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

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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

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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.

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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:
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Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
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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