Series Review: Is this series worth your time? Does it get better as the novels progress? Or does it get worse? Find out below:
Synopsis for Avenge Me (from Goodreads):
Austin Treffen was born into a world of privilege, but behind its gilded doors lies a corruption so sordid New York’s elite would never believe it – especially as his infamous philanthropic father is at its core! With everything he believed in shattered, how can Austin take down his father – risking his family name and those he loves – without any proof?
Until one earth-shattering night with Katy Michaels unlocks not only their deepest, most passionate desires but also the key to bringing Jason Treffen’s reign to an end. But with an intense sexual attraction that combines a heady mix of exquisite pleasure and sublime pain, will they satiate their thirst for revenge and each other…or lose themselves forever in the darkness?
Series: Fifth Avenue Trilogy
Author: Maisey Yates (Take Me & Avenge Me); Caitlin Crew (Scandalize Me) & Katie Hewitt (Expose Me)
# of Books: 3 (Avenge Me, Scandalize Me, Expose Me)
There is a FREE prequel novella, Take Me–see notes below
Book Order: Connected but Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Drama
Heat Rating: Hot, BDSM: mild
Point of View: Third Person, Alternating
Publication Dates: May – July 2014
Source & Format: Public Library–eBook
NOTE: I did not read Scandalize Me or Expose Me. Find out why below..
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
I saw Take Me as a freebie for Kindle so I decided to download it: who am I to refuse a guy in a suit? But what actually sold me on reading this series is the little blurb for the series on Goodreads:
Ten years ago one devastating night changed everything for Austin, Hunter and Alex. Now they must each play their part in the revenge against the one man who ruined it all.
I LOVE revenge stories. I love all the secrecy, forbidden feelings and drama. They make for fun reads and this on in particular looked like it would live up to those expectations.
Plus, my library had the book set so why not?
The Plot:
Sigh… Avenge Me was a huge disappointment. Never did I think I would be upset that a book had too much romance BUT I underestimated a Harlequin Romance.
It’s unfortunate that the focus was on Austin and Katy’s relationship and not on the task at hand: bringing down Austin’s dad. Sure, that plotline was there but it was buried under numerous mild BDSM sex scenes. I was hoping for a book more along the lines of Heated by J. Kenner, which balanced the sexy times with the mystery of the plot, but Avenge Me definitely wasn’t in that league. I guess I should have known when the publisher is “Harlequin” but it’s been so long since I’ve read one that I guess I forgot.
The Characters:
Katy and Austin were nothing new to me. I also didn’t really like them separately or together. Austin was too controlling and Katy–who showed independence and drive at the start–gave in wayyyy to easily. Sure, I can cut Katy some slack considering she has had to raise herself and her younger brother from a young age so the appeal that someone else would “take care of her” makes sense for her character. I just didn’t like how fast everything happens.
The Romance:
I can get over the fact that Katy gives up her virginity to a guy she’s talked to for 5 minutes. While I don’t really respect that, I understand that, hey, the “romance” has to start somewhere (it’s fiction). What I didn’t understand was how she knew she liked to be “dominated” in the bedroom when her previous sexual encounters were pretty much zilch. I dunno, maybe I’m just used to the skeptical heroine being introduced to the BDSM world by an experienced older male and liking it after she’s experienced it.
It was just a little too insta-connection for me with the two of them. I also got real tired of the sex scenes real quick.
Notes on the novella:
Because I had the boxset and Take Me was listed first, that’s what I read first. I would read it first because it shows you the event that inspires the “revenge” in the actual novels. It’s a shame it isn’t a full novel because I really love the story of these two leads but for a novella, I thought it was well done.
My Rating: 2/5
I expected too much from what are essentially extended novellas. I love the premise but hate the execution. If you love lots of sexy times and little plot, this is a great series for you!
Read if You Like: harlequin romances, lots of sexy times
Avoid if You: don’t like insta-connections, want more plot
- Heated by J. Kenner (Most Wanted Trilogy #1)
