Payback (Sisterhood, #2) by Fern Michaels

Payback (Sisterhood, #2) Reviews

• 
  ✨Susan✨

  I'm hooked on this series because of the crazy characters. It is a light read with good, well thought out solutions to some peoples deplorable lack of moral scruples. No murder or gunfights just a good ole caper with a little humor mixed in. Some parts are a bit far fetched but it certainly adds to the adventure. Laural Merlington's excellent narrative brings life and timing to all of the characters personalities. Onto the next in the series, it's a nice, light way to start out the New Year.
• 
  Julie

  Payback by Fern Michaels is a 2005 Zebra publication.
  
  Years ago, It was suggested to me that I might like this series. But, I was skeptical because at that time I was into really dark, gritty novels and looking at the book covers, this one as an example, with a white picket fence and red roses on it, I was sure it was too syrupy for me. But, when I received a copy of one the sisterhood novels as a gift a while back I thought- “Why not?”
  
  As it turns out I really liked the book, and wanted to read the series from the beginning, but I doubt that will ever happen, so I will try to read one here and there where I can and as close to being in order as possible.
  
  Payback reunites the ladies, and Charles, once more as they gather to help one of their own with a little 'payback'. In this case, Julia, a doctor and the wife of a prominent senator, discovers her husband is a philanderer and has given her HIV. So, she wants to be sure he pays for cutting her life short and she will start by casting doubts on his political future by making sure the press discovers his infidelity, but that's just for starters...
  
  The story also continues the saga between Nikki and Jack as they begin living separate lives, despite still being in love, but Jack finds his prying into the sisterhood's activities has dire consequences. Still, Jack is a very stubborn man, so I doubt he has fully learned his lesson.
  
  I enjoyed this one well enough, but certain parts of the plot puzzled me, like Julia insisting on keeping her diagnosis a secret from her husband. It seems to me that the longer she waited, the more likely he could infect someone else. The plot against the senator was vague and things moved too slowly for my taste, and there wasn't a lot of action or build up of suspense.
  
  What sold this one for me was the drama between Nikki and Jack and his obsession with finding out what the ladies were up to, which led him into territory he never dreamed of.
  
  
  I know there are books in this series that were a lot stronger than this one. But, it was nice to go back and read one of the older titles and get a little more background on the long running series.
  
  Overall 3 stars
• 
  Mahoghani 23

  "Vengeance is mine," saith the Lord but these seven ladies has taken it into their own hands. The first story in the series was great but this one seems to put them into a fantasy status. I don't know how I would react if my husband did something that deadly to me but the steps they took for payback is beyond measure. If they are truly going for payback, denigrating them is okay but to hypnotize and make them slaves in another country is truly unbelievable.
  
  Another issue is the ADA, Jack Emery. He's suspicious of their activities and is willing to risk his job to catch them. Now he's been attacked by the President of the United States "goon squad" to the near point of death. The president has a gang? Oh my....
  
  A fun read but highly unbelievable.....why it's called fiction!
• 
  Asheley T.

  I devoured this story immediately after I finished the previous one, which was the first in the series, which is about a group of seven women (aka The Sisterhood) who help one another get revenge on the people that have wronged them and gotten away with it. The first book was Kathryn's story, in which she was able to get revenge on three men who raped her seven years ago while her disabled husband watched helplessly.
  
  This second book tells Julia's revenge story, in which she is able to repay her serially-cheating husband for giving her HIV and destroying her career as a surgeon. I 100% despised Julia's husband while I was reading this and it was delicious to read how the seven women worked together to make him pay for all of the harm he had caused their friend.
  
  These Sisterhood books are light and easy to read, which is what I've been craving lately. They're revenge stories that require the suspension of disbelief. But they're so, so fun and so worth it. These women operate fully outside of the law at great cost to their "real" lives and "real" careers. They're completely loyal to one another, which is really refreshing to read. They all feel so deeply for one another because they have the shared experiences of feeling let down when they've had to pay dearly for the actions of other people. It feels like the more I read of these women, the more I like them. I keep buying up the books so I have them on hand when I want a FUN read. They are not perfect and they're a little outdated, but I'm still enjoying them immensely.
  
  
  
  Audiobook Notes: I added the audio to my read again and while I enjoyed listening, there were a few things that annoyed me with the narration. I'm still really weirded out about how old the narrator makes some of the characters sound, even though they're only in their 60's. And for some reason, the narrator used a very Southern accent with one of the main characters, which was jarring. This story is set in Virginia, near Washington DC, so I wouldn't expect the characters to sound like me. (I have a deep drawl and twang.) I'm also somewhat enamored at the way the narrator reads the bad-guy Assistant District Attorney Jack-he has a total villain voice and it almost makes me giggle. At any rate, the fun I had with the story overshadowed these minor annoyances and I may even continue listening to the audiobooks as I breeze through this series.
  
  Title: Payback by Fern Michaels
  Series: The Sisterhood #2
  Narrator: Laural Merlington
  Length: 6 hours, 6 minutes, Unabridged
  Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• 
  Chatting About Cozies

  Entertaining, emotional, spies, action…I enjoyed it.
• 
  Melissa

  It is Julia Webster’s turn to get even with her husband. He is a U.S. Senator who has destroyed Julia’s life while advancing his career. To him she is just someone to make him look good to the public while he runs around behind her back. Well, she knows and now so does the Sisterhood. I was a bit nervous at one point because I thought their plan was going to fall apart. Julia had a hard time controlling her emotions sometimes and she said more than she should have. It all worked out though and the mission was accomplished. What the Sisterhood did is a bit tamer than the first book, but just as vengeful.
  This was a quick fun read and I look forward to moving onto the next book and the rest of the series.
  
• 
  Jool

  While the Sisterhood series by Fern Michaels is in my opinion, simple beach-read material, nonetheless the stories of revenge are quite satisfying. I will probably work my way through the entire series, and enjoy them. The plots are sometimes quite implausible but still it makes the reader wish for a group like this who can help exact revenge.
  I recommend this series for light, enjoyable reading.
• 
  Tara Chevrestt

  This is the second in the Sisterhood series. The Sisterhood being 7 female vigilantes that have been wronged by the American justice system. I enjoyed the first one, but this one was ridiculous. First of all, I had a hard time believing that a local lawyer is going to actually sell most everything he owns and take a month leave of absence from his prestigious job just to spy on these women. Jack is a very annoying character and if he is in the other books, I may not bother to read them. Anyway, this edition of the Sisterhood is about exacting revenge for Julia, a doctor married to a philandering senator that gave her AIDS. There was no real tension or suspense leading up to the vengeful moment and the outcome was ridiculous and displeasing. Are we really to believe that a bunch of HMO people were just secretly spririted to Africa and hypnotized and forced to work on a farm? Get real. I am not completely giving up on the Sisterhood series, but I hope the rest of them are better.
• 
  Sónia

  Pese embora seja uma leitura ligeira, li avidamente o primeiro livro desta série. Nada melhor para nos distrair do que pensar em sete mulheres que têm um objectivo comum: vingança. Daí ter ficado expectante com o lançamento deste volume, que comprei logo que saiu.
  
  Não quero imaginar o que faria se marido meu me transmitisse algo mortal, mas tudo o que aqui é narrado não é ficção, é mera fantasia. A estória está repleta de inconsistências e, mais que isso, tem uma escrita bem inferior à do primeiro volume. Pontos por explicar, demasiada fantasia e um livro que deixa muito a desejar. Diria, até, francamente mau.
• 
  Jasmyn

  Payback continues the story of The Sisterhood, a group of women that seek revenge on people that have wronged them (so far it seems to be all men).
  
  In my review of Weekend Warriors, the first book, I mentioned that the suspension of belief for a contemporary was a bit of a stretch in this series. I think it's similar to thinking that a businessman could create things like Batman and go solve crimes without anyone realizing who he really was. While fun, it's not very believable.
  
  The second book throws a ghost into the mix that speaks to two of the women, basically encouraging them to continue seeking revenge on people who have wronged them and escaped traditional justice.
  
  Once again, the person they hunt deserves to have something happen to them. But again, the punishment really turned my stomach. I think these stories would be so much better if instead of a physical revenge, they found a way for the real justice system to get these guys.
  
  In the background you have the added drama of Jack, an attorney that used to be engaged to one of the women, catching on and trying to prove they are doing things. Jack is a good guy, and he gets swept up in the revenge, and it just makes me like the main group of characters even less.
  
  Still, there is something about this series that I can't look away from. Even with the typos, plot contradictions, errors, and awful acts the Sisterhood take part in, I somehow need to keep going to see what's next.
• 
  Loverly Reads

  *For some reason GRs is being weird and keeps setting the finish date as 8/11/17; actual finish date is 8/10/17*
  
  For the second installment of the Sisterhood series, it's Julia's turn for vengeance. On her request the sisterhood takes on a two part mission; one - Julia's cheating husband from whom she contracted HIV/AIDS, and two - the Monarch family and their HMO health insurance scam.
  
  The plot was interesting, and intertwined well with the subplot regarding the ever more troublesome Jack Emery, Nikki's ex fianćee. The characters are empathetic and relatable...I mean who wouldn't want to have the money and resources to get away with getting back at someone who grievously wronged them.
  
  However, the plan for Julia's husband lacked closure. The man whose unfaithfulness condemned Julia to an incurable disease and extremely shortened life expectancy as well as killing her career as a plastic surgeon seems to fall to the wayside in favor of the Monarch family.
• 
  Pooja Peravali

  When Myra Rutledge's daughter is killed with no consequences, she decides to take revenge with a group of other wronged women. In this book, the Sisterhood goes for revenge against Julia's husband, who cheated on her and gave her AIDS.
  
  This book is a lot more explicit and crazy-sauce than the last book. The women are truly out for revenge and take no prisoners, though I thought the wrap-up at the end was a little too quick. Jack's subplot was more engaging in this book, and I felt genuine concern that he was getting too close to the truth at times.
• 
  Christopher Hicks

  This was a fun easy read. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. The story at times was extremely far fetched but that adds to the fun. I do like how each book takes on another of the ladies cases and together they seek vigilante justice on their wrong doers. I'm excited to read the next one.
• 
  Sally Kilpatrick

  I don't know about this series, yet here I am reading book two...
• 
  Christine (KizzieReads)

  I really don't like Jack at all! It was kinda rushed but nice way to end that bit of revenge. I'm really pulling for Julia as well.
• 
  Stephanie

  That was the best payback they could think of?? I understand this book has aged a bit, but c'mon ... Women scorned can do better than that.
• 
  Kathy Davie

  Second in the Sisterhood suspense series that revolves around finding justice for each of the "sisters" and others they find worthy.
  
  The Story
  It's Julia Webster's turn for justice. Diagnosed with HIV caught from her philandering senator husband, Julia had to give up her career as a plastic surgeon. She wants Mitchell to pay with humiliation, disgrace, and never have the opportunity for a comeback. She also wants justice for the subscribers to the Monarch HMO. Hundreds, if not thousands, of subscribers or family members have died due to denials of claims all to fuel the greed of the three Monarchs.
  
  The Characters
  Seven women have joined together to find justice for the wrongs done them. And if any little cause comes along that strikes their fancy, they'll take that up, too. By this second story, the ladies have bonded and care greatly for each other, lovingly fed by Charles Martin, Myra's live-in lover.
  
  Senator Mitchell Webster is a typical politician. More interested in himself and how he can gain power and influence as he f*cks his way through Washington D.C. The Monarchs, Derek, Elaine, and Ethan, are more interested in, well, more. They have houses throughout the world with rooms filled with the treasures and antiques they have collected at the expense of their subscribers. Thankfully, they are able to deny claims so they'll have more money to spend on more stuff.
  
  My Take
  I love the story. I hate Michaels' writing style. It's so simplistic. Not quite on the level of See Dick, but damn close. She has more simple sentences than a fourth-grade reader. And they don't necessarily connect up smoothly!
  
  What's with Myra freaking out over every little thing? Is this supposed to set up her evolution through the series to a calmer, more accepting person?? Then there's poor, struggling Alexis driving her Mini Cooper. Does Michaels have any idea how expensive those things are?
  
  Then there's the destruction of Mitch's career that Julia wanted. It never happened. WTF!!?? I was so looking forward to his humiliation and, hopefully, the anger of all the men whose wives he screwed. Damned disappointing. Although the Monarchs' disposal was quite poetic. Would have been more satisfying if they were aware of it though.
  
  Two things I did like: Nikki feeling bad about Jack's little contretemps and Jack and Mark Lane going out on their own. Nice bit of justice there.
  
  The Cover
  The cover on the book I read doesn't match up.
  
  The title is certainly appropriate for indeed Julia, the Monarch HMO subscribers, and a number of other organizations get Payback.
  
• 
  PepperP0t

  1.75stars
  I've rather enjoyed a couple of the later books of this series, but find the second installment far less appealing. The overall premise of women banding together for vengeance is a fine driver for this long-running series, and lends itself to a variety of situations for our protagonists. This time out the senator husband of one of the sisterhood has not only drained their financial accounts, he has given her a death sentence. Before she takes her last breath, Julia would like nothing better than to completely and irrevocably destroy the separate life of handsome, distinguished Mitch Webster and make him pay for not only taking her life, but for thinking to leave her destitute and dependent upon him. We're also treated to a thread featuring a broken hearted Nikki whose ex-fiance is attempting to: 1) verify there is a sisterhood; 2) discover their plan; 3)derail their current plan; 4) prove they are behind a work problem he is having and; 5) win Nikki back. The final major thread here has sisterhood founder Myra using and (frequently) talking to her deceased daughter's ghost.
  I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the later books and noting their changes. The elaborate scheme, interaction among the characters and the intricately woven threads all work for good and make this a serviceable series. One of the major things that didn't work for me in this effort was the stiffly formal speech (or maybe the rich are just that different) - I wish that were all that bothered me. The whole ghost thing didn't seem natural to me for this setting so I had a hard time accepting it - again, I wish that were all that bothered me. What bothered me was the insult I felt as a reader, a woman and an African American. In the end, I could never recommend this book to anyone ever due to the amount of illogical conclusions, TSTL actions of characters that should have known better and the stereotypes. Too many things didn't work here to not be annoyed with this read.
  
• 
  Jen

  This book is about mostly regular people who have been wronged and decide to form a sisterhood in order to exact revenge on those who wronged them.
  
  The dead daughter speaking to various family members was cheezy and unnecessary. There was not enough character development. I didn't end up caring about any of them. There weren't enough details on how Charles was able to accomplish extraordinary tasks. The characters would often say, "I'm not even going to ask." You might be able to get away with that in a movie about spies, but not a book about supposedly regular people (plus a millionaire and a former MI-6 agent). It was a little too convenient and everything went down without a hitch.
  
  Even the ending was wrapped up in a nice, neat, little bow. If the world learns that all you have to do to not get caught for a crime is to ship someone off to farm in Africa and have them hypnotized, then criminals would be doing this all the time. The premise was kind of interesting, but the follow-through left much to be desired.
• 
  Becky

  Book 2 in the Sisterhood series is another great story of revenge and justice to be served by seven vigilante women. Julia Webster's husband is a US Senator and uses her only as an ornament to further his career. Julia has know of all his affairs and now finds out she has contracted AIDS and wants to get revenge before her life is over. He has abused her and left her life in taters. She has had to leave her position as a renowned surgeon. Her husband is getting to announce that he has been chosen to run as VP. The sisterhood has come up with a great scheme to put this man where he deserves to be. On to the next in the series! Can't wait!!
• 
  Carol MacInnis

  At Myra Rutledge's Virginia home, she meets with her six 'chicks' to discuss their next mission. Julia Webster, married to a U.S. Senator has taken nothing but abuse and finally the very last indignation for Julia to turn to the Sisterhood for her revenge. Once again, Fern Michaels had me on page 1 and I could not put this book down. A terrific read!
• 
  Dolly

  It's an interesting story, but not much to it. I often wonder why I read her books. Perhaps it's for the continuation of her characters' stories, but overall, I'm not impressed with her writing.
• 
  Shirley

  Another good one.
  Will take a break for another series until the other audible series come on sale.
• 
  Rayni

  It is difficult to understand the high marks for this book.
  
  The storyline was more than flawed, it was outlandish. But, even worse, the book appeared to be written by a middle schooler. The worst writing offense? Telling the reader about the characters each time they are introduced. For example, I only needed to read Assistant District Attorney Jack Emery one time —but the author repeatedly referred to him in exactly those words. Even in the dialog between the characters! So annoying—and so much a sign of immature writing. (And I say this knowing the author has published many books. Maybe just publishing something is not a sign of quality.). Likewise she referred to the adopted daughter as “their adopted daughter” so often I wanted to throw the book across the room. But I foolishly kept reading.
  
  The plot, if it could be called that, or storyline was so flawed that I don’t know where to begin. I know authors should allow the readers the privilege of imagining some details. But when the author is a non-disciplined and immature writer who spells out too many details, the reader is forced to evaluate the facts. In this case, many of the “facts” just don’t pass the smell test.
  
  I’ll put up a SPOILER ALERT here, although I think there was enough suspense to warrant an alert.
  
  First, we have a more or less minor character who is an FBI “programmer,” which is the author’s description not mine. I don’t really think FBI computer specialist would be referred to in that way, but that is all opinion. At any rate, our country’s highest law enforcement agency is, according to this author, so lax in its security that a lone programmer can change the code so that he can hack into the database when he quits the agency. Really? Even small companies have security in place to prevent disgruntled employees from changing code. And it is fairly simply to find code changes—just compare versions via control software. Unbelievable.
  
  The whole Jack being beaten up by a special “president’s force” with special “shields” is a bit of a stretch for me—although I won’t discredit the idea too much.
  
  There were totally unbelievable elements throughout the book. But the worse, the absolute worse, was the dismantling of the HMO. There are not enough words in the English language to enemy partially convince me that the scene in the mansion, the signing of the quit deeds, and the other financial shenanigans could take place! Not likely. Not even maybe. Just crazy “I had to end this some kind of way” nonsense.
  
  Finally—did the author really resolve an issue by hypnotizing the participants and sending them to Africa to work on a farm? Yes, actually the story has such a thing happen. This is illogical in so many ways. But primarily because the “sisterhood” sister who was exacting revenge wanted to be sure her husband suffered for giving her aids. So the author sent him to work as a farm hand in Africa! Hypnotized. How does that work? Unbelievable.
  
  Actually, this is one of those books that insults the intelligence of the reader.
  
  So, just to be clear—I did not like anything about this one.