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Vengeance #1
Stealing Vengeance
She’s an expert at getting into places she doesn’t belong.
The government created Megan, transforming her into a Valkyrie—a deadly operative only whispered about in certain circles. They took everything from her and made her into a weapon. Now someone is leaking secret information about her sisters-in-arms, betraying them for money. Loyal Unto Death is the Valkyrie motto. So when Megan is recruited to find who leaked the files, she takes the high-risk assignment. Even if it means working with the man who betrayed her trust long ago. Even if it means giving her life. Because she’ll do whatever it takes to find justice.
But this is one situation she can’t escape from on her own.
Tyler Bergstrom never forgot the resourceful woman who escaped during the toughest phase of SERE school. So when he learns the stunning truth about her and his unwitting part in her past, he volunteers to work alongside Megan for a chance at redemption. Except she doesn’t want a partner. Doesn’t want to let anyone into her life, including him—hell, especially him. Yet whether she likes it or not, for this mission they’re partners. Now it’s a race against the clock to bring down the shadowy figure targeting Valkyries. But the threat goes deeper than they ever imagined. No one is safe. And if they can’t overcome the past and learn to trust each other, they’re both dead.
The government created Megan, transforming her into a Valkyrie—a deadly operative only whispered about in certain circles. They took everything from her and made her into a weapon. Now someone is leaking secret information about her sisters-in-arms, betraying them for money. Loyal Unto Death is the Valkyrie motto. So when Megan is recruited to find who leaked the files, she takes the high-risk assignment. Even if it means working with the man who betrayed her trust long ago. Even if it means giving her life. Because she’ll do whatever it takes to find justice.
But this is one situation she can’t escape from on her own.
Tyler Bergstrom never forgot the resourceful woman who escaped during the toughest phase of SERE school. So when he learns the stunning truth about her and his unwitting part in her past, he volunteers to work alongside Megan for a chance at redemption. Except she doesn’t want a partner. Doesn’t want to let anyone into her life, including him—hell, especially him. Yet whether she likes it or not, for this mission they’re partners. Now it’s a race against the clock to bring down the shadowy figure targeting Valkyries. But the threat goes deeper than they ever imagined. No one is safe. And if they can’t overcome the past and learn to trust each other, they’re both dead.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
450 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
99 books1,801 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 10, 2019
★ 4 STARS ★
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June 3, 2019
The story much lighter than I expected but it was a good start for a new series.
I can’t wait for Amber’s story now! ❤️
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I can’t wait for this one ❤️
I found out about Valkyrie girls after I read Briar’s story Disavowed.
I loved it so much, and I asked Ms. Cross on twitter if she will write the story of other girls too and she said she will think about it, but then last month I found out she will write this series, so yay for us who love bad ass girls! 😘
Btw, I highly recommend read Disavowed first to see what this series all about! ❤️
I can’t wait for Amber’s story now! ❤️
————————————-
I can’t wait for this one ❤️
I found out about Valkyrie girls after I read Briar’s story Disavowed.
I loved it so much, and I asked Ms. Cross on twitter if she will write the story of other girls too and she said she will think about it, but then last month I found out she will write this series, so yay for us who love bad ass girls! 😘
Btw, I highly recommend read Disavowed first to see what this series all about! ❤️
June 19, 2019
ARC received for review
DNF
I hate to do it because I love Ms. Cross' other books. This one started out with one heroine and then the book is about a different one. Plus the bad guy...I just don't get it. Plus is was slow and boring.
DNF
I hate to do it because I love Ms. Cross' other books. This one started out with one heroine and then the book is about a different one. Plus the bad guy...I just don't get it. Plus is was slow and boring.
May 30, 2019
WOW! A fantastic start to this series! I loved that it's bada*s women who are the special op focus.
I loved watching Megan learn to trust, not just a man, but to trust her sister Valkyries. Megan and Ty were awesome together. There was the perfect balance of romance and suspense :)
I can not wait for the next one!
I loved watching Megan learn to trust, not just a man, but to trust her sister Valkyries. Megan and Ty were awesome together. There was the perfect balance of romance and suspense :)
I can not wait for the next one!
June 15, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I've read a few series where the plot arches over several books and that is what we have here. You get a hot romantic couple and bits and pieces of the suspense plot. It works great here and I look forward to reading the other books. Megan is a powerful heroine and Tyler is her match in every way. The plot revolves around the Valkyries, a group of female special operatives who have been trained from childhood for only the most sensitive and dangerous missions. If you read Kaylea Cross, she has used them in prior books and they are a scary bunch.
Megan was a young orphan when she began her training and now she is a deadly weapon who can get into any place she wants. She has been in hiding because the Valkyrie program has become public knowledge. Someone is also leaking classified information and Valkyries are dying. Megan takes their motto, Loyal Unto Death, seriously and will do anything she can to find the person who leaked the information. One catch, they want her to work with someone who betrayed her trust.
Tyler Bergstrom was Megan's instructor for SERE school. He was blown away by her skills and resourcefulness, but he had no idea what her training really consisted of, or that he played a part in causing her immense pain. He just knew she was special and more than an operative to him. When offered the chance to team with her to track down the person leaking the classified files, he jumps at the chance to right the wrong he unwittingly committed against her and to see if they have a chance to be more than teammates.
I've read a few series where the plot arches over several books and that is what we have here. You get a hot romantic couple and bits and pieces of the suspense plot. It works great here and I look forward to reading the other books. Megan is a powerful heroine and Tyler is her match in every way. The plot revolves around the Valkyries, a group of female special operatives who have been trained from childhood for only the most sensitive and dangerous missions. If you read Kaylea Cross, she has used them in prior books and they are a scary bunch.
Megan was a young orphan when she began her training and now she is a deadly weapon who can get into any place she wants. She has been in hiding because the Valkyrie program has become public knowledge. Someone is also leaking classified information and Valkyries are dying. Megan takes their motto, Loyal Unto Death, seriously and will do anything she can to find the person who leaked the information. One catch, they want her to work with someone who betrayed her trust.
Tyler Bergstrom was Megan's instructor for SERE school. He was blown away by her skills and resourcefulness, but he had no idea what her training really consisted of, or that he played a part in causing her immense pain. He just knew she was special and more than an operative to him. When offered the chance to team with her to track down the person leaking the classified files, he jumps at the chance to right the wrong he unwittingly committed against her and to see if they have a chance to be more than teammates.
January 27, 2020
This was another great read by this author.This story was intriguing and suspenseful and had more the a few whopping surprises.
I really enjoyed the characters and I loved Megan and Ty together he was perfect for her loyal & loving and understanding and willing to take her back time and time again no matter the consequences.
.
I love a story like this as it was fast paced that kept you glued to the pages the entire time.The story also had your heart hurting and heart going out to Megan for what Megan's life is like on a daily basis especially when your life is on the line everyday, looking over your shoulder constantly,not being able to trust a soul ad not wanting to form attachments because of such life and learning that the betrayals started from your childhood just have you hurting even more.
Let's just say the mission is dangerous and only the strongest will survive but, just for a little while it would be nice to love and be loved in return even if your little fantasy only lasts a little while the memories will be forever!
Recommended read to all !
Looking forward to continuing this series!
I really enjoyed the characters and I loved Megan and Ty together he was perfect for her loyal & loving and understanding and willing to take her back time and time again no matter the consequences.
.
I love a story like this as it was fast paced that kept you glued to the pages the entire time.The story also had your heart hurting and heart going out to Megan for what Megan's life is like on a daily basis especially when your life is on the line everyday, looking over your shoulder constantly,not being able to trust a soul ad not wanting to form attachments because of such life and learning that the betrayals started from your childhood just have you hurting even more.
Let's just say the mission is dangerous and only the strongest will survive but, just for a little while it would be nice to love and be loved in return even if your little fantasy only lasts a little while the memories will be forever!
Recommended read to all !
Looking forward to continuing this series!
May 31, 2019
2 stars.
😑 throughout this book I felt like i was missing some vital part of the story. I didn’t realize till the very end where the author lists her previous books that although this book is book 1 in a series the story arc seems to be a continuation from a previous series I haven’t read. I don’t believe this book is a standalone & have no plans to continue the series.
😑 throughout this book I felt like i was missing some vital part of the story. I didn’t realize till the very end where the author lists her previous books that although this book is book 1 in a series the story arc seems to be a continuation from a previous series I haven’t read. I don’t believe this book is a standalone & have no plans to continue the series.
May 28, 2019
Sizzling romantic suspense…
Where do I start counting the ways I loved this story? Always a good place to begin is the chemistry – and Megan and Tyler had it! To say their previous encounter was a colossal foo-bar is a wild understatement. Megan was wary and rightly so as any trust she may have had for him was long, long gone. Tyler was not happy about their past – he hadn’t had all the information - which may have changed the outcome. Starting with such a huge deficit meant their do or die mission was going to be just that much harder…
The chemistry fed this high-octane story and amped it up even higher. The Valkyries were a highly trained, lethal group of women and when their backs were against the wall, they became even deadlier. Was it hard to read about capable, strong, kick-ass women? Nope, not all! Megan and Tyler were both at the top of their game and watching their guards slowly come down made their romance that much sweeter…
This read was a thrill-ride that ping-ponged from one situation to the next with hardly a breath in between. And developing love and trust through it all? Yeah, that just made it even more entertaining…
A great read! I can’t wait for more…
May 28, 2019
kfforever
Reviewed by Anna on behalf of KindleFriendsForever
This is the first book I have read by this author, an action-packed romance with deadly femme fatales; it’s going to be a great rollercoaster thrill ride this one.
When Megan, a Valkyrie operative trained by the government, finds herself back in the game, little did she know that the man assigned to be her partner is somebody from her past. Megan was trained to be the best in her field by a covert military group, and that soon becomes handy when she has to find the traitor who is responsible for selling out the identities of Valkyrie agents.
Tyler is an ex-military who's assigned to work with Megan. His guilt and remorse will make him do whatever he can to make it up to the woman he betrayed in the past. But the highly skilled thief not only steals valuable objects, but will also steal his heart.
What I like about this book is that it is first and foremost an action thriller that features highly- trained female agents, the steamy bed scenes are just a bonus. Megan’s hard-as-nails persona starts to gradually melt when she gets to know more of Tyler’s character and soon learns to trust him. The introduction of other important characters which I think will be featured in the next book adds more dimension to this thriller. The author narrates high-octane action scenes but doesn’t make it too technical for those of us who are not tech-savvy in weapons and logistics, just enough to titillate our senses and whet our appetite for more books of this genre.
I did a little research on the previous works by the author and found out that some of the characters here have their own stories from a different series. I quite enjoy it when there is a cross-over; the more interesting personas that you only get a glimpse of from previous stories gives you a chance to learn more about them in the new books. Tyler and Megan’s relationship gets closure in this tale but Amber another Valkyrie agent will carry on with her mission onto the next, Covert Vengeance (Vengeance #2) and I am looking forward to reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed Megan’s story and I am sure you will too.
Reviewed by Anna on behalf of KindleFriendsForever
This is the first book I have read by this author, an action-packed romance with deadly femme fatales; it’s going to be a great rollercoaster thrill ride this one.
When Megan, a Valkyrie operative trained by the government, finds herself back in the game, little did she know that the man assigned to be her partner is somebody from her past. Megan was trained to be the best in her field by a covert military group, and that soon becomes handy when she has to find the traitor who is responsible for selling out the identities of Valkyrie agents.
Tyler is an ex-military who's assigned to work with Megan. His guilt and remorse will make him do whatever he can to make it up to the woman he betrayed in the past. But the highly skilled thief not only steals valuable objects, but will also steal his heart.
What I like about this book is that it is first and foremost an action thriller that features highly- trained female agents, the steamy bed scenes are just a bonus. Megan’s hard-as-nails persona starts to gradually melt when she gets to know more of Tyler’s character and soon learns to trust him. The introduction of other important characters which I think will be featured in the next book adds more dimension to this thriller. The author narrates high-octane action scenes but doesn’t make it too technical for those of us who are not tech-savvy in weapons and logistics, just enough to titillate our senses and whet our appetite for more books of this genre.
I did a little research on the previous works by the author and found out that some of the characters here have their own stories from a different series. I quite enjoy it when there is a cross-over; the more interesting personas that you only get a glimpse of from previous stories gives you a chance to learn more about them in the new books. Tyler and Megan’s relationship gets closure in this tale but Amber another Valkyrie agent will carry on with her mission onto the next, Covert Vengeance (Vengeance #2) and I am looking forward to reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed Megan’s story and I am sure you will too.
November 22, 2023
STEALING VENGEANCE starts off the VENGEANCE series featuring the badass ladies of the shadowy Valkyrie Program. If you’ve read some of Kaylea Cross’ other series then you might already know Briar, Trinity, and Georgia but now we have the chance to meet some of the other deadly government trained assassins and thieves. In this book Trinity is determined to find out who is selling out the identities of some of the Valkyrie to their enemies. She recruits several others including Megan and Tyler who have a rocky history from when Megan completed SERE school (an elite survival behind enemy lines military school). Tyler was temporarily assigned as a SERE instructor during Megan and several other Valkyrie’s training but Tyler had no idea what was really going on behind the scenes or how brutal the Valkyrie trainers were treating the women.
Years later and Megan is still carrying around anger toward Tyler but once they start working together her feelings start to change. I liked how open and upfront Tyler was with his apology and he made it clear that he was on Megan’s side and would do whatever it took to keep her safe. Tyler is pretty much gone for Megan from the start but it takes time for him to prove that he means what he says and that Megan, a total loner, can trust him.
There was lots of action and suspense in STEALING VENGEANCE and I loved the introduction to new characters and can’t wait to meet more of the Valkyries. There’s also a pretty interesting villain in this one and things aren’t as black and white as they appear on the surface.
**ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warning: references to the extreme measures used by the Valkyrie program including sibling separation, lies, manipulation, brain washing, branding, abuse
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Titanium Security
2. Hostage Rescue Team
3. Colebrook Siblings
4. DEA FAST
5. Vengeance
Years later and Megan is still carrying around anger toward Tyler but once they start working together her feelings start to change. I liked how open and upfront Tyler was with his apology and he made it clear that he was on Megan’s side and would do whatever it took to keep her safe. Tyler is pretty much gone for Megan from the start but it takes time for him to prove that he means what he says and that Megan, a total loner, can trust him.
There was lots of action and suspense in STEALING VENGEANCE and I loved the introduction to new characters and can’t wait to meet more of the Valkyries. There’s also a pretty interesting villain in this one and things aren’t as black and white as they appear on the surface.
**ARC provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Content Warning: references to the extreme measures used by the Valkyrie program including sibling separation, lies, manipulation, brain washing, branding, abuse
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Connected Series:
1. Titanium Security
2. Hostage Rescue Team
3. Colebrook Siblings
4. DEA FAST
5. Vengeance
June 3, 2019
A super-secret government program taking orphaned young girls and turning them into black-ops assassins is the basis for Kaylea Cross’s new Valkyrie series.
Having graced graced the pages of her books from time to time, there’s a particular mould that these women seem to fit: doing all that it takes to get the job done, staying solitary, emotionless and distrustful while they’re at it. So similar are they, that it feels like a calculated risk that Cross takes as she finally puts all of them in the spotlight in order to give the Valkyries their own HEAs.
‘Stealing Vengeance’ nonetheless, is a good establishing book, with a slightly different tone and flavour to her previous books and it’s not bad so far. It’s a lot more cloak and dagger, more furtive and evasive though admittedly pushing past the point of suspending disbelief at times, all with the overarching theme of revenge and weeding those responsible for their inhumane actions.
Cross pairs Megan with Ty Bergstrom here in a mission to sniff out traitors—2 characters who only have a fleeting brush with each other over a decade ago, though that was apparently enough to help reignite a spark between them. And given the women’s kind of covert history, there’s also a bit of a role reversal here as the women act pretty much like many male protagonists in the romance genre: distrustful, putting the mission above all and inevitably throwing a wrench in a developing relationship.
Megan did frustrate me from time to time: I didn’t know where her ultimate loyalties lay; that it was inexplicably to a long-lost sister in custody who hadn’t yet proven herself simply made her judgement seem even more dodgy (and not copping any punishment for insubordination seemed somewhat naive…and a constant thing that Cross seems to gloss over in most of her books). And instead of voicing regrets and wishing things could have gone differently, I wished she’d been brave enough at least emotionally to sort herself instead of being a coward—while justifying it with arguments like he deserved better—where Ty was concerned.
There’s not too much we know about Ty’s history on the other hand, only that Cross writes him as far gone over Megan, with an attraction that’s simmering, and apparently so deep that he decides he can’t live without her…and would pay almost any price to keep their relationship. But any conflict between them is quickly resolved and the story ends (almost abruptly) before I could get a convincing feel of the both of them beyond fervent reiterations that Ty really, really wanted to be with Megan, the latter of whom tearfully reciprocates at the last minute.
In all, ‘Stealing Vengeance’ is more than a decent start, even if it didn’t come off as breath-stealing as I’d hope it be. Where Cross takes the story arc however, is something to look forward to.
Having graced graced the pages of her books from time to time, there’s a particular mould that these women seem to fit: doing all that it takes to get the job done, staying solitary, emotionless and distrustful while they’re at it. So similar are they, that it feels like a calculated risk that Cross takes as she finally puts all of them in the spotlight in order to give the Valkyries their own HEAs.
‘Stealing Vengeance’ nonetheless, is a good establishing book, with a slightly different tone and flavour to her previous books and it’s not bad so far. It’s a lot more cloak and dagger, more furtive and evasive though admittedly pushing past the point of suspending disbelief at times, all with the overarching theme of revenge and weeding those responsible for their inhumane actions.
Cross pairs Megan with Ty Bergstrom here in a mission to sniff out traitors—2 characters who only have a fleeting brush with each other over a decade ago, though that was apparently enough to help reignite a spark between them. And given the women’s kind of covert history, there’s also a bit of a role reversal here as the women act pretty much like many male protagonists in the romance genre: distrustful, putting the mission above all and inevitably throwing a wrench in a developing relationship.
Megan did frustrate me from time to time: I didn’t know where her ultimate loyalties lay; that it was inexplicably to a long-lost sister in custody who hadn’t yet proven herself simply made her judgement seem even more dodgy (and not copping any punishment for insubordination seemed somewhat naive…and a constant thing that Cross seems to gloss over in most of her books). And instead of voicing regrets and wishing things could have gone differently, I wished she’d been brave enough at least emotionally to sort herself instead of being a coward—while justifying it with arguments like he deserved better—where Ty was concerned.
There’s not too much we know about Ty’s history on the other hand, only that Cross writes him as far gone over Megan, with an attraction that’s simmering, and apparently so deep that he decides he can’t live without her…and would pay almost any price to keep their relationship. But any conflict between them is quickly resolved and the story ends (almost abruptly) before I could get a convincing feel of the both of them beyond fervent reiterations that Ty really, really wanted to be with Megan, the latter of whom tearfully reciprocates at the last minute.
In all, ‘Stealing Vengeance’ is more than a decent start, even if it didn’t come off as breath-stealing as I’d hope it be. Where Cross takes the story arc however, is something to look forward to.
June 2, 2019
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH INKSLINGER PR. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
I've only really dipped my toe into this author's works, but I can tell that she's a great one in the Romantic Suspense genre. I was pleased to get a copy of this to review!
My biggest complaints are that this book is actually a spin off of 3 other books from 2 different series and that it doesn't fully resolve all plot lines! If I had known this ahead of time, I would not have accepted this book to review, because I really dislike reading books in a series out of order, or reading books that end on a "cliffhanger". While the couple featured in this book had a Happy for Now ending, there was a lot that was left as a hook for the next book in the series.
Setting those complaints aside, the suspense angle of the book was extremely well done! It was a fast paced, pulse pounding, action packed ride, and I really enjoyed reading it! However, the romance angle felt really weak. It seemed that their relationship for the bulk of the book was based on sex and nothing more. It wasn't until the last 15% or so of the book that I actually felt that it was more of a romantic relationship. That being said, I really liked how Tyler was willing to set aside everything for Megan. It was a very noble gesture and one that she really needed to see!
The story kept me engrossed and entertained, which is the main reason why I read. It also left me wanting to read more about this program and women, so I definitely have some catching up to do!
I've only really dipped my toe into this author's works, but I can tell that she's a great one in the Romantic Suspense genre. I was pleased to get a copy of this to review!
My biggest complaints are that this book is actually a spin off of 3 other books from 2 different series and that it doesn't fully resolve all plot lines! If I had known this ahead of time, I would not have accepted this book to review, because I really dislike reading books in a series out of order, or reading books that end on a "cliffhanger". While the couple featured in this book had a Happy for Now ending, there was a lot that was left as a hook for the next book in the series.
Setting those complaints aside, the suspense angle of the book was extremely well done! It was a fast paced, pulse pounding, action packed ride, and I really enjoyed reading it! However, the romance angle felt really weak. It seemed that their relationship for the bulk of the book was based on sex and nothing more. It wasn't until the last 15% or so of the book that I actually felt that it was more of a romantic relationship. That being said, I really liked how Tyler was willing to set aside everything for Megan. It was a very noble gesture and one that she really needed to see!
The story kept me engrossed and entertained, which is the main reason why I read. It also left me wanting to read more about this program and women, so I definitely have some catching up to do!
May 31, 2019
4.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2019
She’s an expert at getting into places she doesn’t belong.
The government created Megan, transforming her into a Valkyrie—a deadly operative only whispered about in certain circles. They took everything from her and made her into a weapon. Now someone is leaking secret information about her sisters-in-arms, betraying them for money. Loyal Unto Death is the Valkyrie motto. So when Megan is recruited to find who leaked the files, she takes the high-risk assignment. Even if it means working with the man who betrayed her trust long ago. Even if it means giving her life. Because she’ll do whatever it takes to find justice.
But this is one situation she can’t escape from on her own.
Tyler Bergstrom never forgot the resourceful woman who escaped during the toughest phase of SERE school. So when he learns the stunning truth about her and his unwitting part in her past, he volunteers to work alongside Megan for a chance at redemption. Except she doesn’t want a partner. Doesn’t want to let anyone into her life, including him—hell, especially him. Yet whether she likes it or not, for this mission they’re partners. Now it’s a race against the clock to bring down the shadowy figure targeting Valkyries. But the threat goes deeper than they ever imagined. No one is safe. And if they can’t overcome the past and learn to trust each other, they’re both dead.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--STEALING VENGEANCE is the first instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult VENGEANCE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of women once known as the Valkyrie-members of a secret government project who are now targeted by an unknown assassin. This is Megan Smith, and former Valkyrie trainer Tyler Bergstrom’s story line. The VENGEANCE series is a spin-off from the author’s HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand but it is recommended to read DISAVOWED (Hostage Rescue Tam #4) for backstory and cohesion.
Told from several third person perspectives including Megan, Tyler and Amber STEALING VENGEANCE focuses on ferreting out the person responsible for the torture and assassination of several former Valkyrie members. Recruited to help locate the person responsible, Megan will come face to face with her former trainer, Tyler Bergstrom, a man she blames for not protecting her when she needed him the most. When the group discover one of their own may be connected to the latest murders, Megan and Tyler are forced to work side by side in an effort to locate and take down the person involved. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tyler and Megan, and the potential fall-out as Tyler’s time with the team comes to a close.
Megan Smith suffered greatly during her time when she trained to become a Valkyrie. The unsanctioned government project ‘stole’ orphaned girls and trained them to become elite assassins and deadly operatives. Believing the project has been terminated only to discover someone was operating behind the scenes, Megan struggles with a direction in life until she is called back to help find a killer in their midst when several former Valkyries are reported missing or dead. Tyler Bergstrom never forgot about Megan Smith but sins of the past forbid our hero from making amends to the woman with whom he would fall in love. Hoping to prove he is worthy of her love, Tyler refuses to let Megan work alone even though the Valkyrie have been trained as solo operatives. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including former SAS veteran Marcus Laidlaw; former Valkyries Briar, Amber, and Trinity Durant, as well as consultant Alex Rycroft.
STEALING VENGEANCE is a story of betrayal and vengeance; retribution and reprisal; second chances, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, action-packed premise is engaging, entertaining, and gripping: the characters are animated and energetic; the romance is passionate and moving. STEALING VENGEANCE is a compelling and dramatic first instalment in Kaylea Cross’ new VENGEANCE series.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 28, 2019
She’s an expert at getting into places she doesn’t belong.
The government created Megan, transforming her into a Valkyrie—a deadly operative only whispered about in certain circles. They took everything from her and made her into a weapon. Now someone is leaking secret information about her sisters-in-arms, betraying them for money. Loyal Unto Death is the Valkyrie motto. So when Megan is recruited to find who leaked the files, she takes the high-risk assignment. Even if it means working with the man who betrayed her trust long ago. Even if it means giving her life. Because she’ll do whatever it takes to find justice.
But this is one situation she can’t escape from on her own.
Tyler Bergstrom never forgot the resourceful woman who escaped during the toughest phase of SERE school. So when he learns the stunning truth about her and his unwitting part in her past, he volunteers to work alongside Megan for a chance at redemption. Except she doesn’t want a partner. Doesn’t want to let anyone into her life, including him—hell, especially him. Yet whether she likes it or not, for this mission they’re partners. Now it’s a race against the clock to bring down the shadowy figure targeting Valkyries. But the threat goes deeper than they ever imagined. No one is safe. And if they can’t overcome the past and learn to trust each other, they’re both dead.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars--STEALING VENGEANCE is the first instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult VENGEANCE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of women once known as the Valkyrie-members of a secret government project who are now targeted by an unknown assassin. This is Megan Smith, and former Valkyrie trainer Tyler Bergstrom’s story line. The VENGEANCE series is a spin-off from the author’s HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand but it is recommended to read DISAVOWED (Hostage Rescue Tam #4) for backstory and cohesion.
Told from several third person perspectives including Megan, Tyler and Amber STEALING VENGEANCE focuses on ferreting out the person responsible for the torture and assassination of several former Valkyrie members. Recruited to help locate the person responsible, Megan will come face to face with her former trainer, Tyler Bergstrom, a man she blames for not protecting her when she needed him the most. When the group discover one of their own may be connected to the latest murders, Megan and Tyler are forced to work side by side in an effort to locate and take down the person involved. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tyler and Megan, and the potential fall-out as Tyler’s time with the team comes to a close.
Megan Smith suffered greatly during her time when she trained to become a Valkyrie. The unsanctioned government project ‘stole’ orphaned girls and trained them to become elite assassins and deadly operatives. Believing the project has been terminated only to discover someone was operating behind the scenes, Megan struggles with a direction in life until she is called back to help find a killer in their midst when several former Valkyries are reported missing or dead. Tyler Bergstrom never forgot about Megan Smith but sins of the past forbid our hero from making amends to the woman with whom he would fall in love. Hoping to prove he is worthy of her love, Tyler refuses to let Megan work alone even though the Valkyrie have been trained as solo operatives. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including former SAS veteran Marcus Laidlaw; former Valkyries Briar, Amber, and Trinity Durant, as well as consultant Alex Rycroft.
STEALING VENGEANCE is a story of betrayal and vengeance; retribution and reprisal; second chances, forgiveness and love. The fast paced, action-packed premise is engaging, entertaining, and gripping: the characters are animated and energetic; the romance is passionate and moving. STEALING VENGEANCE is a compelling and dramatic first instalment in Kaylea Cross’ new VENGEANCE series.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
May 29, 2019
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Stealing Vengeance is the first in a new series, Vengeance . There is all the action and suspense I expect from a Kaylea Cross book, plus a romance. It's a bit of an enemies to lovers but there isn't much hate; that's quickly in the past. Megan and Ty have grown up since then. Plus they are professionals at their work.
There's life and death here, in the military black ops world within an outed program, Valkyries - female assassins. Of course, the women have a variety of skills. Megan is master thief. Amber is a hacker. Apparently, some of the other women will be familiar from the Hostage Rescue Team series . Sadly, I have only managed to read the first book of it and so I don't know them from there.
This book is a little shorter than average. It could have had a few more pages in character development for the supporting characters, but maybe that would give away too much for the rest of the series. I'm not sure I trust all of them, which is probably smart.
Megan and Tyler are great together. They are well-trained, capable people. I liked them. I love Megan's personal growth throughout the book as she has been alone all her life. This mission is exciting and dangerous. It ends just a little abruptly but I'm sure it flows right into Covert Vengeance releasing July 30 which looks like Amber's story. I can't wait!
Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Stealing Vengeance is the first in a new series, Vengeance . There is all the action and suspense I expect from a Kaylea Cross book, plus a romance. It's a bit of an enemies to lovers but there isn't much hate; that's quickly in the past. Megan and Ty have grown up since then. Plus they are professionals at their work.
There's life and death here, in the military black ops world within an outed program, Valkyries - female assassins. Of course, the women have a variety of skills. Megan is master thief. Amber is a hacker. Apparently, some of the other women will be familiar from the Hostage Rescue Team series . Sadly, I have only managed to read the first book of it and so I don't know them from there.
This book is a little shorter than average. It could have had a few more pages in character development for the supporting characters, but maybe that would give away too much for the rest of the series. I'm not sure I trust all of them, which is probably smart.
Megan and Tyler are great together. They are well-trained, capable people. I liked them. I love Megan's personal growth throughout the book as she has been alone all her life. This mission is exciting and dangerous. It ends just a little abruptly but I'm sure it flows right into Covert Vengeance releasing July 30 which looks like Amber's story. I can't wait!
June 18, 2021
I've already read the second book in this series (oopsies) and to be honest, I liked that one a lot more.
Don't get me wrong, I love both Megan and Ty, and I also love them together, but I feel like the suspense just wasn't there. It was pretty boring and I feel like a lot more could have happened. It's a good introduction to the series and it's characters though.
Don't get me wrong, I love both Megan and Ty, and I also love them together, but I feel like the suspense just wasn't there. It was pretty boring and I feel like a lot more could have happened. It's a good introduction to the series and it's characters though.
June 21, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the Vengeance series by Kaylea Cross.
This story focuses around a group of elite women who have been trained from a young age by the government in all manner of different skills. This features Megan who has trained since she was taken from her foster home at the age of five.
Megan has never had a serious relationship and when a covert team approaches her she agrees to help them find the person who is spilling the information about the Valkyries to their enemies and thus causing their death. Megan is assigned a partner named Ty who had been a fill in instructor in her SERE school training. She has a problem with him because during her training he gave her food and then turned her in not knowing by doing that she was beaten and punished. He wants to apologize and this is why he has taken the assignment to be her partner.
This story is called a standalone but it has its beginnings in other books by Cross. I like the whole concept. Intriguing. I thought this book was good. I liked the interaction between Megan and Tyler but the team as a whole was outstanding too.
This book will move straight into the second book called COVERT VENGEANCE featuring Megan’s sister, Amber.
Be aware this is much more covert mission than romance. So if you are in it just for the romance, you may come away disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in the Vengeance series by Kaylea Cross.
This story focuses around a group of elite women who have been trained from a young age by the government in all manner of different skills. This features Megan who has trained since she was taken from her foster home at the age of five.
Megan has never had a serious relationship and when a covert team approaches her she agrees to help them find the person who is spilling the information about the Valkyries to their enemies and thus causing their death. Megan is assigned a partner named Ty who had been a fill in instructor in her SERE school training. She has a problem with him because during her training he gave her food and then turned her in not knowing by doing that she was beaten and punished. He wants to apologize and this is why he has taken the assignment to be her partner.
This story is called a standalone but it has its beginnings in other books by Cross. I like the whole concept. Intriguing. I thought this book was good. I liked the interaction between Megan and Tyler but the team as a whole was outstanding too.
This book will move straight into the second book called COVERT VENGEANCE featuring Megan’s sister, Amber.
Be aware this is much more covert mission than romance. So if you are in it just for the romance, you may come away disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
June 3, 2019
First, I just have to say . . . . AHHHHHH I am so so excited for this series, especially now that I read book one! The entire concept of a secret government agency that takes orphaned girls and turns them into assassins and weapons is a super cool concept and creates one heck of a crazy sisterhood. But, the Valkyries have been disbanded and someone is hunting them so they can’t reveal the truth about the secret government program.
When Megan realizes the program has been exposed, she goes into hiding. But, when she is recruited to help find the remaining Valkyries before it’s too late, she can’t say no, even if it means putting her own life in danger once again.
While she’s always worked alone, for this mission, she is paired with Tyler Bergstrom, the SERE instructor who returned her to her captors when she escaped from them during her training. While he didn’t know what was awaiting her, she never got over the betrayal. And, once Tyler realized just what he returned Megan to, he never forgot her and the role he unwittingly played.
It’s a race against the clock to not only find the remaining Valkyries but also to discover who is hunting them down one at a time. Tyler is willing to do anything he can to help Megan succeed in her mission. He’s always been intrigued by her and now that they’ve come face to face again, he can’t help but to admire her and want more. And, while Megan doesn’t like depending on anyone, she finds herself incredibly attracted to Tyler and realizes that having someone watch her back is a nice change from the lonely life she has lead up until now.
As the danger grows, Megan will need to come to terms with both the betrayals that are uncovered as well as her feelings for Tyler all while she learns to trust in him as a partner and possibly more before the clock runs out.
Stealing Vengeance was a complete thrillride with so many unexpected reveals, I was left with whiplash and wanting the next book in the series now! Megan is such a cool operator who never lets her guard down or trusts in others, so working and depending on a partner is completely foreign to her. I loved watching this struggle as Tyler smashed down all of her walls. She was torn with both wanting and needing him, yet trying to keep her distance to keep him safe and it made for phenomenal drama. And, oh, the reveal regarding Megan’s past . . . .Just WOW!!!!!
Tyler is also no slouch when it comes to covert military operations. I loved watching him battle with himself over needing and wanting to keep Megan safe and letting her operate on her own because she is more than capable and needs her independence. I adored that he never gave up wanting her no matter how many times she tried to push her away. And, his grand gesture was simply perfect and to die for!
Honestly, as a romantic suspense, Stealing Vengeance has it all! And, not only did I fall in love with the characters in this book, I am super excited with the teases we saw of what is to come in the series. 5 stars!
When Megan realizes the program has been exposed, she goes into hiding. But, when she is recruited to help find the remaining Valkyries before it’s too late, she can’t say no, even if it means putting her own life in danger once again.
While she’s always worked alone, for this mission, she is paired with Tyler Bergstrom, the SERE instructor who returned her to her captors when she escaped from them during her training. While he didn’t know what was awaiting her, she never got over the betrayal. And, once Tyler realized just what he returned Megan to, he never forgot her and the role he unwittingly played.
It’s a race against the clock to not only find the remaining Valkyries but also to discover who is hunting them down one at a time. Tyler is willing to do anything he can to help Megan succeed in her mission. He’s always been intrigued by her and now that they’ve come face to face again, he can’t help but to admire her and want more. And, while Megan doesn’t like depending on anyone, she finds herself incredibly attracted to Tyler and realizes that having someone watch her back is a nice change from the lonely life she has lead up until now.
As the danger grows, Megan will need to come to terms with both the betrayals that are uncovered as well as her feelings for Tyler all while she learns to trust in him as a partner and possibly more before the clock runs out.
Stealing Vengeance was a complete thrillride with so many unexpected reveals, I was left with whiplash and wanting the next book in the series now! Megan is such a cool operator who never lets her guard down or trusts in others, so working and depending on a partner is completely foreign to her. I loved watching this struggle as Tyler smashed down all of her walls. She was torn with both wanting and needing him, yet trying to keep her distance to keep him safe and it made for phenomenal drama. And, oh, the reveal regarding Megan’s past . . . .Just WOW!!!!!
Tyler is also no slouch when it comes to covert military operations. I loved watching him battle with himself over needing and wanting to keep Megan safe and letting her operate on her own because she is more than capable and needs her independence. I adored that he never gave up wanting her no matter how many times she tried to push her away. And, his grand gesture was simply perfect and to die for!
Honestly, as a romantic suspense, Stealing Vengeance has it all! And, not only did I fall in love with the characters in this book, I am super excited with the teases we saw of what is to come in the series. 5 stars!
July 29, 2021
I was so looking forward to this book as I like the idea of a kick ass heroine, who is tough and deadly but also soft when she needs to be.
I was disappointed that we did not get to "see" Megan be this bad ass Valkyrie that we are told she is. Yes, she is a very good driver, that scene was awesome but that was it for me.
The 1 time I thought she will shine and be the heroine I was expecting, she got hurt and it took both her and Amber to fight off 1 dude - just no no no !!!!!!! 😏😏😏😏
Megan was a really good thief though, so what happened here 😩😩😩😩😩?!!!
The romance between Megan and Tyler was meh 😳 - nothing to get me excited about. I was taken aback that she was holding a grudge on someone that she met years ago and never had much interaction with thereafter.
It was almost like Kaylea Cross had to put some drama into their very short connection/acquaintance to explain their separation and their reconnection and this was it! LAME
Sadly, this book was mediocre as I was expecting so much more from it based on the high star rating this book got and the premise.
I now so want to read about Trinity, Brair and Georgia. I hope that their books will be better as they have now made me crave a kick ass heroine.
I was disappointed that we did not get to "see" Megan be this bad ass Valkyrie that we are told she is. Yes, she is a very good driver, that scene was awesome but that was it for me.
The 1 time I thought she will shine and be the heroine I was expecting, she got hurt and it took both her and Amber to fight off 1 dude - just no no no !!!!!!! 😏😏😏😏
Megan was a really good thief though, so what happened here 😩😩😩😩😩?!!!
The romance between Megan and Tyler was meh 😳 - nothing to get me excited about. I was taken aback that she was holding a grudge on someone that she met years ago and never had much interaction with thereafter.
It was almost like Kaylea Cross had to put some drama into their very short connection/acquaintance to explain their separation and their reconnection and this was it! LAME
Sadly, this book was mediocre as I was expecting so much more from it based on the high star rating this book got and the premise.
I now so want to read about Trinity, Brair and Georgia. I hope that their books will be better as they have now made me crave a kick ass heroine.
May 31, 2019
4.5⭐
Stealing Vengeance the first book in Kaylea Cross's new Vengeance series, which features the girls from the Valkyrie program was a great read. That grabbed me from the start and never let go. Thanks to plenty of action, great characters, both old and new and a storyline that was fast paced and exciting to read. And I'm really looking forward to reading more from this series in the future, and I would happily recommend it to others, especially to anyone who is a fan of Elaine Levine's Red Team series.
Also, if you want to read more about the original Valkyries you should definitely check out Trinity's story Brody's Vow, Briar's stories Disavowed and Guarded, and Georgia's story Betrayed if you haven't already.
Stealing Vengeance the first book in Kaylea Cross's new Vengeance series, which features the girls from the Valkyrie program was a great read. That grabbed me from the start and never let go. Thanks to plenty of action, great characters, both old and new and a storyline that was fast paced and exciting to read. And I'm really looking forward to reading more from this series in the future, and I would happily recommend it to others, especially to anyone who is a fan of Elaine Levine's Red Team series.
Also, if you want to read more about the original Valkyries you should definitely check out Trinity's story Brody's Vow, Briar's stories Disavowed and Guarded, and Georgia's story Betrayed if you haven't already.
March 24, 2020
Another great read by Ms. Cross. I have read her previous books and she has mentioned the Valkyries before. In this book we meet Megan a Valkyrie who has been betrayed. and is trying to find out who is leaking information about her organization. She meets up with Tyler , with whom, she felt deceived her. Tyler was not aware that he had hurt and jumps at the chance to work with her again. This was a great story and as usual Ms. Cross does not disappoint! Loved it! 4 solid stars*****
*****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley******
*****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley******
June 3, 2019
Thrilling ride from beginning to end!
Cross' writing throws you right into the thick of the action and doesn't hold anything back.
Full Review: https://shahlas-world.blogspot.com/20...
Cross' writing throws you right into the thick of the action and doesn't hold anything back.
Full Review: https://shahlas-world.blogspot.com/20...
March 26, 2021
At 66% I remain ambivalent- nothing fundamentally wrong with the story, but nothing keeping me hooked either and I just can’t be bothered to carry on... Kaylea Cross is a new to me Author and I may read another book of hers in the future, but I’m certainly not rushing out to buy another...
July 14, 2022
Since I’ve enjoyed other books by this author, I was surprised by how hard this book was for me to finish. I really like the premise of the highly trained female assassin program. I wonder if it was inspired by Black Widow and other Widows in the Marvel universe. Sadly, the character development was so superficial that I really didn’t care about the characters except in the first bit and then again 90% of the way through the book. Was it a bad book? A bad series? It was published May 2019, so it shouldn’t be an early writing issue. It was published around the same time as her Crimson Point series. I’m not sure if I’m willing to read more in this series to see if it improves. Anyway, I read the ebook. 2.5/5.
July 9, 2019
2 stars - Romantic Suspense
November 9, 2024
3,5/5
Interesting setting and characters, perhaps a bit rushed.
Interesting setting and characters, perhaps a bit rushed.
January 4, 2020
3.25 stars.
I'm a huge Kaylea Cross fan but I think this series is just not my cuppa. I prefer her strong female and male characters that are also emotionally balanced and have a strong moral code.
I'm a huge Kaylea Cross fan but I think this series is just not my cuppa. I prefer her strong female and male characters that are also emotionally balanced and have a strong moral code.
May 31, 2019
A new series that will have you on the edge of your seat, or keep you up all night reading.
This book opens with an introduction of sorts. Trinity, Georgia and Briar are three of the original Valkyries, they are now 'retired' but a situation has come up requiring their special skills. Their boss Alex Rycroft is coordinating the operation to find a very skilled hacker who has put all of them in jeopardy. This is going to require more than just them since the fact that they work alone would give them away.
Megan is a Valkyrie created to be a master thief with the ultimate survival skills. She has gone into hiding at a friend's home in England after a scandal broke involving high level officials.
As bodies start piling up, Rycroft contacts Marcus in order to set up a meeting with Megan and set her up with a partner.
Tyler is known to Megan as an instructor from years ago, she also remembers his betrayal. When Tyler found out what he had returned her to he volunteered for this mission. He needs to apologize and do what he can to help and protect the woman he never really forgot.
Fast-paced, suspenseful with many twists and turns as Megan and Tyler team up and begin a relationship beyond just a working one.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
This book opens with an introduction of sorts. Trinity, Georgia and Briar are three of the original Valkyries, they are now 'retired' but a situation has come up requiring their special skills. Their boss Alex Rycroft is coordinating the operation to find a very skilled hacker who has put all of them in jeopardy. This is going to require more than just them since the fact that they work alone would give them away.
Megan is a Valkyrie created to be a master thief with the ultimate survival skills. She has gone into hiding at a friend's home in England after a scandal broke involving high level officials.
As bodies start piling up, Rycroft contacts Marcus in order to set up a meeting with Megan and set her up with a partner.
Tyler is known to Megan as an instructor from years ago, she also remembers his betrayal. When Tyler found out what he had returned her to he volunteered for this mission. He needs to apologize and do what he can to help and protect the woman he never really forgot.
Fast-paced, suspenseful with many twists and turns as Megan and Tyler team up and begin a relationship beyond just a working one.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
May 28, 2019
Stealing your heart more like it💕
Megan has gone to ground after the Valkyrie program is revealed and has been staying hidden....that is until she is tracked down by no other than one of our favourite females, Trinity. However, Trinity brings someone with her who Megan has tried to put in her past and forget about!
Tyler has signed up voluntarily to help Megan with an op, especially after he found out what happened to her when he was her instructor twelve years ago. But the attraction between them grows and grows until neither one can deny their feelings😍
Absolutely loved the start of this series and some superb twists I did not see coming which really enhanced the story....not to mention a few cameos from some old favourites too❣️A big thank you to Kaylea as I was fortunate enough to win an ARC in a FB giveaway and I willingly leave my honest review. I look forward to Amber’s story next with much anticipation😁
Megan has gone to ground after the Valkyrie program is revealed and has been staying hidden....that is until she is tracked down by no other than one of our favourite females, Trinity. However, Trinity brings someone with her who Megan has tried to put in her past and forget about!
Tyler has signed up voluntarily to help Megan with an op, especially after he found out what happened to her when he was her instructor twelve years ago. But the attraction between them grows and grows until neither one can deny their feelings😍
Absolutely loved the start of this series and some superb twists I did not see coming which really enhanced the story....not to mention a few cameos from some old favourites too❣️A big thank you to Kaylea as I was fortunate enough to win an ARC in a FB giveaway and I willingly leave my honest review. I look forward to Amber’s story next with much anticipation😁
December 31, 2019
The new "Vengeance Series" by Kaylea Cross made an exceptional start with the first "Stealing Vengeance". And what a brilliant storyline!
Megan and Tyler, two strong individuals, two amazingly courageous people and with a past that has so many questions, and a present with more betrayal and unanswered questions, both have the deadly task of weeding out the evil among them.
A definite read and Kaylea Cross outshines herself with this new series!
Received an ARC from the author via NetGalley for an honest review.
Megan and Tyler, two strong individuals, two amazingly courageous people and with a past that has so many questions, and a present with more betrayal and unanswered questions, both have the deadly task of weeding out the evil among them.
A definite read and Kaylea Cross outshines herself with this new series!
Received an ARC from the author via NetGalley for an honest review.
May 30, 2019
Love this new series. Leaning about how the valkeries started you totally feel for these woman
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