Beautiful Vengeance (previously published as Forbidden Promises)

This is book 4 in The Forbidden Promises series and it features Sloan O'Malley and Jude MacNamera. WOW! A quarter of the way into the book and my mouth was already hanging open because I couldn't believe what was happening. I think I sat on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. It was exciting and you never knew what was around each corner. And as I have said before, this author has a way of writing that keeps you aware of what's happening with all the characters at all times. Bravo Katee Robert! Another excellent story in a fantastic series!

This book is the 4th in The O'Malleys series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader understanding and enjoyment, I recommend reading this series in order. Jude has sinister plans for someone near Sloan. His past is full of secrets and lies. What could he ever hope to offer someone as innocent as she? Sloan has her own past full of secrets. She has her own lies she needs to tell. Jude is just eye candy until her curiosity cannot resist. This series just leaves me breathless! Just when I think nothing can surprise me.... well, I am not a spoiler so you will have to read it to find out. Know that this author never leaves you wanting. The characters are very rich and compelling in all sorts of ways. ***This ARC copy was given in exchange by Netgalley and its publisher for an honest review.

Another great read in the O’Malley series! Katee Robert has once again crafted a tale that has the edge and grit of a mob story but also delivers a passionate and intense romance between two people who have no business or intention of falling in love, especially with each other. Both Sloan and Jude were great leading characters. Sloan is trying to create a new life for herself and discover who she is as a person outside the realm of the O’Malley family. Jude has spent his entire life seeking revenge and, after meeting Sloan, he too is trying to come to terms with who he is and how he might not quite be the man defined by the revenge he has spent his life seeking. I loved watching Jude and Sloan grow and struggle with who they were, who they are, and who they want to be. There was no removing the influence of their mob families from these characters, but watching them carve out an existence within the realm of their family ties was so well written it was easy to look past the bad and root for their happy ever after. And of course, no good mob story would be complete without all the interactions within and between all the mob families. This ongoing storyline was nicely woven into Jude and Sloan’s story and helped move the overall series arc forward without seeming forced. There are so many plots and sub-plots happening that overlap and are inter-related and the author does a nice job keeping the reader informed of any necessary back-story when needed as well as setting up some things for future books. Although this can be read as a stand-alone, there is definitely ties to the previous books in the series so it would probably be best enjoyed by starting the series at the beginning, but, as I mentioned, the author does do a really good job filling in the necessary back-story, so starting here will still make this a great read. As usual, Katee Robert has created a delicious, dirty-talking alpha hero (although I’m finding it hard to call a hitman a hero!) who also has a lot of heart and a heroine who has an inner-strength that resonates and grows with the story. This is a very fast-paced read with lots going on, but the story is put together seamlessly and keeps you moving right with it. This is definitely a must read for anyone who likes their romance with a bit of edge – and it will most definitely have you wanting to turn the pages to see what happens next while admonishing yourself for not taking your time to savor the story!

Sloan belongs to a big mafia family. She leaves to get out from under their control. She hides out in Oregon and gets a job waitressing. She has a gorgeous next door neighbor but he's antisocial. She goes over to flirt and he turns her flat down. Jude has been living next to Sloan way before she arrived. He is a hired hit man and plans to take out the woman that owns Sloan's beach house. See he old woman's brother has his father, brothers, and their wives killed. His mother was pregnant with him and on her deathbed, she made him promise to get revenge. What Jude doesn't expect, is to fall for Sloan. Will he choose her over revenge? Will Sloan's family drag her back to the fold? Excellent story. Loved the characters and the story made you feel like you were right there. Sex that will have you taking a cold shower. VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY

***5 ‘There’s Nowhere You Could Run’ Stars** That line not only describes Sloan and Jude’s relationship perfectly but all the crazy when it comes to The O’Malley’s and anyone who happens to be in their orbit. This book had it all for me and I had an extremely difficult time putting it down. It had humor, heart, suspense, a good dose of deliciously dirty heat and surprisingly sweet moments throughout the story that kept me turning the pages until the very end. Sloan O’Malley is the sibling that captured my interest from the start. She appeared to be the weakest of her siblings and yet I couldn’t help but think that if she had the chance she’ be just as lethal as the rest of them if the chains around her were broken and I was right. I loved watching her take chances and grow into the woman that was always there just below the surface. Jude MacNamara was an interesting character and I found it so easy to fall in love with him. His outlook on the world is definitely not the norm, but considering what his….mmm...occupation is, it’s not all that surprising. What ended up fascinating me was his code of honor as well as the fact that he is a ‘research guy’ and how it extends beyond his occupation. Despite his gruff and at times edit free way of being, he has a huge heart that beats beneath. I loved how Sloan and Jude first collided and how their relationship evolved from there. While some things happened quickly, others took their time to build and ended up smacking them both upside the head when they least expected it. I loved their interactions and how they ended up helping the other see things in a different way, even when they didn’t want to. And since nothing is ever simple in the world of The O’Malley’s lots of wrenches are thrown their way, but I really liked how they dealt with each one and how they came out stronger together in the end. As with the previous books you get much more than just the MC’s story, you get bits, pieces and teasers of what is going on in The O’Malley world and it’s done in such a way that it doesn’t distract from the main couple. It gives more depth to the world and makes you want more. There were a few a things I didn’t see coming, but I’m definitely looking forward to watching everything playout! ~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~