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Vow #1
Vow of Retribution
I want revenge.
With scars like these, I knew I could never forget my past.
With threats like these, I can’t escape, either.
This time, I’m fighting back. I don’t just want my life back. I want vengeance for what was done to me.
I didn’t plan to fall in love.
I want to save her.
A girl like her isn’t easily forgotten.
A girl like her doesn’t trust easily.
I’ll fight for her—I’ll fight with her. Together, we can build a new life, free from the past. Together, we can rise.
Even if we could lose everything by trying
With scars like these, I knew I could never forget my past.
With threats like these, I can’t escape, either.
This time, I’m fighting back. I don’t just want my life back. I want vengeance for what was done to me.
I didn’t plan to fall in love.
I want to save her.
A girl like her isn’t easily forgotten.
A girl like her doesn’t trust easily.
I’ll fight for her—I’ll fight with her. Together, we can build a new life, free from the past. Together, we can rise.
Even if we could lose everything by trying
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2018
733 people are currently reading
1128 people want to read
About the author
Emma Renshaw
23 books1,026 followersEmma loves to write, just don't ask her to write about herself. If she isn't writing, you can find her lost in a book or trying to get her doggo to take a selfie with her. He usually refuses. At the end of the day, you can find Emma at the closest Mexican restaurant eating queso and sipping on a margarita. She lives in Texas with her husband and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
May 1, 2018
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~I honestly don't have a lot to say about this one. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. It was a pretty middle of the road read. On the positive side of things, I really enjoyed this author's writing style. It was easy and had a nice flow to it. The pace was quite good, and the story moved along at a nice clip. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. That said, I never really warmed up to the heroine (more about that in my "heroine" section), and I thought the ending was rushed a little farfetched. <---like...why didn't anyone call the police?? Last, it was all wrapped up in a sweet happy for now six months later epilogue. I usually prefer epilogues that are farther into the future, but since this appears to be book one of a series I am going to assume we will see this couple again in future books.
~HERO~
LIAM...Liam's character was really the star of this one. He was super sweet. He was sexy. He was a good friend. He loved this family. He had the patience of a SAINT when it came to Savannah. He was perfect book boyfriend material.
~HEROINE~
SAVANNAH...I couldn't stand Savannah for the first 50% of this book. Her hot and cold attitude with Liam drove me NUTS. The poor guy was being nothing but kind and patient with her and basically jumping through every frigging hoop she put up. And don't even get me started on the whole "tattoo" debacle. Why Liam had to apologize and chase her a$$ after she wigged out and ghosted him for a week was beyond me. She got slightly better in the second half of the book, but the damage was already done for me.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
One of the BEST part of this book was the secondary characters. I adored Harper and Vicky, both BFF's to Savannah. I loved Olivia and Josh, Liam's sister and BIL. I mildly liked Hudson (the resident manwhore), and BFF to Liam. I was intrigued my Maddox, but my favorite secondary character by FAR was James. OMG...please, tell me we are going to get a book featuring that broody bada$$ with a heart of gold!?
~HEAT LEVEL~
Low to Medium. I wouldn't say this one was overly spicy, but we do get a few graphic sex scenes. I thought the frequency felt organic to the story.
~ANGST LEVEL - SEXUAL HISTORIES~
Medium. The heroine's hot and cold attitude causes most of the angst in this one. There is also a bit of OM (baddie) drama, but I found it to be pretty underdeveloped and a little farfetched. There was no OW drama. Neither were virgins. It had been a long time since Savannah had slept with anyone (I am going to guess six years). I don't know about the hero. It is very briefly mentioned he had a "friends with benefits" arrangement in Chicago (he moved back to Texas), but really there is very little info about his past sex like. There is also a fairly graphic scene (she is recounting events to the hero) of the heroine
~IN THE END~
Like I said, it was OK. It didn't blow me away, but I didn't totally hate it either. Taking a peek, this appears to be this author's debut novel, if that is the case then I think she has a lot of potential. The story had good bones but needed some tweaking here and there. That said, this will definitely appeal to those readers that love their books without a lot of angst or drama caused by OW. Therefore yours truly is going to give this one a solid thumbs up and I will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for a book (hopefully) about James!
March 11, 2019
Wow! This book has everything! I’m not sure when I read something that kept me so captivated and involved as this one did.
Savannah’s past is always present in her everyday life. Dating is difficult but when Liam persists, she gives in to her own desire to know him better. Unfortunately, that same past that has held her in its grip also keeps her from seeking more intimacy.
While Liam has his own secrets, he realizes that whatever is holding Savannah back carries more weight. Despite their moving forward at a pace that she can accept, he struggles with the knowledge that she refuses to share her history with him.
Both Liam and Savannah were so well developed that I felt as though I knew them personally. Savannah had survived the fire of her past but was determined to never leave herself vulnerable again. She was strong, fierce and independent. And so very set on her own vow of retribution for her past. Liam was laid back and all around family guy with great friends. He had made mistakes in his past but had grown stronger due to overcoming them and moving forward.
I absolutely loved watching these two together. There is such a sweet romantic feel to them meeting, getting to know one another and moving forward, even if a bit limitedly, into a physical relationship. I really enjoy being able to watch a couple just be together, and we get plenty of that goodness here.
When things start to heat up for this couple, it really heats up. There was so much tension, drama and action that I was literally shredding my fingernails. Dang! This author knows how to string you out with the action sequences. I loved it!
While this doesn’t have a fast pace, it doesn’t plod along either. Every word is necessary and every character relevant. And holy heck, I can’t wait to read more about these secondary characters. The steam level is definitely high and the chemistry between Liam and Savannah was believable from the very first moment.
This is definitely a read I will be recommending to anyone who enjoys their romance with characters that carry a dark past. One warning, be sure you are able to handle triggers and if so...grab this one immediately!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Savannah’s past is always present in her everyday life. Dating is difficult but when Liam persists, she gives in to her own desire to know him better. Unfortunately, that same past that has held her in its grip also keeps her from seeking more intimacy.
While Liam has his own secrets, he realizes that whatever is holding Savannah back carries more weight. Despite their moving forward at a pace that she can accept, he struggles with the knowledge that she refuses to share her history with him.
Both Liam and Savannah were so well developed that I felt as though I knew them personally. Savannah had survived the fire of her past but was determined to never leave herself vulnerable again. She was strong, fierce and independent. And so very set on her own vow of retribution for her past. Liam was laid back and all around family guy with great friends. He had made mistakes in his past but had grown stronger due to overcoming them and moving forward.
I absolutely loved watching these two together. There is such a sweet romantic feel to them meeting, getting to know one another and moving forward, even if a bit limitedly, into a physical relationship. I really enjoy being able to watch a couple just be together, and we get plenty of that goodness here.
When things start to heat up for this couple, it really heats up. There was so much tension, drama and action that I was literally shredding my fingernails. Dang! This author knows how to string you out with the action sequences. I loved it!
While this doesn’t have a fast pace, it doesn’t plod along either. Every word is necessary and every character relevant. And holy heck, I can’t wait to read more about these secondary characters. The steam level is definitely high and the chemistry between Liam and Savannah was believable from the very first moment.
This is definitely a read I will be recommending to anyone who enjoys their romance with characters that carry a dark past. One warning, be sure you are able to handle triggers and if so...grab this one immediately!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
November 27, 2018
ARC BOOK REVIEW
Release Date-3/5/18
So this was a tricky one to rate, while I did enjoy "Vow Of Retribution" I think the blurb was a teensy bit misleading in regards to what is contained within its pages.
This is not altogether a bad thing just an unexpected path direction that I wasn't quite expecting.
From the blurb, I thought we were gonna get thrown into some intense shit almost from the start where in reality this was so not the case.
So, this book is more about learning to trust again while kickstarting a life that has been on hold for quite some time.
New beginnings and all that.
As a couple, I have to admit to being more TEAM-Liam than TEAM-savannah.
Liam was just so utterly adorable in everything he did.
I wanted to eat him up, he was so darn edible.
while at the same time being super duper sexy, kind, considerate and as an added plus loves his family and all that jazz.
Savannah, on the other hand, was much harder to warm to. she was extremely guarded in nature due to her background and I felt she gave Liam a bit too much of a hard time for absolutely no reason at all.
I felt like Liam was wrongly paying the price for someone else's sins.
In addition, I was also a bit mystified overall about that tattoo.
I mean I do understand why she got it and all and also the symbolism surrounding it.
But what was the actual point if you're not going to show it off or even tell people about it.
Surely that was a hell of a lot of a Chair time for nought if it's going to stay hidden and a secret even from her nearest and dearest.
Just seems strange.
A bit perplexed over that one folks.
I understand that this was a debut author and for that reason alone I was extremely impressed with the overall character dynamics.
I found it very easy to enjoy and get wrapped up in the dialogue here, it was executed so well.
I did feel there were some missed opportunities here in regard to the way the ex-was worked into the picture and also the ending was a bit to easy and pat for me.
With this taken out of the equation, my rating would definitely be higher.
I still enjoyed this story it just didn't blow me away.
"Vow Of Retribution" is still a good solid read that I am happy to give a thumbs up to.
A great offering from a new debut author.
Before I go, just want to squeeze in here that I'm hoping the next book in this series is going to feature James at its centre.
He was my all-time favourite character here, would love to hear his tale just saying.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of "Vow Of Retribution (Vow Series #1)" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 2, 2021
This book had a lot of potential and I expected to like it more than I did but sadly, it disappointed me in the second half, getting all cliché.
***********************************************
The Plot:
Savannah is a woman who was once badly abused, beaten and raped by her ex. He is now in jail.
She is a guarded woman because of her past. She has been taking fighting lessons to defend herself against him in the future when he comes back for her when he gets out of prison. She knows he will because he promised he would.
***********************************************
Liam meets Savannah through friends and he is smitten by her immediately. He tries hard to break down her walls and win her trust and then her heart.
Savannah also wants him but she pushes him away once or twice, getting cold feet.
Liam also has some secrets. Finally, they both let each other in, tell each other their secrets and then they become a solid couple.
***********************************************
There was always a ticking bomb above their heads, though – the fear of when her ex will come and what he will do.
I expected a hell of a lot from that moment. A juicy revenge was what I needed most.
Her fighting lessons, her boyfriend and best friend who are both very protective of her and ready to kill the bastard when he tries to hurt her again… That was enough protection for the time when he came back. And I expected a good enough battle and a decent revenge...
Did I get what I needed? Definitely not. That's what disappointed me...
***********************************************
What I hate the most in books with a psycho abuser happens here when he comes back.
That was so cliché!!! And then, the way that conflict was solved was too easy. And it didn’t satisfy my need for revenge…
So I can say that the book lost me in the last quarter. Up until then, I was invested.
***********************************************
Writing:
The writing is good when I think this is her debut. Still, it can be better. And I hope her next books will be more refined.
Personally, I would prefer more dialogues between the couple instead of summaries as follows:
Liam takes me to an Italian restaurant in the city. We sit on the patio, enjoying a light summer breeze. We’ve bantered and flirted back and forth throughout dinner. It’s shaping up to be the best date of my life…
Well, you see… I would prefer to read the banter between them, not the information that they had good banter.
Also, the writing gets repetitive at times. Especially, some jokes are repeated too many times, which makes them not funny anymore. For example, Savannah calling Liam "a barbarian" as a joke a few times could be sweet but it was like nearly 10 times and I was sick of it.
***********************************************
Safety:
The book is safe as far as cheating is concerned. There is no cheating. There is just the psycho ex of Savannah.
The book has dark moments, describing abuse, violence and rape. In terms of those concepts, it is not safe.
***********************************************
About the series:
There are two more books in the series. I am looking forward to the one that will be about James, who is Savannah’s best friend and protector. He is the one who taught her how to fight. He has a gym. I plan to read his book but it is Book 3. I haven’t decided if I want to read Book 2 or not. Although I liked Harper, the heroine of Book 2, in this first book, there was nothing special about her that will make me read about her. But still, I may change my mind.
***********************************************
Recommendation:
Well, it is not a bad book, it is totally a book that can be read for a nice past time. It is hot and emotional. Just don’t expect too much from it if you ask me.
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
***********************************************
The Plot:
Savannah is a woman who was once badly abused, beaten and raped by her ex. He is now in jail.
She is a guarded woman because of her past. She has been taking fighting lessons to defend herself against him in the future when he comes back for her when he gets out of prison. She knows he will because he promised he would.
***********************************************
Liam meets Savannah through friends and he is smitten by her immediately. He tries hard to break down her walls and win her trust and then her heart.
Savannah also wants him but she pushes him away once or twice, getting cold feet.
Liam also has some secrets. Finally, they both let each other in, tell each other their secrets and then they become a solid couple.
***********************************************
There was always a ticking bomb above their heads, though – the fear of when her ex will come and what he will do.
I expected a hell of a lot from that moment. A juicy revenge was what I needed most.
Her fighting lessons, her boyfriend and best friend who are both very protective of her and ready to kill the bastard when he tries to hurt her again… That was enough protection for the time when he came back. And I expected a good enough battle and a decent revenge...
Did I get what I needed? Definitely not. That's what disappointed me...
***********************************************
What I hate the most in books with a psycho abuser happens here when he comes back.
That was so cliché!!! And then, the way that conflict was solved was too easy. And it didn’t satisfy my need for revenge…
So I can say that the book lost me in the last quarter. Up until then, I was invested.
***********************************************
Writing:
The writing is good when I think this is her debut. Still, it can be better. And I hope her next books will be more refined.
Personally, I would prefer more dialogues between the couple instead of summaries as follows:
Liam takes me to an Italian restaurant in the city. We sit on the patio, enjoying a light summer breeze. We’ve bantered and flirted back and forth throughout dinner. It’s shaping up to be the best date of my life…
Well, you see… I would prefer to read the banter between them, not the information that they had good banter.
Also, the writing gets repetitive at times. Especially, some jokes are repeated too many times, which makes them not funny anymore. For example, Savannah calling Liam "a barbarian" as a joke a few times could be sweet but it was like nearly 10 times and I was sick of it.
***********************************************
Safety:
The book is safe as far as cheating is concerned. There is no cheating. There is just the psycho ex of Savannah.
The book has dark moments, describing abuse, violence and rape. In terms of those concepts, it is not safe.
***********************************************
About the series:
There are two more books in the series. I am looking forward to the one that will be about James, who is Savannah’s best friend and protector. He is the one who taught her how to fight. He has a gym. I plan to read his book but it is Book 3. I haven’t decided if I want to read Book 2 or not. Although I liked Harper, the heroine of Book 2, in this first book, there was nothing special about her that will make me read about her. But still, I may change my mind.
***********************************************
Recommendation:
Well, it is not a bad book, it is totally a book that can be read for a nice past time. It is hot and emotional. Just don’t expect too much from it if you ask me.
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
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December 31, 2022
RATING: 4 stars to Vow of Retribution!
Want to read
March 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/10/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
She had everything stolen from her in a blink of an eye. He watched his mistakes turn him into a man he didn’t recognize.
Learning to fight was never on the top of Savannah’s list of things to do. Until learning to defend herself was the only option she had. To keep her focus she’s had to build walls around her heart. Trust isn’t a risk she can afford—especially when her past could catch up with her at any moment. But Liam…
Liam will do whatever it takes to win Savannah’s love. But he has his own battles to wage, his own redemption to win. Trying to balance both may cost him everything.
When flames engulf them, will they be able to rise from the ashes?
Blurb:
She had everything stolen from her in a blink of an eye. He watched his mistakes turn him into a man he didn’t recognize.
Learning to fight was never on the top of Savannah’s list of things to do. Until learning to defend herself was the only option she had. To keep her focus she’s had to build walls around her heart. Trust isn’t a risk she can afford—especially when her past could catch up with her at any moment. But Liam…
Liam will do whatever it takes to win Savannah’s love. But he has his own battles to wage, his own redemption to win. Trying to balance both may cost him everything.
When flames engulf them, will they be able to rise from the ashes?
April 25, 2018
4 Cranky Stars
I found myself pulled into this story with the synopsis. The catchy way that the author wrote it left me wondering what mysteries were waiting within the pages. It felt suspenseful with a dash of romance that would come unexpectedly. I’m a sucker for unexpected romances, so I dove right on it.
The main character of this story, Savannah, is an independent, strong, and determined female lead. I like a female lead that can take charge and take care of herself, but still be strong enough to admit she needs a man to love her for who she is. Savannah has a tragic past. It has literally left scars on her to remind her of where she came from and who she belongs to. However, Savannah has fought hard and trained to be stronger and better than who she used to be. She overcomes her abusive past to say I can fight back. I deserve to feel safe and strong and loved. She spends her days training in the gym with her best friend James, who helps her find the inner strength she needs to defend herself.
Insert Liam, the barbarian. (As Savannah likes to call him.) He is the Alpha lead male with a tender heart and a soft spot for Savannah. Liam has his own secrets, but he is determined to make things right and leave his past behind him. He instantly falls in love with Savannah the moment he walks into James’ gym to find her determined to be stronger. He admires her for his independence and strength, her motivation and determination, her sassy pants attitude, and hard to get tactics. It all calls him to her like a beacon. A moth to the flame so to say.
With big brown eyes and a sexy southern drawl, Savannah was doomed from the start. They find themselves in a whirlwind romance that has them passionately in love. But Liam soon realizes Savannah is hiding something from him. He picks up on her lies and her obsessive safeguards to realize things are not quite right. I can’t go on any further with the story or too much will be reveal, but the story pick up pace and you find yourself unable to put the book down. You need to know what happens. Before you know it you are slammed with passionate love making, threats, and plot twists that will keep you sucked into this world.
This tale of a story about a young woman overcoming her past is wonderful. However, I have to say there is something that I just don’t get with this story. The cover is all wrong for what lies beneath the pages. I’m not a fan of the chosen cover that goes along with this. Don’t get me wrong, the designer did a great job piecing it together, but it has nothing to do with what lies beneath the book. Honestly, it looks to me like the decision was made for the simple idea that sex sells and there had to be a half-naked man on it to catch someone’s attention. The book has nothing to do with the naked man that appears on the cover. Even the main male lead Liam isn’t what this book revolves around. The sex appeal of the cover is all wrong for the message being relayed in the plot. It is about a girl rising from the ashes like a phoenix (a tad cliché and it’s literally her tattoo). It is about a woman overcoming abusive to come back from it, to love again, to fight for her live, to defend herself, and to say she is stronger and better than what he did to her. So I don’t get how that all leads to a naked muscled up man on the cover. Throws me way off.
I found myself pulled into this story with the synopsis. The catchy way that the author wrote it left me wondering what mysteries were waiting within the pages. It felt suspenseful with a dash of romance that would come unexpectedly. I’m a sucker for unexpected romances, so I dove right on it.
The main character of this story, Savannah, is an independent, strong, and determined female lead. I like a female lead that can take charge and take care of herself, but still be strong enough to admit she needs a man to love her for who she is. Savannah has a tragic past. It has literally left scars on her to remind her of where she came from and who she belongs to. However, Savannah has fought hard and trained to be stronger and better than who she used to be. She overcomes her abusive past to say I can fight back. I deserve to feel safe and strong and loved. She spends her days training in the gym with her best friend James, who helps her find the inner strength she needs to defend herself.
Insert Liam, the barbarian. (As Savannah likes to call him.) He is the Alpha lead male with a tender heart and a soft spot for Savannah. Liam has his own secrets, but he is determined to make things right and leave his past behind him. He instantly falls in love with Savannah the moment he walks into James’ gym to find her determined to be stronger. He admires her for his independence and strength, her motivation and determination, her sassy pants attitude, and hard to get tactics. It all calls him to her like a beacon. A moth to the flame so to say.
With big brown eyes and a sexy southern drawl, Savannah was doomed from the start. They find themselves in a whirlwind romance that has them passionately in love. But Liam soon realizes Savannah is hiding something from him. He picks up on her lies and her obsessive safeguards to realize things are not quite right. I can’t go on any further with the story or too much will be reveal, but the story pick up pace and you find yourself unable to put the book down. You need to know what happens. Before you know it you are slammed with passionate love making, threats, and plot twists that will keep you sucked into this world.
This tale of a story about a young woman overcoming her past is wonderful. However, I have to say there is something that I just don’t get with this story. The cover is all wrong for what lies beneath the pages. I’m not a fan of the chosen cover that goes along with this. Don’t get me wrong, the designer did a great job piecing it together, but it has nothing to do with what lies beneath the book. Honestly, it looks to me like the decision was made for the simple idea that sex sells and there had to be a half-naked man on it to catch someone’s attention. The book has nothing to do with the naked man that appears on the cover. Even the main male lead Liam isn’t what this book revolves around. The sex appeal of the cover is all wrong for the message being relayed in the plot. It is about a girl rising from the ashes like a phoenix (a tad cliché and it’s literally her tattoo). It is about a woman overcoming abusive to come back from it, to love again, to fight for her live, to defend herself, and to say she is stronger and better than what he did to her. So I don’t get how that all leads to a naked muscled up man on the cover. Throws me way off.
May 7, 2018
This book had me sitting up on the edge of my seat a couple times! Most definitely a MUST READ book for the romantic suspense reader!
Liam and Savannah were hot together but that really isn't what grabbed me in this book. It was truly all Savannah. I love me a good alpha male read but the stories that stick with me over time are the ones with strong female characters that literally rebuild themselves and rise up. That is what you are getting here. Sure, great. There's this hot guy...who is undeniably fantastic and all but there is also this woman who deserves more than the word AMAZING. She has really stuck with me since reading this book and I have a feeling women everywhere are going to be cheering her on!
So besides that, you get a story with an instant attraction between the lead characters. Watching them try to figure each other out was pretty entertaining. Obviously Liam doesn't know what happened to Savannah but the fact that he is super supportive of her without knowing a thing makes him like book boyfriend of the year. Sheesh.
Once things start to unravel and get explained this story really picks up momentum and so will your heart rate. I ran through a wide range of emotions with this book which is why I am giving it all 5 stars. I love reads like this.
Super pumped this is a series as we were introduced to several other characters who I can't wait to hear their story as well. This author has me intrigued and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Vow of Retribution is getting 5 stars!
Review by Corrie H for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I received an ARC for an honest review
Liam and Savannah were hot together but that really isn't what grabbed me in this book. It was truly all Savannah. I love me a good alpha male read but the stories that stick with me over time are the ones with strong female characters that literally rebuild themselves and rise up. That is what you are getting here. Sure, great. There's this hot guy...who is undeniably fantastic and all but there is also this woman who deserves more than the word AMAZING. She has really stuck with me since reading this book and I have a feeling women everywhere are going to be cheering her on!
So besides that, you get a story with an instant attraction between the lead characters. Watching them try to figure each other out was pretty entertaining. Obviously Liam doesn't know what happened to Savannah but the fact that he is super supportive of her without knowing a thing makes him like book boyfriend of the year. Sheesh.
Once things start to unravel and get explained this story really picks up momentum and so will your heart rate. I ran through a wide range of emotions with this book which is why I am giving it all 5 stars. I love reads like this.
Super pumped this is a series as we were introduced to several other characters who I can't wait to hear their story as well. This author has me intrigued and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Vow of Retribution is getting 5 stars!
Review by Corrie H for Lamplight Review and Promotion
**I received an ARC for an honest review
Read
July 15, 2018First let me say, I freaking LOVED this book! VOW OF RETRIBUTION is perfect for fans of KC Lynn, which is high praise coming from this book nerd because the Men Of Honor series is one of my all time favorites. This is such a special book and I can’t wait for the whole world to be introduced to Savannah and Liam.
Emma Renshaw takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride with twists and turns that will have your heart racing and eyes straining to read faster. I loved reading about such a strong heroine who had overcome so much and a hero who knew he couldn’t clip her wings but needed to stand by her side.
5 very swoony stars for this one! One-click this baby as soon as it releases May 3!
Emma Renshaw takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride with twists and turns that will have your heart racing and eyes straining to read faster. I loved reading about such a strong heroine who had overcome so much and a hero who knew he couldn’t clip her wings but needed to stand by her side.
5 very swoony stars for this one! One-click this baby as soon as it releases May 3!
October 4, 2021
Always on the search for good CR/NA authors, I tried this new-to-me writer.
Sadly, I will not be reading any more books by her if this is representative of her style.
It is frankly weird when you have a sexually conservative female, often abused in some way in their younger years, so that they are gun-shy and remain relatively inexperienced, only to meet the alpha hottie that has them turning into a nympho after the token PTSD episode. Wow- can we bottle that medicine and sell it? Or is it his Magic Penis?
Why do so many female authors take a tokenistic approach to an actual plot and character development,when they simply dump it all after 50 pages so they can get to what seems to be the real purpose of their book- smut, with endless descriptions of erotic encounters?
Look, nothing wrong with hot sex scenes- I love me some smexy times and I have books that I have read specifically for their (very) erotic content. But let’s not call it romance, please. Romance is about the relationship as well as about the sex, and I need both in my CR/NA.
In this case, the MCs were pretty underdeveloped by almost 50 % and while I found them OK people, I didn’t really care enough about them, or really believe in their relationship by this stage, to continue the story.
Sadly, I will not be reading any more books by her if this is representative of her style.
It is frankly weird when you have a sexually conservative female, often abused in some way in their younger years, so that they are gun-shy and remain relatively inexperienced, only to meet the alpha hottie that has them turning into a nympho after the token PTSD episode. Wow- can we bottle that medicine and sell it? Or is it his Magic Penis?
Why do so many female authors take a tokenistic approach to an actual plot and character development,when they simply dump it all after 50 pages so they can get to what seems to be the real purpose of their book- smut, with endless descriptions of erotic encounters?
Look, nothing wrong with hot sex scenes- I love me some smexy times and I have books that I have read specifically for their (very) erotic content. But let’s not call it romance, please. Romance is about the relationship as well as about the sex, and I need both in my CR/NA.
In this case, the MCs were pretty underdeveloped by almost 50 % and while I found them OK people, I didn’t really care enough about them, or really believe in their relationship by this stage, to continue the story.
May 2, 2018
I really loved Vow of retribution and can't wait to read more by Emma Renshaw , I fell for the characters and hope to see more of them in the future . Right from the the first page I wanted to know the couples pasts and what challenges they were faced with and how they got out of the darkness . The chemistry between the couple was off the charts HOT and the sex scenes were even HOTTER I loved the fact that the hero knew that the relationship was more then just sex and the swoon worthy dates he would plan . I loved the strength of the heroine what she does is truly brave and beautiful .
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10 Chemistry=10 steam=7
romance=8 humor=3 darkness level=4 action=3 mystery=3
enjoyment=10 angst=2 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 stars=5
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 secondary characters=10 Chemistry=10 steam=7
romance=8 humor=3 darkness level=4 action=3 mystery=3
enjoyment=10 angst=2 story line=10 Story ending=10
character development=10 pacing=10
cover=10 stars=5
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book=yes
would I read future books by this author= yes
Read
August 15, 2018Everyone has secrets. Sometimes they stay hidden. Sometimes they come to light. In Vow of Retribution, both Savannah and Liam have things from the past they'd rather leave behind. Emma Renshaw peels them back one layer at a time so that it's impossible to stop reading.
Savannah is sassy and sweet. She'll make you laugh, and her story will make you cry. Nothing better than a strong heroine, and that's exactly what she is.
And Liam... he'll suck you in from the start. Sexy and swoon worthy, he'll set you on fire with his romantic ways.
This book is about so much more than romance. It's about friendship, being there for the people you love, and confronting your demons head on.
So ready for the next book in the series, Vow of Atonement. Hurry up and get here, Harper!
Savannah is sassy and sweet. She'll make you laugh, and her story will make you cry. Nothing better than a strong heroine, and that's exactly what she is.
And Liam... he'll suck you in from the start. Sexy and swoon worthy, he'll set you on fire with his romantic ways.
This book is about so much more than romance. It's about friendship, being there for the people you love, and confronting your demons head on.
So ready for the next book in the series, Vow of Atonement. Hurry up and get here, Harper!
January 27, 2021
More like 3.5, but today I'm feeling generous.
Savannah went through something horrible, but she has managed to get herself back together. She doesn't thrust easily and normally keeps people at arms length. And then she meets Liam, this man that somehow managed to break most of her walls and makes her feel stuff she never has.
I really liked this book, but I have to admit that sometimes Savannah annoyed me.
Also, it's a bit like The Strongest Steel.
Savannah went through something horrible, but she has managed to get herself back together. She doesn't thrust easily and normally keeps people at arms length. And then she meets Liam, this man that somehow managed to break most of her walls and makes her feel stuff she never has.
I really liked this book, but I have to admit that sometimes Savannah annoyed me.
Also, it's a bit like The Strongest Steel.
January 7, 2021
This was a great book but based on the description and on the cover this was not what I was expecting at all.
May 2, 2018
Vow of Retribution by Emma Renshaw is the First book in the Vow Series. This is the story of Liam and Savannah.
Savannah had allot of mixed emotions that did keep you up and down with her feelings. Liam was a strong, sweet hero that you love to read about. Liam was out to help Savannah even though she seem mixed in her emotions.
Overall this was a really good read and I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Renshaw.
Savannah had allot of mixed emotions that did keep you up and down with her feelings. Liam was a strong, sweet hero that you love to read about. Liam was out to help Savannah even though she seem mixed in her emotions.
Overall this was a really good read and I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Renshaw.
May 3, 2018
I have to say that a good romantic suspense book always makes me a very happy girl. Vow of Retribution by Emma Renshaw made me a very happy girl. What made this book so good for me was the characters. I loved them all... Savannah, Liam, James, Harper, Olivia, etc!!! They made this story so engaging and unable to put down.
Savannah is a survivor and a fighter. She has endured something so horrific that many would never live to tell about or ever be able to move on from. Even though she was trying to live a normal life, her fear of the past and the future always kept her recluse and closed off. That was until Liam showed up and taught her that it was ok to let someone in, that she could trust again. Other than James, her friend, no one knew of all the details of her past and with James vouching for Liam did she finally let another man into her life. Once she did she she began to slowly let down the walls and with that her heart opened and was able to truly love again!!!
This book had it all, suspense, love, laughter, romance, hot sex scenes and got all my emotions going. I was rooting for Savannah from the start and this heroine didn’t disappoint. As for this being my first time reading a story from Emma Renshaw I was very delighted with the book and look forward to reading more of her work.
Savannah is a survivor and a fighter. She has endured something so horrific that many would never live to tell about or ever be able to move on from. Even though she was trying to live a normal life, her fear of the past and the future always kept her recluse and closed off. That was until Liam showed up and taught her that it was ok to let someone in, that she could trust again. Other than James, her friend, no one knew of all the details of her past and with James vouching for Liam did she finally let another man into her life. Once she did she she began to slowly let down the walls and with that her heart opened and was able to truly love again!!!
This book had it all, suspense, love, laughter, romance, hot sex scenes and got all my emotions going. I was rooting for Savannah from the start and this heroine didn’t disappoint. As for this being my first time reading a story from Emma Renshaw I was very delighted with the book and look forward to reading more of her work.
September 1, 2020
I liked the first book by Emma Renshaw, her writing style in easy and engaging. I read so I thought to check out her other stuff. Though I wasn't sure on the cover at first but as I read the book it totally fit Liam. It was eye catching. The blurb was intriguing.
So I realized this was her debut novel, I read her latest do it's real back track to see how it's grown but still likable. I liked the plot here and the pacing, well done as well as how it's written. I loved the secondary characters and happy this is a series. We get their stories.
So I liked the hero Liam. He was a good guy, really patient, loves his family. He is alpha when necessary and is an awesome friend. I feel this is his book more than the heroine. I wish we knew why he knew how he learned to shoot.
I've always had issues with heroines mostly. But warming up to Savannah was hard yes her trauma was understandable. But she never explained it until half way after being so hot and cold to Liam. Even after she odd with Liam. Sure they have some chemistry and some steam but other than that I wasn't too keen. I'm glad she was better later.
So trigger warning maybe for some there is some graphic assault descriptions of rape and torture, violence. This was mostly toward the end with the ending which was quite a rush but tied in by the epilogue. I look forward to reading James's book.
So I realized this was her debut novel, I read her latest do it's real back track to see how it's grown but still likable. I liked the plot here and the pacing, well done as well as how it's written. I loved the secondary characters and happy this is a series. We get their stories.
So I liked the hero Liam. He was a good guy, really patient, loves his family. He is alpha when necessary and is an awesome friend. I feel this is his book more than the heroine. I wish we knew why he knew how he learned to shoot.
I've always had issues with heroines mostly. But warming up to Savannah was hard yes her trauma was understandable. But she never explained it until half way after being so hot and cold to Liam. Even after she odd with Liam. Sure they have some chemistry and some steam but other than that I wasn't too keen. I'm glad she was better later.
So trigger warning maybe for some there is some graphic assault descriptions of rape and torture, violence. This was mostly toward the end with the ending which was quite a rush but tied in by the epilogue. I look forward to reading James's book.
May 2, 2018
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. This is the first book I've read by Emma Renshaw. This was a good book. I really liked the hero and heroine. Their chemistry is off the charts. Savannah is a really strong heroine with a great group of friends who I liked right away. Liam is a perfect match for her. The suspense is really good too. It kept me guessing til the very end. I can't wait for the next one.
May 2, 2018
This is the first book I've read by Emma Renshaw. This was a good book. I really liked the hero and heroine. Their chemistry is off the charts. Savannah is a really strong heroine with a great group of friends who I liked right away. Liam is a perfect match for her. The suspense is really good too. It kept me guessing til the very end. I can't wait for the next one.
Reviewed by: Clare M.
Reviewed by: Clare M.
May 3, 2018
this is my first read by this author and wow what a great read. I devoured this book.
I highly recommend this read to everyone.
I highly recommend this read to everyone.
May 6, 2018
First-time author? That may have been the biggest surprise. What a great read. The story line was engrossing with heartbreaking emotions that tugged at my own feelings. Savannah's reactions were those of a survivor who was still fighting with expectations of a big battle to come. She wanted to live her a life of freedom but how could she.
Liam has his own baggage, yet he was strong and ready to take on life and reunite with the family he loved. They each had a strong example of love from their own families and the support few have. I liked that the author had both characters with a good family background. The conflict and problems came from the outside even though they had made poor judgments that put them in jeopardy. He was an Alpha male yet they played with it and she accepted it except when she didn't and put him in his place handily.
The support friends were wonderful characters themselves. Since there are more books coming I'm anxious to see how their lives and loves turn out. I strongly recommend this to any reader and especially fans of romantic thrillers.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
Liam has his own baggage, yet he was strong and ready to take on life and reunite with the family he loved. They each had a strong example of love from their own families and the support few have. I liked that the author had both characters with a good family background. The conflict and problems came from the outside even though they had made poor judgments that put them in jeopardy. He was an Alpha male yet they played with it and she accepted it except when she didn't and put him in his place handily.
The support friends were wonderful characters themselves. Since there are more books coming I'm anxious to see how their lives and loves turn out. I strongly recommend this to any reader and especially fans of romantic thrillers.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
June 14, 2021
⭐️
3.5 "Warrior Princess" Stars
⭐️
After binge reading the whole Burn Series by Emma Renshaw, I needed more of her books. So I decided to dive into her Vow Series, starting with the first standalone novel, Vow of Retribution.
I really enjoyed Savannah and Liam's story, though the flow of the intrigue was dragging at times. I liked both main protagonists as individuals as well as a couple. Savannah is a true fighter forged from an ugly event in her past. She's afraid to start truly living again, but meeting Liam changes her. That man is patient and so caring with her. He knows she keeps secrets from her past, but slowly wins her affection with his charming yet alpha personality.
I felt the big reveal about Savannah arrived too late in the book, making the start of the novel a little slow at times. When her past was unveiled, the suspense finally took flight. Overall Vow of Retribution was a good start to a series I know I'll enjoy a lot with its interesting characters.
After binge reading the whole Burn Series by Emma Renshaw, I needed more of her books. So I decided to dive into her Vow Series, starting with the first standalone novel, Vow of Retribution.
I really enjoyed Savannah and Liam's story, though the flow of the intrigue was dragging at times. I liked both main protagonists as individuals as well as a couple. Savannah is a true fighter forged from an ugly event in her past. She's afraid to start truly living again, but meeting Liam changes her. That man is patient and so caring with her. He knows she keeps secrets from her past, but slowly wins her affection with his charming yet alpha personality.
I felt the big reveal about Savannah arrived too late in the book, making the start of the novel a little slow at times. When her past was unveiled, the suspense finally took flight. Overall Vow of Retribution was a good start to a series I know I'll enjoy a lot with its interesting characters.
May 27, 2018
💘Love is a Battlefield💪👊
Savannah is on the bad date from hell, with a totally self centered man, when she gives up and takes her meal to go! Enough is enough. The middle finger flies on her way out the door!
Liam🐺🍆🌋 just moved back to his hometown of Austin, from Chicago. He was missing something in his life, and he just wasn't finding it in Chicago.
When he walks into Raise The Bar, a gym where his best friend volunteers, he sees the most beautiful girl in the world! It's Savannah💃💋! She sees him, too, but the gym owner, James is very protective of her and Liam🐺🍆🌋 thinks she must have something going with him.
Savannah💃💋 has been taking self defense classes at The gym for for years. She has a very bad experience in her past where she couldn't protect herself from a man.
No amount of kickboxing and punching bag work will protect her heart💕 from Liam!
ARC Received from HG for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
Savannah is on the bad date from hell, with a totally self centered man, when she gives up and takes her meal to go! Enough is enough. The middle finger flies on her way out the door!
Liam🐺🍆🌋 just moved back to his hometown of Austin, from Chicago. He was missing something in his life, and he just wasn't finding it in Chicago.
When he walks into Raise The Bar, a gym where his best friend volunteers, he sees the most beautiful girl in the world! It's Savannah💃💋! She sees him, too, but the gym owner, James is very protective of her and Liam🐺🍆🌋 thinks she must have something going with him.
Savannah💃💋 has been taking self defense classes at The gym for for years. She has a very bad experience in her past where she couldn't protect herself from a man.
No amount of kickboxing and punching bag work will protect her heart💕 from Liam!
ARC Received from HG for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
May 7, 2018
This is the first book in this series and it was well written and fast paced for me. The charcters are very likeable and pull you in. You wanna know all there struggles and how they over came them. Savannah had some many emotions they were all over but Liam was strong and and sweet to her all over. Its amazing to see all there friends all around them for support. I think you will be drawn into this story quickly.
May 7, 2018
This book was amazing!! This book was so much more then I was expecting!! I can’t tell you how fabulous this author is and it’s her first book!! This is a love story about Savannah and Liam. Although it’s a romance it’s truly about the struggles of surviving abuse and learning to live again. This is a great romantic thriller that was impossible to put down, must read!!
May 8, 2018
This book was so good! Liam and Savannah both have secrets. When they meet, sparks fly but Savannah is standoffish. I mean she has good reason to be. I was shocked to see how far she let's him go on the first date. I thought she'd be more shy and sheltered. She was a great character! Liam was great as well. He was a good fit for Savannah.
November 29, 2018
This was okay.... it certainly reeled me in but then it felt too familiar. I definitely read a book very similar. (I can’t remember the name.) it was pretty predictable so towards the end, I just wanted to be done and move on.
Don’t get me wrong, this was a decent read and pretty romantic and had lots of action. It’s just been done before and in my opinion, done better.
Don’t get me wrong, this was a decent read and pretty romantic and had lots of action. It’s just been done before and in my opinion, done better.
May 8, 2018
Do you want a story that will suck you in from page one? If the answer is yes, you have come to the right book. The fact this is Emma Renshaw's first books, blows me away. I really connected with Savannah, and Liam is the hero that everyone need and loves. This is a must read for anyone who like romantic suspense. I can't wait to see what else she comes up with.
dnf
March 20, 2022I don’t remember starting this and might revisit at a later time.
January 10, 2021
This was a good read. Savannah is trying to move on from her horrible past. She then meets Liam. Things are going great but due to her past things get complicated. Luckily in the end everything works out and they get their happy ending.
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