Veda Vandyke returned to Shadow Rock Island with one goal: exact revenge on the ten monsters who’d attacked her at age eighteen. When she’s blessed with a second chance at motherhood, however, Veda refuses to let her miracle number-two meet the same tragic fate as the first, even if it means abandoning her vengeful quest forever.
But when the island is rocked by the largest trafficking bust in history—with her unborn child’s father serving as the only witness—it becomes clear to Veda that it doesn’t matter how eager she is to leave her torrid past behind, because her past isn’t nearly as anxious to finally be rid of her. Even as she withdraws, her darkness simply gloms onto everyone around her, promising to continue its wicked reign of destruction until it’s taken out everything she loves.
Can she find a way to quit the darkness that appears to have no plans on quitting her? Or will pure, unadulterated happiness always be just a fairytale for a broken girl like Veda Gabriella Vandyke?
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ROUSE is an interracial novel.
Book 1: Quiver Book 2: Tingle Book 3: Purr Book 4: Yearn Book 5: Pulse Book 6: Raw Book 7: Rouse
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!
WARNING: Please DO NOT read this review (or any review) if you have not read Raw: Book 6 or Rouse: Book 7 in The Revenge Series.
I think we can all agree that Raw had heart pounding action and revelations and Rouse is no exception.
Since you've read Raw (Book 6) then you already know there was a moment of truth when Lincoln asked Veda: “Are you The Shadow Rock Chopper?” and she replied: "Yes." In Rouse (Book 7) Veda's sheer audacity and ability to try to turn things around on its head is admirable, though ultimately a waste of time and an insult to Lincoln's sleuthing skills and his intelligence.
Gage's desire to be a better man -- a man that can look at his reflection in the mirror everyday without flinching -- a man that Veda can love and respect -- has thrust himself into a life or death situation. I worried about his safety right alongside Veda, Lincoln and Celeste. Gage's endgame was just the beginning of the toppling of an empire in which HE is the sole heir to the throne.
There has never been any doubt of Lincoln's love for Veda. He has proved it time and time again and he's been there for her when it counted the most, when her life was on the line. However, something besides Gage prevented Veda from taking it further with Lincoln. Maybe because deep down inside, she knew that once she was in the arms (and bed) of Lincoln, her world would literally be rocked off its axis and would implode upon physical impact. She knew better than to tempt fate. Don't believe me? Go back and read the overt signs and peep Veda's nervousness (not all of it was due to her secret) whenever she was in close proximity to Lincoln. Because I suspect -- again, way down deep inside -- she knew there would be no going back to Gage who? Yeah, Lincoln would have been that mind-blowing, earth shattering, body quivering good! Where spit-shined former lovers are just a distant memory in a galaxy far, far away.
BecauseLincoln Hill is Jason Momoa and who (seriously) would leave Jason (have you seen Lincoln's doppelganger) for ANYBODY in this whole wide, wide world. So I believe that Veda played it safe (for her own well-being) and let's face it, the good looks and the money doesn't hurt either. Nothing wrong with Mr. Safe and Predictable who makes Mickey Mouse pancakes -- nope (yawn) nothing at all. But you didn't hear it from me ... because I'm NOT one to gossip. Sorry, I couldn't resist the ode to In Living Color!
The gang's all here Coco, Jake and Hope and we learn that the ones closest to us can sometimes cut us the deepest. A cut was so deep, so pervasive that even I wanted to curl up in a tight ball, close my eyes and make it all go away -- praying it was all just a very bad dream.
The epilogue is beautiful. Perhaps the tranquility is the calm before the storm. Veda keeping secrets from one (Gage) of the two men she loves will come back to haunt her and jeopardize her relationship. The beauty of words that Gage speaks into the Universe before the stroke of midnight are beautiful. I felt every word he spoke as one chapter ends and another begins.
I didn't read books 5 or 6 and could still follow everything in the final book. There was an unexpected twist I didn't see coming but one I did foresee. All in all a good book. I look forward to Link's story however.
WARNING. WARNING. This book started off with a bang and didn't slow down for the longest. Full of action. Full of love. Full of sacrifice.
So Trevion. We meet again. and this time I've got a big issue... my issue it took me till I was 98% in the book to realize this is the very last book of the series. I'm heartbroken.
I kept thinking to myself a lot of the ending was showing a lot of finality like why would she have all this happening if there were more books to come??? Then it clicked. Then I saw epilogue. And I was shook.
This is the last book?! Who gave you the right to end this series lol.
To start with the negative, I didn't love the ending at all really. To me, it personally felt.. too cozy. I'll put it that way. Way too cozy and perfect. Considering. And I hated how it ended with Linc. I really do. I mean I'm excited he gets his story, but I hated his ending here.
BECAUSE I LOVE LINC. Like I don't think anyone understands how much I LOVE LINC. He makes me so happy. All of his scenes make me happy. He went down swinging in ALL the books but mostly the last book and ESPECIALLY in this one. I felt so proud and honored to have him as my favorite character in this entire series.
The only reason I put this as four stars was because I started really hating the.. crammed happiness [in my eyes] towards the end. I don't know maybe others took it as natural and a normal pace but I just couldn't, and it sadly made me mentally not five-star love it anymore.
So past all that, I absolutely loved the book. I loved all the characters, and I can't think of anyone who got on my nerves at any point. That's always a plus. I highlighted SO much. Bookmarked SO much. And I'd make them all visible if I could but probably 95% of them are spoilers lol so I must filter sadly. Everyone fought so dang hard in this book guys, seriously.
I supported Gage and Veda a bit more once I got into this book, but I really dearly just need Linc to have his happy ending. But I can't picture him with someone other than Veda. I'm sure it can be arranged to be accepted though once he gets his own book. So the book will either make me and be the greatest thing to exist or it will break me and I'll just... well, die. No pressure, Trevion.
But seriously I'm so sad right now. What do I have to look forward to right now? :( I mean Linc's story but who knows when that's coming and what AFTER? Ughhh I guess I expected this series to last forever.
Let me tell you, honey I am shook! This climactic ending certainly does not disappoint. Our characters are in a race against time to quickly put together the pieces to Shadow Rock's biggest scandal of organized human trafficking, before the culprits get away with a mere tap on the writs. And everyone's world seems to be crumbling around them. Long held secrets are uncovered and Veda watches as the lives of the people she loves are thrown into an unrelenting storm. Just about every chapter had me gasping with anticipation or shock. Gage is battling the monster of his father's legacy while on the run and Link is spiraling into depths unknown even to Veda, as he efficiently tries to stem the flowing tide of troubles. Coco is drowning in her own troubles, and Veda tries to be the calm in the storm for everyone. And the search for justice can only be found in the toughest decision born not just out of revenge but protection. There isn't much more I can say without giving away the goods, but I breathe a sigh of relief that Gage and Veda, for the moment have a happy ending. This series has been gripping, thrilling, and eye opening yet well worth the anxiety over! Now we all must await what happens next to our strong hearted Link and his daughter Emma.
I've read all seven books and wondered how could this end knowing Veda was caught. The twists and turns. Everyone had a story to tell and all were connected in some important way. I love Gage. He was pure amongst the worst group of vile humans. Lincoln Hill, a great good guy tried to be good, tried to play fair, by the book, but no justice could be found. Can't wait for his story. You did good, and thanks for letting love win out in the end. I bought all your books and can't wait till you redeem Lincoln, he too deserves a second chance at love and life. He deserves to have a family including his brother.
Great Read! I enjoyed the heck out of this book, but Linc! Just knowing that he has his own book coming gives me a big cheesy smile. I love Linc's character and hope he gets more than one book, he needs his whole series.
This series was a good idea , I liked the conclusion . Each book added bits and pieces to the story , important pieces, and as I finished each book to move on to the next I felt a little irritated. It's not because the series isn't good it is , but I felt I was being dragged to justify 7 books ,when there could have been two maybe three 5 star books . I like this author and I will be reading Linc's story next .
It was better then the last one but sometimes when you read these books the author likes to cram in so many things so you don't get the time to get over the last bomb that the book dropped on you. Otherwise I'm glad there was kind of HEA for Gage and Veda. I can't wait to read about Lincoln in the next book.
I intentionally stretched reading this series to not have this feeling. Which I wind up feeling anyway lol ... Why did this have to end!!! Happy for Veda and Gage. Even though her true soul mate is Linc. Not happy with Veda not telling Gage her biggest secret. However, let's see what plays out in Linc's story.
Okay. So I've finished the series. It kept me engaged all 7 installments. But I have a buttload of questions. And thoughts
Gage's mom had him at 13. WTF!?! And everyone in Shadow Brook thought that was okay and normal???
Gage never asked his father why was he a pervert? A man in his 20s knocking up a child????
How was Veda able to have sex so soon after she lost her baby???
I'm still confused as to how Gage went through life with no clue about what was going on in his twisted family
Why didn't we get the details on Grace's rape since it was pivotal to Linc's story?
Why orbs? Why not use eyes like normal people?
So many repetitive phrases and sentences. If I had to read about Gage's 8 pack abs one more time...
Awkward descriptions of normal actions.
The sex scenes got repetitive and boring
Part two of book 7 was meh. Therapy? I could care less.
And why weren't we privy to Gage's and Veda's reunion? Why start part 2 10 freaking months later?!?!?! So we just gonna skip over the reunion, the pregnancy, the birth? That's what I wanted to read about!!!!
I understand why some readers were disappointed with Linc's book. Mia Ali is not the heroine for him.
I'm still confused about the grandpa daddy. How is Gage normal???? Like shouldn't he have issues? The DNA is wayyyy tooooo close.
Linc and Veda should have ended up together
Anyway I had fun reading this series. It was addicting.
Edited to add:
So Dante had no clue about what was going on with his sister Coco or what was going on in the town?? He owns a bar! He had to have overheard conversations. Be suspicious of the disappearances. Dante was even more clueless than Gage! Too many unexplained loose ends for me.
And how is Gage this olive-skinned Italian dude when from the descriptions of his parents, they're white as hell?
Ok I'm done. For this to be 7 installments, the writing and plot could have been tighter IMO.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I'm so glad Gage and Veda has definitely moved toward their HEA. My heart is with Linc and I hope he finds his daughter and someone he loves and loves him back. He is such a complex character, deserving happiness. A truly wonderful series...
This book was amazing! It is truly FIRE! OMG! I just finished and wow! Wow! I posted my reviews once I could get my mind that was blown back together. Trevion Burns did it again she is beyond awesome! My heart is still pounding and I am in my house looking over my shoulder! Everything is decided in one way but a new story emerges and I am happy to say that Lincoln Hill will get his own story Captive coming soon. There was so much I did not see coming and so many spoilers that would come about if I talk about this book or post too much. This story will answer all of your questions yet leave you wanting so much more. Veda a has been so damaged and betrayed that sometimes I do not even know how she pulls through but she does and you will be so excited for her.
I really enjoyed reading this series and the love story of Gage and Veda. Veda is a strong, complex intelligent woman. Gage is protective, possessive and developed strength from conviction. I love Gage and Veda's romance, bond and connection. The other characters in this series have many sides and are varied. The plots and subplots in this series are full of eye opening secrets, astonishing surprises, and a compelling, intricate storyline. After healing from pain and distress, Gage and Veda have their forever happiness. I look forward to reading Lincoln's story.
This (final?) chapter of the "Revenge" series was a roller coaster ride from the first page! Things came to a head QUICKLY, #10 was revealed---never saw that coming---OMG!!!! And part one culminated in a blood bath at the hands of someone unexpected!!!! I am eagerly anticipating Lincoln's story as he is a man on a mission. I hope this is not the end of Veda and Gage's story!
Trevion Burns what a wonderful series I loved reading this series wow the ride was awesome!! You closed one door and busted another one wide open I can't wait until Linc's story cones out. I hope to see more of Veda and Gage in Linc's story because he loves his brother what a great finish to this series
Ms. Burns tortured me through 6 books of cliff hangers but Rouse book 7 made it all worth it. WOW this book had me carrying on conversations with Trevion like I was watching a movie ;-0 It had it ALL I can't wait for Linc Hill's story
That's all I can say is wow..... Can't get any better than that ending. I truly can't wait to read Lincoln's story. The twists and turns in this book should have nothing on Lincoln's
Excellent writing excellent story excellent ending I loved this book I loved the a whole series from start to finish only how did Lockwood survive. the hospital attack the first d
Time he shouldn't have make it from Versa attack and why didn't it come out he was a rapist .
The last book in the Veda, Gage, Lincoln saga. I was not expecting the 10th person to be who it was. It made me cry. I can't wait for Lincoln 's story. This author has never disappointed me
I wondered if Book 7 could top the grittiness and heart pounding action of Raw and well, no, not quite.
There was a lot of heel tripping, wobbly knees this go around. For good reason. And I found myself in desperate need of some oxygen because the characters were doing a lot of heaving and struggling for air, both figuratively and literally, as bomb after bomb was lobbed on their heads.
I can't really give a synopsis without things being too spoiler-y and what was revealed in this book, yes you definitely need to read for yourself. What happened left me feeling, I can't say shocked, but maybe perhaps devastated as a well-beloved character has gone full dark side, even if justified. I feel what innocence Det. Lincoln Hill had it's been devoured by losing his wife, job, and learning the truth about who his father is, and of course dealing with being in love with his half-brother's girl. Whew.
The good:
Those who were involved in the sex trafficking rink were brought DOWN.
Veda had her baby without any complications.
Gage is alive. It got real hairy for him at certain points. He really was like a person trying to cross six lanes of highway traffic.
The bad:
This critique has more to do with the writing style and not necessarily the content. There was too much repetition of info that if you’ve been reading the series since Book 1, you know by heart so it was redundant, which at times took me out of the pace of the story. It really annoyed me where every single drop was squeezed out of a single thought. For example, and this isn’t a direct quote from the book:
Continue to cause chaos and emotional strife…
Continue to wreak havoc on the disadvantaged
Continue to…
And you get the point. It happened almost every other paragraph that it messed with the flow, and I felt time was being wasted rehashing info we already know, when new ground could be covered. Especially considering Veda admitting to Linc she's The Chopper, Linc's search for Emma, the plot involving Coco and Todd, Gage being on the run, and Blackwater Cruises being shut down. That was a lot but it felt it all happened within a blink of an eye. That’s my nitpick and I digress.
The unexpected:
Veda learned who her number ten was and I can say I was underwhelmed, or numb, or heck I don't know. But I wasn't expecting who it was, and it left me feeling cold.
I found myself feeling sympathy for Celeste. In earlier books she was this cold, intolerant apparently elitist beotch but come to find out, she had her reasons. Learning more about her background, that she’s a trafficked child, I really wanted her to make it through.
The arrival of Veda's mother Vivian. That woman is a piece of work.
Linc's book is the start of a new series, I'm ready. After "fixing" things for Veda, there's no foreseeable way he can ever return to Shadow Rock, to any semblance of the life he led in his hometown. And this may be a superficial and frivolous thought, but, I really hope he comes across a beautiful black woman who can help him find his daughter and they live in a country that has no extradition, lol. I'm really rooting for his happy ending.
Overall this book, this series put a period mark on vengeance, revenge, love, and family. Had so many twists and turns it became more than just a run-of-the-mill retribution novel, and it will definitely be remembered.
4.5⭐️ almost had that “I’ve run out of ideas” feel to it. This books split into two parts. Part one is phenomenal but part two is lacklustre.
Spoiler alert - This series was epic from start to finish. I was sad/disappointed with who no.10 was but at the same time I knew it had to be someone she knew. I disliked what happened to Linc. His arc with his wife and Emma was too much. Linc had always been a great character and was reduced to a crazy lost the plot vigilante on the run rather then being a part of his families lives. I think I honestly would have preferred he left because he lived Veda too much and could bear to watch her with Gage. In hindsight I wish Veda had continued being the Chopper. The human trafficking storyline was good, brilliant even when it links to Lincoln and Gage but was different to the revenge story it started out as. I feel the story lost trajectory from that point of view. Also everyone seems to have forgotten about the chopper after the trafficking story broke. Martin knew Linc found out who it was but didn’t say anything? Coco and Honey don’t appear until the end. I was wondering where honey was thought-out the book. Bringing the whole mommy issues in seemed pointless. Veda had only mentioned her mom once before when Linc met her grandmother. I didn’t spend the book wondering where her parents were so didn’t think they needed mentioning again or explaining what happened when Veda told her she was raped. This would have been better as a memory in an earlier book. Veda seems too independent and capable to have mommy issues. Maybe in the next book it will talk about Cage and Link being brothers but again wish they’ve covered that in real time rather then Gage ranting in a therapists office. Finally, Gage never knew the truth and it would have been better him seeking revenge imo. Yes Veda’s darkness had gone but it feels like it’s a secret or lie that will always be in between them much like Celeste’s secret of having a baby at 13! 😳 that was so left field. I thought it was a joke when Veda first did the math but nope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
****Spoiler Alert**** The book was action packed and filled with revelations and unexpected twists. I would have given it a five star rating but I took a star away because of part II. An epilogue would have served as a better choice. The story should have ended after Linc's 3:45am phone call. After the action in Part I, Part II was like falling off a cliff in the desert and breaking your legs. There was no need to introduce Vivian or Earl. Hope being jealous was unnecessary. Agent Sloan could have been introduced in Linc's book.
Points for Linc for saving me from books 8 - 10. I love you more but I team Gage. The identity of #10 blindsided me so I definitely applaud Ms. Burns. The true bio-father was a twisted twist. Personally, unnecessary because David would have been enough; but, it explained the difference in the last names. I do applaud that the hierarchy between Blackwater and Kincaid appeared to be the other way around (Kincaid in charge). It doesn't explain why David and Celeste don't have any biological children. Would have been nice for David to have been on the down low as Kincaid's lover, for a twisted knot.
Throughout the series, I kept wondering why Veda wouldn't shut up. One never knows when someone or place is wired / bugged. Why leave the evidence out before unlocking her door. I'm glad she retired from the revenge business but she continues to be careless in protecting herself from being made as the Chopper.
..you put down another book to read the latest in an ALL TIME FAVORITE series. I am absolutely in LOVE with the REVENGE series. And my ever loving hero Lincoln Hill. At first I was just in like with him, scared that he might succeed in taking Veda away from Gage. But when that proved wrong my like grew stronger. When he asked the million dollar question at the end of book six, and didn't recoil when the answer was elaborated on in this book but instead took action. It proved what I should have known all along LINCOLN HILL IS THE ULTIMATE MAN. I became so in love with him. I am so glad book seven wrapped up the way it did. Veda and Gage are happy, Celeste is free and ALL the monsters have paid dearly. Now....how am I ever going to survive the wait for Linc's book? Hopefully I won't have to wait too long. As always BRAVO Ms. Trevion Burns you've added another fabulous book to your repertoire.
I never saw that coming!!! The revelation of no:10 took my breath away, now that's what I call a shocker!!! I never would of guest, in a million years from now. These books that Trevion Burns wrote were a mind meld, a true suspense thriller with a deep connection, not just with the hero and heroine, but also with the sub characters as well, I even loved the most unexpected twist that still holds me in shock. I will, with no doubt read more of this author's books; as I believe she has a definite talent for writing a comprehensive range of murder mystery, mind boggling mayhem cliff-hanger, jaw dropping, page turner, insightful chiller, emotional, cloak and dagger text. I read this book sometime ago, just forgot to write a review as I was too impatient to read the next book; about Linc, the adorable, handsome detective. Loved, loved! Loved the whole sequels, which, really should be turned into a TV mini series. Well worth every penny spent!!!!
Trevion really did an excellent job with winding mystery and suspense in this story and the series in total. My only complaint is that I had to wait for each book to be published.
The twist and turns in the plot had me scratching my head. I'm just so happy that Veda and Gage finally get somewhat of an HEA. I just wish Linc could have too. With that said, I'm hoping his story will allow him happiness. My heart just went to him. And for Jake...OMG, I can’t believed Jake!
Veda finally has gotten rid of her anger towards her mother, who's a piece of work, and the Shadow Rock 10. But it seems that that same anger has now transferred to Linc.
Great book Trevion. I'm anxiously waiting for Linc's story now.
I overly enjoyed the Reven ge series. Soo much different than what I expected but definitely worth the read. I believe I was caught up from book one with Vedas thirst for Revenge against the infamous TEN. But the story just kept growing and twisting and turning with additives that you never saw coming!!! OMG. I don't want to spoil it for anyone even though I see I'm like two years late but I love how in the end of Rouse every body got theirs. And then to see that Linc has his own book too👀👀👀 I'm in heaven. Starting his book now. I hope he is redeemed in his choices in the end. Because he was the real hero!!!! Great job Trevion Burns!!!!
When I started this series I was kind of skeptical, because I couldn't wait for 7 books to see what happened, but Ms Burns keeps us entertained with all kind of twist & turns. However, I have to confess that I kind of cheated by reading a lot of reviews and even downloaded the 6th and 7th and "scanning" through them to see if it's worth my time. Glad I did !! And guess what, I already read Linc' s story a while ago... Never connected the dots until I saw the book. LOL. I read way too much!! Anyway, great series, love the storyline and the characters. The silence phone calls, WOW... Great 👍👍👍
What a ending....or should I say beginning ....Veda handed the reigns of revenge unknowingly to Linc...causing a chain of events that no one saw coming...I am still waiting for Veda to tell Gage about the horrible event that turned her into "The Chopper"....well maybe not..the poor little rich guy is ready for another mind blowing set of secrets...Lincoln on the other turned into a alpha killing machine...can't wait for his stories....sweet sweet revenge...