Retribution

Youngblood #2

by Monique Orgeron

My retribution may be over, but my future remains controlled by my past.

Stripped of everything, I paid penance for a crime that wasn't mine.
But in our world, the son always pays for the father's sins.
My need for revenge blinded me.
Faced with the truth, I was forced to make a choice that went against what I'd fought so hard for.
With my atonement complete, I'm asked what would make me happy.
The problem is, I had happiness once and the very person who gave it to me is the same one who robbed me of it by leaving.
The girl I loved with all my heart and now hate with all I am.

How can I look forward when I'm tortured by memories of her?

Now she's back.

Sometimes love isn't good for you.

Sometimes, you have to love yourself enough to see the destruction ahead and simply move out of the way.
I once loved a boy who was determined to continually hurt himself.
For a chance to prove himself worthy.
His choices opened my eyes to see the years of pain and hurt the future held.
Leaving, I took a risk for a better future, but my return unravels a spiral of betrayal.
Leaving me at their mercy. 

**This book is not a standalone. It is book 2 of the Youngblood series.** 

**The Youngblood series is a spin-off series of the Stern Family Saga**

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2019

About the author

Monique Orgeron is a Contemporary Romance w/ suspense author. Stern Family Saga

Written by Monique Orgeron’s eldest, most beautiful, and intelligent daughter. (My sister is going to hate this part.)
My mom happens to be the most caring, loving, and stubborn person I know, well anyone knows. She gives 100% percent of herself to everyone and has given up so much of herself for my sister and I. For twenty-one years she has poured her heart and soul into making sure we know that we are loved and that we can do anything we put our minds too, but it was about time she figured that out about herself.
Up until this year I hadn’t seen my mom do anything for only her, but this book has allowed her to travel the world through the pages of a book, make new friends, and feel the joy of doing something exciting.
There is a new light behind her eyes and it is just making me feel more joy than she can ever imagine. While she might be annoying most of the time, I am so thrilled that she is finally allowing herself to grow as a person and not spend all of her energy on her family.
It has been a long journey of self-discovery for my mom; she has gone from domestic supermom to domestic goddess throughout the process of writing.
We are so very excited and proud of you! I love you as big as the world.
-Bria and Tony

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Reviews

[Lynn Thinking out loud · Rating 5 out of 5]

***This book has me so messed up.

I'm not sure who to cheer for, who to cry for, who to hate, who to love.
They all have good reason to be doing what they are doing, at least Shane and Jolie. Teddy yeah he's still on my shit list.
But I know Shane still loves her. If he didn't he wouldn't still hate her so passionately. There is a fine line between love and hate.

[Wickedly Sweet & Synful Book Blog Synclare Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retribution was killer!
Just effing killer!
My emotions were all over the place.
I can’t say much without mentioning spoilers...ugggh.
I can and will say the Youngblood series is my favorite!
Also, Jolie is a twatwaffle.
So get your read on with Redemption to prepare for Retribution.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 5/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5
Secondary Characters~ 5/5
The Feels~ 5/5
Pacing~ 5/5
Addictiveness~5/5
Angst~ 5/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5
Theme or Tone~ 5/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5
Originality~ 5/5
Ending~ 5/5 Cliffhanger- Grand Canyon big!
Book Cover~ Sexy AF
Series~ Youngblood
Source~ Kindle eBook - ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes

[Rachel Talavera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book that I read by this author I am convinced they can’t get any better. But this book is EPIC !! I can’t wait for the next book.

[Bozena · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! 🤯 Ive just finished this second book in the Youngblood series and am speechless 😶 and shocked 😳 and oh my goodness it was so unbelievable good 😍❤
This mafia romance takes it to a very new level of excitement.
This book is just perfect!!! ❤
I loved Shane from other books by Monique, but his own story just killed it. This book ends with a cliffhanger, so his story is not finished yet, but wow...
I swear, every new book that Monique writes get just better and better. This book was so damn exciting that I could not stop reading. This story was unbelievable gripping and
the emotions, feelings and heartbreak were really relentless from the beginning to the end. You are bombarded on all sides by disasters and dramas without any hope of mercy or salvation. It's twisted and unpredictable, but has also a damn ridiculous hard and sad backstory.
I'm so ridiculous emotionally involved in this book, that I don't know how to describe it property. This book has all I love in a book but unfortunately not a HEA 😞
I hope it will happen in the next part Monique!!! 🤨
I can't give you much more without spoiling this story for you.
So for all mafia romances lovers, this amazing book is definitely a must read for you.
I would recommend to read it after the Stern Family Saga for better understanding the family dynamics (trust me the series is really good) and of course you have to read the first book in Youngblood series before.

[Ana Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn’t read the first couple’s book because I wasn’t in the mood to read another sexist crap where the guy is practically a walking sexually transmitted disease and there’s another pathetic virginal stereotype. So I skipped straight to the second book which is the first in the trilogy between Shean (H) and Jolie (dooooormat h):

Fifteen years ago h left pregnant after being threatened and harassed several times by H's best friend and after seeing H kill a man with his own hands after a fight (I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't want a man like that close to my son too) anyway..
Years pass and after all this time she comes back because she needs protection for their son.


I was hoping to read a story about the mafia but I wasn't. Just another cliché. Do you hope that after she left he would suffer a lot or regret something? NOP. He manages to join the mafia family, which's what he always wanted, becomes the owner of a sex club and enjoys many, many, many, many, many other women (often several of them at the same time) and even shares some of them with the best friend (the H of first book, and still best friend, who separated him from the great love of his life and who confessed to sleeping with h, which was a lie, but H didn’t know that) So yes, we have the hypocritical camaraderie ever, "h" is a bitch who abandoned him and his best friend is the "brother" who helped H get rid of the trash. Oh and h for all these years he was vegetating because of H and was just with one man who of course, was another abusive idiot.🤦‍♀️

So she is back, he's furious because she left bla, bla, bla, never will forgive her bla bla bla has sex with other women, gets excited while massaging his best friend's pregnant wife in front of the h, kisses make out with the same woman and still lust after his boss's wife. All this while he treats h as disposable garbage during the 3 books and she is wrapped around him like a pathetic puppy with attention crumbs. If there is any romance here I am still waiting to read.

The adorable scene ahead is between H and OW / Fallon (his boss's wife) after he has reunited with h again and his son:
..........

Knocking on the door, Jeffery opens it but it’s Fallon who welcomes me in, being the perfect lady of the estate.

“Shane, it’s good to see you. It’s been a while since you’ve been by.”
(...)
She nods and I decide to change the subject. If there is any woman out there who can take away my worries it would be her and after the failed attempt from the woman in my bed last night, I could sure use a guaranteed distraction and flirting with Fallon has always been a fun past time."

“Where’s Gabriel? He wanted to see me.”

“He’s in his office, waiting for you.”

Lifting a brow, I tell her, “Well in that case, you’re looking beautiful as ever, Fallon.”

Deciding to take advantage, I lean down and kiss her hand, instantly feeling her shudder, which brings a smile to my face. Fallon is an incredible woman, perfect for every aspect of this life. And as such, it takes a hell of a man to handle a woman like her, someone like her husband, Gabriel or someone like me. That tiny shudder tells me, she knows it, too. It also tells me there is a mutual appreciation between us. It’s the same reason she pulls her hand out of mine quickly and why she always tries to keep an appropriate distance but always teetering right on the edge. With me though, there is nowhere she can run.

Shame really, if mommy dearest wouldn’t have handpicked her for Gabriel, handing her over to him on a silver platter, she’d be mine if I’d chosen for her to be. Her beauty might precede her, but the first night I met her, I saw just enough mystery to hold my interest. But Catherine did, and she is his. I’ll respect it but I can still enjoy the attraction we have for each other because it’s definitely double sided.

“Come on, Gabriel’s waiting. Would you like me to show you the way?”

This is how we’re going to play this?She knows I know the way but who am I to deny her?

“You may show me anything you’d like.”

Fallon gives me an almost conniving smile. She’s the kind of woman who relishes in knowing a man is attracted to her. She believes I’m in her web. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I pull her close to my side as we start walking towards Gabriel’s office. Does she honestly not realize that her breathe hitches when I touch her or that her skin becomes flushed? I bet if I slid my hand down to her wrist her pulse rate would be escalated. How much is she lying to herself? This is my game, my web. A woman like Fallon attracts many men but it takes a beast of a man to attract her. She only gets wet for men that are titans. Men that are stone cold and reek of power and are very assured of themselves.

The webs people weave and the deceit we tell ourselves is one of the things I’ve hated most in my life. It’s also how I make money, how I rose to the top. It’s what my whole business is based on.

I fulfill needs, wants, and desires. They go to work, church, and they live a normal life built on lies. I allow them to escape their reality and live out their debauchery. I give them the fantasy and in return, I own them; turning everyone’s desires against them only for my benefit. Fallon might be a seductress, but I am the master. Hedonism is an art; one I take full advantage of. Using pleasure as my tool. Catherine taught Fallon well, but I’m sure there is so much more she can learn. Does Gabriel use her to her full potential? Does he milk her dry when he’s between her legs? Does he know all her buttons to push in order to bring her to the stars and moon then let her land safely in his arms? So many questions I would love to discover. But they all vanish when we come upon Gabriel’s door and then a single thought of Jolie pops into my head. One of me, barely scratching the surface on her sexual discovery. I wonder if she ever found man to explore her fantasies with. It brings on a rage in me like no other. Those explorations should’ve only have been with me. I would have made damn sure she discovered each and every one."

.........


This and MANY OTHER scenes show that if you want to read a book about a man tormented by the loss of the great love of his life, this is definitely not the book for you. 🤢🤮🤦‍♀️

[Literary Temptations · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY RATING: 5 MOTHER FUCKING Stars
TITLE: Retribution
AUTHOR: Monique Orgeron
SERIES: Youngblood Series
RELEASE DATE: 01 August 2019
CLIFFHANGER: Yes



Do yourself a favour and read this book. This shit right here, is some next level shit. I’m ashamed to say Youngblood series is my first encounter with Monique Orgeron. And you know that feeling when you unexpectedly find a gem of a book and you find yourself contemplating all your life decisions that have delayed this discovery? That’s me right now. I’ve only read two of Monique’s book and it’s clear she’s the queen of writing nuanced and mind blowing characters. She’s definitely going into my auto-buy list. This is book two of the Youngblood Series and it tells the story of a young Shane’s life and the struggles he encountered paying for his father’s sins, how he overcame and became a man feared and respected by his peers.



We met Shane Toups in book one of the series; Redemption as Teddy’s best friend. Fuelled by anger and thirsty for revenge, Shane and Teddy’s plans to inflict revenge on their enemies has been the fuel that drives them since they were kids. His anger runs so deep it made his hands a lethal weapon. Until a pretty girl moves across the street from his house, Shane has never questioned anything he did or intended to do to exert his revenge. But he’s so engrossed in his plans that, while blinded by rage he does something that drives away the love of his life. When she suddenly vanishes from his life without a trace, Shane loses his mind looking for her to no avail. Fifteen years later, Shane still can’t move on from the girl who was his everything. When he comes face to face with her after all this time, his anger is ten-fold. The two people he loved and cared for more than anything have lied to him and as more truths come out, they’re more than what he bargained for. He’s drowning in a concoction of emotions; anger, lost, happy, betrayal, confusion. So he tries really hard to find his answers in whiskey. But how does he begin to reconcile? Does he even want to?



Jolie Marie Savoie has been in love with Shane the minute she set eyes on him at fourteen years old. Two years older, Shane didn’t want to know. Borne into a family where her father came and went leaving a trail of destruction, Jolie resorted to dangerous measures to help the family stay afloat after his departure. Fortunately for her it pissed Shane off-which meant it got his attention on her. Deny as he might, Shane eventually noticed Jolie. Fearful for his life and her own, when she witnesses a side of Shane she’s never seen or want to see again, she makes the hard decision to walk away; leaving a trail of broken hearts behind with the help of an enemy. Fifteen years later, she’s in trouble and the only safe place she can think of is to the man she ran away from all those years ago. But when he discovers the secrets she’s kept from him all these year, Shane can barely look at her without wanting to strangle her.



Shane and Jolie’s story is complicated. I want to say their love for each other is so strong but Shane is so consumed by anger I’m not even sure he feels it anymore or it is just denial. The suspense, twists and turns; you get everything you need and want from a mafia story. Shane’s loneliness and sadness is palpable. It’s almost heart-breaking. You can tell Jolie really did a number on him, leaving him merely existing not living. Couple that with a fucked up childhood, I found myself rooting for Shane. I kept thinking Shane



Lord knows he deserves a happy ending. But he’s so consumed by anger he doesn’t see straight.
As for Jolie, I don’t know what to make of her yet. I think she’s more certain of her love for Shane than he is of his feelings. It’s clear she’s angry and disappointed in herself for what she did to him, she still loves him. But what I’m unclear of is why she left so abruptly and without a word to anyone and stayed away for 15 years? Could it really solely be because of what he saw Shane do or what Teddy said to her afterwards? Don’t get me wrong; what Shane did was fucked up but it feels like there’s more to it than that. I mean her mother died and she didn’t even come to her funeral. It had to be a bloody good reason to keep her away for that long. Now she’s running away from something- whatever it is, it’s big enough for her to risk the wrath of Shane.

I loved loved loved that we still got to see Teddy and Ashlyn featured quite significantly in this book. It seems her writing style intertwines quite significantly, the characters from her previously books; even from a different series and I love that. So when Gabriel threw a decree of how shit is about to go down, much to Shane’s astonishment I thought



But ofcourse that motherfucking cliffhanger



And then I looked at the publishing date on this book and found out it only came out august first and I thought

I have to wait another few months yet.

[Tara Horowitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been dying for this book since I knew Shane was getting his own story. And then with the way Teddy’s story ended I need this book more then anything.

Monique as done it again with Shane and Jolie. The way she can capture everything and bring it all to life is a true talent. Their story is full of angst, emotions and mind blowing events that will leave you with your jaw on the floor.

We get answers we were look for from the end of Teddy’s book but we are given more questions that we won’t have the answer to till the next book. Yes that’s right Jolie and Shane will have a second book Restitution and I’m dying to find out what is gonna happen.

I will say this yes we get to see more of Teddy and Ashlyn. We also get a few of the Sterns making an appearance.

Also getting to know more of Gunner it’s definitely getting me anxious for his book.

I highly recommend this book and all of Monique’s books. 5 billion stars

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is not only Shane’s but a continuation of Teddy and the struggles the two have faced as they strived to fit in. This story, like the others, is full of alphaholes, the strong women, “the family business” and the machinations of many trying to obtain power, respect and perhaps maybe happiness(if they can get out of their own way. For the first time reading this series, I have conflicting emotions about the heroine. Like all the Stern women she is strong, like any single mom who is completely alone in the world would be, but unlike any of the others she seems unable to really think things through.

The author does not fail in developing characters, situations that will make you feel a large range of emotions, including wanting to give all the characters “and lGibs” smack on the back of the head especially Jolie. This book leaves you begging for the next step of the journey

[Chantell Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shane, a man shunned and stripped of his birthright won't be denied any longer. Faced with the many truths of his past, he will take what is his. Damn the risks. And when the aching memories of the innocent love he once felt is now the deciding factor of his future, will his legacy remain the priority?

Jolie, a girl forced to grow up in poverty due to the crap hand she was dealt is faced with making the decisions for her future. Young love leaves you blind and insecure. Is she capable of handling the consequences of those choices or will she find herself back in the web she desperately tried to escape?

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monique NEVER disappoints and Shane's story is no different. Retribution is Shane's story and what a story it is. While Teddy may have saught redemption in the last book, he still has one more secret to reveal. Will this break his and Shane's bond? Will Shane be able to recover from this? I have wanted Shane's story from his first appearance so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this. I loved it and I cannot wait for the continuation!

[Amanda Lindsey Bursting Bookshelf Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the first series and this spinoff has me just as on edge and entranced from beginning to end! Shane, Jolie and Teddy as well as some familiar characters pop up in this amazing book within the series! From beginning to end, page to page, word to word it held on and pulled me into the story! Holy hell!!!! Amazeballs!!!! I love this author!

[Vickie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I absolutely loved every word! The emotions that will be wrung from you as you read about Shane and Jolie. This book was intense and engrossing from the start. It was perfection!

[Denise Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Shane and Jolie . This book blew my mind ! Monique has all these characters that are true to the books she has written in the past and I cried at the dealership while reading this book , a tear jerker . Heart wrenching scenes and act

[Sharron Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retribution does not disappoint Shane is not a new character if you have read the previous book Redemption and are familiar with the Stern Family Saga you would be aware of him and his family history. Shane had spent his childhood paying for something he didn't commit, the sins of the father follow the son.

Now a man, he wants what believes is rightfully his, he has proved himself he thinks but....

A powerhouse of a story with a maelstrom of emotions, the seeds of which through deeds or actions were sown years ago.

Jollie I found her to be just as conflicted bound by past actions, now is back not willingly.

Wow the hate between Jollie and Shane was so viseral you could taste it and smell it. You feels Shane's hurt but part of you finds it difficult to agree with Jollie's actions although you may have empathy. Will she have consequences to face?

Although the protagonists are adults this is about them making that journey to retribution their internal monologues from the past give you insight into their present reactions and actions. The unresolved pain, confusion, hurt from betrayal and loss of trust is as fresh today as it was when they were teenagers.

I really don't want to give any of the plot away.

My recommendation is to read Retribution it is not a standalone and does end on a cliff hanger. A clever cliff hanger that makes you want the second book.

Book one 5 stars.

[Jolene St Germain Triggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Can Ms. Orgeron tell a story or can she tell a story! This is next level right here. She is weaving us a tale of a group of people who aren’t always the good type you always root for. Shane and Jolie are intense, complicated, and their romance isn’t a slam dunk. You will spend half this book not sure if they deserve each other or a happy ending. They both do bad things, and their motives aren’t always pure, but to me that makes this gritty story all the more real. Personal growth seems to be a big theme in all Ms. Orgeron’s books. Lets face it, all of us have made choices we regret, with the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. We’ve all made some decision that we look back on with regret. Do we forgive ourselves and accept it as an essential part of our growth as a human, or do we continually torture ourselves with it? Its a question for the ages for sure and its prevalent in this book. These two have a long and bumpy road ahead of them if they are destined for each other and I for one can’t wait to see them cross that finish line!

[Sarah - Kindle and Koffee Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh Shane's story, this was always going to be an interesting tale given some of the events his father was involved in. As with all mafia stories the son is tarnished with the crimes of his father. So Shane has a huge chip on his shoulder and a lot to prove. He has to be bigger, stronger and a formidable force. Her bows to no one and I just loved the strength exuding from every pore.

A true Alpha; even when Jolie re-enters his life; its a refreshing change to see the hero not going all doey eyed over 'the one that got away'; the hate Shane harbours for Jolie runs deep and this is evident in the writing. I preferred Shane's story to Teddy's just because I felt the writing and the story telling was a lot gritter, something to sink my teeth in to. There's a whole lot of backstory with these two as well which I find quite endearing, a little bit of YA. As well as the time Jolie was away... we have had a carrot dangled in front of us..... and once again finishing on a cliffhanger. Monique has left us hanging!!

[Dianna Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...That is all that I have to say. This is book 2 in the Youngblood series and is Shane's story. It centers on things that happened when Teddy and Shane were younger and one of them made a decision about what was best for the other without the other one knowing. Fast forward to now and Shane always wondering about the girl that got away and is now faced with what happened all those years ago. Then throw in Gabriel and his decree on how things will go and you have an explosive story with so many twists and turns you don't see coming. Marie's writing keeps getting better and better as do the stories. The emotion in these books will have you laughing and crying and then shaking your head because you didn't see that coming. I can not wait for the next book to see what happens with Shane, Teddy Jolie and everyone else. You need to read this series you will not be sorry.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G. What an amazing journey! I am exhausted after reading this! I feel like I need a stiff drink, and I don't even drink! I swear I love of all Monique's guys, but Shane just might be by new favorite! What can I say? I love me a broody, slightly damaged alpha male! And don't even get me started on Jolie! What a kick ass heroine! Are these two perfect? Heck no! But..they just might be perfect for one another. I must admit that I spent half of this book wanting to kick both of their asses, and the other half with my fingers crossed hoping these two would find their happily ever after. Of course, this is just part of their story, so we will have to wait for the next book to discover how it all plays out. Mooonique! I need this next book ASAP! #teamshalie!!

[Maria11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars but I am mad!

MAD! I read till I was at the end then I got to the end and I am not happy! A cliffhanger, a cliffhanger, DAMN! I should have known, but I blindly threw caution to the wind and all my house cleaning chores had to wait, so I could read this book and for what?! A cliffhanger! Arghhhhhh!!!!!!!!

I would like the choke all the characters for their manipulating ways, lies, stubbornness, and their lack of forgiveness. They all are their own worst enemy and everyone suffers around them especially themselves. Great writing keeps you reading. Of course I will read the next.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, where to start with this review! This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Shane and Jolie’s story. I always knew that Shane’s story would be a humdinger, but I never anticipated how much! Shane is tarnished by the crimes of his father, and thinks he has a lot to prove as an individual. This is a wonderful story which is heart-wrenching, gritty, raw, and is filled with angst and suspense, which leads to an emotional roller coaster journey throughout. Some questions are answered in this story and many are not, so I cannot wait for the next book in this intriguing and addictive series.

[NC Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all, this book..... THIS BOOK!
Shane is that mysterious man we’ve all been dying to find out about. I loved every single minute of this one. I’m really trying hard not to give anything away so I’ll just say this: Do not start this book assuming or predicting a damn thing. Monique is a tricky one and will blow your thoughts to shit. Predicting anything in any of her books is pointless, she’s good like that.

*This is a book two in the Youngblood series, you should read book one first.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly!!!! I am in just awe of monique's creativity and the stories she comes up with. I have never read every single book from an author and have loved them all until monique. I seriously cannot wait to see what Shane does. For now I could care less for gunner but Sean and Jolie, yes what is gonna happen? I am so in love with this mafia storyline I dont ever want it to end. Great job again hun and you know I will be buying a hard copy of this book just like the rest.

[Julie Melton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enthralling addition to the Youngblood Series. I loved Shane, even if I may have wanted to throw my kindle a couple of times while reading his story. It almost seemed like his world was crumbling around him, or maybe it's just crumbling into place. I can't wait to see what's next for Shane. Jolie, Sean and even Teddy.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Love Shane! I think he's kind of a butt, but for good reason and ohhh so sexy!! With Teddy and Ashlyn in the picture and the addition of Jolie, there is all kinds of feels in this book! So much depth to this book, you won't be able to put it down!! Another exceptional read in this series!

[Tina Hamlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!!! You can not help but fall in love with Shane and Jolie. The twists and turns in this 2nd book will leave you stunned and craving the next one. Monique doesn't disappoint, as always. You wont want to put it down!!

[Jennifer - You Can't Resista Dirty Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retribution is book 2 in the Youngblood series – a spin off from the Stern Family Saga.   I am a huge fan of the Stern series. It was such an intense drama fuelled legacy story. This series is following the stories of the “Youngblood’s”.  These are the men below the underbosses in the Mafia family tree, trying to make names for themselves and learn the inner workings of the family network.  You will have been introduced to them in the Stern saga. You have been treated to Teddy’s story now let’s meet Shane. Be prepared for a rollercoaster of a ride as wee delve into Shanes past through flashbacks to find out how he became the man he is today.  Deception and betrayal are the name of the game, you need to hold onto your hats coz it’s going to be a whirlwind.

Shane has worked very hard to become the man he is today.  Running a highly successful Fantasy Club, and trying to work his way through the ranks to his rightful place at the top.  He has not always so eager to get in line but somewhere along the way he decided that all the hate and anger that he directed towards the Sterns was going to do nothing but most likely get him killed in the end.  After all the planning and underhanded things he and Teddy did behind the Stern’s back he has decided to let it go.

Unfortunately for Shane secrets are about to be revealed that are going to knock his world of kilter.  Boy oh boy are they big, life changing secrets. Everything he thought he knew about his life has one manipulation after then other to keep him “in line” and on board with Teddy’s plans for revenge.  This friendship is about to be tested in the hardest of ways and Shane’s entire life is about to change in the blink of an eye.

A gritty, intense story that will have you glued to the pages until the last.  Highly addictive!

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retribution is the second novel in the Youngblood series by Monique Orgeron.  This story follows Shane and how he's finally on the verge of regaining his father's territory and becoming a permanent part of the Sterns' organization.  He has spent years building his own empire and working towards this moment, driving away the love of his life, Jolie, in the process.  But now Jolie is back, and brings to light her and his best friend Teddy's betrayal from 16 years before that completely rocks Shane's world.  This book had so much going on and kept my eyes glued to the pages.  You can't even completely figure out what is happening until you finally reach a much anticipated confrontation.  And there is so much more left to learn with the next book.  You are left wondering what will Shane do and will he really throw away everything he's worked his entire life for, along with defying the Sterns?  I can't wait for the conclusion!! 

[Janet Harrall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think this series can't get any better, Shanes story unfolds. I never really thought much of Shane but having read more about him my mind changed. Deep under his hard exterior was a man that wanted love and a family and to belong. He fights for what he wants and sometimes in life we get what we don't expect. Jolie is a big blast from his past . Not only does he hate her but she brings back a huge secret with her. . I loved the fierce interaction with Shane, Jolie and Teddy but as the story unfolds I think there is more to Shane's feeling that hate!!. The three of them have a lot of explaining to do and it's going to take a lot to put things right. I feel like I'm part of this family as a lot of the characters appear in each book. Monique is a truly talented author and sucks you right into her stories. This is a must read!!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! This book is fantastic! Ms Orgeron tells great stories about made men and their families. You can feel all the drama, suspense, hate and love. Shane has been trying to earn his father’s territory back since it was ripped from his grasp. He fought the his way back and made it in his own way with a sex club, underground fighting and high stakes gambling. He now finds he’s missed out and wants a family. Only to find out his former neighbor/girlfriend left him 16 years ago pregnant with his child. Jolie has returned and is on the run from someone or something bad. Teddy had a part in her leaving and that causes Shane to hate and want to kill both Jolie and Teddy. This book has lots of memories from all of them growing up. It does end in a big cliffhanger and I can’t wait for the next book.

[BooksCastleIgnite · Rating 5 out of 5]

And Monique has done it again!! Five stars indeed!!!

I swear this lady has a freaking magical 🧙‍♀️ wand, where you become more obsessed with each character, even when you want to smack and hate them lmao! 😂

I love this spinoff series and I can’t wait for what Monique will bring next!!

I can definitely tell you that you will not be disappointed, nor want to be disturb as you read this phenomenal book!!

Every time someone called for me I gave them the evil look 👀 because I refused to put this book down!!

So if you haven’t read any of Monique’s books I tell you now is a must!!!

Go download, sit and enjoy the ride of these amazing, hot, crazy, and loyal characters till the end!!

Bookscastleignite ♥️
~Jen