Member Reviews

In another compelling read by Emma Tallon, the Drew family will be facing a dilemma. Lily has become firmly established as the matriarch of the London crime family, a role she inherited after the death of her brother. Her brother was Scarlet Drew's father, and Scarlet works side-by-side with Lily in the organization, although Lily has twin sons, Connor and Cillian, and a daughter named Ruby.

In fact, Ruby has been through a lot over the course of this series. Although this book could work as a standalone, this is definitely a series that I would recommend being read in order. My reasoning is that Ruby was the one family member never present at requisite Sunday lunch for years. Why? Well, she was a drug addict and was estranged from her family. She is now clean and she has been back for a while. The longer she is back, the more she would like to see Scarlet's role diminished.

In the previous book in this series, Her Betrayal, Ruby almost succeeded in ruining Scarlet's life. However, Scarlet escaped what would likely have been a lifelong prison term and is doing quite well right now. So well, in fact, that her relationship with John, a police detective, is thriving. This disgusts Ruby and she plots for a way to destroy that relationship. If that means destroying Scarlet as well, then so be it.

Over the course of this series, Ruby has been trouble with a capital T. She is still living up to being troublesome when it comes for her creating problems and chaos when it comes to her cousin Scarlet. In addition, there is a side story with boxers going missing from a local boxing ring and Cillian becomes involved. The drama continues in this book when it comes to John and his partner.

I absolutely loved Emma Tallon's previous series, the six-book Anna Davis saga. While that series has come to an end, Anna and Freddie Tyler are still going strong and the cameos in this book assure that. With this Drew Family series, we are four books in and the intensity has not lost one bit of power. I felt the same power with the first book I read by Emma Tallon, and each successive book in both series. In fact, the intensity increases exponentially.

How not to love the Drew family as much as I loved the Tyler family?! Knowing that revenge and hatred is the underlying factor in this book captured my attention from the first page and all the way to the heartbreaking ending. No doubt the next book in this series will be just as compelling. This powerful story is a great addition to an amazingly engaging series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

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This is the 4th book of The Drew Family. Just as good as the other 3.
The Drews are a crime family and consists of Lily who is the mother of Ruby, Connor, and Cillian and her niece Scarlet.
Ruby has always been the black sheep of the family and into a lot of trouble and drugs. She has been clean for awhile and wants to show the family that she should be a part of the business. That Scarlet should be out and she will do whatever she can to make that happen.
Scarlet's boyfriend, John, is a policeman who fell for Scarlet but they have to keep it a secret except for family.
Lily has noticed the tension between Ruby and Scarlet and is keeping an eye on it and hoping they can work things out.
Then people start missing from the local boxing ring, which has a tie to the Drews. This time a Drew goes missing. Will he be found?
Will Ruby get her revenge she thinks she should get?
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the book to review.

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Another fantastic book from the Drew series. I’ve just reminded my self why I need to read the first 2 books of the series as book 3 and 4 are so good I need to catch up on what I’ve missed out on.

When people start going missing from the local boxing club Lily Drew and her family start looking into what’s going on and come up with a plan to catch who is behind this. With rumours that the building is about to be sold which will be a disaster for the Drew’s Lily comes up with a plan to prevent this from happening. Mean while her son Cillian who also attends the club becomes the latest to be abducted. Providing his brother Conor with a way to track him it’s a race against time to get to Cilian before something happens to him.

With all that going on it’s a hectic time for the Drew’s however Lily is all to aware of the cracks that are forming in her own family. Ruby has moved her way back into the Drew family circle and frictions between her and her cousin Scarlet and developing at an alarming rate.

Ruby has always been jealous of Scarlet and has made it her personal mission to destroy her relationship with a bent copper John and to bring her cousin down to push herself further up the family circle but will her family be willing to over look the ultimate betrayal.

I loved this fast paced, action packed and exciting thriller. It had my heart racing and I couldn’t put it down. At one point I also found myself crying along with poor Scarlet and I don’t think I’ve ever cried for a book character before I love the way the author made you feel her emotions it was brilliantly written.

Thank you to NetGalley the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book. I cannot wait for the next one and in the mean time I think I’ll go back and read the first 2 books in this brilliant series.

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I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Her Payback’, book 4 in the Drew Family series written by Emma Tallon, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Lily Drew is head of the gangland family who run various illegal enterprises in the underworld of East London. When Lily’s son Cillian hears that men are disappearing from the Repton Boxing Club, they concoct a plan to catch who’s taking them and why, but when someone else disappears it’s too closely connected to the Drew family and Lily’s on the warpath. Scarlet and her policeman boyfriend John are keeping their relationship a secret but not everyone is happy with having a policeman on the family’s payroll. Meanwhile, Lily hears that a young woman, Isla Carpenter, has been asking after her in the market.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the Drew family dramas but ‘Her Payback’ has to be the best one yet. This is another powerful thriller that has several threads running through the story that all lead to the final gruesome and bloodthirsty chapters. It’s gritty, frightening but is most definitely compulsive reading as the Drews get themselves involved in some of the most horrific incidents possible. And if the excitement, intrigue, suspense and twists and turns aren’t enough, there’s also sadness that’s had me reaching for my tissues. The story ends with a cliffhanger – who is Isla Carpenter and what does she want with Lily? This is such a fantastic thriller that I can’t wait for book number five.

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I love Emma’s books and this one is just brilliant.
It was great to catch up with the Drews and as usual life isn’t running smoothly for them.
There’s men going missing from the boxing club and Cillian wants to help find out what’s happening. He knows his plan his dangerous but the family have his back.
There’s a newcomer to Lily’s patch and despite being suspicious, she decides to give her a chance.
Ruby has a plan to give Scarlet and John their comeuppance and all through the book I was dreading what she was up to, as you know it won’t be good.
This is another gripping gangland thriller and I loved it!
I love how Emma’s books draw you in to the Drew family and whilst it’s clear there is trouble to come in the future, they will all stick together.
I highly recommend this series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

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Somebody say organised crime? Emma Tallon is the author that just keeps on giving… What a series 🥰. I was so looking forward to this one as I’ve loved the other 3 in the series. It did not disappoint and totally lived up to my expectations and then some. I love when you already know the characters and can skip the meet and greet and get to the good stuff. This was a fast paced whirlwind read from start to finish. I just couldn’t put it down and found I just flew through it. As always I love the majority of the Drew’s and there associates and all the scrapes and situations they get themselves in. This one gives you all the feels. I’m raging this instalment has come to a close and I have to wait … again 😳. Emma Tallon please don’t take to long … I’m ready and waiting 🙃… If you love the underworld or are a fan of Martina Cole and are looking for a new series then this is one for you.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to listen to #HerPayback

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Book #3 in the series ends the rivalry between the Drew family and Grace cleanly, but there were clear indications the series would continue. This book kicks off a new storylines around the Drew family, and is as engrossing as the previous 3 (Her Revenge, Her Rival, Her Betrayal).

There are new challenges on the horizon for the Drews – the tensions between Lily’s daughter Ruby and her cousin Scarlet continue and take a turn for the worse. At the local boxing club Cillian practices in, people are disappearing, and there is an aggressive developer who wants to take over a large portion of land and rebuild. Scarlet’s police boyfriend John has some troubles coming up for him, after his association with the Drew family. There are also family secrets which Lily has held for long, but tumble out as a crisis erupts with Cillian being kidnapped. The story only partly closes in this book, and there is the indication of a sub-plot continuing towards the end.

As far as gang-crime writing goes, this series is extremely well written – excellent character development, story and pace. You just cannot get enough of it – eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!

My rating: 4.5 / 5.

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The Drew family are back with a bang. Arguments within the family structure continue to provide the reader with plenty to focus on. The question is can the in-fighting be overcome or will the divide become too much?

Another great addition to the series with the promise of more to come.

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

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Wow what can I say Emma has done it again. I love the Drew family series and this one is another fantastic read. Scarlett and Ruby have never got on but in this book that relationship turns explosive. If this is your genre then you won’t be disappointed. There’s everything in this book right from page one you’ll be hooked and unable to put it down. I will be waiting for the next instalment of the Drew’s with bated breathe. A definite five star read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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📚📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖📚

📖 Book - Her Payback
✍️ Author - Emma Tallon
📕 Publisher - Bookouture
🗓 Publication Date - 15th JULY 2022
(The Drew family - book 4)

Book number 4 and the storyline genuinely, just keeps getting better and better!!
That surprise news near the end of the book - I did not see THAT coming!! I’m not going into the finer details of the book. It’s important I don’t give anything away, with it being a series!

Characters are just as strong, if not more so.

If you haven’t read this series yet ……. I suggest you get ordering them - you won’t be disappointed!!

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What an installment!

We are on book four of the Drew's and things are not slowing down for them at all.

Action packed and some OMG moments, Scarlett and Ruby are still not getting along, one minute I'm team Scarlett and another I'm team Ruby.

This is a other gripping face paced read and wow wow wow we are left on a big fat OMG!!!

Soooo looking foward to book five.

Bravo Emma, smashed another cracker out the park!

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I always seem to start this series at night, around 9 pm when I'm lounging and almost ready for sleep. And this series has me roused, alert and inhaling Tallon's words. Definitely can be read in one sitting.
Ruby and Scarlet continue their angsty vendetta. I can never seem to determine if Scarlet is really the manipulator Ruby views her as or if Ruby seethes with an intense motto of entitlement.
Cillian starts boxing at the local club - his source of support, safe place in the neighborhood to release his teenage tension. Now as an adult, Cillian appreciates the opportunity it provides for the community. But members are disappearing - leaving behind notes for loved ones, never to be heard from again.
A local developer wants to tear it down and build condos. Lily gets involved, determined to prevent the sale.
Excellent addition to this series - loved it and ready for the next!

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Book 4 in the series to feature the Drew family is back with a bang. The storyline is intense, as Lily's son Cillian is missing and Ruby's hatred for Scarlet intensifies. There is excellent character development in this well plotted, fast paced installment and readers won't be disappointed with the ending either! Emma Tallon has another winner. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

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Cillian loves boxing and has been going to The Repton Boxing club for years. It’s not just a boxing club it’s where friends meet and help each other out. The club is like family to them all. So, when members of seem to be leaving abruptly writing letter saying that they are starting a new life somewhere else. Things don’t seem to add up. That’s not all apparently the club is being sold to developers and the club will be knock down for flats. When Lily Drew hears about the dilemma, she hatches a plan to stop it being taken over.
The same old rivalry between Scarlett and Ruby is coming to a head. Ruby also doesn’t agree Scarlett’s copper boyfriend John and devises a plan to not only get rid of him but heighten her place in the family business.
Wow what can I say Emma Tallon does it again with ‘Her Payback’ this another addictive read from the author and the fourth in series. Yet again I couldn’t put this down. Great storyline and some heart stopping moments throughout. I also love the snippet of the Tylers just at the end. 5 stars from me.

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Fans of Emma Tallon’s Drew family series will welcome Her Payback, the fourth novel in the series, where Scarlet Drew may have met her match. Ruby and Scarlet’s poisoned relationship continues to fester and Ruby is determined to ruin Scarlet’s relationship with her police detective. The problems become so bad that the family may actually be brought down. Besides the war between Scarlet and Ruby, a boxing club that has been in the community for decades is at risk, and members are going missing. When one of the Drew twins goes missing, Lily Drew takes over and works to save her family.

Tallon’s excellent storytelling skills are evident in this novel, and the story grabs readers immediately from the first chapter and keeps readers on the edges of their seats throughout. The characters are well-developed and have been further developed as more installments of the series unfold. While it is suggested that readers read the previous novels, this novel can be read as a standalone book and it will still be spellbinding. The books in the series are good enough that readers will definitely want to read everything from Emma Tallon.

Her Payback has all the components of an excellent novel, including memorable characters and unique scenarios. This novel and the preceding novels in the series are highly recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

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The Drews are back in book 4 brilliant series of books by Emma Tallon.Lily and Cillian and Connor are going their normal business quite happy about things but when one of Cillian’s friends goes missing from the boxing club and the club is threatened with closure things start to go wrong for the family.And Cillian’ s life is put in danger and Lily is forced to tell the truth.about a secret she has kept for years and with Scarlet and Ruby at each other’s throats it is the worst time to do this,if anyone is interested in this great series of books I would recommend starting at book 1 and know get to know the characters and the family.You won’t be disappointed I’m sure of that,another brilliant edition to this great series,another 5 star read from Emma Tallon.

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Another corker of a read in the Drew family series! So much drama and dodgy goings on. This book is a particularly explosive instalment with some seriously tense chapters. I'm really enjoying the simmering rivalry between Scarlet and Ruby - I predict the pot will boil over in the next instalment and await it with relish!

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Almost like friends The Drew’s are back and as always am more than pleased to see them, this the 4th in the series and as I think I say after each one….my favourite to date….all the family are in the midst of some crisis/ problem at some point and for Lily ( the matriarchal head of The Drew’s ) she is pushed to the edge as lifelong secrets are told,one of her son’s is in peril,her daughter once again causes chaos and her niece….well her poor niece is all I will say
I felt every emotion as I read this but with these books you don't just read you are ‘there’,part of the family yourself and in the action,I honestly could read the next one now so keen I am already for the next instalment
A wonderful gangland drama, characters who are perfect and a full on racing storyline keep you hooked from page one right till the last sentence, great to see The Tylers make an appearance and also the traditional Drew Sunday Lunch get a look in
Loved it

10/10
5 Stars

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I'm going too be honest here: I nearly didn't read past the first chapter...but boy, I'm really pleased that I did!
I read a lot of psychological thrillers and this didn't start in the way I was used to. However, as I got to know the infamous Drew family, I seriously couldn't stop reading. I was totally invested in Lily Drew, Ruby and her twins: Collins and Connor. This family had built a formidable underground network over the years; their family network was well-respected in their field. But within the extended family their was friction; a long-standing feud, which had festered - bad things were bound to happen.

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WOW WOW WOW
I've enjoyed all of rhe books based on the Drew family but for me this outing was on a different level. Emma Talon has surpassed herself a strong storyline,strong characters and a brilliant ending which has left me wishing time away so I can read the next installment which I hope won't be to long.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

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