22 reviews for:

Retribution

Wendy Million

4.1 AVERAGE

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Retribution was excellent.  This suspenseful mafia romance grabbed my attention from the start and did not let it go.

The story gave us a great blend of suspense, romance, and mystery and it's full of tension, drama, danger, unexpected twists and had me at the edge of my seat at times as we follow FBI agent Kim, who was sent to infiltrate the Donaghey organization and get Intel on the two brothers Finn and Lorcan.
 
These characters were complex yet fascinating and I was eagerly reading wanting to know more. I enjoyed the tension among them and enjoyed seeing everything played out. This novel was highly entertaining and was a fantastic read. I would definitely recommend it to romance lovers. 
emotional mysterious medium-paced

Retribution is the first book in a trio about The Donaghey Brothers. Kim is an undercover agent working with the two brothers. Lorcan hired her to be a bodyguard and find out who killed their father but, he believes that his brother Finn did it. Finn said he didn’t do it but he won’t tell his brother and the agency she works for said the Russians.  Both of the brothers are protective and strong willed men Finn is a little tougher to figure out. He very deceptive at times and very evasive. Lorcan is starting to develop feeling for Kim so he appears more open and willing to talk. Now in the midst of all this Kim is also trying to investigate the death of her stepbrother because somehow he is tied with Finn since they fought at the same place. Kim has a handler named Malik that may or may not be trustworthy or at least not completely truthful. This story is a slow burn. In fact I would classify it as a mystery romance since the romance part happened almost at the last 1/3 of the book. I enjoyed the mystery wanted more romance I’m curious about the next two books because the focus primarily on Finn and his love interest Carys. Looking for a mafia mystery that has several levels with lots of twists and turns, you’ve found it. 

I am straight up crying. This book... Fuck. This book has gotten me all turned around, emotional and sappy.
Lorcan, how do I start to describe the love I have for this MMC? He is a softy, a Golden Retriever with Kimi and a Doberman with everyone else. I am literally broken at how much he loves her. But not in an overly lovey dovey way, in an actions speak louder than words. In a perfect way. It's love, it's everything.
Kimi? Damn, what an absolute badass - like seriously, her character and the way she was written was so fricking good. Amazing. I don't have words. I will never have words to describe this beautiful FMC.
The plot? The twists and turns we're soooooo fricking good and unexpected and the story was just perfect. I cannot fault this, I literally cannot. This gave me mindfuck series vibes and the writing backed up how good this book was. I am absolutely in love with this book and the spice was so minimal which is a must for me so for me to be this happy with a book and have limited spice. Oh my. That should be unheard of but it's true. I cannot put into words how much I fucking loved this book. I'm so scared to continue reading... I'm going to be broken, completely, I can feel it.

I was given this book for free for an honest review and I can promise you, I do not regret signing up for this book. Not at all.
adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Absolutely breathtaking! 
dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Thank the publishing gods for re-releases because, honestly, without one, Retribution might have slipped under my radar. And what a shame that would have been! Wendy Million delivers a page-turning fusion of mafia and FBI grit, and the romance acting as the carefully balanced backbone rather than the whole show! Let’s just say, if you’re into books that keep you guessing until the very last chapter, then buckle up. Million doesn’t just feed you the story – she lets you think you’re solving it, only to throw curveballs that land with perfect timing, never feeling forced or overly dramatic. 

The plot throws us into the undercover world of Kimi, an FBI agent determined to help take down Boston’s Irish Mob. When Lorcan Donaghey, a mobster with a few skeletons in his closet (and probably in his basement), hires her to seduce his older brother, Finn, to uncover his hidden agenda, the stakes get wild. We’re talking murky family secrets, dangerous mind games, and loyalties that blur faster than a double-agent operation. Million sets up an intricate, high-stakes chess game – just when you think you have it all figured out, she hits you with twists that land like a sucker punch, keeping things fresh without veering into soap-opera drama.

Character-wise, Retribution does not disappoint. Kimi’s wit is sharp, her resolve sharper, and watching her juggle the dangerous games between the Donaghey brothers is, honestly, thrilling. Lorcan has that intense streak that’s impossible to resist, while Finn? Well, he’s the snarky, cold-hearted puzzle you want to solve. Million crafts each character with depth, making you root for and question them in equal measure.

Retribution is the kind of book you’ll devour in a sitting, only to find yourself craving more of that mafia romance fix with an FBI twist. And thankfully there is more because this is just the beginning of Kimi's journey. 

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and rating are entirely my own and were not influenced by receiving the ARC.

Kim is an undercover agent deep in the mafia business, trying to take down these organizations. When she meets Lorcan and needs to work under him because she is the only agent who can speak Irish.
Lorcan hires Kim to pretend to get close to his brother to find out if his brother killed their dad. The longer she is with them both, the more she uncovers things that happened in her past and she is falling for Lorcan. 
This was a pretty good book. I loved Kim and Lorcan’s chemistry and I was kept on my toes waiting to see if Kim gets caught under their noses.
bekahreadsbooks2019's profile picture

bekahreadsbooks2019's review

4.25
dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book has so many twists and turns. I was STRESSED for so much of it!! Worried about Kim, concerned about how she was going to deal with her evolving feelings, concerned about her cover, and then to top it off, the ending!! Kimi and her chemistry with Lorcan was SO GOOD but also her past constantly busting in and creating problems for the bubbling feelings was such a punch in the gut to be like “wait, remember this can’t happen”.

SUCH a good undercover/mafia book. It was just what I needed and I’m so grateful for the ARC! 
admya's profile picture

admya's review

4.0

🔥Enemies to lovers 
🔥Forced proximity 
🔥FBI agent and mob boss 
🔥Irish-American mafia - accents! 
🔥Lots of twists 
🔥Open door (lower steam) 
🔥No third act breakup 

Star: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Retribution by Wendy Million is a gripping romantic suspense that delves into the dangerous world of crime, deception, and conflicted loyalties. The story follows Kimi, an undercover FBI agent, as she navigates the treacherous terrain of Boston's criminal underworld while grappling with her own emotions and divided loyalties. 

Kimi is a strong, fearless protagonist who is used to handling high-stakes situations. Her confidence and determination are palpable as she infiltrates the Donaghey crime family. Wendy Million paints Kimi as a complex character, balancing her tough exterior with moments of vulnerability that make her relatable. Her struggle to maintain her identity as an FBI agent while becoming emotionally entangled with the Donaghey brothers adds depth to her character, making her more than just a stereotypical action hero. 

The tension in the novel reaches new heights when Kimi finds herself caught between Finn and Lorcan Donaghey, two brothers on opposite sides of a brewing mob war. Finn and Lorcan are portrayed with nuanced complexity, each bringing different qualities to the story. Finn's calculated charisma and Lorcan's enigmatic intensity create an intriguing dynamic that keeps Kimi—and the reader—guessing about their true intentions. 

Wendy Million expertly weaves a plot filled with twists and moral dilemmas, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Kimi tries to determine who to trust. The stakes are high, and the lines between right and wrong blur as Kimi's professional duty clashes with her growing personal connections. The emotional conflict she faces—torn between her role as an agent and her feelings for the brothers—adds layers to the suspense, making the story both thrilling and emotionally engaging. 

The backdrop of a potential mob war adds an extra layer of intensity to the narrative. The tension is palpable as Kimi races against time to make the right choices in a world where one wrong move could have deadly consequences. Wendy Million's portrayal of the criminal underworld is both gritty and realistic, immersing readers in a world where danger lurks at every turn. 

Retribution stands out as more than just a crime drama; it's a story about loyalty, trust, and the gray areas that exist between right and wrong. Wendy Million crafts a compelling tale where love, duty, and survival are intertwined in unexpected ways. The unpredictable plot twists and the evolving relationships keep the reader hooked, building to a satisfying and emotional conclusion. 

Overall, Retribution is a fast-paced, action-packed romance with a touch of darkness and a lot of heart. Wendy Million delivers a well-rounded story that blends suspense, intrigue, and intense emotion, making it a must-read for fans of romantic suspense and crime thrillers. If you enjoy stories with strong heroines, morally complex characters, and pulse-pounding drama, this book will not disappoint. 

Kimi is an FBI agent brought in undercover to stop a war between brothers of a mafia family. Lorcan Donaghey brings Kim in to help him prove his brother was responsible for the murder of their father As the story unfolds Kimi uncovers ties between the Donaghey's and her family. At the same time the chemistry grows between herself and Lorcan. A story of secrets, crime families and undeniable attraction. The story had suspense, tension and a good storyline. I found the story to be intriguing and held my interest throughout. I recommend for anyone who enjoys FBI stories and romantic suspense.