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Secrets & Lies #1
Revenge
Katrina
Revenge never tasted so sweet…
The DeLaCoeur family destroyed mine, and ever since I was a little girl, I vowed I would have my revenge.
Now the time has come, and I've waited my whole life for this. The heir to the family fortune is first on my list. Jackson. It should be easy—he's just a billionaire playboy that's used to women falling at his knees. I'll play along, I'll seduce him, and I'll humiliate him. But the second his warm lips burn into my neck, I fear that I might wind up sleeping with the enemy…
Jackson
She pulled my c*ck out in front of the paparazzi... now it's war.
Katrina Grammercy is after me for a crime I didn't commit. She wants to ruin my reputation—make me pay for my father’s sins.
But she doesn't know who she's f**king with. In this game, I make the rules. She’ll be just like the rest—one taste of me, and she's done.
She wants revenge?
I'll give her revenge, by owning her sweet, tight little ass.
**Revenge is a full-length romance with an HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger!
Revenge never tasted so sweet…
The DeLaCoeur family destroyed mine, and ever since I was a little girl, I vowed I would have my revenge.
Now the time has come, and I've waited my whole life for this. The heir to the family fortune is first on my list. Jackson. It should be easy—he's just a billionaire playboy that's used to women falling at his knees. I'll play along, I'll seduce him, and I'll humiliate him. But the second his warm lips burn into my neck, I fear that I might wind up sleeping with the enemy…
Jackson
She pulled my c*ck out in front of the paparazzi... now it's war.
Katrina Grammercy is after me for a crime I didn't commit. She wants to ruin my reputation—make me pay for my father’s sins.
But she doesn't know who she's f**king with. In this game, I make the rules. She’ll be just like the rest—one taste of me, and she's done.
She wants revenge?
I'll give her revenge, by owning her sweet, tight little ass.
**Revenge is a full-length romance with an HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger!
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2016
230 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Landish
181 books6,785 followersLauren Landish is a WALL STREET JOURNAL & USA TODAY bestselling author and her books have garnered a legion of praise from her readers.
When she’s not plotting about how she will introduce you to your next sexy as hell book boyfriend, you can find her deep, deep in her writing cave, furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.
Lauren, who lives in NC with her boyfriend and fur baby, warmly invites you to her worlds of rock hard abs, chiseled smiles, and men with deep, fat pockets…but beware! These stories are guaranteed to have you addicted and needing your next fix!
Visit Lauren's Website at: http://www.laurenlandish.com/
Join the Mailing list at: http://www.subscribepage.com/w1h8x6
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauren.landish
Follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenlandish
When she’s not plotting about how she will introduce you to your next sexy as hell book boyfriend, you can find her deep, deep in her writing cave, furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.
Lauren, who lives in NC with her boyfriend and fur baby, warmly invites you to her worlds of rock hard abs, chiseled smiles, and men with deep, fat pockets…but beware! These stories are guaranteed to have you addicted and needing your next fix!
Visit Lauren's Website at: http://www.laurenlandish.com/
Join the Mailing list at: http://www.subscribepage.com/w1h8x6
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/lauren.landish
Follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenlandish
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 15, 2016
I received an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
I devoured this book! If you liked the show Revenge, you'll love this book. The synopsis didn't do it justice. The author did a fantastic job with the different aspects of the story and skills of the characters. She definitely did her research or has some hidden talents.
There was so much substance and depth to her characters. I loved that they were all fighters both physically or mentally, not backing down from their goal, especially when death was a possibility. I was expecting Jackson to be a selfish, cocky man-whore. Granted he seemed to be a little bit of a douche-bag in the very beginning, but he quickly redeemed himself once he realized the truth. Now he has to decide if he can turn his back on his family and the comforts of being a DeLaCroeurs to help the one person who made him feel loved all those years ago.
Katrina is a smart, bad-ass woman. I love her spirit and strength. She's endured so much since her parents died. The question is, what will she do once she no longer has a mission or the motivation she held so tightly to in order to exact her revenge? And what will falling for Jackson do to her anger and need for vengeance? Can she let him in? Or will it ultimately destroy everything she's worked towards? Before she didn't care if she lived or died; all that mattered was taking down the DeLaCroeurs. Could she really hope for and want to think about having a future?
So many questions! You'll just have to read the book to find out what happens. ;)
I devoured this book! If you liked the show Revenge, you'll love this book. The synopsis didn't do it justice. The author did a fantastic job with the different aspects of the story and skills of the characters. She definitely did her research or has some hidden talents.
There was so much substance and depth to her characters. I loved that they were all fighters both physically or mentally, not backing down from their goal, especially when death was a possibility. I was expecting Jackson to be a selfish, cocky man-whore. Granted he seemed to be a little bit of a douche-bag in the very beginning, but he quickly redeemed himself once he realized the truth. Now he has to decide if he can turn his back on his family and the comforts of being a DeLaCroeurs to help the one person who made him feel loved all those years ago.
Katrina is a smart, bad-ass woman. I love her spirit and strength. She's endured so much since her parents died. The question is, what will she do once she no longer has a mission or the motivation she held so tightly to in order to exact her revenge? And what will falling for Jackson do to her anger and need for vengeance? Can she let him in? Or will it ultimately destroy everything she's worked towards? Before she didn't care if she lived or died; all that mattered was taking down the DeLaCroeurs. Could she really hope for and want to think about having a future?
So many questions! You'll just have to read the book to find out what happens. ;)
May 12, 2017
It was a good idea executed poorly. If the story had been taken more seriously, I would have really liked it. Katrina was very immature. She had 10 years to plan her revenge for the death of her parents, and the first thing she did was to get a dick pic of the son of the guy who killed them. Yeah... real threatening. I'm sure that would have most mafia bosses shaking in their boots. It seemed like something a teenager would do instead of an intelligent woman.
Jackson was by far the most mentally well balanced character. He cared about people other than himself. Everyone treated him like he was a worthless piece of shit. He hadn't done anything with his life since high school other than party and sleep around. The guy may have been a waste of space, but with a little motivation he could make something of himself. I couldn't figure out why he was interested in Katrina. She may have been wonderful as a kid but was a selfish bitch as an adult.
Nathan was too helpful. The cruel and vicious enforcer for the mafia boss suddenly decided to do what's right after decades of being devoted to the mafia. It wasn't realistic at all. There wasn't a valid motive for him to do what he did.
There was a good twist halfway through. In hindsight I wonder why Katerina, her best friend the hacker, nor any of their contacts never found that information. She wouldn't have been looking for it specifically because of what she believed happened. I would have though someone who planned their revenge for a decade would thoroughly investigate to know precisely what happened and who was behind it.
Jackson was by far the most mentally well balanced character. He cared about people other than himself. Everyone treated him like he was a worthless piece of shit. He hadn't done anything with his life since high school other than party and sleep around. The guy may have been a waste of space, but with a little motivation he could make something of himself. I couldn't figure out why he was interested in Katrina. She may have been wonderful as a kid but was a selfish bitch as an adult.
Nathan was too helpful. The cruel and vicious enforcer for the mafia boss suddenly decided to do what's right after decades of being devoted to the mafia. It wasn't realistic at all. There wasn't a valid motive for him to do what he did.
There was a good twist halfway through. In hindsight I wonder why Katerina, her best friend the hacker, nor any of their contacts never found that information. She wouldn't have been looking for it specifically because of what she believed happened. I would have though someone who planned their revenge for a decade would thoroughly investigate to know precisely what happened and who was behind it.
September 20, 2016
Arc copy for an honest review.
The content of this story has a lot of depth. Peter is a hateful character, he thinks he is above everyone and everything. That he can do what he wants to who he wants when he wants and not have anyone retaliate. He thinks he is a mob king.
So many emotions to this story grief, hurt, shock, terror. Then there is hatred, revenge and distrust.
Katrina has suffered and felt a lot of these, almost broken by her past. She has lashed out, not knowing then how to deal with the feelings overwhelming her as a child. Trying to live with such a horror she focussed on one thing even if it means her own death.
Jackson has had no focus at all except for one, until events start unfolding and the reality becomes clear.
Andrea is similar to Katrina, but has focussed herself in a different way to get her own form of justice.
There is some violence in this book, with the title and story base I think you would expect it. There is also some sexual content which is explicit but completely in context. The characters are believable, the feelings understandable. They draw you in until you are engrossed and invested in the outcome. This isn't a stand alone book, though we do get an ending of sorts, the main story of Revenge does continues on into more books so be prepared for at least three. I feel the investment of that is well worth it though.
The content of this story has a lot of depth. Peter is a hateful character, he thinks he is above everyone and everything. That he can do what he wants to who he wants when he wants and not have anyone retaliate. He thinks he is a mob king.
So many emotions to this story grief, hurt, shock, terror. Then there is hatred, revenge and distrust.
Katrina has suffered and felt a lot of these, almost broken by her past. She has lashed out, not knowing then how to deal with the feelings overwhelming her as a child. Trying to live with such a horror she focussed on one thing even if it means her own death.
Jackson has had no focus at all except for one, until events start unfolding and the reality becomes clear.
Andrea is similar to Katrina, but has focussed herself in a different way to get her own form of justice.
There is some violence in this book, with the title and story base I think you would expect it. There is also some sexual content which is explicit but completely in context. The characters are believable, the feelings understandable. They draw you in until you are engrossed and invested in the outcome. This isn't a stand alone book, though we do get an ending of sorts, the main story of Revenge does continues on into more books so be prepared for at least three. I feel the investment of that is well worth it though.
April 11, 2017
There is a reason why Lauren Landish is one of my favorite authors. She weaves amazing stories that grab you at the cover and keeps you enthralled in the story until you've read the very last page. Revenge has everything you want in a romance story... action, grief, distrust, revenge, justice, some violence, suspense, secrets, mystery, a dysfunctional family, heart-stopping moments, off the chart chemistry, a cocky playboy, a smart, bad-ass woman, and of course... oh so hot sex!
I volunteered to review an advance readers copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advance readers copy of this book.
Read
May 10, 2017NOPE, this book is not for me not even gonna finish it! I think I throw in my mouth 🤢
March 23, 2017
This was an pretty good with decent characters and a great romantic storyline.
The main characters are Kat and Jackson. Kat and Jackson used to be best friends in their childhood but then Kat's parents are killed in an explosion planned by Jackson's father. Then Kat gets shipped from foster home to foster home and eventually getting put with a family she likes she begins to plan her revenge for her parents. She pulls Jackson in on the ruse by publicly shaming him with a picture in the tabloids and Jackson wants to know why. The two learn the truth together and in the process of doing so find the reason they used to be friends.
There aren't a lot of secondary characters because the story is focused on the two main characters but the few that were mentioned are likely to get mentioned more in the other books in the series.
The storyline is fairly original with the revenge plot but the romantic storyline was very similar to other books in this genre. The pacing is good and I loved that it ended on a kind of cliffhanger making me want to read the other books in the genre.
3 stars, a good read
The main characters are Kat and Jackson. Kat and Jackson used to be best friends in their childhood but then Kat's parents are killed in an explosion planned by Jackson's father. Then Kat gets shipped from foster home to foster home and eventually getting put with a family she likes she begins to plan her revenge for her parents. She pulls Jackson in on the ruse by publicly shaming him with a picture in the tabloids and Jackson wants to know why. The two learn the truth together and in the process of doing so find the reason they used to be friends.
There aren't a lot of secondary characters because the story is focused on the two main characters but the few that were mentioned are likely to get mentioned more in the other books in the series.
The storyline is fairly original with the revenge plot but the romantic storyline was very similar to other books in this genre. The pacing is good and I loved that it ended on a kind of cliffhanger making me want to read the other books in the genre.
3 stars, a good read
September 24, 2016
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I can't say enough good things about Revenge it definitely keeps you intrigued. Kat, is a very on your toes person, living off the grid so many years have made her hard. Jackson is spend hard play hard playboy and son of a major mob family. Kat is out to avenge her parents deaths. Plans are laid into action and soon the fallout begins. And then just like that Kat is gunned down...or is she??? An awesomely fantastic read. Way to go Lauren Landish once again on an excellent read.
March 19, 2017
I absolutely loved everything about this book. I have listened to the audio version and it was amazing! The narrator Megan Kelly is fantastic, she manages to express each character's emotions and makes a clear distinction between them.
Ok, now that I've made it clear where I stand let's get into my reasons. My main argument is the story (imagine that). The action is amazing, with a lot of twists that one can cannot foresee (at least I didn't). It is a (complex) revenge plan set in motion by Katrina Grammercy for all the pain the the DeLaCoeur family has caused her. She blames them for the loss of her parents and for a childhood spent from foster home to foster home until someone decides to show her another way to channel her anger
Even from the beginning it is quite visible that Kat is as human as all of us, as her actions at misguided. She directs her revenge on the entire family, but will soon discovered she has plenty of allies and maybe not all of them are to blame. She never loses her focus, she has a clear goal which MUST be fulfilled.
Jackson, on the other hand, has lived a life surrounded by women, with money to spend on anything and anyone he desired. When hes only true friend from childhood comes back into his life, he is determined to understand what happened to sweet Katrina that she had to become Kat - merciless, mysterious, well trained in martial arts, hacking and God knows how many other areas. And he wants his friend back.
As I was mentioning in the beginning, there are twists in the story that you cannot even imagine, there are decisions that will surprise you all the way till the end. The writing is fabulous as well. The author offers two point of views: Katrina's and Jackson's. I loved the passing from one point of view to the other, as it did not cut directly into where the previous chapter ended. We get to understand both characters' reactions.
Now, I did decrease one star from my rating just because I liked it so much that I was a bit disappointed in a couple of aspects. I wanted to know more about Kat's parents. I would have wanted a little more insight into how they came up to be like that. I know it's pretty vague, but I'm trying to keep this a spoiler free review. Some of the scenes right before the end were kind of forced into the book, as they seemed to me completely out of context.
But this is still remains one of the best books I've encountered lately and definitely one of the best audiobooks I've listened till now. I loved it and I recommend it!
Ok, now that I've made it clear where I stand let's get into my reasons. My main argument is the story (imagine that). The action is amazing, with a lot of twists that one can cannot foresee (at least I didn't). It is a (complex) revenge plan set in motion by Katrina Grammercy for all the pain the the DeLaCoeur family has caused her. She blames them for the loss of her parents and for a childhood spent from foster home to foster home until someone decides to show her another way to channel her anger
Even from the beginning it is quite visible that Kat is as human as all of us, as her actions at misguided. She directs her revenge on the entire family, but will soon discovered she has plenty of allies and maybe not all of them are to blame. She never loses her focus, she has a clear goal which MUST be fulfilled.
Jackson, on the other hand, has lived a life surrounded by women, with money to spend on anything and anyone he desired. When hes only true friend from childhood comes back into his life, he is determined to understand what happened to sweet Katrina that she had to become Kat - merciless, mysterious, well trained in martial arts, hacking and God knows how many other areas. And he wants his friend back.
As I was mentioning in the beginning, there are twists in the story that you cannot even imagine, there are decisions that will surprise you all the way till the end. The writing is fabulous as well. The author offers two point of views: Katrina's and Jackson's. I loved the passing from one point of view to the other, as it did not cut directly into where the previous chapter ended. We get to understand both characters' reactions.
Now, I did decrease one star from my rating just because I liked it so much that I was a bit disappointed in a couple of aspects. I wanted to know more about Kat's parents. I would have wanted a little more insight into how they came up to be like that. I know it's pretty vague, but I'm trying to keep this a spoiler free review. Some of the scenes right before the end were kind of forced into the book, as they seemed to me completely out of context.
But this is still remains one of the best books I've encountered lately and definitely one of the best audiobooks I've listened till now. I loved it and I recommend it!
September 17, 2017
3.5 stars
There is a thin line between love and hate.
Was the story enjoyable? Yes. Did it keep my attention? Yes. The story pulls you in from the start. Was it as good as I thought it would be? Not quite. Overall though the story was interesting, engaging and entertaining.
Katrina has been planning her revenge on the DeLaCoeur family for years but with her first strike, aimed at her childhood best friend, she is left conflicted with feelings she thought were long buried.
I really liked that Katrina was a strong intelligent female character. She was a survivor and a fighter. She knew what she wanted and worked hard for it. She was not about to back down from a fight or let herself be derailed from her goal.
Jackson was an interesting character. He starts out being a complete douche and quickly turns into a great character.
A little more time spent on developing the relationship between Katrina and Jackson would have been nice. Not their steamy encounters, the building of their actual relationship. The chemistry between them just wasn't there for most of the story. By the end though your rooting for them. Especially Jackson.
Meghan Kelly did a really good job with the narration. Pleasant voice. Good character voices. Even her male character voices are good. Clearly spoken with a smooth even pace. She was able make you feel the emotions of both Katrina and Jackson. Very enjoyable
Even though I enjoy Meghan's narration this is one of those books that would have benefitted by having dual narration.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
There is a thin line between love and hate.
Was the story enjoyable? Yes. Did it keep my attention? Yes. The story pulls you in from the start. Was it as good as I thought it would be? Not quite. Overall though the story was interesting, engaging and entertaining.
Katrina has been planning her revenge on the DeLaCoeur family for years but with her first strike, aimed at her childhood best friend, she is left conflicted with feelings she thought were long buried.
I really liked that Katrina was a strong intelligent female character. She was a survivor and a fighter. She knew what she wanted and worked hard for it. She was not about to back down from a fight or let herself be derailed from her goal.
Jackson was an interesting character. He starts out being a complete douche and quickly turns into a great character.
A little more time spent on developing the relationship between Katrina and Jackson would have been nice. Not their steamy encounters, the building of their actual relationship. The chemistry between them just wasn't there for most of the story. By the end though your rooting for them. Especially Jackson.
Meghan Kelly did a really good job with the narration. Pleasant voice. Good character voices. Even her male character voices are good. Clearly spoken with a smooth even pace. She was able make you feel the emotions of both Katrina and Jackson. Very enjoyable
Even though I enjoy Meghan's narration this is one of those books that would have benefitted by having dual narration.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher.
September 18, 2016
Revenge is a great start in the trilogy series that Ms. Landish is writing. This is book 1 and the Main characters in this story are Jackson and Katrina. Kat is out for revenge. She was left an orphan when her parents were killed in a car bomb. She “knows” who was behind the plot, now she is ready for her “revenge”. Jackson is a rich guy who doesn’t care much about anything. He tomcats around and just exists.
Kat decides to exact her revenge against Jackson’s family by using Jackson in the first line of revenge, not realizing that Jackson will retaliate . These two have a past and soon will have a present but will they have a future ? Jackson’s father is a man you don’t mess around with. There is mystery, suspense, intrigue, passion, anger, heartbreak and most of all, love in this beautiful love story. Jackson and Kat make a deadly combo. Each harbor feelings from years before yet they don’t know the true story , with each twist and turn of the plot, more will be revealed. I loved the supporting cast of characters and cannot wait for Andrea’s story.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Kat decides to exact her revenge against Jackson’s family by using Jackson in the first line of revenge, not realizing that Jackson will retaliate . These two have a past and soon will have a present but will they have a future ? Jackson’s father is a man you don’t mess around with. There is mystery, suspense, intrigue, passion, anger, heartbreak and most of all, love in this beautiful love story. Jackson and Kat make a deadly combo. Each harbor feelings from years before yet they don’t know the true story , with each twist and turn of the plot, more will be revealed. I loved the supporting cast of characters and cannot wait for Andrea’s story.
My rating: 4.5 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review***
September 16, 2016
A childhood stolen. what better way then to even the odds. One goal, one mind. But, she's about to find out things aren't going as planned. Can she still have what she wants as she alters the plan? Will she leave it all behind. Things aren't always what they seem and she finds more than she envisioned.
She's back. This was not how he planned this night to go. Now as he's embarrassed the family, thanks to her, at the cost of her life and maybe his can he get her to see reason? He may not have many choices but he's got to try. Can he and his he willing to leave some of it behind?
Was given advanced reader for honest review from author Lauren Landish. This author is on my favorite list, which after this story she will indefinitely remain. Action, difficult situations, heartbreaking but joyous as the characters play out their parts as they need to re-access and compromise.
She's back. This was not how he planned this night to go. Now as he's embarrassed the family, thanks to her, at the cost of her life and maybe his can he get her to see reason? He may not have many choices but he's got to try. Can he and his he willing to leave some of it behind?
Was given advanced reader for honest review from author Lauren Landish. This author is on my favorite list, which after this story she will indefinitely remain. Action, difficult situations, heartbreaking but joyous as the characters play out their parts as they need to re-access and compromise.
September 18, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Katrina is out for revenge after her parents were blown up in front of her when she was a child. Now 10 years later she is ready, and Peter De La Coeur’s son Jackson, who is a cocky playboy, with his own demons, is the target. Katrina plans to publically embarrass and humiliate Jackson, but things backfire when it is now Jackson that is out for revenge.
This story is full of passion, suspense, mystery, secrets, and twists and turns, and is an intense and heart stopping read. Lauren has once again done a brilliant job in writing this storyline, and she reeled me in from the very beginning. I always recommend Lauren’s work for all, and cannot wait to read what she brings to us next.
Katrina is out for revenge after her parents were blown up in front of her when she was a child. Now 10 years later she is ready, and Peter De La Coeur’s son Jackson, who is a cocky playboy, with his own demons, is the target. Katrina plans to publically embarrass and humiliate Jackson, but things backfire when it is now Jackson that is out for revenge.
This story is full of passion, suspense, mystery, secrets, and twists and turns, and is an intense and heart stopping read. Lauren has once again done a brilliant job in writing this storyline, and she reeled me in from the very beginning. I always recommend Lauren’s work for all, and cannot wait to read what she brings to us next.
October 8, 2016
Katrina and Jackson were friends before her parents were killed in a car bomb explosion. Karina always that Jackson's father had something to do with it, her father had send her to a foster home. Jackson always wonder why Karina left without any explanation years later he will find out. Karina wants revenge for the death of her parents. When Jackson sees Karina again he doesn't understand why she treats him. For Karina Jackson was her friend now he's become her enemy, later then become lover's. So many things happen one thing after another, 4 star read for me.
Happy Reading
Lisa
***I Voluntarily reviewed an Advance copy of this book
!
Happy Reading
Lisa
***I Voluntarily reviewed an Advance copy of this book
!
September 25, 2016
ARC for honest review.
From friends to enemies to lovers. What a story, i loved it! Such a roller-coaster of emotions, i swore out loud, i giggled, i cried - the ugly kind. My poor heart was racing with the twists they were so good, and you don't see them coming! Kept me on the edge of my seat and i couldn't stop turning the pages. Characters were brilliant, as different as they are they were perfect for each other. Loved the secondary characters too. Looking forward to reading Andrea's story next! Would certainly recommend.
From friends to enemies to lovers. What a story, i loved it! Such a roller-coaster of emotions, i swore out loud, i giggled, i cried - the ugly kind. My poor heart was racing with the twists they were so good, and you don't see them coming! Kept me on the edge of my seat and i couldn't stop turning the pages. Characters were brilliant, as different as they are they were perfect for each other. Loved the secondary characters too. Looking forward to reading Andrea's story next! Would certainly recommend.
October 5, 2016
omg what did i just read.... since 25% in i wanted to delete it, but with all the great reviews i assumed it would get better. Buttt noo, just noo. I know i'm in the minority here, but this was just horrible and takes a turn for the worst pretty quickly. If you expect a light, smutty erotic read, THEN this is NOT it.
If you want a story about computer, hacking, people faking deads, revenge upon revenge plots and stupid tests, then this is your book.
If you want a story about computer, hacking, people faking deads, revenge upon revenge plots and stupid tests, then this is your book.
September 15, 2016
what a great book once again lauren landish does a great job.
i loved jackson and Katrinas relationship so much.
jackson is so swoon worthy.
Definitely a must read for any lauren landish fans.
I received this ARC for an honest review
i loved jackson and Katrinas relationship so much.
jackson is so swoon worthy.
Definitely a must read for any lauren landish fans.
I received this ARC for an honest review
September 19, 2016
ARC review for honest review . Jackson is a wealth play boy Katrina she out for revenge on his father this is some great writing .I loved the characters and how they all helped and got along.
October 2, 2016
DNF: I did not like the heroine or the other characters in this book. I tried to finish it but I couldn't. I had some concerns on some of the things said and done in this story.
October 9, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review
I read this in one sitting and Hoo-eee WHAT A STORY!
So... either this author is VERY well researched or else Lauren Landish is one scary, mixed martial arts, gun tottin' mf.
Or maybe she's a librarian. The secret ninja type....
Whatever, I just hope for the sake of her publisher, that Lauren is simply a stickler for background detail....
Jackson DeLaCour is 12 years old when his best friend and playmate, Katrina, the daughter of Sam and Theresa Grammercy drops out of his life. He is told her parents have died and Katrina has left to live with her kind grandparents
Katsina/Kit/Kat Grammercy is a sweet12 years old when she survives a car bomb intended to wipe out her family. The bomb changes her life, ripping her away from her parents into harsh foster care for six pain filled and hurtful years until she starts on a programme hell-bent on revenge. She emerges a lean, intense and focussed multi martial arts expert, living off grid with a sole purpose, to destroy the one man she believes took her family away from her. Peter DeLaCour is an philandering cokehead billionaire shady middle-man, his money skimmed from deals with criminals and mobsters. His son Jackson now 28, an out of control bodybuilding layabout, getting his rocks off and good times with the honeys and hoes that populate his favourite joints around New Orleans.
Jackson's half sister and Peter's biological daughter Andrea is 20yrs old half Japanese, the result of a dalliance with tragic young chef Aiko Mori, who is reported to have committed suicide after Peter coldly rejects her after Andrea's birth.
Kat, Jackson and Andrea team up to bring Peter and his criminal empire down, but it isn't plain sailing by a long shot as Jackson learns to grow up and be all the man he can be.
This storyline has twists and turns like a roller coaster and is just as exhilarating. Not riddled with smexy scenes, but the one's that are in there - whether imagined or real - do fit in with the story beautifully.
I especially enjoyed Jackson's rehabilitation.
From this:
“Her pussy tightens around my cock, and she's not faking it. I can tell that for sure. I've been pounding her like a machine for I don't know how many minutes, and she's barely coherent at this point. It's easier now to detect the syrupy accent of her native Acadian Creole, but I'm already bored with her. She might be beautiful, and she might be a student at Tulane, but this girl just isn't a good fuck. Besides, I hate being called Jacky. Jack—I guess that's okay, even though that's what I went by as a kid. Jackson's better. But never Jacky.
I speed up a little more. I close my eyes and let my fantasies push me over the edge so I can come. All glove, of course. I wouldn't give her the gift of my come even if I believed her story about being on the pill. I can't take that chance.
“She collapses on the bed next to her friend. The other girl's been passed out for a good ten minutes by my estimate—I played with her for a while, but she didn't have my stamina. They never do. I pull out and slide the condom off before taking it to the bathroom. I make sure to rinse it out in the sink before I flush it down the toilet. I'm not taking any risks. I don't need some gold digger saying I knocked her up or any stupid shit like that.
I rinse off my face and look in the mirror. My last shave's still holding up, so I'm not looking too bad. I can probably get by with just rinsing off quickly before I need to get ready for the charity event. But not here. This bathroom fucking sucks.
I go back into the bedroom and see both of the girls sprawled out across the bed, completely passed out. Earlier I'd considered taking one of them with me to be my arm candy for tonight's event, but looking at them now...that's a hard nope.”
To this:
“Jackson lifts my chin with his fingers and we kiss, his lips a cool balm on the searing pain that's been eating away at my heart since Miami. He cups my cheek, and I wrap my arms around his waist, tears still flowing, but these tears are of happiness and relief, not of sadness.
“I love you, Katrina,” Jackson whispers in my ear. “I want to be with you forever.”
I nod and hug him. “I want that, too.”
He hums and pulls me close. “Then let's get out of here. I have only two things on my mind right now.”
“What's that?” I ask, laying my head on his chest, listening to the heartbeat that I've missed and the heartbeat that I want to build my future around.
“One... I want to get some food. I haven't eaten today, and I'm going to need energy for later.”
“Why?” I ask, giving him a smile, knowing exactly what he wants. It's what I want, and it's the right thing to do.
Jackson notices me smile and returns his own. “I think you know exactly why.”
Aaawwwhhh! Lover-lee HEA.
What was so attractive about this story was the interaction with the secondary characters including Peter's enforcer, Nathan Black who, pushing fifty gets his 'come to Jesus' moment and is now looking to make restitution for some of his past activities in special ops and under the DeLaCour empire.
This does have a HEA but, boy, the author really makes the H and h work for it. Death and resurrection stalk this book like twin bookends.
The best bits about this story?
It characters are diverse, their multi-racial combination fitting in well and not done in a preachy way. Great to see ethnics aren't all portrayed as servants, drivers, hoes (well, not exclusively...), cops or baddie crack-head drug lords. Shock horror!
Katrina is no push-over either. Great to see a h that is smart, not sassy and able to hold her own and kick-a$$ with the best of them.
Best-er-est thing? that in a novel that is gripping, gritty and fast paced, the h saves the H, and not in a sappy way... although to be fair he also saves her right back! Theirs is a relationship that grows and blossoms into a real partnership of equals.
Although Katrina can kick his butt.
Lauren has gained a follower for life. This was a truly fantastic read; a great start to a series that seamlessly blends bad boy, billionaire H and business. Can't wait for the next instalment, Andrea's story
Four Stars from me (that's virtually unheard of)
I read this in one sitting and Hoo-eee WHAT A STORY!
So... either this author is VERY well researched or else Lauren Landish is one scary, mixed martial arts, gun tottin' mf.
Or maybe she's a librarian. The secret ninja type....
Whatever, I just hope for the sake of her publisher, that Lauren is simply a stickler for background detail....
Jackson DeLaCour is 12 years old when his best friend and playmate, Katrina, the daughter of Sam and Theresa Grammercy drops out of his life. He is told her parents have died and Katrina has left to live with her kind grandparents
Katsina/Kit/Kat Grammercy is a sweet12 years old when she survives a car bomb intended to wipe out her family. The bomb changes her life, ripping her away from her parents into harsh foster care for six pain filled and hurtful years until she starts on a programme hell-bent on revenge. She emerges a lean, intense and focussed multi martial arts expert, living off grid with a sole purpose, to destroy the one man she believes took her family away from her. Peter DeLaCour is an philandering cokehead billionaire shady middle-man, his money skimmed from deals with criminals and mobsters. His son Jackson now 28, an out of control bodybuilding layabout, getting his rocks off and good times with the honeys and hoes that populate his favourite joints around New Orleans.
Jackson's half sister and Peter's biological daughter Andrea is 20yrs old half Japanese, the result of a dalliance with tragic young chef Aiko Mori, who is reported to have committed suicide after Peter coldly rejects her after Andrea's birth.
Kat, Jackson and Andrea team up to bring Peter and his criminal empire down, but it isn't plain sailing by a long shot as Jackson learns to grow up and be all the man he can be.
This storyline has twists and turns like a roller coaster and is just as exhilarating. Not riddled with smexy scenes, but the one's that are in there - whether imagined or real - do fit in with the story beautifully.
I especially enjoyed Jackson's rehabilitation.
From this:
“Her pussy tightens around my cock, and she's not faking it. I can tell that for sure. I've been pounding her like a machine for I don't know how many minutes, and she's barely coherent at this point. It's easier now to detect the syrupy accent of her native Acadian Creole, but I'm already bored with her. She might be beautiful, and she might be a student at Tulane, but this girl just isn't a good fuck. Besides, I hate being called Jacky. Jack—I guess that's okay, even though that's what I went by as a kid. Jackson's better. But never Jacky.
I speed up a little more. I close my eyes and let my fantasies push me over the edge so I can come. All glove, of course. I wouldn't give her the gift of my come even if I believed her story about being on the pill. I can't take that chance.
“She collapses on the bed next to her friend. The other girl's been passed out for a good ten minutes by my estimate—I played with her for a while, but she didn't have my stamina. They never do. I pull out and slide the condom off before taking it to the bathroom. I make sure to rinse it out in the sink before I flush it down the toilet. I'm not taking any risks. I don't need some gold digger saying I knocked her up or any stupid shit like that.
I rinse off my face and look in the mirror. My last shave's still holding up, so I'm not looking too bad. I can probably get by with just rinsing off quickly before I need to get ready for the charity event. But not here. This bathroom fucking sucks.
I go back into the bedroom and see both of the girls sprawled out across the bed, completely passed out. Earlier I'd considered taking one of them with me to be my arm candy for tonight's event, but looking at them now...that's a hard nope.”
To this:
“Jackson lifts my chin with his fingers and we kiss, his lips a cool balm on the searing pain that's been eating away at my heart since Miami. He cups my cheek, and I wrap my arms around his waist, tears still flowing, but these tears are of happiness and relief, not of sadness.
“I love you, Katrina,” Jackson whispers in my ear. “I want to be with you forever.”
I nod and hug him. “I want that, too.”
He hums and pulls me close. “Then let's get out of here. I have only two things on my mind right now.”
“What's that?” I ask, laying my head on his chest, listening to the heartbeat that I've missed and the heartbeat that I want to build my future around.
“One... I want to get some food. I haven't eaten today, and I'm going to need energy for later.”
“Why?” I ask, giving him a smile, knowing exactly what he wants. It's what I want, and it's the right thing to do.
Jackson notices me smile and returns his own. “I think you know exactly why.”
Aaawwwhhh! Lover-lee HEA.
What was so attractive about this story was the interaction with the secondary characters including Peter's enforcer, Nathan Black who, pushing fifty gets his 'come to Jesus' moment and is now looking to make restitution for some of his past activities in special ops and under the DeLaCour empire.
This does have a HEA but, boy, the author really makes the H and h work for it. Death and resurrection stalk this book like twin bookends.
The best bits about this story?
It characters are diverse, their multi-racial combination fitting in well and not done in a preachy way. Great to see ethnics aren't all portrayed as servants, drivers, hoes (well, not exclusively...), cops or baddie crack-head drug lords. Shock horror!
Katrina is no push-over either. Great to see a h that is smart, not sassy and able to hold her own and kick-a$$ with the best of them.
Best-er-est thing? that in a novel that is gripping, gritty and fast paced, the h saves the H, and not in a sappy way... although to be fair he also saves her right back! Theirs is a relationship that grows and blossoms into a real partnership of equals.
Although Katrina can kick his butt.
Lauren has gained a follower for life. This was a truly fantastic read; a great start to a series that seamlessly blends bad boy, billionaire H and business. Can't wait for the next instalment, Andrea's story
Four Stars from me (that's virtually unheard of)
October 31, 2016
Lauaren Landish is a very good author. I have been reading her work for a while now. She never ceases to amaze me with one good book after another, and “Revenge” is not different. The story line keeps you on your toes, and the character (major and minor) help this story to SOAR!!!! You will not be disappointed in this book by no means!!! Katrina Grammercy was out to destroy the De LaCoeur family because they had destroyed her family. She has been planning her revenge ever since she was a little girl. The heir of the family Jackson was the first on her list to destroy. She was figuring him to be an easy target since he was a billionaire playboy that used women. Her plan was to humiliate him, but she had to seduce him first. It wasn’t that easy with the way he touched her. After she embarrasses him in front of the paparazzi by pulling his cock out in front of them, he is then set on getting her back for this. He decides that he isn’t responsible for his father did to her family. Since she embarrassed him, he is out to get his revenge now, and he is going to own her!!!! Will Katrina and Jackson discover that there is more to their relationship than revenge on each other? Will Jackson ever own Katrina? You must read to find out what happens between the two.
No Spoilers.
July 6, 2019
Audio book review
This audio grab you and hold you till the end . There is planning, mystery trying to figure out what to do , regret.
Lauren knew how to keep the story going .
This story is between two families that are out to get each other .
Heroine is Katrina. Hero is Jackson.
Katrina has a plan and it was ten years in the making. Katrina's parents were killed and she knows it was one family, she’s wondering how to make that family pay . Katrina sets a trap for Jackson, even though they were best friends as children. One thing is Jackson doesn’t know why he was on Katrina list. Did Jackson dad kill Katrinas parents. Grab it and see how Jackson tells Katrina the real story .
Meghan Kelly performance was great. She did all the characters great. Her tone was great. Her voice is strong, clear and smooth
This audio grab you and hold you till the end . There is planning, mystery trying to figure out what to do , regret.
Lauren knew how to keep the story going .
This story is between two families that are out to get each other .
Heroine is Katrina. Hero is Jackson.
Katrina has a plan and it was ten years in the making. Katrina's parents were killed and she knows it was one family, she’s wondering how to make that family pay . Katrina sets a trap for Jackson, even though they were best friends as children. One thing is Jackson doesn’t know why he was on Katrina list. Did Jackson dad kill Katrinas parents. Grab it and see how Jackson tells Katrina the real story .
Meghan Kelly performance was great. She did all the characters great. Her tone was great. Her voice is strong, clear and smooth
June 23, 2020
From Audible Account Review
Lauren Landish does an excellent job at building up the story behind the characters and how anger and pain can guide someone through life. Jackson and Kat have a history of friendship that was ended when Kat's parents were taken away from her. Jackson lived the rich and shallow playboy life until Kay comes back into his life. The story line reveals a little bit of the pieces at a time quite successfully. This wasn't my first L.L. book and it certainly won't be my last.
Meghan Kelly is a fantastic narrator but her speech always seems a little sped up/rushed to me. I appreciate her ability to differentiate character voices.
All-in-all a good story line and love story but likely not one I would listen to again and again.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
Lauren Landish does an excellent job at building up the story behind the characters and how anger and pain can guide someone through life. Jackson and Kat have a history of friendship that was ended when Kat's parents were taken away from her. Jackson lived the rich and shallow playboy life until Kay comes back into his life. The story line reveals a little bit of the pieces at a time quite successfully. This wasn't my first L.L. book and it certainly won't be my last.
Meghan Kelly is a fantastic narrator but her speech always seems a little sped up/rushed to me. I appreciate her ability to differentiate character voices.
All-in-all a good story line and love story but likely not one I would listen to again and again.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and am providing my honest review voluntarily.
November 21, 2016
Meh. It seems as though a girl hell bent on revenge for ten years, so much that she is militant in her ninja-like warrior training, would not so easily succumb to the wiles of a man, especially one related to the man she is trying to bring down. Even if she was friends with the guy before her life literally blew apart, this is a flaw in her character that is simply unbelievable.
There are a few too many plot holes as well. It seems as though if the author slowed down, as in actually slowed the writing process down instead of hurrying to churn out another book, and took more time to develop and nurture the story, it may have flowed better. It's rushed in telling what could have been a way better story.
There are a few too many plot holes as well. It seems as though if the author slowed down, as in actually slowed the writing process down instead of hurrying to churn out another book, and took more time to develop and nurture the story, it may have flowed better. It's rushed in telling what could have been a way better story.
June 10, 2017
This was a pretty good story. There is some of it that screams I'm a psycho that's off my meds though. I love reading twisted books, but this is a different kind of twisted than I am used to. All I know is that Kat and Jackson need to spend some time in therapy and learn to be a little less crazy (or is it stupid?). The narration was ok. The beginning on the male part was kinda hard to tell it was even supposed to be male, but as it went along it got better (or I just got used to it I'm not sure). My biggest complaint though was accent... This book is supposed to be 2 people born and raised in Louisiana.... It sounded more like a northern accent and takes away from this story in my mind. Meghan Kelly is probably a very good narrator, but this story just wasn't one for her in my opinion.
March 20, 2017
"I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced copy of this manuscript"
What a wonderful story!!! One that brings you hope and butterflies!!! With an amazing female lead, the author shows us how powerful revenge can be, how helpful it can be in time of distress even if it can blind us sometimes..... Well written, interesting and addictive, this book has a twist: See you later alpha male and hello to a hell of a woman for a change!!
If you are on a quest to find a mafia/mma romance with thrill, "Revenge" is the one to pickup!!! Be warned though: An awesome girl power through and through!!!
Two Thumbs Up High In The Air!!!!
What a wonderful story!!! One that brings you hope and butterflies!!! With an amazing female lead, the author shows us how powerful revenge can be, how helpful it can be in time of distress even if it can blind us sometimes..... Well written, interesting and addictive, this book has a twist: See you later alpha male and hello to a hell of a woman for a change!!
If you are on a quest to find a mafia/mma romance with thrill, "Revenge" is the one to pickup!!! Be warned though: An awesome girl power through and through!!!
Two Thumbs Up High In The Air!!!!
March 8, 2020
3.5 stars - the narration did not work for me
I really really love Lauren Landish and I’ve not come across a book of hers I don’t like, until now. Bear in mind I listened to this on audio and the narrator did not lend herself to the the part of Katrina (funnily enough she narrated Jackson better). The fact that I did not like the narration, which was emotionless and dull, makes me believe I can’t rate this book fairly. I did love the story, so much potential, and just the genre I love, I also loved the written characters, I think, the lines get blurry when the narration doesn’t work.
I really really love Lauren Landish and I’ve not come across a book of hers I don’t like, until now. Bear in mind I listened to this on audio and the narrator did not lend herself to the the part of Katrina (funnily enough she narrated Jackson better). The fact that I did not like the narration, which was emotionless and dull, makes me believe I can’t rate this book fairly. I did love the story, so much potential, and just the genre I love, I also loved the written characters, I think, the lines get blurry when the narration doesn’t work.
April 23, 2020
I didn't really read this book in its entirety, I skimmed it more because it seemed to go by super slow and I was getting bored. I think the book is an amazing read, I love the concept. I think the two main characters are badass, and there's lots of suspense, which makes the book incredible to read. Overall, it's amazing, and it's a unique story, so I like it. I'm rating it a three because of how complicated it was and all this is just personal preference.
August 21, 2021
Revenge (Secrets & Lies #1) was a great read by Lauren Landish. Katrina is looking to get revenge on the DeLaCoeur family since they destroyed her family. The first person on her list is Jackson, the heir to the family fortune. She plans to seduce and then humiliate him. He plans to show her that she’s messing with the wrong person. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
January 9, 2024
A good start for the series
Ms. Landis has a way with the written word. Her storytelling is top shelf. This story is the start of a series that focuses on Kat and Jackson. We see secondary characters who become important in the other books and quickly become invested in them.
The story has action, adventure, and romance. So, a little bit for everyone.
Ms. Landis has a way with the written word. Her storytelling is top shelf. This story is the start of a series that focuses on Kat and Jackson. We see secondary characters who become important in the other books and quickly become invested in them.
The story has action, adventure, and romance. So, a little bit for everyone.
March 13, 2017
Hm… I’ll start with saying that I really liked the overall storyline. There is so much going on, so much intrigue, and so many secrets – a suspenseful drama with a breath of romance.
A girl mistreated in her childhood by those she loved unconditionally, who spent the last ten years doing nothing but planning her revenge. She will start with Jackson, her childhood best friend, und work her way through until she comes face to face with his father. But when she gets close to Jackson, starting with her plan, old feelings resurface and complicate her mission more than she could have ever thought…
But all those plot-twists were not enough for me to get fully invested in the story. It was lacking romance and chemistry between the two characters in my opinion, there was just never a real connection between them – and I’m not even talking about the purely physical aspect. I was missing those tiny moments that I love so much in romance novels.
The narration was done by Meghan Kelly. This is the second of her works I’ve listened to, and while I liked this one more than the previous one, I found her narration outside of the dialogue to be to wobbly, a constant strange up and down in her voice as if she couldn’t be done with it fast enough. I really loved the way she spoke Jackson though. He was the character I found the most likeable.
Overall an enjoyable story with a very interesting plotline, so if you are fine with the romance not being the top priority, this is the book for you!
A girl mistreated in her childhood by those she loved unconditionally, who spent the last ten years doing nothing but planning her revenge. She will start with Jackson, her childhood best friend, und work her way through until she comes face to face with his father. But when she gets close to Jackson, starting with her plan, old feelings resurface and complicate her mission more than she could have ever thought…
But all those plot-twists were not enough for me to get fully invested in the story. It was lacking romance and chemistry between the two characters in my opinion, there was just never a real connection between them – and I’m not even talking about the purely physical aspect. I was missing those tiny moments that I love so much in romance novels.
The narration was done by Meghan Kelly. This is the second of her works I’ve listened to, and while I liked this one more than the previous one, I found her narration outside of the dialogue to be to wobbly, a constant strange up and down in her voice as if she couldn’t be done with it fast enough. I really loved the way she spoke Jackson though. He was the character I found the most likeable.
Overall an enjoyable story with a very interesting plotline, so if you are fine with the romance not being the top priority, this is the book for you!
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