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Maddison Kings University #7

The Retaliation You Deliver

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When something seems too good to be true. It’s usually because it is.

A lesson I learned the hard way.

Every single fear I had about falling for Leon, has just come true in the most brutal way.

The sweet guy act he’s been putting on the past few weeks is over.

The cold, hard truth is... he never wanted me. He only wanted retaliation.

And like a fool, I played right into his wicked scheme.

But I’m not the monster he thinks I am.

Ten years ago, I might have discovered the horrifying truth, but I did the only thing I could. I pushed it down and tried to forget. Tried to survive. Afraid of what might happen at the hands of the monster who ruined both our lives.

But now the truth is out, and the secret Leon has been keeping for a decade is about to poison those he loves, sending him into a darker place than he’s ever been.

Healing isn’t always easy, it’s messy and painful.

The question is, beneath all the hate, will I rediscover the man I fell for, or was he always a fantasy?

Dear Reader,

The Retaliation You Deliver is the conclusion to Macie and Leon's duet and the final book in the Maddison Kings University. It's a dark bully romance that contains mature content and demanding alphaholes that some readers may find disturbing. You have been warned.

Unknown Binding

First published September 18, 2021

395 people are currently reading
1166 people want to read

About the author

Tracy Lorraine

258 books3,800 followers
Tracy Lorraine is a M/F and M/M contemporary romance author. Tracy has just turned thirty and lives in a cute Cotswold village in England with her husband, baby girl and lovable but slightly crazy dog. Having always been a bookaholic with her head stuck in her Kindle Tracy decided to try her hand at a story idea she dreamt up and hasn’t looked back since.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,715 reviews205 followers
September 4, 2021
Redeeming Qualities

This book had some redeeming qualities and a satisfying ending but I'm still left disappointed with Leon and just how far into the abyss he crawled. From the beginning, I felt a deep admiration for him as I suspected the trauma of his past but when he went to the dark side, he REALLY went to the dark side and it obliterated the fuzzy feelings.

The return to the scene of their first date is as sweet as it is heartbreaking, as are a few other moments. I like how we see the torment of both characters but I still think Macie is too good for the version of Leon that we've seen in this duet.

Maddison-Kings-University-Bk-07-Quote-Tracy-Lorraine

I do appreciate that Macie and Leon find release from the darkness and closure. I also like how all of the characters from throughout the series find themselves entwined in various ways.

I know I've mentioned it already but that was definitely an interesting ending. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Lammie.
734 reviews37 followers
August 23, 2023
4⭐️

This series really kept my attention all the way through, and epilogue tied up Leon and Macie’s story nicely.

I see there a story for Violet and I’m hoping to get one for Ella.

I see Tracy is going back for more stories in this world about the Hawks. They will be instant one clicks for sure 😁
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,177 reviews410 followers
August 29, 2021
4.5 stars

I love this more broody, jock / playboy that is Leon Dunn. The seemingly carefree teddy bear from book 1 (Letty and Kane's romance) hides a dark and vengeful character, and while having mixed, bitter feelings for Macie, he is still on a course for revenge against those who have wronged him, hurt him so painfully. Leon puts on a face to the world that hides his darkness.

Macie, the originally reserved and self-isolating girl, grows stronger, opens herself to others and to Leon. In this tale, Macie challenges Leon, in part believing she owes him but mostly to help him, to absorb his pain. Still, in my view she didn’t own up to enough in her role in what happened, and sadly, the side characters were more on her side than Leon’s whom I felt should have had more understanding and more support. I do think the integration of side characters from previous books, Letty and Kane, Peyton and Luca, and my favorite bad boy crew Reid and friends, worked well with the plot.

Goodness, the spice level is this book was fire. Pure sparks to flames in the penthouse-wall-to-ceiling windows scene. Leon was the dirty-talker, accomplished hate-sex, pain / pleasure lord, and Macie was his willing submissive. This book rivaled book 1 in this series at the steam level.

The pace was steady, progressive though I found the denouement on the slower side.

Overall, aside from some character development and the ending, I enjoyed this book and wish to read more in this world, particularly on the darker, grittier crime world involving Reid and the Harris boys.
Profile Image for TINA | DejaLu✨.
732 reviews12 followers
September 4, 2021
I want to say I loved this finale for Leon and Macie but I could barely tolerate Macie! 😫

Leon continues to punish Macie for what happened to him. Macie continues to bend at his will.

She was so freaking agreeable I couldn’t stand it!!! She literally put up no fight whatsoever. Never stood up for herself. She was so understanding, and felt so sad for Leon that she had no respect for her own feelings. It rubbed me so wrong. I wanted her to fight. I wanted her to put him in his place for blaming her, a CHILD at the time, for not helping him. Thank God Letty stood up to him for that.

So I’m torn with how so feel about this story. I loved the first part so much but the finale, not nearly as much.
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
July 16, 2024
The truth is out but it’s too ugly to be forgotten. Can Leon and Macie learn to live with the hate of the fast?
1,470 reviews
September 3, 2021
All-consuming! This was an epic ending to the MKU Series! The Retaliation You Deliver resumes the story of Leon and Macie, continuing where The Devastation You Reap left off on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. I have been dying for this book ever since. This duet has everything I love in a dark bully romance. It has the suspense, the push and the pull, the sexual tension, the heart-clenching emotions, the angst, the fiery passion, the twists and turns, a well-written plot, and real and relatable characters you can't help but fall in love with.

Leon started out on a road paved with vengeance and hate. Macie is one of the top people on his list to exact revenge. He had the perfect plan but sometimes, "The best-laid plans of mice and men go awry." And boy did it go awry. Sometimes, I just wanted to wrap Leon in a big hug. He was so young, confused, angry, and broken. He was hell-bent on retaliation for those who destroyed him. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I wanted to hate Leon for some of the things he did but knowing his backstory helps you understand the reason for his actions.

Macie is broken too. There's a sweetness and innocence about her but don't underestimate her; she is strong and fierce. Their broken pieces fit beautifully together but it's not that easy. Both have secrets from their pasts that threaten any chance of a future together. Will the sins of their pasts be too much to overcome?

Tracy Lorraine rips your heart to pieces with Leon and Macie's duet. The emotions are gritty, raw, and real. You feel every emotion. The author rips out your heart, stomps on it, and shatters it into a million tiny pieces, but she puts it back together in the end. I loved seeing the character development in this duet. The connection between Leon and Macie is undeniable. Their connection and passion are palpable. I could not get enough of them. We also get small glimpses about what's going on with characters from the previous books in this series. This is a must-read. It does end in a HEA. You need to read the first book (MKU #6) in order to understand this book. I loved this entire series from beginning to end. Madison Kings University (MKU) is a one-click, binge-worthy, addicting series that I highly recommend reading!

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.***
11.5k reviews48 followers
September 2, 2021
Leon and Macie - Part 2 - He is even more broken than before

The Retaliation You Deliver is the seventh book in the Maddison Kings University series and continues the story of Leon and Macie which started in The Devastation You Reap. I was not a fan of the previous book but I was hooked enough to want to know what happens to this couple. I though what Leon did in the name of vengeance was disgusting on every level. If it had been me I would have taken him on a long walk with a short cliff. So in this story I wanted to know Leon gets some vengeance on himself from Macy and what that would be if it happened. Not going to lie as this story has triggers and it is a dark bully story, sorry but I can't really call it a romance. Both Leon and Macie are broken inside but have been dealing with it very differently for the last ten years. What Leon thought would make him feel better, his vengeance on Macie, instead has backfired as he feels worse than before. Macie's hesitation about Leon was well placed but he romanced her and got her trust. So now her trust is broken and she feels bad. Not just for what Leon did to her but also because she knows Leon is broken just like her. Can these two find a way to heal each other and build a bond that lasts a lifetime?

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Siobhan (Bookish Vibes).
878 reviews35 followers
August 31, 2021
The Retaliation You Deliver was a great ending to Leon and Macie's tumultuous duet. After the way The Devastation You Reap ended, I was dying to read this book and it did not disappoint.

Macie and Leon reveal the true extent of their tortured pasts, revenge is sought and the intense connection between these 2 brings all of the heat! Their darkness fuels each other so whenever they come together it is always explosive. This story definitely lives up to the bully romance trope more than the first book did as Leon fights his feelings for Macie. However, Macie has more strength than she's given credit for and hits Leon with a lot of hard truths. There was so much emotion from both of the characters but especially from Leon as he slowly came to terms with his past and what he truly needed to overcome it.

This book had me completely consumed and I could not put it down until I had all of the answers. While I'm sure the story would be better experienced after reading the rest of the series, I started with book 6 and didn't feel like I was missing anything. But now I am finished I will definitely be going back and reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,763 reviews174 followers
September 8, 2021
I absolutely love this series and I’m sad it’s over but I’m satisfied with how it ended. Leon and Macie’s story consumed me there is so much pain anger and hate coming from León and rightfully so what he’s been through but also Macie hasn’t had the best upbringing either these two are pretty perfect for each other and I think they help each other heal . This book was emotional angsty and super hot some of them sex scenes had me squirming in my seat . This story immediately sucked me back in and didn’t let go till the ending ! I can’t wait for what’s next from this author !
Profile Image for ✨✨ Claire✨✨.
1,131 reviews59 followers
September 1, 2021
We come to the end. Not only of Leon's story, but of the Maddison Kings University series!

This is one of those books best read with as little knowledge going in as you can. It just makes reading it that bit better. With that in mind I'll try not to give any spoilers!!!

The wrapping up of Leon's story was quite an emotional one. No one had any idea what Leon had gone thru as a child and had kept inside all these years. It had rotted inside him, making him an angry, bitter, withdrawn version of the Leon everyone once knew.

He's shocked when Letty and Peyton befriend Macie especially as he never meant for them all to meet. But they also take her side after learning how he treated her. Yes, they have his back on how he was treated and getting help for that, but it doesn't excuse his behaviour....

Macie is heartbroken. He treated her exactly how she originally thought he would. Her initial plan was to return to default settings and hide, but her new friends are determined to get her out and show her how to live.

Considering how short they were with each other, it's shocked both of them how much they miss each other. They both feel lost.

But Macie can't forgive the things he did. The things he said. The way he treated her.

In an attempt to get vengeance for his past has he ruined his chance for a happy future?

As a wrap up for the entire series it was a little of a let down. I hope there will be an extended epilogue or Novella to tie them all together?

But as a whole, the series was a great read, a mix of storyline, with varying characters, personalities - all relatable. Not too dark, mild trigger warnings, for example I would attach one to this one. A great bully, enemies-to-lovers series is heartily recommend!!

I received a copy of the ebook in return for an honest review
Profile Image for Abstract ♥ Books.
1,281 reviews1,765 followers
September 11, 2021



ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS

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Review :

Eekkk, the conclusion is here! I have been waiting for this ending for so long! That cliffhanger almost killed me and I needed to know what would happen next . This series just keeps on getting better and better. Every time I think that It will kill me and then Tracy comes back with another of her characters and with an even better story. I am going crazy for them lol.

Leon and Macie have a story that will make you weep and angry at the same time. They have a history that binds them and a common enemy who is still haunting them. Even after Leon's betrayal, Macie feels the need to protect him and save him from the constant hell he is in. But there is not much she can do until the man himself wants to be saved.

This dark romance with a touch of second chance trope was simply amazing and I can't recommend this duet to all the dark romance loving people out there!

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Profile Image for Catreena.
394 reviews71 followers
August 29, 2021
THE RETALIATION YOU DELIVER
Maddison King's University series
Tracy Lorraine
Releases 2nd Sept

#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #darkbullyromance #mku #maddisonkingsuniversityseries #mkuseries #darkromance #revenge #secrets #drama #darkcollegeromance #allthefeels #duetcomplete


POV:Dual                                            "Pain, pasts entwined forever"  
Leon & Macie

Continuing from where THE DEVASTATION YOU REAP ended.

Leon is causing pain and destruction all around him. All because he's been keeping a huge secret for 10yrs. He's done what he set out to do. Get revenge on Macie. But by the cowering look she gave him after, he feels something.

Macie remembers, she's buried those horrendous memories. She was only a little girl at the time. But as time went by, she realised that she should have done something, anything. But at the time she was going through torment too, but the broken little girl recognises the broken little boy in him.
Knowing that she should have gone with her gut feeling that it was all a game. She deserves his wrath. If that's his way of coping with the trauma, she'll welcome it.
But should she like it?
Is there something wrong with her?
Why can't she stop these feelings for him?

Macie is strong. I loved that she and Letty became friends. She fits in quite well. Considering that she's never had close friends, hiding in the shadows, not trusting anyone for years.

They've both suffered so much. My heart broke for the two of them.
Will they heal one another?
Will Leon continue to break Macie?
How will Leon's loved ones take the news he's been hiding from them?

Twists and turns.
Excellent read.

Looking forward to what Tracy has in store for us next.

*Arc provided for an honest review*
Profile Image for Laura Kendrick.
234 reviews
August 28, 2021
Wow wow wow wow wow. What a FINALE! It was absolute perfection. This is the second in Leon’s duet and the 7th and final book in the MKU series. I’m not sure I’m ready for it to be over! I have loved every book so much.

This book had everything.. it was dark, emotional, deep, funny, steamy and just incredible. Tracy has absolutely nailed the bully romance trope and just gets it spot on every time.

Leon is heartbreaking in this book.. what he’s been through and continues to battle in his mind everyday is super tough to read but I loved how he started to overcome things in this book with the help of Macie. They were just absolute soulmates. I loved them both in this and how they learnt to lean on each other to start to heal from the trauma they’d been through.

I love all the additions of the other characters, seeing Luca, Peyton, Letty and Kane always makes me happy ❤️

I’ve honestly enjoyed this series so much and can’t recommend it enough, it’s just the epitome of dark and bully romance!
Profile Image for Kira.
1,110 reviews33 followers
August 27, 2021
Leon, has always been my favorite since day one. His and Macie's story is probably my all time favorite. Tracy keeps knocking these series out the park. I could not have asked for a more perfect story for Leon . The twist and turns were everything. Leon and his darkness made me want him even more . Tracy could not have ended it in a better way. You will not be sorry once you pick this series up. All these boys and girls will put you in the feels! I can not wait to see what she cooks up next!!!
Profile Image for Michelle Krystel .
2,047 reviews52 followers
September 8, 2021
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. I really do love these Dunn brothers, god they are just to good to be true. Leon does have dark past, and he has a lot to work through. But he's one incredible guy. I just love him. Macie this girl is strong and beautiful. And might add forgiving. She's got a heart of gold. Idk how she dealt with everything Leon put her through, but Like I said strong. Now Reid needs a book most definitely, but not with her just no. And dev and L God that would be great. Colt and ella yes! This series can't end lol. To many potential books.
Profile Image for Irma *Irma The Book Whisperer*.
1,735 reviews147 followers
August 30, 2021
Gods, Leon! And his pain. And the way Macie helped him, stood by him and let him be.

Oh my god! What did I just read? Seriously, this was fan-freaking-tastic! I was on the edge of my seat as details were learned and things developed and everything was laid out. I was hanging on every word. I loved it all! I loved the development, pace, and the amazing build the story had.

All the stars. Not that it’s a surprise. I love this author's writing style, and I love the Maddison Kings Crew.
Profile Image for Carol Gonzales.
271 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2021
I need more!!

While it was nice to get to Macie and Leon's HEA, I honestly wanted more. As usual, I had sent Leon to the irredeemable alphahole corner. He treats Macie abysmally. His past doesn't excuse his actions - that doesn't mean I don't want the actual villains punished, in fact, I wish they got it worse. I feel like Macie should have made Leon suffer a little more. I am waiting for one FMC to flat out refuse to forgive the bully and move on to someone who was nicer to them. Tracy does craft a redemption moment that brought me back around to maybe letting Leon sit on the bench - I'm still mad at him.
I do really, really want the Harris' stories.
What exactly is going on with Reid and Allana? How do Devin and Lexi know each other?
The entire Maddison Kings series was enjoyable. Definitely read in order.
Profile Image for All Booked Out.
471 reviews19 followers
September 3, 2021
4.5⭐️

The Retaliation You Deliver is the seventh book in the Maddison Kings University series and the highly anticipated conclusion to Leon and Macie’s duet! That cliffhanger left me reeling and I had high expectations for this duo’s ending. Those high expectations? BLOWN-OUT-OF-THE-WATER! Leon and Macie’s romance, struggles and retribution consumed me from start to finish. It was explosive, body gripping, steamy as all hell, healing and well, so much more than a dark bully romance. The tale of two people moving on from a traumatising past, finding peace within themselves and with each other.

Again, the family aspect is interwoven into the tension, revenge, desire and unknowns brilliantly. To be honest, it’s one of my favourite things about all of Tracy’s series. The secondary characters and potential storylines – I’m looking at you, Harris brothers had my mind running wild with anticipation. My fingers and toes are crossed for their stories to be told down later the track.

Although the ending of this duet and in turn series was super bittersweet, I am already counting down the days for Tracy’s next world. Hello Stella and potential crossover between the Inked and Rosewood series.

ARC kindly provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Margaret .
472 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2021
This was a fantastic book 2. The story never missed a beat from book 1. Leon and Macie have some struggles, but ultimately they face them together. They admit they love each other and once they realize that their past is over, only then they can move on together. I loved the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer).
959 reviews80 followers
August 30, 2021
The Retaliation You Deliver jumps straight back in Leon and Macie’s story, continuing on right from where The Devastation You Reap left off on the cliffhanger. Considering the epic blowout between the two, we follow Leon and Macie trying to find their footing back onto a path of how to deal with the aftermath of the blowout with the truth being revealed and the backlash it caused between them. All whilst trying to figure out what it all means and where they will go from this. Considering how broken they both truly are from their past traumas as well as from what they had seemed to built together.

Tracy Lorraine will rip your heart out and leave you bleeding, while still suffering from the pain of it all as you watch a broken Leon continue to slowly fracture apart. With finally allowing his mask to slip away and reveal the broken little boy behind it. Only to then gradually push through to come back fighting stronger and harder than ever for everything he wants. All in the hopes of putting the past behind him and move on from his dark days of carrying his haunting traumatic nightmares that constantly had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Leon’s story especially in The Retaliation You Deliver had emotions streaming through every page. Only to come gushing off the books and into your heart, body and soul.
Some of which is made known when having to see Leon at his most vulnerable, no longer hiding behind the facade he shows to the world. That of a broken, damaged boy, who never truly healed from the wounds that continued to fester since the traumatic event. Since he never had managed to get his retribution for the closure he needed to put it all behind him, until now that is. But even so, it still ripped and shredded my heart to pieces in a way that neither of the previous books had with seeing it all play out.

Macie definitely grew a lot more in this story, coming into her own. And while I loved that she tried to help Leon by allowing him to inflict his pain on to her, so she could help him by carrying the torment he suffered alongside him in trying to lessen his burden.
At the same time I could stand her, especially with how she didn't seem to understand that what she went through paled in comparison to Leon. Which is why it annoyed me even more when it came to seeing Leon’s own friends and family choosing to side with Macie. The fact that she didn’t accept or own up to more of the blame with what Leon endured annoyed me. Especially since she could’ve done something about it sooner but didn’t. Then maybe Leon’s friends would’ve realised that they were siding with the wrong person, and that they should’ve been more consoling and compassionate towards Leon instead, since he needed them more than ever in that time. Seeing as he had been that person in their time of need, especially with Letty.

While I enjoyed that the story focused more on Leon and Macie as a whole, developing further into their emotions and feelings. I had hoped that there would have been more moments into not only dissecting Leon and his past, but alongside his family too. Especially when it came to his brother Luca confronting him about it when it was revealed. I just felt it wasn’t given enough spot light, despite Leon’s trauma being a main part of the overall narrative. And since that was needed to help Leon fully move on, it made him not only getting over his trauma seem too fast and unrealistic IMO. But the closure he experienced with finally moving past it at the end seemed too quick and abrupt to be done with it all completely. Considering all the years he had been tortured by it all, of which was shown to us through the glimpses and peeks given throughout the Maddison Kings University.

Overall, Tracy delivered a sweet ending to Leon’s story in The Retaliation You Reap. And even though I do wish there had been an epilogue set a few years in the future to see know and see Leon and everyone was. All in all, I still enjoyed the story and reading all the books within this series. Which is why I highly recommend checking out the Maddison Kings University series, if you haven’t already done so. You won’t be disappointed.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa, Book Boyfriend and Husband Make Three.
1,254 reviews108 followers
August 29, 2021
The Retaliation You Deliver, delivers on all fronts, dark and twisty, engrossing from start to finish, an epic conclusion to Leon and Macie’s story.

The Retaliation You Deliver picks up hours after The Devastation You Reap left off.

Leon and Macie aren’t the people they were in the beginning of their story, devastating secrets have been exposed and malicious actions imploded who they had been, and set their relationship ablaze.

In the previous books, Leon Dunn had been more reserved and most likely to get others to laugh, but always with an air of darkness surrounding him. The moment Macie re-enters his life that man vanishes and in his wake, darkness envelops him as his past and present collide.

I can’t even express all the emotions I felt reading this, a scale would be from “burn the earth level rage to ovary exploding swoon.” My heart nearly bled out as we learned of details of Leon’s past, and the horrors of Macie’s childhood. Heart wrenching pain and rage flowed through my veins as their emotions tore through me carving out bits of my heart.

I became addicted to this series at the very first book, but there was something extraordinary in the pages of Leon and Macie’s story, in the way their individual darkness seemed to not only match but formed a magnetic pull between them.

Devastation is a palpable feeling throughout Leon and Macie’s story, but after their lives imploded it seemed to allow them to open up the darkness inside, and from there their fate was sealed, the magnetizing chemistry between them that neither could deny.

The Retaliation You Deliver is an explosive conclusion to Leon and Macie’s story, as a finale to the Maddison Kings University series it’s the epitome of saving the best for last.


A few words into The Retaliation You Deliver and that was the point reality ceased to exist as I was engrossed in the Maddison Kings University world until I devoured every word. Magnetically charged chemistry, a wickedly dark alpha-hole, a heroine that steps out of the shadows finding her strength, feels on top feels, rage, heartbreak, interwoven between the devastation is acceptance, healing, finding peace with the person who not only accepts the darkest parts, but fuels them with her own, superheated levels of steam, and every element creates the ultimate level of all consuming. The Retaliation You Deliver is unparalleled as the best book in the series, and a top read of 2021.




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Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,152 reviews73 followers
August 30, 2021
Lorraine delivered the perfect broken hero in this final MKU duet.

Remember how I gave a warning for Luca Dunn...Luca now seems like fuzzy bunny slippers...I'm stamping Leon with the extra deep, dark warning!! 

Leon Dunn needs a hug, snuggles, and he needs Macie, but it's a journey to get there and have him admit it, but what a ride! A deep, dark, delicious ride.

There is a darkness inside Leon Dunn that came from a childhood trauma that no one should suffer. It's a darkness that Leon has lived with in silence for a decade and it has slowly poisoned him little by little, blotting out the good that lives inside. It's why Letty has always sensed he was holding a secret and why he slowly lost the brotherly bond to his twin, Luca.

Bit by bit Leon was losing himself and it wasn't until he found Macie, the girl he'd been searching for for the past ten years, that he finally felt alive. The girl he wanted to punish for what happened, the girl who would lead him to retaliation so he would finally be free. Unfortunately, being with Macie only seemed to confuse Leon and that vengeance he wanted became mutteled.

Macie understood Leon better than anyone. While she didn't suffer exactly what Leon did, she suffered differently everyday living with her uncle.  Even though she knew better than to trust him, Leon knew exactly how to pick her apart and sneak through her defences falling for the broken boy never realizing just how much they had in common.

Even though Leon had nefarious purposes, Macie had a soft spot for him and what he went through, but can she really trust the boy who only set out to destroy her heart?

The Retaliation You Deliver is a duet and needs to be read in order after The Devastation you Reap. However, to really get the best enjoyment I would also suggest reading the entire MKU series and begin with Letty and Kane's books. Letty is Leon and Luca's childhood friend and she is an integral part and has an ear to bend (meaning she has advice and talks some sense into both of her friends), but a lot of Letty's advice makes sense due to her time spent with Kane. On top of that, Kane's world, the roommates he lived with, become important to the overall story too. The overall story arc comes together by the end of this book and yet also shows where the future can go with different plot lines.
Profile Image for Sarah Barnes.
716 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2021
THE REVIEW FOR THE BOOK: The Retaliation You Deliver
GENRE: contemporary romance
AUTHOR: Willow Winters
TROPE: contemporary romance, sports romance, bully romance
TYPE: Maddison Kings University #7
POV: Multiple POV
MY RATING: 4.5 Stars

This book picks up immediately where #6 left off. Leon has left Macie behind in Miami and is moving on to the next phase in his revenge plan. Macie is left with the realization of how she knows Leon from their shared past. She tries to move on from Leon but is drawn back into his world. Leon has also come to realize that even though Macie started off as a pawn in his revenge plan, the noise in his head is just that much quieter when she’s around.

I really took my time to write this review because I wasn’t entirely pleased with the female main character in this story and how she was written. When you compare Macie to Letty…she’s almost too soft. Leon was a character that had the darkest backstory of any of the male characters in the series. The things that he endured were heartbreaking. Macie was also a victim of abuse in her own way. She’s lived a very sheltered life and spent a lot of time alone. She lost her parents when she was young and then was forced to live with her sadistic uncle. The things that Leon did to her were borderline nonconsensual. If those chapters had been written in his POV instead of hers, I would have said it was nonconsensual. The way he reacted and treated her after that was what really disappointed me. I think that given everything he did; Macie should have put up a little bit more of a fight. I mean, after the way book #6 ended – and then to have that scene in the hotel. Macie was too forgiving in my opinion. Leon deserved to suffer a bit more.

That said, I really did enjoy Leon’s story. I think that this story left some unanswered questions when it came to his dad and what happened. I’m excited to see if the story will continue with additional characters or if it will branch off. I know that this can’t possibly be the end. Tracy creates these worlds in her book that suck the readers in. I enjoy how she writes darker stories with a lot more real world issues mixed in. The sexual smut in her books is extremely erotic. I absolutely loved this series.

I was provided an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,402 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2021
Under that tough abrasive façade lies a little broken boy drowning in a horrible memories of past that won't let him go. For so long Leon kept his mask in place and made people think he is okay, but lately that mask has started to slip and his demons are peeking out and causing those around him to be concerned. He has kept his secret buried down deep and waited for the perfect opportunity to get his revenge, and she is the missing piece he has been waiting for... the one to bring his plan to fruition. It's all a matter of time before that mask fully slips and that broken little boy wanting his revenge makes an appearance...

The Retaliation You Deliver is one of those stories that will wreak havoc on every bit of your heart and leave you wondering if you will ever be able to recover from it. It's characters will forever be imprinted in your memory. What Leon witnessed and went through because of it changed him in ways that only he can understand. The pain endured and the secrets he's kept completely ravaged his soul and forced him to be someone he wasn't. His freedom from it all has been a long time coming, and I guarantee things will get really ugly before it gets better... but it's all worth it in the end! To finally see him truly happy and break free from his demons did my heart SO good!

This is a can't miss duet, every perfectly penned word and creatively plotted moment you experience will leave you forever moved. The moment I met Leon he captured a part of me and wouldn't let go, and with each installment that followed that curiosity just continued to grow. But I honestly don't think anything could have prepared me for what I found between the pages here, it was more than I anticipated, and everything I could ask for in a story. I am truly beside myself right now, his story really took everything I had, and I imagine it will linger with me for a while. All I can say is... read this duet, it will be one of the best you read all year! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Emma Lou.
308 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2021
My baby boy Leon! 😭 I'm so sad the whole MKU journey is over, but what a wild ride it's been! This is whole series is the type that just embeds itself deep in your heart, the type you'll never be able to get over.

Leon Dunn, Panthers #14 Wide receiver captured my heart from the first time we saw him, and even though it wasn't until the last two books that we got his duet, I was always trying to work out what was going on with this mysterious, sometimes brooding, sometimes sweet man the whole time. And wow, he has been so much more than I bargained for.

His hurt and anger is enough to set the world on fire if he let it. His need for retaliation was so strong that it was paced over 10 painful years, and my heart is so happy that he got the justice he deserved in the end. As much as I wanted to see him unleash literal hell, the way it happened was so *chefs kiss* perfect.

Macie turned out to be such a phenomenal female lead. I was iffy about her in the first book of the duet but any doubts I had are officially erased! I got mad at her at some parts and I just wanted to scream at her to hold her own and not let certain things happen, but I see why she did things the way she did. Her and Leon are so powerful together and we're without a doubt written in the stars!

My brooding hunk of a man, oh god he floored me! He had me switching from down right angry to suddenly crying! I couldn't control my emotions when it came to him this time round. We all love a bad boy don't we, and Leon can be a very bad boy, surprisingly dark to the core, but when he flips the coin to his sweet, compassionate and beautiful self, URGH, SWOON! He is a storm and I'm going to miss him very much!

Well we've done it, 7 outstanding books, one incredible world Tracy created with the most phenomenal characters. Take a bow because MKU has been a dream, and here's to what you've got up your sleeve next 🥂 *cough* Reid, please! *cough*
1,548 reviews10 followers
September 2, 2021
Wow! I don't know how to describe Leon & Mace's story it was heartbreaking, sweet, hot, fear, truths being told, twisted I could go on but one thing it once I started I couldn't stop reading. Yeah Leon had been hurting for what happened to him 20yrs ago & was out for revenge on Macie but for gods sake she was 8 & her life had been hell aswell so I hated him for the way he was treating her but when he finally opened up & told his family what had happe I felt for him. Macie had always felt guilty but when Letty made her realised that she'd been a victim too & gave her the push to come to terms with this she changed & wasn't going to let Leon ruin her life. When Leon turned up at the party & took Macie he was still determined to punish her & she let him do it wanting him to take away his pain but also gave him a few home truths then scared of how he felt he ran off. When he finally realised he was falling for her he also still wanted revenge he allowed Mace to open upto him about what had happened to her & admitted that she couldn't have changed anything. They were two people who had deep dark pasts, family members that they hated but were Soulmates who were the only people to could save & heal each other. I loved how Reid & the other helped Leon without wanting anything in return like you had gone to expect from him & all the other wonderful characters that we'd seen throughout this series. Leon's story was so heartbreakingly emotional there were a few times I found myself crying I'm sad this series has ended but I'm glad that Leon was able to live forward with Macie.

One thing I can say is that Tracy Lorraine is one hell of an amazing writer & can't wait for her next book.
1,533 reviews
August 31, 2021
For the last decade, Leon Dunn just hasn't been himself. His family and friends know that he's hiding something devastating and, as many times as Luca tells him he'd like to help, Leon's anger surfaces and he shuts down. But he has a plan for revenge and it involves the destruction of the two people responsible for his pain. He's been in search of Macie Fletcher for years and here she is, right there in front of him, newly enrolled at MKU. He holds her responsible for not helping him as he suffered, when she could clearly see what was happening, but she was only eight years old and didn't really understand. That didn't matter to the little boy who vowed revenge and, now, Leon has played her, used her and her fears that he had an ulterior motive are real. Macie should feel disgusted with him, with herself, but the broken little girl inside of her recognizes the broken little boy in him. He takes his revenge, crosses the line, and how can she forgive that! Leon thought that using Macie, and tossing her aside, would make him feel better. Truth is, he feels much worse and realizes that she just might be the one person who's been holding him together. The Retaliation You Deliver is a powerful story of injustice, betrayal, vengeance and love; of secrets and lies; of mistakes, morals, heartache and forgiveness. The premise is gripping and alluring; the characters are vivid, dynamic and believable; the romance is dark, passionate, seductive and hot. Together, Leon and Macie turn darkness into light.
Profile Image for bookaddictkate.
138 reviews7 followers
August 30, 2021
Amazing! This whole series has been absolutely amazing. Leon has been a favourite of mine throughout the series and I was so excited to read his duet. And bloody hell... I was blown away.

I know I’ve already said this but there is no better way to describe this duet than an emotional rollercoaster. So many emotions ran through me when reading it, from being thrilled and swooning over the happy moments, to my heartbreaking and having meltdowns over tragic moments 😂🤦🏻‍♀️But I loved it so fricking much despite that.

There has never been a moment where I didn’t love Leon. I might have been frustrated with how he treated Macie, but overall I adored him and felt so sorry for him and what he’s been through.

I previously said that I liked and hated macie but in the end I loved her. I think she is a great, strong heroine with lots of character. She may be quiet and subdued at times, but she really is a fierce female with a strong heart. I was also heartbroken to finally find out how Richard Fletcher effected her. And let’s just say, I HATE him!

Overall, this is a fantastic dark, bully romance. It is filled with steam, tragedy, violence and sexy AF alpha men. What’s not to love?

I definitely recommend reading this and the rest of the Maddison Kings University series.

Thanks for the ARC Tracy! 🥰

STARS:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE:🌶🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for Gemsbookishvibe .
136 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2021
Where TDYR pulled me apart. This book most definitely put me back together.

I’ve had so many debates over the ending of the previous book. But you know what? I get it… I get why Leon did what he did. His anger was misplaced onto Macie and he couldn’t see past his own hurt. I’m not saying what he did was right, because it wasn’t and I understand why he was hated.

But onto this book… right from the beginning Tracy Lorraine cracks Leon right open and we can see the hurt little bit who knows what he did was wrong. The empathy that I felt for Leon also extended to Macie, because she deserved none of it and as we find out has been through.

I’m going to be honest I spent the first few chapters thinking that these two should just go their separate ways, but then my girl let out that inner fire and you could see they were meant to be.

This book really highlights complicated relationships and how everything isn’t as simple as it seems.

This was my most anticipated book of the year so far and Tracy Lorraine gave everything I wanted for my boy’s story and more than I could imagine.

It was everything I hoped for Leon and the perfect end to the series…

I just need to say Devin and Libby? Are we getting more of the Harris brothers?
Profile Image for Evie_Book_Revs *Evie Book Reviews*.
378 reviews27 followers
August 31, 2021
“You’re the only one I can be me with. The only one I don’t need to hide from.”

Deep, Dark, Deliverance. Tracy Lorraine concludes her MKU series with a dynamic tie up in The Retaliation You Deliver, book 7 in the dark college, bully romance. The story continues from the agonizing and deceptive event that left Macie and Leon in despair. Through blood, sweat, and tears, the two confront their demons, having to make peace with the past, in order to move on. But is the ending they seek, exclusive to commence with one another? Hold on for one heck of a ride, and find out!

Not gonna lie, but I am going to miss these dark, possessive alphas! Tracy Lorraine executed a strong and engaging dark bully college romance series, from start to finish, and I can’t wait to learn of any spin-offs in the future.

“I always thought we met for a reason, I just never could have predicted that it would be our pain, our pasts, that would eventually entwine us together forever.”

I reviewed an ARC voluntarily, and recommend that the MKU series be read in sequence for a comprehensive experience. I look forward to future novels by the author.

**Trigger ⚠️: Sensitive subject matters are evident in this novel, including sexual abuse.**
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