Loaded Retaliation

by C.P. Mandara

Adie

Dear old dad has me cornered. Come back to work or die. That’s the deal. Normally, after he’s beaten the crap out of me, that works. It won’t this time, even with the threat of him hurting Mel. She’d rather die than see a soul hurt on her behalf, and on this one, I’m with her.

Melinda

I thought Lois was exaggerating with her tales of the Dumortier’s. She wasn’t. Geraud is every bit as terrifying as she’s described, and then some. We have bigger problems, though. Apparently, the man doesn’t want me around. He’s going to ship me off and sell me. 
Yeah, over my dead body - and it might just come to that.
 

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Action

ebook

Published January 31, 2023

About the author

C P Mandara writes Dark Romance and Erotic Suspense and she is a hybrid author. Her books feature lots of twisted naughtiness and BDSM.

Where can you find her?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/C-P-Mandara/e/...

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-p-m...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CPMandara

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cpmandara/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/cpmandara1

Want to sign up to her mailing list and claim two free books? https://bit.ly/3iL1wT5

Christina Mandara is a USA TODAY bestselling author and tends to write dark romance with lashings of kinky naughtiness. Her favourite pastime is travelling, and if it involves sun, sea and… sand then it’s all good.

In her spare time she’s usually cuddled up with a good book, exploring the countryside or baking in the kitchen. In fact, she loves her kitchen so much she’s one of few woman who wouldn’t mind being tied to it! Her first and foremost love is writing, however, and more often than not you’ll find her on a laptop spinning tales of romance, erotica or dark, paranormal fantasies.

She's a big fan of BDSM in all of its glorious forms, and her favourite item in the toy closet (a box simply isn’t big enough) is her riding crop.

Reviews

[warhawke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Type: Book 6 of 7 from Twisted, Dark and Deadly series
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:





Adrien Dumortier and Melanie Leader were in big trouble and time is of the essence if they wanted to survive. Being captives of his ruthless father, they must find a way to help each other or risk ending up in body bags.

What is it with people wanting to chop my cock off? Is this a new craze sweeping the planet or something?

I liked how this book had all the actions to keep my excitement and attention. I have to say Lex intrigued me and made me awfully curious about his plan for Adie lol! I enjoyed all the non-con scenes and one of my favorites was the public group one.

Loaded Retaliation is a story of sacrifice and survival. I’m looking forward to the series finale next.



Books in the series:




🩸✖️🩸. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🩸✖️🩸





For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:



For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.

[Terri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to form Adie and Mel are up to their necks in trouble and things are not going well. I love the combination of humour and tension in these books, the author takes us down some dark paths but somehow manages to bring a levity to the grimmest situations.
This is a great read, however I have to recommend reading the complete series in order for the complicated and intense plot to make sense. Our favourite characters continue to entertain, at some expense to themselves, James and Lois are called into play but will the cavalry be able to help these two or will they have to rely on their usual ability to survive?
As always a well written book with an exciting plot and great characters.

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

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

4★



This latest installation in the Twisted, Dark and Deadly series is full of action taking Adrien “Adie” Dumortier and Melinda “Mel” Leader down a path of pain at the hands of madmen. With defiance flowing through her blood, Mel isn’t about to lay down for anyone, unless of course it’s Adie wielding a whip.

“My life has been one sorry performance from start to finish. At least I get to go out with a bang, with my balls intact. Fuck you, dad. Fuck. You.”

With Adie’s ever-present charm and optimism, he brings a certain dark humor into the fold despite what villainous plans are presented to him. The connection between Adie and Mel is forged in a way uniquely to them, as they both must face their limits, and this is what I always expect from this author.

Loaded Retaliation is a story steeped in spy action and a heaping dose of megalomaniacal depravity. I definitely enjoyed and cannot wait to see how it all ends in the next book.


Twisted, Dark and Deadly series:



*An ARC was provided for a review.*


*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Linda Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. By the time I finished reading the first page I was once again drawn into the dark world of Mel and Adie. This time dad is the villain. He has captured Adie and Mel and is holding them underground somewhere is Latvia. Adie is beaten up but when left alone goes in search of Mel. The book is about the two of them vs Daddy-dearest.

In this book we see feeling from Adie grow toward Mel. Their banter as always is funny, rich and you will keep shaking your head at how far each will go to irritate the other knowing just when to stop. Adie depends on Mel and her skills to help them survive and Mel needs Adie to keep her spirit unbroken and the demons of the past away.

Warning- this book is even darker than the others and includes physical violence, forced gang-banging, and emotional blackmail.

I loved this book. As usual hated the ending because I know it will be months until we find out the ending, finally. Liked the addition of James and Lois. Where is Lois btw???? Must read the others before this. Cliff-hanger.
Would rate a 100 if possible.

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

[Brina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgetting you have a life is pretty much guaranteed when you read one of Ms. Mandara's books. There is never any time for taking a breather. Always some sort of action you can't tear yourself away from. I'm hoping this story is coming to an end, but I will also miss Adrien and Mel's witty and sarcastic repertoire.

These characters are an absolute delight, even with all the mayhem and inconceivable circumstances they constantly find themselves surrounded by.

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

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god!! I had to find the book before this one to get the full power of the story, and it was so worth it. Adie and Mel are C-R-A-Z-Y! Their story still needs to be completed, and the ride is fraught with mindblowing explosive encounters.

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

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't go wrong with a C.P. Mandara book 🥰. I will now be waiting patiently for the next one. I read the whole book within a few hours of getting it.

If you don't like cliffhangers, don't read this straight away, buy it and add it to your to be read pile so that you can wait for the last book in the series.

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a belief that cats have nine lives, but It would seem that Adie and Mel have many more. This is an intense story with immeasurable cruelty by those who should care for family. If only Mel and Adie could articulate their feelings for each other the way they do in their internal dialogue. I think I forgot to breathe several times while reading this book and if it wasn’t for where they are I would have sighed a sigh of relief at the end, but no such luck, the tension just keeps rising and now I have to wait!.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief Summary
Take the slapstick adventure of Indiana Jones, the sexy spies of James Bond, a lot pinch of dub-con and mix it with a lot of sass and you have Loaded Retaliation. It's a fast-paced, high-stakes battle for survival that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is book 6 of an ongoing series and cannot be read standalone.


Trigger Warnings
LOTS. Ms Mandara doesn't do SSC, she likes to abuse and torture her protagonists. Dub and Non-con, sexual slavery and gun violence are all included.


Star Rating
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars. I really enjoyed this whilst I was reading it and part of me wants to give this ALL the stars. I adore this author's writing, I'm sure I'd find her shopping list fascinating but I just needed something more.


The characters
I'm not sure who I love the most, hard-as-nails Mel with her snarky humour or suave Adie with his little boy lost appeal. They are both extremely larger-than-life, OTT characters but also so well-written you feel as though they are real people who could step off the page. There is a limited cast of supporting characters in this book but they too are complex and layered which helps to add interest and depth to the story.


The plot
There were some completely unexpected reveals that with hindsight were obvious, I can't believe I missed all the clues! The plot was jam-packed with action, the tension was kept high throughout and the pace was almost break-neck. However, and the reason why I just couldn't give this more stars, was that whilst the plot was busy, it didn't really move the story on much. Being in yet another of Gerard's compounds just made this feel like a rehash of Lois and James' story. There also wasn't enough of Adie and Mel together as a couple so, for me, it lacked heat and passion. After six books I am also ready to reach the conclusion of their story.


The world-building
Despite the whole premise being somewhat fantastical, Ms Mandara gives it enough of an edge of realism to pass as (just) believable. You have to squint sometimes but it is there. There is no making an explosive device from a shoelace, some chewing gum and a paperclip, though there is surviving bullets with a bit of luck and a lot of kevlar.
It also helps that the vast majority of us don't have the foggiest idea of how MI5 works, so as long as Ms Mandara doesn't make claims that are too ridiculous we can take them in our stride.


In short, if you've been enjoying this series (which I highly recommend to anyone looking for a darkly erotic read that has a silly sense of humour on the side) then this is another cracking instalment that you won't want to miss.

[Joy Niemeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel & Adie's rollercoaster of adventure, suspense, romance, and tactics continues in this book. Most of the book we see them held by Geraud, Adie's father, who is bound and determined to get his son back under his control and back to handling the family business. These two seriously have no limit to how far they will go to save each other even though they supposedly despise each other. Geraud tries all he can to break them both down, but in the end he takes things to the extreme and sends them both off to Lex Carrington, who by the way is very psychotic and will definitely be a fathomable opponent for both Adie and Mel to beat. Let's just say Adie's man issues will be the least of his worries, especially with the big secret Mel is hiding. Will James and Lois be able to help Adie & Mel before it's too late, being we do see them in a few different scenes especially being James has to go to Russia to get the stolen laptop for MI5. When he returns he finds Lois is not home and that she was following Mel as much as she could being she knows Geraud is not an easy person to beat. Only time will tell in the next book which looks to potentially be a chaotic mess especially being all the technology smarts and money that Lex Carrington has. C.P. Mandara continues to not disappoint with this series, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

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

[Terri Trawets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adie has been captured and thoroughly beaten by his father’s vicious crew. He is painfully still alive, but rescuing Mel is his next mission. It is not an easy task! She has been chained to Geraud’s bed, just waiting for his “attention.” Unfortunately, while they can try to escape, Mel refuses to leave until she finds her lethally programed laptop. How will she manage to find it while killing and escaping Geraud?

Even while Adrien is punishing Mel and performing salacious activities upon her incredibly alluring body, their feelings hover enticingly into an erotic level of arousal. Along with Adrian’s softly spoken encouragement, Mel is forced to endure much from Geraud’s uncouth training thugs. But, she must still face Geraud’s sexual hostility, find her computer and escape! Will she manage to accomplish all these goals?

This book is absolutely, completely filled with espionage, murder, sex trafficking, drugs and myriad other difficult encounters. Yet, this author has not only grabbed my undivided attention, but at times she managed to elicit a quiet chuckle. In one unpleasant scene, Adie and Mel are both completely confined in cages within a moving transport. It was a terrible scene!!! Christine Mandara, “How dare you make me laugh out loud!!!” I cannot wait for the next book.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of a series, not a standalone story. Melanie is a secret agent in the service of England, and Adrien, (ex-) criminal, son of a major criminal and agent for a criminal organization. They got to know each other when first Adrien captured her out of revenge, and she then him again, also to take revenge. They were not exactly gentle with each other, but a bond has also developed between the two.
In the series of Melanie and Adrien characters from an earlier series also make an appearance.
Mel and Adie are in quite a bit of trouble in this episode, being captured by Adie’s father.Although they sometimes catch a break, they eventually fail to escape together and even end up in more trouble.
The feelings between Mel and Adie have changed quite a bit. Their involvement with each other initially started violently, but they have grown to care about each other. With only one episode left, hopefully they’ll manage to escape one more time and see what the future holds for them.
Mel and Adie are my absolute favourites. Mel, so strong, and Adie, sweet and vulnerable despite everything. In addition, it is the writing style that attracts me, a flowing story laced with dry humour.
Of course it remains a dark BDSM story, so dark themes are also included.

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

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read previous installments in this series and what a great installment this was. The cliffhanger was unexpected but fitting for this story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until you can read on!

Despite all the raw, fully described sex situations (read female frightening and rape), the violent scenes that fill the book and the psychological games that are played, there are still the funny moments when you get to know the thoughts through the words from C.P. Mandara.
Despite everything Adie and Mel go through, this is something that really belongs to psychopaths as they both actually are without their human sides. Despite all they endure; there's the thoughts and the humor that goes with it.
Mel, as a woman, suffers the most, but Adie is not relieved of pain in a terrible way either. And despite the horrors that befall them, it's nice that Adie and Mel know each other through and through, which means they can get through anything, really anything.

No story for people who have triggers like sex trafficking, rape and endless violence. But a must read for people who love the most heinous acts committed by people against each other. And for the large group of people who love the writing style of C. P. Mandara!.

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

[Foodiegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Christina Mandara has Mel and Adie in a lot of trouble being captured by Adie’s father and held in an underground compound. James and Lois are even called in to help if they can arrive in time. Although Mel and Adie fail to escape together and even end up in even more trouble. With a new character Lex Carrington, who is psychotic and definitely a difficult opponent for this pair to defeat.

The feelings between Mel and Adie have changed quite a bit, their dialog is as always witty and sarcastic. Their involvement with each other initially started out violently, but through the series have been growing to care more about each other. With only one episode left, hopefully they’ll manage to destroy Geraud and escape with their lives. This book dark and includes physical violence, torture, forced gang-banging, and emotional blackmail. This remains to be a very dark BDSM story, so dark themes are present
.
Mel and Adie are my absolute favourites since this series started with the death of Adie. Mel, is a kick ass fighter and assassin. Adie a vindictive sexual deviant but still sweet and vulnerable despite everything his family has done to him.
Of course we are left with a huge cliffhanger and will have to wait for the next book to find out how our hero's are going to make it out of this one. I only hope we don't have to wait too long.

[Ragu · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just keep getting better. Unbelievably better. They grab ahold actually once you see you have a story by Ms Mandara and you cannot put it down until you reach the end and you look up and gasp for air thinking oh my word I need to breath. Seriously not kidding. Again we have Mel and Adie - this time they have gotten into a heap load of trouble together with Adie’s sick disgusting dad that isn’t going to stop until he gets Adie back into his life and running the “family” business that Adie swore he’d never do again! All about Adie and Mel joining together to bring down that “family” business and destroying Geraud Adie’s psychotic evil disgusting father as he puts them through more physical violence, torture, unimaginable emotions, blackmail, sexual depravity can they possibly be able to survive - together or even one of them? Geraud has involved another sick and depraved man to help him fulfill his desire and need to overpower the two of them in order to get Adie back at any and all costs. Lex could prove to be a formidable foe for them to overcome. Just when the story gets to the point you think Adie and Mel are to the point of no return a major interference occurs and we are left with cliffhanger status so now we wait for the next book…I hope it’s not a long wait. A must read! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

They may not agree on much, but both are hero and heroine are in agreement where it comes to his father. Of course, that means they both might go down, but it is better than giving in.

This is book six of the series. While it could be read as a standalone, I recommend starting at the beginning to get the full effect.

This is a dark romance with strong elements of D/S and more. The story is well written and easy to read, but also rather intense. If you are looking for the usual vanilla BDSM, this is not it. That being said, if you like things with a bit more edge, then you are in the right place. The characters are well developed and definitely bring the story to life. The plot is fast paced and full of interesting (and often dark) twists and turns. There is also quite a bit of steam along the way. Overall, I found this entry to be highly enjoyable and look forward to seeing how it ends with the next book.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Happyscribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥷 High concept spy-adventure world
🕵🏻 McGyver-type innovations
🎞️ Cinematic pacing (breakneck!)
🧖🏼‍♀️ Sultry - would have liked more smut
📚 Is not a stand alone - must read the previous books to enjoy

There is so much going on in this series that trying to boil it down to just a few highlights is tough. However, I can say in Loaded Retaliation we are treated to a rollicking adventure, peppered with intrigue, espionage, dub-con steamy interludes and dark lusty relationships.

This "chapter" elicited visceral reactions as I continued to learn more about the world C.P. Mandara has built - I was that invested (after 5 books you will be too!). I felt like I was literally watching a movie as I read this - hugely enjoyable, if a tad OTT - but hey - who looks for realism in dark romance?.

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

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ”my money would be on Mel. She’s one tenacious b!tčh.”★

—>>> Adie and Mel, both at the mercy of Geraud, on his home turf. But we are talking about two people who are more than capable of surviving evil adversity. While one is used to such vile and deadly treatment all his life, the other is a high-caliber spy, but both prisoners, nevertheless. Being in their minds as they figure out how to navigate their escape was priceless, especially when we read the zesty one-liners of stone-cold reality bites running through their minds as they take every inch they can get, when they can get it. Wow, I cannot wait to read the last installment of this incredible series! PS the play buttons with each chapter were BRILLIANT! Thank U 😍🤩💋

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story picks up right after the end of book 5. I really enjoyed seeing James in action again. With all the tension of Adie and Mel's capture, the story dragged a bit and I found myself anxious for them to escape Geraud's compound. They can’t seem to catch a break. The pace picks up soon enough and I was glued to the pages with all the high stakes situations and shocking revelations. In usual Mandara fashion, the banter in between was a welcome relief from the tension of the scenes. That massive cliffhanger left me eager for the next book!

I received this ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Mandara knows how to grab your attention from the first page and keep it til the end. She even manages a few chuckles in bad situations (umm that’s not normal). Oh dearest daddy is back and wants what he wants and he wants his son who he loves to punish. These two have so much going on will they be able to escape dearest daddy? Maybe some old friends can help? Let the wonderful world of the cold underground work it’s magic on you or not.

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

[Tara Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was THRILLED when I saw Loaded Retaliation pop up in my email! I missed one of my favorite character, Adie. And Holy Hotness, this book has it all! Readers are thrust back into the dark world of James, Mel, and Adie. There are twist, turns, violence, dubcon, and so much more (If you have triggers I HIGHLY suggested you proceed with caution because this book has them all). However, I LOVE the darkness that is Adie. I'm waiting patiently for good to triumph over evil (Gerard) and hopefully for this trio to get their happily ever after!

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adie and Mel have got themselves into a difficult situation again and are having to navigate their feelings, that they may not be ready to face, all while dealing with Geraud. I loved the addition of Lois and James to the story and cannot wait to see how this all pans out in the final book.

I've been waiting with bated breath for this book to be released and it has not disappointed. Ms Mandara has a great way of adding humour to her stories and I was laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

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

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for more sitting on the edge of your seat, where Adie will have hard choices and so will Melinda. They will face many challenges, but will it break them or can they suceed? I loved this action packed dark romance, these agent couples have still got me hooked, I am looking forward to the next book.

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

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Ms Mandara has quite a way with words. She definitely knows how to spin a story and keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. And the crazy funny dialogue between the Adie and Mel makes you laugh out loud which lightens up the darkness of the story a bit but keeps you on that roller coaster of emotions. For some reason I thought this was the last story but I now know there is more to come. Can’t wait to see where it goes next.

[Deborah Gile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading this series with baited breath. Every episode taking me further down this dark and freaky garden path. (But Adrian...who can blame me??) I thought Addie's father was the cherry on the the cake, but this guy....he just blew up the cake and is licking the frosting off of the destruction. I am seriously rooting for James' big rescue attempt but now we have to wait for the next one.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, dark and even darker! But, I loved it!

It is going to be darn hard to wait to see what happens next!

Mel and Adie are in some tough predicaments in this installment! I mean really tough! Cringe-worthy at times!

Geraud, Adie's father is NOT a nice man! And where he sends Adie and Mel may be even worse!

I love both Mel and Adie's strength!

And, might the L word be spoken?

I'm in love with these characters and need, need, need a happy ending for them!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense was riveting in this story with the memorable characters from previous books. I thought the drama was perfectly written with palpable danger. Each scene was darker than the previous one. Some scenes are hard to read so be watchful of triggers. I loved the insight into their thoughts but a few times I found their reactions not quite believable. Even so I can’t wait to read the next book.

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

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adie and Mel’s story continues. Adie’s father wants him to come back to work and has been beaten and is no help for Mel. She is chained up and going to be sold off. Can they save each other in time? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, action, emotion and sizzling chemistry. I was hooked from beginning to end. I loved it.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read with some dark tones. The characters are well written with a vividly descriptive scene. Adie is trying to save Mel from his father. Adie's father will do whatever he has to do to get him back in the family business. You will be hooked until the end.

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

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by C.P. Mandara; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story is about Adie & Melinda; Adie father has abused her before forcing her to do as he wants but this time she’s ready to fight back.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.