Mistaken Hero

Retribution Games #1

by Ella Miles

She's a mafia princess.
I'm an anti-hero.
She's running from her past.
I've put my dark past behind me.
Until she mistakes me for her hero.
I'm no hero.
And I'm definitely not hers.
I already found my happily ever after.
One she decided to ruin.
Now I want revenge.
Let the retribution games begin.

This is book one in a dark romantic suspense series. Ends on a cliffhanger.
Series Order: Mistaken Hero
Forbidden Princess
Tempted Hero
Fatal Princess
Tortured Hero
Dangerous Princess

Genres: Dark, Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Mafia Romance, Novella, Contemporary Romance

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2021

About the author

Ella Miles writes sexy romance with strong females that could kick your butt if you piss them off, which they often do to the men that fall for them. She's currently living her own fairy tale near the Rocky Mountains with her high school sweetheart husband. Her heart is also taken by her goofy two year old black lab that is scared of everything, including her own shadow. Ella is the author of the Aligned series. Get a free book by visiting her website: EllaMiles.com

Reviews

[⚔Irunía⚔ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Slutty heroine happily fucks 4 men while being filmed in order to "save" herself from her old man's vicious plans.



I’m a depraved soul who needs to be fucked by four men in order to be saved.

Whatever keeps you warm at night. 👁️👅👁️
I mean... a porno video might have that side effect, I won't know.

Regardless... none of the big guest stars was the hero. Actually, the hero assumed (by the nature of her screams) that she was being gang raped and burst right into their comfortable little bubble, punching the polyamory club fans in the balls left and right ... which royally pissed off our mafia princess. 😂🤡
I vote for the book to be renamed as Deprived of the big O by a Cockblocking Hero.

To be fair, Ri acted promiscuously throughout the storyline, but this particular scene just had to happen at the very end of the book, when it was already too late for me to make like a banana and split...



In case you're wondering what happened after the sad moment when mistaken hero found her, sprawled naked on the pool table, and freed her holes from other men' cocks (forgive me my crudeness 😇), here you go: 🙌🏻💅🏻

I am about to slip on his shirt, but his scent overwhelms my nostrils. It’s a fresh, sweet scent with just a touch of musk. I drag my eyes to look at Beckett. His hard chest makes my mouth water. I want nothing more than to run my tongue all over it, but I know he’d immediately send me to my father for a transgression like that.
I can’t touch, but I can look.
I can finish the job that he denied me.
I let his shirt drop to the floor.
“What are you doing?”
I cup my breast in my hand. It feels heavy as I let my thumb perk my nipple.
Beckett freezes, his mouth falling ajar.
I ignore him and let my other hand trail down my stomach finding my clit just like the guys did earlier, rubbing in slow concentric circles.

*Plays hymn to sexual freedom*

Not my idea of romance. I don't want to read about main characters fucking other people after meeting their love interest. Especially for the dumbest reasons. Particularly not for any purpose that doesn't include holy untouchable angst.

[QuinnReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero and Princess

4.5 stars - A fantastic beginning to the series! I may hate these six book series but there's no denying that Ella Miles writes a compelling story. I was hooked from the beginning and can't wait to get my hands on more of Rialta (Ri), Beckett, and the Retribution Kings!

All is not as it seems but it is quite a rollercoaster! I love Beckett's commitment and determination to find his wife, even after learning her secret. I also appreciate that he doesn't deny the chemistry with Ri but he stays true despite it.

As for Ri, she is a spitfire of epic proportions. She's also insanely naive which seems in contrast to the experiences we see in the week that this book covers but it peeks out at various times.

It should be mentioned that there are some triggers in here. I'm voluntarily reviewing an ARC.

[Jena]

I read the sample, so now I know I won’t like this series. Heres why.

The H truly loved his wife(not the h of the series), but he falls in love with the h too when the wife goes missing.

The author made the mistake of showing on page just how crazy in love he was with this wife. He simply adored her to pieces! Obsessed, and he was crazy in lust! We see their beautiful wedding, their cute first meeting, the first time he says I love you to her, parts of them fucking, all on page...🙄we are shown this and not told….so it’s more impactful.

Therefor when the wife goes missing on their wedding night, and we see his attraction to the h shortly after, it’s showed what a flakey asshole he is for falling for the h when he seems to genuinely love his wife.

If he can cheat on his wife, emotionally or otherwise , he can cheat on the h. This won’t be a good love story for me. 😒 I will be avoiding this…but if you plan to read it, you might want to skip the first 30%, so you won’t need to read the parts with the wife.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistaken Hero was action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next thrilling event to happen.
Beckett is a man on a mission, to marry his love, Odette, and to spend the rest of his life worshipping and loving her. Their wedding is interrupted as a woman runs through their secret wedding causing Beckett to wonder what is going on, and his instincts kick in big time.
Now Ri enters, and she is causing havoc and mayhem, but there is a huge twist to this story!! And it is splendid!
These Retribution Games will be intense and mind blowing.
I can't wait to read Forbidden Princess!

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is a favorite of mine for a reason! I swear I haven’t read a book by her that I haven’t honestly loved yet . This story is action packed with a huge twist that I loved! Wow another five star must read by this queen !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (1/30/2022)! 🎁

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckett has lived a dark and dangerous life but that is all about to change now that Odette is in his life. The ink is barely dry on their marriage certificate when chaos ensues and his attempt to help a woman who appears to be in a dangerous situation culminates in the disappearance of his wife.

Ria is a mafia princess who wants no part of the life but escaping her powerful and dangerous father and his enemies is not so easy. She is rescued by Beckett and knows that the safest place she can be is with him as they try to unravel not only her appearance in his life but the disappearance of his wife as well.

Suspense, surprise and steam as the cliffhanger leaves us needing to know what the future holds for Beckett, Ria and everyone else involved.

[Mari Johnston · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a single part of this book made any sense 🥴

[B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckett & Rialta’s Dark Story Includes All The Surprises Fans Have Come To Expect! Angsty Twists & Turns Keep Readers On Edge As They Scramble For Answers. It Is About Two People Hoping To Find True Love But Whose Choices Are Stolen From Them. Rialta Is Being Forced Into An Arranged Marriage, & Beckett’s True Love Story Is Based On A Lie. Their Story Is A Slow Burn.


ABOUT THE RETRIBUTION GAMES SERIES:

This the first of six books in the Retribution Games series. It introduces the various players and groups that rule Chicago’s criminal underground. Beckett, a character from the Truth or Lies world, is new to the scene and gets sucked into a power play despite his best efforts to go straight. This book leads up to the introduction of the Retribution Games, which are sure to be a wild ride, reminiscent of the various dark and dirty games played in the Truth or Lies world that revolves around Enzo, Zeke, and Langston. Fans will be thrilled that the old gang is mentioned here, and Langston helps his friend from afar.

BECKETT’S HISTORY (FROM EARLIER BOOKS):

Beckett first appears towards the end of Consumed by Truths, the sixth and final book of the Truth or Lies series (which is also part of Stolen, book two of the Truth or Lies World Collection). It is Enzo Black and Kai’s story. He also makes appearances as part of the Black gang of friends in the spin-off series that follow: the Sinful Truths series, which is Zeke and Siren’s story (which is also Sinful and Broken, books three and four in A Truth or Lies World Collection) and the Lies series, which is Langston and Liesel’s story (which is also Vicious and Endless, books five and six in A Truth or Lies World Collection). This series picks up sometime after the Lies series concludes. As it closed, Beckett had ventured off in search of finding himself. A year after Langston and Liesel settled down (their first epilogue), Beckett had found a girl in Seattle that he seemed to be getting serious about. This story takes place in Chicago, not Seattle, so it is unclear what happened in between then and the opening of this series.

Eli Beckett goes by his last name, which is his birth mother’s maiden name. He is originally from St. Louis and is a Cardinals fan. He was given up for adoption by Julia Beckett and Leone Rinaldi when he was little. He had loving adoptive parents, but never the siblings and sense of family that he always longed for. He joined the Army in search of that sense of brotherhood. He later worked for the FBI, then moved on to working as a bodyguard and private investigator. His love of country music stems from an ex that left him heartbroken. He longed for an escape from his life, for adventure. Note that Beckett had a normal upbringing. He has a huge heart and is probably a romantic by nature, but this heartbreak is likely the root of his sometimes jaded attitude.

Two men reach out to Beckett for a job at approximately the same time. It is a rather striking coincidence. Each offers a big paycheck, and the jobs largely coincide. He cannot turn down the money, so he accepts both with the knowledge that he will eventually be forced to pick a side – probably the side that pays the most. One man asks Beckett to track down his daughter/niece and pull her out of danger, to keep her safe. Another asks him to befriend the same woman and make her fall for him. He is supposed to keep the man updated and when the order comes, he is supposed to kill her. But when he meets Kai, he soon knows he won’t harm her. He has a sense that he somehow belongs at her side. He cares for her like a sister and becomes very protective of her. But when Enzo discovers from his evil half-brother Felix that Kai is still alive, and worse, that Felix has a hired man in place ready to kill her, he comes to her rescue. Beckett is found out before he comes clean with Kai. Tensions between the three are high. But his love for Kai and his devotion to her safety never sway, and in the end he sacrifices himself to save Enzo, knowing how much Kai loves and needs him and that the love they share is rare. Beckett admires what Enzo and Kai have together. He loses his right arm saving Enzo, but he ends up gaining a family. He earns Enzo’s trust and is welcomed into the Black organization.

In the midst of all the danger, he and Enzo discover that they are in fact brothers. Their father also went by Leone Black, of the Black Organization, which is how most knew him. Beckett is presumably the older brother since otherwise Enzo would have a memory of him. His rough age in this series seems to confirm that as well. The relationship helps to explain how Beckett was recruited for the jobs to watch over Kai. Both Felix, their half-brother, and Kai’s uncle had to have known about the relationship. The Black genes are strong, lethal, and dark. Beckett was the fortunate brother, as being raised by Leone Black was like being raised by the devil himself. Beckett is more loving and happy, closer in personality to their mother than their father. Both are already deceased at this time, however, so Beckett never meets them.

Beckett never lets the loss of his arm stop him from leading a normal life. Probably soured on relationships, he is a ladies’ man. He goes on to work for Kai and Enzo at the Black Organization. He necessarily sees a lot of dark and dangerous situations as a result, probably taking him further to the wrong side of the law than ever before. He eventually dates Siren’s best friend for a while in the Sinful Truths series, but it tapers out. It never seems too serious – and neither seems like the type ready to settle down. He becomes a fixture in the Black world along with Enzo, Zeke, and Langston. He becomes a wonderful uncle and is good with kids. But as the last of the group settles down, he leaves to look for his own happy ending.

IN THIS BOOK:

Beckett, roughly thirty, is ready to give up everything for love. He is a murderer. He deals in weapons and drugs. He met Odette by chance, and he soon found himself head over heals in love. The kindergarten teacher never once looked at him with pity or saw him as anything less because of his missing arm. And her positive outlook combined with her innocence captivated him. A year later, they are marrying. But Beckett doesn’t want to tarnish his bride with his wicked ways or his dark past. He gave that all up when he met her. He got a job in marketing. His friends and family understand; they live in a dangerous world. Being a one armed man makes him a little unique, though, and he worries about being identified and connected to his life of crime. Beckett doesn’t want it to touch Odette or the children they will have together. He met her while in Chicago on a job. He was meant to take out a target that sells women – Ares, leader of the Phantom Brotherhood. He never did finish the job, that was how fast and hard he fell.

Odette Monroe comes from a normal family and they have welcomed him into their fold. Her ailing father insists on paying for the wedding despite their working class means. Her father is an engineer and her brother is a loan officer. Though Beckett has been careful to keep his old life and new life completely separate, he still takes great precaution to ensure Odette’s safety. They announce their marriage will take place they day after it is scheduled just to ensure there are no surprises. But something goes awry during the ceremony, and again when their bags are missing in the honeymoon suite. A strange girl runs as if for her life through their ceremony and then reappears later in the lobby covered in blood. Beckett’s paranoia about Odette’s safety has him jumping to the conclusion that the incidents are somehow targeted to him. Whether or not that is the case, he soon finds himself embroiled in as much danger as ever. And when he returns to his suite, Odette is gone. There is only blood. Refusing to give up hope, he sets to work to rescue the love of his life.

Rialta Corsi, twenty, is running from a dangerous man. She is the Princess of Chicago, daughter to Vincent Corsi of the Corsi Crime Family. They rule half the country and have a cut in most criminal organizations. Her father is feared and not to be crossed. She certainly fears him herself. She had been sheltered her whole life, kept from the knowledge of the family business and not taught the skills she needs to survive in his brutal world. She is just a tool. She has known since she was thirteen that he planned to marry her to make an alliance with the man of his choosing. She doesn’t have options, and she decided her only choice is to run and never stop. She is bleeding badly and needs medical attention, but there is no time for that. As luck would have it she is picked up on State Street and taken against her will to a club. The Phantom Brotherhood plans to sell her, but when their leader recognizes Ri his plans change. By marrying her, Ares can solidify an alliance with the Corsi family. Ri doesn’t want to be forced to marry any man. It is her biggest fear. She longs to feel truly loved by a man, though it seems impossible. But she never shows fear. She is feisty, fierce, and savage. She may or may not be inexperienced, but she knows how to use her body to control men.

When the handsome one armed groom she saw at the hotel earlier comes to her rescue, things turn in another direction. Hero helps her out of one predicament, but she is still not free. And if returned to her father, she knows what punishment awaits. Still, she cannot help her attraction to Hero – Beckett – the man who seems to think she needs rescuing. And though he is in love with his wife, that devotion makes Ri want him even more. And when he is forced to kiss her, it makes her want to live again. Beckett returns to the hotel with Princess, hoping to clear things up with her father and avoid any blame for what happened. He still doesn’t know from whom Princess was running or why. But when Odette turns up missing and his groomsmen confess to belonging the Retribution Kings – a group he has never heard of – his whole life turns upside down. Beckett thought he left the life of crime behind him, but it turns out the RK’s had chosen him as their new leader. It is a job he never asked for and doesn’t want. It turns out his chance meeting with Odette was no mistake, and he is now desperately in love with a missing women who may or may not love him after all. And he hates himself for feeling something for Princess when Odette means everything to him. He is not a cheater.

Beckett is convinced that Princess’s appearance has something to do with Odette’s disappearance, but she refuses to share any information. Someone was probably trying to prevent him from taking over the RK’s, as Beckett’s reputation apparently precedes him. He believes Princess is the key to finding his wife, and though their relationship is uncertain, his love for Odette is real. Meanwhile the RK’s explain that he will become their full leader only after he finishes his initiation. The four groomsmen nevertheless give him their respect now, and together they work to keep Princess safe from those desperate to capture her while following all leads to Odette. A large portion of the story takes place on the night of Beckett’s wedding. The book ends in a cliffhanger about one week later.

Beckett is more than capable of keeping up with Enzo, Zeke, and Langston, but he lacks most of their dark disposition. His upbringing was entirely normal and the first danger he saw would have been in the Army. He has obviously been deeply embroiled in the underworld for years now, which is sometimes hard to reconcile with his bright outlook on life. He is much lighter, more happy than his old friends from the Black Organization, and it isn’t at all surprising to see him fall for an angel of a woman, nor to want to change his life for her, to go so far as to give up his friends and family in favor of a safe and normal life with her.

Rialta hates being called Princess, and Beckett is the hero she doesn’t want to need. She doesn’t want to depend on a man. She finds herself stuck with the RK’s, who are a handsome bunch and tempting as sin, yet the one she really connects with is the only one she cannot have. Beckett is in love with his wife, and though she sometimes hates him, and he definitely hates her, she hopes that at least one of them will find a happy ending – and she knows it won’t be her. Her fate is in her father’s hands and it wont’ be pretty.

As the story closes there are many unanswered questions. What happened to the woman that Beckett was falling for in Seattle at the end of the Lies series? Who was Ri running from? How long was she missing? Why was she working as a waitress when she is Chicago royalty? And how did school factor into this? Had she been in hiding for years, attending school and supporting herself without being detected? Did Odette have a true love – someone she gave up to fulfill her duty to the RK’s? Is her disappearance real, or is it part of the initiation? Is someone in the organization either jealous of Beckett or in love with Odette, and responsible for her disappearance? Is Odette involved in her own disappearance? What initiation must Beckett go through to become the RK leader? Is Lennox true to the RK’s, or is he betraying them? And Gage? And the other members? How many other members are there? Was Ri involved, directly or indirectly, with Odette’s disappearance? She has a fresh wound, but what are her old scars from and when? Was she responsible for Nicolo Ricci’s death? How does it happen that the RK’s just happen to have a safe house on the same lake as Mayhem’s? Lennox accuses the other men of thinking with their appendages, so why does he in fact go along with them all? All the RK’s recognize the attraction between Beckett and Ri, but why do none have a problem with it when he is married to Odette, their own princess? And why do they all pursue her despite Beckett and Ri’s obvious attraction to one another? Ri’s memory issues are a bit confusing. She supposedly remembers nothing, yet she remembers her father and knows to fear him. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. She knows he wanted to sell her innocence since she was thirteen but cannot remember her childhood or teen years – how is that possible? If she knows it is like signing the death warrant of any man that sleeps with her, why does she then relent and ask, putting her friends in danger? The RK’s indicate they will serve her father retribution – so why do they bother with her request since her concern would no longer be merited? Why do the RK’s foolishly send the video? Why would they think it might help Princess? What exactly did Beckett do after leaving everyone at the cabin? What did Beckett discover about Odette at the end? What arrangement was made between Beckett and Ri’s father? How is it that Corsi knew to show up at the club? How much of the arrangement were the RK’s privy to? Who was involved with devising the Retribution Games and what is the goal? What are the Retribution Games? How much does Corsi know about what happened to Ri? And to Odette? What purpose do the games serve for the RK’s? Why wouldn’t they just find a way to keep Ri safe without involving her father?

Beckett and Rialta’s dark story is about two people hoping to find true love but whose choices are stolen from them. Rialta is being forced into an arranged marriage, and Beckett’s true love story is based on a lie – it is essentially an arranged marriage as well. Their story is a slow burn. They have great but confusing chemistry at this point – Beckett’s marriage is obviously an obstacle for them both. Neither quite knows how to react to the other, though their underlying connection is unquestionable. They have a love/hate relationship as they battle their attraction to one another. As a result, they are as of yet still interested in other people. They stand at odds while Ri holds information back that might potentially lead to Odette, whose safety must be the RK’s first priority.

Beckett and Rialta’s story includes all the surprises fans have come to expect. Angsty twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats as they scramble to find answers. Both Beckett and Rialta must battle themselves to deny the true depth of their feelings for one another as they work through the dangers that face them while searching for Odette. Their story is well-written. It is plot-driven, with devastating twists and turns that sock you in the gut. The characters are well-developed and carefully crafted. The story is written in first person. The POV alternates between Beckett and Rialta. I rate this book 4.5 stars.

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.


EXTRA – THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AT PLAY IN THE SERIES:

The Corsi Family rules Chicago and half the country. Every crime organization must go through them. Vincent Corsi runs the family, and he is feared for his brutality. He will destroy anyone he thinks crosses him. Rialta, his daughter, is the princess and is promised in a marriage that will form a strategic alliance.

The Phantom Brotherhood is led by Ares. They control part of the city with Corsi’s approval. They sell women. The group hopes to form an alliance with Corsi, and in allowing Beckett to take Rialta for his bride, they make him promise to snub the Retribution Kings in favor of them. They propose shared power between the Phantom Brotherhood, the Black Organization, and Corsi (by marrying Ri, Beckett would become a Corsi prince).

Mayhem is run by Paxton Cook, a lazy leader who lets his men do the dirty work. It is a crime organization that hopes to gain an alliance with Corsi by marrying Odette.

The Retribution Kings are a secretive group with the purpose of bringing justice to the underworld. They ensure order, and their only loyalty is to themselves. The two main ways to join are by birth or by marriage. They apparently have a monopoly on weapons sales in Chicago, a contract they hold with Corsi. With their leader’s health in jeopardy, they choose Beckett as his replacement. While women are sheltered from the group’s activities, there is an exception to the rule. As the leader’s daughter, Odette is the Monroe princess. She has a responsibility to marry the man of their choosing – the man that they choose as their new leader. When Beckett goes to Chicago for a job, it is part of their plan, and Odette’s meeting with Beckett was no accident.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Moly!!! 'Mistaken Hero' is book one of Ella Miles' "Retribution Games" series and if you know anything about this author's work, then you should know it's a foregone conclusion this story will rock your world!! This book is an epic way to start a new series. What I initially thought would be the story about Beckett, Enzo Black's half-brother, and Odette, the woman Beckett gave up everything for, turned into a story about Beckett and Ri, a mafia princess on the run. If you're like me, that immediately piqued my curiosity, and as many times as I continued to tell myself "Just one more chapter", I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. I am never disappointed with an Ella Miles book and this is no exception. A must-read that deserves more than just five stars.

[Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

RI and Beckett

I was looking forward to this story. This was a great start to the series. I read the book twice. I like Beckett. I hate to admit this but I hope he does not end up with RI. I think he deserves better. They have no chemistry. She has more chemistry with Caius. This book felt disjointed. Maybe because Beckett is in love with his wife? I’m not sure. The book was well written. I guess I just don’t see Beckett and RI as a couple. I’m eager to see what will happen in the rest of the series. Maybe this couple will grow on me after a few books. Who knows. Right now, meh.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a great way to start this series. An intriguing storyline and complicated characters are fueled by a skillfully crafted blend of intense emotions, nail-biting drama, jaw dropping twists, edge of your seat suspense and raise your temperature heat. If you like your reads juicy and addicting, you are going to want to grab this one. I am freely posting his frank review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! The author brings strong characters and an intriguing story line. She does a fantastic job building the story and pulled me in ,keeping me glued to the pages with all the action ,suspense and mystery. I loved reading and am looking forward to the next book after the cliffhanger ending.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Gabija. Keista Skaitytoja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pradžia buvo Wow, uch, kas čia manęs laukia🤯 mafijos princesė, ex žudikas, kuris vedė, o tada sutiko “princesę”, kibirkštys tarp jų🔥 galvojau na bus super knyga. Ir tada vidury knygos gavosi meeh… 🔥 scenų nebuvo, viena tik ir tai “Reverse harem”. O pabaiga be pabaigos, su tiesiog intriga į tęsinį. Tad iš wow, gavosi meh…

[Magali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather complex and twisted
2,5
I was very disappointed with this story because I didn't really understand the actions of each of the characters (whether Becket, Ri, or those around Becket).
The story begins tragically, but the relationships of each of them are then confused in the wars of power between criminal groups, the place of the heroine who also is not very clear on what she wants. She endures, makes choices that are understandable to the characters, but in the end, although the characters speak of physical attraction, I didn't really feel any romance between them.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! Beckett is trying to put his past behind him and move forward by marrying Odette but then Ri show up and ruins his plans. Let the Retribution Games begin! Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. Great characters with intense chemistry and lots of depth and emotion. I loved it!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beckett (half brother to Enzo Black from the Truth or Lies series) has decided to settle down with his one true love, Odette. As they are exchanging their vows a young woman runs through the courtyard and disrupts the wedding, then continues on past the ceremony. Beckett and Odette arrive at their hotel suite, ready to celebrate their marriage, but Beckett has to return to the lobby to retrieve their bags. As the elevator doors open a young woman rushes out and collides with him. He grabs her to steady her and realizes she is the same woman who disrupted his wedding. She excuses herself and runs out of the hotel just as Beckett realizes the woman is covered in blood. Out of concern for her, he tracks her down and sees she is injured and in need of medical attention. She declines his offer to call for an ambulance and continues on her way. You have just met Ri aka Rialto Corsi, Princess of Chicago and daughter to the head of the Corsi Crime Family.

Ri gets kidnapped by the Phantom Brotherhood while also becoming a pain in the arse for Beckett. He has to make a deal with the leader, Ares, in order to rescue her. Upon their return to the hotel, Beckett discovers that Odette has disappeared. When a tragedy occurs, it’s time for retribution!

In typical Ella Miles fashion, this is the beginning of what promises to be another amazing series. There are also as many twists and turns as the Road to Hana (Hawaii)! Whew! What a nail-biter this book is! I can’t wait to read the next installment!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Palace · Rating 2 out of 5]

What did I read... Honestly, the first few chapters got me confused because of the prologue. Then, the author tries to do too much at the same time. Then, it's just not realistic.... apparently the girl was severely wounded and was supposed to go to the hospital to get check but next paragraph, she's running and fighting. Like okay... never any sights of lightheadedness or anything from the blood loss but one chapter, she didn't eat for one day then 'oh, i feel weak' but not when you're bleeding out and running for a whole day? (logic)

Also, technically there's cheating here... it was very conflicting because I mind then I didn't but in the end, I still minded.

I think people were complaining about the other guys but at that point, I suspect that this is RH and trying to be the next Den of Vipers. But Den of Vipers makes sense and I rooted for everyone. This one... not so much. Safe to say, not going to continue on this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistaken Hero is book one in Ella Miles six part latest series Retribution Games. It ends a cliffhanger until the final book so if you're not fan of cliffy this book is not for you. Beckett is a reformed murderer, torturer, thief, criminal/enforcer, and drug dealer for his half brother crime enterprise. He changed his whole life for the love of a woman Odette Monroe a school teacher whom he met one day in a coffee shop. He walked away from his family and friends and criminal activities because he didn't want anything to jeopardize his new wife and family.
When a strange woman interrupted his wedding and burst through the courtyard running and knocking over stuff with blood on her Beckett thought his past had collided with his present. He saw the same woman on the elevator later that evening and he doesn't believe in coincidence given his past. He didn't want to be away from his wife but he had to make sure that she was not a threat. Ri is a mafia princess of the Chicago Corsi Crime family on the from her dangerous captor. Her dad is Vincent Corsi who is one ruthless crime boss. She had always lived a pampered with innocence and naivete until she ran away from home now all the does run until brutal man abducts her. She knows that the Beckett is dangerous but some how she gets the feeling that he's not a monster as her abductors. Ri is bleeding bad and she's in need of stitches and antibiotics. She can not afford to go to the hospital because they will be too many questions. Beckett doesn't want to get further involved because of fear that it would come back on his family. They went their separate ways and she was taken away bound and to club. She recognized that she was now with the Phantom Brotherhood who planned on selling her to the highest bidder.
But she told them that they had no idea who she was and they're ones who should be afraid. The the Ares recognize that it was Rialta Corsi, princess of Chicago. The Phantom Brotherhood controls from little Calumet river to Washington Park. But the Corsi Crime family runs half the city they gets a cut of everything that goes on. Ri was a pawn in her daddy business she was always meant to marry someone of her father choosing to form an alliance and that's the reason why she ran. Ares now planned on raping her in or to get her hand in marriage so that he can get an alliance with her dad so that his business will be profitable. He knows that if he goes to her father and tells him that she seduced him in order to get this alliance he would believe since her dad doesn't value female. Once Beckett finds out that it's Ri he goes to the Phantom Brotherhood to rescue her because he doesn't want the king to take revenge against his family thinking he has something to do with it. Ri is sassy, hardheaded, smart utilizes her feminine poweress to get what she wants. Ares made Beckett pledge that he wasn't loyal to the Monroe's and seal it with a kiss with Ri and recorded to make sure that he didn't doublecross him once he became the prince after marrying Ri. Ri knew that he was saving her but she felt some a attraction from the kiss. Odette went missing after Beckett was trying to save Ri. Ares was the target that Becker was supposed to kill on the day that he met Odette he can't help wondering if he had follow through with his job this would not be happening.
Mistaken Hero is shrouded around lies, secrecy, deception, violence, an arranged marriage that only one party is privy to the details, drama, kidnapping, human trafficking, power monopoly, alliances, attraction, love, manipulation, rivalry, vengeance, tons of angst, twist and turns that keeps you guessing and glued to tablet wondering the motive of some of these characters and who is good guys and from the bad. It is also about two individual who are desperate to find true love but is being manipulated by those around them stealing their choice of truly pursuing it. Beckett thought that he found someone who loved himself inspite of his past but whole relationship is based on a lie and his wife was normal like he thought she's part of the criminal entity that he walked from the difference was to a rival family. Rialta is forced into marriage that she doesn't want as part of an alliance and there's nothing that she can to about it. The marriage was already arranged since she was born it was just a matter of her father finding the partner who will make him more powerful. Sit back relax and let Ms. Miles take you on ride with intriguing characters. It was riveting well written, easy to read and a page turner that have you guessing and now hanging on the precipice with that killer cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ella Miles has written another dark and twisted cliffhanger series. If you read the earlier ones with Enzo, Zeke and Langston then you'll find the situation similar. Beckett was a character in those earlier series and has now distant ties to the Black organization. He left that life for a normal one without criminals and violence. He's fallen in love with Odette, a normal woman with a normal family.

It doesn't take long for the first mysteries and darkness to come up. Beckett is a conflicted character, some of the time. He seems certain of his love for Odette, then is attracted to Ri. She is running from her criminal father.

This story contains evil characters and Beckett and Ri are either good or bad or a mix. It's an unknown as are several alluded to secrets which would make everything understandable but will be kept hidden to heighten the suspense. One big twist toward the end with Ri felt like an easy way to have her keep her secrets but was also used in a previous series. Time for something original.

The characters were mostly compelling, including the side characters of four men who will probably go on to have their own dark series eventually. This book, as advertised, ended in a cliffhanger and I don't think a single mystery was solved or secret revealed. The ending reminded me of Enzo and Kai's story for reasons that will be obvious to anyone who has read that series. Hopefully, the rest of this series will feel more original in upcoming stories.

If you haven't read any of those other dark series (Truth or Lies/Enzo and Kai, Sinful Truths/Zeke and Siren, Lies/Langston and Liesel) then this will feel new to you. You don't need to read the other series before these, but it may help with some background information including how Beckett lost his arm. This is a dark series with real violence including violence against women, secrets which won't be revealed quickly, and steep cliffhangers. Now that the entire series is out, that won't be an issue.

Overall, it felt a little too similar to elements in previous series to feel entirely original. As a hint, trust nothing and no one. Things that seem true often turn out not to be. I'm sure this series will be full of surprises.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to start the next series! You would think that this is the story of Beckett and Odette, but instead, it turns out to be about Beckett and Ri. The night that Beckett married Odette Monroe, Ri came along and ended up messing everything up. That night, Beckett found out the truth about the Monroe family and the part he was going to be playing. Needless to say, Beckett has revenge on his mind, but he just can’t seem to help thinking about Ri. Ri is a mafia princess and she is running from someone – only we don’t know who she is running from. Ri & Beckett seem to have this connection – Ri feels bad because Beckett is a married man, and Beckett feels guilty because he loves Odette – regardless of the truth. Beckett gave up his criminal life to be with Odette and would do anything to keep her safe.

I have always been a fan of Ella Miles and this series is going to be just as good as her other series. This story had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I could not put my Kindle down. I kept telling myself I would stop at the next chapter, that did not happen as I had to know what was going to happen next. I was definitely not disappointed in this book as there was plenty of action, lots of drama, a few secrets, betrayal, tragedy and there is definitely a love/hate relationship going on with Beckett and Ri. I am anxiously waiting for the next book to come out. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistaken Hero. This book was unbelievable! Ella Miles continues to keep your head and heart in a state of bewilderment. I was caught up in this book! It begins a new chapter in the lives of the infamous Black Empire family. This time with Enzo's half brother Beckett. Beckett has walked away from the family to start a new life with his true love. He wants no part of the crime world. He's getting married and turning a new life for himself and his bride, Odette. On his wedding day he is preparing to marry Odette and a strange woman bumped into him twice. The second time she has blood all over her. He becomes concern and goes after her. That concern jester turns out to be a big mistake. Beckett finds himself thrown back into the world he left behind. Now he has to try and save a woman he hates because she might have something to do with the disappearance of his new wife. If you haven't read the previous series " Truth or Lies ", I recommend you do but you don't have to, but it will give incite into the world Beckett came out of and who Beckett was. This series is going to be exciting and unexpected I can feel it!  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an incredible start to the Retribution Games! It's so nice to finally get Beckett's story. We've gotten glimpses of him in the other series but not enough to really get to know him. He always seemed so sweet then but looks can be deceiving. He thought he had his whole future planned out but Ri came along and shook everything up. I liked Ri. I thought she was strong but vulnerable. She definitely had a lot going on in her world and she seemed to be handling it the best she could. Now Caius is someone I would like to get to know a little better. I'm really hoping he and the other guys stick around because that make this series unique to the one that came before. I actually liked the multiple possibilities with all the guys and the banter between all of them and Ri was excellent. It was fun to watch the guys fight for her attention and I can't
forget to mention the smokin hot scenes! Very steamy!!! As all Ella Miles books it was beautifully written and very entertaining. This is one you can't put down and I can't wait to see how this story unfolds! Definitely worth the read!

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonstop suspense, tragic, heartbreaking and compelling read
Mistaken Hero (Retribution Games Book 1) by Ella Miles is an intriguing and compelling start to the Retribution Games Series. Featuring Bennett, a predominant character from previous series by this author, we get a glimpse into this stoic alpha. The female protagonist, Ri, seems like an enemy, but feels like an innocent. These two clash, full of anger, regret, and confusion, yet they seem to be destined, continually in one another’s path.
The plot, as all of this author’s books are, is fraught with evil deeds, tragedy, trials and tests beyond endurance. All of which keeps the reader on the edge and hypnotized, just waiting to see what will happen next. As this series evolves, I’m sure to be trying to catch my breath while hanging on for dear life.
Overall, this first book of a new series is action packed suspense with a sense of urgency that also pull the heart strings for these characters. I’m hooked, and looking forward to the next book in this all consuming saga about Bennett and Ri.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my review.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual when we begin this story we think, wow Beckett who we learn about in one Ella's other series is going to feature prominently in this book. I know that some of us readers wanted Beckett to have his own story but once you start reading you will wonder what is going on in this story and then you remember oh, this is Ella Miles telling this story This the first of six books in the Retribution Games series. It introduces the various players and groups that rule Chicago’s criminal underground. Beckett, a character from the Truth or Lies world, is new to the scene and gets sucked into a power play despite his best efforts to go straight. This book leads up to the introduction of the Retribution Games, which are sure to be a wild and crazy ride. It will probably draw us in as much as the her other stories that involved Langston, Enzo and Zeke who had a part in the dirty games played in the Truth or Lies Series. I had to go back and read this story because I needed to know what happened before I read Book two Forbidden Princess. Get this book it is another Ella Miles adventure. I highly recommend this book, because it is definitely a good read.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Retribution Games Series and it is Beckett and Rialta's story and omg this book is a must read and an amazing start to a new series. Beckett has gotten married to Odette the love of his life but after he helped Ri who is a mafia princess and is running away from her father Beckett got back to the hotel room to find Odette missing and blood on the bed and floor and now his main concern is finding his wife as quickly as possible and hope that she is still alive. There are many twists and turns along the way but that is what makes this a real page turner and so addictive that you can't put it down as you need to know what will happen next and it had you on the edge of your seat the whole time while reading this book. What a cliff hanger ending and I can't wait to read the book. Ella Miles is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention right from the first page until the last.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Navss (read.yourbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒈𝒖𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓. 𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒈𝒖𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆’𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇-𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔. 𝑰 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒕.

@EllaMiles plays with my heart every single time she releases a book. 🙌🏼

The ending wasn't a cliffhanger, no, it was the starting of a twisted game and oh damn I'm ready for it.

We've met Beckett in the earlier series but this is his story.

Beckett is marrying his love Odette to lead a happy and normal life. Ri wasn't in his life, but somehow the most wanted Mafia Princess and his life got tangled. Things run deeper than told.

Beckett and Ri? They aren't enemies, they have something different going on. Ri might come as weak as she doesn't know how to use a gun and self defence techniques, but she's stronger than every single person. She's leaving Siren (who's my all time favourite) behind and this is only the first book!

The twists keep on coming, different emotions are felt and the prologue! Get ready because everything you see isn't true.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are still in the same world with the Blacks and their crew and families. This story is about Beckett and him getting a normal life away from that world once and for all~ Or does he really? He is getting married to an angel…as the vows are about to be finished a bloody woman runs into him and away…. what does she have to do with them and his old world? After the wedding, he finds her again in the elevator running away…but why? He chases her only to discover his wife is missing and a pool of blood~ Now, he has to call old contacts to find out who the woman is and how she is related to what happened to his wife! He will find himself even deeper ensconced with all new players, different groups, and how it was planned~ Who has his wife? Is she still alive? Ri, the Mafia Princess is his only hope of finding her and discovering what exactly he has gotten himself into…but he has a weird connection with Ri…only now, he will seek revenge on those involved and it will be at her expense…stay tuned~

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anxiously waiting for Beckett's story to come out. It did make me a little sad that we don't see that much of the Truth of Lies world characters because that is where we met Beckett and learned a little about him, but I really enjoyed learning about the new characters in the 'Retribution Games' series and hope we get stories about them as well. This story was exciting and a little bit dark, but I was easily drawn into the story and the characters within it. I liked that we met some more hot guys who are now part of Beckett's new crew and can't wait to read more about them. I was hoping the whole story for Beckett and Ri to get along but it seems like even though there was an attraction between them, they disliked each other even more. They next story seems like it will contain even more danger and excitement and I can't wait to get my hands on that one either. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Ella Miles previous stories and anyone who likes dangerous or dark love stories.

[Socalgirl10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know when you read a character and you have this vision for their story? Well, let’s just say that thank goodness I was not writing this story! Now I do have to say at first I was disappointed that Beckett was married to Odette and then met Ri because that is just not the type of guy he is/or I envision. As the story unfolds you learn more about Odette and my heart broke for Beckett. Ri is a whole different character. I am not sure what is going on with her and I so want to know more. Right now I am going to reserve judgement. Normally the first story in Ella’s series sucks you and you cannot wait to read the next one. This one did not do that for me and maybe it was because I am a little lost with all of the characters and what is really going on in this story. I have a feeling that this is the set up book. By the end, I was hooked and now I think book two is going to be that book! Even if you are new to Ella, keep reading because I guarantee that you will be taken on a wild ride!