Vengeance

Vindicator #1

by Kathy Coopmans

I often wondered if Vengeance came with a price. I never cared, not after the torture I've endured. For me, Vengeance is best served through the eyes of my scope. The twitch of my finger. The pull of a trigger. The death of someone who deserves to die. Revenge, retribution, and retaliation are all that comes to mind. Cruel and brutal punishment for the hell inflicted on my family is all I’ve ever been able to think about. The betrayal fresh in mind years later, reminding me of the day my world came crashing down. I lost everything. The woman I loved. My sister. My parents. Myself. You know what else I say about Vengeance? It’s best served frozen. No side dish of compassion. No extra helping of warning. No dessert called a second chance. The price I want for it. Is written in blood. Author Note- This book does contain triggers. It's noted here as well as the beginning of the book.

Genres: Dark, Abuse, Romance, Suspense, Dark Romance, Emotional, Contemporary

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2018

About the author

Kathy is a USA Today Best Selling Author. A wife, mother, grandmother, and book nerd. She loves chatting with her readers and making new book friends. You can visit with her and other book lovers in her reading group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Coopm...

Reviews

[Dri ✰ · Rating 2 out of 5]

★ 2 stars! ★

“He’s making me forget about everything that is my life and letting him take me to a place I frantically need to go. I’ve kept so much inside of me that I’m ready to unhinge. I need to stop bottling it up and storing my life’s demons. I just don’t know how.”

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Este livro, além do tema central ser sobre vingança, aborda também um elemento delicado e que eu não esperava. E justamente por esse motivo, na minha opinião, o assunto não foi conduzido de forma apropriada e com o desenvolvimento cuidadoso que realmente merece.

Eu estava gostando muito da história, dos personagens e suas bagagens e até mesmo do ritmo em que a trama estava seguindo.

Tudo estava indo bem... até o momento que a maioria dos pensamentos que eu lia girava em torno de sexo.
Não tenho problema com isso em livros, contanto que seja agregado na história e traga um balanço bacana.

O que ao meu ver não aconteceu aqui, acho sim que os devaneios sexuais, as cenas de sexo ganharam um destaque enorme e o restante da trama acabou se perdendo. O que me causou uma frustração gigante.

A partir desse ponto as atitudes e ações dos personagens passaram a me irritar. Perdi completamente a conexão com tudo e principalmente não senti aquela vontade de continuar com a leitura...
Enfim, tinha potencial pra ser uma história ótima, mas pra mim, infelizmente não foi...

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look at that cover isn't it stunning ? This is the darkest book by this author to date and in my opinion it's her best book yet.

From the moment we meet Cade I was hooked I literally held my breath the whole way through the prologue. It set the tone for not just the book but also Cade's personality. Then we meet Ivy and her introduction just broke me but oh was I intrigued I wanted to know their connection.

The whole story flowed effortlessly from chapter to chapter it was easy to follow. The writing is superb the author does an amazing job of pulling the reader in, I kept saying I'd just read another page but I couldn't put it down.

Cade is dark and broody and very dangerous, with every step towards his vengeance he's lost a part of his soul. He's become blinded by his grief but when Ivy comes back into his life can he be the man she once knew. Ivy too has lost herself but we see glimpses of strength I was praying for her to come through but will her past define her future.

Another excellent book by an author who has
quickly become an must read for me.

reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Jos]

Dnf

Maybe I will go back but for me the whole marrying the other brother etc and the abuse just wasn’t jiving with me at all. I am not opposed to a dark read but I don’t know I just couldn’t get into it right now. Put a bookmark and maybe I will go back at a later time.

[Becky Rendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!
Kathy Coopmans did it again. Vengeance has one of the most memorable beginnings. The kind that will stick with you long after the book is done. JUST WOW!!

Vengeance is intense. The need to "right" a wrong is everything in this book. Everything that has happened, everyone in the way, every single choice that was taken away- is looking for justice. Not all "justice" is served by the judicial system. It doesn't hurt that some old friends come out to play in this book. (I am a huge fan of the Diamond family.) Back up never looked so good. I digress.

Vengeance is a physical need for Cade and he will stop at nothing to have it. The destruction of a young man's world set the events of this book in motion and only the fufillment of that Vengeance will grant him peace. Or is it the girl that was left behind that grants him the serenity?

One thing I know for sure- Kathy Coopmans better be out to give us more!!! I saw that Warrant is next and well, lets hope we don't need to enact some crazed plan to get our hands on it!!

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[Coco.V · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/6/2019)! 🎁

[Lynne Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliciously dark

This book! I literally have no words! I finished this book about half an hour ago and I am still sat here absorbing what I have just read! This author rocks! Where the hell is that golden button?! I wanna give more than Five Stars!!
Never have I wanted to get to the end of a book so quickly whilst wanting to savour it at the same time. I was pulled in from the first page, kicking and screaming, the darkness consumed me. I felt every emotion that Cade and Ivy felt. They settled like a blanket around my shoulders as the true extent of Cade's vengeance is made apparent. Tears were shed and my heart totally broke at the evil betrayal.
I literally feel bereft after finishing this book. Don't mind me, over here in the corner rocking! The last 25%!!!!!
This book was worth every lost breath and tear, Kathy Coopmans has knocked it out of this world! Dare I say the best book I have read this year. There, I said it!!

[Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I held such promise for this story, the first 10/15% had me on the edge of my seat but it just...I don't know...puttered out kinda. I guess this is just an unfortunate case of "it's not the book, it's me".

[Crystal Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do to get your Vengeance? This is something many of us never have to think about. For Cade it's all he can think about. Vengeance, it can take over your life. I loved this dark read from Kathy, this is her darkest yet. I can't wait for Chaz's story!

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my stars! I don’t even know where to begin with this review… I freaking LOVED every moment of this dark, delicious book. It had everything you would want in a story: heartbreak, revenge, suspense, love and hot, hot sexiness. I devoured this book and sat on the edge of my seat waiting for the epic showdown and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

Cade and Ivy’s story will stay with me, just like Kathy Coopmans’ other stories but this one is one of my top favorites from her …even though Roan is still my all-time fave! The writing was excellent and the story flowed so smoothly. I was gripped from page one and was frustrated when I had to put it down. Cade is intense, dark, and dangerous as hell but he has every reason to be. Betrayal and heartache will do that to a person. Poor Ivy went through so, so much. I felt for her, I wanted to cry for her and I cheered her on when she finally found herself again.

There is so much to this story and I do not want to spoil anything. So I will just say, if you’re a fan of “dark” books, go one click, you won’t be disappointed!

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 63%

It was heavy on narration and the internal thoughts of the h (Ivy) and H (Cade), but not much dialogue or interaction between them. This is helpful for getting to know a character's thoughts, but I knew more than I ever wanted to know and it was just repetitive. The basic storyline is that Cade comes back from the dead and discovers his brother, Drew, has been beating and abusing Ivy for ten years. After discovering this and saving Ivy from Drew's clutches, I would expect more affection towards the girl he loves. Instead, he's pushing her away for her "own good" (eye roll) and being a complete ass. I get that he's a cold-blooded killer with no feelings now, but I needed more emotion between the two. It was endless pages of their thoughts and narrating what was going on, thus boring, and I skimmed a lot before just finally deleting it off my Kindle.

[Tish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one deserves more than 5 stars!! I know I say this with each book I read from this author but I can without a doubt say that this is hands down my favorite she has ever written!! I really enjoyed the darker storyline. I absolutely adore Cade and Ivy, my heart broke for everything they had endured. Though dark it is also very emotional. Couldn't put it down!!

This book was given to me at my request and I provided this review voluntarily.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I love both dark books and Kathy Coopmans' books but wowoooowww, I really wasn't expecting this level of dark from Kathy! Vengeance is the perfect title and Cade and Ivy are an amazingly strong couple. I just couldn't get enough of this storyline and these characters. Can't wait for more along these lines. Oh, triggers regarding abuse, if that's not your thing.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Cade and Ivys story. It is on the darker story much to my delight. Brilliant read

[Amanda Roden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!!

I think I should start with I'm not a big fan of dark reads, I am however a huge fan of Kathy, so I picked up Vengeance. Damn! I am glad I did. This book sucked me in and won't let go. Such a fantastic book!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revenge and Jealousy are a powerful force. Two men, brothers each with different motives for inflicting and planning the death to a brother.

"She's a wet dream in the middle of a nightmare.
"She's fire to my ice"

Ten years ago, 18-year-old Cade witnessed his family home burn to the ground, unable to get out of his room Cade escaped through the window unable to save them.

Cade overheard his brother and friends talking about insurance policy's on the night of the fire, figuring out his brothers greed was the reason his mother, father and sister had been murdered Cade went into hiding then joining the military, leaving his girlfriend Ivy behind letting her believe he was in the house with the rest of his family.

Ivy lost the love of her life the night Cade died and the only living survivor was Cade's brother Drew and he was ready and waiting to comfort her, like a snake waiting to entice and pounce.

VENGEANCE is a dark, intense and gripping read with twists and turns.

Told in each persons pov you see the inner mind of Drew and his lifelong obsession with Ivy along with his psychotic behaviour.
It's grief and hate for one brother consumed with the drive for vengeance while the other lives on in his greed, torturing the girl who was once his brother's girlfriend still not able to move on from jealousy even though she is now his possession after he fooled her into marrying him.

Two brothers who look alike but are poles apart until vengeance drives Cade to be as dark as his brother, the only thing that separates them is true love for Ivy.

A good read but sometimes I began to lose interest, the plot lost me a few times, there were plenty of hot scenes though and intense action in parts, along with dark and gritty scenes.
Ivy endured years of torture, rape and control before she was rescued.



Arc received for review purposes.

[Up All Night Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a few of Coopmans' books in the past, and this one is by far the best one I have read yet. I devoured this story. There is something about a dark romance that I can't help but to sink my teeth into.

I need to start this off by saying that this book is in no way rainbows and unicorns. If you are looking for a sweet read, you won't find it here. If you are hyper-sensitive to sensitive subject matter, this book is not for you. It is dark. It is gritty. It is not pretty at all. Consider this your warning that you will not find any fluff in this book!

These characters. Oh my. Coopmans' wrote these characters so well. You will get to know the good, the bad, and the ugly of each and every character in this book. Coopmans' did an exquisite job at drawing the line with these characters. You will have no problem loving and despising the right characters. 

As for the plot and telling of the story. It is told so perfectly. It develops at the perfect pace from start to finish. You will devour and savor every single page. Your heart will break. Your heart will heal. Your heart will pound. This book will hit you in the best possible dark, dirty, and delicious way possible.

I have to thank Coopmans' for this book. There aren't a lot of authors who can tell a true dark romance that I can't put down. This book is hands down on of those books. I wasn't sure I even wanted it to end. I relished every last page. 

[Lauren Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book?
It’s dark, twisted, filled with hate, and vengeance. It’s perfect.
If you have triggers of violence and other things, then this book is not for you. If you love dark tales with a need for killing then this is right up your alley.

Cade St. James is a character in a category all on his own. Surviving a fire that took his family, and the love of his life he became a hardened, ruthless killer. Whether it was for the Army, Roan or his own personal vengeance.

Ivy initially appears weak when it comes to the horrific, vile things Drew puts her through. But as she’s saved by Cade you see that she isn’t a weak flower.
She is a strong, determined woman who won’t let anyone bring and keep her on her knees. By the end there will be no doubt how strong she is.

As Cade and Ivy reconnect and bond over their mutual need for Vengeance, the love they both still have thrives and grows stronger. You see that love strengthens some, and softens others when they are with the one they are meant for.

I can’t describe how much this book got me with its darkness. It’s not too dark that is overboard, and not too little that it doesn’t work. It’s the perfect balance.
~A Wild About Romance Review.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty and raw….

If you’ve read anything by this author than you know she is not afraid to push the envelope with scenes that invoke emotions of all kinds. Love, hatred, grief, horror – they are all here, laid bare as Ivy and Cade’s story unfolds…

“For ten years, vengeance has shaded my soul from gray to black.”

What do you do when everyone you love is violently taken away from you? Cade made his choice and spent years living with it as he waited, honing his skills, plotting his revenge. Hearing the details from his own voice made it all too clear – the brutality and its aftermath. He was a good man, an honest man, whose path was turned in one night of immeasurable loss. His pain, his anger – they fueled his need for justice and carried him through all that followed. The only thing that could save him would be a love that never died…

Gritty, dark, emotional – their story was hard to read. Impossible to put down.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! Hands down one of the best books I've read this year. It's dark, gritty and amazing! Cade and Ivy are badass! I swear I love how much stronger Ivy becomes in this book. She starts out heartbroken as expected but soon finds herself in hell. Living a lie but has no choice. Once reunited with her love again, she starts getting stronger and stronger. Almost back to her old self but she wants vengeance as well. Cade's brother is a piece of work, I swear. So heartless and pure evil. He deserves to die for what he did.
Cade is a character I loved. He had everything striped from him and is now out for blood. He wants his brother and friends to pay for what they did. He has the ability and the people to maker it happen. He's smart, he's sexy and a killer. This book is all getting vengeance and correcting the wrong that was done. This book will blow you away, you will be never want to put your kindle down. I swear it consumed me.

review by AMY

[Karrie Mellott Puskas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark book isn’t my cup of tea. Especially ones that has so many triggers. So reading this book by Kathy is way out of my element.

What started out in such a dark and unimaginable read turns out to be one of the best books I’ve read this year.

I found myself feeling my heart race while I read about Ivy, Drew, and Cade. My god how my heart bled for Ivy. How much hatred I had for Drew and how Cade had me not liking him to coming around and realize how broken he is and how my heart bleed for him.

This book was hard for me but I pushed myself thru. I had to set my kindle down a few times and walk away. I’d come back and read some more. And by doing this I was able to get thru. It got to the point I could not put it down. Needing to know things and trying to figure it out.

This book blows me away!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is one you better be ready for because it will be like no other you have read from this author. Actually from most any author that is. This one will run deep, dark and dirty with what the title says will be up front and foremost. Cade and Ivy will take over your life as you settle into this one. This one also has emotions and actions that takes magic to put on paper with finesse that will still keep a reader engaged. NO sugar coating on things blunt and for real. Honestly not many could get me to read one such as this except for the way it is written. Some people will show themselves the piece of work they truly are with not a speck of soul that you too are right there wanting the same Cade does. You will feel the pain and anguish but oh the steam that cleans it all away. So be swept away with this coming away knowing how it really is done.

[April Symes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a deliciously dark and gritty book!! What started out as such a dark and shocking read
ended up to be one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Ms. Coopmans' writes such amazing main characters and I know for sure Cade and Ivy’s story will stay with me for a good long while, just like her other stories. I have to say this read is one of my top favorites from her. This is a gritty, dark, hard, delicious and dirty read. OMG this book has about everything you would want in a dark romance read: suspense, revenge, love , heartbreak, and hot sizzle. I sat down and read this book in 1 sitting-like didn't get up until completely done until the epic showdown took place and everything wrapped up. OH Lawd, let me tell you, this book did not disappoint and was phenomenal!!!!! Now I am dying to read Chaz's book.



My Rating: 4.9 stars *****

[Leaona Luxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeance is best served cold. I’ve known it, tasted it and even craved it. I can tell you, NO ONE does Vengeance like Kathy Coopmans!! This book is dirty, dark and twisted...just like Cade and exactly how I like my men. Coopmans takes you deep into your feels, exacting her revenge on your heart and guts you like never before. Cade will bring you to your knees in need of him to quench every dark desire you’ve imagined. His need for blood and Vengeance will captivate you as you spiral into the depths of his heart wrenching life, only to leave you bereft and begging for more. This story is relentless. It’s unforgettable. It’s awe inspiring!! Get it...TODAY!!!!

I relinquish my crown of Twisty Bish!!!

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(3.5 stars)

For ten years Cade has only been about revenge. Practicing until he is perfect, planning everything and leaving nothing to chance. Now the time has come for him to be able to avenge the family he has lost. The only thing he is unsure of, is the girl he once loved, and her part in all of this.. Will she be just the person that he has to kill, or is she innocent of everything?

This was a good story from Kathy Coopmans. Fast paced, with a bunch of twists and turns.. I did feel this was a bit long winded at times, lots of details on somethings and incomplete thoughts on others. I love this trope, but there were times where I lost interest and was ready to skip to the next scene. I give this 3.5 stars.

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeance was absolutely amazing. There have only been a few "darker" books that I have read but this one definitely tops the list as the best. The vengeance that was served was very well deserved to the people receiving it. The plot was done amazingly well and while this is a darker side to Kathy's writing it was still a second chance for two people who definitely deserved it. Cade and Ivy were just amazing characters who were both so much stronger than they even realized.

This book definitely has some possible triggers for people regarding abuse. This is one book that Kathy should absolutely be proud of and I truly hope there will be more like this in the future.

[Lucy Berson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vengeance by Kathy Coopmans.
I have read many many books by this author and I have loved every single one of them. This book was absolutely no different. Vengeance has a much more darker storyline to it but it definitely pulls you in and does not let you breathe until the end.
What would you do if the woman that you loved and your entire family was ripped away from you? Would you seek retribution? Would you do anything and get rid of everyone that was involved to make it right?? That is exactly what Cade plans on doing…..and we are along for the journey! I can not wait for the next book from Kathy!!!!!

[Pam Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book so much, the cover is what hooked me and made me want to listen.

I just found the storyline to be a little out there and it was very repetitive. I don’t even think the characters liked themselves all that much. I mean they sure wanted each other though.

I liked the “dark” aspect of the story but sometimes I felt like there was just unnecessary violence physically and mentally that didn’t really need to be there. The story would have been fine without the “extra”.

In the narration, I found there were some repeat sentences whether that’s the writing or what I don’t know. I did enjoy the narrator.

[Myra Espino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeekk!!! Kathy did it again!! Vengeance will make you cry, fall in love, get mad and think of vengeance to help the main character. Anyway, the story and the characters are soooo good!!! Love how i was easily pulled in into the story and love and hate (not all) the characters. Overall, Vengeance is good!!! Loved it!!

Tho, this book contains scenes that may trigger bad experiences to some readers.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Vengeance by Kathy Coopmans, we get just that. This book is dark, raw, and dirty. I ADORED Cade and his Ivy. But my gosh the pain and anguish thru go through, ripped my heart apart.

The way these two find their way back to each other, their passion for each other, and the past coming back to life in rear its ugly head, kept me glued from page 1. This book is dark, and I absolutely LOVED every minute of it!

*i voluntarily read an advance copy. This is my honest review.*

[Cynthia Villarreal Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so strong and different.
This family was broken for moneym for hatred, for evil, one brother survived, only to find the cause was his own brother, so to right all the wrong he will bring himself back up by trying to bring those down with a vengance, no matter who it is or how long it takes.
This book took me on a wild ride but it was very revealing. I truly enjoyed this hard book because although it was dark, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I Loved It!!