Things are hating up in the Lawless empire. Drew is facing a cruel realization that everything he thought he was doing to seek revenge for the death of his parents might be in vain. With so many thoughts and the fear of what will come if the ‘hunt’ continues, Drew lays a plan that he believes will keep his siblings safe. The only problem? All of his plotting leads him to pull Shelby into this twisted mess.

Everything since the night of the fire that forever changed life for the Lawless siblings has fueled Drew to uncover the secrets behind his parents death. No stone was unturned. Drew even sacrificed his own happiness so his siblings could find happiness. Now – Drew is facing the realization that Shelby Gates means more to him that anyone that has come into his life. Family comes first…so whatever he feels for Shelby must be pushed to the side. With Shelby’s fiery determination to write a book about his family, Drew knows keeping the reporter close by will ensure him control over what Shelby does. Or will it?

This book!!! I could not wait to get my hands on the latest saga for the Lawless siblings. So much has happened to the Lawless family. Drew has always been the glue that held them together. After creating 4L – plans were laid in place to uncover and seek retribution for those responsible for the death of their parents. Now – so many lies and secrets are unraveling. Some shaking up what it means to be a Lawless sibling. Drew knows that everything he does needs to be meticulously planned.

That’s easier said than done when Shelby is around. Did I mention that Drew has a plan for that too? One that involves a few maneuvers that might drive Shelby away in the end. The goal has always been clear…find those responsible and lay out punishment. The only problem now is how to do that when everything you think you knew leaves you questioning what was ’true’ all along.

I absolutely LOVED the secrets that were woven into this book!! Revelations that rattled Drew, and made him question just who was on his ’side’. There are tons of cross over characters from the Masters & Mercenaries series. Which is always a treat!! Riley, Drew, Mia, and Bran all are in for quite the surprise with the twists and turns that never seem to stop. Where will it all lead?

Page after page ….each moment in Revenge leaves you wondering if what you thought you knew is even ‘real’. I loved the crazy way that the secrets to this murder played out!! Little bread crumbs in the grand scheme of things that literally sucked me in until the last possible moment. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy this book because you are not going to want to stop reading. A perfect ending to a series that has had me hook, line, and sinker the entire time!!

This third entry in the Lawless Brothers series is probably the best yet. Drew Lawless is the older brother who works hard to protect his siblings, while finding the people who murdered his parents. Of the four known siblings, only he knows the truth about his parents deaths. His goal is to take the culprit down, but his choice of weapon is a little questionable.

Shelby Gates is a reporter-a good one- and is totally taken off guard by Drew's proposition: he wants her to investigate the death of his parents, in exchange for a tell-all book. Drew goes in knowing he's drawing a target on Shelby's back, but feels he can protect her. But can he protect her from himself?

The characters were great-strong but flawed. There are surprises along the way, lots of strong emotions, and great flashes of humor. The strength of the connection between Drew and Shelby is titanium strong, but also fragile. We get glimpses of the Taggarts from the tangental Masters and Mercenaries series, along with flashes of the other characters in this series.

Shelby was bright, dedicated, and totally in love with Drew. Drew was a bit clueless, but finally reached a point where I didn't want to kick him in a sensitive area every few minutes.

Overall, a delightful read from a delightful author.

ARC provided by Berkley Publishing for a voluntary and honest review.

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: REVENGE (A Lawless Novel) by Lexi Blake 
Publication Date: June 20, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 5 Stars

I thought Bran was my favorite Lawless brother, but Drew won me over and nudged his brother out of the way. I completely fell in love with him. I can't resist a nerdy alpha hero. In the previous books I thought Drew was cold and unfeeling, but this book revealed things in his past that contributed to it. He's the oldest Lawless sibling and when their parents were murdered he took care of and protected his family and still feels the need to protect and take care of everyone he loves. Shelby was perfect for Drew and I just loved them together. Their chemistry was fan your face hot! REVENGE had plenty of hot romance, suspense with some twists and some humor. I couldn't put it down and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Lawless series is a spinoff of Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series. The series has a book for each of the brothers in the Lawless family, but their sister Mia has a book in the Masters and Mercenaries series, Dominance Never Dies. You don't have to read it before picking up the Lawless Series, but if you want to follow the complete storyline I'd read it first. REVENGE is the third book in the series and I'd recommend reading the series in order and starting with the first book, RUTHLESS.

I loved the Lawless series and highly recommend it for romance lovers looking for a great mystery/ romantic suspense series to binge read. It's going on my list of favorites.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Revenge is the third book in the Lawless series and this one surrounds Drew. Drew is a tech genius and the very reason his family is together today. I am probably one of the few who was quite excited for this book. If you've read the previous two books, you will totally understand why I am in the minority on this. If you haven't - first off, don't read this book and second, let's just say he doesn't have the best social skills.

As I said, Drew is a tech genius; he's the best coder in the world. But he's also used his abilities and also his connections to hunt down the killer of his parents. And because of this, Drew doesn't know how to really socialize and talk to people in general. He analyzes things and then comes up with plan to either fix it or remove the issues altogether. His family is everything to him and it's always been his duty to take care of them.

Shelby came across Drew when she started looking into his parents' death. Shelby is a brilliant investigative reporter. She doesn't stop when she hits a dead end and she has great instincts that have helped her undercover some things that not even Drew came across. And when she started poking in places Drew did not want her to, he did was he does best - remove the problem. So when Drew comes to her with a plan and a NDA agreement, she is really pushed outside her boundaries but can't say no for so many reasons.

Shelby and Drew were a perfect match. She helped him stay grounded and showed him that he took needs to be looked after. He gave her the affection, love and protection that she thought she never attain. The chemistry is off the charts and the build up is great. The scenes were explosive, however, there were not too many, which is worked in this case because of the anticipation and sexual tension.

Lexi does a great job of giving us more twist and surprises in this book that will keep you right there at the edge. While I enjoyed the ending, I really wanted an epilogue - this is the end of the series. But that didn't take away from anything. Another fabulous read from Lexi Blake!

Revenge 
A Lawless Novel book #3
Release Date: June 20, 2017
Review copy provided by the publisher 

Imagine Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, as an uber alpha billionaire hottie. That is Drew Lawless! Gah! I wanted his book so bad! From the moment I "met" him in The Masters and Mercenaries series, I knew he was going to be smokin' hot and a freakin' hoot! I was not disappointed.

Drew is the head of his family. He takes care of everyone. He also manipulates them for what he considers "for their own good". He's so focused on their safety and happiness, that he's all but forgotten about himself. I could really sense his sadness and discontent under his steely exterior. It was sad.

Shelby is an awesome Heroine. She's spunky and she's ambitious. And she falls way too fast, and way too hard for Drew Lawless. They're working together to bring down the bad guys. Drew wants his revenge for the devastation that took place so many years ago. And Shelby is a pawn in all of that. Collateral damage. At least at first. Things change quickly.

The chemistry between Drew and Shelby smoulders on every page. Even when Drew is being all awkward and socially inept, his longing for Shelby is front and centre. The love scenes are wicked and spicy. I can always rely on Lexi Blake to make my heart flutter during the sexy times in her books! 

I had so many laughs while reading this book! Every time Drew opened his mouth I braced myself for what was going to spew out of it. His social graces are seriously lacking. He says things that people think in their minds, but keep silent about. I loved it! He has absolutely no filter. Shelby embraces all his quirks though. She compliments him, and kinda keeps him in line.

The suspense story ARC in this book has spanned the series, and I feel like Ms. Blake did a great job at wrapping it up and answering all of my questions. I was surprised and shocked throughout this book, and the series as a whole. I don't want to give anything away. I think I would be robbing you of the chance to discover it all on your own. There was plenty of mystery and action to keep you constantly engaged. There was a ton of heart stopping romance that will make you all gooey inside. Those are the ingredients for a fantastic book. And Revenge is just that...fantastic! 

I strongly advise that you start with book #1, Ruthless, to get the most enjoyment and the whole story.

I've never read a book by Lexi Blake before, but the synopsis of Revenge sounded intriguing to me. But a few pages in and I'm confused as heck, and having difficulty figuring out who the few characters, mentioned so far, are. I didn't realize there are previous books in this series. I enjoyed the beginning interplay between Drew and Shelby, but the rest ... I really tried, but I gave up. I really like Ms. Blake's writing style and the flow of the story. I truly believe I would have loved this book if it wasn't the first one I've picked up. When I have some time, I really want to go back and read the previous books, then come back to this one. I know you may think 3 stars is a high rating for a book I didn't finish, but I can tell from what I read, I would have enjoyed it fully. It's very well written, and has a nice pace to the story, but only giving 3 stars because there isn't enough back story to make a new reader feel like they aren't missing out. I hate being confused because I'm missing needed info, and it's not fair to a reader to have them trying to piece the story together. And hopefully when I find time to read the rest, I'll be able to come back and update my review.

Drew Lawless has been one enigma I wasn't able to figure out ever since I was first introduced to him back in Ruthless. As the books progressed, I was never able to figure him out. I was incredibly excited to finally get into his head in Revenge!
Shelby was introduced previously in the series, but we really didn't get to know her well or what makes her tick. I wasn't ready for the chemistry and instant attraction I felt between Drew and Shelby. Lexi has done a fantastic job of making me love and believe the chemistry!
Both of the main characters had very complex and intriguing characteristics. I loved being able to peel back the layers and really see the personalities and see why they are the way they are.
The overlying theme from the series comes to a twisted climax in this book, and I was very pleased with the direction Lexi took. I tend to find many books predictable but enjoyable, and this was a refreshing break from the predictable! Just when I thought I had a grip and things and had them all figured out, something new would come to light and I was left guessing again!
The finale for the trilogy was one I thought I knew what would be happening and the ending, while thrilling, would be somewhat predictable. Boy, was I wrong! This book took me to so many places I didn't see coming, I sometimes found myself rereading passages and entire pages to make sure I read it right!
I have not read all of the Masters and Mercenaries series, but I loved that I was still able to follow the storyline and pick up enough of the previous storylines of the characters making cameos, so this did not detract from my enjoyment at all.
If you are a Lexi Blake fan, you will love not only Revenge, but all three in the Lawless trilogy!

Definitely my favorite book of the series!!! We get answers to everything we've wondered from the beginning, and all starring my favorite Lawless, Drew. He's the perfect combination of broody alpha and complete nerd. And Shelby is PERFECT for him. She doesn't let him get away with anything, and the chemistry between these two is intense. 

There are twists and turns in this book, and Lexi Blake pulls out all the stops in this romantic suspense. A fantastic addition to this series!! I would
definitely recommend one clicking!!!

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)

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.

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.

 



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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.

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*

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.

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!

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!!

Family is everything for the Lawless siblings.  These four have been through so much and deserve to be able to move to the next stage of their lives.  Drew wants to finish what they started so they can finally live in peace.

I felt compassion for Drew because he has spent his life sacrificing himself so his siblings could have a better life.  Even if that meant he had to give up his only chance at happiness.  His only goal was for them to have a good life and to avenge his parents.   I could understand why he was socially awkward.  He could only trust his brothers and sister.  Everything else to him was a transaction that he had to be in control of. But he will find out quickly that people cannot be a transaction.

Shelby is perfect for Drew, even though he warns her that he is not good for her. She allows him to have enough latitude before she puts her foot down.  I loved getting to know Shelby. She has missing pieces in her life too.  She needs a family that she can depend on but she is also strong and independent.

The whole family is amazing, they support each other and never doubt each other.  Both Riley and Bran have grown into their roles as husbands and in the company.  They manage to help inject the story with humour and advice.

Revenge is a story that shows that strength in many ways.  Strength in family bonds and forgiveness.  So much is happening in this story and I love that Lexi but heart in the center.  The introduction of a new character into this story really pulled everything for me.  I loved this character and I hope one day he might have his own story.

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!

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.