They made her into the perfect weapon.Kiyomi Tanaka is the final piece needed to unlock the deadly threat stalking the remaining Valkyries. After years of sacrifice as the ultimate femme fatale, she’s prepared to give up everything to find justice. But suddenly that’s not such an easy choice anymore, because now she has more to lose than she ever thought possible: her freedom, the family she’s … possible: her freedom, the family she’s always longed for…and the wounded warrior who’s stolen her heart.
Now she’s coming after them.
Marcus Laidlaw survived captivity, torture and certain death because of a Valkyrie. Now his solitary existence has been turned upside down by a team of them determined to hunt down the corrupt government officials who stole their lives. He’ll do whatever he can to protect them, but there’s one Valkyrie he’d do anything for—a brave, beautiful survivor who showed him what it means to live again. And when the unknown threat hovering over them is finally revealed, Marcus will be forced to do the unthinkable to save the woman he loves.
more
This book was the intended end of this series, so it has you going through a gamut of emotions as everything gets tied up after the “final” showdown. Although I love the crazy assassin, I think this was my favourite book of the series. Nobody deserved finding love and happiness more than these two beautifully broken warriors.
As the puzzle pieces start all falling into place be prepared to have your mind blown, but do the girls manage to neutralize the threat before any damage is done?
Glad there is a brand new book to dive into as I’m not ready to say goodbye quite yet.
What a way to end an amazing series! We have seen Kiyomi and Marcus in almost all of the books in the series and they were definitely ones I have been anticipating. The way Kiyomi was introduced in book 2, Covert Vengeance, my heart broke for what she had endured and then to finally get her story and more of her history was even more heartbreaking. All of the Valkyries are such strong and fierce warrior women, but something about Kiyomi really resonated with me. And to have her matched up with Marcus, who was equally amazing was fantastic. With the help of Megan in Stealing Vengeance, Marcus survived horrible torture while in captivity, but since then he has provided a safe haven for the team.
I absolutely loved seeing these two tortured souls finally start to really heal and to give each other the love they so desperately deserved. But they still had a mission to complete and a personal vendetta for Kiyomi. So much happens in this book, but I was especially glad to see Kiyomi had some closure (even though she kind of went against the team). And then to finally find out who the “architect” was and what the ultimate plan was, talk about jaw dropping. I really felt all of the appropriate people were the ones to finally pull the trigger and get their own vengeance. This was a fantastic way to end a great series.
The title says it all
The final Valkyries book is here and I admittedly took my time reading it, as I really never wanted this series to endIt’s full of bad@ss women with skills galore and the men that have their backs I especially loved this story as it was for Marcus and Kiyomi and both have had difficult pasts, both feel they are broken in someway but still find the ability to find something worthy in each other and before they know it, feelings are involved as well
I hope at some point we get a novella to see how all these women and their men are doing as I’m honestly going to miss them all
Kaylea Cross brings the final mission to set the Valkyries free in Beautiful Vengeance. And, let me tell you I was anxious and on the edge of my seat for the entire book!
Both Kiyomi and Marcus have been through so much physically and emotionally. They have both lived through what they shouldn’t have survived. They understand one another and give each other strength even though they are both still healing. They are so in love and perfect for each other . . . except circumstances have it that their relationship isn’t meant to be. Both will do everything in their power to make sure the other survives what is coming for them, even knowing they have to walk away from each other once the final battle is done.
Dear Lord, what a rollercoaster! I literally had anxiety as I read. Tears of heartbreak. Tears of happiness. And moments of pure joy and laughter. The Architect and their twisted and diabolical plan . . . holy crap! But, what I really love about this story is how Kaylea Cross made sure readers understood the true Valkyrie sisterhood and their bonds that will never break as well as how amazing the men who support these fierce and capable women are.
I hate to see this series end, as these characters have been incredible and their bonds and camaraderie unforgettable . . . but, what a send off! 5 stars!
I’ve read all of this series to date, despite not knowing that it was tied to a previous series. I’ve enjoyed them all, but I think this one is my favorite of the series.
Kiyomi and Marcus were characters that had gone through unspeakable acts to get to where they were at this particular point in time. They were both physically and emotionally scarred, and yet they kept fighting to make their way back into the light. I loved watching their love story unfold! I could see a myriad of ways their relationship could develop, and I loved watching their journey!
The suspense plot was extremely well done, and kept me engaged throughout. I loved the twists that it took and was utterly shocked by the eventual reveal! This was a wonderful way to end the series for me!
Vengeance (noun): punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense: RETRIBUTION
Vengeance. Retribution. Powerful words, right? And perfect words for describing the actions the surviving Valkyries are planning to exact on those who’ve injured them. Most especially the one known as the “Architect.”
And vengeance is just what Kiyomi Tanaka is after in Beautiful Vengeance—to make those people pay for taking her choices, her chance at a “normal” life. She’ll do anything to keep the family she’s found and her freedom safe, to have the future she never knew she wanted. A future that includes love and a life with Marcus Laidlaw.
And Marcus is finally ready to live again too. Really live a life full of love and happiness. But this beautiful future he’s hoping for hinges on keeping Kiyomi safe and the rest of the Valkyries too. He never thought he’d want to truly love, but there’s something about Kiyomi he cannot deny. And he’ll do anything to secure a future with her.
I’ve been waiting for Marcus and Kiyomi’s story to be told. They’re both trying to recover from physical and mental wounds. And the mental ones are the most difficult to move beyond. But they’re so perfect for each other. Balancing out the hurt with love. I loved how fiercely protective they are of each other—even when one puts their life in danger as well as the rest of the team. They forgive. They trust. They love. They somehow find their happily ever after.
And they do it while working as a team with the rest of the Valkyries. Once trained to rely on no one but themselves, it is amazing how the women form a strong, unbreakable team of deadly weapons. I loved their friendship. Their devotion. Their family. And I’m so sad that this is the end of this excellent Vengeance series.
Wow, this one book you are going to read on the edge of your seat. The twisted plots are so good. The characters are to die for. This book is the best of the whole series, there is so much action and Marcus is such a hero.
I enjoyed the series so much and I am sad that it is over now, but I am also excited to start a new series.
Kyomi and Marcus…
the long-awaited final Valkerie story is here and it was seriously worth the wait but also a little bittersweet knowing it’s the last in this awesome series.
I have loved each and every story Kaylea Cross has written and the Valkerie series was no different it is full of amazing kick-ass take no prisoner women and the guys they choose to spend the rest of their lives with… Once they finally realize they have a life to really live…
Kyomi and Marcus have been dancing around the edges of every story in this series and I have been filled with wonderful anticipation leading up to their story and I couldn’t wait to dive in on release day, I was definitely not disappointed.
The build-up was fantastic to finally pull all the threads together so our Btitchelanties could all get closure and move on was really happening and wow this final book was full of all the emotions, it was a wild ride and a really rocky roller coaster that finally had a safe port to land in.
I couldn’t have wished for a better ending and now I can’t wait to see what comes next for Kaylea Cross.
It’s always a bit hard to read the final book in series I love, to say good bye to the characters that touched me.
Marcus Laidlaw has been key to the successes so far. The Valkyries have an ally in him and his home has been the perfect headquarters while they find each other and begin to unravel the mystery of who wants them all dead.
Kiyomi believes that the man who captured her holds the key to the identity of the Architect. She also thinks she needs to be the one to kill him in order to find peace.
The Valkyries are preparing to move out of Laidlaw manor, it’s become dangerous for everyone after teens cause a ruckus with fireworks and someone taught them a lesson.
Kiyoma doesn’t really want to leave she’s grown close to Marcus and would really like to explore the feelings she has for him. Marcus feels the same but is reluctant to make a move given Kiyoma’s mental state.
A wild ride from beginning to end, with all the loose ends tied up beautifully.
Plenty of action, laughter, tears and the perfect amount of sizzle as we say good-bye to Megan, Amber, Chloe, Trinity, Eden, Briar, Georgia and the men who love them.
Kiyomi Tanaka and Marcus Laidlaw have been on a slow burn relationship for several books now. I would say finally after all the teasing of these two that their book comes to be. However, their time was not ready until now, I can see that the book, Beautiful Vengeance (Vengeance #5) by Kaylea Cross is perfectly timed.
I had thought that the first book or maybe the last books in this series were my favorite but hold on, Kiyomi and Marcus simply blew me away. Always well crafted stories by Ms. Cross but this one is incredible bringing together the others and the overall story-line. I am not sure that this is entirely a stand-alone novel but because of the overall theme plus everyone should meet Marcus in the first book. Then they should see how the relationship between Marcus and Kiyomi slowly developed. Besides the romance, there are twists and surprises, including a crazed villain who must be stopped. I never doubted that this group could do it.
An amazing book that is a fitting finale to this an amazing series. Not for the weak at heart or for those who believe that the justice was too harsh. Remember the title of the series is Vengeance with each book having Vengeance as part of its name. As for me I loved these strong warrior women. So maybe I was sitting when I read this book but on the inside I was standing and cheering for the Valkyries who prevailed!
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you are new to this series, this series is about the Valkyries, a group formed by the government that trained strong , resourceful female operatives to go beyond the expected. They were also trained never to get close to anyone.
All but one, Kiyomi Tanaka, have found their soulmates. She’s a survivor.
Marcus Laidlaw, while in a prison worse than hell and sure to die, is saved by a Valkyrie.
When they are thrown together to hunt down the evil that surrounds them, and feelings are obvious, will they survive the evil that surrounds them and find their HEA, or will they die trying?
This last book in the series is one of the best. The story was engaging, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
I am truly sorry to see this series end, but so glad I had the opportunity to read it.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own
Kaylea Cross series about the Valkyries is electrifying, sexy with a lot of action. Marcus and Kyiomi have been hinted in other books and now we can read their path to find each other romantically. It also has a lot of good action scenes and we can see the characters from the other books.
I love Kaylea Cross’s writing style, she can create tough women that can handle guns, fighting but at the same time they are sweet, have emotional fauts and suffered a lot. The characters speak for themselves and their path is a joy to read.
I just loved this book and the series is super worth reading.
Beautiful Vengeance by Kaylea Cross is the heart-pounding conclusion to her Vengeance series. It is a contemporary romantic suspense that technically you could call a standalone title, but there’s one mystery that is woven throughout the entire series that might throw a reader off a bit if you don’t start with book one. And I’m always one to recommend reading a book series in order, anyway, even if they are standalone titles because you always get a richer reading experience. Just trust me––this series is definitely worth the investment of your time and book money! I was a fan of Kaylea Cross long before I became a reviewer and a book blogger, so I can honestly say that any book you pick up by her is going to be worthwhile.
Let’s talk hero and heroine. Marcus is the ultimate hero, IMHO. He’s handsome despite the scars his time in the military left him with, both physical and mental. He’s a quiet, brooding sort of man, and while he has some alpha tendencies, he’s not afraid to step back and give a woman some control in all areas. He’s a keen observer, as well. And all of these things make him perfect for Kiyomi. She’s also bearing major physical and emotional scars and needs a man who is patient, kind, caring, and understanding. Yeah…Marcus is all of those and more. Like I said, he’s perfect for her.
NICUnurse’s Rating: I have been waiting for this book since Kaylea Cross first launched the series, and it was so very worth the wait! As always, this author does a great job weaving a wonderful tale, all the while giving us wonderful characters and submerging us in exciting worlds. I’m a romantic suspense/thriller junkie, but the antagonist in Beautiful Vengeance was NOT who I thought it would be. And that’s not a bad thing. I’m always just a little disappointed when a romantic suspense story is too easy to predict and the bad guy or whodunnit is too easy to solve. And Kaylea Cross usually doesn’t disappoint me in that aspect. So, to sum it up, for romantic suspense/thriller fans, this book, as well as the entire Vengeance series, is a must-read! And Kaylea Cross continues to be on my automatic 1-click author list!
I give Beautiful Vengeance by Kaylea Cross 5 out of 5 stars!
4.25 stars–BEAUTIFUL VENGEANCE is the fifth and final instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult VENGEANCE romantic, suspense series focusing on a group of women once known as the Valkyrie-members of a secret CIA government project. This is thirty-one year old, Valkyrie Kiyomi Tanaka, and former SAS agent Marcus Laidlaw. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is an on going arc throughout. The VENGEANCE series is a spin-off from the author’s HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series. You do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand but it is recommended to read DISAVOWED (Hostage Rescue Team #4).
SOME BACKGROUND: Years earlier, an unsanctioned, secret CIA run project ‘stole’, brainwashed and trained a number of orphan girls in an effort to design the perfect killing machine known as the Valkyrie. The project was disbanded but the Valkyrie have since found themselves targeted by someone high in the organization, someone who is willing to kill to protect the secrets they know. Deadly operatives trained to work alone, each a specialist in a different field, the Valkyrie struggle when they find themselves losing their heart and falling in love.
Told from several third person perspectives including Kiyomi and Marcus BEAUTIFUL VENGEANCE is the culmination of five story lines as the Valkyrie hunt for their sisters, in an effort to protect one another from the next kill. Kiyomi Tanaka, trained as the ultimate, beautiful femme fatale, had been tortured and brutalized on her last assignment but with it came the memories of what was and what will never be. Hoping to exact revenge on the man responsible, Kiyomi struggles to trust the women she has learned to call her sisters, when the Architect of the Valkyrie program returns, desperate to bring Kiyomi back into the program, desperate enough to kill anyone in the way.
Meanwhile Kiyomi’s attraction to Marcus Laidlaw continues to grow. Marcus is a former SAS agent and has leant his mansion to the surviving Valkyrie as they remain undercover, in their search for the person trying to take them down. Physically and emotionally damaged from his torture in Syria, Marcus keeps to himself but the heart is hoping for a chance at love, if only Kiyomi is willing to accept Marcus, damage and all.
The relationship between Marcus and Kiyomi is one of immediate attraction but Kiyomi requires months of healing and rehabilitation in the face of being held captive by a vindictive man. Marcus struggles with the guilt of losing too many men on his last mission to the Middle East but in doing so believes is may not be worthy of love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples: Megan Smith and Tyler Bergstrom (Stealing Vengeance #1), Amber Brown and Jesse Cordova (Covert Vengeance #2), Chloe and Heath (Explosive Vengeance #3), retired SF and NSA agent Alex Rycroft; and Valkyrie Trinity Durant and Brody Colebrook, and Eden Foster (Toxic Vengeance #4). The requisite evil has many faces including someone connected to the original Valkyrie program.
BEAUTIFUL VENGEANCE is a story of vengeance and retribution; of obsession and control; of beauty, acceptance and love. The premise is intriguing, imaginative and edgy ; the characters are strong-willed and animated; the romance is captivating and encouraging. Kudos to the author for taking her time with the series wrap up, protecting the reader from a rush to the finish. Here’s hoping Kaylea Cross has plans for another spin-off as each member of the Valkyrie begins a new life and a new adventure.