Imogen Hardy hit the dirt hard and often when in the presence of Kane Jessop, not because she was so besotted with him and clumsy that she fell at his feet, but because he put her there. Usually with a hard shove or a swift swipe of her ankles.He was a vicious and unruly child; then a boy, now a man. He is in every bad memory Immy has ever had. He consumes her thoughts, her nightmares and … reluctantly, her dreams; even now, years after she fled.
She hoped she could stay gone, but life hands out jokers sometimes disguised as aces. The ace being her grandmother is dead, good times. The old hag can rot, but not before Immy makes the journey back to Faceless, Texas, to give a eulogy fit for no child’s ears. Releasing years’ worth of weight from her chest. A much-needed release.
The joker being… this brings her straight back to her hometown, straight back to him.
And unfortunately for her, he is waiting.
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AE Murphy certainly knows how to write a powerful, gripping story, full of angst, emotion and twists with complicated flawed characters. Vicious was a second chance, from childhood enemies to lovers bully romance with the perfect title.
I’m not normally that keen on bully romances to be honest as I struggle to fathom how someone can fall in love with someone who is that cruel and mean to them. However, this story was so much more than the childhood bully element. Hate and love can sit on such a fine line and I couldn’t stop listening to this book as I had no idea how these two could get through the pain and make it work.
Told mostly from Immys pov, the present was interspersed with flashbacks to the past. We saw how their relationship developed from the ages of 8 – 17, how anger, angst, pain and hate twists to their own take on love. There were times I hated Kane, he was vicious and cruel, but the other side of him was possesive, protective and caring in his own way. A little boy who thought he didn’t deserve love, but the more I learned of him the more I understood him, even if I couldn’t ever condone some of his actions. What Imogen (Immy) goes through is shocking and horrific. How her own flesh and blood treated her was heartbreaking. Immy was messed up and broken but as she grew up she learnt to fight for herself and together these two were pure fire and explosive chemistry, even as young as they were! Kane and Immy somehow created this binding connection that was both toxic and healing.
I listened to the audio version and the narrator was excellent, very expressive and I’m excited to read more from this author as she knows how to grab you and reel you in.
4.5 vicious stars
Vicious is the third book I’ve now read by A.E. Murphy, but it will by no means be my last. She has carefully crafted this small town, Second Chance, Enemies to Lovers Romance with tons of emotion and angst. The characters are such a wonderful, vivid cast and the storyline is unique and on point. I loved this read from beginning to end and am already thinking about a reread! 5 Fabulous Stars!
This was my first book by this author. My friend Clare Harrison has been recommending this author to me and our group members at least since Thanksgiving last. Wow this was everything. I adore crazy Kane. Immy is a wonderful, strong heroine. “ Show me your panties “ is gonna be my new catch phrase. This was so well done. Love little, stubborn Connie. The secondary characters were so interesting. I loved Marshall, Ren, Poppy, and Matthew too. I just really hate time jumping.
Get the tissues and get ready
When I read author AE Murphy I have a fright that takes over because the HEA is not always what is expected.
This particular story did have a HEA that was 18 years in the making, the book begins and flashes to our 8 year old heroine and a vicious bully. Fast paced with plenty of sexy scenes thou the focus is on moving forward, growing and truths revealed for lies told, the drama behind this story made smile, laugh and most definitely cry, be ready for the angst I could not put this one down.
Its like Harley Quinn and the Joker as teens in love. Kane Jessop is a DREAM. ADDICTION I DONT WANT TO QUIT.
I am SO in love with this book. I want to do a re-read ALL over again. WOW. When you look up enemies-to-lovers in a dictionary, this book will be the picture you see. Imogen/Immy had such a hard life. Trying to be the perfect child living with her horrible abusive grandmother. And Kane was the thorn in her side everyday from the age of 8 all the way until she was 15/16. I loved them so much. They were CRAZY in the absolute best way. I kept going back a page and re-reading the same stuff over again. I couldnt get enough.. Even tried to read next to my husband while he was asleep but it was hard holding in my laughter.
But thats not all it was. It wasnt all fun and games all the time. When it was real, it was REAL. I am a strong person and I dont get upset with too many books but at one point I teared up. It was so emotional. Man, the stuff they went through. And when they finally found their way back to each other, my heart..my poor heart REJOICED. The ending was such absolute perfection, I can wholeheartedly say this was my favorite book by this author, one of my top reads this ywar AND Kane Jessop is now my favorite leading man I have ever read. 5 stars isnt even enough for this manic stupidly in love couple
4.25 obsessed stars! I loved the writing, the plot and everything about this book! Vicious was the king of all jerks and the way he treated Emilia had me fuming at times. As the story progresses, there are layers that are peeled away and we learn just what made Vic the way he is. It was definitely a story that kept me engaged and wanting to know more. I did feel that something was missing from Vic’s character…. I truly feel that he was incapable of having a relationship and Em was too good for him at times and too forgiving. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings. I hope to see more of this couple and as well as Jaime and Mel. I have a feeling that Dean’s story is going to be amazing!
5 Vicious stars!!!
What happens when the boy who torments you your whole life is also the one boy you can’t get out of your head?!?!
One explosive relationship is what happens!!
Kane and Imogene are two bullheaded children. Kane Jessop is a dickhead. They say a boy likes you if he picks on you, that gets a whole different meaning in this book. I literally hated Kane for quite awhile. And then I realized they ended up in this explosive relationship where BOTH were just as crazy as the other. Maybe they had some mommy issues, ok well I know they did. Also, some grandma issues. Jeez that lady was a piece of work.
I love so many of the characters in this book. Some things I saw coming but when I thought I knew it all the author hit me with a new twist. I got excited for every new chapter.
I have never been so conflicted. I never knew whether I was angry, turned on, sad or all three. This author always tests my limits with characters. I love it. So many characters that are just fucked but at one point you love this shit out them. It’s like she feeds you to these wolves only to save you two seconds before you are to be ravaged. Brilliant!!
Another great job by the author. I felt every emotion under the rainbow. I had so many questions. I wanted to scream many times. I think under it all many lessons were taught as well. But I grew with these characters. I love that I knew them as well as children as adults. This is def a book you will want to talk about!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
AE Murphy quickly became one of my favorite authors after reading , and I have been working my way through her other books ever since! I have loved each book of hers that I have read and was no different. This book pulled me in and did not let me go. I stayed up late into the night and woke up early the next morning just to read it. Kane Jessop has now joined my harem of book boyfriends!u2063u2063
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There were so many moments throughout this whole book where my heart was breaking for Immy or Kane. I had a lump in my throat and had to fight of tears a new times. Immy had to endure so much pain not just as a kid but as an adult. For most of her life she was barely hanging on by a thread and Kane Jessop was the one to pull her back from the darkness. Despite being her bully, her tormentor, he was also her savior more than once and in more than one way.
” . – ‘ .”
There relationship was not a normal or even a very stable one as they pointed out to each other multiple times. But they loved each other something fierce. They fought each other tooth and nail about almost everything but they were loyal and had each other’s backs without asking questions. The world was vicious to them, they were vicious to each other, and that viciousness brought them closer and closer. It cemented their relationship, ruining them for anyone else. They were both broken, their souls only calming when they were together.
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There were also fantastic stories for the supporting characters. AE Murphy gave us glimpses into their live, their struggles. I would love to see more from these characters. What happens with Poppy, is Michael redeemable, does Matthew find love, and can we get more of the MC that West seems to be part of?! I’ll take anything AE Murphy will give me!
I devoured this!!!!
I barely survived Naked or Dead but this? Wow!!!
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I’m so speechless I wouldn’t be surprised if this review doesn’t make one ounce of sense. But I’m going to try nonetheless.
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A.E has a habit of making you feel a whirlwind of emotions. Her characters are never in a particular box or your normal typical characters which just adds so much dimensions to the story. There’s something to be said about beautiful chaos. Because that’s what we get. So much heartache, pain, hate, loss, love, passion, and more.
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You can’t help but be captivated from the first page. Like a moth to a flame this book drew me in and spat me out. From the tension, witty humour, real topics such as abandonment, I can’t help but marvel at the genius that is A.E and her ability to weave it all seamlessly and find the balance in it all also.
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Imogen and Kane’s story is by far one of my favourites! Their journey wasn’t easy but the best ones never are. Such an amazing plot, you can’t even predict what’s going to happen and when you think you do? Hello plot twist. Oh you have a sibling? Great! *cue deadpanned face*
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No joke.
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There’s nothing I disliked about this book. The characters even the minor characters were so well written and developed, their growth and even the roles they play, was amazing to read. The world building, amazing imagery and detailed so well I was transported. Everything felt so real. The complexities and layers to the book, blew me away.
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You will laugh, you will cry, you will shout and likely want to throw it across the room and want to reach in and strangle some of the characters or just one in particular but, its all worth it!!!!
This is the story of a boy and girl who belong together but the world simply isnt ready for them.
As children he can’t show her how he feels for he doesnt understand it himself.
He’s the bully, the cruel boy who simply cant leave her alone, but he’s also the dark knight who watches over her.
She’s the girl who has to be perfect at all times. She tries so hard to be strong, to do as she’s told, but inside her there’s a little bit of a wild child begging to be set free.
I loved this book from start to finish. From the character development to the the drip fed jumps from present to past that kept me always desperate for more!
There’s nothing that excites me more than anger and attitude in characters and oh boy they certainly had this!
A.E Murphy is simply a genius! She knows how to drag you to the very edge, then yoink you back to safety as your heart beats away wildly and you struggle to breath.
It’s a fantastic feeling, and very few authors succeed in doing this.
I knew this was going to be good but wow it’s so much more than that.
This is a book both as a new reader or a fan you NEED. It’s as simple as that.
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again I’d read A E Murphys shopping list if she gave it me haha I’ve loved everything she has written and this one is no different I loved everything about Vicious……
Kane and Immy hate each other fiercely as kids hes the bully the one who makes her life hell but what happens when the love to hate relationship flips and becomes hate to love ?? Kane becomes her safety when the nightmare of home becomes to much hes the one she runs to for protection but even he cant protect her from her family.
“I’ll never be well. I’m damaged. Im poisonous. I’m unlovable. I’m vicious”
Another brilliantly written book full of steam and heartache, betrayal and lies and yet again alex not only makes you love the mc’s but the supporting characters ( love Marshall) and I cant wait to see what she brings us next.
Because OF COURSE AE Murphy knocks it out of the park… again. I mean honestly, this woman can do no wrong. Vicious is just more proof to that.
Within the first pages, I was hooked. It was immediate. I loved Imogen, almost as much as Kane did. There is so much to these two characters, but so much of the same. Both unsure as to why they aren’t capable of being loved, but both so stubborn about seeing the possibility of love that’s right in front of them at the same time.
But oh, watching their relationship grow and evolve and morph into something so much more than either of them could have expected is magic. Sometimes volatile, sometimes beautiful, but always with love. It is so deeply engrained in both Imogen Hardy and Kane Jessop and I loved being able to witness it.
But their journey doesn’t come without obstacles, to say the least. There’s heartbreak woven into their story, but it only strengthens their bond in time. You’ll hurt for them, you’ll rage for them, you’ll cry for them. It’s messy and it’s hard. But the fight they have for each other is inspiring.
Easily a top read of 2020 for me. Vicious will stay with me, no doubt. AE Murphy knows how to hook you in, twist you into eleventy billion emotions, then smooths everything out again for you. Her words and her characters are all unforgettable and Immy and Kane are no different.
When I started this book, I have to admit that the writing was throwing me off. I understand it was a necessary part of the book, but reading versus hearing this type of grammar/use of words was difficult since I kept wanting to fix it. I’m just glad that it didn’t last that long, so that I was able to enjoy the rest of the book with ease.
This book gave me everything I needed in a book from bullying to romance to heartbreak to finally a happily ever after. I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone looking to read this book, but I will say you might cry, you might get upset, you might start raging against characters, you might fall in love with characters, and you might wish to prevent the hurt some characters have to go through. I enjoyed this book and stayed up very late to finish it instead of waiting to finish it the next day because I was so enthralled in the book.
All in all this is a great book that I would recommend to my friends and family.
A.E. Murphy yet again writes another damn good book.
I’m to the point where I’m convinced I don’t even need to read the blurb to know I’ll love it.
Just her writing capability alone draws me in and doesn’t let me go until I finish the story. Imogen and Kane’s story was no exception and it just reminds me that I need to get to everything on her backlist.
Imogen and Kane have the perfect hate to love story. They love each other just as much as they hate each other. They are fire and gasoline, but then they are the balm to their burn. I loved every second of their story.
It starts when they are kids and Kane is so mean– vicious. The saying “he’s only doing it because he likes you” is used in this story and is definitely true. Although, it takes a while to get to the liking part.
Imogen hates him and he deserves it. But even though he’s mean, he’s also there at times of need and you can’t help but love even the bully in him.
When things finally become real between them you can literally feel how much they mean to each other even if they can’t always find the words. And of course, I have to mention how hot their sexual chemistry is. The back and forth between them only adds to it! I just loved how A.E. built up their relationship. We got to experience a lot of what young love can really be like (at least in my experience) and I appreciated that.
But.
As always there are obstacles. There is pain, secrets, abandonment, betrayal, and even loss. A loss that seriously broke my heart for both Imogen and Kane. Secondary characters play big parts, some I hated and some I grew attached to. *cough cough* Poppy and Matthew.
Their story is full circle. It has all the ups and downs, but it comes with healing. I seriously loved this book! Definitely one I’ll want to own and reread!
* I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy
A.E.Murphys books keep getting better and better. This book will suck you in and you will not want to put it down. Love, hate , a lot of hate , sex, betrayal big plot twist down the road but I’m not given that up you need to read it to find out you will not be disappointed I promise.
what am amazing Storey.. my emotions hit an all time level. This one left me book drunk… not sure how to move on to another book. The author has a way of making the characters become so realistic. It’s setting in in a small town where everybody knows everyone but no one knows about anyone behind closed doors. Where you imagine a town full of the best people to learn as long as the bullies (young and old) do it behind closed doors it’s ok.
Another hit from A.E. Murphy! She is one of the authors that make you feel like your not reading a book, you are the book. She is the Queen of twist and turns. I could not get enough of this book. Immy and Kane had a relationship that was so beyond “normal” but you could not help but love. I laughed, cried and wanted to reach into the book and slap some people. I HIGHLY recommend this book and ANYTHING else by this author.
I LOVED Vicious! I was drawn in from the very beginning. The story jumps from past to present throughout the book but it’s so wonderfully written. It’s not confusing to following along.
I love Immy’s strength and resilience. She’s one of my favorite FMC. I wanted to hate Kane because he’s such a jerk but he’s the best kind there is. I was rooting for these to from the beginning. And I am so happy with the ending of their book.
AE Murphy is such an amazing author. She makes it so easy to connect with her characters & feel their emotions. Something that I personally don’t do often. And because of that, she’s become one of my go to authors.
Show me your panties….
This is one that’s going to stick. The characters will take root and there’s absolutely zero chance of getting them out of your head.
What happens when you have a small town plus two kids growing up together that love to fight and pick on each other… Magic, pure and simple.
This isn’t a story about love at first sight. There are sooo many bumps and detours that your head will spin but getting to the destination is half the fun.. right?
Prepare to have your heart broken and sewed back together. Murphy’s storytelling packs a heavy punch in small town, USA.
If you haven’t read this authors work yet..
#1. Where have you been?
#2. This is a perfect place to begin your love affair with her characters.
Wow I got surprised by this turning up on my kindle today, i was in the middle of another book, so i quickly finished that to start this. When i signed up for it all i saw was the name of the book and the author and that was enough for me to know i needed it.
What can i say about this book , i started it 8pm and it is now 12;40 am and im finished. Once i started i couldn’t put it down. A. E Murphy really knows how to suck you in, in the first few pages and then she takes you on one hell of an emotional heartbreaking hot amazing ride, she pulls you in and you cry you hurt you sit at the edge of your seat, you form a lump in your throat and when its over you sigh and wonder why it ended so soon. This is Bully romance at its finest. Kane right from the start bullied Imogen, but she gave as good as she got. These two really fought like an old married couple right from the start.
Their story isnt a typical one where they just fall in love no like all her other books it has the unexpected twist and turns and secrets. It is definately a hard ride for them both. These two go through hell and back they really do. Once i discovered A.E. Murphys books i went binge reading all of them and havent stopped since. Cannot wait to see what her mind creates next bring it on !!