What Revenge Looks Like

Revenge #2

by Romilly King

When Gil kidnapped Leo it wasn’t about revenge. When Gil’s serial killer father comes after them both it most certainly will be.

I hurt. Everywhere. In every way.

Physically, mentally, heart and soul.

(I have killed brothers, and betrayed blood, and there will be a price to be paid for that)

I’m damaged, and while running water makes me clean it doesn’t take away the memories that are gnawing inside me.

I mustn’t get angry, when I get angry my grasp on the good gets weak.

(He did say he likes it rough)

I want to be better for you, Leo, because you deserve better.

Now look at you...hunted, marked, your life forever changed.

(Why is he still smiling?)

Through it all you keep trying to fix me.

With your cool blue intellect, and your psychologist’s strategies, and your warm body wrapped around me.

(And yet he still doesn’t believe in me)

I can’t be fixed, beloved, not on the evidence so far presented, and I can’t just sit here and wait for my father to find us, because I know exactly what his revenge looks like. I’m not having you face that.

(Shh, baby, sleep now, stay here, be safe, warded by the Aspen trees, I’ll find a way, I have some contacts still, I swear I’ll find a way)


What Revenge Looks Like is the second book in Romilly King’s dark gay thriller trilogy. It features damaged characters, unreliable narrators, and psychological ambiguity.

Gil and Leo’s story concludes in book three, Where Revenge Takes You.

Trigger warning - this is a dark gay romance book and includes graphic violence, sexual scenes, and psychological manipulation between lovers. Please read the additional trigger warnings inside.

Genres: Dark, M M Romance, Abuse

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2021

Reviews

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 1 out of 5]

This author commits plagiarism

[Varya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not afraid of the dark. Too often I have been the most fearful thing to come out of it.

I have been waiting for this book from the moment I finished reading the first one in this series and it was everything I wanted and more. Romilly King is one hell of a story writer!! It's not just the characters who is battling their issues and trying to differ between reality and delusions but the readers too and that's a hard thing to achieve.

I love the human mind, because I’ll tell you one thing, it is fucking resilient.

Leo, Leo, Leo...oh gosh. I love that man. I know he's gay but damn, do I still wanna date him. Leo is one person who makes me believe in "All the good ones are either gay or married" LOL.
He's there for Gil despite the fact that Gil was his captor. He genuinely wants to help him cure his shared delusions. And he emotionally supports him after his traumatic stay in the prison. And he is still witty, intelligent, understanding , vulnerable but strong...after going through everything that he went through
Also, he is fierce in keeping his grasp on his own beliefs ( he still doesn't believe in magic and wants to cure Gil the scientific way) but he tries his best to understand and sympathize with Gil and his state of mind. In my opinion, it shows a considerable amount of determination on his part to hold on to his beliefs despite his love for Gil. He also sees his own prejudices towards Gil and works to improve himself.

And the same goes for Gil too. He wants to understand Leo's perspective and gives him chances to psychologically help him but he also believes in his magic stuff.
The lengths they both are willing to go for, for their relationship is fucking amazing.
And the psychological aspects in this story are Wow.

“Discretion is the better part of valour, better a speedy coward than a bold corpse.  My advice is to run.  It always was.”

Gil and Leo have some really funny and sweet moments in this book and it was very adorable. Especially, Leo's coming out to his parents story....lol, that made me laugh so hard. Gil also has a dry sense of humour which I loved about him .

I lean forward and press a kiss to his shoulder. His skin is warm and slightly salty. Who knew people tasted so nice - and that’s not a creepy thought at all.

However!! This book is a dark psychological romance thriller.....so it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. There were some parts which were fucked up, twisted and bloody. Not to forget Ensi, the prolific serial killer (also, Gil's father) who's after my golden couple, Leo and Gil.

It isn’t just about revenge, it’s about how you choose to deliver it.

We still can't determine in this book whether it's magic or shared delusions and that makes it much more exciting and twisted. I really can't wait to see how this story ends in the next book. !! 😍🖤

“This story is coming to an end, time to go where the legends go, into the dark.”

[Szidi ☼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Moments like this with Leo, I want them etched on my soul, because they make everything worthwhile."

I was not expecting this book to be this perfect! It was just everything I wanted and more. I loved the first book, but this, THIS! It's everything. And I can not wait for the third book! Whoah! Mind blown away.

If there was a perfect line to describe this book, this is it:

"It's crazy romantic, crazy loving, beautiful and profound."

Because it was crazy romantic, super sweet, loving and beautiful. I wasn't expecting this many sweet romance scene in this series but I was so happy with it. Gil and Leo in love is EVERYTHING.

The storyline was slow and I loved everything about it. The first few chapters where they escaped from the 'real world' to be back in the mountains again, those scenes where Gil was silent and Leo only wanted him to be whole and happy again. Those scenes where they discussed Gil's time in jail, wow, those were heavy but I'm so glad we got to see those too. I just loved how Leo tried and helped Gil.

The whole magic, not magic is still fascinating, and when I thought 'yeah, now I know what's happening and no way that's magic', I went to 'holy shit, this might be really magic' in a heartbeat. This story is killing me in all the good ways. I don't know which way is up and down.

Gil&Leo's honeymoon scenes were super, super sweet. Those were healing scenes for both of them and they really needed to bond more. Gil is the sweetest ever.

The hypnosis was the breaking point for me too, it was so well written and it was deep. I really can't wait to see what's real and not. Rom plays with our minds so well!

"I think I would do anything to make him smile, to make him feel better."

I couldn't pick a favorite scene becaue I loved it from start to finish. There were parts when I smiled so hard, there were some when I gasped for air, and some when my jaw was on the floor.

But the worst - that cliffhanger! Like, really?! Whyyyyyyy. I need answers!

This story is the perfect combination of sweet and dark. Romance and erotica. Magic or delusion?

HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

"I'm not afraid of the dark. Too often I have been the most fearful thing to come out of it."

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. Still reeling from the book drop of being done without the next book available yet. Lol. This book hooked you from the first page until closing. Just like the previous. I found this Cliffie to be harder to handle because it seems way more dire. I loved the characters and all that they go through and evolve within this book. Poor Gil to hav suffered what he has and then have to ‘be on’ and go through the process of reliving and hurting and realizing all that was taken from him. I liked Leo and how he helped Gil and seems to want to help him however that means in his way of coping (I.e. laying in a freezing cold river and Bering there to warm him up each time if that makes him feel cleansed). But then Leo does things like not have an open mind about the possibility of magic and things that just seem to be beyond his reasoning. While Gil has always been open to questioning his entire foundation of being for Leo. That irritated me. But at least Leo recognized this and acknowledged that he was prejudiced and strives to be better because he acknowledged that Gil was much better about being open and able to adapt to possibilities not being what he thought where as Leo was not. But I sensed from book one although you go through a period of questioning as well as you journey with the characters if it’s delusional or supernatural. And this very black and white world Leo liked to live in was just trying to make things for into its construct based on all the possible ole things it could have actually been as opposed to magical elements. Sometimes the more you know the less you are able to wrap your mind around the possibility of unnatural occurrences like ghosts and magic. Loved the book and it’s supernatural/paranormal aspects. As well as the MM love interests. Romilly King definitely knows how to make a book steamy while inflicting aspects of love, care and devotions within the plot. Can’t wait for the final installment.

[Tammy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series continues to confound me in the best way possible! It is dark, twisted, and makes you question all forms of reality. Is it magic or are all of these people sharing the same delusion?! Gah....I love the drama!! Leo and Gil have such a remarkable relationship that is woven together with confusion, wonder, disbelief, passion, and hidden at its core....love. I look forward to the conclusion of this series and truly hope that Gil and Leo can find a HEA. They deserve it!

[Vincent H · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible installment to the Revenge Series

This book was everything I was hoping for, intrigue, suspense, hot sex and a few questions answered! Brilliantly written and masterfully plotted out to reveal just enough truth but keep you guessing about everything else!
Absolutely cannot wait for book 3as this is one of the best series I've ever read!!

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even with this series - this is a true work of art

I’m struggling with how to write a review for this. Mostly because my brain is still kind of scrambled from that cliffhanger (which is soooo much bigger than the one in the first book). I’m honestly torturing myself with this series because I do not like cliffhangers and yet I keep coming back for more.

I loved that in many ways this was almost like a second first book. We get to see Gil and Leo be together in a way they haven’t had a chance to before. Gil goes/has been through so much (I was doing some seriously ugly crying for him) but somehow he still manages to seem pure, like he’s got this core of goodness that somehow manages to survive against all odds. He’s definitely my absolute favourite and I honestly am often left wondering what on Earth Leo did to deserve someone that special. Leo...sigh... I found him harder to deal with in this book. In the first one I was a little irked by his black and white views of the world but I kind of got it; this is someone who’s having a lot thrown at them in some pretty rough circumstances and we, as humans, struggle with our world views being altered. Also, logically for much of the book you could sympathise with him thinking Gil was delusional. But in this book, where Gil is so open to accepting everything he believed in isn’t real, Leo just kind of made me angry. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments where he was so kind and patient, so endearingly loving with Gil that my anger dissipated but then he’d go and make me angry again.

I’ve got to say, I’m firmly in camp magic and I will kind of be heartbroken if magic isn’t real because I love Gil and I don’t want him to have to deal with the reality of magic not being real but also because Leo deserves to be the one forced to accept he was wrong (me and Leo definitely have a love hate thing going here and a childish part of my brain wants to be able to say told you so). I can’t wait for the next book!

[Michelle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.... simply wow. This book was fantastic! For a second book, this seriously hit the mark. It couldn't have been written any better.

It was awesome to get to know Leo and Gil better and have just them for a majority of this book. We only got a taste of them together in book one and so it was lovely to see their relationship grow and flourish without the outside invading their space.

Gil came along way in this book and it was lovely to read. It was also good to read more of Leo the shrink. Them together was simply amazing and their chemistry was off the charts hot. Their intimate time together is written just so beautifully I couldn't get enough of these two together.

The ending I knew was coming. I hated it lol but I kind of expected it and Romilly seriously didn't disappoint. Romilly how could you.... LOL

Yet again Romilly has created an amazing story that has you gripping your kindle with the death grip and you can't read the story quick enough. Romilly continually produces such high quality stories that I can't wait to see where we get taken next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the three book Revenge series. It picks up right where book one left us, so you really do need to have read book one. A warning: the prologue is not for the faint of heart. It is very descriptive and a bit gross when revisiting one of the crimes Gil was forced to participate in. The rest of the book is ok. The first third is about Gil trying to overcome his assault, or his father's "revenge" against him, and then the rest is Leo and Gil trying to figure out how to convince each other that one is correct and the other is wrong regarding Gil's "magic." I would say as a reader I am pretty convinced it's real, but Leo has not seen anything to convince him. The book ends with the stage set for a final stand off between Gil and Leo. I'm not super happy that Gil and Leo separated "for Leo's safety." That never works and I feel like what was coming was super obvious. Even still, I gave the book five stars because the content is so unique and I hope we learn more about the father and Gil in the final book

[CAROLINA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second part of the trilogy is more emotional and shows Gil & Leo growing closer and falling in love. The questions we had in book 1 about the magic being real or Gil being delusional still remain, and now they are more intriguing.

Like always, Romilly's writing amazes me! Gil's POV is so poetic, I can almost hear the cadence in his "voice" when he narrates his past, or when he explains things to Leo. I love how intelligent he is, and how much he is willing to sacrifice for the one he loves. And Leo's POV parts are so straightforward, so clinical, it totally fits his character. He sees things with his analytical brain and he struggles to make sense of Gil's beliefs, and although he is only trying to help Gil, he realizes how much prejudice he's been carrying on and doesn't really know what to believe anymore.

It ends in a huge cliffhanger, like the first, and again I'm completely anxious for the next part!

*I read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review*

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review** Not as dramatic as the first book but still kept me in deep with Gil and Leo's story. This was more of a coming together...learning more ...both trying to understand the other quirks..either prove or disprove each other beliefs. The connection is strong...their bond/love is unwavering...you feel that. I felt this was a buildup for the completion of the story. The ending was kind of predictable...something had to happen so we get a cliffhanger at the end but it's all good...we saw it coming so we are willing to wait til we get our satisfying ending...hopefully it will answer the question...was it all delusions or not???

[Susan Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo and Gil, suspense!!

So for me this book was too short!! And eeep! I want to know what happens next!! I want to put Gil and Leo somewhere safe. Poor Gil has been through enough. Leo doesn't believe that Gil has magical powers. Gil is second guessing if he is delusional and if everything in his life is a lie he made up in his head.

I loved that Leo and Gil were able to be together for a while before things start happening again.

Can't wait for last book!!!!

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astounding and agonizing middle story of mm trilogy

Pay attention to the warnings about this book it really is very dark. If on the other hand you like dark and are in the mood for something that is not light and fluffy(although I like that too) then I highly recommend this book and this series. I really enjoyed this book but I can’t tell you much more about the plot without giving things away so I won’t. I will say that I found it absolutely delicious. Enjoy.

[DANNETTE HUGGINS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow.

Usually I'm not a big fan of books that continue with the same characters. This series has got me hooked though. So frustrating with Leo on his way of thinking can't seem to open his mind let it bend a little.I bet he lets it bend now.

[Antisocial Recluse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating removed for evidence of author plagiarism

Suspenseful

A very captivating storyline, in spite of the supernatural details and there is not any real danger in this volume. Some details about Gil are disturbing. There will be a bit more brutal content in the next, I’m afraid.<\s>

[Leandre Botha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was absolutely BRILLIANT and AMAZING!! What an amazing book. The storyline was brilliant. Frustrated by the cliffhanger, but that only adds to the suspense and buid up to the next chapter. I am so excited, I can not wait to see what happens next. Still absolutely loved the characters and the development of both, even more this time, so excited to see how they will continue to develop. I loved that we were able to learn more about Gil's live before meeting Leo. The emotions, oh my gosh it was even stronger as the story continues, I felt every emotion along with the characters. I still get goosebumps with every description in the book it's so amazing. I could not stop reading. So much suspense. I can not wait to see what happens next. Romilly King well done on another brilliant book.

[Sara Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perception is reality so what happens when two different realities converge? Gil and Leo have really been through a lot and are clinging to each other ..and their own incompatible perceptions. This second installment of Revenge grabs you by the throat and drags you along fearing for the physical and mental health of both Leo and Gil and leads us to the inevitable cliff hanger. I enjoyed the psychological aspect mixing with all the supernatural and can't wait for the conclusion to decide definitively if magic is real.

[DaLynn B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

mmmmmm I wanna give it a solid 3.5. I LOVE the way Romilly writes, the world knows i’m a huge fan. Absolutely loved the first book but but but...hear me out, this gave me the “Book 2 Blues”.

It was sooooo slow paced, and honestly just seemed like a lot of fluff. I mean, I guess I got some good backstory out of it and definitely some sexy but I just feel like I could’ve had so much more. I adore Leo & Gil cause of their connection but it felt so...not there in this one.

Definitely will be reading the final book though, cause who doesn’t like a set.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo freakin good!! Leo and Gil, gah!! This picked up right from the end of the first and ends on a cliffhanger. While I believe that second stories sometimes struggle to be fulfilling, this one did not disappoint. This one had more emotion to it with Leo and Gil falling in love. Sooo good, beautifully written! I need the next one now! I’m voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received.

[maureen claridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another nail biting story line

We have yes he is no he's not in this story
Gill not sure weather he's insane or brainwashed but his father . Leo doesn't belive in magic and now he's questioningly his insanity as more question come up. Gill in London and his father
Has leo hosage

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read from author before and once again she did not disappoint. So suspenseful. How can Leo not question some of the things that Gil has done and not wonder is he what he says he is? Although the end was kinda predictable I guess it was a necessary segway to the final book.

[Garrett Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2/5
Feels: 😪😪😪
One Liner: This is where I get off this train...
Rec: Can't say I do

[Valentina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story gets better and better. I loved the first book but this one is another level of awesome. Highly recommended!

[Li Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is an excellent dark thriller that’s really amazing. If you like your reading dark I highly recommended this series

[Mar Tiegan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - the author has plagiarized at least 4 of their books. I don't support thieves