Toxic Vengeance

Vengeance #4

by Kaylea Cross

A past poisoned by lies.

Toxins expert Eden Foster was trained never to get close to anyone. She’s only broken that rule twice, and each time it ended in heartbreak. Her mentor was murdered in front of her, and now the man she was forced to deceive and leave behind has suddenly become a threat. She wants justice, but the only way she’ll get it is by joining forces with the only man to pose a threat to her guarded heart—the CIA contractor tasked with capturing and turning her in.

Risking a second chance could cost them everything.

Zack Maguire has spent his entire adult life serving his country, but this time, he’s torn between duty and his heart. Eden might not be the woman he thought she was, but he refuses to accept that everything between them was a lie. If she’s being hunted, he’s all in. He won’t sit back and do nothing when her life is on the line. As the danger mounts, he’ll do anything to protect her. And when their enemies close in, the only way they’ll live long enough to have a second chance is to let go of the past and learn to trust each other.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Military Fiction, Suspense, Action, Mystery, Military Romance

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2020

About the author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, HOLT Medallion, and the National Readers Choice Awards. A former Registered Massage Therapist, Kaylea holds a BA in anthropology and history from UBC, and a MSc in Human Bioarchaeology and Paleopathology from Durham University. She’s also an avid gardener, artist, baker, osteology geek, novice rower, history buff, humpback whale enthusiast, and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and rescue pets.
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Reviews

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.
 
3.5 hearts

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.  Each book has a new couple as each new Valkyrie is found and brought into the new group.

The setup in each book is similar as the woman is used to being alone, an orphan trained as an assassin without family or friends, working on her own.  The guy, usually military, is from a more normal family so he is often the one to promote a relationship.  The guy is a bit insta-love, admiring the highly skilled Valkyrie, and seeing her in danger makes him protective.
Wow,  those last two paragraphs are from my previous review in the series, and they are the truth. In Toxic Vengeance,  Eden is on her own and goes after a target she always wanted but was told to leave alone.  Eden hasn't heard from her handler in weeks. Previously, she was having an affair with a CIA contractor, Zack.  She had gathered information on him and knew who he was but left to protect him.   Of course, she runs into Zack as she is trying to escape.

It seems a bit fast and weird how he connects with Eden again and how easily he joins her cause. I didn't get much of a sense of him, but at least he was willing to protect her. I can't say why the team was interested in having him, as they didn't seem to know at first about their past connection.  And initially, why would they trust him so quickly?  Eden spent most of her time trying not to be attracted to Zack rather than working on the mission.

The team makes a plan to gather information and try to gather another lone Valkyrie, so we see all the familiar Valkyries and their guys again.  They didn't seem as skilled and well planned as in previous books and things ended a bit abruptly, more focused on the romances than the mystery and action plots.

A key difference here is when they go out onto the mission this time, they are doing more fighting with guns rather than their specialized areas. This approach slightly favors the guys and their skill sets as the Valkyries are more specialized, although they can do this fighting, too.  Eden works with poisons and she doesn't use it after taking down the original bad guy.

I would read this series in order as the overall story arc and couples progression are easier that way.   I am looking forward to the next adventure which has to be Kiyomi and the conclusion of the mystery arc of who is assassinating Valkyries.
 

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some things I really liked about this book and some I didn't. I wasn't in love with this couple. We didn't get to see them fall in love and I miss that. I really enjoyed catching up with the other Valkyrie couples and the set up for the last book with Kiyomi and Marcus was terrifying.

Eden Foster is a Valkyrie toxins expert. She knows a million different ways to render a mark out of commission, or dead. Using others to facilitate her hits is her norm, until she meets and uses Zack and just can't let him go. Getting involved is against all her training and she ends their relationship before she gets in to deep.

When CIA contractor, Zack Maguire, woke up alone with a flower and a note, he felt the woman he was falling for was not what she seemed to be. He knew that for a fact after searching everywhere and not finding a trace of her until she pops up on another mission and kills his target and disappears again.

Eden knows the Valkyries are being hunted and contacts her handler for help in disappearing. When her handler is killed and Eden almost is too, she joins with the other Valkyries to end this threat to them. Zack, through CIA sources, finds out about Eden and is still determined to find her. Rycoft contacts him and Eden meets with Zack and recruits him. Neither one wants to believe that what they shared was just part of their jobs. As the attacks against the Valkyries increase, they are gathering more and more information and coming closer and closer to who is behind the mission to destroy them.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

What and awesome read and we really enjoyed it from beginning to end of the story that was loaded with tons of suspense and a mystery to solve and whole lot of love and tons and tons of danger at every turn it also had some incredible characters and we loved them all.



I really enjoyed Zack and Eden's story they had a ton of chemistry and just sizzled together.The story never had a dull moment as something was always happening it was almost like the character's never had a minute to chill before another attempt on their lives was lodged against them yet, again.



I am really loving this series and we loved the twists and turns this story took .We loved the premise of having a group of elite women assassins who all had special capabilities and work well alone and well as a group as a black ops operators for the government. We loved that you never knew who was working behind the scenes because it just kept you guessing of who was up those those misdeeds, who is the rat of an organization or perhaps multiple rats and perhaps even multiple organizations who are all the players and so worth and those who you once trusted with your life are no longer your allies. For us the series keeps getting better and better and we love how each story is connected to the next because the story is a continuing one.Awesome character's throughout the story that we couldn't help but, enjoy each and everyone of them.



Looking forward to the next book in this series and this one goes into the keeper pile to re-read at a later date.Recommend read to all as well as the entire series.

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Female assassin versus mercenary for hire? I’ll take that bet, especially when it’s a Valkyrie up against former CIA!

Eden Foster knows her plants. Knows exactly how much to feed and water them to make them bloom and grow. And knows just how many crushed petals it takes to make a poison that just makes someone quite sick to one that’s deadly. And that is awesome, right? She’s brilliant and deadly. And amazing.

And lonely. And the one time she let down her guard, she almost got herself killed.

And now Zack Maguire is back in her crosshairs. But he’s on her side this time. And he didn’t forget the time he spent with Eden. She’s unforgettable. And now in addition to keeping themselves alive and finding the traitor in their midst, Zack’s bound and determined to remind Eden that what they feel—love, lust, happiness—is real. And worth fighting for—a future worth fighting for.

I loved Toxic Vengeance and loved Zack and Eden. Loved their romance. Their banter. Their love. Their desire to build for a future. To finally give in and over to their feelings. It wasn’t easy for them to overcome their fears and their pasts, but it was so worth the battle. I cannot wait to see what happens next with Marcus and Kiyomi. ~ Missy, 5 stars

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toxic Vengeance appealed to me right away because of the Heroine, Eden. She is a "toxin expert" which just sounds amazingly cool. She is also a former Valkyrie (badass group of female assassins who are trained in all kinds of deadly skills).

Eden met Zack before the story in Toxic Vengeance takes place; it ended badly because she was still a Valkyrie at the time and was forced to deceive him. Now, she is in danger; someone is hunting the former Valkyries and attempting to kill them. She is on her own now, having not made contact with her handler in awhile. Zack barges back into her life and falls in love again instantly. She and Zack then must figure out who is trying to kill Eden.

All the books in the Vengeance series are a bit formulaic. First, there is a valkyrie who is trained in a specific area to be lethal. Then, a military type man enters their life and the instant love is strong. They fight together to take down the bad guy. Now, formulas aren't bad; I enjoyed Toxic Vengeance. But, I found myself confusing it with other Cross books because sometimes it was as if I had read it before but with different character names. The big conflict in the romance of this story is the trust issues. Eden had deceived Zack in the past and he wasn't quick to forget it.

I wish there was more focus on Eden's work with toxins! However, I enjoyed her and Zack's story. The action in this book seemed a bit more violent and aggressive (gun violence) as opposed to more distant ways of fighting, like many of the valkyries skills dictate. Toxic Vengeance is perfect for readers who like this formula and enjoy the blending of action, danger, and romance. While you can read this as a stand alone, I think it helps inform your reading if you have read the previous books since there is a larger story arc at play.

 

  POV: 3rd
  Tears: no
  Trope: assassin
  Triggers: none
  Series/Standalone: series
  Cliffhanger: not for Zack and Eden, but a set up of the final book
  HEA: yes

authors like Susan Stoker, Katie Reus, Pamela Clare...then you will probably like Toxic Vengeance!

 

Toxic Vengeance

 See full review on The Book Disciple

[Alex (HEABookNerd) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get to reading TOXIC VENGEANCE but I enjoyed being back with a Kaylea Cross book. They're always fast paced, full of ride or die friendships, and swoony heroes who fall hard and fast for their heroines. Eden and Zack's second chance romance was a bit rockier as Eden isn't used to trusting anyone but I liked watching them work things out between them. And Eden's dream of a poison garden was pretty cute. I can't wait to see what happens next now that the team is closing in on The Architect.

Content Warning: references to the government manipulation, brain washing, branding, and abuse

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like I said in my previous review, every book gets better and better.
With this second chance thriller, you'll yet again be glued to your seat from cover to cover, especially with all the puzzle pieces finally coming together.
You'll get some jaw dropping answers and like my other reviews I'm keeping this short as dying to jump right into the next book.

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, action-packed romance!

With each read in this series, I’ve become more and more invested! The story arc is unique and the characters that live it equally so. Women and men are equals as they all kick a** while trying to figure out a deadly puzzle….

This time out, Eden and Zack are brought together, unknowingly, with similar agendas. Eden finds herself falling in love and being herself for the first time ever. And Zack is right there with her… Unfortunately, their lives won’t let them be and when it all blows up, they have to figure out who they can trust….

This was an edge on your seat read! Eden was a strong character with vulnerability only around Zack. He was her only weakness and watching her wrestle with threats to both him and her family was heart-pinging. The Valkyries were strong but when enemies threatened who they loved all bets were off…

Zack was such a great male lead. Protective, loving , he was comfortable in his James Bond-esque life, but he would give it all up for Eden and his own moral code.

The enemy was cruel but the emotional upheavals were just as dangerous. And this couple wasn’t the only one struggling to find love and balance… An abrupt ending means more is needed to bring all of the loose ends together so stalking the shelves begins again!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eden‘s past has taught her that allowing people close only results in pain and trusting people can have devastating consequences. She was part of the Vakyrie program whose members now find themselves being targeted and she believes the best way to handle it is on her own however a man from her past is not going to let that happen.

Zach’s ties with the CIA have him looking for Eden and not because of the abrupt way that their relationship ended or because of the fact that she wasn’t honest with him the whole time they were together. When he catches up with her, she manages to elude him but his mission changes when he realizes she needs help if she is going to escape the predicament, she finds herself in.

This story not only allowed us to get to know Zach and Eden but to catch up with the characters that we know and love. Their journey to find their way back to each other is filled with twists and intrigue but there is no doubting that they are a perfect match.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t loved this series, but I am curious about the characters, so I’ve been sticking with it. Honestly, I skimmed parts of this book, which worked out fine and I liked it better that way. That’s not the highest recommendation, but I will say I enjoyed the characters more in this book. I read the ebook. 3/5

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 the other Valkyrie books in this series, and this was the one that intrigued me the most! Unfortunately, it wasn't quite up to a 4 star read for me, more of a 3.5 star read.

The part that drew me toward this book was Eden's specialty as a toxins assassin. I thought it could go so many ways within the story, and yet we only really saw her at work once! That was a huge letdown for me, although her descriptions of her garden were a good way to redeem it! I think it would have been more interesting if we had gotten more of Eden's knowledge sprinkled thoughout the story.

I also didn't enjoy that there wasn't a lot of backstory between her and Zack. We get that it was a hot and steamy week and they met while on the job, but no more information than that. It feels a little tawdry. Eden's this badass assassin and she's jeopardizing a mission for the sake of a roll in the hay. It just didn't ring true for me. Likewise, the chemistry between Zack and Eden also felt off to me, like it was more forced than actually mutual. It made me question if they were actually meant to be together, really!

The suspense angle was interesting, and I loved that we got some forward movement on who was hunting the Valkyries. That alone redeemed the story for me and kept me engaged and interested until the end of the book. I can't wait to see how it all wraps up in the next book!

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I really find this concept unique and very much interesting very woman power. I've enjoyed them all. I think this can be a standalone but there is a on thread in the books I think reading in order makes you get the other events. The title for this is very apt as Eden specializes in toxins from objects. As we're nearing closing up this series she's one of the last remaining Valkyries they are looking for. I find this book had a slower approach in the development of Zach and Eden. They had a lot of trust issues to get through if they work together and pursue something more. Aside from meeting the squad and acclimating to this new group for Eden they have a good rapport.

Their past interaction was something they both still wanted even though it caused a lot of hurt between them. But now that things are heating up in the unknowns hunting the new team of Valkyries. They need to put aside. Zach still has leftover feelings and so does Eden no matter of she's trained to forgo such things. I like Zach's steadfast and persistence hat he will remain his feelings even though Eden keeps being uncertain.

Kaylea Cross knows her stuff and I enjoy reading the suspense and mystery aspect here. Lots of action happening. A good balance with the romance side too. Now that we get Kiyomi's story next we know it will be a doozy. Tie things up with all of them. I'm excited to see the reveal of who is trying to eliminate the Valkyries.

[lily bookscation · Rating 5 out of 5]

the fourth book is Zack and Eden's story. Although their history remind me of Manuel and Georgia, it doesn't bother me because the whole story just getting better and better. I thought that each book will has its own villain, Kaylea Cross surprises me with this amazing plot.

The Bicthcilantes, as Chloe named it, finally get a glimpse of their true enemy, The Architect, the maker. it would be better if Zack's expert as an Intel shown more. He works for CIA gathering intel after all. But in this book his skill in action is more developed than his intel skill. it's minor and not bothering the story overall.

Up to this book, Chloe is my favourite Valkyrie, Georgia is second. Chloe's bright personality and sassyness truly stand out and she always lightens the mood among the others. Too bad Chloe doesn't make much appearance. I think Megan has too many appearance. No hate towards Megan but it's just I want to see Chloe in action again.

At first, I was sceptical about Eden, she is toxin Valkyrie. I read or hear from some movies that poison or toxic are for cowards. At some point I agree with that but luckily, this book is not all about Eden killing her targets with toxic. She is more than just a toxic expert. She could shoot, and could handle herself in the field. And her knowledge of flower is cool. But I am most impress with Chloe's speciality.

I was wondering why the seductress Valkyrie most likely won't live long? It never explained. I hope I could find the answer in the next book. A little bit uneasy to read the fifth book because I could imagine what will I found. Kiyomi as a prisoner and Marcus health condition will not easy to read.

And for Trinity, I hope she finds happiness with Brody after they taken too much from her.

[Sharrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blog Tour post: https://reesesreviews.blogspot.com/20...

Toxic Vengeance, what a surprise this wonderful book was. If I had any complaints, it would be that I wish Eden had gotten to poison more people.

We got a hint at who Eden is at the end of Explosive Vengeance. She had been passing information on to Chloe. I have to say Eden gets her butt kicked a lot in this story and that broke my heart for her. We're nearing the end of the series and so we're getting a lot closer to figuring out who all is behind the hunting of our favorite Valkyries.

We start this book with Eden taking out an evil dude and then running into her first and only love that she left almost a year ago. Zack has spent time looking for the woman who he spent his time with for months and then she disappeared in the middle of the night. When he comes face-to-face with her escaping and being a badass he starts questioning who he spent his time with all those nights.

I really enjoyed Toxic Vengeance. Eden and Zack struggle a lot for different reasons in coming and working together. Zack has so many questions about who he had fallen in love with all those months ago and Eden worries that she can't fully trust Zack because he's CIA.

I very much enjoyed this story and I liked the characters and finding out some of the big players in this series. Very excited to see what comes next.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard 2 leave the love of ur life even though ur trying 2 deny that's exactly what he is. It's awesome that he finally found her again. Those assholes need 2 back the he'll off and let them have a little but if a life especially after etc they done 2 them in the 1st place. They need 2 find the leak that's trying 2 destroy them after a few of those tickets caused enough trouble. wtf!! R they trying 2 keep a newer version going with innocent women and have them kill themselves? Hopefully asap the creator will get what's coming 2 them sooner rather than later. They r good 2get her and he's wearing her down 2 get what he wants, her love and commitment 4ever...

[Felice Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter of this book definitely sucks you in. I was flipping the pages trying to get to the next part so quickly, it’s just that good.

I didn’t know what to expect from Zack after learning about his role in the CIA, I thought there would be some major conflict with Eden, but the author surprised me in how she handle the character.

The suspense was cranked up to 9 in this book. Twist after twist, you don’t know who to trust, it was an awesome read. I’m not gonna lie, I was a little exhausted after reading it.

All of the characters throughout this series are back in full technicolor. I feel the end is near and look forward to the final confrontation.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and interesting, loved the bits about all the different poisons and toxins, especially the plants. Plants anyone would have in their gardens without realising. This series has become more complex as it went along, so many twists and betrayals along the way though more so in this one. I feel the pressure building up for the big final climatic finish, I so hope it doesn't simmer out. I have my fingers crossed that all our characters survive and get closure and their futures secured, but I do feel it won't be easy. Fabulous read.

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good building story

Eden and Zack. It was a good story, but it seemed more of an addition to book two or an incomplete book three? They didn’t seem to catch their bad guy and the story seemed to just be building up for the big showdown with the two main bad guys. Zack and Eden are good additions and seeing Penny was tragic. More time with Trinity and since I don’t know her story yet I enjoyed that time and the attention given to Marcus and Kiyoma. The poison garden sounds interesting and the insight to training was helpful in continuing to build this world!

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic suspense at its very best!!!

This series is my favorite Kaylea Cross series because the women really kick a**. Oh, and I can't forget "Alex f*cking Cross"! Any book with him in it is going to be great.

As with the other books in this series, I highly recommend Toxic Vengeance. Also, I recommend reading this series in order as there is an underlying story than spans all the books. Each book in the series is about a different Valkyrie and has a HEA.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are never disappointed with Kaylea Cross' books and this one is no exception. I have been loving this entire series and the premise of it and enjoying as each of the Valkyries find their man. Eden and Zack have an awesome chemistry and it was an amazing read. Loved the addition of all the supporting characters from the other books and can't wait for Marcus and Kiyomi's story next. Will be sad to see this series end as it's been one of my favorites from this author. Just enough steam and suspense to make for an enjoyable read!

[Tracey Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Another fabulous edition in the series. Eden story, finding the "team" of ladies, and the very unexpected love of her life with future possibilities. A heck of a ride through this story, as always full of suspense, twists, turns, and possibilities. The story has a further twist to share but this is an amazing story. Cannot wait for the final edition.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a read!!

As always these books never disappoint!!

After Eden and Zack have a whirlwind romance, and Eden has to leave him, they end up crossing paths again.... and so ensues and great story!!

Eden and Zack's story was so damn good!! So much action, suspense and drama. And oh wow the love story.... super hot!!

If you love heroines who can kick arse then you need to start this series now!!

I can't wait to read Kiyomi and Marcus's story next, eeekkk so exciting!!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deserved More

Eden & Zak's story was good, but I felt more was needed at the end. I understand why the setup for the next one, but it left this couple unfulfilled for me. I have this tour stars because the couple deserved it, but the final execution did not. For that I would give three stars. This couple deserved more.

[Heidi Aldrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edan and Zack

This series is full of action and romance. If you want to read a series with very strong, kickass women, and the men that support them. This is the series for you. Highly recommend

[Mary Aquino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah-maze-ing

As each book in the Vengeance series passes, I ger more and more enthralled with the characters. Eden and Zack are lovers whose paths seem to collide toxically. Getting to know them and how they fit into the Valkyrie picture is a page turning thrill.

[Robyn Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle

[Pet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving that things are coming to a head but dreading the end of this series.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

my rating: 4-1/4 stars

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eden skill set is so unique and love that about her. Zack is a great pairing for her. Fast passed with lots of suspense and keeps you wanting to read the next book

[Tessa Johnson]

Good book