KittyI had one rule: Don’t. Get. Caught. I’ve just broken it.And I’ve been more than just caught. I’ve been taken. Maybe that’s not big news. A hundred girls get taken every damn day. But not by this guy. Vicious is an English master criminal with a dominance complex. He doesn’t take ‘no’ well. He doesn’t take it at all. He’s going to make me say yes. He’s going to make me damn well scream it.
He’s going to make me say yes.
He’s going to make me damn well scream it.
Vicious
Kitty’s crossed the wrong people, and now her life is in danger.
I can save her, but I’m no hero.
She’ll pay her dues.
Obey my rules.
If she’s a good Kitty, she’ll be well compensated.
If she’s a bad Kitty, my bed awaits.
This city rewards the strong, punishes the weak, and destroys the innocent.
So do I.
Vicious Looks is the first book in the episodic Vicious City series. No cliffhangers. No gluten.
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I read the prequel, Vicious Tease also, which I got from Loki Renards website. That was a nice starter as well. This story has Kitty, a courier for some of NYC’s criminals getting kidnapped by one of the worst of them, a guy named Vicious. He is far out of the league of clients that she usually takes on. But he has been following her courier career since she began and wants her to work for him.
He is attracted to her and knows that some bad people are out to kill her. They have killed everyone involved with one of her early deliveries that she knew nothing about. He is able to protect her. There is also some BDSM, he is into punishment and it turns out she gets turned on by pain. I am fine with all that and I like how the story isn’t traditional crime or mafia, but is about couriers and other aspects of crime.
One thing I didn’t like is at the end he tells her to get on her knees at his feet and that is how she should be whenever they are in the apartment. I hate that sort of thing, where women are like pets or something. It really disgusts me. I mean it just is not sexy at all to say I am a man so I get to be nice and comfortable in a chair and you can sit on the floor at my feet like a dog. I would say f*** that jerk. I am outta here. I will take my chances on the streets.
Another great read by Loki Renard. This story is unique and captivating, the characters are well defined and interesting. I started this book and didn’t put it down until I read it to the end. Highly recommended.
Kitty is a courier. Discreet, talented, highly paid, illegal courier. She’d very careful, never uses the same name, route, or mode of transportation more than once before changing them. Not that it did her any good since she was kidnapped.
Vicious is on the FBI most wanted. That’s his street moniker, not his name. Known to be a ruthless killer, he’s feared by most everyone, although, Kitty’s best friend thinks he’s sexy and would love to have him for a client. He’s been watching her. Knows her better than she even knows herself. He’s waited long enough. It’s time to bring her in before someone , other than himself, kills her.
First off, know going into this, there is a cliff hanger. From beginning to end, Loki Renard has created a storyline in the underworld of mystery and adventure. The characters show a full range of emotions, including the sexual chemistry between them. Almost as if they knew each other personally, yet not.
There are many unanswered questions in this first book of the “Vicious City” series. Ones that became more pronounced the further I read. They were atleast acknowledged at the end of the book by an epilogue signed by Vicious. Quite a unique and unexpected twist. It felt like we had been a part of the story all along and at the end, Vicious took the time to recognize we were there. Waiting. What a terrific first book that appears to be an outstanding series. I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
I was given a copy of this ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The first book in a new series by Loki Renard and this book is a the set up for a deliciously dark story.
We meet Vicious and Kitty and right from the first moment they meet sparks fly.
What I loved most about this book was the characters and their interactions. Loved the banter between Viscous and Kitty. It made me laugh so hard. And could totally picture Blaze coming to the rescue. She had a lot of spunk.
I look forward to reading morre.
Vicious and Kitty are both part of the criminal world but on totally different levels. This also describes their personal relationship, he is definitly at the top of his empire and he is bringing her into his world in a deeper and darker way, Kitty was used to being a fringe player and had no idea the danger she was in on many fronts. The dance for power and the chemistry between the two are a real pleasure to read! Add in the danger, intrigue, suspense, great supporting characters and a fantastic story and Ms. Renard hits another level of perfection!
The danger level in this one is intoxicating. I found myself devouring the pages, and then panicking when I realized I was reaching the end much too quickly. The fast-paced action sucks you in, and the dark passion that is just below the surface will suck you under. The complex nature of the characters had me constantly trying to guess what was going on in their head, and the glimpses at the secrets they are hiding only captivate me more. Vicious…He is just what his moniker implies. And Kitty, she also has traits of the alias she uses. I really don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I’m only going to say that readers are not going to be able to put this one down. It will haunt them and make it impossible to think about anything else. The wait for the next book is killing me!
I really enjoyed this book. It definitely wasn’t what I was suspecting, at all. It was a nice change actually. It created a slow burn for the next book. As always Loki Renard surprised me with creating such a unique world. I was expecting something along the lines of hero kidnaps heroine because he was so taken with her. She blew my expectations away with something so much more different, more interesting.
I loved the bdsm aspect. That’s something that has always interested me. I think Kitty liking it so much, even craving it, adds a different flavor to her character. Often women are too scared to embrace something that goes against the mainstream. It’s nice to see a character who knows what she likes sexually and admits it to herself. I hope to see her fully embrace her desires and needs as her relationship with Vicious grows.
I was quite taken with Vicious. I love the mystery behind not knowing his real name. I’m eager to find it out. He’s not your typical hero. He’s very dark and twisted. I think Kitty brings out the good in him even though he doesn’t notice it. She’s very innocent in certain ways, completely at odds with who he is but it fits. They balance each other. He pushes and she pulls. I think the premise has been set for their relationship and that they’ll fall in love rather fast. I can already see it happening. What with how Vicious referred to Kitty as “his girl”. I doubt he even knew he did it which makes it all the sweeter. All in all this was a great book. I can hardly wait for the next one. I can’t wait to see where the story takes Vicious and Kitty.
Almost Captivating but Unsettling… Loki Renard has an imagination unlike most others I’ve read. Her attention to detail almost unmatched. Her character development superb. And normally I’m enthralled…except here. Here I am uneasy and inwardly cringing. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is something about this story niggling at my mind, and not in a good way.
The unfolding of Kitty’s plight and Vicious’ true involvement in it all has me thoroughly on edge, mentally screaming at Kitty to grow up and escape her perdiciment. It could be consumingly sexy. It may still be, but this first book does not divulge the truth, and makes you wait like Kitty is forced to wait…
Perhaps my unease is by Renard’s design. Perhaps she intended for me to feel this way about Vicious here in this moment, I’m not entirely sure. I’m hoping book 2 will let me know, if not I will not go beyond…
For a chapter or so, I thought I would enjoy this read. But, note to self, I really should start reading the book classifications before I dive in. Dark is just not for me apparently.
Anyway. This is actually some great writing. The setting in the criminal sphere of NY – though naturally glamorised – is quite absorbing. Kitty is being forced to work as a Courier for the dark, brooding Vicious, but she is also repeatedly sexually abused as punishment for bad behaviour. I think I’d really like this read if it weren’t for the too one-sided and way too humiliating “erotic” scenes. Vicious and Kitty are both quite hot for the other, but mutual attraction is nowhere to be seen during these scenes that are more degrading than sexy. The characters are engaging though. They’re complex and colourful, and you get super curious to know more about them and their motivations.
I guess that there are lots of people who’d get super excited over this read. I’m just not one of them.
Apart from the fact that this story clearly wasn’t the right fit for me. I just don’t get the deal with the absurd names. This is a contemporary story and nothing supernatural is going on. So why choose to call the sexy male character something so ridiculous? Nicknames are fine. They absolutely serve their purpose. They can even be silly or over the top. But writing the viewpoint of someone with an absurd moniker is tricky. A character calling themselves Vicious/Cool-Cat/King/Whatever in their own mind is a bit pretentious, don’t you think?
So, to summarise. It’s terrific storytelling and great characters. Renard is clearly a very talented writer. And I’d have really liked to learn more. I actually would have continued the series if only I could have stomached the so-called erotic segments. If you prefer consent and both people getting off though, then stay clear of this one.
For full review: https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blog.se/
Vicious is a different breed of man. When we start to read this book we have very little information on him but God is he hot and alpha. He is in charge of every part of his life and now he wants to add Kitty to the mix.
Kitty is not an innocent person but she is not bad either. I really enjoy her character and how she stands up for herself even when she is in danger.
The future of this story should be highly entertaining.
Vicious is not a good man. And for some reason he has his eyes on Kitty.
She is just a courier and she doesn’t understand what Vicious wants from her.
This story was well written and very interesting to read. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
The Brit vs the Courier
Check out the prequel ”Vicious Tease” and it is definitely is a tease. I love this quick look into the story!
Vicious is the king of his world strong, handsome and always in control. She is the best in her world. Kitty loves her job the way it is. The job requires loyalty, strength and the ability to disappear in plain sight and she is good at all of it. Unfortunately, her job may be the thing that gets her killed. Vicious wants the best. I loved the dynamics between these two characters is explosive. This book has me cheering for the bad guy
A Tremendous Book 1 for the VICIOUS CITY SERIES, an outstanding MUST-BUY, page turner by Loki Renard!
Looking over that cliff at the end the teaser/ prequel short-story, “VICIOUS TEASE,” had this reader both hot and bothered about Kitty’s future from the very first paragraph! Thank goodness the first book of the VICIOUS CITY SERIES went live so I could read about the consequences of that unnerving event! While I could type a repeat of what I stated for the prequel for this first book, I won’t – as author Renard’s descriptive prose and amazing characterizations continue to entice and entertain in a plot so full of twists and turns “VICIOUS LOOKS” could be dubbed a romantic thriller – but there has been no dead body to identify nor a murderer to find since Kitty suspects the murderer has her in his protective custody. But why does this protection include the erotic requirement that Kitty submit and obey without question and include punishments when her snarky attitude and need to be free have her running home to her own apartment? “VICIOUS LOOKS” is a MUST-READ, MUST-BUY suspense filled romance that will get any reader’s adrenalin pumping and libido sitting up. Steamy, sensuous and suspenseful “VICIOUS LOOKS” should be your next romance purchase! . Even though “VICIOUS LOOKS” is novella length, I could give the phenomenal writing no less than the 5 stars it has earned. Purchase your copy of “VICIOUS LOOKS,” the first part of this three-part episodic romance today! Happy pages!
Vicious is a smoldering, sexy at the top of his game and empire in the criminal world man. Kitty is into the crime world on the opposite end. She doesn’t realize the danger she’s been in or how things will go. Vicious kidnaps Kitty and brings her farther into the criminal world. There is a cliffhanger ending and I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
Another great story from Ms. Renard. The chemistry between Vicious and Kitty is so hot, your kindle may melt a little. Vicious decides he wants Kitty to work for him. His method of acquiring her is unique and surprising, especially to her. I really liked the characters in this story. They have depth and lots of emotion. Great job, looking forward to more in this series.
I love this authors writing and this book is no exception! The characters are believable from page one! The story line drags you in immediately and makes you feel like Your in the story! I love Kitty she is amazing but she is in way over her head without realising it! Vicious is very complicated and compelling and blaze and slick make for interesting side characters.
Warning – though this book can be read in its own it’s only the start of Kitty and Vicious’ story. So though it’s not a cliff hanger in the true sense there is more to come
I absolutely love the chemistry between Vicious and Kitty. After she gets over her initial shock of being kidnapped and his proposition to work for him, sparks fly especially when she can’t keep her sassy mouth shut. I cracked up at the banter between Vicious and Kitty especially when Blaze was thrown into the mix. She tries to resist his appeal in the beginning but he is too persistent. Kitty finally gives in and commits to working for him and I can’t wait to see how this series continues.
This is going to be a heckuva series from Loki Renard. There is so much interesting happening here, and I can’t wait to see what’s going to go on.
Vicious is such a conundrum. I can’t get a good read on him? Is he a good guy, a bad guy, a completely immoral guy or what? I have no clue and I totally love not knowing at all. It means that I can’t predict or even guess at what’s going to happen, so that’s just totally awesome.
I like Kitty. I think she may have some blind spots and may be a little too much of a good girl to be a criminal, so I’d find it really interesting to find out how she got started in what she’s doing.
Blaze is completely bug nuts, and that’s totally awesome. I hope we see more of her and Slick in further books.
It’s so incredibly good! I begin to read and am immediately inside, page by page, caught, pulled and absorbed in the frenzy of the story and oops, it is over as always much too fast too early and at all.
A satisfying end in between but hey, I want more! … and that immediately!
Great characters, main and side characters, so full of life, light and darkness and in between. Funny scenes, hot intermezzi and humorous fun.
5 shining stars
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~~ 4 VICILICIOUS STARS! ~~
“ “This is not the man to be taken by. His reputation is legend, and his methods are as brutal as they are original. I know him by one name: Vicious.”
Holy Moly! VICIOUS LOOKS, the first riveting installment in the exciting new Vicious City dark romance series by Loki Renard, held me hostage from page one !
THE PREMISE:
In the PREQUEL we learn that for weeks a dark and sinister criminal named Vicious has been stalking a beautiful, innocent looking young woman named “Kitty” who has gotten in way over her head working as a Black Market Courier. He has been biding his time before he TAKES the naughty minx, PUNISHES and SUBJUGATES her to bend her to his will, and RECRUITS her as one of his own. But when the savagely handsome Brit finds her in the cross-hairs of an assassination attempt, he knows his time is up.
After making his move and kidnapping her at the start of this book, he brings her to a secure location and sets all his devious plans in motion. His feisty, terrified captive has no clue what she’s done to attract the interest of this lethally dangerous “underworld boogeyman” —or why he’s singled her out to work for him. And submitting to him does NOT come easy. But there’s no denying how darn mesmerizing her captor is.
“He’s enigmatic. Magnetic. Every inch of his body is worthy of attention, and I can’t stop staring.”
And somewhere along the way, the dynamic begins to shift between Kitty and her keeper who plans to make her his in every conceivable way. However, when she learns the unbearable truth of her sinful past transgressions and finally agrees to do his bidding, can Vicious keep his precious Kitty safe from their enemies…and from the dangerously forbidden feelings that begin to spark in them both?
MY MUSINGS:
Be still my quivering heart! This quick, fast paced novella, which is told in episodic format, was teeming with danger, suspense, volatility, dark sensuality and wickedly kinky power exchanges!! And I savored every TITILLATING, PULSE-POUNDING moment!
I treasure a provocative tale that KEEPS YOU ON PINS AND NEEDLES and frantically turning the pages, and Kitty and Vicious’s story definitely fit that criteria!! The intricate web of treachery, dark, carnal lust, and dominance/submission that tethers kitty and her cruel, enigmatic yet FEROCIOUSLY PROTECTIVE master together was mighty intoxicating and had me TINGLING from head to toe!!!
I also love me a dark, menacing anti-hero and Vicious was the ULTIMATE BADDIE! But sigh, I also sensed a glimmer of softness and unexpected compassion beneath this Brit’s cold, steely exterior. And I adored trying to figure out what his true mission was, what drove him to such depravity and what was in store for his sweet, naughty little kitten. As for Kitty…was she an innocent helplessly ensnared in a vile situation or a bad girl who’d reaped what she sowed?
The FIERCE BATTLE OF WILLS and SIZZLING CHEMISTRY between this combustible duo was off the charts!!! And while I admit I did feel a bit sorry for Kitty who knew deep down she was no match for this ruthless criminal’s wrath, I also relished the sadistic punishments that Vicious inflicted on a defiant Kitty to get her to spill her sordid secrets and make her obey!
Hmmm…but is it really “punishment” when his not-so-contrite captive secretly craves the sharp, biting sting of his whip?!
Ultimately, it’s hard to know who the villain and victim truly are in this fascinating tale. And while we do get SOME answers to our burning questions, if you expect resolution by the end of this first episode, it ain’t happening. Because this scintillating saga HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN and there’s so much more to be unveiled about this fascinating duo in future installments…. Plus, there’s a colorful cast of side characters, including Vicious’s dangerous cohorts Slick and Shadow, as well as Kitty’s ballsy BFF Blaze, who I am look forward to seeing more of as well!
BOTTOM LINE:
What an intriguing start to the Vicious City series!! While I selfishly wish this first installment had been longer, I gotta say this author totally had me HOOKED. And ENRAPTURED. And BEGGING FOR MORE! And even though it will be torturous awaiting answers to these oh so provocative questions— Is Vicious “the villain I seem to be, the hero I would hate to be, or something in between?” —I know our patience will be richly rewarded!!
Well played, Vicious! “Until next time” indeed, Dark Master!!