From USA Today bestselling author Katie Reus comes the final story in the explosive Redemption Harbor series where sparks fly and so do bullets… her bestie, Nova. And wine. Lots of wine. The very thing that helps her make another epic mistake—trying to kiss Xavier, one of her newest friends. So what if he’s sexy, funny, and has completely taken over her fantasies? Relationships and Layla don’t mix. And Xavier is clearly not interested anyway.
But it’s too late to walk away…
Any good hitman has no business forging a personal life…no matter how great the temptation. And Xavier is an exceptionally good hitman, with a long list of enemies. Even if Layla could somehow look past his profession, he’d never put her in jeopardy. But everyone has their breaking point—and when Layla accepts a date with someone else, Xavier’s possessiveness is unleashed. The greater the risk, the sweeter the reward…until Xavier’s sweet Layla is used against him by someone from his past. Now he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her from the enemy hunting her from the shadows.
Length: Novel
Author note: This is a stand-alone novel in the Redemption Harbor series complete with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
Redemption Harbor Series
1. Resurrection
2. Savage Rising
3. Dangerous Witness
4. Innocent Target
5. Hunting Danger
6. Covert Games
7. Chasing Vengeance
more
Layla is attempting to start over in Redemption Harbor with the help of her bestie and lots of wine and since her and relationships don’t mix she has no business fantasizing about her sexy and funny new friend, Xavier. A good hitman has no business forging a personal life and no matter how much he wants Layla, wanting her puts a target on her back and Xavier is determined to keep her safe.
The final book in the Redemption Harbor is an exciting, explosive and emotional story that holds readers captive from the very beginning. Xavier and Layla are strong, vivid characters that are full of volatile chemistry that flows from the pages as they easily draw readers into their tempestuous romance. Xavier and Layla prove the adage that opposites attract in that Layla is quite feisty and Xavier is reserved but there is no denying the sparks and the magnetic attraction between these two as they navigate the their rocky relationship which if full of emotional turmoil as Xavier is determined to stay away.
This fast paced and smooth flowing plot steadily builds up the thrilling suspense with adrenaline pumping action and unexpected twists that ensure that the hero and heroine along with the readers are surprised. During all the excitement of this story, readers may want to pay special attention to an explosive car chase and the creative way Xavier puts a stop to it (chills). While readers are sad that the series is ending, they can’t help but enjoy this spectacular conclusion from beginning to end.
5 Final Stars
Finishing out this fantastic series with Layla and Xavier’s story was perfect. This book had all the usual suspense and action we expect, with huge dose of sexy. These two both have their demons and when xavier’s past comes back and endangers Layla a side to him comes out that we have not seen before. The heart and soul that beats within the man fights to come out despite how hard Xavier always tries to hide it. This book is nonstop action and of course it is always entertaining when the entire Redemption Harbor crew comes around and gets involved. I adore this series and will miss it but look forward to whatever Ms. Reus has to offer us in the future!
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
4.25 stars—CHASING VENGEANCE is the seventh and final instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult REDEMPTION HARBOR erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Redemption Harbor Consulting. This is former Marine, former CIA contractor, and assassin for hire Xavier, and kindergarten teacher Layla Ferrer’s story line. CHASING VENGEANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story line is revealed where necessary. Layla was first introduced to the reader in book five HUNTING DANGER.
Told from several third person perspectives including Layla and Xavier CHASING VENGEANCE follows the friends to lovers relationship between former Marine, former CIA contractor and assassin for hire Xavier, and kindergarten teacher Layla Ferrer. Xavier has lusted after our story line heroine since her rescue months before but Xavier knows his lifestyle will never be conducive to settling down or falling in love. When Xavier suspects he and Layla have been targeted by someone from his past, our hero becomes lover and protector for the woman with whom he will fall in love but a woman whose heart he will break in the process. What ensues is the back and forth, developing relationships between Layla and Xavier, and the fall-out as Xavier continues to push away the woman he loves.
Xavier believes he doesn’t deserve to be happy, and struggles with what he does, very well. Protecting Layla is his number one priority but uncovering the who, how and why is just as important. Leaving the details to the Redemption Harbor team, Xavier shuttles himself and Layla to a safe house for their protection.
The relationship between Layla and Xavier is fraught with the uncertainty of Xavier’s inability to allow himself to be loved. Layla is honest with what she wants, and she wants Xavier in her life but our story line hero is willing to sacrifice his happiness to protect Layla Ferrer. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without he use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples, as well as their expanding families. The requisite evil has many faces.
CHASING VENGEANCE is a bitter-sweet finale knowing this is the last we will see of the Redemption Harbor group, a series focusing on friendships, family, security, protection and love. The premise is engaging and seductive; the characters are colorful, energetic and oft-times fun; the romance is spicy and hot. Thank you Katie for taking me along for the ride.
Amazing Series.
This is another great read in this amazing series. layla and Xavier are wonderful characters with great chemistry. I loved catching up with the wonderful characters from the previous books. This is the last book in this amazing series and I will miss all of these characters but, I can’t wait to see what this talented author writes next.
4.5 Stars of awesomesauce!
The end is here! The Redemption Harbor series is now complete and goes out with a bang!
This story focuses on Layla and Xavier. And he is scrumptiously bad! Xavier definitely has a bit of a dark side, but he is trying to do the right thing when it comes to Layla. He doesn’t believe that she could have a future with him because of his past, but when it comes time to step up, he goes all in. I was really surprised by how much I liked him. He was very reserved, but I definitely got why and when he did open himself it was awesome to experience.
Layla was a very sweet character. She knows that there is something about Xavier that has a darkness to it, but she doesn’t let that stop her. But there was only so much she could take. She took the story more than I would have expected her too, but she knows the other characters in the series, so I guess she had an inkling to the type of person that Xavier was and wasn’t as shocked by the revelations that came out.
Overall, very nice story with a great pace and a great ending to an awesome series! I am going to miss the characters in this series and hope that the author, while not bringing them back here, may intersperse them through other series that she rights. So, two thumbs up and happy reading!
Chasing Vengeance by Katie Reus is book 7 in the Redemption Harbor Series. This is the story of Xavier and Layla. This could be made into a standalone book but it is a great series so you might not want to miss it.
Layla is feeling bruised after some bad choices she has made one being almost married to a murder and another big one was trying to kiss Xavier. Now she is just trying to move forward making better decisions…or trying too. Xavier is a hit man who is now working with Redemption Harbor Consulting team but he knows someone as sweet as Layla shouldn’t be for him. Layla would have to accept his lifestyle and she would also possibly be put in danger….so he tries to stand his resisting ground. But when he realizes she going to be stepping out with someone else he can not longer stand on the sidelines. But of course there is danger adding to their story.
Exciting Read!
Absolutely Best Book in this series!!!!
This book kept me glued to it from the first page.
This is Xavier and Layla’s story and wowzers what a story.
Layla thought all bad things were behind her, that is until Xavier…
Xavier is a bad boy to the core, and Layla well her life wasn’t all daisies.
We get all the friends from Redemption Harbor in this one which made me smile.
Fantastic ending to a high suspense series.
What a wonderful ending to this awesome series!
We met Layla in a previous book after she had witnessed her fiancée kill a man. Now she has moved to Redemption Harbor and is trying to settle down. After meeting Xavier they have become friends and while she feels things she normally doesn’t feel for a friend, she’s aware that he doesn’t share those same desires. But after a night out with another man, Xavier confronts her and holy heck, it was spectacular…until she woke up the next morning.
Xavier lives a life that doesn’t allow room for close relationships. Despite that hard and fast rule, he’s drawn to Layla, too much so. He struggles with his feelings until he finds her on a date with another man. It’s all he can take and he makes his move. While it’s the most amazing night of his life, he knows he can’t bring her any further into his life. Not only does his present and past cause potential danger for her, she’s simply too good for him.
There’s a lot of push and pull here, mostly that of Xavier. And I felt it was justified. But even as he’s pushing her away, Layla’s broken past rises up to taunt her with dark memories of not being worthless. When she finds herself in danger, Xavier steps in immediately to protect her. What follows is an action packed, emotionally filled story as they struggle to find a place where they can face each other head on and confront their feelings.
“She was already under his skin and he wanted to be under hers. Because he would take her with him wherever he went. She would live inside him.”
I loved how Xavier was so protective over Layla and wanted only what was best for her despite the fact that meant he would not be in her life. Add in the fact that Layla was strong enough to let him know exactly how she felt about his decisions as well as accepting what he did for a living made for a very enjoyable read.
All of the previous characters from Redemption make an appearance here helping this couple along not only with their special talents but with their friendship. This had a few surprises and no stupid decisions by the heroine, which I appreciated. The steam and chemistry between Layla and Xavier was evident form the very beginning and only accelerated each time they were together.
With a wonderful epilogue that brought us back full circle to the beginning of this series I’m recommending this to everyone who enjoys full on protective alpha heroes and the strong, kick a$$ women who own their hearts.
Dual POV with a few from the villain
A stunning conclusion to the series. I’m sad to say goodbye but hope that we may get little updates from the gang from time to time!
Xavier is a hitman, a good one. He sees himself as a necessary evil, taking out those who deserve it. But although he is secure in his profession, he also doesn’t think he deserved to have a HEA. Especially not one with Layle in it. She deserves nothing but happiness and a good man after the last guy she loved turned out to be a murdering jackass!
Layla thinks she is doomed in the romance department. Her last guy was outwardly perfect, but rotten to the core. Her new infatuation with Xavier seems to be similarly doomed. Especially when she realises what he does for a living. But Xavier is a walking contradiction. He is a good guy who does bad things. He’s kind of a hero with a dirty halo!
But as they slip from friends to something else, Xavier realises that he has some work to do if he wants to get out of the friend, then the no strings zone into the permanent entanglement area. He has some competition and Layla is unsure which direction to take. But danger has found her once again and Xavier can’t help but blame himself. Now he may have to show her exactly how good he is at his job!
Poor Xavier. He is more confused than anything. He is jealous and possessive of his time with Layla but also thinks he is unworthy of anything more with her. Layla thinks her taste in men is already in question, even before she realises Xavier’s profession. Really engaging story and I loved all the layers, you never quite know which way the action is going to go.
Hoping we get to drop on on Sky and the crew in the future – Sky is still my favourite. That woman is scary nutty!!!!
I cannot believe this series is ending. I know all good things must come to an end but it is still sad. Sometimes the end of a series is not the greatest but this book was just as good as the rest of the series. Love the bad boy (real bad boy) who is redeemed. This “family” of characters makes you feel welcome in their world. Xavier and Layla are such great characters. When you read this story, remember tissues are mandatory to finish it.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Bittersweet
The final book in the Redemption Harbour series is here and it’s left me with a bittersweet feeling
Layla is Nova’s bestie that we met in the previous book, when Nova goes to Layla to help her out of her precarious position. Now, those troubles are over and she’s starting over in Redemption Harbour with her bestie. However, even though she wants to move on, it appears one of her connections has brought danger to her life and once again she’s fighting for normalcy.
Xavier has tried to remain friends with Layla and ignored his attraction to her, for as long as he can. When danger comes to town, he assumes it’s possible one of his enemies has come to make him pay and he quickly steps in to help protect Layla
Loved this story and sad to see the end of this series A big thank you to Katie, the publisher and Netgalley for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest and voluntarily given review.
I absolutely love Chasing Vengeance by Katie Reus. This was such a wonderfully written book that is packed full of action and hotness. A definite one click book for all book lovers.
Chasing Vengeance (Redemption Harbor Security, #7) by Katie Reus …This is the final book in this series and I will miss all my friends at Redemption Harbor Security. Thanks so much to the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. This is Layla and Xavier’s story.. ( she was saved by the gang at RHS from her evil ex who wanted to kill her) (he is a hit man sometimes for the CIA and sometimes not) He doesn’t think he is good enough for her and that he’ll put her in danger…she has insecurity problems caused by her no good mother. I fell into this book from the first page and didn’t want to leave…there are plenty of twists and turns, laughter, tears, so many old friends, danger and steamy sex all getting us to our final HEA. This book can be read as a stand alone …but I suggest you read the complete series..you will love it.
I’m sad to see this is the final book in the series. I love the mix of good and anti-hero characters that have come together to form this security team. They don’t always follows the rules but they do only target the bad.
Xavier is a hit man, friend to former hit man and one of the newer members of the Redemption Harbor Consulting team, Axel. He met Layla at Axel and Hadley’s wedding and he just can’t seem to walk away. Unfortunately, he believes he isn’t good enough for so he keeps them in the friend zone.
If anyone deserves a happy life, it’s Layla. Her story is pretty sad and man did I feel for her. I wanted to kick Xavier for holding back with her. I did love the moments of jealous and possessive behavior he portrays with her and he was super protective of her. It just took him a bit longer to learn to be protective of her feelings as well.
As much as I have loved all the couples in this series, Skye is still my favorite. She plays a big role in all the books and I just love her character! This is a great series and I highly recommend it for all the romantic suspense lovers.
Wow, what a wild ride! I should be embarrassed to say this, but I’ve purchased many books written by this author, but I haven’t read them yet – yikes! Now, I’m wondering what took me so long because she certainly knows how to write alpha men/military/romantic suspense. I’m a bit upset with myself that I started reading this series with this book (I think it’s the series finale) but that being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and wasn’t confused reading about the other characters from the previous books. Obviously, I’m off to read the rest of the series now — in order! I loved Xavier and Layla’s chemistry and their interactions with the other characters, but I especially liked the action/suspense and unique storyline. It felt like I was watching a really good action movie unfold! Excellent writing and a very enjoyable 5-star read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
Chasing Vengeance is Xavier and Layla’s story, and the last book in the Redemption Harbor series. Short, but full of action, Chasing Vengeance was an exciting story. Xavier was such a bad ass but I guess that is to be expected from a hit man, and Layla was sassy and I loved how she wouldn’t let him walk all over her.
Overall it was a great conclusion to the series.
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy thru Net Gallery of Chasing Vengeance .
I really enjoyed this outstanding story . It’s one of those you’re on the edge just hanging on intense
pulse pounding stories ! Xavier is a Hitman for both the CIA and contract . He has deep feelings for Layla but he feels she’s much to good for him do to his career choices and the danger a relationship would pose . Layla is a school teacher that’s had a unhappy childhood and very dangerous past relationship . she also has deep feelings for Xavier but is stuck in the friends zone because she doesn’t think he is attracted to her . Danger comes a knocking and Xavier with the help of the Redemption Harbor crew must protect and keep Layla safe . If you want to know if Layla and Xavier’s relationship develops into more than friends I highly recommend reading . this is full of action , Intrigue , sexy times , suspense ,and fantastic characters . a definate 5 star read !
This is book 7 in the Redemption Harbor Security series and while it can be read as a stand alone, I would at least read book 5 before this one as it introduces us to Layla and you see exactly what happened to her. Layla has moved to Redemption Harbor to be closer to her best friend and to start over after what happened. Xavier is a hit man and is friends with Axel and meets Layla at Axel’s wedding. They are friends but there is also a lot of chemistry although Xavier is doing his best to stay away from Layla, but only to keep her safe. But when he see’s her with another man, he realizes that he can’t stay away. Until someone goes after her. Now he will do anything and everything to keep her safe.
I absolutely loved most of this book. The only drawback for me was at times Xavier seemed to be a little too wishy washy. I understand why, I just didn’t necessarily like it. But I would give it a solid 4.5 stars! On a whole, Xavier is this alpha male who has a code that he lives by. And he does what he thinks is best for the people he cares about. Regardless of it is accurate or what they want. Btw, I loved his Abuela!! Layla has been through a lot in her young life, but she has come through the other side stronger than ever! She knows not only what she wants out of her life, but what she needs in order to be happy. And they have some seriously HOT chemistry! I loved them together, and the fact that they were friends before anything else. They know each other and can understand what the other is thinking or feeling to a point because of that. I hate to see this series end, but at least it ended on a high note and we got to see the rest of the characters and know that everyone got their HEA’s!
Layla has been through the ringer. First in foster care after her drug addicted mother overdosed, then she was engaged to a murder, now she has someone after her. Xavier is an assassin and has fallen for Layla but doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. As the team tries to figure out who tried to kill Layla, Xavier realizes it has something to do with him. So as they try to find out, they put Layla in hiding until they are found and have to run again. Xavier says he’ll leave after she is out of danger but she’s in love with him but won’t beg him to stay. Will Layla be able to handle what Xavier was or will he lose the love of his life?
End of an awesome series. Suspense, sex, and killers. Action that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
Chasing Vengeance is the last book in the Redemption Harbor series. I plan on re-reading the series now that I have all the books. It’s great to see how these characters have changed and grown since book 1.
Xavier is alpha to the core and Layla, although nice and sweet, doesn’t take any of his stuff. I’m always amazed at how Katie can write these characters so bad a$$, but vulnerable at the same time. I love it.
A super sexy story and totally worth the read.
ARC received in exchange for honest review.