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Sins & Saints #1
Vicious Knight
My villain, my monster, my vicious Knight…
I’m supposed to be a secret.
No one can know my true identity.
Or that I’m a dead girl walking.
But I caught the attention of the one guy my parents warned me to stay away from.
Thorne Ivanov reigns supreme at Raventhorn University, home of the Knights, one of the most powerful secret societies in the world.
An heir to its leader, Thorne is as devastatingly handsome as the dark villains in movies you're not supposed to like—but you do.
Thorne is a twisted, devious savage.
I knew better than to fall into his trap and become his latest obsession. But my world turns upside down when he uncovers my secret and decides to blackmail me.
In exchange for his silence, I belong to him.
His fascination soon becomes my nightmare.
Our arrangement dragged us into a labyrinth of dark secrets we were never meant to discover.
Then we find ourselves fighting for our lives.
This is a 100K+ word romance that contains dark themes that may be triggering to some.
Vicious Knight is a STANDALONE dark college romance with no cliffhanger. It is suitable for ages 18+.
Tropes Include:
Secret society
Hidden identity
Bully romance
Obsession
Enemies to lovers
Opposites attract
I’m supposed to be a secret.
No one can know my true identity.
Or that I’m a dead girl walking.
But I caught the attention of the one guy my parents warned me to stay away from.
Thorne Ivanov reigns supreme at Raventhorn University, home of the Knights, one of the most powerful secret societies in the world.
An heir to its leader, Thorne is as devastatingly handsome as the dark villains in movies you're not supposed to like—but you do.
Thorne is a twisted, devious savage.
I knew better than to fall into his trap and become his latest obsession. But my world turns upside down when he uncovers my secret and decides to blackmail me.
In exchange for his silence, I belong to him.
His fascination soon becomes my nightmare.
Our arrangement dragged us into a labyrinth of dark secrets we were never meant to discover.
Then we find ourselves fighting for our lives.
This is a 100K+ word romance that contains dark themes that may be triggering to some.
Vicious Knight is a STANDALONE dark college romance with no cliffhanger. It is suitable for ages 18+.
Tropes Include:
Secret society
Hidden identity
Bully romance
Obsession
Enemies to lovers
Opposites attract
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2024
592 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 25, 2024
I had a hard time rating this because it’s more than 4 stars but not quite five. Maybe 4.25-4.5.
This is classified as an enemies to lovers but I don’t think I would quite call it that. I mean to Ivy her and Thorne may be enemies but Thorne has no idea. Also they don’t really act like enemies.
Thorne (20) belongs to a secret society called the Knights. Wealthy families that are part of the Bratva and mafia that came together and made this group. If you are a descendant of the Knights you must attend Raventhorn university. Thats where Ivy (18) finds herself even though should would rather be anywhere but. She’s got a big secret to hide and going there will be risky in keeping that secret. She meets Thorne on her first day, she’s told by her mom to stay away from him but she’s equally intrigued and scared of him.
Thorne sees Ivy and he’s immediately interested in who this girl is who is so obviously afraid of him. Also she wants nothing to do with him and he’s not used to that so it makes him want to know her more. He suddenly becomes obsessed with her and once he finds out her secret he blackmails her into being his in order to keep her secret. She wants him deep down. She fights it a little bit but she finally gives in so a lot of things they do at the beginning were pretty much dub-con. Thorne isn’t mean to her though he’s just very direct and he wants what he wants and that’s Ivy.
I loved how obsessive and possessive he was over her. Definitely touch her and die vibes. Thorne ended up being such a sweetheart later on in the book. He would literally do anything and everything for Ivy. I actually really liked his character. I loved how observant he was. He was very smart and Ivy couldn’t keep secrets from him which I actually liked because I knew there wouldn’t be some big third act break up where the secrets were concerned because he already knew them. I also liked that he said I love you first and he didn’t rush her when it came to losing her v card.
I liked Ivy as well. She was super sweet. She had her sassy moments which I loved. I just wish she had maybe a little bit more of a backbone. She had a mild case of BBS but it wasn’t enough to ruin the book.
I wasn’t a fan of the all the sex at the parties thing. It had a very motorcycle club vibe that I did not like at all!
There was some OW drama. So Thorne has this nemesis who Ivy was flirting with and Ivy didn’t correct her friend when she told the guy that Ivy was single. So when Thorne sees them together he gets upset that she didn’t tell the guy she wasn’t single because hello “I said you’re mine so you’re not single.” So Thorne forbids her from going on this trip and in turn makes her come to his house. Unbeknownst to her it’s a pool party and Thorne is still salty so he makes her serve him and his friends drinks. When Ivy comes back with the drinks some girl is rubbing Thorne’s shoulders and another girl takes her top off and sits on his lap. He tells her to get off but doesn’t do anything to remove her. I know he was doing this because he was upset at Ivy still but it still annoyed me a little. He is 1000% not interested in anyone but Ivy though and that’s the main reason it didn’t bug me too bad. I loved her reaction to it though. I’m glad she stood up for herself but then they get alone, he tells her he’s obsessed with her and she lets it go too easily for my liking. But I really like Thorne so it was so hard to hate him. There’s also mild drama with this awful girl who is supposed to be in an arranged marriage with Thorne but he despises this girl.
Some OM drama in the form of her getting flirted with.
I did enjoy the mystery element of it. I didn’t guess the villain at all so I liked that. BUT the ending when it all unfolds was like super corny and OTT. It’s one of those endings where the villain just blurts out his entire master plan like a muhahaha thing even though he wasn’t laughing but you get what I mean. I didn’t really like this part, it could have been executed better.
I was not a fan of Ivy’s mom. Don’t get me wrong she was so sweet to Ivy but this woman was so in love with her husband and yet she believed he did these awful things. Never let Ivy talk about him, didn’t even try to find evidence that he was innocent and then went and married his best friend!! Yeah Ivy’s dad deserves better!! In my opinion.
I’m very intrigued by the rest of the series. I’m nervous about the next book! Kade and Isabelle. Isabelle is an absolute gem. I love her so much but Kade is sooo freaking awful to her and I fear he won’t be able to redeem himself if he does more stuff. I’m eager for Lucien and Eilish’s book. They are friends to lovers who are so obviously in love with each other but he’s leaving for a year and I’m just praying he stays celibate the whole time. This author has a thing for making her MMC’s not celibate during separation and I will riot if he touches someone else!!
SAFETY AND TW BELOW:
NO CHEATING
OW/OM DRAMA (see above)
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
VIRGIN FMC/ MANWHORE MMC (because authors don’t know how to write it any other way these days)
MURDER
HFN (but will be a HEA for sure throughout the series)
This is classified as an enemies to lovers but I don’t think I would quite call it that. I mean to Ivy her and Thorne may be enemies but Thorne has no idea. Also they don’t really act like enemies.
Thorne (20) belongs to a secret society called the Knights. Wealthy families that are part of the Bratva and mafia that came together and made this group. If you are a descendant of the Knights you must attend Raventhorn university. Thats where Ivy (18) finds herself even though should would rather be anywhere but. She’s got a big secret to hide and going there will be risky in keeping that secret. She meets Thorne on her first day, she’s told by her mom to stay away from him but she’s equally intrigued and scared of him.
Thorne sees Ivy and he’s immediately interested in who this girl is who is so obviously afraid of him. Also she wants nothing to do with him and he’s not used to that so it makes him want to know her more. He suddenly becomes obsessed with her and once he finds out her secret he blackmails her into being his in order to keep her secret. She wants him deep down. She fights it a little bit but she finally gives in so a lot of things they do at the beginning were pretty much dub-con. Thorne isn’t mean to her though he’s just very direct and he wants what he wants and that’s Ivy.
I loved how obsessive and possessive he was over her. Definitely touch her and die vibes. Thorne ended up being such a sweetheart later on in the book. He would literally do anything and everything for Ivy. I actually really liked his character. I loved how observant he was. He was very smart and Ivy couldn’t keep secrets from him which I actually liked because I knew there wouldn’t be some big third act break up where the secrets were concerned because he already knew them. I also liked that he said I love you first and he didn’t rush her when it came to losing her v card.
I liked Ivy as well. She was super sweet. She had her sassy moments which I loved. I just wish she had maybe a little bit more of a backbone. She had a mild case of BBS but it wasn’t enough to ruin the book.
I wasn’t a fan of the all the sex at the parties thing. It had a very motorcycle club vibe that I did not like at all!
There was some OW drama. So Thorne has this nemesis who Ivy was flirting with and Ivy didn’t correct her friend when she told the guy that Ivy was single. So when Thorne sees them together he gets upset that she didn’t tell the guy she wasn’t single because hello “I said you’re mine so you’re not single.” So Thorne forbids her from going on this trip and in turn makes her come to his house. Unbeknownst to her it’s a pool party and Thorne is still salty so he makes her serve him and his friends drinks. When Ivy comes back with the drinks some girl is rubbing Thorne’s shoulders and another girl takes her top off and sits on his lap. He tells her to get off but doesn’t do anything to remove her. I know he was doing this because he was upset at Ivy still but it still annoyed me a little. He is 1000% not interested in anyone but Ivy though and that’s the main reason it didn’t bug me too bad. I loved her reaction to it though. I’m glad she stood up for herself but then they get alone, he tells her he’s obsessed with her and she lets it go too easily for my liking. But I really like Thorne so it was so hard to hate him. There’s also mild drama with this awful girl who is supposed to be in an arranged marriage with Thorne but he despises this girl.
Some OM drama in the form of her getting flirted with.
I did enjoy the mystery element of it. I didn’t guess the villain at all so I liked that. BUT the ending when it all unfolds was like super corny and OTT. It’s one of those endings where the villain just blurts out his entire master plan like a muhahaha thing even though he wasn’t laughing but you get what I mean. I didn’t really like this part, it could have been executed better.
I was not a fan of Ivy’s mom. Don’t get me wrong she was so sweet to Ivy but this woman was so in love with her husband and yet she believed he did these awful things. Never let Ivy talk about him, didn’t even try to find evidence that he was innocent and then went and married his best friend!! Yeah Ivy’s dad deserves better!! In my opinion.
I’m very intrigued by the rest of the series. I’m nervous about the next book! Kade and Isabelle. Isabelle is an absolute gem. I love her so much but Kade is sooo freaking awful to her and I fear he won’t be able to redeem himself if he does more stuff. I’m eager for Lucien and Eilish’s book. They are friends to lovers who are so obviously in love with each other but he’s leaving for a year and I’m just praying he stays celibate the whole time. This author has a thing for making her MMC’s not celibate during separation and I will riot if he touches someone else!!
SAFETY AND TW BELOW:
NO CHEATING
OW/OM DRAMA (see above)
NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP
VIRGIN FMC/ MANWHORE MMC (because authors don’t know how to write it any other way these days)
MURDER
HFN (but will be a HEA for sure throughout the series)
October 7, 2024
i lv lv lv a little dark college book especially when it’s like a mafia/secret society type vibes for the college 😩 i am EATING up this friend group, i do wish it showed more of them. lucian and eilish are everything to me. kade and my little lolita dolls’ book next and i can’t wait!!!
April 12, 2026
“Fear looks good on you, little deer.”
I’m a sucker for a good secret society romance. Oh my does Faith Summers’ Vicious Knight deliver! I loved every tantalizing and tortuous minute! Vicious Knight is a potent mix of heat, heart, and harrowing danger that rendered me breathless. A pulse-pounding, toe-curling, twisted roller coaster of a romance. I had no choice but succumb to this story with characters that seduced every part of me.
Vicious Knight is the ultimate cat-and-mouse game: predator vs prey. I reveled in this sordid secret society romance starring a beautiful and brave belle and her fierce and formidable beast. A love story of soulmates that is messy, but worth everything.
Thorne is hero goals!
🔥 Secret society god who is downright lethal
🔥 Smokin’ hot, all alpha
🔥 Unhinged
🔥 Stalker level: off-the-charts
🔥 Obsessive and possessive psycho with touch-her-and unalive vibes
🔥 My undoing!
Ivy is a warrior!
👑 Pianist
👑 Stunning
👑 Strong
👑 Sassy
Thorne is the dark king who you want to rule you and Ivy is the strong queen —both survivors—who made my heart shatter and soar— and I admired them both. Ivy and Thorne are the perfect match … burning together with an undeniable soulmate connection felt through the pages.
The writing sucked me in, holding me captive, where I lived in this book. Speaking of magnetic prose … holy mother of plot twists! I sat with my mouth gaping, seriously shooketh. Definitely didn’t see that wild ending coming. Well played, Ms. Master Storyteller Summers, well played.
This devastatingly beautiful collision of dark and light stunned and slayed me in the best way. The secrets … the stalking … the predator and prey vibes … the intensity … I was undone! This romance had me in the biggest chokehold. I was wholeheartedly obsessed with Vicious Knight! This was my first book by this author, and it was everything! I can’t wait to devour the rest of the this series and this author’s backlog.
💋💋💋💋💋 little deer kisses
⏩️ https://amzn.to/4tH6WDB
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
I’m a sucker for a good secret society romance. Oh my does Faith Summers’ Vicious Knight deliver! I loved every tantalizing and tortuous minute! Vicious Knight is a potent mix of heat, heart, and harrowing danger that rendered me breathless. A pulse-pounding, toe-curling, twisted roller coaster of a romance. I had no choice but succumb to this story with characters that seduced every part of me.
Vicious Knight is the ultimate cat-and-mouse game: predator vs prey. I reveled in this sordid secret society romance starring a beautiful and brave belle and her fierce and formidable beast. A love story of soulmates that is messy, but worth everything.
Thorne is hero goals!
🔥 Secret society god who is downright lethal
🔥 Smokin’ hot, all alpha
🔥 Unhinged
🔥 Stalker level: off-the-charts
🔥 Obsessive and possessive psycho with touch-her-and unalive vibes
🔥 My undoing!
Ivy is a warrior!
👑 Pianist
👑 Stunning
👑 Strong
👑 Sassy
Thorne is the dark king who you want to rule you and Ivy is the strong queen —both survivors—who made my heart shatter and soar— and I admired them both. Ivy and Thorne are the perfect match … burning together with an undeniable soulmate connection felt through the pages.
The writing sucked me in, holding me captive, where I lived in this book. Speaking of magnetic prose … holy mother of plot twists! I sat with my mouth gaping, seriously shooketh. Definitely didn’t see that wild ending coming. Well played, Ms. Master Storyteller Summers, well played.
This devastatingly beautiful collision of dark and light stunned and slayed me in the best way. The secrets … the stalking … the predator and prey vibes … the intensity … I was undone! This romance had me in the biggest chokehold. I was wholeheartedly obsessed with Vicious Knight! This was my first book by this author, and it was everything! I can’t wait to devour the rest of the this series and this author’s backlog.
💋💋💋💋💋 little deer kisses
⏩️ https://amzn.to/4tH6WDB
Reviewed on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog
June 22, 2024
I’m so excited to be back in the Raventhorn world! It felt like forever.
This was a great start to Faith’s new Sins or Saints series. I love a mafia romance that’s set in college. Thorn & Ivy were explosive. I really enjoyed seeing his obsession w/Ivy. They were supposed to be enemies, but the attraction between them was magnetic- it was undeniable.
This story is packed w/it all; lies, betrayal, revenge, secrets, suspense, action, a little bullying that leads to some pretty hot sex! And just a tiny bit of ow drama- nothing major. Thorn was 10000% for Ivy!
I devoured this book in a matter of hours & now I need more!
It was great to see Caspian & Willow again, & I can’t wait for Lucian & Eilish’s story. But first is Kade & Isabelle’s story, & I couldn’t be more excited!
This was a great start to Faith’s new Sins or Saints series. I love a mafia romance that’s set in college. Thorn & Ivy were explosive. I really enjoyed seeing his obsession w/Ivy. They were supposed to be enemies, but the attraction between them was magnetic- it was undeniable.
This story is packed w/it all; lies, betrayal, revenge, secrets, suspense, action, a little bullying that leads to some pretty hot sex! And just a tiny bit of ow drama- nothing major. Thorn was 10000% for Ivy!
I devoured this book in a matter of hours & now I need more!
It was great to see Caspian & Willow again, & I can’t wait for Lucian & Eilish’s story. But first is Kade & Isabelle’s story, & I couldn’t be more excited!
November 7, 2024
I DNF this by the 3rd or 5th chapter.
The way the author smothers these chapters with info dumps had me highlighting so much knowing I would need to check back for references later. I don’t like when a book works that way, when there is too much information given away right at the start. So many names thrown in and brief explanations of how they are connected overwhelmed me immensely. I couldn’t grasp all of it, when I put it down at night and picked it back up in the morning, I was already forgetting who was who and connected to who and how and o had to go back and reread the first few chapters again.
The way the author smothers these chapters with info dumps had me highlighting so much knowing I would need to check back for references later. I don’t like when a book works that way, when there is too much information given away right at the start. So many names thrown in and brief explanations of how they are connected overwhelmed me immensely. I couldn’t grasp all of it, when I put it down at night and picked it back up in the morning, I was already forgetting who was who and connected to who and how and o had to go back and reread the first few chapters again.
June 27, 2024
I really love this story this has all the fun and i was really hooked to our infamous MMC's obsession with Ivy.
He is everything i wanted the drama was a little less so the enemies to lovers i found a little less i wanted a little more.
Overall it was a good read and i really can't wait for Kade. I am hooked to him and hope i see more drama in his book.
Thank you so much for the eARC and this is my honest review ❤️
He is everything i wanted the drama was a little less so the enemies to lovers i found a little less i wanted a little more.
Overall it was a good read and i really can't wait for Kade. I am hooked to him and hope i see more drama in his book.
Thank you so much for the eARC and this is my honest review ❤️
October 12, 2024
I couldn’t bring myself to finish this. The writing is legitimately middle-school level writing and the women in this book speak, think, and act like they’re 11 as well. I can usually overlook somewhat poor writing quality but this is just atrocious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
Vicious Knight is book one of Sins or Saints Trilogy. A full-length standalone dark college romance with no cliffhanger and a complete with a happily-ever-after. A spellingbounding story with damage and broken individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that grabs your attention from the start and keeps you hooked and on the pages and edge of your seat with it's pulse-pounding mystery, non-stop twists and turns and high-octane suspense. A fast paced, dark, twisted and thrilling read. An unputdownable read and addictive story. This book demands to be read. Hang on to your kindle and brace yourself for this tantalizing rollercoaster ride of emotions and cravings. Compelling. Dark. Captivating. Devious. Delicious. This Thorne and Ivy story which is told from a dual POV.
A contemporary romance, organize crime romance, polar opposite attracts romance, hate-to-love vibes story, enemies-to-lovers romance, morally-grey antihero story, bully romance, mafia romance, gothic romance, new adult & college romance, touch-her-and-die romance, arranged marriage romance, romantic suspense story, forced proximity, lust-at-first-sight romance, virgin heroine romance, forced marriage romance, college romance, steamy romance, forbidden relationship, off-limits romance, predator-prey romance, insta-love romance, secret society story, insta-everything romance, hidden identity story, OTT alpha hero romance, he-falls-first story, protector romance, protective hero romance with violence, danger, fear, deep dark hidden secrets, attacks, wrongfully conviction, scorching hot passion, power and control, tension, threats, emotions, angst, darkness, madness, anger, action packed, greed, bullying, pain, blackmail, revenge, lust, retribution, extortion, lies, resilience, family issues, revelations, betrayal, angst, humor, surprises, heartbreak, hatred, resentment, surprising twists and turns, deception, losses, survival, acceptance, hurt, manipulation, friendships, murder, kinks, bloodshed, trauma, obsession, heartache, bondage, dominance, possessiveness, stalking, corruption, dirty talking, jealousy, submission, debasement consensual intense rough sex, treachery and backstabbing
Annika Bershov a.k.a. Ivy Yegorov was born in Russia and a decedent of a Knight. She's a girl with the borrowed life after her and her mom had to flee from Russia when her dad was sent to prison. Ivy leaves her parents home from L.A. to Ravernthorn University in Boston. There she'll pursue her dreams to study and compose music. She's eighteen years old starting her freshman year. Ivy was worried about leaving her home, family and friends. For the last nine years she has lived a secret life. One where she and her mother have assumed new identities to keep them safe from the past. This would be the first time that she would be on her own since she had assumed her new identity. She was expected to be mindful of all those parts of her life that needed to stay a secret. Gustave Bershov is her father and was one of Knights of the secret society. He was found guilty of being an accomplice to a murder plot of a group of political and mafia leaders. Levgen Yegorov was is best friend who came to their aid in Russia and saved them after her dad went to prison and became a disgraced Knight. He gave them this new life in L.A. where they would be safe and he could provide for them. Ivy is a talented musician, she wanted to go to Berkeley or Juilliard but as a heir of a Knight she's required to go to Ravernthorn University an elite college where all heirs of the Knights must go.
The Knights are a secret society that has always governed their lives. As Levgen is a senior member, it's mandatory that she study at Ravernthorn. Even though they accept students whose families are allies with the Knights like those in the Bratva and Italian mafia. But the majority of the students there comes from Knights families like her. Her mom is worried about her going to Ravernthorn, because she would be expose to the same people that they have tried to keep their secrets from all these years. If anyone ever find out that the two of them are alive when they're supposed to be dead, and that her real father is a convicted knight it would be the end of all of them. Levgen had put his life on the line to ensure that neither of them has to worry about the past ever again. Ivy parents gave her the safety talk that she would need for the rest of her life to ensure her safety. It was three warnings. Number one: Stay focused. Number two: Never mention her father to anyone and keep the old life she had as Annika Bershov buried with the past. Number three: Avoid anyone with the surname Ivanov. The Ivanov family is the most powerful family in the world.
Aleksander Ivanov is the leader of the Knights and he's always on Ravernthorn campus because it is the Knights. headquarters and he's the leader of the Knights. He's the sovereign of the Knights beginning and their end. He's tasked with ensuring that they live by the Oath, and die by it.
The Knights is one of the most powerful secret societies in the world. A society borne from darkness and danger. Aleksander is a nasty piece of work who wouldn't think twice to skin Ivy alive and unearth her secrets if she draws the wrong type of attention to herself. Most importantly, it was him who put her dad behind bars for life. He's also linked to her father's attack years before his brother and family were butchered. He pinned the murder on her dad because of similarities between the two incidents that made it seems like he was involved in both attacks. Twenty old year old Thorne Ivanov father mother and sister was brutally massacred. His uncle Aleksander took him in and raised him with his sons. However, he as now grown to despise Throne. If he had is way he would be long dead and just as much of a ghostly memories like his family. Caspian and Thorne are cousins and goes to Ravernthorn and the two are like celebrities. Ivy was late and got lost on her first day at Ravernthorn. It all started at the airport with delays that caused her to miss her orientation and campus tour so she didn't know how to find her her dorm, Myrrdin House.
She had been walking around in circles until early morning where she ended up in the Hollows a forbidden place. Thorne saw her and had been watching her for awhile when he sneaked up on her and frighten her. He called her Bambi because of how her wide her eyes got. She tells him that she was lost and asked if she was in a place that was off-limits, he laughed at her. He told her of the scary urban legend that shook her. Then something shift between them as he got up close and personal as if he was about to kiss her, the tension was palpable. He started looking at her differently, more animalistic, hellish and predatory. He tells her that Myrrdin House was through the darken path and asked her name. But when he tells her that his name was Thorne Ivanov all the air evaporates from her body and her lungs compress into nothing. She was warned to avoid anyone with that surname. However, everything has gone wrong since she left home and this has be the cherry taking the place on the top of her shitty day. She supposed to stay away from him instead she was thinking about the devilish handsome man with a deadly presence and a deadly smile as potent as poison. This is the guy that her father is in prison for plotting to kill his. Thorne has been thinking about Ivy since they ran into each other. She's the first girl to turn down his advances. But he loves the chase and will see her again. After his initiation Thorne uncle couldn't wait to start fucking with him. Thorne is supposed to start his internship at Ivanov Tech, the family software engineering company, and he's the only real technologically minded person in the family. Aleksander not only wants to streamline his internship with a review at the end to ensure his suitability to join the company.
The process of getting started should be easy, and to make matters worse the asshole has now setup an arranged marriage contract for him. He wants to lock him in a marriage contract. Thorne knew that it was coming because cousin Caspian the same age as him is already married. Since he's not a direct heir there wasn't supposed to be any talk about marriage anytime soon and didn't saw it coming. If he didn't stand to lose a billion dollar fortune he would walk away. But he can't afford to turn his back on a legacy that father helped create, and he also can't turn his back on what's rightfully his. It wasn't supposed to be a contract term to get his share of the company. It was another new thing that his uncle threw at him to fucked with him. His uncle is pulling all the strings and for now Thorne is a game of war and he doesn't have a choice but to play by the rules. His uncle owns the majority shares in the company and holds all the decision-making power over his inheritance until he graduates in two years. He lives in Erebus House, home of the Sigma Alpha Fraternity. The place where men become first class Knights. When the leadership changes hands from Aleksander, Caspian will take the lead of the Knights and become the Pakhan of the Komarovski Bratva, Brotherhood owned by the Knights and Thorne will be his second in command. Caspian doesn't like what his father is doing to Thorne. Thorne dad is skilled in uncovering secrets that people doesn't want to be revealed and he believes that's what got him killed.
Aleksander fears Thorne and how powerful he's going to become and didn't want him to become a Knight. He's just like his dad when it comes to uncovering secrets. Aleksander is messing with Thorne and keeps throwing up roadblocks against him as he attempts to keep his secret affairs secret from him. It's clear he wants to exercise more control over him to hide whatever shady shit he might be up to again, by keeping him under his thumb will ensure his allegiance to him. Ivy started getting bullied from day one of school from Thorne then Tiffany Vasilyev, the president of Theta Alpha sorority. She's required to join as a heir. She meets a couple of friends along the way in her dorm. Thorne is smitten, obsessed and possessive towards Ivy to the point where obsession turns into stalking. Thorne was looking for a way to get her to be his and when he found her ring with the Bershov crest he found the perfect thing to get her to be his. And when he did he couldn't keep his hands off of her. The girl who wasn't his type got the cold and broken boy hooked and constantly feening for 24/7. and he wasn't going to let his uncle destroy what he has with her. She was his. When Thorne caught her accessing the Knights database he had to know why. And when she tells him of the man with scar he realized that they had more in common than he thought, and her information blew his family's murder case wide open to find the killer and the person responsible for their death, which subsequently gave her father his freedom.
She's mine to watch however I want. Mine to dissect from head to toe. My villian. My monster. My vicious Knight. My savior. My lover. She my salvation. My redemption. The light to my darkness.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Cherrylily Arcs and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A contemporary romance, organize crime romance, polar opposite attracts romance, hate-to-love vibes story, enemies-to-lovers romance, morally-grey antihero story, bully romance, mafia romance, gothic romance, new adult & college romance, touch-her-and-die romance, arranged marriage romance, romantic suspense story, forced proximity, lust-at-first-sight romance, virgin heroine romance, forced marriage romance, college romance, steamy romance, forbidden relationship, off-limits romance, predator-prey romance, insta-love romance, secret society story, insta-everything romance, hidden identity story, OTT alpha hero romance, he-falls-first story, protector romance, protective hero romance with violence, danger, fear, deep dark hidden secrets, attacks, wrongfully conviction, scorching hot passion, power and control, tension, threats, emotions, angst, darkness, madness, anger, action packed, greed, bullying, pain, blackmail, revenge, lust, retribution, extortion, lies, resilience, family issues, revelations, betrayal, angst, humor, surprises, heartbreak, hatred, resentment, surprising twists and turns, deception, losses, survival, acceptance, hurt, manipulation, friendships, murder, kinks, bloodshed, trauma, obsession, heartache, bondage, dominance, possessiveness, stalking, corruption, dirty talking, jealousy, submission, debasement consensual intense rough sex, treachery and backstabbing
Annika Bershov a.k.a. Ivy Yegorov was born in Russia and a decedent of a Knight. She's a girl with the borrowed life after her and her mom had to flee from Russia when her dad was sent to prison. Ivy leaves her parents home from L.A. to Ravernthorn University in Boston. There she'll pursue her dreams to study and compose music. She's eighteen years old starting her freshman year. Ivy was worried about leaving her home, family and friends. For the last nine years she has lived a secret life. One where she and her mother have assumed new identities to keep them safe from the past. This would be the first time that she would be on her own since she had assumed her new identity. She was expected to be mindful of all those parts of her life that needed to stay a secret. Gustave Bershov is her father and was one of Knights of the secret society. He was found guilty of being an accomplice to a murder plot of a group of political and mafia leaders. Levgen Yegorov was is best friend who came to their aid in Russia and saved them after her dad went to prison and became a disgraced Knight. He gave them this new life in L.A. where they would be safe and he could provide for them. Ivy is a talented musician, she wanted to go to Berkeley or Juilliard but as a heir of a Knight she's required to go to Ravernthorn University an elite college where all heirs of the Knights must go.
The Knights are a secret society that has always governed their lives. As Levgen is a senior member, it's mandatory that she study at Ravernthorn. Even though they accept students whose families are allies with the Knights like those in the Bratva and Italian mafia. But the majority of the students there comes from Knights families like her. Her mom is worried about her going to Ravernthorn, because she would be expose to the same people that they have tried to keep their secrets from all these years. If anyone ever find out that the two of them are alive when they're supposed to be dead, and that her real father is a convicted knight it would be the end of all of them. Levgen had put his life on the line to ensure that neither of them has to worry about the past ever again. Ivy parents gave her the safety talk that she would need for the rest of her life to ensure her safety. It was three warnings. Number one: Stay focused. Number two: Never mention her father to anyone and keep the old life she had as Annika Bershov buried with the past. Number three: Avoid anyone with the surname Ivanov. The Ivanov family is the most powerful family in the world.
Aleksander Ivanov is the leader of the Knights and he's always on Ravernthorn campus because it is the Knights. headquarters and he's the leader of the Knights. He's the sovereign of the Knights beginning and their end. He's tasked with ensuring that they live by the Oath, and die by it.
The Knights is one of the most powerful secret societies in the world. A society borne from darkness and danger. Aleksander is a nasty piece of work who wouldn't think twice to skin Ivy alive and unearth her secrets if she draws the wrong type of attention to herself. Most importantly, it was him who put her dad behind bars for life. He's also linked to her father's attack years before his brother and family were butchered. He pinned the murder on her dad because of similarities between the two incidents that made it seems like he was involved in both attacks. Twenty old year old Thorne Ivanov father mother and sister was brutally massacred. His uncle Aleksander took him in and raised him with his sons. However, he as now grown to despise Throne. If he had is way he would be long dead and just as much of a ghostly memories like his family. Caspian and Thorne are cousins and goes to Ravernthorn and the two are like celebrities. Ivy was late and got lost on her first day at Ravernthorn. It all started at the airport with delays that caused her to miss her orientation and campus tour so she didn't know how to find her her dorm, Myrrdin House.
She had been walking around in circles until early morning where she ended up in the Hollows a forbidden place. Thorne saw her and had been watching her for awhile when he sneaked up on her and frighten her. He called her Bambi because of how her wide her eyes got. She tells him that she was lost and asked if she was in a place that was off-limits, he laughed at her. He told her of the scary urban legend that shook her. Then something shift between them as he got up close and personal as if he was about to kiss her, the tension was palpable. He started looking at her differently, more animalistic, hellish and predatory. He tells her that Myrrdin House was through the darken path and asked her name. But when he tells her that his name was Thorne Ivanov all the air evaporates from her body and her lungs compress into nothing. She was warned to avoid anyone with that surname. However, everything has gone wrong since she left home and this has be the cherry taking the place on the top of her shitty day. She supposed to stay away from him instead she was thinking about the devilish handsome man with a deadly presence and a deadly smile as potent as poison. This is the guy that her father is in prison for plotting to kill his. Thorne has been thinking about Ivy since they ran into each other. She's the first girl to turn down his advances. But he loves the chase and will see her again. After his initiation Thorne uncle couldn't wait to start fucking with him. Thorne is supposed to start his internship at Ivanov Tech, the family software engineering company, and he's the only real technologically minded person in the family. Aleksander not only wants to streamline his internship with a review at the end to ensure his suitability to join the company.
The process of getting started should be easy, and to make matters worse the asshole has now setup an arranged marriage contract for him. He wants to lock him in a marriage contract. Thorne knew that it was coming because cousin Caspian the same age as him is already married. Since he's not a direct heir there wasn't supposed to be any talk about marriage anytime soon and didn't saw it coming. If he didn't stand to lose a billion dollar fortune he would walk away. But he can't afford to turn his back on a legacy that father helped create, and he also can't turn his back on what's rightfully his. It wasn't supposed to be a contract term to get his share of the company. It was another new thing that his uncle threw at him to fucked with him. His uncle is pulling all the strings and for now Thorne is a game of war and he doesn't have a choice but to play by the rules. His uncle owns the majority shares in the company and holds all the decision-making power over his inheritance until he graduates in two years. He lives in Erebus House, home of the Sigma Alpha Fraternity. The place where men become first class Knights. When the leadership changes hands from Aleksander, Caspian will take the lead of the Knights and become the Pakhan of the Komarovski Bratva, Brotherhood owned by the Knights and Thorne will be his second in command. Caspian doesn't like what his father is doing to Thorne. Thorne dad is skilled in uncovering secrets that people doesn't want to be revealed and he believes that's what got him killed.
Aleksander fears Thorne and how powerful he's going to become and didn't want him to become a Knight. He's just like his dad when it comes to uncovering secrets. Aleksander is messing with Thorne and keeps throwing up roadblocks against him as he attempts to keep his secret affairs secret from him. It's clear he wants to exercise more control over him to hide whatever shady shit he might be up to again, by keeping him under his thumb will ensure his allegiance to him. Ivy started getting bullied from day one of school from Thorne then Tiffany Vasilyev, the president of Theta Alpha sorority. She's required to join as a heir. She meets a couple of friends along the way in her dorm. Thorne is smitten, obsessed and possessive towards Ivy to the point where obsession turns into stalking. Thorne was looking for a way to get her to be his and when he found her ring with the Bershov crest he found the perfect thing to get her to be his. And when he did he couldn't keep his hands off of her. The girl who wasn't his type got the cold and broken boy hooked and constantly feening for 24/7. and he wasn't going to let his uncle destroy what he has with her. She was his. When Thorne caught her accessing the Knights database he had to know why. And when she tells him of the man with scar he realized that they had more in common than he thought, and her information blew his family's murder case wide open to find the killer and the person responsible for their death, which subsequently gave her father his freedom.
She's mine to watch however I want. Mine to dissect from head to toe. My villian. My monster. My vicious Knight. My savior. My lover. She my salvation. My redemption. The light to my darkness.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Cherrylily Arcs and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2024
cringe
Wow. This was horribly written. The story was okay I suppose, but I generally felt like the characters were robots being fed lines through a keyboard. Dialogue just felt stiff, awkward, and often cringe. Best scene was the whiskey being poured over the head. It’s almost like English is the author’s second language (fine if so) and that someone took the work written in the author’s first language, doing a really bad translation to English. I want to know the next story but I don’t want to actually have to read it.
Wow. This was horribly written. The story was okay I suppose, but I generally felt like the characters were robots being fed lines through a keyboard. Dialogue just felt stiff, awkward, and often cringe. Best scene was the whiskey being poured over the head. It’s almost like English is the author’s second language (fine if so) and that someone took the work written in the author’s first language, doing a really bad translation to English. I want to know the next story but I don’t want to actually have to read it.
June 29, 2024
Will the Knight capture his “little deer” and let it live or will he kills her?
Vicious Knight. Faith Summers
Ivy Yegorev doesn’t really exist. She is in hiding in order to protect her life and that of her mother. She arrives at Raventhorn University knowing she must protect the secret of her real identity as well as NOT having any contact with anyone named Ivanov as they will kill her and her mother. Not even her step-father’s rank as a Knight will save her. Flight delays from LA to the east coast means she arrives on campus seriously late. Lost she meets and upperclassman, Thorne Ivanov. Flirty, dangerous, handsome, a lover of solving puzzles, a tech genius and a Knight, one of the most powerful of secret societies in the world. Thorne literally offers up directions to Myrridin House which is where Ivy is going to live. If he learns her secret, he will be forced to kill her per Knight rules. And yet, while sent on a fool’s errand aka a mean-girls task which can lead to her dismissal, Ivy ends up in an underground tunnel where she does NOT belong and is found by Thorne. He protects Ivy, finds a token which will unmask her and after threatening her, promises to keep her secret IF she “belongs to him whenever and however he wants” until he tires of her. While Thorne is a tech genius who can literally dig up anything on the dark web he wants, Ivy is a music major with a focus on piano. Thorne’s family was killed when he was 8. At age 9, Ivy witnessed the attack which sent her and her mother into hiding. Is there a link between these two events? What secrets does Ivy have that Thorne is determined to uncover and what knowledge to the both, unbeknownst to each, will set them on the run so to speak. Is there going to be a HEA for these two but more importantly, what secrets will they inadvertently uncover which puts lives at risk?
VICIOUS KNIGHT is a stand alone but comes after Caspian’s and Willow’s story in CRUEL LIES/CRUEL PROMISES duet. There readers met so many characters who pop up in this book. Thorne wants answers to his parents’ and sister’s death which resulted in Caspian taking his cousin’s place when they were kidnapped and tortured. Ivy, longs for her father who is being held in the HALLOWS, a Knight prison for the past 10 years. She was a witness to the attack which sent she and her mother into hiding with new identities. Are these events connected? Will the truth send them both fighting for their lives?
Ms Summers has once again set readers on a journey along with her characters. What of Isabelle, Ivy’s close friend and the twins? What does the future hold for Thorne’s, Caspian’s and Lucien’s “elite team” who are training for “The Reckoning” to become Knights. And will Caspian’s father, the rigid leader of the Kormarov Bratva to which the males all belong force Thorne into an unwanted marriage as well as control of his late father’s Tech legacy? Will Aleksander Ivanov continue to rule with an iron hand? What secrets is HE hiding? SECRETS is a major theme. What sinister secret or secrets lurk under the surface? Is everyone who Ivy and Thorne believe them to be or……? This reader could NOT put this book down. The characters are believable, charming and conflicted. Readers will genuinely root for Thorne and Ivy to find out the truth they are hiding as well as what the future might behold. While Ivy is “stuck” in her secret with Thorne, she is strong, independent and creative. She comes to a school where she knows no one and finds friends readers know will be her support and she theirs when the time comes. Thorne is as loyal as the day is long and a protector; of his friends, his cousin-like brother, the Knights and his family. He loves deeply and for life. Once a friend, Thorne keeps you forever. And Ivy? Will the darkness in her piano compositions find light? This reader is looking forward to the next books in the series. Well written, twists and turns as is typical of Ms Summer’s writing. Rich with strong and believable, determined characters. That twinkle in Thorne’s eyes when he is being charming and ruthless determination when he isn’t. Secrets to uncover? Did ‘you’ see THAT coming? Will the mysteries be solved? Will the truths and lies be uncovered? Could NOT put it down. A darker book than some might like but skillfully written. Is there more than 5 stars? Kudos Ms Summers. Your characters are wonderful.
Vicious Knight. Faith Summers
Ivy Yegorev doesn’t really exist. She is in hiding in order to protect her life and that of her mother. She arrives at Raventhorn University knowing she must protect the secret of her real identity as well as NOT having any contact with anyone named Ivanov as they will kill her and her mother. Not even her step-father’s rank as a Knight will save her. Flight delays from LA to the east coast means she arrives on campus seriously late. Lost she meets and upperclassman, Thorne Ivanov. Flirty, dangerous, handsome, a lover of solving puzzles, a tech genius and a Knight, one of the most powerful of secret societies in the world. Thorne literally offers up directions to Myrridin House which is where Ivy is going to live. If he learns her secret, he will be forced to kill her per Knight rules. And yet, while sent on a fool’s errand aka a mean-girls task which can lead to her dismissal, Ivy ends up in an underground tunnel where she does NOT belong and is found by Thorne. He protects Ivy, finds a token which will unmask her and after threatening her, promises to keep her secret IF she “belongs to him whenever and however he wants” until he tires of her. While Thorne is a tech genius who can literally dig up anything on the dark web he wants, Ivy is a music major with a focus on piano. Thorne’s family was killed when he was 8. At age 9, Ivy witnessed the attack which sent her and her mother into hiding. Is there a link between these two events? What secrets does Ivy have that Thorne is determined to uncover and what knowledge to the both, unbeknownst to each, will set them on the run so to speak. Is there going to be a HEA for these two but more importantly, what secrets will they inadvertently uncover which puts lives at risk?
VICIOUS KNIGHT is a stand alone but comes after Caspian’s and Willow’s story in CRUEL LIES/CRUEL PROMISES duet. There readers met so many characters who pop up in this book. Thorne wants answers to his parents’ and sister’s death which resulted in Caspian taking his cousin’s place when they were kidnapped and tortured. Ivy, longs for her father who is being held in the HALLOWS, a Knight prison for the past 10 years. She was a witness to the attack which sent she and her mother into hiding with new identities. Are these events connected? Will the truth send them both fighting for their lives?
Ms Summers has once again set readers on a journey along with her characters. What of Isabelle, Ivy’s close friend and the twins? What does the future hold for Thorne’s, Caspian’s and Lucien’s “elite team” who are training for “The Reckoning” to become Knights. And will Caspian’s father, the rigid leader of the Kormarov Bratva to which the males all belong force Thorne into an unwanted marriage as well as control of his late father’s Tech legacy? Will Aleksander Ivanov continue to rule with an iron hand? What secrets is HE hiding? SECRETS is a major theme. What sinister secret or secrets lurk under the surface? Is everyone who Ivy and Thorne believe them to be or……? This reader could NOT put this book down. The characters are believable, charming and conflicted. Readers will genuinely root for Thorne and Ivy to find out the truth they are hiding as well as what the future might behold. While Ivy is “stuck” in her secret with Thorne, she is strong, independent and creative. She comes to a school where she knows no one and finds friends readers know will be her support and she theirs when the time comes. Thorne is as loyal as the day is long and a protector; of his friends, his cousin-like brother, the Knights and his family. He loves deeply and for life. Once a friend, Thorne keeps you forever. And Ivy? Will the darkness in her piano compositions find light? This reader is looking forward to the next books in the series. Well written, twists and turns as is typical of Ms Summer’s writing. Rich with strong and believable, determined characters. That twinkle in Thorne’s eyes when he is being charming and ruthless determination when he isn’t. Secrets to uncover? Did ‘you’ see THAT coming? Will the mysteries be solved? Will the truths and lies be uncovered? Could NOT put it down. A darker book than some might like but skillfully written. Is there more than 5 stars? Kudos Ms Summers. Your characters are wonderful.
June 21, 2024
VICIOUS KNIGHT is the first instalment in Faith Summers’ contemporary, new adult SINS AND SAINTS dark, erotic, Mafia bully romance set in the author’s Cruel Lies/ Cruel Promises world, as well as the author’s Raventhorn Academy and Dark Syndicate worlds. This is Bratva heir/ Knight legacy Thorn Ivanov, and Ivy ‘Annika Bershov’ Yegorov’s story line. VICIOUS KNIGHT can be read as a stand alone but for back story I recommend reading CRUEL LIES/ CRUEL PROMISES Duet. Duet. VICIOUS KNIGHT takes places shortly after the events of the aforementioned duet.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, including descriptions of graphic violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Thorn and Ivy) VICIOUS KNIGHT follows eighteen year old Ivy Yegorov’s first year at Raventhorn University, a school for the legacy children of the secret society of Knights but Ivy is hiding in plain sight, she is not whom she claims to be, and as the step-daughter of a Legacy Knight, her position is questionable on many levels. Warned to stay clear of anyone with the Ivanov name, Ivy struggles with her attraction to twenty year old Thorn Ivanov, in the wake of Thorn’s need to blackmail and control. Thorn is determined to claim Ivy as his own but when their pasts collide, Thorn is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, and prove that betrayal has come at a cost to everyone involved.
The world building follows several paths including the numerous betrayals and deceptions of and by the previous generations. Along with Ivy and Thorn, many of their current classmates and friends have also felt the wrath of those who continue to control the families and the school.
The relationship between Ivy and Thorn begins as enemies to friends to lovers, a bully romance in the face of secrets and lies, and the innocence of one young woman caught between the truth and the past. The $ex scenes are provocative and aggressive, and not without some questions of consent or coercion.
There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, colorful and dangerous secondary and supporting characters including Thorn’s cousin Caspian Ivanov, and Willow Raventhorn, (Cruel Lies Duet), Lucian and Eilish, Kade and as well as Ivy’s mother and step father, and Thorn’s controlling father Aleksander Ivanov, mean girl Tiffany Vasilyev, and Ivy’s friends Isabelle and Mackenzie. The requisite evil has many faces. Kade and Isabelle’s story line is next.
VICIOUS KNIGHT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, murder and retribution, power and control, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense but there is a definite ‘YA’ young adult feel to the story line with the mean girls and controlling/ oblivious adults; the romance is forced but eventually passionate and loving; the characters are broken , determined and embattled.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, including descriptions of graphic violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Thorn and Ivy) VICIOUS KNIGHT follows eighteen year old Ivy Yegorov’s first year at Raventhorn University, a school for the legacy children of the secret society of Knights but Ivy is hiding in plain sight, she is not whom she claims to be, and as the step-daughter of a Legacy Knight, her position is questionable on many levels. Warned to stay clear of anyone with the Ivanov name, Ivy struggles with her attraction to twenty year old Thorn Ivanov, in the wake of Thorn’s need to blackmail and control. Thorn is determined to claim Ivy as his own but when their pasts collide, Thorn is determined to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love, and prove that betrayal has come at a cost to everyone involved.
The world building follows several paths including the numerous betrayals and deceptions of and by the previous generations. Along with Ivy and Thorn, many of their current classmates and friends have also felt the wrath of those who continue to control the families and the school.
The relationship between Ivy and Thorn begins as enemies to friends to lovers, a bully romance in the face of secrets and lies, and the innocence of one young woman caught between the truth and the past. The $ex scenes are provocative and aggressive, and not without some questions of consent or coercion.
There is a large ensemble cast of familiar, colorful and dangerous secondary and supporting characters including Thorn’s cousin Caspian Ivanov, and Willow Raventhorn, (Cruel Lies Duet), Lucian and Eilish, Kade and as well as Ivy’s mother and step father, and Thorn’s controlling father Aleksander Ivanov, mean girl Tiffany Vasilyev, and Ivy’s friends Isabelle and Mackenzie. The requisite evil has many faces. Kade and Isabelle’s story line is next.
VICIOUS KNIGHT is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, murder and retribution, power and control, family, friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dark, dramatic and intense but there is a definite ‘YA’ young adult feel to the story line with the mean girls and controlling/ oblivious adults; the romance is forced but eventually passionate and loving; the characters are broken , determined and embattled.
copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 9, 2024
When you offer a book with Secret Societies, Bully Romance and Stalker/Obsession along with Crime Families then I am 100% on board right out of the gate. This book did not disappoint and touched on all the dark themes that I enjoy. I read it in 1 day and give it a 5/5 stars
Both of the characters in the story are broken and there is so much going on. Ivy is basically living a secret life with an assumed identity after her mother left Russia when she was a young girl and her father was sent to prison. Knowing she has had to hide herself she is struggling to be the person that she wants to be while keeping under the radar. There is a an elite college, Raventhorn, that is for all descended of the Knights (secret society) must attend but Ivy has to be extra diligent with her secrets as they could be life ending. She has a chance encounter with a young man named Thorne who happens to have been raised by the man that sentenced her father to prison in Russia. The energy between the two is palpable until he says his name is Thorne Ivanov and she turns down any attempt he makes with her. Thorne can’t stop thinking about Ivy and has this obsession with her and it is over the top but the two of them have this chemistry that is explosive and the chase is half the appeal to him. However, Thorne’s uncle doesn’t want him to become as strong as he fears he will be so he messes with him mentally as well as making unrealistic demands. But when it all unravels that they might have more in common than initially realized, Thorne goes from being the stalker/villain to the possessive protector/lover that Ivy needed.
This book was fantastic but it takes a little bit to get all the characters from the families and friends under control, but Faith Summers pulls it all together rather nicely!
Both of the characters in the story are broken and there is so much going on. Ivy is basically living a secret life with an assumed identity after her mother left Russia when she was a young girl and her father was sent to prison. Knowing she has had to hide herself she is struggling to be the person that she wants to be while keeping under the radar. There is a an elite college, Raventhorn, that is for all descended of the Knights (secret society) must attend but Ivy has to be extra diligent with her secrets as they could be life ending. She has a chance encounter with a young man named Thorne who happens to have been raised by the man that sentenced her father to prison in Russia. The energy between the two is palpable until he says his name is Thorne Ivanov and she turns down any attempt he makes with her. Thorne can’t stop thinking about Ivy and has this obsession with her and it is over the top but the two of them have this chemistry that is explosive and the chase is half the appeal to him. However, Thorne’s uncle doesn’t want him to become as strong as he fears he will be so he messes with him mentally as well as making unrealistic demands. But when it all unravels that they might have more in common than initially realized, Thorne goes from being the stalker/villain to the possessive protector/lover that Ivy needed.
This book was fantastic but it takes a little bit to get all the characters from the families and friends under control, but Faith Summers pulls it all together rather nicely!
June 24, 2024
Ivy is living a life she shouldn't because she and her mom were supposed to be dead. However, her father's friend helped them and got them new identities. Now she is starting college and will be on her own for the first time and she is worried. Thorne's father was murdered, and he intends to learn who did it. He comes across Ivy on campus, and he can tell she lost. He approaches her and she gets scared, and he calls her bambi because of her doe eyes. They talk for a few, and he directs her to where she needs to go. Ivy and terrified when he tells her his name and plans to avoid him at all costs. Ivy arrived at school late, so her sorority president is punishing her for it and because she doesn't like her. While out with some new friends she sees Thorne again and it's not long before he shows up again. He knows that she has a secret, and he plans to learn it. On one of the traditions between the sorority and fraternity houses Thorne finally gets Ivy and just as things starts to heat up between them, they are interrupted. Ivy escapes but Thorne knows he will hunt her down again. What will happen if he learns her secrets? Can they find a way to be together? Will they both find what they are looking for?
This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that an y book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for bad Boy Update.
This is an amazing story that once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that an y book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for bad Boy Update.
June 28, 2024
A bully college romance and the start of the Sins or Saints series as Faith Summers returns to her Raventhorn world for Vicious Knight as musical student Ivy Yegorov enters college with a warning ringing in her ears and that was to avoid anyone with the surname Ivanov. So, it stands to reason that the first person she meets is Thorne Ivanov, the pierced and tatted baddest of all the bad boys at Raventhorn and her timidness instantly attracts his attention, a dangerous thing for anyone to but especially Ivy and the secrets she’s keeping.
In a gripping tale of secret societies and criminal empires based loosely on the Knights Templar, this story full of secrets and blackmail, betrayal and revenge, dark and intense, moved at a fast pace as Thorne tried to outwit his devious uncle’s plans for him. He and Ivy started out as enemies…... well blackmailing a girl into sleeping with you will do that, but all along he gave off definite ‘touch her and die’ vibes. Ivy meanwhile was caught between a rock and a hard place especially once Thorne uncovered her biggest secret and the connection to his family. Their relationship was steamy, and lust filled from the start. The overall plot well written with enough twists and turns as the suspense built and the truth revealed. For me this book had it all and I can’t wait to read more from this series.
In a gripping tale of secret societies and criminal empires based loosely on the Knights Templar, this story full of secrets and blackmail, betrayal and revenge, dark and intense, moved at a fast pace as Thorne tried to outwit his devious uncle’s plans for him. He and Ivy started out as enemies…... well blackmailing a girl into sleeping with you will do that, but all along he gave off definite ‘touch her and die’ vibes. Ivy meanwhile was caught between a rock and a hard place especially once Thorne uncovered her biggest secret and the connection to his family. Their relationship was steamy, and lust filled from the start. The overall plot well written with enough twists and turns as the suspense built and the truth revealed. For me this book had it all and I can’t wait to read more from this series.
June 30, 2024
This is the 1st story in the Sins or Saints Series where we get the journey of Ivy and Thorne - enemies before they know who each other are! Ivy is a freshman at Raventhorn University as her step dad is a senior knight and required to attend even though she was looking forward to attending another music program. With the deadly secret and horrific past she’s required to keep Ivy’s on edge from the moment she leaves CA. Thorne is one scary sexy alpha who’s had his own horrible past and on a mission to find those responsible for the loss of his family while trying to stay a hard of his cruel uncles ways to remove Thorne from power. These two meet on Ivy’s 1st night on campus and little do they each know they are enemies. When Thorne finds himself interested in Ivy he can’t leave her alone and the fear he sees in her gets him thinking what’s she hiding. Once Thorne knows Ivy’s secret all bets are off and she becomes his whether his uncle says otherwise. These two wounded souls and hearts become more in an explosive relationship and learn to fight for what’s right for them. They have challenges and secrets trying to tear them apart so when Thorne and his cousin, Caspian the next heir come together everyone better watch out!!
October 18, 2024
Vicious Knight by Faith Summers falls short of the gripping, intense dark romance that many fans of the “she’s mine” trope and mafia romance expect. Despite the promising premise of a possessive mafia hero and a dangerous world, the story feels lackluster, especially for readers who crave depth and complexity in both plot and character development.
Thorne, the male lead, is unfortunately one-dimensional, lacking the charisma or emotional layers that make characters in dark romance truly compelling. His possessive nature, while fitting the trope, comes across as flat and uninspired. There’s nothing particularly unique or memorable about his personality or the way he’s described, leaving him feeling like a generic mafia bad boy rather than a fully realized character.
Ivy, the female protagonist, fares no better. Her character lacks the kind of emotional depth or resilience that might make her interesting or relatable. Instead, she feels underdeveloped and bland, making it hard to invest in her journey or root for her relationship with Thorne. The chemistry between the two feels forced, with little to no emotional buildup or tension to keep the reader engaged.
For fans of dark romance, mafia intrigue, and the “she’s mine” dynamic, Vicious Knight misses the mark. The plot is predictable, and the characters fail to stand out in a genre where intense, captivating dynamics are key. If you’re looking for a dark romance with well-developed characters and a gripping storyline, this one may leave you disappointed.
Thorne, the male lead, is unfortunately one-dimensional, lacking the charisma or emotional layers that make characters in dark romance truly compelling. His possessive nature, while fitting the trope, comes across as flat and uninspired. There’s nothing particularly unique or memorable about his personality or the way he’s described, leaving him feeling like a generic mafia bad boy rather than a fully realized character.
Ivy, the female protagonist, fares no better. Her character lacks the kind of emotional depth or resilience that might make her interesting or relatable. Instead, she feels underdeveloped and bland, making it hard to invest in her journey or root for her relationship with Thorne. The chemistry between the two feels forced, with little to no emotional buildup or tension to keep the reader engaged.
For fans of dark romance, mafia intrigue, and the “she’s mine” dynamic, Vicious Knight misses the mark. The plot is predictable, and the characters fail to stand out in a genre where intense, captivating dynamics are key. If you’re looking for a dark romance with well-developed characters and a gripping storyline, this one may leave you disappointed.
September 16, 2025
I had issues trying to rate this one. The writing was mostly OK, but there were issues there, not to mention editing problems. I am happy with the twist, though, in that it wasn't the obvious answer.
The editor, if there was o e, was slacking here. Extra commas in places they aren't needed, missing commas from places where they are.
The entire book, I kept thinking it was his uncle behind everything, especially due to the fentanyl issue. Near the end, I had a quick random thought of maybe Levgen, but it didn't make as much sense, so I dismissed it. Great job to the author for surprising me, rather than relying on the obvious choice.
I did lower my rating for this one for a couple of reasons. The first problem is the huge info dump we got at the beginning. It was just a lot to keep straight. I managed to get through it, but I can see how others struggled, too.
The second reason is because of Thorne at the beginning. He just wasn't likable at all. His language was too crass with her and way over the top. I had to wonder if he really thought she would fall for the really bad pickup lines. Unfortunately, she did.
This was a good book, and I definitely will be moving on to the next one.
The editor, if there was o e, was slacking here. Extra commas in places they aren't needed, missing commas from places where they are.
The entire book, I kept thinking it was his uncle behind everything, especially due to the fentanyl issue. Near the end, I had a quick random thought of maybe Levgen, but it didn't make as much sense, so I dismissed it. Great job to the author for surprising me, rather than relying on the obvious choice.
I did lower my rating for this one for a couple of reasons. The first problem is the huge info dump we got at the beginning. It was just a lot to keep straight. I managed to get through it, but I can see how others struggled, too.
The second reason is because of Thorne at the beginning. He just wasn't likable at all. His language was too crass with her and way over the top. I had to wonder if he really thought she would fall for the really bad pickup lines. Unfortunately, she did.
This was a good book, and I definitely will be moving on to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
Hiding to protect herself along with her mother, Ivy must attend Raventhorn University – she has a huge secret, and no one can find out – especially anyone with the last name of Ivanov. Always taught to stay far away from trouble, of course the first-person Ivy runs into is none other than Thorne – the son of the man Ivy’s father is said to have killed. Thorne has his sights set on Ivy as she is someone he can play with until he tires of her – only he seems to be obsessed with her.
Thorne is hiding a few secrets of his own – he is determined to kill his uncle and take back his legacy – which his uncle seems to be making him earn. Thorne is good at finding out information and knows his uncle is up to something. But what happens when Thorne finds out Ivy’s real identity? She becomes his of course! When Ivy and Thorne realize they both share the same memory, will it be what Ivy needs to save her father or will it be the end of her and her mother?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thorne is hiding a few secrets of his own – he is determined to kill his uncle and take back his legacy – which his uncle seems to be making him earn. Thorne is good at finding out information and knows his uncle is up to something. But what happens when Thorne finds out Ivy’s real identity? She becomes his of course! When Ivy and Thorne realize they both share the same memory, will it be what Ivy needs to save her father or will it be the end of her and her mother?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2024
Vicious Knight is the first book in the brand new Sins or Saints series. It's a dark college romance that has a secret society, some bullying, an hidden identity, J/P and enemies to lovers trope. This is a great 5 star book with lies, suspense, betrayal and blackmail that keeps you turning pages way into the night.
Thorne Ivanov is a Knight in a secret society at Raventhorn University. A college for the descendents of the elite Knights. He is an heir to its reigning leader and is as twisted and dark as the group itself.
Ivy Yegorov is hiding her true identity in order to save some lives. She is attending Raventhorn and had been told to stay away from the Ivanov's but upon her arrival while lost and wandering she gains Thorne's attention and becomes his obsession.
But when he uncovers her secret, her life takes a downward spiral as he starts to blackmail her. He will keep silent about her identity and in return Ivy belongs to him and he gets her V card.
There arrangement has uncovered some dark secrets that were never meant to be discovered. Just when they get to close to the truth and discover their love for each other, they will have to fight to stay alive.
Thorne Ivanov is a Knight in a secret society at Raventhorn University. A college for the descendents of the elite Knights. He is an heir to its reigning leader and is as twisted and dark as the group itself.
Ivy Yegorov is hiding her true identity in order to save some lives. She is attending Raventhorn and had been told to stay away from the Ivanov's but upon her arrival while lost and wandering she gains Thorne's attention and becomes his obsession.
But when he uncovers her secret, her life takes a downward spiral as he starts to blackmail her. He will keep silent about her identity and in return Ivy belongs to him and he gets her V card.
There arrangement has uncovered some dark secrets that were never meant to be discovered. Just when they get to close to the truth and discover their love for each other, they will have to fight to stay alive.
September 23, 2024
My oh my this book was just soooooo out of this world good! I absolutely loved it ! It had everything! Secret society intrigue, enemies to lovers, shared traumatic experiences, stalking, so many conspiracies, an evil uncle, mastermind evil step-father, insane and abundant spice, and phenomenal and well fleshed out character development for the mmc Thorne !
My favorite aspect of the book was the development of Thorne’s interest in Ivy through out the book! For Thorne, what started as an any other day interest to get laid, slowly turned into fixation, to obsession, to unlimited and uncontrollable need, to love he sacrificed everything to have. He went from fixating on having s*x with her, to blackmailing her to be his and follow all his commands (with plenty of hot hate s*x), to becoming an oddly thoughtful boyfriend who just can never ever get enough of his girl and of course eventually her fiancee.
This book is definitely one of my favorites ! It literally had everything you could want in a book and more.
My favorite aspect of the book was the development of Thorne’s interest in Ivy through out the book! For Thorne, what started as an any other day interest to get laid, slowly turned into fixation, to obsession, to unlimited and uncontrollable need, to love he sacrificed everything to have. He went from fixating on having s*x with her, to blackmailing her to be his and follow all his commands (with plenty of hot hate s*x), to becoming an oddly thoughtful boyfriend who just can never ever get enough of his girl and of course eventually her fiancee.
This book is definitely one of my favorites ! It literally had everything you could want in a book and more.
January 3, 2025
This book was a page-turner with strong characters and sizzling chemistry. Thorne had a hot-and-cold start, but once he stopped treating Ivy like property, he became a solid character. He truly didn’t care about others' opinions and lived by his own rules. Once he was all in with Ivy, he made it clear to everyone—a man completely possessed.
Ivy was a strong and compassionate lead, hiding her true self due to a tragic past. Determined and intelligent, her music served as her escape, and she stood up for her friends, even when it made her a target. Though she was initially afraid of Thorne, she stood her ground and didn’t waver.
The story’s pacing flowed smoothly, and when I realized I’d read Caspian’s book in 2022, it made sense why some characters felt familiar. I would have loved to see scenes with Willow and Ivy together.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m especially curious about Kade and Isabella. There’s clearly something Isabella unknowingly did to provoke Kade’s determination to ruin her, and I can’t wait to find out more.
Ivy was a strong and compassionate lead, hiding her true self due to a tragic past. Determined and intelligent, her music served as her escape, and she stood up for her friends, even when it made her a target. Though she was initially afraid of Thorne, she stood her ground and didn’t waver.
The story’s pacing flowed smoothly, and when I realized I’d read Caspian’s book in 2022, it made sense why some characters felt familiar. I would have loved to see scenes with Willow and Ivy together.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m especially curious about Kade and Isabella. There’s clearly something Isabella unknowingly did to provoke Kade’s determination to ruin her, and I can’t wait to find out more.
June 22, 2024
This was a fantastic read. Ivy has left LA to attend college in Boston at the Knight's school, Raventhorn. She preferred Julliard, where she was also accepted. But her parents insisted, decorating her suite of rooms and assuring her, only warning her not to associate with anyone with the last name Ivanov. Everything starts going wrong as soon as her parents leave her at LAX. Her flight is delayed, she misses orientation and tours, and she arrives past midnight. After convincing the guards they let her in with a map to help her find her sorority house but coming around to the same spot twice, she admits she is lost. Then a large, terrifying young man presents himself from the shadows as Thorn Ivanov! A shockingly inappropriate conversation comes with directions she can follow. However, things get exponentially worse in the morning. This school is dangerous for her, but after many trials, the story has a happy ending, leaving the reader waiting for the next book in the series!
September 13, 2024
Hungry for more!
This was the best, most attention-keeping book I have “read” (Audible is my preferred format, so PLEEASE get Vicious Knight to Audio ASAP!!!!) in a long time. Thank goodness for the quality, rich, intense, heart, soul and body-consuming content. The storyline/plot and mysteries kept me hanging on until the end…needing answers, justice, and for Love to WIN! The Lust and insatiable desires of the MC’s (for each other) were HOT!!!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Makes me want a strong, sexy, unselfish, highly intelligent, gorgeous, well-off, dangerous, yet “Gone” in-love with his woman- man like Thorne…he is the Crème-de-la-crème!🤤🥰❤️🔥🥵 Impatiently waiting on Kade and Isabelle’s story to have Audio! PLEASE HURRY, and Keep these books coming…I was not tempted even one time to get frustrated, fed-up, nor to change to another book. This is FABULOUS STUFF FAITH SUMMERS!!! BRAVO!!!👏🏼👏🏼 Ready for more!!!
This was the best, most attention-keeping book I have “read” (Audible is my preferred format, so PLEEASE get Vicious Knight to Audio ASAP!!!!) in a long time. Thank goodness for the quality, rich, intense, heart, soul and body-consuming content. The storyline/plot and mysteries kept me hanging on until the end…needing answers, justice, and for Love to WIN! The Lust and insatiable desires of the MC’s (for each other) were HOT!!!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Makes me want a strong, sexy, unselfish, highly intelligent, gorgeous, well-off, dangerous, yet “Gone” in-love with his woman- man like Thorne…he is the Crème-de-la-crème!🤤🥰❤️🔥🥵 Impatiently waiting on Kade and Isabelle’s story to have Audio! PLEASE HURRY, and Keep these books coming…I was not tempted even one time to get frustrated, fed-up, nor to change to another book. This is FABULOUS STUFF FAITH SUMMERS!!! BRAVO!!!👏🏼👏🏼 Ready for more!!!
June 21, 2024
This is the first book in the Sins or Saints series and brings us back to Raventhorn. Ivy wants to study composition and was accepted to some great schools. Her parents decided she needed to go to Raventhorn as all good mafia children do. Only she is not just any mafia princess. Her and her mother reinvented themselves when things went wrong in Russia and have lived in LA for years. They have new names and new lives. The one thing her parents told her was to stay away from the Ivanovs. Things went wrong from the minute Ivy hit LAX on her way to Boston and went downhill from there when she runs into none other than Thorne Ivanov. Some good twists and turns as well as some steam makes for a storyline that keeps you reading to the end. Looking forward to what happens next.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
June 26, 2024
Thorne Ivanov reigns supreme at Raventhorn University, one of the Knights brotherhoods, and the heir to the Ivanov dynasty with his cousin Caspian. Ivy is sent to the Knights college as her legacy demands, but she warned to stay away from Thorne. OMG Thorne and Ivy are explosive, she can't stay away from him. He's a stalker and he's obsessed with her.... she's his. Their chemistry is amazing, they both have a past that intertwines with secrets, lies and betrayals. She has to do everything to keep her secret or her life and her Mom's are in danger. A great story of two wounder souls who have lost parents and soon find themselves in the middle of the secrets, lies and deception as they dig for the truth of their families and the scar faced man. I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2024
Wow Amazing
Awesome, Thorne and Annika's love story. The way they connected the sparks, denying their feelings.
Tough school bit scary. The love they both have for their families especially their fathers. Both so talented and smart.
The adventures and suspense wondering what is around the corner. The different emotions so real were felt throughout the story.
Their bond with their friends. Especially Thorne and the Knights the respect the trust. Always have each others back.
Finding out who was involved it was priceless. Story was so detailed you can envision the words.
Faith you have a knack of pulling it all together. Love this series. Your stories are always awesome. If there was a rate of 10 its what I would have picked
Look forward to Kade and Isabelle's adventures
Awesome, Thorne and Annika's love story. The way they connected the sparks, denying their feelings.
Tough school bit scary. The love they both have for their families especially their fathers. Both so talented and smart.
The adventures and suspense wondering what is around the corner. The different emotions so real were felt throughout the story.
Their bond with their friends. Especially Thorne and the Knights the respect the trust. Always have each others back.
Finding out who was involved it was priceless. Story was so detailed you can envision the words.
Faith you have a knack of pulling it all together. Love this series. Your stories are always awesome. If there was a rate of 10 its what I would have picked
Look forward to Kade and Isabelle's adventures
October 10, 2024
Eh it was alright—2.5-3
This book was alright. A little slow and definitely more on the adultish-YA side. The intimate scenes were rushed and not smooth. The language was juvenile, and the book had some spelling and grammar errors throughout the text.
Thorne and Annika’s story was an enemies to lovers. I felt like she resisted but also fell hard. The twist was easy to figure out after about 1/2 of the book—things just don’t add up. Some characters just disappear which was interesting as they played roles art beginning that were bigger and influenced our heroine.
I’m not really drawn to this storyline or the setup for the next one, so I will be stopping the series here. There are better dark romances out there but this one isn’t the absolute worst, there are just so many better ones to chose from.
This book was alright. A little slow and definitely more on the adultish-YA side. The intimate scenes were rushed and not smooth. The language was juvenile, and the book had some spelling and grammar errors throughout the text.
Thorne and Annika’s story was an enemies to lovers. I felt like she resisted but also fell hard. The twist was easy to figure out after about 1/2 of the book—things just don’t add up. Some characters just disappear which was interesting as they played roles art beginning that were bigger and influenced our heroine.
I’m not really drawn to this storyline or the setup for the next one, so I will be stopping the series here. There are better dark romances out there but this one isn’t the absolute worst, there are just so many better ones to chose from.
October 20, 2024
Deze recensie is in het Engels omdat ik het boek las in het Engels.
Because I read the second book in this series and love it so much, I just had to read the first book in the series too. So you can read the books as stand alone books, but why? I really liked them both.
This one I couldn't stop reading, I had to know what was going to happen next.
Ivy/Annika has a secret since she was 9 and now when she is going to raventhorn she is nervous. She has to stay away from Thorne, but of course he is the first she meets. Thorne is intrigued with her and although he is a badass, with her he has a soft side. Even when he discovers her secret and he uses it, to bond her with him. But soon thy discover thy have more in common.
Thorne is a dark person, but I like that this book also let his good side shine through.
Because I read the second book in this series and love it so much, I just had to read the first book in the series too. So you can read the books as stand alone books, but why? I really liked them both.
This one I couldn't stop reading, I had to know what was going to happen next.
Ivy/Annika has a secret since she was 9 and now when she is going to raventhorn she is nervous. She has to stay away from Thorne, but of course he is the first she meets. Thorne is intrigued with her and although he is a badass, with her he has a soft side. Even when he discovers her secret and he uses it, to bond her with him. But soon thy discover thy have more in common.
Thorne is a dark person, but I like that this book also let his good side shine through.
June 29, 2024
This is the first book in the Sinners and Saints series. It’s set in the Cruel Lies/Promises world. Ivy is a newcomer to Raventhorn Academy with the other bratva offspring. Ivy’s warned to stay away from the one person who becomes obsessed with her—Thorne Ivanov. Thorne has his own issues with being a student, a Knight, and the nephew of someone powerful keeping secrets. Ivy has her own secret and sharing this makes the story heat up with obsession, betrayal, and deadly action. I loved Ivy & Thorne together, they’re passionate together & possessive of each other. We’re introduced to a large cast of interesting characters that I’m sure we’ll see in the upcoming stories. Great start to the series.
January 12, 2025
This was my first book by Faith Summers and I was pleasantly surprised. The story was well developed, the characters relationship felt well rounded and the story didn’t feel too rushed or too stretched out.
I would have liked a little more information on the relationship between her mother and stepfather. Although I wonder if the author kept it vague on purpose. I was curious from the start just how much of a relationship those two had.
I did 4 starts because my one big issue with bully romance is that there is often a moment between the two leads where the line of consent becomes very blurry and I take issue with it every time. You can bully someone and hate someone without crossing that line, and just because she is thinking in her head that she is not sure she wants to stop him… he is not a mind reader and doesn’t know that.
Overall a good read.
I would have liked a little more information on the relationship between her mother and stepfather. Although I wonder if the author kept it vague on purpose. I was curious from the start just how much of a relationship those two had.
I did 4 starts because my one big issue with bully romance is that there is often a moment between the two leads where the line of consent becomes very blurry and I take issue with it every time. You can bully someone and hate someone without crossing that line, and just because she is thinking in her head that she is not sure she wants to stop him… he is not a mind reader and doesn’t know that.
Overall a good read.
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