Lennox taught me how strong I really am. But it backfired on him. Because now I’m strong enough to take him and everyone he loves down. I thought he had a soul—a heart But he’s just the villain. And I know what to do with villains…
This is book 2 in the Retribution Kings Series. It concludes Lennox & Rialta's story. The series will continue with Hayes's book next and a series mystery will be revealed at the end of book 6.
Ella Miles writes sexy romance with strong females that could kick your butt if you piss them off, which they often do to the men that fall for them. She's currently living her own fairy tale near the Rocky Mountains with her high school sweetheart husband. Her heart is also taken by her goofy two year old black lab that is scared of everything, including her own shadow. Ella is the author of the Aligned series. Get a free book by visiting her website: EllaMiles.com
I I am so baffled right now; I think I've been deceived. I definitely mean this in a good way. Also, I lost count of how many plot twist there was in this duet or how many times I cried. There was just so much happening that left me saying "what the f$#k?" But there were many moments that made my eyes tear up. My heart tore for Lennox. He wholeheartedly believes that he'll die sometime in his 30s like the rest of his male family members. Through out this book, he also believed he had lost the love of his life.
I'm gonna be completely honest - I hated Rialta. I seriously wanted Lennox to hate her too and leave for everything that she does in this. It was painful to read. He deserved so much better. He loved her. He married her to keep her safe and to protect their mutual friends. She choose any of guy but him. So when in the end, she confesses her love for him and her true intentions, I was shocked. I knew they'd end up together but it was still shocking to know he suffered for nothing. I suffered for nothing lmao
Despite all the pain and the hurt that Rialta and her posee made Lennox go though, he always, always put her first.
If this made you think I hated the book and co fused as to why I was rating it a five-star, you'd be wrong. Because it was exactly that pain and suffering that made it score this high for me. It was completely convinced Rialta would never choose him. I was deceived but it the best way. It only proved to me that Ella Miles is an amazing authors who know knows how to play her audience.
❈•≫────≪•◦𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕◦•≫────≪•❈ • arranged marriage/forced marriage • man obsessed • dark romance • estranged marriage/marriage in trouble • forced proximity • he falls first • mafia romance • morally grey • mutual pining • OM drama • pregnancy scare • plot twist😭 • unrequited love/unwanted/second-best • trigger warning: mmc is drugged and SA'd (on page); torture
Rialta picks up the intense, complicated journey of Lennox and Rialta. Of course I love this story, that's a given. Rialta is fierce, independent and determined to play the game her way and she does just that. This story is full of drama and action, suspense and surprises, secrets and betrayals. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and leaves you wondering what in the h*^* just happened. I know there's something coming just because of the ending. I'm not sure what it is, but I can't wait to find out.
Uh.erm.. Hmmm. Not sure where to begin... Actually, since when did Lennox become such a simp?
This book shot off right out the gate. And Rialta was just a hot mess. There's a lot to digest and it really starts off unbelievably. Most importantly the relationship development was subpar. I wasn't buying it in book one and book two was trying to shove a square peg into a round hole. Nothing can convince me that this was a true love match. Lust I get. Love? Not a chance! For me, the emotional depth was lacking. Although we get a HEA or HFN, there was something that happened to Lennox at the beginning of the book that was a no-coming-back-from type situation for me. All the chemistry they had in book one disappeared. In fact, these two didn't have a thing on chemistry and it was uncomfortable to watch, er read.
Yeah, I get it, things played out for a reason, but it ultimately didn't come together for me and the ending just presented itself with insufficient, non-sensical answers. Instead of the twists and turns being intriguing and surprising me in a good way, I found the reveals exasperating and disappointing.
But, as usual, Ella has a flair for writing and like a passerby rubbernecking at a crash scene, I just couldn't help myself.
I read plenty of this type of romance, dark romance and Mafia are my jam, but I will say this book and readers would benefit from content or trigger warnings.
First and foremost, the action and suspense within this second book of Lennox and Rialta’s had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I was STRESSED. I had no clue where things were going, who was evil and who wasn’t, which side certain people were on… nothing new for an Ella Miles book.
Where do I even begin? I won’t lie - I struggled to connect with Rialta for a good chunk of this book. Her hatred threw me for a LOOP, and certain decisions that were made had me wanting to throw her through a damn window!!! Until I got answers I wanted. Then I was happy again.
Alas, here we are. My love for Lennox and his gang kept me strong. They are everything in this book. You REALLY feel a sense of loyalty between them all, and it’s admirable.
I can’t wait to see what else Ella brings with any of the upcoming books!! If it’s anything like the love story between Lennox and Rialta or ANY of her other characters, I’m all in.
* I was BLESSED with an ARC for an honest review 🙌🏽 *
Lennox was left in a particular difficult situation by Rialta after learning that Kit was possibly hurt by Lennox. Instead of getting answers things have become even more secretive and no one knows who to trust. Soon some things are made clear and just when you think things are settled the group suffers a heartbreaking loss. Everyone feels like they have to do something to make sense of it. They think that things are settled but the secrets between Rialta and Lennox are just getting started.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lennox and Rialta Corsi are married. Lennox has realized that he truly loves Rialta. Rialta hates him because he supposedly killed Kit, her true love. He doesn’t remember killing Kit or why he would kill Kit. She seems to be with Andrea who is power hungry to be named head of the Corsi Family. Rialta has to agree to annul her marriage to Lennox and marry him. They have Lennox tied up and are torturing him.
Rialta thinks she is pregnant and is implying that it is Kit’s baby. She wants revenge on Lennox but doesn’t want to be with Andrea. Hayes, Gage and Beckett save Lennox and take Rialta. Beckett starts torturing Rialta because River, his wife has been kidnapped and they think Rialta and Andrea did it.
Is Rialta really evil or does she have a long term plan no one is aware of? Who will she choose to be with, Kit, Lennox or Andrea? Will River and Beckett get their happily ever after? Will they find The Abyss and kill him once and for all?
Ella made us wait for Book 2 and it was worth the wait. It was non stop action and I kept trying to figure out who was really a good guy versus a bad guy. I also kept wondering what Rialta really wanted throughout the book. It was jam packed excitement.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
POV: dual HUMOR: no F BOMBS: yes STANDALONE: no NEW AUTHOR FOR ME: no POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: BDSM, multiple mentions of rape, secrets, violence, bloody, betrayal, miscarriage, kidnapping, torture, exhibitionism, explicit scenes
CHARACTERS: Lennox Crane and Mob princess Rialta Corsi
OVERALL: Huge Ella Miles fan, but this one is my least favorite. Will I continue to read her work? Absolutely.
PROS: 1. story had you guessing - who the heck is the mystery person trying to kill Rialta, AND, is Rialta really evil? 2. the friendships here, as always, are wonderful (their dedication and loyalty) - Characters (Beckett, Ri, Hayes, and Gage) from other series played important parts in this one 3. this author knows how to draw you into a scene with emotions; the one with Beckett and Ri really gutted me.
CONS: 1. the passion between the MCs kind of cooled in this one; couldn't feel their chemistry 2. the extreme actions/choices of the FMC didn't quite need to be that extreme to get to the endgame 3. somehow, Lennox lost some of his manliness/power which I don't feel is necessary in order to make the female lead appear more powerful/independent 4. felt the ending seemed a bit rushed and anticlimactic
NOTEWORTHY: 1. Must read book 1 before reading this one. 2. The Retribution Kings Series is a spinoff of the Retribution Games Series which is connected to Truth or Lies series. Recommend reading for a more complete understanding of all the characters and their world. 3. As of now, this is book 2 of 6 in a series (books 1 & 2 are about Lennox and Rialta; books 3 & 4 Hayes & Lilith; books 5 & 6 Gage & Nova).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thrilling from the very first page all the way till the end. This story kept me guessing right up to the last chapters. It was one crazy turn of events after the other. I was definitely hooked on Rialta and Lennox's story and wondering how this could possibly work out for them. The spicy scenes were on fire and the suspense was top notch.
I didn't always feel a connection between Lennox and Rialta though, which ment that some parts were hard to believe until you finally got to the end. I wish we had gotten a little more of them together but I understand it needed to be this way.
There are some dark and possibly triggering moments in the story so be aware. It was an exciting story! I really liked the pace and flow of the writing, it made it easy to get immersed in the story. I also loved getting to see Beckett and Ri, along with the guys again.
While the main storyline of Lennox and Rialta was worked out there is still the underlying story arc that will continue with the next books. I'm very intriguing about everything and especially who the ladies are that Gage and Hayes fall for! This is a fast paced, dark story that I really enjoyed. I would definitely recommend the entire duet!
This is the second book for the Retribution Kings series. I highly recommend reading the other book in the series as well as the Retribution Games series to help understand the story. This book follows Rialta and Lennox where book 1 left off. This series keeps us guessing what the over all masterplan is between Corsi and the Retribution Kings. Rialta has become one powerful woman. Keeping her enemies close and those she cares about at arm distance in order to fight for her freedom. No matter the cost. Though she does hope it's all ends as she wishes. She needs to prove to everyone including herself she is strong enough to make her own decions. Lennox continues to fight for his love. Knowing deep down she must love him. Even if she does everything in her power to keep him away from her. These books keep getting better as they go. I've truly enjoyed everyone thus far. I can't wait to see what happens next. This insanely intense, sexy, crazy book will keep you hanging off every word. 5 stars.
Deception and decisions - no easy feat Rialta (Retribution Kings Book 2) by Ella Miles is a fast paced, heart pounding romance suspense thriller. There's no shortage of suspense, impending doom and ultimate danger in an Ella Miles series and Book 2 of the Retribution Kings does not disappoint to deliver all that and more. Rialta is plotting and planning, putting everything and everyone on the line, even those she loves. This part of the series is twisted and painful, both emotionally and physically. If nothing else, rooting for Lennox as the ultimate Hero is solidified in my heart, but the reader is left guessing to the bitter end. Overall, while Rialta and Lennox get some closure, it's not without cost and unanswered questions. This ending is happy for now, but the future and what it will entail, look like is completely left up in the air. It's not unsatisfying though, there's the promise of more twists, turns and explosive love to come for the remaining Retribution Kings. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my review.
Just when you think you have everything figured out – WRONG!!!! I love how Ella Miles can make you think one thing is going to happen, then turn around and it turns out to be something different! Lennox and Rialta married for all the wrong reasons and neither one can stand the other, or can they? Lennox is in full protection mode and only wants to keep Rialta safe. Rialta only wants to make her own decisions!
We are introduced to Andrea who turns out to be another love interest for Rialta. Rialta believes that Lennox killed the love of her life and HATES him, but still secretly has a thing for him. Things turn dicey when Lennox is kidnapped by Rialta and Andrea. It’s hard to find someone to trust in this series! So much drama, so many secrets! We learn a few things and of course there is always a few twists and turns! Steamy scenes, and being on a emotional roller coaster made it very hard to put this down! Looking forward to readings Hayes story next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought book two would end the series but I think not and am glad for it. I hope there is more to come. Rialta played a twisted, deviant, complicated and dangerous game to save all the men she loved. It left me feeling confused and took me by surprise at how she played her chess game of who lived and who died. Each of her moves was strategic. Even though Lennox and the guys did not know her plan, Lennox knew to trust her. Horrible things transpired that were at first thought unforgivable but the love and loyalty of the group was beyond compare. Lennox learned to love again and so did Rialta. An excellent story. I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book: Action-packed Funny Haunting Happily Ever After Page-turner Realistic Scary Steamy Tragic Twisted Unpredictable Wonderful characters
Wowww.... Pretty speechless after finishing this book. Ella has yet again smashed this out of the park.
This book was action packed, filled with lies, secrets, betrayal, loyalty, retribution, revenge and love. The love Lennox had for Rialta. My heart cried for him many, many times and at one point I wish I could jump into the book and str@ngle Rialta for how she treated him and the others!!
I did find this book rather confusing as I couldn't understand how she suddenly became so cut-throat and bad a$$ overnight.... However please persist as it will all make sense in the end! Now THAT was a proper plot twist if I ever saw one. Wow wow wow!
I'm so glad Lennox and Rialta got their HEA (for now?) but we never found out if she was pregnant (I'm puzzled.... Was this a phantom pregnancy?!?)
Super duper cannot wait to see what else is in store for us ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The ending of book 1, Lennox, took the relationship between RIALTA and Lennox down a dark, at times convoluted, twisting path. This is a complex story, so I read Lennox again before reading this book.
If I had one criticism to make of this book, it is that you almost have to read them one right after the other because there are no references to prior significant plot driving events. The end of book 2 leaves us with a “happy for now”, but teases a significant advance in the overarching plot. Will it be easy to pick up book 3 and know everything that is going on in this complex story?
In any event, RIALTA is quite the creative journey. There are some very dark moments that may be triggering for some. Be prepared for steam, danger, death, and subterfuge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two in The Retribution Kings series and it continues Lennox and Rialta’s story and omg it is definitely a must read. This book takes you in and gets you completely hooked right from the first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what on earth would happen next. There are twists and turns that you definitely didn’t see coming along with danger, suspense, drama, intense action, dark themes, secrets and surprises that have you turning the pages unable to put this book down and it was so addictive that I read it in one sitting until the early hours of the morning and I can’t wait to read the next book. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed but just remember that this is not a standalone book and you will have to read book one first to get all the background history.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "RIALTA" WOW!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this story I was pulled right into all intense drama, suspense, intrigue, betrayal, steam, secrets, twists & surprises that has you turning the pages. LENNOX & RIALTA take you on quite the dark twisted rollercoaster ride you can't get enough of them they go through so many ups & downs, hell protect her at all costs, it's an emotional journey for sure. I definitely recommend to this thrilling, riviting, engaging story not knowing who's the enemy & who's not, will LENNOX & RIALTA get their HEA in the end when it's all said & done its a must read you so won't be disappointed I loved it 🖤 I'm so looking forward to the next book in the "Retribution King's" series which can't come soon enough you'll, love all the characters so interesting & entertaining, it's an awesome read for sure.
Rialta: Retribution Kings Book 2. Unbelievable. That is how I would describe this book. The story was incredible to read. There are some parts that are hard to read, so be informed your heart is going to challenged. I think there are some triggers people need to be aware of. There are some parts that seem hard to believe. The author has you questioning loyalty. Believing in Lennox, Rialto,or any of the characters is going to be hard. The story continues with Lennox trying to protect Rialta and keeping her safe. Things turn when Andrea comes into the picture and him and Rialta kidnap Lennox. There are so many twists and turns in this story you are going to be shocked by the end of the book. ! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's.
I truly love this series, but I wish all authors would not allow so much time in-between "connected" books. While I finally got caught back up to where Lenox left off, it took me too long to get into the grove of this book. That being said, I LOVED THIS BOOK and cannot wait to read Hayes but I see that it won't be released until early August so I may have the same issue once I start on that book. For anyone that has read all of the Retribution Series so far, Rialta is a DO NOT MISS STORY because this one has all the surprises, suspense, love and hate that you have experienced so far. This book will keep you guessing until the very end and then there is still a mystery or two that hopefully will be explained in Hayes.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.
This is the gripping conclusion to Lennox and Rialta’s romance. I just love that Lennox is strong, and honourable man, who deeply loves and seeks out to protect Rialta all all costs. I love how Rialta’s character became strong and capable. “Rialta“ kept me guessing with all its plot twists, betrayals, and suspense that kept me glued to the pages. I really enjoyed steamy hot scenes, revenge plotting, riveting emotions and the characters’ conflicting agendas. This story grabbed my attention and I thought about it long after I finished the book. I am really looking forward to more stories in this series. ” I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jam-packed with tension, pain, uncertainty, second-guessing, twists galore & HEA (for awhile). Rialta sure does keep her cards close to her chest & doesn't reveal any secrets until she says so. She has proven to Vincent, her dad, that she is more than capable in taking her dad's chair as Queen to their empire when he dies. What lies ahead for Rialta & Lennox's future? More secrets? But, of course!
Ella Miles rocks when it comes to writing page-turning novels where the chemistry is hotter than a chemical reaction itself. I can't wait until the next novel comes out & maybe Ms. Miles will spill the beans on what part 2 of the plan is!
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loving Rialta has placed Lennox in a difficult situation which ordinarily would have ended any relationship, but Lennox is a man unlike any other and isn’t about to give up on the woman he loves.
Rialta believes that she is doing the right thing even if the way she goes about it is so wrong. She is so focused on the outcome and not the journey that will at times have you despising what she is putting everyone around her through and have you wondering if their relationship can be salvaged.
The surprises keep coming as secrets are revealed in spectacular . Rialta proves how strong and resilient she is while Lennox proves that no matter what happens he will always be there for her.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG! Wow, I was absolutely astounded reading this book it was amazing, the story was exhilarating and the characters were really captivating. This story was about Rialta and Lennox, Lennox thought the chemistry between him and Rialta was going in the right direction, he still believes he still needs to protect her. Rialta thought she could trust some people around her. A friend came back into Rialta life, things are not what they seem with twist and turns. I cannot wait to see the continuation in the next book Hayes: book 2) in the Retribution Kings.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG this book is so intriguing as we see a fierce Rialta playing her own twisted and deviant game of her life. Lennox realizes he really does love her, but can he trust her? Can he keep her safe, even from herself. This book is action-packed with so many twists and turns. It's always enjoyable to see the retribution kings Beckett and River, Hayes and Gage they're so intertwined in this story. Wow what a roller coaster ride of emotions in this captivating story with secrets, lies and betrayal at every turn, who can Rialto trust Lennox, Kit or Andrea? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lennox’s and Rialta’s story continue in the series' second book. Rialta blames Lennox for killing Kit; but did he? He cannot remember and wakes up shackled. She will ensure he suffers intensely before he is killed. Many surprises will come out in this book; agendas, skills, loyalties tested, schemes, endgames, and more. From the start, these books are filled with action, high heat levels, and explosive situations. Even trying to summarize what occurs, one just cannot do~ Will Rialta and Lennox be able to survive what is coming? Who is coming? What happens to each other and friends and family? Remember everyone this is just the beginning~
This book kicks off right where it left off and I was so confused in the best way and beyond intrigued. You really don’t know who to trust, what agenda is in play and how it’s going to end, until the very end. Rialta was a queen and anyone who underestimated her lived to regret it. This was a violent, twisty tale with so much steam that had me flipping pages so I could find out how it all tied together. I can’t wait to see the next characters that come from this world and what Ella has in store for them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rialta picks up right where Lennox left off. Wow I thought I would be used to Ella’s twist and plot turns by now but this one had me on the edge of my seat. Rialta is a lot more independent and fierce than we first were led to believe. She is here to play the game and win... but where will that be leaving Lennox and his friends. This one is filled with drama, action and suspense and of course lots of twists. Looking forward to what is still to come and the outcome of all these secrets when we get Hayes and Gage’s stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Ella Miles is a tease and not in a good way. I am dying to know what happens next!! All through this book you are left wondering how this will ever work out for Rialta and Lennox. It starts with him being beaten, drugged, and brutalized. It's hard to imagine how things will resolve for these two. And even more surprises is the mini cliffy at the end. The story is well paced, intense, full of sizzle, steam, crazy twists and brutal turns. I want more and it looks like Hayes will get his story next, but I'm sure more will be seen from Rialta and Lennox.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was so looking forward to the conclusion of Rialta and Lennox, but this one fell flat for me. I am always in awe of the twists and turns that are in Ella’s book and this was no different. In this story, Rialta lost her appeal for me for a few different reasons. The passion was not as intense as the other stories, there were extremes that didn’t need to be present to keep the mystery and story going, and I felt the whole story was not as well developed as some of her others. I really liked Lennox in Retribution Kings and he didn’t seem to carry that same intensity in this story. Overall it is a great ride, and I look forward to reading Hayes and Lilith’s stories.
I was completely blown away. This book picks up where book 1 left off and can I say just, Wow!! The drama, cruel twist and somewhat violent angst had me pulling my hair. Lines were drawn but often blurred, the torture was real and the love was muddled. Lennox wants to keep Rialta safe but she still believes he’s the enemy. Rialta crosses some very distinct lines to achieve what she believes needs to be done. Often times I was like this book is too much, but it wouldn’t be a good story if doesn’t keep you twisted in knots and wondering if it’s this is reality or complete fiction.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've been waiting for this book after the cliffhanger at the end of Lennox. There's plenty of suspense, twists, turns, danger, deception, passion and so much more throughout. Rialta is so strong regardless of how everyone sees her. Now everything she has learnt and knows will be tested. Will Lennox win his girl back? You'll be completely captivated from start to finish and will be routing for both Lennox and Rialta along the way. Can't wait to see what happens next in the series with the rest of the Retribution Kings... Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.