A recovering sex addict should never be faced with such temptation. But there she was, working in my casino and teasing me to the edge of insanity. Thanks to her, I did the one thing I swore I wouldn’t do. I relapsed. Falling off the wagon and so deeply into her I thought I might never find my way back to sanity. Everything is different with Eden, and I’ll do anything to keep her. Even if it means risking everything I’ve worked my entire life for.
Tabatha is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, best known for her sexy adult romance Little Black Book. Tabatha writes in all genres, including adult and new adult, and isn't afraid to venture into the dark side occasionally, as she proved with her dark prison romance, Slammer. She's an avid reader of all things smutty and writes sexy stories featuring redeemable alpha bad boys and sweet, strong women.
SBR Media represents Tabatha. For inquiries regarding foreign rights, audio, and other media outlets, please contact Stephanie Phillips. stephanie@sbrmedia.com
3.5 stars Zander is a confident, alpha type male and more, but he does have a sweet side, especially when it comes to Eden. Overall I enjoyed this read, but there were things about the story that bugged me. To be honest, it was mainly the plot. Also, Zander was too decent and sweet, I’d like to see his rough side more, but still, this story did hold me captive until the end. Very hot book, some good angsty emotion which I thought could have been expanded on, but I really did love this book. Read almost in one sitting.
Even if part one was a disaster, the cliffhanger was too big not to be curious about the ending. I skimmed most of this second book and mamma mia, if I thought the story couldn't get much worse, it still did.
The hero hasn't redeemed himself; the heroine did not really get smarter; and don't get me started on the main twist/secret/big revelation from the hero's past (which was resolved in the epilogue), it was beyond anything you could've imagined. But hey, the writing was still good, so there go my 2 stars.
PS. Izzy, thank you for listening to all my crazy rants about it. :D
Firstly you have to read book one or you'll be totally lost with the story. After that ending I couldn't wait to get started on the continuation of Zander and Eden' s story.
From the outside Zander has it all but emotionally and in his personal life he's a hot mess. I loved the two sides of his personality, the hot broody alpha dominant man combined with the loving tender side of him that comes out with Eden. Then we have Eden who doesn't back down from anything, she's overcome a lot and she's still there fighting for more.
There is so my going on with this book, Zander trying to live with his addiction and accept his growing feelings for Eden. You can't outrun your past which Eden finds out and realises the danger she is in.
I enjoyed the danger and suspense elements of this instalment it really kept me guessing and invested in the story. All the different parts of the story fit together perfectly, the writing as with the authors previous books was just perfect.
Virtue & Vengeance is the conclusion to the duet. No more questions. All the answers you need.
Eden and Zander get their final round. When it starts it isn't pretty! Wander was a vile person last we saw him in Vanilla & Vice. He isn't exactly winning awards for kindness in this book either. But whether you like them naughty or nice, Virtue & Vengeance will leave a smile on your face.
4 Stars Review by Amy W. Late Night Reviewer Up All Night w/ Books Blog
I relapsed. Jumped off of the fucking wagon and right into an angel.
Virtue & Vengeance by Tabatha Vargo and Melissa Andrea is book two of the Empire Sevens and a story I waited impatiently for. This needs to be read after Vanilla & Vice as it is the continuation of that story.
I had nothing else to give. I was nothing, and she deserved something. She deserved the fucking world and so much more.
Zander and Eden deal with the emotional fallout after a night of passion and its consequences. Zander by pushing her away. Eden by running from Zander. When a face from the past shows up in Vegas, they may have to face their feelings and each other sooner than either are ready for.
Zander Hale. He was the best and the worst thing to ever happen to me. The best because thanks to him I had gotten to feel the most beautiful kind of love a woman could feel. And the worst because thanks to him I had gotten to feel the most powerful heartbreak a person could endure.
This was a suspenseful action packed read. The feeling of what is going to happen next and the will they, won't they romance kept me turning the pages. There was a lot more going on in this second book than just Zander and Eden dancing around each other, and that was both good and bad. I love the storyline and how things came together, but I was disappointed I didn't get more of Zander and why he was the way he was. To me that was a huge part of book one and the reason for the cliffhanger, but while it was still there in this book, it took a backseat to the drama that was unfolding. We didn't really get any answers and what we did get seemed lacking and put in as a second thought. Don't get me wrong, this is a great read and a wonderful story, just not one that matches where Vanilla & Vice took us.
I wanted more Kade, Cole and Kennedy also. I really missed them in this book. They had brought a more personable feel to both Zander and Eden in the first book and I really hope there is a story with them in the future, whether together or separate.
Despite my slight disappointment, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from Tabatha and Melissa.
The sequel to Vanilla and Vice we continue our journey in Eden and Zander's world. With the conclusion of Vanilla and Vice leaving us with a lot of unanswered question of how Eden and Zander's relationship would continue Virtue and Vengeance was going to have a lot on unanswered questions to answer. The journey started off with Zander having a lot of ground to make up with Eden after his abrupt departure. The beginning of the story showed us more of how Zander was formed as a character and which rounded off book one. Eden faced a number or troubles for her past in addition to the challenges of her relationship with Zander. Over all a solid read.
COVER REVEAL Title: Virtue and Vengeance Series: Empire Sevens Series #2 Authors: Tabatha Vargo & Melissa Andrea Genre: Contemporary Romance Cover Design: Melissa Andrea Release Date: July 10, 2018
BLURB
A recovering sex addict should never be faced with such temptation. But there she was, working in my casino and teasing me to the edge of insanity. Thanks to her, I did the one thing I swore I wouldn’t do. I relapsed. Falling off the wagon and so deeply into her I thought I might never find my way back to sanity. Everything is different with Eden, and I’ll do anything to keep her. Even if it means risking everything I’ve worked my entire life for.
Tabatha Vargo is a New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, best known for her sexy adult romance Little Black Book.
Tabatha writes in all genres, including adult and new adult, and isn't afraid to venture into the dark side on occasion, as she proved with her dark, prison romance, Slammer.
She's an avid reader of all things smutty and the writer of sexy stories featuring redeemable alpha bad boys and sweet, strong women.
Her other loves include her children, her loving, supportive husband, anything historical, and wind chimes. When she isn't writing, she's texting book ideas to herself.
Tabatha is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich Literary Management.
I find it hard to sum up my life in a paragraph, but I’ll try.
Reading has always been a passion for me and writing is as instinctive as breathing. Every inhale is an idea; every exhale a creation. Flutter, The Discover Series, was my debut release and since then I have written a contemporary romance duet- The Edge of Darkness and The Grace in Darkness. I also co-wrote Little Black Book and The Wrath Of Sin with Tabatha Vargo. The only thing I do better than writing? Making beautiful, sassy, and independent girls. My daughters will always be my greatest accomplishment, my biggest fans, and my every inspiration. I live, breath, and would die for them! I’ve been married to one of the greatest men in my life for eight years and I love him more than chocolate (you know shit just got real :), Justin Timberlake and Friday’s. Without him, my website would be a mess and I would probably be paying more taxes than I should be. He’s a jack of many trades, and this is just my opinion, but I like to think besides my daughters, I’m his second-biggest accomplishment. (Does anyone else hear a horn tooting?) I was born in Denver, Colorado, but I will always think of sunny Arizona as my home. I don’t have a big family, but I’m close with my sister, brother & mom. My mom is my hero, my reality check, and I couldn’t have asked for a more amazing person to be raised by. She has supported me throughout this crazy adventure and I’m lucky to have her on my side! 6 things you should know about me: 1. I’m a tornado with lipstick! Translation: I’m very girly, but I can get down and dirty with the best of them. 2. I adore the color pink! 3. I love things that sparkle (including vampires!) 4. I like even numbers (hence 6 things about me, not 5) 5. I’m loyal to a fault, but I like to see the good in everybody. Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness though because my bark is not always bigger than my bite :)) 6. I don’t like calling readers ‘fans’. When it comes down to it, I am all YOUR biggest fan! MWAH! I will never be able to thank every reader, every blogger, or every author who has helped me in one or a million ways since I published, but I will try every chance I get. Y’all are the reason I’m here and every comment, every message, and every review makes me feel like I have a reason to be. So to the moon and back, THANK YOU! Mwah!
Okay, so this was a little longer than a paragraph.
2 Boring-Stars! ★★ Book one rocked me, book two... ehh... I had such high hopes and even though I was happy the story picked up where it left off, it was still missing something.
Zander went from being a mysterious, sex-aholic to a grade-A D!ck.
“God your ego is huge.” “So is my c#ck. As you’re already aware.”
He became more of a bully. And some of his lines were just plain ridiculous. It felt like I was reading a bad porno script.
“I wouldn’t sleep with you again if someone paid me to.” “That could be arranged. I’m loaded.”
-Spoiler- Half way through when Eden got kidnapped, Zander went back to being somewhat of a hero....trying to track her down and finding out his inner most secret feelings towards her. That was honestly the only interesting part, Eden getting kidnaped. The rest of the story just dragged on, with Zander being possessive and controlling as f#%k! It was basically a lot of, ‘I miss you, but I can’t tell you, I love you but I can’t show you, I need to find you, but I don’t know where you are...’
Before and after Eden getting kidnaped, the story just floated by. I didn’t get as grabbed by it, like with the first book. The ending was a Happily Ever After. So where some/most/usually I would be happy, here I was confused. Sure it ended good for Eden and Zander but overall it sucked. Zander busted through the door, ‘BANG’ ‘BANG’, and done. And they lived happily ever after... Really? On what planet? I am truly disappointed.
Both books from Empire sevens have made my top 20 for 2018 Zander Hale is my favorite male character he made it easy to hate him and then fall in love with him.It was hard for him to let anyone to close. But with Eden Vaughn all his walls crumbled into a huge heap. He's scary one moment then loving the next. But I think the the part of this book that really stands out for me is the Charity event he invited Eden to be his date to. That night all his boundaries fell and he realized there was something between them. Zander Hale is the best
The conclusion to Zander & Eden's story is one you will not put down! It's Intense, possessive and perfection! Elizabeth @ White Hot Reads
I read this in one sitting, literally took me three hours. The Intensity that this story encompases is total perfection! Eden is still keeping her secrets, but Zander can read thru her and knows that she is hiding something. Zander becomes extremely protective of her and when her secrets become dangerous for her, He must come to terms with his feelings and fight for what her wants.
4 sexy as sin stars!! I will never get over the asshole himself, Zander!!
This is book two in the “Empire Sevens” series and I do not believe you can read this as a stand alone. And let me tell you I hope there are many books to come!!
What happens when a known sex addict (who has now given up sex) messes up and takes a sweet innocent woman’s virginity?!?! Wait there is more... not only did he take her virginity but he then fired her and left. Oh Zander is in big trouble this book. But get ready because Eden’s past is not to be forgotten...
💚💚
Oh man leading up to this book we learned so many things about these two. And this book was just a continuation of them. Even though Zander has some issues I have loved him this WHOLE time. And with a name like “Eden” she was bound to be the carrot dangled in front of him. But honestly I love these two together. The banter is hilarious and sexy!!
This was written by two authors, both of which apparently are very good with words. I could not tell there was two authors writing this. Trust me I have read many books written by two people and I can usually point out stuff that seems a little different. This book I could not. I didn’t even remember until the end it was two authors. The books seemed like it was written effortlessly. I enjoyed the hell out of this book.
This is a nice quick summer read that will have you pausing life just to finish.
**I received this as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
After reading the first book in the series I couldn't wait to start this one. It takes of right where the first one ended.
Zander thinks he has failed and relapsed and pushes Eden away. He has convinced himself he is all bad and cant let Eden be a part of his life. He has never left like this before but his past is haunting him and he cant let Eden be a part of that or risk hurting her.
Eden sees a completely different person, hes not the bad person he thinks he is, but can she save him from himself ?
While she is trying to save him she doesn't realize what danger she is in and needs Zander to save her. She knows she has fallen for him even if the feelings are not mutual and she cant let him get hurt and does what she thinks is right to keep him and her Aunt out of danger even if that means putting herself in more.
This second book has much more drama in, you are kept in suspense wondering how this is going to end, this book is just as good as the first one with the saving grace of no cliffhanger. Again brilliantly written and had me at the edge of my seat. Highly recommend this series.
I received a free copy of this book from the authors.
This is the first of the Empire Sevens books I'm reviewing. I bought the first book to read on my own time because I didn't have time to read/review it when it was releasing. So when this came around for review I had to jump!
If you've not read Vanilla and Vice you'll have to read that firs before you start Virtue and Vengeance. Our main players are Eden, a casino waitress, and Zander the casino owner. In this book someone has come for Eden. She's on the run and Zander is trying to figure out what the deal is as well as keep her safe.
Eden is a prideful stubborn woman who really really really likes Zander. Zander, though, refuses to believe he can have a real relationship with a woman and acts like a royal donkey each time they're together. Between the two of them it's a wonder anything gets accomplished in this story. HA!
I'm sure you'll like the banter in this book. These two really are perfect for one another. I hope you enjoy what's to become of Eden and Zander.
Continuation of Vanilla and Vice (warning this gives some clues as to what happens in book one, but no spoilers for book two), where the sex addict falls off the wagon when he meets his right hand in charge casino's virginal niece. Not only does he fall he crashes hard and almost loses it. Fast paced, witty, romantic, and suspenseful. And now a bit about the story...
What was Eden thinking, oh yeah... it wasn't really he brain in charge ;) When she finally gets the courage up to face Zander again, her past comes hurtling back. She finds again, but doesn't get far. Still Zander can tell something is up. Note just to be patient and wait her out. He must keep her safe Kennedy would kill him if anything happened to Eden. Maybe it would just be best if he left his angel, after all he is the worst devil ever...
Favorite passage: “I think you should go, Zander, now before you walk out with one less testicle than you arrived with.” Her eyes sparked.
Note: I was given a free copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.
Review of Virtue and Vengeance (Empire Sevens #2) by Tabatha Vargo and Melissa Andrea
Review done for Hooked on Books
5 out of 5 stars
I was so excited to see this book come through my kindle! It was definitely worth the wait.
Book two in the series continues right where book one left off. I wanted to slap Zander at the end of book one but he definitely redeems himself.
I loved how Eden didn’t let Zander take her spunk away. She was still strong and sassy as ever.
Eden past comes back to haunt her big time and Zander may not have the power to help her. Both their lives could be shattered in an instant.
This book had just the right amount of action, angst, and hotness. I could not put it down! I loved these two characters chemistry and their different storylines.
I loved this series and I definitely recommend both books to read!
Eden left her mom and her mother's abusive boyfriend, Allen, behind in book #1. She stole Allen's car and ran to Las Vegas to stay with her Aunt Kennedy. Gets a job at the casino Kennedy works at and meets Kennedy's boss and owner of Empire Seven. The boss, Zander, is in therapy for being a sex addict.
In Virtue & Vengenace Allen is looking for Eden. When Eden took his car, she took more then just his ride. When Allen finds her she finds out exactly what was in the car and how far everyone will go to get everything back. In the meantime, Zander is fighting his feelings for Eden, or fighting as best as he can.
The story wasn't bad...but the ending was too rushed. Waaaaay too rushes. I would have give it 4 Stars if more time was taken to wrap things up.
This was the end of Eden and Zander’s story. If you haven’t yet, read the first book to know what is going on in this book. The story picks up right where we left off. Zander is still an a$$hole and Eden wants nothing to do with him. But when Eden’s life is abruptly turned upside down. Zander makes it his mission to look after her. I have to say I enjoyed this book a little better than the first one. I felt like I was let into Zander’s mind a little more. I was able to see things from his perspective and understand (somewhat) where he was coming from. I fell in love with these characters all over again. The author herself knows how to write a story. Where you’re hooked and you realize you’re just along for the ride. - By Vanessa
This was the end of Eden and Zander’s story. If you haven’t yet, read the first book to know what is going on in this book. The story picks up right where we left off. Zander is still an a$$hole and Eden wants nothing to do with him. But when Eden’s life is abruptly turned upside down. Zander makes it his mission to look after her. I have to say I enjoyed this book a little better than the first one. I felt like I was let into Zander’s mind a little more. I was able to see things from his perspective and understand (somewhat) where he was coming from. I fell in love with these characters all over again. The author herself knows how to write a story. Where you’re hooked and you realize you’re just along for the ride.
Welcome to the 2nd book in this series. I find finishing this book was Bittersweet. I am happy that Zander and Eden discover how they truly feel for each other, but also sad their story has come to an end. This couple put all my emotions through the wringer. I never wanted the story to end.
We pick up from the cliffhanger from the 1st book, Vanilla & Vice. We discover the past has barrelled to the surface for both Zander and Eden. This story was suspenseful, gritty and had me zooming through the pages to see what happened next. The flow of this story was seamless and did not appear like there were 2 writers. You experience the growth of these two and it was a joy to experience. I miss reading about Zander and Eden already.
Virtue & Vengeance is book two of the series so make sure you read the first, you won’t be disappointed. We pick up right were we left off, Eden broken and Zander trying to deal with his issues. I’m happy that Eden stood her ground and was able to tell Zander to F off for the most part. Zander, who I didn’t really like in Vanilla and Vice actually grew on me and I liked seeing his character develop and grow. Eden’s problem have caught up with her which in turn makes Zander take a long hard look and realize he does love her. I enjoyed the duel POVs and amazed that two authors could write such smooth novels together! ❤️❤️
Virtue and Vengeance is the second book in the Empire Sevens Series. I really am loving this series and the writing. This duo team writes seamlessly together In book 1 Eden had run from a horrible home life to her Aunt Kennedy. Her Aunt helps her get a job. Zander pursues Eden and then ends up firing her. Now she runs from Zander after he fires her. Her troubles begin. Zander is fighting the “L” word. He thinks he can love one person and that is his sister. This is the story of him trying really hard to not love Eden. I give this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed reading Virtue and Vengeance and can’t wait to read more from these authors.
So early this morning I finished book 1 and I couldn't wait to start book 2 but unfotunately I'm a little disappointed in this book. Thank goodness it's not a cliffhanger and we get to finally see Zander and Eden work through things which is great. As hot as Vanilla and Vice was, I was expecting some great scenes but nope they were just ok. I hate to say it but this definitely didn't live up to the hype of what I thought it would. I still love Zander and Eden and happy that Eden found out for Zander what she did but disappointed for sure.
El final de “Vanilla and Vice” me hizo enojar tanto que decidí no leer “Virtue & Vengeance” hasta que se me pasara el enojo. Por eso es que leí ésta segunda parte casi 3 meses después. Realmente detesté a Zander en la primera mitad del libro, no lo recordaba tan idiota e inmaduro. En la segunda mitad su actitud mejoró un poco pero ya me parecía un pelotudo tremendo y la verdad es que no me hubiese molestado si al final él y Eden no terminaban juntos, ya que considero que ella merece a alguien mejor. A pesar de eso la historia me gustó bastante, aunque no tanto como la primer parte.
This book starts where it left off in Vanilla and Vice and you get to see what Zander and Eden both were thinking. Zander feeling like he can't have Eden and Eden being royally pissed off for the way he treated her. The undeniable attraction these two have is off the charts. While Zander tries to get his addiction under control, he must also try to save Eden and he realizes that he wants her too. A perfect ending for these two.
The intense conclusion to Zander & Eden’s story is one you will want to finish in one sitting! Ashley @White Hot Reads
I could not put this book down read until my eyes closed and picked it up soon as I awoke. The secrets that Eden is keeping could destroy her. Zander knows her and has to face the feelings he has for her to make sure that she is protected. This is an intense and suspenseful road that these two take but it is totally worth the ride in the end!
Ugh I loved the ending to this awesome duo! Eden was still everything I had needed her to be while she slid her way over, under, around and through all of Zander's walls. He was still strong and demanding and ever the Alpha we all crave. I wanted to hate Zander during parts of this but I just couldn't do it..... I think I love him, and gah the ending.... yeah definitely the HEA I always crave! There were a few minor grammar errors but nothing worth remembering.
If you read Vanilla and Vice, this is a must read. Overall I enjoyed the story, more action in this book than in the last. And although I absolutely loved the first book, this one fell a little flat for me. I think it was the complete 180 of the plot from the prior book. Much more action, but I feel like the connection between Zander and Eden could have been better developed. Worth the read, just not what I expected.
I enjoyed reading these books but they weren’t anything special. They were both predictable and really Eden was boring. Her too innocent act got old and honestly the woman just running off without telling him what was going on gets old after a while.
I think Zander had more of a presence in the first book. While I enjoyed his character he just needed to make a decision about Eden and run with it.
I’ll be on the look out for Kade’s book to see what happens next.
We finally got the rest of Eden and Zander's story. I had been waiting forever for this book (not really but it felt like it). So of course you know I can't give any spoliers. But to sum this book up in a few words. There is suspense, danger, some happy adult time and some groveling 😁. Go run get this book. You won't regret it.
I had high hopes for the second part of this book. And it was good, it kept me interested and on my toes...but what I didnt like was the rushed feeling at the end. I felt the story could have been longer to go through everything without feeling like it was written in as an after thought. Anyway...still enjoyed it.