Maybe my expectations were really just too high that I've set myself up for failure when it came to this book.

I've been anticipating Drew's book since I read Ruthless and that anticipation reached fever pitch when the seeds to his story were planted in the second book. Don't get me wrong, this was not a bad book. The plot was a little convoluted at times and the dialogue a little hard to follow but still a good and enjoyable book. Unfortunately, it just didn't gel the way that Ruthless did for me.

Drew was every bit as complex as siblings. Seeing how his mind operates was the best part of this book for me. And I also enjoyed Shelby. I think their chemistry was good and they play off of each other very well.

Despite some of my issues overall, I still recommend this book to other readers and not just this book but the whole series.

In this third and final installment of the Lawless Series, Lexi Blake has turned up the notch in heat, suspense, and unexpected twist and turns as she has readers like myself on the edge of their seat as we await the epic conclusion of this series and the much anticipated story of Drew Lawless.

"I want to be the reason you need, Shelby. I want to be the only one you want. I’m willing to take the risk that you’ll use me for the time we’re together because I want you that badly. So kiss me because you want to. Kiss me because it’s part of our cover. I don’t care why as long as you kiss me.”

Revenge was a fast paced romantic suspense that continues off from the last book and so I highly advise readers to read the first two books in order to know what is going on and who are the key players in the story line. We all know Drew’s quest for revenge and so toss in Shelby Gates, a feisty investigative reporter whom we met in Satisfaction into the mix then it’s pretty much given Lexi Blake will hold you hostage as these two will take us on a whirlwind where truths, lies, secrets, duplicity are unfolded and exposed. As Drew and Shelby work together, danger begins to creep upon them threatening their safety and Drew’s siblings. How far will Drew go for revenge and to protect the people he loves?

"She’d looked at him with hot eyes and asked him to make love to her. He wasn’t a man who made love. He fucked. So why did he find himself nodding and agreeing? Because this meant more to him.”

Lexi Blake is one of those authors who doesn’t need plenty of chapters to hook you because once you start reading the first page you are automatically hooked. She has this ability to hold you hostage and let me just say this series had consumed me. I wanted to know every tidbit of information and family secrets. And Revenge was one of those books that demanded your undivided attention. Drew and Shelby’s relationship was palpable and intense from the start and as a reader, we knew these two were a perfect match for each other as they healed and pieced broken pieces within each other. So all there is left to say is go read this book and series as the writing was phenomenal and the characters were intriguing.

I thought we saw our major plot twist of the Lawless series in the last book, Satisfaction. But Lexi Blake twisted us up just a little more in this final and conclusory book of the series - and it definitely wasn't a move that I saw coming. I have enjoyed this close-knit family of siblings with a tragic past, and I was very excited to get to the story of Andrew Lawless, family patriarch.

Andrew Lawless is not just the family patriarch. He is also a billionaire tech genius, and a bit of a geek with an inability to deal with people. Everything to Andrews is war, and he is trying to figure out where to move his players around the battle field to best suit his purpose. That includes the bombshell investigative reporter, Shelby Gates. In Satisfaction, we saw glimpses of Drew's unwitting attraction and grudging respect for the spitfire reporter, but that didn't stop him from shutting her investigation down at every turn. But after the big bombshell from the last book, Drew has decided that, in an effort to protect his family, he will bring Shelby in on the investigation, and maybe a little action on the side as well. Even though he was dictatorial, I adored Drew's socially awkward behavior. I also admired his drive, determination and intelligence.

Shelby Gates became obsessed with the players in the Lawless family drama after her brother, also a reporter, was murdered while chasing the story of Patricia Cain. When Andrew Lawless sends a private jet for her, her curiosity won't let her ignore the invitation. And when Drew dangles some very juicy bate in front of Shelby's inquisitive nose, she cannot resist temptation. I don't normally like reporter heroines... but Shelby was okay with me. She wasn't trying to totally expose our hero, and she wasn't insensitive to the Lawless past and plight. I did like how she handled Drew, and how she was supportive in a way that he did not know he needed.

The relationship between these two unfolded at a nice pace to match the story. There was quite a bit of chemistry there already, and Drew did apply himself to intimacy with a single-minded focus that was deliciously steamy. That being said, some of the back and forth on the relationship did get tiring and aggravating. I would have liked to see them building and strengthening their bond more fully by a certain point... but we still had a push and pull going to nearly the end. That's just a personal preference for me, and it may not bother you the same way.

The suspense plot for the series is finally fully revealed. We saw where it was going after the twist in Satisfaction, so you already know who the villain is. As a result, the suspense aspect in this final installment was trying to determine just how said villain was going to carry out her evil deeds. I was pleased with this part of the story, and often found myself rushing through the romance bits to get back to the plot conflict. Overall, I am happy with this series and would recommend it to fans of steamy romantic suspense. My one regret for the series as a whole is that I happened to be reading all of these books at times when I was continually interrupted by work (or work travel) and I couldn't focus on them for any substantial length of time. That always impedes my enjoyment when I have to keep putting the book down and coming back to it later. So a re-read might be in order at a later date.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Berkley.

I was so excited to read the final book in the Lawless series. I just HAD to know how it would all play out! What starts out as a murder mystery, very quickly becomes a story about a boy forced to grow up and become the man of his family at the young at of fourteen. Andrew (Drew) Lawless didn't really get to be a kid much less a teenager doing normal teenage boy stuff. It's no wonder he's a high functioning but socially immature billionaire.

There really is no better way to describe Drew. He had no choice but to protect himself but more importantly his siblings. He has one mission, find out who murdered his parents and he'll stop at nothing to figure it all out. He is of a single mind. He will protect his family from monsters no matter what it takes. Even sacrificing his wants/needs. If you haven't read the first books in the series please read no further.

Drew has entered into contract with investigative reporter, Shelby Gates. She's smart, intuitive, fiercely independent, and strong willed. She's Drew's nemesis, and he finds her attractive. So why not use her to get what he wants? Shelby wants to find the truth about her brother's murder and she knows it's tied to the Lawless family. She also wants to write a book about the Lawless murders. So entering into a contract with the devil is the least of her issues.

I honestly don't think either of them expected each other. She was the force he needed in his life and for her he was the stability she was looking for. They both were the missing pieces to each others puzzle. But the journey to love is never easy and in Revenge it comes with murder. Drew was a fun character to read. So many times he comes across all alpha billionaire and others he's still that teenage boy who doesn't play well with others. He definitely can't handle his own feelings let alone others.

I will say I was hoping for more punch in this story. I wanted more twists and turns. It all just seemed a little too easy. That's okay though because it's still a great story and I'm perfectly okay with the ending. I just had hoped for a little bit more "holy cow did that just happen" moments. Lexi Blake tells a really good story her writing style is easy to get into, it's hard to put down her books once you start. I always look forward to seeing what she has coming up next!

* I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book *

This book was AMAZING! I've been dying for Drew's story since he was first introduced and Shelby was his perfect match. Both were stubborn and knew what to do to get their way. Shelby was able to change Drew for the better and it really showed at the end of the book. Each story in this series built on each other and this was my favorite in the series. The way this book ended was both so satisfying and heartbreaking. There was a new twist that I definitely didn't see coming, but was so glad that happened. I really can't say enough good things about this story and really encourage readers to read not only this book, but the entire series.

Revenge is the third and last installment of the Lawless series by Lexi Blake.

Drew Lawless was the last one to avenge his parent’s death, but when he finds a flaw in his plan he turns to Shelby Gates. He swore that he wasn’t going to involve her, but this Lawless brother doesn’t mind breaking promises.

Shelby Gates is an investigator reporter and she is astounded by how complicated the Lawless case has become and her complete attraction towards Drew. With each passing day, their relationship seems to grow stronger and stronger. And each time they slip between the sheets their emotions are crossing lines that neither one can come back from.

When passion and revenge lines start to blur will their relationship able to come out unscratched or will there be too much damage to come back from?

Amazing! Lexi Blake wrapped up this series with a nice big bow. I love all the twist and turns this whole series has produced and the action between all the Lawless brothers. However, I have to say Drew is my favorite. He’s completely tech- savvy, but even with everything that's happened to him, his heart is still pure, even if its intentions aren't. I’ll admit, the little a green monster of jealousy popped up from time to time, but Lexi Blake made it difficult to dislike Shelby. She’s an honest woman who’s understanding and incredible sweet. Also, I love that she has a back bone!

I’m sad to see this series come to an end, but I’m also excited to see what else Lexi Blake has in store for us!

REVENGE is the third and( final ?) instalment in Lexi Blake's contemporary, adult LAWLESS romance series focusing on the Lawless siblings-Riley, Drew, Brandon and Mia. This is eldest sibling/ billionaire businessman and CEO of 4L holdings Drew Lawless, and journalist /investigative reporter Shelby Gates’s story line. REVENGE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as each installment focuses on revenge and retribution for a twenty year old murder that is beginning to unravel as the truth is revealed. There is a bit of a cross over/spinoff with Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series with the appearance and ongoing role for Mia Lawless and Navy SEAL Case Taggart (Dominance Never Dies), and the McKay –Taggart Security Service. Shelby Gates was first introduced in the previous story line as she begins a journalistic investigation into the Lawless murders.

SOME BACKGROUND: Twenty years earlier Benedict Lawless and his wife Iris were killed in a house fire intended to kill the entire family-a murder for hire where greed and power were the precipitating factors. The authorities ruled it a murder/suicide but the Lawless siblings are determined to clear their father’s name.

NOTE: SATISFACTION (book 2) ended on a cliffhanger where identities were revealed and the truth was beginning to unfold-a twist to the story line that will have epic repercussions for the entire Lawless clan.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Drew and Shelby) REVENGE continues to focus on revenge. As the eldest sibling, Drew Lawless has focused most of his adult life on proving his father's innocence while hunting for the person(s) responsible for the destruction of not only his family but his trust in everything and everyone. When investigative journalist Shelby Gates uncovers more information than Drew ever thought possible, our hero makes Shelby an offer she couldn't refuse-a pretend lovers scenario in which Shelby has complete access to the family's history and legal documentation in return for a promise that will never come to fruition. What ensues is the building relationship between Shelby and Drew, and the struggle to come to terms with the revelation of the who, what and why and his parent's murder.

Drew Lawless is a quiet, shy, introvert; a ruthless, master manipulator who is determined to uncover the truth-a truth that will all but destroy what remains of Drew's faith in friendship, family and love. Secrets and lies will be revealed; heartbreak and betrayal will damage a life-long friendship; the truth will haunt the siblings the rest of their lives. Shelby Gates suspects there is more to the Lawless back story than what has been reported to the public and she is determined to research and expose the truth. Meeting Drew Lawless found our heroine caught between her head and her heart when the discovery of the truth could destroy what is left our hero's heart.

The relationship between Drew and Shelby is one of immediate attraction but Drew needs to keep Shelby within reach as she slowly uncovers the facts and legitimacy of the Lawless murders. Threats are made; promises made never to be kept; the past comes back with a vengeance in the hopes of destroying what is left of the Lawless clan. The $ex scenes are intimate, intense and seductive but Drew has made no promise for the future, a future he is determined to go forward-alone.

All of the Lawless siblings play secondary and supporting roles, as well as Case Taggart (McKay-Taggart Security), and one of Benedict Lawless's former partners Bill ‘Hatch’ Hatchard-a man who all but raised the Lawless siblings once he was able to determine their foster care history. I had previously suspected there is a story about Hatch, and his role in the entire family saga-a family he considered closer than blood-and my suspicions have come full circle when the truth is revealed. Again, there is another twist to the story, and perhaps, a final chapter that has yet to be fully addressed.

REVENGE is a story of heartbreak and betrayal; retribution and revenge; secrets, lies and uncovering the truth. The premise is suspenseful, intense and revealing; the characters are dynamic, energetic and broken; the romance is sexy but struggles in the face of reality and what the truth has revealed. REVENGE reads like the final instalment but there is another twist to the sibling family dynamics so we will have to wait and see. REVENGE is a complex story of one family's struggle to uncover the truth, and the revelation that all was not as it seemed, in the past.

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***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

3.5 Stars

The more I read of this series, the more fun they are as you start to have an idea what happened, and the reasons behind the cover up and the lies of the events of their childhood.

Drew and Shelby start as a contract, as a way for her to investigate the situation without arousing suspicion. At least that is what Drew tells himself, and her. The reader quickly discovers that Drew wants something real with Shelby, he just has absolutely no idea how to achieve it. And, this is the interesting part of the story, as each of them are drawn to the other, and come to love one another, but their personalities and the things they need from one another are fighting against what they need to be happy.

It gets a little convoluted in the middle and a little tough to follow all of the players and all of the plots, although I am not sure the story is possible to be told without it.

I also had a small issue with something that was thought a lot but not verbalized. While as reader I knew what they were each thinking, it also needs to be something I know the characters are sure of. And, in this case, the lack of the verbalization (after a comment that it hadn't been) was an issue. I know this is vague, and I am trying not to put something into the mind of someone that may have not been a previous issue.

I think I just made that more, not less, confusing.

This is not a standalone, at least I don't think it is, as there is no way you will have enough of an idea of the characters and the past events for it to really make sense. I guess you could read it as a standalone, maybe, but I think there are parts that will be too confusing.

Kind of like this review. Trying to be vague, without spoilers and still get my opinion into words was not easy. I enjoyed the book. I liked Drew. He is the most compelling of the Lawless family as he is the one who sort of took on the leadership of the family and the responsibility of keeping them together. Watching him figure out how to balance that while falling in love with Shelby was a fun ride.

I thought Drew was a little more developed in this case than Shelby, but I also think this is because of the previous books. He is not a completely new character at the beginning of this book, and she is...so I think some of the seeming imbalance came from that.

I do recommend this title.

This is a real nail biter conclusion to an excellent series. I love every twist and turns and surprises along the way. My 4.5 stars review is posted at Scandalicious Book Reviews.

This is the concluding story in the lawless siblings series. Drew Lawless is driven by revenge. Since the day he saved his siblings from the house fire that took his parents he's lived to avenge himself on his parents murderers who took all their assets leaving his siblings to the mercy of the foster system. Each of his siblings have found true love along the revenge path. He's the only one left who can avenge his parents.

The last book ended on an explosive note. Apparently not both their parents were killed in the fire. Mrs. Lawless is alive and well and potentially the true master mind behind the plot behind her husband's death and plot to seize all his assets. Ace reporter Shelby Gates has been able to put a lot of the details together. She has always fascinated Drew even as he did his level best to neutralize her. Now she's going to be the instrument of his revenge by researching his mother and uncovering all the dark and dirty secrets once and for all.

Drew is quite the plotter. He doesn't want the rest of his siblings to discover the dark side of their mother especially his pregnant sister so he brings Shelby into his family as his pretend girl friends. This story has so many twists and turns it will make you dizzy. Like for example a twist in the form of a full blooded sibling who has an uncanny resemblance to Drew. When the full details of the true plot against the Lawless family emerge it will leave the readers reeling at the Machiavellian mind who thought of this.

Given the progression of the series I thought this story would blow the covers right off my mind which unfortunately did not happen for me. Don't get me wrong it's definitely a well written interesting story.

I have been eagerly anticipating the release of Revenge since reading Satisfaction, the second book in Lexi Blake’s Lawless series, as this is a series in which subsequent books really do build on the prior stories. By the time I actually got my hands on Revenge I was already familiar with its characters and suspense plot, which made me only more certain of how much I would enjoy it. To that end, I would recommend that anyone remotely interested in reading either Revenge or the books which precede it stop reading this review now, as I cannot help but give spoilers for the other books in the series. While they can technically be read as standalones, you’ll definitely get more out them if you read them in order.

Drew Lawless is the oldest and generally considered the most inscrutable of the Lawless children. Years ago his parents died in a fire, in what was reported as a murder-suicide, and Drew and his three younger siblings were all scattered throughout the foster care system. It was Drew’s tech genius - inherited from his father - which brought them back together, as he established a successful company and rebuilt their family unit. Since that fire, Drew has been all about taking responsibility - for his family, his office, his revenge. He’s long known that his father’s business partners conspired to have the man killed, and this series has seen him work towards achieving justice for his parents.  Now, in this final book, it’s time for a showdown between Drew and the mysterious third party who put up the money to have Drew’s father killed.

Shelby Gates is possibly the most tenacious investigative reporter Drew has ever come across. When she began digging into his background over the course of Satisfaction, he found himself first intrigued and then in awe of what she was able to discover. These investigative skills come in handy for Drew when he realizes that the person who wanted his father killed was in fact his own mother - who is still alive. Not wanting his siblings to learn this horrible truth, Drew turns to Shelby for help unraveling this mystery of what happened the night of the fire. Playing the role of his girlfriend, she’s able to be around him without suspicion from his family or anyone else as she works to uncover the truth.

Of course, it doesn’t take long for the spark of attraction that ignited when Shelby first hacked Drew’s systems to ignite, and before long she’s not just playing the role of girlfriend. Rather than being cheesy or formulaic, though, this part of the book was a joy to read. When I said Drew was difficult, I meant it. Although he’s clearly an upstanding guy, years of shouldering this immense responsibility—as well as the awkwardness which comes with his level of genius—led him to build a façade of invulnerability. He doesn’t like to share his feelings, nor does he even know how to. To say he’s romantically challenged would be understating it, regardless of his physical attractiveness.

Shelby sees through this façade, though. She knows she’s not only investigating a crime, but also uncovering some painful truths for Drew, and as the knocks keep coming she’s ready to be his staunch supporter. Ever patient, she works her way toward getting him to share his burdens, and shares some of hers in the process. It’s really lovely to see.

Unfortunately, this pattern of success breaks in the last third of the book. As the suspense plot picks up - though honestly, it’s solid and compelling from start to finish - Shelby’s reactions to Drew are a bit less understanding, which ultimately caused the drop in grade which kept this out of DIK territory. For someone who so easily sees through Drew’s cold façade at first, for Shelby not to realize he is pushing her away out of love was frustrating.

Ultimately, though, this is an incredible book and a solid resolution to the mystery which has spanned three novels. Drew, in particular, shines here as a strong man with at least a few flaws. He’s an alpha male without all the answers, and it’s nice to see him turn to Shelby for help. I’d definitely recommend Revenge - and the entire Lawless series - to anyone who likes a little drama and intrigue thrown into their romance reading.

Buy Now: A/BN/iB/K

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.

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!

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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