Cover Image: Revenge

Revenge

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Since the beginning of Lexi Blake’s Lawless series, the Lawless siblings quest to avenge their parents’ deaths has led each brother to take drastic measures, compromising their principals and taking advantage of anyone who can help them bring down those responsible, and even though Riley and Bran made amends to the women they betrayed, Drew Lawless is nothing like his brothers, so using a woman for anything more than a release isn’t going to be easy, especially when his heart starts to dictate his actions and his treatment of Shelby Tate.

Revenge is the perfect title for Drew’s story because that has been his singular focus, besides providing for and protecting his siblings, since he built his company and had the means to destroy those people who destroyed their lives. But as each book in the series is published, readers realize that Drew’s plans have to be modified because the person responsible for wreaking havoc on the Lawless family is someone he never would have considered and now not only does he have to deal with the emotional fallout of discovering the truth, but he also must decide how best to protect his siblings, knowing that their lives will be upended even more than they already were all those years ago.

Lexi Blake has always portrayed Drew Lawless as a ruthless and controlled man, which is exactly who he was forced to become as the oldest Lawless sibling. In his viewpoint, his brothers and sister are his responsibility and he doesn’t take that position lightly. Everything he does revolves around providing for and protecting them and he’ll do whatever he needs to do to ensure their safety, even if that means compromising parts of himself to be able to do so. He’s a powerful man who knows how to work the system due to his intellect and deep pockets, but he doesn’t know the first thing about how to show someone his heart without making it a contracted transaction - one that is mutually beneficial but also temporary. So when Drew brings Shelby into his life, into his home, and even into his bed, it’s part of his plan for revenge on the only enemy who hasn’t already paid for their part in destroying his family, but what Drew doesn’t anticipate is the fact that Shelby is not someone who can be handled the way he normally takes care of those around him, proving that perhaps it’s time for someone to give Drew what he’s always needed but never asked for - a person who puts what he needs first and takes on his burdens so that he finally has a chance to claim something completely for himself, which is not something that he’s ever done before.

Drew may piss off a slew of characters in the story as well as some readers who don’t agree with his words or actions, but if everyone took one step back and looked at who Drew had to become at such a young age and the fact that he’s put every part of himself into taking care of everyone around him, it makes sense why he doesn’t know how to deal with his true feelings for Shelby or tries to get what he wants by less than stellar tactics, making himself look like an arrogant prick who’s incapable of opening himself up even one someone gives him the chance to do so.

Shelby is Drew’s perfect counterpart because she’s an independent woman who knows how to handle herself in difficult situations and as a investigative reporter, she’s not afraid to get dirty in the process. She might have been blackmailed into pretending to be Drew’s girlfriend in order to tell the story of the century, but she stands by Drew throughout the entire story because she sees something in him and herself that gives them a fighting chance at something real amidst the deception.

Central to the storyline in Revenge is Drew working to figure out the final puzzle piece of that tragic event all those years ago, and while he’s definitely close to allowing his family to move on, his enemy is figuring out ways to play with him, to destroy his leads, and to take him down. And let me tell you, there are mind-boggling twists and surprising revelations that threaten to upend all of Drew’s progress, forcing him to develop new maneuvers and to shutout those who willingly want to help make things easier on him because he’s always been the one to fix and take care of every aspect of his and his siblings’ lives.

I’ve loved every second spent with the Lawless clan, and I’m hoping that Lexi Blake isn’t finished with this series because one of the characters who is introduced in Revenge needs his story told, and I would love for Blake to do just that!

5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

Was this review helpful?

Definitely, definitely read the other books first. I couldn't follow a big chunk of the story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am going to have a difficult time rating this book as I had a difficult getting into the story. This book is a continuation of a series and you absolutely have to read them first. The synopsis should really reflect that for the readers.

What I can comment on is that I have read many of Lexi Blake's books. She is strong author that I never hesitate to pick up and enjoy. Her writing is flawless and her characters are strong and passionate. This story pulls in a bit of suspense too.

I love Drew and Shelby together. The romance is off the hook and the steam factor is good! I wish I could have enjoyed the story a lot more. As it was it took me a week to read this because I really did not know who anyone was and I often got bored and lost interest.

You must read the others first! The 4 stars is because I am not going to downgrade the author for this, but rather the synopsis, and the fact I really did not enjoy the first half of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Drew Lawless is the head of the family and I was anticipating his story the most. He’s old, calculating and a genius. But, I knew there was more to him than just that. After surviving, a horrible childhood trauma and pulling his siblings to safety, it’s no wonder Drew has some issues. He’s extremely mysterious and hold his cards to his chest. But, Shelby Gates doesn’t take no for an answer.

Series Order:

1.Ruthless

2. Satisfaction

3. Revenge

Shelby is an investigative reporter that was getting too close to the real story. And as they say, keep your enemies close. Drew brings Shelby on to the case with big promises for a reveal. However, he didn’t count on his attraction being more than skin deep.

What is unique about Shelby and Drew is that they embark on a partnership. They each fill the voids of what they were missing for the other. I thought this was beautifully done and intricate to the story. Their passion for each other was played out so well and their bond was seen right from the beginning,

The suspense and mystery of the story was also at the forefront. Lexi Blake does an amazing job of telling both a romance AND a suspense story. I was hungry for more details! I needed to know what happened and there were no punches pulled. There were plenty of surprises and twists to the story that I didn’t see coming.



Overall, this was 4.5 stars for me, it was fast-paced steamy and delivered plenty of suspense and romance.





Related Posts

Was this review helpful?

Lexi Blake KILLED it with this book! This is the 3rd book in this series, and yes, you must read these in order or it won't make sense to you. I have been anxiously awaiting Drew's book and I enjoyed the twists and the turns and the heat that only Lexi Blake can bring!

This book picks up where Satisfaction left off. Drew knows things about what happened to his family that he wants to protect them from. He's on a search for someone and he needs the help from an investigative reporter that he happens to be attracted to. Drew had to grow up fast and he's always had his head in code. He's a little bit awkward, but a lot hot and doesn't sugar coat things. He will stop at nothing to protect his family.

Shelby is by herself in the world. She doesn't have anything to lose and will go after whatever story she is working on. She digs up the dirt and isn't too worried about the dangers that comes with her job. Like Drew, she's ruthless when she's on the search for the truth.

When they first crossed paths, Drew was an asshole (which is his MO) to Shelby and yet, they were drawn to each other. He decided he could use her for his purposes, so he brings her into the fold. However, he wasn't expecting Shelby to be exactly what he needed! She was strong, independent and stood up for what was right and those she cared about. She stood up to Drew and didn't let him get away with the things his family let him get away with. She was his safe haven and it was delicious to watch.

I loved watching Drew and Shelby fall for each other. Their passion and love was palpable through the pages. The element of danger was real for them throughout the book and I was constantly holding my breath, waiting for what happened next. Some of the twists in the story were expected, others were not. This was an absolute all-around FANTASTIC read and it was a great ending for the Lawless series! Bravo Ms. Blake, you have outdone yourself with this book! Go grab your copy today, or start this first book in the series, Ruthless.

Was this review helpful?

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lexi Blake's last installment of the Lawless family is amazing. She does not disappoint with this book and continues to delivery romantic suspense on every page. She makes you hate, but love Drew Lawless to the point where your trying to figure out when your feelings for him changed and how badly you want everything to turn out okay for him and the whole family. If you are looking for a book that you won't want to put down then look no further because Drew Lawless will capture your attention and not let it go.

Drew Lawless has been waiting years to get revenge on those who killed his parents. But after finding out that his mother is still alive and could have been the one who killed his father and tried to kill him and his siblings he is faced with a new dilemma does he tells his siblings or does he try to find out the answers himself with the help of Shelby?

Shelby has been intrigued by the Lawless saga ever since her best friend started asking questions about the family. And she is definitely intrigued by the oldest Lawless, Drew. She can't deny her attraction to him but knows he has a distaste for her and how she won't leave their story alone. But now he wants her help and wants her in his bed.

Shelby and Drew start to form a bond and realize that maybe they aren't just using each other for a means to an end. Maybe they are beginning a real relationship and will have to figure out if they can trust each other. But Drew has a hard time trusting others and at the first sign of trouble he begins to doubt his feelings and Shelby's.

Will they be able to figure out not only the true story about his parents murder but also their feelings for each other? Or will the strain of the truth come between them when they need each other the most?

Join the Lawless family as they finally find out what really happened on the night of the murders and find out more about their growing family.


*thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an arc*

Was this review helpful?

Revenge is a really hard story to review without spoilers, especially due to the nature of the MAJOR cliffhanger at the end of Satisfaction. Lexi Blake spins one hell of a tantalising web with each thread crossing over and taking you in different routes.

Drew - resident tech genius and head of the Lawless clan - carries the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, he selflessly takes care of his siblings and is determined to uncover clear his fathers name in the process. Unexpected revelations at the end of Satisfaction leave Drew reeling and more determined to seek vengeance while protecting his siblings. In Drew's mind this means keeping his siblings in the dark as to the truth he has uncovered. Although there is one person he is willing to let into his inner circle, the gorgeous and perceptive Shelby. Drew is a very complex character, although he pretends to be unemotional/logical/stoic there is an air of vulnerability to him.

Shelby is intrinsically woven into the events involving the Lawless family due to her own brothers death while investigating the very crime they are trying to clear their father of. Shelby is a fantastic investigative reporter, she is able to pick up on elements that others have missed or overlooked. 

Drew and Shelby are attracted to each other but more than that they instinctively understand each other on a deep level. Shelby, especially, is intuitive to Drew's emotions even when he himself is unable to process them.

Drew always like to have a plan, he doesn't process spontaneity well and his lack of a normal teenage life often translates itself as a disconnection to his emotions and those of others, Drew feels it necessary to control all of the aspects in the lives of the people around him even at the expense of his own happiness. I found Drew to be utterly adorable in his obviousness and honesty. Although his actions often contradict his own desires he truly believes he is doing what is best for everyone else.

Shelby might truly be the only woman that is able to deal with Drew ♥

Revenge is fast paced with more than a few surprises in store, all of the Lawless siblings feature in revenge and is was fantastic to see their group dynamics as well as the progression of their individual relationships. 

Lexi Blake's portrayal of sociopathic tendencies within Revenge was truly chilling. I can't imagine what it must have felt like to confront such a person. 

Revenge is a fabulous conclusion to the Lawless series, although I am sad to say goodbye to the characters I have come to love.

Was this review helpful?

I really do believe that Lexi Blake can do no wrong and Revenge is just another example of that. Make sure you have read the previous books in this series before starting Revenge you need that background, that foundation to fully be able to follow the events in Revenge. Revenge I think we all have wanted it, gotten it or plotted it. I know I have but now I believe in Karma but I think no matter whom you are when you have been wronged.

Have you ever just read a book or a series and the characters has so much charisma that sometime it is not the storyline but the character interactions that kept you reading? For me that is what has happened with this series. Oh don’t get me wrong the story itself will have you completely enthralled but the characters, especially Drew and Shelby are what draw you deeper into the suspense. I don’t want to get in depth into what’s going especially if you haven’t read the other books and I don’t want to spoil it. It took me a couple of days to read this one, and I am a fairly faster reader but I have been anticipating this one so much I needed to absorb everything slowly. Trust me the suspense, the action, the sexual chemistry with the characters are why I keep coming back. I loved Shelby for Drew, I do not think if Ms. Blake would have gone a different route that I would have loved this as much as a did.

Revenge is yet another book by Lexi Blake that I can easily say you need to read immediately if you have read the previous ones, and if not read them then dive straight into Revenge trust me you won’t want to wait!

Was this review helpful?

Yet again Lexi Blake makes you love the Lawless family even more!
This journey follows the oldest brother Drew as he still tries to unravel his families secrets and clear his fathers name. He enlists the help of Shelby, to help piece together the mystery, for some reason he trusts her. Will his trust be broken by her? Will they solve this mystery once and for all? Will she get under his skin enough for him to change his ways?? Grab this book to find out!
I love this series, I don't want it to end! 5 stars for this one!!

Was this review helpful?

Revenge by Lexi Blake was so amazing to read!

This book was so thrilling. You get the romance and the steam, but you also get the suspense and thrill of not knowing what is going to happen next.

Drew and Shelby are two characters who you feel as though you can really connect with. They have a special connection and bond, like no other. Through the ups and downs they are there for each other. During a situation that no one should have to endure, they stick side by side.

I loved Revenge, and definitely recommend everyone going to pick it up today!

5/5 Stars!

Was this review helpful?

4.5 Stars!

“Oh, my God. You’re a big old nerd under all that alpha male scariness, aren’t you?

This is the book I've been waiting for in this series. I couldn't wait to learn how the mysterious and charismatic Drew Lawless, head of the Lawless siblings, would fall for the redheaded reporter Shelby Gates.
Here's a warning - if you haven't read the first two installments in this series do not read on.

Drew's one goal has always been to bring the murderer of his parents to justice. He followed it single-mindedly and left no room for distraction. Well, until Shelby walked into his organized life. Drew's plan to bring her on board to investigate the murder is well thought-out. Slap a NDA on the table, along with a contract including an irresistible offer, the story of Shelby's life and everything is just peachy.

Our smart investigative reporter doesn't read the small print though and only later she will learn what the ingenious CEO of his programming company is capable of. She is fascinated by the twists this case has and she WANTS that story. It doesn't hurt that Drew is veeerry easy on the eyes. He offers her protection and she offers her connections. Their relationship escalates quickly and soon their very souls are at stake.


Drew is a jerk. No way around. But he has a reason and that's why I could forgive him. Drew was the one who found his parents murdered in their house when he was 14 years old. He was also the one who saved his siblings from the fire in which they would have most likely died, too. Ever since he has been the one everyone relied on. This hero sacrificed pretty much everything so that his siblings would want for nothing, that they could be together again. He lived pretty much in the past from the day he lost his parents up until now. Oftentimes you get a glimpse of the boy who never moved on so I really understood why he was so focused and would not stand anything in his way. He also has an endearing sort of naivete about him when it comes to relationships. His enthusiasm for Shelby is adorable.

You need to know that I’ve been thrown for a loop and it’s all you. You, Shelby. You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever known and I’m all in. Do you want to know what I’m thinking right now?”
“You’re scheming.”
“I am. I’m trying to figure out how to keep you close to me even when I screw up and do things you won’t like.” Even when you find out I’m lying to you.

Drew is a master manipulator, he knows how to direct people to get them where he wants them. At the same time he keeps most people at arm's length. No one can ever see his demons, not even his siblings. When Shelby crashes into his life, though, he didn't anticipate this sweet yet strong, smart woman. He pushed her away a couple of times and, yes, he did irritate me with his behavior but I still could see that he had never learned to let anyone in. And when he finally did it was amazing. No better grovel than a man on his knees. Literally.

That was the key to Drew. He would take almost anything if he thought he was helping. Taking responsibility was the core of Drew’s personality. She’d been wrong to try to leave him out this morning. He needed to be needed.

Shelby is a clever, observant woman with a quick mind so I did not understand why she didn't read the contract completely. She also has an endless capacity of compassion and understanding for Drew and how he handles things but the way she deals with him was amazing. She sensed that the guy was still this lost boy sometimes and just needed a hug. There is so much patience for this troubled man but also a backbone of steel.
One thing I didn't appreciate was Charlotte (from this author's Masters and Mercenaries series, Love and Let Die) reacting to one Shelby's decisions and making her reconsider. Drew didn't deserve her kindness in that moment.

I loved the banter and how Drew and Shelby gravitated towards each other. Their chemistry was off the charts. They are like night and day in their personality, she is trusting and he highly suspicious of pretty much everything and there is a stark difference how they react to similar situations. Drew lets the anger get the best of him and Shelby is like a balm for his soul.





This is my favorite installment of the series. It had a lot of angst, much more than the other two parts. We get to see all the other Lawless siblings and some of the Taggarts as well as a new addition to the cast. There are some minor twists in this book, the focus is, however, on the romance. I felt satisfied that the villain received their rightful punishment. The only thing that I found missing was an epilogue - it is the conclusion of a series after all.

Lexi Blake has completely won me over with Drew's story. Her writing is effortless. There is suspense and humor and of course good-natured ribbing only siblings can give you. Also, give me a nerd with an alpha tendency and I'm putty in your hands. I am really looking forward to catching up with the backlist of this author.


“You’ve had five complaints against you that HR has had to settle.”
“None of those were for sexual harassment. Not a one.”
“No, they were because you’re a jerk sometimes. You cannot fire someone because they like the wrong house on Game of Thrones.” She didn’t understand his world.
“I was perfectly reasonable. He doesn’t understand the seven kingdoms at all. No Lannister belongs on the Iron Throne. Not even Tyrion.”

Revenge is part of a series and needs to be read in order.

Was this review helpful?

<em>Revenge</em> is the third book in the <a href="http://bookbinge.com/reviews/series/lawless-series/">Lawless series</a> and it follows the eldest of the Lawless siblings, Andrew. Andrew Lawless is a super geek with vengeance in his heart. Nothing will stop him from protecting his siblings and when a new threat (introduced in the last book, <a href="http://bookbinge.com/2017/02/review-satisfaction-by-lexi-blake-2/">Satisfaction</a>) arises, he sets about trying to take the bad guy down.

Drews got a plan to bring the bad guy down without including his siblings. They're happy and moving on with their lives so he feels that keeping them out of everything is for their own good. His plan brings Shelby Gates into his life and she changes everything. She was hired to do a job by Drew and that job included pretending to be his girlfriend. Drew, Drew, Drew...you know fake relationships never work out the way that they're supposed to.

So the plan is to do as much undercover research on their target as possible and the only way that Drew can keep Shelby safe is by moving her into his home and watching over her himself, even though including her, puts her life in danger. None of that matters to Drew Lawless because he's so focused on keeping his family safe that everyone else is collateral damage.

Drew was a punk ass jerk face for his original plan. He's always been a freaking jerk but the amount of love he had for his family kind of mitigated my frustration with him. At his core, he's a good guy but he didn't know how to act around people. He could only focus on the problem at hand, not understanding all of the shit he was stirring everywhere else. He's intentions were good and his heart was in the right place but he did some shady shit to get things done.

Shelby is probably my favorite heroine in this series. She is strong and independent but she was also caring. She cared and she loved deeply. She was also loyal to a fault because even when Drew didn't deserve her loyalty, he had it.

Seeing these two come together and then be split apart and then come together again was fun. I loved that Drew's outlook on certain things changed but he didn't change too much that he was a stranger. I loved that Shelby fell in love with asshole Drew and made him want to be a better person for her and the family. Their romance was hot and sweet and everything that a romance should be. They were great characters apart who went through fire for each other. Their story wasn't an easy story but it was action packed and fun to read.

It was good to see the Lawless siblings and meet a very unexpected and new character that I hope to see more of in a future book. I really liked the way that this story wrapped up and I loved seeing Drew meet his match in Shelby. She didn't let him get away with being a shithead and he became such an awesome hero in the end. I always liked him, despite him being a total dick but it was good to see his character really grow and change. There's a lot going on in this book, lots of stuff that blew up Drew's world but I loved seeing the family gather round and help bring the bad guy down. I love that stuff.

Overall, this was a great addition to this series and Lexi Blake did a great job of wrapping things up. I was a happy camper and I definitely recommend this one.

<strong>Grade: 4.25 out of 5</strong>

Was this review helpful?

Drew Lawless just found out who were the three people responsible for his parents’ murderers. And that was supposed to close the case and let the Lawless family have their happy ever after but it’s not, because there is one more person responsible for his parents’ deaths who is none other than his supposed-to-be-death-mother. Now he won’t stop until he can find her and send her straight to hell.
And the fastest way to get that is getting close and personal with Shelby Gates, a reporter investigating who, alone, did more for his case than any other team in years. So, a contract where it states she would be his fake girlfriend to cover up her investigation on his parents’ case seems to be a reasonable solution.
The only thing he forgot to mention was that he didn’t just want her as his fake girlfriend.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drew is extremely introvert. His happy place is front of a computer, preferably coding. And altought he is not big on love, he is really protective of his family. His siblings are everything to him so it is a complete foreign concept having Shelby taking care of him. That being said, he will sometimes be rude to Shelby so that he doesn’t feel vulnerable.
But Shelby won’t take no for an answer. She is an independent person with a dreadful fear of being abandoned. She loves her job and her ambition to get far in her career is what makes her sign the contract that Drew proposed. The idea of publishing a book about such a famous case is just too tempting to pass the opportunity. She’s also incredibly smart and resolute about her goals. And I pretty much loved her. I really did because she’s just the kind of woman I want to be: fearless and driven.
Together they’re just perfect: she keeps him grounded while he gives her the love and protectiveness she always searched but never found. They have a lot of sexual tension build up so expect really hot sex.
The storyline is fantastic. So much twists and new things happening. You basically never know what will happen next which kept me glued to the book.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a mixture of love, sex and suspense this is the book for you.

Was this review helpful?

I have been anticipating Revenge and Drew Lawless’s story, and neither disappointed. Revenge has intrigue, a little action, and explosive sexual chemistry, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting to see how the mystery and romance play out. Drew is a controlled, sexy, tech nerd, who has a lethal side but can also be tender and compassionate.

Drew wants revenge for his father’s death, and he also wants feisty journalist Shelby Gates. He’s used to getting what he wants, and he brings Shelby to him by hiring her to help him investigate the murder. She’ll get the story and be able to write a book if she agrees to work with him; therefore, she’s easily convinced to accept, even though Drew requires that she live with him and pretend to be his girlfriend.

Although Drew is intimidating, Shelby is no wilting flower, and she gives him a run for his billions. She’s smart and hard working, and this job is important to her. But she’s also just as attracted to Drew, and working together and living with him test the boundaries she’s established between them. She’s especially tempted when she gets to know him more when and sees past his tough exterior and realizes he has no one in his life that cares for him. He cares for everyone else but has no one looking out for his needs. She finds herself wanting to be that person.

Revenge has twists and turns, and the story is delightfully unpredictably. Drew and Shelby have electric chemistry, and their relationship evolves thoughtfully. They’re perfect for each other, their happy ever after should be assured, but Drew has secrets that could tear them apart. You do not want to miss Lexi Blake’s Revenge.

Was this review helpful?

Another great read for us from Lexi Blake.The more I read her books the more that I fall in love with each and everyone of them.

I always pick a favorite character that I love more than the others and this time around mine is going to be Shelby.

Why? So many reasons she was intelligent,patient,kind,smart,protective,had a sense of humor was driven but most of all she was just a loving and giving person who always put others first .She cared about their needs and wants before her own.I loved the chemistry she had with Drew as their was always sexual tension between the two of them right from their first meeting even before they were together.Their sexual encounters were super hot as well as sensual.I loved how she was always making bargains with Drew in order to turn things in her favor but all along just playing along as she wanted the same things Drew did.
Sneaky little vixen!

Drew on the other hand was the total opposite of Shelby.I found him to be more of an a*ss most of the time,protective of his siblings,dangerous,powerful,smart sexy as sin, just really sex on a stick.As the story progressed I thought that he was less as an a** and more just socially awkward in dealing with women and messy feelings.I felt that he was lonely not necessarily unhappy just that he needed someone to love and care about him be and be a equal partner for him and give him hell when he needed a shove.I loved how he always thought about is brothers and sisters happiness before his own.He was so protective of them god help the person trying to hurt them.

Shelby and Drew made an awesome team when it came to trying to prove that his mother murdered his father now that Drew knows that she is alive and gunning for him and his family yet again.

This story had so much going on to keep your interest.And we loved it from cover to cover.We dealt with the ups and downs with Drew's ongoing relationship with Shelby as he messes up time and time again as he just isn't good and the relationship thing.The twists and turns the story took the surprises that popped up.I loved the siblings and their spouses and all their different personalities that added humor to the story that had you laughing out loud. Big Tag made me laugh more than once. Defiantly a consent favorite of mine throughout the series.Loved how strong the women were in this story whether they carried the name Gates,Lawless,or Taggart. This for me is the type of story that you could go on and on on about the things that you loved most about it and definitely goes into the keeper pile where I am sure that I will read time and time again.

Looking forward to reading the rest in this series as well.



5 stars from us !

Was this review helpful?

After reading Revenge, I found that Blake’s writing does not disappoint. She creates unique and unforgettable characters with a truly outstanding plot line and settings to truly create a story that you will not forget. This novel is a real page turn that will keep you up all night while you dive into this romantic love story. I highly recommend this novel for the true romantic.

Was this review helpful?

Revenge is the 3rd book about the Lawless brothers and focuses on Drew. Drew is the mastermind of the family. He kind of gives off the evil genius vibe and to say he is ruthless is a bit mild. His plan is to use Shelby to do the dirty work of finding the information he needs and then cut her loose.

Drew has never been my favorite brother. Bran was a serious whore, but he was at least likable. Riley is the best (even if he had his own douchy moments). But Drew...Revenge has been his life's mission and it has made him cold and calculating. Shelby is a brilliant reporter who had already uncovered some anomalies in the Lawless family case. She was also a great ally to Carly in book 2 (and I loved Carly!). Really, Drew was going to be the biggest hurdle to my enjoyment of this book. Could I ever really believe he would change and not be a cutthroat dick? I just wasn't sure it could happen.

You get to peek in on the lives of the other Lawless siblings and their spouses which creates a really well rounded supporting cast of characters. Hatch is still around as well. He reminds me of Haymitch from the Hunger Games. A drunken fool until forced to sober up and help guide some youngsters in their revenge plot. Even their names were similar enough that I kept mixing them up! Plus, there is a new character who comes out of nowhere and will make you question things! Drew is his typical, skeptical self, and Shelby is more trusting, which describes them pretty much in everything they do. As the reader, I found myself agreeing more with Shelby, but also thinking "Maybe I'm an idiot who is getting played!". The mystery keeps you turning pages and unable to put the book down.

By the end, I did see character development in Drew and I enjoyed him more than I expected. Nerdy boy has a wild side for sure!

Revenge is an extremely well crafted story with twists and surprises that will engage and enthrall you. Blake has created a masterfully written tale of family drama, betrayal, and Revenge!

Was this review helpful?

5 Star Review Revenge (Lawless #3) by Lexi Blake.

Wow what an epic book! I found myself riveted from start to finish. Of all the books in this series, this was the one I have been anticipating the most. There is just something about Drew Lawless that intrigued me and had me anxious to read his story and boy, what a story it is.

This book was amazing, so much drama and suspense, it had me on the edge of my seat. I kept thinking to myself, just one more chapter and in the end I read all night. To fully get enjoyment and appreciate the suspense and brilliance to this story line you need to read the first two books in the series prior to reading Revenge.

Revenge picks up where Satisfaction left off and tells the continuing story of The Lawless brothers Riley, Drew, Brandon, and their sister Mia, as they seek revenge on those they hold responsible for their parents’ murders 20 years ago.

Andrew “Drew” Lawless has devoted his life to finding those responsible for the deaths of his parents; determined that they will be brought to justice. Strong, loyal, determined and passionate Drew is also lonely and vulnerable.

Enter Shelby Gates, an investigative reporter determined to expose all the secrets of the reclusive Lawless family. Drew despite his misgivings knows that he needs her help if his plans for revenge are going to work. When he convinces Shelby into signing a NDA and working with him, Shelby agrees in exchange for the rights to write a book.

Neither Drew otr Shelby count on the attraction and feelings that develop between them. Both are lonely souls who are drawn to each other. I loved how Shelby was able to handle Drew.

This is a hard review to write as I do not want to accidentally spillll any spoilers.
The chemistry between Drew and Shelby was sizzling. There was mystery, intrigue, suspense, hot alpha men and as you can expect from most books from Ms. Blake some moments of humour.

I love Lexi Blake’s writing style; no one does romantic suspense like she does. I found myself shaking my head as I read Revenge as it is one of those books that in many parts, you read and go, wait, no, did that really happen?

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

I was a little apprehensive going into this one. Book two just wasn't that great and I am STILL trying to bleach my brain of Bran and his 100+ hookers. Thankfully this one reminded me why I adore this author's writing so much.

It goes without saying that this one was well written. Even a less than stellar Lexi Blake book is always well written. It had a non-stop pace. It had twist and turns. It had a VERY interesting development. I cannot wait to see where that is headed. It had angst. It had drama. It had feels. It had a few sex scenes (I wish there had been more). It had a great cast of secondary characters. It had Ian and a baby (hello ovaries) and two very likable main characters (no 100+ hookers for Drew!!)

A couple of things kept it from being a perfect read for me. One, I didn't particularly care for Charlotte's little chat with Shelby. I felt at that point the onus was on Drew to do the chasing and some groveling. I didn't think the guilt trip Charlie laid on Shelby was fair and honestly for all the manipulations Drew had pulled by that point he got off WAY too easily in the groveling department. Two, I would have liked to have seen an epilogue.

Those were just small things though, and overall this series has been very enjoyable to read. Two thumbs up from yours truly.

Was this review helpful?

Spoiler Free – although it is so hard to keep being SF. I want to shout out everything about this book.
Revenge, lies, betrayal, secrets, and heart-break this book has it all. And of course what would a Lexi Blake book be without Ian Taggart in it? Half as funny let me tell you that.
After the major twist plot in book 2 Drew has officially put his plans to rest. Unofficially he has hired Shelby Gates to continue the research of the revenge that he wants. Previous revelation means his family cannot know. Tight knit clan and all that so I don’t really see that happening. But let’s just go with it.
We have a never surprise in the book and well once again I did not see that coming. There is so much action that it is well paced and full of twists and turns. I adore Lexi and her writing and here it is no different.
I wasn’t too sure about Drew to begin with. He is a douchecanoe King/ CEO of epic proportions but deep down he is just that lost little boy. He grew on me. Has be known to happen. Everything for Drew is very transactional. Shelby is a good strong female lead but with time she kind of becomes a mini doormat at the end. Thankfully Charlotte set her right.
The romance between Drew and Shelby was good and the sex scenes were well written although I skimmed at times. I really enjoyed it but it’s not Lexi’s best work but still at the end I wanted to know more of the why behind the actions of the person.
Love you Lexi. Look forward to more. Fantastic ending to a series that has been an absolute joy to read.

Was this review helpful?