Emie is dead set on getting "vengeance" for what happened to her family. Does she get her vengeance...Ohh, she gets soo much more than Vengeance!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vengeance follows the Blackthorn family. I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I hadn't read the other books in the series before this. You can read this book as a standalone but I think I will now go back and read the previous ones. This book follows Locke Blackthorn and Emie.
Emie runs to Locke's house scared for her life, well that's the story she tells Locke but not all is how it appears. Emie' whole family is dead and she thinks Locke and his brothers played a key role in it and is out for revenge. What she doesn't expect is for Locke to be so kind and supportive so that she then questions her beliefs and then the 2 of them fall for each other. When Locke discovers the truth, understandably he wants nothing to do with her as his trust and heart have been broken. Emie, keeps searching for who was involved in her family's' deaths and puts herself in imminent danger. Locke has to decide how much he's willing to risk for her and whether to trust her again.
I enjoyed the book enough to want to read the 2 books prior to this and it sets up the next book nicely to follow Dane.

[Judy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emie was found naked and bloodied on Locke Blackthorn front door. She's claiming not to know anything about herself or what has happened to her but it's all a lie. Then again she doesn't know this person she's become driven by revenge. She has researched and learned that the Blackthorns have something to do with destroying her families lives. She has to continue to play this game to get to the truth. The problem is Locke brings her to his home and is trying to keep her safe. This is completely screwing with her mindset and now She is starting to rethink everything she doing. He's not who she thought he was and when the truth comes out. Locke won't be able to forgive her for what she's done or planned to do. This was a fantastic book with off the chart chemistry. I enjoyed the main characters and this read perfectly as a stand alone book. "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Blackthorn brothers are something else...and Vengeance is the story of Locke and Emie. What started out as a tale of revenge for the death of her parents and sister, has Emie acting out this big set of falsehoods. Of course, revenge is never truly sweet--so as the story unfolds, things become clearer and mistakes are made on both sides.

This is one kickass book that just won't stop...you find yourself lost in the story, and totally invested in the characters. Death is up close and personal more than once. This is an amazing read You need to grab this one really quick! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was totally mesmerized by the story!) ❤️

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Must Read!!
A book you will cherish along with all of Cali MacKay's books.
Enjoy and be prepared to be drawn into and engaged from
the very beginning.
Locke and Emily are enjoyable characters.
Suspense, Danger and Romance!
Received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.