Member Reviews

Gangland thriller fans will lap up Edie Baylis’s nail-biting new novel, Payback.

Seb Stoker is out for blood. Whoever torched his club to the ground will pay for what they did to him and he will leave no stone unturned in his quest for vengeance. Seb knows that like a phoenix he will rise from the ashes of his club, but before he can to do that he needs to make sure that whoever crossed him will rue the day they destroyed something that belonged to him. Seb has a lot on his plate. Not only does he have this vendetta to think about, but he must keep his wits about him because there is a huge business deal on the horizon that could make or break them all.

Meanwhile, Sam Reynold is determined to do whatever she can to help Seb out. But Sam has got her own demons to contend with. With enemies round every corner, Sam has got her own battles to fight – and this time around, her adversary is somebody who is far too close to home. Can she win this war? Or is she about to lose everything she’s worked for?

Seb and Sam have got the weight of the world on their shoulders and with tensions at an all-time high, they must keep their eyes on the prize because one wrong move and everything they’ve worked so hard for might just end up going up in smoke again – and this time around, payback will be deadly!

Fast-paced, action-packed and full of twists and turns that will leave readers with their jaws on the floor, Edie Baylis’s Payback is a highly charged gangland thriller full of bold, complex and layered characters that will keep readers glued to its pages. Brilliantly written, fabulously plotted and hard to put down, Payback is another cracking thriller by Edie Baylis.

Was this review helpful?

With a deftly drawn cast of characters, an intriguing plot and an immersive and compelling narrative, this is a one sit compulsive read. Plot twists are plenty, red herrings are scattered, leading to a perfect denouement and nicely tying up loose ends. Whilst the reader may well see the way in which the plot is headed this will in no way detract from the sheer reading pleasure of this sprightly tale

Was this review helpful?

Book 4.

Another great installment in what has turned out to be a fantastic series of books.
A superb series for any gangland crime thriller fans.
I believe book 5 is due out in July this year I honestly can not wait for it.

A real good, gripping read. For me personally I would say read these books in order, but that is just my personal preference. I find I get more from the series if i read in the correct order.


Sam has been thrown into a world she knew nothing about, a world where she is certainly holding her own.

Was this review helpful?

Payback by Edie Baylis is the fourth book in this Allegiance Series and these books have been a brilliant read. This is a series that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, its fast paced from start to finish and gritty throughout. Its one of the best series out there to read and I highly recommend all of Edie's books. They have been a 5 star read.

Was this review helpful?

Payback by Edie Baylis.
With his once thriving casino business now in ruins, Seb Stoker is certain about two things: One – he will rebuild bigger and better than ever. And two – someone will pay for torching his club.
But until that day comes, Seb has bigger things to worry about and a business deal that could make or break them all…
Sam Reynold knows Seb is out for revenge, and she’ll do anything she can to help him. But Sam has her own enemies and battles to fight – ones much closer to home.
With pressure mounting for both of them, tensions run high.
Brilliant read. Great story and characters. Love this author. Loved Seth character. I hope to hear more from this character. 5*.

Was this review helpful?

Once again we're back with Sam Reynold and Seb Stoker. In the 4th in the series of this compelling, gritty crime book.
There are quite a few characters so it would be advisable to read the first three books so you don't get confused.
The characters as you would expect from a crime book are likable, dodgy, and downright vile.
Plenty of action from the start with plenty of graphic scenes.
If you're a fan of crime, gangland you'll love this book and the first three.
NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book. xxxx

Was this review helpful?

I have been a fan of Edie’s work for a while now. I haven’t caught up with everything that she has written but that is something that I hope to rectify in the not too distant future. I must admit that that I have a particular fondness for ‘The Allegiance’ series. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in the series to date. When I heard that Edie was due to release another book in the series , I knew that I had to get hold of a copy and read it as soon as I possibly could. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because the fourth book in ‘The Allegiance’ series is called ‘Payback’ and ti was released on 3rd January 2023. It’s another cracker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading but more about that in a bit.

I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into ‘Payback’ which is mainly due to the fact that I was tired and finding it hard to concentrate when I started reading it. After a little while I got into the story and from that moment on I found it hard to put my Kindle to one side for any length of time. I was intrigued by the characters, even though some of them scared the doo doo out of me. I developed my own theories as to what was going to happen so I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered off in the opposite direction. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I would pick my Kindle up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would become so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I would still be sat there reading several chapters and an hour or so later. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Payback’. I found ‘Payback’ to be a gripping, gritty, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

‘Payback’ is well written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Edie Baylis. Edie has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Edie certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story and then some. For me, the story was a little slow to get going but the pace soon picked up. Some of the descriptions of the violence used were a bit graphic but in no way did I let that put me off. Reading ‘Payback’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I love the way in which Edie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt at any rate.

In short, I Thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Payback’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Edie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.

Was this review helpful?

Well, Payback is certainly a bitch, isn’t it! So much is going on in these books that it will leave your head spinning! I love it! I did kinda miss the old days of just being in Sam’s and Seb’s heads, however, with all the explosive action I love seeing it from everyone’s point of view!

Seriously though, that slimy thing, how has he evaded things again!!! Urgh!!! When is the next book coming out!! I need my own kind of payback on a few people indeed!!!

The shit is going to hit the proverbial fan so very soon and that fallout will affect so many people. Is it wrong to be excited to see how it will play out!?

What can I say that I’ve not already done so in the last couple of weeks about this series and the books?! I am obsessed! I love the way Edie weaves her web to ensnare you like a fly. I am enraptured with her writing again and I read this book in one sitting. I didn’t want to stop. I couldn’t. So many threads were flying in the wind begging to be tied up, were they? Well, you need to read it.

New and old characters grace the pages, and reference to some who didn’t get page time, hopefully, we will see them again though. But we had more than enough going on and I didn’t want everyone in the firing line.

I am worrying for Sam a little bit as she is getting a tiny bit exasperated with Seb and his selective truths, shall we say. I just don’t want her to be pushed too much, because we know what a woman scorned could be like. 😉 I have no fear that it will come to that, but Seb, come on mate, man up a bit!

Although, saying that I loved seeing the Stoker brothers working as a team, taking control. They took zero prisoners this time, and there were a few scenes where rage may have taken over.

A new firm is introduced, and old enemies are about, all and all makes this just another epic book in this series.

Can I have the next one now? I have been good! I am now going to miss the Stokers and Sam until the next one comes out. They have taken over my life for the last couple of weeks and it will be weird without them… I hope they will be ok!

Was this review helpful?

Loving this brand new instalment of the Stoker/Reynolds series. Each book reveals more layers to the family members and their foes. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great read as are all edie baylis books. This is the 4th book in the series and as with the previous books I was hooked, love the plot and cannot wait for the next book, as always the author always leaves you wanting more.

If you like a good thriller then add this to your list. Brilliant book

Was this review helpful?

I’ve read a few of her books and this is amazing read. It’s fast paced a nice easy thriller you love. With plenty of twist. Great characters you enjoy still. Amazing writing style you love. I love learning still about the characters that developed in the casino. A fast rich thrilling story you love.

Was this review helpful?

Payback is the fourth book in the Allegiance series, but the third one I've read (I know, I know, I shouldn't do that, but it's book 1 I've not read, so I feel fairly up to speed now:). Payback picks up immediately after the events of book three and is a deftly and tightly plotted sequel, taking into account each and every loose end from the previous book.

It's fast-paced and well-written, ensuring the reader doesn't have time to catch their breath as it tumbles towards its conclusion, with the main players seemingly unable to stay away from one another, as they intersect and react, sometimes with deadly consequences, in Birmingham of the 1990s.

This is not at all my 'usual' read, but Edie is such a fabulous writer, and while her characters are all, in some way or other, flawed or just downright horrible (and there are many of them who are, quite frankly, evil), I find the world she's created to be hugely entertaining. I rushed to get to the end of the novel to find out how everything was going to play out. Will Payback come or will revenge go 'wrong?'

Payback is not for those offended by violence or foul language, but it is a very well crafted novel, and I'm really looking forward to book 5, and seeing how the Allegiance series concludes.

#BlogTour

Was this review helpful?

My Thoughts:
This is fourth book of the Allegiance series, and the Stoker brothers are eager to get their revenge. This series is all and more what I want from a gangland thriller it will take you up and down with lots of twist. Between the family drama, and the romance and the plotting This book will keep you turning the pages until late in the night. I wasn’t expecting the ending but I will be looking for book five for sure to find out more. I have read this complete series and this book will not disappoint and although this is the fourth book in the series the author does give enough of a introduction and background that you will not feel like your missing part of the story but I do recommend starting from book one if you can.

Was this review helpful?

So much has happened since the start of this excellent saga and although it’s perfectly possible to jump in and get a great reading experience, I really would recommend reading them right from the start to learn about all the history between these characters. At the start of this book, Chas, Deb, Grant and Amelia are all dead, the Aurora lies deserted and the Peacock has virtually been razed to the ground in the fire started by Dan. Dan and Tom are holed up in a hotel with the Stokers’ stolen millions in cash, waiting for forged passports with which to make their escape abroad while Tom is praying no one links his car to Deb’s death. Tom is looking for a plan B and Dan is realizing how much he has been conned. After shooting her brother in a botched attempt to kill Sam, Marina, Sam’s sister is furious that boyfriend Dan has deserted her with the cash and has now brought her father Mickey Devlin back to Bearwood to help her regain what she deems rightfully hers. While Sam has her mother Linda securely in rehab after the appalling treatment she suffered at Tom’s hands, Seb and his brothers Andrew and Neil are looking at the only sure-fire way to make up their missing millions to rebuild the casino – a major heist, something the Stokers haven’t done in years, and involving some long overdue payback into the bargain. Sam is determined to stand by her man. And of course, everyone concerned wants revenge for recent events but how much will that cost? And who will pay the price in blood?
There is masses of action, love, loyalty, betrayal and bloodshed in this latest instalment of a great gritty gangland thriller series, full of twists and unexpected turns in the lives of the Stokers and Reynolds whose enemies are never far away. After three previous books, the main characters are very well known to the reader, and despite their sometimes less than palatable activities I always find myself rooting for Sam, Seb and their families, who are really very likeable in comparison to the real “baddies”, some of whom are the most loathsome creatures imaginable! With another brilliant cliff hanger ending, I can’t wait to see what happens next in book five of this exciting series but I’m sure Sam and Seb will have plenty to keep them occupied and the stakes will be as high as ever! 5*

Was this review helpful?

📚📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖📚

📖 Book - Payback
✍️ Author - Eddie Baylis
📕 Publisher - Boldwood
🗓 Publication Date - 3rd January 2023

Payback is the 4th book in the Allegiance series.

I’m so lucky to be on the BookBlog Tour for this book also - 8th January 2023.
Thanks Rachel For organising this.
I have read other books by this author and loved them! This book was no different. Fantastic writing skills. Characters were clear, concise and easy to follow.

These books aren’t for the faint hearted. If you like something that is going to make you gasp, stretch your eyes, cover your mouth with your hand and also be reminded why you always went for a ‘bad boy’ back in the day 🤣🤣!!
I love this authors style and will always be excited by one of her new books 🥰


#boldwood #ARC #EBayliss #brutal #ganglandcrime

#bookstagramshaz

https://www.instagram.com/Bookstagramshaz

Was this review helpful?

WOW! I thought the last book in this series was a belter, but this is something else!

Having read the previous instalments, I knew these characters already. Still, Bayliss gives enough backstory throughout that it wouldn’t matter if this is the first one you pick up (although readers are likely to want to binge the entire collection after this one!) The 4th book in the series, this is as addictive, absorbing and adrenaline-fuelled as the rest of them.

The writing style is spot on for a gangland thriller; dramatic, suspenseful, and enjoyably dark. There are some heavily violent scenes, which sensitive readers may need to be prepared for. There isn’t an element untouched in this story – family relationships, love, betrayal, and conflicts, and it makes for an excellent read.

The character’s journeys are developed perfectly, and the plot twists make for a 24-hour read. Well deserved and undoubtedly a 5-star read!

I cannot wait for the next in this series, and I highly recommend Payback to all fans of this genre.

Was this review helpful?

Payback by Edie Baylis is a gripping, brutal and thrilling read. In the fourth book of the Allegiance series, we have the Stokes brothers (especially Seb) hungry for revenge. Readers need to be ready for a rollercoaster and exhilarating read full of intense and twisted turns. I have not read the previous books, but the background provided for every character is sufficient to help connect the pieces in this gritty and engaging plot. Edie Baylis does a fantastic job with her nail-biting narration and balancing multiple characters. I was rooting for Seb and Sam, who bring out the best in one another. Be aware that this read is centred around gangland violence and has elements of torture and brutal executions. The aspects of family, romance, strategy, execution and allies are beautifully strung together. The ending was shocking but beautifully set itself for book five.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

If you're a massive fan of gangland violence, murder, chaos, family and romance, do not skip this book. Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for giving me a free review copy. This honest review is left voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

Payback
by Edie Baylis
Pub Date 03 Jan 2023
Boldwood Books
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers

Start with a gunshot and a betrayal. From the offset, I wanted to know what was happening this day, and I tried to get them all the characters. The author brings you into the persona of nature and takes you through the story.

Although I didn't realise this was part of a series, I did enjoy the book. If you like thrillers, you’ll enjoy this book and series, although I’d recommend you read the books in order if you’re new to Edie Baylis as an author.

The book will be published on the 3rd of January 2023 in paperback and ebook.
#Payback #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

This book is the fourth in the Allegiance Series, and having read Vendetta, the previous book in the series I was really excited to be given the opportunity to read this book.
As ever with Edie's books there is lots of gangland action and twists and turns on this thriller of a ride. The author gets you into the persona of the character and takes you through the story.
My only criticism of the book is that initially it does take a while to get into the book as you re-acquaint yourself with the characters you know and love. I think new readers to the series may struggle jumping in at this stage and would definitely recommend they read other books in the series first. Once the story really gets going you soon get back into the story and it feels like you are relaxing in a comfortable old armchair as the story envelops you..
Following the author on social media I know that she has had a hard time recently so even more kudos to her for producing such a great read.
If you are a fan of UK gangland crime fiction then this is one not to be missed,
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Edie Baylis for providing me with an advanced copy of the book in electronic format, in return for a honest, unbiased review,
The book is published on the 3rd of January 2023 in paperbaqck and e-book formats. Give yourseld a treat to start 2023 and pre-order the book.
#Payback #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

What a fantastic, twisty, thrilling, gritty and absolutely engrossing thriller! Payback is the first book to make its way to my Best Books of 2023 list!

Be ready for a roller coaster ride. From start to finish, this book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Unexpected twists and turns are plenty. Desire for revenge is at an all-time high.

This is the fourth book in this series. Though I haven't read the first three books, I didn't have any trouble following the story - we readers are given a gist of what happened in the previous installment. I am looking forward to catching up though, hopefully before the release of book #5.

I loved Edie's storytelling. The characters are likable - don't ask me to pick a favorite because I liked them all! (Including the bad guys.) The story kept me guessing till the end. It all ends with a shocking turn of events and I cannot wait to see how this will play out in the next installment.

Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?