I'm the illegitimate daughter of one of the most powerful judges in the country, but I'm also a top detective sergeant, one who just broke the biggest trafficking ring in history. I should be on top of the world and celebrating, right? Wrong! Nothing in my life is ever that easy or simple. I'm about to discover the devastating consequences when my lawful present collides with my lawless past.
Maddox and Zak Lawler have haunted me for the past ten years, and I've gone out of my way to avoid them, despite who and what they are. Now, they are threatening to destroy my career and drag me back into a world I thought I'd left behind.
* This is book 1 of The Retribution duet and ends on a cliffhanger.
WARNING: This book contains scenes and themes that some readers may find upsetting and/or offensive. Scenes of explicit sex, violence and profanity. 18+
Imogen Wells is a dark romance author from the East of England, where she lives with her husband, three children and the family dog and cat.
After being a stay at home mum to her three children, Imogen decided to go back to school. In 2020 she graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in History and English Literature.
When she is not writing, she can be found reading, binge watching Netflix shows or Boxsets, and every Sunday she is cheering her son on at his football games, no matter the weather.
This first book in the duet is absolutely incredible and I can’t wait for the second one, not only because there was a cliffhanger at the end but because this was filled to the brim with excitement and unpredictable things, plus the quality of the writing is superb.
Roxy is such a fantastic character, having met her in Redemption I was so keen to get to know her better. It’s not imperative readers have read the three books in the Triple R Security series to enjoy this duet but hello… they are terrific reading too. I admired Roxy’s strength and determination, even though at times it might be a concern because as strong and determined as she is, there are those out to get her who are fighting very dirty.
Maddox and Zak are absolutely gorgeous bad boys, and who doesn’t love a bad boy? However, there is more to their story than we know, I can almost feel redeemable things will be revealed in the next book… or is that my wishful thinking? 😆 I will admit I was driven mad not knowing why they had no contact with Roxy for so long, especially after her trauma at such a young age. Again, I am looking forward to all being revealed in book 2!
I have to say I loved Maria, the boy’s housekeeper, she is a gem in this story and although a small character for me she shone brightly. While there were other characters that snuck up and their true colours started to show when you least expected them to do so. Although, this author is possibly the queen of the red herring so??
There is so much going on in the criminal world that the suspense and action is pretty much ongoing. Let’s just say… there’s never a dull moment! Along with the drama a veritable barrel full of emotions that explodes and you do feel each emotion intimately, and not just for Roxy.
This is most definitely one story you you not want to miss and it has shot up into one of my favourite books so far this year.
Roxanne is Firey and Fiesty and an absolute kick ass heroine. The way that she holds her own had my in stitches with her comebacks. She has a vulnerable side that we see and it's honorable.
"Im not sure the ability to be an arsehole counts as a good talent Maddox, but ill give you points for trying "
My favourite flipped from maddox to zak and back again untill i settled on both. I love these boys, they definitely wrote the book on how to excell at making you swoon. I was completely gripped to the page right from the start, the way that this author describes scenes is palpable. It's an absolute masterpiece and that ending has left me needing more.
Lawless Deception is book 1 in Imogen Wells Retribution Duet. This is Roxy, Maddox and Zak’s story. This story is a MFM romance that does end on a cliffhanger. I personally love cliffhangers, especially when they are done right and Imogen Wells knocked this one out of the park.
Roxy, Maddox and Zak knew each other while they were teenagers but the guys deserted her 10 years ago during one of the worst times of her life.
Maddox and Zak had their reasons for leaving Roxy all those years ago that are unknown to her. We started getting little hints and clues throughout the story but we will have to wait for the next book to find out all the answers.
I am obsessed with this story and can’t wait to see what happens next!!!
Lawless begins with Roxy on opposite sides of the law with Maddox and Zac but an ultimatum brings Roxy back to the guys. Once childhood friends with the guys, Roxy didn’t understand why the guys abandoned her during her darkest time. Secrets begin unfolding that give the reader a look at why the guys separated themselves from Roxy. Relationships are rekindled and fought against. At the end, someone finds themself in the hands of the law..
Filled with spice and all things naughty, this book won’t disappoint.
Roxy gets caught up with her past, which also puts her job in jeopardy. She’s strong, determined and won’t let anyone stomp on her morals. That is until the Lawler’s start getting under her skin.
These three will blow your mind. They’ll set your kindle alight and leave you needing more. I’m buzzing and can’t wait for book two of this duet!!!
I love Roxy's story but just fyi the story does end on a cliffhanger. But oh my this author definitely brings it in this story. I love Roxy's relationship with Zak and Maddox even if it is a battle of wills. If you like volatile, lust ridden roller coaster of a ride story than this one is for you. Roxy is one hell of a kick butt girl. She is fantastic. I absolutely love this book and can't wait for the next one. I definitely recommend this book.
Deception /dɪˈsɛpʃ(ə)n/ noun 1. the action of deceiving someone. "a range of elaborate deceptions" and in this latest book from Author Imogen Wells, the deceptions going on within this book are most definitely of the Lawless kind.
The writing within these virtual pages is superbly plotted and witty. And it is oh, so hot and dirty, loaded with hefty amounts of chemistry so potent it’s almost a fourth character that is as strong and as important as our three characters, Roxy and those sexy Lawler Brothers.
We met Detective Sergeant Roxanne Whitmore and her ballsy-kick-arse attitude in the final book of Ms Wells’ Triple R Security Trilogy: REDEMPTION, where she was best friends with the heroine, and instrumental in bringing down the trafficking case in that explosive finale. While I highly recommend you check those books out because they are quite simply put, brilliant, they are not necessary reads for you to love LAWLESS DECEPTION.
Finding out that Roxy was going to be getting her own book made for some pretty exciting reading anticipation. Even hotter to find out that she can’t choose between her attraction for the two devastatingly handsome alpha Lawler brothers, and they’re on board with both of them accommodating her! That being said, if MFM isn’t your bag, move along.
It’s been 10 years since the boys inflicted a huge amount of heartbreak and pain onto Roxy by their betrayal in a cold disappearance from her life at the moment she needed them the most. They ghosted her. It was the worst night of her life to find her mother murdered and her 8-year-old sister missing, sending her and the two boys down a track of actions that they may not recover from. Ms Wells has created two devastatingly charismatic morally grey heroes. Her written descriptions of Zak and Maddox Lawler will have you sliding off your seat in heightened anticipation, and in their teenage years, Roxy was confused by her attraction to both of her friends as they were growing into adulthood, quite possibly on the cusp of moving forward onto more.
Now, however, the 10 years of hurt between them is almost insurmountable but the passion and anger, the hot and heavy scenes do bridge the gap, albeit temporarily, and Ms Wells uses this to staggering effect , “Breaking things is what I do best, Roxanne. There’s only one thing in this world that I’ve regretted breaking, and I always intended to fix her again.” My fingers flex against her neck, and I feel the rapid thrum of her pulse beneath them.” ... “Being around Roxanne is like having every wound ever inflicted upon me ripped open. She makes me hurt. She makes me bleed like no one else. Yet she is the only thing that can heal the wounds and staunch the bleeding.”
The plot is almost like a chess game for lives and territory. Machinations abound, players mixing on the board, changing allegiances and so many strategies are at play. This is a book that is thick on plot layers, and not one, I believe, that can be read in a hurry. There are so many nuances and small clues, and a lot of the answers to questions I’d noted for myself were implied. It really is a book that the reader needs to be actively engaged in or subtleties will be missed. Remember though, with this being the first of a duet, it ends in a cliff-hanger, so a lot of questions remaining unanswered. But no worries, Ms Wells is working on the second book as I write this review.
My biggest question remains though. Why do Zak and Maddox need her now??? She’s been on her own for 10 years and built herself a prestigious and respected career within the Police Force. Now it is all at an end, and her name is synonymous with the words, ‘dirty cop’. The only choice they gave her was to end her career on her terms or theirs, “Tick tock, Rox. Time to make your mind up.”
I always say that I hate cliffies with the blazing passion of a thousand suns. There are only a handful of authors who I will break my ‘avoid cliffies at all costs’ embargo, and Ms Wells is one of them. To avoid cliffies, or wait until the entire series is out is to delay and possibly even forget to come back and read an amazing book, and to miss out on the work of a seriously talented author. I, like you, maybe need to pull up my big-girl-reading-panties and just get over my aversion (well, one of them anyway!!!).
Author Imogen Wells has absolutely entrenched herself as Queen of the Romantic Suspense trope in my humble opinion, so I with a clear conscience actively encourage you to let your fingers do the walking and one-click this 5-Star book!!! You’ll be missing out if you don’t! 🖤ೋ
So I read this after Whiskey and Lace (Aidans book) but I jumped into this because I wanted to know more about Roxy. I wanted to know how she came to be who she was and what made her tick. Other than those Lawler boys, they’d make me tick too, but I was soon drawn into Roxy’s world with the help of such a great written book. Ms Wells sucked me in and I found it hard to leave.
So This is Roxy’s story. The so called shamed detective looking for her sister and some breadcrumbs as to what happened to her. But as soon as this book starts you’re led down so many different paths and then boom… cliffhanger. It also introduces you to those gorgeous, ruthless, sexy men, Maddox and Zak Lawler, brothers by honour. I’m not a big fan of MFM and there’s not a whole lot in this one but it does let you into their world and you see how protective they are of ‘their Roxanne.’
If I had to recommend a duet this would definitely be at the top of my list. My new girl crush - Roxanne Whitmore. Go grab it and start Roxy’s story, you won’t be sorry. Oh and all the side characters are just as good! You won’t be disappointed!
When I heard we were going to get a Roxy book, I sat up and listened. Let’s be honest though, from what little we saw of her before in Redemption, that girl is feisty as hell and I am here for all of it. But then I hear Roxy will have TWO men and my inner hoe was dancing with delight! Shew, I can tell you right now that Zak and Maddox are not her white knight saviors, but Rox is nowhere near a damsel in distress. They blew their chance with her so many years ago when tragedy struck and all it managed to do was harden her heart and make her trust very few people. She’s built a nice lawful life for herself but the circumstances surrounding why the Lawler brothers did what they did have come back to haunt her and they have shown back up on her doorstep. They might have her by the throat, but she will still do things her way and on her terms. Well, most of the time anyway (wink, wink).
Wells definitely kept me on my toes with this one. The mystery surrounding everything that has been going on in her life since she was a child has left me salivating for more and there were a couple of times, I thought I might have to throw my kindle but alas, it survived. Can’t say the same for the Lawler brothers though or hell, even Roxy at this point because man, when she says “this ends in a cliffhanger” she means it and I can just imagine her sitting there sipping her tea, getting pleasure from our pain.
Amazing!! Roxanne, Maddox and Zac used to be friends when they were little. Roxanne went on to become a cop, while Maddox and Zac became criminals. Years later they come together because of a secret. The writing, emotions and sexual tension are all perfect but that cliffhanger! Can't wait to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Talk about rollercoaster and this is only the first part!!! Roxy is a fabulous heroine who has seen so much tragedy but she always thought she would have Zak and Maddox until the worst happens and she finds herself alone, even though a lot of time has passed some wounds don’t go away. Can’t wait for the next one
Went in not knowing this author but WOW will this not be the last I read by her. Action packed from first few pages, check TWs. Also.. Zak and Maddox?? WOWOW. Glad I can go to the next!!
5* Roxy was hoping to avoid Maddox and Zak especially been on opposite sides of the law. Their ultimation leaves her as angry with them as she was when they deserted her 10 years ago. Secrets are been kept on both sides and I can't wait to read the next book. Be prepared for hot scenes, fiesty Roxy, growly men and a cliffhanger but all worth it.
Damnnn…what an amazing book!! WTF that ending had me yelling!! You got me with that cliffhanger! I loved it! This book kept me up through the night because I could not put it down! I’ll sleep when I’m dead! 😱🥱😵💫😴
Lawless Deception is so full of action from beginning to end, with so many secrets I can’t wait to have revealed! These characters are easy to fall for…possessive as hell alpha’s Maddox and Zachary Lawler, and the most bada$$ fmc, Roxy, that is underestimated by everyone!
I have read everything Imogen has released and loved it all! BUT THIS BOOK?! It’s absolutely my new favorite!! I’m obsessed with seeing where this author takes us with the next part of the duet, especially after that ending!
I definitely recommend this book to all that love mfm, dark, suspense, spice with a phenomenal story, and no sleep because let’s face it…you won’t want to put this book down!! I would also recommend reading her Triple R Security series first just to get the backstory of a few of the other characters.
I knew this day would come. I’ve been waiting for it.
But I was not prepared for the two men that now stand in front of me.
The past has a way of catching up with you. It doesn’t matter how far you’ve come. Or the person you are now.
None of that matters anymore…you never really escaped.
My worries aren’t born of fairy tales, they are born of fucking nightmares.
After 10 years of not only rebuilding herself but her career, Roxanne Whitmore is about to come face to face with her past.
Those once boys have turned into grown, devilish handsome men and with an even darker edge than before. Roxy knows their reputation in London’s underground, the gutters run red with those who thought to cross them, they are a force to be reckoned with.
I’m weak, so fucking weak, when it comes to these two men.
With no choice but to agree to the deal for the sake of finally finding out answers, Roxy must now put up with Maddox & Zak Lawler invading her life…and try to stop them invading her heart again.
The men aren’t the only ones who have grown up into something new, Roxy layers herself with a strong armour…only Maddox & Zak know her weak spots and intend to use this to their advantage.
But, so does Roxy…
If Maddox Lawler wants to play games, then let’s fucking play.
The stakes are high, painful memories are brought to the surface, secrets and loyalties are about to be tested.
I hate him. And I hate Zak.
Oh…My…God!!!!!!
I already really liked Roxy from the previous series but now…I LOVE HER!!! Roxy is unique, hardcore, cool character! There was always something more with Roxy and now this story you really start to uncover more about her background.
Then to find out she’s connected to the underworld and the Lawler brothers…well just watch this space because it’s hardly a happy long time hug catch-up to say the least!
Maddox & Zak…<3 *sigh* Wow ladies just wait until you meet these two will certainly leave a mark. Coming from nothing and dealing through life just to gain something in life, Maddox & Zak have fought hard to be where they are today. It may be bloody and under the radar of what is right and wrong…but if you want to survive and make a name for yourself then those lines have to be crossed.
“How can you hurt someone you already destroyed?”
Full of secrets and mystery and with a sexy dark edge that will…leave you wanting more!!
"My life is one long death filled drama show, and it's not about to improve any."
Get ready for dirty, gritty, police, mafia and MFM dark romance.
Imogen set up this dark gritty world brilliantly. From the over worked police station to the under world itself. We have our cop Roxy who is kickass and wants to to stop the Human Trafficking that happening in the city. We have the mafia legendary brothers Maddox & Zachary. Who are not afraid to shot at Roxy or Roxanne Maddox calls her that when we wants her attention. And they do have a deal for her...no spoilers
Roxy, Maddox & Zachary have a VERY complex, tense and past that has left behind raw scars. All 3 of them still have feelings for each other BUT can they trust each other to stop the street war from rasing...no spoilers
AND the brothers have some very IMPORTANT about her late mothers & her missing sister...no spoilers
I love the story behind her sisters nicknames and it will melt your heart ❤️
There is a war going between Bonner & Rogers vs Lawler Brothers a.k.a Zak & Maddox 💀 This war is causing alot of tense conversations and planning that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Eaxh characters are dark, gritty and very colourful characters that are nut afraid to speak their minds & fist 👊😄
⚠️ CLIFFHANGER ALERT and it a very tense ending...no spoilers AND the main question can you love two brothers of the criminal underworld...
I've been looking forward to Roxy's book ever since we met her in the Triple R series. And she did not disappoint.
Her feisty, stubborn, and determined demeanor makes her a formidable opponent to anyone who crosses her—including those she loves.
Zak and Maddox—although rough and all types of trouble—obviously love Roxanne. Have always loved her, if I'm reading between the lines correctly.
Their want for her is like a tightly stretched thread. One which promptly snaps, once she is in their vicinity. Watching them all succumb to their desires was intense!
Aside from the level of heat the three of them emitted, there are wrongs that need to be righted, betrayals that need to be fixed, and trust that needs to be restored; which made for some heated vocal sparring and kept the tension alive.
My evil cackle at where the book finished was probably a little over the top. Mrs Wells definitely chose a great place to finish the book.
There is still so much to be revealed (past and present) and I will be waiting—eagerly—for the second part of their story.
Having read Ms.Wells's Triple R Security series i've been looking so forward to more of her work! So the second this book was announced it caught my eye right away! I added it to my TBR List and jumped into it as soon as i could. I really enjoyed this first installment!
Right from the prologue this story grabbed my attention and didn't let go! This first installment in Roxy's journey had me on the edge of my seat and glued to my kindle. I wasn't sure what all to expect which i really liked! Roxy is such a strong character and I couldn't wait to see how things would play out as Maddox and Zak come back into her life.
I loved how i felt so many things throughout with these three characters! This world pulled me in and can't wait for more!
With Lawless Deception, Ms.Wells has created a great and suspenseful read that will keep you on your toes! I can't wait to find out what happens next with the second installment, Ruthless Vengeance!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Roxy is a police officer and a darn good one, but she has to choose to sink her career, because Maddox and Zak Lawler are back in her life after 10 years of being gone. And that's just the beginning of the unrest in her life. All hell breaks loose around her.
There's not a moment of peace and it is spectacular. So many parts are moving and they all work together so well! ( If you're like me and you get a bit confused when there are a lot of names, I highly suggest making a character list. It would have helped me in the long run.) The love story between Roxy, Maddox, and Zak is so awesome sauce. I just love it. The angst, the trust (or lack thereof), and the pain they're all dealing with – it works!! And the constant suspense?? Sign. Me. Up!! The cliffhanger is everything!! (Don't worry, the second book in the duet is out already! Yay!)
'Lawless Deception' is book 1 of the 'Retribution' Duet.
If you like mega-suspense and steamy romance, I highly recommend this book!!!
Lawless Deception by Imogen Wells had me hook, line and absolute sinker from the first word until the oh god I need Book 2 stat cliffy.
First Roxy, what an absolute badass of a heroine she is. She's an absolute take no bullshit strong, determined and a little vulnerable heroine you can't help but love and admire. When Roxy's past catches up with her present not only is her career on the line but so is her heart once again when Maddox and Zak Lawler enter her life again after 10 years. These two get under her skin and oh she hates it. Or does she? I mean ddaaammmmnnnnn. These three together are FIRE. So prepare yourself a cold shower and get ready as things are about to get hot up in here.
Oh god the addictive plot... Little hints were dropped throughout but.... I have so many questions and I can't wait for the answers. Bring on Book 2!!!
We meet Roxy, a detective who has a past with Maddox and Zak. Their life took a darker path but they are reunited. There is a lot going on with lots of gang related chat... It's fantastically written. It's fast paced and I must admit I made two correct guessed on the maybe secrets... But there are SO MANY MORE questions and revelation a get to come!
This ends in a cliff hanger which is what I knew was coming and so I cannot wait to start book 2
Let me tell you that this book sucked me in so quickly I finished it in one afternoon AND will probably re-read as I'm sure I'm my haste to get answers I've missed some key points!!
People, all I can say is dive in and enjoy the crazy!
This was another fantastic read from this talented author. I went into this with slight trepidation as MFM normally isn't my thing, but like anything this author does, she handled it in a classy way, with the page turning plot still being the main focus. As this is part one of a duet, by the last page you'll be wanting to throw your kindle, having more questions than answers. It was very cleverly done though (no surprises there), and as always with this authors books the intricate detailing made it as if you were there right beside the characters. Cannot wait for the final part where all the many puzzle pieces will come together. Definitely already a must read duet.
4.25/5 stars Trope: MFM Dark Romance / TW: Scenes of explicit sę*, vio!€nc€, and profanity.
Wow, this book has some serious twists and turns that leave you hanging to a major cliff at the end (good news book two in the duet is already out). Roxy (FMC) is my kind of lady that owns who she is and is not apologetic for it either. However, being blackmailed into working with some past associates comes with all the dangers you would think (and some serious hot moments too). Zak & Maddox (MMC) have a lot of secrets. They’re very big alphaholes and yummy at the same time.
Roxy is a strong-willed, snarky FMC who has been hurt by Maddox and Zak in the past. They ruin her career and drag her back 10 years later, but why?
This is my first book by this author, and I was not disappointed. I love dark, controlling men in books (how messed up am I?), and this book has 2! I am not usually a fan of second chance books, but this book has so many other great qualities that it fits in perfectly.
If you like • MFM •second chances • dark, murderous, HOT men This book is for you!
There is a cliffhanger, but if you are like me, you will be reading the second book immediately!
My first but not last by this author. The cover drew me into the book as it looks as she is haunted by something . There is so much to this story each of them have there own ways of dealing with things of there past . Now fate has brought them all back together again. They need Roxy's help & in return she gets answers she desperately has been looking for from her past. I couldn't wait to see what the cliffhanger was so I could prepare for the rest of the ride for book 2. A cliffhanger you won't see coming .
This was my first book by this author and it was so good! I love a good dark romance where the characters are definitely not just morally gray! And I love a good book where the sexual tension is off the charts! And this book definitely has both! And the setting....🥰!! I will say that Maddox and Zak have a lot of things to make up for and hopefully book two will answer the multitude of questions I have!! And as for Roxy, the girl is all that and a bag of chips!! She is so strong and I hope that whatever is in store for her, she stays the course! And that cliffy, y'all just need to be prepared!! So, on that note....in to book 2 for more delicious sexy times!!!
Well....if fast pace and action packed is what your after then this book is it. As normal I went in blind. And i loved it. The story was intriguing and I loved the characters. The chemistry and tension could be cut with a knife 😉 Roxy was all sorts of sassy and fiesty. And well them boys Maddox and Zak were BDE. And I need more 🥵🥵🥵. That ending though.....I thought he was a dick from the beginning! So glad i have book 2 to go into now as that cliffy was a killer! Imogen you have a fan for life now! Your characters are 🤌
Omg this is so good and I can’t believe the cliffhanger, thank goodness book 2 is out, well I’m hoping so anyway. As Roxy tries to find her sister, and meets up with 2 brothers she had lost all contact with, or so she thought. Brilliant read, suspense, off the charts hot and by the way of the cliffhanger think there’s going to be a few twists. Right I’m off to find book 2.
So I’m not usually a fan of MFM (just down to preference, nothing against them) but jeez! This is one hot book that may turn my head into reading more!
Roxy is so feisty, not letting Maddox or Zac get away with anything…. Well almost anything.
This first half of the duet (haven’t read the second one yet) has a little bit of everything! And I’m so thankful I have the second book on my kindle to read because WARNING it’s a cliffhanger!
Yes!!!! The gorgeous covers of this duet caught my eye, the blurbs hooked me instantly, and the story kept me turning pages sooooo far past my bedtime! Roxy kicks serious a$$ and Maddox and Zak are pure fire.
The author is new to me, so I didn't realize Roxy had been introduced in a previous book/series, but you'd better believe I'll be backtracking to find where, and then very happily reading all the way forward again.
Thanks to Book Boyfriend Buzz for the review copy!