Retribution by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Paranormal Romance –Aug. 2nd, 2011
4 stars

Sherrilyn Kenyon combines a sexy cowboy, the Dark hunter mystique, and Native American mythology into an exciting new romance.

William Jessup Brady was betrayed by one who he considered his father. When the Goddess Artemis gives him the chance for vengeance, he takes it. Now an immortal Dark Hunter, he watches over the woman he loved (Matilda) and her descendants while protecting humankind from evil Daimons. But he keeps himself emotionally apart from everyone, including his loyal squire. When Jess soon finds himself and his fellow Dark Hunters in deep trouble as a new threat from more powerful Daimons emerges. Instead of being the hunter, they are now the hunted. To make things worse, a powerful human wants vengeance on Jess.

Abigail remembers Jess as the man who caused the strife between her parents and the one who was responsible for their murder. She finds herself adopted by Daimons. Abigail lets herself be transformed to gain powers so she can take revenge on Jess for the murder of her family. However, her plans so awry when she finally meets him and realizes that what she thought was the truth was actually all a lie. And she is the one responsible for the deaths of innocents and what may be the beginning of the apocalypse…

This was a fascinating new Dark Hunter novel which was a very quick to read. I loved how the author added Native American mythology in the storyline and hope to learn more about the noble Guardians in future books! Jess was a very worthy hero. I liked how he tried to save Abigail even as she was bent on punishing him for his ‘crimes.’ He realizes how she has been misled and even though it led to the death of his friends, he is able to see past her terrible mistakes and care for her. On the other hand, Abigail takes a while to trust Jess but once she learns that Jess is actually one of the good guys, she is determined to make a future with him. I liked how she turned the tables on him and seduced him! This was a solid and absorbing read. My only issue is that I found myself liking the sexy and selfless Jess a lot more than Abigail. Abigail didn’t quite seem his equal. I was also excited to read the extra scene which includes the married life of Ash and Tory at the end of the book. I am so delighted the author doesn’t forget Archeron even though his story has already been written.

New mythology and fascinating characters plus a smokin’ hot hero make for a thrilling new installment in the latest Dark Hunter series. Oh, yeah!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club