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Drew Family #1
Her Revenge
Fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers will love this gripping new book from Emma Tallon, set in the same world as her bestselling Tyler Family series.
There’s a new girl in town and she has a score to settle.
Scarlet Drew isn’t to be messed with. As the daughter of a notorious London gangster, she’s got enough street smarts to take on the world. But when the most important person in Scarlet’s life is murdered in cold blood on the East End streets where she grew up, she can only think of one thing – revenge
Scarlet’s aunt Lily is fierce, straight-talking and a force to be reckoned with. As head of the family firm and queen of the London underworld, she welcomes her niece into the business and swears to help her get revenge – after all, family comes first.
Scarlet soon discovers that the murder is just one part of a plot by a rival firm to take down the entire Drew empire. She stands shoulder to shoulder with her aunt, ready to fight back, but these new enemies are the most dangerous threat the Drew family has ever faced.
As everything they’ve built begins to crumble, Scarlet’s estranged cousin Ruby suddenly comes back into the firm, with a revelation that could tear the Drews apart once and for all. But can she be trusted? As Scarlet faces up to her enemy, one thing is for family means everything to her and she will stop at nothing to protect it, even if it means putting her own life at risk.
**Each Drew Family book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone**
Strong women, family dramas and nail-biting tension make Her Revenge a book not to be missed!
There’s a new girl in town and she has a score to settle.
Scarlet Drew isn’t to be messed with. As the daughter of a notorious London gangster, she’s got enough street smarts to take on the world. But when the most important person in Scarlet’s life is murdered in cold blood on the East End streets where she grew up, she can only think of one thing – revenge
Scarlet’s aunt Lily is fierce, straight-talking and a force to be reckoned with. As head of the family firm and queen of the London underworld, she welcomes her niece into the business and swears to help her get revenge – after all, family comes first.
Scarlet soon discovers that the murder is just one part of a plot by a rival firm to take down the entire Drew empire. She stands shoulder to shoulder with her aunt, ready to fight back, but these new enemies are the most dangerous threat the Drew family has ever faced.
As everything they’ve built begins to crumble, Scarlet’s estranged cousin Ruby suddenly comes back into the firm, with a revelation that could tear the Drews apart once and for all. But can she be trusted? As Scarlet faces up to her enemy, one thing is for family means everything to her and she will stop at nothing to protect it, even if it means putting her own life at risk.
**Each Drew Family book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone**
Strong women, family dramas and nail-biting tension make Her Revenge a book not to be missed!
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2021
1008 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Emma Tallon
29 books197 followersEmma Tallon is a British author of gripping, gritty, organised crime thrillers.
Having worked as a freelance ghostwriter for several years, Emma decided to take the professional leap after the birth of her son and finished the first full novel of her own.
After months of rejection from publishers and agents alike, in December 2017 Emma signed a publishing contract with Bookouture for the first three books in the Tyler Family series. She has since gone on to sign several more contracts with Bookouture and has become an established name within her genre.
For more information on Emma or to join her mailing list, please go to: www.emmatallon.com or alternatively, follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/emmatallonofficial Instagram: @my.author.life or Twitter: @EmmaEsj
Having worked as a freelance ghostwriter for several years, Emma decided to take the professional leap after the birth of her son and finished the first full novel of her own.
After months of rejection from publishers and agents alike, in December 2017 Emma signed a publishing contract with Bookouture for the first three books in the Tyler Family series. She has since gone on to sign several more contracts with Bookouture and has become an established name within her genre.
For more information on Emma or to join her mailing list, please go to: www.emmatallon.com or alternatively, follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/emmatallonofficial Instagram: @my.author.life or Twitter: @EmmaEsj
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 15, 2021
I came to this book after reading ‘Her Rival’ (the second book in the series which I loved). Emma Tallon’s writing is very smooth and this is a great read as well. This is the first book in the series.
Roman and his sister Lily run a factory as a legal business, but also have a set of illegal businesses. Lily’s twin sons Connor and Cillian are part of the firm as well, and are tough guys – the kind who can thrive in the underworld. Lily’s daughter Ruby is wayward and is addicted to drugs. Roman’s daughter Scarlet has to make a decision – she is academically strong and has the chance to go to a good university and forge a different path. Her mother Cath is dead against her following her father’s footsteps. The entire family is very close and bound by the principle of standing behind each other.
Roman is found murdered, and the family is devastated. Scarlet sees no choice but to join the firm. The firm almost immediately runs into trouble in their business dealings, with a rival trying to make the most of the situation. Lily however is tough as steel and will not break, and other than her twin sons, Scarlet will not let the firm collapse. The police do not make much headway in the murder investigation, but the family is determined that they will get to whoever did this and make them pay.
This is a very good story, and the characters are great. This looks set to be a great series. The second book is more fast paced than this one. There is also something about Emma Tallon’s writing which keeps you engrossed. Excellent gang – crime stuff.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
Roman and his sister Lily run a factory as a legal business, but also have a set of illegal businesses. Lily’s twin sons Connor and Cillian are part of the firm as well, and are tough guys – the kind who can thrive in the underworld. Lily’s daughter Ruby is wayward and is addicted to drugs. Roman’s daughter Scarlet has to make a decision – she is academically strong and has the chance to go to a good university and forge a different path. Her mother Cath is dead against her following her father’s footsteps. The entire family is very close and bound by the principle of standing behind each other.
Roman is found murdered, and the family is devastated. Scarlet sees no choice but to join the firm. The firm almost immediately runs into trouble in their business dealings, with a rival trying to make the most of the situation. Lily however is tough as steel and will not break, and other than her twin sons, Scarlet will not let the firm collapse. The police do not make much headway in the murder investigation, but the family is determined that they will get to whoever did this and make them pay.
This is a very good story, and the characters are great. This looks set to be a great series. The second book is more fast paced than this one. There is also something about Emma Tallon’s writing which keeps you engrossed. Excellent gang – crime stuff.
My rating: 4.25 / 5.
December 19, 2022
My Rating System: 1⭐️ totally let me down, could have been great DUD CITY!!!
The daughter of a gangster and not to be messed with, Scarlet Drew is next in line to get into the Drew Family business. BUT Scarlet has other plans, plans that don’t involve taking over criminal empires, plans that involve her being a nice normal girl going to University and becoming something else.
Those plans are all set in place up until the most important person in her life is murdered. Scarlet is then hell bent on revenge. Teaming up with her fierce Aunt Lily (the head of the Drew family), much to her mother’s chagrin Scarlet soon finds herself immersed in the “Family Business” and things are about to get very very real.
Does Scarlet have what it takes to fight dangerous adversaries and seek the eye for an eye she desperately wants??
OK - sounds pretty good doesn’t it?? Criminal family as the main focus instead of the good guys getting the baddies I was hooked in. AND I was hooked right in to begin with… that was until the story basically was told 500 different times within the same book. Let me explain…
This story is REPETITIOUS to put it lightly. If we are told that Scarlet is going to universtiy we are told over, and over, and over AND OVER again!!! We quite literally hear that Scarlet has made it into her course of choice and is going to choose the bright and shiny university over a life of crime millions of times. See how I repeated the same thing only twice in this paragraph and you might be thinking well she just told me that… I am not stupid… so why say it again… well this is what this book is like but 1000 times worse.
By the end I was so sick and tired of reading the same things multiple times that I almost DNF’d it at 80% because we still hadn’t found out who the killer was and I almost couldn’t give a sh*t by that point. The only thing that saved this one from the DNF trash was that I struggled to sleep and thought surely this will do it… It was not worth my time.
It had so much potential but I just could not handle the 300+ pages when it could have been shortened at least in half or other better storyline’s could have been developed, characters relationships developed and just a much better story could have been told. There was ALOT going on in this book but it was unfortunately for the most part so excruciatingly boring due to the sheer amount of times we read every single thing. All the details… so many details here is an example:
Scarlet forced another mouthful of granola into her mouth and began to chew robotically, going through the motions but not really tasting it. Most things had lost their taste since she’d lost XXX (wont put a name in case you decide to read). She figured she was probably still in shock.
Her feelings were raw and unbearable when they surfaced, but somehow as long as she focussed on pretending she was OK and on mundane everyday tasks, she seemed better able to function and ignore them. Somehow that made her even better at her job. And that was something.
O M G …… 💤💤💤💤💤💤 sorry wake me up when that is over… this is 61% through and there it literally sentence after sentence like that before and after that point. It’s not even the only one about Scarlet slowly eating and struggling. Surely there are better ways to describe her grief… maybe I am heartless but this bored me to death. 😴
Another thing that irked the absolute sh*t out of me was all the criminals kept referring to themselves as members of the “ Underworld” sorry… once or twice I guess I get but unless you are a demon in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer you are not from the Underworld… this is a gangster novel not a demonic/vampire tale so millions of references to the Underworld were stupid. Example:
It had been a while since she’d last been here, but it was a well-used hotspot for those in the underworld and a safe place to conduct meetings without cameras or gossips.
That was at 63% and my comment on my kindle is UNDERWORLD - UGHHHHH so clearly I had been beaten almost to death with mentions of it by that stage.
My last gripe (I promise) the ending UGH come on!!! Ridiculous… it was so poorly done. Considering this family have been running a criminal ganstas paradise for most of their lives you would think they would have a well oiled machine vibe going. But I got from them was mistake after mistake and a bunch of blabbering buffoons!! No way the killer gets the jump on the person they say he does… not a chance if he’s THAT big of a deal. And no way the ending goes down like that … it was like a D grade action movie ending to make you ooh and ahh that made me snore!!
I know people loved this one and I am clearly AGAIN an outlier but seriously guys… I hated this so much. I honestly don’t know why I finished it and I will not be going back for another 4 from the series. I cannot handle anymore of it - maybe they get better but I am done with this series its not for me. I hope others like it better but be warned if you want hand holding/play by play you are in for a treat. Sorry for my overly negative review… I even waited a few days to see if I cooled off but clearly this one got under my skin!! 😤
The daughter of a gangster and not to be messed with, Scarlet Drew is next in line to get into the Drew Family business. BUT Scarlet has other plans, plans that don’t involve taking over criminal empires, plans that involve her being a nice normal girl going to University and becoming something else.
Those plans are all set in place up until the most important person in her life is murdered. Scarlet is then hell bent on revenge. Teaming up with her fierce Aunt Lily (the head of the Drew family), much to her mother’s chagrin Scarlet soon finds herself immersed in the “Family Business” and things are about to get very very real.
Does Scarlet have what it takes to fight dangerous adversaries and seek the eye for an eye she desperately wants??
OK - sounds pretty good doesn’t it?? Criminal family as the main focus instead of the good guys getting the baddies I was hooked in. AND I was hooked right in to begin with… that was until the story basically was told 500 different times within the same book. Let me explain…
This story is REPETITIOUS to put it lightly. If we are told that Scarlet is going to universtiy we are told over, and over, and over AND OVER again!!! We quite literally hear that Scarlet has made it into her course of choice and is going to choose the bright and shiny university over a life of crime millions of times. See how I repeated the same thing only twice in this paragraph and you might be thinking well she just told me that… I am not stupid… so why say it again… well this is what this book is like but 1000 times worse.
By the end I was so sick and tired of reading the same things multiple times that I almost DNF’d it at 80% because we still hadn’t found out who the killer was and I almost couldn’t give a sh*t by that point. The only thing that saved this one from the DNF trash was that I struggled to sleep and thought surely this will do it… It was not worth my time.
It had so much potential but I just could not handle the 300+ pages when it could have been shortened at least in half or other better storyline’s could have been developed, characters relationships developed and just a much better story could have been told. There was ALOT going on in this book but it was unfortunately for the most part so excruciatingly boring due to the sheer amount of times we read every single thing. All the details… so many details here is an example:
Scarlet forced another mouthful of granola into her mouth and began to chew robotically, going through the motions but not really tasting it. Most things had lost their taste since she’d lost XXX (wont put a name in case you decide to read). She figured she was probably still in shock.
Her feelings were raw and unbearable when they surfaced, but somehow as long as she focussed on pretending she was OK and on mundane everyday tasks, she seemed better able to function and ignore them. Somehow that made her even better at her job. And that was something.
O M G …… 💤💤💤💤💤💤 sorry wake me up when that is over… this is 61% through and there it literally sentence after sentence like that before and after that point. It’s not even the only one about Scarlet slowly eating and struggling. Surely there are better ways to describe her grief… maybe I am heartless but this bored me to death. 😴
Another thing that irked the absolute sh*t out of me was all the criminals kept referring to themselves as members of the “ Underworld” sorry… once or twice I guess I get but unless you are a demon in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer you are not from the Underworld… this is a gangster novel not a demonic/vampire tale so millions of references to the Underworld were stupid. Example:
It had been a while since she’d last been here, but it was a well-used hotspot for those in the underworld and a safe place to conduct meetings without cameras or gossips.
That was at 63% and my comment on my kindle is UNDERWORLD - UGHHHHH so clearly I had been beaten almost to death with mentions of it by that stage.
My last gripe (I promise) the ending UGH come on!!! Ridiculous… it was so poorly done. Considering this family have been running a criminal ganstas paradise for most of their lives you would think they would have a well oiled machine vibe going. But I got from them was mistake after mistake and a bunch of blabbering buffoons!! No way the killer gets the jump on the person they say he does… not a chance if he’s THAT big of a deal. And no way the ending goes down like that … it was like a D grade action movie ending to make you ooh and ahh that made me snore!!
I know people loved this one and I am clearly AGAIN an outlier but seriously guys… I hated this so much. I honestly don’t know why I finished it and I will not be going back for another 4 from the series. I cannot handle anymore of it - maybe they get better but I am done with this series its not for me. I hope others like it better but be warned if you want hand holding/play by play you are in for a treat. Sorry for my overly negative review… I even waited a few days to see if I cooled off but clearly this one got under my skin!! 😤
March 18, 2021
Scarlet Drew isn't to be messed with. She's he daughter of a notorious gangster. But when the most important person in her life is murdered in cold blood on the East End streets, she can only think of one thing - revenge.
Scarlet's aunt Lily if fierce, straight talking force to be reckoned with. As head of the family firm and Queen of London's underworld, she welcomes her niece into the business and swears to get revenge. But someone is out to take down the Drew family empire.
Scarlet was contemplating telling her father she was going to university at St. Andrews but she never gets the chance to pick the right moment. Now, she knows she couldn't leave her mother. She joins the family firm with her aunt Lily and her twin sons. What a terrific start to the new series. I was also pleased to see a couple of characters from previous books. The pace was fast and there was quite a lot going on in the book. It's a gritty and gripping page turner and i couldn't put it down. I think i'm oing to like the Drew family. I'm looking forward to reading what they get up to next. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #EmmaTallon for my ARC of #HerRevenge in exchange for an honest review.
Scarlet's aunt Lily if fierce, straight talking force to be reckoned with. As head of the family firm and Queen of London's underworld, she welcomes her niece into the business and swears to get revenge. But someone is out to take down the Drew family empire.
Scarlet was contemplating telling her father she was going to university at St. Andrews but she never gets the chance to pick the right moment. Now, she knows she couldn't leave her mother. She joins the family firm with her aunt Lily and her twin sons. What a terrific start to the new series. I was also pleased to see a couple of characters from previous books. The pace was fast and there was quite a lot going on in the book. It's a gritty and gripping page turner and i couldn't put it down. I think i'm oing to like the Drew family. I'm looking forward to reading what they get up to next. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #EmmaTallon for my ARC of #HerRevenge in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2021
Her Revenge is the first instalment in the Drew Crime Family series, set in and around London. The book opens with a little girl, Scarlet, being woken up by a loud scream in the middle of the night coming from downstairs. She sneaks quietly over to the stairs and peers through the gaps in the bannister; she sees her father, Ronan, bleeding profusely from his hand. Forty five year old Lily Drew, Scarlet's Aunt, suddenly appears in the kitchen and requests a bottle of vodka, clean towels and a sewing kit to sort out the wound. Wondering exactly how this happened Scarlet sneaks down a few more stairs so she can see into the living room. There she discovers a man trussed up in a heap by the fireplace. There was a gag in his mouth, but as she watched, he wriggled and writhed, trying to free himself from his bindings. Lily decides that the hostage has seen too much and laughs at him for believing he could take out THE Ronan Drew. Taking out a gun from his pocket, one of Scarlet's twin cousins hands the gun complete with silencer to his mother, Lily. It doesn't take long before the man is shot dead by a bullet to the head. Fast forward to ten years later and it's sixth form graduation day and 18-year-old Scarlet is celebrating the fact that she was accepted to study at her first choice of university, St Andrews in Fife, Scotland, to study business. Her mother, Cath, is overjoyed and hopes that Scarlet will decide to head off to uni while Ronan really wants her to join the family business — a new face to help run the Drew Family gang currently under the control of Scarlet’s fierce Aunt Lily and her father.
The Drews run a factory that creates small plastic parts for pipework but in reality this was a front, a legal channel to launder the money they were making from their less legal enterprises. Scarlet had accepted the place a while ago but was putting off telling her father as due to being Ronan and Cath’s only child and heir to his part of the Drew empire, she knew he would be crushed by the news. The family - Face of the firm Ronan and Cath, Lily, the Queen Bee, and her 25-year-old twin boys Connor and Cillian, who provide the firm’s muscle - head off to watch the graduation ceremony. A short time later the Drews get a visit from the police at 2AM one morning and inform Cath that Ronan has been found dead earlier that evening with his throat slit. This prompts Scarlet to make the decision to join the firm to seek out revenge for his brutal murder. She and Lily go through a list of their enemies and find no promising or possible suspects so their attention turns to their allies. Because in the fickle gangland world enemies can masquerade as allies or their allegiances can change in the blink of an eye. Who killed Ronan and can the Drews deliver their comeuppance? This is a riveting and compulsive start to the series and an introduction to a fascinating family who are into some deep and dark business in the criminal and gangland underworlds. Within the first page or two you are reeled in and fully immersed in the story making it difficult to put it down. It's fast-paced, twisty, action-packed and full of tense, heart in your mouth moments that leave you breathless. Roll on book two. Highly recommended.
The Drews run a factory that creates small plastic parts for pipework but in reality this was a front, a legal channel to launder the money they were making from their less legal enterprises. Scarlet had accepted the place a while ago but was putting off telling her father as due to being Ronan and Cath’s only child and heir to his part of the Drew empire, she knew he would be crushed by the news. The family - Face of the firm Ronan and Cath, Lily, the Queen Bee, and her 25-year-old twin boys Connor and Cillian, who provide the firm’s muscle - head off to watch the graduation ceremony. A short time later the Drews get a visit from the police at 2AM one morning and inform Cath that Ronan has been found dead earlier that evening with his throat slit. This prompts Scarlet to make the decision to join the firm to seek out revenge for his brutal murder. She and Lily go through a list of their enemies and find no promising or possible suspects so their attention turns to their allies. Because in the fickle gangland world enemies can masquerade as allies or their allegiances can change in the blink of an eye. Who killed Ronan and can the Drews deliver their comeuppance? This is a riveting and compulsive start to the series and an introduction to a fascinating family who are into some deep and dark business in the criminal and gangland underworlds. Within the first page or two you are reeled in and fully immersed in the story making it difficult to put it down. It's fast-paced, twisty, action-packed and full of tense, heart in your mouth moments that leave you breathless. Roll on book two. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2021
I get excited to hear that another book from the fabulous Emma Tallon is out and a new series too.
The Drews are a notorious gang from London. When one of there is murdered by a rival gang Lily must pick up the pieces and keep the firm together. In comes Scarlet her niece to join the firm. Giving up her dream to go to St Andrews University and make something of herself. Her mother Cathy is not happy at first but knows when Scarlett goes for something, she knows there is nothing to stop her. Scarlett knows that joining the firm is no walk in the park and she proves herself with the help of her cousins the twins.
When a rival gang tries to home in on the action, Scarlett must prove to herself and the rest of the team and rival gangs that she has what it takes.
Thank you Bookoutre for copy Her Revenge. I was a bit apprehensive at first a new series from Emma Tallon. I was sad to see the Tyler’s go. But I need not have worried this is another gripping page turner, with some heart stopping moments. I loved it and can’t wait to see how this series develops. A big fat 5 stars from me.
The Drews are a notorious gang from London. When one of there is murdered by a rival gang Lily must pick up the pieces and keep the firm together. In comes Scarlet her niece to join the firm. Giving up her dream to go to St Andrews University and make something of herself. Her mother Cathy is not happy at first but knows when Scarlett goes for something, she knows there is nothing to stop her. Scarlett knows that joining the firm is no walk in the park and she proves herself with the help of her cousins the twins.
When a rival gang tries to home in on the action, Scarlett must prove to herself and the rest of the team and rival gangs that she has what it takes.
Thank you Bookoutre for copy Her Revenge. I was a bit apprehensive at first a new series from Emma Tallon. I was sad to see the Tyler’s go. But I need not have worried this is another gripping page turner, with some heart stopping moments. I loved it and can’t wait to see how this series develops. A big fat 5 stars from me.
March 1, 2021
Emma Tallon is back and I must admit after loving the 7 books in the Tyler series ( came to an end in Oct 2020 ) I wondered how I would ‘get on’ with a new series and new family, I needn’t have worried
Meet The Drews, crime family and headed by the notorious Brother and Sister combo of Ronan and Lily Drew, Scarlet Drew ( Ronan’s daughter ) has some big decisions to make as to wether she will join her family in their ‘world’ or go off to Uni and if she does join ‘the family business’ can she face the consequences of what she may find that world entails?
I loved all the characters, Lily was my favourite, her steely no nonsense ways and how she dealt with people, a proper force to be reckoned with ( even though her curly hair never plays ball! ) wonderful lead character to base a new family gangland series on
The writing is real, brutal ( at times ) and like all the authors books pulls you in and keeps you there, I cant wait for Book 2
It was also great to see the Tylers featured in the book in a small role
Tense action throughout and a pace that doesn’t let up, loved it
10/10
5 Stars
Meet The Drews, crime family and headed by the notorious Brother and Sister combo of Ronan and Lily Drew, Scarlet Drew ( Ronan’s daughter ) has some big decisions to make as to wether she will join her family in their ‘world’ or go off to Uni and if she does join ‘the family business’ can she face the consequences of what she may find that world entails?
I loved all the characters, Lily was my favourite, her steely no nonsense ways and how she dealt with people, a proper force to be reckoned with ( even though her curly hair never plays ball! ) wonderful lead character to base a new family gangland series on
The writing is real, brutal ( at times ) and like all the authors books pulls you in and keeps you there, I cant wait for Book 2
It was also great to see the Tylers featured in the book in a small role
Tense action throughout and a pace that doesn’t let up, loved it
10/10
5 Stars
February 18, 2022
If you are a fan of Emma Tallon, then you just might have read the seven books in her Anna Davis series, which is now complete. Never fear, because if you have enjoyed playing audience to an influential crime family, then be prepared to meet Scarlet Drew. Just as Anna was someone you wouldn't want to be your enemy, the same goes with Scarlet.
Scarlet was the daughter of a notorious London gangster. However, just about to finish college, Scarlet has set her sights elsewhere. However, after her father was murdered, Scarlet became filled with revenge and soon proves that she is someone to be feared, just as her father was.
However, there is Scarlet's aunt Lily, a tough as nails woman who is not going to take the murder of her brother lying down. In fact, she was pretty much heading the family and has long been known queen of the underworld. How will Lily feel when Scarlet finally joins the family business? Will both of them be able to work together to take the revenge they both deserve?
Scarlet and Lily soon prove quite stalwart. They soon discover that there is a rival family who will stop at nothing to destroy their empire, and that just might include the fact that Lily's estranged daughter Ruby tries to elbow her way back into the family. Readers see the drama surrounding Ruby and the toll that it takes on Lily, Scarlet and the rest of the family.
While the London underworld may be vast, it can be quite small. In fact, readers are treated to more than one cameo from the Tyler's. Speaking of that other firm, I was completely pulled into Anna and Freddie's stories and their drama. Does Scarlet and her family measure up? Well, my rating of five stars says yes.
I don't know why I love these stories of the underworld, but when you have a writer as talented as Emma Tallon, well, enough said. She writes compelling stories with strong characters, and she certainly has done a fine job in presenting Scarlet, a woman who is intelligent, resilient, compassionate and, well, brutal, when it is called for. I am eager for book two in this series as this book, Her Revenge, was a fast-paced, thrilling story that has definitely whet my appetite for more.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Scarlet was the daughter of a notorious London gangster. However, just about to finish college, Scarlet has set her sights elsewhere. However, after her father was murdered, Scarlet became filled with revenge and soon proves that she is someone to be feared, just as her father was.
However, there is Scarlet's aunt Lily, a tough as nails woman who is not going to take the murder of her brother lying down. In fact, she was pretty much heading the family and has long been known queen of the underworld. How will Lily feel when Scarlet finally joins the family business? Will both of them be able to work together to take the revenge they both deserve?
Scarlet and Lily soon prove quite stalwart. They soon discover that there is a rival family who will stop at nothing to destroy their empire, and that just might include the fact that Lily's estranged daughter Ruby tries to elbow her way back into the family. Readers see the drama surrounding Ruby and the toll that it takes on Lily, Scarlet and the rest of the family.
While the London underworld may be vast, it can be quite small. In fact, readers are treated to more than one cameo from the Tyler's. Speaking of that other firm, I was completely pulled into Anna and Freddie's stories and their drama. Does Scarlet and her family measure up? Well, my rating of five stars says yes.
I don't know why I love these stories of the underworld, but when you have a writer as talented as Emma Tallon, well, enough said. She writes compelling stories with strong characters, and she certainly has done a fine job in presenting Scarlet, a woman who is intelligent, resilient, compassionate and, well, brutal, when it is called for. I am eager for book two in this series as this book, Her Revenge, was a fast-paced, thrilling story that has definitely whet my appetite for more.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 11, 2022
This is about a ‘Family’ of the London Underworld.
The character’s are fun to follow, especially the strong Women in this series. This is a series of 3 books and this is the 1st book in the series.
Drugs, money laundering, murder, escort service, does all this sound like a mob to you… well it is. Was hoping for a little romance… but… that didn’t work out so well!
I want to know much more about Ruby… so going to read the 2nd book The Rival!
The character’s are fun to follow, especially the strong Women in this series. This is a series of 3 books and this is the 1st book in the series.
Drugs, money laundering, murder, escort service, does all this sound like a mob to you… well it is. Was hoping for a little romance… but… that didn’t work out so well!
I want to know much more about Ruby… so going to read the 2nd book The Rival!
April 11, 2021
Well talk about completely drawing us in ! Wetting our whistles leave us wanting more !! Great job !
Absolutely love the Drew family not decided on my favorite yet , I think they will all have their own time to shine . I also love the intertwining with Freddie and Anna x
The story has so much room for more in writing it in my head already . Excellent read !
Absolutely love the Drew family not decided on my favorite yet , I think they will all have their own time to shine . I also love the intertwining with Freddie and Anna x
The story has so much room for more in writing it in my head already . Excellent read !
April 6, 2021
Scarlet Drew is 18 and considering heading off to university despite her father's wish that she join the family business. When he is murdered, she decides to avenge his death and throws herself into the family firm and criminal underworld. Does she have what it takes to find his killer and prove her strength...?
Her Revenge is a gripping read. Gritty and authentic, brutal and uncompromising yet also emotional and with a strong sense of family values.
The plot itself centres around the choices of the Drew family. Ronan and Lily run a legitimate business as a front for illegal activities including money laundering. Lily's twin sons provide the muscle to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies but they don't have the brains to lead the operation. Ronan hopes his daughter Scarlet will join him but she wants to head to uni instead.
Scarlet is an interesting character as she develops over the course of the book, becoming more confident. She is intelligent but initially lacks the force of personality and experience needed to cope in the criminal underworld. Scarlet wants to prove herself a worthy successor to her father and well as being a strong leader in her own right by avenging his death.
For me, Lily is the best character in the whole book. Lily is scary but the sort of person you would want fighting your corner. She has a strict code of conduct for business but softens for family and anyone vulnerable. Her own vulnerability is highlighted by her response to her daughter's drug addiction and troublesome behaviour.
The drama is high and relentless. I was completely swept up in the Drew family saga and I am assuming there will be further instalments in the near future.
Another crime dynasty, the Tyler family, feature in this book and I was pleased to meet them again after their wonderful stories in Emma Tallon's books that I have previously reviewed (Fearless Girl, Ruthless Girl). Her Revenge was a brilliant book and I think I might be becoming a crime drama addict!
Her Revenge is a gripping read. Gritty and authentic, brutal and uncompromising yet also emotional and with a strong sense of family values.
The plot itself centres around the choices of the Drew family. Ronan and Lily run a legitimate business as a front for illegal activities including money laundering. Lily's twin sons provide the muscle to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies but they don't have the brains to lead the operation. Ronan hopes his daughter Scarlet will join him but she wants to head to uni instead.
Scarlet is an interesting character as she develops over the course of the book, becoming more confident. She is intelligent but initially lacks the force of personality and experience needed to cope in the criminal underworld. Scarlet wants to prove herself a worthy successor to her father and well as being a strong leader in her own right by avenging his death.
For me, Lily is the best character in the whole book. Lily is scary but the sort of person you would want fighting your corner. She has a strict code of conduct for business but softens for family and anyone vulnerable. Her own vulnerability is highlighted by her response to her daughter's drug addiction and troublesome behaviour.
The drama is high and relentless. I was completely swept up in the Drew family saga and I am assuming there will be further instalments in the near future.
Another crime dynasty, the Tyler family, feature in this book and I was pleased to meet them again after their wonderful stories in Emma Tallon's books that I have previously reviewed (Fearless Girl, Ruthless Girl). Her Revenge was a brilliant book and I think I might be becoming a crime drama addict!
February 24, 2021
Couldn't put this book down.
Scarlet Drew is looking forward to going up to Scotland she has a place in St Andrews university her mother Cath is thrilled her father Conor and Aunt Lily will get a big surprise when they find out they want her in the family Firm the business her father has built up she an only child he will just have to work on her over the summer holidays to staying put, easier said than done. There's never a dull moment in this family and Lily's twins Connor and Cillian are a force to be reckoned with, and her daughter Ruby who uses her for money when she shows her face. In the London Underworld nothing goes unnoticed.
A new series from this author as we get to know all the family, I was so hooked reading this book and it is definitely all about revenge and kept me on the edge of my seat, and kept me well satisfied. The firm has to be kept protected, just like the Drew family that I await for the next instalment.
Brilliant read.
Scarlet Drew is looking forward to going up to Scotland she has a place in St Andrews university her mother Cath is thrilled her father Conor and Aunt Lily will get a big surprise when they find out they want her in the family Firm the business her father has built up she an only child he will just have to work on her over the summer holidays to staying put, easier said than done. There's never a dull moment in this family and Lily's twins Connor and Cillian are a force to be reckoned with, and her daughter Ruby who uses her for money when she shows her face. In the London Underworld nothing goes unnoticed.
A new series from this author as we get to know all the family, I was so hooked reading this book and it is definitely all about revenge and kept me on the edge of my seat, and kept me well satisfied. The firm has to be kept protected, just like the Drew family that I await for the next instalment.
Brilliant read.
August 2, 2021
To join the unlawful family firm filled with dark secrets or to remain naive and create a fresh start for herself? Scarlet Drew is almost certain she's made her decision until the murder of a loved one changes everything.
I loved the characters within this book: Fierce, dangerous but SO likeable, and so believable too!
This is the first book I've read by Emma Tallon. Whilst I've always loved crime thriller, I'm relitavely new to the gangland theme and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! I cannot wait for the next installment of the Drew families antics!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review 📖
I loved the characters within this book: Fierce, dangerous but SO likeable, and so believable too!
This is the first book I've read by Emma Tallon. Whilst I've always loved crime thriller, I'm relitavely new to the gangland theme and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! I cannot wait for the next installment of the Drew families antics!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review 📖
Read
April 5, 2021Revenge is definitely served the best when cold
Lily has lived her life for her family and that isn't just her and her 3 children but her brother sister in law and beloved niece. Lily and Ronan work well as a team even when they say family and business don't mix. The other issue they have is getting Ronan daughter Scarlet to join the business but Scarlet has other ideas and want to go to uni with her mum's Cath's backing. Cath doesn't want Scar to join the business no matter what. Things don't turn out the way you planned them especially when something impacts the family hard and no hidden stone is unturned to find out who the culprit is.
Lily has lived her life for her family and that isn't just her and her 3 children but her brother sister in law and beloved niece. Lily and Ronan work well as a team even when they say family and business don't mix. The other issue they have is getting Ronan daughter Scarlet to join the business but Scarlet has other ideas and want to go to uni with her mum's Cath's backing. Cath doesn't want Scar to join the business no matter what. Things don't turn out the way you planned them especially when something impacts the family hard and no hidden stone is unturned to find out who the culprit is.
March 2, 2021
Emma Tallon has been one of my favourite authors from reading her very first book so I was absolutely thrilled to have the chance to read an early copy of this book and as all the others it was sooo good!
I'm loving the new family and had a huge smile when some familiar faces popped up too, I can tell that this series, like the previous one, is gonna suck me in hook line and sinker! In a way I'm sad that Ive read it as it means I now have to wait longer for the next installment. A must read!
I'm loving the new family and had a huge smile when some familiar faces popped up too, I can tell that this series, like the previous one, is gonna suck me in hook line and sinker! In a way I'm sad that Ive read it as it means I now have to wait longer for the next installment. A must read!
March 17, 2021
The Drew’s are a notorious underworld criminal family headed by Ronan Drew and his sister Lily Drew. Ronan is married to Cath and they have one daughter called Scarlet. Scarlet is struggling to decide if she will go to university or join the family business. After a dreadful tragedy the family are out for revenge and Scarlet knows what she has to do.
This book was an excellent start to a new series. Like Emma’s previous books based on a London Underground family crime gang and I absolutely loved getting to know the family and their friends and enemies. In this book there are also mentions of people who were part of the authors previous books which I really liked. Another gritty gangland crime story which I cannot wait to read more from the series.
February 24, 2022
1st book in the Drew family series and what a great book, could not stop reading. Emma Tallon knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. Can't wait to read, Her rival 2nd book and Her Betrayal which is the 3rd one in the gangland series. Worth more than 5 stars 🌟
May 24, 2024
Audiobook
Good narration. Peaky Blinders meet London mafia. It was ok
Good narration. Peaky Blinders meet London mafia. It was ok
March 22, 2021
Scarlett has to decide to go for university or go into the family firm
It is a brutal Book and it keeps us guessing
I had an ARC
It is a brutal Book and it keeps us guessing
I had an ARC
August 10, 2024
Disappointingly dull and predictable.
March 8, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Her Revenge' by Emma Tallon.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 22nd March 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Drew Family' series
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and colouful cover and its intriguing synopsis. The synopsis stated that fans of Martina Cole will love it. I am a fan of Martina's books so am interested to see if it will live up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 65 chapters. The chapters are short to medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Scarlet Drew and Lily Drew. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions and the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The synopsis and cover work perfectly with the book cover. I am always wary about trying a new author out but was definitely not disappointed.
The book is gripping and addictive from the very first page until the last. I was absolutely hooked throughout with the suspense and tension filled plot. I enjoyed delving into the underworld and reading about how the Drew family worked within the family, the factory and all the other gangs. I would never have guessed who killed Ronan which is definitely a huge bonus as I've been struggling to find a book that has surprised me lately having read so many crime thrillers. The storyline was intricately woven with so many sub plots iy kept me completely engaged throughout. The way Emma has written it really helps your imagination picture everything going on.
I really enjoyed meeting the Drew family as well as the other characters. I have also learned Emma's previous books were based on the Tyler family who we also met in this series so I am looking forward to going back to read that series as well as any further books in the Drew family serious. Scarlet is definitely a force to be reckoned with as is Lily and who doesn't love a strong kockk @ss female in the crime world!! I was absolutely fascinated by all the businesses that she managed to keep afloat. I also enjoyed reading about what Connor and Cillian got up to and having twins myself it's quite interesting to see how these twins worked. I also had a bit of a soft spot for Ray and really like him. Harry and Jasper are just absolute rats and I am glad about how the book ended. I'm hoping Ruby will pull her finger out and get clean and am looking forward to reading what comes off her. Every single character was strong and had their own unique personalities and each definitely left an impression on me.
I am looking forward to reading more of Emma's books and it would be intriguing to see them turned into movies. Emma, congratulations, you have hit my top author list!!!
Overall a fast paced, page turning, gripping and addictive adventure from the underworld.
Genres covered in this novel include
Thriller, Mystery and Crime Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans Marina Cole and anyone who enjoys reading about crime from the dark side..
364 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#HerRevenge #Bookouture #EmmaTallon #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EmmaTallon @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'Her Revenge' by Emma Tallon.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 22nd March 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Drew Family' series
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and colouful cover and its intriguing synopsis. The synopsis stated that fans of Martina Cole will love it. I am a fan of Martina's books so am interested to see if it will live up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 65 chapters. The chapters are short to medium to long in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Scarlet Drew and Lily Drew. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions and the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The synopsis and cover work perfectly with the book cover. I am always wary about trying a new author out but was definitely not disappointed.
The book is gripping and addictive from the very first page until the last. I was absolutely hooked throughout with the suspense and tension filled plot. I enjoyed delving into the underworld and reading about how the Drew family worked within the family, the factory and all the other gangs. I would never have guessed who killed Ronan which is definitely a huge bonus as I've been struggling to find a book that has surprised me lately having read so many crime thrillers. The storyline was intricately woven with so many sub plots iy kept me completely engaged throughout. The way Emma has written it really helps your imagination picture everything going on.
I really enjoyed meeting the Drew family as well as the other characters. I have also learned Emma's previous books were based on the Tyler family who we also met in this series so I am looking forward to going back to read that series as well as any further books in the Drew family serious. Scarlet is definitely a force to be reckoned with as is Lily and who doesn't love a strong kockk @ss female in the crime world!! I was absolutely fascinated by all the businesses that she managed to keep afloat. I also enjoyed reading about what Connor and Cillian got up to and having twins myself it's quite interesting to see how these twins worked. I also had a bit of a soft spot for Ray and really like him. Harry and Jasper are just absolute rats and I am glad about how the book ended. I'm hoping Ruby will pull her finger out and get clean and am looking forward to reading what comes off her. Every single character was strong and had their own unique personalities and each definitely left an impression on me.
I am looking forward to reading more of Emma's books and it would be intriguing to see them turned into movies. Emma, congratulations, you have hit my top author list!!!
Overall a fast paced, page turning, gripping and addictive adventure from the underworld.
Genres covered in this novel include
Thriller, Mystery and Crime Thriller amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans Marina Cole and anyone who enjoys reading about crime from the dark side..
364 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#HerRevenge #Bookouture #EmmaTallon #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EmmaTallon @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
March 22, 2021
Well what can I say about #HerRevenge?! Buckle up buttercup cos it's gonna be a hell of a ride peeps! I must admit I had been in a wee reading slump but then I got my hands on a copy of this bad boy or should I say bad girl I''ll be honest this certainly got me over the hump, I had a rather late night as I just kept turning the pages. In fact to be truthful I was shocked to realise that I was at the last page I could have happily just kept reading. I really can't believe that you left us with that cliffhanger Ms Tallon!
I'd like to introduce you to the Drew Family ran by brother and sister Ronan and Lily aided by her twins Cillian and Connor. Sadly Lily's daughter Ruby has chosen a different path, it's so hard to read her life choices at one point I had everything crossed that she would come good. At some points in #HerRevenge Lily seems to have more than her fair share of the worlds worries both business wise and personally on her shoulders but she carries it well.
Ronan and his wife Cathie have a daughter, Scarlet who is studying to go to St Andrews University in Scotland, her mum really wants her to take her place at St Andrews but in his heart of hearts Ronan would love it if she followed in his footsteps and joined "The Family Business", Scarlet had decided that she was going to let her father down gently but then the worst happened and suddenly it was no longer an option. Scarlet had to make a decision about her future there and then, the family business won after all blood is always thicker than water.
I'm really looking forward to getting to know the Drew family much better, I have to say I wouldn't like to cross Lily, please don't be fooled by her girlie style because there is a rod of steel that runs through her right up to those blonde curls that just won't behave no matter how hard she tries, As with all of this genre the emphasis is heavily on family and above all family loyalty. It was a smashing touch to bring some much loved underworld characters from a previous series in for an oh so brief chapter or two. Reading this you should know to expect the unexpected and this is no different, having said that there were more than a few OMG moments
If you like books written by Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller and Martina Cole this will be right up your street. The author books are just getting better and better with each novel she writes. Hopefully make us wait too long for the next installment in the Drew family saga.
Read for an honest review. Thanks to the author Ms Tallon, #Netgalley and @Bookouture
I'd like to introduce you to the Drew Family ran by brother and sister Ronan and Lily aided by her twins Cillian and Connor. Sadly Lily's daughter Ruby has chosen a different path, it's so hard to read her life choices at one point I had everything crossed that she would come good. At some points in #HerRevenge Lily seems to have more than her fair share of the worlds worries both business wise and personally on her shoulders but she carries it well.
Ronan and his wife Cathie have a daughter, Scarlet who is studying to go to St Andrews University in Scotland, her mum really wants her to take her place at St Andrews but in his heart of hearts Ronan would love it if she followed in his footsteps and joined "The Family Business", Scarlet had decided that she was going to let her father down gently but then the worst happened and suddenly it was no longer an option. Scarlet had to make a decision about her future there and then, the family business won after all blood is always thicker than water.
I'm really looking forward to getting to know the Drew family much better, I have to say I wouldn't like to cross Lily, please don't be fooled by her girlie style because there is a rod of steel that runs through her right up to those blonde curls that just won't behave no matter how hard she tries, As with all of this genre the emphasis is heavily on family and above all family loyalty. It was a smashing touch to bring some much loved underworld characters from a previous series in for an oh so brief chapter or two. Reading this you should know to expect the unexpected and this is no different, having said that there were more than a few OMG moments
If you like books written by Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller and Martina Cole this will be right up your street. The author books are just getting better and better with each novel she writes. Hopefully make us wait too long for the next installment in the Drew family saga.
Read for an honest review. Thanks to the author Ms Tallon, #Netgalley and @Bookouture
March 31, 2021
This is the first book in a new series by this author. I’ve read the previous series and loved it, so was curious as to how this one would pan out. I needn’t have worried as straight away the author hooked me in with her gritty writing and tough ballsy characters. In this book we meet the Drews, a tough gangster family based in London. Ronan Drew and his sister Lily run the family empire and are certainly not to be messed with! When tragedy strikes the family, Ronan’s daughter Scarlet vows to exact her revenge.
I really liked this book and thought it was a great start to the series. As with the previous books, this author is brilliant at pulling you into the story very early, ensuring that you are glued to the pages for fear of missing something. I liked Scarlet’s character but I couldn’t decide whether I wanted her to carry on with her studies or take up her post in the family business. She seemed too meek and mild to be a hard-nosed gangster, but as the book moved on, I began to realise she was certainly a chip off the old block! I really liked Lily’s character as well, and pictured her as a modern-day Aunt Polly from Peaky Blinders! Despite being someone you didn’t cross, her family could do no wrong, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next book with regards to her wayward daughter.
The story was fast paced and held my attention throughout. As with this genre of book, the story is tough and violent and the characters are dangerous! The slight crossover between this book and the Tyler family from the previous books was fabulous, and I hope in future this happens again. It does feature references to drugs, guns, money laundering, violence plus much more, so has everything you would expect from a book of this genre! Have I got over the ending of the Tyler family series? I definitely have now that the Drew family are on the block! I can’t wait for the next book to carry on the story! Would highly recommend!
I really liked this book and thought it was a great start to the series. As with the previous books, this author is brilliant at pulling you into the story very early, ensuring that you are glued to the pages for fear of missing something. I liked Scarlet’s character but I couldn’t decide whether I wanted her to carry on with her studies or take up her post in the family business. She seemed too meek and mild to be a hard-nosed gangster, but as the book moved on, I began to realise she was certainly a chip off the old block! I really liked Lily’s character as well, and pictured her as a modern-day Aunt Polly from Peaky Blinders! Despite being someone you didn’t cross, her family could do no wrong, and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next book with regards to her wayward daughter.
The story was fast paced and held my attention throughout. As with this genre of book, the story is tough and violent and the characters are dangerous! The slight crossover between this book and the Tyler family from the previous books was fabulous, and I hope in future this happens again. It does feature references to drugs, guns, money laundering, violence plus much more, so has everything you would expect from a book of this genre! Have I got over the ending of the Tyler family series? I definitely have now that the Drew family are on the block! I can’t wait for the next book to carry on the story! Would highly recommend!
March 13, 2021
Synopsis:
Scarlet Drew is the daughter of an infamous London gangster. She initially wanted nothing to do with her family’s business, but that changes when someone close to her is murdered where she grew up.
She joins her aunt Lily to run her family’s business, where she realizes that the murder was part of a bigger plot from a rival gang to take down her family’s empire.
Her family’s empire begins to collapse, and everyone in the Drew family begins to feel the pressure. Things get even worse when her long-lost cousin Ruby suddenly comes back into the fold, with some information that could destroy the family for good. Scarlet has to make some difficult decisions, but she knows she must do everything she can to protect her family – even if that means sacrificing her life.
My review:
I’ve not read any of Ms. Tallon’s books before, but I was intrigued by the gangland plot (as I’ve not explored this topic in any of my readings). Also, I’ve never been disappointed by any of the Bookouture titles I’ve read in the past. This story was very fast paced, with a gripping plot. It was quite the rollercoaster. This story was very well written and I was actually sad when I got to the end. I’m looking forward to another journey with the Drews. I hope there are more books in this series.
Scarlet Drew is the daughter of an infamous London gangster. She initially wanted nothing to do with her family’s business, but that changes when someone close to her is murdered where she grew up.
She joins her aunt Lily to run her family’s business, where she realizes that the murder was part of a bigger plot from a rival gang to take down her family’s empire.
Her family’s empire begins to collapse, and everyone in the Drew family begins to feel the pressure. Things get even worse when her long-lost cousin Ruby suddenly comes back into the fold, with some information that could destroy the family for good. Scarlet has to make some difficult decisions, but she knows she must do everything she can to protect her family – even if that means sacrificing her life.
My review:
I’ve not read any of Ms. Tallon’s books before, but I was intrigued by the gangland plot (as I’ve not explored this topic in any of my readings). Also, I’ve never been disappointed by any of the Bookouture titles I’ve read in the past. This story was very fast paced, with a gripping plot. It was quite the rollercoaster. This story was very well written and I was actually sad when I got to the end. I’m looking forward to another journey with the Drews. I hope there are more books in this series.
March 22, 2021
Emma Tallon and Bookouture never disappoint and they certainly have not done this time with everything you would expect from a gritty, gangland drama. I have noticed recently that this genre is creating such a rich blend of drama, action and psychological thriller and in this wonderful book we meet two very strong, powerful gangland women. The book covers a wide range of issues that you will question and think about even after finishing the book. This includes things like drug abuse, grief depression, alcohol abuse and also asks the question are people born to be cruel and violent or is this something that is created from events they have seen in their early years.
The book does cover some serious crime and a little bad language but nothing that you would not expect in this kind of book.
The characters grow on you as you read the book and as this is the first book in the series I can see what great things the author must have planned for future books and I cannot wait to read the next book.
All gritty crime fiction fans will be queuing up to buy this (well, queuing up on the websites for now) :-)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Emma Tallon for providing me with an electronic advanced review copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.
The book does cover some serious crime and a little bad language but nothing that you would not expect in this kind of book.
The characters grow on you as you read the book and as this is the first book in the series I can see what great things the author must have planned for future books and I cannot wait to read the next book.
All gritty crime fiction fans will be queuing up to buy this (well, queuing up on the websites for now) :-)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Emma Tallon for providing me with an electronic advanced review copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review.
March 22, 2021
This is a sad day and a happy day at the same time. A happy one because one of my favourite authors is back with a new series 😊:, but a sad one because does this mean that I will never “see” Freddie Tyler again? ☹ Who knows what the author has up her sleeve? Well, I already do now. 😉
Anyway let’s focus on the happy part. I love this gangland crimes. They are very fierce but they are prepared to die for everyone they consider as being a part of their family.
Come and meet the Drews. They are dealing with some unsavoury businesses and characters and when you drive them into a corner, they will come back to haunt you. Don’t mess with them if you want to able to sleep at night without keeping your eyes wide open.
The head of a gang is often a man, but don’t underestimate the ladies. They can be as hard as nails as well and when they are on the warpath seeking revenge, you better watch out.
I really enjoyed the first book in this new series. The short chapters and the captivating storytelling take you on a journey you don’t want to end. 5 stars
Thank you, Emma Tallon and Bookouture.
Anyway let’s focus on the happy part. I love this gangland crimes. They are very fierce but they are prepared to die for everyone they consider as being a part of their family.
Come and meet the Drews. They are dealing with some unsavoury businesses and characters and when you drive them into a corner, they will come back to haunt you. Don’t mess with them if you want to able to sleep at night without keeping your eyes wide open.
The head of a gang is often a man, but don’t underestimate the ladies. They can be as hard as nails as well and when they are on the warpath seeking revenge, you better watch out.
I really enjoyed the first book in this new series. The short chapters and the captivating storytelling take you on a journey you don’t want to end. 5 stars
Thank you, Emma Tallon and Bookouture.
March 13, 2021
I had not been aware of author Emma Tallon before, but I love the gangland theme, so wanted to give this book a go. What can I say! Great storyline which kept me wanting to read. I haven't read any of Emma Tallons books before but this was a new start of a series with the Drew family so I was able to get to know the characters without having read previous books. The story was a well written fast paced story, with a gripping plot, fantastic characters, and intriguing enough for you to keep turning pages. It keeps you guessing as who the real villain is. It had good strong female characters, Lily, Scarlett and at the end Cath, who are shown as fierce and dangerous women who protect their own. Really likeable characters. All out to protect and love their 'family'. I am looking forward to the next book of the Drew family and the ups and downs of the London underworld. Gripping read that I really enjoyed. 5*
Thank you to Net Galley, Emma Tallon and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this ARC for an honest opinion.
Thank you to Net Galley, Emma Tallon and Bookouture for the opportunity to review this ARC for an honest opinion.
March 19, 2021
The Drew family are notorious in London with Ronan and Lily as heads of the family.
Lily has 3 children twin son's Connor and Cillian, who provide the muscle of the firm, and daughter Ruby who is a loose cannon, she only contacts her mother when she wants money which worries and hurts Lily very much.
Ronan and Cath have an only child Scarlet, who being brainy has opted out of the family business and is off to Scotland St Andrews university much to Cath's delight, she didn't want her daughter to be involved in the firm that Ronan and lily have built up from the ground and who is feared by all.
When a member of the family is murdered the whole family is thrown into shock and great sadness. Now Scarlet has a decision to make does she join the family firm, or does she follow her dreams and go off to university?
What a cracking book, it draws you in from the first page, It was great to catch up with older characters and welcome the introduction of new, making the story fresh and interesting. Fantastic gangland book, by a great and good storytelling author.
Lily has 3 children twin son's Connor and Cillian, who provide the muscle of the firm, and daughter Ruby who is a loose cannon, she only contacts her mother when she wants money which worries and hurts Lily very much.
Ronan and Cath have an only child Scarlet, who being brainy has opted out of the family business and is off to Scotland St Andrews university much to Cath's delight, she didn't want her daughter to be involved in the firm that Ronan and lily have built up from the ground and who is feared by all.
When a member of the family is murdered the whole family is thrown into shock and great sadness. Now Scarlet has a decision to make does she join the family firm, or does she follow her dreams and go off to university?
What a cracking book, it draws you in from the first page, It was great to catch up with older characters and welcome the introduction of new, making the story fresh and interesting. Fantastic gangland book, by a great and good storytelling author.
March 20, 2021
A brilliant start to a new series.
As a huge fan of the Freddie and Anna series I was a bit worried about a new series but I loved it!
Lily and Ronan Drew have several businesses that they run, and as you’ve probably guessed, not all of it is run on the right side of the law.
Set in London and with family very much at it’s centre this book introduces us to the Drews and their business dealings.
Scarlet has just finished sixth form and needs to decide if she’s going to take the place offered at University or whether she will join the family firm. She’s got reasons to do both but is finding it hard to decide until something happens that makes her mind up for her.
You wouldn’t mess with Lily and she sees a strength in Scarlet that means she’d be a great asset to the family firm.
There’s a great sense of family in this book but the threat of violence from those that want what they have is also very much present.
This is a great read and I can’t wait to find out what’s next for this family.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
As a huge fan of the Freddie and Anna series I was a bit worried about a new series but I loved it!
Lily and Ronan Drew have several businesses that they run, and as you’ve probably guessed, not all of it is run on the right side of the law.
Set in London and with family very much at it’s centre this book introduces us to the Drews and their business dealings.
Scarlet has just finished sixth form and needs to decide if she’s going to take the place offered at University or whether she will join the family firm. She’s got reasons to do both but is finding it hard to decide until something happens that makes her mind up for her.
You wouldn’t mess with Lily and she sees a strength in Scarlet that means she’d be a great asset to the family firm.
There’s a great sense of family in this book but the threat of violence from those that want what they have is also very much present.
This is a great read and I can’t wait to find out what’s next for this family.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 18, 2021
Before now I hadn't seen a book by Emma Tallon, but it seems like she's written quite a few about the London Underground and this book is the start to a new series. I have found a new writer to look out for, once I picked up this book I coudn't stop reading about the Drew family where Lily and Ronan are at the head, after putting in years of blood, sweat and tears. Ronans daughter Scarlett is their intended successor, but it seems she wants to go away to college and live a more honest life.
Very promising start and I for sure will most definitely keep track of the following books to find out if Scarlett will end up at the head of the business and what sorts of trouble will come their way first.
If you like the gangland theme with strong women in the lead, don't pass this one up!
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
Very promising start and I for sure will most definitely keep track of the following books to find out if Scarlett will end up at the head of the business and what sorts of trouble will come their way first.
If you like the gangland theme with strong women in the lead, don't pass this one up!
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
March 27, 2021
If you read Emma Tallon's other series, Anna Davis, then run out nd get your hand on this book. Emma did it again with a crime family and actually threw in Anna Davis and Freddie Tyler from that series. I was sad when Emma ended that series but oh man she sucked me right in with this series and I can't wait for the next book.
Lily Drew and her brother Ronan are crime family, set in London. Lily has twin sons who are also in the family business and now Ronan's daughter, Scarlet. Scarlet is tough and had to be growing up in this family. When a family member dies she steps up to help.
Lily has daughter, Ruby who is always begging for money to get her next fix and thinks she is due for all the handouts.
We have 2 strong women in this family and won't let anyone bring them down.
Thank you Emma Tallon for another awesome book.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC to review.
Lily Drew and her brother Ronan are crime family, set in London. Lily has twin sons who are also in the family business and now Ronan's daughter, Scarlet. Scarlet is tough and had to be growing up in this family. When a family member dies she steps up to help.
Lily has daughter, Ruby who is always begging for money to get her next fix and thinks she is due for all the handouts.
We have 2 strong women in this family and won't let anyone bring them down.
Thank you Emma Tallon for another awesome book.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC to review.
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