Vicious (Sinners of Saint #1)
by L.J. Shen
My thoughts:
5-stars to the angstiest romance I think I’ve ever read!
One word sums up the majority of the relationships in this book: dysfunctional. The two main characters in this book went to high school together and have a strong history of conflict. Both are fairly complex too. Vicious, the main male character, is a huge bully; he’s flat-out crude, not caring for a single second who he hurts or what people think about him. Although he’s nearly impossible to tolerate through much of the book, he has a past, and there were hints throughout that he was capable of change. There’s just something about him though; it’s intoxicating.
Then there’s Emelia, who’s sweet, always does what’s right, and takes care of her sick sister who suffers from lung disease. Emelia’s an aspiring artist and just wants to have a normal, happy life in New York City.
Ten years out of high school and Vicious devises to seek out Emelia in NYC. He needs a PA and has this big plan to hire her (with ulterior motives of course). He offers her the job of a lifetime—one that Emelia simply can’t turn down. She needs this, but Vicious appears to be the same brute he was in high school.
There were some issues for me, particularly with Vicious, because he’s so aggressive, possessive, and manipulating. It was impossible to put this down though. There was this continuous hope that Vicious could change, and it’s what kept me going. Also, this book is incredibly angsty. Not to spoil anything, but it took over half the book for anything big to happen, and it tested my patience for sure.
I don’t care how common it is: enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Aside from that, there’s a lot more going on here with these characters. Also, romance isn’t one of my big genres, but I like to switch things up a bit every now and then. I’m so glad it was this book! Besides the issues I had to overlook, this was a fantastic story, my first by L.J Shen, and it won’t be my last. This was easy to devour and I’m excited to finish the series.
If you plan to read this, be aware that there’s abuse (both mental and physical), heavy sex scenes, bullying, drug use, murder, and possibly other triggers for sensitive readers.
5-stars
Find this book on Amazon and Goodreads:
- Series: Sinners of Saint (Book 1)
- Paperback: 338 pages
- Publisher: L.J. Shen; 1 edition (December 27, 2016)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0996135669
- ISBN-13: 978-0996135665
From Goodreads:
Emilia
They say love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and it’s true. The man who comes to me in my dreams also haunts me in my nightmares. He is a brilliant lawyer. A skilled criminal. A beautiful liar. A bully and a savior, a monster and a lover.
Ten years ago, he made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now, he came for me in New York, and he isn’t leaving until he takes me with him.
Vicious
She is a starving artist. Pretty and evasive like cherry blossom. Ten years ago, she barged into my life unannounced and turned everything upside down. She paid the price.
Emilia LeBlanc is completely off-limits, my best friend’s ex-girlfriend. The woman who knows my darkest secret, and the daughter of the cheap Help we hired to take care of our estate. That should deter me from chasing her, but it doesn’t. So she hates me. Big fucking deal. She better get used to me.
About the Author:
L.J. Shen is USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author of contemporary romance books. She lives in California with her husband, son and lazy cat.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading a good book with a glass of wine and catching up on her favorite HBO and Netflix shows.
Yeah, she’s a badass like that.
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ http://goo.gl/FwfMzr
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Twitter➜ https://goo.gl/ceV3RQ
Goodreads ➜ https://goo.gl/T4YU71
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
Instagram➜ https://www.instagram.com/authorljshen/
Thanks for reading my review of Vicious. Have you read this book or any other good romances lately? Feel free to leave your thoughts and suggestions below.
❤️ Mischenko
Great review, Mischenko!!! I generally avoid the romance genre, though I love when romantic elements or love stories are woven into the plot. Vicious sounds like a book with a lot of moving parts and that’s intriguing!!!
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Me too, Julia. It’s not a favorite genre, but every now and then I just need something different to keep me going. Thank you! ❤️
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It is so wonderful that you are reviewing books again on a more regular basis!!! You do such an awesome job 🙂 !!!
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Thank you so much, Julia! You know I appreciate your support. I’m not sure as of now what the future brings, but I’m going to continue to try to review. ❤️
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I don’t really delve into the romance genre, but I get what you mean about hanging in there because you wanted to see if he changed. I’ve done that with characters before. Great review!
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Yeah, I’m not huge into romance either. It’s a nice change though. Thanks, Teri! ☺️
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I’m seeing a lot of reviews for this one lately, and I enjoyed yours, M. I am tempted but those triggers make me pause. ❤️
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I can totally understand that, Jen. This one came really close a few times with some of the events in the book. Really, variety is what I need right now to keep me going though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! ❤️
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Enemies to lover trope is popular in romance these days. I read few but I usually read romcom more than just plain classic romance. I’m already curious to know when how male character developed. Great review!
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Thank you! I need to read a few romcoms this summer. They’re so enjoyable! 😉
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Great review Jenn. I do love romance, but this sounds a bit too dark for me and you know how I skim those descriptive sex scenes. I am glad you enjoyed it.
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It likely is, Carla. There were a few rough spots which is why I like to mention it in my review for others. Thanks so much and enjoy your weekend. ❤️
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Brilliant review, Jenn! I almost thought it was a bit unlike you to read this genre (romance) but I am glad you enjoyed it!
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Thanks, Noriko. 😊 I don’t read very much romance, but once in a while it’s nice for a change. 🧡
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I LOVED this book!!! You need to read the entire series!!
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I hope to! Thanks for letting me know. ❤️
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Awesome review Jen! I don’t read romance but maybe I should start. 😀👍🏻
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