Book Review: Retribution by J.L. Campbell

Retribution by J.L. Campbell is finally here!  Whew.  What a great book!  Retribution is Book 2 in Campbell's exciting contemporary romance series.  Before I begin my review you may want to check out my review of Distraction here and also I wanted to post the book description.  See below:

JUSTINE CHARLES is still trying to put the pieces of her life together seven years after a disastrous extra-marital affair. She’s raising a troubled teenage daughter and six-year-old Emile, the result of her indiscretion.

A chance meeting drops the still-scorching Xavier McKellop back on her radar. Her former lover is hurt and furious that Justine has kept his son’s birth a secret. She has little choice when Xavier demands time with Emile.

Though the moments between Justine and Xavier are tense, it’s evident the flame of attraction between them still burns hot. And just as she begins to hope and dream about being with the only man who ever stirred her heart, body and soul, Justine’s life is thrown into chaos. Her daughter discovers Justine’s betrayal and Xavier’s soon-to-be ex-wife wants him back.

This time around, in her quest for love, Justine might not only lose her deepest desire, but everything she holds dear.


My thoughts:  Like most of the readers, I read the first chapter of Retribution back when I read Distraction.  Since then, almost a year later, I've waited for this book.  All I can say is Xavier is back!  The story picks up where the Justine and Xavier's relationship left off some seven years later.  Justine knew the day would come when she'd have to face Xavier and reveal the secret that could ruin everything they had, including the beautiful memories they created.  They meet unexpectedly only now Justine is a widow, cursed with relentless guilt of her past wrong doings.  Xavier steps back into Justine's life, forcing her to make the right choices for her and her son's future.  Xavier was such a rock in the book and I will forever refer to him as the music man.  Both characters made significant mistakes in their lives, but the beauty was their determination to see things through for the good of their family's future.  With the years comes more challenges like raising teenagers and divorce.  What I loved about Retribution, was Campbell didn't write a cookie-cut romance, she wrote a beautifully in-depth story about love, loss, friendship and how wonderful things can be when two people make amends. 

On a side not, I can't get enough of the Proverbs Campbell put before each chapter, giving the reader a hint of what's to come.  I loved this. Here's a sample:  
Proverb: Bush have ears and wall have eyes. 
Meaning: Be careful how you disclose sensitive information that can filter to those you don’t want to know your business.

If you're looking for a different take on romance and you're willing to take a journey with a couple that make their fair share of mistakes, then Retribution is just the book for you!  And wouldn't you know it Campbell's not done yet.  Book 3, Absolution, is in the works and I just can't imagine what she has in store for us.

Have you read Retribution?  What about Distraction?  Are you a fan of the series?

Mina B.