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
We are back in Redemption Harbor, the place where we have met and come to love some imperfect wonderful alpha men, and some amazingly strong women.
This time the story belongs to school teacher Layla , whom we met in a previous book when she was running for her life, and Xavier, who’s been attracted to her since he met her, but one who has stayed away because of his dangerous profession.
When she’s endangered because of him, he does all he can to protect her, even though his heart is breaking knowing she can’t be his.
But mostly, it’s a story that reminds us that life is not all black or white , but rather variations of gray. We might not agree with all of Xavier’s actions, but who are we to judge.
The plot was action packed and the complex characters made the story extra special. It’s also a story about love, and acceptance. One of my favorite quotes from the story is “Everyone has baggage. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack”.
Lastly, it was a bittersweet story to read, since it’s the last of the series, but it was also wonderful to “see” how the previous characters were doing.
Thanks to the author for another winner.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This the seventh and sadly the last book in the ‘Redemption Harbor’ series. I felt this was a great ending to the series. I’ve enjoyed reading all the characters in this series and I am happy the author finished with Layla and Xavier’s story. I’m always amazed when an author can make you fall in love with a questionable character. But who doesn’t love a bad boy? I loved that Layla excepted Xavier despite his job, saw the man for who he is on the inside.
I found this series to be fast past, suspenseful, with deep friendship old and new, and with sizzling romance. This book had more of a body count then the other’s books, which did not bother me. I was happy to have my favorite reoccurring character in this story, Sky is a great character that makes me laugh and yell “you go girl!”. Would I recommend this book to my friends and family? Most defiantly! And to everyone else who is looking for entertaining romantic suspense.
***I voluntarily reviewed this ARC for an honest review via NetGalley, this is my honest opinion and has not been influenced by the author, Publishers or NetGalley in anyway.*** Thank you!
I love Katie Reus’ Redemption Harbor series, and I didn’t want it to end. I told myself I’m going to ration Chasing Vengeance, so I can savored it. Well, savored it by devouring it in a single sitting, that’s how good it was!
But like any indulgence, it was totally worth it. One of my favorite things about this series is the cast of characters. I love that Reus includes couples from every single one of the books going forward. Skye has to be one of my favorite characters EVER! And to see her grow throughout the series is a real treat.
Layla does have horrible taste in men, and many would argue that going from a drug dealer to a hitman isn’t exactly trading up. But Xavier isn’t your typical killer for hire. Watching Layla and Xavier dance around each other, all the while dodging bullets, cars and hidden threats, makes for one darn fine story.
While I’m sad the Redemption Harbor series is coming to an end, Reus did the series justice in the final installment. I can’t wait to read the next world she creates!
Redemption Harbor has been a solid series I have thoroughly enjoyed and I’m sad to see it ending. This series revolves around a close-knit group of ex-military and mercenaries and their riveting stories.
Xavier is a former contemporary of Axel’s who, although not a part of the core group, has been on the fringes. The RH crew saved Layla from her whacked out ex-fiancée. Now she’s gun shy about men but with good reason.
Xavier had one of those “I’m not good enough for her and I will only get her killed” complexes going on. I’d usually roll my eyes at that, but seeing how his past popped up and put a target on her, I tried to control myself. Other than that one thing, I loved Xavier’s character. He was quite the badass with a huge dose of MacGyver in him meaning he could get out of any situation which made for a fun read.
Layla experienced a bad run, but was doing everything she could to get past it. She also didn’t take crap from anyone, including Xavier, which was refreshing and I totally connected with her. My problem was her chemistry with Xavier just didn’t ring my bell. I’m not sure why as their steamy scenes were great, but I never felt like it was a solid thing, if that makes sense.
Chasing Vengeance was chock full of action and I loved the edge of your seat suspense it created. It kept the plot moving nicely and me from getting bored. What I loved more was how much Skye time we got as she’s one of my favorite characters.
I liked that we got a glimpse of all my favorite characters as part of the epilogue. I feel like it should upset me that it wasn’t from the POV of either Layla or Xavier, but I’m not. I was thrilled it ended up being from Skye as she’s one of my favorite characters of the entire series.
Chasing Vengeance was a quick, sweet read with lots of action for those blood thirsty readers like me out there, and also lots of sexy times. This was a great close out for the Redemption Harbor Series. I hate saying goodbye so I’m crossing my fingers for an occasional novella from this group of characters. It never hurts to have hope!
5 Stars for author Katie Reus “ Chasing Vengeance “
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review …
Opinions expressed are my own …
Great – read – LOVED IT !!!
Layla has major trust issues after having been lied to by her ex fiancé …..
Xavier is a good friend that she is very attracted to but reluctant to chance taking things any further.
What she doesn’t know is that Xavier has secrets of his own – one being he makes a living as a hired killer.
When Layla is threatened by someone in Xavier’s past all bets are off in the “friends only “ department & it’s time for them both to reveal their true feelings ….
This book has a great story line – great characters / secondary characters & sizzling chemistry between Layla & Xavier.
Can’t wait to read other books in the series as well as the back list for this author !
Highly recommend this book !!!!!!
Great book!
Loved it! This was a fast-paced story I could not put down. This book picks up Layla’s story since she moved to Redemption Harbor. She is working to get her life back and move past her disastrous engagement. Xavier has become someone she counts on, but she doesn’t know his true profession. He is a hitman willing to walk away from Layla in order to keep her safe from his past. Their story is full of passion and suspense. I am so sad this series has come to an end.
Visiting Redemption Harbor is like coming home and catching up with old friends. Although each book is a standalone read with its own HEA, there are friends and colleagues from previous books that give a real depth each story. Xavier and Layla’s story in “Chasing Vengeance” is filled with drama, suspense, falling in love, and a connection that is hard to deny. The last book in the series, I am sad to be leaving the “Harbor”, but look forward to the next great series by Katie Reus. **I was gifted copy of “Chasing Vengeance” from NetGalley. Leaving a review is voluntary and completely my own.** 5 Stars!
This is the next story in the Redemption Harbor series and we get to catch up with all of our favorite couples. Layla was introduced in the last book as a good friend of Nova’s who Gage helped out of a bad situation. The romance between Gage and Nova needed a little push and Layla’s life-threatening problem brought them together. Now she is part of the Redemption Harbor group of friends and she is eyeing Xavier as her new best friend, hopefully with some benefits.
Xavier is a mystery man. We are aware he’s a dangerous man with a very dangerous job. He doesn’t want to risk falling for someone only to put them in danger. But the pull with Layla is new for him. Can he deny himself, especially after he knows she feels something for him too? But Xavier’s job has drawn the attention of the wrong person. He is out for revenge and is going to get it through Layla.
This is another suspenseful and fast moving story with just the right amount of heat and you should enjoy the entire series but if this is the only one, it is easy to read for a stand alone….
This was my first book by this author and even though its 7th in the series I was never lost or confused. The author gives us a quick background review on most side characters and I honestly want to go back and read their stories. As for this story I loved it, it was a quick read but it was action packed and suspenseful that kept me guessing what would happen next. Xavier and Layla have a friendship and they both want more but are afraid to ruin what they have. Layla doesn’t want to ruin their friendship because she loves having Xavier in her life and Xavier doesn’t want to start something with Layla because his job is dangerous and she may hate him if she finds out what he does for a living. I enjoyed the push and pull between them and their chemistry. Very enjoyable and want to read more.
Katie Reus can surely write the best suspense books. She has a knack for keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Well then… How to review this book is a bit hard for me, I absolutely loved it, it was suspenseful, romantic, and just plain awesome. I’m so sad to see this series end, but am excited to see what comes next.
This book hit all the right spots, woman who is afraid to love again, the hitman that thinks he is not good enough for love. Such a great story.
Woohoo! Another fantastic Redemption Harbor story that might be my favorite so far. This one hits all my soft spots and Xavier is on my list of book boyfriends! He’s swoon worthy! Starting with one of the sexiness names and moving on to just all out sexy with his handsome face, hard body, alpha attitude and a sense of humor. I love a guy with a badass profession and hitman certainly meets that criteria. Although being a hitman doesn’t lend itself to having a romantic relationship, Layla is a temptation that Xavier tries to ignore without much success. Layla doesn’t believe that her luck with men has changed so she’s not surprised by Xavier’s reaction to her. But all is not as it seems and when Xavier shows his true colors it’s hot. Great connection between these two. When one of Xavier’s many enemies puts Layla in danger he jumps into action to save his woman and defeat the bad guys. I love a good suspense romance and this hits all the marks from the fantastic, sexy characters to the intriguing, danger-filled storyline to the wonderful RH characters from previous stories. The strong community feel of the story is terrific as all RH folks rally to keep Layla safe. I can’t wait for the next one. Spectacular writing! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 stars
What an awesome read! I truly am sad as this is the last book in this series and my heart is broken. I fell in love with all these characters and Xavier and Layla was no exception. Layla and Xavier were friends with deep feelings for each other but Xavier felt he couldn’t be with her because of his current lifestyle. After some angst and Xavier finally getting his act together, him and Layla find their HEA! Filled with all past characters, action, humor, hot sex and so much love between all of them made for a marvelous read. I loved it. 4.5 Strong stars****
******I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley******
Chasing Vengeance is the book that wraps up Katie Reus’s Redemption Harbor series. Xavier is a hitman, and he knows he’s not the right man for Layla. But he just can’t seem to stay away. And with all that Layla has been through in her short life, she knows she should try to date someone more…normal. But their friendship is rife with chemistry, and they don’t really want to find someone else. When danger is chasing Layla once again, will Xavier stick around once she’s safe, or try to be noble.
OK. You guys know romantic suspense is my jam, and Katie Reus is an automatic 1-click author for me. And I did like Chasing Vengeance. It wrapped up the series nicely. I loved that Xavier is a character who values family above all else. And he really did want to do the right thing by his family and by Layla. And I loved that Layla wasn’t portrayed as the shrinking violet, damsel in distress. She’s a tough cookie who has had some really bad things happen in her life, but she hasn’t let anything stop her from pursuing a better future for herself. And when danger lurks, she’s not so stubborn that she puts herself in risky situations. I also really liked seeing the characters from the other books expanding their circle of friends with each successive story. They become more than friends and co-workers. They become family.
All in all, I really liked this series, and I liked this book. But honestly, Chasing Vengeance was not my favorite of the series. My favorite was Resurrection (book 1). And even though all seven books are a series, they each can be read as a standalone. That said, I do recommend the series as a whole because, well…she’s an auto 1-click for me!
NICUnurse’s Rating: I give Chasing Vengeance by Katie Reus 4 stars and the entire Redemption Harbor series 4.5 stars! Really, if you’re a fan of romantic suspense, you can’t go wrong with any of her books, so pick them up like…NOW!
Layla came to Redemption Harbor to start over. Her ex-fiancée was a murderer. Now that he’s dead she wants to rebuild her life. Here she has friends who care for her. Especially Xavier. I loved seeing how this powerful man was overcome by love for this woman. He will go to any lengths to keep her safe. He’s worried that she won’t want him once she knows the real man. Layla is drawn to Xavier. She wishes that he would reciprocate her feelings. Layla is a good and caring woman. I loved how she makes a difference in the lives of the people around her. These two have lived very different lives but I was touched by how much they care for each other. I wanted this couple to get the HEA they deserved. As usually I enjoy coming to Redemption Harbor. It’s great to catch up with this tight knit group of friends and coworkers. Katie Reus has written a suspenseful story. It’s filled with non-stop action and has a surprising twist at the end. The characters are well written and the dialogue is sharp and snarky. I’m sorry this is the last book in this series. I will miss this team.
Katie Reus saved the best for last! Xavier is my favorite hero in the Redemption Harbor Security series. He is perfectly imperfect, and I loved everything about him! Layla and Xavier are by far my favorite couple in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy from NetGalley.
I’m the first to admit that, as much as I like Katie Reus’ take on small-ish town romantic suspense, I haven’t read every book in the Redemption Harbor Series. But the ones I have, did I ever enjoy them. Chasing Vengeance, the finale to the series was no exception.
I liked that Layla was trying to start over. Redefining who she wanted to be and how she wanted to live after the death defying situation she survived. Thankfully she had her best friend and crew to welcome her with open arms. Even if the one person she wanted more than anything kept her at arms length, she kept pushing for more.
But Xavier was keeping her at a distance, heck he kept everyone at a distance, for her own safety. And because how could someone as good as her every truly want someone like him. His secret was a big one and when it came back to haunt him, it was Layla who was caught in the crossfire. It brought out all of his protective instincts and put into perspective some of the choice he needed to make for his future.
While I do feel that I would’ve enjoyed this a bit more if I had read the other books in the series (the other couples pop up a lot- but not in a bad way), this is still a total standalone. Katie Reus went out all in this series finale and it was all I could’ve asked for. Xavier and Layla’s journey was hard and riddled with pain and guilt but it just made their happy moments that much sweeter. Nobody deserved it more. And that ending…sigh…it was bittersweet perfection.
CHASING VENGEANCE Redemption Harbor Series Book 7 By Katie Reus
I am saddened that Book 7 is the last of the Redemption Harbor series. I would say this series has been some of Katie’s best work. This is the story of Xavier and Layla. She is rebuilding her life after her ex-fiance almost killed her, but she is starting to have strong feelings for Xavier. He is a hit man with a big list of enemies, so he is afraid he would put her in danger if they tried to have a relationship, no matter how much he wants it. This solid story has suspense, drama, lots of angst, Xavier and Layla have lots of hot chemistry, and it is a very well written story. I give this 5 stars.
Chasing Vengeance is the seventh and final book in the Redemption Harbor series. After narrowly escaping death at the hands of her ex-fiance Layla has moved to Redemption Harbor to start over and be closer to her best friend Nova. One of the new friends she makes is hitman Xavier and although the relationship is platonic Layla would like more. Xavier is determined to keep her at arms-length thinking no woman could ever accept his career choices. When things do start to escalate between them, his past rears it’s head. Now Xavier will do whatever it takes to protect Layla even from himself.
Katie Reus is an author whose books I can pick up and know I’m going to enjoy. Her characters are well rounded and her plots always keep the pressure building until the very end. One of the best things about her books are, although she writes series, each book can be read as a standalone without giving away any details which might spoil your enjoyment of any previous book in the series.
Another great addition, with a very unique plot, to the Redemption Harbor series by Ms. Reus. This is Layla’s story who we met in Hunting Danger (Book #5). Layla’s luck with men has been dismal at best, but she is now safe from her ex-fiancé and no longer needs protection. She has moved to Redemption Harbor and enjoys time with her BFF Nova. Nova, her husband Gage and his team at Redemption Harbor Consulting are responsible for her ability to start her new life. Into this life comes mysterious Xavier, who is gone for weeks at a time with his investment business. Is there more to his time away? She is very attracted to him, but he claims they can only be friends. Xavier does want much more with Layla, but his true profession puts anyone he is involved with in danger…he is a hitman! Was it a random event when Layla is forced off the road and nearly killed? Xavier knows he has to protect her as he feels certain that this attack was aimed at hurting him. A roller coaster of emotions as they deal with the danger, their desire and his profession. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)