Desiree’s Revenge by K.C. Carson
Published: February 19, 2023
Harpers Ferry Press
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 266
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Following a racially motivated rape by three Ku Klux Klansmen, 12-year-old Desiree Devine vows revenge. After eight years of training, now a strikingly beautiful assassin, she accomplishes her mission.
Her campaign continues with solitary walks through dark city streets, hoping to be assaulted by men with bad intentions. Those entrapped by her spider’s web pay dearly for their efforts.
Surrounded by three white men one night, she’s rescued by Tony Marino, an Italian-American passerby. A stormy, up-and-down relationship ensues. Ultimately, as her rage matures into purposeful action, and as he begins to see the world through her eyes, they become a team.
Along the way, they encounter serial killers, wife-beaters, actual and would-be rapists, gangsters, crooked cops, a kidnapper and a pedophile priest, as well as numerous women in desperate need of their help. Beneath all the action, though, is the blossoming of a most unusual love story.
“It was part of your own healing.”
Desi had lived with a traumatic secret for most of her life. When she meets someone who helps her focus her rage and teaches her how to defend herself, she finally feels like she is taking back her power, a piece at a time. She isn’t sure who she is, but she knows she has to protect as many women as possible. Revenge is no laughing matter.
There are so many layers to this book. Desiree was such a strong, dynamic character. The things she represented, strength, survivor, warrior, protector, and lover, were so beautifully poised.
The fact that the things in this book actually happened and still happen is heartbreaking. But the representation within this story was beautiful. I loved that Desi had so much genuine love and support surrounding her.
Even when she didn’t realize it, she was loved and valued. I loved her balance with Tony and that he saw her. He accepted her, embraced her, and helped her.
This is an unconventional love story. I enjoyed Desi and Tony finding their way, but I also loved Desi finding herself and embracing herself. She was victimized as a child, but she became a survivor, a warrior.