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Vengeance #5

Beautiful Vengeance

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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 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.

314 pages, ebook

First published March 31, 2020

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About the author

Kaylea Cross

91 books1,748 followers
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Anita.
2,297 reviews186 followers
June 6, 2020
This is the last book in the Vengeance Series and it really, really good. Marcus and Kiyomi are both deeply flawed and deeply scared and deeply wounded characters. They have found peace with each other in a purely platonic relationship that both value and both want to change, but each is afraid to take the first step. After all they have been through as individuals, no two characters deserve an HEA more. But, peace and lasting happiness for the Valkyries, and the men who love them, is impossible until the people behind this heinous program are found and exposed.

From the time they were girls these women were trained to kill. Kiyomi Tanaka was trained as an "intimate assassin". Her job was to get up close and very personal in order to extract information and then kill her target until she was betrayed and the target captured and tortured her. Now, she burns for the chance to rid the earth of the people who destroyed her life. If she survives, then she can think about living a life free to choose who to love.

After enduring endless torture and coming close to dying former SAS officer, Marcus Laidlaw, was left to rot in a foreign prison until he was rescued by a Valkyrie. He has lived a solitary life, but Megan, the Valkyrie who rescued him, and her sister Valkyries need his help. Now he will do anything he can to assist them in putting an end forever to this program and bringing them to justice, one way or another.

Together, Kiyomi and Marcus, will bring us non-stop action and hot, steamy romance that Kaylea Cross is known for.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,841 reviews1,440 followers
April 4, 2020
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. ~ Missy, 5 stars
Profile Image for Mari.
2,126 reviews5 followers
April 5, 2020
4 5 stars

Action packed and steamy conclusion to this series. We met the Valkyries when they were hunted after each other their stories. It's the culmination of everything, plus this is Kiyomi's story. After all the ache and torture she experience even while training she gets her freedom also vengeance. Usually revenge plots are not easy to like but here I get it they've been put through so much, lied to and deceived.

Marcus has always been the safe house for them since the start and there was something about Kiyomi that spoke to him. Even while in the earlier books she was broken now she's ready to find her own. She deserves something good and it helped that Marcus was patient but he also has boundaries.

This series was pretty original and a great concept behind it. The ladies were all unique in ability and character. I enjoyed them all. This one had it's fair share of excitement and keeps you thinking. I get why that ended that way for the mastermind behind it all. It was all justified. A good series very women power.
Profile Image for Anne - Books of My Heart.
3,329 reviews203 followers
April 3, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
 

This series, Vengeance has an overall story of finding all the Valkyries who have been burned and keeping them from being killed, bringing them into the team.  There is also the goal of finding out who is hunting them to extinction, a mole in the covert ops family.
The final book, Beautiful Vengeance is a fitting finale to the series.  Marcus has been with it since the beginning. He was saved by the initial Valkyrie Megan, and took her to his family home to hide.  Each Valkyrie has ended up here as she was rescued, including Kiyomi.  Both Marcus and Kiyomi have physical and mental scars from their time in Syria.

I found Kiyomi harder to connect to than some of the others. She is more directly in therapy and is more selfish in her goals, less involved with the guarding and fighting aspects of their goals. So the fact she was so wanted I thought was more related to her beauty. During this story, her anger turns her from the defensive to the offensive in seeking justice.

Marcus, as with many of the other males who end up with Valkyries, is a military man of extreme talent.  He naturally finds her beautiful, admires her and wants to protect her.  He is considerate of her past and she is the one who initiates the relationship.  Kiyomi has never had a relationship based on her own feelings. She has only faked relationships for her missions to get information or assassinate her targets.



The overall hunt for the Architect, who has been hunting Valkyries, ends up connecting through Rahman who was Kiyomi's last target. It's a wild and harrowing fight to the end. I loved the action and all the relationships, seeing all the Valkyries again.

 

Profile Image for Shelley.
2,512 reviews51 followers
June 6, 2020
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 end❣️It’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😢
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,324 reviews17 followers
April 6, 2020
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH ONE OF A VARIETY OF SOURCES. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

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!
Profile Image for Sandy S.
7,093 reviews183 followers
April 1, 2020
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.

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.2k reviews87 followers
April 3, 2020
Marcus is a former SAS agent who is still trying to deal with the aftermath of his career. He owns the Valkyrie’s a debt that he can never repay as they rescued him when he was being held hostage so now he is returning the favor.

Kiyomi is the Valkyrie who was trained to use her physical attributes against their enemies, and it worked to perfection until the last mission which forever changed her. She has always looked at men as a means to an end but the more time she spends with Marcus the more she begins to see the man.

Kiyomi finds herself caught in the crossfire between the Valkyrie’s and their enemies but there isn’t anything that Marcus won’t do to rescue the woman he loves. The finale to this series takes you on an adventure filled with suspense, heat and twists as we get to know Kyomi and Marcus as well as catch up with all the other characters we know and love.

Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,142 reviews23 followers
April 1, 2020
His Devotion!!!

Kiyomi Tanaka who'd been introduced to us in COVERT VENGEANCE was the final piece that was missing to get to those that were hunting and killing the Valkyries pay for what they have done. For years she'd been playing a femme fatale now she was prepared to give up everything to get justice for her and her fellow Valkyries. Only this time around she had much more to lose than before.

She was going after those that harmed her and the women she'd come to know and love as her family. After what happened to her at the hands of a man (Fayer Rahman), she made fall in love with her, knowing she would betrayed him in the end. She took the time to heal, while she was recovering, she ended up losing her heart to a sexy as sin, broody and wounded warrior named, Marcus Laldlaw.



Marcus Laldlaw survived tortured and certain death while in captivity years ago because of Megan ( STEALING VENGEANCE ), a Valkyrie who'd refused to let him die at the hands of his enemies. Now she and her Valkyrie sisters were staying with him while they worked in tracking down the founder of the Valkyrie program known as the Architect and the corrupt government officials who'd created/stolen a lot from them. He was determined to protect them, no matter what especially Kiyomi Tanaka who'd captured his heart the instant he saw her.



They got pretty close, they were each other's rocks. They both cared and loved the rest of the people that lived with them. They would always be family, maybe not by blood but by choice. It was wonderful to see all the Valkyries get their HEAs. It was like his family kept growing and he couldn't be happier for them.



Kiyomi showed Marcus what it meant to live again so when she found herself in their enemies' sights, he did whatever it took to make sure the woman he loved came back to him. With the help of her Valkyrie sisters, he rescued her and they made sure their enemies never underestimate them again.



BEAUTIFUL VENGEANCE VENGEANCE is the fifth and final book in Kaylea Cross' VENGEANCE series. Oh my! What a heart-wrenching, adventurous, captivating and engrossing way to end this mind-blowing series. Kaylea Cross had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I recommend you guys give this series a try! 5++++

****Teasers courtesy of Kaylea Cross.****
Profile Image for Angela.
227 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2020
This was the perfect way to close out this series. I'm sad to see this one end. And as sad as I am, I can only imagine how sad Kaylea Cross must have felt finishing this one off. Finally we see Kiyomi and Marcus's story. They both loved each other but didn't want to admit it to each other because they knew they had no chance together unless and until Kiyomi got revenge on her captor as well as finding out who The Architect was. Would they have their happy ending?

Well it seems like Kiyomi had two more ops in her. The team gets a lead on where Rahamn's safe house was and, not wanting to miss their chance to capture him alive and grill him for information on who the Architect is, the team moved out. Only while the team was planning their op, Kiyomi went out on her own. She wanted him dead and she wanted it to be by her hands. I don't need to go into details but her mission was successful - even if the others were pissed that she went on her own. Marcus especially since he went with them on this op.

Next up - track down the Architect. The discovered she was a woman and that she was after Kiyomi specifically - though they didn't know why. She was one step ahead of them however. After tracking them down at Laidlaw, she nearly managed to capture Kiyomi before Marcus saved her. But the twist was something I didn't see coming. To find out that The Architect was Kudos on that big twist.

A few final thoughts... I love that Brody returned to the picture for Trinity. After reading about their love story in a previous series, the fact that he made a return appearance was welcome. And, I also loved that Rycroft mentioned Grace. Strangely enough, the Titanium Series was one of the last one's I read of Kaylea Cross and I had no idea that Rycroft even had a woman in his life so... And of course, in the end we got to find out where everyone was headed once all threats against the women was eliminated. They all got their happy ending. And isn't that what we all wanted for them?

Now, I've got three more books of hers to read and then I can say I've read all of Kaylea Cross's books (and yes, I'm reading what is probably her first series last). I can't wait to find out what series she works on next. And, will any of her previous characters pop up in them? Can't wait to find out.
Profile Image for NICUnurse Stephanie .
856 reviews30 followers
April 1, 2020
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!
Profile Image for lily bookscation.
443 reviews
December 6, 2020
4.5 stars

the closure of the Vengeance series. it is just as amazing as the other books in the series but the second and third book still be on top for me.

I am well prepared before pick up this book because knowing well what will I found about Marcus and Kiyomi. Two battered soul and wounded physically. There's not too many action from the main hero because of his injury and Kiyomi's dark past is just hard to read without feelings sorry and sad for her. Same with Trinity, they taken too much from her. Her freedom, her ability to have children and sense of belonging of her own body and soul.

still no explanation why the seductress Valkyrie tend to not live longer. I think the author loves Megan the most. She is almost in every book and she has her own POV. While Chloe and Eden barely there for the action and other important stuff. I definitely hope Chloe's skillset much more used in the action. Too bad.

For Kiyomi no hate towards her but her reckless action for vengeance just getting on my nerves. I don't really care her vengeance plot towards Rahman. I am more more interested in the main villain, which is The Architect.

It is a fresh idea to put a female villain. she definitely is a total psychopath. try to build her own soldier to do her bidding.

it's bittersweet feeling after reading this and fortunately all the Bitchilantes have their own HEA. all Valkyries marry their man except foe Chloe (she engages to Heath). Chloe and Heath still my favourite couple, they are so different yet complete each other. Chloe with her crazyness and outgoing personality while Heath is the calm one. Chloe likes to blow shit up while Heath saves lives.

Other than my rant about too many Megan in the series and less of exploration of the others skillset, I definitely love this series and will reread it some other time.

note: I really want to visit Marcus's home. I bet it is soo beautiful
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,457 reviews16 followers
April 1, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Sharrice.
1,190 reviews65 followers
April 29, 2020
Blog Tour link: https://reesesreviews.blogspot.com/20...

We got introduced to Kiyomi back in book two (Covert Vengeance) when Amber saved her from torture. Since then we've gotten sprinkles of her story and I have been waiting on bated breath for her and Marcus' story.

The final book in this amazing series was everything I wanted and more. It definitely had those moments where it seems like everything was coming together and then I'd see I had a large chunk of book left and was like "Oh shit what's going to happen now!!!!"

Kiyomi has been through hell. Tortured, abused, and manipulated from the time she entered into the Valkryie program. The man who took and tortured her before Amber saved her is finally in her sights and she will do anything to finally take him down.

I loved the whole push and pull between Kiyomi and Marcus. I loved it loved it loved it. Marcus was left constantly feeling guilty about finding Kiyomi attractive but couldn't help but love being around her. Kiyomi didn't think Marcus who could ever love someone who had been used and hurt the way she was. It was so heartbreaking, but I was so happy they got together even when it was hard.

The Vengeance series is finally over and it came together beautifully. The bad guy was finally revealed and all thee characters got to play such an important role in the ending. I'm so happy everyone got a happy ending (I hope that's not a spoiler) but what an ending.

This has been a truly amazing series and I will definitely one day be re-reading this whole series time and time again.
April 7, 2020
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!
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,195 reviews24 followers
April 2, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,167 reviews34 followers
April 3, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Dora.
750 reviews11 followers
August 7, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Mags.
2,752 reviews30 followers
April 1, 2020
Beautiful Vengeance brings the fabulous Vengeance series to an end with Kiyomi and Marcus's story, and ultimately reveals the answers to the biggest question who is the architect and why are they so desperate to get their hands on Kiyomi.

And what a story it was, with a build up that includes the Valkyries and Marcus heading to Syria, forcing Marcus and Kiyomi to face their demons. Before a confrontation with the architect ensues, and all of this had me on the edge of my seat.

Not to mention there was plenty of emotion as Kiyomi is forced to confront what was done to her throughout the program and a sweet romance. As well as a few fun moments. Thanks to the other Valkyries or as Chloe likes to call them bitchalantes.

And for me, all of this made Beautiful Vengeance the perfect ending to the series, especially as everyone got a happy ending and justice was served Valkyrie style!

Would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
955 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2020
Beautiful Vengeance

OMG! What a FANTASTIC story! This was a very emotional story for all of the women! It was especially hard on Kiyomi. Marcus has been a trooper for all of these women, opening his home to them to heal. Marcus started falling in love with Kiyomi the first time he saw her. It took Kiyomi a little longer to start falling in love. She didn't think she could but Marcus changed her mind. It was shocking and sad to find out who the Architect was - Amber and Megan's aunt. I definitely had tears when Marcus thought he actually killed Kiyomi but thankfully she survived. The end of the Architect was epic! All women were involved in ending her. I am so happy all of the women finally found their freedom and their happily ever afters! I am sad that this is the final book in this series but what an epic ending! FANTASTIC job Kaylea! I would highly recommend this book.
3,042 reviews27 followers
April 1, 2020
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
945 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2020
I knew this was going to be a great book going in because not only is the author a great storyteller but I had become so invested in these characters throughout the series. And yes, I do recommend reading all the books in order that way you will become super invested like I was. Kiyomi and Marcus were the ones that I needed to read their HEA because they were such amazing and in their own ways damaged. They each had their own demons that you wanted to see them overcome so they could have the life they deserved to have.
And the rest of the Valkeries were along on this journey to reclaim their lives. Such a group of strong, kickass women that I would love to sit down and have a drink with if they existed outside the pages of this series.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,489 reviews36 followers
May 9, 2022
As it all comes together this is action packed exciting and emotional, we find out who the Architect is and the team get closure. Not easy and certainly not without harm or risks. Highs and lows, lots of love and some happy endings. I felt the series could end with this book, but I know there is at least one more. Marcus and Kiyomi finally move forward and get some peace from their nightmares and some love and acceptance, which is well deserved. I loved all the couple's in this series, the woman are so strong but all were damaged and a little broken by the life forced on them as children. The men also are strong enough to take support roles behind the women they love but also step up when needed and show vulnerability as well. Amazing read.
Profile Image for Elena Pietrantonio.
40 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2020
I can't believe this is the last book of the series! What a fantastic read that I will be re-reading many times over. I'm glad Marcus' story was last, we were all rooting for him to find "his one".

I’ve come to expect disappointment when the series gets to the 4th book or 5th book, Not in this case, each one is better than the last. Exciting plots that keep you involved to the very end. As always the excitement keeps you turning the pages. It’s an intriguing story-line with many twists, surprises and very well written. The main characters are well developed and have an interesting relationship.
1,805 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2020
That is soooo fucked up when they finally found out who the architect was. It took a long while b4 she could really find closure and heal herself. It was good that they came 2gether and did what they did best, survive and help the world b a better place even though it was against their wills growing up like they did. Even though he was injured he would do anything 2 save her even if it was 4 her own good. But they both had things in common and 2 overcome in their pasts 2 have a much better future. I soooo hope that there will b a spin-off series 2 this about all their futures with marriage lives, kids, get 2 gethers, etc. Asap!!
Profile Image for Felice Foster.
864 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2022
Beautiful Vengeance had me all in the feels

First of all, I was worried a few books back that Marcus may not be who he said he was or maybe working secretly for the other side. Sooo glad that wasn’t the case.

Kiyomi has been a silent favorite since she was introduced. Put these two war torn (literally) heroes together and nothing but fierce protectiveness and tears.

I’m glad Kiyomi got her vengeance, I feel bad that Marcus had to do what he did because I get the feeling that will haunt him for the rest of his days.

This story was so emotional and so so good. I guess the good girls do win in the end
Profile Image for Meghan.
2,669 reviews7 followers
January 30, 2024
Growing together

Kiyoma and Marcus. Both have been present in other books and have shown much growth over the series. Both have a strong story of torture and pain, but also of growth and healing. The two main villains of the series are found and get justice. Chloe had a fun moment for the final villain and the way all the sisters came together was poetic. Rycroft and the other men were a perfect blend of protector and amused loved one. Great ending to the storyline of their origin and the biggest enemies. Loved the ending and emotions to show their growth as individuals, couples and sisters.
Profile Image for Ana Paula .
854 reviews29 followers
April 1, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Debra.
315 reviews7 followers
April 2, 2020
Beautiful Vengeance is a beautiful conclusion to this series! Kiyomi’s story has been gradually told throughout the series and now she and Marcus finally have their chance at love. The brokenness in each of them calls to the other. There is a sweetness to their relationship, in spite of the pain they’ve both endured.
We also find out the identity of the Architect. The depravity of this person knows no bounds. This is a book that you will definitely want to read, but make sure you read this series in order, so that everything makes sense!
Profile Image for Johnaka- Amity Book Blog.
1,163 reviews16 followers
April 2, 2020
Beautiful Vengeance by Kaylea Cross
“The end, 5 stars”

Can I just say that I am sad to see the end of the Valkyries? This series is what introduced me to Cross and I couldn’t be more thankful. Beautiful Vengeance is packed with action, growth, and heat. I loved Marcus and Kiyomi. Both damaged in their own ways who have to let all that go and embrace one another. Beautiful Vengeance made both of them look hard in the mirror and dang did it make you feel. If you take a chance on Beautiful Vengeance you won’t regret it.
Plot-5/5
Characters-5/5
Heat-5/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-5/5
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